Volume 3 Issue 1

Volume 3 T Issue 1

Complimentary

Meds

by Mail High-tech Help

Cracking the Code Puzzles for your Pups

The Triangle Dog

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PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Brehmer Barks 2013? Could it really be? I was listening to the radio last week and heard the song "1999" by Prince; I started thinking about how when that song came out in 1982, everyone thought 1999 was so far away, and yet here I was thinking 1999 was so long ago—14 years ago to be exact. That’s kind of how I think about The Triangle Dog. In 2010 when we began talking about the idea of starting a magazine that would focus on “helping you create a better life for your dog,” it seemed like a long time until our first issue in April 2011. Now, that initial conversation seems so long ago and we feel we have accomplished so much.

As we start this New Year, we want to reflect on the previous two years and think about all we have covered. We have helped people with “firsts”—their first dog introduction, their first experience picking a dog, and their first dog park adventure. We have looked at working dogs, holiday dogs, and New Year’s resolutions for dogs. We have also taken a look at serious issues such as puppy mills, animal abuse, and the importance of spay/neuter programs.

In 2013, we hope to continue to bring you many more stories, both light and serious, that will “help you create a better life for your dog.” We want to start the year by bringing awareness to North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare (NCVAW) and what they are doing for animals in NC. We also highlight in this issue ways to incorporate technology into your dog ownership.

In addition, you can find the usual columns in this issue: Natural Dog, discover what canine chiropractic can do for your dog; Animal Health & Wellness, learn why you should consider a dental exam for your dog; and Dogs @ Play, read about the new sport of Treibball.

As we look to the year ahead and what it holds for the dog community of the Triangle, we want to again thank all of you for your continued support. We are thrilled to continue this journey with all of our fellow dog lovers in the Triangle, and want to hear from you so we can partner in creating a better life for your dog.

We wish you all the best in 2013, Chuck & Angie Brehmer (and Morrie, Millie, Elsie, and Cindy Lu) Publishers/Editor-in-Chief

u L y d n i C

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Elsie

Table of contents Volume 3 • Issue 1 Departments: 4 Publisher's Note 5 Table of Contents 6 Masthead 8 Contributors 24 The T-Dog ‘Round Town 26 Ask the Groomer 32 Ask the Vet 35 Let's Cook 39 Picture This!

Cover Story:

14 What’s Your Mutt Made Of?

by Clare Reese-Glore

Columns: 12 Shelter Spotlight: Carolina Care Bullies 13 Adoptable Dogs: Carolina Care Bullies 18 Nutrition: What’s in the Bag: Micronutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals

20 Pet Friendly Business: Everything Fits Better with Dog Hair on It!

Features:

10 The Pitfalls of Buying Pet Medication from

16 Bored with Bones? Checkout These Techno Toys

22 Dogs @ Play: Treibball—A Whole New Ball Game

34 Natural Dog: Need an Adjustment? Consider Canine Chiropractic

36 Animal Health & Wellness: Getting to the Bottom of Bad Breath

38 Safety 101: Winter Weather Woes 41 Canine Careers: While You’re Away, the Dogs Will Play

44 Training: To Bark or Not To Bark 46 Tails from the Heart: At Your Service

Someone Other than Your Veterinarian

by Dana Lewis, DVM

by Sean Drummond

23 Top 4 Pet-Related Apps for Android Phones

by Brian Lapham, DVM

30 Changing Laws, Changing Lives

by Elizabeth Wilson

40 Get Connected with Your Dog

by Barbara Shumannfang, Ph.D., CPDT

42 Track ‘em Down

by Donna Elliott

The Triangle Dog

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Founders: Chuck Brehmer and Angela Brehmer

Volume 3 • Issue 1

“Helping You Create a Better Life For Your Dog” Publisher: Chuck Brehmer

Cover Photography: Diane Lewis

Editor-in-Chief: Angela Brehmer

Art Director: Michele Sager

Editor: Allison Bennett

Advertising Director: Betty Schomer

Distribution Manager: Mary Price

Website Designer/ Manager: Michele Sager

The Triangle Dog 6409 Fayetteville Rd, Suite 120-376 Durham, NC 27713 919-249-8364 (TDOG) info@thetriangledog.com

“Like” us on

Follow us on

On The Cover: Courtesy of: Details: Cover Photography By:

Andy Clare Reece-Glore “What’s Your Mutt Made Of?” Diane Lewis Photography

TheTriangleDog.com

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: January 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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The Triangle Dog

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CONTRIBUTORS 3.

4.

2.

Photo

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ot

av ail

able

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1. Allison Bennett Originally from Indiana, Allison moved to Fayetteville, NC in 2010 with her husband, her lab/pit Angel (who’s never met a stranger), and her Walker Coonhound Sophie (who’s afraid of her own shadow). She received her B.A. in English from Purdue University and is the Assistant Director of the Writing Center at Methodist University, where she spends her days tutoring students and sharing her love of the written word. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, gardening, and writing.

2. Sean Drummond Sean Drummond is the stay-at-home parent of three human children and two canine kids. The dogs are both rescues from different organizations. In the midst of childcare and dogcare, he attempts to maintain a freelance writing career. You can read his blog about his adventures with his children in the Triangle at http://besteducateddad.blogspot.com.

3. Donna Elliott For 15 years, Donna S. Elliott was blessed to love a little brown dog named Reason, and now she shares her love with her two dogs Jules and Luna, who continue to teach her how to live with an open heart and a happy tail and to be grateful for every smile.

Donna volunteers with animal welfare causes and strongly supports making low-cost spay and neuter available to low-income families as a means of reducing pet overpopulation and ending the unnecessary euthanasia of pets in shelters. She serves on the board of directors for AnimalKind, a local non-profit dedicated to the spay/neuter cause.

4. Suzanne Kalafian, ABCDT, CATT 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 her business here in NC and has followed her goal to educate humans in the positive care and training of their canine companions. Suzanne believes that dogs need a positive lifelong commitment from their

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6.

Photo by Lindsey McDaniel

7.

Photo by Russ Lewis, Maestro Productions

humans and strives to help people communicate in a positive manner with their dogs. Suzanne continues to become educated in new sports. Superior Dog Training, Inc. currently offers Agili-o, Treibball, Nose work, Rally-o, Trick certification, mix-it-up classes, and many obedience options.

5. Donna King Dr. Donna King practices at Apex Family Chiropractic in Apex, NC and is Board Certified as a Chiropractic Sports Physician, as well as an AVCA Certified Animal Chiropractor. Please feel free to contact her through her website at www.apexfamchiro.com or email her at animalchironc@gmail.com for additional information or questions.

6. 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.

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!

7. Dana Lewis, DVM 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.

CONTRIBUTORS 9.

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Photo by Kristen Beck

8. Georgia Liese Georgia Liese has been training dogs for 17 years. She was schooled at the Margolis Institute of Dog Training. Besides training dogs, she owns two dog services facilities: Dog Holiday Resort in Raleigh and another in NY. In an effort to help as many dogs as they can, her resort has provided free obedience training for the “hard to place” and puppy class certificates to the SPCA so that dogs are placed with educated owners, thereby reducing the number of animals returned to the shelter. In the future, she would really like to lobby for animal rights and contribute to reform that holds people accountable for the treatment of their pets.

9. Debbie Pell Debbie Pell is the Administrative Assistant of the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE). Prior to her position at SAVE, Debbie was the Administrative Secretary of the Communication Department at North Carolina State University.

She graduated from Virginia Western Community College in Virginia with a degree in Data Processing. Her passion for animal welfare has led her to Rescue UR Forever Friend Animal Rescue, where she fosters and rehabilitates rescued animals. Debbie has written articles for The Triangle Dog and The Garner Citizen.

10. Clare Reece-Glore Clare Reece-Glore is the 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.

11. 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

14.

13.

Photo by Diane Lewis Diane Lewis Photography

Photo by Tara Lynn, In Between The Blinks Photography

professional dog trainer for over 15 years. Heidi has been featured on television and in newspaper articles for her dog training knowledge.

12. Barbara Shumannfang, Ph.D, CPDT 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.

13. Karen Smith Karen Smith is a Triangle-area dog trainer at All Dogs Allowed, Inc. Training. Since 2000, she has counted not only dogs as her students, but also horses, sharks, and tigers, just to name a few! If she can train an 800 lb male tiger to stretch on command with a clicker, she can train your pint-sized pup. Karen specializes in obedience training, fun sports, and canine activities. She is recommended by area veterinarians and rescue groups.

She loves snuggling one of her five dogs, three cats, or assorted other menagerie members—husband included—and tromping through the woods with a handful of dogs in tow. Visit her at www.

AllDogsAllowedInc.com.

14. Elizabeth Wilson A life-long animal lover, Elizabeth Wilson currently resides in Durham with two of the best decisions she's ever made: Reggie, a two-yearold American Bulldog/Lab mix, and Piper, a one-year-old Australian Cattle Dog. When not “bringing home the bacon” or spending time at one of the local dog parks, Elizabeth may be found bringing awareness to animal issues as the Durham Animal Advocacy Examiner on Examiner.com.

