Warming Up Your Life: Adopting a Senior Dog

Autumn is a big time for dog adoptions. As such I felt compelled to share information on the benefits of adopting an adult dog. The benefits of adopting an older pet far outweigh the possible reasons not to.

Shelters and rescue groups are full to the brink with older dogs waiting their forever home. From personal experience I can tell you that adopting an older dog -- even a senior dog -- is well worth it and it’s a terrific feeling to know that, in many cases, you will be saving the animal’s life.

While puppies are cute and adorable they are also lots of work. They look at the world with new eyes and act silly as they explore and play. But time, training, and working with any personality or behavior issues can be difficult if you already have a busy life.

When looking to bring a new pet into the house, consider adopting an adult dog. Many adult dogs are surrendered to shelters and rescue groups due to reasons of financial instability, moving, or allergies. Most of these dogs are great, loving pets and just need a new forever home.

Here are 10 reasons to adopt an adult dog:
1. What you see is what you get. They are full grown, their personality is developed, and the type of grooming they need is apparent. If you’re looking for a dog that has certain physical requirements and personality, it’s easier to see that in an adult dog.

2. Easy to train. You can teach an old dog new tricks...if you want to! Older dogs focus better than puppies and are much calmer. Many of them may even know basic commands such as sit, stay, and come.

3. Fewer messes. Many adult dogs are housebroken or very good at holding it till you take them out. If they aren’t completely housebroken many pick it up fast. Also, since adult dogs are past the teething stage, they tend to not chew on unacceptable objects or have been trained to not eat shoes or destroy furniture.

4. Super loving. Adult dogs that have been in homes want nothing more than to be in another one. They may be uncertain and shy at first but many people who have adopted adult dogs talk about how amazingly loving and affectionate their adopted dog is and how bonded they became almost instantly. Dogs are pack animals and are looking for YOU to lead and love them.

5. Settle in fast. Dogs that have lived with a family or grown up in a house have learned the ins and outs of reading humans, knowing what sounds are typical in a house. They won’t be as jumpy as a puppy learning all these things.

6. Not a 24/7 dog. Puppies require constant monitoring and puppy-proofing of your house. And may not be acceptable to take along to other people’s homes. Adult dogs have generally already learned to not chew on the electric cords, will usually nap if you’re busy making food or reading a book, etc. Some adult dogs that have been crate-trained will even put themselves to bed when they are tired.

7. Saving a life. Older dogs are usually overlooked in shelters. Adopting an older dog saves them from growing old in the shelter or being euthanized depending on the shelter policies. Shelters can be tough on dogs who are used to living in a home.

8. Won’t be as overwhelmed. Adult dogs aren’t as bouncy and loopy as puppies. If you’re an older adult looking for a furry friend, an older dog can be the right match in terms of energy level, play level, and will be happy just to be around you.

9. Easy Living. Adult dogs won’t be as hyper. They will still enjoy exercise and exploring the world but won’t drag you down the block like a young dog might. They won’t need to run miles a day.

10. They’re adorable too! Older dogs can be silly and cute. Their muzzle with some white fur coming in, big stretches when they wake up from naps, and other personality quirks can make you smile and laugh.

Trust me when I tell you, based on my own experience of adopting senior dogs, you will not regret adopting an older dog. Within hours of coming into your life you will love them like they had always been yours from the very start.

Love on a Leash loves... Kol’s Notes!

Editor’s note: Kol’s Notes is one dog’s blog sharing information on canine nutrition, delicious dog treat recipes, product reviews, giveaways, pet friendly events and how to give back to the canine community at large. I’ve been finding the blog to be such an inspiration that I wanted to share it with you. Here then is a note from Jodi Chick, owner of the irrepressible and outspoken Kolchak Puggle, the spokesdog of Kol’s Notes. Jodi tells us about the journey that led to this super blog. -- Tammy

I still remember that spring. A rescue from a less than ideal situation, Felix was the first dog I had in many years, since I was nothing more than a toddler. He arrived with no luggage, looking and smelling like a hobo and yet, when he jumped out of that crate and licked my face, I was instantly in love. Snuggling up with him in bed that night was like cuddling a bag of hot garbage juice, only furrier, but there was nowhere in the world I would rather have been than cuddling with MY dog.

I bought a ton of treats, the food the store clerk recommended and more toys than most kids on our block have and settled into life with Felix. Watching the news and learning that pets were dying and that more than 5300 products were being recalled, I felt like the bottom had dropped out of my world. Felix had lived with us for less than three weeks.

Confession: I am a rehabilitated “junk food feeder”.
That day in March, I looked on in terror as every single dog product in my home hit the recall list. Sure, our bags were from different code dates, but the fear was there: What if I had killed him before I even really had him? I vowed then and there that I could and would do better for my dog.

We brought Kolchak, our puggle, home that summer and let me tell you, we felt smug and happy, when we started him off right away on the “good stuff.” BOL! Oh, I had oh so much to learn! We quickly discovered that even on the vet-recommended, so called “high quality” prescription food that both dogs were eating, Felix has a hot mess. Frequent ear infections, backed up anal glands, big time bathroom issues and the itchies. Oh. My. Dog. That boy itchy. All hours, day and night, no matter what we tried. Felix had an itch to scratch and he wasn’t afraid to scratch himself raw. None of our vet’s solutions seemed to work and with my promise to Felix in mind, I waded into the world of holistic, natural health and cooking for my dogs.

Relearning All I Never Knew
The things I didn’t know about my dogs were overwhelming. What should they be eating? Were grains good, like some companies suggest or should they be eating grain-free? Could they digest dairy? And just why was bacon not considered to be the ultimate in fabulous dog treats?

Last year, I sent myself back to school and began studying canine nutrition via correspondence and reading everything I could find on canine nutrition and natural ways to improve my dog’s health. In my studies and cooking for my dogs, I discovered my passion and my purpose: Kolchak’s Kitchen. My dream and my goal: to develop my own dog food and treats, home-made and crafted to my standards, and to share what I have learned, helping to improve the lives of other junk food dogs. Right now, it’s only an idea and a vision for the future, but I have a dream and a plan to someday build Kolchak’s Kitchen up from a small home bakery catering to friends into a place where dogs and their people can confidently go for some good food from some good friends, because all dogs deserve the good life.

