Cherrybrook Becomes Exclusive Sponsor of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Online Store

CHERRYBROOK PREMIUM PET SUPPLIES BECOMES EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR OF THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB ONLINE STORE

New Jersey Retailer Solidifies Position as “Top Dog” in Show Industry

(Bedminster, N.J.--April 18, 2013) -- Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies, Bedminster, N.J., the leading provider of show dog products, has become the exclusive sponsor of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Online Store. Under the arrangement, AKC online shoppers are directed seamlessly to Cherrybrook’s storefront offering more than 27,000 quality items for pets and their owners. 

Cherrybrook, an award-winning retailer, has catered to show dog handlers, groomers and pet owners since its founding in 1969, and is frequently recommended by breeders to their puppy clients. Cherrybrook’s mobile retail booth is a regular feature at the most exclusive dog shows, including The Westminster Kennel Club in New York City and The AKC Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando.

“AKC dog lovers have always relied on Cherrybrook to help them reach their goals, whether in the show ring, at a trial or just relaxing at home. Since 1969, Cherrybrook has been providing grooming tools, toys, treats, supplements, and a wide selection of high quality products," says Daphna Straus, AKC Vice President of Business Development. "We are delighted to have Cherrybrook as sponsor of the AKC Online Store, and we are grateful for Cherrybrook's ongoing support."

Cherrybrook and the AKC will work closely together to bring the best in dog supplies to their audience, and will regularly provide special offers through AKC publications like Your AKC, AKC Breeder, and Family Dog. AKC shoppers, like all Cherrybrook customers, will be automatically enrolled in a buyer rewards program called The Cherrybrook Champions Club, which provides rewards certificates, coupons and other savings incentives as well as a free subscription to the company’s monthly e-newsletter.

“This AKC Online Store will allow Cherrybrook to further deepen our relationships with the AKC community,” says Roy Loomis, President of Cherrybrook.  “For decades, our business has been deeply connected to the AKC constituency at all levels. We have always prided ourselves on serving their needs with quality products, expert staff and dependable customer service. We are really pleased to bring all of these elements to the AKC Online Store.”

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Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies sells products online at www.cherrybrook.com, at AKC shows and at retail stores in Bedminster, Garwood and Washington, New Jersey. The company serves dog show exhibitors, breeders, groomers and caring pet owners all over the world, with an overarching commitment to pet health and customer satisfaction. For more information about Cherrybrook, visit www.cherrybrook.com.

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery, the AKC Museum of the Dog and the AKC Humane Fund.  For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Introduction to Raw Diets Part III

Freeze Dried Raw Diets

This is part III in our seven part series on everything Raw Diets. In Part I we addressed many of the frequently asked questions associated with feeding a raw diet. In Part II we answered more questions and discussed the pro's and con's of HPP processing. In Part III we will address the benefits and issues for those feeding or wanting to feed freeze dried raw as an alternative or as a compliment to raw frozen diets.

Typical freeze dried raw patties before adding water.

 “What does freeze dried mean?”

Commercial freeze drying has existed for many years and it is no wonder that raw dog food manufacturers have adopted the practice. These companies produce a highly volatile product that spoils easily. The freeze drying process allows manufacturers to take their established raw frozen diets and extend the shelf life dramatically without causing major nutrient damage. The process of freeze drying eliminates between 97% and 99% of the moisture content after the product if frozen and the surrounding pressure is reduced. This allows the moisture to be eliminated as a gas, rather than turning back to a liquid. What is important to note is that the product is still a raw diet. They do not apply any excessive heat to the product so no cooking takes place.

“Why should I feed a freeze dried raw diet to my pet?”

If you had to choose between a raw frozen diet or a freeze dried raw diet, you should choose both! Freeze dried raw diets are much more versatile than raw frozen diets. From a beginner’s perspective, freeze dried raw is a near perfect first step into feeding a raw diet. The simplest method of incorporating raw into your pet’s current diet is to use the food as a topper. To do so, either grate the patties or crumble them with your hands and place over top of the current food. It is a low cost, low stress way to introduce a raw diet to your pet. It is also a fair palate test as well, although some pets prefer freeze dried raw diets in a reconstituted form. To feed the food in a reconstituted form, soak the food with the manufacturer’s recommended amount of water. You can also add more water if you want it to be a looser mixture with liquid gravy. This method is also good for those pets that are particularly finicky.

