4 Legs and a Tail - Rutland Fall 2015

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Autumn 2015 Western Vermont

When Did Black Cats Get Such A Bad Rap? Vermont DJ And His Dog Challenge School Bullies The Story Behind The Budweiser Clydesdales Celebrate Fire Prevention Month With Your Pet

Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail

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Bruce & Hobbes Hit the Airwaves (and the Roadways) to Help End Bullying - Local DJ Bruce Zemen and his dachshund Hobbes draw

national attention with their efforts to make our schools a better place

recognize October as National Fire Prevention Month, with a donation of pet oxygen masks to the Brandon Rescue Squad

Prevent potential problems by “pet proofing” your home

When natural disaster strikes, preparation is key

4 Forever, Tim Hoehn - The dog who never left her side 5 Fire Prevention Month - Keene Medical Products and 4 Legs & a Tail 6

Help Your Pet Survive a House Fire,

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M Kathleen Shaw, DVM

Emergency Preparedness for Pets, Nancee Schaffner

Preventing Toxicities in our Pets, Robert Macpherson, DVM

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What dangers are lurking in your home?

Where did these superstitions come from?

pet in the mouth

It took a “Foxy” cat to help a little girl cope

Some wonderful examples of pets thriving thanks to spiritually guided life force energy

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association announces 2015 grants and scholarships

The founder of Vermont Therapy Dogs remembers a visit to a Rehabilitation Center and its heartwarming results

10 Black Cats and Seven Toed Dogs, Mark Carlson 11 Help Your Pet Avoid the Most Common Disease of

Adult Dogs and Cats, Carol Gifford, DVM - When was the last time you looked your 12 The Counseling Cat, Talaia Thomas, LCMHC 13 Stressed Pet? Consider the Reiki Alternative, Kelly McDermott-Burns 14 Loan Repayment Program Promotes Food Animal Practice

14 Surprise at a Vermont Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, Steve Reiman

15 From Antique Pet Photography & Dressing up Fideo, Charley Paskus 16 “Tique”- A widow finds a new friend to re-ignite an old passion 17 The King of Horses- How Clydesdales became synonymous with beer 18 I Married a Horse Woman, Tim Hoehn- The truth when your wife owns a horse 19 Balanced Training for a Happier Dog, Nathan Whitehorn

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Learn the latest (and best) techniques

How a simple blood test can treat your feline friend to all nine lives

21 Hyperthyroidism in Cats, Catherine MacLean, DVM 22 Doing More With One Leg Than She Ever Dreamed Possible, William Krol

A returning veteran finds help from a former prison puppy

A cat, abandoned and near death, finds its way to the love it was always meant to have

Did you know the world’s largest Dairy Breed Association is located in Brattleboro Vermont

See the power of pets in the golden years

25 Broken Heart, Tanya Sousa

26 Right in Your Own Backyard, Tim Goodwin 27 An Afternoon at EastView

4 Legs & a Tail Volume R.315

Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Senior Editor: Scott Palzer

P.O. Box 841

Office Manager: Beth Hoehn

Lebanon, NH 03766

Accounting: Elisa Speckert

603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com Fall 2015

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Graphic Design: Monica Reinfeld, Lacey Dardis Sales: Pat Pockette, Karyn Swett

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 area.

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

Bruce & Hobbes Hit the Airwaves (and the Roadways) to Help End Bullying W

hen Bruce & Tami Zeman first rescued Hobbes from the Addison County Humane Society in Middlebury, Vermont in November 2009, they hoped to give the tiny dog a second chance, and change his life. Little did they know adopting the smooth, red dachshund would not only change his life, but theirs, too.

Radio personality & animal rights activist Bruce Zeman still remembers the phone call he received on November 26th, 2009 about the small, battered dog. It came from the shelter manager of the Addison County Humane Society, who asked Zeman to look at the pup, recently rescued from a terrible domestic violence situation. Having extensive experience with dachshunds, Zeman agreed, and in seeing the dog, and the effects of his injuries - he knew he had to act. The next day, the Zeman’s adopted the pup, changed his name to “Hobbes,” and brought him home.

Not long after “Hobbes” joined his new family, Zeman began talking about him on his morning radio show, ‘The Wake-Up Crew with Bruce Zeman,” on WVTK-FM in Middlebury. The response from listeners was immediate, and unprecedented, as the show grew in popularity, and gained a nationwide following.

Listeners loved Hobbes, and wanted him to be more involved in the program. Zeman realized the important opportunity the 2 4 Legs & a Tail

duo had to help animals, and people, by telling Hobbes’ story.

Working with his program director, the visionary Gale Parmelee, the two made a historic decision - to create the nation’s first, and only, human / canine radio duo, “Bruce & Hobbes.”

The two “Best Buddies” were on their way, and haven’t looked back.

Since becoming radio partners, “Bruce & Hobbes” have used their radio show, and celebrity status, to help kids & animals across the country. The duo regularly speak at events on topics such as anti-domestic violence, bullying, empathy, compassion and the humane treatment of animals. Judging from the impact of their work, Bruce & Hobbes’ message is making a difference. In 2012, Bruce & Hobbes were honored by the Vermont Association of Broadcasters with the prestigious Alan Noyes Award, recognizing their extra-ordinary commitment to community service. The duo was also recognized by the Vermont Legislature, in 2012, for their work on behalf of animals. The pair has helped over 1,000 animals find homes, and raised over $50,000 for the Addison County Humane Society.

Yet the “Best Buddies” hopes to do more, and they’re hitting the roadways (and the airwaves) to do it.

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Fall 2015

Last year, to tell Hobbes’ story, Zeman and his wife Tami, wrote a ground-breaking children’s book, “Hobbes Goes Home,” which not only tells the dog’s story, but talks about issues such as bullying, an issue almost every school, and student, is confronted with. In an effort to help Vermont’s students, Bruce & Hobbes launched a statewide, anti-bullying tour, and are reading “Hobbes Goes Home,” in EVERY Vermont school. To date, the boys have visited over 80 schools, and they’re just getting started. With the 2016 school year underway, more schools are scheduled – and now, Bruce & Hobbes are receiving invitations to speak in schools across the nation.

How important is the book? “Hobbes Goes Home,” has received attention from President Barack Obama, VT Congressman Peter Welch, and Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin. The book has also been praised by educators, teachers and parents – some of whom have called “Hobbes Goes Home,” one of the most important children’s books written in years.

Earlier this year, Bruce & Hobbes returned to the airwaves with their new, national podcast, “Bruce & Hobbes Radio,” which is available Wednesdays at www.bruceandhobbes.com. The show features animal-related topics, and explores all aspects of animal care & welfare. Bruce & Hobbes speak with experts on animal-related subjects, and invite listeners to share their views & comments on the informative, and interactive podcast. Listeners can subscribe to “Bruce & Hobbes Radio” for free on I-Tunes, or can have the show sent to them each week by sending an e-mail to info@bruceandhobbes.com.

le Bruce & Hobbes are availab for speaking engagements, and anti-bullying sen pre tations, nation-wide.

“Hobbes Goes Home” can be purchased by visiting www.bruceandhobbes.com.

Contact Information Scheduling / Inquiries: Info@bruceandhobbes.com Scheduling Contact: pi Zeman - 802-377-1602 Cru Tami Website: www.bruceandhobbes.com

Fall 2015

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FOREVER Tim Hoehn

It was humorist Josh Billings who said, “A dog is the only thing on earth who loves you more than he loves himself.” The best part of a

dog’s love is that it doesn’t come with an expiration date. How many of us have at least one password as the name of our first dog. After more than 40 years, my first dog will still visit me in my dreams. Whenever I see a beagle, it brings me back to a simpler time, and I can almost feel Snoopy’s presence.

As a little girl, Kate grew up with her best friend, Blondie, a Golden Retriever. Goldie was 70 pounds of love, who loved people, especially Kate. Before the spoils of video games and social media, Kate and worth1000.com Blondie would spend hours playing in winters wonderland and wasting summer days the way kids do. As fall arrived, Blondie was Kate’s constant companion, walking her up the driveway to catch the school bus and greeting her there in the afternoon, with tail wagging.

Every night when Kate would climb into bed and say her prayers, Blondie would wait for mom or dad to turn out the light, then she would curl up at the foot of Kate’s bed, where she would sleep the night through.

But just as all of us are only here for a short time, the same goes for our best friends. The day came when it was only mom who met Kate at the bus. As the tears rolled like a summer thunderstorm, Kate’s mom hugged her with love and shared, “Your heart is large enough to always hold a place for Blondie and she will always be with us.”

Although only days passed before they boxed up Blondie’s bowl and collar, weeks and even months later, Kate would empty the vacuum and smile as she gently removed dog hair. Mom was right, Blondie would always be with us.

It was a cold night in October when Kate settled into a restless sleep. It was the kind of dream that you know is a dream but also feels very real. She heard a dog barking, so loudly in fact that it actually woke her. Maybe it was a neighbor dog? But before she could put her thoughts together, her mind raced to another issue...something’s burning! The smell was distinct and definitely not a dream.

