The Fur Flyer
two puppies frolicking with barrel
 

Zionsville Country KennelGreetings Pet Lovers    

  

 

It's Summertime!

 

 

There's plenty going on here at the Kennel these days. Much of our activity is seasonal, as you undoubtedly know if you are one of our many regulars. Spring break and the end-of-year holidays are always busy times, as is the summer vacation season.

 

Every season brings with it pet grooming challenges, which we address in this issue. But our lead story is actually not seasonal at all. It's about the need to reach out to the stray dogs and cats in our midst, and how you can help.

 

We also have news about upcoming Dog n' Disc activities, always a favorite, as well as a spotlight profile of the Kennel's stalwart manager, Dennis Woodard.  Plus, we're pleased to share with you news of the numerous upgrades/improvements to our facility.

 

Other informative stories pop up in this issue. Read on, and be in touch if you have a story idea to contribute or a question to pose to one of our staffers. Our customers' input means everything to us!

 

Deb Douglas

Kennel co-owner, with help from capable assistant Quentin Douglas  

 

 

Quentin  Douglas

 

 

 


Save-a-Stray

 

 

In the market to adopt a pet that really needs a good home to call its own? Take a look at the remarkable and loveable dogs below:

 

 

Layla is a one-year old, happy, energetic lab mix who loves to play with other dogs and people. She was found on Highway 39 in Lebanon in late February, chasing cars, emaciated, and very tentative around people.  

 

Now that she has put on some weight and settled into the daily routines at the kennel, sheLayla_save a stray is more confident and trusting.  

 

Layla will make a wonderful pet and will do well with an owner that can provide plenty of physical activity and continue with her training.  

 

All vaccinations were updated on 5/7/12.  

 

Late-breaking note: Layla has been spoken for in terms of adoption.

   

Winston is a happy-go-lucky, one-year old bloodhound. He will greet you with a wet, slobbery kiss (if you let him get by with it) and wiggle incessantly until you give him some attention.  

 

Winston was surrendered to the Kennel when his owner moved into an apartment that didn't allow animals. He is starting obedience training and is doing well. He is a quick learner and eager to please.  

 

Winston_save a stray

All vaccinations were updated on 5/7/12, but Winston will need a bilateral Entropion repair (eyelids are folding in and causing irritation).  

 

This condition is common in bloodhounds and can cause corneal damage if not addressed.  

 

We might have to hand Winston over to a bloodhound rescue group that could potentially come up with the funds for this surgery. Unless he's adopted in the meantime by a loving home, of course.

 

   

Rory is a very sweet and confident 1.5-year old Aussie who just happens to be deaf and blind.  

 

Her heightened sense of smell helps her adapt quickly to new environments and routines, while her playfulness and curiosity keep her busy.  

 Rory_save a stray   

Rory has yet to meet a person she didn't adore, and she loves her doggy play time, too.  

 

Trainer Janalee Gallagher has patiently worked with Rory on 'life skills' such as leash walking, climbing stairs, basic manners, and following simple touch commands (sit, down, stay).   

 

Rory would be a wonderful companion to an owner who is patience and committed to her ongoing development.   All of Rory's vaccinations were updated on 5/7/12.

   

Stop in or otherwise notify the Kennel if you'd like to meet any of these charming and deserving animals looking for loving permanent homes. 

 

 

Frisbee Playdates & Training Opportunities

 

Want to learn how to teach your dog to play Frisbee? Practice "distraction handling" by playing in a new location? Get ideas for tricks you can teach your dog using a disc?

 

Then mark your calendars for some new Indy Dog and Disc Club play dates/training opportunities at Zionsville Country Kennels.

 

frisbee_dog 

 

These events are mini-clinics to help train your dog and strengthen your bond.... while everyone has great fun. Whether you want to play Frisbee in your backyard for exercise and fitness, or gear up for upcoming competitive disc dog opportunities, come join us for these fun play days:

 

June 10, 2-3PM training workshop; 3 to 5 PM mini competition (tune up for the June 23/24 Disc Dog Classic in Fishers IN)

 

Zionsville Country Kennels 5370 S. Indianapolis Rd., Whitestown, IN http://www.zionsvillekennel.com/

Great outdoor area - fully fenced - Please note human restroom facilities are not available during this time.

(Subject to cancellation in case of rain)

 

 

July 15 - 3-4PM training workshop; 4 to 6PM mini competition (tune up for the June 21/22 Skyhounz Qualifier in New Castle, IN)

Zionsville Country Kennels 5370 S. Indianapolis Rd., Whitestown, IN http://www.zionsvillekennel.com/

Great outdoor area - fully fenced - Please note human restroom facilities are not available during this time.

