The Old Beautifulloves of Our Lives—So Why Do So Many End up Dying Alone in Shelters? Page 15

Fall 2015

and

the Older pets should be the The Old Beautifulloves of our lives—so why do so many end up dying alone in shelters? Page 15

A Perfect The The golden years shine for senior citizens pairedMatch with shelter pets in Newfoundland Landseer DACHS’ “Pets for Seniors” program. Big“Z” proves that “ goodZ things” can come in big packages! Page 21

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2 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 The Autumn of Their Lives

lder dogs feature prominantly in this These past few months I’ve spent a lot more I think about my senior Goldens, and I know issue of Dog’Cruces, and it has forced time than usual up at the Animal Services it’s my responsibility—and my privledge—to O me to face the uncomfortable reality Center. I pick up unwanted Golden Retriev- make sure these truly are their golden years. I that my three Golden Girls are getting up ers for the Golden Retriever Rescue of El wish everyone felt this way, but, sadly, that’s in age—9, 10 and 11 years old. I know the Paso so they can be placed in foster homes just not the case. I know there are people out time will come—much sooner than I’ll ever until adopted. Most of the time I leave there who could welcome an older dog back be prepared—for each of them to leave heartbroken because of the sheer number of into a loving home—maybe you already us and head over Rainbow Bridge to the unwanted animals I see at the shelter. I will have an adult dog who would thrive with a greener pastures beyond. never understand how people can just drop buddy around his own age, or perhaps you their pets off and drive away. know a senior citizen for whom an older dog This kills me. Why can’t they live as long as would be a perfect companion. Good people we do? What would have been so wrong The saddest cases are those of the older dogs doing good things can change the world. with giving humans and dogs similar lifes- who’ve been abandoned, because they stand pans? As most of us know, the time between little chance of ever finding a new home. I read (or maybe heard) somewhere that falling in love with a furry new acquaintaince They’re usually left with no collars, no toys, “dogs die because their work here is done.” and saying goodbye to a treasured old friend no names—nothing to acknowledge their I’d like to think that’s true. But far too many is waaaay too brief—even if it spans 15 or 16 years of unconditional love and loyalty to the dogs die who could have had lots of good years! And to go through this cycle again and very people who’ve left them for dead. years ahead of them, and our work on their again and again can feel like torture. behalf will never be done. But maybe it’s not such a bad thing. As much Sometimes I’m not so crazy about humans. as I miss Zimba, Coda and Zoe, if they were still here I would never have gotten to know Of course, I know I’m ranting to the choir— Ruby, Star and Lucy. And when my current Vic Villalobos Dog’Cruces readers are avid and responsible Mayor of Dog’Cruces girls pass on, I’ll get the opportunity to give dog-people, and we consider our pets to more animals a wonderful home, correct any You can meet the beautiful animals featured on be full members of our families. We take blunders I’ve made in the past, and teach new this issue’s cover at the ASCMV, 3551 Bataan precautions like spaying/neutering our pets to dogs old tricks as I fall in love all over again. Memorial West, Las Cruces, 575-382-0018. avoid unwanted litters of pups, teaching our For now, and for all the remaining time we kids how to be good guardians of our animal have together, I will appreciate every moment friends, and—hopefully— acting as positive Write to us at: I share with my old girls—and make sure examples for our friends and neighbors who Dog’Cruces Magazine they know they are safe and loved. They’ll have pets under their care and protection. receive the best care I can provide, and in Many of us volunteer or donate to local 151 S. Solano, Suite E return I’ll continue to be rewarded with the animal organizations, or help others close Las Cruces, NM 88001 kind of devotion that is uniquely canine. My to home who may need a dogsitter or a bag dogs have, in a very real way, helped make of food or treats every now and then. It all or email us at : me the person I am today—a better person helps. It all makes a difference. Good people [email protected] than I otherwise would have been. doing good things can change the world.

Dog‘Cruces Magazine 151 S. Solano • Suite E • Las Cruces, NM 88001 575-528-8505 Publisher Marla Honeycutt www. Managing Editor/Mayor of Dog’Cruces Vic Villalobos Senior Editors .com Charissa Paskowski, Jenifer Woods Contributing Editor Phyllis Wright Graphic Artists Local Resources for: John Connell, Andie Fierro, Jenifer Woods Advertising Health, Nutrition, Adoption, Larry Lytle, Charissa Paskowski, Wayne Sinclair, Michelle Sullivan, Vic Villalobos Lost & Found, Events Contributors Log on & join Margaret Dubbin, Kat Lacy, Kathy Lawitz, & Furry Fun! Charissa Paskowski, Dr. Scott Pirtle, Teressa Ray, the community today! Wayne Sinclair, Vic Villalobos, Jess Williams, Jenifer Woods

Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 3 Thursday, Dec. 3 7PM - 10PM LC Convention Center Music by The Silent & Live Auctions Rafﬂ es Derrick Dog Treat Buffet Harris Jazz A Pet & People Parade in Ballroom Band Christmas Caroling New Food Menu Well-behaved leashed dogs TICKETS: No- Host Bars $ are welcome! 40/PERSON No ﬂ exi Call 575-621-4942 leashes please. for info. or to sponsor event. TABLES: 10 TOP $400 8 TOP $320

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4 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 I-10 @ AVE de MESILLA 575.541.1440 or 866.789.7077 www.barnettslascruceshd.com PET ITEMS KIDS’ CLOTHING MEN’S CLOTHING WOMEN’S CLOTHING HOUSEWARES GLOVES JEWELRY WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT RINGS COFFEE CUPS WATCHES SUNGLASSES HELMETS VESTS PATCHES BOOTS STICKERS RUGS PLAYING CARDS POKER CHIPS DICE KEYCHAINS PURSES BACKPACKS LUGGAGE TOWELS FLAGS T-SHIRTS LANYARDS LICENSE PLATES BAR TABLES BATH ROBES RAIN SUITS...& MORE

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Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 5 OCTOBER home-made costumes. All participating dogs Recurring & get a treat bag, and the top three finishers Saturday, October 24th in each category receive a ribbon. $2 entry Ongoing Events Pet Adoption Event fee for each dog benefits the Dog Park. Also FALL 2015 Wild Birds Unlimited, 2001 E. Lohman Ave, celebrating Canine Birthdays of all dogs born #130, from 11am-3pm. Benefits Safe Haven during Summer and Fall with a treat bag and APA Adoption Events Animal Sanctuary. a gift. After the contest, humans top off the Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday day with a pot luck dinner just outside the ACTion Programs for Animals, 800 West Pit Bull Awareness Day Special Needs area of the park. Picacho Ave, from 12pm-5pm. Also by A day of appreciation and education designed appointment. Call 575-644-0505. to change perceptions and stereotypes about NOVEMBER Pit Bulls and their responsible owners. Red Brick Pizza Monthly Fundraiser National Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month and National Senior Pet Month for HSSNM Saturday, October 31st Senior pets tend to spend the longest time at Thursday, October 29th Halloween Pet Photo Booth a shelter or rescue before finding their forever Thursday, November 19th Safe Haven Thrift Store, 840 El Paseo Rd., homes—if they find homes at all. Consider Thursday, December 17th from 10am-2pm. adopting a senior pet and opening your home Red Brick Pizza, 2808 N. and heart to a pet for their golden years. Telshor, from 11am-9pm. 4th Annual Pits for Peace Fest Social hour at 6pm. Pioneer Park, from 2pm-5pm. Halloween Saturday, November 7th (ongoing) Mention “HSSNM” when Costume Contest for dogs, food, raffles, live AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program placing your take-out or music and more! Benefits APA and Doña Horse N Hound, 991 W. Amador Ave., 9am. dine-in order, and 15% of Ana Pets Alive! Does your dog have good manners? Does it the proceeds will be know how to act in public? Are you proud to donated to HSSNM. 6th Annual Halloween take your well-behaved pet out? The AKC Contact Jean with Canine Costume Contest offers three levels of testing to see just how HSSNM at Jean@hss- Las Cruces Dog Park, N. Heromsa St. well behaved your dog is. For more infor- nm.org or call 575-522- (near Meerscheidt Rec Center), from 4pm- mation about this program, the test, and 2529 for more information. 4:30pm. Two categories: store bought and what training you and your dog need, stop