Kate ran quickly down the hall and woke her parents. Her dad knew instantly that it was the furnace and rushed the family next door and called the fire department. The first responders arrived quickly and to the good fortune of all, the furnace had just begun to smolder with only minor smoke damage, confined to the basement. After a couple of hours the coast was clear.

“It will be light soon. Why don’t you try to get some sleep,” dad said to Kate. As her parents ushered her into her room, they all stopped on a dime. Maybe our dogs will always be with us, because there on the foot of the bed lay Blondie’s collar.

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Fall 2015

Tim Clark of Keene Medical Products of Rutland presents the Brandon Rescue Squad with Pet Oxygen Masks.

Photo by: Alyssa Zollman, Brandon Reporter

Fire Prevention E

ach year, more than 1.7 million uncontrolled fires happen in the United States and about 3,000 people lose their lives. More than 500,000 pets also die in these fires, but there are measures you can take to help reduce this number.

October is National Fire Prevention month. In recognition of this, 4 Legs & a Tail has coordinated the efforts for donations of pet oxygen masks to local fire departments, on behalf of Keene Medical Products. Over the past three years KMP has provided these masks to more than half a dozen volunteer organizations throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

This fall, the Brandon Rescue Squad was the latest recipient of a generous donation of pet oxygen masks from Keene Medical Products. If the need arises, we know these masks serve our 4 legged friends well.

Fall 2015

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Help Your Pet Survive a House Fire F

By the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM

ire can strike when you least

expect it. Although your first concern is the safety of you and your family, many of us consider our pets as part of the family. Advanced planning is the best bet when it comes to your pet surviving house fire To help prevent the loss of your pet, the first steps start with you, the pet owner. Prevent potential problems by "pet-proofing" your home and looking for fire hazards. Keep objects that are easily tipped over away from woodstoves and other heat sources. Always extinguish open flames before leaving home and never leave a pet unattended around stoves and candles. Pets can knock over candles and sadly there have been many cases of cats' fur catching fire and in their panic they run away, spreading the fire to the house. Consider confining

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younger puppies and kittens when you aren›t home as a means of preventing them from accidentally starting a fire.

Window clings that alert fire fighters to the presence of pets are also a good idea. Newer clings can be taken down and edited as your pet family grows. Practice fire drills with your family, include the pets, and know your escape routes. Keep collars and leashes handy.

Since most pet owners store cat carriers away when they're not in use, keep some old pillow cases handy to put the cat in while evacuating the building.

You don't want to waste precious time looking for carriers and leashes or lose your pets outside after escaping! Once outside, keep a tight grip on those pets: cats, especially those not used to the outdoors, will struggle to escape and try to run back to their "safe" place: into the house.

Pets left home can't escape on their own. Smoke alarms have saved countless human lives, but our pets are often not so fortunate. The high pitched shriek can scare pets into hiding, making rescue difficult and dangerous. The use of smoke detectors connected to monitoring centers can greatly increase their chances of survival in the event of a fire.

Responsible pet ownership includes planning for unexpected emergencies.

A house fire is a prime example of how devastating and deadly these emergencies can be.

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

Fall 2015

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS I

Nancee Schaffner - President, RADART

t is hurricane season and winter is on its way. Are you ready to evacuate your home with your pet at a moment’s notice? Do you have a plan for what you and your pets are going to do? Now is the time to make that plan.

The first step is to have a plan for you and your family and to practice that plan. For help with making that plan go to: www.vem.vermont.gov/community_preparedness and download a copy of Family Emergency Preparedness Workbook or call 800-347-0488 to receive a hard copy. Another good source is www.ready.gov.

The second step is developing a plan for your pets.

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Have a disaster plan and “To Go” kit for yourself, your family, and your pets.

Keep the kits in a specific place that is easily accessible in an emergency.

Have a safe place to take your pet outside the area: relative, friend, pet friendly motel – public shelter as last resort Have an emergency contact number outside the area. Family & friends should know this number for message exchange & to verify you’re safe Have a buddy system in place in case you are not home when a disaster occurs.

Have a neighbor or close by friend evacuate your pet. They must have access to your house/yard, know where your “To Go” kit is, & be familiar with your pets.

Your pet’s “To Go” Kit should include:

• Animal carrier • Leash and collar with ID tag • Name, address, & phone # of contact person outside of area • At least a 3 day supply of food & water in plastic containers (can opener if needed) • Food & water bowls • Health & vaccination records with name & phone # of veterinarian • Pet’s regular medications • Feeding & medication instructions • Litter & litter box for cats • Picture of you with your pet (for identification) • First aid kit Above all, remember to ALWAYS TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU WHEN YOU EVACUATE. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets! In Rutland County the Rutland Area Disaster Animal Response Team will be there to assist you in caring for your pets. Other local DART teams are found in various areas of Vermont. See vermontdart.org for a DART in your area and volunteer.

More information is available at www.ready.gov or www.humanesociety.org/.../tips/disaster_preparedness_1.html Fall 2015

This year marks 10 years since Hurricane Katrina left more than 250,000 pets stranded by the storm's destruction

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Preventing Toxicities in our Pets Robert Macpherson, DVM Rutland Clinic & Surgical Center

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ach week we receive a number of calls regarding potential toxicities in pets ranging from ingestion of something to application of the wrong medication for flea and tick control. Dogs and cats are very inquisitive creatures, so when something drops on the floor or if something smells or tastes good, they just can’t resist the temptation. Our pets, especially puppies and kittens, explore the world with their mouths, which often gets them into trouble. Outdoor pets also like to explore and travel. When they’re outdoors out of our sight we have no control over what they might be exposing themselves to. Below you will find a list of the top 10 toxicities called into the national Animal Poison Control Center, which is run by the ASPCA. This center is a valuable resource that can quickly tell us if what your pet was exposed to is toxic and then the best way to treat your pet. ****************************************************** **********************************************

Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2014 The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center tallied calls received in 2014, and some common themes emerged. Check out the 10 substances that accounted for the most calls!

1. Human Prescription Medications 2. OTC Medications 3. Insecticides 4. Household Items 5. Human Food 6. Veterinary Medications 7. Chocolate 8. Plants 9. Rodenticides 10. Lawn and Garden Products **************************** ****************************************************** Prevention of toxicities is the key. We need to look at the environment our pets live in, both indoors and outdoors, and remove anything that might be dangerous to them. Here are some tips for preventing toxicities in our pets: • Always be aware of the plants inside and outside of your home. Any existing or new plant should be researched to see what the toxicity potential is to your pet. If your pet ingests any plant, it is wise to contact your veterinarian or poison control center to find out if toxicity exists. Extensive lists are available at various websites to tell you how poisonous certain plants are.

Again, finding out before you bring the plant into your pet’s environment is the key. Examples of a few toxic plants include the Easter lily, mistletoe and azalea.

• Pets should never be allowed access to cleaning solutions.

Pets will drink from pails of material, which can lead to intestinal upset and possibly even burns to the mouth, tongue and stomach.

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• Pest baits for rats, mice and snails continue to be a source of frequent toxicity in pets. Unfortunately, these substances taste good so our pets readily eat them. As time has gone on, manufacturers have made their poisons even more toxic so the danger to our pets has increased. Please be sure these poisons are placed in such a way so that your pets cannot get into them.

Keep a log of exactly what you are using, as this information is invaluable should ingestion occur.

• Human medications given to animals can be extremely dangerous. The improper dose of aspirin or acetaminophen can have potentially lethal consequences to pets, especially cats. Always check with your veterinarian prior to giving any medication.

• Inadvertent ingestion of over the counter and prescription medications has become the number one reason people contact the Animal Poison Control Center. All medications need to be kept in tamper-proof bottles in a cabinet so they cannot be knocked onto the floor. Dogs and cats are not small people—the medications people take can have serious side effects in them, especially smaller dogs and cats.

• Chocolate ingestion continues to occur quite frequently, which is not surprising since it tastes great! Dogs will readily eat chocolate or anything covered in chocolate. Dark cooking chocolate or cocoa remains the most toxic type of chocolate to our pets.

• Application of the wrong pesticide to our pets for flea and tick control has been happening less, but it does still occur. A dog dose of this medication applied to a cat can be very toxic.

Some cats exhibit severe neurological effects which can even lead to death in some cases. Read all medications prior to application. Never assume what you have grabbed is correct—READ the label first. If you have applied the improper medication, immediately wash with DAWN dish soap and seek help from your veterinarian ASAP. • All automotive products like oil, antifreeze and gasoline need to be stored in sealed containers and out of the way so pets cannot get into them. Any spill needs to be cleaned up immediately—use cat litter to absorb it and then scoop it up, seal it in a bag and place it in a sealed container. Even just a few licks of antifreeze by a cat or small dog will cause irreversible kidney failure if not treated immediately.

