Dogs Unleashed - Jan. - Feb. 2015

2 Dogs Unleashed January/February 2015

January/February 2015 Dogs Unleashed 3

Publisher: Brian EdwardsRevue Holding Company

65 Monroe CenterSuite 5

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Associate Publisher: Molly C. [email protected]

Managing Editor: Mary [email protected]

Creative Director: Kevin [email protected]

Dogs Unleashed is a bi-monthly magazine especially for dog lovers. It is available free throughout West Michigan. It also can be purchased

via mail-order subscription by sending a check for $24 for 1 year or $36 for 2 years to Revue Holding

Company, 65 Monroe Center, Suite 5, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

To advertise in Dogs Unleashed, contact [email protected]

All material published in Dogs Unleashed is copyrighted © 2015 by Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction of material

presented in Dogs Unleashed is prohibited without written

permission.

Contents are for entertainment only. Publisher assumes no responsibility

for the accuracy, safety or performance of information or

products presented. The opinions presented are those of the authors

and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or judgment of the

publisher or advertisers.

Send photos, questions or comments to:

[email protected]

Find us online!Website: unleashedmi.comFacebook: facebook.com/DogsUnleashedMagazine

Printed in the U.S.A.

CONTENTS ON ThE COvEr

We invited readers via our Facebook page to participate in our “Strut Your Mutt” photo session, and our two sessions filled faster than you can say YorkiePoo. When it was all said and done, Wesley’s under bite stole our hearts and earned the cover spot.

photo by jennifer waters

REACHINGWEST MICHIGAN’S CANINE ENTHUSIASTS

To Advertise:(616) [email protected]

5 Canine Calendar

6 Fetch!

7 Paws-Ability

8 The Groom Room

9 Animal Law

10 Ask the Vet

12 Working Dogs: Canine Actor

17 Feature: Doggy DNA

22 Feature: Mutts Gallery

30 The Tail End


West Michigan Spay & Neuter Clinic

6130 Airline RoadFruitport, MI 49415

[email protected]

CONTribUTOrS

Writing: Dr. Doreen Comrie (Ask the Vet), Susan Harrison-Wolffis (Doggy DNA, The Tail End), Ginny Mikita (Animal Law), Linda Odette (Fetch), Kristie Swan (Paws-ability), Melissa Verplank (The Groom Room), Tricia Woolfenden (Working Dogs)

Cartoonist: Jonny Hawkins

Copy editing: Linda Odette

TO SUbSCribE

To have Dogs Unleashed delivered

to your home, send a check

($24 for 1-year subscription,

$36 for 2 years) to:

Dogs Unleashed

c/o Revue Holding Company Suite 5 Grand Rapids, MI 49503

CONTACT US

To submit items for our Canine Calendar, story ideas or inquiries, send an email to [email protected].

WhO WE ArE

Mary Ullmer (Editor), is a former manager, editor, reporter and blogger who previously worked for the Grand Rapids Press, Chicago Tribune, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Springfield News-Leader and Muskegon Chronicle. Email her at [email protected].

Kevin Kyser (Creative Director), owns Kyser Design Werks, a full-service branding and marketing firm. Kevin and his wife Jody have four children, four cats and a 150-pound Lab/Rottweiler mix named Gus. Email him at [email protected].

Jennifer Waters (Photographer), is a professional pet photographer at Grumpy Pups Pet Photography, (ad on p. 28) She also is a freelance writer and volunteer photographer at Harbor Humane Society. She credits her three boxers — the original “grumpy pups” — for her love of working with animals. View her work at grumpypups.com or contact Jennifer at [email protected].

HUMANE SOCIETY OF WEST MICHIGAN

SAVE THE DATE:March 30, 2015

For further information or to get involved, please contact:[email protected] | (616) 791-8138

This extravaganza will feature the hottest restaurants, breweries and wineries in West Michigan. Guests will enjoy fabulous cuisine,

tastings of fine wines & microbrews and an incredible auction.

www.pawsclawsandcorks.com


Other Sponsors:Dogs Unleashed magazineGrumpy Pups Pet PhotographyMust Love Dogs Boutique and SpaLifetime Veterinary Care

Heaven at Home Pet HospiceEbby’s Pet BakeryFur Crazy Pet SalonCara Galbavi LawScolnik Healing Center

saturday • february 28, 201510 am - 4 pm • No Charge

At The Scolnik Healing Center888 Terrace St. • Downtown Muskegon

Speakers • Refreshments Demonstrations • Vendors

Sponsored byCloCk

timeless Pets231-722-3721

Pet education day!Pet education day!

CANiNE CALENDArjanuary

2Animal Adventure Day, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Dr.

NW, Grand Rapids. Kids in grades 6-8 are invited to spend the day playing with the shelter animals, including dogs, cats and bunnies. They’ll also make enrichment items for the animals and much more. Cost is $35. To register, contact Jen Self-Aulgur (616) 791-8066 or [email protected].

6Paws 2 remember, 6 p.m., Hospice of North Ottawa, 1061 S. Beacon, Suite 100, Grand

Haven. A pet-loss grief support group presented by Clock Timeless Pets. Free. For information, call (231) 722-3721 or (616) 844-4200. Also held Feb. 3.

13Toddler Tails, 10-10:45 a.m., Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077

Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids. Designed for ages 2-4 and includes stories, activities, crafts and animal interactions. Cost is $5 per family. Contact Jen Self-Aulgur (616) 791-

8066 or [email protected]. Also held Feb. 10.

17baby ready Pets, noon-2 p.m., Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson

Drive NW, Grand Rapids. A workshop to help prepare your pet for the arrival of your bundle of joy. With a little training and assistance, you can make it a safe and stress-free experience for the whole family. Contact Jen Self-Aulgur (616) 791-8066 or [email protected].

19Paws 2 remember, 7 p.m., Scolnik Healing Center, 888 Terrace St., Muskegon. Pet-

loss grief support group presented by Clock Timeless Pets. Free. For information, call (231) 722-3721 or (616) 844-4200. Also held Feb. 16. february

20Furry Friday Films, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077

Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids. Kids in grades K-5 are invited to join HSWM for animal time, games, crafts and an animal movie. Pizza, pop and popcorn provided. Cost is $25 per child with a $10 sibling discount. Contact Jen Self-Aulgur (616) 791-8066 or [email protected].

27bow Wows & brews, 6:30 p.m., Goei Center, 818 Butterworth SW, Grand

Rapids. A dog-friendly fundraiser for the Community Spay/Neuter Initiative Partnership (CSNIP) featuring craft beer, food, games, photos and fun. For information, including sponsor packets, go to csnip.org.

28 Pet Education Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Scolnik Healing Center, 888

Terrace, Muskegon. It’s an event to celebrate National Pet Education month that will feature speakers, vendors, refreshments and more. Free. For more information, contact Clock Timeless Pets (231) 722-3721.


FETCh! PrODUCTS FOr YOUr POOCh

PUT iT hErE

What it is: A cool-looking storage box for all those toys your dog has managed to accumulate.

but wait, there’s more: It’s 13 x 13 x 13, made of polyester and fits most cube shelving units.

