FR
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Dog Days of Summer 2022
How Smart is Your Cat Saving Polka Dot Turtles Celebrate National Dog Day The Ultimate Road Trip A Dog Named Frankie
Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail
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2. Celebrate National Dog Day Mark your calendar for August 26 and get ready to party with your best friend 4. Tunbridge Goes Canine! Check out over 100 breeds at the annual Green Mountain Dog Club dog show 7/14-7/17 5. Fair Haven Dog Park 6. Eyes are the Windows to the Soul but Teeth Also Tell Tales Carol Gifford, DVM/DABVP 8. 1 Simple, Safe Injection for a Year of Pain Relief Anne Culp Onion River Animal Hospital in Montpelier is the first clinic in Vermont to offer Synovetin OA therapy 9. Pet Wants Brings Fresh Home Meet the faces behind Central Vermont's newest pet food providers
Pg. 4 10. Save the Polka-Dot Turtle Julie Hoven You can play an active role in saving this endangered species 11. You may be putting your heart at risk when you don’t get enough sleep You and your pet deserves a good night's sleep 12. Riding- The Tangible and Intangible Sue Miller Get grounded, focused and readjusted. Get on the back of a horse 16. Cat Intelligence Test: How smart is you cat? 17. Emma Donna M. Garfield How one cat changes changed one couples life 18. Good Boy, K9 Billy Karen Sturevant A shining example of a professional police canine
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21. A Dog Named Frankie Karen Sturtevant There's Alfa dogs, and then there's Frankie! 22. 25 Rescue Dogs' Caravan from Los Angles to Maine Kate Kelly It's a road trip that David and Debbie will never forget 24. Tiny Terrier Detects Breast Cancer in Women How one Yorkie saved her owner 25. Are You Prepared Pat Jauch Do you have a plan for your pets if you're no longer around 26. The Cat with an Alarming Tumor Sandra L. Waugh, VMD, MS An actual case study of a seven month old kitten 28. The Great Outdoors DJ Nelson Birds, reptiles and small animals love summer too
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4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.222 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766
Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Office Manager: Beth Hoehn
603-727-9214
Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff
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Sales: Scott Palzer, Rebecca Smedy
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If you have a tale about a tail or a photo that will make us smile, we’d like to hear from you. 4 Legs & a Tail is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout Northern and Western VT and Northern NH. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.
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NATIONAL
DOG DAY N
ational Dog Day 2022 is on August 26 and we are getting ready to celebrate all our furry friends in the best ways possible! Can you believe that our furry friends have been with us for at least 14,000 years? Thank goodness for that because what would we do without man’s best friend? It is time to pull out all the cake and pictures of your pup and share your love for them with the world! National Dog Day was first established in 2004 by pet and family lifestyle advocate Colleen Paige. The aim of promoting this day is to
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raise awareness about adopting these animals who are currently in rescue centers. In addition, on this day promote dog ownership of all breeds, pure and mix. Embrace National Dog Day 2021 as an opportunity for all dogs to live a safe, happy and abuse-free life.
for everyone! Whether you like big dogs or small dogs, every pup should be celebrated on National Dog Day. This holiday was created in 2004 by Colleen Paige, a Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate. She created this day so that all dogs can be celebrated and also to draw attention to the numHISTORY OF ber of dogs in shelters and to encourage NATIONAL DOG DAY adoption to those who have yet to find a Dogs are a man’s best friend for a rea- place to call home. August 26 is signifison, so why not celebrate them? These cant to Colleen because it is the day her furry friends range in all different shapes, family adopted her Sheltie when she was sizes, and breeds. There is a dog out there 10 years old.
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Since the first celebration in 2004, National Dog Day has grown and is now celebrated across the world. In 2013 the holiday was written into New York legislation and can be seen on the New York State Senate’s website. To spread the word further, those that oversee the holiday have joined forces with many rescue partners, including The Human Society of The United States and West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue. Together they draw attention to the number of dogs that are without a home and try to actively encourage people searching for a dog to visit an adoption shelter instead of a pet store. Since the first day back in 2004, it is estimated that approximately one million dogs have been saved through adoption in the U.S. For dog owners that aren’t looking to add to their family, National Dog Day has become a day for treating their friend like the legend they are and enjoying
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the connection that we’ve built up with dogs over thousands of years. Colleen Paige, the founder of the holiday, also uses the day to draw attention to the multiple ways in which dogs contribute towards our society. From putting their lives on the line to help law enforcement track down bombs or drug dealers to providing assistance for those who need it, dogs play an important role. Nowadays dogs can even identify cancer in patients. National Dog Day has also been using its platform to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure, and continuously pushes for all dogs to be allowed to live happy and abuse-free lives. National Dog Day is on an upward trajectory and continues to grow in popularity. It is widely covered in the media each year and rescue homes are the all-important exposure they need to get their message across. Whether you choose to celebrate by volunteering at a rescue home, making a donation to a shelter, or by giving your furry friend an extra big cuddle, make sure you spend this day acknowledging just how awesome dogs are.
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t on m r e V e g d i r b n u T ! e n i n a C s Goe B
eat the July heat at the Vermont Scenic Circuit dog shows, to be held July 14-17, 2022 at the Tunbridge Fairgrounds in Tunbridge, Vermont. The four days of shows include conformation classes for all AKC recognized breeds, along with obedience and rally trials, junior handling, and the opportunity for amateur owners to compete in the National Owner Handler Series. Special events include a Scent Work Trial on Friday, a CERF eye clinic on Thursday, and PeeWee Handling on Sunday. For more information, please visit Green Mountain Dog Club or Woodstock Dog Club on Facebook, or woodstockdogclub.org. For a premium list, or to enter your dog, go to infodog.com . Besides watching the dogs, spectators are invited to ice cream socials during variety group judging on Thursday and Friday afternoons. There are wonderful vendors and lots of good food on the grounds every day. And a barbecue with karaoke on Saturday night (tickets must be purchased in advance). This annual event has been closed to spectators for the past several years due to covid, but will be open to the public this year. Depending on current conditions, guests may be required to mask and/or social distance at the discretion of the show-giving club. Also, AKC regulations do not permit unentered dogs on the show grounds (and the weather will be far too warm to leave your dog in the car.)
