Urban Escapes

Coconut Oil

2011-07-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Crazy About Coconut Oil

“Virgin” or unrefined, this healthy oil has multiple benefits for your dog.

By CJ Puotinen

What’s the hottest new health food for pets and people? If you’re like most Americans, it’s something you’ve been avoiding for years – either that or you think it’s a sun tan lotion, not a food. That’s right, we’re talking about coconut oil.

There are dozens of products on the market, but look for unrefined oil at your health food store. We like to see oils packaged in glass jars (rather than plastic containers). The really good stuff is expensive, but its benefits are worth the money.

An important ingredient in America’s processed foods for most of the 20th century, coconut oil is one of the world’s few saturated-fat vegetable oils. That designation gave it a terrible reputation, and by the 1980s and ’90s, it all but disappeared from our food supply. Then the vegetable oils that replaced it caused more harm than coconut oil ever did, and now coconut oil is making a comeback.

For thousands of years, coconuts have been a staple of tropical cuisines, and those who followed a traditional coconut-based diet, such as Pacific Islanders, had none of the heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or other illnesses that plague modern America.

According to its advocates, when taken internally, coconut oil:

• Reduces the risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions

• Improves cholesterol levels and helps fight heart disease

• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

• Heals digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and colitis

• Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease

• Relieves arthritis

• Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including thrush and candidiasis

• Prevents and treats viral infections, including herpes, measles, and the flu

• Helps balance the body’s metabolism and hormones

• Promotes normal thyroid function

• Helps prevent or control diabetes

• Rejuvenates the skin and protects against skin cancer, age spots, acne, and other blemishes

• Helps prevent osteoporosis

• Reduces allergic reactions

• Supplies fewer calories than other fats.

Applied topically, its boosters say that coconut oil also does the following:

• Disinfects cuts

• Promotes wound healing

• Improves skin health and hair condition

• Deodorizes whatever it touches (some people brush their teeth with it or use it as an underarm deodorant)

• Clears up warts, moles, psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, precancerous lesions, athlete’s foot, jock itch, diaper rash, ringworm, vaginal yeast infections, and toenail fungus.

All of this is excellent news for people and their dogs, for most of coconut oil’s human benefits are shared by canines. And dogs love the taste, which makes feeding coconut oil and other coconut products easy and pleasant.

Get the right type
Coconut oil is produced in Thailand, Fiji, the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Hawaii, Mexico, the Solomon Islands, Belize, Samoa, and other countries around the world. Most health food stores carry at least one or two brands, and many retailers sell coconut oil online or by mail.

There are two main types of coconut oil.

Refined coconut oil (often labeled RBD for Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized) is made from copra, or dried coconut meat, then treated to remove impurities. Most RBD coconut oil is inexpensive, bland, and odorless. It doesn’t contain all of the nutrients found in unrefined coconut oil, its fragrance and flavor are different, and in most cases the coconuts used to produce it are of low quality and chemicals like chorine and hexane are used in the refining process. Some brands of refined coconut oil are labeled for use as a skin and hair care product.

Unrefined or “virgin” coconut oil, which is made from fresh coconuts, has culinary and health experts excited. Pressed by hand using traditional methods or manufactured in state-of-the-art factories, virgin coconut oil retains most of the nutrients found in fresh coconut.

In traditional methods, coconut meat is heated or baked until dry and then pressed, or fresh coconut milk is pressed from the meat and then heated to remove its water content, or freshly pressed coconut milk is allowed to ferment for 24 to 36 hours, during which the oil separates from the water. In modern factories, expeller-pressed coconut milk is centrifuged and vacuum-evaporated to remove water. Other methods of removing water from coconut oil include refrigeration and the use of enzymes.

The result of these traditional and modern manufacturing methods is an assortment of coconut oils in a range of flavors, prices, and quality.

Refined coconut oil can cost as little as $3 for a 16-ounce (one-pint) jar, while the same amount of virgin organic coconut oil can cost $18 or more. Several brands are available in larger sizes, including gallon tubs, which lowers their per-ounce cost considerably. Assuming the oil is correctly labeled and properly prepared, virgin organic coconut oil in glass rather than plastic is the favorite of most experts.

Depending on temperature, coconut oil will be solid or liquid. Below 75o Fahrenheit, coconut oil is solid and white, like lard or vegetable shortening, and it is sometimes called coconut butter. At 76o F and above, coconut oil is a transparent liquid.

Good-quality oil is colorless when liquid and pure white when solid, never yellow or pink, and it should not contain any residue or have an “off” or rancid odor. “Many people complain that coconut oil makes their throat feel scratchy or causes a burning sensation,” says Bruce Fife, ND, who has written several books about coconut oil. “The catch in the throat is a sign of poor quality. Some of these oils have a roasted or smoky flavor and aroma, which is another indication of poor quality, as it comes from smoke that contaminates the oil during heat processing.”

