THE WAG magazine - Winter 2020

Happy New Year Everyone!

As we continue looking for ways to improve or enhance THE WAG reading experience, you might notice some changes beginning with this issue. The most noticeable is that we have relocated the Rescue Directory, and it will soon be accessible from our website, thewagmagazine.com. Making this change will allow us to add more rescue groups and organizations for your reference, while affording us space to deliver more articles. If you have a rescue and wish to be added to the directory, or if you have a change in your contact information, please let us know.

A Marketplace, delivering a wide variety of businesses and services to our readers, has been added. And so has a new Department called Wagging With (so and so) About (a topic of interest). We’re also really excited that we’ll be sharing articles written by members of the Young Writers Foundation (kids ages 10–19). Your feedback on these modifications, as well as any other suggestions or ideas you might have, would be appreciated.

It was a joy introducing THE WAG magazine to new readers and making new friends (animal and human) at the Phoenix Holiday Pet Expo in December, 2019. A huge acknowledgement to all the rescue groups in attendance. I don’t think enough people realize how much work is involved in not only caring for the animals day-to-day, fostering etc., but in schlepping them to adoption events as well. It takes a huge amount of effort and labor from volunteers who work very hard making sure the dogs are well cared for and go to good homes. Blessings to all of you!

We held THE WAG’s first ever cover photo contest at the expo. A host of photos taken by Pawsitive Vibes Photography were entered into the competition and the winner gracing the cover of this issue is sweet little Peony, a 10-month-old Maltese. Peony loves to devour treats, run, and wants to be a therapy dog when she grows up. Congratulations Peony!

This first issue of 2020 kicks off with a jam-packed read including quite a variety of information and articles to enjoy. Almost all dog lovers will agree that dogs love us unconditionally. But stopping to think about other lessons we can actually learn from them is worth taking pause. One very important lesson— resilience. Read about it on (page 20). Know what you’re looking for and what you’re buying when it comes to CBD (page 12). There’s help in choosing a daycare for your four-legged friend (page 18), a Q & A with The Critter Doc on communicating with animals (page 10), and…if you’re looking to bring another (human) into your pack, go to page 16 for info on dating sites catering to dog lovers. There’s much more so I won’t keep you.

Remember to spread the love this Valentine’s Day…to your family, friends, neighbors, rescues and, of course, to all those four-legged Valentines.

THE WAG magazine

an informative, entertaining read about dogs & their companions

WINTER 2020 | Volume 4 Issue 1

PUBLISHERS

Gary Lex Penny Lex

EDITOR

Penny Lex

DESIGN

Amy Civer

PHOTOGRAPHY

Vicky Cummings

Pawsitive Vibes Photography

PROOFREADING

Sue Maves

ADVERTISING

Kathleen Maci Sue Maves

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Caitlin Beall

Teresa Bitler

Dave Clark

Cherese Cobb

Penny Lex

Terri Schlichenmeyer

Andrea Sobotka

Margy Squires

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Animals & Humans in Disaster/ Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry

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LOST OUR HOME PET RESCUE

Working as a local mortgage banker during the economic crisis in 2008, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue (LOHPR) founder and executive director Jodi Polanski was well-aware of the vast number of people that became homeless and the countless number of abandoned animals. Jodi, along with a small group of volunteers, started LOHPR, a 501(c) (3); and Jodi was quick to realize that, in addition to the animals, “pet people” impacted by the crisis need assistance as well.

Support for Pets and Their People

Life happens. The good. The bad. And the unexpected. In addition to pet rescue, many of the services and programs that LOHPR offer today (noted below) are ones that, unless you’re in a situation and have dire need, most people never think about.

• Temporary Care – up to 90 days of pet care during hardship or owner’s inability to provide care.

“I came to you guys because I lost my home due to alcoholism. I knew I had to get help, but I didn’t want to give up my dogs. Having them in your care, I was able to seek treatment. I am now 108 days sober and will be taking my dogs with me to sober living. God is truly good. You guys have been so wonderful and nice. I truly appreciate all you have done.”

• Pet Food Bank (Animeals on Wheels) – offering pet food and supplies to financially struggling individuals so they don’t have to give up their pets.

• Pet Rescue for Abandoned and/or Owner-Surrendered Pets – providing medical care, shelter and food while trying to find loving, forever homes.

• Low-Income Boarding – discounted boarding for low-income pet parents.

