Get ’em chipped Happy Endings Dog Rescue will hold a low-cost microchip clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. January 8 at our facility, 108 Jim Drive. The cost is $10 per family pet; appointments aren’t necessary. Dogs on parade The hard work (and fun) paid off: Happy Endings’ entry was named the best float in this year’s Hewitt Christmas parade. The float featured winter themes such as snowmen and snowflakes, and Happy Enders walked alongside handing out doggie treats. Big thanks to Kels, Tom, Brie, Kathie and Treasure for pitching in and making sure we had a winner! What is your dog saying? Body language is a delicate subject: Do her crossed arms means she’s not listening? Or is she just cold? Why does he always yawn while I’m talking to him? Is he bored or just in need of oxygen? Deciphering canine body language is usually simpler than decoding human interactions. A relaxed and wagging Continued on page 2 Linda Robinson-Pardo CEO, Pack Leader LeAnne Fuller Medical Director of Nursing Animal Welfare & Adoptions Dr. George McKirahan, DVM Doggie Doc Debra Hanford HR/Accounting Terry Fuller General Manager Kathie Robnett Director of Humane Education kathie@happyendingsdogrescue.com Check us out on the web! www.happyendingsdogrescue.com $10 MICROCHIP EVENT HE DR
1 tail pretty much means a happy and approachable dog. But raised hackles and tense posture don’t always mean a dog in an aggressive mode. Some dog signals you may want to know: Playful The play-bow is one of the most recognized signs that a dog is ready for some fun. Front quarters down and tail in the air, often wagging, a dog in play-bow is saying, What happens next is just a good-time romp.
Playing dogs will be relaxed and their lips will cover their teeth. Their bark will be higher pitched than a warning or fearful bark. Confidence Signs of a confident dog include an erect tail and/or stance, a relaxed wagging tail, ears forward or relaxed and a direct look. Sometimes a really confident dog will roll on its back to be more approachable to a dog less confident. Fear Fearful dogs will often avoid a direct gaze, as a way to avoid challenging those higher up in the order. Raised hackles (the area over the shoulders and in front of the tail) are also a sign that a dog is scared, although not always. Sometimes that’s a sign that a dog is on alert. Other signs of fear are a lowered stance, tail down or tucked between the legs, ears down, frantic tail wagging, hiding under furniture or behind a person he trusts. The wiser course is not to reach out to a frightened animal because he may snap or bite as a form of protection. Dominance A dog who feels in control stands tall, possibly over another dog. He might also hook his chin or paw over another dog’s shoulder. He carries his ears straight or forward and holds his tail stiffly. Also watch for a quick, tight wag. Mounting, or “humping,” is sometimes a way to establish dominance but frequently is a sign of stress. It may also be a way for a low-confidence dog to try to show his allegiance to another. Submission A dog with his ears flattened near its head and appearing to grin is a dog signaling that it is willing to be submissive to another. He might also lick the “higher-up” and have his tail down or tucked. Dogs sending a strong signal of submission may roll over on their backs and/or dribble urine. Stress or anxiety Ever noticed your dog as he watches you prepare to leave the house (and him)? He probably had his ears back and maybe he was whining. His tail and maybe his head were lowered, and he may have been lifting his front paws. Maybe he was barking in a high pitch. Those are all signs of canine anxiety.
Aggression Bared teeth and jaw snapping are obvious signals that a dog is feeling hostile. His ears will be forward or all the way down and close to his head. He will stare at the object of his aggression, and his body will be tense, possibly with his hackles up. Watch the tail: It will be puffed out and held straight up from his body. Snarling and growling complete the full effect. Sources: www.wagntrain.com; pawsacrossamerica.com A joint resolution Although getting into a smaller pair of jeans can be excellent motivation to move more, maybe it’s not enough. (Be honest: How many years has “Exercise” been on your resolutions list?) Or maybe you already run or skate with your dog tagging along, but you are looking for a fun new way to get some fresh air. Here are some activities that you and your dog can enjoy together; they all require training for your dog, which is another good way to bond. Biking with your dog lets both of you get out and burns off some of that canine energy. Start slowly, so you and Rover can get used to this new arrangement with the bike. Don’t push yourself or your dog too far or too fast, until you are confident of all parties’ abilities. Do not hold a leash while trying to ride your bike. That could be disastrous. Instead, attachments are available that allow you to ride and Rover to run. Check out products by Springer, Walkydog or K9 Cruiser. If you don’t have a dog harness, you might need to get one. Continued on page 3 2 Don’t push yourself or your dog too far or too fast. Cani-cross, popular in Europe, is sometimes used as off-season training for sledding dogs. In its simplest form, it’s a type of cross-country running or walking while tethered to a dog, who will be in front of you keeping tension on the line. Required equipment is a running harness for the dog, a waist belt for you and a flexible line. If you like, you can use poles to get your arms working too. Carting is a fun sport for dogs such as Rottweilers, although other breeds could also enjoy the activity, sometimes called drafting. You’ll need a harness designed for pulling to avoid injury to your dog. And, of course, training. Then your pup might be ready to pull your gardening equipment or your kids. Keep a watch on the amount of weight you ask him to pull. Dog agility is another way to have fun with your dog, while bonding and getting fit. The trainer (that’s you) runs alongside the dog on the course, giving commands and encouragement. Agility trials also provide mental stimulation for Rover and reinforce training. Or set up an obstacle course in the yard: • Place a broom over two buckets or stacks of bricks and coax Rover over with a treat. • Hold a hula hoop on the ground and call your dog through. Then raise the hoop until he is jumping through. • Use a nylon pipe tunnel and lure Rover inside with a treat. Run the length of the tunnel or sit on the other end and coax him through.
Have rewards and praise when he emerges. Sources: wikifido.com; dogchannel.com; dogplay.com; Wikipedia.com 3 First, check with the vet Before you start an exercise program for your dog, check with the veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy and would benefit from an increased regimen. Then start slowly, especially if your dog is 6 or older. Watch for cues from Rover; stop if he seems overheated or in pain or is whining. Also allow some time to build up his endurance and for him to understand what you want him to do. Make sure you have the proper equipment and that safety is a primary consideration, for both of you. Keep exercise time fun and positive; the benefits include a stronger owner-dog bond and a good time for both of you. Treasure’s Tidbits Hello! Hello! Woo hoo! It's 2011, and I'm ready to make some changes in my lifestyle and my outlook on life. I plan to eat more treats, but I will try to eat them slower. I plan to watch more Lassie reruns and just maybe, I'll watch some Dog Whisperer episodes. Maybe I can send that guy some tips to try. I plan to wear more hot pink because it makes me look more glam and cheers everybody up. I plan to do more public relations work and meet more potential dog adopters/lovers. But, most importantly, I plan to have a doggone good year!
Getting the facts on
I think 2011 will have some good stuff in store for all of us. Happy Endings Dog Rescue is getting larger and more involved in our community each year. We'll be reachin' out to do what we can to help more people and pets when they need us. I'll be doin' my best to spread the word on our good work. One of the best resolutions you could make would be to do what you could all year long to make this a better world for animals. Please come to our shelter, fall in love and take a new friend home. If you can't take a friend home, we can tell you all sorts of ways you can help. Happy New Year! Remember to always be kind! Love, Treasure