• If you are using any type of lawn fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide, always read the label first to determine the health risk to your pets. In most cases pets need to be kept from using the area which has been treated for at least 1-3 days, depending on which product has been used.

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Dr. Rob & Lola

• Many household items can be toxic to our animals including pennies, mothballs, homemade play dough, Gorilla glue, coffee grounds, alcohol, fabric softener sheets, etc. Again, anything can be ingested by pets, especially puppies, so keep everything up off the floor and out of their reach.

Prevention is the key. Knowing what is in your environment and the potential risk it can cause to your pet is essential.

Animal proof your house. Look at the environment through the eyes of your pets—get down at their level and see what they are seeing. You may see things that need to be elevated and stored away to prevent your pets from getting into them.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center remains a wealth of information for you. They have accumulated information from thousands and thousands of cases providing them the most up to date information on the danger levels of any plant or substance and the best treatment options. They can help direct you to the level of care needed and they will also be able to tell you whether or not a trip to your veterinarian is necessary. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 888-426-4435.

Dr. Macpherson graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 1992 and has worked in Vermont since 1999. His passion is surgery and he specializes in orthopedic issues like cranial cruciate ligament disease and knee cap luxation repairs, as well as more advanced soft tissue surgeries. He knows his success is owed in large part to having a tremendous team of individuals who share the passion for providing animals and their owners the very best in medical and surgical care.

Fall 2015

www.4LegsAndATail.com 9

Black Cats and Seven-Toed Dogs

Animal Superstitions I

Mark Carlson

n an age when we have long since grown too sophisticated to believe in old superstitions, it’s amusing how many of us still blame certain events on the “full moon” or the number 13. Even the most urbane and educated people tend to glance at their horoscopes in the morning paper, ‘just in case.’

Many of the most enduring and macabre superstitions center around the animals in our world, particularly domesticated pets. There are more ‘old wives’ tales about dogs and cats than there are for elephants or even toads.

This is because the most common of household pets were adopted by mankind as far back as prehistoric times, for hunting, guarding and companionship.

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Images of humans with dogs and cats appear on Egyptian tombs, Greek temples and even the cave paintings at Lascaux, France. So it’s no wonder a great deal of lore, most of it negative and often contradictory, centers on the tabbies and pooches we feed, water and play with every day.

For instance, the bugaboo of Medieval Europe, black cats and witches. How did that come about? Try this on for size: A Norse legend tells of the chariot of the witch Freya, pulled by black cats.

They were possessed by the Devil and were very fast. After serving Freya for seven years, the cats turned into witches, disguised as black cats.

This is where the belief began, that black cats were familiars of witches.

After seven years they themselves became witches. Black cats were supposed to be bad luck. Oh-kay. Anyone who has Sheba purring on their lap on a cool winter evening knows this is pure rot.

If a black cat crossed your path, it meant Satan was taking notice of you.

Not a guy you want on your case.

Ridiculous. But how many of us still jump a little in our step when we see a black cat walking past us?

Some old sailors refused to step on board a ship if a black cat walked the decks. Yet cats have been the most efficient means of keeping a ship free of rats.

However, in some parts of the world black cats are supposed to be good luck.

In ancient England black cats were mummified and placed in tombs to deter evil from taking the spirit of the dead. Never mind what the cat thought about it.

If a black cat jumped over the coffin of a dead person, the deceased would return as a ghost. A good thing to keep in mind at a lawyer’s funeral. Keep the cats away.

Okay, on to dogs. Egyptians revered the jackal, and Romans the hunting dog.

Every culture in the world has domesticated or trained dogs for specific duties.

Dogs howl at the Moon, right? Not exactly. The Moon has nothing to do

with it. They’re howling to communicate with other dogs. But for ages that portended either good or bad fortune, depending on where you lived.

Here is one I’m sure dogs are very glad, has been laid to rest. In the middle Ages, if a dog bit a person, the dog was killed, even if the animal had no rabies.

This was because if it later got rabies, the person who was bitten, even years later, would be infected.

In England and Scotland black dogs were believed to be portents of evil events and death. Remember Harry Potter and the Grim? We know it was just his godfather Sirius looking out for him.

But they were also thought to be the spirits of wicked persons who led you astray and into danger. OR, friendly guides to lost travelers. Talk about ambiguity.

Bring a coin to flip if you encounter a big black dog some dark night on the Moors.

Dogs have always been credited with being able to see supernatural things or sense geologic events like earthquakes.

Personally my Labrador Musket sleeps through them. Be that as it may, here’s a useful tip. When a dog sits and stares at nothing, totally oblivious to everything around it, look right between the dog’s ears. You (provided you possess the ability) should see a ghost. Explains a lot, actually. I always thought they just “zoned out”. Turns out Fido was really communicating with the ghost of Dr. Doolittle.

And if you have a seven-toed dog, they can see ghosts. That should come in handy this Halloween. Get on your knees and start counting.

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 Originally published in San Diego Pets Magazine, October 2012

Fall 2015

Help Your Pet Avoid the Most Common Disease of Adult Dogs and Cats I

Carol Gifford, DVM

f you could do ONE thing to help your pet to live a longer and healthier life would you do it? Of course you would do it, and you can do it. Dental disease is the top treatable disease in adult dogs and cats. It is painful and can predispose them to heart disease, lung infections and other serious problems. Pets with dental problems usually eat fairly well but they may chew with difficulty. They are often less active than they used to be.

This makes sense. If you had a bad tooth ache you wouldn’t feel like swimming or playing ball either. Ideally we want to prevent dental disease from developing but, even if it is already present, there is a lot we can do to make them healthier and happier.

So What Can I DO?

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

What can the veterinarian do?

All pets should have a thorough oral exam at their annual checkup. If your pet’s mouth is healthy your veterinarian will probably recommend a routine cleaning and polish of the teeth with dental x-rays every one or two years. If oral disease is present a veterinarian with dental expertise can perform extractions, treat infections, remove growths in the mouth and

Fall 2015

perform many other dental procedures. Pain is managed with analgesics similarly to the way it is done in people so that your pet wakes up as pain free as possible. Many people are concerned about the risks of putting their pets under anesthesia for dental procedures. This is necessary in order to allow full access to the pet’s oral cavity. However, with the safe anesthetics and advanced monitoring currently available the minimal risks are far outweighed by the health benefits of dental care for pets.

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

Carol Gifford, DVM has been practicing veterinary medicine in Vermont since 1987. In 1991, she founded her own practice, which grew to become Riverside Pet Hospital. Dr. Gifford holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from VirginiaMaryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Her family’s pets include two cats, two dogs, two birds and two horses. www.RiversideVetCare.com

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The Counseling Cat Talaia Thomas, LCMHC Hardwick,VT

The envelope read: Foxy, 4 South Main St. Hardwick, VT. No return address.

F

oxy’s my cat show reject, a Somali with white toe

hairs – apparently a no-no on the circuit. He’s part Tasmanian Devil, part opportunist. He’s not a therapy cat, but when my ideal “co-therapist”, a darling sealpoint Ragdoll named Atticus chose dogs over people, I begrudgingly replaced him with Foxy.

Foxy’s a take-charge type cat, an unwavering optimist believing persistence is key. His “all about me” antics have proven useful during counseling sessions. I’ve learned from Foxy, been humbled by him, watched him reach people in ways that I can’t.

Molly’s Story Molly was eleven when she first came to my office. I was her fourth therapist in two years.

“She won’t talk about what happened,” her mother explained. “She’s afraid of the dark, she won’t sleep alone, and whenever she hears sirens she bolts. She won’t talk to counselors, but we thought… maybe with the pets?” Her voice trailed off questioningly.

I watched tears quiver in her eyes as she spoke. A silent plea lingered in her gaze, "Please someone undo the single event that divides time, excise my daughter’s suffering and thus relieve some of my own." I wanted to explain therapeutic limitation…tell her normal gets recreated, a mosaic of today with the broken pieces from before.

Two years earlier fire rushed through their home, their lives forever altered. Molly made it out with her parents. Baby Colin didn’t. I looked toward Molly, the pile of pink crumpled behind the couch. Doubt stifled me.

Intrigued, Foxy nudged his way into Molly’s cocoon; curled around her face until she had to sit up for air. She put her head on her knees. Foxy jumped on her shoulders, settled against her neck and the wall, and began to bathe.

Really? I thought. Could you at least pretend we’re professionals here?

“Where is it?” I asked quickly. He jumped down frantically searching for his spongy green ball. He found it in his basket, carried it to Molly, dropped it by her feet and batted at her to play. She didn’t move.

“Foxy, leave her alone,” I ordered, but then I heard her fingers drum the floor. He had her.

Molly’s first appointment was mirrored repeatedly in months that followed. There were slight gains. She emerged from behind the couch, engaged with Foxy, but she rarely spoke. I questioned my work, considered referring her elsewhere, but Molly insisted on seeing Foxy. I’d accepted being Foxy’s second, but usually my clients spoke to me. Molly wouldn’t.

