Seacoast Bark Magazine April/May 2020 by Nancy Dewar

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publisher ’s note

We need good, happy news now more than ever. Hopefully, this issue will make you smile a bit. We want to thank our advertisers for sticking with us during this difficult time. We also want to thank past advertisers for being part of our pack, as well. Thank you all…truly. Going to the beach has been a daily routine for me and my dog Flip-Flop for years. So, what are we doing now? Lots of walks in the hood, in the woods, in any fields we find that have a place to park. Probably too many treats and chew-bones to break up a bit of the boredom! Lots of tuggy-time, toss-the-baby and “let’s brush you,” too. Daily car rides to basically nowhere! And…more snuggling and loving than usual. What a gift to spend more time with our animals when it’s difficult to spend time with family and friends. Cherish it, stay safe, stay healthy and spread kindness and caring to others. Let’s all try to be more like our dogs right now…and love unconditionally. We’re all in this together.

Cheers, Chow + With Love…

Nancy

P.S. Due to the importance of social distancing, Allen Wayside Furniture and Seacoast Bark are postponing the Mutt-Mixer Yappy Hour planned for June 20th. However, you can still help pets in need by donating via local rescue websites.

Our Marketing Paw-tners…

Allen Wayside Furniture Barefoot Medical Spa Beach Dog Daycare Bournival Jeep Caldwell-Banker - The House Finch Team Excentrique Home Accessories Just Dogs Knowles Tree Service Linda Cloutier Kitchens & Baths Phil Chura Photography Platinum Fence Ristorante Massimo Route 1 Antiques Seacoast Volkswagen Senior Helpers Southwick Construction The Collector’s Eye The Natural Dog Zeff Plastic Surgery publisher Nancy Dewar

nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com - 603.498.3237

contents

design Mrs. and Mr. Design

info@mrsandmrpublishing.com

director of sales & marketing BlakeLee Greene bntgreene@comcast.net - 978.317.5846

thanks to our contributors… Carsyn Beach - Pam Doherty - Margot Kopp - Dawn Price - Ellen Ratner cover photo Ron Schmidt Newburyport, MA - LooseLeashes.com

words of wisdom 8. animal lover's profile 6.

Senior Helpers

10.

match.dog

The Beach Dog Daycare

fun things to bark about 14. health notes 12.

Heartworm Disease

work like a dog 18. local tails 19. comforting thoughts 20. rescue 22. let's pawty 16.

Ristorante Massimo

23.

flips + flops

P.S. We’d love to have you start following us on Instagram! (Instagram.com/seacoastbarkmagazine) 4 seacoastbarkmagazine.com

Published by Bark Media Group LLC six times a year. Hampton, NH Copyright © 2020 Bark Media Group LLC Seacoast Bark is distributed at stores & businesses in: Portsmouth, Exeter, Rye, North Hampton, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Greenland, Stratham, Seabrook, Kittery, Newburyport, Rowley, Ipswich & everywhere in between!

Interested in advertising with us? Have a good story idea or a suggestion on a great animal or person to feature? Please email Nancy Dewar/Publisher nancy@snazzyjazzypet.com (603) 498-3237

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words of wisdom

Walter’s WORDS OF WISDOM By Walter Eugene Davis Senior Helpers – Stratham, NH

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU So, we were all excited for Spring to arrive on March 19th then this thing called the Coronavirus shows up and surely has thrown a wrench into things. I was going to write about Mother’s Day, but I am thinking that you humans are stressed out and you might not be able to be together on May 10th. I am going to change plans and give you some advice for YOU. Yes, some tips to manage your anxiety about the unknown that the COVID-19 virus presents.

