June 2005
Volume 2 Issue 6
A non-profit organization dedicated to Dog Bite Prevention
Doggone Safe is the first federally incorporated non-profit organization in Canada dedicated to dog bite prevention education and victim support. Doggone Safe provides services in Canada, the US and around the world through its website and network of volunteers.
In This Issue Nation-wide Distribution of Doggone Safe Bookmarks
Member Update
Doggone Safe in the Media
New Product - Dogs & Storks CD
Case File - Dogs in Cottage Country
Be a Tree Presenters - Be on TV!!
Be a Tree Program a Hit in Newfoundland
Spotlight on the Season: Summer Safety Tips for Kids and Dogs
Doggone Safe in the US
Upcoming Events
Our Sponsors
Join the Dog Bite Victim Support Group - this is a forum for families of child dog bite victims to talk about their experiences and concerns, learn from and support each other.
Nation-wide Distribution of Doggone Safe Bookmarks...
Doggone Safe is teaming up with Puppy Basics Magazine and the Canadian Animal Health Institute to distribute its educational bookmark to new puppy owners across Canada. The bookmark will be included as an insert in the Puppy Basics magazine in the fall issue. The magazine is distributed through veterinarians across Canada to 126,000 new puppy owners. Doggone Safe is pleased with the popularity of the bookmark and that the Be a Tree and other safety messages will reach so many people. In total, more than 170,000 bookmarks will have been distributed by Doggone Safe and its partners. Doggone Safe is grateful to the Canadian Animal Health Network for financial support and to Puppy Basics for facilitating distribution of the bookmarks.
Thanks to the generosity of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association, Doggone Safe has 4000 bookmarks available for distribution by members. Doggone Safe members who have events coming up or have other opportunities to distribute these to families can order bookmarks for the cost of shipping. Non-members can purchase the bookmarks. Send an email to doggonesafeorder@doggonesafe.com to request bookmarks.
Click on image to download PDF
Member Update...
Join Doggone Safe and become part of a growing movement of professionals dedicated to dog bite prevention education. Get a free calendar when you join - while supplies last.
The Member section of the website is now on-line. If you are a Doggone Safe member and have not received your password - please send an email and your password will be sent to you.
Topics covered on the member page are:
Members-only Yahoo discussion group for presenters - discuss presentations issues with other members and program creators
Logo Usage - download member logo versions for use in print and on on-line
Member wall certificate - download the member wall certificate that you can personalize and print
Sponsorship Proposal - view the Doggone Safe sponsorship program description
Educational Give-Away Materials - order free materials to give away at your presentations or public events
Send us information about any community events you will be attending so that we can include these in the newsletter and on the website.
Give-a-ways you can order:
Calendars - free (you pay for shipping)
Bookmarks - free (you pay for shipping)
Fridge magnets - $0.75 each
Doggone Safe in the Media...
In print
Click to view full article by Dr. Tracy Fisher, President of the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association
New Product - Dogs & Storks CD...
Doggone Safe is pleased to feature an exciting new product in the web store - Dogs & Storks CD. This is a comprehensive CD created by Doggone Safe US VP Jennifer Shryock. The CD provides photos, information and exercises to help prepare the family dog for life with a new baby in the house. This is a must-have resource for expectant and new parents and grandparents who have a dog in the family.
Read what reviewers are saying about the Dogs & Storks CD
"I am so pleased to see the vital work of Jen Shryock. As someone who has spent his professional career focusing on the needs of new mothers, I have heard many mothers speak alarmingly of what will happen when they bring their new baby home to the dog they also love. Ms. Shyrock knows babies, she knows Moms, and she most certainly knows dogs. Her comprehensive knowledge of the field will put even the most anxious family at ease."
William
S. Meyer, MSW, BCD
Department of Social Work
Associate Clinical Professor
Departments of Psychiatry and Ob/Gyn
(919) 681-6840
Box 3812
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, NC 27710
"Jen Shryock's "Dogs and Storks" program is a must for all expectant parents. It's a giant step toward the old storybook ending: "and they lived happily ever after". Practical and user friendly, Jen has great insight when it comes to dogs and babies!"
Terry Ryan
Legacy Canine Behavior & Training, Inc.
