4 Legs & a Tail Spring 2022 LK

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Mud Season 2022

Earn Your Spurs Chick Check Happy Tails Tales

Celebrate National Bulldog Day! The Season of Puppyhood

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

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3. Three Happy Tails: Examples of how the future of animal sheltering is moving towards a need for more complex medical care Jacques Du Preez 6. Why does it cost so much to adopt a pet from a shelter? Susan Tarczewski 8. A Busy Year at Windham County Humane Society 9. Willow, America's new first cat, joins the Biden White House Doug Cunningham

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10. Pet Vaccines: Schedules for Cats and Dogs 12. The History of the Domestic Cat How long have domesticated cats been around?

16. Dexter’s Tale to Become a Film A

compelling tale of the rescue and rehabilitation of a neglected canine stranded in the Adirondack Mountains is in the beginning stages of becoming a Netflix film.

18. Celebrate National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day 22. They are English bulldogs

Karen Sturtevant

26. The Seasons of Puppyhood

Paula Bergeron

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Why experiencing behavioral changes in your puppy is normal

28. Spotting & Soothing Separation Anxiety Michael Robertson

30. Nutritional Needs of Puppies Spring 2022

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Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

®

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32. Spring Has Sprung

Ingrid Braulini Some great adventures await you and your pets this spring

34. Veterinary Accreditation

Catherine MacLean, DVM

What to look for when you're looking for a vet

36. A Cautionary Tale

Jeffrey Reel

40. Earning your Spurs

Sue Miller

where this term came from?

42. A Tap on the Shoulder

Ever wonder

Dorothy Crosby

45. Great Chicken Breeds for Kids 48. 10 Convincing Reasons Why You Should Raise Chickens Brigido LaGuardia 50. The Common Loon: The Iconic New Hampshire Bird Catherine Greenleaf 51. Rats, Bats, and Skunks

Scott Borthwick

52. The Case of the Dog With Holes in His Head Sandra Waugh, VMD, MS Pg. 54

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54. A Modern-Day Superhero

Karen Sturtevant

56. Therapy Animals and Their Healing Benefits Alice Ayers 57. Is Your Cat Tracking You?

Andy Corbley

58. Is Dog Composting Safe?

59. A Sibling Encounter 60. Fun Page 4 Legs & a Tail Volume L.122 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com 2 4 Legs & a Tail

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

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

Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

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Three Happy Tails:

Examples of how the future of animal sheltering is moving towards a need for more complex medical care

Speedy

Jacques Du Preez - MHS Director of Development and Marketing

Speedy

Last summer, a tiny, semi-feral orange kitten was making his way across a road when he was hit by a car. Thanks to the quick action of a Good Samaritan, he was scooped up and brought to a local vet hospital for help. It was determined that one of Speedy’s front legs was badly injured. The veterinarian was able to stabilize Speedy, and the decision was made to transfer him to Monadnock Humane Society for further care and socialization. Upon arrival at MHS, medical staff discovered that the nerves in Speedy’s shoulder had been damaged. Only time would tell if he would regain use of the limb. Speedy went to foster care to work on his social skills while waiting to determine the viability of his leg. After several months, Speedy still had not regained use of his limb. MHS veterinarian, Dr. Michele Martino, decided that the best thing to do for Speedy would be to remove the leg. Assisted by MHS vet tech, Starr Royce, Speedy came through his surgery successfully and healed with flying colors. Not only that, but Speedy’s time in foster care had done the trick for him behaviorally. He had become an affectionate cat who loved head scratches by his trusted people. While in foster care, he caught the eye of friends of his foster family, who ended up adopting him. He will be spending his life in a warm, loving home.

Bastian

Bastian

When Bastian arrived at Monadnock Humane Society on a transport, it was noted that he had a limp in one of his rear legs. The medical staff took x-rays and were surprised to discover that Bastian had a now healed, bullet wound, which had shattered his femur. This injury, which had gone untreated, had healed incorrectly.

After multiple consultations with Veterinary Orthopedists, it was clear that the femur could not be surgically repaired.

Bastian was put on anti-inflammatory and pain medication which seemed to Continued Next Page

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make him comfortable. He was soon adopted out to a wonderful family who was informed of his condition and managed him well.

Unfortunately, after time, the pain medication was no longer enough to keep Bastian out of chronic pain. Current life circumstances of the adopters did not allow them to provide Bastian with the advanced care he would need. They made the heartbreaking decision to return him to MHS where he would be able to get the help he needed. Left with no other options to reduce his pain, he Bastian went into surgery for amputation of his Recovering leg. Luckily for Bastian, that leg amputation led one of the veterinarians who assisted with his procedure to fall in love with him. She took him home the night of his surgery, and he never left. He is one lucky dog, living life to the fullest, without pain, and with a veterinarian as his full-time guardian.

Wondering how you can help?

If you find yourself asking how you can help make a difference, we hope that you will consider making a gift to MHS. This important work can’t continue without the support of those of you in our community who love these animals as much as we at Monadnock Humane Society do. To make a gift to MHS, visit our website: www.monadnockhumanesociety.org

Thank you for your suppor t and for making Happy Tails like Speedy, Orion, and Bastian possible!

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Fearing the worst for their sweet cat who hadn’t eaten in days, Orion’s family surrendered him to MHS desperate for help they could not afford. He was in bad shape, with a swollen jaw, it was feared he may have been attacked by a wild animal. He was very weak on intake, and the MHS medical team was not sure if he would survive. His medical examination revealed that his jaw had been fractured. This explained his inability to eat, and the amazing vet team jumped into action. His jaw was wired back together. The next 48 hours were touch and go for Orion. Staff members took turns making sure he had roundthe-clock care. They went above and beyond to make sure he had late-night meds and visits. Not only did Orion survive, but he is now thriving in foster care. With his bottom jaw wired, he can eat and is gaining weight. He is a wonderful cat who loves everyone he meets. As he continues his road to recovery, he will be safe and comfortable. We are so glad that we were able to save this lovely boy, thanks to his previous owners, and the love of our medical team.

Orion

These three stories are great examples of how the future of animal sheltering is shifting towards the need for more complicated medical care. Continued collaboration between the community and local veterinarians is key. Emily Kerylow, MHS Director of Shelter Operations shared, “We have always had pets come to us with medical needs, however, since the pandemic began over two years ago, we have seen a significant increase in these cases. This may be the trend moving forward, and we are planning for that. Thankfully, the (local) veterinary community has always been supportive and is helping us treat these medical conditions...” Emily is also grateful that we currently have such a wonderful veterinary team, care staff, group of loyal volunteers, devoted foster families, and generous donors. Without them, none of these success stories would be possible.

A community-minded approach is needed for Monadnock Humane Society to continue to provide excellence of care to the animals who walk through our doors in need. As we move forward with the support of our community and people like you, we expect the future to be bright and full of hope!

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Why does it cost so much to adopt a pet from a shelter?

Susan Tarczewski - Claremont, NH

O

ne of the common questions staff at shelters and humane societies all over the country are asked during the adoption process is, “why does it cost so much to adopt a pet?” Some members of the public think that rescue groups make money on adoption fees, but this is simply not true. Rarely do those adoption fees even cover the full expenses incurred while an animal is in the shelter’s care.

To begin with, there are the costs of maintaining a rescue facility: rent or mortgage and taxes, heating and cooling expenses, electricity and water bills, and of course, office supplies and other “overhead” expenses. Caring for animals requires specific types of enclosures, which not only must be purchased but maintained. Rescue facilities with dogs need fenced outdoor areas in which the dogs can run, play, and “do their business.” Shelter staff needs equipment such as heavy-duty gloves in order to handle some animals during routine care.

Daily care for animals in a rescue facility includes providing food and water but much more than that. Litter boxes for cats are needed, as are outdoor areas for dogs. Bedding and toys are also necessary for the comfort and enrichment of their lives. Most rescue operations have a routine protocol for pest control, which requires medications and treatments. Animal enclosures need to be cleaned daily, which calls for cleaning equipment. Responsible rescue organizations routinely spay or neuter all animals that come through their facilities, helping to stop the cycle 6 4 Legs & a Tail

of unwanted animals. All of these tasks need people to do them, meaning that trained and reliable volunteers and/or paid staff are a necessity. Every bit of this effort has a cost, whether it be in dollars or in donated items and volunteer time. Please note that we haven’t yet covered anything other than the maintenance of a facility and routine care of rescued animals!

Often when animals come into a shelter, they are in poor health and in need of more than routine care. Animals who enter a shelter in good health, and already “fixed” usually require a minimal amount of care. Sadly, this is not the most common situation. Strays and surrendered pets may be injured, underfed, infested with fleas, or have an underlying health condition. Owners having financial troubles may surrender their animals to a shelter because they are unable to afford expensive care for a sick animal. Worse, truly irresponsible pet owners may simply dump an animal, under the misguided notion that they can fend for themselves. They can’t.

The luckier of these poor animals will be brought to a rescue facility where they will receive the care they need to live healthy lives. As anyone with a pet knows, good veterinary care is not inexpensive and it can be hard to get veterinary appointments especially during the current pandemic. At Sullivan County Humane Society, in large part, because we took in a high number of cats needing extensive medical care, our veterinary bill for one month recently was over $16,000!

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When you adopt an animal from a reputable rescue organization, please remember that those seemingly high fees are probably less than the organization has spent on caring for that animal. At SCHS, all cats are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for parasites, tested for common feline illnesses, microchipped, and have received all additional necessary medical care before being put on the adoption floor. Check out the cost of having all this done privately, and you’ll likely agree that it is a good bargain!!

If you have any questions about this or other issues to do with your pets, please call the Sullivan Human Society. Our mission is to preserve, protect, and provide for stray, neglected, and abused animals in Sullivan County, NH. Donations to the shelter are always needed, always welcome, and can be mailed to PO Box 111, Claremont NH 03743. SCHS is a no-kill shelter, and provides many services to the public, including regular low-cost spay and neuter clinics, and a pet food bank.

For more information about SCHS, please visit sullivancountyhumanesociety.org or our Facebook page, Sullivan County Humane Society of NH.

Squeaky’s Awesome Visit to the Vet

(A Pet Owner’s Penchant for Projection)

by Gary Lee Tail vertical, held high and rigid as a flag pole.

Hair combed to a smooth, healthy shine.

Claws trimmed short but angled sharply. Teeth burnished brightly.

Matted fur that used to hang and sway as luggage below her…

Now coiffed clean.

Squeaky came home from the vet today And feels pretty again.

In dim light, she struts along the trimmed grass of her backyard 'catwalk' Where all things domestic end and the shadowed mystery world begins.

As I watch, she flaunts her reFURbished profile confidently, in all The savage beauty of her erstwhile ancestors.

A fair warning, I believe, to all hearkening rodents.

Squeaky came home from the vet today And senses the huntress’s return.

Twilight it is. The crack between the two worlds, Where power hovers and stalkers’ strength is accumulated.

Here, now, her approaching padded prowl cannot be heard.

Here, in deepening shadows, her savage allure And unbending intent cannot be slighted.

Squeaky came home from the vet today And burns with the fire from within.

Squeaky, cousin to jaguar and leopard, ocelot and lynx, Decrees in her tribal language of shimmy and sway To all small animals (including fox) along this wood’s edge: “If you are not afraid, you should be!

You should be very afraid!”

Squeaky came home from the vet today…

And she is damned dangerous!

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A Busy Year at Windham County Humane Society I

n 2021, despite an ongoing pandemic, the Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) helped a record 2,752 animals. That’s a long way from the 300 animals the organization helped in 2008.

That increase was not accompanied by a new building or a large increase in

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staff. In fact, the staff is smaller than in recent years, thanks to the pandemic.

The reason for this remarkable increase in the number of people and animals helped is because the organization recognized that the most pressing need in animal welfare is access to affordable veterinary care. Former Executive Director, Annie Guion, was inspired by the data coming out of national programs like Pets for Life, which demonstrated that many pet owners did not have access to veterinary care or could not afford the fees of full-service veterinary clinics.

The WCHS started an affordable veterinary care pilot program in 2011 with a grant from the Banfield Foundation.

Susan Kelly, DVM, donated her services for many years and made the program possible. Providing those services to pet owners in need transformed the organization’s relationship with the community and allowed the WCHS to help more and more animals with each passing year.

In 2019, the board and staff took a leap of faith and committed to hiring a veterinarian for two days a week. That was a financial commitment that paid off when the pandemic hit and access to veterinary care became even more difficult. It is often everyday wellness care, like vaccines and parasite prevention, that can keep a pet in the home they already have. This keeps families together and ensures there is kennel space at the shelter for truly homeless animals and for dogs and cats transported from overcrowded shelters where they face euthanasia simply due to a lack of space.

The first veterinarian on staff was Dr. Michele Martino, who worked three days a week at the Monadnock Humane Society (MHS) and two days at WCHS. Dr. Martino accepted a full-time position at MHS in 2022. The WCHS is thrilled to have hired Dr. Tara Torcoletti to fill the position of staff veterinarian. Her commitment to animal welfare and her compassionate care for clients, human and animal, is evident in all the volunteer work she has done in other countries and on Native American Reservations in the Dakotas. Dr. Torcoletti also works two days a week at the West River Valley Veterinary Services.

Maya Richmond accepted the position of Executive Director in the fall of 2021.

She brings with her a wealth of experience in providing affordable veterinary care. Ms. Richmond is working with the staff and board to envision an addition and renovation that will allow the WCHS to continue to grow the veterinary care and other programs and to better meet the needs of the community.

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Willow, America’s new first cat, joins the Biden White House

T

Doug Cunningham

he Biden White House finally has some feline energy. Meet Willow, a 2-year-old gray short-haired tabby with white stripes.

stop. The owner of the farm saw the magic and “knew that Willow belonged to Dr. Biden,” LaRosa said.