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Please leave pets at home. Unentered dogs are not allowed on the show grounds! Summer 2022
FAIR HAVEN, VT DOG PARK TO OPEN THIS SUMMER Linda Barker
The Honorable Mayor Murfee
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y dog, Murfee was the Mayor of Fair Haven for 2 years. The first year he raised over $30k for a new town playground (grand opening in June). Last year he presented an idea to the select board of building a town dog park. They agreed so Murfee decided to run for office again, he won and raised all the funds for a dog park. It's open now but everything will be finished in time for the grand opening. The park is open dawn to dusk. You can follow them on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/Fur-Haven-DogPark-101585032550773 Summer 2022
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Eyes are the Windows to the Soul but Teeth Also Tell Tales L
Carol Gifford, DVM/DABVP - Rutland, VT
ooking into our loved one’s eyes, and smells at the veterinary hospital. including our beloved pet, can tell us a However, if an ophthalmic examination lot about them. As we all know, emotions reveals the findings, shown in Figure 3, are revealed as well as physical symptoms such as pain or exhaustion. Examining the eyes can also help diagnose many specific illnesses. For example, the finding of yellow sclera (the whites of the eyes), as shown in Figure 1, indicates a serious
this photo showing a well proportioned fifty-pound dog we may be suspect that this is a young to middle aged adult pet. However, the teeth shown in Figure 5 reveal a completely different story. This dog only has her deciduous upper incisors (puppy teeth) and therefore she is only at most 3 or 4 months old. Of course, some of you may be very astute on your dog breeds and may have recognized that this dog is a purebred Great Dane puppy. She will likely grow to the size of her mother who weighs approximately 150 pounds!
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 1
liver or blood disease and helps guide veterinarians to the right diagnostic tests and effective treatment. Another clue to pet health is shown in Figure 2. This dog has very opaque pupils due to advanced cataracts. Although cataracts can be due to aging in dogs, they can also be a sign of diabetes. So, this finding, especially in a younger dog, would indicate the need for blood and urine testing to rule out diabetes mellitus.
this feline may have hypertension and the veterinarian would likely measure this cat’s blood pressure. Once these symptoms alert the veterinarian to the possibility of high blood pressure special precautions can be made to obtain an accurate reading. These steps may include avoiding the waiting room altogether and putting the cat, along with their pet parent, into a quiet, darkened room. Often a calm and skilled technician takes the readings as pets seem to have their own version of white coat syndrome when the doctor makes an appearance. Teeth Tell Tales Too An oral examination can also help us answer many questions about our pets. One of the most important questions veterinarians can help answer with a peek in the mouth is “How old is my pet?”. Often the history of a pet is incomplete because the pet was a stray or is a rescue animal. The dog in Figure 4 is a perfect example of this. Based on
FIGURE 5
Aging base on oral examination is also very important in horses as they often have multiple owners and can live to 35 or 40 years of age. The Morgan horse has good muscle tone and moves quite well under saddle. This breed often lives a long time in good health, so examination of the teeth is necessary to determine his age. The photograph in Figure 6 shows outward angling of the incisors and a groove on the outermost incisor called Galvayne’s groove. That groove appears at about age 10 and is the length of the tooth by about age 15. It then gradually recedes from the gumline in the ensuing years. This horse is about 25 years old based on his teeth
FIGURE 2
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is very common in older cats. This can be difficult to diagnose in the hospital setting, as your average feline is a bit stressed by the placement in carrier, car ride to the veterinary clinic, and sights 6 4 Legs & a Tail
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 6
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Aside from determining age, examining the teeth can also tell us about other diseases or past events in a pet’s life. Figure 7 shows a dental defect called enamel hypoplasia. This defect can be caused by a prior infection such as canine distemper, a genetic disorder or some other nutritional or traumatic event during the formation of the teeth.
owners are not aware of the damage tennis balls can do and this examination finding helps the veterinarian to ask the right questions and diagnose this problem. Many other clues about your pet’s health and wellbeing can be found by looking at those pearly whites. So along with gazing into their eyes, take a few minutes to peek in their mouth. Those teeth may tell you some tales. FIGURE 10
FIGURE 7
The discoloration of the canine tooth shown in Figure 8 is also a window into the past as it is typically due to administration of a tetracycline antibiotic within the first few months of life. This antibiotic binds to the calcium in the tooth during development of the teeth causing an abnormal color in the enamel and dentin.
One of the most dramatic effects on teeth can be shown in Figure 10. This dog holds the Guiness Book of World Records record for number of tennis balls held in the mouth by a dog (although it is unlikely any other species even competes in this category). Hopefully he does not do this to excess as just the pressure of the tennis balls on the teeth can cause the type of wear shown in Figure 11. Many
Carol Gifford, DVM, DABVP has been practicing veterinary medicine in Vermont since 1987. In 1991, she founded her own practice, which grew to become Riverside Pet Hospital.
! Heye you? v Ha heard
Riv haserside L a Ve locaudlownew t tion !
FIGURE 11
FIGURE 8
Clues to many behavioral problems can also be found by examining the teeth. Cats sometimes exhibit a behavior called barbering in which they compulsively chew on their coat thereby wearing down their incisors far enough to cause pain and risk infection. Similarly, dogs that are confined to cages or crates may neurotically chew on the bars causing the type of wear shown in Figure 9.
FIGURE 9
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1 Simple, Safe Injection for a Year of Pain Relief
Synovetin OA
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Anne Culp, VMD
ynovetin OA is a new kind of joint injection to treat osteoarthritis (OA) in the elbows of dogs. It works to break the cycle of inflammation and pain, improving mobility and providing long-lasting relief. One treatment can lead to up to one year of pain relief through a simple and safe injection. It can even help control arthritis well enough to reduce the pain medications your dog may be on.
What is Canine Osteoarthritis (OA)? OA is the gradual wearing and inflammation of the joints over time. It is most commonly seen in older and larger breed dogs, but it can affect any dog. As this wear continues, the cartilage is broken down. From there, we see actual changes to the bone and associated pain. Over time this vicious cycle leads to worsening arthritis. Signs that your pet may have arthritis include slowing down or lagging behind on walks, limping, not wanting to jump up as much, and even crying out in pain.
How does Synovetin work with OA?
The joint injection contains the active ingredient, Tin-117m, a microscopic medical radiation particle. This ingredient targets inf lammatory cells like macrophages and synoviocytes. Not only does this reduce pain in the joints, but it will also slow down the progression of arthritis by decreasing inflammation.
What is the treatment process?
