FREE – TAKE ONE - Critter Magazine
Transcription
FREE – TAKE ONE - Critter Magazine
FREE – TAKE ONE TM AUGUST 2011 VOL. 13 NO. 6 animal adoption, rescue and education in asheville and surrounding communities CRITTER NOTES ACN seeking sponsors and players for ‘Putt for Mutts’ Golf Tournament Animal Compassion Network will host its first annual „Putt for Mutts‟ Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, August 12, at Broadmoor Golf Links in Fletcher. Registration is at 1 pm and the tourney begins with a shotgun start at 2 pm. The Captain‟s Choice format is $75 per player or $275 per foursome and includes green fees and cart, a catered lunch, cold beer, soft drinks and water on the course, Hole-In-One and Closet-to-Pin contests and a meet and greet with some of ACN‟s adoptable pups. To register go to www.animalcompassionnetwork.org or stop by Pet Harmony, 803 Fairview St. in Asheville. Sponsors and donations of prizes are also needed for the event. For more information about playing in the tournament or sponsoring, contact Kelly Stoner at 303-525-7608. ‘Dog Daze’ celebration supports FOMCA The annual „Dog Daze‟ celebration will be held in downtown Marshall on Friday, August 12 from 5 to 11 pm. Mark your calendars and come out for some four-legged fun while supporting Friends of Madison County Animals (FOMCA). Proceeds from the festival will help the non-profit organization with their rescue work and spay/ neuter efforts in Madison County. FOMCA will have their table set up in the Post Office parking lot. Family, friends and Fido are welcome. Activities include a Pet and People Parade, pet contests, music, dancing, and food - as well as animals available for adoption. Local restaurants and businesses will also remain open for the event. For more information, call FOMCA at 828-649-9798 or e-mail fomca@yahoo.com. CPPI offers low-cost spay-neuter vouchers Community Partnership for Pets, Inc. will be offering free/low-cost spay/neuter vouchers for dogs and cats of Henderson County residents monthly on the 1st and 3rd Saturday, from noon-3 pm at the K-Mart entrance of the Blue Ridge Mall on Four Season's Blvd. in Hendersonville. They will also be offered monthly on the 4th Saturday from 10 am-2 pm at Tractor Supply on Four Season's Blvd. in Hendersonville. For more information, 693-5172. Next ‘Yappy Hour’ at Pack Square Park The Asheville Humane Society will host their next ‟Yappy Hour‟ for pets and their people on Thursday, August 11 from 6-8 pm at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. Bring your favorite doggie companions and enjoy an evening of arf d'oeuvres, doggie daiquiri's, vegetarian appetizers, beer, wine and soda. $10 adults/$5 children. For more information, call 761-2001, ext. 311. Nature Center open late Saturdays in Aug. To help guests beat the heat this summer, the Western North Carolina Nature Center will be extending its hours on Saturdays in August, remaining open until 7 pm. "Many of the animals at the Nature Center become much more active during the late afternoon," says Chris Gentile, Director of the Nature Center. "We hope that by extending our hours, guests will be able to see a side of the Center they've never been able to experience before." PAGE 2 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 Admission to the WNC Nature Center is $6 for adults ($8 for non-Asheville residents), $5 for seniors ($7 for non -Asheville residents), $4 for youth ages 3-15. Kids age 2 and under are free. For more, www.wncnaturecenter.com. Greyhound Fun Runs resume on Saturdays The Greyhound Fun Runs resume in Fletcher Park on Saturday, August 6 for the summer/fall season. The group meets each Saturday through November. During the summer months, meetings are at 9 am. When the weather cools, 10 am. For more information, call Peggy at 828-891 -5971 or email mab70@morrisbb.net. The 5th Annual ‘Run for the Horses’ Save the date! Online registration is now open for the Hope for Horses 2011 „Run for the Horses.‟ The 5th Annual Run for the Horses 5K Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk & Dog Parade will be held on Sunday, October 16 at 2 pm in downtown Asheville. Registration will take place in the parking lot at 35 Woodfin St. across from the YMCA. For more information, visit www.hopeforhorses.org, call 828683-0160 or see the Hope for Horses ad on page 19. Chow down for pet therapy! Plans are now underway for the 2011 “Join the Pack” Dining Day benefiting Mission Hospital‟s „Paws On A Mission‟ pet therapy program. “Join the Pack” Dining Day will take place on Thursday, August 11, at local restaurants when a percentage of each meal will go toward furthering the pet-centered therapy services offered by Paws On A Mission. A complete listing of participating establishments can be found at missionfoundation.org – click on the “Join the Pack” link. 3rd Annual ‘Blessing of the Pets’ at Mills River Presbyterian Church Asheville and Hendersonville area residents and their pets are invited to a special “Blessing of the Pets” service on Saturday, August 6 at 10 am at the Mills River Presbyterian Church. The annual outdoor event will include messages, prayers and blessings for people and their pets. The half-hour service on the front lawn of the church will include tributes to pets lost during the past year, adopted animals and rescued pets. A free will love offering will be collected during the service to benefit Blue Ridge Humane Society, a non-profit animal shelter in Henderson County. Mills River Presbyterian Church is located at 10 Presbyterian Church Road in Mills River. For more information, call 828-891-7101. Club Hairspray hosts ‘Divine Diva Doggie Drag Show’ to benefit spay-neuter Club Hairspray, at 38 N. French Broad Ave. in downtown Asheville, is hosting the „Divine Diva Doggie Drag Show‟ to benefit the Critter Magazine Spay-Neuter Fund on Saturday, August 20. Registration from 8 to 10 pm with the show beginning at 11 pm. Prizes will be provided by local area businesses and all well-behaved dogs 40 lbs. and under are welcome. $5 registration fee per dog. A $100 cash prize goes to the winning pooch with remaining proceeds donated to the Critter Magazine Spay-Neuter Fund at the Humane Alliance to help defray the cost of surgeries for Buncombe County residents in need. For more information, call 828-255-0516 or visit www.clubhairspray.com. IN THIS ISSUE AUGUST 2011 Critter Notes ……………………………………………..... 2 Angus & Phil ...…………………………………………..... 3 Point of View ....................................…..…………...……. 4 NC Indictment a Victory for Lab Animals Searching the Web to Learn About Pets ……………... 8 Stop the Sale of Dogs and Cats at Smiley’s .…...…… 11 Critter Calendar …...……………..…………….……....…. 14 Animal & Nature Stuff to Do and See Critter Kids’ Page ......…............……...…..……...……... 15 Hive Sweet Hive Forging a Better Relationship w/Your Best Friend … 21 Recognizing Types of Canine Aggression .……….…. 