4 Legs & A Tail Lebanon/Keene Summer 2020

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Dog Days of Summer 2020

What’s Happening at Your Humane Society The Blue Jay in Your Backyard Is This the Summer You Ride a Horse?

Meet the Most Unique Dog Breed Do You Have a Smelly Cat?

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

®

4. Sullivan County Humane Society: Still on Track Susan Tarczewski 6. MHS Foster Sock Stars - Families who are caring for the homeless animals during the COVID pandemic Ashley Okola 8. The Doctor Behind the Upper Valley Humane Society A interview with Meg Falcone, veterinarian at UVHS 10. Animal Sheltering in the Time of COVID Anne Dion A look at the number of pets in need

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12. Extreme Mustang Makeover Teen Trainer from Vermont 15 year old Wisteria Franklin competes for national title in Lexington, KY

14. The Four-Legged Friends Behind the Coop’s Products: The Dogs and Cats of Manning Hill Farm 16. Calling on Duke for Healing and Comfort Karen Sturtevant 20. State Farm Unleashes Medical Insurance for Pets Through Trupanion 22. The Finnish Line Cathy White Meet the most versatile dog breed you’ve never heard of 24. Joy in Riding

Sue Miller

26. Calm or Stressed?

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Dorothy Crosby

28. How to know What Food is Right for Your Dog Dr Bradley Quest 30. Starting Over (Part Deux) ...the OOPS Ingrid Braulin Two bad habits you’ll want your dog to break 32. Providing Mental Stimulation to Your Canine Companion The Cheshire Horse 34. Please Don’t Eat the Bats Summer 2020

Scott Borthwick

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Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

®

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35. The Blue Jay: Sentinel of the Backyard Garden Catherine Greenleaf 36. Alternatively Speaking: More Tools for Better Success Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA A holistic approach to keeping your pet healthy 38. Prevention is the Key to Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM 40. COVID-19 and Your Pet Catherine MacLean, DVM A local veterinarian answers the most popular questions asked during the pandemic

42. Dental pain Can Lead to Aggressive Behavior Sandra Waugh, VMD,MS 44. Has Your Dog Been Affected by the Pandemic?

LET’S FIND OUT! Paula Bergeron 46. Tips for Taking your Dog Boating 48. They Depend on Us, What Happens if We Aren’t There?

Important considerations for your pet in times of crisis

Pg. 46 50. Do You Talk to Your Pet? 51. Are You Stressing Your Dog Out? 52. The Best Present How to make your pet feel special this summer 54. Do You Have A Smelly Cat? 56. Whistle, A Very Important Service Dog

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4 Legs & a Tail Volume L.220 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com 2 4 Legs & a Tail

Kate Kelly

59. The 4 Legs & a Tail FUN PAGE

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff Sales: Karyn Swett, Scott Palzer

If you have a tale about a tail or a photo that will make us smile, we’d like to hear from you. 4 Legs & a Tail is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout Centeral & Southern VT & NH. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim.

Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY: Still on Track Susan Tarczewski

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uring the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone in our country has been affected to some degree. This includes our companion animals. The shutdown has caused disruption to usual shelter practices, cancellation of many fundraisers, and significantly increased the need for services. In these unprecedented times, the Sullivan County Humane Society continues to fulfill its mission of providing humane care and treatment for all animals needing protection in Sullivan County.

Four local families found themselves unable to care for their cats, and were forced to surrender them to the shelter.

Another seven cats were turned away by other area shelters which were unable to accommodate them during the shutdown.

The cats are all now safe and well caredfor, awaiting veterinary examinations and any non-urgent medical care need-

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ed, including spay or neuter. Once they are medically cleared, they will be available for adoption, thanks to the efforts of the Sullivan County Humane Society.

SCHS operates a pet food bank to assist those pet owners experiencing hard financial times. Need for this service has increased markedly in recent weeks, with 23 dogs and 19 cats added to the list of those in need of support. Fortunately, the food bank is there to enable owners to keep their pets during difficult times.

If you find yourself unable to afford food for your pets, please contact the shelter to arrange assistance. On the other hand, if you are in a position to help, pet food of all types is always welcome to replenish supplies!

The shutdown unfortunately required that the regular Spay/Neuter Clinics scheduled in March, April, May, and early June had to be cancelled. This means

that at least 200 cats who would have been “fixed” and unable to reproduce will be fertile and may be producing kittens.

This, too, will increase demand on the services of SCHS, as mother cats and kittens need good care and good homes. At the time this article was written at the beginning of June, SCHS already had over 30 kittens. The usual average number of kittens for one “Kitten Season” is about 70, and it is still early! For more information about Spay/Neuter Clinics, please refer to the article included in the Winter issue of 4 Legs & a Tail.

Veterinarians have been affected by the shutdown, limiting the services they are able to provide. All vets in our area are backed up, including the SCHS contracted veterinarian, which means cats have to stay longer at the shelter. The contract vet has been unable to fully meet the demand, forcing SCHS to seek services at other local, non-contracted vets. While this enables cats to be readied for adoption, it also costs more because there is no contract. Services can be significantly more expensive, in some cases almost double the cost.

As a result of the stay-at-home order, SCHS has been forced to cancel a number of fundraisers. Events that had to be cancelled included bingo, the annual Spaygetti Dinner, participation in the annual Charlestown town-wide yard sale, and pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Fortunately, staff, volunteers, and generous community members are stepping up and thinking creatively to raise the funds so desperately needed to keep programs going during this time of increased Summer 2020

demand. The Humane Society is still planning to have a booth at the Cornish Fair later this summer. During the month of June, beekeepers Ken and Joyce Burke donated part of the proceeds from the sale of their local honey to the shelter. If you are looking for a sweet treat, you will ‘bee’ able to purchase honey at the shelter during open hours for $9 per pound. On June 28, Animal Communicator Jeannie Lindheim gave a talk via zoom about how animal communication works and techniques she uses. She told some fun stories, and shared a technique that anyone can use with their animals!

SCHS is a no-kill shelter, and provides many other services to the animals and their humans in Sullivan County. For more information about SCHS, please visit their website or their Facebook page.

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MHS FOSTER ROCK STARS The families who are caring for the homeless animals during the COVID pandemic.

Ashley Okola - MHS Assistant Shelter Manager and Feline Coordinator

Brewsky and his new bro

Biz the dog

Timothy & Nightwing

Finn and Haley

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ver the past months, Monadnock Humane Society, like many other animal shelters, has had to put out pleas to the community to foster the animals in our care during the current pandemic.

We continue to be here to provide an essential service to animals in need of immediate housing. Whether a person finds themselves unable to care for their animal or a member of the community finds a stray in need of immediate medical attention, MHS is vital and has an obligation to remain open to those animals and people who depend on us the most.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, MHS had to temporarily shift our focus away from adoptions and toward longterm housing of the current and future animals in our care. With the majority of staff furloughed for safety, it was necessary to move the majority of our animal population into foster homes. Our priority was to make sure our animals continue to receive the highest quality of care in a low-stress home setting, where attention is given on a one-to-one basis for each animal. As companion animals continue to stream in, we have reached beyond our foster care program of over 30 families, and put a call out to the com6 4 Legs & a Tail

Krusher the cat

munity to help expand our family base.

Fostering is different than adopting – the obvious difference being that people who are taking the animal into their homes are not taking ownership of that animal. Monadnock Humane Society continues to be responsible for the medical care and well-being of that dog, cat, or small animal. Foster families are an extension of the organization and are able to get the services and supplies needed through MHS. But there may be some not-so-obvious parts of fostering that people are unaware of. Foster families don’t come and meet with their animal in the shelter to make sure it is a good fit. While MHS staff is working hard to match the dog or cat to available households, we are choosing the animals based on our needs and the needs of that animal. This is especially true right now, as the goal in the time of pandemic and limited staff is to move as many animals that are in the shelter out into foster care.

With the pandemic in full swing, shelter staff have been gathering supplies together ahead of time and bringing both animal and items right out to the foster’s car. Fosters understand that it is about Summer 2020

making that animal as comfortable and happy in their home, regardless of that animal’s age and looks.

With the initial challenge of this task, there has been an extraordinary outpouring of support. Long-term volunteers are offering their homes to dogs they once came in to walk or spend time with. People who have supported us in other ways have come forward to ask if they can foster. Our current foster base immediately filled up and we were looking to our community for additional support.

Right before the pandemic halted our normal operations, 11 Chihuahuas of varying limited sociability, were surrendered into our care. With foster care now being our go-to option under the pandemic circumstances, we took the chance on our community to welcome these dogs into their homes – and they stepped up to meet the challenge. It has been a wonderful success. These shy dogs are now blossoming in their new foster homes.

As animal shelters across the United States are shifting to foster-base programs, the pandemic has forced us to take a new look at shelter operations through this new pandemic-tinted lens, and how these changes may be exactly what the majority of shelter animals need within the first few days of being brought to our facility: a home setting to ease the stress of their new situation.

Fosters not only provide a home setting for animals too young or too frail to live in the shelter, it now provides for pets who are happy and healthy and, in other circumstances, would have been up on our adoption floor.

Monadnock Humane Society is grateful to the people who have opened up their homes to all types of animals and their different wants and needs. In return, we can hopefully learn from what this pandemic has taught us about sheltering and housing of animals, and come out on the other side better for the animals that we take into our care.

Would you like to help the MHS Foster Rock Stars?

Please consider a donation to our COVID Care Fund which supports these families with the necessary supplies to care for these pets. Your gift will also help fund any needed medical care for these animals.

Online donations can be made at our website –

www.monadnockhumanesociety.org or text “DonatetoMHS” to 44321.

If you prefer to mail a check, send to Monadnock Humane Society, Attn: Lisa Beckwith, 101 W.Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446 or call in a donation to Lisa at 603.354.4017.

Thank you!!!

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The Doctor Behind the Upper Valley Humane Society An interview with Meg Falcone, Veterinarian at the Upper Valley Humane Society (UVHS).

Many people know you as the Shelter Veterinarian for UVHS. How did you become part of their team?

I first came to work with the shelter animals at UVHS years ago while employed by a local veterinary practice. About two years ago the opportunity arose for me to become employed directly by UVHS to become their Veterinarian.

Shelter medicine is a growing speciality in some vet schools.

What makes this field so interesting?

Shelter medicine can be like a jigsaw puzzle; one with a large number of pieces, some of which are missing. People

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Meg Falcone and dog Tess

may think the medical aspects are limited to vaccination, spay/neuter, and correcting minor problems. It is so much more than that. There are pieces that only join together through teamwork. We take in animals from a variety of situations. Many times these animals come with unknown histories, which requires a team of detectives, ones with compassion and quick thinking.

The primary goal is to help each animal move from the shelter into a new loving home as quickly as possible. We do this in the context of a facility where there can easily be 100 animals at any one time. That means we also need to focus on the health of the overall population of animals. This includes infectious disease control, meticulous record-keeping and daily rounds.

You obviously enjoy your work.

What is it that makes it such a good fit for you?

Caring for the animals at UVHS is a perfect fit for me because I have a background in preventative care and an interest in the human-animal bond. It is hugely rewarding to see pictures of the previous residents in their new homes, happy and relaxed! I have also been fortunate enough to bring animals home to foster until they are ready for adoption (and, no, my children don’t always get to keep these!).

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I really enjoy working with such a dedicated team of people. UVHS is a strong organization because the entire team is committed to good outcomes for the animals. I am impressed with the efficiency and leadership I witness on a daily basis.

You sound proud to work at UVHS! Who else is part of the medical team?

As the veterinarian, I’m only a part of the medical team.

Doreen (Animal Health Manager) and Heather (Animal Health Technician) keep track of a lot of moving parts!

Doreen brings extensive knowledge from her long career as a vet tech, which facilitates keeping our medical supplies stocked and expenses low. Heather pays close attention to details and spends time getting to know each animal’s behaviors, which is important to maintaining their health. They are both skilled at running in-house diagnostics and administering medical treatments. They also provide safe animal restraint during exams and medical care, which is critical to me doing my job. I have full confidence in their ability to monitor anesthesia and recovery of animals during surgeries. It is a strong team and it’s important for the community to know that all animals coming through our doors are provided with medical care throughout their stay.

L to R Doreen, Meg and Heather

How often do the animals see a member of the medical team?

Every day. Each animal has an exam with me upon arrival. After their intake procedures are completed, they have a scheduled monthly “wellness” check-up with me, or more frequently as needed. In between, I often observe them in their living areas. We carefully chart weights and revise feeding plans aimed to keep them at an ideal body weight.

Besides the hard-working staff and volunteers who feed, clean, and interact daily with the animals, a member of the medical team checks on each animal in the shelter every day - even on holidays. For a healthy animal, that might be stopping by to observe for a few moments; for others it may involve providing medications or checking surgery sites.

You obviously have a strong medical team. What else makes you proud to work at UVHS? I can’t emphasize enough that every day there are instances of staff and volunteers going above and beyond. The animals at UVHS are truly treated like family; staff offices continuously house cats or dogs that need extra TLC. I remember one cat who was living in a staff office who took it upon herself to speed-dial a phone number all night long. We only learned of it after the person called us the next day, quite upset and confused. Her phone privileges were revoked after that!

Dr. Falcone, thank you and your team for the work you do for the animals! You can follow UVHS on Facebook and visit their website at UVHS.org.

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Animal Sheltering in the Time of Covid-19 Anne Dion, Executive Director - Windham County Humane Society

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he world has changed in so many ways since the start of the pandemic, and animal welfare is no different. A silver lining of the pandemic is that shelters are talking to each other in a way they never have before. There are weekly zoom calls that can have up to 500 people from all across the country, talking about what is going on for animals and what we can do better. The members of the Vermont Humane Federation met quarterly pre-Covid. Now we talk every week by zoom. We see this moment as a “strategic opportunity�, to quote a colleague. We are busy examining all we do and making strategic choices to ensure we can be there for our communities.

