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Winter Wonderland 2016 Northern VT & NH
What’s Your Pet IQ? Welcome 2016 Great Goals For Pet Owners Winter Issues With Cats What Is Your Dog Really Thinking
4 LEGS & A TAIL FUN! What 5 Things Are Different?
Pom Pom on kids hat, Dog's Foot, Kid's Boot, Yellow stripe on dog's collar, Trees in upper right corner
So What Brand Are You Feeding Your Pet?
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A guy is driving around the back woods of New Hampshire and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: ‘Talking Dog For Sale' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador retriever sitting there. ‘You talk?’ he asks. ‘Yep,’ the Lab replies. After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says ‘So, what’s your story?’ The Lab looks up and says, ‘Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so... I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.’
Zignature, California Naturals, Wellness, Eagle, Nutrena, Poulin, Nutro
‘I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running...But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.’ ‘I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.’ The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. ‘Ten dollars,’ the guy says. ‘Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?’ Because he’s a liar. He’s never been out of the yard! Ranger chilling out in S. Albany. Photo by Jim Mayor
Submitted by Wendell Nadeau
Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail
®
2. Finding Forever Homes, Locally owned Pet Food Warehouse teams up with Pronature Holistic and the
Chittenden County Humane Society
4. 5. 6.
Holidays and Pet Safety, Pat Jauch Holidays with Animals,
Pg. 2
Mark your calendar for a Central Vermont Humane Society favorite
Alternatively Speaking, Anne Carroll, DVM/CVA Managing winter urinary issues in cats
8. The Secret Lives of Dogs, Michael Walsh
Emotional sensors will help you understand your pups’ feelings
10. The History of the Vermont Farm Show
A look at one of the state’s most popular events
12. Ruff! Ruff! Ruff!...My Knees Hurt, Garrett Levin, DVM, Diplomate ACVS 13. The Vermont Farm Bureau Turns 100 15. A Canine Approach to Literacy, Steve Reiman
Helping children learn to R.E.A.D.
16. What is Your Pet IQ? 18. Paddock Partners, Heidi Jo Hauri-Gill
Pg. 16
Bran mash. Is it right for your horse?
20. Cold Blooded Winter Emergency Kits, Samantha Bubar
Are you and your exotics ready for the cold weather ahead
21. If You Love Something Set It Free, Mark Carlson
A little furry miracle comes home
22. Love at the Hairdresser, Tanya Sousa
A green-eyed Romeo meets the love of his life
22. Dog Toxicant Xylitol Appearing in Peanut Butter, M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM
Pg. 28
Why it’s vital you read the label!
23. Roll Out the Red Carpet for Tom Turkey, 2016 calendar winner finds a new home in Vermont 24. When Missing Teeth Really are Not Missing, Just Hiding, Sandra Waugh, VDM/MS
Early discovery of impacted teeth can eliminate problems for you and your dog 26. Grand View Farm, Lauren Anikis - From llamas to Gotland sheep, meet the animals of Grand View!
26. New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners 27. We Are What We Eat, DJ Nelson - A happy aquarium begins with good nutrition 28. Seizures, Catherine MacLean, DVM - The signs, causes and solutions of pet seizures 4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.415 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com Winter 2015
Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Senior Editor: Scott Palzer Office Manager: Beth Hoehn Accounting: Elisa Speckert Graphic Design: Monica Reinfeld, Lacey Dardis, Kate Haas Sales: Heather Young, Scott Palzer,
If you have a tale about a tail or a photo that will make us smile, we’d like to hear from you. 4 Legs & a Tail is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout Northern VT & NH. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 1
Finding Forever Homes: Pet Food Warehouse, Pronature Holistic and the Humane Society of Chittenden County make great partners!
D
“ ogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, let go of the past, and live each day joyously. It’s something the rest of us strive for.” –Jennifer Skiff. Rescue dogs, in particular, are the perfect example of these divinely forgiving creatures. That’s why Pet Food Warehouse has partnered with Pronature Holistic and the Humane Society of Chittenden County (HSCC) to sponsor the adoption of pets looking for their second chance and forever homes. Pronature Holistic is a family-owned company manufacturing balanced, exceptional quality pet food, made with fresh, natural and organic ingredients just over the Canadian border near Montréal, Québec. Of all the dry food brands Pet Food Warehouse makes available to its customers, Pronature Holistic is as regionally local as it gets. The company strives to provide quality food, honest and transparent communication and 100% satisfaction. Haven’t seen Pronature in
Coco & Angus - Thing 1 & Thing 2
other states? Though Pronature is available in over 30 countries around the world, Vermont is the only state in the United States to carry these products. We work closely with Pronature Holistic and respect their passion and dedication, so when the opportunity became available to change the lives of homeless pets, we jumped! The idea was to feature ‘hard to adopt’ animals, seniors, bonded pairs, or special needs. The partnership would not have been possible without the generous funding from Pronature Holistic. The company committed to sponsoring the adoption fees of one animal (or a bonded pair) per month from HSCC starting in June 2015. In conjunction, Pet Food Warehouse would provide a $100 gift certificate to get the adoptive family started with supplies and food. The Pronature Pals program began with our first adoptable dog, Mack. His life started in the Big Apple, but in March Mack received his freedom ride to Vermont and found himself awaiting a forever home at HSCC. Senior dogs have a harder time being adopted when there are so many young and healthy puppies available. At 8 years old Mack needed a little extra attention to attract his new family. Through social media posts and in-store posters Mack found his forever home, a place to rest his head and live out his golden years. Continued NEXT PAGE
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“We are extremely grateful for all of the support from Pet Food Warehouse and Pronature Holistic. What a successful partnership it has been so far! Our Pronature Pal has been adopted every month since the beginning! We cannot thank them enough.”
Follow Clara On-Line.
With one successful adoption under our belt the Pronature Pals program took off! In July, a 13 year old cat name Edith found a loving home to give her as much (or as little) attention as she desired. In August, we sent Sika off to her forever home. She was the longest residing animal at HSCC until she hatched her escape plan. September brought us a quirky duo with Coco and Angus, a bonded pair of Chihuahuas looking for a kid-free environment where they could take center
Winter 2015
stage. They found that home and are happily bouncing around as Thing 1 and Thing 2. October’s pal is Clara, a 4 year old cutie with a little bit of nervousness and a lot of love. Her forever home hasn’t been finalized yet, but we’re only halfway through the month! If you want to keep tabs on these Pronature Pals, follow along at www.pfwvt.com/pronature-pals.html . If you’re thinking about adding an animal to your family, consider all of your options. You may find the perfect companion in that elderly cat or dog, that overlooked black pet in the corner or a quirky pair that needs to find a home together. Each and every animal waiting for his day is filled with unconditional love, he just needs someone to accept it. Speaking of love, we are grateful every day for the hard work and perseverance of the staff at HSCC. Their commitment to the animals in their care is astounding.
Without places like HSCC and the charitable giving of Pronature Holistic many of these ‘hard to adopt’ Pronature Pals would still be waiting, patiently, to let go of the past and live each day joyously.
Mack-Happy to have found his forever home.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 3
HOLIDAYS AND PET SAFETY Pat Jauch - Caledonia Animal Rescue, Inc.
A
s the holidays approach, many animal welfare organizations are urging pet owners to take precautions to prevent unnecessary illness during this busy season. Consider the following concerns: Avoid tinsel and plastic or aluminum icicle decorations. These can be eaten and lead to intestinal obstruction, dehydration, vomiting, and possibly the need for surgery.
