The loss of a loved one is traumatic, a time when many of us call upon our faith. Pets are loved ones and I’m convinced that faith is meant to sustain us when a pet dies.

I was reminded of the depth of a pet’s loss as I watched a “fifty something” woman with huge tears glistening in her eyes. She was telling me about her childhood dog, Petey. This faithful collie walked her to school every morning and was waiting to walk her home when the school day was over.

Although Petey, who had become Old Pete, died many years ago, his loss was still keenly felt in the heart of a schoolgirl who was now a mature woman.

Recently, my husband and I were walking our two dachshunds, Noodle and Archie, through the neighborhood. A woman was walking toward us. When she spotted the dogs, she put her hands to her mouth and uttered a heartfelt “oooh.”

Within seconds she was greeting the dogs, petting them and silently crying. We were soon joined by her husband who could not keep his hands off Noodle, an auburn mini with a gray muzzle. Noodle was lavishing this stranger with many wet kisses. They told us that Tootsie, their auburn mini had died just a few weeks before.

They took out a cell phone and showed us a picture of Tootsie. She did indeed bear an uncanny resemblance to Noodle.

Was this a chance meeting? Perhaps. I will say this: these people were visitors in the neighborhood who just happened to be outside when we were walking the dogs.

Last year, a dear friend from across the country was visiting us when his cherished cat died. We supported him with listening, love and prayer, but the visit was touched by the deep pain of his loss. As he spoke of Sprocket, it was clear that the bond he had with his feline companion was very strong.

A few months later, I received an e-mail from this friend. He and his wife heard Sprocket walk across the hardwood floors. At times, my friend said he sensed Sprocket’s presence.

I didn’t think much about this at the time, thinking it under “maybe.” But then I had a similar personal experience.

My husband is a pragmatist, very down to earth, and not given to unusual experiences. But we were sitting on our sofa, with Archie and Noodle snoozing contentedly between us, when we heard the sound of a dachshund flapping its ears — a very distinctive sound.

My husband went to investigate. No one was in the house and no one was outside. Was it our beloved Loopy-doxie, who had left us not long before? Does the special bond between us and pets that have passed sometimes breach time and space? I simply don’t know.

As the stories above illustrate, the loss of a pet is particularly poignant. Those of us who believe in a hereafter may wonder if our pets will join us there. We envision a place of happiness, fulfillment and joy that a benevolent Creator has prepared for us. Here we will rejoin loved ones.

I am certain that a Creator, who cares enough about us to prepare this wonderful place, will also reunite us with our cherished pets. This belief helps me tremendously when memories intrude and I need to hold Tigger the cat or Loopy the dog — our dearly departed — just one more time.

Kathleen is pictured with her dachshund Trixie-Noodle.

No related posts.

Elli gets along with my mutt Ace, and she does not bother my cats. She knows sit, shake and comes when called. She also seems to be housebroken. No dog is perfect, though, including Elli. Her main issue right now is being too anxious.

Elli’s “issues” are typical of most small dogs. She is energetic, nervous, has no attention span and has never been given any rules. What I share about Elli can be applied to thousands of other dogs out there who have been spoiled, coddled and treated like children all their lives.

Small dogs need a lot of exercise

When I went to meet Elli and bring her home Friday, I knew nothing about her other than her breed. She was rescued from a pound by a dog rescue in Fargo the day she was scheduled to be euthanized.

Whenever I take in a new foster dog, the best thing I can do for that dog instantly is to take her on a long walk with Ace. The size of the dog does not matter. Some small dogs actually need more exercise than big dogs.

I introduced Ace and Elli on a quick walk, and then we drove to a park where we could more conveniently and enjoyably go for a longer, 45-minute walk. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the longest walk Elli had ever been on at that point.

Ideally, I should’ve walked even longer. Elli is a very high-energy dog, and she has a lot of anxiety from being impounded and separated from whatever life she once had.

Walking together is important for Elli, Ace and I to create a bond or a “pack” and for me to establish leadership. Elli is never allowed to walk in front. She is always required to walk at my side. My boyfriend Josh even joined us on a walk that first night. It’s important for Elli to see leadership and consistency from Josh as well as me.

I expect Elli to find a home fairly quickly. But until then, my goal is to work with her on any issues that come up, and to treat her like a dog, not a human.

Elli’s main issues so far include:

- An unhealthy attachment to me and therefore separation anxiety and possessiveness

- No attention span

- High energy

- Extreme anxiety in the car

I will focus on all of these issues in future posts, but for right now I am focusing on what Elli needs most of all, exercise.

Biking with a small dog

Elli is only about 10 pounds, and she has endless energy. Walking her is not enough, so I took her for her first biking session last night. She absolutely loved it, and ran like a pro!

