Dog Files Viewpoint: April Fresh or Potentially Toxic?

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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April Fresh or Potentially Toxic?

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

Do you use chemically scented laundry detergent? Fabric softener? Dryer sheets? Think about it- If you use these products, you are absorbing the following chemicals through your skin (our biggest organ) all day long via your clothes, then throughout the night via your bedding, and finally, after a nice, hot shower with totally open pores, via that “april fresh” bath towel. These are the types of things we as consumers must start being aware of, because for the sake of “convenience” and some company’s bottom line, we are unnecessarily overburdening our immune systems and those of our beloved children and pets.

Bodies don’t “get” cancer, they DEVELOP it. When the immune system is overburdened with chemicals, it can no longer maintain its natural state of vibrant health. When it is overburdened and unbalanced with unhealthy food and environmental toxins, it develops disease. When I do Toxic-free Living consultations with pet parents, even the most aware are often amazed at the amount of hidden toxins they are unknowingly exposing their entire family to. Kind of like the “skinny photo” taped to the refrigerator door: we see it for about 2 minutes and then rarely notice it ever again. Investigate. Read labels. Consult an expert. Just because something is sold in a grocery store, doesn’t mean it’s safe to use especially for years on end.

Chemicals Found in Fabric Softeners/Dryer Sheets

Chemicals found in fabric softeners by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments,” 1991 Reference: Lance Wallace, EPA. Phone (703) 341-7509

Alpha-Terpineol: Causes CNS (central nervous system) disorders… “highly irritating to mucous membranes” …”Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema.” Can also cause “excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache.” “Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.”

Benzyl Acetate: Carconigenic (linked to pancreatic cancer). “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough.” “In mice: hyperanemia of the lungs.” “Can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects.” “Do not flush to sewer.”

Benzyl Alcohol: Causes CNS disorders …”irritating to the upper respiratory tract” …”headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”

Camphor: Causes CNS disorders. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Symptoms: “local irritant and CNS stimulant” …”readily absorbed through body tissues” …”irritation of eyes, nose, and throat” …”dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions”. “Avoid inhalation of vapors.”

Chloroform: Neurotoxic. Anesthetic. Carcinogenic. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. “Avoid contact with eyes, skin, clothing. Do not breathe vapors …Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness.” “Inhalation can be fatal.” “Chronic effects of overexposure may include kidney and/or liver damage.” “Medical conditions generally aggravated by exposure: kidney disorders, liver disorders, heart disorders, skin disorders.” “Conditions to avoid: Heat…” Listed on California’s Proposition 65.

Ethyl Acetate: Narcotic. On EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. “…Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract” …”may cause headache and narcosis (stupor)” …”may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys”. “Wash thoroughly after handling.”

Limonene: Carcinogenic. “Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer.” “Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking …applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor.”

Linalool: Narcotic. Causes CNS disorders. …”Respiratory disturbances” …”Attracts bees.” “In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression …depressed heart activity …development of respiratory disturbances leading to death.”

Pentane: “Danger – Harmful if inhaled …Avoid breathing vapor.” “Inhalation of vapors may cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, irritation of respiratory tract and loss of consciousness. Repeated inhalation of vapors may cause CNS depression. Contact can cause eye irritation. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis (skin rash).”

CNS = Central Nervous System – Your brain and spine. CNS disorders include: Alzheimer’s Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dementia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Seizures, Strokes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

CNS exposure symptoms include: aphasia, blurred vision, disorientation, dizziness, headaches, hunger, memory loss, numbness in face, pain in neck and spine.

Natural markets like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and numerous online eco-product companies sell safe and chemical free laundry soaps. A little white vinegar added to the rinse cycle will safely soften clothes. A thin, knotted cotton sock filled with a handful of lavender flowers from the garden or health food store with eliminate static cling. Easy. Inexpensive. Safe. Please be safe.

Nadine M. Rosin, Holistic Pets/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, author & speaker.

Available for phone consultations, your next function or fundraiser

The Healing Art Of Pet Parenthood
A book about the human-animal bond, healing cancer holistically, and a new take on pet loss.

Pet Parenthood Blog
A blog with answers & information about natural healing, grief, and parenting our beloved pets.

Follow me on Twitter.

The Mission Behind the Book :

Helping pet parents realize we may be unconsciously contributing to the skyrocketing increase of cancer in our pets by unknowingly creating highly toxic environments in our homes.

Providing comfort, camaraderie, and validation for pet parents experiencing the devastating loss of a beloved pet.

Helping to remove the words, “It’s just a dog/cat” from the lips of non pet parents everywhere.