Keep season-specific plant products away from your pets. Kidney failure has been know to result when cats eat lilies. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting many result from the ingestion of holly, while mistletoe leads to heart and gastrointestinal difficulties. Be vigilant when storing chemicals, medications and cleaning products. Antifreeze can be deadly. Pills, whether for pets or people, should be secured out of reach. Hearing aids are popular with pets, so be sure to keep them in their proper place and store batteries where pets cannot access them, since they are highly corrosive and can cause serious internal distress. Candles should be kept safely out of reach and extinguished when you are not in the room. This can prevent burns to your pet or setting fire in your home. Trees present a variety of hazards. The water keeping the tree fresh can attract your pets, but left standing it can breed bacteria which can cause stomach upset, nausea or diarrhea, either from Continued NEXT PAGE
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Winter 2015
Central VT Humane Society The final Central VT Humane Society event of the year, HOLIDAY WITH THE ANIMALS, will be held on Saturday, December 19 from 10am - 2pm. You can help spread good will to shelter animals and fill their stockings.The shelter animals are dreaming of canned pet food, enrichment toys, pet safe ice melt, financial support – and, of course, being adopted. For the full gift in kind wish list, visit www.cvhumane.com. HOLIDAY WITH THE ANIMALS is a fun, family-friendly time with food and festivities. Please bring donations and financial contributions to help shelter animals so they can enjoy the holidays, too. There will be a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, too!
being stale or because fertilizers invade the water. Ornaments, particularly those made of glass, can shatter, causing mouth and/or internal injury. The wires used to hang ornaments also do damage to internal organs if ingested. Be sure to secure any indoor trees to prevent them from falling, particularly if you have a cat that is a climber! Maintain your pet’s normal diet throughout the holiday season. Appetizers with exotic ingredients (and onions, grapes), desserts (particularly chocolate), and fatty or spicy meats should be
Winter 2015
avoided, substituting normal pet treats instead. Chewing gum containing Xylitol is also a no-no for pets, so be sure that it is disposed of properly. Alcoholic beverages should always be kept from your pets since they can cause respiratory failure, weakness and even coma that can become fatal. Your pet will enjoy the holidays far more while feeling well, and you will avoid unnecessary vet visits or emergency medical bills. Enjoy your holidays together and remember to allow plenty of time for exercise!
www.4LegsAndATail.com 5
Alternatively Speaking:
Managing Winter Urinary Issues In Cats A
Dr. Anne Carroll, DVM, CVA
s the wind blows, you slosh thru the wet snow and it feels like the cold is getting into your very bones. Yes, its winter in Vermont! As a kid your mother may have warned you to wear a hat and scarf so you don’t “catch a cold”. In modern times we think we know better, that germs cause illness, not the weather, right? But Chinese medicine put large stock in the effect of environment on our bodies. They mapped out daily and seasonal shifts that occur biologically and used those rhythms to identify areas of imbalance and treat disease. They also described how weather could be the trigger that brings forth an illness in a patient. The type of weather involved gave clues to the nature of the weakness, which helped treat the disease and allowed strengthening to avoid future problems. While outdoor exposure could have the most impact, humidity, temperature, and atmospheric changes affect us and our pets whether inside or out. Cats with urinary issues are a perfect example of this phenomenon. Veterinarians are fully aware that as the daylight gets shorter in the Fall and Winter, we see more cats with bladder infections and male cats that “block” and can’t urinate at all. But why would this be? We know that too little water intake, bladder stones, infections and stress are associated with bladder problems, but these have no seasonal links. Some outdoor cats could suffer more stress cooped up in the winter, but this issue affects cats that never go outside just as often as those that do. There simply is no Western explanation, but alternative approaches that address seasonal impacts on the body can provide a different perspective and more treatment options for what can be a very frustrating, reoccurring issue for cats and their owners. Why are urinary issues so common, and so difficult to treat in cats? Western medicine can identify and treat bladder stones or infections, but stops there. The root issue, often diet related, creates the opportunity for excess bacteria or stones. Throw in a stress, especially in the winter and viola, you have inflammation and urinary symptoms and are at the vet’s office. With all the pharmaceuticals and prescription diets used for these cats, Western medicine ignores the root issues, and therefore sees a tendency for repeat6 4 Legs & a Tail
ed urinary flare-ups. The discomfort implies a urinary infection, yet antibiotics are not effective long-term. Providing a meat-rich, moist diet and addressing any stress is where the focus needs to be. Emma’s case is a good example of how important hydration is for urinary issues. A few winters ago she began going in and out of her litter box more than usual, passing little urine despite repeated attempts. A urine test showed blood, bacteria and despite eating a wet diet she had an extremely high urine concentration. Normally the kidneys let any extra water leave the body via the urine. Without enough ‘extra’ water, the urine is more concentrated, and that is a problem since salts that stay dissolved in watery urine will turn into solid crystals in concentrated urine. These can cause irritation, allow bacteria to thrive, and bladder stones may form. What a cat eats can also promote crystals in concentrated urine. Emma did not like to drink water, and with the season change her bladder flared up. She was started on antibiotics along with two herbal formulas. We also began to try to get her to drink more with a kitty water fountain. After a few days she was feeling back to normal. Her follow up urinalysis showed no more blood, but still a good amount of bacteria, white blood cells, crystals and her urine was only a little less concentrated. Because she was back to her happy self after finishing antibiotics, we tried to stop the herbs. Within a day, all her symptoms were back. We resumed her herbs with a cranberry support and no antibiotic and she was fine within a day. Two weeks later we tried to stop again with the same results. By February her urine test showed no change, so we added a Chinese herb that addresses crystal formation. This did resolve all the crystals and white blood cells in her urine even with the concentrated level. With more water in her food, her urine was a normal dilution and by April she was off all the herbs and supplements. She has had water added to her wet food ever since, without any return of issues. Why did we not simply continue antibiotics for Emma, after her initial prescription, even though she had ongoing bacteria elevations in her urine? The main reason was that it was not needed. The bacteria were not causing her probContinued NEXT PAGE
Winter 2015
lem, their presence was simply evidence that her bladder was not healthy. From a Chinese perspective, antibiotics used repeatedly as a sole therapy can perpetuate the root cause of bladder problems. Herbal formulas address these root issues, and are very effective treatments for bladder disease. With Emma, the herbs made her comfortable and we had the time to adjust her diet for long term success. But sometimes the situation is more immediately urgent. This is most often true when a male cat has a bladder problem. Boy cats have a narrower passageway for urine compared to girls, which can spasm shut from pain or clog with crystals and infection matter. Being unable to urinate is a medical emergency and can be fatal within a day or two. Because of this, male cats have to be monitored more closely for proper urine habits. Their treatment is the same as for girls if caught early, but once they can’t urinate, then resolving the immediate crisis is the focus. Often this involves placing a urinary catheter under anesthesia to allow urine flow until inflammation and infection can be resolved. However, if the problem is just a spasm and not a physical plug of debris, sometimes they can be treated medically. This was the case for Wes, a kitty very sensitive to stress. He was eating a dry diet, and several years ago in the Fall he began staying in the litter box longer than usual. His owner noticed that he was passing very little urine, and then would bolt out of the box and lick himself. We examined him and found his bladder was very full despite all his attempts to go to the bathroom. We treated him with acupuncture and a relaxing aromatherapy, and within minutes we were able to empty his bladder with some gentle pressure. He was hospitalized and treated with herbs, homeopathics, antibiotics and acupuncture and showed no signs of needing to urinate frequently. He went home on the same and was slowly changed over to a canned food diet. He blocked again once in October off his herbs, but responded again to the same treatment. Wes’ owner is diligent in monitoring is urinary habits and in times of stress gives him herbs, homeopathics, and increases water in his diet. He made a full recovery and other than one mild flare up that was managed at home, he has been free of any bladder issues. He is currently not on any therapy other than his moist diet. For both Wes and Emma, their success was due to close monitoring. Cats do not show symptoms as clearly as dogs when they do not feel well. Small changes in their normal routines are important signs of trouble. Certainly if they are visiting their litter box more often, or urinating in odd places, see your veterinarian immediately. A complete physical and Winter 2015
history will check for any cause of stress that may have triggered the issue. A urine test can evaluate for crystals, concentration, white blood cells and blood. Xrays can check for bladder stones. Antibiotics may be part of the therapy, but in our experience they are not always needed and certainly most cats do best if the other root issues are addressed. A natural wet diet is a great management tool for urinary issues, but not fast enough to deal with a cat in the middle of a crisis. Acupuncture, herbs and homeopathy address inflammatory issues quickly, soothing discomfort and sometimes can ‘unblock’ cats without surgery. Since we would all prefer to keep our feline friends from suffering from bladder issues in the first place, prevention is the best approach. Cats on all dry food typically have urines so concentrated they are classified as borderline dehydrated, mainly because the water they drink goes to the digestive tract to hydrate the food instead of their tissues. So for a species prone to bladder and kidney issues, providing a fluid rich diet is a great place to start with prevention. Next is to identify sources of emotional stress. These may seem small, such as schedule changes, vacations, new pets or guests, and even outdoor cats that may indirectly stress an indoor cat. Changing foods quickly, especially from wet to dry, can cause a bladder issue in a matter of days in a cat already
