ok kritters spring 2014 (1)
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okkritters.com 1
Feature:Ruth YuelettDog TrainerExtraordinaire Kritter
AngelsKritterAngels
TheVets
Corner
TheVets
Corner
Created for Kritter People by Kritter People
In Memory of
Creating Good
Citizens
Spring 2014Complimentary
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ENTER TO WINan 8 X 10 watercolor of your pet, by Sharla Lysak. Value over $200.00.
To enter send us a picture of your kritter to [email protected].
We’re celebrating our �rst i�ue with a great cont t.
okkritters.com 3
Publishing four times a year –April, July, October, January.
Distributed throughout the Okanagan, wherever Kritter people go.
Publisher – Joel A. RickardEditor – Darlene Rickard
Art Director – Sharyn Olson Contributing Writers
Elliot Kaplan, Melody Kouwenhoven, Shiela McDonald, Kathy Woodward,
Joel Rickard
ADVERTISING 250-765-3886
Published byEgress Enterprises Inc.
3901 Anderson RoadKelowna, BC V1X 7V8
250-765-3886
Table of Contents
FEATURE: Ruth Yuelett – Dog Trainer & Breeder Extraordinaire ...........p 16 OK Kritters Introduction .................p 44-H – Creating Good Citizens .........p 5The Vets Corner – What have We Done – Dog ..........p 8 Spring Tune up – Horse .............p 1410 Reasons to Own a Cat ..............p 10Kritter Angels .................................p 12In Memory of ................................p 18 The Ragdoll Cat ............................p 19 The Kritter Kitchen .......................p 20Pet Resource Listings ....................p 21
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Shiela’s kritters: Jack, Monster, Slimer & Coke the dogs and Abi the cat
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Welcometo...
Striker & Joel
O KKrittersO KKrittersCreated for Kritter People
– by Kritter People
We sincerely thank you for fetching your copy of OK KRITTERS. Enjoy! With your support, suggestions, and comments, we hope to corral exciting and infor mative articles about the great variety of kritters that are found right here in the Okanagan/Similkameen areas. There are those who say that hard copy magazines you can hold in your hand have gone the way of the dinosaur. Not so – being able to hold in your hand, a glossy printed page with pictures and great articles, is still valued and appreciated. You can’t leave an iPad on your coffee table for other people to enjoy, either in your office or at home. The valuable communication power of the internet has not been ignored, with okkrit ters.com and OK Kritters – our Facebook page as well as our Twitter account will allow you to share many thousands of comments, concerns, and pictures of your Kritters. If you know of a great local kritter story please contact us – reader input will help make OK Kritters Magazine a great literary addition to the Okanagan. Some of the regular columns are:In Memory of – It has been proven that the loss of a pet can be devastating and we feel, by providing a venue for you to express your loss and salute your beloved pet, is important. The Vets Corner – written by local vetsThe Kritter Kitchen – Recipes and nutritional informationKritter Angels – There are many Societies and Non Profit Groups throughout the Okanagan that quietly, in the background, rescue and take care of the many Kritters that need help, be it a small dog or a bald eagle. We hope to tell their stories, and encourage your support.Breed information and history – from Alligators to Zebras Last but not least, we are not a non profit group, advertisers make it possible to provide you with this “complimentary” great read. Please let them know you saw their ad and how much you enjoy OK Kritters Magazine. facebook.com/OK Kritters [email protected] Twitter: @okkritters
Some of Ok Kritters – KrittersDru KC Fargo Joey
Yodi Streak
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4-H is an International non-profit orga nization for children from age 6 to 21 that helps inspire, educate and develop youth into empowered adults and com-munity leaders. 4-H started up in BC in 1914 with just over 200 young people be-tween the ages of 10 and 18. The original project was potatoes, but was expanded to poultry later that year to promote interest. The goal of the 4-H program is youth development with the objectives being knowledge, leadership, citizenship andper sonal development along with a focus on fun, safety and friendship. Original 4-H clubs were known as Boys and Girls Clubs until 1952 when theyof ficially became known as 4-H. Swine,beef, dairy, corn, potato and poultry were popular projects in the early years, with the
