Volume 1 - Issue 5
PAWS mopolitan Celebrating Our 4-Legged Friends in the Golden Isles
PAWS mopolitan Save Lives Adopt/Spay/Neuter Publisher Stephanie Maeger Editor Charley Bland Contributing Writers Rob Asbell, Melissa Barnett, Charley Bland, Patti Brant, Jen Gabbard, Rene Knapp, Jeff Lane, Mike Mayhew, Jaclyn Luckstone, DVM, Kathryn Strickland, DVM, Kimberly Williams Photography Lindsay Erna Imagery Cover Photo Lindsay Erna Imagery Rescue Liaison Kimberly Williams Digital Specialist Brannen Morton About the Cover Rocky is a lean mean 4 lb loving machine. He has never met a person or animal he didn’t love. We first met Rocky at the West Marygold Walkin’ the Dog Parade in February. There, he met beautiful Aubrigh Stephens. Aubrigh was the first baby born in Glynn County on January 1, 2009. Aubrigh, grand-daughter of NKGC’s Lynn Stephens, loves animals just as much as her grand-mother. She is often seen at animal events around town. She and Rocky became fast friends during the Marygold event. Rocky is the proud baby of Ms. Cathy Hudson, who is a new resident of Glynn County. He and Cathy are in training for Rocky to be a Hospice Dog. To Advertise in Pawsmopolitan Magazine, Please call (386) 6798415 or email us at pawsmag@ gmail.com Pawsmopolitan is published bi-monthy. reproduction of any photographs, artwork, or copy prepared by pawsmopolitan is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher. all advertised properties are subject to prior sale or withdrawal without notice. the advertisers and publisher are not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors. all electronic files submitted to pawsmopolitan become property of the magazine. ©2017 pawsmopolitan. all rights reserved.
Publisher’s Letter The past few weeks have been rough. We finally said goodbye to our sweet Catahoula puppies. They left on transport with several other animals looking for permanent homes up north. What a roller coaster ride this journey turned out to be. I swore to myself that I would not become attached. “If I don’t name them, then I will not have any trouble with saying goodbye.” So much for that! Leave it to my daughter to start naming them. First, they were called Cookies & Cream for their obvious Oreo milkshake looking coat. Those names stayed with them for all of about two days. Then she called them Poppy and Branch from the movie Trolls. If you haven’t figured this one out, Trolls is her favorite movie right now. For the better part of five weeks, they were referred to as the Catahoula puppies. But that would all change as they progressed into their sixth week of living with us. I began to wonder what their lives would be like after they left us. While watching them play with one another, I couldn’t help but mumble the song Jack & Diane by John Cougar Melloncamp.
In my mind, I had named them Jack and Diane. I didn’t dare tell anyone. As hard as it was to say goodbye, it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. We got to experience their firsts. Their first bottle feeding, their first growl, the first day they opened their eyes. Their first steps. I’m forever grateful that we had the opportunity to experience so many firsts. Now they are off to experience their own firsts. We wish them the best and hope that they will be loved as much as we loved them for the first six weeks of their lives. Thank you again to everyone for all of your sweet and inspiring comments that you email us! It’s truly something to bark about. Please continue to support our advertisers as they are the ones that make this publication possible. Here’s to another issue in the bag! Many tears and chuckles were shed bringing this one to a close! We hope that you enjoy! Cheers!
Stephanie Maeger
A little ditty ‘bout Jack & Diane Two American kids growing up in the heart land. Change is coming ‘round real soon Make us women and man Oh yeah, life goes on, two American kids doing the best they can. Jack and Diane
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West Marygold Walkin’ the Dog Parade
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To benefit Coastal Animal Rescue Society and No Kill Glynn County
Photos Courtesy of Lindsay Erna Imagery
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Bowl of Pawtents West Marygold Walkin’ the Dog Parade . . . . . . 4 Two Kids and a Puppy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Certified Burgers Puppy Love Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 0 The Bark About Town . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 The Great Debate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 Bark for Life Pup Crawl . . . . . . . . . 1 6 Satilla Marsh Elementary School Donation Drive . . . . . . . 2 0 Rescue Angels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1
Why do Dogs Love Belly Rubs? ..30 ‘D o g’ Go ne Fu n D ays at t he B eac h........33 B r eeder s ( P ar t I I)........34 The M aking o f a Kit t en........3 8 S mo key Takes a R ide..... 40 M o sq uit o s, Fl eas, and Tic ks.. . 42 M ake M ine C h o c o l at e..........43 P ain in P et s....................4 4 C ast aways P et R esc ue.......... 46 A r ea S hel t er s/R esc ues........47
Two Kids and a Puppy Lessons in Seize-the-Moment Parenting By Charley Bland
Most weird days start out pretending to be normal. For a young Mom with a six year old, a toddler, a very large puppy, and an armload of shifting, thawing groceries, so-called “normal” ran circles around them like Keystone Cops on a banana peel. The Mom, her husband and kids, puppy, et al had just moved into their shiny new, pristine home. So, don’t drop that dozen eggs, no chocolatey fingers on the door jamb, and for goodness sake wipe your feet. Unloading the two kids first, then (BLOCK the puppy from his dash for the open door!) overloading her arms to make just two trips with cold-sweating grocery bags from car to kitchen, the Mom finally sighed just a few steps from victory. Almost to the kitchen counter, she felt a can slip through a plastic bag onto the carpet. Just peas, no harm done…WAIT…what is THAT?! “Oh my gosh,” Mom said. Just left of her foot and the peas can was about a three by six inch grooved, tooth-tracked space out of the creamy white once-pristine baseboard. Bags now on the counter, Mom sprang into action with her ready-to-strike bottle of bitter apple dog-chewer deterrent. Showing her weapon to the puzzled but appropriately wary large puppy, the Mom spritzed the damage, and firmly (maybe a little sharply) told the large puppy, “NO! NO!”. OK, that should handle that. Very large puppy stared upward with gloomy eyes from under the nearest chair. 8 Pawsmopolitan
Now…back to putting away melting groceries. Bitter apple bottle stood handy guard on a nearby table. Peace, finally. “Arrrrrgghh! Help! I need water! Help!,” The Mom panicdashed toward the screams, “What? What’s wrong?”, she asked the six year old. The child was stuck in screaming mode with no off-button, “Help! I need water! HELLLP!”. As a Mom can do, she split-second-diagnosed the problem as having to do with the now half empty bottle of bitter apple dog-chew deterrent. She quickly grabbed a glass of water to rinse the child’s mouth. Of course the screaming, now slightly calming, child began drinking the soothing water. Mom tried, “Just rinse, just rinse, and spit it out in the…”. Mom glanced only briefly as her toddler entered the drama…then her head jerked toddler-ward in an involuntary double-take. The toddler stood proudly beaming with the six year old’s scissors in one hand, and a large wad of hair in the other hand, and a wide strip of inverse Mohawk haircut on the top of his head. This Mom, extremely rarely given to unprintable language, and not one to actually panic…well…a small space is reserved on this line for the unsaid. Removing the offending scissors and examining haircut damage, Mom could hear large puppy feet thumping quickly up the stairs to avoid any blame for this fiasco. Not to worry, large puppy. Distraction will supercede. As Mom stood silently in a cloud of bitter apple aroma, crumbs of freshly chewed baseboard wood scattered around her feet, with one hand full of soft toddler hair, and the
contraband scissors, she felt she had weathered tornadic emotions and unprecedented events. “Retch…retch, gag… retch, gag, splash…RETCH, gag, splash, SPLATTER!” You guessed it! Bitter apple plus ingested water plus a six year old’s stomach equals…Puke! On the previously pristine wooly-as-a-lamb, cream colored carpet. Splash! Her cell phone jingled a tune loudly…the now-dazed Mom tried to answer, her own voice sounding distant and crackley. Thank goodness! Not just another adult (always a boon to toddler moms), but her husband! At the sound of his voice, her final defenses foundered into an almost sea of near-tears. “Hon…Hon…? Are you OK?” “Nooo!!!,” gushed across the three miles between their phones. She tried to describe a scene unfolding like someone else’s comedic movie. Very large puppy, hearing her distress, now rushed thundering down the stairs to see about her. He planted 30 lbs of clumsy, comforting furry warmth on top of her feet before reaching up to try and see her face. He instinctively knew it was clearly his job and duty (and love) to lick away her tears. Husband would be home in a few minutes, he had said, and obviously his offer to stop at the store was now superfluous to the absurd degree. The thought counts…just not right now. In a little while, the carpet was cleaned, husband would repair unnoticeably that chewed section of baseboard, the Mom was comforted and strong, both children had a snack, and Mister Very Large Puppy settled down next to the kitchen where he could keep watch over his family. With a real family team effort, all was forgiven, all three youngsters (very large puppy and two kids) received a bit of training, new safeguards were instituted, and their familyof-five world relaxed into temporary calm… until their next adventure. Moments like these are in the package of life…and moments like these are as fleeting as a beautiful sunrise. There will be time to forget…time to remember…to laugh. Life passes much faster for puppies, and they become wonderful, loving, devoted dogs. Life propels growing children into independent persons. And, as they say, for all of us, time only moves in one direction. Pawsmopolitan 9
Certified Burgers Puppy Love Party with Cause For Paws
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The April
7th - 9th - Darien Blessing of the Fleet with Cause for Paws Donation drive, Darien Historic Waterfront. 8th - Coastal Animal Rescue Society Adoption and Donation drive 10 am to 2 pm, Sea Island Market on SSI. 13th - River City Community Animal Hospital Low Cost Mobile Unit By appointment only, 904.733.8123 in Brunswick. 15th - Low Cost PetVet Vaccine Clinic 1 pm to 2:30 pm, Tractor Supply Company in Brunswick. 22nd - Rabies and Microchipping Clinic 9 am to 12 pm, Rabies/$20 and Microchipping/$27. Both/$45 at the Humane Society of South Coastal GA in Brunswick.
