Lowcountry Dog Magazine Feb/March 2011

magazine

volume 7, issue 2

TM

february/march 2011

understanding reactive dogs chinese herbals for pets local boykin takes best in breed

SMART COOKIE world’s smartest dog is a South Carolinian (we’re not surprised!)

Publisher Leah England (843) 478-0266 leah@lowcountrydog.com

contents

Intern Gillian Nicol, Communications Guest Photographer Carroll Foster www.HotEyePhoto.com Accounting Carrie Clark Financial Services (843) 367-9969 carriecl@comcast.net For Ad Rates Call

(843) 478-0266 Lowcountry Dog Magazine PO Box 22 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 www.lowcountrydog.com Web: lowcountrydog.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/leahengland Facebook: facebook.com/lowcountrydog

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february/march 2011 This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper. Continue the green process by recycling this copy.

Lowcountry Dog’s mission is to be the leading local resource for dog owners regarding regional events, health and wellness information, trends, style and lifestyle choices. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various dog related non-profits and promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.

Dog lovers can pick up the bi-monthly magazine for free at most area veterinarians and pet stores throughout the lowcountry, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee bars and retailers. A full distribution list is posted to the magazine’s web site, lowcountrydog.com. Subscriptions are also available. Please call 843-478-0266 for more information.

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Lowcountry Dog Magazine with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher.

Lowcountry Dog Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any product, service, or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising space. Views expressed by authors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

fido’s friends 4 Acclaimed Wedding Photog Leigh Webber top stories on lowcountrydog.com 8 top dog takes honors 11 smart cookie 14 calendar of events 21 health and wellness 22 Chinese Herbals training 24 Understanding Reactive Dogs adoption 26 Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas

Cover photo and middle table of contents photo by Carroll Foster, HotEyePhoto.com. First photo in table of contents taken by Leigh Webber.

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photo by Flickr user, TheGiantVermin

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F ido’s Friends LEIGH WEBBER Occupation: PHOTOGRAPHER, SPECIALIZING IN WEDDINGS Dogs in Household: THREE Na med: BELLA(vizsla), DIEGO (chihuahua) & ROVER(catahoula) Lives: DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON 1. What’s the best thing about owning a dog?

I’d have to say it’s a toss up between coming home to a big fanfare every single time and snuggling up on the couch with them for a nap.

2. What do you find the most frustrating about your dog, or struggle with as a dog owne r ?

Discipline! It’s tough training three dogs.

3. All time favorite memory of your dog?

It would have to be the day that I took Bella to the Hampton Park dog park and met Rover and his owner Bryan, who is now my significant other!

all photos by Leigh Webber

4. Favorite place to hang out with your dog in Charleston?

We all love the beaches at Sullivans Island.

5. With what aspect of your dog’s personality do you most identify?

Bella and I are pretty much attached at the hip and I like to think I glean some of her optimism. She is always smiling.

6. In your opinion, what’s the one item all dog owners must have?

I like any kind of indestructible dog toy, and Harry Barker makes stylish dog beds.

7. If your dog were some other sort of animal, what would he/she be?

Bella, the vizsla, reminds me of a deer. She’s super fast and can leap incredibly high. Diego, the Chihuahua, would be a pit viper, not to be trusted. And Rover, the Catahoula, would be an elephant, as he is big and gentle.

8. How does your dog inspire you? Or what has your dog taught you about life and work?

I’ve had dogs my entire life and there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with having a dog.

However, I think that made the transition into parenthood a little bit smoother for me.

9. How do you KNOW you and your dog are best friends?

I miss them like crazy when we are on vacation and they are at the dog kennel. The house is empty with out them!

10 .What’s your favorite thing about Lowcountry Dog Magazine?

I love the page where readers submit their own dog photos. Some of those are hilarious and I like seeing all the different breeds.

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Photo by Amazon CARES, Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education and Safety in Peru.

and an upper respiratory infection. His overall health has improved greatly since the day he was removed. Obie is still in a foster home with ARR and is looking for a family who will love him forever!

Sadly, Obie’s case is not all that unusual.

Shadow is a dog who was recently reported to Animal Rescue & Relief as being abused and neglected.

Upon investigation, ARR found the dog had far from appropriate living conditions where he was tied up on such a short lead that he could not even lie down. He was also not given any food or water. The abuse that this dog endured is unthinkable and would make you cringe. ARR took Shadow into custody and the owners were located, charged, and found guilty on all counts. Shadow now has a wonderful new home where he is very loved and is finally getting the care he deserves!

Oftentimes the abusers of these defenseless animals are let off the hook when a concerned citizen or rescue organization comes in and removes the animal. The animal is then safe (most important!) but the people who inflicted the pain are not brought to justice. Animal Rescue & Relief works tirelessly to make sure that the people who are responsible for hurting animals are charged. Even if they are only fined, their record shows animal neglect or abuse and they will hopefully think twice about getting another animal. ARR regularly checks on homes of previous cases to ensure they do not have new animals. We take this work very seriously!

Currently Animal Rescue & Relief is working on a number of cases similar to these. The cases involve abuse and

Defending the Defenseless

by Katherine Matthews In light of hearing that Michael Vick “misses having a dog” I thought I would share some recent real life, local abuse and neglect cases faced by Animal Rescue & Relief. These cases are happening in our own back yard; true local heros are stepping up and reporting abuse to ARR which is quick to intervene to ensure the safety of the animals, and that the owners are held accountable.

