4 Legs and a Tail - North Vermont - Spring 2015

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Eventing, Six Tough Goals for Brave Kids

Happy Mud Season Northern VT & NH

(One chicken required)

Alternatively Speaking: A Holistic Approach to Vaccinations OBarkaCareIs mandatory health insurance for pets coming soon?

What You Should Know About Feline Asthma

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail 2

What’s Up This Spring?

The American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life, New England’s largest equine and canine expo, and more!

Great ideas for your pets and the environment

Some considerations before you start the yard work

Is mandatory health insurance for your pet in the future?

A tender story from the popular book, Miracle Dogs: Adventures on Wheels.

A happy ending for one dogs encounter with Intervertebral Disc Disease

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Alternatively Speaking: A Holistic Approach to Vaccinations, Anne Carroll, DVM Green Up Your Pets, M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM Spring Pet Poisons

7 ObarkaCare 8

The Miracle of Love, Sandy Johnson

10 Ruby’s Story, Michelle Carroll, DVM

11 Toys Toys Toys, DJ Nelson

Tips for choosing the right toys for your pet

One German Shepherd’s mud season

Learn the signs and solutions

A message straight from the Sunday funnies

The joy of adopting an older dog

How one family battled Cushing’s disease

12 A Stroll in the Mud

13 What You Should Know About Feline Asthma, Elisa Speckert 13 Comical Canine Cohorts,

Pat Jauch

15 Stelline, Jim Mayor

16 When Molly Met Sally, Erin Regan 18 Rabies, Liam Bisson, DVM 18 The Joys and Benefits of Backyard Living, Ira Richards

Some tips on getting started with animal husbandry

Matching wits with a 300 lb bear.

Tips from one gold medal winner to a future winner

How one trucker made the purrrfect move

20 The Bear and the Branch, Jackie Finethy

21 Rythem of the Rein: Four Hooves and a Tail Bring Special

Healing to Those with Unique Needs, Dianne Lashoones 22 Eventing, Six Tough Goals for Brave Kids, Denny Emerson 23 A Feline Friend (18 Wheels Later) 24 26

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Pet Accidents on Your Carpet or Upholstery: What Now? What Can Happen to an Infected Lower Molar in Small Dogs, Sandra Waugh, VMD, MS

Little dogs can equal big dental issues

Wild Donkeys & Older great Danes, Gloria Towne Changing Direction, Jan Bailey

How one sailor found a new first mate

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn

4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.115 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com Spring 2015

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 Office Manager: Beth Hoehn quarterly and distributed free of charge Accounting: Elisa Speckert throughout Northern VT & NH. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and Graphic Design: operated and acts as a moderator without Monica Reinfeld, Lacey Dardis, Shane Lichtsinn approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the Sales: Karyn Swett, Scott Palzer, validity or accuracy of any data or claim.

Barry deSousa Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

Senior Editor: Scott Palzer

www.4LegsAndATail.com 1

What's Up This Spring?

The Greatest Dog & Pony Show on Earth!

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hether you call it spring or mud season, everyone calls it "four legs and a tail fun" as the 11th annual dog and pony show comes to Essex Jct., VT. As the area's premier equestrian event and last year’s addition of “man’s best friend,” this heavily attend event is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Everything Equine & Canine

will be Saturday, April 25th, from 8:30am-5pm and Sunday, April 26th, from 8:30am-4:30pm at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Jct., VT. Billed as New England’s largest equine and canine show, the two day event stands apart from many regional shows as a family friendly event with scores of consumer vendors, as well as a full schedule of informative seminars, demonstrations, horse and dog breeds on display and entertainment for dog and horse enthusiasts. As event coordinators put it, “The addition of dogs last year really added a new dimension to the event. The crowd was larger and we noticed more kids than usual”.

This year’s event is a must for equestrians, with renowned speaker and trainer, Dr. Andrew McLean of The Australian Equine Behaviour Centre.

The AEBC system is evidence based and simple to understand for horse and rider. By understanding how the horse learns training becomes more effective and clear, improving horse welfare. Andrew McLean holds a PhD in equine cognition and learning, has been an accredited horse riding coach for over 30 years and has written 5 books (including an International Best Seller) and authored 35 peer-reviewed journal articles. A past winner of the Advanced section of the famous Gawler Three-Day-Event, Andrew has also represented Australia in Horse Trials, been short-listed for World Championships and competed at State and National events in FEI level dressage and eventing, has show-jumped to Grand Prix level and held a Racehorse ownertrainer’s license and raced bareback in Australia and New Zealand in the 1970 and 80’s. Andrew will be presenting on both Saturday and Sunday.

As the first day winds down, what could be more fun than “Horsin’ Around on Saturday Night,” a dog & pony show? This annual variety show provides “Edu-tainment” by showcasing many different breeds, disciplines and styles for new and longtime horse and dog lovers. In addition to the excellent horse demonstrations, the show will incorporate dogs and trainers performing agility, obedience, a “canine weave pole challenge,” and even a fun light hearted challenge of “I can do what you can do” between dog and horse.

The very popular Equine Extreme Continued NEXT PAGE

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Spring 2015

Trail Challenge on Sunday morning will feature New England’s top horse and rider teams competing for cash and prizes.

On the canine side, dog lovers will have a wide variety of educational options on both days with over 50 indoor seminars and demonstrations . The very popular dog agility demonstration will be presented by Show Me the Biscuit of Williston, Vermont. “One of the staples of our weekend event has been the interactive manner in which attendees can learn and see firsthand,” says event director Jeremy Spaulding. “We’re particularly excited about this year’s show and the remarkable seminars. A must see during this weekend of events is the dog show, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and Meet the Breeds, organized by the Champlain Valley Kennel Club.” With more than 100 vendors on hand, Everything Equine & Canine is sure to be a hit for the entire family.

Admission to Everything Equine & Canine is $10 and children under 5 are free. Advance discount tickets can be purchased at Guy’s Farm & Yard locations in Williston, Morrisville and Montpelier Vermont and at Adirondack Tack in Plattsburgh, NY. The general public is asked to leave their dogs and horses home.

Bark For Life

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ave you ever participated in Relay for Life in your community?

Perhaps you couldn’t because dogs weren’t allowed? Well, guess what?!

Since we know that our canine caregivers can be such a vital part of patient survivorship, it is our pleasure to invite you to join us. Come celebrate our canine caregivers with our 2015 Bark for Life event!

The American Cancer Society’s “Bark for Life” is a noncompetitive walk

event for dogs and their owners, raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer!

This is a special year for Bark for Life. This year we have two very special guests coming to see everyone! Come meet our new friend Duke, and his best friend Alisha, both canine cancer survivors! We all know that canine companions demonstrate unconditional love, joy, security, and compassion that can be the best therapy for cancer patients during their treatment. Come hear the story about the true meaning of “dog’s best friend”; and oh… Duke LOVES hugs!! You can also follow their story on our Facebook page; “Vermont Bark for Life-American Cancer Society” Bark for Life is committed to honoring the lifelong contributions of our furry support team, so we invite everyone to join us in celebrating our canines, and to bring an end to cancer.

It is time to build your FIGHT BACK team and start fundraising, to make this year’s Bark for Life event a huge success! To register your team, please visit www.relayforlife.org/barkchittendenvt or contact Jennifer Clark at 802.872.6323 or jennifer.clark@cancer.org! Let’s take a bite out of cancer... together!!

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.cvexpo.org/ EverythingEquine Sponsors include 4 Legs & a Tail magazine, the University of Vermont Extension, Guy’s Farm & Yard, Horse Works, Show Me the Biscuit, Poulin Grain, Inc., Equine Journal, Vermont Horse Council, Equiscents/VT Equine Acupressure and the Champlain Valley Exposition.

Spring 2015

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Caws 4 Paws Adopt-A-Thon & Pet Expo

A howling good time is in store for all as JD Green of Froggy 100.9 presents the 1st Annual Caws 4 Paws Adopt-A-Thon & Pet Expo from 10-5 on Saturday, May 16 at the BOR in Barre. This is a must for all dog lovers and future dog lovers as the event will play host to a variety of rescue groups as well as local humane societies.

According to organizer and popular morning radio personality JD Green, “This has been a dream of mine for a long time.” A dog lover himself, Green is a regular contributor to the Sunday magazine of the Times Argus, sharing exploits of his long time buddy, “Buddy.” The monthly column, entitled “Beyond The Dog” is based on a book project that is currently in the making. Learn more by visiting www.beyondthedog.com.

In addition to adoption opportunities, the one day event will feature obedience training and behavior demonstrations as well as a wide variety of other educational canine programs. A large number of vendor booths ranging from veterinarians to pet food distributors will also be on hand to answer questions. The Caws 4 Paws will also feature guest speakers as well as K-9 demonstrations.

Admission will be on a donation basis with plenty of free parking. For more information contact JD at FroggyBreakfastClub@gmail.com

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Spring 2015

Alternatively Speaking:

A Holistic Approach to Vaccination R

Anne M. Carroll, DVM - Chelsea, VT

eady or not, spring is here.

There will be robins on the branch, crocuses emerging in the lawn, and of course, rabies clinics. These clinics serve a very important function in preventing the spread of rabies. My hospital hosts clinics for three surrounding towns, but they are not meant to be a substitute for healthcare. As a society we are cavalier about vaccination. With increasing pressure on our time and pocketbooks, more people may turn to a quick stop at a clinic for shots, just as we can walk into a pharmacy and receive multiple vaccinations without any input from our doctor.

Without veterinary guidance, pets can receive more vaccinations than they may need, and when it comes to vaccination, more isn’t always better. First, let me state for the record, that holistic veterinarians are not necessarily “anti-vaccine.” I take the approach that a vaccine should be valued for its vital role in protecting against infectious disease, but also respected for what it is - a “biological drug” with potent effects on the immune system. Effects that in some cases can cause real health issues, and that possibility should not be ignored.

