CREATURE DISCOMFORTS
DEALING WITH A FEAR OF ANIMALS
By Jessica Groach, Sparks NV

Kristi Smith works around animals all day on staff at the Nevada Humane Society. But she’s terrified of birds. “I’m afraid of anything that flies, really,” says Smith. “As soon as they start flapping their wings and flying, I literally go under the counter.” Sound bizarre? It isn’t. The fear of any animal, which psychologists call a specific, or simple, phobia, is the most common type of phobia, affecting about one in every 10 people, or 6.3 million adult Americans, and twice as many women as men. As Clinical Psychologist Dr. Blake Tearnan explains, “A phobia is a fear that’s considered irrational or not something that has an actual threat. With a phobia, you have a fear response to a stimulant that isn’t inherently dangerous.” Physically and cognitively, the person wants to be far away from the fear stimulus and will go to great lengths to avoid it; physiologically, the heart rate and blood pressure go up, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response.
Even though a bird flapping its wings isn’t dangerous, a person with a bird phobia reacts as though it is. “When people have phobias, they have a lot of irrational beliefs associated with them. If you’re afraid of snakes, and I take the top off a snake’s cage, you think it’s going to leap across the room, even though you know snakes don’t do that,” says Dr. Tearnan. He says that animal phobias are more likely to develop around age five, but there’s no consensus about how it happens. Some say it is direct exposure; for example, although she remembers no such encounter, perhaps Kristi Smith was attacked by a bird as a child. Others say indirect exposure can be just as traumatic. This, as Susan Asher, executive director of the Nevada Humane Society points out, is where the media play a huge role--especially with dogs. “People might be more afraid of dogs than other animals because the media makes such a big deal about them,” Asher says. “Every time someone gets a dog bite, it is on the news, so it seems like all dogs are vicious.” People who are afraid of sharks often blame the movie Jaws. Is an animal phobia treatable? Absolutely. Dr. Tearnan says the most effective approach is desensitization, in which a person is simply exposed to the animal. You might begin by observing one, in a cage, from across the room. The person eventually learns to feel comfortable alone in the room with the animal, and keeps growing closer to it. Then the lid might come off the cage. The person might even become comfortable about touching the animal. With dog fears, Dr. Tearnan says therapy dogs are helpful. “They’re very playful, they love everyone, and no matter how you approach one, even if you startle it, it would not become aggressive.” Susan Asher remembers a couple that wanted to get married. But the woman had a cat, and had no intention of giving it up, while the man was terrified of it. “First, he just ignored the cat totally,” Asher says. “Then he participated in the feeding, and changing the litter box. Then he left his clothes at her apartment so the cat could become used to his scent. Slowly, he built up his resistance to the fear, and he was able to be alone in the room with the cat. They got married and lived happily ever after!” If a real life encounter still sounds overwhelming, Dr. Tearnan suggests learning all you can about the animal. Reading about dogs, for example, may help you understand them, and fear them less. Or try to clearly imagine yourself approaching the animal over and over--playing every scenario in your head, until eventually you’re able to use a real animal. You might even have a friend model petting a dog, holding it or playing with it, to show that it won’t hurt you. Kristi Smith works at the Nevada Humane Society and is forced to get over her fears. “I got finches,” she says, “because everybody keeps telling me if I get birds, it will help me get over my fear. It has a little bit. Finches are a good bird to have, because they don’t tend to fly around the house.” Susan Asher says that in her experience, certain cultural differences and lack of exposure to household pets has created some phobias. “For example, in Mexico, dogs live on the fringes of town; they generally aren’t owned pets. So with Hispanic families, when their children come in, they’re often freaked by the barking and the movement of the dogs.” Socioeconomic factors also play a role. “If you’re living on the edge financially, you don’t have the money for a pet, so it hasn’t become part of your life.” Early exposure to animals can go a long way toward preventing these fears. “It’s a good idea to have kids get pets young,” Dr. Tearnan says. “Those kids that have had previous exposure to animals are probably less likely to develop fears.” Meanwhile, Kristi Smith may have finches, but in her upcoming wedding, don’t expect her to release any doves.

