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Wag Talk
Wag Zone Urban Dog Retreat, Ltd. | 309 Mansfield Pl.  North Vancouver BC V7J 1E4  |  604.924.WAGZ (9249) | www.wagzone.ca
Volume 2, Number 4
April 2009
In This Issue
New Wag Yard!
Introducing the WagMobile
Emergency Planning
In the News...  
 
Cattle Dog
Dog Survives on
Remote Island


A plucky pooch, separated from its owners when she fell overboard in choppy waters, swam five miles to an island, surviving on a diet of wild goats for four months until miraculously being reunited with her family.

>> Read the Article
 
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Yappy Birthday Bassett
Yappy Birthday to...
 
4/1/1999 Boomer R
4/1/2007 Finnegan R
4/1/2006 Jackson C
4/1/2002 Kasey H
4/1/2007 Margret B
4/1/2001 Tasha G
4/2/2008 Cholo P
4/2/2002 Jessy K
4/3/2003 Duncan S
4/3/2007 Laine B
4/4/2005 Diesel A
4/5/2006 Taffy O
4/6/2005 Rupert B
4/12/2004 Cleo G
4/12/2004 Owen  A
4/13/2008 Kooteni W
4/15/2008 Sadie  O
4/19/2008 Cooper  F
4/19/2005 Taco J
4/20/2008 Maggie M
4/25/2008 Henna V
4/25/1999 Kona H
4/25/2004 Lucy Z
4/26/2001 Wynston W
4/27/2007 Charlie S
4/27/2001 Leah H
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Greetings! 

Spring is springing! And so are a host of exciting new ventures here at Wag Zone. We're happy to announce that we now have a wonderful outdoor play yard for your dogs to enjoy on a daily basis, weather permitting, and we are also proud to introduce the new WagMobile, a dog-friendly van that can get your pets to and from Wag Zone when you are unable to.

This month we are also focusing on Emergency Preparedness, both in this newsletter and at Wag Zone. To that end we are asking all our clients to complete our revised Wag App. This will ensure we have up-to-date contact and veterinary information (we'll even take a picture of your pup) on hand in the event that Wag Zone ever needs to be evacuated.

Please take a moment to complete the new Wag App and send it along to info@wagzone.ca or fax it to 604.984.0611.

Easter Holiday Hours
Good Friday:  9:00am - 5:00pm BY RESERVATION ONLY
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm BY RESERVATION ONLY
Easter Sunday: CLOSED
Easter Monday: 9:00am - 5:00pm BY RESERVATION ONLY
In The 'Zone... New Outdoor Play Yard!

What has grass, trees, a river view and 30+ wagging tails? Wag Zone's brand new Wag Yard!

Wag Yard

Wag Zone now has the use of the 1,700 sq. ft. fenced in dog-safe play yard adjacent to our building. We are two weeks into a one-month trial period during which Wag Zone pups have the exclusive use of this fabulous space for 1 ½ hours each afternoon, weather permitting.

If these last two weeks are any indication, this off-leash outdoor playtime will become a permanent fixture in your dog's Wag Zone playcare in addition to their morning river walks. The dogs just LOVE playing, digging, romping, fetching and lounging in the fresh air. And our staff quite enjoy wrangling the pack while simultaneously working on their tans.

FAQ

Is the yard safe?
Absolutely. The yard is fully enclosed with an 8-foot high chain-link fence and a gated 'air lock' system that allows the dogs to be safely integrated into the pack without risk of escaping through an open gate.

Will other dogs be in the yard at the same time?
No. Wag Zone dogs have the exclusive use of the yard during the allotted time.
 
What if I drop off or pick up my dog while the pack is playing  outside?
Depending on when you arrive, you may be asked to walk across the parking lot to pick up or drop off your dog at the Wag Yard. Outdoor play time is currently between the hours of 12:30 and 2pm, though these times are subject to change.

What if my dog doesn't want to play outside?
We don't force any dog to play where he or she doesn't want to. Dogs that prefer to play indoors will remain at Wag Zone. We will have at least one dog handler per area, whether inside or out, depending on the number of dogs playing in each area. Puppies, geriatrics and dogs who prefer to avoid the rambunctious play of the Wag Yard will have the luxury of lazing in the sun on a separate loungie lawn.

