by Deborah Ann Klenzman

Baking For Your Pet

2012-02-25T11:25:00.009-08:00

Baking For your Pet

Does your pet enjoy fresh-baked treats like the way you enjoy fresh-baked cookies? Oh, I bet they do. It is both rewarding and healthy to feed your pet specially baked preservative-free treats from the human-grade ingredients in your own kitchen. A variety in the ingredients ensures a well-rounded diet for your pet and increases interest for those finicky eaters. Do your research to determine which types of foods are safe for your cat or dog. Healthy foods for your dog include salmon, sardines, pumpkin, carrots, peas, bananas, sweet potatoes, peanut butter, rice, chicken and turkey. Healthy treats for your cat are boneless beef, brown rice, tuna, salmon, and boneless turkey or chicken. Never feed a cat or dog chocolate. A good substitute for chocolate on your dog treats is carob. Onions will cause upset tummies in both dogs and cats. Grapes and raisins have caused kidney failure in some dogs and cats.

Knowing what you are putting into your pet's treats can actually help in treating certain health conditions. Brewer’s yeast and garlic are a natural flea deterrent for dogs. Parsley has long been thought to improve doggie breath. Pumpkin, a great source of fiber for dogs and cats, keeps the GI tract moving.

To get you started, here are a couple easy recipes to create for your dog and cat.

Pup-Cakes For Dogs
Cakes
2 Ripe Bananas
1 egg
2 C water
1 Tbs Blackstrap molasses
2 Tbs garlic powder
2 Tbs Brewers Yeast (do not substitute regular yeast)
3 C whole wheat flour
2 Tsp Baking powder
½ C carob chips (do not substitute chocolate chips)

Pre-heat oven to 350º
Combine first 4 ingredients. In a separate bowl combine whole wheat flour and baking powder. Add slowly to wet ingredients in a mixing bowl until mixed through. Add carob chips and mix until evenly distributed.
Use melon baller to fill muffin cups half full. Do not over fill. Bake for 45 min., cool in oven to harden some.

Frosting
1 mashed sweet potato (peel, slice into ½ inch pieces and boil 20 min until soft, drain and mash)
2 oz cream cheese
3 Tbs peanut butter
3 Tbs powdered milk

After sweet potato has cooled completely, whip all ingredients together. If you want to add a fun color, use a regular potato. Pipe or spread onto cupcakes after they are cooled and serve within a few hours. Do not frost until ready to serve. Frosting can be chilled in refrigerator until needed. Top with a fun treat!

Quick Tuna Treats for Cats

6 oz can Tuna fish in water (do not drain)
¼ C cornmeal
½ C whole wheat flour

Pre-heat oven to 350º
Combine tuna (with water) with cornmeal and flour in a food processor. Blend until smooth texture. Spread onto a baking sheet evenly. Using a pizza cutter make squares the size you think your cat would like before baking.
Place in the oven for 20 min. or until crisp and cool. Treats break apart easily into the squares you cut.
Deborah Ann Klenzman is owner and artist of Progressive Portraits. You can see her artwork and photography on www.progressiveportraits.com. Recipes provided by Sherrie Brodie of Pups and Cups, gourmet dog treats and cakes available on www.pupsncups.net.

Grooming For Your Pet's Health

2011-12-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

Is your dog or cat looking a little scruffy lately? Groomers everywhere are finding that their customers are bringing pets in less frequently. It may seem like a good way to cut back on expenses. After all, pet grooming is a luxury like a day at the spa, isn't it? Actually, there are many excellent health benefits of good pet grooming you may not be aware of. First of all, regular grooming is your first defense in detecting any skin problems, parasites or infections that may lead to a bigger problem. Brushing removes the loose fur which can become matted and painful for you pet. It also gives your pet's coat a healthy shine and increases bloood flow. Cutting toenails on both cats and dogs can keep you and your family from getting serious infections from scratches. And best of all, regular grooming will decrease the amount of your pet's shedding which means less fur on your clothes and floating around the house.