Kol’s Notes was an experiment that took on a life of its own.
At the urging of friends, this spring, Kolchak, Felix and I embarked on a new adventure together and we waded into the Blogosphere. In just over six months, we are amazed by all the things we have learned from my fellow bloggers and all the things I can still discover with Kol and Fe to guide me. Written from the perspective of the irrepressible and outspoken Kolchak Puggle, Kol's Notes is one dog’s blog sharing information on canine nutrition, delicious dog treat recipes, product reviews, pet friendly events and how to give back to the canine community at large. We hope you’ll join Kol for a few stories, a few snacks and a lot of laughs as he celebrates good food, good friends and the good life.

Jodi Chick
Kol’s Notes
www.kolchakpuggle.com

We Introduce: Arbutus West Animal Clinic

Editor’s note: In the coming months, we’re going to be introducing veterinarians and vet clinics who have come highly recommended by our clients. This isn’t meant as an endorsement by Love on a Leash or PADs, but it strikes us that in order to make strong decisions regarding medical care for our pets, it’s good to have recommendations and it’s helpful to have lots of information at your fingertips.

Here, then, is the first in what we expect will be an ongoing series. In their own words, we’d like to introduce Arbutus West Animal Clinic in this month’s PADS newsletter.

Arbutus West Animal Clinic has been serving the Vancouver pet community for over 20 years and we pride ourselves on being a “friendly neighbourhood clinic, with a difference”. Traditionally the difference has been the warm family atmosphere and the extent of our practice cover “unusual” pets like ferrets, chinchillas, rabbits, rats and other small mammals. Since taking over leadership of the clinic in 2010, Dr. Uri Burstyn has built on this tradition of innovation, compassion and patient-first care by focusing on client service, education and cutting edge, evidence-based medicine.
We are still the clinic where people come by just to say hello and put their pooch on the scale, but thanks to considerable investment in new equipment, staff training and Dr. Burstyn’s uncompromising approach to quality of care, we can now provide medical care and surgical procedures that are rarely found in general practice. We pride ourselves with being able to deliver care and patient outcomes on par with teaching and specialty hospitals.

The latest addition to our clinic is something that you will not find anywhere else in the lower mainland: a full minimally invasive surgery (MIS) suite. MIS, done through 0.5-1 cm incisions, is used for 95% of surgeries in human hospitals, and we are excited to be able to routinely offer it to our clients. MIS procedures are safer, have fewer complications, and cause far less pain than conventional open surgery. Most patients can go home the same day with almost no post-operative care required, and the difference in comfort is amazing!

We are currently doing spays and retained testicle neuters using this approach, which means that female dogs no longer have to undergo a full laparotomy and 2 week recovery after their de-sexing. We can also perform gastropexy (tack the stomach) on large breed dogs such as Great Danes, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and other dogs prone to getting GDV or twisted stomach. Previously it was hard to justify doing surgery on a healthy male dog as a preventative measure (it is considered standard of care to perform a gastropexy while spaying the females), but now there’s no reason not to gastropexy the stomach in males and prevent this deadly surgical emergency from happening.

Almost any procedure can be done with a MIS approach. What many doctors are excited about, is the ability to do a biopsy of any internal organ without causing undue pain or distress. Liver, pancreas, bladder, tumour and intestinal biopsies are often the best way to diagnose a condition for optimal management, but traditionally open surgery was required to collect them, and many owners were reluctant to put their pet through the stress and recovery of diagnostic surgery even if there was real benefit to the biopsy.

It is impossible to differentiate between IBD and low grade lymphoma without biopsy, and clinicians are frequently forced to guess which to treat. This no longer the case! Whether curing a chronic pancreatitis by finding and removing the pancreatic abscess causing it, or finding a foreign body lodged in the wall of the intestine too small to be picked-up on ultrasound, MIS offers solutions to previously incurable problems. Now, we can get the diagnosis, and the dog or cat can go home with a 1 cm incision; less trauma than a scratch from a nail!

There are many more applications to MIS techniques that we are only starting to discover. We are already removing bladder stones from dogs with recurrent oxalate stones, scoping ears for chronic middle ear disease, and doing nasal scopes to diagnose cancer, remove foreign bodies, and resect polyps.

For a complete list of services offered and a bio of our doctors and staff, please visit Arbutus West Animal Clinic on the Web. You can also find us on Facebook.

The Time for Heroes

It’s no surprise that, every year around this time, we spend a lot of time thinking about heroes in general and the selfless individuals who risked life and limb immediately following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 in particular.

What many of us don’t know is that a number of those individuals were highly trained canines, like Harley shown here with his handler, Rob Cima, at Ground Zero. As Dogtime tells us:

Thirteen of those heroes came from the Search Dog Foundation (SDF) in Ojai, California. Search dogs are invaluable in such missions, as their powerful sense of smell can lead rescue workers directly to trapped or immobilized victims. The World Trade Center site was still smoldering when SDF Retriever Harley and his handler, Rob Cima, arrived. The two worked as part of a team covering “100 square blocks from Ground Zero, with debris piled eleven stories high.”

In some cases, they were unwanted pets, recruited from pounds and shelters.

These “throw-away” animals -- once abandoned and unwanted -- are now part of life-saving search and rescue teams. They’ve proven their indispensability not only in 9/11 efforts, but in Haiti and Japan and with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And true to its aim, Melville’s foundation has been saving lives without breeding or adding to the current population of animals. According to Janet Reineck, director of development for SDF, "Many of [the recruited dogs] are 24 hours away from euthanasia.”

PaperQueen Goes to the Dogs

We are seriously crazy about PaperQueen, the “stylish online stationary boutique” brewed up by talented West Vancouverite, Annabel Mackay St. John.

“Lives can leave us,” Annabel writes on the PaperQueen website, “and we really do need to tell those we love that we love them and those that we miss that they are missed. I always knew that my business needed a tag line but could never come up with one until recently. I was trying to make it sound so important or hip when really it was staring at me right in the face all along. Write, receive, respond, remember. It’s that simple.”

It’s also that gorgeous. Gorgeous enough, in fact, that this Canadian company has been making ripples with Neiman Marcus, People Magazine, LouLou, Elle and many, many others.

Most recently, I was thrilled when Annabel created my likeness for the upcoming Party With Your Pooch fundraiser poster. It’s possible, though, to visit the PaperQueen website and get instant gratification for your meaningful note. Just a few clicks and you’ll be using PaperQueen’s creations to bring your own visions to life. There’s a reason that PaperQueen Fine Stationary and Design was named the 2011 winner of the Business of the Year by the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

You go, Annabel! And we go, also… even more stylishly than we might have done.

Come Party With Your Pooch!

While you can expect more (and more and more!) details over the coming weeks while we gear up for this exciting event, take this as the first whisper: Love on a Leash is proud to present a doggy fundraiser.