We start by having a consultation appointment at Onion River Animal Hospital. At this appointment, we would go over your pet's history and physical exam and discuss the treatment process in depth. Two weeks before the scheduled treatment time, a current and accurate weight from your veterinarian's office is needed. Each treatment dose is made specifically for your pet based on this weight. On the day of the procedure, your pet would be dropped off at Onion River Animal Hospital. The procedure itself requires full sedation and takes about 5-10 minutes for the joint injection. Your pet will be able to go home that evening with the provided at-home care instructions.
the progression of arthritis. If your pet still needs oral pain medications, that is okay—whatever keeps them comfortable and living their best lives.
Where can this be performed?
Onion River Animal Hospital is the only treatment center in Vermont, with treatments being done by Dr. Karen Bradley and Dr. Anne Culp. If you are not a What is it like after the injections? client at Onion River Animal Hospital, Once your pet is home, we expect some your veterinarian can refer you for the discomfort associated with the injection procedure. Feel free to give us a call and and drowsiness from the sedation for schedule your consultation today! 24-48 hours. We will be sure to provide For more information about you with the appropriate pain medicaSynovetinOA, visit tion for that period if needed. Because https://activedognow.com the injection contains microscopic radiation, there is a short period when your pet goes home that they will need to be 3 feet from your torso for the majority of the day. This means not spooning your pet for that short time if they sleep with you or are constantly sitting on your lap. We know this is difficult for many pet parents, but it is worth it for your pet's comfort! Injections can only be given once a year. The long-term goal of this injection is to reduce discomfort, reduce the number of oral pain medications your pet is taking, and slow down 8 4 Legs & a Tail
Onion River Animal Hospital 2386 Airport Rd., Berlin, VT 05641 802-223-7765 hello@orahvt.com Anne Culp graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2015. After finishing her internship at BEVS she fell in love with Vermont and has been working at Onion River Animal Hospital since. Anne and her fiancé enjoy hiking and playing in the lake with their two dogs, Citra and O.G., and coming home to snuggle their three-legged cat, Brie. Summer 2022
Pet Wants Brings Fresh Home
Linda & Harold Blake
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inding the right food for your pets can be tough. At Pet Wants, they are focused on bringing you fresh, small-batch, slow-cooked food with ingredients that are designed to positively impact your pets. Harold Blake and his wife, Linda Blake opened Pet Wants Central Vermont in the Berlin Mall because they saw an opportunity to make a positive impact and honor the lives of their family members. "Most commercial pet food is manufactured in mass quantities and sent to a series of distribution warehouses before finally making it onto the shelf at your local store. There it sits…possibly for up to 6-8 months before it’s purchased for consumption", says Harold Blake. Because pet food loses its nutritional value over time, pets can ultimately end up eating a diet that’s low in nutrition and can ultimately lead to unnecessary sickness, disease and even a shortened life. According to the Vermont resident, "The inspiration to open this business started when I lost my mom to COVID-19 and my sister to cancer. They both loved animals and did quite a bit of volunteering during their lives. As I was thinking about a way to continue their legacy, we found Pet Wants. Of course they aren’t the only ones to love pets – Linda and I have rescued a number of abandoned animals, adopted cats and even raised wild fish. We currently have a black cat named Hope and a chocolate lab named Joy." Linda and Harold has been married for almost 45 years and has lived in Central Vermont for the last 25 years. "While I’ve been working with individuals with developmental disabilities and coaching Central Vermont Special Olympics, Linda has been working at Vermont’s busiest restaurant", says Blake. In addition to helping pets live longer, healthier lives, they are excited to be part of the community in a new way as small business owners. Pet Wants offers free, personal delivery throughout Central Vermont and Washington County and a small delivery fee to Chittenden County. Come see them at the Berlin Mall (next to Walmart) or at the Northfield, VT Farmer's Market! Summer 2022
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Saving the Polka-Dot Turtle C
alling 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 “polka-dot” 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 slow-flowing 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 10 4 Legs & a Tail
Juliet Hoven
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! 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 Summer 2022
YOU MAY BE PUTTING YOUR HEART AT RISK WHEN YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH SLEEP.
time to move from a state of activity to a relaxed state. Pick up your favorite magazine or dive into a book to relax the mind. Having your favorite pet nearby as you settle down helps too! Also, try to avoid screen time too close to bedtime. Establish a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time as much as possible, even on weekends. A regular routine helps keep your body’s clock steady. If you don’t feel well rested in the morning despite getting an adequate amount of sleep, it may be a sign that you have sleep apnea, especially if you
snore. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder marked by many brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. This can be a cardiac risk factor and should be evaluated by a physician. Be sure to talk to your primary care provider about any unusual sleep issues you might have. Your doctor can help determine if your sleep issues might be part of something that can be addressed. You, and your pet, deserve a good night’s sleep. This article contains licensed content, copyright 2018-2022 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
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ndless nights of poor sleep can take a toll on your health, including putting you at a higher risk for heart disease. Research has shown that people who don’t get enough sleep increase their cardiovascular disease risk regardless of their age, weight, exercise habits or whether or not they smoke. “There are many factors that can lead to putting your heart health at risk,” says Adam Coleman, MD at the Rutland Heart Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center. “Getting the proper amount of sleep is an important part of one’s heart health as well as one’s overall health.” Although the exact cause is not clear, people who tend to get less than 6 hours of sleep nightly are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Without enough deep periods of rest, certain chemicals are activated that keep the body from lowering heart rate and blood pressure for extended periods of time, which may contribute to these health issues. Approximately 50% of all adults report occasional insomnia and 20% say they have chronic sleep troubles. If you’re among those who don’t get enough sleep, here are a few strategies that may help you get a better night’s sleep: Keep a diary. Record when you go to bed, how many times you wake up and how you feel in the morning. Also note what you ate close to bedtime and your exercise habits. Do this for at least two weeks to help you spot patterns that may be affecting your sleep. Change your ways. Once you’ve identified factors that are affecting your sleep, change the habits that lead to restless nights. For instance, many people find they cannot drink caffeine after 2pm or exercise after 5pm if they have hopes of sleeping well. Unwind at day’s end. Give your body Summer 2022
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Riding : the Tangible and Intangible Sue Miller - Sharon, VT
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here 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
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experience both tangible and intangible essences when 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 timeconstrained 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, selfdoubt, 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 Summer 2022
to engage with someone that is in this state of confused uncertainty. Horses most often want to engage with 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
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CAT INTELLIGENCE TEST:
How Smart Is Your Cat?
