Articles

From previous issues

From our February / March '08 Issue

Too Much Of a Good Thing
- By Teddy Green

Once they decided it was the perfect time for them to get a puppy, Gertrude and Heathcliff did everything right. They did their research to ensure they chose a breed that best suited their lifestyle.
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First is Foremost
-By Gillian Ridgeway

Why do so many of us have difficulty with change? Just the thought of change can produce stress and anxiety in the best of us. Think about the last time you changed your job, or your address. While it might have been exciting thinking about it, when the day arrives it is often difficult to cope with the changes it makes to our daily routine. Over time, the new routine becomes the norm until the next change. The act or an instance of making change can put many people in a tailspin.
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Notable Canine Quotables
- By Lorraine Houston

This issue of Dogs, Dogs, Dogs! focuses on puppies, which are one of the more popular topics, the newspaper covers. The reader looks forward to opening this edition with great anticipation to learn about the latest information on socialization, nutrition, training tips and the likes...
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From our December '07/ January '08 Issue

Gone for the Holidays
- By Gillian Ridgeway

The festive season is upon us once again and with it, our thoughts have turned to holiday celebrations and family time. As Canadians, we relish the thoughts of hitting the ski slopes, visiting friends for Christmas, or even heading down south for some rest and relaxation. And of course, we don’t want to forget our four legged buddies. While it can be a great experience to travel with Sparky, there are things to consider before he jumps in the car.
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Reputable Rescue Groups
- By Lorraine Houston

I get a fair number of calls regarding dog rescue groups. I believe these inquiries stem from a directory that a small group of us started publishing some years ago. It lists specific breeds as well as all-breed rescue organizations and their contact information. Generally speaking, the dog rescue world has been a pretty tight-knit group of dedicated folk who work tirelessly to help dogs in need. Whether the dogs are a specific breed, small, large, senior, mixed or special needs, there is usually someone who can step up to the plate and offer assistance when called upon.
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From our October / November 2007 Issue

Small Dogs Rule!
- By Gillian Ridgeway

The magic of dogs is in the diversity. St. Bernard’s, Italian Greyhounds, Old English Sheepdogs and Pugs are all dogs. The hair texture and length differ, as do their size and temperaments, but there truly is a dog for everyone. While some people see only larger dogs as “real” dogs, there seems to be an equal number of us that view the little guys as great family companions.
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The Reality of Rescuing
- By Lorraine Houston

Our rescue organization had quite a rough summer. The entire process of ‘rescuing’ dogs can be challenging and emotional at the best of times, but these last few months have been exceedingly difficult for our group, whose special focus is to assist senior dogs.
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Heavy on the Tricks – Easy on the Treats this Halloween

While Halloween means fun and frolic for kids can be a frightening time for family dogs. Each Halloween, veterinarians nationwide see pet injuries that could have been avoided. Here are some ways we can protect pets.
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From our August / September 2007 Issue

JOBS WITH DOGS…by design or accident
- By Gillian Ridgeway

For me, working with and for dogs has been a life long passion. My earliest memory is of watching Border Collies herd sheep at a demonstration in my hometown of Birmingham, England. I remember being a four-year-old girl, peeking out from behind a rock, watching those dogs in amazement - I have been hooked ever since. It is ironic that I did not grow up with dogs, as many children do. I had loving parents who simply did not have time for a dog in their busy livestyle. We immigrated to Canada when I was eight-years-old and it was a time of new beginnings and not time to add another family member. In spite of this, I was obsessed with dogs of all kinds. I read every dog storybook and graduated later to books on dog breeds and training. Finally, at the age of 13, our family acquired Ben (a magnificent pup of unknown heritage) and my dog-training career was born.
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Bella on Wheels
- By Lorraine Houston

Margaret Gates has a soft spot for senior dogs, so it wasn’t surprising that when she went to the Toronto Animal Services East shelter in March 2005 she fell head over heels for the nine year old Border Collie/Retriever mix in the adoption room. She asked the staff if she could have some one-on-one time with the long coated black and white dog in the exercise yard to get a chance to interact with her.
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Gone To The Dogs
- By Tania Costa

Oh to be a dog in this day and age, life is great. From Doggles to Cataract surgery, MRI’s to water therapy. Thank goodness there are so many ways to help keep our dogs happier and healthier. Additionally, these advances allow me to spend my days with dogs.
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From our June / July 2007 Issue