20 ON THE COVER GORGEOUS GEORGE is a 1-year-old male Great Dane who is the lover of all time! This gentle giant is now seeking his forever home. He was recently found as a stray and is fabulous with kids, cats and other dogs. Please call Holly at 828-551-9176 if you would like to meet this amazing boy. Cover photo by Dr. Josh Paynich . August 20, 2011 International Homeless Animals Day Sponsor: International Society for Animal Rights 1-800-543-4727 www.isaronline.org/ihad.html Futons for the entire family! Critter Magazine™ is an animal adoption publication dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals through education, support of spay/ neuter efforts and encouraging responsible pet ownership, as well as helping to find loving homes for animals in need. Although the majority of the animals profiled are dogs and cats, we will feature any animal that is in need of adoption. We publish each month and distribute throughout Asheville, Buncombe, Madison, Haywood, Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties. Advertising and editorial deadline is the 20th of the month for the following month’s issue. We welcome letters to the editor, comments and suggestions, as well as informative articles and stories which are relevant to our goals. 109 Patton Avenue Downtown Asheville 252-9449 Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Critter Magazine cannot screen either potential adopters or animals for health or temperament. We urge all parties to act responsibly in these matters. All animals adopted through Critter Magazine must be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Critter Magazine™ is a publication of Critter Communications, LLC and is also published in Athens, GA; Greenville and Myrtle Beach, SC; Gainesville, FL; Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. Publisher and Editor - Elaine Lite P.O. Box 4093 Asheville, NC 28805 E-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net (828) 255-0516 If you are interested in publishing a Critter Magazine in your area, contact Elaine Lite - crittermagnc@charter.net or call 828-255-0516. Visit us on the web at www.crittermagazine.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without prior written consent of publisher prohibited. 715 S. Grove St. Hendersonville Open to the public daily www.hendersonville.coop CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 3 Point of View North Carolina indictment a victory for lab animals In a landmark move, a North Carolina grand jury has indicted four individuals who worked at Professional Laboratory and Research Services, including a supervisor, on 14 felony cruelty-to-animals charges. This case marks the first time in U.S. history that laboratory workers have faced felony cruelty charges for their abuse and neglect of animals in a laboratory. And it marks the second criminal prosecution of cruelty to animals used in experimentation. The first prosecution stemmed from the first undercover investigation by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the groundbreaking 1981 Silver Spring monkeys case. For nine months, PETA investigator Kathy Guillermo worked undercover inside the filthy, deafeningly loud kennels of PLRS. Inconspicuously tucked away in a rural northeast corner of North Carolina, PLRS took money from huge pharmaceutical companies to test insecticides and other chemicals used in companion-animal products. Bayer, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Schering-Plough (now Merck), Sergeant's, Wellmark, and Merial, the maker of Frontline flea and tick products, are some of the corporations that have paid PLRS to force-feed experimental compounds to dogs and cats and smear chemicals onto the animals' skin. “Most of what‟s done to animals inside laboratories is legal, what made this case so different is that these animals were hit, they were kicked, they were thrown, they were denied decent care, they were living in filth, they were living in substandard conditions,” said Guillermo. During this investigation, Guillermo found that toxicity tests were just part of what the animals endured. Laboratory workers appeared to despise the animals in their care - they yelled and cursed at cowering dogs and cats, used pressure hoses to spray water (as well as bleach and other harsh chemicals) on them; and dragged dogs who were too frightened to walk through the facility. Dogs at PLRS spent years in cages, either to be used repeatedly in tests or to be kept infested with worms for some future study. They are just like the dogs we share our homes with, but they lived day in and day out without exercise or enrichment, companionship, a scratch behind the ears, or even a kind word from the only people they ever saw. Many dogs had raw, oozing sores from being forced to live constantly on wet concrete, often in pools of their own urine and waste. Workers didn't even move the dogs when they pressure-sprayed the runs, frightening the animals; soaking them with water, bleach, and soap; and exposing already painful sores to harsh, irritating chemicals. PLRS didn't bother to keep a veterinarian on staff. Instead, it chose to bring its primary veterinarian in for only one hour most weeks. Animals endured bloody stools, worm infestations, oozing sores, abscessed teeth, hematomas, and serious infections without receiving adequate veterinary examinations and treatment. Sometimes, the conditions were ineffectively handled by PAGE 4 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 Lab rabbits fixed into stocks for a Draize eye irritancy test, where shampoo is dripped into the rabbits’ eyes. workers who had no credentials or veterinary training. To cut costs, PLRS killed nearly 100 cats, rabbits, and dogs. The company had decided that some of these animals' six daily cups of food were too expensive. Federal oversight of horrendous facilities such as PLRS is virtually non-existent. In preparation for a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector's annual visit, which PLRS staff knew to expect in June or July, PLRS employees painted over the rusty surfaces that the USDA had warned them about the previous year and reported that ailing animals had conditions that might merit veterinary care - which the facility's attending veterinarian reportedly advised she would not provide - so that PLRS staff would be "covered" from blame should the inspector inquire about the animals' condition. The inspector's 2010 visit to PLRS, which housed approximately 400 animals at the time, lasted two hours and 15 minutes. Just one week after PETA released the results of its shocking undercover investigation of the facility and filed a complaint with the USDA - which resulted in citations against PLRS for dozens of violations of federal animal welfare laws - the North Carolina–based contract animal testing facility surrendered nearly 200 dogs and more than 50 cats and shut its doors. That was in September, 2010. That‟s good news for the dogs and cats confiscated from the facility. Still, PETA reports that “More than 100 million animals are poisoned, burned, crippled, and abused in other ways in U.S. labs each year.” While this is a huge victory, we cannot become complacent when so many innocent animals are still being abused and harmed. When purchasing cosmetic products, check the Compassionate Shopping Guide, a list of companies approved by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). See the guide at www.leapingbunny.org/images/cciclist.pdf. For additional information about thoughtful choices, visit www.aavs.org and click on „Compassionate Shopping‟ under their Campaigns heading. Bone-a-Fide People & Pets Acupuncture Bakery & Boutique TASTY TREATS! Stay withHOMEMADE us in beautiful Black Moun- 118-A Cherry tain! Street Dr. Andrea L. Fochios Suite, Cottage, or Cabin. (828) 669-0706 Pet Friendly Lodging! Veterinarian & Chinese Medical Practitioner in downtown Black Mountain MA, DVM, L.Ac • Wellness Dog Food • Shampoos for Sensitive Skin • Pet Design Artwork by Local Crafters Bring in your furry friend for a FREE, HOMEMADE TREAT! Mon.