The Barking Cat December 2013 Issue.3

Cat

The

Details on pages 3

Ask the Vet with Dr. Andre

Pit Bull “Elle” 2013 Hero Awards Winner

What’s in Your Pet’s Food?

Top 5 K9 Behavior Myths

PiPPy is available for adoption at M.A.I.N. Please email [email protected] for more information!

Cover Photo provided by M.A.I.N.

(Medical Animals in Need)

Got Holiday Cards? We do!See Page 2 for Cards from M.A.I.N. on Sale Now!

4 ............How Gabriel’s Angels Benefits Our Community

5 .............Products That Will Have Your Dog Dancing

6 .............Pit Bull Named Year’s Top “American Hero Dog”

7 .............Ask the Vet with Dr. Andre

9 .............Products That Make Your Cat Meow

10–11 .....Investigative Report What is in your Pet’s Food?

12 ...........Calianna’s Rescue Corner

13 ...........December Local Events

14 ...........Trainer Tidbits with David Sanderson

Owner & PublisherDestiny Zivica

EditorLyndsey Battles

Creative DirectorMisty Voitovski

Contributing WritersDr. Katharine Andre, Tom Krepitch, David Michael Sanders

Contributing PhotographersDawn Allen Photography, Dreamcicle Studios, Ally Glowacki, Dawn Hamm Photography, M.A.I.N. (Medical Animals in Need), pauseimage.net

Contact Us:[email protected](480) 861-0777www.thebarkingcataz.com

Visit our website for distribution locations.

© Copyright 2013 The Barking Cat, LLC

Destiny with Calianna

Lyndsey with Darcy

Misty with Chloe and Rocky

Cat

The

thebarkingcataz.comDecember 20132

(480) [email protected]

freedomtailsanimalrescue.org

ADOPTION EVENTS at Petsmart (Gilbert Rd. & Germann Rd.)• Friday: 5pm–9pm• Saturday: 11am–3pm• 2nd and 4th Sundays: 11am–3pm

Find us on Facebook!

Saving Souls Dog Rescuewww.savingsoulsrescue.com • 480-281-1814

Photo donated by Dawn Allen Photography

Stitch is a 3 year old Labrador/Pit bull mix that was found roaming the streets of Phoenix as a pup and picked up by a caring stranger. His left eye was badly damaged and with few options he was turned into a shelter. There they removed and stitched up his ruined eye and 1 month later the same stranger that turned him in picked him back up. Shortly after Stitch was adopted he began having seizures and was diagnosed with Valley Fever. The veterinarian prescribed some meds that he continues to take daily so that he can eventually overcome the disease, but unfortunately the continued seizures had damaged Stitch’s remaining eye and left him with very limited vision. Stitch has now been in foster for over 1 ½ years and overcome some amazing obstacles. He is a very mellow and sweet couch potato (though he enjoys playing with his toys, especially tennis balls) and does well with kids and most dogs. He is potty trained, a non-barker, and rarely chews non-doggie approved items so long as he knows where to find his toys. Stitch does tend to bump into people, dogs, and things because of his limited vision, but adjusts to new environments fairly quickly. If Stitch sounds like he may be a good fit for your family please contact Saving Souls Dog Rescue at 406.281.1814 or 480.329.3019. You can also email us and/or fill out an adoption application at www.savingsoulsrescue.com

Denny is available for adoption at M.A.I.N. Please visit medicalanimalsinneed.com for more information!

thebarkingcataz.com 3December 2013

PET ADOPTIONS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013 at 10am

Call 480-609-3978 or visit www.12krun.com

A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS

TO BENEFIT

Santa’s Pet VillagePrizes! Best Decorated EntryRun in a sea of Santas!Christmas Bazaar

Chip-timed 12k & 6k Run1.2k Santa Sled Run

Prizes! Best CostumeFree Christmas Caroling

Freestone District Park • Gilbert, Arizona(SE corner of Lindsay and Juniper, Just south of Guadalupe)

R E G I S T E R T O D A Y !


The History of Gabriel’s AngelsGabriel’s Angels is Arizona’s only organization dedicated to delivering healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children, in order to nurture their emotional development. Today, Gabriel’s Angels has more than 155 pet therapy teams that serve 13,000 children every year, but it all began with one remarkable dog in 2000 – a Weimaraner named Gabriel.

Pam Gaber, founder of Gabriel’s Angels, adopted young Gabriel at around the same time she began volunteering at Crisis Nursery, where she met weekly with chil-dren with emotional challenges. In these meetings, Pam would discuss Gabriel with the kids, who continually expressed interest in the latest news. Noting that the children knew a great deal about a dog they had never actually met, Pam asked to bring Gabriel to that year’s Christmas party.

When Gabriel made his first appearance at Crisis Nursery – dressed as one of Santa’s reindeer – the children were thrilled. Suddenly, any signs of anger or violent tendencies in the children that had been visible in earlier meetings were gone. Their fear and anger replaced with peace and joy, the children happily interacted with Gabriel and, in a way that human beings simply hadn’t been able to, Gabriel made instant, positive connec-tions with the kids.

On the ride home, Pam sensed that something special had just happened (and, I suspect, Gabri-el did, too) and decided that the magic created that day couldn’t be just a one time thing. The inspiration for Gabriel’s Angels had been found.

The Benefits of Gabriel’s AngelsIn recent years, a great deal of research has been published that confirms a strong link

between violence against animals and violence against humans. We now know that people who commit violent acts against other people are more likely to have participated in violence against children and animals. Often, the individuals who participate in violence were exposed to similar acts while they were young children, either as witnesses or ac-tual victims themselves.

Children raised in abusive and/or neglectful households learn that violence and threats of violence are normal parts of life. Exposure to acts of abuse or neglect can lead to seri-ous depression and feelings of hope-

lessness because there appears to be no escape from that way of life. The emotional toll on these children can lead to severe emotional issues like withdrawal and anxiety. If the problems are not addressed, the cycle of violence can continue into the next generation.

