Urban Dog Magazine

Issue 35

Comedienne Lisa Lampanelli and Parker The Inner Dog Interview

Dagnabit & Kim: A New Orleans Love Story

Shelter-Me Photography: Saving the Lives of Homeless Animals One Photograph at a Time

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Come. Sit. Stay.

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f we had to pick a theme for this issue of Urban Dog Magazine, it would be a perfect, inspiring combination of compassion, salvation, redemption, love and hope.

Our Dogma selection is Kim Dudek’s inspiring story of all of these things. Kim is Founder and President of Belladonna Day Spa, Dag’s House, and Belladoggie Resort Spa for Dogs in New Orleans. She started Dag’s House after her pit bull terrier had spinal surgery. Dag returned home with no muscle mass and unable to walk or control his bodily functions. His spirit was broken and the sparkle had left his eyes. With intense therapy, laced with love, Dag is now happy and healthy. Her story appears in Dogs and the Women Who Love Them, a heartwarming collection of inspiring stories.

Both of our Wags profiles embrace the same theme.

Nanette Martin is an international, award- winning editorial and documentary photographer. Her work has been published in LIFE, People, Sport Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, The Advocate and more. Nanette is also a dedicated animal lover and as co-founder and lead photographer of Shelter-Me Photography she has been using her camera to help shelter animals around the Check out our website at www.urbandogmagazine.com!

Urban Dog Magazine 5500 Prytania St. #419, New Orleans, LA 70115 Ph/F: 504-897-9577 www.urbandogmagazine.com EDITORIAL Managing Editor/Publisher: Contributing Writers: Contributing Photographers:

Lisa Robinson Jackie Powers, Peggy O’Dell, Kim Dudek, Mallory Messina.

Cami Johnson, Skip Bolen

ADVERTISING Advertising Sales:

DESIGN Tchopshop MEDIA, LLC

Lisa Robinson 504-897-9577 ads@urbandogmagazine.com 504-891-0940 www.tchopshop.com

Urban Dog Magazine is published quarterly. We cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited materials even if accompanied by a SASE. All material published in Urban Dog Magazine is copyrighted: Copyright 2010, Urban Dog Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.

Subscriptions are available for $15/year or $25/two years payable by check or money order. All subscriptions begin with the issue published after payment is received. Mail payment to: Urban Dog Subscriptions, 5500 Prytania St. #419, New Orleans, LA 70115

country in need of homes.

She has photographed over 5,000 homeless animals and her images have increased traffic to shelter websites and facilities, which has in turn led to increased adoptions.

Our second Wags feature is Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Founded by three Detroit area Lions Clubs members in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dogs to people who are blind and visually impaired to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life. Each year, over 270 students attend their training program to be paired with a guide dog. This is a life-changing event that opens the door to independence, safety and self-worth Leader Dog is the only facility in the Western Hemisphere to teach deaf-blind students to work with a guide dog.

Our Inner Dog Interview is Lisa Lampanelli, comedy’s “Lovable Queen of Mean” and her adorable adopted pup, Parker.

Come, Sit, Stay, Lisa Robinson, Publisher/Managing Editor

Ingredients Dogma Dagnabit and Kim

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Wags Shelter-Me Photography Leader Dogs

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FETCH

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DOG-EARED

18

TREATS

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TRICKS Counting Calories

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ASK DOG LADY

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BITES

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The Inner Dog Lisa Lampanelli and Parker

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dogma

Dagnabit & Kim a New Orleans Love Story

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have lived in New Orleans for thirty years. My parents met and married here, and I had always heard their romantic stories about the magic of this city. I came to attend college, fell deeply in love with the city, and never left. Following my passion for health and well-being, I opened Belladonna Day Spa in 1995. The business was, and continues to be, a success and is highly involved in community activities and fund-raising for different charities.

Continued on page 6

Photo by Skip Bolen

urban dog • 35

By Kim Dudek

“An emotional and deeply felt tribute to the powerful bond between dogs and humans.”—Garth Stein

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dogma urban dog • 35

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for months and then slowly began to introduce them after putting a Belladonna gave me the freedom and financial support to begin muzzle on Dag. Eventually, Dag was able to be around the other dogs to follow another passion of mine, which was rescuing and giving at Billy’s house. However, he remained insanely obsessed with dogs medical care to dogs. In 2004, I had four dogs of my own and began outside his home. to foster dogs for various rescue groups. My gang — Burt, Ernie, Tuni, and Danny — were a good, strong, solid team who were patient and kind to the rescued dogs I brought home to HURRICANE KATRINA heal and find new homes for. They never In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina headed toward New Orleans. seemed to mind when we had an I had rescued a shar-pei mom and her six puppies from a shelter extra dog and enjoyed correcting I began noticing about a week before Katrina arrived. A vet had quarantined the them and teaching them the rules signs that Dag was puppies due to the high parvovirus rate at the shelter, so we of the house. I always seemed could see if the dogs were infected and needed treatment. mellowing and becoming to go for the very neglected, As Katrina approached, the vet kept telling me that he abused, and ill dogs whom more trusting. At night... we would call when I needed to take the dogs home so that others were too afraid to we could all leave the area. He never called. I waited and would sit on the sofa and take on. Or I chose the huge waited, then I found out that he had left the city without dogs most foster families watch television together. allowing me to get my rescued mother dog and her pups. were not willing to take On the Sunday night before Katrina hit, I went to the Picture an eighty-five-pound home — mastiffs, pit bulls, vet’s office and broke the dogs out with Billy’s help. I took Catahoulas, and boxers. pit bull with a mouth the along the vet’s clinic dog, Claudia, whom he had also left I love to see the physical size of Texas and a body the caged in a bottom kennel in his office. Billy and I could not and emotional changes in leave the city and now had fifteen dogs between the two of dogs when they are given the size of a hippopotamus us. The officials had closed the highways going east beyond proper care, food, and love. So who loved to snuggle Slidell.

To go west would mean sitting in twelve-hour traffic, it was no surprise when one of since everyone was headed that way. I did not want to get stuck my employees, Billy, found Dag, a with me. on the highway with fifteen dogs while a hurricane raged around pit bull terrier, outside Belladonna and me. I made the decision to stay in my house, which had been built in brought the dog to me. Dag wore a worn, 1920 and still stood after being hit by numerous other hurricanes. red leather collar with his name, Dagnabit, on it We got out of New Orleans on Tuesday after the levees broke, and the location of his home in Florida. We decided to call him Dag. with floodwaters rising around us. My Ford Explorer carried the fifteen It was obvious to me that Dag had been tortured in the usual way dogs, Billy, and me to Lake Charles, Louisiana. We were quite a sight. pit bull thugs train their dogs to fight. As a result, he was a mental I had on the same clothes I’d been wearing for three days. They powerhouse — physically and mentally intimidating, he created fear were bloodstained from one of my dogs cutting his paw on a broken and submission in other dogs just by his presence. His ears had been roof tile that had landed in the yard. My shirt was also smeared with scissor-cut so they wouldn’t be destroyed during a fight. He had a scar chocolate from three peanut-butter and chocolate cookies, the only around his neck but no other obvious fighting scars. He was incredibly food I had eaten in three days. strong and very well muscled.

After we came home to New Orleans, Billy and I, his three dogs, and my five lived together for eight months in a house I owned in Fighting dogs are often so emotionally damaged and physically Marrero, Louisiana, about fifteen minutes outside New Orleans. Dag destroyed that rescue is nearly impossible. Dogfight trainers teach the and my crew started to get used to each other. At this time, I started dogs to be intensely dog-aggressive and turn them into vicious balls of making frequent trips, forty-five minutes each way, to the Lamar-Dixon pent-up frustration and hatred. There are no real winners in dogfights.

Expo Center, in Gonzales, Louisiana, where rescued animals were The dogs battle to the death or until they are beyond physical repair. being brought to safety. The facility provided temporary shelter to Billy called the veterinarian’s office near Tampa, Florida, which cows, chickens, roosters, camels, goats, horses, ducks, turtles, rabbits, was listed on Dag’s collar tags. The vet’s office told Billy the name of cats, and dogs. I would leave at six in the morning, when the curfew Dag’s previous guardian but said that she had moved a long time ago. ended, and come home by seven in the evening, when curfew was They had not heard from her in a while and did not know that Dag back in effect. had been missing. The vet assistant gushed about how sweet and I would return, exhausted, but all the dogs, including Dag, had to lovely Dag was and said that his ears were intact the last time they saw be loved and exercised because they too were traumatized from the him. She was sorry that she could not offer any further assistance to storm. All the dogs except Dag would go out in the yard to play and help Billy. We searched online and waited to see if there would be any run. Then Dag would run with the two brothers he was used to being inquiries about Dag. There were none. around.