When Covid-19 hit and governors started issuing stay at home orders, shelters all across America reached out to their communities to get animals out of shelters and into adoptive or foster homes.

We also asked that families do all they can to keep their pets safe and at home.

And our communities responded like the champions they are! The number of animals in shelters dropped noticeably.

Here at the Windham County Humane Society you can see it in the graph that shows our intake this past May compared to May of 2019. Data from the shelter

database company, Pet Health Services, also shows a decrease in shelter intake.

What we are seeing locally is happening in over 1,100 shelters all across the country. There has been a lot of talk in the media about adoptions increasing, but the real story is that the number of animals entering shelters is decreasing.

Part of the decrease was due to a drop in transports. Importing dogs and cats from out of state is complicated here in Vermont. We don’t have any state agency overseeing rescues and shelters, and we have limited transport guidelines. The states that border VT do have transport guidelines, which often leads to transports coming specifically to VT to avoid requirements like quarantine periods and to off load dogs in fast food parking lots.

When Covid hit, Governor Scott deemed animal shelters essential while also banning the importation of pets from out of state. We have anecdotal evidence that transports are still happening, but the brick and mortar shelters in Vermont are following the Governors executive order and not transporting animals at this time. In 2019, 55% of dogs and 30% of cats coming into WCHS came as transports, largely from the southern United States. The cessation of transports is the

May Intake 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Stray Cat

Surrendered Cat

Transport Cat

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Stray Dog

Surrendered Dog

Transport Dog

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big factor in our low population. At the same time, interest in adopting is high. Vermont shelters would like to help families find their next pet and have requested that transports be allowed to resume.

The national conversation around spay and neuter has been fascinating and not without controversy. Some clinic’s never shut down, but the vast majority did and concern over losing all the ground we have gained in the last few decades is real. With our small team, we determined we could safely ease back into surgeries. Since April 1, we spayed and neu-

tered 56 cats and 28 dogs. We also started back up with the MASH style clinics we do with Dr. Sara White of Spay ASAP and re-opened our wellness appointments. All of that took planning and implementing new protocols to keep staff and clients safe.

Like the rest of the world, we are doing our best to adapt to a new reality. The virus itself is in all likelihood the direct result of animal abuse. We are working to see that it leads to changes that will create a more humane society for all creatures, human and otherwise.

COVID-19 IMPACT As the world navigates through a new reality, our pet population remains vulnerable and in-need.

Despite temporary closings and reduced shelter capacity, at least 231,090 new animals have arrived in the 1,191 shelters monitored by the 24PetÂŽ ShelterWatch Report since the start of the pandemic. This number is expected to surge in the coming months with an anticipated increase in relinquished and abandoned animals.

March 13 - May 29, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019

US NATIONAL STATS

STATS BY STATE CALIFORNIA

-45%

dogs & cats entering shelters

231,090

dogs & cats entering shelters

-44% dogs

-45% cats

50,570

foster care

adoption

+3%

+50% dogs

cats

-25% dogs

-34% cats

dogs & cats in foster care

+29% dogs

-1% cats

137,329

-24%

dogs & cats entering shelters

dogs & cats adopted

-30%

ILLINOIS

-30%

dogs

cats

foster care

+41% dogs

30%

decline in adoptions

adoption

+27% cats

-19%

+5% dogs

cats

NEW YORK

-52%

dogs & cats entering shelters

8%

increase in foster population

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foster care

+4% dogs

adoption

-5% cats

-46% dogs

-37% cats

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Extreme Mustang Makeover Teen Trainer from Vermont

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eorgetown, TX – Wisteria Franklin, 15, of Wheelock, VT has been selected to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover held June 25-27, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Youth Trainers have approximately 100 days to gentle a randomly assigned 12-24-month-old wild horse that was picked up in Ohio in March and will compete for an estimated purse of $3,000 in prize money as well as a custom-made A Cut Above belt buckle.

Wisteria Franklin, 15, is a student at St. Johnsbury Academy and trains horses in her spare time. She uses natural horsemanship training methods and this is her first mustang. Her mustang is named Flannel and was gathered in August 2018 from the Nevada Wild Horse Range.

The purpose of the competition is to showcase the beauty, versatility and trainability of wild horses. Mustangs roam freely on public lands throughout the West, where they are protected by the Bureau of Land Management under federal law. The BLM Wild Horse and Burro

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Program periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources.

Thousands of the removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption or purchase. Over 13,000 mustangs have been placed into private care through Mustang Heritage Foundation events and programs since 2007.

The young mustangs competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover challenge are virtually untouched prior to the February pick-up. The youth trainers and their adopted mustangs will compete in a series of classes that will showcase their new skills. The horses will compete in hand in a handling & conditioning class, a pattern class, a combined trail class and freestyle class. The Extreme Mustang Makeovers are made possible through a partnership with the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program and the generosity of sponsors such as Western Horseman, YETI, Martin Saddlery and Classic Equine, Resistol, RAM Rodeo Series, Weisberg Family Foundation, A Cut Above Buckles and RIDE TV.

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Wisteria Franklin and her mustang, Flannel

About the Mustang Heritage Foundation The primary mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation is to create and promote programs and activities that provide information and education about wild horses and burros, elevate their image and desirability, provide opportunities to become involved in the wild horse and burro experience and secure adequate numbers of caring homes for excess horses. Working in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management the Mustang Heritage Foundation works to ensure healthy wild herds and rangelands through the placement of excess animals removed from public lands so future generations can enjoy this distinctive part of our American heritage. As a 501 (C)(3), public, charitable, nonprofit organization, the Mustang Heritage Foundation works to identify and develop sources of private financial funding to further support the mission of the Foundation.

For more information visit mustangheritagefoundation.org.

About the Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) removes wild horses and burros from public lands to ensure a healthy balance of land and animals. Since 1971, the BLM has placed more than 255,000 wild horses and burros into good homes nationwide. Partnerships, like the Mustang Heritage Foundation, provide the BLM with additional opportunities to place animals into good homes. Interested applicants can attend BLM offsite adoption/ sales event, visit a BLM Off-Range Corral, or participate in an Internet adoption/sales event to apply to take a wild horse or burro home! To learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program, please call 866-468-7826 or visit BLM.GOV/whb. The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.

2020 Extreme Mustang Makeover : June 25-27 Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY Summer 2020

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The Four-Legged Friends Behind the Co-op’s Products:

The Dogs and Cats of Manning Hill Farm

I

love shining a light on all the farmers and producers who provide a bounty of local food and locally made products to our community. In this article, however, I move the spotlight over and down, from the business person to their four-legged friends -- the working dogs, cats, and other animals who also make these local products possible.

From the grass grown on Manning Hill Farm’s pastures to the milk they deliver in glass bottles, Sarah Costa and Sam Canonica are in charge of every step of

Sarah – and now she has two!

A note about Great Danes from the American Kennel Club, “No one is quite sure how or why Great Danes, a German breed, came to be associated with Denmark. (In Germany they’re known as the Deutsche Dog, or ‘German dog.’) We do know that once upon a time German nobles used Danes to hunt ferocious wild boars. Later, Danes became famous as protectors of their home and loved ones, a job they are still happy to perform.”

marks to warn off any coyote or bobcats.

Just like most Great Danes, they love being couch potatoes. “They’re not early risers,” Sarah admits. “They prefer the evening shift of chores.”

Regardless of the hour, when farm store visitors arrive, Blue and Luna use their substantial bark to alert Sarah and Sam. Who needs a shop bell at Manning Hill Farm Store when you have Luna and Blue?

It’s not just the dogs who will come out to greet visitors. Oscar, their 10-year-

Sam & Blue

Oscar on a break

the process that brings their milk from the farm to you. In charge, that is, with a little help from their four-legged friends, dogs Blue and Luna, and cats Oscar and Lilly. Sarah and Sam, first-generation farmers, began Manning Hill Farm in 2010 on 126-acres in Winchester, NH. Blue (seven-year-old) and Luna (oneyear-old) are Great Danes from the Great Dane Rescue of New England in Rhode Island: gdrne.org. Why Great Danes? “I always wanted one,” shared

While Great Danes tend to protect people over livestock, Blue and Luna show care for the cows and chickens at Manning Hill Farm, too. “They love doing the chores with us, especially the chicken chores,” Sarah adds. “They come in the pens and herd any loose chickens. Luna loves the cows, rolling in the hay and bringing in the cows from pasture to barn.”

The dogs also spend time walking the perimeter of the farm and leaving scent

old domestic long-haired cat, will also join in on the greetings.

“If you come to the farm, Oscar, our resident farm cat, will surely greet you by rubbing up against you, climbing up your leg or bringing you one of his daily kills.”

Sarah adds, “Oscar thinks he’s a dog.

He’s very friendly and likes to go on walks around the fields with us.”

Their other cat, Lilly (eleven-yearold), chooses to stick to the barn. “Our cats are great mousers.”

Her four-legged farmhands are excellent companions, too. “They’re always there -- keeping us laughing in a stressful job,” said Sarah.

Learn more about Manning Hill Farm at manninghillfarm.com. Also, be sure to pick up a bottle of their milk the next time you shop at the co-op. Their farm store carries milk, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, maple syrup and honey.

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Know of a farm animal I should highlight in a future article? I’d love to hear from you! Please email me at marketing@ monadnockfood.coop.

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Calling on Duke For Healing and Comfort Karen Sturtevant

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n a much-needed sunny spring day during the era of the covid-19 epidemic, I had the opportunity (and excuse to leave my quarantined home turf) to meet Williston Vermont Police Department’s (WPD) newest, and cutest, member of

Duke

the force. This newbie was no ordinary rookie with his furry feet, velvety ears and just-love-me-face. His handler and human dad, Officer Matthew Cohen, proudly and gently carried this bundle of fluff to the Williston Village Green for conversation and play. Full disclosure:

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I’m crazy about canines and was thrilled to spend time with Williston’s top dog.

I forewarned Officer Cohen, that I, like most people, act like a three-year-old around puppies. I apologized beforehand. After I acknowledged and blathered on about the overwhelming innocence and carefree temperament of Duke, I got down to business with questions.

Photographer Cat McKeen arrived with squeaky toys and bubbles for capturing the essence of puppy Duke.

Born in March 2020 this English Labrador began his days in New Hampshire. His future, however, will be playing and working in Williston and surrounding areas.

Duke and Officer Matthew Cohen have the distinction of being Vermont’s first comfort dog team.

This puppy’s story began when Lt. Joshua Moore from the WPD, attended an out-of-state conference and learned about other departments utilizing dogs to comfort those involved in traumatic incidents. When he got the green light from Williston Police Chief Patrick Foley, the research began and inevitably sealed Duke’s lucky fate. This decision was made, in part, to support Williston’s community policing strategy helping to open lines of communication from the public in non-emergency, everyday situations.

After the decision was finalized that a dog would become a team member of the department, the challenge of choosing a name was tasked to the students of Williston Central School. As the gender was not yet determined, a list of male and female names were submitted to the police department. The names were then whittled down and sent back to the stuSummer 2020

dents. By popular vote, the favorite names were decided upon.

The search for this special dog would lead to the esteemed Boonefield Labradors in Rindge, New Hampshire. Known for their intelligent and good temperament dogs, Boonefield Labradors would donate Duke––their eleventh dog gifted to first responder organizations––to the WPD. The first meeting in May 2020 between Duke and Officer Cohen was live-streamed on the department’s Facebook page to a delighted audience.

As part of Vermont’s first comfort dog team, Officer Cohen, a ten-year veteran with the Williston Police Department, is cognizant of the long-term responsibility. “If you choose to start with a puppy, obviously you need to know what you’re getting into. There are going to be some early mornings, chewing until about four months old because his teeth haven’t come in yet. It’s like running around with a toddler and trying keeping up with him.” Unlike other working police canines used in patrol work, drug and evidence detection and tracking, Duke will have a longer career span as his job entails less physical and demanding wear and tear on his body and mind.

As the puppy lounged in the warmth of a sunbeam, Officer Cohen commented, “His job is to do this, be here, bring people comContinued ON Page 18

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Duke and Officer Cohen

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fort and let people pet him. His retirement is going to very near the end of his life, whenever that is.”

During out conversation, Duke, oblivious to his newly-gained responsibilities chewed on broken pieces of sticks and wandered around sniffing the lush green grass without a care in the world. He’ll have plenty of time for leisure between his more pressing duties.

Duke will be a catalyst of comfort for witnesses and victims of crime, those involved in trauma and during instances of mental health situations. Duke’s role is simply to be a calming presence to help in reducing anxiety for these people and to increase their communication to investigators. “He’s going to be a busy dog. We’re going to be a busy team,” said Officer Cohen.

Whether being on location at an active crime scene or accompanying a child in a courtroom, Duke will be expected to simply be himself. In addition to the sweet temperament this special puppy has to offer, Office Cohen sees a further advantage of having an asset like Duke. “We’ve had police officers and firefighters visit.

You know they’re never going to ask for help. When we show up, they’re the first ones down on their knee playing with Duke. That’s a big piece of having Duke stationed at the police department.” First responders experience conditions the general public doesn’t. Details of each event are typically are not shared with those outside the professional circle. After each call, involved personnel have a debriefing.

Duke will be there to offer his soothing companionship.

Office Cohen emphasizes, “I want to make it very clear, our focus and most of our time will be spent here in Williston.

It’s just when there’s something major that happens, then we will divert to that.

If an out-of-town situation arises where Duke could be of benefit, he will be there.”

“If an agency comes across a situation where they say, ‘Hey, I think it’s a good time to call in Duke,’ they can call us, even if it’s in the middle of the night. We’re going to gear up and go,” says Officer Cohen.

