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Celebrate National Cat Day Careers in Equine Are you ready for the next round of ticks? Soccer Star Christian Press & Morena Veterans and Their Dogs
Autumn 2017 Southern NH & VT
Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail
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2. National Cat Day Get set to celebrate on October 29 with your favorite feline 4. Wag It Forward Make plans to attend Vermont's largest dog festival this fall 5. Confronting Animal Cruelty, John Peaveler The Humane Society of the
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United States' effort to shut down a New Hampshire puppy mill
7. Back to School, Jessica Stewart Riley
A look at exciting careers in the equine industry thanks to Vermont Technical College
8. Squares, Dorothy Crosby Fun gymnastic exercises for you and your horse 10. Horse Clothing for Winter Riding, Sarah Zabek 12. HH&H to the Rescue!, Colleen Campbell The venture from Oklahoma to
New England proves most fortunate for Memphis and Daisy
13. Adoption Fees, Annie Guion So where does that money go when you rescue a pet? 14. The Importance of Socialization for Puppies, Bethany King 15. A Happy New Beginning for Monadnock Kitty Rescue, Heidi Bourgeois
The future looks bright for MKRA and our feline friends
17. Mr. Sassy - A positively beautiful story, Amy Vaughn 18. Jura Duty, Cathy White Meet a real working dog! 19. A Tribute to Tucker James, Chris Dunham 20. Radiant Heat can Create Cozy Spaces for Your Four Legged Friends, John Q Toepfer
Some benefits to consider before winter
21. What Morena Taught me About Being a Better Footballer, Christen Press
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How one dog helped a soccer player reach an elite level
24. Let's Talk Turkey Ever wonder why there are so many wild turkeys?
26. What About Bob?, Scott Borthwick A look at the growing Bobcat population 27. MOOOve Over Cow’s Milk: Alternative Dairy Products Alleviate Cancer Symptoms and Keep Our Pets Healthy, Holly McClelland 29. So...Are You Ticked Off Yet?, Michael Tanneberger D.V.M.
Get ready as the next round of tick season is about to begin
31. The Dundee Cat According to this old Scottish folktale, be careful
what you wish for
32. Once the Teeth Are Clean, Let's Keep Them That Way - Dogs Sandra Waugh, DVM, MS The next best alternative to brushing 34. Smokey, Yorkshire Terrier and WWII War Dog, Kate Kelly
An accounting of the heroic efforts of the smallest hero of the second World War
36. Two of a Kind 4 Legs & a Tail salutes our veterans this Veterans Day
as one soldier finds the perfect dog
4 Legs & a Tail Volume K.317 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com Fall 2017
Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Senior Editor: Scott Palzer Office Manager: Beth Hoehn Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff, Lacey Dardis, Kerry Rowland Sales: Karyn Swett
Pg. 36 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.
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AMAZING CAT FACTS A cat can make over 100 vocal sounds (dogs can make 10) A cat sleeps 14 hours a day Americans spend more annually on cat food than on baby food. In 1987 cats overtook dogs as the number one pet in America.
NATIONAL CAT DAY OCTOBER 29TH!
Cats are the only animal that walk on their claws, not the pads of their feet. A cat has 32 muscles in each ear. The average cat food meal is the equivalent to about five mice. A group of youngsters (kittens) is called a kindle; those old-timers (adult cats) form a clowder. A cat can jump seven times as high as it is tall. People who are allergic to cats are actually allergic to cat saliva or to cat dander. If the resident cat is bathed regularly the allergic people tolerate it better. Besides smelling with their nose, cats can smell with an additional organ called the Jacobson’s organ, located in the upper surface of the mouth. Like birds, cats have a homing ability that uses its biological clock, the angle of the sun, and the Earth’s magnetic field. A cat taken far from its home can return to it. But if a cat’s owners move far from its home, the cat can’t find them. It has been scientifically proven that owning cats is good for our health and can decrease the occurrence of high blood pressure and other illnesses. Stroking a cat can help to relieve stress, and the feel of a purring cat on your lap conveys a strong sense of security and comfort.
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o you’re a cat lover. That’s not surprising, since households with cats are at such a high percentage in New England (Vermont actually leads the nation in cat ownership with more than 50% of the households owning a cat!). This fall, celebrate the joy your feline friend brings you on National Cat Day, October 29. Let the fun begin! Here are a few fun ideas for your consideration: - Buy your cat a premium canned food - Help an elderly person clean their litter box - Post a picture of you and your cat on Facebook - Brush your cat - Get a laser and play a game of “Catch the Spot” - Check your cat’s collar and make sure the information is up to date - Get your cat microchipped and registered - Make a donation to the Humane Society or a kitty rescue in your cat’s name - Replace cat toys which are worn or no longer used (yes, cats get bored too) - Bake some cat-shaped cookies for the office - Have fish for dinner and share the leftovers - Clean your cats bed or favorite blanket - Wash the inside of the litter box - Bring your cat to the vet for blood work and exam - Share your favorite cat story with a friend, relative or 4 Legs & a Tail
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- Have the kids draw a “kitty portrait” Fall 2017
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WAG IT FORWARD
fter a 3-year hiatus from the incredibly successful Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs event, we’re back and hope to be better than ever. This year, instead of planning our 4th annual in-house ‘Wag It Forward’ giving event, Pet Food Warehouse is creating a festival you won’t want to miss! On Sunday, October 8th, join PFW, the community and their pets at ‘Wag It Forward: A Festival for Pets’ held at the Champlain Valley Exposition. Both Pet Food Warehouse locations will close for the day so we can focus our energy on providing you and your pets with a fun and memorable experience. It all kicks off with the 7th Annual VetriScience Chase Away 5K to benefit Chase Away K9 Cancer. Registration begins at 8 am and the race starts at 9 am. Runners and walkers can pre-register online at https://goo.gl/c2NhEG. All Chase Away 5K runners and walkers will receive free entry to Wag It Forward after the race with their race bib. The gates for Wag It Forward open to the public at 10 am. Want to skip the lines? You can pre-buy WIF tickets and pick up your canine waiver at either Pet Food Warehouse location now! ‘Wag It Forward’ was born out of a desire to raise awareness and funds for local animal welfare and rescue groups. In the last 3 years, we’ve raised more than $30,000 by donating .25¢ for every $1 spent on a single day in September. We’ve helped 38 local groups raise funds and awareness for animals in need. This year, however, we want to do things a little differently. Rain or shine (hopefully shine), we plan to provide tons of fun and entertainment for the whole family, including your furry or scaly friends. Dogs, cats, birds and reptiles are all welcome, but must be kept leashed and in control at all times. WIF’s featured entertainment is brought to us by GlycoFlex and Zignature. The leaping canines of Dock Dogs will compete on-site and provide the opportunity for your dog to show off some water skills, too. The competition begins Saturday, October 7th at 3:00 pm and runs through Wag It Forward. If you’d like to participate in the jumps you can register on-site or online at dockdogs.com. Demonstrations by the Vermont Police Canine Association and 802 Disc Dogs will provide young and old alike with education and fun! The Grift, Vermont’s premier good-time party band, will keep us all moving with their booty-shaking grooves. Come hungry! We’ll have tons of local food options and, for the beer and wine drinking crowd, a beer garden nestled by the band will be the perfect spot to socialize with your two, three and four-legged friends. But, what will the kids do? They’ll bounce in a castle, collect balloon animals from Dux the Balloon Man, get their faces painted and get inked at our (temporary)
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tattoo booth! Looking to memorialize the day? Stop by the photo booth or bandana tie-dye station with your pup and walk away with a one-of-a-kind memento. If you’re looking to show off your creative skills be sure to plan your pup’s costume and take a spot in line. After all, Halloween is just around the corner. The costume parade will start strolling in the early afternoon with prizes for a variety of categories. The event is generously sponsored by many local and national businesses, including: Zignature, GlycoFlex, Pronature, WellPet, Natura, Vermont Dog Eats, Seventh Generation, Heritage Auto Group, American Natural Premium, Grizzly Pet Products, PetSafe, Sojos, Triumph and so many more! Without these great sponsorships, we wouldn’t be able to provide a no-cost avenue for local animal welfare and rescue groups to help raise awareness and funds as a community. Joining the non-profit organizations are tons of animal loving vendors who have dedicated their time and energy to creating unique products and experiences for your pets, including: local groomers, dog daycares and day camps, toy, collar and leash purveyors and more. We can’t wait to celebrate you and your pets on a beautiful fall day. For questions about the day’s events, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@pfwvt.com. Fall 2017
parasites, injuries and disease. If you’ve ever paid a veterinary bill, you know even healthy animals are expensive. They need vaccines, preventatives, routine tests and checkups. Unhealthy animals, therefore, require that and so much more. Big animals – 84 of them – have big needs. Then there is the question of who pays for all of this care. The animals must be held somewhere spacious enough to be housed safely, securely and humanely while having all of their physical and mental needs met by trained professionals. The entire cost of that care is usually absorbed by the town in which the cruelty occurred, and by extension the taxpayers. The Humane Society of the In most situations, local animal shelters United States worked with intervene to absorb most or all of the costs the Wolfeboro, NH police with no guarantee to recoup the expenses. department to rescue 70 Great Danes from a In effect, enforcement of laws when largesuspected puppy mill on scale animal cruelty is involved is often June 16. too expensive to pursue. In the case of these Great Danes, The John Peaveler - W. Fairlee, VT Humane Society of the United States has stepped up to absorb the entire cost to care for the dogs, a situation made posn June 16, the lives of 84 Great Danes changed forever. Until that fateful sible only through continuing donations. day, they had been living in squalor, caged and confined in conditions so bad that The defendant is not required to pay any Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, health officials condemned the $1.5 million property portion of the costs to care for their aniwhere they had been living as unfit for habitation. Words somewhat fail to do justice mals during the legal process, even if they in describing how bad the conditions for these animals were. This is not, however, a can afford to do so. Nor is there any state story of their past. This is the story of their future and the efforts underway to trans- fund or grant program available in New Hampshire for agencies that cannot afford form their lives and prevent cruelty like this from ever happening again. Confronting animal cruelty in the state of New Hampshire is extremely challenging. Continued Next Page Firstly, courts cannot forfeit animals who are seized during an enforcement action until the end of what can be a lengthy legal process, assuming a favorable outcome for the animals. In other words, even if a veterinarian makes a legal declaration that the animals have illnesses and injuries consistent with animal neglect, and despite expert testimony that conditions in which the animals were housed constitute illegal animal cruelty, state law still gives the owner of the animals the benefit of the doubt until all possible legal challenges are made. The result of this situation is that whoever pursues an animal cruelty case must hold seized animals for months, or even years. Time itself is a serious problem. It is an unavoidable fact that no matter how well suited an animal shelter is, long-term housing of animals presents an age-old problem of getting the dogs enough positive stimulation to keep their stress levels low. Doing so preserves their mental health and gets them ready to live in homes if they are eventually released by the court. The regiment of toys, treats, walks, training and play groups under the care of professional trainers and behaviorists who know how to work with traumatized animals is expensive. Meanwhile, animals subjected to cruelty and neglect invariably suffer from a wide variety of medical conditions, most commonly malnutrition, matting, sores, Fall 2017 www.4LegsAndATail.com 5
Confronting Animal Cruelty
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to meet the burden. The current system does not sufficiently prevent or address this type of cruelty. Great Danes are often referred to as gentle giants, and that is an incredibly fitting title. Despite their huge size, they are often placid, frequently timid, and require patience and gentility from the humans in their lives. Being giants, they also have gigantic needs. For instance, these 84 Great Danes are currently eating more than 160 pounds of food per day, and that will continue to increase incrementally over time. Their beds alone are adequately sized for my 5-year-old son. The long path of physical recovery for these dogs includes substantial medical needs, to the tune of more than 1,000 doses of prescribed medications per week. Many were virtually blind from a condition called cherry eye, where the glands of their eyes were so swollen as to obstruct their vision. These animals are three, four and even five times the size of an average 40-pound dog. Their capacity to make messes is equally large, and it takes a big crew of volunteers and staff to care for them. This case, in all its proportions, is a collaborative effort amongst a number of organizations, agencies and individuals. Principally, the Wolfeboro Police Department provides the law enforcement and legal expertise to complete the judicial aspects of
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The HSUS Animal Rescue Team members John Sidenstricker and John Peaveler, right, load dogs during the rescue. The HSUS will assist in the long-term care of the dogs.