We surmised that Dag must have been kidnapped out of Florida One day, Tuni, my female, wanted to spend time in the yard with and brought to New Orleans to fight in the dark world of dog fighting.

Dag. Fearfully, I let her go with him and watched gratefully as they I was petrified of him. He was eighty-five pounds of solid muscle with proceeded to play a game of chase and catch-me-if-you-can. Dag was an obvious hatred of other dogs. He would become obsessed if he very fast despite his bulkiness and muscle. I could see the joy in his saw another dog and begin howling and “pit singing” hysterically, eyes as he ran and actually played with Tuni. sounding like the yodeling in a bad version of Julie Andrews’s “The I began noticing signs that Dag was mellowing and becoming Lonely Goatherd” song in the Sound of Music, except the song never more trusting. At night, after I returned from Gonzales, we would ended as long as he could see another dog. He had a mean expression sit on the sofa and watch television together. Picture an eighty-fiveof bravado on his face and aggression in his body language. This was pound pit bull with a mouth the size of Texas and a body the size quite a change from the picture painted by the Florida vet’s report that of a hippopotamus who loved to snuggle with me. Eventually Dag the dog had been a calm pet when he had visited their office. began to groom my dogs. He has an obsession with ears, for obvious Billy took Dag to his home where he had other dogs, a blind reasons, so he would lick and clean all my dogs’ ears every night. They shih tzu and a rambunctious young pug. He kept the dogs separated

handling the changes in Dag, and I guess I knew in my heart that one day Dag would be mine. Katrina had put both of us through emotional trauma. And Dag had endured tremendous uncertainty and loss. It bonded us profoundly. I wanted to do everything in my power to help him. I could not bring myself to end his life without a fight. I began to put a plan together.

dogma

THE PLAN

Having been a rehabilitation counselor for disabled children for ten years after graduating from college, I knew how to bring together teams of people to improve the lives of my clients. I made Dag my first canine client. Dag’s team included an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, a homeopath, a massage therapist, and a photographer.

We called ourselves Dag’s entourage.

I arranged for the vet who did acupuncture to treat Dag two days a week with a form of acupuncture that uses electrostimulation.

I called my friend who was certified in canine massage and another vet friend who did homeopathy and chiropractic and scheduled them to work with Dag. The canine massage therapist came almost every day. The chiropractor wanted to give Dag more time to heal with the other treatments, so we kept her on call until he improved. The homeopath also wanted the acupuncturist to work with Dag for several sessions before she started homeopathic remedies. The fight for Dag’s life was becoming longer and more arduous and expensive.

At this point, Billy turned over full responsibility for Dag to me.

As Dag continued with his recovery after surgery, he lived at a WOULD DAG RECOVER? boarding facility that was kind enough to take him in and charged After a very expensive surgery, Dag lived at the neurosurgeon’s only five dollars a day. He was, however, not used to living in a clinic for about a month and a half. I went to visit him every day, cage. We used to joke about Dag’s compulsive need to control bringing cheeseburgers and words of encouragement. I watched as how clean or dirty he and his surroundings were. Over the weeks, I the light and spunk went out of his eyes. He could not walk. He was began to notice that in an attempt to regulate his elimination, Dag losing weight and muscle mass and would not eat. He could not had stopped eating and drinking. The boarding facility did not have control his bowel and bladder. overnight supervision, so Dag, with his inability to control his bowels The vet told us to euthanize the dog, explaining that Dag and bladder, often had accidents in his kennel. He hated would never walk again. I brought a veterinarian friend who does being soiled but could not move himself away acupuncture to the vet’s office. My friend was allowed to see Dag from where he had eliminated. This began to and do acupuncture on him. worry me, because he could not afford to With the first treatment, Dag was able to stand on all four With the first lose any more weight, and he needed to legs. I cried. Dag cried. We all cried. Dag had a look of utter treatment [of the be hydrated. disbelief. His eyes were like saucers. His ears, or what was When I brought Dag home, he was left of them, were forward and open, and he was smiling. acupuncturist], Dag still not close to being able to walk. We He really did smile. As his legs at last, slowly gave out was able to stand on used all kinds of exercises, stretches, again and he collapsed to the ground, he looked up at and activities, trying to give him me and licked my nose. We moved Dag out of the clinic all four legs. I cried. incentive. One of our favorite exercises despite the vet’s continued urging that we euthanize.

Dag cried. We all cried. was to put Dag in both front-support Dag had always seemed to me like an invincible and rear-support harnesses. Utilizing dog. He was strong, muscular, sharp, quick, Dag had a look of utter the entire boarding facility, we would demanding, and pushy. Now, after his injury, he was disbelief. His eyes were make him walk with our assistance. humble and small. He had lost about thirty pounds In doing this, he had to walk past like saucers. His ears, or and almost all the muscle in his rear legs and butt. He kennels filled with every kind of dog. had always been bright and snappy, and now he was what was left of them, At first I was concerned about how he subdued. There was no spark, no spunk, no inner fire, no were forward and might react to strange dogs, but Dag self-assurance. He was broken and empty. And yet when soon chose specific dogs he loved to talk I showed up with the burgers for him to eat, he would open, and he was to, flirt with, kiss, argue with, and smile muster some smiles and give me a kiss to say thanks. smiling. at. The dog population changed often at the I don’t know if it was the constant jabs from the surgeon kennel, and he would have to do the evaluation who wanted to put Dag down because he would never walk again, process all over again. It was obvious that Dag was or if it was my own struggle with redefining who I was and what starting to enjoy meeting dogs. And the dogs were not I was doing with my life, that most affected my decision to save afraid of him or his weird gait and inability to walk on his own.

Dag. Katrina had refocused so much of my energy. Bella-donna was It was wonderful to see Dag lose his old obsession with rolling along, but in my heart I was still thinking about the neverdestroying other dogs. After endless months in the boarding facility ending rows of dogs at Lamar-Dixon who waited for their humans and our retraining him to walk at home, he finally learned that dogs or a rescue group or just a nice person who would adopt them. I were not trying to kill him. In fact, they gave him unending support. felt I could not let Dag down. Billy was having difficulty emotionally

Fetch this article on page 28

urban dog • 35

never argued or tried to convince him that their ears were not dirty.

But I was still hesitant to leave all the dogs alone without supervision.

We muzzled Dag until we did not need to anymore.

Everything settled down eventually, and Billy moved back to his home with Dag. In October 2006, he called me, crying. He said that Dag was sitting cross-legged in the middle of the floor of his living room. I told him dogs don’t sit cross-legged. He cried and said that he knew that and asked if I would please help him. I got a stretcher and a muzzle, and we transported Dag to my vet’s.

Minutes after our arrival, the vet came out and said that we had about three minutes to get Dag into surgery. He thought that Dag had ruptured discs in his back, making it impossible for him to use his back legs. He could not be certain, because Dag needed a myelogram, which uses special dye and an x-ray to diagnose disorders of the spinal canal and cord. This test would determine if there was an injury and where the damage was. He also explained that there is a specific window of time for treating this type of condition before the dog dies or the damage is beyond surgical repair. He referred me to a neurosurgeon vet who was close by.

Off we rushed. When I looked at Dag, lying on the stretcher, muzzled, I knew that this dog and I had been through so much together and I would do whatever I needed to do to fix him. Little did I know that I would ultimately be the one who was fixed by all he would teach me.

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wags

Shelter-Me Photography: Saving the Lives of Homeless Animals One Photograph at a Time

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onvincing people that they really can find a great pet at their local shelter or rescue might take some effort.

Images that come to mind often color our thoughts about shelter animals and browsing through one of the thousands of online pet adoption sites often does little to dispel the stereotypes.

Shelters throughout the country are full of highly adoptable dogs and cats, yet in many cases, poor photos do little to facilitate their adoption and may even deter a would-be-forever family.