The only exceptions to the 76-degree rule are hydrogenated and fractionated coconut oils.

Hydrogenated coconut oil, which is solid at room temperature and melts at 92o F, is sold as a soap ingredient and as a food – but because it contains harmful trans-fats, we don’t recommend it for you or your dog. A 1954 study in which hydrogenated coconut oil raised the cholesterol of laboratory rabbits set the stage for coconut oil’s removal from America’s food supply. All research suggesting that coconut oil is harmful to health was conducted using hydrogenated oil, while studies conducted with nonhydrogenated coconut oil show that coconut oil protects the heart and improves overall health (see “Resources and Recommended Reading” sidebar).

Fractionated coconut oil, also known as caprylic/capric triglyceride, is a popular massage oil and aromatherapy ingredient because it remains liquid at temperatures far below 75o F. To make it, coconut oil is heated and the top liquid fraction removed, purifying the oil by removing molds, fungus spores, and pesticide residues. Fractionated coconut oil is sold as a cosmetic ingredient.

Medium-chain fatty acids
Most of coconut oil’s health benefits come from medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). According to former University of Maryland biochemist and dietary fats researcher Mary Enig, PhD, “The lauric acid in coconut oil is used by the body to make the same disease-fighting fatty acid derivative monolaurin that babies make from the lauric acid they get from their mothers’ milk. The monoglyceride monolaurin is the substance that keeps infants from getting viral, bacterial, or protozoal infections.”

Coconut oil’s capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their antifungal effects. Like lauric acid, capric acid helps balance insulin levels.

In addition to protecting the body against infection, medium-chain fatty acids are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In fact, several coconut diet books are now in print.

“The energy boost you get from coconut oil is not like the kick you get from caffeine,” says Dr. Fife. “It gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness, and speeds healing. In dogs, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.”

During the last few decades, extensive research on medium-chain fatty acids has documented their health benefits, and many supplements and health foods contain MCFAs or MCTs. You’ll find them listed that way on their labels – but their source, which isn’t listed, is always coconut oil. “We’ve become so phobic about coconut oil,” says Dr. Fife, “that manufacturers who appreciate its benefits have been smuggling it into all kinds of products. Start reading labels and you’ll be surprised at all the MCFAs and MCTs. Those abbreviations always mean coconut oil.”

One good candidate for supplementation is the thick-coated dog who is often greasy or smelly. Many of these “stinkers” have freshened up when receiving a little coconut oil daily. Just start out with a low dosage (perhaps just a dab) and increase slowly.

Dosing dogs
No one has tested coconut oil’s effect on dogs in clinical trials, but the anecdotal evidence is impressive. Reports published on Internet forums describe how overweight dogs become lean and energetic soon after they begin eating coconut oil, or their shabby-looking coats become sleek and glossy, and dogs with arthritis or ligament problems grow stronger and more lively. Even some serious diseases have responded. In one case, a Doberman Pinscher with severe Wobblers made a dramatic recovery in less than a week while taking coconut oil.

Other reports involve itchy skin, cuts, wounds, and ear problems. Dogs with flea allergies, contact dermatitis, or other allergic reactions typically stop scratching soon after coconut oil is added to their food, and dogs treated topically for bites, stings, ear mites, ear infections, cuts, or wounds recover quickly. One dog was stung by a bee, causing her mouth to swell. An hour after her owner applied coconut oil to the sting and gave her a tablespoon to swallow, the swelling disappeared and the dog was herself again.

Smell you later!
The most enthusiastic reports describe coconut oil’s deodorizing effects.

Bob Ansley in Shallotte, North Carolina, started feeding his “incredibly smelly” black Lab, Smokey Joe, the coconut oil he drains from his wok after frying eggs, sausages, and other foods.

“Joe’s coat shined up,” says Ansley, “but the real surprise was that he stopped stinking. He has always smelled really bad, and bathing was a waste of time. For years when I petted him, I had to hold my hands away from my clothes and go wash my hands soon and thoroughly. My wife and kids wouldn’t touch him. Now I can pet him and rub him like he craves without having to run and wash up. The stench is gone and we didn’t even change his bedding. I’m pretty amazed. The cure was cheap, too!”

In the months since he started giving Smokey Joe his leftover coconut oil, Ansley has often skipped a few days. As soon as he does, the odor comes back – and as soon as he resumes feeding coconut oil, the odor disappears.

Pam Gillmore of Austin, Texas, is a raw foods chef who teaches healthful food preparation. “I don’t have a dog of my own because I travel so much,” Gillmore says, “but all my friends have dogs. I sell a high-quality organic raw virgin coconut oil from Mexico that has produced super results in people, and they’re always asking me how to help their dogs, cats, or other animals. Coconut oil has done wonders with all of them, especially dogs.”

Gillmore also reports that dogs who receive coconut oil stop itching and scratching and their skin clears up. “Their coats really shine after they have been on it for a while. Skin tags and moles disappear after a month or two. Their digestion improves. And they don’t have a doggie odor – the coconut oil even takes away bad breath.”

