The Triangle Dog - Spring/Summer 2016

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Helping You Create a Better Life For Your Dog

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Spring / Summer 2016

Kids for Critters Teaching Kids about Pet Responsibility

The Hounds at Home Tips & Tricks for Dog Friendly DĂŠcor

Senior Dogs The Four Most Important Things

Complimentary

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Woodcroft Shopping Center 4711 Hope Valley Road Durham

919-401-4888 www.oliverscollar.com M-Sa 10-7, Sun 12-5

Clare Reece-Glore Individual Coaching For You and Your Dog

for information about training, contact: www.yaydog.com

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clare@yaydog.com

www.facebook.com/yaydog

Food, Pharmacy, Toys and Essentials

Baking on Site:

Cookies, Cakes, Treats and Ice Cream

Check our website for details on upcoming events‌ www.oliverscollar.com Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Spring/Summer 2016

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E DITOR’S L ETTE R

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ot long ago, as I walked my dog through our neighborhood, a voice across the street called out “beautiful day for a walk”. I was a bit embarrassed because I had not noticed that it was beautiful day. Nor had I noticed the ducks bobbing in the creek below us.

Why had I not noticed? I was preoccupied with text messages while my dog pulled on the leash ahead of me. Danny had most certainly noticed the ducks. And if not for the stranger's interruption, I was about to walk right through middle of the creek behind Danny. I put my phone away and decided to pay attention to what was around me. It was time to be a human being instead of a human doing. A hectic schedule had caused my daily walks with Danny to become a chore. I saw them as a task that cut into my endless rush to get everything done. It took a stranger with a kind remark to make me realize I had misplaced priorities. These days when I see a dog walker juggling their phone in one hand and leash in the other, I smile and call out “beautiful day for a walk”.

Now that walks with Danny have taken their proper place of importance, I’ve discovered a

stop-and-smell-the-roses kind of place I highly recommend: North Wake Landfill District Park at 9300 Deponie Drive in Raleigh. This park includes several trails that criss-cross a creek and scenic woods. Pack a picnic and hike with your dog to the top of the hill for a 360° view of the Triangle.

This park is a gem!

Happy walking,

On The Cover:

—Cathi Bert-Roussel Editor-in-Chief cathi@thetriangledog.com

Two sweet Labradoodle sisters who love each other dearly are Lilly Boo (in the chair) and Snickerdoodle (on the floor). Both aged 1 1/2 years old, Lilly Boo Barger is an energetic puppy who does not know her own size while Snickerdoodle Preiss is the shy, delicate princess. Lilly Boo is owned by Amy Barger and Snickerdoodle belongs to Donna Preiss, who was the lucky winner of the “Be on The Triangle Dog Cover” auction item at last year’s Wake County SPCA Fur Ball event held in October 2015.

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T-DOG 10

Spring/Summer 2016 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cathi Bert-Roussel EDITOR

Sean Drummond ART DIRECTOR

Michele Sager COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Tara Lynn InBetween the Blinks Photography DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Mary Price Published by: The Triangle Dog, LLC 514 Daniels Street, Raleigh NC 27608 919-210-2140 info@thetriangledog.com www.facebook.com/triangledog

Advertise in The Triangle Dog: Are you the owner of a dog related business? Would you like to reach thousands of dog owners across the Triangle?

For more information, email advertise@thetriangledog.com.

Entire contents are copyright 2016.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means without prior written consent from the publisher.

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.

PRINTED IN THE USA

TOTALLY FREE, FUN OR FUNCTIONAL APPS FOR DOG LOVERS

1. Triangle Unleashed –

This new app is a great resource for local dogrelated businesses.

Need a dog birthday cake? This app has got you covered.

2.

Dog Translator – A fun

tool that records your dog’s barks and “translates” them into English. For entertainment purposes only.

3.

Relax My Dog – A music

4.

Pet First Aid – Developed

5.

Dog Boogie – A photo app

6. Petoxins - Developed by

7.

DogVacay – This app is

8. BringFido – Like the

app that plays soothing tunes to relax, wake-up or pep-up your pup.

that helps you take memorable photos of your four-legged friends. It even comes with a sound maker to get your dog’s attention. an AirBnB for dogs.

Find a local pet sitter willing to keep Rover in their home.

by the American Red Cross, this app delivers vet advice for everyday emergencies.

the ASPCA, this app provides excellent information on what items should never go in your dog’s mouth.

name says, this app filters only businesses that welcome you and your dog.

9. DoggyDatz – a location

based social network for dog owners and their dogs. Make new friends with other dogs and their people.

10. Wooftrax – this

fundraising app tracks your time and steps while you walk your dog.

Register to walk for your favorite shelter or rescue non-profit. The more you walk, the more money you raise.

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TARA LYNN–INBETWEEN THE BLINKS PHOTOGRAPHY

TARA LYNN – INBETWEEN THE BLINKS PHOTOGRAPHY

Spring/Summer 2016 FEATURES

10 Kids 4 Critters: Teaching Kids about Pet Responsibility

16 At Home with the Hounds: Dog-friendly Décor

23 Dick Larsen: Canine portraitist to the World

36 Senior Dogs: The Four Most Important Things

Backcover – Landfill Dog: Chandler

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IN EVERY ISSUE

COLUMNS

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Editor’s Letter

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The TDOG 10

7 Business Spotlight – Private Sessions Pet Grooming

8 Contributors 20 Breed Basics – Glorious Golden Retrievers

14 Local Rescue – Vance County Animal Shelter 26 Ask the Groomer

22 Tails from the Heart

28 Ask the Vet

34 Dogs @ Play – New Dog Park for Knightdale

30 Ask the Trainer 32 Health & Wellness – To Snip or Not to Snip

Private Sessions

BUSI NE SS SPOTL IGHT

Pet Grooming

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hoosing a groomer is one of the most important decisions a pet owner can make. We want to know our dog is being treated well while in the care of someone else. And once you have found the perfect pet stylist, there is fitting these appointments into an already hectic life.

For the anxious and over scheduled, there is an alternative to taking your dog to a traditional groom shop. Private Sessions Pet Grooming is a mobile service in Wake County that comes to you.

Owner Stephanie Maasbach is a certified pet groomer and graduate of Nash Academy of Animal Arts. Grooming professionally for twelve years, Stephanie specializes in pets that may not do well in a traditional groom salon for a variety of reasons.

Anna Rhodes’ mini schnauzer Yanni is a rescue and dog attack survivor, making it difficult to take him to a grooming shop where he would be around other dogs.

“It was his personal nightmare, and because of that, mine too” she explains.