In addition to working alongside first responders and victims, Duke looks forward to being a reading partner and study buddy in the classrooms at Williston schools.

Students will find a nonjudgmental, goofy friend in this charming companion. Duke will be a fine audience.

Duke will also find himself being of comfort for children who have difficulty verbalizing traumatic experiences.

WPD works closely with the Vermont Department for Children and Families.

As Duke matures, the department plans to enroll him in a program to gain certification in becoming an official therapy dog. Reaching this milestone is a year or 18 4 Legs & a Tail

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more down the road. Duke has a lot of people to meet and greet first.

The Williston Police Department is expecting to welcome a new officer, having recently graduated from the Vermont Police Academy. After a time of induction and training, Officer Cohen will then be able redirect his shifts from handling calls to performing service work in the community with Duke. The scheduling book is already filling up with requests from groups, appointments to meet the public as well as people who just need a pick-me-up. Duke is in demand.

I asked about any pushback to the idea of a comfort/therapy dog working in the department. “I think you’re seeing a change of policing” Officer Cohen comments. “In police departments five to ten years ago, this was not a high priority. We were handling police work very, very differently. Our police work now is restorative justice and community policing—our biggest piece. We want to make sure the victims feel they had justice and are healed from crime. This is just as high of a priority for the criminal justice system as holding the person who committed the crime accountable.” Duke will now play a leading role in helping in the healing of those victims.

Officer Cohen was clearly proud of the support and encouragement the department has afforded him. The police station is Duke’s second home where he is pampered—again, giving those opportunities of contentment and comfort.

With Officer Cohen’s help and Duke’s approval, this police-pup-in-training has his very own creed: - Learn from the past - Don’t worry about the future - Focus on the present - Do the next right thing Words, both human and canine, would be wise to live by.

Duke’s expenses are paid entirely by donations at zero cost to Williston taxpayers. As Duke settles in his role, should an opportunity present where his services would be of benefit in a crisis out of state, and the funding is available, it’s possible the team would answer the call. Monetary donations are always being accepted for work-related travel, gear, toys, and treats.

Guy’s Farm and Yard has offered to supply food for Duke’s lifetime. Mountain View Animal Hospital is providing complimentary veterinary services for his first year.

Tom Radford, a former Burlington Police officer, who owns and operates Thin Blue Line K9, has agreed to train Duke free of charge. First is teaching Duke basic puppy obedience. “Sit, stay, don’t bite the leash.

He’s a little stubborn right now,” Officer Cohen jokes. As Duke matures, he will learn advanced commands and techniques.

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Duke has been warmly welcomed into his new role and environment, including into the Cohen household with resident dog, eight-year-old Cooper. After a few days of accumulating to one another, both canines have found their places and become fast friends. Cooper has a lot to teach little Duke.

In speaking with Officer Cohen, while observing his affectionate interaction with Duke, I couldn’t help but acquaint their budding friendship to the building blocks needed for a future strong and bonded connection. Other than being irresistibly adorable, Duke has a big role to fill. His DNA makes him qualified; his handler will see to the rest.

If you have the chance to meet Duke and regress to behaving like three-yearold, I highly recommend it. Dogs heal us with their pure hearts and unwavering loyalty. With their soulful gaze, they make us better, more compassionate human beings. Welcome to the force, Duke, and thank you in advance from all those who will certainly benefit from your comfort and tenderness.

To follow Duke on social media, visit: Williston Police Department’s Facebook page: facebook.com/WillistonPDVT Duke’s Facebook page: facebook. com/k9dukevt Duke’s Instagram page: instagram.com/k9dukevt

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State Farm

®

Unleashes Medical Insurance for Pets through Trupanion® Helping the pets we love get the best veterinary care

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ost pet owners consider their pet as a member of the family. With a pet comes lifelong joy and companionship. Keeping a dog or cat healthy when the unexpected happens can be expensive. Injury or illness can put any owner in the financial doghouse. That is why State Farm has partnered with Trupanion to provide medical coverage for your pet and pocketbook.

Budgeting for pet expenses such as food, grooming, or day care is straightforward. Planning for an accident, illness, or injury is not. The last thing any pet owner wants to decide is whether they can afford to treat their beloved dog or cat for illness or injury. Medical insurance for pets makes the decision easier, allowing for the care they need, when they need it most.

Trupanion’s high-quality medical coverage is designed for the life of the pet.

Trupanion pets are never penalized for being “unlucky” and incurring claims.

Nor do they raise rates just because a pet ages. Trupanion is the only provider that can pay the veterinary invoice at the time of check-out, often in seconds, eliminating the need for pet owner reimbursement. The option to enroll puppies and kittens from birth, with as few preexisting conditions as possible, means even better coverage.

“Pet health issues can be unexpected and expensive,” says Ken Heidrich, Agency Vice President at State Farm. “Pet medical insurance helps reduce the stress of veterinary medical bills, allowing families to focus on their beloved pet. We’re excited to expand our alliance with Trupanion and offer this product as a way to help even more customers prepare for and recover from the unexpected.”

Since 2018, State Farm has offered medical insurance for pets through Trupanion in six states: Arizona, Oregon, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado.

Beginning May 18, it is expanding its alliance with Trupanion. Customers in 49 states and the District of Columbia can now enroll for Trupanion medical insurance online through statefarm. com®. While the short-term focus of this expansion is the online channel, work is underway to enable expansion of the agent channel in all other states.

“We are thrilled to help State Farm better serve all of their customers by making Trupanion’s high-quality medical coverage available for their pets,” said Margi Tooth, Chief Revenue Officer for Trupanion. “Designed with input from veterinarians, our comprehensive product coverage, 24/7/365 customer service and ability to pay veterinarians directly at the time of checkout, provide what we believe is the best value proposition in the industry.”

Trupanion is the leading provider of medical insurance for pets, insuring more than 500,000 cats and dogs in North America.

Trupanion will provide all pet medical insurance policy servicing. Underwriting or claims decisions will be at the sole discretion of Trupanion. Policyholders can access their pet medical insurance account and make changes to deductibles through the Trupanion website.

Note: At this time, State Farm is not offering pet medical insurance in the state of Florida.

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The Finnish Line Cathy White - Walpole, NH

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eet the most versatile breed you’ve never heard of.

Floofy and adorable, the AKC refers to them as “empathetic, and among the friendliest of dogs”. Topping out at 50 pounds, they’re a perfect size. Their beautiful coats - water and dirt repellent outside, with a soft, dense coat underneath - require weekly grooming, but only occasional bathing. A herding breed, they take exceptionally well to training.

So why don’t people know about the Finnish Lapphund?

A Scandinavian dog that dates back centuries, Lapphunds were originally used to herd reindeer by Finland’s indigenous and nomadic Sami people. Though now beloved there as family pets, they’re barely known here. Introduced to America in 1987, it wasn’t until 2011 that they were officially recognized by the AKC. “Lappies” as they’re affectionately known, have a connection in the Monadnock region.

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Lynn Baker and her husband Gerry Sanville, of Swanzey, NH, are longtime fans and owners of a very different and vastly larger breed, the Leonberger - who frequently tip the scales at over 150 pounds.

So why a Lapphund? Lynn explains that a longtime friend and Leonberger breeder wanted a smaller breed as she got older, and enlisted Lynn’s help in finding that perfect dog. After extensive research, many dog shows and long conversations with breeders, the pair decided on the Lapphund. Both women were smitten.

The couple reside with Hazel, a Leonberger, Matisse the cat, and two Lappies, Rowan (5) and Prancer (2) (and a LOT of fur!). The Lapphunds are a mother/daughter team who both have unique stories.

Rowan, their first Lapphund, was whelped in British Columbia. The logistics of getting her to NH while still a young puppy were daunting. With the assistance of veterinarians on both sides

Prancer

of the border, transport was eventually arranged via a Leonberger connection who was driving a dog from Calgary to Maine. At less than three months, puppy Rowan hitched a ride, ensuring that her first car trip would be an epic one.

Lynn greeted both dogs at the Maine border. After a stop in Concord to hand the Leonberger off on the next leg of its journey, Rowan arrived home.

Already involved in canine activities, Lynn wanted a dog that she could “do more” with, size wise. (Think: Obedience, Rally, Freestyle, and Conformation Showing.)

At the time, Lynn owned a wonderful Leonberger named Brig - many locals will no doubt remember him as a gentle giant of a Therapy Dog. (Sadly, Brig passed last year.)

Lynn notes that Lappies are “very good with other dogs and remarkable with people”, adding “they are naturally drawn to them”. So for Rowan, following in Brig’s excessively large Therapy Dog paws seemed perfect. Before the pandemic hit, Rowan and Lynn had already begun their certification with The Alliance of Therapy Dogs; passing their tests and the first of three “observed visits”. Unfortunately, therapy work is on hold for now. But Rowan’s certainly been busy otherwise, recently whelping her third litter.

Daughter Prancer, from an earlier litter, has followed a very different path.

Lynn began showing Prancer when she was just a puppy. As a breeder/owner/handler, Lynn entered Prancer in many shows, but says when they started, they were “horrible” together. Clearly, they weren’t anywhere as bad as Lynn Summer 2020

thought. By eleven months, an age when most puppies are notorious for challenging behavior, Prancer achieved her AKC Champion title. At two, she had earned the coveted title of AKC Grand Champion.

Where to after that? An owner/breeder/ handler’s dream: Westminster. Lynn, Prancer, family and friends were off to the Big Apple.

Lynn realized what she was up against in the Finnish Lapphund Best of Breed class: seasoned, professional handlers with older, more experienced Lappies. She looked at Prancer and said “Sweetheart, I don’t think we have a chance in hell.”

But they entered the ring and Prancer took it from there. Apparently born to show, she charmed the judge and proudly escorted Lynn out of the ring with a Best of Opposite Sex win. (BOS means the best dog who is of the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner. Got that?)

Lynn recalls that she nearly passed out - attending friends and family sharing that concern - when the results were announced.

Making it to Westminster as a breeder/ owner/handler is a huge deal. Winning in your breed is an even bigger deal, and not one many breeder/owner/handlers achieve, let alone in their first shot. Lynn and Prancer defied the odds, have a bright future, and an amazing tale to tell.

So if you’re now thinking about a

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Lappie, perform your due diligence in terms of thoroughly researching the breed; and consider Lynn’s opinion that they may not be the best choice for first time owners, unless “they understand, and are committed to training.”

While this should be a given with ANY puppy, regrettably, many people don’t put the time and thought into raising a pup that it deserves. As to the future of the breed here in America, Lynn says, “I believe the Finnish Lapphund will become more popular as a show, performance, and family dog. They are smart, and very versatile; happy dogs who want and need leadership.”

Lappies. A breed to watch.

Cathy White lives in Walpole with her husband Jeff and Labradors Pippa and Nigel. Cathy is a Boston University alum, with a degree in Journalism.

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Joy in Riding Sue Miller - Advanced PATH International instructor & ESMHL

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ave you ever stopped to wonder why you actually enjoy riding horses?

The horse represents different things to different people. For some, the horse represents beauty and elegance; horses offer an opportunity to practice and enjoy the classical art of equitation, always trying to obtain higher levels of perfection in their riding skill. while for others there is an adrenaline rush an exhilaration of the wind in your ears as the horse moves through space and time at varying speeds. Others find the horse provides an escape from the mundane and a chance to get out in nature enjoying the countryside and fresh air. I have heard people exclaim that having a living breathing horse underneath you can be more spiritual than any church could ever be. It is a thing to be cherished when a rapport is established with a horse who gives new mobility & athleticism, trust with no

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judgement. The horse gives us means beyond our physical limitations.

Finding an affinity with an animal that is strong, powerful and yet highly sensitive is a privilege sought after and treasured by most riders. It is only because of their kindness that horses allow us to sit on their backs. Horses can be our teachers and closest confidants. Horses can act as a medium for gaining a clearer understanding of ourselves. The horse is a reflection of the rider’s clarity of thought and depth of emotion.

Horses have no comprehension of the goal’s riders wish to achieve. Horses know what feels right and can effectively feel thoughts. Focusing on positive, obtainable progress and treating the horse with the respect it deserves is an attitude all riders should cultivate.

What a rider is thinking about during a lesson can enhance their enjoyment,

expand or limit their true potential, and create joy of learning or learning blocks. Riders can become negative if focused too intently on a goal, and not celebrating their little victories. If for example a rider is working toward learning posting trot but can only hold it for 4 strides instead of 8. The rider needs to remember to be happy that they achieved the 4 steps and not dwell on not obtaining the 8 this time. Be happy with the 4 strides knowing you have a foundation to build on. Don’t let your brain sabotage any improvement, no matter how small, all is significant.

Make a short mantra that you can say in your head if you are having a trouble spot in your riding. Something like, smile & breath, light & easy, breath & soften, or big & bold, this can help clear any negative thoughts while in the saddle.

When riders join forces with the

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horse, they acquire something of the horses natural splendor and sensitivity when we can blend with the horse the division of human and horse fades.

When humans stop demanding and take what is given as a gift. Our intensions are read better by the horse. When our intension becomes a mental vision, it becomes an energy the horse can feel, they pick up on the inner intentions when they are strong and clear, reading our minds.

Horses are particularly competent at teaching us to develop our intuition.

Horses survive on their instincts to scan the horizon for dangerous situations.

Horses communicate with their feeling bodies. When we humans are too much inside our heads and not paying attention to the current situation the horse has little tolerance for us. When we stay in the moment and scan the horizon, tune into our intuition and energetic responses to stimuli the horse begins to see us as worthy leaders. As a society, humans have been taught to ignore their inner feelings or intuition.

Our sensate perceptions are negated when we ask someone if they are feeling alright, but are shrugged off and told they are fine.