6 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015

Open: 12 – 6 p.m. Mon-Fri and 12–5 p.m. Sat-Sun 3551 Bataan Memorial West • www.ascmv.org • 382-0018 The Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV) offers many services to citizens of Doña Ana County: Save a Life! • Adopt a pet • Look for a lost pet • Volunteer • Foster • Affordable spay/ neuter program • Microchipping • Pet licensing by Horse N Hound. We will have a certi- Saturday, November 21st JANUARY fied CGC evaluator in the store at 9 a.m. Paws ‘N’ Hooves Spay/Neuter Clinic Saturday, November 7 to answer questions Thursday, January 14th SNAP office, 2405 W. Picacho. Clients must Dress Up Your Pet Day and offer the test. The test and information pre-registser. Limited time special, $25 dogs, will be offered the first Saturday of each $15 cats. SNAP 575-524-9265. Wow your friends and neighbors by unleash- month beginning in November for those ing your dog’s inner diva or rockstar! who would like to work on their skills one day and come back to test later. Cost is $10 per DECEMBER dog, and no pre-registration is required. Wednesday, December 2nd National Mutt Day Saturday, November 7th and Embrace the love and uniqueness of mixed Sunday, November 8th breed dogs in shelters around the nation. Pet Photos with Santa Mutts can be service dogs, bomb detecting SNAP office, 2405 W. Picacho (across from dogs, police dogs, therapy dogs. Adopt a Peddler’s Pavillion), from 10am-4pm. $25 for a Mutt! Please spay and neuter your pets. photo print and CD of your pet’s photos. Plus a doggie goodie bag. Proceeds benefit SNAP. Thursday, December 3rd The All New Jazzy Critter Christmas Thursday, November 12th Las Cruces Convention Center, from 7pm- Sing for the Animals 10pm. Well-behaved, leashed pets welcome! Karaoke Fundraiser Silent & Live Auctions, Raffles, Dog Treat 10 Pin Alley’s Jose Murphy Buffet. A pet and people parade in the ball- Bar and Restaurant, room, Christmas Caroling, Food and Cash Bar. Tickets $40/person. Call 575-621-4942. For a complete from 6pm -10pm. calendar of events, visit Proceeds go to ACTion Programs for Saturday, December 5th Animals. Prizes for best Pet Photos With Santa DogCruces.com singers, door prizes, Safe Haven Thrift Store, 840 El Paseo Rd., List is updated as events are announced raffles. from 10am-2pm.

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Ph: 575.534.5065 To make a tax deductible donation by mail, send checks to “Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico” or “CFSNM,” 301 Church St., Suite H, Las Cruces, NM 88001, and annotate Cherished K-9 All Breed Rescue in the memo section. We will mail receipts for tax purposes. To donate online, go to www.cfsnm.org, click on Donors, then click Fax: 575.544.0994 on Donate Online and enter Cherished K-9 All Breed Rescue in the Designation section. Receipts will be emailed.

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Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 9 We first ran this Vet’s View column in the Summer 2013 issue of Dog’Cruces. Since it fits so well with our “old dog” theme, we decided to revisit Dr. Pirtle’s words of wisdom for this issue. The Privilege & Responsibility he stands at the foot of the bed, chin or just “different” from their former selves. resting on the mattress, her big, brown Some older dogs can become “grumpy” and Adoption Seyes darting back and forth from the fluffy less tolerant of disturbances, children, or other covers to me as I stand nearby. Her message is pets. Understanding that much of this change less than subliminal. Daisy, a.k.a. The Princess, is a normal part of the aging process can help is our 13 year-old. She has resigned herself to us to accept and understand that our older pets Center the fact that she rarely makes it when she tries are in many ways different from the pets they to jump onto our king-sized bed these days. were in their younger days. for Or should I say her bed? Two knee surgeries, cats & dogs muscle weakness, and advancing arthritis have Some aging dogs can experience canine cogni- taken away her springs. So, she now “asks” me tive dysfunction, a polite way of saying doggy to lift her to her place of rightful prominence. senility. There is no reason to believe that a Home to some 90 dog’s brain doesn’t degenerate with age in This can’t be easy for her to accept. Daisy much the same way that our human mind does. adoptable pets, all is not only fiercely independent, but her life These changes in behavior frequently cause largely consists of sprawling sideways across frustration for us as owners when our dogs seeking a new home. the bed for 16-18 hours a day. Needing to ask “break” from their former for assistance is prob- training, but understand- ably quite humiliating The first key to caring for ing that some of these To adopt a pet, or to for her, and also very changes are beyond our inconvenient. If we aren’t an aging dog is accepting and pet’s control may help visit the Sanctuary, call around to help, she might understanding that there will be alleviate some of this be relegated to sleeping changes—both physical frustration. “down there,” where her lowly Labrador subjects and behavioral. Obviously, physical Ace and Katie reside. The changes are the biggest 575-805-5338 remaining hours in Daisy’s life are spent on adjustment for most of us with our aging dogs. patrol to protect us from all the likely intruders I’m a big proponent of regular examinations in our neighborhood. Since she can no longer and consultations with your veterinarian to help 6890 Eagle Rd, Las Cruces hear anything, Daisy must park herself at the partner with you in caring for your older dog. screen-door, or on one of the other beds that Many of us are aware of the old adage about email: affords her a view of the front sidewalk. While a “dog year” being the same as seven years she cannot hear, her vision is as sharp as ever. for a human—the point is that dogs age much [email protected] If we only realized from how many five-year- faster than we do. I’m often surprised how old children on tricycles, roaming quail, and long people let their pets go without a regular wandering cats she protects us on a daily basis, check-up. Most veterinarians suggest an annual surely we’d be more diligent in rewarding her check-up as a minimum. For the older pet, I with treats and praise! think something more frequent is in order. It wouldn’t be prudent for us humans to go four, Just like many of you, my dogs are getting five, or even seven years between doctor visits older. Not only is Daisy fully geriatric, Ace and as we get older. Katie are no longer the youthful pets they once were. They are now ten and twelve respectively, Once your pet has established medical prob- and I am starting to see the years add up in lems, regular visits become critical to maintain their behavior, as well as the white whiskers on your pet in the best health possible. Following their chins. In this edition of Dog’Cruces, we’ll your veterinarian’s advice is the key to maximiz- touch on a few items to consider when caring ing the quality of your dog’s later years. As for our aging dogs. a routine schedule, I suggest regular physical examinations and bloodwork at least once or The first key to caring for an aging dog is ac- twice a year, starting around five to seven years for more information on cepting and understanding that there will be of age—that is, if you aren’t already seeing your Safe Haven, visit the website: changes—both physical and behavioral. Com- veterinarian annually. promises in vision and hearing frequently leave www.shaspets.com your dog with changes in their behavior. Older Some common problems facing the older dog dogs often become less aware, less responsive, include previously-referenced issues: Hearing

10 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 The Vet,s View by FRAMEthe Dr. Scott Pirtle, DVM Special of Caring for an Aging Dog Moments and vision often diminish. Physical strength diet is a good idea. Older pets often require often decreases and is often compounded by lower levels of protein, increased fiber, reduced arthritis. With decreased activity comes greater sodium, or other dietary modifications. Repu- risk of weight gain. Keeping your dog’s weight table pet food companies usually have special managed along with diets for older dogs just as moderate activity can pre- they do for puppies. serve mobility for a longer Always remember that you are period of time, in addition your dog’s conscience! Just like us, many dogs to helping decrease You may need to force your pet become less tolerant of the risk of other health temperature extremes as conditions. Good arthritis to restrict his activity they age. Cold weather medications are available in order to prevent him from feels worse for the older from a veterinarian for the suffering episodes of soreness dog, and hot tempera- dog that needs a higher tures like we experience level of pain control. Al- due to over-activity. here in Las Cruces can ways remember that you be tougher for your dog are your dog’s conscience! You may need to to deal with. Older dogs force your pet to restrict his activity in order to are more likely to have reduced cardiovascu- prevent him from suffering episodes of soreness lar and pulmonary reserves, increasing their due to over-activity. Your dog likely “leads with susceptibility to heat exhaustion. Their arthritis his heart” instead of his head, meaning he will makes them more prone to musculoskeletal try to do the things he loves, the things he has pain and stiffness. Providing adequate shade, always done, without taking it easy because lots of water, or warm blankets and housing of his age. These dogs will pay a dear price in becomes more important during extremes of pain and stiffness the next day, much like the cold or hot weather. middle-aged man that suffers from weekend- warrior syndrome. Many aging dogs are happier, healthier, and more comfortable if they can share our envi- Another common concern for older dogs ronment. Although most of us allow our pets to is dental disease. Older dogs often have live in the house with us, if your dog is usually periodontal disease and broken or worn teeth. outdoors it may be a good idea to consider Regular veterinary dental care can help to allowing him inside—at least during periods minimize pain and prolong good function of of high heat, humidity, or in cold weather. And and your dog’s teeth. You may need to cut down finally, some of us may even choose to go the on use of hard toys or dental chews/bones in extra distance, such as allowing our pets on Time an older dog with dental disease. Sometimes, the furniture or the bed. But I wouldn’t suggest dietary modification may asking Daisy to share her space. Remember, it’s be needed, as well. While “her bed” after all! Stands Still many older dogs can eat hard diets in the face of Older dogs like Daisy need significant dental disease compassion, understanding and or loss of teeth, a softened extra care in their golden years. diet may be needed in some instances. Some aging dogs may require specialized diets prescribed by your veter- 382 S. Walnut inarian. Following these special diets can have a Las Cruces, NM 88007 bigger impact on your pet’s health than you might imagine. Even in 575.526.4048 a healthy older dog, a www.organmountainphotos.com life-stage appropriate

Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 11 Age by Jess Williams &Wisdom oby and I went to the State Since meeting that gentleman and sharing his But it’s not always bad. Fair a few weeks ago. He was moment, I take stock of Toby differently, as mobbed by new fans everywhere well. He’s not quite as rambunctious as he was My sister’s mother-in-law, Barbara, recently we went, and the three most when he was a puppy. He still has a sparkle in moved to Las Cruces with her cats. Barbara is T often-asked questions were: his eye and a swagger in his step, but his little a senior citizen with aging cats. They have a lot 1) Can I pet him? (yes); 2) What’s his name? muzzle has a few gray hairs here and there, and of fun entertaining one another, and Barbara’s (Toby); and 3) How old is he? (He’s almost 8). it wasn’t long ago that I had to buy him a set of Facebook posts are almost always about her doggie stairs to help him get up on my bed. cats, or cats she finds humorous on YouTube, That last question often leads to stories, and it or cat memes found on the Internet. Occasion- sometimes leads to tears. People begin telling Hardly a week goes by that I don’t see a post ally, she sneaks in some political posts, but they stories of dogs and cats on Facebook about never stay up as long as the cat posts. that lived to Age X before someone whose senior crossing The Rainbow I only recently stopped dying my hair, pet has crossed The Rain- Barbara keeps teaching me (although she may not know it) about how to grow old gracefully Bridge. One fellow told and I only stopped because I found out bow Bridge. The posts me his Shih Tzu lived usually are accompanied in the companionship of the critters one choos- to be 16 and was still in I’m going to be a grandfather— by a photo. The photo is es to share the journey. Oh, sure, she interacts pretty good health right and if THAT’S not a reminder of how usually from the critter’s quite artfully with us humans, but the moments up until the last month or Glory Days, but occasion- I cherish are when I catch her interacting with so, when the deteriora- fast the Earth is spinning under our ally, it’s the last day on the animals, and she doesn’t know I’m there. tion came devastatingly feet, I don’t know what is. display. Barbara talks to them and plays gently with quickly. them. When she is in pain—and she’s often in Recently, my dear friend pain—she just lets them sit on her lap, and she “He died in my arms,” the man said quietly, Rachel lost her cat of 18 years, Samantha. still stroking Toby’s back as I held Toby in my strokes their fur and absorbs their warmth into arms. With the New Mexico State Fair raging “Rest in peace, my dear Samantha girl,” she her lap—and into her soul. around us, we stood there in a moment of wrote. “You were a faithful companion for 18 John Wayne said the definition of courage is reverie and—for him—remembrance of a loyal years, seeing me through the best and worst of being scared to death, but saddling up anyway. friend relegated to mere memories. times. You came into this world a feral fighter, but blossomed into a gentle lady. You were and We all know the day—the moment—will come “Take good care of Toby,” he said to me before always will be the Queen in this house. I wish when we have to say goodbye to an aging he walked off into the crowd. “I hope he lives a I had been with you in your final moments to friend or pet. I’m scared of losing both Barbara long, happy, healthy life.” see you to the other side, but I know you left and Toby, but every day I enjoy their lives is a this world peacefully in one of your favorite day of having saddled up. I know also—as we The Rainbow Bridge awaits us all, that’s for backyard spots. You lived the fullest life a kitty all do—that my day to cross over lies some- sure. Big dogs tend to have shorter lives than ever could, and you were very loved.” where out there on the horizon, lurking. little dogs; and some cats hang on for upwards of 20 years. In my experience, the pets with Beneath the words was a photo of a grey and I hope to approach my final days and moments whom we share our lives are generally more white feline face, punctuated by a pair of em- with Barbara’s enduring humor and dignity— receptive to the aging process than we humans. erald green eyes. Behind those eyes are stories and with a faithful dog in my lap. I hope Rachel They live in each moment, while we tend to try and memories and history. Reflections of family. writes my obituary. I hope critters frolic around to cling to the Glory Days. Testimonies of loyalty and love. my grave. I’m absolutely confident The Rain- bow Bridge leads to a Heaven where humans I only recently stopped dying my hair, and I Other times, I see posts about critters that need and critters will be reunited with one another. only stopped because I found out I’m going to be rehomed because their humans have to be a grandfather—and if THAT’S not a crossed over or can no longer care for their Jess Williams is a native of Las Cruces. He reminder of how fast the Earth is spinning companion animals due to advanced age or serves as chairman of the board of directors of under our feet, I don’t know what is. So I took infirmity—or both. the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Val- a few deep breaths and came to terms with the ley. His favorite quote about death is from Sir fact that I have fewer seasons ahead of me than This aging thing takes its toll everywhere you Rabindranath Tragore: “Death is not extinguish- those I have traversed. I put the damned AARP look. ing the light. It is putting out the lamp, because card in my wallet. I stopped objecting when the dawn has come.” young people called me “Sir.”

12 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 G GRREP LDEN Hearts Benefit Banquet A Gala Benefiting Golden Retriever Rescue of El Paso February 6, 2016 ❤ 6 -10 PM El Paso Marriott ❤ 1600 Airway Blvd Featuring Special Guest Speaker: Purple Heart recipient and NY Times best selling author Captain Luis Carlos Montalván and his service dog, Tuesday. NY Times best selling author of: Until Tuesday - A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever that Saved Him & Tuesday Tucks Me In, the follow up children’s book. Special VIP Mixer ❤ 6 -7PM Meet and greet with Captain Montalván and Tuesday. Tickets $75 (25 available) includes Golden Gala. Golden Gala ❤ 7-10PM Featuring dinner, live & silent auctions and guest speaker, Captain Montalván and Tuesday. Tickets $65. Tickets: www.holdmyticket.com For table reservations, to sponsor a Veteran or general sponsor info., call 915-920-0958.

Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 13 14 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 This

