4 Legs & a Tail 2016 Rutland Winter

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2017 Winter Wonderland Western Vermont

Tracing The Roots Of An Award Winning Morgan Can Hemp Be The Right Choice For Your Pet?

Tips To Keep Your Cat Young At Heart Dog Sledding In Vermont The Best Diet For Your Pet

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Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail Hemp: A New Way to Better Your Pet’s Health,

Holly McClelland and Benjamin Burroughs

Alternatively Speaking: When It Comes To Food, Fresh Is Best, Dr. Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA Diets for the Pet Ferret, Susan Tullar, DVM Everybody Ready? Let’s Go!, Tim Hoehn Put dog sledding at the top of your winter fun list.

8 Siberians, Kathy Bennett

A look at these incredible dogs 9 Your Pet May be in Pain, M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

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How to recognize the signs

11 The Aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, John Peaveler

In the wake of devastation to Haiti, how one international disaster responder and Upper Valley resident made a difference.

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Preparing Your Outside Animals For Winter Your Pet’s Chipped Tooth, Kristin Esterbrook, DVM Helping Your Cat Stay Spry Helpful tips to keep your kitty sharp When Your Cat is an Early Riser (and you’re not)

What to do when you want to sleep in on Sunday morning and your cat doesn’t

18 Gunner, The Skijoring GreyHound, Diane Hanks

A great way to get around this winter

19 The Different Roles of Therapy Dogs, Katie Ziegler 20 Big Love, Cathy White Life with five Newfoundlands!

Pg. 14 21 Cognitive Dysfunction, Catherine MacLean,DVM

The signs of an aging dog

22 Snow Blindness in Your Dog

Tips to protect your dog's eyesight

23 9 Steps for Solid Recall Training, Paula Bergeron 24 Dogs Get the Flu Too, Stewart Ketcham, DMV 25 Owney the Post Office Dog, Kate Kelly

The amazing adventures of a world traveler

26 The Golden Snitch, Mark Carlson

When you can’t even trust your own dog

27 Beware of Ducks, Gina Geiss

A true tale of some unexpected visitors 28 Alley Cat Allies Ten Winter Weather Tips for Outdoor Cats

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4 Legs & a Tail Volume R.416

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn

P.O. Box 841

Senior Editor: Scott Palzer

Lebanon, NH 03766

Office Manager: Beth Hoehn

603-727-9214

Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff, Monica Reinfeld, Lacey Dardis, Kerry Rowland

TimH.4LT@gmail.com

Winter 2017

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

Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 1

A ll loving pet parents would agree that they want their furry friends

to experience optimal physical, mental, and emotional health. If given the chance, do you think these pet parents would jump on the opportunity to give their dogs and cats one ingredient that could improve calming, cognitive functioning, joint mobility, digestive health, and inflammation … along with many more conditions? This idea might sound like an impossible endeavor, but the solution could be as simple as one short phrase: hemp with CBD. CBD, known as cannabidiol, might sound like a fancy term. In reality though, CBD is simply one of the 80 active ingredients found in hemp that is purported to have a wide range of medicinal benefits.

When people think of hemp and cannabis, their minds naturally gravitate toward the compound THC, which has psychoactive properties. Anyone who has experienced marijuana can likely claim that THC has affected their mental state in some way, shape, or form. CBD, on the other hand, may provide many medicinal benefits without affecting psychological functioning. This means that ingesting a strain of hemp with CBD might improve overall health without producing a “high” effect.

In recent years, pet food manufacturers have invested significant time and money toward concocting the perfect ingredient mix of superfoods into their products — ranging from blueberries, quinoa, kale, chia seed, pumpkin, goats milk … the list could keep going on and on. But, wouldn’t it be great if it was possible to obtain the same level of superfood health benefits from hemp and CBD alone?

While the advantages of hemp are still undergoing research, there has been a recent surge in specialty pet supplements and foods that contain this ingredient.

Manufacturers are enthusiastic about promoting products with one flagship ingredient — hemp/CBD versus having to cite a laundry list of items. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these companies are only including one active ingredient in 2 4 Legs & a Tail

HEMP: A New Way to Better Your Pet’s Health Holly McClelland & Benjamin Burroughs their products. They just recognize that hemp/CBD is a powerful superfood that is instrumental in supporting overall health and wellbeing. Notable companies that are dedicated to their hemp/ CBD-based products include Cani Bits, Canna Pet, Pet Releaf, Steve’s Real Food, Therabis, True Leaf, Grandma Lucy’s, and Vermont-based Reilly’s Hempvet.

Bill Reilly, co-founder & head of manufacturing for Reilly’s Hempvet, recently met with us at a local coffee shop in Burlington, VT to share his opinions about the benefits of nonpsychoactive hemp in supporting pet health and wellness. Reilly’s Hempvet is a team of animal nutritionists and pet professionals that developed a line of products with a proprietary superfood blend of organic hemp/CBD supplements. According to Mr. Reilly, “Hemp is nutritionally important because it contains the highest levels of phytocannabinoids of any plant. Studies have shown that phytocannabinoids are essential for stimulating the endocannabinoid system – a key system that supports overall health and wellness.”

In order to substantiate claims, Reilly’s Hempvet researchers relied on cannabis studies originating overseas in Britain and Israel. However, the recent reduction of U.S. federal barriers on hemp research means that domestic studies will soon be available. This will lead to an even deeper understanding about the medical benefits of hemp.

In terms of specific health advantages, Mr. Reilly noted that there are differences in the quality and efficacy of hemp-based products. Some are functional treats and

use basic hempseed oil as the active ingredient. While high in omegas, hempseed oil contains low levels of CBD, and has little, if any, effect on the endocannabinoid system. Reilly’s Hempvet products are true nutritional supplements and contain a proprietary, full-spectrum, organic hemp blend, in combination with other scientifically proven beneficial ingredients. The products are engineered to support joint/ mobility, calming, immune, and neurocognitive systems. Since many pet parents may not recognize hemp as a standalone supplement with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-seizure properties, Reilly’s Hempvet combines hemp with other well-known ingredients, such as glucosamine and MSM, which are used in the “Rewards+ JointSupport” and «Hempjoints high potency supplements.” Reilly’s best-selling calming supplements, “Rewards+CalmSupport” and “HempCalm” are fast-acting and combine hemp with a proprietary colostrum peptide. Calming supplements reduce pet anxiety triggered by vet visits, thunderphobia, and separation anxiety. The goal is for pets to be calmed, relaxed, and alert.

Now that we recognize the health benefits of hemp for our furry friends and the need for ongoing research, the next question is: where should we turn to for hemp sourcing? Most manufacturers are obtaining hemp from Europe, but there has been an increasing interest among U.S. farmers to grow hemp in America. If we grow more and more hemp in the U.S. and scientific studies continue to demonstrate efficacy, how many hemp products will we see on the market by 2020?

Winter 2017

Alternatively Speaking:

When It Comes To Food, Fresh Is Best Dr. Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA

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have probably written more about nutrition than any other single topic, and with good reason. Food can be an essential part of treating illnesses, especially chronic conditions. But the most powerful way to use food is for prevention. A well-nourished body has the tools to protect itself from disease, and maintain its tissues to avoid wear and tear. I have long been a proponent of the value of fresh foods to provide the most useful, absorbable and vital nutrition for pets. I have had that passion rekindled this September at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association conference where the topic of creating truly balanced homemade foods was given a lot of attention. No one debates the value of fresh feeding, however it is the seemingly overwhelming task of doing it right that drives most of us to the convenience of processed foods. It is my hope that we can make homemade food an attainable goal and part of our pet’s meal plan.

Most of us would love to be able to cook fresh for our pets just like the rest of our family. But it’s the uncertainty of what is OK versus harmful that makes us hesitant. Bodies have a lot to do every day. They generate energy, regulate normal organ function, maintain defenses from disease, and repair or turnover old tissues. All of this requires very specific nutrients for cells and enzymes to perform these fundamental tasks. It is not OK to just throw together a beautiful array of wholesome foods and assume they will provide all the nutrients in the correct amounts.

What pet owners need is an informed recipe. When asked for guidance in this area, many veterinarians shy away from recommending fresh feeding because they equally don’t want to cause harm.

Unless you pursue board certification in nutrition, most veterinary education does not include how to formulate a balanced diet or evaluate the many frozen diets appearing on the market to tell if they are complete. It was assumed, back when I was in school, that pets would be eating bagged and canned foods which would be evaluated and cleared by authorities that regulate the pet food industry. Luckily, today there are increasing resources for vets and pet owners to help navigate a safe and complete diet formulation.

With all these valid cautions and concerns, one may ask, “Why would we bother to make fresh pet food and not just buy the bag off the shelf?” The reasons are many, but basically it comes down to control. When buying commercial food we can’t see the ingredients used to judge their quality, we can’t tailor the diet to our pet’s individual needs, and we have to accept synthetic supplements for vitamins and minerals in amounts and quality that are arguably not ideal for many pets. We also have to accept a higher

Pumpkin and Klinger enjoying a healthy diet

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Winter 2017

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starch and glycemic index than what is ideal for a dog or cat to eat. If you look at the ancestral diet of a dog or cat and do a nutrient analysis of the contents, it is often a far cry from what we purchase at the store. In comparison, when we make fresh food, the nutrients are not degraded by processing and are more bioavailable.

