Best Dawg Rescue • www.dawg-rescue.org Spring 2013

Dear Friends, especially if there are other pets in the home. What’s Hope your new year started well and continues that that saying about an ounce of prevention? Better yet, a way now that it’s spring! As for resolutions, we all make precaution that takes a minute but could be a lifesaver. them, break them, and eventually avoid them. However, Our first newsletter of the year reports on the prior here’s one that’s easy to keep and a “win-win” no matter year’s intake and adoptions. In 2012 we adopted out and when you opt to do it: volunteer to help our dogs! took in 52 dogs, a good balance and a lot of work given Why not take your devotion to dogs to the next level the fact that one dog “out” and one dog “in” per week and volunteer at an occasional adoption show? You requires many trips from intake, vetting and adoption can ask for a specific dog, or we can match you with a shows, to home visits and the final placement. However, dog of any size or personality. Worried about falling in it was a “slow” year all around. As for 2013, we’ve had a love with a dog? It happens, but the “pain” turns to joy terrific start, with 23 adoptions and 24 new dogs already. because you help select the future adopter. With spring comes a slowing trend, so we have reduced Our dogs really need your help to become adopted. intake accordingly. Nonetheless, we offer advertised Please think about it and write our “dawg line” (dawg@ adoption shows every Saturday of the year, which gives dawg-rescue.org) for more information. our dogs maximum opportunities to be seen and even- We have been alarmed at the number of stories out tually adopted. there about pet walkers losing dogs! We encourage Articles in this issue include several borrowed from people who work outside their homes to hire a service training/behavioral experts. Colleen Pelar’s offers the providing “potty relief” and some play time mid-day, “Find It!” game kids and dogs can enjoy together; Leslie but we don’t recommend that the service walks your dog Clift’s article is about helping fearful dogs; and Stanley if you have a fenced yard. A backyard romp is better and Coren’s explanation of “the language of a dog’s tail” is a safer. Even relatives may not be on top of a dog squirm- new “take” on wagging. ing out of a collar or harness (especially if temporarily Lastly, the first issue of DAWG Tales lists honorary pet sitting during your vacation). Don’t have a yard? and memorial donations to Best Dawg Rescue by in- Ask your pet service to double leash your dog for walks. dividuals who want to help imperiled dogs while ac- As for backyard escapes, any dog can get creative or knowledging a special someone or beloved pet. Because acrobatic by catapulting over or crawling under a fence, we are celebrating our tenth year, we realize that also which is one reason we discourage people from using means dogs we placed in the past are starting to leave for dog doors. Watching a dog in a backyard is a “must” Rainbow Bridge. Please let us know if your dog has done through a dog’s entire lifetime! so. When ready to love again, our dogs will be waiting Despite your best efforts, your dog may escape at for you. some time in your life together. Often this resolves in Don’t forget to consider volunteering, and we’ll be in a quick capture and “phew moment.” But some dogs touch again toward Labor Day. disappear. Take a moment to act on a tip from a pro- fessional tracker, whose service is your best (but not Sincerely, guaranteed) bet when looking for an escaped dog: take a small cloth, rub your dog’s body and mouth area with it, Joan Marshall and put it in a baggie. Tracking dogs need “pure scent,” President

Spring 2013 • Best DAWG Rescue 1 Kong Stuffing the dogs, why not put the last chicken challenge, we often wrap her items in Easy Way nugget, a few green beans, or an an old towel, giving her an opportu- apple slice into the Kong? That food nity to dig, pull, and tug to her heart’s from Six Things Parents Need to is already cut up and ready to go content. My husband and I hide Know by Colleen Pelar . . . into the garbage disposal. Don’t smelly socks under leaves or on a low The Internet is filled with ter- just feed it to the dog, but have the hanging branches, and then send our rific ideas for stuffing Kong toys. If dog work for it. At the next meal, dogs to “Find It!” When they find the you have a dog that really needs a you’ll have a few more Kong-worthy hidden cache, we all dance a jig and challenge, I encourage you to hunt morsels. It’s a never-ending supply in I offer delicious treats for the socks around for some creative ideas. a household with kids. they bring us. Our dogs have a blast However, most parents stop listen- Or get a wide-mouthed funnel and and we feel joy watching the fun. An ing when you give them an actual scoop your dog’s meal into a Kong added bonus? Tired dogs. Teach your recipe for stuffing a Kong. “’Takes and “seal” it with something wedged dog how to “Find It!” and you’ll have more than 1 minute? Never mind.” across the opening. A broken dog a fun game to play for years to come. biscuit will work. It’s a great rainy day activity, too. Ready for something more “offi- cial?” Put a glob of canned pumpkin Back Yard Fun in the Kong, followed by some kibble A high energy setter, or smelly dog treats and a chunk Dooley’s game of of banana. Fill the rest of the Kong “Find It!” ends when with yogurt, canned pumpkin, or he discovers that peanut butter and then freeze it for Kongs actually grow the dog. on trees.