Of course, because of her size I had to be very careful and aware of her at all times. I held her leash rather than use my dog bike leash so I could control her easier.

Some dogs need a lot of time to get used to a bike, but Elli knew exactly what I wanted her to do.

It was very rewarding to see this little dog working on something successfully and being so proud of herself.

Putting Elli to work gave her a challenge, a purpose and something to focus on. She did not feel anxious, and for once she was acting like a normal dog.

I only biked with Elli for a mile because I wanted to make sure her paw pads could handle running on concrete. Her paws were fine, so today we will go further. As long as her paws are OK, she will easily be able to run 2 or 3 miles.

I wish more people would realize how much exercise some little dogs need. I know a Jack Russell that runs 10 miles at a time. Most little dogs have so much energy and pull so hard on walks that they are practically walking on their hind legs.

I don’t have a lot of patience for a dog that is constantly pacing, crying and unable to sit for more than a second. Providing Elli with a lot of exercise is the first step to helping her calm down and live a more relaxing life! That means more relaxing for me as well as her!

If you or someone you know may be interested in adopting Elli, visit her profile or send me an email at Lindsay@thatmutt.com.

Related posts:

1. How to prepare for a foster dog
2. Things to consider before adopting a dog
3. My golden retriever
4. My dog barks in the car
5. My dog attacks bikes

Maybe it’s our obsession with finding that “perfect” family dog that most closely resembles a golden retriever.

My last dog was a golden, and when I set out to look for my next dog, I did not have a black mutt in mind. I thought I’d end up with another blond, long-haired dog like my old Brittni.

But the best advice I can give people when adopting a dog is to choose a dog based on his personality and temperament, not his appearance. Ace is the ideal dog for me, whether he is black, tan or spotted doesn’t really matter.

Adopt a black dog

When someone goes through a dog rescue group or animal shelter to adopt a dog, she already has a “perfect” dog in mind before she even meets the dogs.

This makes it much easier for that person to overlook all the big, black mutts, and walk right towards the beagle or the first “golden retriever mix” that catches her eye. Tip: If you want to get a dog adopted faster, call it a golden retriever mix.

What’s wrong with black dogs, anyway?

They’re sweet…

They’re pretty…

They have personality…

There are dozens of black dogs in our regional shelters and rescue organizations, but I thought I’d bring your attention to one of my favorites. Stormy is a black lab mix up for adoption with 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Fargo. I’ve gotten to know her over the last few months by taking her for runs twice a week.

Reasons to adopt Stormy

1. Stormy is smart.

She might actually be the smartest dog I’ve worked with. This dog has amazing potential. She needs a job to do and would thrive with extra training.

When Stormy hangs out with Ace and I, she grabs his collar and leash and pulls him where she wants him to go.

2. She is unique.

That goes for her appearance and her personality! Stormy is all about socializing. She likes to pick up her toys and shove them into Ace’s mouth, tricking him into playing.

Stormy has a long, shepherd-like nose and body with a thick, black coat. Her ears point up and then flop over, and she has a long tongue!

3. Stormy is friendly.

She lives with three cats and has lived with multiple dogs of different sizes. She wants to play with all other animals, but will leave cats alone as long as the human sets rules. Stormy loves all people as long as she is not startled. She cuddles, shows affection and loves being included in “the pack.” Her foster owner says she loves to give hugs and kisses. Aww.

4. Stormy has had obedience training.

Her foster mom took her through beginning obedience training where Stormy got extra practice with commands such as sit, down, stay, come and heel. This training will make life much, much easier for Stormy’s new owner. When I adopted my mutt Ace, he had no concept of the word sit, let alone stay or coming when called.

5. She is kennel trained.

Although there is always an adjustment period to a new environment, Stormy currently stays in her kennel quietly while her foster owner is at work. What a good girl! She knows her kennel is her place to nap and wait patiently. Then again, it’s always stocked with goodies!

6. She is housebroken.

This will save her new owner a lot of work! Stormy never has any accidents.

7. Stormy loves walks.

I run with Stormy because of her extra energy, but she doesn’t mind walking either. She would love to walk for several hours and makes the perfect exercise partner. She has gotten much better at not pulling when she sees other dogs.

8. She is young.

Most people want to adopt a young dog or a puppy. Stormy is less than 2 years old, giving her new owner plenty of years to bond with her. She is passed the puppy stage, but she is still full of energy and eager to learn.

OK, so no dog is perfect.

Stormy is very large (at least 80 pounds). She is strong and needs to know the human is in control, not her. If no rules are set, she will take over. She would do best with someone who has a lot of experience with dogs and is not afraid of a few challenges.

