Connie's Blog

Dean Koontz 's New Dog!

Most Dean Koontz fans already know how much this author extraordinaire loves dogs (so much, he often works a dog or two into the plot of his books!). Upon reading Koontz's tribute to his dog Trixie, A Big Little Life: A Memoir Of A Joyful Dog, I understood how this love affair came about.

Trixie, one very affectionate and soulful Golden Retriever, was the Koontz's first-ever dog and her impact on their lives was profound, opening their eyes and hearts in ways that only another dog lover can totally understand. Interestingly, Trixie was previously owned by Canine Companions, an organization that trains dogs to become highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities, free of charge, however, at the young age of three Trixie was retired and was to be re-homed as a regular family dog. Whilst the organization was looking for the right family for her, the Koontz's heard of her availability and a match made in heaven soon came to be.

"Trixie was joyful, affectionate, comical, intelligent, remarkably well behaved. She was also more self-possessed and dignified than I had ever realized a dog could be" says Dean. "Already and unexpectedly, she has changed me as a person and as a writer. I am only beginning to understand the nature of those changes and where they will lead me."

I, Trixie Who Is Dog, his new children's book is, no doubt, a path that this beloved dog has led him. Further, I've just heard that the book has now been digitized making it available on mobile platforms around the world. Available for just $.99, the proceeds from the app's sale go to Koontz's favoured charity, Canine Companions in support the amazing work they do. The app is available first for the iPad at iTunes at http://bit.ly/vWnpd3.Download it today and help a really great charity!

Happy New Year!

Just as there were end-of-the-world stories circulating at the time the year 2000 rolled around, so there are with the year 2012. Personally, I don't believe that the world is going to be destroyed by some cataclysmic event, but I do believe that this New Year will mark an increasing change in the way people perceive themselves, others and the world we share. Through this awareness we will more clearly see how we're all connected and that whatever harm we inflict on this planet, or others, truly affects us all.  So perhaps the "end" that is being predicted is merely an end to old, outgrown ways of thinking that in turn give way to enlightenment. Our dogs, of course, continue to be amazing guides, patiently demonstrating how to love wholeheartedly and live joyously.

So here's to an enlightened 2012 filled with love, joy and abundance!

Connie & Penny 

Happy Holidays!!

On behalf of the Modern Dog team I wish you joy, peace and happiness this holiday season. I hope you're able to take some time off so that you can relax and enjoy this special time of the year with your loved ones.

Much love, 

Connie and Penny xo

Story: Three Handsome Male Dogs

My girl friend Jacquie emailed me a funny story that gave me a laugh, brightening and lightening a rather stressful day.  Not sure who originally wrote this, but in any case, here it is. Hope you enjoy it as I did:

Three handsome male dogs are
walking down the street when
they see a beautiful, enticing,
female Poodle.

The three male dogs fall all over
themselves in an effort to be the
one to reach her first, but end
up arriving in front of her at
the same time.  

The males are speechless before
her beauty, slobbering on
themselves and hoping for just
a glance from her in return.

Aware of her charms and her
obvious effect on the three
suitors, she decides to be kind
and tells them, 'The first one
who can use the words 'liver'
and 'cheese' together in an
imaginative, intelligent sentence
can go out with me.'

The sturdy, muscular black Lab
speaks up quickly and says:

'I love liver and cheese.'

'Oh, how childish,' said the Poodle.
'That shows no imagination or
intelligence whatsoever.'

She turns to the tall, shiny
Golden Retriever and says
'How well can you do?'

'Um. I HATE liver and cheese,'
blurts the Golden Retriever.

'My, my,' said the Poodle.
'I guess it's hopeless. That's just
as dumb as the Lab's sentence.'

She then turns to the last of
the three dogs and says,
'How about you, little guy?'

The last of the three, tiny in
stature but big in fame and
finesse, is the Taco Bell Chihuahua.
He gives her a smile, a sly wink,
turns to the Golden Retriever
and the Lab and says....

(ok this is good)

Liver alone.....  

Cheese mine

Home Grooming

My previous dog Kaya, a German Shorthaired Pointer (now deceased), was certainly low maintenance when it came to grooming (pretty much the only thing she was low maintenance at!). Except for routine nail clipping, the occasional bath (we live near the beach so her frequent swims often saved me the trouble), and a quick once-over with the slicker brush, she'd always look perfectly groomed, beautifully sleek and shiny. My new dog Penny is another story altogether. A Wirehaired Dachshund with the propensity to grow a rather unwieldy, shaggy coat that tends to pick up fallen leaves, twigs, dirt and other debris definitely requires some regular grooming time. The only problem is, my incredibly busy schedule makes it nearly impossible to get myself to the beauty salon, let alone my dog. So, I came up with a solution...  I decided that I'd brush-up (pardon the pun), on my home grooming skills. I enlisted the help of some of my pet industry friends who carry top of the line grooming products and other helpful items to make Penny's and my home-grooming time together a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the products I use:

I really, really love the smell of Gordon McIntyre shampoos (especially Hyland Snowdrops), they lather up beautifully and leave a luscious, light and lingering scent.

Bathtime used to mean I ended up soaking wet but not now that I've enlisted the help of my trusty Crypton apron. Its integrated moisture barrier keeps me dry and my grooming shears, nail clippers, comb and brush are within easy reach in the handy front pockets.