the case. Meanwhile, The HSUS is providing the animal sheltering, investigative support and lobbying efforts to care for the animals and prevent cruelty like this from happening again. This case is a prime example of what the fight against animal cruelty looks like; for every one person who torments animals, there are tens of thousands of people willing to fight, volunteer and donate to stand up for what they know to be right. So many animals are saved every year because of them, and these Great Danes are absolutely relying upon them. As they await the outcome of a long criminal case, volunteers and donors are every day giving these animals what they need. Their work is not done. Caring for these animals and building a better future for them is a community effort. These Great Danes are incredible, but their sizable needs require a huge community of people working together each and every day. You can help today. Here are three ways you can get involved today: 1. Donate to the care of the animals at humanesociety.org/rescue 2. Follow along on Facebook to receive legislative updates to ensure New Hampshire’s animal cruelty laws prevent this from happening again: facebook.com/HSUSNewHampshire 3. Contact your state legislators and urge them to support common sense reforms to combat animal cruelty. http://www.gencourt.state. nh.us/Senate/members/wml.aspx John Peaveler has over 13 years of experience addressing animal welfare issues all over the world. He currently works as a consultant and professional animal cruelty/disaster responder and trainer for Humane Society International, The Humane Society of the United States, and Animal Care Equipment and Services. He is based in West Fairlee, Vermont where he serves as ACO, dad, husband, and minion to 20 chickens, four dogs and a cat. Fall 2017
Back to School Jessica Stewart Riley Randolph Center, VT
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hat is the value of an equine studies degree, and how can it help me to get a job? As the director of an equine studies program, I frequently hear this logical and valid question. The first thing to keep in mind is that there are many ways to arrive at the same goal, and every person will not take the same path. The most important consideration is what the best plan might be for the individual, based on his or her experience, resources, and desire. If you have had the opportunity to take lessons or work at a reputable barn(s) throughout your life, then an equine degree may not be as essential for you. However, many of the young people I meet are passionate about a career with horses, but have had minimal opportunities for formal education in a safe and reputable setting. They also may have been exposed to basic horse care and stable management and some riding, but not the finer details of equine health and diseases, lameness, training, formal riding instruction (including communication skills, lesson plans, and rider anatomy & biomechanics), liability, contracts, insurance, nutrition, fire safety, equine anatomy and biomechanics, or equine massage. We also prepare students for the work force by focusing on soft skills that they can use in any career, anywhere. This includes professionalism, working in a team or as a leader, work ethic, resiliency, mature conduct, interview skills, professional dress, career plans, and how to prepare a “perfect” resume and cover letter. All of these topics are included in the courses within the Associate of Applied Science in Equine Studies curriculum at Vermont Technical College. Our goal is to turn out graduates who are professional, knowledgeable, and ethical horse people. As with any other college major in any field, that means accepting students with whatever level of previous knowledge or experience they may have, and helping them become an employable professional in the industry. This can be challenging if a Fall 2017
student has little prior knowledge, or a lack of formal experience, but it’s something our staff and faculty take quite seriously, and we are proud of our graduates. So what career opportunities exist in the equine industry? Based on my experience, there are many. There are diverse options for someone who wants to work with horses in some capacity. There is of course the standard trainer, riding instructor, and barn manager options, but there are also careers like equine massage therapist, equine appraiser, equine insurance, saddle-fitter, veterinary assistant, equine dentist, equine transportation, etc. Some of these options may require more work or certification to perform them, but there are people out there in these careers everywhere. Can it be difficult to find an equine job in Vermont that meets an individual’s specifications? Yes, but I have found that to be true of many jobs in this state, not just those that are equine-related. If a person is prepared to work hard for what they want, opportunities exist. I have always found that anything in life worth having or doing required me to work for it. Through their own hard work and a quality education, many of our graduates have found success in the equine industry. Hillary Fay, Class of 2015, is a VetriScience Customer Manager and Horse Show Judge from Huntington, VT. After working in Web Sales at the Cheshire Horse in New Hampshire, Megan Jenks, Class of 2014, has worked for over a year as a Surgery Technician at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY, one of the best and largest equine hospitals in the world. Lindsy Danforth, Class of 2012, is the Trainer at Prince Charles Enterprises, a top Appaloosa breeding and training facility in Windsor, CT. Lindsy also judges horse shows around New England. Sarah Roche, Class of 2012, is training Quarter Horses at Macan Farms in Kearney, MO. Her clients compete in all-around events at Quarter Horse Shows. Caitlin Bradley,
Class of 2015, works in the retail part of the equine industry as a Customer Care Representative at Smartpak in Plymouth, MA. Courtney Stearns, Class of 2015, also works in retail as a Sales Representative at Horze. Courtney is from Johnson, VT. Jenny Valley, Class of 2014, originally of New Hampshire, currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, where she has 30 monthly equine massage clients and is the assistant trainer at LC Equestrian. Marina Vitagliano, Class of 2016, works for Lazy Acres Equines in Brandon, VT, as an assistant trainer and instructor. And that’s just to name a few! Attending an equine studies degree program opens up many opportunities for individuals who are passionate about a career in the equine industry. If you are interested in finding out more about the Equine Studies program at Vermont Tech, check out vtc.edu/equine. Jessica Stewart Riley is and Assistant Professor and the director of the Vermont Technical College Equine Studies Program in Randolph Center, VT. She is a graduate of Johnson State College, UVM, and Vermont Tech, as well as a member of the American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horsemen and an American Riding Instructor Association Certified instructor in Western, Huntseat on the Flat, and Stable Management. www.vtc.edu/equinestudies
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Squares Dorothy Crosby
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and willing to perform simple tasks and enjoy both ring and trail rides, but are not very supple through their bodies. Their riders have not learned how to move them so that they can be flexible, nor heard about the importance and benefits of doing so. They are amazed when the simplest improvement helps the horse become more balanced, rhythmic, and comfortable in their movement. Many equine gymnastic exercises are fun, but they have a dual purpose; the rider gains skill in using their aids to move the various parts of the horse, while the horse gains suppleness and elasticity that enables them to perform well and stay healthy and active far longer, even into old age. In order for a horse to move back-to-front he needs to have impulsion coming from his hindquarters rather than pulling himself from the shoulders. There are many movements designed to give a horse suppleness and elasticity; they must learn to stretch both longitudinally (back to front) and laterally (side to side). When we move the horses, we are generally moving either hips, shoulders or both; gaining control of and maximizing flexibility in those areas improves everything else!
ften in my travels I see very obedient, well-trained, happy horses performing their jobs. Except for not having room in the barn, I would sneak them into my car and bring them home! Sometimes I have the pleasure of riding them, sometimes my main task is to teach the rider, helping them hone their skills to create an even better equine partner. Frequently my experiences Try this: reveal that said happy horses are able Picture a square and choose where your corners will be: four sides, right angles, enough room to the outside of the box for your horse’s hindquarters to clear the space. Walk the first side and halt at the first corner. Shift your weight slightly toward the outside of the square and pivot on your seat bones, turning your seat in the same direction you want your horse to move his hindquarters. It’s ok to give a hint about which way he will turn with a couple squeezes from your inside hand, but be careful not to overturn his head. Allow your outside leg to drift back from your hip so he can’t swing around too quickly, and use your inside leg just behind the girth to ask the horse to move his hindquarters to the outside of the square,
turning the corner one step at a time as he does. This quarter turn should take 2 steps. Eventually he will cross over those hind legs, but for now don’t worry about that; the main thing is to teach him to move over when you ask. He needs to keep his front legs in place; lifting them and pivoting are fine, but no walking. Use your outside hand to keep the outside shoulder and front legs in place if needed. Once you’ve completed the turn, walk forward to your next corner. Halt, and repeat the entire turn, completing the second side and corner of your square. Take your time; break the process down into small pieces so you don’t rush your horse. Repeat until you have completed 4 sides and 4 corners. Walking forward, move your horse off the square; have a short trot so he can use the muscles and joints you just worked. When you are ready, repeat the square in the opposite direction; horses need to work both sides in the same way so they are not unevenly developed and are adequately supple in both directions. Take note: both of you will likely have an easier and more difficult side and they may or may not be the same! This is important info about what you need to work on in your own body to make your aids more clear and his job easier! Practice this several times, but not in succession; go off and ride, doing other things to give minds and bodies a break in between. Your goals: to achieve quick, willing responses to lightness and softness in the use of your aids, and the ability to move the hindquarters easily and without hesitation until eventually there’s more and more elasticity and flexibility in all movement. Eventually, the inside hind should cross over the outside hind as the horse turns, increasing the range of motion and balance. You may need to ask for more; just be light, clear, and patient! When you have mastered this from the halt, do it from a walk; slow down with your outside hand as you approach the corner, and continue the rest of the steps until the horse turns, pushing him forward into the next side of the square. You will be delighted at your horse’s new agile and flexible body and new level of sensitivity to your aids! 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. 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.
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*We will not sell or give your information to a third party. K317 Fall 2017
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Horse Clothing for Winter Riding Sarah Zabek - Swanzey, NH
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hen the temperature drops, horse people know it’s time to blanket their horses – especially for turnout when they’re exposed to the elements. But what about when you’re riding? Sure, your horse will warm up when in work, but the periods of time before and after that are crucial for keeping your horse comfortable and preventing injury. Think about it: your horse is leisurely munching on hay at a comfortable temperature with a blanket on. You come in and remove the blanket in order to groom and tack up. Then, you hop on and expect loose and supple muscles, and an eventempered, responsive mount. Meanwhile, your horse is still trying to bring their body temperature back up to what it was with the cozy blanket on back in the barn. Their muscles are tight, and they need to move around a lot to generate heat. That’s not always the best equation for an enjoyable and productive hack.