The major advantage to freeze dried raw is how shelf stable it is. For example, look at Hurricane Sandy. This particular storm was devastating for many people including those who feed their pets a raw diet. In such a hectic situation a person already accustomed to feeding a freeze dried raw diet wouldn’t have to worry about how to transition their pet from a raw frozen diet over to a kibble or canned based diet in an emergency. If a person feeding raw frozen didn’t have freeze dried on hand as a back up they would be forced to go out in a very dangerous situation to get food for their pet, and even if they managed to get kibble or some cans it is very possible the dog would experience gastrointestinal problems after being on a raw diet for some time.

Financially speaking, we know people that lost hundreds of dollars in raw diets and raw bones as a result of that storm and the extended power outages that followed. While you couldn’t prevent all of that loss, we do know a select few that purchased freeze dried raw instead of raw frozen the week before the storm in preparation of what could, and eventually did happen. This saved them both the headache of changing foods and money lost in spoilage.   

Another big advantage to freeze dried raw diets is that it travels very well. It is easy to pack; and it is convenient for those people that need to feed their pet raw while on a vacation, while traveling to and from a dog show, or while staying with a friend or family member. It also eliminates the need to find a local raw retailer or a constant supply of ice or access to a freezer.

For smaller dogs, niblets are a great choice!

There are several different convenient forms of freeze dried raw diets. It is available in the typical patties, in smaller niblets, and even in powder form.  As far as preparing a freeze dried raw meal, it is a much bigger convenience than raw frozen diets. It is pre-portioned for you (and not frozen together) and you only have to break it up into a crumble or reconstitute it. It is far cleaner then raw frozen diets which can definitely be messy at times. You do not need a dedicated cutting board or space in your freezer. If your pet does not eat all of the meal, you can refrigerate the reconstituted portion for up to a few days, although I wouldn’t recommend going beyond three days. The longer you refrigerate the portion, the more you can expect air to damage the nutrient content and you run the risk of spoilage. For those accustomed to feeding raw frozen diets, the biggest convenience comes from not having to plan your day around pre-portioning and defrosting your pet’s food.

“Is freeze dried raw healthier than kibble or canned diets?”

Freeze dried raw is healthier from a strict nutritional sense. It is healthier for the same reasons that raw frozen diets are healthier. Raw foods are more vibrant, and generally contain higher quality ingredients and fewer preservatives than either kibble or cans. When dealing with manufacturers of kibble and cans you have to really inspect their ingredient panels with care, as some ingredients listed on the label can represent many different quality levels within that same ingredient terminology. You have to ask a lot of questions to become familiar and confident in a company. Feeding freeze dried raw diets will have the same health benefits as feeding raw frozen diets. You can read the full list of benefits found here in part one of the raw blog series.

 “Is freeze dried raw safe?”

Yes, freeze dried raw diets (as well as raw frozen diets) are safe, but there are a few precautions you should take while feeding this particular type of diet though. You may want to avoid freeze dried raw if your pet is prone to bloat. Different recipes expand at different rates and to different sizes in the stomach once moisture thoroughly soaks into the food. If there is any concern with your pet experiencing bloat, I would not recommend feeding a freeze dried raw diet without consulting your veterinarian, your breeder, and the manufacturer. Some products expand to several times the original size while some remain nearly the same. With something potentially deadly such as bloat why risk the chance? For pets that are susceptible to bloat, raw frozen diets and air dried raw diets may prove to be better options. Always seek professional assistance when dealing with life threatening complications with your pets.  

Let me also remind you that while the food isn’t frozen, the food is still raw and you still need to treat it accordingly. Wash any surface where the raw food comes in contact with. You should wash your hands after handling the food as well. With that said, there is good news. Most pets do well on a freeze dried raw diet and there are more options to choose from now more than ever!

“How do I transition to a freeze dried raw diet?”

When transitioning to a 100% freeze dried raw diet, care should be taken while introducing the new food. We suggest following all of the recommendations on the label by the manufacturer. Most recommend that you mix the freeze dried raw with the food you are currently feeding your pet over a period of five to ten days.  If you did not want to feed freeze dried raw as the sole meal to your pet you would mix small portions into your current food. Freeze dried raw breaks apart very easily, and our customers have had great success using it to entice finicky eaters. When feeding freeze dried to cats we recommend thoroughly reconstituting it with water per the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you choose not to reconstitute it ensure that your cat has an abundance of clean, available water and drinks thoroughly.

