November Issue of Downeast Dog News by Downeast Dog News

Maine Lic #F1083

Volume 7 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 11 â&#x20AC;˘ November 2012

Smart End New of the Leash Building

Inside

by Laurie Kimball

Book Review

Grooming Business Directory 101

See GRATEFUL on page 8

Knowing better than to get drawn into chasing him, I did my best to get him to recall or to stay put. However, even when I asked for down/stay from a distance, one of his best cues, he only offered it after running to

Painting by Gay Freeborn

As Grateful As We Are

DowneastDogNews.com

inch of crunchy snow, trying to coax Amos into the house. A handsome Last Thanksgiving, just as our and curious Australian Shepherd, guests were due to arrive, I was Amos is the sweet and goofy standing in my yard atop half an barometer on my life. Amos had decided he was not coming in. In fact, he was not coming near me, even for his favorite treats.

by Kate Cone

FR E

Downeast Dog News All the dog news you need!

Hot Dog News Pints for PAWS Raises $1100 for P.A.W.S BHS Wraps Up Adoption Event

CAMDEN —Loyal Biscuit Co. and Smokestack Grill teamed together to host a fundraiser “Pints for Paws” to benefit P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center (formally Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League). It was the first time the businesses have partnered for the cause. The evening exceeded our expectations. In just three short hours on a Wednesday night, almost 200 people came through the doors, enjoyed dinner, purchased raffle tickets, and, like the name says, enjoyed 202 pints of beer to benefit the shelter. We are excited to say that we raised $1,100.00! We would like to thank the following for helping us to have an amazingly successful night: Paddy Mills, Jennifer Chapman, Peter Gray of Federal Distributors & Sea Dog Brewing Co., Fidelis Biscuit Co., KDK Apparel Printing

Heidi Vanorse Neal, co-owner Loyal Biscuit Co; Lisa Dresser, Executive Director of P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center; Colleen Wellman, Manager Smokestack Grill

& Embroidery, Lupine Collars and Leads, Harbor Hounds, Yankee Clipper, Rockland Animal Hospital, Wag-It, PenBay Veterinary Associates, Snow Sport & Spine, Mutt Nose Best, Safe Harbor Confections, Camden

Hospital for Animals, Three Dogs Café & Bakery, Stillwater Farms, Camden Embroidery, Clean Bee Laundry, and Party Fundamentals. Also, we owe a big thank-you to our respective staffs for their help with the event.

BANGOR—The Bangor Humane Society is one of 50 animal rescue organizations nationwide that has been competing in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge event August 1 to October 31, 2012. The Challenge was to get more animals adopted, or returned to their owners, than ever before. Not only did we compete to “save more lives,” but also for a chance at the grand prize of $100,000 from the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The Bangor Humane Society’s goal during this event was to adopt out a minimum of 1200 animals during the three-month competition. “We are energized and driven by the possibility to transform our agency through this challenge into the premier pet adoption facility in our community,” says Suzan Bell, Executive Director. “If we win any grant money from this challenge, we will reinvest the money into developing and strengthening our community outreach programs to expand

See ADOPTION on page 12

Haunted Walk Draws Hundreds of Scaredy Cats

WEST KENNEBUNK—Animal Welfare Society volunteers, Behind the Scenes Charity, along with University of New England students and the Wells High School Cheerleading Squad, brought the woods to life for

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the 4th Annual Haunted Walk on October 13. The walk attracted hundreds of people of all ages and raised over $1600 for the animal shelter. Included in the cast of characters were zombie cheerleaders, Bigfoot, a mad scientist, chain saw murderer, witches, and ghouls. Behind the Scenes Charity spends all year preparing for the walk. The week prior to Halloween, the group builds elaborate scenes in the woods with spooky twists and turns around every corner. Gloria Berry says, “It’s our way of supporting the work that the AWS does day-in and day-out and allows us to have fun while we are doing it! Every year the walk has grown. We’ve added more and more props and it attracts more and more people.” She added, “It’s a lot of work! When it is over I’m exhausted, but as

soon as the last box is packed, I start thinking about ways to improve it the next year!” About Behind the Scenes Charity In 2004, Scott Kearney and Gloria Berry, along with family and friends, decided to capitalize on their love of Halloween and their desire to support the work of local nonprofits by creating a haunted walk. Over the years they have donated thousands of dollars to organizations that

address domestic violence, homelessness, hunger, and animal welfare. In 2008, they walked through the wooded property of the AWS and decided it was a perfect location and a perfect cause for their group to support. The Animal Welfare Society exists to provide humane shelter and care to animals temporarily in need of housing, and to further the cause of responsible animal adoption and ownership through education and public awareness. The society actively promotes kindness, the elimination of cruelty and neglect to all animals, and the lifelong commitment of people to their pets. For more information please visit www.animalwelfaresociety.org.

More Hot Dog News on page 12

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Downeast Dog News welcomes submissions of local news, events and photos. Email: info@ downeastdognews.com. COPYRIGHT 2006-2012 All contents of Downeast Dog News are protected under United States copyright law. The contents may not be reprinted or reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Downeast Dog News are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher. Content of ads is the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content and Downeast Dog News assumes no liability for any errors, omissions or claims made by its contributors or advertisers.

From the Publisher

It's Monday morning October 29th. The leaves are falling and the wind is blowing. The effects of Hurricane Sandy is on its way. I removed all the lawn furniture and anything else in the yard that is not planted or anchored down. Now it’s time to get the November issue ready for press. As I work on the paper I'm wondering how long I'll have power? And I'm very distracted by the Internet images and Facebook posts! Update: On Monday afternoon a huge history-making storm hit some major cities. The forecasters are now calling it "Frankenstorm!" The images on the Internet are unbelievable! I

Rex & I Hiking Beech Hill, Rockport have family in CT, RI, and MA. I hope they are all safe! My heart and prayers go out to the crew of the HMS Bounty and their loved ones. What a horrific journey they must have gone through.