Horseware Rambo Newmarket Competition Quarter Fleece
Quarter Sheets Quarter sheets protect your horse’s uncovered back and hindquarters to keep them temperate while grooming and warming up, and/or to wick moisture and help cool down gradually to prevent a chill. For clipped horses, quarter sheets are an integral item for cold weather riding. 10 4 Legs & a Tail
You can ride as normal with a quarter sheet and allow for a complete range of motion for both you and your horse. Some quarter sheets are secured underneath the saddle like an extra long saddle pad, and others fasten over the rider’s legs to keep you warm as well. Some, like the Bucas Riding Sheet, allow for either option. Anti-Sweat Sheets & Coolers Anti-sweat sheets and coolers can also help with the transitions before and after riding. They are larger than quarter sheets, and they cover most of the horse’s body like a traditional horse blanket. They are made from materials that wick moisture, which will help dry and warm your horse. Anti-sweat sheets are meant for milder weather – often in the spring or fall – when you need to wick moisture without providing as much additional warmth. They tend to be made of cotton and often are knit with ventilating holes to prevent overheating the horse in warmer weather. Coolers are meant for cooler weather, when you want to both wick moisture and provide warmth. Some coolers are simply large rectangles of fabric, with basic attachments near the horse’s ears and tail. This style provides coverage for the horse’s neck, and it goes on and comes off quickly and easily – but it can also shift out of place just as easily, potentially causing your horse to spook and trip on the cooler. Because of this, most coolers on the market now are fitted more like traditional blankets, with chest straps and belly surcingles to keep them secure. By and large they are made out of fleece fabric, which wicks moisture, insulates heat, washes and dries easily, and is available in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. If you’re looking for neck coverage but don’t want to use a rectangular cooler, some coolers come with a neck combo attachment that you can use as needed. One example of this is the WeatherBeeta Fleece Combo Cooler. You can layer an anti-sweat sheet with a cooler to wick moisture and provide warmth in instances such as cold weather bathing. Some coolers now function as a
combination between an anti-sweat sheet and a cooler. One of these is the Horseware Rambo Airmax Cooler, which provides maximum ventilation to effectively release sweat from the horse’s body. Horseware Rambo Airmax Fleece Coolert
When to Blanket Your Horse It’s important to remember that each horse is unique, and so are their needs when it comes to blanketing. Clipped horses will begin feeling the cold at 40°F, while horses with thick winter coats may begin feeling the cold at as low as 18°F. Once a horse’s coat becomes wet – either with sweat or precipitation – that temperature where they’re affected by the cold will be 10°F to 15°F higher. For example, the clipped horse that begins feeling the cold at 40°F may then begin feeling cold at 55°F when wet. That’s why it’s especially important to cool your horse down properly during the winter, particularly after they work up a sweat. If you’re riding outdoors, always consider the effects of wind chill and use that as your lowest temperature when deciding how to blanket your horse. There are some other important factors to consider in order to keep your individual horse warm. Smaller horses, seniors, horses in a new environment, and underweight horses tend to be more sensitive to the cold than bigger, stockier horses. The temperatures previously mentioned are a general estimate and don’t take these factors into account. Fall 2017
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HH&H to the Rescue! Colleen Campbell
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ike many people I have a soft spot for the abused, neglected and slaughter/ euthanasia bound horses and dogs. Two years ago I started Heroes, Horses and Hounds to help save as many of these death row animals as possible. (www.heroeshh. org). It has not been an easy road and it took a lot of my own money to get started but it has been one of the most satisfying and rewarding projects I have ever worked on. So far we have saved 6 horses and 38 dogs with more waiting to come in. Two of our more recent rescues were two pregnant mares from a kill lot in Oklahoma. The story was that these horses
had been owned by a lifetime member and breeder of the AQHA in Kansas who passed away. The horses had their registration papers with champion and hall of fame relatives. How did these horses end up in a slaughter lot? As with most things it was not the right time but I couldn’t watch them ship. So I opened a credit card and bailed them out. It took all day trying to get the payment to go through. It was the beginning of January, we were not only racing the slaughter shipment deadline but there was a huge ice storm coming and no shelter for horses at the lot. I had a transport waiting to take them as soon as they were bailed. Finally, after 8 hours everything went through and my girls were on their way to safety. I was immediately filled with relief, excitement and “oh crap, what do I do now?” The two girls were going to a quarantine farm in Oklahoma run by the same people who transported them. Steve and Terri Knolls were amazing! I had never rescued a horse before and they were very patient, knowledgeable and helpful. The Knolls and Greg would soon go above and beyond. On March 7th after a few setbacks the horses were all loaded and on their
way to Massachusetts. Greg was stopping in Memphis for the night and checked the horses. There was a surprise waiting for him in the form of a newborn colt. One of my girls had decided to give birth at 4am March 10th on the trailer with the other mare in the same stock stall as she was in. Greg jumped into action. Unloading all the horses, finding boarding overnight for my two horses and new born foal as well as a vet to do a foal check, making sure everyone was healthy and buying tons of extra shavings. The plan to leave the mares and foal for a day was soon changed as hurricane warnings came through the area. So he packed up and headed north. The weather was not on our side. Greg hit multiple snow storms and a dropping temperature. He decided to drive through the night. The horses arrived a 4am on the coldest night of the year. It was negative -11 and wouldn’t go above 20 for the next two weeks. All three horses were shaking violently. The foal had severely contracted tendons and couldn’t nurse more than a few sips before falling over. He was determined though. Every time he fell he got right back up and tried again. Everyone in the barn came to help. People were constantly checking them and making sure they were ok. I stayed the first few nights at the barn with the foal. Covering him in 6 blankets, piling mounds of hay and straw for him to nest in and mom to eat, using heat lamps and electric blankets on him when he slept. Hoping and praying the little guy would make it and thanking my lucky stars that his mother allowed a complete stranger to help her foal. She seemed to understand I was helping save her baby. She seemed grateful, resting her head gently on my back and shoulder as I worked on getting her baby in blankets and into warmth. She never threatened me in any way even when her baby was scared about something I had to do. She was always careful of me and her foal when I sat with him under the heat lamps trying to stay warm. Finally on the fifth day he was running, bucking and had stopped shivering. His tendons began to stretch. We named him Memphis and his mother Daisy. My student adopted Memphis and Daisy secured her place with me. Colleen Campbell has been riding since she was very young, trying disciplines from Hunt seat to Saddle seat before finding western. Interning at UVM Morgan Horse farm she also received an Associates in Equine Studies from Umass Amherst. She learned the natural Horsemanship method from Joe Delano, with whom she still works. For 7 years she has been running her training and lesson business, Campbell Equine, in Leverett, MA.
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ADOP T ION F EES
Annie Guion- Brattleboro,VT
“T hat’s an outrageous price for a cat that is being adopted.” “I agree
100% - $200 is crazy.” “Imagine if they gave them away for less or even free? How many animals would there be then? Even less, and that’s for sure!” I read this on our Facebook page the other day, it generated quite a bit of conversation. Many people came to our defense. The interaction was not always civil, but given the current state of discourse in our country, it could have been worse. Why we don’t just give animals to new homes for free? If shelters are so crowded, why not send animals out with no adoption fee? I realized that those of us in animal welfare have an understanding of the current dynamics of animal sheltering in New England that is not widely known to Joe Public. The age old image of shelters bursting at the seams with unwanted animals who will be euthanized after a set number of days is very far from todays’ reality (at least here in New England). Thanks to huge improvements in how we operate, animals move through our facility much more quickly than they used to. Gone are the days of taking days to approve an adopter, calling their landlord, their vet, requiring that they have a fenced in yard. We have moved to trusting that when a person walks through our doors to adopt, they have the best intentions. Our adoption process is a conversation to help find the right fit, and yes, we sometimes say “No.” This approach is based on good science from the ASPCA and on common sense. (check out the blog of Dr. Emily Weiss here: http://www.aspcapro.org/ blog/2017/05/26/i-was-them). When only 30% of people seeking a new pet go to shelters, why would we make it harder for them than if they just went to craigslist? Some people are already afraid to walk into a shelter, afraid it is too sad. When they finally come through our doors, we want to welcome them, not scare them away with a long list of requirements. Moving animals more quickly into homes decreases stress and therefore illness which frees up space for us to help more animals. A cat coming into the Windham County Humane Society as a stray will only spend an average of 2 weeks in our care before being adopted – for dogs it is less than a week! We don’t have to give them away for free to keep them moving on to new homes. I do have to look at our bottom line, and the increase in adoption income has been remarkable over the past few years, and helpful in meeting our costs. Adoption income does not cover our expenses, not by a long shot. In 2016, we took in $110,806 in adopFall 2017
tion fee income. Now the other side of the equation: $48,000 in medicine and medical supplies (like tests for Lyme Disease and heartworm). Some of this cost also goes to helping local animals as part of our Pet Care Assistance program. $7,000 in food – as participants in the Science Diet Shelter program, we only pay for shipping. $24,500 in spay/neuter costs – strictly for shelter animals. (Spay neuter costs for owned animals was $15,390. Owners paid for 78% of that cost. We subsidized the rest with a grant from the Robin Colson Foundation to ensure that all owners could afford this important service.) $17,00 in trips to the vet for things we can’t address in-house: heartworm treatment, broken bones, biopsies, etc. That’s a total of $96,500 and we have not even factored in staff yet. Direct animal care staff cost us $116,780 and worth every penny. Our expenses aren’t worth a thing without staff to provide loving care. What makes up the difference? Donations from individuals, just like you. If folks think $200 for a kitten is too much, I remind them what their “free” kitten is going to cost at the vets, all if which is included when you adopt from most shelters: $200 or more for spay/neuter…and we are done, with just one item! Distemper & Rabies vaccines......$50 Exam......$40 Microchip......$25 ID tag......$7 Flea treatment......$20 FIV/FLV test......$30 Deworming......$30
Kate loves her mature cat, Jake, adopted for just $30
host regular adoption specials. “Why are they charging so much?” “Nonprofit” is a confusing term to be sure. We’re not supposed to be “making money,” right? We should be working to make as much money as we need to fully meet our mission. The more money we make, the more animals we can help. You can bet I work to make as much money as possible for the WCHS, if there is one thing we love to do, it’s to help more animals. “Who’s pocket are we lining?” I can guarantee you that working in animal welfare is not your best “get-rich-quick” scheme. “You are lining the furry little pockets of our animal friends throughout Windham County.”
Which puts us at just over $400, or twice our kitten adoption fee, and we are here if you need help. Try to find the person who listed your “free” kitten on Craigslist. Cats over 6 months old adoption fee is just $100, over 8 years old for just $30. We also
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Photos by Lianne Thompson
Importance of Socialization for Puppies Bethany King, MHS Boarding and Daycare Coordinator
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uppies. Is there anything more cute and endearing? Perhaps you’ve recently brought a new puppy into your family. There are so many things to consider when bringing a puppy home! There’s having a veterinarian lined up, selecting the right food, toys to keep those puppy shark teeth busy, potty training, and so much more! Sometimes, we get so caught up in all of the physical “stuff” of raising a puppy, that we forget about arguably one of the most important things we should be doing from day one of bringing a puppy home.