Willow won’t prowl the White House alone. The Bidens also have Commander, a 5-month-old German Shepard.

This is the first cat in the White House since India, George W. Bush’s First Cat. Willow’s arrival at the White House was delayed in part by Major, a rescue German Shepard that bit some Secret Service agents. He was subsequently sent to live with family friends.

The Bidens’ 13-year-old German shepherd, Champ, died in June.

Willow is named after Willow Grove, PA, first lady Jill Biden’s hometown, according to her spokesman Michael LaRosa told NBC News.

Adopting a cat wasn’t President Joe Biden’s idea. But he said last year it would be an easy addition to the White House.

Jill Biden met Willow in dramatic fashion. The cat jumped onto a stage and interrupted her during a campaign

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TION A N I VACC EDULE SCH ore :C S G O FOR D on-Core and N ccines Va

PET VACCINES: Schedules for Cats and Dogs L

ike people, pets need vaccines.

And pet vaccinations, like those for humans, may sometimes require a booster to keep them effective. The best way to stay on schedule with vaccinations for your dog or cat is to follow the recommendations of a veterinarian you trust.

Chances are your vet’s suggestions will break down into two categories: core pet vaccines and non-core vaccines. Core pet vaccinations are those recommended for every pet, while noncore vaccines may be advised based on your pet’s lifestyle. For example, your vet may suggest certain noncore vaccinations if your cat or dog is outdoors only or boarded often.

Many vaccines can be given to pets as young as 6 weeks old, so talk to your vet about setting up the best vaccination schedule for your cat or dog, kitten or puppy.

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The History of the How Long Have Domesticated Cats Been Around?

Did you know that just 70 years ago, few cats lived entirely indoors at all? In fact, for more than 10,000 years, cats have lived outdoor lives, sharing the environment with birds and wildlife. Understanding cats’ place in history and human evolution reveals how very recently domestic cats came indoors and how millions of this species—feral cats—continue to live healthy lives outdoors today, as all domestic cats are biologically adapted to do.

Origins of the Domestic Cat Cats began their unique relationship with humans 10,000 to 12,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, the geographic region where some of the earliest developments in human civilization occurred (encompassing modern-day parts of West Asia). One such development was agriculture. As people abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and settled permanently to farm the land, stored grain attracted rodents.

Taking advantage of this new, abundant food source, Middle Eastern wildcats, or felix silvestris lybica, preyed on the rodents and decided to stick around these early towns, scavenging the garbage that all human societies inevitably produce—just as feral cats do today.

Over thousands of years, a new species of cat eventually evolved that naturally made its home around people: felis catus. Today, pet, stray, and feral cats belong to this species that we call the domestic cat.

Cats Tr avel the World Cats formed a mutually beneficial relationship with people, and some scientists argue that cats domesticated themselves. Especially prized as mousers on ships, cats traveled with people around the globe: • A burial site in Cyprus provides the first archaeological evidence of humans and cats living side-by-side, as far back as 9,500 years ago. Cats must have been brought to the island intentionally by humans.

• In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped, mummified, and sometimes even dressed in golden jewelry to indicate the status of their owners.

• In 31 BC, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire. Cats were introduced into Roman life, becoming truly widespread in Europe around the 4th century AD. A cat skeleton from this period shows the shortened skull of domestic cats today.

• Geoffrey Chaucer mentioned a cat door in The Canterbury Tales in the 1380s.

• From Europe, cats boarded ships to the Americas, reportedly tagging along with Christopher Columbus, with the settlers at Jamestown, and aboard the Mayflower.

• Cats continued their service as mousers throughout history, even serving as official employees of the United States Postal Service as late as 19th and early 20th century America.

• Towards the end of the 19th century, more Americans began to keep cats for their company as well as their utility. The first cat show was held at Madison Square Garden in 1895. By the end of World War I, cats were commonly accepted as house pets in the U.S. Throughout all this time, cats were allowed to come and go freely from human households—even President Calvin Coolidge’s cat had free rein to wander to and from the White House during the 1920s. As Sam Stall, author of 100 Cats Who Changed Civilization and The Cat Owner’s Manual, writes, “Back in Coolidge’s day no one thought of confining cats indoors—not even one belonging to the president of the United States.”

Catering to Cats: Inventing the Indoor Cat

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Keeping cats indoors all the time was not possible—nor was it even a goal— until several important 20th century innovations: refrigeration, kitty litter, and the prevalence of spaying and neutering.

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Domestic Cat Even though these changes to our modern lifestyle make keeping cats inside possible, biologically, cats are the same as they were thousands of years ago. Their role in our society has evolved and broadened over the last hundred years, but their basic behaviors and needs haven’t changed.

Cat Food Unlike dogs, who have undergone many physical changes since domestication and evolved to survive on an omnivorous diet, cats haven’t changed much and still require a high-protein diet. Before the development of refrigeration and canned cat food in the 20th century, feeding indoor cats who could not supplement their diets by hunting would have been impossible for most Americans, who could not afford extra fresh meat or fish.

Kitty Litter Up until the 1950s, cats roamed American neighborhoods freely, using the great outdoors as their litter area. Pans filled with dirt or newspaper were used indoors by a few cat owners, but it wasn’t until the first clay litter was accidentally discovered in 1947 and the subsequent marketing of the Tidy Cats® brand in the 1960s that litter boxes really caught on. With the invention of cat litter, cats rocketed to popularity as indoor pets, but their outdoor survival skills remain.

Continued Next Page

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Spaying and Neutering

Until spaying and neutering pets became available and accessible around the 1930s, keeping intact cats indoors was messy business during mating season.

Techniques had been developed for sterilizing livestock, but American households would have had a hard time finding a veterinarian trained to safely neuter pets before this time. Just as cats found their own food and litter areas outdoors, 20th century cats bred and gave birth outdoors as they have done since their origins in the Fertile Crescent 10,000 years ago.

While some of those cats’ offspring can – if brought into human contact when they are young enough—successfully be socialized and integrated into human homes, many cats remain outside, living the same outdoor lives they always have, with or without human contact. Although adult feral cats—cats that are not socialized to people—cannot become indoor pets, neutering and returning them to their outdoor home improves their lives.

Cats are Part of Our Environment

In the thousands of years that cats have lived alongside people, indoor-only cats have only become common in the last 60 or 70 years—a negligible amount of time on an evolutionary scale.

Throughout human history, cats have always lived and thrived outside. It is only recently that we have begun to introduce reproduction control like spaying and neutering to bring them indoors. And also, bring the outdoors to them: using canned food and litter boxes to satisfy biological needs developed over thousands of years of living outdoors.

Although human civilization and domestic cats co-evolved side by side, the feral cat population was not created by humans. Cats have lived outdoors for a long time— they are not new to the environment and they didn’t simply originate from lost pets or negligent pet owners. Instead, they have a place in the natural landscape.

Feral cats deserve a chance to live their lives outside just as they have for thousands of years. Indoor homes are not an option because they have not been socialized to live with humans. They would be scared and unhappy indoors. Their home is the outdoors and—just like squirrels, raccoons, and birds—they’re well suited to their outdoor home.

Accepting and acknowledging this simple reality is key to understanding and helping these animals. TNR is an act of compassion society can extend to them.

Just as many, many kind people place bird feeders, suet and birdhouses in the gardens to help increase the odds of birds living through cold winters, many kinds of people feed feral cats and build outdoor shelters for them.

Through TNR, we further help cats by spaying and neutering them and having them vaccinated.

This is not only good for the cats but also does a nice job of balancing the needs and concerns of the human communities in which many feral cats live.

People don’t want cats rounded up and killed. They do want to see cat populations stabilized and often appreciate when some of the behaviors manifested by intact cats are brought into check.

TNR makes great public policy—it is a well considered, balanced approach to helping improve co-existence between outside cats and humans in our shared environment. This is why so many cities are adopting it. TNR stabilizes cat populations, greatly reduces the number of calls of concern about cats that municipalities receive, decreases euthanasia rates at shelters, and saves municipalities money.

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Dexter’s Tale to Become a Film A

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compelling tale of the rescue and rehabilitation of a neglected canine stranded in the Adirondack Mountains is in the beginning stages of becoming a Netflix film.

The 208-page true story titled “I am Dexter,” published this year and co-authored by Steve and Dr. Dru Pollinger and Helayne Rosenbaum, encompasses the journey of Dexter from being a lonely, 17-pound stray to a domesticated animal with a strong sense of identity, purpose and belonging.

The story is told uniquely in three perspectives over a three-year span, with first-hand accounts from the Pollingers and the attempt to get inside the mind of Dexter on his new endeavor and comeback story.

For 40 years, the Pollingers have owned and operated the Fair Haven Animal Hospital in Fair Haven, Vermont. Thousands of animals have been treated, diagnosed and assisted over the years, but none like the newest member to their family of five dogs, Dexter.

In the summer of 2018, Steve Pollinger received a phone call from a representative of the Upstate New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) about the potential of he and his wife taking in Dexter, who had been located and captured by a coyote trapper and animal rehabilitator named Mark Laske. Laske had informed the SPCA that Dexter displayed overwhelming signs of fear and was very difficult to approach.

“The chances for adoption for a dog so distressed are impossible,” Steve Pollinger said.

The Pollingers assumed this was due to years of abuse by either humans, animals in the wild, or maybe worse, both, ultimately resulting in post-traumatic stress.

“As the authors of this book, it by no means gives us permission to call ourselves ‘experts’ in the term others might use to describe Dexter’s condition,” Dr. Pollinger said in the book. “Forty years of handson-experience with dogs, our extensive reading and discussions with academics should qualify us to equate this dog’s behavior to PTSD, a human condition.

“But we cannot do that, nor should anyone. There isn’t a way to translate an unknown past evil event in this dog’s life into words. He can’t tell us. Going even further, those words are not easily come by in humans.”

However, Steve Pollinger, who is known for training and rehabbing dogs that have been abused, decided to take the challenge despite knowing how testing and time consuming it would be.

“He (Dexter) showed us through his body language and startle response that there had never been any good touch in his life – only physical abuse,” Dru Pollinger said in the book. “Another major accomplishment occurred when he was finally able to be properly leash walked.

As awkward as it appeared initially, it meant to us that eventually he would learn how fulfilling that could be.”

The “state of helpless connection” Dru Pollinger described Dexter being in for a substantial period of time made the task even more challenging.

The “baby-steps” of regimented structure in leashed walks, crushing food for Spring 2022

Steve and Dr. Dru Pollinger

consumption by hand to leave a scent of authority and welcoming and developing a bond verbally and physically over the year and a half Dexter was residing at the animal hospital went a long way.

“While living at the hospital he (Dexter) had free access to the outdoors. We gave him CHOICE, hoping at some point that he would want to be with us. Our patience was unending, our time with him was unlimited and our ultimate goal was to provide a secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment,” Dru Pollinger said in the book.

“When we were in the hospital working, we were continually attempting to engage him with our voice, our eyes and with food treats.”

Although Dexter’s exact age is unknown, the Pollingers said they believe the dog is around six years old and has tripled his weight since he was rescued.

After conducting a breed identity test through EMBARK roughly a year into having Dexter, the Pollingers found out Dexter is 39.7% Treeing Walker Coonhound, 24.4% Rottweiler, 12.9% Cocker Spaniel, 8.7% Bluetick Coonhound and 14.3% Supermutt (Collie and Dalmatian).

Many times with adopted rescues, the families taking in the pet feel as if they are the ones being saved. Both Steve and Dru Pollinger faced personal tragedies and demons over their lifespans and detail their experiences in the book.

“On February 1, 2011, our youngest son died from a drug overdose. He was 19 years young, smart, a great athlete, handsome and loving. Tommy had never wanted to disappoint his mom and dad. Part of me died that day too,” Dru Pollinger said in the book. “Over a long period of time and with the help of my family, my community, my job and my animals, I have forgiven myself for not being able to save my boy.

“On August 6, 2018, Steve brought Dexter into the animal hospital and within hours of observing this pathetic creature, I knew I could not let him down. I was 100% committed to rehabilitating him Spring 2022

with Steve. On a conscious level, I began using the knowledge of my own healing process to help Dex live his life.”

Moving forward with the potential of a Netflix film, Steve Pollinger said he wasn’t too surprised there would be interest in making a movie as “dog movies sell well.”

“It depends on if you can get the essence of the story,” he said.

Steve Pollinger said he could see Paul Newman or Kevin Costner cast as himself but would love to have Robert De Niro fill the role.

The story continues to this day with Dexter serving as a beloved member of the Pollinger family and a friendly face

around the animal hospital, while also being a reminder that anything is possible if you’re committed to the cause.

“It tells me that any dog is rehab-able,” Steve Pollinger said. “I prefer working with dogs that really have been abused and hopefully seeing that I can bring them back to some sense of reality and some sense of normality.”

“I am Dexter” is available at Barnes & Noble. Fair Haven Animal Hospital is located at 799 Vermont State Route 22A in Fair Haven and can be reached at 802-265-3822 if you’d like a direct copy.

Fair Haven Animal Hospital is available for all your pet training and rehab needs!

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Celebrate National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day B

ulldogs, beautiful? Well, yes! French, American, or English — bulldogs portray glamour in their own special way. That’s why we present National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day each April 21.

People (as a rule) can’t get away with a lot of slobbering and wrinkles, but bulldogs make it an art form. They started popping up as furry companions in historical literature about five centuries ago. Today this sweet sidekick continually ranks as one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. French bulldogs currently sit fourth on the American Kennel Club’s list. (Bulldogs, technically a separate breed, are fifth.)

When is national bulldogs are beautiful day 2022?

Bulldogs are beautiful and they are celebrated on April 21 every year. The holiday is a chance for bulldog owners to shower their beautiful dogs with treats and love.