• Partnership with Sojourner Center in Phoenix (one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the U.S.) –LOHPR manages a Pet Companion

LOST OUR HOME continues on page 22

STARLING DESIGNZ

Pet Music Videos

Whether you’ve always dreamed of being a music video celebrity or your dog is already one (precious superstar that he is), the ability to share the experience with your best pal just got easier. The big screen awaits as Julie Carlene brings that dream to life.

Julie’s business, Starling Designz, is a creative marketing agency specializing in promotional videos for small businesses, causes and events. Much like event highlights that are created to commemorate and celebrate the moment, Julie thought, “Wouldn’t it be amazing to celebrate and commemorate the special bond I share with my canine, Simone.”

The production process is pretty

straight forward. Once you determine the theme or what you want your video to convey, such as a thoughtful, reflective view of your relationship with your pet or…the capture of your pet’s funny and wild side, you make the music selection for the soundtrack. “The music you choose serves as a center point with which we can build a story. This makes it creative and unique to you and your pet,” says Julie. “From there, we collectively put together a storyboard that works for all parties.”

Being comfortable and natural is important for human videos, but even more so for animals. Therefore, the video sets are at places like the owner’s home, backyard, local park, and dog friendly establishments. Julie explains the entire process is really easy, a lot of fun and, more often than not, the right story comes out spontaneously.

“I just love being able to capture the genuine moments between dog

owners and their fur babies,” said Julie. “My most favorite moment was while creating my own dog music video and experienced an unexpected outpouring of affection from my little girl. Through this I came to realize that it’s the unplanned moments that make a dog music video what it is.”

Not including royalties for Rufus, the cost of a fully-produced video from start to finish with one dog is $700, with two or more dogs $900. Your dog might not win a Golden Bone. And you might be overlooked for Best Supporting. But… you will have a life-long memory to treasure.

Starling Designz

206-817-0971

starlingdesignz.com/bestfriends

www.starlingdesignz.com

“I just love being able to capture the genuine moments between dog owners and their fur babies."

THE CRITTER DOC (Andrea

Sobotka) ABOUT ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

THE WAG magazine: Do dogs and other animals feel frustration because they cannot speak or have a dialogue with humans?

The Critter Doc: They don’t expect to have a two way “dialogue.” They are always communicating with us on a soft level. But because we don’t understand them, sometimes messages get crossed. They read our body language and “see” our thoughts. Their only frustration would be when something is being asked of them but the “thought” they see is contrary.

TWM: So it’s basically like we’re giving them mixed messages?

TCD: Absolutely! People can think and say five different things at once. Dogs are more succinct in their communication and defer to the mental image over what people verbalize. That’s their stronger form of communication.

TWM: When you spend time with an animal, is it always just one-on-one? Do you prefer the owner not be present (in case the animal wants to say something they don’t want the owner to hear)?

TCD: I prefer the pet parent to be present. My goal is to help the human understand the dog. Dogs don’t hide their feelings.

TWM: Do animals ever tend to “vent” when you’re communicating with them? Like complain about their haircut, food or say “finally, someone that gets me!”

TCD: I’ve never known an animal to “vent.” They may express sadness, displeasure or even embarrassment, but they don’t complain like people do.

TWM: Are there some things that the animal prefers not to talk about?

TCD: Sometimes when the pet parent is telling me about something the dog did, like stealing food or digging holes, the dog might be embarrassed. He will make it clear by body language that he doesn’t want to talk about it. In fact, he may even roll his eyes and turn his back.

TWM: Do you ever get information that you don’t reveal?

TCD: Occasionally. Primarily if I pick up sensitive info from a critter but I have not been asked to be an interpreter by its human.

TWM: What is the biggest misconception you think people have about animal communication?

TCD: Well, there are two big misconceptions. One is that animals do not have busy conversation like humans do. And two is that they are not petty and judgmental. They are not concerned with politics or the color of your nail polish.

TWM: Can anyone learn to communicate with animals?

TCD: I believe anyone can learn some of the aspects of communication and, a few can learn all. But everyone can learn enough to make a difference if they really want to.

TWM: Is there any one thing that you hear most from dogs?

TCD: Yes, how much they love their humans. Unconditionally.

TWM: Is your communication done by speaking out loud or is it all through mind and energy?

TCD: It is mostly by mind, energy and body language. Speaking out loud is mostly for the benefit of the pet parents.

TWM: Is there an animal gender that is more open to communicating with humans?

TCD: Ha, ha, ha. Only the human animal seems to have that issue. Animals, male or female, are equally as communicative. I find that women tend to be more open and sensitive to communication with animals.