“I was really intrigued by having a groomer come to us in the comfort of our own home. She responded almost immediately and booked us within the week” says Anna, who is now a loyal Private Sessions customer.

A Private Sessions experience is like having an in-home spa session for your dog. A mini-groom salon is set up in a spot of your choosing (kitchen, garage, utility room). Only sink access is needed for bathing. All other tools are provided as well as clean-up after the session.

Stephanie’s motto is P.E.L.T or Patience, Energy, Love and Time. Her ability to understand each dog’s unique personality and groom according to his or her needs has earned Private Sessions a long list of devoted clients. If a dog needs more time to calm down she adjusts the session accordingly.

Known as “the Groom Whisperer” for her ability to settle even the most skittish of pups, Stephanie is

Ollie getting his groom on.

loving and sensitive toward her fur baby clients, caring for each one as if it were her own. And she encourages owners to observe and ask questions while she grooms their pet if they wish.

Jen Dempsey, a Private Sessions client for five years says “Stephanie has taken the stress out of the process and makes it a positive experience every time. It’s an event we look forward to each month”.

Private Sessions offers flexible scheduling including early morning and late evening appointments six days a week.

To book an appointment contact Stephanie at 919-928-1283 or via her Facebook page at: Facebook.com/PrivateSessionsGrooming

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CONTR I BUTORS

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CL ARE REE SE- GLORE Clare Reese-Glore writes our Breed Basics column. She is the owner of YAY dog! in Durham. Clare provides individual training services and calls herself “a coach for people and dogs”. She is a certified trainer with the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) and helps with local rescues. YAY dog!’s spokesdog, Andy, came from the Animal Protection Society in Durham.

JOEL B . FR ADY Joel Frady is the owner and operator of Dogs Like Joel, a pet sitting service in Raleigh. For this issue, he profiles a new dog park in Knightdale in our Dogs @ Play column. Joel has written for The Mount Airy News, Ashe Mountain Times in West Jefferson, Newsworks in Philadelphia, and WNCN in Raleigh.

TAR A LYNN Tara captured the beautiful cover shot of our models Snickerdoodle and Lilly Boo – winners of the 2015 SPCA Fur Ball Triangle Dog cover shoot auction item. She is a pet photographer and owner of InBetween the Blinks Photography.

She volunteers with the SPCA of Wake County where she photographs pets waiting for their forever home.

BOB FELTON Bob wrote our story on Wake Forest artist Dick Larsen: Dog Portraitist to the World. He is a freelance writer in the Wake Forest, whose clippings file is 20-years deep, and includes engineering, manufacturing automation, book reviews, true crime, and hobby radio. He may be contacted at BobFelton@gmail.com.

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CONTR I BUTORS

BRE ANNE MEDLIN Breanne penned this issue’s At Home with the Hounds feature on dog-friendly decorating. She is the owner of Open Gate Interiorsa design firm in Apex serving the Triangle and surrounding areas.

Outside of the studio, Breanne spends her time traveling and cheering on the Wolfpack with her husband and sweet boy Rivers, a Wake SPCA alum.

MONIC A HENDERSON, RV T Monica spent an afternoon at Northwoods Elementary School photographing the kids for our Kids 4 Critters profile. She has worked with animals for nearly two decades as a veterinary technician and positive reinforcement dog trainer. A lover of animals since birth, Monica photographs Triangle pets through her business Monkey See Photography. In her free time, she likes to hang out with her husband, their dogs, cats and chickens, or volunteering with local animal rescues.

R ACHEL BL ACKMER , DVM Dr. Blackmer contributed Senior Dogs: The Four Most Important Things article. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. She practices at Southpoint Animal Hospital in Durham and is particularly interested in improving the quality of life for our aging four-legged family members.

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K ids 4 Critters

By Cathi Bert-Roussel Photos by Monica Henderson, Monkey See Photography

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n a sunny, January afternoon at Northwoods Elementary School in Cary, thirty bouncy fourth graders happily enter Mrs. Goeders’ classroom for the second installment of the Kids 4 Critters program. Once seated, they look around the room at the visitors and props, eagerly anticipating the lesson on which they are about to embark for the next hour.

In the first activity, each student is given a card representing a pet needing a home or one stating he or she cannot adopt a pet. Students mingle among each other, looking for a compatible card holder who can adopt their animal or has an animal in need of a home. To mimic real life,

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there are more students trying to rehome their animals than there are students willing to adopt. At the conclusion of the game, it becomes apparent why pet overpopulation is a problem.

There are simply not enough homes for every animal that needs one. The students surmise that if overpopulation of animals exists in their community, it must also exist elsewhere and the magnitude of this issue becomes very clear.

The children’s curiosity naturally segues into the next topic: what happens to all the homeless animals, where do they end up and the benefits of spay/neuter programs,.

Kids 4 Critters is a comprehensive and interactive lesson plan that teaches youngsters how to be responsible pet guardians, how

to plan and prepare for pet ownership, the wonderful benefits pets provide and the ethical dilemmas regarding homeless animals. Created in 2014 by Judy Austin, Gail Coles, Linda Pattison and Aileen Randall (three of whom are teachers), the foursome believed there was a need for a guided approach to teaching young people about pet responsibility.

The six-week program was recently offered to Northwoods Elementary and Baileywick Road Elementary. The team has plans to add more Wake County

Teaching Kids about Pet Responsibility schools in the future. Weekly lessons are taught by the founding members as well as volunteers, Mark Shear, Janice Firling, Trish Raffel, Dawn Friedel and Jeanine Rogers.

Students also meet local animal experts like Ricci Kearney, Wake County Animal Center’s Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, who contribute their valuable professional knowledge.

Teachers Lisa Goeders of Northwoods Elementary and Amy Wilson of Baileywick Road Elementary, both see firsthand the benefits of having the K4C program in their classrooms.

Curriculum elements such as math, reading comprehension,

writing and art are all incorporated into activities to reinforce what they have learned throughout the program. The financial cost of pet ownership is explored through a budgeting exercise.

Students are given a list of pet needs (food, bedding, collar, leash, veterinary care and grooming are just a few examples) and their corresponding costs. They then create a monthly budget for a new pet. Some inquisitive minds go a step further and use their math skills to project the annual and lifetime cost of pet ownership in order to truly understand the long term investment. The children are

"Our students have really enjoyed participating in the Kids 4 Critters program. They are learning that not only is having a pet fun, it is a big responsibility. Our Kids 4 Critters teachers have a love for animals that they are passing onto our students� says Amy.

