Tiny Terrier Detects Breast Cancer in Women

Terrier Tiny

Detects Breast Cancer in Woman

Bella Boo

AYorkshire Terrier saved her owner’s life after jumping up and down on her chest to alert her to a cancerous lump.

Eleven-year-old pooch Bella Boo wouldn’t settle in her usual sleeping place and kept trying to lie on Karena Kirk-Drain’s chest despite being pushed away. The dog’s odd demeanor continued over the next three weeks, and she even started to cry. When she wouldn’t stop weeping, it left Karena concerned about her health—but baffled vets confirmed that she was fit and healthy.

Karena called it "a heartbreaking cry," and thought the dog was "obviously trying to tell me something." She continued licking and hopping on the 53-year-old’s chest. “Bella started bouncing on me, and at one point I actually thought she’d bruised me, as I was very sore there.” “And I was feeling around, and I actually felt a lump, and I was thinking, ‘Is that a lump inside?’”

Then, doctors confirmed it was breast cancer.

The Blackpool, Lancashire woman then underwent life-saving treatment and believes the disease would have been missed if it wasn’t for Bella-Boo’s actions.

“I didn’t think dogs could detect cancer, I thought it was a lot of hoo-ha really, but this proves that they can. I’m just so lucky to be here; little Bella-Boo saved my life. Bella always slept on the back of my legs, but she kept lying on my chest. Every time I took her off me, she’d crawl back on again.”

The doctor said the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and Karena thinks that’s why Bella was getting more determined—because it was spreading.

After the whole ordeal, the woman traveled around the world, having realized how lucky she was to get her diagnosis early enough. “I didn’t believe in that type of thing. I didn’t believe that dogs could detect cancer.” “Once I got the cancer removed, she stopped straight away, and she started lying behind my legs again.”

Karena now urges pet owners to pay attention to their strange behavior in the future. “Maybe if people see their dog start acting strange, they’ll be able to think twice. People underestimate dogs and cats and all animals. But they are amazing creatures.”

WORKING K9 TO 5 HELPS EMPLOYERS CREATE DOG-FRIENDLY OFFICES

A New Pilot Project from Seattle Humane & Trupanion Offers A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE for BRINGING DOGS INTO the WORKPLACE

As people and businesses start to consider their return to a post-pandemic workplace, there’s one thing they may want to bring with them: their dog.

After months of intense time together during the pandemic, dog owners are increasingly concerned about their dog’s separation anxiety – and their own – once they return to work or resume travel. And now, thanks to a new joint effort by Seattle Humane and Trupanion, more businesses could welcome dogs as canine coworkers: “Working K9 to 5” is a new, comprehensive stepby-step guide for businesses to create a dog-friendly workplace.

“If this pandemic has shown us anything, it is the power of animals to help us navigate life’s biggest challenges while also providing us with immeasurable comfort,” said Christopher Ross, CEO of Seattle Humane, one of the Puget Sound’s leaders in animal adoption, education, and welfare. “Scores of people have adopted dogs and cats since the pandemic began, creating an even closer bond between pet owners and their animals. People have spent the last two years working from home, and now that some employers are bringing their staff back into the office, people are looking for ways to bring their dogs with them. We know when people can have their dogs at work, it, decreases separation anxiety and reduces the number of pets who may need to be rehomed,” he added.

Research suggests that bringing dogs to work can have a positive impact on employee work performance; help attract and retain talent; and improve teamwork and the overall office culture – even for those without dogs.

“Bringing pets in the workplace has the potential to increase workplace satisfaction and build a more positive work environment for all employees,” said Dusty Bonner, executive vice president of distribution at Trupanion. “As more employers recognize the benefits of having pets in the workplace, it’s important to have the tools and resources available to do so. ‘Working K9 to 5’ provides all the resources employers need to develop a pet-friendly office.”

Trupanion, a leading provider of medical insurance for cats and dogs, has Summer 2022 welcomed dogs (and cats) into their office since the very beginning. With more than two decades of experience creating a safe and productive environment for both employees and pets, Trupanion is recognized as one of the top workplaces that lead the nation in best dog-friendly companies.

The new “Working K9 to 5” program offers a turnkey approach, providing clear steps and guidelines for creating a dogfriendly environment at work, including: • Office pet rules and eligibility • Office petiquette – etiquette rules for dogs and their owners • A step-by-step guide to incorporating dogs into the office setting • A sample application for employees and their pets and employee eligibility rules • Guidelines for dispute resolution • Ideas for creating a dog-friendly workspace • Suggestions for managing common areas and shared spaces • Pet vaccination and other preventative health requirements

“Working K9 to 5 can serve as an integral blueprint for offices looking to welcome dogs as a part of the returnto-work environment,” added Bonner. “This is really about setting everyone up for success – the employees, the employer, and the dogs we love.” To learn more about Working K9 to 5, visit: www.trupanion.com/working-k9-to-5.

About Trupanion: Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, and

Australia with over 670,000 pets enrolled. For more info, please visit trupanion.com.

UKRAINIAN

SOLDIERS ADOPT FREEZING PUPPY - AND NOW 'RAMBO' STANDS GUARD FOR THEM

It’s not all doom and gloom in the trenches in Ukraine—sometimes it’s head pats and belly rubs of gratitude.

That’s the scene for one platoon of Ukrainian troops that adopted a stray dog.

“We took him into our post, and he stayed with us,” one soldier told FreedomNews.TV. “We felt sorry for him. It was freezing outside.”

They decided to name him Rambo.

“He is security. That’s his job,” said one man, gesturing at an 8-inch tall puppy curiously hopping around, wondering what the camera crew was doing.

The soldiers said that little Rambo was so small when they found him that he fit right in the palm of their hand.

Beyond Rambo, a number of adult dogs also frequent the trenches. Warming themselves near the cabins at night and wandering about during the day, they all, the soldiers explain, can hear if a stranger is coming and give an alert.

This isn’t the first time Ukrainian soldiers have been filmed taking care of stray dogs.

GNN reported last year on a BBC documentary about the guards that keep watch over the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and the dogs that live there. Over time, some have become the soldiers' companions, offering that most ancient of deals between man and nature: food and shelter in exchange for excellent senses of smell and hearing.

“They give us joy,” said one of the guards. “For me personally, this is a kind of symbol of the continuation of life in this radioactive, post-apocalyptic world.”

HERO BOMB-SNIFFING DOG FINDS 150 RUSSIAN BOMBS IN UKRAINE

On May 8, Patron received a Presedential Award from Volodymyr Zelensky

Abomb-sniffing dog in Ukraine has detected more than a hundred explosives amid the country's war with Russia.

Patron, whose name means "cartridge" in Ukrainian, has been credited with discovering more than 150 explosive devices in the northern Chernihiv region since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced in a post Sunday.

