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Saving just one dog won’t change the world...but, surely, the world will change for that one dog...
November 2015 the official speaking of dogs monthly newsletter
In this month’s newsletterDogs looking for homes ................................2 Events ...........................................................4 Volunteer profile ...........................................6 Ask the trainer ..............................................7 Bits & bites ....................................................8 Recent adoptions ........................................10 In memoriam ..............................................12
About Speaking of DogsSpeaking of Dogs is a Toronto-based organization that launched in 2001 and is dedicated to educating and enlightening people about dogs through seminars, workshop forums, outreach and rescue. Our goal is to end cruelty, abandonment, mistreatment and homelessness of man’s best friend.
Speaking of Dogs Rescue is the operating name of Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program, a not-for-profit charitable corporation in the Province of Ontario.
Contact Speaking of Dogs1277 York Mills Road, Box 33508 Toronto, ON Canada M3A 3R5 Phone: 416-444-4190 | Fax: 416-444-7116 Email: [email protected] Web: www.speakingofdogs.com
Newsletter TeamEditor: Nancy Foran Design: Cathy Vandergeest at www.gawck.ca Contributors: Nancy Foran, Lorraine Houston, Kim Gladding, and Lucinda Glenny
NewslettersIf you no longer want to receive our newsletter, email [email protected], with “unsubscribe” written in the subject line.
The Fall Online Auction Is Here!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 1
The Speaking of Dogs rescue fall online auction will be running from November 8th to 14th!
We must constantly fundraise to support the growing number of dogs who need our help – many of which are seniors or have special needs – and the online auctions are among our most successful fundraisers.
Thanks to our many generous supporters, there are numerous items to bid on, including an iPad Mini, a designer Coach dog collar, designer sunglasses, dog-themed accessories, an X-pen for dogs, a beautiful memory box,
a wooden box filled with dog supplies, a wagon, jewelry, prints, an e-reader, golf clubs, and much more!
Simply visit the auction site at www.auction.speakingofdogs.com on November 8th after 9 a.m to place your bids. As usual, we’ll have a “buy now” feature on select items.
Check our website daily, place your bids, and know that you’ll be helping us help more dogs. All funds raised go directly to veterinary costs and quality care.
Thanks from all the dogs and everyone at Speaking of Dogs Rescue.
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 2
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Jersey pointer / setter mix large, adult, female
Rogue hound / pointer mix
medium, adult, female
Without a doubt, a dog is a real friend. Our dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but they have one thing in common – they all need loving forever homes. Open your heart and your home to a rescue dog. You’ll be glad you did.
For complete information about the adoption process, please visit www.speakingofdogs.com/adoption-processFor more information on each dog, simply click on their name.
A frieND iN NeeD iS A frieND iNDeeD
feATureD Dog:
Sojolabrador / shepherd mix medium, adult, male
Timbit shih tzu mix
small, adult, male
Sojo is a 7-year-old neutered male yellow Labrador mix. He’s been socialized with other dogs, cats, and older children. Sojo is housetrained, loves to cuddle, and enjoys going for walks and playing with squeaky toys. When he first came into the rescue, we saw some anxiousness with collar touching and new environment uncertainty, but within a few days he had acclimated and transitioned nicely.
Although he loves going for walks, he needs a bit of a refresher course on not pulling quite so much; his foster home has been working on walking mannerly, and already we are seeing improvement.
The best home scenario for Sojo would be a family in a house with a backyard (maybe in the burbs), as he gets overwhelmed with downtown/inner city living – it’s just a bit too busy and bustling for this boy. He does, however, enjoy going to the dog park to play and make doggy pals.
He has been taught a number of behaviour responses, like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “give me five (paw)” – such a clever boy! Why has he been waiting so long for a new home is a question we just can’t answer but something plan to remedy!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 3
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Millie shih tzu
small, senior, female
Farley schnauzer / wheaten mix
medium, senior, male
Sassy pomeranian
small, adult, female
Chase beagle / basset hound mix
medium, adult, male
Harriet poodle mix
large, adult, female
Casper maltese / poodle mix small, senior, male
Chewy chihuahua
small, senior, male
The 2016 rescue calendars are ready for press, and we’re ready to take your orders! These beautiful calendars are only $15.00 each or $12.00 each for ten or more. Orders can be placed by emailing Gabe at [email protected] (just let her know how many you would like). Please note that
every picture submitted made it into the calendar, so if you submitted a photo be sure to order a calendar!