History of National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day

Just like the pit bull, bulldogs were bred originally to assist butchers in controlling livestock. The history of bulldogs predates that of pit bulls, however, tracing back to 5th century England, to a breed called the Alaunt. In the 15th century, other than catching cattle and horses on farms, bulldogs were used in the barbaric activity of bull-baiting; in which dogs were pitted against bulls to fight until the bull was pulled to the ground or the dog was killed by the bull.

Thankfully, bull-baiting was banned in 1835. Until this time, bulldogs were bred to be aggressive and a dog weighing 80 pounds could easily toss a bull weighing a ton down by corkscrewing its own body around its neck.

After bull-baiting ended in the U.K, it seemed that there would be no further use for bulldogs and that the breed would eventually become extinct. Luckily, the exportation of the breed to Germany and the U.S. expanded the line of work in which bulldogs were used. They continued herding cattle and hogs, especially in parts of the country where terrains were too rough for building fences.

Bulldogs were crossbred in Germany to create the boxer breed. The aggressive bulldog was downsized in England, although it is uncertain whether this was accomplished by selective breeding of smaller dogs or cross-breeding with pugs.

The modern bulldog is gentle, affectionate, and stable both in terms of temperament and appearance. They may be small but are capable of great power and are super-loyal and brave when it comes to their human companions, especially children.

National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day Timeline 1600

New World Bulldogs - The first bulldogs sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in America.

1875

“The Bulldog Club Incorporated” - Based in the UK, this is the oldest breed club in the world.

1886

AKC Recognition - The American Kennel Club officially recognized bulldogs as a breed.

1922

Bulldogs Served Their Country - Jiggs, a bulldog, enlisted to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.

2019

The Beautiful Bulldog Contest Turns 40 - This annual event takes place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa (Home of the Bulldogs!).

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By the Numbers #4

The ranking of bulldogs as the most popular dog breed in the U.S.

1886

The year when bulldogs were officially inducted into the American Kennel Club.

4

The number of different markings found on bulldogs.

55

The weight in pounds of the average male bulldog.

50

The weight in pounds of the average female bulldog.

8-12 Years

The lifespan of a bulldog.

15

The number of minutes walking before a bulldog is tired out.

40

The number of universities in the U.S. naming their teams after bulldogs.

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Traditions of the Day

Each year, people express appreciation and celebrate these adorable creatures on National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day. Those who own bulldogs pamper them and treat them to their favorite snacks. Some owners buy cute outfits for their dogs and post pictures with them on social media.

Bulldog beauty contests are hosted, because bulldogs are in fact, beautiful.

Those who didn’t appreciate bulldogs previously, take the time to read up on them and their history and consider getting one of their own.

National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day FAQs

Why are Bulldogs the best?

Bulldogs make great pets for both kids and adults because of their gentle nature.

They are not demanding and are quite lowmaintenance, so they also make wonderful companions for the elderly.

How smart is a bulldog?

Bulldogs aren’t very intelligent, ranking at 78 out of 80 on the intelligence spectrum. Reportedly, it takes up to 100 tries for bulldogs to follow the first command.

What are Bulldogs used for today?

The bulldog—American and English—has gone on to become a popular companion and working animal, as well as a very widely used mascot.

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National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day Activities • Volunteer at an animal shelter.

It’s heartbreaking, but not every bulldog gets to celebrate National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day in the comfort of their own forever home. Lend a helping hand to bulldogs — and every other dog breed — by volunteering some of your time to your local animal shelter. Your heart will be full afterward, and you’ll probably even get some puppy kisses to help sweeten the deal.

• Visit a pet-friendly restaurant or bar. Pack up your bulldog and head out to grab some tasty food and drinks.

Most pet-friendly restaurants set out water bowls for your pup to enjoy as they hang out with you, but if you do a little research, you may even find a spot that has a menu dedicated just to the hounds.

• Indulge your pet. Stopping at the local pet bakery on a daily basis probably isn’t the best thing for your furry friend’s waistline, but today is National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day, and that means ALL bulldogs are beautiful. Today is the perfect reason to indulge the bulldogs in your life—big and small. Yes, this also means you should stop by the human bakery and treat yourself as well.

5 Facts About Bulldogs #1. It’s in the name Bulldogs were originally bred for bull-baiting.

This explains their name. #2. The wrinkles are important Back when bull-baiting was practiced, the wrinkles on a bulldog were significant for blocking blood from getting into the dog’s eyes during battle. #3. Everybody’s favorite mascot Be it the U.S. Marines or Yale University, the breed is a mascot for many prestigious institutions. #4. A gastronomic experience.

Bulldogs have a condition called brachycephalic, which makes them snort and gassy. #5. Like owner, like pet Bulldogs are couch potatoes and don’t need a lot of exercise, making them ideal for those who don’t want to do too much walking.

Why We Love National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day

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• They make drool cool Acknowledging the beauty of everyday life is a sure way to elevate your mood. Bulldogs? They’re gorgeous just the way they are – drool hanging out of the corner of their mouth and bulllegged posture just add to the beauty.

• They’re adaptable Bulldogs are great for city dwellers and country folk. This breed is fairly low-energy, so they don’t require a ton of exercise. They’ll be content whether sniffing around a huge backyard or are taking a nap on the f loor of your apartment.

• They make great watchdogs They’re sweet-natured, but the staunch, muscular appearance of bulldogs can be intimidating. Although bulldogs are usually easygoing and lazy, when provoked, they’re not afraid to make their presence known when necessary.

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They are

ENGLISH BULLDOGS A

colleague recently acquired an English bulldog puppy. I immediately like him (the colleague, that is)–the pup was a given. I begged my way into meeting the little duffer. As I awaited the day, the subject of these interesting canines had me thinking about the allure of English bulldogs.

Penney

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What makes them special?

They are slow walking, swaying medical nightmares. They drool. Their food (free of corn, wheat, and soy) often has to be special ordered, their prescriptions compounded. An innocent sneeze on Tuesday could be life-threatening pneumonia by Thursday. You have the vet on speed dial, and the staff knows you by voice. They are stubborn. They know what they want, when they want.

Drinking water becomes a five- star alarm with dish cloths at the ready. They start the day at 4 a.m. by barking and getting fed only to have the dawn made sweeter by the early morning nap taken after said feeding. You cannot go back to bed. They do–often.

They need daily cleanings between their skin folds with nontoxic anti- fungal wipes as they are prone to yeast infections. Their noses need coconut oil to keep moisturized, their nails trimmed weekly and medicated baths given several times a month to stave off infection, allergy and bacterial growth. They are not in a hurry and heaven help you if you are. They slobber. They burp and pass gas. Inflamed hot spots typically develop due to excess itching or licking.

Would you know how to treat them? Ear and eye infections, too, are common.

Preventative care will save both pain and trips to the vet’s office. Pet insurance is highly recommended. The unique, stocky, tough-dog physique is both attraction to and deterrent from ownership. Overfeeding mouths lead to overweight bodies putting unnecessary pressure on already-sensitive joints. They are English bulldogs.

They’ve (or have they?) come a long way from the days of the 18th century when they were used for the blood sport of bull baiting, pinning the massive beast to Spring 2022

the ground. Once longer, taller with actual almost-muzzles, the dog would freely breathe, walk without pain and lead an almost canine carefree existence. We humans, in our ultimate know-it-all superior wisdom fond of achieving God-like aesthetics, decided we wanted a shorter, stouter, more compact dog. While we’re at it, let’s move the nose and mouth back so it’s nearly impossible for breath to enter and cool before entering their bodies, making them extremely heart intolerant. By shrinking their naris (nostrils) to pin tips in the indelible goal of making a dog, not a dog, we did it. Meet the English bulldog.

Unlike any other dog breed, the wrinkly, smushy-faced English bulldog has more challenges than your typical canine companion. Why spend an extra hour before the sun rises to feed, clean and prepare them for the day? Why spend holidays and weekends at the vet’s office?

We English bulldog owners are certifiably insane; we like being broke and are a little off kilter. In our world, English bulldogs reign. The rule our roost.

They have stolen our bank accounts and hearts simultaneously. We barely notice because we’re blinded by love with this pure-in-heart dog.

It takes a grounded person to claim successful bulldog ownership. Have I

mentioned budgeting for a special diet of canned and dry food diet for life?

Wake up to find your bulldog’s right eye squinty and runny? Off to the optometrist with a fist full of money at the ready just for the privilege of walking in a 24-hour emergency clinic. What about surgery to correct cherry eye, dry eye, corneal ulcers or entropion? Then off to the compounding pharmacy for 14 days of medication. Come home to find an entire bag of doggie vitamins ingested by a very guilty- looking face?

Off to the emergency vet for two days in the pure oxygen tank. Get out the credit card and cancel that tropical vacation.

Are you ready?

For prospective English bulldog parents, do your homework, and then do more. Find a veterinarian experienced in English bulldog care. They truly are stubborn canine aliens. Talk to current and previous owners. Be realistic. This is life altering. Even the most judicious of owners can miss cries for help, for signs of pain and illness. Bulldogs are stoic creatures. Procuring any puppy or dog ‘because it’s so cute,’ is never a reason. Consider adopting to give a bulldog a second or third chance. According to www.pibblesandbits.com, the English Continued Next Page

Yona and Cooper

Remy

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Rizzo

bulldog has long been a popular breed of dog ranking fifth overall according to the AKC. How many of these dogs end up surrendered or dumped due to uneducated owners?

I spent a great deal of time at a local rescue specializing in English bulldogs. The ailments, pain, extreme neglect and downright brutality these dogs, as several others faced, would make you question the state of humanity. The dogs that entered the rescue were given gold credit cards and no time limit for restorative health. These were the fortunate. So many are not.

I lost my rescued Penney a few years ago. I miss her deep snoring, her attempt to ‘play,’ and every particular trait that made her the special princess she was. Three years was not enough with her. When the time is right, I will honor her with another bulldog. Once bulldog fever takes hold of your heart, it’s impossible to let go.

The day had finally arrived!

I was to meet my coworker’s charge, Rizzo. As the door opened, I was greeted by a marshmallow accented with brown. His paws reaching up—a twolegs-off-the-floor greeting. Will and Kennedy, Rizzo’s pet parents, told me they were working on his jumping. Not to worry I told them. I was in bulldog heaven.

If my Penney was a princess, surely Rizzo is a prince—a rowdy one. They are eerily similar, even down to the speckled ear, the spot on the back. Unlike Penney (a rescue with a dark past), Rizzo is blessed to have his own people from day one who, unabashedly, dote on him.

He’s a whirl of energy as he zooms from person to

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person, soaking in their attention. “He goes from zero to a hundred real quick,” said Will. At six-months, Rizzo is learning that toys are for chewing, snow is fun for bulldozing through and Golden Retrievers make excellent tumble buddies.

Will mentioned he’s glad the baby teeth are gone as during teething, Rizzo would gnaw on Will’s feet. “They were all chewed up,” Will said laughing.

Rizzo being Rizzo Rizzo’s personality beams though his bright eyes. Trotting to his toy pile, he brings me his favorite, the stuffed hedgehog. We play fetch and tug-of-war, and with that I’m instantly accepted into his circle. I couldn’t be happier. Aesthetically, he is a stunner. His underbite, the floppy ears, the perfect little paws. Although Rizzo’s a beauty, Will and Kennedy are cognizant of the health challenges that come with the pretty face. We talked about cherry eye (already experienced by Rizzo), yeast infections, breathing challenges, hot weather woes, hip and joint issues, overfeeding, a sensitive tummy. As much as I gushed about Rizzo, I was equally impressed with this young couple’s dedication to educating and preparing for raising of an out- ofthis-world breed.

Rizzo is learning how to be a wellmannered boy having already mastered ‘sit’ and ‘shake.’ Obedience class is in his future. Socializing remains key. “We tried bringing him to downtown Burlington.

He can’t walk five feet without going crazy tying to meet people,” said Will. “He has to say hi to everyone he sees, whether it’s people or another dog, he has to go up to them,” comments Kennedy.

“He makes the funniest noises, like a little gremlin,” Kennedy tells me. I heard this as I was rubbing Rizzo’s smooth tummy. Something between an extraterritorial and gleeful toddler. Nighttime is never dull: “I never knew a dog would keep me up with his snoring. He’s so loud!” Will says good heartily.

For others thinking about bringing an English bulldog into their family Kennedy advises, “Do your research. This specific breed requires a lot of special attention.” So far, the efforts have been paying off. “Once you bond with them, it’s so worth it,” Will adds.

On this frigid winter day, my heart was warmed by witnessing the on-going commitment to this spunky pup. It’s clear Will and Kennedy have made the cut for bulldog ownership. Rizzo’s in very good hands.

Why an English Bulldog?

For all the complexities associated with the bully breeds, they hold a special place in our psyche, our souls. Stocky, silly, sweet. Sensitive stalwart, English bulldogs are like no other. They’re not for everyone and everyone’s not for them. If you like challenges, have a need to grow your empathy threshold and spend your last paycheck dollar, you still may not be right for an English bulldog. Few are. If, however, you fancy yourself a vivacious caregiver, observant steward, have a willingness to learn and re-learn perhaps you have what it takes to offer a lifeline for these gallant little gems.

They are English bulldogs.

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The Seasons of Puppyhood Why experiencing behavioral changes in your puppy is normal.

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Paula Bergeron - Grafton, NH

uppies: just the word conjures up images of adorable antics enacted by little fuzzy, milkbreathed creatures who fill our lives with innocence and love.

In the real world, however, puppies can also be leaky, loud, razor-toothed, energetic, destructive trouble makers who

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can exhaust our last ounce of patience.

What can be frustrating is that just when we think we have a routine in place that keeps our homes safe and our puppies satisfied, a whole new set of behaviors emerge and the old routine gets tossed out on its head. Here are some comments I commonly hear from frustrated puppy owners during the first 1 1/2 years of their lives.