The 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier works for Ukraine's State Emergency Services (DSNS), as per NPR.

He made headlines after Ukrainian authorities revealed last month that he had neutralized 90 Russian explosive devices. "Patron works closely with deminers to make Ukrainian cities safe again. Thank you so much for your service!" the MFA said in a post.

It was unclear if all of the 150 explosive devices Patron detected were from Russian forces.

The Russian military left behind up to thousands of land mines in homes, on streets, in fields, around cars and in doorways as they retreated from certain areas in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

They continue to use improvised explosive devices "to inflict casualties, lower morale and restrict Ukrainian freedom of movement," the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense said.

In addition to finding explosives, Patron and his DSNS colleagues also teach people how to avoid mines in Ukraine.

“Be careful, do not hurry to return to your homes. Don’t approach broken machinery, don’t go off the sidewalks and don’t go to the woods now. This could be dangerous,” the service said in a statement last week.

Should people find any “suspicious object,” they are advised to call 101 or 102, the Ukrainian emergency numbers for fire and police services, respectively.

Patron now has nearly 140,000 followers on his Instagram account, where he is labeled a “Warrior dog.” The account regularly posts photos of Patron with the explosives he has discovered.

“One day, Patron’s story will be turned into a film, but for now, he is faithfully performing his professional duties,” said Ukraine’s Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security, an agency under the country’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.

EVENING GROSBEAK

the Beautiful Seed Cruncher

Catherine Greenleaf- Lyme, NH

It’s a real treat to see an Evening Grosbeak these days, especially in the New England area. These boldly colored finches are breathtakingly beautiful and fun to watch.

The Evening Grosbeak has a bright, lemon-yellow body with a white patch on its black wings, along with a dusky-colored head decorated with an attention-getting yellow patch and prominent black eyebrow stripe. The black eyebrow can give them a stern countenance, not unlike that scrutinizing look given by the fifth-grade math teacher you hated. The female, on the other hand, is a very pretty soft grey with golden highlights.

SEED CRUNCHING ACTIVITIES

The Evening Grosbeak has a formidable set of mandibles, designed for crushing even the toughest of seeds. You can always tell when a Grosbeak is in the backyard due to the loud munching and crunching sounds they make when eating. With their large and powerful beaks they can exert 150 pounds of force per square inch. This bird easily cracks open cherry pits and uses its tongue to fish out the seeds.

They are also quite generous with their seed crunching activities. Smaller finches like the Pine Siskin will often wait below a Grosbeak while it cracks hardto-open seeds so it can grab the smaller nutmeats that fall to the ground.

BUDDHA BIRD

With a wingspan measuring up to 14 inches in length at full extension, this bird is large and other songbirds yield the right of way when they appear at bird feeders. This is not because the Grosbeak is a bully. In fact, they are quite gregarious toward other bird species.

Evening Grosbeaks are often referred to as Buddha birds because they can peacefully co-exist with many other species of songbird, with only the occasional dramatic territorial squabble.

Evening Grosbeak is actually a misnomer. The name was given to the bird by early settlers who happened to see the bird emerge from forests at sundown. They are very much diurnal birds, or birds that are active in daylight.

Ornithologists say they are better named the Wandering Grosbeak, a name that refers to their tendency toward irruption.

The Evening Grosbeak’s range stretches from southern Canada to the northern U.S. and reaches from the Pacific Coast to the East Coast, although flocks have been spotted as far south as Mexico.

The bird was strictly seen west of the Rocky Mountains until the 1850s, but plentiful food drew them to the New England area by the 1920s.

GROSBEAKS LOVE TO EAT

A patron of the northern coniferous forests in the spring and summer, the Evening Grosbeak loves feasting on seed cones. The Grosbeak is also fond of fresh green Maple tree buds. In addition, they relish insect larvae, which they carefully pick out of tree bark. They also eat vast amounts of caterpillars and aphids, along with berries and other small fruits.

Evening Grosbeaks prefer life at the top and can often be seen feeding at the crowns of trees and tall shrubs. They also prefer to build their nests high in the trees and prefer spruce, pine, white cedar and balsam fir.

A LONG STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE

Evening Grosbeak populations have been struggling for several reasons. Their absolute favorite food is the seed of the Box Elder, also known as the Split Leaf maple. They also like to drink the sap from its branches, which contains minerals vital for survival.

Sadly, commercial landscapers launched an all-out war against the Box Elder in the 1950s, which continues to this day. The Box Elder was labeled a junk tree with no beauty and no usefulness. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Evening Grosbeak populations went into steep decline in the 1960s and have yet to recover.

Another favorite food of the Grosbeak, the spruce budworm, was eradicated through widespread aerial pesticide spraying, also contributing to the bird’s decline. The budworm was a major food staple Grosbeaks fed to their nestlings.

The latest blow, according to scientists, is the loss of critical boreal forest due to logging and tar sand operations, which have created extensive food deserts in Canada.

When winter arrives, large flocks of Grosbeaks leave their northern range and seek out dense forested areas for overwintering, usually along the northern top of the United States.

Ornithologists routinely report Grosbeak irruptions, with the bird reportedly migrating to a different region nearly every year. The bottom line is they go where the food is, and it is getting harder to find.

You can help Evening Grosbeaks by limiting your purchase of brand-new furniture, by buying only recycled paper products and by planting Box Elders in your yard.

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.

Saving the Polka-Dot Turtle

Juliet Hoven

Calling all reptile lovers! There is an animal that needs our help! A small and often overlooked turtle species are on the decline, and as a community, we can help! The critter in need is the Spotted Turtle or Clemmys guttata. The Spotted Turtle is characterized by its dark black shell covered in vibrant yellow spots. This is where it earned its nickname as the “polkadot” turtle. Its head, legs, and tail are mostly black with the same unique yellow spots. They have bright orange or yellow bellies and are a relatively small turtle species reaching only four to five inches.

Spotted Turtles are found in two portions of North America. They range from northern Florida and extend along the east coast to southern Maine. They are also located along the Great Lakes region in parts of Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Vermont. The Spotted Turtle lives in boggy ponds, sedge meadows, marshes, and an array of other habitats. They prefer shallow standing or slowflowing water with a soft substrate and rooted vegetation. While these turtles are considered aquatic, they frequently travel on land between wetlands. Spotted Turtles wander more frequently on land during Spring because it is their mating and nesting season.

Unfortunately, the Spotted Turtle is considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are listed as threatened in some states and endangered in others. Spotted Turtle face poaching, invasive species competition, road mortality, and habitat loss. Poaching happens when species are illegally hunted or taken from their environment and sold into the wildlife trade. The distinctive appearance of the Spotted Turtle makes it particularly desirable in the pet trade, and it is often sought after by people as a pet. The turtle is also competing with invasive species in their own habitats. Species not native to the environment are depleting the resources essential for Spotted Turtle's survival.

