DDN April 2014 by Downeast Dog News

Town: than 300 dog-friendly More Town: beaches and trails. parks, Town: Each listing provides on- or

Order your guide today! Town:

Town: Town: Town: Town:

Name: Phone:

59 sites 48 sites

59 sites

Mail in the form (right) or order via e-mail at info@Downeast DogNews.com

Make check payable Downeast Dog and mail to: Downeast DogtoNews, 6 Leland St.News Rockland, ME 04841 Downeast Dog News, P.O. Box 725, Poland, ME 04274 To inquire about wholesale pricing, call (207) 593-0037 x6 To inquire about wholesale pricing, call (207) 988-2605.

Make check payable to Downeast Dog News and mail to:

an More th of orth ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ $100 w side! Phone: Phone: in s n o 1 copy q ($4) q 2 copies q 3 copies ($11) coup q 1 copy ($7) q 2 copiesq($13) tax+shipping) 3 copies ($20)($7)(includes

Yes! Send me the Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches & Trails in Maine! Yes! Send me the Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches & Trails in Maine! Name: ____________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ City/State Zip: _____________________________________________________ City/State Zip: ________________________________________

Mail transportation the form below or order online at (ferries, buses), DowneastDogGuides.com emergency info and more.

Includes travel safety tips,

coupon s in Each listing provides onorside! off-leash designation, location, rules, contact info and more.

th of

More than 300 dog-friendly More than parks, beaches $1and 00 wtrails. or 60 sites

Includes travel safety tips, transportation (ferries, buses), emergency info and more.

contact and30th more. Entry rules, Deadline isinfo April

Order your guide today!

Mail to : 6 Leland St., Rockland, ME 04841

NO photocopies accepted, ONE entry per person.

ORIGINAL BALLOT ONLY WILL BE ACCEPTED

off-leashof designation, location, One Lucky Entry will win a $30 Gift Certificate to a restaurant their choice.

Best Maine Veterinarian: Best Maine Groomer: Best Maine Trainer: Best Maine Pet Store: Best Maine-made Pet Product: Best Maine Daycare/Boarding Center: Best Maine Rescue or Shelter: Best Pet-Friendly Lodging:

PLEASE PRINT Vote for the Best ...

(Only one entry per reader, NO photocopies accepted)!

Downeast Dog News introduces the 5th Annual Reader’s Poll! Readers please vote for your top choices in each category by filling out the form below. Winners will be announced and profiled in the upcoming June issue. Please be specific, include the TOWN where your selection is located and mail to Downeast Dog News.

READER’S POLL BEST OF BEST 2014 OFFICIAL BALLOT

DOWNEAST DOG NEWS

Hot Dog News

of runners is estimated at 36,000, 9,000 more than usual. To handle the crowds and ensure safety, there will be double the number of security staff. (see New York Times, Boston Plans to Tighten Security at Marathon, March 10, 2014). There will be a presence at this year’s Marathon that will be a quieter one, but no less important than all the other participants and spectators, and that presence will take the form of a group of very special canines. Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) in Addison,

BACK COVER Best of the Best Reader's Poll Ballot

See COMFORT on page 5

PHOTO: Comfort Dogs enjoy a morning of grooming & pampering at Fenway Park! Courtesy of LCC.

Illinois, says that the LCC’S Comfort Dogs will indeed be in attendance. After last year’s tragedy, Addie, Maggie, Luther, Ruthie, and Isiah, accompanied by their respective handlers, were rushed to the scene to supply comfort to the victims, their families, and anyone else who availed themselves of the dogs’ amazing ability to comfort the injured and the grieving.

Baxter Basic Say Treats! Training Tips Pet Photography Feature

INSIDE

April 21st will mark the 118th running of the Boston Marathon, and it appears that a year later, Boston is still strong. To honor the three people killed and 260 injured by bombs exploded in the April 15,, 2013 marathon, over a million spectators are expected, meaning more than double the number of fans will line the route of the 26.2 mile race. Instead of creating fear surrounding the event, the bombers created just the opposite; the number

by Kate Cone

Volume 9 • Issue 4 • April 2014

K-9 COMFORT DOGS RETURN TO MARATHON 2014

DowneastDogNews.com

DOWNEAST DOG NEWS

2014 READER' S POLL EXTENDED!FR

Hot Dog News

Green Acres Kennel Shop Announces Contest to Raise Awareness for Five Pet Related Non-Profits From March 15th through April 12th Green Acres Kennel Shop will be holding its first Cash For Your Cause Event. This event will serve two purposes: 1) to raise awareness of five local, pet-related non-profit organizations and 2) to give our clients, supporters of these nonprofits, and the greater Bangor community an opportunity to pick the beneficiary of a Green Acres Kennel Shop June fundraising event. When making a purchase at Green Acres Kennel Shop individuals will have an opportunity to vote for any of our five participating groups; Bangor Bark for Life, Bangor Dog Park, Bangor Humane Society, Mutt Nose Best Paw It Forward Foundation and the Old Town Animal Orphanage. Votes will be totaled and announced daily on the Green Acres Kennel Shop Facebook page. Whichever cause has the most votes at the end of business on April 12th will be the beneficiary of Green Acres Kennel Shops’ June Fundraising event. You can learn more about the event and these organizations at: http://www.greenacreskennel.com/ cashforyourcause where you can also listen to a podcast of the Woof Meow Show where each of these groups