Nanette Martin, a professional editorial and disaster photographer, experienced firsthand how a highquality photograph can save a homeless animal. While shooting in New Orleans for People Magazine in the days following Hurricane Katrina, Martin accompanied National Guard soldiers as they made their way through the city by boat looking for human survivors.

Unfortunately, they did not find any but did encounter numerous stranded and trapped dogs, some frantically paddling to keep from drowning. When Martin asked the driver to pull them into the boat he refused because most were “bully” breeds and posed too much of a liability to everyone in the boat.

She recorded their locations and transferred the information onto forms provided by the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LASPCA) at the Lamar-Dixon shelter in hopes they would send

By Jackie Powers someone to save them.

Continued on page 10

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urban dog • 35

wags

Shelter-Me Photography, Continued from page 8

10

A month or so after returning home, Martin began receiving calls from rescuers asking if she had her dogs back yet. She explained the dogs she listed on the forms did not belong to her and that she had provided their locations to guide rescuers to them. After the third call from a third rescue team asking the same question, Martin commented on the valuable time being wasted by their triplicate efforts. The rescuer explained how chaotic the animal rescue effort had become, with volunteers from all over the world forming groups throughout the city with no central means of communication. When Martin offered to help as a photographer, a rescuer pleaded she return to New Orleans to document the St. Bernard Parish animal massacre.

According to the rescuer, Chalmette residents evacuated with their pets to several St. Bernard Parish schools. Soon thereafter, law enforcement officers arrived, and at gunpoint, ordered the evacuees to accompany them to a barge and leave their pets behind. The officers claimed animal rescue would come for their pets and keep them in a safe place until they could be reunited. Many of the pet owners wrote their names and contact information on doors and walls, with notes describing their dogs or asking them to, “Please find my dog a good home,” or even, “Please do not shoot my dog.” Tragically, animal rescue was never notified. Instead, ballistics and other evidence indicated one or more law enforcement officers cornered and shot the animals in their stomachs and left them to die unspeakably painful deaths. Hearing this, Martin began planning her return to New Orleans that November (2005).

“I spent two weeks around Thanksgiving documenting the massacre at the Beauregard School as well as the volunteers who were working around the clock to rescue the 250,000 or more stranded and injured animals. My work took me to the Lake Castle School in east New Orleans, where I photographed the rescue, triage and rehabilitation efforts of MuttShack Animal Rescue (MuttShack); the school had given them permission to use the campus. Before I left for home I photographed almost all of the 70 dogs and a few of the cats in their care for a fundraiser calendar I had in mind.”

The following February (2006), Martin put her belongings in storage and headed back to New Orleans with the intention of staying until the animal rescue effort was “over.” “Little did I know it would still be going on in 2010!” She reunited with MuttShack and continued documenting their rescue efforts. In March, she agreed to drive one of three transport vans headed from Hammond, LA to Atlanta, GA. “At MuttShack’s suggestion, I photographed the animals the day before we left and uploaded them to the Internet for people in Atlanta to view while we were in route.”

“The response was phenomenal,” recalls Martin. “Almost all were spoken for by the time we arrived.”

Amanda St. John, co-founder of Muttshack, told Martin her photographs had made the difference between life and death for the animals. “Those words, in that moment, planted the seed the eventually became Shelter-Me Photography.” Martin said.

From 2006 to 2009, Martin used her own funds to photograph more than 3,000 animals in adoption facilities and on transports in Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri and Louisiana. In 2009, broke and exhausted, she and her partner, Sonja Andréasson, founded nonprofit Shelter-Me-Photography, Inc. Their mission: To facilitate and accelerate the adoption process for homeless animals by offering professional photography services at no cost to animal adoption agencies throughout the U.S. Shelter-Me Photography will provide their professional services to any animal shelter, rescue or foster organization within the United States as long as they have the money to get there and back. Right now they are developing plans to expand their operations, which will include hiring and training professional photographers who have the necessary gear and emotional and physical stamina for the job, Photoshop® specialists and data entry technicians. “We are a ways away from actually hiring anyone, but want to be prepared to hit the ground running should a grant or one of several partnership opportunities come through.” Martin explained.

Celebrate the Amazing and Amusing Bond Between Women and Their Canine Companions

“These heartwarming stories of dogs and the women who love them solidify the fact that the animal-human bond is so unique and necessary for enhancing one’s life.

You’ll find a bit of yourself in each tale.”

— VANESSA WILLIAMS,

actress and singer

“This book is for all dog lovers, and for those who wish to better understand the human-animal bond.

It’s an inspiring read and will make you want to hug your best friend!”

— PATRICK MCDONNELL,

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wags wags

Leader Dogs: Eyes for the Blind

Above: During a puppy outing in Detroit, a puppy raiser shares a connection with the Labrador retriever she is raising.

A

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wise boy once said that “Happiness is a warm puppy.” If that’s true, then Janet McBride and Tracy Dreslinski are two very happy women.

As volunteer puppy raisers for Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, Michigan, there is always a chubby belly waiting to be rubbed and an unlimited supply of puppy kisses to be enjoyed.

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and learned that sometimes you do things that aren’t always easy, but when you make a commitment you have to stick with it.”

Puppy raisers receive their new addition when the pup is approximately seven weeks old. The puppy will live with the family for about a year before it is returned to Leader Dog to begin four months of intensive training that will prepare it to eventually assist a person who is blind and visually impaired.

The raiser’s job is to teach the pup basic obedience and house rules, and to socialize it by taking it out into the community and exposing it to as many different experiences as possible. Raisers can participate in monthly outings with other local raisers, as well as For McBride, it all started when her three children began asking include the puppy in their family activities. Sporting their red, white for a dog. Volunteering to raise a puppy seemed like a good way to and blue “Future Leader Dog” neckerchiefs, a puppy might go to a see if a dog would fit into their family without making too long of a Detroit Tigers baseball game one night and accompany its family to a commitment, so she applied to be a raiser “we figured we would do restaurant the next. Every experience is an opportunity for the puppy it for a year and see how it goes,” she said. to learn more about the world it lives in. Regardless of where the The McBrides fell in love with the yellow Labrador retriever puppy outing may take them, though, one thing is inevitable: they will get a they named Sophie and all of the puppy antics that came along lot of attention once they get there. with her. Raising her became a true family affair, and in the process, “People stop us every time we are out with a puppy,” McBride McBride believes her children learned some valuable lessons. said. “We answer a lot of questions about the program.”

“Caring for her definitely taught them responsibility,” Fellow puppy raiser Tracy Dreslinski agrees. she said. “They also experienced the joy of helping others

by Peggy O’Dell “Everyone just smiles when they see the puppies. They

Continued on page 14

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wags

Leader Dog, Continued from page 12

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just make people happy,” she said. “I have even had parents use it as a way to explain to their kids about how important it is to help others.”

The Dreslinskis got involved in raising puppies after Tracy read an article about it in the local paper.

“We just love dogs,” Dreslinski said. “And I thought it would be a good thing for us to do together as a family.”

According to Bev Blanchard, Leader Dog manager of Puppy Development, while it is a wonderful thing for a family to do together, puppy raisers come from all walks of life.

“There are many singles and senior citizens raising puppies,” said Blanchard. “And 70 percent of raisers will go on to raise more than one puppy.”

Leader Dog currently has 400 volunteers raising puppies in 22 states and Canada.

At one time or another, no matter what state they live in or whether it is the first or twenty-first puppy they have raised, every volunteer is asked the same questions: “Why do you do it? How can you give them back?”

McBride and her family cried all the way home the day they returned Sophie, but when they started talking about getting a second puppy, they were anxious to do it again.

“We had so much fun watching her grow up,” she recalled.

“Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is very satisfying. To be able to help give someone their independence, just to be a part of it, is an honor.”

The McBrides are currently raising their sixth puppy, a black Labrador retriever they named Wally.

“Wally is five months old now, and he is just so cute,” said McBride. “He is very friendly and very funny, and we are having just as much fun with him as we did with our first.”

Dreslinski agrees that it is an honor to raise a puppy that will go on to have such a huge impact on a person’s life, but she can relate to shedding tears as well.

“Even though you know they will have to go back after a year, you still fall in love with them,” she said. “What I do is give them a final pep talk, and tell them to go out there and do a good job. Sure, everybody cries, but I think they are happy to go on to their next adventure, and they always go with their tails wagging.”

Puppy raisers have a saying: “Always think about what you are giving, and not what you are giving up.” Dreslinski has kept that

thought in mind both times she has returned a puppy.