Fetch it: It’s $16.99 from 3 Sprouts. Find it at 3sprouts.com/products/dog-storage-box.

A TrEAT FOr TEETh

What it is: Milk-Bone’s new Brushing Chews are a dental treat for dogs.

but wait, there’s more: They are as effective as brushing with a toothbrush, with a patent-pending “twist and nub” design, and have won several awards for product innovation.

Fetch it: You can find a box of 36 for about $10 in your grocery store’s pet food aisle.

DiD YOU hEAr ThAT?

What it is: The ultrasonic Hear Doggy! is a squeak toy only your dog can hear. The squeak is set at a high frequency which dogs can hear, but humans can’t.

but wait there’s more: It’s available in two plush designs, stuffed (available in small or large) and flats (in one size, with no stuffing in the body).

Fetch it: The Hear Doggy! is $17 and you can get it at hear-doggy.com. The site also includes a video explaining how the toy works.

PAT, PAT ThE DOG DrY

What it is: This Microfiber pet towel is perfect for drying your dog after a bath or spending time at the beach.

but wait, there’s more: It’s 34 x 19 inches and has two paw-shaped pockets to make drying easier.

Fetch it: Made by Paws ‘n’ Claws, you can find it on amazon.com for $8.98.


PAWS-AbiLiTY KriSTiE SWAN

Don’t let winter freeze out pooch’s play time WinterinMichigancanbechallengingonmanyfronts.Fordogowners,sometimesthebiggestchallengeisgettingenoughexerciseandstimulationtowardoffproblembehaviors.Whenyouseeanincreaseinunwantedactions,

consideryourwinterandwarm-weatherroutinesandtheimpactchangemayhaveonyourdog. Coldweatheroptionsareplentifulifyougetcreativeand/orinvestingoodwintergearforyouandyourdog.Withtheadventofallthenewtextiles,youdon’thavetolooklikeRandyfromA Christmas Storytostaywarmandcomfortable. Manydogsloveandthriveinthecoldweather,sopreparingyourselfto

beoutwiththemisagifttoyouboth.Thereareplentyofoutdooritemsfordogs.AproductcalledMusher’sSecretisgreattorunintothepadsofmoretenderfooteddogs.Rememberwhenwalkingtoavoidsaltedsidewalksunlessyouknowapet-safeproductwasused. Winteralsoisagreattimeofyeartotakeanindoorclasstolearnsomethingneworbrushuponrustyskills.CaninePilatesisexcellentforbuildingcorestrength,whichcanhelppreventinjuriesandexpensiverepairprocedures.Italsoisagreatenergyburner:20minutesofPilatescanbeastiringasa45-minutewalk.Onceyoulearnproperform,youcanworkwithyourdogathome. Foodgamesareanotherwaytooccupyyourpup’stime.Treat-hidingtoysandpuzzlescanbepurchased,butherearesomedo-it-yourselfideas:

•UseanoldemptyParmesancheeseshaker,addkibbleandwatchyourdogworktogettothekibble.

•Rolltreatsupinayogamatforyourpuptounrollanddiscover.

•Putthatgreatsenseofsmelltoworkbytossingtreatsinadarkinteriorroom.

•Takecardboardpapertoweltubes,puttreatsinside,crimptheendslightly,thenplacearoundaroom.

•Placekibbleinamuffinpan,thencovereachcompartment’skibblewithtennisballs.

•Plasticpartycupscanbeusedtoteachtheshellgame.Pokeholesinthecupsoyourpuphasaneasiertimefiguringoutwhichcuphidesthetreats,thenslowlyusefewerholestomakethegamemoredifficult.

Practicingdesiredobedienceskillscanbefunaswell.Around-robinrecall(comingwhencalled)gamecanbepracticedinsideorout.Useahighvaluerewardandhidethroughthehousewhilefamilymemberscallyourpuptothem.Comespring,you’llhaveawonderfulrecall. Teachtheindividualnamesoftoys,thenaskyourpuptochooseonebyname.Ifyouhaveagood“dropit,”putabasketunderyourdog’smouthandteachhimtoputhistoysaway. Thepossibilitiesareendless.Workingthebodyandmindisimportanttotheoverallhealthofyourdog.Ratherthanseeingwinterasatoughtimetoexercise,trysomethingnewandhavefunyear-round.

Kristie Swan, a certified professional dog trainer, is head trainer and manager at Whiskers University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Contact her at (616) 575-5660 or [email protected].

Many dogs love and thrive in the cold weather, so preparing yourself to be out

with them is a gift to you both.


Manypartsofthecountryalreadyhavebeenblastedwithanearlytasteofwinter.AndasIlookatmyowndogs,IknowIstillhavesomeworktodoto

getthemreadyforanotherseasonoffrigidweatherandplentyofsnow. Whatcanyoudoforyourpoochwhenthethermometerdipsintosingledigits?

Winter bathing and skin care

It’sperfectlyfinetobatheyourpetinthewinter.And,withallthesnuggling,regularbrushingismoreimportantthanever.However,manydogsexperiencethesametypesofproblemswedowithourskinandhairinthewinter:dryness,flakiness,itchinessandstatic. Usingahigh-qualityshampooandconditionerdesignedforpetsisoneofthebestwaystocombatthisproblem.Lowerqualityshampooscanstriptheessentialoilsfromthecoat,leavingtheskindry,itchyandflaky.Addingaconditionercanminimizestaticwhileaddingmoisturetotheskinandcoat. Manygroomingsalonsofferspecialskinandcoattreatmentsduringthewintermonthstocombattheseproblems.Professionalsalonshavethetoolsandequipmenttobatheanddryyourpetquicklyandsafely.Ifyouarebathingyourpetathome,youwillwanttospeedupthedryingprocesssoyourpetdoesnotgetchilled. Ifyouprefertodoityourself,herearesometips:•Makesureyourpetistotallydrybeforeitgoesbackoutside.

•Encourageyourpettoshakeattheendofthebathingprocesstoeliminateasmuchmoistureaspossible.

•Thoroughlydryyourpetwithtowels.Onsmaller,light-coateddogs,onetowelmightbesufficient.Largerdogsordogswithheaviercoatswillrequiremoretowels.

•Ifyoudon’thaveadryerdesignedfordogs,useahumanhairdryeronthelowsettingtodryyourdog.Useyourfingersorgrabthecorrectbrushforyourdog’scoattype.Gentlyworkthroughthecoatwherethewarmairisblowingthecoat.Makesureyouworkrightdowntotheskin,butkeepthedryermoving.Stayingtoolonginonespot—evenonlow—canburntheskin.

•Keepyourpetinawarmenvironmentforafewhoursafterthebathingprocesstoensuretheyaretotallydry.