Bark About Town...
29th - Low Cost PetVet Vaccine Clinic 1 pm to 2:30 pm, Tractor Supply Company in Brunswick. 29th - Walk for Paws (more info to come) at the College of Coastal Georgia to benefit the Humane Society of South Coastal GA in Brunswick. 30th - Golden Isles Food Truck Festival with Cause for Paws 10 am to 8 pm, Gascogne Park on SSI. Every Saturday - Castaways Pet Rescue Adoption and Donation drive 11 am to 4 pm, PetSmart in Brunswick. Every Saturday - No Kill Glynn County Adoptions at Pet Supplies Plus 11 am to 3 pm in Brunswick.
May
22nd - Yappy Hour 2 pm to 4 pm, to benefit Castaways Pet Rescue. Drink and food specials at Catch 228 on SSI.
5th - No Kill Glynn County Adoption and Donation drive 5 pm to 8 pm. First Friday, Downtown Brunswick.
27th - Yappy Hour 5:30 pm to 9 pm, $10 entry fee for the Humane Society of South Coastal GA at Palm Coast Coffee on SSI.
5th - Cat’s Pajamas Discount cat adoptions at the Humane Society of South Coastal GA. Just wear your pj’s to HSSCG in Brunswick.
6th - Glynn County Animal Control Mobile Pet Adoption and Donation drive 11 am to 2 pm, Pet Supplies Plus in Brunswick. 8th - Brunswick Blessing of the Fleet with Cause for Paws from 9 am to 7 pm, Sidney Lanier Park in Brunswick. 13th - Low Cost PetVet Vaccine Clinic 1 pm to 2:30 pm, Tractor Supply Company in Brunswick. 13th - Coastal Animal Rescue Society Adoption and Donation drive 10 am to 2 pm, Sea Island Market on SSI. 18th - HART’S Toast to the Coast 6 pm to 8 pm, Darien Waterfront Wine and Gourmet Shop. Tickets are $20. Live music, food, and wine tasting in Darien. 27th - Low Cost PetVet Vaccine Clinic 1 pm to 2:30 pm, Tractor Supply Company in Brunswick. Every Saturday - Castaways Pet Rescue Adoption and Donation drive 11 am to 4 pm, PetSmart in Brunswick. Every Saturday - No Kill Glynn County Adoptions at Pet Supplies Plus 11 am to 3 pm in Brunswick.
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THE GREA WHO MAKES
AT DEBATE BETTER PETS? Dogs or Cats? By Jeff Lane
For as far back as I can recall, I’ve been told that when it comes to the affection we have for our four-legged critters, people fall into one of two categories: Either you’re a “Cat Person” or a “Dog Person” even if you own both. The theory is, no matter how devoted you are to your furbabies, and how unyielding you try to be to love them equally, deep down inside you favor one over the other. Whether or not an individual concurs with that assumption is totally up to them, and I’m aware that many people do buy into it. I, however, find it to be hooey-hogwash-gibberish… dare I say, a myth! For the record, my wife and I own a dog and four cats PLUS I feed a colony of feral cats daily – rain or shine (all of which have been spayed & neutered) - so to say I’m more of a “Demented Dog Dude” or a “Fanatical Feline Freak” would simply be incorrect and unfair. I’m BOTH to the very core!
Now, I’m not saying that owning one species of pet over the other doesn’t offer its advantages, because one type of animal might fit your lifestyle better than the other. For example, someone who works 10-plus hour days accompanied by a long commute would find dog ownership almost impossible and might instead choose to have one or more cats, but that does NOT mean the person doesn’t love canines as much as felines. It shows that s/he has enough common sense to know what’s best for them and their hairy roommate. But even though I’m steadfast in my conviction that you CAN love both categories of pets equally, I know I’m in the minority. So in the spirit of being candid and open-minded, let’s take a closer look at the debate that’s raged on among animal lovers for countless years without a resolution: “Which Makes Better Pets – Cats or Dogs?”
Here are the top five reasons why dogs surpass cats as housemates: 1. Dogs ARE Man’s Best Friend: That proclamation has been around forever, and it can’t be denied. Dogs are 14 Pawsmopolitan
renowned as loyal companions to humans. They’ve worked, farmed, hunted, defended, etc. by man’s side for centuries, asking for nothing in return but affection. There is no love like that of a dog’s! 2. Dogs Provide Camaraderie: You can take your dog with you almost anywhere you go (provided they’re welcome and weather permitting): The beach, park, camping, a cafe, for a run/jog/long walk, PLUS most dogs love to go for car rides, as well. 3. Dogs Come in Different Shapes & Sizes: You can pick the size of a dog based on your way of life and interests. Do you want a pooch that you can wrestle or exercise with, or do you prefer a canine cutie to put in your oversized purse as you set out to shop or run errands? 4. Dogs Are Astute: A dog’s hearing is phenomenal and if they perceive sounds and unfamiliar noises in or around your home, they’ll let you know! Most dogs will also instinctively protect you and yours from harm. Many dogs have sacrificed their own lives for the safety and wellbeing of their owners. Their allegiance to their masters is unparalleled. 5. Dogs Are Fun: Whether it’s a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or tussling on the ground, dogs love to play, and in most cases, you’ll run out of steam long before they do. They’re the ideal playmate!