Since Stormy is so smart, she needs daily challenges and lots of interact or she gets bored. She loves dog daycare, the dog park, training and exercise.

Stormy would love a big yard or a farm with another dog to play with as long as she gets to come inside and be with the family. And did I mention she loves to eat?

Stormy is just one rescue dog who has been waiting for a permanent home for a long, long time. Please consider adopting Stormy from 4 Luv of Dog Rescue or sending this to someone you know who might be the right person for her.

Do you own a black dog or cat? Do you know a black dog or cat that needs a home?

Email your black dog and cat pictures to Lindsay@thatmutt.com, and I will post them all next week.

Related posts:

1. Black lab mix up for adoption
2. Things to consider before adopting a dog

First, bait the kennel with a very naughty cat.

Next, allow the dog to smell the bait …

If you are going to use a kennel at all with your dog, consistent kennel training is important. Most dogs have at least some anxiety when kenneled.

This was the case recently when my mutt Ace spent the night at a relative’s house who reported that Ace cried, paced and yipped until 2 a.m.

What could possibly cause my “kennel-trained” dog to be so anxious?

Did my dog miss me? Maybe.

But more likely, it’s even simpler:

1. Ace’s routine was off.

2. Ace hadn’t had enough exercise.

I often expect too much out of Ace and take his normally calm behavior for granted. I forget that even a good dog is still a dog.

It’s difficult, if not impossible to calm a dog down if he has not had enough exercise.

Ace is not deprived by any means – he goes biking with me a few days per week, and he goes along on runs. Still, I’d like to commit more focused time to exercising my dog.

My goal is 4 miles per day. Will that always be possible? No. But it’s a goal to shoot for.

A second goal is to reinforce kennel training.

When I say, “Kennel up,” Ace sprints to his kennel and dives in hoping for a treat. But there are times when he believes he doesn’t have to be kenneled.

During a recent trip to my parents’ house I kenneled Ace for about 10 minutes while their dogs were loose. Let’s just say my dog threw a temper tantrum – yipping and whining. When Ace is excited and I kennel him, it does not go well.

Below are some dog kennel training tips I plan to use with my mutt. These tips are intended for dogs that are already “kennel trained” but may have issues being kenneled when they don’t want to be, like when guests visit or when staying in someone else’s house.

Dog kennel training tips

1. Kennel the dog randomly.

Dogs like routines, but it’s good to slowly stretch their limits. Kenneling the dog randomly for even 10 minutes at a time teaches the dog that you are the one who decides when he will go in the kennel. Try this while you are watching TV, while you are doing something “fun” like playing fetch or even right before heading out for a walk.

2. Kennel the dog in different rooms.

This is another way to slowly get the dog used to going in the kennel at any time and anywhere. Dogs are contextual, meaning they need to learn ideas in different contexts. Just because the dog is kennel trained in the laundry room doesn’t mean he is kennel trained in the basement or upstairs or at your mom’s house.

3. Kennel the dog when people visit.

Practice this one with good friends and family members who are also dog owners and understand what you are trying to teach your dog. When people visit, most dogs get very excited. This is the perfect time to practice putting the dog in the kennel.

I don’t believe dogs should be kenneled every time people visit. Dogs should learn to greet people at the door appropriately. But kenneling the dog randomly for 10 minutes when friends are over will help your dog learn to be calm for those rare nights when you really do want to kennel him. Maybe you want him kenneled during Thanksgiving dinner or during a party with your co-workers, for example.

4.  Kennel the dog when he is excited.

This is a tough one for Ace. If he is worked up over something like a ball or another dog, he will bark if I kennel him. This usually happens when we are visiting family members because there are other dogs around and Ace doesn’t want to be away from “the pack.”  

I can set up scenarios at home to teach Ace that once he is in the kennel he has to calm down no matter what. It’s easy to get my dog riled up. All it takes is a game of fetch or a game of chasing me around the couch. I will put him in his kennel once he is excited, wait for him to calm down and then let him back out to play some more.

5. Correct excessive barking or crying.

When a dog is first learning to stay in a kennel, it’s best to ignore any crying or barking. This teaches the dog that crying or barking will not result in any kind of attention. But when a kennel-trained dog like Ace barks in his kennel, I will correct him. Ace understands that I disagree with this behavior.

I will ignore a little whining and maybe even a few yips, but if Ace’s barking escalates, I am right there to tell him “no.” I don’t yell, but I let him know I mean it.

6. Make the dog sleep in the kennel.

Ace is used to sleeping on his dog bed at night, so it’s unfair to expect him to sleep in his kennel with no issues when we travel. Guess what that means? One night a week or so, Ace will be sleeping in his kennel.