It was not long ago when Michelle from ARR told me about a dog left in a back yard by a family when the owner passed away. The dog was chained up without food or water, was crawling with fleas and his collar was too small. Neighbors were concerned about the situation but were also nervous about their identities being revealed. Animal Rescue & Relief worked with local law enforcement who had already left a number of notices on the door of the home with no response.

Finally, after living in this condition for too long, the dog was legally seized by law enforcement. There are many dramatic and disturbing details that ARR cannot disclose at this time but the dog, Obie, was put into protective custody. His owners were located, charged and found guilty after lots of diligent work by ARR. Obie is about 2 years old, tested high heartworm positive (which he is being treated for), and has been treated for a flea infestation, intestinal parasites 6

Lowcountrydog

neglect of pets who should be able to enjoy their lives, not suffer at the hands of irresponsible and insensitive humans.

These cases cost ARR significant amount of time, money and resources. The animals taken from these situations need vet care which can be very expensive. The resources put forth on rescue missions like the ones described here include (but are by no means limited to) gas, cell phone minutes, office supplies, professional photo printing and enlargements of evidence photos, countless hours of hard work, vaccinations, medications, surgeries, housing of the animals; the list goes on and on!

Animal Rescue & Relief relies on donations to keep up the good and important work. We are passionate about investigating neglect and abuse and doing something about it! Please consider making a donation to ARR for all the Obies and Shadows out there whose voices must be heard!

Ways you can help: 1. REPORT abuse and neglect when you see it (arrinc@yahoo.com) 2. DONATE Monetary donations are always needed. We also appreciate donations of supplies including dog food and treats (corn, wheat, soy free), toys, coats and sweaters, blankets, towels, crates, bowls, harnesses, collars, leashes, beds, gas cards, horse hay, horse feed such as Seminole Wellness Perform Safe Feed or Nutrena Senior, large (50lb) bags of Alfalfa Pellets.

3. FOSTER Whenever we respond to cases like these, we have to have somewhere to put the animal once he or she is seized.

Loving foster homes are always needed!

4. ADOPT We have wonderful animals up for adoption (including Obie) so consider making a rescued animal part of your family.

5. CONTRIBUTING CREATIVELY Are you a photographer, pilot, or have tech abilities?

No matter what your profession, there’s a good chance we could use your help!

Ways to contact ARR: Visit ARR’s website at http://members. petfinder.com/~SC67/ call 843.817.2367, or stop into Lucia’s Premium Pet on Daniel Island to drop off donations.

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web exclusive stories you shouldn’t miss

Lena: A True Story of Survival

Rotate Your Tires and Your Pet’s Food

Read about this amazing dog who survived a fractured and displaced spine, and was fostered by Pet Helpers founder Carol Linville before being adopted into her forever family. Click to http://bit.ly/gqavj9 Filed under: Local News

Wonder what your dog is thinking? Watch their body language, paying close attention to the tail. Learn more about canine body communication by clicking to http://bit.ly/9r2C0a Filed Under: Health & Wellness

photo by kayintveen, Flickr Creative Commons

Tail -Tell Signs

Dolittle’s owner Ric Sommons breaks down his theory on why some pets do best on a rotating palette. Click to http://bit.ly/dZiite Filed under: Health & Wellness

New Feature: Reviews We have 6 new taste testers and product reviewers letting you know if the latest thing is worth woofing about. Most reviews have a giveaway too!

Click to http://bit.ly/cwR7iR Filed Under: Reviews

A Favorite Reader Comment What a great story and inspiration! There always seems to be room for one more and thanks to Maureen and Hank’s inspiration we have two precious labs from Low Country Lab Rescue. ~Helen P., in response to Meet a Lowcountry Dog: Hank

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Doggie Destruction

Help! My Dog is Afraid of Walks!

Upcoming Guests to Look Forward to:

A clear, how-to training guide on licking your dog’s destructive habits.

No more gnawed molding, chewed seat belts, or partially ingested “Jimmy Chews. ”Click to http://bit.ly/eUIKJK Filed under: Training

Purely Positive Trainer Susan Marett helps a desperate local dog owner with a pooch petrified of leaving the front yard. Click to http://bit.ly/ hFwhZk Filed under: Training

We’ll have great guest posts from Nigel Buggers of the popular blog, Life with Dogs; Stephanie Coffin from Charleston based, Oooh Baby, Baby; local crafters with fun do-it-make-ityourself toys, collars and accessories, and many more!

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Top: Belle and Jessie strike a pose on the dock of their marsh front home. Below: Leslie sports her Eukanuba jacket and cuddles with her champions.

TOP DOG

TAKES HONORS pushes the reach of South Carolina’s state dog text by Stratton Lawrence

Boykin Spaniels: The little brown dog that doesn’t rock the boat Necessity is the mother of the Boykin Spaniel. A century ago, waterfowl hunters in South Carolina were finding themselves in precarious danger of soaking their guns, provisions, and themselves when their heavy retrievers would shift unexpectedly in their small boats. If only a smaller dog could serve the same purpose, tromping through the swamp to bring back felled turkeys and ducks.