briefly discusses what they do. When asked why Green Acres has created this event co-owner Don Hanson responded; “Giving back to the community is a fundamental part of who we are at Green Acres. Every year we identify community projects where we feel we can help, and invite others to join us in those efforts. For the last several years, each fall, Green Acres Kennel Shop has held a fundraising event for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank. Over the past two years we've raised a total of $5,732 for this worthy cause. Last year we added The Rabies Challenge Fund, as a memorial to our Golden Retriever, Tikken, and raised $2,505 for this important endeavor. There are so many worthy causes that it is often difficult to pick, so this year we’re asking our clients and the Bangor pet loving community, to help us choose. Through the process, we’ll not only pick a cause but we’ll hopefully raise awareness for each of these extremely worthy organizations.” In business since 1965, Green Acres Kennel Shop at 1653 Union Street is a Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) accredited facility offering boarding, daycare and grooming for dogs and cats, as well as pet behavior consultations and training classes. Voted Best Kennel every year since 2002, Best Pet Store every year since 2007, Best Dog Trainer every year since 2011, and Best Pet Groomer in 2013, the Green Acres retail store offers a wide variety of wholesome pet foods, treats and quality supplies. For more information, please call 945-6841 or visit www.greenacreskennel.com.

Loyal Biscuit Micro-Chipping Clinics in April Rockland - 10-1 on April 12 Belfast - 10-1 on April 19 Camden - 10-1 on April 26 Trained shelter staff will implant the tiny, rice-sized I.D., which is encoded with a unique number and implanted just under the skin in the scruff of the neck. The process is simple and only takes a few seconds. The ‘chip’ can later be detected and read by a scanner used by shelters, veterinarians and other agencies. Losing a pet can be a devastating and traumatic experience. Microchipping your pet can help link your pet with a 24/7 recovery network. This will greatly increase the

Coastal Humane Society to Compete in the final ASPCA $100K Challenge

The Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick plans on saving more lives this summer – 822 in total. It’s an ambitious goal, exactly twice the number of lives saved last summer by the organization. The animal shelter has been selected to participate in the division 1 category of the $100K Rachel Ray ASPCA Challenge, a national contest that incentivizes shelters across America to increase the lives they save with generous grant rewards. Fifty shelters across the country compete to break their own previous records for lives saved. Throughout

called a ‘challenge’ for a reason! We’re looking forward to an extremely busy summer. We will need all the help we can get. We need professionals, planners, outside-the-box thinkers. We need foster families. We need volunteers and lots of them – an army of them!” CHS will be pushing hard in the next few months to recruit the highest numbers ever of volunteers for a broad array of tasks including adoption counseling, animal care, fostering, and, new for CHS, driving. Part of CHS’s strategy for higher adoption rates will be to reach out

The CHS volunteers are excited for the challenge!

the months of June, July, and August 2014, each competing shelter must save more dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens than they did during the same three months in 2013. In the four years since its founding, the $100K Challenge has helped shelters across the country energize their teams, rally their communities, and blast through their previous records for number of lives saved. Increases for individual shelters range from a few animals to well over 1,000 more lives saved, with 40 shelters increasing lives saved by 300 or more in the last two contests. This year is the final year the challenge will run. Shelters can win $600,000 in prize grants, including a $100,000 grand prize for the shelter that increases lives saved the most. For CHS, the first part of the challenge was to decide on a target for number of adoptions. “We’re at our peak during the summer months,” said Dr. Mandie Wehr, Director of Shelter Operations. “Last June, July, and August, we adopted out 411 animals. We decided a good goal would be to double that number. This means drastically changing the way we operate to accommodate such high numbers. It’s

to overburdened shelters across the country and relieve them of some of their surplus population. In the spring, the shelter will receive a “sprinter van” made specifically for animal transport, up to 20-30 animals at a time. Dr. Wehr secured the van by way of another ASPCA grant, awarded to CHS in 2013. The van’s first trip is scheduled for midApril., when Dr. Wehr and animal technician Allie Athearn will drive to a Southern shelter to perform the first rescue, paying strict attention to the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Transport Guidelines. “We have fun, attention-getting events lined up for almost every weekend this summer at the shelter. It will be a blast, a Summer-long party – only the party is for the animals, and it’s all about saving more lives with the power of our community.” To get involved with the challenge, please contact volunteer coordinator Lindsay Hart at lhart@ coastalhumanesociety..org or call 725-5051. Challenge updates and volunteer opportunities for the shelter will be posted soon on the CHS website.