-Sat. 11-6 Sun. 12-5 By Appointment Only 70 Woodfin Pl. Suite 122 • Asheville, NC 828-254-2773 • Email: ALFDVM@aol.com www.peopleandpetsacupuncture.com Cappuccino Machines Coffee & Tea Brewers • Gourmet Coffee Gourmet Tea • Grinders 753 Haywood Rd. Asheville (828) 254-7766 Saving Haywood County’s Adoptable Pets PO Box 854 Waynesville, NC 28786 ph: 828-246-9050 E-mail: info@sargeandfriends.org www.sargeandfriends.org JACKSON is a gorgeous calico kitten, about 3-months old and super sweet. She has beautiful, striking markings and a personality to match! Call soon to meet this girl! At 8-months old, REUBEN is the perfect mix of playful pup and laid-back, cuddly companion. A beautiful Redbone hound mix, he has a great personality, is cratetrained, and gets along very well with people and other dogs. . BENNY was found as a tiny kitten about 3-weeks old. He is now a happy, healthy older kitten ready to be adopted. His photos are funny because Benny is a character, even among kittens he is playful, affectionate, and has a huge purr box for such a tiny fellow. PUNKY is a really cute little guy, and looks like a Papillon mix. He is about 1-year old, and weighs about 10-12 lbs. He is quite lively and playful, gets along with other dogs his size and is friendly to all the humans he meets, but barks at cats. ADOPTIONS at our new Adoption Center - 256B Industrial Park Dr. EVERY SATURDAY 10 am-3 pm LESLIE E. STEVENS Attorney at Law, PLLC 19 N. Liberty Street PO Box 18356 Asheville, NC 28814 Ph: 828-259-9009 Fax: 828-281-3432 Weaverville Pet Pantry Naturally Healthy! Wellness, Orijen, Solid Gold, Innova, Prairie, Taste of the Wild, Evo & more 828-484-9247 25/70 & Monticello, across from CVS Tues-Fri 11-7 • Sat 10-5 CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 5 Advertising in Critter Magazine is a real High Five for me! • Devoted readership • Wide distribution • Affordable rates • FREE ad production Not a business owner? SPONSOR AN ANIMAL GROUP! Want to show your concern for a favorite animal rescue group or shelter in Critter? Sponsor their ad! Sponsorships available for as little as $25/month. CALL 828-255-8537 E-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net MaryPaws Animal Adoptions P.O. Box 941 Leicester, NC 28748 • 828-622-3248 • www.petfinder.org/shelters/NC346.html ADOPTIONS HELD EACH SUNDAY at PETCO on Brevard Rd. in Asheville - 2-6 pm and THURSDAYS at Westgate EARTH FARE PELOS and his sister Arena are gorgeous longer haired tabby’s who could be part Maine Coon. They were recently adopted but the owner was unable to keep them. So sad because they are wonderful, loving babies. They are very calm, with great personalities and would like to stay together if possible. Such a lovely pair would be great in any home. PATRICK is a soft, sweet, bright orange tabby with Siamese blue eyes. He is calm and very people friendly - he loves everyone! He would be a great companion for anyone young or old. ANGEL is a 2-year old female who us mostly white with the occasional black spot. She is very friendly with people but not so friendly with other cats. She'd really prefer to be an only cat - and would be a wonderful only cat. THUMPER has no tail - and that only makes him cuter. He's a handsome boy with a wonderful black spot under his chin. He's very gentle, loves to play, is friendly to people - as well as other cats, and would be a great kitten for a child. MARYPAWS Animal Adoptions is a rescue organization dedicated to helping unwanted animals find loving and permanent homes. Through our adoption program, we have helped hundreds of abandoned cats and kittens avoid homelessness. Please help us by spaying/neutering your pets, making a donation if you can, or by offering one of our adoptable animals a place in your heart and your home. If you’re looking for a pair of felines, call us! We have many siblings who are available and ready to be adopted together. PAGE 6 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 Animal Haven of Asheville now featuring Now offering custom made PVC Platform Dog Beds Durable ♦ Comfortable Large size - ONLY $45 (Compared to online price of $100) Specialty natural and organic pet products 5 OFF $ Any size bag by Nature cat or dog food with this coupon. Expires 8-31-11 One coupon per purchase. Call Animal Haven to order yours now! 828-299-1635 1263 Smokey Park Hwy. Candler 828.633.0900 Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm Sat 10 am-5 pm Natural Pet Foods For The Divine Diva Doggie Drag proudly presents Show! Saturday, August 20 ♥ 38 N. French Broad Ave. (downtown Asheville) All dogs 40 lbs. and under welcome! ♥ Registration 8-10 pm / Show at 11 pm $5 entry fee per dog with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Critter Magazine Spay/Neuter Fund Dress your pooch and come ready to party! First Prize: $100 Additional prizes include goody baskets, gift certificates, raffles, and more! ♥ For information, 828|255|0516 ♥ www.clubhairspray.com ♥ CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 7 Searching the web to learn about pets By Cindy Berryman-Fink Where do you turn for information about the care, health, and behavior of your beloved pets? Besides contacting veterinarians, trainers and pet care providers, we can find volumes of written material online related to companion animals and other pets. Hopefully, this article will help you sift through what‟s available and locate credible and helpful websites and online newsletters. Some sites provide general information while others are more specific. Most online newsletters reviewed here are free. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA.org) This is a full service website with a free newsletter. Topics cover dog, cat, horse and small pet behavior, nutrition, medical care and the human-animal bond. Articles are archived and website sections include videos, ask the experts, virtual pet behaviorist, care tips, poison control, pet loss and kids & pets. Almost any topic you are interested in has probably been written about here. American Animal Hospital Association (healthypet.com) Run by a credible national association, this website covers pet care for dogs, cats, small mammals and exotic birds. You will find sections on breed information and adoption, travel with pets, ask a vet, pet expert blog, photos, and a section for kids. “Compassionate People Providing Excellent Care” WNC’s exclusive emergency and critical care hospital Open Mon. - Fri. 5 pm - 8 am 24 hours on weekends and holidays Call us at 828-665-4399 or visit us on the web at www.reachvet.com Conveniently located between Biltmore Square Mall and the Farmer's Market 677 Brevard Road, Asheville PAGE 8 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 Precious Pets News (preciouspets.org) This newsletter emphasizes the holistic care of pets, including nutrition, health, training and some general information. Each newsletter has short articles, a featured book, a reader‟s poll, audio presentations, a pet blog and a web store with Life Abundance Products. There are six newsletters each year which are archived. Pet Place.com This is a commercial site with a newsletter related to cats, dogs, puppies and kittens. You will find sections on pet of the week, poll of the day, breed of the day, video of the day, tip of the day, product spotlights, and health. ThoughtsfurPaws.com This blog-only site has lots of contributed questions and information about pet care, health, breeds, grooming and charity as well as cute pet stories, poems and pictures. You can contribute to this site. Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine (vet.cornell.edu/public resources) This veterinary college website has loads of information about dogs, cats, horses, wildlife, exotics and farm animals. You will find sections on animal behavior, a research showcase, and a pet loss support hotline. For $40/year you can subscribe to either DogWatch or CatWatch, a monthly newsletter of 6 substantive articles. Heroes Newsletter (PetSmart Charities.org) This nonprofit organization creates and supports programs for homeless pets, raises awareness about companion animals, and promotes healthy people-pet relationships. The quarterly newsletter, Heroes, provides news about animal welfare, specifically adoption strategies, volunteer coordination and grants. This specialized topic newsletter will be useful to anyone involved in pet adoption and rescue work. It‟s amazing how much we can learn about pets online, so enjoy reading/researching for your happy and healthy pets! Cindy Berryman-Fink is owner of Pet Care Extraordinaire (www.petcareextra.com), a pet care and animal massage business. She is also a member of Asheville Area Professional Pet Sitters Association (ashevilleareapetsitters.com) Subarus-R-Us, Inc. “What we do is Subaru!” Our goal is to build long-term relationships of quality and trust with our customers. With over 25 years of Subaru service experience, we are your all-wheel drive headquarters and complete automotive service center for vehicles of all make and models. SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE: • All scheduled maintenance with quality OEM parts • 2wd and 4wd Alignments • Tire repair and replacement • A/C Service and Repair • Brake Repair • NC State Inspections • Electrical System Diagnosis • Engine and Transmission Repair and Replacement BRING THIS AD FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT OIL CHANGE! Open Monday-Friday / 8 am-5:30 pm / Early Bird/Night Owl Drop off available 372 Buckeye Access Rd. HOPE is a very sweet girl with great facial markings. Come meet her to see just how pretty she is. Her previous people couldn't take care of her and gave her away when they sold their home. Now she is here waiting for her forever family. Come see her today and fall in love. • Swannanoa MEOWSER is an affectionate kitty who loves to be petted and adores being a lap warmer. He will sleep right beside you at night! He loves to play and gets along well with other cats. Stop by and say hi to this angel. GINGER is a female momma cat who likes to play and hang out with the other cats. A sweet girl who would make a fabulous companion. • (828) 298-4883 LOUIE is a lovely, sweet Schnauzer/ Chinese Crested mix who can't wait to find a family of his own. He gets along really well with other dogs and is house trained and wellbehaved. He likes to go on walks and play with his toys - but he loves to hang out and snuggle with you. Louie would prefer a home without cats and with no young children, opting for a more peaceful setting. If you'd like to meet Louie, please call his foster parents at (828) 691-9571. To meet our pets 7 days a week, visit Pet Soup Pet Services, 31 Glendale Ave., Asheville See us on the web at www.bwar.org or call 828-808-9435 / 828-505-3440. CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 9 Animal Haven of Asheville P.O. Box 9697 Asheville, NC 28815 828-299-1635 MINNIE (R) is a 1-year old,female Catahoula mix who is very obedient, playful, and sweet. She enjoys car rides, long walks, (hiking would be great), and playing in the water. To meet her call Animal Haven. DOROTHY (L) is a 1-year old, spayed female Terrier mix weighing 23 lbs. Full of vim and vigor, she is currently enrolled in the New Leash on Life program learning basic obedience. She prefers older children and adults and is good with other dogs. She has a long curly coat that’s trimmed to resemble a Schnauzer. Animal Haven Thrift and Gift Shop 65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd. East Asheville • Tues.-Sat. 11 - 5 (off Tunnel Rd. near the VA Hospital) All proceeds directly benefit homeless and abused animals in our community. All donations are tax-deductible.. Transylvania Animal Alliance Group Spay/Neuter financial assistance is available for low-income families in Transylvania County. Call 828-966-3166. YANCEY HUMANE SOCIETY Don’t Shop, Adopt! 962 Cane River School Rd., Burnsville, NC • (828) 682-9510 Hours: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri - noon-5 pm / Sat - noon-4 pm www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC391.html ADOPTION DAYS are held at Arden Petsmart Saturdays - 11 am - 4 pm BUDDY was found at Island Ford and Country Club at the entrance area of Chasewood. He is a 9-mo. old male Lab mix and is a great dog. He loves to give kisses and is doing well on a leash. He has white markings on his chest. Buddy can be seen on our Adoption Days, every Saturday 11-4, at the PETsMART in Arden. For more information, call 828-749-3617 or email info@taagwags.org. PAGE 10 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 BEAR A kind soul picked up this 10-month old pup from a life on the streets. He's now had his shots, is neutered, flea-free and ready to enter a permanent and responsible home. Super cute, wiggly and friendly - he should do well with all other animals and children. BUTTONS BUTTONS is a beautiful 6-9 month old, spayed female cat who is on the lookout for a fabulous new home. She’d make a great companion! Follow us on Facebook! E-mail: ychs@ccvn.com www.petfinder.com/shelters/NC08.html Stop the sale of dogs and cats at Smiley's Flea Market Stewart David, President, Carolina Animal Action The Henderson County Commissioners are considering lifting the current ban on selling dogs and cats at open-air markets, farmer's markets, and flea markets. Fourteen individuals and representatives of animal organizations addressed this issue at the Commissioner meeting on Wednesday, July 20, and all fourteen of us voiced our strong opposition to this giant step backwards. As we in the animal welfare community are all too aware, many individuals and families who purchase an animal on a whim are not prepared (and cannot be screened) for the commitment of time and money, and are quickly overwhelmed by what they have taken on. When the novelty wears off, the unwanted animals pay the price. Many end up at shelters and rescue groups, and often taxpayers are burdened with the cost of housing, feeding, and killing these animals. In the discussion by the Commissioners that followed, they acknowledged the concerns that were raised regarding the sale of animals that are sick and diseased. The good news is that because of this issue, they delayed a vote so that the costs and implications of requiring veterinary certification of animals could be researched. The bad news is that they seemed otherwise poised to pass the measure, and the pleas from the community to reconsider due to the increased