The Triangle Dog

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Pet Medication

by Dana Lewis, DVM, owner, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice

The Pitfalls of Buying Pet Medication from

I

nternet pharmacies and big box store commercials would have you believe that you're just throwing your money away if you buy your prescription medications or heartworm and flea preventatives from your veterinarian.

But these pharmacies have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. For example, some pharmacies use questionable products and they might not be guaranteed by the manufacturer if complications arise. Additionally, you still need a prescription from your veterinarian in order to get your medications and you need to make sure to talk with your veterinarian to avoid harmful medication interactions, regardless of where you purchase prescriptions. What’s more, these other pharmacies are making veterinary care more expensive, not less. Let’s start with that shocker first.

Pharmacies are making veterinary care more expensive—not less Running a veterinary hospital is a business. Yes, we love animals, and yes we want to take care of them and make you happy, but it costs money to pay the staff, the rent/mortgage, utilities, all the infrastructure (anesthesia machines, blood analyzers, microscopes, computers, etc.) that make a hospital run smoothly. We perform nearly all the medical and surgical procedures done in human hospitals but without the headaches and profits from having to deal with insurance companies.

Unfortunately, some practices have changed in veterinary medicine that make other costs go up, including a loss of the pharmacy revenue, changes in vaccine recommendations, which eliminated some of the yearly vaccination revenue, and drug companies selling directly to pet owners rather than through veterinarians (which is why you see flea medications that you used to get only through your vet being sold in big box stores).

Veterinarians used to pay the bills by getting as many pet owners in the door as possible and charging a small fee for an office visit to keep the costs of veterinary care low. If an animal was ill and needed diagnostics or procedures to work-up a problem, procedures and diagnostics were performed and pet owners with sick animals were charged accordingly. If medications were needed, they were dispensed to the pet owner

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at a reasonable profit. The veterinarian had a lot of clients and patients coming in and bonding with the practice, ensuring the bills would be paid, and pet owners came to the vet for minor problems. The quicker a problem is dealt with, the less it often costs because it has not grown in significance to a much bigger issue.

But since people are filling more of their prescriptions outside vet offices, the fees have to change; the office fee has gone up. Procedures, diagnostics, and preventative care are more expensive to help defray the costs previously recouped by selling medication.

The vet may feel he or she cannot afford to keep those diagnostic machines in office anymore and refer you to a specialty hospital, costing you time and more money.

What does mean?

a

prescription

Per the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association, "Veterinary prescription drugs are to be used or prescribed only within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship." This language means that you and your pet must have a valid relationship with a veterinarian in order for him or her to prescribe medication for your pet. As a result, when veterinarians get faxes for pet pharmacies requesting medication for animals we have never examined, or haven't examined in over a year, these requests will be denied. Human medicine works the same way. Your doctor is not going to risk your health and his or her license and call in a prescription for you if he or she doesn’t see you first. Veterinarians need to know your pet and what they are treating before they prescribe.

Someone Other than Your Veterinarian

Beware of foreign and counterfeit products

Use caution combining prescription and OTC medications

Some online pet pharmacies are more reliable than others. If the pharmacy is offering you a deal that seems to be too good to be true, it probably is. Some online pharmacies have sold medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated, or improperly made or stored.

These medicines may not contain the actual drug, may contain contaminants, may contain an incorrect amount of medicine, may not work as well due to age, or may have been stored in conditions that were too hot, cold, etc. Be aware of the pharmacy’s return or refund policies. The pharmacy should be easy to contact— an address, phone number, and an e-mail address should be listed on the website. One way to check an Internet pharmacy's reputation is to look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites’ (VIPPS) seal of approval. This approval is a service of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The VIPPS website (www.nabp. net) lists qualifying online pharmacies.

Just like when you go to the doctor and then to your pharmacy, inform your veterinarian if you give your pet any natural, holistic, homeopathic, or other overthe-counter (OTC) medications or supplements. It is important to avoid any harmful medication interactions with prescriptions your pet is already taking, or that your veterinarian may prescribe in the future.

Here’s an example of what can go wrong: a client administered the prescription that we recommended for her dog’s arthritis. What she failed to tell us was that she was giving her pet an OTC product containing a salicylate, which is related to and has side effects like aspirin. She didn’t think of that as a medication because it was not a prescription. Luckily for her dog, it didn’t cause a fatal gastrointestinal bleeding ulcer because we discovered that she was giving this other product when the dog started vomiting.

As your pet’s health care advocate, you lovingly assume responsibility for his or her welfare and provide him or her with the best care possible, so medicate wisely.

Some disreputable pharmacies may sell foreign or counterfeit products. Items like flea and heartworm preventatives are more common targets for this problem. Luckily this practice isn't too widespread at the moment, but it does still happen. On more than one occasion I’ve had a client complain about a flea product that didn't work, and when they showed me the product, it was a counterfeit.

Another problem with online pharmacies is that they may not be selling drugs approved in the US. These products have different strengths and labeling than US products. Look closely at medicine ordered online.

I had this happen when someone ordered heartworm prevention and they were confused because the weight limit on the medication was in kilograms instead of pounds. They brought it in for me to see and the pharmacy was dispensing product from Australia. This practice is illegal in the US. The Triangle Dog

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shelter spotlight

Carolina Care Bullies is a 501(c)3 taxexempt animal welfare organization focusing on pit bull-type dogs, also known as bully breeds. Comprised of multiple foster homes that exist throughout the state of North Carolina, Carolina Care Bullies has placed over 250 pit bulls into permanent homes since August 2009. Our rescue is composed of Director Amanda Liston and Co-Director Terry King, a board of “senior” volunteers, foster homes and “vollies”; all are dedicated volunteers. Our mission is to decrease the pit bull euthanasia rate in North Carolina shelters by broadening the understanding of bully breeds, offering support to owners of bully breeds, caring for deserving pit bulls in the loving homes of generous foster families, and placing pit bulls in responsible permanent homes.

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We host several annual community events such as Pits in The Park in Hillsborough, NC where we provide FREE vaccinations, micro-chipping, training, dog food, leashes, collars, and information on spay and neuter programs. The organization also maintains “Spidey’s Fund,” which is a fund for families of pit bull-type dogs in need of costly surgeries that families cannot afford. We host monthly adoption events in our local communities not only to help adopt out our rescued dogs but also to hand out literature on low-cost spay and neuter programs and local licensing and regulation information.

Visit our website www.carebullies.org for more information.

adoptable dogs

Buck

Pit Bull

Buck is an intelligent old pit bull whose secret to living a long life is obviously stopping to smell the roses…the mailbox…the neighbor…. and anything else that he happens upon! His ever-wagging tail tells the story of a dog with lots of enthusiasm for the simple things in life—a comfy place to sleep, enough food, and a lap to lay his head in. Not much is known about Buck’s life before he was dumped at the shelter for having the audacity to grow older, but he has definitely had some training as he understands basic commands, rides well in a car, and walks nicely on a leash. He is crate-trained, is house-trained, and loves nothing more than to be your shadow or curl up with you on the couch if allowed (and if not, he’s just as happy to stretch out on the floor by your feet).

Minnie is your girl if you’re looking for a lot of free kisses and a dog with major smarts. She loves to learn and already knows how to sit, lie down, shake, stay, go to her crate, and "leave it." She will thrive with an owner who continues her training. The only thing Minnie enjoys more than training time is snuggle time, and she wants nothing more than to be by your side. Rough physical play can scare her, so she'd prefer a home without young children while she continues to build her confidence.

Minn

Andy is a 3-year-old pit bull/boxer mix. He is a very friendly, eager-to-please dog. Andy seems to enjoy kids because his tail goes a-mile-a-minute any time he sees them! He enjoys playing tug and loves to snuggle up with anyone willing. He is very food motivated, well behaved on a leash, housetrained, and crate-trained. Andy also gets along well with the other dogs in his foster home. Andy came to the rescue with a lot of medical needs, but he made a complete recovery with the help of his veterinarian and foster home. Today he is a healthy, bright-eyed boy, hopeful for a loving forever family.

ie

Andy 3 year old

Pit Bull/ Boxer Mix

Coco Bean is a short and stocky 2-year-old pit bull that loves to cuddle and be silly. She is just starting to play with toys and bones and is learning how much fun they are. She loves people and is always sad to see them go. Coco loves to run but also relax and lay in the grass, so a home with a fenced yard where she can spend some time outside would be ideal!

CCB is currently boarding Coco at a local doggie day camp, but is in need of a foster home so she may learn about home life. Foster-to-adopt is accepted if you are looking for a longer commitment! Coco needs a home that will allow her to become comfortable around other dogs at her own pace (please ask us about this process, we have a lot of great advice to guide you to success). A home with just one or two other dogs is preferred; cats are not preferred, but we will accept homes with cats if committed to slow introductions.

Coco Bean 2 year old Pit

The Triangle Dog

Bull

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What’s Your Mutt Made Of?