It had been a year. Molly arrived as usual. She grabbed the spongy green ball from the basket, slumped onto the couch, showing Foxy. He was tired. He’d played all morning. Molly tossed the ball. He watched it, uninterested. She flung his purple hair tie. Nothing. She tried the ball again. He ignored it.

Instead he jumped into her lap, arranged himself belly-side up, paws kneading the air, eyes blissfully closed. The usual silence befell us. She stroked his fur and began to cry, silently at first and then through unrestrained sobs. She hadn’t cried since the fire.

12 4 Legs & a Tail

Foxy-Cats have been found to be theraputic for all ages.

“Mittens died that night.” Molly didn’t look up. “I tried to reach her under the bed, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t save her.”

Foxy’s coat was shiny, wet with tears.

“And I know,” She snapped. “She was just a stupid cat. Big deal. I’m supposed to be sad about Colin, but Colin wasn’t the only one who died in the fire.”

The door between us finally creaked open. We talked about cats, about loss, about judgments and self-forgiveness. We talked about the value of life – every life and about a memorial service for Mittens. Molly’s parents helped demystify the events of that night, helped correct erroneous beliefs. Molly cried inconsolably at times, but eventually allowed herself to shed some blame, to laugh again.

Two years after our first meeting, Molly came to say goodbye. The family was moving to Wyoming, another step toward healing. Foxy dropped his spongy green ball into her lap and she threw it. He brought it back.

“I think he wants you to have it,” I offered. We looked at each other through distorting tears and she pocketed the ball. She hugged Foxy, a long silent good-bye and then she was gone.

It’s been years since that day. The envelope marked Foxy is in my office drawer. Inside is a picture of Molly in her cap and gown. She’s smiling, a fluffy gray cat and the spongy green ball in her lap. An attached sticky note reads: I made it. Thank you.

Love, Molly.

Talaia Thomas is a licensed mental health counselor operating a private practice in Hardwick, VT. Foxy continues to accompany her to the office. Talaia also works as a crisis clinician in Washington County.

She can be reached at 802-279-8575.

For more information Google Talaia Thomas LCMHC. *Molly is a pseudonym. Some identifying information has been slightl altered to preserve anonymity.

Fall 2015

Stressed Pet? Consider the Reiki Alternative M

Kelly McDermott-Burns

ost people I meet these days have had Reiki, practice Reiki, or know someone who does. However, people are often surprised to hear that I am an Animal Reiki practitioner. “Well, how does that work?” they ask. I see them trying to envision a dog or cat on the Reiki table while I move around putting my hands on them.

Reiki with animals is a gentle, non-invasive treatment as it is with humans but rather than placing my hands on an animal I sit quietly and invite them to enter the healing space. Through breathing techniques and meditation I create a feeling of peace and calm that animals can feel and respond to. The animal is completely in charge of how much Reiki they receive, for how long, and whether or not the session will be hands on. I communicate to them that they don’t have to have Reiki if they don’t want it.

When I met Billy the chihuahua , he was lying on a little bed at the humane society, recovering from surgery. He had been to the vet to be neutered and he also had dental work done.

A long time stray, he looked wary of me and I gave him plenty of space. I spoke softly to him about Reiki. As the session began he looked up at me then gingerly got to his feet and slowly came over. He put his paws on my leg, stretching up to get a better look at me. I felt it would be okay to join him on the floor.

Billy immediately got in my lap. We sat quietly together with Reiki flowing. Billy sat happily in my lap for more than thirty minutes enjoying his session. When I told Billy it was time to stop he backed up to me, put his hind legs on my thigh and pointed his butt up at me as if to say, “I need Reiki here too!” Animals often present us with the areas in need of healing.

Winchester is a handsome dog who has separation anxiety. When his person would leave for work he would be clingy and then chew her things. I went to their house for Winchester’s first session.

Winchester was curious right off the bat. He would come and sit in front of me and stare. Finally, he settled on his bed, let out a sigh and relaxed. The following day when his friend left for work, he wasn’t so clingy. When she came home there was no evidence of anything having been chewed. After several sessions, Winchester’s anxiety improved tremendously.

Occasionally, Winchester requires a treatment or two when something out of the ordinary happens, for instance, a vacation. These sessions support him through the situation and the anxiety remains at bay.

So, what is Reiki? Reiki (ray-key) is spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki is also the name of the spiritual practice developed in Japan in the early 1900’s by Mikao Usui. Using meditations, precepts, hands on healing, initiations, and symbols and mantras, the practitioner learns to expand and strengthen this energy that is already in each of us. By practicing these techniques the practitioner creates a sense of peace and well being within that radiates outward.

Over the years, my clients have included dogs, cats, horses, and alpacas, among others. The reasons their people have requested Reiki are many and varied, from fear of thunder, separation anxiety, surFall 2015

gery, chronic conditions, and wellness, to end of life care.

As Reiki is non-harming and non-invasive it is an excellent compliment to any traditional medical care and will not interfere.

I have used Reiki frequently for my own animal friends. My greatest teacher was my kitty friend Murphy who loved his regular Reiki sessions. As he got older he developed arthritis in his hind quarters. I would sit on the couch and he would get in my lap facing away from me so I could put my hands on his rump.

When he was done he would get down and curl up in his bed.

Murphy had lymphoma and required several trips to the vet.

I would always offer Reiki before we went to calm him. I would chant Reiki mantras on the way and hold the space in the treatment room. He clearly handled these trips with ease unlike the days before I was practicing Reiki. When Murphy’s cancer finally got the best of him I sat with him and offered Reiki one last time. Murphy’s transition was peaceful for everyone including the vet.

Kelly McDermott-Burns is the founder of HeartSong Reiki and HeartSong for Animals. She is a certified Reiki practitioner/teacher and a founding member of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association.

Reiki can be performed on a variety of pets & animals.

www.4LegsAndATail.com 13

Loan Repayment Program Promotes Food Animal Practice T

he Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) has awarded $58,000 in grants to three Vermont food animal veterinarians: Dr. Alison Cornwall of Middlesex, Dr. Megan Foy of Danville, and Dr. Jennifer Hull of Enosburg Falls.

These grants were made possible through funding by the Vermont Legislature to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. The program is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association.

This is the third round of awards for the Loan Repayment Program which began in fiscal year 2012. The veterinarians commit to a year of service in food animal practice in underserved areas of the state in return for the award which is used to pay off their student loans.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average student loan debt veterinary school graduate is over $162,000. “The loan repayment program helps to ease the burden of student loans while ensuring that rural areas of Vermont have access to veterinary services to protect the health of the animals and the quality of the food they produce” said Dr. Millie Armstrong, VVMA President.

The VVMA is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2015 scholarships: Rebecca Calder of Shelburne is a senior at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and a graduate of the University of Vermont;

Megan Haughy of Richford is a senior at Oklahoma State University and a graduate of the University of Vermont;

Madalyn Kirbach of Mendon is a senior at Oklahoma State University and a graduate of Castleton State College; Jessica Werner of Middlebury is a junior at Colorado State University and a graduate of Colby College.

Congratulations to these Vermont students!

14 4 Legs & a Tail

Copyright 2015 Therapy Dogs of Vermont All Rights Reserved

Surprise at a Vermont Juvenile Rehabilitation Center Steve Reiman, Founder & President, Therapy Dogs of Vermont

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Vermont rehabilitation center for juveniles has been asking for Therapy Dogs of Vermont (TDV) members to bring their therapy dogs to help the young residents. This is a fantastic opportunity and brings to mind a visit I made there a while back.

Many years ago, I was invited to bring the founding TDV dogs to this facility and speak to the students as one might to a high school class.

I remember that there were 20 to 30 boys there at the time, aged 12 to 17. We had lunch with them and then headed to the classroom. They looked like pretty tough kids who had gone through some hard times and probably had caused a few problems.

I set up my video presentation and spoke for nearly an hour about the benefits of therapy dogs in the many settings they visit. I also spoke to them about what they might do after they get out. “Shovel the driveway of the little old lady down the street and never tell her that it was

you who did it. You’ll remember that for the rest of your life,” I told them.

While I was rambling on, my two German Shepherds were working the class. Lily brought her small Frisbee to every kid to throw for her. Jordan had a tennis ball which she would bring to people to toss to her. But, she did more than that. Jordan always sought out the one in the room who least wanted to play with her and found a way to overcome that. Sure enough, there was a large older boy sitting in the back of the room with his arms crossed and a deep frown on his face.

As I was talking about slide after slide, I saw Jordan slowly go up to this boy and put her wet tennis ball on his knee. “Go away” he said, and she did – for a few moments. She returned and again gently placed the ball on his knee. This time he looked around to see that no one was watching him, and he took the ball and tossed it aside. The game was on!

Jordan brought it back to him again and again.

Then I noticed the boy sliding down in his chair which seemed strange. The next time I looked, Jordan had put a paw on his knee.

