Our Pets

They listen to our problems withoutinterrupting. They amuse us with their playfulexuberance. Some of them even share a bedwith us, nuzzling next to us on these coldwinter nights.

They are our pets. What would we do withoutthem?

Some of our pets are extraordinary. Wilderwood ServiceDogs is a non-profit organization that trains working dogsto aid people with neurological issues, including childrenwith autism and adults with dementia.

Some of our pets are extreme. Slithering snakes, scalylizards and rare birds populate many homes throughoutSouthern Illinois.

“Snakes and lizards make good pets,” said Ron Kodie,owner of Ark Aquatics in Mount Vernon. “They like to behandled and they’re easy to clean up after. You’re notchasing after a snake with a pooper-scooper.”

Most of our pets can be classified somewhere betweenextraordinary and extreme. We will all classify our pets asthe best in Southern Illinois, if not the world – even if theymisbehave from time to time.

“People really do enjoy their pets more when they arewell-trained,” said longtime De Soto dog trainer Carol Ely.“Any animal can be trained.”

Ely knows from experience. She trains dogs through John A. Logan College’s continuing education program andhas trained more than 200 birds and a rooster.

Feathers or fur, good owners can’t imagine neglectingtheir pets or leaving them behind in ditches, garbage

cans or on the side of the road. But workers at localanimal shelters know that those incidents occur all

too often.“There are a lot of sad things that happen,but we have a lot of happy stories, too,” said

Penny South, manager of PAWS Place inAnna.

Inside this special section, you will findout how to help your local shelter, what todo in a pet emergency and how to makeyour dog an upstanding citizen of the

canine community.So grab your dog, cat or your

bearded lizard, curl up on the couchand enjoy.

— Joe Szynkowski

A SPECIAL SECTION FROM THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN � FEBRUARY 21, 2012

Page 22 Tuesday, February 21, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Our Pets

Ask the Veterinarian: Strange Pet BehaviorDr. Craig Smith, DVM, of Pet Wellness Center, PC in Marion answers your questions on your pet’s strange behavior.

Pet Owner Question: “My dog constantly chews and licks at his feet. I always thought this was just a nervous habit or maybe he was just bored. I can’t tell. Is this something I should be concerned about?”Dr. Smith: In short, yes. This behavior can be caused by something as simple as a punctured paw pad to something as severe as an autoimmune disease or canine cancer. However, the most common culprit is allergic skin disease. This behavior presents due to your dog’s allergic reaction to the environment or even to components of your dog’s food. The licking itself can cause yeast and bacteria to form that leads to secondary infections. It is very important to consult your pets’ veterinarian if you notice your pet excessively chewing or licking their body to get an accurate diagnosis. Otherwise, the pet’s quality of life will deteriorate.

Pet Owner Question: “I’ve always wondered why my dog kicks up grass after she has a bowel movement. Why does he do that?”Dr. Smith: Many pet owners with gaping holes in their lawns understand why you asked this question. While pet parents who love a well manicured lawn might be frustrated, medically speaking it is a completely normal dog behavior. Believe it or not, every member of the canine family (the fox, the wolf, the dingo, etc.) makes

an attempt to cover their waste. Not only is it a sanitary issue, it’s also territorial. When a dog makes the scratching motion into the dirt, the glands in a dog’s feet release pheromones. It’s a completely normal part of a dog’s life.

Pet Owner Question: “My 2-year-old cat Janie is so cute. She always sticks one paw in her water dish before she drinks. Can she not see the water? It’s cute, but I worry that she might be trying to tell me something. Help!”Dr. Smith: Though many people think cats despise water, if it’s not being aimed at them or causing them stress many cats actually enjoy it. While it isn’t likely that Janie is having vision problems at her age, she may be trying to tell you her water is less than fresh. Cats are very hygienic and love to have a clean, fresh environment. That’s why many cats prefer drinking directly from places we might not consider clean but have fl owing water like toilets. There are many different water bowls available that provide the same appeal to cats and can keep you from having to excessively refi ll her bowl.

