The Love Behind Love on a Leash: Penny Adam Leggo

We often feature profiles of the wonderful, loving, qualified women behind Love on a Leash, putting a face behind the person who is caring for your dog while you are away. This month we feature Penny Adam Leggo, Dog Sitter and Dog Walker Extraordinaire…

Penny has worked closely with animals since 1996, including eight years at the S.P.C.A. Animal Hospital and seven years as a professional dog walker. This has helped Penny fine tune her knowledge of animal behaviors, health, and well being.
Penny has worked extensively throughout the animal world – from specialty pet stores to grooming businesses. These positions have honed her knowledge of pet products, animal nutrition, grooming and care of dogs as well as other pets.

Penny is a certified dog trainer and recently updated her first aid skills to include Levels I and II of Dogsafe Canine First Aid. Penny also went thru training to help further improve her skills and knowledge in dealing with a variety of different situations regarding dog handling and certain behaviors that may require some special work to ensure that owners and their dogs are happy, healthy, well adjusted and well behaved!

Over the years Penny has owned and loved a variety of different pets including dogs and cats plus other small animals. She gets tremendous enjoyment working with dogs. Penny feels these loveable pooches help keep a smile on her face and deliver new challenges each day and that dogs enrich people’s lives so much with their unconditional love.

We have to agree -- there is no substitute for your dog’s love and the amount of love Penny gets from her doggy clients each day along her route shows she is indeed dog’s best friend!

Note: Recently Penny adopted Rupert, a senior Bichon Frise, who had been left in a kill shelter in L.A., and who was in need of a loving and caring home. Having lost her own senior boy, Ziggy, this past winter, we hope that Rupert can help fill the void Ziggy’s passing left in Penny’s heart. And Penny’s heart is indeed very big as she adopted a newborn kitten a few months back, too!

Dogs’ Super Sniffing Ability May Be Powerful Tool Against Cancer

Colonoscopies may become yesterday’s news as new training techniques are helping dogs be ever-more accurate in sniffing out various cancers. Scientists in Japan are hoping that the super sniffing ability that dogs possess will increasingly help them not only determine the presence of cancer in a totally non-invasive way, but what type of cancer a patient may have. Nor is this some futuristic dreaming. It’s already beginning to happen today. From the science-focused Cosmos Magazine:

Japanese scientists have found that dogs can distinguish people with colorectal cancer, reporting that a retriever can scent bowel cancer in breath and stool samples as accurately as hi-tech diagnostic tools.

The findings published in the British Medical Journal support hopes for an ‘electronic nose’ that will one day be able to sniff out the specific chemicals that are produced by cancer cells and circulate in the blood stream before being expelled by the lungs.

The researchers have been relying especially on Marnie, a specially trained black labrador retriever with a lot of talent for the job. Over a period of several months, Marnie was given 74 sniff tests to carry out. The tests were each comprised of stool and breath samples, one of which was cancerous. Every time she correctly identified a cancerous sample, she was rewarded with some time with her tennis ball:

The samples came from 48 people with confirmed bowel cancer at various stages of the disease and 258 volunteers with no bowel cancer or who had had cancer in the past. They complicated the task for the eight-year-old canine detective by adding a few challenges to the samples.

Around half of the non-cancer samples came from people with bowel polyps, which are benign but are also a possible precursor of bowel cancer. Six percent of the breath samples, and 10% of the stool samples, came from people with other gut problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, diverticulitis, and appendicitis.

The retriever performed as well as a colonoscopy, a technique in which a fibre-optic tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the rectum to look for suspect areas of the intestine. It correctly spotted which samples were cancerous and which were not in 33 out of 36 breath tests, equal to 95% accuracy, and in 37 out of 38 stool tests (98% accuracy).

According to Cosmos, for eight-year-old Marnie, cancer sniffing is a second career. She was first trained for water rescue. (Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?)

Upcoming Events: BCSPCA Charity Pub Night

Mark your calendar for the BCSPCA Charity Pub Night, coming up fast on Thursday, June 9th at Ceilis Irish Pub located at 790 Smithe at Granville, Downtown Vancouver.

You can see more information on the Facebook event page here, but -- in the meantime -- here’s the 4-1-1:

Come join us for live entertainment, drinking, dancing plus fun and games! You'll also have the chance to win great prizes throughout the night and bid on some fabulous silent auction items.

All of this, appies and a drink for just $10!!

To purchase tickets call 604 681 7271 or by e-mail here.

…And don’t forget to tell your friends!
* Door sales will be available *

All proceeds go directly to our charity challenge fundraising on behalf of the BCSPCA. The BCSPCA is a not-for-profit reliant on support from the community. Proceeds from this event will support the BCSPCA’s care and protection of animals.

While we’re on the topic of BCSPCA fundraisers, don’t forget the annual Paws for a Cause. This year’s goal is $1 million! More information here.

Recipe Corner: Blueberry Maple Pupsicles

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to start thinking about cool canine treats. I made these for my dog and she is crazy for them! Maple syrup is associated with all that is Canadian and dogs love the stuff even more than we do. In warmer weather, these frozen treats will help cool your pet down -- plus you can even eat one yourself! They are yummy.

The yogurt adds protein and calcium to help keep bones and teeth healthy and strong, plus probiotics are good for your dog’s tummy and the blueberries are loaded with anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals plus fibre: the maple syrup is just added for taste. Don’t use too much: like all sugars, large doses of syrup are not good for your dog’s teeth, and flavorwise, a little goes a long, long way.

Blueberry Maple Pupsicles

Ingredients:

2 cups plain non-fat probiotic yogurt
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or chopped fruit such as peaches or plums
2 tbsp. maple syrup (honey may be substituted if you are out of maple syrup)

Stir together the yogurt, blueberries and syrup and freeze in containers appropriate for your dog’s size. (ie: muffin tins, ice cube trays, mini-muffin tins, etc.) Do not fill all the way to the top as the mixture swells as it freezes.

