South Georgia Pets

CARTER’S CORNER

A TUG OF WAR

Dear Carter,

I love pulling on the leash when we go for walks. My mom pulls back at me and then I know the game is on—I pull even harder. I love it. But my mom shouts my name a lot and yanks sharply on the leash. I’m not sure if she’s playing with me or telling me I’m doing something she doesn’t like. Can you help me understand what’s going on?

– Elbert, Kissimmee, FL

Dear Elbert,

Yes I can. The old tug-of-war is a fun game to play with a human but I don’t think walk time is the best time. I think your mom wants you to walk with what is called a “slack” leash. That’s when the leash is not pulled tight the entire time during your walk. I am a very intelligent dog, and educated—I’m obedient and can type and read, among other things. But lots of dogs need cues and clear directions from humans to do things their way. And I think you are a little confused about your mom’s actions and what you are expected to do.

There are lots of good training websites available, many good books and excellent trainers for your mom to consult to help you understand her. She has obviously given you some mixed signals about pulling. The key for a human is to praise you when you allow slack in the leash when you are on a walk. And we all love praise, don’t we? To get that special head rub or a smile from a human is a special thing for us. One method is for your mom to immediately walk in a different direction when you start to pull. Then, when you start to walk to catch up with her, there will be slack on the leash and your mom will praise you. When you get out in front again and start pulling— boom!—she should change direction and again the leash will slacken until you catch back up. All of this is designed to train you to leave that “slack” in the leash and not to pull. Other methods involve the human not moving when you pull and waiting you out. The human only starts walking when you aren’t pulling. Now, he or she must praise you when there is slack in the leash, so you get the idea. These training methods take time and your mom’s patience, however, so don’t be disappointed if it takes a while for you to catch on. Good luck!

A MOVE ON THE HORIZON

Dear Carter,

I’m seeing a lot of boxes around our house lately. It’s making me very anxious. Are my owners leaving me? – Phineas, a feline from Bloomingdale

Dear Phineas,

Many families are selling their homes right now. The market is hot! This can be very stressful for the family pet. Maybe you can share some of this advice with your owners so they can make your transition smoother and you can look forward to a happy new house where you can stretch and take a good cat nap. 1. Decide how you will move your pet. Is it a car ride? Do you have a crate to keep them save while traveling? This can reduce their level of anxiety if they are secure and safe during the trip. 2. Keep your pet in a comfortable, safe space on moving day. Consider boarding your pet or hiring a pet sitter for that day. You may also put them in one of the empty rooms until you are ready to transport your furry friend to your new home. 3. Maintain your pet’s routine. In the days and weeks leading up to your move and the time after you move in, it is important to keep the daily routine as consistent as possible. Take them on their regular walks, feed them their favorite foods and keep their bed and toys around so they begin to feel some normalcy among the chaos that is moving to a new home.

Savannah Kennel Club Aims High to Procure a Pet Disaster Relief Trailer

It is frightening to hear or read of a disaster striking and to see the pictures of the devastation wreaked upon a community. The sense of loss—the helplessness experienced by the families affected—can be overwhelming. In addition to the destruction of property and the loss of cherished items, many families also become separated from their pets. These animals are their companions and their family members. In the midst of everything else, families agonize over when, how or even if they will see their pets again. To this end, the Savannah Kennel Club (SKC) has recently made a commitment to provide Chatham County with a pet disaster relief trailer.

Members of the SKC have taken on a challenging fundraising effort to provide the monies necessary to procure a pet disaster relief trailer that can rescue, house and care for at least 65 pets during the first few critical days after a disaster strikes. Part of the funds needed will come from a grant offered by the American Kennel Club, however the grant will only cover about a third of the monies needed. As a result, SKC will be hosting several major events, the proceeds of which will go toward the additional $19,000 need for the rescue trailer.

In September, Savannah will be going to the dogs—literally. And for a good cause.

The month is going to start out with a two-day Fast CAT event at Tom Triplett Park on September 11-12. It may be called Fast CAT, but it’s all about dogs. This sanctioned AKC event is open to both purebred and mixed breed dogs. Competitors race against the clock, individually chasing a lure in a blazing 100-year dash. It doesn’t matter whether your dog is a Pyrenees, a Pomeranian or a Peekapoo. The dogs are handicapped based on their height at their shoulders—less than 12”, 12” - 18”, and greater than 18”.

Just take a look at some of the top speeds turned in by canine competitors:

Although the event will be for national

rankings, there will be fun runs offered for those who would like to enter their couch companions and try the sport out. Sign up in advance or race day. You can compete whether your dog is of noble lineage or dubious parentage. The dog just needs to be 12 months of age.

