Volume 1 Issue 1 by The Triangle Dog LLC

PMS 5773

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Welcome to the premiere issue of The Triangle Dog Magazine! We can’t begin to describe how excited we are about "helping you create a better life for your dog." Whether you’re a first-time dog "parent" or a seasoned veteran who has had dogs all their life, this magazine will open up a new world of opportunities for you and your dog. We started this magazine with a few questions in mind. First, how can we best inform, entertain, teach, and share all the wonderful things the Triangle has to offer our dogs? Second, how can we connect the people of the Triangle to all of the dog-related businesses in the community? Finally, how can we make this magazine as exciting to read as it is to publish? So we decided to start at the beginning. In the spirit of this being our inaugural issue, this issue focuses on "firsts," and serves as our first opportunity to establish our place in the pack. Aimed at improving your dog’s overall quality of life, you’ll find articles such as Let’s Cook, where we attended a dog treat cooking class in Chapel Hill, or Safety 101, where we spoke to the American Red Cross about how and where to find information on protecting your pet if the unexpected becomes a reality. We also have Natural Dog, a section devoted to alternative healing methods. We also hope to broaden your, and your dog’s, social horizons by spotlighting different activities you and your dog can do together. In our Dogs @ Play section, you’ll read about how to get your dog into agility. We hope you enjoy seeing photos of the fun we’ve had over the last few months in The T-Dog ‘Round Town, as well as seeing those of our Facebook fans in Picture This! We look forward to taking this journey with all of our fellow dog lovers in the Triangle, and we look forward to hearing from you so together, we can be partners in creating a better life for your dog. Sincerely, Chuck & Angie Brehmer (and Maddie, Morrie, Sassie, Millie, and Elsie) Publishers/Editor-in-Chief

Morrie Photo by Jamie Downey

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Millie Sassie

Elsie

Table of contents volume 1 • issue 1 Departments:

4 Publisher’s Note 5 Table of Contents 6 Masthead 8 Contributors 25 Ask the Groomer 29 The T-Dog Round Town 30 Triangle Happenings 32 Ask the Vet 39 Picture This!

Columns:

12 Shelter Spotlight:

Wake County Animal Care Control and Adoption Center

Features:

10 Not Too Big, Not Too Small, But Just Right by Kristine Berry

16 First Visit To The Vet by Rachel McNeil

20 Don’t Make That Puppy Mistake! by Heidi Schmidt

40 Avoid Tug-of-War With Your Dog by Alana Bossen

42 Dog Park Visits Offer Your Dog Exercise and Socialization by Donna S. Elliot

Cover Story:

14 Randolph’s Adventures by Chuck Brehmer

13 Adoptable Dogs 18 Nutrition:

What Are You Feeding Your Pet

22 Dogs @ Play:

Getting Started in Agility

24 Pet Friendly Business: 101 Lounge

34 Natural Dog:

Natural Remedies For Pet Problems

35 Let’s Cook:

Canine Cuisine Cooking Class

36 Animal Health & Wellness:

I Can’t Believe the Dog Has Another Ear Infection!

38 Safety 101:

First Aid for Your Four-Legged Friend

41 Canine Careers:

Working with Companion Animals

45 Tails From The Heart: Paddington Beagle

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Founders: Chuck Brehmer and Angela Brehmer

Volume 1 • Issue 1

“Helping You Create a Better Life For Your Dog” Publisher: Chuck Brehmer Editor-in-Chief: Angela Brehmer

Senior Editor: Dave Thomas

Distribution Manager: Betty Schomer

Photography: Diane Lewis

Art Director: Kelly Mayer

Advertising Director: Chuck Brehmer

Website Designer/Manager: Jen Griggs – Sebastian

Contributing Writers: Kristine Berry

Michele Godlevski

Alana Bossen

Beth Johnston

Rebecca Brodney Karen Carlton

Dr. Brian Lapham Julie LeRoy

Dr. Diane Deresienski

Rachel McNeil

Donna Elliot

Cindy Nelson

Dr. Lisa Farling

Heidi Schmidt

Lisa Giannina

The Triangle Dog  105 W. Hwy 54, Suite 265 Durham, NC 27713  919-249-8364 (TDOG) info@thetriangledog.com

Advertising Associate: Vikki Lowe

On The Cover:

Randolph

Courtesy of:

Bruce Mueller

DETAILS:

Randolph's Adventures

Photography By:

Diane Lewis

Submissions: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to The Triangle Dog Magazine 105 W. Hwy 54 Suite 265 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: Direct requests to Chuck Brehmer at 919-249-8364 (TDOG) or cbrehmer@thetriangledog.com The Triangle Dog Magazine is published 4 times per year. Entire contents are copyright 2011. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written consent from the publisher. Publication date: April 2011. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, the publisher makes no warrant to the accuracy or reliability of this information. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Beth Johnston Beth Johnston is a life-long animal lover who groomed the family dog in the driveway at 10 years of age. She has been grooming animals for over 20 years, working with dogs, cats, rabbits and horses, and has also successfully competed in canine events including conformation, rally obedience, and agility. She also was a foster mom for the Central Carolina Poodle Club and helps 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 1st Aid and CPR. Beth currently owns and can be found grooming her canine friends at Beth's Barks N Bubbles, LLC in Durham NC.

Heidi Schmidt Heidi Schmidt is the former owner of a pet retail store and a recognized CGC trainer and evaluator. She has been a professional dog trainer for over 15 years. Heidi has been featured on television and in newspaper articles for her dog training knowledge.

Michele Godlevski Michele Godlevski is a certified Canine Behavior Counselor through the San Francisco SPCA Dog Trainers Academy. She is also a C.P.D.T.-K.A (Knowledge-Assessed Certified Pet Dog Trainer), and has endorsements in dog obedience and agility instruction from the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. Michele has 5 championship-level agility titles and has qualified for Agility Nationals for the last 5 years. She owns Teamworks Dog Training, LLC, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and lives in Youngsville, North Carolina, with her husband, Greg, and their 6 dogs.

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Kristine Berry

Photo by Lindsey McDaniel

Kristine Berry has served as a volunteer adoption counselor at the Wake County Animal Center for 6 years. She is also a dog obedience instructor, a spay/neuter coordinator for the Coalition to Unchain Dogs, and a board member of the Wake Animal Advocates Group (WAAG). She and her husband have fostered 24 dogs, puppies, and kittens in the past several years. They currently share their North Raleigh home with 4 large, energetic dogs.

Dr. Brian Lapham 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 with his family, woodworking, home improvements (which never seem to end!), and running. Included in the mix are his menagerie of pets, currently including 2 cats, Pia and Kitten, and Elizabeth the guinea pig. Dr. Lapham’s daughter is still vying for a puppy—coming soon!

Dr. Lisa Farling Dr. Lisa Farling, a 1999 graduate of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, once worked as a CPA in the public and private sectors before realizing that her lifelong passion for animals could be channeled into a highly rewarding life as a veterinarian. Dr. Farling’s other interests include gardening, running, lifting weights, and, most importantly, living vicariously through her children, Wyatt and Simone. The four-legged family members include Dot Dot, a chow mix, Odie, a Chihuahua mix, and Omar, a tough cat and veteran of the streets who now enjoys a much-deserved pampered existence.