Additionally, the turtle travels frequently on land between different wetlands. Traveling increases the species' chance of coming in contact with roads or highways, which can be very dangerous. Spotted Turtles easily go unnoticed when crossing a road and get run over by vehicles. The turtle also continues to experience habitat loss from human development and expansion. People drain wetlands for agriculture and housing development construction, destroying the native habitat for the Spotted Turtle in the process. The species is also highly sensitive to toxins and chemicals in the environment. Any toxins and pesticides from agriculture or construction are harmful.

So you might ask yourself, “What’s next? Can I help?”

YES!! There are limits to what we can do because we do not want to openly disclose the turtle's locations for poachers

to find out. However, one way you can help is by participating in road surveys! Road surveys are a good way for us to learn more about the Spotted Turtle’s behavior. They provide more information about how many and how often they might be moving. Road surveys can be especially important for finding out more about their mating season.

If road surveys do not float your boat, contacting your local wildlife rescues or herpetological societies about past or new sightings of the Spotted Turtle is also helpful. You can report photos and sightings through some rescues, such as the Vermont Herp Atlas at https:// www.vtherpatlas.org/sighting-sub. We want to learn more about the species, so we can better understand how to conserve it. Reports of sightings are a good method to learn where Spotted Turtle's are and what their behavior might be.

Lastly, one of the best things you can do to help is stay educated on what species are endangered or threatened where you live! The Spotted Turtle is one of many species affected by human actions and presence. Staying educated on these matters is extremely important because there are dozens of species overlooked by the public, and they go extinct without people knowing. Spreading this information to others can be one of the best ways to help conserve species. Many animals depend on our help to be saved, including the infamous “polka-dot” turtle, so when we have a shot at helping them, let’s do our best! Summer 2022 Juliet Hoven is currently a double major in zoology and ecology at UVM, excited by any opportunity to do ecological work with amphibians or reptiles. She wrote to us at the suggestion of Green Mountain Animal Defenders.

Photos for reporting sightings can be submitted through: https://www.vtherpatlas.org/sighting-sub

NH Passes New Law For Outdoor Dining

Recently the state of New Hampshire enacted RSA 466:44, regarding dogs in restaurants. Here is a summary of the new ruling:

A restaurant may allow dogs in any outdoor dining area at his or her place of business if:

• Such dog and owner access the outdoor dining area from the exterior of the restaurant, regardless of whether food or drink are served in such outdoor dining area

• The owner of such dog controls his or her dog within the outdoor dining area

• The owner of a dog keeps the dog on the ground and out of the aisles of the dining area, and does not allow the dog to eat or drink using glasses, plates, or utensils from the restaurant

• Restaurant staff may not pet or play with the dog

• The restaurant owner asks a dog owner to remove his or her threatening or aggressive dog from the area

Anxiety in Dogs

and what we can do to help

Paula Bergeron - Grafton, NH

The number one issue that causes shots or blood draws. You can see obsesdog owners to seek out behavioral rehabilitation by far is an unusual amount of anxiety or fear in their dog(s). Canine anxiety is often at the root of unsettling behaviors such as over-reactivity, lunging, barking, and snarling. It can cause unruly vet visits requiring mediation to be able to administer routine sive behaviors such as chewing, licking, pacing, and barking. Dogs can feel compelled to be in constant movement to relieve stress or a need to shut down to reduce the amount of stimuli that can assault their senses. Fear and anxiety are incredibly destructive to the balance of any creature's mental health, and our canine friends are not immune to their influence on their lives and well-being. It is difficult to see our wonderful canine companions become hostages to fear, and owners seek answers to help relieve the pain that they see. But, often we try to help our dogs in ways that we might help another human, and we are baffled when we don't see long-term relief when we try to "understand" their fears, or help them to feel safe by cuddling and speaking soft encouragement. Although there are times and places for cuddles and encouragement when applied to fear it can backfire as we are trying to apply human logic to a canine mind. To help our dogs in episodes of fear we need to understand what instinctively creates calm and confidence in any canine. First and foremost dogs are pack animals. Pack animals need leaders that keep the family safe, well-fed, and healthy. Canine leaders do just that, by enforcing strict codes of conduct. The pack is healthy in mind and body when they have strong leaders that provide food, dispense discipline, and defend the pack. At all times the pack is being led, often there is more than one leader, or there are different levels of leaders, but if that pack looses leadership the dogs within are pulled by the undeniable drive for preservation to reinstate leadership and discipline. A healthy contented pack has strong, reliable leadership.

If we, as humans, want to provide for our dog's confidence and a feeling of safety, then we need to bring pack leadership into our homes, walks, and social situations. If your dog is anxious and fearful, although we might want to comfort, our dogs experience this as soft companionship, and while nice, it does nothing to alleviate the instinctual concerns that are resulting in unwanted and unpleasant anxious-driven behaviors. I like to think of it this way, if I were in a hurricane would I rather hold on to a soft clump of grasses or a strongly rooted tree. Our dogs feel the need for strong support in the storms of life, yes a soft clump of grass is wonderful to rest on but when there is fear…. give me the sturdy tree. If you want to help your fearful dog, you must become the sturdy tree.

To become that strong leader for your dog you need to provide discipline, boundaries, the structure of routine, and require conduct that ensures the health of your pack!

Here are just a few examples of how to help your dog feel that you are supplying the leadership they need to be able to relax and enjoy their life.

Leash walk your dog at least one time every day where you require them to walk next to you or slightly behind. This daily reminder of structure is, in my opinion, your best tool to remind your dogs that they have a good and strong leader in their life. Off-leash walks and romps are wonderful for your dogs, but make sure you have a reliable recall so that you can call them back at any time of "danger". Practice that recall many times every day!

Have rules for your dogs at home, routines that let your dog know that leadership is part of their life such as waiting for you to go through doors first or having a lower place to rest rather than up on the couch or bed. Do not allow your dogs to guard your door, have them go to their beds while you answer the door letting your dog know you will take on the responsibility of who is safe to enter their home.

Have your dog's social play area be in the back of the house rather than the front so that they always feel protected, and not that they are the first line of defense from those daily deliveries or walkers past your home. Provide your dog with a crate or "den" where they can go to rest knowing they will not be disturbed by other dogs or children. Allow your dog to eat in their den so they don't feel the need to guard their food. These are just a few ways you can implement touchpoints that remind your anxious dog that they are well cared for, and safe. I am sure you can come up with many more for your home. Summer 2022

Not all dogs need extra-strong leadership, but all dogs do need leadership or they will take on the responsibility for themselves, and for many dogs that causes anxiety. Not all of us are made for leadership, and believe me, if your anxious dog feels the need to take on the role of your pack leadership you will see unwanted behavior as they try to compensate for their lack of confidence by overreacting to every "threat:" they believe is at their door.