Everyone should have the chance to enjoy the experience of gaining great-

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er wisdom and skill with the horse.

The horse is a partner, not a servant: without the horses’ cooperation a rider can satisfy none of their riding ambitions. Remember to be grateful and thank the horse for all of their efforts in the ride. The horses give generously and so freely. Remember not to be too hard on yourself for any mistakes you might make and most of all remember to enjoy each ride.

Sue Miller is a PATH Registered Instructor & ESMHL, PATH Vermont State Chair and President of the Vermont Horse Council.

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Calm or Stressed ?

Dorothy Crosby - Stoddard, NH

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uring these times of uncertainty and precaution, I have come to appreciate Sally Swift’s 4 Basics even more. In addition to riding and other horse activities being perfect for social distancing, there are many moments when being around the horses is the key to my sanity, the thing that – at least temporarily – minimizes and sometimes eliminates the stress and the distress of stay-at-home orders, slowly re-opening, virus protocols, and the question of whether to go grocery shopping or to an appointment or be anywhere in the presence of others when we’d have to be closer than 6 feet apart….. that’s a great piece of mental peace!

In working with my horses and students, and reminding them of the wisdom of going back to the basics – in this sense, literally – I have benefitted as well. For many Centered Riding® Instructors and their students, the calm and composure, the softness and relaxation, the clear intent and balance that come from practicing our 4 Basics reach far more than just when we are in the saddle. We cope so much better with stress or challenges of any type when we are calm and relaxed; we can get there through the intentional use of the 4 Basics of Centered Riding®. And as for working with horses, I’ve yet to meet an ungrateful, unresponsive horse!

One can never go wrong by being Centered. There is a sense of balance and confidence that comes from the security of being in sync and moving together while knowing your weight is evenly distributed and you could use your energy to direct a horse. The solid feel of a deep seat and the satisfaction of being one with your teammate is unequaled. When your horse shies at that silly monster or does that Yahoo buck down the line, you realize that you went with it; you not only survived but dealt with it effectively - and you might even come up laughing!

Putting the Building Blocks of good posture and balance into use gives us an air of competency and the ability to be flexible in many ways; not only do I move better so I can go with the flow, but I can also direct the movement, being in a better position to feel what’s coming, recognize the issue, and respond gently without over-reacting – which, of course, leads to calmer and more productive outcomes.

In good balance, I can more easily eliminate the tension which restricts. My horse and I can flow gracefully as we move together, me directing, him following, me following...it’s a dance for sure!

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If I am focused, but with Soft Eyes, I can see the whole picture in front of me; the panoramic view, yes, but the circumstances, too. It becomes easier for me to assess and prepare for the unknown or unexpected because I have information for a more accurate prediction. I can feel what’s happening under and around me, which is entirely missed if I am focused intently with tunnel vision and the hard eyes that make me tense and uptight. I can see where I’m going, see where I want to be going, and know what others are going to do as well. Horses absorb the directional energy we send when we look at something – and they follow it, too!

Sometimes Breathing is a challenge.

We hold our breath as we concentrate, we breathe too quickly or unevenly or incompletely (a whole breath involves a complete inhale and exhale!) or we practice shallow chest breathing that doesn’t use our diaphragm. The tension caused by our lack of breathing, or the relaxation we create by effective breathing can make so much difference in the comfort and flow of the ride. Horses communicate with each other through breathing; watch what happens when danger is perceived or an “it’s ok” assessment is delivered: they respond to hearing our breath, as they respond to hearing each other’s breathing. I once reminded a little boy, tense with excitement, to remember to breathe while his horse was walking. He responded, “Of course I am breathing; I am not dead!” I still laugh at that, but it points out nicely that if we’re alive we should be moving and flowing and relaxing!

If your horse time is also your sanity time, you understand my pursuit. Any day that things do not go well are a frustration and any day with success is more than just an accomplishment; it is the key to your well-being both on and off a horse. I highly recommend you consider your posture, balance, breathing, visual focus and how you direct your energy as you try to stay calm and carry on!

Be well in these troubled times. Take time to breathe and rest. And most of all, enjoy your equine friends!

Owner of Equi-librium and based in Stoddard NH, Dorothy Crosby is certified as both a Level III Centered Riding®Clinician/Instructor and CHA English and Western Instructor. Director of the Riding Program and Barn Manager at Southmowing Stables in Guilford VT, she loves working with riders and horses of all ages and abilities. Recently certified with Conformation Balancing, a program for fascia release in horses, Dorothy loves the softening and changes in the horses. Dorothy offers clinics, lessons, workshops, and fascia release bodywork sessions both on and off the farm.

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How to Know What Food is Right for Your Dog Dr. Bradley Quest

Protein • Vitamins and Minerals • AAFCO Wet, dry, raw, homemade, or a combination of the two or three?

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FOUR STEPS FOR SELECTING THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR YOUR DOG Selecting a dog food for your pup can seem like a daunting task. When shopping at your local pet store, it can be difficult to know what to look for, let alone to tell one brand from another. Just like with people, the dietary needs of one dog to another dog can differ. With that said, let’s explore different types of dog food and what may be the best option for your dog.

Step One: Examine different types of protein The first step when assessing a pet food brand with another is to compare the difference in proteins that are offered. With many protein options available on the market today, how do you know what your dog will like, and more specifically, what’s best for your dog? A great place to start is to taste-test different proteins to see what your dog likes and doesn’t like. If you already know that your dog has a food sensitivity to poultry, for example, then that’s a great start. Single source protein diets are excellent choices for pets with known food allergies or sensitivities to certain individual proteins.

From chicken to fish, there are many different proteins for you to select. Pet food brands like Inception Pet Foods offers both the option of multi-protein formulas and single protein formulas. An example of this is the Inception Chicken and Pork Meal recipe. The benefit is your dog will be receiving the health benefits from two protein sources: chicken and pork. Multisource protein diets have the benefit of utilizing the different proteins’s amino acid profiles to complement each other.

“Protein is an important part of a dog’s diet,” said Dr. Bradley Quest, DVM. “Protein is made up of amino acids, which can be thought of as the building blocks of protein. Dogs can make many of these amino acids in their body, but many amino acids are also required in their diet called essential amino acids.”

Benefits of each protein Below is a complete list of proteins offered

by Inception Pet Foods and their benefits: Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that provides high-quality, essential amino acids and trace minerals.

Chicken is known to be “protein-dense,” meaning that it contains a lot of protein compared to the fat that is in a given amount of meat. It’s also high in vitamin B3, B6, and B5.

Pork: Pork is one of the most complete meat proteins. It contains essential amino acids in high amounts that can assist with your dog’s muscle development Whitefish: Whitefish encompasses beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which will help maintain your dog’s skin and coat. In addition to this, it also contains high amounts of vitamin B3 and vitamin D. Summer 2020

Catfish: Catfish is high in protein, healthy fats, and musclebuilding amino acids. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your dog’s coat and skin strong and healthy.

Step two: Look for vitamins and minerals The second step, when assessing a pet food brand is to look for vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals can bring a multitude of necessary nutrient requirements for your dog, which is why most pet food brands with complete and balanced claims include them when making their food! As a result, adding vitamins and minerals to pet food has many benefits to pets’ health. This is an added plus for feeding your dog a highquality dog food brand. All of Inception Pet Foods formulas include Vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, niacin (Vit B3), d-calcium pantothenate (Vit B5), thiamine mononitrate (Vit B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vit B6), riboflavin supplement (Vit B2), folic acid, (Vit B9) and vitamin B12. Minerals including potassium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, selenium, and calcium are utilized. This is a large part of what makes these formulas complete and balanced for your pet’s overall nutrition.

Step three: Select wet, dry, homemade, or raw dog food Once you’ve narrowed down the brand you want to feed your dog, the third step is to decide whether he would do best on wet, dry, homemade, raw food, or a combination of these.

There are benefits and drawbacks to each option, but just like with people, dogs don’t like to eat the same thing every day.

They like variety in their diet just like we do. This may mean doing a combination of the two or even three options. The great thing about doing this is it keeps mealtime interesting and fun!

For dry kibble, the benefits are that it’s less messy and can be more convenient if you have a busy lifestyle. Dry kibble can also be better for your dog’s oral health especially in smaller breeds, but there are benefits to feeding your dog wet food as well. “Wet pet food can be more palatable to some dogs,” said Dr. Quest. “Wet pet food contains more water, which may be important in individual dogs who may not drink a lot of water throughout the day.”

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The most appropriate diet may be a combination of both dry and wet dog food as you can get the benefits of each, and your dog can get more variety. If you choose to feed a homemade diet it is vitally important to consult with an expert in animal nutrition such as a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist® to make sure that your pet’s homemade diet is complete and balanced. For raw diets, it is important to understand how the food is made to ensure nutritional adequacy as well and to consult with the manufacturer to make sure that harmful bacteria are controlled in their diet making process.

Step four: Look for AAFCO on the pet food packaging The last step when considering a pet food brand to feed your dog is to look for AAFCO on the packaging. AAFCO stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. This means the pet food has been formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient requirements or has undergone AAFCO feeding studies to help make sure it meets your dog’s nutritional requirements to stay healthy. “It is also important to check for the “best if used by” date on the packaging to ensure that your pet food is fresh and nutritious to feed to your dog,” said Dr. Quest.

Mealtime can be a fun experience for your pup and learning about the health benefits your dog can receive from the food you’re feeding is very exciting. If you have any questions about the specific health requirements for your dog, it’s best to talk with your veterinarian.

Dr. Bradley Quest graduated from the University of Missouri with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree and has been working in the pet food industry developing new products, working in nutrition formulation, doing clinical studies, and working in Veterinary professional services since 2004. Dr. Quest has over 11 years of experience in clinical Veterinary practice and over 15 years of experience in the pet food industry.

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Starting Over

(Part Deux) …the OOPs L

Ingrid Braulini - Grantham, NH

ast issue we discussed tips for an easier transition for your pet from the shelter. This issue was to cover reactive dogs, but due to requests, we will cover two bad habits we want to break.

Chewing - shoes, furniture, doorways and so on - is one of the biggest. Sometimes, this can be a factor of boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise, things which are generally easy to control. Let’s not forget, however, that chewing is a natural instinct. Dogs are predators, they need to hunt down their prey and chew it up.

So, they need powerful jaws that come through exercise.

Boredom is not usually considered, but if you are away during your dog’s “prime time”, it may behoove you to make sure you have plenty of distractions for her.

Things such as appropriate chew toys, music, a dog walker who comes at least once a day, and interactions with you and your family. Give her a job by tossing a ball or frisbee. Make her part of your adven-

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tures by taking her on hikes and walks.

Start her in obedience school or enroll her in agility or therapy training. When she is busy doing things, she’ll be happy and exhausted.

So, you thought dogs were less neurotic then humans? Anxiety can be another chewing factor. Folks do not realize how anxious certain dogs can be. Usually, anxious dogs are nervous about something in their environment. They might not like a loud TV, yelling, doorbells, or dishwashers changing cycles. Olie didn’t like the ice maker going on. Some don’t like to be surrounded by active kids or by having people tower over them, or being forced to interact with other dogs. Dogs have different ways of handling stress and one way is to go somewhere peaceful and find something to gnaw on like your new Jimmy Choos or leather recliner.

The answer is to give him something else to chew. One trick is to slide something that is allowed and beloved by him

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into his mouth at the same moment you’re removing what’s not allowed. A stuffed animal instead of that Choo-shoe. Also, keep him distracted from whatever is making him anxious. Keep him focused and give him tons of exercise and work.

What NOT to do: If your dog is a chewer, DO NOT give him an old tennis shoe or t-shirt of yours unless you are 100% sure all your good shoes and t-shirts are ALWAYS out of reach. Dogs do not distinguish between your ancient Reeboks and your new ones. They also don’t care if your Fendi t-shirt has only the appropriate holes and is not already dog mangled.

DO NOT give your dog nyla-bones or any rawhide products. These products slowly disintegrate in pieces and can cause choking, they can kill a dog. DO NOT assume your dog is chewing because he is hungry. Many dogs will eat 24-7 and anything that is or isn’t nailed down, just ask any Lab-parent. If in doubt, have your dog’s weight checked and then stop looking at those soulful eyes trying to excuse his unacceptable behavior. Tell him eating the table leg does not make you think he’s starving…just say, “here’s your rubber ducky…yum!”

Another behavior problem can be submissive urination. It’s a sign from your dog that she is not a threat. Important shelter and rescue dog alert: It can happen in dogs that have been mis-treated, are afraid, or have unclear boundaries and rules. When you bring your dog home and you notice this kind of behavior, you may want to check what happened in her past. Then try to establish why she reacted. Did someone in the house yell? Was, she scolded or swatted? Was someone at the door. Did it happen during roughhousing? It is important to establish the dog’s general posture before she lost control.

Was she showing other signs of submission, like flattening her ears, grinning and trying to tail-tuck between her legs while wagging crazily? Then, take her to a vet and make sure your dog doesn’t have some underlying medical condition such as incontinence or a urinary tract infection. After any medical reason is ruled out, here are some things you can work on: Train your dog through positive reinforcement. Keep her to a routine such as have her greet you in a sitting position when you come home. Then greet her neutrally and without eye contact. Don’t jump up and down squealing, “So how’s my baby girl!”. If she pees, then take her outside and keep her quiet. Best advice is get down to her level so she doesn’t feel threatened. Try keeping all physical contact to her chin, neck and chest. Avoid her head, tail, and ears. In fact, try not to stimulate your dog with a lot of bodily contact such as prancing around flailing with your arms in her face, even during Summer 2020

playtime. Keep practicing restraint and quiet love until she’s feeling comfortable and stops exhibiting submissive behavior.

What NOT To Do. Do not scold her, yell, frown or bring attention to what has just happened. She already knows and is embarrassed. That will just make it happen again. Keep her calm and talk quietly.

