July 2012 Issue of Downeast Dog News by Downeast Dog News

Volume 7 • Issue 7 • July 2012

an early childhood educator and reading and math tutor. Zoey, a round, black Pug, gets the credit for helping many children overcome reading struggles. “The minute a child sits down with a book, Zoey hops right into his/her lap,” Parkhurst says. “Dogs are non

See Service Dogs on page 6

judgmental, and Zoey makes kids feel safe when they are mastering a new skill.” From being good listeners to guiding visually impaired humans, dogs assist people in many more

BoatYard Summer Book Business Basic Dogs Trials Reading Review First-Aid Directory

Inside

“Remember when Zoey taught me how to read?” This question was recently asked to Debra Parkhurst,

by Daryl Conner

Lily has completed the check and confirmed the alert low BG and is allowing Charlie to sniff the blood on the end of test strip prior to rewarding. See Story on page 5 —Photo by Angie Simonton

A Scent of a Service Dog

DowneastDogNews.com

Downeast E Dog News

FR E

Hot Dog News Bark for Life Tallied

BANGOR—The Grand goal of creating a Total from the 1st Greater world with less Bangor Bark For Life has cancer and more been Tallied! birthdays! At The event held on the conclusion of Saturday, June 9th at the the event, the top Hollywood Casino Raceway fundraiser, Linda was the perfect day for Boone of Bangor families, co-workers, and was honored for friends, along with their being the top canine companions to gather fundraiser by to honor cancer survivors raising over $1,300 and their caregivers, both and her team, Elizabeth Tilton, Volunteer human and canine. 230 Coordinator and her dog Lucky Team Wolfpack, people along with 120 dogs and 15 vendors gathered at the Raceway for an evening of celebration, remembrance, and fighting back against cancer. There were demonstrations by the Maine Search and Rescue and Renaissance Dogs Agility Team, Team Wolfpack, one of the Top Fundraising Teams, raised over $3,500. —Photo by Debra Bell, Bell Imaging & Design contests, food, face painting, doggie tattoos, and more, all to help the was also honored for raising over American Cancer Society reach its $3,500 for Bark For Life. The dogs participating were blessed by Pastor Hayward of Bangor’s First Church of the Nazarene and then the lap around the track was led by cancer survivors and their caregivers. “The response from the community has been amazing,” says Lisa Eldridge, Event Chair. “Our fundraising goal was $10,000 for this first year, and our total is one of the highest fundraising totals I have heard of for a first year Bark event! The event itself, combined with four months of planning, raised $17,287.59, and donations kept coming in the following week after more and more people had heard about the event to total over $20,000 for the American Cancer Society to help support cancer research and Midcoast Maine’s ACS programs.” The Greater Bangor Bark For Life Destination For... is only the 2nd Bark For Life to be held in the state of Maine, after • Self-Serve Dog Wash Hancock County’s Bark For Life that • Healthy Food & Treats took place last fall. Event organizers are excited to • Cool Collars start planning next year’s event and • Fun Toys are already looking for volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, visit their Facebook page: Greater Bangor Bark For Life, or email them at greaterbangorbark4life@gmail. Rockland • 442 Main St. com. 207.594.5269 The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a fundraising event camden • 39 Mechanic St. honoring the life-long contributions 207.236.3354 of our Canine Caregivers. It presents Belfast • 1 Belmont Ave. an opportunity for people to be empowered through their canine 207.930.8100 companion partnerships and to contribute to cancer cures through loyalbiscuit.com the mission of the American Cancer facebook.com/loyalbiscuit Society.

Fur Ball Raises Over $10,000 by Eleanor Cade Busby

The “Fur Ball” raised over $10,000 for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter June 16 in the Darrows Barn at Round Top Farms in Damariscotta. Animal House owner Aubry Martin has been dreaming up this event for over two years. “I wanted to do something to benefit our local shelter exclusively,” she said. “The costs they incur are so high and Rudi, Burnese Mountain dog Bracco Italiano

Foxee Ladee, Pomeranian

they continue to do such good work. When I learned that the shelter was struggling I just had to act.” LCAS Board member Kelly Patton Brook spoke at the opening of the

& Sophie,

sold-out event. “Folks don’t realize how much is really costs to take an abandoned animal and get it healthy for adoption,” she said. “There are expensive tests, veterinary care and grooming issues. If an animal needs treatment, it is provided whatever the cost.” Brook listed some of the expenses closing with a plea for more volunteers and donations. “We don’t want to have to send our animals to other shelters,” she said. “We don’t want to discover that we simply can’t provide for them.” Brook was the only member of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter

FUR BALL on page 12

Celebrate a Decade of Responsible Dog Ownership The American Kennel Club® (AKC) will celebrate a decade of responsible dog ownership this September when the AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days program turns 10. How can you join the party? Simply host or attend an AKC RDO Day in your community. “Over the past ten years, AKC clubs and dog organizations have educated scores of dog lovers at more than 4,000 nationwide events, hosting thousands of Canine Good Citizen® tests, microchipping hundreds of dogs and introducing their favorite breeds to the general public,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Attending an RDO Day brings the joy of dog ownership and the rewards of the canine-human bond to life.” Clubs and organizations interested in being part of the milestone year this September can register an AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event, find suggestions, and download promotional materials at www.akc.org/rdod. The first 500 organizations who confirm the details of their event by August 3, 2012 will receive a brand-new kit full of giveaways. National program sponsor Motel 6 is a proud supporter of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day events across the country. The AKC Flagship RDO Day, sponsored by Cosequin available at Rescue Pet Supply, will take place

September 22nd in Raleigh, NC at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Activities will include “My Dog Can Do That” where attendees can try agility or an AKC Rally® course with their dog and receive assistance from a trainer, CGC testing, free goodie bags for the first 500 families, a raffle, games for kids, and face painting. Learn more at http://www. akc.org/pdfs/clubs/rdod/2012/NC_ Flyer.pdf. Find an event in your area at http://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/ events/. In addition to hosting or attending an event, dog lovers will also be able to celebrate Virtual RDO Days on Facebook and Twitter. By visiting the AKC’s Facebook or Twitter pages every week in September, followers will be able to obtain a special Responsible Dog Owner virtual badge, complete a weekly RDO activity, and share their acts of responsible ownership with fellow dog owners. To learn more about AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days, sign up to hold an event or view photos and information about previous events, please visit http://www.akc.org/clubs/ rdod/ or contact Stephanie Smith at communications@akc.org.

