Lowcountry Dog Magazine October/November 2010 by Lowcountry Dog Magazine

volume 6, issue 6

magazine

dog tired?

october/november 2010

your pup could be to blame

curbing counter surfing canine chiropractic

PRISONpups at the brig & state prisons, dogs get training, give second chances

lowcountrydog.com

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

contents

Interns Gillian Nicol, Communications Christian Broder, Social Media Guest Photographer Stacy Pearsall and Andy Dunaway www.F8PJ.com Online Editorial Contributor Erin Thomas 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

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.

october/november 2010 dog tired? your pup could be to blame 4 top stories on lowcountrydog.com 8 prison pups 12 calendar of events 21 health and wellness 22 Canine Chiropractic training 24 Counter Surfing adoption 26 Daisy’s Place Retriever Rescue

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.

Cover photo and middle table of contents photo by Andy Dunaway.

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Dog Tired? by Erin Thomas

t’s a classic story, really. You bring home your adorable new puppy, complete with collar, leash, bowls…You get the perfect dog crate and outfit it with the softest, fluffiest bed and blankets to make him the perfect bed…other than your bed, of course! Sounds like the ideal plan, except for the fact that Fido probably has other ideas. The first night he whines, yelps, howls, and cries. You hold your ground thinking to yourself, ‘Surely this can’t last too much longer.’ Hour after hour passes before, eventually, your resolve breaks…Little Fido is out of the comfy crate and in your comfy bed, where he’ll likely remain for the next, well, forever! According to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, nearly half of the participants sleep with their dogs. Specifically, 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs and 32% of large dogs sleep with their owners. So is it healthy to sleep with Fido in your bed? Well, not always, and for a number of reasons.

Snoring, Kicking, Cover-Hogging Pups The biggest problem with having dogs share your bed is that they can disturb your sleep. A study released by the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center found that about half the patients in the study slept with at least one dog in their beds, of which 53% admitted that their pets disturbed their sleep in some way nightly. “I’ve had patients that I’ve spent visit after visit going over their insomnia problems, trying to figure out what’s happening, then I find out they have a dog that’s scratching all night,” says Lisa Shives, MD, medical director of Northshore Sleep Medicine, a sleep center outside Chicago, IL. An interesting tidbit for cover-hogs: check out the latest and greatest pet

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product, The Pleat Sheet! It’s a complete sheet Creative Commons Photo by Mick O, Flickr set featuring a patented expandable pleat that unfolds to create extra ‘wings’ of cover and warmth at night, and easily folds back into the shape of a normal flat sheet for making up the bed in the morning. This could be your perfect solution!

Allergies Another major problem that pets in the bed can pose is with allergies- pet dander, pet hair, and dirt in the bed can trigger allergies for some. “People who suffer from pet allergies or asthma should not sleep with their dog or cat, or even allow them in the bedroom,” said Derek Damin of Kentuckiana Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Louisville, KY. “Use a HEPA filter and keep them out of the bedroom to give your nose a few hours every day to recover,” Damin says. Studies show, however, that most pet lovers won’t kick Fido out of bed, even if they discover their pets are causing allergy problems. For those people, he recommends allergy shots to build up a tolerance to the pet dander that causes allergic reactions. But are there benefits to having dogs in the bed? Of course! Some people have no problem falling or staying asleep, regardless of whether or not Fido is in the bed. In these cases, Shives says it’s perfectly fine to allow a dog in the bed. “There are all kinds of medical benefits to having a pet,” says Shives, who sleeps with her 45-pound dog. “The most common reason I get from patients is that some people may feel safer or calmer with a dog in their bed.” According to Shives’ patient, Candace Hunziker of Kennesaw, GA, “My lab sleeps against me and has very rhythmic breathing and it just soothes me. I have insomnia, my whole family does, and we all sleep with dogs. She puts me to sleep better than an Ambien.” Also, the bond between Fido and his owner is strengthened when sleeping space is shared. As puppies, dogs sleep snuggled tight with their mother and littermates, so it’s only natural for them to want to sleep with their owners as a sign of mutual affection and inter-dependency. It should be noted, however, that if you do invite Fido into your bed, marriage experts agree that it’s important that pets don’t physically come between a couple at night. “The snuggling and the holding and the touching is

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critical,” says expert Elizabeth Schmitz. “It’s one of the seven secrets of a successful marriage.” So, Fido’s been sleeping in your bed for years now. Is there any hope for a change? Yes, you can get Fido out of your bed! There are a number of approaches you can take. For example, make it a game to get off the bed, using lots of praise and petting, meaning that Fido gets no attention on the