For those who prefer a slower pace, there is a golf tournament on September 22 to benefit SKC. This will include 18 holes of golf, a cart, lunch and prizes and will be held at The Club at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island, across from River Street. The Club offers a beautiful and challenging, classically designed Sam Snead and Bob Cupp course. Enjoy the play while knowing that you’ve contributed to making the disaster relief trailer a reality.

Evident of the support this effort is receiving from the dog community in the area, SouthEast Disc Dogs stepped up and offered to host the golf tournament for the Savannah Kennel Club. The frisbee flying canines and handlers will also be part of WagFest, a huge, two-day dog weekend to be held on September 24-25 at Tom Triplett Park.

Trainers, breeders, therapists, veterinarians, rescue organizations and so many others from across the low country are coming out to support SKC’s WagFest weekend. It will be two fun-filled days of demonstrations, dog sports, food, music, vendors, games and contests, and Meet The Breed—an introduction and informational session of various dog breeds.

Kicking off WagFest will be The Fast and the Furriest 5K Run and 1-mile Fun Walk where runners/walkers and their dogs compete. Participating local rescue groups will have pups for those participants without canine partners, although you can still participate without a dog. There will be swag bags, medallions, bandanas and bragging rights, so don’t miss out.

Altamaha Canine Consulting is SKC’s principal sponsor for WagFest and will be on hand to conduct demonstrations for attendees. There is no admittance fee and it will be family and dog friendly, so plan to be a part of the activities and to bringing the disaster relief trailer to our area! h

BREED MPH

Beagle Bulldog Chihuahua 24.63

22.51

23.12

Greyhound 37.37 Labrador Retriever 29.16 Poodle 27.95 Whippet 38.69

For more information and event signups, visit www.savannahkennelclub.org or facebook.com/SavannahKennelClub.

A Pawsitively Fun Race Changed Two Lives Fur-ever

Story by Donna Pfendler-Merkle

Two year old Ayra and her seven puppies were taken to Chatham County Animal Services (CCAS) when her owners no longer wanted her or her puppies. CCAS staff contacted Renegade Paws Rescue to pull the nursing mom and her pups from the shelter into a better environment. Ayra was scared, sad, and seemed to have given up hope of ever having a happy life.

Jennifer (Jen) Taylor, Director and founder of Renegade Paws Rescue, took Ayra and her puppies to foster care, where they were given time to decompress and be examined by a veterinarian. After the puppies began eating food and were quickly adopted. Ayra was spayed and taken to an adult dog foster home. A Chance at a New Start

It was the morning of the Fast and Furriest Race—a unique trail race that gave people an opportunity not only to run with their pups, but also to meet and run with a pup from a local rescue. Ayra was not supposed to go to the race, but was chosen at the last minute. “To be honest I wasn’t sure she would be much of a runner, “ Jen said. “Ayra was more of a playwith-my-doggie-friends dog.”

Bambi Carrino, a traveling nurse stationed in Savannah, ran track and cross country in high school. She has run dozens of half marathons, two marathons, and two ultras. She jumped at the chance to run the Fast and Furriest Race not only because it was a trail run but because it gave her a chance to run with a rescue. “I had taken a few opportunities in LA and DC to take rescues for hikes, visit in shelters, etc. to fill the ’pet void’ I was experiencing as a travel nurse.”

“I was actually supposed to run with a different dog. Jen said that even though Arya was, ’short, thick, and didn’t look like much of a runner,’ that she’d ’get the job done.’ Which is exactly how I feel about myself as a runner. In fact, I think all I said to Jen was ’SAME!’.”

Bambi and Ayra were a perfect match. “I am sure I loved her before we even took a single step. We were either running or playing in the puddles and tide, which is exactly my speed and philosophy on running. You could tell she was thrilled to be out there and it was infectious. Being able to focus on her made the five miles fly by because I took in my surroundings more instead of being in my head or feeling uncomfortable.”

The purpose of Savannah Kennel Club’s Fast and Furriest Race and the Paws to Pavement Walking events—in conjunction with Fleet Feet of Savannah—is to promote the importance of

heart healthy exercise for humans and dogs. “This was the inaugural Fast and Furriest Race. Organizing this event was a dream come true bringing my two loves together—dogs and running,” said Donna Merkle, Race Director and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Savannah Kennel Club. “I remember Bambi telling me about her running partner and that it was the best race she had ever run. It brought tears of joy to my eyes—this is exactly why we put so much effort into this event.”