I tend to fall in that camp myself. “Find It” Occasionally I’ll get inspired to stuff A treasure hunt designed by you Kongs with exciting fillings, but on especially for your dog, the “Find a day-to-day basis, I opt for the lazy It!” game is an activity that all dogs route. can play and enjoy. At All About Dogs, we spend a lot of If I can find an activity that jazzes time talking to people about the ben- my dogs mentally and exercises efits of high-quality dog food. I’m a them physically, I’m in. And if I can believer, so it may seem a bit surpris- do this activity at my home. . . even ing for me to reveal that one of my fa- better. That is why I love the “Find vorite Kong-stuffing treats is a generic It!” game. It’s easy to teach, and can dog biscuit. (Shh, don’t tell the staff. be tailored to appeal to your dog’s They’ll shoot me!) Dog biscuits are play preferences. Once taught, all cheap, dry, and have broad ends so it’s you need to do is hide something easy for me to stuff a biscuit in (with- your dog loves, turn him loose, and out getting messy) and a bit harder let the fun begin. for the dog to get it out. This won’t I hide a variety of things—a keep a dog busy for 30 minutes, but 3 biscuit, a stuffed Kong, a favorite minutes is enough to bring a guest in squeak toy, my husband, a visiting without all the canine fanfare, make guest. . . whatever. And because play Katie, a sassy Norfolk a quick phone call, or keep a dog busy and training should always be seam- Terrier, ends her while the kids are getting ready for less, I incorporate lots of manners ground search when their showers. (sit, wait, watch, trade) into the game. she finds her stuffed I also think leftovers are fair game. My terrier, Katie, loves to find and pink elephant hiding As long as the ingredients are safe for “kill” her squeak toys. To add to the from her in the whiskey barrel.

2 Best DAWG Rescue • Spring 2013 Step-by-Step to what to do, you are ready to advance easy at first) in other rooms of your Teach “Find It!” to Step #3. home. When your dog proves he’s a real detective, willing to search high Step #1—Introduce the Step #3—Hide the Treat in and low, move to Step #4. Game Advance Step #4—Get Creative Have several high power treats Hide several treats before bring- Tailor “Find It!” to your dog’s play handy. Stand or sit with your dog. If ing your dog into the room. Start style by incorporating his favorite your dog has been trained to Sit and easy by placing the treats in plain toys, and activities, into the game. Wait, ask him to do so. Grab one of sight, but not readily seen (under a Hunting breeds love a chance to the treats and show your dog what table, on the arm of a chair, next to sniff out their prize. How about you have. Drop it 4-5 feet away from a sofa, in a corner). Hide the treats hiding something with your scent your dog. Immediately look at, and in locations your dog is allowed (no in your fenced yard? And after your point to, the treat as you say, “Find furniture if that is off-limits) and dog finds it, let him trade it in for a It!” Lavish your dog with praise as places your dog can safely reach. swift toss of the Frisbee. Terriers love he darts over to lap it off the floor. When your dog enters, happily an- to dig and root around. Try hiding Do this 4-5 times in a row and stop nounce “Find It!” Give him time to a squeak toy in the grass, concealed while it’s still fun. You have just in- think...it’s always better if the dog in a small box, or under some loose troduced the name of this fun game. figures it out. When he finds a treat praise him and even give him an newspapers. Older and lower en- ergy dogs can usually find time to Step #2—Repeat the extra treat from your pocket so he realizes you are an important part sniff out a tasty hidden treat or well Game/Extend the Distance of this fun. Do this for several days. stuffed Kong. Over the next week, do the same Then, try the same game (making it exercise once or twice a day. Toss the treat farther and farther away. Keep each session short and sweet—quit- Warning about rope chew toys for dogs! ting while your dog is still excited These popular dog toys present a danger many about the fun. When your dog rec- pet owners don’t know about. Read more at ognizes the cue (Find It!) and needs http://bit.ly/12GTSMV no hints or hand pointing to know

Thank you to Your Dog’s Friend for “Digging In” to a Topic Relevant to Most Dogs!