Depart ment of Agriculture instrumental in provid ing project training, instruction in judging and support. The partnership with the Dept. of Agriculture continues on today and BC supports almost 3000 mem-bers between the ages of 6 to 21 as well as thousands of vol unteer leaders, families, alumni and spon sors. Today, horse, beef and sheep are the most popular projects with more members enrolling in other projects such as dog, rab bit, swine, llama, Cloverbuds (age 6–8), etc. Members (age 9–21) learn many life skills such as recordkeeping, judging,re sponsibility, communication skills, leadership, budgeting, etc. through proj-ect work and other requirements of the 4-H pro gram. Communications are a large part of 4-H which includes Demon-
Head, Heart, Health, and HandsThe 4-H Experience
Back row–left to right: Shandra Mayer, Lucas Bowman, Ramsay Murray, Ewan MurrayFront row–left to right: Ameila Gareau Front, Paivi McLean, Chad Wood, Steven Robson
District PublicSpeaking Awards
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strations (2 person team public speaking with props), Speak’n’Shows (individual presentations with technology or props) and Public Speak-ing (individual p resen ta t ions ) .Com petitions start at club level and go through Districts, Regionals and then to Provincials. Another aspect of the program is theRe cord Books. Here members keep track of their year and their project with journal-ing, budgeting and bookkeeping. Judg-ing helps members learn valuable lessons in choice making, skills that can be used throughout life. 4-H projects con-sist of “units” that mem bers work through. S o m e are progressive in nature while others are specific to the ani mal or skill being learned. Many projects are animal based such as Horse, Dairy Goat, Dairy Cow,
Beef, Dog, Honeybee, Llama, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, Swine and Cavy (guineapig). Members with animal projectsacquire an understanding of livestock pro-
duction and management, learn to identify breeds, learn breed conformation and learn to make gooddecisions related to feed, care and health of their projects.However, not all projects have to do with animals. There are also projects such as Small Engines, Tractor, Bicycle, Adopt a Grandparent, Agriculture Awareness, A q u a c u l t u r e Environment, Agro Forestry, Field Crops, Gardening, Woolcraft, Photography, Outdoor Living, Leather Craft, Foods, Crafts and Clothing. Senior members
(age 13 – 19) can apply for many 4-H opportunities such as 4-H conferences and travel opportunities. Grade 11 and 12 credits are also available through program work. 4-H can be a family affair. Parents are
1953 Kirschner Road
Since 1995, we have been outfitting you and your horse with English and Western saddles, tack, riding apparel, farrier supplies, feed, and nutraceuticals.
Too many pets (types & numbers) to namefor Diamond H Tack
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welcomed as volunteer leaders, member support and all around “helpers” . Being a 4-H leader can be
as rewarding as a member being part of the program. Siblings can all be part of the same club as the age range is so varied. Members learn to help and work with young people of different ages and backgrounds giving a fantastic opportunity for learning about life. In the Kelowna District, we currently have 2 active 4-H Clubs. Valley Lopers is a Community Club, meaning that they have different projects. Their projects include Poultry, Dog, Self Determined, Photography and Outdoor Living. The Kelowna Hoofbeats is a Horse project club with members owning or leasing a horse.Members can ride Western or English with a focus on Showmanship and Equitation. Both clubs are active in all aspects of the 4-H program and participate in clinics, Judging Rally, campouts and Fairs as well as individual club activities such as fundraisers, team building activities and Achievement Days. 2014 marks the 100th YearAnniversary of 4-H in BC. 4-H continues to make a positive impact on its members, helping them meet the challenges of everyday life for themselves and their communities. The Kelowna District will be celebrating the Anniversary with a “Meet and Greet” for past and present 4-H members with the date set for June 8th at Ellison Community Hall from 2 - 4 pm. If you would like more information on the 4-H program or would like to become a volunteer leader you can call Kelowna 4-H District.
