4 Legs & A Tail NR Fall 2020

FR

EE

Fall 2020

The Purrfect Cat Story Is Your Pet in Pain?

The Lucky Donkeys Love is Blind

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

ÂŽ

2. The Donkey Days of Summer Found Their Way to New England Freedom rings for eight

Pg. 2

donkeys rescued by Tomten Farms 3. National Fire Pup Day Check out the timeline of the fire department dog on October 1

4. Your Pet May Be In Pain

What your pet may be telling you

M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

6. Proven Ways to Keep Cats and Wild Birds Safe Mallori Longevin 7. Oral Care For Your New Family Member Emily Sullivan, DVM 8. Charity Begins at Home Marina Kinney From South Korea to New Hampshire, Charity settles in to her

Pg. 13

new life with her forever family

9. Choosing The Right Rescue

Annie Guion

COVID has fueled pet adoptions. Make sure you pick the right rescue

10. Pup With A Purpose

Karen Sturtevant

Meet the newest member of the Essex, VT police department

12. Therapeutic Riding During a Pandemic

Susan Miller

Check out the fall programs available for you at High Horses in Sharon, VT

13. Love is Blind

Gerda Silver

A lack of eye sight didn't stop two horses from finding happiness

16. Pets and Infectious Diseases in Children Peg Bolgioni 18. Alternatively Speaking: Pets Have Anxiety Too! Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA 20. I Am Afraid of Anesthesia for My Pet Sandra Waugh, VMD, MS

Pg. 26

It's a fear many of us have, but is it really warranted?

21. Leopard Geckos - Not Just for the Novice 22. An Unexpected Visitor Karen Sturtevant

During these unprecedented times, you never know who might show up

24. The Purrfect Story

Tanya Sousa

How disaster brought a cat and a young women together

26. John Muir's Dog, Stickeen

Kate Kelly

A historical account of the naturalist and his dog

28. Adopting An Older Dog Pat Jauch 4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.320 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Office Manager: Beth Hoehn

603-727-9214

Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff

TimH.4LT@gmail.com

Sales: Scott Palzer

Fall 2020

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 Northern and Western VT and Northern NH. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim.

Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 1

And this Fall, at Tomten Farm and Sanctuary, freedom rings for not one, not two, but eight special donkeys intended for slaughter.

I

t is not often that one hears of a donkey going to slaughter but that is just where six recently rescued donkeys were originally destined due to the increasing demand for ejaio. But the universe had other plans and despite a world wide pandemic and a shortage of private auction buyers, they found their way to safety at Tomten Farm and Sanctuary of New Hampshire.

When made aware of their plight, Tomten embraced their “do more, be more and give more” philosophy and opened its gates to welcome the six lives in need.

2 4 Legs & a Tail

That number has since increased to eight, as two of the jennies are in foal!

Unhandled, mishandled and underweight, these needy lives were lucky to make it out of the auction pipeline thanks to the collaborative efforts of Tomten Farm and Sanctuary, out of state rescuer, Diana Darnell and the more than 50 Tomten supporters who rallied on their behalf. Their stories have already touched hundreds as they raise awareness, become ambassadors for others like them and begin their journey of peace, protection and possibility.

As the demand for donkey hides continues, donkeys are losing their lives at an alarming rate as they are processed for their skins to make ejaio, a donkey hide gelatin used as an ingredient in Chinese medicine. According to Scientific American magazine, this product is in such high demand that, “if the current pace continues, more than half of the world’s donkeys would need to be slaughtered in the next five years”. Surprisingly, the United States is the third largest consumer of this product but thankfully, animal welfare organizations such as Tomten Farm and Sanctuary and industry leaders such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners are creating awareness of the 1.8 million donkey skins traded each year and con-

demning the inhumane transport and killing of donkeys to satisfy the escalating global trade.

“No matter what the season,” says Tomten Founder, Jenifer Vickery, “it is always a good time to give the gift of life and promote kindness. Every animal deserves to have their dreams come true and we are committed to giving each donkey a today, tomorrow and many happy years to come.” She, her loyal supporters and the unpaid volunteers of the nonprofit are hopeful that their recent donkey rescue will stimulate thought and spread joy at a time when many need a pick me up.

They invite all to follow each donkey’s journey of healing and health on the organizations facebook page and are delighted that their presence has already brought joy to so many of all ages.

Tomten Farm and Sanctuary is a 501(c) (3) dedicated to providing peace, protection and possibility to animals in need. It is home to 50 + rescued animals, staffed solely by volunteers and relies 100% on donations. The Sanctuary has a temporarily hold on public events due to Covid-19 but is still offering limited size visits for their life giving supporters throughout the year.

Fall 2020

l a n o i t a N p u P e r i F Day N

ational Fire Pup Day on October 1 honors canine members of America’s fire departments. Dogs have historically worked, lived, and slept alongside members of local fire departments. Although most people only associate Dalmatians with firefighting, there are actually many different breeds that do this kind of thing. And they’re not just companion animals, either. Many of these pups work fires and their aftermath, participating in search-and-rescue missions. There’s a long, interesting history surrounding fire pups. Let’s take a look.

NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY TIMELINE

​2 000 s

​F ire Pups Became Mascots ​As firefighting techniques became more modernized, fire departments began using Dalmatians and other fire pups as resident mascots. In addition to serving as companions, they guarded the firehouse and assisted with community outreach.

1800 s

​Carriage Dogs Became Fire Pups When fire departments began utilizing horse-drawn fire carriages, Dalmatians remained alongside these contraptions since they proved to have a calming effect on the horses.

1700 s

​ almatians Became Popular D ‘Carriage Dogs’ W ​ ealthy noblemen used so-called carriage or coach dogs to protect themselves and their possessions during long treks through bandit-infested territories. Dalmatians proved to be especially adept at this task.

Fall 2020

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY

WHY NATIONAL FIRE PUP DAY IS IMPORTANT

1. Adopt a fire-rescued dog Fire stations sometimes take in dogs who have survived a fire — only to get left behind in the aftermath. You can adopt these dogs, usually during fire department benefits.

1. It’s time to honor their bravery Animals have a long history of assisting humans in dangerous situations. Fire pups are just as brave — and deserve to be recognized — just as much as dogs who have worked in wars, during natural disasters, or at crime scenes.

2. Donate to the cause There are a lot of ways to get involved with your local fire department, and educational initiatives are especially helpful. Find out how you can donate your time or money.

3. Become a volunteer firefighter Volunteer fire departments protect many communities across the U.S. If you think that might be a good fit for you, look into becoming one.

101

(WELL... 3 ) REASONS WE LOVE THESE DOGS

2. We owe fire pups our love and admiration Dogs have been bred to be loyal and loving. Firedogs have the added responsibility of providing that loyalty to people who work in especially dangerous situations.

3. Firefighters need all the help they can get Firefighting is a tough gig. Dogs provide a measure of companionship that helps keep our firefighters happy, content, and focused.

1. They help catch arsonists Dogs have moved beyond being “carriage dogs” and firefighting mascots to actually helping investigators determine the cause of a fire. The super-sensitive noses of “acceleration detection canines” can sniff out evidence of arson.

2. Talented Dals Dalmatians made great “carriage dogs” and firefighting companions since their unique look made them easy to spot during nighttime, smoke-filled situations.

3. Canine instincts are uncanny ​I n 2012, a blind, deaf, three-legged Dachshund named True alerted its owner to a fire in their home. Everything was destroyed, but the family and True made it out alive. www.4LegsAndATail.com 3

YOUR PET MAY BE IN PAIN M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

A

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

4 4 Legs & a Tail

the stairs or having an ear infection.

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

Cancer and dental disease are chronic pains from which animals suffer in silence. A common misconception is that animals will whine or cry out when they are in pain. In fact, it is very uncommon for this to occur. Signs of pain in dogs can vary between dog breeds and individual dogs. The majority have one or more of the following signs: decreased interaction with owners, decreased activity or appetite, reluctance to move, growling, guarding, aggression towards people or other pets, or even chewing or licking themselves where it hurts. For example, a dog may not want to be petted around the head if its ears or mouth hurt. An older dog with arthritis may growl or snap at kids or other dogs, trying to protect itself from being hurt. Cats are very

good at hiding when they don’t feel well.

This is because in the wild, if they show they are sick, they can quickly go from predator to prey. It is rare that a cat with chronic pain will cry out. Instead, it may stop grooming and have matted fur, be stiff, lose weight, hide, be less active, eat less, or groom excessively at an affected area. A cat who “doesn’t like to be petted there” is usually painful at that location.

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

A thorough annual wellness exam by your veterinarian will help to determine if your pet is in pain. If you suspect your pet is painful, call your veterinarian right away. There are many options available to treat pain in our pets: prescription

Fall 2020

SEPTEMBER IS ANIMAL PAIN AWARENESS MONTH

medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy and therapeutic massage.

Remember, do not ever give human pain relievers to your pet: the majority of them are toxic to our pets. Even a little bit of certain human pain medications can cause kidney failure and death in our pets. It is our moral responsibility as pet owners to provide for all aspects of our pets’ needs. They give us unconditional love and depend on us for their care and comfort. Besides giving them food, love, and shelter we must realize that they may get sick and will definitely get old. Along the way there are times they will be in pain, for which there is help. For more information about pain control and how to tell if your pet is in pain, talk to your veterinarian and go to www.ivapm.org, the website of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) is a professional organization of 350 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine.