To release them from the container, dip the bottoms in warm water.

These treats store well frozen in freezer bags.

WHEW!!! DeSkunk your dog…

Spring is hopefully just around the corner and that means there are a number of things we need to be aware of when letting our pets out in the yard, run through the dog park, or head out for a hike.

Aside from parasites -- like ticks, thorns from plants or other hazards -- we need to make sure our dogs and cats are safe from skunks, especially their defensive spray.

Skunk spray can cause irritation to your pet’s face, mouth, and lungs. If your dog is hit in the eyes, he can be blinded for up to two days. The skunk’s defensive spray is not only horrible to smell but also tough to get out of pet fur, clothing or anything it comes into contact with. If you don’t act quickly, the smell can stick around for months to years!

The old tomato juice bath does not work. It can help lessen the smell but it doesn’t break down the chemical compounds of the skunk spray and completely eradicate it. Skunk spray needs to be oxidized. A peroxide mixture is the most effective smell removal agent, as proven on an episode of Mythbusters.

Before you fill up the bathtub and roll up your sleeves, make sure you take a few steps:

1. Put on some old clothes. Skunk spray is actually an oil and is very difficult to remove from clothing. Be prepared to throw away whatever you are wearing.

2. If possible, leave the dog outside to prevent the odor ridden oils from getting into your house till you are ready to bathe him.


3. Pinpoint where the spray hit the dog. Depending on your dog’s hair type, you may be able to trim away or comb out some of the affected hair.

4. You can use paper towels to soak up the oils from the coat before you begin washing. If you use a real towel you will have to toss it as the oils may not come out 100%. Be careful not to spread the oils from one part of the dog to another.

5. Be prepared to give the dog more than one bath because some of the skunk oil may spread no matter how much you try to keep it contained to one area.

The best mixture to use contains the following ingredients:

1 quart hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
2 teaspoons dishwashing soap (liquid)

Baking soda neutralizes the smell, dishwashing liquid breaks up the skunk oil and the hydrogen peroxide bubbles the oils off the hair. The mixture will fizz. Wet your dog and thoroughly massage the solution into the coat. Be sure to keep the mixture out of the dogs eyes, nose and mouth. If it is necessary to apply it to the dogs face, use a washcloth or a sponge and be extremely careful. Never store unused portion, always be sure to discard.


Editor’s Note: The image above is of the “Little Stinker” skunk dog costume from Swankpets. Their whole line is a great deal of fun!

Recipe Corner: David & Tom’s TLC Turkey Treats

My friend, David created and then perfected, these treats for their adorable rescue dog, Gizmo. David assures me that all dogs are CRAZY for these treats!

David & Tom’s TLC Turkey Treats

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients and mix well with your hands. Mixture will have the consistency of a meatloaf. Shape into patties suitably sized for your dog. We recommend rolling them and then slightly flattening till you have a patty approx. two-inches long, one-and-a-half-inches wide and one-inch thick.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 12 minutes. Flip patties over and bake for another 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Patties can be frozen for later feeding. Defrost before serving. Break off small pieces for treats and watch how your dog falls in love with you all over again!

Concerned About Your Dog’s Carbon Pawprint?

All of us are concerned about the environment these days and the fact that a lot of little things can add up to big change has never been more apparent. Just in time for Earth day, Dogtime points out that, even our dogs can help make a difference for the environment when they suggest the “Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Dog's Carbon Paw Print.”

Humans aren’t the only species to leave their mark on the environment, but we alone have the power to do something about our impact. And, we can do the green thing on behalf of our animals.

In recent years, eco-friendly versions of just about any pet product you can imagine have hit the market, from paraben-free shampoos to all-natural treats and biscuits to dog beds made of 100% recycled materials. That's the easy stuff. If you're really serious about reducing your dog's carbon paw print, consider preparing her food yourself with locally made ingredients. And for the uber-conscious -- or maybe just extra ambitious -- teach your dog to turn off lights and put the newspaper in the recycle bin.

Here are the top ten things Dogtime suggests:

Top 10 ways DogTimers are reducing carbon pawprints

10. Use eco-friendly dog accessories

9. I use natural/organic flea medicine

8. Make homemade dog food/treats for my dog

7. Feed dog raw, organic, or holistic diet

6. Use biodegradable or flush-able poop bags

5. Use natural/organic shampoos to keep my dog clean

4. Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies for dog messes around the house

3. Reuse leashes, collars, and other dog accessories

2. Keep my dog leashed at all times except in designated off leash areas

1. Spay/neuter my dog(s)

You can read the full piece here.

Meanwhile, if you have your own list -- or even just some clever ideas -- we’d love to hear them.

My Dog Has D.M. (Degenerative Myelopathy)

Editor’s Note: One of our clients, Josh, owns Wrangler, the sweetest boxer on the planet who is slowly becoming paralyzed. Josh’s blog is heartwarming and heartbreaking but full of useful information. I wanted him to tell you all about it in his own words. -- Tammy

By Josh Davies, Vancouver, B.C.

http://www.mydoghasdm.com

I am the owner of a 10-year-old boxer named Wrangler who has Degenerative Myelopathy. Finding information on Degenerative Myelopathy can be difficult. It’s surprising how little information there is and even how little some vets seem to know.

In Wrangler’s case I actually figured out he had DM by talking to other people and searching online. I found lots of touching websites where pet owners have built tributes to their pets who have struggled with DM, however, I have yet to find a one stop place for all things DM. Things like pet stories, product reviews, vet stories, approved kennels, and advice and tips among other things.

I hope to be able to tell Wrangler’s story while talking about all the little day to day things you may encounter while caring for a pet with DM.

