PHOTO BY PAWPRINCE STUDIOS                                                                                                                                                                                                          PHOTO BY TIMOTHY FIELDING STUDIOS                                                               

DENISE FLECK BIOGRAPHY

A former film studio publicist with Paramount Pictures, DENISE FLECK founded Sunny-dog Ink in 1999 to Help People Help their Pets.  In addition to being a Los Angeles Animal Advocate, Animal Care Instructor and Lecturer, Denise is a freelance writer for publications including: Dog Fancy, Dogs for Kids, Dogs USA, Dog Days in L.A., Paw Print and The Pet Press.  Specializing in teaching PET FIRST-AID & CPR techniques, Denise also gives seminars on HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SENIOR DOG OR CAT.  She has appeared on 
A & E's "Kirstie Alley's Big Life," Animal Planet's "Pit Boss" and "Groomer Has It," where she taught eight very competitive groomers her life-saving skills.  Additionally Denise has been seen on CNN Headline News, KTLA Morning News and PBS-TV's "Lassie's Pet Vet."  She has done interviews on Animal Radio, Clear Channel's Animal Corner and Barbara Niven's Animal Rescue Radio and has several books in the works. 

      

Denise has trained with SEVEN National Organizations in animal-saving skills including The American Red Cross®, Humane Society of the United States, American Humane Association, American Health & Safety Institute and Pet Tech, Inc.   She continues to attend and participate in a variety of animal-related seminars and workshops and also hones her skills as a member of the Surf City Animal Response Team.  In the summer of 2008, Denise was invited by the Girl Scouts of America to teach the Charlotte Hall, Maryland community (outside of Washington D.C.) and help a very special Girl Scout achieve the Scout’s prestigious Gold Award.  

Denise became interested in learning these important skills when her own Yellow Labrador (affectionately know as “The Sunny-dog”) ruptured discs in her spine and became immobile.  This story has a happy ending however, with Sunny bouncing back from surgery and other difficulties to remain the happy and loyal refrigerator-opening companion of Denise and her husband.  “Sunny’s misfortune compelled me to learn whatever I could should I again face a difficult situation with a dog or other animal,” explains Ms. Fleck.  “Through volunteer rescue and disaster, I’ve encountered situations that continue to test, and hopefully improve, my skills.”

Denise is a member of the DWAA (Dog Writer’s Association of America), APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and SCART (Surf City Animal Response Team) where she often hones her skills.  She is awaiting acceptance as an Executive Board Member of the Burbank Animal Shelter and assists Pet-A-Medic, the nation’s first non-profit Animal Emergency Service. In addition to the above, Denise is currently working on several animal care books and has developed her own 60-item deluxe Sunny-dog Ink Pet First-Aid Kit.  “Once you have the knowledge,” she explains, “you must have the tools for the job.  Precious time is often wasted during an emergency when we race around the house looking for bandages, peroxide or other needed items.” 

   Denise Fleck with Bonsai, Mr. Rico and Haiku

Credentials in Brief:
Trained with 7 national organizations in life-saving animal skills  

Selected to teach these skills to Oprah Winfrey’s Montecito, California staff  

Invited by the Girl Scouts of America to teach for prestigious Gold Award Project

Consulted for the U.S. Homeland Security's Pet CPR Training Program for Border Patrol Animal Handlers

Free-lance Writer for Dog Fancy, Dogs For Kids, Dogs USA, Dog Sport, Paw Print, Dog Days in LA, The Pet Press and other publications

Dog Mom to eleven and Cat Mom to one!
 