primed for that issue. Be aware of these possible pitfalls especially in the winter months and talk to your veterinarian about ways to help keep your cat feeling safe and secure so his or her bladder does not get inflamed as a result of stress. A little prevention and vigilance for how your kitty is acting can go a long way to keep this winter filled with happy days purring by the fire, not in the hospital. 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
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The Secret Lives Of Dogs: Emotional Sensor Helps Owners Understand Their Pups’ Feelings Michael Walsh - Yahoo News
A dog’s tail wagging could be worth a thousand words, and with the
means, and translate that into emotion.” DogStar Life launched an Indiegogo camhelp of a new gadget, we’re a little closer paign recently to raise $100,000 to further to translating its message. develop the technology and prepare the Believing a dog’s tail is a window to hardware for production. the canine soul, founders of New Yorkbased tech company DogStar Life, created a smart device to help owners decode the messages transmitted when pups wag their tails to better understand the emotional lives of their furry friends. TailTalk is a lightweight sensor that sits on a dog’s tail and documents the peaks and valleys of the pup’s feelings throughout the day, according to the creators. “It basically combines an accelerometer and a gyroscope, much like the Fitbit, TailTalk will connect to the company’s DogStar app to update owners on their pets feelings but it’s picking up on the way the tail is moving,” DogStar Life COO and co-founder Mike Karp said, in an interview with TailTalk transmits the emotional data to a companion app for iOS and Android Yahoo News. “The idea is to capitalize on all the via Bluetooth. Ideally, the information research that’s been done in the last two will enable owners to emphasize the to three years on what tail movement Continued NEXT PAGE
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the best interest of both of you to have a dog walker or dog sitter come over,” he suggested. “We feel that pet parents are wonderful, but if they had more data, they can probably make better decisions and create a stronger bond between them and their dog.” Tsampalis, who previously worked in smart accessories for Verizon Wireless, and Karp, who worked in data for several organizations, decided to join forces shortly after meeting in September 2014 while pursuing MBAs at Cornell Tech in New York. They started DogStar Life by combining Tsampalis’ passion for the rapidly growing field of wearable technology and environments, people, toys and so forth Karp’s love of dogs. that bring their pets the most happiness, “It was extremely exciting for both of while avoiding stress inducers. us,” Tsampalis said. “Mike had grown up Left wagging, Karp said, usually with dogs in his life. ... I consider wearindicates negative feelings like anger or aggression, while right wagging typically indicates positive feelings like happiness or excitement. But their tails convey even more subtle cues to other dogs. Yannis Tsampalis, CEO and co-founder of DogStar Life, told Yahoo News that the product should not make anyone feel guilty; rather, it should empower an owner to improve his or her pet’s quality of life. “If you know that your dog is really TailTalk is a small smart device that is placed on a dog’s tail. unhappy during the day, it’s probably in
Winter 2015
ables to be the new wave of computing — there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity and a lot of untapped territory.” Early on in the project, Tsampalis and Karp spent a lot of time talking to dog owners and veterinarians to understand what was most important to them, because they did not want to be swayed by their own biases. “And one of the things that always came up was the health and happiness of their dogs,” Tsampalis said. The key to understanding a dog’s happiness, they said, is its tail. Pamela Perry, a veterinary behavior resident at Cornell University, said tail wagging does not automatically indicate happiness. It signals behavioral nuances that dogs understand but humans do not always recognize. “Fortunately, there are ways to monitor and record dogs’ body language, and ongoing research offers a more detailed understanding of how our pets express themselves,” she said in a press release. Karp explained that most of the research done so far involves still photography, but he hopes the release of the product will enable further research, which will be reinvested in the hardware. The team at DogStar plans to prepare TailTalk for delivery in mid-2016 for Indiegogo backers.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 9
History Of The Vermont Farm Show
T
he Vermont Farm Show was formed by the old Vermont Dairymen’s Association and Maple Sugar Makers’ Association meeting. In 1930, Memorial Auditorium in Burlington was a few years old, and the Dairymen’s and Maple Sugar Makers’ winter meetings were held there. Orlando Martin was Secretary of the Dairymen’s Association. He published a program containing a few advertisements and sold exhibit space to a half dozen dairy and farm equipment people in the basement of the Auditorium. Income from advertising and exhibit space covered program speaker expenses, printing expenses of the booklet and shared in program expenses for the Wives and Daughters of Vermont Dairymen. In late 1930, Orlando Martin asked Harold Dwinell, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Division of Markets, to exhibit in the basement of the Auditorium. Commissioner of Agriculture, Edward H. Jones, considered it an opportunity for the new Division of Markets. 1930 sugar makers were just begin-
ning to use glass for packing syrup; potato growers experimented packing potatoes in 15 pound bags;and poultry farmers were beginning to use egg cartons. Mr. Dwinell displayed special glass syrup bottles; potatoes in special burlap peck bags; eggs in 3x4 and 2x6 cartons colored and marked; and Macintosh apples in baskets of peck size. . Mr. Dwinell discussed a products competition with Commissioner Jones and prominent Vermont agriculturists. The consensus: “Let’s go!” Soliciting active farm organizations soon had $100 from Farm Bureau, Grange, Horticulture, Society, Potato Growers Association, the Maple Sugar Makers’, Dairymen’s Associations, and a few individuals. The Vermont Farm Products Contest was launched in 1932, three years before the first Vermont Farm Show. About 50 entries were displayed outside the ropes of the fighting ring in the Burlington Memorial Auditorium basement. Extension Service, Experiment Station and Department of Agriculture personnel were judges. Family members of exhibitors, relatives and friends, came to see how their entries made out. Meetings of the dairyman and sugar makers were the largest ever. Potato growers, then Poultry and apple growers asked “Why can’t we have a program?” Discussions led to the belief that there should be a new overall organization to operate the whole affair, all Vermont farm enterprise organizations could participate. UVM Agricultural College Dean, Joseph Carrigan and Commissioner Jones pulled the agricultural enterprise organizations in Vermont into a council to hold a large mid-winter show, Ed Jones was the moving spirit in bringing it about. Mr. Carrigan, Commissioner Jones and Harold Dwinell can rightfully be called the founders of the Vermont Farm Show. Their efforts led to the formation of the Vermont Union Agricultural Council, organized to unify agricultural organizations in conducting a winter agricultural meeting, in which member organizations could participate. Its chief objective was the Farm Products Show and a commercial and educational exhibit of farm and home equipment and supplies. The first Union Agricultural Program was held in Burlington January 1935. Council members were the Vermont Dairymen’s Association, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association, Vermont Poultry and Egg Producers’ Association, Continued NEXT PAGE
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Vermont Certified Seed Potato Growers’ Association and Vermont Horticultural Society. Executive delegates were the President and Secretary of each organization, the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Director of the Extension Service, with Director of the Bureau of Markets as general manager. The 1935 meetings were a success, member organizations participated in the program and with an educational exhibit. All exhibit space was used by commercial concerns. In 1938, The Vermont Agricultural Extension Service noted that the Vermont Farm Products Show was having a pronounced effect throughout the state in stimulating the production of quality hay. During 1937, hay instruction had been added to the agricultural curriculum statewide. 65 samples of hay were judged at the show in 4 classes, Timothy, Timothy-Clover, Alfalfa and mixed hay. In conjunction with the show, the 5th Annual Rural Electrification Institute was held nearby, the theme, “Electric Power as a Farm Business Proposition.” The Union Agricultural Meetings and Farm Products Show grew through 1946, except in 1943 and 1944, when wartime restrictions prevented the event from being held. Gas rationing started in October, 1942, severely limiting travel. The agricultural fairs were back in 1945. Sugar was rationed until June of 1947, spurring maple production for home use. By 1947, there were 11,206 dairy farms in Vermont. Memorial Auditorium in Burlington had been leased to the Veterans Administration. So, the Union Agricultural Meetings and Farm Products Contest were moved to Barre Municipal Auditorium, and held there until 2012. Even before Thunder Road, the Barre “Aud” was exciting as the home of the state basketball championships and The Vermont Farm Show. Downtown merchants planned sales, local churches held special dinners and suppers, and provided meeting spaces. Parking was at a premium in Barre during the snowy 1950›s. In 1957, the Vermont Farm Show, Inc. was officially incorporated. Official bylaws were revised and adopted May 15, 1979. Barre’s central location near the newly created interstate highway brought visitors from south and north to the midwinter show. In Barre, the show and meetings were held in February, but since the early 80’s the show has been on the last Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of January. The 75th Farm Show had over 10,000 visitors per day. The Political Pull, a milking contest, pitted state legislators against each other. In 2011, the Political Pull became the Capital Cook-Off and moved from the milking parlor to the kitchen. Three teams from the Vermont House and Senate agriculture committees and VAAFM, compete in an “Iron Chef”-style challenge and create a dish from a bag of Winter 2015
Keewaydin Farm in Stowe was named the 2015 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year. Family members, Les, Claire, Suzi and Dan Pike , operate a 141-head registered Jersey Farm which has been in the family since 1921. (photo credit: Peggy Manahan/UVM Extension) Since 1961 this coveted award has been presented annually to an outstanding dairy farm by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and the Vermont Dairy Industry Association in cooperation with the New England Green Pastures Program. Nominated farms, all exemplary dairy operations, are evaluated on herd, pasture and crop management; production records; pasture quality; conservation practices and contributions to the dairy industry and the local community.
