4 Legs & A Tail North/Rutland Summer 2020

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Dog Days of Summer 2020

Celebrate International Assistance Dog Week!

Is This the Summer You Ride a Horse?

Meet the Most Unique Dog Breed The Healing Power of Pets The Dog vs the Home Office

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

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2. Champlain Valley Equipment: Celebrating 50 Years of Serving Farmers

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4. Extreme Mustang Makeover Teen Trainer from Vermont 15 year old Wisteria

Franklin competes for national title in Lexington, KY

6. Calling on Duke for Healing and Comfort Karen Sturtevant 8. Working from Home with Your Dog Maria Karunungan, Ph.D Tips to maximize your work/dog from your new home office

10. The Healing Power of Pets

Peg Bolgioni

How your pet could be the best medicine during the pandemic

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12. Choose Chews Carefully to Protect Their Teeth Carol Gifford, DVM 16. Joy in Riding

Sue Miller

18. How to Know What Food is Right for Your Dog Dr Bradley Quest 21. Prevention is the Key to Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM 2 2. Alternatively Speaking: More Tools for Better Success Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA A holistic approach to keeping your pet healthy 24. Dental Pain Can Lead to Aggressive Behavior Sandra Waugh, VMD,MS 26. The Finnish Line

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Cathy White

Meet the most versatile dog breed you’ve never heard of

27. The Best Present How to make your pet feel special this summer

2 8. Whistle, A Very Important Service Dog Kate Kelly

4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.220 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

Summer 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.

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CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EQUIPMENT:

Celebrating 50 Years of Serving Farmers F

arming has always played a major part in the lives of Vermonters. In the late 1700’s, most Vermonters lived on self-sufficient farms, which meant they consumed most of the food they produced. Sheep were introduced to Vermont in 1811 and soon they became a major source of income for farmers. The rough hillsides and climate of the state were especially suited for sheep raising.

By the 1840’s competition from other areas and economic conditions led to a decrease in sheep farming.

In 1983 79% of the money made on farms was from dairy products and in 1995 it was 69.9%, but as it has in the past, farming in Vermont is changing.

For half a century, Champlain Valley Equipment has played a significant role in local agriculture and has been on the front line of an ever evolving agricultural landscape.

Recently, we had a chance to catch of our customers for a couple decades. up the Champlain Valley Equipment, We shipped equipment mostly by conCEO Brian Carpenter. tainer to them although we did some roll-on, roll-off and we helped coach Hi Brian, it must be exciting for you them through repairs and maintenance. to think about 50 years of business! But, I probably don’t understand the reach When you think about Vermont and and effect CVE has had in Vermont and the uniqueness of the people who live surrounding states. Do you know how here, how is CVE unique in its ability many pieces of equipment have been to serve? I imagine there are big and sold in the 50 years and how many small farmers, big and small landscapstates you have delivered to? ers and the gentleman farmer.

That’s a great question. We don’t have One of our strengths is our seleca count of pieces sold but I’d estimate tion of premium suppliers. We are over a couple hundred thousand and able to provide best-in-class solutions probably upwards of 30,000 tractors. We for many markets--dairy, vegetable, sell new tractors primarily to Vermont, hemp, orchards, vineyards, livestock, New York and New Hampshire. However, row crop, maple sugar makers and then we’ve sold used equipment to Quebec, non-farm such as contractors, landscapOntario, Mexico, Poland, Australia, ers, rural lifestyle, municipal, forestry, England, and about 30 continental etc. With such a varied customer base, states. Also, the St Croix dairy was one no one manufacturer has a product line that supports these diverse needs. CVE has sought opportunities to bring the equipment these markets demanded so our customers could receive service in our region.

It is the typical thought that CVE serves the farmers, but how about more commercial clients. Clients with no farming aspect to what they do. How does CVE serve them, from warehouses to municipalities?

While our company was built by providing equipment for Vermont’s strong dairy segment, we have always had some diversity. My father supported many independent contractors with tractor loader backhoes in the 70s and 80s. As we grew, we added skid steer loaders, mini excavators, roadside mowers, wheel loaders, lifts, and many other pieces of equipment needed in the commercial markets.