Mark your calendars for “Party with your Pooch” on Tuesday, September 27th from 6-9 p.m. at The Waterfall Building on West 2nd in Vancouver.

We’re going to be raising funds for S.A.I.N.T.S. and 1 at a Time Rescue. Dogs are welcome to attend with their human companion. It’s going to be a fun and worthwhile event!

To order tickets or for further details e-mail info@loveonaleash.ca

Is Your Pet Killing You? No!

A rash of articles in various newspapers and journals points the finger at dogs and other bed-sharing pets and begs the question: is it dangerous to let your dog sleep with you?

When you think about it, both the answer and the question are pretty personal. Nor is it a new question. Dogs have been sleeping with their human companions for thousands of years. Maybe longer. In certain cultures, one could argue it would even be unhealthy not to have a dog sleep with you. After all, the phrase “three dog night” has a very strong grounding in history. As the Simmons Mattress company points out on their website:

There is historical evidence that sleeping with pets is not necessarily aberrant behavior. According to The International Encyclopedia of Dogs, the xoloitzquintli, or Mexican hairless, was used in pre-Aztec Mexico as both pet and bed warmer. An account from a 19th - century explorer in Australia, as quoted in The Domestic Dog , describes how Aborigines were so devoted to their dingoes that the dogs were treated as members of the family and allowed to sleep in the hut.

I can’t imagine not sharing my bed with my canine pals, and that’s the right answer for me. Your own answer might look different, but I’ve got a pretty strong idea that, barring extraordinary circumstances, the possibility of disease should not play a part in that decision.

The most recent onslaught of anti-pet sentiment was started by a CDC report earlier this year. Celebrity vet, Dr. Ernie Ward, took a tongue-in-cheek poke at the report on his blog:

In case you missed it, a recent CDC report warned people about getting too close to their pets, specifically warning about the dangers of sharing a snooze with dogs and cats. The report, cleverly titled “Zoonoses in the Bedroom,” revealed that about half of all dogs are allowed to sleep on the bed. While the report didn’t give an exact percentage for cats, my guess is it’s near 100%. If you don’t believe it, videotape your bedroom one night. Dogs can be sneaky.

The report begins by scaring the fur off us that you can get the plague from your pet. The Black Plague. As in Monty Python “Bring out your dead” Plague. Seriously? Seriously. Turns out there have been at least two cases in the past forty years that may have been related to flea bites from dogs sharing a bed. The CDC sure knows how to kick off a report. I can hear it now, “Bring out your dead if you have pets in your bed!”

Ward goes on to make short work of other parts of the report, stressing the fact that many of the things the CDC was alerting people about (like hookworms and roundworms) are things that conscientious owners should be treating for anyway. (In any case, if you have a dog full of worms, sleep is the last thing you should be worrying about: you’ve got other problems on the way. Just sayin’.)

Ward lists some not so tongue-in-cheek rules to help people live with more healthily with their pets. And, actually, all of these points are valid whether or not your pets share your bed. Ward writes:

To prevent the vast majority from happening, follow these simple rules:

1) Have all your pets vaccinated against rabies. It’s the law and a good one.
2) Give every dog and cat a monthly heartworm and flea preventive. Make sure it protects against common intestinal parasites.
3) Bathe your pet often, especially if you (intentionally) share your bed. What the heck, bathe them all; they’re sneaking in there, anyway.
4) No open mouth kissing your pets. I know I shouldn’t have to say it, but according to the CDC report, apparently I do. Now I’m grossed out.
5) If you or your pet is sick or you’re on immunosuppressive meds, skip the bedroom and stick to couch time.

Even after carefully reviewing this report from the CDC, I’m still sharing my bed with my pets. And my kids. I think my wife is in there somewhere.

Another well-known animal doctor, Doug Glover, the self-styled irreverent vet, spoke out about the media storm that followed the CDC’s report.

Was This Article Irresponsible?

I think it was reckless and yes, a bit irresponsible, because this is not really true.

Saying "letting pets sleep next to you can make you ill" is like saying "you should not drive because you could be in an accident"... or "you should not walk down the street because you could be struck by lightening"... or "you should not interact with any other humans because you could catch a cold from them". That kind of advice is both stupid and impractical.

But these "sensationalized" headlines sell newspapers – and unfortunately, they can also make stupid people do stupid things. For example – I heard about a family that wanted to get rid of their dog because of this article.

For goodness sake – don't do that!

Glover’s piece goes on to make several very good points, but the conclusions he draws is something everyone needs to read:

The chance of diseases spreading from pets to people is possible – but it is VERY rare. In fact, I don't know anyone that has ever gotten a disease from a pet – especially while sleeping. And as a veterinarian, I've never contracted a disease from a pet. Millions of pet owners sleep with their pets in bed with them and live to be a ripe old age.

I’m not trying to criticize the press (well yes, I actually am) but sometimes the way they say things can cause unnecessary panic and ridiculous concern for no reason. I understand that the media wants to get different views and that scary headlines sell newspapers, but stating some loose facts that are not based on large studies is unnecessary. Blowing something like this out of proportion is one of them.

Bottom line: is it dangerous for pets to sleep in bed with you? For me – the answer will always be no. I allow my two dogs to sleep with me and have for years – and I'm just fine. Casey sleeps on my pillow and Finnigan sleeps under the covers! In fact, I'm even better than fine. And there's an added bonus: no one will ever sneak up on me!

In the end, remember, the old adage is completely accurate: not everything you read in the newspaper is true. If you read or hear something you find alarming, always request further information so that you can make rational, rather than rash and emotional decisions.

Winners of our Dog Day of Summer Baseball Tickets

When the Vancouver Canadians baseball team sprang some promotional tickets on us a couple of weeks ago, we weren’t quite sure what to do with them… for about a minute! Then we quickly cooked up a contest and let people know here on our blog and on Twitter that all people had to do to enter was comment about why they’d like to take their dog out to the ballgame on our Facebook page. And it all worked out perfectly swell: we had lots of entries and we had lots of fun. Thank you to everyone who entered. The comments were so heartfelt and full of love for their dogs. I only wish we had tickets for everyone! But we actually had a fair number of tickets to give away, and here’s who got them:

• Grace Simon Daffy
• Naomi Thomas
• Kim Spencer-Nairn
• Teresa McCarthy
• Tiffany Akins

Each person listed above has won two tickets to Dog day of Summer, Wednesday August 3rd at Nat Bailey Stadium. The gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the game starts at 7:05 p.m. The winners need to contact me, Tammy Preast, Alpha Dog at Love on a Leash Dog care Services @ 778-552-1301 or via e-mail at: tammy@loveonaleash.ca to make arrangements to pick up your tickets before game day.