Press Clippings

Television Shows/Appearances:
Click here: YouTube - thesunnydog's Channel
Kirstie Alley's Big Life, A&E, April 2010
Pit Boss, Doggie CPR Segment, ANIMAL PLANET, March 2010
KTLA 9AM News Monthly Pet Tips Segment with Jessica Holmes/Michaela Pereira
 8/21/09, 10/9/09, 12/11/09, 1/15/10, 2/11/10, 3/12/10
4/9/10, 5/14/10, 6/25/10, 7/2/10, 7/16/10
KTLA Morning News with Gayle Anderson (4 segments), KTLA-TV5 10/28/09
KTLA Morning News with Mark Kriski, KTLA-TV5  4/17/09
Groomer Has It - Meowza!, ANIMAL PLANET, 5/10/08
KTLA Morning News with Gayle Anderson, KTLA-TV5, 12/21/07 and 10/28/09 
CNN Headline News, Time Warner Television, 11/28/07
Lassie's Pet Vet - Episode #112, PBS-TV, 9/30/07
Santa Monica Update 6/07
Pet Entertainment Television (Pilot Pending)

    

Radio Shows/Interviews:
My Buddy Butch Radio Talk Show with Jeff Marginean 6/25/09 (#42)
About Rattlesnakes and Akitas
http://www.mybuddybutch.com/blog1/2009/06/27/show-42-my-buddy-butch-pet-airways-akita-rescue-of-western-new-york-dr-donna-spector-on-summer-time-troubles-pet-cpr-expert-denise-fleck-of-sunnydoginkcom/
KIIS-FM with Lisa Fox  4/12/09
Doggie Chronicles Radio (taped 3/27 to podcast beginning 4/4/09)
www.doggiechronicles.com
Inland Outlook KSPA-AM 1510 with Joe Lyons  2/1/09
My Buddy Butch Radio Talk Show with Jeff Marginean 10/31/08 (#13) and 12/11/08 (#19)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mybuddybutchradio/2008/12/12/My-Buddy-Butch-Talk-Show-For-Pets 
Animal Rescue Radio: Where to go, What to do, How to Help with Barbara Niven (Big Media USA) 
http://www.bigmediausa.com/archive.asp?aid=10781
The Dog Dish with Jill Kessler 12/05
Animal Radio with Hal & Judy 4/7/07
http://animalradio.com/040707.html  
Animal Corner with Nancy Mace (Clear Channel)

Writing Credits include:

CAT FANCY MAGAZINE
Feline Conservation Center (TBD late 2010)

DOG FANCY MAGAZINE
"Frostbite," Healthy Dog Column (December 2010)
"Saving Molly Could Be Up to You," Healthy Dog Column (April 2010)
"Fat Camps for Dogs & Their Humans" Luxury Unleashed Column (Jan 2010)
"O2 For Your K9" Luxury Unleashed Column (March 2009)
"Kennel for a Queen" Luxury Unleashed Column (January 2009)
"Hollywood Hounds" Canine Traveler Column (December 2008)
"Dinner is Served: Personal Chefs for Dogs" Luxury Unleashed Column (August 2008)
"The LAPD's Animal Cruelty Task Force" Newshound Column (issue TBD)
"Dogs Gone Wild: The China Grill Experience" Luxury Unleashed Column (May 2008)
"Stardom Only a Dog Treat Away: Pet Talent Agencies" Newshound Column (April 2008)
"Bone Up on Pet First-Aid" (April 2008)
 "Aah the Nightlife: SkyBark" Luxury Unleashed Column (January 2008)
"Old Dog Haven" Newshound Column (December 2007)
"The Story of Sushi" Perspective (August 2005)

DOGS FOR KIDS MAGAZINE
"Water you Waiting For: Swimming with Dogs" (August/September 2008)
"How to be Your Dog's Best Friend" (June/July 2008)
"You Want me to Brush My Dog's Teeth?" (February/March 2008)
"The Rolling Dog Ranch" (October/November 2007)