DNA

tests for dogs? Are they accurate? Do we want to test our mixed breed/rescue dogs?

I picked Andy out at Animal Protection Society of Durham because he looked intelligent and pretty calm. He was known by the volunteers to play with his toys by himself in the pen, and I think a dog who can entertain himself is a good sign.

by Clare Reece-Glore, owner of YAY! Dog Photos by Diane Lewis Photography

My favorite comment about Andy’s origin came from my friend, trainer Lindy Tilley. When I asked her what ancestry she thought Andy had, she said, “I think he is mostly dog.” I joked that he might be composed completely of breeds I said I would never own.

I have been a devoted German Shepherd owner most of my life, and they are my “special breed.” But after losing one of the best shepherds ever in 2010, I decided I wanted to look for a smaller dog with medium energy level, yet still with working or herding characteristics.

I also wanted a dog who would be very social and sometimes work with me in my dog training business.

So here are breed guesses people made: Chow Chow (straight back legs and a purple tongue); Border Collie or Sheltie because of the ball obsession, intelligence, and quickness; Beagle due to body shape and eye set; Papillon because of crazy tufts around his ears; Corgi from his longer body; German Shepherd, color; etc.

Meanwhile, Andy just had his twinkle in his eye and his jaunty demeanor, and he kept his own counsel. Many of my friends and I thought he was surely Border Collie or Sheltie mix.

I ended up with my first ball-obsessed dog who has won me over with his intelligence, loyalty, and charm. I did want to do DNA testing eventually, but I decided to wait at least 6 months. Andy’s breed became a guessing game since he is clearly a very mixed breed dog.

I didn’t want to have the testing done right away because I didn’t want to be swayed by my notions about any particular breed. He clearly was quite healthy and definitely had the “hybrid vigor” going for him, so I wasn’t worried about health issues.

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However, I determined that if I got a large mixed breed dog, I would have the testing done to get a heads-up for possible health issues.

Dogs are the most diverse species on the planet, with over 400 breeds. We have developed dogs for very specific uses, whether it is types of work or our enjoyment.

This selective breeding has also given us over 300 diseases in dogs. Scientists began sequencing the dog genome in the 1990s and are working on refining and mapping information which relates to canine diseases.

Guesses

Test Results

Border Collie

Chinese Sharpei

Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) Standard Poodle mix Chow Chow

Chow Chow

major part of what comes up in the genetic mixing of dogs. I laughed at myself because I have a black and red dog; I couldn’t get away from the two-tone markings of German Shepherds. I don’t even want to imagine the hair/coat of a Sharpei/Poodle mix, but Andy does have a nice silky coat that does not shed badly and he even has a magnificently fluffy tail. When he is wet, all his hair goes into little kinks, even though it stays flat.

Overall, even though we may think first about the appearance of a dog, we should always be thinking about energy level, temperament, and personality when we choose a dog. Sure, there are about five of those breeds in Andy that I said I wouldn’t want to own, but all those breeds made a dog who is an intelligent, sweet, funny, family dog—our wonderful Andy.

References:

Papillon Rottweiler

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dog-dna-testing

Beagle Maltese

http://www.americanscientist.org/issues/pub/ genetics-and-the-shape-of-dogs

Welsh Corgi

Pinsher

German Shepherd German Wire-Haired Pointer

Next came DNA tests for pet dogs. Nathan Sutter, Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics at Cornell University noted, “not surprisingly, not all dog breed DNA tests are created equal. The more breeds the company has in its database, the greater the chance for accuracy in their results.”

The tests are done at home from a cheek swab, or they can be completed from a blood test by your veterinarian.

I used a company which lists more than 190 breeds in their database. They sent me a kit with good directions for getting Andy’s cheek swab. (Andy was a bit taken aback, but cooperated all the same.)

The results were intriguing. No surprise—Andy is a completely mixed breed dog, with no purebreds in his family tree. Here is the chart of the guesses and the reality: The test results stated that one grandparent was a Sharpei and one was a Standard Poodle mix. The other breeds were “next best matches” which appeared in the DNA analysis of the specific dogs. Sharpeis herded when they were general farm dogs, as did Rottweilers, so I wasn’t completely crazy there. The Rottweiler and German Pinscher are in the AKC working group, one of my favorite groups.

It turns out that even shelter workers or experienced dog people can’t always predict the breed(s) from the appearance of a dog. Apparently hair or coat is not a The Triangle Dog

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Bored with Bones?

by Sean Drummond

Check Out These hoices for interactive dog toys used to be limited to the Kong or those roll-a-treat balls. Your dogs could spend hours licking cheese whiz out of their beloved rubber Kong or travel long distances around your house gobbling up kibble dispensed from the interior maze of their roll-a-treat, but that was about it. Now there is the next generation of toys invented specifically for your pup.

With lights and sounds, the latest chew toys appeal to your dog’s senses by using technology previously found in children’s toys. Dogtronics offers the Glimmer Ball—a light up ball that its manufacturers say is best enjoyed in low light so your dog can see the random flashes of light emitted as the ball is touched. But if your pooch is more stimulated by sounds, then check out the Babble Ball sold

by ActiveDogToys.com. This touch-activated ball repeats phrases or animal sounds as your dog rolls it around.

Looking for a way to let your best friend safely chase wildlife? Dogtronics makes a moving toy squirrel or toy hedgehog that can engage your dog’s predatory drive.

These small animals run on a couple of AAA batteries and don’t carry disease.

Bubble machines aren’t just for kids, especially when they blow bacon-scented bubbles. ActiveDogToys.com offers two battery-powered models that blow continuous bubbles or you can buy the special bubble solution and

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blow your own. The website assures that dogs swoon when surrounded by a cloud of meat-scented bubbles.

Other new offerings are puzzles that require your dog to move or remove pieces in order to find a hidden treat.

ActiveDogToys.com sells puzzles by Nina Ottosson, the most popular designer of canine brainteasers. After having children, Ottosson found she had less time to exercise her dogs, so she began creating interactive games for her two Bouvier des Flandres. Ottosson puzzles are made of wood or plastic and the difficulty level can be adjusted based on your dog’s familiarity with the puzzle.

And if all of the above fails to capture Rover’s attention, you can buy him an automatic fetch machine, which shoots a tennis ball every seven seconds. With a price tag over $100 at ActiveDogToys.com, this is an expensive toy. The Fetchtastic can be run on batteries or through an AC adapter. Dogs can even be trained to replace the fetched ball back into the top of this trashcan-shaped machine, eliminating the need for reloading.

Technology can never eliminate your dog’s need for human interaction. The best toys are made to be enjoyed with your companion and these new offerings are simply meant to stimulate your dogs in new ways as they continue to build a loving bond with their favorite playmate.

The Triangle Dog

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nutrition

by Heidi Schmidt

What’s in the Bag? Micronutrients, Vitamins, and Miner als At this point, if you’ve read the last few issues of The Triangle Dog, you know something of the proteins and carbohydrates found in pet food. But there is another component that is just as important. This component is the micronutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are added back after the food is processed. Since these components are heat sensitive, they are denatured during the cooking process. So, at some point after the cooked mixture has cooled some or just after the extrusion process, they are added back. This process is fortification.

Since there are no governmental standards for pet foods (there are legal requirements for animal feed going into human food), the industry has its own “watch-dog” group.

This group is the American Association of Feed Control Officers (AAFCO). They produce guidelines and feeding test protocols. Since these guidelines and protocols are voluntary, profit determines which, if any, are followed.

Profitability also determines which micronutrients and how much of each will be included in the mix. For example, high-priced glucosamine-chondroitin will be

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added at a very low level—so low that it may be at an ineffective level for some dogs! This low level is also true for taurine, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, selenium, and the remainder of the vitamins. Also, since most of these substances work best in concert with each other, it is doubtful whether they are in correct concentration to be of benefit! Many manufacturers do not add back enzymes in the raw ingredient. Dogs who eat these cooked foods must manufacture enough enzymes to digest the food. This digestion may, over the long term, put a strain on their stomach, small intestines, and other organs.

You may consider adding additional supplements to your dog’s menu. Many dogs benefit from additional vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. They provide much of what has been deleted from traditional dog food. Care must be taken to assure that the correct amounts are administered to the dog and that they are administered in the correct way. Remember to read the labels and speak with your veterinarian before you give something new to your precious pet.

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pet friendly business

by Karen Smith,owner of All Dogs Allowed

Everything Fits Better with

919-833-8565 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Galateaboutique

Water bowls and treats are provided, and visiting dogs receive plenty of love and affection. The store has simple rules that mostly fall in the category of common sense:

If you are anything like me, you think everything is better with a dog thrown in the mix. Pesky errands like the post office or grocery store would suddenly become my favorite things to do, if only my pooches were allowed inside.

• Only friendly dogs should be brought in, so leave the feisty Fidos at home.

Luckily for me, and the many of you who agree, the Triangle is bursting at the seams with business owners and shops that are more than happy to accommodate our wild canine consumer dreams.

• Keep the pets on a short leash and under control in respect of other clientele who may be afraid of dogs.