“I just keep remembering that I raised somebody’s eyes,” she said. “I did my part, and now it is time for them to go on to the next phase. They have a very important job to do.”

Dreslinski also arranges it so that she can take a new puppy home to raise right away. Leader Dog breeds their own puppies and uses primarily Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds.

“Going home with a new puppy helps to take away some of the sadness. It’s hard to miss a dog when you have a new little puppy at home that needs your attention,” she said.

The Dreslinskis are currently raising their third puppy, a four month-old female golden retriever named Sydney.

“She is a wonderful puppy and we are enjoying every moment with her,” Dreslinski said. “We just love dogs and we are happy to do what we can to help people who are visually impaired.”

Leader Dog has been helping people who are blind and visually impaired since it was founded in 1939 by three Detroit area Lions Club members. Every year more than 240 clients from around the world travel to Michigan to be matched with a guide dog and participate in the 26-day training program. During their stay, clients live on campus in a residence hall. Leader Dog also has a guide dog program for people who are Deaf-blind, and offers orientation and mobility training (cane skills) and pedestrian GPS training to assist the visually impaired. All programs are provided free of charge to the clients, including transportation and room and board. Leader Dog is funded entirely by private donations and receives no state or federal funds. In 2010 the 14,000 client graduated from the guide dog program.

For more information on Leader Dogs for the Blind, their services or puppy raising program, visit leaderdog.org.

Below left: Andrew, the youngest of Janet McBride’s three children, poses with Future Leader Dog Finn, the fourth puppy they raised, in front of the Leader Dog kennel.

Below rigth: The McBride family was thrilled to meet Fernando Apan of Mexico who received Leader Dog Finn, the fourth puppy they raised for Leader Dog.

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wags fetch!

The Wood Chuck®

Engineered with sustainable bamboo and reused cork scraps, Planet Dog’s Wood Chuck throws the distance…naturally. A sleek take on other ball-tossing devices, Wood Chuck® bamboo core offers strength and maximum chuck-ability with an ergonomic cork handle for comfort and grip-ability throw, after throw, after throw. Wood Chuck’s® 4-pronged claw coupled with the pliant nature of our Orbee-Tuff® products make it a cinch to grab and throw. All of Planet Dog’s 2.5” Orbee-Tuff® toys can be used with the Wood Chuck®. Look for the Wood Chuck® friendly toy icon to be sure it fits Find it in retail stores and at www.planetdog.com for $19.95 Planet Dog is proud to donate 2% of every purchase to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service programs across the country.

PetRescuers App by HomeAgain

Be a hero for lost pets! Between 6 to 8 million pets enter animal shelters in the U.S. each year, including many lost family pets. Download the PetRescuers app by HomeAgain, and you can help keep a lookout for lost pets in your area. By receiving notifications about lost HomeAgain pets, you can help get these pets home to their families and keep them out of overburdened animal shelters.

PetRescuers is powered by HomeAgain®—a leader in the pet microchipping and lost pet recovery. All of the lost pets featured in the app are microchipped and have been reported missing to HomeAgain by their owners. This new app is free and now available for download from iTunes. www.homeagain.com

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Designer Travel Dog Food and Water Bowls

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We are always delighted with products that make your dog more mobile because we think you should take your pup with you everywhere! Are you searching for soft dog travel bowls, but haven’t yet found something with a touch of style for your pooch? Kurgo has designed the Wander line of bowls for dogs and owners on the go who want more than just functionality. The Wander water and food bowls are made with authentic seat belt material plus a double ply waterproof interior. They will last for years and look great every time you use them.

Built to hold strong even when Fido accidentally bumps the bowl.

Materials: Seatbelt Webbing Ripstop Nylon. Retail for both bowls is $48.98. Available at www.kurgo.com and www.DazzleDogDelight.com in addition to various other e-tailers.

fetch!

BioPet Dog DNA Tests

Do you have a scruffy Heinz 57 and you’re dying to know who his ancestors are? A doggie DNA test is the ultimate gift for the dog lover that has everything. BioPet’s mission is to offer quality DNA testing services at an affordable price with timely turnaround and friendly, professional customer service. BioPet’s DNA services provide answers to dog breed ancestry via their DNA Breed Identification product and the DNA Proof of Parentage product. The kits retail for about $60 and are available from a variety of online e-tailers. Our test came from www.HappyDogDNA.com. Go to www.biopetvetlab.com for a complete listing of online retailers.

The Bonbal™

KONG Tugger Knots

interactive multi-purpose dog toys, with rope handles for tugging, plush bodies for shaking and snuggling, plus a squeaker for extra excitement. Tugger Knots’ unique design features knotted ropes inside the toy, which provide a variety of chewing resistances for a realistic feel that dogs love. The ropes are also looped together to absorb tugging stress, leaving the plush toy intact after even the most strenuous tug sessions. The rope is wrapped with plush characters made from double-ply material for extra durability KONG Tugger Knots are available in two sizes (Small/ Medium and Medium/Large) and come in four fuzzy characters: Monkey, Frog, Lion and Moose.”

Check them out at www.kong. com.

The Pet Teek Pet Carrier A hands-free small dog carrier that allows you to lovingly carry your pet (up to 25 lbs) in one of three different positions.

Unlike traditional pet carriers in which pets are carried in bags or uncomfortable structured carriers, the Pet Teek enables you to wear your pet on your body in a soft and cozy hammock-like seat. Pet Teek’s unique criss-cross design and sliding support band distributes your pet’s weight across both of your shoulders and back, providing back support. Great for traveling w/ small pets, for use w/disabled pets and many other settings. Available in multiple colors, machine washable and dryer safe. Pet Teek has been tested and approved for quality and safety in accordance with baby carrier standards and regulations, far surpassing normal pet safety standards. $49.99 www.petteek.com

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from Petprojekt is a 2-in-1 toy that is twice the entertainment for your dog. The bright, bouncy ball, made from durable, 100% natural rubber, has ridges that make it extra fun to catch, chew and chomp. Flip the ball inside out and it becomes a rubber bone shaped toy. It’ll make a nice stocking stuffer. Check out all of Petprojekt’s dog toys at www. petprojekt.com

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dog-eared

dog-eared Dogs

By Tim Flach (Abrams Books / October 2010 U.S. $50.00 / Can. $60.00 /ISBN 978-0-8109-9653-3/ Hardcover with jacket 216 pages / 12” x 12” 125 full-color illustrations) This is one of our favorites, one of the most visually-arresting books to come across our desks here at Urban Dog worldwide headquarters…. but what’s not to love? The title alone says it all, Dogs.

Since the wolf first snuck into the caves of our ancestors to take warmth from the fire, dogs have been man’s constant companion. Dogs, multi-award-winning photographer Tim Flach’s stunning follow-up to the critically acclaimed Equus, delves deep into the psyche of this enduring bond with Canis familiaris to present an exquisite study of “man’s best friend.”

From specimens on show at Crufts and Westminster to shelter dogs lovingly rescued by volunteers; from the grace and agility of racing greyhounds to adored domestic companions; from Afghan hounds to Hungarian komondors to Chinese crested, the images featured in Dogs promise to deliver one of the most appealing, popular, and exciting photographic tributes to dogs ever published.

Dogs is the perfect addition to an y dog lover’s collection of dog-centric coffee table books this holiday season.

Earl & Mooch: A Mutts Treasury

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By Patrick McDonnell (Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC / ISBN: 9780-7407-9768-2 / Price: $16.99 /Paperback / 208 pages)

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the witty, lovable, and downright adorable pets Earl and Mooch.

As best friends Earl and Mooch explore their world, they find an enjoyment and admiration for the simple pleasures in life that will leave readers From acclaimed author/cartoonist Patrick smiling. In addition, McDonnell instills important McDonnell comes the newest collection from messages about caring for all of earth’s creatures. his popular and comic strip, Mutts. Earl & Recurring strips like “Earth Days” and Mooch: A Mutts Treasury contains “Shelter Stories” give readers a greater a year’s worth of hilarious and appreciation and concern for the world n o s obin heartwarming comics featuring

By Lisa R around them.

