We’ve taken in so many things here in Palm Springs to do with food, architecture, art and fashion. But never before have we taken our canines into a movie theatre – until now.
Warm and fuzzies all around and let’s not forget the pupcorn.
My friend Tammy bought two tix to this NY Dog Film Festival® which is an annual philanthropic celebration of the love between dogs and their people and also the animal welfare groups that bring them together.
Tammy and Timbit, who loves a good Dogumentary. Photo: d. king
Layla, along with Tammy’s two beautiful Bichons (Timbit + Angel) had never been to the movies so this was our opportunity to take them to the Festival – a two-hour program (with a short intermission after the first hour) of stories about canines that are dogumentaries, animated or narrated from around the world.
It was awesome, especially preceded by a little cocktail party, which always comes in handy.
Layla was in a bit of a bitchy mood but that was probably because when she first jumped up on the seat, she fell right through the crack. That was a first. Photo: d. king
The Festival premieres every year at a theater in New York City and then travels to theaters in select cities across the United States and Canada, with a portion of every ticket benefiting a local rescue devoted to canine welfare.
Real Show Dogs: Angel and Tim wanted to make sure to get priority seating. Photo: d. king
We might give it another go next year. Tim is anxious but the other two can take it or leave it – unless they’re in it!
Let me preface this by asking – did you know that one of the oldest living dogs was a border collie named Bramble who was vegan and lived to be 25?
There’s a book “Bramble; The dog who wanted to live forever”that documents the care regime, diet and the people who looked after her. The book also demonstrates how to circumvent the pet food industry which in many cases contributes to greenhouse gasses and animal abuse via intensive farming.
I know I’ve been appalled at some of the ingredients I’ve noticed on many pet food packages, many of which are on the shelves for sale at your veterinarian. Kudos to anyone trying to improve the industry…but that’s not to say that I would jump in and rapidly change my dog’s diet, which I believe is pretty healthy as is. As with almost everything else, you must do the research yourself.
Photo: d. king
Here’s what I found: Dogs can thrive without meat, but only if they are fed a properly balanced vegetarian diet. As is true with people who prefer vegetarian diets, protein or vitamin deficiency can occur in dogs who eat strictly vegetarian diets if they are not properly supplemented.
I also found: dogs are omnivores, which means that they eat both meat and plant products. While it is theoretically possible, the British Veterinary Association does not recommend giving a dog a vegetarian or a vegan diet as it is much easier to get the balance of essential nutrients wrong than to get it right. Feb 1, 2022
Vegan diets are healthier and safer for dogs than conventional meat-based diets, according to the largest study to date, as long as they are nutritionally complete. The diet and health of more than 2,500 dogs were followed over a year using surveys completed by their owners. Apr 13, 2022
KEY WORDS: NUTRITIANALLY COMPLETE
Photo: d. king
Meet Laura Simonson. She’s a local entrepreneur and the founder of “Virchew,” a complete plant-based nutritionally balanced food (along with treats) for dogs. Based in Vancouver, BC, Virchewis powered by trail-blazing veterinary nutrition programs – with a dogged focus on skin, digestive and preventative solutions.
FAR FROM YOUR TYPICAL DOG FOOD.
Unlike most dog foods, Virchew is not a kibble. Meals are a convenient dry blend that is jam-packed with clean, green proteins, essential fats (omegas and DHA), complex carbs, healthful fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and nutrients. You simply dish it up to your dog’s bowl, stir it up with warm water and serve it up! Complete ingredients are on the website. They also deliver and ship to your door.
I walked by her shop a few weeks ago and got hooked by the colourful posters and ambience so went inside to check it out and ask a few questions. I left with some love bowl samples. I like the idea behind the name and believe she’s concocted a healthy plant based formula, however I’m continuing to feed Layla a combo of meat + veggies as this is a new concept for us. We’ll continue with her regular routine. I always add several drops of a cellular formula called “rejeneril” (see link below) to her kibble in the morning. In the evening I mix either cooked ground turkey, chicken or wild salmon with mixed veggies (carrots, peas, green beans, a little squash or sweet potato) and rice. I add a tsp of coconut or ultra fish oil to the mix. She never gets bored. I also give her a bit of plain yogurt, but not everyday.