euthanasia that will result fell upon deaf ears. The Commissioners talked about an individual's right to breed and buy animals, and their desire not to interfere with private enterprise. There was no mention of a taxpayer's right not to pay the costs of cleaning up after irresponsible people. And, dare I ask, what about the puppies and kittens bred into a world where their likely fate is death by lethal injection? Don't they deserve any consideration? The Commissioners did not seem to understand that giving another outlet to backyard breeders and puppy mills, as well allowing people to give away or sell "surplus" puppies and kittens that are unaltered, will only exacerbate the overpopulation problem. In fact, one Commissioner voiced his disgust when learning that the Henderson County Animal Shelter euthanizes a high percentage of animals taken in, and he suggested that flea market sales might reduce the rate by giving people an outlet to sell/give away unwanted animals rather than turning them into the shelter! I have written the Commissioners suggesting that they learn more about the hard work of the individuals and organizations helping animals in Henderson County, and I suggested they consider taking a tour of the shelter, including the euthanasia room. Make no mistake about it, this change will have a serious impact on surrounding counties as well as Henderson County. Smiley's Flea Market, by far the largest in the area, is located halfway between Asheville and Hendersonville. Buncombe County shelters and rescue groups will definitely see an increase of people seeking to relinquish animals, and everyone in the animal welfare community has worked much too hard to suffer this major setback. Please, let your voice be heard. Here is the contact information for the Commissioners: • Chairman Mike Edney: jmedney@hendersoncountync.org - 828 694 5050. • Tommy Thompson: tthompson@hendersoncountync.org - 828 694 5055. • Bill O'Connor: bill.oconnor@hendersoncountync.org - 828 694 5056. • Larry Young: lyoung@hendersoncountync.org - 828 694 5027. • Charlie Messer: cmesser@hendersoncountync.org - 828 694 5028. Another way to speak up is with a letter to the Hendersonville Times-News. Letters need to be no longer than 200 words and should be sent to tnletters@blueridgenow.com. Henderson County residents, please try to schedule a visit with your Commissioner to make the case. If you have any contacts that are friends, family, or associates of the Commissioners, please urge them to attempt explaining why this is such a giant step backwards. You can voice your opinion at future Commissioner meetings, which take place at 1 Historic Courthouse Square. The next three meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, August 17, 9 am, Tuesday, September 6, 5:30 pm, and Wednesday, September 21, 9 am. Public comment is at the beginning of the meeting and limited to 3 minutes per person. Please be a voice for the voiceless! Thank you. Stewart David is a retired CPA and president of Carolina Animal Action, an Asheville-based animal rights group advocating on behalf of ALL animals. He can be reached at P.O. Box 19242, Asheville, NC, 28815, 828-2984647, animalaction@bellsouth.net. AUDIO CD’s Professionally Duplicated & Printed DOG DAYS of SUMMER SALE! ONLY 99¢ ea. 828.251.1860 / Creative Audio Network / 800.467.9552 CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 11 BLUE RIDGE HUMANE SOCIETY ANIMAL ADOPTION RESCUE CENTER 88 Centipede Lane Hendersonville, NC 28792 828-685-7107 www.blueridgehumane.org HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Closed Sunday APPLE is an adorable 4-month old, female Lab/Retriever mix. Come meet this sweetheart today! KAYLA is a DSH who is about 5-months old. She was found as a stray with her sister Kit, and they adore one another. PIPER is a beautiful 1-year old, female Terrier/Pit mix. Pretty and sweet, this girl will be a great companion. LOGAN is a brown PEPPER is a very pretty tabby about 2-years old. 2-year old, female Golden He’s the kind of cat that Retriever mix. If you need a you want to snuggle new best friend, come meet and sleep in late with Pepper … she could on a Saturday morning. be the one! The Blue Ridge Humane Society is a membership organization dedicated to providing loving care for homeless animals PHOTO BY PAM BURGESS until they are adopted, while helping to educate the community about responsible pet care and guardianship. We receive no government funding, and rely on donations, membership dues, our Community Foundation Fund, our Thrift Shop and volunteers to continue our work. To find out more about our services and programs, or to volunteer, please call 685-7107. Kevin T. Fox, D.D.S. Barbara L. Ford, D.D.S. Jonathan Kaczmarski, D.M.D. General Family Dentistry Asheville Dental Associates proudly supports all of our community animal shelters & rescue organizations. Together we can make a difference: Spay/Neuter Adopt a homeless pet Foster an animal waiting for adoption Donate Volunteer Be a ‘Voice for Animals’ George and Adyson GORGEOUS GEORGE is a 1-year old gentle giant Great Dane who was recently found as a stray. He is an amazing creature who is fabulous with kids, cats and other dogs. Please call Holly at 828-551-9176 if you would like to meet this REALLY BIG LOVE BUG! Adopt a pet from any local shelter or rescue organization in 2011 and receive a complimentary doctor exam and bitewing x-rays at your next dental appointment. *Offer valid thru December 31, 2011. Please present adoption contract at time of appointment. Please support pet adoption and help save lives! 2 Iris St. (behind Biltmore Village) PAGE 12 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 828-252-2791 Cats can’t add … but they sure can multiply! 1+1=6 SPAY & NEUTER YOUR PETS! Friends2Ferals A TNR Program of the Humane Society of Buncombe County We use dog & people-friendly techniques! Now offering: • group classes • private training • socials • educational classes For more information, www.dog-ed.net • info@dog-ed.net 828-989-1883 Offering help with your outside cats • Loaning traps • Trapping • Education/Assistance • Discount spay/neuter/vaccinations PO Box 2532 Asheville, NC 28802 Cell 1: 828-505-6737 / Cell 2: 828-301-3377 A 501(c)3 non-profit www.Friends2Ferals.org CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 13 Critter Calendar The Critter Calendar is a listing of animal/nature related happenings in and around Asheville, as well as other interesting tidbits we discover in far-off places. Please send your event information by the 20 th of each month for publication the following month to: Critter Magazine, P.O. Box 4093, Asheville, NC 28805 or e-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net. All area codes are 828 unless otherwise noted. ONGOING Cats and dogs are available for adoption daily at Pet Harmony, ACN's store for rescued pets, at 803 Fairview St. (adjacent to Province 620/Hendersonville Rd). Come visit them at their adoption center. For info, 274-3647 or go to www.animalcompassionnetwork.org. Greyhound Fun Runs resume every Saturday morning at Fletcher Park. Meet at 9 am during summer months / 10 am when cooler weather begins. For more info, call Peggy at 828-891-5971. A Pet Loss Support Group meets the first Wed. of each month at 6 pm at Jefferson House, 21 Edwin Pl. next to the Unitarian Universalist Church. Love offering accepted. For info, 254-6001. The ‘Outward Hounds Walking Club’ meets each weekday at 8 am at the Brother Wolf Adoption Center, 31 Glendale Ave. in Asheville. Volunteers are paired up with a dog for a one hour walk at Carrier Park. For info, call Lauren at 828-423-2954. (Walks are also scheduled every Wed. and Sun. at 10 am.) Animal Rights Asheville meets every Thurs. at 6:30 pm at Firestorm Café in downtown Asheville. For info, e-mail simkha@riseup.net. WNC Boxer Rescue - Adoptions every Sat. from 11 am-3 pm at Pet Supplies Plus on Hendersonville Rd. 702-4192. Brother Wolf Cat Adoptions are held every Wed. from 6-8 pm at PetSmart on Bleachery Blvd. Furever Friends Animal Rescue pet adoptions every Sun. from 10:30 am-6 pm at Petco on Brevard Rd. in Asheville. 