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o you ever wonder just how smart your cat is? After all, any cat owner will let you know that cats, even compared to dogs are awfully crafty. And while it is very fun to debate for hours on end which species is smarter, there are actually little exercises you can do with your cat to test their IQ. There is no official scientific IQ test for cats, but this is a way to compare your cat’s intelligence level to that of a human. Here is your cat intelligence test!
EXERCISE 1: Do this exercise in an uncluttered area where your cat can focus exclusively on you. Pick up your cat’s favorite toy. Let your cat get a good long look at the toy and then hide the toy behind a solid item, like a piece of cardboard or a thick piece of paper. Your cat will then probably go looking for the toy behind the piece of cardboard, rather than thinking the toy simply disappeared. This means that your cat has at least the intelligence of an 18-month-old toddler. In fact, cats have the IQ of a 2- or 3-year-old child. EXERCISE 2: Pick up a mechanical mouse, making sure it’s in view of your cat. Place it
so it ends up going underneath a piece of furniture, like a chair or your refrigerator. Watch your cat as they watch the mechanical mouse. How your cat behaves is a measure of their intelligence. Your cat will likely watch the movement of the mouse. Does your cat predict with accuracy where the mouse emerges from underneath the piece of furniture? If so, this confirms that your cat has at least the intelligence of a 2-year-old child.
EXERCISE 3: Here’s a test you can perform right around mealtime. Take an unopened con-
tainer of food and place it near your cat’s food bowl. Your cat’s response will be a measure of your kitty’s ability to reason and provide a little bit of insight into their intelligence level. If your cat is very intelligent, they will look at the food and then at you. They will likely continue looking back and forth at you and the container, waiting for you to serve them the food. Your cat’s intelligence might be a little lower if they ignore the container of food.
EXERCISE 4: This last test only requires your television. Put on a nature show that involves
birds. Your cat is showing off their intelligence if they watch the show with interest. How quickly your cat figures out that they can’t catch the birds is another measure of your cat’s IQ. Of course, how your cat performs on these tests is just a measure of basic IQ. These exercises don't show how much you and your cat love each other, how affectionate your cat is, or how well your cat is at other tasks like snuggling or being an amazing best friend. However, give your cat these tests and let us know how they perform!
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Emma Donna M. Garfield - Lyndon, VT
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rash! I open my eyes and look at my watch. It is 2:25 a.m. I already know the cause of the crash but turn over anyway. There on the small chest of drawers beside the bed is Emma. She sits there and looks at me as if to say, “I didn’t hear anything.” Right. The little imp has just pushed my stack of 10 paperbacks onto the floor and is now sitting there looking innocent and nonplussed. Emma is our 13-year-old cat and she delights us every day. Pushing paperbacks off the stand is just one of the things she does to get attention. Emma came into our lives in October 2009. We had lost a cat in July of the same year and we were devastated. Amidst all the tears, my husband said we wouldn’t be getting any more cats. Even though we always had a cat or cats, it was too hard on us when the last one died. We walked around for months thinking we saw him coming into the room or his tail disappearing around a corner. It just went on and on. I knew my husband meant well, but there was just no way I could live without a cat. One of my co-workers was watching me go through my grief and said she had a cat at home who was about four months old that she would love to bring to me. She had barn cats but some of them were more domesticated than others, and there was one special one she felt belonged to me. I kept telling her no. Then one day in October she was bringing kittens in for some of her friends and at the last minute put Emma in the car, too. I knew I was in trouble. I picked up Emma and she snuggled into my neck and, well, you all know I immediately fell in love with her. She was a dark gray tiger with white under her nose and around her mouth. She had a beautiful gold color on her belly (befitting a princess of course). I called my husband to tell him I would be bringing home a cat. He wasn’t very happy as he thought we had agreed not to have any more. Well, actually we didn’t agree, because at the right time I knew we would have one. I finally said to him, “If God is sending us a cat, who are we to Summer 2022
send the cat away?” (I think it was in my wedding vows that I would always have a cat but my husband must have forgotten about that line in the ceremony!) So at the end of the day, Emma and I headed home and she and my husband, Reed, met for the first time. The next morning I left for work and Emma stayed home with Reed who was retired. Over the course of the next several weeks, I received emails with pictures of Emma sleeping in Reed’s desk drawer on a fluffy towel he had placed there for her, sprawled across his keyboard as he was trying to work, or laying on the Morse Code keyer as he was trying to use his ham radio. It was clear they were becoming fast friends. Emma loved me but she was truly Reed’s buddy. During the evening, she would make her way over to him in the recliner, climb into his arms, and just rest there with what looked like a satisfied smile on her face. When I retired 10 years later, Emma was not quite prepared for the change in our household. She was used to me leaving the house at 8:00 a.m. and watching the car go down the driveway. Now I didn’t do that. She would sit near the closet as if to say, “Why aren’t you putting your coat on? You’re going to be late.” She was also used to sitting in our picture window at about 5:20 each night waiting for my car to pull into the driveway. Another change she didn’t understand. Finally, she accepted the fact that I was going to be home every day, and she wasn’t going to get rid of me. Her habits changed and she liked having the three of us in the same room. In the evening we would watch the news or a show and she would snooze on her favorite fluffy blanket on the couch. However, if one of us left the room to go to the den to work on the computer, she would immediately wake up and go to the den to check on us. Then back to the living room to check on the other one. Sometimes she just laid down in the hallway so that she knew where both of us were stationed. Over the years, we never had a cat who chewed paper. Emma was the first and
Emma
how she loves paper! She loves boxes, too, and when they come in the mail, she is right there with us when it is being opened. Then she jumps in the box no matter the size and chews on the paper if there is any. Emma was never a cat that purred very much. She also didn’t like people visiting and would go hide in another room. I think it was because it was just the three of us living here all the time and she just wasn’t used to the extra noise. Then about a year ago, she started greeting people as they came up our stairs. Her purring became louder and louder and when we spoke to her, she would answer with a meow. Quite a personality change but one that we greatly enjoy. I cannot imagine life without a cat. They all have their own personalities. Emma is aware of everything going on in the house. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Donna Garfield is a free-lance writer and photographer. She has been writing for "The North Star Monthly" (produced and published by Northstar Publishing LLC of Danville, VT) since 2009. Donna was a feature writer for many years concentrating on stories of people living in the Northeast Kingdom of VT. She currently writes a monthly column entitled "Life's a Journey". Donna lives in Lyndon, VT, with her husband, Reed, and their cat, Emma. Her photos have appeared in various publications.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 17
Good boy, K9 Billy I
Karen Sturtevant
