4 Legs & a Tail NR Winter 2021

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Winter 2021

Help for Pets Under the Dogstar What’s On Your Cat’s Mind George Washington the Dog Lover 10 Most Heartwarming Dog Stories

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

®

2. Celebrate National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day So what is your cat really thinking?

4. 10 of the Most Heartwarming Dog Stories From History Aaron Short 6. CBD: Becoming Broadly Accepted, but Dosage Questions Remain Peter Kenseth 7. Help Your Pet Avoid the Most Common Disease of Adult Dogs and Cats 8. Pets Trigger Positive Emotions Sara Ronfeld, LICSW 10. Draft Trash Pickup Middlebury, Vermont doesn't

Pg. 7

horse around when it comes to garbage day

11. Loving Animals: Conversations with an Animal Communicator Jeannie Lindheim

Pg. 17

Do you ever wonder what your pet is thinking or feeling?

12. Doggie Day Care Pat Jauch Things to know when looking for the right daycare or kennel for your pet 13. Yay! We're Taking Brunhilde the Rabbit with Us on Vacation! Ingrid Braulini Expert tips on traveling with your pet this winter

17. Adopting a Senior Dog

Karen Sturtevant

The joy and benefits of rescuing an older dog

19. Help For Your Pet

Sue Skaskiw

Pg. 24

20. Equine Clubs, Associations & Organizations Sue Miller If you're new to horses or the area, this is a great resource

22. Bravo for Bravo

Sarah Tuck Gillens

How one local Naval Seebee and his dog tackled the Antarctic

24. Under the Dog Star Cindra Conison A touching story of how one young boy dealt with the loss of a friend 26. Short Jaw

Sandra L. Waugh VMD, MS

Don't just sit and watch, do something

28. A Dog on the Battlefield and the Character of George Washington Kate Kelly As we honor past presidents in February, we look at our first POTUS

4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.421 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766

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

603-727-9214

Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff

TimH.4LT@gmail.com

Sales: Scott Palzer, Rebecca Smedy

Winter 2022

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

Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 1

CELEBRATE NATIONAL ANSWER YOUR CAT’S QUESTIONS DAY Y

our kitty has questions and January 22 is the day to be answering them, hence it is known as Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day. What child hasn’t promised their cat that if they just reveal they can speak, they’ll keep the secret? On this special day, we’re listening to each meow and trying to understand just what that cat is getting at – we just wish they had speech bubbles above their head like Garfield!

HISTORY OF NATIONAL ANSWER YOUR CAT’S QUESTIONS DAY Though there is some discrepancy over when the first wildcats were domesticated, people in the Near East were definitely living with housecats by 7500 BC, and by the 19th century, we were developing different breeds of cats.

In Ancient Egypt, cats were more than just friends – they were used for social and religious practices, and considered beloved and holy housepets. Cats were so revered they were mummified with the same dignity as humans. Besides that, many of the Egyptian gods had heads of cats and bodies of humans – you can’t get much closer than that!

While the Ancient Egyptians highly valued cats for their ability to kill venomous snakes, Europeans valued them for their rat and other pest control skills. Cats were passed along by traders from the Romans to the British to the Vikings, where they eventually stamped their passports and headed out to the “New World” with the explorers.

The Middle Ages were a dark mark on cats’ collective record, with rulers at the time believing cats to be the cause of the

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January 22

Black Death that ravaged Europe. Little did they know, cats were more likely to keep the population of rats and fleas in check.

Nevertheless, the damage to their reputation was done, and cats wouldn’t restore their public image until the 15th and 16th centuries when they were welcomed aboard ships to keep pests away. It’s often speculated that cats were aboard Christopher Columbus’ ship, and our feline friends disembarked and flourished in America.

Today, we love cats for so much more than their ability to reduce the rat population – so much so that we dedicate a whole day just to pondering what each meow and purr might mean. By 1993, cats outnumbered dogs as the most popular house pets in the nation, and they’re appreciated today for their curiosity, independence, intelligence – and for all their many, many questions.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL ANSWER YOUR CAT’S QUESTIONS DAY 1. Cats are curious!

There’s no “Answer Your Dog’s Questions Day” because there are very few pets as curious, intelligent, and inquisitive as cats. They say curiosity killed the cat, but most of the time, curiosity is a positive trait to help kitties learn about the world they live in. Help them out by answering their questions today.

2. It helps us improve as cat owners We could all listen a little better to our kitties. Taking cues from your cat’s behavior and vocalizations may help you pinpoint health issues, things they like and don’t like, and what you should change about their environment or lifestyle. The ultimate goal is to keep our feline friends satisfied, and the best way to start is by listening.

3. It’s a day to don cat merchandise!

Cats’ wild popularity both on the internet and in our homes has led to a wealth of cat-related clothes and accessories. If you’re a cat owner, we know you must have at least one cat sticker, hat, t-shirt, or pair of socks - and today is the day to wear your love for cats on your person.

What better time to celebrate our feline friends and than Answering Your Cat’s Questions Day? We say, wear those catprint shorts with pride.

NATIONAL ANSWER YOUR CAT’S QUESTIONS DAY FAQS When is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day celebrated?

Every year on January 22nd.

Are there other cat-related holidays?

Yes! National Cat Health Month is coming up in February, and National Cat Day itself falls on October 29th.

Where is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day observed?

The United States.

NATIONAL ANSWER YOUR CAT’S QUESTIONS DAY TIMELINE

7500 BC

SELF-DOMESTICATED Analysis of ancient cat DNA suggests that the first cats actually domesticated themselves, as they reaped benefits from coexisting with humans!

1384

RAT-CATCHERS Many 1300s European households had cats, but when the rulers during the plague believed cats to be the source of the devastating illness, many cats were cast out or killed. If only they knew cats were keeping the rat population in check and staving off the disease!

1978

CARTOON CAT KING Garfield, the ever-popular cartoon featuring the beloved grumpy fat cat, is launched.

1993

UNDER-CATS Though dogs had historically been the pets of choice for pet owners in the United States, 1993 saw the first time cats outnumbered dogs as housepets.

2014

GRUMPY CAT GOES VIRAL Humans have historically loved cats, and memes make it clear nothing has changed. In December 2014, the “Grumpy Cat” page on Facebook hit 7 million likes.

Winter 2022

5 QUESTIONS YOUR CAT MAY BE ASKING 1. Why can’t I eat plants in the house?

Plants that are toxic to our feline friends include azaleas, mistletoe, lilies, holly, and more out of the house - keep them out of the house.

2. Why can’t I have all the milk?

Contrary to popular belief, cats shouldn’t have too much milk - particularly if your kitty is lactose intolerant. Cats will get diarrhea if they can’t properly digest milk, and also will be at higher risk of obesity if their diets aren’t closely watched.

3. Why can’t I scratch the sofa?

Scratching is normal for cats, and owners should make sure to provide adequate scratching posts to ensure their cats don’t get stressed or depressed.

4. Why do people think sleeping cats are lazy?

It’s just what they do. Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping - around 13-17 hours of the day. It’s healthy and normal behavior, not laziness.

5. Why do humans declaw cats?

Not only is declawing your cat cruel, but it’s also dangerous to their overall safety and wellness. Look around online or ask your vet about the many safe ways to get your cat’s claw off your sofa.

Winter 2022

NATIONAL ANSWER YOUR CAT’S QUESTIONS DAY ACTIVITIES 1. Answer your cat’s questions Muffin wants to know just where you go for 8 hours every weekday, and why it takes you so long to empty the litter box. Spend some time cuddling with her today and answering each meow with some pets and treats.

2. Take to social media What better excuse to blanket social media with pictures of your sweet kitty than Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day? Edit a little speech-bubble over his head and type in what you think the questions are. You could also start a blog on cats, cat facts, and cat questions, or post a video on the same topics!

3. Read up on cats Your cat may have some questions because you could be doing more for her well-being. Read up on cats and cat health to know if your cat’s meows are just questions, or if there’s something they’re really trying to let you know. Now’s a great time to be an even better cat owner.

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10 of the Most Heartwarming Dog Stories From History Aaron Short

There have been dogs throughout history that have fought in wars and crossed continents, been

explorers and shown bravery that would be impressive if it had been demonstrated by a human hero. These exceptional canines are guaranteed to melt the heart of even the staunchest cat lover.

10. Swansea Jack

Swansea Jack was a black retriever who lived with his owner William Thomas near the River Tawe in Swansea, Wales, during the 1930s. One day, Jack saw a small boy drowning in the river and ran in, pulling the boy to shore by the scruff of his neck. There was no one around to see it, and had circumstances been different, the boy would probably have spent the rest of his life telling the story to people who would never believe him. But Jack wasn’t done. Within a few weeks, Jack rescued another swimmer, this time with witnesses in attendance. And then another. And another. And so on. Over the course of the next decade, Jack was reported to have saved at least 27 people, from presumably, the most dangerous river and docks in Wales.

For his efforts over the course of his lifetime, Jack was given a silver collar by Swansea council, the Bravest Dog of the Year Award, a silver cup from the Mayor of London, and his very own statue. That’s more accolades than your average Batman. And he’s still recognized today—he was probably the inspiration for the nickname of Premier League football team Swansea FC, “The Swansea Jacks.”

9. Bamse

Bamse was a Saint Bernard that served aboard a Norwegian minesweeper during World War II. Despite his cute and cuddly appearance—Bamse means “cuddly bear” in Norwegian—he was extremely tough. Bamse was originally brought on board by the ship’s captain. When the captain tried to take Bamse with him when leaving for another posting, the crew, who had grown fond of the dog, threatened to leave the ship if he was taken away. They loved the dog so much that they would have mutinied rather than lose him.

