June 2007

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03f8dfc3.jpg"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0408dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Greenbelt Kennels</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Greenbelt Kennels"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id57.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="November 2006"><U>November 2006</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id55.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="December 2006"><U>December 2006</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="January 2007"><U>January 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="February 2007"><U>February 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id59.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="March 2007"><U>March 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id61.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="April 2007"><U>April 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id63.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 2007"><U>May 2007</U></A>   |   <B>June 2007</B>   |   <A HREF="id65.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="July 2007"><U>July 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id66.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="August 2007"><U>August 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id68.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="September/October 2007"><U>September/October 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id72.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="November 2007"><U>November 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id79.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="December 2007"><U>December 2007</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id81.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="January 2008"><U>January 2008</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0408dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>June 2007</I></div> <div> Greenbelt Kennels</div> <div> Waggin’ Tails Doggy Day Care News</div> <div> June, 2007</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Greetings! Summer may not officially begin until June 21, but school’s out, shoes are optional (at least at home) and delicious smells are wafting from barbecue grills. This summer also brings big changes at doggy day care as owner Jean Brown and her granddaughter, Elena Alvarez (every dog’s favorite hugger) head out on a big adventure. Jean’s niece, Beth Clark, will be running the show in their absence, offering the same TLC that makes Waggin’ Tails day care at Greenbelt Kennels your pup’s home away from home. Read on for more information about this change—and for other news and features for busy dog lovers.</div> <bR> <div> In This Issue</div> <div> € <B>A Message From Jean</B>—What will happen when Jean and Elena are away.</div> <div> € <B>Meet Beth</B>—New Orleans’ loss is our gain.</div> <div> € <B>More New Staff</B>—A pair of sisters are your dog’s newest friends.</div> <div> € <B>Fun in the Sun: Keep it Cool</B>—Summer safety tips for your furry friend.</div> <div> € <B>Out and About</B>—A “dog jog” this Saturday morning benefits the Animal Rescue League (but you don't really have to jog).</div> <div> € <B>Homemade Dog Treats</B>—Frosty Paws recipe.</div> <div> € <B>Blindness Breakthrough at ISU</B>—An Iowa dog undergoes new procedure and can see again.</div> <div> € <B>Breeder Scam</B>—The American Kennel Club and Council of Better Business Bureaus issued a joint warning last week.</div> <div> € <B>Dogs in the News</B>—Scientists try to get inside a dog’s head; The Dog Whisperer visits our northern neighbors; Cambridge, Massachusetts’ “dog war.”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> A Message From Jean</div> <bR> <div> Kennel owners get vacations, too! (Once in a blue moon . . .) Here are our plans: Fourth of July is one of our biggest boarding times of the year. After the kennel clears out, around July 8 or 9, Elena and I are hitting the road for a two-month trek to Alaska and Canada. Because Elena is home-schooled, this will be an educational trip with a focus on culture, art, foreign language, social studies, writing and more.</div> <bR> <div> We will miss all of your wonderful “kids” who come to play at day care. But I feel great about leaving them with my niece, Beth Clark, in charge. You may recall the story in last month’s newsletter that mentioned Beth. She painted the desert mural theme in our rooms about five years ago and recently gave the entire area a new paint job. Beth is a certified groomer and has experience working at kennels, including Greenbelt.</div> <bR> <div> Please be patient with her and the other staff members as they cover for Elena and me. If you need to make a boarding appointment, please do so in writing. A note with the name of your dog and the dates you need will help us with scheduling. Also, because summer is always busy, try to book as far in advance as possible.