Dogtown’s Ann Allums

Ann tells Susan about the dogs that they seized from Michael Vick, and the process ythey went through to rehabilitate them, focusing on one named Handsome Dan. Then, they talk about some upcoming episodes of Dogtown, and what the Best Friends Animal Shelter is trying to accomplish.



(photo by Gary Kalpakoff, Best Friends Animal Society)

Dogscaping with Tom Barthel

Tom explains what must go into planning and creating a backyard that is perfect for both you and your dog. He also informs us about some plants & products that may be harmful to your pet, and explains the reasons behind your dog’s outside behaviors, such as digging.



(Photograph courtesy of Dogscaping. BowTie Press)

Look While You Listen!

Click here to view the photos Susan and her guest are discussing

Oder DOGSCAPING On Amazon.com

Dogscaping is the first instructional guide on how to landscape a canine-safe backyard and garden. It covers topics ranging from durable plant selection and avoiding pet poisoning to tips on creating a species-specific garden for the beloved family dog. It addresses animal behavior training, organic gardening practices, and light construction and planning advice. The book also includes five profiles of dog owners from around the country who have created successful dog-friendly gardens.

Tom Barthel

Tom Barthel was born and raised in Greenville, MI, where he first began studying his craft in the 3rd grade. A short story about the passing of the Midwestern seasons won him his first accolade as an “Outstanding Young Author” for the state of Michigan. It would be the beginning of a life-long obsession with the written word.

After working as a writer, editor, and photographer for his high school newspaper, Tom went on to earn a degree in Journalism from Eastern Michigan University, having contributed significantly to The Eastern Echo and EMU fine arts magazine, Cellar Roots.

Tom first began writing on the subject of pets and outdoor life in 1999, when he joined the staff of BowTie Press in Irvine, CA. Since that time, he has written more than 200 magazine articles for such titles as: Dog Fancy, Cat Fancy, Natural Dog, Aquarium Fish, Bird Talk, Ferrets Magazine, Reptiles Magazine, Fresh Water and Marine Aquarium, Pet Product News and Water Garden News. He has written articles on topics as diverse as prevention of dehydration in reptiles to the therapeutic benefits of water gardens for the disabled. In 2006, Tom’s first co-authored book, “Garden Ponds Made Easy” (BowTie Press), was released.

Click Here to Visit his Website

Ann Allums

Ann Allums, certified pet dog trainer for Dogtown, began work at Best Friends in 2004. Her job includes assessing the dogs for temperament and behavior and creating a training plan for each dog to help them reach their potential. Her ultimate goal is to make each dog more adoptable and help give them the best life possible while living at the sanctuary. She also educates dog caregivers in training techniques and advises people adopting dogs from Best Friends. Ann has been volunteering at humane societies since 1989 to walk dogs and give them much-needed attention. She keeps up her skills by attending training seminars and conferences across the country and reading avidly on dog training and behavior. She also receives plenty of on-the-job training by working closely with around 500 dogs and their caregivers. Ann lives with two dogs, one dog-loving cat, a goldfish and an occasional foster dog.

Best Friends\' Dogtown Website