Around 1910, a friend of Camden, S.C. sportsman Whit Boykin sent him a small dog he’d found on the streets of Spartanburg. Named ‘Dumpy,’ the little brown dog demonstrated skill at retrieving. Boykin honed Dumpy’s talent and then used him as the foundation stock for a new breed, said to have incorporated Chesapeake Bay retriever,

springer spaniel, cocker spaniel, and American water spaniel.

The resulting dog was the perfect animal for solo outings into the wetlands. It was intelligent, eager to please, an accurate retriever, and small enough that the boat remained steady.

Several generations of humans later, the Boykin Spaniel is the South Carolina state dog. The Camden-based Boykin Spaniel Society (BSS) has registered over 26,000 dogs around the country. In the last decade, the American and United Kennel Clubs (AKC and UKC) recognized Boykins as a unique breed, and in 2010, they competed for the first time at the Eukanuba National Championship dog show. Fittingly, a S.C.-bred Boykin took the ‘Best of Breed’ title.

South Carolina’s Best Kept Secret Gets Out Leslie Kern stumbled into the world of dog shows. Six years ago, she was field training Brittany Spaniels when a friend asked her to take home a puppy for a few weeks and ‘socialize’ it around people.

“She was small enough to sit in my hand,” recalls Kern, who brought home little Bella to a house that already included a chocolate lab, a Cocker-Springer mix, a Brittany, and an English Setter.

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Jesse in the field and as a pup. Right, Leslie in her proudest moment, when Jesse won the Eukanuba Best in Breed.

Photos provided by Leslie Kern.

Bella stayed. When she was six months old, a friend mentioned entering the pretty little pup in a dog show. Kern thought it would be fun, so she drove to Charlotte for a UKC event. Out of about a dozen dogs, Bella was the youngest. With Kern as a rookie handler, the pair took ‘Best of Breed.’ The next day, Bella won her group in the sporting competition.

“I was absolutely speechless,” recalls Kern. “It was such a thrill; such a joy. I remember picking her up and walking outside and bursting into tears.”

After an extensive search for an appropriate sire, Kern decided to breed Bella. The labor was difficult, requiring an early morning rush to the ER for a C-section. Bella made it through the ordeal, and Kern had a litter of eight healthy Boykins on her hands. She kept a brother and sister pair, Jake and Jesse, and officially established Thornhill Kennel.

‘Carolina Scribe Jake’ and ‘Ring That Jezebelle’ (the dogs’ formal names) have proved quite the champions. Jesse became perhaps the country’s most famous Boykin in December, taking ‘Best of Breed’ at the AKC Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California.

“Jesse certainly made breed history,” says Kern, who has befriended many of the other owners on the budding Boykin circle. “It’s all about being a good sport, and when it comes back to you, you feel like things are right.”

This February, Kern and Jesse depart for the grand-daddy of dog shows, the famous Westminster competition in England. Jake, who has his own trainers since Kern is only allowed one dog, will compete as well. Since it’s the Boykin Spaniel breed’s first time at the show, she’s not overly confident about placing against other breeds, but is grateful for the experience.

“Boykins are the new kids on the block,” she says. “They have to put their time in. Boykins are going to be around a long time, and I’m going to be around a long time, and Thornhill Kennels is just getting started.”

But Jesse could take best in breed, and certainly has a good shot after winning Eukanuba. After the contest, it’ll be time to breed the almostthree-year-old dog herself.

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Kern recently moved from Mt. Pleasant to Beaufort, where she’ll have more acreage to establish a kennel with plenty of running room.

“My hope is that I can continue to breed to the original standards,” says Kern, referring to BSS specifications about weight, stature, and leg length.

Males are typically about 40 pounds, and females 30 pounds. Kern prefers to breed a wavy coat rather than the tight curls some show.

Since winning Eukanuba, calls for puppies have increased from all over the country, but Kern says it’ll be awhile before she’s ready.

Meanwhile, BSS officials aren’t as thrilled with Jesse’s success.

The organization discourages registering with the AKC or UKC and participation in contests outside of their own.

“Our goal is for the dog to remain pure and natural,” says Jane Sexton, Executive Secretary to the BSS National Registry. “It’s a South Carolina resource and that’s what it was created for; that is, flushing and retrieving birds.”

Sexton fears that breeding for the show ring will decrease the dogs’ natural hunting instincts. She adds that certifications outside of BSS will diminish the purity of the breed and make it harder to know if you’re getting the real thing.

“If a building is pink and brown, you don’t necessarily know that you’re getting the real Dunkin’ Donuts,” explains Sexton. Still, she says that the group holds no hard feelings and doesn’t prohibit their members from registering elsewhere as well.

Kern’s clearly as picky as anyone about her Boykins, but even national champion Jesse isn’t BSS certified, since Bella wasn’t bred with a registered dog.

“Many people refer to the Boykin Spaniel as the South’s best kept secret,” says Kern. “My intention is really just to tell a few more people about this little brown dog, and see if we can share its goodness with the rest of the folks in the dog community and the world.”

After Westminster, Kern plans to start Jesse in hunt training. Bella

excels in the field, and Kern sees her as a model Boykin who can have it all; the shows, the hunts, and be a breeding mother.