Bamse became legendary in Dundee and Montrose, where the ship was stationed during World War II. He rode buses alone with a specially made bus pass tied around his neck, made sure that drunken sailors made it back to their posts, and allegedly put a stop to bar fights. Once, he rescued a crewman who’d fallen overboard by diving in to drag him to safety. He rescued another crewman cornered by a knifeman by barreling into the attacker and dragging him into the water. But Bamse was more than just a hero—he was also a peacemaker. It was reported that when sailors got into fights on board, he forced them to stop by standing on his hind legs with his paws on their shoulders as if to say, “Calm down, it’s not worth it.” And Bamse wasn’t just famous in Scotland, where his ship was based—every Christmas, he was dressed in a little sailor’s hat and photographed so that his picture could be put on Christmas cards sent to the crewmates’ relatives in Norway. Awwww.

8. Bob The Railway Dog

Bob was born in South Australia in 1882, and for some reason he loved trains. He spent the early years of his life as a stray, following railway workers to work, until he was rounded up by a dogcatcher. It looked as if he was destined for the pound, but luckily for Bob he was bought by a kindly station guard who’d taken a liking to him. It worked out well, as his new master allowed him to ride the train with him in the guard’s van every day. But, eventually, his master got a promotion and he and Bob parted ways. Then Bob started to jump trains alone.

Bob traveled up and down Southern Australia, becoming a familiar and welcome sight on trains across the land. Sometimes, when Bob felt that he needed some privacy, he chose an empty carriage and scared away any passengers who tried to sit in it by barking like crazy. The station masters and guards all knew him by name, so they left him to his own devices. At night he followed the engine driver home for a warm meal and soft place to sleep, then returned to the train the next morning. For most of his life, Bob went where he pleased, and as his fame grew so did his reception when he rode into town. He was allowed to attend banquets as a guest of honor, was given a special bracelet with his name on it—with an engraving telling anyone who read it to let him go where he wanted—and when he was seen riding on trains by local children they ran after him as if he were the Pope.

Bob had many adventures in his short life and died the most famous dog in Australian history.

7. Bummer and Lazarus In the 1860s, two stray dogs called Bummer and Lazarus were given the run

of the city of San Francisco at a time when any other stray dog would have been rounded up and thrown in the pound.

But Bummer and Lazarus were different—they were celebrities. The newspapers of the day reported their doggy exploits as if they were Posh and Becks or Brad and Angelina. If they got into a fight with rival dogs, the papers often printed an exaggerated account of it the next day, complete with eyewitness testimony and a dramatized cartoon of the event. Even Mark Twain took time out from working on Huckleberry Finn to write about them.

The reason they were so beloved was due to their close friendship. Bummer started off as tough mutt who begged people for scraps, hence his name. When another stray arrived in the city and lost a fight, witnesses thought he’d be torn to shreds…until Bummer came running in to fight off his attacker. As Bummer nursed the injured dog back to health, it was given a new name— Lazarus. Their legend grew and every twist and turn of their friendship was reported on. When Bummer was shot in the leg and Lazarus didn’t look after him, there was uproar, with the whole city turning on Lazarus. This weird press fascination went on until both dogs died. And even after that, the coverage continued, with each newspaper accusing the other of publishing erroneous details about the dogs’ deaths.

Winter 2022 4 4 Legs & a Tail

6.

Barry The Saint Bernard is a dog that was specifically bred for a sin-

then on mail trains. He started to rack up miles, traveling through the county, then the state, and finally the whole United States. Mail clerks were happy to let him do this because they realized that no train Owney traveled on ever crashed, making Owney a good-luck talisman. So, they started to give him little trinkets and medals to attach to his collar to represent everywhere he’d been. When he’d traveled so much that they no longer fit on his collar, he got a little jacket instead.

As part of a publicity stunt, he traveled around the world on a 120-day-long, Jules Verne–style trip aboard an ocean liner. In this way, he traveled across America, Europe, and Asia, and all the way back. And just in case you don’t yet feel totally inadequate in the face of this small dog’s achievements, he also had his own postage stamp.

gle purpose—to search and rescue. Monks at the Saint Bernard Pass, a dangerous, snowy divide between Switzerland and Italy, bred them for hundreds of years— perhaps even as far back as 1695—to rescue travelers who got lost and buried in the snow. They traveled in pairs so that when they found a victim, one dog could dig them out and sit on them for warmth while the other headed back to the monastery for help. Which brings us to the second Saint Bernard on our list—Barry, who saved 40 people’s lives the course of 12 years in the early 1800s.

Barry’s most famous rescue was of a small child who’d become lost and trapped on a treacherous ice shelf. Barry managed to reach the boy, revive him, and keep him warm until rescue arrived. But even then, nobody could get to them. So Barry allowed the child to climb onto his back and pulled him to safety, inch by inch.

In 1966, the World Cup Barry was so effective as a rescue dog that was being held in England which, to the after his departure there was always one dog at the monastery named Barry—a tra- English, was kind of a big deal. Maybe the reason they were taking it so seriousdition that persists to this day. ly was because they had a feeling they might win—which they did—so you can Just one look imagine how bummed they were when the at Bud Nelson is enough to tell you that he World Cup was stolen four months before was the greatest dog who ever lived. He’s an the matches started. There was a frenzy old-timey dog wearing goggles in a scratchy to find the cup and avoid international black-and-white photo—if he hadn’t existembarrassment, and it was eventually ed, he would have been dreamed up for a found by a plucky collie named Pickles. steampunk novel or Bioshock game. The Pickles was being walked by his owner human in the photo is Bud Nelson’s ownwhen he sniffed something out in the er, a doctor called Horatio Nelson. Horatio bushes—what Pickles had found was the was the first man to cross America by car missing World Cup. the year 1903, with his hilariously named In the aftermath of Pickles finding co-driver Sewall K. Crocker and, of course, the Cup, his rise to fame can only be Bud. That made Bud the first dog to cross described as meteoric. He was lavished the United States by car. with attention from the press as the hero At the time, the automobile was still in dog who’d saved the nation from interits infancy, meaning that driving was neinational embarrassment. Pickles even ther safe nor fun. The car was a roofless attended a banquet in his honor, where he monstrosity with little to no suspension was given a bone and a check for £1,000— to protect them from the mostly unpaved archive footage shows the check being roads, and it would have made a lot of noise shoved into his face, so we hope it was while belching out noxious smoke. But Bud cashed by his master and not chewed to Nelson was braver around the thing than shreds. He later went on to star in seversome people would have been back then. al TV shows and even the movies.

He was given the goggles to protect his eyes and sat there looking just as happy Rolf was either the as he does in the photo,all the way across smartest dog in history or the center of the continent of North America. a scam that fooled a nation—specifically Nazi Germany. Either way, then, he was It’s generally believed pretty awesome. According to the Nazis, that Owney’s original owner was a mail Rolf could talk. To put this into context, clerk because, just as Bob the Railway the Nazis backed a lot of hair-brained dog was obsessed with trains, Owney schemes during World War II, and one loved the scent and texture of mail bags of the most hair-brained was trying to and followed them by land, train, or boat train an army of super-intelligent dogs wherever they went. When Owney’s owner share their ideals. left for whatever reason, Owney stayed The smartest of these “super dogs” behind at the post office with his precious was Rolf. Apparently, Rolf was able to mailbags. After a while, Owney began to talk by tapping his paw against a board follow the bags, first in mail wagons and and using a sort of special dog Morse

3.Pickles

5. Bud Nelson

code to communicate with humans. It was using this code that he was able to converse, appreciate poetry, express his pride in the Nazi regime, and vent his blinding hatred of the French. Apparently, he even expressed an interest in joining the war effort and fighting on the front lines. We don’t expect you to believe that a dog could talk, but Hitler certainly did. He took a great interest in Rolf, and history’s greatest monster wasting time on the ridiculous notion that the Nazis had created the world’s first racist dog could only possibly be a good thing.

1. F id o

There are plenty of stories of dogs who stood vigil for dead masters for years afterward. Among the most well-known loyal dogs were Hachiko, from Japan, and Greyfriars Bobby, from Scotland. Hachiko and Greyfriars Bobby have had numerous books and even films made about them.

But the loyal dog who was most famous during his own lifetime is probably the least well-known. Fido was born in Italy sometime during World War II. He was found on the verge of death by a kiln worker who took him home and nursed him back to health. And for this, he’d have Fido’s unwavering loyalty for the rest of his life. Every day, Fido waited for his master at the same bus stop, refusing to move until he stepped off the bus— and this at a time when Italy was being bombed almost daily. But one day, Fido’s master didn’t return. He’d been killed in an air raid while at work. Fido, ever vigilant, still turned up to wait for him.

Every day. For 14 years.

His tale spread across Italy until Fido became a constant source of media attention, both during the war and long after it ended. Surviving footage shows that huge crowds would turn up to watch him make his way to the bus stop every day, watch everyone get off, then walk away disappointed the bus pulled off.

He received honors and medals, but all he wanted was for his friend to come home. He never did. Don’t worry—it’s okay to cry.

2. Rolf

4. Owney

Winter 2022

www.4LegsAndATail.com 5

CBD: Becoming Broadly Accepted, but Dosage Questions Remain Peter Kenseth

CBD is becoming increasingly more accepted as a beneficial supplement for humans, and like many human trends, it is crossing over into the pet landscape.