</div> <bR> <div> Lindsay Davis will be handling a lot of the paperwork, including the day care invoices. If you have a question about your bill, please hit “reply” to your invoice email to contact her.</div> <bR> <div> Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great summer!</div> <div> <I>—Jean Brown</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Meet Beth</div> <div> Beth, an artist who paints murals on plywood, was working as a licensed dog groomer in New Orleans until Hurricane Katrina sent her to Houston and then back to Iowa. She has two cats, Kikai and Squeaky, and a Shih Tzu named Tedinageaux. All are rescue animals—Squeaky from Katrina. Because of her current housing arrangement, her dog is staying with a friend’s daughter for now.</div> <bR> <div> As she takes over managing the day care and kennel, Beth wants clients to know that she’s partially deaf. “That’s not such a bad thing being around barking dogs all day,” she says with a laugh, but adds, “If people are down here looking for me, and I’m up there feeding dogs, I might not hear them.” Beth says she compensates by checking the front room frequently to see if anybody is waiting.</div> <bR> <div> Beth says working at a kennel and day care is interesting—and a lot better than being stuck in an office.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> More New Staff</div> <bR> <div> The trips to the dog park are so popular, we’ve had to hire more people and restructure some staffing to accommodate everybody. We now have four staff members whose main job is to chauffeur and romp with the dogs at the park. The dogs, of course, approve.</div> <bR> <div> Our two newest staffers are Jessica Jarecki and Juli Coats, blonde “California Girl” sisters who not only work together but also take classes together at Des Moines Area Community College’s Urban Campus in Des Moines. “We like doing things together,” Juli says.</div> <bR> <div> The sisters moved to Iowa from Orange County, California, five years ago. Both are avid animal lovers. Jessica is “Mom” to a Mini-dachshund named Oscar Mayer and a Dalmatian named Penelope, both of whom have boarded at Greenbelt. Juli proudly shows cell-phone pictures of Princess, her Doberman—dressed up at her birthday party.</div> <bR> <div> What do they think about their new jobs at Greenbelt?</div> <div> Jessica (smiling): “It’s great.”</div> <div> Juli (straight face, twinkling eyes): “I don't like people, so it’s perfect for me.”</div> <bR> <div> Jessica (look of alarm): “Don't say that!”</div> <div> Juli (shrugging): “I'd rather be around dogs.”</div> <bR> <div> You're in the right place, Juli! (And don't worry, her “bark” is worse than her bite. She’s actually very nice to people as well as dogs.)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Fun in the Sun: Keep it Cool</div> <bR> <div> Summer is a great time for you and your dog to enjoy the outdoors. Keep your pet safe with these hot-weather tips from The Humane Society of the United States:</div> <bR> <div> € Never leave your dog in a parked car—even for a quick errand. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in just minutes, even when parked in the shade. Even an air-conditioned car with the motor off isn't healthy. Dogs can’t perspire, like people. The only way they can release body heat and cool off is by mouth (panting) and the pads of their feet. Dogs left in hot cars for even a short time can suffer heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage and even die.</div> <bR> <div> What to do if you see a dog alone in a hot car? The Humane Society recommends that you alert the management of the store where the car is parked, if possible. If the owner doesn't return soon, call animal control or the local police immediately. For more information about pets in hot cars, see <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/cool_it_summers_heat_can_be_deadly_for_your_pet.html</U></FONT></div> <bR> <div> € It’s dangerous for a dog to ride in the back of a pick-up truck. Dogs can be hit by flying debris or thrown from the truck if the owner has to suddenly swerve or stop or is hit by another car. Place your dog in a crate in the back of the truck or let her ride with you in the cab.</div> <bR> <div> € Plant food, fertilizer and insecticides can be fatal if ingested. Also, more than 770 plants can cause harmful effects in animals. For a list, see <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/common_poisonous_plants.html</U></FONT></div> <bR> <div> € Make sure your dog wears a collar and identification tag. This can help bring him home if he gets lost or runs away.</div> <bR> <div> € Provide plenty of water and shade.</div> <bR> <div> € Exercise is important, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs and those with heavy coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to the cooler early morning or late evening hours. Also, remember that hot asphalt can burn your dog’s feet.