See MICRO on page 3

Downeast Dog News

Downeast Dog News Publisher/

Graphic Designer

Katie Grant

Copy Editor Belinda Carter Contributors William Kunitz Diana Logan Sara Moore Judith Herman Carolyn Fuhrer Kate Cone Advertising Gail Spugnardi 207-653-5227 gail@downeastdognews.com

President

Wendi Smith

Parent & Publishing Company Maine Pet News LLC

Our Goals

• Provide the latest in dogrelated news and information. • Encourage and support dogfriendly businesses and Mainemade pet products and services. • Cultivate a community of responsible dog guardianship/ ownership. • Support animal welfare causes.

Maine Pet News, LLC 6 Leland St. Rockland, ME 04841 Ph: 751-7786 Fx: 596-7323 katie@downeastdognews.com www.downeastdognews.com

Circulation

Downeast Dog News is distributed free of charge at pet-friendly locations in Maine.

Subscriptions

Individual and gift subscriptions are available for $30 (+ tax) per year.

Speak!

Downeast Dog News welcomes submissions of local news, events and photos. Email: katie@ downeastdognews.com.

COPYRIGHT 2006-2014 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.

Hot Dog News

Ark Animal Shelter Loses Everything In Devasting Fire

On March 12, Lorraine Monfils and her husband witnessed the unspeakable. They watched the walls of their beloved Ark Animal Sanctuary fall from a fire. Even more devastating than the loss of the building, was the loss of 16 cats living at the Sanctuary. It is an image that will be forever ingrained in their minds and hearts. Monfils understands that what happened cannot be changed; the circumstances are out of her control and that she must move on. The volunteers, as well as Monfil and her husband, all must go through a healing process as they were emotionally attached to every cat at the Sanctuary. They cared for them on a daily basis, and each had his own personality and story. The Ark Animal Sanctuary opened just a few short months ago on November 3, 2013 in Houlton, Maine. Monfils and her team were so proud of what they had accomplished and so very anxious to move into the new beautiful building. The cats loved their new space, and for the short

time they were there, they thrived in their new environment. Sanctuary volunteers took such great care of the animals and loved the work they were doing. Their hearts are broken. Life is full of many challenges, and we learn from every obstacle that we must overcome. The Ark has survived many setbacks in its short life, and this is by far the biggest. Monfils and the Ark team are not afraid of hard work and challenges, facing each challenge and obstacle head on. They are determined to make a difference in the lives of animals. Monfils states that there are so many factors that need to be determined before the Sanctuary can even begin the physical rebuilding process. She says that it may take time, but they will rebuild. The Sanctuary was built with love. Monfils’s husband hammered each nail and placed every board; he knew the building inside and out. He worked so hard to bring the Sanctuary’s important work to life. The Ark Animal Sanctuary has

2nd Annual Bark for Life of Greater Portland - May 4th

On Sunday, May 4th, the American Cancer Society will hold its 2nd Annual Bark for Life of Greater Portland at Bug Light Park in South Portland from 11:30am to 2:30pm. This unique dog-friendly event is held to remember and honor both dogs and people touched by cancer and to raise money for the American Cancer Society to support local programs, services, and educational initiatives as well as life-saving research in Maine, New England, and beyond. This year’s event will begin with registration at 11:30am and will kick off with a special dedication ceremony at 12pm followed by a scenic walk featuring a special lap

for cancer survivors, both canine and human. In addition to the walk, participants will have an opportunity to meet and talk to a number of dog-centered organizations including rescues, companies who make and sell dog-related products, trainers, and more. Returning this year for special appearances are Gayle Hickok of Pawsitive Results K-9 Rehabilitation, Judy Moore of Canine Behavior Counseling and many other organizations. There will be fun activities for children, adults, and dogs alike as well as music by DJ Paul Robart of Roman Productions, demonstrations, a silent auction, and lots of fun for all.

Anyone can participate so bring your best canine friend and join the fun on May 4th. Registration is $20 per dog and owner and $40 for those with multiple dogs. Participants are encouraged to form walking teams to share in the fun. For more information about Bark for Life of Greater Portland, visit their Facebook page or the event web page at www.relayforlife.org/ barkgreaterportlandme. You can also contact Kim Hansen, Event Chair, at BarkforLifePortland@gmail.com or by calling (207) 318-5253 or American Cancer Society staff person Erika Gould at (207) 373-3728.

a.m. and 1 p.m. In addition to the micro-chipping clinic, our Natural Balance rep will be on hand with free samples, coupons and more. “We want to make sure every pet that is separated from its owner can be reunited with their family,” said Heidi Neal, co-owner of Loyal

Biscuit Co. “It is so easy to have one’s pet micro-chipped and enrolled in a recovery database, it would be heartbreaking to let that be the one thing to keep a pet and its owner apart.”