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The weather in New England can be unforgiving and change at a moment’s notice. If a farmer has their hay mowed and the equipment breaks down it can have a big effect on their crop. How many service people do you have and how busy does it get for them to keep up?

Absolutely right. As such, we have invested heavily in our service capability. We have 25 service personnel and Summer 2020

Brian and Bear at Champlain Valley Equipment

11 mobile service trucks between our four locations. Our staff recognizes the cost to our customers for down time and they work significant overtime in-season to keep everyone going. However, we still have challenges keeping up with demand. Therefore, we are currently seeking additional technicians for all four locations.

CVE has been family owned from the beginning. Can you tell us a little about the founders and why they chose this line of work? Are you the 2nd or 3rd generation?

My father and grandfather (Russell C. and Russell F.) established CVE when they purchased Knapp Farm Supply in 1970. My father enjoyed farming and had studied agriculture at UVM but was unable to find a farm to buy that he liked during the 1960s. The two years prior he was working as a salesman for a dealership in Milton and found he was good at it. His father was a banker (VP of Bellows Falls Trust) and had been an agricultural lender for FSA in his earlier years. When the business opportunity arose for my father, my grandfather decided he would enjoy a career change and joined my father. So maybe that makes me the 2 ½ generation?

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what growing up and working in Vermont has meant to your personal approach to doing business?

I grew up on the farm in my youth then around our dealership in my adolesSummer 2020

cence. I thought I would be a large animal veterinarian but was seeking a method to get my education without incurring unreasonable debt. The US Army ROTC scholarship program ended up being my path so all four years were fully funded with the requirement to serve after graduation. As a Regular Army officer I served in Germany during the Cold War, then with a Ready Deployment Force on the west coast and into Panama in preparation for ousting Manuel Noriega. My final active duty assignment was to train and mobilize the Army Guard and US Army Reserve for Desert Storm. At this nine year mark I was now married, the world was “at peace” and I decided to join my father and raise our family back in Vermont. That was January 1993. I did stay in the VT Army Guard until my retirement in September 2014.

Running the business was different than leading a military unit as it was for profit. However, our strong ethics, family culture, and personal connection to our work helped us continue to grow the business together. I couldn’t have imagined how successful we would be growing the business over the years but it’s a manifestation of that base and the tremendous staff we were able to attract. The business has allowed my wife, Nanette, who’s a Family Nurse Practitioner, and myself to move back to Vermont and raise our family in a wonderful community I grew up in. As the business has grown we have been welcomed into other great Vermont communities and befriended so many along the way. It’s been a wonderful time!

Now to pull out your crystal ball. Where do you visualize CVE being in 50 years from now on its 100th anniversary?

I would like to think CVE will still exist in 50 years. However, business transition metrics, the rapid consolidation of our industry, and the shifts in our state will necessitate our company continues to change with the times. I can tell you with a degree of certainty that we will stay there for another 8-10 years as I’ve steered the ship for 27 years and plan to for awhile yet.

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Extreme Mustang Makeover Teen Trainer from Vermont

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

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

The purpose of the competition is to showcase the beauty, versatility and trainability of wild horses. Mustangs roam freely on public lands throughout the West, where they are protected by the Bureau of Land Management under federal law. The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of the removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption or purchase. Over 13,000 mustangs have

Wisteria Franklin and her mustang, Flannel

been placed into private care through Mustang Heritage Foundation events and programs since 2007.

The young mustangs competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover challenge are virtually untouched prior to the February pick-up. The youth trainers and their adopted mustangs will compete in a series of classes that will showcase their new skills.

The horses will compete in hand in a handling & conditioning class, a pattern class, a combined trail class and freestyle class. The Extreme Mustang Makeovers are made possible through a partnership with the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program and the generosity of sponsors such as Western Horseman, YETI, Martin Saddlery and Classic Equine, Resistol, RAM Rodeo Series, Weisberg Family Foundation, A Cut Above Buckles and RIDE TV.

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

About the Bureau of Land Management The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) removes wild horses and burros from public lands to ensure a healthy balance of land and animals. Since 1971, the BLM has placed more than 255,000 wild horses and burros into good homes nationwide.