The diet can have ideal amounts of protein and fats from sources that better match the animal’s natural diet, which means it is less likely to promote inflammation and obesity without all the starches. Organic or non-GMO ingredients can be used and we can include the range of vitamins and minerals that match their natural diet.

After all, why would a dog need less of

these nutrients as a domesticated pet than they would in nature? And if your pet has certain medical issues, your veterinarian can increase or decrease nutrients in the diet to assist their condition. In the end, even if home cooking is intermittent or a low percentage of your pet’s overall diet, it is still really easy to see the health benefits.

So let’s talk about some of the common advice I give when building a homemade diet plan. Remember, these are generalizations and all specific diet changes are best discussed with your holistic veterinarian to make sure they are a good match for your individual pet. First, unless you have a really stubborn pet that won’t eat commercial food once enjoying homemade,

(and who can blame them really), you can you mix homemade or raw diets with dry or canned foods. Feeding is not an ‘all or none’ proposition for most animals. It is fine to feed a small topping of homemade or a fresh meal once a week, as fits your budget and lifestyle. Rotating foods is considered ideal to provide a variety of different nutrients, but some individuals with allergies or digestive issues can’t tolerate change. If this is the case, then respect their digestive needs and adjust to what works for them.

Second, you do need to follow a balanced recipe. In a pinch or when your pet is not feeling well it is ok to just use some meat and rice to get by, but more than a week or two of a diet deficient in nutrients is not ideal. Over time deficiencies will be occurring that are very slow to show outwardly unless you are young and growing. Then these effects can be devastating rapidly, especially in large breed puppies. There are many people that do not agree with ‘balanced recipes’ or using supplements for dog food. They argue that eating is effortless in the wild and there aren’t nutritionists hovering over the wolf reminding him to eat more magnesium. They say that we should just be able to give a variety of meats and some organs and be good to go, right? But we have to remember that most prey is consumed whole in the wild, including the fur, glands, organs, muscles, and each part is rich in some vital nutrient.

As with anything in life, things that are worthwhile do take a bit of effort. It is easier to throw up your hands in despair and just keep doing what you are doing even if you don’t feel good about it. However, after a small learning curve, fresh feeding can be an easy addition to your pet’s meals. Your efforts will be rewarded in the satisfaction of seeing your pet enjoy the yummy taste and aromas wafting from the real food in their dishes, made even better by the knowledge that they will be healthier for it. And for those of us out there that find boiling water a challenge, no worries. The raw food industry is getting better and better with balancing diets and most of the dehydrated varieties are sterilized for those with concerns about bacteria. So whether fresh from the crock pot or freezer, everyone can treat their pet to a wholesome fresh diet.

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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 Winter 2017

Diets for the Pet Ferret

The Ferret has become the third most popular pet in the US behind cats and dogs.

Susan Tullar, DVM

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errets are obligate or strict carnivores who are made to eat whole small prey animals. Diets high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates and fiber are ideal. Ferret gastrointestinal tracts are very short with limited absorption capacity, which makes carbohydrates and fiber very difficult to digest. Many ferrets are used to eating a pelleted diet, however these diets are not ideal in that they are high in carbohydrates in order to give the food its form.

The most appropriate diet for ferrets is whole prey: frozen thawed mice from your local pet store or ordered online. Many ferrets have a difficult time adjusting to new diets, so converting your ferret from a pelleted diet to whole prey may take over a month. The improvement you’ll find with the odor and consistency of the stool will make it more than worth while to convert your ferret to a more “natural” diet. There are also benefits to the pancreas in feeding a diet lower in carbohydrates which may decrease the incidence of insulinoma (a tumor on the pancreas that affects blood glucose) in older ferrets.

Offering your ferret at least one

mouse, thawed to room temperature or even warmed in a cup of warm water, per day will allow them to get used to the odor and texture of the mouse. Ferrets are remarkably clean in the way they eat their prey, so any concerns of mess should be minimized. If cost becomes an issue, even offering 1-2 mice daily while maintaining with dry kibble always available can help to mitigate some of the problems with the amount of carbohydrates in the diet. An average ferret should consume If a whole prey diet just cannot be done, focus on a variety of commercial diets labeled specifically for ferrets; do not feed only one brand of diet. If a manufacturer were to make a change in formula, many ferrets will boycott that diet which can lead to other problems.

Discuss with your veterinarian what diet is best for your lifestyle and your pet and how to make changes.

Dr. Susan Tullar (formerly Dr. Dyer) DVM, sees ferrets, rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, and other exotic pets at Bradford Veterinary Clinic in Bradford, VT, 802-222-4903 www.bradfordvet.com

Ferrets can be very affectionate and enjoy playing with humans. They do get bored easily and can lose focus, so when training them, it is best to teach them one task at a time and for short periods of time.

Winter 2017

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Kathy Bennett and Alex MacLennan lead the team

“Everybody Ready?…

Let’s Go! ” H

ere’s something you may not know about dog sledding in Vermont.

Over the decades snowmobilers and dogsleds have shared snowmobile trails from time to time. In fact, it was on one sunny winter's day when a group of riders saw a team of Siberian huskies and a dogsled approach. They decided to pull over and let the dogs pass when one of the snowmobilers decided it was a nice break to grab a sandwich until the dogs passed. As he saw the graceful dogs approach in perfect formation, he quickly realized that this was not something he had encountered before and reached for his smart phone for a video to share. With camera in one hand and his sandwich in the other, he caught the perfect angle as the team of 12 glided by. Apparently, he was not the only one with lunch on the mind as one of the Siberians snatched the sandwich from his hand like a marathon runner grabbing a water from a spectator during a race.

There are many “Snowbirds” in New England who may miss this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail. As old man winter begins his grip on those of us who remain, it is time to dig out the skis and snowshoes.

Let the winter fun begin!

Over the past thirty years, I have embraced most of the winter adventures New England has to offer with the exception of one, dog sledding. So in preparation to finalize my winter bucket list, I recently caught up with

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Kathy Bennett and Alex MacLennan of Braeburn Siberians at their Windsor, VT farm. There was no need to ring the bell as their family of 36 Siberian huskies were quick to greet me and let the couple know that they had a visitor.

As Kathy and Alex shared some of their favorite tales from the trail, I was surprised to discover many things (such as the sharing of the snowmobile trails.)

Most notable is the size of the dogs, averaging 50 pounds and the friendly disposition of every one of them. In fact, Juno gave me so many kisses at our first encounter that I believe we are now engaged.

According to Kathy, who’s been a professional musher for more than a decade, “We have a working partnership and have developed an emotional bond.

A two way trust that goes well beyond that of pet and master.” It’s not that these dogs aren’t great pets, but that they have been bred for centuries to be working dogs, specifically pulling mid-weight loads over very long distances. When in good condition over the winter, Siberians can pull about three times their own weight. They are known as endurance dogs, capable of traveling up to 150 miles or more a day at an average trotting speed of 7-8 miles per hour, with a loping speed of up to 20 miles per hour.

With teams of 10-14 dogs, every dog Continued Next Page

Winter 2017

sledding adventure with Braeburn Siberians is different.

Whether it’s a cold snowy day in February or a moonlit night or a warm day in March, a ride with man’s best friend makes for great winter fun. “It’s amazing how these dogs communicate with us, but also with each other”, say Alex. “I’m always amazed at their instincts on the trail. A few years ago we where wrapping up a three hour tour returning to the truck that we had parked at the roadside. As we approached a split in the trail, the dogs wanted to go down the right fork, but I gave the command to go left. They resisted at first, but finally followed my command. Needless to say, when we got to the roadside, there was no truck in sight.

Now I know to listen to them even when I think I know best!””

Deimos and Taka

Anakin and his blind granddaughter, Hope are ready to work the sled

The Family Business “This has been a labor of love”, says Kathy who has been married to Alex for 18 years. When their daughter Elizabeth was 9 years old, she expressed an interest in dog sledding. The writing was on the wall and the family has been dog sledding ever since.

The family aspect of the business goes well beyond those with only two legs. Two thirds of the dogs were bred by Kathy and Alex creating multiple generations. Taka, now 13, lives, works and plays alongside her three children Ari, Phoebe and Deimos. 15 year old Alexandra led the way for her now 11 year old children Asia, Ace, Blaze and Jasper.

They have in turn led the way for the next generation (Asia’s 5 children), who in turn are leading the way for the fourth generation of 5 year olds. 10 year old Anakin, a main leader, taught his three granddaughters to be leaders, and is now most often seen pulling alongside his granddaughter Hope; she needs his guidance the most because she is blind, but age and eyesight are not a deterrent to what they love to do the most.

Just like any family, each dog has its own unique personality. As Alex recalls, “We had two teams going at once on one adventure. Most of the time we run teams in a straight line. On this particular day there was an opportunity for me to pull up side by side with the other sled. As we were going along, the little girl in the sled next to me was fascinated with one of the dogs, Ari, in my team. Apparently the feeling was mutual as she leapt onto her lap. Some dogs just like to have fun!”