TWM: Who determines what will be discussed—you or the animal?

TCD: Well, since it’s primarily done in a professional setting, the pet parent provides the agenda, then I address the specific issues or questions.

TWM: What is the most common reason people want you to communicate with their pet? Is it because the pet had passed and the owner has unanswered questions? Or, is it because the owner just wants to know stuff?

TCD: I certainly have my fair share of people that want closure after a pet dies. But most of the time folks are seeking to understand their pet better. It’s a lot like counseling.

TWM: So do you find it rather sad or unfortunate that most dog owners (myself included) are so involved with their pet’s behavioral attributes (sit, stay, learning tricks, etc.) but don’t consider cultivating true communication with their animal?

TCD: No, because doing those things is actually the first step toward communication. Unfortunately our society thinks of it as “giving commands.” But it is really a level of communication. It’s just that it could go further.

TWM: Do you need to physically be with the animal in order to communicate?

TCD: I don’t. But that is because I can connect at the nonphysical level. It might be considered the telepathic level but I think it is at the soul level. Having a photo of the animal definitely helps.

TWM: Hmmm. Telepathic. OK, so like what am I thinking about right now?

TCD: You’re wondering if I’m going to get the right answer.

TWM: Dang…you ARE good!

THE WAG Welcomes New Advertisers

Ms. Natural’s New Home Marketplace

The CBD Source

We hope you patronize ALL of our advertisers! And when you do, please mention THE WAG magazine! Check out a full list of advertisers on page 28.

HOW TO PICK THE BEST CBD FOR YOUR PET

We love our pets! Our arrogant felines and cold-nosed canines. They seem to sense our pain. Give us a reason to take a walk. Snuggle in and cuddle. They make us smile with their adorable antics. Seriously, is there anything too good for Fido and Fluffy? The best food, comfiest pillow, oodles of toys! And if something new comes along, we’re all over it. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is hot. An extract from the hemp plant, its benefits make you wonder if CBD is too good to be true. CBD boasts painkilling properties, eases tremors and spasms, tones down inflammation, reduces anxiety and stress and calms a queasy tummy. Some research suggests it

may slow tumor growth. All mammals are equipped with an endocannabinoid system (ECS), an internal regulatory system that helps the body maintain homeostasis. Just as CBD benefits people by influencing the ECS, it can help promote overall wellbeing and health in pets. Should you give CBD to your bundle of love? Perhaps yes if your furry friend has separation anxiety whenever you pick up your car keys. Stresses at a few rolls of thunder. Limps with an injury or arthritis. Is facing a painful end of life. CBD may help. Sadly, many veterinarians don’t carry CBD products, or recommend them. Why not? They may not be able to–yet.

While most states allow retail sales of CBD, the state board of Veterinary Medical Examiners may restrict or prohibit what veterinarians can recommend, prescribe or dispense, including CBD. Definitely approach the subject with your pet’s doctor but know the final decision may have to be yours. That could be a challenge. While passage of the farm bill barely a year ago changed the hemp regulatory system, the market is still too new. Regulations and labeling are inconsistent and missing vital information that is common to most supplement or herb products. But you don’t have to bypass this helpful extract. You can purchase a safe, effective product from a retailer by following a few simple “rules.”

Know the company you keep.

Buy from a company that is well versed in product labeling standards. In every industry there is a “policing” system. Look for the GMP seal. The Natural Products Association and FDA worked together to establish guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). A laboratory that passes GMP inspection by a third-party audit earns certification or cGMP status. Testing is in place for raw materials, production and finished product to meet label claims and to be free of contaminants. Would you trust your pet with the company?

Read the label, carefully.

Reputable CBD companies follow supplement or food label guidelines. Whether capsules or tincture (liquid), look for a Best Used By date for shelf life. Check for the serving size and clear instructions for use. How many milligrams (mg) of CBD are in the bottle? One of the ways to compare cost and value is cost per mg. A lot or batch number is critical; it’s the number used for any recalls (as with food or drugs). The company name and contact information is required and necessary should you have questions about the product. If any of this vital information is missing, think twice about purchasing for the safety of your pet!

Ask about the guarantee.

When a product is good, the guarantee backs it up. While 30 days is typical, 90 days is better! Many natural remedies work gradually to promote wellness on the cellular level. Start slowly with a low dose and increase if needed. This is true for CBD, too. Go slow and low.

Full spectrum and isolate.