Sequim, Washington
"The Dogs and Storks CD produced by Jennifer Shryock of Family Paws provides essential information for new and expectant parents and grandparents. Jen's understanding of the point of view of the dog, the Mom and the child has led to an educational product that is entertaining, practical and full of empathy for the new mother. The Dogs & Storks CD gives clear instructions and explanations using words and photographs as well as providing work sheets and homework to help expectant parents prepare the dog before the baby arrives. Jen's genuine care and concern for new parents, babies and dogs shines through in this terrific CD. I highly recommend this product for anyone who wants to prepare their dog for life with kids."
Joan Orr M.Sc.
President, Doggone Safe; Co-creator Doggone Crazy! board game; Producer - Clicker Puppy DVD; Faculty Member - Karen Pryor Clicker Expo
"Dogs and Storks is a wonderful resource for expecting or new parents who are also dog owners. The presentation is straightforward, easy to understand and filled with useful information (as well as adorable photos!). Best of all, it can be viewed from the comfort of your own home. Highly recommended, and sure to help make child-dog relations successful."
Nicole Wilde, CPDT
Case File - Dogs in Cottage Country...
This month's case file was kindly provided by Teresa Lewin - Doggone Safe Co-founder
Flowers are blooming and the weather could not be nicer in the Great White North. Canadians are enjoying summer weather early this year and Cottage season is open! Our family reunion was blessed with beautiful weather. So, we loaded up with a picnic basket in tow and off we go!! The family reunion was held in the 'heart of cottage country' this year. With the weather so nice, we decided that we would stop by the lake which is located just 5 minutes from where the reunion was being held. Picnic basket and two families loaded with small children all aged 12 and under headed for the lake. The picnic spot was nestled between two wonderful cottages. We unloaded and set up the picnic table. After a two hour drive we really needed to 'stretch our legs and we all headed towards the lake.
The next thing we knew out flew a growling dog and headed straight for my niece Leanne. She is only 10 years old. I yelled 'be a tree!' As the dog lunged for her legs! As I was yelling she had already 'made like a tree' since two weeks prior to this event I showed her the 'be a tree' presentation.
The black dog stopped barking, but still growling sniffed around her legs. I had everyone be still as any interference on our part could enrage the dog. You could hear a pin drop I swear as we all held our breath. The dog just simply sniffed, the hair went down his back and he started to move away. If Leanne had run, the dog surely would have bitten her. How brave Leanne was. It was very scary. Just imagine yourself 10 years old and confronted for the first time by a loose, aggressive dog! I was very proud of Leanne. Once again being a tree worked to save a child from likely injury.
Cottage time is a much needed break from the 'rat race'. Dog owners that house dogs in the city love to take their dogs to the 'country' to let them enjoy just being dogs. It seems that they can justify letting their dogs run free and that the rules of the 'big city' do not apply to them while enjoying the cottage. This is a recipe for tragedy.
This is just one of the reasons the 'be a tree' educational program is so important for children as they are often the victims of dog attacks. As long as we can educate children, they will educate their parents and we can all be proud that we may be responsible for saving a child the trauma of a dog attack.
Doggone Safe will be doing a presentation for the Cottage show in November this year. The organizers of this event have reached out to us as they realize that loose dogs are a recurring problem during Cottage season. If you have a Cottage show coming to your area Doggone Safe can help you with a introduction letter to perhaps facilitate a 'be a tree' presentation at your local event.
Be a Tree Presenters - Be on TV!...
Doggone Safe New York co-ordinator Kerry Potter-Kotecki was filmed by her local cable company delivering the Be a Tree program in a local classroom. The show aired on a community cable show and many people were reached in just this one session. The local cable company also offered free Public Service Announcement spots to local non-profit organizations and Doggone Safe was awarded one of these thanks to Kerry's efforts. The PSA was taped this month and will run in the Rockland County New York area in the fall - just in time for kids going back to school.
If you are a Be a Tree presenter and you want to be on TV - it may be just as simple as a call to your local cable TV provider. If you need help with introductory materials just let us know and we will be glad to provide a media kit that introduces Doggone Safe and the Be a Tree program.
Be a Tree Program a Hit in Newfoundland...
Doggone Safe East Coast Co-orindator Tonji Stewart was very busy in June delivering the Be a Tree program to school children in Newfoundland. Children in several schools received the presentation by Tonji who is an experienced teacher and dog trainer. They also received a Doggone Crazy! board game, a poster and a story book for the classroom as well as certificates, fridge magnets, colouring books and stickers to take home. The presentations and supplementary materials were made available through the generous sponsorship of the VOCM Cares Foundation.
