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AUGUST 2020 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT | PETS WITH DISABILITIES At the end of very month, we donate a percentage of every sale to an animal advocacy group. This month, we chose to donate to Pets with Disabilities. AUGUST 2020 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: PETS WITH DISABILITIES At the end of very month, we donate a percentage of every sale to an animal advocacy group. This month, we chose to donate to Pets with Disabilities. When Mike and Joyce visited a local shelter to adopt a new family member, they met a vibrant young shepherd, and there was no doubt in their minds - Duke was the dog for them! Then one spring day, the playful young pup suffered a devastating injury when another dog jumped on Duke’s back, severing his spinal cord. After an unsuccessful surgery, Mike and Joyce were told Duke would have no quality of life and were advised to euthanize, but they had made an unconditional commitment to Duke - through sickness and in health. Duke spent 13 years in a wheelchair but was still an energetic, loving dog who slowly became a voice for other dogs in need. Mike and Joyce heard about another dog, Misty, who had spent over five years in a New York shelter. Unwanted by the hundreds of people who passed by her cage, Misty had problems with her hind legs and was in need of a wheelchair. Mike and Joyce traveled to New York and welcomed Misty into their hearts and lives. Through these experiences, Mike and Joyce recognized a great need for a support system for disabled pets, and Pets with Disabilities was born! A labor of love that quickly took on a life of its own, this grassroots nonprofit has evolved into a thriving rescue, rehabilitation refuge, and adoption resource for disabled animals. The Pets with Disabilities Rescue Facility is situated on three wooded acres behind Mike and Joyce’s home. Dogs are housed in a modern barn with climate-controlled 10x10 apartments, plenty of light, and access to the great outdoors - no dog runs here! Mike and Joyce believe in treating animals the way they would like to be treated, and they pride themselves on making sure every dog is safe, stress-free, and comfortable. The mission of Pets with Disabilities is to promote adoption of dogs. Every animal that finds his way to the shelter has special needs that require humane sheltering and specialized veterinary services. They also offer invaluable support, resources, and education for families considering adopting a pet with a disability and families whose pet has unexpectedly become disabled. Serving as a bridge to a better life, Pets with Disabilities helps disabled dogs transition to a new life. Some will be carefully rehomed in with forever families. Some special dogs will spend their lives with Mike and Joyce at the rescue. The animals served by Pets with Disabilities have remarkable spirits, and each dog is hoping for a special "Heart Connection" to support their care. Reading their stories will surely bring a smile to your face! Mike and Joyce invite you to be a part of the extraordinary effort to open hearts and change attitudes. We hope you will join 4Knines in supporting the important work of Pets with Disabilities.
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Is Your Yard Dog-Ready for the Spring? By Dorothy Wills-Raftery Spring has sprung in the northern hemisphere, and we’ve all been anxiously waiting for the longer warmer days so we can get back to some outdoor living. But, before your dogs head out into your yard that has been under a long winter of snow and ice, be sure to do a yard check first. Here are 10 tips to ensure your yard is ready for your dog’s warm weather play. 1. Mending Fences The snow is gone, and pups are anxious to get out and have zoomies in the new grass. Before letting your dogs out for a springtime romp, do a perimeter check to be sure there are no breaks or holes in the fencing, and that any gates to the yard are secure. Now is the time to mend all fences and secure gates. Until this is done, be sure your dog is in a good harness and on a leash as you police the yard. Did You Know? 4Knines has a harness with a handle that serves a dual purpose. The no-pull, no-choke design with reflective straps can secure them in the car and work as an everyday harness. 4Knines also has a six-foot heavy-duty slip lead dog leash that comes in three colors. And, as always, 4Knines donates to multiple animal advocacy groups, as well as groups that help veterans with service dogs. 2. Down on All Paws A good tip is to hunker down to your dog’s level and check out all the places s/he can go to avoid injury, escape, or illness. You can discover escape holes, broken lattice under decks, new beehives, gas cans, antifreeze containers, chlorine, bug repellants, leftover winter debris in yard, etc. This is also the time of year folks set up their barbeque grills and put out citronella candles and yard torches. To keep your dog from getting burned, be sure they cannot access any of these whether walking around, or when they jump up. 3. Please, No Flower Power While flowers, trees, and plants make for a beautiful yard, there are plenty that can be toxic to your dog (and many to cats and horses, too), and a few may surprise you. Some common yard plants that are toxic include: aloe, apple, azalea, black walnut, burning bush, chrysanthemum, daffodil, daisy, foxglove, hyacinth, iris, lavender, geraniums, orange, parsley, tulips, yews, and many more. Check the ASPCA’s Plants Toxic to Dogs List (and they also have a list of non-toxic plants for reference). 4. Just Say No to Cocoa Mulch I wrote about this little culprit over a decade ago, and while it smells like chocolate, there is nothing sweet about it if ingested by dogs. According to the National Control Poison Center, “Cocoa bean mulch contains theobromine and caffeine, just like chocolate. These chemicals are poisonous to dogs. Dogs who swallow cocoa bean mulch could have vomiting, diarrhea, a very fast heart rate, tremors, and seizures. Death is uncommon, but has happened. It's impossible to tell how much cocoa bean mulch might be poisonous.” Bottom line: just don’t use it. 5. Don’t Bug My Dog Spring is also the time for bugs and pest control. We know that not only can toxins be ingested by dogs, but they also absorb it in through their paws, and because they are always sniffing, they can inhale odors. Before calling in a company, or treating the yard yourself, always ask and read what ingredients are used. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, “Pet owners can minimize the chance of their pet having a problem by following label directions, selecting lower toxicity pesticides, and minimizing the amount of exposure their pet has to the pesticide during and after the application.” Many companies today use natural pet- and eco-friendly ingredients, so ask the questions and do a search online for a company that best serves your needs. 6. Keep Pools Swimmingly Safe Be sure if you have a pool, that there are steps and/or a way out should your dog fall or climb in. If your dog goes swimming in your family pool, it’s a great idea to teach them how to exit. Here is a good training video from Bark Busters below: Also, be sure any containers of pool chemicals are kept safely locked away, out of your dog’s reach. Looking for a safe alternative? Fill up some kiddie pools with clean cool water for them to splash in—they can easily get in and out by themselves, and no chemicals! 7. Working Up A Thirst Periodically throughout the day, check that your dog’s water dish/bowl is clean and filled with fresh, cool water. What kind of dog dish should you use? Stainless steel is the most recommended. Check out the Stainless Steel Dog Bowl with Non-Slip / No-Spill Design by 4Knines. 8. Keep it Au Natural ‘Tis the season for fleas and ticks. To help reduce your dog’s chances of being bugged by these nasty and disease-bearing critters, there are flea and tick repellants. Some of the chemical types can cause seizures in some dogs, but there are now some really good natural ones. Check with your vet for what would be best for your dog. 9. Help Me Get Home In the event your dog somehow manages to escape your yard, be sure their microchip and ID tags re up-to-date. This includes having all your current info listed with both your microchip company and your vet’s office. 10. ICE is Nice! ICE – or “In Case of Emergency” is the acronym to put before your emergency contact listed in your cell phone. If you should find yourself in an emergency situation, or you can’t make a call yourself, your contacts can be scrolled through to easily locate your emergency person. How to list it? Simple: ICE and the name, such as ICE Mom or ICE Vet. Happy Anniversary, 4Knines! To celebrate, they are holding a Giveaway! Your possible prizes consist of choosing any spilt cover, a plush blanket, a bowl, or a leash! You can enter here: https://shop4kninefinds.com/pages/10-year-anniversary-giveaway What a great way to celebrate a decade of bringing wonderful dog products to their customers! Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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April 2023 Charity Spotlight Rescue Rebels Rescue the mistreated. Save the injured. Love the abandoned. Cash 4 Canines was founded in 2015 by Jennifer Martin Sorrentino with a goal of helping other rescues raise funds. In 2016, Jennifer and her team decided to become a full-fledged, full-time rescue itself, and Rescue Rebels was born. Rescue Rebels has an amazing team of volunteers committed to giving companion animals a "second chance" at life. The animals they rescue may have been dropped at shelters or surrendered by their owners. In some cases, the rescued animals have been abused and/or neglected. Rescue Rebels’ TLC Transformation Project welcomes medically fragile companion animals, provides funds for the medical care unique to each animal’s needs, and then finds these animals foster homes or "fur" ever homes. 4Knines is honored to share Hannah’s “Tail” – just one of the many remarkable transformations made possible by Rescue Rebels. Hannah has become Rescue Rebels’ cover girl and validates why a little “TLC” makes a huge difference. “In April 2022, Rescue Rebels took on their most extensive TLC Transformation Project rescue to date. Hannah was found by a Good Samaritan on the streets of Orlando, FL. She was in dire straits. Hannah was rushed to Orange County Animal Services, By all accounts, Hannah had given up on life. She was extremely lethargic - just lying in her kennel, not moving or reacting to any stimuli. Rescue Rebels quickly mobilized to find Hannah a foster home. A volunteer picked Hannah up from the shelter and transported her directly to a Rescue Rebels' veterinarian where she was found to be severely dehydrated and anemic, with untreated diabetes and pancreatitis. She also had an open wound to her neck area and was blind due to cataracts. After several days of extensive, in-house veterinary care, Hannah was stable enough to be discharged to her foster family, where her life dramatically changed for the better. Although Hannah was still in a medically fragile state, she knew she was in loving hands. In June 2022, Hannah underwent cataract removal surgery which helped restore her sight so she can see the great big, beautiful world she now lives in. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Rescue Rebels, Hannah is happy and is doing well.” 4Knines loves sharing the inspirational, transformational work of fabulous nonprofits, and we are proud to support the ongoing, lifesaving efforts of Rescue Rebels. Please consider donating to Rescue Rebels so they can continue to help give dogs like Hannah a second chance to live a healthy and happy life! Fosters are always needed as well, and remember… "Fostering isn't a commitment for life... it's a commitment to help save a life"
