Dapper Dog

Being a dog owner is worth it, for all the troubles that it carries. Sure, you have a harder time finding an apartment and you have to do twice as much vacuuming in the summer, but at the end of the day, you live a lot longer than people who don’t own pets, and you have a friend who would take a bullet for you, so really, the extra hassle when it comes to finding cheap home insurance rates is nothing if not worth it.

Still, when you have a dog, insurers aren’t just looking at you, they’re looking at your dog and often making the assumption that your dog is some kind of untrained wild animal. Whether or not your dog is house trained, whether or not they’re even capable of biting the mailman, insurers are often working under the assumption that your dog isn’t doing anything in a day but biting people and soiling carpets.

Of course, when it comes to car insurance, some insurers will “throw you a bone” by offering free pet car insurance coverage with a standard car insurance policy but for homeowners insurance companies it can be quite a different story.

Risk Management

When it comes down to it, insurance is all about risk management, of course, so it makes more sense in the long run to ensure that you are protected in the event of mistakes, misunderstandings and even in the instance of a dog doing the right thing to the wrong person.

If, for instance, a burglar hops into your backyard and gets bitten, their story might not include the fact that they were planning on robbing your home. Their alibi may include a frisbee they tossed over the fence by accident. Even if you have the most well trained dog in the world, these are the kinds of claims you’re up against.

Just watch a court TV show sometime. No matter the circumstance, the judge seems to side against the dog owner almost one hundred percent of the time. In civil court, it’s one party’s word against the other’s, and if the only eyewitness on your side can’t speak, that puts you at a disadvantage in a court of law.

The “Trouble-Makers”

Whether it comes down to urban legend and misunderstanding, or real, scientifically backed points regarding the dog’s temperament, the following dog breeds can be hard to add onto a homeowners insurance policy:

- Staffordshire Bull Terrier

- Siberian Husky

- Presa Canario

- Rottweiler

- Pit Bull

- Doberman Pinscher

- Akita

- Chow Chow

- Alaskan Malamute

- German Shepherd

Pit bull owners will tell you that they’re really not anymore likely to attack random strangers than the next breed, but unfortunately, they have a bad reputation, and that matters in a court of law, so it matters when it comes to buying insurance.

Keeping Your Costs Down

There’s good news in all of this doom-saying: there’s a handful of things you can do that will be very effective in keeping the costs down. They include:

- Use A Beware of Dog Sign: Or a couple of them, even. These will let people know to keep out of your backyard. Yes, it’s odd that in this day and age we have to tell people not to trespass, but be that as it may, a beware of dog sign at least lets people know that your dog may bite intruders.

- Consult with a Professional if Your Dog Shows Aggressive Behavior: Even if the aggressive behavior was perfectly understandable, making sure that you keep that behavior in check is vital to keeping your costs down and protecting yourself should a case go to trial.

- Avoid Games of Aggression: In a broad sense, you may be thinking “what, no tug-of-war?” but aggression here is defined as being anything that can be construed as violence.

- Buy a Well Bred Dog: This tip is a little silly, actually, as pure-bred dogs often suffer from various aggression problems due to in-breeding. But, the courts don’t know this, so it doesn’t matter. Anyways, dog owners don’t choose who they fall in love with by breed, but by personality. Still, if you own a pure-bred, at least know that you have the upper hand here.

- Train Your Dog Well: A dog who’s been to a training school, or whose owner can show the receipts for a dozen books and tools for training, is going to result in much lower home insurance costs than a dog who’s been trained by the owner’s intuition alone. No matter how much you think you know about training, making sure they’re trained by the book can be a big help in keeping costs down.

- Talk to a Professional Before Adopting a Dog: Again, this tip sounds a little odd. Nevertheless, just showing that you bought or adopted a dog after consulting with a dog trainer who knows breeds can help in keeping your liability insurance cheap.

- Be Careful in New Situations: Try to avoid situations where you’re not one hundred percent sure how your dog is going to react. Even the most well-trained dog might have a bad reaction to certain situations.

- Spay and Neuter: This is simply an important tip whether or not you’re shopping for insurance but it’s also important to know that spaying/neutering may curb aggression.

- Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone with Children: Even if you know your dog can be trusted, other people don’t, so don’t leave your dog alone with infants or small children.

