A Hunger for Words

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October 31, 2023

Christina Hunger Gives Stella a Voice

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely said to yourself (more than once), “I wish my dog could just tell me what she wants!” Well, if you’re serious and don’t mind committing some time and effort, your wish could actually come true. All thanks to the pioneering work of Christina Hunger and her adorable chocolate-colored dog Stella—the world’s first “talking” dog.

Known as the founder of the Talking Dog Movement, Christina Hunger is a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog Stella—who she adopted in early 2018—to “talk” using buttons. These buttons are augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)/augmentative interspecies communication (AIC) devices, often used by children with language delays to communicate nonverbally. Inspired by her passion for using technology and other adaptive equipment to help people communicate when speaking is difficult, as well as her desire for Stella to be understood, Christina set out to see what would happen if she provided Stella with a way to say the words she was hearing and understanding. A few shared videos to her blog, demonstrating her training process and Stella’s progress, went viral and made international headlines. In 2019, a media frenzy ensued that catapulted Christina, Stella, and the concept of teaching dogs to “talk” into homes around the world.

How It Started

As a college student, Christina was looking for a career that would combine her interest in healthcare with her passion for education. At the recommendation of a friend, she took an introductory class, part of the Communication Sciences and Disorders major curriculum, and fell in love with the field. She realized that practicing speech-language pathology would give her an opportunity to make an impact on people’s lives—empowering them with their own voice.

Through her work as a speech-language therapist, Christina became passionate advocate of communication boards that displays photos, symbols, or illustrations to help people with limited language skills express themselves. These AAC devices empowered her clients to have a voice and express how they were feeling, it helped reduce their frustration with communication barriers, and it empowered them to make decisions for themselves.

Stella as a puppy — Courtesy hungerforwords.com

Puppy Love

In 2018, Christina brought home her puppy Stella, a Cataula and Blue Heeler Australian Cattle Dog mix. Like all pet parents, Christina’s race was on to navigate her care schedule, teach her the basics like where to potty, when to eat, what not to chew, and all the things welcoming a new puppy into your family brings. While Stella’s personality blossomed, Christina noticed that her learning patterns were a lot like those of her clients. She seemed to display the same language milestones as she was learning the language of her new home. This was the “aha” moment that prompted Christina to try a little experiment. She wanted to see if Stella could learn and express language using the same tools she used with her clients. The idea was to see if Stella could learn to associate specific words with a designated button, giving her the opportunity to “talk” to her parents.

Christina began streamlining her communication with Stella, much like she would with a toddler. Instead of speaking to her in sentences like, “Do you want to play?” She would instead, pick up a toy and say “Play?” to Stella. Stella learned quickly and, over time, Christina began to expand on what words she used. To “play,” she added the word “want,” and began asking Stella, “Want play?”

With Stella showing significant progress very quickly, Christina wondered if there were any AAC-type devices available for use with dogs. Surely someone out there thought dogs could communicate this way, right? Well, no. There was very little information available on the topic, much less devices specifically created for dogs. When she couldn’t find a device to suit Stella’s needs, Christina started looking for a way to create something on her own.

Stella with 4 buttons — Courtesy hungerforwords.com

She started with a small set of recordable buttons like the ones she used with her clients. Only a week into Stella settling into her new home, Christina started off with the goal of learning one single button. She wanted a button for “outside” that would let her know when Stella needed to use the bathroom. Every time Christina or her now-husband Jake would walk by the button or offer Stella an opportunity to go outside, they would press the button and say “outside.”

After two painstaking weeks, Stella still would not acknowledge the button, and she certainly wasn’t lifting a paw to push it. Christina wondered if there was something else she could try to pique Stella’s interest. Finally, she noticed that when Stella went over to stand at the door, she was stealing a look at the button for “outside,” then peering up at Christina. It required faith and patience, but in her own time, she was getting it!

Finally, one night Stella stood by the “outside” button, looked at it and looked at Jake. Jake, as usual, looked down at the button and said “Outside?” He watched, stunned, as Stella picked up her paw and pushed the button all by herself. Quickly stirring himself into action, Jake took her outside, where she used the bathroom. He waited a few minutes, let her sniff around some more, and she used the bathroom again, then turned to go back inside. This was a real breakthrough!

And clearly, it was a breakthrough in Stella’s cognitive development, too, as her ability to learn new words and increase her vocabulary took off quickly. Very soon, Stella was adding words, using her buttons to express at least one new word concept a day without much prompting. And Stella left no doubt that she was truly learning—she used the buttons exactly as intended, to express her desire for something, pushing the correct button to ask for it. As Stella started using her buttons consistently, Christina added more words. The words she added were carefully chosen to help Stella communicate her wants and needs—walk, eat, beach, bye, play and come, for example. “As her vocabulary grew, so did her button board,” Christina says. Four words became eight, eight became twelve, and so on. As her vocabulary grew, so did her button board.

In less than two years, Stella has amassed a working vocabulary of more than 32 words. And, most impressive, she’s learned to combine her words (and her buttons) to convey more complex and specific concepts. Today, her vocabulary is about 50 words and Stella regularly presses several buttons in a row to communicate phrases like “bed want outside” before taking a nap in the sun or “love you come come” before flopping over for a belly rub. It’s an astonishing development, proving that dogs—and likely other pets—have the ability to master new tools to help them genuinely communicate with their owners.

Hunger for Words product shot — Courtesy hungerforwords.com

The Talking Dog Movement Takes Off

Christina didn’t set out to become a media sensation—she simply wanted to communicate and understand Stella on a deeper level. When she began posting videos and information on her blog, she saw no hint of the avalanche of interest in what she was doing that would follow.

To bring accessible tools to pets and their parents, Christina created her company Hunger for Words and developed a set of buttons pet parents could buy and use in their homes. Each product has a guide written by Christina with step-by-step instructions and activities to try at home with your pet.

As the product reach has grown, she has seen dogs of all ages and abilities learn to use the buttons. She relates that what surprises parents of older dogs is that they typically learn how to use the buttons fast, much more quickly than expected. Christina offers that one reason for this may be that they’ve been listening to you for much longer than a new puppy, and so they’re already familiar with your spoken vocabulary.