Studies show that most pet lovers won’t kick Fido out of bed, even if they discover their dog is causing major sleep disruptions or allergy problems. bed, but only on the floor. Eventually, when he’s ordered off the bed, Fido will get down, although it will likely take a few weeks before he doesn’t attempt to get back on the bed. Just stick to it. Another approach is to go ‘cold turkey.’ Follow your regular bedtime routine, but when you crawl into bed, put Fido in his own bed, either on the floor or in a crate. For the first few

nights, expect Fido to attempt to get into your bed every 10 minutes. As with all approaches, just stick to it. Each time he props up to give you the evil eye or creeps onto the foot of your bed, put him back in his bed. Some people even recommend keeping a water bottle next to the bed to lightly squirt Fido when he tries to get into the bed with you! Other people, including LCD publisher Leah England, have found covering ‘No No Zones’ in tin foil- the crinkle sound and crunchy texture is definitely a deterrent! The point is, experiment until you find what works for YOUR Fido and stick to it! Consistency is key here to getting a good night’s sleep- for both you and your pup! Erin Thomas is the newest online contributor to www.lowcountrydog.com. Check out her posts on everything from cooking for your pets to crate training. Erin is also the owner of Summerville’s Lowcountry Pet Sitters, the area’s premier in-your-home pet care service. For more information, please visit www.LCPetSitters.com or call 843-327-7487.

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photo by Andr ew Morrell Phot ography, Flickr Creative Commons

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web exclusive stories you shouldn’t miss

Look Who’s Barking!

Should I Cook For My Dog? As if we don’t have enough to worry about with what we feed our families, we now have the added worry about our dog’s diet, too. So, what’s a dog owner to do? Click to http://bit.ly/a2txr2

Just as people continue learning all their lives, so do dogs. In fact, training an older dog can actually be easier than training a puppy. Click to http://bit.ly/cEh9QQ Filed under: Training

photo by Tambako the Jaguar, Flickr Creative Commons

Strategies to curb excessive barking, and a look at why it’s happening in the first place. Suitable to send out to your neighbor who owns a dog you love, but not when it’s incessantly barking at 4am. Click to http://bit.ly/cA9Xp3 Filed under: Training

Who Says You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

Crate Training 101 A king has his castle, a child yearns for his own room, an infant is placed in a crib for safekeeping. Doesn’t Fido deserve the same consideration? Click to http://bit.ly/a1gXFo Filed Under: Training

A Favorite Reader Comment Dang, those are some tasty looking waffles. I’m kinda jealous. ~ Ken, in response to Should I Cook for My Dog?

Lie Down! Chic Beds From Local Spots

Could Your Dog Have Giardia?

Halloween Costumes For the Pet Set

In this product round-up we’re exploring the ins and outs of dreamland, with options that aren’t short on style or comfort. Click to http://bit.ly/9gi8dc Filed under: Local News

Find out what causes this dangerous parasitic infection, and why it’s often missed on fecal exams. Click to http://bit.ly/cyPniV Filed under: Health and Wellness

There’s nothing better that a willing pup in a Halloween costume. Check out our favorite picks from local stores. Click to http://bit.ly/djb7FV Filed under: Local News

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Heard Round the Hydrant new official dog park! Woof Woof! Charleston has yet another new dog park to choose from at Bees Landing Recreation Center! Families and dogs that enjoy hiking or camping in the Lowcountry will really enjoy the natural feel of this park. There are endless sniffing and digging opportunities and it’s removed enough from the road that you rarely hear traffic. The dog park has 3 dog runs that join together via locking gates. The total space is approximately 1.5 acres in size and is largely shaded. The largest section is approximately 1-acre, and is an “all dog” space. Directly to the left of the large run you will find a ¼ acre “small dog only” space. This space is equipped with its own entrance as well as side access that connects to the main dog run. Lastly there is the “wet dog” area in the back corner that takes advantage of the swampy character of the surrounding area. The wet dog area is accessible via a gate in the larger open run. Standard amenities are present including double entry gates, a dog fountain, trash cans and dog bag dispensers. Portable aluminum benches are on order, and future plans include a wash-down area for dirty dogs. Lights will be on until 9:00 pm to allow late night workers an opportunity to play with their pups. Bees Landing Recreation Center is located at 1580 Ashley Gardens Blvd, Charleston. To get to the park, drive straight back from the entrance and park behind the building, follow the path to the end of the first baseline of the large baseball field, and wander into the woods. Once you head into the woods you cannot miss it.

