Sunday, April 12, 2009
Welcome Bo!
The cat is out of the bag, so to speak. Someone leaked a photo of the Obama's new dog. At Happy Dog Land, we are thrilled that the new First Pooch is a Portuguese Water Dog. After all, Billy is a Portie expert and has loved and cared for many, many Porties over the years including Zeke, Billy's special guy.
Over the next few days, we'll be talking about Porties. In the meantime, check out our recent entry about why we love Portuguese Water Dogs.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Perils of being the "IT" Dog
One of the unfortunate side-issues involving the new First Dog (and we should be hearing news on that front any minute now) is that whatever breed the Obamas choose, it will likely lead to puppy mill copycat breeding. Puppy mills seize upon every high-profile dog in popular culture and seek to meet consumer demand by rapidly and randomly breeding dogs en masse in horrific conditions.
Paris Hilton's Chihuahua, while enormously cute, inspired the mass breeding of Chihuahuas in puppy mills. That's not so cute. Of course, this is hardly the fault of the celebrities -- in fact, we love the fact that they are so attached to their pooches. What it does demonstrate, however, is the need for regulation of puppy mills. Animal cruelty is animal cruelty, and no matter how much you may want a specific dog, we strongly encourage you to get your dog from a shelter or a rescue or a reputable breeder. Indeed, almost every breed club has a rescue or a network to help place a dogs in need. So you can rescue a purebred, you just need to know where to look.
A reputable breeder and a puppy mill are two completely different things. A reputable breeder is working to improve the breed and cares deeply about each and every dog. A puppy mill is a large scale commercial operation that is in business to make money--period. This means that the puppy mill makes more money if its expenses are low. As you can imagine, spending money on adequate food, shelter and vet care means lower profits. The puppy mill is trying to maximize output (puppies) per dog and this has nothing whatsoever to do with the health or welfare of the dogs.
If the Obamas choose a Portuguese Water Dog and you want to get one too, then contact the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. Billy's good friend Rolli Grayson is a wonderful breeder and, like all good breeders, she is extremely strict about where her dogs go. You may even find it easier to adopt a child than a dog from some breeders--and this is a good thing. A reputable breeder wants all her dogs to have a happy life with a responsible owner. That means, no reputable breeder sells dogs to a pet shop or in a mall parking lot. In fact, a good breeder remains in touch with her dogs and their new families and accepts returns if things don't work out.
So, please do your research and enjoy your new pup.
Paris Hilton's Chihuahua, while enormously cute, inspired the mass breeding of Chihuahuas in puppy mills. That's not so cute. Of course, this is hardly the fault of the celebrities -- in fact, we love the fact that they are so attached to their pooches. What it does demonstrate, however, is the need for regulation of puppy mills. Animal cruelty is animal cruelty, and no matter how much you may want a specific dog, we strongly encourage you to get your dog from a shelter or a rescue or a reputable breeder. Indeed, almost every breed club has a rescue or a network to help place a dogs in need. So you can rescue a purebred, you just need to know where to look.
A reputable breeder and a puppy mill are two completely different things. A reputable breeder is working to improve the breed and cares deeply about each and every dog. A puppy mill is a large scale commercial operation that is in business to make money--period. This means that the puppy mill makes more money if its expenses are low. As you can imagine, spending money on adequate food, shelter and vet care means lower profits. The puppy mill is trying to maximize output (puppies) per dog and this has nothing whatsoever to do with the health or welfare of the dogs.
If the Obamas choose a Portuguese Water Dog and you want to get one too, then contact the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. Billy's good friend Rolli Grayson is a wonderful breeder and, like all good breeders, she is extremely strict about where her dogs go. You may even find it easier to adopt a child than a dog from some breeders--and this is a good thing. A reputable breeder wants all her dogs to have a happy life with a responsible owner. That means, no reputable breeder sells dogs to a pet shop or in a mall parking lot. In fact, a good breeder remains in touch with her dogs and their new families and accepts returns if things don't work out.
So, please do your research and enjoy your new pup.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Dogs Eat Goats
Okay, so perhaps that headline is a bit alarmist. But the true story of a house pet marooned on an island (!) who survived by eating goats is nothing short of remarkable. It is also a reminder that underneath Fido's fuzzy fur lies a complex web of instinct drawn from his lupine ancestry. One of our most important themes here at Happy Dog Land is that the key to a happy dog lies is understanding his dogness.
Dogs are not really people with four legs and tails. Instead, they are an entirely different species with a radically different outlook on the world. Smells and sounds are not understood through the filter of language. Instead, they are processed through instinct and conditioned behaviors. For this reason, it is difficult for human beings to think like dogs. We always want to stick our own sense of the world inside Fido. But that doesn't work.