Keeping Billy in a healthy state of brain and body is essential to achieving this goal. German shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs. An idle canine with a sharp mind can lead to problems. Cognizant of this, working sessions are done each day. At shift’s end, Baccaglini might ask a coworker to throw an object in tall grass. Billy will then be sent in to find it. At the waterfront, Baccaglini has requested that a jogger take Billy’s beloved tug toy and drop it along her route. Billy would then be tasked to ignore the busyness of people and other distractions and find the toy. Navigating an obstacle course or searching a residence are other methods to keep him in tip-top shape. “As with real-world scenarios, you don’t know what’s going to happen until it happens. So, it’s important to have a plan B,” comments Baccaglini. “People can shift their attention to a different priority, it’s not so easy for a dog to do that. In training, we try to show the dog as many pictures of a scenario as we can.” The K9 units in Vermont are a tight-knit bunch that often train together. "We all know each other's dogs and they all have issues. By problem-solving and adding scenarios, we try and correct those issues." According to the Vermont Police Canine Association, Vermont has 49 active K9 teams. The most commonly used breeds for law enforcement work are the German shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Dutch shepherd, Bloodhound, and Labrador retriever. The daily attention given to these specialMeet K9 Billy ized canines is commendable. The dogs K9 Billy (formerly Bully), a five-year-old live with their handlers during their active purebred German shepherd, was donated duty and often after retirement. to the Burlington Police Department in A working dog 2019 at two years of age. Considered dualWhen I asked what a typical shift with purpose, Burlington's top dog is certified a police dog entailed, I got the same look by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council in patrol functions (officer/ I always get when I ask an unanswerable handler protection, criminal apprehen- question. In policing, there is no typical. sion, tracking, evidence recovery, building Baccaglini works the night shift and did searches) and drug detection. Credential his best to articulate an answer. They are together 24/7. Billy’s transition recertification is performed each year from determined pup to relaxed house dog at the Vermont Police Canine Academy is seamless. This stealthy canine knows it’s including a mile and a half outdoor trek time to work when his harness gets fitted to find the decoy (subject) in two hours and his handler attaches the leash. Billy or less. The team has accomplished this is most content when he has a job to do. in as little as 20 minutes. Billy's keen nose was put to the test Training on a windy day in downtown Burlington Police dogs are asked to perform a mul- after a bank robbery had taken place. With titude of tasks to assist law enforcement. onlookers and dozens of people walking n my next life, I would like to come back as the person responsible for choosing silly holidays in which to celebrate. Already extensive, the list includes Penguin Awareness Day (January 20), Work Naked Day (February 4), Corn on the Cob Day (June 11), and let’s not forget the international powerhouse on February 23: Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day. It seems if you can think it, it can be celebrated. When January 9 arrived, my phone informed me it was Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I took to social media to post my gratitude for those dedicated to protect and serve. It was the least I could do given the current state of affairs and debate on policing in America. In the winter of 2019, I met Burlington Police Corporal Euguene Baccaglini and K9 Billy, fresh from patrol school. The mission was to tag along for a ride and report my adventures. I even got previous permission to engage the lights and sirens. (My inner child jumped up and down!) The air was freezing, the evening quiet. The lull in crime allotted me the time to learn about the furry face in the customfitted backseat. Baccaglini and K9 Billy had been a team for only a short time. As the years went by, I often wondered about Billy. When Covid restrictions lifted, I caught up with them in hopes of hearing and sharing uplifting stories. If human officers could have an appreciation day, I hoped to give this special canine his. The update didn’t disappoint.
18 4 Legs & a Tail
Geno and Billy
around the area contaminating the scene, the challenge was immense. "It couldn't have been a worse day situationally to do a track. Although we had a general idea of where he went, we weren’t able to find him. Sometimes, the odds are against us.” As the department has seen an increase in commercial burglaries and burglaries in general, the duo has been called to perform numerous building searches for suspects. Billy's familiarity with his human coworkers became apparent when he was conducting a search of a church after such a break-in. Billy, without looking up at faces, was focused on making his way through the building zipping among several police officers. In the foyer, an employee of the church walked in. Sensing a new person, Billy immediately tensed, staring at him, alerting his handler to this potential danger. Billy, like most working dogs, is comfortable around already-recognized people and instinctually cautious with those who are unknown. Other nights may be quieter for Billy as he sits or naps waiting for his next objective. One of his favorite pastimes is to howl, quite loudly, at firetruck and police car sirens. Dogs will be dogs Teaching sessions are done to reinforce Billy’s knowledge. But, sometimes this badge-wearing dog is just like any other dog. Once, while assisting with a traffic stop, Billy was called in to search a vehicle. “When he’s about to work he gets amped up and starts leaking energy,” said Baccaglini. "Just as I'm hooking the leash and taking him out of the car, a rabbit bolts from ten feet away into the bushes. Now, he's locked on to the rabbit." The focus on the assignment is suddenly gone. Billy's reactions are "both simultaneously hilarious and frustrating. We have our limitations.” Small, fast-moving critters, even for police dogs, are hard to resist. The search, completed after a
time of refocusing, was successful. The Billy’s discovery can be attributed to airscenting. Typically, a dog’s nose is 100,000 rabbit made a getaway. times more sensitive than a human’s. A memorable evening In addition, the section of a dog’s brain On March 25, 2020, Billy and his partresponsible for processing smells is seven ner were called to assist Shelburne Police times larger than ours. “The man was there in the case of a missing elderly man in long enough so his odor was pooling. The an altered mental state. Without shoes or dog was keying in on that. This was the a coat, the man wandered from his resifirst instance where I had seen his proxdence into the cold winter night. Using a imately alert where he knows he’s found scented object, Billy got to work. Tracking somebody, he can’t see them so basically is difficult in the best of circumstances. he just stops and he waits. He knows he’s Tracking on different terrain surfaces poson top of somebody, he just doesn’t know es unique challenges. Asking Billy to work exactly where they are.” on snow and ice was a demanding task. Thanks in part to Billy’s sharp nose The officers followed Billy approximately and his partner’s surrender of trust, the half a mile from the residence to a drivegentleman received timely medical care way lined with footprints when the dog and made a full recovery. This accomsuddenly stopped. "He does a 90-degree plishment earned the team the 2020 Life turn, and in the back of my mind I keep Saving Award presented by the Vermont hearing the head trainer say, 'Trust your Police Canine Association. Dog. Trust your dog.’” The obvious path was leading to and Dog days beyond the driveway. Baccaglini, thinkEach day calls for creative outlets: finding ing that Billy’s lure to the wooded area coins in the grass, rummaging through a was due to the scents and sounds of car for narcotics, or playing with coworkers nocturnal animals, yielded the urge to at the police station. Having been a team redirect. Baccaglini put his trust in his for a few years, Billy and Baccaglini can partner. Approximately 50 yards from the now read each other. “He keys in on situspot where Billy was alerting, barefoot ations, basically my energy. The dog feeds impressions, shaped by melted ice, were off me. There’s the cliché that the energy visible. Following that trail lead them to runs up and down the leash. He can sense the 79-year-old man semi-conscious in the stress in my voice and that puts him the early stages of hyperthermia. on an alert, more of a what’s happening