Dog Files Viewpoint: What Talents Have Your Pups Brought Out In You?

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, KatyBeth Jensen, News

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What Talents Have Your Pups Brought Out In You?

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

Do you have natural talent? I always wanted to sing, but during grade school music performances, I was asked to just move my lips. My fifth grade art teacher smashed my clay pot. It wasn’t much of a pot, but I was proud of it, and from that point on, our more artistic housekeeper was assigned my art projects. I don’t got rhythm … really! I watch other people clapping to music and have to work hard to keep up. Dancing should have come naturally. My mother was a ballerina, but the best anyone could say when I was a tot was, “how cute!” When I outgrew cute, I also outgrew ballet slippers and tap shoes. Academically, I was never gifted, and twelve years of Spanish and a Spanish-speaking housekeeper did not improve my ear for foreign languages. If a lack of natural talent qualified for a handicap sticker, I would have one.

However, tonight I did unearth what may be my natural talent!  I out-maneuvered two Bouvie de Flandes, a Deer Hound, and an extremely persistent Jack Russell while maintaining my hold on a piece of French Silk pie. Ta Da!! This TA DA lead to me to believe that I might have a few more natural talents just waiting to be discovered and shared! 

Doggie camp messes don’t upset me. I can clean up just about anything (use your imagination here) without so much as a single gag! This includes crawling into a crate to accomplish the job.

I can persuade even the most resistant pooch to open their tightly clenched jaw and take their medication like a good pup. 

While some bird watchers can identify birds by their sounds, I can identify most dogs by their bark – which often even surprises the pup. 

I can handle the owner who calls three times on Christmas day to talk to her pup for up to ten minutes each time, and only pretend to put the pup on the phone once.
Without bragging too much, let me just say my owner patience is near legendary.  

Without a moment’s notice, I can list all the wonderful things your pup did at camp, and forget and forgive any and all transgressions, including, but not limited to grabbing our Sunday dinner off the counter, eating my child’s Easter chocolate marshmallow Godiva bunny and then throwing it up, and munching on my new Puma sneakers.

Without looking at the bag, I can identify different kinds of kibble. I think I could even come close blindfolded! 

I can manage a good night’s sleep surrounded by five dogs, one child, and a parakeet that snores, all while hanging off the side of the bed, holding onto my pillow and handkerchief-size piece of blanket!

I can even convince my family to WELCOME BACK a camper that is not housebroken, barks non-stop, jumps on us and makes us chase it around the yard!

TA DA!! I may never be invited to sing, dance, or lecture, but I am absolute proof that we are all, in fact, Good at Something!

What talents have your pups brought out in you?

Pats for your pups,

Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/

Dog Files Viewpoint: Common Pit Bull Myths. Uncovering the Real Pit Bull.

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Breed-Specific Legislation, Dog Files Viewpoint, Hannah Powell, News

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Common Pit Bull Myths – Uncovering the Real Pit Bull

By Hannah Powell For The Dog Files

When you hear “pit bull” what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Many people are fearful of pit bulls. I believe that people fear what they do not understand, and my goal in writing this is to uncover a few myths concerning the misunderstood pit bull.
 
Myth #1: Pit Bulls are aggressive to humans. This myth strikes up fear in many people. They think that because pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs that they must be aggressive towards people also. This is false. In fact, pit bull breeders and dog fighters selected against human aggression; it was bred out of the breed. Dog fighters were often in the ring with the dogs, and they needed to be able to pull two fighting dogs apart without getting injured.

Pit bulls are common in American history. Petey from “Our Gang” was a pit bull. They are considered “nanny dogs” because they do so well with children. Many pit bulls were decorated war dogs, such as Sergeant Stubby who was the most decorated war dog in World War I.

Today, pit bulls serve as therapy dogs and service dogs. They are trained for search and rescue and bomb sniffing; some are trained to be police dogs. Their loyalty and eagerness to please has attracted many to this breed.

Myth #2: Pit Bulls can lock their jaw. Simply stated, the jaws of the pit bull have the same functionally of any other dog breed. There is no locking mechanism.

Myth #3: Banning Pit Bulls will decrease the incidents of dog bites. Banning one breed or a group of breeds considered dangerous is not the answer. Many places that have enforced breed bans have not had a decrease in dog bites. Breed bans do not work for many reasons, but the main reason they do not work is because breed bans DO NOT punish dog fighters and irresponsible dog owners. Dog fighters will continue to do what they do illegally. Irresponsible dog owners will continue to be irresponsible, despite what dog breed they own.