If you can’t talk quietly then don’t talk to her at all until she’s settled. Curbing submissive urination can be a long-term project in some cases. But totally worth the effort. My dog, Anuk, took a couple of years to stop because every time it happened my kids would scream: “MOM! She did it again!” Coincidentally, she stopped when they left home.

Please reach out to the excellent trainers such as Dee Ganley, Paula Bergeron and Peggy Villar who are available in our area to help you with these and other issues you may have inherited. The professional pet sitters and dog walkers we have are outstanding. A professional pet sitter is one who is insured and bonded, is certified in pet CPR and First Aid, and usually is certified by a reputable organization such as NAPPS or PSI. Ingrid Braulini is the owner of Pet First Aid & Wellness. She is a Certified Pet Tech and Wellness Instructor, a NAPPS Board Member and NAPPS Certified. For more info, visit www. PetAidClasses.com.

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PROVIDING MENTAL STIMULATION TO YOUR CANINE COMPANION F

The Cheshire Horse

or many of us, our dogs are an important member of our families. They give us comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. In uncertain times, like those of the COVID-19 pandemic, their daily routines are disrupted and they need our help to feel comfortable. We spoke with a certified dog trainer to see how to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated when they are not able to run freely outside at the barn, head to the dog park, or play with other pups at doggy day care.

According to Kimberlee Welch, CPDT-KA, CGCE, CAP II, of K9 Kompanion in Keene, NH, “Any time we are home with our dogs, they love it! They are happy to have us with them and not be alone in their space. Dogs are very social animals and enjoy spending time with their pack.” However, even when you are home with your dog, many of them still need activity to prevent them from developing dangerous or disruptive habits. Here are some ways that Kim employs to keep her dogs engaged.

More Walks Just because you may not be able to turn your dog loose and allow them to run wild, you can still keep them active. As the old saying goes, a tired dog is a happy dog. Bring them on a walk to give both you and your dog a bit of exercise. The stimulation of

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sniffing out all the interesting smells, can also expend some of their energy. “When I walk my dogs on trails and in fields, I tend to use long leashes [like the PetSafe Cotton Training Lead],” Kim explains. “This allows them to explore, but still keeps them safe.”

She does not recommend retractable leashes because they may be difficult to handle if your dog does not recall well.

Even if you have a well-behaved dog, it is important to keep them leashed when you are walking on public land. “For dogreactive dogs, having a loose dog run up to then is literally a nightmare. Keep everyone safe by keeping your dogs leashed,” she implores. Learn more about proper socialization techniques on our blog post, The Importance of a Well Trained Dog.

Summer 2020

Brain Games There are a number of canine toys on the market that have been developed to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Many of these toys utilize small amounts of food to keep your dog’s attention and encourage interaction. Treat dispensing dog toys like the Tonka Axle Feeder Dog Toy are filled with a dog kibble or small dog treats, then as the dog plays with the toy the treats are slowly dispensed. The Ruffwear GnawtA-Rock Toy is exceptionally durable and easy to clean, making it popular for playful puppies and dogs who are notoriously tough on their toys. Your dog will have to work to understand how to move the toy to get the treats, which provides extended entertainment.

For dogs who are not food motivated or those who are on a strict diet, there are also puzzle toys that do not involve treats. For example, the SnugArooz Interactive Dog Toy – Hide and Seek Reef with Turtles contains three adorable squeaky turtles inside its plush exterior. Your dog has to figure out how to extract the squeaker toys. After he has pulled them all out, you can put the turtles right back into the stuffed reef and playtime can start all over again!

Chew On It Dogs instinctively love to chew. Give them a way to channel this natural behavior by providing them with chewing treats, such as the PetMatrix SmartSticks Dog Chews, or chew toys, like the Nylabone Power Chew Bacon Chew Toy. This encourages healthy chewing habits, and many chewing treats also clean your dog’s teeth and gums for improved oral hygiene.

Other dog toys, like the popular and practically indestructible Kong Classic Dog Toy, let you fill them with tasty morsels. You can use dog kibble, peanut butter, yogurt, canned pumpkin, or the packaged Kong Stuff’n to entice your dog to play with this erratically bouncing chew toy.

Once you have used Kong with your dog, it’s easy to see why they are recommended by many veterinarians, canine professionals, and dog owners.

Treat Hunting If your dog is food motivated or really enjoys tracking when he or she is outside, bring the fun inside. Hide a few treats for your dog and then turn them loose to find them. The first few times you play the game, let your dog watch you hide the treats. After your dog understands what you are doing, consider closing your dog in the other room while you hide the treats to increase the difficulty (and the fun!).

Explore Trick Training Anytime you are housebound with your dog is a great time to solidify their training and introduce new tricks into their repertoire. “Many dogs really enjoy learning new things,” Kim comments. “Not only do Summer 2020

they get to work with you and spend time with you, most likely they are getting some sort of reward.” Try utilizing small training treats, like the Grizzly Crunchy Training Dog Treats, which allow you to feel your dog a number of tasty morsels without having a large impact on his or her overall caloric intake for the day. “Teach your dog something new like rolling over, barking on command, or giving you a high five.

I’m currently working on teaching my dog how to file his toenails on a piece of sandpaper,” she remarks with a laugh.

If you are new to trick training, try starting out with a relatively easy skill like teaching your dog to shake hands. “Once you begin to understand the basics of dog training, you are only limited to your imagination,” says Kim. In order to teach your dog to shake, begin with your dog in a seated position. Then, holding a small treat in a tight fist, slowly wave your hand in front of your dog’s nose while saying “shake.” Your dog will begin to first nuzzle your hand, then paw at it in frustration. Once your dog has begun to reach for your hand with his or her paw, give them the treat and verbal praise. Try again several times, then give your dog a break. It is recommended that you work on new tricks in five-minute increments two to three times a day. Once your dog is quickly reaching for your hand, start switching hands and then slowly begin to

phase the treats out. Soon, your dog will “shake” when you say the word and begin to extend your hand.

Sit Back and Relax “Your dog does not need to be consistently active in order to remain content,” Kim remarks. “Many people focus on keeping their dogs busy when they are home, but sometimes they just want to be with you.” Consider curling up on the couch with a great book and inviting your dog to snuggle up beside you. If your dog isn’t allowed on the furniture, put his bed next to the couch and allow him to enjoy being in close proximity. It is as comforting for them as it is for us.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 33

Please Don’t Eat The Bats F

or centuries bats have had a bad reputation. From vampirism, Satanism, rabies carriers, to hair tanglers. Now we can add the source of Covid 19. Scientists are now saying that the pandemic possibly starting with bats is unlikely. Too little too late as the “ bat is out of the bag” and the folklore is soiled again.

Bats have had a rough go of it in the last few years dealing with the White Nose

Scott Borthwick - Canaan, NH Syndrome. Before the fungus infected the cave-dwelling bats my company got 50 to 60 calls a year for bats living in houses.

When a white nose hit the calls dropped to 4 or 5. Calls are starting to increase though mostly for large brown bats. The little brown bat is still struggling but starting to improve and now COVID 19 strikes.

Here in New England, it is next to impossible to get coronavirus from bats,

and bats still need our help. In a previous article, I wrote about the benefits of bats and how to help them. The one thing I did not write about is what to do if one gets into your house accidentally.

If you discover a bat f lying around your house the first thing to remember is to not panic. The bat is flying around because it is trapped and it is panicking. Let it calm down and eventually,

it will roost. If you can reach it cover it with a towel and take it outside. If it does not calm down try and channel it into a small room, close the door, and stuff a towel under the door if there is a gap and then call a professional to remove it. Bats weigh an ounce or two and will not be able to remove the towel or open the door. I received a call from a distraught customer who had trapped a bat in their bedroom and they wanted me to come to get it. When I arrived I noticed they had braced a chair under the doorknob to prevent the bat from opening the door. Not going to happen.

If you think you may have been bitten or had some sort of exposure like landing on your face, yes this did happen to one customer, you should have it tested for rabies. I have never had a bat test positive for rabies but it is not impossible. Since rabies is fatal better safe than sorry. I have learned many things since this pandemic started but the strangest thing I read is that some people actually eat certain bats. This does not sound appetizing to me. Bats are the greatest natural mosquito control we have. They are extremely beneficial and fun to watch flying around. Outside of course.

So please don’t eat the bats!

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Scott Borthwick owns Estate Wildlife Control. He lives in Canaan, NH with his wife Donna, two dogs, a couple of horses and one tough old chicken named Henrietta.

Summer 2020

The

BLUE JAY: Sentinel of the Backyard Garden Catherine Greenleaf

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f there could be a species of bird police in the natural world, it would be the Blue Jay. Birds’ lives are so filled with danger. Between the perils of migration, windows, cars, and pesticides, it’s a wonder any bird survives unscathed. But then you add in predators like cats and life can become very dangerous indeed.

Though each bird species has its own special language of calls designed to allow communication with one another, there is a single sound that qualifies as a universal warning call of danger to all songbirds.

That is the cry of the Blue Jay. The Blue Jay is regarded as the sentinel of the backyard garden. With guard-like precision, the bird in blue patrols the yard, watching for predators and is quick to issue its raucous scream to warn other birds of impending danger. Yes, Blue Jays may be loud and boisterous, but avian scientists estimate their warning calls have saved countless songbirds from predators.

In fact, researchers are now claiming that even non-bird species like squirrels and chipmunks listen for the warning call of the Blue Jay, and are quick to take cover when they hear it.

Blue Jays belong to the Corvid family and are extremely intelligent, much like their cousins the Crow and the Raven. Crows and Ravens can talk and use tools, which is pretty scary smart when you think about it.

Blue Jays also have an extensive vocabulary and can imitate the sound of a cat’s meow.

Blue Jays engage in a practice called “anting.” They will sit on an ant hill until they are entirely covered in the small insects in order to rid themselves of feather mites and fungus – the Corvid version of visiting the car wash.

These over-wintering birds are also fond of decorating their twig and moss nests with found objects like shiny candy wrappers and pieces of brightly colored cloth. They are excellent parents. Like all Corvids, they Summer 2020

form complex family relationships and will keep their youngsters by their side until they are nearly the same size as the parents.

In addition, the Blue Jay is an expert at imitating other bird calls and will on occasion mimic the call of a hawk to clear a birdfeeder of songbirds so they can tuck in and enjoy the choicest seeds and nuts.

This naughty type of behavior can really irritate backyard bird enthusiasts. But scientists are now saying the shrill call of the Blue Jay is what alerts birds to the location of your feeders in the first place.

And, when you think about it, a few seeds and nuts are a small price to pay for their valuable police duties KEYSTONE SPECIES The Blue Jay qualifies as a keystone species, since each bird stores up to 5,000 acorns for later use each year, resulting in plentiful food for other wildlife. Many of these acorns go on to create a ready supply of Oak seedlings throughout the bird’s home range. The Oak tree is the single most beneficial tree for songbirds, since it serves as host to over 500 different species of butterfly and moth larvae, the preferred food of songbirds, according to Douglas Tallamy, the renowned entomologist who wrote, “Bringing Nature Home,” the groundbreaking book about restoring native habitat in the American backyard.

Avian researchers also say it is a myth that Blue Jays raid the nests of other birds, carrying off their live young and eating them.

We have Audubon himself to thank for that claim. John James Audubon, that endlessly controversial figure of a man, forever tainted the Blue Jay’s reputation by referring to the bird as “selfish,” “duplicitous,” and “filled with malice.” Do you think maybe Audubon was having a bad day?

Bird experts are now saying Audubon’s accounts were greatly exaggerated. What they are also saying is that Blue Jays are omnivores and scavengers and, therefore, opportunistic, meaning they are much more likely to eat an egg lying broken on the ground, or make off with a nestling that was already dead. That makes them both police officer and janitor.

Actually, a Blue Jay’s preferred food is acorns, seeds, and caterpillars. A backyard gardener who does not incorporate native trees into their landscape in order to provide these foods forces the Blue Jay to scavenge. In this age of out-of-control real estate development and habitat fragmentation, a birdfeeder in the yard no longer suffices. What birds like the Blue Jay need now is for the entire yard to function as a bird feeder, and the backyard bird enthusiast accomplishes this goal by planting native.

Catherine Greenleaf is the director of St. Francis Wild Bird Center in Lyme, N.H. If you find an injured bird, please call (603) 795-4850. www.4LegsAndATail.com 35

Alternatively Speaking: More Tools for Better Success Dr. Anne Carroll DVM, CVA

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arlier this spring I needed to cut a board to finish the last of my raised beds for my little garden. The wood kept moving, my progress was slow and frustrating. I managed a crooked cut, not quite the right length, good enough.

Had I used a clamp to hold the board and a different technique to measure my cut things, it would have gone easier, come out better and I would not be nursing a blister.

We all know the sayings “the right tool for the job” and “if the only tool you have is a hammer you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

When I practiced only conventional medicine, the medical approach was thorough, but limiting. The tools for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment were all designed to fit this system of medicine. Any patient whose disease did not fit into this system was left with few options. But medical traditions have existed for centuries before the birth of modern medicine. The fact that they were developed through observation and trial and error, not in a laboratory, does not detract from the knowledge these medical systems generated. Today they still provide tools for assessment and treatment that we can use to help our patients.

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Teala was an adorable and very sweetnatured 6 year old Chihuahua who lived with a loving family. Teala was vomiting often and was very dehydrated and weak. Her regular veterinarian identified liver and kidney disease, possibly from an infection or toxin, the cause was not clear. Further testing was not possible and neither was the level of hospitalization her condition required. Her owners were devoted and did not want to lose her at such a young age. Her veterinarian gave fluids and medications for nausea and infection. Drugs had mostly stopped the vomiting but she was still not doing well. From a Western perspective, her blood values were life threatening, without more tests or aggressive intervention, her chances were slim.