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“Students are able to see the importance of being empowered by their knowledge of what pets need to thrive and add to our world. It now makes sense to them why it is imperative to have your pet spayed or neutered. This procedure brings about so many positive outcomes for the pet and their owners, as well as helps control the pet population.”

Lisa explains.

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often astounded to learn what it really costs just in financial terms to own a pet. The program also includes an art project and opinion essay where students demonstrate what they learned throughout the program. Students are also taught some aspects of applied animal behavior theory to help them understand how dogs and cats learn, how pets perceive humans and how to approach other people’s pets in a nonthreatening way.

One of the most enjoyable sessions for students is when volunteers bring their own dogs to the classroom. Canine visitors

include certified therapy dogs that demonstrate how dogs provide assistance to humans in a number of ways. Another popular visitor is K4C mascot, Mr. Peters, canine officiant at the graduation ceremony where students take an oath to be responsible toward animals and to teach others to do the same.

Kids 4 Critters educates and inspires students to become more compassionate toward animals.

The program also empowers them to be thoughtful leaders and influencers within their families, neighborhoods and communities.

And that’s a great thing!

To find out more or to bring this program to your school, contact K4C through their website www.kids4crittersonlin.wix.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/Kids4CrittersNC.

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Ground breaking ceremony for the new shelter on Brodie Road, Henderson

TARA LYNN – INBETWEEN THE BLINKS PHOTOGRAPHY

A New Shelter for Vance

by Cathi Bert-Roussel

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anuary 21st was an important day for animals of Vance County. Nearly one-hundred people gathered to watch the ground breaking ceremony for the new shelter site in Henderson. This long awaited project would not have been possible without community support including a generous land donation by Charles and Mary Boyd, a customer directed donation from Waste Industries, a community development grant from the USDA, grassroots fundraising launched in 2015 by volunteers Emily

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Nichols and Tracey Dreibelbis.

The North Carolina chapter of the Humane Society of the United States also provided valuable support and guidance along the way.

Vance County is located an hour’s drive north of the Triangle near the Virginia border. The current shelter opened in 1978. Since that time the building has not expanded but the animal intake rate has, dramatically. A mere 2,000 square feet, the shelter takes in between three to four thousand animals annually. As the county’s only holding facility for stray, abused and surrendered

animals they must take every one that comes in.

Rural county shelters have small budgets requiring staff to improvise to meet standards set by the Department of Agriculture. This has not always been easy but the Vance AC team, consisting of Chief Frankie Nobles, Office Assistant Tanya Evans and AC Officers Billy Spain, William Coker and Chris Vick, have found innovative ways to make a shelter stay more comfortable for their guests. A resident rooster forages for ticks on the property which keeps animals free of parasites. During the

snaps, AC officers deliver bedding to residents to keep their outdoor dogs Vance ACO with Smudges, a cruelty case taken warm through to the shelter and later adopted by Tanya Evans. frigid winter nights.

Vance Animal low cost vaccine clinics and Shelter can be considered a spay/neuter programs to county model for rural shelters across residents, providing community North Carolina. With a education on proper animal care shoestring budget, this team and achieving a significant has accomplished a lot including reduction in the euthanasia rate decommissioning their gas with the help of Ruin Creek chamber, vaccinating all Animal Protection Society. adoptable cats and dogs that Currently under construction enter the shelter, offering no or

by Riggs-Harrod Builders of Durham, the new shelter is scheduled to open in August and will be three times the size of the existing building. It will provide space for 130 animals and include a reception area to welcome visitors, as well as rooms to facilitate adoptions and conduct medical examinations.

SHANNON JOHNSTONE

winter months, kennels are covered in plastic to keep cold air out and body heat in. Indoor shelter space is limited so some animals must be housed in outside kennels. Certainly not an ideal situation but it does emphasize the immediate need for a larger shelter building.

To say Chief Nobles and his team go above and beyond the call of duty for Vance animals would be an understatement.

During the recent wave of tornadoes in February, members of the AC team stayed at the shelter to ensure the animals were safe while the storm passed. During cold

The Vance County Animal Shelter is located at 165 Vance Academy Road in Henderson until August when they move into their new home on Brodie Road. Visit their website at vancecountyanimalshelter.com for more information.

Vance AC team take pies in the face for a good cause.

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The Hounds at Home: ` Tips & Tricks for Dog-Friendly Decor

By Breanne Medlin

Photos by Tara Lynn, Inbetween The Blinks Photography

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iving with a dog is trial and error. Sometimes it feels like having a nice home is a trade-off for having a nice dog. However, pets are family members too and can coexist with a beautiful home if you choose the right textiles and design elements. Thanks to new finishes, products and creative design ideas, you do not have to sacrifice style for your dog!

Follow these five tips for a stylish and functional interior decor that you and your pet will love!

FABRICS: One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, “What fabric do you recommend for

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life’s everyday messes from kids and dogs?”

When spending money on new furniture or upholstery we want a fabric that will look great for years. New textile technology has created high performance fabrics that can stand up to daily pet wear and tear. Sunbrella fabrics have been around for a while but were geared toward outdoor furniture. Now, many furniture manufacturers offer Sunbrella as an upgrade.

Although more expensive than a non-performance fabric, the benefits will pay off in the long run. It resists mildew and fading, making it a fabulous choice for busy households. And the bright colors are an added bonus!

There is something about leather that makes a room feel cozy. If you cannot resist pleading puppy eyes when your dog wants to join you on the couch, I highly recommend leather. A distressed or worn looking finish will make scratches less noticeable.

Ultrasuede and microfiber are as pet proof as you can get! Both are easy to clean and pet spills wipe off in a snap. If you want to play it safe, opt for either of the two on furniture that will be used by people and pets.

CARPETING & AREA RUGS: What finishes off a room better than an area rug? Rugs help ground a seating group, add

a sense of warmth to the space, muffle noise and protect the finish on your floors.

They also provide a comfy spot for your dog to snooze and traction for their paws.

Flat weave rugs are a great option when it comes to cleaning. No pile means vacuuming is a breeze. Crumbs and debris sit on top of the rug rather than penetrating into the fibers. Look for 100% percent wool, which is easy to clean and maintain or an indoor/outdoor style that can be hosed off.

Pattern on the rug is important!

Multicolor rugs, fine stripes and geometric patterns are good options.

A natural fiber jute rug can provide texture to the room and help disguise a lot of dirt and debris.

A loose berber carpet is a NO GO for active dogs! If you can’t live without a berber, make sure the carpet does not have a continuous loop that will unravel when caught by a high heel or doggy toenail.