For example, think about poor Sophie, the Australian Cattle Dog stuck on an island like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Raised in a loving home, she fell overboard while sailing with her family off the coast of Australia. She promptly swam five nautical miles (!) through rough waters to an uninhabited island. With nothing to eat, she initially began to starve, before she realized that she could survive by hunting goats.
Imagine that. Sophie had never watched Survivor. Sophie had never even heard of hunting. Even her in-bred purpose -- Cattle Dog -- was focused on herding animals, not eating them. How did she figure out how to hunt without having been taught to do so by other dogs, or people? How did she learn how to survive on her own as a wild animal without a framework for understanding her situation? A person would think to themselves "I am now stuck on an island. I need to find food to eat. I see some wild goats. I've never hunted a wild goat. I wonder how that works?"
Conversely, our friend Fido has a instinct buried deep within him, placed there when dogs were very different animals not that much different from wolves, which tells him to hunt that goat. You do not have that same instinct. You have to think about it. A five year-old human wouldn't know how to survive. Fido doesn't have to think about it at all.
Of course, in dealing with your own dog you don't have to think too much about survival instincts (though if you work in animal rescue it's a necessity). Instead, you need to focus on pack instincts, on how dogs protect each other, on how dogs play with each other and the purpose of that play. Over the next few months we will return to this topic again and again, and for good reason. A happy dog is a dog that is comfortable in his own skin. A happy dog owner is able to help Fido find that happy place.
And trust us, no goats will be harmed.
Dogs are not really people with four legs and tails. Instead, they are an entirely different species with a radically different outlook on the world. Smells and sounds are not understood through the filter of language. Instead, they are processed through instinct and conditioned behaviors. For this reason, it is difficult for human beings to think like dogs. We always want to stick our own sense of the world inside Fido. But that doesn't work.
For example, think about poor Sophie, the Australian Cattle Dog stuck on an island like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Raised in a loving home, she fell overboard while sailing with her family off the coast of Australia. She promptly swam five nautical miles (!) through rough waters to an uninhabited island. With nothing to eat, she initially began to starve, before she realized that she could survive by hunting goats.
Imagine that. Sophie had never watched Survivor. Sophie had never even heard of hunting. Even her in-bred purpose -- Cattle Dog -- was focused on herding animals, not eating them. How did she figure out how to hunt without having been taught to do so by other dogs, or people? How did she learn how to survive on her own as a wild animal without a framework for understanding her situation? A person would think to themselves "I am now stuck on an island. I need to find food to eat. I see some wild goats. I've never hunted a wild goat. I wonder how that works?"
Conversely, our friend Fido has a instinct buried deep within him, placed there when dogs were very different animals not that much different from wolves, which tells him to hunt that goat. You do not have that same instinct. You have to think about it. A five year-old human wouldn't know how to survive. Fido doesn't have to think about it at all.
Of course, in dealing with your own dog you don't have to think too much about survival instincts (though if you work in animal rescue it's a necessity). Instead, you need to focus on pack instincts, on how dogs protect each other, on how dogs play with each other and the purpose of that play. Over the next few months we will return to this topic again and again, and for good reason. A happy dog is a dog that is comfortable in his own skin. A happy dog owner is able to help Fido find that happy place.
And trust us, no goats will be harmed.
Where do dogs come from?
Back in the 1980s, many of us read the "Earth's Children" series by Jean Auel, beginning with the "classic" Clan of the Cave Bear. It is truly trashy yet semi-educational fun! The books tell the tale of the orphaned Ayla, a young woman born 30,000 years ago, who was raised by a bunch of Neanderthals. Literally.
Ayla (a) struggles with her identity as a Cro-Magnon blonde living amongst brunette uni-browed Neanderthals, (b) has a mixed-species child, (c) learns to ride horses, (d) has hot prehistoric "relations" with a studly guy named Jondular, and (e) goes on some Mammoth hunts with others who speak suspiciously like 20th century, college-educated engineering students.
Beyond the (enjoyable) ridiculousness of the whole thing, however, we also watch Ayla adopt a young wolf puppy (cleverly named "Wolf"). We are told, in some hilariously overwrought prose, that similar adoptions eventually led to the domesticated dog. In other words, Fido.
Generally, most folks agree that the dog (as we know and love him) is a subspecies of the Gray Wolf. In other words, a single species of wolf is responsible for nearly every dog on the planet today. The domestication of our favorite fur balls took place at least 15,000 years ago, though without Mr. Peabody's way-back machine we can never be sure.
Interestingly, "toothy canine" skeletons in Belgium have been clocked back to 30,000 years ago, so perhaps Ayla was active in dog adoption circles after all. More interestingly, some recent research seems to indicate that all dogs may come from a single group of wolves domesticated in China.