Oh, oh, I thought; therapy dogs should always have 4 on the floor.

But, I thought that the boy weighed about 300 lbs. and Jordan only 61. “I’ll wait and see what happens,” I said to myself. The next time I looked at the back of the room, there was Jordan fully in the boy’s lap and he, with a big smile, was gently hugging her.

It almost brought tears to my eyes thinking that it had probably been a long time since anyone or anything had shown affection to that young man.

Times have changed and TDV dogs must always be on leash while on duty and there is the 4 on the floor rule too. In this case, I broke that rule . . . but it was a long time ago.

T h e r a py D o g s o f Ve r m o n t unleash smiles in many venues. This is certainly one of them.

Steve Reiman is the President and Founder of Therapy Dogs of Vermont.

Therapy Dogs of Vermont (TDV) is a non-profit organization of highlytrained dogs and their volunteer handlers. Our handler/canine teams work on the emotional health of hospital patients, students in educational settings, residents of nursing/retirement homes, and correctional facilities. www.TherapyDogs.org Fall 2015

FROM ANTIQUE PET PHOTOGRAPY & DRESSING UP FIDO - THEN & NOW Charley Paskus

I n doing some basic research on antique postcards derived from pet photographs I was quite surprised

by the amount of images devoted to pets dressed as humans, set in everyday human circumstances performing mundane “two legged” activities. The Victorian Era’s (and on into our own timeframe’s) fascination with pets dressed as their owners, or in human occupational and everyday activity poses, struck me as a strange attraction indeed. The range from cute to bizarre makes these items desirable as collectable antiques & curios, and they seem to be enjoying a newfound interest perhaps because of the growth of the number of pets in homes and their acceptance as “members of the family” in status and stature. Don’t get me wrong, I have had many dogs, cats, birds, fish, and the occasional frog, turtle, and insect, and truthfully cared for them all: but I never felt the need to dress them up like my sister. I do recall putting sun glasses on Brodie once, (my last small dog) and we all laughed - perhaps just doing that, reveals the tip of some human/pet relational issue that these images appeal to.

Poodle with Bow on Table

by Anonymous American Photographer, 1850 (Sold for $5,000 plus in 2009)

The history of photography itself is rife with images of people’s pets. At its start, photographic portraits were time consuming and not inexpensive: they needed, commitment, planning and finances, yet pet and animal portraits can be plentifully found from the outset. In other words the fact that family pets were photographic subjects at that time, meant that a great value was placed on the animal’s position in the family and their companionship cherished. Fine art photography brought the practice of painted portraits as family image preservation and memorials into a new and exciting medium, as this early daguerreotype illustrates. Titled Poodle with Bow on Table, is also the oldest known photograph of a dog.

OK. So how do we go from fine pet portraiture to this?

The image of a pet or animal dressed like, looking like, or acting like a human seems to bring a smile to just about everyone’s face. I have found the occasional persons who think it cruel to dress up an animal - it degrades them, forces them into unnatural places. I can see that point too, but for the most part, the majority seems to feel it does not scar our pets emotionally or socially. My dog seemed un-amused with the glasses I put on him, but he bore with our entertaining ourselves at his own expense - after all, he knew where his food was coming from, a trade of sorts I guess; and when push came to shove, he knew I cared for him deeply, we were Fall 2015

Harry Whittier Frees in his studio. ”Playtime” 1914

good companions, and that I would never hurt him. Maybe what gets to us, is that the dog drinking a beer, smoking a pipe, hat on, reminds us too much of an uncle , or a someone we know or a stranger we saw last week while travelling. If the dog looks funny and ridiculous, do we look, in fact, just as ridiculous? Or perhaps it’s just plain comical to have an animal act and look like us.

The most famous and popular of the now antique pet post card photographers in America was Harry Whittier Frees (1879-1953). His photographic studio creations took the “pet acting as person” genre to another level, travelling between the borders of cute and really strange. His mother usually made, and painstakingly sewed, the costumes and clothing for the animals in her son’s photographs.

Mr. Frees’ books and post cards were, and still are popular with collectors. His photo called “Playtime” in which two kittens are playing jump rope with an “inanimate” doll doesn’t strike me as “funny” as the dog with a beer - but why? Maybe it’s just me, but the kitten image evokes something more bizarre, almost alien.

Here are a couple other interesting antique photographs depicting pets dressed as people.

The tradition of these types of photographic images continues on today with the works of well known American photographer and artist William Wegman, whose portraits, calendars, and videos of several generations of his Weimaraners have been viewed and enjoyed for over forty years.

Why does this bring us a smile? I am very curious to receive the reactions, comments and opinions of our readers on this long standing practice of dressing our animals up like us. You can email me at charleyp.4lt@gmail.com. “ Mother & Daughter” 1999, William Wegman

www.4LegsAndATail.com 15

‘Tique

T here is a point in a widow’s life which starts with the same request,

“Please Lord, I can’t go another day.

Take me Home.” When my husband of 49 years passed away, I had no idea how painful loneliness could be. The months following were difficult, but the winter was excruciating. The cold and snow made it difficult to get out of the house and the long, dreary days seemed endless.

Late one spring, my daughter came for a visit. “How you holding up?” she asked with a look that said she already knew the answer. With a forced, half smile I replied, “Fine.” We talked for a long time about her dad and old times that felt like yesterday. We laughed about growing up in a typical home surrounded by love, including our family dog, Springer. After the kids had grown, Springer was “regularly” on the antique and yard sale circuit. With dog in tow, we hit all the stops. But, like my

As we slowly made our way past the wagging tails and the barking suitors, I noticed a beagle. Unlike the other high energy dogs, this one was subdued to the point of sadness. I wondered if he too had lost loved ones and went to bed each night nursing a broken heart. As my daughter and I left, I was still not convinced a dog was the right choice, so she suggested we get some lunch and hit a couple of antique shops.

Later that afternoon, we went to a little shop just north of Swanzey that my husband and I frequented years ago. As we picked through dozens of antiques, I thought about the dog I had met earlier that day. Did I look that empty? Loneliness is a bitter pill and without someone to love and share, it is a difficult one to swallow. As I contemplated the situation, my thoughts were interrupted by my daughter’s urgent request. “Mom! Check this out.

Remind you of anyone?” As she handed me the dusty watercolor, I stared at the familiar face in the picture. As I felt a genuine smile cross my face, I turned to my daughter and asked, “What time does the humane society close?”

Scooch getting ready for hunting season.

Photo from Chris Cartier of Rutland

Vinny Porter snoozing on a lazy afternoon

16 4 Legs & a Tail

husband, Springer was also gone.

“Have you thought about getting a dog? It would be great companionship,” my daughter asked. I had thought about getting another dog, but quickly discarded the idea. At my age, the thought of training a puppy was daunting, and fear of adopting an older dog I might outlive, scared me.

But despite my objections, we found ourselves at our local humane society.

Yes, they were all adorable, but I still couldn’t rationalize the decision.

Alyce and her dog are regular antiquers and recently found a steal on an 18th century American oak desk. Above it is a picture of her beloved dog and constant companion,‘Tique.

Celebrate National Adopt A Shelter Pet Month This October

Fall 2015

The King of Horses O n April 7, 1933, August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III surprised

their father, August A. Busch, Sr., with the gift of a six-horse Clydesdale hitch to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition.

Realizing the marketing potential of a horse-drawn beer wagon, the company also arranged to have a second six-horse Clydesdale hitch sent to New York on April 7, to mark the event. The Clydesdales, driven by Billy Wales, drew a crowd of thousands as they clattered down the streets of New York City to the Empire State Building. After a small ceremony, a case of Budweiser was presented to former Governor Alfred E. Smith in appreciation of his years of service in the fight against Prohibition.

This hitch continued on a tour of New England and the Middle Atlantic States thrilling thousands on its way. The Clydesdales made a stop in Washington D.C. in April 1933 to reenact the delivery of one of the first cases of Budweiser to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The actual delivery had been shipped by air and presented on April 7, 1933. The St. Louis hitch, driven by Art Zerr, also toured in celebration, stopping in Chicago and other Midwestern cities.

Shortly after the hitch was introduced, the six-horse Clydesdale team was increased to eight. On March 30, 1950, in commemoration of the opening of the Newark Brewery, a Dalmatian was introduced as the Budweiser Clydesdales’ mascot. Now, a Dalmatian travels with each of the Clydesdale hitches. Today, Anheuser-Busch owns approximately 250 Clydesdales; they continue to be an enduring symbol of the brewer’s heritage, tradition and commitment to quality.