Dr. Craig Smith, DVM, is the Senior Veterinarian at Pet Wellness Center, PC in Marion, Illinois. With over 25 years of veterinary experience, he and his staff have the skill and knowledge to keep your pets feeling their best. If you have a specifi c question about your pet to ask the veterinarian, please call (618) 993-2273 to speak with a staff member or e-mail Dr. Craig Smith directly at [email protected].

For more information, please visit www.petwellnesscenterpc.com.

Local Vet Weighs in On Feline ObesityBritney ClarkMARION -- More and more cats seem to be tipping the scales. Tiffany Harrison of Carterville and her cat, Ernie (pictured), have something in common with millions of Americans and their pets. Weighing in at 28 pounds, his condition was considered life threatening. Ernie needed to shed some weight. Through a prescribed diet from her veterinarian and playful exercise, Harrison helped her gray domestic short hair lose 11 pounds. “It’s like he is an entirely different cat,” Harrison said. “He is jumping on furniture and playing with the family more. It’s amazing.” Ernie is not alone in his weight loss journey. Craig Smith, DVM, of Pet Wellness Center, PC in Marion, said, “Feline obesity is the silent killer of cats. Many in the veterinary fi eld are referring to it as an epidemic.” “Obesity leads to diabetes and other conditions that are impossible for pet parents to recognize with their naked eye. That’s why it’s so crucial for veterinarians to see cats at least once a year so their pets don’t have to suffer because of something completely preventable.” Smith said overweight is defi ned as a body condition of 4 (out of 5) and obese as a body condition of 5 (out of 5), based on the Hill’s Pet Nutrition Body Condition Score Chart. “At Pet Wellness Center, we start nutrition counseling very early,” Smith said. “Diet has such an affect on a pet’s overall health that pet owners can’t afford to not pay attention. From kittens to mature cats, each life stage requires a specifi c diet to ensure proper nutrition.”Warning SignsSmith says cats our considered overweight when they display these symptoms: • The cats’ ribs are not easily palpable with a moderate covering of fat • Their waist is not defi ned

• Their abdomen is obviously rounded • They have a moderately large abdominal fat padHe said cats are considered obese when: • Their ribs are not palpable under a heavy covering of fat • They have heavy fat deposits on the back, face, and/or limbs • The abdomen is distended with no waist • They have a large abdominal fat pad

What causes the problem? Obesity in pets is caused by several different factors. Just like humans, sedentary lifestyles and high caloric intakes lay the foundation for extreme weight gain. Smith notes that “free choice/free feeding,” which means allowing cats (or dogs) a large supply of food constantly available throughout the day, is a major culprit for pet obesity. “Many cat parents would be shocked at the amount of food they have been feeding versus the amount needed to maintain a healthy weight especially if the cat has a low activity level,” Smith said. While dogs also have the same issues, they often get much more exercise. “Dogs are ready and willing to walk for miles. It’s just not always easy to engage a cat in an activity that interests them enough to provide physical benefi ts.”Risks from extra weight Obese cats not only carry extra weight, they carry a high risk of several different feline illnesses. Smith said these include diabetes mellitus, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, feline lower urinary tract disease, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), and respiratory diseases. Going under anesthesia is also much riskier when a cat has excess weight. “The bottom line is obese cats don’t get the type of lives they deserve. They deserve to spend as many happy, healthy years with their families as possible,” he said. To get specifi c information on your cat’s nutrition and preventative care, e-mail your questions to Pet Wellness Center at [email protected].

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BY JOE SZYNKOWSKIFOR THE SOUTHERN

Half of Ron Kodie’s job at Ark Aquaticsis talking people out of choosing thewrong kind of exotic animal.

“Some people think it’s cool or manly, Iguess, to come in and ask about gettingthe biggest snake we have,” Kodie said. “Ihad one guy want an anaconda one time.I told him that would outgrow him andhis house.”

Kodie and his wife, Andi, bought theMount Vernon pet store in September.Formerly Squak N Talk Pet Store, ArkAquatics specializes in selling exoticanimals such as pythons, bearded lizardsand many types of unique birds. Kodie

Exotic?Research is key to keeping you and your unique pet safe

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advises customers to dotheir research before settlingon an exotic pet.