And now I present five reasons why cats outshine dogs in the pet department: 1. Cats Have Better Bathroom Etiquette: The toilet requirements of a cat are as basic as a plastic box with some litter in it. All you need to do is scoop out the “nasty stuff” regularly and replace the old litter often enough so it doesn’t begin to stink and you’re set! 2. Cats Are Clean: Cats are constantly “cleaning” themselves and because of that, they rarely if ever need bathed. And they don’t emit any unpleasant odors like a dog in need of a bath often will. 3. Cats Handle Visitors Well: If house guests come over, a cat will either hide or just hang out and observe, compared to most dogs that will show many forms of frenzied excitement like barking, jumping, and pawing. 4. Cats Are Quiet: Even the loudest cat (and I have a couple that are quite vocal!) doesn’t match the bawl of a dog’s bark. Cat owners rarely get complaints from their neighbors that their cat’s noisy meowing kept them up all night. Even when cats are prowling close by, you rarely hear them thanks to being so soft on their paws. And as an added bonus, after a
long, trying day, there is nothing more therapeutic than the gentle, rhythmic purring of a cat to help you decompress. 5. Cats Are Low Maintenance: Cats don’t need to be walked to go to the bathroom, exercised, or bathed. You never have to worry about cutting your “night out on the town” short because you have to go home to let the cat out to pee. Cats have independent spirits and live their lives on their own terms, provided there is always food in their bowl and a catnip toy to conquer or a housefly to chase. You see, there is no clear-cut answer to which animal makes a better pet because they’re both so unique. Sure a cat’s more laid back and requires less attention, but the same could be said about a snake or goldfish, but neither of those offers much in terms of company. And maybe my dog is a little extra boisterous when I arrive home from work, but at least someone greets me at the door and is happy to see me! The truth is, both animals have qualities that are wonderful and distinctive. I’ve had both cats and dogs in my life for so long, I couldn’t imagine having one without the other. Fanatical Feline Freak? Demented Dog Dude? Maybe we need an expression that encompasses both? What about “Avid Animal Aficionado?” Now THAT I could live with…
Bark for Life Pup Crawl
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The Pier Village on St. Simons Island
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More Bark for Life Pup Crawl
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Such a Barkin’ Good Time!
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’ s ss y e h t a C . M rs rg a rte n C la Kinde
Mrs. Blizzard’s 2nd Grade Class
j Thank You
Max’s Rescue
Satilla Marsh Elementary recently held a highly successful donation drive for Max’s Rescue. SMES has truly shown what it means to love unconditionally with all the supplies that was donated! Max’s animals will be forever happy! Congratulations to Mrs. Blizzard’s and Mrs.Cathey’s class who won the class pizza party! Additional thanks to L. Hamil, Plotner, Shannon, Riner, Cheek, and Reynolds classes for their donations as well!
Rescue
Angels By Stephanie Maeger
I guess I cannot understand why things happen the way they do. How could we have so many unwanted, abandoned, not cared for animals in such a close proximity to us? How could we, as a society, not take notice before now? I’m sure, if I had everything figured out, we would be able to prevent animal cruelty, dog dumping, and cat over-population. In a perfect world, all animals would be fixed, living a healthy and happy longer lasting life. But we don’t live in a perfect world. As much as rescuers want to obtain the potential obtainable, it’s going to take some time to get there. And we cannot get to that place without our rescue community and concerned citizens stepping up to the plate and getting the job done.
Rescue Angels. This is what I would like to call them. The ones that stand behind the scene and pick up the broken pieces left behind when an animal is abandoned. To the rest of the world, they are known as fosters. I’ve always been one to consider myself on the outside looking in. I’ve said it before, if I don’t see it happening, then it must not be real. I think all of us at one point in time tend to think that way. It’s kind of like building up a wall that protects your heart from being broken. And we all know, once that wall has a few bumps and bruises on it, it’s extremely hard to tear down. Don’t get me wrong, my wall is very much in place. I still, to this day, cannot walk past the front door of Animal Control. I am not emotionally strong enough, as a person, to listen to their cries and their pleas to be adopted and loved. Thank goodness for those who can pull the animals off of death row. Yes, we all know that it exists. If you haven’t heard of the 48 22 Pawsmopolitan
Hour List, you should look it up. It’s on Facebook. It’s the 48 hours left that an animal has to live at animal control. This system of getting the word out works... for now. But as time passes and foster homes are filled, space will become an issue. Often, there are posts for pleas for these animals. Mostly, rescue organizations come to save them before their time expires. When animal control’s hands are tied and these animals have no place to go, that’s when the fosters step up. Cell phones ring, emergency requests are sent out in messages on Facebook - “Who can help?”. “Please get back to me ASAP!”. The rescue community is strong. I have never, in my life, met people like these people. They are better than well-oiled machines. They are God sent angels. Don’t get me wrong. They all have their opinions on how they think rescue in South Georgia should be handled. And they all have very valid points. But when there is an emergency, they can put their differences aside to come together for the sake (Continues)
Tail tucked between your legs, Confusion in your eyes. I know it’s hard to understand That someone heard your cries. When loneliness is all you know And pain is all you feel, And no one can be trusted, And hunger’s all too real... That’s the time the Lord sees you And lets you know He’s there. That’s when He sends His messengers The hearts that love and care. Yes, rescuers are angels You cannot see their wings, They keep them neatly folded As they do their caring things. The medicine to make you well Good food to make you strong, And finally to help you learn That hugs are never wrong. The perfect place then must be found The home where you can live. Secure and safe and happy With joy to get and give. When you reach your Forever Home, Your place to feel whole, The Angels smile And off they go To save another soul.
(Author Unknown)
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of the animals. They have done so much, in fact, that they presented some statistics to the county showing how much of an impact they have had on saving lives in our area. Those statistics can be found on NKGC’s Facebook page. I’m not going to go into detail about how many lives have been saved, but the numbers speak for themselves. It’s worth a look. And then, after that, it’s worth taking the time to get to know how they were able to make this happen. So I have been known to be pulled in to the foster community as of late. First, with Bentley. We all know how that one turned out. He now is a permanent member of our family. He claims control over two beds, my daughter, and is guardian/protector of the front door. Yep, he’s the man of the house. Don’t let him hear me tell you that he is a sucker for his once a month spa days with Christa Lee. He would never forgive me for saying that. Next, there was the oneday-old Catahoula puppies - the ones where the mom did not survive child birth in January. Oh my goodness. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Pee. Poop. Bottle Feeding. Crawling. Walking. Yapping. Peeing and pooping.... again. Gosh, they were so cute. So lovable. Best puppy breath ever! No one coached me on how to handle saying goodbye. How could 6 week old puppies have such a emotional impact on my feelings towards this whole concept of rescue? I mean, yes, we have had foster animals in the past, but none had ever come close to the overwhelming feelings I had the day that they left. It was like I was having to say goodbye to my own children. My heart ached; and as I tear up now, writing this, I wonder how they are doing? Where they are? And is it even possible that someone else could love them as much as I did and still do? I knew that they were going on a transport to New Jersey with the rest of their littermates; along with a few other dogs from surrounding rescues. Animal transport is what they call it - something that is very new to me. I don’t have all of the facts in place, but I know of a few rescue people out there that participate in getting animals to places that they know they will be adopted, loved, and cared for for the rest of their lives. Knowing very little, I couldn’t help but wonder how things would be different for the dogs up there verses being down here. Then I began to research animal ordinances in the northern states. And here is what I found.