Gabriel’s Angels attempts to break that cycle and to help heal emotional wounds by using “animal assisted ac-tivities” to bring at-risk children into contact with therapy animals. These activities range from simple activities like petting and brushing a therapy dog to more complex tasks like listen-ing to a dog’s heartbeat with a stethoscope and learning canine anatomy. Activities are designed to develop seven core competencies among at-risk children: attach-

ment/trust, self regulation, respect, empathy, affiliation, awareness, and tolerance. As these competencies are developed, the children grow emotionally and begin to overcome their per-sonal challenges.

My Experience with Gabriel’s AngelsTwice a month, I meet up with Chai and her hu-man companion Nancy, to visit with a group of young children. Each visit is a wonderful experi-ence, but I will always remember our first time to-gether. That morn-ing, at the end of our hour together, the children all sat in a circle around Chai and took turns petting her. The young-est child, around nine months old and too young to crawl, sat quietly watching. After all of the other children had had a chance to pet her, Chai slowly got up, kept her head and body as low as she could, and walked slowly to the young boy. The closer she got, the bigger the child’s smile grew and when Chai give the boy a big lick on the face,

the child’s face lit up like none I had ever seen. It was a magical moment and con-firmation that there truly is a special bond between animals and children.

Since that day, I have seen the bonds among our little group grow. Simply by showing up twice a month, as we promise, we show that, in addition to the people who work at the group home, there are other adults who the children can trust and depend on. Of course, we know that Chai is the star of the show…but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Gabriel would be proud.

Contact: Gabrielsangels.org

Pathways Home Animal Rescue Contact Sue at (602) 481-3498

[email protected]

Find Us On

“Helping Lost Pets Find Their

Way Home” Fluffies, Scruffies, & Terriers

Petsmart (Scottsdale & Frank Lloyd Wright)Every Sunday, 2nd & 4th Saturdays

of every month

Petsmart (Fountain Hills, Shea Blvd.)1st & 3rd Saturdays

of every month

How Gabriel’s angels Benefits Our Community By Tom Krepitch

Gabriel

Chai

Micah

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS/FOSTER HOMES

1102 W. HatcherPhoenix, AZ 85021

Open to the Public Tue–Sat 10-5pm

FIND A LOVING FRIEND TODAY!No Kill/Non Profit 501c3 Shelter

www.azsmalldog.org

ProduCts tHat Will Have your doGReviews on Current and New Dog Products on the Market

Sam’S YamSSweet Potato Dog ChewThese treats are all natural slabs of dehydrated 100% sweet potatoes that contain no wheat gluten, which is a common

allergen. Great for Senior Dogs with sensitive gums or teeth, and they are fantastic as a dental chew.

Top 10 Reasons Sam’s Yams Beats Rawhide1. Almost dogs love the flavor of sweet potatoes.2. Hardness and patent-pending design helps clean teeth and gums.3. Eliminates fears of rawhide impaction or throat lodging.4. High in fiber; fiber dramatically improves digestive health.5. High in the “fido-nutrients” that your dog needs: Vitamin A, B6, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin.6. Will not stain carpet; no foul odors.7. Helps meet the need for 35% vegetables and fruit in the canine diet.8. Low in calories but high in anti-oxidants.9. Sweet potatoes are the #1 ranked vegetable.10. No highly processed anything, such as wheat gluten, corn, starch, plastics, polymers, animal byproducts, animal digest or rendered animal meat or fat—just a pure sweet potato.

we FounD it atamazon.Com $3.99, 1 lb.

Plato organiC ChiCken The best part of this product is that it is 90% organic chicken, & made in the USA. The ingredients are all natural with antioxidant vitamins, and zinc. They contain no meat by products or meat meals. www.platopettreats.com

we FounD it atWaG n’ WasH $ 9.99, 6 oz.

DermagiC organiC Skin reSCue ShamPoo Bar

We had a lot of fun on this product review and tested this on our own Fur Kids. This product is organic, gentle and effective on the sensitive skin of puppies, and dogs of all ages. This product has been awarded Editors’ Choice 2011 by Pet Product News, and was chosen the #1 Retailers Pick for Grooming

Products for the entire year! In 2010, they were named Best Skin Care Product by Dog News Daily and winner of Best Product by Fido Friendly Magazine!

“If your dog has skin problems, like hot spots, itchy skin, mange, alopecia X, or yeast infections, this amazing organic shampoo bar utilizes sulfur and Neem oil to naturally kill yeast, fungus, fleas, mites, and bacteria, while giving your pet a refreshing exfoliating cleansing that rinses squeaky clean. The Skin Rescue Bars contain no preservatives, nor sulfates, nor harsh chemicals, providing the perfect first step to restoring your dog’s skin to good health”. (Dermagic, 2013)

This product is non-toxic, biodegradable, free from artificial dyes, fragrances, and pH-balanced for a cat’s special needs. All of the shampoo bars are handmade in the Pacific Northwest with organic vegetable oils utilizing green manufacturing processes. The Dermagic brand has different scents and products, a few of them are: Chamomile/Sage (fresh), Rosemary/Lavender (calm), or Peppermint/Tea Tree Oil (deep cleanse). They also come in different formulas such as : flea shampoo, skin rescue.

we FounD it atsmelly doG $ 14.99, 3.75 oz.

Chopper

(left) and Venicia

are available for

adoption at M.A.I.N.

Please email

medicalanimalsinneed

@gmail.com

for more

information!