for online reading. Scroll to the bottom footer of the homepage to see the last two years of issues. It’s terrible when a dog is lost, and the hardest part is spreading the word so lots of people are on the look-out for your wayward pooch. In response to this, we developed lost dog bulletins , a place where by Jennifer Scales Rec Center. photo ing nd you can notify area dog lovers of La es Be rk at The new dog pa your lost dog, upload photos and include new features on your lost dog poster which people can download and post in their neighborhood. lowcountrydog.com Because the economy is still a bit “ruff” Others can also reply to your post, discuss and everyone likes saving a little money, last sightings, ask questions, and offer we’re launching dog deals, a coupon support. And if you find a dog, this is the service that delivers one super duper dog place to post their info as well! Publisher deal to your text capable cell phone each Leah England says, “I encourage all LCD readers to check the bulletins each time week. To sign up, visit our website at www.lowcountrydog.com, click on the they visit the site, offer some kind words icon of the dog talking on the cell phone, to those missing their dogs, and see if and provide us with your cell number. We’ll there’s anything that can be done to start delivering coupons in November, just help locate a lost dog in the community.” Click on the lost dog bulletins in time for the holidays. Miss an issue of LCD? archive graphic, (it looks like a lost dog poster) on issues from 2009 are now available the homepage to check out the open cases.

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PRISON

A dog from Carolina Canines listens intently to his prisoner handler at the brig in North Charleston.

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pups t

at the brig & state prisons, dogs get training, give second chances

text by Vikki Matsis photography by Stacy Pearsall & Andy Dunaway

The life of a prison-trained dog starts simply enough: One lives with a foster family until they are two years old doing normal puppy activities: chewing shoes, pretending not to hear their owners when they call and pulling curtains down from windows. Then one day, life changes forever. The dog begins spending their days at a prison, teaming up with inmates who have become extremely skilled dog trainers. Within a year, the dog will be worth an estimated value of $40,000. The training process can be incredibly frustrating, but in the end, immensely rewarding.

The three labs pictured on th is page are all assistance skill learning s through the PA ALS prison prog ram.

Prison based dog-training programs began in 1981 in an all-womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prison in Washington D.C. Known at the time as Kathy Quinn, Sister Pauline Quinn began the program after a dog was able to change the way she related to herself and the world, when no other person was able to reach her. After having been physically, sexually and mentally abused in her affluent Los Angeles home, she ran away and lived on the street at the age of 13. During her years of adolescence, Quinn passed through 14 institutions and ended up living alone in an abandoned house. Quinn was electrocuted and tortured in one mental institution and raped and abused in another, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy. Quinn delivered the baby and gave it up for adoption under the care of a church and supportive nuns. Her life had Lowcountrydog

Dogs learn to retrieve artificial limbs and open fridges, but have still have good times â&#x20AC;&#x153;just being dogsâ&#x20AC;? too (see right page).

Breeds of all types are used by Carolina Canines, and most come from Carolina rescues and shelters.

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been so traumatic she began to self-mutilate and could not speak to another person face-to-face; she would hide behind another person or a wall when talking to someone. While living on the street, Quinn acquired a German Shepherd named Joni. For the first time in her life, Quinn experienced unconditional love and learned the difficult but valuable lesson of self-acceptance. If her dog Joni could love her despite what she went through, she could learn to love herself. “In order to experience love you have to be able to relinquish the pain you’ve had in your life. Dogs care so much and are always happy to see you. A person is more willing to deal with pain when they feel loved, without judgment…and a dog can do that for you. This is the first step in healing, then you can continue and grow to even greater things.” With the support and courage that Joni gave her, Quinn began taking dogs that had no chance of adoption out of shelters and pairing them with prisoners to learn basic obedience and socialization. The dogs would have a second chance at life, and so would the prisoners. There are now hundreds of prison based programs operating in this country and several throughout the world. Three prison based dog-training programs exist in South Carolina: Carolina Canines, Palmetto Animal Assistance Life Services (PAALS) and Greyhound Pets of America South Carolina. PAALS and Greyhound Pets of America SC operate out of Columbia and Carolina Canines moved to the North Charleston Consolidated Military Brig as of September 1, 2010.

LOYALinmates Currently, there are six dogs paired with six prisoners at the military brig in North Charleston. The prisoners were transferred with their canines down from Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC where the program began 2 years earlier. The dogs demonstrated tasks such as: distinguishing the difference between a shoe, a phone and a set of keys and then retrieving that particular item, turning on and off light switches in another room, picking up trash and throwing it away, opening doors, pushing buttons and lifting paralyzed legs in and out of bed. If a veteran is on sleeping medication or taking prescription pain pills, the dog can be trained to gently wake up their owner by pulling the blanket off the bed at the sound of an alarm clock. Horses and dogs naturally do not walk backwards, but these dogs are trained to do even that. The dogs can interpret 70 commands, chain of commands, sounds and sign language. The service dogs are trained specifically to assist veterans with physical disabilities and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I had the opportunity to speak with a prisoner named Chris. Prisoner Chris has been training Angel, a Golden Lab, for the past twelve months. He said, “It’s hard to describe, the effect that Angel has had on me. My wife and son could tell a big difference right away.” Prisoner