Each winner receives two tickets and may bring one dog per person. Entry is thru the 3rd base gates.

If you haven’t won but would like to go, you can still purchase tickets and join us on August 3rd at The Nat. Tickets are available at the gate and online.

See you game day!

Summer’s Danger: Heatstroke and Your Dog

It’s summer time and it’s finally getting hot! Over the July long weekend, a news story reported the very sad tale of a pup being left in a car on a hot day, for several hours. She died from heat stroke. It was terrible and would have easily prevented.

Pet owners often underestimate how the heat affects their dogs. Please don’t be foolish -- this is a topic that is constantly in the public eye so there is NO excuse for leaving your dog in the car for even a few minutes or over-exercising them on warm days.

Also keep in mind older dogs, dogs who have been quite sedentary during the winter, dogs prone to respiratory conditions like pugs and shih tzus and dogs who are overweight have a very difficult time cooling off and should not be over-exercised this time of year.

I personally walked my own senior dog, Casey, a little too far a few weeks ago, on a warm day. We both paid the price. She was quite ill for 24 hours after. It suddenly, and nearly tragically, reminded me that she is 16 years old -- in human years that is in the upper 90’s!!! Had I lost my gal that day I would have been furious with myself forever and all because we walked a few blocks too much for her 16 year old body... a walk we have done hundreds of times over the years.

Heatstroke can occur in minutes and can be fatal. Following are the signs of a dog with heat stroke.

1. Excessive panting. This is common. A dog that just won’t stop panting: they keep going and going. Sometimes they seem like a little engine that can’t stop.
2. Noisy breathing. Some dogs with airway problems will begin to have trouble and their panting/breathing will become very noisy. Almost like a whistling noise in their windpipe.
3. Weakness. Many dogs that are out exercising or walking just stop. They don’t want to move. They want to lay down and don’t want to keep going.
4. Collapse. This goes along with weakness. Some dogs will eventually collapse or fall over and not want to (or are unable) to get up.
5. Altered mental state. As the heat really gets to dogs, they will seem out of it and disoriented. They often are slow to respond or don’t respond. Their focus is on trying to cool their bodies down.

What should you do if you suspect your dog has heatstroke?
Act fast because heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency! If you are able, check your dog’s temperature rectally if you suspect heatstroke. Normal body temperature in dogs is higher than in humans (99.5 to 102.5 F as compared to 98.6 F). If your dog’s temperature is over 105 F, call your veterinarian and remove your dog from the heat source immediately.

Place a cool, wet towel over your dog or place him in a cool water bath. Do not use ice because it may cause skin injury.

If unable to check your dog’s temperature get to a vet immediately for treatment.

There are several things you can do to prevent heat-related problems for your dog:

• Monitor outdoor temperature and minimize your dog’s activity on hot, humid days.
• Limit sun exposure during the hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on hot days.
• Walk or exercise your dog in the morning or evening.
• Keep your dog in a comfortable environment (air-conditioned room or partially open windows with a breeze) during extremely hot weather.
• NEVER leave your dog in a car (even with the windows partially rolled down) for any reason, at any time. Leaving dogs in a car during warm weather is the most common cause of heat stroke.
• Provide your dog with plenty of fresh water and plenty of shade. Take extra care with puppies and pets with medical problems, obese pets and senior pets.
• Always work to allow your dog to gradually become accustom to high temperatures. Heat illness is common when the dogs have not had sufficient time to acclimate to warmer temperatures.
• After traveling to a warmer climate, allow your dog several days to become acclimated before allowing any vigorous exercise.

Finally, even if you are able to offer heat stroke treatment at home, still take your dog to your vet for a thorough check up & professional analysis. A little bit of common sense can make all the difference in heat stroke and save your pets’ life.

Canine-Friendly Camping

Written by Craig Romano

There is no lack of wild and beautiful places to set up your tent and enjoy the great outdoors in the West. Delightful places abound for you and your hound for sharing time under the stars in our special part of the world. Here wilderness travel expert, Craig Romano, looks at the best ways -- and Northwest places -- to go camping with your best friend.

Here are ten gorgeous places to go camping -- all near trails, lakes, rivers and beaches -- and all of them surrounded by acres upon acres of public land. Some of them are close by, ideal for a quick getaway; while others are a little distance away and perfect for a week long outdoor holiday. But most importantly, all of them welcome your canine companion.

Washington
1. Kaloloch, Olympic National Park, Pacific Coast
Set up camp on a coastal bluff high above the crashing surf of the wild Olympic coast. A sprawling campground with a handful of sites with breathtaking ocean views, Kalaloch is one of the few public campgrounds in Washington right on the Pacific. Watch stunning sunsets right from your picnic table. Listen to gulls, oystercatchers, and eagles and let the incessant pounding of the breakers lull you and your lab deep into la la land. While dogs are not allowed on the trails of Olympic National Park, they are allowed on leash on this stretch of park beach—over 10 wild miles worth! While there are 170 sites, in summer they go fast, so be sure to make reservations (www.recreation.gov).

2. Sullivan Lake, Colville National Forest, Selkirk Mountains
One of the largest and prettiest undeveloped lakes in northeastern Washington, Sullivan is surrounded by steep emerald peaks including 7,308-foot Abercrombie Mountain and 7,309-foot Gypsy Peak, the two highest summits in eastern Washington. Two gorgeous national forest campgrounds, East Sullivan and West Sullivan grace the lake’s northern shore while remote and peaceful despite its name, Noisy Creek Campground graces its southern shore. The sites are well-shaded and there are plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails nearby, including the four mile Sullivan Lake trail connecting the campgrounds. The lake warms up nicely by mid-summer and there’s a beach for your dog to splash in!

3. Colonial Creek, Ross Lake, North Cascades
One of the most stunning settings for any campground within the entire country, Colonial Creek sits in a deep valley in the heart of the North Cascades. Set in primeval timber along the turquoise waters of Diablo Lake and surrounded by towering glacial-clad cloud-piercing peaks, you may not want to budge too far once you set up camp. But if your buddy’s tail is indicating it’s time for a walk, take to several miles of delightful trail radiating right from the campground. The 1.9 mile Thunder Knob Trail is perfect for an after dinner leg-stretcher. Claim one of the sites right on placid Thunder Arm and spend an afternoon in the canoe paddling with your pooch.

