Fall 2007 - Editors Note

Welcome to the PREMIERE ISSUE of dog’s life: Be Your Dog’s Best Friend!

A new magazine devoted to enriching the lives of our canine companions. We believe the best way to do this is to support adoptions from the shelter and rescue community as well as serving as a platform for modern and humane dog ownership.

Dog’s Life magazine was born from my love of dogs and my experiences as a shelter volunteer and adoption counselor. Now more than ever, dogs are considered members of the family. They live inside our homes, sleep in their own beds (or share ours), and often enjoy many of the same luxuries as we do. But we also must recognize that not all dogs have the benefit of this lifestyle.

This year has seen its share of scandals in the pet world. When a spotlight is shined on an issue such as the pet food recall or dogfighting, it can create a dialogue for change. Dog’s Life will always strive to be a source for current and topical information on behavior, health, advocacy and nutrition. Information that current and hopefully future dog owners will want and need to know in order to keep their dogs healthy, safe and happy.

Our first feature story, Remembering & Moving Forward, details the strides the Louisiana SPCA has made since Hurricane Katrina. As the two-year anniversary is observed on August 29th there is a renewed hope for the animals of New Orleans. The Louisiana SPCA is rebuilding in earnest and creating a model facility for the future of animal welfare. As a native New Orleanian, this story is especially meaningful to me. I worked as a volunteer for the Louisiana SPCA years ago and the experience changed the course of my life. It eventually lead me to create Dogs’ Life.

It has been a long and exhausting road to make this magazine a reality—and I would like to thank my family, friends and colleagues (old and new) who have supported and advised me. They are the reason that Dog’s Life exists today. I would especially like to thank my mother, Lulu Mejia, who encouraged me to live a purposeful life and follow my dream.

Lastly, I dedicate this magazine to my two special rescue dogs, Wiley and Pugsy. They brought an unlimited amount of happiness and love into my life for a very long time. Without Wiley, I wouldn’t have laughed so much and, without Pugsy, I wouldn’t have felt quite so safe. They’ve both crossed the Rainbow Bridge now, but I’m sure they are happy playing together and being free from the health problems they experienced at the end.

I hope Dog’s Life will encourage you to adopt your own Wiley or Pugsy one day and love them for who they are. Because when you give your dogs everything they need and more, the rewards are priceless. As I say in my mission statement, “… dogs have long been considered man and woman’s ‘best friend’ and we believe it’s time to return the favor.”

I hope you join us in making a difference in a dog’s life.

Yvonne B. Mejia
Founder/Editor