(Subject to cancellation in case of rain)

 

 

August 12 - 3-4PM training workshop; 4 to 6PM mini competition

Zionsville Country Kennels 5370 S Indianapolis Rd., Whitestown, IN http://www.zionsvillekennel.com/
Great outdoor area - fully fenced - Please note human restroom facilities are not available during this time

(Subject to cancellation in case of rain)

 

 

Bring yourself, your dog, water, leash, crate or other containment, "clean up" bags, and discs (we can help with that for a small payment).  

 

Be sure to watch the IDDC Website http://d-dog.com/ or follow us on Facebook for other upcoming play date, training or demonstration opportunities.

 

Club members will provide guidance on how to teach dogs tricks for freestyle routines, how to throw the Frisbee, and whatever else the audience needs.  

 

Based on the skill levels of the handlers and dogs, we then conduct an informal competition or two that is geared toward those skill levels and allow the dog/handler team some level of success.

 

These informal competitions also will simulate the bigger competitions the club hosts during the summer.

 

For further information, contact:

 

Sheridan Gilchrist
Indy Dog and Disc Club Event Coordinator

[email protected]

 

 

 

Pet Care 101: June '12 edition

 

 

 

Treating pests proactively

 

Warmer weather often heralds the emergence of pests such as ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, and a resurgence of fleas.  While heartworm prevention should be continued year-round, warmer weather may also indicate treatment for other pests. 

Many breeds of dog -- hounds and larger drooling breeds in particular -- have problems with biting flies and gnats, according to Jennifer Donahue of the Cobb County Pets Examiner.  Owners might observe tiny bugs flying around the dog, particularly the face, ears, and hindquarters.

 

 fleas_dog_scratching

 

** Action step for pet owners: Sprays and other proactive treatments will help make these dogs more comfortable while outside.  Talk to your vet if you notice pests bothering your pet for suggestions on the best way to manage them.

 

Sunscreen?

 

Most dogs and many cats will probably never need sunscreen, but some animals will if they are outside for extended periods of time.  Zionsville Country Veterinary Clinic's Shari Lyons, DVM, says that dogs with very thin coats, such as greyhounds, whippets, and other thin-skinned breeds, can get sunburned.  "Actually, dogs of all breeds, or any dog of uncertain heritage, as well as cats with thin fur around their muzzle or ears can get sunburned."    

 

sunscreen_dog_sunglasses_hat   

** Action step for pet owners: check your dog or cat for visible pink skin around the face and/or ears.  If you can see pink, your pet could be vulnerable to sunburn.  Sunscreen for animals is widely available online and at pet supply stores.  Talk to your vet if you have questions about animals and sunburn.

 

Bathing bath_dog

 

June is a great time for a bath for virtually all dog breeds (and even for cats.)  But you sure don't want the unpleasant aroma of wet dog hair lingering in the air. For those who don't want a furry ring around the tub or a wet pet careening through the house, professional grooming is often the answer.  

 

 

 

Top 5 reasons dogs need bathing, according to Val Woodard, groomer at Zionsville Country Kennel.

 

1. To control the "smell"

a. the dog rolled in something and smells

b. the dog has doggy-smell

 

2. Earlier detection of skin issues

a. Hot spots

b. Fleas, ticks, or mites

c. Skin rash

d. Good time to check the nails and ears as well

 

3. Oatmeal soothes and helps with dry itchy skin

a. the dog has dandruff

b. the dog has allergies

 

4. Loosen and clean out dead hair and dander for better general hygiene

 

5. It just makes your dog feel better!!!  

 

** Action step for pet owners: now is a great time for a haircut or shave to avoid overheating this summer.

 


Renovations 

 

 

We've been making some renovations to our facility here at the Kennel, and want to share our headway with you.

 

Everything has been freshly painted, and we've installed sparkling new tile floors and walls in the Kennel area.

 tile floors_walls_kennel 

Outside, we have newly fenced-in fields that allow for smaller and more select grouping of dogs during their play-time.

 

fence_dogs_kennel  

 

playground equipment_dogs_kennel 

 

A few months ago we added a dedicated Therapy room, which we use for the much-in-demand deep-muscle therapy for pets. You'll recall reading all about this offering in previous issues of The Pet Flyer.  

 

 deep-muscle therapy room_Kennel

 

It calms, relaxes, and soothes animals in a similar way to human deep-muscle therapy.   If your dog is skittish, has sore muscles, is elderly, or is simply overdue for a fantastic treat, consider booking a session with our certified deep-muscle therapist.

 

Cattery_kennel In addition, we've re-arranged our Cattery, complete with the addition of aroma therapy (stress-reducing pheromones) and fresh catnip for all feline guests.