7. Kennel the dog when you are gone.

If your dog typically has access to the whole house when you are gone, there’s nothing wrong with kenneling him from time to time when you run errands. It’s a good reminder to the dog that sometimes he will be kenneled when you are gone, and it is no big deal.

8. Kennel the dog at a friend’s house.

Once your dog is quiet in the kennel under all circumstances at home, challenge him more by kenneling him at  friend’s house. For example, if you will be visiting a friend for a few hours, walk your dog first, then bring him along and kennel him for a half-hour at the friend’s house. I only recommend this if your friend is also a crazy dog person.

9. Work on problem areas.

If your dog doesn’t bark in the kennel at all except for when other dogs visit, then that is what you should work on the most. Invite your friends over with their dogs, and tell them what you are working on.

When my dog has an issue with something, like barking in the kennel when he’s excited, it’s easy for me to avoid that situation and not work on it. The problem is, sooner or later that situation is going to come up and Ace will not be successful because I didn’t address the issue.

10. Always reward good behavior.

If the dog is being quiet, let him out of the kennel! Go back to some basics like providing extra goodies in the kennel. If the kennel represents treats, safety and relaxation (like it always should), then your dog will enjoy kennel training and his time spent in the kennel.

Remember, these tips are intended for dogs that are already kennel trained. If your dog is not used to a kennel, stick to the basics and a routine. The above tips are meant to challenge dogs that are already used to a kennel.

Do you use a kennel? Does your dog ever bark in the kennel?

No related posts.

I am not a vet or a nutritionist, but I can read.

If you are reading this blog you should be able to read the ingredients in your dog’s food. Take a look, and let me know what you find out.

The first two ingredients in a healthy dog food should be high-quality proteins, according to Michelle Smith, owner of Natural Pet Center in Fargo. The dog food should also include high-quality fruits and vegetables. If it contains any grain at all, it should be high-quality grain like oatmeal or brown rice. Stay away from corn and by-products.

Animal by-products are any part of an animal other than meat, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials. By-products could be any combination of feet, lungs, brains, blood, spleens, kidneys, fat, etc.

In addition to the list of ingredients, pet foods also list a “guaranteed analysis” that tells you the food’s overall protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber and moisture content, according to a Petco press release.

I took a look at dog food ingredients from the following brands of dog food: Purina One lamb and rice; Iams ProActive Health Chunks; Nature’s Variety Prairie lamb meal & oatmeal medley; and Innova Evo.

Dog food ingredients are listed in order of weight, making the first five to six ingredients the most important.

These dog food brands speak for themselves:

Purina One dog food

I chose to look at this food because it’s what my mutt Ace currently eats. I wasn’t surprised it failed to meet the above requirements. It was the worst one out of the four foods I looked at. Here’s what Purina One lamb & rice formula contains:

Lamb, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal, Oatmeal, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Lamb Meal, Animal Digest, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Caramel Color, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Rboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Garlic Oil, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Sodium Selenite

Purina One says its “highly digestible rice” gives dogs healthy energy. But according to the AAFCO, brewers rice is an inexpensive rice by-product that does not contain the nutritional value of whole grain brown rice. It’s a cheap carbohydrate.

Corn gluten meal is used as a weed killer.

Animal digest is a broth made from unspecified parts of unspecified animals, according to the AAFCO. These animal parts can come from anywhere as there are no regulations on this. They can come from animal shelters, euthanized horses, etc. Yes, there is horse meat in dog food. It is in the form of “animal digest” or “animal by-product.”

Iams dog food

Iams ProActive Health Chunks comes in a green bag. This well-known brand is sold almost everywhere. Here are the ingredients:

Chicken, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Meal, Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Dried Egg Product, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Salt, Flax Meal, Fish Oil, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Minerals, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins, DL-Methionine, Rosemary Extract

Nature’s Variety dog food

Nature’s Variety is marketed as a natural dog food, so I was not surprised it contains higher-quality ingredients. Here’s what’s listed in Nature’s Variety Prairie lamb meal & oatmeal medley:

Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley, Canola Oil, Menhaden Fish Meal, D-calcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Natural Lamb Flavor, Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins, Sea Salt, Minerals, Lamb Liver, Inulin, Flaxseed Oil, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Apples, Carrots, Peas, Freeze Dried Lamb, Freeze Dried Lamb Hearts, Freeze Dried Lamb Liver, Pumpkin seeds, Ground Lamb Bone, Butternut Squash, Broccoli, Lettuce, Spinach, Dried Kelp, Salmon Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Parsley, Honey, Blueberries, Alfalfa Sprouts, Persimmons, Olive Oil, Duck Eggs, Pheasant Eggs, Quail Eggs, Sage, Clove, Rosemary Extract

Innova Evo dog food

Innova Evo dog food is an all-natural, meat-based, grain-free dog food. I chose this food because some readers mentioned this is what they feed their dogs. Here are its ingredients:

Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Herring Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, Egg, Apples, Tomatoes, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Vitamins, Garlic, Cottage Cheese, Minerals, Alfalfa Sprouts, Ascorbic Acid, Dried Chicory Root, Direct-Fed Microbials, Vitamin E Supplement, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract

Sounds good to me. I think I’ll have some! I can pronounce all the ingredients, and I don’t have to look up what they are.

