Letter from Palm Springs: Welcome to Our Family, Pixie! & A Dog-Friendly Oasis in the Desert

As many of you know, my 16-year-old Bichon gal, Casey Jane, passed away on December 19th, 2011. It was a very painful decision for me and one that I was not ready for, even though my gal was. It was very peaceful for her and although my heart shattered into a million pieces that day, nearly four months later it is very slowly starting to heal.

This leads me to my next topic: the introduction of Pixie to our little family. After Casey was gone, our home felt very empty with just Finnigan all by his lonesome, but I wasn’t ready to get another dog right away. At that time I felt like I was replacing Casey and couldn’t bear the thought of forgetting her.

As the weeks went by I realized that nothing would ever make me forget her and although I was broken-hearted, we had room in our home and our hearts to love another little Bichon Frise in need. Thus began my search for another “mature” Bichon gal to join our family. We put in an application with Small Paws Bichon Rescue and waited...

On February 7th, 9-year-old, Pixie flew all the way from Chicago, by herself, direct to Palm Springs where we were waiting to bring her home to her new life. It was very emotional for me to meet this Bichon girl for the first time. She was sweet and friendly and even after hour upon hour in a crate all by herself, her tail was wagging. We opened the door and out she popped, happy as could be!

Pixie became part of the family from the moment she arrived and has also started to steal a piece of my heart. I still cry over the loss of my Casey, sometimes every day, but Pixie is helping me heal and has become a wonderful companion to our boy, Finnigan who was lonely and anxious without Casey.

We are fortunate to spend our winters in Palm Springs which is extremely dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed in many restaurants which is wonderful. There are many events that are dog-friendly with the purpose of raising funds for causes from animal adoptions to guide dog services.

This past few weeks saw Pixie and Finnigan attend two such wonderful events with me:

The first was “Yappy Hour,” on the patio of the delightful Aqua Pazza Restaurant in Rancho Mirage. Leslie Kennedy, editor of B.C’s Pet Connection Magazine and her little dog, Baby Jazz, were our companions for the afternoon. Yappy Hour’s theme for March was The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party raising funds for the organization “Loving all Animals.”

Loving all Animal’s president, Lindi Biggi, works tirelessly encouraging people to adopt animals in order to decrease the number of homeless animal companions languishing in shelters. Sadly, thousands of adoptable animals are euthanized in local shelters here in the Palm Springs area alone. The mission of Loving all Animals is simple: To bring the beautiful shelter dogs and cats out of the shelters and into loving homes!

The afternoon was a delight for the people and dogs attending. An afternoon of socializing on a gorgeous patio, sipping wine and nibbling on great eats with your best pal at your feet, plus wonderful raffle prizes and fun gifts for the winners of the best “hat” contest.

Loving all Animals hosts “Yappy Hour” on the third Thursday of every month. We will be sure to attend and support April’s Yappy Hour at Augusta Restaurant on El Paseo Drive before heading home to Vancouver. Go to www.LovingAllAnimals.org for further information as well as upcoming events on this amazing organization.

The second event we attended was the Grand Opening of Cold Nose Warm Heart, a fabulous gift store for pet lovers, which opened their second location on El Paseo. A portion of all purchases from their March 17th opening were generously donated to several animal rescue organizations. Naturally I had to buy these adorable his’n’hers sailor tees for the kidlets!

March 17th also marks the start of Fashion Week on El Paseo and Cold Nose Warm Heart got into the spirit of it all by sponsoring “Le Chien ~ A Celebration of Dogs and Fashion” under the big white tent. Pooch pampering, kibbles and champagne, runway fashion and special performances by stunt dog trainer and author Kyra Sundance were the big draws here.

The Grand Opening, within their lovely dog-friendly new store, saw Pixie, Finnigan and I entertained by glass artist, Janice Osborne, creating beautiful fused glass pet sculptures, animal communicator Terri Steuben, and chatting in great depth with author Maggie Espinosa about her book The Privileged Pooch: Luxury Travel with your Pet in Southern California. Maggie and her Bichon dog Marcel, personally signed a copy of their book for us. The Privileged Pooch is chock-full of tips on where to stay with your dog, as well as great dog-friendly places to eat and shop and fun things to do throughout Southern California. This little book will be part of all our future travel plans. You can follow Maggie and her dog Marcel at www.travelwithmaggie.com.

Pixie, Finnigan and I do appreciate how truly dog-friendly it is here in warm, sunny Palm Springs and hope that some of our archaic rules and bylaws back home in Vancouver can be updated to allow our pets to accompany us on the many restaurant patios throughout our fair city.

The Three Biggest Puppy Training Mistakes

Getting a puppy is a big responsibility. It’s up to you to bring him up right, all the way from a tiny little ball of fur into a loving and well-behaved adult dog. This means taking care of them, raising them right, and making sure they are healthy and happy. That’s why the biggest worry we hear when someone is planning on getting a puppy is “What if I make a mistake?”

If you ask yourself this question, let all of us at Love on a Leash congratulate you: you are already taking a huge step towards being a good dog owner! If you care enough to worry about making mistakes, then you are on the road to doing the right thing. It shows that you really care about raising your new family member in the right way. The more you know about your puppy, the better you will be able to deal with any situation that comes your way. And the better behaved pooch you will have down the road.

To help you have a well-adjusted, social and well-behaved dog, following are three common mistakes that we see puppy owners make:

Beginning the potty training in the home.
Many dog owners start potty training their puppies in the home using pads and newspapers. This is sometimes necessary while the pup is still too young to go outside, but if at all possible, all bathroom training should be done outdoors rather than anywhere inside your home. Why? Because your puppy will not carry the training information outdoors into a new environment. Many pet owners assume that once their puppy grows up he will begin to go outside on his own. This is NOT the case! If you teach your dog to go inside the house, he will go inside the house -- and more than likely, all over your house -- forever! Train your puppy to go outdoors where you will expect him to go when he’s older, and he will learn faster and easier.

You might have heard about crate training. This is a very humane, safe, and effective way to train your dog and reduce potty accidents. Dogs do not like to potty inside their personal space which is what a crate represents to them: a safe haven, that is all their own. Remember that a dog who has been taught to use the indoors as his bathroom will be socially unacceptable in other people’s homes and probably won’t be much fun to live with, either.

Letting your puppy do things you won’t want him to do as an adult.
This one can be hard to do because puppies are so adorable. Anything they do is cute, from biting your hand or pant leg to pouncing on people. But think it through: an adult dog biting and pouncing on people is not fun, especially if it’s a large breed. This is often the result when dogs are allowed to display unwanted behaviors when they are puppies. No matter how cute their gnawing on your finger may be, you need to step back and tell your pup “no.” If you don’t want your dog to sleep on your bed, sit on the furniture or bark at passing cars, don’t let him do it when he’s little. Your puppy will carry into adulthood everything you teach him now, so make sure you set clear boundaries.

Changing your puppy's food the day you get him home.
Many new puppy owners experience dismay when their puppy displays signs of sickness on their first days home. More often than not, the puppy is feeling sick because it was fed a new food. If you want to avoid this mistake, ask the previous owner of your puppy what kind of food he is feeding the puppy, and make sure to have the same kind of food on hand at least for the first while. If you want to switch your puppy’s food to something else, you will need to do so gradually or your puppy may feel sick, will likely throw up or end up with a nasty case of diarrhea which is no fun for anyone.

To change the brand of dog food your puppy (or adult dog) eats, first feed him only the old food. Then begin mixing more and more of the new food in with the old food until only the new food is left. If your dog does get diarrhea that does not clear up after a few days, change the food again as no dog, either puppy or adult, should have runny stool ever. It is a clear indication that what you are feeding is not agreeing with their digestive system.

In the end, just remember: you can’t be prepared for everything, however knowing the biggest blunders pet owners make is the best way to avoid them. Keep asking questions, and keep being a great dog owner.

We at Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care have years of experience as dog owners and have taken many classes in canine psychology, dog behavior and training, as well as canine nutrition and canine first aid. We strive to help our clients ensure their dogs are happy and healthy not only in our care, but when they return home to you, too!

Dogs and People: What is the Age Comparison?

If your dog is five years old, that means he is the same physiologic age as a 35-year-old person, right? Well, actually not. The theory that every year in a dog’s life is the same as seven years in ours is commonly known but unfortunately not very accurate.

For example, a one-year-old beagle has passed puberty. A seven-year-old child likely has not. A seven-year-old Mastiff is considered geriatric, but a 49-year-old person is not.

For a more accurate comparison between physiologic age of dogs, follow this formula:

A one-year-old small or medium-sized dog is about 15 human years old. When the dog reaches two, he is the equivalent of a 24-year-old person. After that, each year is about four human years. This means that a nine-year-old dog is about the same as a 52-year-old person.