Stella and Christine with their book — Courtesy hungerforwords.com

How Stella Learned to Talk becomes a New York Times Best Seller

In 2021, when Christina published her first book, How Stella Learned to Talk, it quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. The book is a moving account of Christina’s career journey, an in-depth look at her work with Stella, and the personal and professional growth she experienced along the way. It also reveals the techniques Christina used to teach Stella, broken down into simple stages and actionable steps any dog owner can use to start communicating with their pets.

So what does this communication mean for our relationships with our pets? It’s a game changer! Pet parents want to give their pets not only what they need but also what they want (within reason). And it’s not hard to imagine they want the same for us, if only they knew what we wanted. The possibilities of a relationship based on communication are endless.

Christina says it best when she explains, “Language is often viewed as the last barrier we have between the human and animal worlds. But what happens when that barrier dissolves? We realize that we all think, we all feel, we all have options, we all communicate, and we all want to connect.”

My Karuna: Jamie Lee Curtis Opens Her Heart

By

Alicia Bailey

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July 23, 2023

Jamie Lee Curtis has illuminated our movie, television, and computer screens for more than 40 years—long enough for many fans to feel like she’s a longtime friend. She has that quality, a gift for connection, and it’s apparent both onscreen and off. You may know Curtis from one of her many films that have earned her an Oscar, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA (British Film Academy Award) for Best Supporting Actress, as well as numerous nominations. She’s a versatile actor with an impressive range—whether horror, comedy, action, or drama, Curtis makes you believe. Her relatability and authenticity have made her a favorite of audiences around the world. Curtis is also a hero to women, having been bold enough to smash the notion that women over a certain age are wilting flowers. Curtis instead proves that women are ever growing, super blooms.

But Jamie Lee Curtis holds many other titles, too—wife, mother, sister, LGBTQIA+ advocate, #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book author, who has written 13 books, television/ film/podcast producer, founder of a nonprofit, CEO of Comet Pictures, and Dog Mom to a magical little pup named Runi.

Runi is short for Karuna, the Sanskrit word for compassion. He is an adorable, white floof with melting brown eyes, and he adores his mom. In fact, you will catch him staring at his mom all day long – even if he’s getting belly rubs from someone else.

The Canine Connection

Curtis lights up when she talks about Runi. “He is my complete. I love him so much.” She describes the first small dog she had, Clark the “no-bark” dog, who looked a bit like Runi. Everyone who met the little dog loved him. After Clark’s passing, Jamie and her family welcomed several other dogs, mainly large breeds, into their home. But in 2016, she found herself craving the companionship of another small dog.

With the help of Nancy Sarnoff of Perfect Pet Rescue, Jamie was introduced to a white poodle mix who had been recently rescued from the streets of Los Angeles. Jamie was working at the time, so she was only able to view a photo of him, but she connected with Runi right away. She knew this dog was meant to be with her. In the days leading up to the formal adoption, Jamie called Nancy every day to check in on Runi, get daily photos, and make sure he was doing well.

Once at home, Runi adjusted in his own time. At first, he was quiet and cautious. No barking—much like little no-bark Clark—but Runi soon found his voice and began to reveal his personality, impressive herding skills, and obsession for yellow balls. He also began working with a trainer right away, Jamie points out. “I hired a dog trainer, because I believe it’s important to train your dogs and establish healthy relationships with them.” Working with a trainer helped Runi become the best version of himself. Although he’s an expert leash walker, sometimes he decides to turn into “a bit of brute,” according to Curtis. But, because of his training, Rumi knows to quickly change his behavior when corrected. Like his mom, he ultimately just wants to bring people peace and comfort, and maybe a smile or two.

Who is Runi?

Curiosity about all things Runi prompted Jamie to request a dog DNA test to reveal what breed Runi’s ancestors might have been. Here’s how Runi’s ancestral breed mix breaks down:

■ 25% Chihuahua

■ 25% Shih Tzu

■ 12.5% Miniature Pinscher

■ 12.5% Poodle

■ 24% “Sporting and Companion” breed group

“So, what is interesting about my little Runi is that all those breed reports are kind of correct, but we learned very early on that Runi is a herder—he is ball obsessed. He will chase it, play with it, and herd it. He’s a natural at herding, much like a cattle dog. He is just an incredible companion, and he’s changed our lives.”

Jamie and Runi share a deep bond, and she honors that bond by making sure Runi is living his best life every day. In celebration of Runi’s 6-year adoption anniversary, Jamie shared a message on her Instagram.

“Six years ago, today my life changed. @perfect_pet_rescue introduced me to Runi and my heart opened. We have had many adventures and he came with me to all the shoots of the Halloween movies, and we have had long separations due to work. He is sweet and fierce and funny and feisty and has discovered his voice. He is loved by my friends and family and has my heart. Happy adoption day to this sweet friend. I love, you Karuna!”

A Day in the Life of Runi

A typical day in the life of Runi includes waking up at 4:30 a.m. with his mom. He hops outside for a quick potty break, then retrieves a toy to show his mom. “Runi is a toy guy. So, in the morning, he will go get a toy, show it to me, we have a conversation about it, and then he goes under my desk to wait on me while I do all my morning work.”

Runi walks every day with a dog walker, but when Jamie is home, she prefers to take him on walks herself. After mealtime he’ll grab his favorite toy – a yellow ball from Planet Dog – and get a little play time in. Eventually, he will find his way to the couch and do his signature move. Jamie calls it “The Drop.” She explains, “You’ll be sitting on the couch, and he will come over and do a very specific movement so he can lean his whole weight against you. Ahhh … it’s better than an Oscar, better than any drink or drug I’ve ever taken. The feeling of him leaning against you is priceless.”

