Volume 3 T Issue 3
Complimentary
Pit Bulls with a Purpose
On the Scent: K9 Nose Work
Homestar Runner’s Second Wind Re-train, Re-learn, Restore: The Benefits of Physical Rehabilitation
The Triangle Dog
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PUBLISHER'S NOTE
Brehmer Barks Each time I write a Brehmer Barks I ask myself where the time has gone. It is so hard for me to believe we are already halfway through 2013. We continue to grow as a business and are really excited to have been able to work with so many new supporters of The Triangle Dog, including contributors and advertisers, over the last few months. We set a goal to increase our Facebook “likes” and presence, and we are meeting and exceeding our target—thank you to everyone who has taken the time to “like” us on Facebook. Finally, we are looking to launch a new website, and we are really excited about it! Be sure to visit our site and sign up to get your next issue of The Triangle Dog sent straight to your email inbox. Of course we will never sell your information, so why not add “being a little green” to your 2014 goal and get a head start by conveniently receiving The Triangle Dog magazine by email. While we’ve had some great successes this year, it has also been a sad time at the Brehmer house as we had to say goodbye to our 12-year-old boy Maurice “Morrie” at the end of March 2013. After a few weeks of tests, we found out he had inoperable cancer and there was really nothing we could do to even make him comfortable. You can read more about our favorite boy in Tails from the Heart. In addition to reading about Morrie and perusing our other standard columns, you might notice something a little different in this issue. For the first time, we are talking about cats—big and small cats. Small cats are the focus of an article about one family’s journey from a cat household to a dog household. Large cats are the focus of T-Dog ‘Round Town, which highlights our tour of Mebane’s very own Conservators’ Center. Though they are not canine-focused specifically, we were able to see some signing dogs as well as large cats during our visit. What a great gem to have right in the Triangle’s backyard! And most importantly in this issue, you can read about four amazing Pit Bulls, all located not too far from the Triangle area, who are making a difference locally and around the country in our feature “Pit Bulls with a Purpose.” With so much happening at The Triangle Dog, we want to remind you that we love to hear from you and welcome any and all comments and suggestions so that together, we can create a better life for your dog. Sincerely, Chuck & Angie Brehmer (and Millie, Elsie, and Cindy Lu) Publishers/Editor-in-Chief
Cindy Lu
Millie Photo by Jamie Downey
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Elsie
Table of contents Volume 3 • Issue 3 Departments: 4 Publisher's Note 5 Table of Contents 6 Masthead 8 Contributors 25 Ask the Groomer 22 The T-Dog ‘Round Town 32 Let's Cook 39 Picture This!
Columns: 12 Shelter Spotlight: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions
Cover Story:
13 Adoptable Dogs: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions
14 Homestar’s Lucky Leg
16 Breed Basics: German Shepherd Dogs 18 Dogs @ Play: The Nose Knows 24 Pet Friendly Business: Paws at the Corner: A Unique Destination for You and Your Dog
30 Nutrition: What’s in the Bag: Cooking Processes 34 10…Internet Rumors: True or False? 36 Animal Health & Wellness: Airway Awareness: Laryngeal Paralysis
38 Safety 101: Keep Your Cool 41 Natural Dog: Getting Back on All Four Paws: Physical Rehabilitation for Your Best Friend
44 Training: On the Road to Drool-Free Car Rides
46 Tails from the Heart: Maurice “Morrie” Brehmer
by Julie Jenkins
Features:
10 Members of the Awful Dog Club by Jill Kaplan
20 A Cat Person Goes Dog by Allison Snyder
24 Pit Bulls with a Purpose Elle the Pit Bull by Leah Brewer Skyler the Therapy Dog by Celene Wasserman Everest the Pit Bull by Carol Whitt Peaches the Wonder Pit by Jennifer Spears Bashford The Triangle Dog
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“Helping You Create a Better Life For Your Dog”
Volume 3 • Issue 3
Founders: Chuck Brehmer and Angela Brehmer
Cover Photography
Publisher Chuck Brehmer
Diane Lewis Photography
Editor-in-Chief
Art Director
Angela Brehmer
Michele Sager
Editor
Advertising Director
Allison Bennett
Betty Schomer
Distribution Manager
Website Designer/Manager Michele Sager
Mary Price On The Cover: Courtesy of: Details: Cover Photography By:
Homestar Runner Julie Jenkins “Homestar’s Lucky Leg” Diane Lewis Photography
The Triangle Dog 6409 Fayetteville Rd, Suite 120-376 Durham, NC 27713 919-249-8364 (TDOG) info@thetriangledog.com
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Submissions: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos, and correspondence to The Triangle Dog magazine, 6409 Fayetteville Rd, Suite 120-376, Durham, NC 27713, or via email at editor@thetriangledog.com We welcome previously unpublished material and color pictures either in transparency or disc form at 300 dpi. We cannot guarantee that either the article or the photos will be used or that they will be returned. We reserve the right to publish all letters received, as well as all Facebook and Twitter posts left at The Triangle Dog sites. Advertising Sales: Send requests to Angela Brehmer at 919-249-8364 (TDOG) or abrehmer@thetriangledog.com The Triangle Dog magazine is published 4 times per year. Entire contents are copyright 2013. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without prior written consent from the publisher. Publication date: July 2013. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, the publisher makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Mary-Ellen Connor-Kwong Originally from New Zealand, Mary-Ellen moved to Fayetteville, NC in 2009. Shortly thereafter, Poochy, a black and white Pomeranian who has just as much attitude as she has heart, came into Mary-Ellen’s life. They’ve been happy ever since, and have gone through so much together: Poochy and Mary-Ellen kept each other company while Mary-Ellen’s husband was away on a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. The two now reside in Northern Virginia, but long for the days when they can return to North Carolina.
Suzanne Kalafian Suzanne Kalafian owns and operates Superior Dog Training, Inc. She is a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College. She is also a Certified Treibball Trainer with the American Treibball Association. Relocating from PA in 2005, she reopened here in NC, educating humans in the positive care and training of their canine companions. Suzanne believes dogs need a positive lifelong commitment from their humans and strives to help people communicate in a positive manner with their dogs. Suzanne continues to become educated in new sports. She currently offers Agili-o, Treibball, K9 Nose Work, Rally-o, trick certification, mix-it-up classes, and many obedience options. Eliza Kuklinski Eliza Kuklinski is a writer and dog lover who lives in the Triangle with her dog and black cat, Jax. She enjoys hiking, playing fetch (with help from her lab/Basenji mix, Brooke), baking homemade dog treats, and swimming (with her dog, of course). By the end of the day, she is usually covered in fur, dog licks, peanut butter, mud, and grass stains. She has written for several animal-themed magazines and websites and previously maintained her own blog. Now, she generally skips the blogging so she can have more time to play fetch and tug of war, but that’s fine with her.
Brian Lapham, DVM Dr. Brian Lapham received his veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 1999. His true passion lies in preventative care—preventing disease before it can manifest itself as cancer, osteoarthritis, epilepsy, or the like.
Photo by Lindsey McDaniel
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Lapham is often occupied spending time with his family, woodworking, completing home improvements (which never seem to end!), and running. Included in the mix are his menagerie of pets, currently including two cats, Pia and Kitten, and Elizabeth the guinea pig. Dr. Lapham’s daughter is still vying for a puppy—coming soon! Dana Lewis, DVM
Photo by Russ Lewis Maestro Prodouctions
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Dr. Dana Lewis is a small animal veterinarian serving the Triangle since 1997. She is honored to assist her clients by providing end-of-life care with dignity, compassion, and love for their pets. Hospice care improves quality of life and enables the animal maximum comfort to enjoy life in familiar surroundings in the company of loved ones. This setting allows the family to prepare for the loss of their beloved family member. Dr. Lewis believes that every being deserves a comfortable end. Visit www.LapOfLove.com; http://www.facebook.com/ lapoflove; or http://lapoflove.blogspot.com/ for more information.
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Clare Reece-Glore Clare Reece-Glore is owner of YAY dog!, a Durham company that provides in-home coaching services for people and their dogs, as well as dog care seminars. Clare holds an M.S. in adult education and has worked in a veterinary clinic and volunteered with animal rescue organizations for many years. A lifelong equestrian, she brings her knowledge of natural horsemanship techniques to her work with dogs. YAY dog!’s spokesdog Andy came from the Animal Protection Society of Durham.
Heidi Schmidt Heidi Schmidt is the former owner of a pet retail store and is a recognized CGC trainer and evaluator. She has been a professional dog trainer for over 15 years. Heidi has been featured on television and in newspaper articles for her dog training knowledge.
Barbara Shumannfang, Ph.D., CPDT
Photo by Kristen Beck
Barbara Shumannfang shares dog training tips and lessons we can learn from dogs at VeryFetching.com. Her new book is Puppy Savvy: How to Raise Your Dog without Going Bonkers. She is also the author of Happy Kids, Happy Dogs: Building a Friendship Right from the Start and is a Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) evaluator. Her teachers include a bossy, extremely adorable terrier mix and a Border Collie that makes a sound like a vuvuzela. She can be reached at barbara@veryfetching.com.