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around him.” Always diligent, this canine is watching and learning. Billy's know-how isn't limited to groundwork. He and Baccaglini have flown in a helicopter and ridden on a boat in preparedness for future excursions. “Other than being an outwardly fun training day, it opens up opportunities for different types of deployments. If we had somebody who was a lost hiker, are we going to hike four miles to a point last seen or can we get dropped off and save that energy for the actual search?" A one-mile hike for a person equates to three or four miles for a dog. Getting Billy accustomed to various Continued Next Page
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modes of transportation helps him become comfortable in new environments. While cruising on the water, Baccaglini comments, “Once we got moving, he was sticking his nose into the wind. He didn’t seem too concerned.” With a combination of beauty and smarts, this handsome canine boy takes every test in stride. To meet Billy, one immediately senses his easy-going manner. Baccaglini cautions, “Always ask,” before approaching and touching any dog. During the summer, the team spends time at Camp Paw Paw, a program for kids who love animals, staffed by the Chittenden County Humane Society. Presenting the functions of a police dog, Baccaglini encourages participants to interact with and pet Billy. "He seems to show a difference between adults and kids and I think that's because of how I've handled him in public. He is a very social dog." Keeping a connection to the community, the team has a steady schedule of public events. Billy loves being the center of attention. Although Billy may look like a cuddly pup, he is trained to be aggressive when needed. He is expected to protect Baccaglini and will do so when called upon. "For a working dog, you want them to have a little edginess to them. You don't want them too friendly because when you call on them to be aggressive if they don't have it in the back of their mind, that's when the dog can be more of a liability than an asset." Billy has mastered how to perform based on the circumstance. What’s next? Corporal Baccaglini’s plan is simple: “Keeping up with our certifications and continuing to identify situations where he's not super confident and then creating training scenarios to build up that part of his understanding of what's being asked of him." Problem-solving is done daily. "It's amusing to go into a room with the intent to clear it and he starts doing a drug search or asking him to do a drug search and he's barking at everyone in the room." Giving Billy a clear picture of what is being asked of him is an ongoing challenge. "It has been very entertaining." Police dogs bring a revered level of expertise to law enforcement. Their inexplicable ability to learn and please their handlers is unmatched. Dogs are protectors, helpers, and secret keepers. Police dogs are extraordinary. With Billy's support system, he continues to advance in discipline and technique. Under the tough-guy exterior, he's a big softy who likes scratches behind the ears and rubs on his belly. His four-legged heroism and ongoing devotion are two reasons why K9 Billy is a shining example of a professional police canine and why dogs really are our best friends.
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d e m a N g o D A e i k n Fra Karen Sturtevant
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or people who love dogs, crouching down on their level and covering their fur with pats is second nature. Our personal dogs are treated with kisses, ear scratches, and belly rubs. I'm no dog psychologist or behaviorist, just a gal who is crazy about canines. When I made the offer of pet sitting services, I knew I'd interact with a range of temperaments. In my short tenure (CritterCareVt.com) there hasn't been a dog, cat, snake, hedgehog, or chicken who didn't allow my indulgence of spoiling them with touches and tickles—until I met Frankie. Maggie and John have three dogs–a mix of little and big, goofy and serious. All adopted. All very fortunate and loved. Over the next few months, we had multiple conversations and a meet and greet on a cold, windy day. Frankie was special. He wasn’t like other dogs. I needed to understand. John, Frankie’s dad, was the only person who Frankie allowed to touch him. Not Maggie. Not anyone. When people didn’t heed the warnings, Frankie would snap his disapproval. If he were to make contact with skin, I would need my first aid kit handy. I don’t believe there are bad dogs. Frankie was not going to change my mind. I would not give him a chance to fail. I would follow the rules for everyone’s safety and well-being. I would feed, let out, give treats and never make physical contact with the boy. He didn’t make it easy. Almost as if taunting, he’d saunter up to me and make eye contact. He'd brush against me. Like a forbidden second helping of ice cream, all my impulses wanted to reach out, connect. My common sense knew better, knew the rules. The game started Friday, my first night there. By Sunday, the rules would change. When the digital clock displayed 1:12 a.m. I instantly awoke when I felt a bump on my hand. Laying on my right side, my left arm was dangling over the bed. Frankie was using his muzzle to nudge my hand. With the light from the hallway providing illumination, my eyes opened to see Frankie in my face. Was I dreaming? Slowly, instinctually, I moved my hand to the top of his soft head to gently Summer 2022
stroke: once, twice, three times. Surely, I was dreaming. He then turned around to position himself so his back was near my head. Not moving anything but that chosen hand, Frankie allowed me to caress his back, ever so gently. After six or seven rotations, he promptly walked away to lay at the foot of the bed. I was up for the day. Wide awake now, I couldn’t fathom what just happened. Maggie and John would never believe it! Later that morning, when the sun was up, the crew and I were on the living room floor. The littles, Leo and Chia, were wrestling, Mai happily lazing on the couch. Frankie was watching. Without pomp or circumstance, and for reasons I will never unravel, Frankie decided he would get up, walk over to me, turn and sit on my lap. I took this as an invitation. Two hands, one long sleek back. This time, I had my phone. And, got video proof! This was Frankie’s world. He made the rules. Over the next few days, this scene replayed itself along with him coming up to me, lifting his front paw to poke me, to extend an olive branch. Slowly, my hand would move to his neck, the crown of his smooth head. Other times, with tag wagging, he’d walk to me then turn to reverse until he bumped into me offering his lovely hind end. When he had his fill, he’d move on to grab a toy or simply lay down. Two times, I attempted to pet him without a proper invitation and almost regretted it. He’s one fast dog and wasn’t shy about telling me he did not approve. I learned where the trusted line was and could not pass. Frankie was the rule maker. I was the follower and okay with that arrangement. When it was time for me to leave, I had hoped Frankie would allow me one last touch, but it was not to be. Frankie was in charge. As I gave the pups one last treat, I thanked Frankie for trusting me. With teary eyes, I left my new friend. As incredible as this experience was for me, it must have been equally fulfilling for Frankie: another someone, for whatever reason, he granted access into his private
world. My soul was deeply moved by him. I don’t keep a lot of videos or photos on my phone, but the ones with Frankie I will never delete. We will get another chance to get reacquainted later this year when I will again pet sit for the pack. I’ll bring my playbook to remember Frankie’s the coach and this is his field.