For more information, call (802) 878-6888, or visit www.vtvets.org Fall 2020

www.4LegsAndATail.com 5

Proven Ways to Keep Cats and Wild Birds Safe E

Mallori Longevin - Green Mountain Animal Defenders

verybody loves the fresh Vermont air and sunshine, and cats are no different.

However, the harsh reality is that domestic cats allowed outdoors are a dangerous threat to wild birds. There is much debate regarding the impact cats have on bird populations. According to the American Birds Conservancy, cats have contributed to the demise of birds, mammals, and reptiles, and they can negatively affect a variety of other wildlife.

Allowing cats to roam free can also cause detrimental health problems to the cat. Outdoors, cats face hardships and injuries that indoor cats do not. Cats who go outdoors have to contend with predators, cars, diseases, leghold traps, poisons, and other dangers, as well as getting lost. In fact, cats who are allowed to roam freely are estimated to live only about half as long as indoor cats.

A concern that cat guardians may have is how to entertain and stimulate their cats without letting them outside. Options include scratching posts, toys, and interactive playtime, which can make a world of difference. There is also the possibility of adopting another cat as a playmate. ​G reen Mountain Animal Defenders (GMAD) strongly recommends building an

6 4 Legs & a Tail

enclosure, known as a “catio” (https://bit. ly/outdoorcatios), which can be attached to your home and allow your cat to transition from inside to outside safely. Another way to exercise your cats outdoors is by taking them out on a harness.

To keep cats and wildlife safe, you can install an enclosure, such as the Purr... fect Cat Fence (www.purrfect fence.com), which has created a unique product that claims to keep even “Houdini” cats from escaping. Made from a flexible material, it prohibits cats from climbing and can be attached to an existing fence or used as a freestanding fence.

Fortunately there are many options that may help keep birds safe from outdoor cats.

Using a breakaway cat collar with a bell attached may provide a warning of your cat’s presence. Birds Be Safe (www.birdsbesafe. com) has created a line of cat collars that utilize bright colors and patterns to make cats more visible to birds. Birds are able to see and potentially identify the brighter colors as a threat. Many types of birds will sound an alarm call that will warn other birds in the area of nearby danger.

By keeping cats indoors as much as possible, especially at sunrise and sunset, when

most of the ground feeders are out, you will be protecting many birds from harm.

Please remember that birds who have been bitten by cats need help from a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Cat saliva contains bacteria that is usually fatal to birds unless appropriate antibiotics are administered very soon after the injury.

Although cats play a role in the decline of bird populations, they are not the only danger. Chemicals are also a threat, so be sure to use natural fertilizers and avoid the use of pesticides. By planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers, you can create a natural, bird-friendly habitat.

Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center researchers estimate somewhere between 100 million and 1 billion birds are killed by collisions every year. Birds fly into glass because they see a reflection of the surrounding environment and believe they are on a clear flight path. There are several preventative steps that you can take to stop birds from flying into your windows. If you have a bird feeder or bath, moving it to within three feet of your windows or a minimum of thirty feet away can help divert birds.

Another solution is making your windows less reflective. Marking your windows with some washable paint or soap can be inexpensive and very effective. Using window screens and netting or adding some decals and reflective bird tape to your windows are also effective tools.

Taking all necessary precautions should drastically cut down the probability of negative encounters, but what should you do if a bird flies into your window? Please check out this comprehensive step-by-step guide from the Humane Society of the US: https://bit.ly/birds-safe-windows.

If you find an injured or orphaned bird or other wildlife, please check this list of Vermont wildlife rehabilitators for assistance: http://bit.ly/WildlifeRehabberListVT. For advice on keeping cats indoors, check out https://bit.ly/cats_indoors. For information on any animal-related issue, please visit www.gmad.info, or e-mail us at info@gmad.info.

Working together and utilizing these tips can help create a safer environment for our furry and feathered friends!

Fall 2020

Oral Care for Your New Family Member Emily Sullivan, DVM

G

etting a new puppy and kitten is an exciting and busy time. There is a lot to introduce and teach your new pet. One important aspect of health care to include in this exciting adven ure is dental care.

This includes introducing brushing teeth, and monitoring for dental abnormalities with your veterinarian.

Introducing Brushing Teeth Brushing teeth can certainly be a struggle as pets get older. Introducing teeth brushing early on can make this process easier.

The goal is to make the process fun and stress free. Adult teeth in puppies and kittens erupt between 4-6 months old. It is important not to introduce and vigorous brushing until these teeth are fully in. During this transition when deciduous (baby) teeth are falling out and adult teeth are coming in, your pet’s mouth will likely be sensitive due to the associated inflammation. Brushing teeth during this period can cause added pain and sensitivity creating a negative experience for your pet.

So what can you do until then?

Introduce the tooth paste. Place a little tooth paste on a favorite toy so you pet gets used to the taste. You can also introduce the brush and allow you pet to sniff or lick a tasty treat from the bristles. Start lifting the lips on your pet and/or gently touch or rub the outside of their teeth with your finger. You can reward them with a treat or toy after. If your pet gets too stressed at any step, back up and start with smaller steps. By the time your pet is over six months, you can slowing introduce teeth brushing with a finger brush or tooth brush.

Dental Abnormalities Your puppy or kitten will be making frequent trips to the vet to receive proper medical care as they grow. Your veterinarian will likely do a full physical exam including looking in the mouth. There are a few abnormalities that may be found, that can be addressed and treated early.

These include missing teeth, retained deciduous (baby) teeth, or malalignment of the jaw. As discussed earlier, adult teeth typically come in by 6 months. If your pet has a missing tooth, it should be further evaluated. Dental x-rays should be performed to determine if there is an adult tooth that is under the gum line or if there is no tooth at all. If the tooth is missing Fall 2020

completely, no further treatment is needed. If the adult tooth is present and has not erupted above the gum line, it can form into a cyst that can cause damage to the surrounding bone or teeth. These teeth will need to be extracted to prevent further damage.

Deciduous teet h are considered retained when they have not fallen out by 6 months or when all adult teeth are in. When retained, these teeth can cause crowding, malalignment of adult teeth, and cause accelerated tartar build up and periodontal disease. These teeth should be extracted with in the first year to prevent these complications. Sometimes, these teeth can be extracted during spaying and neutering depending on the timing.

Malocclusions are teeth or jaws that are not in the proper position. This can include overbites, underbites, or rotated teeth. When malocclusion occurs,

teeth are not able to contact each other properly. This can cause abnormal wear on teeth, or trauma to the soft tissue structure surrounding the teeth. These should be closely monitored by you and your veterinarian. Depending on the type of malocclusion, certain teeth may need to be extracted to avoid unwanted wear or trauma.

Emily Sullivan obtained her Veterinary Medical Degree from the University of Prince Edward Island. She has previously worked in western Massachusetts before coming to Riverside. She has an Australian Shepherd named Kiah, and two cats named Jamo and Yeti.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 7

Charity Begins W

Marina Kinney - Enfield, NH

henever a family brings a new pet home, there is some degree of uncertainty about the pet’s true personality.

Though modern shelters like UVHS work hard to reduce stress on the animals and enrich their experience, it still remains an unfamiliar place. For that reason, pets can behave differently in animal shelters and only let their true colors shine when they relax into a new, loving home with a family they can call their own.

That was the case with a dog named Charity. Charity was rescued from a meat factory in South Korea. In April 2016, she came to UVHS through the husband of our former executive director.

Charity’s journey was difficult, to say the least. Having been raised in a metal cage, her paws were deformed and her toes splayed. She may not have ever seen the outside of her cage at the meat farm.

At UVHS, she had to learn how to walk on normal floors and even grass, which was also a phenomenon to her. In fact, it took her a couple of months to conquer her fear of the play yard.

She was a quirky dog with a dark past and needed a very special human to love

8 4 Legs & a Tail

at

Home

her. It took over two years until that person came along. When Peg met Charity, she started crying and exclaimed that she was so excited to bring her home and give her all of the love she deserved. Peg knew it was going to be a journey with many ups and downs, but she was prepared and had patience.

All of the staff at UVHS cried tears of joy when Charity went home and are excited whenever they receive updates on her progress. Peg got in touch with UVHS in July 2020 to let everyone know how Charity is doing.

“Charity-Ann is just thriving in family life. She is such a character - she is sweet, lovable, and loves her kids to the moon and back as they do her. Once I realized she is blind as a bat, all the problems were resolved. She no longer charges people or attacks everybody that approaches her if they just talk to her first. She is very relaxed now and very secure with her surroundings. We are together 24/7. She sleeps with her face on my shoulder and sits with me all day while I work. She is so human and smart it is just unreal. Charity is in good hands and living like a queen.”

Charity is incredibly lucky that she found Peg and that Peg had the patience and understanding to let her canine friend adjust to her new home.

Staff at UVHS are always available to assist families that adopt from us no matter how long it’s been. We want to help address behavioral issues or concerns that families have to ensure their happiness and the well being of their new furry family member.