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Let’s Dish About Your Dog’s Dish By Dorothy Wills-Raftery In today’s market, there are so many different types of dog dishes in a multitude of colors and styles that are so tempting to buy because they look cute. But, did you know that stainless steel is the most recommended and safest type of bowl for your dog? The Pros of Stainless Steel According to Whole Dog Journal, “The easiest type of bowl to keep clean – and…also the safest bowl for your dog to eat and drink from – is stainless steel. This material will not leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your dog’s food and water, like some plastics, aluminum, poorly glazed pottery, or old ceramic dishes.” While we always should be checking any type of dish we get for our beloved pets, stainless steel ones are reportedly safer and easier to keep clean, thus reducing any ill effects for our pet, like getting ill or injured. According to RaiseAGreenDog.com, “Over many years, stainless steel has been proven to be the safest material for making and storing foods. It is durable, sanitary, rust-free, and non-leaching. And the best part is that they can last a lifetime, and save you money!” What About Glass or Plastic? Just Say No. You may be asking what about glass, ceramic, and plastic dishes? Glass dishes, if outside and left on a wooden deck or porch, the glass can heat up to the breaking point. Broken or chipped glass and ceramic bowls can obviously be a hazard to your dog by causing injury. Additionally, the hot sun can filter through the glass ones, similar to a magnifying glass, and cause wood (decks) as well as curtains (indoors) to ignite and possibly cause a fire. As far as plastics go, aside from possibly harboring potentially dangerous chemicals (even if it is BPA-free), it is a very porous material, meaning it becomes a good breeding ground for germs and mold. Plastic dishes and bowls also can be easily scratched or chewed by a dog, which is also an invitation for nasty bacteria, not to mention broken pieces being a hazard if ingested by your pup, and some chemicals can even harm your pet if simply inhaled. Time to Do The (Dog) Dishes No matter what type of dish or bowl you choose for your dog’s food and water—and stainless steel is the top-recommended style of dish—cleaning is key. States Whole Dog Journal, “While the canine digestive system is capable of neutralizing virulent bacteria when a dog is healthy, when a dog’s immune system is compromised, that bacteria can overwhelm his defenses and make him one sick pup.” Always be sure to wash and sterilize your dog’s bowls on a regular basis to avoid germs and bacteria from taking control and thereby posing a health threat should it be ingested by your dog. Especially watch out for the creases as bacteria love those hideaway spots. And Just How Often Should They Be Cleaned? They should be “scrubbed and air-dried at least a couple times a week – which means you should have more than one of them, to rotate in and out of use,” according to Whole Dog Journal. And don’t forget to change out the water often, keeping only fresh and clean water in a freshly cleaned dish. Did You Know…? 4Knines has an amazing stainless steel dog dish! Here are a few good reasons for choosing one for your pet: Durable: This heavy-duty, food-grade, double-walled stainless steel bowl is built to last a lifetime. Non-slip /No-spill: Bottom rubber ring keeps the bowl in place and floor free from spills and scratches. Large capacity: Holds 64 oz /8 cups of food or water. High-grade materials: Made with 18/8 stainless steel that is non-toxic, rust resistant, and easy to sanitize. Comes in five colors: black, blue, stainless, pink, and purple. A percentage of sales is donated to animal advocacy groups. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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March 13 is K9 Veterans Day: Honoring Our Military Working Dogs By Dorothy Wills-Raftery “When we pause to remember our heroes, let us also remember our heroes with paws.” ~ Barbara Snow, Executive Director, U.S. War Dogs Association Chapter 2, Bronson, Florida K9 Veterans Day is observed annually on March 13th, and according to Military.com it is a day “to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history.” The idea for this day of honor originally came about when a retired military working dog trainer named Joseph Wright believed there should be recognition for dogs who serve in military, law enforcement and other capacities. “There are currently more than 1,600 dogs deployed on active duty today,” states the American-Humane. “Military working dogs have been an integral part of service in the United States since the nation’s founding.” Why is K9 Veterans Day on March 13th? According to the United States Army, in “January 1942, members of the American Kennel Club and other dog lovers formed a civilian organization in January of 1942 called Dogs for Defense” with the intention of training canines to perform sentry duty for the Army along the U.S. coast and at supply depots. Approval was given for an experimental program, and on March 13, 1942, the Army’s K-9 Corps was born. What are the Military Working Dog (MWD) Breeds? While the Belgium Malinois and German Shepherd are often the most recognized MWDs, other breeds were instrumental throughout history as well. According to History.com, "The K-9 Corps initially accepted over 30 breeds of dogs, but the list was soon narrowed to seven: German Shepherds, Belgian sheep dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Collies, Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, and Eskimo dogs....After basic obedience training, they were sent through one of four specialized programs to prepare them for work as sentry dogs, scout or patrol dogs, messenger dogs or mine-detection dogs.” And while we do not often think of northern breed dogs like the Siberian Husky and their cousin the Alaskan Malamute as MWDs, during WWII, they were among the brave K9s who were able to get through rough and snowy regions as pack and/or sled dogs. A Siberian Husky named “Buck” was a War Dog Ambassador for many years, having traveled alongside his partner—dog scout handler and Vietnam veteran, Johnny Mayo. Buck is the subject of Mayo’s book, Buck’s Heroes. Where are MWDs From and Trained? According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) it finds “canine recruits from breeders around the world, but a