Digging (and how to curb the behavior). than digging in the rest of your yard. It’s that time again. Spring is here, Reason 1: You May Have One of The ASPCA has a great primer on summer is coming, and so is dig- Those Breeds. creating a digging zone for your dog ging. If you have a Terrier, Dachs- Reason 2: Your Dog May Be Seek- What? You Didn’t Want Holes in the hund, or other breed intended to ing Prey. Yard? flush small prey out of holes in the Your dog may be actively pursu- Your dog has no idea that you ground, you have a dog that is hard- ing insects or small animals living in didn’t provide him a yard so he wired to dig. your yard. Consider this possibility could dig holes all over it. You, on How to Fix It: Create a dedicated especially if your dog is digging at the other hand, have beautiful grass digging area, where you can bury the roots of shrubs or trees, rather or landscaping, and you would pre- toys or treats for your dog to find. than at the boundaries of the yard. fer to keep it that way. So, let’s take Your dog will soon realize that dig- How to Fix It: Look for signs of a a look at some reasons why dogs dig ging in this area is more rewarding pest/vermin infestation, and then

Spring 2013 • Best DAWG Rescue 3 treat your yard appropriately. There your sturdy fence goes all the way to the best kind of attention, but it’s are many non-toxic solutions to pest the ground, unlike the ornamental what he has learned will work. problems. fences used more for show than for How to Fix It: If you catch your Reason 3: Your Dog is Bored. containment. dog in the act, run him to the A dog left to his own devices in a Reason 5: Your Dog is Trying to designated digging zone and praise backyard will find ways to entertain Be Comfortable. him when he digs there. If you seem himself. No playmate? No toys? Lots When it’s hot out, dogs will dig excited about what you find, your of energy to burn off? Might as well a hole and curl up in it because the dog will follow your lead. And don’t dig a hole! ground is cool. They may also dig a forget to give your dog attention How to Fix It: A digging zone, as den to protect themselves from wind when he is being good, not just when described above, will help entertain or rain if they’re left outside in the you see something you don’t like. a bored dog. However, human in- elements. teraction is the best way to alleviate How to Fix It: If the weather is Key Points to Remember boredom. Take a walk, throw a ball uncomfortable for you, it’s uncom- Digging is a behavior that’s natural or Frisbee, blow children’s bubbles fortable for your dog. Bring your dog to dogs. for your dog to pop, teach your dog a indoors during unpleasant weather Figure out why your dog digs, so new trick, or play together with your and provide a source of shelter, if you can choose the right solution. dog’s toys. your dog does spend time outside. In Some dogs, bred to catch small Reason 4: Your Dog is Trying to the summer, make sure your dog has vermin underground, are hard wired Escape. drinking water. For outdoor play, to dig. Some dogs want to explore, go run an oscillating sprinkler, or fill a Provide more stimulation with after a squirrel, or find that neigh- plastic kiddie pool and toss in some walks, training, and play. A tired borhood dog in heat. balls, toys that float, or even ice dog will sleep rather than dig! How to fix it: You can reinforce cubes. Never leave your dog outside Punishment won’t stop digging. the fence line by burying chicken unsupervised for any length of time. Yelling, shaking or, even worse, throw- wire one to two feet below ground or Reason 6: Your Dog Wants Atten- ing a can of pennies will interrupt the by placing large rocks or railroad ties tion. digging, but only temporarily. along the fence line. The more flex- In your dog’s mind, there is a con- Creating a digging pit can provide ible fences, like chain link, are easier nection between digging a hole and a rewarding alternative and a more to climb over or dig under than getting your attention. When your permanent fix. more sturdy ones. But if you’re put- dog digs, you come outside to “talk” Never leave your dog outside ting in a fence, make sure that even to him. Woohoo! Of course, it’s not unattended.