Sheilia 250-763-2339,Melody 250-765-3479,or visit www.bc4-H.bc.ca
By: Melody Kouwenhoven
Natural HorsemanshipBreeding – Training – Sales
“BREEDING QUALITY ARABIANS” 250~718~5137
Darmarah Arabians
Tamara’s Kritters: Booker T, Daryl, Strawberriand Dario
Judging for safety -Judge: Ashley Robson
Unknown rider
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THE
VETS
CORNER
WHAT HAVE WE DONEBy: Elliot Kaplan, Tri Lake Animal Hospital
There is no breed of dog on the face of this earth that is not predisposed to some malady. From elbow arthritis, to skin disease, to immune-mediated blood disease, there is no breed around that is unscathed. Where does the blame lie? Many have incriminated vaccina-tions despite the fact that the data has shown the contrary; vaccinations have saved countless lives over the years. Vaccinosis, a term that has been used to
describe illness resulting from a vaccination, may actually occur but is considered rare. Certainly, there is not a high enough occurrence of vaccinosis to blame it for the problems facing so many breeds of dogs. Another popular blame is commercial dog food. Many figure that the processing of pet food is destroying the nutrient value of the food and possibly even adding toxins to the food which are contributing to the health issues that affect many purebred dogs. The solution has been to replace the commercial, processed diets with raw food diets. It has been postulated by some that giving our pets food that “they would eat in the wild” will save them from the illnesses that they are susceptible to. The problem is that I do not think anyone knows what a Bichon frise would actually eat in the wild since none exist in the wild. In addition there is no evidence that supports the premise that raw food is any bet-ter for our pets than commercially processed food. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here. I have nothing against raw diets for my patients when they are handled appropriately to avoid bacterial contamination. But I cannot recommend them for any of my patients as a superior food because this has not been proven. Maybe it will some day in which case my recommendations will change. In the meantime, I certainly will not try to get anyone to take their pet off of a raw diet if that pet is doing well on such a diet. As the old adage states, “if it is not broken, let’s not try to fix it. “ So what am I getting at as the cause of so many breeds being predis-posed to so many bad things? The answer is simple genetics. There are over 400 breeds in existence. Unfortunately, the majority were
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created through intense interbreed-ing in the last 180 years. Fathers were bred to daughters, sons to mothers, and brothers to sisters in order toobtain a “certain look.” But this was done at a terrible cost. Good looks were obtained which was accompanied by an increase in cancers, metabolic dis-ease, central nervous system disease, skin disease, and immune-mediated disease. It was no longer survival of the fittest but instead, survival of the cutest. The veterinary profession has re-sponded admirably. We can treat many of a purebred’s maladies through surgery or medications. Yet, genetic counseling which could prevent many of these health problems requiring
sophisticated and expensive treat-ments has not been pursued. Where lays the answer to the problem? It has to be multifaceted. Pet health insurance companies which have much of the data concerning breed’s disease pre-dispositions, breeders, veterinarians,geneticists, and animal feed and drug manufacturers must all be involved. Perhaps most importantly, the general public should be involved as well. As long as there is a huge demand for a dog with “a certain look” by thepublic, then economics will result in ignoring the health ramifications of obtaining such a look. Up to now, this is what has gotten us to this pointtoday—where there is enough blame to go around.
K-9 DOG GROOMINGProfessional Pet Care for
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Pamela’s kritters: Carlos, Charlie Brown, Java, and Blackjack and Zach, in memory.
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reasonsto own a
It’s good for the heartPeople who don’t own cats are 30-40% more likely to die of cardiovascular disease, according to a study from the University of Minnesota. You also re-duce your risk of having a heart attack when you own a cat.
Feline friends reduce stressCats are great for helping people tore duce stress. Petting your cat can cause the body to release oxytocin, the hor mone that reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Help kids be allergyand asthma-free
Owning a cat can help prevent thede velopment of allergies in children. When children interact with pets, partic ularly cats and dogs, from anearly age, they develop an immunity and are less likely to have allergies when they get older. There is also some evidence that supports children having cats to prevent asthma.
BURTCH ANIMAL HOSPITAL
#2-1455 Harvey Ave Orchard Garden Plaza
www.burtchanimalhospital.ca 250-860-8000Mon - Sat 7:30am - 8:00pm
Sun & Holidays 9:00am - 5:00pm
OPEN7 Days a Week
A Full Service Veterinary Hospital
u Appointments and Walk Ins Welcomeu Early Drop Off u Morning and late Evening Appointments
u 24 Hour EMERGENCY SERVICE u
Jatinder’s Kritter: Asha meets you at the office.Kelsey’s Kirtters: Mishka and Ranger
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Cats help lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Cat owners have lower levels of cho-lesterol than those who don’t own cats. In fact, a 2006 Canadian study showed that owning a cat was more effective in lowering cholesterol than manymedica tions.
Cats are (relatively) care-freeIf you are looking to get a pet but you lead a busy life, a cat may be just what you need. Many cats are independent and are content to be on their own for hours at a time. While you should nev-er leave your cat alone for days on end, they do require less maintenance than dogs and are great for those living in apartments too.
Furry friends helpbattle depression
Owning a pet is great for your mental health. Many people find cats sooth-ing and have reported that their cat helps ease feelings of depression,loneliness, and even loss during aperiod of mourn ing.