In the state of New Jersey, the owners of all dogs seven months of age or older are required to annually apply to the licensing clerk of the municipality in which he or she resides for a dog license. In order for the license to be issued, the owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated the dog against rabies and that the duration of immunity from that vaccination extends through at least ten months of the twelvemonth licensing period. An exemption to the rabies inoculation requirement shall be granted if the owner presents written certification from a licensed veterinarian that the dog cannot be vaccinated due to a medical condition or course of therapy. Dog licensing fees are set by municipal ordinance but the maximum that can be charged annually is $21.00. License fees are kept by the municipality and used for animal and rabies control activities. Municipal licensing clerks also collect the following additional fees when the dog is licensed: $1.00 for each dog licensed that is forwarded to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and placed in the Rabies Trust Fund to support State rabies and animal control programs; $3.00 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered, which is forwarded to the NJDOH, Animal Population Control Program to fund the New Jersey low cost spay and neuter program; and $0.20 for each dog licensed that is also forwarded to the Animal Population Control Program. After reading up on the rules and regulations of New Jersey, I felt at ease with knowing what kind of environment they were going to. Now, if they could just withstand the last major winter storm that welcomed them, all would be ok. As I began to see all of the feeds that ran across Facebook, there was this one post that caught my eye from Karen Lasasso, founder of Animal Aid. Question: What do you get when you take Animal Aid USA, Pilots N Paws, Allmon’s Camp Animal Aid, add 10 planes, 20 ground-transport vehicles, dozens of receiving rescues, donations from school-children, life-saving sponsors, 150+ volunteers, and countless hours of planning, sweat and hard work? Answer: Our largest rescue mission to date! 507 lives saved! THIS is what happens through when we all WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! (Continues)
Junior rescuers await the arrival of the 507 animals transported from Southeast Georgia. 26 Pawsmopolitan
I’m sorry, WHAT? 507 lives saved? 507 wagging tails? 507 slobbery kisses? 2,028 paw prints in the sand? I was under the impression that maybe 30 animals were making the trip up north. Was I asleep through this entire process? Wow, was I wrong. From there I began to dig deeper in the search of this rescue mission. Animal Aid has been rescuing neglected, unwanted animals from Southeast Georgia since 2012. The average transport, which takes place once a month has a total of at least 200 dogs on it. For those of you calculating in your head, that is a minimum of 2,400 dogs a year just from our surrounding areas alone. Animal Aid has transported over 14,000 animals since they started in 2012. How did we ever come to this? Are we that out of touch with the reproduction of unwanted animals in Glynn and other surrounding counties that we build up the wall, thinking that this cannot be possible. I know that those of you who pick up this magazine have loving pets of your own. Maybe they are your best friend. Maybe they are your ‘only’ children. Maybe they fill a void in your life that only you and your furry companion can understand. Maybe, just maybe, they are your soul mate. (Continues)
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I took a walk……thru a shelter today I had no real reason, no intention to stay They are after all, just mutts I was told Broken and scarred, and most pretty old I walked down the aisles, so many sad cases Yet still wagging their tails, with such sweet little faces They all seemed to strive, to get my attention Each one believing, he was still in contention But no you will not, be leaving with me! See I’m a man of esteem, of pure pedigree So I walked to the back, of the shelter that day I saw empty cages, then heard myself say Oh good they got homes, see there were no real fears The worker looked up, her eyes filled with tears She just shook her head, unable to speak I felt suddenly sick, my knees growing weak She walked with head down, holding a toy Just a few minutes prior, was a doggy’s last joy I stood there an hour, alone in my thoughts The retraced my steps, my stomach in knots I looked in their eyes now, I caressed their sweet faces I saw their true beauty, as they showered embraces So willing to give, they never lay blame They only want love, and to have your last name I took a walk…….thru a shelter today I had no real reason, no intention to stay But I left there in joy, my best friend by my side This most beautiful creature, I’ll show all with great pride! A life changed forever, I can never repay How my life was saved, in the shelter that day Mike Mayhew & furry family
2017 March Transport 10 + planes, 20 ground-transport vehicles, countless rescues and volunteers.. Thank you! These other animals - they are somebody’s soul mate too. They are waiting to fill the void in someone else’s lives... who knows, maybe even yours. I guess my plea to you would be one of this - if you are in the market to find a new companion, please visit Glynn County Animal Control first. They may have exactly who you are looking for. Then talk with Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia. And if either one of those places do not have the companion for you, reach out to the rescue community. They can help match you up with your perfect soul mate. Just like the poem about rescue angels said... When you reach your Forever Home, Your place to feel whole, The Angels smile - And off they go To save another soul. Yes, it was a very emotional day. We all said goodbye to the ones we love so very much. Happy tears, sad tears, wishing we had another day to share in their joy. I’ll leave you with one post from our friends at Safehollow. I think they said it best!
507
Karen holding our foster pups
Lives Saved
Ground transport, heading north, with the most precious of cargo. Lots of tears, calming fears, and prayers for safe travels and happy updates. Transports are hard. Saying goodbye is never easy. Knowing they are going to find their furever homes makes it little less painful. We love them, even though they are only ours for a little while. SUPER HUGE THANK YOU to our incredible team of fosters: Michaela Henderson, Glenn Henderson, Jamie Kapella, Theresa Bevan-Kapella, Hollis Maton, April Summerville, SaLena Breitenbach, Stephanie Maeger, Ann Marie, Jeanne M Kane, and Crystal Rowland Reeves. Safehollow’s Emergency Rescue Division is blessed to be a part of Animal Aid USA with Karen Lasasso. The rescue team is just amazing. It was wonderful to see all of our northern partners and precious volunteers. Leaving with tears in my eyes and hope in my heart. Safe travels my amazing rescue family. Take good care of our babies! We are waiting on anxiously for updates. What an emotional day!
Why Do Dogs LOVE Belly Rubs?
By Jen Gabbard / PuppyLeaks.com Why do Dogs Love Belly Rubs? Most dogs love a good belly rub and some dogs love them so much they actually demand them. Dogs will generally roll over on their backs for a nice belly rub from people they trust most. It is, at it’s core, a submissive behavior. Rolling over on their back and offering their belly is a sign that your dog really trusts you, and not just a sign of submission. Tummy rubs feel good and they don’t mind showing you this vulnerability for a nice old fashioned belly rub. The fact that the behavior is submissive does not mean that the dog is enjoying the petting any less. Seems like a pretty fair trade off right? 30 Pawsmopolitan
Your Dogs Belly Rub Love. Is it Science? While there might not seem to be anything scientific about a belly rub there has been evidence supporting why our dogs love them so much. Dogs have a specific brain neuron that responds to the stimulation of hair follicles. This specific reaction is achieved through stroking of hair, so it really makes belly rubs uniquely satisfying. If Your Dog Doesn’t Love Belly Rubs, Don’t Force It. While most dogs tend to enjoy a nice belly rub it should never be forced. If you force a dog onto his back you’re likely
going to create other anxious behaviors. There are plenty of ways to gain a dogs trust, and by forcing a dog to do something they’re not comfortable with you’re going to lose trust in the process. If you’re unsure about your dogs comfort level check to see how tense he looks. A relaxed dog will look loose and floppy. If your dog shows any signs of being uncomfortable such as tucking his tail between his legs or hunching up his body stop and move away. If your dog moves away or seems to relax once you stop that’s a good signal that he’s not comfortable with the belly rub. If he wants more he’ll let you know; dogs have a great way of asking us for what they want.
Why Do Dogs Kick Their Legs When Rubbing Their Belly? What about all that leg kicking? Lots of us refer to it as ‘the tickle spot,’ that special place you scratch on your dogs belly to make his legs twitch and kick. It isn’t actually tickling at all, it’s an involuntary response. It’s called the scratch reflex and it’s just like the reflex test a doctor performs on your knee; it’s used on dogs to test for spinal or nerve problems. It activates nerves under his skin which are connected to the spinal cord. It relays a message for him to kick his legs to get rid of the irritant. just like when their skin twitches when a bug lands on their back.
of the irritant. Of course, you’re the one both providing the “itch” and “scratching” it, so it’s a completely pointless act. – Animal Planet
are he’s just not into belly rubs. Just like people all dogs are different and there’s no need for concern if your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy it.
To Rub or Not to Rub? That is the Question.