Gillmore suggests that the best way to give coconut oil is in small doses throughout the day, “a spoonful here or there depending on the dog’s weight.” She also says that she has not yet met a dog who does not like the oil – “They usually lap it right up,” she says. “Some folks fry eggs in it and make a little extra for their dogs, or they put some in leftover oatmeal or add it to the dog’s dinner, but many give it straight off the spoon.”

Gillmore concludes, “I can’t say enough about how coconut oil helps animals. During the last eight years, I’ve seen over a hundred dogs improve in all kinds of ways because of coconut oil. I’ve even had people give it to their pet snakes and birds!”

Oil tell you a story
Bruce Fife has collected coconut oil stories for years, and one of his favorites, mentioned in his new book, Coconut Cures, is from a man whose dog developed a lump next to her eye.

“The veterinarian said it looked like a tumor,” the owner reported, “and he recommended immediate surgery. I figured that if coconut oil is good for humans, it should be good for animals as well, so I began applying it to the lump on my dog’s forehead. As time passed, the lump grew smaller and smaller and eventually disappeared. It never returned. We avoided the surgery.

“Some time later my other dog developed sores just above his upper lip. The vet gave him an antibiotic, but it didn’t seem to do any good. After a week I stopped the medication and began applying coconut oil to the sores. They got worse for a few days and then began to heal. He recovered without a problem.”

How to administer
For convenient application, store coconut oil in both a glass eyedropper bottle and a small jar. During cold weather, these containers are easy to warm in hot water so that the oil quickly melts.

Use the eyedropper to apply coconut oil to ears, cuts, wounds, mouth sores, and other targeted areas, including your dog’s toothbrush.

Use the small jar to apply coconut oil to larger areas, such as cracked paw pads. Coconut oil is not fast-drying, so use a towel or tissue to remove excess oil as needed. The main challenge with coconut oil’s topical application is that dogs love the taste and immediately lick it off. To give coconut oil a chance to disinfect wounds and speed healing, cover the wound with a towel for a few minutes, or distract the dog long enough for at least some of the oil to be absorbed.

Coconut oil is also an excellent massage oil and carrier oil for use with medicinal herbs and aromatherapy. Any of the essential oils mentioned in “Essential Information” (January 2005) can be diluted in coconut oil for safe, effective canine application, and coconut oil is a perfect base for the herbal salves and oils described in “Savvy Salves” (August 2005).

In addition to lubricating the skin and joints, coconut oil acts as a natural preservative, is exceptionally stable, has a long shelf life, does not require refrigeration, and is such a powerful disinfectant that it reduces the need for germ-killing essential oils in aromatherapy blends designed to fight infection.

Important to start slooooow
Solid or liquid coconut oil can be added to food at any meal or given between meals. The optimum dose for dogs is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. These are general guidelines, as some dogs need less and others more.

But don’t start with these amounts. Instead, introduce coconut oil a little at a time in divided doses. Because coconut oil kills harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, the burden of removing dead organisms can trigger symptoms of detoxification. Headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms are common in humans who consume too much too fast, and similar symptoms can occur in dogs.

Even in healthy dogs, large amounts of coconut oil can cause diarrhea or greasy stools while the body adjusts. Start with small amounts, such as ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs or puppies and 1 teaspoon for large dogs. Gradually increase the amount every few days. If your dog seems tired or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, reduce the amount temporarily.

Coconut oil isn’t the only coconut product that’s good for dogs. Fresh or dried coconut is an excellent source of dietary fiber, and dogs enjoy and benefit from the same coconut flakes, coconut flour, coconut cream, coconut milk, shredded coconut, and coconut spreads used by their human companions. Just be sure the products are unsweetened and free from chemical preservatives.

Creature Comforts

2011-02-25T23:20:00.000-08:00

Record lows in temperatures here in the Bay Area have us on the hunt for some warm gear for our four footed friends. We love these comfortable dog jackets by All Quarters.

These super functional jackets are made from cotton canvas and coated in animal safe wax. Lined in plaid and fastens with velcro. Hand sewn in New York.

Get yours at Creatures of Comfort Available in Navy, Brown, or Stone.

Good Old Dog

2010-11-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy and Comfortable

While driving yesterday I was listening to NPR's Fresh Air and was delighted to hear an interview with veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman about his new book The Good Old Dog. You can listen to it now by clicking here.

Nicholas Dodman is the head of the Animal Behavior department at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and has worked with aging dogs for decades. He says that old age isn't a disease, but a stage of life for pets and owners to navigate.

Good Old Dog is an essential guide to anyone with a dog five years or older, this book covers subjects from nutritional advice to how to manage the costs of an older dog to determining when “it’s time,” all information to help ensure that your dog is happy and healthy through his golden years.