CONTRIBUTORS

Photo by Lindsey McDaniel

Photo by Abbie Cooke

Lisa Giannini Lisa Giannini is a 1987 graduate of the Indianapolis School of Veterinary Management. She earned the esteemed designation of CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) in 1994. Her special interests are teaching and empowering team members, comforting pet owners and their family pet companions, and she has a special place in her heart for senior patients. She spends her free time playing soccer, creating art with found and recyclable objects, spiritual guidance through meditation, chakras and universal energy, and being with her 2 rescue cats, Braveheart and Dirt, and her very fluffy rescued Great Pyrenees Sandy Marie.

Julie LeRoy Julie LeRoy is an animal control officer who has spent most of her life around animals, starting when she cleaned hamster cages in exchange for litter at her local pet store when she was 9 years old. She spends her days being a voice for animals and her nights surrounded by her 5 dogs and 3 cats. Nothing beats the unconditional love of a dog and she always adopts, never shops.

Rachel McNeil Rachel McNeil has lived in the Triangle area off and on for 29 years. She graduated NC State University with a degree in Animal Science and has worked in the veterinary field for over 15 years. While she currently shares her home and her heart with three cats, her first love was an incredibly sweet black lab named Decatur who introduced her to the joy of living life in the company of animals.

Alana Bossen Alana Bossen, a junior at Duke University, is President of the Pre-Veterinary Society. She is a biology major who volunteers with several animal organizations, including the Duke Canine Cognition Center. Alana is passionate about dogs, German Shepherds in particular, and hopes to pursue a career in animal behavior and psychology. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and photography.

Rebecca Brodney Rebecca Brodney is a junior at Meredith College, majoring in English. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, reading, writing, and finding new and creative ways to spoil her dog, Buttons (aka Fluffrat). Buttons is a ten-year-old Shih Tzu-poodle mix who is virtually untrained. Rebecca, however, says she is the one who has been trained to give into his every whim, whether it be a second dinner or scouring the house for his favorite toy!

Donna Elliot Donna and her dog Reason frequented Schenck Forest and were early explorers of Millbrook Exchange Dog Park. She shares her doggie fun now with Jules and Luna who were adopted from Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue. A long-time volunteer for animal causes, Donna currently serves on Animal Kind’s Board of Directors. She is passionate about preventing unwanted pet litters, and encourages everyone to support the Triangle’s spay/neuter assistance programs.

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Not Too Big, Not Too Small, But Just Right by Kristine Berry

"Just looking," you respond when the friendly volunteer at the local animal shelter asks if you need help. You’re "just looking" at all the cute furry faces, sad eyes, and wagging tails stretched out one after another, row after row. You’re "just looking" at all the neglected, lost, and forgotten dogs that deserve a second chance at a good life. You’re just looking…and wanting to take every last one of them home. So you walk out of the building, take a few deep breaths and think "how in the world do I pick just one?" 10 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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To avoid finding yourself in a situation like this, it’s best to have a game plan going in so that your heart doesn’t overwhelm your head, and you don’t find yourself the feature of the next episode of Animal Hoarders. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best dog for you—whether you’re looking for your first dog or your next dog.

Make sure the dog has as much energy as you do. This is the most important—and most

overlooked—criteria in selecting the most compatible canine companion. Are you a laid-back couch potato? Or do you like to run 8 miles every day? Look for a dog that matches your activity level. Every dog needs to walk every day, but if you spend a lot of time away from home or like to sleep in, you will not appreciate a high-energy dog. Dogs with unspent energy tend to get bored easily—and bored dogs are likely to bark, dig, and chew your belongings.

Don’t let the “puppy dog eyes” fool you.

Of course puppies are cute, but they are not house trained, have a great urge to chew (as their adult teeth come in), need proper socialization with other dogs and humans, and need to go outside every 3–4 hours. And many dogs maintain that high octane “puppy energy” well into their third year. If this sounds daunting, consider adopting an adult or senior dog.

Introduce the dog to its new family.

Although the approval of humans (especially your landlord) is important, ensure that a new dog will get along with your existing pets. If you’re not sure, ask about a "meet and greet" or a trial period. If you have young children, understand that you must properly educate the children and dog on how to interact with each other, and supervise their interactions at all times.

Determine if size really matters.

Many people look to adopt small dogs because they believe they need less exercise and are easier to control. This is simply untrue. All dogs need to be

exercised and properly trained, regardless of size, to prevent destructive and unwanted behavior. When selecting a dog, keep in mind that the only significant difference between large and small dogs is lifespan. Small dogs (less than 60 lbs) tend to live longer than large dogs.

Fall in love with a dog, not a breed.

All dogs share 99.8 percent of the same DNA, which means that Chihuahuas and Great Danes are more alike than they are different. The 0.2 percent genetic difference is apparent in the 150-plus registered dog breeds that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. It’s important to do your research on dog breeds, find a handful that you like, and write down the characteristics that appeal to you. Are you looking for a dog that has brindle fur? Likes to swim? Doesn’t require grooming? Bring that list with you when selecting a dog, keeping in mind that a mixed breed might be the best choice. Remember that all dogs are individuals. I’ve met Labs that won’t retrieve, Golden Retrievers that weren’t so "golden," and Rottweilers who would greet a robber at the door then show them where you keep the good stuff. So base your decision on the dog, not the breed. The next time you find yourself aimlessly wandering the corridors of a local animal shelter, or spending hours staring at images on the internet, remember these tips for selecting the dog that’s right for you. And when that friendly volunteer asks "How can I help you," you’ll be ready with an answer.

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adoptable dogs I'm a gorgeous dark chocolate lab mix female around 1 year old and about 54 lbs. I came in as a stray, so they don't know much about me yet. The volunteer lady thinks I'm such a beautiful girl...not totally black...not totally chocolate...dark chocolate. I'm a friendly, beautiful girl with a happy waggy tail that craves human touch. I like my people! The nice folks here say they will dog and cat test me if you need to know how I would do in your home.

Baham

I'M A STAFF FAVORITE!!! I'm a stunningly handsome red and white American staffy. I am one goofy guy and I love to dance on my hind legs! I'm about one year old and weight about 70 lbs. However, I've become a bit of a sausage during my time here and I would appreciate you putting me on a diet to get back to my svelte figure. I recently did very well on my behavior test. I appear to like other dogs, but because I am such a goofball, you might want to bring your dog for a meet and greet so you can find out it we like each other. The great people here liked me so much that they went ahead and neutered me ahead of time and I recently tested negative for heartworms too!

Lanc

J.D.

I'm a beautiful blue and white bulldog mix male around 2-years-old and weigh about 50 lbs. I have the most adorable pink "flares" on my nose and an adorable black circle around my left eye. I may be lying quietly on my blanket when you see me, but once I get to know you, I will jump for joy when I see you and give kisses and roll over for belly rubs. I came in as a stray so they don't know everything about me, but I appear to be house trained. Also, the nice volunteer lady gave me a bath and said I was very good, and I've also learned how to 'sit.' If you have a dog already, you should arrange with shelter staff for a meet-and-greet with your dog to make sure we like each other.

