Kirby's Korner

Thank You

Everyone here at Dioji wants to send a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to everyone who voted for us in the News-Press Readers’ Choice Award. Because of your votes we were awarded the Best of Animal Boarding and the Best of Pet Grooming awards.

Thank you for your support! Be on the lookout when this special section of the paper runs April 27th - we are thrilled to be a part of it.

Kirby Wendel

VP of Quality Control
Owners Jeannie & Bryce's yellow lab

April Birthdays

Annabelle	Annie	Annie
Billy	BJ	Buddy
Cody	Curly	Daisy
Daisy	Ellie	Fergie
Grace	Gracie	Heidi
Hero	Joey	Lilly
Lily	Mambo	Mason
Mia	Moe	Pippi
Prince	Princess	Riley
Rusty	Sammy	Savate
Sedona	Sheba	Sierra
Snickers	Snoejoe	Sophie
Splash	Trapper	Yuki
Addie	Amber	Bailey
Bella	Brindle	Chewy
Jasmine	Joe	Madison

Ask the Expert

Wild mushrooms are Serious Business

Spring in Santa Barbara can be absolutely beautiful. As warm weather follows the rains however, the fruiting mushroom population can cause the unsuspecting dog a lot of trouble. There are multiple species of mushrooms that can cause us all problems (pets and owners alike). In Santa Barbara it appears like our most troubling species of mushroom is Amanita ocreata, one of several that go by the name "Destroying Angel Mushroom". These mushrooms can cause severe liver disease resulting in death.

All "Destroying Angels" look similar and all are deadly, though it can take a mushroom expert to tell them apart. They can be solitary to scattered, usually under Coast Live Oak; I have had clients tell me they often see fruiting increase around horse manure. The only sure way to tell them apart is by examination of their spores. In general you and your pets should always avoid unknown and suspicious mushrooms. If you see a WHITE smooth cap, WHITE gills, WHITE spores, and a WHITE stalk = DANGER. Remove your pet from the area. If these are found on your property, they should be cleared daily while fruiting before your pets can gain access to them.  

If you are aware your dog has eaten mushrooms, the recommended treatment is to induce vomiting when these mushrooms are ingested, and in addition give activated charcoal. Unfortunately, this ingestion is easy to miss, and our four legged friends arrive at the hospital weak, with vomiting or anorexia and diarrhea and are in liver failure. Supportive treatment for liver disease is necessary. This often involves 24 hour hospitalization for any chance of survival. An innocent looking mushroom can cause big problems, so please keep a lookout.

Beverly Place Holmes DVM is the Past President of the Santa Barbara Ventura Veterinary Medical Association; she practices Preventative Medicine and Surgery at La Cumbre Animal Hospital.

Tip of the Month

Positive Reinforcement

Susan Dalton, Dioji Trainer and Daycare Manager

The most effective and fun way to train a dog is using positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is anything your dog enjoys, for example a treat, a back scratch, or the toss of a ball. When you immediately and consistently reward your dog for performing a behavior, the frequency of that behavior will increase. Try this simple training technique with your dog. Anytime your dog seeks attention by jumping up on you or nudging your elbow at the table, ignore her behavior and then quietly ask her to sit. Be patient, the sit will come. As soon as she sits, reward her with the attention she seeks. Each and every time she seeks attention or you wish to offer her attention, request that she sit first and then as soon as she does lavish her with attention. Before long you will have a dog who quietly sits at your feet whenever she wants your attention and affection.

Outside the Club

April 26th
Dioji Dog Dash

The Gaucho Gallop is this month! Race alongside the pounding surf of the Pacific Ocean and past many UCSB landmarks during this 5 or 10k run/walk. Bring your pooch for the pre-race Dioji Dog Dash warm up and then drop them off at the Doggie Lounge while you run the big race. Click here for more info and to register.

June 7th
Big Dog Parade

Mark your calendars for this exciting dog parade down State St.  Dioji will have a group walking and we would love for all of our members to join us!  More information to come.

Barkimonials

"Thank you to the Dioji Staff. The care you give and the personal attention to your clients really shows what dog lovers you are! When we travel and can't bring them along it's a comfort to know that you are there. Our boys love all the attention they get at Dioji and are always warn out when they come home.  Thanks for all you do." 

-Brian Adler, Erika Bornhorst,Quincy and Tobie

Featured Product

Planet Dog Travel Bowl

While you’re out and about with your pup this spring/summer bring along this collapsible water bowl so no matter where you are, your pal won’t go thirsty.

Available in various colors for $9.95

Refer a Member

Have a friend join Dioji during the month of April and receive a FREE day of daycare for your pooch. Your dog will love you for it!

Ideas for future Tribone topics or have a Barkimonial? Email susan@dioji.com.