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letters from readers
“Thank you for your time this afternoon to discuss one of my favorite subjects, the birthday of our great Town of Cary. I love that Cary Magazine talks all things Cary to folks all the time. I enjoy reading your articles, looking at the great pictures of people, places, and events, and keeping abreast of what's happening all over. Thanks for including the Cary150 in your April issue.” Sarah Martin, Chair, Cary150 Task Force
“I just picked up the April 2021 issue, and I love the artwork featured on the cover by Lane Singletary.” Esther Giambalvo
“I’m still in awe and amazement at the Cary Magazine cover and article. It was great to see the Cary150 represented throughout the whole magazine. We have received a lot of good feedback about it.” Virginia H. Johnson, Town Clerk, Town of Cary
“I just saw the article in Cary Magazine! Thank you for the opportunity and the feature. I love being able to put a spotlight on the amazing dads in the group and the hard working physicians in our lives and families!”
Curtis Webster Jr., Dads Married to Doctors
April 2021
“I just wanted to thank you for picking up the story about our recent Emmy Award.
We really appreciate it!” Lindsey Chester, Goodtree Studios, re.
“Local Filmmakers Win Emmy for Shaw Documentary,” carymagazine.com
“Thank you so much. I love what you did announcing my book in the March community Happenings. I picked up a few copies. Very nice job.” Kyra Burton, author “America, Here I Come!”
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Molly Stone-Sapir works with Jocky, a yearold medium-sized mixed breed dog. They are practicing self-control in distracting situations, walking on a leash and other skills.
Home Alone
What happens when owners of pandemic pets return to the office?
WRITTEN BY LEA HART | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC began keeping people home in March 2020, some who had been thinking about adding a pet to their family saw an opportunity: Time at home equaled time to devote to a new pet.
“In conversations, I found there were a lot of people who wanted to get a pet and didn’t, because they weren’t home enough,” said Molly Stone-Sapir, director of Community Initiatives and a pet behavior specialist with the SPCA of Wake County. “When it came to be that so many people had more time at home, this idea that they thought wasn’t feasible became more feasible.”
As people begin returning to the office, more than a year later, new pet owners are wondering how to help their pet get used to spending more time alone.
“I do have a little concern about returning to the traditional schedule, because I feel like Mickey can get bored when I am working all day,” said Heather Murray of Apex, who adopted her dog during the pandemic.
She saw the time at home as the perfect opportunity to add Mickey to her life.
“Like many, I was staying at home stewing in my anxiety and wanted something to take my mind off of that,” Murray said. “When thinking about adopting a furry friend logistically, it all made sense — puppies require a lot of time and commitment to training.”
She teaches theater at a local charter school, which returned to hybrid learning in September. Mickey has adjusted well, but he will have to make one more adjustment when the school returns to a full in-person schedule, keeping Murray away from home more.
Mickey
continued on page 16
— Molly Stone-Sapir, director of Community Initiatives, SPCA of Wake County.
Molly Stone-Sapir gives Jocky a cuddle during a training session. The high-energy dog, who was returned to the SPCA by his first owner, is now getting the training and socialization he needs.
continued from page 15
Stone-Sapir and Margaret Gruen, assistant professor of Behavioral Medicine with North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, say every animal will be different in adjusting to change. Dogs are more likely to show signs of anxiety when their routine changes, however, cats can show signs as well.
“It depends on the individual pet for sure — there is a huge range in personality and temperament,” Gruen said. “In general they adapt pretty well, but like everyone, the more we can prepare them the better they’re going to do.”
Prepare for change
Gruen’s advice is, in fact, the short answer for pet owners: Start preparing your pet ahead of time.
Think about what the animal’s day is going to look like and try to replicate that now, before the owner has to be away at work, Gruen says. If the pet isn’t used to being left at all, owners can work up to longer periods of alone time, beginning with brief interludes and slowly extending them, Stone-Sapir says. A good start could be just walking to the end of the driveway and back.
Pet owners making other changes to the routine can practice those now as well, such as adding a dog walker. With cats, specifically, Gruen says studies have shown that cats who get played with more frequently display fewer behavioral issues. So make some time to play with your cat during the hours that you are home.
This type of pre-planning is exactly what Rocio Lopez and her husband, Mike Trovero, are doing for their Labradoodle puppy, Brie. The couple and their four children added Brie to the family during the pandemic.
Brie the Labradoodle eyes a stuffed bird during playtime with Rocio Lopez, center, and her children, Valentina Trovero, 11, left, and Lorenzo Trovero, 13.
Tips to Help Your Pet Adjust
As pet owners begin to head back to the office, both Margaret Gruen and Molly Stone-Sapir urge pet owners to start preparing their pets ahead of time when possible.
• If the pet will be put in a crate or restricted to certain parts of the home, work on that in short bursts before leaving them all day, Gruen says.