Winter grooming and haircuts

Thelastthingyouwanttodoisignoreregulargroomingroutinesduringthewinter.Inwinter,manyownersstrayfromtheirregularfour-tosix-weekappointments.Theyfeartheirpetmaygetcold.Inreality,thereisnothingworsethannotmaintainingregulargroomingappointments. Thinkabouthowyoufeelinwetclothes.Yougetchilledquickly,right?Sodoyourpetsafterarompinthesnow—especiallyiftheyhavelongerfur. Whataboutthatwoolsweateryouwashedandthentossedintoawarmdryer?Whathappenedtoit?Itshranktoapointonlyasmallchildcouldwear,right?Therearemanypet-coattypesthatdothesamethingwithoutregularbrushing,groomingandhaircuts.Themorethistypeofdogisoutintheelements,themoremattedandtangledthecoatbecomes.Itwon’ttakelongforthemattingtobecomesotangledthatshavingitoffistheonlyhumaneoption. Ifyouhaveadogthatgetsregularhaircuts,don’tforgoyourregularhaircutappointment.Instead,optforaslightlylongerstyle.Hairgrowthdoesslowslightlyduringthefrigidmonths.Manypetscanhavetheirregularhaircutappointmentsbumpedoutaweekortwo. Ifyou’repushingoutyourpet’shaircutsbyacoupleofweeks,regularbathingandbrushingisstillimportant.Yourprofessionalgroomercancounselyouonhowtobatheandbrushyour

petinbetweenhaircuts.Ifyoudonotwanttodothisyourself,theycansetupregularmaintenancegroomingappointmentsforyourpetbetweenhaircuts—manytimesatareducedrate.

Winter brushing

Dogscomeinawidevarietyofsizesandcoattypes.Brushingand/orcombingyourdogmorefrequentlyinthewintercanhelppreventtangles.Regularbrushingalsohelpsdistributethenaturaloilsinyourdog’scoat.Theseoilsnaturallyhelprelievethedrynessthatcomeswiththeextratimespentindoorswiththeirfamilies.Eachcoattyperequiresadifferenttypeoftooltokeepitinoptimalcondition. Talktoyourgroomerorpetcareprofessionalaboutwhichtoolwouldbebestforyourpet’scoattypeandhowtouseiteffectively.

Winter paw care

Snow,iceandsaltcanbeexceptionallyuncomfortabletoyourdog’sfeet.Youcanminimizethediscomfortbyfollowingthesetips.•Trimtoenailsregularly.Coldnailsbreakmoreeasily,especiallywhenrunningthroughsnowandice.

•Trimtheexcesshairgrowingbetweenyourdog’stoesandpads.Minimizingtheexcessivecoatbetweenthepadsin

Winter grooming tips for your dog ThE GrOOM rOOM MELiSSA vErPLANK

photo courtesy of Melissa Verplank


thetoeswillalleviatethesnowballsandiceaccumulationfromstickingtothefur.

•Rinseyourdog’sfeetorwipethemdownwithawarmcloth.Thiswilleliminateanysaltaccumulationorgravelcaughtbetweenthetoesandremovesnowballsthatmighthavecollectedthere.

•Forsomepets,bootiesdesignedespeciallyfordogsmightbehelpful.Theycomeinawidevarietyofstylesandsizes.

Canine sweaters and coats

Justaswehaveawidevarietyofsweatersandcoatsfordifferentsituations,sododogs.Makesureyoumatchuptherightgarmentforthejob. Lightersweatersandsweatshirt-typematerialsareperfectforindooruse.Whenyourpetgoesoutside,morethanlikely,itwillneedaheavierjacket,justlikewedo. Itwillbeimportanttomakesurethegarmentstaysdrywhileyourpetiswearingit.Removethesweaterorjacketfrequentlyandwashthemregularly.Ifyourpethaslongerfur,itwillbeimportanttocontinueadailybrushingroutinetoensurethecoatdoesnotmatandtangle. Staticcanposeaproblem,too.Tominimizestaticonyourpet,especiallywhilewearingcoatsandsweaters,useapetantistaticspraymistedlightlyontoitscoat.Orsimplyrubalaundrydryersheetoveryourdogtominimizethestatic.Asabonus,yourdogwillsmellfabulous. Formostofusincolderclimates,winterisaperfecttimetospendsnugglingwithourpets.Withthepropergroomingandcoatcare,yourdogcanremaincomfortable,attractiveandavoidthedreaded“springtimeshaveoff.”

Melissa Verplank has more than 30 years of experience in the pet industry. She has won numerous national and international awards for her mastery of grooming and is author of the award-winning books “Notes From the Grooming Table” and “Theory of Five.” She also is creator of Learn2GroomDogs.com, an online educational video library for pet grooming, and has owned multiple West Michigan pet companies, including Paragon School of Pet Grooming and Whiskers Pet Resort and Spa. “Like” us on Facebook: tun-dra Kennels • 16438 - 96th ave • nunica • (616) 837-9726

At Tun-Dra Kennels, we welcome all breeds and varieties to our clean, serene country setting.

We offer:

Personal service. The owners of Tun-Dra Kennels live on site and deliver hands-on care to each dog.

Experience. Tun-Dra has been family owned and operated since 1964, and has cared for dogs in West Michigan for more than 50 years.

A Happy, Healthy Environment: Our large indoor/outdoor kennels are designed to promote physical and mental well-being. Each dog has territory to call his own.

You’re welcome616-974-9470 • hiddenboundaries.com • [email protected]

Why Pet stop brand?Pet Stop is a genuine pet fence system innovator and the most reliable pet containment system you can find.

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Mikita kruse Law Center

Providing compassionate legal counsel to the voiceless — animals, children and incapacitated adults — and to those assisting their aging family

members in west Michigan for 20+ years

Ginny Mikita 616.460.0373 | [email protected]

Bob kruse 616.460.4476 | [email protected]

Compassion

t

ANiMAL LAW GiNNY MiKiTA

Justice can be blind when it comes to value of pets Forthepasttwoyears,IhavehadtheprivilegeofwritingthegriefcolumnforDogs Unleashed.Beginningwiththisissue,Idonmyprimaryprofessional

attire-—alegalsuit—andwriteaboutwhatIknowbest:animallaw. Andwhatbetterwaytostartthanwithdispellingoneofthemostwidelyheldlegalmyths:

Companionanimalsarepriceless. InNovember,aCedarSpringsmanbrutallykilledakittennamedLunainfrontofacrowdofhorrifiedonlookers,includingchildren.It’safelonyunderMichigan’sanimalanti-crueltylaws.Afterthejury’sconviction,Kent

CountyCircuitCourtJudgeDonaldJohnstonsentencedthemantouptoeightyearsinstateprison. Whilejusticewasseeminglydone,Luna’sowners,shouldtheychoosetosueincivilcourt,wouldbeentitledtorecovernothingmorethanherstreetmarketvalue.“Lunaistreatedunderthelawasifshewereatablelamporsomeotherpieceofpersonalproperty,”saidJohnston. “Streetmarketvalue”isgenerallycalculatedastheamountofmoneysomeonewouldpayonthedateofdeathforananimalofthesameage,breedandcondition.Nothingmore.Mostfamilies’petsdonotholdpedigrees.Manyarerescuesormixedbreeds.Intheeyesofthelaw,theyhavelittleornomarketvalue. Incontrast,whenahumanfamilymemberisinjuredorkilleddueto

theintentionalorevennegligentactofanother,thefamilyusuallyhastherighttosuetheresponsiblepartyfordamages.Thelegalsystemrecognizesandallowsforcompensationtothevictimandthevictim’sfamilyfornon-economicdamagessuchaspainandsufferingorlossofcompanionship,loveandaffection.Despitetherolespetsplayinmillionsofourhomes,most

In 2015, I plan to approach the Michigan

legislature demanding the value our laws place on our companion animals align with their value not

only in our hearts and lives but in their very being.