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

2020 Extreme Mustang Makeover : June 25-27 Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY 4 4 Legs & a Tail

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Calling on Duke For Healing and Comfort Karen Sturtevant

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n a much-needed sunny spring day during the era of the covid-19 epidemic, I had the opportunity (and excuse to leave my quarantined home turf) to meet Williston Vermont Police Department’s (WPD) newest, and cutest, member of the force. This newbie was no ordinary rookie with his furry feet, velvety ears and just-love-me-face. His handler and human dad, Officer Matthew Cohen, proudly and gently carried this bundle of fluff to the Williston Village Green for conversation and play. Full disclosure: I’m crazy about canines and was thrilled to spend time with Williston’s top dog.

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

Photographer Cat McKeen arrived with

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Duke

squeaky toys and bubbles for capturing the essence of puppy Duke.

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

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

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

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

The search for this special dog would lead to the esteemed Boonefield Labradors in Rindge, New Hampshire. Known for their intelligent and good temperament dogs, Boonefield Labradors would donate Duke––their eleventh dog gifted to first responder organizations––to the WPD. The first meeting in May 2020 between

Duke and Officer Cohen was live-streamed on the department’s Facebook page to a delighted audience.

As part of Vermont’s first comfort dog team, Officer Cohen, a ten-year veteran with the Williston Police Department, is cognizant of the long-term responsibility. “If you choose to start with a puppy, obviously you need to know what you’re getting into. There are going to be some early mornings, chewing until about four months old because his teeth haven’t come in yet. It’s like running around with a toddler and trying keeping up with him.”

Unlike other working police canines used in patrol work, drug and evidence detection and tracking, Duke will have a longer career span as his job entails less physical and demanding wear and tear on his body and mind.

As the puppy lounged in the warmth of a sunbeam, Officer Cohen commented, “His job is to do this, be here, bring people comfort and let people pet him. His retirement is going to very near the end of his life, whenever that is.”

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

Duke will be a catalyst of comfort for witnesses and victims of crime, those involved in trauma and during instances of mental health situations. Duke’s role is simply to be a calming presence to help in reducing anxiety for these people and to increase their communication to investigators. “He’s going to be a busy Summer 2020

dog. We’re going to be a busy team,” said Officer Cohen.

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

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

Duke will be there to offer his soothing companionship.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As Duke matures, the department plans to enroll him in a program to gain certification in becoming an official therapy dog. Reaching this milestone is a year or more down the road. Duke has a lot of people to meet and greet first.

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

I asked about any pushback to the idea of a comfort/therapy dog working in the department. “I think you’re seeing a change of policing” Officer Cohen Summer 2020

comments. “In police departments five to ten years ago, this was not a high priority. We were handling police work very, very differently. Our police work now is restorative justice and community policing—our biggest piece. We want to make sure the victims feel they had justice and are healed from crime. This is just as high of a priority for the criminal justice system as holding the person who committed the crime accountable.” Duke will now play a leading role in helping in the healing of those victims.

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

With Officer Cohen’s help and Duke’s approval, this police-pup-in-training has his very own creed: - Learn from the past - Don’t worry about the future - Focus on the present - Do the next right thing

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

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

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

Words, both human and canine, would be wise to live by.

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

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

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

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

Duke has been warmly welcomed into

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

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Working from Home with Your Dog Maria Karunungan - Burlington, VT

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hen the COVID-19 emergency began, many people were asked to work from home, to the resultant joy and ecstasy of many dogs! Spending more time at home hasn’t necessarily meant having more free time for our favorite pooches, though. In fact, some people may have been scrambling and working more hours in order to adapt to unforeseen pandemic-related challenges and a new reality.

If you’re one of those people for whom working from home hasn’t necessarily meant more time for your dog, here are a few suggestions for you, as well as some ideas for preparing your dog for the day you have to return to working in the office.

Time your work breaks with walkies Despite all the memes on social media claiming that dogs are now getting too many walks, the truth is, most dogs would be thrilled with more walk time! Keep your gear stashed right by the door (shoes, leash, treat bag, poop bags) so that it’s easy to get outside quickly. Then, put your work breaks on your official calendar so that you get a reminder when it’s time for a quick 15-minute jaunt to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. This might mean you’re just going for a quick walk around the block or stepping outside to toss a ball in the yard. The joy on your dog’s face will be gratifying, and perhaps you’ll be happier too and the quality of your work or productivity may actually improve.