Nicholas Dodman is also the author of The Dog That Love Too Much, Dogs Behaving Badly and The Cat Who Cried for Help

I just picked up my copy of The Good Old Dog last night at The Book Passage in Corte Madera, I highly suggest everyone do the same.

Louie Needs A Home!

2010-10-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

Louie was originally adopted from The Marin Humane Society and is believed to have started his life as a laboratory dog due to the tattoo in his left ear. Louie's former owner was a close family friend of mine who recently passed away and now Louie is in need of a new loving home. Louie is seven years young, neutered and current on vaccines. Louie is being fostered in my multi-dog household and loves to play with the other resident beagles, Cora and Splash. He gets along great with dogs and loves people! He's a very good boy; he is not a barker, has not been destructive in our home, rides excellently in the car, has great leash manners and has not shown any signs of food aggression or resource guarding.
Needing to shed some pounds due to slight neglect since Ruth’s death, Louie is currently on a diet and exercise program. He has been on several Urban Escapes and has gotten along wonderfully with every dog he's met!
If you can find a place for in your heart and home for this very loving boy please contact Elaine at info@aroostudio.com to fill out an adoption application and learn more about this wonderful beagle. To see more pictures and videos of Louie playing visit his facebook page ~ Foster Beagle Louie

Homemade Dog Biscuits

2010-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Why buy dog biscuits at the store
when you can make them at home!

"PeaMutt Butter" Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons corn oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup water
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups white flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine oil, peanut butter, and water.
Add flour, one cup at a time, then knead into firm dough.
Roll dough to 1/4" thickness and cut with cookie cutter.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

From the Doggy Bone Cookbook
by Michele Bledsoe

POOR LITTLE RICH DOG

2010-06-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ernie is Healthy, Wealthy, and Abused.
by Jon Katz

Ernie, a fluffy, 10-week-old Golden Retriever with heart-
melting eyes, was originally a birthday present. The lucky recipient was Danielle, a pony-tailed 11-year-old living in an affluent Westchester, N.Y., suburb.

Danielle’s passions for some time had been soccer, Justin Timberlake, and instant messaging, but her parents wanted to give her a different kind of birthday gift, “something that you didn’t plug in or watch, something that would give her a sense of responsibility.” She’d often said she’d love a puppy and vowed to take care of it.
Girl and dog, growing up together—what parent hasn’t pictured it? Her folks envisioned long family walks around the neighborhood, Ernie frolicking on the lawn while they gardened. They could see him riding along to soccer games.

Acquiring a dog completed the portrait that had been taking shape for several years, beginning with the family’s move to the suburbs from Brooklyn. The package included a four-bedroom colonial, a lawn edged with flowering shrubs, a busy sports schedule, a Volvo wagon and a Subaru Outback to ferry the kids around. A dog—a big, beautiful hunting breed—came with the rest of it, increasingly as much a part of the American dream as the picket fence or the car with high safety ratings.

So Danielle’s parents found a breeder online with lots of awards, cooed over the adorable pictures, and mailed off a deposit on a pup. They drove to Connecticut and returned to surprise Danielle on her birthday, just hours before her friends were due for a celebratory sleepover.

It was love at first sight. Danielle and her friends spent hours passing the adorable puppy from one lap to another. Ernie slept with her that night. Over the next two or three weeks, she spent hours cuddling with him, playing tug of war, and tossing balls while her parents took photos.

But the dog did not spark greater love of the outdoors or diminish her interest in television, iPod, computer, and cell phone. Nor did his arrival slow down Danielle’s demanding athletic schedule; with practices, games, and victory celebrations, soccer season took up three or four afternoons a week. Anyway, she didn’t find the shedding, slobbering, chewing, and maturing Ernie quite as cute as the new-puppy version.

Both of Danielle’s parents worked in the city and rarely got home before 7:00PM on weekdays. The household relied on a nanny/housekeeper from Nicaragua who wasn’t especially drawn to dogs and viewed Ernie as stupid, messy, and, as he grew larger and more restive, mildly frightening.
Because nobody was home during the day, he wasn’t housebroken for nearly two months and even then, not completely. No single person was responsible for him; nobody had the time, will, or skill to train him.

As he went through the normal stages of retriever development—teething, mouthing, racing frantically around the house, peeing when excited, offering items the family didn’t want retrieved, eating strange objects and then vomiting them up—the casualties mounted. Rugs got stained, shoes chewed, mail devoured, table legs gnawed. The family rejected the use of a crate or kennel—a valuable calming tool for young and energetic dogs—as cruel. Instead, they let the puppy get into all sorts of trouble, then scolded and resented him for it. He was “hyper,” they complained, “wild,” “rambunctious.” The notion of him as annoying and difficult became fixed in their minds; perhaps in his as well.

A practiced trainer would have seen, instead, a Golden Retriever that was confused, under-exercised, and untrained—an ironic fate for a dog bred for centuries to be calm and responsive to humans.