I'm a sweet, timid black and white bulldog/hound mix spayed female around 3-years-old and about 60 lbs. I came in as a stray. I'm currently in foster care with a wonderful lady! She has done some assessment of my behavior and says that I'm most comfortable with male dogs and smaller dogs. I do well with female dogs as well. I prefer a calm environment and become fearful if play becomes too heightened. I already know "sit" and "stay" and how to walk on a loose leash. My foster mom introduced me to a 5-year-old child and I appear to like children. She says I'm a fast learner and will THRIVE with a calm affectionate home. I'm on the shy side, but no worries of fear aggression. The nice people spayed me ahead of time, so I can go home right away TODAY! I'm looking for a kind, gentle forever family where I can go for walks, gain confidence and learn new things.

Sophie The Triangle Dog

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Randolph’s Adventures Photos by Diane Lewis

Oh, to be a dog named Randolph Mueller. Have you ever known a dog that has his own collection of cars? Do you know any dogs that have rides specifically for their own use? We first met Randolph, a Bernese Mountain Dog, in mid-2010 when he had a 2006 Mini Cooper S GP that he was trying to sell. He really liked the ride, but the car was a little tight for his 100-pound physique, so he was looking to move it on. He now cruises around in a new Kia Soul. He saw the commercial on TV with the humanized mice driving them around and thought that was the ride for him. He also has a late model BMW M3 convertible in which he tools around town to see all of his friends. He only takes the convertible out on nice days above 32 degrees; otherwise his driver gets a little cold. On especially nice days, to keep both his cars looking good he takes them to The Durham Ritz Car Wash, owned by his parents Bruce and Ira Mueller. If you live in Durham, Chapel Hill, or even Raleigh, you may have seen Randolph being chauffeured around by his dad. He travels regularly to his groomer the Dog Stylists and his vet at Colony Park Animal Hospital, and may stop along the way at Lowe’s Home Improvement, Performance Automall or the architecture firm, Ward Design Group, that designed his house. Sometimes he stops past Rockwood Barber Shop so that his dad can get a haircut. He also goes on road trips to South Carolina to visit his grandfather and great aunt and pretty much everywhere else with his dad. They are a devoted duo!! 14 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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by Chuck Brehmer

Randolph loves to take his dad to First South Bank so that they can withdraw money for fuel, bones, other toys, and occasionally a new set of "wheels." "He is a special friend that stops by weekly just to say hello," mentioned Joe Johnson, Senior Vice President, City Executive with First South Bank. He is quite the ladies’ man, especially at the bank. The women love it when he comes to visit, and he gets all sorts of attention. “Randolph looks forward to us as much as we look forward to him,” stated Marie Thomas, Customer Service Associate. Randolph doesn’t always have to drive to see his friends. He has some great friends next door that he gets to see every day when they come home from school. He eagerly runs over to play with his friends, Madeline and Anna. They all run around the backyard and play fetch with his stuffed Bernese Mountain Dog toy, which needs to be washed regularly as he takes it everywhere with him. Randolph keeps a special place in his heart for his family. In return for taking such good care of him, Randolph lounges around the house and watches over them, keeping them and the house under a watchful eye. His older siblings, Bryce (age 24) and Adair (age 22) return home as often as they can to catch up with Randolph and get a fresh dose of his philosophy– Don’t Worry, Be Happy. If you are ever roaming around the Triangle and look beside you at a stoplight to see a furry head pop up, there is a chance that is Randolph, so be sure to say hello!

First Visit to the Vet by Rachel McNeil

Congratulations! You’re the proud parent of a new dog! By now you’ve most likely purchased several fun squeaky toys, a leash, and some food. While you’re fawning all over your new family member, don’t forget to make the all-important first appointment with your veterinarian. Your new dog’s first vet appointment will make sure your dog starts his life with you on a healthy track, and that he has the best possible chance to live a long and happy life. What should you expect from the first visit? A lot will depend on how old your new dog is (a young puppy or an older rescue), and how much health care he has already received. And, of course, just like human doctors, there will be differences between veterinarians. Here’s a brief look to help prepare for that very first visit. Before the appointment: •A llow plenty of time for the appointment so you don’t feel rushed. Many first visits will take 30–45 minutes. •B ring any and all paperwork you received from the breeder, rescue group, or shelter where you adopted your dog. The veterinary staff will look through those papers to see what vaccines, diagnostics, 16 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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and medications your dog has already been given, as well as read through any previous exam notes. •B ring a stool sample—the fresher the better. They will often want to check the sample for intestinal parasites. If they don’t need the sample, they can dispose of it. •B ring yummy treats so you can give your dog some positive feedback during the visit. • I f possible, try to make a trip to the veterinary office with your dog before the first appointment. Stop in and let an employee give him a treat so he has an absolutely positive first impression. During the appointment: • T he technician will want to take a history (similar to your nurse at a doctor’s office or hospital), asking how the dog is doing at home. Is he eating well, having any diarrhea, any sneezing, coughing, or any other concerns? How is house training going? •S he will weigh your dog and take his temperature. Don’t be scared when you hear the number, a normal temperature for a dog is between 100.5–102.5.

• T he technician will go over her findings with the veterinarian separately, and then they will come in to see you together. Veterinarian: T he veterinarian will do a thorough examination from head to tail. This will include: • l ooking at his eyes, ears, and nose to make sure they are clear and don’t have any discharge •o pening his mouth and looking at his teeth, gums, and tongue to ensure any adult teeth are growing in proper alignment, that there aren’t any broken teeth, and that the gums look nice and pink • l istening to his heart, lungs, and abdomen with her stethoscope for any heart murmurs, congestion in the lungs, or abnormal digestion sounds •p utting her hands over his shoulders, back, hips, legs, and tail to make sure there aren’t any concerns with any abnormal bone growths, lumps, bumps, masses, rashes, or other skin irritations • picking up his feet to look at his toes and his toenails Next, the veterinarian may administer some vaccines. Different diseases are more prevalent in different areas,

and different lifestyles (apartment dweller versus roaming on a farm) can dictate what kinds of diseases a dog may come into contact with. The most common vaccines recommended for Triangle-area dogs are distemper, parvovirus, leptovirus, bordatella, and rabies, which is required by law after the age of 16 weeks. Your veterinarian will discuss her recommendations with you. Be sure to ask if there are any side effects to watch for from those vaccines. After the appointment: •Y our dog may be pretty tuckered out after that first visit. He will have met a lot of new people, had a ton of new smells to investigate, and may have gotten some vaccines. •Y ou will also get information on things like pet health insurance,microchipping, monthly preventatives like heartworm and flea and tick prevention, and socialization classes. This could be a lot for one appointment, so take it all home, give yourself some quiet time to read through it, and then call back with any questions that you have. Your veterinarian should be your partner when making health care decisions for your dog, don’t hesitate to ask her any questions that you have.