If you find yourself loving a dog in your family that shows signs of anxiety and fear, remember what they need is strength of leadership, boundaries, routine, structure, and discipline. Once they have that in place, they can relax, and that is the time for cuddles and coos. Remember to give your dog what they need, rather than what you want to give and you will be on your way to soothing your anxious dog. All the best to you and your pack…… Happy Training!

Paula Bergeron and the gang at Good Dogma embrace a holistic approach to bringing balance to your dog's behavioral issues. Exercise, training, relaxation, massage, grooming, play, socialization, and energy healing are incorporated into your dog's routine. www.Goodogma.com

Bella

Kidney Disease in Cats

Catherine MacLean, DVM - Grantham, NH

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, is a very common problem in cats. It is mostly older or geriatric cats that are affected, but younger cats can be affected as well. About 1 in 3 geriatric cats have renal disease. One of the most common misconceptions I hear from owners when I discuss renal disease, is that their pet is urinating, so its kidneys are working just fine. In fact, this is not true. Both cats and dogs will typically lose about 75% of their renal function before they show clinical signs. If your pet is not urinating, it is because the kidneys have stopped making urine. The kidneys have failed and can often not recover.

There are two types of renal disease in cats: acute and chronic. Acute renal disease can affect cats of all ages. It occurs when your kitty has an acute/sudden injury to their kidneys. Possible causes include trauma, anti-freeze ingestion, toxin ingestion, an infection, etc. Cats that suffer from acute renal disease are often very ill and may stop producing urine. When urine production stops, the prognosis is usually very poor. With acute renal disease it’s important to diagnose quickly and start treatment as soon as possible. This helps protect the kidneys and gives your pet a better chance of a full recovery.

Chronic renal disease is more commonly seen in middle age to older cats. It occurs over the course of time as kidneys stop functioning properly. Cats with chronic renal disease tend to compensate for months to years. Mild signs of illness and dehydration will occur before full blown signs of renal disease may be noticed by owners. Chronic renal disease can be an aging change, but can also be caused by a kidney stone, cancer, polycystic kidney disease or other conditions.

Early signs of chronic renal disease include increased thirst and larger wet spots of urine in the litter box, or a subtle Summer 2022

amount of weight loss. Cats with moderate to severe chronic renal disease may show decreased appetite, noticeable weight loss, decreased grooming, vomiting, lethargy, paler gums, bad breath, and noticeably increased thirst and urination.

Early signs of chronic renal disease can sometimes be detected when a veterinarian does a physical exam on your pet. Your veterinarian may notice abnormal kidney size, pain when palpating your cat’s kidneys, or may find stones in the urinary tract. Blood work and a urinalysis will often shed light on how well your cat’s kidneys are functioning.

If your veterinarian discovers that your cat has renal disease, treatment is often initiated. What type of treatment chosen for your pet depends on how advanced the renal disease is and what the owner is willing to do. Treatment can be as simple as changing your cat’s food, to giving fluids and other medications at home.

Bella, a beautiful 17-year-old Himalayan began seeing me in September of 2015. New to the area the owners were concerned that Bella was not acting like herself. One owner had been away for several weeks and when she returned she felt that Bella had lost a lot of weight and her appetite was diminished. On exam, her gums appeared to be a paler pink than I would normally expect and her kidneys felt smaller than normal. Blood work showed that Bella was anemic (low number of red blood cells) and had elevated kidney values. In Bella’s case her anemia was caused by her renal disease.

Treatment plans were discussed including further diagnostics with an ultrasound, diet change, giving subcutaneous fluids, and medication to help regenerate Bella’s red blood cells. The owners decided against the ultrasound, but were open to treating Bella’s anemia with medication, doing subcutaneous fluids, vitamin B12 injections, changing her diet, and a long list of other things. Bella was very lucky because her owners cared very deeply for her and wanted to give her every opportunity possible.

Over the course of the next six months we resolved Bella’s anemia and keep her kidney values stable. Unfortunately, as is often with geriatric patients, other health issues came up and Bella made her journey over the Rainbow Bridge.

Bella’s story is on the extreme end of the spectrum in terms of the care that she needed. Most of my renal patients don’t need such extensive treatments. I have several geriatric cats who were diagnosed with renal disease very early on because of routine senior blood work. In these situations I have maintained Summer 2022 them by just switching their diet and monitoring their kidney values every three months. I also have patients that fall somewhere in between with their treatment plans.

Unless acute renal disease is caught early, it is not a curable disease. However, there are steps that can be taken to make your pet comfortable and give them a good quality of life. Renal disease does not automatically mean your cat has a death sentence. By making sure your pet has annual exams and by doing routine blood work when appropriate, renal disease as well as other diseases, can often be caught early. This gives your pet the chance of a better outcome and a longer, healthier life.

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

Riding: the Tangible and Intangible

There is so much in horsemanship that vacillates between tangible touch and intangible feelings and emotions. We can “feel” ourselves in the saddle, the horse below us, but there is also a huge halo of intangible “feelings” and emotions that come with having a relationship with the horse you are riding. How do we successfully suss out the distinction between our most empowering relationship and best horsemanship practices?

What is tangible? The definition of tangible is perceptible by touch. The definition of intangible is: unable to be touched or grasped; not having a physical presence. In good riding and horsemanship, we experience both. Our euphoria in riding is often because we experience both tangible and intangible essences when Sue Miller - Sharon, VT

we're with the horse. Sometimes we feel great even if we didn’t have the best ride because of some intangible experience we had with the horse that left us feeling happy. Other times we feel bad because we didn't have our physical or emotional needs met during our time with the horse. Or we might feel emotionally abandoned but physically recharged from our ride. As humans, it is hard for us to be present at the moment the way that animals are. We are a time-constrained culture of our own design. Animals have no such agenda. They live moment to moment.

As humans, we tend to think into the future or remember the past. Each of these distracts us from the here and now. During our time with horses, we often have a time constraint, our own agenda, and some baggage from our life experiences that we bring with us in our interactions with the horse. For a species that has an extensive verbal and written language humans have an amazing amount of trouble communicating, expressing, interpreting & reading their own emotions, let alone someone else's. Meanings are misinterpreted or misread and emotions are added to the mix from however many parties might be involved in the conversation. When we add the jumble of our intention for the horse, emotion, self-doubt, and other thoughts, it muddies the water for the horse to understand the original intention of what we were hoping to do. We humans split our attention and our minds wander constantly. Keeping attention is difficult for us, especially in today’s world where multitasking has become a norm. There are distractions from everywhere, television, radio, other people, we rarely get to focus on one thing at a time. There are instances when humans end up projecting an intention to the horse that ends up being misinterpreted.