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There’s nothing wrong with an emergency snuggle sesh.

Every now and then your dog might suffer from an attention emergency. If you have a dog who has fo re ST b e r kday I L P trouble settling while you’re working and is a o PRE our w k. serial pesterer, you may not necessarily want ing y e t e r w a t s rk to encourage this habit (see “tips for settling” o r wo or k / yo u r w r below). However, if it’s not a constant issue, and de rs in b re a k s f o in m e e tr tak you don’t mind once-in-awhile being interrupted 4fi cSeec a le ndarytot im e. of b ag by the request to bury your hands into soft fur, this o r p la , p o op . a lk ie s w , le a s h e ad y t o g o s e may just be the ticket to a sweet, win-win compror sh o r g o in o d e a lk h t W r mise. After all, what better way to diffuse a moment 4nd t re at b ag at o ys f o food t a s t in g of work-related frustration or tension, than having a la g n s. e p lo wonderful animal with soft bright eyes and slowly wag4p oPrrt an t me e t ing im ging tail, remind you to take a breath and hug your dog?

Enrich your dog while you’re working.

Dogs are a species that have historically hunted or foraged for food. If you have an important meeting or conference call, a work-to-eat toy is a fantastic way to provide your dog with their regular meal ration, while giving them the species-specific enrichment they crave and keeping them busy when you need them to be quiet! There are many work-to-eat toys and long-lasting consumable chews on the market – some of these will last longer than others. If your meeting needs to run for a full hour, keep in mind the ones that last the longest will be frozen or harder, but no less tasty. You may want to audition anything new prior to your actual meeting, to be sure it will engross your dog. If your dog doesn’t have a lot of experience with work-to-eat toys, help them out the first few times until you’re sure they understand how it works. Then, once that’s in place, you’ll have an activity to keep them busy when you need it most!

Tips for settling.

If your dog is so excited that you’re home all the time now, and it’s been challenging to find a quiet space to work without being constantly pestered (in the form of barking, pawing, or other behaviors), then here are some tips to help your dog learn to become a better “co-worker”. Generally, we recommend a solid program of exercise, enrichment, management & training. An example routine for this might include: 1. Solid exercise before your official workday starts – consider an early morning jog or, if your dog will come when called, a romp in the nearby woods (a long line can be used if you are still training your dog’s recalls).

2. Time your dog’s meals for important meetings and convert all meals to longlasting work-to-eat endeavors (see “enrich your dog” above).

3. Provide your dog with immediate consequences for the unwanted behavior, by gently removing them from the room you’re working in when they do this. If you’re struggling, consider getting the help of a private trainer who will use reward-based methods and can coach you through the mechanics.

4. Find a training class both to help you build more positive fun and productive interaction time with your dog (many training classes are now available online, if you don’t want to risk exposure to the coronavirus). The effects of these can be long-lasting and training exercises are both a great way to tire your dog out mentally as well as teach them more desirable behaviors, like an excellent down-stay, when it’s crucial that you not be interrupted!

Preparing for a return to the workplace: Practice temporary separations.

If your dog was used to you going into the office every day and then suddenly you’ve been at home with them nonstop for the last three months, now is the time to test the waters and see if your dog still has the ability to function at home alone. Try leaving every now and then and not taking your dog with you. Some ways to incorporate this more “naturally” without imposing extra work for you are to include times when you have to go to the grocery store, run errands, etc. Consider making these “family trips” if the habit has been for one person to go to the store while the other person stays home with the dog. Vary the times of day that you leave, as well as the length of time you spend. If you suspect your dog has separation anxiety, seek the help of a qualified separation anxiety specialist to work through this while you have the opportunity to practice. Be aware that training for dogs who have separation anxiety can be a months-long or longer process, so If you have to return to work before you can complete training, consider planning in advance with options like day care or leaving your dog with a friend during the day, as temporary stopgaps while you finish the separation anxiety training.