Be the Smart End of the Leash

by Dog Scouts of America There are four parts to being the “smart” end of the leash; responsibility, management, communication, and expectations. As a Dog Scout parent, you are the “thinking” end of the leash. You give your dog the attention and protection he deserves, and you are not afraid to tell another person to get his or her dog away from your dog. You handle any situations so that your dog doesn’t have to. That’s the covenant you have with your dog. You are aware of the environment and the changing situations around your dog. You know your dog well enough to know what types of situations will make your dog nervous. You do everything you can to manage, control, or avoid those types of situations. When your dog sees that he or she no longer has to be “on guard” for developing situations (because you have taken on that job), the dog will be able to relax more and will be less reactive. You have learned to have your dog look at you on cue, which alone can get you out of potentially sticky situations. When your dog is looking at you, he is not making direct eye contact with another dog (a threat in dog language). It also appears to other dogs as if your dog is “looking away,” which is a calming signal and will help other dogs around you be less reactive with your dog. A dog that is paying attention to you is not “surfing the environment” for better and more interesting things.

He knows that you are the giver of wonderful things and that his good behavior is what gets him access to the smells, sights, and interaction in the environment. By making the dog responsible for his own behavior management, you have to do less asking for good behavior (sit, don’t

pull, leave it, don’t jump on that, etc.), which gives you more time to just enjoy your dog and be proud of how smart he or she is. You know how to conduct yourself in public. You are a good representative of a responsible dog parent. You clean up any messes your dog leaves behind (feces, urine, vomit, hair, half chewed rawhides, etc.) so that you will not be the cause of a ban on dogs (in a hotel,

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November 2012

It is late Monday now and I still have power. I'm getting calls from friends and family. A friend in Camden said they just lost their power. I had a restless sleep Tuesday night. It was hard to ignore the wind, rain, and creaking of the house. I allowed Rex and my cat, Mickey, on my bed. (I usually don't let them, but I made an exception.) Here in Thomaston we were very fortunate! We never lost power. Amazing! I pray for all the people and animals throughout the eastern part of our country that was affected. I'm sure it will be a long time before it's all cleaned up. I'm grateful we made it through with little or no damage.

park, or other public place). You obey all laws and rules regarding your dog and keep him on-leash or under excellent verbal control to keep him safe. You don’t allow your dog to harass people or interfere with their right to enjoy a public place. You set a good example that shows the joys of the human-canine bond. Your dog is under control and well-behaved, showing people what is possible with positive training. You know that if we, as dog parents, are to keep from losing any more privileges, we must act responsibly and must lead by example in our communities. We must always pick up our own dog’s waste, and when possible, pick up a few extras to keep dog parents from getting a bad reputation because of a few irresponsible people. You treat your dog with kindness, knowing that while he or she may not be “perfect,” your dog is PERFECT at being a dog. Unlike Pinocchio, your dog will not magically wake up one morning a “real boy.” He will always be a dog, and we, as parents, have to respect the differences in our species. You have taken it upon yourself to learn as much as possible about those differences and how to bridge the communication gaps. You know that punishment creates fear, and no learning can take place where there is fear. Your dog is not afraid to offer behaviors, worried that he might be “wrong” and get punished. I hope you both have learned that “wrong” is not bad, it is

See SMART END on page 5

Table of Contents Hot Dog News.............................. 2, 12 Basic Training Tips ........................... 4 New Building, Oxford Hills ........... 4 Pooch Pantry ..................................... 5 Baxter ................................................... 5 Furry Words ....................................... 6 Ask the Vet........................................... 6 Book Review, Dog On It ................ 7 Greatful ........................................ 8 & 9 Breed of the Month....................... 10 Grooming 101.................................. 11 Dogs for Adoption ..........................13 Calendar of Events...........................14 Business Directory .........................15

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

It's a Doggie Dog World

When we spend time with dogs, we dive headlong into a totally honest, nonjudgmental, revel-in-themoment world. "Dogs are sometimes the only real connection people have with nature." I heard this comment a few years ago and it stirred me. I'd never thought about this perspective of the dog/human relationship. I suppose I'd taken for granted lessons learned from a life full of outdoor activities and the exposure to a variety of species along the way. Observing animals in their natural environment is a wonderful way to witness the interconnectedness of life. Not all people have this opportunity. City-dwellers can potentially live a lifetime without seeing a moose ambling through the woods, but being around dogs is ubiquitous, even in these most urban of settings. Dogs share our hobbies, our obsession with round flying things, our love of good food, walks on the beach, affection, and afternoon snoozes. Remarkable!

Empathy: The Essential Human Element "Everyone that lives, lives not alone nor for itself," [William Blake]. What a lesson for each human to learn! Dogs as housemates provide a “living education,” and kids who have been taught how to properly interact with animals learn empathy and the joy of nurturing—skills that help them become good human beings. Dogs don’t pass judgment on choice of hairstyle, personal inadequacies, how we can (or cannot) throw the ball, how we talk or what our political persuasions might be. Their vision of the world is stripped down to what is relevant to them, moment by moment. Yesterday and tomorrow hold no significance. Dogs help us see beyond our own existence, ground us, help us live for the now. They are 100% honest 100% of the time. Because of this, and because they live not for us but with us, life is replete with opportunities to see the world from another perspective, to filter out our human biases in favor of a more black-andwhite existence. We need this! Communication and Co-Existence Dogs are visual creatures, experts in observation. Our actions, not words,

communicate most clearly to them. Seeing life through this canine lens teaches us a self-awareness we might not otherwise have, but to avoid miscommunication, we must open to learning canine language and culture. Why do we have dogs? Answers often include: “unconditional love,” “affection,” “desire to please,” and “for the kids.” This is wonderful, but there’s something big missing. What’s in it for the dog? The dog, after all, has no choices about his future. He relies purely on the luck of the draw insofar as what “home” is. Our perception of dog ownership is often idyllic and “Disney,” filled with the positives, but there is another side to this fantastic inter-species joint-venture. Challenges arise when we allow our needs to trump those of our dog’s when he is added to the household as an accessory rather than as an individual with his own needs and expectations. We know what the benefits can be for us to have dogs in our lives. It’s time to ask your dog, “what are the best things about your humans, and how can they improve?” I’d love to hear his answers!