Walter Eugene Davis

Have you ever wished that you could work from home? Well, guess what…you got your wish unless you work at Senior Helpers like I do. We ride at dawn every day to assist our clients. Even now! We are not sure what the news will be from one day to the next. We tend to get stressed. That happened to me when I was a stray in Myrtle Beach; never knew when I was going to eat again or where my people went. Now they tell me I am graying prematurely. Hey I am only 6! All kidding aside, stress weakens your immune system, and we can’t have that when we are facing a communicable disease that we cannot see. When we face the unknown it is always important to have a schedule. You used to get up at 7:00 am, leave the house at 8:00 am and arrive at the office at 8:30 am. Keep that same schedule. Get up on time, at 8:00 am go out for a walk and at 8:30 am start your work day from your new office – HOME!!! Set priorities for work, diet and exercise by scheduling a time for each. You will be much more successful staying on track. Even schedule down time. Movement is essential to support our overall health, especially our immune system. If you got your steps in during the day on the job, you are going to have to figure out how to get them in during your new normal. Movement is key to our brain health; it boosts our mood, increases self-esteem and enhances cognitive functioning. You certainly don’t want to be in a fog when the whistle blows and we all have to go back to work. We are inundated with news on the virus. From what the federal response is, to each state’s plan, business closures and much more. All of this can cause us to worry. It is important to not stay glued on the news. Yes, it is critical to be informed, but not overwhelmed. This is a great time to pick up that book that has been sitting on the coffee table for months, binge watch a new show. Can’t go to the movies, so watch one at home. Maybe it’s time to learn a new language, to sew, salsa, yoga or dog walking (hint!). Take time to be quiet – to sit still. Calm your mind. Consider meditating or practice deep breathing. Sit outside in the fresh air, take in that spring air. The world is coming alive. Let your mind follow. Folks, it’s not all gloom and doom. This day too shall pass. Stay in touch with family and friends. Pick up the phone, handwrite a note (when was the last time you did that?), feeling brave try Facetime, Skype or Zoom for a face-to-face chat. Reflect on past vacations, read a book to your grands. Let them know that you are thinking about them, you miss them and you look forward to seeing them soon. Perhaps this is a lesson in slowing down. In spending more time at home. Realizing what is really important. At the end of the day, it is all about YOU. Be well my friends…Walter Eugene

A big thanks to Dwight & Gayle Davis,

owners of Senior Helpers, for encouraging Walter Eugene to write this new column! Walter is a 6-year-old Lab mix rescue. They all found each other via New England Lab Rescue. Walter came from Hartsville, SC, and ended up hitting the jackpot with his new family! He participates in the family business providing love and comfort to many, with his official title being “Director of Security & Pet Relations.” Walter is also an active member of the welcoming committee! Senior Helpers provides in-home, non-medical care offering tailored services ranging from companion care for those who need daily assistance to in-depth specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases. They’ve worked with clients ranging in age from 25 to 104. Senior Helpers was voted “Best of the Seacoast” in home health care and received the “Business Excellence Award” and “Top 200 Most Influential Business Leaders in New Hampshire” from the New Hampshire Business Review. Stratham, NH – (603) 583-4580 www.SeniorHelpers.com/nh/greater-seacoast

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Photo by Phil Chura Photography

animal lover's profile

Addressing the Adventures of Aging By Ellen Ratner – Greenland, NH

If you’re starting to feel old in dog years, don’t fret –Dwight and Gayle Davis, owners of Senior Helpers in Stratham, New Hampshire, are a call away. And if someone you love is slowing down and even becoming a bit forgetful, no worries. The caregivers at Senior Helpers cover four counties in southeastern New Hampshire (Merrimack, Hillsborough, Rockingham and Strafford) and work with clients ranging in age from 25 to 104 years old. Whether the person is facing the challenges of aging, battling a debilitating disease or recovering from surgery, Senior Helpers will step in to offer companionship, personal assistance…and a dose of fun. For what is quality of life without joy?

“We love what we do,” Gayle beams while Dwight nods in agreement. We were sitting in the couple’s office on a brisk, wintry afternoon when Walter, the couple’s black lab mix and “Director of Security and Pet Relations” planted himself by my chair, letting me take notes and give scratches simultaneously. Love, it seems, not only drives this threesome’s work, but was also the underlying factor in bringing Senior Helpers to the Greater Seacoast. Love via Cupid and love among family. Cupid’s arrow struck in April 2004 “It was 1:30 in the afternoon,” Gayle informs me when she and Dwight first met on the phone through their charity work. Three months later they connected in person, and “it clicked.” Dwight, a former professional basketball player, eventually moved from Houston where he was working in real estate to the Granite State where Gayle enjoyed a career in the tech industry. Having cared for his parents back in Texas, Dwight soon discovered familiar frustrations with elder care in New Hampshire. Gayle’s mother lived with them for six years, and Dwight reflects, “We had tremendous difficulty

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trying to find people to come into the home for Nana. She was college educated, intellectually active and needed stimulation. But,” he maintains, “the entire health field is woefully lacking in training health workers how to deal with elders, especially those with dementia.” Gayle continues, “We saw a need and started looking around. A friend had done research and opened Senior Helpers in Austin, Texas.” Based on all their findings, the Davis’ believed this national at-home care agency, founded in 2002, “most aligned with our own philosophy.” “We are different than other homecare companies,” Dwight points out. “Our approach with those who need assistance for daily living is different. Our goal is to maintain the highest level of their quality of life, identify what they need assistance with and provide them what they need to live as independently as possible. Keep them active and engaged. We stress education for our caregivers and our internal team.” Their office consists of seven team members who are responsible for the operations of this growing organization. In addition to them, they

animal lover's profile

Photo by Phil Chura Photography

Our approach with those who need assistance for daily living is different. Our goal is to maintain the highest level of their quality of life, identify what they need assistance with and provide them what they need to live as independently as possible. Keep them active and engaged. We stress education for our caregivers and our internal team.