The program was a hit with students and teachers alike. Here is what one adult observer said: "Ms Stewart presented the program with enthusiasm and the children were really captivated. The use of pictures really added in the children's understanding and the games help reinforce the program. It was Fabulous!". Michelle Myrick, Manager of the VOCM Cares Foundation and K-Rock Children's Trust Fund said that "[Tonji] is quite a hit with the kids!". The children were enthusiastic in the their participation and praise for the program and were excited to receive the take home materials.
Here's what Tonji had to say after the last of her presentations: "Today's presentation was great. I love grade 2`s! It was sooooooo much fun for me. The feedback from today was excellent. The children wrote me a thank you note and one of the children presented me with a nice school pen on behalf of the grade two`s. Today was the perfect way to end the presentations on a really positive happy note."
Spotlight on the Season: Summer Safety Tips for Kids and Dogs ...
By Jennifer Shryock
As the nice weather sets in here are some tips to help keep your family companion safe and comfortable. Dogs that are uncomfortable are more likely to become irritable with young kids.
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Heartworm and flea prevention is essential. Research and consult with your vet to find the best option for your family companion. This is for the safety of your family and companion.
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Allegies may increase for you companion. If you notice an increase in itching and or discomfort talk to your vet about some helpful solutions for your dog.
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Ear infections. Yeastie beasties tend to increase with heat and moisture. Ear infections often lead to grumpy dogs so be aware of your dogs ears and seek help from your trusted vet for ear cleaning suggestions to help keep your dog comfortable.
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Snake and spider bites. If you notice a sudden change in behavior or lethargic behavior seek the help of your vet immediately. If your area is a common one for snakes and biting spiders become familiar with the symptoms of such encounters so that you are prepared.
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Emergency preparedness. Hurricanes and natural disasters may increase during this time of year. Are you ready for this with your companion animals? Planning ahead makes a huge difference between safety and danger in the case of an emergency.
Outings with you’re your furry one.
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When traveling in a car be sure to secure your dog with a seatbelt or some containment especially if riding with a child. Crate, gate or seatbelt.
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Never leave your dog in a car when the temp is above 70 degrees. Even with windows open and in the shade this is a deadly mistake.
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Hydration. Keep dogs hydrated. here are many products to make water convenient and easy to carry along when hiking or on an adventure with your dog.
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Surfaces. Be aware of heated surfaces and activity with your dog. Black concrete is HOT fast and many outdoor activities are held in parking lots etc. If your dog is hot they will NOT appreciate being pet and handled. If it is hot for you then leave your dog at home or provide appropriate shade and comfort measures for them.
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Keep in mind that dogs may be irritable if hot and will not appreciate being surrounded by even the most adoring of children. Protect your companion and allow them to rest in a peaceful spot with you and not be disturbed if it is an especially warm day.
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Dog parks do not mix with children! No matter what!
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Be aware of your neighborhood and how dogs are secured in and around you so that when your children are playing you are aware of any potential dangers. Chained up dogs or dogs that are barking and frustrated at fences while children play can become a danger if allowed to escalate especially on hot summer days.
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REMIND CHILDREN TO NEVER APPROACH A TIED UP DOG EVEN IF THEY KNOW IT!
Doggone Safe in the USA ...
Doggone Safe is pleased announce the incorporation of a US sister company, registered in New York state. Efforts are underway to structure the new US non-profit and to develop a seamless operation between the US and Canadian companies. Charitable status applications will be filed soon in both countries. This will make Doggone Safe eligible for many grants and funding programs and will allow it to issue tax receipts for donations.
Upcoming Events...
Here are some events at which Doggone Safe members will be speaking or at which Doggone Safe will have a booth. Please find us and say hi!
NC Time Warner Pet Project
July 16
9-12 AM
Lake Crabtree - Morrisville NC - Jen Shryock
Oct 29-30
Kitchener ON - Joan Orr and Teresa Lewin
Our Sponsors ...
Thanks to our sponsors. Their generosity and community spirit help us to spread the Doggone Safe educational messages more effectively.
Trade show booth sponsor; educational material sponsor
Adopt-a-classroom sponsor - St. John's Newfoundland
Bookmark Sponsor
For More Information...
For more information about Doggone Safe and for useful tips about bite prevention please visit the Doggone Safe website. Any materials found at the site can be used at websites or in printed matter without permission (unless specifically noted) provided proper credit is given. A link back to the Doggone Safe site is appreciated.
Privacy Policy...
Doggone Safe will not share its mailing list with third parties