If you experience problems while transitioning your pet to freeze dried raw, you may need to prolong the transition period that was recommended by the manufacturer. Every pet is different, and every pet will transition differently and at different speeds. One thing that can help during the transition is a good digestive supplement. You can read more about these and why they are beneficial in the previous blog, “Introduction to Raw DietsPart II”. 

                                                                “Are freeze dried diets for me?”

Look how happy raw diets make this little guy!

You have to answer that question based on your situation and your pet’s overall health.  Some pets have dietary restrictions or sensitivities that will not allow them to eat freeze dried raw diets. Some freeze dried raw diets are too high in protein or fat for some pets that are less active, overweight, prone to becoming overweight, or with more serious underlying health problems. Most freeze dried raw diets are more expensive than kibble based diets and raw frozen diets as well, and in this economy not everyone can afford to feed medium or large size pets this type of diet. The higher price point is due to the concentration of nutrition found in freeze dried. You aren’t paying for moisture content, so there is more substance in a bag of freeze dried raw. You are also paying for the conveniences that freeze dried diets afford you to take advantage of.  For smaller pets, or if you are feeding it as a topper for larger pets, freeze dried raw diets are one of the many options you have in your raw food arsenal.

 In part 4 of this Introduction to Raw Diets blog series, we will introduce another type of raw diet, the air dried raw diet. We will explain the process of creating this unique product type, and will compare it to both raw frozen diets and freeze dried diets. Ultimately, you will see how it is yet another option in the raw feeder’s repertoire.

Introduction to Raw Diets Part II

 

 Frequently Asked Questions Continued

In the first blog of this series, Introduction to Raw DietsPart One  we addressed some of the more frequently asked questions concerning raw diets. In Raw Diets Part II we answer more questions and delve deeper into raw diet theory, and discuss HPP and the risks and benefits associated with this unique process.

"I'll have what you're having!"

“Where can I buy raw diets?”

You have completed your research and you have decided that it is in the best interest of your pet to start feeding a nutritious, raw diet. Congratulations! You have made a decision that will put your pet on the road to an even healthier, happier lifestyle. But what do you buy, and where do you buy it? We suggest going to an independent pet retailer like Cherrybrook Pet Supplies, one that specializes in natural and holistic foods. Because the sales associates tend to be knowledgeable about raw diets, many of them feed raw diets to their own pets. Ultimately, you want to pick a store that you feel comfortable in and that demonstrates a genuine interest in the well being of your pet. Where you currently shop, do the associates ask you if your pet is doing well on its current food? Do the associates ask if you need assistance or if you have any questions? If not, seek out a store that will, because attentiveness like this will make your raw journey smoother. Stores that are not investing in the care of your pet with you will not keep you up to date with critical information such as a recent recall or a change in formula, and you and your pet deserve better than that.

“Which raw diet should I buy?”

When you are in the pet store of your choice and you find the freezer or row of freezers, take a minute to look at the many different brands and forms of raw diets available to you. Take a look at some of the ingredient labels, and you will begin to notice differences among the brands and varieties. Some brands list many ingredients including large quantities of fruits and vegetables, while other brands have very few ingredients and consist mostly of meat, organ meat, and ground bone. Which one is better? It depends on you and your pet. It is at this time, that you should seek assistance from one of the associates. They will be able to help answer any questions you may have, and hopefully make it easier to decide which raw diet to start with.

When you begin speaking to the associate, ask them any question you have regardless of how silly you think it might be. To feed a raw diet and to have it work best you really need to believe in the product and the philosophy behind it. Here are some questions to ask before proceeding:

·      Is the food made in the US?

·      Are any ingredients sourced from outside the US? If yes, which ingredients and why?

·      Is there a money back guarantee if the food does not work well with my pet?

Don’t be shy about asking questions.  After you have asked the associate your questions about the different brands and forms of raw, the associate should then ask you a series of questions to try and find the best fit for you and your pet. They will likely inquire about the following:

·      The age, breed, weight, and desired weight of your pet.

·      Which food you are currently feeding your pet and what the primary ingredients are.

·      Whether or not your pet has any history of food allergies or sensitivities.

·      Past food transition successes or problems.

·      Any current or ongoing health problems.