More Hot Dog News on page 12 Downeast Dog News

Downeast Dog News Publisher & Graphic Designer Noreen Mullaney Copy Editor Belinda Carter Contributors William Kunitz, Renate Tower, Diana Logan Sara Moore, Judith Herman, Eleanor Cade Busby, Daryl Conner Kate Cone, Dr. Fiona Caldwell, Kelly Patton Brook, Rachel Thornton, Jennifer McIntosh, David Shedd Dr. Charles Ellithorpe Advertising Wendi Smith 998-2605 Western Maine Penny Bryer, 380-6467 Midcoast Tracey Gossell, 213-3014 Central, Bangor & Downeast

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July 2012

From the Publisher Thunder and lightning- I really like it! I really like storms and their energy. My dog Rex is a whole different story. He tries to get under the bed. (Rex is 65 lbs. and very tall.) He doesn’t fit, so I try to get him to come on top of the bed, but that is too scary for him too. In the past, I’ve made a cave for him under my night stand with blankets. I’ve also tried crates, and he doesn’t like those either. Rex is not only scared of thunder and lightning, he’s afraid of fireworks too. The fear of fireworks came from the 4th of July when he was only 5 months old. His first experience was an unfortunate, terrible experience. I live in downtown Thomaston, and they have a huge display of fireworks every year. I had no idea he would react the way he did. He was in the house with a friend, and I had a few people over to watch the fireworks. When they started, Rex started running for cover, and he ran right out the door. So there I was with my new puppy, family, and guests, and I was out looking for Rex. He was running around Thomaston and very scared and confused, and so was I. I was desperate to find my puppy. Finally, after what felt like

Andy and Rex with his Thundershirt hours (actually about 20 minutes), I found him. He was shaking and very inconsolable. I held him really tightly until the fireworks stopped. Last month when I was delivering the paper, I was at Ames in Wiscasset, and to my surprise, I walked right into the Thundershirt Display. I’d never seen or heard of this wonderful invention! This past week we had a chance to use the Thundershirt, and it did work and definitely calmed Rex and he recovered faster when the storms were over. Usually he it takes many hours to recover after a storm, but with the Thundershirt he was feeling

better right after it passed. I think the Thundershirt will be helpful for the thunder and lightning and fireworks and when I’m walking Rex. He freaks out when we walk by a dog in a car or a dog walking by or barking in a house. I’ve been working with him on this issue, and we haven’t mastered it yet. I have taken him to training classes that were very helpful. I also met Diana Logan who writes (“Basic Training Tips”). She gave me more good advice; you can read all about it in her column this month. So with the training class, Diana’s advice, and the Thundershirt, Rex is transforming into a calm dog. These steps have made our walking experience much more pleasurable. We are still a work in progress! One more thing-Readers— What AKC articles would you like to read about in the in DDN? Another request to the DDN Readers, on page 8 you will find a article on Summer Reading. Please submit a book review of one of the books listed. I will choose a review and put it in the next issue of Downeast Dog News. Mom and Dad, I want kids reviews too! Please send reviews to Noreen@downeastdognews.com. Thank you and Happy Reading!

Top 10 Things To Do With Your Pet by Dr. Fiona Caldwell Idaho Veterinary Hospital For Pets Best Insurance

The sun is out and your sunscreen is on (don’t forget sunscreen for Fido too– Melanoma is a pet health issue pets have to be wary of too!) Summer is the perfect time to squeeze in some adventure and relaxation. Here are ten ideas for summertime pet-friendly activities that are guaranteed to please both you and your four-legged best friend. 1. Buy a kiddie pool and invite friends over for a pooch pool party and barbecue for the humans. 2. Find a restaurant with a dog friendly patio and bring a book and order a summer drink. You’ll be amazed at all the people who will stop to say hello and pet Fluffy; it’s a great way to meet people! 3. Organize a trial hike appropriate for your dog’s fitness level and breed. Be cautious not to go in the heat

of the day, and be sure to bring a doggie water receptacle for breaks. Check out www.furrytravelers.com for products.

4. Take your dog camping with you, bonus points for letting them sleep in the tent! 5. Go to a lake or other safe body of water for an afternoon of swimming. Many breeds other than retrievers love the water, see if your dog is one of them! Consider a canine lifejacket for the if you’re boating with your dog.

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6. Look into local canine dog shows, contests, or field trials that you and your best friend could enter. You might train with a frisbee or for agility, or even just regular obedience training. This is a great way to bond with your pet and teach them some impressive new tricks. 7. If you have a mild mannered and gentle dog, look into local hospitals or nursing homes to see if there is a need for a therapy dog. A visit from a friendly furry pet is sure to bring a smile to less fortunate or ill people. 8. For small dogs, a bike pull trailer meant for children can be easily converted to accommodate dogs, allowing you to take the littlest members along for leisurely summer bike rides. Be sure your pets is safely harnessed in so that he or she can’t leap out and always avoid roadways with dogs.

See TOP 10 on page 4

Table of Contents Hot Dog News........................... 2 & 12 Furry Words .......................................4 Ask the Vet...........................................4 Physical Exams ..................................5 Safety for All.......................................5 Summer is Here ................................ 7 Eat for Pete’s Sake ........................... 9 Baxter ...................................................10 Pooch Pantry ....................................10 Basic Training Tips............................ 11 Dogs for Adoption .......................... 13 Calendar of Events........................... 14 Business Directory ......................... 15

Ask the Vet . . .

Dr. Judith Herman

My dog is a registered therapy dog. I took him into a store and I was asked to leave. I thought I could take my dog anywhere since he is registered as a therapy dog. Am I right? There is some confusion between a therapy dog and a service dog. By definition a therapy dog is part of a team that has gone through obedience training, usually has a CGC, which is the Canine Good Citizen test sponsored by the AKC (American Kennel Club), has passed another test sponsored by the therapy organization, has been observed in a facility that allows therapy dogs, and is in good health. On the other hand a service or assistance dog is one, who usually, has gone through a rigorous training program. They have been breed for this purpose and start training from the beginning. Some of these dogs are trained to

TOP 10

perform task their partner can’t, or alert the person to dangers, and medical crises. They are pared with their person, then go on for more training as a team. Service dogs are allowed to go anywhere that the general public goes. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that businesses allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are allowed including any public transportation. A therapy dog is not a service dog and are treated like any companion with limitations on where they are allowed. One last point. In Maine, service animals are described in the Maine Human Rights Act: ht t p://w w w.m a i ne.gov/m h r c/ guidance/service_animals.html. The definition allows animals trained by an individual or by an agency as long as the animal assists the individual and is necessary to mitigate some aspect of their disability. Secondly, an animal can meet the definition if it is prescribed for the disabled individual by a medical practitioner. This a long explanation to a simple question. There is a need to be clear that a therapy dog, though well behaved, is not a service dog. Judith K. Herman DVM,CVH Animal Wellness Center, Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com

from Page 3

9. Check out the local dog park. Most cities have some designated parks where dogs are allowed to roam off leash. Always ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations when frequenting high dog-trafficked areas. 10. Take a scenic car ride with the windows (partially) down. If your dog loves to stick her head out the window, consider getting her “doggles,” which are canine goggles designed to protect eyes and shield from the sun as well. Look into www.doggles.com for more product information.