Indeed, we all have a purpose and for Siberians that means pulling a sled. It takes about two hours to prep a dog sled team to head out onto the trail. As preparations are made at the trailhead for the adventure, the dogs are as loud and excited as kids on Christmas morning, but when the words come down, “Everybody ready? … Let’s Go!”, the sleds accelerate down the trail and silence descends as the dogs lean into their passion.

For more information, visit www.BraeburnSiberians.com or call 802-738-8337 Winter 2017

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ABOUT SIBERIAN HUSKIES Kathy Bennett - Windsor, VT

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s Jon Katz says in his book A Good Dog, these “dogs live in their own sphere, by their own lights”.

Siberian Huskies are true unto themselves and as such, their respect must be earned. Once earned however, their love and loyalty know no bounds, but still, they are never blindly obedient. This makes the Siberian more high maintenance than some other breeds. Each individual dog has its own personality and characteristics, but there are certain common traits for the breed as a whole that must be understood and accepted for successful ownership.

Siberians should not be blamed for being a Siberian!

The Siberian Husky was originally developed by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog and to herd reindeer. During the short summers, they roamed free on the tundra fending for themselves before returning to the villages. These two historical activities put predatory drive and a desire to run into the Siberian Husky’s genetic code. No matter how bonded we are with any of our dogs, they cannot be allowed to run free – ever. This was a huge adjustment after having owned Golden Retrievers for 30 years, dogs who could go in and out of the house at will. When a Siberian Husky catches a whiff of an enticing smell or when their prey drive is triggered (typically by a

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fast moving small animal such as a squirrel, flying duck or cat), all bets are off.

Since they love to run, they can cover many miles in a short time – and you are left with more gray hairs while you worry and possibly heart break. Therefore, proper care of a Siberian Husky includes regular and vigorous exercise (hiking, jogging, bike or ski-joring, dog-sledding) and proper containment (leashing, decent sized kennel).

Siberian Huskies love to dig to China – and beyond! We have holes in our play area that cause an adult dog to disappear from view. However, they will dig for entertainment or to follow a scent when on leash or hanging out in your neighbor’s yard as well. Since they do not appreciate gardens or lawns, it’s best not to let a Siberian hang out where holes are not wanted. Therefore, proper care of a Siberian includes giving them an area where they can indulge their preferences.

While roaming the tundra in the summers, Siberians developed highly socialized pack behavior. During the long Siberian winters, the dogs provided warmth to the Chukchi people by living in the houses, the children were encouraged to play with them and the best dogs were bred. These historical activities put a strong need for a pack, either canine or human, into the Siberian Husky’s genetic code. They are very friendly and sociable. They do not do well living alone. Left alone for more than an hour or two, even with entertainment such as a bone to chew, they will howl mournfully and become bored – and the results of a bored, but still very intelligent, Siberian will most likely make you very unhappy – shredded cushions, opened cabinets, chewed shoes, any on-the-counter food eaten or spread about, emptied trash cans, etc.

Therefore, proper care of a Siberian Husky includes providing other canine companions and/or spending the majority of your time with them.

Like many breeds, Siberian Huskies are very intelligent. However, their intelligence comes not only with keen powers of smell, hearing and sight (in that order of acuity), but with terrific problem-solving abilities combined with an ability to stick with a challenge. Unless they recognize that something is impossible (such as digging through cement), they will figure out just about any problem and work at it until they achieve success.

Unlatching doors, prying open chain link, finding entertainment, climbing over or digging under fences, reaching the top of the refrigerator for the treats, locating and snitching stuffed animals and food, etc. are 101 level courses for them. Therefore, proper care of a Siberian Husky includes providing not only a safe environment as for any dog, but a highly secure and “child proofed” environment. Siberians are very sensitive and “tuned into” emotions. They take care of one another and us. If we are feeling sad, if we injure ourselves, if we are scared, if we are buoyant, they will respond with compassion or excitement.

We never show the dogs the moments we are frustrated or even angry. If a dog is injured or frightened, that dog’s closest friends, along with others, will immediately offer comfort through licking the wound, “kissing” and staying close at hand. They do the same for us. Due to this sensitivity, Siberians respond best to training that is based on positive, consistent, positive, calm, positive and firm reinforcement (yes, repeat is intentional!)

Winter 2017

Your Pet May Be In Pain M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

Animals suffer from pain, just like we do. Some forms of pain are obvious such as surgical pain or an acute injury. Because most of us have had surgery at some time in our lives (or know someone who has), we have an idea of the pain animals must feel after having an operation. The same holds true for an acute injury such as falling down the stairs or having an ear infection.

Unfortunately, the majority of pain in animals is chronic and harder for most pet owners to detect. Arthritis is often misinterpreted as the pet “getting old” or “slowing down”. It is important to remember that age is not a disease, but pain is!

Cancer and dental disease are chronic pains from which animals suffer in silence. A common misconception is that animals will whine or cry out when they are in pain. In fact, it is very uncommon for this to occur.

Signs of pain in dogs can vary between dog breeds and individual dogs. The majority have one or more of the following signs: decreased interaction with owners, decreased activity or appetite, reluctance to move, growling, guarding, aggression towards people or other pets, or even chewing or licking themselves where it hurts. For example, a dog may not want to be petted around the head if its ears or mouth hurt. An older dog with arthritis may growl or snap at kids or other dogs, trying to protect itself from being hurt. Cats are very good at hiding when they don’t feel well. This is because in the wild, if they show they are sick, they can quickly go from predator to prey. It is rare that a cat with chronic pain will cry out. Instead, it may stop grooming and have matted fur, be stiff, lose weight, hide, be less active, eat less, or groom excessively at an affected area. A cat who “doesn’t like to be petted there” is usually painful at that location.

Winter 2017

Dental pain is rarely obvious to most pet owners. The assumption by many is if the animal is eating, there is no mouth pain. Since the alternative is to stop eating altogether and starve to death, even pets with very painful teeth will still eat. They just may not eat as much, may lose weight and may not chew their food well. They may chew only on one side of their mouth.

A thorough annual wellness exam by your veterinarian will help to determine if your pet is in pain. If you suspect your pet is painful, call your veterinarian right away. There are many options available to treat pain in our pets: prescription Continued Next Page

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medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy and therapeutic massage.

Remember, do not ever give human pain relievers to your pet: the majority of them are toxic to our pets. Even a little bit of certain human pain medications can cause kidney failure and death in our pets. It is our moral responsibility as pet owners to provide for all aspects of our pets’ needs. They give us unconditional love and depend on us for their care and comfort. Besides giving them food, love, and shelter we must realize that they may get sick and will definitely get old. Along the way there are times they will be in pain, for which there is help. For more information about pain control and how to tell if your pet is in pain, talk to your veterinarian and go to www.ivapm.org, the website of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.

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The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) is a professional organization of 350 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine. For more information, visit www.vtvets.org or call (802) 878-6888.

Winter 2017

The Aftermath

of Hurricane Matthew John Peaveler - W. Fairlee, VT

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’m climbing slowly up and up, above what was once the tree line and onward into the clear blue sky. I’m especially cautious as I make my ascent, carefully placing right foot and right hand, then left foot and left hand in a steady sequence. The ladder continues for about 100 feet, but I choose a spot about halfway up with several horizontal supports, again set my hands and feet with diligence, take a deep breath, and look around. The scene on the ground below is as terrible as I expected it to be, but that doesn’t make it any easier to see. My breath catches in my throat as I look around. I can see 360 degrees, moving slowly on the steel supports.

The visibility is about 10 miles. I look down and see the heavy steel door that in normal times secures this tower. It’s been ripped off and twisted. Across the street, a large complex of blue-roofed buildings belonging to a Taiwanese development organization has been heavily damaged.

Forty-foot shipping containers have been thrown into buildings, destroying everything in their path. Trees around me now exist in three configurations: snapped in half, blown over, and a select few are merely leaf-less. Worse yet are the houses. Some are decimated, many are roofless, and all have been damaged. It looks near apocalyptic from this birdseye height. The destruction is pervasive.

It’s all encompassing. It’s heartbreaking.

I look into the distance and see shattered lives everywhere, as far as the eye can see. The hundred or so animals I can see from this height appear listless and bedraggled. I snap a few photos, take a deep breath, and slowly make my way back down into the debris field left by Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, southern Haiti.

My job, as simply as I can describe it, is to help animals. That means a lot of different things in a lot of different places, but when it comes to my mission as an international disaster responder, I’m driven to do good in a place where something very bad has happened. That challenge comes with much uncertainty in the midst the chaotic and changing circumstances that follow natural disasters. I went there in early October to provide rescue and veterinary relief to Winter 2017

HSI Disaster Responder John Peaveler gives food to an extremely hungry street dog in Robin, Haiti following the destruction of Hurricane Matthew. Notice the sharp lines of the dogs’ ribs. He is one of many that need help today. It’s estimated that thousands of animals died during the storm. Those who survived often do not have clear evidence of physical trauma, but without a doubt the extreme stress of 145mph winds and up to 40 inches of rain over two days has weakened many and put them in an even more precarious position than before.