Switching dog foods

If you plan on switching your dog to a healthier food, gradually switch foods because this is easier on the dog’s digestive system. Slowly increase the amount of new food as you decrease the amount of old food.

If you want to save money, you could always feed your dog a high-quality brand mixed with a lower-quality brand. That way the dog is still getting all the good nutrients. I know I eat a variety of healthy and less-healthy meals myself.

Take a look at the dog food ingredients from the brand of food you buy, and let me know if it meets your expectations.

Remember, you have until Wednesday to win some free samples from Natural Pet Center by leaving a comment on my natural dog food post saying what kind of food your dog eats.

No related posts.

I feed them dry food for convenience sake – convenience in buying it, storing it and preparing it. It’s consistent. It’s easy. It’s relatively cheap.

After my recent interview with Michelle from Natural Pet Center in Fargo, I thought I’d use some of her expertise on natural dog food to look at what my pets are eating.

One thing I like about Natural Pet Center is that it includes healthy food for cats, not just dogs. There seems to be a bit of an obsession out there for feeding our dogs the best food, but cats are often overlooked.

Purina One pet food

Beamer, Scout and Ace are all eating a version of Purina One pet food. I can’t say this is the best food for them. They like it. I can buy it anywhere (SunMart, Target), and Ace doesn’t seem to have issues with ear infections or eye allergies while he’s on it (could be a coincidence).

Purina One is nowhere near a natural dog or cat food. Basically, it’s one of the better cheap brands. It contains by-products. It contains corn. I’m sure it has dyes in it. But so does a lot of the food I eat.

Eating Purina One is not like eating McDonald’s every day, but it is like eating Kraft macaroni or Spaghettios every meal. By the way, I happen to eat a lot of Kraft macaroni.

I would like to switch my pets to a healthier brand, but I would also like to focus on buying healthier food for myself.

For all the health-crazed dog owners out there (I am one), I encourage you to look at your own diet. Does your dog really need to be eating a natural diet or a raw diet when you are not eating all-natural food yourself?

Before you switch your dog to a food like Solid Gold or Innova, perhaps you should commit to eating only organic food yourself and look into eating as much raw food as possible.

Really think about all the preservatives, horomones and corn syryp you are consuming. It’s not good for our pets, and it’s certainly not good for us.

I really encourage all readers of That Mutt to do the following:

1. Read the labels of your own food and make intelligent choices.

2. Only eat meat that comes from animals that lived a humane life.

3. Support local farmers’ markets, health food stores and grocery stores that offer organic options. Appreciate you have the choice to do so.

4. Read the labels of your pet’s food and look for high-quality proteins as the top ingredients.

5. Come up with a plan to conciously live healthier because you have the freedom to do so. You owe it to yourself, your family and your pets.

Some of my friends and family members think I’m some kind of health nut simply because I run, I don’t eat meat, and I sometimes buy organic food.

Has anyone else noticed it’s almost looked down upon if you work out and eat somewhat healthy? God forbid I want to have some control over my life and also my pets’ lives.

If you want to eat frozen pizzas and Kraft singles every day, go for it. Just remember you have a choice to do otherwise. As for pet food, your pets are depending on you to make the right choices for them.

Remember you have a chance to win free dog treats, food and toys from Natural Pet Center by leaving a comment here saying what kind of food your dog or cat eats.

Related posts:

1. Natural dog food

Natural Pet Center of Fargo does not sell dog food brands that include by-products, corn, fillers or chemical preservatives, according to its web site.

If Michelle can provide the tools for people to help their pets live longer, healthier and happier lives, she said it is all worth it.

Her goal is to provide the community with premium pet food and supplies.

“Our pets are a part of our families, and we want to keep them around as long as we can,” she said.

Healthy dog food

Natural Pet Center carries natural dog and cat food, including raw, refrigerated and dehydrated food.

Some of the natural brands sold at Natural Pet Center include Solid Gold, Nutrisource, Spot’s Stew, California Natural, Nature’s Variety, Wellness, Sojourner Farms, Canidae, Felidae, Innova, Flint River Ranch, Primal, Weruva, Before Grain, Taste of the Wild, Best Feline Friend, Mulligan Stew and Tiki Cat.