Ayla (a) struggles with her identity as a Cro-Magnon blonde living amongst brunette uni-browed Neanderthals, (b) has a mixed-species child, (c) learns to ride horses, (d) has hot prehistoric "relations" with a studly guy named Jondular, and (e) goes on some Mammoth hunts with others who speak suspiciously like 20th century, college-educated engineering students.
Beyond the (enjoyable) ridiculousness of the whole thing, however, we also watch Ayla adopt a young wolf puppy (cleverly named "Wolf"). We are told, in some hilariously overwrought prose, that similar adoptions eventually led to the domesticated dog. In other words, Fido.
Yes, this is a shameless plug for our upcoming book. This Fido is our mascot.
Perhaps a woman who looked suspiciously like Darryl Hannah was responsible for canis lupus familiaris, but opinions differ. Billy, for example, thinks the original wolf-adopter probably looked more like Liza Minelli. 
Jill suspects that first dog owner looked like Jim Morrison. Scientists, however, have come to a different conclusion.
Jill suspects that first dog owner looked like Jim Morrison. Scientists, however, have come to a different conclusion.Generally, most folks agree that the dog (as we know and love him) is a subspecies of the Gray Wolf. In other words, a single species of wolf is responsible for nearly every dog on the planet today. The domestication of our favorite fur balls took place at least 15,000 years ago, though without Mr. Peabody's way-back machine we can never be sure.
Interestingly, "toothy canine" skeletons in Belgium have been clocked back to 30,000 years ago, so perhaps Ayla was active in dog adoption circles after all. More interestingly, some recent research seems to indicate that all dogs may come from a single group of wolves domesticated in China.
So why should we care? Actually, all dog people should care deeply about where pooches come from. Genetics are a critical issue in canine health. It's important to remember that human beings have been breeding dogs for specific purposes for millenia. Some were bred to hunt in holes (such as, terriers), while others were intended as retrievers (such as, um, retrievers). Still others were guard dogs, while some were bred to sit in your lap affectionately.
Because of that, your dog shares certain genetic history with other canines around the world -- for good and ill. Many common breeds suffer from breed-specific ailments. When you decide that a dog should join your family, learn as much as possible about that breed or breeds. If you're welcoming a purebred, learn about why that breed has a specific personality and appearance -- what types of behaviors were prized, and what types of genetic ailments are often associated with the breed. This will also help you better understand what types of "play" your dog may enjoy -- a retriever-based dog may have different preferences than a working dog. Similarly, if you're adopting a mutt, you learn about the breeds in the mix and the different types of associated instinctual behaviors.
No matter Fido's ancestry, it is worth thinking about the fact that your dog did not simply fall out of the sky. Even the scruffiest mutt is part of a long line of dogs stretching back to a wolf living in China.
And how cool is that?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Happy Tails: Follow Up on Shelter Dog Makeovers
In our March 17th and March 18th posts, we featured before and after shots of some of the dogs Billy and his crew groomed at the shelter. In addition to the two dogs (Shy Guy and Foxy) that were adopted on the spot, we have more good news!
In Happy Dog Land, we received a call from Honey Buns/Harry B's dad. He was ecstatic! The family didn't recognize the pooch when they arrived to pick him up at the shelter because the transformation was so dramatic. Most importantly, they didn't mind that their new dog was a boy--the dog was so matted that everyone had thought he was a she. The family loved how the pooch looked and was so excited to take him home and shower him with love--and lots of grooming!
Sam, pictured above before and after with Billy and Spartan, a cute little black and brown dog, were transferred to PAWS, a Chicago shelter than adopts many, many dogs every week.
Tina before: a grimy, matted mess!
In Happy Dog Land, we received a call from Honey Buns/Harry B's dad. He was ecstatic! The family didn't recognize the pooch when they arrived to pick him up at the shelter because the transformation was so dramatic. Most importantly, they didn't mind that their new dog was a boy--the dog was so matted that everyone had thought he was a she. The family loved how the pooch looked and was so excited to take him home and shower him with love--and lots of grooming!
Sam, pictured above before and after with Billy and Spartan, a cute little black and brown dog, were transferred to PAWS, a Chicago shelter than adopts many, many dogs every week.
All these Happy Tails just goes to show what a difference a little grooming TLC can make in the life of a dog, whether he's in a shelter or your home!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Why Your Dog Needs A Microchip And ID!
You may remember Baker the Beagle from our grooming day at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) earlier this month. Baker ended up at the pound after he was picked up as a stray. He had no microchip or identification, so the shelter had no way of locating his family. Lady Luck, however, was shining on this dog and his family. Although Baker had been bathed, brushed, massaged, shown off and advertised, no one adopted him.