Stainmaster’s Pet Protect is hands down the best wall-towall carpet for families with puppies and older dogs. A low pile, patterned or fleck carpet is recommended.

Pet Protect has a lifetime warranty for stains and soils as well as a specific lifetime

warranty on urine, feces and vomit stains. Don’t forget to grab a moisture barrier pad.

Not only will it keep spills and liquids from penetrating to the subfloor but it will buffer noise, act as installation and provide extra cushion.

HARDWOOD FLOORS Beautiful as they are, hardwood floors will scratch.

Ironically, farmhouse style is a big trend right now, so scratches add charm and character. For site-finished floors, a No. 2 wood with a satin finish is recommended over semi or high-gloss. A wide plank,

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handscraped engineered wood that is made to look worn would be the best option for disguising any scratches.

PAINT Stick with a satin finish when it comes to wall paint. It is easy to wipe clean and offers a nice sheen to walls for a dimensional look. Behr Premium Plus Ultra is a must for high-traffic spaces.

BUILT-IN DESIGN Why not design a permanent solution for your dog’s needs within your home?

Incorporate your dog’s feeding station within the design of your kitchen. A built-in not only looks attractive but moves the dog’s eating space out of the way. Give your pup a cozy space, preferably not your furniture, for window gazing. A built-in window seat with a comfy cushion will become their favorite spot. And it is a great space saver by providing extra storage.

Check out these shops for dog friendly products!

Lowes Home Improvement: Pet Protect Carpet Home Depot: Behr Premium Plus Ultra Paint

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Mill Outlet Village: Sunbrella Fabric Rugs: Surya, Dash and Albertpurchased through Open Gate Interiors for discounts!

Fresh American WOUFs (Dog Beds): purchased through Open Gate Interiors for discounts!

A huge Thank You to our SPAH-Tacular clients and fans!

We have expanded our services for pets: Certified Laser Therapy • Certified Chiropractic Treatment Certified Rehabilitation/Agility/Neuro/Post-Operative Therapy

5601 Fayetteville Rd, Durham • (919) 226-0043 www.southpointpets.com

YOUR PET IS MY FOCUS!

MONICA HENDERSON, RVT 919.410.7688 INFO@MONKEYSEEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

TO SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION

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PH YSICA L CH A R ACTE R ISTICS Golden Retrievers are a large breed, standing from 21-24 inches at the shoulder and weighing from 50-75 lbs. They have a wavy, water-resistant top coat and a soft undercoat; be prepared to see those lovely golden hairs all over your house.

In Europe, Goldens are a bit smaller, stockier and colors may be lighter. American Goldens tend to be lankier and darker in color. They may come in shades of cream to reddish tones, a solid-colored dog with very little white permitted. Show judges will disqualify pure white, black and dark red dogs. Some puppies may have small white markings such as a dot on the head or chest, but this usually disappears as the dog matures.

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As the dog ages, elderly Goldens develop with a lot of white around the face and eyes.

H ISTORY The Golden Retriever originated in Scotland. The First Baron of Tweedmouth began breeding the dogs in the 19th Century and kept excellent records of his line-breeding practices. There was a rumor that the dogs originated from “Russian dogs” he bought from a circus but his records show otherwise. He started to cross a yellow retrieving dog he had purchased with a local spaniel breed which has now disappeared. As guns became more powerful and birds were dropped at a greater distance, hunters needed a gun dog that was quite strong and could

travel a long span of land and return. The Golden Retriever loves water, which may have come from working all types of terrain.

GROOM I NG & H E A LTH Golden Retrievers must be brushed regularly, every few days at the very least. Once or twice a year their undercoat will shed, so invest in a good vacuum or plan to live in a land of golden fuzz for two to three weeks.

Goldens do have several health issues. They are susceptible to cancers, including bone cancer and may be prone to thyroid issues and epilepsy, which can be very minor or quite severe. They also have the problems of hip and elbow dysplasia which plague many

large purebred dogs. The Morris Animal Foundation has commissioned a lifetime study of 3000 purebred Goldens to examine possible factors contributing to cancer in dogs.

very trainable. They are often used for service dog work, as they are so people-focused and strong. They may be quite gentle with children. Even with their great reputation as a family dog,

that doesn’t mean that they should be left alone with small children, or that children are free to be rough with them. No riding the dog!! And, if a Golden’s normally sweet temperament seems to worsen, get the dog to a veterinarian quickly. Sometimes thyroid abnormalities or epilepsy can affect a dog’s behavior.

So, it is easy to see why this breed is so popular. If you are interested in the Golden Retriever, find out more about the breed and its health issues.

Then find a lovely Golden (whether, cream, gold or reddish) and enjoy your life with them.

Goldens are a large dog, and may be “exuberant” in their youth, so training is important.

They do need regular exercise, though the amount may vary from dog to dog. Goldens love to play and run and usually love to retrieve. As a larger dog, they are slower to mature, so be prepared for an ungainly stage that could last up to two years.

They should be fed high quality food and monitored by a veterinarian to ensure good health and a long life.

TR A I N I NG The good news is Goldens are

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TA I LS F ROM TH E H E A RT

Dog from a Distant Land finds Forever Home in America

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alking between the buildings of an American training base in the Middle East, Christina Ireland’s dad had a unique escort. A tan and white puppy, one of a litter of six born on the base, abandoned whatever she was doing when she saw the officer to follow him.

Prohibited by military directives from touching or feeding the pups, Mr. Ireland had developed a relationship with the dog simply by talking to her.

She had become such a constant companion to Mr. Ireland, a chief warrant officer, that she was named Chief Junior, or CJ for short.

A fellow soldier and friend of Chief Ireland decided he wanted to adopt CJ to send home to the US. CJ

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spent two weeks in quarantine in Germany followed by another two weeks of quarantine in the US. But after being free from quarantine and in her new home for only a week, CJ went AWOL and was gone for about 3 days. She was eventually found in a Wilmington area animal shelter. At that point, CJ’s new American family had second thoughts about adopting this traveler from a distant land.

Chief Ireland’s wife had been in touch with the family and volunteered to re-home the now homeless CJ with her daughter, Christina. Perhaps the persistent change was too much for the three month old CJ, for when she met her new housemate, a six year-old miniature schnauzer named Jack, she responded with aggression. “I thought she was going to kill him. I was terrified,” recounts Christina.

Ireland’s mother took CJ to her house for a week to give everyone a break and allow CJ to relax. The next weekend they reintroduced CJ to Jack. This time CJ wasn’t in attack mode but it would be close to a month before Ireland left the two alone in a room together.