Full spectrum CBD promises an “entourage effect” and includes all the nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and other compounds that increase and support CBD’s activity. Although CBD is the primary and most active, there are hundreds of other hemp cannabinoids that add health value. CBD isolate is purified CBD only—without the rest of the hemp plant’s natural molecules.

Go organic.

True hemp farmers know the plant is only as good as nurtured by wind, healthy soil and clean water. Glyphosate, a pesticide, is linked to cancer. Most pets, especially dogs, are very sensitive to chemicals. Look for a certified glyphosate-free CBD to be sure. Research supports the fact that organically grown plants have more nutritional value, too.

CBD CAN HELP RELIEVE AND MANAGE CONDITIONS

nutritional value.

Supports

One last note.

You may wonder about THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in hemp. By law, products are only allowed to have up to but not exceed 0.3% content by dry weight. To be compliant CBD products undergo third party testing to ensure they meet this FDA regulation. Both CBS News and Consumer Labs did independent testing of several products pulled off store shelves. The CBD and THC content varied considerably, some not matching label claimed amounts. As your pet’s “parent,” you need to know what you are buying. Be bold and ask questions!

CBD can be a wonderful addition to Fido and Fluffy’s health regimen now that you know how to pick the best product for them that is safe and effective. Happy shopping!

Editor’s Note: For more background on CBD, read The ABCs of CBD in THE WAG, Winter 2019.

Best Prices for Highest Quality

...organically grown plants have more

LOVE ME, LOVE MY DOG

The Top Four Dating Apps for Dog Lovers

There’s an old adage that dog people usually identify with: “love me, love my dog.” Well, that also works the other way around. From a pup’s perspective, it’s “wuv my hooman, hope I wuv you.”

According to a recent survey from pet wellness company Ollie, 96 percent of people wouldn’t even consider dating someone who doesn’t like dogs. Another study from the on-demand, dog-walking app Wag! found that 80 percent of pet parents said that their dog’s reaction to a new love interest influences their feelings towards them.  Translation? Dating is “ruff.” But it doesn’t have to be. Here are four dating apps that’ll help you find Mr. or Ms. Right—for you and your dog.

DATEMYPET

According to her DateMyPet profile, she’s a single female who loves hunting, movie popcorn, tennis and conversation.

Roxanna is just three years old—a Basset Hound whose dating profile gets equal billing with that of her owner, Renee.

“There are a lot of people out there who want to meet others who share a common interest like pets,” says Rob Yau, the founder of DateMyPet. “Pets provide a common link, an understanding of who we are.”

Whether you’re sniffing out a potential date, mate or BFF, you can join for free and anonymously send instant messages until you decide to take it further. DateMyPet also asks members to describe their pet’s perfect date. “It brings out the tongue-incheek,” he says. Some people write quips such as, “If I were a cat, I’d just want to stay in my bed” or “If I were a dog, I wouldn’t mind getting my paws dirty.”

With an online dating protector, DateMyPet isn’t likely to be full of individuals with questionable levels of housetraining or spammers that bring a whole new meaning to the word dogging.

DIG

Could your pooch lead to a smooch? Sisters Casey and Leigh Isaacson think so. After being duped by fake dog lovers too many times, they launched Dig. “The Dog Person’s Dating App” connects dog people through the one thing that’s already crucial to them—their love for dogs.

“Dogs can make people more human. If you’re on a first date and picking up poo, you can really understand each other from a more real and personal level.  Dogs help break down barriers,” Leigh says. Dig allows you to filter by age, distance, dog size and dog-owning status before matching you with five potential dates every day.

Dig suggests dog-friendly locations for your first date that your whole pack can attend. You can also turn on your notifications for tips or tricks plus daily deals from local pet companies, ensuring that you win over your date’s dog with the best treats you can buy.

DOG DATE AFTERNOON

Dog Date Afternoon knows that you and your dog are a package deal: he’s your best friend and loves you even when you forget to love yourself. If he doesn’t like somebody, you

most likely won’t either.

Build your dog a free profile that includes name, size and breed (easy conversation starters). Swiping right and left is the easy part. “On the first date, I’m always like where do I take this girl?” says George Koo, the founder and CEO of Dog Date Afternoon. “Nine times out of ten it’s going to be the same bar, the same happy hour, eating the same jalapeño poppers.” Or…it could be a nice walk getting to know a new friend.

TINDOG

If you thought it was hard to land a “humans-only” hot date, try finding someone who gets your squeaky toy addiction and preference for polka dot bow ties when your paws are too large to text and too clumsy to swipe right. Enter Tindog. Described as Tinder for dog owners, it’s “the first application that both dogs and dog owners love equally.”