</div> <bR> <div> € Did you know dogs can get sunburned? Your dog may need sunscreen on her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light colored fur on their ears are especially vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.</div> <bR> <div> € Flea and tick protection is important, especially if your dog goes to the dog park. (Cosmo already brought home a tick on his ear!) But use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your vet. The Humane Society says over-the-counter products can be toxic—even when used according to directions!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Out And About: ARL Dog Jog </div> <bR> <div> Have fun with your dog, get some exercise and raise money for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa—all at the same time—at the Second Annual Angie Anderson Memorial Dog Jog. The non-competitive event follows a 3.2-mile trail around the lake at Raccoon River Park on Grand Avenue in West Des Moines. (Yep, that’s where the popular dog park is located, too.)</div> <bR> <div> Details: The walk is this Saturday, June 9, with registration from 7:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. </div> <bR> <div> Cost: $10 per human walker, which includes a bandana for your favorite pup. (People who are registered for the Iowa Senior Olympics walk for free.) All dogs must be current on vaccinations—you don't need to bring records, just sign a waiver—and at least 8 weeks old. No female dogs in heat allowed.</div> <bR> <div> Angie Anderson was an active volunteer and board member for both the ARL and the Iowa Senior Olympics (ISO). The ARL, ISO and City of West Des Moines Parks & Recreation are hosting the event to raise money for the ARL.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Homemade Dog Treats: Frosty Paws recipe</div> <bR> <div> Everybody enjoys an icy treat in the summer, but serve these in moderation. Too much yogurt or honey isn't good for your dog. Three Dog Bakery also sells frozen cups of non-dairy doggy “ice cream.” Cosmo is a big fan.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Frosty Paws</B></div> <div> from www.dailydrool.com/recipes.html <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U><http://www.dailydrool.com/recipes.html></U></FONT> (“For Bassets and their people.”)</div> <bR> <div> Ingredients</div> <div> 32 oz. vanilla yogurt</div> <div> 1 mashed banana or one large jar of baby food fruit</div> <div> 2 Tablespoons peanut butter</div> <div> 2 Tablespoons honey</div> <bR> <div> Directions</div> <bR> <div> Blend all ingredients together and freeze in 3 oz. paper cubs or ice cube trays. Microwave just a few seconds before serving.</div> <bR> <div> Alternate recipe: substitute meat baby food for the fruit and peanut butter.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Blindness Breakthrough at ISU</div> <bR> <div> An Iowa State University assistant professor in veterinary science has developed a treatment for dogs suffering sudden onset of blindness. A Des Moines Register article last week by Meghan V. Malloy told the story of Bob, a 9-year-old Collie-German Shepherd mix, who lives in Slater and had undergone the procedure.</div> <bR> <div> Story excerpts: His vision was lost during the course of three days in April from sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome, also known as SARDS. The condition was not believed to be reversible in canines until recently.</div> <bR> <div> Bob was the first dog the treatment was successful with. He was infused with human plasma via an intravenous infusion for two days. The treatment was also given to a dog from Minnesota. Both animals have their sight back, although it is limited. </div> <bR> <div> The procedure, including the retina scan, treatment and a five-day hospital stay, cost $2,600. Sinisa Grozdanic, the ISU assistant professor who developed the treatment, said: “It’s not a miracle, but their quality of life is significantly improved.”</div> <bR> <div> To read the story “Experimental Eye Procedure Restores Vision to Blind Dog” or see pictures of Bob and his family, visit the Register’s website at <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070529/NEWS/705290379/1001/rss01</U></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Breeder Scam</div> <bR> <div> The American Kennel Club and Council of Better Business Bureaus last week warned dog lovers about being taken in by scammers pretending to offer inexpensive or free puppies. In a joint press release, both groups said they'd received numerous reports from people across the country who had lost money after responding to online or newspaper classified ads. Often, the people placing the ad claimed they were involved with a religious organization, being relocated overseas and needed to find homes for the puppies.