The Budweiser Clydesdales can be seen at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack, NH. The Budweiser Clydesdales are iconic and are recognized worldwide. The level of detail that goes into caring for and presenting the Clydesdales is synonymous with Anheuser Busch’s approach to brewing and marketing beer. For that reason the Clydesdales are the ambassadors for the brands they represent and are treated as royalty by those who care for themTodd Bouton, Director of Operation at Farrell Distributing, Burlington and Rutland, VT

Fall 2015

In 1987, Anheuser Busch Filmed Their Classic Holiday Commercial At The Kedron Valley Inn, S. Woodstock,Vt

Continued Next Page

www.4LegsAndATail.com 17

I Married A Horse Woman…

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…. nd I knew sometimes I would be the center of her universe, and other times that role would be filled by a nine year old Arabian named Star. If I were truly the first husband to take a backseat to a wife’s horse, it would be the lead story on the 11 o’clock news, but as any good husband knows, it’s difficult to compete when you don’t have hooves and a mane.

Truth be told, although I don’t ride I do enjoy the beauty and grace of a well groomed horse. Star is all that and more. So when my wife asked about replacing the roof on “our” aging horse barn, I agreed that it was to be a labor of love, and no more than a Labor Day weekend project. On a hot, Friday afternoon I started my weekend job.

My early assessment was to just replace the corrugated metal. However, by dusk I realized that trusses would also need to be replaced. As I ripped the old roof off, I was accosted by a diverse group of soon-to-be displaced critters including, but not limited to: a family of sparrows, several swarm of bees and enough spiders to give me at least one disturbing dream that night.

It was shortly before 5am on Saturday when I attacked the next step with enthusiasm. I soon became well acquainted with a crow bar, and my back bent at a 90 degree angle for the better part of the day, made me question my commitment. Not to the task at hand, but to that horse grazing lazily in the pasture.

Advil is a good thing.

After my twelve hour marathon the day before, I stared at a stack of 17, pre-built trusses while I sipped that first cup of coffee on Sunday morning. Working by myself, I realized that this day would test my mettle. After two hours and thirteen minutes the first one was in. By my quick calculations, if I worked at this pace I could complete this phase just in time for my funeral. Naturally, the more I did, the quicker it went.

However, by the end the day (and I mean that literally, as it was just after midnight) I prayed for a Labor Day rainout.

The next morning I awoke to an unanswered prayer, the smell of breakfast and a blue sky with brilliant sunshine.

There was a faint hint of dew, but clearly not even a remote chance of rain today.

Happy Labor Day. As I approached the final day of my endeavor, simple tasks were becoming more challenging. The only thing left was to attach 8x10 sheets of metal roofing. Granted, they only weighed sixteen pounds each, but they may as well have been 16 tons. As I slowly lifted each one to the roof, they seemed to defy physics and actually increase in weight. Logically, this couldn’t be the case, but as fatigue began to consume my body it also crept into my mind, is there a government sheet metal conspiracy? Maybe corporate America is behind this?

Or, what if it goes all the way back to the big lie of 1976, when my teacher said we needed to learn metric, because that would be the standard measurement within ten years? Around noon that day, the crazy thoughts finally left when I seriously con18 4 Legs & a Tail

sidered opening the lower gate and “shoo-ing” that miserable beast out. Once the guilt and remorse set in, I was confident that this project was going to be completed, and a lifetime later (about two hours- metric) the barn roof was finished.

Since I had lost track of my “second winds”, I left my tools where they dropped with no regard to pending weather or potential thievery. As I slowly made my way up the path to the house, I wondered about the incline of the grade, I never remembered it being that steep before.

As I looked up I saw the familiar smile of my wife accompanied by a woman I had never seen before. “All done?” she asked.

An exhausted, “You bet.” was all I could muster. The polite thing to do would be to introduce myself to this stranger, and although I was curious, I had neither the energy nor desire to make even brief small talk with my wife’s acquaintance.

When I finally got to the house, a cold beer and the corner of the couch felt better than a winning Powerball ticket.

About an hour later, my wife returned to the house. Alone this time, I asked about her new friend. My jaw just about hit the floor when she shared that it was a masseuse, and that she had just given Star a massage.

That’s when I realized, I married a horse woman!

Fall 2015

Balanced Training for a Happier Dog Nathan Whitehorn-Rutland, VT

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n this article I would like to discuss the different styles of training dogs. To begin, let’s talk a little about the two types of behaviors that dogs have. They have what we will call self-rewarding behaviors and neutral behaviors.

A self-rewarding behavior is where the dog gets an endorphin spike just for doing the behavior. They get this same spike when you feed them a piece of food which is why food is a great training tool. Self-rewarding behaviors are food acquisition or self-preservation behaviors. For example eating, barking, jumping, chasing, biting, digging or fighting.

Neutral behaviors are all the things we want our dogs to do like sit, down, come when called, go stay on your bed or be quiet. With a neutral behavior, your dog neither finds it rewarding or unenjoyable. So how do we get our dogs to stop the self-rewarding behaviors we don’t want, and to start doing the neutral behaviors we like that will keep them and others safe?

Let’s talk about the old, “crank and yank” style that was used for many years, and in some cases still used today. The basic theory behind this training method was, “don’t worry about the good behaviors they are there and will stay. Correct with pain the bad behaviors and they will go away.” They teach the neutral behaviors with force so the dog knows they must do them. As time passed, some trainers started to use some rewards for good behaviors but this was thought to be dangerous and a waste of time by most. Here are some of the problems and pitfalls of this method of training: Fall 2015

• First, a lot of dogs could not handle the pressure and would be deemed un-trainable or worthless.

• Second, some dogs did not want to be around their owners because that meant pain was coming and who could blame them?

• Third, the dogs that could handle the training and still wanted to be around their owners were only doing the neutral behaviors because they were afraid not to, and not doing the self rewarding behaviors because they were afraid to do them. This cannot be a pleasant situation to live in and not the relationship I want to have with my dog, nor is that the motivation I want my dog to have to do or not do a behavior.

Now let’s talk about the newer trend of all-positive training. In this method there is no correction, nor do we ever tell our dogs that they did something wrong. We can’t even use the word no when training, due to the “fragile nature of the dogs emotions”. We are to reward the good behavior, and ignore or redirect from the bad behavior and reward when the bad has stopped. A lot of all-positive trainers withhold reward when there is a bad behavior, which is negative punishment. But they will gloss over that to stay in the all positive framework.

Punishment is when you do something the dog does not like, to get them to stop doing something you do not like, such as removing reward until you stop jumping. But does it work?

Continued Next Page

www.4LegsAndATail.com 19

We can teach great neutral behaviors using all positive methods. It makes it so the dog wants to be around us, wants to do what we are looking for, and is very happy.

Self-rewarding behaviors cannot be rewarded away. The dog is getting a reward just for doing the behavior. Many all positive trainers will just say that is who the dog is and you can’t change it.

If it is aggression, they normally say the dog is untrainable and that it needs to be put down.

The second place reward only training really fails is when you need it most.

Let's take the situation where you have been working on your recall and your dog comes back every time in training so you feel safe having him/her off leash in the yard. Then she sees that dog she loves across the street and she really wants to play. She starts to head towards the street to go across and play, but a car is coming. When you call, she does not come back. Why? Because like all things taught purely motivationally, you have to be the most important thing in the world to your dog. At that time and other times in life, there are going to be things that are more exciting than any toy or food you could have and even more exciting than you. We only taught the “want” to part of the behavior and never added the “have to.” We have really put our dog in danger.

So now lets talk about Balanced training. This is the world that dogs live in. They reward good behavior and correct unwanted behavior, and this is how they expect us to act because it is clear and they understand it. In balanced training we teach all neutral behaviors through motivational methods and when the dog loves doing the behavior, being around us and totally understands the behavior we add a little you have to even if you don’t want to. This way they don’t get into trouble when they want to run across the street to see their friend and a car is coming. We also let them know how they are doing along the way as they are learning by telling them that we like what they just did and you will get rewarded for doing it.

As for self-rewarding behaviors, we understand there needs to be a deterrent to doing the behavior otherwise it will not go away. So there need to be some form of a “correction”. What that correction looks like depends on the temperament and age of the dog. We never want to yell at our dog it only teaches them that they don’t have to listen unless we are yelling because that is when we are serious. We want to use the smallest correction possible to get the desired response and therefor create a dog that can go anywhere with us at anytime and be safe.

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If we look at all three of these training types we see that balanced training is the most clear, fair and least stressful of the training methods out of them all.

It also has the most durable behaviors with the longest retention time. Just remember, however you train start as young as you can. Listen to your trainer, be consistent in your expectations and do the best to train your dog in all types of situations. This will insure that they are as good, stable, a joy to have around and well behaved as they can be no matter where you go.

Nathan Whitehorn is Head Trainer, Owner, AKC Certified CGC Evaluator and Raw Food Coordinator of 4 Paws Academy in Rutland. His holistic approach is successful because he teaches owners how to see the world through their dog’s eyes and how to create an environment that enhances every aspect of their dog’s lives. The strong bond created by Nathan’s ever evolving “balanced system” will result in behaviors that are consistent and reliable in any and all situations as long as you are willing to do the work. www.4PawsVT.com

Fall 2015

Hyperthyroidism in Cats Catherine MacLean, DVM

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yperthyroidism is the most common hormonal ab normality diagnosed in cats. It typically affects cats 7 years of age and older. The most classic clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is a cat that is losing weight despite an excellent appetite.