At SuperZoo 2021 (August 16-19th in Las Vegas), it was clear that the pet industry might be reaching “peak CBD,” as over 20 companies promoting CBD-based products were present at the show. Product differentiation is becoming increasingly more common. Some companies continue to market multiple benefits associated with CBD in all-in-one products, but many companies are beginning to combine CBD with other ingredients to create products that can be marketed with specific functional claims. companies are now marketing separate CBD products for dogs and cats, and for different indications (calming, joint/mobility, etc.).

Products are now available in several forms, including tinctures, balms, treats, chews, powders, and creams.

In addition to the proliferation of CBD-based products targeted for specific indications, and the emergence of dog- and cat-specific offerings, another key indicator of CBD’s growing acceptance was Martha Stewart CBD’s (Canopy Growth) announcement that it had obtained a placement in Wegman’s. Although CBD is not FDA-approved for humans or pets, and there are no approved uses of CBD in animals, many companies, including Pet Releaf, EllePet, and Canopy Growth have completed studies demonstrating the safety and efficacy of CBD in pets. Other companies at SuperZoo, including Prospect Farms and Paw CBD mentioned that they had trials in progress. Prospect Farms is building a trial

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with leading vets from AirVet and UCLA Cannabis Lab, while Paw CBD has an ongoing study with Colorado State University, studying the effects of effects of the company’s patent pending, proprietary cbdMD branded cannabinoid blend on dogs that suffer from osteoarthritis.

CBD has been shown to promote calm behavior, reduce anxiety, and alleviate pain. As such, it is marketed to pet owners as a potential remedy for anxious or aggressive behavior, and for joint/ mobility issues. Pet owners seeking an alternative remedy for any of these conditions might benefit from exploring whether CBD is a viable option for their pet. The existing clinical studies show that CBD is well tolerated by dogs, but there is not as much research on the use of CBD in the cat population. Because CBD is not FDA-approved, most U.S. veterinary medical licensing and pharmacy boards are advising veterinarians against discussing, recommending and selling CBD products until such time when it is approved. However, Canopy Animal Health notes that 29% of veterinarians are asked about CBD products on a weekly basis, and that interest in CBD-based products is higher in states where recreational marijuana has been legalized.

In the absence of FDA-approval, the next big question surrounding the use of CBD in pets will likely be around appropriate dosing levels. Given that there are no guidelines around dosing in humans, finding appropriate CBD dosage levels in pets may be a challenge. I take CBD myself, and generally use around 30mg/ day. However, CBD companies market capsules containing 100mg of CBD. Given that CBD contains very low levels of THC (if it contains any THC at all), there is a generally accepted guidance that “dosing” is a matter of personal preference.

At SuperZoo, the majority of the companies promoting CBD-based products for pets marketed treats, chews, or tinctures that contained 10mg of CBD per dose. However, a few companies noted that higher levels of CBD were required to achieve optimal results in the pet population. I talked to one of the owners of LIX, an Oregon-based pet CBD company, and told her that I generally gave my dog, Peony, about 7.5mg of CBD with each meal. We rescued Peony

almost 5 years ago, and she’s always been a somewhat nervous dog, so soon after I began taking CBD, I started giving it to Peony as well, to see if she would experience the same calming benefits that I had noticed.

“Oh, that’s much too low,” she replied.

“I would bump that up to 20mg, and see if you notice any difference. We know that when we’re treating pets with anxiety, you have to give higher levels of CBD. There are examples in humans who have been given CBD to help combat conditions like PTSD – we know that CBD can help to heal the brain, but it has to be given in high doses to make a difference.”

When I walked away from the LIX booth, I pondered about whether I should change Peony’s CBD dosage when I got home. Amazingly, it didn’t take long to find another proponent of a higher CBD dosage in dogs. Canopy Growth, which is one of the largest cannabis and CBD distributors in the world, had a booth at SuperZoo to promote their SurityPro and Martha Stewart pet CBD products.

The CBD content in both of these brands is on the high end of the spectrum. The SurityPro Multi soft chews for large dogs (51-130 lbs) have 57mg of CBD per chew.

The directions on the package recommend 1 chew per day for dogs that are 51-85 pounds, and 1.5 chews for dogs that are 85-130 pounds.

When I remarked that this was almost twice the amount of CBD that I took on a daily basis, the reps at the booth told me that the company’s research had found that to achieve meaningful results, dogs should be given a ~1mg of CBD per pound of body weight. “You’re not a dog,” they told me. “The way you’ll metabolize CBD is different than how your dog will metabolize it.”

I’ve tried increasing Peony’s CBD dosage over the past few months, and while upping her dosage has been beneficial to an extent, I’m still working to find an optimal level. The science behind CBD is still relatively unstudied, in both humans and pets, and although there is clearly tremendous promise for what CBD might be able to offer in terms of anxiety reduction and pain relief, the decision on whether or not to use it, and at what levels, will likely remain a personal one for the foreseeable future.

Winter 2022

Help Your Pet Avoid the Most Common Disease of Adult Dogs and Cats I f you could do ONE thing to help your pet to live a longer and healthi-

er life would you do it? Of course you would do it, and you can do it. Dental disease is the top treatable disease in adult dogs and cats. It is painful and can predispose them to heart disease, lung infections and other serious problems.

Pets with dental problems usually eat fairly well but they may chew with difficulty. They are often less active than they used to be. This makes sense. If you had a bad tooth ache you wouldn’t feel like swimming or playing ball either.

Ideally we want to prevent dental disease from developing but, even if it is already present, there is a lot we can do to make them healthier and happier.

So What Can I DO? The first step is to take a look in your pet’s mouth. Healthy gums should be tight against the teeth. If you see swelling or bleeding than your pet has gingivitis which is painful and a sign of disease.

The teeth should be white with very little staining or brown material on their surfaces. Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth predispose them to developing infection. A bad odor in the mouth is not normal in dogs or cats. It is often a sign of developing infection although there are other causes of mouth odor in dogs and cats. If your pet’s mouth and gums are clean, healthy and free of odors than that is great news! You can help prevent them from developing dental problems. Many pets will allow you to brush their teeth. With a little coaching from your veterinarian and some tasty pet toothpaste this can be an enjoyable daily routine. Finger brushes work best for cats and small dogs. Do not use human toothpaste as it may contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs. If brushing is not an option there are many effective chews, water additives and diets that help with dental health. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of acceptance to be sure it is a safe and effective product.

What can the veterinarian do?

All pets should have a thorough oral exam at their annual checkup. If your pet’s mouth is healthy your veterinarian will probably recommend a routine cleaning and polish of the teeth with Winter 2022

dental x-rays every one or two years. If oral disease is present a veterinarian with dental expertise can perform extractions, treat infections, remove growths in the mouth and perform many other dental procedures. Pain is managed with analgesics similarly to the way it is done in people so that your pet wakes up as pain free as possible. Many people are concerned about the risks of putting their pets under anesthesia for dental procedures. This is necessary in order to allow full access to the pet’s oral cavity.

However, with the safe anesthetics and advanced monitoring currently available the minimal risks are far outweighed by the health benefits of dental care for pets.

So you DO have the power to help your pet live a longer and healthier life. Just take a few minutes to peek in their mouth, and ask your veterinarian to help you develop an oral health plan for your best friend.

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Pets Trigger Positive Emotions Sara Ronfeld, LICSW Rutland Regional Medical Center

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T he powerful positive effects on our emotional health of having a pet is a muchdiscussed issue in the recent past. With the increased stress people are having due to the isolation and fear caused by the pandemic and recent world events, alternative methods are being sought to reduce stress and anxiety and increase emotional/mental health.

Feeling or remembering negative emotions unbalances our nervous system. When we feel negative emotions the heart sends signals to the brain, which in turn sends signals to the hormonal system. Some chemicals such as cortisol are released into the blood and can be harmful to our health if produced in excess. Excessive amounts

of these chemicals can block cognitive functions such as attention, memory, perception, and problem-solving and we are more likely to suffer stress, anxiety, apathy, depression, etc.

On the other hand, positive emotions generate physiological and psychological benefits. On the physiological level, evoking positive emotions such as love, joy, gratitude, compassion, etc., stimulates the immune system. Our health increases and we feel lighter. On the psychological level, positive emotions allow the brain to be more creative and to find efficient solutions to real problems. When we feel positive emotions the ability to think clearly, to learn, to remember, to reason, and to make the right decisions is significantly increased.

When we interact with our pets our positive emotions are triggered. This allows us to be able to think through stressful situations and find increased resiliency when dealing with difficult things. There is a great deal of research about the positive effects our pets can have on our emotional health. Interacting with animals causes your body to produce serotonin and dopamine which help offset depression and anxiety. This explains why many hospital programs have begun animal-assisted therapy programs as part of their chronically and terminally ill patient care. Many mental health programs are also involving horses to treat PTSD through equine-facilitated psychotherapy. It is said that a horse can hear a human heartbeat from 4 feet away! Thus, the horse becomes a “mirror” for how that person is truly feeling and helps them understand their emotional reactions, which can move them toward healing the emotional pain of their trauma.

Pets also encourage us to be more active!

When we move more, we are triggering our “feel good” hormones to be produced.

People who are depressed or anxious are often encouraged to exercise but find it hard to get the energy to do so, but having a pet is a good way to find the motivation to do this! Walking our dogs is also often a way to interact with nature and other people, which is also recommended to enhance mood.