Many thanks to Rose H., Karen P., and Colette D. for lending their time and talent to the calendars, and thanks also to the businesses who supported the calendar by advertising in it, helping to offset the printing costs. Thanks also for your support. Our calendars not only allow the rescue to help more dogs in need, they also make lovely gifts and stocking stuffers!
The 2016 Speaking of Dogs Rescue Calendars Are Almost Here!
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 4
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ToronTo ChrisTmas PeT show
If you’re in a Christmassy mood this month, drop by the Speaking of Dogs booth at the Toronto Christmas Pet Show. In addition to the rescue, there will be over 200 pet-related exhibitors – everything from food, accessories, and toys to boarding facilities and financial planning. Santa will be visiting the show, and family pets are welcome.
Date: Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location: Downsview Park, Toronto
Tickets and additional information can be found at torontochristmaspetshow.ca//index.
wags and wiggles for relish Bar and grill!Huge thanks to Relish Bar and Grill Inc. for their annual Thanksgiving fundraiser for the Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program. The dogs and humans are so thankful to Joanne and her amazing team at the Relish for their fundraising efforts and for choosing our rescue! Here’s to Relish! You can find out more about this wonderful restaurant by visiting their website, relishbarandgrill.com.
This month’s recalls:Click on a recall to be directed to further information online.
• Dingo Chip Twists “Chicken in the Middle”
• Good ‘n’ Fun Beefhide Chicken Sticks
• K-9 Kraving dog food chicken patties
• Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey kibble
Before and after pictures of our new senior girl Betty, a little toy poodle/maltese mix. We welcome Betty into our Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program family and our Forever in Foster Program. We have taken Betty to the groomers and our amazing veterinarian. Sadly, Betty has health issues that need to be monitored for the rest of her life, so she will stay in our care. Thanks to Tracy Munson for Betty’s new glam pictures.
If you would like to donate to our Forever in Foster Program please visit our Canada Helps page at
www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/speaking-of-dogs-rescue-3/.
We currently have nine dogs in our Forever in Foster Program. We are
grateful to our foster moms and dads for giving their heart, home, and love to these special dogs who need extra care and TLC – we won’t let them down!
Our Girl Betty
Can you lend a Paw?Although we have a partnership with a doggy daycare, we do not have a physical shelter; our dogs are in-home fostered by caring, loving volunteers. Because of the way our rescue is structured, the only hands-on volunteer position with our dogs is fostering. Can’t foster but want to help our dogs? Consider donating new or gently used items for them. We are always in need of,
• Gas gift cards• Global Pet Foods or Pet Valu gift cards• Kong or other treat-disensing toys
• Canned and dry quality dog foods• Martingale collars• Kuranda beds• Thunder Shirts
ThiS SemiNAr will ANSwer queSTioNS like: • WhatisDOLA?
• Whataremyresponsibilitiesasadogowner?
• CanIbeheldliableformydog’sbehaviour?
• WhatprecautionsshouldItaketokeepmydogandotherssafe?
• Canmydogbeseized?
• Whatisthedefinitionofa“pitbull”?
• Howisapitbullidentified?
• CanpitbullsbetransferredoutofOntario?
• Whatisanordertoprohibitdogownership?
• WhenshouldImuzzlemydog?
• Whatifmydogbitessomeoneduringabreakin?
SPeAkiNg of DogS PreSeNTS:
Understanding DOLA (Dog Owner’s Liability Act)
Weallwanttomaketherightchoiceswhenitcomestoourdogs.Weknowthatbeingadogownerisaresponsibility thatneedstobetakenseriously,butunderstandingtheDog OwnersLiabilityAct(DOLA)canbecomplexandconfusing. JoinusforthisinformativepresentationasKimSmithers,veteransupervisoratTorontoAnimalServices,examinesandexplainsthedetailsofDOLA.