The decision about which vaccines to give and how often to give them, can raise some heated debates. Vaccine manufacturers, professional organizations, and legislators want to influence this discussion. Luckily, most individual vaccination decisions are left to the veterinarians, who use guidelines based on the most up to date science. However, the pet owner should have the knowledge that one size does not necessarily fit all. At the center of holistic medicine is the understanding that to treat a patient is to understand them on all levels. This includes all of a patient’s past history, breed tendencies, diet, environmental exposures, etc.

Vaccination is a medical decision that deserves a conversation equal to that of any medical treatment or surgical procedure. The result is an individually tailored vaccine protocol that is specific to your pet, providing maximum protection with the least chance of harm.

How have we become concerned about excessive vaccination? Over the past several decades vaccination science has come a long way, our pets have benefited from more effective and safer vaccines. These advances have created more vaccines than ever before, and they can be combined in up to a nine-in-one shot.

Spring 2015

Convenient “combo” shots have a down side too, as they create the potential for pets to be immunized for diseases that they are not at risk for, either because they are not common where your pet lives or the types of activities they do or don’t do. But the main cause of overuse is that a few of the ingredients require annual boosters while the rest could go far longer than that, and giving all of them sooner is not needed. In general vaccines are safe and rarely cause issues, however certain breeds or individuals with genetic sensitivity are at risk for vaccine related illness. Though rare, these issues have become more noticeable as more pets are immunized routinely, with more shots than ever before. The most commonly recognized example is the potential for cancers in certain cats from any irritation of the skin, including those from vaccines. Researchers are also trying to correlate the suspected effects over-vaccination can pose on the immune, endocrine and neurological systems. It does seem that the risks may be enhanced if your pet is already having any issue that involves the immune system or chronic inflammation. This is why vaccination should be taken into consideration with a whole health plan, including the use of individual or smaller combination vaccinations that do not exceed what your pet really needs.

So how can veterinarians take a holistic approach to vaccination? As with any medical decision, we weigh the risks and benefits. Our vaccination discussion should involve an assessment of the pet first, evaluating their current and past health issues, possible future issues common to the breed, and past vaccine experiences. We can then determine what diseases they could be exposed to and if those could cause enough harm to warrant protection. If there is no real benefit to the patient then even the small risk of vaccinating is not worth taking. We can certainly take measures to reduce those risks by avoiding giving multiple vaccinations at once, postponing vaccines if the pet is not healthy, and giving vaccines no more often than modern veterinary guidelines suggest. According to these guidelines, many traditional veterinarians are already using fewer immunizations, less often. Immunity can last beyond what we once believed and we can measure that protection using a test called a “titer” to determine if a vaccine is truly needed,

especially in high risk patients such as elderly pets, cancer patients, or those with chronic issues. Homeopathic remedies can also be used to minimize adverse effects in those that are at risk but need their shots.

To maximize your pet’s health this spring, don’t just vaccinate. They may need a booster or they may not. The important thing is to get a good checkup, look for subtle signs of early disease that can go unnoticed at home, get updated on the latest recommendations for general health care, diets, parasite control and of course, vaccinations. Getting an annual checkup for your pet is like a person going to the doctor once every seven years, a lot can happen in that time. This relationship with your veterinarian is what ultimately insures long-term health for your pet, not the medicines we hand out. After all, if they are not needed, whose pet will complain that they did NOT get a shot?

Dr. Anne Carroll is owner of the Chelsea Animal Hospital where she practices both conventional medicine and surgery, as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Her associate Dr. Betty Jo Black brings classical homeopathy to the practice.

For more information on alternative veterinary medicine visit their website at www.chelseaanimalhospital.com www.4LegsAndATail.com 5

Green Up Your Pets!

8 Local Offices Vacation Travel • Educational Tours Corporate Travel Solutions Professional Sports Travel Group & Incentive Travel

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM but they can be tricky because you must ensure that the diet has the proper balance of ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. Animals can become very sick on some homemade diets if they are not balanced: check with your veterinarian first. Just because “Dr. Google” says it’s so, doesn’t mean that recipe is complete and balanced.

There are at least five types of kitty litter that are not only biodegradable, they can be used as mulch or compost (once you scoop out the waste)! These use renewable products such as corn, wheat, paper, or kiln-dried wood. Nearly every local pet or feed store has at least one such kitty litter. Stop using those plastic grocery store bags for your dog’s waste and use ones that break down quickly and naturally and don’t harm the environ arth Day (April 22) and Vermont ment. It is estimated that a million aniGreen up Day (May 2) is the perfect time mals (mainly in the ocean) die each year to consider some Earth friendly practices from ingesting plastic, mistaking it for to help the environment, when it comes food. There are several companies that to our furry companions. Plastic is every- make biodegradable “doggie doo” bags where, and only 27% of plastic is recycled. that can be found locally.

Landfills can only hold so much and even You know you can’t resist buying then it takes 450 years for plastic to start toys for your pets. Did you know there to degrade. If we can use products for our are many companies that make dog and pets made from recycled plastic or even cat toys and beds from recycled plastics, better from renewable resources, it is bet- hemp, wool, or cotton? Check with your ter for our pets and the environment in local pet supply stores, or as a last resort, check online. You can even make your the long run.

Consider making homemade treats own pet toys at home. Reuse scraps of fabto avoid buying ones pre-packaged in ric to make your own braided dog pull toy. plastic. While there are a million reci- Cat owners all know that most of the time pes online for homemade dog biscuits, the cats have more fun playing in bags double check the ingredient list with or boxes than they do with toys from the your veterinarian before making them store. You can even crumple up your old to ensure they are safe for your pet. bills and have the satisfaction of seeing An even simpler way (if your pet eats your cats bat them around the house. Cats canned food) is to take some of your pet’s find cords and stringy toys irresistible to canned food, cut it into small strips, and play with, but they also like to try to eat bake in the oven until it is brick consis- them. This can cause serious illness, so tency. Homemade diets are a great idea, put them away when you’re done playing.

Avoid plastic food and water dishes and use ones made from metal or glass - or better yet, look for ones made from sustainable materials. There is at least one company that makes food and water dishes from bamboo, for example.

So green up your pets! These are small things that you can do to help make the environment a safer and better place for wildlife and all of those future puppies and kittens.

E

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The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 340 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine.

Spring 2015

Spring Pet Poisons M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM-VVMA

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any people are beginning to realize the dangers of landscaping items such as cocoa mulch and stainless steel edging, but there are many more potential dangers for pets when you start your springtime lawn and garden care.

While flowers are colorful and fragrant, there are several that are toxic to pets. Daffodils can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and potential respiratory distress in dogs and cats. Lilies are deadly to cats and Autumn Crocuses can cause severe illness and death a few days after ingestion.

Most pesticides and insecticides usually cause only mild irritation to your pet when ingested. The concentrated forms are the ones that can really make your pet ill. Fertilizers such as bone or blood meal may help your flowers grow, but to most dogs, they are very tasty and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea,

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and gastric obstruction. Rose fertilizers may contain disulfoton and as little as 1 teaspoon of this can kill a 55 pound dog.

Fertilizers applied to your lawn are reasonably safe when applied correctly. In general keep the pets off the lawn until the liquid is dry or the granules have been wetted.

Whenever you’re working in your lawn and garden, be sure to keep any containers of lawn care products out of pets’ reach.

Save labels or containers in case your pet does eat something: this will help your veterinarian find the right treatment for your pet. If you are concerned with the potential toxicity of something your pet ingests, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 (www.petpoisonhelpline. com). To learn which plants are toxic to your pets, go to http:// www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/spring/

OBarkaCare?

t looks like Washington is at it again, as legislators in our nation’s capital have begun conversations to amend the Affordable Healthcare Act. The cornerstone of the current administration, ObamaCare has been the most polarizing legislation in more than 50 years, and the current proposal has lawmakers fighting like a cat and dog over it, literally cats and dogs.

Under the plan laid out by a Senate sub-committee, a single payer health care program will be required for all dogs and cats. Needless to say, the idea has drawn fire from several groups over the guidelines of the bill, including benefits. As one Georgia congressman put it, “That dog don’t hunt! Here in the Bible-belt, spay and neutering is a form of birth control and should not be funded by my taxpayers.” When pressed further, the congressman did say he would consider spaying if the mother’s life was in danger.

One animal rights group applauds the effort. According to one spokesperson, “We’ve paid a lot of money to our lobbyists over the years. It’s about time Washington threw us a bone.”

Even the veterinary industry has chimed in with a statement. “Dogs and cats are part of our families and should have FULL mandatory health benefits including vision coverage. Cats are prone to cataracts, (which is where the human optical term originated), and many dogs suffer from varying forms of blindness.

Both would be well served with the prescription glasses covered under this proposal.”

However, some have been highly critical as being too focused on just dogs and cats. The American Alpaca Society has Spring 2015

called the proposal discriminatory. As one alpaca farmer put it, “Next time you complain about some scratchy acrylic sweater, you’ll wish for healthier alpacas.”

A full vote is expected sometime

this spring, and if all goes according to plan, OBarkaCare could go into effect as early as April 1, 2015. For more information visit www.4 Legsandatail.com/ HappyAprilFools

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The Miracle of Love Sandy Johnson

“Any man with money to make the purchase may become a dog’s owner. But no man— spend he ever so much coin and food and tact in the effort—may become a dog’s Master without consent of the dog. Do you get the difference? And he whom a dog once unreservedly accepts as Master is forever that dog’s God.” -Albert Payson Terhune, Lad: A Dog

his is the story of two souls, one four-legged, the other two-legged, who were meant to meet and fulfill their shared destiny.

First, Scooter’s story: A very cold day in February 2011. I was crouched on the side of the road, hiding from the people and noises coming from the street. Most of all, I was hiding from the man who shot me, my owner. I was a growing puppy, six months old and always hungry; they didn’t want me anymore because they couldn’t feed me, so they turned me out of the house and chased me away. Lost, alone, and hungry, I wandered for days.