It has been proven that people who include their dogs in their everyday lives tend to forge better bonds and longer lasting friendships with them. Dogs that are exposed to a variety of situations tend to have less anxiety and can be less timid. By getting outdoors and including your furry ‘children’ in family outings this summer you’ll be sure to make lasting memories while also helping your dog to be the best companion possible. Find out about Pet Insurance at www.petsbest.com /blog

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Furry Words Sara Moore, Animal Communicator

Four months ago I met Amy and Curly, a yellow lab she was training to be a service dog. In our session, I told Amy that Curly was going to be fine, that he loved being a service dog in training, but that he must not be very good at it because it all came so easy. I told Amy that she’d be all right when it was time for him to live with his new family and that the life lesson he was trying to teach her was letting go. I saw him paired with a little boy in a scooter named Jacob or Zachary, which surprised her because a few months prior, she and Curly had actually met a boy named Jacob as he was getting his very own service dog. Curly wanted her to know that by being a puppy raiser she was creating a gift for someone else and that she happened to be very good at what she did. We got a laugh out of how fast he said he was and some other thoughts he shared about his food and toys. The second time I met Amy was the day after he had been placed in a home. The reality of having to let him go was sinking in, and she was heartbroken. She had “accidentally” fallen into raising a service dog after losing her heart dog, Sebastian. She didn’t want to replace him, but she also enjoyed raising and training dogs, so this arrangement had seemed perfect. Figuring he was only going to be in her life temporarily, she thought it would be a good way to heal her heart as well. During our conversation, Amy acknowledged that Curly had introduced her to a whole new world of dog sports, training, and wonderful people whom she would have otherwise never met. She had gained self confidence and realized that she needed to face things with a sense of humor and patience. The two of them were successful because they were a team and shared a special

bond. This letting go business was the painful part. It’s not often that I cry during a reading because if I let the emotional part of what I do get in the way, I’d never be able to do it objectively. I can tell you, however, that the sadness she felt was profound, and we were both teary messes by the end. I just recently met Amy for the third time. She came by with Pico, another lab she was raising for the program. Less than a week earlier she was told that Curly was being released as a service dog because his energy level and drive were just too high. She felt like a failure although everyone assured her she had done an excellent job with his training, and there were some variables that were beyond her control. There was no hesitation when she was asked if she’d adopt him, and he was excited to talk about how good he was going to be at flyball instead. Curly did want to point out that his lesson for her was to let go, and that although she was unable to fully release him from her heart, she had another opportunity with Pico. Curly had come into her life at a time when she needed him the most and taught her many things with more on the horizon. I think it takes a special person to be able to raise a puppy knowing that one day he/she will give someone the gift of a service dog. When the universe gives you the opportunity to learn a lesson, take it. Letting go of something or someone you love is never easy, and I commend her on her willingness to give it another shot. With Curly by her side, she will undoubtedly raise Pico to be a successful member of the service dog community. Sara Moore is an animal communicator, Reiki Master, psychic and hypnotist. For more information on her schedule of events go to www. enlightenedhorizons.com.

You can reach Sara at furrywords@downeastdognews.com

Downeast Dog News

Dogs Know Before You by Rachel Thornton

Fear, panic, terror, and helplessness were the feelings that awakened me at 3:15 am. The guttural noises, the moaning, the groaning, the thrashing and crashing didn’t even seem human. Our last blood sugar check at 2 A.M. was 150. The next blood sugar check wasn’t due until 4 A.M., but nonetheless my beautiful daughter was writhing, convulsing, and twitching. For the parent of a type 1 diabetic, it was a nightmare, and unfortunately as I was to learn, it was a typical response to low blood sugar. It was in those moments that I realized that a diabetic could think smart and act smart but be outsmarted by type 1 diabetes. It was in that moment that in desperation I swore that there must be something somehow somewhere to prevent this from happening again. I would find an answer. My searching and questing led me to an unlikely hope, a dog. Dogs are now being trained to detect fluctuation blood sugar levels in diabetics. Dogs assisting humans is not new. They have been assisting humans in the areas of search and rescue, locating contraband, detecting mold, termites, tuberculosis, cancer, guiding the blind, becoming ears for those with hearing impairments, and even providing comfort and assistance to the autistic. Of course dogs can help diabetics. Diabetes is a disease. Diseases have odors, and dogs have been proven to detect scent at parts per trillion. With the right dog and the right training, the dog can detect and signal low blood sugar, high blood sugar, or ketones. Scent samples from a person experiencing low blood sugar, 75 or lower, can be saved through sweat, saliva, breath, or skin cells. By introducing the sample to a dog and reinforcing the dog’s recognition of that odor, the dog can be trained to perform its task as a diabetic alert dog. The dog must learn to recognize the odor purely from an olfactory cue (sense of smell) rather than a verbal cue, and the dog should also

Charlie (dog) alerted by signaling with bringsel in mouth, so Lily stopped to check her BG. —Photo by Angie Simonton

be trained to provide a clear signal to the handler. Some dogs touch their handler with a paw, some bump their handler with a nose, and some place an object called a bringsel in a mouth to indicate that the diabetic should stop and check his/her blood sugar. These amazing canines are often as much as 30 minutes ahead of the blood sugar meter’s validation. They are able to alert in public, in the car, in the home, and sometimes even in the dead of night. Every diabetic should have a DAD(diabetic alert dog), right? Definitely not. While these dogs can be an invaluable tool for those with wildly fluctuating glucose levels, for those with sudden drops or spikes, for those prone to seizures, or for those who are unable to sense their own change in blood sugar levels, they also require a significant amount of effort. Service dogs need ongoing training to continue to perform their work. They need exercise, proper nutrition, and time off. These costs should be weighed carefully when considering a diabetic alert dog. Some people refer to type 1 diabetes as an invisible disease. The diabetic can accomplish the majority of his/ her daily routine without a public awareness of his/her disease. Today’s insulins are smarter and pumps are smaller. Only those who are ready to be 100 percent transparent about

type 1 diabetes should consider a DAD. A DAD draws an inordinate amount of public attention. With

a DAD it is no longer an invisible disease. Many people who contact me with questions or are interested in a diabetic alert dog indicate that they are looking for more sleep, less expense, and less finger sticks. Life with the diabetic alert dog is often completely opposite. It’s less sleep, more expensive, and more finger sticks. In addition to these added responsibilities, everybody should understand that the diabetic alert dog world is new and unproven. Although many of us have seen them working and will testify to lower A1Cs and tighter glycemic range, and added confidence in daily life, there are no official studies that have validated this type of work for a dog. Begin your journey cautiously. More information can be found at www.diabeticalertdog.com or by contacting rachel@diabeticalertdog. com.