have identified a team of “go-to partners” which include a primary care physician, podiatrist, massage therapist, oral hygiene in the home and a handyman. The Senior Helpers website provides a complete list of the agency’s services including light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, bathing and companionship. “We do meaningful activities,” Gayle states. “Our big thing is how to connect with people. We’re not babysitting.” When Dwight tells me, “We have war heroes, pilots, women who have done great things,” Gayle responds, “Who were you before you needed us? That’s the person I want to connect with! As soon as someone shares something about him or herself, I no longer sense just a pulse, I sense a connection. Suddenly, I find out the coolest things about people!”

Like the anthropologist, who happened to be the foremost authority on the Amazonian Indian Tribes. Turns out his caregiver had taken an anthropology class, and when the client discovered he knew the professor- click! – a bond developed between the two men. Gayle smiles, “That gentleman, a recent widower,

now has a new buddy.” And then there’s Al, a 95 year old former pilot who wanted to go up in a bi-plane one more time - no problem! “Both Dwight and I are good listeners,” Gayle explains. “If we say we will do something, we will exhaust all avenues to do it.” Senior Helpers coordinated this much-anticipated flying event, which was a go till Mother Nature interceded, and the winds changed direction last minute. Sometimes, the best laid plans go awry.

“When we were just starting out, I said to Dwight we need to be a student of our industry. I’m the type of person that wants to keep learning more about something.” She and Dwight are also passionate about teaching others, and they rely on “Senior Gems” as their source. This Senior Helpers program suggests strategies and tips for dealing with people struggling with dementia. The methods discussed are based on the work of Teepa Snow, a renowned authority on aging and the featured speaker at a day-long event hosted by Dwight and Gayle in June 2019. “We had 565 people representing 69 entities attend,” which is just a smidgen of the 2,000-plus healthcare professionals Senior Helpers has helped train since 2015 by way of the Virtual Dementia Tour. Gayle is also a certified facilitator of the Virtual Dementia Tour. This experience, lasting eight

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minutes, compromises your senses and puts you in a mid-dementia stage. Welcome to aging…and to understanding how this disease affects your loved one. Even Walter, who Gayle and Dwight adopted in 2015 through New England Lab Rescue, is committed to educating his community. Be sure to check out Walter’s Words of Wisdom article for a dog’s eye view of dealing with the aging process. Take Walter's advice – keep your mind and body busy and go for that walk!

To create and maintain positive, healthy relationships, Gayle says, “We match our employees with people they have something in common with.” Senior Helpers continues to seek dedicated caregivers and is partnering with Great Bay Community College and Manchester Community College to address the current labor shortage. “We were the first company in the state to set up an apprenticeship program for home health aides, and we’re now launching an apprenticeship for LNAs. If you are a caring person, I want to talk to you.” Summing up this labor of love, Gayle reveals, “We get joy from the work. The patients get joy, and the caregivers get joy.” As they say in the NBA, (to borrow from Dwight’s previous vocation) it’s a slam dunk! (www.seniorhelpers.com/nh/se-new-hampshire)

match.dog

"HOW I MET MY TRUE LOVE" love stories about real dogs + their humans By Pam Doherty, Owner of The Beach Dog Daycare – Newburyport, MA

& The Little Beach Dog Daycare – Newburyport, MA

We all dream of finding our true love. We grow up searching for our soul mate, take our que from movies we watch with happy endings and grab a box of Kleenex when the ending isn’t so happy. But I didn’t expect my true love and soul mate to have 4 legs and a tail that NEVER stopped wagging. All 3.5 pounds of her wagged the moment I met her.

Pam & Tulip

Tulip was born with no knee sockets. She spent the first six months of her life with her breeder living on Milk-Bone cookies and never saw daylight. This sweet little soul was the runt of the litter; the one we all fall in love with and commit to even when we know they will be a heartbreaker.

Tulip spent 13 wonderful years with me. She welcomed my other dogs Tucker and Bleu when we rescued them, but she knew in her heart she was, and always would be, the apple of all our eyes! She loved being held and photographed and pampered; and she was the reason I started The Beach Dog. During the last 2 years of her life I decided to leave my career and devote my time to her because her knees and legs started to deteriorate, and she had to be held up by a harness so she would not fall. When Tulip looked in my eyes one day, I knew she was finally telling me I would have to do it alone, that she could no longer be by my side. Yup I was right, she broke my heart, but she was brave and gave me the motivation I needed to be brave and continue focusing on The Beach Dog. Now after 3 years of building The Beach Dog Daycare, I have finally had the opportunity to open a second location called The Little Beach Dog. I wanted a place that other tiny and fragile little dogs like Tulip could go and feel safe and confident.