Vermont-based ingredients. This coincided with Consumer Night. Vendors with Vermont made products, offered free samples and made sales to hundreds of visitors. Due to space and parking constraints, the Show moved to the Champlain Valley Exposition grounds in Essex Junction, in
2012. Over 150 exhibitors participated in 2015, with more requests for space than is available inside. We credit that boom to the growth in Vermont’s diversified agricultural sector, which has generated new products from farmers in large and small markets and new markets for those products. Don’t miss this year’s Vermont Farm Show January 26-28. For more information on the web www.vtfarmshow.com
The Vermont Farm Show is again proud to partner with the Vermont Foodbank- so even though parking and admission to the Farm Show is free, we are asking all those attending to donate a canned or boxed good to the greeters as you walk in the front door of the Miller Building. The response was wonderful last year, and we hope to again fill the shelves at the Foodbank. www.4LegsAndATail.com 11
Ruff Ruff Ruff! …My Knee Hurts! A
s the winter approaches and the snow falls on the mountains, we look forward to spending time outside with our dogs. Whether you enjoy Alpine or Nordic skiing, injuries - to both us and our best friends are not unusual. One of the most common orthopedic injuries that is seen in dogs is known as an “ACL” or cranial cruciate ligament tear. The knee is a joint that is formed by 3 bones; the femur (“thigh bone”), the patella (“knee cap”), and the tibia (“shin bone”). The bones are all held together by ligaments. The two major ligaments that join the femur to the tibia are called the cranial cruciate ligament (anterior cruciate ligament in people) and the caudal cruciate ligament (posterior cruciate ligament in people). The knee joint also has two meniscus (“shock absorber”) called the medial and lateral menisci. The major role of the cranial cruciate ligament is to prevent the knee from hyperextension and internal rotation. The cranial cruciate ligament and the medial meniscus are structures in the knee joint most commonly damaged in dogs. Cranial cruciate ligament disease can affect dogs of all sizes, breeds, and age. Rottweiler, Newfoundland, Staffordshire
12 4 Legs & a Tail
Dr. Garrett Levin, DVM, Diplomate ACVS
Terrier, Mastiff, Akita, Saint Bernard, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Labrador Retriever breeds have a higher incidence. Poor physical body condition and excessive body weight are risk factors for cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Simply an athletic dog landing “wrong” when running or jumping in the snow or on ice or a collision with a person or another dog could result in a traumatic cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Consistent physical conditioning with regular activity and monitoring of food intake to maintain lean body weight are factors within our control that can help prevent some of these injuries. Dogs typically present to the veterinarian with either an acute or chronic history of weight bearing to nonweight bearing lameness (limping) of the hind leg. A thorough history and physical examination is needed to diagnose an ACL tear. Gait analysis and good palpation is required to localize the area of injury and determine if it is caused by orthopedic or neurologic disease. A cranial cruciate ligament rupture will cause instability (“cranial drawer sign” and “positive tibial compression test”) of the knee joint on palpation. Radiographs (x-rays) of the knee will often reveal joint effusion (“water on the knee”) and cranial or forward displacement of the tibia (“shin bone”), but can also evaluate the degree of arthritis present. Depending on the amount of instability and physical examination findings, it is possible to differentiate between a partial and a complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Surgical stabilization of the knee joint is the gold standard and the best treatment for a complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Surgery is the only way to permanently control the instability present in the knee joint as it addresses knee instability and eliminates the pain. The goal of surgery is not to “repair” the cranial cruciate ligament itself with a graft unlike in human knee surgery. Due to biological and mechanical influences, the cranial cruciate ligament has no abil-
ity to heal once tearing begins regardless of the degree of severity. There are a number of surgical techniques available today. The most common techniques include Extracapsular, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (“TPLO”), and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (“TTA”). In addition, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery (often performed by board certified veterinary surgeons) and evaluation of the knee joint (as performed in people) will allow for a faster recovery and use of the leg postoperative. A description of the common surgical techniques can be discussed with your primary veterinarian in order to make a decision which is best for your dogs size, activity level, age, skeletal conformation, and degree of knee instability. A conservative treatment approach consisting of exercise restriction, medication to control pain and inflammation, and physical rehabilitation can be considered with a partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture. However, it is common to see a partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture progress over time and eventually become a complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture (using the analogy of the partially torn shoelace that eventually completely tears). Knowing that a partial cruciate ligament rupture will most likely progress, surgical stabilization is often recommended sooner than later in order to prevent ongoing muscle atrophy, meniscal damage and arthritis that can develop as a result of chronic lameness. Premature uncontrolled or excessive activities risk complete or partial failure of any surgical repair and healing process. Proper postoperative care will be explained to you in detail by your dog’s surgeon before and after surgery. As with people, physical rehabilitation can speed your dog’s recovery and improve final outcome. Rehabilitation should start immediately and usually includes passive range of motion, balance exercises, laser treatment, and controlled leash walks. Long term prognosis for animals for surgical repair of a cranial cruciate ligament rupture is excellent. Enjoy the winter season and be safe when you hit the mountains and backcountry with your four legged companion. Dr. Garrett Levin is a board certified surgeon at Burlington Emergency and Veterinary Specialists (BEVS) in Williston, Vermont. Dr. Levin is trained in the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgical procedure for treating cranial cruciate ligament rupture. He performs a range of minimally invasive surgeries including arthroscopy. Please visit www.bevsvt.com/blog for videos and additional blog topics. Winter 2015
Vermont Farm Bureau Turns 100 “It’s your birthday We gon’ party like it’s yo birthday We gon’ sip Bacardi like it’s your birthday” lyrics by 50 cent
T he Vermont Farm Bureau is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year,
serving and advancing Vermont agriculture. Unlike the 50 Cent song, they have taken their 100 birthdays, and every day in between very seriously. It was established in 1915 as a grassroots organization for its individual members. A group of County Farm Bureaus had formed in Vermont previously, and bringing them together as one group helped to solidify its emergence. The Vermont Farm Bureau is the state’s largest nonprofit trade association of agricultural producers. More than 4,000 member families in all fourteen counties have joined together to solve problems common to the agricultural community. While members join at the county level, a membership gives you access to all the benefits of the County Farm Bureau, the Vermont Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation; the world’s largest agricultural advocacy organization with over 6 million family members nationwide. Their 100 years of experience on issues relating to agriculture here in Vermont has made them widely considered the “Voice of Agriculture” in the Green Mountain state. This respect for the grassroots policy development process, and emphasis on every member’s input, has propelled the Vermont Farm Bureau into playing a critical role in shaping public policy locally and at the state and national levels. You don’t have to be a farmer or forester to join Farm Bureau. If you want to help save family farms and preserve Vermont’s rural character, the Farm Bureau is one way to help. They encourage all friends of farmers, foresters, horticulturalists, private property owners and agribusiness to support the organization that speaks Winter 2015
for agriculture in Vermont. But most importantly, if you are i n t e re s t e d i n helping preserve and strengthen an integral part of Vermont’s working landscape, Farm Bureau is the place for you. Their mission is to serve and advance Vermont agriculture. The Bureau works around the clock to spread awareness of Vermont’s food production, consumption and the entire chain of control of what we feed our families and resident of Vermont, including Waste Management. They offer a scholarship to a Vermont Student at the University of Vermont each year. as well as produce an Agricultural magazine each quarter for its members, or by subscription. Please join 4 Legs and a Tail in congratulating The Vermont Farm Bureau for 100 great years (that is 700 in dog years), of hard work.
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14 4 Legs & a Tail
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A Canine Approach to Literacy N
Steve Reiman
umerous members of Therapy Dogs of Vermont have been involved with the R.E.A.D. program over many years bringing their certified therapy dogs to schools and libraries to improve the literacy skills of children. The dogs snuggle up to the kids and listen carefully while never correcting them as they read. They call no specific attention to themselves but quietly express love and consolation. It has been obvious that many youngsters have loved reading to the dogs while their reading skills have been greatly improved. When children meet R.E.A.D. dogs, it is sometimes their first encounter with unconditional acceptance. One librarian wrote “For the past ten years your READ program has greatly enriched the reading experience of hundreds of children at our Library. Families
Winter 2015
Pepper enjoying a good book. 101 Dalmations?