When her father, the Chief, returned from duty last September, Christina had the chance to see if CJ remembered her old military pal from their time at the training base. “As soon as she heard his voice she literally knocked me off my feet to get to him. It was like she knew exactly who he was.”

Reminiscent of her time on the base, CJ still prefers to be outside where she can dig holes three feet deep in Christina’s driveway. Ireland has learned to straddle the holes with the wheels of her car, since filling them in only causes CJ to dig them anew in the same locations. All of the trouble is worth it though, as this world traveler is generous with her love.

“She brought a lot of happiness and enjoyment into all of our lives,” Christina affirms.

D ick L arsen: Dog portraitist to the world

by Bob Felton

F

rom the first whiff of his cousin Herman’s oil paints when he was 12-years old, Dick Larsen knew that his future would be in art.

“The smell of the paint was all it took,” he says. It was a long, improbable route from that first intoxicating encounter, though, to his studio in Wake Forest’s Cotton Company and paintings that hang in homes and galleries throughout the world.

Raised in Detroit, Michigan, Larsen joined the Coast Guard when he was seventeen, serving 4-years during the Korean War.

Leaving with a tattoo and a vivid account of being left behind on a small speck of an island in the south Pacific as the tide rose, he then headed to Los Angeles and spent a year studying at the Art Center. Leaving without completing the degree work, he returned to Detroit and began work for a 3-man advertising agency, where he earned $25 per week and learned the basics of advertising. Then he moved on to advertising paste-up for CaseHoyt in Rochester, New York, a subsidiary of once-mighty Kodak.

A few years more and he was back in Detroit, working for the LaDriere Studio, which did a lot of work for the automobile companies. “That’s where I learned art,” he says. He continued to learn about advertising, too, moving on to Young and Rubicam’s Detroit office, where he coined Eastern Airlines’ “Number One to the Sun” slogan. That got him promoted to New York, where he remained until the Eastern bankruptcy. Then it was back to Detroit and the W.B. Donor agency, where

he remained for 12-years and worked on accounts such as Faygo, Tootsie Roll, and Hygrade, coining the famous question: “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” That slogan inspired not only the sale and consumption of millions of Tootsie Pops, but the curiosity of engineers and scientists.

Engineering students at Purdue, Swarthmore, and Harvard have researched the question, with answers ranging from 364 to more than 2200. And Time magazine, USA Today, and dozens of other news outlets reported that a 2014 study at the University of Florida established that the correct answer ranges from 177 to 215.

Larsen only grins and answers, “A lot.”

That was followed by stints in Florida, Dayton, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia. By the time he arrived in Wake Forest he was done with advertising and wanted only to paint. Working in a studio located above the nowdefunct Corner Ice Cream Parlor, Larsen imitated the works of the Old Masters to study the techniques of light and color; still-lifes that capture the nuances of a hanging tablecloth,

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important thing.” Since then he has painted hundreds of dog portraits, from clumsy puppies learning to get around on snowshoe-sized paws to venerable housedoggies emeritus, always looking for the one characteristic that makes each one unique. “It’s one thing to paint a generic Boxer,” he says, “but something else to paint your Boxer.”

Larsen’s dog portraits now hang in homes in England, New Zealand, South Africa, and throughout the United States.

and an olive splashing into a martini; portraits; landscapes; flowers; an atmospheric series of paintings dubbed Heartbreak Hotel, which now hang throughout the United States.

Then, one day a man walked into his studio carrying a photograph of his dog, a Golden Labrador. Would Larsen paint a portrait of him?

Sure. Why not? But Larsen found as he worked on the portrait that it was not merely a commission that would pay some bills, but a challenge that he enjoyed. “I like painting dogs. You have to get the eyes right, though” he says. “That’s the most

To commission a portrait of your dog, contact the artist at dick@dicklarsenartist.com or 919-4269297. You may also visit him in his studio at The Cotton Company, 306 South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest. Late fall until Christmas is typically a busy time of year for him, and commissions should be placed 2-3 months before you’ll need the painting.

Bob Felton is a freelance writer in Wake Forest, North Carolina

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“I’m thinking Dawn might like a portrait of Winston and Clementine for her birthday,” I told Dick. We were sitting in my office next to his studio, drinking coffee. “Both of them, like a studio portrait of people’s kids?”

“Sure,” he said. A few days later, he told me he was having second thoughts. “I’ve been thinking about it, and it would be better to do separate portraits. They’ll crowd and detract from each other if they’re both in a single painting.”

“Okay,” I agreed, and showed him the photographs I’d gathered. Dick knew both dogs and found one right away that he thought would be a good basis for Winston’s portrait, but didn’t like any of the Clementine photographs. “Let’s go by the house and I’ll take some pictures of her.”

We did, and a few days later he showed me the picture he intended to use. Clementine is giving him a sidelong, clearly irritated look that says, “You’re bugging me, man.”

“That one?”

“That’s definitely the one.”

“Allright,” I said uncertainly, wondering how I would ever explain it to Dawn. “Let me know when I’m happy.”

Clementine was a Boxer and, temperamentally, a canine clone of the Beverly Hillbillies’ Granny Clampett, sweet and good-natured but quick to let you know (and in no uncertain terms) when things didn’t meet her definite and occasionally bizarre ideas about how things ought to be.

The painting captured her exactly; when I think back, all of my memories of Clementine revolve around her stubborn, unyielding spirit – that look -- and I smile over the memory of her every time I look at the painting. That’s the difference between painting a dog, and painting your dog.

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ASK TH E GROOM E R

There are so many dog shampoos and conditioners available these days. How do I know what to look for when picking the right product for my dog?

There are so many different choices when it comes to dog shampoo, it can be overwhelming!

First, consider the needs of your dog. If your dog has itchy skin, look for a gentle shampoo that is free of perfume (smell the shampoo if you are not sure) and has oatmeal, aloe and/or vitamin E. If your dog has flea and/or tick issues, there are many shampoos on the market that can help - just be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the directions to keep your dog, yourself and your

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environment safe. Eye drops are always recommended to protect your pet’s eyes when using flea/ tick products as well as other shampoos when warranted.

Again, read directions carefully.

Dogs with allergies, other sensitivities or puppies should be washed in a gentle, hypoallergenic and tear-free shampoo. This is especially important for puppies; the first bath may cause them to be frightened, so making sure you use a shampoo that does not burn their eyes is very important!

There are also shampoos on the market that intensify color, help

detangle/deshed, add shine and body or have deep conditioners to add moisturizers to the coat and skin.