Horses have a verbal language, they use sparingly. As prey animals' horses don’t like to give away their position to a potential predator by giving a loud verbal cue. Horses will talk with different sounds, pitches, and inflections in their whinny. But horses speak most succinctly with their body language. Horses are experts at interpreting body language. Their own and humans.

Humans are often conflicted about our thoughts, and feelings and approach horses in an incongruent way. Meaning we are thinking one thing, but trying to appear as another. Because humans have been taught and expected to suppress their inner turmoil. The expression, “Fake it until you make it” comes to mind as a confusing issue for humans and horses alike. The person in various degrees is frightened but is trying to appear that they are confident and unafraid. Horses tend not to want to engage with someone that is in this state of confused uncertainty. Horses most often want to engage with Summer 2022

someone that is being genuine to their inner voice. If you are feeling afraid - take that deep breath and be true to yourself. The horse will respond to this harmony much faster than to the mixed message.

Being able to set an intention with the horse and remain focused on that task without distractions from past or future events is extremely hard. Intention is your plan, your purpose, the center of interest or activity. When you can be in the moment focusing your attention on the horse and your intention in the moment. As those moments shift, so does your attention and you adjust to remain in balance physically, mentally, and emotionally between the horse, yourself, the intention, and the present. The distractions of people watching, or what you have to do next fade away. You are just present for yourself and the horse. Adjusting as the horse needs you to be mindful of them. This is when you have those moments of sheer clarity and the most euphoric experiences.

The barn can often become our sacred place. That special site where we experience unique feelings of belonging, empowerment, and energetic rejuvenation. In large thanks to the amazing sentient beings that are horses. Who without knowing, keeps us grounded and distracted from the myriad of thoughts that cloud our minds each day. Helping us to focus in the moment – readjust and face the next moment. It’s really quite peaceful and calm. If only for a brief moment.

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

Letting Go… Again and Again

The recurring theme for many riders: It’s that “letting go” thing!

Dorothy Crosby - Stoddard, NH

Most things that hinder us – tightness, tension, inflexibility, fear, control issues, imbalance, among others – can be turned around by “letting go” of muscles, emotions, etc. Sally Swift taught about “getting out of the horse’s way” - allowing him to do his job without rider interference. Any time we aren’t allowing the horse to move us, we stop their movement or prevent them from performing what we’ve requested, even – especially - if we’re working harder to get results! After all, this works really well when we wish to shorten or slow a gait; unfortunately, it works equally well when we’re in the way and the horse can’t complete the movement because our tightness, etc. is blocking it.

“Let the horse move you,” your trainer says. “Feel the movement in your legs, pelvis, shoulders, arms; the diagonal across your back; the opening and closing of your joints. Can you recognize the rhythm/pattern of the legs as they move, or the swinging of the belly, or the crossing over of the legs?”

Of course, we can enjoy riding without being able to feel or identify any of these; many of us do. But how much better would we ride with softness, balance and flow allowing horse and rider to fly and soar together?! There is nothing wrong and much right about recreational rides that are simply for enjoyment and fun; some passionate horse owners seek a more complex path that is also very much right for them. Regardless of the discipline, human and equine partners benefit when the needs of both are met!

Riding is a series of give and take, ask and release, apply an aid and wait for a response…It is a continuous song between dance partners, a dialogue between coworkers, an active training session between coach and student. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell who might be in each role, but there is always a Captain; a confident and capable Captain knows when to lead, when to co-lead, or even follow. The partnership is important; any accomplishment is most successful when it’s a team effort and communication is achieved by both participants. Clear communication is primarily body language consisting of both what we do and what we don’t do – and listening between partners.

To a horse, the release of pressure confirms the correct answer; continue asking, or fail to release upon the correct answer, and these great equine guessers will continue to seek the correct answer, trying yet another thing until they get it right! To a human, having the horse respond so they enjoy a hassle-free or technically accomplished ride is what makes it fun or worth the effort. It stands to reason that the more one masters how and when to ask, as well as ceasing in order to allow room for the response, the smoother those

tasks will be and the more enjoyable for both partners. And that, I can guarantee, comes with softness and balance and free movement. For both of us.

Imagine giving a huge bear hug to keep a child on your lap or prevent someone from moving away...any clamping or tightening on our part acts in much the same way for a horse, likely to the point of literally restricting them physically, and possibly emotionally, so they can’t move freely, even while they try.

Experiment; one doesn’t have to commit to technical riding for the rest of your days. Take time during your next ride to observe; notice which parts of you move because the horse pushes them, which parts move because you are intentional about it, and which parts are stuck or moving too much because you can’t help it….new awareness!

Consider how you might let go; would relaxing help? Or more flexibility? Or trust? There are many places where the issues lie. Try a few deep breaths (remember, an inhale and complete exhale make a whole breath: they each affect us differently, did you notice?) Or breathe rhythmically within an activity: how many breaths on your circle or to that tree, or from the barn to the end of the driveway? Repeat and notice the patterns; see if you might do one less breath in each activity. Can you make it a habit to periodically take your leg off the horse – just enough to slide a piece of paper between you and the saddle – to help keep you from gripping? Can you shrug your shoulders, releasing them to then come all the way down? Could you stretch or release tension at the start of something new?

So much of letting go is physical, emotional, and repetitive. Identify your tight spots and learn to be the giving partner! You’ll both get better at letting go!

Owner of Equi-librium and based in Stoddard NH, Dorothy Crosby is certified as both a Level III Centered Riding®Clinician/Instructor and CHA English and Western

Instructor. Director of the Riding

Program and Barn Manager at

Southmowing Stables in Guilford

VT, she loves working with riders and horses of all ages and abilities. Recently certified with Conformation

Balancing, a program for fascia release in horses, Dorothy loves the softening and changes in the horses. Dorothy offers clinics, lessons, workshops, and fascia release bodywork sessions both on and off the farm. Summer 2022 www.4LegsAndATail.com 53

"Can We Crash on Your Couch... Just For a While!"

Jacques and Steph Du Preez - Swanzey, NH

Have you been considering opening up your home ter program, and recruiting caring people such as yourself, to an animal in need but aren’t quite ready for the commitment of adoption? Maybe you have already adopted and want to help other animals in need until they are ready for their homes? Well now is the time to act! Monadnock Humane Society is expanding our community-based fosto help us with our animals who need extra care out of the shelter environment due to medical or behavioral needs. There is no substitute for a loving home for these animals as they are on the road to medical or behavioral recovery. We are especially in need of foster homes for dogs of all

ages and sizes. Oftentimes, we will get dogs through our Animal Safety Net program who have special needs. They are used to living in a home environment, and the shelter can be especially stressful for them, exacerbating what were mild medical or behavior issues. We would love to be able to avoid adding stress to these animals going through a huge life change while waiting for their owners to be in a place where they can take them back, but we just don’t have enough willing foster homes to take in as many as we would like to. By joining us in fostering Animal Safety Net dogs, you are helping not only dogs in need, but humans in need as well.