Front to back: Bleu, Tank, & Tucker

Tulip will live long in my memory. If not for her, my life would not be as it is. Am I living the dream? No, I am living Tulip’s dream! My poster child. The love of my life. Today I have Tucker and Bleu, who were lucky to have loved Tulip with me, and now I have Tank too! Another potential heartbreaker, but wouldn’t life be boring without risking our hearts.

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Tulip

out and about

A Field Trip for Penguins

fun things to

“Farmacy” Recipes

bark

ABOUT It’s Pup Season

Wash Your Paws

Now more than ever it’s important to wash your hands often, often, often. Our wonderful cover photograph was compliments of Newburyport photographer Ron Schmidt of Loose Leashes. This image is available to purchase as a wrapped canvas on their website (www.looseleashes. com) and would be a great reminder to place in your kitchen or bathroom. A big thanks to Ron and Amy Schmidt for letting us use another one of their fabulous photos for our cover. And please remember to WASH YOUR PAWS! (LooseLeashes.com)

A Field Trip for Penguins

After Chicago's Shedd Aquarium closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, their staff decided to let the penguins out of their enclosures for a field trip. These adorable little creatures wandered around viewing the sharks and an array of fish. The aquarium shared videos on Twitter of three penguins checking out exhibits from

the other side of the glass. "Without guests in the building, caretakers are getting creative in how they provide enrichment to animals," the aquarium said in a statement. "Introducing new experiences, activities, foods and more to keep them active, encourage them to explore, problem-solve and express natural behaviors."

“Farmacy” Recipes

Now more than ever it’s important to take care of yourself to stay healthy…not only for you, but for your dog too! Hey, they need daily walks; and you’re the one responsible for the big “W!” Food is so important when it comes to health. And we are happy to share some great recipes from the Center for Wellbeing, located in Portsmouth. Jeff and Kelly Donatello (and their entire staff) offer holistic approaches to overall health, physical ailments and also many alternatives to surgery. Check out their website to learn more and also get a link to their “Your New Farmacy” e-book of healthy recipes. (centerforwell.com/recipes/)

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It’s Pup Season

I wonder how many people know when seals are born??!!! Harbor seals give birth as early as April, and pupping season is in full swing between May and June. After birth, mothers leave their pups alone to rest for extended periods of time while she hunts and forages for herself. After feeding, the mother returns to collect her pup and nurse. Harbor seal pups typically stay with their mothers for around a month before weaning. All too often, a dependent pup is left to rest on its own on busy beaches or popular visiting areas. If a mother harbor seal returns to reunite with her pup and finds human activity, or the pup has been moved to a different location by people, this can lead to abandonment. If you encounter a lone resting harbor seal pup, it is important to first remain a safe distance away and keep the area as quiet as possible to give the pup the best chance of reuniting with its mother. And please be sure to call your local animal control office or state wildlife office to report the lone pup.

out and about

Pizza & Pups

Amazing, Paws-itive People

New England Lab Rescue

Puzzle Play

New England Lab Rescue

Home alone? How about fostering a Lab for a while? The New England Lab Rescue is always looking for foster homes. This non-profit, all-volunteer organization is dedicated to rescuing displaced Labs and Lab mixes who would otherwise be euthanized for lack of space in Southern shelters. So, if you are interested in opening your home and heart temporarily to a dog who needs some love, there is a foster application on their website. And once approved as a foster-peep, be sure to stock up on some special treats…as Labs truly are chow hounds and love their food! (NewEnglandLabRescue.com)

Pizza & Pups

An innovative pizza restaurant in Amherst, New York, isn’t only delivering pizzas these days; but they also are helping rescue pups find new homes. Just Pizza & Wing Co. is attaching flyers of adoptable dogs from the Niagara SPCA on the

top of each box. Anyone who adopts a dog featured on a pizza box flyer will receive a $50 gift certificate to the pizza shop. We think this is a great idea for a local pizza place here on the Seacoast. Hint…hint…hint!

Amazing, Paws-itive People

Huge kudos to two of our wonderful marketing partners; Gayle and Dwight Davis of Senior Helpers and Lionel Loveless and his partner Greg Pruitt of Route One Antiques. They have been working hard lately to get more masks to medical teams around the country, hospice groups, local police and fire departments and, basically, whoever needs help. Some of Gayle and Dwight’s team members haven’t been able to work recently due to their own health concerns. The Davis’ are paying them their normal wages, and in return their dedicated staff are sewing masks non-stop. Lionel has turned his sewing skills from making bowties for peeps and

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pups (his Officially Knotted Bowties company) to sewing masks for those in need. A big THANKS to Gayle, Dwight and Lionel for your kindness and caring for others. Truly…thank you.