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nutrition

What Are You Feeding Your Pet? by Brian Lapham, DVM

One of the most commonly asked questions (and rightfully so) by pet owners is which pet food to buy. There is, of course, no single correct answer, just as there is not one meal or single style of cooking that is best for all people. Many factors come into play when choosing pet food, including individual pet preferences, finances, and how much time one is willing or able to put into preparing their pet’s food. There are several general categories of feeding schemes to be considered: dry (kibble), canned, home-prepared, raw, or my personal favorite—a combination. They all have their own pros and cons, which I will discuss below with my general recommendations.

carnivorous diets to carnivores. And yet, take a good look at most diets, and the ingredient list reads like a cereal box. Certain key words that turn me off of a diet are ambiguous ingredients like "animal digest," "animal byproduct," and “animal protein.” I don’t know what those are or where they come from, so I won’t feed them to my pets. Whole foods that have not been overly processed are most beneficial, such as whole meats or whole vegetables—not their broken down components. Excess processing, cooking, and altering all deteriorate the quality of food. I want to get hungry reading the label!

The first thing I consider when selecting a diet is the individual pet itself. Some pets have different requirements (young, aged, or cancer patient) or specific needs (food allergy, sensitivity). I also consider the human client, as they are the ones purchasing and preparing the food. For example, vegan clients may have difficulty with the thought of chopping up frozen chicken for their furry kids!

Beyond the food ingredients themselves, also look at what preservatives may or may not be included. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and ethoxyquin have no place in pet foods (or ours). Some preservation is needed in dry foods to keep fats from going rancid, but this can be accomplished with antioxidants such as Vitamin E or rosemary. The best option is to serve a food that does not require any preservation (fresh, raw, canned).

Next, I look at the diet itself, keeping in mind that my patients (mostly dogs and cats) are carnivores—just look at those teeth! Cats are even considered to be obligate carnivores, meaning they would die without meat in their diet. In other words, we should be feeding

Artificial colors and flavors are generally used to make the food appeal more to our senses than those of your dog. Most of these are considered GRAS (generally recommended as safe) ingredients (for more information, visit the Food and Drug Administration’s

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DOGS ON CHAINS OFTEN CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T REACH FOOD OR WATER.

BUT YOU CAN REACH THEM.

The Coalition to Unchain Dogs is dedicated to building fences and restoring hope for hundreds of chained dogs in our area. To learn more about our cause visit unchaindogs.org.

DOGS @ PLAY

Getting Started in Agility Do you have a dog that has an endless energy supply, and loves to jump, climb, and run? In many cases, these little "energizer bunnies" of the dog world find their true calling in a sport called dog agility. Dog sports, much like sports programs for children, can help a dog stay fit, healthy, happy, and out of trouble. As long as your dog is in good health, without any physical issues such as severe hip dysplasia or luxating patellas, your veterinarian should give you the thumbs up to participate. However, agility is a team sport, so you should also be prepared to get some exercise and fresh air! Restrictions on handlers are less stringent, as your dog can be taught to do the lion’s share of the running while you direct him. It does, however, take a lot of patience on your part, as training for competition-level events takes roughly a year and half. The pre-requisite for most agility classes is that your dog has had some basic training already. The essential skills would be sit, down, come, and the ability to focus on you in the presence of other dogs. Teamworks Dog Training offers a Distraction Proofing Class and a Control Unleashed Class for dogs that might need to brush up on the basics. 22 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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by Michele Godlevski

It is very important that contact obstacles, like the A-frame and the teeter-totter, be introduced in a gradual progression, and full-height obstacles not be introduced during the first class. If your dog has a negative experience on an obstacle like the teeter-totter, you may spend a lot of time undoing that experience in the future. A good agility class will have a fully-fenced ring where the dogs work one at a time. The contact equipment should have a non-slip surface and should be adjustable for different height settings. The jumps should have displaceable bars, so that if a dog knocks the bar, it will fall rather than remain in place to trip the dog. Your agility instructor should have an agility teaching certification from the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) so you can be sure you are only being given correct advice (even if the class is only just for fun). Also, the instructor should always use a positive reinforcement training philosophy because agility is about fun and recreation for you and your dog. Shock collars and prong collars should never be used in agility training.

DOGS @ PLAY

Photo by Michele Godlevski

Photo by Ryan J. Mauchmar Photography

Photo by Michele Godlevski

Although taking a class is strongly recommended, many people choose to begin agility training with a homemade backyard set up. It is helpful to get some sound expert advice before you do so, as incorrect training on an obstacle such as the weave poles can be very difficult to retrain later on. Books such as Agility Right from the Start, by Eva Bertilsson and Emelie Johnson Vegh, and the second edition of Do-It-Yourself Agility Equipment by Jim Hutchins are great resources for agility training at home. Affordable backyard agility equipment is available at several online retailers.

him walk on a plank atop two cinder blocks. Children’s play tunnels are another great backyard exercise, but make sure they are secured on either side, such as with traffic cones, so the tunnel does not roll around. A hula hoop purchased from any toy store can be placed in a slot cut into a piece of Styrofoam to serve as an imitation tire obstacle. There are many things around the house that can double as a “table,” but make sure the surface is non-slip; ottomans without wheels work very well. Another household agility favorite is to use plungers (brand new, of course) on the (non-slip) kitchen floor to teach weave poles. However, it is important that the correct pattern and spacing be studied before you attempt to teach this behavior.

Your backyard agility area should be separate from your dog’s "potty area" and play area so your dog learns not to confuse the two activities. The surface should be as level as possible and free from potholes or slopes. Agility can be practiced on grass, dirt, and sand, but never on pavement or slick floors. If you have multiple dogs, you should work each dog separately. There are a few exercises you can teach your dog in the backyard that will go a long way to building a solid foundation in agility training. The first is to nose-touch or paw-touch a small target plate or pet food can lid. This behavior can later be transferred to the more complex task of touching the yellow contact (safety) zone. You can improve your dog’s balance and coordination by having

Finally, remember that agility training needs to be taken at your dog’s pace, not yours. You can train for 10–15 minutes maximum per day, but be sure not to over-work your dog; give him a day off every now and then! You should also balance your dog’s activities—do some walking, hiking, and swimming as well to avoid repetitive motion injuries. Agility training does require a lot of time and patience, but the payback is nothing short of amazing. I’ve taught many rescue dogs over the years, and if they could talk, they would tell you that agility turned their lives around! The Triangle Dog