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25 Rescue Dogs’ Cross-Country Caravan from L.A. to Maine W
A temporary fence needed to be set up at each pit stop
On the Road
22 4 Legs & a Tail
Kate Kelly
hat do you do if you run a dog rescue operation near Los Angeles and want to move to Maine—with the dogs? Maybe you do what David Rosenfelt and his wife, Debbie Myers, did. Af ter spending months puzzling through the challenge of transferring their 25 dogs—many of which had health problems or were too old to be adopted by others–they ultimately rented three RVs and welcomed 11 wonderfully willing volunteers to help with the dogs. Their intention was to “drive straight through” as much as they possibly could. Of course, not all could go as planned with 25 dogs involved. There were the inevitable stops for dog-walking, dogfeeding, and people-feeding as well as the need for drivers to sleep. However, David Rosenfelt documents it all with great humor in his book, Dogtripping: 25 Rescues, 11 Volunteers, and 3 RVs on Our Canine Cross-Country Adventure, a truly fun read.
In an interview with Bark magazine, Rosenfelt was asked what he would do differently about the trip: “What would I do differently? I don’t think anything. We had a great group of volunteers. If everybody else had their option, they would’ve done much the same; [they just should have] left me at home. They literally say it was one of the greatest adventures of their lives. It was just terrible, but everyone else loved it.”
The Rescue Dog Life Began with a Date Rosenfelt’s dog adventure began with a date. He had plans to go to a movie with a woman to whom he had recently been introduced. After the movie, David suggested dinner. His date, Debbie Myers, demurred as she needed to go home and put eye drops in her dog’s eyes. Between the two of them, they finally resolved to have dinner, meeting 45 minutes post-eye drops. The dog in question, Tara, was a golden retriever whom Rosenfelt was soon to meet and also fall in love with. Soon Rosenfelt and Myers became a couple and Tara became the dog they both adored. About a year later, Tara was diagnosed with cancer. It was a terrible day in the household. Debbie and David helped Tara live comfortably for as long as she could. When she died it was a total heartbreak. Rosenfelt and Myers were at a loss as to what to do. Getting another dog right away didn’t feel right to Debbie, but they wanted a way to fill the hole in their hearts. A friend suggested they volunteer at the animal shelters around Los Angeles. After work and on weekends, the couple helped out at several different shelters. They knew their work was important, but they also knew that so many animals needed even more help. Debbie determined it was time for a new plan. She was still working full time at a major ad agency, but together with David, they formed the Tara Foundation to try to help place more animals. Because of Tara, they were willing to rescue any golden retriever they heard about that was at risk of being euthanized, but they also had a soft spot for the older dogs or those with health problems that are hard to place. Because they wanted those dogs to live Summer 2022
out the end of their lives feeling loved and cared for, they began bringing those dogs home to stay. In 2010 Debbie retired to focus full time on the dogs, and they quickly expanded from four dogs to 27 dogs. Initially, they lived in Santa Monica but eventually moved to a larger space in nearby Orange County. With the move to more space, they began to take more dogs. Some they did find homes for; others they simply brought home to keep.
The Cross-Country Trip Once Debbie and David firmed up the plan for their cross-country the trip, they went about gathering the supplies, the volunteers, and all that they would need for the adventure. Rosenfelt does a great job of documenting the trip that they made four years ago in Dogtripping, and readers are kept laughing. Rosenfelt, who also writes the successful mystery series featuring Andy Carpenter, writes with wit and keeps his feet firmly based in reality. He sees their activities as “lunacy” but lunacy he would not give up for anything—he’s fully committed. Once they arrived in Maine, they drove about 75 miles north of Portland to the house they owned near Damariscotta Lake. Next, they undertook re-settling
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the dogs, sending the volunteers home with big hugs and deep gratitude, and building a new life for themselves. In Maine, unwanted dogs are a much smaller problem. Instead of running a rescue organization they now provide sanctuary for any dog that is not likely to be adopted because of age or poor health. This summer they have 18 dogs with them, still plenty for David to have lots of company in and around his desk as he writes. Being unable to sit down for a meal or get the dogs to move out of the recliner so he can watch television is just part of their daily life, as is feeding, dispensing medicines, cleaning up after the dogs, and generally making certain that the dogs that live with them—dogs that have been traumatized, mistreated, or in some way have seen a very dark side of life—enjoy a good quality of life and know they are sincerely loved. Rosenfelt concludes Dogtripping with what he has learned from the experience: “…if I’ve learned one thing during our descent into dog rescue lunacy, it’s that dogs bridge gaps between people. They smooth over the human condition, and they provide an extraordinarily valuable function. They take people of all political persuasions, religious faiths, and geographical locations and represent something that everyone can love.
The value of that cannot be overstated.” He now has two new books out: Lessons from Tara: Life Advice from the World’s Most Brilliant Dog, and his latest in the Andy Carpenter series (#13, Who Let the Dogs Out?) Life is good in their household. This article first appeared on the website, www.Americacomesalive.com. America Comes Alive publishes more stories about American dogs and other animals. Visit the website and sign up for “American Dogs” to receive the stories in your In Box. Or email Kate Kelly at Kate@AmericaComesAlive.com
www.4LegsAndATail.com 23
Tiny
Terrier
Detects Breast Cancer in Woman A
Yorkshire Terrier saved her ow ner’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.