Some of the goals for the site are:

1) Provide first hand experience with caring for a pet with DM.
2) Review products that can help with caring for your pet.
3) Reviews of overnight care facilities in different cities. (kennels)
4) Guest bloggers by people with pets that have DM.
5) Vet Stories
6) Non Profit -- A long term goal is to raise enough money to buy an Eddie’s Wheels cart and donate it to someone who can’t afford to buy a cart on their own.
7) Organize a dog cart walk to raise awareness about DM.

Visit MyDogHasDM or contact Josh via e-mail.

A Warm Easter Egg and a Cold Nose

We’re loving the idea of Easter fun to share with your canine pal and this year the nice folks at Three Dog Bakery are making it happen on Saturday, April 23rd. Though the nuances of the season may truly be lost on your canine pal, the fun of the day and the great quality of Three Dogs treats will not.

So Bark down the biscuit trail for Three Dogs’ first ever Easter “Begg” Hunt. The fun starts at noon on the 23rd at Suter Brook Village Courtyard, Port Moody where over 1000 “Easter Beggs” will be hidden. There is a $5. registration fee per dog. You can RSVP via the Three Dog Bakery Facebook page here.

A Dog Owner’s Biggest Concerns

We all know that dogs bring joy, love, companionship and many other wonderful, positive attributes into our lives. We love them and treasure them. Our lives are richer because they are in it. But actually owning a dog also brings some concerns.

I recently read the response to a poll that showed some surprising results from dog lovers: “What Are Your Concerns About Owning a Dog?” The response to this poll was very interesting, with more than 3,000 dog lovers responding with their comments.

Here are the top seven things on people's minds when it comes to owning a dog:

1. Having to board and/or finding a pet sitter when traveling
2. Pet hair/shedding
3. Cost of veterinary care
4. Inappropriate urination in the house
5. Barking or whining
6. Aggression
7. Destructive behavior while home alone

Love on a Leash can’t stop your pet’s hair from shedding, but we sure have a handle on ways to help you with several of the above mentioned behaviors and concerns.

First and foremost I am here to tell you that you can own a dog and travel. It takes a bit more planning beforehand, but if you take the time to have a great dog sitter on speed dial it will help make things easier for you! You have your favorite dry cleaner, gym, manicurist, restaurant, etc. on file, why not your dog sitter? Check around with other dog owners and businesses in your area and don’t be afraid to ask for references. Further, a reputable company should have a web presence, be licensed, insured and bonded, be certified in canine first aid and belong to a national organization such as Pet Sitter’s International. These are some basic guidelines and accreditation that will help give you peace of mind ensuring that the business is serious about caring for your pet.

At Love on a Leash our reputation for reliable, responsible and loving in-home dog care is stellar and we work hard to keep it that way! Your wonderful pooch moves into our home with us where we treat them like one of the family. From puppy care to geriatric care, from purebreds to rescue dogs, from tiny toys to bully breeds, we love them all! Our service is one-of-a-kind and we even send updates and photos via email while you are away to help ease your mind and put a smile on your face. We tell our clients that your dog's stay at Love on a Leash is like Summer Camp for Dogs 365 days a year!

Destructive behavior in dogs such as urinating in the house, barking and chewing are often linked to boredom and lack of exercise. Aggression issues can often be attributed to boredom and lack of socialization. Dogs are pack animals. We fill in as their pack, but truly, they blossom with interaction with other dogs and the outside world no matter what their age. If you are at work all day, keep irregular hours, are on call and often have late nights at the office, you should consider the services of a dog walker. Again, Love on a Leash can help you in this area.

Penny Adam heads up our dog walking division and, along with her sister, Christy, you will find them walking dogs daily throughout Vancouver. Penny, like all our dog sitters and walkers, is certified in canine first aid and has completed advanced levels of training in dog behaviors and obedience. She takes dogs daily on walks: some in small groups, some on field trips to the beach or park and some just one-on-one ensuring they get out for an hour or more each day. Penny has been walking my dog, Casey, for four years now and Casey is still going strong: a healthy 14-year-old Bichon Frise.

This kind of interaction means more to your dog and will do more for them than you can imagine. They are happier, healthier, much more social, better behaved and in much better shape because of their daily walks and you don’t have to feel guilty about only having time to take them out for that quick around the block bathroom break. All of our dog walking clients adore Penny and look forward to the time she spends with them each day.

The bonus of a great dog walker and dog sitter is that your pet will get loads of TLC and exercise which will pay off in reduced vet bills and a dog that lives a longer, healthier, happier life. If you are anything like me you would like your dog to live forever. Doing what we can to ensure our dogs get the time and attention we are not always able to give them certainly helps them live longer. Though life is not forever, I will take as much time as I can possibly get with my dogs.

Puppy Mills Bite!

Want to support a great cause and give the dog lover in your life the perfect gift? Local canine lover and fashionista, Mary-Jo Dionne, is a Vancouver-based writer and T-shirt designer with a very big heart. Mary-Jo’s company, The Fleas Knees, designs and produces stylish T-shirts with witty messages worn by dog lovers all over North America.

Mary-Jo’s “Puppy Mills Bite” shirt was designed to help raise much needed funds in the fight against the mistreatment of man’s best friend by puppy mills. This is where Mary-Jo’s big heart comes into play: she donates $5 from every T-shirt sold to the non-profit rescue group, Best Friends Animal Society, and their “Puppies Aren’t Products” campaign. Twilight’s Rachel Lefevre is the campaign spokeswoman and a big supporter of the tees.

For people who don’t know what a puppy mill is: it’s a warehouse of dogs, row after row, and shelf after shelf, crammed with inventory. “That inventory is puppies,” says Dionne. “It simply has to stop.” These poor dogs are forced to produce litter after litter of puppies with no proper care or medical services, no affection, no interaction, no exercise... when they are deemed too old or sickly to continue producing, they are euthanized.

At Love on a Leash we beg you NOT to buy a puppy from a retail store-front or backyard breeder. These are the most common places for puppy mill breeders to sell their product to the unsuspecting public. Ensure you buy your dog from a reputable breeder with proper references, and is willing to show you their entire facility.