After I towel Penny dry she goes crazy running around shaking and trying to wipe herself off  on rugs, pant legs, and,  you name it! Not anymore. Now I wrap her up in a Furminator FurDry robe (the velcro tabs enable a snug fit) and the fabric wicks away moisture and Penny remains calm and warm as she dries off.

Prior to getting my Andis Gentle Dry pet blow-dryer, I had to be super-careful when using my own hair dryer on Penny as if I left it one spot to long, it could burn her. The Gentle Dry incorporates loads of blowing power and two heat and airflow settings for quick and gentle drying.

Getting ready for the next grooming  step meant finding a surface that was high enough for me to comfortably work at. The kitchen counter was the right height, but then I needed something to cover it up all the while providing a comfortable and non-slippery surface for Penny to stand on. The answer? My new Pet Vet Mat. It comes in various sizes, the back is made of a slightly padded, non-skid material  while the top features an anti-microbial,  non-slip oil cloth giving Penny secure footing while providing me with an easy-to-wipe-clean surface.

Next comes the part I was the most nervous to do, the clipping. It was actually a lot easier to do than I first thought it would be. My Andis grooming kit  comes complete with shears, comb, clipper, clipper oil and various sizes of attachments so that you can choose a length of cut that  best suits your dog. Also included was a grooming DVD that I watched a number of times before I actually got started. It was super-helpful. When we were done, Penny looked almost as good as she did when she came home for her professional grooming session.

Red Collar Campaign

Our friends at the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) are promoting their Red Collar campaign to help prevent the senseless killing of dogs by many communities who use this brutal method as a means to prevent the spread of rabies. According to WSPA, twenty million dogs are killed every year and fear of rabies is often used as the excuse; however, killing dogs in response to rabies has never been shown to eliminate the disease. Rabies is completely preventable through vaccination and WSPA's Collars Not Cruelty Campaign, a global initiative, is establishing dog vaccination programs in countries where dogs are killed in response to rabies. 

WSPA protects all dogs by vaccinating and identifying them with red collars.  This way the community knows which dogs are rabies-free.

Please help us help WSPA convince the world to replace cruelty with red collars: a symbol of vaccination, safety and hope by supporting them with a donation. For more information or to make a donation, click here.

photo: courtesy of WSPA

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day/Armistice Day marks a time to formally honour, recognize and give thanks to the countless men and women who have selflessly given their lives to protect our freedom. In recognition of this ultimate sacrifice, Modern Dog's office will be closed today so that our staff time may attend Remembrance Day services.

Catching Up

Countless deadlines and obligations caused October to go zooming by in the blink of an eye. With hardly a spare moment for relaxation or other leisurely pursuits, there's been little time to do many of the things I enjoy, such as updating my blog. The month in which we close an issue (as October was), is always hectic as we're busily finalizing articles and editorial features, and assuring submitted material such as ads meet spec. Of course, there's always that last minute image or bit of info you're awaiting just before press which certainly up's the stress factor. Throw in a tradeshow that's been scheduled a week later than it usually runs (which you just have to go to), thereby taking you out of town two weeks before your on-press date, and your seemingly undoable schedule becomes even busier. Somehow it all falls into place though, everything's completed on time and press deadline is met. Our much-anticipated Winter issue actually just came off press, is now out of the bindery and being readied for mailings to subscribers and deliveries to newsstands. This is the moment, where I sigh a sigh of relief whilst excitedly awaiting for our advance copies of the issue to arrive. BTW, I LOVE our winter cover! Cover girl, Yvonne Strahovski and her rescued Dachshund, Wilbur exemplify the connectivity that we dog lovers share with our own pooches. The cover virtually glows with the warmth of their love!  Jam-packed with fun and informative articles, recipes, training tips and advice, along with our much-awaited Holiday Gift Guide, plus more photo contest winners and giveaways, I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I do.  Let me know what you think... I always appreciate your feedback.

To catch up, here are some photos that summarize October's happenings:  

Attending the HH Backer's Christmas trade show in Chicago is always fun and a great time to reunite with our pet industry friends. We walk the show aisles checking out all the latest the industry has to offer. Many of the products showcased in our winter edition are sourced from such shows. We also get a chance to meet in person some of the people we've only ever had a chance to chat with through email or telephone calls such as the guys at Wholelife... here they are at their booth.

PocketDisc's colourful handmade frisbees (for indoor or outdoor use), make a brilliant and compelling display!

Dogs in strollers are a common sight... their humans don't have to worry about them getting stepped on in the busy and crowded aisles and the stroller also provides a place to stash merchandise. This Bulldog cutie was enjoying all the attention being showered upon him!

A must-do is the annual Backer Christmas party. This year they awarded prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Pictured below is the Paco Collars crew looking distinguished and portly in their penguin costumes.

Modern Dog's Sara Lima and Fizzion's Terrance Reeve pose for a shot...

Back at the office, Mary Liu's staff pick, an Eco Drop bed from West Paw Design arrives (check it out in the winter edition). As soon as it was unpacked, Esther, the editor's dog,  decides to lay claim it and from her lofty perch oversees office goings-on.

For Halloween, Penny dresses up as a dapper French dog in her  striped tee and black beret  (from BarkingBaby.com). A squeaky baguette toy completes the scene.