Lauren Whitley, DVM CCRP
Photo by Ralph Ashley
Dr. Lauren Whitley received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006 from NC State University. She has been involved with physical rehabilitation for pets since 2006 and is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. She owns a mobile practice focusing solely on rehabilitation and pain management called go! mobile veterinary rehabilitation. Her goal is to provide personalized care for pets to maximize mobility, function, and fitness. Dr. Whitley lives with her husband, young son, and “mature” Boxer (who receives daily rehab!) in Durham.
The Triangle Dog
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Members of the Awful Dog Club by Jill Kaplan
Jill Kaplan is the proud owner of Dog Stylists, Inc. in Durham and has seven wonderful dogs, two bald cats, an ever-changing cast of furry foster cats from CARE, and one long-suffering husband. She is a Certified Master Groomer with International Professional Groomers and a member of National Dog Groomers Association of America, and has been styling pets for 20 years. She puts her artistic background from Duke University to good use on every animal she grooms, from Durham APS shelter pets to Grand Champion show dogs, and all dogs and cats in between. Visit www.dogstylistsinc.com for more information.
W
hen I read Marley & Me, a book by John Grogan about a big dopey yellow lab, people smirked and asked if my lab was anything like the walking behavioral disorder in the book. While my lab didn’t exhibit similar behavior, my Giant Schnauzer’s behavior was a different story. Marley was anxious, destructive, thieving, and hopelessly dumb. Upon Marley’s passing, Grogan affectionately called Marley the World’s Worst Dog (WWD) in his newspaper column. He received thousands of responses expressing sympathy but also questioning whether he truly had the WWD. Countless people own the WWD: dogs that destroy landscaping, get kicked out of every vet clinic, boarding kennel, and grooming shop, and are a pain to have. While these are not the WWD, necessarily, they may be just awful dogs. Plenty of people dump their awful dogs, leaving them to become someone else’s problem or, worse, others try to reform them. Many simply learn to accept their dog’s innate awfulness. My awful dog was four months old, too young to have been ruined, when I adopted her through breed rescue. Sure, she had been surrendered to a shelter, but so are millions of dogs that do not develop lifelong issues. I had always brought my dogs to work with me, and had even 10 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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hand-raised one from a day old, and not one has had separation anxiety. So why, all of a sudden, did I have a dog that freaked out, cried, drooled, panted, and tore up doorframes, her crate, and bedding any time I left her at home? Why did my dog go into hysterics in the car? Why did my dog, who had never been starved, compulsively gobble food and choke? And why did my dog scream, spin like a top, and attack my other dogs every time she became aroused? I called breeders to ask about her unusual behaviors, and a few said that all Giant Schnauzers are crazy. I doubted that an entire breed could be this way if people still liked them enough to create more of them. I talked with trainers and behaviorists who all gave me varied advice: be the leader; use positive reinforcement; go to classes; exercise the dog; dominate her. One trainer wanted to keep her for two weeks, and he guaranteed results. I passed. I cringe thinking of the methods he might use for a dog that was proving to be not merely difficult, but chemically imbalanced. I used positive reinforcement. I exercised her. I was the leader. She was easy to train when calm, but she forgot everything when anxious. There was no control when any triggers resulted in a hysterical, drooling, blank-eyed state that lasted half an hour. I dealt with her worsening behavior until, in one of her fugue states, she bit a pet sitter who crated her for five solid days. I came home to a frantic, dehydrated, and starved dog. My first order of business was to find a new pet sitter. My second order of business was to contact a veterinary behaviorist, because clearly this dog needed better living through chemistry. Sedating her did not address her anxieties; it just made her uncoordinated and scared.
The veterinarian prescribed Clomicalm, along with training instructions. There was no improvement in a month. The veterinarian doubled the dose, still with no result. Then, she brought out the big guns and gave my big nutty dog Prozac. After one week, nothing. After another week, still nothing. Sometime during the third week, an invisible hand flipped a switch in her brain. The Prozac had hit that magic therapeutic level. She could still whirl out of control easily, but instead of running around screaming for half an hour, she could get herself under control in less than a minute. When she spun madly at the door, I could get her calm and sitting right away. It registered with her that treats were coming if she composed herself. I could use her in grooming competitions without a stack of towels to soak up puddles of drool. She was a whole new dog. She went from being an awful dog to a quirky one who took a little extra care. People used to ask me why I put up with this dog, pointing out, “There are a lot of nice dogs out there that need homes.” Sure, I agree with that. So why is this dog special? She is huge, messy, and clumsy. And, anxieties aside, she also fought for dominance with the older dogs, so I had to be vigilant for postures, growls, and stares that signaled impending battles. It took months of training and behavior modification to establish a truce with my other female dogs. She is still crated when left. Why do I put up with this dog? Because she loves me more than anything in the world. She was not happy being neurotic; her misery was evident, and she trusted me to improve her life. When I call her, she rushes to me with her mouth open in a big, happy grin, stubby tail wiggling, and bows herself around me for rubbing. She never showed aggression toward me, or I would not have devoted such time, effort, and money into her. She has been a most educational dog, and my experience with her benefits other awful dogs whose loving owners are frustrated. She does not want to be bad or difficult; she is the victim of faulty wiring. Medication makes it possible for her to be the dog she wants to be. Keeping an awful dog for life takes dedication and flexibility. It takes love and commitment to care for such a dog. All of us awful dog owners should be committed. But the love and companionship we receive in return from our awful dogs—perhaps even the WWD—make every minute worth it. The Triangle Dog
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shelter spotlight
Founded in 1992, German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions (GSRA) is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to rescuing German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) and GSD mixes in the Carolinas and Virginia. GSRA was founded by one GSD owner who recognized the need for greater understanding and acceptance of this particular breed of dog. At the time, GSDs and GSD mixes were rarely adopted out from shelters due to the fact that they were considered to be a dangerous breed of dog. Recognizing that these dogs were misunderstood and deserved a chance to live, this individual formed GSRA, whose mission it was to provide essential care and adoption services for neglected, stray, or surrendered GSDs and GSD mixes in the Carolinas.
health. The true nature of a GSD, its loyalty, intelligence, desire to be with its human, and natural protectiveness are traits that GSRA focuses on when bringing a dog into the rescue. Once a dog is accepted into the GSRA rescue, a lifetime commitment is made to that dog that ensures it will be loved, cared for, and protected for the rest of its life. GSRA takes this commitment very seriously, and therefore has a rigorous adoption procedure that consists of a written application, a phone interview, a home visit, and a veterinary reference check. In addition, GSRA stipulates in the adoption contract that, should the adoption fail, for any reason, at any time, the dog must be returned to the rescue. In order to decrease the chance that a dog may be returned, GSRA offers post-adoption support and guidance for adopters for the lifetime of their adopted dog. Many foster parents stay in touch with their adopters and are able and willing to offer guidance and support if it is ever needed. In addition, GSRA maintains strong working relationships with area trainers, veterinarians, and other professionals and uses these resources when necessary to help an adopted dog and its family.
German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions
Today, GSRA has over 150 volunteers and over 40 foster homes spread out all over North Carolina. The rescue partners with county shelters to take in and rehabilitate GSDs and GSD mixes that have either been surrendered to the shelter or picked up as strays. GSRA also works with individuals within the community who have found themselves unable to care for their own GSD due to economic, health, or extenuating circumstances. GSRA accepts dogs of all ages—from puppies to senior dogs 10 years or older. GSRA also accepts mixed breed dogs, some with questionable degrees of GSD heritage. GSRA is very proud of its “all inclusive” policy, which sets it apart from many other purebred rescue organizations. In choosing which dogs to bring into the rescue, GSRA places importance on temperament, rather than looks, age, or even 12 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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In 2012, GSRA rescued and rehomed over 150 GSDs and GSD mixes. In addition, they aided in the adoption of numerous other dogs through their courtesy listing initiative on their website. GSRA is now entering its 21st year of operation and is as dedicated now as it was over 20 years ago to saving as many GSDs as possible and showing them just how great life really can be.
adoptable dogs
Bruno
about 8 years old
Bruno: One person’s loss is another person’s gain. This saying can’t be any truer than in Bruno’s case. Bruno was unhappy with his owner because he had to stay outside all by himself with no company. So he barked and barked until he got some attention—which landed him in a shelter in South Carolina. Since coming to GSRA, Bruno has received lots of love and attention and, as a result, hasn’t barked! Bruno is a young dog in an older dog’s body. Although he is estimated to be 8 years old, Bruno has more energy than most 4-year-old dogs. Bruno loves walks, rides in the car, playing with toys and—of course—getting love and affection from humans. Bruno is fine with dogs his own size, but not good with smaller dogs. We don’t know how he feels about cats.