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pet friendly business

101 Lounge by Rebecca Brodney

y e l r a M

Raleigh is a city full of hidden treasures, and the 101 Lounge is certainly one of those tucked-away gems. In the unassuming space that used to be a European coffeehouse, there is now a dog-friendly bar and lounge. It didn’t take long for the 101 Lounge to establish a reputation not only as a promoter for the well-being of the human condition and area arts, but also for the welfare of animals. Beau Bernd, a Santa Rosa, California native, took ownership of the 101 Lounge about six months ago and has sculpted the 101 Lounge into a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for sitting with friends and dogs alike, all while being surrounded by art and music. Aside from being just a unique place to pass an evening, the lounge is involved in a multitude of philanthropic ventures. Each year it hosts a number of fundraising events for groups such as the SPCA of Wake County, the Coalition to Unchain Dogs, and Positive Pits (an organization that strives to change the overall negative public perception of pit bulls). One of these events is a live art auction. Bernd, also an artist, paints a picture while people simultaneously bid to purchase the finished product, with 70 percent of the proceeds going to either a local art museum or the SPCA. Bernd has always had a great fondness for animals, dogs in particular. He fondly recalls a time in his childhood when his sister adopted a cat, and he insisted on training it to act like a dog by teaching it 24 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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Place: 101 Lounge

Location: 444 South Blount Street

Phone: 919-833-8008

Hours: Monday - Sunday from 6pm - 2am. (2pm -2am once the weather becomes nicer.)

tricks, such as drinking out of a toilet. He recently adopted a two-and-a-half-year-old blue pit bull named Roxanne, or as he likes to call her "Roxy Rolls." Roxanne was found by a friend of Bernd’s as a stray roaming the streets of Raleigh. She is fairly small in comparison to other pit bulls, which leads Bernd to believe that she was at one point a "starter dog," or in other words, a baiting type of dog used in the practice of dog fighting. Despite her rough start in life, Roxanne has proved to be a loyal companion who loves other dogs as well as humans. In the future, the 101 Lounge hopes to add events such as open mic nights, poetry readings, comedians, and even jam sessions for local DJs. All dog breeds are welcome, whether as small as a Pekinese or as large as a Great Dane, but they must be trained and wellbehaved. Dogs may spend time either out on the patio or inside of the lounge itself, although they are to be kept a safe distance from the bar.

ask the groomer

I just finished washing my dog and he still has a foul odor. What could be causing this? Is he just a smelly guy or should I be worried? by Beth Johnston

Foul odors from our canine friends can be unpleasant, are not normal, and can have many causes. Over the years I have found many things to be the cause of bad odors: maladies such as infected teeth or severe dental disease, skin infections, injuries that have led to abscesses (common in heavy-coated dogs such as chow chows) that could be draining, ear or skin infections, and full or infected anal sacs. In any of those cases, a trip to your veterinarian is in order. You may also just have a dog that is just in need of a more thorough bathing! With heavycoated breeds (breeds with coats that are designed to protect them from the elements of Mother Nature), you just may need good water pressure, warm water, and plenty of dog shampoo and patience. You may find that your pet needs not one, but two or three baths to fully clean the coat all the way down to the skin. With heavy-coated or giant breeds it may be best to leave this type of bathing to a pet professional as they have all the tools and manpower needed to accomplish this difficult task. Again, if you find that even after a thorough bathing you are still noticing a foul odor, it’s time for a trip to the veterinarian to determine the source of the odor and get it corrected. Good luck! The Triangle Dog

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Looking for your new best friend? Paw Prints Amimal Rescue is an all volunteer, nonprofit, foster home based rescue organization dedicated to reducing the homess population of dogs and cats.

pawprintsrescue.org 919.772.9107

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PUT A LITTLE HOUND IN YOUR HEART Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina

www.tribeagles.org

ifdoes,

But

know you are a step ahead...

The Triangle Dog

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triangle happenings National Volunteer Week April 10 - 16

Carolina DockDogs at the Blooming Festival May 6 – 8

Volunteering is the act of donating your time, effort, and energy to help a cause. Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time for all the great causes in the Triangle and surrounding areas.

Come enjoy the Blooming Festival and watch the dogs jump or join in the fun with your dog. Friday, May 6, you and your dog can try out this fun sport for a $10 donation. The competition will run Saturday and Sunday.

www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/ signatureevents/nvw

J.W. Glover Memorial Park • Nashville, NC

Golden Swim & Picnic Saturday, April 09, 11:00am – 2:00pm Please join us for our 3rd Annual Golden Swim and Picnic, where dogs will have a ball and NRGRR will be able to raise much needed funds to support our rescued Goldens. 100% of the proceeds from this event support the medical care and rehabilitation of rescued Goldens. Montague's Pond • 10301 Penny Road (in Cary between Kildaire Farm Road and Holly Springs)

For more information, visit www.carolinadockdogs.com or email us at carolinadockdogs@gmail.com. Pit Bulls In the Park: Fairveiw Park Community Outreach Saturday, May 7, 12:00pm – 4:00pm Carolina Care Bullies Presents: Pit Bulls in the Park. Spay and Neuter Assistance, Rabies Clinic $10 from 12:00-2:00, Free Microchips and “Ask The Trainer Booth”

www.goldenrescuenc.org/dogswim.html

Fairview Park 195 Torain Street Hillsborough, NC.

Humane Lobby Day Tuesday, April 12, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Walk for the Animals Saturday, May 21

This is an exciting opportunity to meet directly with your elected officials and their staff about legislation that will significantly impact animals. There will be a briefing with tips for lobbying, and an overview of pending animal legislation that will prepare you to meet your elected officials and advocate for animals.

Mark your calendars for 2011 Walk for the Animals on Duke’s East Campus.

Legislative Building Auditorium 16 West Jones Street, 3rd Floor Raleigh, NC 27601 www.action.humanesociety.org/site/Calendar/210613458 9?view=Detail&id=103701 K9-3K Dog Walk Saturday, April 16, 10:00am - 2:00pm Join the SPCA of Wake County and help raise money for homeless pets. Registration information is online. Moore Square Park, Raleigh www.spcawake.org. Bark Around the Park Saturday, April 16, 12:00pm - 4pm The 22nd Annual Bark Around the Park event is scheduled for Saturday April 16, 2011, from 12-4pm. Admission is FREE. We hope you will join us for this very unique and exciting event! Millbrook Exchange Park, Raleigh. (Rain date April 17) Visit www.parks.raleighnc.gov for more information. 4th Annual North Carolina Week for the Animals April 30 – May 8 Special events will make North Carolina Week for the Animals successful, enjoyable and educational for both adults and children. Every event held will help make a difference for the animals. www.ncanimals.org 8th Annual Burrito Bash & Auctions Fundraiser Tuesday, May 3, 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Silent Auction closes at 7:15pm. Live auction begins at 7:30pm. Chatham Animal Rescue and Education (CARE), in partnership with the General Store Café, is hosting our 8th annual Burrito Bash & Auctions fundraiser. Enjoy a burrito with all of the fixin’s, while bidding for silent and live auction items, and listening to our fabulous DJ spin! www.chathamanimalrescue.org

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Fashion Unchained Saturday, May 21, 7:00pm The Coalition to Unchain Dogs will be hosting the 2nd Annual Fashion Unchained event in high style. This stylish soiree will be held at Artspace in downtown Raleigh Teamworks Spring Splash Down June 4 – 5 One of 3 Dock Diving Events hosted at: Teamworks 195 Robbins Rd Youngsville, NC www.dogtrainingraleighnc.net Dog Days of June Saturday, June 4, 9:00am - 2:00pm Demos, food, rabies/microchip clinic and a Skyhoundz Disc Competition. Fred G. Bond Metro Park - Field #4 Cary, NC Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday, June 24 First celebrated in 1999, Take Your Dog To Work Day was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. This annual event asks pet lovers to celebrate the human-canine bond and promote pet adoption by encouraging their employers to support TYDTWD by opening their workplace to employees’ four-legged friends on this one special day. www.takeyourdog.com

Do you have an event you would like to us to promote? Please email us at: events@thetriangledog.com

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ask the vet

My dog Max loves tennis balls. Are tennis balls bad for his teeth?