MICRO from page 2 chance that your pet will be returned to you, if ever lost or stolen. This micro-chipping clinic, taking place at Loyal Biscuit, 442 Main St., Rockland, is $25, and all proceeds benefit PMHSKC. There is no appointment necessary for the clinic, simply come between 10

Advertising Rates and Guidelines

Ad rates (per month)

3-month minimum recommended Business directory: $45/month 1/16 page $75 B&W, $90 color 1/8 page $135 B&W, $165 color 1/4 page $230 B&W, $275 color 1/2 page $405 B&W, $485 color Full page $705 B&W, $845 color Ask about 3, 6, and 12 month discounts

Circulation

10,000+ issues per month are distributed in pet supply stores, veterinary offices, dog daycares, groomers and other pet-friendly establishments across Maine.

Deadline

Advertising deadline is the 20th of the preceding month.

Contact Katie Grant, Publisher, (207) 751-7786 or katie@downeastdognews.com

April 2014

received so much support from everyone. Donations have come in from across the country. “I am so proud to be a part of this community and am overwhelmed by your support and generosity,” Monfils states. “I never really realized how many people supported us. I wish I could hug each one of you personally and say thank you.” The Sanctuary website coordinator has worked non-stop to try and keep everyone updated and to thank those who have generously sent donations and support. She has been Monfils’s right hand person and has taken a great deal off the owner’s shoulders as have many of the other volunteers. Monfils has been asked countless times over how others can help. She reminds everyone that they have lost everything. They still have 17 cats that will remain in foster homes. At this time, monetary donations can be mailed to the Hollywood Pet Salon at 70 Main St. Houlton, Maine 04730. Thank you for your support, generosity, love, and understanding.

Table of Contents

Hot Dog News .................................. 2 Furry Words ....................................... 4 Ask the Vet........................................... 4 Basic Training Tips ........................... 5 Performance Dog Training ........... 6 Say Treats! ........................................... 7 Baxter ................................................... 8 Dogs for Adoption........................... 9 Calendar of Events .......................... 10 Business Directory ........................... 11 Reader's Poll Ballot......... back cover

Furry Words

Ask the Vet . . .

Sara Moore, Animal Communicator

In my line of work I talk to show dogs, family dogs, service and therapy dogs, dogs who have crossed over and those who are about to, and dogs who are in foster care looking for new homes. I love them all and learn something new every time I do a reading. When I’m working, I don’t really experience the emotional side of the message or else I’d be overwhelmed and unable to keep my ego out of it. When my eyes are open (anyone who’s had a reading knows I close my eyes for most of it), I am experiencing everything in a “normal” way just like people who aren’t psychic. The other day I was scrolling through Facebook, and I saw a post about a search and rescue dog that had cancer and was going to the vet the next day to be put down. The community and all of the people involved in raising and training her gathered for her final search. It was staged and not a real emergency, but wow it was powerful! I think I got about ten seconds in before I was crying, and my eyes were too blurry for me to clearly see the rest. What stands out to me is how they were celebrating her life and although they knew she was about to cross over, they were giving her one more chance to do what she loved. They had interviews with the handlers and her team, and they were gracious enough to speak on camera even though they were crying and heartbroken. We need more of these stories. Animals share so much with us, and this dog had been involved in many real search and rescues that impacted many people’s lives. I’m pretty sure that anyone who watched that video shed some tears and will remember her story as well. That’s what it’s all about! I’ve thought a lot about it over the past few days and even checked in with her to be sure she made it over okay. As I type this, I hear her saying, “WOW! You are talking about ME?!” Yes, I am. Followed by, “Can you let them all know I am totally fine?”

It was such a peaceful process although I see her body wiggling a bit when she first got into the vet’s office. I also see her looking at everyone and kind of saying goodbye with her eyes. She was not alone when she crossed and when she arrived on the other side, she had a bit of a hero’s welcome. Funny, I’ve never thought about what happens when a service dog crosses, but they do get a bit of honor, much like a human veteran would. Is there anything she’d like to say now that she has the stage? “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. When we die we are all okay, and I appreciated being able to do the job I had when I was alive. We all get to pick what we come here to do, and I got a brilliant life. I worked really hard, slept hard, and ate hard. My people are very sad, but if people can hold their energy and send love, they’ll be able to stay vibrating enough to keep from sinking. They just need to remember that I can still send my love back from where I am, and they should keep sending it to me, too. They should tell my story because it helps people understand that when a dog is ready to cross, sometimes making that decision for us is the most perfect gift you can give. It is greatly appreciated and shows us mercy. It also takes a lot for a human to be able to let something go that may look physically fine on the outside, even though you can see the light dimming in its eyes.” Wow. I think there’s not much I can say after that, so I’ll end by saying that you can send people and animals light and love when they are sad or suffering. It can be done by taking a deep breath in from above or up from the ground, and when you exhale, just imagine them being in a perfectly white or light bubble. You can also pray, and if you pray, be open to any physical sensations or any images you experience. You can’t do it wrong as long as your intent is for their greatest good. Sending you all light and love this April! Sara Moore is a psychic medium for people and animals. She lives in Conway, NH and can be reached at sbeagen@gmail.com. Readings can be done in person or long distance via phone or email. For more information and upcoming classes so you can learn how to better communicate with your pets, go to www.enlightenedhorizons.com.

Dr. Judith Herman

Is it OK to pet a service or therapy dog?

I went up and petted a dog with a service vest on; later my friend chastised me for interfering with a working dog. Is there an etiquette I am missing here? What about a therapy dog? Can I pet him? I just love dogs and want to hug them all! This is an interesting question. It reminds me of when I was very small. A Fuller Brush man came to our door to sell brushes. He was blind and had a seeing eye dog. I remember the dog as a huge shepherd, but that could have been my perspective as a preschooler. I so wanted to pet and hug that dog. My mother told me no, but I snuck out of the house and went down the street. Not being too bold, I hung back and stood there. My mother came up to take me home, not before I asked the man if I could pet his dog. He kindly said no because the dog was working as his eyes. To be quite honest, I was clueless at his meaning. Later in kindergarten, my teacher’s husband came in with his seeing eye dog, a big shepherd. We learned how special these dogs are and when we see them out with their harnesses on, we should not distract them because they are helping their guardians move around safely. We learned a lot for 5 year olds. We also had a special treat. The dog moved from child to child getting hugged and petted! I can still feel how excited and happy I was to hug that dog! I guess we never really grow out of the excitement of wanting to pet dogs. As adults, we are aware that service dogs are doing a job. These special animals can be hearing, seeing, or alert dogs, or they can do other tasks. They are used for those who are wheelchair bound to pick up dropped articles, open doors,

and turn on lights. For people returning from war,” the dogs' best tricks are to help their guardians maneuver through life to avoid panic attacks or be kept safe when one hits. People with asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, and many other diseases, have dogs trained to alert them when an attack is coming on, giving the person a chance to get his medicine or be calmed by the dog to avoid a medical emergency. When you see a dog with a service vest on, there may be alert badges sown on. Some say the dog is in training and that he can or can’t be petted, or that he is a working service dog. No matter what the jacket says, always ask the handler if you can pet the dog. Therapy dogs have a different job. The team works on making people happy and to bring comfort. You see them in hospitals, nursing homes, and areas of tragedy. These special dogs can bring traumatized children or adults back to a healing may begin. You may not perceive what is transpiring, yet these dogs are working hard and may be exhausted. My golden would visit a nursing home every other week for an hour. He would go home and sleep the whole afternoon. This guy was on screech and never settled down after a long hike or swim. It is best to wait and ask the handler when it is obvious the dog isn’t working if you can pet him. The important point when you see a dog is always to ask the handler if you can approach and/or pet the dog. This is true for service, therapy, and pet dogs. Many dogs who have not been adequately socialized as puppies are being schooled as older dogs to cope with different environments and people. The trainer or handler may ask you to approach the dog in a certain way and to give treats. If you are at a dog event, the handler may not want the dog distracted before his turn to compete. Competing in dog sports need focus and concentration for both members of the team. The point is to teach your children and remind yourself not to go up to a dog without asking first. Many times the answer will be yes, and you can get your dog hug fix. Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center, Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com officeawc@roadrunner.com

Boarding · Grooming · Daycare

� Made

in Maine pet apparel

� Kennel Manager: Melanie Chiappone

� Agility & Obedience Classes offered by our certiﬁed trainers 19 Bennet Hill Road Brewer, ME 207-989-7979 bearbrookkennel.com

CARING FOR YOUR PETS SINCE 1985

Downeast Dog News

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

"What Are You Looking At?!” The eyes have it

Imagine this: you are at the grocery store, and you get the feeling that someone is looking at you. You glance around. Sure enough, a stranger is looking in your direction. You aren’t certain if he’s looking AT you or PAST you, but his face is tight, and he doesn’t move or shift his gaze from you. He is clearly breaking a common rule of social etiquette: don’t stare. You become uneasy; you’ve no idea of his intent, but his stare seems confrontational. What would you do? Most of us would try to relieve the pressure of this tense situation by moving or turning away. Some of us might glare back as a warning for the guy to back off. Others might use humor or a distraction to break the man’s focus. People with a very short fuse might even get physical.