• If the pet has not been left alone, leave for short periods and gradually build up the time, says Stone-Sapir.
• Don’t make a fuss when coming and going, she says. This cuts down on the pet’s anxiety when it sees nothing special happens when the owner leaves or returns.
• Associate leaving with something fun, Gruen says. Fill a Kong with peanut butter, for example, and make that a special treat that the dog only receives when you’re away. It will also keep the dog occupied in the owner’s absence.
• Start new routines in advance. If the owner plans to come home every day at lunch to walk the dog, or plans to hire a dog walker, start those routines before returning to the office.
• If problems do arise, owners can take several steps. Force-free behavior modification information is online and at local libraries, Stone-Sapir says. If owners can’t get resolution on their own, contact a pet behavior consultant or trainer.
• Owners can also contact their vet for help, Gruen adds. Medications exist to help with separation anxiety, and a vet can explore those options if necessary.
continued from page 16
“It seemed like the right time to us, between spending more dedicated time to training the puppy and ensuring that they have all the positive attention that they need,” Lopez said.
The family feels lucky that their return to the office has been gradual. They made plans to get a dog walker, and are currently taking Brie to dog daycare two days each week for socialization, Lopez says.
Rocio Lopez and her family had more time at home last year, so they could give their puppy lots of attention. Now that the family is gradually returning to school and the office, Brie goes to dog daycare twice a week.
“The dog is fine being left alone but loves people around,” she said. “Our concern is ensuring the transition back to more time away from home is gradually paced for all of us.”
Signs of a problem
The most common problem for dogs and cats is separation anxiety, Gruen says.
Separation anxiety when the owner is not home may be marked by excessive vocalization, salivation, pacing, panting or whining, according to Stone-Sapir. In more serious instances, the pet may chew or be destructive inside the house. Specifically, pet owners may notice dogs chewing or digging in areas where someone would enter or leave, such as the door frame. Animals may also urinate or defecate where they shouldn’t. Sometimes, it’s small and manageable. A pet may pace or whine for a couple minutes and then relax. At the other extreme, it can last much longer and be more destructive, Stone-Sapir says.
Gruen stresses that owners should seek help and remember the animal isn’t acting out of anger, and to have patience.
“Owners should recognize that the pet isn’t doing it because they’re mad at them. It’s because their dog is distressed by being without them,” she said. “Training and medication, if needed, are about working to change the whole emotional context of people leaving.” t
PETS ON PARADE
COMPILED BY AMBER KEISTER
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE the unconditional love that a pet can give, and boy, we’ve needed it!
Companion animals, especially dogs and cats, can reduce stress and anxiety, keep us active, and ease our loneliness. The past year has provided paw-sitive proof. Since we were at home, we had more time to spend with our pets, walking through the neighborhood or cuddling on the couch. And for many people, it was the perfect time to bring a dog or cat into the family.
It was also a great opportunity to take adorable photos! We asked for your pictures and your stories, and it was hard to choose from so many cute faces. We hope you enjoy a peek at these aww-some animals.
COTTEN
Our Pembroke cardigan corgi, Cotten, has brought so much love and joy to our home and hearts. She helped us through this quarantine more than she will ever know. Cotten’s favorite thing to do is to play ball and go for car rides. She also loves chasing our cats around the house, much to their dismay. She loves going to Dairy Queen for an occasional Pup Cup. — Pamela Genovesi Macdonald, Clayton
SCOOTER
Could there be a cuter, more personable cat? Scooter is a sweet kitty who earned his name as a newly adopted kitten who couldn’t get his “wheels” going on the hardwood floors. His legs would spin in circles like a scooter!
This adorable 16-year-old cat serves as an efficient office assistant when not on the lookout for birds or watching Lucky Dog. A few weeks ago he urgently alerted his owner to a water pipe break in the middle of the night, proving that Lassie has nothing on him! — Kathi Bentley, Cary
SAGE AND BANKS
Sage and Banks are a sister and brother duo who entered our family in September 2020. Like many others I am sure, we added these two dogs to our family. Sage is our son Bryan’s and Banks is our daughter Sara’s. They love playing together in our Lochmere Highlands home and they have helped brighten lots of neighbors and friends with their energy and play. Given the year 2020 was, they have provided real joy to so many in such a short period of time. — Rob & Julie Nauman, Cary
KIA
She came to me because her first owner went into hospice. She loves to run all over the house, but her little cat feet sound like a herd of cattle. She loves to play, purr and eat treats.
I said we weren’t going to be those people buying a quarantine puppy. We already had a dog and a cat, plus a 7-year-old and a 4-yearold. Our house already felt like a zoo. Then my husband’s friend fostered this puppy, and my husband fell in love. The adoption agency came by to meet us, and the next thing I know, we were signing papers and had a puppy again! We decided to name him Oakley for the City of Oaks.
