Dog Report From Denmark

I am wrapping up my quick trip to Copenhagen– arrived on Saturday at noon and we’re leaving Tuesday morning at 8 am– yes it’s insane, but it has been great.

Tivoli Gardens-Oldest Amusement Park

Aside from seeing all the sites, as the crazy dog person I am, I have been on the hunt to meet as many dogs as I can, and if possible give and get the maximum number of Danish puppy kisses. Clearly I’m a dog addict.

Anyway, thus far I have met about 5 dogs, and seen about 15 or so- that’s restraint I say. When I get home, I will post a picture of my favorite, Sima, a Jack Russell Terrier Rough Coat that gave me lots of kisses. Other than Sima, I saw a Rottie, a Cavalier, a Beagle, a few Goldens, some working Shepherds with police officers, two Labs, a Scottie, a Bernese Mountain Dog, some Poodles, Doxies, Chihuahuas and a Westie. I have to say they were all extremely well cared for which is always nice to see!

Danish Police Dog

I saw most of these dogs by our hotel, the Scandic. The hotel is sadly a little more Soviet circa 1972 than Danish modern chic, but what it lacks in charm it makes up for in location. It’s across the across the street from a jog/walking path that goes along one of Copenhagen’s many water ways. It’s quite picturesque with swans, ducks and a water feature that shoots water into the air.

Waterfront Park

And of course my favorite part was the many  dogs I got to see on their daily walks. I even got to see a few of  them multiple times as I sat outside and enjoyed the unusually warm for  Copenhagen weather.

I will be coming back to the states tomorrow first to Philadelphia, then New York, and then Boston where I plan to continue my intercontinental dog tour!

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Dog in a Hot Car!

Last week I was racing back to work after too long of a lunch and saw a gorgeous dog panting away inside a BMW in the hot sun. I was livid, but also late. Painfully ambivalent, I drove past; stopped, started, stopped, backed up, turned around and then parked. I waited for someone to come out hoping someone had just run into one of the houses. No one came out. I started a bitchy note, and headed to the car to check on the dog. Was I going to have to call the police? Animal Control… ugh and I was late!

Just as I was about the put the note on the windshield this ditzy girl emerged from one of the houses. I asked if it was her car and it was. I said oh well I was leaving you a note as it is too hot to leave her in the car. She replied that she was just coming to get her.  Believing that you attract more bees with honey than vinegar, and knowing that I was super late, I stopped myself from unleashing a tirade upon this idiot. Besides she knew she effed up and that she was caught.

But it got me thinking what is the right move in these situations? What should you do if you find a dog in a hot car? And how hot is too hot to leave a dog in the car?

The answer to the first question is if you are concerned about a dog’s immediate health, go searching for the owner in nearby houses, restaurants and or shops and ask around if anyone saw who left the dog. If you are unsuccessful call the police and or the local animal control. If you have to smash the window, it will probably be better for you to have phoned the police first.

MyDogisCool.com

Another option is to  leave one of these genius stickers made by United Animal Nations available on MyDogisCool.com.  And if you have a towel to spare, cover the front windshield which is where a lot of the heat comes from.

And the answer to the second question is that according to a Stanford University test even when it is 72 degrees outside, a car’s internal temperature can rocket to 116 degrees within an hour, even with windows cracked. When it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes and 120 degrees in 30 minutes. A dog can only withstand a high body temperature for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death.

So if it’s over 65 degrees leave your pooch at home! If you must bring them along, mitigate your quick trips in and out of the car by putting up a sunblocker in the front windshield, and installing car window ventilators. I have not used the ventilators myself so use with caution and don’t expect them to make it icy for your dog, just bearable for a few more minutes.

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Book Trailer

Take a look at the trailer for my new book, The Complete Single’s Guide To Being A Dog Owner!

Pass it on!

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Have dog, will rent

There is an amazing apartment building at the end of my block that has been sitting mostly empty for at least a year. From years back when I first moved to Beverly Hills I had always admired it, but I knew it was quite pet unfriendly and remained so at least up through this year when I was recently on the apartment hunt.

But last week I noticed a bevvy of action around the building. Apartments that had been empty for months were all of the sudden lit up and the building buzzed with the sounds of people, and wait what was that, yes it was the harumphs of  dogs barking. Looking in the windows as I walked by with Ranger I have seen a boxer in one apartment and a poodle and a hound of some variety in another. Aparently the landlords have had a change of heart.

I’m sure it has something to do with the economy, I mean how long could they let these apartment lose money. But it got me thinking about  dogs and renting. Why are landlords so hesitant to rent to dog owners. Of course there is the obvious soiling (nice euphamism, right?) issues, but I’ve seen non-dog onwers rip a place to shreds and besides landlords usually take a fat pet deposit to cover these cost. Then there is also the issue of noise, but I’ve had plenty of neighbors make tons of noise without the help of a canine friend.

I’m lucky enough to have found an amazing apartment (it was designed by famed architect Paul Williams who also designed that crazy building at the center of LAX) that was willing to take Bella, and now Ranger. But I also came with good references from my former apartment building. If you are a dog owning renter, and are having a tough time, do the following.

