4 Legs & a Tail Keene Fall 2018

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What You Could Learn from Your Horse A Happy Litter Box Pet Emergencies That Require Immediate Attention Raccoons!

A Veterans Day Tribute to Nemo the Dog

Southern NH & VT Fall 2018

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

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2. A Cat and a Dog That LOVE Traveling Together 3. Woman Replaces Sister's Ex-Boyfriend with a Cat 4. Ginger Cat Finds an Uninvited Guest in His Bed 5. EquiGroom to the Rescue!

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A great idea to keep your pet's coat healthy 6. Wag It Forward Mark your calendar for October 14 and Chittenden County's biggest dog festival

8. Why is my Dog So Itchy? M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

Even in fall, allergies may be the culprit

10. 13 Common Pet Emergencies That Need IMMEDIATE Attention!

12. Does My Cat Have Dental Disease? If So, How Can I Recognize It? How Painful is it? OK, Then Let's Fix It! Sandra L. Waugh, VMD,MS 14. Nemo: He Was the First of His Kind A tribute to all Vietnam

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veterans and one dog who served his country

16. How is Your Horse's Nutrition Similar to His Dressage Training? Nicole Sicely 17. If I Could Function Like a Horse Dorothy Crosby What you can learn from a horse

18. The Passion of a Young Rider

Olivia Sutton has followed her love for equestrian

21. Raccoons! Scott Borthwick

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Sure they're cute. But what happens when "Mayhem" comes to your home?

22. Thinking Outside the Box Holly McClelland

Alternatives to traditional clay cat litter

23 Ask Reese Aimee Doiron

Q & A to some of today's popular pet grooming questions

24. Simple Ways to Keep Cats Off Your Kitchen Counter Tess Wilson 25. Emmy's Orthopedic Ordeal Cathy White 26. Three Men and a Cat Tim Hoehn

How much havoc can one cat make?

28. The Coolidge Dogs (and Other Animals) Kate Kelly

A look at the four-legged friends of this Vermonter and our 30th President, Calvin Coolidge

4 Legs & a Tail Volume K.318 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Sales Manager: Karyn Swett

603-727-9214

Senior Editor: Scott Palzer

KarynS.4LT@gmail.com

Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff, Kate Kurtz

Fall 2018

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 Southern NH & VT. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim.

Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

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A Cat and a Dog that LOVE Traveling Together C

ynthia Bennett and her boyfriend, both based in Colorado, are keen hikers, back in 2014 they adopted their dog Henry at a puppy adoption event.

“We looked around and Henry was just sitting there,” explained Cynthia. “They said he was only 3 and a half months, but he was like five times bigger than the other 3 and a half-month old puppies.

And he had these long legs, and the body type of a wolf or husky.”

Even though he was only 14 weeks old, it wasn’t long before he began hiking with them. “I think we only had him for three days when we took him on our first hike, which was to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs,” she said. “He found the steepest, tallest rock around, and he ran up to the top of it to look over the edge.”

Soon the couple decided to extend their family and began the search for a kitten. “I really wanted a rescue kitten.

I’d looked for five months, and I saw lots of different kittens, but none of them really had the right personality or fit.

I knew that I wanted to take him anywhere — camping, hiking.” It was then that they found Baloo at a local animal shelter. He was a Siamese mix and as soon as they met a bond was formed.

“He ran right up to me,” Cynthia said.

“And he was the one who played, but he wasn’t the most rowdy.”

They took Baloo home and introduced him to Henry, it was love at first sight as Baloo immediately snuggled up to the big dog. Before long, Baloo started joining the family on their trips and they have wonderful adventures together which they have documented with these beautiful photos.

This kitty has a taste for adventure and loves to go hiking with his family…

“He’s definitely not the kind of cat we can leave home alone on the weekend anymore, I think he thinks he’s more a dog than anything.”

Baloo is so attached to the big pooch that when Cynthia put him onto Henry’s head for a photo — he liked it so much that it became a favorite spot!

This loving family is so happy together that I’m sure there’ll be many more adventures ahead of them.

You can see more of Baloo, Henry and Cynthia on Instagram All images @henrythecoloradodog

It was love at first sight for Baloo and Henry and the two companions have become inseparable.

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Woman Replaces Sister’s Ex-Boyfriend with Cat in Family Photos W

hen 27-year-old Chloe Forsberg of Southampton, England, broke up with her boyfriend, her sister Emily decided there was only one course of action to make her sister feel better, remove him from all the family photos so that they were not a constant reminder of the failed four year relationship. But not only did Emily remove him from all the pics, she replaced him with pictures of Chloe’s cat Woof.

“My cousin got married and my boyfriend — we were together four years — he was in all the official pictures,” Chloe told Today. “When we broke up six months (after the wedding), my sister thought it’d be fun to replace him with a picture of my cat. It was a joke, really. I felt a bit bad to have the pictures ruined with photos of him. But my sister made me feel a bit better about it.”

And the best part of this story? No PhotoShop skills were required. Emily did it all using Microsoft Paint!

Fall 2018

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Ginger Cat Finds an Uninvited Guest in His Bed A

ginger cat named George was horrified today when an uninvited guest decided to use his bed while he was having a walk in the garden.

George’s human, Meloney Blaze, couldn’t believe her eyes. “When I came downstairs, and walked past the kitchen into the bathroom, I did a double take as in the kitchen window I could see a pair of huge ears. I thought, “hmm, those are not the cat’s ears”, and I turned the light on to look at what was in the cat’s bed – and it was a fox!”

“He was very tame, he did not want to leave. George was outside the window and was not impressed, I had to let him in the bathroom window. He jumped on the side and leapt into action and was telling the fox off – he was even hissing at him, but the fox just looked at him.”

Meloney, f rom London, UK, explained that she had woken in the night to let George out of the kitchen window so he could go into the garden, the fox must of sneaked in after she’d gone back to bed and had made itself at home in the kitty’s bed. When George returned, he tried to scare the uninvited guest away by hissing, but the fox refused to budge until Meloney grabbed the bed and tipped the fox out of the window. “He was very tame,” she explained, “he did not want to leave.”

And with the cold spell that is sweeping across the UK at the moment, who can really blame him!

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EquiGroomer to the Rescue

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he EquiGroomer was developed after avid animal lover Cheryl Dauphin bought a 10-year-old horse with very sensitive skin. To her dismay, she quickly realized how dangerous it was to use any of the shedding tools she already owned because the large teeth irritated his skin and caused stress and irritation. After much trial and error, the EquiGroomer was born. It solved more than just the shedding problem, daily use actually helped keep her horse’s coat stay clean, shiny and soft.

Although it was originally designed as a shedding tool for horses, Cheryl quickly learned that many of her customers were eager to try them on their own cats and dogs. She soon started receiving feedback from people thrilled with results.

From Corgis and Shepherds to Boxers and Bulldogs, nearly every dog owner gave her a ‘thumbs up’. Even cat owners, who said they couldn’t get near their cats with anything resembling a grooming tool, boasted that their cats—even their long-haired ones— loved the EquiGroomer because the blade mimicked another cat’s tongue. Their cats only thought they were being pet! Even customers who owned rabbits were raving because the teeth were so gentle on their bunny’s thin skin.

What makes the EquiGroomer unique is the design of its teeth. Most traditional shedding blades are made from flat steel with both a coarse and fine sawtooth pattern cut into its edge. Unfortunately, the large teeth can be very uncomfortable on an animal’s skin and many owners find the design awkward to use, especially in Fall 2018

tight spots. The EquiGroomer was designed to work smarter and faster. It relies on physiology rather than friction to remove unwanted hair. As hair gets old and dry it develops scales that not only attract dirt and dander, it also causes the hair to get dull. Tiny burrs on each tooth of the EquiGroomer’s blade grab onto those scales and gently pull the dead hair out taking the dirt and grime with it. This is why the EquiGroomer works on virtually any animal that sheds. More importantly, because there is no cutting edge between each tooth, the EquiGroomer only removes dead, scaly hair. Healthy hair glides effortlessly between the teeth so your pet’s coat will actually improve with regular use.

Aren’t your pets worth it? Keeping your dog or cat’s coat clean, shiny, soft and free from the itch and unsightliness of a shedding coat is the responsibility of all caring pet owners. There are so many grooming products on the market today, but NONE with all the features, comfort and attention to the needs of dogs and cats like the EquiGroomer. Visit their website for videos and reviews demonstrating its effectiveness on all types of animals: www.equigroomer.com.