Giving Back

Jamie Lee Curtis is an outspoken, compassionate human being who moves people to action and stands up for her beliefs and her people. She believes in small acts of kindness and offering comfort and support to those in need. To steward this belief, she created My Hand in Yours (myhandinyours.com), an online shop featuring items handcrafted by artists and makers. Everything on the site has a pleasing touch, a softness or smoothness, that’s designed to bring comfort when touched. These comfort items are perfect for a loved one, friend, or colleague going through a hard time and as celebration gifts as well. Best of all, My Hand in Yours reports that “100% of every sale goes to the care and treatment of critically ill and injured children at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, so it’s a gift that will keep on giving year-round.”

COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES

Her love for animals resulted in a new offshoot of her nonprofit, My Paw in Yours. This online store is a collection of made-by-hand pieces for dogs and dog lovers. The proceeds from these sales support the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles program that brings service animals into the hospital to comfort and cheer up the hospital’s young patients.

The Little White Dog by Her Side

At the end of our interview, Jamie shared a sneak peek of the cover art of her most recent children’s book, to be released at the beginning of next year. Her 14^th children’s book, Just One More Sleep, is written by Curtis and illustrated by artist Laura Cornell. As she revealed the colorful and playful cover art, I saw it. It was right there on the cover, of course—the little white dog. The one who’s always by her side.

Runi Fun Facts

Runi’s Top 5 Things He Can’t Live Without:

Yellow Ball
Yellow Ball
Fuzzy Beach Ball
Small Animal Toy
Yellow Ball

Runi’s Best Party Trick: Yellow Ball.

Runi’s Greatest Obsession: Mom (and Yellow Ball)

My Paw in Yours Featured Pieces

My Hand in Yours (myhandinyours.com) has a collection we love called My Paw in Yours that features items for pet parents and pet lovers. Some of those items include: a comforting Warm Up Puppy, a beautiful leash and companion bag, artful stainless steel water and food dishes. Like all items available on the site, 100% of every sale goes to the care and treatment of the children at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Visit My Hand in Yours to shop the pet lovers collection and other comfort gifts at: myhandinyours.com and be sure to follow them on Instagram @my_hand_in_yours for news and new product announcements.

Warm Up Puppy ERICA CHAN — Warm Up Puppy
Photo: ERICA CHAN

Dog Leash ERICA CHAN — Dog Leash
Photo: ERICA CHAN

Dog Bowl ERICA CHAN — Dog Bowl
Photo: ERICA CHAN

Does it Hurt? How Pets Communicate Health Concerns

By

Michael Forney, DVM

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January 11, 2024

“If only they could talk to us. I’m sure most of us have had this thought, or even spoken it aloud at some point when trying to figure out if something was bothering our pet. I hear similar sentiments from dog and cat owners weekly when there is concern for illness. It definitely would simplify my job if I could ask Lola where she felt pain, or if I could have Bentley run through a list of all his symptoms. Although dogs, cats, and other animals are incapable of speech, they do possess other methods for communication. As research in animal behavior and medicine has evolved, veterinarians have learned to identify these more subtle communications. Pet owners, as well, can learn to identify signals that may indicate their fur friend is not feeling the best.

One of the biggest concerns for a sick animal that owners have is whether or not their pet is experiencing pain. “Is she hurting?” In some cases, the communication is clear—I touch a swollen limb and the dog yelps. Vocalization is often associated with acute (sudden) pain. This could range from a sharp cry to a whimper. Of course vocalizing does not only indicate pain—it can also be used to communicate fear, stress, excitement, or other feelings—but when combined with touch or lameness, a cry can certainly clue us into the possibility that something hurts.

There are other more subtle signals that dogs and cats display when in pain. Veterinarians use a number of different scales or assessment tools that have been researched and validated as means of detecting pain. One example is a “grimace scale.” A grimace scale evaluates a patient’s facial expression and posture and can help determine if an animal is experiencing pain. These scales were first developed in laboratory settings for mice but now include scales for other species, including rabbits and cats—see the chart, Feline Grimace Scale. When a cat feels pain, several changes occur to its facial expression—ears position further back, eyes are less open, whiskers are more straight (less relaxed), muzzle becomes more tight, and the head tends to droop downward. Using this scale can help determine if a cat is in pain and can be helpful to determine if pain medications are working after surgery or other procedures.

Another scoring system exists for dogs developed by Colorado State University veterinary program. They created a Canine Acute Pain Scale, which also evaluates a number of factors including body position, vocalization, reaction to touch, restlessness, and other behaviors to help assess pain in the acute (sudden) setting. Just like us, when dogs do not feel well, their behavior is going to change. The aforementioned are some cues owners can use to realize their dog may need veterinary care.

Feline Grimace Scale

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Other assessment tools and scales exist and can be found through an online search. Specific examples include the Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS) for orthopedic or soft tissue injuries in dogs, University of Melbourne Pain Scale (UMPS) in dogs, and Colorado State University Acute Pain Scales for cats. Some of the resources even have downloadable apps—see the online feline grimace scale website.

Besides pain, other medical conditions can also result in activity changes. Although a dog or cat may not be intentionally telling their owner something is wrong, the behaviors themselves can communicate a disease process may be occurring. Most owners I see in the clinic are attentive to these changes, which can include increased water intake or urination, accidents in the house in a normally house- or litter-box trained pet, decreased or increased appetite, vomiting, and excessive licking or scratching. Animals will frequently withdraw, become less active or quiet, sometimes hide, or act guarded or irritated when they don’t feel well—just like people! A veterinarian would call all of these “clinical signs” and uses them to pinpoint the underlying malady. Often, additional diagnostics such as lab work, imaging, fecal tests, or infectious disease panels will be needed to determine the actual diagnosis.