Dog’s generally loves petting of any kind, but the belly rub seems to bring a special kind of bliss for some dogs. If a dog offers you their belly by all means go hog wild.
Not all dogs like having their bellies rubbed; if your dog isn’t rolling over and offering up his belly on his own chances
The scratch reflex developed in dogs to help protect them against irritants on their bodies. Collections of neural pathways connect to your dogs spinal cord – when activated they send the message to the brain to kick. It’s an automatic response that helps keep your dog away from danger – the spinal cord tells the leg to kick before the conscious brain makes the decision. It’s a matter of self preservation. So when Fido looks at you with a confused face a his legs start to kick you’ll know why. No more ‘tickling.’ That’s not to say that some dogs are annoyed by belly rubs, it’s just that their involuntary leg kicking isn’t a sign of being ticklish. Dogs shake or kick their legs when you scratch them because of something known as the scratch reflex. It’s a completely involuntary reaction, which explains why your dog may look as puzzled as you do when it starts to happen. When you scratch or tickle your dog’s belly, it irritates him, much the same way that the wind or a bug might. It activates nerves under his skin that are connected to his spinal cord and relays a message to his leg muscles to kick in an attempt to get rid Pawsmopolitan 31
Happy Dog I’m a happy dog at the beach If I had the power of speech I would tell you all To throw my ball I’m a happy dog at the beach I’m a happy dog at the beach There are no new tricks you can teach I’m bouncy and glad And my tail wags like mad I’m a happy dog at the beach I’m a happy dog at the beach My joy is always in reach Whatever the talk It’s the best place to walk I’m a happy dog at the beach I’m a happy dog at the beach As I hear the seagulls screech I chase and I bark Long into the dark I’m a happy dog at the beach I’m a happy dog at the beach And I don’t want to start to preach But if you ask me The best thing to see Is a happy dog at the beach Flying Lemming
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'Dog'Gone FUn
Days At the Beach For those of you who like to take your dogs to the beach, May 25th is the last day that dogs can run and play during all hours of the day. Come Memorial Day weekend, dogs will only be prohibited on East Beach (St. Simons Island) after 6pm and until 9am the next morning. They do not need to be leashed, but they must be in the owner’s immediate control during these hours. Come Labor Day, September 4th, that dogs will have free range of the beach again. In the mean time, check out Jekyll Island’s beach. There are no seasonal hours prohibiting pets, but please keep in mind that pets must be under immediate control of their owners and on a leash no longer than 16’ at all times. No pets are allowed on South Beach between South Dunes Picnic Area and 2,000’ northeast of St. Andrews Sound Picnic Area. Oh, and while you and your furry canine are out there making pawprints, please make sure that that’s the only thing left behind!
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BREEDERS PART II
the Good, the Bad, the Fury
By Melissa Barnett
When animal advocates and rescue folks join forces with reputable breeders, we can begin educating and assisting our friends, family and the public in making an informed decision before getting their new best furry friend. What we must focus on is what people are looking for, what they are wanting in a pet, and the type of commitment they are able to give. We should help everyone obtain the pet that suits them and all work together for the same end goal; less animals ending up 34 Pawsmopolitan
in our shelter system. It is my hope families considering a new pet will consider adoption first, IF that would be a suitable option. But if a family is considering purchasing a pet, here are a few more things that are imperative when considering purchasing from a breeder: Is the breeder willing to answer my questions and spend time with me on education? I also always suggest that any
breeder who does not “question” a potential buyer on the type of home they will provide their puppies is also one to shy away from! This is so crucial to me, personally. If a breeder is not willing to answer questions, they are not a reputable breeder. They should be willing to spend time on the phone with you or meet you to discuss your concerns. If any breeder is not willing to talk on the phone with you, well, needless to say, I feel you should RUN the other direction. Also, if they do not question you as to the home you will provide, but find that your “green” takes precedence, then I would also run. To me this proves that the well-being of that puppy does not matter after the sale so chances are it probably didn’t matter before the sale either. I would also guess that if you should ever have issues down the road after your purchase from them, they will be hard to reach or even non-existent. Will the breeder allow you to visit their facility? This is a tricky one. With the times we now live in, some breeders feel concerned for their safety by allowing complete strangers to come to their homes. If your prospective breeder does not allow visits, then will they send you frequent video updates as your puppy grows and allow you to see the facility that way? Is the facility clean? What is the temperament of the other dogs in their home? Are they caged or living free? Breeders that keep their dogs in cages are probably not producing puppies that you would want to bring home. Are they living outside or inside? Mass production, in my opinion, without the proper rearing, is not the way to go! Does the breeder spend regular time with their dogs? Does the breeder have a relationship with their dogs? Can you see a bond between them? Oftentimes breeders will enter their dogs in activities such as sports, competitions and shows. Even if they do not enter these events, you will still easily pick up on and visibly see a bond between breeder and their dogs. Can the breeder tell you which dog in the litter is confident or which is shy? Can they tell you who plays with what toys? Can they tell you about how they react to a bath or grooming? Does the breeder ask you for references? Will the breeder provide references from people they’ve sold pups to? With the social media explosion the past few years, it is so much easier to find out about a breeder. Check out their Facebook page and web sites and be sure to search their name and kennel name for red flag issues. Call and ask people their experiences with the dog they got from the breeder including (Continues) Pawsmopolitan 35
health, temperament, as well as the breeder’s willingness to offer support after the sale. How often is each breeding female bred and at what age is her first breeding? How old is she at her final breeding? Good breeders allow a dog to mature before breeding them and retire a dog after several years of breeding. Bad breeders allow very young dogs to give birth and breed them till the day they die. Equally important is whether each dog is current with health checks, vet visits and proper vaccines. Immunity passed on to pup by its mother is crucial! Does the breeder have a waiting list? Does the breeder have litters readily available or even more than one litter? Although this is not a huge red flag, it is important to determine if a breeder continues to breed when they have not placed dogs from a previous litter. Top breeders generally have a waiting list of people looking to get a puppy from them and the wait can often be 6 months to a year or longer. Impulse puppy purchasing is never a recipe for success! Does the breeder fit you with the right pup and ascertain if you are the right family for the breed? Can the breeder give 36 Pawsmopolitan
you detailed information on the specific breeds’ temperament, health issues, and genetic defects including the pros and cons of owning this breed, history of origin of the breed, what the dogs originally were bred for etc.? What type of up keep is needed for the breed you wish to purchase? Does this pet need lots of grooming or requires minimal upkeep? As I mentioned before, specific breeds have characteristics that can make them the best pets for some people and the worst nightmare for others. Knowing what you’re getting into beforehand is crucial if you plan on enjoying this pet for the life time he or she has, but also for you to provide a proper home for this puppy! Is there a thorough application to get a puppy from the breeder? The breeder should care where the puppy goes and should ask thorough questions of the potential new home. If you feel the application is too long, you probably shouldn’t get a dog from anyone. Good breeders want to know that their dog is in good hands. Will the breeder take the puppy or dog back? If the sale is final after you leave- RUN. Responsible breeders are concerned about their dogs (for life) and have stipulations
in their agreements that if you can’t keep the dog it must be returned to them. *Often, breeders have dogs living with them from people that couldn’t keep them for various reasons and are willing to place these dogs. This might be a good option if a puppy isn’t for you. Some breeders also retire their adult breeding dogs, again, giving you a good option for the breed purchase yet not having to live through the puppy stage. Does the breeder sell over the internet? There’s a big difference between a breeder advertising over the internet and one that sells over the internet. I don’t agree with breeders who make the sale over the internet and ship the dog clear cross country with no references, application or interview. I also do not agree with shipping a puppy cargo! This is too stressful on them when other options exist! This is a sign of a poor breeder and one that should be avoided. Having a website that showcases their dogs is a good thing to me as is a Facebook page. It gives me the ability to educate myself on the breeder, their dogs, their philosophy and more. Of course you must understand that people can lie on a website, so be sure to check up on the breeder and if your gut is sending you signals, it may just be best to trust those signals you are receiving! How are the pups raised and socialized? Much of the socialization process of a puppy takes place long before you get your dog at 8 weeks or older. If the dog receives little to no socialization or exposure to stimuli and “normal” household activities or noises, the dog may have behavioral issues that can be difficult to correct. One of the main things that I look for is if the dogs are socialized around children. Dogs that have issues with small children often had no exposure during early imprint stages. Good breeders spend much effort to get their puppies around positive imprints including handling, children, other dogs and cats, noises, and more. Does the breeder test the parents for genetic defects, eyes, heart, hips, etc.? Each breed has a list of health issues that the AKC recommends testing for…..can your breeder provide this? Puppy mills do not test parents for genetic defects and therefore pass these defects on to their offspring. These dogs should not be bred! In my opinion, if a breeder is doing their job accurately, testing, vetting, and caring for their breeding dogs as they should, there isn’t a lot of money to truly make.