Puzzle Play

This is pretty funny! Upon the “stay at home” order, a friend of mine ordered a jigsaw puzzle thinking…well, this will be fun and will take up some time. It turns out that she wasn’t the only one thinking that. Her cats, Skye and Tashi, decided the puzzle would be fun for them too. As she constructed the puzzle, the cats found great delight in deconstructing it! She placed a plastic bag over it and weighted the edges down with some pottery, hoping to save her work. Nope… the cats simply found the puzzle to be more fun than ever as they ripped open the middle of the bag and scrunched their paws under the edges to grab the pieces! This might be a great new game for your cat too!

health notes

A Bit About HEARTWORM By Dr. Carsyn Beach, DVM

Heartworm is a progressive and potentially fatal disease. Imagine worms that grow up to 16” living in your pet’s heart. Dogs can have up to 250 living in their vital organs at one time. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms migrate to the heart and lungs causing lung disease, heart failure and other organ damage. Dogs are natural hosts, which means the heartworms can continue to grow and reproduce. Cats are atypical hosts, so most adult heartworms don’t survive but immature heartworms can do irreparable damage to the respiratory tract, leading to heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD). SIGNS OF HEARTWORM

TESTING & TREATMENT

Dogs: a mild persistent cough,

Early diagnosis and intervention is critical. Testing involves a blood test by your veterinarian. Diagnosing heartworm in cats can be more challenging since they may not have any adult worms present, making blood tests more difficult to interpret. Your pets should be tested annually and receive preventive heartworm medicine year-round.

reluctance to exercise, shortness of breath, abnormal fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite and weight loss. Dogs can also develop sudden heartworm blockages within the heart, leading to labored breathing, pale gums, dark bloody urine and death unless they receive early surgical intervention to remove the block.

Cats: coughing, wheezing, periodic

vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy or weight loss. Some cats may have difficulty walking, collapse, seizures or get a fluid-filled belly. Unfortunately, in some cats the first sign is collapse or death.

Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Get your pets tested, and if your veterinarian gives the okay, start the prescribed med. Keep your pet on it as directed, and you won’t need to test again if you don’t quit the regimen. (www.HeartWormSociety.org)

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work like a dog

Battle Buddies Donnie & Mocha By Margot Kopp – Newburyport, MA

Don Jarvis’ personal experience as an injured combat veteran, plus his work supporting veterans in crisis, has made him keenly aware of the struggles facing our nation’s veteran population. Every day in the United States, approximately 22 veteran suicides are reported. Depression, isolation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are all contributing factors.

In the face of these challenges, Donnie tries “be the person I wish I had” for fellow veterans. As a Peer Support Specialist with the Department of Veterans Services, he assists veterans who are homeless, suicidal, dealing with substance abuse or involved with the justice system. According to Donnie, “My goal is to generate positive energy and develop a community of support for all of the men and women who have served our country.”

Donnie – with his service dog Mocha by his side -- is succeeding. Whether at the courthouse, the jail, or one many veteran outreach events that he has organized over the years, Donnie and Mocha are well-known, well-loved and well-respected by veterans and community leaders across Eastern MA. But things weren’t always this way for either of them. The now-inseparable duo found each other in 2013 through Operation Delta Dog, a nonprofit which trains shelter dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD, military sexual trauma (MST) and TBI.

Mocha was chosen by the trainers at Delta Dog for his potential to be a service dog: his

sweet temperament, his ability to get along with people and animals, and his desire to please. Despite medical issues like heartworm – which takes considerable time and money to treat – Delta Dog deemed Mocha “worth the investment” and brought him back to their program with the hopes of a potential match. That match, of course, would eventually be Donald Jarvis, seven-year veteran of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

While enlisted, Donnie was deployed in multiple tours of service in both Iran and Afghanistan as a combat engineer responsible for clearing supply routes of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Arriving home after his first deployment at only 20 years of age, Don immediately felt alienated and uncomfortable in civilian life, and his isolation deepened over time. Then in 2012, during his second tour in Afghanistan, his life was changed forever. While on sweep mission, an IED explosion rocked his search vehicle, flipping it on its side. Don required six months of hospital treatment before returning home to civilian life with PTSD and lingering effects of a TBI. He suffered from depression and substance abuse, had difficulty sleeping and had trouble connecting with people in his daily life.