Chris told me that Angel sleeps with him at night and follows him everywhere he goes on base. He said, “It helps having her around in a place like this.” Angel was getting ready to join her veteran the next week. A look of deep sadness and acceptance crossed his face, “Whoever is going to get Angel is lucky. She will work until she has nothing left to give.” Prisoner Chris has been at the brig for the past nineteen months and is preparing for release before the end of this year. He has a job lined up working at a pet groomer and says he is grateful for the change Angel brought to his life while being behind bars. The dogs that Carolina Canines uses are rescued from Carolina shelters. Walking down those sad halls, a member of Carolina Canines chooses working dogs that may be suitable for the program: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd and Border Collies. If the dog turns out to be unsuitable as a service dog, they do not return to the shelter but are instead adopted. Since it’s inception as a non-profit organization in 1996, Carolina Canines has provided $3.5 million in services to the wounded on the East Coast. When a service dog is ready to be joined with its owner, Carolina Canines conducts a one-on-one week long intensive session with the veteran that qualifies for the dog. The dogs are available only to wounded veterans and are placed with their new owners free of charge. Rick Hairston, president and co-founder of Carolina Canines said, “Getting a service dog will not be an issue of the haves vs. the have-nots. The wounded warriors have already paid their price.” PAALS is the only prison-based dog-training program in South Lowcountrydog

Carolina that offers service dogs to civilians as well as veterans. PAALS puppies spend one year at the Kershaw Correctional Institute, one-hour North East of Columbia. The dogs have a primary and backup handler and spend the workweek training with the male inmates. PAALS volunteers travel to the prison twice a week to teach dog-training techniques to the participants. On the weekends, the dogs travel to Columbia and spend time with their foster families. Jen Rogers, the executive director of PAALS spoke about the influence the prison program has on the inmates: There was a small pilot study done on the inmates during our program. They have improved self-confidence, feel more connected and understand that they are part of a bigger picture, giving back to the community. Positive behavior modification techniques not only work on dogs, it works on people too. The inmates learn a better way to get what they want out of life. It’s the first time they’ve had to cooperate in a team setting in a long time and they are going to need to do that in order to function in society. They learn to cooperate, work as a team, and acquire life skills they haven’t had before. Also, the inmates learn how to nurture and care for something. They certainly

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don’t get that opportunity in prison, except for the dogs. They truly love the dog and the dog truly loves them. It’s a two-way street. PAALS uses a breeder that specializes in producing service dogs for the blind; they also work with a local rescue shelter that contacts the non-profit when a good service dog candidate is found. Foster families, volunteers and donors are an integral part of this organization. Training a service dog is time consuming and costly. Participants in the program make a donation of $5,000 for the service dog and undergo two-week team training. One year is the average time it takes to receive a service dog. Greyhound Pets of America South Carolina partners with the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution in Columbia and use the original prison-based training model that Sister Pauline Quinn started to increase adoptions. Greyhound racing is legal but not currently conducted in South Carolina; most Greyhounds from the South Carolina chapter of Greyhound Pets of America come from Alabama and Florida. Greyhounds that have been living in cages their entire lives are often not spared once their racing career is over. Retired Greyhounds were once viewed as unadoptable because of their lack of social skills. Having lived in a pen and solitary confinement makes

Members of the PAALS training team work with a young dog who, at the end of the prison training program, will be worth more than $40,000 and will be able to assist the blind, the deaf, or the physically impaired.

the dogs unable to walk up and down stairs, remain calm in front of a mirror or know how to socialize with people and other dogs. Once retired, the Greyhound goes to prison to spend time with an inmate, adjusting to a life full of never-before-seen objects and unfamiliar situations. Each Greyhound has three handlers that are responsible for the dog 24 hours a day. Some Greyhounds quickly adjust to being around people all the time, while others flatten their bodies against the wall and hide behind objects in terror. The inmates watch the transformation of the Greyhound from a shy, scared dog to a loving, social animal. Celebrating Greyhounds Magazine spoke to an anonymous inmate participating in the Prison Pups program at the female prison in Columbia. She said, I came to prison at a young age. Learning to live without my family and things I took for granted shut down every emotion I had. Without anything to be responsible for- no children, no future, no hope- my life was only existing, not living. When the opportunity came for me to be chosen as a dog handler for the Prison Pups program, I was excited to enjoy one of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasures that I had been denied during my 23 years of incarceration. It had been that many years since I had touched, smelled, or even heard a dog bark. I was handed the leash of my first Greyhound rescue. I felt very awkward. Suddenly it occurred to me that a precious life was placed in my careâ&#x20AC;Ś Being a dog