Does the breeder work with rescue organizations? This is one of the most important questions to me. I feel that a breeder that has a relationship with rescue organizations is intuned to the shelter crisis and is doing their part to help. My commitment to saving countless dogs and cats (and other animals) as well as owning a rescue, has given me a lot of experience and insight. The answer to the problem isn’t in saving the animals from the shelter today, but in preventing any dog (or cat) from ever ending up there in the first place.
Think of the change that could come about if the rescue community and reputable breeding community join forces! Next time your friend, family, or co-worker states they wish to find a new dog, take a moment to help educate them too so that they can find a furry one that is the best fit for their family. Whether your new pet comes from a shelter, a rescue, or a responsible breeder makes little difference. What does matter is if this pet will have a happy, healthy and stable home for its entire life.
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Making
The of a
Kitten
By Rene Knapp, Judge, The International Cat Association, Inc.
Seeing that it is now the middle of kitten season, and many of you are bringing home the newest little feline friend to your household, I thought it a good time to go over the stages of kitten development. A well socialized kitten is a plus for any household, and the main way you get that is by having a well socialized cat mother. Kittens tend to take on a lot of their mother’s personality, be it friendly and calm, or fearful of humans. Besides not taking your kitten away from its mother too early, you also want to make sure that kitten has been petted, kissed and played with. Kittens that spend their short lives in a cage, are generally not socialized. While kittens are generally eating solid food between five and seven weeks of age, it is important to keep the kitty family together for longer than that. Kittens continue to nurse and receive warmth and security from their moms until the mom decides it’s long enough and chases them out of the nest. Kittens removed too early, tend to have some insecurities that can include nursing on blankets, clothes,
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etc. They also don’t learn how to play with their siblings, clean themselves or learn how to completely be a cat. It is best to keep a kitten with its mom until it is about twelve weeks of age, and the following is a quick breakdown of what happens in the developmental stages of a kitten’s life. When kittens are first born, for the first two weeks, they concentrate on survival; i.e. eating, becoming aware of sound, and finding their order in the litter. This is the time the weakest may be shoved out of the nest and it is up to the human caretaker to make sure everyone gets a chance to nurse. This is also the time eyes open and the kittens first become aware of their world.
Between three and six months, kittens develop their social status and find their place in their new homes. As they continue to grow into cats it is important to remember that in mind and body, they continue to be kittens through the first two years of their lives. So don’t be upset when an organization or breeder tells you they won’t let their kittens go to a home before they are twelve weeks old. That is the responsible thing to do and you will still have a long period of kittenhood to enjoy.
Between two and four weeks there are great changes in a kitten’s life. They can focus their eyes and see their mom and their little chipmunk ears develop into kitten ears. They develop their sense of smell, get teeth and start interacting with their siblings. There is nothing cuter than a four week old kitten trying to play with a littermate. At five weeks old, most kittens begin to eat. They step in their mushy good and by watching their mom, they figure out how to eat solid foods. As soon as a week later, they start to groom themselves and each other, run, stalk and pounce and they discover the joys of furry mice toys. They begin to grow socially as a cat and as a potential companion to humans. The scariest time is seven to ten weeks old because that is when kittens lose the natural immunities they had with their mother. They are eating all kinds of solid food and they receive their first immunizations. This is the time they come down with upper respiratory infections and parasites. No matter how good a home the kitten comes from, parasites and colds happen with babies. They need to be watched and it is important to keep them together at this time. They are also learning better coordination. They chase their tails, pounce, leap and do the kitten dance around things that they are unsure of. They are a bundle of energy from now until they are about fourteen weeks of age. Somewhere between twelve and fourteen weeks is the perfect time for them to go to their new homes and continue their development. Pawsmopolitan 39
Smokey By Rob Asbell
Ta k e s A R i d e
It has been just about a year since I took my cat, Smokey, for a ride. Oh, not your usual “put the kitty in a carrier and let’s go to the vet” kind of ride. No, this was unexpected. And to this day, it still makes me take pause whenever I pull my car out of the garage. It was a warmer than normal February afternoon and I was preparing to drive to Waycross. On occasion, I am asked to do a sports/talk radio show and I must travel to Ware County from my home in Glynn County. It’s about 50 miles one way; but some of it is four lane, with a 65 mph speed limit. The trip itself was uneventful. I had been stopped by a Brantley County Sheriff’s Deputy and given a warning for speeding just a few weeks before, so I was only exceeding the speed limit by five miles per hour on this trip. I cruised down Highway 99 in Sterling, out to Highway 82, and through Atkinson, Nahunta, and Hoboken before hitting Waycross at 5:30 on a Thursday afternoon. About 40 minutes into the trip, I turned left onto Hatcher Point Road to make my way onto Memorial Drive. I slowed for a truck that was making a left turn. That’s when I first heard a “thump” from the engine compartment. It was different from normal road sounds; and I became concerned that something was wrong with my engine. I had to resist the urge to speed to my destination, but continued down Memorial Drive to the Fire House Subs where we were doing the radio show. After what seemed like an eternity, I arrived in the parking lot, put the car in park, shut off the engine, popped the hood latch and jumped out of the car. I opened the hood and found... nothing. Just an engine in perfect working condition. “Strange,” I thought, but perhaps I had just hit a rock. So I closed the hood and looked toward the restaurant where I saw something unusual: It was a big, fluffy gray cat, “OH MY 40 Pawsmopolitan
GOD IT’S SMOKEY” was all I could think to say. Somehow my Maine Coon cat had come to Waycross with me. There he was trying to get into the restaurant. I called to him as he ran along the building looking for a way in. He stopped to look at me just as he reached the corner of the building. Another three feet and he would have been gone forever. I got to him and grabbed a double handful of fur to keep him from running. I checked to make sure he didn’t have any obvious injuries or wounds, and took him straight to the car, and put him in the back seat where he crouched in the floorboard. It was only when I had the chance to calm down, that I realized he had been riding in the engine compartment of my car while I was doing 70 mph down Highway 82. I had driven more than 50 miles from my house in Sterling, stopping at traffic lights in Brantley County and Waycross with a cat in my engine. And not a tiny kitten, but a large, full-grown, adult male Maine Coon. And he had survived without a scratch. As I was putting him into the car, a friend arrived to hear the story. Now, I had 15 minutes to get over an anxiety attack and do a radio show. I managed to get through the show, checking on Smokey a few times during commercial breaks.
Afterwards, we made it home safely; although, both of us were a bit shaken. I posted about the experience on Facebook along with what has become known as “the Smokey selfie” photo we took together.