Having a pet can give people more purpose in their life as well. When there is another being that is depending on you for food, love, attention, and care then offers you unconditional love in return we cannot help but feel better. People have long had pets in their lives to help with work and share burdens. With the increased isolation and fear that the recent world events have had on our long-term emotional health, many people are finding that bringing a pet into their lives can help them have more positive emotional experiences which then has a positive effect on their physical health as well.

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service gives me a purpose. To see the joy it brings others makes all the hard work worth it.”

She’s also expanded by starting another business “Driven by Drafts” centered around making opportunities with draft horses available to her community: “This business encompasses my passion to teach others about draft horses and working to develop the breed as well as a larger community of draft horse enthusiasts. I now offer driving lessons, some riding lessons, breeding my Percheron mare, as well as training, and horse drawn services.”

Along with offering a “green” alternative to a needed service, Macey appreciates everything about this rewarding lifestyle: “I enjoy the in-depth training that each horse receives and requires in order to work around the public, and through the commotion of off farm situations. I also love how it brings horses into the community and includes people that may not typically have the opportunity to be around them. In the future I plan to continue with both businesses, as well as that I found there was a potential to do work towards owning a farm that focusexactly what I was looking for. I realized es on true sustainability, homesteading, that working with draft horses enabled and continue with my farming roots.” them to earn their keep by providing unique services, while also providing a Feeding for Success career for me that I truly enjoy.”

When it comes to powering the Draft Her passion and appreciation for draft Trash team, as well as Macey’s slew of breeds began in high school with the chickens, pigs, goats, and rabbits, she inspirational guidance of an employtrusts Poulin Grain to keep them at the er: “For around 9 years I have worked top of their game. alongside a great man named Patrick “My horse’s health and diet is crucial Palmer, who has taught me a great in order to allow them to perform their amount of what I know about draft horses. Throughout high school and college best and withstand the long hours of I worked with Patrick to provide sleigh, work under harness, as well as grow and wagon, and carriage rides for various develop properly, and remain in good events and weddings, along with his condition for work. I really enjoy seeHorse Drawn Trash Route business ing the energy and stamina that Poulin located in the town of Bristol Vermont. Grain provides my horses.”

Macey’s feeds of choice for her draft It wasn’t until 3 years ago, in my last team include E-TEC® Fibre-Max, E-TEC® year at Vermont Technical College for an Equine Studies degree, that I owned Balancer, and Alfalfa Pellets, while her my first team of Percherons with my sig- broodmare and filly thrive on EQUI-PRO® nificant other. Ever since then I have Mare and Foal, and E-TEC® Balancer. She had my geldings working on the Mid- is sure to cater to each animal’s needs dlebury horse drawn trash route. As with customized diets, and says “WithPalmer semi-retired, he allowed me to out my horses in their best condition, I become an owner of Draft Trash Pick- wouldn’t be able to run the business that up LLC, along with Nick Hammond as I worked so hard to establish”.

Macey and her partner also produce my partner.” their own hay supply for their animals, and utilize Poulin Grain’s complimenDriven By Drafts Draf t T rash Pickup now ser vic- tary forage testing service to determine es the town of Middlebury, Vermont deficiencies, and how best to meet their year round with Macey’s Poulin Pow- horses’ diet needs. “Since feeding Pouered team picking up curbside trash, lin Grain, I have noticed a tremendous recycling and compost materials, and difference in the overall health and delivering to the local transfer station. appearance of my horses. For both my “I can’t express how much this busi- broodmare and young stock, I found ness and running it means to me. To that a balanced diet has helped to fill have a childhood dream come true, to out their condition, improve their coat be involved and provide such a unique quality and shine.”

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Draft Trash Pickup

M acey Ross, a determined twentysomething, is making horses commonplace in the Middlebury, Vermont community in a rather unconventional way. Her business, Draft Trash Pickup, is a horse drawn curbside trash, recycling and compost pick up service that has us reminiscing years gone by.

The Beginning After exploring some more typical career paths in the equine industry, Macey found the right fit with an unusual, but practical choice: “As a lifelong Equine advocate, I have always imagined myself owning horses. Throughout my upbringing I brainstormed careers within the industry that would allow me to love what I do, and make a living while doing so, in order to justify and make it possible to own and keep horses. I worked for multiple barns, and explored the idea of being a farrier, riding instructor, or a barn manager. It wasn’t until I started working with draft horses

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Loving Animals: CONVERSATIONS WITH AN ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR

D o you ever wonder what your animal is thinking and feeling? Are there

behavior issues you’re trying to solve?

Are there several animals in your household and would you like to understand their dynamics? Are you struggling with end of life decisions? Do you have questions about rescued and adopted animals?

I studied with the pioneer in animal communication, Penelope Smith. I love being a professional animal communicator, so I wrote a book called Loving Animals: Conversations with an Animal Communicator. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the book are donated to animal rescue organizations.

Here are some excerpts from the book.

wasps, flies, spiders, and ants. There might be more, but I can’t remember then all.

Q: I would like to know more about end-of-life chats and how to know when my animal has had enough.

A: A clients will want to know if their animal is in pain. I do a body scan and let the person know if their animal is in pain. Many animals aren’t ready to transition and some are. Often the clients senses it’s time and wants me to ask the animal how they feel about it. I’m just the channel to let the client know how their animal is feeling and what they want.

Q: Do animals get excited when they are talking to you?

A: Yes. Sometimes the animal gets so excited to be asked what they want, that the animal talks so fast, that I hardly have time to tell the client everything the animal is saying. So I have to slow the animal down, which is sometimes challenging. I start laughing and say the client, “Hold on, your dog us just talking so fast. Let me tell you what he’s saying.”

Q: Do animals like to communicate with us?

A: Yes. They love it. Wouldn’t you love communicating what you want and need to someone and really have them listen to you?

Jeannie Lindheim has done many zoom fundraisers in the past year. She shares how animal communication works and techniques she uses to better understand animals. She tells touching stories and shares some techniques that you can use with your animal companions.

There also is plenty of time for Q and A. If you know anyone who would like a fundraiser, please email her at jeannielindheim@gmail.com or go to www.youranimalspeaks.com

Q: How do you communicate with animals?

A: The connection is telepathic. Everything is energy. I am a channel. My body feel the sensations that your animal is feeling through images, words, taste, sensations, and feelings. Sometimes it’s just a “knowing.”

I do consultations on the telephone.

It’s important that I identify a quality or some qualities about the client’s animal, to make sure I’m talking to the right animal.

One client had a dog who was fourteen years old. I told the clients, “Your dog has a puppy personality, frisky and running around.” The client confirmed that this was exactly what her dog was like.

Sometimes my mouth becomes dry before I call a client. When I spoke to one client, I felt her cat was very dehydrated and knew it was urgent that she take her cat to the vet to be hydrated, which she did after our consultation. She emailed me later that day, that the vet agreed that her cat needed immediate hydration.

Q: What type of animals have you worked with?

A: I’ve worked with dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, hedgehogs, pigs, llamas, alpacas, bearded dragon lizards, donkeys, mules, mice, rats, parrots, rabbits, goldfish, birds (parakeets, pelicans, seagulls, cockatoos, owls, blue herons, cockatiels, loons, hens, chickens), a steer, and insects including Winter 2022

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DOGGIE DAY CARE Pat Jauch Caledonia Animal Rescue, Inc.

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hen you must be away from home, finding appropriate care for your companion animal is essential. Ideally, having someone come to your home to care for your pet will create the least disruption in its daily existence. If this is not possible, other avenues must be explored. Alternatives may include having your pet stay with friends or relatives, stay at a kennel, or possibly being boarded by your veterinarian.

Registering your dog for a boarding session at a kennel can be as complicated as enrolling your child in daycare. What may seem like a simple task can develop into a major event, both for you and your

pet. However, the questions that you need to ask, as well as the requirements of the boarding facility, are important for the well being of your pet.

First of all, you will be away from your pet. This will cause separation anxiety and, in an unfamiliar environment, your pet’s routines will change. Feeding times may vary. Elimination options will not necessarily be on your pet’s routine schedule.

There will be unfamiliar people handling your pet and taking care of its needs. This can lead to a lot of stress for the animal.

In order to make your pet’s stay as pleasant as possible, check out the facility in

advance. Are there special requirements for feeding? Does the kennel require you to provide your own food or are all the guests fed one brand of food? Will this create any problems for your finicky eater or for the one with the delicate digestive system? What vaccinations are required? Has your pet had all of them? Diseases, such as kennel cough (parainfluenza), can be spread rapidly when multiple animals are in confined surroundings and may result in dire consequences, so be sure that your pet is immunized.

What will your pet do while you are absent? Does the kennel have a program for human interaction that will lessen your pet’s loneliness while you are away?

Are there options for your pet to interact with other animals? If your pet becomes ill are arrangements in place for him or her to receive veterinary care? How about exercise? Are there adequate facilities for your pet to run and play?

Thorough research can help you choose the best option for your companion animal. Know your pet’s limitations and make wise choices when confining him to the care of others.

Stihl & Meekah Photo courtesy of Bekah Parent Photography

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Winter 2022

Yay! We’re Taking Brunhilde the Rabbit With Us On Winter Vacay!

Ingrid Braulini - Grantham, NH

W hoa! Let’s stop and take a breath here! Traveling with your pet can be a

If you are taking a leisurely ride down to Florida, or a trip to California, or winchallenge especially if you are doing this tering on the slopes in Canada, it does for the first time. Regardless of the type of make a big difference. So, first things first: animal, or breed, you have some things to Make sure the animal you are traveling think about right at the get-go. with will not have restrictions in any of the places you are traveling to (or through). For • Will you be traveling by car?