Canine Pain Scale

■ Comfortable when resting

■ Happy, content

■ Interested in or curious about surroundings

■ Content to slightly unsettled or restless

■ Distracted easily by surroundings

■ Looks uncomfortable when resting

■ May whimper or cry

■ Droopy ears, worried facial expression (arched eye brows, darting eyes)

■ Reluctant to respond when beckoned

■ Not eager to interact with people or surroundings but will look around to see what is going on

■ Unsettled, crying, groaning

■ Guards or protects wound by altering weight distribution (i.e., limping, shifting body position)

■ May be unwilling to move all or part of body

■ Constantly groaning or screaming when unattended

■ May bite or chew at wound, but unlikely to move

■ Potentially unresponsive to surroundings

■ Difficult to distract from pain

Dr. Michael Forney

Dr. Michael Forney, DVM, is a UC Davis graduate (c/o 2018) working in general practice with special interests in behavior and preventative medicine. VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital is located at 71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA. Visit vcaranchomirage.com*

Cultivating Enrichment

By

Pet Companion Mag

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January 11, 2024

by Miranda Curry

Living Free Animal Sanctuary Shares Tips to Help Enrich Your Pet’s Life

At Living Free Animal Sanctuary, our mission extends far beyond simply providing a safe haven for rescue dogs and cats. We are passionately committed to enhancing the lives of our four-legged residents through a variety of activities designed to stimulate their minds, foster socialization, and promote play.

We aim to empower pet owners by introducing them to innovative forms of enrichment that seamlessly integrate into their daily routines, fostering happier and healthier bonds with their beloved pets. In this article, we delve into the wide array of enrichment activities our sanctuary offers—all of which are available to you, to incorporate into your own pet’s daily routine.

Julia and Nero

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Enrichment For the Dogs of Living Free

Basic Training

Basic training goes beyond tricks—it’s about stimulating a pet’s mind and strengthening their bonds. For instance, leash training promotes good behavior and safe exploration, opening up a whole new world to a dog.

Quartz enjoys agility training LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

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Agility Training

Agility training, a recent addition at Living Free, has been a hit among our dogs. It challenges them mentally and physically, fostering problem-solving skills and teamwork with their caregivers. For high-energy and intelligent dogs like Quartz (left), agility training transformed her to a pup who can navigate the course based on voice commands alone.

Lemming LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

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Socialization

Socialization refers to both human and animal interactions, and it is a cornerstone of all our lives. Socialization is good for a rescue dog’s mental health. Not only that, but companionship and playtime can also increase a rescue dog’s opportunities for adoption. These friendships provide a strong foundation of support and significantly enhance a rescue dog’s overall well-being. Rescue dogs Julia and Nero (left) love their playtime together rolling around in the grass.

LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

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Toys Galore

Toys are essential for the joy and mental stimulation of our animals. Each dog has their favorites: from squeaky toys to chewies, all of them offer happy outlets. Some of our rescue dogs enjoy a spirited game of keep away, while others love playing fetch. Then there’s Lemming (below, center column), who cuddles her growing collection of stuffed animals.

Enrichment for the Cats of Living Free

Catios

Catios, short for “cat patios,” are a paradise for our resident felines. These spacious, outdoor, enclosed areas are designed with cats in mind, featuring sunning rocks, cat trees, climbing branches, and relaxation platforms. Catios offer a unique combination of outdoor exploration and safety, allowing cats to indulge their natural instincts while enjoying fresh air and observing wildlife. Cats have the freedom to come and go from the catio as they please, ensuring they can retreat indoors for a cozy nap after their outdoor adventures.

LIVING FREE ANIMAL SANCTUARY

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Cat Highways

At the Living Free Cattery, “cat highways” consist of elevated shelves on walls, creating an exciting pathway. These serve a dual purpose by boosting cat confidence while providing mental stimulation in an intriguing environment. Cats can hop between shelves, exploring and gaining a unique perspective. And cat highways are easy to install at home.

Socialization

Our Cattery is designed to provide our rescued cats opportunities to connect and form friendships. The cats are grouped within different rooms, with ample space for both social interactions and quiet solitude. Some cats eagerly engage in play and companionship, and others prefer peaceful naps in secluded corners. This flexibility allows each cat to find their comfort zone and build relationships at their own pace.

A Variety of Toys

Cats, like dogs, have their own toy preferences, and at Living Free, we cater to their unique tastes. Our Cattery offers a diverse range of toys to entertain every feline resident. Some enjoy crinkle toys, while others prefer fake mice for stalking and pouncing. Interactive play with caretakers, such as chasing a toy on a string, is also a hit. A particularly inventive addition to our Cattery is the cat treadmill, which, though not universally popular, provides an excellent outlet for exercise for the cats who take to it.

By integrating simple, mindful enrichments into our pets’ daily lives, we can foster deeper connections, promote mental and physical health. The best part? The activities and environments curated at Living Free are not exclusive to our residents: Whether it be through replicating our cat highways or engaging in mindful play with toys, every pet owner has the power to provide a rich, fulfilling life for their furry friends. We invite you to explore, adapt, and embrace these practices, ensuring every pet experiences the joy and stimulation they deserve.

Living Free Animal Sanctuaryis located at 54250 Keen Camp Road, PO Box 5, Mountain Center, CA 92561. To book a tour, visit living-free.org/visit-us. Open by appointment.

Arthritis Relief for the Senior Dog

By

Wendy Rall

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January 11, 2024

Caring for a senior pet requires compassion, patience, and understanding. We may see pets in their golden years moving more slowly and finding it harder to get up after resting. Your best friend may become sensitive to sounds that didn’t bother them in the past. They may do strange things with seemingly no explanation. This is natural, and I believe we can help our pets age gracefully and comfortably. In addition to a healthy diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and veterinary care, various holistic options can comfort and improve your dog’s well-being, especially as they age. This article focuses on the one condition I see my senior patients suffering from the most—arthritis.

Cold Laser Therapy COURTESY RESCUEDTAILS.COM

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The Problem: Arthritis

Arthritis is an extremely common condition in senior dogs. Characterized by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, it can cause discomfort and reduced mobility. Residents of the desert need to be aware that extreme heat can sometimes exacerbate arthritis symptoms in dogs.

Hydrotherapy PHOTOS: COURTESY RESCUEDTAILS.COM

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The Solutions

Cold Laser Therapy. Also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), cold therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and aid in cell growth. This therapy is particularly effective for reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and promoting tissue regeneration. For senior pets struggling with arthritis or mobility issues, cold laser therapy can offer significant relief.

Hydrotherapy. This is the best form of exercise for a dog with arthritis, in my opinion. This low-impact exercise can be incredibly beneficial for dogs with arthritis, as it provides resistance. The buoyancy of water supports the body, allowing for improved mobility and muscle strengthening without putting excessive strain on their joints. Hydrotherapy all of this in a gentle, soothing environment.