Cats are perfectcuddle companions
Most felines love a good snuggle and best of all, they are the right size for the task. Unlike most dogs, cats are just the right size for curling up on your lap while you watch a movie.
Cats are easy to potty trainYour new furry friend should take to the litter box with ease. Cats are naturally drawn to dirt and sand when it comes time to relieve themselves, so they are more than happy to use the litter box once they’ve been shown where it is.
Felines provide hours of entertainment
Whether your cat likes leaping into boxes, chasing balls around the house, or tracking down the evil red dot from your laser pointer, there is no doubt that all cats are entertaining.
Cats are just plain awesomeWe concede that cats aren’t for everyone, but you certainly can’t deny that cats are awesome. They have been an active part of human lives for more than 12,000 years, offering pest control and companionship for all.
Submitted by Tri Lake Animal Hospital
Tinas K9 & Feline Teeth Cleaning
Anaesthetic FreeScaling & PolishingFree Consultations
Call for a location near you
1-888-764-5959Tina’s Kritters: 4 dogs & 6 horses
Lorah with her cat, Turkey
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This issue’s happy-ending story is one of a different sort. It’s one that isn’t necessarily related to the SPCA but one that had a huge impact on me, both personally and as an agent of the Kelowna SPCA. After speaking to Joel’s wife, Darlene, regarding the abandonment and seizure of several exotic birds at the coast, she suggested I speak with Ray Parkes.
Ray and Valerie Parkes run a rescue group for abandoned and abused birds. They call their life work ‘Parrot Island’. I invited myself out to their sanctuary in Peachland. I was curious about their setup, and over-whelmed by the obvious passion he had for the birds in his care. I also hoped that his facility would offer a refuge for the exotic birds that occasionally enter the shelter.
Although we would never refuse an animal at the shelter, we lack the expertise, time, and equipment necessary to house these exotic birds. Bernice, our volunteer coordinator and myself drove out to Peachland. When we arrived at Parrot Island, Ray and his wife greeted us. They eagerly gave us the ‘Grand
By Kathy Woodward, SPCA
Kritter AngelsKritter Angels
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Jim & Andrea’s kritters: 2 cats, 2 dogsand a bee farm
Parrot Island’s Sparticus and Max
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Open 7 days a week Emergency Doctor on call
Companion & Exotic Pets
Eliot Kaplan, DVM, DIPL. ABVP Specialist in Canine & Feline Practice
Linda Kaplan, DVM Dawn Coldwell, DVM Special interest in Exotics
Autumn Pulfer, DVM
Special interest in Veterinary Acupuncture
Jean-Francois (JF) Carmel, DVM
For appointments & emergencies call:
250-766-3236 After-Hours Direct Line: 250-862-6551
10564 Powley Court, Winfield V4V 1V5
www.trilake.ca
Tour’ of their grounds and facilities. The first part of the tour was a fenced area, where they housed and cared for horses. The grounds were i m m a c u l a t e l y kept and the
animals were obviously well cared for. It is truly a sanctuary!! At first I was overwhelmed and saddened by what I saw, not by the facility, but by the neglect and abuse these birds had obviously endured before being rescued. Many had plucked their feathers out, from stress, boredom or frustration, others called out in loud, shrill cries when we entered. It was apparent that these birds shared the same love and respect for Ray and Val as they did for them. Upon realizing it was them that had entered the shelter, the birds calmed and waited eagerly for the Parkes’ as they acknowledged every bird in the facility, one by one. My sadness was quickly replaced by an incredible feeling of ‘warm fuzzies’, I couldn’t get over the respect I felt for these two people who gave so much of themselves for these birds. As they introduced us to each one, they told us how they acquired them. Most were from people who hadn’t realized the tremendous commitment these creatures need to survive, a commitment Ray and Val are willing to give to each and every one. After the tour, we had coffee and shared stories and dreams we each have for the animals in our care. We learned
of the tremendous amount of work and money involved in running such a rescue group. I wish them every success in their endeavors, and invite you to share in that passion by visiting Parrot Island. It is well worth the drive!Ray and Val now have over 60 rescued parrots. The parrots invite you out for a visit. There is a small admission charge. They are open 10 - 4
every day over the summer.
5090 Mckinnon Rd, Peachland, BC250-767-9030
2014, all rights reserved. Opinions and perspectives expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarilyrepresent the views of the ownership ormanagement. Reproduction in whole or in part, without the publisher’s consent, is strictly prohibited.