Excerpt from “A Little Bit Backwards” October 28, 2011| Posted by Leslie Clifton www.lookwhaticandodogtraining.com Yes, we feel desperate to stroke the our forward progress. Flooring it on lookwhaticandodogtraining@gmail. silky fur and “make it all better.” It those icy hills often means skidding com seems like the right thing to do, but out of control. Similarly, forcing at- these dogs need time and space, not tention on a fragile being acclimat- With fearful dogs, we must some- crowding. Allow these concerned ing to a strange land, though well times go “a little bit backwards” in canines find their way and progress meaning, increases stress. Ease off order to gain traction and forward will be so much faster. on the pedal of progress and simply momentum. How we ache to reach, As humans, with our impatient let the dog learn to ”be” in this new hug, love and stroke, but respecting ways, we put the pedal to the metal, environment. As Suzanne Clothier the space of a fearful dog, waiting damn the torpedoes, in full steam says, “always ask the dog.” Dog body for them to nudge that hand and ahead mode. We have little tolerance language never lies. They will tell solicit attention is the way to go. for the slippery slopes impeding you when it is not OK.

4 Best DAWG Rescue • Spring 2013 Keep in Mind that Your the block until you have a sense of action with food wonderful food. Fearful Dog may: who they are. If you are not prepared to deal • Have an unknown background. Give them their own space to just with the incremental progress often • Be woefully under-socialized. “be” in a low-travel quiet room of required, do consult with a positive • Lack trust in new humans. the house with a cozy open crate, dog training professional for guid- • Not feel safe in the new soothing music and good smells. ance. Doing the wrong things, even environment. Use meals as an interactive time, well meaningly, can spell disaster. • Lack domestic household to begin establishing trust. Sit/lay on Is there is a fearful dog in your life? experience. the floor at a distance that is tolerable, Recognize that “a little bit back- • Have existed as a stray or shelter and toss food away from you. Begin wards” means the world to this dog. dog, with much accumulated feeding from a passive hand when Backing off and just allowing this dog stress. your dog can approach willingly. to “be” on his terms will allow him • Be showing behaviors that are Use appropriate body language. the necessary traction to start mov- based in fear. Sitting is better than standing. ing forward on the slippery slope of • Feel worse and/or attempt to bite Sideways is better than full frontal. his new life. He will gain trust in the when put in high stress situations, Never loom and reach overhead. clever humans who sit back, observe, such as forced interactions with Educate all who will interact. and allow the fearful fellow to ap- strange humans. That they need food to survive is proach on his own terms, without Recently, fearful Jett came into my often the only thing working for a restraint hurry or expectations. life, via Lab Rescue of the Greater Po- fearful dog. Pair every human inter- tomac and his adopting family. Lovely, sweet Jett needed a similar approach Swimming is a fun as he learned to live in a new world, a activity for some dogs. strange land. Sudden movements sent (Not all dogs want to him scurrying for refuge. A stand- jump in, nor should ing human reaching out? Intoler- they be pushed!) able. With appropriate dog-human Did you know lakes, interactions and body language, Jett is creeks, ponds and gaining traction in his new world and larger bodies of water making strides in recovery. can have danger lurk- ing below, and toxic Some basic pointers for algae and deadly new rescues: cyanobacteria (which kills in hours) on the surface? Hold off on the family reunion, trips Pools are safer for dogs who want to swim! to doggy parks and hiking around

What a Dog’s Tail Wags Really Mean: Some New Scientific Data Specific tail wags provide information about dogs’ emotional state. Published on December 5, 2011 by Stanley Coren, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. in Canine Corner

Science is always providing new Perhaps the most common mis- that if you approach, you are apt to information that allows us to interpretation of dogs is the myth be bitten. interpret the behaviors of dogs, or that a dog wagging its tail is happy In some ways, tail wagging serves to reinterpret behaviors which we and friendly. While some wags are the same communication functions thought we understood very well— indeed associated with happiness, as a human smile, a polite greeting such as the meaning of a dog’s tail others can mean fear, insecurity, a or a nod of recognition. Smiles are wagging. social challenge or even a warning social signals and are thus reserved