These questions are used to start narrowing down the list of possible raw diets to the one or two that will meet the needs of your pet. After you have decided on a brand and variety of raw diet, continue to familiarize yourself with the product and the company who makes it. Many raw manufacturers have excellent websites that contain vast amounts of information as well as common FAQ’s regarding their products. Also, if the first raw diet does not work out with your pet, your pet seems anxious to eat it, or develops an upset stomach, do not be discouraged. Sometimes it is necessary to change proteins or change brands to find the raw diet that will work best with your pet. If your pet does well with the first choice, you can start to experiment with different protein choices and different brands after a stable routine has been established. This variety will help to satiate their appetite and they will receive a well rounded balance of nutrients over time. 

Which food would your pet choose?

 “How do I transition to a raw diet?”

Most pets transition readily to a raw diet. However, transitioning from a kibble or canned food may have potential complications. It is not uncommon for your pet to experience loose stools when starting out on a raw diet. You should keep a close watch on your pet’s stools over the next 2-4 days to assure they return to normal. Your pet may also need to go more frequently in the beginning as its body purges the remaining kibble or canned food. This is normal, and should also cease within a few days. Your pet may also experience other gastrointestinal ailments (sometimes more serious), but this should not deter you. It is also normal for some pets to begin having firmer stools than usual. This is happening because they are absorbing more of the nutrients. Your pet may even have a mix of both firm and loose stools for the first week or two. This is okay; it is their body’s natural response to the new diet. Understand that your pet has been accustomed to digesting highly processed foods for most of its life. With raw, your pet is eating a completely different diet, one that contains many natural vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and enzymes many of which were absent or degraded in their former diet. This can put stress on the body because the previous diet was devoid of many nutrients that are abundant in raw food.

Generally speaking most pets transition to a 100% raw diet between a few days and two weeks. As far as a specific method of transitioning, follow the manufactures guidelines as they know their product best. However, don’t be afraid to deviate from those recommendations if you think your pet will take more or less time to transition based on the previous food transition success or difficulty. Some pets have even switched to raw food cold turkey, no pun intended. You know your pet better than anyone, so if it takes extra time, don’t rush the process and use your intuition to guide you. Your pet’s body will figure out what it takes to digest the new diet properly. After all, it is what their system was designed to eat and thrive on.


 “What if my pet has problems while transitioning?”

 If your pet has had problems transitioning from one food to another in the past, let the associate know as you may experience similar problems while transitioning from kibble to raw. If you tried transitioning to raw and experienced loose stool or other gastro intestinal problems, there is hope. A good digestive supplement added to the food will boost the good bacteria in the GI tract and will make for a more stable environment for the change to occur.  There are many good digestive supplements available today. We happen to like two specifically:

·      1. Wholistic Pet Digest All Plus. This product is organic, and contains an astounding ten billion cfu’s (colony forming units) per quarter teaspoon. This is a highly concentrated digestive supplement, and will do wonders for pets that have trouble during the transition. This supplement can be used year round as preventative maintenance in case your pet happens to ingest something that they shouldn’t have. It will also help to avoid stress related stomach upsets. Furthermore, once you successfully transition your pet to raw and begin to rotate several proteins into their diet, this supplement is a great choice to support digestion of the different proteins while preventing stomach upset from changing the proteins rapidly.

·      2. Earth Animal Healthy Digestion. The Earth Animal line of supplements is formulated by veterinarian Dr. Bob Goldstein who is a specialist in alternative therapies and animal nutrition. This product has a different blend of natural ingredients and helps support an ongoing, healthy digestive system while boosting nutrient absorption.

Both of these products would be beneficial for anyone who suspects their pet may have an issue during the transition to raw, or is experiencing issues first hand. The stress of a new diet can deplete beneficial bacteria and enzymes. These products will begin to reinforce and rebuild what was destroyed.

 “What is HPP and how does it affect me?"

There has been, and continues to be buzz about feeding HPP raw diets and non HPP raw diets. HPP stands for high pressure pasteurization. Many companies producing raw diets are now using this process with their food. Why? This process will make the final product safer than products that do not use the HPP process.  During this process they essentially place large portions of packaged products into a chamber that is filled with cold water. They then seal the chamber and apply between 1-2 atmospheres of pressure around the product. This pressure kills any bacteria or parasites found in the food rendering them harmless. This sounds like it is something that could silence the misinformed critics about the dangers of raw pet foods, but this is only half of the story. While it does kill bad bacteria and parasites that may be found within the food, it also kills good bacteria and beneficial enzymes. The enzymes and good bacteria are the life force within raw diets. It is their ability that helps to bring balance and well being back to your pet again. Why sacrifice the killing of good bacteria and enzymes so the bad bacteria can be killed, when our pets have highly acidic digestive tracts and are naturally equipped to kill bad bacteria and most intestinal parasites on their own?