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SPRING TUNE UP FOR YOUR HORSE Now that the snow has finally disappeared,
those of us who are fortunate enough to ownhorsesare itching toget backout on the trailsorbusyplanningforthefirstcompetitionsoftheseason.However,ifyourhorsehasbeenloungingaboutinapaddockorpastureallwinterthekeyquestionyouneedtoaskis,howreadyishefortherigorsofexerciseorcompetition?
Thefollowingarethekeyissuesthatshouldbeaddressedduringthistransitionperiod.DewormingConsult your veterinarian regarding a yearroundwormingprogramthatissuitableforyourhorse, taking into account his age and environment.Certainlya“cleanup”wormershouldbe administered early in the winter that willhopefullyclearyourhorseofparasites,includingtapeworms,bots,andencystedsmallstrongyles.
Ifparasiteeggsaccumulateonthegroundoverthewinter,theretendstobealarge“hatch”ofeggsallatonce,withthepotentialforyourhorsetobecomeheavilyinfestedaroundthetimethatthelushspringgrasscomesin.Yourhorseshouldbedewormedagainatthistime.Hoof CareRegular hoof trimming should continue year round, but often this isneglected during the winter. The hooves can become damaged fromfrozen ground, or from prolonged exposure to wet conditions. Poornutrition (ie. not thebest hay) canalsoaffect hoof growthandquality.Developarelationshipwithagoodfarrierandseekhisorheradviceastowhetheryourhorseshouldbeshod.Yourveterinariancanadviseyouonsupplementsorotherproductsthatwillencouragehealthyhoofgrowth.Skin and CoatCertainskinconditionssuchasrainscaldaremorecommonduringthewinter.Checkyourhorseforlumps,bumps,andscabs.Dryscalyskinmayberelatedtonutrition.Groomyourhorsefrequentlytoremovewinterhair,stimulatecirculation,anddistributenaturaloilsthroughoutthecoat.Feedinggroundflax,blacksunflowerseeds,orvegetableoilwillstimulatethegrowthofahealthy,shinysummercoat.Externalparasitesencountered in theOkanagan include liceand ticks,bothofwhichareverycommon,andbothofwhichtendtooccurinlatewinter/early spring. Ticks shouldbemanually removedwith tweezers,grasping the tickclose to theskin. Checkall thenooksandcrannies,especiallyaroundtheudder/sheatharea,underthejaw,andaroundtheears.Spraysorpowdersmaybehelpful,andyourhorseshouldbedewormedwith ivermectin. Lice are treated with louse powder which should beappliedatleasttwotimes,abouttwoweeksapart.Again,dewormingwithivermectinmaybehelpful.Averyheavyinfestationofeitherticksorlicemayindicatethatyourhorseʼsimmunesystemiscompromised,andoftenthese
THE
VETS
CORNER
okkritters.com 15
if hewas not ridden all winter, hewillcertainlybeoutofshape.Assessyourhorseʼsweight(askyourvetaboutbodyscoring)andadjustthedietaccordingly.Start back into work gradually witha fitness program that takes intoaccountage, levelofactivity,anduse. Ingeneral,thebestwaytotransitionyour horse from winter to spring is tocontinue good management throughoutthewinter.Keepupwithdewormingandhoofcare,feedagoodqualitydiet,check his weight frequently (donʼt justlook, runyourhandsoverhis ribcageasthelongwintercoatcanhideathinhorse), and groom him periodically tocheckforskinproblemsandparasites. By paying close attention to yourhorseʼs health and condition duringthe winter the spring transition periodshouldbequickandpainless.
Dr.SheilaMcDonaldOkanaganEquineVeterinaryServices
horses suffer from internal parasitesaswell.VaccinesIn theOkanagan, themost commonlyadministered vaccines are for prevention of tetanus, sleeping sickness,West Nile virus, influenza, andrhinopneumonitis. Check with yourveterinarianas towhichvaccinesyourhorse should receive. As sleepingsickness and West Nile are bothmosquito born diseases, we generallyvaccinate in the spring to achieveoptimumimmunityduringthemosquitoseason.TeethAdentalexamcanbeperformedalongwiththeannualvaccination.Anunlevelbite,largehooks,and/orsharpenamelpoints can affect your horseʼs abilityto chew and digest his feed and alsocanmakethebit,bridleorevenhalteruncomfortableforyourhorse.Weight and ConditionYour horse may come out of wintereither overweight or underweight, and
When your day seems out of balance
And so many things go wrong...