No matter what brand or diet you decide to feed your pet, Michelle is right there to answer your questions.

“I always have some people that apologize for asking too many questions. You can never ask too many questions!” Michelle said.  “If we don’t have an answer for you, we will call manufacturers and do the research for you to help you out.”

Choosing the right dog food

Michelle offered some suggestions for selecting a healthy dog food. Look for dog food ingredients with:

1. High-quality animal proteins

The first two or more ingredients should be high-quality animal proteins (no by-products!). Stay away from general terms such as “meat meal” or “poultry meal” because it could be just about anything.

2. Grain-free dog food

Choose a food that is grain-free or contains high-quality grains such as brown rice or oatmeal. Avoid corn and wheat.

3. Good-quality vegetables.

The food should have good-quality vegetables, fruits, supplements, vitamins and natural preservatives.

Benefits of natural dog food

Many customers tell Michelle their dogs have healthier skin and coats and their dogs have smaller or less frequent stools after switching to a natural diet.

“As you change to a better quality food you will also see that your pet will eat less because there is more usable nutrition in their diet,” Michelle said.  “They will stay at a healthy weight and less active, and older pets will get a little ‘pep’ in their step.”

Michelle said she feeds her yellow lab and Bernese mountain dog (pictured, as puppies) a variety of food in order to keep it balanced.

“Our dogs are probably two of the most spoiled dogs when it comes to food, treats and toys!” she said. “Their parents own a pet supply store for heaven’s sake!”

Some of her dogs’ favorites include Innova mixed with canned food, dehydrated food or some healthy veggies and table scraps.

“We like to mix it up, so their diet does change from day to day,” Michelle said.

Raw dog food

Natural Pet Center offers options for those interested in feeding their pets a raw diet. The simplest approach is to feed the complete raw diet offered in the store, Michelle said. A more hands-on option is to use base mixes.

For those who want to get serious and make up a complete raw diet, Michelle recommends pet owners do their research.

“Unfortunately, you can’t get away with mixing hamburger, rice and beans together and calling it a complete diet,” she said.

For more information, Natural Pet Center offers brochures and samples in the store and includes links to all the pet food companies from its web site.

Michelle also suggested the following resources:

• Food Pets Die For – Shocking Facts About Pet Food by Ann N. Martin
• The Whole Dog Journal (monthly publication)
• Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn
• Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown
• The Natural Cat by Dr. Richard H. Pitcairn

“If you have any questions along the way or are needing more information about the foods we carry, always feel open to calling, emailing or stopping in to chat about food,” Michelle said.

Save money on dog food

Natural dog food typically costs more than regular brands. When people are trying to cut back, expensive dog food might be the first on the list.

“With the current state of the economy, everyone is trying to save money. But that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on your pet’s food,” Michelle said.

For a great food at a great price, she recommends Canidae. This dog food is meant for dogs of all ages and provides all the nutrition they need.

“Although it has a lower price then some of our other foods, it contains high-quality proteins, grains, vitamins and minerals and extra oils to keep their skin and coat healthy,” Michelle said.

For more savings, Natural Pet Center offers different specials each month. Additional specials are offered in Larry’s online newsletter. Larry (pictured) is the cat who lives in the store.

Pet supplies Fargo Moorhead

Natural Pet Center has a wide selection of healthy treats, unique toys, pet supplies and even people clothing and gift items.

Michelle said she is constantly on the lookout for new and unique products. If the store does not carry an item you are looking for, she will put in a special order with multiple items at no extra cost.

Grooming services at Natural Pet Center

Natural Pet Center offers full grooming for all breeds of dogs and cats. Grooming services include breed-specific styling, shaves, hand scissoring, bath and brush, nails, ear cleaning, anal glands, face trims and paw trims.

Cats for adoption

Several cats are up for adoption at Natural Pet Center.

If you are considering adopting a cat, stop by and check out some of the homeless cats such as Auto the black cat who was rescued from a car engine.

Win free pet products!

For your chance to win some free samples of pet food, treats and toys from Natural Pet Center, all you have to do is leave a comment saying what kind of food your dog eats.

I will pick two winners at random Oct. 21. Please specify if you live in the Fargo-Moorhead area because there will be two winners, one local and one from elsewhere.

Natural Pet Center information:

Grooming:

By appointment Tuesdays through Saturdays

Store hours:

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays

Location:Promenade Mall at 3037 13th Ave. S. in Fargo

(one block west of the Ground Round on the north side of 13th Avenue)

Phone:

701.239.0110

Online:

naturalpetcenter-nd.com

info@naturalpetcenter-nd.com

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Clinical depression is a serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Individuals with clinical depression are unable to function as they used to.