Large and giant breed dogs initially age slower but then age quickly. At one year of age, he is about the same physiologically as a 12-year-old child. After that, each year follows the standard seven human years.

Life expectancy in dogs depends on many things. Just as in humans, no one can predict how long an individual person or pet may live. Smaller dogs typically live longer than large breed dogs. Dogs under 20 pounds live to be around 15-18 years of age. Giant breed dogs have the shortest life span, ranging from 6-9 years.

The average canine life span is around 12 years but differs from breed to breed. By the time most dogs reach seven years of age, they are entering their senior years. For giant breed dogs, five years old is considered the beginning of old age. The record for the longest canine life span is 29 years.

How to Help your Dog Adjust to a Divorce

Sometimes relationships don’t work. The family dog is often affected by tension, sadness, and chaos that may exist in their home and all of these emotions can be present when a divorce is inevitable. Remember that your dog is used to everyone in the house and may still be extremely bonded to both adults. Both adults may also be tightly bonded to the dog. When ties are disrupted it can stress your dog and while there is no perfect solution to help your dog adjust, there are steps that can be taken to ease the transition.

Here are a few tips to help your dog adjust:

• When leaving the house, don’t make a big deal out of it. Simply say goodbye and close the front door calmly. This will help your dog remember that separation is not something to be anxious about.
• Keep your dog on a good schedule that is fairly consistent. Routines ease anxiety in pets and also help you manage your own time better.
• If you share custody of the dog, keep a schedule that works for both of you, and try to stick with it as best as possible. Once again, when meeting and departing, keep calm so your dog need not become anxious over one of you going the other way.
• If your pet seems bored, is becoming destructive or could use more exercise than you’re able to accommodate, consider enrolling them in doggie daycare. It will change the routine if your dog has never done this before, but will likely change it for the better. Your dog can spend the day playing and socializing rather than being home alone. If the divorce was tense, this may also help ease that tension because you could drop the dog off in the morning and your ex can pick the dog up in the evening or vice versa. Alternatively, a daily dog walker can come into your home and get your dog out walking each day to help alleviate any boredom they may be experiencing while you are at work. The exercise is great for your dog and you don’t have to panic about getting home if you get caught up a little later at work.

Remember to try and keep your dog’s well-being first and foremost. Break ups are tough and so is sharing a dog. If your relationship with your ex remains amicable then it can work, but if that is not possible, seriously consider who is best able to care for your dog full-time, even if that person is not you, and let the best caregiver retain permanent custody.

Figgy’s Custom Chicken, Rice and Cheese Dog Treats

My darling senior bichon, Figgy, has a problem with bladder stones and is on a severely restricted diet. I wrote to the always fantastically helpful Jodi of Kol’s Notes and asked her for help coming up with treats that Figgy can both handle and enjoy.

Here’s a link to our exchange, as well as the recipe Jodi cooked up, on the Kolchak Puggle blog though with Jodi’s kind permission, we’re running the recipe and her photos here, as well.

Thanks, Jodi! Figgy is ever so happy with his healthful and delicious treats!

Chicken, Rice and Cheese Dog Treats

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked, chopped chicken chunks or other lean meat, like pork loin or fish
1 cup cooked white rice or cooked peas
1 cup shredded cheese or other flavour booster, like asparagus
3 tablespoons white rice flour or pea flour
1/3 - 1/2 cup low-fat, low sodium chicken stock
1 tablespoon dry cilantro or basil (optional)

Preheat oven to 350F.

Place chicken and rice into a blender, food processor or Magic Bullet. Add chicken stock a little a time until it forms a very thick paste. (You might not need all the stock.)

Stir in cheese and rice flour.

Spread mixture into a 9x9 silicone cake pan or a wax paper lined regular pan.

Score the treats into one-inch squares using a pizza cutter or a knife. (This will make it much easier to break them into bites later.)

Bake the treats for 45 minutes. If you like a soft treat, remove from oven and allow to cool. If you prefer a crunchy treat, flip them and bake them for another 30 - 45 minutes.

Oh, Figgy, I hope this helps. We’re going to keep you in mind when we make new treats and we'll make sure we mention if they’re Figgy-Friendly!

Move over, Winter… Spring Has Sprung at Bow Wow Haus!

This just in from our good pals at Bow Wow Haus:

Spring might not officially arrive until later this month, but at Bow Wow Haus, it’s already here!

Made of organic cotton and in gorgeous pastel-y prints, these beautiful handmade collars and leashes from the USA scream “Bye Bye Winter!”

Attention four-legged fashionistas -- these cute graphic tanks and bold, blingy tees will chase away the winter blues!

Come and visit any of our three locations and check out what else we’ve got in store for Spring!

A Moving Afternoon with Guide Dogs of the Desert

Yesterday I was really moved to take part in Dog Day Afternoon, a fundraising luncheon, hosted outdoors at the beautiful and historic Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs. The luncheon celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Guide Dogs of the Desert. What an amazing organization!

“Every 7 minutes, someone in North America will become blind or visually impaired.” -- American Foundation for the Blind.

You think you know about guide dogs, but I sure as heck really didn’t know as much as I thought I did! I chatted with several people about their guide dogs and especially enjoyed meeting Nicole and Snickers, the young lady and her wonderful black lab with me in the photo at left. Snickers is Nicole’s third guide dog and she said he is her favorite. When I asked her why she said, “You know, some dogs are just extra special.” I told her I understood that completely. She also said that Snickers is so smart and never lets her down and opens the world for her that she would otherwise not have available if she just went out with a cane. He is responsible for her safety and he is her eyes to the world, plus he is a very sweet, loving boy. I then asked if I could pet him and she said I could. I crouched down and Snickers plopped his head in my lap and closed his eyes when I massaged his big head and ears. He is a delight!

Guide Dogs of the Desert has a waiting list of 120 people across North America in need of a guide dog. They can only produce/train about 30 a year at this point so the need is strong. They made a smart decision about a year or so ago to produce their own dogs and so are breeding labrador retrievers, both black and yellow, plus standard poodles, german shepherds and golden retrievers to help keep up with the demand. The organization is super cautious in order to ensure that no dogs are bred that may have negative genetic tendencies like hip dysplasia, heart disease, or even problems like hyper personality. They are like reputable breeders who want to ensure they have healthy stock both physically and mentally that can go on to assist those in need.

Even with all this care, the organization often introduce 10 dogs to a recipient in need and sometimes none match up. It is not an exact science but I think, more of an art to match up the guide dogs and the people they will partner with. They rely solely on donations to keep their programs going. Smoke Tree Ranch is a wonderful supporter and has sponsored many guide dogs.

The dog is about two years old when it meets its blind person. It takes many, many hours of socialization and then training to have a dog who can help lead a blind person from place to place. Once the person is matched with their dog they go through 28 days of training together so they can emerge as a safe and effective team in order to navigate as a unit in the outside world.

The North American average for dogs who graduate the program is about 50 per cent but Guide Dogs of the Desert has an average of 73 per cent, which is fabulous. They definitely have strong supporters, but they are also passionate about what they do and they send dogs all over North America. They also have amazing volunteers and foster families who raise the pups until they are 18 months old and go off to training.

In the Guide Dogs of the Desert literature, Alan Fitzsimmons said that “going from a cane to a guide dog is like going from a skateboard to a Ferrari.”

I plan to attend a graduation later this year. I understand there is not a dry eye in the house as the foster families say goodbye to the baby they nurtured and the person who has been waiting forever for their guide dog happily unites with their new partner. It’s an understandably emotional experience and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.

Some facts:

• Guide Dogs of the Desert was founded in 1972 and has graduated more than 1000 students.
• GDD provides students with a family environment
• The organization has smaller class sizes so they can offer both dogs and the people they will guide with more individual attention
• Student to trainer ratio is 3:1
• GDD is a member of the International Guide Dog Federation
• The blind receive their trained dogs and personalized instruction, including the 28 days of on-campus training for first time users, free of charge.

The organization’s mission statement:

Guide Dogs of the Desert improves the lives of the blind by creating opportunities for life changing independence, and by conducting community outreach and education programs.

Taking part yesterday was a different experience than I expected. It was a lovely luncheon on a sunny afternoon in a gorgeous setting. However, more than that it was an emotional and heartwarming afternoon which simply reinforced how wonderful I think all dogs are.

You can visit Guide Dogs of the Desert here.

John Lund and the Art of the Pet

John Lund has made photos of some astonishing animal antics. Dogs using a hula hoop. Doing the tango. Visiting a beauty parlour. Driving a car. Amazing, right? It turns out, though, that there’s more here than meets the eyes.

In an article in Animal Fair, Lund describes his technique:

So how does this animal artist work his magic? Through the wonders of digital imaging, Lund creates humorous scenarios of animals indulging in unusual behaviors. While Lund is the creator of these fanciful images, he is quick to confess that the original ideas are a group effort.