By Christine Sullivan (Martin’s Griffin Trade Paperback / Non-fiction $14.99 / 256 pages ISBN: 0-312-64955-X / Publication Date: November 9, 2010) Saving Cinnamon gets our vote for the feel good book of the year. Set against the backdrop of the war in Afghanistan, Saving Cinnamon is the uplifting and inspiring story of Navy Reservist Mark Feffer and Cinnamon, a stray puppy he bonded with while stationed at a military base outside of Kandahar. It is also the extraordinary account of Mark’s seemingly impossible mission to find the puppy after she went missing, just as she was about to find a new home with his family in the States.

Cinnamon was just a puppy when she found her way into the hearts of the service men and women stationed on the military base where, as a stray, she found a home. One in particular, Navy Reservist Mark Feffer, worried for her future when most of the troops who cared for her were due to rotate out of the region. Who would take care of Cinnamon after they left? Mark decided to adopt Cinnamon and set up her transport back to the U.S. Just as Cinnamon was about to leave for her new home, the unthinkable happened, and she was abandoned at the Bishkek Airport by the dog handler who was supposed to transport her to the States. Cinnamon disappeared without a trace.

Was Cinnamon alone without food and water?

Was she injured and in need of medical attention?

Or was she lying lifeless on an airport tarmac somewhere? Mark and his family, devastated by this turn of events, started a desperate international search for the puppy—which would last for 44 days. Finding a lost puppy in a foreign country seemed an impossible, overwhelming task, but after a string of incredible, miraculous events— and with the help of many wonderful people both in the U.S. and abroad—Mark and Cinnamon were finally reunited.

THE LOST DOGS: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption

By Jim Gorant (Gotham Books / September 2010 / 26.00 / ISBN: 978-1-592-40550-3) Every so often a story surfaces that shocks, saddens, angers—yet ultimately uplifts—almost

FREDDI THE DOG

By Lisa and Randy Herman Illustrated by Bruce Hammond (Trade hardcover color / ISBN 978-0-98455320-4. Published by Fredericka Books. Available online at www.Amazon.com and www.

Freddithedog.com) Lisa and Randy Herman have written an adorable kids book that just about every kid in the world can identify with. All kids try to be good all of the time, but every once in a while, naughtiness just happens and it can’t be explained.

Freddi the Dog is the nicest, sweetest most adorable and lovable dog in the whole, entire world. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her whole body. But—Freddi has one teeny, weeny, itsy, bitsy, tiny, naughty bone and if Freddi’s naughty bone somehow gets tickled, Freddi gets in big trouble.

Freddi loves to play and Freddi loves to eat. And one day, when the family goes away, Freddi’s naughty bone gets tickled. And you know what happens when Freddi’s naughty bone gets tickled? She gets in trouble. Have fun reading this book with the kids in your life, following Freddi’s naughty antics.

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SAVING CINNAMON: The Amazing True Story of a Missing Military Puppy and the Desperate Mission to Bring Her Home

anyone who hears it. In 2007, the nation was buzzing with the news that the Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick was deeply involved in a horrific dog fighting ring, the most highly publicized case of its kind. Now, in a poignant, engaging, and deeply touching new book, the victims—the many dogs rescued from certain death from Vick’s torturous fighting operation—have a chance to tell their side. The Lost Dogs is without question a book that everyone will benefit from reading. Not only will The Lost Dogs appeal to animal lovers, it’s a flat out wonderful read that will fill any reader with hope and positivity.

At its core, The Lost Dogs is a lesson in the distressing folly of discrimination and fear-driven hype—the unfortunate fact is that most people are afraid of pit bulls, when in reality they are some of the most loyal, playful, and loving dogs around. Not all the stories have happy endings, but every one of them features acts of selfless devotion on behalf of the people, boundless perseverance on the part of the dogs, and inspiring hopefulness by all. Amazingly and contrary to even the highest hope, almost every dog survived the ordeal and many went on to become loving pets, therapy dogs, and adored members of their communities, proving that even when exposed to atrocious abuse a dog still wants to be man’s best friend.

dog-eared

McDonnell’s distinctive artistic style and lighthearted humor, along with his occasional commentary on living responsibly and respectfully, make up this world-famous comic strip that has been delighting fans for years. This new collection would make a great addition to any dog lover’s Holiday list.

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IN THE PRESENCE OF A PUPPY

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Bounding through the damp grass A puppy and her girl Leaping with endless energy Barefoot together Grass stained feet from many days spent like this They are each other Connected by an invisible, yet inseparable bond Radiating joy Just from being together Hair flowing, ears flopping, in the wind Joy swells from the depths Of intertwined souls When fate tries to separate them, they only grow closer Rolling in the grass Faces tickled by dew-covered tips Just enjoying the presence of one another Racing together back to the house The girl sits upon the couch Her puppy leaps up too Snuggling into the warmth of her companion She strokes her puppy Running her fingers along the velvety ears The top of her tiny round head Down to the dainty paws, still wet from the dew The girl lifts her body up slowly and almost silently So as not to wake the puppy But once her warmth leaves the sofa The puppy’s eyes flutter open and she raises her head Wondering where her girl is going The girl laughs to see the fur On one side of her puppy’s face Stuck up in the wrong direction She walks back to the couch Holding the puppy’s head in her hands Caressing its face and smoothing the fur Her puppy sleepily licks her fingers, pleading her not to go The girl gently picks her up

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Feeling her tiny heart beating with passion, and her limp tired body, so trusting of her While bringing her up the stairs, holding her tight against her body Feeling as if they almost melt together into one tired being Gently placing her at the foot of the bed And climbing in, herself To dreams comforted By the presence of a puppy —Elizabeth A. Moore (2008)

A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things — a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.

—John Grogan, Marley and Me, 2005

THE ULTIMATE PATH TO TRUTH IS THROUGH LOVE Last year we spent an exceptional and privileged week in the Kalahari Desert, Namibia, with a bushman family. Unfortunately they are very poor (in material riches) and their dogs basically have to fend for themselves. We heard that 2 puppies had died during the night due to hunger...

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her address wanting a puppy when Jakkals Hond would have a litter.

It was a tale of hope and of keeping faith!!

The first time Anubis encountered a soft green lawn, she immediately started eating it. I would love to know what was going through her mind at that moment!

She slotted in unbelievably easily on our farm in SA (although Anubis cried real tears streaming down her face, the first time I went out for an evening 3 days after our arrival — My mom told me when I got back. I felt so bad and was more careful about leaving her alone again until she was more settled.

I would take her & my other dogs on walks up the mountain.

She went from 7kg to 15kg — even her tail picked up weight!

Often while she was eating she would look up at me with a look of unbelievable gratefulness in her eyes. I was always telling her how much I loved her.

She was so sensitive — she would look desperately hurt and terribly insulted when chased off my couch. I let her sleep in my bedroom. I bought her a new grand collar, more suited to the African Egyptian princess she was, and had her microchipped. All was well and happy till dogs living on the farm, managed to cover Anubis while she was on heat. A month later I took her in to be sterilised (had been stalling this unpleasant process) at a vet. She was so afraid of going in to the vet that morning, I felt tremendous guilt. I got a great sense that I was messing with something very sacred by having her unborn puppies removed & fixing her... I had had such a strong sense that I should stay with her until they injected her...or that maybe I should just take her home... but I didn’t...I lovingly stroked her and told her I would come fetch her later.

I was so looking forward all day to the time I would fetch this precious creature. I had actually counted the hours....

Before I was meant to fetch her, the vet phoned to say they had very bad news.

Anubis had died. She had an allergic reaction to the anaesthetics (apparently practically unheard of in dogs), which had caused her to stop breathing. They put her on a lung machine , but her heart stopped...I was devastated.

On my way to fetching her there was an incredibly long and thin whirlwind next to the road and as I passed it , it whirled across my car... I would like to believe this was my sand dog saying goodbye to the physical plane...

I carried her to the car in a box—she looked so small — everything intact — she still had her babies— the only real difference in her eyes:...it dawned on me how the eyes are the windows to our soul & just how precious and miraculous all of life is.... I took her out of the box and put her on the front seat with her head on my lap — I had kept my promise to her that I would fetch her... We dug a hole. I carried her and we buried her in our own sacred way. We cried. I cried all weekend. I have planted flowers on her grave. I miss her so much!