Finally, I gave up and went home, hoping they would take me back.

But when I showed up at their door, the big man took down his rifle and shot me.

I turned and ran, but he shot me two more times, once in each flank, and once in the back. I tried to keep on running, but I could move only as fast as my two front legs would carry me. When I couldn’t move anymore, I hid in the bushes.

I don’t know how long I had been lying there when some people spotted me and stopped their car and tried to pick me up. I was frightened at first and tried to get away from them, but I had no strength left. They put me in a big blue plastic tub in the back of their car and talked about taking me someplace where I could be “put to sleep.”

They drove to a building where many dogs were barking and lots of people were coming and going. A man came out and opened the back of the car and looked at me.

Gently, he opened my mouth and looked at my teeth and ears, and then he scratched the top of my head and picked me up and carried me into the building. The smell of dogs and cats and critters of every sort filled the air. I heard the people who picked me up say, “We think he was hit by a car.... Better put him to sleep.... Poor doggie.... ” The nice man took me into a room and put me on a big steel table with a towel on it to keep me warm. He looked at my eyes, my ears, and my mouth again. Then he looked at my back legs. Carefully, he picked me up and put me on the floor and walked a short distance away and turned to me. Using my front legs, I scooted along the smooth floor, which was so much easier than rocks and grass, and came to him.

He turned and walked away again, and I followed him. He chuckled and said I was a real scooter. I liked the man; I liked the way he looked into my eyes and smiled as if we were old friends. I followed him around the table a few more times before he stopped and scratched me on the top of the head again and then under my neck. I just melted into him from that moment.

He picked up the phone. His expression was discouraging; he wasn’t liking whatever it was he was hearing. When he put the phone down, he got up and spoke to the people who brought me in—“He’s got great character . . . gets around on his own . . . ” —and then they wandered off into another room.

Before long, someone brought in big bowls of food and water, which I finished off three times, until I couldn’t eat anymore. I curled up on a blanket on the floor and fell asleep.

After a while, the man came back in with a towel that he wrapped around me. I didn’t know what was happening, but I remembered the conversation about being “put to sleep.” I tried to get away, but the more I wriggled, the tighter his grip got. Now I was scared.

He had covered me up completely with the towel, including my eyes, and went through a couple of doors, and it got really cold. This must be the end, I thought.

But then it got really warm. We were in the nice man’s car. He talked to me for a long time. I couldn’t understand all the words, but I could understand what he meant. We were friends; I had nothing to fear anymore. He drove for a while and then stopped at a bigger building. He grabbed that really big, warm blanket and some of the towels and took me inside. There were more dogs in there; they all came up and sniffed at me. Then I had my first bath.

The other dogs wouldn’t leave me alone, I growled and snapped at them; it was all I could do, because I couldn’t run. But then the nice man, my friend, came back in and showed me that the other dogs were not going to hurt me. For a long time, he stayed right next to me.

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Finally, I got so tired that I just lay down and fell asleep. I know at some point he picked me up and carried me to another room and put me on a warm, comfy blanket. When I woke up, I looked around for my new friend, only to discover that he was right next to me, with his arm over my back. I licked his face for the longest time. Then he got up and brought me another bowl of food.

After a couple of days lying around, he took me back to that place with that big steel table, but for some reason, now I wasn’t worried. I had learned his name was TJ and that we would be friends forever.

TJ came out of another room with a big box in his hands and took out a bunch of strange-looking things and some tools and got busy. When he was finished, he picked me up and took me over to the thing with wheels that he had been putting together. After getting my back legs into the strange-looking contraption, TJ put me down on the floor and wrapped the thing around me and snapped it on.

I just looked up at him, wondering what he wanted me to do. TJ grabbed onto my collar and pulled on me . . . and suddenly I could move! With ease! I could even run again, I was still really fast, I ran everywhere I could reach. I could hear people behind me laughing, but I didn’t care . . . I could run again! I ran and I ran, and I ran till I couldn’t run anymore. Finally, I got really tired and fell asleep underneath TJ’s desk while still in the contraption. I felt so good.

When I finally woke up, I made the biggest decision of my life: I decided to adopt my best friend, TJ.

TJ’s Story The dog, a six-month-old Border Collie, was brought in from the back of a beat-up hatchback inside a blue container.

He was a sad sight—a heart-wrenching puppy, not even a teenager. His hind legs and hips were scraped from scooting on the ground. Unfortunately, I knew we couldn’t afford to take him for X-rays, not on our government budget. But when I looked him in the eyes, we connected. It was like a total alignment of all the planets in the universe, an almost audible ping. I knew right then that I was going to try—try anything.

We brought him in and carried him to the treatment room, where the table was set up to euthanize him. I put him down on the table and looked at those pathetic, withered legs, and my heart dropped. There were no signs of new or fresh injuries. I tousled his head, and he smiled back at me. I set him down and backed up, hoping for a miracle, a sign, anything.

I hadn’t gotten two steps away before he screamed. It wasn’t a yelp of pain or a howl of sorrow. It was a sudden, soul-stopping scream that cried, Don’t leave me! The scream was unlike anything I’d ever heard before; it was enough to stop me in my tracks.

He had pulled himself along, his useless legs dragging behind him as he scooted toward me. Ecstatic that I had stopped, he dragged himself over to me and sat at my feet. His head was cocked back, and his tongue was lolling. I looked into his eyes, and I knew that, no matter what, I had to find a way to help him.

I started around the table, and he followed, screaming joyously and sliding along the floor. To think that he had been dragging himself like this through streets and woods and rocks made me cringe. We started to chase each other around the room like two little boys, me laughing and his tail wagging.

I had to stop and call the vet. I needed to know the next step; I had to know if there were any other options available for him.

When the vet listened to his story, she explained that even without an X-ray, it was clear that the dog was paralyzed, and probably had been so for a while. His scream was most likely his only defense when, stranded and alone, predators were near. The fear I felt for him at this past danger, together with the joy that he had survived, carved itself into my heart. This dog was meant to be saved. Regretfully, she suggested that it might be kinder to put him down. Impressed as she was with his survival, quality of life in the shelter would be poor, and finding someone to take care of him would be nearly impossible. I hung up the phone, Spring 2015

my mood bleak.

But I was not hopeless. I called the director. I always valued her opinion on such matters. She knew the budget issues, the risk involved, and the very small chance of his ever finding either a rescue or an adopter. She also realized that the fact of his survival so far was a miracle. Still, with apology ringing in her voice, she agreed with the vet’s suggestion. I was devastated.

I couldn’t accept it. I didn’t know the scope of issues that Scooter (by then I had named him) brought with him, but I knew that I would go through hell before I gave up on him. I had to save him.

At that moment, Scooter was mine. Or, rather, I was his. In my heart, I knew that losing him, even after knowing him for only an hour, would wound me more deeply than I could stand.

At that moment I took him on, took him in, and opened my world to one of the greatest loves I will ever know. This pillowstealing, wheelchair-breaking, run-you-down-and-make-youglad, oversize dust mop has become one of my best friends.

TJ Jordi, firefighter, certified master diver, service dog trainer, and recipient of the Humane Heroes Award, is now the director of Tennessee’s Cheatham County Animal. With the support of a small but dedicated staff and rescue network, they have not had to euthanize a single healthy, adoptable animal in three years.

Scooter has become a celebrity. He was the grand marshal of the Cheatham County Special Olympics in 2012 and 2013, and won a bronze medal in 2012 and a gold medal in 2013.

He is being trained as a therapy dog for people in wheelchairs, and he’s been to nearly all the schools in Cheatham County and has served as the lead dog in all Cheatham County Christmas Parades since his arrival. He is proof that handicapped pets can live full and productive lives.

Together, TJ and Scooter are fulfilling the destiny that brought them together.

Sandy Johnson attended the University of Pennsylvania, CIDOC in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and the New School for Social Research in New York City. She studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and at the Actors Studio in Los Angeles. Learn more about Scooter and the other pets and people in this book.

See color photos, more stories, and upload your own at HandicappedPets.com/MiracleDogs www.4LegsAndATail.com 9

Ruby’s Story Michelle Carroll, CVT

M eet Ruby, a four year old dachshund who loves to run and play hard with corgi and three dachshund housemates. Ruby’s parents noticed that she was

her weak in her hind end when they went to bed one evening. The following morning (approximately 10 hours later) she was able to bear weight on her hind limbs, but was unable to walk on her own. Her parents had a previous dog that needed back surgery, so they knew it was time to take her in to Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists (BEVS) for emergency care. They also noticed that she was Here Ruby is recuperating with her brother Max. not able to urinate and her symptoms were worsening quickly.

After a thorough neurological exam, it was noted that Ruby still had deep pain present (ability to feel and withdraw from pain in her feet). She was diagnosed with IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease and referred to our surgeon, Dr. Helia Zamprogno for a CT/Myelogram and surgery.

The CT and Myelogram identify the herniated disc, allowing the surgeon to decide on the location that requires surgery and the correct side to approach from. 85 – 95% of dogs that are taken to surgery with deep pain will walk again with surgical correction. 50% of dogs that do not have deep pain at the time of surgery will walk again with surgical correction within 24 hours of loosing deep pain. The longer a dog waits for surgery after losing deep pain the less likely they are to walk again, even after surgical correction.

Recovery from surgery requires dedicated nursing care, physical rehab and time, as it can take several weeks to regain the strength and proprioception needed to walk again. At-home care involves a safe well padded area to rest, bladder management (regularly expressing the bladder when they are not able to urinate on their own) and giving daily medications.

Michelle is a Surgery technician at Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists but because of her diverse background she also jumps in and helps with Internal Medicine and Emergency. When Michelle is not at BEVS she volunteers as a therapy dog handler with Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Michelle is the mother of two Labrador retrievers, Harper and Ritter.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spinal column either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.