“Why is my puppy suddenly barking at EVERYTHING?” “He used to always come when I called and now just looks at me and then runs away.” “I think he just wants to make me mad” “She was such a sweet puppy but now she won’t stop jumping and biting me.” “My dog stares straight at me and barks and barks like he is demanding something.” “My pup is suddenly afraid of everything.” “My puppy used to play well with other dogs but now is lunging and barking whenever we go on walks.” What most of us are not aware of is that the changes we see in our puppies are not only normal but are a necessary and predictable part of their physical, emotional, and behavioral growth. These changes have been identified as Stages of Puppy Behavioral Development and can help us understand what to expect and how to handle the needs of our growing puppies.

The Stages of Puppy Behavioral Development (There are many variations of this developmental guide, I have compiled here a very general outline. For more detailed information, research the stages of puppy development)

Stage One 0-8 Weeks

Puppies are learning how to have good social interactions from their mother, and littermates. Pups learn how to ask for attention and play, how to show submission, they learn bite inhibition, and gain confidence around other dogs. If you have gotten a puppy that was taken before 8 weeks from their mother, you may and probably will find your puppy lacking in confidence and the ability to interact well with other dogs. If you are not in a time in your life where you can dedicate time and energy for rehabilitation do not take puppies before those 8 weeks, but if you do be prepared that remedial support will more than likely be in your future.

Stage Two 8-10 Weeks

The fear period. Negative experiences during this time can become “hard-wired” into your pup’s life. For example, a fearful introduction to water could cause your pup to forever fear going swimming or getting a bath. It is important during this stage to introduce new activities carefully, keep them fun, don’t be too demanding, and don’t soothe a frightened puppy. Be the source of courage and shift your puppy’s reaction from fear to fun if they become started by new environments, people, dogs, or activities.

Stage Three 3-6 Months

Puppies at this stage rely on us and want to stick close. This is a great time to concentrate on training as it can feel easy because your puppy is focused on you. Take advantage of their need to stick close and reward coming when called as they will most likely do it automatically. However, as your pup moves towards the 6-month mark they begin to move away from this stage and you can experience that scary event when your pup does not come back when you call. This is not your pup being naughty, it is your pup beginning to have their own desires to explore and experience the world outside of their human. I recommend that all puppies drag a leash at this stage because we never know when this independent spirit might kick in and leave you trying to catch a determined pup who is off to explore the world.

Stage Four 6-12 Months

Ok, Strap yourselves in for this stage. This is one of the more challenging periods. Your pup has developed boundless energy, has become more independent, and the genetics of their breed specific characteristics have more influence on their behavior. You may suddenly see your pup begin to dig, herd, nip at heels, guard you, run in circles, chase birds, etc…. Their breed(s) comes to life, and the drive to fulfill their breed(s) will outweigh some of the training you have already completed. DON’T DESPAIR. Now is the time to practice your deep breathing and retrace your training steps to help your pup remember what seemed like a done deal just a short few months ago. Continue to provide adequate exercise, structure, and boundaries. Understand your dog is going to be more headstrong and will test your patience. This won’t last forever, expect some set backs, and allow for mistakes. On the positive side, look to see what fun can emerge from their new breed specific drives and talents.

Stage Five 1-1 1/2 Years

Your puppy is now emerging into their adult body and mind. They have come into their sexual maturity and will begin to explore where they stand in the social order of your family. It is time to be clear that they are a loved member but you are in charge of the safety and well-being of the pack. Structure, routine, boundaries, adequate exercise, and fulfillment of their breed characteristics are now important to establish a lifetime of good behavior. Know that by age three there tends to be a lessening of excitement and energy, and an even larger lessening of energy at age 5. But for now your puppy has entered the prime of his active life, so get ready to have and provide fun.

The stages of puppyhood flow from 0 to the second year of life. Understand that what we do during these stages will affect the kind of dog we live with for the next 8 to 15 plus years. So get ready for an active 1 1/2 years and be prepared as your pup grows from dependent to curious to an active dog to support the stages of their behavioral development.

Happy Training!

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Spotting & Soothing Separation Anxiety White Mountain College for Pets Holderness, NH

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s much as we love our dogs, they may love us even more. While we have busy lives beyond our pets, their lives are centered around us. They look to us for all the good things: we feed them, play with them, cuddle and bathe them.

So, it’s only natural that they may feel some separation anxiety when we leave. After all, whether it’s for 30 minutes or 8 hours, your dog only knows you’re gone!

You’ve walked away, shut the door, and they may have only a loose notion

you could be coming back. If your routines change (as so many have over the past few years), that can disrupt their comfort levels, too.

So how can you know if your dog is experiencing separation anxiety? And if so, how can you help reassure them they (and you) are safe? Here are signs to look for, and solutions to help ease your pup.

Signs: Here are some patterns you may see in your dog: • Does your dog need eyes on you at all times? Does he/she follow you closely, glued to your side and whining if you’re in a different room?

That’s a signal they may have developed some level of codependency.

While we want our fur babies with us while we’re home, the ability to relax alone while you’re off in the garage or in your upstairs office, is a healthy sign of confidence.

• Does your dog pace and pant when you grab shoes or keys? It’s normal for dogs to get excited if they think you’re taking them on a walk—they may jump, wag their tails vigorously or spin. But pacing and panting with tails tucked and ears loose are more often signals of growing stress.

• Are more things being chewed while you’re away? While this can be a sign of boredom, it can also indicate your dog is feeling anxious. Dogs seek comfort through chewing—and will chew on whatever’s handy: shoes and couches, door frames and more.

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• Do the neighbors need ear plugs?

Barking and howling can also be a sign of stress, but this one can be tricky; you may not even be aware that your dog has been vocalizing in your absence! Talk to your neighbors or set up a camera if you think your dog might be struggling while you’re out and about.

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Treatment: If your dog is struggling when you leave, here are a few things you can try!

• Practice short-term separations while you’re at home. Put your furry pal in a separate room with a favorite toy, blanket and/or a new treat—then close the door. Set a timer for five minutes, and then let them out, showering them with praise and treats. Gradually increase the duration; the confidence and trust that you’ll return will grow.

• Give them a reason to be (somewhat) glad you’re leaving. Designate a toy—maybe filled with a long-lasting treat like peanut butter or cheese—to get ONLY when you leave. It’ll distract them from their pain, minimize boredom and give them something positive to chew on if stress creeps in. Some dogs also feel soothed by having their owner’s scent close by, so try an old shirt or sock.

• For longer separations, buddy up. If you are going to be gone for an extended period (a relative term, adjust to your dog’s routine), ask a neighbor or friend to stop by to play and/or take them on a short walk. It’ll help release some of the tension and energy!

• Send them to day camp. If you’re still worried about your dog’s well-being, dog day camp may be just the solution. Filled with play and rest intervals, it’s the next best thing to you being there.

We never want our dogs to be in distress!

If your concerns linger, or signs seem to be on the rise no matter what you do, talk to your vet. They know you and your fur baby and can guide you to other solutions that might help.

Mike Robertson is the founder of White Mountain College for Pets, holds training certifications from five international organizations. For more information visit their website at collegeforpets.com

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Nutritional Needs of Puppies L

ooking for pointers on how to feed your new puppy? Keep this in mind: a puppy’s nutritional needs are a lot different from an adult dog. They need to get enough nutrients to fuel their speedy growth.

A puppy needs food made just for puppies. You can also feed your puppy commercially-prepared dog food that’s labeled for “all stages of life.”

The number of feedings a day depends on your pup’s age: 2 to 3 months old: 4 meals a day 3 to 6 months: 3 meals a day 6 to 12 months (up to 24 months for the largest breeds) : 2 meals a day In most cases, a puppy can start weaning from its mother’s milk or substitute milk between the ages of 3 and 4 weeks. Once weaning is started, the process typically takes up to three weeks before they are transitioned away from milk.

To help get your little pal used to solid food, veterinarians recommend wetting the puppy food with enough warm water to make a soupy gruel.

Puppies like to play with their food, so you may need to encourage them to eat it. Try dipping your finger into the food and holding it out for your pup to lick.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet Your puppy needs a balanced diet, which is found in many store-bought dog foods or can be prepared at home with the advice of your vet. A balanced diet gives your buddy energy, keeps their brain and body humming, and helps them grow.

When you buy puppy food, look for these words on the label: • “Complete and balanced nutrition” • “Meets the nutritional requirements of puppies established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)” • “Complete and balanced nutrition for puppies based on AAFCO feeding trials”

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Your puppy will get all the nutrients they need from puppy food with those labels. The key nutrients are: Proteins. Proteins help build your puppy’s tissues.

Fats. Fats help keep their skin and hair healthy. They also help your puppy develop a healthy brain and healthy vision.

Carbohydrates. Carbs help give your puppy energy.

Vitamins and minerals. “Complete” and “balanced” puppy foods have the right amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Water. Although canned puppy food contains up to 78% water and can provide some of your puppy’s water needs, it’s not enough. Dogs of all ages should always have a source of fresh, clean water available to them.

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Spring Has Sprung Ingrid Braulini - Grantham, NH

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et’s see if we made it through winter with some semblance of our imagination intact. As we try to make sense of the fact that we have been locked up since “forever” between the pandemic and winter we need to start “doing things” that include our pets now that it is spring. Zoe the bullmastiff is pretty much fed up with the short breathers to pee and poop while Terrance the Lab has decided we have no idea what fun is and besides, why we can’t play in -10-degree weather and two feet of snow for hours on end? Trixi and Zelda have been spending the winter tearing each other apart while mock-hunting and not-so-mock attacking each other, and being bored out of their gourds… yes, even for cats.

So now spring has sprung and we need to start coming up with things both out of the house and into the wild with our pets. I spent time hunting around for things to do. Somethings that are weather dependent, not so weather dependent, and things where who gives a hoot! Let’s do it!

Of course, with dogs, the biggest thrill is the exploration of new and exciting trails, dog parks, swimming holes, and if you have a particularly smart dog: specialized training and interaction with other dogs in competition may be desired.

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I tried to pick things that cover areas, weather, and activities easily accessible to our readers, particularly those in Vermont and the Upper Valley, without recreating the wheel of usual spots.

A great place is the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park in WRJ (that’s White River Junction, VT to you area newbies). This is a great place to let them run wild… but fairly well-behaved dogs, please.

Looking for great trails for your lovable? Try The Northern Rail Trail which meanders along a remarkably long and scenic route including a stretch along Mascoma Lake. Or the also scenic Cross Vermont Trail from Montpelier to Vergennes. Another beautiful spot is the Equinox Preserve (fun for humans too) in Manchester, VT. Or, of course, there’s the Franconia Notch trail up north or the Winnipesaukee River Trail.

A perfect place is Dog Mountain near Stowe close to St. Johnsbury (VT): doggy heaven. You can’t find a better spot for a dog. Trails, a swimming hole, other lovable mutts, a fantastic dog chapel (bring LOTS of tissues, a picture of a past dog, and/or written memorial to your pet to hang on the wall). You will cry a river…but it is so worth it! There’s even a tribute to Goldens (all dogs are invited) on May 21st and a special festival of remembrance for Stephan Huneck the Dog Mtn creator. Great gift shop too!

For those of you who like some “competition” or “purpose” in June, in NH there is the Stratham Hill Paws Walk and The Run Dog Jog in Nashua both being fundraisers. Back up to May, all sorts of breweries are doing events where you can bring your dog (not sure exactly how much beer is involved, but hey! Sounds like a plan). There’s Yappy Hour, Tails n’Ales at the Red Hook Brewery in Portsmouth, NH as well as a Yappy Hour at the Smutty Nose Brewery in VT. In Vergennes, there’s Woofstock: A Festival of Fidos in June at the Basin Harbor Club with absolutely everything a dog festival could or should have. If they don’t have it, it’s not found anywhere, Spring 2022

believe me. This includes a costumed pet parade, beach access for pets, cruises, an agility course, and on and on. Check out the web or call 802-475-2311 or email pr@ basinharbor.com for more information.

Check the internet for restaurants and hotels that cater to you and your pet making an outing “oh so grand”! Ostensibly you can also, actually sign up for dog or goat yoga at several clever studios. Again you need to check out how and where because of the current, ever-changing situations. Yoga may require heading out to Massachusetts. Hard to say.

So, what’s in for the cats? Not much, sadly. Most of the entertainment is geared to the indoors which can actually be done year-round like cat puzzles, interactive toys with feathers and balls, tunnels, and cat trees.

Besides, cats are incredibly good at entertaining themselves often to their pet parent’s dismay or horror. You can also set up a wonderful agility course which they have probably also already done for themselves…you know the one with jumping over the expensive one-of-a-kind pottery display from the Craftsman’s Fair and nail-sharpening on Aunt Bess’s luxurious 1776 heirloom quilt.

There is, of course, the fabulous Seacoast Cat Show which takes place at the Everett Arena in Concord on May 7 and 8. You “could” take your cat, but I don’t think you can bring her inside unless she’s signed up for the show. She’ll have to show she can prance around on command without whacking the judge and getting points taken off.

What else can you do with animals in the spring? You can take them to a nursing home or hospital if they have some semblance of manners (PLEASE, check with the facility first!). There are great spots for pet picnics, paddle boarding, and camping throughout our beautiful states. With today’s internet you can find all kinds of places and things to do, but please always check out the dates and times.

In these pandemic years, everything is fungible.

If the weather is not playing along well, there are myriad puzzles you can do or even invent such as hiding munchies under or in plastic or metal bowls around the house depending on your pet’s acuteness. If you have carpeting, there’s also stuffed-animal-fetch for dogs or cat-toyfetches for cats. How about an indoor picnic complete with playtime and dry kibble? I also highly recommend taking a class with your dog such as agility or even simple training. There are great fitness and wellness classes throughout the area such as one in Concord called Canine Strong.