by Charissa Paskowski & Jenifer Woods

Oldocky, as he would come Dogwas forced outside more and more freqyently, to be known, was a cute, it was becoming apparent that he was hav- fluffy, energetic pup at the ing trouble getting up from the hard ground local shelter. He was one in the backyard. Rocky still longed for his of the last Lab puppies left runs and play times, but he was patient and Variations of Rocky’s story happen every from a backyard breeder hopeful that things would return to normal. It single day—shelters and rescue groups who ran out of patience try- didn’t quite happen that way. are full of older family pets who have been ing to sell Rocky and his sis- abandoned by the people to whom they have ter when the man needed to get Momma dog When Rocky was about eight, another baby devoted their lives, and Doña Ana County is ready to breed again soon. Plus, Rocky was entered the mix. The house was becoming no exception. Most shelters don’t keep hard not quite what a Labrador should look like— cramped, but Rocky was still a loyal com- statistics about the ages of the animals they his eyes were blue and his coat was a little too panion who loved his family very much. He take in (and owners aren’t always truthful fluffy—but he was adorable, nonetheless. would try to do everything they wanted of about their dogs’ information), but the Animal him, but he was having trouble moving out Services Center of the Mesilla Valley (AS- RRocky was adopted at a few months old by a of the way fast enough, and sometimes he CMV) estimates that roughly half their dogs young couple who found the pup irresistible would try to play when the couple were tend- are adults, and maybe 3-4% are “older.” This and chose his name because he was so feisty ing to the children. He did this because he translates to 300-400 older dogs making their and always wanted to play. They cuddled missed his family’s affection. way to our shelter every year. with him as a pup and took pictures of him to share with the world. When Rocky was ten, an out-of-state job Some people have reasons, some have ex- opportunity meant the family had to move. When Rocky got a little older and more grace- cuses, others wait to drop off their dogs when The couple decided it wasn’t going to be easy ful, he would go running with his humans the ASCMV is closed so they don’t have to moving an old dog, so they would just get a almost daily. As the couple advanced in their offer any explanation at all. Many older dogs new puppy for the kids when they reached careers over the next few years, Rocky’s daily their destination. They packed up the moving runs became weekly, then biweekly, but he van and got Rocky’s leash. The old boy was enjoyed them all the same. Rocky spent a lot so excited his tail wagged nonstop. He was of his alone time guarding the house against happy to go on this new adventure, just like strangers and birds. When his people came when he was young—maybe they would home Rocky was overjoyed to see them, even even go for a run! if they just scratched his ear, fed him and then ignored him while tending to their nightly Rocky’s beloved humans helped him into the routine of working from home, watching tele- car and drove to a building Rocky had never vision or catching up on chores. Rocky, their been before. He tilted his head in confusion loyal sidekick, was content just to be around as his humans, not looking at him, walked them. He loved his humans. him into the building, said a few words to a About the time that Rocky was five years person behind a counter and walked out the old, the couple were more settled in their door, leaving him behind. careers and less active than they had been when he was younger. Rocky would still go Rocky had been relinquished. He on adventures with his humans—to the vet’s was too old and would just get in the office, sometimes to a park and occasionally way of their new life, so he had been to get a treat. By now, Rocky was matur- dumped. Again. This time ing into middle age, and even though he he’s not as cute and fluffy. wasn’t as fast as before, he would still enjoy His coat and muzzle are a playing, running and spending time with his little gray and wiry, he’s a people. Around this time a new human was little slow and not as feisty as introduced—the couple had a baby. Rocky he was as a pup, and he al- was forced to spend more time outside or in most certainly won’t be adopt- his kennel because he was curious about the ed within a few weeks—he , baby, and he still wanted to play. As Rocky might not be adopted at all. Dog‘ Cruces Fall 2015 15 come in as strays, with no one ever showing their children. Some people want to be up to reclaim them. sure they get a dog who can be trained in a specific way, and they assume an old dog will Some reasons sound legitmate— be harder to work with. Other folks can’t bear “we’re moving, and the new place the idea of getting attached to an animal that doesn’t allow pets,” “her owner died, could pass away soon. Impending medical and nobody in the family can/will costs are also an issue in many cases—al- keep her,” “I’m being deployed,” but though a young dog will eventually become with a little foresight, planning and an old dog, and when he does, he’ll need effort, these situations don’t have to more expensive care at that time. result in a good dog ending up homeless. Blessed is the person who has Other reasons appear somewhat selfish —“I earned the love of an old dog. have personal issues and just can’t take –Sydney Jeanne Seward care of her anymore,” “he’s getting old, and that means his vet bills are going 10 Reasons to go up.” But the unconditional love of a Older dogs who have been part of a family to Adopt an Older Dog dear canine friend can often help people will often succumb to the stress of their new through trying times; and, yes, vet bills tend to surroundings and begin to deteriorate in the 1. Older dogs are usually increase as dogs age—but, again, a little fore- shelter. They are likely confused and afraid sight and budgeting (maybe some insurance?) and can become timid and withdrawn. They housetrained. can prevent the inevitability of an aging dog might lose their appetite and become lethar- from becoming a financial crisis. gic, unreported (or new) medical conditions 2. Older dogs are not teething can begin to affect their health, and dominant Some excuses are just plain weak— “he cage-mates can cause anxiety and even harm. and won’t chew what they aren’t started peeing/pooping in the house," “she’s All these circumstances—and others—can supposed to. acting different.” A trip to the vet can help result in an older dog not “showing well” figure out why a dog’s behavior has changed, when potential adopters come looking for a as well as begin to correct it. Yes, this will cost pet. Add this to the biases that many folks 3. Older dogs can focus well some money, but pet ownership is a com- already have against older dogs, and it’s a because they are mellow. mitment. Human up and take care of your lucky senior dog, indeed, who can overcome companion animals! the odds to find a new home. 4. Older dogs have learned what Of course, if it were as easy as scolding people So what can we do? Certainly, we can all “no” means. in a local dog magazine, there wouldn’t be choose to honor the lifetime commitments any animals in shelters. we’ve made to our family pets—regardless of 5. Older dogs settle in easily their ages. The better care they Once the older dogs join the shelter receive throughout their lives, the because they’ve learned what it population, they are less less likely they are to develop takes to get along with others likely to be adopted than medical or behavioral issues their younger counterparts, that might seem overwhelm- and become part of a pack. for many reasons. People ing down the road. But are naturally drawn to pledge not to abandon 6. Older dogs are good at giving the adorable, fuzzy them in any case. Get puppies, and many your pets spayed or love and are grateful for their young families neutered to avoid second chance. are specifical- spawning generations ly looking of unwanted ani- 7. What you see is what you get, for a high- mals. Consider energy pup donating to this is their shape and personality. or younger or volun- dog for teering at 8. Older dogs are instant compan- ions ready for your adventures. 9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself. 10. Older dogs let you get a good night sleep because they are accustomed to human schedules. , 16 Dog‘ Cruces-The Senior Fall 2015 Dog Project the ASCMV or one of the rescue groups who help shelter dogs find new homes after being abandoned or abused. If you know of a friend or neighbor who can no longer care for her pet, help find Fido a new home rather than MY OLD DOG rely on the shelter. And, of course, you could always consider adding an older dog to your family mix. By Wayne Sinclair to my little family of one and a half. The half was my son. He was with me every weekend Time passes. It’s inevitable. We can try our Old dogs can be cloudy-eyed best to slow the ravages of time, but it still back then. He, too, was quite small, and he loved this cute little dog. The Boy wanted to and grouchy, gray of muzzle, keeps on ticking and passing by. It drags us all along with it, aging us the entire way. name him, so I let him. “Cosmo Kramer Sin- clair!” he exclaimed. So, Cosmo it was. graceless of gait, eccentric of habit, Eleven short years ago, I happened upon a hard of hearing, wheezy, lazy, and small Chihuahua walking down the middle of It is so hard to believe that it was more lumpy. But to anyone who has ever Missouri Avenue at ten in the morning. Allow than a decade ago. Although my son is now nearly 19 and lives two thousand miles away, loved an old dog, these thing are me to clarify: he was walking – I was driving. I was certain he would be run over at any mo Cosmo is still right here. Gone are the days of - of little consequence. Old dogs are ment, so I maneuvered my Dodge Durango his separation anxiety when I would leave for sweetly vulnerable. They show into the suicide lane so I could get out and work, though the inside of the house doors snatch up the little dog before he walked into still wear the scars of his constant neurotic exorbitant gratitude and limitless scratching from that period. Cosmo also fi the onslaught of swiftly moving vehicles. - trust. They are funny in new and nally got over his anger at my son for mov Before I could get out of the truck, he start - - unexpected ways. But above all, ed to cross the two westbound lanes of heavy ing out after living with us for three years. I they seem at peace. morning traffic. I quickly turned the Durango swear, after The Boy left, Cosmo pooped and peed right next to the door of my son’s for and put it between the oncoming cars and - –Gene Weingarten, Author, the little ball of fur so he could tippy toe his mer bedroom for two years straight! Old Dogs are the Best Dogs way to the relative safety of the side street. He Now, the aforementioned eleven years walked farther, and I inched alongside him. It have passed. Cosmo is an old, deaf, and blind seemed almost as if he was a wayward steer on man. He knows his way around the house When we decided to feature older dogs for a cattle drive and I was a ranch hand on my pretty well – still, you can hear when he takes our cover story, we opted to focus on the horse coaxing him along. a wrong turn. He doesn’t wince; it is just the sound of a slight thud as he turns into a wall heartbreaking plight of mature dogs that end What seemed like an eternity passed, but up at the shelter. We did so in order to bring we finally made it safely out of traffic. I ex or a door. Sometimes you hear a yip as he attention to the situation, because most of - ited my vehicle and went to get the wee dog. discovers one of the cats is in his path as he us could never imagine abandoning our best trips over it. “Get off my lawn!” you can al I approached him slowly (Chihuahuas tend to - friends at a time when they need us the most. most hear him say. He’s just a crotchety old Unfortunately, it happens all too often. be mean) and, when I was about six feet away from him, I said in a friendly voice, “Come man. Yes, time has passed and dragged Cosmo, It would have been easier—and more fun— here, Little Dog!” He happily pranced right The Boy and me along with it. One day, to devote the space to stories of beloved dogs over and jumped up to greet me! sooner than I care to imagine, I know I will who grew old with their families, or who were After weeks of unsuccessfully trying to find adopted at an advanced age by someone who his home, it became apparent he had found a have to bid Cosmo a loving farewell. For now could see the value of a good old dog. new one. Mine. He became quite the addition though, we will be two grumpy old men cursing time for aging us. The good news is—for every instance of someone abandoning his or her family dog on the doorstep of an overcrowded and over- whelmed shelter, there are dozens, hundreds, probably thousands of people who cherish and care for their companion animals for the duration of their lives—and consider it a privledge to do so.

Bygone days: The Boy, Cosmo and Wayne basking Dog in‘ , Crucesthe glow of Fall youth. 2015 17 The Animal Welfare Team of Las Cruces would like to thank Potty Time and owner, Mario Medina, for 13 years of donated service. Your commitment to helping not just the Animal Welfare Team, but many organizations in Las Cruces, is much appreciated. THANK YOU!