AportionoftheproceedsfromtheDOLAseminarwillbedonatedtoTorontoAnimalServices.
featuring kim Smithers, Supervisor, Toronto Animal Services enforcement & mobile response unit
SundayApril3rd,2016BroadlandsCommunityCentre19CastlegroveBlvd.(DVPandLawrence),TorontoM3A1K911a.m.to2p.m.Lightsnacks/refreshmentsserved$50.00(plusHST)
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 6
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voluNTeer Profile: DANielA roDrigueS
How do you volunteer for Speaking of Dogs?I have various roles within the rescue, but most are driven by my background in consulting and project management and by the fact that I am a member of the fundraising committee. I try to bring corporate knowledge and best practices to fundraising campaigns as well as volunteer and event coordination.
Why did you want to volunteer with a dog rescue?It speaks to my heart. It is a rewarding experience when you realize that you can use your knowledge and expertise to help an organization that shares yours interests and values. I am very interested and involved with animal and environmental causes, and since my lifestyle does not allow me to have a dog myself, I try to fulfill this gap by helping a rescue.
How did you decide on Speaking of Dogs?Before submitting my volunteer application, I did an extensive search. I wanted to find a recue that had interests and a philosophy aligned
with mine. Speaking of Dogs was by far the friendliest rescue I contacted. As an initial trial, I was invited to attend the planning meeting for the online auction, and the environment was welcoming, all of the volunteers were fantastic, and we clicked right away! I never looked back. One of the important aspects of the rescue, one that I really appreciate, is the fact that Speaking of Dogs not only offers a second chance for the dogs but also promotes awareness of animal abandonment and negligence and presents educational workshops.
How do you think volunteering as benefited you personally and/or professionally?Volunteering is a way to demonstrate love; it is a way for you to tell others that you care. When you volunteer you open your mind to an experience that will change you even if you don’t expect it to. My experience with Speaking of Dogs has made me a better person and given me the opportunity to experience new things, meet new people, and have that good feeling of accomplishment at the end of each event or every time one of our dogs finds a forever home. When you see all of the good things that happen around you, you understand the magic of volunteering.
Lastly, can you tell us a bit about your pets?Funny enough, I don’t have dogs. I work long hours and have a hectic lifestyle, and as much as I would love to have one, now would not be a good time. But I must confess that I am a foster failure. My husband and I decided to foster a chinchilla a couple of years ago, and you can imagine what happened… I am still waiting for that moment when I will be able to dedicate time to my own dog, but in the mean time I continue devoting all my love to my furry friends from Speaking of Dogs.
SpeakingofDogshas eye-catchingbrandedswagforsaleontheCafePresswebsite.Everythingfromt-shirtsforyouandt-shirts
foryourdogstomugs,waterbottles,andwaterbowls!
Justvisitwww.cafepress.com/speakingofdogsrescue toseealltheitemsavailable
andplaceyourorder. Aportionofthepriceof everyitemsoldgoesto
SpeakingofDogsRescue.
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 7
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Size mATTerS!: SmAll Dog SyNDrome
Lucinda Glenny, MSc. Animal Behaviour, HBSc. Psych., CPDT-KA, owner and lead trainer of Canine Campus (caninecampus.ca)
Small breeds are unevenly represented in bite statistic reports, which many attribute to “small dog syndrome.” Small dog syndrome is hypothesized to be a combination of genetic factors, owner handling, and a lack of training, creating a reactive and uncontrolled animal. Multi-national studies have consistently showed small dog syndrome particularly in Jack Russell Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Dachshunds, but the Chihuahua has risen to the top in the category of aggression to all targets: family, other dogs in the home, and strange dogs. They have unfortunately become one of the top surrendered breeds to Humane Societies in the United States, as owners discover that they cannot manage them.
Small dog syndrome is characterized by a number of external and internal factors that interact to determine how the behaviour chain plays out. Genetics and temperament are important and intractable elements, but owners and trainers can manipulate internal and external factors. We can interrupt the learning loops that encourage and effectively train the undesired behaviour, reducing the rewarding effect.