It is also kitten season once again! Foster homes for pregnant moms, moms with babies, and bottlebabies are always in high demand. These kittens make up some of our most vulnerable population, so some special training is involved to take these special animals into your home to foster. We also often need help socializing tiny spirit kittens, which is how we describe our little fearful kitties who need help with adjusting to life with humans. The joy you can get back from watching a little hissing and spitting kitty turn into a lap kitty is immeasurable.

Foster Mom Kathy, tells us that she fosters because she gets her kitten fix, while caring for kittens too young for adoption, who get to spend time in her home and not be caged in a shelter. She continues on that “It’s not always fluffy sweet cuddly kittens though. often there are health related issues requiring more care and more angst from the foster mom. When they come out the other side happy and healthy it sure is rewarding. I have two local grandchildren now ages 16 and 14 (pictured) who have learned to bottle feed young kittens and generally care for them.”

Help us make this world a better place for animals and the people who love them. Join our elite group of Hero foster families today! Please visit our website to fill out a foster application: monadnockhumanesociety.org/foster/

Monadnock Humane Society will provide you with all the supplies and medical care needed for your foster pet. All we ask of you is your time, love, and patience to help these animals through some of the most trying times of their little lives. You too, can make a difference by simply opening up your heart and your home.

Jacques is the Director of Development and Marketing for MHS and his wife, Steph is the owner and trainer behind Ohh, Sit! Dog Training. Steph is a dog trainer specializing in behavior modification. She has a BS in Psychology, her CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) through the IAABC, and her CPDT-KA certification. Jacques and Steph have three dogs, two cats, eight chickens and a gecko named Todd at home, as well as two kids to keep them very busy. Summer 2022

Farewell Party in Kosovo Homeless Dog Finds His Way to America

Ahomeless dog that brought comfort to U.S. soldiers overseas will now get a chance to live the cozy life in America with one of those soldiers.

The three-year-old mixed breed became like family to Sergeant K. and his Army unit in Kosovo last year, after they found him looking for food around their base.

His daily visits and wagging tail soon became the highlight of their day, delivering comfort to those far from home. Sgt. Kelsey bonded with the pooch he named Duke and wanted to get him to a better life, out of danger. The staff at the New York-based charity Paws of War promised to help, so Duke and the sergeant could be together once more. But, before Duke could find his forever home in the US, disaster struck. He stopped showing up at the base. Soldiers searched for him for several days, had no luck, and feared the worst. When they finally found him, they discovered he had been shot, was bleeding badly, and was severely dehydrated. Paws of War sent out an emergency vet team to save Duke’s life. The nonprofit’s overseas rescue partner, The Alamal Foundation, provided foster care for Duke while he healed. The pup spent six months recovering and eventually rebuilt his muscle strength to the point he was able to walk again. Recently, Sgt. Kelsey got a message from Dereck Cartright, a veteran and logistics coordinator for Paws of War. “We are thrilled to be able to tell you that after months of healing and rehabilitation, Duke has made a tremendous recovery. He is ready for the next part of his journey.” The lucky canine is projected to be reunited with Sgt. Kelsey this month. “The entire Army unit is so excited that Duke is coming home,” said Sgt. Kelsey. “This is the moment we’ve prayed for.” Staff at The Alamal Foundation threw Duke a farewell party, attended by everyone who assisted in his rehabilitation. Paws of War launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of Duke’s flight to the U.S, as well as his lifetime medical care. “We are happy to help them with this mission and hope that many people in the community will want to support it as well. We can’t do it without their support.”

Preparing for Puppyhood

The Cheshire Horse With their sweet face and adorable wiggles, adding a puppy to your family is such an exciting time in your life! A puppy brings their enthusiasm for life into your household and puts a smile on the face of everyone who comes in contact with them. However, in addition to the happiness that comes with owning a puppy, comes a lot of work and responsibility. The best way to ensure a successful transition for the puppy into your home is to be prepared and ready for the new addition. In this blog, we explore what needs to be done and what you should have on hand before picking up your new bundle of joy.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Bringing a new puppy into your home is a big decision. Before you begin looking for a new member of your family, we recommend asking yourself the following questions: • Do I have the patience for a puppy versus a grown dog? • Can I afford the puppy and the potential expenses? • Am I allowed to add another dog to our housing situation? • Will I be moving soon? Will my new location be able to accommodate my dog? • Will the other animals in the home be welcoming to the puppy? • Have I properly prepared my home? • Do I have a plan for vacations or work-related trips? • What does the breed of my choosing need in order to be happy and healthy? • Have I properly researched the breed(s)? • How much time do I have to dedicate to the training? • What is the activity level of my family? • Who will care for the puppy on a daily basis? • What type of grooming will I be able to handle or support? • Do I have a veterinarian selected?

To ensure that you and your home are ready for the new addition, it is important to make certain that you have a plan in place for every situation. Determine if you and your family are ready to take on the responsibility of housebreaking, crate training, and obedience training, or will you be utilizing the services of an outside dog trainer. Even if you are comfortable with the process, it is a good idea to speak with your breeder or rescue about a dog trainer that they would recommend in case you end up deciding you might benefit from outside support. It is extremely important to understand how important the fundamental training foundation that you give your dog is.

Think about the routines that you will have in place and how you may need to modify your schedules for at least the next 6 months. Will you be home during the day to let the puppy out? Perhaps you will need to bring the dog to a daycare situation? Making these arrangements prior to bringing your new puppy home will make the transition easier for everyone.

It is also important to speak with your veterinarian about your plans for a new puppy. He or she may encourage you to give your other animals booster shots in preparation for the new arrival. They also may help you set up your new puppy appointments, especially if they have a busy practice schedule and are already booking out a few months in advance. They will also give you a list of questions to ask the breeder or rescue, including whether or not the puppy has been wormed and which vaccinations they have received thus far.

If this is the first dog or first puppy in a while that you are welcoming into your home, it is important to “puppyproof” your home. Do a thorough walk through your home looking for potential dangers. Are there loose wires that a puppy could chew on? Are all of the household chemicals safely locked up? Puppies can (and will!) get into everything. You should do a careful inventory of your breakable objects that your puppy can access, wiggly puppies often lack body awareness and can accidentally knock into items that you might not think of as being dangerous, but present a hazard when broken (such as glass objects). Pick up items, like shoes, off the floor; if your puppy can access it, it is probable that they will nibble or chew on it. Additionally, take stock of your houseplants, many common plants can be poisonous if consumed.