A few days after his makeover, a volunteer was walking Baker in the shelter's yard just as his "dad" was arriving at the building across the street for a job interview. The next thing the volunteer knew, Baker's dad was dashing toward the fence calling, "Nicky? Nicky?" At the same time, Baker/Nicky was wildly wagging his tail and trying to dig his way under the fence to reach his dad! The man called his wife and son, and they came in that day to reunite with the lost dog they thought they'd never see again. Baker/Nicky's little "brother" burst into tears when a shelter volunteer led him to the dog's cage.
Baker/Nicky's family had been desperately searching for him after he was lost, but they had never heard of CACC and had no idea where to look.
Baker/Nicky's story is a lesson for all dog owners about the importance of canine identification. If the dog had had a microchip or identification tags on his collar, the shelter would have immediately located his family and he would have been home. Because the dog had no chip and no ID, Baker was stuck at the pound and could very easily have ended up with someone else or worse. If your precious pooch hasn't been microchipped, please call your vet ASAP for an appointment! If you're short on cash, many shelters and animal welfare organizations offer microchips at a reduced fee or for free. In addition, your dog should always be wearing his ID tags. The tags must be legible and list current information too.
If your dog is lost, call every single shelter in the area. Look in the phone book and ask around for shelter names and locations. Like Baker/Nicky, your pooch could be waiting at a shelter you've never heard of before. Calling the police and all local veterinary offices is a good idea too. That said, preventing your dog from becoming lost is your dog's first line of defense. Therefore, never allow your dog to run free or leave him unsupervised in your yard.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Not Grooming Can Rise to Animal Cruelty: A Neglected Dog Gets A New Leash on Life
On many dogs, mats are caused when dead hairs become caught in the healthy coat and fuse together forming obstinate masses. Mats are uncomfortable because they pull the skin, trap debris and prevent the air flow necessary for healthy skin from reaching it. Regular brushing and grooming keeps mats at bay. However, if a dog is never brushed or groomed, bad things happen. The dog we are discussing today is an extreme case, but she demonstrates why grooming is crucial to canine health and happiness.
Recently, New Leash on Life, a Chicago dog rescue, asked Billy to help out this Cocker Spaniel that had come into their care.
This dog had been abandoned at a veterinary office across town and someone from the office brought the dog to the city pound. The New Leash on Life volunteers spotted the dog and immediately took her under their wing. They knew that this dog deserved a second chance! The dog was so completely covered in huge, old mats that they couldn't tell whether the dog was a boy or a girl. Eventually, they named her Lucy. New Leash called Billy to help this suffering dog and, of course, he was happy to assist.
As shown below, Lucy's back legs were actually matted together, which made every movement painful because her skin was constantly being pulled. Her ears had mats were so old, hard and heavy that Lucy couldn't even shake her head.
Lucy also smelled like an outhouse because the mats were thick with urine and feces. She had not been washed or probably handled in years. And yes, you read that correctly -- years. Clearly some unbelievably horrible "person" (and we use the term loosely) had not only neglected this dog, but had likely kept her in a cage and forced her to live in her own excrement and urine for an incredibly long time. Hopefully, whoever did this will pay for these shocking misdeeds when he or she reaches the Pearly Gates.
After an hour of gentle and careful clipping, Billy removed a
shocking amount of densely packed mats just from her ears.
The mats removed from Lucy's ears weighed over one pound.
Once her ears were free, Lucy calmed down and began to enjoy the attention and her relief and happiness (along with her smell) infused the air of Billy's salon.
Stacy is removing mats from Lucy's legs.
Billy and his crew lovingly and gently groomed Lucy for several hours! As the mats were cut away, the groomers found so much dandruff that it looked as if someone had sprinkled an entire can of Parmesan cheese over the dog. Because the mats were so thick, dense and numerous, air had never reached Lucy's skin and it was unhealthy, dry and flaky. Skin must breathe, which is one of the many reasons why regular grooming is crucial to a dog's health.
Lucy after all the mats were removed.
Lucy after her day at the spa -- clean and comfortable!
Before visiting Billy, Lucy weighed 36.8 pounds. Now that Billy and the others at his salon cared for her, she weighs only 29.4 pounds. Incredibly, Lucy has been carrying around 7.4 pounds of mats for years --that's about 25% of her body weight. We can only imagine the pain and discomfort she was forced to endure! But now, she is in a much better place and will begin enjoying a new life full of love and grooming.
According to Billy, "Lucy is a sweetheart and really a nice dog. I'm sure she'll be a wonderful addition to someone's home." For information on adopting Lucy, contact New Leash on Life and tell them Billy sent you!
Although Lucy did not come from a puppy mill, many puppy mill dogs are suffering the same fate, and most are not lucky enough to be rescued and then pampered by a Billy. Please think about helping dogs like Lucy that suffer from neglect and abuse. At the very least contact your legislator to demand that puppy mills be outlawed. Click here and here for more information.
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