“Some people don’t realizethat these animals can turnon you,” Kodie said. “Thesethings are still wild animals,no matter how manygenerations have been breedin captivity.”

For first-time snakeowners, Kodie recommendsthe ball python, which has amild temperamentcompared to a red-tailed boaor Burmese python.

“They are very docile andthey don’t mind beinghandled,” Kodie said.“They’re called ball pythonsbecause they curl up into aball. They won’t strike youall of the time like othersnakes.”

Kodie said most peopleinterested in owning theirfirst lizard are under theimpression they want aniguana. “People just don’tunderstand that they aregoing to get six feet long andmost of them end up with

bad temperaments,” he said.“They will whip you withthat tail and split you open.”

Kodie points peopletoward the less dangerousbearded dragon.

“They look really neat andthey only get to be about 18to 20 inches,” he said. “Theylike being handled and willsit on you. Their food needsare basic, too. They make allkinds of formulated dietsnow to make things easy on

pet owners if they don’twant to track down livefood.”

Ark Aquatics also servespeople looking fortarantulas, chinchillas,ferrets, guinea pigs andbirds. Kodie said there is aboost in popularity for petsyou can keep in anaquarium. “There is acertain ease of maintenancethat people are looking for,”he said. “And for peoplerenting their house orapartment, a lot of theseanimals usually aren’texcluded in the lease like adog or a cat.”

Clean-up is generallyeasier with an exotic pet,Kodie adds.

“For the snakes it’s acontained environment,” hesaid. “There isn’t as much tokeep up with, just changesome water and food.”

Kodie said some people are using snake — and fish —filled aquariums asconversation-starters intheir homes.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOA parakeet and a rabbit share acarrot snack at The ScienceCenter in Carbondale.


As a registered psychiatricnurse, Tiffany Denyer spent 15 years in hospitals treatingpeople with neurologicaldisabilities. She watched peoplesuffer from brain trauma,autism, emotional illness,dementia and Alzheimer’s. Shestruggled to accept the hit-and-miss medicinal treatments andtherapeutic approaches thatnever seemed to fully resonatewith her patients.

Away from work, Denyer hadbeen involved with dogs sinceher childhood. She trained themfor obedience and service, andtook them into nursing homes to visit the elderly. She felt first-hand the power of pettherapy.

“I remember saying, ‘Thisstuff really works,’” said theSteeleville native.

Denyer earned a canine studydegree in California and broughther newfound education andpassion back to Maryville, Tenn.,three hours east of Nashville.That’s where in 2005 shefounded Wilderwood ServiceDogs, which is the onlyorganization of its kind thataddresses the unique needs ofpeople diagnosed with AutismSpectrum Disorders.

“It is a result of my lifeexperiences as a nurse and as adog-lover,” Denyer said.

Wilderwood starts its servicedogs off as puppies, which spenda year with foster familieslearning basic behaviors andcommands. They then shift toWilderwood’s Illinois facility inWillisville – located 20 mileswest of Du Quoin in PerryCounty. Denyer describes thesix-kennel facility as “bootcamp,” where the dogs learn in-depth commands over thecourse of 20 weeks.

“We teach the dogs about 45 behaviors there,” Denyer said.“We have wonderful volunteerswho help us teach the dogs in an

outside training environment.”In Willisville, dogs are taught

behaviors such as “check” —requiring them to take their pawand interrupt a trembling hand.They are also taught to snuggledeep for pressure therapy thatcan sooth nerves and twitches.

“For people who are threats torun away often, the dogs aretrained to heard them or takethem down if they are headedinto traffic or toward a body ofwater,” Denyer said.

After learning the in-depthbehaviors, dogs go back toMaryville for one-one-one timewith trainers. They learn specialcommands in an environmentsimilar to the one they willencounter with their client. Thisis their final preparation before“graduating” and joining afamily.

“Graduation is without adoubt the best part,” Denyersaid. “That is what all of thetraining is all about. Realizingthe dog is going into a family andmaking a difference.”

Wilderwood uses acombination of rescue dogs,

owner-surrendered dogs andAmerican Kennel Club-registered dogs. They train avariety of breeds and sizes tomeet the individual needs oftheir clients.