When people fight around you
And the clock drags on so long...
When most folks act like children,
And fill you with remorse,
Go out into your pasture...
Wrap your arms around your horse.
His gentle breath enfolds you,
as he watches with those eyes
He may not have a PhD,
But he is, oh, so wise!
The Heart of a HorseHis head rests on your shoulder...
You embrace him good and tight;
He puts your world in balance,
And makes it seem all right.
Your tears will soon stop flowing,
The tension will be eased.
The nonsense has been lifted,
You are quiet and at peace.
So when you need some balance
From the stresses in your day...
The best therapy you can seek...
Is out there eating hay. Author unknown
10 Top Hrose NamesStar, Dakota, Cheyenne, Spirit, Misty, Cowboy,
Blze, Lucky, Chief, and Stormy
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Many dog owners, breeders and West-bank locals are quite familiar with Ruth as she successfully ran Shannon Lake Kennels for many years. Four sisters (Ethel, Gladys, Dorthy and Vicky) went to school at Westbank Elementary and George Pringle. Born in 1946, she was involved with 4H, loved nature andac tually began training her dog at 9 years old. It simply progressed from there as she has now “trained” over 25,000 dogs and their owners in her career. Raised on a farm, riding horses was also part of her recreation. On one of her rides she met a young man who was driving one of his collection of classic cars (George Yeulett) and “we clicked”. They were blessed with seven children (Vernon, George, Dallas, Daniel,Cas sidy, Ian and Shannon). They bought a parcel of land (127 acres) on Shannon Lake Road where the kids were raised and she began seriously training and breeding dogs. Her love of the German Shepard breed became their passion and she soon became well-known andre spected. She began working with folks
with aggressive dogs and progressed to encircle all the dog breeds. Beginners, basic obedience, advanced, tracking, blood tracking, search and rescue, com-petition tracking, Schuthund, Kadaber, Eratarh, finding drugs were just a few of the selections she learned and taught. Ruth’s techniques are “food and prey” and “correction and praise”. One of her fa vorite expressions is “the dog already knows what to do...it is the owner that needs most of the training”. Her mandate is to challenge both the dogs mind and body. Her students (“about 80% women, 20% men”) are quite serious about their training and usually have a solid reason for their choice and breed of dog but “some people choose the wrong dog for the wrong reason.” Ruth will be addressing many topics in her ongoing column called ASK RUTH in future issues of OK Kritters, on our OK Kritters facebook page, as well as on our upcoming web site. Her opinions on which breeds are the hardest to train, why buy from a breeder, working dogs v/s show dogs, should you get a guarantee
RUTH YUELETTDog Trainer & Breeder Extraordinaire
Photo by A. Whittal
okkritters.com 17
when purchasing a dog, longest and shortest life spans and why, who usually has the responsibility in taking care of the dog/dogs, most common problems, hardest and easiest to train, unusual breeds, purchasing your dog, children and dogs, why some dogs are rare, what senses dogs excel in, protection v/s security, tracking, working dogs (i.e. sled dogs), dogs and cats, natural instincts, dog owners responsibility, food and nutrition, dogs in public places on and off leash, overcoming obedience problems, how to act around strange dogs – what to do and what not to do, handicap helpers, why she watches very carefully how the posture and owners energies converge, etc., etc. Hopefully, she will fill you in on some of her personal adventures such as actually going into a coyotes den and pulling one of her dogs (11 year old Delilla) back out with a coyote inside and several around the entrance; training a dog and owner to repel from a helicopter in a search and rescue special training session, and her personal relationships and experiences with the police, dog control and bylaws. She has also won many awards ranging from “Trial and Tracking”, “Canadian G.T. National”, “High-in-trail” Schutzhund 1, 2 and 3, “BH”
Schutzhund 1 in Montreal and Oregon just to name a few. Her “mentor” is a gentleman by the name of Gunthur Diegel from Germany (“the best dog trainer in the world”). Ruth has basically retired training dogs but her Shannon Lake Kennels is still up and running with Anina Morris doing most of the training now. But....but....Ruth has not thrown in the towel just because of a few health challenges. She hopes to continue helping dog owners on a one on one basis with advice and personal assistance. She may not have the large classes to conduct her orchestra but her years of hands on experience will continue and we sincerely hope to be a part of it. She has taught us how to raise 5 of our own shepherds and is a confidant and a dear friend to my wife and I. My wife may not always listen to my advice....but with our dogs she will listen very carefully to one who knows the walk. Interviewed by Joel Rickard
The most populardog name is
“Max”.