Teala was initially seen by my colleague, Dr. Black, five days later. Her kidneys were not working properly and waste products in her blood were 7 – 10 times over the normal limit and starting to damage her body. Her tongue was raw with ulcers, she was weak, thin, and eating and drinking very little. With this level of kidney damage there was not much hope with full Western tests and therapies, Dr Black used other tools to assess and treat Teala.

Teala needed help for her damaged organs, but she had to eat to survive and to take in medicine. Dr Black used a combination approach or integrative therapy.

Teala continued on Western medicines for nausea, hydrating fluids, antibiotics and antacids for the heartburn caused by kidney failure. A nutritional support was added to provide whole food nutrients to the kidneys, containing the specific vitamins, minerals and enzymes needed. Western medicine often ignores the greatest tool we have to help our bodies fight disease – nutrition. In my opinion, nutritional therapy is best done using whole foods in supplements, raw feeding or fresh homemade diets.

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With no outward symptoms any kidney damage, her values continue to remain near normal.

How powerful our bodies can be at recovering from illness, given support and time to allow them to. This case is also an example of utilizing all the knowledge, modern and ancient, to help treat our patients. Integrating different medical approaches gives us opportunities to examine the patient using different yardsticks, giving us more tools for treatment should the conventional approach not provide the Teala answers we need.

Having the correct tools and the knowledge of how to use them, makes all the difference. Every day that I practice medicine I am so very thankful for After 24 hours Teala began to eat a lit- the additional “tools� alternative meditle more. After 3 days she was still very cine gives us to help our patients. weak and wobbling around, but feeling Dr. Anne Carroll is owner of the a bit better and continuing to eat. Her kidney values were high, but had come Chelsea Animal Hospital where she practices both conventional medidown significantly. Dr Black was still cine and surgery, as well as several concerned her waste levels were too high for her little body. I was consulted alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and to evaluate Teala from a Chinese medical perspective, allowing us another set Chinese herbal medicine. Her associate Dr. Betty Jo Black brings classiof therapeutic tools. cal homeopathy to the practice. For Traditional Chinese Medicine is one more information on alternative vetof the most documented ancient medierinary medicine visit their website at cal practices, with Chinese explanations www.chelseaanimalhospital.com of physiology, identification of disease patterns, and formularies of herbal treatments dating back to 2000 BC. Using this method, the way we interpret exam findings are designed to fit the Chinese medical system and generate totally different ideas about what is going wrong.

This different perspective gives us the treatment tools of acupuncture and herbs, and gives us clues for what Western therapies may work alongside for maximum success. The formula we chose for Teala fit her Chinese diagnosis, but also the actions of the plants in this formula include treatment of acute inf lammatory damage to the kidney and liver. It is being studied extensively for its success in treating a number of conditions in people.

Two weeks later, Teala was really starting to feel better, not vomiting, drinking well on her own, and playing with her pups. As kidney values improved she was weaned off Western medications. Dr Black added more nutritional supports for her liver and kidneys. Two months after becoming ill, Teala was back to her normal self. She was eating a home cooked diet, drinking normally, and had gained weight. Blood values were still elevated at only twice normal values. Teala continues to feel and act like a normal dog. She is on nutritional supports for her liver and kidneys, a home cooked diet, and Chinese herbs.

Summer 2020

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Prevention is Key to Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM VVMA

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ummer is finally here, and with it comes many diseases and parasites that are easily preventable. Ticks, wildlife, gardening chemicals, and heartworm are just a few of the things to be aware of this time of year.

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Wildlife encounters are easily preventable if you simply keep your dog on a leash when outside. Porcupines and skunks are out, and if your dog has ever had a run-in with one of them, you’ll know it’s no fun for either of you! A dog who you think will stay close to the house will easily stray if it smells something good or sees wildlife to chase. This is critical when you visit conservation areas with your dog: they can frighten the wildlife and disrupt their nesting.

Dogs are also notorious for getting into things like the compost pile or rotten things they find in the woods, which can make them very sick.

Make sure your dog is up to date on its vaccinations including Rabies, Leptospirosis, and Lyme. Rabies vaccination is required by law. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is a concern anywhere the potential exists for contact with wild animal urine: ponds,

streams, puddles, or even the grass in your back yard. It causes kidney and liver failure in dogs, and the scary thing is the dogs can transmit this disease to people, with the same consequences.

The potential exists for your dog to be exposed even on a walk through the neighborhood, as wildlife is increasingly more populous as we encroach on their territory. There is a vaccination available for this deadly disease, so talk to your veterinarian about having your dogs vaccinated for it.

By now, most people have heard of Lyme Disease. It is carried by the deer tick, along with another disease called Anaplasma. A third tick bourne disease we are now seeing is called Erlichia.

While there is a vaccination for Lyme, there is not one for Anaplasma or Erlichia, so it is critical that you have some kind of preventative on your dog.

There are now excellent options for tick Summer 2020

control including collars, topicals, and even pills that last for 1 or 3 months.

Even with the Lyme vaccination and tick control for your dog, you should check it over each time on coming in from outside. Sometimes the ticks may be out on the fur, away from the skin, and they can then latch on to you. For dark haired dogs, many people will use a hair roller to try to pick up any stray ticks on the dog. It’s important to know that immature deer ticks, which can transmit these diseases, are tiny much smaller than a sesame seed- so even if you don’t see the large tick, the small ones can be there. A tick collar or other preventative is a small price to pay to protect your best friend from these deadly diseases.

Mosquitos are out and they carry heartworm disease to your dog, which can also be fatal. Heartworm disease is easily prevented with a medication in the form of a once-a-month chewable treat, available through your veterinarian. The disease can be fatal to your dog, and the price of a lifetime of heartworm prevention for your dog is still going to cost less than the treatment if your dog contracts heartworm (let alone the damage done to your dog’s heart and lungs from the disease).

And finally, as you start your yard

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and garden work, be aware of the chemicals you’re using. Read the directions carefully - if they are toxic to weeds or insects, they are most likely toxic to your dog. Keep them stored safe and up high. Avoid cocoa mulch, as it has some of the chemicals found in chocolate, and for dogs who like to feast on it, it can make them very ill.

With some simple prevention this time of year, you can keep your beloved dog safe. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinations and tick/heartworm preventatives and for more information go to veterinarypartner.com.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 39

COVID-19 and Your Pet Catherine MacLean, DVM - Grantham, NH

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n today’s world, no matter where you turn, you hear about SARS-CoV-2 better known as COVID-19. Most of the information that we hear is about the toll it is having on the economy, new cases reported, death toll, etc. You may be wondering what effect COVID-19 may have on your pets, or you may have even heard of a news story about an animal being infected.

At the time of writing this article, there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 in three cats (one each in Hong Kong, Belgium, and France), two

dogs (Hong Kong), and five tigers and three lions in the Bronx Zoo in New York. Originally it was reported by the media that there was a positive Pug in North Carolina. On May 28, 2020 it was released that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had done additional follow-up testing on the Pug and those samples were negative for COVID-19. The USDA stated that the dog was probably never infected. In all cases, COVID-19 was transmitted from humans to the animals and there have been no cases of an animal passing COVID-19 to other animals or to humans. In most of these animal cases, the animals had upper respiratory clinical signs (i.e. coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, etc.). Out of all the animals listed above, none of them died from COVID-19. One of the dogs in Hong Kong that tested positive had no symptoms and was 17 years old. He did pass away after testing positive, but the owners declined a necropsy and at 17 years of age, it is more likely that he passed from natural causes than from COVID-19 since he had no clinical signs.

You may be wondering if your pet is at risk. Currently veterinarians think the risk is very low. If an animal were to contract COVID-19, it would most likely come from their owner who is either an asymptomatic carrier or has an active infection.

The two major veterinary laboratories in the United States have been

Rocksie finds the Lady Slippers in Eastman

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Summer 2020

routinely testing blood samples that have been submitted for other reasons for COVID-19. Over 6,000 pet blood samples have been tested and were negative.

In late April, a commercially available COVID-19 test became available for pets from Idexx Laboratories.

They do not recommend testing in animals with no clinical signs, and for animals that are sick, they recommend ruling out more common causes of illnesses before testing for COVID-19. Positive COVID-19 results are then reported to the state that the animal lives in.

In the state of NH, pre-approval to test the animal must be granted by the state veterinarian. If the owner has their pet tested at a private laboratory without pre-approval from the state and it comes back positive for COVID-19, the state of NH will require additional samples to be submitted to their approved lab at the owner’s expense. New Hampshire also requires that the samples be obtained by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.

What should you do if you or a family member tests positive for COVID-19 and have pets? If possible, you should have another family member feed and care for your pet(s). You should avoid petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, or sharing food with your pet, and minimize contact with them. If you have to interact with your pet, you should wash your hands before and after interacting with them. Pets that live in a household with an infected person should have no contact with animals outside of the household.

The take home messages are that COVID-19 is rare in animals and if an

animal does contract COVID-19, the clinical signs tend to be very mild and the animal recovers. If you or a family member has COVID-19, you should try to limit your contact with your pets. Testing is not recommended for pets unless all other causes of illness are ruled out and you should check your state’s requirements before testing. The world is a very different place right now, but we will get through this.

Dr. MacLean completed her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University, her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Atlantic Veterinary College, and her pet acupuncture certification from Chi Institute. Her areas of special interest include general practice and acupuncture. She opened Sugar River Animal Hospital in 2013, and she has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2010. Dr. MacLean’s family consists of her husband Matt, her daughter Katarina, son Alexander and their three pets: Jack and Misty, two cats, and Arrow, a dog.

Molly "running" the office at Key Communications

Summer 2020

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Dental Pain Can Lead to Aggressive Behavior Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS

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ain can be extremely difficult to assess in dogs and cats. Signs of pain can be subtle or a change in behavior may not recognized as something that can be caused by pain. Our friends can not talk to use and describe whatever pain they might have. And when brought to a veterinarian, many dogs and cats have some degree or fear, anxiety or stress which prompts them to hide their pain.

Why wouldn’t pain cause changes in behavior? Think of yourself suffering from a bad headache. Do you feel like jumping up and down? Are you less sociable? Would you want someone to pat you on the head? Might you snap (verbally) at a friend, colleague or loved one? We have all experienced how pain can cause humans to behave “badly”, so why would we expect anything else from our pets?

Certainly dental pain can make an animal “head shy”, ranging from pulling away from a person’s hands to growling and biting. Most people when they want to examine a pet’s mouth will hold the mouth closed, either by circling a hand around the muzzle or by pressing up underneath the lower jaw. No one wants to get bitten! However, these strategies might make the mouth more painful, and therefore the pet might want to avoid being examined.

I had a tooth in my upper jaw that fractured with exposure of the pulp (the inside of the tooth.) I was surprised when my dentist did not immediately recommend a root canal procedure. The tooth was fine for 5 years, and then suddenly, BAM, it was unbelievably painful. I felt as if the left side of my face was exploding.

Pain was shooting up from the tooth all the was to the top of my head. Surely, I thought, my eyeball must be hanging out of my face! But no, there was absolutely no change in my appearance.

And then I thought, if I was a dog, would I want someone patting me on my head? Would I want to play with my doggy friends, where play can be rough and tumble and involve the mouth? Would I be full of enthusiasm and energy. No, absolutely not. Dogs and cats might appear to be more stoic than humans but this may be misleading because they can’t verbally complain. They demon42 4 Legs & a Tail

strate pain with changes in behavior, as do humans, and it takes the willingness on our part to observe these changes in behavior and ask “why is this happening?”.

I recently saw an 8 year old female spayed Border Collie who had been a perfect lady until she suddenly starting snapping at her owner’s hand to the point of drawing blood. This would occur with no warning and was not necessarily associated with him trying to open her mouth, although that would also cause her to become aggressive. This had been going on for up to a year with the incidents becoming more frequent and more frightening. He was afraid that he would have to have her euthanized lest she bite someone else or become too aggressive towards him. He loved his dog but was becoming afraid of her.

Luckily he had a suspicion that this might be caused by a dental problem

and brought her in for dental x-rays. All 42 teeth were x-rayed. A healthy tooth is a living structure on the inside. The crown of the tooth, the white part you can see, is covered with enamel which is not alive. Underneath the enamel is a layer of dentin which is alive. In the middle of the tooth is a chamber in which resides the pulp. The pulp carries blood vessels and nerves through the bottom of the root and disperses these throughout the dentin. Dentin grows continuously throughout the lifetime of the tooth, making the chamber grow narrower over time. Teeth can die without being fractured if the tooth is subject to a blow or from chewing on hard objects, such as marrow bones and antlers. Dogs can created a high amount of pressure when closing the jaw. If a hard object is held between the big carnassial teeth and force is applied, that pressure will be transmitted through the structure of the tooth. There will also be vibrations going through the tooth as the pressure is applied and released, over and over.

These vibrations can cause the blood vessels within the tooth to rupture and then bleed into the chamber that is inside every tooth. Since the tooth can not swell in response to this bleeding, the pulp will die. Even without a fracture present, the inside of the tooth can then become infected with bacteria.

Anatomy of the tooth.

The darker grey areas are:

The bright white line is enamel: 1mm thick in dogs and cats.

Pulp chamber in the crown.

Root canal in the root.

The bulk of the tooth is made up of dentin which appears as the lighter grey areas.

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If a tooth becomes infected, bacteria can exit from the interior of the tooth out into the bone at the bottom of the root. The white cells that fight infection come in and destroy these bacteria, but they can’t get to the source inside the tooth. The bone at the base of the root becomes less dense, which appears as a darker circle on the x-ray. These are “apical lucencies” and indicate that the tooth is no longer alive.

This is the upper right carnassial tooth.