• And please—potty-trained pups only. Many of the products are floor level so marking males can quickly take out a full display!

One of my all-time favorite dog-friendly shops is the beautiful Galatea Boutique, located in the Seaboard Shops near downtown Raleigh, NC. Owner Cheryl Fraser and husband Sean are Virginia natives who traveled down to our beautiful state of North Carolina in 1996 and decided to stick around (who can blame ‘em?). Cheryl originally came here to run a new branch of a locally owned store called Grassroots, which has since closed. With her background in fashion and her experience as a buyer, Cheryl decided to keep the spirit alive and opened her very own store, Galatea. Thirteen years later, her venture is still thriving as a Triangle hot spot.

Galatea’s love of pets extends beyond the great customer service allowed to the furry visitors of the store. Local artists sell dog-centric earrings, frames, and magnet boards on Galatea’s shelves. The shop runs pet food drives yearround that help feed the homeless pets of our state, and the shop is also a major player in the popular fall event Down by the Tracks that hosts dog-related vendors, music, games, and raffles with all proceeds going directly to local rescue organizations and efforts.

Browse the store and you are sure to find something for everyone. A clothing boutique first and foremost, fashionistas can find brands such as Johnny Was, Cutloose, XCVI, and more. Jewelry, shoes, scarves, bags, and other accessories top off the experience. You can even buy some local honey, straight from Cheryl’s beehives, or get some cleaning tips on how to get stains out of white clothing (Cheryl says a white vinegar soak can cure just about anything!).

Cheryl’s decision to keep Galatea a dog-friendly store came naturally. Grassroots had always been pet friendly, and Cheryl was accustomed to dogs coming in, not only with the customers, but also with the employees. A proud parent of a Gordon Setter, Keegan, and rescue Golden Retriever, Baxter, Cheryl found the store a great place to socialize her furry friends, and she allows her employees the same benefit. Even when the workers leave their pets at home, Cheryl says rarely a day will go by without a dog coming in to see them at the store.

So strap on some shoes, grab your leashed pup, and head on down to Galatea—they are waiting to welcome you!

Photos by Cole Smith

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10 W. Franklin Street Raleigh, NC 27604

on It

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DOGS @ PLAY

by Suzanne Kalafian, ABCDT, CATT

TreibballA Whole New Ball Game

The sport of Treibball was developed in Germany by Dutch Dog Trainer Jan Nijboer in 2003. He got the idea when he saw his dogs pushing their food bowls. It became a competitive sport in Europe in 2007.

This game is not just a herding sport; it is so much more. Treibball is an off-leash game requiring the dog to act on the handler’s commands and body language.

These commands can be either verbal commands, hand signals, or whistle commands. Dogs use their nose or shoulders/chest to drive 8 balls into a goal in 10 minutes or less. The balls are set up in a triangle (like billiards) and are brought in one at a time. Balls can vary in size and shape, depending on the level.

In the foundation training for Treibball, you will be teaching your dog through positive training how to target a mat, focus on you at a distance, use a Treibball staff, touch the hand as well as the ball and Treibball staff, orient his or her body to yours, and push a ball. You will learn all of these skills in steps and will be working your distance up little by little. This may sound like a lot of work, but you are teaching new skills that build confidence and create off-leash reliability, as well as nurturing a stronger bond between you and your dog.

Your rewards are many with this sport, as you watch skills click with your dog and see a stronger, more eager dog emerge!

In my experience, this sport is wonderful for all breeds and all sizes. It is a low impact sport for both dog and handler. I have seen this sport help reactive dogs to focus 22 Volume 3 • Issue 1

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on their owners and the game instead of other dogs and scared dogs build confidence and be able to work in new areas. But most amazing is the bond I see develop between dog and human. The owners learn how to read their dogs better, understand how they think, and develop ways to train that are enjoyable for both!

The American Treibball Association established a clicker-based curriculum in July of 2010; in August 2010, they established a 501(c) non-profit member organization, thus becoming the first sanctioned organization for Treibball. You can visit their website at www.americantreibballassociation.org for more information.

Another member organization now offering Treibball as a positive sport option is Canines and Humans United. They also promote positive training methods, as well as encourage handlers, regardless of physical abilities and dogs, and regardless of structure to compete. For more information, their website is www.caninesandhumansunited.com.

Please come join the fun! Take a class, see a demo, or go to a workshop and see what this sport is really about. It’s fun, challenging, rewarding, and, most of all, provides you with a very positive, enjoyable way to play with your dog! For more information on events in the area, go to www.superiordogtraining.com or contact me at suzie@privatedogtraining.com. Try Treibball out—it’s a whole new ball game!

by Brian Lapham, DVM of Southpoint Animal Hospital

Top 4 Pet-Related Apps for Android Phones

Y

es, I have gone to the dark side—I have a smart phone. I fought this technology bravely for years; I didn’t even get a cell phone until a few years ago. But having a phone, Internet access, GPS, and PDA all-inone was just too tempting.

I make myself feel better by saying I have one for use at work—which I do, but mostly as a calculator and as a way to stay in contact with patients after-hours or to access records while out of the office. There are also several great pet-related apps made for the Android market that I take advantage of. I am sure there are a number of really good ones for those other people (also known as iPhone people), but that will have to be the subject of a future article. In the meantime, check out these fun and useful apps for your Android device:

Pet Manager: This app is a database for pet information. Information such as microchip numbers, birth dates, vaccination records, history, and veterinary contact info can all be stored for easy retrieval. The app is very helpful for clients who travel a lot with their pets.

Price: Free http://www.appbrain.com/app/pet-manager-free-(withads)/factory.topo.v.pet_manager_free

Pet First Aid: This app provides videos, illustrations, and thorough descriptions of the more common first aid encounters in pets. CPR, bandaging, and restraint techniques are all included in this app. The information can also be downloaded to your computer. This app could come in very handy while traveling with your pet, playing at the dog park, or out hiking.

Price: $3.99 http://jive.me/apps/petfirstaid/

Animal Age: Ever wonder how old your pet is in human years? And no, it’s not 7 human years for every 1 pet year. A good calculator will take into account the size of your pet (generally, smaller pets live longer than larger pets). While not perfect, this app gives a close approximation for comparison basis.

Dog Trivia: Can you beat my 9/10 score? I didn’t know what breed the photographs of William Wegman feature, but I got the rest right! You can ignore the login window that wants tons of information (zip code, etc.) and just bypass it to start the game.

Price: Free

Price: Free

http://handheld.softpedia.com/get/Misc-Fun/AnimalAge-108871.shtml

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. alaskajim.dogs&feature=search_result The Triangle Dog

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The t-Dog 'round town Photos by Tara Lynn, In The Blinks Photography

Dogtopia Dog Wash – Raleigh, NC Dogtopia of Raleigh teamed up with the Coalition to Unchain Dogs for a full Saturday of bath time September 29th. Dozens of dogs lined up for a shampoo and then showed off their clean coats for a Halloween photo. The Coalition to Unchain Dogs is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the welfare of dogs that are continuously chained outdoors.

2012 SPCA Fur Ball It was a night of glitz, glam, and fabulous auction prizes at the 2012 SPCA Fur Ball October 7th. Attendees had a chance to bid on tickets to collegiate and pro sports games, a guitar autographed by Scotty McCreary, and jewelry, among other items. The Triangle Dog magazine donated the spring cover issue along with InBetween the Blinks’ photography to bring in the largest auction bid of the night, $6,500.

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The t-Dog 'round town

Seaboard Station Benefit – Raleigh, NC Seaboard Station hosted a day for the dogs September 21st in Raleigh. It was the perfect blend of human and doggie entertainment! There were plenty of doggie treats, games, and a dog wash, as well as music and beer and wine tastings for the two-legged attendees. The event benefited the SPCA of Wake County.

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ask the groomer

Q:

How has grooming changed over the last 10 years?

A:

Thanks to industry trends, increased education, safety studies/concerns, and the push for licensing, many advances have been made in the last several years. Here are just a few of the many positive changes that have occurred in grooming: Increased safety: Groomers have been blessed with lighter, more powerful equipment, and increased awareness of proper lifting, working, and sanitizing techniques. Tables and tubs can be raised or lowered or come with ramps to alleviate strain on backs and joints of groomers and dogs alike.

High velocity dryers that blow

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Beth Johnston Beth Johnston is a life-long animal lover who, at 10 years of age, first groomed the family dog in the driveway and has been grooming animals for over 20 years, working with dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses. She has also successfully competed in canine events including conformation, rally obedience, and agility. She was a foster mom for the Central Carolina Poodle Club and helped rehabilitate and place poodles in forever homes. 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. Beth currently owns, and can be found grooming her canine friends at, Beth’s Barks N Bubbles, LLC in Durham.

water off in sheets, thus minimizing or eliminating time-consuming cage drying, have become available. Different types of ear and eye protection are also widely available, as are specialty masks for groomers to help minimize the risks of inhalation of dangerous bacteria, dirt, dust, or hair into the lungs.