Summer Safety for All

photo by Tim Jones/EasternSlopes.com

My dog Chester is an old boy…14 1/2, at current count. He’s also a rotten swimmer, and he’s skinny and can’t float. But…he loves going out in the kayak with me. Stearn’s Dog life jacket is a perfect solution to the problem. It’s cheap ($19.99), adjusts easily, and while it doesn’t make him LIKE swimming any better, he panics a lot less if he falls in. It also has a very handy “handle” on the top; I can pick the mutt up

like a hairy suitcase and move him from shore to boat. It’s great for the kayak, any other boat, or even for when he’s running around on those ocean docks that bob up and down a lot…just in case the clumsy bugger falls in. He doesn’t mind it, and it gives me peace of mind. Cheap insurance! It’s easily available online from a variety of sources, or directly from Stearns. — by David Shedd/EasternSlopes.com

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Service Dogs ways than most of us are aware of. With their keen sense of smell, dogs can even alert people with Type 1 diabetes when their blood glucose is dangerously high or low. Wildrose Kennels in Oxford, Mississippi is well known for raising exceptional gun dogs and more. They explain on their web site, “...an intensive training program has been developed utilizing the natural scenting instincts, intelligence, desire to please, and the smaller size of Wildrose Labradors making them exceptional candidates for Diabetic Alert Dogs™” When the dog signals its owner to a problem in the blood sugar level, steps can be taken to correct the problem and reduce its severity. Low blood sugar can result in seizures and can occur when the person is sleeping, so a well trained dog that is by its owner’s side day and night can literally be a life saver. Kelly Langan is a mom from Kingston, NH who is learning to appreciate what a huge help even a very small dog can be. “My son Jayden is epileptic. He is 12 years old now, and was diagnosed with significant seizure activity when he was three. Many of his seizures are nocturnal, and I am afraid to sleep.” Their doctor recommended that they look into getting a service dog for Jayden. Working with a mentor, they added Jax, a Chihuahua, to their family. “Jayden is doing well at school, but he was not always feeling included socially outside of school.

Look who’s NEW in town!

continued from Pg.1

Bonnie and Jet at work.

We had two goals when we decided to get a dog. We were hopeful that the dog would learn to alert Jayden to his seizures, and also that having a dog would give him a boost socially.” Langan reports that though Jax is only 5 months old, he has begun to bark when Jayden has a seizure, and beyond that, “the bond between Jax and my son is incredible. I hear Jayden telling Jax all about his day, and they go everywhere together. He sleeps right next to my son’s bed at night. We have neighborhood kids in and out of the house all day, and Jax is one of the gang.” Jet is a standard poodle with a job. He is a “stabilizer dog.” His human, Bonnie Slowik, was diagnosed with Lyme disease when she was 30 years old. She had been healthy, athletic, and active her entire life, but the disease

left her with poor balance. “Lyme disease is treatable, but there is no cure. I was actually in bed for almost 9 months until they finally figured out what was wrong with me. Not only did I suffer physical damage, but this was mentally crippling as well.” Slowik’s doctor suggested she look into an assistance dog. “ I put it off, but after a few close calls with falls, I finally applied for my dog. There is more to it than you would think! I had to fill out an application, and they checked references and called my veterinarian. Then they told me it would be 2 to 5 years before I could get my dog. Two years almost to the day I got the phone call, ‘Your dog is ready!’ I was so excited. Then they told me it was a poodle, and I thought they had made a mistake. I was picturing a small poodle, and didn’t

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see how that would help me walk and balance! They explained it was a standard poodle, and I had to look them up to see what they meant. The day my husband and I went to meet Jet , he stood up and we both said, ‘He’s HUGE!’ It took a long time for us humans to be trained. I’d had dogs before, but I didn’t use the words Jet was trained to use. My husband and I had sticky notes all over the house reminding us what words to use so Jet could understand us. “ Slowik has had Jet for 4 years now. “He goes everywhere with me. I fell this year and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. Jet jumped right in, and at the hospital he hopped right up with me on the bed and went along for x-rays and treatment.” Slowik is a woman with a big personality, and Jet is a poodle with a big sense of humor. “I have a badge at work that I wear clipped to my shirt. Somehow I manage to drop it pretty often. I don’t know how. Jet will pick it up for me graciously once a day. If I drop it a second time, he stops, gives me a look, and practically rolls his eyes before getting it for me. “ Picking up dropped items is a regular part of his job, because bending over causes dizziness for his owner. “He can pick up things as small as a dime and hand them to me,” Slowik explained. “But sometimes he has a little attitude.” Once when Slowik was picking Jet up from his grooming appointment, she tried to demonstrate how he could pick up a piece of paper to his groomer. “He knew he was off duty, and he didn’t have his vest on. He put his paw on that paper, ripped it in half, handed me one half, and then retrieved the other half.” When asked what having her service dog has meant to her, Slowik said, “He makes it so I can do things myself. I don’t have to rely on my family to go with me to doctor’s appointments, and I can go shoe shopping without having to listen to my husband gripe! I even travel -me and Jet. My husband says he never has to worry about me when I have my dog.” Daryl Conner an award winning freelance photo journalist and Master Pet Stylist at Yankee Clipper in Rockport, ME

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Downeast Dog News

The World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials Unpredictable and Uproarious Moments of Canine Glory ®

by Jennifer McIntosh, Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors It’s not a circus, and it’s not Westminster, but it does involve impressive tricks, talents, and crowd-pleasing canines. The World Championship Boatyard Dog® Trials is a signature Sunday event at the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show, known for wacky stunts by dogs and their humans. This year’s 10th annual event will take place on Sunday, August 12, beginning with a parade of contenders and special guests at 10:15 a.m. and followed by the Trials at 10:30 a.m. Before there was a boat show, there was a magazine of the same name, and man’s best friend has been front and center from the beginning. Since the publication of the first issue of Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors 25 years ago, the Boatyard Dog® column has been a reader favorite, featuring dogs who love the water as much as their boating companions. Inspired by publisher John K. Hanson’s own golden retriever, Fagin— whose managerial career began at the Hinckley Yacht Company and transitioned to publishing at WoodenBoat magazine—the column pays homage to dogs on deck and around the boatyard who do the important work of supervision and morale maintenance. It is certain that Fagin could not have foreseen the occasion, exception to include a boatyard cat or chicken, but being a good-natured fellow, would most likely have waved a paw of welcome. Since the first splash 10 years ago, the Boatyard Dog Trials have captured the flavor of the column by showcasing six contestants annually, each with their own individual approach to waterfront living. Participants have spanned

