Central Ohio PetConnections March-April 2017

March/April 2017 Volume 3 • Issue 2

CENTRAL OHIO

PetConnections wellness through the human-animal bond

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Table of Contents March / April 2017 Vol. 3 Issue 2

4

HumanAnimal Bond What are Therapy Animals and How Are They Beneficial?

12

Pet Health & Wellness

14

Sara’s Story

Rescue & Shelter Imagine a World Where No Dog Dies Alone and Afraid

Heartworm Awareness Month

6 Events 9B ehavior & Training Puppy Training

18 W ildlife Spring In Full Swing For Wildlife

19 In Remembrance

10 A dvertiser Locator Map

20 E quine Affairs

11 Directories

21 E quine Affairs

13 P et Health & Wellness Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs

16 W ellness For Guardians Choosing a New Way of Being 2 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

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The “Rider’s Pit Stop”

A Horse a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!

From the Publisher Welcome to our Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine March / April 2017 Volume 3 • Issue 2

News & Events

We are excited to announce that we are collaborating with The Columbus Dispatch and their FALL HOME SHOW to add our second big event, PETCON Pet Expo inside the same venue with their event! The dates are September 8-10, 2017 and it is being held at the Ohio Expo Center. More information is coming in our next issue. Please see our ad on the back cover for our upcoming Pittsburgh PETCON Pet & Equine Expo in May!

This Issue ADVERTISING INQUIRIES PLEASE SUBMIT ANY CORRESPONDENCE TO: info@pghpetconnections.com 724-292-7387 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS BI-MONTHLY Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Central Ohio communities.

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Carla Mader, Managing Editor Susan Wagner, DVM, Content Editor Jaimee D. Greenawalt, Art Director Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager Ken Holton – Distribution Cheryl Klinker – Sales Manager Kara Jones Photography, Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Our contributing writers have many years of combined experience and expertise in the fields of veterinary medicine and the Human-Animal Bond.

All Rights Reserved | Copyright 2017

Cover photo: Max enjoying the summer day in his yard.

Photo by David Greenawalt.

Our featured cover star, Max Greenawalt, a rescued senior pet. Read about the Grey Muzzle Organization and adopting a senior pet, in our Rescue & Shelter section. April is Heartworm Awareness Month and you can read the article in our Pet Health & Wellness Section, along with Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets. In our Holistic Pet Care section, Sara’s Story, shared to increase awareness about the benefits of integrative veterinary care.

The Ohio Wildlife writes about wildlife babies in our Wildlife section. Enjoy the rest of our articles in this issue!

See how PetConnections can help you market and advertise your pet or non-pet related business, with content which supports your message with our multi-media partnership packages! We also offer laser targeted digital marketing and advertising campaigns to our sponsors for Central Ohio.

For PetConnections Advertising inquiries contact: 724-292-7387 info@pghpetconnections.com PetConnections is also looking to grow our team with additional sales account manager professionals!

Subscribe today for your own VIP MEMBERSHIP and personal bi-monthly copy of PetConnections, and become part of the Petconnections Community! www.petconnections.pet/subscribe PetConnections supports local organizations and small business and we have established a community network of readers & members, writers, advertising sponsors and distribution points. Please support our advertising sponsors! See their locations on the map page. Check out our PetConnections Resource Directories for categorized listings.

Please submit your photos and stories, as well as remembrances to be featured online and in future issues to: info@pghpetconnections.com.

Thank you for picking up PetConnections. Take care of yourself and your pets and be well this Spring season!

Warmly, Carla Mader, Publisher - Pittsburgh & Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine www.petconnections.pet

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Human-Animal Bond What are Therapy Animals and How Are They Beneficial?

By Brad Herman

It is proven that simply stroking a pet can lower blood pressure and reduce emotional or physical stress.

Therapy animals play an extraordinary role in offering affection to individuals in a retirement home, nursing home, hospital, schools, or other situations. They provide love and support needed by individuals seeking emotional assistance. Those who have come to rely on these type of emotional support pets have come to realize the profound impact these animals can make on their everyday lives.

There are three classifications of therapy animals: 1. Facility Therapy Animals: The animals play an important role in the lives of people who work in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. These therapy animals are helpful in treating people with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other mental illnesses and have to be cared for by the facility.

2. Animal Assisted Therapy Animals: These therapy animals work well with occupational and physical therapists in a rehab setting to help people to reach their recovery goals.

3. Therapeutic Visitation Animals: These animals are household pets and are trained for helping people who live in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and other locations. Therapy animals provide joy to people who are far from home due to any physical or mental illness.

4 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

How Does An Animal Become a Therapy Animal?

An animal must be certified as an emotional support animal. All therapy animals are clean, obedient, tempered and well groomed. They behave appropriately in the presence of other animals. They are current on all vaccines and are at least one year old. Therapy animals must be able to socialize as they help people living in different backgrounds and settings.

An animal cannot be certified as a therapy animal if it does not pass an examination that tests its temperament. Most therapy animals are dogs and various therapy groups require that the animal passes the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.

How Do Therapy Animals Help?

Taking care of a pet induces a strong sense of routine. This is something that many patients dealing with emotional and mental challenges need for functioning normally. That is why people who are prone to get depressed easily and lose track of their daily routine can greatly benefit from a therapy animal. The needs of all therapy animals can vary. It can either be a cat or a dog or any other animal that can be groomed for offering support. Since animals must be treated well, it is imperative that handlers are committed to keep them safe and healthy

It is proven that simply stroking a pet can lower blood pressure and reduce emotional or physical stress. Many people who are mentally and physically fit also keep rabbits, goats, cats and dogs. Again, every animal requires a different level of commitment to provide joy and support to its handler. Therapy animals give patients a feeling of calmness and a positive energy that helps them overcome unpleasant life situations.