“Dogs bring so much joy and love that they really have the power to connect us,” says Founder and CEO Julien Muller. “Whether it’s building new friendships or even making a love connection, Tindog is a great way to expand your social circle with others who love man’s best friend just as much as you do.”

To sign up for free, type in your dog’s age, gender and breed, along with a photo of you and your pup. (If you’re trying to enter a mixed breed, you’ll have to settle for Mongrel.) Then simply scroll through the pictures of pooches and their owners in your vicinity. Click the information icon to bring up the dog’s profile (their name, age, how far away they are, when they were last active and an “About me” section). Swipe right on the one you think might be worthy of a puppy playdate (with you as “chaperone,” of course).

CHOOSING THE BEST DOGGIE DAYCARE

Most dogs can benefit from doggie daycare. A full day or even a few hours spent playing with other dogs can help burn excess energy, alleviate boredom and rectify problem behaviors caused by boredom.

Not all doggie daycares offer the same high-quality care, though. So, how do you find a good one? Here’s what to consider as you search for the right program for your pooch.

Logistics

Start with the basics: location, hours and cost. Most of the time, a doggie daycare that’s too far from your home or work doesn’t make sense. If you do plan to drop off before and pick up after work, the facility needs to accept animals before you start and allow pick up after you finish for the day, including those times you might have to work late.

Cost varies depending on a number of factors including location (you may pay $40 in Scottsdale for a full day versus $25 in Prescott), the size of your dog and activities offered. Some doggie daycares offer half-day rates, punch cards, multi-dog discounts and other incentives that affect what you’ll pay. Take these into account as well as any extras your dog might receive when evaluating a facility.

Facilities

Your dog’s daycare should be safe, clean and comfortable. The Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) recommends making sure outdoor areas have tall, secure fencing and the facility, in general, is free of hazards like electrical cords, wires and broken toys. It should also smell clean, and the temperature should be set to a comfortable level.

Look for separate areas for large and small dogs as well as active dogs. Each space should have plenty of clean drinking water, too, and shady outdoor areas. Verify there is enough staff to ensure the dogs’ safety while at play, and make sure the facility is bonded and insured.

Doggie daycare is more than just a place to leave your dog ... It should be a place that enriches his life.

What Animals Can Teach Us About

When it comes to resilience, some of us have it and many more of us need it. Problems or unfortunate circumstances inevitably arise in all of our lives. When life challenges us, where do we go to find that mental toughness needed to overcome our adversity? Animals have challenges and have to overcome adversity, too; but they often face these obstacles better than most humans. Animals live in the moment, not allowing themselves to be consumed by negativity. They face adversity and simply move on. We can learn so much when it comes to overcoming obstacles simply by observing our four-legged friends who can teach us a thing or two about resilience.

Faith the 2-Legged Dog

Faith was born with two fully-formed back legs and a third partially-formed front leg that required amputation due to atrophy when she was just a puppy. Faith’s prospects did not look good from the outset. Undeterred, a courageous caregiver named Jude Stringfellow adopted Faith and taught her how to walk upright by using peanut butter as an incentive.

Not only did Faith survive, she thrived, living a full life, inspiring everyone that crossed her path. This included hundreds of service members that she met throughout her lifetime, inspiring them to not give up due to their own injuries and setbacks.

up, but she chose to persevere. In doing so, she set an example of what it means to be resilient when faced with life’s biggest challenges.

Faith’s story has been well documented, receiving national and even international coverage. Sometimes, however, it’s the stories closest to home that resonate the most, and the next two stories of resilience were members of this author’s extended family. I got to witness, firsthand, what an impact these two resilient animals had on those around them by their sheer determination and ceaseless efforts to be an important and contributing part of the family.

Clyde the 3-Legged Rescue

Clyde was a mixed-breed rescue dog from Parma, Ohio, equipped with three legs and a will to survive.

When Clyde appeared at an Ohio-area veterinary appointment with a broken leg wrapped in duct tape, the vet practice immediately took action. Sensing that Clyde may have been, at best, neglected or, at worst, abused, the veterinary practice commandeered the dog with little resistance from the dog’s owner.