5thebarkingcataz.com December 2013

Pit bull named year’s toP “ameriCan Hero doG”at tHe 2013 ameriCan Humane assoCiation

Hero doG aWardsTM

The nation’s top therapy dog, a pit bull named Elle (pronounced Ellie) from Roanoke Rapids, North Caro-

lina who helps teach children about dog safety, reading, and overcoming preju-dice and stereotypes – something a pit bull knows too much about – has been named this year’s “American Hero Dog” at the 2013 American Humane Associa-tion Hero Dog AwardsTM. Elle and her human companion Leah Brewer were presented with the nation’s top honors last night at the star-studded Hero Dog Awards gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The awards are present-ed by the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., broadcast nationally on Hallmark Channel, and produced by Emmy® award-winning MRB Productions.

Elle is saving lives by teaching children dog safety (more than 2 million chil-dren are bitten by dogs each year) and making positive life changes for people by helping them overcome their fear of dogs. Since becoming a volunteer, Elle started a therapy dog reading pro-gram called “Tail Wagging Tales,” help-ing children enjoy books and improve their reading skills. Elle is also making a difference by creating happiness all around while visiting her friends at an

elementary school, a middle school, and a retirement home. Elle also reaches out to educate families about being respon-sible pet parents, sharing stories about her job as a therapy dog, and spread-ing positive awareness about dogs that are misunderstood, including pit bulls. This year’s therapy dog category spon-sor, as well as the online sponsor, is the leading animal health company, Zoetis. Elle’s charity partner, which will receive $6,500 in financial support from the Hero Dog Awards, is the nonprofit orga-nization, Hand in Paw.

The Hero Dog Awards were created to celebrate the powerful relationship between dogs and people and rec-ognize extraordinary acts of heroism performed by ordinary dogs. During a nationwide search over the course of six months, 141 dogs from all across the country were nominated and more than a million votes were cast by the Ameri-can public, culminating in the selection of eight extraordinary canine finalists.

“The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards were created to honor some of the most extraordinary heroes the world has ever known, the very best of our ‘best friends’ – ordinary

dogs who do extraordinary things,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Association. “These courageous canines have gone above and beyond the call of duty, saving lives on the battlefield, comforting the ill, aged and afflicted, bringing hope to those who have lost it and reminding us of the powerful, age-old bond between animals and people. Choosing a top dog is difficult because they are all so terrific, but we are proud to announce Elle as the top American Hero Dog for 2013. As an organization that for years has fought breed-specific legislation (BSL), we are also pleased to honor a breed that has been often been unjustly maligned. We hope that Elle’s story will help to underscore the many tremen-dously positive qualities of this breed.”

The winner is chosen through a combi-nation of public votes and voting by a panel of animal advocates and celebrity judges including Victoria Stilwell, Kristin Chenoweth, Candy Spelling, Miranda Lambert, Dr. Marty Becker, Michelle Forbes, Megyn Price, Prince Lorenzo Borghese, Blake Koch, Tara Harper, Jer-ry Means, Nancy Otte, Michael Hingson, Shara Strand, Maria Milito, and Ashley Rhodes-Courter.

story continued on page 15

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Therapy Dog “Elle” Teaches Children About Dog Safety, Reading, and Overcoming Prejudice


Dr. Katharine AndreShe’s one of those vets who knew she always wanted to be a vet. At Kansas State University, she became involved in wildlife rehabilitation, raising ferrets, and working for a crisis intervention hotline. She graduated from KSU in 1986, and fled the Midwest with 200 pounds of dogs in a mini-pick-up. Shortly after, she owned a small animal practice in Phoenix. Knowing she always had a passion for animal rescue work, Dr. Andre opened her heart and her hospital to rescue organizations all over the valley. Thanks to her amazing work, Bethany Animal Hospital has treated hundreds of rescued animals and continues to do so. She currently shares her home with 4 french bulldogs, 1 american bulldog mix, 4 cats, a turtle, a duck and a few ponds with beautiful koi fish.

“I feel very lucky to be doing what I love, loving what I do, and slowly but surely making strides to make Bethany Animal Hospital into all I dream it can be.” -Katharine Andre D.V.M.

To become a client of Bethany Animal Hospital, please contact 602-242-1657 or visit us online at www.bethanyanimalhospital.com for more information!

Therapy Dog “Elle” Teaches Children About Dog Safety, Reading, and Overcoming Prejudice


Q WhY DO DOGS EAT ThEIR OWN POOP?A. Coprophagia – the medical term for “eating feces”- is probably a normal behavior in evolutionary history. Mama dogs lick their puppies to stimulate

defecation for the first three weeks and then continue to ingest puppy poop to keep the den clean. They don’t have to protect their den from predators when they are safely tucked into your bedroom closet: their behavior is instinctive. As puppies get older and more ambulatory they see mom eating feces and may mimic her behavior. After all, don’t puppies put everything in their mouths? “Look! Something new! Can I eat it? Can I play with it? “ So eating poop is considered a normal puppy behavior, and MOST puppies outgrow the behavior before adulthood. When an adult dog is eating feces, the majority of veterinarians will approach the situation as a behavioral problem once medical reasons such as parasites and malnutrition have been ruled out.

QWhAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?A. Step 1 – make an appointment for the dog with your veterinarian and take a fresh fecal sample with you to the

appointment for testing. The doctor should evaluate the patient’s weight and may suggest a feeding schedule and amount. Some dogs need to eat more frequently than others. Sometimes a change in diet is recommended. Once it’s been determined that your pet is not eating feces for a “medical” reason, we start looking for ways to modify the undesirable behavior.

The most important thing you can do to keep your dog from eating poop is to prevent access to the poop! At first you may have to clean up immediately after each and every bowel movement. Once you have prevented the behavior from occurring for a long period of time, the tendency to eat poop may tend to fade, and the earlier you start the process of breaking the habit, the less time it generally takes to extinguish the behavior. Some people advocate the use of things like pineapple, MSG (meat tenderizer), and compounds like Forbid, which are added to the food. The goal is to make the poop taste bad. Really? Perhaps they make the poop taste worse. Others swear by booby-trapping piles of poop by covering them with hot sauce, powdered wasabi, pop rocks (no kidding), etc. Fecal condiments. Yuck. These techniques do work in a percentage of dogs, but they aren’t 100% effective. Finally, if your veterinarian feels as if the coprophagia may be related to separation anxiety or obsessive or compulsive disorders, medications may be prescribed along with behavior modification exercises.