Laser Acupoint Therapy COURTESY RESCUEDTAILS.COM

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Laser Acupoint Therapy. Combining the principles of traditional acupuncture with modern technology, laser acupoint therapy targets specific acupuncture points using a low-level laser. This gentle and painless technique helps to balance the body’s energy, providing relief from pain and promoting overall wellness. For senior pets with chronic conditions or those seeking a complementary therapy to conventional treatments, laser acupoint therapy can be a valuable addition to your pup’s care regimen.

Canine Massage Therapy COURTESY RESCUEDTAILS.COM

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Canine Massage Therapy. By working the dogs soft tissues, canine massage can help arthritis and various conditions by improving blood flow, alleviating pain, and relaxing tight muscles. Myofacia release is a technique I employ whenever there are trigger points, muscle spasms, scar tissue or reduced range of motion present. Fascia is one of the most important organs in your pet’s body. It’s an intricate, interconnected web of connective tissue distributed throughout your dog’s body. Applying gentle pressure, I’ll use strokes that consist of sweeps, skin rolling, compression, and friction. I have seen massage therapy heal sprains, improve digestion, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress.

Kinesiology Taping. Kinesiology tape is a stretchable cotton material with a rubbery acrylic adhesive. It is applied on the fur of your dog to provide support and stability to muscles and joints. In senior pets, kinesiology taping can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve posture, and support weakened or injured areas. It may be left on for several days, providing ongoing therapeutic benefits. K-tape is best applied by a certified practitioner.

CBD. CBD is short for cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is not psychoactive and is known for its therapeutic properties. It is a natural aide to treat arthritis as it can reduce inflammation and pain, in addition to numerous benefits.

Joint Supplements. It’s important to use only bioavailable, tincture-formula joint supplements. Tablets and powders are known to have a low absorption rate, and bioavailable products are fully absorbed so there is no waste of the product’s benefit or your investment.

Everyday Exercise. Keeping your dogs moving is very important. I have two 13-year-old rescues of my own, big dogs who move slower these days, but with exercise and treatments they get around just fine. Dogs are just like us—if we don’t stay active, we can get stiff, experience pain, and even risk injury if we don’t stay active.

Holistic senior pet care is a comprehensive approach to enhancing the quality of life for our aging pets. These treatments work in harmony with conventional veterinary care, providing gentle, non-invasive options for managing pain, improving mobility, and increasing overall well-being. As responsible pet owners, embracing these modalities can make a profound difference in nurturing your companions through their senior years.

Wendy Rall is a Certified Canine Therapist/ Hydrotherpist offering canine therapy in home and at the Canine Wellness Center at Barkingham Pet Hotel California in Palm Desert, CA. Find out more at RescuedTails.com or call 951-704-3374.

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Keep Your Dog Calm and Comfortable During Car Rides

By

Pet Companion Mag

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January 11, 2024

by Wyatt Dalton

My three dogs love car rides. To them, getting in the car means going somewhere fun, new, and exciting (like Kahoots!). They expect to hike, explore, play at the beach, and be around other dogs. These trips are now a central part of our relationship.

But it hasn’t always been this way.

Their first car rides as puppies were unsuccessful. The pups were full of anxiety, got violently motion sick, and had … well, accidents. There was a learning curve for both me and the dogs before we came to enjoy riding in the car. Hopefully, reading this article can help you shorten that curve for yourself.

It may take some time for your dog to get comfortable in the car. Many dogs get anxious or sick, while others might simply be uncomfortable. However, with good planning and a few strategies, you can make the car ride enjoyable for everyone.

Why Do Some Dogs Not Do Well On Car Rides?

Looking into the potential reasons that your dog might be uncomfortable in the car is the start of figuring out how to help them learn to love road trips. Here are some of the most common reasons for a dog to be anxious in the car.

All Fear, No Fun: If a dog’s experience with car rides mostly involves negative destinations, such as the vet or grooming salon, they can easily develop a strong anxiety response to being in a car.

Motion Sickness: Some dogs suffer from motion sickness, which can make car rides an uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing experience.

Lack of Exposure: Dogs that aren’t used to car rides might find the experience intimidating. This is why it’s beneficial to introduce dogs to car rides in a gradual, positive manner.

Separation Anxiety: In cases of rescue dogs, they might have a pre-existing association between car rides with being left alone or abandoned.

Before the Car Ride

Mitigating anxiety starts well before your dog hops in the car. This is where good planning and training comes into play. Here are some things you can do before car rides to keep your dog calm and comfortable.

Plan Mealtimes: If you need to feed your dog before getting into the car, schedule mealtime for a few hours before. This helps prevent motion sickness.

Exercise Your Dog: A well-exercised dog is a calm dog. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before getting in the car.

Desensitize: Start by spending time with your dog in a parked car with the engine off. Offer treats, pets, and praise, gradually introducing elements such as the noise of the car starting. Over time, you can build up to short rides, ensuring the trips always lead to positive experiences.

Counter-condition Pre-existing Anxiety: If your dog is already anxious about car rides, use reward-based training to gradually acclimate them to riding in the car. Your goal should be to help your dog associate the car with something positive—like treats, play, or comfort.

During the Car Ride

Once you’re on the way to your destination, your job becomes making the ride itself comfortable and the destination a positive experience.

Here are a few suggestions to make the ride as enjoyable as possible:

Take Short, Pleasant Trips: Begin with short car rides to enjoyable destinations like the park or beach. This can help your dog associate car rides with positive experiences, instead of stressful ones like vet visits.

Monitor and Reward Good Behavior: During the car ride, be attentive to your dog. Praise and reward them for good behavior.

Provide Comfort Items: Items that your dog associates with comfort, like a favorite toy or blanket, can go a long way in making them feel secure and at ease during the journey.

Ensure Regular Breaks: For longer trips, make sure your dog has access to fresh water and take regular breaks for them to stretch their legs and relieve themselves.