Spring 2013 • Best DAWG Rescue 5 mostly for situations where some- poorly. The extreme body is around to see them. For expression is the tail dogs, the wag seems to have the tucked under the body, same properties. which is a sign of fear, Since tail wagging is meant meaning, “Please don’t as signal a dog will only wag its hurt me.” tail when other living beings are Just as there are around-e.g. a person, another dog, different dialects to a a cat, a horse or perhaps a ball of human language, such lint that is moved by a breeze and as a southern drawl or might seem alive. When the dog is Left-biased tail wag Right-biased tail wag a New England twang, by itself, it will not give its typical Negative/Avoidance Positive/Approach there are also dialects tail wags, in the same way people in dogs’ tail language. do not talk to walls. light or dark tip, a lighter underside Different breeds carry Like any other language, tail wags or a bushy shape. their tails at different heights, from have a vocabulary and grammar The tail’s position-specifically, the the natural nearly vertical position that needs to be understood. Up to height at which it is held-can be con- common to Beagles and many Ter- now scientists focused on two major sidered a sort of emotional meter. riers to the low-slung tails of Grey- sources of information, namely the A middle height suggests the dog is hounds and Whippets. All positions tail’s pattern of movement and its relaxed. If the tail is held horizon- should be read relative to the average position. However new data adds tally, the dog is attentive and alert. position where the individual dog a third important dimension to As the tail position moves further normally holds it tail. understanding the language of the up, it is a sign the dog is becoming Movements give additional mean- canine tail. more threatening, with a vertical ing to the signals. The speed of the Movement is a very important tail being a clearly dominant signal wag indicates how excited the dog aspect of the signal. Dogs’ eyes are meaning, “I’m boss around here,” or is. Meanwhile, the breadth of each much more sensitive to movement even a warning, “Back off or suffer tail sweep reveals whether the dog’s than they are to details or colors, so the consequences.” emotional state is positive or nega- a moving tail is very visible to other As the tail position drops lower, tive, independent from the level of dogs. Evolution has made tails even it is a sign the dog is becoming excitement. more visible, such as tails with a more submissive, is worried or feels As a result, there are many com-

We don’t like dog parks! use a dog park, make There, we said it. But it sure you enter when has to be said, because dogs inside are con- dog park users don’t trolled by their humans always understand a and are at a distance. dog’s body language, Here’s what Your Dog’s much less what play Friend has to say: When behaviors (including bul- to intervene during off- lying) may threaten your leash play? If any of dog. Smaller dogs are at these things are happen- high risk if the dog park ing: one dog rolling an- doesn’t have a small dog other, tucked tail, pinning area. Lastly, entry gates are a trigger for a dog for 5 seconds or aggression. How so? Dogs rush gates and longer, hiding or hovering. Interrupt the behav- stress builds at each dog’s arrival. If you must ior and consider taking your dog home!

6 Best DAWG Rescue • Spring 2013 binations, including the following common tail movements: Sick of blasting your dogs ● A slight wag-with each swing of with toxic chemicals that only small breadth-is usually seen don’t always work? during greetings as a tentative “Hello Enjoy the irreverent discussion there,” or a hopeful “I’m here.” about fleas and safe alternative ● A broad wag is friendly; “I am treatments, instead of toxic chemicals not challenging or threatening you.” that can be ineffective and can cause This can also mean, “I’m pleased,” more harm than remedy: which is the closest to the popular http://www.richsoil.com/flea-control.jsp concept of the happiness wag, es- pecially if the tail seems to drag the hips with it. owner; an unfamiliar human; a cat; the right brain which specializes in ● A slow wag with tail at ‘half-mast’ and an unfamiliar, dominant dog. behaviors involving withdrawal and is less social than most other tail sig- When the dogs saw their own- energy expenditure. In humans, these nals. Generally speaking, slow wags ers, their tails all wagged vigorously behaviors, like fleeing, are associated with the tail in neither a particularly with a bias to the right side of their with feelings like fear and depression. dominant (high) nor a submissive bodies, while an unfamiliar human Physiological signals include a rapid (low) position are signs of insecurity. caused their tails to wag moderately heart rate and the shutdown of the Tiny, high-speed movements that to the right. Looking at the cat, the digestive system. give the impression of the tail vibrat- dogs’ tails again wagged more to Since the left brain controls the ing are signs the dog is about to do the right but more slowly and with right side of the body and the right something—usually run or fight. If restrained movements. However the brain controls the left side of the the tail is held high while vibrating, sight of an aggressive, unfamiliar body, activity in one half of the brain it is most likely an active threat. dog caused their tails to wag with a shows up as movements on the op- We can now add another newly bias to the left side of their bodies. posite side of the body. For instance discovered feature of dog tail lan- It is important to understand that chicks prefer to use their left eye to guage that may surprise attentive pet we are talking about the dog’s left or search for food (approach behavior) owners as much as it surprised sci- right viewed from the rear as if you and right eye to watch for predators entists like me. It now appears that are facing in the direction the dog is overhead (avoidance). In humans, when dogs feel generally positive viewing. That means that if you are the muscles on the right side of the about something or someone, their facing the dog and drew an imagi- face tend to reflect happiness (left tails wag more to the right side of nary line down the middle of his brain) whereas muscles on the left their rear ends, and when they have back that positive right-sided signal side of the face reflect unhappiness negative feelings, their tail wagging would appear as tail swings mostly (right brain). So now we can add to is biased to the left. curving to your left. this that positive feelings pull a dog’s Giorgio Vallortigara, a neurosci- This is not as strange a finding as tail to the right and negative feelings entist at the University of Trieste in you might think at first. Research pull it to the left. Italy, and two veterinarians, Angelo has shown that in many animals, Unfortunately, if your dog’s tail Quaranta and Marcello Siniscalchi, including birds, frogs, monkeys and is docked to a short stub it is going at the University of Bari published a humans, the left brain specializes in to greatly reduce your ability to spot paper describing this phenomenon behaviors involving what the scien- this signal and deduce what your in the journal Current Biology. The tists call approach and serenity. In dog is feeling at the moment. researchers recruited 30 family pets humans, that means the left brain is of mixed breed and placed them in associated with positive feelings, like Stanley Coren is the author of many a cage equipped with cameras that love, a sense of attachment, a feeling books including: Born to Bark, The Modern Dog, Why Do Dogs Have Wet precisely tracked the angles of their of safety and calm. It is also associ- Noses? The Pawprints of History, How tail wags. Then they were shown four ated with physiological markers, like Dogs Think, How To Speak Dog, and stimuli in the front of the cage: their a slow heart rate. Contrast this to Why We Love the Dogs.