In case you’ve recently adopted a dog or are considering it, here are some of the helpful tips we offer adopters: 1) When You Get Home, Give Them Time to Settle: While it is tempting to introduce your dog to your friends and extended family right away, we caution you to give your new pet some time to settle in. Going from the shelter to a home environment can be very overwhelming. Giving them time to get to know you and your home first can help ease their transition.

2) Leash Them Up!: Keeping a leash on your dog in the house when you first get them home can be incredibly helpful. By stepping on the leash or picking up the leash, you can prevent your new dog from running away from you, getting into things, or marking (house-soiling).

If you do not have a fenced-in yard, we recommend keeping your dog on a leash outside until you are 100% confident that they will come when you call. Remember, your dog is brand-new to you. Letting it off-leash too soon could result in your dog running away.

3) Introductions: Making introductions too quickly can be very stressful for all involved. By taking your time and introducing everyone slowly, you will hopefully have one big happy family. With any introductions, make sure you’re totally comfortable with interactions before leaving them alone together!

Teach your kids to respect the new dog.

When they engage, watch the dog for signs of stress, such as licking their lips.

If you have a dog at home already, you hopefully had a dog introduction before adopting. When you get home, acquaint them slowly over a couple of weeks and give them plenty of time away from one another.

When introducing your dog to your cat(s), make sure you do so in a place where your cats can safely retreat if needed. Having your dog on a leash during the introduction will help give you more control over the introduction. Some hissing, growling, swatting from your cat is to be expected. Treats as a reward for good behavior are always a great idea for both dogs and cats!

If you have space in your heart and home for a new pet, make sure to visit our website at www.UVHS.org.

Fall 2020

WCHS and other VT shelters work with our trusted partners, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey. One reason we love transporting with St Hubert’s is that they work with the sending shelters in the south to improve their overall operations. Every dog brought north for adoption results in a $25 payment to the sending shelter in the south. St. Hubert’s staff visits with these shelters to help improve their daily operations and has also sent shelter staff to national conferences for professional development.

While brick and mortar shelters in Vermont honored the ban, not all rescues did. If you are looking for a dog online, here are some recommendations to help you choose wisely:

Choosing The Right Rescue

• Do your research and make sure the organization is truly a non-profit. Don’t take their word for it on their website. Check them out on the IRS webpage or look them up on Guidestar to see their financials, mission, and more. Any group transporting dogs that is not a non-profit might be taking dogs from puppymills and marketing them as “rescued” to profit from the sale of dogs.

• All pets being transported over state lines are required to have a health certificate. It should be signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of transport.

Ask any group you are working with if they are aware of and comply with this requirement • While many places will list their animals as located in Brattleboro, the dogs are often actually somewhere down south. Some rescue groups are doing great work pulling dogs from shelters and ensuring that adopters get excellent postadoption support. Some, however, have no staff or foster homes in New England.

Ask any group you are working with to share their policy for post-adoption support and ask what happens if the adoption does not work out.

Annie Guion - Brattleboro, VT

If you choose to adopt with Vermont’s brick and mortar shelters, you can rest assured that the animal came from a shelter and not from a puppy mill, that all n 2019, 55% of dogs and 30% of cats the required regulations around transport were followed, that your adoption fee coming to the Windham County Humane will support all of our programs, and that we will be here if things don’t work out.

Society (WCHS) came via transport. WCHS Adopting a new family member is a huge undertaking. It’s not always a perfect fit is not an anomaly in that regard. Most right from the start. We are here to make sure that you, your family, and your pet shelters in New England transport ani- are all doing well and navigating your new lives together successfully. mals both to meet the desire for families who want to adopt and to save the lives of animals in places where euthanasia is still a way to deal with overpopulation. New England shelters transport these animals while still meeting the needs of local animals. This is largely due to progressive practices, most notably providing affordable spay and neuter services, which led to a decrease in the local pet population.

The pandemic resulted in a ban on the importation of animals into Vermont. This was a wise move on the state’s part, because due to a lack of laws around importation, many large trucks come just over the border to hand puppies and dogs out to eager adopters. This practice was leading to large groups of people gathering in parking lots. The problem is, no one is monitoring those large trucks, some of which have 200 dogs on board and come to VT every week. Some are viable, reputable rescues. However, there are reports from police of trucks that don’t have a current transport license or health certificates for every dog, as required by law. Some of these trucks are transporting dogs for organizations that look like non-profits on their website, but are not a registered 501©3. There is some concern that some of these dogs are coming from puppy mills while being marketed as “rescues”.

I

Fall 2020

www.4LegsAndATail.com 9

PUP WITH A PURPOSE C

Karen Sturtevant

orporal Bryon Wehman has a busy life. When he’s not donning his spiffy Essex Police Department (EPD) uniform he’s enjoying time with his family, two German Shepherds, and a wondering cat.

The Colchester resident and three-year veteran of the EPD already has a full plate, but that hasn’t stopped him from heaping on a second helping of responsibilities.

I arranged to meet Corporal Wehman to talk about his latest, long-term assignment.

After identifying myself and the reason for my visit through the intercom, I was buzzed into the waiting room where the walls are adorned with accommodations, photos, and patches from by-gone policing eras. As I glanced through the interior windows observing the surrounding areas, my eyes focused in on the reason for my visit: four little legs trotting through an adjacent room.

10 4 Legs & a Tail

Whenever I see a canine my heart speeds up and my excitement screams to be set free. However, as I was here on a professional level, I did my best to keep my inner child on her finest behavior. With both of us wearing face masks, thanks to COVID, Corporal Wehman introduced me to Nova, the most popular and furriest member of the force. Nova is a Dutch Shepherd/Belgian Malinois puppy destined to be top K9 in the Essex Police Department.

Outside while keeping our social distance we chatted about Nova, a name decided upon by the Wehman family, and her future. This alert little firecracker made her independence obvious as she explored, sniffed, and chewed anything she could find and fit in her mouth. The EPD recently retired their K9, Wes, creating an opportunity for one hardworking pup.

Nova was specifically selected by a Cal-

Cpl Bryon Wehman and Nova

ifornia breeder who was familiar with Corporal Wehman’s household dynamics, the puppy’s future responsibilities, and the training programs available. Police dogs need to meet specific criteria; Nova was the chosen and gifted to the department

by Corporal Wehman’s father.

Being a mere pup, Nova is not yet privy to her future obligations. She was happy to chomp on sticks and shirt sleeves during our visit. “Right now we are allowing her to just be a puppy. Getting her used to her new environment, my home, here at the department, inside a cruiser, inside a car.

There’s not a lot of pressure on her right now, there can’t be,” said Corporal Wehman.

Police canines, Nova included, typically live with their handlers. This police-pupin-training is learning what her new home life is like with German Shepherd brothers, Nike and Rumble. She watches and learns. “The dogs are like this is what we do when we go outside where Nova’s young enough where she wants to play at three o’clock in the morning. I lean on the other dogs in the household to teach her. They will help out more than I could actually do myself.”

The serious work starts in February 2021 when Nova will begin six weeks of drug detection training at the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford. After she masters this discipline, she will be trained and then certified in patrol and tracking––a twelve-week course. When her instruction is complete, she will be considered a dual purpose police canine. Not only will she gain initial skills but her endurance and advanced training will be ongoing throughout her career. Nova’s final skill set will include finding drugs, locating missing people, discovering crime scene evidence, and patrolling. Recertification in each area of expertise is required yearly. “She Fall 2020

will be the Essex Police Department’s dog.

I will be her handler from the EPD but if another agency in or around Chittenden country needs a dog and they call us, we will respond,” said Wehman.

Community reaction has been overwhelmingly positive with Pet Food Warehouse and River Cove Animal Hospital donating supplies and discounting services. Belgian Malinois are known for their drive and focus. With their sharp minds, learning comes easily as they are poised to please their owners.

“Malinois are go go go go/sleep/go go go/sleep. Dutch Shepherds have a little bit of an off switch, which I get to see a little bit in her, which is nice. She can be really sweet when she wants to be, she’ll cuddle in my lap and then the Malinois comes out and the switch will go on and she’ll go, go, go again. This combination has been proven to make an amazing working dog,” said Corporal Wehman.

One glance at the officer’s scratched and love-bitten arms and hands are a testament to the go go go instinct in Nova. Harnessing this innate drive will be critical as she matures. Training at the Vermont Police Academy and membership in the Vermont Police Canine Association (VPCA) ensure continuous behavioral, emotional, and training support for both K9 and handler.

A longterm goal for Wehman is for he and Nova to be honored by the VPCA with the

Fall 2020

distinction of Vermont Police K9 Team of the Year. Nova has a lot to learn.

“Malinois are a little different,” Corporal Wehman comments. “She has her moments, right now she’s chewing on a rock, last night she was chasing an ant.

The other night she was pulling the car seat across the driveway.” Allowed and encouraged to be a clumsy, silly puppy is essential to Nova’s development. “We’ll start getting her out from the EPD and out to other departments so she’ll be used to being around other officers.”