Diana Logan, CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed Pet Connection Dog Training, North Yarmouth, Maine http://www.petconnectionmaine.com 207-252-9352

New Building for the Animals of Oxford Hills by Sandra A. Geddry

The exploding population of unwanted cats in the Oxford Hills

Midcoast Maine’s Destination For...

area of Maine has been an issue for of animals and contracted with towns together can cause stressful situations years. to take in dogs. for the animals and the caregivers. In 1995, this problem was addressed Space was made for the dogs in two According to Shirley Boyce, by opening the doors to Responsible small rooms that had been providing president of RPC’s Board of Directors, Pet Care of Oxford Hills, a shelter and rent income from a local veterinarian the influx of pets, particularly dogs, adoption center for cats and dogs in who recently had moved to a bigger over the past year is becoming a Norway, Maine. crisis. The overcrowding of Since the mission animals means more space is of saving cats began, needed to accommodate their thousands of cats have needs, as well as the overall found a safe refuge needs of the shelter. at the shelter and In addition to the severe eventually have been space limitations, maintaining placed into new homes. the old building is very costly. Because RPC is a Heating bills exceed $6000 a no-kill shelter many The New Responsible Pet Care Building! year. There are a number of older cats have lived repairs that should be done; out their natural lives in the small facility. such as a partial new roof, replacing shelter. Adding the dogs to the spacethe rotted floor in the kitchen, and In April 2011, the face of RPC limited shelter presented another replacing the oil tank. changed when the Allen Hill Animal challenge. The lack of usable land To address the current and future Shelter in Oxford closed its doors and gave little space for an outdoor pen. needs of the community, RPC has stopped housing dogs. A small play area has replaced part of made an offer on a facility that is two Consequently, RPC was approached the driveway. to three times bigger than the current by the town managers to solve the The inside space allows for only shelter. problem of where to house stray dogs. two large kennels and three to four See OXFORD HILLS on page 5 Once again RPC came to the rescue small kennels. Housing dogs this close

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Downeast Dog News

Pooch Pantry

By Baxter

Tuna Casserole & Peanutbutter Balls Having thumbs! Wonderful idea! If I had thumbs I’d give you two thumbs up—but I don’t. I too am a dog. My name is Danny (just turned one year old on September 1st). My mom says I seem to be able to eat anything, as long as it doesn’t come from a bag that says “dog food” on it. She can be funny sometimes. Seems when I eat any kind of “dog food” for any

length of time, I start having seizures. They scare me and mom both. She cooks everything for me, and I love it all. I don’t know what would have happened to me had it been someone other than my Mom that rescued me—but I’m awfully glad it was her!

Tuna Casserole

1/2 cup milk 1 - 6 oz can tuna (in water; drained and rinsed) 1 cup cooked rice or pasta 1/2 cup peas (or other veggie) 1 to 2 tablespoons cheese (parmesan, Swiss, etc.) In saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Mash in Tuna. Stir in rice/pasta, peas, and cheese. Let cool and serve.

Peanutbutter Balls

1/2 cup milk 1 cup natural peanut butter (I used Smucker's All Natural) 3 cups rolled oats (have used instant and non-instant) Mix milk and peanut butter until well blended. Add oats 1 cup at a time and mix. Roll into small balls and place on baking sheet with wax paper. Refrigerate until firm. Place in zip-lock bag. (Lasts 3 weeks in fridge; 4 months frozen)

What do you cook for your Pooch?

Oh & I'll even try them ! It's the least I can do!

SMART END

Hi Everyone, I'm excited to say that I got a few recipes this past month. Yum! Please continue to send them in, I'll continue to get paid in treats! I just had a peanutbutter ball and I Rufem! It's Tuna Casserole tonight! Thanks for helping, Rex Send them to Noreen@DowneastDogNews.com

from page 3

only information, and nothing to be afraid of. If incorrect behavior does not get rewarded, it makes the correct behavior (that does get rewarded) more clear to the dog. Punishment is not needed for the dog to understand when he has made the “wrong” choice. As a person, I hope you also realize that being wrong is just feedback from your universe, and that success can often be a 1000-step process with many wrong answers and dead-ends along the way. When Thomas Edison created the light bulb, it is said that he had 1000 trials that ended in no light bulb. A reporter asked him if he felt like a failure because he had “failed” 1000 times. Edison replied that he was not a failure, he created the light bulb, it was just a 1000-step process. Don’t be discouraged if a behavior you want to teach your dog becomes a 1000-step process. There is a light at the end of that tunnel. As a dog trainer, you must have a lot of patience and be willing to keep trying, even when you are not seeing instant results. You realize that dogs will work better for positive reinforcement, and that the problem with punishment training is that you must always have

November 2012

the threat of punishment looming over your dog’s head to get him to perform. He will never do what you ask because he “wants” to—he is only performing to escape an aversive. You also know that punishment inhibits ALL behaviors, so if you punish for one behavior, the dog will be afraid to perform any behaviors for fear it will result in punishment. You know that for this reason, crossover dogs will take longer to learn to trust that you will not punish them. (Note: crossover dogs are dogs that started their training with a punishmentbased training method, but now have a trainer that uses all positive training.) Knowing what you now know, we hope you will go home with this information and spread it like a disease, infecting everyone everywhere you go with responsible dog parenting and positive training methods. Like a pebble dropping into the water, the ripples reach out far from the original point of entry. We hope you will become involved in community service and public education in the communities where you live, because you WILL have an

See SMART END on page 7

Living With Your Humans The title of this column is “Living With Your Humans.” The question this month is why? Why have we chosen to live with creatures with a bird’s sense of smell, a snake’s ability to hear, and a mole’s eyesight; creatures who move at the speed of a well-fed porcupine? What is it that long ago impelled us to move in with humans? My friend Rex has a one-word answer: thumbs. He’s kind of a cynic. I agree that they use their thumbs all the time. But it’s what they do with their thumbs that makes the relationship so valuable to us. They: • build big, warm comfortable crates for themselves and share them with us; • have beds they sleep in at night and don’t seem to mind if we sleep on them during the day; • provide shiny white bowls of water that somehow are always full (there are three of them in our crate); • go out and forage for food while we sleep and bring it to us in big bags, and even put it right in our bowls; • open doors for us, throw sticks for us, pull ticks off us, and best of all, pet us; • take us to play with our friends, take us to the beach and on hikes, walk us whenever we ask, and then run around behind us and pick up our waste. Can you think of another creature that would do all that for us? And what do we have to do in return? Not much! Just be there. Be happy to see them when they come home. Wag our tails; warn of the occasional delivery person. Let’s face it! If humans didn’t exist we’d have to invent them. Chow! Baxter