Spring 2013 • Best DAWG Rescue 7 Honorary and Memorial Donations Mid-2012 – Early 2013

Thank you to for honoring or remembering family members, friends, and special pets—including many former “DAWG dogs” —through a donation that gives life and love to former shelter dogs through Best Dawg Rescue.

Memorial Riley, my first beautiful rescue Jeannine Iwanicki, from Rodeffer who requested do- Donations dog, from Diana Watson Lydia Levis nations to Best Dawg Rescue Runt, from Mary Jean Danka and Julik, from in lieu of birthday gifts. Daisy Hardee, from Engling Olga Von Loewenstein Maura Clover Happy Girl, from Al and Chrissy, from James and Letter from the kids: Gabe, from the Crown Kathy Greuter Barbara Broomall Dear best dawg, We (me Family Pooh, from Eric Needy and Mattie, “the cat who was set and my brother) saved up Sheba, from Kathy Rodeffer Sujeeta Bhatt on fire. . .thank you for our allowance to donate to Meechie, from Dorothy Posey (a/k/a Pepper), from helping him,” from Marilyn you. We want to help. You Snowder Janet Naglik Ridley gave us our dog cooper. Lilly and Meryl, from Ilene Ruby and Misty, from Chip Bridgette, Tucker, Brandy His name used to be Brad- Pollack and Karen Dellavecchio and Ben, from Judy Crown ley. He’s awesome fun and Lark, from Warren PC, from Bridget Crowley Dewey and Tug, from Maria playful. Richardson Wolfie, from Mike and Helen Lurie Thank you, Allison Yogi, from Kenneth Lightner Keplinger Charlie, from Susan Shapiro and Josh Sophia and Pearl, from Katie, the very best of the Theodore, from April O’Neill Jessica Weissman Best Dawgs, from Bob Harry the Harrier, from Neal Howie, by Karen and Lindsey Sparky, from David Gary and Barbara Awtrey and Martine Schmitt Ott and Jim Mayer Rocky, from Mark and Maggie, from Rhonda Pooh Bear, from Jackie Von David and Reine, from Sean Doreen Quarry Hawkins Schlegel McVeigh Rocky, from Warren and Cinders, from Jim and Sam, from Barbara Berschler Prince, from Jessica Grantling Sarah Eresian Kristan Stover Maggie and Pistol, from Sarah Rodeffer’s birthday, Frosty and Dobbi, “We miss Kitty Brown, from Heidi Barbara Berschler from Joyce Abma, Keith you more than words can Cherry Ruth Razzano, from Matthew Jahoda and anonymous express,” from Mark and Murray and Fruity, from and Gail Fritsch friends Gloria Pound April O’Neill Ruth Razzano, from Samuel Grace Rodeffer’s birthday, Marble, Hansel and Cinna, Smokey and Sophie Belle, Liff from Susan Schantz and from Brian and Donna from Keeley Calhoun Ruth Razzano, from Dennis Lawrence Reyes, Ashley Almquist and Nancy Schiavone Dunlap, Jeannie Franklin, Emma, from Georgia Brandy, Buddy and Squirt, Audrey Razzano, from Amy Gail Woods-Walker, Niedzielko from Luanne Seipp Pergosky Adrienne Butler Dominic, from Kathleen Our dearest Scotty Mac, from Audrey Razzano, from Bill Kathy Rodeffer, Gretchen Ludwig John and Lynn Ailor and Yvonne Curry Buchen and family, from Bear, from Barbara Berschler Cricket, from Nancy Brantner Jasper, who was graceful and Mary Ann Vaughan Bailey and Maggie, from Jake, Maggie, Sundance, elegant, from Diana Watson Kathy, Grace, Sarah Rodeffer Eileen Cimbolic Dusty, Digger and Isa, from Jeannine Iwanicki, from Lydia and Gretchen Buchen, from Our beautiful Sundance, John and DeAnna Deane Levis Carolyn Rehbock from Brian and Angela DeeDee, “our beloved beagle Emma Hytken, from Rachel Best Dawg Gang, 2-legged McCluskey —you are missed!,” from James and Amy Ricciuti Howell and Robin Wilder and 4-legged, from Dan Her Dog, Nu-nee and Michau Dakotah, from Eddie and Honorary Donations Sugar, from Jennifer Christine Suiter Special thanks to Erin Karmonick Margaret Wort, from Joan Hutson and Daniel Cody, by Scott Tkacz Patricia deLorenzo Meola, who gave Angela and Brian McCluskey, My beautiful husky, Mufasa, a donation to Best from Jeremy Osborne from Sue Gordon Dawg Rescue in honor Cookie, from Patricia Reynolds Daisy, from Joanne Goldman of their wedding guests. Breezy and Shady, from an Sundance Tippy, from Joanne Goldman And to Sarah and Grace anonymous admirer