Wrapping Up

Car rides don’t have to remain a source of anxiety for our dogs if we can create a supportive, healing, positive environment. Changing your dog’s anxiety to excitement is just a matter of taking simple steps to help them feel safer and more comfortable when traveling. Remember, it’s not about forcing our dogs to merely tolerate car rides, but about helping them form positive associations with the car.

Patience, understanding, and consistent reinforcement are key in this process. The ultimate goal is to make every car ride—from short jaunts to the local park to long-distance road trips—a positive and enjoyable experience for your dog. With time and commitment, we can turn our cars from spaces of anxiety to zones of excitement and adventure.

The Training Bond

By

Valerie Masi

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January 9, 2024

As a trainer, I get calls daily from people looking for help training their dogs. I offer different venues to train. A lot of calls are regarding board and train. It sounds so great to drop off your dog and three weeks later you have a perfect dog. The reality is, you have a trained dog and now you need to work with the dog so it will listen to you and not revert to previous bad behaviors. I try to talk people out of it all the time, because training your dog is an incredible experience. It creates a bond between you and your dog that you just can’t forge any other way.

When you and your dog are learning and working together you become very close—you learn how to communicate clearly with each other during the course of obedience training. The regular rewarding of your dog’s good behavior leads to a joyful connection with you, and your dog will soon learn to repeat rewarded behavior. It’s also a positive way to encourage your dog to not repeat behavior that is not rewarded—and with a little patience, your dog will learn the difference. A dog that knows what his owner expects will be calmer and less frustrated in general. Not hearing “No!” shouted on a regular basis will help your dog stay relaxed and free of anxiety.

Outside of formal training, you can make practicing fun by playing training games, like hide and go seek/come game, trick training, and teaching your dog to stay still while grooming. Agility training reinforces strong communication between the two of you and challenges your dog both mentally and physically. Over time, you and your dog will start moving together, in sync, like a beautiful dance.

Each of these training types build trust, security, and love with each session—all the things we and our dogs need to create a bond. My dogs work with me daily, and the relationship we have is so rewarding and strong. They make everything better—the beach, mountains, swimming, and just hanging out with family.

Training improves the overall quality of your dog’s life, because the better behaved they are, the more likely you will be to include them in your activities. And the more likely you’ll be to plan activities specifically for the two of you! Having a dog in your life is proven to have physical health benefits, as well as mental health benefits. So don’t send your dog away for training—find a trainer who will work with you and your dog together. Training together, the two of you will learn to communicate with and rely on each other, solidifying your bond. And there’s nothing more satisfying for a dog owner than that.

Valerie Masi, owner of Best Paw Forward, can be reached at (760) 885-9450 or visit bestpawforwarddogtraining.com

Helping People Keep the Pets They Love

By

Sarah Scorgie

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January 9, 2024

It’s no secret that pets make our lives better— and research is increasingly showing the incredible ways animals enrich our lives. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, the love of a pet can improve our mental health, help lower our blood pressure, get us more active, minimize feelings of isolation and loneliness, and so much more.

All too often, though, loving pet families face obstacles to keeping the animals who mean so much to them—including rising costs and inflation, housing insecurity, illness or other personal crises that prevent them from caring for their pets. That’s why the role of the animal shelter is continuing to evolve to not only shelter homeless pets but also support families so animals can stay with the people who love them.

Jessica is one of the pet owners who contacted San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) this year during a time of crisis. The only thing more devastating to Jessica than losing her housing was the thought of giving up Ash and Itzy, her two most treasured companions. Without a place to live, she thought she would have no choice but to surrender her cats—a heartbreaking prospect.

Thankfully, SDHS was able to enroll her beloved pets in its Safety Net Foster Program while Jessica worked to get back on her feet. After spending three months with temporary foster families, Ash and Itzy were reunited with their guardian and ready for a fresh start in their family’s new home.

Although Jessica’s story had a happy ending, many other community members have found themselves in similar situations with nowhere to turn, and these pet owners often feel as though the only option is to relinquish their animal to a shelter. SDHS is working to change that.

Animals are happiest in homes, and one of the best ways to prevent overcrowding in shelters is to provide resources to pet families who need them. SDHS offers a variety of services to support pets and the people who love them, from help with pet food and supplies, temporary fostering during times of crisis, and access to affordable veterinary care.

They offer a Community Pet Pantry that allows pet guardians to pick up food, cat litter, flea medication, and other essential supplies free of charge.

Through their Community Veterinary Program, they are committed to making veterinary care more affordable and accessible to pet families in need. The program hosts an on-site clinic at their San Diego Campus, as well as mobile clinics that take veterinary services into the neighborhoods that need them most. To keep pets healthy and safe, they also offer low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics at their shelter campuses and spay/neuter assistance.

And because behavioral challenges are among the most common reasons they see animals surrendered to their shelters, SDHS offers the community a wide range of behavior and training resources. In addition to a free Behavior Helpline, they offer dozens of affordable live and on-demand training classes, and a resource library filled with videos and articles that can be accessed by anyone, anytime at sdhumane.org/behavior.

While SDHS will do everything it can to keep pet families together, they also recognize that surrendering an animal is sometimes the only option. And in those cases, the organization is there to shelter and care for pets until those animals are given the opportunity to enrich new families’ lives.

In addition to honoring the way pets improve our lives by protecting the human animal bond, San Diego Humane Society also believes that creating a more humane world means extending compassion to both ends of the leash. Through their services to support families in times of need, they are doing just that. Visit sdhumane.org/services to learn more.

Flea Treats are tasty tablets flavored with REAL LIVER!

By

Pet Companion Mag

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December 29, 2023

Your pets will like them, fleas will not!

The special formulation of B-complex vitamins in FLEA TREATS gradually causes your pet’s skin to emit a powerful repellent, without the unpleasant and potentially harmful effects of insecticides. Neither you nor your pet can smell the repellent, but fleas can. At the same time, you’ll support the health of your pet’s skin and coat.

Purchase online at https://fleatreats.com/

Shop Flea Treats online at https://fleatreats.com/ or scan the QR below!

