Kari's Recommendations
Kari's background with dogs
Kari Whitman, founder of Ace of Hearts, has owned and rescued dogs her entire life. In her younger years, she worked as a veterinary technician and surgical assistant, and now has been working with dogs in various ways for decades, through her rescue and in other capacities.
Trainers
We look for dog trainers who are effective but never use abusive methods to train dogs. We do not select trainers who utilize devices like shock collars or fear and pain based negative reinforcement, which can further traumatize dogs with unknown and sometimes traumatic pasts. Rather, we choose trainers who have proven results using positive reinforcement methods that work great for dogs of any background. Not only are these trainers more effective, but they also support the wellbeing of the dogs we save.
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Offers support for dogs who need medical assistance or behavior modification
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Helps pay for veterinary and training expenses
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Primary focus on online consultations
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Veterinarian with many years experience
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Owner of StarDogs ClubHouse in Beverly Hills/West Hollywood
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They provide 30 days of free training support with certified trainers
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Text the word “woof” to 424-373-8176 to get started
Food
Kari feels that dogs should be eating fresh food. Dogs have only been eating cooked food for 80 years, when throughout history they've eaten mostly raw meat and fermented carrion. Modern kibble has low moisture content, tons of grains, starches and plant proteins that are foreign to the canine digestive tract, which has evolved for animal-based high protein meals. One study in Belgium showed that dogs fed natural foods, rather than highly-processed kibble, lived on average 32 months longer - that’s almost 3 additional years of life!
Wet Food Recommendations
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Real, human-grade food
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Subscription-based service delivered to your door
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Meals are delivered frozen and must be frozen/refrigerated
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Order through Ace of Hearts to get 70% off your first box
Dry Food Recommendations
Dog Food Recipes
Beef and Rice
(Not complete and balanced)
Ingredients:
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2 cups plain white rice (sushi/long grain, basmati)
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4 pounds ground beef (90%-96% lean preferred)
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Small bag of frozen organic peas and carrots
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​Instructions:
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Cook rice in a pot, water should cover the rice 3 inches.
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Bring to boil and stir.
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Add raw meat and veggies.
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Stir in well.
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Put on lid and simmer until water is absorbed.
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Let cool and enjoy.
Chicken, Turkey, and Rice
(Not complete and balanced)
Ingredients:
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2 cups plain white rice (sushi/long grain, basmati)
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2 pounds ground chicken
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2 pounds ground turkey
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Small bag of frozen organic peas and carrots
Substitutions:
If chicken is not available, using all turkey is fine.
​Instructions:
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Cook rice in a pot, water should cover the rice 3 inches.
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Bring to boil and stir.
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Add raw chicken/turkey and veggies.
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Stir in well.
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Put on lid and simmer until water is absorbed.
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Let cool and enjoy.
Health
We look for veterinarians who are honest, fair, and keep the best interest of the
dog in mind. Many vets do not listen to the input of the owner of the dog, but will suggest treatments that are not in line with the needs of the dog in order to make a quick dollar from someone who doesn’t know better, taking advantage of the pet’s owner who wants their companion animal to get the best care available. For this reason, honesty and good communication about the options available are paramount when looking for a vet.
Veterinarian and Health Insurance Recommendations
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Top-rated pet insurance provider
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Gives back via Healthy Paws Foundation, which provides free medical care to dogs in shelter care
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Keep pet medical costs more consistent with monthly premiums, rather than the occasional massive vet bill
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Use technology to help find your missing dog
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Post an alert to all other app users in a 6-mile radius
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If someone spots your dog, they can report it
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Your dog gets returned to you!
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This fantastic service is FREE
Travel
We all love to have our pets with us at all times! Of course there are times when
travel is not in the best interest of your pet. Is your dog stressed or reactive in situations when you are around a lot of strange people or places (like an airport, train station, etc.)? Does your dog have a physical limitation like old age or injury that would prevent them from being safe or comfortable during travel? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may not want to travel with your dog. Consider the comfort of your pet when deciding whether or not to travel. Dogs that are great with people and children, are healthy, and do not experience anxiety when in new situations are good candidates to travel with you! If you do decide to travel with your pet, make sure they are leashed and up to date on their vaccines, and ensure that you will have a way to allow them to eat, drink water, and relieve themselves- remember, dogs have the same needs as you- if you are hungry, thirsty, or tired, they probably are too! Also please make sure you are following the guidelines set out by the governing institutions of your locations of travel- otherwise your pet may be denied entry.
Taking Your Dog with You
Flying
When flying with your pup, you never want to “check” the dog kennel with your luggage. If you do, the dog will be in a non-pressurized environment with widely varying temperatures. Keep your dog with you, inside the passenger cabin, at all times. Certifying your dog as an Emotional Support Animal can help with restrictions that prevent you from traveling with your family member.
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The airline JSX is a wonderful option to use when flying with your pupper. All dogs fly in the passenger cabin. Small dogs in a pet carrier are free, while medium to large dogs on a leash require an additional seat purchase (a ticket of their own), so the large dog can lay/sit on the floor in front
Leaving Your Dog at Home
Kari recommends not boarding at any facility with cages. Rover is a great option allowing your dog to stay at home, with drop in visits or a live-in caretaker. Rover also has a doggy daycare option to drop your pup off at a loving home where your dog will never be alone or locked up.
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Rover staff are fully insured and vetted but Kari recommends that if Rover staff are coming to your home that you have a Ring or nanny-cam to verify drop-ins and ensure reliability.