For more information on how to train your dog NOT to eat poop, veterinarypartner.com has a good article entitled “Eating Dog Feces” which describes one simple training technique in detail.


Please check out my youth, teen & adult skincancer awareness website to learn more

information and facts.

skincancerprotection.orgGirl Scout Gold Award Project

Remember to always protect your skin fromthe harmful effects of the sun when you are outside

with your pets. They need you to stay safe and healthy so that you can continue to care for them.

Find Us On Facebook!

E-List Dog Rescue and

Arcadia Dog Adoptions

Are you interested in fostering and/or volunteering?Please contact us at

(623) 428-9119and check us out online:

www.animalrescuefriends.org

ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS

501 C3 Charitable Organization

ADOPTION EVENTS EVERY WEEKEND!

See website for times and locations.

Find us on Facebook &

Twitter!

One Dog At A Time

Pit Bull Mix

3 years old

Featured adoPtaBle dog oF the Month

Enriching the lives of families, one dog at a time.

odatrescueaz.wix.com/one-dog-at-a-time

[email protected]

Adopt • Foster • Donate shadow

www.rescuenetworkaz.org /RescueNetworkAZ

Always looking for volunteers and rescue partners!

Adopt a

rescue dog, and

gain a new and

loyal friend!

Rescue Network of Arizona (RNA) provides adoption events and transport services for local animal rescue partners & independent rescuers.

Every weekend we host pet adoption events at the following locations:

Saturday and Sunday: 11am - 4pm • Petco at I-17 & Happy Valley Road2501 West Happy Valley Road, Phoenix AZ 85027

Saturday: 11am - 4pm • Petco at Tatum & Bell Road4727 East Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032

Saturday: 11am - 4pm • Petco at Scottsdale Pavillions8910 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale AZ 85250

ProduCts tHat make your CatReviews on Current and New Cat Products on the Market

weruva Blue water whiteFiSh Cat treatSWeruva Blue Water Whitefish Cat Treats are made from 100% grain free, freeze dried whitefish. These tasty treats will provide your pet with a high protein, low carbohydrate treat. Since there is only 1 ingredient (whitefish), these treats can be fed to both dogs and cats. What we loved about

this product is that it only has one ingredient pure protein Whitefish.

we FounD it atWaG n’WasH & HeartyPet.Com $9.49-12.99, 0.90 oz.

DermagiC roSemarY ShamPoo Bar For FelineSWhere do we start…. This product is Organic, gentle and effective on the sensitive skin of cats & Kittens. DERMagic Rosemary Shampoo Bar for Felines is gentle, deep cleansing, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. This Bar has so many features they wouldn’t even fit in our review. Added Bonuses: helps reduce flakiness, soft skin and fur,help improve blood circulation, moisturize hair and skin, and prevent hair loss. This soap bar produces an amazingly thick and rich lather, and we were pleasantly surprised how easy it was to lather up.

This product is non-toxic, biodegradable, free from artificial dyes, fragrances, and pH-balanced for a cat’s special needs. All of the shampoo bars are handmade in the Pacific Northwest with organic vegetable oils utilizing green manufacturing processes. They come in a variety of scents; Lavender & Rosemary, chamomile & Sage, and Rosemary Feline shampoo bar.

we FounD it atamazon.Com $10.75, 3.5 oz.

SPot Pet laSer 12 in 1 The new Laser Toy from KONG helps facilitate interactive play sessions that help strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Let’s face it , its just fun to play with. Your cat & kittens will love this. Simply point the bright laser at a floor (Never in eyes or face) or wall and let your cat chase and attempt to capture its elusive prey.

we FounD it atPet Club (sHea blvd.,in sCottsdale) $5.99

Stella & ChewY’S tummY tiCklin’ turkeY Freeze DrieD Dinner Jam-packed with delicious, cage-free turkey, this meal is as healthy as your cat can get! It?s a freeze-dried meal but don?t let that deter you?it?s simple to serve. Just rehydrate with warm water, mix and your cat has a meal that will make him/her swoon! This is perfect for meal times, trips, vacations, or emergency kits as it is freeze dried and has a longer shelf life.

we FounD it atPet Club (sHea blvd., insCottsdale) $1.99, 0.8 oz.

Madison is

available for

adoption at Phoenix

Paws & Claws

(623) 979-4134

phoenixpaws

andclaws.com

Brook isavailable for adoption at Calico Lady Kitten Rescue (480) [email protected]


What’s in your dog & cat food ingredient list is a major key to what’s really in that bag or can. Ingredients must be listed

in descending order of weight. The ingredient names are legally defined. For instance, “meat” refers to only cows, pigs, goats and sheep, and only includes specified muscle tissues. Detailed definitions are published in AAFCO’s Official Publication, revised annually, but can also be found in many places online. The guaranteed analysis provides a very general guide to the composition of the food. Crude protein, fat, and fiber, and total moisture are required to be listed. Some companies also voluntarily list taurine, Omega fatty acids, magnesium, and other items that they deem important— by marketing standards.

WHAT TO lOOk fOR• Look for specific sources of protein: Beef, lamb,

chicken, and fish etc.

• Healthy carbohydrate choices such as whole grains like barley and oats and vegetables like sweet potatoes. These carbohydrates are nutrient dense because they supply energy as well as high levels of fiber for digestive health and high levels of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

• Look for whole meat and other high quality protein sources such as eggs and peas. These are highly digestible sources of protein.