Want one now but don’t want to order online? You can buy them locally at the Cheshire Horse at 8 Whittemore Farm Road in Swanzey.

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WAG IT FORWARD D

o you love animals? Do you want a fun and meaningful way to “pay it forward”? Then do we have the event for you! Last year Pet Food Warehouse presented the first annual Wag It Forward: A Festival for Pets. Despite some dodgy weather in the morning, it was a blast and a smashing success with an estimated 1558 human attendees, 714 dogs, 50 non-profit groups, and 30 vendors.

This year, as part of celebrating Pet Food Warehouse’s 35 years in business, the 2nd Annual Wag It Forward Festival will be the dog event of the year; a benefit party you won’t want to miss!

On Sunday, October 14th, Pet Food Warehouse will close up both stores for

the day and head over to the Champlain Valley Exposition to host the community and their pets at this fun filled fest.

It all kicks off with the 8th Annual VetriScience Chase Away K9 Cancer 5K. Registration begins at 8 am and the race starts at 9 am. Runners and walkers can pre-register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/EssexJunction/ ChaseAway5K. All Chase Away 5K runners and walkers will receive free entry to Wag It Forward after the race with their race bib.

The gates for Wag It Forward open to the public at 10 am. Want to skip the lines? You can pre-buy WIF tickets and pick up your canine waiver at either Pet Food Warehouse location now! Tickets

are $5 minimum donation for adults.

Kids and pets are free! All profits equally benefit participating non-profit animal welfare groups.

At Wag It Forward we love wet dogs!

Dock Dogs will compete on-site thanks to the generous support of GlycoFlex and Pets Global, providing the opportunity for your dog to show off some water skills, too. The competition begins Saturday, October 13th at 3:00 pm and runs through Wag It Forward. If you’d like to participate in the jumps you can register on-site at 9am each day or, preferably, online at dockdogs.com.

A variety of other demonstrations will be running throughout the day courtesy of 802 Disc Dogs, MotoDog Training, Comfort Hill Kennel, A Passion for Pets, and the Humane Society of Chittenden County! The Grift, Vermont’s premier good-time party band, will keep us all moving with their booty-shaking grooves. Come hungry!

We’ll have tons of local food options and, for the beer and wine drinking crowd, a beer tent nestled by the band will be the perfect spot to socialize with your two, three and four-legged friends.

But, what will the kids do? They’ll bounce in a castle, get their faces painted and get inked at our (temporary) tattoo booth! Looking to memorialize the day? Stop by the bandana tie-dye station or step up to Photobooth Planet with your pup and walk away with a one-of-a-kind mementos.

Be sure to get there early to participate in our costume parade and contest that starts at noon sharp. Place in the top three of any of the categories to win some goodies!

The categories this year are: Matching Duos; Superheroes; and in honor of Pet Food Warehouse’s 35 anniversary, the 1980’s!

The event is generously sponsored by many local and national businesses, including: GlycoFlex, Pets Global, Pronature, WellPet, Grizzly Pet Products, Healthy Hemp Pet, Sojos, American Continued Next Page

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Natural Premium, BEVS, Koha, Laurie’s All Natural Products, Oma’s Pride, Petmate, PetSafe, The Honest Kitchen, The Pour House, PetSafe, Triumph, Vital Essentials, and so many more! Without these great sponsorships, we wouldn’t be able to provide a no cost avenue for local animal welfare and rescue groups to help raise awareness and funds as a community. Joining the non-profit organizations are tons of animal loving vendors who have dedicated their time and energy to creating unique products and experiences for your pets.

We can’t wait to celebrate Pet Food Warehouse’s 35th anniversary with you and your pets on a beautiful fall day. For more details about the event, visit www. pfwvt.com/wag-itforward-a-festival-forpets.html. For questions about the day’s events, please contact Ginny at ginny@ pfwvt.com.

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Announcing Vermont Veterinary Student Scholarships Students graduating veterinary school generally have an extraordinary debt load, with some students having borrowed up $350,00. This is a crushing amount of debt for young veterinarians just starting out in their career and can take decades to pay off.

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships for Vermonters attending veterinary school to help lower the debt load they face upon graduation. Applicants are chosen based on their overall burden of debt, academic achievement, desire to return to practice in Vermont, and their ability to overcome obstacles which confront them upon entering the veterinary profession. Funds are raised through contributions from veterinarians in Vermont and from the New England Veterinary Medical Association Conference.

Since its establishment in 2012, the VVMAF has contributed $56,000 to Vermonters attending veterinary school. The number of scholarship applicants in 2018 exceeded the number of awards given, and it was a difficult task to make the decision this year among extraordinary candidates.

The VVMAF is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2018 scholarships: Heather Curley of Jericho is a senior at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She plans to work in Vermont at either a small or mixed animal practice. She has strong ties to Vermont and the VVMA and volunteered at the VVMA Summer Meeting in 2017.

Melissa Trayah of Colchester is a junior at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. She plans to become a radiologist and work in Vermont after going through a radiology residency.

She has worked at multiple referral hospitals in the Burlington area.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE VERMONT STUDENTS!

Why is My Dog So Itchy?!

It Might Be Allergies M. Kathleen Shaw DVM - Vermont Veterinary Medical Association

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easonal allergies (atopy) is one of the most common skin disorders in dogs. It is an inherited allergic reaction to pollen, grass, mold, or one of many things Mother Nature makes. These dogs also have certain areas of the body where the skin is defective and doesn’t form a good barrier, allowing these allergens to contact it and trigger an immune reaction. The result is your dog is miserable: it’s intensely itchy and uncomfortable and it’s made worse by secondary bacterial and yeast infections. This includes the ears. Imagine how it would feel to have mosquito bites all over your body all of the time, and you’ll get an idea of how your dog feels.

Before we even begin to try to control atopy, it is crucial that we start by preventing another main cause of itchy skin: fleas and ticks. Even though you don’t see fleas or are only seeing a few fleas on your pet, monthly flea/tick prevention is crucial. If your pet is allergic to them, just one flea bite can make your dog intensely itchy and this can mimic atopy. Your veterinarian can identify and treat any other skin problems such as other parasites, bacterial, or yeast infections.

Sometimes a hormonal problem such as a low thyroid level (dogs) can make the skin barriers weak and lead to infection and itching. Once these other contributors are under control, treatment options for the atopy can be explored.

Treatment for atopy often starts with symptomatic care, which is always a good place to start if your dog is mildly itchy.

The advantage is it doesn’t cost as much, is very safe, and you see relatively quick benefits. It doesn’t require monitoring blood work or more expensive medications. The downside is that it is not as effective as the drugs and is labor intensive.

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The single most important thing you can do to help your itchy dog with atopy is bathing. Despite the widespread belief that frequent baths will dry out the skin, most dermatologists agree that you cannot over- bathe an allergic dog provided you use a veterinary skin barrier repair product and moisturizer after bathing.

Wipe down your dog’s feet and undercarriage after coming in from outside twice a day. This will help remove the allergens from the skin. Keep the hair coat short to decrease the “dust mop” effect where it collects even more allergens when outside. Remember if your pet has atopy, you will want to choose a flea/tick preventative that is not susceptible to being washed away from repeated bathing.

Other symptomatic treatments for atopy include essential fatty acids, topical anti-inflammatory products, and antihistamines. Your veterinarian can help you come up with the doses and frequency of administration of medications to symptomatically treat atopy.

If symptomatic care is not controlling your pet’s itching, we must then consider additional therapies. There are two options: Allergy Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) or medications. ASIT involves blood or skin testing to determine which allergens are affecting your pet. It can be one of the easier, safer, and more cost-effective therapies and a long-term track record of safety and efficacy. Once results are obtained, the dermatologist can formulate a plan for treating your pet with “allergy shots” much the same as in human medicine. Medications can be very effective for controlling atopy and are used in conjunction with symptomatic therapy. As with any drug, it’s important to look at the risk vs. benefit to the pet. Your veterinarian, who knows your pet, can tailor the treatment.

It is important to understand that atopy is a frustrating, chronic disease and the goal is to improve your pet’s quality of life and decreasing the itching. It is a disease that is controlled, rather than “cured”. Your veterinarian will tailor a treatment plan to your dog, considering your pet’s tolerance to the treatment and also your ability to administer it.