Better yet, adopt a dog who desperately needs a home. Petfinders.com lists thousands of dogs all over North America who desperately need homes. Help spread the word and purchase a “Puppy Mills Bite” T-shirt. Never thought a tee could help save a life? These ones can. Mary-Jo says it’s her way of sticking her tongue out at an industry that’s just got to go.

Available in fitted Bitch-Pink and loose-cut Stud-Grey. Animal-loving media mavens who own this tee include: Oprah, Charlize Theron, Katherine Heigl, Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, Drew Barrymore, Miley Cyrus, Fergie, Tori Spelling, Alicia Silverstone, Glen Close, Kathy Griffin, Mickey Rourke, and others. The cost is $42 and they are available at the following merchants: Three Dog Bakery in Point Grey and Port Moody, The Dog and Hydrant in Yaletown, Woof! In Kitsilano or online at www.FleasPlease.com.

Recipe Corner: Apple Cinnamon Fetch ’Ems

This recipe for delicious Apple Cinnamon Fetch ‘Ems is from Cooking the Three Dog Bakery Way Cookbook by Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye.

An apple a day keeps the vet away... and dogs love em all...apples that is!

Apple Cinnamon Fetch ’Ems

Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4-cup honey
2 cups unsweetened applesauce
½ cup canola oil
2 large eggs
½ cup skim milk

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick vegetable spray.
Stir together the flours, baking powder and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, applesauce and oil. Then whisk in the eggs one at a time.

Add the milk and continue whisking. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients stirring only until combined.

Fill the muffin cups ¾ full. Bake for 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out clean.

Cool to room temperature before serving. If you have a small dog cut the muffins into halves or even quarters to serve them as a treat.

Store in an airtight container for up to four days or wrap well and freeze for up to two months.

Thaw before serving.

Size Does Matter!

If you have a small dog, you should know that more than a 50 per cent size difference in dogs can lead to serious issues with “predatory drift.” This is an instinctive situation in which a small dog suddenly seems like prey to a larger dog.

An excellent, reputable daycare, pet sitter or dog walker will always avoid such problems by setting up separate play spaces and grouping similar-sized dogs so that all sizes and play styles are safe.

This are things that, at Love on a Leash and Love on a Leash in the Country, we are well aware of. We always make sure that our client dogs are placed in a safe and size-appropriate environment!

The Love Behind Love on a Leash

Every month we feature one of the wonderful, loving, qualified women behind Love on a Leash, putting a face behind the person who is caring for your dog while you are away. This month features “us,” Tammy and Shelly, owners of Love on a Leash!

Tammy Preast (left) and Shelly Dueck: Alpha Dog and FairyDogmother.

As “Alpha Dog” for Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care Services, I manage the company that babies your dog while you are away. This company was born out of my frustrations when looking for pet care for my senior dog, Casey. It was a difficult exercise to find someone trustworthy, loving and reliable to care for Casey when I wanted to take a vacation.

In December of 2008, Love on a Leash was launched and has become very successful with the tagline, “Peace of Mind and a Happy Pooch.” With eight caregivers under our wing and two full-time dog walkers, this boutique dog business caters to those dog parents who can’t bear to place their dog in a sterile environment, but rather, want their pet to feel the love and affection they would experience at home. We give your dog loads of personal one-on-one time, walks, treats and special outings. I tell all owners that our dog care is truly like summer camp for kids… even better!

My wonderful sister, Shelly Preast-Dueck, aka “Fairy Dogmother” came on board in May of 2009 as my business partner in Love on a Leash. With more than 23 years experience with dogs -- from breeding and showing Boxers to canine nutrition, dog psychology and first aid -- Shelly’s knowledge of dogs is incredible. Her passion for animals is evident and displayed on a daily basis with the patience and love she bestows on each and every dog in her care. She is truly a “Fairy Dogmother.”

Dog owner’s trust us with their “babies” while they are away and we consider ourselves fortunate to work in an industry with clients we truly adore. We tell our clients -- past, present and future, “we love the doggies that come to us and they love us right back! A stay with Love on a Leash is like Summer Camp for dogs, 365 days a year!”

Ask Casey...

Dear Casey,

Q: What is a “Geriatric Blood Panel” and when should a dog have one? What are the benefits?

A: This is a very simplified answer so please speak with your vet further about this topic, but in a nutshell:

A geriatric blood panel is a blood test that will show your vet and owner what’s going on inside your dog body. As we dogs mature, our vital organs like liver, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and bladder don’t run quite as efficiently as they used to. This blood panel will show where our enzyme levels, blood count, etc. are and your vet will be able to compare them to “normal” levels which will give him a heads up to the potential for diseases like diabetes, kidney failure, pancreatitis, etc. before we may show physical signs.

Because dogs don’t show pain the way humans do (we are very stoic), by the time our parents realize there is a problem and rush us to the vet it is often too late to do anything to save us.
Basically a geriatric blood panel is a preventative tool and will help you catch illness in a dog, hopefully before it becomes a disease too advanced to treat. Think of it as preventative medicine and money very well spent.

Your vet can explain this blood panel in more detail and will recommend when your owner should start running a yearly blood panel on you. It depends on size and breed of dog, as we all age differently, but my mom has run a yearly geriatric blood panel on me, from the time I turned seven years old. I am now a pretty healthy 15 ½ year old gal, and I have to tell you that, over the years, this blood panel has helped my mom find problems with my liver and pancreas that might have manifested themselves and cut short my pampered life. An ounce of prevention and all that love sure doesn’t hurt!

Our Community: Laura Gibson’s Whimsical, Wonderful Art

Vancouver-based artist, Laura Gibson, has been hard at it creating a whole new collection of paintings just in time for spring. Richly colored, lively, fun images of girls and the clothes they love (as well as their precious dogs) are ready to find a home on your wall.