Plane? Ship? instance, Canada requires proof of Rabies Vaccination and if the dog is not obvious• Will you be crossing one or more ly under three months old, they will need time zones, going to foreign countries, winter resorts, or proof of age as well. In addition, make sure hot climates? all the health requirements for each state or country are met before you leave. When • The age and general health of your critter? you next visit your vet for your animal’s annual checkup, you may want to ask for • Are you traveling alone, with a partner, or with kids? a certificate of health and a medical record

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and make sure their shots are up to date just in case you need to get out of town or State in a hurry. It’s also important to have that documentation should your pet need care once you get to where you are going.

If traveling by plane, make sure your airline will accept your pet. Not all airlines will allow all breeds and types of animals.

You may need a special pet carrier. Also, if you intend on having your animal in the cabin with you, your airline may not allow it unless it is a licensed service animal. No sense in trying to carry your pet hidden in a carry-on…that never works.

Ships have their own rules and regulaContinued ON Page 16

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tions so check with the cruise line. Some will only allow pets in the hoity-toity private cabins on the upper decks, but most ships will insist on having them in a kennel.

So that leaves traveling by car. If you are crossing times zones and climate zones it’s best to make sure your pet will withstand the changes without a negative impact. Weather and temperature changes, especially drastic ones, can have a serious impact on both very young and very old animals. Don’t assume because George the Peke handled the trip to Mexico just fine the last time that he will do so this time. Your animal may have some underlying conditions, so it’s best to take the whole process slowly. High humidity

is not great for cats and other small mammals and coupled with heat it can cause heatstroke. Dropping a dog or cat from winter weather into the hot southern sun and throwing in high humidity can create myriad problems, however, transitioning them quickly into highly air-conditioned air can also cause issues. That dramatic change can cause an animal to go into shock. You can help avoid this at the start by opening the windows and turning on fans for plenty of circulation and slowly dropping the temperature with air conditioning. Keep in mind how many times you have changed climate and temperature from one extreme to another only to find you’ve gotten sick.

This shouldn’t need to be said BUT, be sure NEVER to leave any animal in any vehicle anywhere on your route for any length of time, especially in warm weather or a warmer climate.

As mentioned before, it is of utmost importance that whenever you travel with your pet or pets, they are vaccinated and are given a clean bill of health. This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of any animals they should encounter. Also, with a medical file on your pet Whoopsie, you can be sure that any vet will be able to see her history and be better able to care for her if the need should arise. Especially important are any x-rays, lab results, results of surgical procedures, heartworm tests, vaccination records, and seizure history (should there be one).

The situations where you absolutely need to see a vet on your trip? Those are any chest, head, or abdomen trauma, a prolonged or first-time seizure, arterial bleeding, a suspected fracture, poisoning, shock, breathing distress, bloat, and unconsciousness. Travel with the names of a couple of veterinarians or vet hospitals along the way and certainly the names of them at your destination.

While you are at it: make sure you know who will take care of your pet while you go out to dinner in Miami, Topeka, or Rome… not all hotels, even the dog-friendly ones, will allow you to leave a pet unsupervised in your hotel room. It’s best to make sure

they, and you, have a list of certified experienced pet sitters. Besides, no one wants to hear your dog barking or cat meowing from your apartment/house for the duration of your evening out.

So, on a car trip to Florida, Arizona, or wherever the cold drives you, or even on a skiing trip what to bring with you besides a boatload of general health information?

It would be great if you are not traveling alone and your travel companion can help you double-check everything each day before you head out. Make sure you have a comfortable carrier, favorite blankie, her toys, and stuffed animal. You will need a restraint for a dog and a comfortable carrier for whatever animal you are schlepping with you in the car, and if you are smart, a dog muzzle (you probably won’t need it but it shows you are a responsible pet owner), esp. in airports. Besides if your animal gets hurt on your trip, you may want to use the muzzle so you and no one else gets bitten. Have plenty of food of the brand your pet likes with you and a gallon jug of water for drinking and cooling down. Make sure your animal medicine chest is full and all supplies are renewed (list of essentials below). If your pet is on medication? Make sure you have enough for your trip, or until you get where you are going. A car sunshade for the side windows is a good idea… actually, the best idea.

Meds to bring with you? Benadryl (best in liquid or gel form) or another antihistamine, with your dog’s name and the amount to be given in case of allergies and insect bites. A fresh bottle of peroxide for cuts and as a vomit inducer in the case of poison. Room temperature (tepid) bottled water to wash out burns, cuts, and scrapes.

A liquid bandage and something to cover it with as well as a blood-clotting agent (check your pharmacy). A rectal digital thermometer with fresh batteries…plastic only, please, and some petroleum jelly to help with insertion! A variety of bandages (not band-aids), gauze pads in various sizes, adhesive tape, and a syringe with no needle to help with liquid medicine administration. Extras you can grab: activated charcoal in case of poisoning, chemical ice pack, and individually packed sanitary napkins for heavy bleeding. Finally: rubber gloves for yourself.

WOW! Who would have thunk? Well, sometimes we think Iris the pug can go everywhere and do everything just like at home but that’s not always accurate so why not make this as easy on yourself as on them? All I can say is happy holidays and Bon Voyage to you and your pets!

Ingrid Braulini is the owner of Pet First Aid & Wellness. She is a certified Pet Tech and Wellness Instructor, a NAPPS Board Member, and NAPPS Certified.

For more information, visit www.PetAidClasses.com

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e all know the reaction puppies get from us. We revert to behavior like a child with a lollipop. “He’s so cute!” we gush. “Look at her face!” “So tiny!” The accolades seem never-ending for the newto-the-world creatures. But, what about the ones past their prime, beyond the fuzzy fur phase? Often times adoptable older dogs are passed over, if seen at all, due to negative, preconceived thoughts. Why is it important for people to consider adopting an older dog? If Jenny Rossi had her way, all senior dogs would find their people.

I first met Jenny Rossi one early Sunday morning at the Chittenden County Humane Society where she arrived with enthusiasm. She was ready to tackle her first morning animal care (MAC) shift. The guinea pig enclosures needed to be disinfected, the cats were howling for breakfast all the while the bunnies lounged without a care in the world. Our volunteer MAC team quickly settled into an efficient routine. After all the litter boxes were cleaned, meals served and floors mopped, it was time to get hands on with the current guests. It was during this play time, that we became friends and I discovered her love for senior dogs.

I wasn’t surprised when, in addition to her regular tasks, she took the initiative to be officially trained on proper dog-walking protocols. This skill allowed her access the canine wing where she and a dog available for adoption could harness up and spend time freely playing in the grassy yard or walking together. Jenny gravitated towards the more mature crowd, the-gray on-themuzzle type. To simply recognize that Jenny is passionate about older canines is a gigantic understatement. Her merry blue eyes become teary when she chats about this topic––a topic she knows well as Emma and Tucker, her adopted, bonded seniors, can attest to.

ADOPTING A SENIOR DOG Karen Sturtevant

Tucker & Emma

loyal. Emma is subtle in her affection pinning Tucker while cleaning his ears or quietly laying on her beloved stuffed horse. She can also be rambunctious in her play encouraging Tucker to zoom around the yard full speed while Tucker is more apt to take his sweet canine time. “Gentleman Tuck” or “Sunshine Boy” as he’s sometimes called, loves people, the socialite of the two. Emma’s raring to go once the morning alarm rings announcing so with clicking of her teeth and shaking the tags on her collar; Tucker wants his snuggle time.

“The great thing about seniors is that they’re learning their personalities and you’re learning theirs.”

“Watching two bonded seniors love each other is such a journey. Just as people love people in different ways, Emma and Tucker animals love animals in different ways.

Emma and Tucker’s first days were bleak.

I don’t think people realize there is so Discovered abandoned in a wooded area much nuance. I’m learning new things in the South, the person who found them every day.” decided to keep and raise them. They were safe and best of all, together. Seven years Why senior dogs?

There are numerous reasons senior dogs would pass, then, due to unforeseen circumstances, the dogs would be surrendered to find themselves in need of new homes– a shelter and find their way to Vermont. some legitimate, others are due to the Jenny, seeking a multi-dog household with selfish nature or lack of knowledge of a soft spot for seniors, adopted them with- their owners. When a senior finds herout hesitation. self in a shelter, she’s often confused “Their personalities are wildly differ- and scared—not understanding why her ent. Emma is courageous but wary. She safe, familiar world is suddenly gone. doesn’t like car rides. She’ll pant and Our society tends to stigmatize the Tucker will lick her face,” as if to com- elderly: they’re slow, they don’t underfort her. She took the longest to open us stand, can’t hear or see well, have health and trust, due to her being so fiercely problems. The f lip side is these indiWinter 2022

viduals bring a library of knowledge, a lifespan of participation, a gift that is rewarded only with passing years.

Senior dogs are in the same category.

“They’ve already accumulated a lifetime of experiences. There’s an important sacredness around that,” comments Jenny. “The only bad luck they’ve had is to live longer. They survived in a human world and have had the back luck to get old. It’s an honor and a service to have a senior in your household. It’s such a calling to home a senior.”

What you see is what you get.

How many times have you heard an owner of an adopted puppy comment that it’s not what they were looking for? Shelter puppies have mystery pasts. Perhaps the breed of the mother is known, but not the father. What arrived as a small dog, grows into an extralarge breed. What was a typical activity level for a twelve-week-old puppy grew into a dog requiring hours of physical activity to release energy each day. With seniors, you know what you’re getting, their personalities are already developed.