Mannie is a sweet 4-year-old girl who needs a strong leader to give her guidance and security. She is very eager to please and very smart. Mannie is somewhat lacking in doggie social skills. She is fine on leash around other dogs that are calm but can get reactive if dogs get up in her face or try to engage in play. We think this behavior stems from lack of doggie socialization in her younger years. For this reason, it is recommended that she be an only dog. Mannie is the ultimate doggie companion. She will go wherever you go! She LOVES taking walks, hiking, and playing with people. She bonds like super glue and is fantastic with adults and children. Her feelings toward cats are still to be determined.
Man ni
e
4 yea
rs old
Mindy was born on January 1, 2013! Her momma was a full-blooded GSD and her daddy a Mastiff/lab mix. She is a very “in charge” kind of girl and is going to need someone who is a very good pack leader. She’ll also need someone who will be able to socialize her with other dogs and help her understand that the meal she’s eating now is not her last, so she doesn’t have to be in such a rush to gobble it up! She is well on her way to being house trained and is pretty well crate trained. She is on the go and always looking for an adventure, so an active family will be good for her. She will do well as an only dog or with siblings, as long as she gets proper socialization. She is also great with cats and even pigs!
Mindy
6 months old
Shilo: Sweet handsome Shiloh doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body. All he cares about is being with his human. He would follow you anywhere if you’d let him. He’s crate trained and house broken and walks gently on a leash or stays right with me in our yard. He loves his toys, especially his ball. If you throw it, he’ll trot down to get it and bring it back for you. He also loves to parade around with his food bowl as well. This big boy has big beautiful paws and weighs 80 lbs. He’ll grow to about 100 lbs, but he doesn’t throw his weight around. He’s been through heartworm treatments and is finally starting to put weight on. This big fella would be perfect for someone who is looking for a calm, gentle companion. Shiloh is great with other dogs, but we don’t know how he feels about cats.
The Triangle Dog
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Homestar’s Lucky Leg by Julie Jenkins
H
omestar Runner came home to North Carolina in August, 2011 at the age of ten weeks. My husband and I, both dog-sport addicts, had high hopes for this athletic little pup. Less than a week after joining our household, however, Homestar suffered an injury that would change all our lives. At the time, it seemed like a relatively simple fractured tibia. The fracture was outside of the growth plate area, and it was non-displaced. Our vet placed a soft splint on Homestar’s leg and predicted his leg would heal with 4-6 weeks of immobilization. In late September, the splint came off for good and Homestar was declared “good to go.” I followed my vet’s instructions and gradually increased his activity, trying to rebuild muscle on his puny leg. But his leg stayed puny and wasn’t regaining normal motion, despite his own best efforts. A visit to our veterinary chiropractor ended with bad news. Homestar was diagnosed with a grade IV luxating patella. While the splints were on and the tibia healed, the kneecap slid out of place, taking ligaments and soft tissue with it. We made an appointment at a practice in the Midwest specializing in orthopedic surgery. The doctor examined Homestar and took some radiographs. The imaging revealed not only his patella floating way off in la-la land, but soft tissue connecting the patella to the tibia had pulled the tibia out of place too, rotating the bone medially. The vet said that surgery was a possibility, but he didn’t think there was much chance of regaining function in the leg. He mentioned that amputation was an option, and that if we pursued it we should do it as soon as possible, so Homestar could start adjusting to life on three legs.
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We sought a second opinion at NCSU and decided on surgery to try and repair what we now called “The Lucky Leg.” It seemed only fair to give him a chance at a functioning limb. If the repair failed, there was always the option to amputate later. Dr. Simon Roe performed the surgery, which took six hours. Using several high tension sutures anchored in the bone, Dr. Roe got everything back in the proper place and pointing the correct direction. After surgery, the real battle of rehabilitation to restore normal function began. As a dog trainer, my approach to Homestar’s rehab was slightly non-traditional. I think pets recovering from injuries lack the motivation that humans who go through rehab have, through no fault of their own. Rehab definitely works better if the subject is actively participating and motivated to reach goals. I used advice from Homestar’s doctors to set achievable goals, and then I used my skill as a trainer to motivate Homestar to achieve them. I broke behaviors down into small pieces: goal number one was to get him bearing weight on the leg. The shortened tendons and several months of practicing non-weight bearing left him clenching his leg up to his body protectively. To make him want to use his leg, I used a clicker and taught him to target with his left foot. At first, I placed the target close to his foot; then I gradually moved it down and away from his body. He targeted a slanted board, gradually lowering the target until he voluntarily placed his foot on the floor. Our rehab routine consisted of training to increase function and muscle, and passive range of motion stretching. Twice a day, Homestar endured fifteen minutes of heat, followed by 30
Julie Norman Jenkins was "born into dogs" and never looked back. She has trained and competed in a variety of disciplines with her own dogs and began professionally coaching others at the age of fifteen. She directs the dog training program at Paws4ever in Mebane, NC. Julie also owns and operates Fur Fun Flyball club, one of the largest and most successful flyball clubs in North America. Julie and her husband Leerie reside in Climax, NC with twelve dogs.
Before
After
minutes of stretching. The stretching was painful and uncomfortable, but very necessary. The active portions of rehab were more interesting and earning rewards really kept Homestar bright and engaged. After two months, his knee was stable and the surgery was declared successful. We became more aggressive toward building muscle and regaining even more function. The treadmill, with adjustable speed and incline, was invaluable. Again, I used targeting and food rewards to make him want to walk on the treadmill. Homestar also learned a variety of tricks that improved either his strength or range of motion. Sitting up and begging improved his hock flexion. Standing, and later walking, on his hind legs made them strong. Despite living most of his young life in a crate or on a leash, Homestar’s sunny disposition never wavered. While the process was grueling, 18 months post-surgery, he has regained almost completely normal function in his lucky leg. He is happy and free of pain, and he is even in training on our flyball team! While it was never easy, it was certainly worth it! The Triangle Dog
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BREED BASICS by Clare Reece-Glore owner of Yay Dog!
German Shepherd Dogs “The ideal dog is a working animal with an incorruptible character combined with the body and gait suitable for the arduous work that constitutes its primary purpose.” AKC Breed Standard Noble, highly intelligent, and sheds like a Christmas tree—that’s my view of the popular breed called the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). This breed is one of the most popular breeds worldwide. GSDs are a premier working breed and have been used as herding dogs, police dogs, movie and stunt dogs, protection dogs, guide dogs, service dogs—you name it. The German Shepherd breed is relatively young, originating around 1899. German breeders were interested in consolidating the good qualities of various herding breeds and from this work came the GSD. The early proponents wanted a working dog that was intelligent, strong, and capable. Today, we’d say they were looking for high emotional intelligence, too. After World War I, American soldiers came back talking about the amazing black and tan dogs they had encountered. Two major early film stars, Strongheart and the original Rin Tin Tin, quickly added to the breed’s popularity. According to the American Kennel Club, the GSD standard is well-muscled, with a desired height (at the highest point of the shoulder blade) of 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. The head is cleanly defined with a long nose, upright ears, and dark, almond-shaped eyes. The coat (some of which is going to fall out in your house every day) is double and may be of
varying lengths. There are many color combinations for shepherds including black and tan, black and red, solid black, and solid white, although the white is not permitted in the AKC registry. White shepherds have a strong lobby, though, and many people enjoy them. The character and temperament of this breed is often what people love so much, and I am one of those people. A good GSD is not nervous or aggressive, but is watchful and wants to protect its family. Some GSDs act like big fluffy babies, but they will rise to whatever level they need to keep their people safe. For me, the only downside to this breed is their own popularity. Because they have been such a popular breed for so long, there have been bad breeding practices by greedy people. The breed now has health issues such as susceptibility to hip and elbow dysplasia, a pancreatic deficiency disorder, bloat, and spinal paralysis. To me, just as horrifying as these health issues is seeing German Shepherds with unstable or aggressive temperaments— the complete antithesis of this breed. As always, do your research! Talk to German Shepherd rescue groups and GSD nuts, er, aficionados. In the Triangle, we have the excellent group German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions (www.gsra.org.) If you want a GSD, you must be prepared to spend time with your dog. We call shepherds “Velcro dogs,” and they want to be with their people. You must be prepared to live with dog hair. You must be prepared to provide the mental stimulation this dog needs, or it will pick its own activities, which may not suit you. The good news is that the desire to please their people is often a strong trait in these dogs . To find out more: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions: www. gsdrescue.org (pay particular attention to their FAQ section) American Kennel Club: www.akc.org ehow.com: http://www.ehow.com/list_5977591_ common-ailments-german-shepherd-dogs.html Susan Orlean: Rin Tin Tin: The Life and Legend
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DOGS @ PLAY by Suzanne Kalafian
The Nose Knows I am always on the lookout for fun and new activities to do with the dogs I train, as well as my own. I like activities that engage the brain and natural instincts. A little over a year ago, I fell in love with a sport called K9 Nose Work (http://www.k9nosework.com/). After three wonderful workshops, both working and auditing, I found this sport to meet the criteria I look for, and, as a bonus, it is a sport you can compete in if you wish. Let me introduce you to the world of K9 Nose Work! We start off with an incredibly fun game, which includes boxes and really smelly food, a dog’s dream. You will need five or six boxes of varying sizes; one is chosen to be the “food” box. You will place food in this box and then proceed to hide the box among the other boxes, allowing your dog to sniff it out. When he does, you reward with a few more treats right at the box and then repeat. Be careful: this game is an independent thinking game, so don’t give your dog clues. Instead, let his natural instincts kick in. For a dog that has not used his nose in a while, it may take a few repetitions to get him to understand the game, so give your dog some time. You know your dog is in love with the game when he sees a box and gets excited and must sniff! Make the early stages of the game fun and challenging. You will eventually go from using boxes to hiding the
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food in different containers or objects. The goal is to keep it fun and keep your dog wanting to search again. Take your time at this stage; you really want to build drive here before you switch over to a scent or odor. When the dog is ready (yes I said dog; you must go at your dog’s pace, not yours), you can switch to an odor. K9 Nose Work uses three different odors: birch, anise, and clove. When switching to odor, you will always pair it with food to begin with. This pairing means you will have the odor and then a piece of stinky food with it for the dog to find. He still self rewards, but at the same time he is associating the odor with the good food. The transition from food to odor will cause you to go back to boxes and, putting the odor container along with the food in a box, then you progress from there. Remember that this is your dog’s game, so no clickers, no verbal markers, no clues, and no obedience. Let your dog get back to his roots and use his nose to get the prize. So whether you are looking for a new sport to compete in, a new activity to have fun with in a classroom, or a new and challenging activity to do at home, K9 Nose Work is it. Give it a try; your dog will love you for it!
