Dog Archives - Award-Winning Writer and Graphic Designer

Basket of Adorables: Photos From Halloween Dog Parade in New York City

dorriolds — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:30:44 +0000

Happy Halloween, Everybody. Boo!

I hope you enjoy my photos from the Annual Halloween Dog Parade in Tompkins Square Park. The costumes this year were spectacular. You can read about the “Howling Good Time” on Sniff and Barkens magazine.

More doggie ghosts from Halloweens past

There was a huge turnout despite the rainy, cold and windy weather. Here is a teaser of photos.

See more fun Halloween dog photography here!

One touching story came from Lorna Li who came dressed as a chef holding chopsticks. She talked about her darling dog, a Pekingese named Iggi. He has his own Instagram account: everyonesiggi. Read more about the amazing rescue of her little Iggi.

You’ll also hear exclusive quotes from beloved dog advocate Ada Nieves, who co-chaired the event.

Halloween Costume of Cotton Candy won the grand prize at Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade

Bulldog rocking his Halloween butterfly costume

I’m dying to know what this dog saw when I snapped the photo.

Amazing Homemade Andy Warhol Halloween Costume

All the photos on this page are mine except for this one. Source: Evan Ross Katz, mic.com

Grace Forster and her dog Rosie dolled up in homemade Mermaid Costumes. The top photo is Forster’s Portia.

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Tips For Calm Dogs on July 4th

dorriolds — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 01:00:00 +0000

Dogs on July 4th

Dogs on July 4 are not having as much fun as you are. Sure, some may get a kick out of fireworks but it’s more likely that July 4 will freak your dog out. Why? Because it’s loaded with unfamiliar and near-deafening noises. While people gaze up at the sky watching the wonders of cascading lights, humans know that it is a noisy night and that is all part of the fun.

Fireworks Are Great For Us

But For Dogs, Not So Much

Skies bursting with fireworks are not canine friendly. For Fido or FiFi, explosions sound terrifying. And every year we hear stories about dogs running away during July 4 celebrations. Your precious pet may bolt in fear from crowds. Loud partiers getting lit and whooping and hollering to big kabooms in the sky, is bizarre to your dog.

Doggies Left Alone Are Also Frightened

Rover’s terror may be even worse when left alone. They do not recognize the sounds of pyrotechnics. For all you know they may be hiding under the sofa, shivering. So, may the 4th be with you, but please protect your beloved pets from what sounds like the end of the world to them.

Hot Fun in the Summertime

Yes, summer is exciting! And this year, more than ever. We humansw were just beginning to exhale after a long stretch of stress of loneliness after our first pandemic. Even loners like me caught acute cabin fever. However, July and August are looking a whole lot brighter now that Covid-19 isolation is letting up. Thanks to Fauci Ouchies. Yay! And thank you, President Joe Biden!

Tips for Calm Doggies

What do we want? Fun. And when do we want it? Now. It is so easy to get caught up in party planning for holiday festivities but it is also a time to make plans for your dog. Buddy needs to be in a safe, quiet environment. It is a smart move to hire a dog-sitter for the evening. Or leave with a homebody friend who wants to stay far from the commotion.

Dogs Thrive on Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. When daily activities are suddenly turned upside down, dogs can experience confusion. That can create high anxiety. There are many ways to help dogs deal with potentially stressful times. It begins with recognizing your dog’s body language and behavior. When a dog is stressed, be their pack leader. When your pooch can’t identify the alpha she can become anxious and insecure.

“You will see signs often in conjunction with each other,” says Darlene Arden, dog behaviorist and author of over a dozen books including “The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs.” “It is important you remain calm. If you’re anxious, your dog will pick up on that.”

To help identify stress, Arden said to look for the following signals:

• Excessive licking of paws, nose or lips

• Panting that isn’t heat related

• Pacing

• Trembling

• Pinning back ears and cowering

• Hiding

• Refusing treats

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Whimpering

• Clawing at walls, doors or gates trying to escape

Ways to Soothe Your Stressed Dog

“Drawing the curtains helps to keep out flashing lights that may startle your pets,” Arden says. “And if you plan on being out, leave a few lights on. That can also help ease a dog’s mind.”

If you have a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, make sure all doors and windows are locked before you leave the house so the dog can’t run off. Play noises your dog is familiar with like the TV, radio or CD player and encourage your dog to hang out in their den.

A den can be a crate with soft blankets and a pillow. Or you can create an area where you place a cushiony, comfy bed. Whereever you set up this doggie den, make sure to include your pups favorite toys. Another item that works well is a treat-release toy, or a puzzle game that has hidden kibbles.