If you have a long-haired dog or cat, you know about matted fur, the clumps that hang around the pet's neck and behind their legs. Personally, I have seen cats so matted that the entire cat looked like it had been given badly braided cornrows. But seriously, matted fur will pull and stretch the skin causing pain and agony to an animal's every move. If the mat is not taken care of, it will actually rip the skin causing bleeding and possibly infection. If matting continues, it will eventually cause scarring and bald patches. Cutting matts yourself is extremely dangerous. One slip of the scissors or one jerk of your pet's leg, and you may be racing to the nearest pet ER. Matts that are tight to the skin need to be shaved by a professional groomer who may charge additional for matted pets. Because the pet must be shaved down to the skin, the procedure is time-consuming and wears down the blades on the shavers. Debra, owner and groomer at Debra's Doghouse, told me her shaver shorted out while removing matted fur filled with sand. Regular visits to your groomer can decrease the stress on your pet and on your wallet. Check with local groomers for discount pricing on scheduling regular visits.

Cutting the pet's nails is just as important to your pet's health as it is to your own health. Germs from the litter box or from the dead thing your dog was playing with in the bushes will live under your pet's nails. Then when you or your child is accidentally scratched, those same germs may enter the blood stream. Keeping the nails trimmed and clean can lower the risk of scratches and infections.

Keeping your pet's nails clipped regularly will cause less pain and stress for him each grooming session. The regular routine of clipping will get your pet used to the feel of having their feet touched so the process will go smoothly. Because a dog's nail bed grows out with the nail, waiting too long between clippings can be painful and bloody. Outdoor kitties tend to wear their claws down, but indoor cats often get a claw caught on carpet or fabric, panic because they can't get free, and tear out the nail. If you decide to clip your pet's nails, make sure your purchase a clipper designed for your pet. It helps to have someone hold the pet for you so your hands are free to focus on the job. If your pet is not used to having its paws touched, work on only one paw per session until she is used to it. Keep flour or corn starch nearby in case the nail bleeds. Some grooming shops use a Dremel, a type of nail grinder that causes less pain and get the nails shorter than clippers.

While grooming your own pet can be a good way for you and Fluffy to bond, professional groomers are trained to notice potential health risks early. Debra at Debra's DogHouse told me of a long-haired golden retriever who was brought in stressed and shaking. After noticing how sensitive the dog's front paw was, she found two small rattlesnake puncture wounds and immediately raced the dog to the vet. At each session, your groomer will look for fox tails that have a tendency to enter the skin, parasites like fleas and worms that can effect your pet's health, as well as the condition of the the pet's fur which may detect disease. Most groomers also offer extra services such as dental and anal gland care. Choose a groomer that you and your pet become familiar with, and who will notice any new changes or lumps that weren't there before. If you don't have time to drop your puppy off at the grooming shop, there are many mobile groomers who will come to your front door and groom your pet in their specialized van.

Some pets need to be brushed daily or weekly depending on your pet's type of fur. If your pet is not used to brushing, start out with short sessions and build your way up. Add the pet's favorite treat after a few brush strokes and before you know it, your pet will bring you the brush. Teeth brushing is another exercise that will benefit your pet and create a loving bond. There are many self-serve dog washes which supply the tub, the shampoo, the towels and the cleanup. Make sure the shampoo is intended for your type of pet. The wrong shampoo and too frequent of bathings can strip your pet's fur of natural oils. A good creme rinse can help in deterring matts. Trimming your pet should be left to a professional. Debra says, "the consumer shavers, which may pull or break the fur, are not the same as the professional blades. And if you don't have knowledge of skin firmness and anatomy of where certain muscles are, you may end up paying much more in vet bills to have your pet stitched up." If you insist on learning pet grooming, ask your professional for helpful tips.

For more information about professional dog grooming, contact Debra at Debra's DogHouse at 5493 Carlson Dr, Sacramento, CA (916) 457-7387.

Learning Your Pet's Language For A Healthier Happier Pet

2011-11-12T22:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why your puppy looks so guilty when you come home? And why does kitty try to scratch me when I stare into her eyes?