I believe there are better alternatives to breed bans. Firstly, stricter punishments and higher fines for dog fighting and animal abuse should be enforced. At the moment, dog fighters and animal abusers get off fairly easy. They serve a little jail time and/or pay a small fine, depending on which state they are in.

Secondly, irresponsible dog ownership needs to be punished. Owners need to follow leash laws and be in control of their dog(s) at all times. Any dog can be aggressive.

Hannah lives in Issaquah, WA with her husband, two dogs, and a parrot. She runs a dog walking/pet sitting business and volunteers her time to local dog rescue groups. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, hiking with her dogs, and camping. The experience of pit bull ownership has been her motivation for writing about this wonderful and misunderstood dog breed. Please check out Busybark for more about Hannah and her love of dogs.

Dog Files Viewpoint: Dogs WANT To Be The Best Creatures They Can Be!

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, Lon L. Flewelling, News

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Dogs WANT To Be The Best Creatures They Can Be!

By Lon L. Flewelling For The Dog Files

Dogs, as we know them today, are STILL approximately 2% wolf, and they absolutely crave strong, outgoing but fair leaders in us.

The following is a conversation, a Q and A with a client, Shasta M.

Shasta M.: What is and isn’t ‘normal’ pack behavior in a dog? And by that I mean is it normal or altered behavior for a my dog to be all worked up, excited, jumping and going nutty when it sees a new person, or even someone coming in my front door?

Lon: A dog should have some level of curiosity or friendliness, but the obnoxious excitability really isn’t the norm. It is something they learn, or are allowed to get a way with. It can be altered behavior due to improper training. It is often the result of learned or altered behavior from their past, as with a rescued dog. As dogs are highly reactionary to sights, sounds, smells, even the person’s energy when they enter the room, the people she does this to may even remind her of those whom allowed the behavior in the past.

Normal wolf pack behavior is to NOT stand out from the crowd via this type activity but rather an ‘all for one, one for all’ mentality to protect the solidarity of the pack.

It is my recommendation that you control her prior to opening the door by leashing her and presenting a quiet but solid leadership demeanor. People entering the room should do the same, not looking at her, not talking to her and no physical contact upon entry. Only after she complies and calms down should she get rewarded for THAT behavior, not the excitability. If she adds jumping up on you or other people, turn your back on her and reward her with touch, eye contact or talking to her only AFTER she calms down.

Shasta: The other night, instead of my six foot, nylon ‘walking’ leash I used an extendable leash and it proved to be utterly useless for control. It was as if all training didn’t exist. Like with the walking leash I kept it short, didn’t allow it to extend, had the collar up around the jaw line, like you recommend. Even so, i could NOT get that dog to walk properly for anything. I did it as sort of a test and she failed miserably. When I went back to the nylon leash she was absolutely perfect. Also, when I put her weighted backpack on, as you have suggested, I hardly know she’s there she walks so well. Why the big change?

Lon: Ok…she sees the extending leash as an alternative to walking properly, perhaps you most often use it for a ‘quick pee’. She is smart enough to realize that it does not carry the same tension and sensations as her more solid, controlling six foot, nylon ‘walking’ leash and, being the opportunist that most dogs are, she exploited the alleged leniency.

I believe that it is much like people in uniform, when they are in uniform they are on the job, when they are not in uniform they are ‘off the clock’.

Shasta: I really appreciate your help with my dog, Lon! I tell people all the time about your natural ability to communicate with dogs, and their people. A lot of people, however, change their attitude to, “Why in the world would I have someone teach me how to work with my dog?!?”.

Lon: Yes, there are indeed those people who have NO clue what we are attempting to accomplish and ultimately have NO desire to learn how to make changes in themselves or their dog. They are, in essence, wearing their own extending leash in their life ad often do not get it, nor do they want to. The deepest part of their heart needs to be asked if they are willing to admit they have problems with themselves and or their dog, and is it important enough to actually work on those issues. Often the people need more work with their issues than the dogs, because unlike many people, dogs WANT to change and be the best creatures they can be.

Lon L. Flewelling was born the middle and most charming of three boys in rural Minnesota where he spent many formative hours on family farms directly interacting with animals nearly from day one. Since his youth he enjoyed the gift and magic of close communication abilities particularly with dogs. Lon followed his gift into the world of wolf studies to further develop my passion and abilities to understand canines and their communications with each other and humans. He is a perpetual student of canines and sees no end to the absorption of canine knowledge.

“Lon L. Flewelling is the human owner’s manual on how to operate your dog in Denver!”
-Shasta Michaels-

Dog Files Viewpoint: What Does “Holistic” REALLY Mean?