DOG SPORT MAGAZINE
"The Importance of Early Puppy Socialization & How It Can Prevent Behavior Problems (Nov/Dec 2010) 
Two-Minute Trainer:  "The Five Most Important Things to Desensitize Your Puppy To" (Nov/Dec 2010)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Tips on Getting Your Puppy Ready for a Sporting Life"  (Nov/Dec 2010)
"K9 Conservationist" (Sept/Oct 2010)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Reducing Your Dog's Carbon Paw Print" (Sept/Oct 2010)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "How to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly for Your Dog" (Sept/Oct 2010)
"Bon Voyage Canine:  The Joys of Planes, Trains, Ships & Cars on Four Paws" (May/June 2010)
Two-Minute Trainer: "Must-Haves for the Traveling Canine:  Your Dog's Essential Travel Kit" (May/June 2010)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Doggie 'Stay'-cations" (May/June 2010)
"We Survived Doggie & Human Boot Camp and Lived to Bark About It" (Mar/Apr 2010)
Two-Minute Trainer:  Exercise/Training Tips for Humans Mar/Apr 2010)
Two-Minute Trainer:  Exercise/Training Tips for Canines (Mar/Apr 2010)
"Photographing Dogs in Motion" (November/December 2009)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "DOs and DO NOTs of Capturing a Dog in Motion"  (November/December 2009)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Getting the Perfect K9 HOWL-iday Shot" (November/December 2009)
"Have You Curled Up With a Good Pet Food Label Lately" (Sept/Oct 2009) 
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Choose the Best Food for Your Dog"  (Sept/Oct 2009)
Two Minute Trainer:  "Invest in a Quality Diet for your Four-Legged Best Friend" (Sept/Oct 2009)
"Massage and Your Four-Legged Athlete" (July/August 2009)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Do It Yourself Massage Techniques and Guidelines"  (July/August 2009)
Two Minute Trainer:  "Warming Up and Cooling Down Your Canine Athlete" (July/August 2009)
"Four on the Floor:  The Dogs of the Indy 500 and the Drivers Who Love Them" (May/June 2009)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Buckle-up for Safety, That Means You Fido! " (May/June 2009) gress
Two Minute-Trainer:  "Sit & Stay Out of Traffic" (May/June 2009)
"9-1-1 My Dog Has Been Injured" (Mar/Apr 2009)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Emergency First-Aid For Your Dog" (Mar/Apr 2009)
Two-Minute Trainer:  "Assembling a Pet First-Aid Kit" (Mar/Apr 2009)

DOGS USA Magazine (Annual Issue)
"Getting to Know Your Dog from Head-to-Tail" (2009)
"Everyday Emergency Solutions" (2007)

NATURAL DOG Magazine
"Seafood, It's Not Just for Cats Anymore" (Feb 2010)

PAW PRINT Magazine
"Household Poison Safety for your Pets" (Spring 2008)
"Are You Prepared in Case of an Emergency with your Pet?" (Fall/Winter 2007)

DOG DAYS IN LA Magazine
"Traveling on Four Paws" (Summer 2010)
"Get to Know Your Dog from Head-to-Tail" (Spring 2010)
"Show Dogs Lets Their Hair Down Too!" (Winter 2009-2010)
"Holiday Fiascos...Choking Dogs" working title (Fall 2009)
"If Disaster Strikes, Are You & Your Dog Ready?!" (Summer 2009)
"Bone-up on Pet First-Aid" (Spring 2009)
"Make a List and Check it Twice" (Winter 2008)
"Bite Like a Rattler, Sting Like a Bee: First-Aid Tips to Help Your Dog" (Summer 2008)
"Life is Like a Box of Chocolates...Unless You Are a Dog" (Spring 2008)
"Keep Your Pets Safe this Holiday Season" (Winter 2007-2008)
"Heat Stroke" (Summer 2007)

VERDUGO MONTHLY Magazine
"Those Amazing Canine Cops" (December 2007)

ANIMAL WELLNESS Magazine
"Why Learing First-Aid & CPR For Your Pet is a Smart Move" (June 2006)
"Make a List & Check it Twice to Insure a Safe & Happy Holiday" (December 2005)