Jessica Groach is a Sparks-based freelance writer and an English instructor at the University of Nevada. Jessica is a passionate believer in rescuing animals from the pound. That’s how she found her cat, Peanut, who “advises” Jessica on all her articles for PetFolio.

FIT & TRIM
THE SUPER PROGRAM FOR DOGS AND CATS
By Cal Orey, South Lake Tahoe CA

Yellow Labrador retriever Carmella had been a three-year-old potential butterball. A “reducing” diet was food for thought, but I took the aerobics route instead. With two park runs a day, Carmella stayed active and fit. For Gandalf, my 15-year-old cat, tilting the scales at a whopping 18 pounds made him miserable. Switching to a natural diet food and cutting out human junk food made my puss happier and helped him pare down to a normal weight. Weight-loss miracles? You can’t argue with success. These stories help show the reasons you should help your pet say goodbye to excess fat, too.
THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Fat people often have fat pets, pet experts claim. “Like people, a significant number of pets become overweight, especially if they are inactive and are fed fatty or sweet snacks by well-meaning owners,” says Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD, in his classic book Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Because such foods and commercial pet foods often lack essential nutrients, dogs and cats frequently pig out, which results in weight gain. However, a poor diet may not be the only reason your pet can gain weight. Lack of exercise can also contribute to unwanted pounds. Obesity-prone are older pets, indoor-only pets—and those pets suffering from hypothyroidism (a lack of thyroid hormone) and diabetes are susceptible to weight gain as well. Excess weight can cause or aggravate health problems in pets. “It’s important to get excess fat off your pet because it can strain the heart, make the circulation sluggish, seriously complicate other disorders, and probably shorten life span,” notes Dr. Pitcairn. By making a few simple changes to your pet’s lifestyle and diet you can guard against fat—and take off pounds as well—to keep your pet at its optimum weight.
DUMP FAT-LADEN PET GOODIES
Going from fat to fit doesn’t mean your pet has to go hungry; you just have to feed your pet the right food. In addition to feeding your dog or cat a veterinarian approved home cooked food or high quality commercial pet food, low-fat natural foods are an alternative to human junk food—or fat-laden pet goodies. “A good general rule for feeding snacks is to allow your animal fairly ample amounts of any healthful food it really likes, up to 20 percent of the diet,” said Dr. Pitcairn. Some good choices are shredded wheat, melon (which cats like), brown rice cakes, and chunks of organic apples. These treats will ease hunger pangs and the psychological need for treats, claim holistic pet experts. And remember, fresh water (bottled water is recommended) can help your pet’s weight-loss regimen, too. (It helps flush toxins from the body.) While on the diet, try to exercise your pet daily. And always check with your veterinarian before starting any weight-loss plan.
GETTING PHYSICAL WITH FIDO AND FLUFFY
Not only does daily exercise burn up calories and stored fat, it also can stall the aging process, stave off disease, reduce stress, and foster a sense of well-being. While getting physical with Fido is recommended, don’t forget that exercise can help rev up your cat’s metabolism and spirit, too. In fact, a study by Cornell University veterinarians found that, like humans, cats pack on pounds by getting too many calories and not enough exercise. The study also found the bulk of overweight cats were middle-aged (four to 10 years old), which is when cats tend to slow down.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET SLIM!
Here are some great ways—straight from holistic experts—to help your pet stay fit and trim forever!
• Perform a one-minute weight-check test once a week. Palpate your pet’s lower abdomen, if there’s more than one inch of flesh, that’s a red flag. Also, if you can’t feel your dog’s or cat’s ribs, it’s time to turn to a weight-loss regimen.
• Discover portion control. Stop feeding your pet a one-sized-feeds-all diet. Each animal’s food intake depends on its individual metabolism, weight, age, and lifestyle. Consult with your veterinarian first, then tune into your pet to find out what amount of daily food works best to maintain a healthy weight.
• Take your pet in for an annual vet checkup. Preventive checkups help you keep tabs on weight and health changes.
• Make sure your pet loses weight gradually and safely. Never starve a dog or cat skinny for its overall health’s sake.