Bella Boo
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 confir med 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.”
Bella Boo and Karena
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Are You Prepared? Pat Jauch - Caledonia Animal Rescue, Inc.
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e don’t always know when our end will come. Having a Will helps to distribute our belongings when that time arrives. Yet, how often do we adequately prepare for an easy transition of our beloved pets? A sudden demise may leave all survivors in the lurch, but to a pet, even your succumbing to a long illness is unexpected. That presents the question: What does its future hold? Lily & Timmie are rescued canines. A man and a woman found them in a shelter many years ago, brought them home, and gave them all the love and attention that every animal deserves. They had their own toys, beds, plenty of food, and lots of attention. Then, one day, the woman became ill. The two dogs were still loved and cared for, but the woman could no longer take them on long walks and rough-house in the manner to which they had become accustomed. When she succumbed to her illness the man found that he, too, was ill. Caring for two – or even one – was more than he could handle. So, what were Lily and Timmie to do? They didn’t understand why the woman was no longer with them. They didn’t understand why they could no longer be walked or have time to play. The man was sad. The dogs were sad. What would their futures hold? Family members, knowing how the woman had loved the dogs, were unable to rescue them. Each had responsibilities of their own: their own families, jobs, pets, and schedules. What would become of these two little dogs, raised together, who suddenly – through no fault of their own – could have been sent back to a shelter, perhaps separated after being together for most of their lives, or worse…euthanized? Fortunately, the woman’s sister came to their rescue. Although unable to personally assume responsibility for their care she searched and searched for a suitable placement so they could spend the rest of their lives together. She interviewed people, trying to determine who might best care for and love these two little darlings now that her sister was gone. Eventually, she found a loving family who sought a companion for their existing pet and who happily agreed to adopt BOTH of the orphaned dogs. Summer 2022
This is the story of a tragedy with a happy ending. But, think about it. What if no one had been found to provide a good home for the two dogs. What if they were only willing to assume responsibility for one. Would the other have also found a good home, or would it have been separated, sent to a shelter, perhaps not adopted because it was “old,” and… euthanized? A loving pet, left abandoned through no fault of its own, relegated to perhaps an abusive future, or no future at all? Think about it. Not all situations have happy endings. Suppose, instead of two small dogs, Lily and Timmie had been canines of a larger breed – perhaps a Rottweiler, Newfie, or Shepherd instead of a Yorkie and Chihuahua. Placing them in some homes would have been impossible because of rental restrictions. Finding adequate space for exercise, proximity to a Dog Park, or an enclosed yard would have been a consideration. Even the cost of special diets or the quantity of food required for a large versus small appetite might have complicated placement. Once again, when choosing your own pet be mindful of a time when you might be unable to care for it and consider with whom and where it might be placed. You can help assure a secure future for your pet by taking steps right now to plan for its next home in the event that you can no longer care for it. Is there a family member who would be prepared to assume the responsibility for its care and protection? Perhaps a friend would be a suitable new parent. Would someone have the time and temperament to deal with the idiosyncrasies of your pet, and the financial resources to follow through with medical care and support that could develop? Indeed, would someone else have the patience to help your pet through the period of grief that it could need during the transition following your absence? Face it, pets do get attached and each has its own way of dealing with loss and change. When you are gone there may be no one left to see that your pet is being properly cared for so it is especially important that plans are in place during your lifetime so that your beloved companion(s) can thrive during the remaining days of its/their lives. www.4LegsAndATail.com 25
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
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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. Summer 2022
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. Much nicer looking after the surgery
April 7, 2022
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 f rom 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.
Quite a big hole was present.
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) Summer 2022
www.4LegsAndATail.com 27
The Great Outdoors DJ Nelson - St. Johnsbury, VT
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inally we can all go outside and enjoy the nice summer temperatures, and soak up as much sun and UVB as we can. Many of you love to go kayaking, hiking, biking, playing with your dogs... getting glared at by our cats. Those with exotics like reptiles, birds, and small animals like to take them out too, to get some of that good 'ol warmth and sun. We typically see reminders on social media about outside temperatures and making sure your dogs are not in a hot car, being careful of hot pavement, and making sure they are cool and hydrated. Though this is important, we don’t often hear about our other pets. I’m going to break down of some things to be mindful of for your Birds, Reptiles, and small animals. Below is a list of just a few things to keep in mind.
Birds: Birds do require UVB. You can buy
UVB bulbs for your birds which is helpful especially during the winter months. Some folks do like to take their birds outside. Smaller birds like parakeets and finches typically are left in their cage and put out on the back deck. Larger birds from cockatiels up to parrots typically are on an outdoor perch or someone’s shoulder. You will want be careful of the environment around your home. Things to watch out for: • The Full sun can get too hot for your bird • Road construction: The toxic fumes can kill your birds • Pesticides: Anyone spraying pesticides, weed killers etc if the wind is blowing can blow these toxic chemicals into your birds cage and poison them. • Larger birds typically are hanging out on someone shoulders and a loud noise can spook them and cause them to fly away.
Reptiles: no matter if they are reptile or
snake, we think of them as loving heat. Too much heat can be the end for your little buddy. Things to look out for: • If they are left in their glass aquarium this can become a big green house and trap heat. Temperatures can quickly get over 90 Degrees and kill many reptiles. • Making sure they are not unattended, as different critters may want to take advantage.
Small animals: this includes hamsters, gerbils, degus, chinchillas, guinea pigs, ferrets, and rabbits. • It can get too warm outside, so you don’t want them in direct sun. Chinchillas and degus do not do well in 80 degrees or warmer, this can cause them to pass away. • You will want to make sure you can keep on eye on them and for your faster critters create an area they cannot escape from easily
Be sure to inspect your pets for ticks after their outdoor adventures. For more info on keeping your pets happy and healthy contact your Vet or your local pet store can help you out.
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DJ Nelson has worked in the pet industry for almost two decades and is the owner of AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets in St. Johnsbury Vermont. He works with Reptiles, Birds, Small Animals, Fresh/ Saltwater fish, and Dog & Cat Nutrition. Since proper care is constantly changing, educating customers about their pets is the most important. Visit www.aquarealmaquarium.com and Facebook Summer 2022
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