Seniors arrive with a autobiography and fully-formed characteristics. Training, habits, triggers, reactions to other animals and behavior challenges have already been established. Instead of beginning on page one for training, new owners can meet the dog where he is to build upon already-established skills.

Jenny uses this opportunity to increase the human/animal bond. Working with a professional trainer, Emma and Tucker have made great strides from leash walking to dog reactivity. “Training is repetitive and frustrating, but the end result is that you’ve built a foundation block together. It’s really great for the relationship.”

Not only is Jenny well-versed in her dogs’ emotional and physical needs, she continue to educate herself in other topics related to canines. She recommends the following podcasts: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf https://www.podtotherescue.com Dogspeak by Nikki Ivey https://dogspeak101.com/podcast/ Bitey End of the Dog by Michael Shikashio https://aggressivedog.com/ podcasts/ My enrichment bible: Canine Enrichment for the Real World https://www.dogwise.com/canineenrichment-for-the-real-world/ Continued Next Page

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Health & Enrichment Is choosing a puppy or adolescent over a senior dog a promise for fewer health issues?

Do you know anything that’s a 100 percent sure thing? “Youth is never a guaranteer of long life–ever,” comments Jenny. Diseases and accidents fall upon all canines, young and old, even with most diligent of owners.

“It’s bittersweet immediately knowing the joy of life. You can’t take for granted and say, ‘I am going to have this puppy from 12 weeks to 12 years.’ Our time is never guaranteed. That’s an important lesson these puppies have taught me.”

Puppies tend to grow up before our eyes.

Seniors are already there. “Glow-up” is Jenny’s term for this transformation.“When you get a senior dog, you’re empowered to initiate those changes. Give them that good food, those supplements. Watch that change, watch that glow-up happen. As an animal steward, you can make that coat shine, make those eyes brighter. You can do all these things to enrich their lives.”

Housebreaking A puppy requires constant attention.

Puppies chew, have accidents and need to go out side every few hours—even during the night—to empty their little bladders.

Senior dogs are most often already house-

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broken and are able to ‘hold it’ for several hours. This is important to consider for folks working outside the home. What’s the plan for during the day? Crating a puppy for 10 hours at a time isn’t fair or humane. Jenny comments, “If I had a puppy, the house would be rubble!”

Consider a senior who would be content napping on a soft bed during her alone time while waiting for her hero to arrive home.

Endless warm and fuzzy emotions Making the decision to welcome any animal in the home is a great teaching lesson for adults and especially children.

Teaching responsibility while feeling strong emotions are beautiful stepping stones in fostering empathy and understanding. In Emma and Tucker’s home, Jenny supplies them with enrichment items designed to keep them entertained and alert. These pampered pups love their snuffle mats, chews and squeaky toys during the day. Each night before bed, they are offered an array of doggiesafe frozen delicacies, including mango, cottage cheese and chicken on lick mats.

Jenny finds this activity helps them wind down and keep in nighttime routine.

“Puppies aren’t the only ones who need enrichment, seniors do to. They love it.”

Adoption of a dog saves two lives: the

adopted dog and another who will take the shelter space. Knowing that is a strong feeling. Any adopted and rescued animal needs time to decompress and trust in his new environment. Good things can’t be rushed. With routine, consistency and patience, those who are rescued can glow-up into their true selves. It’s an amazing and rewarding metamorphosis to be a part of.

The next time your family is deciding whether to adopt a companion animal, consider the seniors, the less-than-perfect, the often overlooked. These souls are just waiting to find companionship and show their unwavering gratitude.

If you are unable to adopt, considering fostering.

We’ve often heard one person can’t change the world. However, one person can change the world of a dog, an animal, a person. Looking into the eyes of a rescued animal is an deeply profound experience. So much behind them. Jenny realizes this and has made the decision to open her heart and home.

Emma and Tucker are two of the fortunate. They are thriving, safe, learning, and engaged. This is the wish for every animal in need of a safe place. If Emma and Tucker could speak, they would gaze up at Jenny and say, “Thank you for taking a chance and loving us.”

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Help For Your Pet Sue Skaskiw - VVSA Humane Society Director / VSNIP Administrator

T he VT Spay Neuter Incentive Program (“VSNIP”), under the oversight of

To receive a VSNIP application, send a S.A.S.E to: VSNIP, PO Box 104, Bridgethe VT Economic Services Department, water, VT 05034. Indicate if it’s for a cat/ administered by VT Volunteer Services for dog or both. For more information, call Animals Humane Society, helps financially 802-672-5302. challenged Vermont residents spay/neuVVSA is also seeking volunteers to ter cats and dogs for $27.00. The balance help with a variety of programs, includis paid by fellow Vermonters when dogs ing the administration of VSNIP. Our are licensed by an added $4.00 fee. This is office is in Bridgewater. the major funding for this important program. Funds are limited by the number of dogs licensed, which is required by law.

A current rabies vaccination is required to register. A rabies vaccination can be administered after 12 weeks of age, and dogs are required to be licensed by six months of age.

Why License?

Licensing a dog: 1) helps identify your dog if lost, 2) provides proof your dog is protected from rabies in the event your dog is bitten by a rabid animal, but would still need immediate medical attention, 3) if your dog bites an animal or person – which could result in quarantine or possible euthanasia to test for infection, and 4) helps pay for VSNIP, addressing the population situation we have in Vermont.

Farms with cats should especially be aware that one rabid cat or dog can affect an entire population of animals on the premise. The answer is neutering through VSNIP which includes a rabies vaccination and the first of the of the distemper series.

Look for Rabies Clinics in March, call your veterinarian and ask the cost of only a rabies vaccination, or call your nearest Tractor Supply Store for their monthly Rabies Clinic schedule. Rabies IS in Vermont and it IS deadly.

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Experience in Excel data entry, Outlook Office 365, typing proficiency, and basic phone skills are necessary. Must be vaccinated, a non-smoker, no perfumes and like cats :) Please see our website www.VVSAHS .org The animals thank you in advance!

Together We Truly Do Make A Difference!!

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Equine Clubs, Associations & Organizations S ome of you might be new to horses or this area. The prices of horses have

increased as our time of pestilence has given some people the chance to work from home with more free time to follow their passion for horses. I thought I would share some information on several riding clubs and organizations in the Vermont area.

You don’t need to be a Vermont resident to join. Many of these clubs and associations have been in existence for years and are great places to meet other likeminded individuals. I know personally, that many of the organizations are always looking for people that are willing to serve on the board, volunteer for events, or just be active members. Membership in several of the organizations come with perks as they are affiliated with larger organizations. For a small membership fee in a local organization through the larger organizations there are discounts on insurance, tractors, feed and even purchases from your favorite online tack store and so much more.

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Sue Miller

Please look into and consider joining an organization as without active members these institutions will fold.

The Vermont Horse Council was started in 1975 as a unifying voice for equine enthusiasts in the state. The mission statement is: To promote and protect the interest of all Vermont horsemen and horsewomen.

To provide information on the Vermont horse industry, laws and regulations affecting it, and on other related subjects. To be a means of communication between all horsemen and to provide information to the general public. To map, mark, and develop interconnecting riding trails throughout the state of Vermont. To encourage horsemen to respect public and private property rights. To take such action as the general membership directs.

The Vermont Horse Council (VHC)has now partnered with Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to keep open space for trails that include horseback riding & camping. So, if you enjoy

trail riding and would like to be able to continue to access great places to ride you might want to consider joining and learning more. The VHC also has scholarships available to adults and youth. The VHC hosts exceptional educational events at low cost or free for members each year.

When joining the VHC, you are affiliated with the larger organization The American Horse Council whose mission is: working daily to advocate for the social, economic and legislative interests of the United States equine industry.

The Vermont Riding & Driving Association was started in 1970’s for those interested in enjoying the state riding or driving distances. This organization sets up competitive trail rides for distances of 15 to 100 miles that can be enjoyed by horseback or from the seat of your favorite buggy.

Do you enjoy showing your horse?

Large or small, in hand, driving, sidesaddle, western, over fences, there are shows and exhibitions you can take part of within our little state and within the region.

The Vermont Horse Shows Association (VHSA) is the oldest equine association in the state being established in 1931. The purpose of the club is as follows: To promote, encourage and assist in the holding of horse shows and exhibitions of horses within the state of Vermont and activities allied there-with. To assist in arranging the schedule of horse show dates to the end that conflicts may be avoided. To formulate rules, systems of classification and regulations applicable to all shows held

by Horse Show Members of this Association. To encourage and promote the use of horses for pleasure and particularly to promote and extend riding activities within the state of Vermont and further to promote the organization and coordination of riding clubs.

Each year the VHSA tries to affiliate with shows around the state to offer horse shows for both English and western riders. There are divisions for green horses/ ponies, meaning newly trained, divisions for mini horses, & adults that don’t want to go faster than a trot. If you are hosting a show & are looking for more participants, please consider affiliating your show. The VHSA points the shows and has a wonderful banquet each year for year-end prizes.

There are clubs like the Mid State Riding Club that was formed in 1949 The club holds clinics, horse shows, trail rides and participates in local parades. The club also meets Winter 2022

monthly offering educational programs, a chance to voice your thoughts on club activities and plenty of time for visiting with other riders and equine enthusiasts.