Breeds of dog that are predisposed to IVDD include the Dachshund, Beagle, Basset Hound, and Shih Tzu.

Symptoms and Types

Made up of a gelatinous substance surrounded by a thick outer layer, intervertebral discs are basically the shock absorbers of the spine. There are two types of disc herniation seen in dogs: Type I and Type II, of which Type II generally has less severe signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of IVDD may include: • Unwillingness to jump • Pain and weakness in rear legs (lameness) • Crying out in pain • Anxious behavior • Muscle spasms over back or neck • Hunched back or neck with tense muscles • Reduced appetite and activity level • Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence, respectively) 10 4 Legs & a Tail

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Toys Toys Toys DJ Nelson - St. Johnsbury, VT

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ur pets always love getting new and exciting toys. Toys are very important for any pet (Dogs, Cats, Birds, Small animals). Toys do so much more than offer something to play with. They challenge pets mentally, help keep teeth and gums healthy, help exercise, and create bonding time with their human pals.

There are so many toys/accessories to choose from. You go online to search for the best possible toy/accessory for your pet. And you see it. You have just read about someone’s heartache when their beloved pet has to go into emergency surgery or possibly die from a bad interaction with a toy. It causes you to tear up and then panic sets in. It is heart breaking and scary especially, if this is a new pet. Not only are you trying to cover up your tears before someone sees you, you still have no clue what to get your own pet, because so many things are bad for your pet.

So what is bad and what is good?

Anything can be a potential hazard. I look at it this way. Our children can choke on a grape, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t eat them. We take precautions, we have the children eat while sitting down, or maybe we cut them into smaller pieces.

How does this translate to toys for dogs, cats, small animals, and birds?

Here are some important safety tips that can save your pets life!

Anything “can be a hazard” under the right conditions! This doesn’t mean you have to stay away from all toys, chews, etc. As long as you take steps like the ones below, you will decrease the risk of injury or death to your pet. Remember, toys/ accessories are very important for your pet’s mental health and development, and they can be fun for you too.

1. If you don’t know how your dog/cat will react with a toy, let them play with it only when you can watch. If you find they are destroying it you can remove it.

2. Give size appropriate toys. Toys that are too small can become a choking hazard.

When in doubt, get the next size up.

3. They may love rope toys, but it is in their best interest that you and your dog/cat play with rope toys together only. If you prefer not using rope toys, there are alternative tug toys, such as the Kong Wubba.

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4. Inspect dog/cat toys often... If they are starting to fall apart, pick up the pieces and the toy, and discard.

5. Pick appropriate toys for your dog or cat (think breed, size, behavior). If your dog rips apart stuffed toys, then don’t go for stuffed toys... If your cat has a thing for eating ribbon, don’t give him a toy with ribbon.

6. It is ok to make alterations on your dog/cats new toy... Example if a cat likes to eat string, and you buy a toy mouse with a string for a tail, it is okay to cut it off before you give it to them.

7. Toss out toys that are breaking down, old/frail, etc and replace with new.

8. Inspect everything right down to the cage for your small animals/birds. For small animal houses I like the wooden houses by Super Pet/Kaytee they use safe glue and wooden pegs instead of metal.However they still need to be inspected. Sometimes pets will chew the wood making a spot that may be sharp. When you see this cut off and sand the sharp edge, making it safe for your pet.

9. Inspect bird toys. They will destroy them, that is okay, but for example; if the rope becomes frayed you can cut it off the toy, before the bird’s foot gets caught in it.

10. Folks love to go out into the woods and collect branches/wood for their birds/small animals, even reptiles. I recommend you purchase these items, which have been cleaned or made pet-safe, from a pet store instead.

Things collected from outside can bring in bugs, etc., that can harm your pet.

Again, these are just a few of many tips regarding pet toys.

Anytime you have questions or concerns contact your vet or local pet store for help.

DJ Nelson has worked in the pet industry for almost two decades and is the owner of AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

He works with Reptiles, Birds, Small Animals, Fresh/Saltwater fish, and Dog & Cat Nutrition.

Since proper care is constantly changing, educating customers about their pets is the most important. www.aquarealmaquarium. com and Facebook www.4LegsAndATail.com 11

A Stroll in the Mud A

fter five decades of mud season there are few things that can rattle my cage. The exceptions are: 2am phone calls from my daughter, letters from the IRS marked URGENT and coming home to find a police car parked in my driveway.

The latter was the case this last spring.

Let me start with the fact that Bailey, our eight year old German Shepherd, is a little sweetie. She can bark like a Sheperd, but there is no bite to back it up. In fact, she’s such a baby, that most times she’ll camp by the door when left alone and pine until we return.

I say most times, because the day the police came to visit was the day Bailey decided not to wait for her masters. If you know Shepherds you know the intelligence of the breed, they are certainly smart enough to open a French door handle.

Once this simple task was achieved, there was only one logical way to celebrate her new found freedom…a casual stroll through the park and downtown Lebanon, NH. Naturally, the obvious issues arose: a self walking dog without a leash, and the fact that she is a large German Shepherd going solo.

Although Bailey has not shared the details of her adventure (and maybe it’s better off that way), a story was shared with me by the local police officer who followed her home that day. He received a call about a German Shepherd wandering around the town. By the time he had caught up with her, Bailey was covered in mud, tired, and ready to call it a day. She walked the last hundred feet and into an open doorway.

The fast thinking cop was worried and couldn’t be sure that this dog hadn’t just strayed into the first open door she came across.

Arriving back at our house from a morning of shopping was when my heart skipped a beat. We found a Lebanon patrol car sitting in our driveway!

Fortunately, officer Kapuscinski shared this tale as we went in to confront our wayward dog. She was lying sheepishly on our white bedspread covered in mud. If we hadn’t known the entire story, I’m sure we would have wondered until our final days, “How did that dog get so muddy IN the house?”

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What You Should Know About Feline Asthma Elisa Speckert, Norwich, VT

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eline asthma or bronchitis is a relatively common condition in cats.

This condition occurs when your cat is exposed to a certain irritating substance that causes an allergic response. This response results in a narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing for your cat.

Additionally, the body’s inflammatory response allows for the buildup of mucous in the airways that can cause additional problems.

Adult cats between the ages of 2-8 are most commonly diagnosed with asthma.

Siamese cats and overweight animals are also at an increased risk. Symptoms of feline asthma can include coughing, difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, sneezing, vomiting, mucous discharge and wheezing.

There are a large variety of substances that can trigger your cat’s allergic response. These are often inhaled irritants

Chronic lung changes in a cat with asthma.

including cat litter dust, cigarette smoke, hairsprays or perfumes, pollens or molds.

Other less common causes of feline asthma can include viruses, bacteria and heartworms or lungworms.

Diagnosing feline asthma usually requires complete blood work and a radiograph (x-ray). The blood work is useful in determining whether a bacterial infection is present in your cat’s respiratory system as well as whether they are having an allergic response. A radiograph will allow the veterinarian to see if there have been any chronic changes to the lungs which are common in feline asthma. Additional testing including biopsy of the airway tissues with a scope can be done in an attempt to identify exactly what is causing the asthma.

In most cases, however, the exact cause is not able to be determined and our feline friends are managed medically. This includes limiting their exposure to some of the more common and easily avoided irritants (cigarette smoke, dusty cat litter, perfumes, etc). It also includes placing your pet on medication to manage their symptoms. Oral steroids are the most common treatment for feline asthma. Ideally owners will try to decrease this medication to the lowest effective dose. Inhaled medications such as albuterol or steroids used with a specialized feline mask and spacer are also very effective with fewer longterm side effects. Antibiotics are also used in some cases if a bacterial infection is suspected. Though most cats can be managed very well with just a few medications it is important to pay close attention to the way your pet is acting and feeling. If they suddenly begin having trouble breathing or their medication seems to stop working it is imperative that you contact your veterinarian immediately. In some cases your cat may require oxygen therapy and additional medications to recover from a particularly serious episode.

Elisa Speckert a graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in Animal Science and is currently a veterinary technician at River Road Veterinary Clinic in Norwich, VT. She currently lives in White River Jct. with her son, three dogs, cat and hedgehog. www.RiverRoadVeterinary.com.

Comical Canine Cohorts Pat Jauch - Caladonia Canine Rescue, Inc There is much to be learned from humor, which, at its best, is a form of truth. Just turn to the comics page and you will find a bevy of beasts, not the least of which are Buckles, Fred Basset, Garfield and Odie, and Snoopy. The personification of these creatures provides some insight into the reasons for their behavior, giving the dog’s (and cat’s) eye view of the world for the humble humans who share their lives and provide comfort. There are lessons to be learned from their madcap activities and the situations described can easily fit the “funny story” list of any pet owner.

Snoopy, the independent, self-reliant beagle of the “Peanuts” cartoon, exudes an air of self-assurance. Surrounded by his feathered friend, Woodstock, and a bunch of youthful servants led by Charlie Brown, this dog has a doghouse of his own and knows that every night his human caregiver will provide food and water. Leash laws do not rule his realm, so Snoopy goes on various expeditions with the bird but always manages to be home in time for supper.

Buckles lives in the home of Paul and Jill, a couple who tries valiantly to mold their pampered pet into a proper pooch. When he tears the garbage, or ransacks the house, he is banished to the garage, to no avail. When he lounges on the new furniture his inner self

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scolds the behavior, yet he continues, knowing that his owners will not be pleased. The look of shame Buckles demonstrates when his owners return usually serves to dismiss punishment.

He has a conscience (doesn’t every dog?) but it never prevents his misbehavior.

Fred Bassett is the model of the mature dog. Obediently bringing his master’s slippers, fetching the paper, and knowing his place in the scheme of things, his sole desire is to become a lap dog. Occasionally, he succeeds. His preoccupation with relocating buried bones and the forgetfulness that enters the process brings to mind human traits Odie and Garfield are quite a pair. that affect all of us.