Oxford Hills

from page 4

The new facility that RPC hopes to call home is located at 9 Lower Shallow Road in Paris. Boyce believes the new, industrialstyle building, will fill the shelter’s immediate need for space and safer working conditions. “It's amazing what a difference it would make for the welfare of the animals as well as the employees,” said Boyce. The larger space will provide more cage-free area for the 85 to 100 cats housed daily at RPC. There will be room for 12 spacious kennels for the dogs and a separate entrance where the animal control officer can bring in a stray dog,

making entry into the shelter less stressful for an anxious animal. RPC has a building fund campaign to raise $350,000 to purchase the building and make the renovations needed to house animals. A contractual agreement gave the shelter a $35,000 goal to meet by December 1 to secure the building. Donations to the building fund can be sent to Responsible Pet Care, PO Box 82, Norway, Maine, 04268. Mark “Building Fund” on the check. Please be sure to check out our Video on youtube. www.rpc.petfinder.com. http://youtu.be/d6F2O3C_880.

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Furry Words Sara Moore, Animal Communicator

This month I want to share a beautiful story about gratitude. It starts many years ago when Sue fell in love with golden retrievers. Her family grew up to 9 dogs at times. All loved, well taken care of, and very much a part of her family. I met them all in August at Camp Lucy in Freedom, NH. They were there to celebrate and raise funds for the Goldstock Fund. The mission is to provide funds to rescue organizations or individuals to pay for transportation, boarding, evaluations, and medical costs of golden retrievers and golden-hearted dogs taken into rescue. They also provide educational information and materials to rescues and the public. As I watched them walk toward me, one gentle old golden stood out from the rest. Skylar is a Canadian Champion who won both Best Puppy in Show and Best Puppy in Specialty Show. Her show career was cut short by an emergency spay due to pyometra and now she has a brain tumor. From the perspective of her owner, life has not been fair to her at all. Skylar has an old sweet face, a kindness that radiates from her and also a knowing that her life on earth is coming to an end. We saved her reading for last and I asked her what would make her happy. I got very clearly, a statement for Sue. “I want a picture with my head on your shoulder, floating

in the water.” I had seen a similar picture on the internet and asked her if she wanted one like that. “Yes! This weekend! I want you to have it so you can remember me and the times we’ve had together.” Sue agreed that they would do that to honor her, and wanted me to make sure Skylar knew how much she had affected their lives and how grateful they were to have her. They didn’t need me to tell her that, because she knew. But I did remind her and asked them to please share the images with me when they got them. What I received in my email a few weeks later was amazing. Through my tears I looked at it over and over, simply taken by the peace and gratitude the photo represents. What a gift to have such love between two energies. Between the whole family, really. They are so grateful to have had Skylar ask for what she wanted and grateful to have the image to remember her by. I asked Sue if I could share the story with you, and this is the reply I received. “Funny about gratitude and being grateful. As it was our Thanksgiving on Monday, I posted on Facebook that I was thankful that Skylar was still here with me to take the family portrait that I took.” That, my friends, is what it’s all about. Within hours of this article being submitted, Skylar crossed the rainbow bridge. Her story is now told. Sara Moore is a Reiki Master, Hypnotist, Psychic, and Animal Communicator. She is available for long distance readings, parties, and fundraising. More information and a full calendar of events can be found at www.enlightenedhorizons.com or contact Sara directly at furrywords@ downeastdognews.com.

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Lic.#1212

Ask the Vet . . . Mushroom and Mold Toxicity in Dogs and Cats Autumn is mushroom season in Maine, and they are everywhere; sprouting up through fallen leaves, on the edges of damp tree trunks, even in your garden. Some mushrooms are very toxic to dogs and cats, as well as to people. Add molds to the mix and you have a real toxic smorgasbord growing right in your backyard! Mushrooms grow wild in most areas of the world, but toxicity will vary from species to species. Medical professionals will tell you that if it doesn’t come from a grocery store, don’t eat it! However, try to tell that to your dog. Cats can be affected as well, but since dogs and puppies are more indiscriminate eaters, they are more susceptible to fungal toxicity. Mold can manifest with very similar clinical signs as mushroom toxicity. Moldy bread or cheese, moldy grain (livestock feed), and compost are some of the sources of this particular type of toxin. Since identification of mushrooms and mold can be very difficult, we can lose valuable time that could better be used treating potential exposure. This article is designed to help educate you about the types of mushrooms we have in our area, what the clinical signs of toxicity are, and how to best treat your pet if he or she is exposed. Mushrooms and mold fall into several different categories with signs ranging in severity from temporary nausea to death. In general, most fungal toxicities will have a rapid onset of action, from 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Most animals will vomit, but tremors and incoordination are also commonly seen. More severe intoxications may develop tremors or seizures later in the course of events. The more severely toxic mushrooms cause fulminant liver failure, hemorrhage, kidney failure, and death. Molds are typically less severe, and clinical signs are usually limited to vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors, although seizures may occasionally occur with these, as well. If you suspect your pet may have ingested mushrooms or mold; • Immediately contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (1-888-426-4435; $65 consultation fee). Time is critical in treating potential exposure. • Induce vomiting. Use one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide per FIVE POUNDS of body weight. Do not exceed THREE TABLESPOONS total. If in doubt, give less not more. Hydrogen peroxide is potent! Large volumes can cause life threatening stomach ulceration. If your dog does not vomit, do not attempt other methods to induce vomiting. DO NOT GIVE SALT to induce vomiting. • Proceed to your veterinarian or to the closest veterinary emergency hospital as quickly as possible. Treatment following fungal ingestion involves detoxification with activated charcoal, seizure control if necessary, and supportive therapy. While activated charcoal “pellets” are available at many health food stores, these are less effective at absorbing potentially lethal doses