handler has been and still remains the biggest privilege of my life. This program and the dogs have changed me into a better person. So maybe we should say the greyhounds rescued me. Length of stay in prison averages four to six weeks for the rescue dogs; the prison also acts as a shelter while the Greyhound is in the process of finding a new home. Then the dog goes to a foster family for a week to adjust to a home environment. Now the dog is ready to be adopted, saving hundreds of racing Greyhounds from an early and unjust death sentence. In some cases, the new family will write letters and send pictures to the prisoner who fostered the Greyhound, reminding them of the invaluable service they provided when the dog was in need. Through the eyes of a dog, we all look the same. They do not see a criminal or a disability. Dogs provide constant companionship to those in prison and in exchange, the dog gives the prisoner a different way to see the world. To volunteer your time, donate your dollars or stay updated with current events go to: www.carolinacanines.org for Carolina Canines, www.paals.org for Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services, www.gpa-sc.com for Greyhound Pets of America, statewide and www.adoptcharlestongreys.org locally. A benefit for Carolina Canines will be held at Wild Dunes in midOctober. Please refer to the calendar on page 21 for event info.

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happy hounds

blue

clover

duchess & scoober

holly

wilson may

Upload photos of your happy hound at www.lowcountrydog.com/share/photo All breeds and mixed breeds accepted.

gus

cape

layla

maxie

felton

nikki

bella

oli

nell

stella rose & bert 20

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oliver

nitro

upcoming events canine chiropractic care sessions at Accurate Chiropractic in Mt. Pleasant. First and Third Wednesdays of each month. Call for appointments. 971-8814.

october 2nd: 11:00am blessing of the animals. Folly Beach United Methodist Church. Donations for Pet Helpers will be accepted, as will items from the Pet Helpers wish list. Visit www.pethelpers.org for more info.

Tzus and Furbabies Rescue. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the event. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Sandcastle lobby or via phone at 843-768-3875.

october 17th 3:00pm-8:00pm hounds for heros – a canine good time. Sweetgrass Pavilion at Wild

october 2nd: 11:00am grateful goldens meet & greet at Hairy

Dunes. Food, live music, local vendors, silent auction, prize drawings, beer and wine. Advanced Tickets $15, $20 at door. Children under 7yrs Free, 7-13yrs $10. Proceeds go to Carolina Canines For more info visit, www.CarolinaCanines.org

Winston. Don’t miss out on your chance to meet the Golden of your dreams. Mt. Pleasant Towne Center. Plus, you can shop for all your new dog’s gear at Hairy Winston.

october 22nd-24th 9:00am4:00pm. charleston dog training club akc agility trial. Over 100

october 9th: 8:00am cas paws in the park. Park Circle, North Charleston. This one day festival will raise money to save countless animals lives, help feed and provide medical care for hundreds of animals, provide a day for education and family togetherness. Visit www. charlestonanimalsociety.org for more info.

october 12th 6:00pm – 8:00pm carolina coonhound rescue meet & greet. On The Border in Mt. Pleasant On The Border will donate 10% of your tab to the rescue! Pass the word! Click to the website for more info at www.carolinacoonhoundrescue.

october 16th 10:ooam grateful goldens tee off for goldens. Oak Point Golf Course at Kiawah River Estates. $100 per player includes: bloody mary/ mimosa bar, box lunch BBQ dinner provided by the Crazy Dutchman. Hole in One contest, silent auction, and raffle prizes. Live music by Bogan Mask. Visit www.ggrlc. org or call 810-0416 for more information.

october 16th 3:00pm annual Dogtoberfest. Freshfields Village Kiawah/Seabrook. Bring yourself and your furry friend to this wine tasting event which benefits Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue, Karen’s K-9s, Pet Helpers, SC Great Dane Rescue and Shih

dogs will compete on courses including jumps, weave poles, seesaws, and tires. Admission is free, and spectators and well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. Visit www.charlestondogtraining.com or call 696-2892 for further information. Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, 2662 Mullet Hall Road, Johns Island, SC 2455.

october 23rd 11:00am-5:00pm park day on daniel island. A fall tradition in Charleston, Daniel Island’s Park Day is an entertaining day of events, field games, food and live music for the entire family. Pets included! This popular Lowcountry festival has evolved into one of Charleston’s broadest scope charitable events, raising money and awareness for more than 20 area non-profit organizations. The day features a line-up of entertainment and events in a waterfront setting.

october 23rd 10:00am-1:00pm wala (west ashley loves animals) Educating people for animals. Behind the Salvation Army off of Ashley River Road (61) at their Baseball field. $5 per dog, vendors, rescues, live music by Kev Rowe. Visit www.animalpsych.com for more info.