Garfield, the smug fat cat who rules the roost, survives on lasagna and Each of these pets from the comany other human treat in sight. Jon, ics has a story to tell. Apparently they his owner, caters to his every whim. have been spayed or neutered, since When the overzealous Odie bounces no unwanted litters have arrived over into the frame, Garfield watches with the course of their years in print. Each scorn, never missing an opportunity has a loving family, adequate shelter, to swat the unsuspecting canine, and food and water, and the inevitable trip then appear as the innocent when Jon to the vet. What more could any animal attempts to discipline him. require? Their owners care! www.4LegsAndATail.com 13

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STELLINE Jim Mayor - S. Albany, VT

I n the Spring of 2012, while visiting our veterinarian at East Haven (VT) Veterinary Service with our ailing collie-shepherd mix, Ranger, Dr. Sally asked if we

might be interested in another rescue. Not exactly waiting for my, “I’m sorry I think we have enough,” she brought out the most adorable, long-haired, miniature dachshund. Puppy she wasn’t, however, as Dr. Sally estimated her age around fifteen.

Maybe I have “gullible” written all over me. In any case, we made room for the little one for the long drive home. She rode home quietly in the passenger seat as if she belonged there.

She was most literally a rescue. She had been abandoned in the house of “persons,” who had moved several days before the neighbors heard her distress cries. One can only wonder why we still use the blanket term “humans” to apply to all people.

My two adult kids were surprised, and needless to say, delighted with the new addition. After a short discussion we settled on the perfect name for her, Stelline, loosely being the Italian word for little “star.” Little, because the pasta is very small stars.

Stelline, indeed fit right in, because she came with her own share of problems. Dr. Sally had pulled almost all of her teeth, leaving her with only a couple in her upper jaw in the front, and those were loose. Soft foods were in order, but Stelline used her abnormally long tongue to dispose, with aplomb, a dish of her food. It does take her a while to eat, but most of the time our other companions respect her food.

There are many advantages of adopting an older dog

Although Dr. Sally had given her a good going over, it wasn’t too long before we noticed she had eye problems. On the return trip to our vet she decided we should seek expert help, and off we went to the eye care clinic at Peak Veterinary Referral Center in Williston, Vermont.

She eventually lost sight in first one eye, and then the other. Dr. Hoy at Peak was reluctant to remove either eye, due to the Stelline’s poor risk for surgery.

Although Stelline spends most of her days asleep in front of the heat register, snuggled into one of three soft beds scattered around the room, parts of each day are spent wandering around the living room, occasionally bumping into furniture and, rarely, other animals. But she has a good memory. Among her favorite things are interludes on someone’s lap, a nice belly rub, which will usually elicit a roll-over, and tofu as a treat.

Although she isn’t allowed outdoors, she has quite a nice batting average with the various puppy pads spread about the house. In general, the other companion animals are not bothered by her, even with an unexpected encounter, but none have seen fit to act as a guide companion yet.

Although our small Christmas tree will be just one more complication in Stelline’s life, she will soon remember its location, and the cat or two amongst its branches. As we gaze out on the snow-covered trees and down on our little star snuggled near the warm air duct, we admire Stelline’s ability to let no obstacle bother her.

I can only hope I will wander through my old age with as much poise and sweetness as she.

Jim Mayor is a retired engineer. He has lived with his family in South Albany, VT for the past 20 years.

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When Molly Met Sally Erin Regan - Bethel, VT

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nly once in a lifetime do you meet that one dog that truly connects with you. For Sally Boyle, that dog was Molly. Sally found Molly in a small pet store, and it was love at first sight. Little did they know, that with as much love as they were going to share, they were going to have some very tough times ahead.

Before Sally and Molly came to Country Animal Hospital, Molly developed an infection in her uterus called pyometra and she had to have emergency surgery. Sally had a bad accident, where she had a compound fracture of her right leg, and strangely enough, Molly broke the same leg the next year.

Their breaks were pretty much identical, and they both had to have metal implants and bone grafts.

When Sally and Molly decided to visit Dr. Martin at Country Animal Hospital, Molly had already had some bad experiences at hospitals, and wanted nothing to do with medical care. Dr. Martin initially saw Molly for a scratch on her eye, but she suspected that something else was going on because Molly was overweight, was always extremely hungry, and had lost most of her hair on her chest and belly.

Dr. Martin and Sally decided to test to make sure her thyroid was working properly because that can cause weight gain and hair loss in dogs. They got the results back, and all of her blood work was perfectly normal.

With those results and other clinical signs, Dr. Martin started to suspect Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease, unfortunately, can be expensive to test for and requires a complicated treatment. Dr. Martin decided to have Sally try and change her diet to see if that would help, before they pursued further tests.

After a few months, Sally noticed that Molly started to drink a large amount of water, much more than normal, and she wasn’t acting herself. She came right in for an appointment and strangely, Molly wasn’t acting her normal grouchy self. We knew something wasn’t right.

Dr. Martin recommended repeating the blood tests, and found out that Molly had diabetes. Sally was given detailed information on the requirements for 16 4 Legs & a Tail

Molly celebrating the holidays.

managing a diabetic dog, and willingly proceeded with the treatment. They struggled for months trying to regulate Molly’s blood sugar, but were unable to succeed.

Dr. Martin advised Sally that she should really make sure that she doesn’t have Cushing’s disease, as that can make regulating diabetes even harder.

Sally was convinced it was time to test for Cushing’s disease, a condition that can take at least two diagnostic tests to confirm, and can be quite costly.

Molly was unfortunately diagnosed with Cushing’s disease on top of diabetes. Sally was crushed and heartbroken, she loved Molly so much and this blow was very hard, but she would never ever think of giving up on her. She decided to try and treat her Cushing’s disease, which added additional medications, monitoring and costs on top of what is required for diabetes.

Dr. Martin made every effort to keep the balancing of treating two hormonal diseases as easy and affordable as possible. Sally was very appreciative of her efforts. In the months to follow, Molly never acted like she didn’t feel well, she would still run around and hunt for mice and snakes and paw her way in to cuddle next to Sally when she had worn herself out. During the same time Molly was diagnosed with diabetes and Cushing’s disease, Sally was diagnosed with a very overactive thyroid gland, called hyperthyroid. It is a condition similar to Molly’s, both involving the endocrine system.

Molly had been doing well with her twice daily insulin injections and injections at the hospital for Cushing’s disContinued NEXT PAGE

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Molly didn’t start her care at Country Animal Hospital, but she was treated there at a time in her life that mattered most. Sally has been telling people that There are two types of Cushing’s disDr. Martin was a miracle worker, but Dr. ease that are treated differently. The Martin will always say that Sally was most common form of Cushing’s disthe real miracle worker, because she ease is caused by the overproduction did everything that was medically posof a hormone by the pituitary gland sible for Molly. Both Dr. Martin and Sally in the brain that in turn controls the never gave up on Molly, no matter the amount of cortisol produced by the cost. adrenal glands. This is called pitu Molly isn’t with us anymore, but Sally itary-dependent Cushing’s. feels that she received the best care and attention that she could ever have hoped A small percentage of dogs with for from a veterinarian. Sally has since Cushing’s disease have a tumor of one acquired another dog who has a very speof the adrenal glands which is called cial story too. Marley is her new dog, she adrenal-dependent Cushing’s. is the spitting image of Molly and she was born on Sally’s birthday. She is also missease, but one day Sally noticed that she ing her middle front tooth, the same one started to have trouble going down the that Molly lost, it never grew in. A technistairs. She had just turned 12 years old cian once told Sally that Marley has some and had lost a tooth right in the middle really big shoes to fill, and she sure does. of her front bottom teeth. Sally also started noticing that her eyes were turnErin Regan is a Veterinary Technician ing white, and she knew that they were who graduated Magna Cum Laude cataracts. She developed them very fast from Vermont Technical College. She has in about a period of 2 weeks. They can been working at Country Animal Hospital be an unfortunate side effect of diabetes. for 3 years, and has acquired a lamb and With almost a year of insulin injections, kitten who both needed bottle feeding. medications for Cushing’s, and frequent She is also a United States Army Veteran trips to the vet, Molly was starting to wear who served 8 years on active duty working in intelligence, and completed one down. combat tour in Iraq.

Cushing's Disease

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Rabies Liam Bisson, DVM - Shelburne, VT

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armer weather and springtime are around the corner and that means it’s time to remind ourselves about Rabies.

Rabies is a neurologic disease in mammals. If left untreated rabies infections are fatal due to ultimate failure of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Rabies is typically transmitted through bite wounds from at least one infected animal. (The virus is present in the saliva as part of its life cycle).

The virus then travels from the bite wound site along peripheral nerve fibers to the CNS, where it continues to advance toward the brain.

Signs: Early signs may be subtle and include lethargy and anorexia. As the virus progresses, patients begin to display signs more consistent with neurologic disease that include: ataxia, decreased mentation (“dazed” appearance, doesn’t respond when called), hypersalivation (drooling). Also, it should be noted that an animal’s loss of fear of humans is cause for concern.

All of us have likely heard of cases of wildlife (mammals in this case) behaving strangely. For example, I heard a story of a bobcat in a western state that wandered into a restaurant and attacked several patrons. This animal was later caught and tested positive for rabies. Regarding public health, this is where the two worlds of people and wildlife intersect, highlighting the importance of proper vaccinations for our pets and taking care when encountering wildlife.

Rabies can effect any mammal, however, the most frequent

species encountered in New England are: skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons and woodchucks. In an effort to help control rabies, the state of Vermont conducts rabies “bait drops”. Bait that has been specially treated and approved for use in wildlife is used to vaccinate the animals in a given area when they ingest the bait. The primary species of interest is the raccoon as they seem to thrive in urban environments. If you or your pet(s) encounter one of these baits, it should be left alone. If you have further concerns you can contact the Vermont state department of health or your veterinarian.