Your dog will likely have flare-ups from time to time, making it necessary to alter the treatment plan, so keep in contact with your veterinarian and don’t assume because one treatment is not helping that none of them will.

Celebrating 120 years of service in Vermont! The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 370 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine.

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13 Common Pet Emergencies That Need Immediate Attention H

aving a pet is a commitment. Most people misunderstand the most common pet emergencies, and don’t call for help until it’s too late. Understanding and keeping a list of the most common emergencies that require a veterinarian’s attention will help keep a pet healthy for a long time.

1. Severe Bleeding This is the number one emergency because too many people believe an animal’s first aid can be done at home. If bleeding is severe or lasts more than five minutes, it must be checked by a vet. The fur could be hiding a bigger problem, or the animal might need stitches to heal without infection. The cut could be deeper than it appears, or there could be internal bleeding that needs surgery.

2. Choking and Difficulty Breathing As with humans, it’s never a good idea to “wait and see” when an animal cannot breathe. Never try to clear the airway, and learn animal CPR to keep the animal safe. Take the vet to emergency care, even if CPR helps the animal breathe again, to make sure the animal is safe.

A vet is the best trained person to make sure the animal does not have internal damage that caused the breathing issues.

3. Blood from Extremities If there is blood in sputum, vomit, excrement, nose, ears, eyes, or mouth, it’s important to find out why. Perhaps the animal was injured while out of your sight, and needs emergency procedures to live.

Blood should never be taken lightly.

Seek emergency care immediately if blood is found coming from an animal. There could be unseen internal injuries.

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4. Inability to Toilet If the animal has pain in urination or defecation, or can do neither, it’s important to find out why.

The animal could have an issue larger than you can handle, and may need a doctor’s care. Animals often do not express pain, so an ongoing issue can progress to a life threatening problem without your knowledge.

11. Severe Vomiting/Diarrhea Many people like to wait these out, but either of these items in their severity will cause dehydration and death quickly. It’s important to find out why the animal is having this reaction. Take the animal to the vet, and try to remember what the animal has eaten. Consider any poisons the animal may have encountered 5. Injury to Eyes An animal’s eyes are using the poison list mentioned above. structured differently than a human’s The information you can provide about eyes. If the eye is injured, there could your pet’s most recent activities will help be internal damage to structures close the vet find out what’s wrong. to the brain. Asking a vet for help will 12. Refusal to Drink An animal will save your pet further harm. drink consistently. If the animal has had 6. Eating Poison Many things that are nothing to drink in the past 24 hours, fine for humans are toxic for animals. Items despite available water, take the animal such as antifreeze, multivitamins, chocolate, to the vet. It’s important to understand pest poison, and more are very dangerous. your animal and keep the water dish clean, They are also items an animal will ingest but even if the dish is dirty, an animal will willingly. Learn what items are poisonous eventually drink from it. Any refusal to to your pet and call a vet emergency service do so over 24 hours is an indication of an immediately if you suspect your pet has emergency situation. ingested any poisonous substance.

7. Seizures If an animal seizes, vet 13. Unconsciousness This item attention is required immediately. seems obvious, but some pet owners may Staggering also falls under this category. think their animal is simply sleeping.

These activities indicate a problem with If the animal cannot be roused from a the brain, and the animal needs immediate sleep, contact a vet right away. The anihelp. A vet can assess the situation, and mal may have passed out. The vet will might require more tests to find out how need to evaluate the animal to find out what could be happening to make the to best help the animal. animal lose consciousness.

8. Lameness and Broken Bones It’s never a good idea to allow an animal to “heal” when he or she displays leg issues. Allowing this to happen will cause the animal unnecessary pain later in life. Avoid these issues by taking the animal to the vet and help him or her live a longer, healthier, happier life.

9. Pain and Anxiety As stated above, pets will not tell their humans when there is pain. If an animal is exhibiting signs of pain, it has progressed to a severe state and the animal must see a vet right away.

Another method of expressing pain or illness is anxiety. If your normally happy dog suddenly snaps at your hand or does not welcome visitors, there might be a physical issue. Call a vet right away to have the animal evaluated to check for any possible pain. If you can pinpoint the area of the pain, it will help the vet’s diagnosis. Note the animal’s change in behavior and anxiety activities as well, as these notes will also help the vet.

10. Heat Stroke As more stories of animals left in cars surface, so does the awareness of heat stroke. If an animal is suffering from heat stroke, he or she must see a vet immediately. Some signs of heat stroke are: - panting excessively - dark or bright red gums - dry tongue - staggering, stupor or seizures - bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting Fall 2018

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Does my Cat Have Dental Disease? If So, How Can I Recognize it?

How Painful is it? OK, Then Lets Fix It! Sandra L Waugh VMD, MS

10 year old Domestic Shorthair with severe periodontal disease. The green arrow points to exposure of the root with plaque and pus on the root. This tooth was extracted.

Cats tend to push their canine teeth out of the socket.

This is called root extrusion. The black arrow points to the crown - root junction.

Cats with severe periodontal disease tend to get both bone loss (periodontal disease) and tooth resorption (holes in the teeth).

D

oes my cat have dental disease? Over 80% of cats over the age of 3 have some degree of periodontal disease.

If your cat is 3 years of age or over and does not receive routine dental care, then it is very likely that your cat does have some degree of periodontal disease. As discussed before in 4 Legs & a Tail, periodontal disease starts with bleeding gums and ends with very loose teeth and infection in the mouth. This infection can spread to other organs in the body. Early periodontal disease can be reversed, but once bone is lost the disease can be halted but not reversed. Too much bone loss and the teeth must be extracted. Periodontal disease is very common in cats

7 year old Domestic Shorthair cat with tooth resorptions with no periodontal disease. The dental radiograph is included to demonstrate just how much destruction of the tooth occurs with this disease. These holes are very painful. Typically cats will refuse to eat dry food and eat slowly.

The green arrow points to an area where the gum has grown up onto the crown to cover over the hole in the tooth and lessen the pain. With practice these areas can be readily seen.

Cats can fracture their teeth. The most common teeth to fracture are the canine teeth. If just the point of the tooth has fractured off, the tooth may be OK. If more than just the point is gone, the tooth may become infected from the bacteria that live in the mouth and become non-vital.

Just like the dog, a non-vital or dead tooth can become discolored. The blue arrow points to a non-vital, discolored tooth. Compare the color of the opposite upper canine at the tip (green arrow). This tooth has a small fracture at the very tip but is still OK. Continued Next Page

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An uncommon (fortunately) but extremely painful dental disease in the cat is Stomatitis. It is thought that this occurs because the cat has become allergic to plaque. The entire mouth turns red and swollen. (The inside of the mouth has been described as looking like “raw hamburger”.) This disease is so painful that cats will stop eating due to the pain. The disease is treated by extracting all of the teeth.

Cats and dogs do not stop eating just because they have some pain. They will chew on the less painful side, or not chew the food very much before swallowing. Eating is pleasurable and necessary to stay alive. Pain must become quite severe before a pet actually stops eating.

How might I recognize dental disease in my cat?

You need to get a good look at the teeth! Train your cat to allow you to look at and touch the teeth. Routinely getting a good look at the teeth and gums will then allow you to notice any changes in the mouth.

What if I don’t see such dramatic changes in my cat’s mouth? Then what?

In addition to using your eyes, use your nose! Periodontal disease creates bad breath of the “rotten egg” or “swamp gas” variety. This smell comes from sulfur compounds emitted by the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.

Carefully watch your cat and observe any changes such as: • Difficulty picking up food • Tipping the head to one side while chewing • Chewing on only one side of the mouth • Dropping or spitting food out of the mouth • Preferring soft food over hard. A change in preference from dry to soft is significant.

• Eating slowly or eating a small amount at a time (when normal behavior was to eat the bowl clean) • Listen for chattering jaws when your cat eats.

Other things to look for: • Red or bleeding gums • Blood in the water bowl or on a chew toy.

• Lumps or bumps in or around your cat’s mouth, especially any swelling present on one side but not the other.

• If you are brushing the teeth, be alert for increased resistance to toothbrushing and note what teeth were being brushed if it occurs.

• If tartar is much thicker on one side of the mouth than the other, then your cat is chewing on the side with less tartar, which is the less painful side.

• Loose teeth • Head shyness (your cat not wanting you to touch their head) • Nasal discharge and sneezing (advanced gum disease in the upper canine teeth can lead to bone loss between the nasal and oral cavity) • Banging one side of the head on a cabinet or other solid object.