With that said, there are plenty of people who do feed foods using HPP and they do have compelling reasons for this choice. Raw diets after HPP are much safer for people at risk of illnesses associated with bacteria and parasitic infection. Young children, pregnant mothers, the elderly, and any one with a compromised immune system would benefit from the added security that HPP brings. Also, while it does change the food somewhat, it is still more nutritious than kibble or cans. It does have most of the benefits of non -HPP raw along with added safety benefits. For those people who do feed brands that utilize HPP, we highly recommend using a digestive supplement. These supplements will help to replace what HPP eliminates from the food.

 In Raw Diets Part III, we cover freeze dried raw diets and discuss why it may be a good option to choose if you are interested in feeding a raw diet. We will also discuss how it is made, and the benefits it has over raw frozen diets. Thank you for reading.

Introduction to Raw Diets Part One

Frequently Asked Questions

“What is a raw diet?”

There are many types of raw diets but the most fundamental principle you must understand is that a raw diet is a completely uncooked diet. Many people see raw diets in the freezer and assume you cook them but this is not the case. Raw diets can be frozen, freeze-dried or air dried but I will focus this blog only on the frozen variety. Raw is often sold in a chub, nugget, or patty form and to feed a raw frozen diet you would simply thaw out the required portion and feed as is. What goes into any specific raw diet will vary by manufacturer. Generally speaking, raw diets consist of raw meat and organ blends, along with raw fruits and vegetables.

“Why should I feed a raw diet to my pet?”

The simplest answer is because raw diets are what dogs and cats were designed to eat! Dogs and cats have not evolved their physiology to thrive on grain based diets, which the majority of grocery brand pet foods are. Their bodies are designed with teeth to tear meat, and their short, highly acidic digestive tracts are conducive to breaking down raw proteins, not complex carbohydrates. They are carnivores, and only recently (speaking in a historical sense) have dogs and cats been exposed to and fed grain based diets.

Raw foods are full of enzymes, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and beneficial bacteria. The cooking process that most food company’s use (extrusion) alters, weakens, and destroys many of the original nutrients from the ingredients listed on the label. Many of the larger companies then have to fortify their food by spraying extra nutrients onto the kibble to entice pets to eat it, and to boost the nutritional content from what was essentially cooked out of it.  Cooking also destroys beneficial bacteria that are present in raw foods and a deficiency can lead to an imbalance of bad bacteria throughout the digestive system. Raw diets are responsible for better overall health because pets are getting a food that caters to what they were originally designed to eat. People who feed raw diets almost always have enthusiastic testimonials attributing the change in diet to the following benefits:

·      Cleaner, healthier teeth and gums

·      Firmer, less abundant, and better smelling stools

·      Decrease in shedding hair

·      Increased energy and muscle tone

·      Elimination of skin hot spots

·      Less body odor

·      Less gas

·      Fewer ear infections

·      Fewer trips to the veterinarian

·      A decrease or elimination of symptoms relating to food allergies.

·      Reduced tear stains

“Is raw safe?”

The answer to this question is the catalyst for all of the controversy surrounding raw diets. If you ask many of the grocery store brands and even some veterinarians, they will say that raw has the ability to make your pets ill from bacteria and parasitic infections. Furthermore, they will say that raw can make you and your family ill due to cross contamination. This may sound scary, but to me it comes down to using common sense. Is raw human food safe? Relatively speaking, if everything is handled responsibly of course it is. This applies to raw dog food as well. The best response to the question is, yes, it is safe…at least as safe if not safer than canned and kibble based diets.

Treat raw pet food the same way we treat the food we eat. Many of us (including myself) also enjoy sushi, steak tartare, oysters, and many other raw human food products. As long as you limit opportunities for cross contamination and source your product from a reputable raw food provider, everything should be just fine.

 Proper handling tips include:

·     Washing hands after handling any raw food.

·     Wiping down counters with an anti-bacterial cleanser.

·     Using stainless steel bowls, and washing those bowls after each use.

·     If you buy bulk raw and process it into daily portions like I do, I would also suggest designating a cutting board just for the raw dog food.

·     Lastly, follow all guidelines put forth by the manufacturer. 