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18 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 Workin,’ Like a Dog

“Z” is for Therapawzzz ey there, my name is Z, which is short for At Therapaws, I learned from the other BIG boys, share a room. Ms. Mary always says she doesn’t Zorrillo. Please forgive my spellin’—when Bosco (with Auntie Kara), and Rio (with Auntie mind my slobberin’ all over ‘cause she says she H it’s combined with my mom’s interpretation Shari—who knows everybody) how to be a good slobbers and wears a bib like me!! I love laying of my pawprintin’, it gits a little ruff sometimes! Therapaws dog. I met my buddies Jackson and down by their beds on the cool tile floor where Ms. Molly By Golly doing therapy work. When we they give me plenty of treats. They both know BIG I am a Newfoundland Landseer, and my main do Therapaws visits, I also get to visit with Auntie DOGS like me are the perfect height for giving mission in life is supposed to be to rescue people Charl and her pretty Ridgeback girls, and some- some therapy to peeps layin’ down in bed or sittin’ from drowning! However, since I was born in times those adorable Corgi girls are there with Ms. up in them metal chairs with wheels. But I also the hot desert land of Las Cruces, and not in the Susan. Beacuse I’m a Therapaws dude, each year love layin’ on the floor at little furless kids’ schools cold, north wetlands, my mom decided I should I gotta go to the vet for treats—and to take tests and havin’ them little furless babies lay down all become a bonafide, certified, registered “Ther- to make sure I am healthy and can’t pass any bad around me and feel my soft fur and long tail!! apaws” therapy dog —‘cause I need to work! bugs to furless babies and older peeps. Right now, I’m the biggest guy in the group; but Since I am sooo full o’ love, Mom also takes me to I’m actually kinda of a little guy for my breed, I think my favorite Therapaws place to visit is just reading programs at schools! We go to Santa Te- ‘cause I only weigh about 125 pounds, unlike my down the road a piece at that Good Sam home, resa with her friend, Ms. Dawn at the library, and big brother Kona, who lives here in town with my where my buddies, Ms. Mary and Ms. Dorothy Ms. Jean has had me over to the local Boy’s and Auntie Tricia, and weighs about 180 pounds. Girl’s Club, as well as to Tresco for Critter Connec-

I like to go everywhere my mom goes, ‘cause tions. Ms. Jean helps the Southern New Mexico I’m a social kinda of guy. I got a naturally sweet Humane Society, and tells peeps not to chain up disposition and am well-known for keeping calm their furkids and to make sure they get fixed up and being gentle. But my mom knew I was gonna so little furpups don’t go over the Rainbow Bridge be a big strong boy, so she took me to trainin’ at before their time. My mom also uses me as an ex- Ms. Karen’s Animal House. I started out in regular cuse to eat at Andele’s Dog House patio for furkid ol’ obedience class, and did so well I decided to try fundraising events and to St. Clair’s for Yappy Rally-O classes. Now, I got all kinda fancy colored Hour, where we eat their famous Green Chile Mac ribbons from Rally-O shows. My Rally-O buddy, ‘n Cheese with Chicken, and donate to help out Walter, told me not to behave too good, though, other furkids in shelters. ‘causin’ if I act too well-trained, Mom will ALWAYS My ALLTIME favorite thing is to get my mom to expect it, and I won’t get near as many treats as take me on rides in my truck, where I love to hang when I ‘member to mess up every now and then my head out in the wind, and go to Caliches for and finally get it right. Walter said that is the secret poochie cones, and to Starbucks for puppachinos to how he trained Auntie Margaret so well!! made from whipped cream, so I can slobber real

When I passed my American Kennel Club Good big on the windows and doors. I also get to go to Canine Citizenship test, Mom decided my man- the big pool out in Doña Ana for the Bow Wow ners were good enough to visit some older peeps, Luau to raise money for the shelter furbabies. This and call it therapy—‘cause us furkids make every- year Auntie Julie was there with my adopted fur- one feel better by getting loved on. It’s so PAW- buddy Cisco—now he’s an agility dog!! But I also SOME! Mom told me it was only okay to bark at like going to NMSU and other schools where the home, and that I had to be on my best behavior furless kids are at, so we can talk about tests and when I put on my vest, bandana, and bib for classes. And I have lots of fun each summer at the Therapaws visits. Mom says she loves Therapaws Lion’s Club summer camp at NMSU for the hard ‘cause it ain’t got nothing to do with her daytime of hearing kids—they are FULL of love! job, and volunteering to visit peeps in hospitals, So now you know my story, and although I am a schools and nursing homes is especially good kinda big furkid compared to most of the furpups ‘cause they are missing their furbabies at home. in Las Cruces, my mom says I am just a BIG baby. I ‘specially like to go to the Alzheimer’s wards So when you see me around town doing my ther- in town, ‘cause even though the peeps call me apy work, it’s okay to ask what I am (a cow or a weird names like Max and Spot, and talk about horse), do I have a saddle, how much do I weigh, their furkids in Rainbow Bridge heaven, I make how much do I eat, am I always so laid back, why ‘em smile when I catch little treats or slobber on am I so well-behaved, am I a friendly dude, and ‘em! Us furkids meet peeps and give love to the can you please pet me!! Just look into my big ol’ patients, their families, staff members, and some- brown eyes, and know that I am love, and I am times even furless kids! It’s a ruff life, but some here in the desert of Las Cruces to do my ruff job furkids gotta do the tuff jobs— get petted and of giving and getting some lovin’, ‘cause I am a loved on and given treats! THERAPAWS dude and LIFE IS GOOD!!! Teressa Ray, a Kentucky transplant, is a former profes- sional basketball player, Dog ‘ ,andCruces was a Municiple, Fall 2015 State,19 and Federal law enforcement officer for 30 years. Mon.-Sat. 7am-6pm Sunday 2pm-5pm (Pick up & drop off only) www.mvpetresort.com Grooming Bring in this ad for Climate Controlled Facility 10% OFF Obedience, Rally, any retail purchase Agility Classes 575.523.8853 All Companion Pet Boarding 2500 W. Amador • Las Cruces, NM BE A SMOOTH PUPPY! Beg Your Parents to Buy Your Furry Face a Bow Wow Blends Power Fruit Dog Smoothie Today! • No Preservatives, Healthy Ingredients • Supports Digestion & Urinary Tract • Made in an FDA Inspected Facility • USA-Made, BPA-FREE Bottle with Easy-Pour Lid • Pour Over Food or Freeze for a Tasty Treat

LAS CRUCES: Andele’s Dog House • Better Life Pet Foods locations Horse N’ Hound Feed N’ Supply • Karen’s Animal House • Mountain View Market Toucan Market • The Mesilla Valley Store on the Mesilla Plaza RUIDOSO: No Bones About It MONTANA: Yellow Stone Dog Sports & Classi Pet Center www.BowWowBlends.com

The Original Yappy Hour, the third Wednesday of each month starting in March. 6 - 8 p.m. at St. Clair Winery & Bistro.

Dona Ana County Humane Society • P.O. Box 1176 • Las Cruces, NM 88004 SERVICES PROVIDED by DACHS: • Low-Income Emergency 575-647-4808 Veterinary Aid • Low-Income Vaccination Aid E-mail: [email protected] • Shelter Dog Training www.dachslc.org • Senior Citizen Pet Adoption Aid

20 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 The Humane Society’s Pets for Seniors Program helps older humans find the perfect canine (or feline) companion for their golden years. NewOLD FRIENDS

esearch shows the most serious disease “Other than wanting people to pet him, he doesn’t for older people is not cancer or heart bother our customers. He’s just what we wanted.” disease—it’s loneliness, according to the Pets for the Elderly Foundation. Pets Pets provide other intangibles besides compan- can reduce depression and lessen loneli- ionship and love. “Dogs—and other pets —live ness,R as they offer affection, companionship and very much in the here and now. They don’t worry unconditional love. about tomorrow. And ‘tomorrow’ can be very scary for an older person. By having an animal Plenty of that four-legged love awaits at the with that sense of ‘now,’ it tends to rub off on Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley (AS- people,” says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey CMV), which processed nearly 12,000 unwanted psychotherapist. animals in 2014. Pets benefit, too, particularly when older folks These homeless pets would thrive in the stable en- adopt older pets. “These lucky pets go from vironments that older people usually offer, so the the pound to paradise. Since most of the Barbara Balla & Ryder Doña Ana County Humane Society administers adopters are retired, they have lots of time to a Pets for Seniors program for people aged 60 devote to a previously unwanted pet,” says and over. Seniors receive a $50 discount on the Chicago veterinarian and Help Save Pets “We have fun with them. We enjoy them and cost of adopting a pet from the ASCMV. That re- founder Tony Kremer. duces the cost of adopting a dog to $25 (normally don’t want them to be put down,” she said. “I $75), and it makes cats free (normally $50). All Tank is one of those lucky dogs. Rhett Harsh, 61, think they’re a lot of comfort. You can cuddle up pets adopted from the ASCMV come with current a Las Cruces engineer with El Paso Electric, re- with them, they don’t go and tell tales, and they’re vaccinations, a microchip and spay/neuter sur- cently adopted Tank from the ASCMV. Rhett and fun to watch, fun to be with.” gery. The Pets for Seniors program, supported by his wife already had one dog, but “we were just To adopt through the Pets for Seniors program, grants from the Pets for the Elderly Foundation, looking to get another dog,” he said. “[Tank] is a go to the ASCMV and choose your pet (or pets), has issued nearly 500 vouchers since 2011. character, a lot of fun. [The dogs] definitely have fill out the paperwork and pay the portion of the enriched our lives.” adoption fee not covered by Pets for Seniors. The success stories abound. “It is always exciting to see the human/animal There are no income limits. Seniors must meet John Harris, 65, moved to Las Cruces after retir- bonding process at work,” said Dr. Beth Vesco- the ASCMV’s adoption requirements, as well ing from American Airlines. He visited the shelter Mock, executive director of the ASCMV. “This as those of the Pets for Seniors program. These in August to look for a dog after a friend told him program enables just that: uniting older folks who requirements help assure that the about the facility. He found Flash. “He’s been a need companionship with a furry kiddo who pet is the right fit for your home good dog. He was already potty trained; we didn’t needs them.” environment and lifestyle, and have to worry about that,” Harris said. “It worked they also prompt you to think out really well.” Barbara Balla, 73, of Carlsbad, is a retired swim- about making arrangements ming instructor. She and her sister visit the AS- for the pet if you become Robert and Sharon Bronson, who own K&S CMV whenever they’re in Las Cruces. “We like to incapacitated or pass away so Automotive, had waited more than a year after visit and just wander through,” she said. On their that the pet is not returned to their dog, Fritos, passed away before going to the last visit, Balla went home with two big tomcats, the shelter. shelter and finding Dino, a Pit mix “He has an and her sister adopted two cats and a rooster! awesome personality. He’s very good natured; he They have a large spread with lots of space for Dr. Vesco-Mock sums up, “By comes to the shop with us in the morning,” Sha- their dogs, cats, fowls, a pot-bellied pig and a adopting through Pets for Se- ron said. horse. niors, you not only save the life of an animal, you enrich your own life, as well.”