october 27th 6:00pm-8:00pm doggy dining at the Dog and Duck. Belle Hall. Bring your pooch to relax on the patio with LCGRR and our Goldens! Great food, refreshing beverages and a fun crowd.

october 31st 12:30pm-3:00pm pet helpers howl-o-ween pet costume contest. Towne Centre Mall. Prizes from Hairy Winston. Celebrity judges. Owners can register their pets at www.pethelpers.org

november 6th 6:30pm pet helpers fur ball royale. Crystal Ballroom at Marriott on Lockwood. Tickets can be purchased on www.pethelpers.org Seated dinner, entertainment, silent and live auction items that “money can’t buy” including a cover story and photo spread in lowcountry dog magazine. Visit www.pethelpers.org for more info.

november 9th 6:00pm – 8:00pm carolina coonhound rescue meet & greet. On The Border in Mt. Pleasant. On The Border will donate 10% of your tab to the rescue! Pass the word! Visit www.carolinacoonhoundrescue.com

november 12th-14th cpe dog agility trial. A Way to Play Dog Agility Club will host the event at the Inn Training Facility in Murrells Inlet, SC. Trial information and premium will be posted on the CPE website soon. www.k9cpe.com.

november 26th 11:00am grateful goldens meet & greet at hairy winston. Don’t miss out on your chance to meet the Golden of your dreams. Plus, you can shop for all your new dog’s gear at Hairy Winston.

december 4th 1:00pm-5:00pm 11th annual cas celebrity chili cook-off and oyster roast. Charleston Maritime Center. Food, Kids Play Zone. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door $10 children w w w. c h a r l e s t o n a n i m a l s o c i e t y. o r g

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

Canine Chiropractic by Amy Hayek, DVM, CVA, CAC, MA, BS Canine chiropractic care is an alternative, drugless method of health care. Humans have enjoyed the benefits of chiropractic care for more than 100 years. Many people see their chiropractor for more than just back pain. People visit their chiropractor for more energy, improved sports performance, better resistance to disease, and to help insure drug-free lives for themselves and their families. This is known as wellness care. Canine chiropractic care deals with the nervous system. The spinal cord carries the nerves that are distributed to every organ and tissue of the body. These nerves exit the spinal column between the bones of the spine called vertebrae. The science of chiropractic care has discovered throughout the last one hundred years that a misalignment of joints (subluxation), especially the vertebrae, adversely alters nerve function from and around those areas. Altered nerve impulses leaving the spinal column can adversely affect the function of organs and tissues supplied by that nerve. This altered function can lead to pain, disease, fatigue, muscle weakness, poor balance, immune suppression, etc. Canine chiropractic is the art, science and philosophy that allows the dog to be a dog. Remember, the power that made the body, heals the body. It happens no other way. Keep in mind, chiropractic does not replace traditional veterinary medicine but

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works very well with it. A subluxation is caused by muscle spasm and faulty motion in the joint. This sometimes includes loss of position as well. The chiropractic adjustment is designed to restore correct alignment and full range of motion and optimal function. A chiropractic adjustment is aimed at correcting the subluxation and restoring the proper functioning of the nervous system. Therefore, chiropractic works to eliminate the cause of the problem, not just simply treat the symptoms. The dog’s spinal column has over 100 separate joints. Each of these joints must function correctly for it to perform appropriately. The amount and direction of spinal movement is determined by joint size, shape and muscle function. When a dog loses its normal range of motion in one or more of these joints there must be compensation elsewhere. Limited back movement occurs in up and down motion, side to side motion, and rotation. The weakest areas of your dog’s spine are the areas where the vertebral shape is changing (transition areas). These include the upper neck (skull and C1), the lower neck (C7 to T1), the middle of the back (T13 to L1) and the lumbosacral junction. Subluxations are what cause your dog to have injury, illness and symptoms of aging. The dog runs and plays well, his appetite is normal. Everything seems just

as it should be. Early on some subluxations can exist without symptoms. However, left unattended they will eventually become symptomatic. Why should you worry until it gets worse? A subluxation means that the vertebrae and corresponding motor unit (surrounding soft tissue and other vertebrae) are not moving correctly. Therefore, subluxations, not symptoms, are the reason to have regular chiropractic checkups. Subluxations are the problem, symptoms are the advanced signs that the subluxation exists. These subluxations are caused by one of three things; trauma, toxins and stress. Call your AVCA certified doctor and schedule a check up for your dog. The only way that you will truly know if your dog has a subluxation in its spine is to have it examined by an AVCA certified doctor. Your dog may benefit from chiropractic care if he or she exhibits one or more of the following signs: • Decrease in activity. • Behavior changes either sudden or over time. • Changes in breathing patterns. • Difficulty doing everyday activities (climbing stairs, jumping on the couch, agility obstacles). • Problems eating or refusing to play with toys. • Short striding, uneven strides, nail dragging, stumbling. • Diagnosed conditions, such as degenerative arthritis. • Muscle loss, spasms or atrophy. • Abnormal posture, changes in urination posture, or tail carriage. • Shaking of the head, constant ear problems, allergies. • Injuries resulting from falls, training or other activities. • Stressful situations. • Chronic disease conditions, multiple repetitive infections, poor hair coat, weak immune system. Most of our dog’s lifestyles are very different from what nature intended. Confinement to kennels and small backyards does not allow our dogs to get adequate exercise that stretches the muscles of the abdomen and back. Performance dogs are prone to subluxations