• Natural alternatives for preserving food including a mixture of varying forms of vitamin E called mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract and even the process of freeze-drying. Also ascorbic acid also known as vitamin C.

• Natural alternatives to artificial dye and colors. Very simply stated—no dyes! Many vegetables are deeply pigmented and give a natural hue to food.

• Healthy sources of fats such as; Sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, and even fish or fish meal which holds fatty acids. Chicken fat can be healthy too however some pets have chicken allergies and in those cases chicken fat should be avoided.


investigative

report

WHAT INGREDIENTs TO AvOID IN yOuR PETs fOOD• “Fillers”, “empty calories”, for example, corn

and rice. Corn and rice are carbohydrates that raise blood sugar levels rapidly and create hormonal signals that have negative long-term effects on metabolism and weight gain. Corn and rice also supply “empty calories”. Empty calories have the same energy content of any other calorie, but these calories lack accompanying beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fiber and/or antioxidants. Corn and rice are not healthful for pets in the large quantities used my many pet food companies. Corn and rice are often the main ingredients in other foods and treats because they are a cheap way to fill up a bag and still meet basic energy requirements. This trend has played a major role in the obesity epidemic our pets are now facing. These corn and rice based diets are also often responsible for chronic symptoms of maldigestion, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

• “Meat meals”, for example ‘chicken meal’ or ‘lamb meal.’ These meals are often the major ingredients in numerous pet foods. While these meals do provide a source of protein, they may legally contain 4D ingredients and waste products.

• By-products, for example, “chicken by-products” or “beef by-products”. This refers to clean “parts”, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, blood, bone, fatty tissue and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. This is a cheap way for pet food companies to keep the protein levels “high”, although not always high quality, while keeping food production costs low. Whole meats should be the only source of meat protein and other high quality protein sources (such as eggs and peas) can contribute other highly digestible sources of protein

• Food additives and preservatives. Corn syrup, sugar, molasses, propylene glycol and MSG are examples of artificial flavors frequently used in pet food manufacturing to disguise inferior food quality and some of these additives give dampness and flexibility to semi-moist foods and treats. These are often additional sources of “empty” or non-nutritious calories that contribute to pet obesity. If a pet food company is using high quality natural ingredients there will be no need to enhance the flavor of the food with these additives.

• Preservatives. BHA, BHT, sodium nitrite and nitrate are examples of food preservatives that should be avoided. Preservatives are used in the production of pet food to limit the growth of bacteria or inhibit oxidation of food. Many preservatives are known to be carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans and pets and should be avoided.

• Artificial colorings/dyes. FD&C Blue No. 1, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5 are common examples. These artificial colorings are used in many pet products to entice owners into a purchase; however, they have no nutritional value and may be responsible for adverse or allergic reactions.

GRAINs OR GRAIN fREEHave you noticed the words “Grain Free” popping up all over pet products? Over the last few years this seems to be the newest and fast growing trend in dog foods, and treats. The diet consists of a blend of dog food that does not contain ingredients such as corn, oats, wheat, and rice and instead are made of meat-based ingredients such as fish, turkey, beef, lamb, or chicken. There are many benefits to using “Grain Free” Pet products for dogs, and cats. We have listed a few below.

Benefits:• Decreased food intake, fuller faster because

there aren’t as many fillers.• Less waste. That’s right, less time picking up

your yard or litter box equals more time to love on your pets.

• Less shedding and healthier coats.• More energy.• Fewer allergies and better health. Some of

the most common dog allergy problems can be associated with a grain-based diet. Grain free pet foods have been known to ease many digestive and allergy problems associated with grain based foods.

• Better breath.• Fewer carbohydrates, and the carbohydrates

it does contain tend to be healthier such as: potato, sweet potato, tapioca, or green peas.

sO WHAT’s THE skINNy ON THE COsT Is IT WORTH IT? Many consumers report that the added cost per pound of dog food was offset by the amount their pet consumed per meal. Providing ample nutrition in every bite of dog food allows your dog to spend less time and energy eating and digesting and more time enjoying a healthy life. More and more pet owners are reporting a “visual” difference in their pet the longer they continued to eat grain free. Less shedding, and better breath as well as more energy while

consuming less food all adds to the value of a grain free dog food.

TO RAW OR NOT TO RAW?The Benefits of a Raw Diet:

Feeding a raw dog food diet has many notable benefits.

• Firmer stools• Improved digestion• Healthier skin and coat• Reduced allergy symptoms• Better weight management

There have been many reports of improved health when chronically ill pets were switched from a commercial product to a raw dog food.

The Downside of a Raw Dog food Diet:A raw dog food diet can’t touch the convenience of a kibble. Just measure and pour. It just doesn’t get any easier. Yet, besides the lack of convenience, there’s another critical issue. Bacterial contamination. Salmonella and E. coli germs can always be a potential problem with raw meats. Yet the risk of food-borne disease is actually quite low. That is, low risk for dogs. But not for humans. That’s because a dog’s digestive system is shorter and more acidic. Which makes canine infections like these fairly rare.

The real risk of food-borne disease is actually greater for a dog’s human caretakers — not the dog. Yet with proper care and handling, this risk can be dramatically reduced.

Do you want to find out what’s in your favorite pet food brands ? Please visit www.dogfoodadvisor.com

fOOD fOR THOuGHTIn the last two years the FDA have done food studies on raw diets for pets and the conclusions are a bit alarming. Of the 196 raw pet food samples analyzed in October 2011, 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for L. monocytogenes. You can find additional information on these test results by visiting their website directly : www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/default.htm. Due to the nature of this information we have listed it directly from the FDA website. If you choose to feed raw pet food to your pet, be aware that you can infect yourself with Salmonella or L. monocytogenes by spreading the bacteria from the contaminated food to your mouth. For instance, you may accidentally ingest the bacteria if you touch your mouth while preparing the raw food or after handling a contaminated utensil. If you get Salmonella or L. monocytogenes on your hands or clothing, you can also spread the bacteria to other people, objects, and surfaces.