Kathy Lawitz is executive director of the Doña Ana County Humane Society.

John Harris and his Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 21 Robert Bronson & Dino Rhett Harsh & Tank new buddy, Flash. Special Diving Dog Edition!

Wagon Hooooooooooooooo ll of our RV upgrades were finished (at Yellowstone least as finished as they were going to Dog Sports—a A be), our bags were packed, the dogs’ toys doggie vaca- were secured in their cargo nets, and 12 days tion camp that Karen’s worth of dog food and treats were on board. It features wide was finally time to hit the road for Montana! open country, a huge pond This trip to Yellowstone Dog Sports (a canine for swimming, Animal House vacation camp) near Red Lodge, Montana, is and beauti- the longest journey we’ve ever taken in the “K9 ful Montana Cramper,” as my wife has come to call it. We weather. What were headed there so Ruby could participate in more could her first North America Diving Dogs competi- we ask for? Prepare For The tion. I had carefully planned our trip, including We woke stops along the way, places to stay, and dog up early the parks to play in. I’m not sure why I bothered to following do that—except that I just must have forgotten morning to how much longer everything takes in the RV. do some I love the smell of wet dog in the Holidays Especially when you figure in the extra stops practice morning. Smells like...victory! to repair some of the “things I thought I had dock diving • BOARDING taken care of”—like wiring the signal lights and learned backwards on our tow vehicle. Every time I some WITH 11 NEW wanted to change lanes my RV would indicate things...Les- one direction while the “toad” would signal the son one: it’s different diving off RUNS opposite way. I imagine this was confusing and a dock than off the side of the pool. Lesson 2: frustrating for all the vehicles around us—but just because you want your dogs to come back my wife and I thought it was funny. I fixed it, of and jump again doesn’t mean they won’t swim • GROOMING course—before it became not-funny. around the pond ‘til they are ready to come out. Lesson 3: don’t go dock diving before you But enough about that. We made it all the way go to bed— dogs don’t dry fast. FOR THE to Bernalillo on the first day—which means Day Two was a very long drive to Cheyenne, This was to be Ruby’s first diving competition, HOLIDAYS Wyoming. We stopped at a great little RV park but not my wife’s and mine. Years ago, our with a nice park for the dogs and its very own Coda was invited to participate in the Purina BBQ restaurant (We knew it would be good, Incredible Dog Challenge dock diving event • DAYCARE because of all the police officers eating there). in San Francisco. Coda was a natural, and We had to make it all the way to our destina- we think she inspired young Ruby to follow WHILE YOU tion in Montana the next day if Ruby was going in her pawsteps. Ruby always loved to swim, to be able to compete. Luckily, we made it!! but when Coda started flying off the side of We set up the RV for an extended stay at the pool and making one big SPLASH after SHOP! another, well, Call for details This is just the inside of the Yellowstone Dog Sports facility. This place is truly Ruby was an amazing venue for you and your pets. Not only do they have RV sites, they hooked. Karen Kendall have rooms available for you and your furry friends to stay, as well. They offer For Owner/Instructor all types of vacation camps and programs for you and your pooch throughout Ruby to the year. We recommend it for a nice week-long family vacation. compete, Check it out at yellowstonedogsports.com! we had 1646 MAHANEY to step up the LAS CRUCES, NM training routine! Motiva- 575 tion is the 525-8065 key, and

22 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 Traveling With Your Best Friends by Vic Villalobos oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! what motivates Ruby has changed over time. trip from Las Cruces. Our Golden Girl did very joyed seeing real, live buffalo and other wildlife In the early days a tennis ball would suffice, but well in her six dives, earning her credentials along the roadside. Unfortunately, we when as she has matured, her taste has become more as an official North America Diving Dog, and arrived at Mount Rushmore, we realized they discriminating. Enter...The Screaming Chicken. qualifying to participate in any future NADD didn’t allow dogs—booooooo! So, much like a events we might choose to at- scene from a Griswold family vacation, we took tend. She was very proud of the dogs out for a pee in their dog potty patch, her ribbons, but would have snapped a selfie with stony presidential heads traded them all for more time in the background, and off we went to see diving off that dock into the more of South Dakota. cool mountain water! We wish we could have stayed longer in the With the diving event com- Dakotas—the weather was great, the scenery pleted, we spent the next few was beautiful, and we even snuck in a dog dip days exploring the area with in a serene lake. But we had to get back to the our friends Steve and Nancy desert, so we began our long journey home. and their dogs. (Did you The dog hair was thick as mist in the air of our catch the obligatory Steve & RV, and we had completely run out of clean Nancy mention? No issue of clothes, so we wore sweat pants as our dinner Dog’Cruces is complete with- attire. We made it all the way back to Albuquer- out one!). We hiked a pass que before we broke down and did laundry— that was over 10,000 feet, because it just doesn’t seem like vacation if you and the dogs got to play in have to do laundry. Don’t judge! La familia del Mayor. the snow in the summer! The nearby town of Red Lodge When we arrived home-sweet-home on Sat- was only a ten minute drive urday night, our house felt like the Coliseum No, not a real chicken—it’s more like one of away and offered up lots of good eats along with so much room to roam again. The dogs those rubber gag chickens, and it makes an ex- with an afternoon of shopping. were also very happy to get a little space away tremely annoying sound as you squeeze it and from each other. This was an amazing trip and throw it through the air. Ruby LOVES it!! (We At this point, we’d been in the Cramper for served to remind us how much we enjoy travel- even carry a spare, because we hate to think of five days, during which we had accumulated ing with our pets and how much more you see the trauma if anything ever happened to The enough dog hair to make another dog (our by taking a slow drive across our great country. Screaming Chicken). I’m not sure if people got Dust Buster was so clogged with hair that it We look forward to our next long haul! more of a kick watching Ruby fly through the looked like a gerbil) and we’d gone through air or following The Screaming Chicken as it clothes as if it were mandatory to change four flew oh-so-ungracefully through the air making times a day. So we did a little housekeeping that sound only a Golden could love. and were good to go for a few more days. All of the modifications we’d made to the There were about a dozen or so Diving Dogs RV were really making our living space more there to compete, including Ruby’s buddy Strik- comfortable. By “space” I mean the 4’x 6’ ing the Wonder Dog who had also made the area we consider the living room. (It was 2’x 3’ before!).

We left Montana and Yellowstone Dog Sports wishing we could have stayed another week or two. We had planned to go back through Wyoming and stay a couple days in Colorado on the way home, but we looked at a map and realized we were close enough to make a detour to Mount Rushmore...Soooo, off to South Dakota!