Carnassial comes from the French word for carnivore. These teeth are very good at ripping and tearing. Both of the upper carnassial teeth were non-vital and were extracted. She was given pain medication for a week after the extractions.

Within 10 days her behavior had returned to normal - no more snapping, happy and friendly. It has been 3.5 months since the procedure and she is doing fine.

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Dr. Waugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She also holds a Masters Degree from Washington State University of Veterinary Medicine and is owner of Windsor Pet Dental, PLC.

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Has Your Dog Been Affected

By The Pandemic?

LET’S FIND OUT! Paula Bergeron - Grafton, NH

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can’t help but reflect on the massive changes that have taken place since writing my winter article for Four Legs and a Tail. It has been a challenging time, to say the least as we all, including our pets, learn to adapt to new regulations and lifestyles.

It is amusing to imagine the reaction of our dogs when in March we began to fill our sudden free time with numerous walks, games of fetch, and cuddle sessions not to mention more cooking, more treats, and more snacks! Could any of these lovely activities have anything but a positive influence on our dogs????

Well….. have you ever heard the phrase… too much of a good thing? Dog reactiv-

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ity and separation anxiety have been the two most noticeable issues on the rise since the pandemic began as well as pups putting on a few extra pounds.

More walks mean more dogs on the trails… which means more meetings, some of which get cantankerous, to say the least. Separation anxiety has been increasing since the gradual reopening in May as our dogs endured another sudden change but this going form constant interaction back to 8 to 10 hours alone.

It is enough to make any dog’s head spin. The extra pounds???? I think we all know where those came from… when we snacked… they snacked!

Separation anxiety and dog reactivity are issues that need our attention as both can be very unsettling for dogs and humans alike. These behaviors can sometimes have a simple fix, but often they are complicated by our dog’s individual temperament, our own personality type, our living environment, and lifestyle. I will attempt, however, to address these two issues individually in my next two articles not only because our current situation has increased their numbers and severity but because they are two of the most common issues people have with their dogs. For now here are a few simple options to try.

Dog reactivity needs more than one dog to be a problem so begin to search out quiet areas for walking your dog. I know it is very enjoyable to do the trails and popular spots but if you are struggling or worrying about meeting another dog around every corner is it really that enjoyable? Look for the quiet street, take your dog to the abandoned parking lot, or even walk your dog in your back yard and practice good leash walking skills… it will come in handy when you begin to learn how to pass by other dogs successfully. You can also join the midnight walkers club… yes, it really exists… people who walk their dog during off-peak hours specifically avoiding walking past dogs in their yards or other dogs on leash. I am not saying this is Summer 2020

an answer… it is only a management activity that can help you avoid a problem while you work towards better leash walking skills.

In terms of separation anxiety begin to teach your dog it is pleasant to rest alone by giving them time away while you are actually still there. Have your dog rest in a separate room or their crate while you are home. Take short jaunts to the mailbox leaving then inside. Increase their success by doing these rest periods after a vigorous walk so that your dog is already tired and ready to relax.

Help to ease your dog into being alone rather than having the change be abrupt… but if you are not able to control the abrupt change engaging a dog walker or a doggie day care may be just the support your dog needs as you begin to help them once again accept time alone.

As for your dog’s extra pounds… well….

I guess we can all have a bit of a hiatus from nervous snacking!

As we all continue to navigate our way through these unprecedented times, remember that changes that affect us both positively and negatively will also affect our animal companions. Take time to observe, adjust, and do what we can to ease their confusion and we will all feel better. Until next time: stay safe, and stay well. From all of us here at Good Dogma, Happy Training!

Paula Bergeron and the gang at Good Dogma embrace a holistic approach to bringing balance to your dog’s behavioral issues.

Exercise, training, relaxation, massage, grooming, play, socialization, and energy healing are incorporated into your dog’s routine.www.Goodogma.com

The Sullivans welcome Sally Brown to Grantham!

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Tips for Taking Your Dog Boating N

othing is more exhilarating that the smell of the sea and the wind in your hair as you sail carefree under a warm sun. If you enjoy boating, there’s no reason not to take your best friend with you. After all, dogs love going places with their owners.

Most dogs enjoy water, they are instinctive swimmers and very few dogs are afraid of the water (except during bath time!). Nothing beats a warm summer day out on a boat with the companionship of your dog. Dogs are an important part of most families and a holiday just isn’t a holiday if you leave your first mate at home. Safety is important on a boat and it is especially important if you take your dog along with you. There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your day out on sea (or the lake) doesn’t turn into a scene from Titanic.

Let’s start with the basics for what you need to know when taking your dog boating: - Invest in a canine life jacket.

- Do not encourage your dog to drink water from the lake or sea.

- Consider purchasing and applying sunscreen for your dog.

- Have a plan in place when your dog needs to relieve himself or herself.

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How do you choose a life jacket for Fido? Here are a few things to consider: FIT: Make sure the life jacket fits securely. It’s best to check the fit in the store, before you buy.

LIFTING HANDLES: To make retrieving your pet safer and easier.

COMFORT: Check to see where straps and buckles fall to make sure they won’t cause your pet any discomfort.

COLOR: Choose a bright color to make it easier to spot your dog in the water.

Boating with Dogs The first thing you should do before sailing with your dog is to get him a canine life jacket (we’ll touch more on this later). You can find doggie life jackets at most boating stores and pet shops.

When buying a life jacket for your dog make sure it’s a good fit. Even though most dogs can swim, high seas or fatigue can cause drowning in even the most avid of swimmers, so don’t risk it, get your dog a life jacket. Even if your dog doesn’t drown if he goes overboard for any reason, excessive fatigue can cause numerous problems.

The second thing you should do is not to encourage your dog to drink water from the lake or sea. Freshwater lakes are often contaminated from factories and boats and contain harmful organisms so never allow your dog to drink water from a lake. Take fresh drinking water with you on your trip and give that to your dog. As the atmosphere out on sea can be hot and dry, your dog is at risk of getting dehydrated so make sure there is ample drinking water available to him at all times.

The third thing you should do that doesn’t readily come to mind when you’re thinking about dogs is sunscreen. Just as we need sunscreen to protect ourselves from harmful rays, so do some dogs. Short haired breeds of dogs can get easily sunburned and you should use a light SPF sunscreen such as SPF15 on your dog. On unusually hot and sunny days a higher SPF factor may be warranted. Make sure you choose a neutrally scented sunscreen so it doesn’t irritate your dog.

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The fourth and final thing you should put into consideration is that your dog will need to relieve himself somewhere.

Take plenty of doggie waste bags and paper towels with you on your trip as well as an odor neutralizer to clean up after your dog. If you can train your dog to use puppy pads this is ideal as it will make cleaning up after the dog much easier. Clean up after your dog immediately to reduce the risk of feces born diseases and odor.

Taking these four simple tips into consideration can help you make the most of your boating trip. Your dog will enjoy the fresh air and time spent with you and exercising basic safety precautions should ensure a safe and pleasant day out on the lake or at sea.

Life Jackets for Dogs The truth is not all dogs can swim and those that can aren’t all great swimmers.

Additionally, water or weather conditions can cause problems, even for a pet that is typically a strong swimmer.

Any dog can get fatigued or disoriented and older dogs, especially, can tire easily. Pets with low body fat can have trouble when exposed to water for long periods. Health issues, such as hip or joint problems, can also make swimming difficult for some pets.

While there are no regulations regarding life jackets for pets, a dog life jacket can help keep your pet safe while aboard your boat or around any body of water.

Pet life jackets are designed to keep the animal afloat in a horizontal, swimming position. The pet life jacket also serves as a retrieval device, should your pet fall overboard.

Give your pet a chance to get used to wearing its life jacket before actually getting on a boat. Allow your pet to practice swimming while wearing its life jacket, too.

If you find you pet enjoys boating as much as you do, a dog life jacket can provide your pet with an extra measure of safety. However, your sense of caution and common sense are still your pet’s best friend.

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They depend on us, what happens if we aren’t there?

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or most of us, our pets are one of the most important things in our day to day lives. We rush home to make sure they can go out; we make sure we can be home around their feeding times and some of our pets need certain medications at certain times. How many of us have made plans to ensure these things happen in the event something happens to us?

Our routine in caring for our beloved fur children could be something as small as we’re going to be late but in the worst case what if something life altering happens like an emergency or even our death.

Let’s talk about things you can do to plan on each of these levels.

Create a “Buddy System”- Identify someone in your circle, maybe a friend, neighbor, family member or co-worker that you can ask to help in a pinch. This can be another pet owner that can you can reciprocate for in times of need. This buddy should be convenient to your home to help with things like letting your pet out, feeding them or just providing some companionship to break up a long day.

Knowing there is someone that can fill in creates a great deal of peace of mind for pet parents.

Emergency Plan- Consider having a second plan in place should you have some sort of disaster that may require relocating from your home. This might include having a travel kit ready for your pet to stay with family or just having a list of pet friendly lodging options or emergency providers that allow you to shelter with your pet. The worst possible thing I can

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imagine is having to evacuate my home to an emergency shelter and finding out I could not bring all my family members.

In this age of natural disaster after natural disaster there have been countless pets separated from their families. An ounce of advance planning might make a pound difference later. Find good tips for preparedness at https://www.ready.gov/pets.

The most common “disaster” is a home fire. We will provide a link to provide additional tips on this in addition to having your emergency kit prepped. For instance, where do your pets go? Could you tell firefighters where to find your pets if they were scared? If you keep them kenneled is the kennel near a door that is easily accessible? https://cpicaz.weebly.com/ pet-fire-saftety.html Estate Planning for your Pet- It always seems the hardest part of being a pet owner is the fact that you know you will outlive your pet. We have all lived through the pain and loss when you lose your best friend.

Very few of us consider what would happen if we do not outlive our pets. Many parents of human children are guilty of not doing the proper advance planning for the care of their young children in the event of their death…let alone the dog! But you cannot assume things will be done the way you would want them done after you are gone if you do not make those wishes known while you are here. The bare minimum you need to do is to identify a caretaker…discuss it with them….and put it in writing. If you want to make it more binding there are legal steps that can be taken to see that your wishes are carried out. This might include leaving specific instructions in your family trust or your will. You may also identify a monetary allowance to make sure that your wishes are carried out and the identified caretaker has the means to continue care that your pet needs or is accustomed to. You may even establish a separate pet trust that spells out all aspects about the care of your pets in the event of your death.

Laws may vary from state to state so you will want to seek legal counsel to properly plan. For more tips on this type of planning https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/ pet-planning/pet-trust-primer Have you made plans for your pets’ care if something happens to you?

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DO YOU

TALK TO YOUR PET? I

often chuckle when I am out walking my dogs in the wee hours of morning and I pass someone and realize I am mid-sentence talking to my dogs. I probably speak more words to them daily than anyone! Am I just a crazy dog lady? The science says no, in fact I might just be brilliant! When humans talk to non-human animals it is called anthropomorphism.

According to Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago, anthropomorphism is “a natural byproduct of the tendency that makes humans uniquely smart on this planet.” Human beings are programmed to see and perceive minds which is why we anthropomorphize things without even realizing it. While that is a fun fact, it isn’t why we do it. We do it because we feel more connected to our pet.

Every book will tell you that when you are expecting a baby to begin talking to your baby, even before birth, and then continue talking to your infant. There have been many studies about the increased bonding between child and parent when this occurs. Well our pets like their parents to talk to them as well.

Dogs specifically have been studied and proven to respond to “dog speak”. This tends to be a higher pitch voice we use when we talk to our animals…like “baby talk” we use with human children. Scientists say they have not determined if puppies come to this world being responsive to this or if it is a learned behavior, but they know that dogs both young and old respond to this type of speech from humans.

Another thing that is proven is that dogs are responsive to repetitive words. Dogs learn using dog relevant words that they relate behavior or experiences to. My husband rolls his eyes when I spell out T R E A T, he contends it is not the word but rather the tone or “dog speak” voice that they are responding to. Well the studies say he might be right. Dogs do respond more frequently to dog relevant words, but adult dogs are even more likely to interact when the words are spoken in the high-pitched tone.

There are so many benefits to talking to your pets; both for them and for you. Here are the top reasons you should just keep gabbing.

1. We talked about the increased bond that develops between you and your pet when you talk to them. This is emotionally beneficial for both of you. It is proven how animals can help combat loneliness and depression in humans.

It goes without saying you are the most important thing in the life of your pet, so the connection they get from you talking to them literally means the world to them.

2. We talked about how dogs learn from dog relevant words. Dogs want to please you, so if you can teach your pet the meaning of the words you speak to them, they are able to respond as they are supposed to when they hear a word or a phrase. Again, you are their whole world so the more often they can show off and please you the better.

3. Take your chatting to another level.

If you can couple your words with specific movements of body language your pet is so smart, they will learn these communication ques as well. It is another way that you can communicate your intent or message to your pet without ever speaking a word. Just another strengthening tie to the bond between the two of you.

So next time you leave your house and you tell your pet, “Mom will be home soon”, remember you aren’t crazy.

Do you talk to your pet?

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Are you Stressing Your Dog Out? P

art of why we love out dogs so much is the way they seem to always comfort our moods. Nothing says empathy like a big sloppy kiss when you are down.

A few years back I was going through multiple personal crisis’s and then it was compounded by the fact that my dog’s reactive fear behavior seemed to reach a fever pitch. I reached out to an animal communicator that simply told me-” it’s you”. They didn’t mean it in a blame sort of way but simply that my dog was feeding off my own state of mind and that it was important for me to take a breath and get myself in a better place if I wanted my dog to make progress. This is obviously over-simplifying how we reached a solution but the fact that our dogs are impacted by what we are feeling did not surprise me.

We all might have assumed this and there have been studies that reflect the behavior from short periods of acute stress mirroring the behavior in our pets, called emotional contagion.

Emotional contagion, the mirroring of emotional or arousal states between individuals, is commonly seen among group-living species. But a recent study done by Linkoping University in Sweden provides some additional science that Summer 2020

supports this to a greater degree than we probably realize.

One reaction in the body when you are under added stress is for your body to produce more of a hormone called Cortisol. This study looked at 58 dogs and their owners and measured the Hair Cortisol Concentrations (HCC) of both owner and dog. Measurements were taken at two separate occasions, reflecting levels during previous summer and winter months. The dogs’ activity levels were continuously monitored with a remote cloud-based activity collar for one week because physical activity can affect cortisol levels. Shetland sheepdogs and border collies, balanced for sex, participated, and both pet dogs and actively competing dogs (agility and obedience) were included to represent different lifestyles. The results showed significant inter-species correlations in long-term stress where human HCC from both summer and winter samplings correlated strongly with dog HCC. The personality traits of both dogs and their owners were determined through owner-completed surveys about their personalities. However, although dogs’ personalities had little effects on their HCC, the human personality traits neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness significantly affected dog HCC. Hence, they suggest that dogs, to a great extent, mirror the stress level of their owners.

When I was going through my stressful period someone could have told me (and they did) I needed to take a break and make some time for my own mental health and the suggestion went in one ear and out the other. When I realized the impact, my issues were having on my dog…. well that is a completely different thing! The last thing in the world I would do is put my dog under stress that was not necessary. Be thoughtful about what affect you are having on the loved ones around you. For me I felt a little like it would be selfish to close my eyes to the bad things going on to get a massage or meditate; but the truth was that I was being selfish by not doing that.

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The Best Present T he best “present” you can give your pet My favorite part of everyday is being out-

doors walking or hiking with my dogs. We get to enjoy each other and the beautiful surroundings…literally taking time to smell the flowers. Something I witness all too often is a pet owner out with their dog walking with their head buried looking at their cell phone.

Really? You have taken that precious time to walk your dog and you are still connected to your device? The absolute best “present” you can give your pet is to be PRESENT. Take time to really connect with them and give them your at tention. They live each day just to be with you, to please you, and to share that connection with you.

You have seen the stats on the how distracting our mobile devices are. Data shows us that parents of human children will often be distracted by their phones during times that have traditionally been sacred family time. A couple of eye opening stats from various studies for you: -More than a third of children (11-18 years old) interviewed asked, would like their parents to stop checking their devices so frequently -82% of kids interviewed thought that meal time should be device free. 14% of these kids said their parents spent time on their devices during meal time. 95% of those same parents when polled said they did not access their devices during meal time.

Many of us consider our pets our children.

Unfortunately, people have let these devices steal valuable time from these kids too! If you are a busy parent and you are already trying to make time for your human children, your four-legged children may get pushed even further down the list. If you are a working person you get maybe 5-6 waking hours at the end of each day to get everything in your home life taken care of and this includes giving true undivided attention to your loved ones. We try to multi task just about everything in our lives but there are some things that are truly best to do without distractions.

Consider some boundaries that might benefit both of you.

-If you are a pet parent that does make time for a walk everyday…devote that time 52 4 Legs & a Tail

to your pet. If you feel like you need to carry your cell phone with you as a safety precaution that is understandable; but leave it in the pocket and give your pup this time as your time together.

-Some people work in their home and think…well I’m home with them all day.

When we work from our home we are very focused on completing our work.

We are on our computers or talking on the phone, we are not generally giving our attention to our pet even if we are there in body. It is important that you still take a few minutes to truly connect with them. That might mean taking a 5-10-minute break to sit on the floor and play with the ball or just give your cat or pup belly rubs.

-Do you talk to your pet? They are listening. You might think I am just saying this because I am that crazy lady that talks to my own dog….maybe. But there is some real research that says it matters. A new study from the University of Sussex found that dogs process speech they recognize in a similar manner to humans, meaning that sounds they recognize are processed in their brain’s left hemisphere, while other sounds or unusual noises are processed in the right hemisphere.

Because of the way the brain is “wired”, dogs will move their head to the opposite side of the side that’s doing the processing. Having speech and sound processed differently by the brain’s two hemispheres is very similar to how humans process speech. According to the university, this means that dogs are paying attention to how we say things, who is talking and what we’re saying.

These simple things are good for you too.

Living in the moment and being present gives your mind and body a break that we all need.

In summary, just remember we have a big world with lots of moving parts that we live in each day. Your cat or dog’s world is not as big; their life is centered around you and what interaction they get to have with you. They give us their 100% the instant we ask for it, so it is the least we can do to take a little bit of time that is just for them.

Do you make special time each day for your pet?

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Do You Have A Smelly Cat? Jill Feinstein

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f you were a fan of the ‘90s sitcom, Friends, you’re probably chuckling a little inside after reading the title of this week’s post As I was writing the post that little tune kept running through my head.

In spite of the funny reference, this is really a serious topic.

Cat owners know one of the many benefits of cat ownership is they rarely smell.

Cats are fastidious groomers. They use their sandpaper tongues to keep themselves clean and generally unsmelly.

If your cat has an odor, there’s something going on. And that something can be serious. Don’t ignore it. See your vet for a diagnosis and the proper treatment.

If you’re trying to decipher your cat’s aroma so your doc has good information, the odor is coming from one of four places; its mouth, its ears, its rear-end or its skin.

Mouth Odor Unlike dog breath, cat breath is not usually unpleasant. If you get close to your cat’s mouth, and it smells bad, a few things could be at play.

Your cat may suffer from dental disease. This is a particular problem as cats age. Plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth. This can cause inflamed gums that separate from the teeth. Food can get lodged in the gaps. And that food can rot and smell bad. It can also cause a stinky bacterial infection.

Loose teeth can cause the same problem by creating gaps between the gums and the teeth.

A foreign object lodged in the mouth, trauma to the mouth, and oral tumors can all cause mouth odor.

Stomatitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the mouth and gums, and can cause ulcers. This can lead to bad breath too.

If your cat’s mouth smells like poop, they may have an intestinal obstruction or liver disease. If it smells like urine that’s a sign of kidney disease.

Diabetes can make your cat’s breath sweet or fruity smelling.

But as the disease progresses, the stench may be more nail polish-like, if you can believe that.

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If your cat’s mouth smells unusual in any way, see your vet. These conditions can be serious and painful for your cat.

Early treatment can lessen the effects of these afflictions.

Ear Odor When you get your face in there to give your kitty a kiss on the top of their head, it shouldn’t be stinky.

If your cat’s ears smell, they may be infected . Yeast is often the cause and will have a musty scent. You may also notice a discharge.

An infection often comes from an underlying problem like allergies, ear mites, an object stuck in the ear, and sometimes tumors. You must get to the underlying problem to get to the right treatment. Your vet will figure out the best course of action.

And if you’re uncertain what ear mites are, they look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ear. An infestation can have a foul odor.

Smelly Rear-End Because cats are such diligent groomers, it’s rare to get a whiff of poop or pee.

If suddenly you do, there could be matted poopin their fur or they could have a urinary tract infection. This can be especially problematic with long hair cats.

Or maybe your cat is not grooming

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themselves. If your cat is sick, overweight or in pain this can happen. It’s just too difficult for them. If you know they suffer from a condition that makes grooming hard, you may need to step in and help by cleaning their rear-end and bathing them regularly. Especially if they have diarrhea or soft stool.

If your cat has always been a fastidious groomer and suddenly stops cleaning themselves, see the vet. They’re telling you something.

Anal glands are another rear-end problem. Their purpose is to mark territory with their excretions. And when your healthy cat is excited or scared, the anal glands may excrete this smelly fluid.

Unlike dogs’ anal glands, cats will rarely have a problem with theirs. But, it can happen… and it’s pretty stinky. They can develop the rare infection or possibly a tumor.

The glands can also become inflamed causing the opening to the gland ducts to become blocked. The fluid in the glands will not drain properly. This can smell.

Cats can have overactive anal glands that secrete more than they should. This can also cause an odor.

Any concern about secretions from the hindquarters warrants a trip to the vet.

Skin Odor If you can’t locate the specific location the odor is coming from, it’s possible your cat has stopped grooming himself.

As I mentioned before, a sick cat or one who is overweight or in pain may stop grooming. If so, their coat will look greasy and unkempt. And they will just be generally smelly.

This is a sign of an underlying health problem. Talk to your vet to get a proper diagnosis.

Another cause of skin odor is infection, either bacterial or yeast. Infections can be caused by trauma to the skin. They can also be caused by an allergy that leads to scratching.

If your kitty is an outdoor cat, or spends any time outside, you should check them regularly for bite wounds. When cats fight, their wounds can turn into abscesses that swell with pus. If they burst, they stink.

A wound can turn into an abscess in 24 hours. So run your hands over your cat every time they come in from outside.

When cats fight they usually bite the base of the tail, the legs, the face and neck, and along the back. If you touch these spots and your cat flinches, inspect the area.

Once the wound becomes abscessed, your cat will be lethargic and may not eat. They’ll flinch when touched because an abscess is very painful.

See the vet before the abscess gets so severe it requires surgery.

Because cats generally smell good, a bad smell is a sign of trouble. Heed the warning and get the help of your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Bella under quarantine

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Whistle, A Very Important Service Dog International Assistance Dog Week (August 4-10) to Honor All Who Raise, Train, and Fund Service Dogs

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Kate Kelly

histle, a Labrador/Golden Retriever mix, is owned by Marcie Davis, who in 2009 was the person who succeeded in getting the first full week in August officially dedicated as International Assistance Dog Week. Davis is the Chief Executive Officer of Davis Innovations, a public health and human service consulting firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“Whistle is my third service dog,” says Davis, who is a paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down since she was six years old.

“I got my first dog in 1993 and I know what a life-changing difference it made for me.

I am so grateful for all the hours of devotion on the part of puppy raisers and trainers and schools—and all those who donate to the cause—that I just wanted a Davis—and Whistle—also devote time way to honor the incredible efforts that go to advocating for those who cannot advointo providing these dogs to people with cate for themselves. They partner on a all types of disabilities. It’s life-changing.” radio show, “Working Like Dogs” on www. petliferadio.com, and Davis also writes and speaks on topics related to service dogs, disabilities, and independence.

First Thought of Getting a Service Dog In the early 1990s, Davis and her husband were watching a television documentary on the training of service dogs. “When I saw the possibilities, I became very excited about getting a dog, and my husband agreed it was something I should explore.”

Davis and second dog, Morgan Davis, who has a master’s degree in library science, was working in the office of the Florida state attorney general’s office in Tallahassee, Florida. She knew that to make a service dog a part of her life, she needed to talk to her employer. If her application for a dog was accepted, she would need two weeks off to attend training, and then everyone in the office needed to be aware that she would be bringing a dog to work with her.

Her office was supportive, her application was accepted, and in 1993 Davis came home with her first service dog, Ramona, trained by Canine Companions for Independence.

“Ramona gave me so much more freedom. I was able to go to more places locally—and drive there myself—because I knew once I arrived anywhere I had Ramona to help me.

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“When you are in a wheelchair, dropping things is a real fear,” Davis continues. “I have had more than one occasion when my dog has had to squeeze under the car to retrieve my keys.”

As a result of her increased independence at work, she was soon promoted.

She could travel to meetings or go out to supervise other offices independently, and this made a difference in the level of responsibility that could be given to her.

Knowledge of Animal Training Grows As trainers have learned more about what people need and what the dogs can do, the number of ways her dog can help her has grown exponentially, Davis explains.

She and Whistle are together 24 hours a day, and Whistle, who was trained by Paws for a Cause, knows over one hundred commands, including opening doors and picking up objects as small as a dime. In addition, he is continually updating his skills and learning more.

“I don’t need another person with me when I want to get in or out of my wheelchair,” says Davis. “I have Whistle to help me.”

Whistle has been trained to a command called “brace.” When he is told “brace,” Whistle becomes totally rigid so that Davis can hold on to him and shift her position.

In addition to getting her into bed (one of the times when the brace command is used), Whistle is also trained to help her roll over, and one of his final acts for her each night is to cover her up with the bed sheet and blanket.

A Total Team Davis says she is often asked by other people whether they should get a service dog. “I always tell them they need to really think about it. It’s a tremendous help but it is a total commitment.

“Whistle must be aware of my needs at all times, but I need to be aware of his needs as well. If I have been working all day, I need to be sure I have given him some play time and some down time or he can become stressed.”

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To cement the loyalty bond, service dogs are trained to answer to only one master, so Davis must be the one who takes care of all of Whistle’s needs. She is the only person permitted to feed him, and if her husband wants to give Whistle a treat, then Davis must give the command for “treat” to her husband in front of Whistle, and then Whistle can enjoy a treat from another hand.

Davis has documented what she has learned about building this relationship in a book, Working Like Dogs: The Service Dog Guidebook.

Retirement Nears Whistle is now 8 and a half years old, and Davis says that within the year he will need to retire. “There are days when he just looks at me and you can tell he is saying, ‘Do we really need to be there at 8 a.m.?’ It’s up to me to let him retire as there will be a time when he is not strong enough to do all that I need him to do.”

Davis keeps her retired service dogs, but to read about the heartbreak of making the necessary transition from one dog to another, please visit her website, Working Like Dogs. “Challenges with Service Dog Retirement.”

As for Whistle, he is still by Davis’ side, all day every day, and when he’s not assisting Davis or working on the radio show, his bio states that he enjoys traveling, gourmet dining, and running and digging in his backyard.

This article first appeared on the website, www.americacomesalive.com America Comes Alive publishes more stories about American dogs and other animals. Visit the website and sign up for “American Dogs” to receive the stories in your inbox. Or email Kate Kelly at kate@americacomesalive.com Summer 2020

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