“Dogs have to have fairly highenergy and high pain tolerance ifthey are going to a kid,” Denyersaid. “Kids pinch, poke, pushthem and jump on top of them.You have to have enough energyto keep up with the kid.

“We’re going to give a different dog to an older personwith dementia or a veteran with post-traumatic stressdisorder. We would need a dog tobe much more calm andcentered.”

Wilder-wood’s dogsare certifiedworkingserviceanimals,protectedunder theAmericanWithDisabilitiesAct andallowed in anyand all publicvenues,includingschools.

They require regular exerciseto keep up with the training thatthey receive at Wilderwood.

“What we ask these dogs to dois unnatural and can producestress for them,” Denyer said.

“A dog becomes balanced and alleviates stress byexercising.”

As Denyer looks to expand herorganization and touch morelives with her special dogs, shestays committed to her passionfor pet therapy.

“Our dogs help individualsgain independence,” Denyersaid. “They provide a love and support that is hard todescribe.”

Our Pets · The Southern Illinoisan Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Page 33

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HOW TO APPPLY FOR A WILDERWOOD SERVICE DOG

� Fill out and submit the online form at www.wilderwood.org.� Wait for your follow-up phone call from Wilderwood.� Fill out contract and mail to Wilderwood.� Wait for Wilderwood to train your specialized service dog; work through

ongoing materials and activities provided by Wilderwood. The average waitfor a service dog is about a year.

ACCOLADES� Wilderwood provided a service dog to a family who received a new

home from the ABC-hit television show ‘Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition.’

WILDERWOOD SERVICE DOGS1319 Tuckaleechee Trail, Maryville, TN 865-660-0095www.wilderwood.org [email protected]

Wilderwood ServiceDogs currentlyconducts the bulk of itsoperations in Maryville,Tenn., with a six-kennelfacility located 20 mileswest of Du Quoin inWillisville.

President TiffanyDenyer hopes to moveall operations toWillisville within two years and will soon be seeking helpfrom SouthernIllinoisans. The non-profit organizationtrains service dogs tohelp people withneurologicaldisabilities. It isrecruiting volunteersand will need fosterhomes to raise puppiesfrom six months to oneyear.

Commitment willinclude raising thepuppy as a mainlyindoor dog, socializingthem in yourcommunity, providingdog food and attendingWilderwood puppyclasses. For moreinformation visitwww.wilderwood.org.

— Joe Szynkowski

Wilderwood is looking

for foster homes for its puppies

At your service

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Wilderwood Service Dogs inWillisville trains dogs to helpchildren with autism and otherneurological disorders.



Local humane societiesand animal shelters arebursting at their seams,filled with surrendereddogs and abandoned catslooking to land withloving families. Dedicatedstaffs — comprisedmainly of volunteers —pour long hours into theirpassion to ensure thatevery animal is clean, fedand healthy while it waitsto find a permanenthome.

It is a heartstring-tugging reality, one thatisn’t going away any timesoon. “We’re always full,”said Penny South,manager of PAWS Place inAnna. “Once one isadopted, there are 10more trying to get in thatspot.”

Pet adoption is an uphillbattle, but good luck

finding a local shelterwaving the white flag.Watching a once-neglected shelteranimal transform into apet is worth the work,sweat and tears forthese advocates.

“If you didn’t havemore success storiesthan failures, then youcouldn’t stand to do itanymore,” South said.“There are a lot of sadthings that happen, butwe have a lot of happy

BEFORE YOU ADOPTDo your research: Potential

adopters are urged to knowwhat type of animal theywant to take home. Breed,size, age and temperamentare a few factors toconsider.

Be patient: Most sheltersare understaffed andworking hard to care forthe animals in theirfacilities. The applicationprocess could take time, asshelter staff is mostconcerned with finding theright fit for their animals.

Stay aware: Shelters andhumane societies conductvarious pet adoptionevents at local pet storesthroughout the year. Callyou local organization orfind them online for moreinformation on upcomingevents.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOFonz, a shepherd mix, looks out of his kennel at Perry County Humane Society in Du Quoin.