Let’s consider Laura’s story…taken from her website profile page:
Photo: d. kingPhoto: d. king
“One day in 1989, Laura went to a natural health bookstore in Saskatoon, SK. It was a highly unusual store for its time and so was a book she happened upon. The self-published book title eluded to “vegetarian dogs.” (The word ‘vegan’ was not yet mainstream). Since she was a bona fide natural health foodie, competitive bodybuilder, athlete, passionate animal lover, and considering vegetarianism herself, Laura was intrigued and the idea stuck.”
“Fast forward to 2001, now a vegetarian and after several years as a top-selling realtor and sales manager, Laura pursued one of her first entrepreneurial business ideas: to open the first health & fitness studio of its kind, supported by personal growth programs, and vegetarian catering. Laura created the programs and personally provided the catering each week. It was during that same year she found her dream dog, Shanti, a border collie.“
“She had already planned Shanti’s vegetarian diet, and after consulting a veterinarian friend, she decided on a home-cooked diet combined with a veterinary, vegetarian formula. Shanti quickly became the studio’s living mascot as she delighted clients and friends alike with her boundless energy.”
Photo: d. king
“In 2008, through a fortuitous event, Laura met Gord Espeseth, an entrepreneur, innovator, and businessman who was also a vegetarian. With a background as a farmer, bush pilot, social worker, international food broker, owner of a food production company, and inventor of TRAK Kayaks (National Geographic dubbed TRAK the world’s ultimate kayak), Gord was the perfect match to play a support role for Laura’s next BIG idea: a vegetarian food company with a social venture foundation.”
“One day in December 2009, while assisting a friend with a food demo at a West Vancouver Whole Foods store, Laura took a break to walk down the dog food aisle. As she scanned the shelves and saw the absence of a vegetarian or vegan option, it was at that moment that the inspiration lightbulb went off! She knew what needed to be done and quickly linked this new idea all the way back to that moment in the book store in Saskatchewan and that glimpse of the vegetarian dog book.”
From that day forward, the idea was complete and Virchew was born.
Because travelling with dogs can sometimes be a pain for finding overnight accommodation.
La Quinta Inn & Suites – now owned by Wyndham are reliably dog friendly, clean, comfortable, cost-effective, all no-smoking rooms, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast (sometimes full depending where you stay) and friendly service.
OK let’s be honest, while The Four Seasons it is not; your dogs probably won’t notice the difference well Layla might and if you’re looking just to overnight on your way to let’s say Palm Springs when the border finally opens and you want a very comfortable bed and a no-charge fee for your pooches – this is the place. If you’re a member you can receive regular room upgrades to larger suites which is what I usually take advantage of. I’ve also stayed at Best Western Plus and the only difference is that they charge for your pets and have a bit more on the menu in the morning. I don’t know about you but none of these breakfasts at either place are my cup of tea. A coffee and yogurt to get me going is usually sufficient and a stop somewhere along the drive for something more substantial is the norm.
Here are a few properties that I can vouch for:La Quinta in Eugene, Oregon is completely revamped with indoor pool, gym and you’ll find the Willamette River right outside the door with a great green space for walking your furry friends. Or if you have time you can run or bike along the many miles of trails. It’s very pretty and peaceful here.
La Quinta in Redding, Ca, off the Cypress exit on I-5 in Shasta County. Located near the Sacramento River where you can explore National Recreation Areas within a five minute drive to Whiskeytown or the scenic world-renowned Sundial Bridge. They have a fitness center, outdoor pool and breakfast. Plus a little courtyard to walk pets and enjoy a coffee before taking off.
If you absolutely must overnight in Bakersfield, all I can tell you is to make sure you stay at the La Quinta at the North end of the city (not the South end god help you).
Cooking for your canine is easier, healthier and cheaper than you think.
No; this is not what I’m talking about.
If you’ve only fed your dog kibble since the very start, then I would recommend starting off slowly with so-called “people food.” But the word “people food” is nonsense because pet food companies convinced people that pet food (kibble and canned) should be the only food your pet should ever eat. It’s not!
But I’m not knocking all commercial pet food. I also feed my dog kibble. There are some good quality ones to choose from depending on your dog’s age, size and breed. It’s just that not all pet food is a healthy option. Same with our food choices; we have to read labels. Unfortunately for them, they depend on us to do the reading.
Having said that, many dogs enjoy eating their regular pet food (and what they don’t know cannot hurt them) but wait until you introduce something fresh into the mix – their tails will wag and it’ll be such a nice change. Imagine how boring it would be to eat the same thing every single day? I would hate that!
Many of you may not agree with me, but your dog will definitely approve – on that you can bet!