HSI is on the scene to get them the care they need.

animals affected by the storm, on behalf of Humane Society International (HSI), a non-profit organization with a global mission of improving the lives of all animals. With programs on six continents, HSI is always ready to provide leadership, experience, and support to help a wide-range of animals in need. As a responder, my role in many disasters is to assess the situation to see how animals have been effected, to identify resources both available and necessary, support local animal welfare organizations, provide assistance however possible, and to help formulate a medium to long term recovery plan. That is why I was climbing up a communications tower in Haiti. I needed to see what had happened firsthand.

Haiti is a very special place to me. It is stunningly rich culturally and filled with natural beauty, but it is still one of the poorest nations on earth. Much of

the country’s 10 million people live on less than $2 per day. When anything goes wrong, such as sickness, loss of transport, or loss of an animal, it creates a desperate situation. Therefore, when a major disaster strikes, the effects are instantaneous, wide reaching, and life threatening. I saw that first hand in 2010 after the devastating earthquake.

People with very little cannot afford to lose anything. They can’t afford damage to property, and they can’t afford to lose the animals that they absolutely rely upon for survival.

It is difficult for anyone who has never seen or lived in such poverty to understand what that life must be like.

For instance, when you walk through a poor Haitian neighborhood, you’ll notice there are no cars and few bikes or motorbikes. There are no toys, fences, Continued Next Page

www.4LegsAndATail.com 11

This is the inside of a Taiwan based aid agency. Winds were so strong they threw 40’ shipping containers that were welded into place as the walls and foundations of warehouse space.

or decorations. Most houses are not painted and do not have windows or doorknobs. There is no landscaping, no grass, no playgrounds. Many places don’t have electricity. Animals either roam or are tethered nearly everywhere. Food prices are high, and in many markets you can find Mud Cookies, a food item made from salt, vegetable shortening, and edible clay. It is among the least nutritive foods on earth. A person near starvation can eat it as a source of salt, calcium, and fulfillment.

It is literally cheaper than dirt is in the United States.

This is a snapshot of life in Haiti.

Leaving the communications tower behind, I worked to assess the disaster area and find out what the people and animals had been through. I asked several people what the storm had been like. Without exception, they all described terror. Several told me how they had clung to trees and prayed that floodwater would not cover them. Others who been able to weather the storm in their homes spoke of the overwhelming roar of sound as 140mph winds roared over their tin roofs. They struggled for words to describe the feeling that the world was ending. I could still see the trauma in their eyes. I could see the trauma in the eyes of the animals there too. It does not require much to imagine what it must have been like for animals tethered or loose outside. Put simply, Hurricane Matthew was absolutely horrifying for every being that lived through it without adequate shelter.

I am an international disaster responder for animals. Animals are my passion in life and my area of professional expertise. Still, as an individual, my biggest challenge in a place like Haiti is wanting to help everyone and turning that raw emotion into a plan to do something Continued Next Page

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Winter 2017

meaningful. What plan then could I as an animal welfare professional possibly enact? How, in the face of such a tragedy, could I act on behalf of HSI to work in a way that helped animals without ignoring the obvious needs of desperate people? Those questions weighed on me, but the answer slowly became obvious: do anything that improved the situation in any way. And helping animals is critically important – for Haitians, they are a source of livelihood and survival. I also needed to tell the world what had happened in Haiti, now for a second time, so that the needs there could be met through responsible organizations.

So I assembled the available resources and set to work. On my third day in Haiti, a veterinarian and a veterinary technician from the Dominican Republic joined me on behalf of HSI. Together we worked with a local NGO called 4Patte (Four Feet) to conduct two open clinics and pave the way for a follow-on team a week later. The clinics treated goats, sheep, cows, pigs, cats, and dogs, nearly 300 of them in two days. But I was painfully aware of how little our impact seemed in the midst of so much need. I also wondered how people would respond to our presence there and the work we would do. Their reactions were unbelievable. Smiles on faces that hadn’t smiled

in days (especially when I received a rope burn, courtesy of a 1000lb cow). Gratitude from people who hadn’t received any aid after more than a week. Children watching, observing compassion and kindness toward animals, perhaps for the first time in their lives. The simple, harsh, and beautiful reality is that the people were happy we had come to help. The animals received vaccines, wound treatments, wormers and other care they never would have received otherwise. In some ways our work there was merely a drop in a bucket, but that drop left a ripple. I went home with the knowledge that we had all done what we could to make a difference, with a promise to tell this story, and with hope for the important work that HSI would continue on behalf of animals in Haiti.

You can learn more about the important work of HSI by visiting www.hsi. org or by following their Facebook page: @hsiglobal John Peaveler is an Animal Welfare Consultant with over ten years experience working with all types of animals on three continents. He lives with his wife and two children in West Fairlee, Vermont and continues to work and write at home and abroad.

Millie takes a moment to watch her girl Ella Bankert play soccer

*We will not sell or give your information to a third party R416 Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 13

Preparing Your Outside Animals for Winter M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM Vermont Veterinary Medical Association

W inter is here and, it is time to think about things you can do to help

your outside animals be prepared for winter. A little time and work now can save you a lot of trouble later.

If your large animals are kept outside, check your fencing to make sure posts and boards are secure, especially where snow drifts form. The animals must have the ability to get out of the wind/rain/snow. A run-in shed with the open end facing away from the winter wind is best. Make sure that mineral and salt blocks are not covered in snow.

Keep paths free of slippery mud, snow, and ice; a broken leg in a large animal can have disastrous consequences.

Have a plan to provide fresh water to your outside animals and to keep it from freezing. Livestock drink less when it is cold out. You can increase the amount of water that your animals drink in cold weather by heating the water and this effect is particularly notable in goats.

Use de-icers, water heaters, and insulate

14 4 Legs & a Tail

the water hoses both outside and inside the barn.

It is critical to address nutritional needs in the winter. Talk to your veterinarian who can help you formulate a feeding plan for your outside animals. They have training in nutrition and are familiar with your livestock’s health and nutritional needs. In general, feeding a high quality hay free choice is the best way to keep most farm animals warm in the winter. Hay keeps horses and ruminants warm: heat is produced as the bacteria in their intestinal tract ferment it. (Grains are more efficient feeds and affect less heat loss from the gut which means less heat for the animal.) One of the important things you can do is to keep your hands on your animals in the winter. With just looking at them it is impossible to tell how they are doing. Rub your hands on horses’ ribs and on top lines for small ruminants and camelids to check for prominent ribs or vertebrae that signal weight loss. While you’re at it, make sure the animals’ coats are free of manure and mud. It is not for cosmetic reasons: mud and manure in the fur prevent the longer, coarser winter coats from retaining heat.

Talk to your veterinarian about deworming the animals before the winter.

Have him/her check your horse’s teeth for hooks/points on the teeth. If not addressed, these can cause pain, dropping food, and weight loss. Make sure the animals are up to date on vaccines, too.

Don’t forget your barn cats (and dogs). You’ll need to have a way to provide fresh water for them, too. A place for them to sleep that is enclosed (even in the barn) will help them to retain body heat.

Contrary to common belief, bigger is not better- at least when it comes to dog houses.

A smaller house is better, as it helps keep the heat in. The barn may keep the wind and snow out, but it’s still very cold in there for your smaller barn animals.

A little preparation can help your barn animals out this winter. For advice on keeping the animals healthy and warm this winter, talk to your veterinarian. Vets see a wide variety of housing and animal health complications in the winter and can give you advice on how to prevent trouble.

Winter 2017

Your Pet's Chipped Tooth W

hen presenting their feline or canine family members, our clients will often direct our attention to the teeth. Chipped, broken, fractured, or worn teeth can be a source of pain and infection for pets, and should be evaluated by your veterinarian promptly.

A minor chip may only involve the enamel of the tooth, and in a large breed, may not need immediate treatment. But the tiniest chip from the tip of a canine tooth in a cat, almost always involves the deeper pulp chamber of the tooth. This part of the tooth includes the blood supply and nerves of the tooth, and exposure to the oral cavity may lead to bacterial infection of the tooth and pain for the cat.

Some tooth fractures are more obvious. When a large portion of the crown is suddenly missing, there has almost certainly been a traumatic event causing a fracture. Usually, the pet has chewed or bitten something hard such as a bone or rock or metal. Even ice cubes have caused tooth fractures. As a rule, if an object is too hard to make an imprint with a thumbnail or if you could plausibly use the object to drive a nail into a wall like a hammer, it is too hard for your pet to chew.

A very common scenario, especially with larger breeds, is a mouth full of teeth that appear to all be fractured. But on close inspection, these teeth are often actually worn. Wear, or abrasion occurs gradually.

The culprit many times is a tennis ball.

Because the wearing occurs gradually, teeth have time to protect themselves by producing tertiary dentin which is layered between the enamel of the crown and the sensitive pulp chamber. This extra layering of dentin can protect the tooth from infection, and also the nerve endings from pain. However, sometimes the wearing occurs too rapidly for this protective layer to be completed, and areas of sensitivity, and bacterial access occur.