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A Cat Person Goes Dog by Allison Snyder
Allison Snyder has written food essays and recipes that have appeared in the Raleigh News & Observer and The News of Orange County. She has also co-authored a cat memoir. She lives in Hillsborough, NC, with her husband, daughter, and Jack Russell Terrier Millie.
After 14 years of owning a cat, I’ve gone DOG! This was not my idea. Conversion is often thrust upon us by irresistible outside forces. In my case, it was that allpowerful union of circumstance and perseverance: the cat died and I have a middle-schooler. This middle-schooler is a Southerner, born in the South to Yankee parents. A native of these parts once remarked, “Just because the kitten was born in the oven, don’t make it a biscuit.” Perhaps. But my Southern-born daughter has acquired the polite relentlessness of this region. A Yankee (like me) might be relentless and whiny, but the Southerner is polite about it. My daughter wanted a dog, and her campaign to get one was refined, well planned, and gradual. At age eight, she began to watch trainer Victoria Stilwell on Animal Planet. Without a dog, our daughter gamely tried teaching our cat to “leave it.” For this trick, the trainer puts a sumptuous dainty in front of the animal (a morsel of Oscar Mayer roast turkey worked for our cat) and in a firm voice commands it to leave it. The animal gets to eat it but only when invited. Stunningly, the cat left it. The kid’s got talent, I mused. Then she managed to save $75, and before I knew it, we were on our way to a terrier rescue in Greensboro. As I realized that I was on my way to pick up something that I would help take care of for at least 18 years, this journey felt like the anticipation of giving birth—minus any giddy excitement. I envisioned coming home with a shrill, small, muscular, fawning creature with zero mystique—the opposite of my urbane, handsome, Cary Grant-of-couch-potatoes departed kitty. And that’s exactly what we got. Our Jack Russell, Millie, is shrill, but only with a good excuse (strangers, deer). At 11 pounds, she is small but—I, who had grown up with big farm dogs and 20 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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had scorned “little rat dogs,” can’t believe I am saying this—absolutely adorable. Millie is buff, a far cry from my late feline slacker. And yes, she has zero mystique. But who needs mystique when greeted at the door with jumps and smiles that convey, “Hi there! Long time no see! I do hope things are going well for you? I tried to get dinner on the table, but I’m short on height and an opposable thumb! Anything else I can do?” On the other hand, my cat used to greet me from the back of the couch with a warm gaze and meow that said, “Oh, good. You’re home. There are a few things I need you to do for me right now.” It was always fun to respond with something like, “I’ll get right on that, just as soon as I finish this episode of Downton Abbey.”
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The t-Dog 'round town
Photos by Tara Lynn InBetween The Blinks Photography
Fashion Unchained
The Coalition to Unchain Dogs was founded in Durham in 2007. The group now has several chapters in North Carolina. The Raleigh chapter held its biggest fundraiser of the year at the Flanders Art Gallery on May 4th. Models rocked the runway and sported looks from local boutiques. After the show, the dancing started and people kept a close eye on the silent auction items to make sure they walked away a winner. The Coalition helps build fences for dogs that live continuously chained outside.
SPCA K9-3K
More than 3,000 walkers and 2,000 dogs took over downtown Raleigh on April 20th for the annual SPCA of Wake County K9-3K. The walk kicked off at 11am and police shut down city streets for the two and four-legged to show their support for animal rescue. The event raised more than $200,000 for the SPCA, which is a no-kill shelter located in Raleigh. After the walk, dogs enjoyed treats and humans enjoyed the beer garden and food trucks. There was even a food truck just for the dogs!
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The t-Dog 'round town You won’t find your next house pet at the Conservator’s Center Conservator’s Center in Mebane, but you will find plenty of animals you can “adopt” and then visit on a regular basis! The Triangle Dog took a special trip to the center to see the New Guinea singing dogs. The center describes these dogs as the result of many generations of an aboriginal dog evolving and adapting to island life on Papua New Guinea. Their relatives from more than 20,000 years ago moved into Australia and became dingoes. The dogs resemble a mix between a Chow, wolf, and fox. They are called singing dogs because they howl much like wolves but in a higher pitch. Singing dogs behave a lot like domestic dogs, but are typically shy, do not like to be petted, and are often spooked by quick movements. The organization’s mission is to preserve threatened species through educational programs, promote responsible captive breeding, and rescue wildlife in need. Staff members are currently hoping two of the singing dogs will become mates. While at the center, we also met some “big” cats! Much like house cats, these lions and tigers enjoyed lounging and cuddling. We wrapped up our visit by meeting another canine species: wolves. All-in-all, we had a great trip!
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pet friendly business by Eliza Kuklinski
A Unique
Destination for You and Your Dog
As I continued through the store, I thought about buying one of their many squeaky toys, but decided not to, as Brooke already has about a million back at home.
When you first walk in to Paws at the Corner, you are likely to be greeted by a canine. Many employees bring their dogs to work, so your pup will be kept busy while you shop. When Brooke (my Labrador mix) and I stopped in, we were welcomed by Steve Merle, a dog only a little older than Brooke. They happily greeted each other as I began to browse.
The dog beds, however, were the most intriguing product I saw. The store offers beanbag-like dog beds that look comfy enough for a person to sleep on. Now I know what Brooke’s birthday present will be, because I noticed that Brooke seemed just as interested in the squishy beds as I was. I also noted that the store conveniently sells products for other pets. We left Paws at the Corner a happy dog, a happy human, and toting a bag of goodies we just couldn’t live without.
A couple minutes later, I decided on a pink harness for my pup. An employee helped me fit the harness on Brooke. We tested it out, taking a short walk. After I had given the harness parental approval, we purchased it, along with a dog-themed shirt and a bag of sweet potato dog treats. Steve and Brooke shared some dehydrated rabbit, and then continued to play while I looked around. I made a mental note to bring my muddy pup into the store’s self-serve doggie spa in the future. I marveled at the array of natural soap-free shampoo, blow dryers, towels, and tie downs to prevent unruly dirty dogs from escaping. After checking out the spa area, I opened their huge refrigerator, half expecting to find human food. But I was relieved to discover it was filled with fresh raw food, not sodas or other human beverages. Not only does Paws at the Corner offer raw food, they also offer a large selection of natural kibbles. There are huge bags of beef flavor, as well as smaller bags if you are still unsure. There is, in addition to the raw food in the fridge, some dehydrated raw food if you’re a bit squeamish about raw meat. If your dog is a picky eater, there are some free samples available for tasting. Their treat selection is good, too; they offer natural, local dog biscuits and cupcakes, grain free treats, moose, elk, and deer antlers for power chewers, plus dehydrated chicken, duck, and rabbit feet, and rabbit ears, which Brooke happily approved of. 24 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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Paws at the Corner 250 S. Nash Street Hillsborough, NC 27278 919-644-0729
ask the groomer
Q:
What is the best type of nail trimmer to buy for my dog?