The puppy proofing continues into your backyard! Look around for potentially hazardous things, such as poisonous Summer 2022 plants, bird feeders, compost bins, and access to the road, then it is time to make a plan for your puppy while they are outside. Are you going to install a perimeter fence to keep your puppy safely enclosed? Are you going to utilize a harness and a tie-out situation to allow them to play outside? Perhaps you are going to use an electric fence or an electronic collar? It is important to consider how you envision your puppy utilizing the outdoor space that you have and ensuring that it is safe and ready for their arrival; most likely you and your puppy will spend countless hours here playing and learning together.

A Properly Fitting Collar

Each and every puppy needs a properly fitting, adjustable collar. Make sure that you feel the material of the collar to make sure it is soft and supple enough for your puppy’s sensitive neck. When adjusting a collar, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. A collar that is too loose will easily slip over your puppy’s head, they may also be able to get their paw or even their jaw stuck in the collar. Conversely, a collar that is too tight can cause choking, skin irritation, and muscle damage. When shopping for a Continued Next Page

collar, bring the measurement of your puppy’s neck with you, this will make it easy to select the proper size (if possible, ask the breeder or rescue because neck sizes can vary greatly). If you do not know the size, speak with a sales associate who has experience with puppies and age-appropriate collar sizing for assistance.

With puppies, it is important to consistently monitor the fit of their collar because they grow so quickly! It is a great idea to purchase an extra collar in a size larger than their first collar so that you will have one for them to grow into… you will need it before you know it.

Leash

A size-appropriate leash with a strong snap is an essential piece of equipment to hold control and contain your dog. Initially, your puppy will not know how to walk on the leash and it will be a tool to keep them close to you; with the proper training, they will begin to walk happily alongside you. Typically, you should aim to have a leash that is the same thickness as the collar. A leash that is too thin may break when your puppy pulls, while a leash that is too thick may place excess pressure on the neck of the puppy. Typically, a 6-foot long leash is the most common for daily use, but longer leashes, like the Weaver Terrain D.O.G. Training Cord, can be helpful when playing outside or for recall training.

Training Tools

In addition to a standard collar and leash set, you will most likely need additional training harnesses and leashes. These products provide soft corrections to behaviors; with continued use, your dog will understand what you are asking of them. Harnesses are an important tool when training puppies to walk with you because they take the pressure off of the neck and allow you to control them with their chest and body. The PetSafe Easy Walk is a favorite, discouraging dogs from pulling and helping them learn to walk nicely alongside you.

Identification

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, pieces of equipment that you will need is identification for your puppy. A dog tag with your name and phone number should be attached to your puppy’s collar as soon as you pick them up from the breeder or rescue. Puppies are often nervous and wiggly and can easily slip away from you. Having proper information about how to contact you if the puppy gets lost is the best way to ensure that your new companion will be returned to you quickly and safely.

In addition to a dog tag, microchipping is also an important form of canine identification. Communicate with the breeder or rescue prior to picking up the puppy, because many microchip the puppies while they are still small. Microchips are small computer chips that are quickly and easily placed just under your dog’s skin by your veterinarian. The chip is registered with your information so that if your dog is found, you can be contacted immediately. Summer 2022

A Safe Haven

While watching the puppy explore their new surroundings is such a pleasurable experience, sometimes puppies need places to decompress and feel safe and secure. These are also ideal places for your puppy and eventually older dogs to spend unsupervised time. Many dog owners choose to crate train their puppies, with durable wire crates, such as the Pet Lodge Double Door Wire Dog Crate, while others choose heavy-duty plastic crates, such as the PetMate Vari Kennel. This gives their dog a comfortable sanctuary and space to retreat to when they are feeling overwhelmed. If you use a wire crate, you may want to place a blanket or towel over the crate to make it feel more comfortable and “den-like.”

Crates and containment areas are a wonderful way to prevent your puppy from overdoing it. While puppies are extremely playful and have seemingly endless amounts of energy, their muscles, joints, and bones are still developing and should not be overly stressed. Try to moderate their activity level to protect them from injury.

A Comfortable Bed

Active puppies also need their rest! A size-appropriate dog bed gives them a soft place to lay their heads at night. We recommend looking for dog beds with washable covers or covering the bed with a fleece blanket, such as the Ethical Pet Snuggler, which makes them easy to clean up after the inevitable accident. Many times the breeder or rescue will provide you with a towel that has familiar smells on it, this can be used on the puppy’s bed to ease the transition to their new home. While it may be tempting to purchase a bed for your puppy to grow into, the majority of puppies feel more comfortable and secure in an appropriately sized bed. A good rule of thumb is to purchase a bed that is 12” longer than your puppy, giving them room to stretch out. As you get to know your puppy’s individual personality and preferences, you purchase a style of bed that best fits their sleeping habits.

Comfort Toys

When your puppy first comes home, they may be very nervous and even feel lonely. This is especially common with puppies who have spent an extended period of time with their littermates or those who come from large litters. These puppies may become anxious in a new location and may feel uncomfortable in their new environment. To counteract this, many dog owners provide their puppy with a soft, plush toy. This plush toy can act as your young dog’s security blanket and give them some much-needed comfort during the first few days or weeks. You may even catch your new addition snuggling with it (please, look for stuffed animals without plastic eyes or noses, these may turn into choking hazards if your dog chews them off).

For additional comfort, you may want to consider playing soft, soothing music for your new dog. This may help them relax. Calming collars, such as the Thun-

Continued Next Page

derworks Thunderease Dog Calming Collar, can also help anxious puppies in their new environment.

A Dog/Puppy Food

When deciding what type of dog food to nourish your puppy, consider the future full-grown size of your pet and their level of exercise. Look for a formula that supports your individual puppy, such as a small dog or large dog formula. Your dog’s caloric needs will be changing constantly as they grow, so be sure to adjust their intake as needed, using the dog food bag and your puppy’s body condition as a guide. Many times puppies benefit from adding more meals throughout the day to accommodate their smaller stomachs while still reaching their caloric requirements. Typically puppies need three or four meals a day in the first few months and then can be transitioned down to fewer meals as needed.

As your puppy ages, at about 6 months old, they will reach their adolescent stage. Just like growing teenagers, they will continue to need more food to support their rapid growth. Puppy formulas and dog foods for all life stages are still appropriate for this age group to support their body condition as they mature. Make sure that you refer to the particular bag of dog food to read the feeding instructions and recommendations to understand how much food you should be feeding based on your dog’s age and weight.

Chews and Chew Toys

During puppyhood and their adolescent phase, young dogs have an increased need for safe chews, particularly because they are teething and losing their baby teeth (milk teeth). As with any treat or toy, make sure that your puppy is closely monitored whenever you give them these products. The Virbac C.E.T. VeggieDent Tartar Control Chews for Dogs and the Benebone Bacon Flavored Puppy Pack Dog Chews are popular choices. Bully sticks and chew toys, like the Kong Puppy Dog Toy, the Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys, and the Nylabone Power Chew Double Action Chew ToyWolf, are great options that last longer for aggressive chewers and inquisitive puppies. For young dogs, many veterinarians and canine health professionals caution against rawhide chews, which may pose a choking hazard. Having an ample number of chews and chew toys around is a wonderful way to keep your puppy occupied.