have told us what a difference this program has made, encouraging children to practice their reading in a quiet, soothing environment. The dogs and their handlers bring such compassion and warmth to their interactions with kids. Our community is fortunate to be part of this amazing program.” The TDV Members that started the early reading programs are Karen Odato who started the reading program in the Randolph area. Brenda Altman started the reading program in the Manchester area and Cathy Messina who started the reading program in the Williston area. Some of the many dogs in this program
include Frosty and Friends, Sophie, Micro the Maltutor, Gypsy Rose, Tiger Lily, and Pepper. What a joy it is to know that TDV dogs are helping students in our communities while also unleashing smiles. Steve Reiman is the Founder of Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Therapy Dogs of Vermont (TDV) is a non-profit organization of highly-trained 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
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What is Your Pet IQ
1. What is the most popular pedigreed cat breed? Persian Russian blue
Siamese Maine coon
2. Which of these pets communicate by chirping? Hermit crab Corn snake
Goldfish Rabbit
3. If an animal’s coat is “Piebald” or “Pied” what does that mean? Spotted Tabby
All white Solid color
4. Which of these birds are a popular parrot? Canary Finch
Parakeet All of the above
5. What percentage of U.S. households has a pet? 16 34
62 87
6. What are Sea Monkeys? Brine shrimp Fish lice
Tongue worms Spider crabs Continued NEXT PAGE
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7. Which of these dog breeds is considered “hypoallergenic?” Havanese Portuguese Water Dog
Poodle All of the above
8. Which of these pets has become an invasive species in the Unites States? European rabbit Burmese python
Cockatiel Sugar glider
9. Where do golden hamsters live in the wild? Central America Wilder, VT
African savanna Middle East
10. What is another name for a Siamese fighting fish? Goldfish Tetra
Betta Molly
11. Which of these senses is the most acute for a dog? Sight Hearing
Smell Taste
12. What historical figure was the first to introduce Japanese Akitas to the U.S.? Ben Franklin Marilyn Monroe
13. When does a cat purr? When it’s scared Content
Helen Keller Bernie Sanders In pain All of the above
14. What is unique about the many cats that live at writer Ernest Hemingway’s Key West home? They go swimming They have extra toes
They are deaf They have no tail
15. Calico cats are almost always __________. Male Female
16. It’s okay to give your pet acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol)? True False
Answers On Page 25
Winter 2015
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GMAD’s president Sharon MacNair comforts baby goat
Paddock Partners Heidi Jo Hauri-Gill
Bran Mash, Should We Feed it? Dear Heidi, With the colder weather and all of forms of sugar like molasses, and apples the changes it creates this time of year, I can cause colic. I have seen people add wonder how to take the best care of my peppermints, I find that disturbing as horse. My friend says she feeds “bran I would never give my kids or myself mash” to her horse. Is that a good thing? sugar when I am trying to reduce stress or colic. I used to feed my whole 30 horse What does it do? What exactly is it? barn bran mash when we were closed on Susanne Monday to reduce the concentrate in the Hello Susanne! Thank you for your question. It is horses system for the day off. It was really a good one, especially at this time of nice to hear them in the barn enjoying year. We all want to do what is best for this meal, and slurping away. our horses and to keep them the safe year All of that being said, and the main round. It is true that the extreme baro- reason I don’t feed bran mash anymetric changes can prove challenging more, is the difficulty that we add by for horses, and who wouldn’t want to feed changing the horses’ feed on a sudden them something yummy and possibly basis. Remember, the horse uses bacwarm for these cold damp nights. A bran terial digestion. The bacteria are not mash is typically a mixture of bran (you equipped to digest bran on a once a week can easily get it from your feed dealer), basis. I found that when I was feeding a and the grain that you typically feed weekly bran mash I had some horses who your horse. This is usually done at a 4:1 were classified as “hard keepers.” When ratio. Reduce the grain portion that your I stopped feeding bran mash, my hard horse would get typically to one quarter, keepers became normalized, and I didn’t and add 4 equal parts of bran. Poor hot have that problem anymore. Another water into the mixture and let it steep for minor but important fact is that bran has 15-30 minutes. REMEMBER, NEVER feed a poor Ca:P (Calcium to Phosphorous dry bran, it swells in the system and can ratio), something to consider when feedcause serious issues. Be sure that you add ing. As nice as the bran mash concept is, enough water so that after steeping, you think long and hard about whether the can form a wet ball of bran in your hand, nice feeling for you outweighs the change if it falls apart you may need to add more of diet for your horse. Sure, on cold and windy nights I would love to go through water. The idea has always been that the the barn and feed them something warm, steeping process releases some enzymes just like I would love to blanket my horse that may produce a natural laxative. The when I need a sweater, but we are here to reduction of grain is to reduce the pos- provide the best and SAFEST care for our sibility of tying up (as this was typically horses. With the studies that are out these done on the night before the day of rest), days it looks to me like perhaps a bran and reducing concentrates in a time of mash doesn’t do what we hope it does. stress (a barometric change constitutes Perhaps if we spend time and groom stress), reduces the chance of laminitis our horses a little extra, we provide the and colic. Often times it is really nice to comfort that we are hoping to give. By add fresh peelings from carrots or apples, grooming your horse you are separatsome people like to add molasses and we ing the hairs in the coat so they can procan go on from there. Be careful though, vide better warmth, added comfort, and as some horses don’t do well with added proven health benefits, while at the same time getting attention and love from the owner. Humans comfort through their tummy, a horse is comforted by having a schedule they can count on, and receiving reliable and healthy feed. I hope this helps!
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Heidi Jo Hauri-Gill is the owner of First Choice Riding Academy in Enfield, NH. She is a graduate of Westmoreland Davis International Equestrian Institute, as well as UNH. Although Heidi’s passion is teaching and training she is also an L-Graduate with distinction. Heidi incorporates cavaletti and jumping in every horse/rider’s training plans. www.firstchoiceridingacademy.com Winter 2015
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Cold Blooded Winter Emergency Kits A
Samantha Bubar - Barre, VT
s the colder months approach, we like to plan ahead for the brisk temperatures. As Vermonters, we pull out our hats and mittens from the dreaded “winter storage” so many of us have. We drag winter jackets from the back of our closets and pull out the flannel lined pants we all have tucked away. We pull out the tiny jackets our dogs hate. We cover our beds with extra blankets. We have our furry pets and ourselves prepared for the upcoming change in weather, but what about our cold blooded companions? My first winter with a reptile, one leopard gecko, went fairly well. Sure, she stayed on the warm side of her enclosure and was less active- but who could blame her! After all, the frequent drops below zero had me doing the same thing in my own apartment! We both made it through most of the winter incident free, with the exception of one power outage that turned into an impromptu “bring your gecko to work days.” Later that night after some research and planning, I decided to put together an emergency kit. I now have two leopard geckos and a bearded dragon, and each has their own kit. I keep the kits near each enclosure, so that in case of emergency, they can be ready in seconds. These emergency kits could be used in case of prolonged power outages or in case of fire or flooding. However, we do experience some minor power outages that last only a half an hour to an hour. In those cases, I find it is easier to leave the reptile in their enclosure and monitor the temperature, sometimes covering the enclosure with a towel to keep the heat from escaping. If the outage is only minor and you’re going to be at home to monitor temperatures, it may be less stressful to try and contain the heat, rather than move your reptile. But, if the power were to go out for more than a day or you needed to relocate quickly because of fire or flash flooding, it is certainly a relief to have a plan in place so you aren’t in a panic while trying to get yourself and your pets to safety. While not a professional, I hope that my experiences and ideas can help other reptile hobbyists. Here are a few suggestions for things that may be helpful in putting together an emergency kit for your reptilian companions! A temporary enclosure for each reptile: I use disposable Styrofoam coolers. They help insulate and provide a sturdy 20 4 Legs & a Tail
space for each reptile. In each kit, I keep paper towels and soft fabric, both help with insulation and keeping the reptile comfortable. 40 hour heat packs: I ordered these online from a website that sells feeder insects and shipping supplies for reptiles. In a pinch you could use hand warmers, though they won’t last as long, they will keep the enclosure warm for a period of time. It is also helpful to have a thermometer to correctly monitor the temperatures. Make sure that when adding a heat pack, to wrap it in something before putting it in the enclosure with your reptile to prevent burns from direct contact. Note: If you’re going to be around while the power is out, you can place the wrapped heat pack in the reptiles normal enclosure, with a towel over the top of their tank to ensure that the heat stays contained. This may keep the reptile more comfortable. Temporary food and bottled water: I have found the canned or freeze dried feeder insects work best in an emergency kit. While these aren’t the best option nutritionally for your reptile on a daily basis, they will work in a pinch. For water and food containers, I use appropriately sized plastic lids. Depending on the type of reptile, you may have to add other supplies to your kit as necessary. I have an extra misting bottle and extra heat bulbs in my kit, as well as some extra calcium and favorite treats. Samantha Bubar of Barre, Vermont lives at home with two leopard geckos, three bearded dragons and a rat. With a degree in English and a passion for animals, she spends most of her free time writing, reading and caring for animals. She writes a weekly blog, Training Dragons, www.trainingdragons.wordpress.com Winter 2015