Maria Karunungan is an honors graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers, where she earned her Certificate in Training and Counseling. Maria also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies. She has trained service dogs, therapy dogs, shelter dogs, and pet dogs for over 15 years and currently works with Fetch the Leash in downtown Burlington.

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The Healing Power of Pets Peg Bolgioni, Communications Specialist - Rutland Regional Medical Center

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here is a powerful bond between humans and animals, and the correlation between pets and mental health is undeniable. Sheila Sharrow, Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor at Rutland Regional Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Clinic offers some excellent insight into the emotional health benefits of pet ownership.

“First, I want to begin by explaining the difference between an emotional support animal and a service animal,” said Sheila. “Service animals must provide a task for an owner with a disability or medical condition, while emotional support animals offer companionship, comfort, and self-soothing to individuals with anxiety or depression”.

Sheila went on to explain that is not uncommon for mental health clinicians to be asked to fill out a form to endorse an emotional support pet. While any mental health clinician can complete the form, it is most likely that they are not assessing for the individual’s ability to care for the pet effectively, which is just as important as being able to have the animal. Rutland Regional’s Behavioral Health Clinic takes a careful approach to personalizing the standard form from landlords and housing programs to highlight the benefits of the pet for depression and anxiety management, a sense of safety, and for mood stabilization by assisting with developing structure and routine. They are clear up front they have not assessed the animal and use this as an opportunity for education about emotional support animal versus service animal.

Ultimately, they want to support individuals who are attached to their pets and interested in seeking out an emotional support animal as a therapeutic tool when appropriate. With that said, they also want to help address the underlying causes to the symptoms that motivate someone into treatment with the use of psychotherapy.

According to Sheila, “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there seems to be an increased need for a pet. Social isolation, fear, and a need for a sense of comfort, most likely contribute to this.

People need something to feel connected to, and to touch.”

Radar, Sheila Sharrow’s beloved Black Lab who just turned 10

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“So many people are isolated whether that be due to family conflict, trauma or by choice. Sometimes people feel alone and/or can have difficulty connecting with humans. Pets do not judge; they are very forgiving and accept us for who we are. There is a reparative process with pets that allows us to connect with this other being in a safe and compassionate way.”

Sheila can also draw on her own personal experience with how owning a pet has changed her life. In 2010 her home was burglarized. “I was the first one to arrive home after it happened,” she said.

“I felt violated and was afraid to go home.

My Primary Care Provider suggested my husband and I get a dog. That was when Radar, our black Labrador retriever, came into our lives. Having him restored my sense of safety and comfort and gave me something else to focus on other than the trauma I was experiencing. It made me look forward to going home instead of being afraid.”

She added that “owning a pet can change your personality. Pets can provide a source of mood stabilization. They give us a reason to get up in the morning and to be accountable to someone other than yourself. They become your center.”

With so many folks being homebound during this time, I had asked if there was a rush to buy a cat or a dog. Will that

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change over time? Shelia responded, “People need to really understand the rationale of why am I getting this pet? Is it for the short term or are they in it for the long haul? It is a big investment and they really need to be mindful about it.

They must ask themselves; do they have someone to care for the animal when they are away or sick? Is their home set up? Do you they have enough space?”

Pets can be amazing resources, tools, and companions. Sheila and the staff at Rutland Behavioral Health also want to make sure other interventions and therapeutic needs in addressing mental health are also taken into consideration.

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Choose Chews Carefully to Protect Their Teeth Carol Gifford, DVM Why do dogs chew?

We all know dogs love to chew. Puppies chew to soothe their gums when they are teething and chewing continues to be a soothing behavior for many dogs during their lives. Chewing is also a natural way to keep teeth clean and healthy. One danger of chewing is that pets may break off pieces of certain items and swallow them. These can result in damage to their gastrointestinal tract. Blockages that require major surgery also frequently occur. Common items that cause these problems include bones, corn cobs, and clothing. With supervision, the items shown in the photos can be safe choices.

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What are the safest chew items?

Chewing can also cause serious damage to dogs’ teeth. Ideally, dogs should only chew on things softer than their teeth.