due to the high physical demands placed on them during competition. The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association believes that neither chiropractors nor veterinarians are prepared to adjust animals when they get their doctoral degrees. Veterinarians receive no training in the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic. Chiropractors receive no training in animal anatomy, physiology or pathology. You should use the same diligence in selecting your canine chiropractor as you used when selecting your veterinarian. Ask about where and when the doctor you select was certified, ask friends and other dog owners about their AVCA certified chiropractor, and ask the doctor to speak to references if necessary. AVCA certified doctors have undergone an intensive post graduate course that requires a minimum of 200 hours of study and have passed a certification examination similar to the examinations required for them to get their state licenses. After their initial certification they must attend continuing education classes on a yearly basis to keep current on new and advanced techniques. AVCA certified doctors are trained in motion palpation, static palpation, gait analysis and biomechanics as well as specific adjusting techniques developed just for animals. They will use their hands, not mallets and two by fours, or other equipment to adjust your dog. They have been trained to recognize pathology that may cause chiropractic care to be contradicted. In these cases they will work with your veterinarian in an attempt to help your dog return to health. You can search the web for an AVCA certified chiropractor near you at www.avcadoctors.com or you may contact the AVCA at: 442154 East 140 Rd, Bluejacket, OK 74333 Phone: 918-784-2231 amvetchiro@aol.com Dr. Amy Hayek is a veterinarian, is an AVCA certified animal chiropractor, and is certified in animal acupuncture. She owns East Coast Equine, LLC of Summerville, SC and can be reached for appointments at (843) 832 -8348 or (843) 563 – 6135. She also holds canine chiropractic sessions at Accurate Chiropractic. See calendar on pg. 21.

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Pleasant Pet Services, LLC Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Chris Maltese ~ 843-412-1485 www.pleasantpetservices.com Do you work long hours and need your dog walked? Going on a vacation? Call Chris today! Licensed, Insured & Bonded Pet CPR Certified Serving Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Clements Ferry and Hanahan Lowcountrydog

Counter Surfing by Christi Phillips, CPDT

management of the problem and setting the dog up to succeed

any dog owners struggle daily with their dogs stealing food from the kitchen counter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Counter Surfingâ&#x20AC;? as we affectionately call it, can not only be a nuisance, it can be dangerous to a dog. In order to change this problem behavior, it is important to understand why dogs do this. Beyond the obvious reason that they like to eat, almost all dogs are stimulated by the intriguing scents coming from the various food items that are being prepared on our kitchen counters. So, they are initially going to jump up on the counter because they are curious and they want to eat what is up there. Once they are successful at eating something yummy that was found on the counter, they have learned that stealing food is very rewarding. This can become a real problem because dogs, in general, are very self rewarding. Counter Surfing can also be dangerous to a dog. It is very possible for a dog to steal a food item that could cause medical

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problems such as allergies, choking, upset stomach or even toxic reactions. In addition, some dogs will be less likely to want to eat their own dog food if they have had the taste of forbidden foods. The following is a Treatment Plan for Food Stealing based on Positive Training Methods:

positive reinforcement of alternate behaviors This means rewarding your dog for a more desired behavior instead of jumping on the counter. To do this, set up a situation where food is on the counter and your dog knows it. Practice a simple known obedience cue such as Sit or Sit-Stay near the counter with food on it. When the dog obeys the command and does not jump on the counter, you should reward the dog with a small treat, a favorite toy or praise.