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A huge responsibility in raising a puppy is proper socialization. A well-socialized puppy will grow into a confident, happy adult. A dog you can bring out into public without the worry of him becoming overly scared or reactive to new sights and novel environments. What do you do though, when you work full time? Maybe your kids have after school activities? It can sometimes be a challenge to find the time to properly socialize your puppy. Remember too, that a puppy’s socialization window closes at around fourteen weeks. After that age, it isn’t that you cannot continue to expose your pup to new things, but the window where they are receptive to new sights, sounds and experiences has started to close and it will take far more effort to ensure they are having positive interactions with these things. Monadnock Humane Society, located in Swanzey NH, is happy to announce their new Puppy Play School program. Puppy Play School could be the solution to your puppy socialization worries. Puppies enrolled in MHS’s Puppy Play School will get to do a lot more than just play with other puppies all day. At any given time during the day you will find puppies playing in the ball
pit, building courage to go through the tunnel, listening to novel sounds like thunderstorms and fireworks, learning to sit politely to greet people, learning to potty outside and so much more. Puppies benefit from a dog trainer on staff to help teach them good manners and to positively introduce them to new sights, sounds, people and objects. What does this mean for your puppy? Puppies that have good experiences with sounds like thunder are less likely to develop noise phobias later in life. Introducing them slowly and with positive reinforcement to things like nail trims and body handling will make trips to the groomer and vet a lot easier on both you and your dog. A well socialized puppy will make a better companion for your family and just as important, will help create a happier dog. For more information on Monadnock Humane Society’s Puppy Play School, please call (603) 352-9011 extension 105 or email them at boarding @ humanecommunity.org. Monadnock Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization that serves the Monadnock Region, which includes 44 towns. MHS cares for an average of 1,200 animals each year with a staff of 30 and the help of over 700 active volunteers. Its mission is to foster a compassionate community by promoting and providing for the well-being of animals. MHS promises to honor, respect and celebrate the mutually beneficial relationship between people and their pets. MHS receives no state or federal funding, and is not affiliated with any other agency or organization such as the Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA. It is supported solely by the generosity of those in our community Fall 2017
A fter two years of searching for a new home Monadnock Kitty Rescue and Adoption has signed a lease to stay where they are. Amazingly, the current landlord has agreed to let them stay put and continue their rescue work for at least another 15 years! There were some conditions contingent on resigning the lease, which will included some major renovations to the existing building both on the part of MKRA and the landlord. This is great news for the rescue as they have been unable to find any suitable locations within their price range since they were told to leave back in 2015. MKRA is home to just over 100 cats and kittens. This year has proven to be an abundant year for strays and kittens coming into the shelter. Thankfully it has also been a great year for adoptions! Construction will be starting soon and the process will be inhibitive with the presence of so many cats on the premises. To aid in the swift completion of the numerous repairs and upgrades they are asking potential adopters to consider stopping by and adding another cat or kitten to their home! Currently they have several litters of kittens, some great adoptable adults and the “harder to place cats”. The harder to place cats, include the older ones, 10+ years, ones that have minor medical issues and of course the feral cats. Recently, feral cats have gotten a new respect in the rescue world and have been renamed “spirit cats” by some shelters. Feral or Spirit cats can do very well in a household as long as you are not expecting anything in return. The cat food will disappear from bowl and the litter box will be used, but you may not see them for periods of time, hence the name “Spirit Cats”. MKRA has 65 cats in their Feral Sanctuary, many at different stages in their socialization with people. Some have come around and are very friendly toward the volunteers, while others just stare and some may hiss. None however are aggressive, if not threatened, just different degrees of scared. If you would like to consider giving a Feral or Spirit cat a home, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First, you will want to have or get another cat so he or she can have a friend. Some of the cats at the shelter have other cats that they have bonded with. Second, please visit the Rescue to understand fully what to expect or not expect from the cat that you are thinking of bring home. It would be extremely traumatizing for the cat if he or she went home and then had to be brought back to the shelter. And lastly, vet visits, will be very difficult depending on the degree of feral in the cat. Ask Fall 2017
A Happy New Beginning for Monadnock Kitty Rescue! Heidi Bourgeois the shelter manager to help you put a plan in place. Feral cats have been known to occasionally come around, however you should not go into the adoption with any expectations that may happen, as just as often it does not. If Feral or Spirit cats sound like they are not your cup tea. Then they have
plenty of great cats who want to be held and loved and petted that are looking for great homes! Keep watching the Monadnock Kitty Rescue and Adoption Facebook page for updates on their renovation and find out how you can name their new rooms or sponsor a new bank of cages and get your family’s name engraved on the plaque. Or maybe you would like to donate in the name of a beloved pet. Engraved bricks are also on sale throughout the winter for their new front entry way. You can order them at the rescue or by going to their website at www.kittyrescueandadoption.org Monadnock Kitty Rescue and Adoption is located at 11 Plantation Drive, in Jaffrey NH. They are open on Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 6-9 and Saturday mornings from 9-1. To reach them by phone, 603-532-9444, all messages will be returned during the above times. MKRA is a 501c3 no-kill, non-profit offering a sanctuary for feral cats and a second chance for the stray and abandoned. 100% of all donations go to the care of the cats and to building upgrades and maintenance. There are no paid positions at the rescue just a great bunch of dedicated volunteers!
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Mr. Sassy – a positively beautiful story. Amy Vaughn, MHS Boarding/Daycare Technician
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ach of the thousands of animals that find new homes through Monadnock Humane Society, and the rest of New Hampshire’s animal shelters, have a special story of their own. But Mr. Sassy’s story is on another level. He does indeed share a familiar journey of hurdles and triumphs, as do most of the animals that come to the shelter and find their happily ever after. Mr. Sassy came to the MHS as a surrender with another cat, Princess, as their original owner was no longer able to care for them. Like many of the folks that come to shelters with a heavy heart but no other option, Mr. Sassy’s owner brought them to MHS to offer his beloved cats hope for a second chance at another loving home. Though he no longer had the means to provide a home for them himself, he was clearly very attached to the cats. He visited them regularly after surrendering them. There was no question they came from a very loving home, but understandably, Mr. Sassy’s first few days at the shelter were a tough transition for him. He was shy and quiet, and relied on other cats for socialization. He was initially like a “spirit cat”, rarely seen by the staff and visitors to his space that he shared with other cats. Eventually though, after being at MHS for a few weeks, Mr. Sassy came out of his shell. He settled into his new environment, regained his confidence and became comfortable enough to show everyone how sweet and loving he is. He ultimately blossomed into a very affectionate cat with a big personality. He is spoken of fondly among the team at MHS, and when his name is mentioned the staff smile wide. He’s just one of those cats that has a presence about him, a presence that leaves you grinning and grateful to have met him. But again, he’s more than just “one of those cats”. Mr. Sassy is FIV positive. In other words, he has Feline AIDS. Until recently, it was not legal for New Hampshire shelters to re-home stray or surrendered cats with FIV. Therefore, regardless of their demeanor and potential as beloved pets, they had to be euthanized. Fortunately, on July 1st, New Hampshire lawmakers passed a new law allowing FIV and Feline Leukemia positive cats to be adopted into loving Fall 2017
families. And just ten days after that law passed, Mr. Sassy became one of the first FIV positive cats to be put up for adoption by a New Hampshire shelter. New Hampshire had been one of only two states that banned the placement of these cats (KY is the other and they are working on an exemption this year too). New veterinary research shows that FIV in particular is far less likely to transmit to other cats as originally thought. FIV and FIV negative cats can live together successfully as long as there isn’t extreme fighting (the virus is spread through deep bite wounds). The other issue with the previous ban is that some cats test positive because they’ve been vaccinated against FeLV and are not actually positive for the disease – with the new exemption, those cats can also be placed and monitored.
Adopting a cat with FIV will certainly require a level of commitment above and beyond that of a typical cat. FIV positive cats may be more susceptible to other illnesses, so regular health maintenance such as flea-preventative, regular vet exams, and monitoring for upper respiratory and other common infections are critical to their well-being. However, owners of FIV cats consistently report that with basic but vigilant TLC, they live happy, healthy lives and bring joy into their homes. Meanwhile, since this law passed, Monadnock Humane Society, the Cocheco Valley Humane Society and the NHSPCA have all put FIV positive cats on the adoption floor, and those cats finally have the same chance at the happily ever after that the every shelter animal deserves. As for the rest of Mr. Sassy’s story, we are thrilled to report that he was adopted just a few weeks after becoming available! His new family has re-named him Jinx and he blissfully shares his space with other cats, rabbits and, of course, his beloved humans...and he is living happily ever after in a loving home.
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JURA DUTY A
Cathy White - Walpole, NH
sheep farmer and her collie stand by the gate of a three acre pasture. A hill, trees and a rocky outcropping rise from the fencing, and no sheep are visible. A sing-song “away” to the dog from his mistress sends him disappearing over the slope at a pace approximating flight. In under two minutes, nearly forty sheep crest the rise at a thunderous, ground shaking gallop; fluidly moving as one until they are halted at the fence. A quick head count reveals every charge accounted for; yet the dog is asked to “look back”. This request ensures no stragglers, and appears to visibly reassure the collie that he has done his task and done it well. It’s an amazing sight to behold, and one most people don’t get a chance to observe. But for this farmer and her collie, it’s an everyday occurrence. The canine herding specialist in this story is Jura, a seven-year old Border Collie, and indispensable partner to his owner, Liz Shaw, of Far Fetch Farm in Spofford, NH. (If this seems familiar, it’s because Liz’s therapy dog, BC Rose, was featured in our spring issue.) Jura, named for a Hebrides island off the Scottish coast, does indeed hail from the UK, where he spent his first two years before joining Liz stateside. She jokes that he “barks with an English accent”. Liz grazes her sheep rotationally; which means that they’re moved from pasture to pasture. Often. And with 48 sheep who have definite minds of their own - despite the prevailing thought about herd mentality that’s no task for one person. But it is a task that Jura, at a slim 42 pounds (vs. sheep who clock in at 125-150 pounds each), is clearly up to. The relationship that best describes this working dynamic is that of an equilateral triangle, with sheep, collie and shepherd each occupying a corner; though Liz’s preferred partnership with Jura is one where he has the “input to make choices and “read” the sheep”.