Dr. Sarah Sweet unless given in impractically large doses. DO NOT GIVE CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES. Activated charcoal is a very porous substance that binds toxins in the digestive tract, preventing them from recirculating and causing further damage. Your veterinarian will administer activated charcoal in liquid form every 4 to 6 hours depending on the case. You will also want to monitor blood work for one or more days following exposure to ensure that permanent liver or kidney damage has not occurred. A few of the mushrooms found in our area include: Amanita (Destroying Angel, Death Cap) and Galerina (Deadly Galerina). Amanitas are domeshaped with small dots and a round bulb, and Galerinas are small and brown. These are among the most toxic mushrooms. Abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea occur within the first 6 to 12 hours and then temporarily subside, but later develop into fulminant liver failure, kidney failure, and ultimately death. Gyromitra and Verpa (“False Morels”), and Helvella (Elfin Saddle). Also present with vomiting and diarrhea, usually within the first 6 to 24 hours, but it can take up to two days to see these effects. Eventually, liver and kidney failure, seizures, and ultimately death, can occur within a few days. Psi lo cybe, Pa n a e olu s, Gymnopiuls, Concybe, and Stropharia are the so-called “magic mushrooms.” Toxic exposure typically manifests with vomiting, disorientation, hallucinations (dangerous, unpredictable behavior), tremors, and dilated pupils. Signs usually resolve within 24 hours without significant long term effects. Boletus (Lilac Brown Bolete) Inocybe, Coprinus, and Clitocybe are muscarine-containing mushrooms and commonly present with excessive salivation, lacrimation (tear production), urination, and defecation (or “SLUD” in veterinary language) and occur within the first two hours. Omphalotus (The Jack O’ Lantern) is often confused with the Chanterelle, and causes gastrointestinal upset. Clinical signs can last as long as two days, but are usually self-limiting. Dr. Sweet co-owns Atlantic Veterinary Care with Dr. Karin Tichy. AVC is the newest small animal practice on the mid-coast, located in the Coastal Marketplace in Damariscotta. Drs. Sweet and Tichy offer appointments Monday through Saturday, as well as 24/7 emergency services for established clients of AVC. Call 563-8387 (563VETS) for an appointment.

Downeast Dog News

by Kate Cone

Dog On It, by Spencer Quinn

I never thought I’d love a book told from a dog’s point of view. But true love it is! Spencer Quinn, a writer from Cape Cod, has written a detective novel series featuring the sassy mutt Chet and his owner Bernie Little. The pair live and work as private detectives in the desert of southern California—the same stomping grounds as the king of private eyes, Raymond Chandler. The first in his Bernie and Chet series is Dog On It, and it’s completely believable and a fun read. The author explained how he decided to use Chet the dog as the narrator of the story: My wife said ”How about doing

SMART END

something with dogs?” The basic building blocks came to me right there at the kitchen table: two detective pals; narration by the four-legged one; and all in the first person, which I'd never tried before in a novel. Plus the most important thing—Chet would not be a talking dog (or be undoggy in any way) but would be a narrating dog. Anything that thinks and has memory must have a narrative going on inside. I went to the office over the garage— commuting distance of fifteen feet— and wrote the first page. Then I wanted to know what happened next. In the first novel of five now, Bernie and Chet investigate the

★★★ ★★

Book Review

disappearance of Madison Chambliss, a teenage girl who may have been kidnapped, or may just be testing her mother by disappearing on her own for a day or more. Bernie takes the case reluctantly, “something about a cash-flow problem that Chet’s not at all clear about …” And the two are off on the adventure of solving the case. Chet begins the story with: I could smell him—or rather the booze on his breath … All five of Quinn’s Bernie and Chet novels have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.

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impact on those around you, even if it is just by letting people observe the joy of having a well-mannered dog and being a responsible parent. That is the Dog Scout Way.

Top 10 reasons to leash your dog when in public:

1. It’s the LAW—In many areas, it is the law that dogs must be on-leash. Many of the reasons for this are listed below. It can be very costly if your dog is seen by an officer or ranger or if your dog is involved in an incident while off-leash. 2. Aggressive Dogs—Just because your dog is friendly does not mean that the dog he’s meeting is nice. If the aggressive dog is on-leash and bites your off-leash dog, you will not be able to collect any money for your dog’s vet bills and you will likely be fined for having your dog off-leash, even if your dog does not survive the attack. 3. Fearful People—Many people of all ages are afraid of dogs. Not only is it rude to allow your dog to frighten people, it could cost you. If your dog causes a fearful person to get hurt in their attempt to get away from your dog, you could be held liable for their medical bills. People have a right to protect themselves from a perceived

leton Ridge p p A e t C a re P

threat, so even if your dog is friendly, if they see it as aggressive they can hurt or kill your dog in self-defense and you have no legal recourse. 4. Poison—Your dog could get into something poisonous or into dangerous trash like cooked chicken bones before you can stop it. This can cause gastric perforation, or renal failure, resulting in large vet bills or the extremely painful death of your dog. 5. Chasing—Your dog could chase wildlife into a street. If your loose dog causes an auto accident, you can be responsible for the repairs/ injuries. If your dog chases a child into the street, your problems could be much more substantial. 6. Ban on Dogs—It is often the actions of just a few irresponsible people that cause a location to prohibit dogs. If you break the rules or laws, you are one of those irresponsible owners regardless of the training level of your dog. 7. Mind of Their Own—Dogs have a mind of their own and even a welltrained dog can choose to disregard your “come” command. Please don’t rely on training alone to contain your dog and keep him/her safe. 8. Small Dog is Prey—Often times people feel that because their

dog is small, it’s OK to let them run free. Many small dogs have been killed by bigger dogs because they are seen as a prey animal. If your small dog is off-leash when it gets attacked and possibly killed, especially if the attacking dog is on a leash or contained in a yard, then you may have no legal recourse for compensation. 9. All Dogs Can Bite—Without a leash, you have no control over the situations your dog could get into. If someone threatens your dog to a point that it feels it needs to defend itself, your dog could bite. This could cause you to be liable for the injuries caused by that bite. 10. It is the Responsible Thing to Do—When you are in public with your dog, you are representing all other dog owners. People will judge all dogs by your dog’s actions,

especially people that don’t own dogs or that don’t like dogs. As a dog owner, you have certain responsibilities that should not be ignored. Keep your dog safe by keeping on-leash. The people you see on the news with dogs that cause horrific situations never expected they would be in that situation. No one expects to be the owner of a dog that causes a death, gets killed, or bites someone. However, you can greatly reduce your chances of that happening if you act responsibly and as an ambassador for good dogs everywhere. For more info go www.DogScouts.org. Our dogs want to continue to be able to enjoy nature’s parks and public areas with us. By being responsible owners, obeying leash laws, and always being prepared to pick up after our dogs, we can all set a good example.