Anubis was pure love, with a beautiful message for me : THE ULTIMATE PATH TO TRUTH IS THROUGH LOVE — Nandine

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At night we sat around the warm fire, while they rhythmically wove their ancient song and dance into playful patterns, the moonlight and twinkling sky reaching into eternity. We heard a pitiful, fragile whimpering. A dog tied to a donkey cart all sad and desperately cold in the wintry breeze! Apparently tied up because of us being there & her extremely efficient ability to steal food! We convinced the bushman chief to let her curl up around the fire like the other dogs (their whiskers were actually singed in the mornings from lying closer and closer to the smoldering coals during the night).

I lost my heart to her. Extremely skinny (like all of them) the most graceful gentle creature with an air of nobility unlike any other dog I have ever encountered.

Her eyes a mix of honey & clay, golden ochre with an otherworldly intelligence & knowingness of mysteries.

Not as big as a greyhound, but very similar in build with long sinewy limbs and particularly long paws like a greyhound (when greeting her paws reaching up against my chest & neck) — she had a dainty way of trotting as if she was wearing high heels. Her head looked like the Egyptian version of a jackal, and her ears like the African basenji dog (one of the oldest breeds of dogs).

We called her Anubis. At night I let her sleep in our tent with us, under our blankets, intent on bringing her back to SA. We fed her eggs, cans of tuna, milk, bread, etc. and by the end of the week she was walking around with her tail happily wagging in the air as opposed to the initial miserable & listless drooping.

Unfortunately I found out that getting her through the border would be a problem without necessary papers.

I cried when we had to leave, but I promised her I would be back to fetch her as soon as I could. I left some money for dogfood for all the dogs (about 10), with a woman from the UK who had arrived that week to start an ambitious permaculture project in the Kalahari.

2 months later we went back to fetch Anubis. It was a crazy trip with breakdowns as well as getting stuck in the sand late at night surrounded by enormous scorpions, pitch black with massive tails....

Finally we arrived at our destination, after trying to find that specific little patch of sand amongst all the other patches... And there was my Anubis — as skinny as ever (all the dogs were — despite the money I had paid into the chief daughter’s account for food, both for the bushmen & dogs and transport fare to get to the shops...) They told me she had nearly died from some insect that had bitten her on her ear! Within a day of being there she had happily claimed us as her new owners, barking at her previous owners whenever they approached our tent, much to their & our surprise!

We took Anubis on her first road trip. She was so calm, unphased. We went to the closest town — called Gobabis (about 300km from where we had been staying with the bushmen, along sandy backroads) to get her necessary shots, where the local vet estimated her to be 2years old (amazingly getting her rabies shot, deworming tablets, and chillout pills for the journey only cost R180, inc. getting her nails clipped & weighing her..)

She wore a dog leash and collar as if she had been born wearing them, and wherever we went the locals would stare and some would call loudly: JAKKALS HOND...! One woman gave me

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Counting Calories: A Simple Way To Keep Your Dog Healthy

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W

22

e know that obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States. Thirty percent of American adults – that’s 60 million people – are obese. But there’s another statistic that is even more startling and concerning to pet owners and veterinarians: according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately half of all dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese. That’s 84 million animals that weigh more than they should for optimal health. Just as with people, obesity in pets is associated with many health risks, including osteoarthritis, Type 2 diabetes, respiratory disorders, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, and many forms of cancer.

What causes obesity in pets? It generally comes down to consuming more calories than the pet needs. According to veterinarian Susan Nelson, assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University, “Pets are overeating and under-exercising, and they’re eating too many high-fat foods and treats.” Dr. Nelson suggests a number of factors to consider when feeding your pet, including paying attention to the nutritional information and calorie content of what your pet eats. While we often think to at least glance at the nutritional information and calorie content marked on our own food, we may not think to do the same for our pets.

Is my pet overweight?

It’s relatively easy to determine yourself if your dog or cat is overweight. First, take a look at your pet’s ribs. If your animal is a healthy weight, the ribs shouldn’t be seen but should be easy to feel. They should be covered with a thin layer of fat – if they are difficult to feel under a large layer of fat, that is a sign your pet is overweight. Next, take a look at the animal’s stomach. A sagging stomach, where you can grab a handful of fat, is also a sign of excess weight. Finally, take a look at your pet’s general

By Matt Papa

“You don’t have to love dogs to love Fixing Freddie. It’s hilarious, poignant, and totally irresistible!”

—Hallie Ephron, author of Never Tell a Lie and The Bibliophile’s Devotional

www.fixingfreddie.com

A Single Mom Takes on the World’s Worst Beagle The puppy that destroys Paula’s cabinets, bites her dates, and pees on her neighbors is her worst nightmare—and her son’s best friend. But maybe…this delinquent dog can save their broken family.

Offering both howling laughs and heartfelt emotion, Fixing Freddie is for every mother who has ever given in to her child; for every family who has faced divorce; for every woman who has been disappointed by a man…and lived to laugh about it.

ISBN 10: 1-4405-0230-7 ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-0230-9

AVA I L A B L E AT B O O KS E L L E R S E V E RY W H E R E

Format: Hardcover $19.95 (Canada $23.99) A division of F+W Media, Inc.

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Urban Dog swag!

Tees Sweaters Apron Mugs Totes Cards and more....

Get in touch with your inner dog!

Order online at www.cafepress.com/ urbandogs

tricks wags

body shape. When looking at the animal from above, you should be able to easily make out a waistline. A dog should be an hourglass shape – broader at the shoulders and hips and narrow at the waist. A broad, flat back is a sign your pet is overweight.

How much should I be feeding my pet?

Figuring out how much you should be feeding your pet is not as straightforward as it may initially seem. Amounts vary based on the type of food, your pet’s metabolism, and the amount of exercise it gets. If your pet is a healthy weight, a good place to start is with the amount suggested by the guidelines on the pet food packaging. If your pet is just a bit overweight, look at the guidelines and feed it the amount suggested for its ideal weight, rather than the weight it currently is.

The typical domestic cat should weigh about 10 pounds, and needs about 275 calories per day. Unlike cats, the caloric needs of dogs vary greatly depending on breed – a variance expected when dogs can range in weight from under 5 pounds to over 100. A 10-pound dog needs about 300 calories per day, while a 50-pound dog needs 1,200. Feeding guidelines on your pet’s food bag will take into account approximate caloric needs, but it’s important to realize that food amounts may change if you change the type of food you’re feeding your dog or cat. Since pet foods can vary greatly in fat and calorie content, one cup of Type A food will not necessarily equal one cup of Type B food.

What about treats?

Just as we sometimes don’t realize (or don’t want to realize!) how many calories snack foods can contribute to our diet, it’s easy to forget to consider the number of calories contained in the treats we give our pets. Luckily, it is becoming more common for pet food manufacturers to list nutritional information, including calorie content, on packaged pet treats. Nutrition and calorie information is also often available online, so try visiting the company’s website if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the packaging. It is fine to include treats in your pet’s diet, but calories from treats should account for 10% or less of your pet’s overall caloric intake.

Hidden Calories

Pets, particularly dogs, can be scavengers. While some dogs are very well-behaved, others go through the trash, beg at the table, and try to help themselves to anything that looks particularly tasty.

In households with small children, often one of the first things a pet realizes is that children are an excellent source of table scraps.

Everything the child drops – and children drop a lot! - will be devoured by a waiting animal. And it usually doesn’t take long for children to discover that feeding their pet is a fun game, leading to even more shared calories. Adults are not completely innocent either – many people feed their pets table scraps, or allow them to eat food that drops on the floor. Rarely do we consider how many extra calories human food is adding to our pet’s diet.

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A Family Affair

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As Dr. Nelson says, “It’s important to count calories if your pet is overweight.” If you have a dog or cat that needs to lose a few pounds, counting calories can help you achieve that goal and help your pet stay healthy. But everyone in the family needs to be involved in this process, not just one person. No matter how careful you are about feeding your pet an appropriate diet, it won’t be successful if other family members are slipping their beloved pet treats and table scraps. It’s important that the entire family realizes the importance of helping their pet maintain a heathy weight. Giving food is a way to show love, but an even better way is to help your pet stay healthy and live a long life as a member of your family.

Wags — Shelter-Me, Continued from page 10 When asked about the work of Shelter-Me Photography, Martin says, “I like to think that we are saving lives.” A modest answer backed up by statistics. Their photographs have increased traffic at every shelter, rescue and foster organization that has posted their images, which in turn has led to increased adoption rates (some as high as 100% for the animals photographed). Knowing that Shelter-Me Photography is helping to save the lives of homeless animals is a powerful incentive. More powerful than the statistics, however, are the individual success stories.