In all of the above situations, it is very difficult and often impossible to thorough-

Winter 2017

Kristin Esterbrook, DVM

ly evaluate the tooth in the exam room.

Even with the most compliant patient, our eyes are not able to see the entire picture. Anesthesia with a well lit field and magnification, dental instruments such as a dental explorer, and dental x-rays are almost always necessary to differentiate the benign enamel chip or the gradually worn tooth that is not a source of pain from those that need treatment.

A large fracture always needs some form of treatment. With the help of your vetFractured upper left 4th premolar. erinarian will decide the best treatment for your pet taking into consideration for your pet's teeth, ask your veterinarian your pet's demeanor and lifestyle, your for advice on the best products to maintain valuable time, and finances. A referral oral health including strong, intact teeth. to a veterinary dental specialist may be necessary for certain treatment options.

Kristin Esterbrook, DVM is a Rutland Although accidents happen and some native who has recently relocated tooth fractures are unavoidable, there are back to Vermont from Massachusetts. steps we can take to decrease the chance of Dr. Esterbrook has been practicing tooth trauma in our pets. No hard chews! Veterinary Medicine for fourteen years.

Use the thumbnail rule. Even ice cubes or She received her Veterinary Medical those cow hooves we see in pet stores are Degree from Ross University. too hard for pet's teeth. No tennis balls. Use Her special interests include denrubber balls for those games of fetch. The tistry and internal medicine Riverside fuzz of the tennis ball is abrasive and over Veterinary Care & Dental Service in time will wear you pet's teeth. If you are Rutland and Ludlow, VT. unsure if a toy, treat or chew is appropriate www.RiversideVetCare.com

www.4LegsAndATail.com 15

Helping Your Cat Stay Mentally Spry Amy Shojai

1. Train the Brain Early. To slow the progression of aging in the brain, make sure your cat is physically active and mentally engaged throughout her life — starting when she’s a kitten.

2. Play Daily. Cats thrive on routine, and building play into everyday life increases the chances that she’ll stay active in later years. Homemade cat toys like wads of paper, socks stuffed with catnip and ribbons that you can drag on the floor cost little but bring huge rewards.

3. Keep Her Physique in Check. Overweight

cats avoid physical exertion and prefer sleep and lap time to brainteasers. To encourage exercise and problem solving, place food bowls at the top of stairs or cat trees.

4. Create Some Kitty TV. Place bird feeders and birdbaths outside windows for your cat’s viewing pleasure and brain-stimulating enrichment.

5. Build Obstacle Courses. Set up cat trees, empty boxes, paper bags and other hiding spots, so your feline can lounge, climb and explore.

6. Adopt a Younger Pet. A playful cat or dog, when introduced safely and correctly, can turn back the clock and inspire an old-timer to move her tail — and jump-start her sluggish brain.

7. Offer a New Leash on Life. Teach your cat to walk on a leash, so she can safely explore the yard — or simply use her brain to troubleshoot how to get out of the darn thing.

8. Teach With Treats. Call out “Fluffy, come!” Then turn on the can opener, and when the cat runs to you, reward her with a snack.

9. Pick Up a Puzzle. Toys that dispense treats mimic feline hunting behaviors, keeping cats entertained and mentally sharp.

10. Make Treasure Hunts Out of Meals.

Hide saucers full of small amounts of food all over the house — and place them at different levels, so your cat must seek out the morsels. Once cats reach their senior years, their companionship becomes even more precious. If you pay attention to your kitty’s mental health, you’ll keep her connected with life — and you — as long as possible.

Amy Shojai is a certified animal behavior consultant and the award-winning author of 23 pet care books, including Complete Care for Your Aging Cat. Shojai also appears on Animal Planet’s “Cats 101" and "Dogs 101", as well as writes for puppies.About.com and cats.About.com. She lives in Texas with a senior citizen Siamese and a smart-aleck German Shepherd.

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Winter 2017

When Your Cat is an Early Riser and You’re Not Mikkel Becker - Vetstreet.com

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ur cat wakes us early every morning by meowing and yowling outside of our closed bedroom door until we get up and serve her wet food for breakfast. We leave a bowl of dry food out for her, but it doesn’t seem to tide her over. We’ve tried ignoring her but she just doesn’t stop! Is it possible to change her morning routine so we can get some sleep?

Your kitty’s clock is clearly not synchronized with yours. She may be waking early in response to internal cues, like hunger, or external cues, like sunlight. But it is also possible that your cat’s tactics are a learned behavior driven by desire for a tasty meal, companionship and attention. Whatever the cause, the behavior has become a habit and is unlikely to stop unless you implement some changes.

Your first step should be to talk with your veterinarian. Your cat’s behavior may be caused by an underlying medical issue. Some conditions, like thyroid disease, can cause excessive vocalizations, restless behavior and changes in sleep and eating patterns. It’s important to rule those out before making any other alterations to her routine.

Once your cat has a clean bill of health, though, there are several ways to address her early rising.

to eat during the day — if she’s eating the dry food you leave out at night and waking you early for another meal, she may simply need more to eat.

Since it sounds like your cat is willing to eat dry food, another good option may be an automatic feeder. This would enable her to wake early and have her breakfast but not rouse you. Start by familiarizing your cat with the device by feeding her normal meals from the dish.

Once she’s comfortable eating from the dish, set the automatic timer and give her a chance to get used to the tone or sounds. She will quickly come to associate the feeder’s noise with mealtime.

Once she is used to the automatic feeder, set it to go off in the morning just before the time she normally starts crying at your door. If you would like to have her wake later, you can try to reset her internal clock by moving the feeder’s timer back a few minutes each day until you reach a more ideal feeding time.

Another option is to leave one or two food puzzles filled with dry food or treats for her at night. Both strategies offer the possibility of meals being delivered independently, which should mean that everyone gets a little more sleep.

BREAKFAST IS SERVED - BUT NOT

BY YOU

It sounds as though your cat is willing to eat dry food but is waking you because she’s finished what you’ve left out and is ready for more. In that case, a good place to start would be by giving her a last meal of wet food before everyone goes to bed at night. You should also check to be sure she’s getting enough Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 17

GUNNER, THE SKIJORING GREYHOUND Diana Hanks

W

inter was coming and I like to cross-country ski. Having a Greyhound wasn’t going to stop me from doing this. How do you ski regularly without leaving your poor dog home all the time? You train him for skijoring!

Short skate skis make me very maneuverable. If my Greyhound, “Gunner” does something suddenly, I can turn or stop quickly.

Diana & Gunner on a winter "stroll". Photo by Peter Wadsworth

Without poles, my hands are free for handling the dog. A shortened retractable leash attaches to Gunner’s harness. If I fall or he bolts, the force goes through the harness, not his collar. A longer retractable leash gets hitched to his collar for control if I need it. I’m able to swing that arm as I skate, without touching his neck. When I want to communicate with Gunner through the collar, I squeeze the break button on that lead.

With the slightest touch, he neck reigns, like a Western horse. Gunner also knows the voice commands “Gee”, “Haw”, “Whoa”, and “On By”, as well as his gaits, walk, trot, and canter.

Being bred as a running dog and not a pulling dog, I help him by skating on my skis.

Speed skating is another passion of mine, so I enjoy this very much. Gunner aides me in going faster than I could on my own for short spurts, which is really fun for both of us!

Greyhounds are sprinters. Although he is faster than I could ever hope to be, I have much more endurance than he does. This has to be kept in mind at all times.

It’s just nice being able to go out and spend time on skis while exercising my dog.

He runs, and I skate. We both have fun and we get outside together. If he wants to stop, we stop. This would be considered horrible training amongst sled dog folks, but Greyhounds are not designed to run long distance. We stop and I let him sniff, mark, and be a regular dog. When he gets his energy back we pick up the pace for a while. The whole outing is a balance between both of our needs. What we both have in common is a desire for speed. In his case it’s a series of short bursts.

Diana Hanks got involved with Northern Greyhound Adoptions in 2007, when she saw Donald Westover of N.G.A with 2 Greyhounds at a home show. These dogs and their mild manners drew her in. She went from not having any interest in dogs to volunteering as a dog walker at the kennel, and eventually adopting Gunner. Gunner and Diana are seen at many of the home shows, representing this gentle breed, and Northern Greyhound Adoptions.

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Winter 2017

The Different Roles of Therapy Dogs and Assistance Dogs Katie Ziegler

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ssistance dogs and Therapy dogs are two forms of highly trained dogs that work to improve the lives of people. Although both types of these working dogs have an amazing impact on the lives of their humans, their roles are very different.

individuals in wheelchairs, to autism service dogs and dogs that help those suffering from PTSD. Assistance dogs are guaranteed legal access to all public places that their owners go.

Therapy dogs have been providing comfort, support, and love to patients in hospitals, nursing home residents, school children, and many other people in need, for over one hundred years.