Those first two days were rough, navigating virtual school, a busy preschooler who wasn’t too sure about our new puppy, and the constant playing of the puppy and our older dog. Then, I’d sit down at the end of the day, and the puppy would snuggle up next to me, and it would melt all my stress away. I wasn't in the greatest headspace at the end of last year, but those puppy snuggles saved me on the hard days. Now we’re in a groove, and while it's not always easy having a busybody puppy around, we wouldn’t trade him for the world. — Patty Chandley, Raleigh
PENNY
My 7-year-old Dalmatian Lucky Penny is a hoot. Although she's deaf, she doesn't let her deafness define her! She's a fast runner and has participated in AKC Fast CAT, where the dog runs 100 yards chasing a lure. Penny is a neighborhood favorite; five neighborhood girls have had their first job as Penny's afternoon walker. Penny and I walk around town to earn miles toward the Dalmatian Distance Log Program. As a result, we've walked every trail and visited every park in Cary.
— Joann Keyton, Cary
BRISCO
Brisco is my constant companion. When I’m sick, Brisco lies right beside me and will stay there for hours. When I fainted recently and fell to the floor, I was woken up by his licking my face. The doctor said it was probably a good thing I had him.
On good days he loves going to the dog park here in Cary and socializes with the other dogs. He always makes me smile with his expressive eyes.
WILBUR
We live in Cary and have a beach house in the Outer Banks in Hatteras. We recently lost our golden retriever, Oakley, and our Pekinese-Pomeranian, Choo Choo. We wanted a pup that reminded us of our beloved dogs, so we chose Wilbur from a breeder in Virginia who breeds mini-goldens (golden retriever/Cavalier King Charles spaniel.) We named him after Wilbur Wright!
Wilbur is a playful, cuddly, kissable, soft and silky, well behaved and smart puppy. Our whole family (my husband Richard and my three 20-something kids) have fallen in love with him! He is indeed “Mr. Wright!” — Aleece Spalding, Cary
AVERY
Avery is a 2-year-old Maltipoo who is an energetic, loving, people- and dog-person bundle of joy! She loves taking walks, chasing birds, seeing people, and running in large circles. She is the love of our life, and brings joy to us every day with some kind of crazy antic.
If you talk to her or ask her if she wants to go for a ride or see her cousins, she looks you straight in the eye and cocks her head like, “What did you say Mom or Dad?”
WICKET AND WILLOW
Our pups are papillons and are true to the breed: friendly, alert and happy. They should also add yappy. The big dog, Wicket, weighs 6 pounds and is 13 years old. The little dog, Willow, weighs 4 pounds and is 4 years old.
We love these guys!
— Alisa Wright Colopy, Cary
MURRAY
Murray is a very laid back rescue cat! He lives with the Owens family in Apex, including four girls who love him, a dog, two other cats and three rats. It is a very active household but nothing bothers him. He just finds his spot on the chair and tunes out the chaos. — Beth, Bruce, Molly, Caroline, Elise and Emily Owens of Apex, and Thanta Isenhour of Cary
ARLO
Life is less lonely with a dog! Arlo, an Australian cattle dog, wakes up every day just happy. He was abandoned as a puppy, and I was lucky enough to rescue him. You can’t help but smile when you are around him, as he is just so funny and full of personality. He always wants to be with me, and does not know the meaning of personal space! I would not have it any other way. — Carolynn Klein, Apex
GUSTER
Thanks so much for allowing us the opportunity to show our adorable new puppy, Guster! He’s 75% miniature poodle and 25% Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
A few months prior to getting Guster we got a puppy who was tragically killed. A year prior to that we lost our 16-year-old miniature poodle. While heartbroken, we had 16 wonderful years with her! My husband, both boys, and I were with her when she passed. Who could ask for more than all those wonderful years and time together? Having little Guster is especially a joy to us right now! — John & Krista Andrukonis, Cary
CRYSTAL
Crystal is a mutt. We got her from the Rockingham Humane Society when she was just 8 weeks old. She is now 10 years old and going strong. She's considered a senior dog, but you wouldn't know it. She's doggone awesome! She's loyal and determined to get the squirrel out in our yard. — Holly Lurcock, Cary
KNEESOX
Kneesox is a 12-year-old Cornish Rex cat who loves people! She has a short, wavy coat that feels like velvet and hardly sheds. My husband and I adore how affectionate (and needy) she is. She is very vocal and always has something to say!
I adopted Kneesox when she was 5 years old as a retired show cat. She used to live a busy life on the road with her previous owners, competing in Cat Fanciers’ Association shows and winning ribbons. Now, she is enjoying her golden years getting spoiled. When she’s not curled up on our laps, she can usually be found buried under a blanket, or lounging in her personal heated bed. — Caitlin Allegrezza, Morrisville
BLAZE
This is Blaze the Ragdoll. He enjoys walking outside on a leash, lying on his back in the middle of the floor, and sitting around looking beautiful.