670-6723. Mary Paws cat adoptions every Sun. from 2-6 pm at Petco on Brevard Rd. in Asheville and every Thur. from 2-6 pm at Westgate Earth Fare For more, 622-3248. Brother Wolf Pet Adoptions are held every Sat. from noon– 4pm at PetSmart on Bleachery Blvd. Also every Wed. at 1 pm at Pet Supplies Plus on Hendersonville Rd. THURSDAY - AUGUST 4 A ‘Doggie Ice Cream Social’ to benefit Animal Compassion Network will be held at The Hop, 640 Merrimon Ave. from 6 – 8:30 pm. Small Dog Socials will be held monthly on the 1st Thurs. at 6:30 pm at Pet Harmony. Pre-registration required. Call 989-1883. SATURDAY - AUGUST 6 Transylvania Animal Alliance Group (T.A.A.G.) adoption day, 11 am-4 pm at PetSmart on Airport Rd. See their adoptable animals at www.taag.petfinder.com. 966-3166. Every Sat. The Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society bird walk. First Sat. 9 am at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary on Merrimon Ave. in Asheville. Sarge's 6th Annual Downtown Waynesville Dog Walk will be held at 10 am beginning at the Courthouse on Main St. For more info call 828-246-9050. Foster pets will be available for adoption. Community Partnership for Pets is offering low-cost spay/neuter vouchers to Henderson County residents today. Again on Aug. 20, Aug. 27, Sept. 3 and Sept. 17. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) SUNDAY - AUGUST 7 The 1st Annual Asheville Vegfest will be held from noon-7 pm on Battery Park Ave. in downtown Asheville. Presented by The Asheville Vegetarians & Goat Mountain Sanctuary, the event features food, vendors, speakers and more! For more, info@ashevillevegfest.org. THURSDAY - AUGUST 11 The Asheville Humane Society will host a ‘Yappy Hour’ for dogs and their people, from 6-8 pm at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. PAGE 14 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 Bring your favorite doggie companion. Featuring arf d'oeuvres, doggie daiquiris, vegetarian appetizers, beer, wine and soda. $10 adults/$5 kids. For info, call 761-2001, ext. 311. FRIDAY - AUGUST 12 The ‘Putts for Mutts’ Golf Tournament - (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) Dog Daze in Marshall to benefit FOMCA. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) SATURDAY - AUGUST 13 A Guided Bird Walk will be held the second Sat. of each month at Jackson Park in Hendersonville, from 9-11 am. Co-sponsored by ECO and Henderson County Bird Club. For more, 692-0385. Full Moon Farm Wolfdog Rescue and Sanctuary in Black Mountain will hold a howl-in and open house. Tours start at 3 pm and a potluck begins at 5 pm. $5 donation includes main dish and soft drinks. For more information, call 828-664-9818 or email info@fullmoonfarm.org. Sarge’s Pet Adoption Day - Foster Pet Adoption at Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s new adoption center. 256B Industrial Park Drive in Waynesville. 10 am-3 pm. For more info and/or directions, 828-2469050. www.sargeandfriends.org. Also, see foster pets for adoption at the Farmers’ Tailgate Market located at 250 Pigeon Street next to the HART Theatre each Saturday from 9 am-1 pm. (Every Sat. in Aug.) SUNDAY - AUGUST 14 Asheville Humane Society Hiking Hounds - Volunteers take shelter dogs hiking to socialize and for exercise. 9 am. New volunteers arrive at 8:30 for a short orientation. Meet at the new shelter off Brevard Rd. New volunteers must pre-register prior to hike by e-mailing: ahshikinghounds@yahoo.com. Held again 8/28. THURSDAY - AUGUST 18 Animal Rights Asheville presents a movie night the 3rd Thurs. at 8 pm at Firestorm Café in downtown Asheville. For info, e-mail simkha@riseup.net. SATURDAY - AUGUST 20 Great Dane Friends adoptions held the 3rd Sat. each month at Pet Supplies Plus on Hendersonville Rd. from 11 am-2 pm. 'Clumbers in Need' Clumber Spaniel Rescue is at Pet Supermarket on Tunnel Road the 3rd Sat. each month from noon to 4 pm. Greyhound Friends of NC hold a ‘Meet & Greet’ the 3rd Sat. each month at PetSmart in Arden. Noon-2:30 pm. For info, call 692-4986. The Divine Diva Doggie Drag Show happens tonight at Club Hairspray. (See Critter Notes, p. 2.) Phoenix Landing hosts ‘Things I Wish I’d Known’, a comprehensive parrot care class for the new and experienced alike. Great for the whole family. Topics include health, safety, nutrition, enrichment, behavior, and companionship. 10 am-noon. Held at 434 Cedar Hill Rd., Alexander, NC. Off Hwy 251 (Old Marshall Hwy). For map directions, www.phoenixlanding.org/events.html. 866-749-5634. SATURDAY - AUGUST 27 A Low-Cost Rabies/Shot Clinic by Buncombe County Animal Services will be held today at Lake Julian (Shelter 1) in Skyland from 10 am-2 pm. $10 for 1 and 3-yr. rabies (3-yr given only with proof of prior shot) / DAPP & DALPP vaccines (Combo vaccine for dogs) are $15 / FVRCP/FELV vaccines (Combo vaccine for cats) are $20. For more info, 253-1195. Animal Rights Reading & Discussion Group meets monthly on the 4th Sat. at Firestorm Café in Asheville at 1 pm. 255-8115.. NAME__________________________________________________________________ Hive, Sweet Hive Just as people need safe, comfortable homes, so do wild animals. Each kind of wild animal makes its own home. Homes are important to animals. They are places where animals live, rest and raise their babies. When you see an animal‟s home, look - but don‟t touch! Can you match each home below with the animal who lives there? Draw a line from each picture on the left to a picture on the right. The animals on this page are wild animals. Pets are not wild animals. Pets need to live with people who take care of them. On another sheet of paper, draw a pet at home. Reprinted with permission from Humane Society Youth, publishers of KIND News, 67 Norwich Essex Turnpike, East Haddam, CT 06423-1736, © 2011, www.humanesociety.org/youth. GARY PAQUIN 132 Charlotte St. 254-9955 Please spay or neuter your pet … it’s the only real solution. Serving Asheville Proudly Since 1994! • Custom Wall Coverings & Finishes • Painting - Faux - Terra Med • Venetian Plasters • Stucco Finishes • Installation & Removal 828-280-4507 LICENSED & FULLY INSURED • SINCE 1968 MEMBER - NATIONAL GUILD PROFESSIONAL PAPERHANGERS DIAMOND SERVICES PET SITTING Sue Diamond (828) 891-8262 www.diamondpetsit.com Established 1992 Gentle, Loving Care Serving Arden, Fletcher, Biltmore, Avery’s Creek and Mills River Insured • Member Pet Sitters Associates, LLC CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 15 DON’T BEE LEFT OUT! FOOD, SUPPLEMENTS & ACCESSORIES FOR ALL CRITTERS GREAT AND SMALL! Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 1185 Charlotte Highway, Fairview Advertise in Critter and put your Business to the Rescue! Ad rates are reasonable, ad design is free - and we’d love to work with you! (Next to Fairview Station) For information, call (828) 255-0516 828-628-9001 or e-mail: crittermagnc@charter.net 803 Fairview St. Asheville 274-3647 Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm • Pets available for adoption daily during store hours • Quality Pet Supplies Sweet little GRACIE is doing great and has even learned the fun game of tug. She loves to snuggle, give kisses and is fine with kids - and she’s almost house trained! BELMONT is a laid back kinda guy who likes to be petted and cuddle up in his bed. All he's looking for is a nice, quiet place with a loving family. (adjacent to Province 620 off Hendersonville Rd) If you want a great big lovable goofball, MAX is your guy. He’s good with most dogs and kids, loves to play and get belly rubs, and would make a great addition to any family. TWINKLE is definitely a star! Full of life and cuddly, too ... she hopes you have room for her in a loving, forever home. She’s waiting. For more information about our lifesaving programs and to see all of our adoptable dogs & cats, please visit us on the web at www.animalcompassionnetwork.org. “Thank you for making second-chance pets everyone’s first choice” ASHEVILLE PET SUPPLY “WNC’s Holistic Pet Center” Featuring: Solid Gold, Wysong & Wellness Spay/Neuter Clinic The choice that saves lives. Call or visit the Humane Alliance TODAY! 25 Heritage Dr. (just off Leicester Hwy.) (828) 252-2079 PAGE 16 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 · Holistic, hypo-allergenic premium foods · Healthy nutritional treats · Herbal and homeopathic remedies and supplements 1451 Merrimon Ave. (828) 252-2054 Tax & Accounting Services Ellen Donovan Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor 30 years experience 157 Flint Street Asheville, NC 828-255-4625 elleninavl@gmail.com Asheville’s 1st Do-it-Yourself Dogwash • Visit the Soapy Dog • No appointment necessary • All supplies provided • Climate-controlled facility • Plenty of FREE parking General Store • All dogs must be current on vaccinations to use our services • Hours: Tues. - Fri. 12-8 828-350-0333 Sat. - 12-6:30 Leave Your Mess For Us! Sun. - 12-5 270 Depot st. Asheville (Off Clingman Ave. - turn at the Grey Eagle) www.thesoapydog.com CATMAN-2 CAT SHELTER & SANCTUARY - Harold Sims - Feline Friend P.O. Box 2344 SHERRY is a sweet young, brown female DSH who is very ready to meet her new family. She’s enjoyed her stay here, but is looking forward to new adventures. Cullowhee , NC 28723 MISTY is a very friendly cat BIG BOY 828-293-0892 about 2-yrs. old who was lost If you like large cats you will love Big Boy, He’s about 25 lbs. of but no one came looking. LOVE! If you adopt him he must Possibly her people moved be put on a diet. He needs a home on without her. She has and lots of action. Check him out. known love and is looking He had a good home, but owners for more. Can you fell on hard times and had to give will you help? him up. They left the shelter crying. GREY BEARD was found in our parking lot after someone dumped him on a cold winter morning. He loves people and is lots of fun. He needs a new home where he will be kept safely inside. Please come and see him soon. CATMAN-2 operates the largest cats only, no-kill shelter in WNC. All cats are tested for feline leukemia, have all vaccinations, and if old enough, are spayed or neutered. Adoption fees are $70. Some cats are de-clawed, some are pure breed. You will surely find the cat of your dreams. To schedule a visit, call Harold at (828) 293-0892. Or view the cats online at www.catman2.org. Remember, each adoption will open a space for another rescued or abandoned cat. Catman offers two free months of pet insurance to all adopters. SAVE THE DATE! 1st Annual SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011 Wiggle Butt 5K 1st Annual Wiggle Butt 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk 2011 All proceeds benefit WNC Boxer Rescue Fletcher Community Park - 85 Howard Gap Rd. To register as a participant or to become a sponsor, visit www.wncboxerrescue.org. Or call 828-702-4192. & 1 mile Run/Walk October 2, 2011 Benefiting the WNC Boxer Rescue CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 17 MADISON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 389 Long Branch Road Marshall, NC • 828-649-3190 • www.petango.com/madisoncountync HOURS: Tues. - Fri. 10 am-5 pm • Saturday 10 am-3 pm • Closed Sunday and Monday PRINCESS is an 11-month old, spayed female Terrier mix. SANDRA is a 3-month SCOOBY is a 4-year old, HARLEY is a beautiful old, female DSH mix. Sweet as sugar! male Shepherd mix longing for his new home. 4-month old, female Tabby. She’s waiting. ADOPT YOUR NEXT BEST FRIEND FROM THE SHELTER … PLEASE GIVE THEM A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE! PAGE 18 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 Australian/New Zealand SHEEPSKINS Be Kind to Animals ... The best therapeutic cushioned surface ... the ultimate in comfort! Conveniently located in Brevard 828-489-2455 today and every day! 5th Annual Equine Rescue, Rehabilitation and Adoption in Western North Carolina 5k Run, 1-mile Fun Walk & Dog Parade Sunday, October 16, 2011 • 2 pm A DAY OF FAMILY FUN! Run for the Horses Register online at www.hopeforhorses.org What: 5K Race, 1-mile Walk & Dog Parade Where: 35 Woodfin Street (downtown Asheville across from the YMCA) When: October 16, 2011 - 12:30 pm registration / 2 pm start Info: (828) 683-0160 / www.hopeforhorses.org SPONSORED BY: SAMMY Hope for Horses • PO Box 1449 • Leicester, NC 28748 • 828-683-0160 • hopeforhorses@aol.com • www.hopeforhorses.org StopAnimalExperiments.org Learn how you can help by requesting FREE information, including our Compassionate Shopping Guide. aavs@aavs.org (800)say-aavs CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 19 HENDERSON COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES 828 Stoney Mountain Rd. Hendersonville, NC 28791 • (828) 697-4723 http://ww2.hendersoncountync.org/animals/index.html Thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities, we are offering FREE spay/neuter for low income families. Call 697-4723 for details. REBEL is a very sweet, 8-year old, male Hound mix. This older guy would really appreciate some lovin’ and companionship. Income verification required. SULLIVAN is a gorgeous 1-year old, male orange Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 am-4:30 pm Tabby just waiting for a place to rest his head! Sat. 10 am-2 pm 14 Forever Friend Lane - Just off Brevard Rd. (Rte. 191) & Pond Rd. 828-761-2001 • www.ashevillehumane.org ADOPTION CENTER HOURS: Tues-Sat noon - 6 pm • Closed Sun & Mon Buncombe County Shelter • 16 Forever Friends Lane • 250-6430 SHELTER HOURS: Mon-Sat 9 am-6 pm • Closed Sun CHASE is a very cute DANISH is an irresistible, OLIVER is a 2-year old 4-year old, male Chihuahua boy - a 7-month old DSH Maltese/Mini Poodle mix who’s just a little mop head! Have you ever mix who can’t wait to mix with the most beautiful seen such a cutie! snuggle in your lap. orange and white coat. KAHLUA is a 4-yr. old, female Maine Coon mix. Gorgeous and laid back, this girl will share hours of love and cuddles. Join us for ‘Hiking Hounds’ Sun, Aug 14 and Sun, Aug 28 / 8:30 