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farthest corner of the fenced yard. I had a juicy bone waiting for him in his crate in the house, which he would love even with all the anticipated people, but there seemed no way to get him there. It was chilly, but not too cold for him to be out for a few hours. Nonetheless, I had no intention of leaving him outside alone, whether that was my need or his. I had not seen his fear triggered this way for more than a year and I was determined he was going to come inside with me or I would celebrate Thanksgiving with him in the yard. When I adopted Amos in 2008, he had spent the ﬁrst year of his life in a giant puppy mill “running with the pack.” He had no appropriate socialization to people, no training, and no guidance on what to expect when living with a family of humans. He was likely to bolt if you approached and was fearful of people and most everything else, especially grocery bags and brooms. In those early days I remember being so excited when, from across the room, he would look me right in the eye with his gorgeous baby blues. He wanted to be with us, that look said, but needed time and the opportunity to learn how. I already adored him and was so thankful he had found us. We took him to dog school at Tree Frog Farm, created a training plan, and engaged him in lots of play and structured activity to build his trust and conﬁdence. Family Dog

Class, Canine Good Citizen Certification, agility, tricks, hiking, fetch and lots of exposure to new experiences were the foundation; along with lots of treats, careful management, and plenty of TLC. He thrived… learned… bonded… hiked mountains off leash, visited senior citizens, and learned to excitedly greet visitors with his ever so social older Aussie brother, Beau. I was so proud of him as he blossomed into a lovely family dog, and couldn’t help but be proud of our family for helping him along that path. In Amos’ third year with us, we began a noisy eighteen-month renovation project, which encompassed every spare moment, then brought a human baby brother into the family, and finally moved into the new house. Amos seemed to survive the upheaval unscathed. He was living the life of a normal, confident, social dog with only occasional reminders there was a fearful pup still inside. Or so I thought. Standing in the yard now, it was clear that Amos must have been balancing on his threshold. The events of this busy day had toppled this Aussie from his wall. Moving tables and chairs, and a whirlwind of cooking and cleaning, particularly the broom and vacuum cleaner, were the final straws. My Thanksgiving Day plan for the dogs had been in place for days: the big juicy bones in their crates to take their minds off the chaos in the house. If I had been paying

“Dogs have a w the people who ne an emptines know w —T

attention to the communication I was seeing, I would have known that was not good enough to be my whole plan. When I let the dogs out for a last pee before the guests arrived, Amos saw the chance to escape this nightmare and made his dash for the corner of the yard. Taking a deep breath of the chilly autumn air, I looked out over the frozen yard and the mist rising off the nearby lake. For the ﬁrst time on this busy day I noticed how beautiful it was outside. Already feeling calmer, I began to make my plan. I

Beau back out game of hide an for a sit and stay out of site and “h Beau “found” m watching from a Beau gets a tre again. Soon, Am us from a safe long after, he wa in the game. He excited to be pla own stress from and began to re

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ateful as we are

way of ﬁnding eed them, ﬁlling ss we don’t even we have.” Thorn Jones

invited tside to play a nd seek. I asked y while I walked hid.” I called and me, with Amos across the yard. eat and we start mos was joining e distance. Not as fully engaged e was happy and aying. I felt my m the day fade eally enjoy our

brief respite. We played hide and seek, did tricks, and ran around the yard burning off steam and Amos’ anxiety. Eventually, I brought our game close to the door. I gave both dogs some love and enjoyed this last moment of solitude before reaching for the knob. Amos willingly walked in the house and was happy to ﬁnd his crate with its Thanksgiving bone. People say how “lucky” Amos is to have me. The thing is, I am the one who is lucky to have Amos. Amos’ state of mind is often connected to mine. If I

am stressed or over stretched, it is likely he is not getting the structure or activity that he needs. It serves us both well for me to catch his message early and take him and Beau out for a romp or a swim or just do some tricks or training. I always end up appreciating the walk in the rain or the few minutes of play in a snowstorm. It is not really about what Amos needs. He is the barometer, and the reminder of what I need. I know a lot of dog people. Many I have been introduced to in some way or other through our dogs: through rescue, training classes, meeting on walks. Every one of them will tell you they are thankful for their dogs. And those with the more challenging canine companions are no different. My friends who participate in agility or ﬂyball or other competitions are thankful for the camaraderie of these activities, the challenge in practicing and succeeding, and the physical or mental ﬁtness necessary to engage in them. I have watched grownup men giggle while their pups chase bubbles across the lawn,

children tell their secrets to the family dog knowing it won’t get back to mom, and families plan their seating for movie time around whose turn it is to cuddle with the dog. Dogs make us feel better. The CDC reports that they decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and feelings of loneliness. At the same time they increase our amount of exercise, our time outdoors, and opportunities for socialization. No wonder we love them so much, even when they need us to walk in a Nor’easter, wake us up at dawn, or decide they are not coming in right now. I know I have found myself surprisingly grateful for a pre-dawn walk with the snow falling or the chance to sneak away from a crowd to toss the Frisbee. With the holidays around the corner, be sure to make a plan to set your dog up for success. You might also use the occasion to say thank-you to your pup with a juicy bone, an extra walk, a few tosses of the ball, or a special Maine-made gift. Most of all, take a moment to count the blessings your dog brings into your world.

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quality treats, food, pet care items, toys, handcrafted collars and leashes, “cushy beds” and commemorative art. It is always fun to ﬁnd that special something at local businesses. And don’t forget to tell them you saw their ad in DDN!