Increased efficiency: More clients nowadays are booking through other means than the phone. There is ever-increasing popularity to book electronically either through website software offered by grooming shops, or through texts, email, or Twitter and Facebook. Dryers and clippers run with more speed and power, and blades and scissors are being made with lighter, more durable materials that hold their sharp edge longer than their older counterparts. There are vacuum systems that can be mounted to clippers so that as the blades cut the hair away, the air suctions the hair that is being trimmed out of the way. These expensive tools were once rarely used, but are becoming more popular depending on the needs of the individual shop. This efficiency also means less work for your pet in standing on the table and less chance of clipper-burn to the pet. Today, even mobile groomers have the choice to purchase a hybrid grooming van, thus saving on the cost of gasoline and making mobile grooming easier on the environment!

Add-Ons: Add-on services such as teeth brushing, nail grinding, and creative styling (such as feather extensions and coloring) are becoming more popular with advances in education and technology. Pet tattoos are also becoming wildly popular. Tattoos are not permanent and typically will remain on the pet for 1-3 baths post-application, depending on the individual coat texture, length, activity level, etc. More permanent colors can be used, but be warned, it can take several months or longer before it disappears off the pet’s coat. With all of the safety concerns involved with such specialty grooming, please check out your groomer’s qualifications and skill level, as improper usage of such products can have dangerous results. All of these add-on services are becoming quite the hit with clients and the pets enjoy the extra love and attention they get when they not only look good, but feel good, too!

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Changing Laws, Changing Lives

by Elizabeth Wilson

W

hen I first started getting interested in North Carolina’s animal issues, I signed every online petition I could find, shared horrendous photos of abuse on Facebook, and cross-posted adoptable animals all over the Internet. But I eventually came to a point where I had done all I could do: I signed all the petitions, I shared all the photos, and realized very little had changed. Horrific crimes were still being committed against animals in our state and the guilty parties were rarely held accountable. I reached a dead end.

One day, I read a story that quoted a local animal advocate.

I tracked her down (some might call it Facebook stalking) and talked with her, hoping to learn as much as I could from this lady who knew so much more than I did. She told me of her beginnings in animal rescue, how she all but drained her retirement pulling animals from the Wake County shelter. But, in spite of her best efforts, there were still homeless animals coming in and going out; nothing had really changed. That’s when she turned to politics. While I haven’t talked to her in months, she told me something in our first conversation that has yet to leave me: “If you really want to make a difference, you have to get political for the animals.”

Since that day, I’ve heard other people reference politics, including Amanda Arrington, former North Carolina Director for the Humane Society of the United States, at the University of North Carolina Student Animal Legal Defense Fund’s (UNC SALDF) first ever Animal Law Symposium. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe rescue, petitions, and cross-posting all serve very valuable and necessary purposes. But I also believe these ladies were on to something: in order to really make a change for the animals in North Carolina, we need to work toward a change of our laws and policies. Luckily, some of that work is already in place for us through the North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare (NCVAW).

Past NCVAW was founded in 2004 by Greensboro, NC resident BB Knowles, who noticed there was no group to advocate politically for animals. Originally focused on educating the public about North Carolina’s many animal issues, NCVAW became more involved in passing legislation and public policy with the proposal of Susie’s Law in 2010. Susie, a pit bull mix puppy, was found in a Greensboro, NC park after she had been beaten and burned; according to the Susie’s Law 30 Volume 3 • Issue 1

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website, her jaw and several teeth were broken and 2nd and 3rd degree burns covered more than 60% of her body.

The good news is that Susie miraculously survived; the bad news is that the perpetrator’s sentence was a laughable five months probation. Angered, people rallied behind Susie and NCVAW, pushing state lawmakers to increase the penalty for animal cruelty to allow for jail time. Susie’s Law passed and went into effect in December 2010.

Present Today, NCVAW has grown.

It holds 501(c)4 nonprofit status and also made history in 2012 by becoming North Carolina’s first Political Action Committee (PAC) dedicated to furthering animal protection laws. The importance of such a PAC cannot be understated. According to Caleb Scott, NCVAW President, “Anti-animal groups and groups that profit from animals are firmly entrenched in the North Carolina General Assembly.” These groups, including the Pork Council, Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association, and American Kennel Club, donate to legislators’ campaigns and “…lobby to them not to pass laws that will affect their bottom line,” explained Scott. Should the legislator vote differently, that lobbying group will then withdraw their money and put it toward the law maker’s opponent’s campaign come election time.

But the playing field should be more level with the formation of the NCVAW PAC. Money donated to the PAC would be used to help elect those candidates who care about animal issues.

NCVAW even put out a list of humane candidates for 2012 so that the animal-minded could more easily decide who to vote for. Those candidates included Representatives Lisa Baker, Keith Karlsson and Tom Murry, all of Wake County. The list also included Senators Neal Hunt of Wake County, Eleanor Kinnaird of Orange/Person Counties, and Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. of Durham County.

Beyond forming the PAC, NCVAW also combined forces with the HSUS, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Susie’s Law for last June’s Humane Lobby Day. Citizens from around the state gathered in Raleigh, NC to speak with their lawmakers about animal issues in North Carolina. One of the main concerns was the regulation of commercial dog breeders in the proposed puppy mill bill. In spite of all efforts, the bill didn’t pass, leaving puppy mills to thrive in North Carolina.

In another event, NCVAW again joined the HSUS and Susie’s Law to hold the Person County Animal Grassroots meeting. This event was an evening in which advocates could discuss animal issues particular to Person County.

Similar meetings were also held in New Hanover and Charlotte, all with the universal goal of making North Carolina a more humane state.

Future While 2012’s session came and went quickly, NCVAW is still busy educating people on North Carolina’s animal issues. The NCVAW website and Facebook page are two excellent resources that are designed to keep you

informed about North Carolina’s animal issues. You will not only find news stories and events, but you will also notice calls to action, including writing your legislators, commenting on a proposal, or voting. According to the NCVAW website, voting and writing your legislators are two of the most important things you can do for the animals.

For 2013’s session, be on the lookout for a much-needed commercial dog breeder bill. According to Scott, “The dogs in puppy mill[s] are neglected to the point of abuse and that is the only reason authorities can raid them. It should not have to reach that point.” Also, stay updated with NCVAW’s website and Facebook page to learn about any other bills or events that may be coming up.

While you’re staying updated on the NCVAW Facebook page, don’t forget to donate to the PAC. Even a small, one-time donation helps give a voice to North Carolina’s animals. Be a part of the change today!

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ask the vet

A:

Dear Jay,

Great question!

As veterinarians, we probably take for granted that our clients understand the importance of vaccinating their dogs, but the truth is there is a lot of misinformation out there concerning which vaccines are necessary, which are effective, and even which are safe.

I’m glad you understand the importance of getting your dog vaccinated against Rabies. Not only is it important to protect your dog’s health against this deadly disease, but it is also a matter of public health, and you are, therefore, required by state law to keep your pet’s Rabies vaccination up-to-date.

Dr. Diane Deresienski , VMD, DABVP A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Diane Deresienski has been with Bowman Animal Hospital since 1993. She has also been an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Sciences at NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine since 1997. In 2011, Dr. D became Medical Director of Bowman Animal Hospital. She enjoys surgery, internal medicine, and dermatology cases and is certified in PennHIP radiographic technique. She has also been featured on Animal Planet’s “Pets 101.” As an exotic animal veterinarian, she sees a variety of pets ranging from birds and reptiles, to small mammals such as rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs.

Q:

Dear Dr. D.,

I hate to admit it, but I don’t really pay much attention when my veterinarian gives my dog its annual vaccinations. I understand about Rabies, but what are the other diseases my dog gets vaccinated for? ~ Jay, Raleigh, NC

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In addition to Rabies, DHPP is also a core vaccine for dogs. It is a ubiquitous cocktail commonly referred to as the “puppy shots.” DHPP contains vaccines against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. This vaccine is given every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age in order to kick-start the immune system, and then it can then be given yearly or every three years thereafter.

•C anine Distemper is a virus that is highly contagious in dogs and difficult to treat once present. It is fatal in about 80% of puppies and in about 50% of adult dogs. It spreads through inhaled airborne particles and through contact with contaminated secretions on inanimate objects.

•C anine Hepatitis is another highly infectious viral disease. Puppies and older dogs are prone to serious infections, which can lead to liver disease and even liver failure. Death is common.

Otherwise healthy dogs in their middle years may develop more moderate infections lasting a few days or weeks.

•C anine Parvovirus is one of the most common and severe diseases of young dogs, causing severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected fecal matter or contaminated soil.

Treatment is difficult and can require lengthy stays in a veterinary hospital. Sepsis can occur, and fatality rates for young dogs can be as high as 50%.

•C anine Parainfluenza is a respiratory virus spread through contact with nasal secretions. It causes a persistent cough, which, untreated, can lead to pneumonia or chronic bronchitis. It spreads rapidly in kennels or other areas where dogs congregate.