Sponsored content provided by Flea Treats

Dogs are Good Medicine

By

Janet McAfee

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December 15, 2023

Science has now proven what we animal lovers knew all along. Many scientific studies indicate the companionship of dogs reduces stress, improving our overall mental and physical health. In this time of uncertainty, millions more people could benefit from the relief of anxiety that pets bring.

*Patches and Kenny COURTESY LOVING ALL ANIMALS*»

Dogs help us to stay in the present moment and push out invasive worries from our minds. I have met combat Veterans with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) who were unable to work or venture outside their homes until a specially trained service dog brought them renewed calm and security. Other service dogs are trained to alert their humans when they detect changes in the human body prior to an epileptic seizure.

Heart attack patients who own a cat or dog have a longer survival rate. A National Institutes of Health study found that dog owners have a better one-year survival rate after a heart attack compared to those without dogs. The Centers for Disease Control states that owning a dog or cat can decrease cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

People who walk their dogs daily have a lower rate of obesity and tend to be more physically active. The dog walkers in many communities find companionship with each other. Single dog owners might meet their perfect human match at a dog park.

Child psychologists believe dogs (1) teach children about empathy and (2) give children experience taking care of a living being. They have also been found to help autistic children with socialization. Dogs are brought in to comfort traumatized children when there is an incident of school violence.

Dogs snuggle with seniors who suffer from physical ailments and memory issues in assisted living homes. Visiting therapy dogs may be someone’s only visitor when so many older Americans don’t reside near family members. The entrance of a wagging tail brightens the day, especially when a pup jumps on a resident’s lap and greets them with a kiss.

Coachella Valley resident Kenny Fleiner recently experienced a stressful divorce. His heart broke when his spouse took his two beloved dogs when she moved to a distant state. He wasn’t yet looking for another dog when he spotted Loving All Animals’ rescue dog Patches on nextdoor.com. It sealed the deal when he realized Patches took the same medication as he did for seizures. His new canine best friend eased Kenny’s loneliness, and the home became full of fun activity again. In another curious coincidence, Kenny and Patches are now both seizure free,

Reports Kenny. “Patches changed my life! We go on several walks a day, meeting neighbors and their dogs. We love our car trips to Los Angeles to visit my mom.” Patches’ adventures appear on Kenny’s Facebook page daily.

Thinking about getting a pet or a second one? The grateful hearts of rescue dogs and cats should put them at the top of your list. One easy-to-use website promoting rescue pet adoption is petfinder.com. Simply type in your preferences as to breed, size, gender, and age, along with your zip code, and you will find animals nearby you that need homes.

Contact Loving All Animals in Coachella at (760) 834-7000 or visit lovingallanimals. org to see a variety of dogs, puppies, and kittens available for adoption. If we don’t have your perfect pet, we can direct you to another organization that may be able to help you. The largest Coachella Valley shelter, Riverside County’s Coachella Valley Animal Campus, has many loving canines and felines waiting for homes. Check their website at rcdas.org or visit them at 72-050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

His new canine best friend eased Kenny’s loneliness, and the home became full of fun activity again.

If you have pets, continue to enjoy the hidden health benefits your furry best buddy brings. If you are still “dogless,” now may be the perfect time to open your heart and home to the joy of an adopted rescue pet!

Back at Visits after the Pandemic

By

Richard Waxman

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December 15, 2023

It has been a year now since Pet Therapy visits were once again permitted in our local long-term care facilities, and “Paws & Hearts” has continually been adding Canine Ambassadors to its ever-growing roster of volunteer teams.

Richard Waxman, Executive Director, “Paws & Hearts Animal Assisted Therapy and Terry

Each morning, a different team—made up of one handler and one canine—visits the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional, while teams throughout the valley visit such facilities as Rancho Mirage Healthcare and the Atria Care Centers. Prior to the pandemic, we had 45 teams making regular visits. We are currently rebuilding our group and now have 25 teams making weekly visits.

We are always looking for great pups who would like a job making people feel better! If you are a full-time resident and have the best pup in town that is a minimum of one year old, spayed or neutered, and incredibly friendly with total strangers, this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for the two of you. After a temperament test and some training, you and your therapy-dog- in-training would visit a long-term care facility together each week.

The best way to describe the joy that can be found in these interactions is with a story I heard while training a new volunteer at the Cancer Center.

We came across a woman in the waiting room, and she immediately recognized the volunteer shirts. She told me that a few years ago her husband had been a patient at the Lucy Curci Cancer Center, and he so looked forward to seeing the different therapy dogs every day when he went in for his radiation treatments. She explained that the dogs were important to him, because where they lived they couldn’t have any pets. At this point, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through until she came to pictures of her late husband with the dogs. She remembered the names of the dogs and even the days they visited. What an impact our Canine Ambassadors made on her husband!

Christopher and Chloe at the Lucy Curci Cancer Center»

How I kept from crying right then and there is anyone’s guess. I share this story with you all to help you understand the immeasurable comfort your visiting dog can bring to a patient. If you, the human at the end of the leash, is a very good listener and will let your dog do all the work, we’d love to hear from you!

All the information on becoming a volunteer can be found on our website, www. pawsandhearts.org. There are two training videos we ask you to watch and then give a call prior to submitting a volunteer application for our first interview.

Because of the recent passings of Valerie Zugates and Drew Marefos, there will be no Dog Walk/Fundraiser this year. We are feeling their loss keenly, as we realize we are not prepared for the tremendous amount of work it would take to put this event together without their help. We will, however, be holding our Fall Online Fundraiser once again, and we ask our donors to go to our website, www.pawandhearts.org, click on Donations, and make donations via PayPal.

Please call us at (760) 836-1406 with any questions regarding becoming a volunteer. Our office is located in the Berger Foundation Building, 42-600 Cook Street, Suite 138, Palm Desert, CA 92211.

A Word with FluentPet’s Leo Trottier

By

Alicia Bailey

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December 14, 2023

The Phenomenon of Button Communication

Driven by the desire to understand the complex capabilities of animals and how humans can tap into that potential to deepen our bond with our pets, Leo Trottier developed the FluentPet Talking Buttons system that is now a viral sensation and used by pets all over the world.