Ernie did not attach to anybody in particular—an essential element in training a dog. Because he never quite understood the rules, he became increasingly anxious. He was reprimanded constantly for jumping on residents and visitors, for pulling and jerking on the leash when walked. Increasingly, he was isolated when company came or the family was gathered. He was big enough to drag Danielle into the street by now, so her parents and the housekeeper reluctantly took over. His walks grew brief: outside, down the block until he did his business, then home. He never got to run much.

Complaining that he was out of control, the family tried fencing the back yard and putting Ernie outside during meals to keep him from bothering them. The nanny stuck him there most of the day as well, because he messed up the house. Allowed inside at night, he was largely confined to the kitchen, sealed off by child gates.

The abandonment and abuse of dogs is an enormous issue in the animal rights movement, and quite properly. There are, by U.S. Humane Society estimates, as many as 10 million dogs languishing in shelters; the majority will be euthanized. But Ernie is an abused dog, too.

Nobody is likely to talk much about Ernie, the kind of dog I saw frequently while researching several books. His abusers aren’t lowlifes who mercilessly beat, starve, or tether animals. Quite the opposite: His owners are affluent, educated people who consider themselves humanistic and moral. But they’ve been cruel nonetheless, through their lack of responsibility, their neglect, their poor training, and their inattention.

I’ve seen Ernie numerous times over the past two years. I’ve watched him become more detached, neurotic, and unresponsive. I’ve seen the soul drain from the dog’s eyes.

He’s affectionate and unthreatening, but he doesn’t really know how to behave—not around his family or other people, not around other animals, not around me or my dogs. He lunges and barks almost continuously when anyone comes near, so few of us do. Increasingly, he gets confined to his back yard, out of sight and mind.

This family was shocked and outraged when I suggested that the dog was suffering from a kind of abuse and might be better off in a different home. “Nobody hits that dog,” sputtered Danielle’s father. “He gets the best dog food, he gets all his shots.” All true.

But he lacks what is perhaps the most essential ingredient in a dog’s life: a human who will take emotional responsibility for him.

Sadly, I see dogs like Ernie all the time, victims of a new, uniquely American kind of abuse, animals without advocates. Dogs like Flash, a Westchester border collie who spent her days chasing invisible sheep beyond a chain link fence, and Reg, an enormous black Lab in Atlanta who, like Ernie, was untrained, grew neurotic and rambunctious, and eventually was confined to the family playroom day and night. He leaves that room for several brief walks each day.

Who knows how many Ernies and Regs there are in urban apartments and suburban backyards? Few media outlets or animals rights groups would classify a $1,200 purebred as a candidate for rescue. In fact, I’ve contacted rescue groups to see if they could help; they were sympathetic, but they felt more comfortable with traditional kinds of abuse. A situation like this—emotional mistreatment is not illegal—was beyond their purview.

I understand, but Ernie haunts me. He may be the most abused dog I know.

Source,BellaDOG Magazine, Inc.

Dog Years

2010-06-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Living with a dog can be full of wonderful experiences and laughter. Dogs have a uncanny knack for finding a place to live and fit into in our lives, families, friendships, homes and hearts. They do it so well that it's hard to imagine life without them.

Although it's not something I like to dwell on the truth is every dog owner will have to be faced with the loss of their dear friend and companion. Over the years as a dog walker I have shared with clients the experience of life and loss of their beloved dogs, all were lost to cancer. I am always comforted by knowing how loved and cared for each dog had been. All dogs should be so lucky.

Last week my dog a nine year old boxer mix, Justice, was diagnosed with three mast cell (cancerous) tumors. I am now faced with the cold reality that he may not live for much longer.
Though not at all glamorous, I always pictured him in old age white faced, lumpy from fatty tumors, stiff with arthritis and bluish gray eyes from cataracts. It saddens me that I might not get to experience that with him.

Today I am going to have a consultation with his awesome veterinarians to find out what out treatment options are. I'm keeping in mind that a cancer diagnosis isn't always terminal, Renna, Jessica's nine year old black lab has been cancer free for four years now.

To learn more about canine cancer and to join the Canine Cancer Campaign please visit the Morris Animal Foundation.

Pictured below are the great dogs Jessica and I have been lucky to have known.

In Loving Memory Of ~

Sammy

Jake

Logan

Sanger

“Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”
~Carlotta Monterey O'Neill

Oh So Pretty!

2010-06-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our hike in the headlands took us through some gorgeous scenery. Above, Fletch and Roxy are ready to start their hike. Bella was with us too, but she was camera shy today.

This is little miss Roxy, today was her first Urban Escape. She's as sweet as can be, Fletch seemed really taken by her. They are good pals now!

Let's Play

2010-06-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

Sage and Annie take a breather after running around.

Run Kiko, run!

Annie gets Kiko to play chase with her.

Murphy and Henry are pretty tired after romping and playing with their pals! Time for a water break!