Any behaviour that successfully delivers a desired outcome has a greater potential to be repeated – dogs of all sizes do what works for them. When the small dog reacts aggressively and the person or animal retreats, the small dog is rewarded for engaging in the behaviour. Owners may not always react quickly to interrupt the learning loop, as they may not feel threatened by a bite coming from a 10-pound dog; something that would be quickly recognized as dangerous in a German Shepherd may be tolerated far longer in a small dog.
There are many unanswered questions regarding small dog syndrome, including why small dogs are so quick to escalate in their aggression. A factor that may significantly contribute to the maintenance and severity of the behaviour is owner training methods. There is evidence that small breeds are prone to heightened reactivity and aggressive responses when physical corrections are used, which may be a result of being more vulnerable to manipulation by the owner.
Dominance training encourages owner behaviours that are counterproductive to creating a calm dog, and owner-induced aggression is often the result. A recent study found that 31% of owners used the alpha role and that a quarter of these interactions resulted in an aggressive response. Since a small dog is easier to physically master, their owners often took on an alpha role, and the incidences of aggression to familiar people escalated when owners used these methods.
So what can be done to avoid small dog syndrome in your pet?
Respect and treat them as a dog!Many actions that an owner would not or could not continue with a large breed past puppyhood are maintained
with small dogs. Small dogs are often subjected to excessive and unwanted handling, with no respect for how the dog may feel. These include behaviours such as
• scooping the dog up from behind, with no warning that they are being lifted, which can contribute to a lack of confidence and heightened reactivity on the approach of a person;
• holding the dog in your arms and forcing them into the belly up position for petting, which can make them feel quite vulnerable and may illicit an unwanted reaction;
• allowing the dog to be petted by others while trapped in the owner’s arms. This prevents the dog from showing fear or defensive body language or from removing themselves from the unwanted attention. The only defence they have left is their teeth.
Find suitable socialization opportunitiesThis includes safe interaction with differently sized dogs and novel people at an early age. Owners often do not get their small breed dog out early, fearing that he is too fragile. The fact that these dogs continue to look like a young puppy can lead an owner to think that they don’t need to start training in earnest until the dog is much older. Early exposure will build a better understanding of what is acceptable. It can make a significant difference in the adult behaviour, especially for the small breeds who show an inclination to generalized reactivity. We want to build their confidence so they feel safe and not on the defensive!
Daily outside exercise is critical!Although they may not need as much exercise or space as a larger breed, it is still crucial to let small dogs learn how to behave in the world. Exercise also
Continued on page 8...
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 8
biTS & biTeS
Police and officials from the OSPCA are investigating an alleged dog fighting operation in Chatham-Kent.
About 40 dogs were seized and are in the care of the OSPCA.
The OSPCA later provided an update on the charges being laid.
Six illegal slaughterhouses in Florida were raided during what is being called “the largest tactical strike
on extreme animal cruelty operations in U.S. history.” Warning: Some of the content in this link is graphic and may be upsetting for some readers.
Good news for cat lovers! The City of Toronto has committed $100,000 to Feral Cat Coalition,
to help control the city’s feral cat population.
Want to find out more about the Feral Cat Coalition? Visit their website.
Good animal welfare news in British Columbia, as the province’s College of Veterinarians has
voted to ban ear cropping.
Ever wonder why your dog barks and how you can get him to stop? Read on!
Read the incredibly story of Judy, the World War II POW dog. A true hero!
The Winnipeg Humane Society has received a donation of $1 million to create a new behaviour and training centre.
viDeo biTS AND biTeS
The Ontario College of Veterinarians is tracking a mysterious respiratory illness that is affecting dogs in Orangeville.
There are calls for an investigation and cruelty charges after an OPP officer ran over a dog three times and then shot
it. The officer thought the dog was a coyote.
bits &
bites
Simply click on a summary to be whisked away to the internet page where you can read the full story.
Continued from page 7...
increases the brain’s ability to deal with stress, which can be very important for a breed that is prone to shyness.
Train them as you would a larger breedWhile a small dog misbehaving may not seem as challenging as a Golden Retriever misbehaving, it can and often does escalate to more forward behaviours as the small dog learns that he can control the actions of those around him. The more they practise behaviours such as lap or food guarding, the more entrenched these behaviours can become, until we arrive at a small dog with an outsized sense of entitlement!