Let This Summer Go To The Dogs

Taking your dog for long walks, playing fetch, or spending some time learning new tricks are other ways to help relieve pet stress. But it is important to think about how your canine will be spending the loud July 4 holiday. If you’re going to be out while the fireworks are kabooming, it’s best to hire a petsitter for that time. If you’re having a big party, your dog might feel better tucked away in his den.

Bonnie Brown, founder of Dog Trainers Connection, recommends trying a popular pet product to reduce anxiety. “Use a Thundershirt,” she says. “Maintained pressure helps calm the dog’s sensory receptors.” Think of it as swaddling a baby to encourage a feeling of security. “The wrap helps to minimize the dog’s involuntary shivering, which in itself can help your dog feel calmer,” says Brown. Securing a T-shirt or towel around your dog can also have a similar calming effect.

I agree with Brown. I’ve seen Thundershirts work well for anxious pooches. In all honesty, I also know a dog who did not feel comforted by a Thundershirt. So part of raising a calm and happy furry family member is trial and error. As with humans, what works for one child, may not work for another.

More Tips For Pups

Aromatherapy mists, calming supplements and pheromone collars are other products that can promote relaxation and relieve nervousness. Brown also recommends speaking to your vet about prescription anxiety medications if your dog suffers from severe stress and anxiety.

The dog mentioned above – the one who was still anxious despite being swaddled in a Thundershirt, was eventually put on periodic vet-prescribed meds. They were only used for thunderstorms or any other high anxiety events. One caveat: “puppy-uppers” or putting pooches on Prozac should only be considered after trying everything else.

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Dog Pics Guaranteed to Cheer You Up

dorriolds — Tue, 31 May 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Yes, Dog Pics Are Antidepressants

Smiling Dog © DorriOlds

Dog pics are the best antidepressants and that’s no lie. I’m no doctor, but I know what I know. When I’m feeling exhausted — which is all the time lately — the answer is dog pics. When looping existential questions make my head loopy, the answer: more dog pics. Can’t get to sleep, or can’t get up? Look at dog pics.

Got The Blues?

Dog Pics to the Rescue!

No matter what the question, the answer is staring at more dog photos. My extra pandemic-pounds make my pants tight. The best cure I know is playing with my dogs. I play with friends’ dogs and my neighbors’ dogs. I draw dogs. I photograph dogs. Googling and staring at dog photographs is the answer. I swear it works.

Now, indulge me for a hot minute for my Parliament-Funkadelic paraphrasing. If you’ve got backaches, migraines, coronaphobia, or depression, listen up. Whatever part of your body it is, dog photos not only move you, they can remove bad news, dig? The desired effect is what you get when you improve your life with dogs.

Angel Song © Dorri Olds

Dogs For A Day

Take one day off. Instead of news, stare at dogs for a day. I get mad when friends say, “I can’t watch the news, it’s too depressing.” So, that’s not what I am suggesting. We need to stay informed and fight for equal rights and holding corrupt politicians, corrupt cops, cheaters and scammers accountable. Hence, let’s follow news from reputable sources six days a week. Then we’ve earned our one day off each week to google and gaze at funny dog faces.

I’m no doctor, but I know what I know. This is a guaranteed way out of a funk. The more dog pics I see, the better my moods get. So, for you and for me — for all of us — enjoy my dog art, my dog photos, and my great finds via google searches. If anybody knows the origin of some of the doggie images, please let me know. You can tag them on one of my facebook pages: Dogs, Dogs, Dogs.

Dogs Are My Favorite People!!

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Another Moving Rescue ‘Tail’

dorriolds — Wed, 11 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Rescue Dog

Grab a tissue for this beautiful tail … er… tale of rescue written for Sniff & Barkens

Jack the rescue dog was born in Kentucky and officially labeled a mutt. Part Australian Bernese Mountain Dog, he was mixed with Border Collie. At the age of one, Animal Control removed this malnourished pup from his home and transported him hundreds of miles to Michigan. There, his luck changed.

Judy Winter and Jack

Judy Winter was working as a volunteer at the local Michigan Humane Society. She was nursing a broken heart after having lost her 12-year-old son Eric. Due to a long and difficult birth, Eric had been born with cerebral palsy and died from a complication related to his disability. She’d spent years as an advocate for her son and had written an award-winning book, “Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs.” After the book tour, and still suffering from crippling grief, she didn’t know what do with herself.