In the dog world, scenarios like this happen all the time. It’s so important to know what our dogs are looking at because a dog gaze, no matter what the intent, may be interpreted by another dog as a threat: the equivalent of flashing that middle finger. Some dogs might think a human stranger offering eye contact is threatening,

too. The Three L’s: Look, Lock, Lunge Because you and I spend time around dogs, we are well aware of the intensity of a lunge. Dogs lunge at other dogs, at squirrels, at people, etc. Before the lunge, though, there’s usually a pattern that includes an initial look, then a few seconds later, a lock, and then action: the lunge. Despite some variables, we can usually identify those 3 parts of the sequence if we pay attention. What to do? 1. Pay attention to what your dog is paying attention to; 2. Even if your dog isn’t bothered by other dogs looking at him, be considerate and interrupt your dog if he has sustained orientation towards another dog. “Sustained” is just a few seconds; 3. Positively interrupt* the look before it becomes a lock – you generally don’t have more than a few seconds *(visit my website to see a

quick explanation of what the “positive interrupter” is); 4. Reward your dog for what you want him to do (pay attention to you, for example). 5. Avoid reprimanding your dog for lunging – if he’s already in lunge mode, you missed your chance - get out of Dodge! 6. Teach your dog useful skills. It’s important to interrupt our dogs before or during the “look” – if he’s already into the lock, it’ll be difficult to bring him back. Keep in mind that the 3 L's are also applicable to other distractions (joggers, skateboarders, etc.), too. In the Logan household, we have one dog who lives her life avoiding and diffusing confrontation and another who preemptively flips the bird whenever he has the opportunity. Observe your dog, and be aware of where he's directing his attention: help him stay out of trouble!

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

COMFORT from page 1 “It’s in the planning stage now,” Hetzner told me in a recent phone conversation. With him that day was Rich Martin, Director of the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries with LCC. Hetzner and Martin assured me that some combination of the dogs will be in Boston. “We’ll have some of the same dogs. In fact, some are placed in Connecticut permanently.” Addie and Maggie, Ruthie, Luther, Rufus, and Hannah still serve Sandy Hook Elementary School since the Newtown school shooting on December 14, 2012. The golden retrievers have been invited to be at the Heinz Convention Center, where the runners appear first to pick up their gear before the race. The dogs will be there to greet them. At the Bantry Bay Publishers’ table, where authors/editors Diane Monteil and Steve Alexander will be signing their new book, If Not for the Perfect Stranger, the dogs will get the recognition they deserve, yet certainly never expect for their services in 2013. “Our ministry is honored to have our K-9 Comfort Dogs featured in a new book about the 2013 Boston Marathon,” Hetzner announced recently, after learning that over 17pages in the book were created to honor the dogs after the authors heard stories told by the people who came in contact with Luther, Addie, Maggie, Ruthie, and others. In addition, the authors have promised a portion of the book’s sales be donated to that K-9 Comfort Dog ministry. “The dogs will also appear at the First Lutheran Church of Boston near the finish line of the race, and we are inviting young people to visit us there. Pastor Ingo Dutzmann has kept in touch with many of the families

April 2014

affected by the bombings, who are excited that we’re are returning. Many of them will come back to say hello to the dogs.” In the intervening year, among many other appearances, Addie and Maggie appeared on the Jordan Rich radio program on WBZ in Boston. Mr. Rich devoted an hour to talking to their handlers, and even got down on the floor with the pair of goldens and got a first-hand experience of their ability to comfort. Winning accolades and awards seems to be part of the deal with the dogs. Last year, they were honored by several organizations in Connecticut, including being named Pet of the Year by that state’s Veterinary Association. And the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals inducted the K-9 crew into their Hall of Fame in the category of “K-9 Heroes.” When asked where the dogs have been traveling in the past year to help others, Rich Martin says resignedly, “Where haven’t we been? Between murders, suicides, tornadoes, and fires, we’ve been all over the place from Texas to the East coast.” Noting a great success story that came out of the Marathon tragedy, Hetzner and Martin told me that one of the photos used by media outlets all over the world, including Downeast Dog News, depicted the dogs at the hospital bed of one of the bombing victims before she went in for surgery. “That young woman is Lee Ann Yanni,” Hetzner said, “and she was determined to run again.” Rich Martin chimed in, “She finished the Chicago Marathon six months after she was hit by shrapnel.” Yanni, a physical therapist, was injured while standing at the finish line

waiting for one of her patients to come in. She finished the Chicago race in 5 hours, 44 minutes and plans to run in Boston next month. Yanni’s willpower and the K-9 Comfort Dogs equal a winning combination.

Kate Cone is a freelance writer and published author of What’s Brewing in New England: A Guide to Brewpubs and Microbreweries. Reach her at kateconewrites@gmail.com Kate wrote the article “Dogs Without Borders,” about the K-9 Comfort Dogs in DDN’s May, 2013 issue

ABOVE: Lee Ann Yanni is visited by the Comfort Dogs after being hit by shrapnel at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Yanni competed in the Chicago Marathon just six months after the 2013 bombings and plans to complete in the 2014 Boston Marathon this month..