The first success happened at the Denham Springs Animal Shelter, in Denham Springs, LA, where Martin photographed a mixed-breed dog known as Trinnie, who had been at the no-kill facility over a year and a half. Three or four days after her photos were posted online, the shelter called to say Trinnie had been adopted and walked out with her head held high, her chest out and tail wagging as if to say, I got picked and I’m going home!” “I sat down and just cried.” Martin said.

Melinda Olsen, vice president of Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), wrote to Martin after she photographed their animals in the fall of 2009. “Since you posted pictures of our dogs, we have had a record-breaking 15 adoptions,” said Olsen. “Although you did not photograph all 15 of these dogs, your images are what drew in the families that adopted longtime ARNO residents, Mama Bear and Helen. Mama Bear was a hard-core feral Katrina survivor that had been at ARNO for four years and Helen, a deaf cattle dog, had been there for more than two years.

Then there was Puppo, a Pitt Bull Terrier that had been at a New York shelter for almost five years without one visitor! Within a week of his picture going up online a woman called to inquire about him and soon thereafter adopted him. After seeing Martin’s pictures, the resident veterinarian at that shelter adopted a dog he had seen numerous times and even treated, but never thought to adopt.

While photographing at the Tangipahoa Parish Animal Control Shelter, a high-kill facility in Hammond, La., Martin could hardly believe her eyes when staff brought out a young, severely emaciated hound known as Buck. He was so thin she could not help but think that his days were numbered. However, to the joy of everyone involved with Shelter-Me Photography, Buck’s photos created quite the “buzz” on Facebook, bringing in calls from doglovers all over the country wanting to help. Within days, a woman in Mississippi came forward and adopted him.

The professional portraits of these dogs were what made the difference; Martin’s skill and talent changed the way people saw these animals. They were no longer shelter animals in their eyes but rather potential family members who they knew they would grow to love. She has a unique knack for bringing out the character and essence of every animal she photographs.

People who might never have considered a shelter animal are able to connect with something in the eyes of those she photographs.

“They all need homes,” said Martin. “None of them deserve to be in shelters. If you are considering adding a furry family member, please make adoption your first choice.”

Shelter-Me Photography is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded through donations, sponsorships, partnerships and grants.

To learn more about Shelter-Me Photography, visit www. sheltermephotography.org, or follow their work on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShelterMePhoto.

ask dog lady

g o d ask lady Visit the “Ask Dog Lady” fan page on Facebook. Post a picture of your dog. Ask a question. No query – and no dog – too small.

Dear Dog Lady, I’m about to retire and live alone in a condo. I recently adopted a two year old female miniature pinscher (min pin), Mitzi, from a humane society. I was told Mitzi had some “issues,” because she was abused. She is slowly acclimating to her new life but is scared of loud noises and quick movements. Most of all, she is very aggressive on the leash when we meet other walkers with their dogs. I had her in several obedience classes and all she did was shake from fear of the bigger dogs and the chaotic barking. She wanted to attack the smaller dogs. The trainer suggested spraying her with water when she acts up, which I’ve done, but it hasn’t solved the problem entirely. I’m looking forward to spending many stress free years with my little girl.

—Carol

urban dog • 35

First, put away the spray bottle. In the short term, the surprise spritz in your dog’s face stops barking intermittently. However, as a long-term solution on the path to “many stress free years with my little girl,” it is not recommended by Dog Lady. You don’t want your dog to fear you ever.

Your Mitzi should look up to you – figuratively. You want her to feel calm enough to obey you and not worry about the other dogs. Teach your dog to “sit and stay” with a yummy treat dangling. This is an exercise in which you command your dog to focus on you while telling her to sit and be quiet. When she does what she’s told, you praise her effusively and give her the treat.

Your immediate need to take her to training is admirable but the high-strung Mitzi doesn’t need any more chaotic barking and noses in her face. Walk her for bonding and socialization. She needs to get used to other dogs, loud noises, big scary trucks, whatever.

And walk her for the exercise. Get to know min pin Mitzi by training her. Buy her a bed so she has her cozy safe place. Be serene around her – or try to be. The last thing any dog – or person – needs is a screamer with a spray bottle.

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Dear Dog Lady, I really enjoy your column. Here goes — my husband and I have two female Italian greyhounds, Sophia and Gina. Sophia is eightand-one-half. Gina is nine. Sophia is timid when people and things are too noisy inside the house for her. The main problem is that they no longer want to use their litter box. That’s what they were used to when we first got them. We keep it clean but still they choose to go on the big rug or the little rugs in the hallway.

—Mama Mia

Bring them out of the house to do their business. Simple as one-twopee. These dogs may have been trained to use a litter box but, basically, they were given permission to go inside the house. Don’t expect them to know the difference between litter boxes and rugs. If you want to wean them from their nasty habits, you have to walk them and housetrain them by praising them and giving them treats when they go outside so they learn that option is better. It’s easy to indulge Italian greyhounds because they are small and feline-nimble in their movements. These are dogs and require the same training and discipline as a Rottweiler.

Dear Dog Lady, My Shih Tzu sisters are two years old. I don’t think they will ever tell me when they have to go out. I take them out on a regular schedule and that works most of the time. But they don’t seem to tell me when they have to go out. I have them in large wire crate, at night or when I am gone.

When I am not looking, if they have to go pee, they just go. I only found this out, when I cleaned my carpet. I even have poochie bells. I do watch for signs so I can catch them, but they are sneaky.

I have a large, unfenced yard and have to keep these two dogs on a leash. Occasionally when I am out with them I let them run which they love to do. I am wondering if it is in the breeding somehow.

All my dogs have had papers, so they are not mutts or anything. I have also wondered if it is the leash thing. Maybe if I just opened the door and let them go out, they would get the hang of it then. I am about to give up. And getting the pee smell out of the carpets is impossible.

—HollyBelle Readers, please be patient. Read the entire above letter as it zigs and zags about potty-training the Shih Tzus. If you make it through whole question, you will have a sense of how not to potty-train dogs in general.

The questioner has tried a little this, a little that – throw in some bells and leashes. No wonder these adorable muffin hounds continue to go on the carpet. You would go on the carpet too if you were confused about the location of the toilet. These dogs have not been properly trained.

OK, go back to Page One in the training manual. Keep the dogs in their crate and let them out only to do their business. When they pee or poop outdoors, reward them liberally and praise them to the heavens.

Do this again, and again, and again, and again. . . Get it? Make sure they do not soil indoors before expecting them to enjoy the run of the house, behave like pristine angels with breed papers, not mistake the carpet for a latrine, and ring bells when they have to go outside.

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Find and fan Ask Dog Lady on facebook, Twitter too Dogs, Life & Love: Wise advice and humorous riffs for ruff times.

wags dogma

Dogma, Continued from page 7 My dogs had been afraid of Dag during those months after Hurricane Katrina, but they sensed that something was different about him when I brought him home from the boarding facility. They were patient and kind with him.

Because he’d been living in the kennel for six months, there were obvious adjustment issues for Dag at home. To help him recover, my alpha dog, who had always slept with me, gave up his sleeping spot in my bed and let Dag have it. Rocky would play tug-of-war with Dag using stuffed toys. He did not know that he was doing rehab exercises with Dag, but the effort was much appreciated. And Burt would go to Dag to have his ears cleaned, just like in the good ol’ days.

urban dog • 35

DAG’S WHEELCHAIR

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and wanted to do things his way. I had to learn that his way was sometimes the best way, and that Dag needed to make decisions so as to regain confidence in his own body. His stubbornness had kept him going at times when he probably just wanted to give up.

Dag is somewhat of a celebrity in New Orleans. In 2007, he wheeled around Audubon Park during the Dog Day Afternoon fundraiser for the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and won the hearts of many. The next year, we walked the 1.8 miles for the shelter’s fund-raising event and raised over five thousand dollars for the LA/SPCA. I was touched by the generosity people showed after seeing Dag’s courage.

DAG’S LEGACY Dag has taught me much about dogs, people, and

Dag showed me myself. He allowed us to do anything to him because he understood that we were trying to help. I have some that dogs don’t hold on gut-wrenching photos of him where the focus and to things like thinking determination in his eyes are apparent as we try to get him to relearn his gait. Dag taught me that it “I can’t” or “I don’t want was okay to push him. Sometimes he did not want to.” They will try as long as to do things, but with my urging he would perform. they know you are And ultimately he began to walk.