If You Love Something Set It Free A Little Furry Miracle Comes Home
S
ome readers may remember the old 1970s phrase ‘If you love something set it free; if it comes back it’s yours, if not it was never yours to begin with.’ Sometimes, without any forethought or planning on our part, things have a way of working out for the better. And all it takes is to do the right thing. This story is about a neighbor of mine, Crystal Rienick, a high school literature teacher who works in Valley Center. Crystal and her husband Jameson have a perky, active 8-year old Miniature Pinscher named Pippin. Crystal, a lovely, ebullient and free-spirited woman who loves all animals considered getting a second dog as a companion for Pippin. About two weeks before Christmas, she was driving home from work, passing through Escondido, when she saw a Chihuahua running loose on the street. Being a dog lover, she acted immediately to rescue the frightened dog. “So, of course,’ she said, “I flipped a U-turn and spent fifteen minutes trying to coax him over to grab him. He had no tags, and when I took him to our vet, they found no chip. I took him home and he immediately began to sniff and pee on everything I owned. I could overlook this, however, due to the amazing fact that he and Pippin hit it off instantly.” Crystal brought the Chihuahua over to meet us, that is, Jane, myself, and our Yellow Labradors Musket and Saffron. She said in a grave voice, “We have a problem.” She put the dog in my hands. “Okay,” I replied, knowing of Crystal’s sense of humor, “but what’s this ‘we’ stuff?” She explained about finding the dog on the street and intended to try and find its owner, but it was obvious she was already smitten with the little canine. For the next few days, while on Christmas break she fell under the new dog’s charm. “I posted ‘Found Chihuahua’ signs the next morning in the area where I’d found him, but when I heard nothing after two days I decided I to take him to the local Humane Society because if I didn’t take him right away I was going to keep him forever. “I had already fallen in love with him and had named him Pickle.” “I learned I could pay the adoption fee up front and if the owners didn’t claim him, he would be ours; neutered, micro chipped and vaccinated.” Yet fate intervened. “Pickle was with me on the way to the shelter. As I was crossing Citrus Avenue my phone rang. ‘Hello?’ It was a little girl who said she saw my signs and believed I had her dog, whose name was Spikey.” The girl described Pickle in perfect detail. When Crystal said the name Spikey he responded and she felt a little chill in
Winter 2015
Mark Carlson
her heart. “‘Where do you live?’ I asked her. Citrus Avenue, she told me. Almost within sight of the shelter, Crystal turned around and drove to Citrus where she found Spikey’s little owner waiting with open arms. The little dog was ecstatic to see her. “She thanked me and I made my retreat before the tears started.” That might have been the end of it, but Crystal had been bitten hard by little Pickle’s tiny beating heart. “I began my quest for a second dog. Pippin and Pickle got along so well. He was so damned snuggly and affectionate. I wanted that, too. I began obsessing on Petfinder and the local shelter sites until I knew all the dogs by sight. I gravitated to Min Pins and Chihuahua mixes trying to recreate the compatibility with Pippin combined with the snuggliness for me.” Christmas was approaching and she knew time was short. Once she and Jameson were back at work acclimating a new dog to the house would be almost impossible. She wanted to be home to help smooth the way. Three possible dogs were located at that same humane society shelter she had intended to take Pickle. “On Christmas Eve I broke out my laptop to show my family the pictures.” Crystal, not one to leave any stone unturned, scrolled down the page to see if there had been any postings since she’d last looked a week before. “And what to my wandering eye did appear, than Pickle himself! It was him, I knew it instantly. Same markings, same colors. But now his name was Mr. Moose.” “The shelter was closed on Christmas Day so I had to wait until the 26th.” Unable to sleep, Crystal worried if the little Chihuahua would still be there when the shelter re-opened. “We packed up Pippin and off we went. The place was packed, and as we waited we told our story to other hopeful pet adopt-
ers. People were stunned and excited for us. Finally we went out to the interaction yard. And there he was. Pickle, without a doubt! He was very underweight, but he knew me right away. The shelter staff told me he had been left there just three days after I had returned him to his ‘family.’” It didn’t take long for the new pooch to feel at home. Crystal told me a few days later, “He has peed 23 times, only once in the house, eaten too much, and has been sleeping wrapped in blankets on my lap for hours.” Crystal did the right thing and the miracle came back home to live with her.
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
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Love at the Hairdresser’s A
Tayna Sousa - Orleans, VT
ll the stations were filled at the hairdresser’s that day. The door was left open to let in whatever breeze would come, although it was sweltering air. Along with one fresh breath of breeze, a slate gray, teenage cat with a white bib and double paws sauntered in. He padded in confidently to the first chair and circled a bit while the woman perched there cooed compliments. He stayed a few moments then moved on in an unhurried manner to the next woman. “Whose cat?” I asked Leni as he prepared my long red curls for a color touch-up that would take about an hour and a half. “Stray. He’s been here all day coming in and out. He doesn’t stay long,” Leni told me. I watched the cat visit the woman just before me. He concluded with a respectful rise and curl of his tail before making his way to me. I was careful not to give him more than a passing glance. Was it my imagination that he was staying at my chair longer? “I think you’ve got a friend,” Leni mused. “I think you’ll end up taking him home.” “I have a cat. I don’t need another one,” I set my mouth firmly. A half hour into my appointment, the grey teen was still sitting by my chair. I couldn’t help but sneak a peek and saw the green eyes looking at me with a nearly indescribable look of contentment and adoration. I met his eyes and was rewarded with a flurry of squints, blinks, and chin lifts. “That cat writes love sonnets with his eyes,” I laughed. “You’re weakening,” Leni said nonchalantly. “No. I have a cat already. I don’t want another cat.” The woman in the last chair clucked and wiggled her fingers to my suitor, but he remained at my side. She finally gave up. I tried not to look, but a few times in the next hour I did let my eyes wander. Each time, the young male regaled me with those love sonnets written only with eyes and a little body language. “He is cute,” I conceded as Leni finished blow-drying my hair and pulled away the protective apron. When I stood, the cat stood too, rubbing against my legs and pushing himself off his front paws in a feline wheelie. “Oh! You are a Romeo,” I told him, and reached to pick him up – only for a moment. The instant he was at my shoulder, he plunged his face and front paws into my long newly coiffed curls and began kneading furiously and – yes – drooling a bit. Without a word, I managed to pay Leni, cat still buried blissfully in my hair, and left with a cat in my arms who seemed to have waited all his life just for me. The last sound I heard was Leni’s boisterous laughter and the purring of one who chose me, then graced me with sonnets for the next sixteen years – written only with love-filled green eyes. 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
Dog Toxicant Xylitol Appearing in Peanut Butters E
By M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM - Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
very dog owner knows the challenge of medicating a dog with pills that taste bad. Most people hide the pill in cheese, deli meat, or peanut butter. What you need to know is that many peanut butter manufacturers have started using xylitol to sweeten their product. Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is a sweetener that until now has been used primarily in sugar free gums and candies, baked goods, desserts, toothpaste, and other oral care products in the United States. It is increasingly found in some over the counter items that are prescribed by veterinarians including certain antihistamines, fish oil, melatonin, and Vitamin B12. Beyond its use as a sweetener, xylitol also can be used to preserve moisture and is used in non-food products such as shampoos and lotions. Humans can consume xylitol with no problem but because of differences in metabolism, it can be toxic to dogs. (Xylitol is toxic to cats too; we just don’t see as many toxicities because cats tend to be choosier about what they eat.) The number of xylitol poisonings in dogs is on the rise. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control center reports that since they started tracking calls in 2007, the number of cases has more than doubled to over 3,727. The actual number is likely much higher since some veterinarians have treated enough cases that they no longer need to call the center for guidance. When dogs ingest xylitol, it causes a rapid increase in insulin which can cause a serious drop in blood sugar. This can lead to vomiting, weakness, staggering, and seizures within 30-60 minutes of consuming even small quantities of xylitol. It can also lead to liver failure. If you suspect your pet has ingested a xylitol containing product, call your veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to remedy the situation at home. Prevention includes keeping pets away from xylitol containing products. Known companies that add xylitol to peanut butters include Go Nuts, Hank’s Protein Plus Peanut Butter, Krusch Nutrition, Nuts ‘n More, and P28. Because xylitol can appear in other products and under other names, be on the lookout for any ingredient that includes the letters “ xyl” and keep those products away from your pets. The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 340 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine. 22 4 Legs & a Tail
Winter 2015
Roll Out the Red Carpet for Tom Turkey T
here’s no hobble and no gobble, but this Tom Turkey is settling into his new home in Vermont just fine. After traveling nearly 2,000 miles, this disabled Labrador-mix was welcomed with open arms after his year-long stay at the Humane Society of Western Montana. Tom Turkey, named for his birthday close to Thanksgiving, suffers from a neurological disorder that affects his ability to walk. When he and his two siblings, Green Bean and Pumpkin Pie, were brought to this ‘big sky’ shelter, the Humane Society of Western Montana, they were just five weeks old. With his chances of adoption slim, Tom’s big break came after he was named a winner in the 2016 HandicappedPets.com calendar contest.