ASK ThE vET Dr. DOrEEN COMriE

Dogs can be adept at masking pain

Q:“Mydogdoesn’tactlikeheispainbecausehedoesn’tcry.

HowdoIknowifmydogisinpain,sickorjustgettingold?”

A: Unlessthereisaveryintenseandacutesourceoftrauma,

suchasasevereblowtothebodybyanautomobileaccidentornervepain,dogsgenerallydonotcryoutorvocalizewheninpain. Itisfarmorecommonforpetsinpaintosimplyavoidthingsthatcausethemmorepain.Theytrembleorshiver,seemrestlesswhentryingtosleep,orpant.Theystopdoingtheirusualenjoyableactivities,becomelesssocialorarereluctanttomove.Petsinpainarelessactiveandmaygainweight,compoundingtheproblemofoverloadingjoints.Dogsmayhesitatetogetinthecaroronfurniture.A

dogmaynotgreethisfamilywhenarrivinghomeormaynolongerbarkatthewindowtoshowinterestinhisenvironment. Chronicpaincausesbiochemistrychangesresultinginbehavioralchangesanddepression.Dogsmaybecome

lesstolerantofpeopleorotheranimals,andsomewillsecludethemselvesfromtherestofthehousehold. Paincancausedisordersthatmimicallergicskinconditions.Lickgranulomas(severeskinsoresinducedbyconstantlicking)canbe

theresultofacompulsivebehavioraldisorderinanefforttotrytosuppresspainelsewhereinthebody.Laserlighttherapyisusedtotriggerareductioninpainreceptionatnerveendingsandincreaseserotoninlevels,helpingtotreatconditionslikelickgranulomas.

states,includingMichigan,makenosuchprovisions. Ofthehandfulofstatesthatdoallowforsomelimitedmonetarycompensation,itisminimal.Forexample,inCalifornia,aplaintiffarrangedforanelaboratefuneralforher15-year-oldpoodle,includingaheadstone,anepitaphandattendancebyplaintiff ’stwosistersandafriend.Uponopeningthecasket,theplaintifffoundthebodyofadeadcat.Thecourtruledshewasentitledto$700indamagesbeyondherdog’sstreetmarketvaluefortheshock,mentalanguishanddespondencyshesufferedduetothewrongfuldestructionandlossofherbeloved’sbody. InTennessee,aleaderinthisarena,acompanionanimalownermay,underlimitedcircumstances,seeknon-economicdamagesupto$5,000forthedeathofacompanionanimalagainstapersonwhointentionallyornegligentlycausesthedeathorinjuriesleadingtotheanimal’sdeath.Thesedamagesarenotfortheintentionalinflictionofemotionaldistressoftheownerorothercivilclaim,butratherforthedirectlossof“reasonablyexpectedsociety,companionship,loveandaffectionofthepet.” Thehandfulofstatesthathavemadewayforarecognitionofapet’s“intrinsicvalue,”describedbyonecourtas“apetisnotjustathingbutoccupiesaspecialplacesomewhereinbetweenapersonandapieceofpersonalproperty”aretobecommended.Theyhaveboldlytakenthefirststeptowardincreasingthestatusofcompanionanimalsunderthelaw. In2015,IplantoapproachtheMichiganlegislaturedemandingthevalueourlawsplaceonourcompanionanimalsalignwiththeirvaluenotonlyinourheartsandlivesbutintheirverybeing.Pleasecontactmeifyouareinterestedinsupportingthiseffort.

Ginny Mikita is an attorney and owner of Mikita Kruse Law Center, specializing in animal protection law. Contact her at [email protected].



ASK ThE vET Dr. DOrEEN COMriE

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Depressioncanberelatedtoalackofphysicalactivity.Physicalactivityisknowntoreducechronicpainthroughincreasingendorphinchemicalsinthebrain.Lasertherapyandphysicalrehabilitationarenewertreatmentsthatarebecomingwidelyavailablefortreatmentofmanypainfulconditionsinpets. Painfulconditionsareincorrectlyattributedto“justgettingold.”Agingpetsmayhavehiddenarthritisorunderlyingorgandysfunction.Theymaybereluctanttogoforwalksandappeartolackenergyforplay. Arthriticpetshavereducedflexibilityofthejointsandresultantlossofmusclemass.Muscleachesorweaknessmayberelatedtoorgandiseaseorendocrineconditions. Veterinariansaretrainedinmedicalandorthopedicexaminationtolookforobscuresourcesofpainownersmaynot

recognizeindailyhandlingofthepet. Dentaldiseaseisacommonundertreatedsourceofpaininanimals.Dogswithdentalpainwillstillcrunchandeathardfood.Occasionally,dogownersreportareluctancetofetchobjectsorchewobjects. Sincepetsdonotchewtheirfoodlikehumans(adog’steetharedesignedforgrabbingfoodandeatingitwhole,notchewingfoodlikehumans),dentalpainiseasilyoverlookedbypetowners.Hidden,painfuldentalconditionsarefoundbyyourveterinarianthroughanoralexamunderanesthesiaanddentalradiographs.Oncethedentalconditionisaddressed,manypetownersreporttheirpetactsmoreyouthful,energeticandplayful. Consultaveterinariantocatchhiddenconditionsbeforetheybecomedebilitatingandpainful.Yourveterinariancandeterminethecauseof

painandeffectivelyimproveyourpet’sconditionthroughbothtraditionalandnontraditionalmedicalmanagement.Dr. Comrie, a graduate of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, worked in private practice before opening Rogue Valley Veterinary Hospital in 1999. Her primary focus is in the sports medicine and canine physical rehabilitation unit, a subspecialty of RVVH. K-9 Sports Med-Hab receives referrals for sports medicine and physical rehabilitation from all over the Midwest.

Painful conditions are incorrectly attributed to “just getting old.” Aging

pets may have hidden arthritis or underlying

organ dysfunction.

• Wellness Exams• Dentistry• Diagnostics• Specialty & General Surgery• Intensive Care

• Spay & Neuter• Radiology• Physical Rehabilitation• Dog Training• Boarding• Dog Daycare

Rogue Valley Veterinary Hospital

616-863-9390 • roguevalleyvet.com • 4210 14 Mile Road • Rockford

You can get more expert advice in

Dr. Comrie’s “Ask the Vet”

column.


WOrKiNG DOGS CANiNE ACTOr

A Second Life – in the Spotlight – for a Very

Special Rescue

sunny getsher encore

STORY BY TRICIA WOOLFENDEN

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS


When the curtain goes up, eliciting desired behaviors from the dog on stage falls to the actors.