Until Wehman’s police cruiser is completely outfitted to accommodate Nova, she rides on the passenger seat. “Right now, she’ll walk on buttons and hit the sirens.” The completion is close for the K9-friendly cruiser––much to the delight of the unsuspecting motorists who are within the path of the mistaken sirens and blue lights!

Corporal Wehman is committed to setting up Nova for success. Bonding with one another is key and by the results of their so-far interactions, they are ahead of schedule. Nova’s a spunky spirit with an obvious affection for her human dad.

Her current days are filled with socializing and play; very soon she’ll be focusing her attention on obedience and intense learning. Corporal Wehman hopes that Nova will be well known within the community and dependable when she’s asked

to perform her trained tasks. With her nature, she’s destined to be a superstar.

As we were concluding our conversation while walking to my car, Nova happily followed chewing on her handler’s pant leg––a common occurrence right now. Meeting Nova and seeing her personality shine was an absolute pleasure. Watching her evolve into a practiced and honed police dog will be equally as satisfying. She has a long road of intense education before her. She’s also got the advantage of having a strong team of professionals who will help her with each step. With Nova’s strong attitude and foundation of support, this pup with a purpose will be earning her badge and stripes in record time.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 11

Therapeutic Riding During a Pandemic Susan Miller - Sharon, VT

12 4 Legs & a Tail

W

e’ve been dealing with some strange and uncertain times just lately with the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though High Horses had to close its doors for a while and restructure. We took the time to revise our services, devised plans for safely phasing back our riders which is still a work in progress. We are delighted to see that the community has a need for our services. Even in the midst of a pandemic we are gaining new riders wanting to join our programming. We are coming back stronger than ever. It is with heartfelt thanks to our supporters that we continue to move forward. We have discovered that High Horses is a moving experience in so many ways, whether riding or bonding with the horses and volunteers. It’s more than just a ride. High Horses is a place of inclusion, where its normal to be different, it’s even appreciated, the barn is a place to come for alternative approaches to wellness.

We have been working hard to come up with new programming that can help during the odd lifestyle changes we are navigating with family’s home more and the uncertainty of kids going back to school. We are aware that some families may be choosing to home school with the demands of new work schedules. High Horses has two great new offerings. We have virtual lesson programs where students can learn about horses by taking a virtual lesson. In a virtual lesson, you can learn about yoga that is good for riding, learn about horses’ colors & markings and enjoy Storytime with one of our horses too. Our virtual lesson program continues to expand.

This fall High Horses is also planning a morning class at the farm where small units of school-age children from the same family or neighborhood can come to learn about the horses for hands-on experience.

No more than 6 children at a time. There is no riding offered in this program, but many opportunities to interact with the horses and learn about them. We will offer parents a comfortable quiet area with the internet to relax or get some work done while the kids enjoy a learning environment.

There will be coffee and water available.

We continue to offer our SAGE program on Thursday evening for anyone that is dealing with chronic illness, especially cancer. A group of no more than 8 can sign up each week to explore experiential Fall 2020

learning utilizing the power of the horse for regaining strength and a sense of peace. Other modalities like Yoga, music, aromatherapy, journaling, etc‌ may also be incorporated.

We of course are still offering all of our other programs as well. Our Hippotherapy program now offers Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech Language Pathology. We are excited to now be offering all three of these much-needed modalities in an environment other than a clinical setting.

Hippotherapy is a service that is prescribed by a physician and is a modality that is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional goals.

We continue to offer the Unbridled Freedom Program for veterans. The Vermont Veterans Affairs Department in White River junction can help veterans enjoy time horseback by paying for the first 10 visits and finding other grants. Both our therapeutic riding and Connections programs can be geared toward veterans with physical or psychological barriers including PTSD. The Connections program combines equine facilitated activities and experiential learning. This program provides the participant with opportunities to enhance self-awareness, to practice adaptive behaviors, to explore thoughts and feelings, and experience support. This program is facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and an equine specialist.

Our Grey Horse program is open to anyone over the age of 50. We don’t want our aging population to feel isolated. We want them to get out and enjoy mobility & what better way than horseback! Riding quickens reflexes and memory. If you are having posture, balance, or impaired coordination we can help you with this program. No prior horse experience is needed.

Our most popular program is therapeutic riding which can cover a broad range of issues to help participants to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral, and educational skills for people who have disabilities.

All of our instructors are trained & certified as Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH International) riding instructors and have many years of experience helping those in our community enjoy time with horses whether riding or facilitating a bond with the horse in an unmounted program.

If you have an interest in any of the programs we are offering, please visit our website for further information or email program@highhorses.org or call our office at 802-763-3280. We are also always looking for good volunteers, whom many say they get just as much out of a lesson as the clients do. For volunteer information, please contact Ellen Zaika our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@highhorses.org or 802-763-3281.

Fall 2020

www.4LegsAndATail.com 13

14 4 Legs & a Tail

Fall 2020

Fall 2020

www.4LegsAndATail.com 15

Pets and Infectious Diseases in Children Peg Bolgioni

H

ow can you prevent the spread of infectious disease from your pet?

Correct care of your pet may prevent the spread of infection or illness to household members. To prevent the spread of disease from your pet, be careful to: • Keep your pet’s vaccines up-to-date.

• See a veterinarian regularly with your pet for health checkups.

• Keep your pet’s bedding and living area clean.

• Feed your pet a balanced diet. Don’t give your pet raw foods or allow it to drink out of the toilet.

• Clean cat litter boxes every day. Pregnant women should not touch cat litter. It may contain infectious diseases that cause birth defects, including toxoplasmosis.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals or cleaning up animal waste. Your children should do the same.

• Washing hands is especially important after handling reptiles. These animals may harbor a bacteria called salmonella. Salmonella can cause salmonellosis.

This disease lead to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Most people who contract salmonella will have symptoms that last from 4 to 7 days and will get better without treatment.

What is the relationship between wild animals and infectious diseases?

Wild animals and insects can be carriers for some very serious diseases. These include rabies, tetanus, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, hantavirus, and the plague. Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, may become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites may carry disease. Cat scratches, for example, even from a kitten, may carry “cat scratch disease.” It’s a type of bacterial infection. Bites and/or scratches that break the skin are even more likely to become infected.

What immediate care is needed for animal bites?

• Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet. Don’t scrub. It can bruise the tissue.

• If the bite or scratch is bleeding, put pressure on it with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding.

16 4 Legs & a Tail

• Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing. Don’t use tape or butterfly bandages. They can trap harmful bacteria in the wound.

Fall 2020

• Call your child’s healthcare provider for guidance in reporting the attack.

Your child’s healthcare provider will decide whether more treatment, such as antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rabies vaccine, is needed. This call needs to be made even if it looks like a minor injury, and even if the animal involved is your pet or a neighbor’s pet.

• If possible, find the animal that inflicted the wound. Some animals need to be captured, confined, and watched for rabies. Don’t try to capture the animal yourself. Instead, call the nearest animal warden or animal control office in your area.

• If the animal can’t be found, if the animal was a high-risk species (such as a skunk or bat), or the animal attack was unprovoked, the victim may need a series of rabies shots.

What is rabies? Rabies is a widespread, viral infection of warm-blooded animals.

It is caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family. It attacks the nervous system.

ONCE SYMPTOMS DEVELOP, IT IS 100% FATAL in animals.

In North America, rabies happens primarily in skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats. In some areas, these wild animals infect domestic cats, dogs, and livestock.

In the U.S., cats are more likely than dogs to be rabid. Generally, rabies is rare in

Fall 2020

small rodents, such as beavers, chipmunks, squirrels, rats, mice, or hamsters.

Rabies is also rare in rabbits. In the mid-Atlantic states, where rabies is increasing in raccoons, woodchucks (also known as groundhogs) can also be rabid.

How does rabies happen? The rabies virus is most often passed on through the bite of a rabid animal. It travels to the central nervous system. Once the infection is established in the brain, the virus travels down the nerves from the brain and multiplies in different organs.

The salivary glands are most important in the spread of rabies from one animal to another. When an infected animal bites another animal, the rabies virus is transmitted through the infected animal’s saliva. Scratches by claws of rabid animals are also dangerous because these animals lick their claws.

What are the symptoms of rabies? The incubation period in humans from the time of exposure to the start of illness can range anywhere from 5 days to more than a year. But the average incubation period is about 2 months. Each person may have different symptoms. Initially, there are no symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they may include: • Intense thirst, but drinking will cause painful throat spasms • Pain, numbness, and tingling around the wound site • Disorientation, confusion, and anxiety • Low-grade fever • Headache • Appetite loss • Restlessness • Hyperactivity • Seizures These symptoms may look like other health conditions. Always talk with your child’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 17

Alternatively Speaking: Pets Have Anxiety Too! W

Dr. Anne Carroll DVM, CVA

hat a time of uncertainty we are all living in these days. Everything about life has changed and continues to change all the time. Even if COVID hasn’t created worries about our health and finances, the inability to create a “new normal” to have predictability and stability is stressful for many. Humans are not the only ones feeling stress and anxiety; pets can struggle with those issues too. Stress can cause behavioral issues, trigger new fears, and even impact their health. So in this article, we will talk about how to recognize how your pet is doing emotionally, how to help them, and in doing so maybe even help yourself navigate these difficult times.