Please be sure that wherever you take your pet, they have good manners and that you come equipped with plenty of poopbags and drinking water for your pup.

Finally, get together with friends who have dogs and hike, take walks, or classes together, explore new places and sniff out new things…you never know what you and your dog’s next favorite adventure will be.

Ingrid Braulini is the retired owner of Pet First Aid and Wellness LLC, a PetTech Instructor, a Former National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Board Member and an Education Committee Chair Spring 2022

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Veterinary Accreditation Catherine MacLean, DVM - Grantham, NH

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id you know that, unlike human medical facilities, accreditation of veterinary facilities is not required? Did you know the standard of care varies from practice to practice? The American Veterinary Medical Association does guide the standard of care but has no ability to enforce those standards.

In 1933 a group of veterinarians got together and decided to form an organization called the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Its mission is to promote high-quality care and to stay current with medical practices through accreditation and professional development. Becoming accredited is completely voluntary, and only about 15% of veterinary facilities in North America are accredited. In order to become accredited, over 900 standards of care need to be met, and the facility is inspected every three years. Inspections include reviewing of medical records and the facility by a member of AAHA. When I opened my practice in 2013, it was a personal goal of mine to become AAHA accredited. I was doing most of the things that AAHA recommended, but I wanted to make sure my practice was doing all of the things that were necessary to make it accredited. AAHA accreditation makes a difference in the level of care we provide, as well as the environment of our practice. Accreditation encourages teamwork, accountability, high morale, consistency, and employee wellbeing. In short, it means we hold ourselves to a higher standard and have to work as a team to achieve it. When we hire staff that has worked at other veterinary practices, they are always impressed with the level of care we practice daily at our practice.

In 2016 we became the first AAHA accredited hospital in the Upper Valley. Now there are a total of two AAHA accredited hospitals in the Upper Valley. Being AAHA accredited takes the commitment of the whole veterinary team and can create more work for the Spring 2022

staff; but as a team, we made the commitment to continue practicing best medical practices. One example of how we hold ourselves to a higher standard is how we do anesthetic and surgical procedures. Every surgical patient gets an IV catheter so we have direct access to a vein in the case of an emergency, they are on IV fluids to help support blood pressure during the procedure, they have a dedicated nurse with them the whole time, and we monitor them using the same parameters a human anesthesiologist would use. Most of us would think this would be standard at any veterinary facility. Sadly, this is not always the case. Even record keeping varies from one veterinary facility to the next. I can’t tell you how often I get veterinary records from other practices, and there are no notes or very sparse notes. With AAHA we have to have a history, vital signs including a pain score, details on all the major systems (think eyes, ears, mouth, abdomen, skin, etc.) that we examine during an exam, our diagnosis, and what our plan is.

If your veterinarian is not AAHA accredited, it doesn’t mean that they are practicing outdated or subpar medicine. Being AAHA accredited means someone is holding the practice accountable for how we practice medicine. They are making sure there is a standard of care that is in the best interest of the patient and how they are being taken care of, and that the veterinary practice is staying current. To find out more about AAHA go to www.aaha.org.

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

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A Cautionary Tale M

Jeffrey Reel - Hartland, VT

y daughter and I lived in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts with our five-year-old lab/retriever, Lucky. Lucky was more than a member of the household. He was family: gentle, sociable, intelligent, and my daughter’s best friend and companion. It was just the three of us, finding comfort in each other’s presence. Lucky was a stabilizing presence.

Our home was located on a dirt road that ended at the shore of a lake. Our house was surrounded by summer homes and we enjoyed peace and solitude during most of each year. It was on an April morning when I took Lucky for his regular morn-

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ing walk, and the day was typical for early April in the Berkshires: cold, overcast, and with a temperature hovering around 25 degrees. Spring comes late in the Berkshires. The last remaining patches of snow take refuge in the shade of houses and trees. All that remains of the lake ice is a thin sheet of glass. As was our custom on morning walks, I brought along a two-way radio, leaving the other for my daughter back at the house so we could communicate during the five-minute stroll.

Lucky walked alongside me toward a stretch of woods near the shore. I heard, but took little notice of, two large Canada Geese standing along what would be the shore a few weeks from now but that was still hidden under a thin sliver of ice and a crust of snow. Lucky had always been intimidated by the geese – loud, aggressive birds – and his habit had been to safely watch them from a distance. This time, though, things took a sudden turn. Lucky suddenly bolted after the geese, which took off, flying low and slow over the thinning ice and out over the lake. I yelled for him to stop and, as he approached the shore and lake ice, I screamed for him at the top of my lungs, as if his life depended on it. But his instinct to chase was strong and he was unaware of the danger in his pursuit. He raced across the beach, then onto the ice, and out over the lake at full speed. My heart raced and then sank, as I could only watch, waiting for that moment when Lucky would break through the ice and plunge into the water, well out of reach. About 150 feet out, the ice gave way beneath him and he disappeared under the surface of the water. After a few moments, his head popped back up. He threw his front paws up on the ice and scraped against it, trying to lift himself up and out of the water. He struggled for a minute or two, then stopped and simply rested his gaze upon me, and waited.

I stood there, stunned in disbelief and horror. Only moments before we were on just another morning walk. Now, all I could see of Lucky was his head and front paws, his eyes fixed intently upon mine, waiting for me to pull him out of the ice-cold water.

I considered the choices. I could stand there for the next 20 minutes in order to “be with him” until he slipped back into, and under, the water for the final time, or I could turn away and return to the house, with Lucky’s eyes fastened upon my back. Both seemed incomprehensible and unacceptable, yet fate seemed to be forcing those cruel choices upon me. I couldn’t explain to Lucky why I would not come for him, and I wouldn’t know what to say to my daughter when I returned to the house without him.

My body shook with fear, sadness overwhelmed me, yet my mind continued to race for a miracle. I noticed that a nearSpring 2022

by stream had sliced a thin channel of water into the lake, but even if I could swim along it, 50 feet of ice would still separate me from where Lucky had fallen through. I knew the futility, and danger, of jumping in, but I had to at least go through the motions of rescue if only to show my loyalty, and wanting Lucky to witness my efforts during what would be his final moments of life. I plunged into the frigid water, still wearing my winter coat, and began swimming out into the lake. The shock to my body contracted my muscles and forced the air out of my lungs, which could not fully relax and expand again. I could only manage to take in small sips of air. My shoes slipped off my feet and sank to the bottom of the lake. The weight of the winter coat began to drag me under, so I removed it while treading water and tossed it onto the ice next to me. I shivered violently from both cold and fear. I shot occasional glances toward Lucky to see if his head remained above water, dreading that moment when I would turn to see only the hole where he had fallen through, and nothing more.

But he remained above water, his eyes fastened upon mine. Ten minutes had passed since he had fallen through. I was exhausted from managing only shallow breaths and I began to lose feeling from the neck down. Quickly losing sensation and sinking deeper into the water, an image suddenly flashed before me of my daughter staying at a friend’s home until her mother could fly in from Japan to get her because I had drowned on this day with Lucky. I turned back toward shore.

Dripping wet and shivering from the cold, I emerged from the stream and sloshed to the nearest summer home, which was shuttered for the winter. A large aluminum rowboat, still covered with snow, lay overturned on the lawn. I flipped it over, searched for oars, and, finding none, began dragging the boat toward the open channel. Once in the boat, I leaned out over the bow and began paddling with both hands. I was exhausted, no longer able to feel my hands or arms, and continued yelling to Lucky if only to keep his attention. I finally got as close as I could to him by water, but we were still separated by 50 feet of ice. I leaned further out over the bow and began smashing through the ice with my fists, cutting open both hands and wrists. There was nothing left in me but fear for Lucky’s life and a faint glimmer of hope that I might now reach him in time. I kept up a running monologue with him as if it would buy us time. At least 20 minutes had passed.

I continued breaking through the ice until finally reaching him. Lucky tried, but could not climb up and in over the boat, which sat too high above the water.

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There was panic in his eyes as he tried to swim back out through the channel I had created with the boat, but he had grown so cold that he had lost all coordination, and his legs splayed in all directions. He would go under and then struggle again to the surface. I wrapped my arms around him to pull him up out of the water but he was too heavy to lift in that fashion.

In what I believed to be our last opportunity, I grabbed the nape of his neck and the skin along his back and yanked him straight up out of the water – 80 pounds of wet dog – and dropped him into the boat. We both lay there, unable to move, shaking with a cold that had penetrated to our bones.

After a few minutes had passed, I lifted myself up and looked back toward shore.

My daughter stood there, her two-way radio in her hand. She had missed the entire episode, although the last words she had apparently heard me say over the radio were “Oh my God” as Lucky first began to race out over the ice after the geese. I tried paddling the boat to shore but could not, so I slipped back into the water, wrapped the rope that had been threaded in the bow around me, and towed the boat back to shore. Reaching land, Lucky was too scared to abandon the boat, so I gently tipped it over until he slid out. Soaked to the bone, and shoeless, I walked back

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Lucky at Home

to the house with my daughter and pup.

Unable to feel or use my hands and arms, I could not remove my clothing. I stepped into the shower, turned on the faucet with my forearms, sank down into the basin of the tub, and allowed warm water to wash over me until I had exhausted its supply. But I couldn’t stop shaking (and wouldn’t for another two weeks). When I looked up, my daughter was standing next to the tub, holding bandages for my hands and wrists.

Every fall and spring since then, as the ice first formed, and then melted upon the lake, I kept the dogs well away from shore (we had later taken in a shelter dog). In the winter, I admit to being overly cautious by waiting until the holes have been drilled for fishing and the ice clearly supports the weight of the snowmobiles that race out over the lake. In the spring, I wait until the ice has receded away from shore to the point where the dogs are unable to reach it. But like clockwork every spring, a pair of fat Canada Geese could always be seen standing on the thin sheet of lake ice close to shore.

My imagination played tricks with me as I fancy them trying, yet one more time, to lure their adversary onto the ice and to his watery grave.

I seriously question my actions over and over, wondering if I could, or even should, again risk so much to save the life of our companion. Things could easily have turned out differently on that April day.

Lives are too easily lost in frigid waters, as stories in local papers give testimony to each winter. If errors in judgment are to be made (we are, after all, human), I suggest erring on the side of caution.

Thinning ice and dogs should never meet.

“A Cautionary Tail” for sure – a leash can be your best friend’s friend!

This true tale is offered to you in that spirit.

Spring 2022

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“Yippee-ki-iy-ay

He shouts and he sings

When a cowboy trades his spurs for wings” (When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs)

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Earning your Spurs Sue Miller - Sharon, VT

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feel spurred to write about the equestrian equipment known as spurs.

(Sorry for the pun) I recently picked up three different publications that mentioned: “earning your spurs” in riding.

As a young rider, I often heard the term, “earning your spurs”. I admit that as a young impressionable rider I wondered when that day would be. I think I mistakenly believed that one of my riding instructors would one day say, “That’s it, you’re doing great! Today you’ve earned your spurs!” Or something to that effect.

The sad reality is, no one presents you with spurs and deems you a worthy rider. You have to make that decision on your own. Unless you’re in the cavalry.

Many traditions in horseback riding come from the military. Such as leading and mounting the horse from the left-hand side so a soldier could navigate around their saber. It should come as no surprise that the term, “earning your spurs” also comes from the military. It

originally started in days of yore with chivalrous knights. Gold or gilded spurs were only worn by knights or royalty.

Spurs were a symbol of a knight’s status. Spurs became an integral symbol of chivalry and were one of the tokens given during a knighting. It’s believed that this practice is the origin of the term “earning your spurs.”

The cavalry, a division of the United States Army also has an “earning your spurs” challenge that tests one’s mettle over a grueling contest that can take 3 days to complete. One is awarded spurs for completion of a spur ride or combat service in a cavalry unit. A trooper is tested performing such tasks as operations, call for fire, first aid, medical evacuation, communications proficiency, and individual movement techniques. Upon successful completion of this series of mental, physical, and leadership tests, a trooper will be awarded silver spurs. Troopers who have earned both silver and gold spurs are known as “Master Spur Holder.” The Gold Spurs, often referred to as “Combat Spurs” are awarded to Troopers during their combat deployments.

The dictionary defines the term as: To have shown that you are capable of doing something well and that you can be relied on to do it well in the future.

In reality, YOU decide in horseback riding when you’ve earned your spurs.

Early spurs were simply a tool for armies to guide their horses with their legs, while leaving their hands free to fight. While we no longer have to wield swords while astride, the goal in most riding classes is to ride effortlessly off the leg, just like the ancient cavalry riders had to do. A spur has a more precise point of contact with a horse’s side than a heel or leg aid, they can offer more precision of control of a horse’s movements. A well-trained horse will learn to move off the subtle pressure of a spur, which can save time and effort for the rider.

A misconception of spurs is that they are worn to make the horse go faster. If that were the case you would see jockeys wearing them in horse races. Spurs are an aid to help elevate your horse into your hand and engage their hindquarters. Used correctly with finesse spurs can help to get lift, collection, and a nice frame.

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What exactly is a spur?

It’s a medal tool attached to the back of the rider’s boots by a strap. The basic design of spurs has changed very little. The prick spur was the first type of spur to be invented. It consisted of a pointed goad that was connected to a metal band that was bound around the heel.

I surmise from the spur designs of yesteryear that the term, “royal prick” came about from the deadly-looking medieval spurs knight and royals wore. The very earliest spurs were probably simple thorns attached at the back of the heel.

Modern spurs are comprised of a few parts – the heel band (also known as a yoke or shank), goes around the back of the heel of the boot. The neck/shank is what protrudes from the band, and ends with rowels or a blunt end. The rowels provide the contact point to the horse.

Most simple English spur designs have a single blunted tip, whereas Western riders are more likely to use something more ornate with spinning rowels.