Traditional tennis balls have been used as dog toys for decades, however, the fibrous fluffy felt covering on tennis balls can cause wear on a dog’s teeth. This felt material acts like a nail file and can dramatically "file down" teeth as dogs chew on the balls. I have seen older dogs that have played with tennis balls their whole lives and have worn teeth down to a straight line instead of having normal differing heights to the canine, molar, and premolar teeth. The photo below shows the teeth of "Sophie" Kaplan. Sophie is a 6-year-old golden retriever that loves to play fetch with a tennis ball. Notice the flattened surface to her canine teeth, which should end in a point. She has worn away the last 3 mm of those teeth with moderate use of a tennis ball toy. After I pointed this out to her owner, I recommended he look for a rubber ball that was a similar size, but without the felt covering. There are many types of ball toys on the market now; some contain whistles or glow in the dark, and there are even balls made with recycled rubber for green dogs and their owners. Just be sure that the ball is large enough so that it cannot be swallowed or inhaled into the trachea. To judge this, the ball should be able to fit inside your dog’s mouth while the mouth is open, but your dog should not be able to close his or her mouth. The use of a "ball chucker" allows even the un-athletic owner to throw the ball like Brett Favre and give your dog excellent exercise.

My neighbor’s dog Sasha was bitten by a copperhead snake. Is a copperhead snake poisonous to her dog?

Yes, copperhead snakes are venomous animals and have the potential to cause a serious poisonous bite. Some snake bites can be "dry bites" where very little or no venom penetrates the skin. But if the bite causes any swelling or pain, it is a sign that venom has in fact penetrated the skin. Usually it is very obvious when a dog has been bitten by a venomous snake. Most are bitten in the nose where there will be significant swelling. There may also be an area of redness in the center of the swollen area, and sometimes it is easy to make out two small pinpoint holes in the skin that are draining serum or blood. 32 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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If your dog shows these signs, you need to get him/her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Copperhead snakes are the only venomous snakes that inhabit the Triangle area of North Carolina, so identifying which snake caused the swelling is relatively easy. The good news is that copperheads have weaker venom than other venomous snakes such as water moccasins and rattlesnakes, so dogs usually survive the bite. It is, however, very important to have your dog treated by a veterinarian for the pain, shock, and infection that can occur from the bite. Polyvalent anti-venom is usually not needed in dogs or people with copperhead bites, but is often used when treating bites from the more venomous species. One vial of anti-venom can cost over $800! To avoid snake bites, keep your dog on a leash during the warmer months. Most snakes will try to avoid you and your pets; snakes typically bite only as a last resort. But while you may wisely decide to simply walk away when you encounter a snake, dogs are curious about the sliding creatures and may get bitten as a result.

ask the vet

I would like to start to feed my dog Tucker supplements. Where should I start?

Don’t think every snake is a bad guy. Snakes help protect your garden and yard plants because they eat rodents and insects. Most of the snakes you will find are not a problem, and they won’t harm you or your property. You should start by figuring out what it is you are attempting to augment with supplements. There is a huge market of supplements available for pets just as there is for people. There are joint supplements that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. These are aimed at supplying the precursors needed to make joint fluid to protect the cartilage in the joints. There are vitamin and mineral supplements to augment your dog’s diet. Many people now cook homemade diets for their dogs and need to ensure that the pets are getting all the correct vitamins, calcium, and minerals in their diet, so these supplements can help. There are supplements meant to keep the skin and coat healthy, such as fatty acid supplements, which have been shown to help in cases of skin allergies in dogs. These nutritional supplements are not "drugs" in that they have not gone through rigorous double-blinded, placebo-controlled testing, so claims for curing a disease process or medical condition cannot be made accurately. And all supplements are not created equally. See your veterinarian for advice on which supplements have been tested, and which have shown good results in their experience.

Dr. Diane Deresienski , VMD, DABVP A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Diane Deresienski has been with Bowman Animal Hospital since 1993. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University, where she teaches veterinary students about exotic animal practice. Dr. Deresienski has always had an interest in wildlife conservation and is a founding and past board member of the Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham. In 2000, Dr. D (as she is affectionately called) became a specialist in Canine and Feline Practice by passing an extensive certification exam. She is one of only a few with this designation throughout state of North Carolina. She enjoys general and orthopedic surgery, and has a special interest in Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis. In 2007, she received her PennHip Certification, qualifying her to perform the unique testing methods that can identify dogs at risk for hip dysplasia while they are only 4 months old. As an exotic veterinarian, Dr. D treats a variety of pets ranging from birds and reptiles, to small mammals such as rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Dr. D lives in Raleigh with her husband and an interesting menagerie: an African Budget frog, a ball python, a kitty named Looney Tunes and a dog named Zeb. When not working or teaching, Dr. D enjoys yoga, getting away to the coast, and her season tickets to the North Carolina Ballet. The Triangle Dog

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natural Dog

Natural Remedies for Pet Problems by Cindy Nelson

I have been a pet owner for more than 35 years and I have always wondered why people choose products to use on their pets that contain chemicals that are harsh on the pet’s liver, skin and kidneys rather than the more natural, safer options. I know there are a number of companies that offer products made with safe ingredients, and the company I represent is one of them. I thought it might be a good time of year to address how to incorporate these products into your home for the sake of your pets. Melaleuca alternafolia oil is a very powerful tool when dealing with minor first aid applications. Due to its power, it is necessary to dilute the melaleuca oil with a carrier oil (ie: coconut oil, jojoba oil or olive oil); we prefer olive oil as it is heavier and has good anti-fungal properties.

Skunk / Fleas / Ticks / Leeches: Has your dog

or cat ever been skunked? If they have, you know how hard it is to get the odor out of their fur. Some people swear by tomato juice, but another option is sodium bicarbonate (3-4 Tablespoons) in a tub of warm water and wash the pet with shampoo containing a very high concentration of melaleuca alternafolia oil - we use T36-C5®. In our house we use Naturals Melaleuca® Oil Shampoo or Antibacterial Liquid Soap, which both contain the natural oil. It is necessary to leave the product on the fur for a few minutes and then rinse. Repeat if necessary - the longer the pet has the odor on it, the harder it will be to get it off! Ticks and fleas are repelled by Naturals Melaleuca® Oil Shampoo. To remove an embedded tick, use melaleuca alternafolia oil at the site of the tick. Without pulling, take a tweezers and pinch the tick, after a few minutes the tick will usually let go and back out. (Be sure to use gloves to avoid Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).