Laura keeps busy with commission work, and is actively seeking new divas and delicious pets that need to be captured and preserved on canvas and admired by the artarazzi. Laura’s pieces are high fashion, but her prices are down to earth and will put a smile on your face!

For the month of March, Laura is donating 100 percent of all sales to Habitat for Humanity, a charity near and dear to her heart. Laura will be leading a team to Honduras and Nicaragua in May to build a house and school there.

Maybe cement gray will become the hot new color for summer sandals...

Check out more of Laura’s work on her website.

Travel Destination: California!

by Leslie Kennedy, Pet Connection News, Vancouver, B.C.

Freeway, Jazz and I have found a pet’s paradise at the Desert Princess Golf and Country Club in Palm Springs!

If you and your furry friends are ready to retire, are in need of a vacation, or wish to get away from the winter rain, there is no better place than Palm Springs. The Desert Princess is a pet friendly, gated property on over 550 acres. The resort itself includes a 27 hole championship golf course with rolling green fairways, a few lakes, abundant flower gardens, breathtaking mountain views, and many walking trails around the complex. There is also the country club which has great food plus many social events including a daily happy hour, wednesday night bingo, and friday night karaoke. Add in the 12 tennis courts, 32 pools, and hot-tubs, the gym and the on-site spa and everyone gets spoiled. My fur kids love it mostly because of the fresh new smells, daily sunshine and dry desert air.

There are many different accommodations to choose from with over 1000 privately owned condos, and villas as well as the Doral Hotel within the property. The D.P.C.C. also has their own onsite rental management company. Due to the snowbirds coming in from all over you have to book well in advance if you wish to stay during the high season of February and March.

You will find the best rental rates dealing directly from the individual owners, and by booking ahead. Check online at http://www.vrbo.com/ or http://www.vacationrentals411.com/, to name two of the websites that advertise properties for rent by owner. As all the units are privately owned, the interior decor differs from one unit to another. Some have been renovated to the 9’s and others still have the original decor. Units range in price as below:

One-bedroom condo’s between $1500- $2000 per month.
Two-bedroom condo’s from $1800- $2500 per month.
Villas range between $2500- $4000 per month. Villas have attached garages and some have their own private pools and hot-tubs.

Once you’ve arrived and settled in there is so much to ENJOY!

Your four-legged friends are very welcome, and you will meet many other four-legged friends from all over the US and Canada. We have met well over 30 dogs since we’ve been here. The complex is safe and clean and 40 percent occupied by fellow Canadians. Many of the guests return yearly.

Some nights some of the guests and residents tour the grounds in their golf carts, visiting the neighbors, going door to door with wine and appetizers, turning strangers into friends. It’s been a lot of fun and we hope to be back again next year. Check out the website and start planning to come down, too.

Leslie, Jazz and Freeway Kennedy
BC’s PET CONNECTION

In Loving Memory of Ziggy

In Loving Memory of Penny Adam’s Beloved
ZIGGY
February 11, 2000 – February 23, 2011


If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done?
For this -- the last battle-can’t be won.

You will be sad -- I understand
But don’t let grief then stay in your hand
For this day, more than rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had a few happy years,
You would not want me to suffer so --
When the time comes, please let me go
Take me where my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end

And hold me firm, and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
That this is a kindness you do for me.

Although my tail it’s last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.
Please don’t grieve that it must be you
Who must decide this thing to do
We’ve been so close -- throughout the years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears,
But laugh when you talk of me,
As if I were beside you...
I loved you so --
It was heaven here with you.

Editor’s note: our hearts are heavy for Penny Adam, at the loss of her beloved companion, Ziggy. Penny heads up the entire dog walking division at LOAL and dogs adore her smiling face. Penny, our thoughts are with you at this time.

Reading is for the Dogs: Tammy’s March Picks

The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein (Harper) is described much better by internationally bestselling author Jodi Picoult than I ever could, “The Art of Racing in the Rain is the perfect book for anyone who knows that some of our best friends walk beside us on four legs, that compassion isn’t only for humans, and that the relationship between two souls who are meant for each other never really comes to an end. Every now and then, I’m lucky enough to read a novel I can’t stop thinking about; this is one of them.”

Attention all dog lovers: If there is one book you should read this year, The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Seattle author, Garth Stein, is it. The tale is told from the dog’s point of view on the last day of his life. It’s simply captivating. I could not put it down and although there were many poignant moments throughout the story, I only cried at the very end and even then, only because their final parting was sweet and touching and the loving bond between Enzo and Denny will never really end.

The Good Behavior Book for Dogs: The Most Annoying Dog Behaviors... Solved! by Collen Paige (Rockport/Quarry) is absolutely filled with terrific information. Aside from dog behavior advice, there are full color photos, recipes, trivia and much more!

From the founder of National Dog Day (it’s in August, by the way) comes the book every dog owner should have!

The Good Behavior Book for Dogs provides illustrated, down-to-earth, practical advice for dog owners with not-so-perfect pups. With an accessible, fun and easy approach, the author helps owners and their dogs learn how to affect proper manners and behavior management in a respectful and loving environment. Dogs will happily engage in the training activities advocated, creating a bridge to happiness, freedom, and friendship between dogs and their people.
No other book addresses the truly weird and sometimes disgusting things your dog does -- inappropriate sniffing, tail chasing, excessive licking, shadow/light chasing, and other unmentionables. Many dog owners who deal with these issues feel ashamed of their dogs' behavior and find it demoralizing to even speak with their vet about them, allowing the behavior to continue and intensify until it is intolerable.

This book will provide dog owners with the instruction and information that will allow them to solve behavior problems that in many cases have resulted in giving up the dog. Training your dog to break undesirable habits doesn’t need to be stressful, or use harsh treatment. Training is an easy way to strengthen the bond between the dog caregiver and dog and, let’s face it; sometimes “bad” dog behavior is funny. The reader will be taken on a sensitive and sometimes comical journey to understand their beloved pooch and get back that “Puppy Love.”