Will my dog get dirty?
Prior to taking the dogs out to the yard, we check to ensure it's not overly muddy. And once the dogs come back inside, we make sure they aren't going to track dirt into your car. However, if your snow white dog just had his grooming appointment and you would rather he didn't have the opportunity to roll in the dirt, simply let us know that you would rather your dog opt out of outdoor play for the day and we'll keep him inside with the stay-at-home pack.
Heard at the Hydrant: Introducing the WagMobile!

WagMobileCar in the shop? Got the flu? Dinner plans in town after work? Need someone to get your dog to and from daycare? Wag Zone is proud to introduce the WagMobile, your pup transport solution. The WagMobile can get your pets safely to and from Wag Zone when you are unable to.

About the WagMobile
The WagMobile transports your pups in style. This sturdy 4-wheel drive vehicle is capable of handling challenging weather and roads safely. With 'seating' for six dogs, the WagMobile offers dual zone air-conditioning and heating to keep your pets comfy year-round, along with skylights to allow them to take in the view.

Times and Rates
We are currently offering pick-up windows Monday through Friday between 6:30 - 7:30am and 10:00 - 11:00am, and drop-offs between 5:00 and 7:00pm. As the service grows, additional times will be added. The cost of a single pick-up or drop-off is $7.50 plus .50 per km based on the one-way distance between Wag Zone and your home. Additional dogs from the same family cost only $5 with no additional mileage charges.

Reservations Please!
To take advantage of the WagMobile service, please make sure we have a valid credit card on file and make your reservation no less than 24 hours in advance to ensure we have seats and times available. Same day requests cannot be guaranteed. If you will not be at home during pick-up or drop off, please provide us with a set of keys and/or instructions for the safe transfer of your dog.

If you would like more information about the WagMobile service, please call 604.982.9249 or email info@wagzone.ca. We look forward to having your pup join us on the road!
Pup Smarts: Emergencies Do Happen
 
We in Greater Vancouver have been fortunate that no large scale natural disaster has impacted our lives in recent memory, however this week's earthquake in Italy is a reminder that emergencies and disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, without warning. And while ensuring the safety of your family is paramount, don't leave your pets out of your Emergency Preparedness Plan.

Emergency Preparedness for your DogYour pup is a domesticated animal and therefore lacks the survival instincts that wild animals have - do not let your dog fend for itself.

Evacuation Planning
In putting together an evacuation plan, preparing for the worst case scenario is the best strategy. Some evacuation/reception centres will not accept pets so research safe places for you to take your dog (i.e. hotels, motels, kennels, friends, family, etc.). Anticipate that you may not be able to return to your home for several weeks and take the following steps recommended by the Canadian Red Cross to ensure you are able to vacate your residence as quickly as possible while still considering your pet's safety and security:
  • Create a "Pet Grab & Go Kit" by storing the following items in a portable pet carrier as close to an exit as possible:

    • vaccination records, ID or license/vaccination tags
    • collar, leash and muzzle
    • pet food for a minimum of three days
    • water-a minimum of one gallon per day per animal for a minimum of three days
    • food/water dishes
    • newspaper, plastic bags, cleanser and disinfectants (free of ammonia)
    • medications
    • current photo (colour is best to show markings)
    • blanket, towels or pet bed
    • familiar toys
  • Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier.
  • Consider microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification.
  • Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
  • Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.
If you must leave your pet behind
In the event that you must evacuate without your pet, the Canadian Red Cross recommends that you:
  • Put your pet in a safe, secure room without windows but with adequate ventilation (bathroom).
  • Leave enough food to last for seven days.
  • Fill up the sink, bathtub and containers that won't tip over easily with water.  Your pet will be under stress and may drink more water than usual.  One to two gallons of water per day per pet can be used as a guideline.
  • Leave familiar bedding and safe toys that the pet is used to.
  • Don't confine dogs and cats in the same space. 
  • Ensure that your pet is wearing identification tags.
  • Place a notice on your front door that there are pets in the house and where they are located.
  • Provide a telephone number where you can be reached or the number of your veterinarian.
  • If you expect flooding provide access to elevated spaces or counters.
  • When you evacuate your pet, put your pet in a portable kennel and remember they will also be distressed over the situation and may bolt from your vehicle.
Hopefully the worst will never occur, but putting a plan in place will help ensure your pup is as safe and secure as possible in the event of emergency.
Woof!
 
Robina & Shelley
Wag Zone Urban Dog Retreat, Ltd.