Why is a Positive a Negative?
- By Gillian Ridgeway

Why is it that the word “positive” can strike such a chord in a dog owner’s mind? Having been involved in the dog world since 1972 and spending the great majority of my adult life working with dogs, it has been an uphill battle to increase awareness in the theory of learning for dogs. There has been a vast increase in awareness of this theory for children, but the dog owners are still lagging behind. Although, giving credit where it is due, it is leaps and bounds better than in the middle 1980’s, when dog training took a surge from being a novelty to a necessity.
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Second Chance Dogs can make First Rate Athletes
- By Lorraine Houston

Many people think that in order for their dog to participate in an organized dog sporting event, the dog has to have CKC or other similar ‘pedigree’ registration papers. To add to this, some folks believe that their shelter/rescue dog can’t play in dog sports because they are mixed breeds. This is simply not the
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"Tally-ho" - Welcome to the Wonderful World of Lure Coursing
- By Karen Fasciano

The vision of a Sighthound (a hound the hunts by sight) in motion, running flat out in pursuit, is truly breathtaking. While conformation shows can expose the public to the tranquil beauty of these dogs, relatively few people have the opportunity to witness these breeds in real action. Lure coursing will give you this opportunity in a controlled and safe environment.
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From our April / May 2007 Issue

How to Pick a Puppy - By Amy White

You're ready to take the plunge, you've decided to bring a puppy into your life. This is a very exciting decision but you've still got some important decisions to consider before you select your new family member. While it may seem that choosing a puppy is an easy decision, the reality is that it isn't, and it shouldn't be. Choosing a puppy is a wonderful experience but it requires careful preparation and informed planning.
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How Much is that Doggy, Really? - By Lorraine Houston

There is a fair bit of information out there regarding the costs related to ‘owning’ a dog, both initial costs and yearly breakdowns. Trust me, I read a lot of it and if you want the basic run down with associated estimated numbers, it’s there for the taking. The following I classify as ‘expected’ costs, such as; vet care, training, grooming, supplies, food, treats, toys, boarding, day care, pet sitter/walker, licensing, insurance and microchip.
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Baby Steps - By Gillian Ridgeway

There is a principle to getting things done, commonly known as "baby steps". This is the act of breaking down what appears to be a large task into smaller, do-able steps. We often use this mindset in our daily lives - at first the idea of remodeling a bathroom seems overwhelming, but once you decide on a plan and single each job out from the other, the whole idea becomes more appealing.
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From our February / March 2007 Issue

Mind, Body and Soul - By Gillian Ridgeway
At the start of a New Year there is always a lot of talk about health, getting in shape and being physically active. It is a common resolution and so it should be.
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The Wellness of Water - By Lorraine Houston
The Natural Animal Health web site says that hydrotherapy is taken to mean the treatment of disease by, or in, water. In its simplest form this could be bathing your dog using a commercially available herbal shampoo or using a medicated wash which has been prescribed by your veterinarian to treat a specific skin condition.
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Healing Hands - By Sandra Bolan
Advances in modern veterinary medicine have made what used to be debilitating and untreatable injuries and diseases treatable, and in some cases curable. However, it is not always modern medicine that provides the treatment. Eastern practices such as Reiki and acupuncture are being widely used as complimentary canine treatments.
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From our December '06 / January '07 Issue

The Christmas Puppy - By Lorraine Houston
Although my eyes and ears have yet to open, I can smell stale urine and feces all around me. My mother shivers from the dampness but licks my tiny body clean and tucks me under her legs where it’s warm and safe. Her fur is dirty and tangled; her bones poke through tired thin skin and her ears are swollen and ooze with infection. She is very devoted to me and my brothers and sisters; she never leaves us. We are in a wire cage, so she has no choice but to stay.
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Picture Perfect Pooches - By Sandra Bolan
It’s that time of year when we gather the family together for the annual family photo that will be sent out to everyone this holiday season. And as every self-respecting pet owner knows, the family dog must also be part of the family photo.
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Housework and Hotdogs - By Gillian Ridgeway
Bicycles, electric can openers, vacuum cleaners and even balloons. What do these items have in common? They put fear into the hearts of some of our best canine friends.
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