Purchase at: http://www.nationaldogday.com/shop.htm

Swedish Movie Theater Goes to the Dogs

Will the term “dog-days” come to include a day at the movies? You’re dog-gone right... in Sweden, at least, where one of the world’s first movie theaters for dogs debuted during the country’s annual pet exhibition in Stockholm last month.

The theater, a joint venture between Fox Home Entertainment and Pedigree, opened to a screening of the canine infused film Marmaduke. According to PeoplePets, there were eight total screenings of the film with at least 20 dogs in attendance at each showing.

During the screenings, the animals in attendance were served “goodie-bowls” (PeoplePets) filled with Pedigree pet snacks. Although the snacks may have become the main attraction, there’s some solace to be found in not having to leave your pet at home in order to spend an afternoon out.

While the concept of watching a film with your pet pal might not be new, Sweden seems to be the first country to actually realize the idea in a public forum. Is this a sign that pet cinemas are going to become a staple of the future? The idea might not be as far-fetched as you think. The response to the doggy movie theater in Sweden was so profound that the festival’s organizers have vowed to continue the tradition into next year’s exhibition and beyond.

Would you take your dog to the movies?

by Ryan Karpusiewicz for PetSide.Com

Does Your Pet Have A Sixth Sense?

Publicist Jeanette Zinno believes her miniature pinscher, Rocki, has a nose for predicting trouble. Recently Zinno and her boyfriend put a pot of water on the stove for tea, then left the room.

“After a while,” Zinno says, “Rocki came in and barked at us until we followed her to the kitchen, where all the water had boiled down and the pot was burning.”

A new AP-Petside.com poll reveals that Zinno is one of 43 percent of North Americans who think their pet has a sixth sense about bad things happening to their person. Of these, 47 percent attribute the quality to dogs.

Sense or Sensibility?

College professor, cat owner and Manhattanite, Talia Argondezzi recalls her cat’s actions during a recent fire on the roof of her apartment building.

“When I saw fire trucks lining the street I started preparing my cat’s carrier in case we’d have to make a run for it,” she says. Her cat seemed to feed off that anxiety -- following her all over the apartment and eventually hiding under the bed, something he never does.

Argondezzi thinks her cat’s behavior was more a result of the change in her own than anything else. “He is so attuned to our household and to my actions that I imagine he sensed things weren't normal.”

It wasn’t until fire officials assured Argondezzi that everything was under control and her apartment was out of danger that she, and her cat, calmed down.

As for how pets behave in the face of impending danger, Argondezzi’s cat is not alone.
Sixty-four percent of believers say their pet hides in a safe place, 56 percent say they cry, 52 percent say they become hyperactive, and 36 percent say they bark or meow persistently. Some pets, however, have a warning behavior all their own.

Unique Movements
South Florida-based executive and president of American Dog Rescue, Arthur Benjamin, says his poodle, Buddy, throws a tantrum in order to predict seizures in others.

About a year after adopting Buddy from a shelter, Benjamin’s wife, Gail, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease brought on seizures in Gail. “Before Gail had a seizure, Buddy would make these jerking movements -- like he was having a fit -- and we realized he could sense the seizures coming on.”

Although Gail has since passed away, Arthur Benjamin and Buddy continue to honor her legacy. Through rescue work they’ve done together, they adopted a second poodle, Holly, who happens to be epileptic.

“Now Buddy warns me of Holly’s seizures and takes me to her in time for me to give her a shot of Valium, which either lessens or prevents the attack,” Benjamin says.

Impending Storm
Although not quite as heroic as Buddy’s predictions, when it comes to a more common threat -- storms -- 67 percent of American pet owners think their pets can predict its approach.
It might seem odd, but some experts agree that storms cause a static electric charge in the air that pets can probably sense, along with their owner’s anxiety.

by Wendy Toth for AP-Petside

original photo illustration by David Middleton

Four Seasons Chef Robert Gerstenecker’s Dog Biscuits

Robert Gerstenecker is the Executive Chef at the Four Seasons in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the loving owner of two Pugs, Zoe and Pearl, whom he cooks for from scratch!

Four Seasons Chef Robert Gerstenecker’s Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

3 cups whole-wheat flour
½ cup rolled oats
2 tsp. baking powder
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups peanut butter
1 tbsp. molasses

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and baking powder. Stir together whole milk, peanut butter and molasses. Stir dry ingredients into liquid ingredients. Roll out to 3/8 to ½ inch think and cut into bone shapes. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned.

Makes 15 biscuits.

Pet Lovers Hosting Lavish Dog Parties

“Bark Mitzvah”? “Yappy Birthday”? “Paw-parazzi Red Carpet Celebration”?

Children are no longer the only ones being lavished with expensive birthday parties. Dog owners are also marking their dog’s special day with celebrations. Women in particular seem to want to do something truly special to celebrate the occasion.

Dogs in cities like New York, Vancouver and L.A. are celebrating their birthdays with everything from multi-colored balloons, dog-friendly cakes made of peanut butter, yogurt and carob, specialty drinks like Prosecco and even miniature cocktail hot dogs for their canine guests!

Specialty dog bakeries like Three Dog Bakery in Vancouver and Port Moody cater to pooches’ special day with custom decorated cakes, hors d’oeuvres and goodies that are absolutely chic, but pet edible only! They have a fabulous selection of merchandise to make your dogs’ day truly over-the-top special from “Pawty Hats” with Maribou trim to bone shaped candles for the cake.

Not all dog owners are ready to meet the challenges of holding a party for their pooch at home though and this is mainly because the “guests” can be unpredictable! A New York-based woman, has held two birthday parties for her three-year-old Bichon Frise, Ernie, including last year’s “Bark Mitzvah.”

“In dog years,” she explained, “Ernie turned 13.”