It may not be obvious how current circumstances impact our pets, but they do pick up on our emotions so they often share our emotional state, and changes in our work schedule impact their schedules too. Granted, most dogs are enjoying the quality of family time and exercise that comes with more of us homebound. The verdict is still out for some cats, clients tell me they feel like a relative who has outstayed their welcome when they intrude on their cat’s ‘alone time’ in the middle of the workday. But even if this change has been a positive for many pets, when it is time to return to work that transition may be hard for dogs with anxiety, or for new pets that haven’t experienced being left home alone yet. It is safe to say any pet will miss our company as we are away more in the future.

Another new stress for our pets is going to the veterinarian. Car-side appointments and pet-only entry into hospitals is the new norm for most veterinary practices since social distancing between staff and pet owners is not possible in small exam rooms. Our practice was lucky to be able to divide a dedicated space for people so they can video conference with the Doc18 4 Legs & a Tail

tor for their pet’s visit, but that still means watching exams from another room apart from your pet. With all the extra toys and treats veterinary staff is using to ensure a fun visit, most pets will do fine especially if they were socialized, or are just confident in general. But for timid pets unfamiliar with the veterinary experience, not having their people there for reassurance may pose a challenge.

So how can we address these potential stresses for our pets? The first thing to do is to assess how much they are at risk for anxiety. Are they timid in general, easily startled or afraid of noises?

Do they need to be with you all the time, even as you move from room to room in the house? Are they fearful of new situations, or meeting new people, and have trouble relaxing even with time? Pets with these personality traits are prone to anxiety and stress. As they age, they build upon their basic impressions of what is frightening or unpleasant and try to avoid those experiences with more gusto. So a young dog that wants to be with you all the time may later develop separation anxiety behaviors, that escalate so it is impossible to safely leave them. Or the dog that pants and is nervous during storms start to notice other noises, like cars, fireworks, or falling snow, and can become increasingly terrified.

The key to preventing these unhappy escalations is to recognize the potential for anxiety and intervene early. For some, intervention may include Chinese herbs, food supplements, nutraceuticals, or medications for anxiety. Personality is one part of the overall constitution of your pet, and in addressing their root imbalances to help with physical symptoms, behavior issues can also be impacted quite successfully. But for many pets, all they need is some structure and life skills to feel more secure and less anxious.

Here’s a silver lining - being at home during COVID may actually provide opportunities to help anxious pets!

The first place to start is to provide structure by keeping some stable routines even as other things change. Identify one or two things that can be reliably the same every day and stick to those as best you can. It may be mealtimes, walks, grooming, or just that few minutes of belly rub or treat time – anything that can stay predictable instills a feeling of security and that does help with anxiety.

The second tool to instill security is training. Learning a new trick or game provides security in the predictable responses to certain actions – sit and you get rewarded. Puzzling out how to get the reward can be as tiring as exercise, and tired dogs have less nervous energy for worries. Learning also builds communication skills and therefore the feeling that Fall 2020

you have each other to rely upon for support. Plus, there are snacks or some fun rewards, and fun always helps with stress!

Even better, these games can teach your pet valuable life skills. Learning to jump on a mat and be quiet and calm inside or outside, in all kinds of places, creates a security blanket dogs can take to feel safe in new situations. Using that blanket to teach your dog to wait while you are out of sight can acclimate to separation.

Special treats in or near the car on their blanket, or chasing a ball thrown through the car open doors, help dogs learn to like cars. Teaching your pet to let you place a yummy treat in their mouth, or letting them lick baby food from a jar while you handle ears, mouth or toes gets your pet used to veterinary exams and taking pills.

Bringing their blanket to veterinary visits and practicing the same games you do at home will help them feel at ease – the more familiarity you can bring with you the more secure they will feel. For very nervous pets, ask your vet if you can do some socially distanced exercises car-side to help prepare them for future visits. There are also many natural and prescription products to help lower anxiety and help new experiences be positive ones, wherever needed. Check with your vet for options, and online for Dr. Sophia Yin’s training videos and resources to use at home.

Fall 2020

Lastly, I would like to share an exercise we learned from a holistic veterinary colleague who treats pets with cancer.

Take a moment every day to do something your pet really loves - groom, snuggle, throw a ball – and really be there in that moment. Feel how happy they are, and feel how happy that makes you. This is an awesome stressbuster for both you and your pets. So if you have more home time imposed upon you than you’d like, or if you are an essential worker dealing with the stress of putting yourself at risk, take some time to be with your pets. Engage in some constructive learning so they can be better prepared as life goes back

to normal, or just exchange some unconditional love. Use this time to be ready to hit the ground running better and stronger than ever to face whatever the future holds.

Dr. Anne Carroll is the owner of the Chelsea Animal Hospital where she and her associates practice conventional medicine and surgery as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

For more information on alternative veterinary medicine visit their website at www.chelseaanimalhospital.com .

www.4LegsAndATail.com 19

I Am Afraid of Anesthesia for My Pet PART 1 Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS

W

hen we discuss a dental procedure with a client they almost always express a fear of anesthesia, especially if their pet is very young, very small, or elderly. In this series of articles I will address what anesthesia is, the important risk factors, types of drugs used, equipment used and the importance of staff training. While I can’t make the risk of anesthesia go away, I hope I can relieve much of your anxiety.

In order to do any involved dental procedure we need to induce a state of unconsciousness so the pet holds still, doesn’t react to what is being done and does not feel any pain during the procedure. Different drugs can be used to maximize the efficiency of this procedure and can be tailored to the specific needs of an individual

“I weigh all of 5.8 pounds and my owners worried that I was too small for anesthesia. I did just fine, though, and my mouth feels so much better.” - 11 year old Maltese patient. The first step is to give preoperative medications to relax the patient and provide relief from pain. At Windsor Pet Dental this usually consists of a narcotic for pain relief and a low dose of tranquilizer to relax the patient. After a 15-20 minute wait the patient is ready for the induction of anesthesia. Induction consists of giving drugs that quickly cause a state of unconsciousness sufficient for an endotracheal tube to be placed into the windpipe. These drugs don’t last very long in the body. An intravenous (IV) catheter is placed because induction drugs are designed for IV use and because during the dentistry we give IV fluids and other drugs IV as needed.

There are many different drug combinations for this but we use alfaxalone and midazolam. These drugs are given to effect, meaning that the drugs are given until the desired effect is reached rather than by a fixed dose. We then connect the pet to an anesthesia machine which delivers an anesthetic gas called isoflurane dissolved in oxygen which the pet breathes.

We can change the amount of anesthetic inhaled during the dental procedure by turning a dial which increases or decreases the percentage of anesthetic gas depending on the level of anesthesia the pet is showing. We can increase the amount of inhaled gas if the pet is light and we see muscle movements such as swallowing or moving of the jaw or (for example) if the blood pressure goes below a minimum value indicating the patient is too deep we can turn the level of gas down. Changing the percentage of inhaled isoflurane provides a change within 20-30 seconds.

Most people are unaware that anesthetic gas has poor pain relieving properties, which is why we started pain medicines at the beginning. If we are going to do a painful procedure such as an extraction we give a small initial dose of a narcotic or combination of pain medicines as an IV bolus in the catheter and then a slow drip of a low dose of the medicines via the catheter during the procedure. This is called a continuous rate infusion or CRI. Intravenous fluids are run in to maintain hydration and blood pressure. If the blood pressure is low the fluids are increased, if high the fluids are decreased. If any additional medicines are indicated they are also given via the catheter for quick effect.

“My teeth were causing me pain and I really wanted to get them fixed but my owners worried that I was too old for anesthesia. But I wasn’t and now am much happier with my mouth.”

- 14 year old Jack Russell Terrier.

20 4 Legs & a Tail

A local anesthetic is also given just like your dentist does for you. This is a combination of a local anesthetic plus a light dose of morphine to temporarily deaden the nerve and provide numbness to the area of the mouth being worked on. Pain messages never reach the brain and when the pet wakes up they not in immediate pain. This make the recovery from anesthesia much smoother.

Fall 2020

LEOPARD GECKOS

“Too young for anesthesia? Neither of us. We did great!”

- Two 8 week old Domestic Shorthair Cats As the procedure is coming to an end, the anesthetist starts turning the gas and pain medicines down so the patient begins to wake up. Our goal is to have the patient awake 10 minutes after the procedure is done and walking an hour and a half later regardless of how long the procedure takes. If needed, medications that speed recovery can be given via the catheter during the recovery period as the catheter is not removed until the pet is awake and out of any danger.

There are four things to consider when evaluating a patient’s risk for anesthesia. They are: (1) the pet’s health (2) the drugs to be used (3) the equipment used (4) the skill and training of the staff running the anesthesia.

Notice I did not list age or size per se. It is safer to anesthetize a healthy 15 year old pet than an unhealthy 15 month old pet. While everyone is afraid of the risk of anesthesia, we forget there is a risk in everything we do even in daily things such as driving to the store. Not doing anything also has risks and is a conscious decision bearing responsibilities for its consequences. A pet that has severe dental disease runs the risk of adverse side effects from the bacteria and toxins shedding from the infection as well as the pain and discomfort from the infected teeth. Hopefully we can relieve some of your anxiety in this series of articles so you will authorize the needed dental procedures for your pet improving the quality of their life and making their mouth pain free.