While she talks, Jesse and Bella sit patiently in her lap. When she opens the door, they run excitedly through the yard, exploring the marsh. Kern implores them not to jump in the water, and they comply. They’re rich with energy though, and it’s surely a sight when overnight lows dip enough that Kern invites the eight dogs she currently cares for into the house simultaneously.

“It’s a very exciting time for the breed,” says Kern, sporting her pink Eukanuba championship vest. “These little brown dogs are my heart. Their imprint will be on me forever.”

The 135th Annual Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show will be held on February 14-15, 2011 at Madison Square Garden.

Nationwide, the competition finale on Tuesday will be viewed on the USA Network in its entirety, beginning at 8PM on February 15, 2011.

Join Lowcountry Dog in wishing Jesse Good Luck!

Slobber PROOF

To learn more about Boykin Spaniels visit: www.boykinspaniel.org www.boykinspanielclub.org

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SMART COOKIE world’s smartest dog is a South Carolinian

photography by Carroll Foster, HotEyePhoto.com

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Have you seen the bumper stickers that smugly profess, “My dog is smarter than your honor roll student”? Well, in the case of Dr. John Pilley’s dog Chaser, that sentiment just might be true.

Recently dubbed the world’s smartest dog, Chaser, a five-year-old Border Collie, learned 1,022 common and proper nouns over an intense three-year training program. She also has a tested ability to distinguish between those nouns and verb commands such as take, paw, and nose, and understands categories of nouns such as balls vs. frisbees.

Her most recently mastered skill is learning new words by exclusion, thereby showing the amazing depth of a dog’s capacity to reason and make decisions. Smart Cookie!

Dr. John Pilley and his research partner Dr. Alliston Reid, both psychology professors at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., were intrigued by the study of Rico, a dog who knew 200 words and was the previous holder of the prized Smartest Dog world title. Pilley and Reid decided to repeat and extend the experiment, being careful to develop techniques and set up training to prove their dog would truly learn the names of objects, and not just the command associated with that object.

Asked why he chose a Border Collie for his study, Pilley says he has always associated with farmers, and has heard years’ worth of “bragging contests about border collies’ accomplishments on the field, particularly their ability to keep their eyes on the sheep while listening for audible cues from the master shepherd.” This type of inborn skill was exactly what Pilley and Reid needed. A Border Collie, bred to give special attention to the human language, was the perfect pupil.

At the tender age of five months, Chaser began learning one or two new proper nouns every day during a four to five hour training session. Pilley, Reid and a handful of other trainers held and pointed to the object to be associated with the name and always said, “Chaser, this is {name of toy}. Pop (Pilley’s name for himself) hide. Chaser find {name of toy}.” No other objects were available on the floor for retrieval, so errors were unlikely. Rather than using food as a reward, Pilley and the other trainers used play and praise. During trials and play rehearsal periods, Chaser’s trainers verbalized the name of the object 20–40 times each session in order to facilitate the association of the name and object. Later on, this new toy would be placed in a working group of 50 or more toys to which Chaser already knew the names, and she would be repeatedly asked to pair the name with the object. When Chaser failed to retrieve an object upon command, trainers removed the other objects and gave Chaser additional training trials on that proper name until she demonstrated a mastery of that name/object pairing.

“At some point,” says Pilley, “Chaser had an Aha! Moment. She figured out what we were asking her to do when we showed her a new toy in this way. She understood the abstract concept of learning new names. And thus, her learning built upon the knowledge she already had, and she started learning new names at an ever increasing rate.”

The Rico research was criticized for not being able to prove the dog could separate the command to fetch the object from the name of the object. Did Rico understand the word sock meant the object sock? Or did his brain just understand, fetch sock. Pilley and Reid believed the only way to avoid this pitfall would be to teach Chaser three verbs and then to

produce those verbs in combination with the proper nouns.

If Chaser could separate that action (or verb) from the proper noun, then she had truly learned the name for that object.

Chaser was taught paw, nose and take and then to apply those verbs to a series of toys. Trial tested before a group of psychology students at Wofford, the students placed random toys on the floor and then gave an equally random list of those three verbs and the toy names to Pilley.

When asked, Chaser nosed the lamb toy, took the lips toy, and pawed the ABC toy and so on, with 92% accuracy.

Pilley and Reid pushed their research further teaching Chaser categories of like objects. She learned ball, toy, and frisbee, gathering all

In addition to her training in language, Chaser is also trained in agility and herding. The black and white photo is courtesy of Robin Pilley, John Pilley’s daughter, who assisted greatly in Chaser’s training.

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the toys into a Tupperware bin that were similar and could be considered of the same type.

She’s also learning new words by exclusion. In a group of known toys, if asked to find the new object, Chaser will deduct the novel object is what you’re requesting because you are not using the names of the toys in the group she knows.

When questioned about the long term goals of his research, Pilley simply states that the aim of his research with Reid is to learn how to teach. “If we discover how to teach a dog, then the dog will be successful.

This corresponds with how we teach children, not only language, but in general. Solid, good teaching results in intelligent, successful children.”

Pilley went to on explain that instead of teaching rote behaviors, we can teach dogs how to think, teach them abstract thought and concepts.