Thankfully, due to diligent pet owners and regular vaccination of the local pet population, I have not personally seen any rabies cases in VT. That includes dealing with the occasional suspected wildlife case. However, it is a disease that is endemic in our area and something of which, as New Englanders, we all need to be aware and respectful.

The take home message, with respect to avoidance, this spring is to leave wildlife undisturbed as much as possible. If you encounter an animal that is behaving strangely contact your local wildlife or police representative. If you or one of your pets has contact with a suspected rabies infected animal, that pet should be seen be a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Your vet can talk with you about the appropriate course of action in each individual case.

Dr. Bisson owns and operates the Shelburne Veterinary Hospital in Shelburne, Vermont; caring for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and small exotic pets (rodents, ferrets and bunnies). Dr. Bisson and his wife share their home with 4 dogs and 1 cat.

The Joys and Benefits of "Backyard Living” F

Ira Richards

rom the past to the future, the practice of “Backyard Living” is alive and well. In addition to raising fruits and vegetables for personal use, there has been a strong resurgence of backyard animal husbandry in recent years, particularly as consumer awareness grows, and folks become more concerned about what they are putting on the family table. It should come as no surprise, that in order to avoid the potential for foods to contain harmful chemicals and other unwanted substances, one must know exactly where that food came from and how it

was produced. Relatively new concepts such as “urban agriculture” and “vertical farming” are now going beyond a few planters of peppers and tomatoes or fresh herbs on the windowsill; backyard enthusiasts are dabbling in everything from raising livestock to beekeeping, and everything in between.

Although very few people would consider our region of New Hampshire and Vermont to be an “urban” area, when it comes to growing and raising our own food, this is a very good thing. Our landscape allows us to spread out a bit further and worry less about maximizing every square inch of space as we grow our gardens and raise our animals. At the local feed and supply store, we see an incredibly wide range of “Backyard Living” enthusiasts, from the basil-on-the-windowsill growers to full-time commercial farmers. We know that our area is brimming with people who share the common interest of raising and growing their own food for an equally-wide variety of reasons, including self-sustenance, health, education, nostalgia, and for the simple joy it brings to the entire family.

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Getting Started with Your Own “Backyard Living” Your community feed store, has long been a place that the locals visit not just for feed and supplies, but to share information and catch up with their neighbors.

It’s one of the reasons they strive to keep the staff well-trained and up-to-date on the latest news and information regarding the products they carry, animal health and nutrition, the agriculture industry at large, and so much more. They have embraced the community roll of an informational resource, sharing from their own knowledge and years of experience, as well as from a vast network of industry experts, so that the customers they serve can learn new skills and stay informed.

We encourage readers to look for the various training and seminar opportunities offered on a variety of topics throughout the season.

Gardening is certainly a great way to introduce homegrown food products into your family’s lifestyle. One of the most attractive benefits of starting with growing fruits and vegetables from seed is that gardening is very versatile and scalable, which means that almost anyone can grow and enjoy their own crop in some form or another. Many customers start out with a few pots of peppers or tomatoes, or they might build a raised bed or two in order to maximize space and grow a select assortment of fresh produce. This can lead to expansion quickly, and once those dabblers get a handle on how to successfully care for their crop, they often devote larger areas to their gardens and experiment with a wider variety of delicious fruits and vegetables.

To begin with animal husbandry, a large majority of people start by raising chickens, most often for the eggs they produce. Raising poultry is a relatively easy activity that requires very little in the way of expense or expertise in order to get started. Not only is the experience of raising and keeping backyard birds rewarding and fun for the entire family, but few will argue against the noticeable taste difference between a farm-fresh and a store-bought egg; there’s simply no comparison. Once the appropriate level of knowledge is achieved, simply call or stop by your local store to place your spring poultry.

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THE BEAR AND THE BRANCH! Jackie Finethy - Rindge, NH

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nyone who lives in rural New England and has a bird feeder in their backyard, has probably witnessed a bear raiding their feeder from time to time.

Living in Ridge, New Hampshire, with 18 acres of woods, a pond, apple trees, wild berries and bird feeders, I have been Bears are bowlegged blessed with numerous animal sightings. to give them better grip I’d like to share with you one sighting in and balance. particular, of a bear- I named him “Tough Guy.” Tough Guy weighs in at about 300 pounds of stubborn determination. He’s healthy and strong, curious and cautious. His walk is a confident swagger. I can single Tough Guy out from other bears by the large, white patch on his chest. His singular motivation for all he does is survival.

In order to keep my feeder out of the reach of bears and squirrels, I have learned to toss a plastic coated wire cord, with a weight on one end way up high over the thin branch of a tall thin tree. I then fix the bird feeder to that end and wrap the other end around the tree trunk; a pulley of sorts.

With this feeder in place, up high enough so the bear can’t stand up and pull it down, I really thought I had it made. I mean, what bear is going to climb a tall, thin, tree and go out on a thin branch to get the feeder? Tough Guy, that’s who!

Last May, about dusk, I spotted Tough Guy circling that tree, eyeing my bird feeder. After sniffing the air with his nose straight up, he climbed that tree in a matter of seconds! Then he perched himself close to the trunk of the tree, on the branch with the bird feeder hanging from it. First, he tried to reach out and grab the cord, but it was too far out, so he began to shake the branch-- trying to shake the feeder loose, a trick that had worked for him in the past. When that didn’t work, he started to bend a smaller branch near the one with the feeder on it. He continued to pull the small branch up and down, over and over, until he could use it to whack at the feeder!

I couldn’t believe my eyes, Tough Guy had just made himself a tool! He whacked that feeder with the small branch 6 or 7 times, all the while precariously perched on the small limb, and becoming more and more agitated. Next, Tough Guy decided to hold on with all fours and use his mouth to manipulate the thinner branch and hit the feeder, which didn’t work at all.

Now, his impatience was getting the best of him, and he started making all kinds of noises - little grunts, snapping sounds and huffing; generally, just complaining. Finally, Tough Guy slid down the tree and wandered back into the woods.

I was elated! I’d not only just watched a bear make and use a tool, but my feeder was still there. I won! After two years of Tough Guy outsmarting every attempt I’d made to keep my feeders from him, I had finally won! Now I could take my coffee outside in the morning and watch the chickadees, and cardinals, and all would be well. I was wrong!

I had forgotten that bears, foxes and other critters often make a second pass through their routes in the night. This is exactly what Tough Guy did! Less than an hour later, he was back, nose straight up in the air again ready for one more try.

Up the tree he started, when he felt the cord wrapped around the trunk. Back down the tree with a little thump, Tough Guy simply unwrapped the cord, and down came the feeder, nearly hitting him on his big stubborn head!

Wait a minute, he won? In spite of my ingenious pulley, he won? I was beside myself, I didn’t know exactly how to feel about Tough Guy’s victory. I’d seen a lot of bear behavior in this yard over the years. Everything from courtship in early June to cubs wrestling in midsummer, to all out nonstop feeder raiding in the fall. But never had I seen a bear make a tool to get what he wanted.

“And Your Little

Maybe, on second thought, Tough Guy wasn’t the only Dog Too” winner. How often do we get to witness something like this, and how blessed am I to watch these animals in nature, in real time, doing what they need to do for their survival? Yeah, I Williamstown’s Earl Everhart and his best friend “Spencer” marched in guess we both won, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us the Northfield Labor Day Parade. They were promoting the Northfield next year. See you in the Spring, Tough Guy. Rotary Club’s Motorcycle Raffle.

Spring 2015 20 4 Legs & a Tail

Rhythm Of The Rein

FOUR HOOVES AND A TAIL BRING SPECIAL HEALING TO THOSE WITH UNIQUE NEEDS Dianne Lashoones - Marshfield, VT

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e all have special bonds with 4 legged friends, cats and dogs enrich our home lives. The bond that develops between a horse and a human has a slightly different mystique to it. The horse is a different type of being, that intellectual and emotional level of connection is different than what we have with our house pets. Horses are more self directed beings in thought and action (yes, they do depend on us for feed and care). When a horse chooses to interact with us, it is an honor and a privilege to be accepted into their social circle. They demand honesty and respect in their social lives and when we give that to them, they reward us with their acceptance of us. This is why Equine Guided Education and Learning is so powerful in teaching us about ourselves, how our actions and reactions impact those around us.

Spending time with our smaller house pets may help us redirect our thoughts from ourselves onto them. Interacting with a horse DEMANDS we focus our attention on them, they expect it and let us know immediately if we are not “with them” mentally, even if we think we are.

They will wander away, they will not pay attention to our cues, they let us know. We just need to learn to read their communication.

A culture has developed, over the past few decades, of blaming others for our challenges and problems in life, expecting others to fix it for us. Horses make it abundantly clear we need to own up to our responsibility in how we respond to what life and each day throw at us. We might not be able to control what we have to deal with, but we CAN control HOW we deal with it. There is no baggage, emotional clutter, or deceit in a horse. They are honest. This is what makes interacting with them so special. There are no “hidden messages” or manipulative behaviors.

Reading the non-verbal communication of body language can help us separate out the real from the hidden messages, in trying human relationships. The conflict in

Spring 2015

these messages, makes trusting what others say, so hard to do.

Allowing a person onto their back is a huge sign of trust, neurologically, something on their back is a threat to survival; a mountain lion attacking them in the wild. Overcoming that automatic response shows a high level of trust in us. When we are on their backs, riding is more like a dance with a partner, the more you practice together the better you get at responding to your partner’s motions.

Keeping your focus on your horse shows here, if you are not focused on them, they will tune you out and take over “leader.”

If you aren’t holding up your end of the deal, they will follow their own agenda until you get back in sync. The rider finds out it is not about “making” the horse do what you want him to do, it is communicating clearly what you NEED him to do, and HOW he needs to do it. If he doesn’t do what you have asked, you have not asked correctly or clearly, in a way he understands. Accept your responsibility, learn what the horse is communicating to you, this is why a good instructor is so important; they give you feedback on what they see happening. Learning to communicate physically with a horse is like learning a language, it takes lots of practice. Riding is like making your way through France without knowing the language, to start. After living there and using the language, it

becomes second nature. While there are technical skills to learn, it is not like learning to play tennis or drive a race car, it is much more than “heels down and eyes up.”

