EDITOR’S LETTER
Throughout my years publishing Modern Dog, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some absolutely wonderful people, many of whom have become dear friends. Needless to say, they’ve all got dogs I’ve also come to know and love. What I find interesting is the way these dogs—across the board—have positively influenced my friends’ lives. So often I hear of dogs being catalysts and connectors, helping their owners choose more positive or meaningful life paths, connecting them to a community of like-minded dog lovers in which they feel loved and understood, and demonstrating on a daily basis the importance of love, loyalty, trust, and belonging. My friend Roxanne’s Dachshund, Buddy, was such a dog. He was the reason she started her company Buddy Belts, which has become an incredibly successful business with a worldwide reach. (They make one of the best fitting and most stylish harnesses out there!) Dave and Georgine Forgatch’s rescue dog, Bow, was another canine beacon. I met the Forgatch’s on the Regis & Kelly show when Bow competed and ultimately won the “Mutt America” title (and the coveted Fall ’04 cover of Modern Dog!) for his ability to sing along to Dean Martin’s “Everybody Loves Somebody.” Bow expanded the Forgatch’s lives in immeasurable ways—and the lives of a lot of others, too. This rescue dog’s celebrity helped remind viewers of the “unfound talent” waiting in their local shelter. Who knows how many were inspired to rescue a Bow of their own? To say Buddy and Bow, both now passed on, are missed is a tremendous understatement. A dog’s love and presence so effectively weaves its way into our hearts and lives that when they pass it leaves a gaping hole. I know firsthand that the sorrow can feel insurmountable. When my own dog Kaya passed away a few years ago I felt buried in grief. I have never cried so hard in my life. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that many of those who haven’t experienced a deep bond with a dog simply can’t comprehend the depths of the loss. We want everyone out there who is trying to come to terms with the loss of a best friend to know that you’re not alone. We’ve created a memorial page on Modern Dog’s website (moderndogmagazine.com/memorials) so that you can post a tribute to a canine loved one, as well as share and connect with others experiencing the same thing. It’s helpful and healing to know you’re not alone in your grief. We’ve also posted resources to help you commemorate and honour your best friend’s life. Let me know what you think—I welcome your suggestions on how we can make it even better. With spring now here, it’s hard not to be reminded that life does indeed go on. This time of regeneration and renewal brings a feeling of happy anticipation and eagerness to get outside and be more active. To usher in the season, we’ve endeavored to put together our best issue yet, one that will inspire you, make you smile, and help you to live your best life with your dog. Let’s kick off 2015 right! For fun ideas on how to spice up your daily dog walks, turn to page 40. Contemplating a career change? Turn to page 46 for ideas on how to turn your love of dogs into a career. Want to bring your dog to the office with you? Turn to page 100. And, of course, we’re always trying to make sure our dogs are happy. For a list of ways to delight your dog, flip to page 70. Or if you’re simply in need of a smile, these dogs that love bubbles (p.76) will put a grin on your face and remind you to take pleasure in the little things. I think this is one of the chief blessings our dogs bestow—a reminder that it’s about the grace of the day-to-day. Like our dogs, we should greet every morning with unbridled excitement, be unsparing in our affections, eat with great gusto, and spend some time outdoors every day. Lessons to live by.
Have a wonderful spring season. Let’s make the most of every moment!
With love,
Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief