4 Legs & a Tail 2016 Keene Winter

FR

EE

2017 Winter Wonderland Southern NH & VT

Tracing The Roots Of An Award Winning Morgan Can Hemp Be The Right Choice For Your Pet? Tips To Keep Your Cat Young At Heart Choosing The Right Dog The Best Diet For Your Pet

2

3

5

8

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

®

Hemp: A New Way to Better Your Pet’s Health,

Holly McClelland and Benjamin Burroughs

Alternatively Speaking: When It Comes To Food, Fresh Is Best, Dr. Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA Getting Past the Heartbreak: An Understanding Community Helps Bereaved Families When Pets Pass Away, Amee Abel Choosing the Right Dog, Nancy Holmes Some points to consider when you want to expand your family

10 Where’d you get that cute puppy?, Annie Guion

One of the largest imports to New England may be dawgs with a drawl

11 Your Pet May be in Pain, M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

Pg. 5

How to recognize the signs

13 Enjoying the Holidays with Squirrels, Scott Borthwick

It starts by not inviting them into your home

14 The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, John Peaveler

In the wake of devastation to Haiti, how one international disaster responder and Upper Valley resident made a difference.

16 Helping Your Cat Stay Spry Helpful tips to keep your kitty sharp

17 When Your Cat is an Early Riser (and you’re not)

Pg. 14

What to do when you want to sleep in on Sunday morning and your cat doesn’t

18 The Drumming of Hooves, Tanya Sousa

The champion line of an award winning Morgan

20 Pepper, Rebecca Roy 21 Help Is On the Way, Dorothy Crosby

How to put the fun back into developing a sensitive, obedient, and cooperative horse 22 Big Love, Cathy White Life with five Newfoundlands!

23 Cognitive Dysfunction, Catherine MacLean,DVM

The signs of an aging dog

25 Owney the Post Office Dog, Kate Kelly

The amazing adventures of a world traveler

26 Make a New Year’s Resolution:

Get Those Teeth Cleaned and Keep ‘Em Clean, Dr. Sandra Waugh, VMD, MS 28 The Golden Snitch, Mark Carlson

When you can’t even trust your own dog

4 Legs & a Tail Volume K.416 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 Karyn Swett karyns.4lt@gmail.com Winter 2017

Pg.20 Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Senior Editor: Scott Palzer Office Manager: Beth Hoehn Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff, Monica Reinfeld, Lacey Dardis, Kerry Rowland

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 Southern NH & VT. 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.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 1

HEMP:

A New Way to Better Your Pet’s Health

A ll loving pet parents would agree that they want their furry friends

to experience optimal physical, mental, and emotional health. If given the chance, do you think these pet parents would jump on the opportunity to give their dogs and cats one ingredient that could improve calming, cognitive functioning, joint mobility, digestive health, and inflammation … along with many more conditions? This idea might sound like an impossible endeavor, but the solution could be as simple as one short phrase: hemp with CBD. CBD, known as cannabidiol, might sound like a fancy term. In reality though, CBD is simply one of the 80 active ingredients found in hemp that is purported to have a wide range of medicinal benefits.

When people think of hemp and cannabis, their minds naturally gravitate toward the compound THC, which has psychoactive properties. Anyone who has experienced marijuana can likely claim that THC has affected their mental state in some way, shape, or form. CBD, on the other hand, may provide many medicinal benefits without affecting psychological functioning. This means that ingesting a strain of hemp with CBD might improve overall health without producing a “high” effect.

2 4 Legs & a Tail

Holly McClelland & Benjamin Burroughs

In recent years, pet food manufacturers have invested significant time and money toward concocting the perfect ingredient mix of superfoods into their products — ranging from blueberries, quinoa, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, goats milk … the list could keep going on and on. But, wouldn’t it be great if it was possible to obtain the same level of superfood health benefits from hemp and CBD alone?

While the advantages of hemp are still undergoing research, there has been a recent surge in specialty pet supplements and foods that contain this ingredient.

Manufacturers are enthusiastic about promoting products with one flagship ingredient — hemp/CBD versus having to cite a laundry list of items. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these companies are only including one active ingredient in their products. They just recognize that hemp/CBD is a powerful superfood that is instrumental in supporting overall health and wellbeing. Notable companies that are dedicated to their hemp/ CBD-based products include Cani Bits, Canna Pet, Pet Releaf, Steve’s Real Food, Therabis, True Leaf, Grandma Lucy’s, and Vermont-based Reilly’s Hempvet.

Bill Reilly, co-founder & head of manufacturing for Reilly’s Hempvet,

recently met with us at a local coffee shop in Burlington, VT to share his opinions about the benefits of non-psychoactive hemp in supporting pet health and wellness. Reilly’s Hempvet is a team of animal nutritionists and pet professionals that developed a line of products with a proprietary superfood blend of organic hemp/ CBD supplements. According to Mr. Reilly, “Hemp is nutritionally important because it contains the highest levels of phytocannabinoids of any plant. Studies have shown that phytocannabinoids are essential for stimulating the endocannabinoid system – a key system that supports overall health and wellness.” In order to substantiate claims, Reilly’s Hempvet researchers relied on cannabis studies originating overseas in Britain and Israel. However, the recent reduction of U.S. federal barriers on hemp research means that domestic studies will soon be available. This will lead to an even deeper understanding about the medical benefits of hemp.

In terms of specific health advantages, Mr. Reilly noted that there are differences in the quality and efficacy of hemp-based products. Some are functional treats and use basic hempseed oil as the active ingredient. While high in omegas, hempseed oil contains low levels of CBD, and has little, if any, effect on the endocannabinoid system. Reilly’s Hempvet products are true nutritional supplements and contain a proprietary, full-spectrum, organic hemp blend, in combination with other scientifically proven beneficial ingredients. The products are engineered to support joint/ mobility, calming, immune, and neurocognitive systems. Since many pet parents may not recognize hemp as a standalone supplement with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-seizure properties, Reilly’s Hempvet combines hemp with other well-known ingredients, such as glucosamine and MSM, which are used in the “Rewards+ JointSupport” and «Hempjoints high potency supplements.” Reilly’s best-selling calming supplements, “Rewards+CalmSupport” and “HempCalm” are fast-acting and combine hemp with a proprietary colostrum peptide. Calming supplements reduce pet anxiety triggered by vet visits, thunderphobia, and separation anxiety. The goal is for pets to be calmed, relaxed, and alert.

Now that we recognize the health benefits of hemp for our furry friends and the need for ongoing research, the next question is: where should we turn to for hemp sourcing? Most manufacturers are obtaining hemp from Europe, but there has been an increasing interest among U.S. farmers to grow hemp in America. If we grow more and more hemp in the U.S. and scientific studies continue to demonstrate efficacy, how many hemp products will we see on the market by 2020?

Winter 2017

Alternatively Speaking:

When It Comes To Food, Fresh Is Best Dr. Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA

I

have probably written more about nutrition than any other single topic, and with good reason. Food can be an essential part of treating illnesses, especially chronic conditions. But the most powerful way to use food is for prevention. A well-nourished body has the tools to protect itself from disease, and maintain its tissues to avoid wear and tear. I have long been a proponent of the value of fresh foods to provide the most useful, absorbable and vital nutrition for pets. I have had that passion rekindled this September at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association conference where the topic of creating truly balanced homemade foods was given a lot of attention. No one debates the value of fresh feeding, however it is the seemingly overwhelming task of doing it right that drives most of us to the convenience of processed foods. It is my hope that we can make homemade food an attainable goal and part of our pet’s meal plan.

Most of us would love to be able to cook fresh for our pets just like the rest of our family. But it’s the uncertainty of what is OK versus harmful that makes us hesitant.

Bodies have a lot to do every day. They generate energy, regulate normal organ function, maintain defenses from disease, and repair or turnover old tissues. All of this requires very specific nutrients for cells and enzymes to perform these fundamental tasks. It is not OK to just throw together a beautiful array of wholesome foods and assume they will provide all the nutrients in the correct amounts. What pet owners need is an informed recipe. When asked for guidance in this area, many veterinarians shy away from recommending fresh feeding because they equally don’t want to cause harm. Unless you pursue board certification in nutrition, most veterinary education does not include how to formulate a balanced diet or evaluate the many frozen diets appearing on the market to tell if they are complete. It was assumed, back when I was in school, that pets would be eating bagged and canned foods which would be evaluated and cleared by authorities that regulate the pet food industry. Luckily, today there are increasing resources for vets and pet owners to help navigate a safe and complete diet formulation.

With all these valid cautions and concerns, one may ask, “Why would we bother to make fresh pet food and not just buy the Winter 2017

bag off the shelf?” The reasons are many, but basically it comes down to control.

When buying commercial food we can’t see the ingredients used to judge their quality, we can’t tailor the diet to our pet’s individual needs, and we have to accept Pumpkin and Klinger enjoying a healthy diet synthetic supplements for vitamins and minerals in amounts and quality that are arguably not ideal for many pets. We animal’s natural diet, which means it is also have to accept a higher starch and less likely to promote inflammation and glycemic index than what is ideal for a obesity without all the starches. Organic dog or cat to eat. If you look at the ances- or non-GMO ingredients can be used and tral diet of a dog or cat and do a nutrient we can include the range of vitamins and analysis of the contents, it is often a far minerals that match their natural diet. cry from what we purchase at the store. After all, why would a dog need less of In comparison, when we make fresh food, these nutrients as a domesticated pet than the nutrients are not degraded by process- they would in nature? And if your pet has ing and are more bioavailable. The diet can have ideal amounts of protein and fats from sources that better match the Continued Next Page

www.4LegsAndATail.com 3

certain medical issues, your veterinarian can increase or decrease nutrients in the diet to assist their condition. In the end, even if home cooking is intermittent or a low percentage of your pet’s overall diet, it is still really easy to see the health benefits.

So let’s talk about some of the common advice I give when building a homemade diet plan. Remember, these are generalizations and all specific diet changes are best discussed with your holistic veterinarian to make sure they are a good match for your individual pet. First, unless you have a really stubborn pet that won’t eat commercial food once enjoying homemade, (and who can blame them really), you can you mix homemade or raw diets with

dry or canned foods. Feeding is not an ‘all or none’ proposition for most animals. It is fine to feed a small topping of homemade or a fresh meal once a week, as fits your budget and lifestyle. Rotating foods is considered ideal to provide a variety of different nutrients, but some individuals with allergies or digestive issues can’t tolerate change. If this is the case, then respect their digestive needs and adjust to what works for them.

Second, you do need to follow a balanced recipe. In a pinch or when your pet is not feeling well it is ok to just use some meat and rice to get by, but more than a week or two of a diet deficient in nutrients is not ideal. Over time deficiencies will be occurring that are very slow to show outwardly unless you are young and growing. Then these effects can be devastating rapidly, especially in large breed puppies. There are many people that do not agree with ‘balanced recipes’ or using supplements for dog food. They argue that eating is effortless in the wild and there aren’t nutritionists hovering over the wolf reminding him to eat more magnesium. They say that we should just be able to give a variety of meats and some organs and be good to go, right? But we have to remember that most prey is consumed whole in the wild, including the fur, glands, organs, muscles, and each part is rich in some vital nutrient.

As with anything in life, things that are worthwhile do take a bit of effort. It is easier to throw up your hands in despair and just keep doing what you are doing even if you don’t feel good about it. However, after a small learning curve, fresh feeding can be an easy addition to your pet’s meals. Your efforts will be rewarded in the satisfaction of seeing your pet enjoy the yummy taste and aromas wafting from the real food in their dishes, made even better by the knowledge that they will be healthier for it. And for those of us out there that find boiling water a challenge, no worries. The raw food industry is getting better and better with balancing diets and most of the dehydrated varieties are sterilized for those with concerns about bacteria. So whether fresh from the crock pot or freezer, everyone can treat their pet to a wholesome fresh diet.

4 4 Legs & a Tail

Dr. Anne Carroll is owner of the Chelsea Animal Hospital where she practices both conventional medicine and surgery as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Her associate Dr. Betty Jo Black brings classical homeopathy to the practice. For more information on alternative veterinary medicine visit their website at www.chelseaanimalhospital.com Winter 2017

Getting Past the Heartbreak: An Understanding Community Helps Bereaved Families When Pets Pass Away

N

By Amee Abel

o matter how long they live, it’s never long enough. Whether their death is an accident, an illness, or end of a long life, their loss is wrenching. For children, their pet’s death may be their first exposure to mortality. For adults, it may bring not only the loss of the pet, but the loss of friends who don’t understand your grief.

Coping with the grief when a pet dies is both familiar ground and new territory.

Familiar because families have always created private memorials. Heartfelt words precede the flush of a goldfish. A shoebox burial for a hamster. A special bush or tree to mark the final resting place of a good dog. In the introduction to his book The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies, Dr. Wallace Sife states “Historically, Western Tradition and religions have avoided the subject of pet death, leaving the full responsibility and burden solely up to the confused, lonely, and distraught mourner of a beloved animal. Up until very recently, each person had to suffer alone.”

The new territory has grown because our pets are vital to our emotional lives.

Pet memorials have become a $12 billion industry, according to Peteternity, a website catering to grieving pet owners. 30% of pet owners who had lost a pet reported their

grief lasted at least six months, according to a 2009 study from University of Hawaii’s Animal Science Department. Small surprise funeral directors and psychologists see an increasing demand for their services from the million-plus people each year who lose their pets.

National Trend-Local Community At Monadnock Humane Society in Swanzey, NH, compassion for animals and for the people who love them go hand in hand. As MHS Executive Director, Kathy Collinsworth said, “I have owned pets all my life. They are my constant companions. Grieving their loss is appropriate.”

Last October, MHS initiated a public memorial event to honor and remember the lives of pets who have passed.

The outdoor ceremony included a temporary “Memorial Wall” collage created by attendees. Words of consolation from Reverends Lynda Tolton of Fitzwilliam and Emily Preston of Jaffrey helped people process their grief. Live acoustic music by local musicians Sandy and Vinoy Laughner included a sing-along.

Participants planted spring-blooming bulbs in memory of their pets. Four therContinued Next Page

Pictured on the right is Merlyn, beloved cat of Sam and Mike who was adopted from MHS. Merlyn captured everyone’s hearts. Pictured on the left is Sadie Ladie, Carol’s precious little girl who lived to be 18.

Please bring an unframed copy of a photo to share on the memorial wall at We Remember. Photo courtesy Monadnock Humane Society

A segment of the Memorial Wall collage created at MHS’ We Remember Pet Memorial Event.

Photo courtesy Monadnock Humane Society

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 5

Event attendees plant spring-blooming bulbs to commemorate pets who have passed away.

Photos courtesy Monadnock Humane Society

apy dogs provided furry love to those in need. The event ended with cider and cupcakes, and a chance for people to share stories. People hugged, cried, laughed, and left feeling better.

MHS staffers brought the temporary “Memorial Wall” collage indoors and kept it on display throughout the month.

Other community members stopped by to add photos and artwork. In the weeks following the event, MHS received cards and emails from participants. One said simply, “This event helped us to heal a bit.”

Experts agree; processing grief takes time and happens in stages. But, for the attendees, this communal acknowledgement of their loss provided a closure that helped to heal. MHS plans its 2017 We Remember event for the second Sunday in September, which aligns the event with National Pet Memorial Day. Amee Abel is the Community Outreach Coordinator at Monadnock Humane Society and a frequent contributor to this magazine. She lives in the Monadnock region of NH with her family, three dogs and a very fierce kitten.

6 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 7

Choosing the Right Dog Y

Nancy Holmes

ou’ve decided to get a dog. You have the time, space, money and love. The big question is how do you find the right one?

Are you looking for a cuddly couch potato, a hunting companion, a protector, an incentive to exercise, or a playmate for the kids? Do you plan to spend time brushing, send a dog to the groomers regularly or do you want a lower maintenance dog?

Are you picturing a purebred or a one of a kind mix?

Breeds of dogs were developed for a purpose. Looking at that purpose can help you decide what dog is right for you. The same goes for mix or cross breeds if you can figure out what the ancestors were!

A Hound that wanders off following its nose, a Terrier that digs holes in the lawn, a Guard or Herding Breed that barks at strangers should be no surprise as they are doing what they were designed to do.

Now you have an idea of what you are looking for, where to look?

Many people get a dog when a friend, co-worker or relative realizes the pet they have isn’t right for them. This sort of source usually can give you a good idea of the pet’s personality and prior veterinary care as well as the dog’s good and bad points. You may also find an owner

placing a pet via classified ads.

There are as many reasons as there are pets for why one must change homes.

When possible visit the dog in its old home.

Ask if it’s a good watch dog as that may get you information on how aggressive the dog is. Ask if you can offer a treat and see how the dog acts about food and if it will sit on command. Ask about medical care including heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, shots and who the dog’s veterinarian is. Bring a list of questions to ask and observe and handle the dog while you ask them.

A rescue or shelter may have adult dogs, young adults or even pups available. Your interest may be sparked by an online ad but visit the dog in person before making any decisions on becoming its new home.

While looks are important, a personality fit can’t be seen in an image. Make sure the group is licensed, and following the laws on quarantine, shots and health certificates for the best chance to get a healthy pet with its vet work done. Speak to the caretakers, whether a foster or a shelter worker, to get their opinion on temperament and behavior.

Some people want only a special type of pup and seek out breeders. Online ads, dog club referral lists, and word of mouth might

help you find a breeder. Make sure breeders follow the laws on the age of puppy placement, health certificates, shots etc.

Again don’t buy based on a picture. Meet at least one parent. Puppies, particularly purebreds, tend to be like their parents. Ask questions, handle and play with pups. No matter how cute the pups are if you don’t like the parents find a different puppy.

Because of the need to see parents to help you decide, I do not recommend a pet store pup.

A breed rescue is where you can find the special breed you might want and get it from people knowledgeable in the particular breed’s traits. Most dog breed clubs have a local or national rescue they work with to help rehome dogs of their breed.

Of course some purebreds do end up in a more general rescues and can be found there.

Good breeders, rescues and shelters help you choose the right dog for your home instead of trying to get you to buy any dog they have available. Good former owners will too. Always ask what your options are if the dog does not work out as expected. When choosing a lifetime companion what is most important is not looks, size or even health but how well temperament and personality suits you.

Young adult and adult dogs can be a great option for people who do not have the time to housebreak or spend hours teaching a pup all the basics. An older dog that is already or easily housebroken, where you can see the size, fur, personality, energy, health, training etc. can be a real advantage for a new owner.

Some of what your new pet will become depends on its parents. The rest depends upon your care and effort to make this dog the best one in the world. Whether you get a puppy or an adult dog, plan and budget to train. Training improves the dog human bond and gives you a set of signals you both understand, making living together much easier.

Choosing carefully in the beginning, then following up with appropriate care and training, is the best way to make a happy future for you and your new dog.

Dog Owners of the Granite State (DOGS), founded in 1991, monitors legislation in New Hampshire to protect the interests of pets and their owners. For more information visit www.nhdogs.org or www.facebook.com/nhdogs/

8 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

Puppy Buyers If you require a puppy that Isn’t noisy and doesn’t chew, Won’t pee on the carpet, Or one who Will never fight, Or make a mess, Will never bite Under severe duress, There is only one breed That will bring you Joy It’s the All-American, Plush Stuffed Toy! NEH ‘88

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 9

Where’d You Get That Cute Puppy?

Annie Guion

T hese days, ask anyone in Vermont, “Where’d you get that cute puppy?” and the answer is likely to be, “He’s a rescue from the south. I picked him up in the Burger King parking lot.” Or they drove to Connecticut to pick up a dog who’s photo looked cute, but they never met before agreeing adopt. How many dogs are being adopted this way? We don’t know. The transport of dogs and cats into Vermont is not regulated. Animals are supposed to arrive with a health certificate from a veterinarian, but there is no one checking. There is no way for law enforcement to know who these transporters are and when they are arriving.

Is this good or bad? We don’t know, because we don’t have any data. I have anecdotal information. My own brother and his wife drove to Connecticut to pick up their new puppy a few years ago.

Hoping for a Lab mix, they worked with a “Lab” rescue from Texas. By looks and her DNA test, she doesn’t have any lab in her, but she’s a sweetie and has been a great addition to the family. Other friends have adopted in just this manner, with very happy outcomes.

Another friend tried this approach.

When the dog she adopted started attacking her older dog, the rescue group, many states away, was no help. They simply told her she was a bad pet parent and didn’t know how to introduce a new dog to the home, that she was the problem. This person is one of the best pet owners I know.

She had to be persistent to get the dog moved to a new foster home. Shaming pet owners has been a part of the rescue world for a long time, it doesn’t work.

Adopting an animal into your home is a big deal and sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Sometimes due to operator error, it is more often just not the right fit. I have so many fun stories of people adopting from us and returning the dog, saying, “It’s not a good dog. No one will want this animal.” The dog will then go to a new home, and the new owner will write us, “Best dog ever, we love her so much.” I remember this happening with an adorable pug. The first owner put the dog in a crate the first night, and the dog cried all night. The second adopter put the pug in her bed – everyone was happy! Neither of these owners is wrong in what they want from an animal.

Transport is also happening more and more in your local brick and mortar Vermont shelters and throughout New England. Here at the Windham County Humane Society, we have transported more dogs than ever this year, 221 as of November 23. If you had told me that we would bring that many dogs up even just 10 4 Legs & a Tail

Layla enjoying her first winter in New England.

3 years ago, I would have said you were crazy.

Why do we do it? There are a host of reasons. Thanks to efforts to make spay neuter affordable and accessible, most shelters in New England have room for dogs (and yes, even cats), while much of the south continues to euthanize animals simply for lack of space. So the primary reason is, we can save lives. Having a variety of adoptable pets in our facility drives visitors to the shelter and that helps the harder to place animals. Folks come to visit with one animal in mind and leave with another. Our increased adoption income this year is helping to fund some of our other services, most notably, our Pet Care Assistance Program (PCAP). The PCAP provides basic wellness services to pet owners who can’t afford veterinary clinic fees. The program helps to keep pets in their homes and is just one reason why we have space in our kennel for dogs from the south.

The benefit of getting your rescue dog from a brick and mortar shelter actually located in your own community is the support you get from that shelter should things not go as planned (and really, what does go as planned when it comes to animals?). Most Vermont shelters want you to return an animal if the adoption is not working out, no judgment. It’s already hard to have to feel so good at rescuing, and then have it not work out. No need to make an adopter feel even worse! Here at the WCHS, we will refund your adoption fee, or apply it to your next pet, if you have made a good faith effort. We’re also here if medical or behavior issues come up and will do our best to address issues.

So, where did you get that cute puppy?

We hope it came from one of our fabulous local humane societies. But if you didn’t, we are still here to help.

Annie came to WCHS in April of 2008, new to animal welfare, but with 15 years of non-profit management experience in the field of environmental education. Annie has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Education from Antioch/New England.

Winter 2017

Your Pet May Be In Pain M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

Animals suffer from pain, just

like we do. Some forms of pain are obvious such as surgical pain or an acute injury. Because most of us have had surgery at some time in our lives (or know someone who has), we have an idea of the pain animals must feel after having an operation. The same holds true for an acute injury such as falling down the stairs or having an ear infection.

Unfortunately, the majority of pain in animals is chronic and harder for most pet owners to detect. Arthritis is often misinterpreted as the pet “getting old” or “slowing down”. It is important to remember that age is not a disease, but pain is!

Cancer and dental disease are chronic pains from which animals suffer in silence. A common misconception is that animals will whine or cry out when they are in pain. In fact, it is very uncommon for this to occur.

Signs of pain in dogs can vary between dog breeds and individual dogs. The majority have one or more of the following signs: decreased interaction with owners, decreased activity or appetite, reluctance to move, growling, guarding, aggression towards people or other pets, or even chewing or licking themselves where it hurts. For example, a dog may not want to be petted around the head if its ears or mouth hurt. An older dog with arthritis may growl or snap at kids or other dogs, trying to protect itself from being hurt. Cats are very good at hiding when they don’t feel well. This is because in the wild, if they show they are sick, they can quickly go from predator to prey. It is rare that a cat with chronic pain will cry out. Instead, it may stop grooming and have matted fur, be stiff, lose weight, hide, be less active, eat less, or groom excessively at an affected area. A cat who “doesn’t like to be petted there” is usually painful at that location.

Dental pain is rarely obvious to most pet owners. The assumption by many is if the animal is eating, there is no mouth pain. Since the alternative is to stop eating altogether and starve to death, even pets with very painful teeth will still eat. They just may not eat as much, may lose weight and may not chew their food well. They may chew only on one side of their mouth.

A thorough annual wellness exam by your veterinarian will help to determine if your pet is in pain. If you suspect Winter 2017

your pet is painful, call your veterinarian right away. There are many options available to treat pain in our pets: prescription medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy and therapeutic massage.

Remember, do not ever give human pain relievers to your pet: the majority of them are toxic to our pets. Even a

little bit of certain human pain medications can cause kidney failure and death in our pets. It is our moral responsibility as pet owners to provide for all aspects of our pets’ needs. They give us unconditional love and depend on us for their care and comfort. Besides giving them food, love, and shelter we must realize that they may get sick and will definitely get old. Along the way there are times they will be in pain, for which there is help. For more information about pain control and how to tell if your pet is in

pain, talk to your veterinarian and go to www.ivapm.org, the website of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) is a professional organization of 350 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine. For more information, visit www.vtvets.org or call (802) 878-6888. www.4LegsAndATail.com 11

12 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

Enjoying the Holidays with Squirrels Scott Borthwick - Canaan, NH

O

ne of the biggest drawbacks to being a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (the actual term for trapper), is that wildlife don’t care if it’s the weekend, after hours, or a holiday. I have spent many a holiday dealing with them. Here are a few examples of this.

A family from out of state who own a vacation home in Vermont was dealing with what they thought were mice. They hired a pest control company who put out bait stations and after their inspection informed the homeowners that there were a lot of mouse droppings in their attic insulation. Believing that the bait stations would solve the mouse problem, the homeowners contacted an insulation company. The insulation company recommended removing the feces infested fiberglass insulation and replacing it with 8 inches of foam insulation. Foam insulation is similar to the spray foam in a can in that it dries hard. Problem solved, right?

Well that is what they thought. So they packed up the kids and headed to Vermont to celebrate Thanksgiving. The first night there the horror started. Seems that whatever was in the attic was not affected by the bait stations and now had a hard foam surface to run on, to their heart’s content. The owners were not amused and after a few frantic phone calls finally got ahold of me.

It turns out their problem was not mice but flying squirrels, who also like to run, especially on a hard foam surface. So I spent the entire Thanksgiving week trapping flying squirrels and plugging entrance points. 28 flying squirrels were removed and numerous entrance points plugged. The family described the noise in the attic prior to my arrival as similar to a World War. They actually spent Thanksgiving at home because of the noise. It seems that the hard foam acts as an amplifier. After I was finished the family was able to enjoy a peaceful Christmas anyway, unlike myself. which leads to the next story....

During Christmas vacation week I received a phone call from an older couple.

Their adult children had returned home for the holidays and were occupying the upstairs bedrooms. At first I was surprised to hear that adult children had actually left their parent’s house in the first place, but that is a different topic. Anyway, now that the kids were up there they were hearing scratching and scurrying noises. Turns out a family of grey squirrels had taken up residence in the attic. So Christmas was spent removing grey squirrels and plugging entrance points. This is becoming a common thing. Older parents sleeping down stairs have no clue what is going on up in the attic, until family or guests occupy the upper floors. If you live in a large home but rarely spend time on the upper floors you should check the attic occasionally or have someone do it for you. Better yet, call a professional like me. I work nights, weekends and holidays!

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.

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 13

The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew

I

John Peaveler - W. Fairlee, VT

’m climbing slowly up and up, above what was once the tree line and onward into the clear blue sky. I’m especially cautious as I make my ascent, carefully placing right foot and right hand, then left foot and left hand in a steady sequence. The ladder continues for about 100 feet, but I choose a spot about halfway up with several horizontal supports, again set my hands and feet with diligence, take a deep breath, and look around. The scene on the ground below is as terrible as I expected it to be, but that doesn’t make it any easier to see.

My breath catches in my throat as I look around. I can see 360 degrees, moving slowly on the steel supports. The visibility is about 10 miles. I look down and see the heavy steel door that in nor-

HSI Disaster Responder John Peaveler gives food to an extremely hungry street dog in Robin, Haiti following the destruction of Hurricane Matthew. Notice the sharp lines of the dogs’ ribs. He is one of many that need help today. It’s estimated that thousands of animals died during the storm. Those who survived often do not have clear evidence of physical trauma, but without a doubt the extreme stress of 145mph winds and up to 40 inches of rain over two days has weakened many and put them in an even more precarious position than before.

HSI is on the scene to get them the care they need.

mal times secures this tower. It’s been ripped off and twisted. Across the street, a large complex of blue-roofed buildings belonging to a Taiwanese development organization has been heavily damaged.

Forty-foot shipping containers have been thrown into buildings, destroying everything in their path. Trees around me now

exist in three configurations: snapped in half, blown over, and a select few are merely leaf-less. Worse yet are the houses. Some are decimated, many are roofless, and all have been damaged. It looks near apocalyptic from this birdseye height. The destruction is pervasive.

It’s all encompassing. It’s heartbreaking.

I look into the distance and see shattered lives everywhere, as far as the eye can see. The hundred or so animals I can see from this height appear listless and bedraggled. I snap a few photos, take a deep breath, and slowly make my way back down into the debris field left by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, southern Haiti.

My job, as simply as I can describe it, is to help animals. That means a lot of different things in a lot of different places, but when it comes to my mission as an international disaster responder, I’m driven to do good in a place where something very bad has happened. That challenge comes with much uncertainty in the midst the chaotic and changing circumstances that follow natural disasters. I went there in early October to provide rescue and veterinary relief to animals affected by the storm, on behalf of Humane Society International (HSI), a non-profit organization with a global mission of improving the lives of all animals. With programs on six continents, HSI is always ready to provide leadership, experience, and support to help a wide-range of animals in need.

As a responder, my role in many disasters is to assess the situation to see how animals have been effected, to identify resources both available and necessary, Continued Next Page

14 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

support local animal welfare organizations, provide assistance however possible, and to help formulate a medium to long term recovery plan. That is why I was climbing up a communications tower in Haiti. I needed to see what had happened firsthand.

Haiti is a very special place to me. It is stunningly rich culturally and filled with natural beauty, but it is still one of the poorest nations on earth. Much of the country’s 10 million people live on less than $2 per day. When anything goes wrong, such as sickness, loss of transport, or loss of an animal, it creates a desperate situation. Therefore, when a major disaster strikes, the effects are instantaneous, wide reaching, and life threatening. I saw that first hand in 2010 after the devastating earthquake. People with very little cannot afford to lose anything. They can’t afford damage to property, and they can’t afford to lose the animals that they absolutely rely upon for survival.

It is difficult for anyone who has never seen or lived in such poverty to understand what that life must be like.

For instance, when you walk through a poor Haitian neighborhood, you’ll notice there are no cars and few bikes or motorbikes. There are no toys, fences, or decorations. Most houses are not painted and do not have windows or doorknobs.

There is no landscaping, no grass, no playgrounds. Many places don’t have electricity. Animals either roam or are tethered nearly everywhere. Food prices are high, and in many markets you can find Mud Cookies, a food item made from salt, vegetable shortening, and edible clay.

It is among the least nutritive foods on earth. A person near starvation can eat it as a source of salt, calcium, and fulfillment. It is literally cheaper than dirt is in the United States. This is a snapshot of life in Haiti.

Leaving the communications tower behind, I worked to assess the disaster area and find out what the people and animals had been through. I asked several people what the storm had been like.

Without exception, they all described terror. Several told me how they had clung to trees and prayed that floodwater would not cover them. Others who been able to weather the storm in their homes spoke of the overwhelming roar of sound as 140mph winds roared over their tin roofs. They struggled for words to describe the feeling that the world was ending. I could still see the trauma in their eyes. I could see the trauma in the eyes of the animals there too. It does not require much to imagine what it must have been like for animals tethered or loose outside. Put simply, Hurricane Matthew was absolutely horrifying for every being that lived through it without adequate shelter.

I am an international disaster responder for animals. Animals are my passion in life and my area of professional expertise. Still, as an individual, my biggest challenge in a place like Haiti is wanting to help everyone and turning that raw emotion into a plan to do something meaningful. What plan then could I as an animal welfare professional possibly enact? How, in the face of such a tragedy, could I act on behalf of HSI to work in a way that helped animals without ignoring the obvious needs of desperate people? Those questions weighed on me, but the answer slowly became obvious: do anything that improved the situation in any way. And helping animals is critically important – for Haitians, they are a source of livelihood and survival. I also needed to tell the world what had happened in Haiti, now for a second time, so that the needs there could be met through responsible organizations.

So I assembled the available resources and set to work. On my third day in Haiti, a veterinarian and a veterinary technician from the Dominican Republic joined me on behalf of HSI. Together we worked with a local NGO called 4Patte (Four Feet) to conduct two open clinics and pave the way for a follow-on team a week later. The clinics treated goats, sheep, cows, pigs, cats, and dogs, nearly 300 of them in two days. But I was painfully aware of how little our impact seemed in the midst of so much need. I also wondered how people would respond to our presence there and the work we would do. Their reactions were unbelievable. Smiles on faces that hadn’t smiled in days (especially when I received a rope burn, courtesy of a 1000lb cow). Gratitude from people who hadn’t received any aid after more than a week. Children watching, observing compassion and kindness toward animals, perhaps for the first time in their lives. The simple, harsh, and beautiful reality is that the people were happy we had come to help. The animals received vaccines, wound treatments, wormers and other care they never would have received otherwise. In some ways our work there was merely a drop in a bucket, but that drop left a ripple. I went home with the knowledge that we had all done what we could to make a difference, with a promise to tell this story, and with hope for the important work that HSI would continue on behalf of animals in Haiti.

You can learn more about the important work of HSI by visiting www.hsi. org or by following their Facebook page: @hsiglobal

This is the inside of a Taiwan based aid agency. Winds were so strong they threw 40’ shipping containers that were welded into place as the walls and foundations of warehouse space.

Winter 2017

John Peaveler is an Animal Welfare Consultant with over ten years experience working with all types of animals on three continents. He lives with his wife and two children in West Fairlee, Vermont and continues to work and write at home and abroad. www.4LegsAndATail.com 15

Helping Your Cat Stay Mentally Spry Amy Shojai

1. Train the Brain Early. To slow the progression of aging in the brain, make sure your cat is physically active and mentally engaged throughout her life — starting when she’s a kitten.

2. Play Daily. Cats thrive on routine, and building play into everyday life increases the chances that she’ll stay active in later years. Homemade cat toys like wads of paper, socks stuffed with catnip and ribbons that you can drag on the floor cost little but bring huge rewards.

3. Keep Her Physique in Check. Overweight

cats avoid physical exertion and prefer sleep and lap time to brainteasers. To encourage exercise and problem solving, place food bowls at the top of stairs or cat trees.

4. Create Some Kitty TV. Place bird feeders and birdbaths outside windows for your cat’s viewing pleasure and brain-stimulating enrichment.

5. Build Obstacle Courses. Set up cat trees, empty boxes, paper bags and other hiding spots, so your feline can lounge, climb and explore.

6. Adopt a Younger Pet. A playful cat or dog, when introduced safely and correctly, can turn back the clock and inspire an old-timer to move her tail — and jump-start her sluggish brain.

7. Offer a New Leash on Life. Teach your cat to walk on a leash, so she can safely explore the yard — or simply use her brain to troubleshoot how to get out of the darn thing.

8. Teach With Treats. Call out “Fluffy, come!” Then turn on the can opener, and when the cat runs to you, reward her with a snack.

9. Pick Up a Puzzle. Toys that dispense treats mimic feline hunting behaviors, keeping cats entertained and mentally sharp.

10. Make Treasure Hunts Out of Meals.

Hide saucers full of small amounts of food all over the house — and place them at different levels, so your cat must seek out the morsels. Once cats reach their senior years, their companionship becomes even more precious. If you pay attention to your kitty’s mental health, you’ll keep her connected with life — and you — as long as possible.

Amy Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including Complete Care for Your Aging Cat. Shojai also appears on Animal Planet’s “Cats 101" and "Dogs 101", as well as writes for puppies.About.com and cats.About.com. She lives in Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and a smart-aleck German Shepherd.

16 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

When Your Cat is an Early Riser and You’re Not Mikkel Becker - Vetstreet.com

O

ur cat wakes us early every morning by meowing and yowling outside of our closed bedroom door until we get up and serve her wet food for breakfast. We leave a bowl of dry food out for her, but it doesn’t seem to tide her over. We’ve tried ignoring her but she just doesn’t stop! Is it possible to change her morning routine so we can get some sleep?

Your kitty’s clock is clearly not synchronized with yours. She may be waking early in response to internal cues, like hunger, or external cues, like sunlight. But it is also possible that your cat’s tactics are a learned behavior driven by desire for a tasty meal, companionship and attention. Whatever the cause, the behavior has become a habit and is unlikely to stop unless you implement some changes.

Your first step should be to talk with your veterinarian. Your cat’s behavior may be caused by an underlying medical issue. Some conditions, like thyroid disease, can cause excessive vocalizations, restless behavior and changes in sleep and eating patterns. It’s important to rule those out before making any other alterations to her routine.

Once your cat has a clean bill of health, though, there are several ways to address her early rising.

Since it sounds like your cat is willing to eat dry food, another good option may be an automatic feeder. This would enable her to wake early and have her breakfast but not rouse you. Start by familiarizing your cat with the device by feeding her normal meals from the dish.

Once she’s comfortable eating from the dish, set the automatic timer and give her a chance to get used to the tone or sounds. She will quickly come to associate the feeder’s noise with mealtime.

Once she is used to the automatic feeder, set it to go off in the morning

just before the time she normally starts crying at your door. If you would like to have her wake later, you can try to reset her internal clock by moving the feeder’s timer back a few minutes each day until you reach a more ideal feeding time.

Another option is to leave one or two food puzzles filled with dry food or treats for her at night. Both strategies offer the possibility of meals being delivered independently, which should mean that everyone gets a little more sleep.

BREAKFAST IS SERVED - BUT NOT

BY YOU

It sounds as though your cat is willing to eat dry food but is waking you because she’s finished what you’ve left out and is ready for more. In that case, a good place to start would be by giving her a last meal of wet food before everyone goes to bed at night. You should also check to be sure she’s getting enough to eat during the day — if she’s eating the dry food you leave out at night and waking you early for another meal, she may simply need more to eat.

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 17

The Drumming of Hooves and History I

Ethan Allen 50 - photo courtesy of the American Morgan Horse Association

Tanya Sousa - Derby, Vermont

shudder to think that it was 34 years ago when I stood at the Orleans County Fair with my two-year-old Morgan horse, Drummer. I’d stabled him at a friend’s house the night before and then walked him to the fairgrounds when the sun was just rising. There wasn’t any action to speak of yet, but the horse ring and barns would soon be full of activity. The morning sun made his chestnut coat gleam. His white socks were bright as I could get them, and he willingly moved wherever I wanted or needed him to go.

I wasn’t skilled or experienced with horse shows, but I thought I’d give at least the two-year-old confirmation class a whirl.

I walked my horse and friend to the tracks where I could already imagine the sound and feel of pounding hooves in my ears and through my body. The trotters were a long-standing part of this fair. Drummer’s ears pricked up and he nickered. I remember wondering if he longed to do what some of his ancestors had done – pace the track and set records.

Tanya and Still Hill Drummer at the Orleans County Fair Grounds when she was 12 - the same day described in the essay, and before it was time to go into the show ring. The wind was whipping that day!

I didn’t learn until recently that my beloved and beautiful Morgan probably has the blood of a great champion running through his veins. It was a horse I’d never heard of before, but yet not a far off descendent of Justin Morgan. The famous horse that we have managed to forget was named “Ethan Allen 50”, but was often referred to as simply, “Ethan Allen”. Though this horse was sired in 1849 in New York State, his mother was originally a Vermont mare, later sold and bred, eventually producing the last and greatest foal in her life – Ethan Allen.

In an old article from around 1950, author Mable Owen wrote, “His appearance on any track in America was cause for the wildest demonstrations.

His long, thick, slightly waved main and tail, his wonderful speed, his well rounded Morgan appearance even in racing trim, and above all his absolutely perfect disposition made him the universal favorite.”

Continued Next Page

18 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

Ethan Allen was a trotting champion up to the age of eighteen years and was Champion of the World at age four. How famous was this horse whose blood “survives in the bloodline of every Morgan Horse” according to Owen? Not only did he cause a stir at the tracks and was he immortalized in Currier and Ives artwork where his fine form and trotting action is shown “without exaggeration,” Owen wrote, but he was also the inspiration for the trotting horse weather vanes now so common.

How famous was he? When he was sold to a farm in Kansas where he eventually passed away at twenty-eight, they buried him in the trotting park there with a monument – this horse of Vermont origins. Later, they retrieved his skeleton and mounted it in the Natural History Museum in Lawrence, Kansas.

My Drummer, “Still Hill Drummer” on record, was never a champion of any horse show or race track, but he was certainly a champion of my heart even after his untimely death in a lightning storm. Instead of winning money and pulling drivers behind him, he pulled me, laughing wildly, behind him as he swam across the pond. He happily spent hours with me as I read books, sometimes lying over his back while I did. He shared his beautiful temperament and fine eyes with me – the ones that were perhaps passed down by this famous Morgan that somehow we’ve forgotten.

The next time I go to the fair and feel the thunder of the hooves as the harness racers speed by, manes and tails flying, I’ll think of Ethan Allen 50 and thank him for helping to make history – and for bringing me such a beautiful creature as Drummer almost 150 years after his own birth.

Tanya Sousa is a published author of many magazine articles and several children’s picture books. Most recently, her environmental novel, The Starling God, made the short-list for the national “Green Earth Book Awards,” in the Young Adult Fiction category. www.RadiantHen.com www.forestrypress.com

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 19

PEPPER Rebecca Roy

P eople often ask how we pick the ones that we save. My answer is

often, “they pick us”. As hokey as it sounds, it is very true. Situations present themselves, a plan takes shape, our supporters assist, and before you know it, a new horse is arriving for its second chance.

Pepper is an aged Percheron mare that has been with us for just over a year now. She came from western New York. She ended up with to us to avoid being shipped to slaughter. She is kind, sweet, safe, and has quite a personality! Her coloring is called “flea-bitten gray” which is a grey coat with lots of speckles. She loves attention, can be a little bit bossy with the geldings, loves to play in water, and has just been a reliable horse.

Pepper had a melanoma mass the size of a duck egg on her vulva when she arrived. I would assume that was why she was being shipped. Truly a shame, as she was sound, had a great temperament, was safe to handle, and was trained for both riding and driv-

ing. We had the mass removed by Dr. Stephanie Vassar of Great Falls Equine & Veterinary Services in Gill, MA. Pepper made a quick recovery.

Pepper was very fun to ride. It appears that she spent an awful lot of time with children as she knew every trick in the book from lying down during a ride, to splashing in water tubs, to stopping when she felt her rider was unbalanced. She was a great gal and very adoptable.

Several people showed interest in adopting her. Even a few therapeutic riding programs came out to meet her. Through no fault of her own, and really for no specific reason, the various homes just never seemed to work out. So she stayed with us.

And now, I’m so glad she did. Things happen for a reason. Pepper recently starting having some blood in her urine. Through diagnostic procedures, our veterinarians, Dr. Vassar (Great Falls Equine), and Dr. Ted Johnson (VT-NH Veterinary Clinic) were able to determine that Pepper had a softball sized tumor inside her bladder.

The prognosis for a 24 year old draft mare with a bladder tumor is grim. It is because of this prognosis, that I am so grateful that home offers mentioned above never worked out and that she is still here with us.

Thanks to our veterinary team, Pepper was able to be given a speedy diagnosis. She is being well cared for and having all of her needs met while she lives out the rest of her days.

Pepper will be humanely euthanized on our farm by our veterinarian. Our volunteers will all have the chance to say goodbye to her. She will get extra treats, and extra love, and maybe even some water to play in before she crosses the rainbow bridge.

At Draft Gratitude, helping an aged animal pass gracefully is part of what we do. It is our responsibility to set our own personal emotions aside in order to do what is in the best interest of any of the horses in our care. These decisions are never easy, but are made with the guidance of not one, but two veterinarians, and with our farrier as well. Although it will be a sad and emotional day, Pepper will be able to rest peacefully and pain free. We will know that we did our best by her.

Rest easy sweet girl! You were loved by many and it was an honor to have you here with us at the end of your life.

Thank you Pepper, for picking us!

Draft Gratitude is an all-volunteer nonprofit draft horse rescue. Draft Gratitude saves draft horses from slaughter by providing a second chance and a place to call home. For more information about Draft Gratitude and to learn how you can get involved, please visit their website at www.draftgratitude.com Rebecca Roy is the founder of Draft Gratitude and can be reached at 603-762-3266 or nfo@draftgratitude.com

20 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

HELP IS ON THE WAY Dorothy Crosby - Stoddard, NH

H

“

e’s hanging on me!” “I can’t get her to move over.” “She won’t stop, turn, trot, do laterals, lift her back; he won’t bend, stop pulling, or lengthen his stride…..” The list of challenges and complaints goes on and on with the blame often put on the horse. (Surely you can relate to one, or add your own!)

What does this mean for most riders? How do we put the fun back into developing a sensitive, obedient, and cooperative horse? I will maintain two ideas: first, to quote Sally Swift, we must “get out of the horse’s way” so they can do their job. Second, we need to shift our thinking; instead of “making” them do something, we need to “help” them do it!

In my experience, with almost 100% accuracy, when an educated horse doesn’t do something asked of him, there’s usually a good reason. He’s trying to tell us something; most often it’s more realistic that he can’t, rather than that he won’t, cooperate and perform it. Somehow, completely without meaning to, we are trying so hard ourselves that we unintentionally block the motion, making it more difficult for her to do what was asked , or at least to do it well. The natural reaction is then to try harder, push more, and force the issue because we think the horse is being difficult; submission is important, after all. We try to make them do it, but we are, in essence, in their way!

Instead, what if we looked at the whole picture, pondering how we might make it easier for them to do it? What if we considered the use of our bodies, the amount of our tension, the effort behind our push? What if we considered, as Sally Swift suggested, the use of “comparable parts?” That, if he doesn’t move his shoulder or his leg or hangs on me, then I should evaluate the use and role of my shoulder or leg or hands?

The idea behind comparable parts is that we have a tremendous influence on each other’s bodies, even specific body parts, and this goes both ways.

Frequently, when my horse is “stuck” somewhere, so am I; it’s very common for the parts to be exactly the same or at least related. Sometimes he causes my issue, but more frequently I initiate his; a slight change in tension or direction of movement or another “use of self” can alter the whole picture!

So, how do I do that? How do I help my horse perform a maneuver or even Winter 2017

just be forward when t hey are refusing to go? The use of the 4 Basics of Centered Riding: Breathing, Sof t Eyes, Centering, and Building Blocks, are a large part of the answer.

Can I softly invite my horse to join me in this turn or maneuver? Can I be quiet and clear in the use of my aids, and balanced in how I sit? Can I allow my own body to follow in the direction of the motion or length of stride I wish to achieve? Can I make a request and then give her the room to go there?

For example, over and over I see horses that are not forward and in front of the rider’s leg. The rider struggles to get a longer, more energetic stride and they end up using way too much effort, kicking and clucking and coaxing to get some “go,” making themselves exhausted and frustrated as Lazy Boy stays in low gear. Several things could be at play here. They could be blocking the forward motion, using the brakes and the gas pedal at the same time because their seat and hands and legs are not independent yet. They might have taught her to ignore their aids until they turn up the heat enough for Sluggish Girl to think they really mean it.

The best way to desensitize a horse to the aids is to not expect a response to clear, light, intentional aids, waiting until late in the process to get tough, long after soft and inviting is gone – not unlike asking a child to perform a task, but not following through so it isn’t accomplished until we reach anger or threats. Perhaps I squeeze and kick relentlessly, but never soften enough to

give them room to move, or don’t change my posting or sitting trot seat to allow for greater movement and swinging back. We are to guide and invite the horse, not force and “make” the horse.

Riding is, after all, a team effort; both horses and riders have much to gain from the cooperative effort. Neither can do it without the other. We need to be clear, soft and inviting and they will generally respond with kindness and enthusiasm!