The physical bond The physical motion of the horse impacts our neurological and musculoskeletal systems. It is not a passive experience. Riders note improved posture, core strength and flexibility. For those riders with special needs, dealing with issues processing sensory input into their bodies (sound, smell, touch, sight, movement), or having problems with coordination of their movement, riding has a strong neurological impact in helping the brain organize and coordinate these vital functions, making their mobility more efficient. It’s amazing how intuitive horses are, they can sense what their rider’s abilities and challenges are, they shine in the multitude of therapy settings, and offer their talents to us to help in healing both physically and psychologically.

Working with horses can help in a number of ways, from the pre-teen with low self esteem, to at-risk older teens that can benefit from structure and self responsibility, to those with physical and learning disabilities, horses add an amazing benefit to treatment options without feeling like you are participating in a “therapy session.” Truly a mechanism to develop practical life skills.

Visit their program at 386 US Route 2 or their website at www.rhythmoftherein. org Dianne Lashoones, program manager for Rhythm of the Rein, has been a physical therapist for 39 years, PATH Intl. certified riding instructor for 8 years, AHA (American Hippotherapy Assoc) level I certified therapist. Owner/manager of Water Tower Farm in Marshfield, VT, host site of Rhythm of the Rein Therapeutic Riding and Driving Program a non-profit serving Central Vermont and the NEK for 8 years. Instructors Libby Hale, (a registered therapist with PATH and AHA Level II therapist), and Beth Belote, driving instructor, help deliver quality equine assisted activities and therapies year round. www.4LegsAndATail.com 21

Eventing, Six Tough Goals for Brave Kids!

Denny Emerson - Strafford, VT

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knew that I was giving two talks at the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame dinner-the one the recipients give, and the talk about Kilkenny, that Jim Wofford asked me to do.

As I researched Kilkenny’s extraordinary record, it made me more aware what had been lost with the demise of the classic three-day event. I decided I should slant my remarks toward you kids who are just coming up the ladder of eventing. Those who may feel shortchanged by what has happened to a sport which used to test speed and endurance, in addition to the various technical skills, but which no longer does so.

Forty-some years ago Jim and I were in our early 20’s, we were facing an 18 to 19 mile long second day, with a 5:30 steeplechase, and roads and track at 240

meters a minute. We had to work “backwards” in our horse selections, our horse had to possess enormous stamina, endurance, soundness, speed, and generosity of spirit. Those were “musts”. Then we added in as much dressage and show jumping ability as we could afford.

That sport, like the cavalry tradition that inspired its creation, has vanished.

It may never exist again except in memory. Lots of today’s riders don’t miss it, and many seem actually relieved that roads and tracks and steeplechase are gone.

“Dachshund Eventing,” I call this new version. Short, slow, and German!

If you are a young rider who loves a challenge and want to measure yourself against a historic standard of toughness, you can still do it. You will just have to find some of those challenges outside of eventing.

So, here are six “challenges” or “goals,” whatever you wish to call them. I managed to achieve five of them, but failed miserably with my first one.

My very first goal, at age 10 or 11, was to chase a chicken on a bareback pony, lean down, catch it, and come back up onto the pony. It sounds pointless, I read that American Indian kids had to learn how to do it, so that some day they could rescue fallen comrades from the battlefield.

If you try this, and get hurt, which you probably will, I warned you. When you get down low enough to reach the chicken, assuming you can even get near the blasted little thing, gravity takes over. You will fall under the pony and get kicked all over your body by all four of his feet. I only tried this a half a dozen times and got hurt every time, so I “chickened out” of my first major riding goal.

Goal number two: Ride in timber or steeplechase races. Lots of event riders used to do this, but not many do these days. A good Thoroughbred can gallop about 1,100 meters a minute, and point to points are run somewhere around 800850 meters per minute. Want to see if you have what it takes? Don’t wait until you’re in your 30s for this one; it’s too scary and too dangerous. Do it while you are still young and immortal.

Goal number three: Jump six feet. I picked that magic number because it was a nice round number, and five feet was too easy, seven feet was too hard. Once you’ve jumped six feet, 4’3” will never look so big again.

Goal number four: Go clean in a CCI14* event. You are event riders, so you know what that goal entails.

Goal number five: Horses don’t magically appear from under cabbage leaves, you should learn all the steps along the way. Choose a mare and choose a stallion, and breed a foal. Bring that foal through all the stages until you are riding your home grown horse in advanced three-day events. In many ways this is the hardest of the goals, it takes nine to ten years to achieve, and so much can go wrong along the way.

Goal number six: If endurance is gone from eventing, go find the challenge elsewhere. The Tevis Cup 100-mile oneday race in California up and over Squaw Continued NEXT PAGE

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Peak, is the oldest and toughest endurance race in the world. Win a Tevis Cup buckle by completing the race within 24 hours.

There are six good, solid challenges. Achieve all of them, and you are a pretty darn good rider. You’ll also be a good horseman, the goals are so varied that you will have to learn hundreds of different pieces of the horsemanship equation.

Unless you really expect to rescue a wounded buddy from the battlefield, you can probably skip goal number one. But, if you do figure out how to catch the chicken, let me know so I can come watch.

Achieving goals is probably less important than setting them in the first place, and then being brave enough to get up every day to go try.

If you don’t like my six goals, set your own. The only person they must have meaning for is you.

One of the 50 most influential horsemen of the Twentieth Century (The Chronicle of the Horse, 2000), Denny Emerson is the only rider to have ever won both a gold medal in eventing and a Tevis buckle in endurance. In 2006, Denny was inducted into the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Dartmouth College Athletic Hall of Fame and of the Vermont Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. www.TamarackHill.com

Spring 2015

A Feline Friend (18 Wheels Later)

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f you listen closely, the sound of the road can tell you where you are. For example, the low pitch roar of interstate blacktop says New England. The distinctive whining of concrete is the stretch of I-95 south of the Mason-Dixon Line, while the Cross Bronx Expressway in New York produces a slow tribal drum sound, thanks to constant gridlock and neglected potholes.

As a truck driver of almost twenty years for a moving company, I’ve heard these and most of the roads and highways from coast-to-coast and until recently, made the runs solo. Several of my buddies will travel with their spouse or dog. Since I have neither, mine was a life of peaceful solitude with only a responsibility to myself.

It was June when I pulled up to a home just outside of Lebanon, NH. A young couple was relocating to North Carolina in pursuit of a milder winter and new opportunities. My job was fairly simple. I was to move the larger items such as furniture and appliances, and they would be following a few days later with a pickup of personal items. The truck loaded quickly and I was on the road in no time.

Just outside of Trenton, my dispatcher called with a strange request. It seemed the young couple’s cat had turned up missing, with a search in the obvious places, coming up empty. They asked if I could check the truck to see if I had a stowaway. On the next stop I shut down my rig and listened intently for any sound in the box. Even when I opened the side doors there was still no sign of the cat, but just as I was about to hop into the cab, I heard the faint meow of my new passenger.

As I relayed the good news to the relieved couple, the plan was to proceed to North Carolina, unload furniture and cat, get food, water and litter and back on the road.

Then a funny thing happened. I didn’t know the cat’s name, so I called him Buddy.

Whenever the radio would call out breaker-breaker good buddy, I’d smile at the cat and say, “They’re talking to you.” To be honest it was actually nice to have some company for a change, and I found the independent nature of a cat was not all that different from my own.

My sad farewell to Buddy was tempered a few weeks later when it turned out Buddy was actually Miss Phoebe, with a litter due at the end of the month. I called down to North Carolina a short time later with the offer to take one of the kittens.

Several months later, I pulled out of Durham with 18 wheels and my new four-legged Buddy.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 23

Pet Accidents on Your Carpet or Upholstery: Now What?

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s it a spot or a stain? Spots can be removed but stains are usually permanent.

Living with a pet often goes hand-inhand with occasional household spots/ stains. New, young, or untrained pets might need time to learn where and when it’s appropriate to do their business. Nervous, ill pets or pets under stress might forget old lessons and make a mistake now and then. It’s all part of being a pet guardian, and we know it’s worth it for the loving companionship our pets offer.

If you notice changes in your pet’s bathroom behavior that isn’t easily explained, visit your veterinarian to make sure no underlying health problem is involved. With the help of your vet, good clean-ups and good training, you should be able to solve any problems and enjoy a happy, companionable, clean and healthy life with your pet.

But what should you do when the occasional pet issue soils your carpet or upholstery? Pet stains are notoriously difficult to clean, because of the combination of stubborn discoloration and odor.

It’s important to eliminate issues completely and as soon as possible, to prevent pets from getting in the habit of using the same place due to their natural marking behavior.

Pet issues can be such a challenge, whatever your pet eats or drinks and even medications they may be on, can all affect your ability to remove the soiling. Also, knowing what type of carpet you have and the fabric of your upholstery will assist in your ability to deal with problems. Wool carpets or area rugs are more of a challenge than the more standard synthetic carpet most homes have, due to the nature of the fibers, and special care should be taken on many types of upholstery fabric.

Here are some basic steps to remove new soiling that is still wet:

Soak up urine with a thick layer of paper towels or white cloth towels.

Removing as much of the liquid as possible before it dries will make it easier to also remove the odor. If possible, place white cloths under the soiled area, as well. For rugs, stand on this padding for about a minute, remove it, and repeat the process until the area is almost dry. For upholstery, blot as carefully and thoroughly as possible.

Carefully Rinse the “accident zone” with clean, cool water, being careful not to over-wet upholstery and then remove the water as soon as possible through blotting or with a wet vac.

Use a cleaning product that is approved for your type of carpet fiber or upholstery fabric.