Sunny, who plays Sandy in the stage production of Annie, graces the cover of Bill Berloni’s book about the many rescue dogs he has trained for acting roles.


it’snotsuchahard-knocklifeforSandy.Theloveablemutt—bestpaltoLittleOrphanAnnie—actuallyhasitprettygood.Thepups(there’smorethanone)whoportraythe

belovedfictionaldogonstageandscreenleadarathercharmedexistence. Adoringfans,asafeandlovinghome,anabundanceofplayandattention:It’sadreamcometrueformostanydog,andperhapsevenmoresoforthehomelessdogsrescuedbycelebrityanimaltrainerBillBerloni. TheTonyaward-winningtheaterprofessionalhastraineddozensupondozensofanimalactors,includingasmanyas40Sandys.Heeventrainedthe“brand-new-looking”SandyfortherecentlyreleasedfilmrebootofAnniestarringQuvenzhanéWallisandJamieFoxx. DogandtheaterloversinMichigancanseeSunny—oneofBerloni’sSandys—inactionwhenthetouringproductionofAnniehitsWestMichiganinJanuaryforeightperformanceswithBroadwayGrandRapids. Sunny,aroughly4-year-oldterriermix,firstdebutedintheroleofSandyonBroadwayinlate2012.Sheandherunderstudyaretouringthecountrywiththemajormusicalproductionand

areworkingunderthecareofoneofBerloni’strustedtrainers. LikeAnnie,Sunny(andmosteverydogBerlonihasworkedwithinhismorethan40yearsofprofessionalanimaltraining),comeswitharags-to-richesbackstory. “Theseareanimalsinsheltersthatnobodywants,”Berlonisaidofhistrainees. Sunny,anaffable,wiry-haireddog,wasinakillshelterandlessthanadayawayfrombeingeuthanizedwhenBerloniandcrewspottedheronlineandmadealife-savingcalltoHouston,Texas,toissuesomethingofa“stay.”BerlonisentahandleronaflighttoretrieveSunnyjusthoursbeforehertimewasup. Thenationwidesearchandrescueprocess—andSunny’straining—werecapturedonfilmforaHallmarkMovieChannelmini-documentary,Annie’s Search for Sandy.It’savailableonYouTube.

happy, but hard-working, too

TheSandys’privilegedexistencedoesn’tmeantheanimalsinBerloni’scaredon’tcontributetheirsharetothepartnership. “Beingastageperformeristhetoughestassignmentfordogsinentertainment,”Berlonisaid.Heexplainedthatwhileadogwitharolein

amovieoronatelevisionshowcanhaveaconsistencyinitsschedule,atouringdogmustbeespeciallyadaptable. “Theyloseeverythingthat’sfamiliartothem(whentheygoontheroad),”Berlonisaid.“Touringdogsliveinadifferentcityeveryweek.Theypeeandpoopinadifferentcityeveryweek.They’rechangingclimates,altitudes.Theyhavetoacclimatetotheirenvironmentandnotletitaffecttheirjob.” BerlonisaidthedogswhoperforminaBroadwayornationallytouringproductionareamongthemostcleverandhard-workinganimalsaround.Theynotonlyhavetohavetherightlook,butexcellenttemperaments,goodphysicalhealthandaneagernesstolearnavarietyofbehaviors.(Don’tcallthem“tricks”—itdiminisheswhattheydo,Berlonisaid.) Astagedogmustbeabletotolerateanynumberofchangingcircumstances,frombrightspotlightsandloudnoisestopeopleincostumeandaflurryofcloseactivity,suchaschoreographedfightinganddancing.That’snoteventakingintoaccountthevariablesthatcomewitha

“Being a stage performer is the toughest

assignment for dogs in entertainment,”

— Bill Berloni

photo by joan Marcus

photo by Mary blooM


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liveaudience,whichsomenightsmaybe20feetfromthestageandothernightsonlythreefeetaway. “They’regoingfromtheatertotheater,”Berlonisaid.“Thesetmaybethesame,butwhat’sinfrontofthemchanges.” AllofthesechallengesmakeitcrucialthatBerlonifindtherightdogfortherightrole.Hesaidadog’s“abilitytodealwithstress”rankshighonthelistofrequirements.Healsomustfeelabsolutelyconfidentthereareno

aggressiontriggersorachanceforinjurytodogorhuman. “Thisdogisinthepubliceye,”hesaid.“Itmustbetrustworthy.Itcan’tturnandsnapandaskquestionslater.” Intelligencealsoisimportant,andBerlonidoesn’tnecessarilyfavoronetypeofbreedoveranotherwhenseekingoutthattrait.Hestickswithadultrescuesinlieuofpuppies:“It’shardtojudgewhatapuppy’stemperamentisgoingtobe,”hesaid. ForherroleinAnnie,Sunnyhadtomaster32behaviors,manyofwhicharecrucialtotheplot. “Sunnyhastoplayacharacter,”Berlonisaid.“Ifshedoesn’tdoabehavior,thestoryfallsapart.” Anadditionalchallengeforstagedogsisthatthetrainerisnotthepersonleadingthecaninestarwhenthecurtaingoesup.Berlonimusttrainthehumanactorssotheycanelicitthedesiredbehaviorsattheprecisemoment.InthecaseofAnnie,thismeanshandingoverthereignstoachild. “Ihavetoturnoverthatlevelofskilltoa10-year-oldgirl,”Berlonisaid.“(Thetrainer)isinthewing:We’renot

controllingthedogs.That’sreallywhatseparateswhatwedofromfilmtostage.” Ananimal’shappinessisthefinal,perhapsmostimportant,componenttothe“Howtheheckdoyougetthemtodothat?”puzzle.Adogmustbetreatedwelltogiveanoutstandingperformanceandanunhappydogwon’tcooperate(oratleastnotinanyaudience-convincingcapacity). ThedogsBerloniputsonstageoronscreenarethosethatenjoywhatthey’redoing.TheraretimeswhenananimalBerlonihasrescueddoesn’twanttoact,hefindsahomeforitwithabetterforeverfit. “Icreateanenvironmentwhereadogwantsto(act),”Berlonisaidofthepowerofpositivereinforcement.“Ifadogdoesn’twanttodoabehavior,theyretire.” Somedogsareinvoluntarilyplacedintoretirement,suchaswhenarthritisorotherailmentskickin.Berlonisaidthiscanbetoughontheaginganimals,particularlywhenthey’vecometo

iF YOU GO

Broadway Grand Rapids presents Annie

When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13-16; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18

Where: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

Tickets: Starting at $30

More information: broadwaygrandrapids.com



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PrOFiLE: bill berloniFor more than 40 years, Berloni has made a career training dogs and other animals for stage, television, commercials and film. His credits include everything from the Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts film Charlie Wilson’s War, to ads for Miller Beer and Purina Dog Chow, and TV shows like HBO’s The Leftovers and Sesame Street.