If you do decide to switch your dog’s diet, just like with humans, it’s better to introduce the new change slowly, adding more meat and reducing the amount of grain over a period of time. You can always contact your local veterinarian if your pet has special health conditions, allergies, or meal restrictions to find out if “ Grain Free” Is right for you.

REfERENCEs & REsOuRCEswww.dogfoodadvisor.com

www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm373757.htm

“More and more pet owners are reporting a “visual” difference in their pet the longer

they continued to eat grain free.”


LINUSHopes Edge Animal [email protected]

hopesedgeanimalrescue.org

WINNIEOne Dog At A Time

(480) 370-7659 [email protected]

SWEET PEAHopes Edge Animal [email protected]

hopesedgeanimalrescue.org

BROWNIEOne Dog At A Time


These fur Babies are looking for a Good Home!

resCue Corner

BELLAPhoenix Paws and Claws

(623) 979-4134phoenixpawsandclaws.com

ROYPhoenix Paws and Claws


WENDYPhoenix Paws and Claws


TEDDYAnimal Rescue Friends

(623) 428-9119animalrescuefriends.org

mELODYOne Dog At A Time


SHADOWOne Dog At A Time


BAUEROne Dog At A Time


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CHANCEWoof’s Wiggles N’ Wag’s Rescue

(480) 840-4885 woofswigglesnwags.com

CUPIDWoof’s Wiggles N’ Wag’s Rescue


CRImSONWoof’s Wiggles N’ Wag’s Rescue


SERENAE-List Dog Rescue

[email protected]

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(623) 979-32889460 W. Peoria Ave. #A

Peoriawww.peoria-vet.com

Honest, Professional Care Since 1973

$5 OFF ANY SERVICE for New Clients.With this ad.

Catherine AtwaterEmail: [email protected]

Cell: 602-410-5194 • Office: 602-955-6606FOR ALL OF YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

a doG’s tale’s 1st annual PuPs n Pints! When: Tuesday, December 3, 5pm–9pmWhere: O.H.S.O. Brewery, PhoenixInfo: Pups N Pints is kicking off the holiday season by encouraging others to join us in giving back on Giving Tuesday! (www.givingtuesday.org) There will be a silent auction, raffle, food, beer and lots more! Tickets are only $35 and get you two (2) drink tickets, food and entered into the raffle! If you have items or services you would like to donate to the auction, or know someone who would be interested in donating, please email [email protected].

Holiday Pet FestivalWhen: Saturday, December 7th, 10am to 5pmWhere: WestWorld of ScottsdaleInfo: • Photos with Santa • A shopping paradise for both you and your pet • On Stage Entertainment • FREE Rabies Vaccinations• Pet Adoptions Dogs, Cats,

Rabbits, Birds, Guinea Pigs, and Rats from 45 Arizona animal rescue groups will be waiting to meet you!

• Discounted 4 in 1 Dog Vaccine, 3 in 1 Cat Vaccine • FREE Nail Trims• Microchipping,Licensing for Dogs • FREE Samples and Giveawayswalktosaveanimals2013.kintera.org, [email protected]

Crazy Pit bull lady resCue HostinG beneFit event in Honor oF HoPeWhen: December 7th, 3pm-7pmWhere: The Dirty Pelican, 6718 W. Deer Valley Rd., GlendaleInfo: 100% of Proceeds from the Show will go to the rescue. All raffle prize money will go to Lone lucky rescue via a drawing on the day of the event. It’s an all ages event, families are welcome to attend. “Hope” will make an appearance. For event Information please contact Jenn 602-626-0250.

m.a.i.n. douGH raiser on tHe 2nd tuesday oF eaCH montH

When: December 10, 2013 4pm–9pm Where: NYPD PIZZA, 556 W. McDowell Rd. Phoenix

Info: From 4–9pm on the evening of the event, NYPD will donate 20% of each party’s bill that is accompanied by a “Dough Raising” flyer. (Print it by going here: http://tinyurl.com/phlelke) It’s good for dine-in, carry-out or delivery! Everything goes right back to Medical Animals in Need so plan to bring the whole family

once a month for a PAWsome dinner out! Valid only at 556 W. McDowell Rd. in Phoenix.

5tH anniversary oF tHe 12k’s oF CHristmas® & santa’s Pet villaGe When: Saturday December 14th, 7:30am to 12:30pm Where: Gilbert Freestone District Park,

1045 E. Juniper Rd., GilbertCost: Free admission

Info: Join us for the 5th anniversary of this locally-produced event that celebrates Christmas

and raises money to help the animals. The 12k’s of Christmas® hosts the largest pet adoption event of the season in the East Valley. Along with our friends from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, there will be at least 25 animal rescue groups in Santa’s Pet Village. Meet new furry friends, shop in the Christmas Bazaar and enjoy Christmas

Caroling on the San Tan Ford Reindeer Stage at this FREE event. Bring the little ones to meet

Santa and play on the bouncy. For the fitness minded, run or walk in the 12k, 6k or 1.2k event

with carolers at every “k”. Strollers and leashed pets welcome. Gifts for the best Christmas-themed running

outfits, best decorated entries, most Christmas spirit, and cutest pets. Pre-register for the run/walk online at www.12krun.com. A portion of the proceeds support Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. For more, see 12krun.com or call 480-609-3978.

sPay Pride Parade - 5k run/Walk When: Saturday, January 25, 2014Where: Kiwanis Park, TempeInfo: Come show your Spay Pride for a healthy and happy pet population and sign up for the 5K run/walk. Hosted by Panacea Animal Wellness Sanctuary, it will be a fun, family and dog-friendly event with lots of fun for both you and your best friend. spaypride.org

For more

adoptable cuties

such as these

contact M.A.I.N.

medicalanimals

inneed.com


David is on his way to becoming a master trainer. He is currently pursuing a BA in psychology and a PhD in animal behavior, specializing in canine behavior. He is also an active member of The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. With this knowledge, David would like to reach juvenile offenders and share his experiences as a troubled youth, showing them there is a way out. He has worked countless volunteer hours for no-kill rescue organizations, has trained hundreds of unwanted dogs, most of which have found forever homes with the help of his obedience training and behavior modification. He has also joined lobby groups to aid in changing breed ban, dog fighting, animal exploitation and animal abuse laws.ZenK9 Obedience & Boarding [email protected] • 602-489-8942

1. fIDO’s TAIl Is WAGGING, HE MusT BE HAPPy.A dog’s tail indicates his arousal level to a certain stimulus or environment. When his tail is wagging, it does not necessarily mean he is happy.