4. Silver Springs, Snoqualmie National Forest, Mount Rainier
While Mount Rainier National Park allows your furry friend to accompany you at one of its developed campgrounds, you can’t take her on the park’s trails. So if “the Mountain’s” allure is too much for the two of you to resist, consider setting up camp right outside of the park at the Silver Springs Campground in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Nestled in old growth forest right on the glacial-fed White River, this CCC-built campground offers spacious and private sites. And when it’s ready to hit the trail, head to nearby Crystal Mountain taking to a large network of trails surrounding the resort. Lots of dog-friendly options complete with howling views of Washington’s most famous landmark.

Oregon
5. Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast, Siuslaw National Forest
While there is no shortage of great camping spots along Oregon’s spectacular coastline, most of them can get pretty busy during the summer months. Cape Perpetua, a rugged area of salt-blasted headlands, moisture dripping old growth giants and fog-catching coastal peaks offers one of the most secluded and quietest campgrounds on the entire coast. Nestled in a deep valley set back from busy US 101, choose from 38 campsites perched along Cape Creek. Once the pegs have been staked, hit the trail! There are 26 miles of interconnecting trail radiating from the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area including paths to shore-hugging Neptune State Park. And while this campground is a tranquil gem, it’s well known. Be sure to secure a reservation (www.recreation.gov).

6. Silver Falls State Park, Willamette Valley
Looking for a quick getaway in the Willamette Valley? Does your pooch enjoy waterfalls? Do you? Silver Falls State Park located just 25 miles east of Salem is a waterfall lover’s, hiker’s, and camper’s haven! One of the crown jewels of the Oregon State Park system you and your outward bound hound can choose from among 100 sites (electrical hookups available) and then take to 25 miles of dog-friendly trail to 10 dog-gazing cascades, four in which you can wag your tails from behind. Be sure to reserve your site online before packing the Subaru.

California
7. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, North Coast
Set up camp along a quiet creek shadowed by towering redwoods hundreds of years old. While this gorgeous state park on the Redwood Coast does not permit dogs on its trails, you can walk your buddy on some of its quiet roads. Be sure to watch for elk feeding in misty prairies. Gold Bluffs Beach located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park consists of 10 miles of wide sandy gorgeous northern California beach—and it’s open to your four-legged camping companion. And just south of the park you can roam two more beautiful dog-friendly beaches, Humboldt County Parks’ Big Lagoon and Clam Beach.

8. Doran Beach, San Francisco Bay Area
While your four-legged friend is allowed to set up tent with you in the scores of beautiful California state parks lining the Pacific, she’s not allowed to accompany you on almost all of those parks’ wonderful trails and beaches. That’s when places like Sonoma County Park’s Doran Beach come to the rescue. Located about 40 miles north of San Francisco in quaint and scenic Bodega Bay, Doran Beach provides camping on a beautiful two-mile long dog-friendly beach. And there are one dozen other dog-friendly beaches nearby including a couple of stunning ones at Point Reyes National Seashore.

British Columbia
9. Cultus Lake Provincial Park, Fraser Valley
While Cultus means “worthless” in the Chinook Jargon, this big beautiful lake located just south of Chilliwack where the North Cascades meet the Fraser Valley is anything but worthless to outdoor-loving humans and dogs. Choose from nearly 300 sites within four distinct campgrounds within 5,000-plus acre Cultus Lake Provincial Park spread out along the eastern shore of the lake. The sites are large and well-shaded and all are within a short walk from the lake. The park’s Shale Beach is leash-free. Excellent hiking trails radiate from the park from easy strolls to old-growth giants to an all out grunt up mile high International Ridge. Be sure to make a reservation because Vancouver campers love this park too.

Idaho
10. Heyburn State Park, Lake Coeur d’Alene
Established in 1908, Heyburn is the oldest state park in the Northwest and one of the finest. Developed by the CCC, this 8,000-acre plus park located on the southern quieter end of massive Lake Coeur d’Alene contains three lakes, the St Joe River Delta, old-growth pine forests and ridges of open meadows. Choose from 130 sites in three separate campgrounds. Take a swim and then hit one of the park’s fine trails including the three-mile, bursting with views and flowers, Indian Cliffs Loop. Go for a bike ride or run afterwards on the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.

Packing List
Aside from packing your own camping necessities and comforts, don’t forget to take along the following for your intrepid little buddy:

1. First-aid kit (including but not limited to; insect/tick repellant, gauze, adhesive tapes, tweezers)
2. Drinking water or purification tablets (if campground doesn’t have potable water).
3. Food and water bowls.
4. Chamois cloths and/or towels (you want a mud-free tent, no?).
5. Doggie bedding and blankets.
6. Treats and chew toys.
7. Doggie pack for hitting the nearby trails.

Canine Camping Etiquette
To paraphrase Robert Frost, “Good dogs make for good camping neighbors.” While no one wants to be camped next to a party of loud and obnoxious humans, a dog yipping and whimpering all through the night can be equally annoying. Be sure you and your pooch set the standard for good camping courtesy. Practice the following good neighbor behavior:

1. Your buddy should always be on leash at the campground.
2. Never leave your furry friend unattended at the site.
3. Don’t let your pooch dig holes at the site. Hey, he’s telling you it’s time to take a walk!
4. Clean up any presents your pal leaves behind. Carry extra plastic bags and deposit waste in proper place.
5. Don’t leave your buddy’s food out overnight and/or unattended lest you’ll attract uninvited critters to your site.
6. And never let your dog chase or harass wildlife.

Craig Romano is the author of numerous guidebooks including Best Hikes with Dogs Inland Northwest (Mountaineers Books) where you can find out more about Sullivan Lake and Heyburn State Park.

Ask Casey...

Dear Casey,

Q: Why does my dog stick his nose out the car window?

A: Ottawa veterinarian, Miki Shibata explains, “Dogs are intelligent animals that rely heavily on their nose & eyes to help them navigate and understand the world.”

In plain English, your dog has more than 220 million olfactory receptors in his nose while humans have only about five million of these receptors. That means they have almost 50 times the sense of smell we do! And basically, dogs poke their snouts out the window because they enjoy the sights and smells passing by.

Again we quote Dr. Shibata, “The fast-moving air brings a constant stream of scent that is very interesting for your dog and provides him with key information about his surroundings. This fast-moving air also has a cooling effect by speeding the evaporation of saliva from the tongue and mouth of a hot and panting dog.”

Most vets agree that you should take precautions if you allow your dog to poke his head out the window of a moving vehicle. There are serious risks involved mainly from flying particles like debris, dirt, sand or stone which can cause severe injury to your dog’s eyes. Also, keep in mind that there has been more than one dog who inadvertently fell or jumped out the open window of a moving vehicle even if they had never done so in the past.