Cal Orey is a health and pets writer who lives in South Lake Tahoe, CA. She is the author of Doctors’ Orders: What 101 Doctors Do to Stay Healthy, The Healing Powers of Vinegar, and 202 Pets’ Peeves available on the Web at www.kensingtonbooks.com

THE WILD PARROTS OF TELEGRAPH HILL
A LOVE STORY...WITH WINGS
By Lisa Baran, Reno NV

Imagine your surprise. It’s early morning, the fog is thick, and you’re enjoying that fresh brewed cup of coffee in your high-rise apartment in San Francisco when your eye catches movement outside. You are caught as the red spots blur in and out of the dense green foliage in a tree. You squint and focus—birds! But, not regular birds—these are parrots!
This is indeed a treat that some resident San Franciscans and a few lucky tourists see around Telegraph Hill and the north waterfront. No one knows this better than Mark Bittner who discovered the birds in 1990 and, in time, became the local expert on the flock and the flock’s trusted friend.
“I watched them for several years with tremendous curiosity. What were wild parrots doing in San Francisco? Then one day a few of them flew to my fire escape, and my whole life changed,” Bittner is quoted as saying.
And change it did.
Bittner grew up in the state of Washington and dreamed of becoming a novelist. Hearing of the hardships that befall many writers who pursue the Great Novel, he decided upon music instead. After traveling across Europe, he came to San Francisco to make it or break it as a poet-singer-songwriter. He didn’t make it. He ended up on the street for the next 15 years.
When he first became aware of the flock—a group of cherry-headed conures (a.k.a. red-masked parakeets)— he had lots of time on his hands. He began making notes about the birds’ behaviors, feeding rituals, their comings and goings, identified individuals, and noted interactions with other birds, be it a pigeon or hawk of the occasional escapee parakeet. Little did he know he had met his destiny.
Bittner’s notes have been published as a book, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill – A Love Story…With Wings, by Harmony Books of New York, which is rising in acclaim on the New York Times Bestsellers List. People with parrots are buying it because they can relate to it; San Franciscans are buying it because they’ve seen the wild flock; and others are buying it because it is different and unusual and because, to quote Bittner, “It’s a story first and foremost.”
So, just when you think Bittner’s life couldn’t change much more for the better—enter Judy Irving.
Irving, a two-time major film festival award winning producer, director, and film maker first heard of Bittner from an article he wrote for Bird Talk in 1995. She didn’t know much about keeping birds, but thought Bittner’s story would make an interesting short film. Their paths never met, so she produced a film on the nesting blue herons of Golden Gate Park which on the night of its showing in San Francisco produced two different people who both told her she needed to meet the parrot man of Telegraph Hill.
With a few rolls of leftover film and the idea of a little footage of some colorful birds, Irving approached Bittner’s front door. “He lived in an absolute shack, he had rough clothes and very long hair and he seemed like a burned-out hippie unable to string two words together. But when he fed the birds it was like this wonderful, magical moment,” quote Irving.
When the 83-minute, nonfiction feature The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill played at the San Francisco International Film Festival, the San Jose Mercury News summed it up best in their quote, “It is that rare documentary that has romance, comedy, and a surprise ending that makes you feel like you could fly out of the theater like a cherry-headed conure.”
The film stars Bittner; and Connor (a blue-crowned conure), Olive (a mitred conure), Mingus, Picasso, Sophie, Pushkin, and Tupelo (cherry-headed conures); with urban legendists Ivan Stormgart, Maggie McCall, Gary Thompson, Elizabeth Wright, and Jamie Yorck.
The film—produced, directed, filmed, and edited by Irving, with music by Chris Michi—is taking the nation by storm. From San Diego to New Orleans, Scottsdale to Anchorage, the film is crisscrossing the country with Bitter engaged in a speaking tour of equal proportion. And our fair city has not been overlooked!
RAAVE (Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts) is excited to announce that on July 15, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is scheduled to premier in Reno at the Century Riverside-12, and RAAVE plans to have their exotic birds on exhibit at the Riverwalk to welcome the film. Show times and admission prices will be advertised at a later date by Century Theaters or log on to www.raave.com
On July 16, at 2pm, RAAVE has arranged for Mark Bittner, nationally acclaimed author and film star of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill to appear in person to speak, show slides of the flock, and autograph his book. Everyone is invited to hear Bittner speak. RAAVE members will be admitted free and non-members will pay $10 each. Contact Sandy at 775-358-7222, or Pat at 775-826-9714 for more information.