TO BENEFIT THE DOGS OF

Sponsored by:

*Tickets will be $15 on the day of the event.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW AT AlmostHomeRescue.net! Tickets - $10 for adults*, $5 for kids under 12 (kids 2 and under are free) WHEN: Saturday, April 26th, 2014. 7pm - 10pm. WHERE: Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach, Maine WHAT: Silent Auction, Music & Dancing, 50/50 Raffle, Appetizers, Desserts and Cash Bar. All Dog-Lovers Welcome!

TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG Agility, Obedience, Tracking By Carolyn Fuhrer Obedience Training: Shaping Choices

I am so proud of my students. For the few short months that I have been teaching them I have seen them change from handlers who sometimes became frustrated with their dogs, felt their dogs were not trying, and blamed their dogs for mistakes. I have been fortunate enough to see them change into thinking handlers who are willing to help their dogs understand “the game” of obedience and make correct choices. Coming out of yourself and your expectations and being truly willing to understand why your dog is not performing an exercise and then taking the responsibility to teach the dog the correct behavior is the foundation necessary to form an obedience/training partnership you can build upon. The dog must trust that you will help

in time of confusion, that you will be clear and patient and sincere in your efforts. No one, including your dog, needs or likes destructive criticism. It is not necessary to label your dog as “soft”, “shy”, “hyperactive”, etc. It is your job to help your dog become confident, focused willingly, and successful. The first step in getting there is realizing and accepting the responsibility that their behavior is a reflection of you and what you have taught them either directly or unintentionally. Why would any dog not want to try and succeed if he had a clear concept of the reward system, valued the reward and understood the task? If the problem in performance comes from lack of attention, then you need to go back and teach attention, perhaps even returning to basic pet dog skills until your dog truly understands

that attention to you is required, not optional. There are hundreds of types of gadgets, harnesses, leads, collars, etc. to control your dog. They may range from mild control to harsh control. They may give you control, but they do not teach your dog. In order to create desired behavior; it must be a win situation for the dog. The dog needs to understand what is required and compliance must be valuable to the dog. Unwanted behaviors or “wrong” answers to obedience questions cannot result in value to the dog.

It is your job as owner/trainer to help your dog be successful, to manage life and/or training situations so the dog can figure out what behaviors are rewarding. Many dogs shut down in obedience because they do not know how to find the behavior that is going to be rewarded. Obedience exercises can have many parts and what the dog is required to do in each part of the exercise must be clearly shown to the dog. A dog may show a different way of “solving” an obedience problem. If it is not the behavior you want, you must be careful not to destroy the dog’s willingness to try for a solution. Simply set up a situation that by channeling the effort correctly, the dog can be right. Remember - when playing the game of obedience, it’s not about you – it is about setting up a win for the dog by shaping choices. My students are starting to see that this is not only challenging, but a lot of fun for them and their dogs and everyone is much happier.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 80 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

YANKEE CLIPPER

We groom the most important pets in Maine — Yours! Offering a full range of grooming services Including Hand Scissoring, Cat Grooming, Hand Stripping & Shedless Treatments

Call today and schedule an appointment with our award-winning staff Food and Supplies for Cats and Dogs Watch your pet groomed live!

www.yankeeclipperpetgrooming.com click the webcam buttons

207.593.9100

589 Commercial Street/Route 1 Rockport, ME 04856

Downeast Dog News

SAY TREATS! 5 Keys to Great Dog Photography Snap. Click. Awwww… When you’re a dog owner, there’s nothing more satisfying than to capture your best furry friend being himself. From sleeping peacefully to frolicking like a fool, our dogs provide an endless amount of joy. So it’s not sur prising that we want to s h o w them off to our f r iends a n d family (and the world). Sometimes, though, photographing our own dogs can be a challenge. From uncooperative pups to challenging environments, photographing Fido can prove stressful for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be! creative lifestyle pet photography

Give the gift of memories with a sit.stay.snaps gift card.

New clients: use this ad to receive a FREE 8x10 print

sitstaysnaps.com info@sitstaysnaps.com 646-715-6223

April 2014

By Debra Bell

Here are four tips for improving your own dog photography skills and producing heartwarming images. 1. Light and backgrounds. These two aspects of pet photography are probably the most important. A simple, uncluttered background coupled with great light can take an okay photo and make it great. Avoid mid-day direct sunlight, especially for dark coated dogs. Darkness swallows light, one reason why photographing a black dog in the sun yields an unattractive dark blob. Instead, choose early morning or late afternoon to photograph your pup. Overcast light is amazing for pet photographs, and choose simple backgrounds or make your own with a blanket or by pivoting around your pet. 2. Get perspective. Sometimes we get so excited to photograph our dogs that we forget to think about all the different ways we see them. That might mean photographing pup from a different angle, such as from below, from above, at eye level and focusing the lens on small details such as tails, ears, and noses. Other times, it means that you need to get down on his level and capture