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Meanwhile, Mocha was being put through “boot camp”—a multi-month training program to prepare him to work with a veteran in need. After a few “blind dates” to be sure they connected, Don and Mocha undertook a year-long training program designed to teach them both how to work a service-dog team. Unlike other service dog organizations, which fully train service dogs and then match them with a recipient, Operation Delta Dog requires the veteran to be a primary trainer. The pair is expected to come weekly to their training center in Hollis, NH to work toward certification. During that time, the dog lives with the veteran, furthering their emotional bond and their working relationship. Training Mocha was “challenging and therapeutic all at once.” Helping Mocha navigate through his own obstacles, like his intense fear of elevators, helped Donnie work through his own frustrations, fears and anxieties. For a long time, Mocha was his reason to get up each morning. For years, Donnie had to wear sunglasses due to light sensitivity from his TBI, and he often felt embarrassed to leave the house. But Mocha needed to continue his training and get exercise, and gradually Donnie felt more comfortable leaving his home. With Mocha there, his sleep improved too.

Donnie with Weird Al Yankovic

work like a dog

As a service dog, Mocha mitigates Donnie’s anxiety daily by sensing when his emotions are elevated and separating him from certain situations, rooms or people. He serves as a “buffer” between Donnie and anything that might be a trigger, placing himself between, for example, someone who is approaching Donnie too loudly or quickly. Mocha provides a comforting presence and a calm distraction that allows Donnie to bring himself back down.

For many years now, thanks in large part to Mocha, Donnie has been in a place to help other veterans in need. “I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without Mocha’s help,” he shares. In addition to his crucial daily work with Veterans Services, Donnie has also spent a tremendous amount of his free time spearheading community service projects. He launched the Annual Yankee Homecoming Veterans Luncheon in Newburyport, the Byfield flag retirement program and the Wreaths Across America program in Newbury. He also continues to serve as the veteran outreach coordinator for Operation Delta Dog.

This past year, however, Don was forced to step back his community involvement when his service-related injuries re-emerged with a vengeance, requiring more time at home and in doctors’ offices battling unforeseen

medical issues. To keep himself busy, he began writing down Mocha’s story. Eventually, the story grew into Mocha, the Superhero Service Dog, a small chapter book which Don self-published and sells on Amazon for $12.99.

The book is narrated by Mocha and follows his journey from the streets – in constant search of food – to an overcrowded shelter, in which he is considered unadoptable by a family due his poor health; then eventually to Operation Delta Dog and into Donnie’s home. Much to Donnie’s surprise and delight, the book sold over 500 copies, and Mocha’s story was covered by the Newburyport Daily News and the Boston Globe. A few local establishments held book signings, with lines out the door for an opportunity to support Donnie and Mocha and maybe – if you were lucky – a chance to grab one of the limited number of Mocha plush dogs, wearing a cape of course. “To call him a superhero only seems fitting. He quite frankly saved my life.” A particularly emotional excerpt from the book reads: There are a lot of people like Donnie who need the help of service dogs like me. Many of them are veterans who worked in the army but could not make any friends or be happy when they came home. Sometimes they are sick and alone like I was. Dogs like me help them be happy and strong. Donnie is also delighted that his little side project has resulted in sharing the spotlight with his “battle buddy” Mocha, who

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he considers to be absolutely deserving of the attention and praise. Proceeds from the book sales will go toward future veterinary bills for Mocha, who is currently 8 years old and beginning to gray on his muzzle and around his dark, soulful eyes. “He’s physically an extension of me,” says Donnie, “and when his time does come, it will be like losing a part of me. I can’t slow that down, but because he has done so much for me, I want to be able to take care of him. The good news is that, right now, all 65 lbs. of Mocha-Man is going strong." As a testament to how much success the duo has made, Donnie and Mocha currently moved into their own home together. Together, they continue to succeed, serving as unrelenting advocates for a segment of the population that can go unseen and under-served despite incredible sacrifices to our country. With the staggering statistics on veteran health, and the staggering statistics on shelter overpopulation and euthanasia, funding for an organization like Operation Delta Dog is essential to continue to assist other Donnies and Mochas in need of support. Please check them out at operationdeltadog.org.

local tails

Meet Some Special Seacoast Pups… Here are some of our readers’ adorable dogs! We asked each, “What is your favorite magazine?” Unanimously, they all barked…Seacoast Bark!

P.S. If you’d like your pup's picture in an upcoming issue, send an email with “Local Tails” in the subject line to: nancy@SnazzyJazzyPet.com.