“Our inspiration comes from many areas, life experiences, other photo shoots and just plain hard thinking,” Lund said. “The images are very much a group effort. The ideas are generated by Portal Publications’ Senior Art Director Collette Carter, Peter Stein, and myself.”

Lund has four books that capture the hearts of pet-lovers and elicit more than just a few hearty chuckles. Animal Antics, Animal Wisdom, Animal Talk and Life According to Maude all feature an array of animals hamming it up at the hands of a masterful artist who has an eye for knowing what tickles our funny bones.

On his web site, Lund talks about how much he enjoys making these images:

As much delight as the Animal Antics pictures bring to others, I think I still get as much enjoyment as anyone from actually creating the images. We always work with the same crew including our animal trainers. The animals, though difficult to photograph, are always fun to interact with. I never cease to be amazed at the athleticism of cats, the eagerness of the dogs to please us, and the special qualities of almost every animal. In particular, I appreciate the sensual muscularity of lions, the seemly gentle yet massive power of elephants, and the almost eerie intelligence of primates.

Visit Lund’s web site to view and buy prints and cards of Lund’s fantastic work.

Food is NOT Love: Half of All Pets Are Obese

Years ago, when my beloved bichon, Casey, was overweight, my vet said to me emphatically, “Food is NOT love. Her momma ain’t fat so why is she?”

It took a while for the meaning to sink all the way in, but when it did, there was no going back. I am not fat because it doesn’t work for me. I feel better when I am at what for me is a sensible weight. I think I look better and I know I feel better. Healthier. Like I can take things on. If I feel that way, why would I expect my dog to feel any different?

I cut back on the treats.

Now according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55% of dogs and 54% of cats in North America are obese or overweight. From CNN:

"I didn't notice the weight creeping on -- it was like all of a sudden he was just this fat dog," Stevens said as she and Dodger visited Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park.

"His weight is about 82 pounds right now, and he should be 62 pounds." That means he needs to lose about a quarter of his weight -- equivalent to a 200-pound person needing to lose 50 pounds.

The reason is pretty simple: "Too much food and not enough exercise," Stevens said.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention report shows not only that more pets are overweight, but also that those with the problem "are getting fatter," said Ernie Ward, the group's founder.

Being too fat isn’t good. It isn’t healthy for people and, as it turns out, it isn’t healthy for your pet, either:

A long list of health dangers comes with the excess weight. "It's not a matter of if, it's when" serious complications will strike, said Ward.

These can include high blood pressure, "crippling arthritis," diabetes and some cancers. "Their life is shortened by two or 2½ years," said Ward, a veterinarian in North Carolina.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine, which cites the association's annual study, said the diseases seen among obese pets "are eerily similar to those reported for people."

Distressingly, one of the problems might by the commercial pet food you’re feeding:

Pet foods these days are "more calorically dense" than they used to be, yet owners are feeding their pets more, he said.

If you're concerned your pet may be obese, it's important to work with a veterinarian, and not try to tackle the problem on your own, said Ward. "Diet is not about starvation or deprivation. It's about gradual weight loss."

In many cases, carefully measuring food and committing to exercise can do the trick. But more severe cases need more extensive work.

I would take things further still. Begin with a clear idea of what the perfect outline for your breed should be. How much should he weigh and how much fat covering should he have? If you don’t have a clear idea, your vet will.

Next, consider you dog food carefully. Many commercial brands are not good sources of nutrition, no matter what the package says. Make sure you’re feeding a good quality premium brand or, as an increasing number of owners are doing, take things further still and think about options to commercial pet foods.

Finally, make sure your dog has adequate exercise and if you don’t have time to walk your dog or throw a ball for him, consider hiring a service who will.

I know that sounds like a plug -- after all, that’s one of the things Love on a Leash does! But if you’re working so hard that you don’t have time to give your dog the exercise he needs, hiring someone else to do it for you will be a terrific investment in your dog’s health. Even so, if you can make the time to do it yourself, both you and your dog will gain from your new commitment to physical fitness. Don’t forget: dogs make the very best work out partners. They never beg off because of bad weather or because they’re too tired or hungover! You might start out trying to get your dog in better shape and end up with both of you feeling more fit and healthy. What could be better?

Though a rash of articles that have come out since this pet obesity report was released earlier this month make this sound like an almost hopeless problem, on a case-by-case basis, it is not. Diet and exercise really are the first step. If you feel overwhelmed, bring in some help. Your vet will be happy to offer advice on the topic. And make no mistake: so will your caregiver at Love on a Leash.

Your Pet and the Stars

Can dogs have their astrological charts read? Why not? After all, dogs have birthdays, too! On her web site, PetHoroscopesGo.Com, astrologer Lynn Lopez writes:

Thousands of dedicated pet owners see pet horoscopes as a new way to get to know their pets even better, and probably even decipher their day-to-day moods. Pet horoscopes may even be a lot easier to work with than horoscopes for humans, since you don’t really have details like romance and career to figure out.

Even without the complications of human life, however, it’s possible astrological forecasting can help us learn things about our pets we might not otherwise know. As AstrologySource.Com says:

Ever wonder how your dog got his funny habits? Or why your new kitten is so quirky? The answers could be determined by their date of birth and how astrology affects their character. Astrology can play an important part in your pet's life.

So is it real or old fashioned stargazing? To be honest, I’m still not sure. Though with large circulation newspapers like the New York Daily News getting on this bandwagon, you can be sure that pet astrology is something we’ll be hearing more about, and soon!

Editor’s note: the astrology pet dish shown above is from Pet Mountain. You can see it and other dishes here.

Do Any Dogs Really Need Sweaters or Coats?

How can you tell if your dog needs canine clothing? It’s fairly safe to say that if you have a healthy, young dog of a substantial size like a malamute, husky, golden retriever or shepherd, to name a few, who is acclimated to cold and has a thick insulating coat, you likely don’t need to invest in dog clothing for walks in the rain or snow. That said, there are three kinds of dogs who do benefit from the extra insulation of a sweater or coat, as well as the protection needed by life as a pampered house pooch.

Small Dogs.

Dogs who are elderly or ill or both.

Dogs with very short, fine hair and not much body mass. (Like greyhounds, whippets, dachshunds and even some fine-coated terriers like Jack Russells.)

What these dogs all have in common is that they have a tougher time generating and maintaining enough body heat all on their own because they have so little fur and, as a result, they can certainly benefit from a little extra help keeping warm and dry.

Protection from the rain, snow, wind and cold temperatures are all reasons to put clothes on dogs headed outside, and it doesn’t hurt to leave a sweater on them inside as well if you like to keep the heat on the low side.

At our house my Bichons have always had cold/wet weather gear. Jackets to help keep them a little cleaner and dryer through our Vancouver rain as well as sweaters and puffy vests for the cold weather that can also nip at their toes during our winters. My dogs have always loved the snow but need protection that a sweater or coat offers from snow lumps getting clumped in their fur rendering them immobile.

If you have a dog with arthritis, warm snuggly clothing is just one thing you can do to make winters more comfortable (besides wintering in Palm Springs). There are also some amazing pet-safe heated orthopedic dog beds that are a great idea to help combat arthritis, as are neutraceuticals like glucosamine and Omega-3 oils that have been clinically proven to ease joint pain. If you suspect arthritis we recommend you work with your vet as this is an extremely painful and progressive disease for your dog.

Even if your dog doesn’t need a coat, having one certainly won’t hurt him. I have always used rain coats and sweaters when walking my dogs, especially in wet weather, which saves me the trouble of cleaning a wet dog at the door before we come back inside. And a dry dog is one who happily climbs back onto the sofa once we are inside! Boots are also a big help for keeping paws cleaner but also as protection from snow, salt & de-icing chemicals that are toxic should your pet wish to lick them off. They work to protect feet in all types of weather -- from cold to hot when the high temperatures could burn your dog’s paw pads.

Bottom line? Clothes don’t make the dog, but they do make them a whole lot cuter! There’s nothing wrong with having fun and dressing your dog. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than canine couture... a smart ensemble means a chic pooch walking down the street? Ooh la la!

Begley Cleans Green

Those who loves pets and are concerned about the planet will be interested to hear that veteran actor and environmental do-gooder, Ed Begley, Jr., has launched a new line of plant-based, sustainable and cruelty-free cleaning products.

Begley had noticed that, while many people wanted to use green and organic cleaning products, most of the ones available just weren’t that effective.

“Most people would switch to greener products,” says Begley, “but have justified concerns about the overall effectiveness of these products. Many green cleaners simply can’t handle the grime and dirt of modern-day living.”

Begley adds that, with the introduction of his new line, there is no longer an excuse not to clean green, “because these plant-based products clean just as well or even better than their non-green counterparts.”