“How much do I feed?”

There are many variables to finding out the correct amount of raw food to feed your pet, some of which include the current weight of the pet, the desired weight, the age, the activity level, and the overall condition that your pet is in. Most manufacturers recommend feeding a specific percentage of the pet’s body weight. You will need to use this as a gauge as the percentage method is not an exact means of finding the optimal amount. There will be a fair amount of trial and error at first before you figure out what works best for your pet. Start with the recommended amounts and go from there. Most manufacturers suggest feeding 2-3% of your pet’s desired body weight per day. If you feed twice a day, you would just divide the amount for two servings. This is a very general guideline, and does not include an adjusted portion if you were to feed or supplement any raw meaty bones or any recreational bones.

“A raw diet will work for your pet…but will it work for you?”

Ultimately, it comes down to doing your homework and then giving it a try. There are many reasons that raw diets aren’t for everyone. You will have to get over the convenience of kibble and cans and deal with food that looks relatively unappetizing to us humans. You will have bloody juices on your hands at some point (but you can wear gloves if you are squeamish to these things) and if you feed raw green tripe it will smell. Feeding raw is not a diet of convenience. You will need to thaw and portion meals twice a day. Some nights you may forget to take a portion out of the freezer to  thaw and you will wake up with a hungry pet staring at you with sad eyes. It is easy to reach for a scoop of kibble or a can of food. Resist the easy temptation, make them wait and keep with it. Your pets will thank you with better overall health and lower veterinarian bills in the long run.

In part two, I will answer more frequently asked questions such as how to choose a raw diet, where to buy a raw diet, how to transition to a raw diet, and why high pressure pasteurization is so controversial.  

A personal story about pet travel safety and the N.J.S.A. 4:22-18 Law

The recent New Jersey "Click it or Ticket" campaign garnered a lot of local and national press because the NJSPCA and the MVC joined forces to remind people of a long established law, N.J.S.A. 4:22-18 allowing NJSPCA officers to pull over any driver who they feel is improperly transporting an animal and imposing a fine of up to $1,000. In addition they can charge the driver with a disorderly persons offense under the state's animal cruelty statutes. These organizations stressed the importance of safely restraining your pets when they are traveling in vehicles, for their safety as well as for ours.

This is an all too real issue for me, as I have seen first hand what can happen to pets that are not properly restrained in the event of an accident. When I was a child, my mom and I were involved in a serious car accident. Both my mom and I were injured.

My most vivid memory of that day was of two silver miniature poodles that were ejected from the car that struck us. In a strange twist of fate their leashes were caught in the fragments remaining attached to the car from the blown out rear window. If their leashes had not gotten caught, they would have been thrown completely from the car. They were yipping as they hung out of the rear of the car by their collars.  The poodles were alive, but they were injured and traumatized. They hung there for what seemed like a very long time as the human victims received first priority from the folks who stopped to help.

This image is burned in my memory some 40 years later. I am reminded of that day every time I see a dog sticking his head out of a window of a moving car or sitting on the lap of a driver or passenger. I think about how those poodles became projectiles during the accident. I worry what will happen to those pets free-roaming the back seats or sitting in laps in the event their cars are involved in an accident. The statistics are sobering as our beloved pets are more likely to die or suffer serious injury if they are unrestrained in a vehicle when an accident happens.

Therefore, I am all for the attention this issue has received and totally in favor of properly restraining our pets for all our sakes!

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Emergencies can happen anytime, and it's best to be prepared. With pets, there are some important things you should keep in mind.

Having an emergency bag handy with the things you may need is always a good idea. Should you need to evacuate, please take your pets with you. Making sure someone will be able to take care of or evacuate your pets if you are not at home is of utmost importance.

Many shelters will not accept pets, so deciding where your pet will go ahead of time in the event of an emergency is of utmost importance. It's a good idea to keep a list of pet friendly hotels, boarding kennels or veterinary hospitals in the area.

Below is a list of suggested items to include in an EVAC-PAK and First Aid kit. To view this list as a pdf click here.For more information please visit www.ready.gov.