My wife consulted our handy dandy app to The best part of the trip— find somewhere to stay and came up with a doggie kisses on the drive home. nice KOA just outside Deadwood. We made this our home base for a couple nights and hit the road to see the sights! The dogs en-

Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 23 La familia de Steve. ESILLA KEN D M NE OL L Full Service Precision Grooming & Pet Boarding Full Service Pet Care Please ask about our “Season Ticket” Program! Large Climate Controlled Indoor / Outdoor Runs Stop By & Tour Our Facilities! www.oldmesillakennel.com Member of National Dog Groomers Association of America

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24 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 Penny for your Thoughts by Jenifer Woods Golden Oldies y brother and I began referring to our met Chuck, he came with a tiny, pampered Mal- mother as “Old Woman” when she was in tese named Twinqui, who was (by any standard) M her 30s. Horrible, I know. But forty years a ridiculous dog. But Twinqui had one thing going later it’s still our favorite term of endearment, and for her—she didn’t shed. Much. Finally, the Old we’ll probably use it until— if ever—she actually Woman could peacefully co-exist with a dog in a becomes an old woman. mostly hair-free world. At 74, she still chauffeurs those at her church who Twinqui lived a very, very long life. But when can’t drive themselves, and takes meals to folks she crossed Rainbow Bridge, it wan’t long before who can’t leave their homes. She drives up to Bailey, the Yellow Lab, found his way into the Denver to visit her grandpuppies (and Eric), and household. Mom’s waking hours were still spent travels the country to see friends who are hesitant trying to keep Bailey off the furniture and out of or unable to make the trip out to New Mexico. the living room, but underneath the stern exterior Penny and Summer looooove Nana. we could all see she really loved him. Even But I never really thought of my mom as a though he shed quite a lot. “dog-person” when I was young—in fact, quite Bailey was a very gentle, very slow, very old the opposite. Growing up in Ohio, we had boy when he was attacked and killed by three Pepper—a gorgeous (though somewhat dimwit- unleashed dogs on his daily walk in Pioneer Park. ted) Norwegian Elkhound that our grandmother All who knew him were devastated. Mom has not bought for us. Pepper shed. Oh, how she shed. had a dog of her own since then, but spends time I shared responsibility for brushing the dog with regularly with her granddoggies—although they’re my brother, but that was a never-ending task, and still not allowed on the furniture. we had much more fun just pulling great hunks of thick, Nordic undercoat out of the dog and leav- Last fall a beautiful, loving, older Golden ing them to gather in corners, under furniture, in Retriever was dumped after hours at the Animal the radiator grates—pretty much everywhere. To Services Center. She had recently had a litter of our young minds, it appeared that Mom hated the pups, so had probably been the property of a dog because of this. backyard breeder who determined she was no longer of use. Mayor Vic rushed up to collect the Pepper died my first year in college, and Eric, precious girl—he named her Daisy—without for some unknowable reason, decided Mom having a foster home lined up. I called the Old needed a puppy—so he bid on and won Vincent, Woman to see if, maybe, she could keep Daisy a Golden/Sheltie/Whatever Mix at a high school for a couple days until Golden Rescue could find fundraiser. I was grateful to be away from home an established foster home for her. Mom said yes, when the dog hair hit the fan after this debacle. and Daisy became the first of several older rescue The Old Woman insisted the pup go back whence dogs to whom my mom has opened her home. it came and would neither look at Vinny nor speak to Eric for three solid days. It takes a special person to be a foster Unfortunately for her, Dad parent. I couldn’t do (the Old Man—a dog-person it—that’s how I ended The Old up with Summer, after all. through and through) spent Woman and those three days falling in love But Mom isn’t ready to with the little puppy. Vinny Skye, a settle down with a perma- was permitted to stay, but he Foster Dog. nent dog just yet (places was decidedly the Old Man’s to go, people to see...), dog. I suspect it was Dad’s and fostering has allowed job to brush—and properly her to care for a series of dispose of—Vincent’s hair. wonderful animals who, for various reasons, have Vinny outlived my father, found themselves homeless and the once-resented dog and traumatized. and Mom helped each other through the grief. Vinny got I still have trouble thinking a little weird as he aged, but of my mom as an official Mom stuck with him, and “dog-person.” But one thing he lived to be a very old is certain—she’s a pretty dog, indeed. When Mom good Old Woman.

Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 25 ARTSY BARKSY

Inspired by two amazing rescue dogs, ArtsyBarksy.co was created as a whimsical boutique for pampered pups: Custom, unique Dog Collars, fetching Bandanas that slide over your dog’s collar, Bows and Bow Ties, as well as custom made harnesses made to ﬁ t your pooch. All products are cruelty-free and handcrafted in Las Cruces. 10% of proﬁ ts are donated to animals in need. Visit the website at www.ArtsyBarksy.co

BOND SILICON LEASH BLUE BUFFALO® DOG FOOD Bond silicone based leash and collar. Easy to clean, odor resistant, waterproof. Sold exclusively at Pet Planet, 971 Sand Made with only the ﬁ nest natural Castle Ave, Las Cruces. 575-528-8180. ingredients and real meat in every www.petplanetcomplex.com formula, Blue Buffalo offers your dog the wholesome nutrition to support a healthy lifestyle for any breed at any age. Available at Mesilla Valley Pet Resort, 2500 W. Amador, Las K9 LEVEL 5000 Cruces, NM. GLUCOSAMINE www.mvpetresort.com

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Keep your canine comfy and cozy as the weather turns cooler with a heated pet bed by Allied Precision. A toasty dog is a happy dog! Available at Horse N Hound Feed N Supply, 991 W. Amador St., Las Cruces, NM 575-523-8790. www.horsenhoundfeed.com

WALTER’S LUNCHBOX HARLEY-DAVIDSON® TREATS PINK COLLARS The color pink shows your dog’s social con- Specially made fresh for your pet, orders made sciousness and the Bar and Shield® shows upon request. All treats contain NO wheat, corn, that they are, indeed, Tough Enough to wear soy, artiﬁ cial ﬂ avors and are registered for sale pink! This and other great Harley-Davidson in the State of New Mexico. Delivery charge out- gear for your dog is available at Barnett’s Las side of the Las Cruces area will apply. Pumpkin Cruces Harley-Davidson®, I-10 @ Avenida cookies (shown) $8/lb. and Liver and Cranberry de Mesilla. 575-541-1440. Stix, $10/lb. Proceeds from each sale go to area www.barnettslascruceshd.com animal rescues, charities and shelters. Email [email protected]

26 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 Las Cruces’First & Only Walking & running specialty store Find your happy pace.

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Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 27 Walter’s Lunchbox by Walter Dubbin (as told to Margaret Dubbin)