While many “green” products on the market claim to be natural, says Begley, most fail to disclose their ingredient list, which has left many skeptical about their alleged wholesomeness. With Begley’s Earth Responsible Products, consumers know that they have the safest and most effective ingredients available. Each product lists 100 percent of its ingredients on the label. The full list of ingredients is also available on the Begley’s Earth Responsible Products website.

“It is a fact that non-green products can be harmful, and indeed toxic to our minds and bodies and the planet at large,” said Begley. “My priority is to ensure that quality products do not come at the expense of compromising our safety, health, or the environment.”

Begley’s Earth Responsible Products are now available through the website, but look for them in a growing number of stores over the coming months. The full line includes dish soap, hand soap, a multi surface cleaner, glass cleaner, cooktop cleaner, stone cleaner and rejuvenator, pet stain and odor remover, household stain and odor remover and a produce wash.

Love on a Leash is always happy to read about and review products such as Begley’s that are animal friendly. “Cruelty free” means no testing was done on animals and the eco-friendly standards Begley maintains are so much healthier for us and for our four-legged friends who share our lives and live in our homes.

Clean, earth friendly products we’ll be sure to try.

Love on a Leash shares Valentine’s Day Recommendations for your Pooch!

Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, a time to show your appreciation for everyone you love, including your dog! This is the perfect time to pamper your pooch with a little extra TLC. Dogs are so easy to pamper. Just offer them a little extra time and attention and they will be over the moon for you!

Here are 6 things you can do to show your dog how much you love them this Valentine’s Day:

1. Special Treats for the one you love. The ultimate way to pamper your dog is to give him some “special” treats. There are two dog bakeries we really love: Sweet Canine Cookies truly are divine! And Three Dog Bakery in Vancouver and Port Moody continues to be a special favourite.

Sweet Canine Cookies shares some of the things that make them special:

“When we started baking for dogs we wanted to do something really special. Sweet Canine Cookies are not your average dog cookies. They are made with certified organic human grade ingredients to offer goodness for your dog’s body, mind and spirit. Each dog cookie is nutritionally balanced and is a good way to help supplement the body, but Sweet Canine Cookies also treat your dog spiritually! Our recipes are made with love and care for your dog. Not for profit, but for the sole intention of providing your dog enjoyment and health. One hundred percent of our net proceeds are donated to our favorite Bichon rescue organization. And it doesn’t stop there. When your dog eats one of our cookies, he literally consumes a blessing and a prayer made specifically for him or her. Each human grade dog cookie is individually blessed and prayed over to offer your dog nutrients, love and a spiritual touch. Sweet Canine Cookies are food for the body, mind and the spirit with a specific blessing and prayer offering a complete circle of health, wholeness and happiness. And of course they come with just a touch of sweetness to make your dog smile, because even dogs have a sweet tooth.”

Three Dog Bakery is also motivated to create healthy canine treats. In their own words:

“At Three Dog Bakery our mission is simple: to fresh-bake the world’s best dog biscuits and food, giving dog owners everywhere a healthy, all-natural bone-ified treat to give to their favorite four-legged friends. We add NO salt, sugar, chemicals, artificial preservatives or animal fat to any of our products. We also carry the world’s most delicious pre-packaged treats and other Goodies!

Three Dog Bakery presents Love Bites! Peanut Mutter Cups (shown above left) and Fresh Barked Dogversation Hearts (at right).

Your dogs will go “nuts” over our Peanut Mutter Cups. Their all-natural, carob yumminess make all dogs fall in love with the best dog cookies made with carob and peanuts!

Show your puppy some love with the Dog-versation hearts! These wheat free, heart shaped cookies are sure to make your dog fall in love with you all over again!”

2. Have a Canine Photo-shoot. Dogs love attention and are naturals in front of the camera. We recommend you go the professional route, at least once in your dogs’ life, with a photographer who will provide you with photos that will be forever dear to your heart, like Off-Leash Photography here in Vancouver. Angie helps make it fun for your dog while making wonderful images and memories. Don’t forget to pet and praise your dog for being a great model. A photo shoot can be a lot of fun for both you and your dog, and it will capture memories you can keep forever.

3. Give your dog the spa treatment. Dogs get stressed out just like people, and nothing eases stress better than a nice day at a spa. There are plenty of doggie spas with a range of prices where you can take your dog to be treated like a king for a day. Or you can do it yourself: spend some time grooming and brushing your dog. He’ll love the extra attention, and his fur and skin will look and feel better.

4. Take your dog out with you. Most dogs spend their days waiting for us to come home when we’re at work. Next time you head out, try and take your dog along. Ensure that wherever you are going, whether it be work, eating out somewhere, or visiting a friend, that you do a little research and ensure it is ok to bring your dog along. You won’t have to leave your dog home alone, and your dog will enjoy some new sights, smells, and sounds, and meet some new people.

5. Teach your dog a trick. You might not think of this as pampering, but it is! When you teach your dog tricks, you are spending time with him, praising him, working out his mind, and giving him treats for a job well done. And you can show off your dogs’ new skill. What could be better?

6. Surprise your dog with a new toy. Now most dogs love toys, and likely have more than they actually need, but since when is an occasion like Valentine’s Day about need anyway!? There are some adorable heart-shaped or red stuffy, squeaky play toys available to celebrate the day of love.

Follow these tips and you can pamper your pet without making him spoiled. Trust me, your dog will love the extra special attention.

Recipe Corner: Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Peanut butter and dogs seem to go nut in paw. Something about the wholesome goodness of peanuts, plus they’re a good source of supplementary protein. As with everything you feed your canine companion, remember to choose your peanut butter with care. Many supermarket brands are loaded with sugar and other additives. For best results, choose a healthful, organic brand.





Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 cups white flour

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Combine oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour, one cup at a time, forming a dough.

Knead dough into firm ball and roll to 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut into 3 to 4 inch pieces. You can use cookie cutters if you like.

Place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Coyote Season: Watch Your Pets!

Coyote season in Vancouver has been scary this time around. Twice in December we had coyotes gather at our intersection in Kitsilano shrieking and howling their greetings and we’ve occasionally seen the remains of what we sadly suspect are cats scattered around the neighborhood. Not long ago I even saw a coyote walking up the street a few blocks ahead of where Figgy and I were returning from our morning coffee run. Needless to say, I was freaked right out. I think it was the sight of this last one that really got me to thinking. He seemed utterly unafraid of anything and at first I took him to be a largish grey dog walking off-leash ahead of us.

As someone who loves all canines, I'm a little conflicted about how I feel about coyotes. On the one hand, there is something very lovely -- almost otherworldly -- about the coyotes as they pad about my neighborhood in the winter mist. On the other, I know they pose a very real potential threat to my own dogs and those of my friends and clients. Local police have said there are dens in Kitsilano (and likely other parts of the city, I would think) and that it’s best not to have your dog off-leash at any time or to have your cats at large. According to Shine Pets, coyote season is right now:

This time of year -- January through the end of February -- is peak mating season for the coyote, and the resulting hormonal increases "could lead to attacks on pets."

The good news is, you can protect your pet just by...existing; a healthy coyote isn't interested in people, and will back down from a human. (In the event that you see a coyote get hostile with a human or any other animal, call your local animal-control authority or wildlife division immediately.)

It's always a good idea to keep cats indoors. When you go out with your dog, keep her on a leash, or at least within sight.

In my opinion, even that is not enough. At this time of year, if you live in an area where you suspect there may be coyotes in the immediate area, keep your precious canine friends on leash at all times. No sense taking chances when it can lead to heartbreak.

Contest: Pets and Your Well-Being

You have to love the motto of the Best Friends Animal Society: “Our mission is to bring about a time when there are no more homeless pets.” Now that’s an idea everyone can support! And while this largest animal sanctuary in the United States is certainly worthy of donations of money and time, the organization’s publication, Best Friends magazine, is currently asking for something that is actually pretty easy for a lot of us: they want us to share just exactly what our dogs mean to us.

The editors of Best Friends magazine want you to tell them, in 35 words or less, “In what ways do you believe pets improve your overall sense of well-being?”

Send your answer and a photo (no cell phone images) to: editor@bestfriends.org

While we’re thinking of the Best Friends Animal Society, it’s worth mentioning that they do an amazing amount of work. For instance, there are currently close to 2000 animals in their sanctuary in northern Utah. They are also involved in special events and outreach programs to help animals in need around the country. It’s an amazing organization and you can see more information about it here.

Frankie’s Joyful Paws

I was so touched and inspired by the book trailer for Frankie, the Walk ’N Roll Dog that I had to learn more about the amazing canine that had so touched author Barbara Gail Techel’s life.

Techel has said that her passion is bringing a positive face and voice to animals with disabilities. After Frankie, Techel’s dachshund, suffered a spinal injury and was custom-fitted for a wheelchair, Barbara realized she had an opportunity to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance. Techel’s award-winning Frankie, the Walk ‘N Roll Dog series of books are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. “Frankie teaches us that no matter our challenges, we can persevere with a positive attitude,” says Techel, “and despite our challenges we can each give back in our own, unique way.