Some people can smell plaque, which has a sour smell, similar to milk that has just gone “off”. Plaque breath is unpleasant, periodontal disease breath makes you want to run away from your pet to get to fresh air.

As dental disease advances it not only can cause significant pain but also causes a generalized lack of energy and enthusiasm. Dental pain is generally not expressed by whining or whimpering but by a gradual withdrawal from activity and interest.

The cat that used to great you at the door carving figure eight’s between your legs is now nowhere to be seen.

This is often attributed to changes with age but it certainly can be caused by dental pain. I compare this to a person with a really bad headache.

How much enthusiasm does that person display? How grouchy are they?

And what a change once the headache goes away.

The photographs and radiographs shown in this article and the previous one on dogs show obvious changes in the teeth and gums. However, dental disease can be quite subtle and not so obvious on a visual examination of the mouth. Two thirds of every tooth is below the gum line inside the bone of the skull. To maintain oral health in your pet a yearly cleaning and examination under anesthesia with dental radiographs is the best way to determine if any dental disease is present, and if it is, to get it treated promptly.

All of the photographs in this article were taken at my dental practice within the last 4 months. These conditions are routine in cats and can be treated to restore the mouth to a healthy state. If you are worried that your cat may have dental disease, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Diagnosing dental disease in cats requires that dental x-rays be taken, in addition to using a probe and explorer on each tooth. Treating all of the dental disease in the mouth and restoring the mouth to a healthy state can make a dramatic difference in your cat’s life. I have so often been told by clients “My cat is like a kitten again!! I can’t believe what a difference getting the teeth taken care of has made. Now I feel guilty for not doing this sooner.” Don’t feel guilty, get your cat’s teeth examined and treated.

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 Veterinary & Dental Services.

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In March 1965*, military working dogs were approved for use in Vietnam.

By July 17th, forty teams had been deployed to three bases - Tan Son Nhut, Ben Hoa and DaNang. This was only the beginning, by the end of the year there were 99 dogs in the country.

By September 1966 more than 500, dog teams were deployed to ten bases.

In the seventeen months between July 1965 and December 1966, not a single Viet Cong sapper team penetrated a base guarded by sentry dogs.

*The United States Air Force K-9 was in Vietnam as early as 1960, with a sentry dog research and development project, located at Go Vap, an old French dog compound on the outskirts of Saigon.

Celebrating Over 30 Years!

He Was the First of His Kind...

H

e was the first hero of his kind to return from the Vietnam War. The welcoming committee watched him walk down the ramp of the plane that had just landed at Kelly Air Force Base. He was wounded, his right eye was missing and a scar ran from below his right eye socket to his mouth.

But his wounds weren't what made him different from other returning Vietnam veterans...it was because he was a dog.

Of the many dogs that served this country in Vietnam, Nemo is probably the most famous.

Nemo was whelped October 1962 and was procured by the Air Force in the summer of '64, from a sergeant, for sentry dog training, when he was 1 1/2 years old.

After completing an eight-week training course at Lackland's Sentry Dog Training School, in San Antonio, Texas; the 85 pound, black and tan German Shepherd, and his new handler, Airman Bryant were assigned to Fairchild AB, Washington for duty with Strategic Air Command.

In January 1966, Nemo and handler, Airman Leonard Bryant Jr., were transferred to the Republic of South Vietnam with a large group of other dog teams and was assigned to the 377th Security Police Squadron, stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base.

Six months later, in July, Nemo's original handler rotated back to the States.

The dog was then paired with 22-year-old Airman 2nd Class Robert Thorneburg.

It's here that we begin our story, on how and why Nemo was to become famous...

Nemo No. A534, 377th Security Police K-9 Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam.

Tan Son Nhut: The story took a tragic turn on December 4, 1966. During the early morning hours, a group of 60 Viet Cong emerged from the jungle. Several sentry dog teams stationed on preventive perimeter posts gave the initial alert and warning almost simultaneously.

Immediately, Rebel, a sentry dog on patrol, was released. The response was a hail of bullets that killed the dog.

Forty-five minutes later the group was detected by sentry dog Cubby. Cubby was released with the same results. It was clear that the VC had learned to handle the attack dog.

Another dog, Toby, was killed and several handlers wounded before the attackers were finally driven off.

As a result of this early warning, security forces of the 377th Air Police Squadron successfully repelled the attack, minimizing damage to aircraft and facilities. Although wounded, one dog handler maintained contact with the enemy and notified Central Security Control of their location and direction of travel.

Two security policemen in a machine gun bunker were ready and waiting as the Viet Cong approached the main aircraft parking ramp. In a few seconds, they stopped the enemy, killing all 13 of the attackers.

Security forces rapidly deployed around the perimeter and prevented the infiltrators from escaping, forcing them to hide.

Three airmen and their dogs had died in the fighting. By daybreak, the search patrols believed that all of the remaining Viet Cong were killed or captured.

Unfortunately, supervisors did not include dog teams in those daylight patrols.

Airman 2nd Class Bob Thorneburg Continued Next Page

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and his dog Nemo were to become legends later that night.

The sentry dog teams that climbed into the back of the army truck that night were quieter than usual. Many of the handlers were thinking about the events of the previous night. They were saddened by the loss of their fellow K-9s. They were also anxious about what awaited them on their patrols. There was a good chance that stragglers from the previous night's attack could still be out there.

That night, Thorneburg and Nemo were assigned duty near an old Vietnamese graveyard about a quarter mile from the air base's runways. No sooner had they started their patrol... Nemo alerted on something in the cemetery. But before Thorneburg could radio the CSC, that "something" opened fire.

Thorneburg released his dog and then charged firing into the enemy. Nemo was shot and wounded, the bullet entering under his right eye and exited through his mouth. Thorneburg killed one VC before he too was shot in the shoulder and knocked to the ground.

That might of been the sad end of the story. But Nemo refused to give in without a

worked diligently to save Nemo's life. It required many skin grafts to restore the animal's appearance. Nemo was blinded in one eye After the veterinarian felt Nemo was well enough, the dog was put back on perimeter duty. But it turned out his wounds needed further treatment.

On June 23, 1967, Air Force Headquarters directed that Nemo be returned to the United States with honors, as the first sentry dog to be officially retired from active service.

Thorneburg had to be evacuated to the hospital at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan to recuperate. The handler and the dog who saved his life said their final goodbyes. Airman Thorneburg fully recovered from his wounds and also returned home with honors.

Nemo flew halfway around the world accompanied by returning airman Melvin W. Bryant. The plane touched down in Japan, Hawaii, and California. At each stop, Air Force vets would examine the brave dog for signs of discomfort, stress, and fatigue...after all he was a War Hero!

Finally, the C-124 Globemaster touched down at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, on July 22, 1967. Captain Robert M. Sullivan, was the officer in charge of the sentry dog training program at Lackland and was the head of Nemo's welcome home committee.

"I have to keep from getting involved with individual dogs in this program," Sullivan said, "but I can't help feeling a little emotional about this dog. He shows how valuable a dog is to his handler in staying alive."

After settling in Nemo and Captain Sullivan made a number of cross-country tours and television appearances, as part of the Air Force's recruitment drive for more war dog candidates, until the US involvement in Vietnam started to wind down.

Nemo then spent the rest of his retireAirman L. Bryant and Nemo ment at the Department of Defense Dog fight. Ignoring his serious head wound, the Center, Lackland AFB, Texas. He was given a 85-pound dog threw himself at the Vietcong permanent kennel near the veterinary facilguerrillas who had opened fire. Nemo's ity. A sign with his name, serial number, ferocious attack brought Thorneburg the and details of his Vietnam heroic exploit time he needed to call in backup forces. designated his freshly painted home.

A Quick Reaction Team arrived and swept the area but found no other Viet Cong. However, security forces, using additional sentry dog teams, located and killed four more Viet Cong. A second sweep with the dog teams resulted in the discovery of four more Viet Cong who were hiding underground. They, too, were killed.

Although severely wounded, Nemo crawled to his master and covered him with his body. Even after help arrived Nemo would not allow anyone to touch Thorneburg. Finally separated, both were taken back to the base for medical attention. Thorneburg was wounded a second time on the return to the base.