Button communication, a form of assistive language technology, gives your pet not only a voice but also a way for them to understand you better, too. By pressing buttons of pre-programmed speech sounds or words, animal learners can share their requests, thoughts, and feelings. With time and patience, learners have been incredibly successful. Some have not only been able to communicate needs and wants, but also seem to relay more abstract concepts such as feelings or time.

For more than a year, Trottier’s team worked on developing the curriculum at FluentPet. Having sold over 100,000 kits, the team is directly engaged with thousands of successful learners who use an online community-generated forum at How.TheyCanTalk.org. The website is dedicated to helping people teach learners to communicate using soundboard augmentative interspecies communication (AIC) devices.

How.TheyCanTalk.org is inspired by the work of Christina Hunger (see cover story on page 32), who demonstrated that it was possible to teach dogs to use a sound board to express their thoughts and needs. Now, from dogs and cats to birds and horses, many animals are learning to talk to the ones they love most by embarking on this unusual but rewarding journey.

Leo Trottier with one of FluentPet’s most prolific “talkers,” Bastian (@bastianandbrews) COURTESY FLUENTPET»

Every participant in button communication is constantly discovering new things about teaching words to dogs, cats, and other species, How.TheyCanTalk.org a place for users to share tips, tricks, and dos and don’ts, all in one space. Currently 3,300 members make up the research forum.

FluentPet’s work with How.TheyCanTalk. org, the research team, and the forum community has helped to distill the company’s knowledge into one official how-to guide.

How did you come to create FluentPet talking buttons?

As a PhD student in cognitive science at UC San Diego, I adopted two cats, and we lived in a small apartment. I noticed how clever they could be and deeply wanted to connect with them. This led to starting a company called CleverPet in 2013. The goal was to develop smart tools that would enable us to understand the animals we live with in new ways while helping to alleviate the boredom they experience.

In the process, with the help of my cofounders, we shipped thousands of CleverPet devices that did, in fact, achieve that goal and which dogs and cats loved. I also learned that not only are dogs and cats able to do things far beyond what most people likely believe, but people want a way to connect and relate to the animals they share their lives with more deeply.

How was Christina Hunger’s work inspirational in the creation of FluentPet?

In 2019, speech language pathologist Christina Hunger showed the world that tools for communicating with non-verbal children can also work to help us communicate with dogs. When I saw video of her dog Stella press “help,” “water,” “outside” after clearly indicating that her “beach” button was missing, I became quickly convinced that a simpler approach could take the place of complicated hardware and software and got to work designing a system that would better meet the needs of people and their companion animals alike.COURTESY FLUENTPET»

We launched the FluentPet website in June 2020 and started shipping HexTiles the following August. Sitting here three years later, while creating soundboards for dogs may seem intuitive now, at the time it was not obvious at all how to design such a system.

We iterated through many designs before we arrived at the one we launched. At the time, it was unknown what size the buttons should be, how to keep the mats from sliding around, how to integrate the buttons into mats, how to connect the mats together, etc. We developed a design with interlocking tiles in which buttons fit snugly while providing holes for the button sound to emerge from and allowing people to remove the buttons. These and other ideas are patented (see US patent 11,638,414).

So designing the product wasn’t simple. Can you take us through that process?

The design was based on design principles that arose from the expertise I’d developed during studies of cognitive science and my work with CleverPet beginning in 2013.

Valuable systematic scientific research that involves animals and learning typically takes years. This kind of research is particularly challenging, because the learners we are working with lack language. Consequently, we approached design from a point of humility, assuming we knew essentially nothing about effective language-like communication with non-human animals.

We believed the fastest way to make progress here would be to nurture a community capable of three elements: 1) trying out a wide range of different approaches, 2) learning, and 3) sharing their insights rapidly.

Partly for this reason, we chose six-sided “HexTiles,” which enable the greatest flexibility in arrangement, allowing connection to other HexTiles from any of their six sides. Additionally, you’ll notice that the HexTiles have a blank space where the FluentPet logo goes. This was done intentionally so that it’s possible to quickly make “heads or tails” of each HexTile.

We integrated design with the working assumption that dogs might have cognitive capabilities and take an approach to learning and communication, comparable to that of little children. If this held true, then, scientifically, a logical next step was to consider the Fitzgerald Key, a communication tool that has shown real-world success in helping those with language development challenges. There were six broad language categories in the original Fitzgerald Key, and so we created six different HexTile patterns. The patterns themselves were designed to allow for a wide range of different forms of visual and spatial contrast, making it possible for learners to easily understand which HexTile they were observing.

Did you have a test group of dogs to help develop the final product?

To create our testing community, we posted to a Facebook group where button teachers had congregated, and dozens of button teachers applied to be test users. I interviewed each group member individually for their suitability for the group, and we are still working with several of those dogs today.

What makes the FluentPet system different from other available systems?

The FluentPet boards are different than others on the market in several ways—

■ The FluentPet buttons are easy to press, so dogs of all sizes can use them.

■ The HexTile design makes the buttons easier to navigate for the pets.

■ Our boards are lightweight, making them easy to move and easy to mount on walls for spatial concerns.

■ We use colors that can be seen by dogs in the design of our boards.

■ Our next-generation FluentPet Connect system is app-integrated, so a pet parent can get alerts while away from their pet.

Why is organizing words by category helpful to pets?

This is a recommendation based on techniques that have been observed to work well with young children. As far as we know, it is a lot more efficient to remember a small number of concepts in conjunction with a small number of larger categories versus remembering many concepts distributed “randomly” or in an arbitrary way. By distributing the buttons over a wider space and multiple HexTiles, it is easier for a learner to differentiate them, and this helps avoid issues with sloppy, accidental button presses.

How valuable have social media platforms been in connecting you with pets using the FluentPet buttons?

They’ve been great, especially TikTok at first. They’ve inspired people to reconsider the capabilities of their dogs and cats and discover how fascinating “talking” with buttons can be.

One of the most popular FluentPet button users and ambassadors is adorable Sheepadoodle, Bunny, with over eight million followers (@whataboutbunny on TikTok and Instagram).