You can read more about Techel and Frankie at Frankie’s blog.

The View from this New Year

In some ways, 2011 was a fantastic year. In one especially important one, I’m not sure I’ll ever quite recover. There were high points, though. Some of them especially memorable. I was, for instance, very proud of Party With Your Pooch back in September. This event was more than dog friendly: it was dog essential! With canapes and other refreshments for both our human and canine guests, everyone seemed to have a really good time. Notably, we raised money for SAINTS and 1ataTime rescue, all while enjoying ourselves immensely with our canine friends in tow.

We’ve been posting images from Party With Your Pooch as they’ve crossed our desks and though the event was months ago, new photos keep appearing in print. The ones included here, for instance, are from the most recent issue of Vancouver View. They did a great job highlighting the event (look at that paw on the page!) and I’m including them here because it’s such a delight both to see the photos and share them.

Here’s wishing you a strong and healthy 2012. May your treat jar never be empty and may all your ribbons be blue.

In Memory of My Casey Jane

September 30th, 1995 ~ December 19th, 2011

I had to say good-bye to my sweet angel, Casey Jane, late Monday morning. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made and, right now, I feel like my heart will never heal, but she was ready, even if I wasn’t.

She went so peacefully, I don’t for a second doubt that my decision was the right one. Even so, I’m a mess right now and it feels like a part of me is gone. Casey was my “Baby Girl” for nearly 14 years, she came into my life on June 10th, 1998, and she even made it past her 16th birthday this year on September 30th, which I know is a very good age for a dog to achieve. And while I feel lucky to have shared my life with her for so long, I find I can’t help but wish that it was longer still. I miss her soft, fluffy little Bichon body and the loving expression in her eyes more than I ever thought possible.

Enter to Win a Photo Session with Angie at Off-Leash!

Here’s a fun Christmas photo contest for metro Vancouver dog owners.

Angie at Off-Leash Photography writes: “Being submerged in Christmas spirit and bored with my own Xmas photos I invited people to send me their own photos of Xmas dogs… you can check it out on my FB page. You can send me your photo if you want the others to coo and ho ho over your dog. Whomever gets the most likes will win the session with me.”

Angie does specify that the contest is open to dogs in the Metro Vancouver area only.

You can see the full details on Angie’s blog or visit the gallery of submissions you’ll be competing against on Facebook here. The rules are also on Facebook, and they’re here. To learn more about Angie and her work, here’s a quick peek we took back in October.

Looking Back at Party with your Pooch

Party with your Pooch, held on Sept. 27th, 2011, was a fundraiser hosted by Love on a Leash Trusted Dog Care Services to help raise awareness and much needed funds for animal rescue organizations such as 1 at a Time Rescue.

Photos by Kiki, C&A Paws Photography, Off-Leash Photography and Charles Zuckerman who all generously donated their time for this great cause. Many, many thanks.

I’m including just a small sampling of photographic memories from the event. You can see the whole album (and it’s big!) on our Facebook page.

Christmas Cover Kids!

My darling Casey and Finnigan were honored to pose for the cover of B.C.’s Pet Connection Magazine’s Holiday Edition. Don’t they look great?

Special thanks to editor, Leslie Kennedy, for her eye for rising stars and to Angie at Off-Leash Photography for making them look so mahvelous!!!

Christmas for Critters

Christmas is the time for giving. It’s also a time when we see the greatest need. Something about holding our own abundance up to the light, I think. Something about thinking about all that we -- and our well-loved pets -- have and take for granted and wanting to spread that goodness around, if only a little bit.

If that is your spirit, there are no shortage of great causes to donate to come this time of year. North Delta-based Christmas for the Critters caught my eye because it seems very grassroots. I thought I’d give the organization’s Angela Chisholm the opportunity to tell you about their very special program:

Christmas for the Critters is a North Delta-based charity drive to raise much needed items and supplies for the homeless animals at the Delta Community Animal Shelter.

We will be accepting donations right up until December 24th. The holidays can be a very difficult time for animal shelters. Fewer available foster homes, fewer available volunteers, less donations, less adoptions. Many people buy puppies as Christmas gifts for their loved ones from pet stores or breeders, when they could just as easily adopt instead of shop!

By spreading the word about Christmas for the Critters, we are hoping to give some of these homeless animals homes this Christmas as well as raise supplies for the ones still waiting for their forever homes. We are hoping that, by bringing exposure to this charity drive, more people will realize the benefits of adopting vs. shopping. By doing so, we are hoping to reduce the rate of animal homelessness in not just our community, but the whole Lower Mainland.

One issue that we are also trying to convey to the public is that of spaying and neutering, and why it is the responsible and humane thing to do. Did you know that (theoretically) a female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in a six year period, while a female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in a seven year period? If everyone in BC spayed and neutered their dogs and cats, our country’s homeless animal and shelter euthanization statistics could be drastically lowered. Please help us spread the word about Christmas for the Critters, and help us help the animals!

ITEMS & SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR DONATION:
- Good quality wet foods for dogs and cats
- Good quality dry foods for dogs and cats (such as Innova or Natural Balance)
- Good quality wet & dry KITTEN FORMULA foods
- Bedding; old blankets, comforters, towels, and pet beds
- Dog chews; bullysticks, rawhides, cooked bones, and Nylabones (or similiar)
- Litterboxes and scoops
- Cat litter
- Cat toys
- Small animal bedding and litter; wood shavings, wood pellets, etc.
- Small animal food
- Small animal toys and 'hide-outs'
- Dog, cat, and small animal treats (such as dog biscuits, temptations, and timothy hay)
- Laundry soap
- Dish soap

ITEMS & SUPPLIES NOT ACCEPTED FOR DONATION:
- Clay cat litters
- Covered litterboxes
- Fitted sheets
- Towels with a large amount of rips and/or holes

DONATION BOX LOCATIONS:
- Hungry Hound Pet Food & Supply: #102 - 455 E. Columbia St, New Westminster
- Esquires Coffee House: 11146B 84 Ave, Delta
- Bosley's: 100-8047 120 Street, Delta
- Forcefed Performance: #202 - 30701 Simpson Rd, Abbotsford
- Annieville Elementary: 9240 - 112 St, Delta
- Pet Solutions Supermarket & Grooming: 6447 - 120 St, Delta

For more information, you can visit Christmas for the Critters on Facebook. And thank you for your support!

Top 10 Christmas Gift Picks from Jessica at Tisol

When it comes to quality pet food and supplies on the Lower Mainland, Tisol has been the answer for many people for pretty much as long as I can remember. Not only do their stores offer a haven for pet lovers as well as help for pets in need, their distinctive orange and blue livery shows up at many events where pet welfare is high on the list. In fact, Tisol is so concerned about community that they’ve even set up a pet food bank where you can donate to help pets in need.

We asked Jessica Allison, assistant manager at Tisol’s Arbutus location, to share her top 10 picks for Christmas gifts for dogs this season. Jessica was happy to comply, with a list that made Casey and Finnigan’s tails wag in anticipation!

#1: Skinneez, stuffing free plush dog toy. For a safe long lasting playtime. Assorted varieties on sale. Dogs love ‘em!

#2: Buddy Biscuits, baked with love by Cloud Star. All natural, gingerbread men-shaped dog biscuits. Many different flavours, including peanut butter -- many a dog’s fave -- in both soft and crunchy textures.

#3: Hear Doggy. Plush dog toy. No more annoying squeaky dog toy. Your dog can hear it but you can’t. Different styles available in store. Is this one you want to get for your pet? You’ll know if you need it!

#4: Chuckit. The perennial favorite ball throwing tool. This one should be a staple in every active dog’s toy box.

#5: Dog puzzles: test your dog’s IQ. Interactive fun games. Eliminates boredom. Assorted variety and skill levels. Ask for help finding the right one when you’re in the store.

#6: Dexas collapsible pet feeders. For the dog on the go. Great for travelling during the holiday season.

#7: K + H self-warming dog beds. Radiates a dog body heat back to your dogs body, perfect for those cold winter nights especially great for older dogs with arthritis, or joint and muscle aches.

#8: Dog Christmas stockings. Okay, dogs don’t wear stockings, but the gift-filled ones we have for dogs are awesome! Takes the guess work out of gift giving. Many different sizes and varieties.

#9: R.C. Robson rainwear. The perfect coat to keep dogs warm, dry, and tres fashionable!

#10: Santa suit. Comes complete with red velvet jacket, with traditional white trim and Santa’s hat. Too cute for your holiday photos.

Check their website to find a Tisol location near you.

The Best List of Dog Parks in B.C.