Weighing out the options of wet, dry and homemade:
If we serve dogs dry food only, their food gratification could be lost because a biscuit will never be as appealing as wet food. Dry food doesn’t contain some of the “natural” nutritional benefits of wet food, such as vitamins and minerals because it’s more processed.
If we just feed our dog wet food, we could lose the many benefits associated with chewing – our furry friend would eat the meal much faster avoiding mastication, which is the first stage of digestion. In addition, soft food does not massage the gums, which helps when dogs are teething, nor does it help with dental cleaning.
Best Option: feed your pup both dry and wet food to take advantage of the positive features of each option. That’s what I do for Layla. She gets dry in the morning and wet homemade in the evening. My vet told me that whatever I’m doing for her, keep doing it.
Here’s an easy, relatively inexpensive recipe:
This recipe I found on the internet is a good base to start with. I sometimes substitute turkey for boiled or roasted chicken and switch up the veggies. They can safely eat red bell pepper, snap peas, asparagus and yams, cooked and cut into bite size pieces. I have checked beforehand to make sure all these foods are safe for our furry friends.
1 1/2 cups *brown rice.
1 tablespoon olive oil.
3 pounds ground turkey.
2 cups baby **spinach, chopped.
2 carrots, shredded.
1 zucchini, shredded.
(sometimes I chop the carrots and zucchini)
1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen.
Make sure all is properly cooked. Then you can divide it into portions which may last days or even a week or more. You can freeze them too.
Another good option is cooked beef liver which contains vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, copper, zinc, essential fatty acids, and more. Liver cleanses the blood of toxins and supports healthy vision. It’s also a nutrient boost for dogs that have been injured or sick. Cooked salmon contains Omega-3’s. You can buy them frozen in pieces (wild with skin-on is best).
You can safely feed your dog 1/2-3/4 of a cup of food for every 25 pounds of body weight. While this doesn’t seem like a lot, you need to remember that homemade dog food is much more nutrient-dense than most commercial diets.
*Costco sells an ancient wild rice blend (with quinoa, lentils, wild & brown rice) which is a healthy option.
**Check to make sure you dog can eat spinach. Some breeds should only have it sparingly and on occasion.
Canines can also eat the following, and as usual; everything in moderation:
Plain, low-fat Greek yogurt.
Mild cheese such as mozzarella.
Cooked white or sweet potatoes.
Cooked eggs, such as scrambled eggs.
Rotisserie chicken, skin and bones removed. They can easily choke on the bones.
Google to check on which cooked or raw fresh vegetables they can safely eat. You’ll be surprised to find out how many choices they have.
If you’ve never fed them homemade, give it a go. They already love you…but they’ll love you that much more.
Exactly one week ago today I said a tearful goodbye to one of the greatest loves of my life – my canine companion, Jia Jia.
A few days before. Photo: Paul LeMay
Anyone who knew our relationship, knew how bonded we were and what a positive difference we made in each other’s lives.
When I first met Jia Jia (pronounced like jaw-jaw akin to the character in Stars Wars) I wasn’t even contemplating getting a dog. Jia Jia was already eight years old and moved to Vancouver from Beijing two years prior. He became my next door neighbour and literally showed up at my back door one afternoon. I immediately felt a connection but had no idea he would become mine for keeps two years after that, at the ripe age of ten.
I noticed that Jia Jia spent a lot of time alone in his backyard so asked his owner Lynn if I could take him running with me and she said “sure.” He became my running buddy. Then when she had to travel back and forth to China I looked after him, always hesitating to give him back.
At that time my late husband and I had a VW pop-top Eurovan camper and decided to do a road trip from British Columbia to Florida with stops along the way in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama. I asked Lynn if we could take Jia Jia along for the ride suggesting we might be away for a couple months, and she again said “Yes.” No one was more surprised than my husband Don that I first of all had the nerve to ask and that secondly we were taking someone else’s dog on a trip.
Jia Jia has been to the French Quarter of New Orleans, the Florida Everglades, Key West, Lauderdale by the Sea and pretty much all over Florida. He’s been to wineries in Napa and Sonoma, all over Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. He spent some time in Vegas casinos, put his paw on a slot machine once and won some cash. Talk about a lucky dog! Twice he waited for me to cross the finish line at “Nike Women’s Half Marathon” in San Francisco wagging his tail (cheering me on). And it all happened before he became mine for good.
From the time he was eight until he turned ten we spent a lot of quality time together. Then Lynn said “he’s your dog.” But I already knew that. However I never took it upon myself to say I owned him. He owned us.