With all these choices and with new products always coming onto the market, if you are not certain about what products to use, consult with your veterinarian or groomer. They know your dog and what needs to be used to help ensure a successful bathing experience. And whenever using a product for the first time, don’t go overboard. Start with a small amount, rinse well and see how your dog reacts to that product.

ASK TH E GROOM E R

I ran out of dog shampoo.

Is it okay to use my shampoo or soap to bathe my dog?

It is never a good idea to use human shampoo, dish soap, or other commonly found soaps in the household. Dogs have a different ph than people do. Human shampoos are designed to strip our hair of excessive oils; dogs need those oils to maintain good coat health. Using shampoos not formulated for dogs can, at the very least, cause intense itching, rashes and hot spots due to too much moisture

being removed. Additionally, using chemicals that are found in human shampoos that are not approved for use in dogs could cause a toxic reaction - human shampoos are not tested for safety on our four- legged friends. There are many good dog shampoos you can purchase that will not hurt your wallet and are readily available both online and in local stores. So play it safe and use a shampoo manufactured especially for your dog!

Beth Johnston owns Beth Barks N Bubbles in Durham. She is a lifelong animal lover who, at 10 years of age, first groomed the family dog in the driveway. She has been grooming animals for over 20 years, working with dogs, cats, rabbits and horses. Beth has successfully competed in canine events including conformation, rally, obedience and agility. She is a certified member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America and is certified with the American Red Cross in Canine First Aid and CPR.

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ASK TH E V ET

Dr. Teresa Danford graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of veterinary medicine in 1999. After gradation she worked in a small animal practice in rural Wisconsin before moving to Raleigh in 2004. Her core belief in education and the integration of behavior management into personalized wellness care motivated her to recently open her own hospital. Raleigh Community Animal Hospital brings affordable wellness care, high quality medicine and surgery, education and an emphasis on the community together in one place.

I’m starting to see dog vitamin commercials on TV and any pet-store I visit, I see the displays and advertisements with various labels: “superfood” or “superior formula” or “advanced and packed with nutrition” … but do dogs really need a “Flintstone-a-day” or is this a marketing gimmick by petrelated companies for another dollar?

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ASK TH E V ET

Ensuring that your pet’s nutritional needs are met is one of the most critical factors in safeguarding their health and longevity. Our pet’s greatest source of nutrients is through their daily diet; yet, the difference between their source and ours as humans, is the consistency of their diet – generally speaking, your pet eats the same meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

While it has been engrained in us to consume a variety of different-colored foods and to make smart choices with the food we allow into our bodies for maximum input of nutrients and micronutrients, we often busy ourselves to eat whatever is easy, whether it be microwaveable or drive-thru. Multivitamins are designed to be the differencemakers in our diets; to supply the nutrients that we failed to intake on any given day.

BUT what about the food our pets eat – do these foods from Beneful to Blue Buffalo contain all the nutrients that my pet needs daily?

Every commercially sold pet food is regulated by the FDA and is approved based on the AAFCO Model Pet Food Standards, which stipulates the levels of each nutrient based on the life stage of your pet; whether it be growth, maintenance, all-lifestages, or gestation/lactation.

Because every diet is designed to be balanced and complete (and noting that most of us feed exclusively commercial pet food), there is no need to supplement with general multivitamins.

But not all pets eat pet food!

Well then, the answer changes a pinch.

If you are preparing food for your pet, it is important to be diligent about meeting your pet’s nutritional needs. Meeting this need is best done with a scientifically designed recipe and coupled with the

appropriate level of supplements as paired with that recipe. One of the best online sites for designing diets for healthy and sick pets is www.balanceit.com or as an alternative, you may pursue working with a veterinary nutritionist, such as Dr. Korrin Saker at NCSU

College of Veterinary Medicine.

While most dogs on commercial pet food do not require a multivitamin, I am a strong advocate of supplements for targeted conditions. Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) are beneficial for skin disorders and arthritis; glucosamine is helpful for chronic pain and achy joints; probiotics support the digestive and immune system; and a handful of other supplements can be useful if your pet’s condition warrants such.

However, I caution most of my clients, not on supplements or which brand of food to feed, but rather on how much they are actually feeding. Pet obesity is a leading cause in countless serious health issues. Pet feeding recommendations on the back of any pet food bag is based on a pet getting two hours of exercise every day – most of our pets, including my own, fail to meet that level of activity; thus, you may need to feed less than the recommended portion to keep them at a stable and healthy weight.

In closing, I value the science that is being poured into the pet supplement field. There are advantages to adding a supplement to your pet’s diet; however, being consistent with your pet’s exercise and guarding the amount of food and treats your pet eats daily will inevitably make a greater difference in your pet’s health and well-being.

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ASK TH E TR A I NE R

Are there any good educational games, toys or activities I can use with my dog when we are stuck inside on rainy days?

The definition for enrichment above is often well understood when we think of animals in zoos, sanctuaries or laboratory facilities. What humans sometimes forget is that our dogs are also considered captive animals and need behavioral enrichment toys and games to help meet their speciesspecific needs and avoid boredom and boredom related behaviors, such as excessive licking or barking.

There are so many great options for providing this type of stimulation for your dog. Some are as simple as the basic food puzzles that you can find at most pet stores. But I have some special favorites that can help you take it above and beyond, and really excite and challenge your dog on rainy days, too hot days, or any day!

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ASK TH E TR A I NE R

1. Nina Ottosson enrichment toys for dogs.

2. K9 Nosework is such a

popular sport and engages dogs on a mental and physical level that really helps them develop strategy, independent thinking skills and memory skills.

You can begin by hiding a few pieces of food in plain sight, then ask your dog to “find it”. When she finds and eats her treats, praise her and tell her what a great job she has done.

Once she is understanding the game you can make it a little harder by placing more treats further apart and in slightly more obscure places, such as near the wall, in a corner, or sticking out from the bottom of the rug. You can add height and other confusing smells, such as shoes, to keep it interesting as she gets the hang of it.

DIANE LEWIS

Nina began developing brain teaser toys for dogs over twenty years ago. As a young mother in Sweden, she felt awful for not having as much time to interact with her dogs as she did before she had children. Her guilt inspired her creativity and soon after she began creating food puzzle toys for her dogs. Her products are top of the line, dishwasher safe, and appropriate for any breed, age, or size. I love her games because each toy has built in different levels of difficulty, so once your dog masters the puzzle at level 1, she has at least 4-5 more degrees of challenge to work through.