</div> <bR> <div> “The consumer can be taken in by the sincerity of the scammer, who'll say that they don't care about money and just want to find a good home for their beloved puppies,” said Steve Cox, Vice President of communications for the CBBB. “But then the fees for shipping the pet mount up and the consumer can lose hundreds of dollars before realizing they've been conned and will never get their puppy.”</div> <bR> <div> “This is certainly not the only scam to be aware of, but it is a common one,” says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Because of the emotional investment, consumers are more vulnerable to being taken advantage of when it comes to a cute cuddly puppy than with any other purchase. A dog is a major investment—a living, breathing being who will rely on you for 10 years or more. Take time to educate yourself on the hallmarks of a legitimate and responsible breeder.”</div> <bR> <div> The AKC offers tips for finding a good breeder in the press release about the scams, here:</div> <div> <B><U>http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3220</U></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT><U><http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=3220></U><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> And more good information on finding a breeder here:</div> <div> <U>http://www.akc.org/press_center/</U></div> <div> facts_stats.cfm?page=responsible_breeder <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U><http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm?page=responsible_breeder></U></FONT> </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Related Reading</B></div> <bR> <div> The El Paso (Texas) Times on Saturday ran a related story about local victims of a similar scam based in Nigeria. This group ran ads offering Yorkshire terriers, English bulldogs and other popular breeds.</div> <bR> <div> The story said, in part: The phony ads have only an e-mail contact, typically from sites such as Yahoo! or Hotmail . . . </div> <bR> <div> "They play on people's heartstrings. It's amazing how persistent some of these folks are," said Special Agent Andrea Simmons, a spokeswoman for the FBI office in El Paso. "They are very hard for law enforcement to catch because they often are in a foreign country. They move around. Sometimes they are organized crime entities." Read the story here: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_6043462</U></FONT> </div> <bR> <bR> <div> Dogs in the News </div> <bR> <div> € <B>Deep thinkers?</B> The Washington Post had a really interesting story yesterday about how scientists are probing deeper into how dogs think and feel. Here’s the beginning of the story, “What Were They Thinking? More Than We Knew” by Rob Stein:</div> <bR> <div> Dog owners have long maintained that their pooches have a lot more going on between their furry ears than scientists acknowledge. Now, new research is adding to the growing evidence that man's best friend thinks a lot more than many humans have believed. Read the rest here: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/03/AR2007060300960.html</U></FONT></div> <bR> <div> € <B>Whispers in the Twin Cities.</B> Cesar Millan is visiting Minneapolis/St. Paul to film segments for his popular National Geographic Channel show “The Dog Whisperer.” A local newspaper has a short interview with him here: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>http://www.citypages.com/alist/detail.asp?EID=159429</U></FONT></div> <bR> <div> € <B>Equality for all!</B> Boston-area dog owners are howling mad over a plan that suddenly allows only Cambridge dogs to play off-leash at a popular Cambridge park where once all roamed free. The Cambridge Water Department, which oversees the park, even made up some fancy red tags for Cambridge dogs so officials could easily spot the “riff raff.” (Cambridge, you may recall, is just across the Charles River from Boston and home of America’s first university, “Hah-vahd.” It’s also got a bunch of equality-minded dog-lovers who think all canines should be able to play at the park and that the red tags are snooty.) The Water department said the out-of-towners are hurting the park’s water and soil quality. It launched the plan without getting approval from the City Council, and now there’s a big brouhaha. Read the Boston Globe story here: <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><U>http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/05/30/unleashed_frustration/</U></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Thank goodness the West Des Moines dog park is open to all! The day care “kids” really love it there. Don't forget Father’s Day on Sunday, June 17. Even though your pooches can’t buy you a tie, Dad, know that they love you and all you do for them.</div> <bR> <div> That’s it for this month. Remember, if you have suggestions or comments about this newsletter, don't hesitate to contact me at kelcrocker@mchsi.com or 278-5658.</div> <bR> <div> Until next month,</div> <div> Kellye</div> <div> Newsletter Editor/Cosmo’s “Mom”</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>