Examples that fit this criteria include soft toys,rawhide and nylon bones as well as numerous “dental chews”. IF dogs are given bones to chew on it is important that these bones are resistant to breakage. Dental damage is more likely to occur when dogs chew on bones and other very hard items BUT excessive chewing of ANY item can result in dental damage. Tennis balls are one of the most common culprits because their abrasive covering gradually wears down the protective enamel on the teeth. This photo is actually a special dog safe tennis ball that will not cause this damage.

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How does chewing damage dogs’ teeth?

Many dogs suffer broken teeth from chewing on items that are too hard.

Obviously, the best way to avoid this is to carefully monitor and limit chewing with these items. Another very common but more insidious injury occurs over the long term. Over time dogs who are frequent chewers wear down the crowns (parts of the teeth above the gum line).

Eventually the teeth can be worn down so far that the pulp chamber is exposed as shown in the following photo. This is a very painful lesion as the tooth’s nerve and blood vessels are exposed. It is also a pathway for infection into the tooth and bloodstream. Extraction of the tooth is usually required for these injuries.

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How can chewing be a safe activity?

Moderation is key. Observe how often and how vigorously your dog chews. Many dogs are gentle chewers or infrequent chewers so are at low risk of injury. If you are the pet parent of an enthusiastic chewer be sure that they have plenty of exercise and attention to decrease the need for chewing. Also, limit their chewing time and inspect chewed items frequently. Any jagged or small items should be removed. With vigilance, your dog should be able to have a satisfying chew life and healthy teeth. And as this photo shows, friends sometimes have a good chew together.

Carol Gifford, DVM has been practicing veterinary medicine in Vermont since 1987. In 1991, she founded her own practice, which grew to become Riverside Pet Hospital. Dr. Gifford holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from VirginiaMaryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Her family’s pets include two cats, two dogs, two birds and two horses. www.RiversideVetCare.com

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

H

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

The horse represents different things to different people. For some, the horse represents beauty and elegance; horses offer an opportunity to practice and enjoy the classical art of equitation, always trying to obtain higher levels of perfection in their riding skill. while for others there is an adrenaline rush an exhilaration of the wind in your ears as the horse moves through space and time at varying speeds.

Others find the horse provides an escape from the mundane and a chance to get out in nature enjoying the countryside and fresh air. I have heard people exclaim that having a living breathing horse underneath you can be more spiritual than any church could ever be. It is a thing to be cherished when a rapport is established with a horse who gives new mobility & athleticism, trust with no judgement. The horse gives us means beyond our physical limitations.

Finding an affinity with an animal that is strong, powerful and yet highly sensitive

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

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

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

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

When riders join forces with the horse, they acquire something of the horses natural splendor and sensitivity when we can blend with the horse the division of human and horse fades. When humans stop demanding and take what is given as a gift. Our intensions are read better by the horse. When our intension becomes a mental vision, it becomes an energy the horse can feel, they pick up on the inner intentions when they are strong and clear, reading our minds.

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

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

Horses communicate with their feeling bodies. When we humans are too much inside our heads and not paying attention to the current situation the horse has little tolerance for us. When we stay in the moment and scan the horizon, tune into our intuition and energetic responses to stimuli the horse begins to see us as worthy leaders. As a society, humans have been taught to ignore their inner feelings or intuition. Our sensate perceptions are negated when we ask someone if they are feeling alright, but are shrugged off and told they are fine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits of each protein Below is a complete list of proteins offered by Inception Pet Foods and their benefits: Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that provides high-quality, essential amino acids and trace minerals. Chicken is known to be “protein-dense,” meaning that it contains a lot of protein compared to the fat that is in a given amount of meat. It’s also high in vitamin B3, B6, and B5.

Pork: Pork is one of the most complete meat proteins. It contains essential amino acids in high amounts that can assist with your dog’s muscle development 18 4 Legs & a Tail

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Whitefish: Whitefish encompasses beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which will help maintain your dog’s skin and coat. In addition to this, it also contains high amounts of vitamin B3 and vitamin D. Catfish: Catfish is high in protein, healthy fats, and muscle-building amino acids. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep your dog’s coat and skin strong and healthy.