For dog owners, the world is full of people who misunderstand our best friends, who see aggression where a dog lover sees playfulness. Sadly, we’ve chosen as our best friends a breed of animal that some people are unjustly afraid of. This means we pay more for insurance and always have to be aware of the issue of liability. However, if you plan things through and make sure that you’re covered, you don’t really have too much to worry about in the long run.

Author Bio: Crystal is a freelance writer and mother. She writes for a number of different personal finance websites including a website for comparing homeowners insurance quotes online. When she is not researching and writing money saving articles she is probably getting some exercise walking around the block with her English Bulldog Charles.

Sadly, my Australian cattle dog cross is getting on in years. She’s not so sprightly as she once was, and at 14, isn’t nearly as keen to run around as she used to be as a young dog. I don’t mind at all- of course I love her anyway- but as she started to get less active she began to put on weight and also have problems with arthritis in her legs.

For many older dogs it’s a vicious cycle. As they age their joints begin to trouble them and they are less keen to run and exercise than they used to be, so they put on weight. Because they get heavier, the arthritis gets worse and it hurts more, so they get even less exercise and put on even more weight…

Proper diet can help and so can medication but what made the biggest difference to my dog was regular swimming. She’s always loved chasing sticks into the local rivers and lakes, but as my dog became less interested in the great outdoors and more interested in her nice warm cushion she naturally saw less of the water. My mother- the local vet- told me to get her back into it.

Swimming is great exercise but it’s also low impact. When walking and running, a dog or a person must bear their body weight on their leg and foot joints. When swimming, the body is supported by the water and there is far less strain on any one part of the body. For that reason it’s ideal for injury rehabilitation and exercising older dogs. It doesn’t take much to make a difference either. A few half hour sessions per week made all the difference to my dog’s weight and also added immeasurably to her quality of life. She’s still arthritic but much lighter on her feet and much happier.

Some dogs are reluctant swimmers but almost all can swim. You can encourage them into the water by throwing sticks to fetch (close to the water’s edge at first, then further out) or by taking them along with a dog that already loves to swim. Actually getting into the water with your dog isn’t recommended. They tend to try and climb your shoulders, which isn’t much fun and can be scary if for anyone who isn’t a strong swimmer.

Those who aren’t lucky enough to live by a natural swimming place should ask their vet- indoor dog swimming venues are popping up all over the country. I’d recommend it to anyone have trouble managing their dog’s weight, especially if joint problems are involved.

Our Guest Blogger: Jess Spate lives in Cardiff, UK, and edits Outdoor Equipment Online, a price comparison site for climbing equipment and outdoor gear. She also works as a green business consultant for FountainSpirit.com and numerous other companies.

from Chris Olson on flickr

According to a Reuters survey, as many as 20 percent of people from around the globe would rather stay home this Valentine’s Day — with their pets.

What’s causing Valentine’s Day to go to the dogs, so to speak? Perhaps it’s the economy. Prudent people realize that even if they’re in a relationship, there isn’t enough “return on investment” in a lavish Valentine’s celebration. It’s one day out of the year that could be better spent (without spending money) at home, maybe with pets and lovers.

While many couples stay home together, with the furry family at their feet, young single folk are most likely to opt out of San Valentino’s celebration. There isn’t much point in getting a date for that night if you don’t already have one. What’s more, you probably can’t afford the price tag! To spend the evening with a pooch is to spend the evening with someone who doesn’t care how much you spent on his or her dinner, and doesn’t care what movie you put on. It makes for a no-hassle, no-drama evening, guaranteed.

The most important reason for wanting to spend Valentine’s Day with your pet doesn’t brush off the holiday altogether, but celebrates it in a different way. If we are celebrating love on Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate the purest, most unconditional love humans have ever known? The love of a dog for his person deserves a day of its own.

In Europe another Valentine’s poll shows numbers as high as 40 percent spending the day with pets. The holiday is less commercialized across the pond, and perhaps the trend in the States will continue as Americans recovering from economic or relationship crises continue to reexamine their priorities.