Another important vaccine protects against Bordetella, the bacteria most commonly associated with kennel cough. Affected dogs usually recover after a period of persistent coughing; however, secondary complications can arise, such as pneumonia in puppies. The Bordetella vaccine is now commonly given intranasally.

Leptospirosis is a potentially life-threatening disease for which a vaccine is now available. This disease is prevalent in wildlife and may live for extended periods of time in bodies of water or moist soil. Dogs can become infected by swimming in contaminated lakes, by drinking from standing water, or by walking through wet areas and later licking their feet. The disease can lead to kidney or liver failure, and is often fatal if not detected early enough.

Leptospirosis can be transmitted from pets to their human family through infected urine.

Other less-common disease and used the

vaccines in North Carolina include those for Lyme Canine Influenza. These vaccines are typically in the Northeast and other specific regions of U.S. where these diseases are more prevalent.

You should speak with your veterinarian about vaccine recommendations if you travel with your pet.

Concerning vaccine safety, much is written on the Internet and elsewhere regarding potential vaccine side-effects and risks. The truth of the matter is that vaccines that are supplied and administered by your veterinarian are very safe.

Any possible side-effects or adverse reactions are typically minimal, manageable by your veterinarian, and vastly overshadowed by the benefit to your dog’s health.

Remember, it is crucial to your dog’s health to follow your veterinarian’s advice and get vaccines at the recommended intervals.

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natural Dog

by Dr. Donna King

Need an Adjustment?

Consider Canine Chiropractic

The first question people ask me when they find out I am an animal chiropractor is “How do I know if my dog needs to be adjusted?” My job is to educate pet owners on what to look for; for example, telltale signs include such issues as the dog is no longer able to jump up into a vehicle, or on the couch or bed. Perhaps you see your dog take odd steps, hesitate, or no longer willingly do his or her favorite activities. A dog’s spine is designed for movement and dogs can move in ways humans cannot, so when an area becomes restricted, it shows up in their gait and other motions. Sometimes the signs are subtle; other times it is very obvious that your best friend is in pain. Either way, it is always good to get an exam by your trusted vet to rule out anything serious and have him or her refer you to an American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) Certified Animal Chiropractor or Veterinary Chiropractor. It is important to remember that chiropractic is complimentary, not alternative, medicine, and that your vet is always your first stop.

The second question I hear is “What problems would my vet refer me for?” The best answer is to explain what chiropractic is and how it works. Motion is as essential to living as eating, breathing, and drinking. If you stop moving, you begin to deteriorate, which is why regular exercise is so important for you and your pet. Animal chiropractors understand how joints move and how to find areas of restriction in the spine and extremities.

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painful due to muscle spasms and inflammation in and around the joints and may be caused by an injury. To restore motion to the joint and reduce the spasm, the practitioner uses gentle thrusts to restore normal motion and stimulate the mechanoreceptors in the joint. The mechanoreceptors tell the muscle what kind of tone to have and tell the body where they are in space, so by stimulating the joint with motion, you reduce the spasm and inflammation and give your dog back its ability to know accurately where every body part is. The nerves coming out of the spine can also be “pinched,” causing pain, numbness, and tingling. Restoring motion to the spine can help reduce or eliminate the pinching of the nerve and bring pain relief to your precious pooch.

So if you notice your beloved canine has an altered or irregular gait, has sensitivity to touch and/or petting, has lick grandulomas (possible sign of tingling or numbness), and/or has had some changes in behavior, consider exploring a holistic approach. Chiropractic has been shown to be a conservative, safe, and effective therapy, invaluable as part of your dog’s overall healthcare.

The AVCA is the primary national credential for this field in North America, and is recognized worldwide as the standard of care. They provide education and certification for both Doctors of Veterinary and Chiropractic Medicine.

If you would like more information or need a referral please go to their website at http://animalchiropractic. org/default.htm.

let's cook Puppy Pot Pie It started out like a good idea: make mini pot pies from scratch for the dogs. And for the most part, it was a good idea, except for thinking I could take phyllo dough and “mold” it into a cupcake pan to make mini shells. As you can see, the pictures show a badly formed homemade shell, so I would recommend using pre-made shells for this recipe, unless you are an experienced cook!

Other than the dough, this was a great, simple recipe that didn’t take much time or skill. I also think the possibilities are endless when it comes to combinations. You could use chicken, as I did, beef, or even ham. For the vegetable, I used what I had in the freezer, a mixed bag of carrots, corn, asparagus, and green beans. Again, with the rice, use what you have on hand, whether it is white, wild, or anything in between. Essentially, except for the dough, you probably don’t need to pick up anything from the grocery store to make this recipe.

Because I was making the shells, I was able to cover them with more dough, but if you buy the shells, just cover them with cheese as per the instructions below.

Overall, the good news is, even though the end result may not have been as pretty as I would have liked, the dogs didn’t seem to mind!

by Angela Brehmer

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Skill level needed: low Ingredients • 1 box mini-phyllo dough shells, defrosted • 1 cup rice, cooked (we used long-grain) • 2 tablespoons broth (any flavor, we used vegetable) • 3 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, grated • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped • ½ cup frozen vegetable mix (your choice), thawed Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place the defrosted phyllo shells on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven for 5 minutes or until crisp.

2. Mix the rice with the broth, cheese, chicken, and vegetables.

3. Fill the shells with the mixture.

4. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake the pies in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and browned nicely.

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ANIMAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

by Brian Lapham, DVM of Southpoint Animal Hospital

Getting to the Bottom of Bad Breath

Doggy breath:

All of our dogs have it, right? Is it normal, a sign of some impending doom, or just a reminder that we should be doing a better job with oral care? The short answer is no, maybe, and yes—in that order!

A bad odor from the mouth, or halitosis, can be a sign of dental problems, other organ diseases (most commonly diabetes or kidney disease), or conditions such as skin irritation from excessive licking or anal gland problems.

It is most commonly due to dental disease, which is in fact the most common medical condition I see in my practice. Some estimates put occurrences of dental disease as high as 78% in dogs. If you exclude puppies, I would estimate closer to 90% of the dogs that I see daily have some form of dental disease.

A visual exam is often telling in pets with dental disease, as an accumulation of tartar and calculus on the teeth, which appears as a yellow film or brown hard material, is visible. Redness of the gum line is often evident as well. More subtly, a recession of the gum line can also be found. In more extreme cases, swelling occurs on the outside of the mouth, just under the eye or under the jaw, due to infection of the roots.

Some pets are reluctant to allow a thorough exam, but it is vitally important.

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general anesthesia with dental radiographs. Sometimes the diseased part of the tooth is on the inside of the mouth where it is more difficult to see, or is on the tooth root and is impossible to see with the naked eye. If there is any history of a sudden onset of bad breath, oral pain, or a sudden weight loss despite a good appetite, it is worth looking into poor dental health as the culprit.

The treatment for dental disease depends on where the problem is and how bad it has become. Often it is simply a matter of getting the bacteria, tartar, and calculus off the teeth via a professional dental cleaning, or prophylaxis. This cleaning must be done under a general anesthetic as the most important part of a cleaning is under the

gum line, which is uncomfortable when gingivitis is present. An awake pet will not allow this cleaning to be done. Also, radiographs can reveal more deep-seeded issues, and these require anesthesia. Understandably, general anesthesia is always a concern for my pet parents, but with our modern

anesthetics, complete monitoring (including blood pressure, ECG, blood gases), and professionally trained anesthetists, it is a very safe procedure. In those pets with more advanced dental disease, additional procedures will be needed. Dental extractions, mass removals, fistula repair, and even root canal therapy may be required.

This brings us to the most important part of this discussion—prevention! I would much rather prevent dental disease than treat it. There are two key tools to utilize: chewing and brushing. Dogs in the wild cleaned their teeth via the action of tearing apart their prey. Hair, hide, and bone made surprisingly good toothbrushes! Since most of my patients’ prey is already caught, killed, and cut up into small pieces— also known as dog food—they don’t get that natural cleaning process. Thankfully, we can mimic it with less gruesome methods. Proper chew bones, rope chew toys, and whole raw carrots make wonderful natural

toothbrushes. You should consult with your veterinarian on what would be the best ones for your pets based on their size and chewing needs, and you should always supervise their chewing.

Dental brushing is another important part of dental care. This importance is especially true for my less chewhappy breeds such as Chihuahuas and Poodles, but also for all pets as they get older. I would recommend brushing at a very young age so they will become accustomed to the practice. There are many articles written on how to brush dogs’ teeth, and even YouTube videos are available! The key is to start slow, get them used to the process, concentrate on the outside of the teeth, and do it daily! My favorite brushes are children’s small-headed, soft-bristled brushes. You can use dog toothpaste or no toothpaste at all; it is simply a flavoring. But do not use human toothpaste as it is not meant to be consumed. Most importantly, have fun with it, make it a bit of a game, and make it a habit!