Today the use of therapy dogs is also known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal Assisted Activities (AAA). AAT is a “goal directed intervention” where animals are used to assist in a specific treatment program of a patient. These animals are highly trained and work with professionals

within their profession, such as in conjunction with therapists or doctors. In contrast, animals involved in AAA programs are pets of volunteers that visit with patients. These animals must also be highly trained to act appropriately and behave in these working conditions. Unlike AAT animals, they do not take part in a specific treatment program. All therapy animals however provide support, comfort, social experiences, and love.

These therapy dogs can visit different facilities that allow scheduled visits.

Unlike Assistance dogs, they are not guaranteed legal access to all public places and their visits must be approved.

The term assistance dogs, is used to describe a variety of working dogs that assist their handlers with everyday activities, while also enhancing their quality of life and providing the means necessary for a sense of independence and freedom. There are three main subtypes of assistance dogs. The most well-known and original role of the assistance dog is the guide dog. This type of assistance dog has been formally trained by organizations and placed with individuals for over 70 years. Guide dogs are trained to help their blind or visually impaired handlers navigate the world around them.

The second form of assistance dogs are hearing dogs. These dogs can alert their deaf or hard of hearing owners to dangers, alarms, important noises, and perform many other vital tasks.

The third form of the assistance dog is known as a service dog. Service dogs are specifically trained for individuals with a variety of other physical or mental disabilities. Service dogs can range from mobility dogs that assist Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 19

BIG LOVE Cathy White - Walpole, NH

Cassie, Poppy and Seamus lead the good life as therapy dogs

I

magine that your beloved dog weighs a whopping 150 pounds, devours two pounds of raw food daily, sheds his thick black coat yearlong, and has some issues with drool. Now imagine that you live with five of him!

That’s life for Rob and Deb, childhood sweethearts who went their separate ways, but reconnected and married in 2003. They live in a sleepy rural town near Keene and share their modest cape-style home with five enormous Newfoundlands.

“Newfies” to aficionados of the breed, (who are many - they rank 38th in AKC registrations) are massive dogs. Living with one can present challenges. Living with a pack of five is an adventure!

Let’s meet this weighty bunch: Cassie and Rosie, 10, are littermates. Poppy, 8, is next in the hierarchy, and then come “the boys”, Seamus, 7, and the baby of the group, Boom, 3. That’s approximately six hundred pounds of Newfoundland.

How did they end up with these five behemoths? The couple isn’t quite certain themselves. Obviously, they adore the breed; well-known for its friendliness, devotion and huge heart as well as its huge physique. (Seamus is even a registered Therapy Dog and Boom is about to become one.) They were friends with the various breeders of their dogs, and started out by helping to care for each litter...and walking away with a puppy every time. (Two, in the case of littermates Cassie and Rosie.)

Deb felt that three was “enough.” But when Seamus and Rob met, an unbreakable bond was forged; and who could say no to Boom?

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Deb’s love of Newfies began with her uncle’s dog, Sam, who stole her heart when she was only eight. Twenty seven years later, she finally had her own Newfoundland.

Named Arlo, he was the first in a total of twelve thus far. Rob, interestingly enough, brought two Cockapoos to the relationship; but he’s been sold on Newfies since Rosie and Cassie came into the couple’s lives in 2006.

What’s daily life like with a houseful of giants? There’s no apparent pecking order.

All the dogs get along and have a comfortable dynamic. “Wrestling” play may start indoors, but is soon encouraged to continue outside, where the dogs have two appropriately large, enclosed play areas.

Anywhere near the woodstove is a coveted spot in cold weather; while central AC keeps these heavy-coated dogs cool in the summer. All have indoor/outdoor access through what must be the world’s largest dog door. When asked where they all sleep, Deb’s answer comes swiftly, “Wherever they want!”

The dogs consume a LOT of food. But due to its raw nature, it’s very efficiently used, resulting in surprisingly little waste.

There are no mealtime squabbles, as the dogs are all fed in separate crates. Feeding time finds them filing into their individual spaces in an orderly manner; a sight perhaps reminiscent of dairy cows coming into the milking barn.

Life with Newfies is not for the neat freak. Drooling, and shedding what appear to be smaller versions of themselves are typical. How do you keep the house clean?

“I don’t!”, Deb laughs, adding that she’d have to vacuum twice a day to keep their home fur-free. When the upright does makes an appearance, the dogs choose to remove themselves from the room; though Rosie very much enjoys a good grooming with the shop-vac.

Newfies don’t drool constantly, so it’s really only with food and when it’s hot outside. None-the-less, walls will periodically require a wipe down, and sofa and chair arms are often covered with toweling.

This is more for any potentially squeamish visitors than for the couple themselves.

And of course, there are Newfie-sized bibs.

Having five Newfoundlands randomly splayed about the house requires some agility on the couple’s part; especially during meal preparation. “I have to high step over dogs every time I work in the kitchen”, says Deb, adding “They are my cardio-vascular workout.” There’s always a party at the door when either returns from work (he’s a nurse, she’s a data analyst), with a canine crowd busy vying for attention.

All dogs have some health issues and the Newfoundland is no exception. As with all large breeds, bloat and orthopedic issues can be concerns. But there’s a specific condition common in this breed that Deb wants people to be aware of; especially if they are considering ownership. Newfies can suffer from a congenital heart defect called subaortic stenosis (SAS). This life threatening problem cannot be detected in puppies younger than ten weeks; thus it is vital that puppies be tested, checked and cleared no earlier than that before being placed in a home.

Logistics aside, it’s evident that this couple wouldn’t have things any other way. Deb states that what she loves most about this breed are “Their hearts.” They are “devoted, loving, sweet animals.” Would they add any more of these plus-size sweeties to their family? Maybe. While they know Newfie owners who have “downsized” to smaller breeds, Rob and Deb don’t know what they’d do without these wonderful giants in their lives.

Cathy White lives in Walpole with her husband, Jeff. They have been owned by Labradors of every color for almost 30 years. Cathy is a Boston University alum, with a degree in print communications.

Winter 2017

Cognitive Dysfunction Catherine MacLean,DVM

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f you have ever had a senior pet, you may have noticed that as they age their behavior can change. Just like people, cats and dogs can get behavioral changes that can look a lot like changes we see in elderly people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Cognitive dysfunction usually presents itself later in a pet’s life. It usually has a slow and gradual onset. Just like the rest of the body, the brain begins to deteriorate as our pets age. In some cases, the deterioration causes changes in the physical and chemical makeup of the brain resulting in a decrease in your pet’s cognitive function.

All senior pets are at risk. One study that was done on 180 dogs between 11-16 years of age showed that 28% of 11 to 12-year-old dogs and 68% of 15 to 16-yearold dogs had at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction. Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction that may be seen include loss of interest in food, altered sleep/wake patterns, difficulty being able to move around, disorientation, staring into space, yowling or barking at nothing, reduced hearing and eyesight, anxiety, restlessness, loss of housebreaking skills, and obsessive behaviors (i.e. excessive barking, licking, etc.).

There is no specific diagnostic test for cognitive dysfunction. If you notice any of the clinical signs mentioned above, you should speak with your veterinarian.

A good physical exam and neurological exam may be needed to rule out other possible underlying issues. Blood work may also be recommended to rule out other potential causes for some of the behaviors listed above.

Once a diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction has been made, a plan should be formulated on how to best manage the signs that you are seeing. There is no way to prevent cognitive dysfunction and there is no cure for it. There are treatments to help with some of the behaviors that may be seen, and there are supplements available that may help slow the progression of the disorder and support brain function, but there is still no cure.

A diet by Purina was developed for dogs a couple of years ago called Bright Winter 2017

Minds. The diet is rich in brain boosting supplements that helps the brain get more glucose which in turn helps with memory function. Purina did studies with the Bright Mind diet and they showed that the diet did help improve cognitive function.

There are supplements which may help brain health such as L-deprenyl and SAM-e.

There are very few studies on these two supplements, but the studies that did take place were promising. For animals that develop sleep disturbances, supplements such as melatonin can help normalize an animal’s sleep pattern. Before using any supplement, make sure that you consult your veterinarian for the proper dose and to make sure that the supplement will not interfere with medication your pet is

already on. Remember, cats and dogs are not small humans, and they metabolize medicine and supplements differently than people do.

Environmental enrichment can also really help keep an older pet’s brain sharp.

Teach them new tricks, find problem solving toys and games to play. Keep their minds engaged! One of my favorite things are puzzle balls which makes the pet work for their treats or meal. It gives them exercise and helps keep their mind engaged.

Watching your pet get old can be frustrating and heartbreaking. I watched my Labrador Lily pace through the house at night when she was still alive. Sometimes she would get stuck in a corner and couldn’t figure out how to get out of it.

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You would have to go over to her and turn her around. Now I have a cat that will randomly walk through the house at night yowling.

Animals with cognitive dysfunction can still have great lives. Hopefully as research progresses on the human side, we will see new treatments become available for our pets.

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

Snow Blindness in Dogs W e are in the heart of winter! It is time to go skiing up on your favorite mountain. Don’t forget how much fun snow shoeing or hiking with your dog is as well! When people go outside to play in the snow, we are acutely aware of how bright the snow can be on our eyes.