The club has their own property to host the shows and clinics as does the DRHC. Dog River Horse Club that offers a variety of equine activities from trail rides, to horse shows and clinics. DRHC is a familyoriented club for horse enthusiasts of all ages to encourage, stimulate and promote riding, driving, in-hand, learning, or simply enjoying the closeness of their pasture pal(s). They welcome all abilities of the person and horse, and strongly encourage varied horse events. The DRHC events are mostly hosted in Washington, VT. The Vermont Horsemans Association was started in 1972 in Castleton, VT promoting family-oriented horse activities. They too host open horse shows, an educational horse show, three open gymkhanas, and two trail rides each season. There is also an annual awards banquet for the riders who have worked hard throughout the year.

There are clubs that were started to promote specific disciplines of riding. Like the Vermont Hunter Jumper Association, The Central Vermont Dressage Association, and Working Equitation Vermont, there are many others. Look on social media typing in your favorite type of discipline to ride to find more information.

The Vermont Hunter Jumper Association offers a variety of member benefits from Scholarships and Programs, participation in our Finals for the Hunter, Jumper and Equitation disciplines, to a comprehensive Year-End Awards program celebrated at their Annual Awards Banquet in February. Learn more about what benefits follow with your VHJA Membership!

The CVDA is dedicated to promoting the Art and Sport of Dressage in Central Vermont. They host shows and clinics and also offer a library of information and scholarships.

When joining the CVDA you are also joining the larger organization of the United States Dressage Association.

Growing in population is the new sport of working equitation. The Working Equitation Vermont is a group dedicated to helping promote the equestrian sport of Working Equitation. They support the national nonprofit Working Equitation United. This sport combines the beauty of dressage, the thrill of speed events, the precision of a trail class, and the skill set of a working ranch horse & can be ridden in English or Western tack.

Do you have a favorite breed of horse?

Me too! I am a Morgan lover, owner and small breeder. The state has so many breed associations. Most breed associations have programs for children with or without horses. The Vermont Morgan Horse Association was started in 1966 to promote and celeWinter 2022

caring to ride or drive. To offer best practices and be aware of changing political issues and environmental impacts, it would behoove a caring horse owner to join organizations to remain in the know about the latest trends in care, feeding and training.

I hope you consider looking into one of the organizations mentioned, visit their websites or find one from an online search that sparks an interest for you and your equine companion. These organizations can only be as strong as their memberships voice. Join to share your ideas. You can help shape how equines are enjoyed in the state in the future.

"Champ" Photo courtesy of Mary Willmuth

brate the Vermont State Animal.

The Vermont Appaloosa Club was formed in 1971 to support the ApHC by promoting the Appaloosa breed throughout Vermont. To encourage and foster the interest, growth, and love for the Appaloosa horse by providing fellowship, events, and recognition to Appaloosa owners and those that wish they were.

The Vermont Quarter Horse Association officially became a non-profit in 1976 advocating for the benefit of the breed, its owners, and the associated industry of trainers, breeders, tack shops, farriers, boarding facilities, veterinarians, trailer and truck dealers, etc who support and make a living from the breed within the state.

The Green Mountain Draft Horse Association was formed to establish friendly communication and encourage the exchange of ideas for the purpose of assisting its members in the areas of breeding, exhibiting, buying, selling and promoting the varied uses of draft horses, mules, ponies and oxen.

If you like working in hand (leading with a lead-rope) or at liberty (off lead) there are virtual agility competitions. Agility is much like dog agility which is asking your equine companion to walk over around and through different obstacles.

These are just a small glimpse of the organizations, associations and clubs that you can join in our small state. With the disadvantage of Covid and social distancing many organizations have offered virtual competitions. Many top name trainers have begun to offer online trainings and lessons that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your favorite chair.

You don’t have to be competitive in different riding disciplines to enjoy horses.

There are many people that raise horses, or enjoy the connection and bond they create with these sentient beings never www.4LegsAndATail.com 21

Bravo for Bravo Sarah Tuck Gillens

I n 1956, I was just a pup. I woke up one morning six feet from the floor, cradled in the warm hands and silky

beard of a tall man, John Tuck, Jr., a Naval Seabee officer known as Jack. My name is Bravo. I was born at McMurdo Station in the Antarctic. Jack’s job was to handle sled dogs.

My job was to follow Jack around.

“How’s that pup of yours? ”asked an older trainer, Dutch Dolleman.

“Bravo’s growing bigger every day, watches everything like he knows something important is going to happen.”

Jack replied setting me down in the dog pen. Jack smelled like leather, he and Dutch were making sled dog harnesses.

I ran over to Mom who sniffed me all over. She said that Dutch knew a lot about dogs and surviving in cold climates.

Settlements would be built around Antarctica as the International Geophysical Year was starting, the first worldwide scientific survey of our planet. Scientists would come from all over the world to study the climate, the environment, and atmosphere. My brother and I do our own studies of the environment at our dog hut, “Dogheim”. We sniff the frosty air and smell penguins. We dig the hard packed ice and find more ice. We watch the sky come alive with shooting, waving colors at night, it makes our hair stand on end.

“Mom, what’s your job when you are done raising us?”

I asked as I burrowed into her thick fur.

“We dogs are here just in case,” Mom said, “If any transport planes land and can’t get back to McMurdo, then drivers,

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Photograph by: Cliff Dickey, National Science Foundation, Date Taken: Austral winter 1957

dogs, and sleds would be dropped by parachutes for a rescue operation.”

“Yikes! I’m glad we’re not sled dogs yet!”

I wandered outside and listened to Jack and Dutch. Jack had graduated from Dartmouth College and studied reindeer in Greenland. When he heard about this opportunity, he wanted the Navy to send him. He worked with the other Seabees gathered around Dick Bowers, the building leader.

I loved listening to the plans for the pole. Dick was warning the guys about the dangerous, difficult adventure ahead.

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“No one has attempted this before. We’ll be about 850 miles inland from here and 9000 feet about sea level. We’ll be flown in by ski planes and our supplies will be dropped from the air. October is the start of summer here so we can expect temperatures to rise to around zero degrees. We will have some blizzards but the sun will be visible until March.”

“What’s the first building to be erected?” asked Jack.

“We’ll build a Quonset hut with a heater and cook stove. Some men may sleep in tents and some will sleep inside,” Dick answered.

“We’ll use the bulldozer to even out the ice and snow for the bases of all the other buildings, if it drops from the plane safely.”

“Heater and cook stove,” sounded good to my puppy ears. I wasn’t sure about bulldozers falling from the sky, that sounded scary!. Our mom taught us survival skills such as digging into the snow to keep warm in a blizzard. I was hoping these men knew how to dig in too!

The time of departure for the pole arrived, but so did bad weather. After several days of frantic activity, the men and equipment settled down like new fallen snow. Piles of bags were everywhere and the sled dogs, going to the pole, were snoozing.

“Why aren’t they more excited?” I yipped to my brother, as I paced in my pen pleading to go. I wanted to be with the guys; Jack, Bowers, Bristol, Woody, Montgomery, Nolen, Randall, and Powell. No one had ever lived at the pole, it was an awful place. Now these men were going to build places to live for the winter and carry out science projects like: movement of glaciers, gravity experiments, seismology studies, the airglow and auroras, geomagnetism, ionosphere physics, and cosmic rays.

I sensed that these brave men were anxious, but they were strong and smart too. I loved to watch them work together, joking as they got a lot done. I wanted to be part of the fun and work with Jack!

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On November 20, 1956, I watched two ski planes with Jack, Lt. Bowers and his crew of builders, and eleven sled dogs take off. A third ski plane carried more men, and big Globemaster planes flew along to help locate the Pole, drop the dog food, sled and harnesses, and heavy equipment. I thought my heart would break when Jack climbed into the plane and disappeared. I ran in circles in my pen until Old Dutch came over and held me tightly against his big jacket.

“He’ll be back. He’ll be OK,” Dutch kept telling me.

“29 degrees below zero at the pole, the men are in tents and the dogs are sleeping outside,” I heard the radioman report to Dutch.

Brrrr! Supplies were streaming onto the pole damaged, because the ropes tying them to parachutes broke when released from the supply planes. One bulldozer buried itself thirty feet in the snow. Parachutes would land and sail away across the snow because of high winds.

I love to chase things, but the men were getting tired of chasing them down, and wanted to solve the problem.

A week later the scientist, Dr. Siple, came to visit Dutch. He said that mail was delivered for the first time at the South Pole. Dr. Siple was a big man, a leader. I sat and behaved myself when he was around. He told Dutch that Jack had been asked to be the Navy officer in charge at the pole “You’re mighty lucky,” he told Siple, “Jack’s as fine as they come. This pup Bravo, you’ve been eyeing as mascot for the Pole Station will be all yours now. He’s really Jack’s dog, and Jack will insist on having him.”

Jack came back to McMurdo to work out a solution for the wrecked supplies. I turned myself inside out, I was so glad to see him! Jack let me roam around with him and played tug of war with me. He tied supplies onto wooden pallets and wrapped them in canvas. Hopefully these pallets would drop safely. Besides building materials, delicate scientific equipment would be flown in by ski planes along with nine scientists led by Dr. Paul Siple.

“I just heard the admiral has appointed you as the Navy support officer in charge at the pole this winter. Long, dark days in that awful cold, what are you going to do for entertainment?”

Dutch said, smiling at Jack, but winking at me.

“Dutch, we’ve seen most of the movies by now. The men like to read and we plan to give lectures.” Jack turned and looked at me. I sat very still except for my tail, which couldn’t help but wag.

“What do you say, Bravo? Do you want to spend the winter with eighteen guys and a lot of cold weather?” Jack asked as he hugged me.

I licked his bearded face and howled in delight.