While this story had a happy ending, many do not. It is not uncommon to find cats trapped in motors or hiding in wheel wells of automobiles. Hundreds of cats are treated by veterinarians each year for injuries sustained inside cars. “They go there and hide because it’s private and warm. That’s very appealing to them,” said Dr. Kari Obermeyer of Island Animal Hospital on St. Simons Island. Although it is more common in the north where the winters are more harsh, it also occurs in the south, usually in the winter. “The problem comes if the car starts up and then gets to high speeds. It gets really hot and I have seen them get burned from high temperatures and the belts moving at high speed burning them.” Those who have cats, or even neighbors with cats, should check before driving away. Lock and unlock your doors so that the vehicle makes noise to warn any unexpected hitchhikers especially on cold days when they might be seeking a warm place to lay. “We always told people up there to give a good bang on your hood or slam your door really hard,” Dr. Obermeyer said. “You can even honk the horn. Anything like that to try and scare them so that they know something is about to happen and hopefully they will get out and run away before you start the car.” Smokey is now known to family and friends as “the miracle kitty” for making his unbelievable journey. He still lays on top of the car but he won’t go near the engine or even the inside of a vehicle anymore. And to this day, I always make sure I know where he is whenever I leave; and I still tap on the hood before I start my car. Pawsmopolitan 41
The Scratching Post
Mosquitos, Fleas, and Ticks... Oh My!
We are all so lucky to live in the beautiful setting of the
Golden Isles - we have great beaches, gorgeous natural beauty, and warm weather! Speaking of weather, I think we have all noticed that we didn’t get much winter this year. I guess we can’t complain too much about that, except for the fact that the bugs noticed too! Bugs. Not the most glamorous topic. But it is a very important one when it comes to our beloved pets, especially in this climate and environment where we all live. Warm temperatures, moisture and humidity are the ideal settings for mosquitos, fleas and ticks to reproduce or become active. Why should we care about keeping bugs and insects away from our pets? Heartworm Disease – Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos. The mosquito bites an infected dog or cat and picks up heartworm larva. The mosquito finds a new dog or cat to bite, and injects that heartworm larva into the pet’s blood stream. At this point in the life cycle, if your pet is on heartworm preventative, those larva will not survive to become adult heartworms – excellent! If your pet is not on preventative, the larva grow up to be thin spaghetti-like worms that live in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs. This is when they can start to cause serious health problems or even death. Fleas – Fleas and flea bites can also transmit parasites and disease. Tapeworm eggs are commonly carried inside of a flea. Dogs, and especially cats, are quite vigilant groomers. When they groom their fur, ingest a flea containing the tapeworm egg, that egg grows into an adult tapeworm inside the pet’s intestines. You may notice tapeworm segments around your pet’s bottom or on their fur or bedding that look like grains of rice or sesame seeds. Medication can be prescribed to treat the tapeworms, but more importantly, the fleas must also be treated. Fleas can also transmit some bacterial diseases that can affect cats and humans. 42 Pawsmopolitan
By Jaclyn Luckstone, DVM, Island Animal Hospital
Tick-borne Disease – The most well-known illness transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease. Luckily, Lyme disease is rare in our area, but we do see it. Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are two other tick-borne diseases that are more common in south Georgia. Fleas in particular can cause some major allergy problems in dogs and cats. Some pets are so sensitive, even to just one single flea bite, that bite sets off an allergic chain reaction. We can see excessive scratching, rashes, skin infections, and hair loss – often around the rump, base of the tail, under belly or around the hind legs. In our veterinary hospital, there are a few common misconceptions we hear about fleas, ticks and heartworms. 1. “My pet never goes outside, so they can’t get fleas, ticks or heartworm disease.” Not true. How many times have you killed a mosquito in your house? Maybe it snuck in an open door or window? That mosquito could be carrying heartworm and had the opportunity to bite your dog or cat. Fleas and ticks can easily hitch a ride inside on your shoe, your sock, your pants leg. They want to find a warm, furry body to jump on to as quickly as possible and your dog or cat is usually within easy reach. 2. “I can’t have a flea problem, I haven’t seen any fleas on me.” Cat/dog fleas want to live on cats and dogs, not humans. Fleas are designed to hang on to pieces of fur or hair while your pet is moving around. They wouldn’t last long on a human’s relatively hairless body. While adult fleas live on your pet, their eggs and larva can live in the fibers of your carpet, under your couch cushions, or in the cracks of your hardwood floors. Cleaning and vacuuming your home environment is a huge part of fixing a flea problem. 3. “I don’t need to give flea, tick or heartworm prevention during the cooler months.” As proven by our recent very warm winter, it is important to make sure your pets have protection year-round. How do we prevent these bugs from getting on our pets? There are many different options available now – chewables, topicals, injectables and collars or combinations of these. Talk to your veterinarian – they will help you decide which products are best for your pet, your family and your lifestyle.
Rabbits are a familiar symbol of the Easter holiday.
In the days leading up to it, they appear on television commercials and packages of candy, and stores are filled with stuffed rabbits. It is no surprise that children beg their parents for a bunny of their own. Ill-prepared to care for these unique creatures, their owners often quickly tire of them. In the months following Easter, local humane societies and rabbit rescues are flooded with rabbits, former Easter gifts whose owners no longer want them. The unlucky ones are dumped outside where predators, cars, illness, and injury virtually guarantee an early death. Rabbits are very appealing and can make great companion animals, but they take specialized care. Like any domesticated companion animal, they need to be fed a diet appropriate for their digestive tracts, and have to live in a home environment conducive to their social development. Rabbits need a lot of socialization, and can’t just be put in a cage with little or no handling if they are expected to become well-adjusted and happy pets. A person willing to adopt a rabbit must be very patient and gentle, and truly ready to make a commitment to satisfy all the needs that basic rabbit care requires. According to the House Rabbit Society, the ideal “rabbit person” is a quiet, gentle individual who is eager to get to know rabbits on their own terms. Children who want to hold and cuddle a bunny for hours are likely to
be disappointed. When adopting a rabbit, families with children should ensure that an adult will be the rabbit’s primary caretaker and can make a long-term commitment to the rabbit’s well being. As dedicated rabbit owners can confirm, a properly socialized rabbit is well worth the time spent on the animal’s upkeep. Rabbits are inquisitive, intelligent, funloving creatures who love attention; they will even show their affection by nudging and licking you. Rabbits can learn to get along well with other companion animals and children, and can even respond to their names. And just like cats, a rabbit can be trained to use a litter box! A well cared for house rabbit has a lifespan of ten or more years. It is just as crucial to spay or neuter your rabbit as it is to sterilize your dog or cat. Aggressive tendencies, or urinespraying behaviors, will be reduced or eliminated when the rabbit is spayed or neutered. A sterilized rabbit is also less likely to act territorial, and consequently can be easier to approach, especially by other pets or children. Learn more about the needs of these warm-hearted creatures. Visit the House Rabbit Society website at www.rabbit.org for a host of bunny facts regarding proper nutrition, veterinary care, spaying and neutering, grooming and play. This Easter remember: A rabbit is not a toy. If you’re not ready to give him 10 years of your life, you’re not ready to give him as a pet. Pawsmopolitan 43
Health
By Kathryn Strickland, DVM, Brunswick PetER
Pain
in Pets One of the more difficult things to recognize in veterinary medicine can be a painful pet. While a sudden injury may be more obvious by the pet limping or vocalizing, chronic pain can be more difficult to recognize. It is a natural instinct in dogs and cats to hide pain, and this can make it very difficult to tell that the pet is experiencing pain. This can also make it more difficult for veterinarians to identify pain in your pet in the office. The stress and excitement of the surroundings may heighten this instinct to mask pain. In order to identify the pain and its source (when it isn’t an obvious injury), your veterinarian will rely on the information you are able to relay regarding the signs you are seeing at home. Changes in behavior or their usual routine can be subtle signs that may be noticeable at home. There may be decreases in activity level, appetite, or interactions with the family or housemates. Many times these changes may be attributed to simply “slowing down in old age”, but often they are due to chronic pain, as occurs with arthritis. More subtle signs may simply be that they are no longer as quick to greet you when you come home, are sleeping more, or may be a little slower to get up from sitting or sleeping. Some dogs may attempt to maintain the same activity level, but they may not be as energetic as they used to be, and may not wag their tail as much. In cats, it’s not uncommon for them to become more withdrawn, have a decreased appetite, they may stop grooming themselves and sharpening their claws as much. Some cats 44 Pawsmopolitan
may develop a more aggressive temperament due to being uncomfortable. Some may even stop using the litterbox due to the difficulty they are experiencing getting in and out. More advanced signs that may be noted in your pet are changes in their gait, such as they may start “hopping” more when they run. Also, you may notice the pet seems thinner over the joints, as they develop atrophy of the muscles (a decrease in the muscle mass.) Sometimes this will be noted by owners as the pet appearing “top heavy”, as they are using their front legs more due to worsening arthritis pain in the rear legs. If you are noticing any of these signs with your pet, discuss it with your regular veterinarian. There are multiple options for managing pain in pets, and your veterinarian will need to determine the source of pain to determine the best plan for them. Just like with humans, veterinarians can use multiple types of medication together to address the pain, and even physical therapy. It is important to note that those over-thecounter medications humans take for pain are not safe to give your pets, so be sure to discuss it with your veterinarian before giving any medications. The increased knowledge we now have about pain in pets allows us to provide them with a much improved quality of life in their later years. Even in pets with terminal illness, we can provide them a more comfortable life in their final days.