Laura L., Durham, NC
A:
There are many types of clippers you can use for your dog, but let’s focus on some of the more popular options. The first option is a manual clipper that is best described as a plier- type clipper. This clipper is the easiest to use for most people and their dogs. You can easily see what you are doing, thereby minimizing the risk of cutting too close and into the quick. When you are done cutting, you may also want to file the nails with a cardboard emery nail file that can be found at any beauty supply store. This extra step will smooth out any rough edges. There are guillotine-type clippers as well, but they can be less user-friendly, and it is very difficult, due to the design of this style of clipper, to see the nail when cutting, which can increase the risk
Beth Johnston Owner, Beth’s Barks N Bubbles, LLC in Durham.
of cutting the nail too closely. You can find nail clippers at pet stores or online in a variety of sizes. Be sure to buy a pair that is heavy duty enough for your dog. There is nothing worse for a dog than to have a large nail being trimmed with small clippers; you have to exert more force and the added pressure on the toenail may be uncomfortable for your dog. If you have a dog that is sensitive to the pressure of the nail clippers or does not like the sound of the “click,” you can also look into buying a rotary tool (Dremel) and grind the nails down. This tool is great for many dogs that do not have excessive foot hair and are tolerant of the hum of the machine while it is running. If your dog has excessive nail length, however, you may want to either first remove extra nail length with a plier-type clipper and then follow up with the rotary tool, or you can move the rotary tool from nail to nail. Keep in mind that rotary tools can get very hot on a dog’s toenail, and the nerve in the toenail can feel the heat. Moving from toenail to toenail will give the nail a chance to cool down if it starts to get hot. I would not recommend this type of tool for highly nervous or exuberant dogs or for dogs with excessive foot hair, as the hair can become tangled. Good luck as you search for the right nail trimmer for your dog’s needs! The Triangle Dog
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Pitbulls Wit Photo by Colleen Bogner of evoC Photography
by Leah Brewer
Elle the Pit
Bull Pawin’ It Forward
M
y best friend Elle is a hometown hero from Roanoke Rapids, NC and the most extraordinary dog I have ever known. Elle was destined to be a therapy dog and has been the perfect little helper for the young and old. She provides friendship and unconditional love to everyone she meets and even works her magic to persuade people who are unsure about meeting her. Elle is an American Pit Bull Terrier, a breed that is often misunderstood, causing unfair treatment toward her and other dogs like her. Since becoming a Registered Therapy Dog with Therapy Dogs Inc. in 2010, she has created a big change in the public’s perception of Pit Bulls in our community and beyond. She teaches how important it is to treat others as individuals, and when given a chance, Elle welcomes the opportunity to share lots of love. Elle is a Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) and has a reading program called Tail Wagging Tales. She visits an elementary school and a middle school each week to help her little friends build confidence and create an environment so they enjoy reading. Last year, Elle was featured in a children’s book called Kiefer and Friends, and all her readers loved reading a story with her as one of the featured dogs. Elle calmly sits by their side with a non-judgmental ear and they are off on a fun, new adventure with each book. Elle was invited to visit with the middle school Critter Club, a local club that cares about helping animals, so they could meet a therapy dog and learn about her job in the community. Now they are working together on a project to help rescue dogs find their forever home. 26 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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Leah Brewer has always had a love for all animals and an appreciation for the human-canine bond. Leah met her first Pit Bull in 1992 and since sharing her life with this breed, she understands their true devotion and desire to be loved. Leah is a Licensed Massage Therapist with 22 years of experience. She knows firsthand about the gift of therapeutic touch and how it can help others. As a Pet Therapy Team, she and her dog Elle work together to create positive changes in the lives of others.
Elle attends local events to provide community education and awareness. She shares about her job as a therapy dog and educates families about being a responsible pet parent. Elle is also a great teacher for children because with her guidance they learn how to be safe around all dogs and practice a proper, safe way to approach a dog on a leash. This year Elle introduced her Pawin’ It Forward children’s coloring book to share her journey. The idea for the book came from her coloring pages. Each coloring page has something educational to share and it is a fun way to learn for all ages. Through her book and coloring pages, Elle is now touching lives all over the world! Everything Elle does creates change in a positive way. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and has the AKC Therapy Dog title. Last year, Elle was the runner up Pit Bull of the Year at Cesarsway. com and was the 1st place Pit Bull Super Hero with American Dog Magazine. This year, Elle was chosen for The Positive Pit Bull’s Best Breed Ambassador Award and a judge selected her to be the winner of ParkerPup’s Golden Dog Award. I am honored for Elle to have these awards and recognition, but most of all it makes me happy that she is making a difference for others and improving lives. Elle is now five years old and happily lives with another Pit Bull, her brother Bruno, and a sister Chihuahua named Reesey. She loves swimming laps in her pool and going hiking on nature trails. Her favorite food is cheese and she likes riding along on road trips. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful companion to share my life with, and I cherish each and every day. Elle is a very busy, special girl and I am so proud to be her mama.
h a Purpose Photo by Dirty Paws Photography
by Celene Wasserman
Celene Wasserman, a native of Florida, recently moved to North Carolina with her Pit Bull Skyler the Therapy Dog. In Celene’s spare time, she does pet therapy with her two dogs Starr and Skyler. She also spends time advocating for rescue animals. She has been involved in pet therapy for five years and loves every minute of it! She enjoys traveling with Skyler; they have worked hard, traveling across the U.S. to change attitudes toward Skyler’s breed.
S
kyler’s life has been quite the journey. I got Skyler back in February 2007 when she was just 10 weeks old. Skyler had been thrown out of a car at a construction site in Jacksonville, FL. A good Samaritan happened to see this despicable act and grabbed the puppy, bringing her to the animal hospital I worked at. Skyler needed several surgeries to fix her eye. I decided at this point to officially keep Skyler as part of my family, and so our story began. I quickly realized Skyler was an extremely fast learner. I enrolled her in puppy kindergarten, and once we were done with that she moved all the way to advanced training by the time she was only six months old. At 10 months old, Skyler took the Canine Good Citizen test and passed with flying colors! Skyler was the most docile, loving, obedient puppy I had ever met and from there I knew she was destined to be a therapy dog, and so the training began. Only a few days after Skyler’s first birthday, she took the therapy dog test with Therapy Dogs Inc. and began observations. Within four weeks, she was an official therapy dog and Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D). Skyler and I quickly began visiting rehab hospitals, mental health facilities, libraries, and elementary schools every week in Jacksonville, FL. Skyler even spent a summer volunteering as a therapy dog at U.F. and Shands cancer unit, visiting patients awaiting treatments. Skyler has also traveled the U.S. spreading smiles all the way from Florida to Washington to Maine.
Sky’s
The the Limit
begin visits. I learned about a fantastic Therapy Dogs Inc. group located in the Triad. Skyler and I are now connected and have begun visits to local health rehab centers and assisted living facilities. Upon beginning therapy locally, we found that there is not a R.E.A.D. program set up in the Triangle area. However, several local learning facilities have reached out to us after learning of Skyler’s past work. Skyler and I are now on a new venture. We are trying to set up a local group of R.E.A.D. dogs to hopefully one day join forces and go into local schools, libraries, and boys and girls clubs to help spread the joys of reading with pets. Skyler and I have also recently gotten involved in some local animal advocacy groups to help spread the word about saving shelter animals. Keep your eyes peeled: maybe one day you may meet Skyler at a local community event. Skyler does events all over and just might come to a town near you! If you would like to keep following Skyler’s journey, you can follow her on Facebook at Skyler the Therapy Dog. You never know what exciting new adventures she may be up to.
Recently, Skyler and I moved to WinstonSalem, NC. Once settled in our new home, we knew we had to quickly connect with a therapy dog group and The Triangle Dog
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Pitbulls Wit by Carol Whitt
Everest Out of a Pit
E
verest is a shelter rescue. His beginning was full of neglect and starvation, although he has never let this treatment define who he is. I never had any intention of Everest being anything other than a beloved family member. Yet, after adopting Everest and going out in public with him, I felt the pain and anger of discrimination for his breed. We decided we would show folks differently. We took obedience classes and worked very hard as a team. Within six weeks, Everest was able to test for his AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. He also tested for Therapy Dog International and became a registered therapy dog. Shortly after becoming registered, we were asked to join a first-of-its-kind therapy dog reading program: Riverbarkers, located at Riverview Elementary School in Murfreesboro, TN. We attend school twice a month, visit the special needs children, assist at-risk readers, and encourage other students to read. The children beg to read to Everest and practice for weeks, awaiting his visits. The children will tell you he is their dog! During our visits, Everest is able to teach the children compassion and safety around dogs. Most of these children have chained dogs at home, and they will quickly tell you they can’t touch them. Everest, for many, is their first positive interaction with a dog. He shows them what a companion dog is and that they can have this relationship with their own dogs if they love and care for them properly. The children hug him all over at every visit and plead to see his tricks. We always try to do a performance after they have read. They call him the circus dog while he is performing his many tricks and stunts, and their laughter and smiles are priceless!