8 Best DAWG Rescue • Spring 2013 Linda Collyer, from Michael unteers who create happy Marcia Brier, from Rick from Susan Bruckheim Collyer families like ours, from Paden Keebler, Sassy, Willie and Lola, from Kenneth Lightner Virginia and Lou Pilato Brian and Angie McCluskey, Mick, from Anne Stepan and Ilene Pollack My beloved Sheba (a/k/a from Rosalie Hull Kaci (a/k/a Keller), from Maisie and Bandit, from Miracle), who has been Dawn, I give thanks every day Maurice Kreindler and Dianne Thompson keeping me on my toes for for having Dawn in my life, Phyllis Mate Elisa Vassa’s birthday, from two years, from Dan Michau from Kathleen Ellis Grady the Lab, from Kathryn Eleanor Hansen 8th anniversary of Zeke’s Dedicated volunteers of Matthews Aaron, from Lisa Fridsma adoption, from Patricia Best Dawg Rescue!, from Maisie, a project dog no one Simba and Sammy, from Ferrell Meijer Fernando Marra-Lopez and but DAWG would have Susan Behm Maisie, Bandit and Sheena, Pamela Bilik pulled from the shelter, and Sheba, my DAWG dog, from from Dianne Thompson Mickey, from Eileen Cimbolic Aunt Joan who took such Dan Michau Toby (a/k/a Snowball), from Our current babies, Boagie, good care of her, from Jane Happy birthday to Joan, from Susan Rodak Bella and Tucker, from Lawton Joanne Goldman Best Dawg Rescue, without Brian and Angela Natalie Wilson, from Judith PG Shelter dogs saved by Best which we would not have McCluskey Randlett Dawg Rescue, from Amy Katie, Gabe and Feni, from Bernie, who says thank you Our wonderful rescues Baby, Pergosky Bob and Barb Awtry (RIP, very much!, from Joan Stuart Little and Pippin, Twinky and Sunny (Sunkist), Katie, from your DAWG and Cynthia Sargeant from Jim and Toni from Anna Bryan friends) Aunt Joan, love Dusty Honeywell Pearl, from Mary Malarkey Dr. Kim Beck, from Susan Skylar (a/k/a Summer), Thank you for saving my life, Pearl, from Bianca Black Scherer from Howard and Serena from Super Dave Pearl, from Fernando Marra- Steel, from Mark and Lynn Weisman Our wonderful Sawyer (a/k/a Lopez and Pamela Bilik Brinker Freddie, from John King Blizzard), who remains Pearl, from Marcia Brier Tonka, from Mike Uster Suzanne for bringing Molly a wonderful addition to Our Best Dawg Rescue dog, and Lisa Adams into my life, from Anne our family, from Dana Walter, from Iris Rainone Sophie and Bella, from Bob Marie Kohlhepp Tompkins Jake and Cooper, from Em- and Celeste Hart Lucy (a/k/a Sparkle), from Bren and Blair, from Suzanne mett and Helen Lauer Rosie (Red)—we love her!, Sam and Nora Whitmore Mattingly Casie’s second adoption an- from Kathleen Weber Sophie and Ozzy, from Mary Our rescue dog, Molly, who niversary, from Katherine Joan Marshall, Judy McClain Rust is the smartest dog I’ve ever Baumgartner and Suzanne Arnold, from Ginny May, from Leonore Sek had, from Diana Watson Mandy Immerman and Joan Elfriede Pace Ali and Diamond—thank Zeva (a/k/a Nina), from Su- Marshall, from Bruce and Cassie, from Katherine you!, from Michael and san Shapiro Toni Immerman Baumgartner Patricia Culpepper Elisa Vassa’s birthday, by Coco (a/k/a Pierce), the Best Liesel, from Bonnie Klem Charlie (a/k/a/ Lambert), Eleanor Hansen Dawg ever, from Joe and Ying Scherer Thanks to all you special Please support us TODAY, so we can help dogs folks out there, beautiful when they need us! spirits. . . one of the thou- sand points of light, from o $25 o $50 o Other: $ ______Curt Campbell o Annual pledge of $______payable (select one) monthly or quarterly Henry, from Lisa Adams o Credit donation of $______(go to www.networkforgood.org and Big thanks for the wonderful select Best Dawg Rescue/DAWG). work you all do to help and o Gift of a security (please contact us at [email protected]) save these precious lives, from Dorothy Waddell o Other: Please explain:______(please print) Our wonderful Best Dawg o In (Circle one) memory or honor of: Gunther, and the super people at DAWG, from Notification to: ______Address:______Mary M. Mason Your name:______Address:______Angus, now Kona, the happi- Phone: :______email:______est dog ever!, from Daniel Interested in helping in other ways? Designate Best Dawg Rescue to receive and Lisa Elliott donations in your name at iGive.com, giveline.com, and goodsearch.com. Kate, Spencer and Emerson, If interested in volunteering, please contact us at [email protected]. and the wonderful vol-