Did You Know?
Photo by Joel A. Rickard
18 okkritters.com
When a pet you love becomes a memory, The memory becomes a treasure.
BUTTONSSeventeen years ago our door bell rang, and I heard our neighbour say “Is this your kit-ten....our dog sniffed it out along your
driveway?” I headed for the door with a“We don’t need any more cats”
look only to have this little orange manx kit-ten with big round eyes placed in my hands. Seventeen years of sharing my bed, my in-ner most thoughts and aquiring the support of this little ball of fur., she knew more about me than God did. I truly hope this extension of my heart-beat is now as content as she was sleeping on my pillow. My eyes will open expecting......well....you know. Joel R.
SHANDY “My little Angel” Yes, she was all of that and so much more! Her ESP worked overtime where I was concerned. Through rough times she would cry with me, yes actually cry. Never wanting to leave my side. Through the good times wherever I went throughout Cana da and the US she was along for the ride stretched out on the dash, basking in the sun, one eye closed and the other on me. Her instincts were uncanny. In Oregon, for-warning me of a mountain lion who was out in the pasture close to my new born twin calves. Another time in Colorado when a rabid coyote was on my back deck.
In all of her 16 years only when something was wrong did her almost non-existent mew become a yowl. As for people, well one might say, she let me know, if they were welcome or not. To never again hear her gentle mews, to feel her warm, agora body snuggled against mine makes me sad each and every day. She stayed as long as she could and now she has gone home. God! truly gave me a Gift.
Terry W.
LUCY Lucy....when I first saw you, you were no bigger than a softball…you were the only girl in the litter of 5. I had always wanted a running partner,
as I ran 10 km a day, and needed a dog who could keep up. As you grew, you became my best friend. You touched the hearts of all you met. You loved the farm and chasing your ball. The only thing you hated was loud cracks of the fireworks….you would bolt….many nights I lay awake wondering if you were ok, only to find you in the morning not far away or a stranger would phone saying they found you. When finally one day your liver could not function any more, you left this world, but not my heart. There will never be another PooBear. Thanks for being in my life ad youwere a true gift. Love MOM(Tamara C.)
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The Ragdoll Cat
Ragdolls are large, laid-back, semi longhaired cats with captivating blue eyes. The Ragdoll is a pointed breed, which means that the body is lighter in color than the points (the face, legs, tail and ears). The ideal Ragdoll is a well balanced cat, with no ex treme features. Altered males will usually top the scale at 15-20 pounds; females are proportionately smaller and usually weigh between 10-15 pounds at maturity. Ragdoll cats tend to be more inter-ested in humans than some breeds of cats. They are known to run to greet you at the door, follow you from room to room, flop on you, sleep with you, and generally choose to be where you are. They are gentle cats, and usually play without extending their claws. Ragdolls tend to be floor cats, not jumpers. The Ragdoll’s semi long coat is plush and silky, and requires minimal grooming to keep it looking its best. For more info contact the Okanagan Valley Cat Fanciers at 250-784-4052.
Would you like to share a treasured memory of a special pet?
A picture plus 150 wordsfor $65.00.
Call or email OK [email protected] 250-765-3886
Cooper Medical–Paul is owned by Sophie, Lorrie (Reception) is owned by Cash.
20 okkritters.com
Horse Treat Carrot/Apple Cakes
Ingredients:1 carrot1 apple1 cup molasses2 1/2 cups oats2 Tablespoons oilDirections:Preheat oven to 300º F.Grate the carrot and apple. Mix all ingredients together.Place mixture in baking tray and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.Cool for four hours in refrigerator.
Rabbit Treat Ingredients:1 cup of your bunny’s food1 banana2 carrotsDirections:Preheat oven to 180º C.Line a baking tray with parchment paper.Chop up the banana and car rots into slices. Grind your bunny food up so it becomes powdery.Puree the banana and carrot slices in the blender.Put all of these ingredients into one bowl and mix well. Roll into balls and place on the baking sheet.Bake for 30 minutes until they harden.These treats are great for training your bunny.