Pet adoption ‘Some people thinkyou will get a morewell-breed dog frombreeders or a petstore, but most timesit’s quite theopposite.’

PENNY SOUTHMANAGER OF PAWS PLACE IN ANNA

An easy way to save a life and add a friend


Support Your Local Humane Shelters

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To see color photos of all our candidates in our Cutest Pet Contest, please go to

www.thesouthern.com/petcontestwww.thesouthern.com/petcontest and vote for your favorites

through 4:00 on Wednesday, March 7th.

Looking for an opportunity to get involved atyour local animal shelter? Most organizationsare volunteer-based, offering you the chance todevote your valuable time to a worthy cause.Volunteer duties may include walking dogs,playing with cats, answering phones andcleaning the facility.

Many shelters are in need of monetarydonations throughout the year, as well. So you ifyou are short on time, your contribution couldgo a long way toward new supplies andoperating expenses. Below is a list of someSouthern Illinois shelters that would love towelcome you aboard.

Humane Society of Southern IllinoisHumane Society of Southern Illinois is a private,

non-profit organization that was founded in 1956. Thefacility offers a variety of services, including low-costspay and neutering, animal adoptions and lost-and-found listings.

95 Humane Road, Murphysboro618-457-2362www.humanesocietysil.org

St. Francis CARESt. Francis Community Animal Rescue and

Education is a volunteer animal welfare organizationdedicated to rescuing lost, unwanted and abandonedpets. Check its website for profiles of adoptable pets.

6228 Country Club Road, Murphysboro618-687-2079www.stfrancis-care.org/

PAWS PlacePets Are Worth Saving cares for dogs, cats and

horses. Check the shelter’s website for its updated petof the week or to read its ‘Happy Tails’ section forsuccess stories submitted by adopters.

139 East Vienna Street, Anna618-833-3647pawspaws.org

Perry County Humane SocietyAlong with providing adoption services, the staff of

this Du Quoin shelter offers the community free pet-training advice and assistance.

8365 State Route 4, Du Quoin618-542-3647www.perrycountyhumanesociety.com

Marion Regional Humane SocietyMarion’s long-running shelter works with local law

enforcement agencies to provide safety to the publicinvolving animals and is focused on increasing publicawareness for the care of sheltered animals.

2410 Dylan Drive, Marion 618-964-9999marionrhs.org

Lend a hand to your local shelterstories, too.”

With the help of extensiveonline galleries andcooperative shelter employees,people looking to adopt petshave a bevy of tools at theirdisposal to find the rightanimal. In fact, Southrecommends that potentialadopters conduct someresearch before they evenenter the shelter doors.

“We want people to do lookinto what breeds they wantand find the right pet for theirfamily,” she said. “For dogs,find out if they will be activeor laid back, and also find outthe size they will grow to be.Also, people with allergies willwant to find breeds that don’tshed as much.”

The adoption process can bequite thorough becauseshelters take the time to makesure their animals andpotential adopters are a goodmatch. “We’re trying to findpeople who are going to takecare of them, keep up on theirinoculations and tend to theirhealth-care needs,” Southsaid. “We like for our dogs andcats to be part of the family.”

For people who havepreviously owned pets,shelters will check in with pastveterinarians. They alsoreserve the right to request ahome visit to avoid sending ananimal into a dangeroussituation.

PAWS Place will not allowone of its cats to be adopted bya family that plans on keepingit outside.

Most shelters require anadoption fee. South said thefee is a bargain whenconsidering the perks thatcome with a shelter pet — at 6 months old, animals havealready been spayed orneutered, have hadvaccinations and been micro-chipped.

“We do a lot to make surethese animals are adoptable,”South said. “We’re looking forpeople to take care of theiranimals. This isn’t a newblouse you wear for a year andtoss it out. Pets are like yourchildren and you want thesefamilies to have a commitmentto the animals.”

to slightly feel each rib, awaist and at least a slighthipbone.”

If a dog in Ely’s class isoverweight, she is upfront with the pet’sowners about the need tocut out some treats andadd an exercise routine.

“People don’t realizethat even a simple thinglike a crooked sit isattributed to a dog beingoverweight,” Ely said.