In fact, according to Wikipedia, Faith was given the “non-commission rank of E5 Sgt. at Ft. Lewis, Washington, in June 2006. She visited more than 2,300 wounded warriors in hospitals and wards throughout the world and was seen by more than 2,000,000 active soldiers at bases, airports and ceremonies. She wore her ACU [Army Combat Uniform] jacket proudly and would get excited when it was pulled out of the closet, as she knew it meant she was about to meet soldiers.” Faith could have given

Scared and in need of a new home, my motherin-law, Jean Skonier, adopted Clyde and gave him a forever home so he could enjoy his later years. It wasn’t the first time she took in a pet in need. Every pet she has adopted over the years has always been a rescue animal who needed—and appreciated—a good home.

Clyde may have only had three legs, but he didn’t let that stop him. In fact, he

Re∙sil∙ience (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

got around as if dogs were supposed to only have three legs. He certainly didn’t act as if he was afflicted in any way. He just wanted to be the accepted family pet that he was. Clyde was a loyal companion, a superb watchdog and a friend to anyone who visited the family.

Casper the Cat on a Mission

Another one of Jean Skonier’s rescues was Casper the cat. He was perfectly healthy but without a home. It is unknown from where Casper came or how he got there; but one day, a lovable, blue-eyed white cat appeared alone at her front door.

Casper knocked confidently, expecting to be welcomed inside. When the door wasn’t answered quickly enough, Casper made his way to the side door and knocked again. He was determined to join the family.

How he knew to choose this particular house remains a mystery to this day. Maybe animals have a sense that we humans lack? Of the hundreds of houses in the neighborhood, the resilient and resourceful Casper instinctively knew to choose this house.

Already a full-grown cat upon his arrival, this friendly fur ball lived almost another twenty years as a loving member of the family. When he was down on his luck, he changed his own luck and lived happily ever after because of it. A true testament to resilience!

Dogs and cats show us that disabilities or dire situations don’t dictate how they live their lives. Animals are neither negative nor pessimistic. They view the world as if their water bowl is always half full, a lesson we can all learn about having resilience and overcoming our own challenges.

Shelter on the Sojourner campus for the pets of women escaping domestic violence.

• Lifetime of Care – Because each year between five and seven million pets enter animal shelters due to the death of their owners and of these, approximately three to four million are euthanized, LOHPR offers a program that guarantees placement of your pet(s) in a loving home if you’re not around to care for them.

Thinking Outside the Kennel Managed by a leadership team and board, LOHPR continues to find unique and innovative ways of supporting and nurturing the bond between humans and pets. For example, who would have ever thought to host a child’s birthday party at a shelter? You can at this recently renovated facility. And, in checking out their ambitious calendar of events, LOHPR offers a year of activities with something for everyone.

They even thought of this. When the Tempe Police Department rescues or encounters animals during patrol or on emergency calls, there’s a designated holding room at LOHPR where they can bring the animals 24/7. Pets are safe and cared for during what can be a harried and disturbing time of uncertainty.

Want to Help?

“Right now we have about 100 volunteers, but ideally we need about 400,” says Jodi. “We are also working hard to build up our foster base. We prefer for all our Temporary Care dogs and cats to be in foster homes since they are with us for up to 90 days. We also use fosters for under-age kittens and puppies, and for adoptable pets that need a break from the shelter.”

Jodi went on to share that LOHPR always

has a waiting list for their Temporary Care program (many times 50 animals deep). “It’s heartbreaking with pet parents crying daily on the phone trying to find a way to keep their pet. We really need help in this area both with fosters (desperately need large dog fosters) and money to care for the pets. We cover the cost of all the medical and daily care. It’s an expensive program because in addition to spay/ neuter and vaccines needed, many of the pets have untreated illness or injuries that the pet parent couldn’t afford to treat—including surgeries. Only 17 percent of pet parents in this program are able to contribute anything toward their pet’s care.”

2323 South Hardy Drive Tempe, AZ 602.445.7387

lostourhome.org

Pets are safe and cared for during what can be a harried and disturbing time of uncertainty.

TOUCHING TAILS

Editor’s Note: The last issue of THE WAG magazine (Fall, 2019) featured Sky Sanctuary Rescue, highlighting the capture of Larry, King of the Strays. Following years of pursuit, Larry was captured and relieved of his king-pin responsibilities of protecting all the neighborhood strays. He received extensive medical care, settled into his forever home and was enjoying a new life with an abundance of love from his adoring human pack. Unfortunately, and very unexpectedly, Larry passed away. His legend, however, lives on as shared by Caitlin Beall, co-founder of Sky Sanctuary Rescue.