1. Give yourself time to find a pet friendly place. There are pet freindly apartments in every city. It just takes some time. Craigslist is awesome for finding pet friendly places.

2. Don’t give up. Dogs are too often given up because people can’t find housing right away. When you start looking for a place line up an interim place to stay, and or someome to babysit your dog in case there is  lag between when you have to move out of one place and when you find the second place.

3. Always ask. Particularly in this economy even places that say no dogs may consider it if you sign a 12 month or even offer to sign a longer lease if they take your dog.

4. Have references ready to give from your former landlord or neighbors. It may seem a little hokey but it might be enough to get them to consider you.

5. Get renters insurance that covers your dog. You never plan for things to happen but they do, and this way at a resonable cost you can protect yourself, your dog and your wallet!

6.  Be a conscientious dog owner. When you’re not, you ruin it for the rest of us!

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Amazing Low Shed, Friendly Dog Still Needs a Home

Meet Rufus. He’s the kind of dog that the Obama’s should have adopted, but didn’t. But the good news is that you can still can do the right thing and adopt or foster Rufus!!

Rufus is losing his home in 10 days (April 25) because his owner have 5 dogs instead of 3 (don’t you think animal control should spend their time busting real animal offenders) When animal control comes back they will fine the owners and confiscate the dogs. But their loss could be your best friend!

Here is more on Rufus…
Rufus is a great doggy but due to L.A county rules my owner can not keep me. She loves me dearly, But I’m a dog that she knows would be okay and would be at my best with a new family that loves me. I’m awesome with kids, loves to play and play with other Dogs and I love to cuddle….

How good does that sound? And while it’s sad that his owners must give him up, it’s a great opportunity for a someone to adopt a well adjust dog who’s behavioral tendencies are known!

Rufus is 1.5 years old and a mix between a Wheaten Terrier and a Shi Tzu… maybe. But he’s darned cute whatever he is!

Email me at Betsy@lovethydog.com

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Dogs from an LA Dog Collector Need Homes

It’s incredibly hard to know about an animal in need and or about to be put down and not do something about it. And some rescuers simply can’t say no. They become unable to create boundaries; venturing into what’s called hoarding or collecting. The distinction between these two scenarios is subtle, but generally hoarders become unable to care for their dogs while collectors maintain adequate hygene and care–but far from what a dog needs.

Schnauzer Poodle Mix at Collector

A rescue group I work with, Lhasa Happy Homes was called to help the nephew of one such collector deal with more than 80 dogs and 120 cats that his ailing aunt has in her “care”. The aunt recently had a stroke, and is now incapcitated leaving the close-to-200 animals in jeopardy.  

There are Labs, Huskies, Poodle mixes, Pomeranians, you name it and they are all in desperate need of homes and or help. They have been relatively well cared for, and most are well socialized and all things considered are pretty healthy.

Click the picture to see some of the cuties and if you’re interested visit Lhasa Happy Homes or email them at lhasahappyhomes@aol.com.

To understand more about collecting, click here.

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Pasqualina, Our Newly Rescued Mastiff!

My rescue partner Amy picked up a gorgeous new Mastiff girl last week from the East Valley Shelter here in Los Angeles.

We named her Pasqualina because we thought she was an Italian Mastiff; now we’re not so sure of her breed. She may be a Neapolitan, but she also may be a Great Dane, or an English Mastiff or maybe some combination thereof. She’s probably about 18 months old, and weighs in at 92 pounds. That may sound like a lot, but she actually quite underweight.

Part of the reason we can’t tell Pasqualina’s heritage is that she has demodectic mange. All dog have the mites that cause “demodex” as it’s known, but when dogs don’t get proper nutrition, their immune systems sometimes can’t control the mites and these nasty little buggers begin to reproduce causing skin irritation and hair loss. 

In Pasqualina’s case, she has almost no hair left because her previous owners let her mange progress quite far. They then turned her into the shelter.

Demodex isn’t contagious, but it can be difficult to kick if you don’t know what you’re doing. But fear not for sweet Pasqualina, she is being fostered and will be getting the affection, nutrition and treatment she needs to get well soon.

I will keep you posted on Pasqualina’s Progress!

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Dog Danger when Traveling

I’ll say first that this story has a happy ending.  Because it would be too depressing otherwise and who needs that!

Sunny the Bloodhound

Sunny and her parents were visiting Los Angeles from Wyoming when Sunny, who can be a bit skittish managed to get away from her Mommy & Daddy.  It happened in the morning as they were packing up to head back home. Sunny was with her Daddy when another guest at the hotel came by rolling his suitcase. The noise freaked Sunny out, she wiggled out of her collar- hello that’s why I prefer martingale collars or harnesses when taking my dogs outside-and took off. Sunny ran right into the street where she was hit by a car.

Her Daddy didn’t see the actual impact but saw her go flying into the air. He then saw her land and then take off.  They drove off after her;  they canvassed the neighborhood; checked every shelter in the area. But nothing.  She was gone.