Dag has grown stronger, rebuilding his hind legs there for them. to the point that he can walk without assistance from any

One day I found a wheelchair company online called Doggon Wheels, located in Bozeman, Montana. It had never occurred to me that there was such a thing as a wheelchair for dogs. The woman who owned the wheelchair company was originally from Houma, Louisiana.

After hearing the story of what happened with Dag during Katrina and of his injury, she felt so much compassion for him that she donated a wheelchair.

I will never forget the day the chair arrived. Our entire rehabilitation team was there, as well as the photographer Skip Bolen, who had been documenting Dag’s healing journey. We began to put the chair together. Several different companies, as I would come to find, make wheelchairs. A correct fit is imperative so that the dog is comfortable and in the right position. If a chair is not fitted properly, the dog will not make a good adjustment to his chair.

Doggon Wheels is an incredible company that works with each client until the chair is fitted properly. Its employees make chairs for every kind of injury a dog could have. They design quadriplegic chairs for dogs unable to use any of their legs, amputee chairs for dogs who have lost a limb, and paraplegic chairs for dogs like Dag, who are not able to use their hind legs. To me, these chairs are magic. They allow dogs to be independent and free, to move around, where before they were unable to move at all. They open up a whole new world for the disabled dog.

The chair is an ingenious device made of metal. It attaches to the dog with a harness, and the dog sits in a saddle made of neoprene (the stuff they make wet suits out of). The wheels act like the dog’s back legs, and the dog is able to pull the chair forward using his front legs and upper body. Dogs are able to go up and down stairs, in water, in fields, and up and down curbs. There is no place a dog cannot walk in these chairs. Dag seemed to know that this device was for him. He whimpered and scooted around my living room as we wrestled with assembling it.

I will never forget Dag’s first amazing day in his wheelchair and the hint of a spark that came into his eyes. With the wheelchair assisting his hind legs, he ran his fanny off from one end of my street to the other. He tore all over the church playground while we played catch-me-if-you-can with him. The nuns stood in the church windows, clapping and cheering him on. We all cried.

That day was the beginning of Dag’s return to life. I retrained him to eat, drink, and potty while using the wheelchair. Then he started going everywhere — to the beach, the French Quarter, a bar, a restaurant, the park. It took a year and a half for him to master using the chair, and there were lots of bumps in the road. Being a pit bull, he at times displayed his breed’s trait of horrible stubbornness

device. He is learning to move up and down stairs, which is very hard without full use of his back legs. For the most part, he can control all his bodily functions now and tells me when he has to go outside.

We are patient and take it a day at a time. He loves long walks and forgets that these make him very tired. Then I have to carry all seventy pounds of him back home.

Dag showed me that dogs don’t hold on to things like thinking “I can’t” or “I don’t want to.” They will try as long as they know you are there for them. It brings tears to my eyes when I think of the process that was so long and difficult and of how Dag just kept going. Once he knew I was not giving up, he pushed himself, sometimes to exhaustion.

In February 2008, I opened the nonprofit charity Dag’s House, where we have helped some incredible dogs develop their independence. What we do for them enables the dogs to create new lives that are different from what they had when they were healthy but still hold meaning and help them retain their spirit. I take what is given to me and, with the help of many people who have a variety of skills, work to develop and improve a dog’s quality of life. If I can make a small difference in the dogs’ and their human companions’ lives, then I feel that I have done my job.

Every day, Dag’s quirkiness makes me laugh. I like to goof around with him and know that all his previous bravado masked insecurity.

It remains important to me to assure him that he is home. He had so many homes in his life, and some were unbearable. It is difficult to leave him when I have to travel, because he might feel I am not coming back. But each time when I return, Dag does his happy dance, and my heart fills with joy and gratitude.

MEDITATION: Dag recovered from a nightmarish situation with the help of Kim and many others who cared about him. How would teamwork enhance your healing or the health of others?

From the book Dogs and the Women Who Love Them.

Copyright © 2010 by Allen and Linda Anderson. Reprinted with permission from New World Library. www.NewWorldLibrary.com.

bites

t bi es I like pigs.

Dogs look up to us.

Cats look down on us.

Pigs treat us as equals.

-Sir Winston Churchill

Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to.

-Joe Gores

A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied.

-Irish Proverb

We could have bought a small yacht with what we spent on our dog and all the things he destroyed. Then again, how many yachts wait by the door all day for your return?

-John Grogan, Marley and Me, 2005

Cats are smarter than dogs. You can’t get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.

-Jeff Valdez

We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet: and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us.

-Maurice Maeterlinck

Who knew that dog saliva can mend a broken heart?

- Jennifer Neal, nakedjen, 07-22-08

Home is where the dog hair sticks to everything but the dog.

-Anonymous

urban dog • 35

If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warm.

-Alfred North Whitehead

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the inner dog

Comedienne Lisa Lampanelli and Parker a ry Messin

By Mallo

L

isa Lampanelli is Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean.

Heralded as “more than a standup — a standout,” by comedy legend Jim Carrey, Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen. She even won accolades from The King of All Media Howard Stern, who called her “a true original and a brilliant comedy mind who’ll steal the show every time.”

This equal opportunity offender is a regular on the “Tonight Show” and Howard Stern’s Sirius satellite radio shows. She has already joined the ranks of comic greats and added her first ever one-hour HBO comedy special, “Long Live the Queen,” to her resume, with a CD and DVD of the special to follow. In addition, her first book, “Chocolate, Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat and Freaks,” hit bookstore shelves in September, 2009.

Several months ago, in true Urban Dog fashion, Lisa got in touch with her Inner Dog and adopted Parker, an adorable Yorkie mix. Says Lisa, “I actually saw Parker on a Sunday afternoon at a pet adoption place on the Upper West Side of New York City. I was going to have lunch and I said, “At this point, food’s more important than anything to me, but if he’s still here when I come back from lunch, it’s meant to be.” And it was.

“I’ve always had an unutilized maternal instinct, and I wanted to adopt something that didn’t need braces or a college education. Parker was an adorable, furry creature that I fell in love with at first sight - kind of like my fiancé, Jimmy. The only difference is, Parker sheds less.”

We thank Lisa and Parker for being our Inner Dog Interviewees!

urban dog • 35

What is his idea of perfect happiness?

Parker’s idea of perfect happiness is the same as any man’s – he lives to eat, poop, hump, and sleep!

30

What is his favorite treat?

Bacon – isn’t it everybody’s?

If he could change one thing about himself, what would it be?

I think Parker would choose to be bigger. At four months, I already sense a Napoleon Complex coming on. Besides, if he were taller, he could stick his nose into people’s crotches a lot easier.

What is his most treasured possession?

Me! Believe me – at this point, I don’t own HIM, he owns ME! What is his most endearing quality?

Parker possesses an ability that no one else in my life has – the ability to sit and be quiet!

Assuming there is such a thing as reincarnation, what or who might he have been in a former life?

Seriously? I think he could have been Sam Kinison ‘cause he’s hilarious and his hair is out of control.

Is there anything that embarrasses him?

Yes, Parker hates public displays of affection. If another dog tries to sniff his butt on the street, he gets shy and turns away.

What is it he dislikes most?

One word – poodles. Even dogs dislike the French.

What is his greatest fear?

Two words: Michael Vick.

What is his greatest accomplishment?

Learning how to sing “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison. Okay, okay, he obeyed a command to sit – ONCE. He’s not that goal-oriented.

What is his favorite place?

Parker loves the dog park. He is a real bitch’s man. He’s had his eye on a sexy yellow Lab for two weeks now.

What does he really like in other dogs?

The smell of their butts.

Does he have a motto?

It’s a toss up between “In Dog We Trust” and “Eat, Stay, Love.”

Fetch your Urban Dog Swag!

Celebrate the magic of the canine spirit and get in touch with your Inner Dog. Check out the Urban Dog Store at www.cafepress.com/urbandogs

even watchdogs need watchdogs

Animals enrich our lives in so many ways.

They give us joy, protection, companionship, and unconditional love.

But they need our help too. Join us in confronting animal cruelty in all its forms.

Visit humanesociety.org to find out what you can do.