When I was looking for information on pet behavior, I discovered that most articles focus on what our pets are doing wrong and how to make them stop. I believe that understanding my pets good and bad behavior can give me insight into how I should respond to my pet. Understanding how my pets communicate could only improve my relationship with my furry friends. Dog trainer, Elisabeth Rosen of P.E.T. Your Dog admitted to me that most of the dog behavior that we consider bad is simply our dog doing what dogs do. "It is humans who need to clearly explain the rules of the house to our pets in a way they can understand," Elisabeth said.

Often we misunderstand our pets when we imagine they communicate and behave like humans. A common misunderstanding is thinking our pet looks guilty for some wrongdoing that was done while we were away at work. The truth is dogs and cats won't have any idea why you're angry if their offending behavior was hours ago. In fact, if we are angry every time we come home, our pets will link only our coming home with our being angry. That may be the very reason they have a fearful look on their face when we arrive home.

It seems natural to show our affection for our pets the way we communicate to our human loved ones. When we bring our face up close to our dog or cat and stare into their eyes, we are only expressing our love, but that does not translate love to our pet. In both cat and dog behavior, a face to face stare means a threatening declaration of war. Unfortunately, when a pet fights to get away or lashes out at us, we are apt to label our pet as cold or aggressive.

As a pet photographer, it is important that I create a relaxed portrait that shows a pet's personality. The most important factor I must control is my body language. Pets easily pick up a human's excitement, stress, anger and other emotions. Speaking to a dog in a high pitch excited voice will get a low-energy dog moving, but it will also cause an energetic dog to become over-stimulated and difficult to calm down. Showing a nervous or excited state around a cat will scare him right under the bed, while staying calm and aloof draws out the curiosity in most cats. In order to get the perfect pose, I must create the right atmosphere for the pet.

Eisabeth says that our pet's main goal is to get what it wants from us whether that be food, a toy, or our attention. "Our pets are trying to tell us what they need," she said. "By accurately reading our pet's actions and showing leadership through our body language, we can build a relationship of trust and respect with our pets." You will have a happier healthier pet and a peaceful home.

To learn more about pet behavior, check out your local library or bookstore. There are many helpful books written on understanding animal behavior such as, "The Other End Of The Leash," by Patricia McConnel and "Bone Would Rain From The Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs," by Suzanne Clothier. The Sacramento and Placer SPCAs have wonderful dog and cat behavior classes for their volunteers. Contact pet trainers in your area for more specific questions. Lastly, observe your pets as they interact with one another. What better way to learn about your pet than from your pet itself?

Deborah Ann Klenzman is owner and artist of Progressive Portraits. You can see her artwork and photography on www.progressiveportraits.com. For more information about dog training and behavior, check out Elisabeth's website, www.petyourdog.net.

Losing Your Best Friend

2011-10-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

When I would wake in the morning, I missed the furry face tickling my nose. Sometimes I put food in his bowl before I remembered he wan't there anymore to eat it. And when I worked at my computer, I would absently look down by my feet expecting to see two loving eyes looking up at me. Then I would remember he's gone and the pain would hit me again with a wall of tears. Anyone who has lost a pet knows personally the experiences I'm describing. And why shouldn't we feel a deep sadness at the loss of our most loyal companions and accepting confidants.

When Kitty's kidneys began to fail, I prepared myself for her passing, but I had no idea how painful the process actually would be. How do we know we are making the right decision to euthanize or to keep fighting for our pet's life? When my friend recently had to put down his beloved companion Doris, who had suffered for months with hip problems, he was just as troubled as when his dog Helga had died unexpectently. Eva, who took in numerous rescued golden retrievers throughout her life, told me that each time one of her companions died, it was never any easier than the first time. Our veterinarian is a good source for information and advice, but ultimately, it is our difficult decision.

Some well-meaning people who do not understand our grief, ask questions like, "Why are you so upset? It was just a dog," or "You knew she was sick. Why is this hitting you so hard?" When I heard questions like that I felt embarrassed and guilty for feeling so sad. I thought perhaps I was being silly for feeling so distraught, but my feelings were actually typical. Those who have not deeply bonded with an animal and experienced their loss can not possibly understand our pain. It is for this reason that pet loss support groups are popping up across the country. Tamara Samsa created a support group in Sacramento for people to share stories of love and companionship with their beloved animals. Meeting at the Healing Roots Animal Center, they offer the opportunity to explore the nature of loss in a safe and loving environment. Tamara says, "As part of this program one will have a chance to hear about death from the perspective of the animals from Animal Communicator Carla Simmons. Finally, we will create a tribute to honor the life that was loved."