A simple matter of house guidelines for any sized dog, so that they build manners and respect, is important. Set meal times, require basic manners before walks, invite them onto the furniture, and practise asking them to get off on command. Just because they are little does not mean they don’t have a high level of intelligence that needs to be directed!
Small dogs in particular risk being handled inappropriately by small children, which can escalate their perception that children are something they need to be on the defensive around. Parents should instruct children to allow the pup to come to them, ideally while seated on the floor, precluding the need to pick up the puppy. This will help improve the pup’s sense of safety, reducing his anxiety and defensive displays.
Small dogs can accomplish anything and everything a large breed dog can, but we do need to be respectful of their greater vulnerability due to their size. Look at things from their (very low) point of view!
• Havetimeandlovetoshare?• Needawalkingbuddy?• Needafootwarmerandsomeone tocozyupwith?• Someonetowatchmovieswith?
• Therescuetakescareofmedicalneeds,food andsupplies,yousupplythehomeandtheTLC!• Fosteringisincrediblyrewarding• Fosteringcanbelongorshortterm
ContactLorraine,ourfostercoordinator,[email protected]
www.speakingofdogs.com
ConsiderfosteringaneedydogforSpeakingofDogsRescueProgram
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Happy Tails
October 2015 adoptions: A big thank you to our foster parents and our new adoptive guardians for helping give these loving dogs a second chance.
Lewis
Gertie
QuinnNebula
TuckerJada (Thanks Ruth!)
Shasta
Mitchell
CameronNina
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everyoNe loveS lewiS!Many of you have been following the journey of Lewis, a sweet senior yellow Labrador Retriever we took into our rescue from a rural Ontario shelter. After taking Lewis to one of our veterinarians for his initial examination, we discovered he was heartworm positive. Our rescue has dealt with heartworm before, but Lewis’s test results showed a very high concentration – his heart was literally being strangled by worms.
We put Lewis in the caring and capable hands of Dianne, seasoned foster mom, and Dr. Carolyn Benson, holistic veterinarian at Chartwell Veterinary Clinic. After much discussion about what direction to go with Lewis’s treatment, we made a decision based on Dr. Benson’s experience and research. Slow and steady was the right route, and earlier this fall we got the great news that Lewis’s latest heartworm test was at last negative! We posted the good news on Facebook, on our site, and in our October newsletter – Lewis was our Dog of the Month!
Our newsletter landed in Vicky’s inbox that October day, and when she went to the link she saw a face she knew immediately she wanted to share her life and love with, none other than big lug Lewis! When our screening volunteer went through Vicky’s application, she discovered that Vicky was a Therapeutic Paws of Canada volunteer and supporter, as many of our Speaking of Dogs Rescue Program peeps are. The home Vicky was offering was exactly what foster mom Di had hoped for – she pinched herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming! There was lots of excitement and buzz while preparations were made to introduce Lewis and Vicky, and when the big day
came it was simply picture perfect and gave the saying “meant to be” a whole new meaning!
Many thanks to everyone on Team Lewis: Your Dog Rescue for sponsoring his medications; Dr. Carolyn Benson and all the staff at Chartwell Veterinary Clinic; Dianne, foster mom extraordinaire; Nancy and Cathy, the newsletter team; Glenn Willcox Photography; Heronview Raw and Natural; Pets are People Too Grooming; and Carla and Vicky, for giving big man Lewis the best-ever home filled with love, swimming, cuddle time, trail walks, canine companionship, and a soft bed on which to rest his gentle head.
Speaking of Dogs Newsletter | November 2015 | 12
in mem
or
iam
RoscoeLOVEDByPATRIC
KAnDfAMILy
ADOPTEDDECEMBER2012
PASSEDOCTOBER2015
BaileyLOVEDByTHEAnTHOnyfAMILy ADOPTEDMARCH2014 PASSEDOCTOBER2015
Chico (AKACHEEKyMOnKEy)
LOVEDBySuEAnDBuDDySKInnER
PASSEDOCTOBER8,2015