“That is where theimportance of agilitytraining comes in.”

Ely advises dog ownersto take charge of whatevertraining issue is in need ofhelp — whether it isweight, obedience oragility.

“Dogs have to learn toadapt to people. Peopleshould not have to adapt to the dog,” shesaid.

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOCarol Ely (right) instructs dog owners on leash control during a beginner's dog obedience class at the MarionArmory.



Are you going hoarseand losing patience tryingto train your new dog?Save your breath and calmdown, says longtime dogtrainer Carol Ely.

“Dogs read bodylanguage. That is theirform of communication,”Ely said. “To teach a dognot to jump, we never putour hands on the dog orscream at the dog. Weturn our back and ignore.”

Ely offers many tips ofthe training trade throughher John A. Logan Collegecontinuing educationcourses focused on dogobedience andsocialization. She offersdifferent levels of trainingand private sessionsdepending on how muchdog owners are hoping toaccomplish.

“I cover the basics ofdental care, basic

grooming, nail clipping,weight … everything isrelated,” Ely said.

Ely is a longtime animallover who spent manyyears training her ownpets. She enjoyed teachingher dogs how to fetch thenewspaper or track downa specific scent. But dogsare not all Ely knows. Shehas also trained hundredsof birds and a rooster.

“You can train any kindof animal,” Ely said.“They all want to learn.You just have to put in alittle extra time. You can’tjust expect a puppy tocome to your home andalready understand therules. That is unrealistic.Dogs want to learn, but itis up to us to teach them.”

One area that petowners might want toturn their attention to isanimal obesity. Too manytable scraps and notenough exercise havecombined to make more

than 50 percent of catsand dogs overweight orobese, according to theAssociation for PetObesity Prevention. Asmore research is directedtoward pet health, Elystresses the importance offitness and agilitytraining.

Overweight and obesepets are at higher risk fordiabetes, joint pain, highblood pressure and otherweight-related diseasesand injuries, Ely says.

“Too much weight is sostressful on the joints andthe bones,” Ely said.“When you feel a dog’sbody you should be able

Trainer talkTake the time to turn your dog into a quality canine citizen

‘Dogs have to learn toadapt to people. Peopleshould not have toadapt to the dog.’

CAROL ELYDOG TRAINER

Don’t have the time to attend dog-training classes? Here’s a fun game fromdog trainer Carol Ely that will teach yourpooch discipline and scent skills.Remember, she says, the key to anysuccessful training session is all about

demanding your dog’s full attention.� Using hand signals, order your dog

to sit and stay� Out of your dog’s view, hide

dog treats alongside furniture and in challenging, but not

impossible-to-find spots� Using hand signals, order your dog to

find the treats� Praise your dog every time a treat is

found

Here’s a fun game that teaches, too

THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOJosh Lemons rewards hisdog, Bailie, with a treatduring a dog obedience class.

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It is almost April, andthat means one thing forEarlene Shelley. Herbooth at the Carbondalefarmers’ market will soonbe hounded by hungrypooches craving herhomemade treats.

It’s a Saturday tradition.“They know the spot.

It’s hilarious to see thedogs pulling theirowners,” Shelley said.

Shelley’s recipe book,“Earl’s Pearls DoggieDrooling Treats,” hashelped boost her businessin Carbondale andbeyond. She averages 35 to 40 regularcustomers every Saturdayat the farmers’ market,requiring her to producemore than 500 treats perweek. Shelley hopes todevote more time to hergrowing business whenshe retires as officemanager of CarbondaleDentist Group this spring.

“I don’t sit down afterwork, I go straight intothe kitchen,” said Shelley,explaining how shebalances her busyschedule. “If I sit down, I

won’t get back up.”Shelley’s recipe book

offers more than 75snacks for dogs of all sizesand appetites.

“This year I’ve gottenmore business than everin the off-season, whichis December throughMarch, probably mostlythanks to the book,” shesaid.

Earl’s Pearls is abusiness that Shelleyformed out of herlongtime hobby. She hadoften given treats tofriends’ pets asChristmas gifts. Thenduring a trip toIndianapolis, Shelley andher daughter came acrossthe popular Three DogBakery. That trip inspiredher to get serious abouther business.