There is an ongoing debate in animal health, about whether pets are in danger of frostbite during the cold months.  We have heard dog owners and veterinarians alike swear that dogs simply can’t get frostbite — but they have exposed skin and sensitive parts like us, so why not?  As it turns out, it takes much lower temperatures and much longer exposure for dogs to experience the kind of frostbite that can debilitate and even permanently injure a human within minutes.  It is still something of a phenomenon how dogs manage to keep their noses, feet, and ears warm even in bitter cold.  However, despite dogs’ superior resistance to cold, frostbite is not completely impossible.  Also, in temperatures where frostbite is a concern, hypothermia could be an even more frightening possibility for an exposed animal.

Dogs may never show you the first signs of frostbite, what we experience as numbness, followed by itching or mild discomfort when the exposed area is warmed up again.  How can a dog tell you his foot is going numb?  He won’t cry in pain if it doesn’t hurt.  And just like our own mild frostbite, you can’t see the damage right away.  If your dog spends significant amount of time outdoors in the winter, always check his paws when he comes back inside.  You take the time to wipe the snow from his paws and fur, so you can take the time to have a look at his feet too.  If you live in a northern state, you will want to keep his excursions short, and check his skin every time.  What to look for:

• White or pale patches on skin or paw pads

• Skin that is cold to the touch even after coming inside for a bit

• Skin that turns red and swollen within a day or so of exposure

If your dog exhibits signs of frostbite, you should warm the area very slowly.  Mild frostbite may disappear completely after warming.  More severe frostbite will take time to heal, and may become painful as it heals.  If redness and swelling appears, see a vet immediately.

Despite denials of the possibility of frostbite in dogs, it is a real threat in some climates, and especially for some breeds, and dogs with health conditions.

Sure — if you live in South Carolina and have a Mastiff you might never be able to imagine your dog getting frostbite.  But think about the Chihuahua who lives in Buffalo, or even the Mastiff who lives in Anchorage!  Frostbite is a real concern for many dogs, and should not be written off as something “impossible.”  Dogs have circulation systems that shut down blood-flow to extremities in extreme cold — just like us.  Dogs have been domesticated to spend most of their time indoors — hey, just like us!  Just because you see badgers and bunnies braving the snow all winter, doesn’t mean your dog should stay outside all night or take long snowy hikes without protection.  You want him to lead a much more comfortable life than those badgers have to endure!

Some things you can do to prevent frostbite and keep your dog safe this winter:

• Limit his outdoor time when temps fall below freezing.  If he needs his exercise, take walks rather than letting him have his run of the yard.  If you are with him in the cold, you will feel it too, and get inside before the two of you get too chilly.

• Put baby oil on your dog’s paws before a long excursion.  The oil will keep snow and slush from sticking between his toes and forming little ice packs that could damage tissue.

• Don’t expose a dog to lower temperatures than he is accustomed to.  If you took Florida Fido on a ski trip to Wisconsin, you’ll need to supervise his snow play.  He doesn’t have his own tactics for staying warm.

• Wipe and inspect your dog’s paws and fur to look for frostbite, remove packed on snow, and clean off any icemelt chemicals.

• If your pup just loves the outdoors and can’t be contained no matter the temperature, consider investing in dog booties.  Booties from good outdoor gear companies will fit well, keep paws warm, and make walking comfortable in all kinds of weather.

For more on winter safety for your dog, visit these links:

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/winter2.html

http://www.dogguide.net/winter-safety-2.php

This year Dog Collar Boutique is adding a host of new products! We are expanding existing categories like collars and harnesses, and exploring new items such as retractable leashes and training tools.  In 2011 we want to bring you the widest selection of high quality dog collars available online, and continue to offer more unique merchandise for your dog’s travel, outdoor, training, and special occasion needs.  Read on to see some spectacular items we’ve recently added.

Retractable Leashes

We have long wanted to get into the retractable lead market, but could not find the right product to represent our dedication to quality and fashion.  Pet store retractables are nothing new, and we pride ourselves on selling only what you can’t get at the big box  store.  At the other end of the fashion spectrum, we found some bejeweled retractable leads that offered the bling we were looking for in a retractable, but they were simply too pricey and delicate to be practical — a retractable lead is usually purchased for a daily walker, so it has to be sturdy as well as stylish!  At the 2010 Backer trade show we finally found a retractable that lives up to our high standards.  Dog fashion designers 26 Bars and a Band create unique printed retractable leashes in everything from leopard print to houndstooth to skulls and monkeys.  Their cute harnesses for small dogs come in prints to match the retractable leads, but each lead is stylish enough to work on its own, and take a beating from feisty pups up to 28 lbs.  Check out 26 Bars and a Band and make sure to watch their helpful video on how to fit your pup for a harness.