EVAC-PAK Checklist

• Medications (heartworm, flea prevention or any medication your pet may be taking regularly)
• Pet First Aid Kit (see below)
• Pet Health Records (sealed in a ziplock bag)
  
• Travel Bowls for food and water
• Food (enough for 1 week)
• Bottled Water (enough for 1 week)
• Collar with Pet ID Tag and leash (an extra collar and leash are a good idea)
• Pet Wipes
  
• Harness (to attach to seat belt)
• Blanket/Bed
• Crate/Travel Carrier
• Your regular sanitation supplies (pickup bags, wee wee pads, litterbox, etc)
• Familiar items (favorite toy, treats)
• Prepare a flyer with a current photo of your pet and contact information including cell phone number, address and evacuation location

Pet First Aid Kit

• Waterproof storage container
  
• Antiseptic/anti-bacterial wipes
• Eye Wash
• Sock (foot wrapper)
• Latex gloves
• Electrolyte Powder (add to water to replenish nutrients)
• Emergency Space Blanket
• Bottled Water
• Medicated Balm
• Leash and Collar
• Soft Muzzle
• Flexible Bandage (Vetrap)
• Gauze Roll
• Bandage Scissors
• Wood Splint
• Pet Thermometer
• Paper Towels
• Plastic Baggies
• Cold Pack/Hot Pack (self activating)
• Cotton Swabs
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Tweezers
• Pet's papers/Vet Records (sealed in a ziplock bag)
  

Breed of the Week - Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois dog, originally a part of the variety of Belgium Shepherd dog, was developed in the 1900s. This dog was bred to be an intelligent and loyal dog in the city of Malines and was the favorite there, and in Belgium. In 1911, the first Belgian Malinois was imported in the United States and recognized by the AKC. Initially they were registered as part of the miscellaneous group. Finally, in the late 1900s the AKC recognized them as part of the herding group.

The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized, hard-working dog in the sheepdog family. In many ways, the Malinois is similar to the German shepherd. They strong, muscular dogs with a level back and a slope at the withers and deep chest that goes down to the elbow. It has a long tail that reaches to the hock. The hair is short coated, eyes are dark and almond shaped, and ears are erect and alert. The most basic color of the Belgian Malinois is a rich fawn color to mahogany with black tips on the hair. Most dogs with the fawn to mahogany color also have white spots or patches on the paws and chest. They have a very elegant appearance of being strong and solid but not bulky.

Being a smooth short-coated dog, they are easy to groom. Because they have a double coat, they will shed constantly, but they do their heavy shedding twice a year. They require a regular brushing with a firm bristle brush. As with any dog, it is important to keep their ears clean and have regular nail clippings. There are dental products for dogs, from rinses to toothbrushes, which can be used to avoid future dental problems. These health routines should be started on your dog when he is a small puppy to get him used to the idea of daily hygiene.

The Belgian Malinois is a very versatile dog. They are serious and watchful, but yet loving and playful. They are a great watchdog, very protective and territorial with their family and home. They have a tendency to become loyal to one or two people and will bond very strongly with them. Some Malinois may be shy, but this is usually a result of too little socialization from a young age. From a very young age, the Belgian Malinois needs to be social with people and needs firm but loving training.
Malinois dogs need as much exercise as you can possibly give them. They are highly energetic dogs that need more than just an occasional walk around the block. They love the outdoors and do not do well living in a kennel. They excel in almost every dog sport they participate in, which include agility, lure coursing, herding, search and rescue, competitive obedience and flyball. Because of their loyalty, high-energy drive and intelligence, they participate and succeed in Schutzund training. These are some of the traits that make them excellent police dogs, one similarity they have with the German Shepherd Dog.

Because of their high energy level, it is important to start their training at an early age to deter them from negative and destructive behavior brought out by boredom. The training should begin at a very young age and good behavior should be rewarded with praise. Positive reinforcement works very well with this dog as all he wants to do is please you. Often, the Malinois that isn't properly socialized as a pup will grow up to be either a shy dog or an aggressive dog. This problem can be avoided if proper care and socialization is given throughout his life.

The Belgian Malinois is basically a healthy dog. Once more like the German shepherd, they are occasionally prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, which is a crippling genetic problem. Other health concerns that sometimes occur are skin allergies, or eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy. Bloat, or gastric torsion, which is a life threatening condition, can also affect this breed. Luckily, these conditions are rare. Most Malinois live a long, healthy life when properly cared for.

While these dogs do require a lot of time, attention, and exercise, their owners will tell you it is all worth it! They make great pets, companions, and friends. As with any breed, please do your research to be sure you get the dog that is best suited for you and you lifestyle.

For more information visit the American Belgian Malinois Club website.

written by Kellie Murphy

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