EDITOR ' S LETTER
Print to Pixel
Chronicle of the Dog Embraces Digital Future
After many wonderful years in print, the Chronicle of the Dog is entering an exciting new chapter— starting with the FALL 2025 issue, we’ re transitioning to a fully digital format.
COTD’ s history began as the 8-page quarterly APDT Newsletter in 1994, becoming bi-monthly by 1995. In 2003, the APDT Newsletter was renamed Chronicle of the Dog and adopted its current quarterly publishing format in 2012.
While reading a physical magazine continues to hold a special place in our hearts, this change allows us to bring you an enhanced reading experience accessible anytime, anywhere, expanding COTD’ s reach across a global audience. Transitioning to a more fluid medium will also allow the amazing stories and information to reach a wider audience of people who love dogs as much as we all do.
It’ s been a natural transition, with more and more APDT International members choosing our digital format over the print version. In its new format COTD will be more than just a digital copy of the magazine. It will continue to evolve into more of an interactive space, improving reader engagement through video, and articles presented in a number of new formats which you will also be able to share with your colleagues, peers and clients.
If you’ re a current subscriber, don ' t worry, there is nothing you need to do to continue your subscription online. Not subscribed yet, but want to be? More details for how to access this exciting new way to experience all the things we have loved about Chronicle of the Dog through the years, and more!
And speaking of amazing stories, the SUMMER issue is filled with them! Angela Fonseca writes about the complex dynamic of living with coyotes as humans – with their pets – have encroached upon their habitats. That story begins on page 10.
We also have submissions from two award-winning Dog Writers Association of America authors. Peggy Swager writes about her journey( page 18) going from working with horses to training dogs and what she has learned from that experience. Rachel Brix introduces us to Sniffspotting( page 14), a way of expanding your dogs’ outdoor experience by renting time at participating locations, sort of doggie version of a private dog park. It’ s a great opportunity to give reactive dogs a chance to explore a new location without the stress of other dogs.
Rachel also writes about the shock of learning her dog Emmie had brain cancer. The story, beginning on page 27, is heartfelt and emotional, but also addresses how dogs often give us signs that something is wrong before a diagnosis.
Therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but for one New Mexico pooch, she doesn’ t let diabetes or blindness keep her from spreading smiles among students at an Albuquerque school. Sporting a scraggly mohawk, Izze came to the therapy dog business a bit late in life, but she’ s making an impact in her community. That story begins on page 24.
Meg Harrison, an occasional writer for COTD, writes about the use of flower essence to help ease compassion fatigue that affects trainers, rescuers, and shelter workers. That article begins on page 32. Meg is also presenting a webinar on the topic, and will be hosting the Comfort Zone at the 2025 APDT International conference in Richmond.
The conference this year is bringing back an evening social event on Thursday, Nov. 6. It will be an opportunity to sample craft brews and tasty tidbits while networking and then have a special presentation that can earn attendees an additional CEU. The evening will close out with music and dancing. Read more on how to sign up for this event on page 48, which is followed by a tentative schedule for the 2025 conference( pages 49-55).
Please take a few moments to check out this SUMMER edition, our final that will offer both a print and digital version. We deeply appreciate your support over the years and can’ t wait to share COTD’ s new journey with you.
Devon Hubbard Sorlie Editor | devon. sorlie @ apdt. com
4 Better Training Through Education