Clinical depression is not the same as feeling sad or depressed for a few days and then feeling better. It can affect your body, mood, thoughts and behavior. It can change your eating habits, how you feel and think, your ability to work and study and how you interact with people.

Depression is manageable but a dog and her owner struggle during a depressive episode without the help of others. It’s something we need to recognize more and offer to help our family and friends.

Dogs do not cure depression

This article is not about therapy dogs or trying to help people with depression by suggesting they get a dog to cheer them up or to “snap them out of it.”

However well meaning family and friends may be with this suggestion, it is the last thing to do. In the depth of depression, people struggle to look after themselves, let alone their animals.

The added responsibility of a new dog may be too overwhelming. Wait till the depression is stabilized before you even think of a dog.

If you feel a friend will benefit from the company of a dog, offer to take yours to her for a set period, invite her on a walk or to join you in the park with your dog.

Caring for your dog when you are depressed

Below are some tips for dog owners dealing with depression. These tips will ensure the dogs are well cared for during a depressive episode and may also be helpful for family member and friends of someone dealing with depression.

Most people with depression are well tuned to their bodies and have developed signals within themselves to know when they are “sliding.” They need to put strategies in place to care for their dog before this occurs.

This is a management plan I have developed over time to suit my lifestyle:

1. Keep enough dog food on hand.

Ensure you house is well stocked with the food your dog normally eats. If you usually buy one bag of kibble, buy three.

2. Keep a note on the fridge.

Put a big note on the fridge that says how much the dogs eat on a normal day. Then write, “Have I fed the dogs today?” and “Check water.” If you have a notebook for notes about the dogs, put on the note “Check dog book.”

3. Give a key to a trusted friend or family member.

This is important if you isolate yourself, sleep during the day or become forgetful during an episode.

4. Have the friend check on the dogs daily.

This could be as simple as communicating through writing in a notebook kept on the kitchen table. For example, “Monday morning: Fed 9 a.m., 5 cups kibble.” If you forget to write it in, it’s better in the short term the dogs get too much rather than nothing.

5. Make sure the dogs have access to the yard.

This isn’t possible for all homes, but it is possible for people with secure fences and gates.

6. Ask your friend to walk the dogs.

If your friend can walk your dogs, ask her to write it in the book. This will save the anxiety of not remembering or knowing if they have been walked.

7. Plan ahead for the dogs’ health care.

If the dogs have medication, record when the medication is given and ask your friend to do the same. Whenever possible, keep the dogs on monthly or long-term tablets or shots instead of daily tablets.

Do as much as possible to make sure that shots and check-ups for the dogs are up to date before you have a depressive episode.

Ensure that your friend’s contact information is on file with the vet and that she has the vet’s number in case of emergencies.

Check that registration is up to date if that is annual.

8. Hire a dog walker.

Hire a dog walker as often as you can afford and pay in advance. Set this up when feeling well, and explain honestly what is going on. Make sure the dog walker has a key and knows where the leashes are for times when you will not come to the door. The dog walker should be cool with this. If not, get another dog walker.

9. Be aware of changes in your dogs.

Dogs seem to react in two ways if their owner is going through a period of depression. Some dogs will follow their owners around, lying down and getting up when they do even if that means sleeping for 20 or more hours.

Other dogs will become destructive when they normally aren’t. They may tear pillows, or chew furniture. Ensure their access to empty rooms is limited.

10. Care for the dogs yourself when you are feeling better.

As you begin to come out of an episode, use your dogs to help you. Set simple, achievable, daily goals, such as “I will sit in the sun on the patio for a half-hour with the dogs,” or “I will take the dogs to the backyard and throw the ball for 20 minutes.”

Walk with your friend and the dogs in short spurts till your confidence, physical and mental strength return. Then take over the dog care when you are able.

How to help a depressed friend with dog care

1. Don’t make the decisions.

Don’t take over in making decisions about the dog or his routine. The person with depression may already be feeling a loss of control. Always consult the dog’s owner, as it is his dog, not yours. It may seem the person is indifferent or does not care for themselves or dogs. This is not the case. That is the depression, not the person.

2. Make sure your friend has your phone number and address.

You should also have your friend’s hospital and doctors’ numbers. Many people store numbers in their mobiles, but lose this and you’ve lost your contact details, so write them down.

3. Know where the dogs’ veterinary information is kept.

4. Leave positive notes.

If you share a notebook for communication about the dogs, leave notes such as “Great that you fed the dogs!” or even “Thinking of you.”

5. Don’t be condescending or judgmental.

Treat and talk to the person as you normally would. Be honest, and set certain boundaries before an episode of depression such as when to enter rooms, always knock, etc.