(250) 861-5030 2800 Highway 97 N. Kelowna
Rentals – Storage – Short & Long HaulsHorse Trailer for Rent
Sadie Titan
TheKritter
Kitchen
Have a great recipe you would like to share with other Kritter owners?OK Kritters Magazine3901 Anderson RoadKelowna, BCV1X [email protected]
okkritters.com 21
BC 4-H PROVINCIAL COUNCIL2743 30th Street, Vernon V1T [email protected] 1-866-776-0373
BC SPCA – Speaking for animals www.spca.bc.caPenticton2200 Dartmouth Drive V2A 7W7 250-493-0136Kelowna3785 Casorso Road V1W 4M7 250-861-7722Vernon4800 Haney Road V1H 1P6 250-549-7297North Okanagan5850 Auto Road V1E 2X2 250-832-7376
CANADIAN DISASTER ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAMwww.cdardt.ca 250-494-5057
COLLEGE OF VETERINARIANS OF BRITISHCOLUMBIA (CVBC)107-828 Harbourside DriveNorth Vancouver V7P 3R9 1-800-463-5399
CRITTERAID113-437 Martin St., Penticton, BC V2A 5L1Deborah Silk 250-494-5057
www.critteraid.ca/rescue.htm
OKANAGAN HUMANE SOCIETY14651 Oyama Road, Oyama V4V 2C7President: Louvain Schon 250-548-9293
PETS AND PEOPLE VISITING SOCIETYMargerie Rutherford 250-860-2572
T.R.A.C.S. (The Responsible Animal Care Society)[email protected] Crosland 250-764-3000
VERNON AND DISTRICT ANIMAL CARE SOCIETYvernonanimalcare.com 250-542-7203
WILDLIFE
BC WILDLIFE PARK REHABILITATION CEN TRE250-573-3242 ext. 230
www.bczoo.org/howwe-wildlife_rehab.php
WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS NETWORK OF BCwww.wrn.bc.ca
CATS
OKANAGAN VALLEY CAT FANCIERSMunira Murrey 250-764-4052
DOGS
CENTRAL OKANAGAN DOG AGILITY CLUBKelowna 250-765-1145
OKANAGAN (CENTRAL) SMALL DOG RES CUE SOCIETYKelowna, BC V1X 7K7 [email protected] one has loved an animal, a part of
one’s soul is unawakened. – Unknown
22 okkritters.com
BACK COUNTRY HORSEMAN250-764-4533
BC INTERIOR HORSE RESCUE SOCIETYVernon 250-260-5344
BRITISH COLUMBIA INTERIOR ARABIANHORSE ASSOCIATIONWally Goertz 250-546-6004
ENDURANCE RIDERS ASSOCIATION OF BCPresident: June Melhuish
KELOWNA GYMKHANA CLUB3745 Gordon Dr., Kelowna 250-768-8253
OKANAGAN MINIATURE HORSE CLUBKatie Iceton 250-546-0998
PEACHLAND RIDING CLUBVerne Kaiser [email protected]
SPECIALTY & OTHER
CROCTALK CONSERVATION AND RESCUE4493 E. Stewert Road, Kelowna V1W 4C1croctalk.com Doug 250-764-1616
FISH AND GAME CLUBKelowna 250-764-7558
PARROT ISLAND SANCTUARY5090 MacKinnon Road, Peachland V0H 1X2 www.parrotisland.net 250-767-9030
Top Cat NamesKitty, Tiger, Smokey, Shadow, Tigger, Baby,
Princess, Max, Oreo, Angel
GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE OF BC(message line) 604-773-3647
www.gsrbc.com
KELOWNA DOG SPORT 250-765-1145
OKANAGAN BOXER RESCUEMr. Jimmy Paulgaard 250-862-0601
ST. JOHN AMBULANCETHERAPY DOG PROGRAM 250-762-2840
HORSES
ARMSTRONG/ENDERBY RIDING CLUB Rebecca Hilbrander 250-546-0052
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okkritters.com 23
Dinah’s Kritters - Zuma and Taco and granddaughter’s (Lorah) cat, Turkey (p 11)
Dinah’s Drycleaning
172 Asher Road, Kelowna (Across from Plaza 33)
Alterations & Repairs
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am to 6 pmSaturdays 10 am to 4 pm
250-765-6669
• Drapery Cleaning • Wedding Gowns •
BC Inerior Horse Rescue – Marcy Mueller, Jody Wile, Chelsy MillerRide for Rescue at timberridge trials - May 10, Sept 27 & 28 – 250-712-6200