Certified as both a Level lll Centered Riding® Clinician/Instructor and CHA Instructor, Dorothy Crosby manages a farm and lesson program for adults and children based in Stoddard NH, where Equi-librium is based; workshops, clinics, and lessons are also offered off the farm. She teaches a number of disciplines, emphasizing safety and fun while learning. Dorothy offers clinics, lessons, and workshops both on and off the farm. She loves teaching riders and horses of all ages and levels of experience.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 21

BIG LOVE Cathy White - Walpole, NH

Cassie, Poppy and Seamus lead the good life as therapy dogs

I

magine that your beloved dog weighs a whopping 150 pounds, devours two pounds of raw food daily, sheds his thick black coat yearlong, and has some issues with drool. Now imagine that you live with five of him!

That’s life for Rob and Deb, childhood sweethearts who went their separate ways, but reconnected and married in 2003. They live in a sleepy rural town near Keene and share their modest cape-style home with five enormous Newfoundlands.

“Newfies” to aficionados of the breed, (who are many - they rank 38th in AKC registrations) are massive dogs. Living with one can present challenges. Living with a pack of five is an adventure!

Let’s meet this weighty bunch: Cassie and Rosie, 10, are littermates. Poppy, 8, is next in the hierarchy, and then come “the boys”, Seamus, 7, and the baby of the group, Boom, 3. That’s approximately six hundred pounds of Newfoundland.

How did they end up with these five behemoths? The couple isn’t quite certain themselves. Obviously, they adore the breed; well-known for its friendliness, devotion and huge heart as well as its huge physique. (Seamus is even a registered Therapy Dog and Boom is about to become one.) They were friends with the various breeders of their dogs, and started out by helping to care for each litter...and walking away with a puppy every time. (Two, in the case of littermates Cassie and Rosie.)

Deb felt that three was “enough.” But when Seamus and Rob met, an unbreakable bond was forged; and who could say no to Boom?

22 4 Legs & a Tail

Deb’s love of Newfies began with her uncle’s dog, Sam, who stole her heart when she was only eight. Twenty seven years later, she finally had her own Newfoundland.

Named Arlo, he was the first in a total of twelve thus far. Rob, interestingly enough, brought two Cockapoos to the relationship; but he’s been sold on Newfies since Rosie and Cassie came into the couple’s lives in 2006.

What’s daily life like with a houseful of giants? There’s no apparent pecking order.

All the dogs get along and have a comfortable dynamic. “Wrestling” play may start indoors, but is soon encouraged to continue outside, where the dogs have two appropriately large, enclosed play areas.

Anywhere near the woodstove is a coveted spot in cold weather; while central AC keeps these heavy-coated dogs cool in the summer. All have indoor/outdoor access through what must be the world’s largest dog door. When asked where they all sleep, Deb’s answer comes swiftly, “Wherever they want!”

The dogs consume a LOT of food. But due to its raw nature, it’s very efficiently used, resulting in surprisingly little waste.

There are no mealtime squabbles, as the dogs are all fed in separate crates. Feeding time finds them filing into their individual spaces in an orderly manner; a sight perhaps reminiscent of dairy cows coming into the milking barn.

Life with Newfies is not for the neat freak. Drooling, and shedding what appear to be smaller versions of themselves are typical. How do you keep the house clean?

“I don’t!”, Deb laughs, adding that she’d have to vacuum twice a day to keep their home fur-free. When the upright does makes an appearance, the dogs choose to remove themselves from the room; though Rosie very much enjoys a good grooming with the shop-vac.

Newfies don’t drool constantly, so it’s really only with food and when it’s hot outside. None-the-less, walls will periodically require a wipe down, and sofa and chair arms are often covered with toweling.

This is more for any potentially squeamish visitors than for the couple themselves.

And of course, there are Newfie-sized bibs.

Having five Newfoundlands randomly splayed about the house requires some agility on the couple’s part; especially during meal preparation. “I have to high step over dogs every time I work in the kitchen”, says Deb, adding “They are my cardio-vascular workout.” There’s always a party at the door when either returns from work (he’s a nurse, she’s a data analyst), with a canine crowd busy vying for attention.

All dogs have some health issues and the Newfoundland is no exception. As with all large breeds, bloat and orthopedic issues can be concerns. But there’s a specific condition common in this breed that Deb wants people to be aware of; especially if they are considering ownership. Newfies can suffer from a congenital heart defect called subaortic stenosis (SAS). This life threatening problem cannot be detected in puppies younger than ten weeks; thus it is vital that puppies be tested, checked and cleared no earlier than that before being placed in a home.

Logistics aside, it’s evident that this couple wouldn’t have things any other way. Deb states that what she loves most about this breed are “Their hearts.” They are “devoted, loving, sweet animals.” Would they add any more of these plus-size sweeties to their family? Maybe. While they know Newfie owners who have “downsized” to smaller breeds, Rob and Deb don’t know what they’d do without these wonderful giants in their lives.

Cathy White lives in Walpole with her husband, Jeff. They have been owned by Labradors of every color for almost 30 years. Cathy is a Boston University alum, with a degree in print communications.

Winter 2017

Cognitive Dysfunction Catherine MacLean,DVM

I

f you have ever had a senior pet, you may have noticed that as they age their behavior can change. Just like people, cats and dogs can get behavioral changes that can look a lot like changes we see in elderly people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Cognitive dysfunction usually presents itself later in a pet’s life. It usually has a slow and gradual onset. Just like the rest of the body, the brain begins to deteriorate as our pets age. In some cases, the deterioration causes changes in the physical and chemical makeup of the brain resulting in a decrease in your pet’s cognitive function.

All senior pets are at risk. One study that was done on 180 dogs between 11-16 years of age showed that 28% of 11 to 12-year-old dogs and 68% of 15 to 16-yearold dogs had at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction. Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction that may be seen include loss of interest in food, altered sleep/wake patterns, difficulty being able to move around, disorientation, staring into space, yowling or barking at nothing, reduced hearing and eyesight, anxiety, restlessness, loss of housebreaking skills, and obsessive behaviors (i.e. excessive barking, licking, etc.).

There is no specific diagnostic test for cognitive dysfunction. If you notice any of the clinical signs mentioned above, you should speak with your veterinarian.

A good physical exam and neurological exam may be needed to rule out other possible underlying issues. Blood work may also be recommended to rule out other potential causes for some of the behaviors listed above.

Once a diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction has been made, a plan should be formulated on how to best manage the signs that you are seeing. There is no way to prevent cognitive dysfunction and there is no cure for it. There are treatments to help with some of the behaviors that may be seen, and there are supplements available that may help slow the progression of the disorder and support brain function, but there is still no cure.

A diet by Purina was developed for dogs a couple of years ago called Bright Winter 2017

Minds. The diet is rich in brain boosting supplements that helps the brain get more glucose which in turn helps with memory function. Purina did studies with the Bright Mind diet and they showed that the diet did help improve cognitive function.

There are supplements which may help brain health such as L-deprenyl and SAM-e.

There are very few studies on these two supplements, but the studies that did take place were promising. For animals that develop sleep disturbances, supplements such as melatonin can help normalize an animal’s sleep pattern. Before using any supplement, make sure that you consult your veterinarian for the proper dose and to make sure that the supplement will not interfere with medication your pet is

already on. Remember, cats and dogs are not small humans, and they metabolize medicine and supplements differently than people do.

Environmental enrichment can also really help keep an older pet’s brain sharp.

Teach them new tricks, find problem solving toys and games to play. Keep their minds engaged! One of my favorite things are puzzle balls which makes the pet work for their treats or meal. It gives them exercise and helps keep their mind engaged.

Watching your pet get old can be frustrating and heartbreaking. I watched my Labrador Lily pace through the house at night when she was still alive. Sometimes she would get stuck in a corner and couldn’t figure out how to get out of it.

Continued Next Page

www.4LegsAndATail.com 23

You would have to go over to her and turn her around. Now I have a cat that will randomly walk through the house at night yowling.

Animals with cognitive dysfunction can still have great lives. Hopefully as research progresses on the human side, we will see new treatments become available for our pets.

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, and their three pets: Jack and Misty, two cats, and Arrow, a dog.

24 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

Owney, The POST OFFICE DOG Kate Kelly

T

he time was winter 1886, and the place was the post office in Albany, New York, where a cold, bedraggled fox terrier made his way inside looking for shelter.

The postal clerks took him in, fed him, and provided the dog with a warm place to sleep. Owney, as they called him, felt right at home and decided it was his job to follow the mail wagons from the post office to the rail station and back again.