Inadvertently, many dog owners encourage their dogs to jump on counters without realizing it. If you are preparing food on the counter and accidently drop a piece, more than likely your dog gobbles it up very quickly. You have just taught your dog that yummy food comes from the counter. You should never feed your dog from the counter! It is also not a good idea to feed your dog their meals in the kitchen area. A better alternative would be a breakfast area away from counters. Laundry rooms and hallways nearby are other options. As mentioned earlier, dogs are very self rewarding. Every single time a dog gets food from the counter, he is rewarded for the behavior. It only takes an occasional reward to keep the dog coming back at every opportunity in hopes of hitting the jackpot. It is very important to prevent your dog from going near the kitchen counters with food unless you are there to supervise. When you are not able to supervise your dog 100% in the kitchen, the use of a baby gate in the door way is very helpful. Another solution is to boundary-train your dog from the kitchen. This method teaches the dog not to cross a boundary line (such as a door way) that you have set. Your Personal Dog Trainer can assist you with boundary training techniques. To successfully manage this problem behavior and set your dog up to succeed, you must not leave food of any kind on the counter when you are not in the kitchen.

consequences stealing

for

food

Consequences are often used to aid in the correcting of problem behaviors. The idea here is to make food stealing an unappealing task. You will find that most dogs only steal food when no one is watching. With that in mind, a proper booby-trap on the counter can be a useful aid for training. A proper booby-trap can be made with a shaker can (used soda can holding 20 pennies with the top secured with tape), string and doublesided tape. Start with a large piece of meat that your dog cannot swallow whole and tie a string to one end and then tie the other end to the shaker can. Set the shaker can in the cabinet above the meat with no slack in the string. Next, put double-sided tape on the counter in front of the meat where your dog’s paws are likely to touch when he jumps up. Most dogs find the tape uncomfortable. The purpose of these two things is to startle the dog enough to make him give up the idea of stealing the meat.

consistency in dealing with food stealing Consistency is critical in dog training, especially when treating a problem behavior. Each time the dog is able to jump up and get the food he is after, he is getting a very special reward for this behavior. For more information on Boundary Training and other Problem Behaviors, you can contact Christi Phillips, CPDT with Dogs “R” Us, LLC at 843.860.5188 or www.DogsRUsSC.com.

Lowcountrydog

adoption

Daisy’s Place Retriever Rescue Daisy’s Place Retriever Rescue is an all volunteer organization dedicated to saving and finding loving homes for Vintage Retrievers – Labs, Goldens and mixes, age 6 and older. We believe that older dogs CAN teach you new tricks and they have so much love and joy to give! We also occasionally take in younger dogs under the age of 6, we call these honorary Daisy Dogs, Rosebuds. Each Daisy Dog/Rosebud is placed in a loving foster home until they find their new forever home. Daisy’s Place provides all vetting and monthly heartworm prevention – our fosters provide the TLC! The more fosters we have, the more dogs we can save from certain death in shelters. If you’re interested in fostering a Daisy Dog, please contact Melissa Gray, Director and Founder of Daisy’s Place: melissa@daisysplace.org or 843.240.0174, www.daisysplace.org Special thanks to Cheryl Provost for Lily’s, Rosey’s Sweat Pea’s and Sandy’s photos. www.cherylprovost.com

Rev – 10 years young One day when I was about 2 years old my family moved away and just left me! A nice lady started taking me to work with her at a kennel and that’s where I stayed all this time. I liked being around all the other dogs, but now that I’m an ‘inside’ dog and living in a home, I’m super happy! If you’re looking for a sweet guy to call your own, I’m the Labby for you! (though I am camera shy).

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Midnight – 12 years young I’m a gorgeous AKC registered black Lab. I get along with dogs, cats, grown up people, little people, and am hoping for a forever family that will let me spend as many hours as possible close to them. I was dumped at a high kill shelter where I was promptly scheduled for euthanasia due to my age. How could they not know how special I am?

Lily – 10 years young I’m a beautiful Golden mix. I’ve got great energy and I love to play ball and I’m a champion snuggler. I really like to be with my people, but I’m not one of those clingy ‘velcro’ dogs. I can entertain myself and am content to curl up close by while you’re watching TV or on the computer. I prefer to be the only dog in the house. - I’m waiting patiently for my new forever home, but I’m getting lonely!

Rosey – 7 months, Rosebud I’m a black Lab mix and I have the cutest little black and white polka dot paws! I’ve been through obedience training and the teacher says I’m really smart and a good girl! I love my foster fur siblings – another dog, a cat and a little kitten – and my 2 legged foster sisters love to play with me! I love to snuggle, too. I’d really like to find my forever family. Won’t you give me a home?

Sweet Pea – 2 years, Rosebud I showed up last year in Greensboro with both left legs broken. My first foster family nursed me backed to health. I’m house broken, leash trained, know the commands for sit, lay down and stay and I have a clean bill of health! I go to work with my foster mom every day, so I’m used to meeting lots of new people. I can’t wait to find my forever home.

Sandy – 8 years young I’m what they call a purebred Labby and I have something called ‘papers’ if that’s important! Best of all, I’m a really sweet girl. I lived with the same family for my whole life but they left me at the shelter when they decided to travel. I love my foster dog brother, a cat, and a bunch of tiny little kitties. If you’re looking for a well behaved older gal with a lot of pep in her step, I’m the girl for you!

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