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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What Does “Holistic” REALLY Mean?

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

As the rate of canine cancer continues to skyrocket, so does our passion for battling it and finding a cure. But when this terrifying disease threatened to steal my own beloved canine from me, in my vets eyes, I did the equivalent of burning my draft card and moving to Canada.

Because of its dire consequences, the tumor biopsy was done twice, and my 8-year old dog, Buttons, was diagnosed with virulent carcinoma. The vet insisted that without immediate amputation, chemotherapy and radiation, Buttons would be dead in 6 weeks. After an emotional 24-hours of intense soul searching, I instead adopted the alternative medical philosophy I had been exposed to as a child- that prevention was the best cure and one should focus on the cause of disease, not the symptoms. Ignoring the vet’s advice, I immediately launched my own massive research campaign deep into the world of holistic medicine.

I soon came to learn that “holistic” didn’t mean symptom treating with natural remedies in lieu of pharmaceutical drugs. It wasn’t about squelching the symptoms or waging war against cancer with alternative treatment. Instead, it meant addressing the possible causes: food, treats, cleaning supplies, flea treatments, toys, rawhide chews, and the emotional environment we were living in, to name just a few. It meant clearing my home of all possible toxins, cleansing Buttons’ entire system, and then giving her the proper nutritional support so that Buttons’ body could do what a chemically unburdened body does naturally: HEAL ITSELF.

Our pets metabolize everything much faster than we do. Whereas our bodies can endure a certain amount of toxic abuse for 40 or 50 years before retaliating, a pet’s body will begin showing disease as early as 4-7 years.

I believe a holistic approach starts with our being more conscious consumers. Just because something is sold off a grocery store (or even a health food store) shelf, does not mean it’s safe in the long run. We all know that money, not well-being, is the bottom line in our consumer market. Manufactured food and other products aren’t tested for a person’s, or even a pet’s life span, before being approved, advertised and sold. Think about Teflon, DDT, aluminum pans, Red Dye #2, lead paint. Now take a moment to google “dryer sheets toxic” or “parabens cancer” and then go read the labels on your skin care products, make-up, and laundry products. Please don’t wait for a devastating cancer diagnosis of someone you love to be your wake up call.

The next step in Buttons’ and my healing process was clearing her body of all residual toxins. To do this, I used a number of different homeopathic remedies, herbs, and tinctures. Buttons’ diagnosis came in 1992 when holistic vets were scarce. Today, that’s not the case. I would encourage others to find a holistic vet that adheres to a true holistic regimen of clear/cleanse/build, rather than just symptom treating with natural remedies.

Because a holistic approach means addressing one’s life as a “whole”, as part of our healing process, I had to also consider Buttons’ emotional environment. Not surprisingly, her cancer developed during one of the most painful times of my life, as I dealt with a broken marriage engagement. I was torn apart, hemorrhaging emotionally, and on a good day, horribly depressed. Although I continued to care for Buttons as devotedly as ever, I was doing it all with a shattered heart.

I have heard it said that our animals often shunt energy for us, and no doubt, Buttons was feeling my pain in every cell of her own body. When I refer to “our” healing process that is exactly what I mean. She’s the one who got the remedies squirted down her throat, and I’m the one who had to go deep into my heart, and for the sake of my beloved canine companion, do some hard, healing work.

The final third of our holistic protocol involved nutritionally fortifying Buttons’ own immune system. Remember, the body’s natural state is one of radiant health. When supported properly, that is where it will gravitate. I threw out the prescription dog food from the vet. I began home cooking pure, simple, organic ingredients for her meals and treats. I supplemented with a few natural superfoods.

There are numerous web sites today where one can quickly educate oneself on the dangerous ingredients in most commercial pet food including several brands that are advertised as “all natural” and “organic”. Spend an hour reading- it could translate into many additional years with your own beloved animal.

My sweet girl, Buttons, went on to thrive cancer-free for another 11 years to the age of 19. My own toxic-free lifestyle and consultation services are only a small part of her profound and loving legacy.

Nadine M. Rosin is a Holistic Pet/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, speaker, and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood: a true story about the human-animal bond, healing canine cancer naturally, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. Sold on Amazon.com and all online book retailers. For more information on the book and one-on-one phone consultations with Nadine, please go to: www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com

Dog Files Viewpoint: Let’s Not Kibble

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, KatyBeth Jensen, News

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Lets Not Kibble

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

Since I rarely cook, I was surprised when I was sent a recipe that started out like this:

“This is a fun, easy recipe. From start to finish, it will take about 2 hours. It has 16 ingredients, and serves 12.” The sender then writes, “Well-worth the effort for the joy you will see in your pup when she is eating her loaf.” My PUP?!  This is a recipe for my dogs?  Are they nuts?? In no way do I want to add that tidbit to my son’s overflowing therapy folder: “My mom spent two hours cooking for the dog, but ordered pizza for me.” He already wonders who I love best and why the dog has a later bed time.