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

Step three: Select wet, dry, homemade, or raw dog food Once you’ve narrowed down the brand you want to feed your dog, the third step is to decide whether he would do best on wet, dry, homemade, raw food, or a combination of these. There are benefits and drawbacks to each option, but just like with people, dogs don’t like to eat the same thing every day. They like variety in their diet just like we do. This may mean doing a combination of the two or even three

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options. The great thing about doing this is it keeps mealtime interesting and fun!

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

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

food you’re feeding is very exciting. If you have any questions about the specific health requirements for your dog, it’s best to talk with your veterinarian.

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

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

Mealtime can be a fun experience for your pup and learning about the health benefits your dog can receive from the

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

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

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

Make sure your dog is up to date on its vaccinations including Rabies, Leptospirosis, and Lyme. Rabies vaccination is required by law. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is a concern anywhere the potential exists for contact with wild animal urine: ponds, streams, puddles, or even the grass in your back yard. It causes kidney and liver failure in dogs, and the scary thing is the dogs can transmit this disease to people, with the same consequences. The potential exists for your dog to be exposed even on a walk through the neighborhood, as wildlife is increasingly more populous as we encroach on their territory. There is a vaccination available for this deadly disease, so talk to your veterinarian about having your dogs vaccinated for it.

By now, most people have heard of Lyme Disease. It is carried by the deer tick, along with another disease called Anaplasma.

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A third tick bourne disease we are now seeing is called Erlichia. While there is a vaccination for Lyme, there is not one for Anaplasma or Erlichia, so it is critical that you have some kind of preventative on your dog. There are now excellent options for tick control including collars, topicals, and even pills that last for 1 or 3 months. Even with the Lyme vaccination and tick control for your dog, you should check it over each time on coming in from outside. Sometimes the ticks may be out on the fur, away from the skin, and they can then latch on to you. For dark haired dogs, many people will use a hair roller to try to pick up any stray ticks on the dog. It’s important to know that immature deer ticks, which can transmit these diseases, are tiny - much smaller than a sesame seedso even if you don’t see the large tick, the small ones can be there. A tick collar or other preventative is a small price to pay to protect your best friend from these deadly diseases.

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

And finally, as you start your yard and garden work, be aware of the chemicals you’re using. Read the directions carefully - if they are toxic to weeds or insects, they are most likely toxic to your dog. Keep them stored safe and up high. Avoid cocoa

mulch, as it has some of the chemicals found in chocolate, and for dogs who like to feast on it, it can make them very ill.

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

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

E

arlier this spring I needed to cut a board to finish the last of my raised beds for my little garden. The wood kept moving, my progress was slow and frustrating. I managed a crooked cut, not quite the right length, good enough. Had I used a clamp to hold the board and a different technique to measure my cut things, it would have gone easier, come out better and I would not be nursing a blister.

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

When I practiced only conventional medicine, the medical approach was thorough, but limiting. The tools for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment were all designed to fit this system of medicine.

Any patient whose disease did not fit into this system was left with few options. But medical traditions have existed for centuries before the birth of modern medicine.

The fact that they were developed through observation and trial and error, not in a laboratory, does not detract from the knowledge these medical systems generated. Today they still provide tools for assessment and treatment that we can use to help our patients.

Teala was an adorable and very sweetnatured 6 year old Chihuahua who lived with a loving family. Teala was vomiting often and was very dehydrated and

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weak. Her regular veterinarian identified liver and kidney disease, possibly from an infection or toxin, the cause was not clear. Further testing was not possible and neither was the level of hospitalization her condition required.

Her owners were devoted and did not want to lose her at such a young age.

Her veterinarian gave fluids and medications for nausea and infection. Drugs had mostly stopped the vomiting but she was still not doing well. From a Western perspective, her blood values were life threatening, without more tests or aggressive intervention, her chances were slim.

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

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

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

After 24 hours Teala began to eat a little more. After 3 days she was still very weak and wobbling around, but feeling a bit better and continuing to eat. Her kidney values were high, but had come down significantly. Dr Black was still concerned her waste levels were too high for her litSummer 2020

knowledge of how to use them, makes all the difference. Every day that I practice medicine I am so very thankful for the additional “tools� alternative medicine gives us to help our patients.