If you’re like me, you’re always keeping your ears tuned for words of the dogowner’s Holy Grail: the best dog park with the most fun stuff that your dog enjoys to the max.

Of course, what the best dog park looks like varies from owner -- and dog! -- to owner and it’s certainly fun to check out different ones and keep personal notes on them. For instance, I love West Vancouver’s Ambleside Dog Park. And why? Well, partly because it’s terrific, but also (if I’m honest) because it gives me a good excuse to visit Savary Island Pies for coffee and a non-doggy treat. I’m sure you have your own favorite, but it’s fun to add to the list and explore. (New parks and maybe new pies!) And when you’re traveling, a really terrific list of dog parks can save the trip. So when a reader sent me this list of Dog Parks in BC, I was floored. This is it, gang: if there’s a better list, I sure haven’t seen it.

The is from the Tsawwassen Animal Hospital and was apparently compiled from the database at Pets.Ca. Have fun!

Dog parks in Abbotsford
Bateman/Stoney Creek Park - Address: 34638 Bateman Rd.
hours: Dawn 'til Dusk, benches: yes, phones: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes. Comments: Off leash area is East of the sports fields. Please keep dogs out of the water.

Gladwin Park - Address: Gladwin Rd. at Old Riverside Road
hours: Dawn 'til Dusk, parking: yes. Comments: Parking is located in the Abbotsford Exhibition Park parking area. Area is off leash, however, occassionally there is traffic through the area when a large event is taking place at Exhibition Park.

Sumas Canal Dyke/McKay Creek Trail - Address: North Parallel at Atkinson. Hours: Dawn 'til Dusk, benches: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes. Comments: Trails are along the dykes on either side of the Sumas Canal. Dog off leash areas are on the trails only. Please keep dogs out of the water.

Dog parks in Aldergrove
Aldergrove Lake Park - Address: Lefeuvre Road and 8th Avenue. Hours: 8:00am to Dusk, poopbags: yes, parking: yes. Comments: This off leash area of Aldergrove Lake is little ways out of town (abt 5 miles), but a great area to let your dog run and play. Once they have had their run, you can leash them and go through the fantastic well groomed trails. http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/parks/Aldergrove.htm

Dog parks in Burnaby
Burnaby lake - Address - Piper Ave and Winston St.
Fenced: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes
Comments: new park, completely fenced, double gated, poo bags, water fountain, small area with bark mulch path. Burnaby Lake nature trails right beside for on leash walks.

Cedar by the Sea (south of Nanaimo)
Cable Bay Trail - end of Holden-Corso road. Open 24 hours, benches and parking.
Comments: This is a fairly strenuous walk down to a beach. Dogs are welcome off leash, and there are no busy roads nearby.

Dog parks in Chilliwack
Island 22 park - Address: Cartmell Road
Fenced: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
Comments: This dog park used to be a campground. It's big and has lots of trees. The fishing is good nearby and there are tons of mosquitoes in summer.

Dog parks in Cobble Hill

South Cowichan Community off-leash Dog Park
fenced: yes, benches: yes, parking: yes

Dog parks in Coquitlam
Bramble Park - Between Panorama Dr. and David Ave. Fenced, benches, poop bag dispensers.
Comments: under the Hydro Right of Way water for the dogs.

Dog parks in Cultus Lake
Cultus Lake Dog Park - Address: Columbia Valley Hwy. hours: 24 Hours, fenced: yes , poopbags: yes, parking: yes

Dog parks in Delta
Boundary Bay park - Address: 72nd and Ladner Trunk Road
Hours: always open, fenced: yes, parking: yes
Comments: Use Ladner Trunk Road to 72nd Ave. Travel south on 72 and park on side of road just before you reach rail road tracks. On east is a road leading into a huge deserted airforce base. Paved road for you to walk on and fields for dogs. Not official off leash area but NEVER bylaw enforcement. Beautiful find. Lots of friendly people and dogs.

Dog parks in Duncan
Somenos Creek Dog Park Address - Beverly St. & Lakes Road 
Hours: 7.00 to Dusk, fenced: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes,
Handicapped access: yes.
Comments: A level fenced area of about 3/4 acre. Part gravel and part grass. Friendly people. Hoping for a shelter and lights in the near future

Dog parks in Houston
Park: Steelhead Park Dog Run - Address: Highway 16 , Hours: Any time
fenced: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes.
comments: Just a dog run, but great after the long drive. Located 3.5hrs west of Prince George.

Dog parks in Kamloops
Ord road dog park address: tranquille/ord rd. - hours: 24 hr (however unlit at night), fenced: yes, benches: yes poop bag dispensers: yes, parking: yes, comments: small field but great crowd! busiest just before sundown.park:

Pacific Way Dog Park - Address - Pacific Way
Hours: Dawn to dusk, fenced: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
Comments: Not a lit dog park, but there is a seperate section(fenced off within the park) for small dogs to play if the owners want.

Pioneer Park - Address: Lorne St.east of Red Bridge city: Kamloops province: BC Hours: dawn 'til dusk , tables: yes , benches: yes Handicapped access: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes comments: popular teen and mutt hangout grassy area with tables,etc. sandy beach on the Thompson River

More info on Dog parks in Kamloops B.C.at http://www.city.kamloops.bc.ca/parks/parks/dogparks/dogparkdirectory.html

Dog parks in Kelowna
Glenmore Dog Park - Glenmore Rd, Kelowna Hours: sun up to sun down Fenced: yes Poop bag dispensers: yes Parking: yes Comments: not the best looking but the dogs still have fun!!

Kelowna off leash dog park - Address: Old Vernon Road By Airport in Kelowna, BC. Hours: all day every day, fenced: yes, tables: yes, poopbags: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes,restrooms: yes.
Comments: This dog park sits on about 50 acres or more. It is completely fenced. It has fresh tap water only in summer and in winter you must bring your own drinking water. It's a little dry in the summer as there is no swimming hole for the dogs. A great place to meet new dogs and people.

Mission dog park - Address: Mission sports feild ( lexington)
Hours: sun rise to sun set, fenced: yes, tables: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
Comments: nice big field for a lot of dogs to play in, and a wonderful place for you and your dog to meet friends also there is a walk way just behind it with the mission creek running through it Beautiful walk dogs on leash on the walk way. Off of Gordon r.d. on the left turn on lexington r.d. and follow the road until you see the mission dog park sign on the left.

Dog parks in Anmore/Port Moody
Rocky Point Park - Buntzen Lake - Ioco Road. Open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (hours vary with seasons), fenced, tables, poop bag dispenser, parking, restrooms.
Comments: The fence extends into the lake so the dogs have great access to the beach and water. The beach is clean sand and the water is crystal clear.
Comments2:Best dog park in Greater Vancouver, huge fenced off area with beach, fresh water lake, grass etc.

Dog parks in Langley
Brookswood Dog Park - 204 St. near 44th Ave. Hours are from dawn to dusk. It is fenced, has a poop dispenser, parking and some handicapped access. Comments: Brookswood Dog Park is under Hydro Lines. We have just got a parking lot. It is being improved slowly but surely. There is not what I would call a handicapped access but the ground at the gates are fairly level. There have been wheelchairs there.
Comments2: Very large fully fenced park. Only problem is, when it rains it is a sea of really smelly mud.

Derby Reach Located at North Langley/Fraser River at 208th Hours: dawn to dusk Fenced, benches, tables, handicap access, poopbags, trees, parking, restrooms, trashcans; comments - swimming from the beach, blackberries when in season.

Langley Passive Park - On 36th Ave @ 208th Street - Hours: Dawn to Dusk,
tables: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, Handicapped access: yes,
Parking: yes
Comments: Off Leash park. Dogs can go swimming in the huge pond/lake or walk around it. hike trails. Frisbee golf. semi fenced, but not really needed.

Walnut Grove park - address: 213 St. & 96 Ave. - city: Township of Langley. hours: Dawn thru Dusk, fenced: yes, benches: yes poop bag dispensers: yes. Comments: This is a small fenced area, perfect for a short romp with 'friends' or for introducing your pet to off leash areas! (There is plenty of street parking.)

Willoughby open field - Address: 200th and 69th
Hours: dawn to dusk
Comments: this is an unofficial dog field, its a large open area that runs parallel to 200th street - owners of land allow access for dogs and owners. Bring poop bag, none are provided.

Dog parks in Metchosin
Matheson Lake - Address: Rocky Point and Matheson Lake Roads
Hours: dawn to dark, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
Comments: Matheson Lake Regional Park is located west of Metchosin BC which is a community on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is not actually a dog park but it is a great place for a hike with a dog on leash or if the dog is very well controlled, off leash. There is a public beach dogs are not allowed at but the rest of the lake is open to them to swim to their hearts content. There is about 3.5 kilometers of trails around the lake and can be accessed via the Galloping Goose Trail.