Dogs operate under three basic states of emotion:1. Confidence2. Insecurity3. Fear With these simple states of emotion come varying levels of arousal, from calm to hyperactive. Misinterpreting the psychological and communicative function of a dog’s tail will most likely lead to unwanted behaviors such as submissive urination, increased fear and displaced aggression. Sadly, negative consequences usually follow this misunderstanding, thus, impeding the learning process. Interestingly, canines with cropped, curled or short tails can have a tougher time communicating their emotional state with humans as well as other dogs. The wagging of a dog’s tail is the most visible indicator on how your dog is feeling about the world around him. The higher the tail’s elevation and faster the movement, the higher the arousal level. This is not necessarily a good thing. Next time you see a police dog in action, watch his tail when he’s biting the business out of an assailant; one might say he looks pretty happy. The fact is he is in a high state of confident arousal. In a domestic situation, when an untrained dog is this highly aroused, removal of the stimulus or the dog itself is necessary for everyone’s safety until desensitization training can be implemented. 2. fIDO JusT ATTACkED WITHOuT WARNING!Most dog bites occur when humans are focused on what they want to do, rather than how the dog is feeling about the situation. Not paying close enough attention to the subtle intricacies of your approach (i.e., the dog’s facial expressions, stance, gaze, and arousal level) can also lead to a bite. If a dog is able to turn and bite in a split second that means something was in his personal space. He could bite out of fear, a new environment, social dynamic or territory and resource guarding. I’m sure you all remember the Colorado journalist who was bitten in the face by a Dogo Argentino. Take a moment to watch the video again; notice the owner’s nervous energy as he abrasively pets his dog. The Dogo was showing clear signs of stress; his ears were back, he was panting, licking his lips and trying to look away. He even gave the journalist a warning nip that she unknowingly ignored.

The tell tail signs and precursors for aggression are as follows:1. Stance: The dog will stiffen up, stick his chest out, lean forward and try to stand over the other dog.2. Gaze: A direct stare with a low growl, or wide eyed and looking away.3. Ears: They can be either up, to the side, or back depending on the dog’s level of fear.4. Mouth: Lips move forward then the teeth are shown.5. Tail: If he has one, it will be erect with swift whipping movements from side to side or tucked under his legs. Sometimes a dog may be sitting or lying down when he decides to bite so his tail may not be in a position to interpret. Therefore, it is imperative to understand all of his facial indicators. Medical issues that cause pain can also lead to unsuspected aggression, so it is also very important to rule out all health conditions before beginning a training regiment.

3. fIDO MusT HAvE BEEN ABusED.Not every dog in the shelter has been abused. Owners pass away, dogs bolt, people lose their homes or neglect socializing their pets. If a dog exhibits a fear of cars, skateboards, bicycles, certain people, brooms or vacuum cleaners, it

does not necessarily mean he had a bad experience. If he has never ridden in a car before or seen a large man, he may display the same reaction as if he had been maltreated. Desensitization through positive associations is the key to overcoming fear aggression. Avoid flooding or trying to force the dog to accept the stressful stimulus. It’s all about building his confidence and finding the right distance where he will acknowledge the source of the fear while maintaining focus on you. This is called the “behavioral threshold.” Once you are able to calmly redirect your dogs attention to something positive, you can systematically move closer one step at a time. This may take some time so be patient.

4. THAT DOG Is MEAN!If an only dog is not socialized between three weeks to three months of age, his ability to bond with people and other dogs may be impaired. Dog trainers call this the “Fear Imprint Stage.“ If a puppy has a traumatic experience or no experiences at all, it can alter his psychological development and emotional state for the rest of his life. After about seven weeks, the neonatal period ends and the puppy begins to become acutely aware of his environment. Everything is new and must be investigated. This is also the time when the puppy is most impressionable and can develop negative associations. If his first grooming experience is a horrifying one, for example, the groomer accidentally cut his nails too short making them bleed, or nicked his ear and handled him too roughly; he could have a life long distrust for similar situations without behavior modification. Exposure to a multitude of stimuli and environments with positive experiences and rewards are essential to a confident and well-socialized puppy. Aggression is a natural behavior and believe it or not, every dog has this capability. In the wild, aggression is a part of survival. Animals fight over food, territory, and the right to mate. It is only because we have domesticated these animals, they are expected to control their natural impulses and learn new ways. If we do not take the time to teach our pets what we expect of them, they will most likely act on their own accord, jeopardizing their safety and everyone else around them.

5. All DOG’s CAN BE REHABIlITATED.While most dogs under the guidance of an experienced trainer can overcome serious behavioral issues with extensive behavior modification. Unfortunately, there are some cases where the dog cannot be trusted. If a dog has viciously attacked or killed another dog, even after thousands of dollars of training and countless hours of interactions without incident, there is always a chance that he could revert to old behaviors. DO NOT LEAVE A NEW DOG ALONE WITH CHILDREN OR OTHER DOGS. When a dog is put into a new family dynamic, it can be a very anxious and stressful situation. Hierarchical positions, resources, and territories need to be re-established. Without trust, positive relationship building, and strong directional leadership, conflicts are eminent. Almost every dog bite on a child occurs when a child is unsupervised or the adults fail to see the warning signs. Allowing a child to “do whatever he wants“ to your dog is setting them both up for disaster. While Fido accepts having his ears pulled and being petted roughly, he is only tolerating it. What happens when little Timmy does the same thing to the neighbor’s Cocker Spaniel? That’s right, Timmy gets bitten in the face and now the neighbor’s dog is facing euthanasia.