Training Treats

Feeding tasty treats is a fun way to improve your relationship with your puppy. They are also wonderful rewards for your dog during a training session. When feeding your puppy treats, however, it is important to remember that they should be considered a part of your puppy’s daily intake and their diets may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Whenever possible, try to use smaller treats, like the Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Chewy Treats with Salmon, for training purposes, or break treats into smaller pieces so that they can easily eat them. Some puppies, particularly very food motivated dogs, even accept a piece of dog kibble as a reward for their behavior or a new trick. This is a good way to keep your dog at a healthy weight while also getting the benefits of training. When doing longer training sessions, consider reducing the amount of dog food that you feed that day because you are feeding extra calSummer 2022

ories in treats, including higher value treats. Additionally, vegetables, like carrots, can be a great treat and source of entertainment without adding too many extra calories.

Grooming Products

Keeping your puppy clean is important for their skin and coat. You will want a quality dog shampoo, like the Durvet Naturals Puppy Shampoo, or a waterless shampoo product, such as the Nature’s Miracle Deodorizing Bath Wipes, to help clean your puppy as needed. Make sure that you purchase products that are appropriate for your puppy’s coat and care for it keeping their breed(s) in mind. A helpful reference is to refer to the American Kennel Club guide, How Often Should You Wash Your Dog. Grooming is also a wonderful way to bond with your dog, so make sure that it is an enjoyable time for everyone by using a calm and relaxed demeanor.

With proper preparation and planning, adding a young canine companion to your home can be one of the most joyous occasions. By ensuring that you and your household have everything in

Carl

place to support your new puppy, you can be confident that the transition will be as stress-free as possible. Now… the fun part, enjoying those adorable puppy antics and soft puppy kisses!

At The Cheshire Horse, we have everything you need to welcome your new puppy into your home. If you have any questions regarding the products that you need for your puppy or would like assistance choosing the best puppy chow for your new bundle of joy, we invite you to speak with a member of our highly-trained, dog-loving sales staff.

Layla - Four Months and Growing

The Cat with an Alarming Tumor

Sandra L. Waugh VMD, MS - Windsor Pet Dental

This seven month old kitty developed a very large swelling on the upper right side of her face over the course of 5 days!

November 11, 2021 November 12, 2021 November 13, 2021

November 14, 2021 November 15, 2021 November 17, 2021

The x-ray shows an odd looking and oddly placed tooth (red arrow) in an area where there has been destruction of the bone (blue arrow) There was a thick tissue lining the cavity in the bone. All of the lining was removed along with the odd looking tooth and the tissue and tooth were sent off for a biopsy.

When tissue is biopsied, it is sent to a board certified veterinary pathologist. The very thin slice of the tissue is placed on a glass slide and is viewed by the pathologist using a microscope. The pathologist has undergone extensive training in order to be able to tell me just what this is.

It turned out to be a Feline inductive odontogenic tumor which is a rare dental tumor that occurs only in cats that are under 3 years of age. It is a benign tumor but can be destructive to the surrounding bone.

Much nicer looking after the surgery

Quite a big hole was present.

Let’s talk about the definition of some words. Many people associate the word “tumor” or “neoplasm” with “cancer”. Not true! A tumor (or neoplasm) is an abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors do not invade nearby tissue nor do they spread to other parts of the body. Occasionally they can be locally destructive, such as this cat’s tumor, and need to be removed completely to prevent regrowth. Definition is from the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Heath.

Her face is slightly asymmetrical due to the lack of a canine (fang) tooth on the upper right side. When present, the fang tooth pushes the cheek out and away from the mouth, giving the face a more rounded appearance.

A nice result from an alarming beginning.

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. April 7, 2022

Everything looks much more normal 5 months later. The gum looks normal where the sutures had been. The bone had filled in missing areas nicely (blue arrows)

Kid's Corner

The More The Merrier

Willow Wood - 10 Years Old

The best part about having two houses are my 4 dogs, 3 cats, 2 ferrets, 3 roosters and like a thousand fish. The worst part about having two houses are my 4 dogs, 3 cats, 2 ferrets, 3 roosters and like a thousand fish.

Winston Doing Laundry

A good thing about having all those pets is that... they're animals/fish and animals and fish are the best. I love them so very much. Sometimes though they can be a pain in the neck to deal with. One of my dogs is Tina, a german shepherd and when I think of german shepherds I think of brave, strong, heroic, police dogs while mine is falling off couches, doing front flip fails and humping my other dog Randy, a bassett hound and black lab mix. Randy is very fat but

Randy and Tina share a lazy summer day with Willow

really funny, he'll lay on the floor with his legs straight out. Then I have my two other dogs Maverick and Roxie, Maverick is a husky mix with bright blue eyes like the sky in summer. Even though he doesn't do anything he can still get all hyped up if Roxie starts to play. Roxie is like the opposite of Maverick. Roxie is a huge ball of energy squeaking her toy all day long and running around the house just being annoying. Then I have my cats Sammy, Clifford and Winston. Sammy hates people, if you touch her she'll scratch you then hiss at you so she isn't the nicest cat in the world. Winston on the other hand loves people, he'll go up to you and meow and meow until you pet him, and the second you put your hand up he'll meow again. Clifford is kind of like Winston. Clifford doesn't meow when you don't pet him but he likes people just not as much as Winston does.

On to the crazy rooster story. My mom rescued three roosters off the side of the road, and that was the day they became Carl, Bruce and Tandy, all members of our family.

Fish are the easiest and most calming part of the family. All they do is swim around and do nothing, but Winston likes to sit near the fish tank and stare at them the fish however, are not so fond of Winston.

In the end I'll always have plenty room in my heart for all of these animals.

Luna

Kid's Corner

Harriet J. Sterling - 8 Years Old

Iwas overjoyed when my Dad said I could pick up the hamster my friend wanted to give me. I would pick up the hamster. We took the little female hamster home, and I called her Luna. Luna was the most amazing and playful hamster I ever would meet. You usually don’t play with a hamster right away, but Luna did!

Luna was super sweet. But that didn’t last forever.

I was out of hamster bath dust. The package came with a little bit of big, round, and food-like balled litter. Luna walked in and put most of it in her cheek pouches. And for a whole week, drank two bottles of water, didn’t eat any treats, and flooded her litter box (that was now full of new sand.) A few days later, she sadly passed away. I still remember her, even through my old hamster Serena, and now my dwarf hamster, Jeffrey.