Lt. Raymond T. Hutson, the base vet, Fall 2018

Nemo Having His Monthly Checkup At Lackland

Nemo died December 1972 at Lackland AFB, shortly before the Christmas holiday; after a failed attempt to preserve his remains, the Vietnam War hero was laid to rest on March 15, 1973, at the DoD Dog Center, at the age of 11. Until then, his presence at Lackland reminded students just how important a dog is to his handler - and to the entire unit.

--- Dedication -- Vietnam ...was to become the longest war ever fought by the American armed forces and certainly one of the U.S. most unpopular. For almost ten years, we sent our young men and women to serve, fight and died alongside each other without the full support of a country, whose flag they served.

This article is dedicated to all those, who served their country!

www.4LegsAndATail.com 15

How is your horse’s nutrition similar to his dressage training?

Nicole Sicely

W

hen you walk down the supplement aisle of your local feed store, a lot of products may catch your eye. With fancy labels and claims that are typically not backed by studies. We want the best for our horses and reach for supplements to provide a shiny coat, joint health, or a promise of a more “relaxed” horse. What is often overlooked is the vitamin and mineral supplements that are needed to balance out the largest part of your horse’s diet, his forage.

A good analogy for your horse’s nutrition is to think of the dressage training pyramid:

Immune and Digestive Support

Vitamins and Minerals to balance Forage

FORAGE

Collection

Forage is the foundation of your nutrition pyramid, like rhythm is your foundation for dressage. In order to master this level and proceed to the next, you must know what is in your forage. The only way to do that is to have it tested. Armed with this knowledge you can proceed to the next level; vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins and Minerals are needed to balance what is lacking in your forage, or nutrients that are in excess causing secondary deficiencies. The next level in dressage is Relaxation. Which is ironic as one of the most common feedback I receive from clients after their hoses is on a balanced diet, is that their horse is more relaxed. Most horses will not need a hoof supplement once their trace minerals are balanced.

These two levels of nutrition may be all that some horses need. If necessary, the next step is to provide immune and digestive support. Supporting your horse’s immune system will reduces stress, protects against disease, reduces allergic reactions, and may negate the need for supplements for heaves, allergies, etc.

With a balanced diet, strong immune system, and healthy digestive tract, there are only special situations left where additional supplements are needed. For example, joint health, electrolytes, etc.

Following this Supplement Pyramid will not only help your horse, it will help your wallet.

Impulsion

(Increased Energy & Thrust)

Connection

(Acceptance of the Bit through Acceptance of the Aids)

Relaxation

(with Elasticity & Suppleness)

s nes gh ou Thr ce” ng dien e asi cre nd Ob a

ysi Pro cal D gre eve lo ssi ve pme Con nt dit thro ion u ing gh ”

Straightness

(Improved Alignment & Balance)

“In

“Ph

Specific Needs: joints, electrolytes, respiratory, calming etc.

Pyramid of Training (Increased Engagement, Lightness of the Forehand, Self-carriage)

Rhythm

(with Energy & Tempo)

In dressage, each level builds upon the previous. If a level is not mastered, proceeding to the next is impossible. Each level is interconnected.

This is the same with your horse’s diet. Creating a proper foundation is key.

16 4 Legs & a Tail

Then you build onto it as needed. Most owners will find that with the correct 1-3 levels, your horse may not need additional supplements such as hoof, calming, coat enhancers etc.

Here is your horse’s Supplement Pyramid:

Nicole Sicely owns Custom Equine Nutrition, LLC. Nicole is an equine nutritionist offering consulting services and formulated Vermont Blend forage balancer.

Fall 2018

If I Could Function Like a Horse A

Dorothy Crosby

s one season draws to a close and another promptly begins, I am ref lecting on all that involvement with horses and Centered Riding® have taught me through many seasons of life. In no special order, this random list of life applications is by no means exhaustive. These musings may not all apply to you; no doubt you can add some of your own. I am struck by how many things we can learn from animals – in particular, the majestic creature called Horse.

• Less is more. By eliminating the static and flurry and keeping it simple horses demonstrate how to be tuned in.

• Make decisions. The first step to accomplishing anything is to decide you will do it. Rarely do riderless horses seem unsure about what they are doing; they demonstrate “clear intent” which for us applies to riding and everything else! Even changing your mind.

• It takes as long as it takes. Horses don’t hurry the process. There is no formula for how long you need to learn something new or build a relationship. We are always a work in progress.

• The horse is always telling us something.

Information is being passed on constantly.

Paying attention and being observant are key to safety and success with horses. And perhaps with humans.

• Flexibility is important. Horses change their actions in a split second. Sometimes, in the best interest of the horse or rider, I need to alter my plan to minimize stress, enhance the experience or strengthen the foundation in order to move on to the next step with sound reasons and in good timing.

• Discipline and standards are paramount. Self-control, appreciation and respect for others, improving skills: these will result if I strive for excellence, take things seriously, and take pride in my work. Efficiency and accuracy ensure a pleasant and productive experience for humans and animals. This separates the indispensable from the mediocre.

• Start from where you are. Horses prefer easy; the hard things become easy later when they know them. Something - circumstances, physical limitations, emotions, the weather - will affect what we’re doing and so will our skillset. We can only do our best and work with what we’ve got.

• Focus is key. When paying attention, the horse is extremely responsive. I cannot give anything my all if I am easily distracted or not committed to the task at hand. If I

Fall 2018

am partially invested then I shouldn’t be surprised by only partial results.

• Sometimes the good news and the bad news are the same. Horses take most things in stride. Certain things will never be achieved to perfection; this takes off unrealistic pressure and helps us learn when we can be relaxed and strive towards a goal.

• We can try too hard. Sheer determination creates tension for equines and humans and is actually more detrimental than steady, patient ambition. This does not discount hard work and effort; it determines how we go about it.

• Say what you mean and mean what you say. Horses are clear when they communicate with each other.

• Know when you should or shouldn’t be in charge and respect that position. A good leader inspires, motivates and encourages while setting clear boundaries and expectations. Watch horses shuffle over some piles of hay. There’s communication in progress; compromising, asserting, and discussing.

The pecking order is in force, but the real boss doesn’t have to be mean; simply putting his ears back can get his point across, even when others aren’t cooperating and he has to take charge. Generally, the alpha is the passive leader who has earned respect and is chosen by the others. This creates security, confidence, and trust – a great system for survival! The aggressive leader the bossy one - wants what he wants, bullies others, and usually has few, if any, friends.

• Forgiveness is essential to maintaining relationships. Horses never forget, but they are unassuming and forgiving.

Every experience affects their well being and approach to life. Forever. But they willingly put themselves in vulnerable positions again.

• Communicate your needs and desires.

Sometimes the boundaries need to be renegotiated or re-established, not ignored.

• Stand up for yourself, but also consider others. The herd leader asserts his leadership but will sacrifice convenience to keep

his charges safe. I observed a new alpha run himself crazy, up and down a hill, accounting for all members of his herd.

Eventually, his expectations changed and he enjoyed clearer communication.

• Overreacting and overanalyzing will get you in trouble every time. Squirrel?

Leaf?? Rock???

• My sense of well-being is not contingent upon everyone else’s. Just mine.

• Live in the moment, one moment at a time.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously.

Perhaps these musings will help you in your old and new equine and human endeavors. Happy fall!

Dorothy Crosby is certified both as a Level III Centered Riding® Instructor/ Clinician and CHA Instructor for both English and Western riders. Dorothy manages a small farm in Stoddard, NH, where Equi-librium is based. As Director of the Riding Program at Southmowing Stables in Guilford, VT., her responsibilities include horse management as well as overseeing the riding program. Workshops, clinics, special events, and lessons are offered at both locations. Dorothy also travels for clinics and to instruct riders at other locations. Her joy is in teaching humans and equines of all ages and levels of experience.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 17

The Passion of a Young R ider A

s far back as Olivia Sutton can remember she has always loved animals. When she was little she was not the typical Barbie and dolls girl, she would spend hours playing with her Breyer horses and building stables for them with Legos. When not inside playing, she’s outside exploring, no matter the weather or temperature.

Oliva started her equestrian career at the age of eight. She asked her parents and grandparents for horse-riding lessons as a Christmas present. It was her only request that year. Her first lesson was English, her second lesson was Western, and she never switched back. She got along famously with the first horse she rode. It was obvious that they bonded with each other. She rode him in her first competition at the Cheshire Fair Horse show in 2016, at the age of ten. She won 2 first place ribbons, a 2nd place, and a 3rd place ribbon. She was entered in only four events. It was felt at that time, that Olivia needed to move onward and upward in her training. That was when she started her training with Matt Mazza.