6. Prior to any arrangement have open communication.

Take time to talk about expectations of both sides, boundaries, do’s and don’ts. Don’t promise something you can’t deliver such as walking dogs on the weekend if that is your family time. Helping your friend is not an easy task to take on and can be draining. Your own emotional health and family should have priority.

7. Leave the friend alone when he or she wants to be alone.

Give a cue to let the person know you are in the house, but leave your friend alone if he is sleeping or isolating himself. If suicide is a possibility, just pop your head in the room to check on him. Set this term in the above discussion.

With approximately 1.5 in 10 having chronic depression, everyone will at some time be affected by depression – their own or someone else’s. Planning ahead helps reduce the impact on the individuals and their family members.

Two-way communication is needed between you and the person you are caring for to come up with a plan that works. Dogs are a brilliant thing to have in anyone’s life, but their health and safety is paramount. They can’t look after themselves.

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Most people don’t seem to mind where their dogs sit in the car. If you are one of those people, I encourage you to change your mind.

My dog is never allowed in the front seat. Here’s why:

1. I’d like to keep at least the front half of my car fairly clean and less smelly.

2. Setting rules in the car is an easy way to show my dog I’m the leader.

3. It’s dangerous to have a dog moving around in the car.

4. Teaching my dog to sit and stay in the back seat teaches him to be calm in the car.

If your dog barks in the car, pants heavily, paces or cries, then teaching him to stay in the back is especially important.

How to keep your dog on the back seat

The answer to this problem is actually very easy:

Never allow your dog to enter or exit through the front doors or the car.

If you are a dog, you get in and out of my car through the back doors. No exceptions.

With this rule in place, the dog learns that the back doors of the car are his access to getting out and enjoying somewhere fun.

The dog will learn to wait at the back door of the car if he wants to get out and come along. Therefore he will have no reason to climb into the front seat while I am driving or while he waits in the car.

Teaching the dog to stay in the back seat takes consistency and many repetitions over a matter of days, weeks or months, but it is possible to train any dog to stay in the back.

When I go into a restaurant or to run errands, I can leave Ace in the car and he takes a nap on the back seat.

Here are some additional tips for teaching the dog to stay on the back seat:

1. Reward your dog with treats or rawhide chews when he’s staying in the back.

2. When you get somewhere “fun,” park so the back of your car is facing the direction you will be walking. That way the dog will stay in the back and look out the back window. There will be no reason to climb into the front.

3. If the dog tries to climb into the front while you are in the car, don’t allow it. Push him back.

4. If your dog climbs into the front seat when you get out of the car, walk to the back door, open it and call your dog. Reward him when he’s in the back. Never let him out the front door even if it’s to return him to the back.

5. Don’t get into the car until your dog is on the back seat. This teaches the dog that the door will not open unless he is in the back. If he wants your attention, he must get on the back seat and wait there.

6. Work on the sit stay command so your dog respects it in all situations.

Dog car barrier

An easy way to keep the dog in the back of the car is to buy a special barrier. There are dozens of varieties of dog car gates to choose from. Some are metal. Some are mesh. They all serve the same purpose.

If you are having trouble keeping your dog in the back of the car, then I recommend a dog car barrier. You could always use this until your dog understands the rules and then give it to someone else or sell it.

It’s much easier to train a puppy to stay in the back compared to an adult dog used to riding shotgun. It’s also harder to keep a dog in the back if you drive a small car with only two doors. In these cases, a dog car barrier might be the answer.

Where does your dog sit in the car?

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One of the easiest ways to make an emergency slip lead is to loop the handle of the leash through itself and put it around the dog’s neck. The “clip” end of the leash will already be attached to the dog’s collar like normal.

This trick has come in handy more than once while I’ve been out with my mutt Ace and need extra control.

Just make sure your new slip lead is high on the dog’s neck and above his regular collar as Ace models in the photo. If it’s on the thick, low part of the dog’s neck it won’t do any good. Softly pulling up on the lead should be enough to control most dogs when they pull or lunge.

Some dogs just should not be walked on a buckle collar or harness. This doesn’t give the owner enough control, and many dogs can slip out of their collars or harnesses.

In addition to working as a training tool, the slip lead works as a safety. If the dog pulls through his harness or collar, the leash will still be attached on the slip-lead end. As long as you don’t drop the leash, you’re good to go!

Making a slip lead works best with thin, nylon leashes, but it works with just about any leash. Of course, you can buy cheap slip leads at many pet supplies stores.

For controlling extra strong pullers or unpredictable dogs, I recommend a pinch collar or a Halti.

What do you use for controlling your dog?

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