Fashion Dog Carriers with an Edge

We’ve always sniffed out the best in haute couture carriers in leather and high end fabrics, but not until this year did we find a dealer of faux animal skin accessories that resemble today’s most sought after over-sized purses and hobo bags.  Backbone makes faux croc and faux snakeskin dog carriers that are dazzling and durable, made of a coated leather that’s easy to clean (the bags come with liners too, just in case your pooch has an “oops” moment).  Each bag is decorated with studs, just like the look you’d find tucked under the table of any Manhattan or LA restaurant.  Only your posh bag will have a special surprise hiding inside!  Check out Backbone’s faux reptilian carriers, as well as their more traditional leather offerings that are just as sure to turn heads.

More ID Tags and Accessories

We’ve been slowly adding to our ID tag selection over the past year, and we now proudly offer both sterling silver and more affordable yet stylish metal tag styles.  Our latest addition to our ID tags inventory is Rockin’ Doggie, a line of pewter tags that look as polished as silver but offer that edgy look your rockin’ dog wants, sporting music inspired and dog-appropriate phrases like “Bad to the Bone” and “Born to Run.”  (“The Bitch is Back” might be appropriate here too, but Rockin’ Doggie didn’t go that far!)  Rockin’ Doggie also designs accessories like collar charms and pendants, as well as the very first fashion poop bag dispenser we offer!

We hope you’ll find something you like in our New Arrivals section at Dog Collar Boutique.  And just to get the ball rolling, we’ve discounted all the new stuff by 10% until we get stocked up on all our new items!

Max and Dave, with Max's Trainer

A couple weeks back we blogged about Paws Giving Independence, a Peoria Illinois service dog training organization that heroically gives training to rescued dogs and donates the trained service dogs at no cost to patients in need.  We thought you might like to meet some of the dog and people faces of PGI, to see just what a great job they are doing to truly help give independence to disabled people of all ages from all over Illinois.

Max and Dave

Dave works at Wal-Mart, and after heart surgery last year he awakened with severe sight loss.  He returned to work and tried to adapt, but eventually tired of having to ask for help to do a job he knew he could do on his own.  When Dave and PGI found one another through Max’s trainer, they knew they had a match!  Max is a Great Dane mix, and quite tall for a service dog.  Just what 6 foot Dave needed to help him find his way around the aisles without fear of putting too much weight on the dog or losing his balance to reach for a handle.  Dave and Max are always together now that Max has finished his training, and Max even caused Wal-Mart headquarters to put out a memo to all stores telling them they must allow employees and customers to bring service dogs into the building.  Way to go Max!

Jack and Drew

Jack and Drew

Jack and Drew are PGI veterans.  Jack, a standard poodle, was donated by a breeder when PGI needed a dog that could live in Drew’s home where family members have severe dog allergies.  Drew is confined to a wheelchair and has limited movement of his hands and head.  Jack is his constant companion even in the halls of the junior high school, where he helps Drew by picking up dropped pencils and opening classroom doors, among other amazing doggy feats.  With Jack, Drew can go to school without an aide and without feeling quite so out of place.  Almost everyone loves a dog, and for a boy in a wheelchair a beauty like Jack provides Drew with great social interaction with his peers.  All PGI dogs are trained with a “visit” command that lets them be essentially off duty for as few minutes, in order to help give their companions much needed attention from friends at school.  Once the other kids talk to Drew, they see he’s not so different.  He’s just a regular kid with a really great dog!

Mugs and AJ

Mugs and AJ work on the light switch, with help from Mom.

Mugs has been with AJ over a year, and they’ve made it through thick and thin together.  After PGI donated the dog, he needed surgery.  Once a dog has been donated vet bills are, by agreement, the owner’s responsibility.  However, PGI stepped up and raised money for Mug’s surgery with an all-volunteer fundraiser.