They were devastated. This is a dog that sleeps with them every night, and goes to work with her Daddy everyday.

When checking the West Valley shelter, they happen to have been there at the same time as my rescue partner Amy who was pulling a Mastiff (more on Pasqualina later). Amy for those of you who don’t know her is the absolute best. She is quite possibily the biggest animal lover you’ll  ever meet, but I’ll tell you, she doesn’t always trust or take too kindly to all people.

But when Amy heard these people tell their story, she knew they were good dog owners who ended up in  bad situation. Amy went full force networking Sunny’s story to the network of LA rescuers. Sure enough, through these contacts Amy was able to keep an eye on all of the area shelters and when a Bloodhound showed up on the West Valley Shelter’s website a few days later, Amy was like white on rice calling Sunny’s owners who had gone back to Wyoming.

As soon as they got Amy’s call though, they hopped in the car and started the 1300 mile drive back to LA to get their girl.  While no one should ever have to go through such an ordeal, thank god for people like Amy!

For more information on keeping your dog from being lost read my article on DoggedHealth.com. It’s a great site! It’s like WebMD for your dog!

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It’s A Boy

I took the plunge and I have adopted (from Molly’s Mutt’s And Meows!) the sweetest Labrador boy and his name is Ranger. He is 62 pounds of Lab Love!

Ranger, Me & JoAnn Worley, Loretta Switt, Jamie Farr, Henry Gibson

More details to follow, but I couldn’t not share the news. Here is a picture of us from yesterday’s Woofstock 90210.  His is the squishiest sweetest munchkin ever!

Stay tuned for more pics and deets!

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Take A Picture of Your Dog

Bella & Her Bone

The weekend before Bella passed, I was lucky enough to have scheduled a photo session with Miss Elisabeth Caren (Elisabeth Caren Photography.) She is an amazing photographer who I also have the pleasure of being friends with. She does still photography on movie and film sets and she also does fashion and celebrity shoots.  Yep she’s pretty fancy, but she also is a devoted dog mom who has done amazing work photographing dogs.

With the book coming out, I have been asked for PR pictures and had been thinking about setting up a shoot with Elisabeth. But truth be told I’d been in saving mode preparing to take on the expenses related to promoting the book. But again truth be told, I’m terrible about denying myself something I want, I can be fabulously vain and also mostly I really wanted Elisabeth-quality photos of Bella. So I decided to blow my budget and go for the pics, and thank god.

Me & B

It’s hard to believe Bella would be gone just three days later.  Getting the pictures done with Elisabeth were both divine and as far as I’m concerned divine intervention. Elisabeth spent hours with us and took hundred and hundred of frames. She is so thorough and thoughtful. Take a look at a few of my favorites as well at some simple tips about to to take the best pictures of your dog!

SIMPLE BACKGROUND

Keep the background of your photo as simple as possible. Your dog should be the center of attention within the frame with no distractions or clutter. Nothing ruins an otherwise good picture like a random soda can, pile of papers or worse lurking in the background.

NATURAL LIGHT-FILLED BACKGROUND

One big problem with dog pictures is red-eye or even green-eye that happens as a result of the flash. To avoid this rather attractive phenomenon, take photos of your dog during the day in a well lit area.

DOWN ON ALL FOURS

Get down on eye level with your dog and make sure that you aren’t too far away. Your dog should be dominant in the frame. A picture in which you are either too far away or too far above the dog will flatten out their cute face.

A GOOD DOG MODEL IS A SEMI-TIRED DOG-MODEL

Getting a dog to sit still can be one of the biggest hurdles to taking a good dog photo. While you don’t want your dog to be so pooped that they can’t appear engaged or alert, you might want to think about running him or her around the block a few times to take the edge off. They might be more apt to sit or lie down for a picture if they’ve just expended a bit of energy.

Squeaky Toys Work Wonders

SQUEAKY TOY

God bless squeaky toys when it comes to taking pictures. These otherwise annoying inventions can make all the difference when trying to get your dog to perk up their ears. The look a dog gets when he or she is focused on something behind the camera will always deliver the best picture possible; that is, if

FAST SHUTTER

Even a tired dog will tend to move in the time between when you press down on the button of a digital camera and when the image is actually captured. For this reason, if it’s possible (OY, I know it’s just another expensive thing to add to the list), get a camera with a short lag time. This way the picture you take is the picture you get. If you’re not able to go out and buy a fancy and fast camera, pull out one of your old film cameras and use it. They tend to have a faster shutter speed and film can still be developed digitally so that you can share your photos… with everyone.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

Finally, remember that your dog is a dog. He or she isn’t a full-time model (most likely) and doesn’t understand how you can be so close to them and not be petting them. You might need to patient with your dog and practice a few times before you get things right. Whatever you do, don’t get frustrated. While they don’t understand your words, they will understand your tone. If you find yourself getting aggravated, take a break and try again in a few minutes. While pictures are important, you can always take more… just don’t take too long

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