Abscess / Splinters / Paw Abrasions / Mange / Insect Bites & Stings: When defending their territory

against other animals, dogs can get a puncture wound. The best way to treat such a wound is to dab the abscessed area with a strong antiseptic mix of 5-10 drops of melaleuca alternafolia oil in a teaspoon of carrier oil. Usually the animal will not lick it due to the taste of the melaleuca oil, but keep them from licking the wound for at least 30 minutes. Apply for seven days after the abscess bursts. Any time you are trying to avoid an infection or are attempting to calm swelling for any of the previously mentioned conditions, you will want to apply a high-quality of melaleuca alternafolia oil mixed with a carrier oil. The process of using melaleuca alternafolia oil is simple, natural and painless and can usually heal the area in about 5-7 days. Most dogs will respond to these natural therapies, but continue to watch them to ensure their condition is improving. Natural is always best, but if your pet is not getting better or the area is getting worse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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let's cook

Canine Cuisine Cooking Class by Angela Brehmer

Nestled away on the second floor of A Southern Season in Chapel Hill sits a little jewel called A Southern Season Cooking School. You may be wondering why a dog magazine would focus on a cooking school; because this cooking school has classes devoted to your canine companion. Saturday, February 5, 2011 marked the debut of A Southern Season Cooking School’s Canine Cuisine Class. This particular class focused on four snacks for Fido from the Three Dog Bakery Cookbook by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff. Before the class started, I spoke with Marilyn Markel, cooking school manger. In preparation for the class, Markel found the most interesting thing about dog treats was that there was no salt in any of the recipes in Three Dog Bakery Cookbook. "After reviewing a few recipes and noticing salt was not in them, I had to check the entire book just to see if salt was in any recipe.” She was also impressed at how wholesome the ingredients are. When asked why the cooking school decided to host a dog cooking class, Markel added, “We were looking for new things and thought real food for animals was a great idea." Once the class started, there were about 20 participants present. Because this was a hands-on class, we split up into four groups, each cooking two recipes. Once the first recipe was put together and went into the oven,

the second recipe was started then placed into the oven. While each group waited for their treats to be ready to take home to their pets, the entire class was treated to a gourmet salad followed by chocolate truffles and a glass of wine. This down time allowed for some socialization with the other classmates. During this time I was able to speak with many other participants, including Laura Kneavel of Cary, who summed up the class by saying, "I’ve taken several cooking classes at A Southern Season and have always enjoyed the experience while learning a lot. The Canine Cuisine Class not only provided some great recipes and treats for my dogs, but also a fun opportunity for me to meet fellow pet lovers and make some great connections!" Though most of the classes at A Southern Season Cooking School focus on human entrees, and the fact that this class attracted so much interest, the school has decided to put more dog cooking classes in their future schedules. If you are interested in learning more check out their website, www.southernseason.com. The Triangle Dog

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If you think picking up dog poop is unpleasant, try drinking it!

Pet waste washes into storm drains, polluting our rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources.

Scoop, bag and can the poop! Join the City of Durham and Keep Durham Beautiful in protecting our water by taking the Canines for Clean Water pledge online at: www.keepdurhambeautiful.org/k9.html

Barks n bubbles

Avoid Tug-of-War with Your Dog

by Alana Bossen

How to Pass Another Dog on a Walk

Foster

(fos•ter] verb 1. to promote growth and development 2. to bring up or rear 3. to care for or cherish

Dog owners, you might be familiar with this situation. You are enjoying a leisurely walk with your canine companion, and in the distance you see another person walking their dog. Looking down, you see that your dog is too busy sniffing the air, the ground, the nearest plants, or anything else in his path, to notice what’s up ahead. You shorten the leash anyway and grip it in preparation for when he does take notice. As the other owner and dog come closer, your grip tightens. Your dog finally notices the other dog and begins to yank on the leash, eager to meet this new potential friend. You react by pulling back on the shortened leash, while your dog reacts by lunging forward with more power. The more you pull back on the leash, the more your dog pulls forward. Luckily, walks do not have to be this way. Sylvie Pleasant, certified dog trainer and behavior consultant at K9 Solutions in Raleigh, suggests two options to make future walks with your dog less of a tug-of-war when another dog appears.

Join Our Team! Wake County Animal Center www.wakegov.com/pets (919) 212-PETS

First, keep human bodies between dogs. This allows you more control over your dog, as well as giving your dog less access to the other dog. Second, have your dog sit politely while the other owner and dog walk past you. Of course this takes some training. Pleasant recommends using as many treats as needed to train your dog to sit politely while on a walk, and then wean your dog off the treats as his response to the sit command improves. Dr. Barbara Sherman, PhD, DVM, DACVB, director of the Animal Behavior Service of the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and immediate past-president of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, suggests practicing the scenario at home. Have a family member or friend role-play the situation. As your family member or friend and their dog close the distance between you, have your dog sit politely until the other dog has walked past. If you choose to have your dog sit while another dog walks by, Dr. Sherman stresses that it is the owner’s responsibility to "prevent other dogs from coming up and interrupting, frightening, or being aggressive toward a dog that is being asked to sit in place." This is especially true if you stop to talk with the other dog owner. Remain watchful of the dogs, keeping your body between them. With some training, neither you nor your dog will have to stress when another dog approaches, and the game of tug-of-war can be saved for the family room.

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Working with Companion Animals While many of us have experienced the impact of the struggling economy, spending on companion animals continues to flourish. According to research gathered and conducted by the American Pet Products Association, in 2010, an estimated 62% of U.S. households own a pet, and those households spent a whopping $47 billion within the pet industry alone. If you have a desire to work with companion animals, but don’t know where to begin, the pet industry’s continued success, even in tough economic times, can be a springboard to achieving your dream of working with animals.

canine careers

by Lisa Giannini

What attracts individuals to the pet industry is not only their love for animals, but the number of opportunities available for people with and without a college degree. But before you jump in head first, it is important to take a good look at what is driving you toward working with companion animals. While a love for animals is a fine quality, it alone is not sufficient qualification for working in the pet industry. It is essential to enjoy working with people as well, and possess sincere empathy and compassion for both animals and people alike. These character traits need to come from within and cannot be acquired from any training session. Your specific values, interests, and skills, combined with certain personality traits, will define which careers are especially suitable for you. Remember, a job is something you do to earn a paycheck. A career is a job you do with enthusiasm, passion, and purpose. As Confucius said, "Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life." Ask yourself these questions when beginning the pursuit of a career working with companion animals: •W hat level of education do you have or are you willing to obtain? •D o you have the time and enthusiasm to commit to a career? • Do you want to work directly with companion pets? •W hat type of environment/organization appeals to you? • Are you looking for a job or a career? • What type of lifestyle are you looking for? • How much money do you need or want to earn? • What is your learning style? In a series of subsequent articles, I will highlight specifics for each career, including educational requirements, job descriptions, practical resources, and links to get you started on your journey. Finally, the most important force in any new venture is enthusiasm, as Walt Disney once said, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!"