Lyla Mae - Dover

Miss Westminster Abbey - Rye, NH

Cocoa Bean - Dover

Emmett - Hampton

Stanley - Exeter NH

Brutus - Kittery, ME

Levi & Saige - Barrington, NH

Dune - North Hampton NH

Max & Izzy - Rye NH

Sophie - Portsmouth

Kodiak - Lebanon, ME

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Nutmeg - Newburyport

As animal lovers, we pamper our pets every day. But the same should hold true for you. Please pamper yourself a bit every day too, especially during this trying time. Walks will help clear your head and make your pup’s tail wag. Prepare good, healthy meals (and share a few scraps!). Languish in the tub, maybe with candles or a good book. Give yourself a facial. There are lots of DIY recipes online, many with ingredients you probably have on-hand. Call friends and family. And be sure to snuggle with your dog for comfort. Their love is huge and right in front of you. As Dr. Seuss says, “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” And to your dog…you ARE their world! So, all take good care of everyone…and be sure to give and receive lots of comfort. Here’s how some of the Dr. Zeff Plastic Surgery teams’ dogs are bringing comfort to their peeps.

Cindy Wrocklage & Bailey

Cindy Wrocklage Studies have shown that pets reduce stress, ease loneliness and are a great reason to increase physical activity. All of these things my dog gives to me every day with a happy heart. I'm so thankful I have Bailey.

Lisa, Stella & Dexter

Sandy Silsby & Newman

Sandy Silsby Newman gives our family unconditional love all the time. Newman is always happy, energetic, and is loving. We love spending time with him. He makes us laugh.

Lisa Roseberry I have been comforted by my dogs by having a constant companion. I love that they are totally oblivious to the global crisis and have no idea why I am spending so much extra time with them spoiling them!

Laura Stella Lexi has been very excited to have us all home spending quality time with her. She is enjoying the frequent walks and soaking up all of the extra attention.

Dr. Richard Zeff, Ruby & Layla

Laura Stella & Lexi

Dr. Zeff There’s nothing quite like the flapping tails of your favorite pets when they first see you come home. Now I’m always home and nothing has changed. Layla and Ruby have helped make my quarantine not only tolerable but truly enjoyable. It’s all love and fun, walks and play!

Jen Lawson & Jax

137 Portsmouth Ave. Stratham, NH 03885 info@drzeff.com 603-755-7444 seacoastbarkmagazine.com 19

Jax & Rufus

Jen Lawson Jax and Rufus are always providing unconditional love. Being able to spend this time with them, I feel that I can reciprocate all the love and attention they provide me.

comforting thoughts

HOW OUR PETS BRING US COMFORT

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Special Souls

"Horses aren’t my whole life, but they make my life whole. " unknown By Nancy Dewar

Publisher’s Note: This article ran 3 years ago in our sister publication. It’s a wonderful story and worth sharing again.

What is it about little girls and horses? This seems to be one love connection that passes from generation to generation! As a kid, I loved reading my books: Misty of Chincoteague, Black Gold and more. I saved money to buy those coveted plastic horse statues, enticingly displayed behind the counter at Dengler’s Drug Store. My neighbors let me show their Shetland pony, Traveler, at the county fair. I was in heaven…and in heaven again when I got my own horse as a birthday gift at 13. One of my dearest friends, Robin Mulkey, recently shared the same story with me about her daughter, Lexi, who is now 19. Horses have been her daughter’s passion since she was little. Robin told me, “Her love for horses began when she was a squirt—maybe 6— but she started taking riding lessons when she was 8. She was always small for her age and until 8, no one would agree to give her lessons.” When I spoke to Lexi, she said, “I have loved horses for years. It first began when I was 6. I would love to watch my friend ride, but due to my small size, no one would teach me until I was 8.” Now let’s fast-forward 13 years; from 6- to 19-years-old. Lexi Mulkey has remained true to her core passion. She has owned and leased several horses over the years. She competes in hunter/jumper events around the country; even now as a full-time college student. She is a master equestrian who simply, truly loves horses. They are her life and her passion. Her Mom called me in early February to tell me that Lexi got another new horse…a horse she had seen on Facebook…

destined to be shipped for slaughter the very next day. Lexi did not falter on saving an unknown horse; nor did her parents.

Each year over 100,000 horses are shipped from the US to Mexico or Canada for slaughter. The USDA has documented that 92% of these equines are in good condition and able to live out a healthy and productive life. According to the American Humane Society, “These horses would be sold, donated or otherwise rehomed; however, kill buyers outbid legitimate horse owners and rescues at auctions, robbing horses of ever having a second chance at life.” This is a very polarized subject. I have my own beliefs, but that isn’t the point of this story. This is simply a first-hand look at one horse that was saved. A horse with a wonderful soul, saved by a young woman with a wonderful soul. When this mare’s photo showed up on Facebook, Lexi was deeply touched and knew she had to save her. Something about the horse’s face and eyes spoke to her. “I saw so much potential in the post and knew she

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would be a wonderful addition.” After getting her parents’ approval, Lexi began making phone calls…quickly…there wasn’t much time (less than 24 hours).