“As an avid runner and dog lover myself, Fleet Feet Savannah could not pass up the chance to partner with the Kennel Club on this freakin’ awesome race,” said Mike Nadeau, owner of Fleet Feet Savannah and Pooler. “Our running and walking communities look forward to our events with the pups. We are proud of the part we play in bringing these communities together.”

Ayra went back to her foster home, but Bambi could not forget about Ayra. She knew she wanted to adopt Ayra the day of the race but wanted to make sure it was the right decision for her and Ayra. Bambi talked about her for two days to whoever would listen, and her friends and family encouraged her to adopt Ayra. “It was very important to me to be a good, responsible pet owner. They said my amount of concern and anxiety over being a good dog mom proved that I was ready, and I am so glad I listened! I let Jen know on Monday that I wanted to be Zahra’s (formerly Ayra) furever home and on Tuesday, October 1, she became the best race swag I ever earned!” Today Zahra is living her best life. She travels with Bambi across the country on nursing assignments. She has been to Chattanooga, NYC, New Orleans, and now Tampa. Bambi has learned to be patient with herself and Zahra after a move. “I have to give myself grace and know that I’m trying my best by her, even if the situation may not be ideal. I don’t want anyone going into adopting thinking they got the wrong dog or are the wrong parent just because things aren’t perfect 100% of the time. There’s a lot to consider before adopting, but it’ll always be a work in progress whether they have a pure bred or a rescue! Despite the work, Zahra has brought so much love and light to my life and I wouldn’t change a thing!”

Bambi and Zahra continue to run trails and hike wherever they go. Zahra is also a great soccer player and Frisbee catcher extraordinaire. Her absolute favorite things in the world, though, are bubbles and belly rubs! h

ADOPTABLE PETS

Please consider adopting! | 912.754.2109 | www.ecas.petfinder.com

Apple Blue Blue Bart Galileo Leon Lolly

Dell Mia Paxtin Panther Pepper Pipper

Pepsi

Tammy Rebel Shirley

Butterbean Clover

Where Pets are Family

Dee Cupcake & Twinkie

We accept donation items (pet food, blankets, towels, etc.) for Coastal Pet Rescue in our hospital lobby.

www.animalhospitalatricehope.com

912-965-0330 | 7512 GA Hwy 21, Port Wentworth, GA

4 Tips to Prepare a Pet-Friendly Fire Safety Plan

After more than a year of nearly constant companionship, many pet parents are preparing to leave their pets at home while they transition back to the office. With more time away from home, it’s important for families to be prepared in the event of a fire.

As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, a vast majority of pet owners (91%) said they will leave pets home alone more often, according to a survey commissioned by Kidde and conducted online by The Harris Poll. Of those, more than 1 in 3 (35%) said they are nervous about doing so.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, 500,000 pets suffer from smoke inhalation and 40,000 die due to home fires.

“We know people will do anything to keep their furry family safe,” said Sharon Cooksey, fire safety educator for Kidde. “We’re committed to ensuring pet owners are equipped with the right products, resources, tools and confidence to prepare their family members—both two- and four-legged—in the event of an emergency as we transition to more time out of the home.”

To help protect your pets from the dangers of home fires and train them to respond positively to the sound of smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, consider these tips from Kidde:

1INCLUDE PETS IN FIRE ESCAPE PLANS

Pets should always be included in a family’s evacuation plan. Stay aware of their typical hiding spots or locations where they often nap in case you must evacuate quickly. When you are not home, keep pets in areas near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

2TRAIN PETS TO APPROPRIATELY RESPOND TO ALARMS.

In the event of an emergency, ensure your pets are familiar with the sound of smoke alarms. According to celebrity pet trainer Sara Carson, you should pair the sound with a command that instructs your pets to proceed “outside” or whichever term you use to identify the best way for them to exit the home. As you practice the routine, reward your pets for positive responses.

“As a proud dog mom of five super collies, I know pets are like our family, so it’s important we take proactive steps to keep them safe in the event of a home fire,” Carson said. “To successfully train your pets, make sure you keep training fun, short and always end on a good note.”

3USE WINDOW CLINGS TO ALERT FIRST RESPONDERS

In an emergency, first responders need to be able to quickly assess the number of pets in a home. Consider attaching a non-adhesive decal to a window near your front door to let rescuers know how many animals are inside.

4MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS Smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. In addition to testing alarms once each week, check the manufacturing date on your alarms to make sure they are current. If they are older than 10 years, it’s time to replace them.

For a full demonstration on how to train your pet to respond positively to a smoke alarm, visit kidde.com/petsafety. h