Hayden, enjoying winter last year in VT.
With his worldwide notoriety, Tom caught the eye of Tracey Fowler of Mendon, VT. Though she had never met Tom, she fell in love with his warm, brown eyes and was excited to adopt. Ironically, her German Shepherd, Hayden, was also a disabled dog and finalist for the calendar. For the friends Tom left behind in Montana, the farewell was bittersweet. “I can’t imagine a better home for him. I’ve learned so much from him; determination, positive attitude and limitations; and the things that can help those limitations, like a cart.” explained Lora O’Conner, the shelter’s Executive Director. The generosity of those who only knew Tom from a website was instrumental for his trip the Green Mountain state. “All I can say is, Thank You, from the bottom of my heart,” said a grateful Tracey Fowler. “There are no words for what people have done to make this happen.” According to the shelter’s Director of Development, Emily Adamson, “At the beginning, a lot of people questioned why we keep these dogs alive. But if you look at Tom and you meet Tom - he’s happy. The cart is what helps him get around, he doesn’t know any different and he’s not in pain.” While we are so excited that Tom Turkey will be a 2016 HandicappedPets. com calendar dog, one thing is for sure... he couldn’t have found a better home. Welcome to Vermont! Winter 2015
Tom Turkey, eager to make new friends in Mendon, VT
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When Missing Teeth Really Are NOT Missing, Just Hiding T
Sandra L Waugh VMD. MS
eeth that are not visible in the mouth are often presumed to be missing, that is, not present at all. And it is true that not all dogs have 42 teeth from the beginning. It is not true that just because a tooth is not visible in the mouth that the tooth is not there and therefore of no concern. Teeth that have been created but fail to erupt are called impacted teeth and they can cause havoc. Let’s go back to the beginning, when a puppy is born but has no teeth. Special cells are present within the jaw bone that will, at the proper time, create a tooth. The tooth is grown within a sphere of cells which surround that tooth as it is created. Within the sphere of cells is also fluid, which is created by the cells. When the tooth erupts, the crown becomes visible and the sphere of cells that created the tooth is broken, the fluid leaks away, and all traces of this very special tissue is gone forever. If the tooth fails to erupt then this sphere of cells is not broken and can continue to fill with fluid. This sack full of fluid is called a dentigerous cyst. Because it is contained within the jaw bone it can put pressure on the bone and teeth and be locally very destructive to the jaw bone and to teeth. Two cases follow. This first is a 6 year old Boxer. The owner noticed a swelling in the front of the left side of the lower jaw. The dog also suffered from excessive gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia) which covered the teeth making counting the teeth very difficult.
The teeth are hard to see because the gum is overgrown. The missing tooth should be visible at the yellow arrow. The Xrays will tell the tale. Impacted tooth (red arrow). This is the first premolar in the lower left jaw. The lower first premolar is the most commonly impacted tooth. The cyst had destroyed the bone around four incisors, the canine tooth and the first two premolars, all of which were extracted. All of these teeth were also by the pressure, with loss of the size of the root. To prevent more bone destruction, the sphere of cells that created the cyst were also removed. The cyst had been present for a considerable amount of time before the swelling in the jaw was noticed. Continued NEXT PAGE
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The second case is a 4 year old Pug with a swelling in the front of the right side of the lower jaw. The canine teeth are under the green arrows, the incisors are under the red arrows, and the swelling is outlined by yellow arrows. There should be 6 incisors. One seems to be missing but can be seen on the Xray. Again there has been destruction of bone around the three right incisors and down the root of the right canine tooth. But wait, there are two more impacted teeth, the first premolars on both sides of the lower jaw. And the one on the left also has a cyst around it (double red arrow). In this dog the three lower right incisors and the first right and left lower premolars were extracted, as well as the sphere of cells that created each cyst.
Intra-operative photograph. The impacted tooth (yellow arrow) is visible because the bone over the tooth had been completely destroyed. It is even possible to have extra copies of teeth that are impacted, although this is much less common. Dogs are supposed to have 42 adult teeth. Even though in some breeds missing teeth are common, any dog with less than 42 teeth with no history of tooth extractions should have Xrays taken of the teeth. Early discovery of impacted teeth can save neighboring teeth and prevent bone destrution. Dr. Waugh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She also holds a Masters Degree from Washington State University of Veterinary Medicine and is owner of Windsor Veterinary & Dental Services.
PET IQ Answers 1. Persian. 2. Hermit crab 3. Spotted 4. Parakeet 5. 62 6. Brine shrimp 7. All of the above 8. Burmese python
9. Middle East 10. Betta 11. Smell 12. Helen Keller 13. All of the above 14. They have extra toes 15. Female 16. False (It can cause
severe illness or death)
HOW DID YOU DO? More than 10 correct - Congratulations! On your next Facebook post, include the fact that you are a 4 Legs & a Tail expert. 4-9 correct-Not bad, but you may want to consider reading 4 Legs & a Tail cover to cover. 1-3 correct- Call the 1970's and consider adopting a pet rock. Winter 2015
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Grand View Farm T
Lauren Anikis
ake a turn off the beaten path and just keep driving. Soon you’ll come to Grand View Farm. Tucked away far off the dirt roads of rural Vermont, this city born family decided to come and make a country kind of life. Being the first family in 50 years to get the farm functioning fully, the Goodlings experienced some difficulties reopening it. The barns were not capable of holding animals, the fields had not been hayed in years, and the gardens, apple trees and fencing had all been neglected. But with a lot of hard work and the support of their neighbors, they managed to get the farm into working condition. One of the biggest helpers with the fields are the sheep. These sheep keep the pastures mown and are an excellent source of wool. Most of the herd are Gotland sheep. These sheep come from Gotland Island in Sweden. However, importing sheep is illegal, so they must import semen and breed the goats through artificial insemination. The ewes range from 81%-93.75% Gotland Sheep and the two rams are 95.3% and 94.5%. Their wool is naturally curly and coarse, and used mostly for scarves and shawls. The Goodlings also keep Romney sheep, which origi-
nate from Kent, England. Their wool is springy and crimped, making it softer and better for making articles such as socks. Their flock is kept safe by a llama named Alaska. Llamas are naturally curious and bond well with a flock of sheep. If they see something amiss near the flock they will go investigate it. If it turns out to be a threat, they will let out a warning call and herd the flock to one area. Once the flock is all there, the llama will make sure they stay safe until the threat has been taken care of. This farm is also home to 3 pigs for clearing woods and pastures, chickens for eggs, a border collie for herding and a cat. While the farm has had its share of difficulties, the family, animals, and neighbors are all happy with the outcome. Visit www.grandviewfarmvt.net to learn about their fiber art classes or private retreats. Lauren Anikis is a Junior at Lebanon High School and lives in Plainfield, NH. She interned this summer as a writer & photographer at 4 Legs & a Tail.
New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM - Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
O
ur pets provide us with so much unconditional love that we should find ways to improve our relationship with them in the coming year. One way is to include them in our New Year’s resolutions. At the top of almost everyone’s resolution list is to exercise and lose weight. Why not let your pet help you keep that promise? Like their humans, many pets are overweight or obese. Increasing walks and play time will not only help weight loss, but it can help prevent medical and behavior issues. (A tired dog is a good dog!) Studies show that dogs kept close to their optimal weight will live on average two years longer and have fewer health problems than their obese counterparts. Saving money is another popular resolution. Pet owners can save money by keeping pets up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. It costs less to prevent disease than to treat it. Likewise, if your pet is injured or ill, don’t procrastinate: delaying veterinary care not only results in unnecessary suffering for your pet, it can lead to higher expenses. Consider investing in pet insurance or a pet health savings plan as the New Year begins. No one ever expects Fido to slip his lead and get hit by a car but it can happen, and having a fund set aside for pet emergencies can help prevent “economic euthanasia”. 26 4 Legs & a Tail
Volunteering is on many people’s resolution list. You can keep that promise by volunteering your time at your local animal rescue or shelter. Walking the dogs, playing with the cats, or even fostering an expectant mother are always appreciated and can be a fun way for you to introduce your children to volunteering. Finally, a great resolution for all pet owners is to discuss all aspects of their pets’ care with their veterinarian before acting on information found online. “Dr. Google” can provide a lot of misinformation and bad advice. Your veterinarians are the true health experts, and are happy to answer your questions and concerns. Winter 2015
WE ARE WHAT WE EAT W
DJ Nelson
e are hearing about nutrition/ foods lately. Diagnosed as diabetic a few years ago, it has left me thinking about foods and how our bodies break down foods, not only in myself, but in our Pets also. My weight went down, my blood sugars are regulating, and my joints hurt less since dramatically decreasing processed foods. I don’t exercise as much and I do still have that piece of cake or cookies (but they are homemade). A big thing I have noticed is how my body works with a nice variety of good quality foods. “We are what we eat.” If we eat pizza all day every day we won’t turn into a pizza, but our bodies react to it. We feel sluggish, as we age our joints hurt more, if we suddenly after months of eating just pizza had something else, our bodies would react badly, not being used to breaking it down. Our bodies and our pet’s bodies need to have a well-rounded diet to keep digestion and immune systems working properly. We are seeing changes in dog, cat, and bird foods addressing some of these issues. I talk about pet nutrition with customers daily. I have been told of a big chain store that sells live fish, the fish always seem to be sick or many dead fish are seen in their aquariums. In our store the fish look nice, colorful, plump and swim happily. I figured I would check out the situation and allegations against this huge retailer. The systems they use are fantastic systems. The filters can handle the load of many fish, the flow rates on these systems are decent. So systems check out fine. Where are they getting their fish? Some other stores get them from the same places. Other mom and pop stores buying from the same places are not having these same issues. So if they are coming in healthy and the life support is excellent, what could be the issue? Water quality, perhaps? What else could it be?? Then I considered one big culprit in the issue of ailing and dying fish.