There are many websites dedicated to pet loss with memorial pages such as petloss.com and pet-loss.net. They include advice, stories from other pet owners, resources, poetry, and personal support. On one site, a candle light ceremony is performed by individuals across the world in memory of pets that have crossed over. Message boards and chat rooms allow for direct interaction with others who are going through the same circumstances.

Everyone copes with their loss differently. One of my friends took the day off after putting down his dog Molly. Essentially spending the day with her in spirit, he held her leash close to him as he strolled around all the places they used to walk together. One of my friends laid to rest her precious cat Felicia in a pet cemetery so that she would have a special place to visit her. A customer contacted me when her vet said her german shepherd Spike had only a week at best to live. I immediately found time in my schedule to photograph him so that she and her husband could cherish Spike's portrait long after his passing. I've also had many other customers commission an oil painting to memorialize their beloved pet. I created a little scrapbook of Kitty complete with a lock of fur and photos from the day she came into my life to the last day I had with her.

Children may handle their pet's loss better than we think they will. Being honest and speaking openly with them, may help to address fears and questions they have about death. Never tell a child that the pet ran away or is lost. This will be sure to create fears of others leaving too and feelings of guilt that it was their fault. The child may wonder for years if the pet will come back, and for this reason, may not accept a new pet in the home.

People are not the only one's who grieve the loss of a pet. If there are other pets in the home, more than likely they will show signs of grief too. When Sherry had to put down her shepherd, Kyla, her other dog Sparky cried loudly and continually searched for her as if she were lost. Be sure to give your remaining pets lots of attention and love as you both grieve. Many people adopt a new pet too soon to replace the longing they have for their previous companion and to keep their other pets from being lonely. Your pets, however, may not accept a new pet into the home right away. When my cat Theo died suddenly, I wanted him back so bad that I searched for another cat just like him. But the new kitten, who looked like Theo, turned out to be a great cat with a very different, but wonderful new personality. I was lucky that my other cat finally accepted her over time too. Working through your grief, no matter how hard, is actually easier on your remaining pets and for any new pets you may eventually bring home.

So why do we continue to put ourselves through the inevitable pain of a pet's death? Is the pain we feel when they are gone greater than all the joy, love, and happiness they bring to our life while they are alive? Well, I do know those who are would say yes to this question and cannot bring themselves to get another pet. But for most of us, our pets bring such richness and enjoyment to our lives that a life without them is just not the same. Pets are loyal and love us unconditionally. They seem to understand and sympathize with us when we feel alone. Our companion animals look in our eyes and are able to tell us things without saying a word. That is why we do it all over again.

For more information about the Sacramento pet loss support group, please contact Tamara Samsa at 916-710-2139. They meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month beginning October 11, 2011 from 6:30- 8pm.

2011-10-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Dogs Love The Beach!
Here are just a few bits of advice so that your furry friend has a great day in the sand and surf.

1) Trim your pooch's nails. Sand can cause some discomfort if it gets in between the toenails.

2) Bring fresh water and a dog bowl. Even cloudy days at the beach can be hot for your dog. On really hot days, bring a sun umbrella so your dog has a place to go out of the sun.

3) Bring baggies to clean up after your pet. No one wants their day ruined by stepping in your dog's business.

4) Dogs CAN get sunburned, especially on their nose, belly or paws. Limit your dog's exposure to the sun or use a safe natural sunscreen if your puppy is prone to sunburn.

5) Rinse salt water and sand from your dog's coat after swimming. These can be irritants to your dog's skin and paws. Clean and dry ears to reduce chances of an ear infection.

6) Be aware of tide pools and undercurrents. Dogs who are focused on fetching a ball, can easily get caught and pulled under.

Hope you all enjoy your day at the beach!