Mugs and AJ have faced their share of adversity when it comes to acceptance of service dogs in public places.  They have been kicked out of a restaurant, and were nearly forced to seek legal help when AJ’s public middle school would not allow the dog in the building.  Another local school heard of AJ and Mug’s predicament, and welcomed them with open arms.  Rather than fight the offending middle school, AJ chose to go to the school that really wanted him there!  He remembers it was embarrassing at first, because the school officials made a big deal out of it.  They were so proud to have Mugs on campus they had AJ, a sixth grader, get up and speak in front of the whole school!  Embarrassments aside, Mugs and AJ are glad to have a safe and welcoming place to learn and to meet people.

One of the closest dog-and-person couples PGI has seen, Mugs can even sense when AJ’s blood sugar is dropping, and nudges him to get help.

Adam and Chester

Rookie Dogs and their Potential Matches

The three pairs we just shared with you are examples of how wonderful a relationship between service dog and a disabled person can be, if care is taken to make sure they are the right match.  PGI doesn’t just choose a dog based on size or ability, but personality as well.  The patient and the dog have to get along outside of the training facility, in the home, at work or school, and in new situations that might be stressful to both of them.  It takes time and patience to determine if a dog will make the best companion.  Mia and Freedom, a black German Shepherd, are in the initial stages of working together.  Mia has seizures that sometimes happen while she is standing or seated, and people are often unaware that she needs medical help.  She has even had the police called on her by mall security who thought she was on drugs!  As a high school senior, she would like more independence from her parents.  With Freedom’s help, she truly could have the freedom to go out alone.  Chester, a black Lab, is another trainee who has been helping Adam, a senior at Western Illinois University.  When Adam graduates he plans to take Chester to the office with him.  They are practicing different situations with Chester in hopes that he will continue to be a big help in the workplace.

A Paws Giving Independence Fundraiser for the Holidays

Dog Collar Boutique is out to raise $300 by this Christmas, which is enough to sponsor three service dogs for the year.  As we meet each $100 goal we will share another story of the dog we’ve sponsored.  PGI is an amazing organization that needs help from generous dog lovers and concerned citizens as well as volunteer hours in order to keep providing the disabled community with indispensable and cost-free access to service dogs. Please read our earlier post about their training costs and service mission, and click on the thermometer at right to donate.  Help give the gift of independence!

Nancy of Diamond Dogs UK with Rob, President of Dog Collar Boutique

At the 2010 H.H. Backer show last month, we got the inside scoop on what makes quality leather, like that used in Diamond Dogs UK’s high end dog collars. Joanne, a collar expert at their UK facility, explains how she got into dog collaring from her love of horses and fashion.  35 years ago she began working on English bridle leather in shops in the UK and the Netherlands, and in 1993 she made the jump from horse tack to dog collars, and Diamond Dogs was born.

The bridle leather used in Diamond Dogs collars is tanned to be supple yet strong, gaining in softness over the years while maintaining its durability. Some dogs, Joanne tells us, need this softness as they have delicate skin. Today most dog collar leather is tanned using chromium, which decreases the longevity of the leather and causes it to crack and irritate the skin over time. Chromium can also be harmful to the environment as a by-product of the tanning process. Diamond Dogs UK only uses all natural vegetable oils, combined with centuries old tanning secrets passed down through the generations of leather artisans.

Because producing quality leather is such an art, it is usually a family business — no one person can start doing this on their own, as it requires years of combined experience. Joanne remembers growing up around the leather process. The company does not often hire out because it is not possible to train someone to do what they do. Not everyone’s background is in dog collars — some come from shoes or belts. But the experience in leather is what counts. Getting excited about dog collars is the easy part.

Joanne tells us more about the durability of this leather — it can take whatever abuse your dog can dish out, and even get wet without compromising its strength and texture. She recommends laying wet leather out to air dry. Any amount of freshwater play is okay, but avoid saltwater if you can. If your dog just has to have his day at the beach, no problem. Just rinse the collar thoroughly with fresh water, air dry, and apply leather conditioner. Joanne’s dogs swim in freshwater almost every day, and her oldest dog (15) even wears the same leather collar she had made for him when he was nine months old. All thirteen of her dogs proudly (and comfortably) wear Diamond Dogs UK leather.

Diamond Dogs UK’s leather tradition is as old as the foxhunt — but what’s new with Diamond Dogs UK? This year they’re debuting a new red and blue Swarovski pattern, a new turquoise stone, and retractable leads with Swarovski crystal, and available matching purses.

Check out Diamond Dogs UK‘s wide selection of haute couture dog collars at Dog Collar Boutique.