the dog spectrum from Chihuahua to Newfoundland, from dogs that sing to those who paddleboard, and a healthy number who frankly were not all that fond of ocean swimming. During the competition, preselected dogs and their handlers will navigate a tippy dock, fetch objects from the water, and participate in a “freestyle” event of their own creation. The 2012 freestyle wildcard demands that a hula hoop be part of the act, and as ever, someone from each team must get wet, be it the twoor four-legged team member. The bylaws encourage wackiness and cheating, and bribing the judges has become an art of its own. Surprises and smiles are guaranteed. Beyond the chance to celebrate dogs and their abilities, show

and show organizers report seeing a growing momentum and excitement on the part of attendees. New this year, an exhibit area “All Things Dog” will feature vendors that cater to canine needs. Surprise your pet (who will be patiently waiting at home) with homemade dog biscuits, dog beds, doghouses, and all the necessary treats to make for a pampered pouch. Stop by the

goers have had the opportunity to support area animal shelters during the 2010 and 2011 shows. At the “People’s Choice Wagon,” attendees vote for their favorite competing dog by casting a monetary vote, with one dollar equaling one vote. All proceeds are split evenly and donated to the two local midcoast shelters, the Humane Society of Knox County and the CamdenRockport Animal Rescue League. During the past two seasons, Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors has been able to donate nearly $1500 total,

Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors booth for Boatyard Dog® collars and leashes for them, and canvas bags and t-shirts for you. See you on the waterfront, Sunday August 12. Please note that the field of competing dogs is pre-selected, and organizers would like to emphasize that due to liability reasons only those dogs will be allowed onto show grounds. They ask that all other pets be left at home to avoid disappointment. Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors is pleased to acknowledge the

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generous support from the following companies: Custom Float Services, lead sponsor; The Bark magazine, 2012 media sponsor of the Boatyard Dog Trials, and supporting sponsors Loyal Biscuit Co., Planet Dog, and Sea Bags. For more information about the show, its exhibitors, and collaborative community events, visit www. maineboats.com/boatshow. The Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show was founded in 2003 by Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine. Held annually during the second weekend of August in Rockland, Maine, the show attracts thousands of attendees from all over the country and world. Show hours: Friday and Saturday, August 10 and 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, August 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $12 at the gate, under 12 free. Advance tickets are available for purchase online through August 1 at www. maineboats.com. No pets allowed on show grounds—please leave them at home. Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors, “The Magazine of the Coast,” is celebrating its 25th year. Noted for eclectic award-winning coverage of all aspects of coastal living, the magazine covers everything from maritime matters and natural history to boats, homes, fine art, and food. The magazine has loyal subscribers around the world and more than 100,000 total readers. An award-winning online edition at www.maineboats.com is filled with original content, photo galleries, tide charts for Maine and New Hampshire, guides to products and services, and Local Knowledge™ to help visitors enjoy the Maine coast. Entries are being accepted until July 6. Find out how to apply at www.maineboats.com/boatshow/ visitors/boatyard-dog.

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Dog days of Summer Reading where she survives in the wild until reunited with her owners; and Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog, by Susannah Charleson, about the author’s experience as a searchand-rescue worker with her golden retriever Puzzle. Jenny Kelley also works at the Rice Public Library, and she enthusiastically recommended these books readers can’t get enough of: A Dog’s Life by Anne M. Martin; The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein; Following Atticus: Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog, and an Extraordinary Friendship, by Tom Ryan. And Karen, also weighing in from Kittery’s Rice Library, commented, “Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog by John Grogan, is still popular even though the book was published in 2005. Since then, there have been a picture book, a chapter book and the film.” Karen also recommended these books for children: Dog, by Matthew Van Fleet; If You Give a Dog a Donut, by Lauren Numeroff; Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Cion. Up the coast a ways at the Ellsworth Public Library: Katie Lyons was kind enough to perform a search to see what fiction books are circulating about canines: A Dog’s Journey by W. Bruce Cameron, a direct sequel to best-

by Kate Cone

The comedian Groucho Marx once quipped, “Outside of a dog, a book is Man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” But inside of a library, even in summer, especially in summer, when days are hot and long and the beach isn’t always an option, a library can be a refuge. Airconditioned (mostly), they offer large, comfortable chairs, cozy reading nooks, and peace and quiet. The fireplaces won’t be working this time of year, but they remind us of days gone by, when the world moved at a much less frenetic pace, and it was okay to just sit and read. For a summer reading list of books about dogs, I polled some librarians across the Great State of Maine. At the southern gateway to Vacationland, Bonnie Mee at the Rice Public Library told me, “Our patrons are totally dog people, and books about dogs are a really big thing now, especially books where the dog inspires its owner through a difficult time. We even have some people who sneak in their dogs, even though it’s not really allowed.” Bonnie suggested these: Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love, by Larry Levin. A family adopts a dog formerly used as bait for fighting dogs (see book review on page 9 ); Sophie: The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog, by Emma Pearse tells about an Australian cattle dog who’s lost at sea, swims six miles through shark-infested waters,

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Maddie Toleman of Boxford, Mass, with Zoey. —Photo by Debra Parkhurst

seller A Dog’s Purpose; The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, told from the point of view of Enzo, a labterrier mix who rides shotgun with racecar driver Denny Swift; The Dog Who Knew Too Much, by Spencer Quinn is the fourth in the New York Times best-selling mystery series featuring Chet and his human companion Bernie. In the non-fiction realm, Katie iterates that dog training books remain popular, with the Dog Whisperer books leading the pack. But a book Katie recommends by a Maine author has training combined with a plot line: Adventures with Ari: A Puppy, A Leash, and Our Year Outdoors by Kathryn Miles, from Belfast, Maine is about her Jindo puppy Ari and their adventures during his first year. In central Maine, Kathleen Kenney of the Waterville Public Library highly recommends some children’s books: How I Got a Life and a Dog by Art Corriveau. “It’s extremely well-written, about a kid named Nicky Flynn, who is not in the best parenting situation. His mom is impulsive and comes home one day with a German shepherd she adopts. It’s a little uncomfortable at first. They don’t have the right food for the

dog and Nicky doesn’t want it, but eventually he falls in love with it.” One Dog and his Boy, by Eva Ibbotson, who wrote until a few days before she passed away in her eighties. Kathleen says, “This is a beautifully-written book about a boy whose parents give him everything money can buy but not much of their time and attention. They get him a dog from a rental agency. No one tells Hal the dog has to be returned. In order to keep Fleck, the boy has to run away. They go on an incredible journey with five castoff dogs, all looking for their one true person.” May I Pet Your Dog? By Stephanie Calmenson is a how- to guide for kids meeting dogs and dogs meeting kids. “It’s the best book I’ve ever seen on teaching kids how to approach dogs.” Across the state to the west, Rangeley Public Library’s Janet Wilson says kids love RRRalph by Lois Ehlert, a picture book aimed at younger children that relies mostly on illustrations. Ralph’s kid-owners insist he can talk. “We ask him, ‘what’s on that tree,’ and he says, ‘bark, bark!’” And they just got in the 2012 Caldecott Medal winner, A Ball for Daisy, by Chris Raschka. For adults, Janet confirms that Marley and Me and The Art of Racing in the Rain have been checked out quite a bit. For a list of public libraries in Maine, go to: www.publiclibraries. com/Maine. Kate Cone is a freelance writer and the author of “What’s Brewing in New England: A Guide to Brewpubs and Microbreweries.” She is finishing her mystery novel No One to Bury, which features two golden retrievers named Perry and Della. Readers please submit a review of one of these books. I will choose one of the submissions and in it in the next issue of DDN. Please send reviews to Noreen@DowneastDogNews.com. Thank you and Happy Reading!