Free to roam = Free to get sick.

2011-06-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

My friend called me in tears the other day after she had brought her mother's cat home with her to introduce into her home with her two other cats. She had prepared everything to make the transition smooth. But nothing prepared her for the news that her new cat had tested positive for feline AIDS.

What exactly is feline AIDS and how does it differ from the HIV? While the two viruses are similar, and cause similar symptoms, FIV affects cats only and poses no threat to humans. It is not transferable to dogs or any other species. Like the human virus, it weakens the cats immune system and increases a cat’s susceptibility to infection and disease. It is possible, however, with special care and regular visits to the vet for an FIV kitty to lead a healthy happy and reasonably long life.

A cat with FIV should be kept indoors and away from cats that who are not infected with FIV so that the disease does not spread. Because Feline AIDS can only be passed through a significant bite wound or contact with the infected cat’s blood, uninfected cats should be kept in separate rooms, or even better, separate homes to avoid the risk of a fight.

My friend's new kitty came from a home where she was allowed to roam free in the city's harbor every day. While it may seem natural to allow a cat to roam free in our neighborhoods, the city streets and alleys are not natural to a cat. There are many dangers from the obvious road kill hazard to feral cat overpopulation that leads to more fights and diseases spread to your cat. For your pet's safety, make sure all new cats being introduced to your home are checked out by a vet first. And keep your pets indoors and/or in a protected backyard environment.

Creating "Walking the Puppy" Painting by Deborah Ann Klenzman

2011-05-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

The first step to creating a painting is visualization. I searched through photos of ladies legs, shoes, dresses, sidewalk scenes, and puppies until I came up with combinations and angles I liked.

Then, I sketched out my vision on a stretched canvas with pencil. Once I was happy with the composition, I broke out my paint. With this particular painting, I set my canvas upside down. I like to paint this way because it causes me to focus on shapes and composition instead of the painting or a segment as a whole. Sometimes when we think in terms of a leg or an arm, we tend to paint it as we think it should look instead of painting it as it truly is. I mean, often what we think we know is really based on illusion, and we end up painting it wrong. By working upside down, we are forced to see shapes as they really are.

I began with the sidewalk, a good neutral color so that I could begin deciding my other colors. I knew I wanted my lady to be in red, so I began filling in her shoes, dress and leash. Then I was anxious to add flesh tones to her legs and arms.

At this point, I went back to working on the background. I still wasn't sure what to put in the distance. I played around with bushes and a fence. I changed it a couple times, still not completely happy with the result.

Wanting to use an impressionistic style and connect the objects together with color, I dabbed red strokes into the bushes, sidewalk and background. I dabbed purple strokes into the sidewalk, the dress, and the legs. I also added her shopping bags with colors to compliment.

Finally, I added the puppy. At first, I painted in a cocker spaniel puppy. It felt to dark to me. It was blending into the background. So I painted over the first puppy with a yellow lab puppy. Then I worked the shadows and the highlights for a more dramatic finished look.

I was still really bothered by the background. So I darkened it with more purples and blues to create the idea of store windows. Walking away from the painting for a day or two helps with problem areas that I'm not sure what to do with. Seeing the painting with a fresh eye can make all the difference.

The majority of this painting was done within the first two hours. Much of the time after that was spent looking at the painting and determining what needed to be done next or what needed to be changed.

This painting was created in anticipation for the Mutt Lynch/Dog Art Today art contest. About 100 paintings have been entered in this year's contest. The winning entry will be made into a label for Mutt Lynch Winery's limited edition wine. First the public will vote to choose the top 10 paintings. Then a panel of judges will pick the best for the wine label.

You can vote! Click on the following link. http://dreamdogsart.typepad.com/art/

From there, click the "Click Here" to vote. Scroll down to the 73rd entry labeled "Walking the Puppy" by Deborah Ann Klenzman. Then click the button in front of the name ad "done" at the bottom of the page.
HURRY! Voting ends Saturday, May 21st at midnight.

Does it really matter if you spay or neuter your pet?