In all that time we only spent two days apart. Only because a friend suggested looking after my dogs when I spent two nights at a hotel with my sister and two friends for my birthday last year. Otherwise I was planning to take them along.
I don’t expect anyone to understand the relationship, but I can honestly say we were surprisingly attuned to each other. He was an amazing dog. An old soul. The dog to set the standard for all dogs for me from hereon in.
When my husband Don got sick, he suggested we get another companion for Jia Jia. He found Layla in B.C’s Kooteney Mountain range. With Jia Jia in tow, we all went together to meet Layla, and they seemed to get along. I was able to get Layla about a month after my husband passed in August 2017. She was a great choice and kept Jia Jia young. But of course that didn’t last forever.
Jia Jia began slowing down a year ago. This past winter in Palm Springs he could barely walk so I bought a wagon and wheeled him around and let him out to walk a bit and do his business. Other than that his spirit was good (my husband used to say he was the happiest dog he’s ever met) and his health was pretty good considering his age.
Then 10 days before he passed a more startling change occurred and he just wasn’t the same. He was walking in circles and couldn’t hold himself up properly. It was heartbreaking to watch. I waited a bit to see if there’d be a change. He improved slightly but not significantly enough. His quality of life had diminished and for the first time he seemed tired and sad. I had to make one of the most difficult decisions of my life, and at a time of Covid-19 no less, when our vet and all other animal hospitals were asking for doggy curb-side drop off where no one else could be in attendance at the time of euthanization. Nor did they want to come to your home. No way was I going to drop him off and not be there for him.
After some searching and a recommendation from Granville Island Animal Hospital, I was super lucky to find Dr. Jeffrey Berkshire (liftingstars.ca – link at very bottom). We set the appointment for the following week giving some time for the possibility of improvement.
Lama Rabton prayed for Jia Jia.
The night before Jia Jia’s passing my boyfriend Paul arranged for a Tibetan Buddhist Monk to come to my home and recite prayers for Jia Jia. It was a beautiful ceremony normally reserved for humans. My sister was there too. Layla kept licking Jia Jia’s face. Still, it all seemed surreal.
Next morning Dr. Berkshire, a compassionate vet, came to my home (we wore masks) and examined Jia Jia before we made the final decision. He suspected Jia Jia either had a brain tumor or a stroke but the only way to be sure would be to give him an MRI which meant he’d have to be knocked out and possibly not survive. He explained the few options available. So we made the final decision to have him humanely put to sleep based on his lack of quality of life and the unlikely chance he would improve.
One last slow, steady walk along the Kits Point, Vancouver Dog Beach – his favorite place. Photo: Lisa King
Dr. Berkshire was wonderful and took his time, let us have some alone time and was very gentle all the way through until the very end. Lynn, Jia Jia’s ex-owner who had since become my friend, was here too, along with Lisa, my sister, and Layla. We did Jia Jia’s paw prints. I held Jia Jia while Dr. Berkshire gave him a needle and put him to sleep. It was all very fast. Finally, wrapped in a baby blanket, Jia Jia was taken out in a stretcher to be cremated on his own. You’re given a choice whether to have your dog cremated with other dogs or by themself. I wanted his ashes.
Jia Jia saw me through some of the best and worst situations in my life. Always a bright light by my side to ease the pain of losing a husband and two of my closest girlfriends in the space of a year. I don’t know how I would have handled everything without him. It was as if he was my rock.
Layla & Jia Jia on the cast iron bench for Don outside my house. Photo: d. king It was the day before. He looked pretty good here.
He’s gone now, however he’ll always be with me in spirit. It will never be the same. It will just be different. I miss him terribly but know in my heart it was the right decision. I never felt it was a selfless act. Just compassionate. I am forever grateful to Lynn for giving me the best gift in my life, and to Jia Jia for giving me a more meaningful life.
Grief is the price we all pay for love
Photo: d. king
We who choose to surround ourselves
with lives even more temporary than our own
live within a fragile circle
easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps
we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan…
The Once Again Prince from Separate Life Times
(Lisa always referred to Jia Jia as her little Prince)
My senior is almost 18 years old. Since he now walks like a turtle I found the perfect solution for taking him from A to B without much effort on my part and no effort on his. Baby strollers didn’t hold him properly and the pet wagons were too small. So I went to the sporting goods section of Walmart and found a wagon designed to take blankets and beer to the beach. Outfitted with comfort it works like a charm. Also can be pulled either way, has a handle for extension to arms length, a flap for carrying stuff and folds for easy storage. Yay!