All I needed was to be with Jack. We were off on a great adventure!

Sarah Gillens lives in Plainfield, NH, is an Medical Technologist and writes stories that will interest children in science and history. Finding her distant relative, Jack Tuck, led to this story about Jack’s dog, Bravo www.4LegsAndATail.com 23

A

very old dog lived with a young boy. They were best friends.

Every day they would play together. The boy could not throw far and the dog could not run fast, but they always had fun.

The dog was old and did not see well. Her eyes would twinkle and her tail would thump whenever her boy came near.

Under the Dog Star Cindra Conison - Montpelier, VT

These are challenging times in which we find ourselves. Times of pestilence.

Times of economic insecurity. To the outside world, the loss of a canine or feline member of the family ranks low on the list of concerns. But inside the family, there is no pain more immediate.

No pain more pressing. The best that I can wish for is that a sense of grace envelops you and yours in the ever comforting light of the night sky above us all tonight and forever.

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Every night the boy would gently rub the dog’s sore hips and cover her with his blanket.

The dog would lick the boy’s face and press her wet nose into the creases of his neck and they would fall asleep together.

One morning, the boy woke up and called his dog.

She did not come.”Where is my dog?” the boy cried.

His mother gently held him in her arms and said, “She left last night for the Dog Star. Her legs were old and sore. It was time for her to return home.”

“But this is her home!” sobbed the boy. “She left this for you,” said his mother, as she handed him a sheet of paper with a paw print and her tags attached to it.

Days and nights passed and the boy cried and cried.

One night, his grandfather came to see him. “Come walk with me”, the grandfather said. They walked through the dark and starry night. “I miss my dog”, sobbed the boy. “I am afraid that I will forget her.”

The grandfather took his hand and quietly said, “Stand still...Be quiet. Put your hand on your chest.

The beating of your heart is the thumping of her tail when she sees you.”

You can feel her “Reach out and feel the wind...It is your dog running after her ball.”

You can feel her “Lie on the grass; you can feel her soft fur touching you.”

“The gentle rains are her kisses on your cheek.”

You can feel her “One the coldest days, the wet snow on your neck is her nose pressing against you.”

You can feel her

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His grandfather pointed to the night sky. “Look up. That shining star right there is the Dog Star. The bright twinkling starlight is her eyes forever watching over her very best friend.”

The boy looked up and cried, “But sometimes nights are cloudy and we won’t be able to see each other.” “Come with me”, his grandfather said quietly.

They went inside the house, and straight to the boy’s bedroom. “Look out the window. Find the Dog Star.” The boy touched a spot on the glass. His grandfather took a piece of soap from his pocket. He drew a dog star on the window.

“As long as there are stars in the sky, you will always be together”, whispered his grandfather.

The tears stopped, and the boy would forever sleep under the light of the Dog Star.

Under The Dog Star was actually written several decades ago for a very special boy who is now a grown man; our son. My short fable provided a small person the solace needed to process his immense grief. Over time, it has allowed the three of us to share the pain in the open which was so important. The fable has also helped many others that I have shared it with over the years.

The Quirky Pet is a small pet shop in a small town. I know when a dog is simply gone from the person’s face when they enter my store. I knew their dog by name. They know that I will always be emotionally there for them. In the decades since the fable was written, a handful of dogs have transitioned from our family. A casual glance at the starry Vermont sky. For me, they all are as present as can be. In truth, the little boy forever resides in us all. I am no exception.

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Short Lower Jaw. Don’t Just Sit and Watch, Do Something Sandra L. Waugh VMD, MS - Windsor Pet Dental

Every year I examine puppies whose jaws are not growing properly. I would really like these puppies to come when they are 8 weeks of age. Treatment for these abnormalities must be started as soon as possible. Too often owners are given the advise to “wait and see” rather than taking immediate action. Many puppies get their first vaccinations at 8 weeks of age and if the jaws are not matched in length action should be immediately be taken.

This is a dog who was not treated as a puppy. Dog jaws are very powerful and a large hole in the roof of the mouth can result from impact from a canine tooth.

This hole in the hard palate is what can result from a lower jaw canine digging into the hard palate over time.

This is an adult dog.

Treatment: The lower canines were shortened and immediately capped and the lower incisors were extracted.

How the teeth come together is called Occlusion. In the front of the mouth the normal occlusion is very tightly spaced.

Unmatched jaw lengths result in a Malocclusion.

Let’s review how the jaw grows in a young dog. As the upper jaw grows forward the maxillary canines press on the mandibular canines and “push” the mandible along. As the mandible grows forward, the mandibular incisors press on the maxillary incisors and “push” the maxilla ahead. in this way the proper relationship between the jaws is maintained until the full growth has occurred. When the mouth is opened and closed, the teeth do not hit the opposing soft tissue and the dog is free of oral pain.

Maxillary Canine

Maxillary Third Incisor

Maxillary Incisors

These are adult teeth. The deciduous teeth should also have this pattern.

Normal bite in a dog.

Mandibular Canine 26 4 Legs & a Tail

Mandibular Incisors Winter 2022

What happens when the jaws are not in this relationship? If the mandible is much shorter than the maxilla, the lower incisors and canines will impact onto the roof of the mouth and dig into it. This will mechanically impede the growth of the mandible leaving it permanently short or causing it to bend in the middle and bow out below.

Sometimes if the mandibular canine is close to where it should be, the soft tissue in the area can be removed, allowing the canine to go into a more normal position.

This is the same dog as in the Normal Bite in a Dog picture. This puppy was lucky, as his malocclusion was not too severe. Early treatment allowed his mandible to grow a bit longer.

This dog has some adult teeth and some deciduous teeth. The canine teeth are all deciduous teeth.

Early consultation with a veterinary dentist will give the puppy the best chance to grow out a normal mandible. As time goes by, this growth will no longer occur and other procedures will need to be used to result in a painfree mouth.

Deciduous teeth might look small but they are very sharp! When they dig into the soft tissues inside the mouth it creates a great deal of pain for the puppy. Often these puppies become very head shy and reluctant to allow anyone to look into the mouth. They may not eat well due to the pain and this will affect their growth.

What can be done? Removing the teeth that are impacting on the inside of the mouth has two benefits. First, it will immediately relieve the pain.

Second it will allow the short jaw the opportunity to grow. However, there is a big time constraint. The adult incisors will start erupting at 3-4 months of age, and very quickly grow enough to impact the tissues on the inside of the mouth again resulting in impeding the growth of the jaw.

These mandibular deciduous canine teeth (green arrows) are digging into the hard palate.

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Dr. Waugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

She also holds a Masters Degree from Washington State University of Veterinary Medicine and is owner of Windsor Pet Dental, PLC. www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

A Dog on the Battlefield and the Character of George Washington Kate Kelly G eorge Washington was said to have The Battle of Germantown been a man who loved dogs and owned In July of 1777 British General William many. He was an avid hunter, and most of his dogs would have been used for hunting.

The Marquis de Lafayette was known to have sent seven staghounds to George Washington in a sign of friendship. A photo of this breed shows a likeness to what we know today as greyhounds. In colonial times, these dogs were great hunters, but they were bred to hunt via speed and sight; scent was not key to their hunting ability. Sweet Lips, Scentwell, and Vulcan were the names of three of Washington’s staghounds.

Washington also owned Black and Tan Coonhounds. These dogs were scent hounds, and those whose names are known were called Drunkard, Taster, Tippler, and Tipsy (It would be nice to know more about this choice of names!). One source says that Washington bred the Black and Tan Coonhounds with the Staghounds, which may have resulted in Americas first fox hounds.

But a story about a dog found on a battlefield reveals a great deal about the character of the man who was to be our first President.

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Howe started moving his forces toward Philadelphia in an effort to seize the city that was serving as the revolutionary capital.

Washington and the Continental Army had suffered a couple of serious defeats in September of 1777, and then Cornwallis successfully marched into Philadelphia and claimed it for the British, so American spirits were low. General Howe arranged for the next move for the British, and he sent of his men off to Germantown.

With winter approaching, Washington felt he had time for one more attack, and with the British forces spreading out, Washington thought his men might be able to overtake those at the garrison in Germantown. While Washington’s plan was a brave one–and if successful, it could have made a huge difference in the war. However, Washington did not accomplish his goal.

He over-estimated his men’s preparedness, and the plan, which required coordination among spread-out units, was plagued by incredibly foggy weather.

The men could not coordinate their movements because they could not see what was

happening on the battlefield. The British were again successful, assuring that Philadelphia would remain in British hands for the remainder of the war.

Small Dog Found After the battle, a small dog was found on the battlefield, and when the Americans capture the dog, they saw from his collar that he belonged to General Howe.

Washington’s men wanted to hold the dog in retribution for their defeat at the hands of Howe’s men.

Washington saw the situation from a different view, and he arranged for a messenger to return the dog to Howe with a two-line letter: “General Washington’s compliments to General Howe, does himself the pleasure to return [to] him a Dog, which accidentally fell into his hands, and by the inscription on the Collar appears to belong to General Howe.”

While many of the stories about Washington’s character seem to have been created by his earliest biographer, Parson Weems, this lovely story of kindness and gallantry is one that can be fully documented as a draft of the note still exists. It is written in the handwriting of Washington’s aidede-camp Alexander Hamilton, and the note can be found is in the Washington Papers at the Library of Congress.

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Winter 2021

Help for Pets Under the Dogstar What’s On Your Cat’s Mind George Washington the Dog Lover 10 Most Heartwarming Dog Stories