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BC’s have been “reading” sheep in the harsh climate and hilly terrain of the Scottish borderlands for centuries. Some say that they are the finest herders of sheep in the world. Many herd hundreds of sheep, and some herd cattle. Interestingly, working collies bear only a passing resemblance to their AKC show ring counterparts; and for good reason. There was controversy when the breed was accepted by the AKC in 1995. The American Border Collie Association felt that putting them in the show ring would dilute their herding characteristics and their temperament. Any BCs you see that are leaner, smaller and most often somewhat muddy are generally the ones that earn their keep herding sheep. Many also excel at the canine sport of agility; again, with good reason. BCs need to work. Exercise their bodies and minds, and only then are they happy to be couch potatoes. But give them no work at your peril. Jura’s herding talent is, according to Liz “a delicate balance of pressure and tension”. His work is done swiftly and silently; using only eye contact and body language. Sheep naturally group when alarmed, and while this flock doesn’t fear Jura, they have a clear respect for him. When Liz’s voice yodels out a command, it’s this behavior from Jura that motivates the sheep. When asked why commands aren’t shouted, Liz replies “That would hurt his feelings!” (Naturally, hand signals are useless if your dog can’t see you; though whistles are commonly used in herding.) Any ovine under Jura’s care with an eye toward wandering in a different direction will quickly find him in their peripheral
vision - which is how sheep see- and cause them to re-think that road less travelled. Jura’s success is based on qualities that all sheep farmers look for in their dogs: calmness, confidence, athleticism and that nebulous but crucial ability to “read” the sheep. But there was a lot that Jura had to learn to become the sheepreader that he is today. While much of a working BC’s instinct is inbred, many months - sometimes years- of training also go into the making of a successful herder. Commands like “away” (go to the sheep’s right), “come by” (left of sheep), “look back” (sheep missing?) and “that’ll do” (good job! We’re done!) amongst others, are not ingrained in any puppy’s psyche. With Far Fetch’s layout of non-contiguous pastures, it would be impossible to move sheep without a solid working collie. Liz truly means it when she refers to her relationship with Jura as a partnership. And while Jura isn’t an old dog, he will retire one day. Next in line for the corner office is Breton, a young female Border who is learning the ropes in weekly offfarm training sessions. Sometimes BCs work in pairs, but that may not come to pass with Jura and Breton, as Liz characterizes Breton’s personality as “tougher” than Jura’s. But for now, whether Jura barks with an English accent or not, it’s clear that the sheep of Far Fetch have some serious respect for this amazing dog. And “that’ll do.” 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. They have two grown sons. A stay-at-home Lab mom; she spends a lot of time baking, cooking, gardening, doing yoga and reading. She also participates in the Paws to Read program with Harry. Having taught Pre-school and Pre-K, early childhood literacy is massively important to her. Harry, her seven year old yellow Labrador named after Harry Potter. Fall 2017
A Tribute To Tucker James:
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hen I first met Tucker, I was not looking to adopt a dog. I was living a really busy life, working crazy long hours, and didn’t think I would have time for a dog. Little did I know, my life would change forever when a friend of mine asked me if I could watch their new puppies brother while they searched for a new home for him. They brought this adorable, 11 week old, pit bull puppy to my work at Keene Motorsports, and Tucker quickly jumped right into helping. He followed me around the showroom, would walk back and forth with me when we moved the bikes around at night, and happily greeted every customer that came in the store. I think Tucker knew well before I did that his search for a new family was already over, before we even met. Tucker instantly became the best thing in my life. We moved multiple times together, we spent countless hours in the truck driving back and forth to my house in Conway, NH. He came everywhere with me, and was always the most social and friendly dog, and was happily welcomed everywhere. He loves dogs, cats, kids, you name it, he was a fan. He passed his Canine Good Citizen testing with flying colors. There was something about the connection that Tucker and I had, that was like nothing I have ever felt before. I have had Type 1 Diabetes since I was 7 years old. Tucker was never officially trained as a service dog for me, and there were times that I really wished he would have been able to get me a juice or candy bar, but what Tucker did always know is when my sugar was low. He wouldn’t know what to do, but he would always be right by my side. Even if it was time for him to get up, or eat his breakfast, if my blood sugar was low, he was right by my side until I was better. He had his own unique ways of trying to tell me that something was wrong, he just wasn’t exactly sure what it was. In the end of June 2015, Tucker stopped wanting to eat. He was always a very active, happy, dog, with a great appetite. We knew something was wrong when he started rejecting every food item we offered him, and at that point, we knew he was sick. We took him to the vet, and went home with some medicine to try to help his appetite, but nothing helped. We went back to the vet a few days later for an ultrasound, and they found a large mass in his small intestines. Tucker was Fall 2017
scheduled for surgery right away, where they removed the mass, and a large portion of his intestines. The doctors felt really positive about the surgery being successful, but until the biopsy came back, we wouldn’t know the next step. A week later, the biopsy results came back, and it changed our lives forever. Tucker was diagnosed with advanced G.I. Lymphoma. We
threw around options for a while, trying to think about what we could afford, what was fair for him, and what the best options would be for his life. We opted to try some chemotherapy for him, and even though this was very expensive, Tucker was worth everything we could give. We drove from Swanzey, NH to Waltham, MA every 3 weeks for his medicine. After his first dose of chemo, he was begging for food about 20 minutes after the medicine hit his stomach. We did this for him for 3 months, until finally his body decided it had had enough, and the chemotherapy stopped working. We made the heart wrenching decision to end his fight in October 2015. I had never been one to love tattoos, but always said that I wanted just 1 tattoo and that was to be of Tuckers name. His full name was Tucker James…because every dog needs a middle name. I knew where I wanted it, but hadn’t thought anything more about it. I knew I would get that done when Tucker was no longer with me physically. My girlfriend, Beth, who loved Tucker just as much as I did, even though
she only knew him for a few years, knew how important this tattoo idea was for me, and helped me with designing it. We sat on the computer, writing his name in multiple different fonts, trying to find just the right one. We narrowed it down to a few fonts, but Beth knew something was missing. One day when I was at work, she spent hours locked in the bathroom with Tucker, sticking his feet in ink (which turned out to be permanent ink, but she didn’t realize that until Tucker had run all around the bathroom leaving black paw prints everywhere.) She made multiple attempts to get the perfect print, inked onto a canvas, with the intention of adding his real print to the tattoo. I had no idea she was doing this, until I got home that night, and she showed me the canvas with 4 perfectly printed paws on it. We brought the canvas and the idea to Mark Manley at Elm City Tattoo, and he loved it. He sketched out the signature with “Tucker James”, and then traced the best paw print from the canvas. It was perfect! Tucker now is with me everywhere I go. He truly was the best dog, and will always hold the biggest part of my heart! We have considered adopting another dog for me, but since Beth already had 5 dogs (and a cat) when we met, our house is very full. One of her dogs, Horton, very quickly took to filling the gap in my life that I was feeling with Tucker’s passing, and is my buddy. He is a great dog who loves hanging out with me in the garage while I work on cars, and he loves to go for rides in the truck. I miss Tucker every day, and no dog will ever replace him, but Horton sure gives it his all to make sure I still have that special connection that I need.
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Radiant heat can create cozy spaces for your four legged friends. John Q Toepfer
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e aren’t the only ones who enjoy stepping out of a shower onto a heated tile floor or walking barefoot across a warm kitchen floor for early morning coffee, our pets also appreciate a warm place to stretch out for a warm winters nap. Heated floors are great for walking around barefoot and playing with kids and there also very comfortable for the family pet. They have added health benefits by keeping ambient air healthy: they do not dry the air nor spread dust and germs. When used on shower floors or seats not only will radiant heat make your
shower warm and comfortable it will also dry out the shower quickly allowing for less mold and mildew growth. In the bathroom, your towels along with the entire room will dry out quicker. Radiant Heat wire does more than just heat the floor, the wire generates an average of 41 BTU’s per square foot so in most cases the baseboard heater or heating vent can be removed because the room can be heated by the heat wire alone. Our thermostats are programed to go on and off up to twice a day so you can run the heat based on when the room is being occupied, they can be programed separately for each day of the week based on your living habits. Imagine waking up to pre-heated cozy bathroom! Why heat a room when you only spend time in it once or twice a day? With radiant heat a homeowner typically saves up 25% on annual home fuel costs per room. And because less fuel is used, it is considered more ecologically sound than traditional home-heating methods. Radiant heat wire can be installed in any room: bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, basements, solariums, offices and more. They are compatible with most floor coverings: ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, linoleum, floating floors, engineered wood and many others. Heat wire lengths are available in many sizes in both 120v and 240v starting as small as 10 square feet up to 220 square feet, for larger rooms multiple sizes can be wired to relays that run to the same thermostat. If your considering remodeling your kitchen or bathroom it would be wise to consider radiant heat. It won’t slow down your install and will give you and your pets years of cozy comfort. Professional installations costs, including Heat wire and Thermostat range from $10 to $15 a square foot. Call us Brick House Tile at 603-357-2884 or stop in for more information and a quote.
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What Morena Taught Me About Being A Better Footballer Christen Press - US Women's National Soccer Team
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[THE PITCH] recently read a New York Times self-help article by Amy Sutherland called What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage, and, as my family had just adopted a puppy, I figured I would employ some of her advice as a refresher course on reward-based training. The twist of the article is that Sutherland begins to use these animal training techniques on her most important human relationship, namely her husband… I thought about that saying psychologists love … our most imporover every stranger that tant relationship is greeted me… I digress. the one we have with Jumping is bad. And ourselves. So the real this habit of hers quicktwist, of course, is that I decided to apply these very same animal ly jumped to the top of the “eliminate this techniques to myself… as a puppy… err… behavior” list! player in training. I’m quite familiar with So, how do you begin to stop a dog’s the idea of being my own manager, coach, bad behavior? According to WSTMAHM, and cheerleader, so why not add person- you simply ignore it. Simple? Hmmm… The entertainment industry has a sayal trainer? Our puppy Morena was named after ing, “All press is good press.” Well in the a cow... a brown cow that my family had world of puppy/husband/footballer trainmilked while visiting a farm in Ecuador. I ing… it seems that all attention is good was actually the first “Mo” of the house, but attention. That means that every time I my childhood nickname lacks any direct acknowledge a behavior, whether positively correlation… or any rhyme or reason or negatively, I encourage it. To Morena, for that matter. But hey, at least I wasn’t shouting, “No!” and “Stop!” is likely to named after a cow. Morena is adorable promote the errant behavior because the with her sleek, silky honey-colored coat, desired affect is the attention. Easier said oversized ears, and white dipped paws. As than done, Sutherland! Especially when it for me, I get my paws… err… nails dipped came to training myself. Morena jumps on weekly and I have to take my coat to the Continued Next Page dry cleaners to keep it sleek. (After seeing the last bill, I am really considering licking it clean myself). Appearances aside, the main thing that Morena and I have in common is that right now we are both in training. Unlike me, Morena is a social butterfly. She’s clever and expressive. People and dogs love meeting her as much as she loves meeting… and jumping on them. Walking with Morena is probably the most social part of my day; she strolls confidently through the neighborhood, hips swerving, as she introduces me to her pals. Watching her go, I sometimes wonder what life would be like if I jumped up and down, shook my butt, and kissed all Fall 2017
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people. I miss shots. Hey, at least I haven’t knocked over any toddlers…well, not lately! Self-chastising had been an integral part of my game for a long time. And as far as relationships go…I found the words, “Are you kidding Christen!” a real icebreaker. So, when Morena jumps on me, I make it clear that, although incredibly adorable, I am ignoring her by physically turning my back to her and continuing whatever I am doing. On the field, if I shoot the ball off target, I turn my back to get quickly into position and continuing playing, wasting no time or attention on the mistake. Even though I’ve ignored the missed shot and turned my attention to the game, “older dog” that I am…I find it difficult to stop the peanut gallery in my head. “Bad girl!” Sutherland also suggests that instead of training the subject NOT to do an incompatible behavior, like, in the case of Morena, biting, we should substitute something else. Instead of yelling at her for biting our hands, we offer her a chew toy as an alternative and whenever she chews on her toy we praise and reward her. As for me, instead of telling myself NOT to miss…duh! I started saying: SCORE! In high-pressure situations like sports, the brain often does not have time to process complete phrases. In the worst of cases, the actual words can be lost and the only understood message comes from intonation…not unlike speaking to a dog…just
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sayin’. Studies show that this type of erroravoidant thinking has negative effects on performance. I’ve experienced this phenomenon first hand when a teammate, in the heat of a battle, screams, “RELAX!!!!!!!!” The effect is usually not relaxing. More often, under duress, the brain narrows in on the nucleus while missing all the modifiers, namely, negation. So, if you are telling yourself not to kick the ball over the goal, there’s a good chance that you will only absorb “kick it over.” Both Morena and I are very much a work in progress. But throughout this process, I started to see how some of her natural behaviors could be really an advantage in any athlete’s training. For example, she talks with her body, and as I’ve said before, body language is paramount in team sports. Tail tucked? Out of the play; Tail up? “Just give me the Damn ball Keyshawn!” At the dog park, Morena really gets into her tackles. She is relentless in her pursuit… chasing down the small dogs and pestering the big ones. Most of all, Morena listens to her body. Right now, the off-season for Damallsvenskan is the time in my life that I have the most control over my fitness regimen. And when I have control, I tend to overdo it. On the other hand, I’ve had to smile more than a few times when baby Mo ever so dramatically throws herself down on the floor, as if to say, “Enough!” At just
four months old, she listens to her body and refuses to continue doing something she enjoys when she’s exhausted. At 25, I still have not mastered this skill. How can I get in my lift, extra shots, and rehab if I took a nap? How can I play, write, and spend time with my friends if I stopped when my body was tired? Well, what our little Morena knows is that for quality play, you need your rest! You might be thinking: That’s Impressive…but I call it: Best In Show! Christen Press is an American soccer striker and World Cup champion. She captains the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League and represents the United States women’s national soccer team. In 2011, she was named the WPS Rookie of the Year. She was a 2010 Hermann Trophy recipient and holds the all-time scoring record at Stanford University. In 2015, she represented the United States at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Christen has been active with Grass Roots soccer in Norwich, VT which is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth in developing countries to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities.