The Humane Society of the United States suggests putting the urine-soaked paper towels in the area where you want your pet to do its business, such as your cat’s litter box or your dog’s outdoor “bathroom area,” to teach your pet that eliminating is perfectly OK in the right place.

For stains that have already dried and set into the carpet or upholstery:

Use a high-quality pet odor neutralizer (such as Nature’s Miracle) after the area is really clean. These products are available at most pet supply stores.

Follow the cleaner’s directions carefully, and as always, test the cleaner first on a small, hidden portion of carpet or upholstery to be sure it doesn’t stain. Also, remember that neutralizers won’t work Continued NEXT PAGE

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until you’ve rinsed every trace of old cleaners from the carpet. Any trace of a nonprotein-based substance weakens the effect of the enzymatic cleaner, which will use up its “energy” on the old cleaners instead of on the protein stains. Also be aware that the product has to contact the ENTIRE area affected and often the spot you see on the surface can be as much as a third smaller than the area that needs to be treated. Hot water will also kill the enzyme which will need to stay damp for an extended time to work (up to 24 hours).

Try any good carpet/upholstery stain remover that is approved for the fiber of your carpet/upholstery if the area still appears to be stained. Always test first, and best to avoid “oxy” products!

Avoid using household cleaners that are not meant for carpet/upholstery, they can bleach or damage the fibers and cause issues with future cleaning.

Avoid over-wetting your carpet/upholstery. Trading a pet issue for a mold/mildew problem is never a good idea. Wool carpet and the padding under your carpet and in your upholstery can be very absorbent and difficult to get dry.

If urine has soaked into the padding beneath the carpet, consider removing and replacing that portion of carpet and/or padding or contact a professional for assistance.

A few things you may have around the house can be used with good results.

A few drops of Dawn dish liquid (plain only) in a spray bottle of water can be used on any carpet fibers with very positive results but be sure to test in an inconspicuous place before using it on upholstery, remember a very small amount goes a long way. Spray, gently agitate and rinse with clear water to prevent any residue from attracting dirt later on.

White Vinegar mixed half and half with water in a spray bottle can assist in breaking down dried pet spots so they can be more easily removed, spray, blot and repeat.

Most cell phones have a free black light app that can be great for detecting where your pet odor issues may be coming from. Sometime, even after a thorough cleaning the odor persists. Examining the room in the dark, including all upholstery with a black light can often show area’s pets have had small accidents that just aren’t visible on the surface.

If you live with pets, we recommend that you have your carpets, rugs, and upholstery professionally cleaned twice a year.

Spring 2015

www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

What Can Happen to an Infected Lower Molar in Small Dogs Sandra L. Waugh, VMD, MS - Windsor Veterinary & Dental Services - Windsor, VT

I n the last two issues of 4 Legs & A Tail I wrote two articles about the prob-

lems that arise when the teeth are too big for the skull. This month shows a real case.

I recently treated an 8.5 year old toy poodle mix who had a hole in the skin, on the underside of his lower jaw, that had been draining pus. When he was treated with antibiotics the drainage got better, but immediately got worse when the antibiotics were stopped.

Looking at his teeth when he was awake, the teeth had tartar on them, and there was the odor typical of periodontal disease, but there was no strikingly obvious abnormality.

The physical examination revealed that the underside of the lower right jaw was enlarged underneath the carnassial tooth, which is tooth 409. (see green arrow).

Dental x-rays were taken.

Hole in the bottom of the mandible (lower jaw). Pus was draining from the infection around the root of 409 and exiting out through a hole in the skin.

New bone produced in response to the infection.

The darker area around the end of the root indicated that the tooth was no longer alive. The infection from this tooth was starting to make another hole in the bone.

Draining tracts: Have you ever had a splinter get under the skin of your finger or hand? Very annoying! And if you don’t get it out soon the skin gets redder and redder around the entry point, and it will eventually begin to drain fluid. The fluid would be clear at first but eventually would become white or yellow, indicating that an infection was present. This is called pus or a purulent discharge. If you left the splinter in place and took antibiotics you could get the draining fluid to clear up. But Continued Next Page

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as soon as you stopped taking antibiotics the drainage would begin again. The splinter serves as a continual reservoir of bacteria, and the infection will clear up only after the splinter has been removed.

When the body fights infection it does so with the help of the white cells in the blood stream. These cells are capable of leaving the blood stream and traveling to the site of infection. Very clever cells!!

The cells along with the fluid that accumulates causes pressure on the surrounding tissue, and an avenue of drainage will be produced. In the case of the splinter, the fluid drains back out the entry hole, as this path is already there. In the case of teeth, the fluid may drain in a number of ways, depending upon which path has the least resistance. Often the drainage is inside the mouth and is not obvious to the owner. Sometimes the drainage will make a path through the bone and drain out through the skin, as has happened to the toy poodle mix.

Drainage out of the bottom of the lower jaw is much more likely to occur in small dogs because the bottom of the root is much closer to the bottom of the jaw than in large dogs. In addition, there is the problem of the very large root in a relatively small and thin jaw. If this jaw is not treated by extracting the tooth, the hole in the jaw can become big enough that the jaw fractures through the hole.

This jaw is more fragile than a normal jaw and it certainly is possible to fracture the jaw while extracting the tooth. Dental x-rays are very helpful in determining how much damage has been done to the jaw and how much care must be taken to avoid fracturing the jaw.

The tooth was successfully extracted without fracturing the jaw. The draining tract in the skin disappeared in two days.

WILD DONKEYS Gloria Towne

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his winter we took a trip to see my sister in sunny California. While out driving with her, we saw a sign with a picture on it, with what that looked like a goat. “Is this a goat crossing?� I asked. My sister laughed, and told me it was a wild burro crossing. These Wild donkeys were practically in her back yard, in Reche Canyon, between Moreno Valley and Colton Ca., Southern California.

They live close to peoples homes and travel in packs.

Wild Burros are free roaming and free spirited. Introduced from Death Valley, the herds in California consist mostly of released Ranch and Spanish stock, from World War I. They are protected under the Horse and Burro act of 1971. It is illegal to capture or feed them. They run around loose, and can be a nuisance, making messes and ruining cars. Some kids were feeding them carrots as we drove by, so they can be tamed!

OLDER GREAT DANES

The moral of the story is, as usual, that dental conditions in dogs and cats can be hidden from view and need dental x-rays for diagnosis, that dental problems can cause damage and pain, and that with proper treatment many of these conditions can be successfully treated.

Dr. Waugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She also has a Masters Degree from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. www.VetsinWindsor.com Spring 2015

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eet Isis and Zeus, two Great Danes who are 7 1/2 years old! Isis was the runt of the litter and Zeus is like Marmaduke, a lover boy. Great Danes are fantastic companions, one of the largest dog breeds, they weigh in at about 150 pounds. They live about 7-10 years, but some can live longer. Great Danes are not high energy dogs. They can get arthritis, heart problems, hip problems and graying of the hair. These two belong to my sister and are her second set of Great Danes as her first loves, Cassy and Athena, lived only about 10 years.

These gentle giants enjoy being around kids and are great with them (shown here with mine).

In Germany they were used for hunting and as war dogs.

Gloria Towne, along with her husband, owns and operates Towne Studios All Around Towne Photography, in W. Lebanon, NH. allaroundtowne.com www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

CHANGING DIRECTION T

King getting ready for shore leave.

Jan Bailey

he steady westerly breeze suddenly shifted to the south. Our forward momentum slowed and the sailboat rocked back and forth in the waves. “This tricky wind,” dad mumbled under his breath. He studied the pieces of string tied to the stays on the mast to check the wind’s new direction. We were out on a small northern lake where the winds

often changed. The sails flapped noisily while he called out, “Stand by to come about, ready about.” As he pushed the tiller away from him, our Golden Retriever King, and I stayed low and moved to the other side of the boat. We were once again on the high side helping to keep it balanced. The bow pointed toward a dark patch of water ahead.

Those crisp May days were the best.

Most of the summer motor boat crowds hadn’t arrived yet. We shared the lake with a few other sailboats, and a fisherman or two. The hills on either side

were ripe with the budding leaves of spring. Something had changed in the air; it seemed fresher somehow. Dad and I didn’t say much, we just enjoyed each other’s company and the feeling of freedom that sailing gave us. King stood with his front paws on the seat and turned his big blond head from side to side taking in all the smells. His silky ears flopped up and down as we moved through the waves. He enjoyed the ride too.

My dad did not have a dog growing up, so he didn’t pay much attention to King at first. He was just a dog. I, on the other hand, was with him every minute that I could be. I begged my parents for years to get a dog. King and I were the best of friends. One day while making his breakfast, I heard dad say, “Good Morning King,” and watched him pat him on the head. King was wearing him down.

Years later, I went off to college, and my older sisters had moved out. Mom was busy working, or pursuing other interests, so she didn’t have time to sail. Dad had a hard time finding someone to crew for him. It wasn’t a really big sailboat, but it was a handful for one person. One sunny day with a light breeze, he decided to take King with him to the lake for a sail. As they headed out from the dock, King climbed up and put his front paws on the seat next to dad. When the wind shifted again, I’m not sure if dad actually said, “Stand by to come about, ready about,” but King instinctively moved gracefully to the other side, and helped balance the boat. This went on for rest of the afternoon, with the dog and the skipper switching sides as they sailed up and down the lake.

Dad had found his crew, and a new companion, after the children had left the nest. King was not just a dog anymore, he was family, something I had known all along.

Jan Bailey lives in northern Vermont with her husband, 3 dogs, and a horse. She enjoys sharing the outdoors with her 2 legged, and 4 legged friends.

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Eventing, Six Tough Goals for Brave Kids

Happy Mud Season Northern VT & NH

(One chicken required)

Alternatively Speaking: A Holistic Approach to Vaccinations OBarkaCareIs mandatory health insurance for pets coming soon?

What You Should Know About Feline Asthma