Other clinical signs include restlessness, vomiting, increased water consumption, increased urination, a hair coat that looks unkempt, agitation, and increased vocalization.

The thyroid hormone is comparable to an engine in a car. It tells the body systems how fast or slow to go. When a cat is hyperthyroid it speeds everything up. Their appetite is increased and so is their metabolism. That is why despite eating well, the affected cat will continue to lose weight. If hyperthyroidism goes untreated it can lead to serious side effects such as kidney and heart issues.

To confirm hyperthyroidism in cats, blood work needs to be done. Most likely your veterinarian will do a full blood panel that will not only look at your cat’s thyroid level, but will also look at your pet’s red and white blood cells, major organ function, and a urine sample. Occasionally after blood work is run, the most common thyroid level that is checked may be in what is called the grey zone. This is where the thyroid level that was checked is within the normal range, but on the higher end of normal. If your veterinarian is suspicious that your cat has hyperthyroidism, she may suggest testing additional thyroid levels.

The good news is that if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it is a treatable condition. There are several treatment options involved. These include: • Daily oral or topical medication. This will help reduce your cat’s thyroid hormone levels. Your cat will need to be on the medication for life and will need blood work monitoring to access if your pet is getting the right dose and if his body is handling it ok.

• Therapeutic diet. There is a prescription diet available.

This diet restricts the amount of iodine in your cat’s diet. It must be fed exclusively and often means cutting out most treats.

• Surgery. This would involve removing the thyroid. There are side effects and complications that can occur.

• Radioactive iodine treatment. This is considered the gold standard of treatment. This is not inexpensive. It involves your pet going to a clinic that is allowed by state law to administer the radioactive iodine (there is one located in Concord, NH). Your cat will be given an injection under the skin of the radioactive iodine and then stay at the hospital for up to five days. After this treatment, your cat will no longer need medication.

My own personal cat Jack was very recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism completely by accident. I adopted Jack from a shelter over eight years ago when I was in veterinary school.

Jack picked me, and he was really lucky that he did because he is an expensive cat. He gets urinary stones, so he needs to be on a special prescription diet and he also has dental issues which needs frequent dentals.

In early June I brought Jack to work with me to extract a bad tooth. Whenever Jack needs dental work he gets blood work done. While at the clinic it was noted he had lost about 1.25 lbs in the course of a year. This was strange to me because we measure out our cats’ food and he is the dominant cat in our house (i.e. he’s always shoving Misty away from her bowl so he can eat her food after he finishes his). When his blood work came back the Fall 2015

Jack has fully recovered from Hyperthyrodism.

next day, I saw that the thyroid level we commonly look for was in the grey zone. I ordered additional thyroid testing and it came back that Jack was hyperthyroid. I had no idea! If we had never weighed him and done blood work, I would have never known since he wasn’t having any of the typical clinical signs.

We started Jack out on pills because he’ll eat anything in a pill pocket. The problem for my family is that we travel a lot and we’re not always around to give a pill twice a day. So after Jack was on pills for about six weeks, we made the decision that due to his relatively young age of nine, and our lifestyle, that radioactive iodine was the best treatment for him. In late July Jack went to Concord to get treated. My husband and I got to be crazy pet parents and checked in on him with the pet camera that they had set up in his room while he had to stay there. After several days, his radiation levels were low enough that it was safe for him to come home. Jack was happy to return to being king of the house and keeping everyone in line.

Most cats with hyperthyroidism when treated, get to have a happy ending. If you suspect your cat may have hyperthyroidism or is diagnosed with it, you and your veterinarian can discuss which treatment option is best for you and your cat.

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. www.4LegsAndATail.com 21

Doing More with One Leg Than She Ever Dreamed Possible

Melissa and Jake, taken at a VetDogs event.

William Krol

Recently, theVermont Department of Corrections implemented programs at various facilities where prison inmates train puppies to become future service dogs for returningVermont veterans. Dawgs in Prison and similar programs around the country have proved to be very effective for those military personnel who have sacrificed so much for the freedom we enjoy.

Here, we meet one of the recipients and her service dog, who came through a prison “puppy raiser” program, administered

by America’sVetDogs® - Editor Reprinted by permission, from "The VetDogs Sentinel."

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hen Melissa Stockwell makes up her mind to do something, she does it. She enrolled in the ROTC program at the University of Colorado and was commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating in 2002. She joined the Army, she says, “Because I felt it was my duty to give back to America.”

In March 2004, Stockwell was de-ployed to Baghdad, Iraq, with the 1st Cavalry Division as a platoon leader and convoy commander, in the Trans-portation Corps. Less than a month later, as she and her troops were returning from a routine mission through central Baghdad, their unarmored Humvee hit a roadside bomb. She credits the medics with

Photo by Dennis Clark/America's VetDogs.

saving her life, although she would ultimately lose her left leg above the knee, the first female service member to lose a limb in active combat. She was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Faced with her injuries, Stockwell made up her mind again. “Early on, I accepted the loss of my leg; it wasn’t going to grow back.” She would spend a year at Walter Reed Army Medical Center undergoing multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.

Stockwell had always been an athlete, from gymnastics in high school to rowing and diving in college, and had dreamed of one day going to the Olympics.

Introduced to swimming as part of her rehabilitation, she became a competitive swimmer. When the Paralympic trials began in April 2008, Stockwell, considered a long shot, says, “I had the meet of my life,” and made the 2008 U.S. Paralympic swim team. “Once an athlete, always an athlete,” she laughs.

She was the first Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran to qualify for the Paralympic Games. During the games in Beijing in 2008, she swam the 100 and 400-meter freestyle, and the 100-meter butterfly, although she did not medal.

During the games’ closing ceremonies, she was selected to carry the American flag.

Continued Page 24 22 4 Legs & a Tail

Fall 2015

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From competitive swimming, Stockwell next turned her attention to paratriathlons. She has been a member of the U.S. Paratriathlon National Team for three years and is a three-time paratriathlon world champion. She has been named as the female Paratriathlete of the Year two years in a row, and she was nominated twice for an ESPY award for “female athlete with a disability.”

Her determination to make a difference drove her to become a certified prosthetist, so she could help other amputees “get back on their feet.”

Why would a woman like this need a service dog?

When she first learned of America’s VetDogs, Stockwell wondered this herself.

But amputees, she acknowledges, often can’t walk as fast or they can have trouble going up and down stairs. Her service dog, Jake, has been trained to assist Stockwell with specific tasks.

She says, “When I get home after a long day and take my prosthetic leg off, he can bring me my crutches. He can help me up if I fall and climb stairs without a handrail.”

And Jake even works out with Stockwell: He keeps her company on short runs and even runs on a treadmill in the winter to keep in shape. She adds, “Jake has made my life so much better. He brings me so much joy and I am so thankful for all his companionship and all he has added to my life.”

Losing her leg has made her become a better person, Stockwell says. “I’ve had opportunities I never would have had otherwise, gone places I never would have otherwise. I have done more with one leg than I ever imagined I would do with two.”

William Krol is the communications manager at America’s VetDogs® – the Veteran’s K-9 Corps®. To learn more about VetDogs and how assistance dogs help disabled veterans, please visit www.VetDogs.org.

Here, is a letter to the “VetDogs Sentinel” from an inmate who is part of the America’sVetDogs prison puppy program sharing his experience.

Dear Vet Dogs Sentinel, I read Volume 3, Number 1, of the VetDogs Sentinel. There is an article in there that truly touched me. It is the story of Mr. Kent Phyfe, an Army veteran, and his service dog named Iris.

The part of the story that really moved me the most is how Iris is trained to push a button to call 911 if Mr. Phyfe ever faints. To read such stories as this shows me how important these service dogs really are to a disabled veteran.

I am an inmate at the Maryland Correctional Institution at Hagerstown in Maryland. I was chosen to be part of the America’s VetDogs prison puppy program, and on September 19, 2012, I was given an 8-week-old black Labrador named Grover to train to become a service dog.

I am honored to use my incarceration to train a puppy to become a service dog, knowing I will be giving something so important back to society. It brings me so much joy knowing I can use my time to help bring life to a disabled veteran. I have never been involved in anything that has given me a sense of purpose as this program has brought to my life.

I have never been more dedicated to any program as much as I am now. Even though I know these dogs are not to be looked at as pets but as service dogs, I cannot suspend my feelings I have for every one of the dogs we now have.

As I look into the eyes of Grover, I know that one day he will be by the side of a disabled veteran who deserves to have such an animal to help improve his/her life.

I want to thank everyone involved who made this program possible in our prison. I want to thank everyone who also put their trust in me to take on such an important project.