After reading this 2 hour, 12 ingredient recipe, I wondered … have we gone over the cliff when it comes to feeding our dogs?  Ah, now I have your attention! I feel you bristling, fingers poised to thunder across the keyboard, comment section overflowing with, “OH MY GOD! IS SHE REALLY going to cross over that line into our relationship with our dog’s food?” Uh, well, yes I am.

Recently, a dog mom brought her pup to camp, with a twitch in her eye and shaking hands holding the leash. She shared with me she was spending about 15 hours a week preparing a fresh diet for her very large breed dog. Both the dog mom and her grocery budget were overwhelmed.

I remembered back to when my son was a baby and ready to try solid foods. Several mom suggested I was nothing short of irresponsible for feeding him Gerber’s baby food. They admonished me to bake and mash or grind fresh organic squash, green beans, turkey and then freeze it in ice cube trays. The flashback immediately had me reaching out with empathy to this dog mom.

This poor women had fallen prey to the dog park foodies. Up until that point, her pup had done beautifully on a high end dry dog food which will remain nameless because I’m smart.  The dog park foodies set upon her, scaring her silly with stories of chemicals, dead animals and toxins mixed into her dog food. Food preparation quickly morphed from opening a bag of dog food to a series of steps that now included a blender, choppers, frying pans, boiling, straining, and extra trips to the store. And worse yet, her pup did not even like his fresh diet, so additional energy was consumed playing “open wide” and “here comes the airplane” with her 90 pound pup. With my encouragement, she went back to buying her dog food, and her relationship with her dog, family, friends, and full-time job improved.

If you enjoy cooking food for your pups, by all means do so. Why not?  However, terrifying other dog owners by comparing store-bought commercial dog food to rat poison is just not nice.

Speaking of poison, there is no humor in the recent dog food scandals that rocked the nation, resulted in several pet deaths, many animals falling ill, and the nationwide recall of dog food products. We do need to care about what we feed our pets. However, when dog owners pontificate on the evils of commercial dog food, I wonder how the dog I grew up with every grew old on Special Cuts. Think back, do you ever remember your mom taking to the neighbor mom about what she fed the dog or what ingredients were in Buddy’s food? Of course, dogs did not have strollers, diamond earrings, or planned play dates back in the olden days, either. We have evolved.  Well … maybe.

After listening to several pet food enthusiasts discuss the awful ingredients in ALL commercial dog food, I was very relieved to check and find out my dog food did not fall within the ALL COMMERCIAL DOG FOOD category (I am still not telling you what food it is!). My pup`s dog food ingredients included chicken, cracked pearled barley, white grain brown rice, oatmeal, carrots and peas. Tip: if you are cornered by the dog food police for admitting you buy dog food at the grocery store instead of a dog food boutique, inquire nicely where they buy their family`s food.

Ok, enough kibbling about the best way to feed the family pup.  Roughly 17 billion dollars* was spent in 2008 on dog food. It seems to me those dog food billions leave a lot of room for a lot of different dog food options, both commercial and homemade, so go forth and make your choice and I will make mine. After all, I may say kibble, you may say sweet potato, but our pups just say, “Is it dinner, yet?”

Source: APPA Industry Statistics and Trends.

Pats for your Pups,
Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/

Dog Files Viewpoint: Please Don’t Take My Sunshine Away…

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Breed-Specific Legislation, Dog Files Viewpoint, Hannah Powell, News

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Please Don’t Take My Sunshine Away…

By Hannah Powell For The Dog Files

It was a typical Saturday morning. Bacon was sizzling on the stove while the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen. The two family dogs had just been walked and fed; they were now snoozing on the couch. The parrot whistled occasionally, which broke up the silence.

A loud knock on the door startles the entire family. The dogs immediately start barking and wagging their tails frantically with anticipation. They love it when people come to visit! They do not recognize this man at the door, but these two dogs know no strangers.

The man greets the family with a friendly “Hello”. He is holding a brown clipboard with an attached list of names and addresses. “Are you Mrs. Powell?” the friendly man asks.

The woman answers “Yes” as she sighs and rolls her eyes. She dislikes door-to-door salesmen, especially on Saturday mornings.