I will continue the series in the next issue of 4 Legs & a Tail.

Dr. Waugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She also holds a Masters Degree from Washington State University of Veterinary Medicine and is owner of Windsor Pet Dental, PLC. Fall 2020

A

Not Just for the Novice

ll sorts of things have happened in 2020. It doesn’t matter if it was a bad or great year, it has been stressful for all. When stress is high we need things to help relax us. 9/11 was the last time I saw so many people and such a wide variety come into Aquarealm, our pet store (especially first responders, firemen, police, etc). Fish tank sales then were up then, as Doctors were prescribing them to help lower stress levels. It was a crazy time.

Well 2020, I think we can all agree, was like “hold my beer.” I have seen fish sales (and other sales) increase past 9/11 sales hands down. One area on the rise is Reptiles. In over 25 years of helping people find the pet/family member that fits their needs/lifestyle, when someone is looking for a reptile, one stands out from the rest.

Leopard Geckos!!!

It doesn’t matter if you have never owned a reptile before or if you have kept reptiles for years, Leopard Geckos are a fantastic go-to reptile.

Though these reptiles are bred in captivity and now produce numerous color morphs, they originated in Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq.

So what makes them such a nice lizard that I have recommended them over the years??

They grow to 6”- 9” when full size, with the exception of Giant Leopard geckos. Even though geckos can be kept in a 10 gallon aquarium their whole life ( 20+ years), a 10 gallon tank is better for a baby and a 20 gallon long aquarium is ideal for an adult, giving plenty of space to move around.

That is right, you read “20+ years” for life span. These durable geckos are very forgiving and easy to handle, no matter how much time you have to spend with them. They are okay with being handled a lot, little, or not really at all. As long as they get their nom’s and a varied diet such as Crickets, Dubia roaches, Meal & wax worms, keep the temps between 85 to 90F during the day and they are pretty happy.

These lizards are nocturnal, so it’s party at night, sleep during the day. Kinda reminds you of college kids, doesn’t it? Though you don’t have to worry about having the cops called on them, loud music, or drinking certain beverages.

They don’t require UVB light (if used, use the lowest UVB spectrum and only for a few hours a day, too much or too high levels can cause eye issues). For substrate (bedding), for babies I recommend cage carpet or sand mats, as they tend to

think of everything that “might” move is food, and may ingest too much sand.

For sub-adults and adults Calcium based sand works great. Leopard geckos tend to like to poop in a corner, so sand makes it an easy weekly or bi weekly clean. The sand should be completely replaced every month, to month and a half. There are also other substrates that can work well, like Excavator, and Exo Terra’s new clay substrates. One thing you may hear/read is that sand and other substrates are bad due to impaction. A healthy Leopard gecko getting the right supplements (calcium w/ D3, and vitamins), with proper temperatures and humidity. Using a calcium based sand, the chances of impaction happening is maybe 5%. Though sometimes you can run across a gecko that just cannot be in sand for different reasons.

I would never use it with babies.

A cave with some terrarium moss in it, or “wet” logs/caves work great for humidity to help with shedding.

To top it off, watching them hunt for food is a sight, as they wiggle their butt/ tail right before pouncing. Watching that never seems to get old.

For more info on keeping your pets happy and healthy contact your Vet or your local pet store can help you out.

DJ Nelson has worked in the pet industry for over 25 Years and is the owner of AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets in St. Johnsbury, VT. He works with Reptiles, Birds, Small Animals, Fresh/ Saltwater fish, and Dog & Cat Nutrition.

Since proper care is constantly changing, educating customers about their pets is the most important. www.aquarealmaquarium.com and Facebook

www.4LegsAndATail.com 21

An Unexpected Visitor Karen Sturtevant

I

recently had an encounter with an unexpected guest, similar to a colleague showing up without an appointment. As I wrote my thoughts, I wondered how this experience could be equated to the world of business on a professional level. What follows is the original writing with additions related to today’s workers.

Next door stands a slice of Vermont history. A-seen-better-days, however, a still charming barn built in the 1800s. With its foundation of rock and fixes from years past, it’s a landmark quickly disappearing from our rolling hills. The barn lives at the end of a so-far undeveloped open field. During COVID-19 and the governor’s stay at home orders, my little dog and I had ample opportunity to trespass. Trespass and explore we did. Under the barn, around the field, through the cemetery, and into the marshland. What a fascinating ecosystem we found. And later, as it would turn out, found us.

Our daily commune with nature gave me an appreciation for the continuous movement of workings typically unseen.

Has the chipmunk population exploded this spring? They’re everywhere. Chirping their authority, I watch with awe as my curious canine strains at her leash. In the era of COVID-19, the daily scenery from traffic lights and stop signs have changed to sunrise viewing and watching the frantic maneuvers of gray squirrels. It’s hard to justify being late in signing in when the total travel is from up to downstairs.

Just this morning, we garnished the alert attention of a mother groundhog sounding the alarm to her four young to retreat and retreat quickly. Baby groundhogs are darn adorable rodents—really they are! You wouldn’t think they could move fast, but their stubby legs led them to the safety of a woodpile allowing both parties (human and animal) to pass without incident.

And the birds! My grandparents had a large bird feeder (build by my granddad) just outside their living room window. They would watch for hours. As a kid, I couldn’t understand the allure. Now, some 40+ years later, I do. With the birds’ distinctive chirps and spastic, ticking movements, bird watching is a new pastime. I may need to invest in a good set of binoculars. Dare I admit, I am turning into my grandmother? I should be so lucky.

Bird viewing has taken the place of people watching. As an expert introverted people-watcher, I admit I miss the interactions and awkwardness of my actions 22 4 Legs & a Tail

in my ‘former’ workplace. My coffee buddies, the guy in the warehouse, and the vendor who restocks the snack machine.

Birds over people? Sometimes yes, other times, no way. There is a lot to be said for human-to-human connection.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the rabbits. Little brown, white-tailed-cuteas-a-button bunnies. Like chipmunks, there seems to be a surplus this year—just ask my dog who thinks she’s a master tracker and hunter. Rarely, we don’t encounter a few on our daily walks.

As I’ve been working from home since March, I take move-around breaks in and out of the house. Recently during a glance out our back door, I spotted a monster thing leisurely sunbathing in the driveway. And you thought monsters didn’t exist. Not so! As my heart skipped a beat trying to catch up with what my brain was registering and my eyes seeing, all finally synced to determine this thing was a snapping turtle.

As I grabbed my camera and admonished my timid dog to stay inside, out I went to meet this fellow trespasser. She (he?) didn’t seem to mind the interruption. If you’ve not had the chance to see this reptile up close, it’s a sight unlike any other. Imagine a fierce looking prehistoric creature mixed with a really angry-looking uncle. After taking way too many pictures, I went back to my home office.

During the course of the afternoon, she made her way back to the wetland behind our house. She’s been doing her turtle gig for 90 million years—no assistance needed from the work from homer. I wished her well and back to work I went.

As that faithful day wained on, my thoughts took me to a time where she had to survive in a land of dinosaurs and birds the size of 747s. Her durability has lasted longer than any of my fancy work shoes or trendy bracelets.

Fast forward to the next day, another look outside yielded another surprise. She was back. This time smack in the middle of our front lawn. Congratulating myself on my bravery, I approached. I noticed her right back leg was missing its foot and claws. Perhaps due to an encounter with another snapper or possibly a trap. As she lumbered, tilting a bit on the right side, she was impervious of the middle-aged woman watching her in wonder.

As a lover of all things animals, I appreciate the cuteness of a puppy, the innocence of a lamb, and wonder how in the heck the Monarch butterfly population knows how

to navigate the thousands of miles during the time of migration. On the visual surface, this particular critter left a lot of wiggle room in the beauty department.

Working within the same company for over a decade, I’ve come to appreciate the uniqueness of our work family. As in any conglomerate of beings, diversity, thankfully, runs high.

“Miss Snapper” could not be described as remotely pretty, but she did have her own mystic. She was scaly with an algeacovered shell. Her thick legs were similar to that of a lizard with claws jutting out from stumpy feet. Her eyes: alert and intelligent. Her beak-like jaw was intact, her best survival tool. Her neck: snakelike and long. No, she wasn’t aesthetically pleasing. She was more than than. She was admirable for her longevity and fortitude, her survival instinct, and endurance. She was beautiful, in her own reptilian way.

Was this my spirit animal? Was she delivering a life-altering message to me?

Or, was she simply doing what she does, maybe looking for a nesting spot, and it just happened to be while I was at home to witness? Most likely, the latter. I can live with that.

A litany of questions remain. Did she lay her eggs? How many will survive?

How long has she been our quiet, stealthy neighbor? Will she come back to visit? In the corporate world, a subset of inquires: how has the company culture evolved over the past year? Are we leaning toward an environment of equality and forwardthinking individuals? Do our leadership teams welcome us worker bees with our ideas, concerns, and solutions?