So we wear eye protection, like goggles or sun glasses. However, the snow can be just as bright to your dog’s eye, only he can’t ask you for glasses. Snow blindness is a painful and serious condition and your dog can get it just as easily as you can.

SYMPTOMS OF SNOW BLINDNESS 4 Tearing and watering of the eyes 4 Eyelid twitching 4 Bloodshot eyes 4 Swelling of the eyes 4 Painful eyes

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TREATMENT 4

4

4

4

4

There is not much that can be done to treat snow blindness.

Remove your dog from the bright light Put a cold compress over their eyes Put eye patches on to help block all light Prescription eye drops to alleviate the pain and help with the corneal inflammation

PREVENTION

You can get goggles that are designed for dogs, these can help cut glare and reduce the likelihood of snow blindness. Also, take your dog out when the sun is not as high in the sky, so it is not as bright on the snow. If it is really bright to your eyes, then it is really bright to their eyes too.

Resting the eyes is the best thing you can do. If your dog gets snow blindness, bring them to the vet for evaluation. The vet may prescribe eye drops to help with the pain and treat the inflammation.

Winter 2017

Nine Steps for Solid Recall Training Paula Bergeron - Grafton,NH

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ecall is undoubtedly one of the most important skills to teach your dog. It is what I consider to be a must have skill if you are to ever responsibly have your dog off leash. The following are steps you may want to try whether you are teaching recall to your dog for the first time, or doing a refresher course.

1. Be realistic about your dog’s current recall ability. If your dog only comes when he is not distracted that is not recall, it is an “I will come when I feel like it” skill. In terms of providing safety for you dog it just doesn’t cut it.

2. Understand the goal of recall. True recall is when your

6. Consistently follow a routine for training. Have your dog on a leash. Ask your dog to sit and stay (if you dog is not ready to sit and stay then have a training buddy stand behind your dog holding a second leash). Walk to the end of the leash. Use your recall command and immediately give a slight tug and release on the leash letting your dog know to respond immediately. If they do not come have your training buddy walk them straight to you, or reel them in using the leash. Have them sit,reach down with the reward in one hand and gently take hold of the collar in the other while giving enthusiastic praise. Repeat…

Repeat…Repeat!

dog turns on a dime, comes directly to you, and stays with you until you release him. Too many dogs run past their owners or stare until you repeat the recall over and over again. Teach them to come right away, and to stay put.

7. Slowly increase the difficulty by adding distance, and

3. Pick and Stick with the same recall command. Have

8. Practice your recall training for two sessions every

everyone in the family use the same recall command words.

You will be surprised at how quickly your dog will pick up on the command when it sounds exactly the same every time.

4. Only use your recall command when you can ensure success. Whether training takes 2 weeks or 2 years, only use the command when you can go get the dog if they do not come right away. Use alternative phrases when it does not matter if the dog comes right away and save your recall command for when they must come, right now, right back to you.

5. Have the tools you need for successful training. Make sure you have a leash or a rope to use for short, medium and long distance recall. Save the most exciting rewards for your recall training wether it be a favorite toy, wonderful smelling, soft, tasty treats, or your most enthusiastic praise and rub down.

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then distractions to your recall. If you dog gets stuck at one stage go back to a successful step for a while and try increasing the difficulty in a few days. day, with at least five recalls in each session. Remember to always end with success.

9. Once your dog is proficient with recall don’t wait for an emergency to use it, practice it every day to keep it solid.

Now go out and enjoy some time outdoors off leash.

Happy Training...

Paula Bergeron and the gang at Good Dogma embrace a holistic approach to bringing balance to your dog’s behavioral issues. Exercise, training, relaxation, massage, grooming, play, socialization and energy healing are incorporated into your dog’s routine. www.GoodDogma.com www.4LegsAndATail.com 23

Dogs Get The Flu Too Stewart Ketcham, DVM. Upper Valley Veterinary Services, Lebanon, NH

I’m sick as a dog, with this cough and a sneeze When trying to bark it comes out like a wheeze.

I noticed at day care that hound went, “Achoo” Oh goodness, it could be a case of dog flu!

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he influenza season has begun and many of you have already gotten your flu vaccine or are thinking of it. Dogs have their own variety of flu; its formal label is the H3N8 Influenza Virus, also called Canine Influenza Virus, or CIV for short.

It lived in horses for 40 years and in 2004 underwent a change and infected dogs for the first time. First appearing in Florida, it has spread to 39 states, including all of the New England and eastern seaboard states.

CIV in dogs is spread only to other dogs, much like the Bordetella Kennel Cough organism. There has been an approved vaccine for CIV since 2009. We have been lucky so far in the Upper Valley to have experienced no major outbreak. However, every day dogs move here from all over the country, sometimes with their owners and sometimes as rescue dogs coming through shelters. It is reasonable to expect our day will come.

Since this is a new disease, any unvaccinated dog which is exposed to the virus is at risk for infection. Dogs that are in contact with other dogs are at greatest risk. Outbreaks have been reported in shelters, boarding kennels, dog daycare centers, dog parks, veterinary clinics and other places where dogs tend to congregate. The symptoms are identical to those of kennel cough: coughing, sneezing, lethargy, fever and loss of appetite.

For most dogs these symptoms are mild, but in severe cases, the flu can develop into pneumonia. Fortunately, fewer than 5 percent of dogs die from CIV. Dogs with short noses (and narrow airways), or dogs that are already sick with another illness may have more difficulty fighting the infection, and are likely to get sicker.

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Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions that pet owners have:

Q: How can I tell if another dog is infected?

A #1: You can’t in the early stages, or in the 20% of dogs who have no symptoms.

A #2: Dogs are MOST CONTAGIOUS during the incubation period before they develop symptoms (2-4 days after exposure), and they continue to shed virus (LESS SO) for a week or more after they have symptoms.

Q: What are the symptoms when they do occur?

A: A soft, moist cough (but can be dry like kennel cough), runny nose or eyes, fever, malaise are all symptoms.

Q: How can I protect my dog?

A #1: Keep your dog well nourished, well exercised and generally healthy.

A #2: Avoid contact with other dogs (your dog AND yourself, because you can transfer the virus on your hands or clothes, although you won’t get it yourself) if you hear of a Flu outbreak in the upper valley area—even if those dogs have no outward symptoms, but especially if they do.

A #3: Vaccinate your dog with CIV vaccine if it has contact with other dogs! If you will be boarding your dog over the holiday season, “Why wait, vaccinate!”

Q: Can I get the flu from my dog?

A : No, since CIV jumped from horses to dogs in 2004 the virus is now considered a new dog-specific lineage of H3N8. There is no record of it spreading to other species, nor does it go back to horses, or to your other pets.

Dr. Ketcham is a graduate from Cornell University, earning a BS from the College of Agriculture and DVM from the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Ketcham shares his life with his wife Toni, two dogs, a cat and two LaMancha goats. His two legged children have flown the nest. A near daily pleasure is a hike with the dogs over the hills behind their home.

Winter 2017

Owney, The POST OFFICE DOG Kate Kelly

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he time was winter 1886, and the place was the post office in Albany, New York, where a cold, bedraggled fox terrier made his way inside looking for shelter.

The postal clerks took him in, fed him, and provided the dog with a warm place to sleep. Owney, as they called him, felt right at home and decided it was his job to follow the mail wagons from the post office to the rail station and back again.

One day he slipped on to a rail car, and several days later he caught another train

Mail Carrier and Owney

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back to Albany. Owney began to travel regularly, probably encouraged by some humans, but he always returned to the home office. The clerks in Albany were fond of him and were worried about losing him, so they gave him a collar with the inscription, “Owney, Albany P.O., N.Y.” For eleven years, Owney traveled the U.S. from New York to California. He had the tags to prove it. Other post offices began providing him with “postmarks” that specified where he had visited. Miners in the West inscribed some molded silver as a label of his visit to a mining community; others labeled him with tags of leather or scraps of cloth. Owney started each trip fresh, because in Albany his friends removed and preserved the tags from his previous trip. Occasionally a “travel” book was sent along with him to further document his trips.

In July of 1894, a report in The New Orleans Times-Democrat noted that Owney was back in New Orleans again.

His last visit to the city had been in the winter of 1892. The article notes: “He never travels in any but mail cars, and when he reaches a town that he forms a good opinion of from the car door, he follows the mail wagon to the Post Office,

and when he is ready to travel again, he follows the wagon to some train and is off for parts unknown.

“Since he was here, Owney has taken in the World’s Fair and a part of the widespread labor troubles…[traveling] to Seattle, Washington, Kansas City, Mo.; Memphis, Fort Worth, Taylor, Texas; Waco, San Antonio and Houston.”

Eventually Owney traveled internationally. One of his medals documented an audience with the prime minster of Japan.

Owney had become quite a celebrity.

Today Owney’s body has been stuffed and preserved and stands guard in a glass case in Washington, D.C., serving as a reminder of the importance of goodness and loyalty. (New York Times, 3-20-1910) In 2011, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in honor of Owney.