“Ultimately, the more we can enhance communication, the stronger the bond, and the closer and more meaningful the relationship.”

It took four to five hours every day for three years to teach Chaser her jaw-dropping mastery of language, but Pilley is confident his training techniques can be used by anyone interested in deepening

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their relationship with their dog. “Talk to your dog a lot,” explains Pilley.

“Pick out words you want to have special meaning and use them over and over again. Some of this happens naturally like walk or let’s go or treat.” Pilley recommends that you ask your dog to watch and listen to you, while using lots of praise and reward when they demonstrate an understanding of what you’re saying. Pilley claims that most dogs are capable of much more than we assume; it just takes a lot of time and effort on our part to establish the modes of communication that a dog can understand. “Even Chaser’s breeder is not surprised by her capabilities,” says Pilley. “He’s more surprised by the amount of time that I was willing to put into her.”

Is there higher learning in store for Chaser? Yes, Syntax. Pilley plans to test the order of words and nouns with Chaser such as Take Bear to Santa Claus vs Take Santa Claus to Bear. This future research will determine if a dog can be taught that the order of words have a distinct meaning. So in a way, Pilley plans to teach his dog elementary grammar.

Watch out, the Grammar Police just might have a new watch dog.

Opposite: Clockwise, Dr. John Pilley (L) and Dr. Alliston Reid (R) pose with their perfect pupil. Chaser in a pile of her toys. John jokingly shows Chaser the Latin term for “dog.� This Page: Rather than being rewarded with food, Chaser is rewarded with play. She is especially fond of retrieving rubber bounce balls.

Clockwise: Reid reinforces the name of a toy. A detail of the many toys, nearly all of them thrift store purchases. In a true laugh out loud moment, Chaser makes faces at her teacher while his back his turned! Chaser retrieves “Tiger.�

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Make sure to tune into the NOVA documentary featuring Chaser. The special is set to air Feb. 9th on PBS television. The documentary shows how our view of canine intelligence is changing as we learn dogs’ brains are more like ours than we ever imagined.

To view additional photos of Chaser and read the full research paper by Dr. Pilley and Dr. Reid, visit www.lowcountrydog.com We’ll post videos of Chaser demonstrating her understanding of language too. Just go to “Sections” and click on “Chaser” for all the additional materials.

To learn more about working Border Collies who do everything from herd sheep and cows, to keep airport fly space free of dangerous birds, visit: www.americanbordercollie.org www.bordercolliesociety.com www.bordercollie.org And consider fostering or adopting a Border Collie in need from the Charleston based Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue. Learn more at

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11:00am-2:00pm frances r. willis spca adopt-a-thon. All is Well, 440A Trolley Road, Summerville. Call 871-3820.

every thursday. 4:00pm-7:00pm o’brion’s yappy hours! O’Brion’s Irish Pub and Grille is located next to Publix on the corner of Folly and Harborview Roads, in the Merchant Village Shopping Center.

first saturday of every month. 2:00pm pet helpers junior volunteer support team. Contact espillars@pethelpers. org or call (843) 795-1110 ext. 25.

every saturday, sunday & monday.

5:00pm-11:00pm pet helpers bingo!

Galley Hall (200 Eagle Drive) in Goose Creek. Call (843)569-0252 for details!

february 5th 6:00pm-10:00pm 11th annual downs byrd oyster roast and silent auction. Miler Country Club in Summerville. Enjoy single select oysters, pizza, music, cash bar and bid on silent auction items.

Tickets are $25 now, $30 at the door.

For more information call 843-871-3820.

february 5th 10:00am-6:00pm cas bow wow meow bowl. We’ll be lining up our super star pooches available for recruitment! Our MVP’s will be warming up for the big game at 10:00 a.m. and playing until 6:00 p.m. Stop by for fun, prizes, puppy scrimmages, and find the newest All-Star to add to your team! More info at www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

february 11th-13th 10:00am petsmart national adopta-thon.

Contact your nearest PetSmart for more information on participating rescues and shelters.

february 18th-20th 10:00am6:00pm southeastern wildlife expo. Retriever demos, dock dogs, area rescue and shelter booths. www.sewe. com for more info and ticket prices.

february 26th 9:00am doggie day at the rec at isle of palms. The dog show begins at 10 a.m. Categories include Best Rescue Male & Female, Cutest Puppy, Most Attractive, Mystery Mutt Small, Mystery Mutt Large, Most Ear’Resistable, Best Dressed, Best Eyes, Best Smile, Most Creative Name and Most Unusual Name. The winner of each category will compete in Best in Show round.

Participants should register by Feb. 25.

february 26th 9:00am-5:00pm charleston veterinary referral center open house. To help meet the specialty, emergency and critical care veterinary needs of area pet owners, Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC), located at 3484 Shelby Ray Court in Charleston, is opening on February 28th.

Visit the center for a special presentation and ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m during their Open House on the 26th . Tour the state of the art veterinary hospital and talk with the specialists! For more information, visit the website at www.CharlestonVRC.com.

february 27th 1:00pm-5:00pm lowcountry animal rescue dogmore stew. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Adults $17 ($20 at the door) $10 children 12-6, $5 5-3, under 3 free, well behaved, leashed pets are free. Tickets include admission to the plantation, a lowcountry feast of hors d oeuvres, Frogmore Stew, and desserts.