Karen Smith is the owner and head trainer of All Dogs Allowed, a Triangle-area training company. With over 16 years of experience in the field, she has worked not only with canines, but tigers, sharks, chimpanzees, lemurs, horses, and more! Karen loves working with shy or fearful dogs, and specializes in leash reactivity, canine obedience, and building better communication between dogs and their owners. You can contact Karen with questions any time at: AllDogsAllowedInc.Com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES

www.nina-ottosson.com www.dognition.com www.k9nosework.com

3. Dognition, based in

Durham, is an online membership service you can created by Dr. Brian Hare, head of research at the Duke Canine Cognition Center (DCCC) and coauthor of the NY Time bestseller “The Genius of Dogs”. Dognition allows a new level of understanding of your canine through interactive games. And you can even record the results to receive a cognitive profile of your dog to help you better understand him and his specific learning style. If you have a few hours to spare on a rainy day, try a few Dognition games with your pup. They are a lot of fun and provide interesting insight into your dog’s mind.

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H E A LTH & W E L L NE SS

To Snip or Not To Snip… that is the question

By Teresa Danford, DVM

I

CONGRATULATIONS!

t is overwhelmingly difficult to have an honest and factual conversation on the benefits and not-so-benefits of sterilization. Both sides of the aisle are clamoring to make more noise than the other and often the facts of spay and neuter get muddied in between. On one hand, the unarguable debate is that “spaying and neutering saves lives”; and in the other hand, groups are taunting: “spaying and neutering is cruel”.

Yet beyond the words of the debate is an individual pet that presents its own nose-print and its own complex and individualized health.

Nevertheless, if you are in the position to be asking this question, you likely have a new fur-kid addition to the family, of which, I must say

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Under almost all circumstances, I strongly urge my clients to spay and neuter their pets, BUT that recommendation begins with an open and honest conversation with you focused specifically on your pet’s health and well-being.

There is an epidemic of pet overpopulation rampant across our country. Surgical sterilization of pets is the most preventable option of controlling this influx, with both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and America Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) published position statements advocating for the spay and neuter of pets, as young as 8 weeks old; yet, beyond the overwhelming overpopulation of dogs and cats,

there is a medical and behavioral component of sterilization that is often neglected.

I would hope to believe that when we add a new member to our families, it is with intention to be a ‘forever-home’, with the promise of growing old with them and keeping them as safe and healthy, as possible. Thus, as a preventative measure, if a female dog is left unspayed, that dog has twenty-five percent chance of developing mammary (breast) cancer and/or pyometra (possibly life threatening infection in the uterus). If that same female dog is spayed, especially before their first heat cycle, this risk

H E A LTH & W E LLNE SS

decreases to virtually zero.

Considering males, an intact male has a twenty-five percent higher risk of prostatic enlargement or testicular cancer and/or other hormone responsive cancers than a neutered male.

Behaviorally, altered animals are less likely to display aggression, have the urge to roam, or indulge in territorial marking. All of these behaviors can usually be corrected by a combination of sterilization and training, yet it is difficult to break a habit that has become ingrained in an animal’s mind; and if these behaviors are

not curbed, these pets are often surrendered to the local animal shelter.

Even though I strongly urge my clients to spay and neuter their pets, there have been incidences presented to me that I recommended waiting to spay or neuter. A handful of studies have been completed over the past

few years gauging the benefits of waiting to sterilize until a dog is fully mature. In these limited samples, the findings indicate a lower incidence of knee injuries (cranial cruciate ligament ruptures), hip dysplasia, and lymphosarcoma in Golden Retrievers that did not have surgery until they were greater than 1 year of age. (https://www. ucdavis.edu/news/ golden-retriever-study-suggestsneutering-affects-dog-health) Just like every decision we make, there are pro’s and con’s attached to that decision. With due diligence, the cons associated to sterilization tend not to be as life-endangering as the lack thereof, but they are real and need to be discussed. After sterilization, a pet’s chances of becoming obese doubles and a female’s chances of hypothyroidism triples, amongst other medical concerns. However, let me be clear in addressing the matter of “is castration cruel?” - not one of the con’s associated with sterilization should be classified as cruel. I reserve the term “cruel or cruelty” for acts of willful negligence, physical and mental abuse (ie: puppy mills and dogfighting), abandonment, or fur-farming, just to name a few.

The dialogue and rationale of “why” to spay and neuter your pet is widely accessible - yes, the prevention of future illnesses by spaying and neutering your pet are overwhelming; the behaviors curbed or modified are substantial; and the lives saved because you spayed or neutered your pet is undeniable; but, the opposition to sterilization is gaining steam abroad and anyone daring to articulate between the two opposing views becomes a target of ignorance, neglect, and anger.

Veterinarians, veterinary team members, shelter workers, and dog-trainers all hold a degree of credibility with the pet-parentpublic. Veterinarians, especially, are held in the highest of esteem with confidence and trust and we must not neglect our duty of presenting the whole spectrum of an issue to manipulate our clients into doing what we think they should do all because some other individual will abuse that same advice.

In closing, I urge each of you to seek out an honest and open veterinarian; a veterinarian who will educate and enlighten; a veterinarian who will listen and understand; a veterinarian who will treat your loved one personally and individually; not commercially and collectively.

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DOGS @ PL AY

Kni g htdale Eye s E xpansi

By Joel B. Frady

I

JOEL B. FRADY

t only been three years since the Knightdale Parks and Recreation Department opened the Knightdale Station Park on a 71-acre lot on North First Avenue. The park is also home to the Ashley Wilder Dog Park, a fenced-in off-leash park divided into sections for small and large dogs.

Annabelle, 4, explores the wooded side of the Ashley Wilder Dog Park in Knightdale.

Knightdale Parks and Recreation Director Tina Cheek said that the inspiration for all of Knightdale Station Park originated with a Citizens Needs Assessment survey the town conducted. Through those survey responses, citizens requested walking trails, playgrounds, an entertainment venue, and the dog park.

“We didn't have any other area for dogs to be off-leash, and there's not really a dog park close

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by here,” said Cheek, noting that Knightdale citizens had to drive to Raleigh to visit one.

Knightdale citizen Bill Young said that before the dog park was built he used to let Annabelle, his four year-old yellow lab mix, play in his backyard; or they'd take a trip across the Triangle to Umstead Park. Now, he visits the park almost daily.

“I like bringing her and being able to walk,” Young said. “You got a lot of stuff to do.”

Cheek said that she didn't run into as many challenges as she expected when they set out to build a dog park, thanks in large part to support from both the community and Knightdale Town Council.

“There are always some reservations when you put a dog park in, I think,” said Cheek.

“People that haven't been around one, or don't own dogs, they think that it's going to be really loud or smelly.” Cheek added

DOGS @ PL AY

on for Wi lde r Dog Pa rk that they had a good location set aside that was “conducive to the dog park.”