LARRY

FROM KING OF THE STRAYS TO GUARDIAN ANGEL

Never in my life did I think I would be writing with such devastating news. Larry passed away. We are absolutely crushed. Larry was found lifeless in his bed. He appeared to have had a seizure. It was like a bad dream. In the past, we have looked at Larry and said, “I can’t believe this is real.” We still were getting used to HAVING Larry after working on saving him for so many years. Now we are repeating the same line but in much different terms.

Never did we think we would lose him this soon. We cried over Larry for hours and just spoke about how much we love him. We told stories about his goofy habits, like crossing his legs every time he “plopped” on the couch. We told the story about the one time we rescued over a dozen dogs from “Larry’s corner” because of all the animals that were magnetized to him. We spoke about the Larry hair that we will probably continue to find for years no matter how much we vacuum. We spoke about how he would probably love to see a bunch of ladies crying and sobbing over him. We estimated how many “Larry babies” are out in the world and how much child support he owed us.

We drove out to Larry’s corner and spent some time just sitting and reflecting over the years spent there and all of the lives that were saved

because of him. We then drove through the area, equipped with multiple traps, crates, slip leads, etc. We didn’t find a single stray. It was eerie. It felt strange leaving El Mirage without any dogs. I don’t think that has ever happened before. We didn’t know if we should

past few months. He would spend time outside eating bones, running with the horses or majestically sprawled out on the bed. We have just been trying to make sense of why he is gone. Did we miss something? Is this something that stemmed from his original injury? How does a dog really bounce back from having thousands of maggots in his head? Did the original infection never fully leave? Was it a condition we were never aware of? We have been going over scenario after scenario in our heads. The reality is we don’t know and we never will. We do know that he was not in pain, and we did absolutely everything in our power to ensure his health and wellbeing. But…sometimes Mother Nature just has other plans—like promoting Larry from King of the Strays to Guardian Angel.

feel really accomplished for the years of trapping on these streets or if we should blame Larry for giving his “homies” and “baby mamas” a heads-up that we were coming.

The world just feels different right now without Larry. He was just starting to thrive. His insecurities were really leaving. He was so, so very happy the

Larry was truly one of a kind. He was like no dog you will ever meet. He was majestic, strong, quiet and mysterious. He just had this presence about him that was like no other animal I have come across. Larry was truly legendary. Someone once said, “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”

We promise to carry on Larry’s legacy by advocating for the stray, fearful and injured animals that spend day in and day out on the streets fighting for survival. In his honor, we will continue to #SAVETHESTREETDOGS.

BOOK REVIEWS

Lessons from Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog by Dave Barry

Sit. Among the things you taught your new puppy, that was one of the first. Plonk that little tail-end on the floor and “gooooooood boy!” After that, there was “down, stay” and, as in the new book Lessons from Lucy by Dave Barry, your dog taught you, too.

First, there were Earnest and Zippy, two dogs that weren’t the brightest pups; but Dave Barry, who’d had dogs almost all his life, loved them until he lost them due to a divorce.

When he remarried, Barry wanted to adopt another dog, but he and his new wife had Sophie instead—a child who was an animal magnet. When Sophie became old enough to join her father in

begging for a dog, Lucy entered the family. At 11 years old, Lucy’s days are numbered. So, Barry says, are his. But as a 71-year-old human, his mortality bothers him more than Lucy’s does her. She, in fact, is pretty happy-go-lucky. Maybe there are lessons to be learned from that.

“Make New Friends” is the first lesson Barry shares, one that Lucy finds easy. Barry prefers the other half of that lesson—“And Keep the Ones You Have.”

The second lesson is good: “Don’t Stop Having Fun”— even when getting old “sucks.”

Dogs don’t have phones, so the third one’s simple: “Pay Attention to the People You Love. (Not later. Right now).

Barry tries hard to practice the fourth lesson, “Let Go of Your Anger, Unless It’s Something Really Important, Which It Almost Never Is.”

The fifth refers to beauty—yours and others’.

The sixth lesson is about things and the seventh lesson is a good reminder of what you learned from your parents, long ago.

And as for Barry, he offers an eighth lesson, but it

doesn’t come from Lucy. That one comes from his heart.

Here’s fair warning: the introduction to Lessons from Lucy may be a disappointment. It feels like the start of yet another Let-Me-Tell-You-About-My-Dog story.

But then everything turns! Author Dave Barry shares a love letter for a dog, a frame for his hilarious thoughts, a missive that wonderfully cradles the delightful abundance of off-topic topics that make his books so fun to read. And yet there’s a difference here. One that’s really sweetly pronounced.