Since our initial encounter we, my little dog and I continue to walk the field next door and explore the barn. Discovering new flora and appreciating the changing cloud formations, we are now on the look out for our enduring friend. Working from home has its advantages. One I never imagined was having the opportunity to be hurled back tens of millions of years to experience, up close and personal, this ancient and impressive, beautiful creature. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder.

Segueing from a reptile confrontation to a working-from-home conclusion is not easy. What I will end with is this: we humans are at our best when we’re challenged and determined, like our friend the snapper. Whether we’re settling into the muddy bottom of a pond or embracing on a new project, we both need to use our instincts and brain power. Life: personal, work, family is challenging. Snapper has proved her reliability. It is my hope that in our new, ever-changing world of covid-19, we will meet our new trials with the same determination and courage as our reptilian friend.

Fall 2020

Fall 2020

www.4LegsAndATail.com 23

W

hen I was a young journalist, I was exposed to many new people, places and events. I learned a lot, but my lifestyle was fast and inconsistent.

Consistency didn’t enter my life until a silver-grey tabby did.

I’d been covering a meeting when a friendly reporter from a rival newspaper slipped me a note just before the event adjourned. He’d heard there was a barn fire in a nearby town – severe. I thanked him as we both hurried to our cars to rush to the scene, cameras and notepads in tow.

The entire building was an inferno, and men in coveralls dashed back and

The Purrfect Story Tanya Sousa

forth with buckets. Somehow my rivalpal had heard about this before the fire department had even arrived. I was feverishly snapping pictures when one of the men strode towards me with purpose, holding something, it seemed, close to his chest. “Can you take a kitten?” he asked.

“I think the fire killed most of ‘em, but somehow this little one got away.”

I’d always loved cats, but hadn’t had one since I lived with my parents. My mind raced – I had a small apartment.

Money was tight. Would a kitten scratch up that new couch I finally dared to spring for? What about my plants? Would the cat decide to eat them?

The man was still standing before me.

He held out the kitten as though he were reading my mind and knew I needed a little extra push to convince me to take it. Maybe he thought I would change my mind if I only saw the kitten. “Please,” he said again, “I don’t have time to take care of it now, and it doesn’t have a place to go anymore.”

I could only see the shape of a small creature, but I wordlessly accepted it.

The kitten clung quietly to me. I felt a strange sense of warmth as I walked down the road to my car, parked a quarter of a mile from the blaze. The kitten slowly crawled up my chest until the small head butted into my chin and the curve of my neck.

When I finally walked into my apartment and turned on the light, I noticed bloodstains covering my white shirt, some in obvious paw patterns and others smears. I swept up the kitten again and set it on the kitchen counter where the true condition made me gasp. The normally tough skin on the paw pads was burned off completely, leaving a bloody mess. The kitten’s fur was singed all over and its whiskers, or what was left of them, were kinked and twirled – melted as a result of the intense heat.

She may have even been on fire at one point. I also noticed the kitten wasn’t just an “it”, but was a “she”.

It took weeks of constant care for her paws to heal and much longer for her fur to grow out, but by the time she was a year old, Miss Kitty was luxuriously plump and shiny. No matter what happened in my life during that year or the fourteen years following, Miss Kitty, the silver-grey tabby, remained a constant and repaid me tenfold for her rescue.

She moved with me three times without complaint. Because of her, each place I lived was a true home.

Find Tanya Sousa’s novel, “The Starling God”, her art and photography notecards and much more at Etsy.com/ market/NatureArtsExpressed

24 4 Legs & a Tail

Love Is Blind “ From the moment I saw her picture, I never stopped worrying about Sophia."

- Gerda Silver, founder of Gerda’s Equine Rescue

G

erda Silver, the founder of Gerda’s Equine Rescue in Vermont, learned of a big 17.1 hand Belgian mare named Sophia.

Along with other horses, Sophia was destined to be shipped to a slaughterhouse in Mexico. These horses are kept in a holding pen for one week, available to the public to purchase in hopes of saving their lives.

Gerda kept a vigilant eye on Sophie’s ad all week, waiting to see if anyone was going to save her But unfortunately, no one wanted her.

The sad reason: Sophia was blind.

So Gerda got to work raising enough money to bail Sophia out of the kill pen and transport her to the rescue. “We’d figure out the rest once she was safe,” said Gerda.

Sophia soon arrived safely in Vermont, and after a month of quarantine, the decision was made to find her a sanctuary where she could live out her life. Finding a reputable sanctuary was not that easy, however—all were full and had long waiting lists.

Then something special happened. Gerda called Draft Gratitude, a rescue in New Hampshire that specializes in saving and re-homing draft horses. These horses are the giants of the equine world.

In sharing her story with Becky Roy, founder of Draft Gratitude, Gerda was shocked to learn that they had a big 19-hand Belgian gelding close to Sophia’s age— and he is also blind! Mighty Mike, as he is called, came to Draft Gratitude last February. Since then he has been living with a companion horse who has now found herself a home, which will leave Mike alone.

Mike was in need of a new companion.

Mike is a former workhorse, like Sophia, and he had become unable to keep up with the workload. And he is huge—the cost of feeding him was the tipping point of him becoming unwanted.

“Mike arrived very thin and filthy,” Becky said. “He is blind in both eyes, but he’s extremely brave and well adjusted. Over the past few months, he has reached an appropriate weight, and he looks healthy and handsome after shedding out his winter coat.”

Was this all just a coincidence, or was it a meant-to-be miracle? Gerda and Becky Fall 2020

agreed they both believe in miracles, and they got to work on matchmaking ideas.

So, how do you introduce two blind horses to one another? What if they don’t get along? Can two blind horses be each other’s companion?

It was decided the best approach was to bring Sophia to New Hampshire and introduce her to Mike while his companion horse, Patty, was still there.

Mike knows his current paddock well.

Becky and her workers took a lot of time walking Sophia around the paddock, making sure she knew where to find the hay and water. Amazingly, Sophia quickly adjusted to her new surroundings and learned her way around.

Thankfully, Mighty Mike and Sophia hit it off. They quickly started sharing the same hay basket and stick pretty close together.

“We’re excited to have Sophia join us as a companion for Mike,” Becky says. “The two will be able to stay together as mutual companions and live out their lives safely.”

Now there is an urgent call for heroes!

In order for Sophia and Mike to stay as sanctuary horses at Draft Gratitude, they need to have their own permanent paddock built. The paddock requires safe and secure fencing appropriate for blind horses (at a cost of approximately $2,500), as well as a run-in structure for shelter (approximately $5,300). And they need monthly/ annual sponsors to financially maintain them throughout their lifetime. These giants need lots of hay and care.

Gerda and Becky are hoping Sophia and Mike’s story touches people and inspires them to help with the funds needed to build the two horses an appropriate home.

“Their handicap may have ended their ability to serve humans, but they still each deserve to live out the safe and loving retirement they have earned. To have found each other is a real-life love story that should be allowed to live on and flourish—but we need heroes to help us make that happen.”

A fundraiser has been set up for Sophia and Mike, and those who wish to help can donate to https://www.draftgratitude.com/ mike-and-sophia/ .

Gerda’s Equine Rescue (GER) is a Ver-

Mike and Sophia

mont-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose primary mission is to save the lives of slaughter-bound horses. Once horses are rescued and in our care, we begin the rehabilitation of their minds and bodies. They are evaluated for their overall health and serviceability and are given any necessary training. The last and most important step is careful re-homing, as we do all we can to ensure each horse a safe and loving home for the rest of his or her life.

For more information, visit https://gerdasequinerescue.org/ You can also like Gerda’s Equine Rescue on Facebook and follow @ GerdasEquineRescue on Twitter and Instagram.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

John Muir’s Dog Stickeen Kate Kelly

S

tickeen wasn’t even naturalist John Muir’s dog, yet he was Muir’s faithful companion as the explorer made a treacherous journey across a glacier in the southeastern section of Alaska.

Who Was John Muir?

John Muir (1838-1914) was to become a an influential conservationist who led many battles for conservation and wrote persuasively about the importance of preserving our natural world.

He was born in Dunbar, Scotland. His family emigrated from there, finding their way to Madison, Wisconsin, when Muir was 11. Though he always loved being outside, one of his early jobs as an adult was in Indianapolis working on machinery. A bad accident, however, caused him to re-think his life.

When he recovered from his injury, he resolved that he would look for a way to be outside full-time. Leaving Indianapolis, Muir hiked to the Gulf of Mexico and sailed to Cuba. From Panama, he caught a ship going up the West Coast to San Francisco. Eventually he also traveled up the coast into Canada and Alaska.

He particularly loved California. He and his family settled on a ranch in Martinez, California, where he could still easily travel to his beloved Sierra Nevada mountains. In the Sierras, he was intrigued by the land formation and the glaciers. He came to believe that the valleys were created through “glaciation.” His theory was new and controversial, but scientists and explorers were intrigued and came to visit and see what he observed.

Second Trip to Alaska In 1880, Muir planned what would be a second trip to Alaska. The southeast part of the state (north of Juneau) had not been well documented. Muir was to explore by 26 4 Legs & a Tail

canoe with two men–his friend, the Reverend S.H. Young, and an Indian guide. When he and the guide paddled to Fort Wrangell to pick up Reverend Young, a short-legged black dog with silky hair jumped into the canoe behind Young.