Kim at Simply Spotted Photography reviewed the Marityn Dog Milky Way collar this week at “The House of Spots” dog blog.  The professional photos of Kim’s dog-model Peyton really make the collar pop!

Collar Review — Dog Collar Boutique at The House of Spots

This Halloween we ran a Facebook costume contest with a prize of a $131 gift certificate.  The participation was amazing!  So many friends posted cute doggy photos and everyone went wild with votes and comments on the pictures.  We’ll share the winners and the runners up here, as well as some of the most unique canine costumes we’ve ever seen:

Mimi, Lil Scout, and Jade took home the prize

Rocco Taco was a close runner-up in his dapper cowboy duds

Moki the Clown was a favorite

Baby sure turned heads in her Fire Hydrant getup!

Celebrity costumes were popular this year, like this great Lady Gaga look.

"Edible" costumes are always a hoot. Stewie went as a sushi roll!

We don't discriminate... everyone loved Mystery's kitty costume.

These are just a few of the awesome costume entries this year.  Visit our Facebook page and click the Halloween Album to see more — from bumble bees to hot dogs to geishas!

Last week we had the great pleasure of meeting the amazing service dogs at Paws Giving Independence in Peoria, Illinois.  We wanted to start collecting donations to sponsor some of their dogs, and to get the fundraising ball rolling we paid them a visit.  This week we’ll share a little about PGI’s mission, and next week we’ll share the stories of the kids and adults who are being touched and inspired by these selfless dogs.

Donna Kosner, founder of Paws Giving Independence, got her start training dogs in the suburbs of Chicago. Working with the West Suburban Humane Society in Downers Grove, she and her daughter Michelle would rescue dogs with the potential to do service work, and give the dogs at no cost to disabled kids and adults. When Michelle started college at Bradley, they moved to Peoria bringing their combined training experience and their service dog mission to central Illinois, and Paws Giving Independence began a new chapter in volunteerism.

Working in a large space donated by Heartland Dog Training, the service dogs, dog trainers, and disabled individuals meet every Tuesday to work on commands, socialization, and most importantly, getting to know one another.  Not every dog is right for every person.  Besides practical considerations such as allergies (PGI trains donated poodles as needed), size, and abilities of both dog and human, temperaments and personalities have to jibe too.  Once a dog and people match is made, the dog leaves its host trainer and goes home with its new family.  Even the old pros need practice, however, and dogs homed over a year ago still come to training nights with their folks.

Michelle and her fellow Bradley graduate Brandy gather the first class (the advanced dogs) for a photo shoot, then the girls, host trainers, and dog owners take off for a warm up lap.  The dogs then lie down across the room from their people, and are tempted with treats and activities.  They lie still.  One ventures toward a bouncing ball, and immediately returns to his spot on command, “Lie down!”  These are some professional dogs!  Training continues with picking up objects from the floor, running through a fabric tunnel, and practicing with the light switches and door tugs.

Watching all these specially equipped dogs and disabled people working together in this huge space, we got to wondering: what’s the bottom line?  That is, how much does it really cost to train a service dog?  The answer was surprising.  Between $1,000 and $1,200 is enough to train a PGI dog.  The organization is unique in its use of rescued dogs, which significantly reduces the price of producing a top notch service dog.  (Other organizations will charge upwards of $10,000 for a dog.)  Mixes and mutts are more likely to have people-attuned temperaments, and the girls can select the healthiest, most willing dogs from the shelters, who will be glad to go home with a trainer.  Not only is the shelter-to-service model inexpensive, but it is also more humane than breeding specifically for service dogs.  Some organizations that use specific pure breeds may only be able to use one or two dogs out of each litter.  The rest of the puppies are left in need of a home. With the exception of poodles (which are donated from a local breeder and only used in cases of severe allergies), PGI trains only dogs from shelters who have shown promise, and who are already beyond puppy age, and therefore less likely to be adopted.  By operating in donated space, with an all volunteer staff, and with food provided by the host trainers, PGI is able to give every dog away free of charge.  This is an excellent achievement.

We have started a fundraising campaign to sponsor three PGI dogs for Christmas, at $100 each.  Please click below to be taken to the PGI Paypal donation site.

Next week we’ll share some of the bios and photos of Paws Giving Independence’s dogs and people.