It was then Judy signed up to volunteer at the shelter. “My first week there,” she says, “I fell in love with Jack at first sight.” When they met, the poor little pup didn’t know how to bark. He didn’t know what a treat was. “I’m not sure he’d ever been taken on a walk,” says Judy. “He was clearly over-disciplined and terrified of people—especially men. He’d hide behind me and was so psychologically wounded he didn’t even know how to be a dog.”

Jack the Rescue Dog

She guessed that Jack had been taken from a dog breeding situation. “Herding dogs are in big demand down south,” she says, “because of all the ranches. Right away she could tell that he was incredibly smart and “his face looked like the most adorable stuffed animal.”

After adopting him, she spent weeks rehabbing him. “It was my first dog so I spent a lot of hours educating myself on how to treat a dog, how to discipline him, how to be a good pet owner. It was by applying a lot of love, appropriate discipline, and spending quality time together regularly.”

Judy and Jack took long walks together. She also socialized him and soon saw a great turnaround in his demeanor. “I never babied him,” Judy says. “I never pitied him. I treated him as you should a dog. There are things you can do to raise a healthy animal and he responded beautifully to that.”

Dogs: Expert Training Tips for a Perfect Pooch

dorriolds — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 16:10:00 +0000

So, you decided to get a dog or train the four-legged pal in your family. Dogs enhance our lives tremendously, but they can be a handful, to say the least. When you’re out on the town with your furry best friend, use these simple techniques to ensure you both still love each other by the time you get home.

These Paws are Made for Walkin’

Dog expert Cesar Millan explains that a happy, well-behaved dog knows how to walk on a leash properly. The Dog Whisperer takes a six-step approach for stepping out with your furry friend.

Walk in front. You’re the pack leader. Stay in front and always enter the door first.
Keep ‘em on a short leash, which gives you more control and makes it easier for you to correct missteps.
Don’t rush walks. Dogs love walks mostly in the morning, and most breeds need 30 to 60 minutes of quality walk time per day.
Reward dogs for good behavior during the walk. If your dog behaves, let him sniff around and relieve himself. You decide when reward time is over.
Keep leading. Make your dog wait patiently and obediently while you put his leash away.
Reward your dog for working hard with a healthy treat. Provide a purpose, and make dogs work for their food.

For more Cesar Millan Tips check out his YouTube Channel.

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The Most Heartwarming Facebook Page Ever: Susie’s Senior Dogs

dorriolds — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 18:49:17 +0000

Susie’s Senior Dogs is the Best Facebook Page Ever!

Susie’s Senior Dogs is a one-woman movement to save dogs that have entered their golden years. Erin O’Connell lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. A while back, Erin created a Facebook page called, “Susie’s Senior Dogs.” Its tagline reads: “Matching humans and senior dogs one bond at a time.”

Word spread fast. Snce it’s launch in January 2014, the nonprofit’s Facebook page has reached 596,040 likes. This 501(c)(3) organization is responsible for multiple senior dog adoptions. I wanted to find out what had inspired this great effort so I clicked “Like” on the page and sent a private message asking for an interview. Erin graciously agreed to talk about her instant-soup campaign success.

Dorri Olds: What gave you the idea for Susie’s Senior Dogs?

Erin O’Sullivan: The first part of my story is about my boyfriend Brandon Stanton. He runs a project called “Humans of New York.” He takes photos of random New Yorkers. Brandon lives in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, and three years ago he spotted Susie the dog and her previous owner. He took a photo of Susie, who was 11 then, and posted it to his blog with the caption, “This is the best dog.” Soon afterwards the owner contacted Brandon and asked if he could adopt Susie because his new wife said they couldn’t keep the dog.

Brandon was hesitant at first. Friends said he’d be crazy to take the dog; a senior dog would die and he’d be better off getting a puppy. Who doesn’t love a puppy, right? But Brandon felt bad for Susie. He didn’t want her to go to a shelter so he took her in.

Susie is Brandon’s dog?

Susie is technically Brandon’s dog because he adopted her and if Brandon and I were standing next to each other Susie would jump inside of his lap but I love Susie so much, too. She really is the best dog in the world. Just for fun I started a page called, “Susie The Dog.” It started getting likes and I wondered how to take that already engaged audience who loved Susie and make it more than random meaningless posts. I didn’t really plan anything out but I had this vague idea and made the new Facebook page, “Susie’s Senior Dogs.” Within 48 hours the new direction took hold.

How do you think you got so many followers so fast?