The man speaks again, but instead of talking about the vacuum cleaners or magazines he is selling, he takes the woman by complete surprise. “A breed ban has been implemented in Issaquah, WA, and I am here because there is a pit bull named ‘Sunshine’ registered to this address.”

After a long pause, the woman asks in shock and disbelief “What!?”.

The man calmly answers, “Well, there is no ‘Grandfather’ clause in this legislation, so you either need to move to another town, find Sunshine another home outside of Issaquah or have Sunshine humanely euthanized. If you decide not to follow one of the suggested options, then we will confiscate your pit bull, and she will be taken to animal control to be humanely euthanized. We will be checking back with you in one week from today. Thank you for your time Mrs. Powell.” The man takes a yellow highlighter from his shirt pocket and highlights the family name and address on his list. He offers a friendly “Have a good day!”, then departs.

In utter shock and disbelief the woman stands outside the open door watching the man walk away. Then *poof*, she wakes up from the recurring nightmare. Eddie and Sunshine are sleeping on the bed by her feet, and the little family is safe, for now.

What is a breed ban? What is BSL (Breed Specific Legislation)? To pit bull owners, BSL is a topic very well-known, and it is a fear that could become a reality. Breed bans target one breed of dog or several breeds of dog that are thought to endanger the public. Some breed bans contain a “Grandfather” clause. This means that the dog can be kept by the owner, but it usually comes with certain mandates. These mandates may include muzzling the dog at all times outside the house and purchasing expensive liability insurance.

Why does BSL not work? Because BSL punishes the responsible pit bull owners. It punishes those of us who have raised and trained our dogs to be good canine citizens. Our pit bulls are part of the family; BSL punishes us. BSL does not punish irresponsible dog owners, dog owners who do not leash or secure their dogs, dog owners who do not properly train and socialize their dogs or dog owners who intentionally train their dogs to be aggressive. Also, breed bans are extremely difficult to enforce.
There are many breeds and mixed breeds that fit the description of a pit bull.

What is a better alternative to BSL? Stricter laws need to be enforced regarding dogs being on-leash or secured when outside. Laws regarding dangerous dogs, regardless of breed, should be enforced.

There should also be higher fines and punishments for those who abuse animals and participate in dog fighting.

Please remember, ANY dog can be aggressive. Please do not judge an entire breed and punish them for the bad deeds of irresponsible dog owners. Don’t let them take my Sunshine away.

Hannah lives in Issaquah, WA with her husband, two dogs, and a parrot. She runs a dog walking/pet sitting business and volunteers her time to local dog rescue groups. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, hiking with her dogs, and camping. The experience of pit bull ownership has been her motivation for writing about this wonderful and misunderstood dog breed. Please check out Busybark for more about Hannah and her love of dogs.

Dog Files Viewpoint: Who’s The Alpha In Your Pack?

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Lon L. Flewelling, News

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Who’s The Alpha In Your Pack?

By Lon L. Flewelling For The Dog Files

I would love to help you to be the Alpha Dog in YOUR pack, and as dogs are approximately two percent wolf, I offer the following ‘commandments’ of successful dog leadership based on the actions of alpha wolves within their packs;

The Alpha Pack Leader:

The Alpha Pack Leader has an outgoing personality combined with a quiet demeanor. She is a fair, assertive leader who is more Oprah than Simon Cowell.

Always goes out the door or vehicle first, making dog wait to be told when to exit.

Always makes the others wait before leaving the den (crate.)

Always eats first, getting the choicest pieces of the prey before the rest.

Always controls the amount and timing of rewards such as pets, rubs, treats, eye contact.

Always controls the activity and energy levels at the front door. Upon arrival home, no eye contact, no rubs, no talking to them until they comply to quiet behavior.

Always responds to misbehavior with an, “AH!” to get attention and stop the activity, such as barking, excitement, aggression toward each other. A raised hand with finger extended at the perpetrator works, too.

Always knows they can use the lead to control the dogs before an ‘event’ like company coming to door, excitability at door and window, or to control after getting attention during an event.

Always rewards the behavior, not the dog. Such as good settle, good come, good sit, etc.

Always uses the dog’s name to get attention only, not to chastise.

These are some basics to regain control from your dog and to help them learn to follow your calm, assertive leadership.

Good luck!

Lon L. Flewelling was born the middle and most charming of three boys in rural Minnesota where he spent many formative hours on family farms directly interacting with animals nearly from day one. Since his youth he enjoyed the gift and magic of close communication abilities particularly with dogs. Lon followed his gift into the world of wolf studies to further develop my passion and abilities to understand canines and their communications with each other and humans. He is a perpetual student of canines and sees no end to the absorption of canine knowledge.