RAAVE
More than just Reno's bird club
By Nora Schmidt and Joy Birenbaum, RAAVE

In 1992 the Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts (RAAVE) was formed by loyal group of bird owners and members of the community interested in the conservation of birds in the wild and private ownership. From humble beginnings, the group has grown from 20 original members to over 175 household memberships keeping from the smallest finch and canary to the largest of macaws and cockatoos.
As a 501 C (3) non-profit organization members educate the public of the benefits and pleasures of bird ownership. A favorite RAAVE project is school visitation. RAAVE members take their birds into our area classrooms so that children see the beauty and brilliance of exotic birds up close. They are able to interact with the birds, learn care and feeding techniques, and hear how birds communicate with speech and behaviors. Children love to hear these feathered friends suddenly say, “Hello,” “Pizza,” “Please,” or “Let’s go bye-bye,” and the many other things they are capable of saying and performing.
RAAVE has just awarded its first $1,000 Pilot Youth Assistance Fund bequest to a youth member for the purpose of attending the American Federation of Aviculture Convention in Miami, FL. The winner entered an essay detailing her interest in avian issues and her intent to study avian issues in the future.
Charitable donations go to both local and international avian causes, including the 2004 American Federation of Aviculture Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund in Florida, and $750 is allotted every quarter to other avian causes such as Animal Ark and Wild Animal Infirmary for Nevada in Washoe Valley, NV.
The general public is welcome to attend meetings the third Saturday of every month—the best speakers bring many interesting topics—the July meeting will be hosting Mark Bittner, author of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill – A Love Story…With Wings. Mark will speak to the club on July 16. The July presentation will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1900 First Street, Sparks, NV (corner of Richards Way and First Street).
On September 3, RAAVE will hold their annual Exotic Bird Expo. Over 40 vendors offer cages, birds, toys, avian foods, and much more! You can find anything and everything for birds at the expo. Open to the public at the Reno Livestock Events Center, 1350 North Wells Avenue in Reno, NV. The admission is $5 and hours are 9am to 5pm.
On September 17, a nationally acclaimed speaker, Chris Shank from Cockatoo Downs, the home of the free flying cockatoos, will speak on clicker training birds. Chris is a hero to many avian enthusiasts because of her work in training her birds to fly free on her property.
RAAVE welcomes all visitors to their meetings. They are a great place to meet other bird owners, to share stories, and to learn more about the care, housing, and feeding of these marvelous birds.
For more information about RAAVE, contact President Sandy Griffiths at 775-358-7222, or visit their Web site at www.raave.com