Enjoy a Silent Auction, Raffle Prizes, Pet Fashion Show, Pet Vendors, Demos and more. Call 343-8063 for more information.

march 12th 3:00pm-6:00pm paws and claws on ice. Carolina Ice Place.

march 19th and 20th 8:30am4:00pm a way to play dog agility event. A Dog’s Way Inn 761 Pendergrass Avenue, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. Competing canines and their human handlers race through obstacle courses with hurdles, weave poles, chutes, tunnels. Visit www.AWayToPlayDogAgilityClub.com

march 26th time tba 10th annual pet helpers oyster roast. Charleston Visitors Center Bus Shed. All you can eat oysters, lowcountry boil, veggie dogs, hot dogs, and chilli. Keep up to date on ticket prices, times, etc. at www.pethelpers.org

april 1st-3rd 9:00am-5:00pm summerville flowertown festival. Azalea Park. 200 jury-selected artists, various rescues and shelter booths, delicious foods, free admission and parking!

Unfortunately, no spectator dogs are allowed. Click to www.summervilleymca. org/flowertown/index.html for more info.

april 9th & 10th 10:00am-4:00pm, 12:00pm-4:00pm lcd model contest and pet fest 2011. Do you dream of your dog on the cover of Lowcountry Dog Magazine? Now’s your chance! Your dog will meet publisher Leah England and his or her doggie headshot will be taken.

Last year 600 dogs vied for the prize! Mark your calendars now for this fun event filled with vendors, rescues and shelters, a charity walk, a microchip clinic, frisbee demonstrations, entertainment, food tents and much more. Entry into the event is $5 per person. Palmetto Islands County Park in Mt. Pleasant. www.ccprc. com or (843) 795-4386 for more info.

World Class skaters performing, free skating for the whole family, live local entertainment, plus meet and greet with pets from the Francis R Willis SPCA! www. summervillespca.com for more info.

march 19th time tba wild heir lab rescue st. labby day celebration. Art’s Bar and Grill on Coleman Blvd. visit www. wildheirlabradorrescueorg for more info.

Questions? Comments?

Call 843-478-0266.

Want to submit event information?

Visit www.lowcountrydog.com and click on Add an Event. We will do our best to include your event as space allows. Our online calendar lists all events in full.

Lowcountrydog

21

Camry the beagle photographed by Flickr user, laRuth

Complete

Healing with Chinese Herbs “I knew something was terribly wrong when Libby screamed in pain as I lifted her to go downstairs,” said Kathy Kennedy a volunteer with beagle rescue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fourteen-year-old Libby had come to Kennedy’s home with arthritis, not uncommon for older dogs, but today Libby’s behavior indicated out of the ordinary pain. Reluctant to stress the dog’s liver with heavy painkillers, Kennedy took Libby to Dr. Chris Bessent, a holistic vet and herbsmith in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin who determined that Libby suffered from complications of her arthritis. To relieve the little dog’s pain, Dr. Bessent utilized one of her Chinese herbal formulas and Libby hasn’t screamed since. “She’s now walking about fine,” says Kennedy.

“I can’t say enough about the herbs.”

For thousands of years an entire region of the world has thrived on Chinese herbs and documented their results.

Dr. Bessent started treating animals with Chinese herbs three years into her twenty-two year veterinary practice.

“I wanted to give the best care to every 22

Lowcountrydog

patient that came my way, and in order to do that I needed a lot of tools.” Dr. Bessent’s goal led her to chiropractic, acupuncture, and Chinese herbology.

“For myself, I’ve always gravitated toward natural health care with less toxic effects, and that of course directed me with animals as well,” she explains. As dog lovers, our understanding of Chinese herbs and how they work will enhance our ability to create and maintain good health for our beloved companions.

From the Chinese perspective, there are two types of trauma, immediate or acute trauma and long term or chronic trauma.

For example, when a dog injures himself colliding with another dog on the trail or slamming his shoulder into the coffee table at home, he suffers immediate tissue damage at the point of his injury. This bruising of tissue or blood stasis (blockage) occurs because the damaged arterials and veins leak blood into that injured tissue.

“You now have this blood-filled sponge that is swollen, and the swelling causes pain,” says Dr. Bessent. “The body now

has to try to absorb that blood back into the vessels and back into circulation.”

This is an acute trauma. The dog will limp and guard the area, and an immediate response might be to treat the dog’s swelling and pain with antiinflammatories and pain killers so that everyone can feel better. Having done that however, all would not necessarily be well.

When we use only strong pharmaceuticals, we suppress the dog’s ability to feel pain, his natural protective mechanism, and without that protective pain signal, he will resume normal activity on his injured shoulder. The dog now needs us to assume full responsibility for keeping him still to prevent further injury. In addition, the anti-inflammatories hinder the healing process by suppressing the dog’s inflammation response. Inflammation performs the important work of cleaning up an injury—it removes damaged tissue along with any stagnant blood and then brings healthy blood cells back to the area.