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O
Let’s Talk Turkey
nce upon a time it was unusual to see a wild turkey. And that was just 30 - 40 years ago! During the 19th century the wild turkey population was just about extinct due to farming practices that clear-cut forests in much of the state. The comeback has been nothing short of historic in the field of wildlife management. According to Mark Scott, Director of Wildlife for the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, "The revival of the birds in Vermont grew from the release of tur-
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keys in Rutland County during the winters of 1969-70 and 1970-71. A total of 31 were released during that time. The state now has a population estimated at 45,000 to 50,000 birds from one end of the state to the other." In the 1960s, a Vermont biologist who once worked in New York state developed a program that brought the 31 turkeys that had been trapped in New York’s Alleghany and Steuben counties to Pawlet and Hubbardton, according to a history of the program provided by Vermont Fish and Wildlife. The area was considered ideal because of the combination of forests and farm fields littered with cow corn. Within a year, the population was estimated at 150. By 1973 the population had rebounded enough for a limited hunting season in the area where they were first released. New Hampshire began its turkey restoration in the 1970s. Now there are an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 statewide. “There are no empty spaces in the state that need wild turkeys,” said Ted Walski, a turkey project biologist with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. And Vermont has helped other states in the region and beyond restore or build
In this circa 1970 photo provided by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Game Warden Ross Hoyt, left, and biologist Joseph Artmann release a wild turkey in Saxtons River at a time when they were almost gone from the Vermont countryside. (Photo: John Hall/ Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department via AP)
their populations, sending turkeys to places including Maine, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Canada and Germany.“I think people like to see turkeys whether they hunt them or not,” said Scott whose agency oversees Vermont’s spring and fall turkey hunting seasons. According to what traditionally is known as "The First Thanksgiving," the 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag at Plymouth Colony contained waterfowl, venison, fish, lobster, clams, berries, fruit, pumpkin, and squash. William Bradford noted that, "besides waterfowl and cider, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many." Many of the foods that were included in the first feast (except, notably, the seafood) have since gone on to become staples of the modern Thanksgiving dinner. Early feasts of the Order of Good Cheer, a French Canadian predecessor to the modern Thanksgiving, featured a potluck dinner with freshly-hunted fowl, game, and fish, hunted and shared by both French Canadians and local natives. The use of the turkey in the USA for Thanksgiving precedes Lincoln's nationalization of the holiday in 1863. Alexander Hamilton proclaimed that no "Citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day," and many of the Founding Fathers (particularly Benjamin Franklin) had high regard for the wild turkey as an American icon, but turkey was uncommon as Thanksgiving fare until after 1800. By 1857, turkey had become part of the traditional dinner in New England. Fall 2017
2017’s Biggest Turkeys United Airlines - The Friendly Skies hit turbulence when passengers took (and shared) video of a man being forcibly dragged off a plane by security when he was randomly selected -- and declined -- to forfeit his seat to airline maintenance workers. The Oscars - Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway had the un for t unate luck of being handed the wrong envelope at the 2017 Oscars, and as a result they announced La La Land had won Best Picture. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Moonlight was the true victor. Adidas - This failure boiled down to a simple, and probably innocent, but very poor choice of words. After this year’s Boston marathon, the company tweeted out, “Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon!” The Federal Department of Education - Spelling errors aren’t that big of a deal -- unless you’re the federal Department of Education. This year, the Department of Education sent out a tweet misspelling W. E. B. DuBois’ name, then misspelled “apologies” as “apologizes” in its follow-up apology for misspelling in their tweet. The Discovery Channel - Viewers were hugely disappointed after the networks hype of Olympian Michael Phelps vs. a Great White turned out not to be a true side-byside race. They were in separate bodies of water. The Atlanta Falcons - Blowing a 28-3 lead in the third quarter. Tom Brady and Patriot fans have much to be thankful for.
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What About bob? Scott Borthwick - Canaan, NH
B obcats are a huge success story especially here in New Hampshire. Many
years ago when their populations were on the decline the New Hampshire Fish & Game Dept. Biologists recommended closing the season. Which they did. Since then the Bobcat population has increased to the point that some are showing up with rabies. There was a recent incident in Sunapee where a lady was attacked by a rabid Bobcat. Bob started showing up at my farm back in the mid-nineties. We would see him occasionally but mostly we would see his tracks in the snow. Bob would come close to the pasture but the dogs usually kept him at bay. One night we had a weasel get into our chicken coop and kill 14 hens. I took the carcasses out of the coop and placed them in a cubby and set a trap for the weasel. A weasel is about a foot long and weighs about a pound so the trap for a weasel is very small. Well about 5:00am the next morning things were very still. I looked out the window and the horses were staring in the direction of where
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the trap was. My wife and I went out to confirm that we had caught the chicken killer only to find Bob in the trap by a toe. Using a catch pole to restrain him he was easily released unharmed. Bob and his offspring continue hang around the farm. A couple of weeks ago there was one standing at the bottom of my driveway. Every now and then I get calls from people having a problem with a Bobcat. One call was from a lady who had witnessed a Bobcat kill and carry off her beloved housecat. She wanted Bob destroyed but I was able to talk her out of it since they are protected. I see Bobcats all the time. Once while removing Flying Squirrels from a house in a suburban neighborhood in Lebanon one ran through the back yard. People sometimes mistake them for Mountain Lions or Lynx. But what people are seeing are Bobcats. Their numbers have grown to the point that the same Wildlife Biologists who closed the season on them are recommending a limited season. Wildlife management works and should be respected. So what to do to protect your livestock from Bob? First, make sure chicken coops have fencing not only on the sides but covering their yard area as well. This helps to protect them from birds of prey also. Other livestock like sheep should be placed in a secure structure at night. But the best deterrent is having some dogs around. We live in the middle of the woods and have had little to no problems from large predators primarily because we have dogs. 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. Fall 2017
MOOOve Over Cow’s Milk: Alternative Dairy Products Alleviate Cancer Symptoms and Keep Our Pets Healthy
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Holly McClelland
ave you ever given your pet a cup of cow’s milk or a bowl of ice cream, and wondered if you made the right choice? Some pet parents believe that their cats and dogs love the taste of milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, and that ample supplies of calcium will help maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. Despite the supposed merits of dairy, the majority of cats and dogs of all breeds and ages tend to lack sufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase, which is essential to break down lactose in cow’s milk. High quantities of lactose leads to lactose intolerance and can cause bloating, flatulence, pain, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a number of other side effects. While cow’s milk may cause health consequences, pet parents who are determined to feed their pets dairy are in luck. In recent years, several alternative milkbased products have emerged, including sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, and yak’s milk. User experience from pet parents, nutritionists, and manufacturers has indicated that each type of milk alternative is more easily digestible than cow’s milk, and offers a range of health benefits for both cats and dogs. Sheep’s Milk: The milk composition of sheep’s milk is homogenous because the fat globules are evenly distributed, which makes it easily digestible. Sheep’s milk is also purported to be a rich superfood with high protein content, omega 3 and 6 fats, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate, vitamin C, and minimal sodium. Ewegurt is a pet food company that offers several freeze-dried sheep’s milk products for cats and dogs. According to Ewegurt, the superfood ingredients delivered through sheep’s milk support relaxation, reduce anxiety, promote restful sleep and positive mood, protect the immune system, and aid in digestion for sensitive stomachs. The founder of Ewegurt also created the sheep’s milk products to help her golden retriever eat a digestible meal after receiving a diagnosis of gastrointestinal lymphoma. Dogs with cancer are Fall 2017
generally nauseous and may vomit their meals, but can tolerate omega 3 and 6 fats relatively well. Further, the antioxidants in sheep’s milk help protect cancer cells from free radicals, which may alleviate cancer symptoms, or slow disease progression. Goat’s Milk: Similarly to sheep’s milk, goat’s milk has more short and medium-chain fatty acids than cow’s milk, so it is easily digestible and better for the stomach. Goat’s milk is a complete food with superfood benefits because it contains a robust list of essential vitamins and minerals that support digestion and help the immune system. Steve’s Real Food manufactures a raw frozen goat milk yogurt that is served as a snack or topper, and a product line called Enhance, which is three items comprised of freeze-dried goat milk. The Enhance products, including CarnaForage, DogNog, and CannaGurt contain goat’s milk and other superfoods, including hemp oil, cranberries, turmeric, yucca, spirulina, chia seed, coconut, cilantro, dandelion, and milk thistle. Each specific Enhance product is touted to improve health issues,
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including cancer, seizures, anxiety, pain, cognitive disorders, inflammatory diseases, urinary tract infections, and intestinal bowel disorder. Yak’s Milk: For centuries, people in the Himalayan region of Nepal have used yak’s milk for its medicinal benefits. Over the past five years, the number of companies that manufacture yak’s milk dental chews for dogs has surged. Churpi Durka, one of the yak chew manufacturers, states that the Journal of Dairy Science recognizes yak’s milk as a certified health food and nutraceutical – a food that increases health and has medicinal value. Yak’s milk has a high content of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants, which are easy to digest, and offer the same health benefits as those found in sheep’s milk and goat’s milk. Another ingredient, glutamic acid, is available in large quantities in yak’s milk. Glutamic acid converts to glutamine to aid in cell regeneration, healing, and wound repair. Glutamine is often depleted in dogs with cancer and pain, so it is important to have an adequate supply of glutamic acid for dogs that are fighting chronic illnesses. Sheep, goat, and yak milk products for dogs and cats are not as prevalent as cow milk products, which can be purchased through virtually any channel, and hundreds of retailers. However, several independent pet specialty stores and online retailers offer these alternative milk products, so it is relatively easy to procure these items. Pet parents who are determined to deliver functional health benefits to their cats and dogs should consider these alternative milk choices because they are nutritious, tasty, and easy to serve. Holly McClelland leads marketing and is an analyst for Fletcher/CSI, a boutique market research and consulting firm headquartered in Williston, Vermont. Holly monitors industry trends and product developments for several brands in the CPG space, including the pet industry. The pet research is focused on tracking nutrition and ingredient trends, technological innovations, and new product launches for dogs and cats.