The spur as a tool or a weapon? Any piece of equestrian paraphernalia can be used incorrectly in the wrong hands, or in this case on the wrong boots, the spur does have the ability to sore a horse. But when used correctly helps to make the cues lighter. A rider should use the leg first and then use the spur to reinforce never for cruelty or discipline. Spurs are closely regulated in some competitions.

Some cowboys wear “jingle bobs” on their spurs. Jingle bobs are small metal, often pear-shaped ornaments or charms worn on western spurs. They hang from the axel of the rowel. Today the jingle bob is mostly a fashion statement. Though I’ve heard that the jingle bob was a badge of honor for cowboys as they were awarded jingle bobs for recognition of their better horsemanship from the ranch boss. Another theory is the gentle noise was also a cue to the horses and could be used much like a metronome in keeping time with the movement of the horses.

Collecting antique spurs has become a popular pastime for aficionados of western lore and cowboy culture.

Anyone can participate in the mystique of the American West by collecting western spurs. They truly are an art form of all different styles, metals, materials, and rowels. A good quality spur can become an heirloom item passed down to younger generations.

For a good horseman there is no end to learning, evaluating, and growing.

You constantly evaluate and reevaluate your riding skills and training to the horse you are on that day. What worked and what you can improve on next time. Having precise communication and consistent cues is a common goal. Spurs can be helpful tools when worn by a worthy rider.

Susan Miller is a PATH Advanced instructor and ESMHL. Program Director at High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program and serve on the boards of the Vermont Horse Council and Vermont Horse Shows Association

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A Tap on the Shoulder Dorothy Crosby - Stoddard, NH

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have an abundance of students who misunderstand what it means to carry a crop, a dressage whip, or other motivational tools. They believe it is severe punishment, or will create a rift in their relationship with their horse, or don’t want to hurt him in any way.

Some don’t like to carry it, maintaining that it is uncomfortable, awkward, or too much to hold.

While I would NEVER advise or advocate for ANY kind of abuse or misuse of any horse – ever – I do believe that sometimes a little help (actually for the horse!) or a firm, but gentle correction may be necessary. Beating is certainly out of the question (and then the rider should be punished)!

But this is not the intent; we are not punishing for an infraction, but encouraging, providing clarity or getting their attention when it is needed.

Think of it as a literal tap on the shoulder: you need someone’s attention and stand there patiently for a few minutes, maybe trying not to interrupt, but that’s not producing results; so, you tap them on the shoulder to get their attention. Perhaps you have to tap again, but you are not in any way

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punishing; you are just getting their attention so they can hear what your urgent message might be.

Used in this way, for schooling purposes, there’s no need for punishment, but rather a correction, a mild reprimand, or, more likely, encouragement to do more, try harder, or pay attention.

One of my students unintentionally provided a great example: Several years back, while riding in a lesson, Michelle requested a favor… of course, if I can!

She pointed to a barrel and asked me to please retrieve her hearing aid. What?

She wears a hearing aid? And would leave it on the barrel until mounted?

Ah, but as I went to retrieve it for her, the only thing I saw on the barrel was her crop…. for a second or two I may have been confused; then I got it! Perfect! She completely understood! The other ladies all laughed and, I believe, got a new perspective on this conflicting practice…. I’ve repeated this story many times; now my ladies refer to their hearing aids and smile as they understand even more than they did before.

Just as spurs are not a punishment or an order to go faster, but rather an instruction to place one’s feet differently; more intentionally, step higher or under, a whip can be used as a gentle prod to move this way or take a bigger step or use THIS leg now.

Did you know that there exists a myriad of nerve endings precisely where our leg hangs….and that those nerve endings are connected to the feet, specifically the hind legs, therefore propelling the horse forward when we apply pressure? It’s an anatomical thing, call it design, that makes it possible and predictable to use the leg aid to obtain a particular movement – as in forward and up or under – from the horse and then direct it with the addition of a shifting of the rider’s weight.

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It’s almost uncanny, but so real and so certain that the horse will understand because he’s made that way! And then, with some encouragement, further clarification, and a reasonable amount of skill in communicating it, we can ask for and achieve almost any kind of movement, balance, direction, and maneuver we desire, with varying levels of expertise and skill on both their and our parts! One little tap - a tickle can clarify and enhance our intentions and create an almost perfect execution of that maneuver.

It is essential that one develops skill in carrying, implementing, and manipulating this tool; unsteady hands or lack of balance prevent its quiet presence and reduce its effectiveness, or create an unnecessary amount of anxiety and attempted escape from its predicted use or misinterpretation.

I have subscribed to this formula: A tap on the shoulder is motivational. Commonly all that is necessary, this gets the attention and focus of the equine partner.

A tap behind the leg sends the reinforcement message to listen to said leg and obey its instruction. If this is to be avoided in the future, then heeding the leg aid is prudent.

A tap on the rear addresses a more serious infraction; a harsh reprimand, it is used rarely, discreetly, and precisely.

The bottom line is this: you develop a skill you might never use, but may benefit from having; if you don’t carry it, you can never use it, and you can be sure there will be that one time you wish you’d had it. Do your horse a favor: care enough to be precise, succinct, timely, and gentle.

You will both be better for it.

Dorothy Crosby is certified both as a Level III Centered Riding® Instructor/ Clinician and CHA Instructor for both English and Western riders. Operating as Equi-librium and based in Keene, NH, Dorothy is also Director of Southmowing Stables and its Riding Program in Guilford, VT, where her responsibilities include horse and barn management as well as overseeing the riding program. Workshops, clinics, special events, and lessons are offered at SMS; Dorothy also travels for clinics and to instruct riders at other locations. She was pleased to present two Centered Riding workshops at Equine Affaire MA 2017. Dorothy is certified through both Conformation Balancing (equine fascia release) and MagnaWave pemf for horses, humans, and small animals. Her joy is in teaching humans and equines of all ages and levels of experience.

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popular for beginner chicken keepers as well as families with young children.

Similar to their Buff counterparts, they are agreeable to nearly any living condition and tend to do well in small spaces. They are also quite quiet and are not apt to fly much, making them a great choice for neighborhoods and a wonderful urban chicken. A Lavender Orpington hen averages 250 eggs per year.

Great Chicken Breeds

Australorps

for

Kids Jennifer Keating - Keene, NH

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aising backyard chickens can be a fun experience for the whole family! With chickens’ adorable antics and unique personalities, children are inherently drawn to them. Around the farm, children can be responsible for their flock and feel a sense of pride and ownership. Younger children can help to fill the feeders, gather eggs, and round up the chickens in the evenings. Older children can assist with cleaning the coops, letting the chickens out each morning, and filling the waterers.

Additionally, kids can teach chickens to come when called (with the help of dried mealworms), learn about the joys of gardening with chickens, and even bring their favorite chicken on a tour of the neighborhood using the Valhoma Chicken Harness. We have even heard of some young chicken enthusiasts teaching their birds tricks and we have watched some incredible videos of chicken agility on social media!

Any way you look at it, a small flock of friendly chickens can be a fun addition to your farm, especially when you have kids in the mix. Keep reading to learn more about some of the friendly and calm chicken breeds that are excellent choices for raising when you have young farmers involved.

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Maddison of Highland Farm in Swanzey, NH

Buff Orpingtons Often referred to as “Golden Retrievers of the Chicken World,” Buff Orpingtons are one of the most popular breeds of chickens for poultry farmers of all ages. These beautiful golden-colored dual-purpose birds respond extremely well to attention and generally enjoy being handled. The breed tends to be non-aggressive, which makes them an excellent choice for families. Many children use Buff Orpingtons as their 4-H and/or FFA poultry projects.

Additionally, Buff Orpingtons are very laid-back birds that can handle both free-range and enclosed environments. They tend to be quite quiet as well, making them a popular choice for neighborhoods or homesteaders with a limited amount of space. As a heritage breed, they are inclined to be healthy, hardy, and cold-tolerant. You can expect a hen to lay 200-280 large brown eggs each year.

Lavender Orpingtons Possessing many of the great qualities of their Buff Orpington relatives, Lavender Orpingtons feature a gorgeous silver-purple coloring. These friendly birds love attention and have been known to jump on laps and come when called when they are raised from chicks.

This breed is exceptionally docile while also being extremely beautiful. They are

An Australian cousin of the Buff Orpington and Lavender Orpington (are we sensing a trend here?), the Australorp is a large, docile, black chicken breed. They are excellent mothers, making them a great choice if you want to raise a flock with your children. Typically, the Australorp is a black bird, but when the sun hits them, they have an amazing beetle-green sheen… they are stunning birds.

The Australorps are very popular as 4-H and FFA projects because they have such sweet temperaments for dual-purpose birds; they can commonly be seen competing at country fairs. Notoriously calm and friendly, the Australorp does well in a mixed flock or a single breed flock. They are highly productive egg layers, with hens averaging 300 brown eggs a year.

Ameraucanas

Ameraucana chickens, also referred to as Easter Eggers, make an exciting addition to any child’s flock. These nonaggressive birds do best if handled by children from the chick on to the adult stage. It is important that they are handled early in life, otherwise, they can be shy and a little f lighty. They are known for building strong bonds with their humans.

Easter Eggers are excellent foragers and can provide backyard tick control.

They are mainly prized for their beautiful-colored light blue, seafoam green, and pink eggs. Children will love running to the nesting box and seeing the treasures that have been left for them by these fabulous layers. You can expect up to 280 extra-large eggs each year.

They can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for the New England climate.

Barred Plymouth Rocks

Showcasing unique black and white stripes that help them to stand out in a flock, Barred Plymouth Rocks are well known for their gentle personalities.

These chickens are one of America’s Continued Next Page

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great mothers. Roosters also tend to be docile and protect the flock. Barred Plymouth Rocks tend to be quite smart, picking up routines quickly. Many homesteaders choose them because they are active and silly, yet still thrive on human attention. They are also consistent layers, continuing to lay through the winter months and laying up to 200 medium/large eggs per year.

Silkie Bantams

oldest breeds, first appearing in the mid1800s. They are known to be friendly, sweet, and docile birds. These beautiful birds have even been nicknamed “America’s Favorite Breed!”With a relaxed and unfussy demeanor, they are happy in confinement with sufficient space, however, they also make great foragers when allowed to free-range.

Hens are not particularly broody but will hatch young if allowed and make

This miniature ornamental chicken breed is extremely popular, largely due to its impressive feathering, but also because of its docile nature. They can be a third to a fifth of the size of a standard chicken. They love sitting in laps and their soft plumage feels like you are petting a cloud. Their feathering feels more like goose down than a traditional chicken feather. They come in colors of white, black, gray, buff, and more. They have great personalities and children are enthralled by their adorable antics.

These petite birds are cold and heat hearty, making them a great choice for beginner chicken keepers. Silkie Bantams tend to enjoy confinement and small runs. They are not known for their egg-laying production, but they can be expected to lay about 100 small eggs per year.

Faverolles Sweet and adorable, Faverolles is a French breed. They have feathered feet, five toes, a beard, and puffy cheeks, all of which make them highly endearing to children. Faverolles tend to be a bit shy, but they are also very mild-mannered. If they are raised from chicks and handled often, they will become wonderful pets that thrive on attention.

Many Faverolles owners report them to be cuddly and comical and can be especially lovable in a one-on-one setting.

The petite Faverolles tend to be low on the pecking order and do not do well in mixed-breed flocks, especially if you have aggressive birds. They are hardy in the winter and do very well in the chilly New England temperatures. Prolific egg layers, a Faverolle hen will lay about 240 eggs per year.

Cochins Very large yet very docile, the Cochin is a gentle giant. They are very relaxed and are easily tamed. The Cochin is laid back and prefers to be fed over scavenging for food, for this reason, they are not well suited for free-ranging. However, they are easily kept in captivity and do not have the desire to wander.

Many children are drawn to their impressive feathering and beautiful coloring, particularly their feathered feet… they truly look as though they are wearing slippers! Cochins have a very calm disposition and are rarely aggressive (even the roosters!). They do tend to be broody, so many poultry owners use them when hatching chicks. They lay only about 150 eggs per year, but production tends to be steady throughout the year and into the winter. Because they are larger than some other breeds of chickens, it is important to build your coop appropriately for their size.

Brahma Chickens

Featuring feathered feet, these uniquelooking chickens look like they are wearing slippers! Large and docile, many chicken keepers find that their Brahmas are extremely friendly toward people. They can measure up to 30” tall, which makes them the biggest chickens in many flocks. They have a calm demeanor and tend to be peaceful with other birds. Due to their extreme size, you will want to ensure that you have a large enough coop before bringing Brahma chicks home.

Brahmas are great winter layers, unlike many other breeds of chickens. They Continued Next Page

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Spring 2022

These entertaining chickens are active, yet are very friendly toward people.

Young children are drawn to their unique looks, and, fortunately, most members of the breed tolerate being picked up, carried, and snuggled. They have a very inquisitive nature and love to get into everything. While not known as a laying breed, you can still expect them to lay up to 120 eggs per year. In the cold winter months, Polish Chickens require special attention. They MUST be in a dry location, otherwise, their feathered heads can become frosty or even freeze. tend to ramp up egg production in the months of October-March. This makes them a welcome addition to any flock, helping you maintain your egg production throughout the year. They can be expected to lay about 150 eggs per year.

Polish Chickens

Every time you look at these chickens, they are sure to bring a smile to your face. The feathered plumage on the Polish Chickens’ heads looks as though they have a full head of hair. Considered an ornamental breed, they often have quirky personalities that match their fabulous hairdos.

learning experience for aspiring poultry farmers. Wyandottes are also dependable layers, laying up to 260 eggs per year.

While the breeds of the chickens are important, their temperament will have more to do with how your chicks are raised. The best way to ensure childfriendly chickens is to purchase chicks when they are young and handle them as frequently as possible. By familiarizing your chicks with humans from an early age, you will quickly be welcomed as a member of their flock.