In other words, when we treat only the pain and swelling symptoms of acute trauma, we not only hinder the dog’s natural healing process, we also fail to treat any underlying symptoms of the trauma in its acute stage. We may discover six months, or even years later that damaged shoulder never completely healed, and by then we’re dealing with a chronic trauma. Chronic traumas can manifest in a number of ways including arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis.

How exactly does an acute trauma develop into a chronic trauma? According to Chinese Medicine, complete health is achieved when there is a balanced and even movement of Qi (pronounced “chee”) throughout the body on a 24hour cycle. Qi is the body’s life force, the vital energy or life spark that represents the difference between dead and alive.

This life force circulates throughout the body on pathways called meridians.

Wherever a trauma occurs in the body, Qi cannot move through that area as well as it should, and this obstruction in the flow of the body’s life force is called Qi stasis or stagnation. When we attend to a trauma’s blood stasis as described above, we also need to treat the Qi stasis.

Left untreated, that life force stagnation

can cause long-term pain, an aching, painful area. This is a chronic trauma.

Now, with our understanding of blood and Qi stasis, let’s explore what might have happened to Libby, Kennedy’s rescued beagle. When Libby came to live with Kennedy, the dog’s age was best guessed at fourteen years old. Arthritis was diagnosed, but because she was a rescue, her health and injury history was unknown. When a dog reaches Libby’s age, we can safely assume that she has suffered one or more acute trauma injuries in her life. If her acute trauma symptoms, pain and swelling, were treated only with pain killers and anti-inflammatories, thereby leaving her deeper tissue damage problems untreated, Libby’s trauma at that time might not have healed completely and since then could have developed into arthritis.

Again, we don’t know for sure what happened to Libby before she came to Kennedy, but her diagnosed arthritis, her severe pain the morning she screamed, and most telling, her positive response to Dr. Bessent’s Chinese herbal formula all point to a case of untreated tissue damage, or chronic trauma, as described above. “What I will see is the history of the dog’s injury some time ago, and he’s never been right since,” says Dr. Bessent. “The joints are fine, the vertebrae are fine and the nerves appear to be fine. But there’s still sensitivity and pain to pressure in that area.”

How do the Chinese herbs work to heal acute and chronic traumas? “The herbs are both pain-removing and antiinflammatory by moving both blood and Qi.,” says Dr. Bessent. “Moreover, herbs don’t have any of the negative side effects of strong pharmaceuticals, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.” She also prefers using Chinese herbs over nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories because the NSAI’s can have negative gastrointestinal, kidney, and especially liver effects.

“There are times when you want to use those strong anti-inflammatories. If the dog is really lame and experiencing extreme pain, then you might want to use them for a short time along with the herbs and continue the herbs long term for complete resolution.” She also recommends this formula following

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continued on page 27 Lowcountrydog

23

Reactive Dogs

by Cindy Carter

It doesn’t have to be “dog eat dog.”

For anyone who has ever watched a beloved pet reacting badly to an approaching dog, the scenario is full of frustration and embarrassment. We feel betrayed by and responsible for our dog’s reactions. An enjoyable walk can be turned into an ordeal by a barking, lunging, or snapping dog. Frequently, these dogs are placed in a kind of solitary confinement, never walked because it is too stressful. On the rare occasion when they are walked, the problem is worse due to lack of exposure. Being the owner of a well loved but extremely reactive dog, puts me in the unique position of being a trainer and my own client.

There are several reasons that a dog could be barking or lunging: Fear of the approaching dog, frustration that he can’t get to the other dog to play, or warning the other dog to stay away. Regardless of the reason, a dog that is extremely aroused is more likely to get into an altercation which can result in injuries.

Prevention: It is always better to prevent a problem rather than try to fix it. Early socialization is key: Puppies need ample opportunity to meet and play off leash with others.

24

Lowcountrydog

These encounters should be positive, varied and frequent. Social skills and confidence are developed through play.

Teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash; the key word is loose. This involves not only learning to walk politely, but greeting other dogs appropriately -- from the rear or side. The greeting should be short, with no lingering, preventing the dogs from becoming aroused.

When walking, do not allow your dog to pull towards another dog. Teach him that a tight leash or the appearance of another dog is a CUE to pay attention to you and “good things will happen”; a kong filled with liverwurst, for example.

Foundation skills: These skills are necessary for all dogs to learn, not just reactive dogs. However, they are of great importance and must be solidly in place before you attempt to desensitize an aggressive dog. They provide a level of trust that both you and the dog need.

1)Sit When sitting he is attending to you, not the environment.

2)Watch Having your dog give you direct eye contact allows another dog to pass without incident.

3)Touch Teaching your dog to touch

your hand on cue will give him a task to perform while the other dog passes.

4)Heel A predictable task, he walks beside you, paying attention to your movements.

5)Emergency U-turn Teach your dog to turn and walk rapidly away with you.

Setup for success: Your goal is to help the dog be more confident, relaxed, and able to successfully navigate in a world filled with other dogs. Your first task is to relax. Your dog knows when you are tense; the leash acts like a telegraph wire.

It is vital to set your dog up to succeed.

1) Choose the right training tools. A head or chest harness is best, no prong or choke collars.

2) Work at the dog’s pace. Keep the distance great enough so that your dog stays well under threshold.

3) Implement a learn to earn program.

Nothing in life is free, and you control the dog’s resources.