Four years later, she rides every week and has 3 years of showing under her “western” belt. For every hour she rides, she spends two to three hours getting her horse ready and cooling him down. “I like how when I ride I can forget about everything else, it’s just me, Ricky and what Matt is teaching me,” says Olivia.

Her parents are thrilled with the lessons and the training that she receives from Matt Mazza. “Olivia has developed life lessons in being responsible and caring for something that goes beyond just herself, state her parents.” You will never hear her complain about getting up at 6 a.m. to take care of the horses or get ready for a show. This past winter, over Christmas break, she even filled in on all of the barn responsibilities, while Matt was away with his family. Caring for six horses, morning and night, was a big task for an 11-yearold, accompanied by her mother, who has zero horse experience. She has also made lasting friendships with the other riders that we all consider to be our “barn family,” says her mom. “Seeing her ride, whether it be for a lesson or at a show, brings us such joy because we know how much it all means to her and how happy it makes her.” While Olivia does hope to own her own horse one day, she knows she has a lot more to learn before taking on that full-time responsibility.

Continued ON Page 20

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Fall 2018

www.4LegsAndATail.com 19

Recently, Olivia competed at the Cheshire Fair Horse Show in Swanzey, NH. She rode her trainer’s horse, Kane Kreek Rickochett ‘Ricky,’ in five classes. She placed 3rd in Junior Exhibitor Open Pleasure, 2nd in Novice Rider Western Pleasure, Reserve Champion in Junior Exhibitor Hunt Pleasure Open Championship and 6th place in Novice Rider Pleasure Horse Championship.

Olivia’s mom drives an hour each way to Arrowhead Stables in Bow, NH, where Olivia’s trainer and stable manager Matt Mazza of Matt Mazza Training Stables, is located. Matt’s passion began at the age of 15 and his journey has turned into a full-time job of teaching and training. He has shown at the regional and national level before beginning his own lesson program in 2012. In 2014 he opened his own business. He found his passion and talent in the Friesian breed and has proven himself as a strong winning competitor and trainer of this breed. He is available to train, English, Western and Carriage.

Matt believes that at any age, riders develop connections with the horses they ride that go beyond any other sports experience.

“It’s really something special to see the look on Olivia’s face when she realizes that she can control an animal as big as a horse.” “It’s truly a special bond, as well as the trust and partnership that grows between a horse and rider.”

Arrowhead Stables is a full- service stable offering boarding and training with both an indoor and outdoor arena.

For more information on Matt Mazza Training or Arrowhead Stables call 603-512-1346 or visit their Facebook pages Matt Mazza Training Stables and Arrowhead Stables.

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Raccoons Scott Borthwick - Canaan, NH

W

hen I was a kid I read a book by Sterling North called Rascal. It’s a tale of a young boy with a pet raccoon who gets into all sorts of mischief. As a child, I thought it would be cool to have a pet raccoon.

However, Fish & Game laws prohibited ownership of wild animals much to the relief of my parents.

In over forty years of being a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, I have seen lots of “mischief” that raccoons have gotten into. Nine were removed from an attic in a condominium in Vermont. They tend to have a designated toilet area. In this case, it was over a closet filled with expensive ski clothing and equipment. After months of use, the closet ceiling gave way to dump urine and feces all over everything. If the neighbors hadn’t complained about the raccoons trashing their grill it might have been months before their destruction was discovered. Six were removed from an adult novelty store after one of them fell through the ceiling tile into an assortment of adult gifts. They had gained entrance into the attic by ripping the cover off of a roof fan. Eight were removed from a doctor’s office. A large section of the ceiling had to be replaced after they were removed.

These raccoons got in through an unfinished soffit. Four were evicted from an old farmhouse after the owners returned only to find raccoon footprints all over the kitchen. These rascals entered the basement through an old attached barn and then made their way to the kitchen looking for a snack. Seven were removed from two boats stored at a local marina.

Not only did they use them as a toilet they also ripped up every seat cover. I could go on and on.

Raccoons mate in mid-winter and usually give birth to 3 or 4 kits around the beginning of May. The kits stay with mom for up to a year. As long as they stay out of trouble they can live up to 13 years. When I started trapping back in the seventies raccoon pelts were fetching as much as Fall 2018

$80.00 each. Today it would take 80 pelts to make $80.00. Because of this downturn raccoon populations are not being managed as they should. Overpopulation tends to spread rabies and distemper. So if you have an encounter with a raccoon you should make every effort to avoid it and if necessary call a professional.

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

www.4LegsAndATail.com 21

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: Alternatives to Clay Litter

M

Holly McClelland

ost cat owners are familiar with scoopable clay formulations, which account for 73% of U.S. litter purchases, according to https://globalpets.community/. This same segment of cat owners is accustomed to purchasing their big-brand, clay litter products through mass-market channels, such as Walmart and Costco, as well as grocery stores. Clay litter products certainly get the job done when it comes to providing cats with a place to go and controlling odor, but they are not the most innovative litter products on the market. Some of the drawbacks of traditional clay litters are that they are heavy to maneuver around the house and not environmentally-friendly. In recent years, several unique litter products have launched in pet specialty stores that offer additional benefits for the environment, home cleanliness, and cat health. Here is a list of five litter brands that surely stand out from the crowd.

Boxiecat’s BoxiePro Deep Clean Probiotic Cat Litter – This functional product is marketed as the world’s first cat litter to eliminate 100% of bacteria contained in the litter box with natural probiotics. The elimination of bacteria keeps homes, cats, and pet parents healthier by reducing odors and preventing the spread of germs that could be tracked out of the box. Additionally, Hard Flat Top™ clumps form on the top of the litter box, which makes it easy to scoop, and an advanced dust suppression process keeps dust levels low, which increases household cleanliness. BoxiePro is soft on cat’s paws and resists tracking, so cat parents can spend less time worrying about cleaning their homes.

SaniCat Oxygen Power Clumping Litter – This is the first clumping cat litter to use active oxygen for complete disinfection. Active oxygen is touted as an excellent clumping agent that eliminates bacteria naturally because it does not contain antibacterial chemicals. The natural elimination of bacteria keeps cats healthy and cat owners do not have to fret about the negative effects associated with litter chemicals. This litter is comprised of thicker granules, which improves home cleanliness by preventing cats from dragging litter on their paws throughout their houses.

Poop Bags Catfidence – A 100% organic bamboo cat litter is made from natural bamboo, so the absence of chemicals and additives makes cats healthier and helps protect the environment. The manufacturer states that Catfidence has 5x the water absorption capacity of other litters due to the cellular structure of bamboo, which improves odor control and makes the product last longer. Furthermore, Catfidence is a USDA Certified Biobased Product with a 98% biopreferred rating. It is very eco-friendly because it is made from sustainably-harvested bamboo farms, as opposed to harmful strip mining. Customers that choose Catfidence can feel good about protecting the environment, their homes, and their cats simultaneously.

CatSpot Organic Cat Litter – A 100% coconut-based, all-natural, organic cat litter is touted as beneficial for the home, cat health, and the environment. Coconut, which can absorb 560% of its weight in liquid, naturally absorbs ammonia without the use of chemicals and additives. This level of absorption is very powerful for odor control. The product is also sustainable because the litter is biodegradable and can be repurposed in yards, compost, or flower beds. CatSpot is easy for cat owners to use because it is marketed as the lightest litter on the market.

World’s Best Cat Litter Picky Cat and Attraction Action – Picky Cat, available in pet specialty stores, and Attraction Action, sold in the mass/grocery channels, combine corn with a natural, plant-based ingredient to attract cats to the litter box. This formulation is ideal for newly adopted pets, senior cats, and fussy cats. Both products are also effective at clumping and have strong odor control which keeps the home environment clean. Additionally, these lightweight, natural products are environmentally-friendly, and the products are flushable and septic-safe.

The products highlighted above are only a few of the specialty niche cat litters that have launched in recent years. There are dozens of other small players who are trying to make a name for themselves. It is challenging for these smaller manufacturers to stand out in a crowd that is dominated by only a few large litter manufacturers with large marketing investments behind their brands. However, it might become easier for these niche players to gain recognition over time as cat owners continue to become more concerned about how litter ingredients are impacting the environment, their homes, and their cats’ health.