Now that we have covered a basic understanding of what is required to work with pets and choosing a career, take a look at some exciting paths of companion pet career opportunities: • Veterinarian

• Pet Sitter

• Veterinary Nurse/Technician

• Animal Behaviorist

• Veterinary Business & Development Manager • Pet Massage Therapist • Veterinary/Animal Health care Assistant

• Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

• Client Care Associate/Receptionist

• Pet Health Insurance Sales Representative

• Groomer

• Pet Food/Nutritional Sales Representative

• Animal Trainer

• Marketing Representative

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Dog Park Visits Offer Your Dog Exercise and Socialization by Donna S. Elliott

Tips for Your First Visit Socializing off-leash with your dog has come a long way from the impromptu gatherings that took place a decade ago at places like North Carolina State University’s Schenck Forest in Raleigh. In 2003, Millbrook Exchange Park became the first dog park in Raleigh to dedicate fenced, open space for off-leash dog play. Since then, the city of Raleigh has opened two additional dog parks. The surrounding cities and towns of Cary, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham all have municipal dog parks as well. "A dog park offers a dog a place to run without a leash, roll around and romp with their friends," says Lorita Dudus, who serves as the program specialist for canine recreation with Durham Parks and Recreation. Dog parks provide "great socialization for dogs that like to be around other dogs. A good time playing can tire out a dog."

Photos by Sue Mixson

a fenced yard, so the dog park is important for both of us because I can’t let her outside to run free. Mattie is so high octane, that I want her happily exhausted at least once or twice a week. Running and playing with the other dogs provides her with exercise, fun and stimulation. She is always a happy dog when we go." It can benefit you and your dog if you visit the dog park for the first time without your dog. Check out the park and its facilities to determine if it would be appropriate for your dog. Review the rules. Find out if you need a special license or membership. You might visit on different days at different times to find out when the park might be less crowded and perhaps more suitable for a first time visit with your dog. Notice the other dog owners and whether they are supervising their dogs appropriately. Become familiar with the surroundings before you bring your dog.

The ASPCA agrees. On its website, the ASPCA explains, "Dogs were born to lead active lives. Most pet dogs, on the other hand, spend the majority of their time alone at home, napping on couches…Many become lonely, bored and overweight." The ASPCA states that "visits to your local dog park can greatly enrich" your dog’s life, providing physical and mental exercise and opportunities to maintain social skills.

Dudus suggests that the first time you do visit with your dog, stay outside the perimeter and allow your dog to observe.

Raleigh resident Sue Mixson and her dog Mattie Pearl frequent Oakwood Dog Park in Raleigh.

Most dog parks offer separate areas for small dogs, conveniently and safely away from the play of larger dogs. Most have double-gated access to keep the unleashed dogs safely inside as others enter and exit the park. While each park may have its own specific rules, overall general etiquette applies. Always keep your dog leashed unless in a

"There is plenty of room for the dogs to run, roll, jump and play," Mixson explained. Mattie Pearl is a Border Collie mix and requires a great deal of mental stimulation and physical activity. "We don’t have 42 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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"A first time visit could be a bit overwhelming for some dogs," she cautions. "The initial visit is very important so that the dog knows they are going somewhere fun and not somewhere they perceive as uncomfortable."

Photo by Julie LeRoy

World’s Ugliest Dog On an unusually warm day last April, I met a couple at a gas station. They were holding a little white and black pit bull named Cuda and said she needed a new home. Considering her exaggerated underbite, much like a barracuda, Cuda was a perfect name. Cuda also had a curved spine, a tilted rib cage, a fused neck, rear "hocked" legs like a cow, and was very undersized. The couple told me they had rescued her, but from who or what I don’t know. I instinctively knew I had to do some rescuing of my own. I texted her picture to my husband, Scott, who quickly replied, "No, we already have too many dogs." After bombarding him with texts, he finally relented, "Go ahead, do what you want because you will anyway." Mission accomplished! Once home, both he and our teenage son, Joe, backed away in disbelief at this strange creature. But she won them over quickly, and my husband later admitted there was no denying her. She instantly became part of our family. We breathed a collective sigh of relief after our vet declared her healthy. Later, I learned that a dog with a curved spine similar to Cuda’s recently won the 2010 World’s Ugliest Dog contest at the Marin-Sonoma Fair in Petaluma, California. I thought, "I can top that," filed our entry, and began to spread the word. We started a Facebook page that, at last count, has more than 2700 fans. She also has more than 100 followers on Twitter and videos on YouTube. We aimed to make it so you couldn’t do a search for Cuda without her story popping up. In public, people react the same way when they meet her—dropped jaws, then 44 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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by Julie LeRoy

immediately followed by lifted spirits. Cuda may be a product of inbreeding or she just may be a fluke, but I’ve never seen another dog like her. She charms everyone she meets with her pint-size body and gentle disposition. Expenses to travel from North Carolina to California are extremely steep, so we set up a donation page for her on IndieGoGo and created a store on Café Press to sell shirts, mugs, and the like. Her fans have been more than generous, and two local businesses, Totally Tattered and Arlee Bee, have donated funds generated from their own sales toward her trip. She also has the support of numerous animal rescue groups, especially Pit Bull Rescue. Cuda, now a year old, still has flat feet and ears that don’t point in the same direction, but we couldn’t love her more. People often comment that she was lucky to have found us, but we feel we are the lucky ones. One fan asked us to change her description from "congenitally deformed" to “a congenital miracle,” and we have happily obliged.

What: World’s Ugliest Dog Contest When: June 24, 2011 Where: Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma, CA Website: www.worldsugliestdogcontest.org Check the website for on-line voting to vote for Cuda.

Jake Potochniak 3/2/1997 – 2/15/2011

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our longtime companion and dear friend, Jake. Jake was a good-natured, happy boy who never bothered anyone and even bore the harassment from his playful sister with great patience and humility (though he did show her on a few occasions). On summer days, he loved to nap inside while basking in the sun coming in the windows, with his head directly over the floor vents to catch the nice cool air. But don’t let that calm, cool exterior fool you…underneath it all, he was full of spunk. He loved to frolic in the snow, and he’d get so excited when another dog came by; he so loved to play. He’d get a crazy look in his eye that was a sure sign he was up to no good. He’d start spinning in circles, chasing his tail; happy as ever. And heaven forbid you came near him with a comb, or worse yet, gave him a bath! I don’t know who got more drenched… 46 Volume 1 • Issue 1

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Jake’s most endearing trait was his complete inability to drink water. He’d bite away at it instead, leaving a streaming puddle in his wake. But even more impressive was his exceptional howl…so pure and strong. I’ll never forget the first time it woke me up in the middle of the night, I thought someone pulled the fire alarm! It was always an adventure with Jake. His greatest achievement was snatching a Thanksgiving meal. He cunningly pretended he had to go outside, but before he made it out the door, he darted so fast to the dining room table and gobbled down an entire plate of food. Good one, Jake! Jake was such a lovable dog, and though he was selective with his kisses, it made it all the more special to get one. Jake, though you are no longer by our side, you will forever remain in our hearts.

Just this side of heaven is a place called

Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross

Rainbow Bridge together.