Finally Some Sun!

2010-05-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Henry convinces Murphy to play

Annie uses a stick she found to get Henry to play chase.

Kiko and Annie take in the sights and smells.

Annie giving her "cute face".

Abbey exploring the hillside.

Beach Day!

2010-05-11T19:42:00.001-07:00

The dogs had a blast at the beach! I loved watching them run and play. Henry, the labradoodle, met my beagle Splash for the first time. They hit it off and ran and wrestled together. I love this shot of Henry flying over Splash's head!

Murphy the Basset Hound enjoyed Splash's company, after all, she's a hound too; they understand each other.

Bella's obsession is playing fetch. She even has a rash gaurd to protect her, and she loves to swim! Splash would run as fast as she can after her to try to get the ball, but ended up settling for snatching it once Bella dropped it. A beagle at top speed is no match for an athletic lab like Bella!

Henry and Murphy on the run, they are chasing after Bella and Splash. It was a gorgeous day, so much fun!

Hooray for Sunshine!

2010-05-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Meet Henry! He's a labradoodle and today was his very first Urban Escape. He looks like he's having a great time, doesn't he? He loved it!

Big Boy takes a rest and is on watch in case someone or something comes our way.

Sage and Laila after romping in the grass.

Henry if the foreground watches his brother, Murphy exploring the trail. In the background are Laila and Sage.

Scattered Showers and Wild Flowers

2010-04-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

With scattered showers yesterday we got very lucky and managed to be out during some sunshine! We only had a few brief sprinkles during the hour we were out. We had a very active group, and did a lot of running and playing. Everyone had a great time!

I absolutely LOVE this photo! This is Sage (left) and her new pal Murphy. Murphy likes to run after Sage & bark, while Sage likes to be chased while she barks. A perfect match!

What better way to enjoy the sunshine than rolling in the rain dampened grass?

Sage likes running in circles with Kiko in hot pursuit. Missy wants to keep up but can only go as fast as her little legs allow. She makes up for it by sneaking in from the side!

I love how Murphy is running after the other dogs in this shot, yet looking at the camera. He knows how the work the camera!

Max ran around after the other dogs until he got too tired. Then he preferred lying in the grass among the wildflowers.

Playing in the flowers

2010-04-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

We had a great romp and enjoyed the pleasant weather. In this photo, clockwise from the far right are: Sage, Anne, Abbey, and Laila.

Taking a break from wrestling and running from to sniff and relax are Abbey, Sage, Laila, and Annie.

Kiko doesn't need a break, he is glad to keep running around!

Coyotes

2010-04-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Coyotes prowl Marin, and experts say that's a good thing
Mark Prado

Camilla Fox, founding director of Project Coyote, crosses the bridge at the Rhubarb trailhead in Tennessee Valley near Mill Valley. Fox, who s hosting a coyote presentation Monday, says now is the right time for people to be more aware of coyotes as they enter their pupping season. (IJ photo/Jeff Vendsel)

Their shrill howls echo across Marin with increasing frequency, yet nobody is quite sure how many there are or why coyotes seem to have become our ubiquitous neighbors.

"Marin County has perfect conditions for a variety of wild species - bobcats, deer and yes, coyotes," said Camilla Fox, director of the Larkspur-based Project Coyote, which seeks to educate the public about the species. "Marin has the open space for coyote habitat, and it has the prey base for them as well."

Coyotes typically breed in February, and their gestation period lasts 60 days. Now, as they enter pupping season, the wild canines can become more territorial and aggressive, Fox said.

"It's a good time for people to be more aware of coyotes when they are out in open space," said Fox, who will join a Marin County ranger on Monday for a coyote presentation in Terra Linda, where the animals are often heard howling in the hills.

"Keep dogs on leashes, and if you have a small dog it's not a bad idea to pick them up if you see a coyote," she said. "It's also a good idea to keep pets inside if you live near open space. Just use common sense."

The highly adaptable coyotes - which weigh about 40 pounds and reach the size of a medium dog - generally pose little threat to humans and are easily frightened off, although rare attacks have been documented on adults and children. They also can kill cats and small dogs, as has occurred in San Rafael and Mill Valley in recent years.

No one can pin down the exact numbers of coyotes in the county, but wildlife experts agree coyote sightings in Marin have increased dramatically since 2000.

"There has definitely been an increase," said Carrie Harrington, a spokeswoman for the Marin Humane Society. "There have been some cases where they have been quite brazen and out in the open during the day."

Last fall, a coyote was seen numerous times behind Best Buy in Marin City, the bicycle path near the Larkspur Hotel Mill Valley (former Holiday Inn Express) in Tamalpais Valley, and in residential areas such as Bayvista Circle and Donahue Street in Marin City and on Tennessee Valley Road off of Shoreline Highway.

"I do think Southern Marin is an example of where we know there were historic coyote populations," Fox said, noting coyotes can travel alone, in pairs or in packs of four to six. "They were exterminated in some areas, and it's possible they are now recolonizing."