Introducing chickens into your farm is fun for all members of the family! From teaching your kids about responsibiliWith their easygoing nature and beau- ty to giving them hours of enjoyment, tiful feathering, Wyandottes are a favorite chickens are a wonderful way to encouramong many backyard farmers. They age your kids to spend more time outside tend to be very cold hardy and heat toler- enjoying the great outdoors. With a bit ant, taking their environment in stride. of planning and careful supervision, Wyandottes are generally accepting of children and chickens truly are a wonlove and attention, often reciprocating derful match. if they are well-socialized from an earWould you like to learn more about ly age. Typically the breed is docile and the chicken breeds available at The non-aggressive, making them an excelCheshire Horse? We encourage you lent choice for children. to read our blog posts about Layer If you plan to hatch chicks, these hens Chicken Breeds, Dual Purpose Breeds, make terrific mothers and care for their Fancy Chicken Breeds, Bantam brood. We love hearing our young cusChicken Breeds, Turkeys and tomers talk about the joys of raising their Guinea Fowl, and Waterfowl. flock from eggs… it is such an incredible

Wyandottes

A funny story...

Regardless of the weather, every morning I take Maverick and Roxy for a morning rock.

Our regular route takes us down a dirt road that looks like something from yesteryear.

At the end of the road are the remains of a dilapidated barn and the stone foundation of where the farmhouse once proudly stood. At the edge of the road is the old mailbox where the dogs take turns for their leg-lifting exercise.

Out of curiosity, the other day I decided to open the mailbox. The door was so rusted that I almost pulled the box off its post. As I peered inside I saw an envelope. Yellowed with more than a century of age I noticed the faded postmark of April 1907.

As if I had discovered some long-lost time capsule, my heart beat rapidly as I carefully unfolded the brittle letter. Wondering what treasures I was about to glean, I then slowly read the historic words, "Dear Sir, We have been trying to contact you. According to our records, your vehicle is now eligible for our extended warranty..."

Spring 2022

www.4LegsAndATail.com 47

I

10

Convincing Reasons Why You Should Raise Chickens Brigido LaGuardia

f you want to raise chickens just because you found out that other people are making a good amount of money out of it, consider several factors. Raising chickens should not be underestimated. Only people who have a real passion for chickens can only understand how important it is to raise chickens and the responsibility that comes with it.

With the grow ing population, the shortage of resources like food always follows. One of the main reasons why people raise chickens is for food but there are other reasons why you should raise chickens if you have a spacious backyard and could not affect your neighbors.

Here are the 10 convincing reasons why you should raise chickens:

#1 EGGS

Who doesn’t love eggs anyway?

Your hens lay fresh eggs, taste great, and are full of nutrition because you control what goes with the food you give your chickens. If you have lots of eggs you can also sell them because eggs are in high demand, easy and fast to prepare as food, and inexpensive. Expect your chicken to lay one egg per day if properly feed, but some breeds will surely give you an average of 4 to 6 eggs per week.

#2 CHICKENS AS PETS

Chicken makes great pets. Depending on the type of breed, chickens are playful, affectionate, and shy and you will find yourself having a lot of fun without noticing it. Especially the chicks – they are fun to play with,

#3 FRESH MEAT

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There is no better-quality meat than growing your own. Like eggs, the quality of your own chicken meat is far healthier and nutritious compared to those that are commercially produced. You can also sell if you have too much for personal consumption.

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#4

#8

ALARM CLOCK

CHICKEN MEAT AND EGGS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND

Have you heard someone telling you that he only wakes up when he heard the rooster crows? Sounds funny but in many remote areas where alarm clocks and cellphones are not available, historically, people are using roosters as an alarm clock. Especially the farmers, they go to their farm on the initial crow of the rooster.

#5 CHICKENS PRODUCE FERTILIZERS

Chicken manure contains a good amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – the primary ingredients in producing commercial fertilizer.

Chicken manure can be composted and added to the soil of your garden, flowers, trees, shrubs, and lawns. The all-natural homemade fertilizer will save you money and help produce great results.

If your purpose is business, raising chicken is another great avenue to explore. Chicken meat and eggs are always in high demand and can be sold anywhere regardless of jurisdiction.

#9 GREAT BUSINESS MODEL

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#

CHICKENS ARE EASY TO CARE FOR

Yes, you heard it right. Chickens are easy to deal with especially if they are contained inside the chicken house.

You can limit the disease and control their food if there are contained allowing you to have better production results. Just feed them once in the morning and once in the afternoon and after 38 to 40 days you have meat (if you are growing broilers).

Whether you are raising chickens for eggs, meat, breeders, fighting cocks, or hatchery, you can always make a great business out of these birds. If you plan to have a medium to large-scale production, there are also by-products you can sell. Aside from the meat, eggs, ready-to-lay birds, chicks, breeders, and fighting cocks, you may also sell chicken manure and even empty sacks for extra profit.

#6 CHICKEN CAN HELP CONTROL BUGS AND WEEDS

Without the use of chemicals and insecticides, you can control the over-population of crickets, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, and other pests in your garden as chickens eat them up. Chickens also eat weeds and other vegetation in your garden helping you clean your backyard.

#7 CHICKENS ARE GREAT STRESS RELIEVERS

Imagine going from work tired, hungry, and exhausted and when you arrived at home, you have nothing but TV? Go to your chicken coop, play with your birds and you’ll be relieved of stress. This is proven to be very effective by many people who had no experience raising chicken when they were younger.

Spring 2022

www.4LegsAndATail.com 49

The Common Loon:

The Iconic New Hampshire Bird Catherine Greenleaf - Lyme, NH

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hat could be more primal than the call of the loon? The loon’s alluring and bewitching cry sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it.

The Common Loon (Gavia immer) is a beautiful yet formidable creature, often referred to as a “torpedo with wings” because of its incredibly fast diving and flying abilities. There are no wild animals foolish enough to approach this apex predator, since its sharp, lightning-fast beak and aggressive fighting tactics usually place the loon squarely on the winning side of any altercation.

Territorial disputes between loons often end in fatalities.

EXPERT DIVERS Closely related to the penguin and the albatross, the loon has solid bones, which makes the bird less buoyant and better at diving. When loons dive they blow the air out of their lungs and flatten their feathers to expel pockets of air within their plumage, allowing them to descend quickly.

Remarkably, a loon can dive up to 200 feet under water. The loon has a unique internal blood gas exchange system that allows it to dive deeply and ascend quickly, without suffering what human divers would call decompression sickness.

CARNIVOROUS BIRDS Loons prefer to eat fish, mostly perch, trout, smelt and minnows. But they will also eat frogs, crayfish, salamanders, and leeches.

At the end of summer, the loon migrates to the open ocean, where it spends the winter eating fish and crustaceans along the New England and New Jersey coastlines.

The loon has a special salt gland located between the eyes. This gland can shut 50 4 Legs & a Tail

on and off at will, allowing the bird to safely ingest salt water in the ocean without suffering any ill effect.

LOONS CAN’T STAND UP A loon’s legs are set far back on its body and are essentially useless on land. A loon cannot stand up on its legs and walk but must drag its body to move across solid ground. At nightfall, exhausted loons may land on the ground if water cannot be found, and rain and fog can make asphalt parking lots look like water from above. There are reports of loons dragging their bodies through miles of forests to find water.

Loons need a long runway to take off into the air. Ideally, they need at least a ¼ mile (400 yards) of open water in order to achieve lift-off. They run across the surface of the water with their webbed feet to gain momentum, flapping their wings until they become airborne.

A THREATENED SPECIES The loon is listed as a Threatened species in New Hampshire. Loon survival is challenged by neurotoxic poisoning from lead fishing tackle, entanglement in fishing line and chick and egg predation by other wildlife. Unfortunately, there is yet another danger forming for the loon.

LONGSTANDING MYSTERY New laboratory findings have brought an end to a longstanding mystery over why loon eggs have not been hatching on Sqaum Lake.

Last year, the Loon Preservation Committee in Moultonborough ordered a series of tests on 81 failed loon eggs collected from 24 New Hampshire lakes over the last ten years, the majority of which came from Squam Lake.

Sixty percent of the eggs were found to contain toxic contaminants in levels

high enough to cause negative reproductive effects in bird species, according to the LPC’s formal report issued at the end of last year.

The tests found significant levels of contaminants like PFAS (stain resistant chemicals) and PCBs (chemicals once widely used in electrical equipment). The tests also revealed alarmingly high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a class of flame retardant chemicals better known as PBDEs. Despite some of these chemicals having been banned for over 40 years, they are still being detected in wildlife. The reason? Scientists speculate these harmful chemicals reside in the sediment at the lake’s bottom. The sediment is consumed by insects, which are then eaten by fish. The concentration of the chemical increases as it moves up the food chain.

Scientists also suspect toxins, like flame retardant chemicals used to treat children’s clothing, are seeping out of septic leach fields and finding their way to streams and lakes.

A contaminant can be present in fish at a concentration much higher than its concentration in the water, according to senior biologists at the LPC. Sadly, these contaminants are “forever” chemicals, since nature is unable to break them down, and will therefore always remain in the water.

How the population status and health of the loon will be affected over the long term by these chemicals is a big, unanswered question, and the subject of multiple, ongoing studies at present.

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

Spring 2022

Rat s, Bat s, and Skunks Scott Borthwick - Canaan, NH

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t always amazes me how these three creatures strike so much fear into people. There are others of course, like snakes and porcupines, however, these three are the most common.

Of this trio, bats are probably the most beneficial. Devouring thousands of mosquitos and other biting insects nightly. Sadly, they are affiliated with vampires, blood-sucking, creepy caves, eerie castles, rabies, and today even Covid-19. Most bats we have to deal with are either in the attic or the basement. The area, especially in older homes, that is the scariest. Today I had to travel an hour and a half to remove a bat from a creepy old basement. The customers had left the light on, closed the basement door, and stuffed a towel under the door. Upon arrival, I entered the basement slowly so I did not disturb the bat only to discover it was dead and had been dead for some time. The cobwebs a spider attached to the bat was a dead giveaway but at the same time made the scene more horrifying.

Skunks, well we all know why skunks scare people. Their pungent odor is famous worldwide. Just seeing a skunk makes people shriek and run away in horror. In reality, they are quite harmless even though they are members of the weasel family. Yes, they can tear up lawns looking for grubs or occasionally get into the trash but for the most part, they prefer to be left alone and go about their business. Unfortunately, they too are known to carry rabies. Case in point recently I caught a skunk at a public location. It was caught in a live trap but was deceased. It also had the famous yellow liquid all over it. Traps are checked daily so it didn’t die from exposure. Being covered in its own fluid is not normal so I had it tested. It was positive for rabies.

People in the area were notified. Later that week I caught the third culprit in this terrible trio roughly in the same area. It was healthy and behaving as it Spring 2022

should. However, more people were upset about a healthy rat than a rabid skunk.

Rats are very common in New England. They look like large mice and also strike fear into most people’s minds and hearts. In most cases, I have dealt with they were near farms, lots of things to eat there, and water.

Lakes, rivers, and brooks. For the most part, they go unseen but once in a while, they get into someone’s house. This is when we get called. Rats are very smart and after seeing one of their buddies get caught they become more cautious. So it takes some effort to trap them. Like any mammal, rats can get rabies but I am not familiar with any local cases. Their bad reputation came from the fleas they carried hundreds of years ago spreading the Black Plague.

If any of these “monsters” bother you give us a call. If you just happen to see one leave it alone.

They are more afraid of you than you of them.

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

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The Case of the Dog with Holes in His Head Sandra L. Waugh VMD, MS - Windsor Pet Dental

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ell, not exactly holes in the head, but holes inside the mouth that connect the mouth to the inside of the nose (nasal cavity). Such a hole is called an “Oronasal Fistula”, ONF for short. (Oro refers to the mouth, nasal to the nasal cavity, and a fistula is an abnormal passage.) In the dog, the upper canine, or fang, tooth has a very long and broad root, which slants inward from the side of the mouth towards the nasal passage. There is a thin shelf of bone that separates the end of the root from the inside of the nose (nasal cavity). This thin bone can be weakened or even destroyed by periodontal disease, creating a hole connecting the tooth socket to the nasal cavity. When the canine tooth is removed, either by extraction or by falling out on its own, the hole is then exposed to the inside of the mouth. If the gum is not carefully sutured closed, a permanent hole can be created.

Why permanent? The body wants to heal tissues together. Ideally, the tissue lining the nose would heal together to close the hole on the nasal side, while the tissue lining the mouth would heal together to close the hole on the mouth side of the bone. With a large enough hole, there is no scaffold for the cells to stick to in order to seal the hole. Instead, the tissue on the mouth side heals to the tissue on the nasal side all around the hole, making the hole permanent unless it is repaired surgically.

Upper right side of dog’s mouth. The ONF is located approximately where the end of the root of the upper canine had been originally.

Upper left side of the same dog’s mouth.

The ONF is located approximately where the end of the root of the upper canine had been originally.

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A hole in this position will cause the dog a great deal of distress and pain. Image if food or water went into your nose ever y time you ate or drank. These poor dogs suffer with chronic infections of the nasal passage, constant nasal discharge and the danger of inhaling food particles, which can cause pneumonia. Typically these dogs sneeze after eating or drinking, and rub their faces excessively on the f loor or paw excessively at their nose.

I imagine that they must have headaches all the time.

These holes can occur on one side only or on both as in this Dachshund, a breed that is known for having ONF’s. Dog breeds with noses that are long in relation to their skulls are at risk for ONF’s.