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Michael Tanneberger D.V.M. Colchester, VT
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t seems that ticks are in the news more than Hollywood stars these days. I’m hearing about them in newspapers, medical journals, magazines (like this one), on TV and Online. Why? ..because the popularity of the topic indicates how serious the issues with tick borne diseases have become. Environmental changes such as global warming and shifting populations of wildlife have contributed to conditions that are allowing ticks to move to new territories and thrive. Since the 1980’s this has happened to a dramatic degree. Studies are showing that change is occurring all over the country and is causing the spread of tick diseases to new regions. The Lone Star Tick (think Texas) is now being found in southern New England. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, originally carried by early American settlers from Tennessee to the mountains out west, is now spreading throughout the midwest plains. Here in the Northeast, Lyme disease has been on the rise for years and most people now familiar with it. Fortunately, this has created a greater awareness of tick bite prevention for both pets and their owners. But, it’s an ongoing battle. In 2015 the state of Vermont had the highest incidence in the nation of Lyme disease in humans on a per capita basis, with Maine coming in second! The frequency of Lyme disease in dogs has mirrored that rise. Not to further your paranoia of ticks, but remember that Lyme is only one of many diseases that ticks carry. Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and others can all affect you and your dog. And that’s not to mention the new up-and-comers with great names Fall 2017
Percentage of Visits Due to Tick Encounters
So... Are You Ticked Off Yet?
2.5%
Surveillance of Vermont Emergency Room & Urgent Care Visits for Human Tick Encounters (Beta Version) Tick Encounter = any visit due to tick-related issues such as a recent tick bite or a request for tick removal.
2.0%
1.5%
1.0%
Week Ending July 29, 2017
0.5%
0.0%
January
February March
April
May
June
July
August
September October November
December
Month 2017
Historic Average (2004-2016)
Historic Maximum (2004-2016)
like Bobcat Tick Disease (in cats), Powassan Virus and Mammalian Meat Allergy (both in humans). So, are you even starting to get ticked off about ticks? If not, then remember this - not all tick diseases are easily treatable and there is much that is still unknown about them. Yes, antibiotics often (notice, I did not say always) work well against some of these diseases, but there are still many questions about how, when, and with what do we treat. Some of the newer diseases have no effective treatments yet. The good news is that excellent products for prevention are available and are the best way to protect your pets. I wish I could say that there are highly Continued Next Page
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effective, natural, and safe tick killing products available, but the scientific evidence is lacking. Although today the most effective flea and tick killers and repellents are chemicals, the pharmaceutical companies are aware of the need and have been quickly producing products that are not only safer but more effective and easier to use than older ones. Careful and proper use of these products has enabled us to protect our pets against the wide range of serious diseases that ticks carry. Now available are monthly topicals, oral chews that are given every 30 to 90 days, and the newest generation of
flea and tick collars that will last up to 8 months (and are highly effective). Because ticks are in greater numbers these days and are surviving through the winter, I strongly encourage pet owners to use these products year round. Late autumn is actually a high risk time for exposure, and the occasional winter thaws are warm enough to spur ticks into action. Also consider vaccinating your dog against Lyme disease. The vaccine should be given in addition to the use of tick killing products in order to maximize the effectiveness of Lyme prevention. Of course, you should routinely check your pets for ticks each time they come indoors (check yourselves, tool). Make sure you have a tick removal device on hand, especially when travelling or doing outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. These handy tools are inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to find. Veterinary offices, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, feed stores, and department stores are all likely to carry them. With just a simple twist the tick is easily removed. Being mindful that ticks are now a regular part of life is the first step in being able to prevent tick borne diseases. Taking the threat of these diseases seriously needs to be a priority - it is important to be proactive to be successful. I often see dogs in my office that test positive for tick diseases after being told by the owner that they have never seen a tick on their pet. Ultimately, getting ticked off enough to take action against ticks will enable you and your pet to enjoy the great outdoors with less worry and more comfort. It’s OK to get mad once in a while! Dr. Mike grew up in Connecticut and graduated from the University of Connecticut before attending veterinary school at Cornell University. Prior to his arrival at Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic, he was a partner in a large mixed practice in Northern, NY and then a small animal practice here in VT.
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The Dundee Cat This is an old Scottish folktale. The moral of the story? Be careful what you wish for.
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n an attic room in Dundee town This poor old woman spread the tale around She lived fifty years in her old top flat With no other company than her old tom cat Well, I hope so, say so, fifty years in an old top flat... Now one night they sat by the fire quite glum When who do you think come down her lum (chimney) “I’m your fairy Godmother, have no fear To grant three wishes they sent me here” Well, I hope so, say so, I’m your fairy Godmother have no fear... The old woman looked down at her empty purse I could always use some cash of course The fairy waved her wand around And lying on the floor was a thousand pounds Well, I hope so, say so, the fairy waved her wand around... Now a lovely face and a figure divine For just one night I wish were mine The fairy says, “I’ll have a go” She made her look like Bridgette Bardot Well, I hope so, say so, the fairy says I’ll have a go... This lovely girl by the fire she sat She turned her attention to the old tom cat “He’s my only love and here’s my plan Tonight change the cat into a handsome man” Well, I hope so, say so, he’s my only love and here’s my plan... This handsome man at last drew near And he whispered softly in her ear “The night is young but you’ll regret the day you had me “fixed” by the vet...!!!”
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Y
ou just had you dog’s teeth X-rayed, treated with extractions or other procedures, and fully cleaned. Now you would like a way to keep that mouth as healthy as possible. Remember that plaque is the enemy. Plaque is formed every second of every day, is sticky, and will change from a soft coating on the teeth to a hard, brown calcified barrier (tartar or calculus) in a matter of days. Yikes! Don’t despair, there are effective ways to deal with the problem. Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS First of all, not all animal products with dental claims are created equal. Unfortunately, unless there is a medical claim (“prevents gingivitis,” “cures periodontal disease”) regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is little to no oversight of statements regarding dental value. The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) was created to address this problem. The VOHC awards its VOHC Accepted Seal only to products that decrease accumulation of plaque and/or calculus by at least 20% through a data review system. Unfortunately there are only 33 products for dogs that have the VOHC seal so inevitably some of the products recommended here will not have the seal. How is plaque removed? Do you brush your teeth every day? Brushing is a mechanical action that removes plaque. Brushing is the most effective means of removing plaque and remains the “gold standard”. However, not all owners have the time or inclination to brush their dogs teeth. Having your dog chew on something that will create a mechanical action can be an effective means of removing plaque from the chewing teeth. (Remember I started with a healthy mouth. If the mouth is painful and your dog avoids chewing with certain teeth then these products will not work well on those teeth.) I use and recommend the following products.
Once The Teeth Are Clean Let's Keep Them That Way - Dogs
Products with a mechanical action that removes plaque Dental Care Diets. Regular dry food shatters as it is chewed. Hill’s t/d™ has a fiber matrix within the kibble that holds the kibble together to scrub the teeth (VOHC seal for plaque and tartar)
Regular dog kibble
2
1
With every bite, the fiber matrix scrubs the tooth surface to clean teeth and freshen breath.
Unique fiber alignment helps kibble stay in contact with the tooth surface right to the gumline.
Small Bites t/d™
3
Kibble gently scrubs away plaque and tartar to clean teeth and promote healthy gums.
Regular Bites t/d™
The t/d™ kibble is considerable larger than regular kibble. The kibbles are larger but not dense to allow the tooth to enter the kibble. Small dogs will readily eat the small bites, even though they seem large. I even heard of a Chihuahua that liked the regular bites! He would work away at the large kibble having a great time while also cleaning his teeth.
Toys: none with VOHC seal. Look for rubber toys that you can indent with a fingernail. My favorite is West Paw Design toys. US made, non-toxic, and money back guarantee (The guarantee is limited to a one-time, one replacement per household.). The style shown will hold treats which provides fun and entertainment. They also come in a ball shape and a bone shape. They float in water and can be put into the dishwasher for cleaning.
Chews - Tartar Shield Soft Rawhide Chews for small, large and extra large dogs. (VOHC seal for tartar). These products also have a mechanical effect of the surface of the tooth. The Tartar Shield treats are US made and are pre-ground up rawhide to eliminate the danger of choking. Continued Next Page
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Products that control plaque in a non-mechanical way
Water additives - Healthy Mouth™ is the only water additive to carry the VOHC seal. (VOHC seal for plaque). This is an all natural product including chlorophyll, so it turns the water green! It is extremely efficient at removing plaque and is best started directly after the teeth have been cleaned.
Sanos®: See my article in the Fall 2015 issue of 4 Legs & a Tail. The polymers in this product form a film in the space between the gum and the tooth, hindering plaque attachment in the area where periodontal disease starts. Applied by the veterinarian after cleaning the teeth. Must be reapplied every 6 months for full efficacy.
Some products combine mechanical action with a plaque control product OraVet® Dental Hygiene Chews (VOHC seal for tartar). OraVet chews work by disrupting the formation of plaque, so that it no longer sticks to the teeth. The delmopinol in OraVet dental hygiene chews disrupts plaque, reduces plaque formation and makes bacteria susceptible to attack. Add this to the mechanical action of chewing on a mildly abrasive chew, and you get pretty close to the ideal of tooth brushing. And my fussy dog Annabelle really likes them. Feed only one per day. Comes in 4 sizes.