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Carol Whitt is a lifelong animal lover who advocates for humane treatment, spay, neuter, banning BSL, and adoption of shelter dogs. She couldn’t imagine life without furry companions. With the help of East Coast Canine Alliance, Inc., she has been able to save many Pit Bull-type dogs from local kill shelters. Carol is currently working very hard to change local counties’ animal ordinances to be more humane and to free dogs from a chained life.
Everest also has his own reading program, Discover Tails at Gatesville Elementary School in Gates, NC. We meet twice a month on Saturday mornings, and the program is open to any child who wishes to read. We started his own program so he could give back to his community and foster empathy for animals with the children at home. Our local county has hundreds of chained, neglected dogs, and most are considered the bully breed. We hope that the children working with Everest will save their dogs at home. We are lobbying with the county commissioners for changes for more humane animal ordinances. When Everest isn’t in the schools working with the children, he is busy serving as a breed ambassador with Pit Bull Awareness Coalition in Virginia. Everest is part of the drill and dance team. We perform routines at events, demonstrations, parades, and awareness walks. At home, Everest is just like any dog. He lies on the bed, plays with his furry siblings, and runs around. He loves eating vanilla ice cream, riding in the car, and pulling his sled in the yard. He has his own Facebook page, Everest Out of a Pit, with many fans. He is faithful, loving, intelligent, and goofy. And he makes a difference every day.
h a Purpose by Jennifer Spears Bashford Jennifer Spears Bashford is the former president of the American Pit Bull Foundation and has over 10 years’ experience in the animal rescue field. She has a master’s degree in communication, with a focus on the use of language in breed discrimination. She currently works at a local nursing home and is working on a second master’s degree in animal assisted therapy in the field of gerontology. Jennifer lives in Charlotte with her husband, three dogs, two cats, and assorted foster animals.
I
was working at the Humane Society of Charlotte, NC when we saw an urgent post on Facebook about a Pit Bull in Georgia in need of a home. Like every shelter, we received dozens of similar requests every week, but there was something special about this girl. Her previous owners were convicted of animal abuse—Peaches was kept at animal control for over a year as evidence. Now that the case was over, the county wanted to euthanize her since they no longer needed her. The workers at the animal control facility had fallen in love with her and desperately wanted to find her a home. Luckily, a wonderful group of volunteers from Georgia and Florida organized transport and vet care; four days later, Peaches arrived in Charlotte. I fell in love with her at first sight. Her wagging tail and goofy grin were irresistible! We normally don’t find foster homes for adult dogs, but I couldn’t resist bringing her home with me that night after work. She was a little nervous at first, but soon figured out that the sofa was soft, the treats were yummy, and the cat was friendly. My husband was initially hesitant—he was convinced that all Pit Bulls were dangerous and had never spent any time around the breed. Peaches made it her mission to convince him otherwise, jumping right in his lap and covering him in kisses. It took all of two hours for us to decide that she was meant to be our newest family addition. After adopting sweet Peaches, I began working with American Pit Bull Foundation (APBF) because of my passion for the breed. Last year, she won the voting contest to become the 2012 APBF Mascot—we love seeing people wearing t-shirts with her face on them, and she loves being recognized in public (which usually involves lots of treats and head scratches). She’s come quite a long way from an animal abuse case!
From Abuse Case to Therapy Dog:
Peaches
the Wonder Pit
We can’t imagine our life without Peachie Pie. Despite her tough start (which included heartworm disease and cancer), she is a gentle, goofy soul. Peaches passed her Canine Good Citizen test after only six months and received her therapy dog certification through Therapy Dogs International within a year. She’s a true “ambassadog” for the breed and changes minds wherever she goes. Currently, she accompanies me to work at a local nursing home. The residents adore her because of her calm and gentle demeanor, and she always seems to know who needs a little special affection. One of her favorite activities is to nap on the residents’ feet during bingo—she also “helps” them finish their snacks. We always joke that Peaches is an excellent “entrylevel” Pit Bull. Even people who are scared of dogs and/or Pit Bulls are won over by her gentle nature and small size. She has demonstrated a real skill in interacting with special needs children in particular, as she will stay calm and still even when a child gets agitated. Last summer, we worked at a county-funded camp for severely autistic children, mostly non-verbal. This spring we were able to go to Boston to do therapy work after the bombings. Peaches sat with kids who had been on lock-down in Watertown, MA. The kids petted her and talked about their experience. She’s a wonderfully goofy, silly, stubborn girl who loves nothing more than having her tummy rubbed. Peaches has a particular love of books and remote controls, which are especially tasty, but she also adores her rubber chicken toy. Her best friends are our Chihuahua mix Pickles and our cat Johnny Cash, and the three can usually be found curled up together in a pile on the sofa. We can’t imagine a life without her. The Triangle Dog
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nutrition by Heidi Schmidt
What’s in the Bag? Cooking Processes All dog food recipes are developed by canine nutritionists. There are very few of these nutritionists, so most work as consultants. Only some of the largest manufacturers have nutritionists on staff. As new recipes are developed, they are tested for palatability. Palatability is determined by the total amount of food consumed during test feedings to various groups of dogs. These feeding trials are not required for labels to advertise “complete and balanced” foods. Currently, in most companies, these recipes are computerized and combined with lab analysis of the ingredients. Then, these ingredients are mixed in the appropriate proportions to achieve the nutrients called for in the recipe. Dry kibble is usually made with a machine called an “expander” or “extruder.” The ingredients are mixed either by hand or by a computer according to a recipe developed by the canine nutritionist. After a thorough blending, steam or hot water is added to the mixture as it is fed into the expander/extruder. This mixture is pushed under high pressure and temperature through a die to shape the kibble to the manufacturer’s specification. At this point, the food is puffed up like a piece of popcorn. It now goes on to a dryer. This type of cooking process kills bacteria and also denatures any enzymes, vitamins, and much of the native nutrients in the food. Once dry, all the vitamins, minerals,
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fats, digest, and the like are sprayed on to the kibble. This is the point where the glucosamine, added nutrients, cheese flavors, etc. are added. Another less commonly used method for preparing the food is the baking process. The ingredients are mixed according to the recipe and then pushed through a die at low pressures to shape the food, and then it is based. This process produces a small, dense, crunchy kibble. It is palatable without the addition of sprayed on enhancers. And, animals can be fed approximately 25% less of the food by volume (not weight). Claims that this type of food is better nutritionally have yet to be substantiated. Even low heat can denature enzymes, vitamins, and many micronutrients. Without a “spray” of these, this food is far from “complete.” Dr. Randy Wysong, a veterinarian and long-time critic of the pet food industry, has said “Processing is the wild card in nutritional value that is, by and large, simply ignored. Heating, cooking, rendering, freezing, dehydrating, canning, extruding, pelleting, baking and so forth, are so commonplace that they are simply thought of as synonymous with food itself.” To make pet food nutritious, the food must be fortified with the vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients that are lost in the cooking process. Understanding the process by which your dog’s food is made is an important part of your pet’s nutritional health.
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let's cook
Courtesy of Wendy Wilson, Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue
This recipe was incredibly quick and easy and is great to make with the kids this summer!
Ingredients 1 container of vanilla yogurt (32 oz.) 1 cup of peanut butter
Instructions 1. Simply put the peanut butter in a microwave-safe dish and microwave until melted. Be careful not to heat it too long or it will start to lose the “melted” consistency.
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2. Remove the melted peanut butter from the microwave, being careful not to burn yourself, and mix the yogurt into the melted peanut butter. 3. Pour the mixture into cupcake papers and freeze.
4. We didn’t have cupcake papers on hand, so we just sprayed the cupcake tins and put the mixture in the pans. Though it was a little more difficult to remove the final treat, the dogs didn’t seem to know the difference with taste.
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10 internet rumors by Brian Lapham, DVM Southpoint Animal Hospital
1 . S w i f f e r s a r e D e a d ly False. Some Swiffer products contain propylene glycol, a cleaning agent that has been falsely linked to kidney or liver damage. The claim is that this compound is “one molecule away” from ethylene glycol, which is a well-known toxin that causes kidney failure. This claim is about as relevant as saying that CO2 (carbon dioxide, a gas we produce in our lungs all day long) will kill you because it is one molecule away from CO (carbon monoxide, the gas produced from a combustion engine).
4 . Da n g e r o u s C a r d b oa r d To i l e t R o l l s False. This rumor is another one of those “where did this come from” claims. Toxic levels of zinc were said to be found in toilet paper tubes. I could find absolutely no truth to this claim. While most (read all) of these tubes are made from recycled paper products, they certainly have the possibility of containing any number of contaminants. This presence of contaminants is true of all recycled paper products. Therefore, it is reasonable to not allow your pets to ingest these types of materials, but not out of fear of zinc toxicity.