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Chow Chow

Breed of the Month

by Leah Haney I've been employed at Bridgton Veterinary Hospital for almost eight years. Having been here that long, I couldn't help but build relationships with certain dogs. One of my good “friends” here at the clinic is Hiro, a fluffy, red chow chow. He and I have a strict routine for every visit. I kneel down and ask him for a kiss. He comes over and gives me the tiniest little kiss on the very tip of my nose, but ONLY if I have a treat and ONLY the chewy ones—his favorite. My silly game with Hiro goes against all things I have ever heard about chows, that they are aloof, unfriendly, and possibly even untrustworthy with strangers. The chow chow is thought to be one of the world's oldest breeds. There are records dating back a thousand years before Christ of mid-sized, lion like dogs with blue/black tongues. Throughout its long history, the chow chow has served many purposes for man. From food, to clothing, to hunter, to fashion accessory for many 1920’s Hollywood movie stars.

Characteristics Adaptability Affection Level Apartment Friendly Barking Tendencies Cat Friendly Child Friendly Dog Friendly Exercise Needs Health & Grooming Health Issues Intelligence Shedding Level Social Needs Stranger Friendly Territorial Trainability Watchdog Ability Playfullenss

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So are any of the n e gati ve things I’ve heard about these dogs true, or are they all like my buddy, Hiro? I decided to speak with Hiro’s owners, Mr. and Mrs. Proctor, to find out. It was their beautiful, dignified look that initially attracted Mr. Proctor to chow chows. Their sharp mind is what he admires

Honey most. He has never had any other breed. He and Mrs. Proctor have had four chow chows during their married life together. They were both quick to start off our conversation with the topic of this breed’s personality. They were quite proud to say they have never had an unfriendly chow chow, however, they have gone to great lengths to find and then socialize each of their puppies. They always take them to as many new places as possible and encourage strangers to

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Hiro greet them. Yet, even with all this, they say not to expect your chow chow to be the “run and greet you with tail just a-waggin” type of dog like a retriever. Chow chows much prefer to assess a situation and greet people of their own accord. Actually, in the Proctors' experience, chow chows like to do most everything of their own accord. Hiro quite often does not come when he is first called, he seems to ask “why?” first. Trying to take him outside when he hasn’t asked usually gets a few moments of “the brakes” (four stiff unmoving legs) until he’s convinced he really wants to go. However, the Proctors say that their dogs have been extremely intelligent and learn very quickly. A chow chow’s sharp mind can easily get bored, however, and they seem

to enjoy testing their limits. Housebreaking has never been a struggle for the Proctors. They say the chow chow’s reputation for being a very clean dog is absolutely true. The puppies have all learned to “do their business” outside in just a few days. Caring for a chow chow requires significant upkeep. Brushing, brushing, and more brushing is an absolute necessity to keep their beautiful, heavy coat from matting. If you are unable to do this maintenance yourself then the professional services of a groomer will be needed about every six weeks. Because of their thick undercoat, chow chows are slightly prone to hot spots. The breed is also prone to an eye condition “entropion” where their eyelids roll inward too much, and can irritate their eyes, sometimes causing significant damage to the corneas. So if you love the look of this heavy boned, furry dog, consider carefully their unique temperament. Please take time to speak to many breedknowledgeable people first—your vet, a breeder, a breed rescue organizer. Chow chows require a great commitment of your time and effort to keep their coats in good condition and their brains challenged. With some final advice from Mr. Proctor: chow chows are definitely not the dog for everyone. For more information go to www.chowclub.org.

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Downeast Dog News

Grooming 101

My Dog, Nate

As an owner of a chow chow mix I have a lot of sympathy for people who have a hard time finding pet services that will accept their “unpopular” breed. Chow chows are notorious for having a bad reputation. The “breed most likely to turn on its owner” often describes them. It is my personal belief that “breedism,” as I refer to it, is just plain ignorant. Sure certain breeds are more likely to have behavioral issues, but as a groomer I have learned: ANY BREED CAN BITE YOU. For the record I’ve had to muzzle more poodles than chow chows or chow mixes. I’ve even had the ever popular family dogs; golden and labrador retrievers show me the business end of their chompers. When assessing if I can safely proceed to groom a dog it is all about the dog as an INDIVIDUAL.

by Phoebe Mendes It’s very important to understand the mind set of the breed you are working on. Chow chows can be difficult because unlike herding or working breeds they were bred for less temperament specific purposes. While best known as guard dogs they were also used for their coats and—it’s gross I know, sorry—food stock. When breeding a dog for the purpose of food or coat, as you can imagine, not a whole lot of attention was paid to temperament. The chow lines that were bred for guarding fared better but still tended to have a mean streak. With this breed I find that control is an illusion. I can do what keeps me and my charge safe but I’m not really forcing them to do anything they aren’t willing to let me do. Now back to the grooming table. The introduction is the most important step. You only get

one chance to make a good first impression that helps the groom go smoothly. I find that for most dogs the best approach is for me to IGNORE them. It seems odd but for dogs it’s all about body language. When a dog stares another dog in the eyes, and focuses all their attention on them, it’s perceived as a challenge. I like to offer them a hand or leg to sniff while I talk with their owner about what results they want from the groom. This gives them a way to size me up without feeling threatened. The bottom line is to try and keep things low stress and let the dog process what is happening slowly. A dog who is forced or rushed is a dog who is 75 percent more likely to bite you. When scared most dogs revert to “fight or flight.” They will either fight you or run from you. If they can’t run then they often resort to biting. There are many stress indicators that should be watched. Fearful dogs are generally hunched low with their tails tucked, they may also try to hide behind their owners. Dogs that are prepared to defend themselves tend to broadcast that with the tension in their bodies. Stiff legs and shoulders are a sign it’s time to slow down and try to reassure them. I usually start with a

good old-fashioned butt scratch for two reasons: (1) Who doesn’t love a butt scratch? (2) You are as far away as possible from the end with teeth! If the butt scratch goes well I move slowly up the body massaging back and shoulders to help them loosen up. When they are no longer stiff and tense you can move on to the head/neck. It takes a huge amount of trust for a dog to let you into their “kill zone.” Respect it! Be Aware! If you are really “listening” to a dog, and being conscious of their body language, then 90 percent of the time you will have enough warning to move away from a bite. Now a note to the owners out there. Picking a groomer or other pet care service provider is hard. Take your time to find somebody you are comfortable with. It’s okay to ask questions, see who your friends use, and I greatly encourage asking for referrals. There is absolutely no reason why a groomer or other pet care service provider should decline to give phone numbers to a few of their clients. In the end your dog will tell you who they like. As owners and service providers we owe it to our four-footed friends to LISTEN to what they are trying to tell us. If you have questions about this article, or any other grooming problems, feel free to find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook. com/AsktheGroomer.PhoebeMendes.