“It's tough to establish a tree in a dog park if you're building it in a wide open area, but there was a very thick growth of trees in this area,” she said, “so we were able to come in, take out some trees and then leave [others] so we have a lot of shade in this area.”

The community response was “very positive” when the park opened, according to Cheek, although she said there was a “little bit of a learning curve at first.”

“Just like kids, not all dogs get along,” said Cheek. “But the owners have been very good about it. If the dogs aren't getting along, they'll pull dogs aside. They've been good about keeping them off-leash once they get in here and cleaning up after themselves.”

“We've seen a lot of ownership since we opened it,” she continued. “If something is wrong or there's a dog out here and nobody can find an owner, we get a call in a second. People really police this area and want to keep it nice, clean and safe.”

Knightdale Parks and Recreation have also created two successful dog-themed events – the Paws in the Park Easter Egg Hunt every March and a Dogtoberfest event in October. Despite being only three years old, an expansion of the dog park is already being discussed as part of a master plan revision of Knightdale Station Park. Cheek said the plan is to combine the current small and large dog areas into one big area for large dogs and build a new area for small dogs.

Coco, 4, runs past an ornamental fire hydrant as her owner, Gene Lawrence of Knightdale, watches from a park bench at the Ashley Wilder Dog Park in Knightdale.

JOEL B. FRADY

The Ashley Wilder Dog Park is located in Knightdale Station Park at 810 North First Avenue in Knightdale.

For more information about the park or the events, call (919) 217-2230 or go to knightdalenc.gov.

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Senior Dogs:

By Rachel Blackmer, DVM, DAVBP (Canine and Feline), CCRT

S

ome dogs are seniors at 7 years of age, while others don’t reach senior status until well into the double digits. Why the difference?

Some of it is genetics and size; (on average larger dogs tend to age earlier than smaller dogs) but it’s also related to how lean, fit, and mentally stimulated our companions are.

We can maximize our dogs’ comfort, mobility, and emotional and mental well-being, through many different tools and techniques, most of which are easy to implement.

• Toe Grips (which go over the nails and stay on all the time) or boots (there are many options, all should be used intermittently) provide even more stability.

HOME ENVIRONMENT As dogs age, their joints start to hurt and aren’t as mobile as they once were. They have a bit more trouble getting around the house. Imagine yourself having painful hips or knees. Now imagine you’re wearing plush socks on your feet and walking on a polished, hardwood floor. You’d have to shuffle a bit, be more careful, and take shorter steps. Your whole body would have to work hard to help stabilize you.

That’s the situation for many senior dogs I see. The slick surfaces might as well be ice. The hair on the bottom of their feet creates a slipper that makes it hard for them to walk (or even stand) on slick surfaces. Here’s how we can help: • Provide runners, rugs, and other non-slip surfaces wherever your dogs walk or stand.

Stairs should have non-slip runners or treads.

• Trim the hair on the bottom of the feet every 2 weeks so that the pads are completely visible.

• Trim the nails at least monthly.

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• Provide grassy areas outside(keep the grass short) or firm dirt surfaces for your companion. Deep mulch, tall grass, and uneven surfaces are all difficult for the senior dog to navigate.

His bed should be thick enough to provide plenty of padding for hips, elbows, and chest. The best beds are supportive but also fairly thin since many aging dogs have trouble getting up from thick, plush beds.

Consider an orthopedic dog bed

ENRICHMENT Like humans, dogs benefit from keeping their minds and bodies active. In fact, dogs that experience dementia (cognitive dysfunction) find relief through increased physical and mental stimulation. Here are some ways to keep your dog mentally, emotionally, and physically stimulated, no matter what their age.

• Enrichment toys – all dogs that like to eat, like it even more if they have to “work” for it. One of the most basic kibble-dispensing toys is the Kong. Once he’s an expert at the Kong (which might take 3 seconds or a few days) you can progress to more challenging toys, which you can find at most pet stores.

• Play – all mammals enjoy play, which stimulates the body, the mind and the

emotions. There’s nothing better than a good laugh. For your senior dog, that laugh is a wagging tail. If your dog isn’t interested in tugging or toys, try the conditioning exercises in the companion article. For most dogs, they’re really fun and will get that tail wagging.

• Field Trips – if your companion enjoys other people, consider taking him to the dogfriendly outdoor seating at a local coffee shop, or on an excursion to your favorite pet store to pick out some treats and get some pats from the friendly staff.

• Brushing – make sure to use a brush that your dog really likes. However, if he doesn’t enjoy brushing then it doesn’t count as enrichment.

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ASSISTIVE DEVICES As our canine companions have more trouble getting around, helping them can be hard on our own bodies . . Thankfully there are many devices that can help.

• Harnesses and slings – The Help ‘Em Up Harness is my favorite for dogs with compromised mobility. With parts for the chest and pelvis, it allows you to easily help your dog to rise, traverse stairs, or walk. For most dogs, the harness can be worn all day and is adjustable, allowing for a comfortable fit.

• Boots – there are many types of boots and paw coverings available to help dogs walk on slick surfaces. You can find options at most larger pet stores.

• Ramps and pet steps – consider a pet ramp to help your companion get in and out of the car and pet steps for getting on and off the bed or couch.

WEIGHT A lean body weight is critical for our senior companions. The first pain relieving measure for a dog with mobility challenges is a lean physique. Not only do studies show that dogs live up to 2 years longer if kept lean, fat is actually pro-inflammatory; meaning your dog is fighting an uphill battle with inflammatory pain in his joints if he’s overweight.

Don’t stop at “not fat”; get your companion all the way to LEAN.

How to tell if your dog is lean: • There’s a waist between his ribs and his pelvis.

• Easily felt ribs – place your hand on a table in a relaxed position and feel the bones in your hand. This is close to how easily you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs. They should be easily felt, but not visible.

• There’s a tuck to his belly between his chest and his hind legs

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Courtesy of Shannon Johnstone and Wake County Animal Center

My name is Chandler and I am up for anything as long as it doesn't involve water. I have passed level 1 basic obedience training: I know how to sit, lay down, wait and stay. I also walk well on a leash, am house and crate trained. I'm a pretty happy-go-lucky guy that just wants a person to call my very own. I live with a cat right now and she doesn't bother me one bit.

But I'd rather be an only dog if that's okay. If interested in meeting me, contact my foster mom Stephanie at stephanie331@yahoo.com

For more information on Landfill Dogs, visit www.landfilldogs.info Spring/Summer 2016

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Find out more about me on Page 39 40

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