In Lessons from Lucy Barry seems more introspective than in his other books, letting readers in on his regrets, biggest peeves and missed opportunities. His humor pokes great fun, but it feels like it might be fragile, too, which gives it a sense of wistfulness.

Is that because of an old dog? Or is it because of the book’s final chapter? You won’t know until you go fetch Lessons from Lucy And then…sit.

Your dog is missing. How did she get out? Where did she go? Most importantly, where is she now and how can you ever hope to find her? Do you run outside, call the neighbors, call her name? That panic is horrible, so be prepared by reading Where the Lost Dogs Go by Susannah Charleson.

Because of her work with dogs and rescue groups, Susannah Charleson gets constant pleas to save and foster dogs that are scheduled to die by euthanasia. She does what she can, but on one hot Texas day, after receiving multiple messages about a filthy, smelly little mixed-something-breed that was doomed, Charleson did a little more.

She already had several dogs, including some that were on hospice care. But this little waif seemed different. He wasn’t giving up, and neither was Charleson. She fetched the new “family member” and named him Ace. Her parents had both been fierce animal advocates and she grew up with pets they’d found and saved. Many of her best memories of childhood were wrapped in animal tales.

But Ace wasn’t like a lot of other strays.

“He was loved once,” says Charleson. He was well-mannered, happy, housebroken, and enjoyed car rides. After his health issues were addressed, he got along well with other dogs and with people.

What had happened to him that he’d ended up living in a culvert in a sketchy neighborhood?

While looking for Ace’s former owners, Charleson pondered that thought. Some dogs like to sneak out the door or under a fence for adventure. Others do it in fear. In any case, untold numbers of dogs go missing each year and, though there are ways to recover one that’s lost, some never return home again. It can happen to anyone.

Says Charleson, “Dogs don’t wander until they do.”

If you’re a pet lover, you know the panic you feel when your baby goes missing. It’s instant, helpless, urgent, and terrifying—all at once. Where the Lost Dogs Go can help make sure it doesn’t happen again. But lost-dog proofing advice isn’t all you’ll find here. Author Susannah Charleson writes about her parents who showed her compassion for animals and who couldn’t live with one another, but couldn’t live without one another, either. In her tales she includes her dog, Puzzle, which will please fans of her other works. It’s kind of like having a book wrapped in a book wrapped in explanations of how rescue groups work and how readers can ensure their pets make it home if they’re ever lost. That makes this story a valuable investment, one to read and save…just in case. If you don’t read Where the Lost Dogs Go, you’re missing out.

Activities

At the very least, a doggie daycare should offer indoor and outdoor playtime, but some have additional activities, including walks, one-on-one playtime with staff, training sessions and grooming. Usually, these come at an extra cost. Whether these additional activities and services are important depends on your dog. If you’re dog needs more activity or attention, take a close look at what the facility can offer.

Staff

The quality of the staff at a doggie daycare facility is just as important as its ratio to the dogs. Ask for a tour of the facility before you leave your dog and watch how the staff interacts with the animals. Are they engaged with the animals in the play yard or checking their Instagram feed? When you introduce your pet, are they genuinely interested in getting to know him?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) emphasizes it’s important to also ask how staff handles bad behavior (the facility should promote positive reinforcement versus punishment) and what kind of training staff has received.

“At bare minimum, the staff should be trained in basic care and safety procedures,” it states on the AKC’s website. “However, ideally, you’re looking for staff trained

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in animal behavior, including canine body language and warning signs of danger, stress or illness.”

Communication

You’ll also want to consider how the facility will communicate with you on a daily basis and in emergencies. At a bare minimum, expect some kind of feedback at the end of the day. Bonus points if the facility offers live webcams or daily Facebook photo albums. Emergencies can range from illness, injury, change in behavior or escape to natural disasters and utility outages. Make sure all staff has canine first aid training as well as multiple ways to contact you (your cell number, work number, family member’s contact information) no matter what the emergency.

Admission Process

A reputable (and responsible) doggie daycare doesn’t allow every dog into its program. Before welcoming your dog, they’ll want to assess him to make sure he’s a good candidate for doggie daycare and their facility is a good fit for him. Consider it a red flag if the daycare doesn’t have an admission process or do an assessment. Just as with boarding, you’ll be asked for vaccination records. Your dog will likely also be required to have had a recent physical exam. Then, staff will usually do an assessment to screen for aggressive behavior as well as to make sure their facility and the dogs currently in their daycare system are a match for your dog’s needs. After all, doggie daycare is more than just a place to leave your dog while you’re at work. It should be a place that enriches his life.

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