Another coyote spotted in the Marin Headlands for the past couple of years seems to have moved on recently. Air horns, paint balls and rubber bullets were used to scare the persistent animal that had become so comfortable it thought nothing of trotting up to a car for a handout.

Such coyote conundrums are often people problems, as the animals become habituated by individuals feeding or interacting with them.

"In that case we had people feeding it and taking pictures," said Rich Weideman, acting chief of interpretation and education for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. "We have signs up reminding people not to do those things. We also got proactive in cleaning out Dumpsters and educating residents who live in the area."

Coyote sightings have been reported in populated areas of Novato, San Rafael - particularly China Camp, Peacock Gap and Terra Linda - the Ross Valley, Mill Valley and Tennessee Valley, among other places. They have even turned up in the Presidio in San Francisco, with park officials theorizing they may have crossed the Golden Gate Bridge to get there.

Hundreds of coyotes once roamed the area freely. But as agriculture developed in West Marin and urbanization occurred on the east side of the county, numbers dropped.

Marin County, however, no longer pays for trappers to kill coyotes in West Marin. Instead it has established a Strategic Plan for Protection of Livestock and Wildlife.

Instead of using lethal traps to snare coyotes that threaten livestock, the program encourages electric fences, strobes, radio devices, guard dogs and even llamas to protect herds in rural areas.

In urban settings, officials don't want the coyotes to become too comfortable. They recommend eliminating food and water sources and bringing pet food and water bowls inside, removing ripe and fallen tree fruit and keeping bird feeders properly maintained.

They also suggest keeping garbage, recyclables and compost in secure containers and putting them out at the curb the morning of pickup, not the night before. When encountering a coyote, residents are encouraged to use a loud voice, produce unusual noises and wave large objects.

Wildlife experts say coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, keeping rodents in check, preventing them and other animals from feasting on bird eggs.

"We are lucky Marin has such prime habitat," Harrington said. "It's a good sign they are thriving."

Camilla Fox, founding director of Project Coyote, is beside the coyote advisory sign at the Oakwood Valley trailhead in Tennessee Valley, near Mill Valley. (IJ photo/Jeff Vendsel)

LEARN MORE

Camilla Fox of Project Coyote and Rob Ruiz, chief park ranger of the Marin County Department of Parks and Open Space, will present a short film and will discuss the prevalence of coyotes in a talk, "Living With Coyotes," from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Christ Presbyterian Church, 620 Del Ganado Road in Terra Linda.

COYOTE TIPS

- Never leave a food or water source outside.

- Do not attempt to approach coyotes or make friends with them.

- Make coyotes visiting your property feel unwelcome: shout, make loud noises, spray them with a hose.

- Keep your pets safe with proper confinement, especially at dawn and after dusk.

- Walk your dog on a leash.

- Don't let your dog approach a coyote.

- Make your yard "coyote proof." Remove bushes against house walls, enclose decks and staircases, reduce rodent populations, contain waste and compost and remove fallen tree fruit.

- Report sightings to the Marin Humane Society 883-4621.

Source: Marin Humane Society

Contact Mark Prado via e-mail at mprado@marinij.com

Aroo Studio Collar Giveaway!

2010-03-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's time for a giveaway! If you've checked out a dog show lately you'll have an advantage here.

The winner will receive an Aroo Studio collar of their choice. To enter, you must visit the Aroo Studio Blog & identify the breeds of the dogs pictured below by leaving your answers in the comments. If you are the first person to correctly identify all 3, you win! You also need to visit the Aroo Studio website and let us know which collar you'd like to win. Don't forget to to do this! Please make sure to include an email address where we can contact you. Good luck & have fun!

Breed 1

Breed 2

Breed 3

Photo credits to come as soon as a winner is chosen, we don't want to spoil the game! We will post when the contest is over!

Spring is Here!!

2010-03-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

Pretty things are blooming on the trails of Marin right now.

Our state flower, the golden poppy, just dreamy...

It's Splash in the lead, practically squealing with glee, after successfully getting Kiko to chase her.

Abbey, sitting pretty for the camera. Abbey has been walking with Urban Escapes for three years! We just love her sunny disposition and excellent trail manners.

Today there was a lot of running, here, Splash works on her recall. Very good!

Hopi (my boy), running like the wild beast he is, ha ha ha! He almost took me out a few times!

Ella, our chocolate lab friend, loves a good sprint!

Abbey & Hopi resting, happy & worn out, what a great day!

Having some Fun!

2010-02-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

Harper REALLY wants the ball!

Aww, sweet satisfaction. That's Fletcher in the back.

Fletcher patiently waits for me to throw the ball.

Bella thinks "I wish I had that ball".

Bug wants nothing to do with playing fetch. She'd rather explore and take in the view. She's out for a walk with Logan, Sage, and Laila.

Logan and Bug checking out the wet trail.

