connie's blog

I just returned from SuperZoo's annual trade show in Las Vegas and as promised, what happens in Vegas, won't stay in Vegas for long as we've scooped loads of great dog and cat finds that will be showcased in the upcoming issues of Modern Dog and Modern Cat magazines. SuperZoo has become one of the most popular pet industry shows of the year and booth space was sold out months before the event. Attendee traffic seemed at an all-time high, delighting the exhibitors who rely on good attendance to make their investment at the show worthwhile.  

I snapped a few pics while there: 

I stopped by to say hi to the guys from Fruitables, they're the ones that make the yummy dog (and cat) treats that our office dogs sit up and beg for.

The Hartman & Rose booth had their drool-worthy fall/winter collection on display. Discerning pooches and their owners will love the soft, rich leathers in stunning colours with dazzling embellisments: 

I love dropping by Epi-Pet's booth as I get to pet this beautiful dog who has an incredibly sweet disposition. With her lustrous coat, she's the perfect poster pooch for Epi-Pet's veterinarian formulated line of skin care products:

I found this super sweet collar for my Penny-girl found while visiting Auburn Leathercrafters' booth. Doesn't she look perty?!

It's Time To Celebrate!

The Fall issue marks Modern Dog's tenth birthday! When I think back to the launch of our first issue in 2002 published out of a tiny office in the loft of my house, it seems almost unbelievable we've come so far. With no previous publishing experience, in an industry that sees more failed ventures than successful ones, those first few years of publishing were the most overwhelming I've ever experienced, it felt like the first day on the job for at least two years! Knowing none of the rules, we simply forged ahead creating our own path to success and now here we are, a decade later, celebrating Modern Dog's tenth birthday and the successes and milestone moments that brought us here. I feel so privileged to have arrived at this point. THANK YOU to all our loyal readers. You are amazing and we couldn't have done it without you. Of everything, the thing I'm most proud of is the community we've built, a terrific, empowered network of dog lovers, sharing advice, knowledge, and advocating for the underdog. Together we're a powerful, interconnected community that can use our combined voices to influence positive change and make the world a better place for dogs and people alike. So, here's to us and the next ten years together!

What, exactly, makes a dog a hero? According to our summer issue:

 He-ro [heer-oh]

Noun, plural -roes; for 4 also -ros.

1. One of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. May or may not belong to the species Canis.
2. One who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: he was a local hero when he saved the drowning child. Frequently in possession of four legs and a tail.
3. The principal canine character in a story, play, film, etc. See Lassie
4. Hero sandwich

So what about my Penny? While she is definitely a member of the species Canis and looks a little like a sub sandwich, does she behold any of the other qualities of a ‘true' hero? Henceforth, the hero test:

• Makes me laugh. Check.
• Laughs at all my jokes. Check.
• Gets me outside for a daily double dose of exercise. Check.
• Takes my side during arguments. Check.
• Lowers my blood pressure via ridiculous antics and sweet ‘who me?' looks. Check.
• Has provided new inspiration for existing and future endeavours. Double Check.

As you can see, she passed. With flying colours. Which leads me to believe that the ‘true' definition of a hero lies in your own interpretation.  And there was no shortage of hero's in this year's line-up of nominees for American Humane Association's 2nd annual Hero Dog Awards. From hundreds of nominated dogs in eight categories, 8 finalists have been selected. Show your support for these wonderful dogs and vote for your favorite at herodogawards.org.

Here's Kaya a couple years ago, lounging on my beach towel, enjoying a hot summer seaside day. It was one of the last July long weekend holidays I had the privilege to share with her. Sure miss that crazy dog!

It's wonderful to have this stat holiday bringing us a day off to reflect on the great countries we live in and the freedoms we enjoy here. For many it also marks the official beginning of summer (which is unfortunately far too short here in the Pacific North West with this year's cool wet spring now turning into a cool wet summer... not complaining, really... well sort of!). I hope you'll also be able to take in some of the festivities the holiday commemorates, getting out enjoying and celebrating the day with your furry best friend, whether it's watching a parade or ballgame, cooking up some grub at a backyard barbeque or simply hanging out at the beach.

Please also be aware that not all dogs like crowds or fireworks. My girl Kaya lived for 16 years and never did outgrow her fright of either thunderstorms or fireworks. She would become crazed, panting and wild-eyed, as soon as she heard the first firework's crack or saw its flash in the sky. She'd wreak havoc in the house, clawing and chewing at the basement door if it happened to be closed, trying to get as far away as possible in order to escape the noise and perceived danger.  If your dog displays similar habits first of all be sure you keep her away from the commotion. You might also consider investing in a Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap  compression-styled garment that the dog wears. It exudes constant gentle pressure thereby helping to relieve stress, making them feel more secure. I also recommend Rescue Remedy which I recently used on my Wirehaired Dachshund Penny who became upset upon sensing an impending thunder storm. It worked like a charm... a few drops on her tongue and she soon relaxed. Don't forget, too, that if it's hot out our dogs need to drink more water. I really like Popware for Pets collapsible travel cup with water bottle holder and carabiner that easily hooks onto your belt loop so it's easy to bring along. Troff's refillable water pouch is also a great invention... fill it up (you can also freeze it if you like so your dog has fresh cool water longer) and the top pulls open for easy dispensing/drinking and when empty it can be rolled up. It takes up hardly any room in your purse or pocket and can be refilled and re-used time and again.

Have a great holiday everyone!

The spring/summer weather here in Vancouver has definitely been a disappointment thus far - cool temperatures, grey skies and lots of rain so I haven't been motivated till recently to get my bike tuned up so that I can start cycling to work, joining other early risers who opt to travel to work on two wheels, rather than four.  Since I'll be bringing my dog Penny on the ride, I've been researching various ways to safely bring her along and found an interesting option - Buddy Rider. A welcome addition to the pet/bicycling scene, this petseat, rather than being mounted behind you, or on the handlebars, is positioned between the seat post of your bike and the handlebar stem thereby allowing you to keep an eye on your canine pal whilst positioning his/her weight over the center of the bicycle, making for a safer, more stable ride. I've seen human children travelling on their parent's bikes this way, and thanks to Buddy Rider, now we pet parents have a similar option. Check it out below:

Photo: courtesy of Buddy Rider

Buddyrider is designed for dogs weighing up to 13.5 kg (30 lbs) and to fit bicycles with at least 48 cm (19") between the seat post and the handlebar stem.