Welcome to Bay Woof, July 2022

Our Fur-Bearing Therapists

When we first planned the theme of July’s Bay Woof, we had no idea how much we’d need it by the time publication rolled around.  What a year, what a month, what a week it’s been…leading right up to this month’s issue and the need to grab every security blanket we can find, especially the furry one next to us. It’s a good thing most dogs have that feature hard-wired. 

This month’s pack dives right into the topic at hand, bravely sharing their own experiences with emotionally supportive canines. Traveling dog coach Scott Stauffer opens up with his tale of Elliot, a true canine lifesaver who helped him through dangerously debilitating PTSD. Supportive animals are also right up the alley of Loving Animals Providing Smiles (LAPS), a nonprofit org that trains dogs to assist folks who could use an extra paw of support; learn more about this incredible group in What Are Animal-Assisted Interactions? And now that more folks are flying again, author Cydni True helps you suss the differences between emotional support dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, including rules about traveling with your furry pal.  

Elsewhere in the issue, Ask Dr Dog gets you and your pet ready for the upcoming noise-offensive, otherwise known as July Fourth. Ren Volpe offers more canine language lessons with a look at the full body shake and what it means when there’s no water involved. Commission Tails addresses the touchy subject of birds, dogs, and other city dwellers sharing the same recreational space. And, of course, we’ve got Nose for News with the latest dog headlines, Red and Howling with a timely take on Anxiety, and last, but never least, Mr. Smarty Pants with fresh tidbits to share at your summer yappy hour so you can sound like you know stuff.

Being close to a dog can seem to move the world in our favor, something we need now more than ever. We hope your own fur-bearing therapist brings some peace to you and yours in these troubling times. We’ll be right there with you.

Gratefully yours,

M Rocket
Publisher

On the cover: Zorro, aka Big Nasty, was rescued by Family Dog Rescue from the Kern County shelter and is now serving as Chief Security Blanket in Charge in Washington, where he lives with caretaker Liliane Hunt.

Columns from the July Pack