“Lon L. Flewelling is the human owner’s manual on how to operate your dog in Denver!”
-Shasta Michaels-

Dog Files Viewpoint: The Depth Of Our Love

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, In Remembrance, Nadine M. Rosin, News

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The Depth Of Our Love

By Nadine M. Rosin For The Dog Files

There’s little if anything I can think of that brings more instantaneous joy than time spent with a beloved dog. That silly grin, that waggedy tail, the rush you get from flinging your heart wide open without fear or reservation while simultaneously being showered with totally accepting, faithful, and unconditional love. What perfect and precious moments our dogs provide. It’s the stuff great mystics have described, this safe and blissful love.

Our furry apostles are constantly reminding us that regardless of circumstances, worldly events, or economic climate, life is supposed to be fun. It’s to be lived with our awareness seated in the present moment without regret, judgment or betrayal of others. One never needs to protect oneself emotionally with a dog. Instead, they show us by example, how to live freely and love completely.

There have been people in my life who have done or said things that I’ve reacted to by feeling extremely hurt, sad, angry, or irritated, sometimes for years on end. But the truth is, I have never felt irritated or angry towards a dog for more than a few seconds. Our canines embody the highest, best parts of our humanity, and I believe, they make us better people. So, is it any wonder, then, that the death of a beloved dog can cut so deeply, can be so utterly emotionally devastating?

Taoists, quantum physicists, and motivational speaker and author, John Bradshaw, all agree that emotion is energy in motion. But instead, in our culture, we are encouraged to keep our grief, one of the strongest of all emotions, under control, private, and subdued. Above all, we are admired for our stoicism in the face of profound grief. Those who care for us strive to help us get over our pain and loss as quickly as possible- to stop all that emotion, not to take the longer road of letting it move around and out at its own pace. And as pet parents, we are often hurt the worst by the words of well-intentioned friends when they ask us, “So when are you going to get another dog?”

When my heart-dog Buttons, died in my arms 1 week before her 19th birthday, I thought the pain, loss and heartbreak would kill me, too. But as I began to spend less and less time listening to those who were trying to make me feel better, and instead, spent more time surrendering to and leaning INTO the pain, it took me to a place where I could begin to find true, authentic comfort. I found that when I let the emotions move through me and allowed myself to experience them fully, they allowed me access to a place within my own heart that no mantra or meditation had ever taken me to. And there, in that very deepest part of myself, where the agony and the ecstasy merged, there was no pain- there was only love. Because, of course, the depth of our grief is in direct proportion to the depth of our love.

In the nearly 2 decades we were together, I never once saw Buttons try to squelch any of her emotions. Yes, I could have gone out soon after her death, gotten another dog and eased some of my pain, but oh, what a gift I would have missed by not letting that pain lead me into such a deep and special place.

I am honored to be a guest writer for The Dog Files and I look forward to sharing more about my perspective of pet-loss, grieving, and the holistic approach that gave Buttons and me so many joyful and healthy years together. In future columns I will be sharing about the cancer Buttons was diagnosed with at the age of 8 when she was given 6 weeks to live without chemotherapy, radiation and amputation and how she went on to thrive an additional 11 years with exclusively holistic treatments. I will also explore with you, the many tools and paths to emotional healing I have discovered when a beloved animal passes.

But now it’s your turn. Please, share with us about your own heart-dog. Talking about it is a way to put the energy in motion.

Nadine M. Rosin is a Holistic Pet/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, speaker, and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood: a true story about the human-animal bond, healing canine cancer naturally, and an empowering new take on the grieving process when a beloved animal passes away. Sold on Amazon.com and all online book retailers. For more information on the book and one-on-one phone consultations with Nadine, please go to: www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com

Dog Files Viewpoint: The Perfect Pup

Admin: Kenn Bell

Categories: Dog Files Viewpoint, KatyBeth Jensen, News, Uncategorized

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You might remember last fall when I asked if anyone in The Dog Files Community would be interested in writing their opinions in a monthly column for us? Well, I am very proud and pleased to bring you our very first, Dog Files Viewpoint.

First up, we have KatyBeth Jensen of Chicago, Illinois whose column will center around running a “pet spoiler” business in Middle America.

Enjoy,
Kenn

The Perfect Pup

By KatyBeth Jensen For The Dog Files

Being a professional pet spoiler and president of Camp Run-A-Pup, I have learned one thing for certain: your pups are perfect.