When we arrive at our destination I take him out and he walks until he’s too tired at which point he goes back in the wagon. Layla walks alongside for exercise but she enjoys hitching a ride from time to time.
My boy outside Revivals. Photo: d. king
This is a faster, more convenient way to take him along the River Walk. Photo: d. king
Along the River Walk. Photo: d. king
Okay Layla; don’t get too comfortable. Photo: d. king
Hope you enjoy your weekend.
FYI: I’ve been giving Jia Jia a product called Rejeneril (a patented and clinically-proven longevity product for pets) every day for 8 years now. I believe it helps his immune system among other benefits.
The LE CHIENfabulous fashion event I attended on Sunday wasn’t only for fun; it was for a meaningful cause. Presented by Animal Samaritans and sponsored by the Westin Mission Hills Golf Course & Spa, proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction items go towards rescue, shelter and adoption of homeless animals. The Animal Samaritan group champion compassion for all living creatures, with a primary focus on dogs, cats, and the people who love them…like the people in these pictures.
Tammy with her fur babies Lily Bella + Timbit. Tammy is wearing London designer Karen Mullen. Photo: d. king
Selfie stick lady & her pooch. Photo: d. king
With Layla & Jia Jia before leaving for the show. I’m wearing a vintage circle skirt with lots of sequins + North Face t-shirt Photo: Lynn Li
Love the hat and detail on those boots
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Professional models rocked the runway posing for paparazzi with adorable rescue dogs who put their best paw forward. The models wore San Francisco street artist and fashion designer Victor Tung‘s (a Project Runway alumnus) artsy yet elegant fashion.
People in the audience and at the cocktail reception proceeding the show were almost as fun to watch as I’m hoping these photos go to prove.
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Animal Samaritans (the same people who put on the monthly “yappy hour” at the Riviera Hotel I previously blogged about) require financial support from community and fellow animal lovers to continue their good work of improving the lives of animals and the people who love them.
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated– Gandhi
DOG is GOD spelled backward. Thank you for enriching my life and being there for me in good times and bad! You always manage to make everything better. You are the most amazing companion.
Below is a link to a very helpful article on what is best to feed your dog….aside from the usual kibble.
Photo: Tamara Gauthier
Photo: d. king
I’ve been meaning to publish this for months but put it on the back burner. I strongly believe that dogs deserve to eat real food the same as humans for health purposes mostly.
All living creatures deserve real food.
It is narrow-minded to think that dogs should eat only kibble. Perhaps the thought of eating kibbles for the rest of your own life helps make the point that pets forced to do so are being shortchanged.
I’ve been making simple real food meals for my dogs for dinner since day one (day one being the day they came into my care). Unless we’re travelling they get homemade. Not in the morning, just in the evenings. Sometimes in the morning they get oatmeal or eggs but mostly good quality kibble. Aside from health benefits, the enjoyment of watching them polish off a bowl of freshly prepared food, knowing how much they love to eat it, is enough for me to want to make it.
My male sheltie is almost sixteen. I met him when he was eight, and he became mine furever when he was ten. He was used to eating only kibble once a day. But on several occasions he went into a hypoglycemia shock where he could hardly function. Twice I didn’t think he’d even recover. So I decided to change his diet by feeding him twice a day with the second meal consisting of ‘real’ meat & veggies. No filler. Since doing so, he has not gone into shock syndrome once.
Cost wise, buying real food is not as much as you think. You can buy stir-fry beef or chicken on sale, mix it with plain rice, add steamed veggies like yam, sweet potato, zucchini and carrots. Then mix in frozen or canned peas. Ground turkey & fish such as salmon are also good choices. Just like us, they like variety. You can buy canned pure pumpkin and give them a bit of that too. Make enough for several days and refrigerate in portions. Your dog will love you even more for it.
Photo: d. king
Selfie in the Park
When it comes to buying kibble for your dog please carefully read the label. Animal protein should be at the top of the ingredient list with whole vegetables, fruits and grains next. Don’t forget to check the best before date.
Let’s keep our furry family happy and healthy for as long as we can. It’s the least we can do for them. They enhance our lives, we should do the same for them.
Hope you enjoy your weekend.
Thank you for enriching my life and being there for me in good times and bad! You always manage to make everything better. You are the most amazing companion.
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