She recently celebrated her pet’s third birthday at a dog-friendly watering hole, “Drop Off Service,” in Manhattan’s East Village. The birthday dog, along with eight doggy guests, spent a Sunday afternoon lapping up homemade “pup cakes” made of oats, carrots and cream cheese, while beer and hors d'oeuvres were served to their owners. As Ernie and his dog pals donned birthday hats and received gift bags and doggie Snuggies, or blankets, their human companions sang “Happy Birthday.”

Many dog owners search for a venue that will not only cater to their human friends, but more importantly, allow dogs on the premises to create an extravaganza that will honor their pet and be enjoyable for all guests: both the two and four-legged variety!

Betty Wong, owner of Buttercup’s Pawtisserie, a dog bakery in Brooklyn specializing in natural dog treats, has seen a sharp increase in the number of people throwing birthday parties for their dogs.

“Originally, we opened the bakery because I wanted to give my finicky eating dog, Buttercup, some healthy menu choices,” Wong explained. “We’ve seen a rise in the number of birthday cake orders during the past few years, and the numbers are steadily growing.”

If organizing a pet birthday bash seems daunting, Dorothy Moore can help. In 2005, Moore opened The Dining Dog Cafe in Edmonds, Washington, featuring a pet-friendly restaurant for dogs and their owners. Complete with white tablecloths, soft music and chandeliers, doggie birthday parties are popular at the restaurant.

Moore is also a party planner for canines. She organized about 100 dog parties last year, ranging in price from $100 to $500, including high-end soirees in which owners rent limos for their dogs and guests. A princess theme is the most popular, with the dogs donning tiaras at an event featuring all-pink decorations.

A groomer by trade, Moore believes the socialization that naturally occurs during dog parties is good for the pets and their owners. “Not only do the dogs love the attention, but their owners also seem to get a lot out of the parties,” Moore said. “Some people and dogs may appear shy at first, but something about the sheer joy of the event brings them out of their shell.”

“The opportunity for dogs to interact with each other, for whatever excuse, enables fulfillment of a basic biological need,” says Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at The Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Boston.

For dog party enthusiasts, it’s never too early to begin planning the next party. I understand how many dog owners feel. Our Love on a Leash ~ Party with Your Pooch Doggy Evening and Fundraiser in 2009 saw 130 dog lovers and their pooches fill The Smoking Dog Restaurant in Kitsilano during a fun-filled “Red Carpet Night” that raised more than $2,500 for S.A.I.N.T.S Rescue Organization.

I am currently pondering plans for another such evening this coming September. On September 30th my Bichon Frise gal, Casey Jane, turns 16. That’s almost 80 in human years. I think that’s reason enough to celebrate!

Pet Friendly Accommodation on the Road

There’s good news for people traveling with their pets: the chains are starting to sit up and pay attention!

Two more hotel chains have realized that catering to the traveler with pets makes good business sense. While driving down to Palm Springs this past year, I personally stayed at various properties in the Red Lion and Best Western Hotel chains in Washington, Oregon and California and found them to be incredibly friendly and enthusiastic upon our arrival.

Our faves? Casey, Finnigan and I give two paws up to The Best Western New Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. Rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious and Eugene is a great little college town with loads of parks and trails for walking your pooch. It’s a great place to stop on your first day drive if you are heading south from Vancouver. The town also has a charming downtown core with excellent coffee shops and restaurants and even though you can’t dine with your dog, mine were happy to chew a rawhide in the room while I had a lovely dinner with my human companions.

Another favorite is The Red Lion Inn. For me, two locations have proven to be extremely dog friendly: Olympia, Washington and Portland, Oregon, right on the Columbia River. Again, both places are dog friendly cities with loads of parks and walking trails, friendly patios and cafes and most of the boutiques and stores in The Pearl District in Portland and the downtown heritage area in Olympia were more than happy to have my dogs meander around with me.

On our trip south last fall, we came through South Lake Tahoe for a more scenic drive down. The Best Western Timber Cove was gorgeous! Each of my dogs was greeted with treats and goodies upon arrival, our room had a cozy fireplace, the bed was super comfy and had soft, luxurious sheets and linens and the location is right on Lake Tahoe so the views were spectacular!

Road trips with your pet are possible these days with chains such as Best Western and Red Lion making it easier all the time, but remember to plan ahead. Make your reservations in advance as many hotels designate a limited number of rooms as “pet friendly” and most do require extra fees ranging from $15-$100 per night to accommodate pets.

Be sure to follow the hotel rules – if you know your dog is going to bark and cause destruction if you don’t stay in the room with him, don’t leave him alone. Ensure you pick up after your pooch and be courteous: not everyone staying in the hotel will be an animal lover. Keep your dog on leash.

A superb website for the those traveling with pets is dogfriendly.com. It’s chock full of hotels, parks, restaurants, attractions and all things dog-related. While your final destination is the end goal, with a little planning the drive to get there can be a wonderful journey for you and your dogs.

See you on the road!

Pumpkin Apple Muffins for Your Dog

You’ll be surprised at how much your dog will enjoy this delicious vegan treat.

Pumpkin Apple Muffins

Ingredients:

3 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 Tbsp. ground flax
1 Tbsp. hulled hemp seeds (optional)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup applesauce (no sugar added)
1/2 cup pumpkin
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 tsp. cinnamon
11/2 cups water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray mini muffin pans with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, flax, hemp seeds, cinnamon and baking soda. Add applesauce, pumpkin, oil and water, mixing well. The batter will be thick. Scoop batter into the muffin pans and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge.

Makes approximately three dozen mini muffins.

Petition for an Off-Leash Park in Kitsilano

Did you know there are 15,000 dogs in the city of Vancouver? 2,144 dogs are registered in Kitsilano alone! That’s not including 1,505 in Dunbar, 825 in West Point Grey, and 557 in Arbutus Ridge; all adjacent communities.