Teala

tle body. I was consulted to evaluate Teala from a Chinese medical perspective, allowing us another set of therapeutic tools.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the most documented ancient medical practices, with Chinese explanations of physiology, identification of disease patterns, and formularies of herbal treatments dating back to 2000 BC. Using this method, the way we interpret exam findings are designed to fit the Chinese medical system and generate totally different ideas about what is going wrong.

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

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

She is on nutritional supports for her liver and kidneys, a home cooked diet, and Chinese herbs. With no outward symptoms any kidney damage, her values continue to remain near normal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And then I thought, if I was a dog, would I want someone patting me on my head? Would I want to play with my doggy friends, where play can be rough and tumble and involve the mouth? Would I be full of enthusiasm and energy. No, absolutely not. Dogs and cats might appear to be more stoic than humans but this may be misleading because they can’t verbally complain. They demon24 4 Legs & a Tail

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

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

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

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

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

Anatomy of the tooth.

The darker grey areas are:

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

Pulp chamber in the crown.

Root canal in the root.

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

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

This is the upper right carnassial tooth.

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

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

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

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The Finnish Line Cathy White - Walpole, NH

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

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

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

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

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

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

tics of getting her to NH while still a young puppy were daunting. With the assistance of veterinarians on both sides of the border, transport was eventually arranged via a Leonberger connection who was driving a dog from Calgary to Maine. At less than three months, puppy Rowan hitched a ride, ensuring that her first car trip would be an epic one.

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

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

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

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

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

Lynn began showing Prancer when she was just a puppy. As a breeder/owner/handler, Lynn entered Prancer in many shows, but says when they started, they were “horrible” together. Clearly, they weren’t anywhere as bad as Lynn thought. By eleven months, an age when most puppies are notorious for challenging behavior, Prancer achieved her AKC Champion title. At two, she had earned the coveted title of AKC Grand Champion.

Where to after that? An owner/breeder/ handler’s dream: Westminster. Lynn, The couple reside w ith Hazel, a Prancer, family and friends were off to Leonberger, Matisse the cat, and two the Big Apple.

Lappies, Rowan (5) and Prancer (2) Lynn realized what she was up against (and a LOT of fur!). The Lapphunds in the Finnish Lapphund Best of Breed are a mother/daughter team who both class: seasoned, professional handlers have unique stories. with older, more experienced Lappies. She Rowan, their first Lapphund, was looked at Prancer and said “Sweetheart, whelped in British Columbia. The logis- I don’t think we have a chance in hell.”

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Prancer

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

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

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

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

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

Lappies. A breed to watch.

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

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

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

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

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

Many of us consider our pets our children.

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

Consider some boundaries that might benefit both of you.

-If you are a pet parent that does make time for a walk everyday…devote that time Summer 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

These simple things are good for you too.

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

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

Do you make special time each day for your pet? www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

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

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Kate Kelly

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

“Whistle is my third service dog,” says Davis, who is a paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down since she was six years old. “I got my first dog in 1993 and I know what a life-changing difference it made for me.

I am so grateful for all the hours of devotion on the part of puppy raisers and trainers and schools—and all those who donate to the cause—that I just wanted a way to honor the incredible efforts that go into providing these dogs to people with all types of disabilities. It’s life-changing.”

Davis—and Whistle—also devote time to advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. They partner on a radio show, “Working Like Dogs” on www. petliferadio.com, and Davis also writes and speaks on topics related to service dogs, disabilities, and independence.

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

Davis and second dog, Morgan Davis, who has a master’s degree in library science, was working in the office of the Florida state attorney general’s office in Tallahassee, Florida. She knew that to make a service dog a part of her life, she needed to talk to her employer.

If her application for a dog was accepted, she would need two weeks off to attend training, and then everyone in the office needed to be aware that she would be bringing a dog to work with her.

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

“Ramona gave me so much more free28 4 Legs & a Tail

dom. I was able to go to more places locally—and drive there myself—because I knew once I arrived anywhere I had Ramona to help me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dog Days of Summer 2020

Celebrate International Assistance Dog Week!

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