4) Look at the process of training as a way to build a positive bond between you and your dog. Have fun working with him, and in the end you will both benefit.

There are many good techniques for

working with a reactive dog. The one you use depends on your dog’s needs.

The easiest to implement utilizes classical conditioning, which changes the way your dog feels about the approaching dog. It links the appearance of another dog with something wonderful, like tasty treats.

Another technique teaches the reactive dog to calmly look at another dog, then refocus on his owner for a reward. It creates a predictable pattern of behavior, allowing him to feel comfortable with an approaching dog. This is a cued response such as Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed® “Look at That”, which I use with my own dog, Jude.

As with all training methods, proceed in small increments so the dog has a chance to process the situation. Set up wins where he is gradually exposed to an increased level of intensity, ie: distance or movement of another dog. If your dog becomes overly aroused or stressed, end the session. If the problem continues or gets worse, contact a trainer who uses positive techniques and can create a program specifically to address your dog’s issues.

Management plays a huge part in the lives of owners of reactive dogs, and it is a big commitment of time and energy. A walk is always a training session involving treats, toys, and learning to watch the environment for potential triggers.

But at the end of the day, we all want our companions to be happy in our world. It is well worth the effort to see your dog go from out of control to calmly walking by other dogs. All the frustration and fear become distant memories when your dog is able to participate with you in your daily activities.

Cindy Carter, CPDT-KA is the owner of Mindful Manners Dog Training in Charleston, SC. She shares her life with, and learns much from, her reactive Aussie, Jude.

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Lowcountrydog

25

adoption

Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas Schnauzer Rescue of the Carolinas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization -- all of our adoption donations go back into helping care for other rescues.

We are a group of volunteers within North Carolina, South Carolina, Southern Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, and Northern Georgia whose sole purpose is to rescue and secure loving, permanent homes for displaced Miniature, Standard and Giant Schnauzers.

We foster our rescues in a loving family environment and spend many personal hours working with them to ensure that they are ready (both physically and emotionally) to move into their new forever homes.

If you are interested in adopting one of our dogs or would like to help Schnauzers find a new home, please visit our website schnauzerrescueofthecarolinas.com.

Bridget and Heidi are approximately 10 years old and are sweet southern ladies. They have lived their entire lives together and will only be adopted together. They have manners and grace and are very politely behaved. They are spry little ladies who still enjoy a walk around the block and are happy to warm your lap.

26

Lowcountrydog

Trixie is a 3 year old Miniature female who just loves life. She has discovered the joys of riding in the car and can’t wait to explore the rest of the world. Trixie may be small, but her personality is as big as her ears! Trixie is cratetrained and gets along with other dogs.

Riley is a 3 year old Miniature male who weighs about 15 pounds. He is a shy at first, like many rescues, but he has the potential to become your best friend for life. He loves to snuggle in bed and has discovered how to play fetch. Riley can’t be placed in a home with cats, but he does well with other dogs.

Katy is a 12 year old Giant looking for a retirement home. She is a true gentle giant and an intelligent girl. Katy is deaf, but she is able to sense vibrations and movement and interact with her world. She is house trained, crate trained, and lives happily with other dogs both large and small.

Gypsy is a 7 year old Miniature female who is trying to shed the “puppy pounds” and get back to her girlish figure. She is doing well on her new exercise plan (aka leash training) and would love to have a walking companion. Gypsy gets along with dogs of all sizes and is crate-trained.

Kipper is a 4 year old Miniature who is a true “ladies man.” He absolutely adores women, especially those who melt with one glance of his soulful eyes. Kipper has come a long way since entering rescue and is house trained, crate trained, and walks well on a leash.

continued from page 23

surgery, especially orthopedic surgery.

“They cut tissue to do surgery. This causes trauma to the tissue and blood and Qi stasis to the area. Specific Chinese herbs used a day or two after surgery gets blood and Qi moving to that area again and allows the dog to heal faster.”

Dr. Bessent reports impressive improvement in her patients after their herbal treatments. “As dramatic an improvement as pharmaceuticals? No,” says Dr. Bessent. “But the day after giving the herbs the dog’s pain would be down 50 percent; the day after that 70 percent, and the third day he’d be almost back to normal. And when the dog feels better, it’s because his tissue is actually healed.”

Today Libby enjoys life in her new home. “She still has arthritis, but since taking the herbs she never gives me any sign that she’s hurting,” says Kennedy.

“As long as she’s pain free, we’ll give her a home for as long as she needs it.”

Herbsmith Comfort Aches is Dr. Bessent’s proprietary combination of Chinese herbs, which include: notoginseng root, angelica dang gui, frankincense, myrrh, carphamus, and achyrasphes. Administered in powder or pill form, these herbs work synergistically to treat all aspects of trauma. In other words, no one herb is as good as the combination, and together they effectively stop bleeding, relieve pain, tonify the blood, move Qi, and reduce swelling. In addition, they produce a downward movement of the blood to help blood stasis in the dog’s limbs where most injuries are sustained. Instead of masking the pain and ignoring the healing, Chinese herbs relieve the pain by speeding the healing— the beauty of Chinese Medicine. Herbsmith Comfort Aches is available locally in Dolittle’s stores. Learn more at www.herbsmithinc.com.

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