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Downeast Dog News

Book Review

Two Book Reviews by Kelly Patton Brook The Lost Dogs, by Jim Gorant & Oogy, by Larry Levin

The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant

“‘Lost Dogs’ is the bestselling story of survival, and our powerful bond with man’s best friend, in the aftermath of the nation’s most notorious animal cruelty case.” For months I’d put off reading this account of ruthless brutality, afraid I would not be able to endure reliving in words the pain these dogs had undergone. I bought the book. At times I had to put it down, unable to control my emotions, which ranged from rage to disbelief, to such sadness that I was uncertain I could go on. ‘Lost Dogs’ is a shocking true story of the violence of dog-fighting, including using bait-dog puppies in training other dogs to rip apart larger opponents. It also tells of the time an eye-witness saw Michael Vick hang one of his own dogs for what dog-fighters call ‘poor performance’. However, this story of bloodshed and carnage softens as one reads the incredible narrative of redemption that unfolds once the animals have been rescued from Vick’s dog- fighting crime scene. Almost all of the persecuted animals were rehabilitated and either found loving homes or were trained as service dogs, or were placed forever in the care of ‘rescues’ like Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls (BAD RAP). BAD RAP was instrumental in saving many of the Vick dogs. Vick and his buddies represent the worst of us, but the astonishing rescue of most of these dogs is a tale of the best of us. The author, Jim Gorant, witnessed the effort that went into liberating and mending body and spirit of these broken

dogs. Caring people persisted with love even after the Humane Society of the United States (USUS) recommended that most of them should be euthanized. The miraculous rescues in ‘Lost Dogs’ fosters a bonding between caretakers and animals over and over. Love was at the heart of the healing. Hard work, time, patience, perseverance, science, and dedication of many compassionate people brought the Vick dogs back. When I finished the book I felt as if I’d been on a journey that dramatically led to a blessed state where deliverance from cruelty and hate is still possible.

Oogy

by Larry Levine

“Kelly, have you read “Oogy”? You have to read Oogy!” The staff at MCBS knows about me. Animals, animals, animals. The staff is also fond of ‘all creatures great and small’. Over the holidays I read ‘Lost Dogs’ first, and then “Oogy” on New Year’s Day. Deeply touched by yet another story of cruelty and redemption I could not put “Oogy” down until I’d finished it. Oogy, who looked like a pit-bull was in fact a dogo’ or an argentine dogo, bred in Argentina as a big-game-hunting dog. As a four month old puppy, Oogy had been used as bait for training dogs to fight. He had been horribly mauled. He was missing an ear and the left side of his face was covered in scar tissue. He would certainly have been euthanized if he had not (by accident) ended up in a criticalcare veterinary. At the insistence of a female vet

the surgeon of the veterinary began a series of operations to save Oogy’s life. One day while Oogy was recuperating from his last operation, the author of the book, Larry Levin, and his twelve year-old twins were at the veterinary on a sad mission. Their old cat was dying and they were there to have her euthanized. When they were leaving a maimed puppy bounded into the waiting room and into the arms of Larry Levin. At once the twins and Larry were on the floor with a happy, ecstatic Oogy, who gave them more kisses, hugs and wiggles of joy than ten puppies could have offered this grieving family. “There’s not a mean bone in his body”, the surgeon offered, as he untangled Oogy from those he was surely adopting on the floor. There was no doubt that Oogy would become a part of the Levin family. “Oogy” is a love story. Oogy changed the lives of the Levin family. He was ready to go home. And so begins the love story of a rambunctious puppy, who became a loyal companion and protector. But so much more. The disfigured Oogy, became a role model for others with disabilities. His great love of people transcended the word ‘ugly’. His immeasurable power of love was shared with all the humans and animals he met. He qualified as a service dog and continues to perform miracles inspiring the best in us all. So many books have been written about animals in the past few years. I hope this is a trend to promote the cause of both wild and domestic animals, to the elevated eminence they deserve. Kelly Patton Brook writes a column , All four Paws, and book reviews for The Lincoln County News, Newcastle, ME. She is also a board member of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter.

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Pooch Pantry

By Baxter

—By Renate Tower

Cookout Tips Each summer I try to pass on my accumulated knowledge of family cookouts. This usually includes ways an enterprising dog may make the most of these times. In the past I’ve focused on the burning of perfectly good meat and how one might help oneself to the spoils. This time I’d like to discuss the preparation of the feast. Preparation time lends itself to moments of distraction for the preparer, often the alpha female, and opportunities for you. Take for example the spilled egg. Whether raw or hard-boiled, you can help her – and yourself by being the first on the scene. This is often accomplished by lying at her feet and/or following her step-for-step. (NOTE: this in itself can sometimes cause a misstep and a bit of something tasty landing nearby.) Being a tall dog, I will often help by cleaning the edge of the counter with my tongue. It’s amazing what you can find if you let your nose lead you along. Of course, as enjoyable as an egg or the odd morsel may be, the pièce de résistance is always the meat. By helping in the kitchen you sometimes have the opportunity to rescue it before flames consume it. As with any eating adventure stealth and patience are the keys to success. Wait until she’s distracted: arriving guests, someone calling from outside. Sidle up to the counter (or hop up on a nearby chair if you are short) …and pounce. Try – and I know this is asking a lot – try not to grab everything. Leave some for your humans. it’s only fair and it makes your actions a little less obvious. Find a corner or slip outside to enjoy your reward. Do not stand and eat in the kitchen. Oh, and if they call you? Time to make yourself scarce. Chow! Baxter

Hi Folks - with the first in the series of Dog Food 101 behind us we are ready to move on to label reading. First, the first ingredient listed is the heaviest ingredient. Your are looking to see a meat like, chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, etc., listed there. A meat meal is OK to be listed within the first four ingredients. Stay away from by-product since it is a low class meat. Second, avoid buying a dog food with grains, especially corn or wheat. They can cause allergies. When grains cannot be avoided look for grains such as barley, oatmeal and brown rice. These types of grain are healthier compared to other grain products. Third, the fat source should be animal based such as chicken fat. Dogs are able to utilize animal fats better than vegetable oils, but sunflower, canola and flaxseed oils are okay. Finally, do not buy dog food that contains BHT or BHA, they are chemical preservatives and could be harmful. Look at the guaranteed analysis to see that the protein level is at 30% or more. The fat content should be at 18% or more. There should be no food coloring. Now, let’s make some cool summer treats: Pupsicles If you have an ice cube tray you can make puppy Pupsicles. Pour chicken or beef stock (organic) into an ice cube tray and freeze it for 5 hours. You could add chopped veggies, kibbles or Cheerios for crunch.