Spring 2013 • Best DAWG Rescue 9 Keep in touch! DAWG TALES—Published We love to hear from friends by Best Dawg Rescue, and adopters via notes and Inc. (DAWG) pictures. A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organiza- tion dedicated to rescuing and adopting overlooked and medically needy animals in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Editors: Kassy Mattingly and Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler Designer: Karen Eskew

Best Dawg Rescue, Inc. PO Box 34213, Bethesda, MD 20827 301-407-BEST www.dawg-rescue.org Moving? Medical Director: Joan Marshall If you have moved or are planning on it, please let us Application Review Director: know by emailing us at [email protected]. Joanne Goldman Videographer: Suzanne Arnold If you moved over a year ago, the post office is unable to Volunteer Manager: Mary Lynn forward mail and returns it to DAWG. Thanks! Ritzenthaler

2013 Board of Directors Our grateful thanks to. . . Beltsville PETCO and Rockville and Laurel President: Joan Marshall Vice President: Moira Gingery PetSmart for sponsoring our weekly adoption shows; and College Park Animal Hos- Secretary: Mary Lynn pital and Countryside Kennels, for extraordinary care and services at reduced rates Ritzenthaler Treasurer: Joanne Goldman that help DAWG dogs get well and live well until adopted. We also thank the Outer Member-at-Large: Judy McClain Office in Fulton, MD for printing our newsletter.

Best Dawg Rescue, Inc. PO Box 34213 Bethesda, MD 20827

Check out our adoptable dogs and DAWG Tales in color at www.dawg-rescue.org

Dogs need help 365 days of the year! Please give and volunteer through the year.