him running at full tilt. 4. Learn your dog’s motivation and cues. Every dog is different. Some are motivated by food. Others love toys. Some dogs just love love. Most dogs respond well to noises and interaction. Watch your dog and experiment with what will get him paying attention. Enlist a friend or family member to help you hold his attention while you’re taking pictures. Learn your dog’s stress cues too. If you see your dog licking his lips, showing the whites of his eyes, pinning back his ears, or tucking his tail, take a break and do something fun. 5. Show connection. Your dog is part of the family and images that show his connection with the family are going to mean the most in the end. For family

portraits, set the camera on a tripod and use the timer. Also take time to photograph pup with each family member. For stress-free family portraits, use a pet photographer to work with your dog, you, and your family to create cherished images in a stress-free session. Debra Bell, owner of Bell’s Furry Friends Photography, is a pet photographer based in Hermon, Maine. She is owned by a Maine Coon Cat named Olivia and a greyhound n a m e d Laura. Find our more about her business at bffpetphotos.com Most photographers are willing to travel away from their studios for photo sessions. Please check with our advertisers if you are interested in a specific area!

By Baxter 103 Tripp Lake Rd. Poland, ME 04274

Three Trips to the Vet

207.998.3358 beespetboarding.com Find us on Faceb

Offering....

• Boarding for cats, small to medium sized dogs, & other critters • Daycare offered 7 days a week • NEW online camera service so you can view your pup while away!

Maine-Made Collars Leashes Apparel Organic Treats Natural Toys

• Spacious rooms with couch and tv play area

License #F628

Over 10 years of trusted experience!

www.UncommonPaws.com

A Sound Education for Every Dog • • • • • •

STAR Puppy Family Dog Manners Canine Good Citizen Control Unleashed AKC Community Canine Rally Obedience

Services Offered

• • • • • •

Attention Heeling Growly Dog/BAT Training Outdoor Adventures for Shy Dogs Leash Lungers “Reform School” Conformation/Show Handling

• RallyFree/Freestyle • Circus Dog Tricks • Dog Photography for Pets, Magazines, Ads, and Catalogs ...and more!

7 Trillium Lane Falmouth, Maine 04105 • 207.899.1185 www.poeticgold.com • Ljilly28@me.com

The Greg & Axel Show

I don’t think I’ll ever understand humans. My favorite human (Al) took me to the vet yesterday. I love my vet. Everything started out the way it always does; she gives me some treats, then usually pets me all over, but this time she started out under my chin and right away I could sense a change in her. Her scent changed ever so slightly and her voice became flatter. She looked over at Al and said something I didn’t understand. Couldn’t have been about me since I’m feeling fine – well, maybe a little tired. They talked in low tones and eventually we left. I jumped into the back of our crate where a couple treats were waiting for me, and Al got in the front and closed the door, but we didn’t start moving. Instead, he just sat there. His shoulders started shaking and water started dripping out of his eyes. I got worried. Did I do something wrong? Was he mad at me? I was good with the vet. She didn’t even give me any shots, just kept petting me all over. If that visit wasn’t strange enough, a few days later we drove and drove until we ended up at a different vet. She petted me all over, too, and then she and my human talked…and talked some more, and I could tell Al was feeling a little better than the last time. They took me to another room and while they were petting me, I felt a little prick in my leg that sort of burned, but I didn’t mind because I was getting lots of attention. They sent us home where I didn’t do much more than sleep for the next few days. Then I started feeling better than I had in a long time. Today we saw the same vet again, and she petted me over and over in the same spots like she was feeling for something. When she was done, she had a big smile on her face. My human was smiling, too. His eyes got wet again, but this time they were kind of sparkly. They both looked at me like I had won a prize or something. The vet talked about the woods, one of the few human words I know. She said he’s not out of the woods yet – which is fine with me. I love the woods. Chow, Baxter

GREAT SELECTION, GREAT PRICES AND A HELPFUL STAFF. WE HAVE IT ALL! n Huge selectiot a c d n a g o of d foods!

Nutro Pro Pac Candidae Iams

Blue Seal By Nature Fromm Wysong Innova Solid Gold

Pedigree Purina Pro Plan Science Diet Taste of the Wild Eukanuba

Merrick Max Triumph Whiskas Friskies

U.S. Route 1, Wiscasset Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 5:30 Sat. 7:00 - 5:00 Closed Sun.

Axel checking out some books at The Danbury public library in Danbury CT right before he taught over 100 kids why its important to become good readers! Find and like the Greg and Axel show on Facebook!

Bring your dog to check out our great supply of pet foods toys! Downeast Dog and News

Dogs for Adoption Rose, 2.5 yrs, Greyhound

Cadet, 1.5 yrs, Shepherd Mix

She is a cute small retired racer who is a beautiful red fawn color. She is energetic and loves to play.

Slightly reserved fellow who will become a loyal member of the family once he's comfortable.

FMI: Maine Greyhound Placement Service, 207-846-4707

Available at Animal Welfare Society, Kennebunk, (207) 985-3244. Our Adoption Center is open from 11 AM to 7 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and from 11 AM to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday. We are closed on Wednesdays.