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T Volume 3 • Issue 1 37

safety 101

by Allison Bennett

Winter Weather Woes As with any season, winter brings with it a handful of potential hazards for canine companions. During winter months, you and your pup contend with Mother Nature, man-made concoctions meant to make our lives easier, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

While the Triangle is not exactly known for harsh winters, it’s important to watch local forecasts. And, if you’re traveling over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house, it’s worth it to anticipate extreme conditions to keep your furry family members safe and warm.

If your dogs make their home primarily outside, keep an eye on the thermometer and be prepared to bring them in to the garage or laundry room. If the temperatures aren’t too extreme and your dog will be staying outside, consider feeding a few extra calories, since regulating the body’s temperature requires more energy, and make sure you keep plenty of water on hand (watch for freezing). Dehydration is just as likely in the winter as the summer and snow and ice are not adequate water sources. When using a heating pad in a dog house or shelter, keep an eye on elderly or debilitated dogs that may be unable to move if the pad becomes too hot.

Craig Thompson, DVM and Clinical Assistant Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology at Purdue University explained that these pads can result in skin burns if the dog cannot move away from the heat source.

Dr. Thompson also cautioned that ear tips, tail tips, and noses are susceptible to frostbite. Additionally, dogs can experience foot pad injuries from frozen or sharp 38 Volume 3 • Issue 1

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ground. You may need to trim extra-long fur between foot pads, as ice and snow can become trapped in this area and cause pain and discomfort.

In addition to cold weather threats, watch out for winter chemicals. “Anti-freeze is a super nasty and unfortunately tasty toxin,” noted Dr. Thompson. While melting salts might not be as tasty, it’s easy for them to be ingested during a post-walk groom. The pellets may cause nausea and can also cause drying/irritation on pads if not cleaned up. It’s a good habit to rinse your dog’s paws after a romp outside.

As the holiday season winds down, remember that holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs. And whether you put up an artificial or real tree, keep in mind that both types of needles are sharp and indigestible. Finally, remember that the holidays can be just as stressful for a dog, especially as visitors come and go, so try to stick to a “normal” schedule as much as possible.

While it may seem like a lot to remember, in addition to staying warm, wrapping presents, and ringing in the New Year, Dr. Thompson offered one final thought regarding winter hazards and our canine family members: “Do unto others. Just put yourself in their paws and consider the temperature, their general health status…and overall safety.” Doing so will, no doubt, result in many happy holidays and seasons to come.

picture this!

So p h i e

er

M y a & Si m m y

Gardn

by Joy Photos

Cheerio Goldie

* 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.

B u B ea r

Photo by Bi ll Wilkerson

Lew is Anabelle

Riv er Photo by Connie Shaw

Dus t y

Ja ck ndle Photo by Julie Ra

Photos

by Ingri d Baum

Ki s k a Snow W h i te

Lu c y

The Triangle Dog

D i e se l

Photo by Jill Cash ion Wille tt

T Volume 3 • Issue 1 39

Get Connected with Your Dog

by Barbara Shumannfang, Ph.D., CPDT

T

echnology has always been part of dog training as humans search for the best ways to partner with dogs. While humans use new gizmos to help dogs, dogs in turn can help us with technology. Here’s how you can connect with your dog on leash, online, and in person.

Connect On Leash One of the biggest revolutions in dog training technology has been the front attachment harness.

These harnesses maximize control, safety, and comfort.

Unlike harnesses that attach to the leash at the dog’s back, which can encourage the dog to pull forward like a sled dog, the front attachment version allows you to steer the dog from the front. The harness prevents your dog pulling ahead so you can reward him or her for staying by your side. Once this habit is established, you can wean off the harness. My favorite models have two-toned straps so it’s easy to put one on your dog correctly (Sensation is one such brand and comes in seven adjustable sizes http://www.softouchconcepts. com/). The harness costs about $25 or is free if you exchange your metal collar for one at any K9 Kindness event throughout the Triangle. See a video of the front attachment harness in action at www.k9kindness.org.

Connect Online Can’t make it to dog training class? Now you can connect online with dog training experts, any time, for stateof-the-art advice. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers has launched webinars for pet owners in which the country’s leading experts offer solutions to dog training problems such as pulling on leash, house training, and separation anxiety. Learn why your dog behaves the way he or she does and see visual demonstrations of how to put a training plan into action. In one webinar, professional trainer Jenn Shryock of Raleigh instructs how to best manage babies and dogs. Visit http:// www.apdt.com/education/webinars/free/default. aspx to check out these free videos.

Need more customized help? Use your smart phone to capture one minute of your training dilemma and submit the footage to www.veryfetching.com. I will review your video and post a video solution to your problem. Basic manners issues such as coming when called, puppy challenges, and skills like down-stay, fetch, or tricks are well suited to this format. This customized service is also free.

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Connect Emotionally The more we use technology to connect with our dogs and each other, the more important it becomes to stay connected with our dogs face-to-face in real time.

No app or Tweet can make you feel as grounded, appreciated, or joyous as spending a few simple moments with your dog. Here are some ideas to get you started: • Walk your dog with your child and turn your cell phone off • Watch your dog sleep and count his breaths for one minute • Observe what your dog is feeling and notice how you can tell • List things about your dog for which you are grateful Be truly present with your dog for five minutes a day, or even just once a week to start. It will help you slow down and appreciate what’s important in life, clear your head, likely lower your blood pressure, and allow you to reconnect with your dog.

canine careers

by Georgia Liese, owner of Dog Holiday Resort

Not long ago, dog daycare was not only an extravagant expense for the rich and famous but also a laughable idea. After all, our dogs can generally run around and play if they feel like it. Well, welcome to the new millennium! Dogs are a billion dollar industry

in the United States, with services ranging anywhere from grooming, training, and high-end boarding to bling, jewelry, clothing, daycare, spas, and the list goes on. Here’s an inside look into the world of one such service: doggie daycare. After you become familiar with this canine career, you’ll see how useful this service really is!

My sister and I have owned and operated a dog service business, including daycare, for 12 years, and we have it down to a science. Doggie daycare has grown so much in popularity that we went all-out in planning and executing lots of activities, such as offering huge builtin swimming pools, big flat screen TVs, fan misters, and ball throwing and bubble machines so that we can offer a one-stop shop for owners wanting to pamper their pooch. After all, you can go to work guilt-free, knowing that your loyal friend is not pining away at home, awaiting your return—far from it! You will pick your beloved pet up where you yourself wish you could spend the day, and he will be exhausted and happy.

And the next morning, as soon as you turn onto our street, his tail will begin wagging; he’ll start whining and drag you from the car to the door so he can do it all over again. We also board, so as soon as your dog senses you are going on a vacation, he’ll

have his own suitcase packed and be waiting at the door for you to drop him off at his favorite home-awayfrom-home.

Now if you are thinking that this extravagance is completely unnecessary for YOUR dog, think again. Doggie daycare has many benefits for a variety of dog personalities and is also beneficial for rehabilitation of many undesirable behaviors. For example, if you bring a high-energy pup to daycare, the setting not only promotes socialization with other dogs but also promotes socialization with different people, and certainly a tired dog is a good dog. While chewing is just puppy behavior, excessive chewing can be boredom. Antisocial behavior, shyness, and some types of aggression can be traced to anxiety from lack of exposure and can often be changed or modified with

daycare. I recommend this remedy a lot as a trainer.

Even one day a week of daycare can really help both to relieve boredom and help problem behaviors. And for most dogs, no matter their size, age, or energy level, it can be just plain fun!

If you are thinking daycare might be an option for your dog, talk to a trainer on staff and have your dog evaluated. Plan on more than one visit; it could take weeks for your dog to be a true fit for daycare. Prices range on average around $25/day. We can also accommodate groups of dogs in inclement weather, so even if it is raining or hot outside, we can still offer lots of activities. The bottom line is, no matter why your dogs are in daycare, they will love you for it.

The Triangle Dog

T Volume 3 • Issue 1 41

Track ‘em Down!

It

happens. Dogs can break their leashes and escape their fences. They get away from us during off-leash play. A leashed dog can dart and pull away from us. Chasing squirrels can be mighty enticing.

Having a lost dog is frightening and heart wrenching.

Checking the local shelters for our precious canine friend is an emotional roller coaster, and wondering if he or she is hurt on the streets is a nightmare.

by Donna Elliott

pocketfinder. Some can track more than one dog. Walmart and Best Buy advertise that they carry some brands, and of course Amazon.com has an ample selection.

Securus, Inc. is a local company in Cary, NC that offers a GPS tracking system called SpotLite. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has partnered its Companion Animal

We do everything we can to ensure we are able to find them if that happens. We have tags on their collars with our names and numbers. We microchip and register our information so we can easily be identified as their owners. And now, we can use a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device to find our faithful friends.

If we are out of town and have friends or a pet sitter watching our dogs, or if they are boarding at a local kennel, we can still be reassured knowing they are right where they are supposed to be. Maybe we are at work and our dogs are safely inside fences, but we still worry. We might even be traveling with our dog and want added security. A little comfort and peace of mind can go a long way.