There are a variety of surgical procedures described for closing these holes. They can be difficult to repair, and may take several attempts to fully close. The repair requires that the two sides, mouth and nasal cavity, be separated by incising the two tissues apart. With a large hole, providing some

Oronasal Fistula Symptoms of an oronasal fistula can include a chronically runny nose, with or without bleeding, and persistent sneezing. It can occur in both cats and smaller dogs, ten pounds or smaller.

Causes of ONF include: • Trauma • Bite wounds • Oral cancer • Electrical shock • Periodontal disease • Traumatic tooth extraction • Mandibular canines (the fang-like teeth) positioned toward the tongue • Upper jaw overbites, which causes the canine teeth in the bottom jaw to pierce the hard palate (roof of the mouth) Spring 2022

The gum is then sutured closed over the barrier membrane. support for the sutured tissues is ideal. With each breath in and out, the repaired tissue is going to be pulled into the nasal passage and then pushed out toward the mouth.

This movement puts extra strain on any sutures that have been placed.

A barrier membrane of cartilage or demineralized bone can be placed over the hole after the tissues have been separated. This provides a barrier between to two sides and another layer to resist motion. While small holes do not require this, large holes need the extra support.

This Dachshund was a rescue dog and had been in his new home for 2 months. Before the oral surgery, he lay around all day and moved only when necessary. He was discharged the afternoon of his surgery and the next day was moving around the house more than the owner had ever seen. As each day went by, he became more and more active, running up and down stairs and poking his nose into everything. The owner was delighted with her “new and improved” dog, as he was now healthy and pain free enough to enjoy his new home and owner.

He was also much more amenable to oral examination. The first day I examined him, he was growling and trying to bite when I got my hands near his mouth. Ten days after the oral surgery, I could lift his upper lip and touch the gum which had been sutured over the ONF, although he was still suspicious. I expect that over time he will become much less guarded about his mouth.

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. Spring 2022

Henry is a rescue and had been in his new home for 2 months when treated for ONF.

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A Modern-Day Superhero Karen Sturtevant

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here is no debate that 2021 was a challenging year with rising covid cases, understaffed healthcare facilities and the looming dark cloud of uncertainty.

In an alternate world, a superhero would be on call. With a click of the mouse or a push of a button, this larger-than-life entity would swoop in to take care of all complications and obstacles paving the way to wellbeing and contentment.

Isn’t it a shame that superheroes exist only comic books? Or do they?

Perhaps, just perhaps, we have one walking among us. I happen to know a real-life hero who doesn’t wear a cape.

His costume of choice is a black and green vest. His nose is often wet while his tongue lolls from his mouth. He trots rather than flies. Instead of super strength and mind control, this hero gives kisses—sloppy ones.

Meet the modern-day superhero: K9 Duke! Duke is the Williston Police Department’s comfort dog—the first in Vermont. Duke began his law enforcement career in the spring of 2020. Now, with two-years under his collar, he’s a honed professional doing what he does naturally: offering a calming reassurance to those he meets.

The official functions of a comfort dog include providing interaction during situations involving children and adults impacted by violence, tragedy or traumatic events. The presence of a comfort dog reduces anxiety while increasing communication between victims, witnesses and investigators.

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In addition to visiting schools, attending community events and taking part in first responder meetings, Duke found the time to be featured in his own children’s book. K9 Duke The Comfort Dog is a delightful look at a day in the line of duty for Duke and his handler, Officer Matt Cohen. Written for children in a way they can understand and appreciate, it was launched in December 2021 at Guy’s Farm and Yard in Williston. The inventory sold out within two hours. It was clear from the reception; Duke had reached celebrity status.

• During an interview with an assault victim and their family members, K9 Duke offered companionship and facilitated communication.

Duke will continue his mission of helping people with his sweet demeanor, his natural gift of tender reassurance.

Officer Matt Cohen is dedicated to the comfort dog program, offering the services of this super canine to their home base and surrounding communities.

Books are available at the Williston Police Station and in softcover and Kindle online at Amazon.com. The comfort dog program is supported entirely by K9 Duke’s 2021 Highlights donations, including all profits from Total Deployments: 119 sales of the book. For information on the • Schools: 11 good work of the comfort dog team, vis• Community Events: 80 it Duke’s Facebook or Instagram pages.

• Emergency Responses: 28 Duke, the public figure, is recognized Achievements wherever he goes. The fame isn’t chang• Therapy Dog Certification ing him. The endless complements won’t • Police Therapy Dog Training at FSCO give him a swollen head. (It’s big enough Therapy K9, Columbus, OH already!) He’s modest down to his big • Completed Therapy Dog Class at Gold paws. Duke offers gifts that stay with Star Dog Training, Fairfax, VT the recipient long after he’s left to begin • AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen his next mission of comfort. Isn’t that a Certification lovely way to counteract the dark times?

Duke and Officer Cohen are poised for Community Building whatever comes next. A second book?

• Launched K9 Duke Stuffie Program A movie? The Nobel Peace Prize? They • Introduced K9 Duke The Comfort sky’s the limit for this special dog.

Dog book • Joined the Vermont Police Canine Association • Participated in The Green Mountain Iron Dog Competition Officer Cohen and K9 Duke are regulars on social media (@k9dukevt). Duke’s social media pages shares his antics and goofy side in hopes of brightening up people’s day, even from one thousand miles away. What is not shared on social media is the impact that Dukes makes to those he helps in person. Officer Cohen highlighted four cases from 2021 as part of showing how Duke has come to the rescue.

Untold Good Deeds • K9 Duke was used with witnesses and individuals who rendered aid to a drowning victim. These witnesses administered CPR and an AED prior to first responders arriving on scene. Duke provided all parties with comfort after lifesaving techniques were unsuccessful.

• During an interview at The Department of Children and Family Services regarding a suspected abuse case, K9 Duke provided company for the children being questioned.

• K9 Duke was able to give support to a person who was attempting to commit suicide. Duke stayed with the individual until transportation to the emergency room was arranged.

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Therapy Animals and Their Healing Benefits Alice Ayers - Rutland, VT

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work at Rutland Regional Medical Center but I do not work directly with patients. My desire to help people feel better is strong however, and years ago I found a perfect way to help others heal by offering pet therapy to patients.

I have always believed that being around pets can help us feel better and lift our spirits. Coming home to my dogs and receiving enthusiastic greetings or quiet cuddles, on tough days especially, always makes me feel better.

Any doubts I may have had of the healing power of pets was erased years ago when I spent the day visiting my mom at the hospital. Although she and I were close, I was not able to draw her out and she did not speak one word the entire day that I spent with her. Shortly after I arrived home that evening, the phone rang. I answered to hear my mom gush with excitement. “Guess who is in my room?” Before I could even formulate a response, she went on to say “Two labs! I told them all about you and the therapy work that you do.” And the conversation flowed. To have my mom smiling and excited meant the world to me, and it helped her tremendously. It was wonderful that the two therapy dogs were able to comfort my mom when I had not been able to.

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I enjoy being a Therapy Dog volunteer and being able to share with others the unconditional love and comfort that my dogs so willingly offer.

One day my dog and I were walking by a patient’s room, I leaned in and asked if the patient would like the dog to visit. The response was a clear “no.”

It was unusually difficult to get my dog to move on from that room, but I said goodbye and wished the person a wonderful day. As we moved down the hall a staff member called out to us and said that this same patient would like to see the dog after all. I explained that we had just asked the patient, but the visit had been declined. Well, it turned out that the patient thought that the dog did not belong in the building and was trying to help to get it out even though she desperately wanted to pet him. My dog had known better than I that the patient wanted to see him. He listened to her heart, and not her words. We spent the next 10 minutes sitting quietly by the patient’s bed side as she calmly petted him and talked about her own childhood pets.

Another time we were walking onto a nursing unit to visit with patients when members of the staff sheepishly asked if they could have a few minutes with my

dog. They explained that this day had been unusually difficult and that they could use a little dog therapy. I watched with joy as my dog gently moved into the group and was immediately smothered with love and affection. His tail wagged enthusiastically, signaling his own joy and approval. The staff thanked me as they turned back to work, a few while wiping away tears, and all with smiles on their faces. My dog had no idea why they had been sad, but he was able to give them some comfort and a kind of emotional release that a person couldn’t have. We continued on, even happier than when we arrived.

Whether a pet is a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or most any other animal, they can help to calm us and to help us heal. Your pet does not need to pass the health and training tests required of a volunteer therapy team in order to offer comfort and healing to you and your family. Taking your pet for a walk, playing fetch, or simply cuddling while watching TV are just some of the ways our pets help to share their love with us every day.

Alice Ayers is Financial Analyst at Rutland Regional Medical Center and a Certified Therapy Dog Volunteer.

Spring 2022

Is Your Cat Tracking You? Andy Corbley

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t turns out that cats keep a mental map of their territory inside their heads which they can use to abstract out information. A recent study showed however that on the legend of that map, the largest icon is us: their owners.

Cats track where their owners are at all times, a study from the University of Kyoto demonstrated, and become deeply confused when we turn up where we shouldn’t be according to the cats’ mental maps.

Abstraction is a higher-order brain function that is the basis for trial and error and other kinds of learning, but also tool use, complex problem solving, hunting, and more.

One thing which abstraction allows is to be able to place objects and forces in and around the environment, even if they can’t be immediately perceived, for example the cat food in the cupboard,

Spring 2022

the mouse among the tall grass, or the owner in the next room over.

Dr. Saho Takagi conducted a study that placed 50 cats inside individual rooms, where their owner’s voice was periodically calling from outside.

Then either a stranger or the owner’s voice would be played from a speaker in a corner of the room. Observing individuals who didn’t know which voice was being played, ranked the appearance of shock on the cat’s face and body posture at the time the voice came from inside the room.

As per the authors’ predictions, the cats appeared the most surprised when, hearing and abstracting their owner as outside of the room, they suddenly appeared inside, coming through the speakers.

“A lot of what a cat has to interpret in its territory is an awareness of where

other cats are. It is also important for hunting: how could a cat catch a field vole moving around beneath the grass if it couldn’t use clues, such as the occasional rustle, to see in its mind’s eye, where they are?” Roger Tabor, a biologist and BBC host of the TV show Cats, told the Guardian.

“A cat’s owner is extremely significant in its life as a source of food and security, so where we are is very important.”

Interestingly, the cats didn’t exhibit the same surprised response if the owner’s voice was replaced with a cat’s meow, or electronic sounds, reinforcing just how important our voices are to the day-to-day mental state of our cats.

It’s sometimes said that cats don’t care about their owners as much as dogs, but knowing they have an invisible map of the house, with the owner always highlighted, soundly scuppers that theory.

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Is Dog Waste Composting Safe?

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f you're a garden-loving dog owner, you may wonder whether dog waste composting is a safe process. Let's look at the pros and cons of dog waste composting to see if it's a workable plan for your family, your dog and your garden.

How Composting Works Composting is a process that combines natural materials that might be considered garbage, such as dead leaves, grass clippings, eggshells, fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds and ends of bread loaves, and makes them into useful garden nutrients.

You want to have a mixture of two parts brown (carbon-rich) material to one part green (nitrogen-rich material) in a successful compost pile. Add a small amount of fertilizer or compost starter mix to the pile to get the decomposition process started.

Most composters use a bin of some sort to contain their compost pile. Some of these can be purchased at a store, while others can be homemade. Make a pile of yard waste, wet it thoroughly, add kitchen waste as it becomes available,

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and stir the pile occasionally. In a few weeks or months, you'll have a pile that looks like healthy dirt, which is exactly what compost is.

Hot Composting Compost piles can be divided into two main types: hot and cold. Hot compost piles use heat to decompose more quickly, and they are best created during periods of warm weather, like the summer. Properly mixed hot compost piles should reach internal temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and materials should be broken down and useful for your garden within about a month.

Cold compost piles, on the other hand, break down over a period of six months to two years. You can create these at other times during the year and turn them into hot compost piles during periods of warmer weather.

Dog waste compost should contain a mixture of two parts carbon (such as sawdust) to one part waste, and the Worm Composting internal temperature must reach at Worms can be a helpful part of a cold least 140 degrees Fahrenheit to make compost pile, or they can be used on the compost safe to use. their own to create their own compost heap. Worms will readily work their way through a compost pile containing large amounts of vegetable matter, or they can be used to decompose dog waste safely.

Possible Health Problems with Dog Waste One of the biggest drawbacks to dog waste composting is the potential human health threat from roundworm eggs in the waste. If they infect humans, roundworms can cause two potentially serious health conditions: visceral larval migrans or ocular visceral migrans. In the first condition, newly hatched worms can travel through a person's bloodstream to settle in their liver, lungs, heart, brain or spinal cord. In the second condition, the worms attack an infected person's retinas, causing blindness.

To kill roundworm eggs, the compost must reach an internal temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use a hot composting method, test the internal temperature of your compost pile with a long thermometer. You can also use the worm composting method to safely break down dog waste.

Regardless of the compost method used, use dog waste compost only on ornamental plants. Do not use it on or around food crops because the safety of vegetables and fruits grown with dog waste compost cannot be guaranteed.

Spring 2022

A Sibling Close T

Encounter

hese two adorable cockapoos look a bit different now than when they were adopted by different families almost a year ago, but it was a ‘Puppy Love’ moment recently when they ran into each other on a walk.

David Kidd was out walking his oneyear-old pup Monty when he spotted another dog that looked similar.

When Monty crossed paths with Rosie, they began hugging, as though being reunited, so their owners started chatting.

They realized then, that they were from the same litter.

Susan, Rosie’s mom lives in the next village, so this was a rare moment.

“My husband Lee and I took Rosie for a walk one day… It was so lovely, they both just jumped up and hugged each other, it was amazing,” Susan Killip told Bored Panda.

“It’s nearly Rosie and Monty’s first birthday, (so) hopefully we can do something to celebrate it together,” Susan added.

Mary Mills of Lebanon counts on Bobby Magee to fetch the mail.

Spring 2022

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Spring 2022

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