The horse was in a kill pen in Texas and slated to be shipped to a slaughterhouse in Mexico the next day. There were a lot of details to work out. The price had to be negotiated and payment made immediately. Lexi then had the horse moved to a nearby quarantine facility and arranged to have a veterinarian check the mare immediately to make sure she wasn’t carrying any contagious diseases. Transportation also had to be arranged, as well as securing a place to board her. In less than 72 hours, the horse was safely shipped to her new home in Tulsa. This lucky horse is a beautiful, dapple-gray 7-year-old Thoroughbred. Lexi named her “La Belle Gris,” which is French for “the beautiful gray;” who they now call Belle. I asked Lexi about Belle’s arrival. “She was skinny. She still is, and we’re working on it. She was so cold that she was shaking violently; and

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she was terrified.” She also had her “auction identity number” firmly glued to her rump. Lexi told me, “I finally ended up using peanut butter to get it off. The glue burned off hair and some of her skin, as it’s designed never to be removed.”

After being nervous and skittish the first few days, Belle began settling in…probably knowing that she was now safe. Her trust in Lexi unfolded quickly. Within a few days, Lexi could easily pick up Belle’s hooves. Belle was calm and patient during her first groom, and she actually dozed off during her second! She was quite possibly thinking, “Ah, this feels so, so good!” Though Lexi and Belle have been together for less than a month, Lexi said, “I can tell that she’s starting to attach to me and recognize me.”

Belle was sick when she arrived and is being treated with antibiotics for a respiratory infection that is similar to strep throat. Lexi and her parents arranged for a vet to check her for soundness. They found she is a little lame from an old injury, but the vet thinks that, with work, she’ll build her muscle and it won’t bother her. Nothing is known about Belle’s former life. All they know is that she is 7, a Thoroughbred and “green broke.” Though they’ve no idea if she’s ever even had a saddle on her. Once Belle is ready, Lexi plans to begin working with her on a lunge line and eventually move on to saddling and riding her. The best words to describe Belle are gentle and sweet. When I asked Lexi’s Mom if Belle knows she is finally loved, she replied, “I don’t know. But I do know that she knows she is being treated very differently now. This little rescue horse is going to be like a princess… having her nails done and all!” She’s not doing badly on the fashion end either! Robin told me, “We’ve had every size of horse over the years and have all sorts of tack. I knew we must have something that would fit her. But Belle now sports her new bright pink halter.” No hand-me-downs for this special girl.

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I asked Lexi about her plans and dreams for Belle. “Ideally, I would love for her to be a show hunter, but we aren't sure at this time if that will be the right job for her. Another option we have been considering is donating her to a school horse program for her to teach new riders.” It’s going to be wonderful to watch Belle evolve and grow. This gentle mare now has a soul-partner with her beautiful, horseloving new Mom. They are a wonderful team already; and for some unknown reason, I have a feeling that Le Belle Gris is going to surprise many. Welcome to your new home… big, brave, beautiful, gray-one. You are now safe, loved and cared for.

Update: Belle regained her health, was then adopted by another loving family and is now a proud competing hunter/jumper. Awe…what love, kindness and caring can do.

Doggone Grrrrr…eat Entertaining “Authentic Italian Food Is More Than Our Passion… It’s Our Life’s Work.”

Treat Your Pups to Healthy & Easy Treats!

Photo & Recipe Credit: TheLazyPitBull.com

Spring Mint & Parsley Treats Ingredients ½ C whole wheat flour 1 C water T vegetable oil ½ C quick oats 2 T chopped fresh mint 1/3 C chopped fresh parsley Optional; 10-12 drops green food coloring

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients & mix well. Roll dough to ¼” to ½” thickness on lightly floured counter. Cut into shapes & bake for 25-35 minutes. Store in air-tight container up to 2 weeks. Can freeze up to 3 months.

Photo & Recipe Credit: Pretty Fluffy

Directions

Ingredients ½ C plain yogurt 1 C natural peanut butter 3 C rolled oats Optional; small amount of unsweetened coconut

Combine top 3 ingredients. Roll into small balls. Chill at least 30 minutes prior to serving. Keep refrigerated. Optional: dust balls with coconut prior to chilling.

59 Penhallow – Portsmouth (603) 436-4000 www.RistoranteMassimo.com

Massimo’s Mia Has a New Brother! Meet Logan who joined Massimo & Mia’s family in December! He is an adorable 10-month-old Bichon Frise / Shih Tzu mix. Massimo said, “When we rescued him, he didn’t know much of anything and really had no clue! After some training, he now is a great dog, and he and Mia are crazy about each other.” And of course, Massimo is absolutely crazy about both of his pups. Welcome to your wonderful new family Logan. You hit the jackpot!

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Mia

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Logan

let's pawty