Using a GPS tracking device can be as easy as logging into an app on our smartphones, checking a dedicated handheld device that doesn’t require cell service, or checking online using Google Maps, for instance. There are a variety of options as well as a variety of price ranges for GPS tracking systems. Some obviously require cell service and adequate coverage or Internet access, and some are subscription based.

A quick online search reveals GPS devices available from Garmin, RoamEO, Guard Dog, Global Pet Finder, and 42 Volume 3 • Issue 1

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Recovery (CAR) nationwide pet recovery system with SpotLite to help us find our wandering dogs. The AKC CAR website explains that the SpotLite GPS Pet Locator provides next generation petlocating technology and gives you “hands-on tracking of your pet…and will allow you to pinpoint through Google Maps where your pet is at any time.” Text and emails can also be sent if your dog wanders out of his or her established “SafeSpot” boundaries.

Chris Newton, co-founder, President and CEO of Securus, Inc., which introduced SpotLite in 2008, explained, “We have some great features. Our biggest differentiator is the relationship with the AKC CAR system where you can dial 1.888.DOG.LOC8 24/7 and speak with a recovery specialist, and they are tracking your dog for you, telling you where he is.” SpotLite is the only GPS pet locator service that has partnered with AKC CAR. SpotLite weighs only two ounces and attaches to any collar. Newton pointed out another feature on the SpotLite device itself, which is the rescue button that allows anyone who finds your dog to press the button on the SpotLite, telling it to send a text message to you saying, “Hey, somebody found me.”

Once the device is activated, you can use your computer and specify certain “safe spots” that can include your home and yard, even the neighborhood park.

“If your dog leaves his backyard, you get a text,” Newton said. You can set it up to send an email as well. It will also send a message to the AKC CAR recovery team.

The battery is rechargeable and depending on how you use your SpotLite, the life of the charge “could be as short as a day and a half or as long as a week. It goes down quicker the more you ping [access] it,” he pointed out. The device will send you a text when the charge is getting low.

“SpotLite runs off the T-Mobile network, and your

cell phone can be on any network,” Newton explained. “Think of it as a phone, and it makes a call through to the Internet.” You don’t have to be within any certain distance of your pet as long as both the SpotLite and your cell phone have adequate coverage. SpotLite offers a coverage map on its website so customers can see if their area has adequate T-Mobile coverage for SpotLite to send location data. If you don’t have a smartphone, there is also a “text to find” option that texts you the current location.

Is there an app for SpotLite? Well, yes there is.

“Now, with the mobile app, you can track from your iPhone [or other smartphone],” Newton said. “To find your lost pet, you can use your phone’s GPS, or it’s one click to the AKC CAR from the app, and they can direct you.” This feature would be the best option if you are driving and trying to locate your pet. “They will stay on the phone with dog owners as long as needed, providing turn-by-turn directions and support.”

Even if your dog is not lost, you can still use the SpotLite website’s online tracking system simply to make sure your dog is right where he or she is supposed to be.

SpotLite is available for $99, and service ranges from $12.99 to $20 a month, depending on the contract length.

Newton and Securus, Inc. are “constantly innovating and are excited about a product announcement in the near future that will include even more features to SpotLite.”

Newton described SpotLite and its relationship with AKC CAR as “the most complete solution on the market that with its multiple layers of solutions allows you to track your dog in real-time.”

Perhaps SpotLite’s tagline says it best: “Knowing where they are gives you peace of mind.”

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T Volume 3 • Issue 1 43

training

by Clare Reece-Glore owner of YAY! Dog

To Bark or Not To Bark How can we tell when our dog’s bark is normal, excessive, or down-right annoying? Barking is an important form of communication for a dog, but sometimes brings frustration for owners, particularly when dogs are in apartments or small yards. Dogs bark to communicate boredom, the need for attention, territory protection, fear, or excitement. Each bark has a different tone and frequency in most dogs, so understanding the type of bark helps you know the reason for the bark, which can be part of effective training. Certain breeds and types of dogs may bark more because they were bred to alert or protect people, so do your homework about breed types, particularly if barking truly bugs you. Dealing with your dog’s barking is a part of responsible ownership.

Dogs may bark excessively when they are bored or frustrated, for example, as a result of the dog being confined for long hours in one space inside or outside without positive interaction with people. What can we do to improve that behavior? We can make life more interesting and tire the dog out. Some play time and a walk can help. Even with a nice, fenced yard, the dog wants to see and smell the outside world. You could also hide treats in the yard and train your dog that one area is OK for digging—these kinds of activities make life more interesting or challenging for a dog. A tired dog doesn’t bark as much.

How do we train for “appropriate” barking? For example, many of us want a dog who will bark briefly when someone 44 Volume 3 • Issue 1

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comes to the door. There are two good tips which may seem counterintuitive. First, reward quiet behavior. You leave the room, the dog barks. You wait for a brief pause, go in (quickly!) and give a treat or praise. As the quiet is longer, you praise from the other room and go in once in a while to give a treat.

Second, train the dog to bark on command. We train the command to bark so the dog can also learn a command to be quiet. Give your dog a hand signal or verbal command when she barks and she will learn to associate the word. Or, entice your dog to bark. (This usually involves the human jumping around acting foolish, using a toy, or generally increasing the dog’s excitement level until she barks.) Then you reward the dog and use the command you want. Once you have trained the dog to bark, you can train a word for not barking.

Try not to yell at a barking dog. They may think you are vocalizing with them. Yelling at them is a form of attention, and some dogs will bark for any kind of attention, even negative.

You may also inadvertently train a dog to quit barking altogether, which may not be part of your plan to have a watchdog.

You also don’t want to let dogs bark at the fence without any training or supervision. In this case, the dog or dogs see that they “get rid” of the person or dog who moves away from their barking, and this may stimulate them to bark more and more, or even encourage aggressive behavior.

Barking issues can be frustrating at times, so you may want to work with a trainer. You want to figure out the type of barking, which helps you see the cause, so you can train positively and appropriately for the behavior you want.

tails from the heart

by Debbie Pell

At Your Service I

already had three strikes against me.

I wasn’t a fuzzy little froufrou dog. I wasn’t a cute puppy with big, soulful eyes. And I was a black dog. These three strikes signaled almost certain death. And to top it off, there had been a police raid at a local drug den which meant the dealers’ guard dogs would be brought to the shelter and kept until the trial’s end. It didn’t sound too bad until my neighbor (a male black lab mix) told me that the shelter would have to make room which meant dogs and puppies would die. I was doomed!

Late that night, word spread through the kennels: Hoke County NC Shelter had asked for help and some rescues were responding—maybe a rescue would have a foster home for me. I prayed, oh how I prayed, but no one came for me. I—Tank, a mixed Rottweiler male, aged five months—would die in the morning, along with my neighbor.

But, unbeknownst to me, a shelter worker had called Rescue UR Forever Friend, a.k.a RUFF. The rescue adopted out two dogs earlier that evening so beds were available in a foster home. The volunteers chose Titan, my brother with a beautiful reddish coat, and his kennel companion, me. Titan and I were polar opposites. He was the extrovert and was adopted within a week. I was shy, quiet, and steady. No one wanted me.

Once again, fate intervened. Topline K-9 Obedience was looking for a particular type of dog. Stephanie, the trainer, wanted a large breed puppy, sturdy and steady; color didn’t matter, and cuteness didn’t matter. They could train an older puppy to be a service dog for a young woman with Multiple Sclerosis whose service dog had died unexpectedly. This time, for the first time in my life, I would be judged by my abilities and not by my appearance. Stephanie chose ME! 46 Volume 3 • Issue 1

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My life became one wild ride! First, there was the basic training—it’s kind of like being in the Army. “Come,” “sit,” “stay,” “down” and many other commands were taught until I knew them by heart. Then came road trips to the vet, post office, grocery stores, government offices, virtually anywhere and anytime to give me the confidence I would need. Best of all was the airplane flight across the country. That was wonderful! I got to ride in the same class (1st) with the humans. It doesn’t matter that I slept most of the way; I was flying and I enjoyed it!

Since then there have been many trips and I got to meet my future human. She is a wonderful person and I am looking forward to helping her live a full and happy life.

Formerly Tank, I am now Dreyfus. Formerly an unwanted and unloved mutt, dumped at the shelter to die, I am now wanted, loved, and proud! I am a special type of dog—I am a service dog!

Training a service dog is expensive and labor intensive.

Please donate to help defray Dreyfus’ training costs (every donation will go toward Dreyfus’ training expenses). Donations can be made via this web address: http://www.giveforward.com/dreyfuss. Thank you!

The Triangle Dog

T Volume 3 • Issue 1 47

Dog Hol iday Resor t

Hold us to your highest standards

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• A quiet lounge for our less active and/or shyer furry friends

Also available: Grooming

• Bath and nails or full service grooming

Training

• Classes or individual private lessons

Cats & Kitties

• Private room • Active Aquarium • Bird feeders in windows • Nature sounds on stereo • TLC time daily

www.dogholidayresort.com “Like” us on

830 Purser Drive Raleigh, NC 27603 919-772-8880

5 minutes from Downtown Raleigh

Best interactive daycare in town.

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