select group, about 13%, are born and bred into the U.S. Military through the DOD Military Working Dog Breeding Program. These puppies, Belgium Malinois, come from one place—the 341st Training Squadron at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. At the age of one, these dogs are then “evaluated Military Working Dog Program.” Where do MWDs Work? The MWDs are highly trained dogs that work in many aspects of duty in protection across the globe. Dogs not only works for the military, but also in other law enforcement positions as well. Working dogs perform important duties as police K9s and fire department accelerant-sniffing arson dogs, while others are trained for border patrol, tracking, explosive detection, Search and Rescue (SAR), as well as being certified as service and therapy dogs, and much more. “Since World War I, tens of thousands of dogs have served in the United States Armed Forces alongside their handlers in K-9 units.” ~The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation/US War Dogs Memorial Naming A Few Heroic K9 Military Veterans There are many incredible stories of K9 MWD heroes and their brave actions have been documented online, in articles, books, and movies. Here are just three of the heroic and historic K9s to remember on this K9 Veterans Day: 🐾 Sergeant Stubby – “Stubby” was a Pit Bull mixed-breed stray dog from New Haven, Connecticut that some say was the first unofficial service dog of the United States. He had been adopted by the 102nd Infantry, 26th “Yankee” Division not only as their mascot, but as “a comrade-in-arms for the doughboys of World War I.” He accompanied them to France in 1917, and according to SergeantStubbySalutes.org, “He barked warnings of incoming shells and gas attacks. He was a morale booster, whether in the trenches or, after being wounded during battle, while recovering in a military field hospital.” It is also noted that “He and his inseparable companion, J. Robert Conroy…earned three service stripes after 18 months of active duty.” On Christmas Day 1918, Sergeant Stubby met President Woodrow Wilson, who shook his paw, and was officially received in the White House by two other Presidents. Stubby is part of the WWI display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. 🐾 Chips - When WWII broke out, American families volunteered their pet dogs into the service as part of the K-9 Corps. “Chips,” a Husky/German Shepherd/Collie mix of the Wren Family from Pleasantville, New York, was the first dog to ship overseas as a Military Working Dog in WWII. Overseas, he trained as a sentry dog and assigned to a military police platoon where he traveled throughout Europe, and saw fighting in Africa and Sicily. Chips served in eight campaigns, including “Operation Husky.” He was lauded for his bravery in newspapers. While wounded, Chips bravely rushed in to fight enemy troops, until they surrendered. Chips even met General Eisenhower, who reportedly thanked him for his service. He was eventually retired and returned to his family in New York. Chips was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for canine bravery. There has been a book, comic strip, and movie about this brave dog. 🐾 Cairo – Cairo, a Belgian Malinois who became a famous 21st Century Navy SEAL MWD. He was partnered with SEAL Team Operator and military dog handler, Will Chesney. In 2009, he was on a mission when he suffered life-threatening injuries after a firefight, which required immediate veterinary care. Then, after recovering and rehabilitating from his injuries, he rejoined his handler in 2011, when they embarked upon a secret (now well-known) mission where he rode with his handler Chesney and other SEALS in a Black Hawk helicopter and went on to help capture an enemy leader that made him a world-famous K9 hero. Chesney went on to write a book about Cairo called No Ordinary Dog. Did You Know…? U.S. War Dog Association Educates and Supports MWDs The U.S. War Dog Association’s mission “To provide a lifetime of support of Military Working Dogs and promote the distinguished history of their invaluable service.” This mission includes sending care packages to K9 teams currently deployed, providing equipment for MWDs, recognizing retiring MWDs, facilitating healthcare and prescription programs for MWDs, and much more. For more info, visit: USWarDogs.org, Dogs for Defense Conduct MWD Presentations The K9 educational organization, Dogs for Defense, “Present programs on the history of MWDs, dog safety, bite prevention, and Service Dogs to organizations, clubs, schools, and businesses.” For more information on these services/presentations, visit DFDK9.com. American-Humane Supports K9 & Human Veterans The American-Humane “is proud to recognize the heroic contributions of these brave animals on National K9 Veterans Day, and every day.” This organization has offered support for over 100 years. They proudly champion efforts “to support military heroes at both ends of the leash through its Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs. The center helps reunite retired military dogs with their former handlers, provide veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress with lifesaving service dogs, arranges free veterinary care for retired four-legged service members, and drives legislation that supports military dogs and their human counterparts. In 2016, American Humane successfully lobbied for a provision to the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would ensure that military dogs are returned to American soil after their retirements.” American-Humane also recognizes and celebrates “ the lifesaving contributions of the brave dogs who support our armed forces on the battlefield” with the American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage that… honors military dogs who demonstrated exceptional valor in serving our country.” For more info, and to nominate a hero dog, visit AmericanHumane.org. 4knines Donates To A Different Canine Charity Each Month Some featured charities include this month's AZ K9 Heroes, whose mission “is to provide an exceptional quality of life for local K9 Officers and Handlers past, present, and future.” Previous charities in the 4Knines Spotlight include: Irondog K9 International, whose mission is "Striving to equip, protect, and train law enforcement K9 teams;" also the Retired Police Canine Foundation and Pilot N Paws, to name just a few. Read more about these important charities 4Knines donates to here: https://shop4kninefinds.com/blogs/4knines-blog-home-page. THANK YOU to all our American K9 heroes and their handlers – past, present, and future. We are grateful for your service. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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March 2023 Charity Spotlight AZ K9 Heroes The mission of AZ K9 Heroes is to provide an exceptional quality of life for local K9 Officers and handlers past, present, and future. AZ K9 Heroes was founded by Barbara Bridges in 2016 after hearing about police dogs injured in the line of duty and learning about budgetary challenges facing local law enforcement. With an amazing team of regular and part-time volunteers, AZ K9 Heroes is committed to supporting law enforcement K9s and handlers in Southern Arizona. By turning convictions into action, the AZ K9 Heroes team raises money for much-needed equipment and for other needs not covered by departmental budgets. These items include robotics, tugs, balls, harnesses, muzzles, cameras, bite suits and sleeves, cooling armor vests, first aid kits, canine oxygen masks, bulletproof vests, and other tactical gear. A main goal of AZ K9 Heroes is to cover medical expenses for retired K9s who receive no form of retirement benefits once they are no longer able to serve. AZ K9 Heroes believes this is the least they can do for retired K9 Officers who dedicated their lives to protect their handlers and their communities from crime. To this end, AZ K9 Heroes helps pay for pet insurance premiums to cover veterinary care for K9 Officers. At a cost of $1200 per year for each dog, much help is needed! With a low overhead and generous community support, 100% of all donations made to AZ K9 Heroes benefit local K9 Officers and handlers. 4Knines is a strong advocate for giving back to organizations who are serving the animal and law enforcement communities, and we hope you will join us in supporting the work of AZ K9 Heroes. There are many ways to help including fundraising, volunteer opportunities, making a purchase from their online store, or making a donation. “AzK9Heroes does a fantastic job in helping law enforcement agencies around our state provide necessary equipment and support for their K9 programs. Budget cuts are never easy when reconciling needs and AzK9Heroes makes up the difference when they can. They do tremendous good with little fanfare.” (Facebook review)
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Where Some See Limitations, RFI Brings Opportunities. RFI (Retrieving Freedom, Inc.) is a non-profit corporation whose mission includes improving the quality of life for wounded veterans, disabled citizens, and children with autism through the placement of skillfully trained service, therapy, and companion dogs. RFI trains Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers to use their natural traits to become a perfect assistance dog. RFI’s service dogs go through a twenty-four month training process tailored to meet the precise needs of the person with whom they will be placed. RFI is not a “one dog for all” type of organization. Nationally, the … Continue reading →
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Going Back to Work? 8 Ways to Help Prepare Your Dogs By Dorothy Wills-Raftery Are you looking at returning to the workforce? Maybe you were out on maternity/paternity leave, or you were working from home for the past few years, or maybe you are just entering the work world outside of your home for the first time. Whatever your reason, if you have dogs, you are probably having some trepidations about leaving them and concerned about how they will get along in your absence. Will they miss you? Will they be sad? Will they be destructive? Can you get someone to walk them? Should you crate or gate them? While part of you may be looking forward to “getting back out there,” there is also a huge concern of how it may affect your dogs who once had all of your attention on a daily basis. As with most things, dogs are smart and catch on quick. And contrary to the old adage, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” we actually can. But it is all in how it is done. To help dogs adjust, it takes—in a word—preparation. Here’s a few tips to help prepare you and your dog adjust to a new schedule that includes you not being home full-time: 1. All Aboard—Getting Everyone on the New Schedule If you know what your new hours will be, do some test runs. If you need to change up their potty breaks, breakfast and dinner times, start doing so. If you work near your residence, maybe you can zip home during your lunch break, and what a terrific way to check on your dog and still take him/her out. If you work too far to visit at noon, see if you can have a family member/friend/neighbor/dog walker come by for the mid-afternoon break and potty run. By initiating the new schedule earlier than needed, it will give you and your dog time to adjust so when you start work, they will be used to the new format. 2. What About Medications? Having a Siberian Husky diagnosed with epilepsy, medication schedules were very important for me to set up and adhere to. If your dog requires specifically timed medications, and they are different than what your new work schedule will be, begin over a period of time adjusting their administration times so it works for their dosage instructions and your new schedule. Sudden medication changes can possibly adversely affect a dog, so be sure to back up/extend the time gradually over a few days to a week so it is not a sudden change for your dog. 3. To Crate or Not to Crate That is always a big question. Naturally, if your dogs are crate trained, then everything will be status quo. If this is something new…try it out. Get them a nice crate pad or dog blanket, too. If your dog has anxiety when crated, then close off an area for them (baby gates are great for this) and make it their safe area that includes a nice bed, a few of their favorite toys, and always fresh water. If your dog is fine with the run of the house, then that’s cool, too. You can treat them to a nice new comfy blanket for their favorite spot, whether it be on the sofa, bed, or floor! 