2011-05-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

Every year millions of dogs and cats, the vast majority of which are medically and behaviorally adoptable, are euthanized at animal shelters. Where are all these animals coming from? Some are purchased from a breeder or puppy mill and later relinquished. Others are ferals or strays picked up from the street. They may have been lost family pets or abandoned pets which have bred year after year creating overpopulation in neighborhoods.

Many people wrongfully think that dropping off an unwanted pet in a rural area or park is humane. The truth is those abandoned cats or dogs are too traumatized to survive on their own. Hunting for food is a learned skill taught by adult animals to their babies. Since most domestic pets were never taught these skills, they are doomed to starve or be killed by other animals. But before they do, they will usually breed, creating more animals that are unable to survive on their own.

What can you do?

Please spay and neuter your animal companions to reduce overpopulation and urge others to do the same. If you are in need of discounted services, visit www.spayusa.org for information on finding a service in your area.
Refrain buying dogs or cats from a breeder or pet store. Instead, save a life by adopting a homeless animal from your local shelter or rescue organization.

"Felicia"

2011-04-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

For over 2 years, I've been creating paintings of cats for an organization called Arts For Critters. We are a group of artists that donate a percentage of our artwork's sale price to animal rescue shelters. My painting of "Felicia" is the 15th painting that I've done in my "Cat Rescue Project" series. The purpose of the series is to bring awareness to cat overpopulation and abandonment.

Never has a cat that I painted touched me the way Felicia has. I don't really know what her life has been like, but it looks as if it has been a long happy life for Felicia. A few months ago she was dropped off at the Sacramento Animal Shelter, and since she is now blind, and deaf, her hopes of being adopted were almost nil. As she was scheduled to be put to sleep, an alert went out over the internet in hopes of a last minute rescuer. FieldHaven Feline Rescue came through. She remains safely there waiting to be adopted.

When I visited Felicia, she was wandering around her outdoor cage meowing and looking a bit lost and lonely. I sat down next to her and she tentatively stepped onto my lap and curled up as if that was exactly what she was looking for. I fell in love with Felicia as she purred loudly and kissed my hand with her nose. It was difficult to leave her there, for I wanted so much for her to always have a warm lap to cuddle up on. But, I know FieldHaven Feline Rescue will take wonderful care of her until she finds a permanent lap to sit on.

My painting "Felicia" goes on sale today on eBay. By my hope is not so much for a sale, but for a good home for Felicia. She needs a person who will be gentle and caring. She needs a good safe home where she can live out her last years. I painted Felicia in just such a loving home. Please call FieldHaven, (916) 434-6022 if you are able to give Felicia a good home.

Bid on this artwork by Deborah Ann Klenzman of "Felicia."
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170630657955

Dog Ownership -What happens if someone takes your dog?

2011-04-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

The big dog story in the news lately has been about a little Pomeranian named "Miss Tilly." Back in 2005, Ms. Schwontkowski left her dog in the care of her friend for a short time until she could move into her new home. Her friend, however, decided to give the dog away. She then lied to Ms. Schwontkowski, telling her the dog had run away and was possibly killed. Obviously devastated, Ms. Schwontkowski searched for her dog relentlessly. Being an author, she wrote a book on the loss of her dog. It was at this point, four years later, that her friend finally told her the truth, that she had given the dog away. The couple in possession of the dog was notified, but would not give the dog back. They insisted that "Tilly" was now their dog.

Today, April 15, 2011, Ms. Schwontkowski brought the couple to court to force them to give her dog back. The judge ruled that Ms. Schwontkowski was the rightful owner of "Miss Tilly," but he could not legally force the couple to return the dog. The judge told the couple that they would have to pay $5,000 in damages for not returning the dog. The penalty would be waived if they returned to dog to Ms. Schwontkowski. The couple stated they would pay whatever they had to pay to keep the dog.
This, of course, does not satisfy the rightful owner of the dog. It is a sad story for each of the parties involved. Put yourself in the place of each. What would you do to get your beloved pet back after he/she was wrongfully taken from you? If you found out the dog you have fallen in love with was not rightfully yours, would you give it back?

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/04/15/3555973/judge-sets-the-stage-for-surprise.html