It’s really thanks to Brandon. He had been building his own big audience by taking photos of people he interacted with in New York City. His audience got so big he even has a book now. His Facebook page is up to 3.5 million likes so I asked him if it would be okay to post a link to Susie’s Facebook page. I told him I’ll do all the work and he’d get lots of love. So he said okay. When I’d posted a photos to my Susie’s page I got 400 likes but when Brandon shared it on his page, Susie’s Senior Dogs got 100,000 likes in one night!

What breed is Susie?

We’re not sure what breed she is. Her ears make her look like she’s definitely part Chihuahua and the poof frizz of hair on top of her head makes her seem like she’s part Chinese Crested.

Did you know things were going to catch on this fast?

We were on ABC World News and we’ve been filmed by Animal Haven. It’s been a whirlwind. I just hope we keep spreading the word to encourage people to adopt a senior dog. You know, you can plan and plan in life, but sometimes an idea just comes to you and it works. This was like that.

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Adorable Dogs in Doggie Fashions

dorriolds — Thu, 04 Oct 2018 09:11:03 +0000

All Photos by Dorri Olds

Celebrity Catwalk takes dog couture and animal rescue very seriously, and Saturday, May 30 marks the third annual Paws in the City, where “designers present high fashion close to the ground.” The fashion show of furry proportions takes place in New York City.

When I broke the news that I was unable to attend this year, Paws in the City came to me. Jennifer Bartok-Taylor, the creator of Celebrity Catwalk, arranged a private dog fashion show preview.

Dogs wearing dog fashions for Paws in the City for animal rescue

Jen Bush’s pooch Tiffany modeled a fancy-schmancy dress by the Texas-based designer Lilly Langtree’s Diva Your Dog couture. She’s sitting so pretty in pink. “This is my second go-round with Celebrity Catwalk,” Bush said. “We did the fashion show last year. We were thrilled to be invited back.” I asked about Tiffany’s history, and Bush said, “New Rochelle Humane Society brought Tiffany here to New York City after she was rescued from a hoarder’s home in West Virginia.” Tiffany smiled easily for the photo shoot. She is digging her new life as a fashionista.

View Slideshow

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Ask A Trainer: Why Do Dogs Do That?

dorriolds — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:04:57 +0000

Greg Kleva is a celebrity in the dog world. He’s a professional dog behavioral therapist and master trainer with Bark Busters Home Dog training. Greg hosts, “It’s a Dog’s Life” on Martha Stewart Living Radio on Sirius XM 110. He makes frequent guest appearances on TV shows and has had many articles written about him and his training methods. Lucky for us, he agreed to sit down for a Petside interview.

Q: Why do some dogs freak out when you go to pat them on the head?

A: Moving toward a dog quickly and reaching over the top of a dog’s head can feel threatening. Just like humans, some dogs are born less affectionate, not touchy-feely, and don’t like having their personal space invaded. We unfairly put pressure on our dogs to accept everything we throw at them. It’s important to know your dog’s individuality. If your pet doesn’t enjoy being picked up, snuggled, or hugged, respect those feelings. Some dogs will shun touch because of past unpleasant experiences. Dog owners who constantly pick the dog up, grab their collar, discipline their dog physically by hitting them or approach too quickly or in a threatening way are programming that dog to lose trust in hands. Dogs don’t understand our emotional reasons for doing things. Even well meaning owners who attempt to interact in a loving, affectionate way can cause a freak out. Some approaches feel overbearing from the dog’s perspective. Think about relatives who grab you too fast and hug too hard. It feels overwhelming and you hate it, right?

Q: Why do dogs look like they feel guilty when they misbehaved?

A: What we interpret as a guilty look can be a display of submission, a dog’s way of saying, “I understand that you’re not happy right now.” Signs of submission include tail down, ears down, head down, or body low to the ground or rolling onto their back to expose the belly. This type of dog body language does not mean the dog feels guilty. Many dog owners say, “My dog knows when he did something wrong.” The reality is, if you walk into a room and your favorite shoes are lying in the middle of the floor chewed to bits, and you shout, “FIDO, WHAT DID YOU DO?!” your dog may slink away and retreat to a safe place but not because he knows what you’re unhappy about. Only if you’ve caught your dog in the act of an unwanted behavior will your body language and stern tone be associated with the canine-misdemeanor taking place at that moment.

Q: Why is it so difficult to train dogs not to bark or pull on their leash?