Pumpkin Pupsicles

32 oz. vanilla yogurt 1 cup peanut butter

1-16 oz. can of pure mashed pumpkin (not the spiced pie pumpkin)

Mix all the ingredients. Freeze in an ice cube tray for 5 hours. Serve and watch the joy.

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Downeast Dog News

Basic Training Tips: by Diana Logan

IS YOUR DOG “TRIGGER HAPPY?” We’ve all seen it in some form - the dog who barks at passersby… or when the doorbell rings… or at dogs or humans he sees from the car or when on leash…. The passerby, the doorbell, the dogs - are all “triggers:” those things to which dogs react. Barking is a common, though not the only, reaction. A certain amount of reactivity is normal dog behavior, but sometimes the frequency and intensity of reactions requires intervention. It’s up to us to help our dogs learn another way to deal with triggers. Since many reactions are fearbased, we also need to help them change their opinions about them. There are two main components to modifying the behavior: 1. Prevention: Don’t be an Enabler! Avoid the situations that cause the reactivity. A client complained about her retriever “going wild” each time a pedestrian walked by the house. For years, the dog spent much of her day at “her favorite window,” erupting in aggressive sounding vocalizations barking until the passerby passed by. It was her hobby. Her owner had thoughtfully placed a padded bench at the

window, so the dog could survey her neighborhood in comfort. The owner initially resisted my suggestion of preventing access to the window, but she gave it a try; the dog was given other things to occupy her time (treat dispensing toys on the floor, more exercise and training games) and the barking was significantly reduced. Think of it as an addiction; if you want your spouse to quit smoking, handing him a lit cigarette will not help him quit, especially if he has no desire to do so. Dogs lack a compelling reason to change unless we give them one. Each time we put them in the situation that causes the reactivity, the stronger the addiction becomes. The access to the window for my client’s dog was that lit cigarette. Little dogs are often provided wonderful vantage points atop furniture from which they can see up and down the street and practice reactivity until it’s as automatic as breathing: it becomes a “default behavior.” Reactivity Spreads A dog who has perfected reacting to passersby from his window at home is likely to do the same thing from the car. Crating in the car is an excellent preventive measure to minimize the visual stimuli. 2. Training Create a new Pattern Imagine if each time you saw a spider you were handed a $5 bill. If you were fearful of them, your fear would most likely diminish,

and you’d see them as opportunities to get rich. We can do the same thing for our dogs. Whenever your dog becomes aware of one of his triggers… and BEFORE he reacts to it… give him his version of a $5 bill! This may come in the form of treats, a game of fetch, tug… whatever turns him on at that moment. Gradually expose him to greater intensities of the trigger. If he reacts or is not interested in his $5, the trigger is too strong or the currency too weak: back off to the point where he is interested. When the trigger goes away, stop paying him. Pretty soon he’ll start to associate the trigger’s appearance with something good. Interrupt & Redirect Life happens. We can’t control everything in our dog’s environment at all times. If Fido starts reacting to something, and you aren’t in the position to train, interrupt and redirect him. This may mean removing him from the situation entirely. Hobby Options Our dogs get bored. Be sure you provide your pooch with appropriate things to do; ensure he gets plenty of exercise and positive interaction. Train! Be Proactive If you have a dog who isn’t yet reactive, be proactive, and pay him for the presence of common triggers. He’ll be less likely to react in the future!

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

Basic Veterinary First-Aid by Dr. Charles Ellithorpe, Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Assoc. Normal body temperature = 100102.5 (101.5) degrees. Can be taken with a rectal digital thermometer. Average canine heart rate = 60-140bpm (dependent on breed and size of dog) Average feline heart rate = 100 -160bpm (easily affected by stress and anxiety) Mucous membranes (gums and conjunctiva) – usually pink and moist but color may vary with darkpigmented individuals (chocolate Lab.) Common Dog Injuries 1) Broken toenails – more common if nails are too long. Corn starch may be used as a coagulant (styptic). If the nail is only partially attached, it may need to be removed and you will likely need to see your veterinarian. 2) Porcupine quills – a very common occurrence in Maine. Quill injuries can be deadly! The oneway barbs on quills can make them migrate and travel long distances through the tissues and can penetrate vital organs, even many weeks after the initial incident. Although some quills are easily removed, many will require a visit to your veterinarian for sedation and minor surgery. 3) Allergic reactions/ insect bites and stings – usually these are mild problems but can rarely be lifethreatening. Often cause swelling of the head and face. Can occur with insect bites, medication reactions, food allergies, vaccines. Dogs can be given Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

July 2012

at a dose of 1mg/lb. of body weight (a 50lb. dog gets 50mg and most Benadryl comes in 25 mg capsules or tablets). 4) Heat Stroke – Is an inability to lower body temperature and maintain normal organ function. Occurs when the body temperature exceeds 105 degrees. Can be a fatal condition. Heat stroke occurs more commonly in overweight and out of condition dogs. Risk factors include: obesity, brachycephalic breeds (Boston terriers, bulldogs, pugs,) and other dogs with respiratory or heart disease. Commonly occurs in dogs with Laryngeal paralysis (older Retrievers are very prone to this condition). Symptoms include: uncontrolled panting, noisy breathing (stridor), very rapid heart rates, brick-red mucous membranes and an elevated body temp. (>105 degrees). Initial attempts should be to cool the dog as quickly as possible with cool (not cold) water or towels applied to the belly, arm pits and groin and the bottom of the feet. If available, rubbing alcohol used to soak the bottom of the feet works well to help evaporate heat. A fan may be used and the animal should be kept out of the sun. You should take your dog to the nearest animal hospital for further care. 5) Dog bite wounds unfortunately common wounds.