A number of years ago a product called “Doggles” doggy goggles were invented to protect the eyes of dog’s who just had to have their heads out of their owner’s vehicles. You may want to invest in a pair to protect your dog’s eyes if you travel a lot.

While your dog may love to hang out the window and sniff out the great smells while you are hitting the road, be cautious and consider your speed and the amount of traffic all around you before allowing him to do so.

The Love Behind Love on a Leash: David Binsfeld

David was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, along with 12 dogs, 32 cats, 2 goats, 53 rabbits, 4 budgies, and tropical fish. Pets have been a huge part of David's life, so rest assured that your loved one, will be well taken care of.

David is ecstatic to report that he is near the end of his long teaching career and looks forward to entertaining and “doting upon” various breeds of the canine family. The seawall is steps away from David’s townhouse, which is located on the lagoons at Granville Island, and is truly perfect for a dog walk anytime of the day.

David is able to care for pooches during the summer months and on weekends only at this time. At Love on a Leash we believe that the special little friends with fur coats that come to stay with us are deserving of companionship throughout the entire day.

David looks forward to meeting you and yours…

Recipe Corner: Ice Cream Heaven

Is your pet feeling the heat? Homemade dog ice cream will keep him cool and happy. Peanut butter is a great ingredient to use in ice creams because most dogs love it. Here is a great starter recipe that is simple & easy to make. Check out: http://www.crazycrumb-dog-treats.com/frozen-dog-treats.html for more great “beat the heat” delicious doggy recipes and tips.

Ice Cream Heaven

Ingredients

1 ripe banana
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups natural plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey

Mash the banana and stir into the yogurt then warm the peanut butter either on your stove or in the microwave until it is easy to stir. Add the banana/yogurt mixture and the honey. Mix everything until it is well combined. Pour into non-stick trays or containers and freeze. We like to use ice cube trays, or freeze in small dog sized containers!

Freeze overnight or until frozen

This recipe make a lovely creamy ice cream. It is nicer if you take it out of the freezer to let it soften before giving it to your dog. It depends how big your frozen portions are, but this could take somewhere between ten minutes and half an hour.


Note: If you’re in the UK or planning a visit, you won’t have to make the ice cream yourself. The image above is from Wagg Pet Food, a popular UK company, who recently started making ice cream for dogs. (Don’t you think the addition of the biscuit is an elegant touch?)

Doggy Biz of the Month: Petzooba E-Cards

I just logged onto the new Petzooba e-card site and had a blast viewing the different e-cards that you can personalize with a message (and even a photo) before sending them off to your friends/family.

Petzooba is a diverse e-card site for pet lovers! There’s a plethora of cards for just about any occasion or season you can think of: Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendship and even Moving Notices. Some of my personal e-card favorites on the site are The Great Turkey Escape for Thanksgiving, International Dogs in the Friendship section and Seasons for Pet Loss. The Holiday selection has quite a few fun and humorous e-cards, too. One called “A Rippin Holiday,” is pretty hilarious and many have me laughing my head off!

One of the great things about this site is that you can easily add photos of yourself and your pets to make the cards more personal or you have the option of sending the cards as-is with just a personal message. If you do decide to use personal photos, the images are stored for future use. I uploaded my address book to the site and created a card that was sent to a bunch of my friends with just once click!

Petzooba offers a free personal subscription which gives access to 14 e-cards that can only be sent to one person at a time. For a small subscription fee, Petzooba offers a full year subscription with a growing selection of e-cards approaching 200. Only $9.95 a year! Once subscribed for the year, you can send to as many recipients as you’d like. Also, with every paid subscription Petzooba will give you a second year subscription free, which you can send to a friend as a holiday gift! Petzooba co-founder, Mitch Wilder, is a compassionate pet educator and 14 year broadcast journalist in the pet industry and his site reflects his great with and wicked sense of humor.. His philosophy is that “No pet should be left behind.”

Best of all, Petzooba have chosen Adopt-a-Pet to receive 10 per cent of every paid e-card subscription! All-in-all I was deeply impressed by Petzooba. I plan on using it a lot.

Noise Phobia in Dogs

Noise phobia is an excessive fear of a sound that results in severe anxiety and panicky behavior It’s an irrational, intense and persistent fear response that can develop at any age and in any dog breed.

My dog Casey was always mellow when it came to sounds until she’d been around fireworks multiple times. I was never sure what triggered her fear exactly as she was fine the first few times. Even if the fireworks were popping off in the distance she would become inconsolable when outdoors. Her body would go stiff, she’d tremble and pull on the leash in a panic and scrabble to get home scratching and clawing her nails on the sidewalk. I could not pick her up to comfort her as she’d squirm and wriggle and scratch me to get down and head home as fast as possible. After experiencing this kind of fear twice, I ensured we were not out during Vancouver’s fireworks nights and did my best to keep her inside around Halloween.

Dog psychologists have explained to me that, “Trying to escape from the noise that is agitating them, a dog's normal instinct is to seek shelter to avoid danger.” But things can go awry when dogs overreact to sounds that don’t actually represent danger.

Characteristic behavior can include, but may not be limited to, hiding, urinating, defecating, chewing, drooling, panting, pacing, trembling, shaking, and barking. A fearful dog might seek out his human family; try to escape the noise by jumping through windows or chewing through walls, and running away. We’ve all heard the sad tales of dogs and cats disappearing from their yard on fireworks nights because of their sheer panic.

The most common causes of noise phobia are definitely fireworks and thunderstorms, but dogs may develop a fear of any sound no matter how inconsequential. Even a squeaky door being opened, use of a fly swatter, pots and pans banging, or a fan being turned on, can provoke a reaction from a noise-phobic dog. And, the more exposure a dog has to a frightening noise, the more intense his phobic response is likely to become.

Veterinarians recommend a health check-up for dogs experiencing a noticeable change in behavior over noise that is truly minimal. There are several medical conditions that could aggravate a dog’s anxious and panicky behavior that need to be ruled out first. If your vet determines that your dog has a behavior problem, ask your veterinarian if he/she has a PhD in animal behavior. If not, contact a board certified veterinary behaviorist or dog psychologist in your area.

Effective treatment for dogs prone to flee from fearful sounds can be as simple as offering them a comforting space like a pet crate covered with a heavy blanket as a partial sound barrier, or making a bed in the bottom of your closet. The most effective cure for my dog’s anxiety was just that: being in her crate, tucked away safe and sound out of what she perceived as harm’s way. Now that she is almost 16 years old and completely deaf, we no longer experience any of this anxiety over noise. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, keep your dog inside and turn on an appliance or television, or play music to override the noise.