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Holly McClelland leads marketing and is an analyst for Fletcher/CSI, a boutique market research and consulting firm headquartered in Williston, Vermont. Holly monitors industry trends and product developments for several brands in the CPG space, including the pet industry. The pet research is focused on tracking nutrition and ingredient trends, technological innovations, and new product launches for dogs and cats.

Fall 2018

Q: I can cut mats out. Right?

A: I don’t have mats but I bring home burrs in my tail or behind my ears sometimes. My mom is very gentle with me and I am patient with her even though it pulls my fur sometimes if it’s really close to my skin. Generally, she can remove them without shaving them out. I would not recommend removing mats or foreign matter from your pet with scissors. Our skin is thin and can easily be cut if we move suddenly. Mats can be closer to our skin than it appears which can result in a medical emergency. If your pet has mats (minor or large, one or multiple) call my mom. She will discuss options and offers a free consultation for new pets. Depending on your pet’s coat and skin condition some mats can be manually removed, a natural de-tangling option or shaving may be best suited (case by case scenario). Our primary concern is your pet’s safety and comfort.

Mats occur for a variety of reasons. We have client educational handouts, offer brushing consultations with training, natural mat removal solutions, de-matting tools and brushing packages to help maintain your pet’s coat in between regular grooming sessions. Mat removal should always be done by your groomer or veterinarian.

Q: My dog and cat have short hair, should they see a groomer?

A: My doggy sister and I love bath times.

My kitty friend, Willie, on the other hand, would be insulted if my mom bathed him.

He grooms himself regularly but is thankful for assistance with brushing and nail trims regularly. For us pups’, going to the groomer is recommended every 4-10 weeks (short hair) or 4-6 weeks for long hair pets. Keeping on a regular schedule helps maintain a healthy coat, remove dirt and debris which can lead to itchy, stinky pups. Routine nail trims are recommended every 3-8 weeks. Professional grooming helps extract excess hair, maintains a shiny, healthy coat, hair around our pads are trimmed to help with traction and prevents pine pitch or snowballs from gathering on our feet, nail trims prevent overgrowth and sharp claws, ear cleaning and teeth brushing are optional services.

Blow drying removes water from our coat, gives us that beautiful fluffy or shiny look and aids in the de-shedding process. Cats generally do not require a bath, however, regular grooming helps prevent hairballs, mats and promotes a healthy coat. We offer a variety of grooming services that can be tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

Ask Reese!

Common Pet Related Questions and Answers

skin, allergies, prone to hot spots or ear conditions we have many natural products and services available. Give us a call today to discuss your pet’s options. As always, it’s best to contact your pet’s veterinarian about any medical or skin condition to rule out a possible medical condition that may require medical treatment. We are happy to reserve a consultation or spa treatment for your pet if you are ever unsure or would like to try a natural preventative option.

Q: My dog gets very excited when she knows she’s coming to visit you! She is very energetic and playful during her spa treatments. Should I exercise her before her appointment?

A: Of course exercising is healthy for us but certain times I discourage it. I love when my doggy friends play at the boutique. Grooming can be a little stressful or just tiring for some pups. For this reason, we do not recommend heavy exercise before grooming. Some of us do not like to be bothered when we are tired. Medical conditions such as asthma, heart conditions, seizures, arthritis, extreme weather or age can affect us physically. Taking your pet for a short walk or bathroom walk before their spa treatment should be sufficient. A moderate walk, hiking or the routine and find it relaxing. Puppies, swimming is not recommended prior to kittens and senior pets require special grooming appointments.

Tail Wags, attention and care. Pets with medical Reese & Aimee conditions should be addressed by your groomer. This may require a different Aimee’s Grooming Boutique offers an drying technique, additional breaks or array of quality, professional grooming bathroom walks, assisting with walking services for cats, dogs, small pets, feathinto the tub or onto the table. Some of my ered pets, even large animals. We now elder pups lay down during a majority of have a client resource center where you their spa session due to arthritis. My mom will find newsletters, photo gallery, the latis very understanding and offers alternaest 4 Legs and A Tail magazine, pet first tive stress-free options. aid and emergency reference guides, pet odor eliminator candles, natural Q: Reese, what does Aimee’s Grooming human grade gourmet treats, toys, Boutique offer for skin or ear conditions? health and grooming products, natural A: Great question! I use only natural and vet recommended flea/tick prodproducts on my thick soft coat. Chemicals ucts, unique gift options and more! We found in many pet products and shampoos are open 6 days a week, early mornings, strip the oils from our coat and can be evening and Saturday reservations are harsh on our skin. If your pet has sensitive available. Call or stop in today!

Q: Is Fido too old or young to be groomed?

A: I was introduced to grooming by the age of 8 weeks old. It was a great bondingtraining process. I am groomed regularly so I do not fear the noises of clippers, having my feet or ears touched and teeth brushed.

Being introduced at a young age I know Fall 2018

www.4LegsAndATail.com 23

Simple Ways to Keep Cats Off Your Kitchen Counters A

Tess Wilson

n all-too-familiar dinner party scenario: At the home of friends, you’re sipping a glass of wine while your hosts put the finishing touches on dinner. Soon later, their beloved cat does its business in the litter box, licks itself a bit, and proceeds to hop up on the kitchen counters right where your dinner is being made.

The cat wanders all over the counters, pausing now and then to lick and paw particularly interesting spots, perhaps even nosing the ingredients. Particularly bold and limber cats will step over the prepared food, forcing you to imagine the hair and kitty litter they're leaving behind.

You as a guest are eternally grateful for your hosts’ generosity and good company, but you’re no longer psyched about the dinner aspect of the dinner party.

How to Keep Cats Off Counters There might be moments when you might want to allow your furball to have free rein of the countertops, but there are also some instances when it’s best to set up the kitty equivalent of a “keep off” sign.

So what’s a devoted cat-lover to do?

24 4 Legs & a Tail

Let’s start out with an excellent quote from the ASPCA: Rather than spraying your cat with water when they jump on a forbidden counter, “arrange for the environment to punish your cat directly.”

“Balance some lightweight cookie sheets on the edge of the counter. When your cat jumps up, she’ll land on the sheets. They’ll move and possibly topple over, making some unpleasant noise while she leaps back onto the floor.”

If you don’t want your cats on your cookie sheets and your cookie sheets on the floor (or if you only own one cookie sheet), Huffington Post recommends using cheap, recyclable aluminum foil.

The Humane Society advises making your counters unpleasantly sticky, either DIY-style using double-sided tape, or using ready-made products.

This Old House notes that cats hate the feel of sandpaper underfoot, so lay it on your counters when you're not cooking.

If your counters are your cat’s idea of a little piece of heaven, Petfinder recommends simple ways to make them less enjoyable, like pulling down the blinds to block the basking sun — and the view of the bird feeder.

According to The Nest’s Pet column, a peppermint solution can be sprayed on countertops to deter cats — and to make your kitchen minty fresh.

WikiHow has similar advice involving black pepper, lemon, eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, and lavender — delicious.

One of my favorite solutions comes from Pawnation: “Some experts recommend clicker training. This method involves training your cat to jump off the counter on a cue word, like ‘off’. When the cat follows your cue, click the clicker, then reward your cat with a treat.” Positive reinforcement! ..And Don’t Forget to Clean Well After Cats Have Been on the Counters If your cats do occasionally traipse around your countertops, VetStreet wants you to protect your health —and the health of your guests — by cleaning the surfaces thoroughly before preparing food. Hot water, soap, and an antibacterial agent should do the trick.

Fall 2018

TPL(uh)O: Emmy's Orthopedic Ordeal P

Cathy White - Walpole, NH

erhaps it happens when your dog’s doing something she’s done countless times before. Maybe it’s that 500th ball or Frisbee throw. Maybe it’s that recent jump onto the bed.

A trip on stairs, a skid on ice, or a leap into the car can all end in a world of trouble.

For Emmy, it was a slip on slick grass that was her invitation to the ACL repair club.

(ACL: anterior cruciate ligament; located in your dog’s knee.)

Emmy, a gorgeous 8-year old chocolate Lab with an equally lovely personality, has been a certified Therapy Dog since 2015. She’s also a Rally Obedience champ.

Owner Sally Harvey, of Orange, MA, has had Labs for many years; and therapy and obedience weren’t new to her. Peanut Pie, a previous Lab of Sally’s, was “a born therapy dog”, with six years of experience under her collar before she passed on. She was Sally’s inspiration to continue this rewarding work when Emmy entered her life.