PAWS FOR A GREAT CAUSE!
ARTOWN'S ART PAWS IN THE PARK EXPECTED TO BE THE BIGGEST EVER
By Stacey Derck, Reno NV

Discovering the Picasso in your Pooch was a wonderful new experience for many of the 900 to 1,000 attendees at last year’s Art Paws in the Park celebration at the McKinley Arts and Cultural Center, in Reno, NV, and it’s expected to be even more exciting this year!
From pet psychic readings to knowledgeable veterinarians, featured artists to Reno’s best dog trainers, updating vaccinations to the latest in doggie fashions— the range of products will be as diverse as the animals viewing them.
For a “pawsitively” wonderful experience, enjoy the great outdoors with your pet and visit with pet psychics, create “paw art,” try your hound’s skills at an agility course, let your pup sample gourmet treats, and participate together in doggie paw-walk games and other inter-active activities.
Art Paws event sponsor and PetFolio publisher Landess Witmer was thrilled with the tremendous response from the community in 2004 and is rising to her personal challenge of increasing the number of vendor booths, doubling the attendance, and raising more money to assist the Youth ArtWorks Program of the City of Reno. "Reno is a pet friendly community full of wonderful people who really enjoy spending time outside with their family, friends, and pets!" Witmer said.
Art Paws in the Park will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2005, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, once again at the McKinley Arts and Cultural Center located at Keystone Avenue and Riverside Drive. Vendor booths are selling quickly, so please contact 775-722-6594 for your space now!

FEI BUDWEISER WORLD CUP JUMPING AND WORLD CUP DRESSAGE FINALS
PRESENTED BY OFFIELD FARMS
By Michelle McHardy, Reno NV

For the first time, the World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals were combined for a fantastic five-day Grand Prix equestrian competition in Las Vegas, NV, April 20-24, 2005. Over 100,000 tickets were sold throughout 13 different countries and 50 states—and PetFolio was there to witness the action.
The World Cup Jumping Final is an international contest between the best horses and riders in the world. Thirty-three riders from 17 countries were represented this year. First held in 1979, the United States has been host only five times before Las Vegas this year; the first World Cup Dressage Final was in 1986 with the United States hosting only once before.
The producers, Las Vegas Events, Inc., created an exciting, energized atmosphere for the competition. Events started with light shows, fireworks, and live music, evenings concluded with amazing displays, and vendors offered an extensive array of all things equine.
The arena was wonderfully prepared; the dressage court was impeccable with a graded centerline, ferns and floral arrangements edged the judging areas. The jumps were bright and bold; the signature Budweiser panel jump, the colorful Las Vegas vertical, oxers (spread jumps) with huge floral arrangements, and a wall and water jump. Obstacles ranged in height up to 5 feet 3 inches with oxers with spreads of over 5 feet.
DANCING WITH HORSES: DRESSAGE
A hush falls over the crowd. A horse enters the arena; coat glistening, perfectly braided mane, flowing tail, ears forward and content, every muscle rippling perfectly. The rider is stunning; polished black boots, spotless white breaches, blacktail coat, white gloves, and top hat.
Music signals the start of the dance. Horse and rider glide up the centerline, halt, and the rider tips his hat in a gesture of respect. The music, deep and intense or light and spirited, inspires awe when combined with the striking movements of the dancers. As the music changes, so do the dancers, now performing a passage, and then a piaffe—the trot in place. Another tempo puts them in a half-pass sliding diagonally across the arena. Rounding the corner they pick up the canter, flowing down the centerline, the rider signals and the horse slows to perform a pirouette—a beautiful rocking canter turning a complete circle—and to end the dance, horse and rider glide back to centerline, halt, and bow. The crowd bursts into cheering applause.
The crowd is silent as the dancers perform, however, Debbie McDonald of Hailey, ID, and her mare Brentina asked for, and got, an excited response as they rode down the centerline to the beat of Aretha Franklin’s popular song R-E-S-P-EC- T. When McDonald broke a smile and lifted one hand—the crowd went wild. Later Debbie said, “My goal was to bring fun, not only for myself but for the audience. I think I achieved my goal.”
 

FEI OFFIELD FARMS WORLD CUP FINAL RESULTS
Rider	Horse	Country	Score
1. Anky van Grunsven	Keltec Salinero	NED	86.725
2. Edward Gal	Geldnet Lingh	NED	85.225
3. Debbie McDonald	Brentina	USA	83.450
4. Robert Dover	FBW Kennedy	USA	80.100