Rescue
By Kimberly Williams
d a CASTAW AYS PET RESCUE Sadly, it isn’t uncommon for folks to find themselves in a situation where they must re-home their pets. In 2013, after seeing the need for a no-kill alternative for these folks, Jayne and Skip Huvar founded Castaways Animal Rescue. Though based in McIntosh County, Castaways has opened its doors to animals from Long County, Liberty County, Wayne County, Glynn County, Chatham County and Camden County. About half of the dogs and cats that they take in are surrenders. But the other half are directly pulled from Glynn County Animal Control, McIntosh County Animal Control, the Savannah Humane Society, as well as other facilities. 46 Pawsmopolitan
At any given time, Castaways has 20-50 animals in their care. A large majority of the animals are housed on their property located in McIntosh County but they also have animals in their foster program. This allows animals, like bottle feeding babies, the opportunity to get more one on one care as needed. Castaways specializes in working with animals with medical issues, such as dogs undergoing heartworm treatment and others struggling with orthopedic problems. But it isn’t uncommon for them to have pregnant dogs, mothers with a new litter, or senior animals. Jayne and Skip cherish their volunteers and have several volunteers that have even worked with them since Castaways was founded. Through
teamwork, they have fun together while helping to save more lives. It is no surprise that Castaways was honored as the recipient of the “Best Rescue” award this year by the National Animal Welfare Association. Jayne and Skip aren’t afraid to face challenges. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew brushed the Golden Isles. They, along with a faithful volunteer, packed what they could, including 33 dogs and 3 cats, and traveled to Washington Wilkes Animal Shelter. This shelter met Castaways at 9:30pm with warm pizza and volunteers to walk their dogs and get them settled in a safe haven for the night. After returning to McIntosh County, after the storm, Jayne
and Skip sent t-shirts back to their new friends in Washington, Georgia. In 2016, Castaways adopted 354 animals out and they have already adopted out 104 in 2017! Castaways operates solely on privately funded donations and their adoption fees. The fee for adopting a dog is $75 and cats are $30. Castaways, and many of their furry critters, are at PetSmart in Brunswick every Saturday from 11:00am until 4:00pm and hope you’ll come out and say hello! They are also excited about the Blessing of the Fleet coming up on April 8th and 9th! They will be selling baked goods and other food at the classic car show. They also participate in a tent event during every Three Day National Adoption Weekend. The last tent event was in February and they adopted out 43 animals! Maybe they can beat that record at the next tent event, May 5th -7th. If you’re looking for a group to plug into, Castaways is always looking for positive and reliable volunteers! You can reach them via Facebook, or by calling Jayne at 912-2700119. Castaways is a licensed 501c3 organization and welcomes your tax deductible donation. If you prefer to make a toy donation, they are always in need of durable toys like Nylabones or Kongs. Don’t forget to mark your calendars! Pawsmopolitan and Catch 228 on St. Simons Island, are excited to be hosting a Yappy Hour on Saturday, April 22nd. Come out with your furry friend and say hello to Jayne, Skip, and the Castaways family!
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Area Shelters Rescue Organizations Angel’s Helping Hands 13760 Post Road Hortense, GA 31543 (912) 409-7389 angelshelpinghandsorg.weebly.com FB: Angels Helping Hands Brantley Animal Rescue Coalition (BARC) Brantleyanimalrescuecoalition.weebly. com Donation link is located on website FB: Brantley Animal Rescue Coalition Castaways Pet Rescue, Inc. 11659 GA Hwy 99 Darien, GA 31305 / (912) 270-0119 FB: Castaways Pet Rescue Cause for Paws, Inc. 2001 Sea Palms West Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522 www.causeforpawsga.com FB: Cause for Paws, Inc. Coastal Animal Rescue Society, Inc. 117 Shore Rush Circle St. Simons Island, GA 31522 (912) 230-9125 www.carsga.org FB: Coastal Animal Rescue Society Friends of Glynn Animals Brunswick, GA Inc. 114 Fantail Court Brunswick, GA 31525 www.friendsofglynnanimals.org Donation link is www.gofundme.com/ glynnanimals FB: Friends of Glynn Animals Georgia Sea Turtle Center 214 Stable Road Jekyll Island, GA 31527 (912) 635-4444 www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org Glynn County Animal Control 4765 Hwy 17 North Brunswick, GA 31525 (912) 554-7500 www.glynncountyanimals.org
Greatful Goldens Rescue of the Low Country 24 Bridgewater Way Brunswick, GA 31525 Phone or fax: (912) 264-6975 www.ggrlc.org FB: Grateful Golden Retriever Rescue of the Low Country Humane Animal Resource Team, Inc. (HART) P.O. Box 936 Darien, GA 31305 (912) 437-2033 www.hartofmcintosh.com FB: Humane Animal Resource Team, Inc. Humane Society of So Coastal GA 4627 Hwy 17 North Brunswick, GA 31525 (912) 264-6246 www.hsscg.org FB: Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia Max’s Animal Rescue, Inc. 2320 Saddle Club Road Hoboken, Georgia 31542 912-816-3776 www.maxsanimalrescue.com FB: Max’s Animal Rescue McIntosh County Animal Control 1184 Animal Shelter Drive Darien, GA 31305 (912) 437-4242 FB: McIntosh County Animal Services Nahunta Kitties www.nahuntakitties.com Paypal: KeepBrantleyBeautiful@gmail. com FB: Nahunta Kitties Group No Kill Glynn County 241 Florida Street St. Simons Island, GA 31522 (912) 223-5997 www.nokillgynncounty.org FB: No Kill Glynn County Safehollow P.O. Box 732 Ludowici, GA 31316 (912) 545-9743 email: safehollow@aol.com www.yourcause.com/safehollow The Farm at Oatland North 3370 Lawrence Road St. Simons Island, GA 31522 (912) 580-6774 FB: The Farm at Oatland North The List - 48 Hours of Hope Networks death row animals at Glynn County Animal Control (912) 258-0058 or (912) 223-7770 Donations accepted via link on FB FB: The List - 48 Hours of Hope