Dogs are pack animals and look to you, the pack leader, for guidance and reassurance. Adopt an easy-going manner and remain calm in the face of your dog’s fear and anxiety and you will be surprised at how much more relaxed they will become. Lead your pack and that alone will be the start to much needed comfort.

Enter to Win Free Baseball Tickets for You and Your Dog

While we were excited enough just to hold our tickets for this year’s Dog Day of Summer event at Nat Bailey stadium, (Casey and especially Finnegan just love watching the Vancouver Canadians rip a strip off the ball!) imagine how pleased we were that the nice people at the Canadians offered us some tickets to give away to our friends and clients. The challenge then becomes how to do it. While it turns out there is no shortage of baseball-loving dog owners in our lives, we figured the most fair and awesome way to hand out free tickets would be with a contest. Who doesn’t love a contest, after all?

So here we are. We have the supreme delight of being in the position of giving away six totally free and fun tickets for Dog Day of Summer at Nat Bailey Stadium, August 3. That means, if you win, you and your dog can have a great evening of fun and baseball.

To enter, all you have to do is Like the Love on a Leash Facebook page (which is easy. After all, what’s not to like?) and leave us a comment about why you’d like/appreciate or even dream about being one of our lucky winners.

The draw is July 27th: just a week away so, clearly, the odds of winning are certainly better than the lottery. (And nearly as cool!)

You can Like our Facebook page here.

Pets Will Rock BC’s Biggest Party

Pet Connection, BC’s only local pets magazine, will be front and center for 17 days and nights at the province’s biggest party August 20 until September 5th. Look for Pet Connection near the ever-popular Super Dogs.

Pet Connection is “published six times a year and available at select locations. The Pet Connection is BC's only printed source of local information for the many pet lovers in the province.”

When you see them at this year’s PNE, pick up your copy of them magazine while telling the nice folks in the book that Love on a Leash says “hi.”

Pet Connection can be seen online here. See what PNE 2011 has in store here.

They Go Together Like… Dogs and Baseball?

On Wednesday, August 3 at 7 pm you and your canine pal are invited to attend Dog Day of Summer hosted by the Vancouver Candians at Nat Bailey Stadium.

Bring your dog out to the ballgame for “a great night when all dogs are allowed in with their owners.” Organizers let us know that, last year 400 canine pals showed up with their owners: many of them wearing jerseys, t-shirts and bandanas supporting their favorite teams.

The stadium will provide special watering stations and treats. (For beer and hot dogs, you’re on your own!) It sounds like a super fun night!

The gates open at 6pm, first pitch is at 7:05.

You can see more about Canadians baseball at Nat Bailey here.

Understanding Your Dog and Heat Stroke

Summer heat can be extremely dangerous. Many dogs die needlessly each year because of heat stroke and that’s something none of us wants to see. Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke. And leaving your windows down an inch or two will not prevent heat stroke from happening: your vehicle cannot remain cool in these temperatures.

What is heat stroke? It is a serious condition caused by an extremely high body temperature (rectal 105-110 F), which leads to nervous system abnormalities such as lethargy, weakness, collapse and coma. Further signs of heat stroke may include: intense rapid panting, wide eyes, excessive salivation and staggering.

High body temperature develops after increased activity with the ability to give off body heat seriously impaired. This is caused by high heat and humidity. In plain English, your dog cannot cool his own body down fast enough.

Normally dogs dissipate some body heat from their skin, but they do not sweat, like us humans and cannot cool off through their skin as effectively as we do. Panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation, but when these cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed due to high temperatures, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually set in... and they set in fast. Dogs have defective cooling systems that rely on their bodies releasing heat through panting and through their paws. Walking on the hot earth prevents any heat from being released from the paw pads.

All mammals can suffer from heat-related illnesses, all of which can be prevented by taking precautions. Canine hyperthermia is a significant threat during the summer. Help your dog stay cool and comfortable by learning how to protect him.

Here are some important tips to keep your dog safe and prevent heat stroke:

1) Keep pets in well ventilated areas
2) Provide exercise early in the morning or late in the evening (coolest times of day)
3) Exercise your dog gradually. Don’t overdo it. Don’t go for a long run on hot days with your dog. This is especially true if your dog is older, obese or has a heart or lung condition.
4) If it is hot and your dog is panting hard stop what you are doing immediately. Allow him to cool down and stop panting before continuing.
5) NEVER ever leave your pet in a car for any reason at any time -- ever! Not for two minutes and not for 20 minutes. There is no excuse. When hot outside, do not take your dog with you if you cannot remain in the car with him with the air conditioning running.
6) Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cold water and keep it in the shade if they are outdoors.
7) Try to keep pets indoors in a comfortable, cooler environment during extreme weather conditions.
8) Limit sun exposure, especially during mid-day.
9) Remember, if you are uncomfortable, your pet probably is, too.
10) For sudden high temperature changes, allow your pet to acclimate before stepping out for activity of any length.
11) Ensure puppies and kittens drink adequate amounts of liquids.

This potential elevation in body temperature known as heat stroke stimulates your dog’s body to release substances that activate inflammation. When body temperature becomes greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, failure of vital organs and consequently death may occur.

The mortality rate for hyperthermic dogs treated immediately by a qualified veterinarian is only 50%, due to irreversible changes in blood chemistry.

In short, summer is hot, dogs are already hot, and there isn’t a whole lot of room (4-5 degrees) between your dog “doing fine” and “likely to die.” Protecting dogs from hyperthermia is mostly about prevention and common sense. Take the right precautions, and you and your companion can relax and enjoy the summer in comfort.

Turn on the Waterworkz for Canine Wellness

Everyone is invited to a pet nutrition and supplement discussion with Dr. Sue Pollen this coming Saturday. The event is being held at WaterWorkz Paw Spa in Burnaby from 12 to 1 PM. The nice folks at Waterworkz are keen to let people know that there will be a discussion of incredibly useful pet information every Saturday in July and August. “These discussions are as free as the sunshine,” Waterworkz tells us, “and just as likely to make you grow.”

The first discussion will be around nutrition, “because that’s the single most important thing we do for our pets,” says Waterworkz. “Bring your pet’s food and we’ll look at the ingredients. Bring your pet’s supplements and we’ll discuss what makes one better than another. We will also discuss what to take on a trip to make it safe for your pet.”

Over the coming weeks, Waterworkz will tackle such issues as cruising and traveling with your pet; swimming dogs, including the benefits of warm salt water; the Tellington Touch with Catherine Stewart; how to tell if your pet is really sick and other timely topics.