Rawhide chews with chlorhexidine added. Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant that binds to tissue, giving it a long acting effect. It is found in some mouth washes. The rawhide is in the form of thin strips. As long as your dog is a “chewer” rather than a “gulper” these chews will not cause choking or bowel obstruction. Vetoquinol Dentahex Oral Care Chews with Chlorhexidine and Virbac C.E.T.® HEXtra® Premium Oral Hygiene Chews are two such products. Fall 2017
Dental Wipes: Just like it sounds, these are small pads that are wiped over the teeth and gums to remove plaque and to deposit plaque control products onto the teeth.
Of course you can and really should use more than one product to keep the teeth clean and the mouth healthy. With all these great products available it is easier than ever to keep your dog’s teeth as clean as when s/he was a puppy. It still will be necessary to have professional dental cleanings done by your veterinarian. If you keep the teeth clean it will take less time under anesthesia for your veterinarian to clean the teeth, it will mean less extractions that will need to be done and it may mean that you can spread out the interval between cleanings. I will do cat products in the next issue. 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.
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Smoky, Yorkshire Terrier and WWII War Dog Kate Kelly - Courtesy of Bill Wynne
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moky, a four-pound Yorkshire terrier, went to war by happenstance. She was found in New Guinea near an American military base in 1944. No one was going to send home a lost dog, no matter how tiny. She soon embedded with a unit of the U.S. 5th Air Force and was adopted by one of the photographers working reconnaissance near the front line in New Guinea. Smoky was found in a foxhole and brought back to the base by a fellow who was happy to sell her so he could get into that night’s poker game. William A. Wynne offered to buy Smoky for 2 pounds Australian ($6.44 US). After that, the two were inseparable. War Dog? Describing Smoky as a war dog, a mascot, or as therapy dog for the wounded military men doesn’t do her justice. She was all of those things. But most important, she became a soulmate for Bill Wynne. Wynne spent two years of his childhood in an orphanage, so he knew loneliness firsthand. When he adopted Smoky, he staved off what would have been many lonely hours by training his bright little companion. Then he did a loving thing: He turned and shared her with all those with whom Smoky and Bill came in contact. Smoky accomplished many things while in the service, but her most important
job was keeping smiles on the faces of the men with whom she served. Smoky and the Telephone Wire The most frequently told story about Smoky concerns her “war work.” This heroic deed came about because someone realized Smoky’s potential. The Photo Reconnaissance Squad of which Wynne was a part, was with a unit that was moved forward to Luzon, the northernmost island in the Philippines. In that day, photo reconnaissance planes had to be very near the frontlines as the planes were only big enough for the pilot and a camera mounted to the plane. The pilot had to return to base quickly so the photographers could develop the film, which would reveal the whereabouts of the enemy. They were part of a larger group moved to the Philippines to establish a full-scale military base. The goal was to move in quickly and keep everyone on the ground safe. Setting up the operation was going to require that new telegraph wire be run under the an existing runway that the Allies needed to keep open if at all possible. The original airfield builders had provided a 70-foot long pipe that ran under the runway. The problem was that soil had shifted around the pipe joinings. In some places, dirt partially filled parts of the pipe. The engineers knew that there was a strong likelihood that they would need to dig up the airfield in that section to get the wire buried, and this was a bad thought. It meant wasted days and potential risk to the men while the airfield was out of service and under construction. Someone on the team had a bright idea and approached Bill Wynne with it: Did he think he could coach Smoky to make her way through the pipe? If so, they could tie a string to her collar. After she was all the way through, they could then use the string to pull the wire to the other side. Continued Next Page
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“Can you see daylight all the way through the culvert?” Wynne asked. The answer was that there were a couple of places where dirt had almost filled the pipe but “yes, you could still see some daylight coming through.” Wynne figured it was worth a try. He and Smoky went out to become familiar with the sights and smells of the field. When Wynne felt Smoky was comfortable, he tied the string to her collar and left her with one of the engineers. Wynne went to the other end of the culvert to try to coax her through. Her first steps were exploratory, Wynne wrote. She ran in about ten feet and then ran back out again. "But I stayed on the other end and said sharply, ‘Come Smoky.’” She reapproached the pipe and began to scamper and then crawl through the tighter sections. “At last, about 20 feet away, I saw two amber eyes and heard a faint whimpering sound….At 15 feet, she broke into a run. We were so happy at Smoky’s success that we all patted and praised her for a full five minutes,” wrote Wynne. She kept the airfield open and saved the men from additional danger. Smoky’s Tricks From the beginning, Wynne spent his downtime working with Smoky. He started with basic obedience commands and then went on to various tricks. One of the tricks Wynne invented was quite a complex version of “play dead.” Smoky would drop down on command, and she didn’t move even when poked until Bill lifted her “lifeless” body up by the feet. She also learned to cross a tightrope—blindfolded. Others in the unit made her a scooter that she learned to ride. Bill was always teaching her something new. While Smoky initially performed for the men around her barracks, she soon became well enough known that Wynne would be asked to bring her to nearby military hospitals to perform. Everywhere they went, the two of them brought smiles.
came along that were right for a 4-pound Yorkshire terrier. Wynne’s wife waited for a time, but she was pregnant and wanted to have her baby in Cleveland with her mother nearby. This made Wynne’s decision obvious. He started applying for jobs in Ohio and was soon hired as a flight photographer with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA; becomes NASA in 1957) in Cleveland, studying the deicing of planes. The Wynnes settled in Cleveland where they eventually had nine children. Bill supplemented their income by performing with Smoky on weekends. By the mid-1950s, Smoky was still bright and funny and energetic, but her performing days were behind her. In 1957, she died. She was probably 14 at the time. In closing the book, Bill Wynne writes of Smoky and how she happened into his life: “One wonders, could this have been an angel in a foxhole—a buddy sent to teach me how to share her comical antics in a bigger task? That task being the sharing of her with others in a time when joy was scarce? Sometimes under stress it only takes a delightful moment of diversion [to steer away from]… mental disaster.” Smoky in a Helmet? As you’ll see from the photographs, the statues of Smoky that are part of the memorials to her, generally show Smoky in a helmet. This was not a “cute” pose; it was a practical one. Because of Smoky’s hair and the jungle climate, Wynne found that he needed to bathe her regularly to keep her pest-free. How best to bathe a four pound dog? Why in a helmet, of course! Yorkie Doodle Dandy I usually try to save my readers time by presenting to them a “story in a nutshell,” but in this case, I highly recommend that you read Wynne’s memoir, Yorkie Doodle Dandy: The Other Woman Was a Real Dog. The book is a delight because the bond between man and dog is so tight.
During the war, Bill frequently needs to hide Smoky from superiors as dogs were not an accepted part of the corps. His anxiety radiates—not for himself or his own safety–but with a fear that Smoky might be taken away from him. It is clear that this man and this dog are a true pair.
If you read the book, you will also learn the possible solution to a mystery: How did a Yorkshire terrier, quite a special breed in the 1940s, find her way to a foxhole in New Guinea? But I don’t like to trick readers, so if you really don’t think you’ll read the book, email me and I’ll explain what Wynne thinks happened that brought such an unusual dog to a war zone: kate@americacomesalive.com This article appeared on the website, www.americacomesalive.com During the summer, 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
Smoky and Hollywood After the war, Wynne returned to his hometown of Cleveland and married his sweetheart. He suggested that they honeymoon in Hollywood so that he could see if Smoky could make a living in show business. Wynne got a part-time job working with some of the dogs belonging to Rennie Renfro. This put him on set with all the Hollywood trainers of the day, including Rudd Weatherwax (Lassie) and the young Frank Inn (eventually Benji). Unfortunately, no roles Fall 2017
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Two of a Kind B
ob Landry and Coco were as different as night and day. Or more accurately, as different as a human and a dog. Yet these two would come to find out that they had more in common than you could possibly imagine. Bob grew up in a happy household in New England. Surrounded by family and friends, he was a starter on his high school football team and made it to the state finals. A top ten graduate, he had scholarship offers to universities, but not a full ride. He chose a path with the US Army instead. The military can offer you the opportunity to “Be All That You Can Be,” but the Iraqi desert was More than just half a planet from home. There was nothing he could find in common with the Green Mountains, nothing an infantry soldier could embrace beyond survival of yourself and your buddies. The mission that Tuesday, was described as “routine.” Bob repeated the word to himself as he packed a magazine of 30 rounds against his Kevlar helmet, while dressed in body armor. Riding point escorting a supply caravan, the IED hit with such sudden velocity Bob was almost unaware he had been thrown
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20 feet from his Humvee. He convulsed as the pain of searing metal tore through his leg, and then there was darkness. Coco also reveled in his early years. A Christmas morning puppy, he was as elated as his new loving family. Just outside of New Orleans, Coco thrived in the Big Easy. It was early August and that particular day was unusually busy. There was no play. They were so busy Coco had to bark to remind them about dinner. If Coco had known about hurricanes, that this could be his last decent meal, he might have barked more. Katrina struck. The plywood did little to preserve Coco’s home. Wilmot Street was consumed by storm surge, and looked like a raging river as the rain and wind pounded the city. It was dark when rescue workers found the family perched on the roof, water approaching life-threatening levels. The boat already at capacity, Coco watched as his people cried, disappearing into the night without him. The water crested, and Coco was swept away by the wind and tide, more than six miles from the place he once called home. Finally coming to rest on a muddy hillside, blood rushed from a wound, debris protruding from his leg. Bob woke two days after the attack on his column, in a hospital outside Baghdad. His recollection of the days to follow were foggy, but included talk of amputation, physical therapy and medical discharge. Several months later he set foot in the United States. The transition into civilian life was a challenge many veterans have faced. The scars of war are not just visible to the naked eye. PTSD is a simple acronym, not a simple aff liction. During one appointment at the VA in White River Jct., Bob spoke with a guy from boot camp, “Maybe you should get a dog.
More than 350,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have sought help for PTSD
They’re specially trained to help with issues like yours.” Bob wasn’t looking for a dog trained to help him pee in the night. He needed someone who could relate, feel what he was feeling. Coco scavenged through the aftermath of the storm. So much had changed, his people now hundreds of miles away, building a new life without him. Local agencies gathered these displaced, now feral dogs such as Coco in temporary shelters. Veterinarians examined Coco, his condition was near critical. Malnourished and disease infested, euthanasia was a distinct possibility. His injured and infected leg would need to be removed. Fortunately, he healed rapidly and soon found himself aboard an airplane for New England as part of a rescue group. Bob limped through the kennel of newly arrived dogs who jumped and barked, “Pick me! Pick me! ” he c ont emplat e d h i s deci sion to get a dog. Was this the right idea? He could barely take care of himself, how could he take care of a dog? “It didn’t take long for us to become best buds. During the day, Coco was by my side constantly and at night he would curl up at the foot of my bed. Soon after, we found ourselves certified for the local therapy dog program. These days we are regulars at VA hospitals, retirement homes and schools.” They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. When Bob came across Coco sitting calmly among the chaos, he didn’t see the physical scars of the dog and thinly smiled at the irony of the dog’s missing leg. For a moment he wondered if the dog was sizing him up and coming to the same conclusion. Neither of them had the life they expected. The trials and tribulations both experienced had, at times, felt unjust and painful. Although they might be as different as night and day, in the end you never know who the path may lead you to. Fall 2017
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