A friend copied the article, “Monkey See, Monkey Do?” from the July issue for me, knowing I would want to subscribe, which I did.
After many months of thought and worry, I adopted a shelter puppy with the hopes that my old 12-year-old girl would pass on some of her wisdom and gentleness – also hoping it would not be a reason for my old girl to give up. I did another round of comprehensive blood work and full exam on my old lady companion, and other than her arthritis that she’s had since she was five years old and the lupus we’ve kept under control for nearly four years, she was in good health.
I brought eight-week-old Ossa Jiordan in the house in my arms, and knelt down on the floor almost immediately to introduce her smell to my old lady, Ginger. She most lovingly sniffed the new pup in my arms and her old tail was wagging as if she was a kid again.
Ossa Jiordan had been in the car with me for a couple of hours at that point, so before putting her down in her new home, I said, “Okay, ladies, let’s go out and go potty.” I let Ginger out the back door into an enclosed dirt dog run and brought the little pup with me. I put Ossa Jiordan down and said, “Go potty, ladies.” Ginger has been trained to go potty (both kinds) on cue. Ossa looked at Ginger, Ginger looked at Ossa and squatted – and then Ossa squatted, and has been house-trained from that moment.
There have been many instances where I am confident that had Ginger, my perfect companion, not been here to help me raise this little treasure, I would have had a handful to deal with! There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that my old dear dog has trained this puppy through action and some level of canine communication … many important traits that I, as a mere human, may have spent weeks or months teaching her.
-“The Pine Grove Clan”
via e-mail
Thanks for sharing your story! –Editor
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I just received my first copy of WDJ, and couldn’t be more pleased! The article on allergies (“Walking the Allergy Maze,” WDJ August 2003) and the one on glucosamine (“Go With Glucosamine”) came at just the right time!
I adopted a seven-year-old Weimaraner earlier this year, who developed allergies within days of moving in with us. I was suspicious of beef, since she had a marrow bone as well as a rawhide within the first few days of being with us. I was also concerned that it might be something in her new environment, like her beds, so we paid a visit to the vet. After several vet visits and a few months of specially-prescribed diets, someone from the pet adoption agency sent me a copy of your top foods list, and suggested that we try Solid Gold’s food “Hund-n-Flocken.”
I couldn’t believe the difference, which was noticeable within three days! After trying to reintroduce other foods, I believe that she is allergic to not only beef, but also wheat and eggs.
After we tackled the allergy problem, my dog injured her knee. I was terrified that it was going to be diagnosed as an ACL tear. Fortunately, it wasn’t a tear, and the vet put her on a supplement containing glucosamine to help her heal. Unfortunately, she had an allergic reaction to the supplement (which I believe was caused by brewer’s yeast) within two days. I have searched local pet and health food stores for another supplement, with little success.
The August WDJ issue arrived in my mailbox that day, and the article convinced me that it was worth trying harder to find another glucosamine source. Luckily, after doing some research online, I found another glucosamine supplement that does not contain any sugar, wheat, yeast, corn, or soy. I am anxiously awaiting delivery of the new glucosamine supplement, because she is restricted to low-level activity for the next few weeks to let her knee heal, and we are both missing our daily hikes and playtime at the park. It isn’t easy trying to keep an active Weim on “low level activity,” that’s for sure!
It can be very challenging to have a dog with allergies, but there are products out there if you look hard enough. I love my dog dearly, and will do anything to keep her happy and healthy.
-Nicole DeRaleau
Longmeadow, MA
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I have been a faithful subscriber since 1999. I cannot even remember how I found your wonderful publication, but I don’t even make it in the front door without reading the cover page and your editor’s note on every issue.
My holistic education began in 1997. I married my husband and found myself the stepmom to a beautiful Golden Retriever named Gus. He had hot spots and constant ear infections. I began by reading everything I could find and (next to your publication) one of the best sources I found was Dr. Pitcairn’s Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. From the day I bought that book I started cooking for my dogs.
Over the years I have gained much more knowledge and have even started a degree program for a second career as a veterinary technician. I just love having the knowledge! With the help of a very open conventional veterinarian, who was always looking up vitamin dosages for me, we kept Gus healthy until the age of 13.
I do have the privilege of having two fabulous Jack Russell Terriers, Stymee (eight years old) and Darla (three years old). Both have benefited greatly from my experience with Gus. I cannot tell you how WDJ has been such a blessing in my dogs’ lives, and mine. I could send you a thank you letter concerning every single issue because I have always gotten so much great information out of them. Please keep up all the great work because there are (hopefully) many grateful readers out there who appreciate every bit of information.
-Sandy Guy
Via e-mail