MAUI
Maui loves hanging out at her favorite downtown Cary spot, Pharmacy Bottle + Beverage.
— Dana Duvernay, Cary
JOSIE
Josie loves protecting the house from birds and squirrels. — Karen Duvernay, Cary
HARLEY
Harley loves visiting the Starbucks on N.W. Maynard Road in Cary. This is her when mom doesn’t get her a pupachino. — Dana Duvernay, Cary
BEAR AND KAI
Our son’s black puppy, Bear, loves our little white dog, Kai! Kai was rescued from living with 48 other dogs and has to be the sweetest dog ever!
BIRDIE
Birdie the yellow Lab is sweet, cute and so much fun. She’s the best addition to our family full of boys, which includes her older brother, Leo, a 4-year-old golden retriever. Birdie was born Nov. 1, 2020, she came home Dec 7. She was 8 weeks in the photo. — Jennifer Persinger, Apex
HENRY
Henry is 2 years old, and he loves going to the beach, golf cart rides, stealing kitchen towels and dad's stinky socks. He has definitely loved having mom and dad home during quarantine. He sits on the porch all day and watches the golfers come by. — Justin Sharpe, Cary
BLAYDEN
Brody is the youngest, just one year old. He leaps for joy and starts “singing“ as soon as my car turns in his driveway.
Blayden is more reserved. At 8 years old, he is not so much into leaping, but he has joined in the vocalizing. He has a most endearing nurturing behavior. If he hears you sneeze, he will run right over and jump up and study your face with great concern, until you reassure him that you are OK.
Kona is the old lady of the group at 11. Her whole body wiggles with delight when she sees me, and she is quite good at being first in line for a hug and a pet, even before the grandchildren or my daughter or son-in-law!
BRODY KONA
— Sue Buning, Cary
GIN AND TONIC
We adopted these brothers two years ago, after we had lost our Boo Kitty, and these boys healed our hearts. They roughhouse all the time and cuddle so cutely when it's nap time. Tonic is more lively and is a definite mama's boy. Gin is the gentleman of the pair and loves to hang out with my husband and oldest son. We love these guys and are so thankful they are a part of our family. — Jennifer Smith, Apex
NORMAN & NELLIE
The tan dog is Norman; he’s 6 years old. Nellie is the brindle; she’s 10 months. They are both bullmastiffs from the same breeder. They are the best dogs ever and the biggest, sweetest babies. They even have an Instagram page, @norman_and_nellie. — Meghan Roy, Cary
FRAN & FIONA
Fran the Frenchie and Fiona the English bulldog are both N.C. puppy mill rescues we’ve had for nine years. — Jin and
Heather Lee, Apex
BISCUIT
My dog Biscuit loves being praised and fawned over. He is the neighborhood greeter and alerts me when the mail truck arrives and the Amazon truck is out front. — Richard Lewison, Holly Springs
CHANCE, JORDAN & DRAKE
Chance, a Lab mix, is 11 years old; Jordan the cat is 13; and Drake, an American Labrador, is 10. I rescued all of them at a year old. I’ve been a veterinary technician and worked in the field when I rescued Chance. I couldn’t afford his vet visits but knew I wanted to keep him, so I started working at the veterinary kennel. I love my pets but they all have some sort of medical problem that may affect their longevity. — Jessica Luyben, Wilmington
PIPER
Piper is a 4-year-old English springer spaniel with a ton of personality! He is quite handsome and well behaved, although a bit hard headed at times. He is the center of the household, loves to swim, run in the woods, chase squirrels and rabbits, and be a most patient babysitter for our 2-year-old grandson.
One of his funniest antics is that he takes himself outside at night to do his business, but carries a lit flashlight in his mouth so he can see where he is going. Pretty smart, huh? — Barbara O’Cain & Dave Searcy, Cary
JAZZ
Our sweet rescue cat Jazz likes to take naps in the sun. This morning it was a little bright. — Beth Foley, Cary
MISTY
Misty, our 3-year-old King Charles Cavalier spaniel, loves walking on our beautiful Cary greenways! She has been an incredible companion for us during pandemic isolation. We are seniors and so thankful for her unconditional love and the joy she has brought us.
— Gail and Jay Crosson, Cary
CODY AND CHARLIE
Cody and Charlie love exploring the Triangle with their human. Here they are enjoying a Holly Springs Salamander game at Ting Park! — Abby Moody, Willow Spring
TED
Ted gets a lot of attention cruising around town, soaking up the sun in his convertible. He even poses for photo ops at stoplights. — Melissa Levesque, Leland, N.C.