A: Confusion is the biggest underlying factor where problem behavior is concerned. Don’t assume a dog should know how to walk on a leash. You have to teach the dog what you want. Dog owners complain, “My dog won’t come when I call him.” How much time has been spent teaching what the word “come” means? To raise a happy, well-behaved dog, owners need to commit time to teaching. Another issue that can get in the way is not providing leadership. Dogs who perceive themselves as the boss may pull on the leash or bark. Exercise is very important, too. If a dog is not physically and mentally stimulated they can suffer from boredom or anxiety and problem behavior will ensue.

Q: Does a dog have to be extremely intelligent to learn complicated tricks?

A: Some of the smartest dogs I’ve met were accused of being stupid, stubborn, or deaf. They weren’t. They were confused by their owners’ unclear communications.

Celebrity Dog Trainer Greg Kleva with grown-up Sammy on The Pet Stop with Dr. Brian Voynick

Q: How can a dog be taught not to eat food off the street?

A: Take time to teach the command, “Leave It.” Begin instruction inside the house where’s there’s less distraction. That will make it easier for your dog to learn. Use less tempting items at first. Get your dog to understand that looking to you when he hears “Leave It” will get him a higher-value reward, like a piece of cheese or meat, and lots of praise. Incrementally move to more distracting environments and use more tempting items to test your dog. Don’t expect your dog to learn if you haven’t worked toward creating this habit. Also make sure your dog is getting the nutrition he needs daily. If your dog isn’t starving for nutrition he’s less likely to scavenge for food on the street.

Q: My dog swallowed pieces of toys a few times but never made a connection between that and the intestinal surgeries. Why?

A: Dog behavior is determined by immediate outcome. It makes sense to us that the dog shouldn’t want to re-live an unpleasant operation but the dog doesn’t make a connection between the two events. That’s human thinking. The dog thinks, “I like swallowing chewed pieces of toys because they smell good and make me feel full.”

You can contact Greg Kleva on Twitter and via Email.

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Crazy Creative Dog Portraits

dorriolds — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 12:36:09 +0000

Rebecca Collins of ArtPaw.com creates amazing pet portraits

Colorful Custom Pet Portraits

Rebecca Collins of Ar t Paw is a fine artist who uses mixed media to create bright and stylized—yet realistic— pet portraits. Be sure to visit her on Facebook to see an array of captivating canine faces. Still more of her glorious pet portraits reside on Etsy. Collins uses a Wacom tablet and creates her art digitally and has it printed on canvas. Expect expert and exciting drips, splatters and smudges in her dog portrait pet art. Contact her via email or phone: 214-321-1150.

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Keeping Your Dog Happy While Running a New Business

dorriolds — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:31:12 +0000

Your dog is probably your best friend, or even thought of as a family member, which is why making your dog happy should be one of your number one priorities. This can all change when starting a business, though, as you’ll probably not have much time for yourself, let alone your dog. That said, it’s important you do everything you can to ensure your dog is still happy with the arrangement. Of course, things will have to change and the amount of time you get to spend with your dog will diminish, but there are still plenty of things you can do to ensure your dog is leading a happy lifestyle and these are outlined below.

Take Your Dog for a Long Walk in the Mornings

Your dog won’t be happy with the diminished time they get to spend with you due to your business commitments so it’s important you make sure you take your dog for a long walk at least once per day, even if that means you have to get up an hour earlier in the morning. There is no good to come of letting your dog out in the garden and then expecting another family member to take the dog out for a walk during the day when you could be getting up earlier to do it instead. Deep down, your dog will wonder why they don’t get to see you as much, but as long as they get to spend at least a little time with you per day, that’s is all that matters.

Make the Most of Your Weekends Off

When running a business, it’s hard to have any time off at all, but any time you do get off should be spent with the family and that includes your dog. Whether you go on a day trip somewhere or even just for a walk around the park, try to get your dog involved as much as possible so they don’t feel left out. Even if you are running a successful business that takes up most of your time, it’s always important to make time for your loved ones and that includes your dog.

Buy Your Dog Regular Treats

This doesn’t necessarily mean buy your dog any treats related to food. Instead, buying a new chew toy once every couple of months, and a small treat every week or so, could be the difference between your dog knowing you care and thinking you don’t.

You may well have achieved an online MBA degree via one of the many online MBA programs to give you the business administration experience required to succeed in running your own company, but none of that will matter if you do not spend some time with your loved ones once in a while. Your dog might be a dog, but it doesn’t mean that they do not understand what is going on around them. So please keep these tips in mind to keep your beloved dog a priority.

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