fish at home a variety of high quality foods. Not all flake foods are equal in quality or ingredients. There are many excellent brands, just ask your local Pet Store aquatic specialist. We feed two times a day and switch up the foods. In the morning we feed flake or pellet food (depending on the type of fish) at night we feed a frozen food. There are many different types of frozen foods for freshwater and saltwater fish: Mysis shrimp, Blood worms, Super Brine, Community blend, Cyclops, and many more. As a treat we feed freeze dried foods, my favorite is Tubifex worms. Press some up against the glass and it sticks, the fish will come up and eat making it nutritional and interactive. When feeding a frozen food, fish go crazy, definitely entertaining. For Saltwater fish we mix Seachem Garlic Guard in with the frozen. This Liquid Garlic acts as an appetite stimulant for those finicky fish, helps the immune system on all fish, and is safe for invertebrates, corals etc. Since the fish get a varied diet they are more vibrant in color, more active and most importantly, healthier.
Stop into your local pet store for some frozen or freeze dried foods and you will start seeing a difference. The enjoyment of watching your fish go crazy over it will happen immediately. DJ Nelson has worked in the pet industry for almost two decades and is the owner of AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. He works with Reptiles, Birds, Small Animals, Fresh/ Saltwater fish, and Dog & Cat Nutrition. Since proper care is constantly changing, educating customers about their pets is most important. www.aquarealmaquarium.com and Facebook
Frozen foods come in Flat packs, cubes or pods. - In Flat packs the food is frozen in a sheet. You have to break or cut out the portion and let it thaw. - With Cubes the food is frozen into cubes. Just pop a cube right into the aquarium or into a container to let it thaw. - Pods, new from Omega One, are a convenient way to feed frozen foods. You let each container (pod) thaw, rip off the cover, and pour into the aquarium. So much easier. Flake/pelleted foods: With so many varieties of fish, it is difficult to cover all of the proper flakes to feed here. For example; live bearing fish (mollies, platies, guppies, swordtails) should have more vegetable protein in their diet, and the diet for South American Cichlids is different than for African Cichlids? This is where visiting the aquatics specialist in your local mom and pop pet store comes in.
Nutrition!! They feed vacation feeders as a sole source of food. Vacation feeders offer food to fish by breaking down gradually, and the fish pick the pieces. Ingredients used to bind the feeder together are like a plaster based material and aren’t healthy. I feed my in-store fish as well as my Winter 2015
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Seizures
they think of a Grand Mal seizure, where the animal is convulsing on the ground with stiffness/contraction cycles (tonic/ clonic action), paddling, defecating, urinating, etc. These seizures are scary, but Catherine MacLean, DVM not the only type your pet can have. There Grantham, NH are two other classifications of seizures owners don’t always recognize. These are partial seizures and psychomotor sei eizures are not something that zures. every pet owner will see, but for those that Partial seizure activity originates have seen their pet have a seizure it can be from one specific part of the brain and a very scary experience. I’m going to distherefore only affects a certain area of the cuss the type of seizures cats and dogs can body. This type of seizure may present have, what to do if your pet is having a seiitself as twitching, excessive blinking, etc. zure, and possible treatment options. Partial seizures can progress to Grand Mal When most people think of seizures, seizures. Psychomotor seizures often appear as behavioral abnormalities. They can present as involuntary circling, howling, snapping, etc. This may be followed by a Grand Mal seizure. When speaking to your veterinarian about seizure like behavior, they may ask what happened after the seizure, the postictal phase. This phase helps veterinarians distinguish between a true seizure or some type of cardiovascular event or fainting. It can last from a few minutes to several hours, and your pet will be experiencing disorientation and sometimes appear to be blind. The post-ictal phase can be even more disturbing then the seizure itself. During this time owners need to be very careful. Our first thought is to comfort them, but as animals come out of seizures and are disorientated, they will not recognize people they love. This is when owners get bitten or scratched. Why do seizures happen? Sometimes they occur due to an infection in the animal’s brain (more common in animals less than a year old), sometimes the cause is not known and they are labeled as epileptics (usually animals between 1-5 years of age), and other times it’s due to a tumor(common in animals over five years of age). Other causes can be toxins, trauma, hypothyroidism, etc. In animals over five, the most common causes are meningiomas which grow off the inside of the skull and press on the brain. These types of tumors are diagnosed with either a MRI or CT scan. Surgical removal may be an option. What should you do if your pet has a seizure? If it is a Grand Mal seizure, I tell owners to make sure their pet is in a safe place (not at the top of the stairs or on a piece of furniture they could fall off of), remove other animals and children, and time the seizure. If it lasts more than three minutes, you need to start cooling your pet with ice packs or cold cloths on the ears and paw pads, seek immediate veterinary attention. If your pet has more than two seizures in 24 hours (even if they are less than three minutes), seek veterinary attention. If the seizure lasts less than three minutes, after the seizure is done
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28 4 Legs & a Tail
record the date and time, note any abnormal behavior beforehand, such as twitching. Next, the post-ictal stage will occur. Again be careful, you can get bitten during this phase no matter how sweet your pet normally is. If your pet has a seizure, notify your veterinarian so a note can be made in your pet’s medical history. They may advise you to bring your pet in for a workup. I tell my clients to record date, time, and length of each seizure no matter how long between seizures, sometimes we can find patterns. Treatment varies with the patient. Many veterinarians will start with blood work to rule out underlying causes. If blood work is normal, depending on the age of the pet and the owner’s willingness, further diagnostics may be recommended. Based on the seizure history, medication may be started. The most common medications used are phenobarbital and potassium bromide. After your pet is on medication, monitoring is involved to make sure your pet is on the appropriate dose and not having any side effects. Up to 30% of cats and dogs will not respond to traditional medications. Other seizure medications available from the human side can be used, but are not commonly used due to cost and inconvenient dosing schedules. One alternative, acupuncture, has worked for one of my patients. Sadie Mae first had Grand Mal seizures back in 2012 at two years old. Blood work ruled out underlying abnormalities. The owners didn’t want medication, so they sought out acupuncture to treat Sadie Mae’s seizures. Sadie Mae has seen me since 2013 and we’ve managed her seizures with acupuncture alone. She goes 7-9 months between seizures. When one occurs, we treat her with acupuncture several times and she is good for another 7-9 months. The owners are happy to not treat Sadie Mae with medication and she seems to enjoy her sessions. There is nothing fun about a seizure. Remember to keep your pet in a safe place, be careful you don’t get hurt, write down the seizure, and contact your veterinarian. Many animals that have seizures can be managed and live normal happy lives. 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 Winter 2015
4 LEGS & A TAIL FUN! What 5 Things Are Different?
Pom Pom on kids hat, Dog's Foot, Kid's Boot, Yellow stripe on dog's collar, Trees in upper right corner
So What Brand Are You Feeding Your Pet?
GAZTUNIER IIOAACLNRF TUNALRAS NSSEELLW ELAGE NANETUR LIOPUN ORTUN
A guy is driving around the back woods of New Hampshire and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: ‘Talking Dog For Sale' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard. The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador retriever sitting there. ‘You talk?’ he asks. ‘Yep,’ the Lab replies. After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says ‘So, what’s your story?’ The Lab looks up and says, ‘Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so... I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.’
Zignature, California Naturals, Wellness, Eagle, Nutrena, Poulin, Nutro
‘I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running...But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.’ ‘I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.’ The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. ‘Ten dollars,’ the guy says. ‘Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?’ Because he’s a liar. He’s never been out of the yard! Ranger chilling out in S. Albany. Photo by Jim Mayor
Submitted by Wendell Nadeau
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Winter Wonderland 2016 Northern VT & NH
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