This article first appeared on the website, www.americacomesalive.com America Comes Alive publishes more stories about American dogs and other animals. Visit the website and sign up for “American Dogs” to receive the stores in your In Box. Or email Kate Kelly at kate@americacomesalive.com www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

My Golden Snitch © 2013 by Mark Carlson All Rights Reserved First printed in San Diego Pets Magazine, 2013

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ll you Harry Potter fans out there know what a Golden Snitch is. Well I have one.

Her name is Saffron. She’s a 2-year old Yellow Labrador. And like the seeker’s target in a game of Quidditch, she’s just as fast, just as elusive and when I catch her, the game is over.

But it’s not that easy. For one thing, I don’t have a Firebolt. And my eyesight is lousy. But I still have to catch my little Golden Snitch.

Saffron is a playful and energetic dog. When my older Guide Dog Musket retired, I went back to Guide Dogs for a new one. And I was given Saffron. Here’s the deal. I’ve been working with Musket for so long, I was used to his easygoing, slow pace. It was like driving a 40-year old VW Microbus and then getting a Formula One Ferrari. What a change. She’s a great Guide Dog, but that’s not the topic of this story.

Saffy loves to run, and play and fetch.

When I played fetch with Musket I’d throw the (ball, Frisbee, Kong, etc) down the lawn and he’d run for it. After about three throws it dawned on him that he was doing all the work.

On the fourth throw, he’d say “Ah, you go and get it this time. I’m tired.”

So the blind guy had to go and find the (ball, Frisbee, Kong, etc). And often I never found it. They love me at Petco. “Ah, Mark. Another Frisbee, right?”

But Saffy is very different in temperament from Musket. She LOVES to run! I can’t keep up with her. She’s like a superball in a paint mixer. Jane calls her a ‘Gazelle on crack.’

Her favorite toy to fetch is a thick short rope knotted at both ends. I just throw it once and then I can sit down and have a beer. She’s off and running. And running back. And running off again. Back and forth. I’m no longer involved. She has more energy than a nuclear chain reaction. No, that’s not right. A runaway reactor eventually dies down. Saffron could provide power to the entire U.S. if I could just connect her to a grid. But I’d have to catch her first.

26 4 Legs & a Tail

There must be some hunting instinct in her because she doesn’t just get the rope and run.

She has to ‘kill’ it. With one end in her mouth she snaps her head from side to side as if trying to break her prey’s neck. I don’t know how she keeps from beating herself unconscious.

That heavy knot bashes her on both ears like a nunchuck.

Finally I am tired from drinking a beer and say “Okay, Saffy, that’s enough. Let’s go inside.”

Then I snap my fingers and she obediently comes to me.

If she’s ready. If not, I have to go get her. “Sigh, where’s my Firebolt?”

There’s another reason she is a Golden Snitch. I’m not only blind I’m a guy. So sometimes I break things. It happens. In the morning after I feed the dogs I make tea for Jane and bring it up to her. Saffy always watches me until I bring the tea upstairs and then sits on Jane’s lap.

One morning I was at the counter and opened the upper cupboard and heard a ‘clink!’ noise on the granite counter. I was sure something was broken. But I couldn’t find it on the counter or floor. I began to panic. I knew there had to be something broken (and probably valuable) on the floor. I had to find and dispose of it before Jane came down. I was on my hands and knees, feeling my way around the floor.

Cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck as time ran out.

Then I heard Jane call from upstairs, “Honey did you break something?” Damn her Vulcan hearing. “Uh, I don’t think so. Why?” “Because Saffy just brought me a piece of broken tea bag plate.”

Busted!

So my loyal little Guide Dog Saffron saw the broken plate and grabbed it, took it up to Mommy and dropped it in front of her. “Daddy broke something! What are you going to do to him?”

That’s why Saffron is my little Golden Snitch.

When not visiting his in-laws in South Royalton, Mark Carlson spends much of his time in North County, CA with his wife, Jane and his Labrador Retriever, Saffron. He is an award writer and an aviation historian, with numerous articles and books including his latest, Confessions of a Guide Dog. Legally blind, he travels and works with Saffron, and is a member of several aviation, maritime, and veteran organizations. www.musketmania.com Winter 2017

Beware of Ducks!

N

Gina Geiss

ow, know that I am born and raised a city girl. Got married and moved to a house in the woods! No lights, no sidewalks and my driveway is 900 ft. long. But on the upside, I do enjoy the view and the animals. Now this is where one of my stories start.

When we first bought our house the basement was unfinished, with a partially finished fireplace. Coming home one day from work, I realized that my house alarm had gone off. Looking at the display, it showed the basement motion sensor.

As I went back outside (for fear someone was in the house), I looked through the front door glass and saw a duck. Yes, a duck coming up the stairs, stopping on the landing, then up two more stairs into our hallway bathroom. What was going through my mind? So I entered the house before the police arrived (dispatched from ADT), chased the duck out the door, and back into the woods it went.

When the police arrived, they told me the wood duck most likely came in through the outside chimney, which belonged to the "fireplace under construction". He told me, “Make sure and put a cap on that chimney, OK?” That night, my husband and I went and bought a cap, and then he got on the roof and attached it.

To my surprise, two days later my alarm went off again, but this time, the police made it to my house before I did. First thing he said was, "OH, this is the house with the duck intruder." “Great,” I thought, “I must be the talk of the police station.”

This time I looked through the downstairs window, and guess what? Another duck was walking around. So I open the door to go in, and this 200+ lb, bald, hunky and muscular officer stops me from entering the house. He pulls out his gun, holding it in position, and starts walking down the stairs sideways, like he's getting ready to encounter a would-be robber. I yell at him "DONT SHOOT THE DUCK!" My husband has pulled up trying to figure out what happened now, and hears me yelling in the basement. He walks in, corners the duck, grabs it and out it goes again. Nobody got shot!

The three of us determined that originally 2 ducks had gotten into the chimney. One was too fat to make it through, so only one came down the first time. Two days without any food made the second duck able to fall through.

Never had a problem with ducks again.

Editors note: According to the National Association of Elves, it is recommended you clean your chimney once a year to maximize gift potential on Christmas morning. It’s also a good practice for preventing chimney fires.

Winter 2017

www.4LegsAndATail.com 27

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TEN WINTER WEATHER TIPS FOR OUTDOOR CATS

ETHESDA, Md., USA – Nov. 17, 2016 – As temperatures across the country begin to drop, many people find themselves concerned about how to care for outdoor cats in the wintertime. Cats are resilient, but they can always use a hand staying warm and healthy during cold weather.

“Cats live and thrive outdoors in all kinds of climates,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “But a little extra help during the winter months can go a long way for protecting community cats.”

Alley Cat Allies offers ten easy ways people can make life outdoors even more comfortable for cats: PROTECTION FROM THE COLD Provide shelters to keep cats warm. These can be easy and inexpensive to build yourself, or can be purchased pre-made online. Check out our new do-it-yourself shelter video at http://www.alleycat.org/resources/how-tobuild-an-outdoor-shelter/. Insulate shelters with straw. Not only is straw less expensive and easy to come by (just check your local pet supply store or garden center), but straw repels moisture.

Remove snow from all shelter entrances and exits. It’s important to keep cats from getting snowed in.

EXTRA FOOD AND WATER Increase food portions to help cats conserve energy and stay warm.

Canned or wet food, which takes less energy to digest, should be in insulated containers. Dry food, which will not freeze, also works.

Keep water from freezing to prevent dehydration. To keep water drinkable, use bowls that are deep rather than wide and place them in a sunny spot. Or use heated electric bowls.

A LITTLE PRECAUTION COULD SAVE A CAT’S LIFE Do not use antifreeze, which is deadly, in an area accessible to cats. Keep antifreeze out of reach and clean up spills. Most antifreeze brands use ethylene glycol as the main ingredient, so be sure to switch to a brand made with propylene glycol because it is less toxic.

Refrain from using salt and chemicals to melt snow. These can be lethal when licked off paws or ingested from melting puddles and can hurt a cat’s paw pads.

Check your car before you drive. Look between your tires and give the hood of your car a few taps before starting it to make sure that a cat has not hidden underneath or inside the engine for warmth.

SPAY AND NEUTER BEFORE KITTEN SEASON Winter is the prime breeding season for community cats and the ideal time to spay and neuter. If you’re conducting Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)—the only humane and effective approach to stabilize community cat populations—in the winter, follow these safety tips: Check the traps frequently and provide a warm holding area, pre-andpost surgery. If it’s too cold for you, then it’s probably too cold for cats to be in traps, exposed to the elements, for extended periods of time. Keep traps covered and secured in a temperature-controlled vehicle or building.

Ask your veterinarian to shave only a small area for spay/neuter surgery.

This will help the cats stay warm by maintaining maximum fur coverage.

More winter weather tips for outdoor cats are available at www.alleycat.org/WinterWeather

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Alley Cat Allies, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than 600,000 supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens worldwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org, and Alley Cat Allies is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube.

Media Contact: Lauren Tate, 513-639-7461 Winter 2017

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