HELP US SAVE LIVES BY: DONATING, VOLUNTEERING, FOSTERING & ADOPTING Good Old Mom i there, peeps! I hope you all had an prime! But, you’re not getting any younger. One absolutely PAWsome summer! I know I sure day you will be an old dog, and because I love Hdid. In addition to our summer road trip you so much, I’m doing everything I can now so exploring America’s National Parking Lots, Mom that you are as healthy as you possibly can be and I spent the month of August baking some when you are older.” Walter’s Lunchbox treats to raise money for a local animal program. In the month of August, Mom Oh, what a relief! I’m lucky Mom’s had some ex- baked over 20 lbs. of my Dog Treats with Pumpkin perience caring for old dogs and dogs with special and Liver and Cranberry Stix—under my careful dietary needs—so I can look forward to being supervision, of course! We were able to raise equally (if not more) spoiled in my later years! $150.00 for the Southern New Mexico PAWS These recipes are especially good for older pups. program! Pretty cool, Huh?! Watch my Facebook One is a homemade diet that is a good choice for page for our next scheduled baking days and to dogs with kidney disease. The other is a tasty soft find out how to get your orders in. We’ll select a cookie designed for older pups who can’t handle different animal rescue or charity each time. hard, crunchy cookies any more. Enjoy! So this issue is about Old Dogs. As I am in my prime, I don’t know much about being old, but Holly Berry’s Kidney Diet APA FURREVER HOME Mom’s always saying “aging sucks.” Since she is 2 Lbs Chicken Thighs starting to get a little long in the tooth and often (skinless/boneless) ADOPTION AND says this when looking in the mirror at all her grey 3 C White Rice (dry) hairs, wrinkles, and age spots—I’m not really 4 Large Sweet Potatoes certain if she’s talking about aging peeps or pups! EDUCATION CENTER 1) Rinse chicken thighs, trim ex- Curious, I asked what happens when pups get old. cess fat, and place in slow cooker. She told me that, in general, dogs become less Add just enough water to cover the 800 West Picacho Ave. active—so they often require fewer calories than meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. they did as active young pups. She also said our 2) While chicken is cooking, rinse rice and place in rice Las Cruces, NM coats become a little less shiny, joints get a little cooker. Add water to about 1” over the top of the rice achy, taste buds become less sensitive, eyesight and press “cook.” Alternatively, cook rice on stove top OPEN can diminish, kidney function can decrease, and according to package directions. Tues/Thurs/Most Saturdays 12 to 5 p.m. memory and hearing loss can occur. 3) Scrub and rinse sweet potatoes. Place potatoes on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake at 375°F for 45-60 OH-NO! I am already deaf! That must mean I and By Appointment minutes or until soft. am already OLD! All of a sudden I felt aches and 4) Allow chicken to cool completely (reserving 1 cup pains in my joints, my vision started to blur, and of the broth) before shredding or dicing. Dice or mash my coat didn’t feel as shiny! sweet potatoes. Combine chicken, potatoes, and rice in I checked the pantry and saw those “treats” she’s a large mixing bowl; stir in reserved liquid to desired been giving me are actually fish oil, glucosamine consistency. For small breeds, you can place mixture in and chondroitin supplements—disguised as treats! the food processor for a finer texture. OMD! I AM OLD! Mom’s been slipping me “old 5) Serve warm and store unused portions in the refrig- dog” supplements for years now! erator for up to 5 days. Serving sizes will vary. WAIT JUST A MINUTE! She also said getting old means I don’t get to eat as much! Mom’s been Peanut Butter & holding out on me! No wonder I think I’m starving Pumpkin Bites all the time and feel the urge to dive head first into 1/2 C All Natural Peanut the trash for scraps and steal doughnuts and bur- Butter (smooth) ritos off her employees’ desks at work! 1 C Pumpkin Puree (NOT Pumpkin Pie Mix) Armed with this new knowledge, I confronted 2/3 C Gluten Free Rolled Oats LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK: Mom about why she deprives me from eating 2 Tbsp Dry Milk Powder 2 Tbsp Honey • 2 Large Eggs http://www.actionprogramsforanimals.org/ everything in sight—it’s because I’m OLD! I told her I was on to her deceptive ways and not going Preheat oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, combine all Contact us: 575-644-0505 to tolerate it one second longer. ingredients. Allow mixture to sit approximately ten minutes for oats to absorb moisture. Drop ½ Tbsp size She replied, “Oh, no, Handsome! You’re not an [email protected] dollops on parchment-lined cookie sheets. Bake for 25- old dog yet—you are healthy, strong, and in your 30 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before serving. Store in 28 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 NOTE: ALWAYS consult with your veterinarian regarding ingredients, serving sizes and special dietary requirements prior to changing your pet’s diet. refrigerator in a sealed container up to seven days. ’ Kats by Kat Lacy BRINGING THE Korner COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR The Silver Years he signs are apparent. She yowls in the and blew bubbles out of her nose whenever we THE ANIMALS night for no particular reason. Her fur is gave her affection. not as glossy and soft as it once was, and T We’ve been through it all together, she and tuffs of mats have appeared. She seems confused about whether or not she has just eaten, I. She deserves this special treatment in her or if she’s gone out the door, or come in the senior years. She was born in 1995, so I guess door, or gone out. Jumping up on the window she will be 20 soon. My Uncle had a cat that sill is labored. Her eyes are cloudy. Her nails lived to be 25. I remember asking him what he grow long and get stuck to the carpet. fed her to keep her around so long. “An egg and a piece of bacon every morning.” The rest The signs of aging. They don’t always come she hunted (although I noticed he had some about all at once, but sometimes it seems as canned food for her then, as well). He, too, though they have. After all, she is only 19. took care of his old girl in her waning years. She was always a playful cat—hunting mice Bubbles has had a few adventures over the and sparrows quite effectively. We have to help years. She was almost eaten by a fox—escap- her out now that she is older. Combing her out ing with only a piece of ear missing. A large twice a week makes her feel better since she bull snake once scared her by the front door. was always a meticulous groomer. It hurts her Years have passed, but she still checks the door arthritic bones, but she never bites. We trim her carefully before exiting. (You never know if that nails every few weeks so she doesn’t get stuck snake may still be lurking.) She ran away from to the carpets. home (to the neighbor’s house) when the new kitten arrived, refusing to accept his presence We started her on a Glucosamine supplement for months. After 15 or so years, she tolerates (Liquid Health Joint Rescue) that she gets him now and will eat out of the same bowl. every morning with a sip of milk. She now jumps up on the sill much more easily. We add Our kitties give us so much happiness over probiotics and enzymes (Animal Essentials) to so many years—from their silly antics as they all of her food, and as a result she no longer play when they are kittens, to the simple act of throws up her food every day. We feed her purring quietly next to us while we sleep. They three or four small meals a day—some- lower our blood pressure, grace our environs • Pet Help Line / Caller Assistance times five. She gets a variety of with their elegant beauty, and perhaps foods that include highly nutri- even establish a connection to our • Lost / Found Animals & tious kibble (Petcurean Senior souls that goes beyond any hu- Re-Home Website Posting Now), grain-free canned man relationship. They are (PureVita, Tiki Cat & mystical, alluring creatures • Website Posting for Animals in Need Weruva), Honest Kitch- that sometimes seem to • Adoption & Fostering Program en dehydrated, and be only visitors to our raw foods (currently human world. • Spay Assistance Nature’s Variety Or- • Volunteer Program Until our little ganic Raw). And on • Critter Clubs / Humane Education occasion she still Bubbles passes manages to catch out of this human • Volunteer Program world, we will care a mouse. She eats • And MORE! it all but throws for her in all those up most. I always special ways, giving thank her for her her a better quality Support HSSNM by contribution to of life and a longer, becoming a MEMBER carpet soiling. She healthier existence. purrs and rubs up After all, even if against my legs and she doesn’t look 20, 575-523-8020 licks my toes. Golly, she has given us 20 that always feels so wonderful years. P.O. Box 13826, weird. She has always Las Cruces, NM 880013 been a licker. Her name, Kat Lacy is the owner of Bubbles, was earned the Better Life Pet Foods www.hssnm.org because she licked, drooled, stores.

Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 29 Fine Embroidery of Make a Difference Caps, Jackets, & Shirts Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate ocal Animal Organizations always need Doña Ana County Humane Society good people to help them meet their (DACHS) Lgoals. Contact the groups below to see 575-647-4808 which one(s) would be the best fit for you! www.Doñaanacountyhumanesocietyinc.org

2 Hearts 4 Paws Refuge Coalition for Pets and People 575-642-9614 or 575-642-6589 (Zero in 7) email: [email protected] www.zeroin7.org www.2hearts4pawsrefuge.com Humane Society of Southern NM (HSSNM) ACTion Programs for Animals (APA)/ /PetSmart Cat Adoption Center Doña Ana Pets Alive! (DAPA) 575-523-8020 800 West Picacho, Las Cruces, NM email: [email protected] 575-644-0505 or 575-571-4654 www.hssnm.org email: [email protected] www.actionprogramsforanimals.org Las Cruces Dog Park Coalition PO Box 13345, Las Cruces, NM 88013 Animal Service Center 575-520-4382 of the Mesilla Valley (ASCMV) www.lcdogparkers.com 3551 Bataan Memorial West, Las Cruces, NM 575-382-0018 www.ascmv.org Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary (SHAS) 575-527- 4544 Cat’s Meow Adoption Center email: [email protected] 2211 N. Mesquite, Las Cruces www.safehavenanimalsanctuary.net 575-642-5239 www.catsmeowlascruces.com Spay/Neuter Action Program of Southern NM (SNAP) Cherished K9 All Breed Rescue 2405 W. Picacho, Las Cruces, NM 88005 575-496-6085 575-524-9265 email: [email protected] www.snapnewmexico.org

Deming Animal Guardians Therapaws 575-644-2209 575-524-2026 Business www.deminganimalguardians.org email: [email protected] Clubs Featured Group Schools Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary (SHAS) has been part of Doña Ana County for 20 years. Its mission is to provide a safe, loving, no-kill sanctuary for dogs and cats that are abandoned, unwanted, or in need of shelter. SHAS helps find forever homes for these anmials, 575.524.2590 while also providing some permanent residents the lasting care they require. SHAS is a 501(C)3 corporation that relies solely on donations from the public, grant monies, fundraising events and sales from its Thrift Store (840 El Paseo). If you would 440 E. Foster like to help by volunteering, please call 408-529-1065 or email [email protected]. You can also attend fundraising events, make donations, and donate to and/or buy items from Las Cruces, NM Safe Haven Thrift Store (575-541-4942). Visit us at: For Sanctuary information call 575-805-5338 www.HoopTDudesinc.com or visit www.shaspets.com.

30 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 Bring your favorite pet with you & enjoy a burger & a cold beer on our outside patio on Main St. We have the best burgers in town, plus salads, FROZEN CUSTARD dinner specials, sandwiches, housemade brats Come try the Gizmo, Mango Dango and Strawana. & desserts. 18 NM Craft Beers on tap!! Only Southern NM Wines!! Now serving breakfast on Free Poochie Cone with Purchase. Tue. - Fri. • 11am - 9pm www.caliches.com Sat. 9am - 9pm Saturdays starting at 9am. We can accomadate Sun. 12pm - 4pm large parties in our banquet room! 11AM - 10PM EVERY DAY! www.lcmainstreetbistro.com Dogs Must Be Leashed. Thank You. 575-647-5066 575-521-1161 575-524-5977 590 S. Valley Dr 131 Roadrunner Pkwy 139 N. Main Street •Las Cruces, NM Las Cruces Las Cruces

• Mexican Hot Dogs, Burgers & Top-Dog Mexican Food. • Big Selection of Draft & 27 Handcrafted Ales & Lagers, Produced on Premises. Also, Awesome Bottled Beer. Nachos, Burgers, Sandwiches & Homemade Root Beer Floats. • Well-Behaved Pets on Leash Mon-Sat: 11am - Midnight • Sunday: Noon - 11pm Always Welcome on Patio. Live Music Thur & Sat 8pm - 11pm www.andelerestaurante.com www.highdesertbrewingco.com Open Daily • 11am-9pm 575-525-6752 575-526-1271 1201 W. Hadley Ave • Las Cruces, NM 1983 Calle Del Norte • Mesilla, NM

Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 31 32 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015