4. Peek-a-Boo, I See You! A great peace of mind for a dog parent who is looking at now working outside of the home is to install a video camera, whether separate or through your home’s alarm system. There are also some that are two-way, meaning you can not only see your dog in your home, but also talk to them through the video/alarm system app. (There’s one where you can even dispense treats!) Some dogs, however, may get overexcited at hearing their person’s voice, and that could be confusing or upsetting. We all know our own dogs, so use your best judgement. If your dog does get overexcited, it may be best to just silently peep in on them. 5. Visit the Vet A good idea is to have your veterinarian check out your dog before such a big change is initiated. It’s good to be sure there are no underlying health issues that could be exacerbated by them being left home. Also, if your dog has anxiety issues, they may suggest natural calming supplements, pheromone spray or diffuser, and/or prescription medications to help keep your dog stress-free and calm. 6. Busy Toys Make Happy Dogs Whether you crate or have your dog free roam, having busy toys available can chase away boredom and stimulate their mind. Puzzle toys with hidden treats and chew toys (a great tip is to fill a rubber one that you can pack with treats or fill it with natural no-salt added creamy peanut butter and freeze it before giving it to them. This will happily keep them occupied for a while). *Caution: Never leave your dog alone with toys or chew bones that could pose a choking hazard. 7. Safety Stickers If you do not have these already, now is a great time to get some Pet Safety Stickers to put on the windows and doors to your residence where your pets stay. These stickers can alert emergency personnel arriving at your home that there are dogs and/or cats inside your home, along with a place for a contact phone number. The ASPCA offers a FREE Pet Safety Pack that includes the decals, as well as an Animal Poison Control Center magnet. To obtain the free kit, simply visit the site and complete their request form. 8. Who’s a Good Doggy?! When you do return home, no matter how tired you may feel, remember your dog has been waiting all day for you. And as much as you missed them, they missed you even more! Please take a few minutes to give your dog praise and hugs—positive reinforcement for being such a good dog! Grab their leashes, and take them out on a nice walk, or let them out in the yard and engage them in some fun play. Something as simple as tossing a ball and playing Fetch can make them look forward to your return even more each day! Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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February 2023 Charity Spotlight Soul Dog Rescue Saving Lives in the Four Corners Region Since 2010, Soul Dog Rescue has worked to save animals from suffering and mistreatment due to the overpopulation and general lack of resources in the of the Four Corners tribal land regions of Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. With a proactive approach, Soul Dog Rescue's goal is to eliminate unwanted litters of puppies and kittens being born at staggering numbers. Soul Dog Rescue emphasizes the importance of spaying, neutering, and vaccinating. With a firm belief no animal should be denied access to basic veterinary care, Soul Dog Rescue’s top priority is to provide free and donation-based services on the Ute Mountain, Navajo, and Hopi lands. Traveling to rural, remote communities on Native American reservations, where spaying and neutering typically only happens if affordable (free) and convenient, Soul Dog Rescue works with volunteer veterinarians to provide spaying and neutering services at no cost to the public. As with all nonprofits, Soul Dog Rescue relies on donations to defray the costs associated with medications, supplies, and operating costs for clinics. The mission of Soul Dog Rescue is to “perform collaborative, targeted work, primarily through spay/neuter, in underserved regions in order to create sustainable change and promote cultural shifts regarding the treatment of companion animals.” Soul Dog Rescue is a small, grassroots organization comprised of a handful of people working their tails off to move mountains for these animals. Their efforts are making a huge difference in the regions served. In 2018, Soul Dog Rescue purchased and opened the Soul Dog Rescue Adoption Center and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic in Fort Lupton, Colorado. The building required several thousand dollars of upgrades and improvements and is still a work in progress, but the center is fully functional and home to several hundred cats and dogs at a time. The clinic provides low-cost services to both the general public and other rescue organizations. 4Knines is passionate about supporting animal advocacy groups making a difference in the world. Along with our monthly spotlight articles, we also make monetary and product donations to nonprofits doing extraordinary work. We invite you to join us in contributing to the mission of Soul Dog Rescue by doing one of the following: Adopt: Welcome a new furry friend into your family. You are not only giving a pet a loving home, but you are giving them a second chance at a new life. Volunteer: Volunteers support every area of their work. You will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals in our care. Foster: Open your heart and your home to a temporary addition. As an integral part of the organization, you will allow animals to flourish in a loving home. Donate: The need is constant. Please consider donating to support the efforts of Soul Dog Rescue to help the animals. Gifts from supporters like you are their primary source of revenue.