2 . F e b r e z e : R e m ov e s O d o r s and Harms Pets
5 . A s pa r ta m e C au s e s Blindness
False. I was just graduating from veterinary school in1999 when I heard this rumor. There were anecdotal reports of dogs and birds dying after their owners started using Febreze in their homes. However, there have been no confirmed cases of any pet becoming ill from this product. Of course, if there is any concern, it is easy enough to not use it!
False. Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, is metabolized in the body as methanol. Methanol is very toxic to the brain and can cause blindness in high enough doses (it is the reason people should not drink rubbing alcohol or cooking alcohol). However, this conversion occurs in an extremely small case with aspartame and has never been shown to cause issues with pets.
3 . T e n n i s B a l l s a r e Tox i c False. The claim regarding tennis balls that received the most press recently was the “toxic glue” from China that holds the fuzz on the ball. This claim has been shown to be false. Not that I am a fan of tennis balls, anyway — they wear teeth unbelievably fast and can be a choking hazard, but they don’t appear to contain toxins.
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6 . S u ga r - F r e e C h e w i n g G u m i s Da n g e r o u s True. OK, fooled you on this one. This claim is true and not well known outside of the veterinary community. This issue is specific to xylitol, a natural sweetener found in some sugarless chewing gums, puddings, and many other products. It can cause a profound decrease in blood glucose, leading to seizures, liver damage, and even death. Xylitol does not have the same effect in people.
10 Ways... 7. M i c r o c h i p s C au s e C a n c e r
9. Vacc i n e s K i l l P e t s
False. I am certainly one to often blame modern living (bad food, too little exercise, reliance on machines) on diseases, but this claim is a bit tough to take. Companion animals have never been proven to get cancer from microchips, and microchips have been shown to be invaluable in the return of lost pets to their owners. In 13 years of practice, with my colleagues’ experiences mirroring mine, I have never seen a case of cancer attributed to a microchip in a companion pet.
False. I have lost significantly more pets to preventable diseases (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis) than I have to known vaccine reactions. Of course, as with all medications, we should strive to give the proper vaccinations in a reasonable frequency based on the individual’s needs and exposures. Even for those pets that are not vaccinated, they can still benefit from “herd health,” meaning that if we reduce the frequency of the disease around them, then they will have lower exposure to the disease.
8 . G r a i n F r e e = H e a lt h y
1 0. D ry Fo o d i s G o o d fo r D e n ta l H e a lt h
False (sort of). There is sometimes a “grain of truth” to Internet rumors, and this is one such case. Yes, it is true that a carnivorous animal does not need to eat grains to be healthy. However, to claim that a grain-free diet will cure allergies, prevent cancer, and fix most maladies (I hear all of these claims daily) is a bit over-the-top. We should probably lump grains with all other carbohydrates for dogs and cats—ok in small quantities as a treat, but they should not make up a significant portion of their diet
False. Naturally carnivores, dogs and cats have sharp, pointy teeth. These teeth are built to grab prey and rip it to chunks—gross, but true. That is also how they keep their teeth clean. Dry food, and certainly soft food, does not perform that same function. A good way around this limitation of modern diets is to brush pets’ teeth and to use good chew toys to help keep their teeth clean.
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ANIMAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
by Dana Lewis, DVM, owner, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Airway Awareness: Laryngeal Paralysis
“What is it and how does it affect my pet?” The larynx is the guardian of the airways, keeping whatever we want to swallow out and directing air in. Laryngeal paralysis occurs mostly in larger, older dogs and can develop slowly over a year or more until it causes significant breathing emergencies. The opening to the trachea is normally pulled open on two sides when breathing in, and then these cartilages relax when breathing out. With laryngeal paralysis, the laryngeal folds simply flop limply and impede airflow. Early in the condition, this impeded airflow creates increased noise when pets breathe (called “stridor”); later, it can completely obstruct their airway, and they can suffocate. The early signs can be quite subtle: slight harshness in their panting, or hoarse/raspy-sounding barking. Later, the pet has to work harder to breathe and experiences exercise intolerance, tiring quickly. Because animals use breathing as a means to cool themselves, laryngeal paralysis patients are more prone to heatstroke. Heatstroke may occur on an easy walk on a sunny day or during vigorous play on a cool day. Ironically, the airway compromise gets worse when they breathe harder, similar to asthma. Fast-moving air will suck the airway shut, while slow moving air will pass more easily. But the feeling of “air hunger” is a powerful drive and will make an animal try to breathe harder. Additionally, some dogs will trigger their own crisis by barking. When the dog tries to bark, it contracts other neck muscles and narrows its airway, inciting a distress episode. During a distress episode, the dog’s tongue may be a darker red or blue. At this point, it is in “respiratory distress” and needs medical assistance, which entails oxygen therapy, external 36 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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cooling, sedation to reduce anxiety, and possibly intubation and artificial respiration for a short period.
“Can we treat this problem?” After your veterinarian confirms that your pet has laryngeal paralysis (the vocal cords are observed under light sedation to monitor if they are moving correctly, and sometimes a drug is given to stimulate breathing to see if the folds move properly during the exam), then you and your veterinarian have to decide when and if to surgically fix the problem. Before decisions are made, veterinarians confirm the diagnosis to make sure the pet doesn’t have something else that similarly interferes with breathing, such as collapsing trachea or a laryngeal or tracheal tumor. Many different approaches have been used to surgically treat laryngeal paralysis by moving or removing the interfering anatomy without
ANIMAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
causing any new problems with airway protection. Most veterinarians feel that the unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralization or “tieback” is the best choice for most patients. To minimize the chance of fluids or food entering the airway, the surgeon will only pull open one side enough to prevent airway compromise and future breathing crises. The biggest concern with this surgery is aspiration of regurgitated stomach contents into the lungs, resulting in pneumonia. Dogs with chronic vomiting or regurgitation issues (including dogs with megaesophagus) are not good surgical candidates. There is a medication called Doxepin that can be administered in an effort to improve laryngeal motion if your pet is not a surgical candidate or if you choose not to pursue surgery. Ask your veterinarian if this medication might be an option for your pet.
The majority of families are happy with the quality of life that is restored with surgery. Restrictions following surgery are few: no use of neck collar/ leash indefinitely, minimize barking for six weeks, elevate feeding station indefinitely, and use caution when swimming. About 25% of patients have mild to severe aspiration pneumonia at some point, usually within the first few weeks. It is less and less common for aspiration pneumonia to be fatal; patients usually make a full recovery. Good to excellent long-term results are reported in 90-100% of patients. Complications are less frequent with more experienced surgeons and with the unilateral (versus bilateral) tieback procedure. If your dog suffers from laryngeal paralysis, talk through these potential complications with your veterinarian and choose the most appropriate plan for your pet.
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safety 101 by Mary-Ellen Connor-Kwong
Keep Your Cool
Never before has the lyric “It’s a cruel…cruel summer” from ‘80s pop band Bananarama been more relevant. An analysis of global temperatures for the past six decades, conducted by NASA’s Institute for Space Studies, reveals a concerning increase in the frequency of extremely hot summers—concerning because the consequence of such heat can be, among many things, death. In fact, heat has been the number one weatherrelated killer in the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, resulting in hundreds of human fatalities each year. Unfortunately, our much beloved canine friends are just as vulnerable, if not more, to the summer heat, and with average temperatures predicted to rise another 4 - 11 °F this century, it’s time to take summer safety seriously. The obvious course of action is to avoid taking your furry friend outside. However, “chaining” your dog to the AC has its share of dangers, too, so what’s important is being savvy about when you and your dog venture outside and about what supplies you equip yourself with. Strive to pursue outdoor activities either first thing in the morning or in the cooler hours of the evening. It’s during those cooler hours that your dog will be less susceptible to heat stroke, the early signs of which are heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, bright red gums and tongue, and/or poor balance. Due to the fatal nature of heat stroke and the speed with which it takes effect, veterinarians recommend 38 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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that an owner immediately attempt to cool down his or her dog upon observing such signs. To reach a stable temperature of 100 to 102 °F, apply rubbing alcohol to your dog’s paw pads and ice to his groin area, hose him down with water, and offer him iced water and/ or Pedialyte so that electrolytes can be restored. If a stable temperature cannot be reached, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. Never leave the house without a summer safety kit for your dog. In addition to rubbing alcohol and Pedialyte, your kit should include large bottles of iced water— one can be used to hydrate your dog and the other for dousing him should he get too hot (a hose may not always be handy); sunscreen—yes, like humans, dogs should wear sunscreen, especially on exposed extremities such as ears and noses; and a watch—so you can be mindful of how long your dog is out in the sun. And remember, exposure to humidity can be lethal, too, because it interferes with your dog’s ability to rid itself of excess body heat, which is done through the paws and the mouth. Air moves in through the nasal passage, picks up excess heat from the body, and then is expelled through the mouth. Humidity severely limits this process. In order to avoid a “…cruel…cruel summer,” be aware that temperatures are on the rise and that serious precautions must be taken to protect man and his best friend.