Someday, an owner will show up at my door and say, “Katybeth, our dog is spoiled rotten, we allow him on the furniture, feed him from the table, he only minds when he wants to, he might mark your furniture or steal food off your counter, and his barking might drive you crazy.” The truth is, we don’t mind a bit. We hope you won’t either, because we think he is perfect just the way he is. We can then both hug and agree from the get-go, this pup is perfect. However, it usually goes more like this …

Perfect Pup and his owners arrive at camp to check in. He sits next to his owner who holds his leash with a death grip. I am told this pup would NEVER: jump on people, poop, lift his leg, or pee in the house, counter-surf, beg at the table, or put so much as a paw on the furniture. Barking would only occur if our home or property is approached by someone both dangerous and armed. I smile and nod at the proper places, being somewhat familiar with this story, and look down to meet Perfect Pup eye to eye. He knows I know.

Before the owner leaves, we mutually agree that “other people” own the unruly dogs. His dog is, without a single doubt, perfect. The leash transfers hands, and the pup immediately jumps on me and the owner without missing a tail wag. We ignore the jumping, spinning and leaping on the other end of the leash and bid each other a speedy goodbye. Perfect Pup and I move inside the house.

With few exceptions, Perfect Pup will immediately put his feet up on my counter to do a little shopping. What? No bagel? No half-sandwich or carefully buttered piece of toast? The pup looks at me astonished, and knows I know. I explain, “We are not a self-serve establishment.”

Just like a kid checking into a hotel, Perfect pup then wants to explore. Finding our establishment to be suitable, he will decide to give us his mark of approval. I watch and I wait. He goes to lift his leg and I offer a sharp, “No.” Surprised, he glances over at me, and knows I know. Foiled yet again, he resigns himself to leaving his mark on a deer antler by gnawing it vigorously and with joy.

When the family gathers for dinner, Perfect Pup’s ears perk up and he watches intently. Who is the weakest link at this table? Choosing the human boy-child first, he is deeply disappointed. Discovering the boy has been trained from birth to keep his eyes on his fries, watching his plate carefully, he easily ignores Perfect Pup’s pleading eyes, drooling and circling like a shark. With persistence, Perfect Pup moves on to me and is greeted with a, “Hey buddy, you were sitting right there when your person said you never beg.” With persistence, he wonders could the soft touch be the dad at this table? Perfect Pup knows it’s almost never the dad, but maybe, just this one time … and begins to nose his way in that direction. He plays it well: keeps his distance, eyes slightly downward, ears slightly pitched, and just the right amount of pack respect. Bingo! The dad rewards his perseverance with a tasty morsel from his plate. The pup glances at me shyly and I look back. He knows I know.

That evening, Perfect Pup, who would never dream of getting on the furniture at home, does not hesitate before taking his deer antler and heading for the big comfy chair where he makes himself comfortable for the rest of the evening. Leaving his comfy spot only to bark loudly at the human boy entering the room wielding an iPod, Perfect Pup looks at me … and he knows I know.

The days progress and soon it’s time for Perfect Pup to check out of camp. The owner arrives. Perfect Pup wags happily, leaps to greet and meet his owner with gay abandonment, and the greeting is returned with equal enthusiasm. The owner looks at me a little sheepishly and smiles. He knows I know. Perfect Pup runs to me for one final pat, and I smile, telling the owner, “It’s true. Your pup is perfect.”

Pats for your Pups,
Katybeth

Katybeth is a professional pet spoiler, living in the Chicagoland area, running her own business, Camp-Run-A-Pup. Camp Run-A-Pup spoils other people’s pups, and they do it really well. Katybeth lives with and loves three dogs of her own, Rascal, a Parson’s Terrier (AKC recognizers her as a Parson’s; you might recognize her as a Jack Russell), Skippy, a Schipperke with a personality disorder, and Scooby, a beagle that might belong to a neighbor. Katybeth’s newest family star is Soquel’s Last Souvenire, or as they like to call her, Trinket, a show-stopping Doberman pup. Katybeth co-owns Trinket with her mom because she likes being on the winning side of the dog show arena and wanted the rights to tell the real unabridged stories of the oddities of dog showing. the movie Dog Show did not even come close to telling. Katybeth also enjoys writing her blog — My Odd Family. Dogs, dog people, dog shows and owning a dog business combined with hearth, home and family never leaves her at a loss for material to write about.

Katybeth Jensen,PPS
Professional Pet Spoiler
http://www.camprunapup.com/
http://www.deerantlersforpups.com/
http://myoddfamily.com/