Laila is delighted to be out with her friends. We'll post more photos next week!

This Week's Wet Walks

2010-01-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that the rain makes the dogs really active, I'm not sure if they are excited about being out in the rain, or have more energy from being cooped up more inside. Harper is racing down the trail here followed by Bella, Laila is sniffing in the bushes behind them. Bella is wearing an awesome raincoat make by Teckelklub. I highly recommend them! All my dogs wear them too, and it makes a huge difference on a rainy day, the dogs that wear raincoats are nice and dry after walks.

Here is the entire group from Thursday's walk. Sage is the aussie in back, the black lab mix is Fletch, to his right is Laila, with Harper the golden in the lead and Bella in her green coat exploring the trail.

Here is a snapshot from Wednesday's walk. Kiko (left) seems to be checking the weather situation, while Missy (center) and Max are ready to go! It was sprinkling just a bit when we started, but we made a run for it when it starting pouring rain. We got to the car just as the thunder and lightening started!

Here's a view of the trail after we were safely in the car-very wet and rainy!

Rainy Monday

2010-01-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

Rainy Day Fun

2009-11-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

We walk rain or shine! These are some photos from a rainy day about 2 weeks ago. Most of the time we get to hike the full hour, unless of course it's really pouring rain or there is thunder & lightning!

Rukus isn't a big fan of the rain (true to ridgeback style), but tolerates it since he loves his walks.
His sister Rally feels the same, but loves to run, rain or shine.

Fletcher is one happy boy!

Awww...Hank is so cute! Doesn't he look like a little ewok in this photo? Hank doesn't mind the rain one bit.

We saw a coyote up this hill last November-a whole year ago. Fletcher has never forgotten this and always looks for the coyote. Thankfully we haven't seen it again!

GGNRA

2009-11-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

Abbey

Kiko & Annie, taking a rest.

Laila, sitting pretty.

playing

Annie chasing Kiko

Ella is watching

Ella, on the run.

Indian Summer!?

2009-11-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

I took the dogs up to the Headlands where it is usually nice and cool, but today it was surprisingly hot without a trace of ocean breeze! Pictured below, from left to right are Logan, Ella, Bella with Cora front & center.

Bella watches Logan curiously as he enjoys a good roll.

On the move.

The group demonstrates how we "pull over" to the side of the trail for treats so others can pass by; great job pups!

See you soon!

Elaine

Friday walks

2009-11-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

The dogs always LOVE going to the beach! Friday was such a perfect beach day, sunny and warm, and not another soul on the beach. Above is Hank in the lead, followed by Laila and Splash.

Rally couldn't help her excitement, and bounced around running and playing. You can't see her brother, Rukus, but she is trying to get him to join in.

Hank chasing Laila.

Miss Laila certainly adores a beach day!

Our second group brought us to the hills, where Kiko liked rolling around in the grass. What a silly face!

Kiko doing his favorite thing-running! Splash tried to keep up.

Handsome teddy bear Max on the trail.

Mud Wrestling

2009-10-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today Molly, the little NSDTR on the right, had day care so she and Splash, Jessica's 4mo. old beagle, started the day off with a bout of high energy play wrestling.

Playing chase

Wrestling

Wrestling some more

Sage found a pine cone, Splash thought it was cool.

Michelle muddied up her face and paws to look like a Siamese cat (she knows Halloween is this week).

She got a good cleaning before getting dropped off!

Bye for now!

In Memory of Sanger, 1996 - 2009

2009-10-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

Sanger passed away peacefully this evening. She was taken by cancer. She really was "the best dog ever invented" that's what her mom says, we couldn't agree more.

Sanger had so much love to give, she wanted nothing more than everyone around her to be happy, people and dogs alike. Her favorite days were the beach days where she could run like crazy, swim, play fetch and roll around joyfully in the sand.

We will miss her dearly and feel lucky to have had this wonderful girl be part of our lives.

Sanger, running at top speed, fresh from the ocean, about to get someone all wet!

Perfect Day

2009-10-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous day in the Marin Headlands last week! Warm & sunny with happy, active dogs. Above Sage is in the lead, followed by Abbey (yellow lab), Annie (black lab mix), and Kiko (Ridgeback). They love a good game of chase on the trail!

Annie & Sage had a game of tug-o-war with a stick. Abbey isn't pictured but she joined in too.

Molly was so quick she is a blur in most of the photos from this walk-she sure likes to run and play non-stop! Here she demonstrates how well she does at her obedience commands-"sit" please!

We're Blogging!

2009-10-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Urban Escapes blog! We put this together as a fun way to share photos and stories from our hikes with our clients. We hope you enjoy seeing a little bit of what your dog does when out on the trails with us. We'll be labeling each post with the names of the dogs that participated that day, so you can easily click on your dog's name on the sidebar and see all of his or her blog mentions.

Feel free to leave comments & enjoy!

Jessica & Elaine