A self-taught expert, Berloni has trained dozens of canine thespians for the stage, among them Bruisers for Legally Blonde and numerous Totos for The Wizard of Oz and Sandys for Annie. Berloni also is an author and actor and received a special Tony award in 2011 for his many years of training animals for Broadway and touring shows.

embracethe“extendedfamily”andsocialandpositiveatmosphereoftheaterlife. “Theygetsad,”Berlonisaid.“Theydon’trealizewe’rebeingkindtothem.…Wegooutofourwaytomakethemhappy.” Retirementmeanslivingfull-timeonthe90-acrefarmBerlonishareswithhiswifeanddaughterinConnecticut.Thepropertyhouses28dogs.Onlyeightareworking.Therestareamixofretireesandup-and-comers. Everythingfroma160-poundIrishwolfhoundtotheChihuahuathatplayedBruiserinthestageversionofLegally Blondelivethere,alongwithfourTotosandfiveSandys,thecaninecharacterBerlonisaidcreatedanddefinedhiscareer.Hishouseisspeciallydesignedandbuilttoaccommodatethelargenumberofdogs,andhispropertyprovidesampleroomtoplay. “Theygettojustbedogs,”BerlonisaidoflifeafterBroadway.“Theysleep,runaround,digholes.”


photo by joan Marcus


FEATUrE DOGGY DNA


What’s in your mutt? Dna tests can reveal surprises

BY SUSAN HARRISON-WOLFFIS

Itwasloveatfirstsight.Onelookatthe10-week-oldpuppynamedBanjo,andGrahamColligancouldn’tresist.Thoselongears.Thebigfeetwaytoobigforsuchalittleguy.Thesweetface;thatprofile.“AssoonasIsawhim,Ihadtohavehim,”Colliganremembers.“Hewasjustsocute.”BecauseBanjowasarescue,adoptedfromtheNoahProject,ano-killanimalshelterinMuskegon,littlewasknownabouthisheritage.ColliganwaspartialtoBassetHounds,andthere

wassomethingfaintlyreminiscent;somethinginthewayBanjolookedthatremindedColliganofone.ButtherewasmoretoBanjothanpotentialBassetHound,andColliganstruggledtocomeupwiththeperfectdescription.“HehasthebodyofaBasset,thefaceofaBeagleandthecolorofaRottweiler,”Colligansays.ThemixedresemblanceonlygotmorepronouncedasBanjomatured.Now1½yearsold,Banjolooksalittlelikeanindulgentcommitteedesignedhim—bodylongandlowtotheground;feetstilltoobigfortherestofhim;floppyearsthatdrooptothefloorandwaveinthewindwhenheruns;and

Veterinarian Ingrid Hutchins had her own dog, Bonnie, tested … with mixed results.

Through DNA testing, owner Graham Colligan learned Banjo is part Basset Hound, Boxer, English Setter, Harrier and Rottweiler.



apersonalitybiggerthanhissizewouldsuggest.“Peoplealwaysareaskingme:Whatkindofdogisthat?”Colligansays.Allhecoulddoisshrughisshouldersandguessalittleofthis,alittleofthat—untilhisveterinarian,Dr.IngridHutchinsatLakeshoreAnimalHospital,toldColliganaboutaDNAtestingkitthatcouldgivehimsomeinsightintoBanjo’sgeneticmakeup.“Imean,itdoesn’tmakeadifferencetomewhatheis,”Colligansays,“butIdecidedtogetthetesttoputthingsintocontext.”DNAtestingkitsfordogshavebeenonthemarketsincethemid-2000swhenmoderntechnologymadeitpossibletomatchDNAsequencestospecificdogbreeds.Somekits—whichrangeinpricefrom$45toupwardsof$120—arefoundonlineoratpetstores.Thetechniqueissimple.Petownersareaskedtoswabtheinsideof

theirdog’scheektoretrievetheDNAsample(cells),senditthroughthemailandwaitfortheresults.Colligandecidedtogowithaslightlymoresophisticatedprofile—theWisdomPanelInsightsfromMARSVeterinary—thatrequiredhisveterinariantodrawasampleofBanjo’sbloodtosendinforthetest.TheresultsflooredColliganbecausethetestingreachedbackthreegenerations,backtoBanjo’sgreat-grandparents,grandparentsandparents,allofwhomareunknownandanonymous.“Wecouldonlyguess,”Colligansays.“Iwascurious;itwascuriositythatmademegetthetest.”Intheend,accordingtotheWisdomPanelprofile,itlookslikeBanjoisaBassetHound,Boxer,EnglishSetter,HarrierandRottweilermix.“Inotherwords,he’sapurebredmutt,”Colliganjokes.

Ifthisallsoundstooconfusing—orevenslightlyfanciful—restassuredscienceisatthecenterofthetesting.Purebredshaveoftenundergonetestingfortheiractualheritage,andscientistshavedevelopedatechniquetoidentifycertaindogbreedsbasedongeneticmarkers.ThevariouscompaniesthattesttheDNAofmixedbreeddogs—allthoselovablemuttsinhouseseverywhere—oftenhavehundredsofgeneticmarkersintheirdatabases.Theresultssatisfymorethanasenseofcuriosity,Hutchinssays,althoughsheneverunderestimatespeople’sneedtoknownotonlytheirownheritage,butalsotheirdog’s.“You’dbeamazedathowmanypeoplecomeinwithdogsthey’veadoptedfromtheshelter,andtheywanttoknowwhatkindofdogstheyare,”Hutchinssays.Thetestresultscanofferupsomeincrediblyvaluableinformation,like

Dr. Ingrid Hutchins’ dog Bonnie has Collie, Papillion and “mixed breed” in her genetic makeup, according to DNA tests.

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howbigthey’llbeorwhathealthissuesmightbeintheirfuture.Somebreedscan’thandlecertainmedicines.Othersarepronetocertainmedicalorphysicalproblems.LabradorRetrieversarepredisposedtohipdysplasia.Boxersarepronetogettingcancer.Dobermanssometimeshavebleedingdisorders.Otherbreedsarevulnerabletoarthritis.TheDNAtestingcangiveinsightintowhat’sinsideHeinz57dogs.HutchinshasstoriesofothercuriositiesdiscoveredthroughDNAtesting.Onepersonthoughtshe’dadopteda“mostly”BerneseMountainDog,buttheDNAtestsaysotherwise.It’sreallyanAustralianSheepDog.AnotherturnedouttobeanunlikelycombinationofLabandBeagle.“Loveknowsnobounds,”Hutchinsquips.Outofcuriosity,Hutchinshadherowndog,Bonnie,arescueshethoughtwasaSheltiemix,tested.Ononesideof

thefamilytree,Hutchins’dogisaCollie/Papillionmix.Ontheotherside,thereisjustnotelling.Theonlyidentifieris“MixedBreed.”Thegenesare“toodiluted”toidentify,Hutchinssays.“Sometimes,youjusthavetoembracetheir‘muttness,’”shesays.ThathappenedtoJanBeukemaandRonNorton,whoadoptedaYellowLabmixin2010fromtheOsceolaAnimalControlCenterShelter.ThecouplehadjustlosttheirYellowLab,whomBeukemadescribesasthe“mostwonderfulpet.”ButpurebredLabshavehealthissues—amongthem,hipdysplasia—soBeukemaandNortondecidedtolookforamixedbreed,arescue,astheirnextpet.Theygotmorethantheybargainedfor.TheygotNellie,a2-year-oldpupwholookedlikeaYellowLab,butshesuredidn’tbehavelikeone.“Ishouldhaveknown,”Beukemasays.