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Hot Dog News Woofminster 2012 New Dog Wash Cleans Up South Portland More

SOUTH PORTLAND—Greater Portland dogs can go ahead and get dirty, now that a state-of-the-art dog wash has opened in South Portland. You Dirty Dog announced that its doors are now open to provide selfservice dog washing and detailing. Donna Luebke, co-owner of You Dirty Dog, bubbles over with excitement when she says, “We love your dirty dog!” “Dogs who live life to the fullest get dirty,” said Joy Tremont, Luebke’s business partner, “and while dirty means happy to dogs, we want to help their people get just as happy— going home with a clean dog.” The two have been working for several years to realize their vision of a dog wash that provides a lower cost alternative to full-service dog grooming and that celebrates the joy of dogs having fun and makes it fun to get them clean again. For as little as $15 for little dogs, and at most $28 for giant dogs, customers can wash, rinse, and dry their dogs in very little time with no

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appointment needed. Six enclosed self-service wash bays are equipped with waist-high ramp-entry tubs to save on backaches and sore knees—no lifting, bending, or kneeling necessary at You Dirty Dog. A special pet-bathing system accurately mixes and dispenses the right amount of water and shampoo for a down-to-the-skin wash and thorough rinse. All supplies are included, such as aprons, shampoos and conditioners, eye and ear cleaners, and grooming tools. “Customers can get their dogs clean without messing up their homes—no water, suds, and dog fur to clean up after, and no clogged drains. We take care of all that,” said Tremont. “Just go home and enjoy your clean pup!” About You Dirty Dog You Dirty Dog is located at 85 Western Avenue, South Portland. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday. Learn more about You Dirty Dog at http://www.YouDirtyDogMaine. com and https://www.facebook.com/ YouDirtyDogMaine.

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off-site adoption opportunities, grow our foster care family, and increase our collaborative partnerships with community organizations to increase the adoptability of our pets and to encourage pet adoption with our agency.” We offered special adoption fees throughout the last two-and-ahalf months and also launched a Mobile Adoption Program “Cats on Tour” that helped encourage and boost adoption numbers during the challenge. We wrapped up the three-month long competition with a Challenge Finale Mega Adoption Event. The event, a celebration of pet companionship and an opportunity to promote pet adoption, was held October 26 through October 28.

“Our goal through this adoption event was to end the challenge strong by achieving our goal, while seeing each of our animals get adopted into loving homes,” says Bell. Additionally, if BHS reached their goal and can land in the top 3 for a community vote on Facebook, they are eligible to win a $25,000 Community Engagement Award. Our staff and community have worked incredibly hard these last few months to save more lives, and we are proud to say we did just that,” says Stacey Coventry, BHS PR Manager. Update: as of 10 a.m. on Oct.31 the Bangor Humane Society reached its Downeast Dog News Guide: official adoption goal for the $100k Web Ad 120 pixels x 240 pixels Challenge. 1,179 animals saved since 1.667 x 3.333 August 1!

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Happy Paws @

PORTLAND —Planet Dog Foundation’s Annual Amateur Dog Show and Cover Dog Challenge, was another fabulous event. The weather did not cooperate, but the great collection of competing canines sure did! There were more than 100 people and 40 dogs competing in challenge categories and sniffing out a great time at Camp Ketcha in Scarborough, Maine on Saturday, September 29th. At the event, the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) raised more than $3,000 to help support service dogs, therapy dogs, K-9 search & rescue programs and other ways that dogs work to help people in need.

The Best in Show winner was Finch, a Woofminster rookie who stole the hearts of the celebrity judges with her gorgeous eyes and perky ears. For winning the Cover Dog Challenge, Finch won a professional photo shoot at Macomber Studios and a chance to be on the cover of the next Planet Dog catalog!

PORTLAND—Just in time for the approach of the holiday season Planet Dog has launched a new OrbeeTuff Twinkle Bone. The new dog toy features the same great signature bone shape the socially responsible pet leader originally launched 15-years ago with an added twinkle. Like all of Planet Dog’s products, 2 percent of its proceeds are donated to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service. PDF has contributed more than $875,000 in cash grants and in-kind donations to exemplary nonprofits throughout the country. The Orbee-Tuff Twinkle Bone is the latest tail-wagging addition to Planet Dog’s popular collection of OrbeeTuff Bones. Offered in translucent red (in honor of Christmas) and translucent blue (in honor Hanukkah), Twinkle will glimmer, shimmer, and shine through the holidays and beyond. The new Orbee-Tuff Twinkle Bone features Planet Dog's award-winning Orbee-Tuff material which is nontoxic and made in the USA. It is also extremely durable, bouncy, buoyant, recyclable, and even mint-scented.

Like all of Planet Dog’s products, it is 100 percent guaranteed. The suggested retail prices are: $6.45 for x-small (3-1/2″); $9.45 for small (5″); $11.95 for medium (6-1/2″); and $14.95 for large (8″). Consumers can buy them online at http://www.planetdog.com, by calling Planet Dog toll-free at 800-381-1516, or at retailers nationwide. Retailers can also call to purchase them or place an order online at http://www. planetdogretailer.com. Sit. Speak. Act.® Planet Dog is proud to donate 2 percent of every purchase of every Planet Dog product to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) to support canine service programs nationwide. PDF provides cash grants to programs throughout the country that train, place, and support dogs who help people in need. Since January 2006, PDF has given away more than $875,000 in cash grants and in-kind product donations. For more information and a full list of programs and grantees, please visit http://www.planetdogfoundation. org.

Finch is 2 years old and was rescued from the Delaware Humane Association in January 2011 by Kelsey Cler. Kelsey lives in Winslow along with a new rescue, a pit-lab mix named Hobbes. Photo by Bille Axell, Axell Photography

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