Publisher's Note: Summer 2010

Jamie M. Downey, Founder/Publisher
with Cheyenne, Chester and Cassie

Yippee! Summer is right around the corner!

WOOF! Cassie here. I just wanted to bark a huge hello to all the wonderful readers of The American Dog. It's been a year and three months now since my mom, Jamie Downey, publisher of this magazine, adopted me out of a kill shelter in Illinois. I have to say that last summer was the best because we got to go swimming in the pool every day, and I'm really looking forward to just hanging out and having fun this summer! My mom told me that this issue is fabulous for us dogs because it's all about good food (my favorite), great friends (I'm looking forward to meeting more), and fun times (can't wait)!

Since thinking about food is my favorite pastime, there are mouthwatering recipes to cook for dogs from pet nutrition expert Deb Dempsey that I can't wait to taste! My mom told me that it's good to add some variety to dogs' food and I'm all for that. What dog would want to eat the same boring dog food day in and day out? Besides, have you seen some of the garbage (literally) that's put in those big commercial dog foods? Yuck! I know this magazine is always educating readers to inspect the labels and see what's being put in dog food, and reminding dog parents to stay away from all the bad food being made with unhealthy ingredients. I guess I'm lucky that my mom only buys her four-legged kids the best dog food on the market"”plus she's always cooking us something scrumptious for breakfast and dinner!

Also, in this issue, my brother Chester talked mom into letting him pick his top ten fun things to do with your dog this summer"”and of course, it's all about what Chester wants to do! I have to admit, though, he picked some great outings (like going boating on a lake), but my all-time favorite would be the ice cream for dessert!

Yummy, I can't wait"”how about right now? I also love going for rides in the car, so my mom is just going to have to make sure that we indulge in all to ten activities and have the most amazing summer ever! I hope all you dog lovers enjoy this summer issue and make sure you take your dogs for long walks, go on a road trip, and don't forget about the ice cream for dessert!

Love and kisses from Cassie Downey!

Heather Green, Associate Publisher
with Bella, Remington and Jaidyn