When Nellie didn’t behave like a typical Yellow Lab, owners Ron Norton and Jan Beukema had the adopted dog’s DNA tested.

photo courtesy ron norton


FEATUrE DOGGY DNA

Nellie’spreviousownershadsurrenderedherbecausethey“couldn’thandleheranymore.Shehadtoomuchenergy.”“Shewaslikeayo-yo,”Beukemasays.“Shewasbouncingallovertheplace.”Andshedidn’tcalmdown.ShewasnothinglikeanyLabthey’deverknown.Shewasdestructive,didn’tmindandwasreallyhighstrung.BeukemaandNortonworkedwithaprofessionaltrainerandevenconsideredfindingNellieadifferenthomeorreturninghertotheshelter.Butbotharepetlovers,andtheywantedittowork.“Igottowondering:Justwhatwasinher?”Beukemasays.SheturnedtoBioPetVetLab,abiotechnologycompanyspecializinginanimalgenomicsshefoundonline,andorderedaDNAtestingkittofindoutwhatevershecouldaboutherdog.BeukemaswabbedtheinsideofNellie’s

cheek—“Itwasrealsimple,”shesays—andfoundoutwhyNelliedoesn’tactlikeaYellowLab.SheismostlyBeagle.“Lookscanbedeceiving,”Beukemasays.“ShelookslikeasmallYellowLab.”Accordingtothetestresults,Nelliehaseightdifferentbreedsinherheritage.Mostpredominantly:BeagleandAmericanEskimoDog.ShealsohasasmallpercentageofAustralianShepherd,GoldenRetriever,LabradorRetriever,EnglishSpringerSpaniel,IrishSetterandKeeshond.“Amazing,isn’tit?”Beukemasays.LikeColliganandHutchins,thetestdidn’tchangehowBeukemaandNortonfeltabouttheirdogorhowmuchtheylovedher.Butknowingherlineage,discoveringjustwhoNelliewas,helpedfillinthemissingpieces.“Itexplainsalot,”Beukemasays.“Wewereexpectinghertobesomethingsheisn’t.”

Despite her looks, Nellie is not a purebred Yellow Lab. In fact, a DNA test reveals she has eight different breeds in her heritage.

photo courtesy ron norton


BY SUSAN HARRISON-WOLFFIS

atfirstglance,JackandSydlooklikejustacoupleofmutts.Dogsofquestionableheritage.

Poocheswithoutpapers;notapedigreebetweenthem.Buttheirowners—KayHargettandJulieLenio—arecrazyaboutthem.Itdoesn’tbotherthemabitthatJackandSydarenothingbutmutts.Infact,theycelebrateit.“Really,they’rethebestofallbreeds,”Leniosays,andshemeansit.She’snotresortingtoacleverpun,takingaimattheworldofcompetitivedogshows,justtomakeapoint.“Muttsaregreatdogs,”shecontinues.LenioandHargettaresoseriousabouthonoringmutts—dogsofmixedancestry—they’vecreatedawebsitecalledTheOfficialMuttRegistry.Itisanovelidea,onetheformerneighborscookedupbackin2008whenLenioandHargettlivedonthesameblockinaGrandRapidsneighborhood.LeniohadSyd,anadoptedpuppydelightedbyherHeinz57parentagemixofCollie,Lab,ChowandHusky.“Shehasoneearup,andoneeardown,”Leniosays,“butwedon’tcarewhatshelookslike.She’sagreatdog.”HargettfeltthesameaboutJack,animprobableHusky/Beaglemix,whostoleeveryone’sheartinthefamilywithhispersonality—andstilldoes.“Ithink(mutts)getoverlooked,”Hargettsays.“Theydon’tgettheirdue.”Withthatinmind,sheandLeniodreamedupTheOfficialMuttRegistry,wherepeoplecanregistertheirdogs,receivecertificatesthatdocumentthemastrue,certifiedMutts—andgivethemalittlerespect.“Really,it’safunwaytogivethese

dogssomerecognition,butwe’reserious,too,”Hargettsays.Forseveralyears,HargettandLeniousedtheold-fashionedwordofmouthmethodtogetthenewsoutabouttheregistry,continuingevenwhenHargettandherhusbandmovedtoPentwaterinretirement.Lenio,whoworkspart-timeinthefinancialaiddepartmentatAquinasCollege,andherhusbandliveinGrandRapids.In2014,theycreatedthewebsite,completewithphotosofdogsregistered,optionsforcertificatesandpackagesthatrangeinpricefrom$19to$79—andapoignantreminderthat“Youdon’tneedapedigreetobeabestfriend.”TheycanpointtoJackandSydasExhibitsAandBbutHargettalso

lovestotellthestoryofAddie,thefirstOfficialMuttregistered,whobecametheconstantinthelivesoftwoboysaftertheirparentsweredivorced.Theparentshadjointcustody,andthekidsspentoneweekwiththeirmom,thenextwiththeirdad.Addie,ablackmuttrescuedfromananimalshelterbythefamily,wentwiththem,backandforthbetweenhouses,alwaystherefortheboys.Suchisthestoryofmutts—nopedigree;justunconditionallove.“Ithinkthat’sprettyspecial,”Hargettsays.“There’sjustsomethingaboutmutts,thatspecialspark...thatloveyoujustknowisthere.”

‘Official’ registry gives mutts their due

FEATUrE DOGGY DNA

For more information, visit officialmuttregistry.com

photo courtesy Mutt registry


MTTSUWe’re nuts aboutspecial photo gallery

photos by jennifer waters

SakayaSiberian Husky/Pit Bull/Black Labrador Retriever mixAge: 1½ Owners: Peter & Lyndsey Baculi, Grand Rapids

BinaPit Bull mixAge: 3 Owner: Eleanor Dotson, Grand Rapids


ChloeDachshund/Beagle/Schnauzer/Cocker Spaniel/Irish Setter mixAge: 11Owners : Deb & Ed Cusic, Kentwood

ScruffyChihuahua/Rat Terrier/Jack Russell Terrier mixAge: 8Owners : Deb & Ed Cusic, Kentwood

FerrisDachshund/Miniature Pinscher/Australian Shepherd mixAge: 4 monthsOwner: Virginia Brophy, Grandville

TurkeyPomeranian/Chihuahua mixAge: 14Owner: Laurie Sanger, Grand Rapids


LucyAustralian Cattle Dog/ Border Collie mixAge: 12 Owners: Abraxas & Terri King, Grand Rapids

SophieYorkshire Terrier/Chihuahua mixAge: 11Owners: Chris, Doug, Izabella & Hunter Yeakey, Coopersville

PumpkinBasenji/Whippet mixAge: 9Owner: Tonya Christiansen, Grand Haven

LevonBlack Labrador Retriever/Chow mixAge: 6Owners: Claire & Joe Boomgaard, Sparta


PistonChocolate Labrador Retriever/American Bulldog mixAge: 4 Owners: Sarah Uzarski & Anthony Milano, Hudsonville