One day he slipped on to a rail car, and several days later he caught another train

Mail Carrier and Owney

Winter 2017

back to Albany. Owney began to travel regularly, probably encouraged by some humans, but he always returned to the home office. The clerks in Albany were fond of him and were worried about losing him, so they gave him a collar with the inscription, “Owney, Albany P.O., N.Y.” For eleven years, Owney traveled the U.S. from New York to California. He had the tags to prove it. Other post offices began providing him with “postmarks” that specified where he had visited. Miners in the West inscribed some molded silver as a label of his visit to a mining community; others labeled him with tags of leather or scraps of cloth. Owney started each trip fresh, because in Albany his friends removed and preserved the tags from his previous trip. Occasionally a “travel” book was sent along with him to further document his trips.

In July of 1894, a report in The New Orleans Times-Democrat noted that Owney was back in New Orleans again.

His last visit to the city had been in the winter of 1892. The article notes: “He never travels in any but mail cars, and when he reaches a town that he forms a good opinion of from the car door, he follows the mail wagon to the Post Office,

and when he is ready to travel again, he follows the wagon to some train and is off for parts unknown.

“Since he was here, Owney has taken in the World’s Fair and a part of the widespread labor troubles…[traveling] to Seattle, Washington, Kansas City, Mo.; Memphis, Fort Worth, Taylor, Texas; Waco, San Antonio and Houston.”

Eventually Owney traveled internationally. One of his medals documented an audience with the prime minster of Japan.

Owney had become quite a celebrity.

Today Owney’s body has been stuffed and preserved and stands guard in a glass case in Washington, D.C., serving as a reminder of the importance of goodness and loyalty. (New York Times, 3-20-1910) In 2011, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in honor of Owney.

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 stores in your In Box. Or email Kate Kelly at kate@americacomesalive.com www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

Make a New Year’s Resolution:

Get Those Teeth Cleaned and Keep ‘Em Clean Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS - Windsor, VT

F

ebruary is Pet Dental Health Month, so after you make your resolution, you can get your pet’s teeth cleaned by your veteriLet’s look at some teeth: narian and then keep them clean for the rest of the year. Keeping the teeth clean is the path to keeping periodontal disease at bay.

And why should you do this? Because periodontal disease is the most common disease found in dogs and cats, and it has been shown that periodontal disease can shorten a pet’s life span. Even though dogs and cats do not complain about dental pain, they certainly are affected by dental pain.

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, that sticky substance that is on your teeth when you wake up in the morning. It is a normal substance that forms within the mouth every second of every day, as it is made up of a component of saliva (mucoproteins), bacteria, dead cells from the mouth and debris. It is not caused by food. If it is not removed routinely placque will accumulate in the space between the tooth and the gum. Here the bad guy bacteria can flourish, as they like an environment that has no oxygen. These bacteria produce toxins which cause the body to remove the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Eventually the teeth become loose. Loose teeth 14 year old Yorkshire Terrier. This dog’s teeth are do not readily fall out on their own, but seem to be quite tenacious completely covered with tartar. It takes years for teeth at hanging on. to get this bad.

While teeth without visible tartar can have severe periodontal disease, usually severely affected teeth will have quite a bit of tartar.

There is also a distinctive “rotten egg” or “swamp gas” smell to periodontal disease and the owners often note that the pet no longer eats dry food or hard treats.

Continued Next Page

26 4 Legs & a Tail

Winter 2017

Complete loss of bone around one root of this double rooted tooth (yellow arrow).

A common misconception is that teeth will quickly and easily fall out if they are loose. These three teeth have very little to no bone holding them in (red arrow). Yet it might take years for them to fall out on their own.

Even though the owners may not be aware of any problem, they routinely comment on how much better the pet feels after all the bad teeth are removed. The kisses are a lot sweeter too!

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 Veterinary & Dental Services.

The proof of the amount of bone loss requires dental x-rays. The red arrow points to a tooth with three roots. There is no bone on at least half of the length of the roots.

Cats also get periodontal disease.

The bone loss from periodontal disease has created large holes in the skull (red arrows).

Note how much worse the bone loss is in the xray than is apparent in the photograph

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

My Golden Snitch © 2013 by Mark Carlson All Rights Reserved. First printed in San Diego Pets Magazine, 2013

A

ll you Harry Potter fans out there know what a Golden Snitch is. Well I have one. Her name is Saffron. She’s a 2-year old Yellow Labrador. And like the seeker’s target in a game of Quidditch, she’s just as fast, just as elusive and when I catch her, the game is over.

But it’s not that easy. For one thing, I don’t have a Firebolt. And my eyesight is lousy. But I still have to catch my little Golden Snitch.

Saffron is a playful and energetic dog. When my older Guide Dog Musket retired, I went back to Guide Dogs for a new one. And I was given Saffron. Here’s the deal.

I’ve been working with Musket for so long, I was used to his easygoing, slow pace. It was like driving a 40-year old VW Microbus and then getting a Formula One Ferrari. What a change. She’s a great Guide Dog, but that’s not the topic of this story.

Saffy loves to run, and play and fetch.

When I played fetch with Musket I’d throw the (ball, Frisbee, Kong,

etc) down the lawn and he’d run for it.

After about three throws it dawned on him that he was doing all the work. On the fourth throw, he’d say “Ah, you go and get it this time. I’m tired.”

So the blind guy had to go and find the (ball, Frisbee, Kong, etc). And often I never found it. They love me at Petco.

“Ah, Mark. Another Frisbee, right?”

But Saffy is very different in temperament from Musket. She LOVES to run! I can’t keep up with her. She’s like a superball in a paint mixer. Jane calls her a ‘Gazelle on crack.’

Her favorite toy to fetch is a thick short rope knotted at both ends. I just throw it once and then I can sit down and have a beer. She’s off and running.

And running back. And running off again. Back and forth. I’m no longer involved. She has more energy than a nuclear chain reaction. No, that’s not right. A runaway reactor eventually dies down. Saffron could provide power to the entire U.S. if I could just connect her to a grid. But I’d have to catch her first.

There must be some hunting instinct

in her because she doesn’t just get the rope and run. She has to ‘kill’ it. With one end in her mouth she snaps her head from side to side as if trying to break her prey’s neck. I don’t know how she keeps from beating herself unconscious.

That heavy knot bashes her on both ears like a nunchuck.

Finally I am tired from drinking a beer and say “Okay, Saffy, that’s enough.

Let’s go inside.” Then I snap my fingers and she obediently comes to me.

If she’s ready. If not, I have to go get her.

“Sigh, where’s my Firebolt?”

There’s another reason she is a Golden Snitch. I’m not only blind I’m a guy. So sometimes I break things. It happens. In the morning after I feed the dogs I make tea for Jane and bring it up to her. Saffy always watches me until I bring the tea upstairs and then sits on Jane’s lap.

One morning I was at the counter and opened the upper cupboard and heard a ‘clink!’ noise on the granite counter.

I was sure something was broken. But I couldn’t find it on the counter or floor.

I began to panic. I knew there had to be something broken (and probably valuable) on the floor. I had to find and dispose of it before Jane came down. I was on my hands and knees, feeling my way around the floor. Cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck as time ran out.

Then I heard Jane call from upstairs, “Honey did you break something? ” Damn her Vulcan hearing. “Uh, I don’t think so. Why?” “Because Saffy just brought me a piece of broken tea bag plate.”

Busted!

So my loyal little Guide Dog Saffron saw the broken plate and grabbed it, took it up to Mommy and dropped it in front of her. “Daddy broke something!

What are you going to do to him?”

That’s why Saffron is my little Golden Snitch.

28 4 Legs & a Tail

When not visiting his in-laws in South Royalton, Mark Carlson spends much of his time in North County, CA with his wife, Jane and his Labrador Retriever, Saffron. He is an award writer and an aviation historian, with numerous articles and books including his latest, Confessions of a Guide Dog. Legally blind, he travels and works with Saffron, and is a member of several aviation, maritime, and veteran organizations. www.musketmania.com Winter 2017

FR

EE

2017 Winter Wonderland Southern NH & VT

Tracing The Roots Of An Award Winning Morgan Can Hemp Be The Right Choice For Your Pet? Tips To Keep Your Cat Young At Heart Choosing The Right Dog The Best Diet For Your Pet