Muir immediately requested the dog be left on shore: “This trip is not likely to be good for dogs.”

Young protested that Stickeen—named after a native Indian tribe—was a good-luck totem. Everyone found him to be “filled with wisdom.”

Out of respect for Young, Muir dropped the matter. Stickeen was now part of the crew. (We have Stickeen’s story because Muir so enjoyed regaling people of what happened with the dog, that his daughters encouraged him to write it down to share with future generations.)

Stickeen the Explorer At first, Stickeen kept to himself, writes Muir. “[But] when he heard us talking about making a landing, he immediately roused himself to see what sort of a place we were coming to and made ready to jump overboard and swim ashore as soon as the canoe neared the beach…

“Though capable of great idleness, he never failed to be ready for all sorts of adventures.”

Stickeen was always the first out of the canoe and the last to get into it. When the men were ready to depart, Stickeen could never be found and refused to come to their call. “We soon found out, however, that though we could not see him at such times, he saw us. From the cover of the briers and huckleberry bushes in the fringe of the woods was watching the canoe with wary eye.

“As soon as we were off, he came trotting down the beach, plunged into the

surf, and swam after us, knowing well that we would cease rowing and take him in,” writes Muir.

Glacier Bay The goal of the trip was to further explore Glacier Bay. When they reached an inlet known as Taylor Bay at about 5 p.m., they guided the canoe to the shore and made camp.

The next morning Muir awoke before the others. The day was cold and windy, and he sensed a coming storm but this only heightened the thrill he felt for the area. He hoped to go off on his own, leaving the men and Stickeen behind. But Stickeen rose, too, and would not be dissuaded from coming.

The wind was strong. Muir and Stickeen pushed forward across the lower part of the glacier. When it began to rain, they took cover in a grove on the east side of the glacier. Muir pulled out his notebook and noted in words and in sketches the topography.

When the weather improved, they continued up the glacier. Muir described it as a “prairie of ice.”

Snow on Way The rain continued, but Muir did not grow concerned until he smelled the coming of snow. He picked up his pace, wanting to return to camp before dark.

As he and Stickeen traversed the glacier, they encountered numerous crevasses.

Muir looked for the narrowest point of each opening, and then he made a big jump to get across, followed by Stickeen.

When it was particularly dangerous, Muir cut hollows for his feet to avoid the risk of slipping as he jumped. This helped Stickeen as well.

As the temperature dropped and snow began to fall, Muir’s concern deepened.

Fall 2020

He knew they could weather one night on the glacier, but they had skipped breakfast.

He wanted to return if possible.

As they continued, Muir encountered an extremely wide crevasse with steep sides.

As he always did, Muir went in search of a better spot to cross. He hiked about a mile north and found nothing.

Muir—like all experienced mountaineers–preferred to re-trace his steps rather than forge into the unknown at times of bad weather or nightfall. But Muir made an educated judgment. They were midway across the glacier, and it was too late to go back.

How to Cross?

As he evaluated the crevasse before them, Muir estimated that it was 50 feet wide. Further complicating the situation was the fact that on both sides of the crevasse there was a sheer drop. But as Muir looked, he saw that about ten feet down there seemed to be a thin bridge connecting the two sides.

“The ice bridge dipped in the middle like a jump rope held between two giants,” is the apt description from author Donnell Rubay, who wrote a picture book about Muir and Stickeen.

If Muir and Stickeen could find a way down the ten-foot drop, then they could probably make it across the rope-like ice.

It seemed their best hope.

First, Muir chopped footholds down the face of the crevasse and climbed down to the bridge. Once there, he straddled the “rope”—one leg on each side—and began scooting across. He knew this method of travel would be impossible for Stickeen, so he chopped to make a flat surface along the top as he went. This might provide Stickeen with a tight-rope style path on which to walk.

Muir Safe Once Muir was across, he chopped footholds up to the other side. Then he turned to encourage Stickeen to begin his crossing.

Stickeen had been absolutely fearless up until this time, but was he now beside himself, crying: “After taking another piercing look at the tremendous gulf, [he] ran away [moaning and wailing] in desperate excitement, seeking some other crossing.” Could this be the silent, philosophic Stickeen?

Muir encouraged and called. He was perplexed as to what to do, and he resolved that he might have to leave Stickeen and come back and fetch him the next day Muir told Stickeen as much and then the man then started off as if to abandon him.

Stickeen still moaned and looked down.

Finally, Muir gave it one more try. Speaking severely, he shouted to the dog that he would be left if he did not come.

Stickeen understood the tone. “With the courage of despair, hushed and breathless, he crouched on the brink of the crevasse in the hollow Muir had made for his knees.

Fall 2020

He then pressed his body against the ice as if trying to get the advantage of the friction of every hair, gazing [straight down] at the first step. He put his two front feet together and slid them down to the first notch, followed by the back feet, perching with all four feet in each notch before sliding down to the next step.

When Stickeen made it down to the level where the bridge began, he seemed to do a one-two-three against the wind, and then he walked carefully across the rope-like span. Muir barely breathed during Stickeen’s passage. When Stickeen reached the other side, Muir murmured, “well done, well done little boy,” and reached down to pull the dog up.

But Stickeen did not wait. As Muir reached for him, the dog launched himself out of one of the footholds and seemingly flew right over the explorer’s head. Muir writes about the scene that followed: “Never before or since have I seen anything like so passionate a revulsion from the depths of despair to exultant, triumphant, uncontrollable joy,” writes Muir. “He flashed and darted higher and higher as if fairly demented, screaming and shouting, swirling round and round like a leaf in a whirlwind.”

Onward With that, Muir pointed them both toward where he expected the camp site to be. Stickeen “flew across everything in his way,” and did not settle down until darkness fell.

About ten o’clock, they walked into camp, very hungry and tired. Young and the guide maintained the fire and had a big supper waiting for them.

For the rest of the trip, Stickeen was constantly at Muir’s side. “Whenever he caught my eye, he seemed to be trying to say, ‘wasn’t that an awful time we had together on the glacier?’”

After the trip, Muir dropped Reverend Young and Stickeen off at Fort Wrangell.

Muir returned to California, but he frequently asked after Stickeen.

Then in the summer of 1883, Young wrote sad news: A tourist reportedly picked up Stickeen and took him with him.

John Muir went on to attract the attention of President Teddy Roosevelt regarding the importance of conservation and to create the Sierra Club. But he never forgot Stickeen: “Doubtless Stickeen has left this world— crossed the last crevasse—and gone to another. But he will not be forgotten. To me, Stickeen is immortal.”

This article first appeared on the website, www.Americacomesalive.com.

America Comes Alive publishes more stories about American dogs and other animals. Visit the website and sign up for “American Dogs” to receive the stories in your In Boxor email Kate Kelly at Kate@AmericaComesAlive.com

All Roads Lead To Utton’s Automotive

our For All Y Fall airs o Aut Rep

802-229-9005 170 River St. • Montpelier, VT

www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

Adopting An Older Dog Pat Jauch - Caledonia Animal Rescue

E

very animal’s personality is unique and adding a mature pet to the family dynamic can be rewarding for all concerned. We adopted an adult dog and heartily recommend it. Someone had lost, abandoned or surrendered him. Perhaps he was the victim of the economy – 95 pounds is a lot of dog to feed – or perhaps it was the neck mass that his former owner knew would cost a lot and eventually take his life. For whatever reason, he was relegated to the pound and after six months it was our good fortune to find him. He was one of the lucky ones, in whom there appeared to be promise, and despite having a neck mass, which made him less adoptable, his life was spared.

His name was Moxie and he was a king among canines. He was the perfect size for a large yard, full of energy, but a bit “growly.” Somehow we overlooked that initial behavior and later determined that it was his way of purring.

We already had a dog, half his size, who

28 4 Legs & a Tail

reluctantly acknowledged that this massive creature had come to stay. The cat, less enchanted, gradually came around also. Ever the “alpha dog,” his dominance quickly melted into playfulness when he was around other animals. From day one he was eager to please, and fastidious about his surroundings. He loved to ride in the car. He loved treats and ice cream cones. Moxie loved to roll in snow banks, gently nibbled plush toys, and had no interest in counter-surfing.

He obeyed commands, greeted every homecoming with enthusiasm, and was completely housebroken. In short he was a gem and we were truly blessed to have found him.

His only f law was that neck mass.

Surgical removal identified it as a hemangiopericytoma (malignant tumor).

When radiation was recommended we took him for treatments. He did well until the tumor returned and a lung mass developed. Chemotherapy, while not curative, was then recommended to extend his life. By then we were totally smitten and, since he showed no adverse effects from the treatment, we proceeded. In the end he lost his appetite and further tests identified liver and spleen involvement along with masses in his abdomen.

Euthanizing a family pet is one of the hardest things anyone ever has to do.

Thankfully, this remarkable dog died peacefully, without intervention. Someone once said, “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

Moxie, our adult adoptee, was definitely loved and he is greatly missed.

Fall 2020

FR

EE

Fall 2020

The Purrfect Cat Story Is Your Pet in Pain?

The Lucky Donkeys Love is Blind