Bite wounds come in many different types and severity. These include punctures, lacerations, crushing injuries, and occasionally fractures. When large dogs attack much smaller dogs, the internal wounds can be very severe and not visible (these include internal bleeding, organ damage, hernias). Wounds should be initially cleaned with an antibacterial soap and hydrogen peroxide. Do not continue to use peroxide for cleaning as it can delay healing of wounds. Severe wounds/lacerations should be wrapped and the animal transported to your veterinarian for evaluation. Any animal with labored breathing should be taken immediately to your veterinarian. 6) Dental injuries - fractured teeth are fairly common in dogs from chewing bones, rocks, Nylabones, and occasionally sticks. These will need to be evaluated by your veterinarian. Avulsion or luxation of canine teeth (the fangs) is a potential injury associated with dog fights – happens when a dog’s tooth gets caught in the other dog’s collar. These can sometimes be salvaged and repaired but other times require extraction. If you have a tooth completely pulled out, put it in milk and bring it with you to your veterinarian, and in some cases it can be replaced. 7) HBC (hit by car or bus, truck, train, boat, tractor, UPS truck, Cub

Cadet) You name it, it has happened! There are innumerable injuries that can occur in these cases. You should always take your dog to your veterinarian for evaluation. There are often hidden injuries that can be life-threatening. If you tend to an animal that has been hit by a car, you should always consider that they are likely to be very painful and frightened and may bite those who are trying to help them. Consider using a muzzle, even a short rope or shoelace works well to tie the mouth closed for transport. You can use a towel or blanket as a stretcher to pick them up to put them in a car. Try to have someone ride with the animal to keep him/her calm. Badly fractured legs that are unstable can be wrapped with bulky cloth material to support the limb and to prevent further damage. It is recommended that you have phone numbers available for your veterinarian and that you always know the closest hospital to you in case of emergency. Some helpful numbers are: Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid-Maine 37 Strawberry Ave, Lewiston 207.777.1110 Animal Emergency Clinic 352 Warren Ave, Portland 207.878.3121 Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic 268 State St, Brewer 207.989.6267 ASPCA Poison Control 888.426.4435

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Hot Dog News

6th Annual Bark in the Park Planet Dog Foundation Fundraiser to Benefit Maine Medical Center’s Therapy Dog Program

Dogs and their families are invited to enjoy an evening of baseball while raising valuable funds to support the Maine Medical Center Therapy Dog Program. Mike Piazza and his dogs will perform Frisbee catching tricks between innings. Bark in the Park ticket holders sit in the 3rd base bleacher section with all access to the “birthday section” behind the bleachers. There will be a grassy relief area, wading pool, canine watering station, dog treats and games for pups and their families. Dog valets will also be on hand to care for pets so people can visit the concessions. Tuesday, July 17, 2012 vs. the Reading Phillies (RE), (Class AA Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies) 6:15 pm - pre-game parade for pups and people led by Slugger, the Sea Dog’s mascot. 7:00 pm - game starts Hadlock Field, Portland Tickets are available beginning May 25. They are $7.00 for people and $7.00 for dogs (children under 2 free). They can be purchased at the Planet Dog Company Store at 211 Marginal Way, Portland (207-3478606) or by calling Planet Dog at 800-381-1516. Every ticket holder with a tail gets a free Planet Dog Orbee-TuffÒ

Baseball chew toy and admission to the pre-game on field parade with Slugger. All dogs must have a ticket and dog tickets are limited and MUST be purchased in advance. Planet Dog is a Portland-based designer, developer and retailer of award-winning and socially responsible products for dogs. Planet Dog is proud to donate 2% of every sale to the Planet Dog Foundation (PDF). PDF provides cash grants to non-profit programs throughout the country that train, place and support dogs who help people in need. Since 2006, PDF has given over $850,000 in cash grants and in-kind product donations to non-profits in Maine and across the nation. FMI: Katie LeBel, 207-563-7695 or katie@planetfriendlypr.com Kristen Smith, 207-761-1515 or kristen@planetdog.com www.planetdog.com/company _ store/local_events.aspx www.planetdogfoundation.org

uide: 0 pixels Photos by jennifermillsphotography.com

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PET EMERGENCIES 24/7

Pet Community Event

Bridgton—On Sunday, July 15th, from 12 noon until 2:30 pm, Bridgton Veterinary Hospital will be hosting its 4th Annual Pet Community Event. The event features rescues, shelters, animal welfare organizations, and vendors from the local area. This year there will be grooming demonstrations by Dippitty Dog of Fryeburg and pointing bird dog demonstrations by Tailfeathers Upland Store of Raymond. A beautiful cat themed quilt will be raffled to benefit The Rusty Fund (an in-house program to help clients with unexpected pet acute care needs). In addition, attendees will be voting for the final winners of our dog and cat Best In Show Photo Contests. Many great organizations will be

FUR BALL

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Board of Directors present. Many employees from the shelter, who work seven days a week providing care and love to surrendered animals, were there working on the fundraiser. “These people are not paid very well, but they work untold hours to give devoted care with nary a complaint,” said Brook. After the opening remarks, Aubry and Dan Martin conducted a live auction of over 65 items, among them an original design donated by PeaPod Designs’ Ronna Lugosch and a week in Cabo San Lucas. The evening featured the costumed Mr. & Mrs. Maine Dog Pageant. Entrants included Foxee Ladee, a Pomeranian in a red dress with petticoats; Jaxon, a Basset/Golden mix, sported diving gear complete with tanks, Sophie, a Bracco Italiano, wore a bikini but struggled with costume malfunctions. Each of the eight contestants paraded onstage for the audience and the judges. Third place went to Rudi, a Burnese Mountain dog, sporting a plaid bow tie and cummerbund. Second place went to Buddy, the English Cocker Spaniel, who wore a top hat and tails, complete with white dress shirt. The winner of the Mrs. Maine Dog Competition was a graduate of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter” Misha,” owned by Kelly Patton

Jaxon, a Basset/Golden mix

represented including Harvest Hills Animal Shelter of Fryeburg, Maine, Cocker Spaniel Rescue of Raymond, Responsible Pet Care of Norway, Second Chance Boxer Rescue of Raymond, and Little Paws Big Hearts Pekingese Rescue of Westbrook. There will be pet-related shopping at the event. Vendors such as Jessie Bears Dog Biscuits of Baldwin, Silver Paw Pet Tags of Brownfield, Freeman Photography of Norway, and SCF Cat Trees of Harrison will be on hand with their products. Our previous Pet Community Events have proven to be greatly appreciated by pet lovers. Please join us for a fun time of education, shopping, and possibly welcoming a four-legged addition to your family!

Kelly and Misha

Brook. The food was catered by King Eider’s Pub, and featured a signature drink: The Muttini. Reprinted with special permission by the publisher of Lincoln County Publishing/The Lincoln County News, Newcastle, ME, www. lincolncount yne wsonline.com Photos by N. Mullaney

Buddy, English Cocker Spaniel

EMERGENCY HOSPITAL • REFERRAL HOSPITAL WITH ALL BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS

MAINE VETERINARY REFERRAL CENTER

Emergency and Specialty Hospital

To be prepared, enter our phone number into your cell/home phone directories.

207.885.1290

Off Route One in Scarborough, Maine

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