THE PET PRESS Newspaper
"Shorty Rossi" Cover Story (Mar/Apr 2010)
"Pet First-Aid Awareness Month" (Mar/Apr 2010)
"Rescue Breathing & CPR:  Do You Know How To Help Your Pet?!" (Apr/May 2009) 
"Easter Lilies to Bee Stings:  Springtime Pet Safety Tips" (Mar/Apr 2009)
"Chocolate is Spelled "N-O" To Your Pets" (Feb/Mar 2009)
"Really Know Your Pet" (Jan/Feb 2009)
"How to Help Your Choking Pet" (August/September 2008)
"Pets on the Loose" (June/July 2008) "Don't Poison Your Pet" (April/May 2008)
"New Year's Resolutions for Pet Parents" (December 2007/January 2008)
"A Challenge to Los Angeles...Prepare your Pets for Disaster" (August/September 2007)
"As the Mercury Rises, Take Precautions to Keep your Pets Safe" (June/July 2007)
"Don't Wish You HAD Taken a Pet First-Aid Class" (April 2007)
"Add a Pet First-Aid Kit to your Holiday List" (December 2006
"Halloween Pet Safety Tips" (October 2005)
"Keep Your Pets Cool this Summer" (June 2005)

THE BURBANK TIMES Newspaper
"Paws Up for Pet Safety" Column beginning 7/27/09
"K9 Friendly Burbank" beginning 8/10/09

Groups Denise has Instructed include (California locations unless otherwise designated):
Bark Avenue   (Downtown Los Angeles)
Bark Williams   (Santa Monica)
Bone Adventure   (Costa Mesa)
Bow Wow Bungalow   (Burbank)
Burbank Animal Shelter   (Burbank)
Camp Bow Wow   (Anaheim)
California Cat Center   (Van Nuys)
Doggie Central   (Culver City)
Girls Scouts of America   (Charlotte Hall, MD)
Glendale Humane Society   (Glendale)
Guide Dogs of America   (Irvine & Sylmar)
Healthy Spot  (Santa Monica)
Hollywood Hounds   (West Los Angeles)
Humane Society   (Ventura County)
Humane Society   (San Bernardino Valley)
K9s Only   (Tarzana)
K9U   (Silverlake)
Kelly’s Dog Training   (North Hollywood)
LA DogWorks (Hollywood)
L.A. Harbor/Mission Colleges   (Sylmar/Wilmington)
Loved Dog, Tamar Geller’s   (West Los Angeles)
Orange County Chihuahua Meet-up  (Irvine)
Orange County SPCA   (Huntington Beach)
Paradise Ranch   (La Tuna Canyon)
Petco   (Burbank, Encino, Glendale, Redondo Beach & Valencia)
Pet Orphans   (Van Nuys)
Santa Monica Pet Project   (Santa Monica)
Seal Beach Animal Care Center   (Seal Beach)
Sirius K9 Training Academy  (Yorba Linda)
SPCA-LA   (Long Beach)
Surf City Animal Response Team   (Huntington Beach)
Surf Dog Market   (Redondo Beach)
United Animal Nations   (National organization) 
Urban Dog West   (Los Angeles)
Veterinary Medical & Surgical Group   (Ventura)
Wag My Tail Grooming School   (Tujunga)
Wiener Wonderland   (Lake Balboa)

Certificates Earned by Denise Fleck:
Helping Fearful Dogs, Nicole Wilde (3/10)
Pet Dental Hygiene (10/1/08)
Animal Emergency Services & Sheltering, American Humane Association (7/17-18/08)
First-Aid for Animals in Disasters, Humane Society of the United States (6/5/08)
Basic Horse Handling & Trailer Loading, Equestrian Services ETI 357 (5/10/08)
Dog First-Aid, American Red Cross (3/30/08)
Pet First-Aid, American Health & Safety (5/20/07)
ICS 700, FEMA (4/12/07)
Pet First-Aid, Learning Corporation (4/4/07)
Intermediate Search & Rescue, Surf City Animal Response Team (3/10/07)
CERT, Community Emergency Response Training/LAFD (3/07)
ICS 200, FEMA (2/28/07)
ICS 100, FEMA (10/17/06)
Emergency Animal Sheltering, Humane Society of the United States (7/15-16/06)
Beginning Search & Rescue, Surf City Animal Response Team (6/10/06)
Pet First-Aid, American Red Cross (4/16/05)
Pet First-Aid & CPR, Pet Tech, Inc. (11/7/98)
Animal Sciences Diploma, ICS (4/16/98)