am for new hikers / 9 am for regulars. Pre-register by e-mailing: ahshikinghounds@yahoo.com PAGE 20 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 Forging a better relationship with your best friend By David Kabler, Master Trainer In today‟s busy world it‟s easy to get caught up in the routine of your life and forget to spend quality time with your best friend. However, there are many daily activities that will help to forge a better relationship with your canine companion. In this article we will explore several ways that you and your best friend can enhance your natural bond. • Walking, hiking, and running with your best friend are the most obvious ways that you can spend more quality time with your dog. A daily walk or run around the neighborhood can be spiced up with special trips to new and exciting places. There are so many beautiful destinations for you and your best friend here in Asheville. Be sure to check the rules of the places that you plan on visiting so that you are fully prepared for your excursion. For dogs that are not off-leash trained, I like to use a 20-25 foot long leash to give a better sense of freedom. For trips into the back country consider teaching your dog to carry a weight-appropriate doggie backpack and be sure to carry a canine first aid kit. • If you have a highly active dog, agility training may be just the outlet that will allow your best friend to release all of that extra energy. Agility training will teach your dog to focus on the course and to your commands. This allows your dog to use both their mind and body at the same time which can tire out even the most energetic canine. It is incredibly fun and exciting to train your dog to weave and climb through one of these amazing courses. • Bike riding with your best buddy can also be a safe and fun activity for you and your dog. So that your dog does not accidentally pull you over it is essential to use a canine bike riding device like The Springer. The Springer has a large coiled spring that allows your dog to run alongside without pulling you over. Be sure to spend most of your time with your dog trotting and not at a full run. Be careful in the heat of the summer as asphalt can become very hot and can burn your dogs pads. Teach your dog to use The Springer by walking your bike at first and once you start riding you can build up your dogs endurance slowly over several weeks. For more information about this product, visit www.springeramerica.com. • Swimming with your best friend will get both of you out of town and out to some beautiful spots here in Western North Carolina. Most dogs will naturally learn to swim on their own but if your dog shows hesitation you can teach them to swim. Start in shallow water and over A specially designed bike leash makes it easy to bike with your dog. several trips build up your dogs confidence to venture into deeper water. You can support your dog with one arm under their belly and use the other arm above and across their front paws to make sure that they don‟t bring them up out of the water when learning to swim. Be sure to keep each experience positive and fun until your dog is swimming like a champ. • Obedience training will give you and your best friend the communication skills that will allow you both to have the freedom to go almost anywhere. Obedience training provides your dog with mental stimulation and teaches them to look towards you for leadership and guidance. Dogs who feel that they are part of a pack with a strong leader suffer from less anxiety and are more confident out in the world. Teaching your best friend to respond to the five basic commands of Heel, Sit, Down, Stay and Come no matter where you are or what is going on around you will allow you and your best friend to conquer the world together. Have fun out there this summer and happy training! David Kabler has been training dogs since he was a boy and has been a Certified Master Trainer since 1995. You can find out more about his unique training style by following his blog at www.zendogtraining.wordpress.com or by liking his “Asheville Dog Training Tips” Facebook page. He is available for lessons in Asheville and can be reached at (828) 3375792. Call him today to schedule a free consultation. They’re already trained, with no personality surprises for you … and they need your love. Won’t you consider adopting a senior pet? CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 21 WAYS TO HELP ANIMALS, SHELTERS & RESCUE GROUPS Food, litter, cleaning supplies are always needed by shelters and rescue groups. Spend time with animals awaiting adoption to help alleviate their stress and loneliness and socialize them for their new homes. Transport animals to and from vet appointments and adoption events. Attend fundraising events and bring friends. Help organize events and volunteer at the events. Assist groups at adoption events. Volunteer for clerical office work. Donate goods and services to silent auctions and raffles. Foster homes are always needed. Donations of money - very much appreciated. Contribute in one of these ways, even once a month, and you will be helping more animals than you can imagine. PAGE 22 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 HOPE FOR HORSES P.O. Box 1449 Leicester, NC 28748 (828) 683-0160 „ EQUINE REHABILITATION AND ADOPTION‟ MARIYAH is a 14-year old Registered Spotted Saddle Horse. She has not had any training, but she is easy to catch and will lead and stand for the farrier. She has never been bred or ridden and has received a lot of love as a family pet for years. She is a big, beautiful mare and with some training, would make an ideal trail horse. A trainer evaluated her last summer and he was very positive regarding her future training. Her health is very good and she‟s an easy keeper. For more information on Mariyah, contact Christine at christine.kinsland@macon.k12.nc.us. www.hopeforhorses.org Greyhound Friends of North Carolina Dedicated to placing retired racers in loving homes CHANGING THE WORLD … ONE GREYHOUND AT A TIME! www.greyhoundfriends.com Please open your heart and home to one of our loving Clumber Spaniels! CASPER is a sassy, outgoing, 1½-year old girl who still has a little puppy left in her! Pretty and fun … but no cats, please. Clumbers in Need have several dogs available for adoption. Call us for more information or to meet one of these very special canines. ADOPT A RETIRED RACING GREYHOUND! CLUMBERS IN NEED (828) 450-2356 www.clumbersinneed.com clumbersinneed@yahoo.com Greyhounds are calm, easy-going, sweet, loving, intelligent, clean, good with kids and other dogs … and some even like cats! Most are between 2-5 years old when they retire and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. All Greyhounds are spayed/neutered, teeth cleaned, vaccinated, heartworm tested,de-wormed and groomed. A one-time adoption donation covers all these expenses. Meet our Greyhounds and learn more. For information, (828) 692-4986 or (828) 230-2917. E-mail: sherryc@morrisbb.net. CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011 • PAGE 23 NOW OPEN TWO FABULOUS SHOPS UNDER ONE ROOF! 97 Weaverville Rd. Asheville Thu - Sat 10 am - 6 pm • 828-458-1566 Metro-Retro An Eclectic Mix of Vintage & Modern Mid-Century Treasures Featuring Essencial Dreams Body Care & Herbal Products PAGE 24 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2011