She began baking andbagging treats to sellSaturday mornings withthe goal of selling $50 intreats each week at thefarmers’ market. She lefther first Saturday with$75 in sales.

Carbondale CityCouncilman ChrisWissmann and hisGerman WirehairedPointer, Cappy, are

longtime customers ofEarl’s Pearls.

“When it’s market day,Cappy knows exactlywhere Earl’s Pearls is,”Wissmann said. “I like tolet her lead me.”

If it were up to Cappy,the farmers’ marketwould take place everyday of the week.

“Sometimes she willwant to go on a walk atmidnight or one in themorning,” Wissmannsaid. “Invariably, she willlead me over to where thefarmers’ market is andshe will lay down whereEarl’s Pearls boothbelongs. She’s verydespondent when shefinds out she won’t begetting treats.”

It’s easy to see whyCappy and other dogs

keep coming back formore. Shelley uses simpleingredients with nopreservatives to make themost natural dog treatspossible. She also leavesout foods that can harmdogs, such as raisins,white sugar andchocolate.

Treats with bacon,cheese or peanut butterflavors are the first to go,Shelley said. “I make abiscotti with honey,peanut butter andbananas,” she said. “Iswear it tastes just likebanana nut bread.”

Shelley’s dogs, DaisyMay and McKensie, areher “quality controlteam.”

“The dog I had before,she had to go on a diet,”Shelley said. “These twodogs get only four or fivetreats a week. That’s thething. Some customershave had to back off alittle bit for their dogsbecause there’s nothinglow sugar about mytreats.”

With so many tastyingredients, it is notuncommon for Shelley tohear dog owners admit toa taste test or two.

“Hey, some of them I’veeaten, too,” she said,laughing.


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THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTOEarlene Shelley show her new dog treat cookbook to customerMike Vance of Carbondale at the Farmer's Market.

DETAILSEarlene Shelley’s recipe

book, “Earl’s PearlsDoggie Drooling Treats,”is available at Day Shift,Bookworm andNeighborhood Co-Op inCarbondale. From Aprilto November, Shelleyalso sells her book atthe Carbondale farmer’smarket.

Godiva’s Cinnamon Crunch

1 package flour tortillas 1/2 cup cornmeal1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon cinnamon3 tablespoons milk

Cut tortillas into wedges or strips. Beat eggs and milktogether and brush over tortillas. Mix cornmeal andcinnamon; sprinkle over tortillas. Bake at 325 for 20minutes. Tortillas should be crunchy.

– Earlene Shelley

MMoorree oonnlliinnee:: tthheessoouutthheerrnn..ccoomm//wweebblliinnkkssA local vet’s guide to pet emergencies

With a few rules, dogs and offices can mix wellMoving in together? Take your time combining pets


ArtStart’s Amatuer Production of: CATS Music By ANDREW LLOYD WEBBERBased on “Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats” By T.S. ELIOT

First performance at The New London Theatre, London May 11,1981 presented by Cameron Mackintosh and The Realty Useful Theatre Co. Limited

Originally presented in America by The Shubert Organization, Cameron Mackintosh, The Realty Useful Company and

David Geffen Original Broadway production Directed by Trevor Nunn Associate Directed and Choreography by Giltan Lynne

Designed by John Napier Orchestration by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber

MEEMEE-Y-YOW!OW! Don’t let your cat beDon’t let your cat be just anothe just another dog.r dog.

Pet Wellness Center will be meowing the entire month of March!

We make it easy AND relaxing for you and your cat to receive quality,

affordable healthcare in a STRESS FREE environment!

• Nose-To-Tail Physical Examination• Lifestyle Appropriate Feline Vaccinations• Deworming Treatment• Flea AND Parasite Control• Complimentary Nail Trim• 2 Reserved Tickets to ArtStart’s Production

“CATS” playing March 31st!

Just 30 minutes may add YEARS to your cat’s life.

(618) 993-2273(618) 993-2273

8257 Express Drive, Marionwww.petwellnesscenterpc.com

Less than $10 a month for a year of care

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