Did you know that Hadden Park, the designated off-leash dog area, is at the very north end of Kitsilano and there’s no other park available in Kits?

Did you know as dog-loving owners, we get fined for having a dog off leash in the park, although the dog or the owner has done nothing to harm or cause a disturbance to the park, the other park users, or other dog owners?

OUR STATEMENT: To provide a common area, where dogs can play and learn to socialize with others dogs and people. To develop a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park’s rules and restrictions. To view this park as a community project, in partnership with Kitsilano Community, designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike.

OUR REQUEST: We, the petitioners, request a specific time for off-leash dogs in the order of preference of Connaught Park and/or the Arbutus walk area. We request times between 5-9AM and 5-9PM daily.

OUR RECOMMENDED OFF LEASH DOG PARK AREA: Connaught Park

Please sign the Petition at kitsdogpark.webs.com

Letters of Loss and Love: Helping Animal Lovers Through Their Grief

When Sharon Discorfano lost her beloved beagle, Pushkin, she found one of the best ways to help herself cope with his loss and her overwhelming grief was to write letters to him.

Sharon took her idea and expanded upon it, launching her new website, Letters to Pushkin, that offers people an opportunity to use letter writing as a constructive tool in dealing with the loss of a loved one, whether an animal or human.

Sharon’s site includes tips on how to get creative and a place to write and post your own letters to lost loved ones. I went into the site, my head and heart were overwhelmed by the love that each letter writer had for their pets that had passed away. This is a beautiful and heartwarming way to share your grief and to help yourself through a very difficult time.

You can visit Letters to Pushkin on the web here.

Love on a Leash Employee Profile: Ellen Pratt

We love introducing you to the wonderful, loving, qualified staff behind Love on a Leash: putting a face behind the person who is caring for your dog while you are away.

Meet Ellen Pratt.

Ellen has loved dogs from childhood and fondly remembers the dogs her family had while she was growing up.

Ellen started dog sitting for Love on a Leash in the spring of 2009 and has opened the door to her home and her heart to the dogs that come into her care.

Ellen’s specialty? Cozy snuggles at home and long walks at Jericho Beach. Ellen has many repeat “dog” clients who adore her and the time they spend with her while their parents are away on vacation.

In November 2010, Ellen completed and graduated from DogSafe Canine First Aid’s Level I and II Program. This is now a baseline for Love on a Leash’s skilled caregivers because we are always looking to upgrade our skills and learn new tips and techniques when it comes to caring for dogs.

Our Community: Hand Crocheted Doggy Sweaters!

Marianne Greaves has years of experience with design and along with the passion to start her own business, she has been creating incredibly adorable hand-dyed and hand made crocheted, doggy sweaters.

Marianne’s wonderful chihuahua/miniature pinscher cross has been her “fit model” for these special sweaters as her little dog needed something that didn’t go over her head, but rather buttoned in front. Marianne designed her sweaters with buttons around the neck and body to make it easier to put them on and take them off.

The sweaters are made with natural fibers including cotton and bamboo. Many are hand dyed and then crocheted into a one-of-a-kind creation. Prices start at $25 for small sizes with extra charges for special orders and larger sizes.

You can visit Marianne at her website.

Healthy Resolutions for Your Dog!

Though we’re well into 2011 now, it’s not too late for you to make good on the resolutions you and your dog might have made coming into the new year.

Having a dog is a big responsibility. As a dog owner you are responsible for giving your dog the best possible life. Basically, it is up to you to do everything you can to keep your pet happy & healthy.

What can you do to ensure your dog has the best possible life? Here are a few tips:

1) Monitor your dog every day. Be aware of his daily routine. Is he eating? Drinking? Acting normal? Is he playful? If the answer is no to any of these questions, you need to figure out why. If he appears sick, have him checked by your veterinarian.

2) Make sure he is getting plenty of exercise. Take your dog for a walk and give him time to run around and get some exercise each and every day. If you don’t have the time, this is when a dog walker comes in handy. If your life is busy with work and other commitments, a daily dog walker will ensure your dog gets out and spends a good hour every day running, playing and socializing with other dogs. It alleviates boredom and helps keep your pet fit and trim.

3) Make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to play. Play with your dog every day, but also ensure your dog gets to play and socialize with other dogs. This makes for a well behaved and well-adjusted dog you can take out anywhere. As above, a daily dog walker can help you with this.

4) Feed quality food. Don’t skimp on the quality of your dog’s food. Feed quality food, whether raw, kibble, organic, etc., and base the type of food on your dog’s age and activity levels.

5) Monitor your dog's weight. As little as 20% extra weight can put your dog at a much higher risk of developing life threatening diseases such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease -- same as humans! My dogs struggle with their weight -- they always have, but with quality food and loads of exercise I try to keep their weight under control.

6) Vaccinations. Yearly vaccinations, or yearly Titer Testing, which is a blood test to determine if your dog’s antibodies from previous vaccinations remain high, help prevent common diseases such as parvovirus. I Titer Test my dogs yearly, as I do not believe in yearly vaccinations, but keep my dogs Rabies vaccinations up to date as we travel back and forth to the U.S. Also, Vancouver has a huge skunk and raccoon population that can be carriers of rabies.

7) Treat for parasites. Your vet can provide you with preventative medicine, prescribed monthly, to help prevent fleas, parasites and heartworm disease. As recommended by my vet, I use Interceptor from April to November and Sentinel from December to March to prevent any of the above parasites from annoying my dogs.

These are simple and very basic tips that we often don’t practice for our own health and well-being. We don’t exercise enough, we don’t eat healthy enough and we wonder why the pounds pack on and we feel lethargic. Same goes for your dog! A regular walking program can add years to your dog’s life and in the cold, wet rainy months when it feels like you just can’t squeeze a decent walk for your dog into your already busy day, a reliable and responsible dog walker, such as you can find here at Love on a Leash, will be worth their weight in gold!