Dog parks in Mission
Hayward Lake Dog Park Address: Hayward Lake - Mission B.C. fenced: yes poop: yes handicapped access: yes parking: yes Comments: Beautiful spot on Hayward lake, lots of room to run. No one is ever there.

Dog parks in Port Moody
1 blk east of Rocky Point Park. This park is fenced, has benches, parking and poop bag dispensers.
Comments: Great off leash area for dogs of all sizes

Dog parks in Nanaimo
Beban Park (Nanaimo Offleash Park)- Labieux Road - Hours: 8 am to dusk, fenced, tables, benches,poop bag dispenser, wheelchair access, parking.
Comments: A two acre fenced, grassy and gravel dog park, complete with fire hydrants especially for the dogs.

Cable bay trail park - Address: Nanaimo river - Hours: 24hours
poopbags: yes, parking: yes.
Comments: great trail, a little hard to find but perfect for dogs. no interference from non-dog owners. too bad they're putting a huge development there :(

Westwood Lake Trail - Westwood Road - 24 hours, parking, restrooms.
Comments: This is a 3 kilometer trail, the middle kilometer of which is designated 'off leash'. Be prepared to walk a kilometer with your dog on leash to get to it as the off leash area is on the far side of the lake.

Dog parks in New Westminster
Hume Park - address: End of Kelly Street off Braid Street
hours: 24 hours, fenced: yes, benches: yes, poop bag dispensers: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes. Comments: Nice L-Shaped totally fenced dog park beside a soccer field, lacrosse box and ball fields. Picnic area and playground with water park adjacent.

Queens Park Dog Off Leash Enclosure - Address: Queen's Park @ 1st St & 3rd Ave in New Westminster, BC.
Fenced: yes, benches: yes.
Comments: Large, beautiful dog park nestled in the woods. Hilly, but enough flatspace to play ball. Double gated.

Westburnco Park - Address: 10th Avenue and Massey Street
Hours: Dawn until Dusk, fenced: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
Comments: Small fenced area tucked in behind the tennis courts,but big enough to get a good run in

Dog parks in Parksville
Springwood Park (Royals Field) - Address: Despard Road in Parksville, BC. 
Hours: 8am-Dusk, fenced: yes benches: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes.

Dog parks in Penticton
Doggy beach - Lakeshore dr. and Colourfulfront st. Open 24 hours and has parking. 
comments: Very nice, nice view, you can swim with your dog, play with him/her, preferred to keep dog on leash.

Dog parks in Pitt Meadows
Hoffman Park - Address: 112nd Avenue and Harris Road
Hours: All day, fenced: yes, poopbags: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes. Comments: Fully fenced, there is a trail right beside it in a forested area as well.

Dog parks in Port Moody
Bert Flynn Park - Address: Heritage Mountain
Poopbags: yes, Parking: yes
Comments: Parking on Street

Dog parks in Prince George
Cranbrook Greenway address: End of Massey Drive, near the 
hours: Daylight hours preferred, poop bag dispensers: yes, parking: yes comments: Large grassy area with some forest and trails leading up to top of Cranbrook Hill and university.

Moore's Meadow Park - address: Foothils Boulevard/1st street
hours: 7am-11pm, poop bag dispensers: yes, handicapped access: yes
parking: yes, comments: Not fenced but is an enormous space - park located in a dried up kettle lake so wandering dogs safe (within a couple km)

Dog parks in Richmond
Dyke Trail - Address:Southeast of 3 Roadcity: Richmond
hours: dawn to dusk benches: yes poop: yes parking: yes
Comments: http://www.city.richmond.bc.ca/parks/off_leash.htm
McDonald Beach - Address: Between the Airport and Iona Beach Richmond, BC. Heading towards airport, turn (R) on Templeton. Turn (R) on McDonald Road.
Hours: Dawn till Dusk , tables: yes, benches: yes, phones: yes, Handicapped access: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes 
Comments: Great beach area along the Fraser River for the dogs to run and swim, best when the tide is out. Also a big grassy area and a boat launch area and trails. It is out of the way of traffic no need for a fence. Can't rememeber if there is a bag dispenser, bring bags anyway.
Comments2: Along the Fraser river so the dogs can swim and fetch toys in the water. Soft sand so the dogs do not hurt their pads
Comments3: Excellent off leash area for beach and water access. Sometimes the tide is strong though.

No. 3 Road Dog Park - Address: Very southern most point of No. 3 Road
Hours: Dawn to Dusk, poopbags: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes,
Comments: Hard for dogs to reach water, but great dog park.

Dog parks in Salmon Arm
Park: little mountain - Address: 30st and Okanagan ave
hours: all hrs but too dark at night and would not reccomend it, you will get lost if you don't know the park, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
Comments: It is a wonderful off leash park! Trails everywhere! My 3 dogs and there budds love it!

Dog parks in Summerland
Peach Orchard dog beach - Address: Lakeshore Dr
hours: sun up till 11.00pm, fenced: yes , tables: yes, poop bag dispensers: yes, handicapped access: yes,parking: yes, restrooms: yes, comments: This beach is somewhat fenced but your dog can get out if they swim/walk around the fence, as the fence just meets the water. The rest of the beach is a public beach for children. I wouldn't suggest dogs that will run out of the enclosure and attack people. Otherwise this beach is excellent and there is lots of places to swim and frolic with your dog.

Dog parks in Surrey
Clayton Off-Leash Dog Park - Address: 7811-188th St
Hours: dawn to dusk, fenced: yes, benches: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes
comments: Has both a Small Dog Area and an All Dog Area. Each area has a water station so you can provide dogs with fresh water. Paved walking paths in each area. Very Nice.

Dogwood Park - 20th Ave between 140 & 128 Streets, cross street approve 125th Street on 20th Avenue. Hours: 7 am to dusk. Fenced, benches, tables, handicap access, trees, parking, water, trashcans. Comments: Small, but very nice, good trails and a pond (more ponds in the rainy season). Much used by regular dog lovers.

Freedom park - 84th Ave at approx. 154th - fenced, benches, wheel chair access, restrooms, parking.
Comments: The park is no quite fully fenced. The only opening is where the cars come in off the street into the parking lot. It has some open area, a fountain, some benches and a small trail.
Comments2: No bag dispenser. Would be nice if there was a small playground to accomodate children outside fenced area at the same time dogs are in fenced area.

Park: Long Yards - Address: trees road.
Hours: 24-7, fenced: yes, tables: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, phones: yes, hapdicapped access: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes
Comments: This is a peacful enviromental place with a pond and a forest you may walk in peacefully!

Royal Heights Park - Address: 11308 Royal Crescent
Tables: yes, benches: yes, handicapped access: yes

Serpentine off leash park 76th Avenue west of 128th street (under the power lines) Hours: dawn to dusk, fenced: yes , benches: yes 
poopbags: yes, handicapped access: yes , parking: yes , restrooms: yes 
Comments: This park is a good size. Off leash area fully fenced with 3 gates. lots of parking including handicapped spot. Poop bags available (though some owners don't care to use them). Small Covered area with bench as well as others in the park.

Tannery Road Dog Park - Address: Foot of Tannery Road
Hours: dawn to evening, fenced: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes
Handicapped access: yes, parking: yes.
Comments: Tannery Road Dog Park is located in Surrey BC at the foot of Tannery Road and can be accessed from Scott Road. Features of the park are two grass fields, one half fenced. A crushed gravel path goes from the top parking lot along the river dike and cuts around a forest and atop another dike structure ending beside large sandpiles that dogs love to play on. Swimming can be done but the water is tidal and there is only muddy beach access, which again dogs do love. It is a totally off leash park, therefore dog owners must have some control due to beavers in the area.

Tynehead Park At the 168th Street entrance there is a Dog Off-Leash Area - dogs must always be under the owners' control. Hours: From the start of Daylight Saving Time to Labour Day - 8 am to 9 pm. All other days - 8 am to dusk.

Dog parks in Terrace
Ferry Island - Address: Highway 16 - east of overpass in Terrace, BC.
Hours: 24 hours, tables: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, Handicapped access: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: ye.
Comments: During summer season (May - October) dogs must be leashed in camping area (only), as this is a municipal park, but off season is dog heaven! Skeena River surrounds this park, making it an ideal place for dogs to swim and explore. When the river is high in spring it is best to keep dogs out of main river but there are sloughs that provide calmer waters. Trails and a pond in the middle of the park.

Dog parks in North Vancouver
Ambleside Dog Park Marine Drive & Taylor Way (behind Park Royal Shopping Centre) Open 24 hours, benches, poop bag accessories parking etc.

