The Dog's Bark
Fall 2003

“Ask Rita” Answered by the Dogs

The dogs of Doggie Oasis had a real treat when Rita Rudner stopped by to film a segment of her nationally syndicated show “Ask Rita.” Ms. Rudner and crew spent about an hour hanging out with the dogs. They played together, went through the tunnels, and even had story time! All of the dogs cannot wait until their television debut! “Ask Rita” can be seen locally weekday mornings at 10am on Channel 3. Watch for Doggie Oasis Day Care on November 25th.

Beg for more of Emma’s Gossip!

There is always so much happening at Doggie Oasis Day Care. We are always having tons of fun, and new friends are made all the time! People think they are crazy, but Molly “the munchkin” Beagle and Roxy “the fluffy giant” Newfoundland really do love to play together.
We organize our own contests too! The jump off is one of my favorites, although I think Ruby or Sydney would win that one every time, paws down!

John Fredericks and Jordan Visit Doggie Oasis

When Emma first heard she had to wake up when it was still dark outside she was not very happy. However, when it meant she would finally get to meet the famous Jordan Fredericks she was ready to go!
John Fredericks, weatherman on KVBC TV-3, and Jordan rolled into Doggie Oasis bright and early for News 3 at Sunrise on July 14th, and all of the dogs were ready to shine! Bear, Emma, and Tuffy all had their turn in the spotlight, and Woody got to play a bit with Jordan. Jordan definitely had a good time playing tug-of-war with his new friends. Fredericks did a wonderful job reporting the weather in all the chaos, and we think he enjoyed our “Dog World.”

Grooming Tip
by Julie Savage

Be sure to have your dogs nails done every six to eight weeks, depending on your dogs amount of activity. An active dog tends to have shorter nails because they are naturally being filed down by concrete on their daily walks or by playing during the day.

Dogs and Your Pool
by Neil Francis

Since many people in Las Vegas have swimming pools keeping your pet safe is a priority. Basic precautions should be taken to ensure that your pool is secure to prevent animals and children from accidentally falling in. There are many options and varieties of gates with both permanent and portable fencing available.
While most people assume that all dogs can swim, some are "natural" swimmers while others are well... not so gifted. Like people, some dogs enjoy the water and some really hate it. Whatever type of dog you may have; be it a mutt or a mastiff, a strong swimmer or a timid wader, the most important thing to remember is: ANY DOG CAN DROWN IN A POOL!
Let's look at some scenarios and reasons for how this could happen; and more importantly, how to prevent it. The most common accident is that an unattended dog suddenly dashes after a bird, squirrel, cat or other small animal and falls into the pool. Once in the pool, it is frighteningly easy for a dog to become disoriented and not be able to literally "swim their way out." Think about it, the dog's head is bobbing along at water level and all he can see are the walls of the pool, which all look the same. While trying repeatedly and futilely to get out, the dog can panic and soon become exhausted.
I have never seen a dog drown in a pond or lake because the dog can see a shoreline, which is usually a gradual slope and provides a means of escape. So let’s teach our dogs where the shoreline is! In your pool, the "shoreline" is the shallow end of the pool with the steps providing the escape. I've found that putting a couple of potted shrubs near the "exit point" helps to define a "shoreline".
Here's how we do it: you'll need two family members who know the dog well. One of you will bring the dog into the pool via the shallow end and one will stay in the shallow end on the steps with a couple of your dog's favorite treats on the deck. Slowly bring the dog out to deeper water.
As you release the dog, make sure he is pointed towards the shallow end where your "training partner" is waiting. Have your partner enthusiastically call the dog towards them. Let the dog use the broad steps to get out of the pool on their own. Then lavish lots of affection and a couple of treats and try it again, slowly increasing the distance. Don't overdo it the first day, but practice once a week to keep it sharp. Soon your dog will know how to "swim their way out" without any guidance.

Separation Anxiety

Many dogs become anxious when their family, or pack leaves them alone. Dogs can become destructive, causing harm to a home and even themselves. On the days Fido can’t make it to day care, give him something to do to help alleviate separation anxiety. Here are a few ideas: •Try hiding treats around your home for him to find when you leave. •Get a toy, such as the Kong, that you can fill with treats. Fido should be so busy enjoying the treats he will stop worrying about when you will be home.

A Good Dog is a Tired Dog

Many have heard the old adage, “A good dog is a tired dog.” We are not sure who said it first, but people who bring their dogs to day care know how true it is! Day care dogs are tired when you get home from work, and ready to call it a night. Tired dogs are not as likely to get themselves into trouble, and have fewer problems with separation anxiety. After a full day of playing, Fido won’t even mind if you go out to a nice restaurant for dinner. That is of course, as long as you bring back a doggy bag!

Dogs around Town

Doggie Oasis isn’t the only doghouse in town! Another great place to take your dog for a treat is Missy & Me Gourmet Pet Treats. Anita and Jack will make sure that your pet receives the treats that are right for him. They have a wide variety of home baked speciality treats that are so good you will want to eat them yourself!
In addition to dog treats, they also have treats for cats and horses. The treats are nutritious and preservative free. Missy & Me Gourmet Pet Treats is located at 10300 W. Charleston Blvd.

Yummy Oatmeal-Cheese Treats

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup cheese, melted
1/3 cup vegetable oil
6 bouillon cubes dissolved in 1 1/2 cups water, or 1 can broth (low-sodium is good)
Preheat the oven to 300. Mix dry ingredients, then add oil, broth, and melted cheese. Mix until dough holds together in a ball and roll out 1/2 inch thick. Cut out with cookie cutter. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely on a rack (or leave them in the oven overnight - no heat - to make them crunchy).

Who are We?

Elissa and Reuben Burda are the owners of Doggie Oasis Day Care, and the parents of Emma, the gossip queen on the front cover! Elissa is a native Las Vegan, and she and Reuben moved back to Vegas from Oregon last year. They took Emma to one of the many day cares in Oregon while living there, and she really missed all the fun when they moved to Vegas.
Neil Francis grew up showing dogs and working at a championship dog kennel. He has enjoyed a 30 year relationship with “astounding hounds” and has an A.A.S in wildlife biology.

Trading Places

Exclusively for clients of Doggie Oasis: sign up to join our “Trading Places” program. We match up your family with another to exchange “pet sitting” services when you have to travel without Fido. The newest alternative to keeping your loved one in a cage while you are gone.