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January 2023 Charity Spotlight Irondog K9 International STRIVING TO EQUIP, PROTECT, AND TRAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT K9 TEAMS Crime is ever-changing. Law enforcement K9 teams must also change with the times to effectively protect our communities. Unfortunately, the financial budgets of K9 departments are often extremely limited. As a result, handlers and their K9s may lack advanced training and exposure to potential threats, lack the proper equipment needed to best perform their duties, and, even worse, lack funding for premier veterinarian care in the event of sustained injuries. Because of this, K9 lives are sometimes lost. Irondog K9 International was established by Charlie Nash in 2015 to provide education, to supply much needed equipment, and to subsidize work-related veterinarian bills. Since its inception, Irondog K9 International has enabled advanced training to numerous law enforcement K9 teams around the U.S. In addition, they have supplied handling and training gear, issued human grade canine first aid kits, and funded medical bills for injured K9s serving and protecting your neighborhoods. Irondog K9 International is currently helping raise funds for K9 Huk, who was seriously injured in July 2022 while helping to apprehend suspects involved in a vehicle pursuit with police. Irondog K9 International has funded nearly $18,000 for his medical care, and additional care is still needed, including at least one additional surgery and rehab. K9 Huk had previously assisted in the capture of a criminal suspected in the shooting death of a Nassau County Deputy in 2021. In October 2022, K9 Huk was awarded a Medal of Honor for his Heroic Act of Courage. At the ceremony, K9 Huk was in great spirits - a testimony to the amazing love and care he is receiving. Law enforcement K9s' lives are at risk every day as they search for drugs, money and explosives, locate missing people, find crime scene evidence, apprehend suspects, and protect their handlers. Take a look at the Irondog K9 International website to meet K9 Chance and K9 Weblo - heroes who were also injured in the line of duty - and to learn more about what this organization does to provide for countless K9 teams and bring them safely home to their families. Irondog K9 International never wants to say "no" when it comes to giving them the best care possible. 4Knines wants to support their efforts by making a donation and by featuring their work in this month’s Charity Spotlight. With your tax-deductible donation or with a purchase from the Irondog K9 International shop, you will help to equip K9 officers across the country.
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Road Trippin’ With Your Dog By Dorothy Wills-Raftery Now that the holidays have passed, are you looking for something to do with your furry best friend until the longer lighter days of spring and summer come? How about some road trippin’ adventures? Any time of the year is a good time for a drive, and I think dogs love car rides even more than us humans! But before you load up your dogs, here’s some tips to make that trip a successful one: 1. Are Your Dogs Travel Ready? First up, be sure your dogs are healthy and fit to travel. Also be sure your dogs’ vaccines, microchips, and tags are all up to date. A call to your vet and/or having a vet checkup is advised before heading out and hitting the road. 2. Where to? Is it Dog-Friendly? Pre-trip planning includes reviewing the location you want to visit. While there, where is it you’d like to go? Whether you are planning on hitting the hiking trails, visiting eateries, going shopping, or just hiding out in a zen B&B or hotel/motel room, always do your research and be sure the places welcome dogs. A few great online sites to check out for dog-friendly travel destinations are: BringFido ➜ Big Dog Travel Vlog ➜ DogsLuvUsAndWeLuvThem ➜ Doggone Destinations ➜ Go Pet-Friendly ➜ Year of the Monkey Pet Travel Guide ➜ 3. Safety Check: Is Your Vehicle Dog-Ready to Go? After giving your vehicle a pre-trip inspection, also be sure it is dog ready. Do you have a travel bed? A safety crate and/or seat belt harness? How about a car seat cover? If your dog is new to car travel, do a practice run to be sure there are no issues, such as anxiety or car sickness, and if so, address it with your vet beforehand. Another great idea is to create Pet ID Cards that include their photo, address, your cell phone number, vet contact info, and any distinguishing marks, special needs, and medications and keep the ID Cards in the glovebox along with your car papers. 4. Put a Pin in That Map! When you are ready to go, check your map for routes along the way to your destination to see where the nearest top-rated veterinarian and ER facilities, as well as dog-friendly hotels/motels, restaurants, and rest stops so they can stretch their legs and have potty breaks. 5. Go Ahead and Pack That Suitcase! Be sure to pack a bag for your dog! Key items to include are a Pet First Aid kit (and any medications and supplements they need), your dog’s medical/vaccine records, dog food, treats, portable dishes, water*, favorite toys and puzzles, bed, poop bags, leash, and harness. If you use a traditional camera, don’t forget to bring it. And don’t forget your smart phone charger so it is always at the ready in case of an emergency and for some great pictures if that’s what you use for photos and videos! *Depending on where you are going, sometimes a change in water can cause GI upset. Best to bring water from home or pack bottled water. Keep in mind to keep your car on the cool side for your dog, and please, never leave your dog in a warm car, even for “just a few minutes.” Cars heat up fast and can cause a serious health issue and can be fatal for your beloved dog. For that trip, check out a great choice of seat belts, safety harnesses, crate mats & travel beds, seat covers, and dog beds, check out some great 4Knines items! Now that you and your dog are all ready for that road trip, have fun! There’s nothing more joyful than spending some quality adventure time with your dog. And, remember, your special times spent today will be your precious memories tomorrow. Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author. Her canine books include EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle (ArcticHouse Publishing). Her internationally top blogsite is FiveSibes™ , based on her five Siberian Huskies, and includes an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed. Her work has also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul & Rosie the Riveter book series, Woman’s World Magazine, AmericanPet Magazine, American Dog Media, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy has been awarded the prestigious Maxwell Medallion by the Dog Writers of America Association for “Excellence” for her writing, photography, and fiction. Her book EPIc Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and the NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. She was named “Best Author” by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four of her books were named “Best in Print” by AmericanPet Magazine. An official International Purple Day® for (K9) Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy partnered with the nonprofit Purple Day® Every Day presented by The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for her #Paws4Purple initiative, and she created the #FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K9 Epilepsy Online Resource Library—all inspired by her epileptic Siberian Husky, Gibson, in order to help other Epi-dog families find accurate information to help their Epi-dogs. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes stories on the FiveSibes™ blog and on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, and on Twitter and Instagram (@FiveSibesMom).
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December 2022 Charity Spotlight Summit Assistance Dogs Summit Assistance Dogs was founded in 2000 by Sue Meinzinger to help meet the overwhelming demand for skilled service dogs. A graduate of the Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, CA, Sue worked with a Golden Retriever named Eddy. When a minor health issue prevented Eddy from completing the service dog program, Sue adopted her, and together they founded Summit Assistance Dogs. Eddy served as Summit’s chief ambassador and demonstration dog until the fall of 2013, when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The mission of Summit Assistance Dogs is to create life-changing partnerships by providing highly-skilled mobility service dogs for people living with disabilities in the Pacific Northwest. More than 55 million Americans live with various disabilities, but the national average wait time to receive a service dog is two to five years. Sue and her team are committed to reducing wait times for their applicants. The Summit Assistance Dogs team believes all people and animals deserve to reach their highest potential, and this is often best achieved in partnership with one another. They envision a day when every qualified applicant will be able to receive a life-changing service dog within one year of applying. By assisting with tasks such as retrieving items, opening and closing doors, and turning switches on and off, well-trained assistance dogs help their partners live with greater independence and confidence. These beloved companions also help diminish depression, anxiety, and loneliness. These testimonials demonstrate the difference Summit Assistance Dogs is making in the lives of people living with disabilities. Taysen and Jackson (From Taysen's Mom) As a mom, it was great to see how Jackson has been as an ice breaker for Taysen, especially when Taysen was younger. Sometimes children were afraid of him since he used a wheelchair, and they wouldn’t approach him. When Jackson was with us, everyone wanted to say hello to him and pet him, which led to conversations with Taysen. This allowed people to see that Taysen was a typical kid, who just used a wheelchair. Eric and Titus Titus is so friendly and warm that his presence breaks down barriers, opening the door to much appreciated normalcy in a life overshadowed by awkwardness and disability. I am so incredibly grateful to have Titus and can’t imagine living without him. He is quite literally the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I have the great people at Summit to thank for that! Karen and Narnia Narnia has shown me that trust is what allows us to give ourselves freely to each other. She’s eager to take on tasks too hard or risky for me, as she accompanies me everywhere. Though neither of us is perfect, together we make each other whole. Narnia has also given me a new purpose. 4Knines strives to make a difference in the dog (and human) world by supporting excellent nonprofits like Summit Assistance Dogs with monetary and product donations. We also shine a light on the work of various animal advocacy groups with our monthly spotlight articles. We hope you will consider supporting the work of Summit Assistance Dogs as well. There are lots of ways to help!
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