Bridgeman Park - Address: Main Street at Brooksbank
tables: yes

Deep Cove Park - Address: RockCliff Rd & Raeburn St
Tables: yes, benches: yes, parking: yes
Comments: Nice place to have a gathering & games in the field while over looking the beach, and if the tide is out... Theres a beach you can Enjoy! :D

Kings Mill Park - Address: Base of fell ave at the water
Hours: dawn til dusk, tables: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes
Comments: great place to bring your dog to socialize with others. Everyone is always well behaved and the humans too - everyone cleans up after their pets. Theres a beach for swimming and a a short trail in addition to the grassed area

Panorama Park - Address: Panorama Dr & Gallant Ave
Benches: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes
Comments: Nice place to walk your dog when the sun is out, You can see the beach, your kids can play on the beach. nice field for playing games although it is hilly. :-)

Princess Park - Address: Princess Avenue in North Vancouver, BC.
Hours: 24hrs, tables: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes
Comments: fantastic large area for dogs, river, trails.

Dog parks in Vancouver
37th Avenue and Oak Street Park 37th Ave. & Oak St. 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Balaclava Park 30th & Balaclava 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Burrard View Park Wall Yale & N. Penticton to Slocan 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Charleson Park 6th Ave & Laurel St 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Coopers Park False Creek 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Dusty Greenwell Park Wall Street & Kaslo Street 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Falaise Park Falaise, Worthington & Grandview Hwy. 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Fraser River Park 75th Ave & Angus Drive 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Fraserview Golf Course Perimeter 61st Ave & Wales Rd. 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
George Park 63rd Ave, west of St. George St. 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Heather Park 18th Ave. & Heather St. 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Hillcrest Park Peveril & Dinmont 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Jones Park 37th Ave & Victoria Dr. 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Killarney Park 45th Ave, Kerr & Carleton St. 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Kingscrest Park 26th Ave & Knight St 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Locarno Park 1st & Belmont, Sasamat & NW Marine 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Musqueum Park Marine Drive & Crown St 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Nelson Park Bute & Nelson St. 6 - 8 am & 5 - 10 PM
Portside Park Main St. overpass 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Quilchena Embankment 33rd & Cypress St. 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Spanish Bank (West of Concession) Spanish Banks, west of Tolmie 6 - 10 am &5 - 10 PM
Sparwood Park Arlington St. south of 49th Ave 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Strathcona Park Venables St. & Raymur Ave 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Sun Rise Park Windermere, Rupert, 3rd & 5th Aves 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Sunset Beach Bay Beach Ave from Burrard Bridge 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Sunset Park Prince Edward, 51st & 53rd Ave 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Tecumseh Park 43rd � 45th Ave, Commerical St 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Trout Lake Park Address: Garden &12th (North End of Park, between Parking Lot andLake, bridge to grandstand) 13th & 19th Aves,Victoria & Templeton hours: 6AM-10PM, benches: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes
UBC Endowment Lands trails near West 16th Ave and Blanca, shared with bikes, walkers and horses. 24 hours/day
Valdez Park 22nd, 23rd Ave, west of Balaclava St. 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM
Vanier Park West of Maritime Museum Parking Lot 6 - 10 am & 5 - 10 PM

Dog parks in West Vancouver
Ambleside Park - Address: via the back of Park Royal Shopping Center or the foot of 13th Street - Hours: dawn to dark, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes
Comments: Ambleside Park is a beautiful beach side park looking across to Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the inner harbour and English Bay. The eastern section of the park, save for an exercise area for humans, is all off leash. Dogs can swim in the ocean or play on the beach. A sea-wall walk is a nice stroll and there are a couple of fields for chasing balls and what have you. There is some fencing restricting access to the Pitch and Putt golf course, otherwise is it a wide open area and most of the dogs are quite friendly. The forest from the Park Royal side of the area is riddled with many trails.

Cypress Falls Park & Lighthouse Park
Address - West Vancouver, BC

LIGHTHOUSE:
http://www.westvancouver.net/article.asp?a=2011&c=649
CYPRESS FALLS:
http://www.westvancouver.net/article.asp?a=2758&c=766
Seaview Trail - Address: Gleneagles
Hours: never closed, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
comments: This is a wide trail with a gorgeous veiw over looking Marine Drive. No cars to worry about.

Dog parks in Vancouver Island
Qualicum Beach Trails Park - Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island - Open all hours, benches, poop bag dispensers, phones, restrooms and parking. Comments: Nice off-leash trails maintained by QB Dog Owners Group. Heavily wooded. Off of parking lot next to Civic Centre and Ravensong Aquatic Centre (pool). Popular with the locals. Not fenced, but no major roads really close by.

Dog parks in Vernon
BX Ranch - Address: BX Road just up from Pleasant Valley Rd
hours: 24, fenced: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes.
Comments: large field bordered by forest walk with creek running through;socially responsible owners,no mean dogs.

Coldstream Creek Park - Address: Kalamalka Rd, south side of the road, after McClounie Rd eastbound - Hours: 24 hrs, tables: yes, parking: yes
Comments: open grassy area between road and creek, large trees along creek, picnic tables, parking off of McCounie Rd with footbridges across creek, no fence along road but sloped up to road

Gray Canal - Address: Silverstar Road-Just below Foothills 
Hours: 24, fenced: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes
Comments: Partly fenced park, with a very nice walking trail. Often people will walk here without dogs too, and don't like to be bothered by dogs that like to great. Otherwise great park, and a great hike with a nice view.

Heritage Natural Park - Address: 5025 Heritage Dr
Hours: 24 hrs, fenced: yes, parking: yes
Comments: open grassy area ,fenced.

Mutrie Rd Park - Address: Mutrie Rd between 43 Ave and 39 Ave
Hours: 24 hrs, fenced: yes, benches: yes, parking: yes
Comments: great fenced area aprox 5 acres open field walking path, friendly dog owners/dogs

Pioneer Park - Address: 3501 35 Ave
Hours: 24 hrs, fenced: yes, parking: yes
Comments: open field, fenced , walking paths, hilly

Dog parks in Victoria
Bayview - Hilltop Songhees Park - Address: Tyee/Sitcum(new street)name Bayview Properties 100 Saghalie Road Victoria BC V9A OA1
Hours: 6am to 10 pm, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, handicapped access: yes
parking: yes
Comments: Off Leash Dog Park built by Bayview Properties an adjacent landmark building as well as the historic Roundhouse Buildings of 1913
Beaver Lake Park Pat Bay Highway benches, tables, handicap, trees, parking, phones, restrooms, trashcans. Comments: beautiful tree setting, with a path around the lake; also a large field with some rail fencing; often used by agility clubs and fly ball groups.

Dallas Road Beach South end of Dallas Road Beach just past Beaconhill Park benches, tables, handicap, poopbags, trees, parking, phones, restrooms, trashcans. Comments: fabulous view looking out to the Pacific, dogs can be walked off-leash but must be under good voice control as there is no fence as a road nearby.

Mystic Vale - Cedar Hill X Rd, near Cadboro Bay Rd.This is a large, fenced, open field on university property. It has a picturesque old orchard in the center. It is a very popular off leash dog park. Trail leads down into Mystic Vale park creek. Parking along Cedar Hill X Rd. Comments: Mystic Vale is an Ecological Protection Zone, and dogs are required to be leashed in this area at all times. it is fragile habitat with numerous rare and important species.

Rudd Park - Address: Irma St, and Harriet St
Fenced: yes, tables: yes, benches: yes, parking: yes
Comments: Popular dog park. It is fenced on 3 sides, with a playground on the other side, and a few entries on the other sides. Open field, with trees along the outside.

Willows Beach - Beach & Estevan. Tables, benches, parking, restrooms. Fabulous sandy beach to walk along, lots of dogs off leash, low cement wall provides some barrier to nearby road, but big dogs can jump wall or find stairs. No dogs allowed on beach May - Oct.

Dog parks in White Rock
Blackie Spit - Address: McBrideAve and Wickson. Hours: dawn to dusk, fenced: yes, tables: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, phones: yes, parking: yes, restrooms: yes. Comments: Fenced off-leash area, covered seating available for humans. Beautiful and popular scenic on-leash dog walking permitted along adjacent seawall between Oct- May only.

Crescent beach dog park - Address: crescent beach Marina
fenced: yes, benches: yes, poopbags: yes, parking: yes.
Comments: water, and lots of trees and area to run. Fully fenced. Out houses for the owners outside of fenced area. Just off from the Marina (beach area) wonderful place, found it by chance. Good sized area. Covered area with chairs, outhouses. Planning to build a concrete platform washroom area.

Dogwood Park - Address: 20th Ave & 134th Street
Fenced: yes, tables: yes, benches: yes, handicapped access: yes, parking: yes
restrooms: yes
Comments: Access parking lot from 20th Ave. Entire park is off-leash. Large field w/fence beside 20th Ave, wide gravel walking trails thru mature forest behind. Ponds and water tap for fido. Smaller fully fenced area near the parking lot. Clean! Not sure if bags are provided... be sure to bring your own.