Photos by Chariot Creative Inc.
Breeze & Jinks
Alex & Holly
Photo by Sarah Fix
Jax
Cody
Salus Photo by Karen Becker Launis
Photo by Don Moell
Photo by Bambi Tatum
Sumo & Indiana
Photo by Kim Pernicka
Sawyer
Duncan
Photo by Logan Jacobs
Photo by I Lover Your Furry Face Pet Photography
Photo by Bambi Tatum
Rhys
Photo by Karen Becker Launis
Photo by Jennifer Chappell
Photo by Melissa Thornton
Jax & Clyd
picture this!
Frankie Zuzu
Buddie
Photo by Diane Lewis
* If you want to submit your dog’s photo for one of our next issues, visit us on Facebook and post your picture, or send it to info@thetriangledog.com.
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“Helping You Create A Better Life For Your Dog”
www.thetriangledog.com Rescues
Safety
Wellness
Cooking
Careers
Sports Nutrition
Spring into
daycare boarding spa
Complimentary Evaluation & Free Day of Play Dogtopia of Raleigh 4708 Hargrove Road Raleigh, NC 27616
919-521-8083 All dogs must be evaluated prior to attending daycare or boarding stay. No cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offer. New clients only.
www.dogdaycare.com 40 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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natural Dog by Lauren Whitley, DVM CCRP
Getting Back on All Four Paws:
Physical Rehabilitation for Your Best Friend Mallory, a beautiful girl with shiny black hair and dark brown eyes, ruptured a ligament in her knee that required surgery. Prior to surgery, a full orthopedic and neurologic evaluation was performed, as well as a home environment assessment. Rehabilitation began the day after surgery. Six weeks after surgery, her program included squats, stairs, and frequent walks to maintain her strength and joint range of motion, as well as balance exercises on a ball to strengthen her core muscles. While you may think Mallory is a person, she is actually a Labrador Retriever! Although these practices are considered standard in human physical therapy, they are just now beginning to be recommended in veterinary medicine. In addition to vet recommendations, pet owners are beginning to seek rehabilitation. Fortunately, it is becoming a more common practice after knee and hip surgeries, fracture repairs, and spinal surgeries. Many people don’t realize that rehabilitation is also a great noninvasive option for pets who are not candidates for surgery or for pets for which surgery is not recommended. These patients may have problems such as intervertebral disc disease or hip dysplasia. In addition, rehabilitation can make a significant difference for pets with various sports or soft tissue injuries, progressive neurologic diseases, osteoarthritis, obesity, and limb amputations. Why consider rehabilitation for your pet? It can improve the quality and length of life, as well as manage pain effectively. The function and quality of movement can be enhanced, and the speed of recovery can be increased. Rehabilitation is noninvasive and maintains strength, joint range of motion, endurance, and performance.
Over the lifetime of your pet, it can decrease overall medical costs and prevent future injuries. Additionally, a closer bond often develops between pet and owner during rehabilitation. The biggest drawback of rehabilitation occurs when it is used as an alternative treatment to a recommended standard therapy. For example, its use as a sole therapy may delay other more appropriate approaches, such as a much-needed surgery or further testing to determine the underlying problem. Rehabilitation has the most success when performed on pets with a reliable diagnosis that are receiving other treatments they may need. It is best used as a supplement to your pet’s traditional veterinary care. It is important that the rehabilitation professional you choose be certified for rehabilitation. The University of Tennessee and the Canine Rehabilitation Institute issue this certification after many hours of classroom learning, hands-on experience, case studies, and an examination. This comprehensive education ensures the professional has the knowledge and ability to practice safely and effectively. A variety of modalities and equipment are used in rehabilitation, ranging from simple interventions such as hot/cold compresses, walks, and massage to more complex treatments such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and assistive devices like wheelchairs. Each patient is individually assessed to determine what treatments would be most helpful for its needs. Could rehabilitation help your pet? Possibly! Ask your veterinarian to refer you to a rehabilitation professional if you would like an evaluation.
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training by Barbara Shumannfang, Ph.D., CPDT
On the Road to Drool-Free Car Rides If your puppy trembles, salivates, or vomits in the car, he may be experiencing carsickness. While carsickness is common in puppies, if you merely wait for your pup to outgrow it, he could associate the car with motion sickness and get in the habit of dreading the car. Dread leads to queasiness, which in turn perpetuates the problem of getting sick in the car.
If your dog develops an aversion out of the blue to getting in or out of the car, see your veterinarian, as this can indicate pain. Otherwise, implement all of the following tips and within a couple of weeks, your pup will feel better about the car—just in time for summer adventures.
• Set up a crate for your dog to ride in and cover it with a sheet so that he can’t see the world bouncing past him. Make sure there is airflow along the bottom third of the crate so he enjoys fresh air. • Make sure the crate is stable. If necessary, tie it down and use a thick blanket underneath to make the crate level. • If you have a wagon or SUV, your pup may feel significantly more comfortable riding in the center seat, rather than the far back or front seats, which provide a more topsy-turvy ride. • Fifteen minutes before each car trip, feed your pooch a couple of ginger snaps to help calm his tummy, and spray the crate bedding with Adaptil dog appeasing pheromone. • There is no evidence that soothing a dog makes carsickness worse, and it might even help, provided you don’t sound nervous yourself. Your dog should not ride in your lap, however. Besides being unsafe, this practice is forcing him to experience instability and the sight of the world flying by, both of which could be making his motion sickness worse. • Consider playing classical music, as there is evidence this has a relaxing effect (skip the heavy metal or most CDs marketed to calm dogs). Jazz has not been scientificaly tested yet, but I have found it to have a calming effect. • Drive only 1/2 a block, then get out and take a stroll or play a game of tug-o-war. Drive back home and play again. These mini trips are short enough to prevent tummy upset and long enough to be the tip-off for a really fun activity. Your pup will associate the car with feeling relaxed and happy. Extend the distance you drive one block at a time. Once your puppy is confident in the car, you can switch to a doggie seat belt for everyone’s safety and to instill good car-riding habits. Provide an edible chew toy like a peanut butter Kong (on a towel) to prevent barking out the window, whining, or chewing on the seatbelts. 44 Volume 3 • Issue 3
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For more troubleshooting tips when hitting the road with your dog, see Puppy Savvy: The Pocket Guide to Raising Your Dog Without Going Bonkers. You’ll soon be on the road to safe, happy, and drool-free travels!
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tails from the heart by Angela Brehmer
Maurice “Morrie” Brehmer
August 2002 – March 23, 2013 (adopted around 1 year old)
W
e should have known from the beginning what we were getting into when we adopted Maurice “Morrie” Brehmer.
We had just moved into a larger home and decided our Beagle, Maddie, needed a companion to play with now that we had more space. We knew we liked Beagles and it made sense to start looking at the same place we adopted Maddie one year earlier. When we visited the shelter, there was one small boy Beagle, about a year old, with great deep tri-colors and amazing “mascara” around the eyes. When we asked questions about him, we were told he had been returned twice and needed the perfect, understanding home to train a young Beagle. He was in need of a home, and we knew we were just the family to understand this “troubled” dog. Because of this little dog’s wonderful dark tri-color, we decided to name him Maurice, but over the years he would go by many names such as “Morrie,” “the boy,” “Mr. Man,” “Bucca Buddy,” “Bubby,” and “the naughty one,” to name a few.
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tails from the heart
As we had hoped, Maddie and Morrie became best buds. They played together, they slept together, and they even did a lot of food stealing together. About two years ago Maddie lost her battle with cancer and left Morrie without a companion. Having a few older housemates wasn’t quite what Morrie needed, so we adopted yet another Beagle, Cindy Lu. And again, as we had hoped, Morrie and Cindy Lu became fast friends. Though Morrie always seemed to make friends with housemates, he did have some characteristics that we were never quite able to train out of him, such as his separation anxiety, constant barking, and dog aggression toward non-housemate dogs. Due to these issues, and a few others, Morrie was not a dog that we took with us many places, but for those that met him, they know he was a loving and loyal dog.
Unexpectedly, in early March 2013, Morrie started showing some health concerns. Over the course of a few weeks, we did testing, tried different remedies, and finally did more testing. In the end, we found three tumors, one on his liver, one on his spleen, and one on his bladder: a sign that he was loaded with cancer. We were told he was inoperable and in pain, and there was really nothing left we could do to help him. On March 23, 2013, we said goodbye to our little Bucca Buddy. Regardless of what we called him, he will always remain in our hearts as the best naughty boy any pet owner could ask for. Now that Morrie has passed over the Rainbow Bridge, we know in our hearts he is running and playing again with Maddie, the way he did for so many years. And I know they will be there waiting, for us and for Cindy Lu, until we see them again. The Triangle Dog
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