Emmy’s grassy slip wasn’t immediately cause for concern. She limped intermittently, but sometimes she seemed fine. But when her lameness worsened, Emmy visited her vet. His diagnosis: a torn ACL. It’s one that dog owners never want to hear, but too often do.

ACL injuries are the most common orthopedic problem dogs face; eclipsing even hip dysplasia and broken bones.

Repair options are incredibly costly, painful, and require lengthy recovery times.

Yet without surgical intervention, even the smallest of ACL tears can enlarge or will guarantee painful arthritis over time, motivating many owners to opt for surgery. There are several traditional methods of ACL repair.

Sally chose Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for Emmy. This requires cutting and shifting the tibial bone, which is then stabilized with steel or titanium plates and screws; essentially altering the geometry of the knee. Most veterinarians don’t have the highly specialized training needed to perform this complex procedure, and Emmy was referred to a surgeon.

TPLO is often the go-to choice for large dogs. It also comes with a large price tag. Expect to spend up to $5500 locally for the procedure. Sally wisely had the foresight to invest in pet insurance - thus her ultimate costs were somewhat reduced - a blessing given what was coming.

Thoroughly briefed in advance about post-operative protocol, Sally was prepared for Emmy’s homecoming with ramps, slings, crates, and e-collars. (Though she confesses that she “probably bought and returned ten types” of ramps when Emmy turned her nose up at most of them.) Emmy underwent TPLO surgery on 6/8/17.

What Sally wasn’t prepared for was to have her dog undergo another surgery months later to have the “hardware” removed from Emmy’s leg.

Post-op, the surgeon’s orders were followed to the letter.

Medications were dispensed. Ramps were utilized. The cone and the crate were employed. Emmy’s obedience training, specifically, knowing how to “back up”, helped her access her crate while wearing the cumbersome cone. Walks were on-leash only, and for specifically prescribed durations and distances.

Fall 2018

Yet, weeks became months with no real improvement.

Hydro-therapy was even tried. Multiple returns to both surgeon and vet yielded no answers; though clearly, something was wrong. X-rays, at Sally’s insistence, showed no problems with the repair. It was possible that infection (the number one complication of TPLO surgery) was present. The hardware might’ve needed removal, but Emmy’s surgeon wanted no part of doing that. Her vet accordingly referred her to the Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital in Greenfield, MA, where Emmy met her second surgeon.

After two consultations over four months, anti-inflammatory medication and continued restricted activity, it was decided that Emmy would undergo a second surgery. On 2/26/18, the hardware was removed and tested for infection. No infection was found, but for some reason, Emmy’s body simply wasn’t tolerating the metal. By now, though, the bones had knitted and the hardware, fortunately, was no longer needed for stabilization.

This surgery took Emmy well into additional months of recovery and rehabilitation, and it deeply affected her mindset.

With activities severely limited, and without therapy work, Emmy became depressed - despite Sally’s efforts to get her out as much as was allowable. “I feel it’s taken its toll on her”, says Sally. Emmy now follows her owner everywhere (“like a puppy dog”), never leaving her side; not even to sunbathe on the deck - something she used to adore. “I really think that’s the surgery”, Sally remarks.

That’s understandable. In over a year’s time, poor Emmy endured two painful, grueling operations with lengthy recoveries that overwhelmingly limited her activities. Sally hopes that other owners whose dogs face ACL surgery won’t have her experience.

And while Emmy won’t likely run unrestricted again, (dogs who injure one ACL have a 30-40% chance of injuring the other leg!) she has happily gone back to therapy work. Her wagging tail and cheerful countenance are once again greeting both the young readers and college students she works with, spreading the joy that helps them and heals her. Scary to think that a little slip on the grass was all it took to send Emmy and Sally on this arduous journey.

Cathy White lives in Walpole with her husband, Jeff.

They have been owned

by Labradors of every color for almost 30 years.

Cathy is a Boston University alum, with a degree in print communications.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

Three Men and a Cat

It isn’t difficult to imagine three young men working crazy hours, sharing a home with a cat. As I was one of the three, I will state for the record that the cat in question did not belong to any of us. In fact, she was there before any of us moved in. Because we all had different shifts and seldom saw each other, I thought she was one of my roommates’ cat. It was weeks before we realized that we had a free-loader!

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The cat looked a little like a childhood friend of mine, Billy Grady. Thus he had a name. That is until I left my sock and underwear drawer open one day. Later that evening, Billy Grady decided it was the perfect place to have a litter of six kittens. Needless to say, it was a good time for a Wal-Mart run.

We also changed her name to Billie.

Motherhood did nothing to slow down this cat. Although we all talked about getting rid of the kittens when they were old enough, poor followthrough on our part resulted in long-term housing for the cat family.

Now, this wouldn’t be so bad except for a couple of factors. First, we were young men and barely able to take care of ourselves (Yes, we only washed dishes when we ran out of clean dishes and paper plates.) Most importantly, cleaning the litter box was definitely not a priority for any of us. Only when the cats would start using our beds were we motivated to scoop.

I was working the night shift when I woke up late one afternoon. It seems that one of my roommates left the front door open earlier that day. Imagine my surprise when I walked out of my room to the largest cat party I have ever attended. Apparently, every cat in the neighborhood could make it! There were cats on the top of the couch, cats licking dirty dishes in the sink and there was one cat hanging by its claws from the window screen (we would later be charged $10 from our deposit for that one.) It took the better part of an hour to finally break up the party!

It was almost two years later when one of my roommates took a job in Minneapolis and my other roommate decided to move in with his fiancé. I decided to find a smaller place and go out on my own. As I packed up the car I went inside for a final look and to say goodbye to the cats. However, there were none to be found as they were probably outside on a good hunt.

About six months later I stopped in the market that was just around the corner from the old house. While standing in line I commented to a woman with a large bag of cat food and a big box of litter, “You must really love cats.”

She smiled and began to share her story, “I moved into the house around the corner...”

Fall 2018

Fall 2018

www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

THE COOLIDGE DOGS (and Other Animals) Kate Kelly

I

f the American population divided itself into pet people and non-pet people, Calvin Coolidge—our 30th president (1923-1929)—and his wife Grace, would definitely be on the “pet” side of the line. They had cats, birds, two pet raccoons, and of course, dogs.

Peter Pan, a terrier, came with the Coolidges to the White House but he did not

like the hustle and bustle of Washington life, so the Coolidges found a quieter home for him. Paul Pry, an Airedale, was the next dog to arrive, and he was fiercely loyal to the Coolidges, to the point that he would not permit the housekeepers to enter a room where the president was.

Rob Roy and Prudence Prim were two white collies that joined the family. Prudence was a particular favorite of Grace’s.

Beans was a Boston bulldog who arrived and took position as lead dog, which put Rob’s nose out of joint so the Coolidges gave Beans to Mrs. Coolidge’s mother who lived in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Tiny Tim and Blackberry were chows.

Tiny Tim soon became “Terrible Tim” in the president’s eyes, so he was soon moved to other quarters. The family picked up Blackberry on a trip to the Black Hills.

Blackberry was all black including the inside of her mouth, and she became a gift to their son John Coolidge’s “intended.”

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Calamity Jane was a Shetland sheepdog who joined the family, but there were still more (though not all were at the White House): There were two other collies, Bessie and Ruby Rouch, and a German shepherd named King Cole. There was also a bird dog named Palo Alto.

As definite pet people, they also created homes for many other animals.

Rebecca was a raccoon given to the Coolidges to be part of Thanksgiving dinner but Grace Coolidge spared her.

They built a pen around a tree at the White House, and they got her a friend, Reuben, but he soon escaped.

In addition, the Coolidges received a wallaby, a bobcat, a black bear, a donkey, a Pygmy hippo, and two lion cubs (named Tax Reduction and Budget Bureau) , a duiker (a small antelope), and 13 Pekin ducks (a type of domestic duck from Long Island) while Coolidge was president. The Coolidges attempted to raise the ducks in one of the bathrooms in the White House, but they soon became too large, and along with the other more exotic animals, had to be given to the zoo.

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

Fall 2018

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What You Could Learn from Your Horse A Happy Litter Box Pet Emergencies That Require Immediate Attention Raccoons!

A Veterans Day Tribute to Nemo the Dog

Southern NH & VT Fall 2018