PROACTIvE TIP Teaching our children how to behave around animals is the most proactive measure one can take to avoid a potentially life threatening situation. Millions of dogs are euthanized every year because their behavior is not understood. Knowing and understanding the intrinsic nature of our pets and how they communicate, will help you and your four-legged friend develop a life long relationship that goes unparalleled.

TOP 5 k-9 BEHAvIOR MyTHsBy David Michael Sanders, Certified Canine Obedience Instructor,Animal Behavior College

14 thebarkingcataz.comDecember 2013

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PeoPle & Pet Care Kit donation drive‘tis the season for giving! Help The Barking Cat warm hearts, fill bellies and offer a little holiday cheer to our

community this season. The Barking Cat is proud to partner with aZK9 and lost Paws for our 2013 People & Pet Care Kit donation drive. our Care Kits will be given to homeless members of our community and their pets

for the holidays. not only will they help make spirits bright, but People & Pet Care Kits provide much needed supplies for both owner and their beloved furry friend.

Please Consider giving any of tHe following items:• Pet supply items, including unopened dry or canned food• Personal hygiene products (deodorant, toothbrush/

toothpaste, disposable razors etc.)• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion)• Winter clothes for people and pets • Small and large Ziploc bags • Blankets and pet beds• Gift cards (grocery or pet supply store)• Contact AZK9 or Lost Paws to make a tax

deductible monetary contribution

CoLLeCTed donATionS CAn Be droPPed AT The foLLoWinG LoCATionS durinG Their normAL BuSineSS hourS:• Spike’s Treats, 12645 n. Saguaro Blvd., fountain hills, 85268, Phone: (480) 634-4449• Smelly dog, 5033 n. 7th Ave., Phoenix, 85013

Phone: (602) 265-6806• noble Beast, 1005 e. Camelback rd.,

Phoenix, 85014, Phone: (602) 265-4223• Trendy Pet & rescue, Scottsdale fashion

Square, 7014 e Camelback rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, Phone: (480) 429-1180

for more information on how to host your own drive among family and friends, please visit www.thebarkingcataz.com

donate at The Barking Cat booth at holiday Awareness and Adoption fair, 12/8, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, and at 12k’s of Christmas, 12/14 at freestone Park in Gilbert

Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause and for giving back to our community for the holidays!

PIT BULL NAMED YEAR’S TOP “AMERICAN HERO DOG” story continued from page 6

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nAll fINAlIsTs ARE WINNERsElle was the one chosen as 2013 American Hero Dog, but all eight finalists were winners in their categories, and we salute them for their courage, service and compassion:EMERGING hERO DOGS CATEGORY (sponsored by Paul Mitchell Schools)WINNER: Cassidy (Midvale, UT)GUIDE DOG CATEGORY WINNER: Jingles (Amsterdam, NY)hEARING DOG CATEGORY (Sponsored by MRB Productions)WINNER: Lola (Bellingham, Washington)

LAW ENFORCEMENT/ARSON DOG CATEGORY (sponsored by State Farm®) WINNER: K9 Lakota (Locust Grove, Georgia)MILITARY DOG CATEGORY (sponsored by Royal Canin®) WINNER: CWD Carlos EDD (Colorado Springs, CO)SEARCh AND RESCUE DOG CATEGORY WINNER: John D. (Little Rock, AR)SERVICE DOG CATEGORYWINNER: SD Bronx (Brunswick, GA)

Each of the eight finalists received $1,500 to be donated to one of American Humane Association’s charity partners. Elle won an additional $5,000 for her charity. In this way, more heroes may be nurtured.

Human Heroes Also Honored to view these winners and more information on the Hero Awards please visit the full article and Press Release on our site: www.thebarkingcataz.com under Articles.

CAssIDy JINGlEs lOlA k9 lAkOTA sWD CARlOs EDD

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Churchill is available for adoption at M.A.I.N. Please email [email protected] for more information!



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Abandoned Angels(480) 678-7354 • [email protected]

Photo donated by Dawn Allen Photography

Chance is a very loving 2-½ year old male who loves people and has lots of kisses for all ages. He is great with children, but is in need of being in a dog

selective home. He is up to date on all of his vaccinations, and is already neutered. He was rescued from the shelter and taken in by Abandoned Angels Rescue. He is a great dog and such a good boy, just looking for affection. He is pretty mellow, and a handsome boy as you can see from his photo. For a Meet

and Greet with “ Chance” please contact Abandoned Angels Rescue.

/SpayPrideParade Register online atwww.spaypride.org

In addition to the race, the morning will be filled with family- and pet-friendly activities, including: • Free “Be Aware of the Dog” mini-workshop for children from Pete and

Mac’s Pet Resorts which teaches children how to be safe around the dogs in their neighborhood

• Free spay/neuter vouchers from the Spay Neuter Hotline for family pets • Superstition Farm’s SuperTruck will be serving up treats for humans and dogs • Performances by the Phoenix Area Disc Dogs • Demonstrations by the Tempe Police Department K-9 Unit • Shopping and pet-themed entertainment

COME RUN OR WALK OUR DOG-FRIENDLY 5K! SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2014 • KIWANIS PARK, TEMPE

Benefiting Panacea Animal Wellness Sanctuary, 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization.Free for spectators!

Show YourSpay Pride!

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The Barking Cat December 2013 Issue.3