BernieShepherd/Hound mixAge: 11Owners: Gina & David Moore, Wyoming

OttisShepherd/Husky/Chow mixAge: 9 Owner: Ashley Dahl, Grandville

MTTSU


Sophie

Marie

Shar Pei/Pit Bull mixAge: 4Owner: Jane DeYoung, Grand Rapids

LaylaBoxer mixAge: 2 Owners: Ron & Molly Vincent, Wyoming

SpinelliBoxer/Hound/Shar-Pei mixAge: 2 Owner: Ashley Dahl, Grandville

BlueBulldog/Shih Tzu mix

Age: 5Owner: Eleanor Dotson,

Grand Rapids


Cali

Terrier mixAge: 4Owner: Sierra Thomas, Kentwood

IndyChihuahua/ Pomeranian mixAge: 5Owner: Sierra Thomas, Kentwood

JojoPit Bull mixAge: 2 Owners: Kipp & Erin Chillag, Ada

MiyaCocker Spaniel/Chihuahua mixAge: 1Owners: Brooke & Gordi Wiest, Grand Rapids

WesleyDachshund/Shih Tzu mixAge: 2 Owners: Brooke & Gordi Wiest, Grand Rapids

MTTSU


RosebudBeagle mixAge: 7Owner: Jorel Davis, Belding

CharlieMaltese/Yorkie mixAge: 2 Owners: Tim & Patti McDonald, Hudsonville

JuliaWhippet/German Shepherd/Husky/Beagle/Sheltie/Terrier mixAge: 13½ Owner: Debby Wolters, Grandville

WatsonChihuahua/Pug/Dachshund mixAge: 4Owner: Jess Smith, Lowell


WatsonChihuahua/Pug/Dachshund mixAge: 4Owner: Jess Smith, Lowell

SofieLabrador Retriever/Spaniel mixAge: 8 or 9 Owners: Tim & Patti McDonald, Hudsonville

EntourageGerman Shorthair Pointer/ English Setter mixAge: 2½ Owners: Caleb & Lori Baker, Grandville

GeorgeGolden Retriever/Border Collie mixAge: 1Owners: Abraxas & Terri King, Grand Rapids

ButtersBoxer/Saint Bernard mixAge: 4Owner: Stacie Walton,Hudsonville

LokiMiniature Pinscher/Chihuahua mixAge: 1Owner: Tammy Walton, Hudsonville

MTTSU


ThE TAiL END SUSAN hArriSON-WOLFFiS

Sometimesthestorycomesattheendoftheinterview—inanunexpecteddetail,thetoneofvoice,evenanunspokenexchangebetween

amanandhisfaithfuldog.Youthinkyou’retheretohearonething,towitnessapieceofaman’safternoonofvolunteeringandthebenefitstotherecipients,butwithonesentence,the

storygoesinadifferentdirection.Thisissuchatime.Everyweek,HerbCzerwonandhisNorwegianElkhoundwiththedecidedlypoeticnameofMollyRosevisitacoupleofassistedlivingresidences,spreadingthejoyofhavingadoginthehouse.Oneweek,theygotoSeminoleShoresAssistedLivingCenterinNortonShores,andthenext,OakCrestManorsinSpringLake.“HaveyouhadanyElkhoundkisseslately?”Czerwonlikestoteasethepeoplehevisitswhenhefirstwalksintotheirrooms.Czerwon,73,isaretiredprobationofficerfortheStateofMichigan.MollyRose,9,hasbeenacertifiedtherapydogformostofherlife.Shespentafewyearsonthedogshowcircuitwhenshewasyounger,competingintheringandwinningmorethanhershareofawards.Sheisabeautifuldog,silverandblackwithaluxuriantdoublecoat.At50pounds,sheisathleticlooking—atraitofthesturdybreedwhoseancestorswerebredtohuntmoose,elk,bearandotherwildanimals.“Youdon’tseemanyofthesedogsaround,”Czerwonsays.Almostfromtheminuteourpathsfirstcrossed,CzerwonstartedlobbyingmetowriteaboutMollyRose.Helistedallhergoodqualities,likehowsmartsheis,braggingthatshehasthevocabularyofa3-year-oldhuman.And

thereisnodoubtaboutthebenefitsofvisitingwithatherapydog,evenifit’sforjustafewminutes:loweredbloodpressure,raisedendorphins,reducedanxiety,liftedspirits,remindersofhome.Justpettingadogcalmsmostpeople.Itgivesthemasenseofsecurity.Itmakesthedaybetter.MollyRose—andCzerwon—earnedtheircertificationthroughTherapyDogs,Inc.,traininginvariousnursinghomesinGrandHaven.“IneededsomethingtodoafterIretired,”Czerwonsays,“andthiswasagoodwaytogiveback.”WhenaskedwhatmakesMollyRoseagoodtherapydog,Czerwonanswersquickly:“She’sloving,gentleandlovestomeetpeople.”And,Imightadd,she’sabsolutelyfocusedonCzerwon.That’swhatInoticed.UnlikeothertherapydogsI’vemet,MollyRose’sattentionisonherowner,evenmorethanthepeopleshe’svisiting.CzerwonlaughswhenImentionit,sayingMollyRoseis“fooddriven,”andshe’sinterestedinthepocketfulofCheerios

hecarriesforhertreat.Butthere’smoretoit,andthat’swhenthestorychanges.Thereareotherpeopleintheroom,includingCzerwon’swife,Kristi,whoisanurseatanassistedlivingcenterinHolland;myhusbandandme.ButMollyRosesticksbyCzerwon’sside,liftinghernosetowardhisface.“Hello,mylovey,”Czerwonsays,rubbingherears.Hiswordsaresosweet,suchacontrasttohisbigboomingvoice,gravelyroughincharacter.Andthat’swhenthedetailsoflifecomeforth;whentherealneedforatherapydogisrevealed.Czerwonisacancersurvivor,amanwhosecanceris“holdingsteady”butalwayspresent.Duringmonthsoftreatment,heandMollyRosestillmadetheirrounds,mananddogonweeklyvisitstoothers.Therapy,butforwhom?Thepeopletheyvisit?OrCzerwon?Whenasked,heshrugshisshoulders.Hecan’tanswer.Duringtheworstofhistreatment,whenhewasexhaustedandnauseated,MollyRosegothimupandoutsideofhimself.Shewasthereasonhewentonthosevisits:tosharehisdog.“Itmademethink,”Czerwonsays,hishandrestingagainonhisdog’sback.MollyRosesitsforthelongesttimeathisside,morethanacompanion.Andthat’sthestory,therealstory.Sometimesinthegiving,thesharing,therearebenefitsbeyondbelief.ThereareElkhoundkissesandcomfort;thereisasenseofwell-beingandbeingneeded.“Isn’tthatright,MollyRose?”Czerwonasks,notwaitingforananswer.“Isn’tthatright?”

Susan Harrison-Wolffis is an award-winning journalist, retired from newspaper work after more than 40 years. Contact her at [email protected]

photo by Mary ullMer

Molly Rose, a Norwegian Elkhound who is a certified therapy dog, pays a visit to Art Wolffis at Oak Crest Manors in Spring Lake.

sometimes, therapy dogs aren’t just for patients


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Hank Adopted 2013

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