Even though I may never personally meet the disabled veteran who will be fortunate enough to receive Grover as a service dog, I know that his life will be greatly improved because a program was developed to help improve this veteran’s life.

Thank you.

24 4 Legs & a Tail

Fall 2015

Broken Heart Tanya Sousa-Orleans, VT

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he first sign of his broken heart was that I couldn’t get anywhere near him.

He’d apparently been dumped, and was slinking around the house and fields for days, a small but bright white spot in the green grass, striking in the sunshine and with an almost moon-glow in the shade.

I could see he was skinny, and worried about my free-range hens becoming his dinner. As it turned out there was no need for concern; he only walked gingerly around them, choosing instead to sit in the hen house doorway and watch for rats.

I tried calling out to him, but the moment he heard a window or door open, he dashed away. No amount of stealth seemed to work. One time, I did manage to sneak up silently behind him as he sat in the chicken house doorway. Thinking, if I could only startle him enough to make him run inside, I could shut the door, capture him, and get him the vet care that even the naked eye could see he needed. It was all to no avail. Some small movement on my part sent him racing away again.

This went on for weeks, the skinny white cat playing hide and seek but always coming back. He was running with less energy. And I never did see him run away with a rat or mouse. I feared he was dying.

The day came when he ran under my car instead of through the fields of grass.

I dropped to my knees and peered at him, seeing terrified round yellow eyes looking back into mine. He was by the right rear tire and seemed unwilling to leave, huddled and boney. I slowly rose and went back to the house, put some canned cat food on a flat dish, and oh so slowly returned and eased the plate of food close to the frightened but clearly depleted animal. He sniffed, crawled to the plate, and began eating, his body relaxing and completely giving up the fight. I could see more of his broken heart then, because I could sense that he thought I might hurt or kill him, but he was too weak and sick and starving to care. What kind of situation had he come from? Who would leave him to fend for himself or die like this?

I would have taken him in, but I had my own twenty-year-old lady feline who was frail herself. I could never risk the stress or potential disease from introducing this new cat. Instead, I brought the white cat to my vet and paid for the care, then surrendered him to the area no-kill animal shelter, once he had a clean bill of health; even that took many weeks. The vet said, “It’s a good thing you caught him when you did. He would have been dead in days.”

Life went on. Six months later my own old cat died a natural death. Six months after that, despite my own broken heart, I thought it might be good to adopt again.

I toured the animal shelter and saw, as always, too many bright-eyed, playful kittens and beautiful grown cats of all colors, sizes, and personalities. I’d been through all but one room when a few cats, who clearly had the run of the entire place, sauntered by. The shelter volunteer brightened. “Lorian! This is the nice lady who rescued you! Do you remember her?”

A white cat cautiously rubbed against my legs, his body now filled out and healthy; his yellow eyes appraised me carefully but not fearfully. All I could do was gasp.

“He’s still here?” It was unheard of, cats never languished at that shelter so long.

No one had taken him home. Though he was well cared for, he had been without a lap or loved ones of his own, for an entire year. This time my heart broke for him.

The only thing that would fix it would be to love this beautiful white cat who had suffered more than he ever should have.

It was as if I was chosen for him, and he for me, even if that meant he had to get through a year until I was ready. Without a doubt, I’m glad he waited.

Tanya Sousa is a published author of many magazine articles and several children’s picture books.Most recently,her environmental novel,The Starling God, made the short-list for the national “Green Earth Book Awards,” in the Young Adult Fiction category. www.RadiantHen.com www.forestrypress.com Fall 2015

www.4LegsAndATail.com 25

Right In Your Backyard!?!

Do You Know What Progeny Are?

D

Tim Goodwin

id you know the world’s largest Dairy Breed Association is located in Brattleboro Vermont? Holstein Association USA was established in 1885 and has been located in Brattleboro since 1903.

Since its formation, the Holstein Association has been dedicated to the development of the Holstein breed. Today, Holstein cattle dominate the U.S. dairy industry due to unexcelled production, greater income over feed costs, unequaled genetic merit and their adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions.

Holstein Association USA maintains the records for all ancestry, identity, ownership and performance information on more than 28 million Registered Holstein cattle that is contained in Association files.

The Association is in the business of providing information to dairy producers, members and nonmembers. This data is translated into information used by producers in making profitable business decisions.

Producers who use Association programs and services find they can make accurate breeding and management decisions, set goals for their herd, evaluate management practices, determine market value of breeding stock, and predict performance and profitability of animals not yet born.

The Association processes over 370,000 registrations and 70,000 transfers each year. On an average day, 1,400 registrations are received and processed.

The day-to-day business of the Association is handled by the Chief Executive Officer (CCO) and a staff of 140 employees.

Nearly 100 employees are based in the home office, managing the operational details of providing Association programs and

26 4 Legs & a Tail

Progeny are the offspring of an animal. Holstein cows typically calve for the first time when they are 23 to 26 months of age, with healthy calves weighing an average of 80 to 100 pounds at birth. Holsteins have a gestation period of nine months.

services. 40 field staff employees, located throughout the country, provide on-farm assistance and services to dairy producers.

Holstein cattle are the most prominent of the seven major dairy breeds in the United States, easily recognizable by their distinctive black and white markings. Cows of Holstein descent make up over 90% of the cows on U.S. dairy farms. Who knew such a major player in the industry was right here in Vermont and employing so many hard working Agricultural folks.

Fall 2015

An Afternoon at EastView Tim Hoehn, 4 Legs & a Tail

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ecently, I had the opportunity to meet the staff and some of the residents at EastView at Middlebury, a beautiful senior retirement and assisted living facility in Vermont. As a pet friendly facility, tails wagged and cats purred as we shared stories of our beloved pets.

More and more facilities such as EastView are embracing the concept of welcoming pets as part of resident care. Scientific studies have shown that just 15 minutes of bonding with an animal causes heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels to immediately drop. Long term interactions between pets and humans can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression, and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke. Pet therapy has also been proven to help soothe those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and some may even connect with memories of their own pets.

“Betty White’s Pet Love” (Betty White with Thomas J. Watson, William Morrow & Company, New York)

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any elderly people have discovered that pets satisfy their greatest needs, and trigger a reversal of many negative self-images. According to Dr. Leo Bustad, “Pets restore order to their basic lives, provide a more secure grasp of reality, and link their owners to a community of caring, concern, sacrifice, and intense emotional relationships.”

Pets have been found to decrease loneliness in the elderly, give a person something to care for, something to watch and perhaps play with, something that provides a sense of security, something that stimulates some degree of exercise…above all, something that necessitates maintaining some kind of daily routine.

Pets ease the advent of old age by diverting an older person’s attention away from himself and onto the playful antics of a dog or cat. The aches and pains are momentarily forgotten. Pets are a source of ongoing life…they serve as a much needed connection to youth…a pet is the greatest ego booster in the world — they think you’re the greatest!

Fall 2015

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4 LEGS & A TAIL FUN! What 7 Things Are Different?

Kids shoes are yellow, girl’s foot is missing, man’s thumb is missing, man’s foot is missing, tortoise claw is missing, shirt is missing the “N”, car and park bench are missing, silver box is missing, logo on shirt missing

On The Farm S N L T L S O S V W Q S C B B

D K Z N C Q U J V Z Y R H T W

A T H Q Q E S R O H I G I S S

O S E C C C B D A B O P C S G

I I X U G I Q C G A D I K K O

C R R F Y I A N T R X G E C M

Z W Y J S P C N D P A S N U R

N A F P L E S H L O E B S D X

H R B A I M O J G X G E B R A

W X T H J L R T Q K C L H I Q

Y P P Y S L Q V Q K C A T S T

F O Z T U R K E Y Z M O N Q S

T A E X N J L A C R G I T R Q

D I Y I G F V T F N C H F K S

N D Y M A H J J K Y C O L P L

We met Wyatt Bonalumi of Canaan at the farmers market with his Sulcata Tortoise, Selma Hayek. She is six years old and weighs more than 33 lbs!

Tortoise Stats & Facts • Leopard tortoises are one of the largest tortoises in the world.

• The tortoise are herbivores eating mainly tree leaves, grass and ferns.

• Female tortoises dig nesting burrows in which they lay from 1 - 30 eggs.

• In most tortoise species, the female tends to be larger than the male.

• The tortoise is susceptible to parasites and pneumonia.

• A Tortoise is diurnal, meaning active during the day.

• Pet tortoises kept outdoors need some sort of structure in which to hide or spend the night.

• Most male tortoises have tails that are longer than those of the female.

ALPACA CAT CHICKENS DOG DUCKS GOAT HOLSTEIN HORSE PIGS RABBIT SHEEP TURKEY 28 4 Legs & a Tail

Fall 2015

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Dog Days of Summer Westerm Vermont

When Did Black Cats Get Such A Bad Rap? Vermont DJ And His Dog Challenge School Bullies The Story Behind The Budweiser Clydesdales Celebrate Fire Prevention Month With Your Pet