 

Many of you are also aware of our recently constructed kennel suites. Kennel co-owner Deb Douglas reports that "dogs are loving them.  

 suite_luxury_kennel 

You should see the tail-wagging! These dogs are able to come and go as they please, and all of us Kennel employees notice significantly less stress in dogs who stay in our suites." Suites are upgrades from the standard Kennel accommodations. They are larger and have more amenities.  

 

Improvements never stop, it seems. Renovation is continual, and our updates and upgrades are all designed to provide a more pleasant, fresher, and more efficient atmosphere for your pet's home away from home. Stop by and take a look. Let us know what you think!

 

  

Spotlight on .....

Dennis Woodard

 

 

Anyone who brings a pet to the Kennel knows that we have the best employees anywhere. Today we shine our profile spotlight on Dennis Woodard, the Kennel Manager who oversees the operational side of things. He's the quiet, dignified presence who holds everything together.

 

A pet lover his whole life, Woodard started working at the kennel in '01. Before that, he spent 30 years in the corporate world as a sales manager in the lawn and garden industry. "I got tired of living in hotels. Sometimes it was three or four days a week." He moved out of state at one point, but was always looking fDennis_Woodard_kennel manageror opportunities to get back to Indiana and do something that felt closer to his heart.

 

"I'd rather work for animals than people. Animals are appreciative of what you do, and always happy to see you," he says. Woodard, who is also a Certified Trainer, works closely with the pets to eliminate any stress they might exhibit during their stay.  

 

"Kennel customers will sometimes say 'my dog doesn't like men.' I tell them, 'don't tell them I'm a man.' If the dog gets temperamental, I'll handle him." That's not to say that Woodard hasn't had a few difficulties. "Everybody who works in a Kennel gets bit occasionally, but if you get bit it's usually because you rushed the dog or didn't give the dog the space it needs."  

 

Woodard's strong religious background (as an ordained minister) helps him to maintain his calm in all situations, and he is always willing to give the underdog another chance.

 

Woodard has a strong team that helps care for the pets when they stay with us. "I enjoy them all. They all have a heart for animals; there's a bond there. We've become a real family here. We've had some go on to vet tech school and some even become veterinarians."  

 

In fact, Dennis is married to our Certified Master Groomer Val Woodard, and they have three children. Their family also includes a King Charles Cavalier named Bolt ("my yard dog, not my guard dog"), a house cat named Nosey and an outside cat named Tigger. "I'm a dog person but I do like that outside cat we have."

 

During a typical day, Woodard arrives before 7:00 in the morning and doesn't leave until 6 or 6:30 in the evening. First thing he does is a head-count of employees before assigning jobs, and grouping the ones who work strongly together to ensure a good working team. "We have 20 employees, and I assign responsibilities so that each employee is responsible for 15 to 20 animals. This includes cleaning (inside and out), feeding, charting, walking, exercising and just general observation of the guests. My job is to match my employees' personalities, strengths and weaknesses, with the personalities of our guests. I depend on the kennel technicians to let me know if they notice anything out of the ordinary with any of their charges. I also oversee all of the medication for the pets."

 

What motivates Woodard is seeing how well the dogs adapt to being here, and how much they actually enjoy their stay, as well as the response of the people when they pick up their pets. "The customer realizes that their animals are happy being here."

  

 

   

 

  

Tornado Donations update 

 

Great news on the Southern Indiana tornado front.

 money_tornado_donations_graphic 

Thanks to everyone's thoughtfulness and generosity, the Kennel has collected over $200 that we will be donating to benefit the Henryville, Indiana tornado victims.    

 

Kennel co-owner Deb Douglas has announced that "We will make the donation at the 'Concert of Hope' Indy which will be held at Ben Davis High School, 1200 N. Girls School Rd., on June 16, 2012. 

 

 

 

June '12 Newsletter - Issue #22
Greetings
Save a Stray
Frisbee
June Pet Care
Renovations
Dennis Woodard profile
Tornado Donations
Class Schedules

 

Puppy Kindergarten: Wednesdays 7-8pm

Canine Good Citizen:
Saturdays 10-11am

  
Groomer's Corner
dog grooming clippers
   Call 317-769-6172 to schedule an appointment with one of our amazing groomers!

 

 

Note:  when you drop your dog off for a groom, you will notice that the outside entrance to the building has been changed. Boarding and Grooming are now sharing an entrance.  This set-up will make check-in quicker, simpler, and more efficient.  Hooray!

 

 

 

 

 

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Zionsville Country Kennel was designed and operated with one goal in mind: your pet's best interest.  We believe that your pet should be as happy as possible while they stay with us and we encourage you to explore our other services.
 
Kennel Hours: M-F 8am-6pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 2pm-6pm

Kennel Camp Hours: M - F 7am - 6pm
Phone: 317-769-6172
Address: 5370 Indianapolis Road - 1.5 miles north of SR 334 - see us on the map!
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