For more details, visit WaterWorkzPawSpa.com or just join them on the day at 3831 Still Creek Ave, Burnaby BC.

A Fitness Partner You Can Count On: Your Dog!

Mark Twain said that the outside of a dog was good for the inside of a man and those of us who love our canine pals know that this is absolutely true. A study from the University of Michigan, however, shows that it may well be true in a factual way, as well and that dogs can have a real impact on not only our well-being, but our fitness, as well. Writing for Dogs in Canada, Alison Preiss says:

Owners who walk their dogs (which accounts for roughly two-thirds of American dog owners) walk about an hour more per week than their non-dog-owning counterparts. More encouraging is that dog walkers were found to achieve an overall higher level of physical activity.

With this idea in mind, Toronto’s Sal Sloan has developed Fetching,“for fit dogs and bods,” a fitness program that partners humans and their canine companions for everyone’s health and happiness.

The idea for Fetching came from Sloan’s experience as a busy marketing professional. “I’d get home at 8 p.m. and walk my dog, and then there was no way I was going to the gym, I just didn’t have time. So, either I would go to the gym and ‘Chewy’ would get a 15-minute crappy walk, or I would take Chewy for a walk and I would have to sacrifice my exercise. So I thought, there’s got to be a way to pull everything together.”

So that’s what she did. A typical fetching class involves a workout that emphasizes cardio endurance, full body strength and flexibility. On top of that, the dogs learn a new command from an experienced trainer, which is worked into the routine. There is also a stretching session and some agility added just for fun.

When the hour-long class is over, you have the satisfaction of a good workout, a tired dog and the benefit of the time you’ve spent together.

Hopefully Vancouver follows this trend and starts classes soon so we can reap the fitness benefits along with our dogs!

Ask Casey...

Dear Casey,

Q. I lick my paws way too much and it is driving my mom crazy! She has tried oregano oil but it is really expensive and is stinking up the house and my feet are smelly from licking them so much. Do you have any suggestions??? Thanks, Robbie Burns, West Highland White Terrier, Extraordinaire.

A. Excessive paw licking, biting, and/or constant scratching is often a sign of food allergies. Sometimes pets develop allergies toward their diet. Paw biting, excessive licking, ear scratching and belly licking can all be signs that their diets are starting to aggravate them.

Various meat proteins, food preservatives, and additives or fillers when ingested may cause itchy skin disease or intestinal disease in domestic animals. This is an acquired allergic reaction and often a dog may have been eating the same food for months or years before any problems arise.
There is currently no accurate blood or skin test to tell if your dog has food allergies. The only method is by avoidance and challenge -- a process of elimination.

To determine if your dog may have a food allergy, you can try putting them on a carefully selected hypoallergenic diet. Studies have shown that, in most cases, the allergen can be diagnosed after your pooch has been placed on a selected diet for 8-10 weeks.

Have a chat with your vet about food allergies and change your pooches’ diet. Find a different protein source (beef & chicken are often the main culprits) that your pet has not be exposed to before. It may be the key to ridding him of itchy toes and feet!

Good luck.

Dear Casey,

Q. We recently noticed that our dog, a neutered male, isn’t just sniffing in the grass, but that he licks other dogs’ pee. He doesn’t see where the dog went to the bathroom, but he can smell it and goes straight to it. He will lick the grass and then foam at the mouth a little bit, or his tongue will poke out and his lips will quiver. Once he’s on the trail there’s no stopping him. Is this really gross? Why does he do this and how can we get him to stop?

A. When a dog licks another dog’s urine, they are using an organ in the roof of their mouth that allows them to not only smell the scent, but to also taste it.

It helps them to analyze the scent in a more in-depth way. They are then able to tell whether the urine is male or female and even if the dog is in season or not. Your dog can determine if it is a young or old dog and even tell if the urine is coming from one of his friends. Your precious pooch drools or foams, and chatters his mouth to help him “waffle” the scent around in order to better identify the depositor of this pee!

While most humans view this as disgusting behavior, and thankfully don’t posses this unique trait, urine itself is sterile and therefore not really harmful to a dog, so don’t panic! Your kidlet is only doing something that comes totally naturally to him: checking out his environment the best way he knows. While it may seem totally gross to humans, a dog’s sense of smell is thousands of times more sensitive than humans, and all your dog wants to do is sniff out his world and locate where his friends are hanging out! Stop panicking and go with the flow.

Reading Is For the Dogs: Tammy’s June Picks

Just in time for Father’s Day -- two great books featuring a dog as the main character, naturally!

I did a review a while back on The Art of Racing in the Rain, but thought I would pass it along again as it is the perfect gift, along with A Dog’s Purpose, for the dog-loving guy in your life…

The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein (Harper)
Jodi Picoult said it much better 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. This tale is told from the dog’s point of view on the last day of his life and is 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.

A Dog’s Purpose: A Novel for Humans, by W. Bruce Cameron (Forge)
All dogs go to heaven, unless they have unfinished business here on Earth. Thus begins the story of Bailey, an endearing mutt, who comes back to earth repeatedly searching for his purpose in life... Bailey’s life really begins when he finds himself in the arms of an eight year old boy, named Ethan.

This story is an emotional, yet hilarious and often heartwarming tale of one special dog…and truly, that one dog, is the dog each and every one of us own.

I loved this book for its touching and funny story and for the way it explores the bond that all dog lovers share with man’s best friend.

Doggy Biz of the Month: Studio 2 Photography

Tamara Roberts graduated from The Western Academy of Photography in 1991 and has been building her business ever since. In 2003, after working out of her home for many years, Tamara opened Studio2 Photography in North Vancouver.

Tamara loves people and has a natural way with them and tries to capture emotion in every shot. She discovered that when people brought their pets to a photography session, it seems to relax them. Tamara says, “My clients completely forgot their inhibitions and just had fun!” Thus, a whole new segment of her business was born.

Tamara began looking for ways to expand on this animal theme and get involved more in her community. Being an animal lover, it seemed natural to join up with the BCSPCA’s Paws For A Cause as a community sponsor.

With two very successful fundraising years behind her, Tamara hopes animal lovers will help her make 2011 the best ever fundraising event by signing up now for this year’s Paws for a Cause Studio 2 Photo Event! For a $25.00 fee, and a donation of a bag of dog food, you and your beloved pooch will have a mini session in the studio.

The next event will take place Septemper 24 and 25. Give Tamara a call and commemorate your pet with fabulous keepsake photos while supporting the S.P.C.A. Limited space is available. Book by calling Studio2 Photography at 604-990-4301.

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!