FLYING WITH HORSES: JUMPING
Riders enter the arena flexing and counter-flexing their horses to get them supple and in tune, and circle the jumps to prepare their horses for the difficult obstacles.
A buzzer starts the clock and the horse and rider teams are off—the crowd tense with anticipation. An upcoming jump is greeted by a gasp of 10,000 voices. When an obstacle is cleared, the crowd goes wild. When a rail is knocked, a disappointed “aaahhh” resounds. If the devastating occurs—a refusal or a fall—the crowd is clear in their response, and when the amazing happens—a clear round with perfect time—the response is equally enthusiastic!
The finals were devastating for four teams disqualified for falls or not completing the course. By the last day—it was a race for the title. Germany’s Meredith Michaels Beerbaum riding Shutterfly tied with previous champion Rodrigo Pessoa who had a disappointing final round ending up with 12 faults. Beerbaum rode last with one chance to win and completed a breathtaking round to clinch the final.
Beerbaum said, “This was my biggest win, and it was a wonderful pleasure to win in Las Vegas.” PetFolio asked what young riders should do if they want to become an international Grand Prix rider. She responded, “…the U. S. Hunter/Jumper Association was a great arena in which to learn the basics of position and proper riding, but if a rider truly wanted to compete internationally they should go to Europe to learn that style and combine the two,” adding that was what she did.
 

FEI BUDWEISER WORLD CUP FINAL RESULTS
Rider	Horse	Country	Total Points
1. Meredith Michael Beerbaum	Shutterfly	GER	4
2. Michael Whitaker	Portofino 63	GBR	7
3. Marcus Ehning	Gitania 8	GER	9
4. Lars Nieberg	Lucie 55	GER	9
5. Kimberly Frey	Marlou	USA	10

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
GOING CAMPING? TAKE YOUR DOG!
By Deb Voss Quail, Nashotah WI

Be a kid, go to camp! But this time,
take your dog.
Dog camp is the place where you can unwind and celebrate nature with your canine companion. Participate in organized activities or take in a sunset while lounging on the grass, all with your faithful best friend at your side.
Sometimes dog lovers are reserved about lavishing attention on their pets in the company of others. The dog camp setting allows canine groupies to embrace their affection for their pets and to explore a deeper relationship that can’t be duplicated in everyday situations. “Everyone at camp believes they are the luckiest person alive because they have the best dog in the world—and they all are right,” offers Georgi Anne Katek, seasoned camper with her mixed breed pooch, Xander.
Your fellow campers will be compatible folks who treat their dogs as family members and share the common bond of canine companionship with each other.
Dogs are allowed everywhere on the grounds, and in most cases may accompany you off-leash if you have verbal control. One of the most delightful aspects of dog camp is the fact that you can let your best buddy run free and play. Since only other people who are also capable of controlling their dogs will be allowing them off leash, there is no worry, it’s pack mentality and socialization for all.
Fun is integral to Camp Winnaribbun, located on 33 acres of pine woods near the shores of Lake Tahoe, CA. A wide range of activities are offered for people and their pooches, including workouts for the athletic and unhurried options for the laid-back vacationer. Dedicated professionals in their fields are on staff at Camp Winnaribbun and conduct the many daily programs. Taking advantage of the range of activities offered, you may just find your dog has talents you never knew. At night, four-legged best friends snuggle up with their humans by their sides to sleep in dorm-style cabins.
The excitement and popularity of dog camps draw campers from states all across the country. Campers have such a strong bonding experience with their dogs and each other that many are returnees year after year. Perhaps one of the best aspects of camp is that no one will think you are looney if you are crazy-in-love with your pet. “I appreciate spending time with like-minded people. When I'm at camp it's all about my dog,” explains Katek.
It could be your dream vacation; dog camp is a celebration of dogs, our relationships with them, and the joy they bring into our lives. “Where else can I watch my dog swim on the lake at sunrise, enjoy a wide variety of activities throughout the day, get a massage for my pooch and one for me, then end up back at the beach late that night for a camp fire?” Katek asks. Recreate the excitement of camp that lingers from your childhood memories—but add a new twist—go with your dog!
Deb Voss Quail resides with four teens and one feisty terrier, Duke, in idyllic Nashotah, Wisconsin. Deb and Duke have matching bandanas and look forward to a dog camp vacation one day soon.