Therapy Animals for Organizations Residential services for medically unwell people frequently utilize therapy animals to have a soothing effect on patients. Rabbits are also a popular choice in nursing homes, as they are less allergenic as compared to cats and dogs. Rabbits are often chosen as the therapy animal of choice in nursing homes because they are often times friendly, small, and light enough to be easily portable to allow the elderly residents to have them on their laps.

Effect of Therapy Animals on Patients Medical science has investigated the influence of therapy animals on patients and has discovered positive effects on people who come in contact with them. Patients or general people who kept therapy animals showed reduced anxiety and blood pressure levels and made fewer trips to their GP. According to a study, breast cancer patients showed positive recovery results owing to the support provided by their pets or therapy animals.

Keeping a fluffy and feathery animal demands commitments and compassion by the handler, whether it is an individual or a rehab/medical facility. However, they return the love by providing healing benefits and companionship to people who have special needs or dealing with harsh life events. You can get in touch with your local therapy dog organization to know more about the specific certification requirements of utilizing a therapy animal. PC

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Events

PRESENTING EQUINE EXPO SPONSOR

2017 PETCON Pet & Equine Expo

Join us for a weekend of fun with friends and family!

Produced by: PetConnections magazine

Washington County Fairgrounds & Expo Center

May 13th & 14th Saturday 9am-8pm & Sunday 9am-6pm

Kids 12 & Under: FREE Military & Veteran: FREE General Admission: $10 - Seniors 65+: $8

Your well-behaved pets are welcome! Donating 10% of ticket and concession sales to participating organizations!

FEATURING:

Adoptable Pets Costume Contest Pony Rides Seminars Giveaways Craft Fair Tack Swap Dog Agility Demos Horse Demos HAAWC Fundraising Gala Pet, Horse and Home Exhibitors

A Special Thank you to all our Sponsors!

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6 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

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7

Rescue & Shelter Imagine a World Where No Dog Dies Alone and Afraid

By Lynn Ready Aspiotes Earlier this month in the Washington Post, the title of one article was, “More people are adopting old, sick dogs to keep them from dying alone and afraid.” As a senior pet adopter myself, I was thrilled to read about the growing number of kind adopters opening their hearts to a senior in need of a good, forever home. Sadly, when some dogs get old, they sometimes get surrendered to shelters when they need their family the most and unfortunately, some people are just no longer able to take care of their dog.

One national organization that provided over $225,000 to senior dogs in 2016 in the form of grants is the Grey Muzzle Organization (GMO).

Since 2008, they have raised and provided over $750,000 in grants for senior dogs. Their mission is this: We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid. According to their website, “The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other non-profit groups nationwide.”

Meet One of the Dogs This is Almond. Almond was one of about 200 evacuated pets from shelters in South Carolina during disastrous flooding last fall. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (BWAR) located in Ashville, North Carolina, rescued her when they saw how desperately she needed care and quickly realized she had a host of health problems. The disheveled senior seemed to have pretty much given up after a life of being severely neglected having lived at the end of a chain. She was diagnosed with heart worms

and Cushing’s disease and that was only the beginning.

She had advanced tumors on her mammary glands the size of grapefruits. With a grant made possible by the Grey Muzzle Organization, Almond was able to have her heart worms treated, put on medicine for Cushing’s disease, and found her tumors to be benign! This sweet girl now lives much more comfortably and happily with her foster mom whom she warms up to more and more each day. Almond is one of hundreds of senior dogs around the country who have benefited greatly from treatments, surgeries, and medicine to be able to live out their lives in comfort, whether with a rescue organization or in a new home. Grants have been awarded to organizations such as Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, Bob’s House for Dogs, Arizona Beagle Rescue, Almost Home Dog Rescue in Ohio, and many others carefully selected by GMO. Eleven year old Coco with The Shade Tree, a shelter for homeless and abused women and children in Nevada, the recipient of a medical expense grant

(A complete list is on the website.) By having medical procedures such as costly dental surgeries done with the rescues eliminates some of the potential high costs to adopters, making dogs more adoptable.

How Do I Donate?

Anyone can make a tax-deductible donation to the Grey Muzzle Organization in a few different ways. You can donate directly on the website or you can purchase an orthopedic bed for a dog in a shelter. Over $40,000 in beds have been donated so far in the past six years with the help from generous people. Older dogs tend to get arthritis and sitting on a cold, hard floor can add to their discomfort.

Another way you can help is by purchasing items such as t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags from their Café Press store, which can also be found on their website.

One third grade class at Discovery Elementary School in Ashburn, VA, helped to raise almost $500 during a school-wide donation drive with the help of their teacher. The money helped to purchase much needed beds for senior dogs in shelters.

9 year old Faith with Saving Pets One at a Time (SPOT), no longer wanted for breeding and surrendered to a shelter.

How Else Can I Help?

Aside from monetary donations, GMO gear, and beds, there are many additional ways you can help senior dogs in shelters and the Grey Muzzle Organization.

On the website is a place to sign up for the GMO newsletter which is full of great resources and tips for seniors. There is also a place to read about volunteer needs-some opportunities you can even do from home. Join one of the webinars or events listed on the website. One thing you can do today is download the printable flyer which can be hung at your veterinarian’s office and local pet supply store to help spread the word.

How Do I Know if Adopting a Senior Dog is Right for Me? Of course one of the best things you can do is to check shelters and rescue organizations and adopt a senior dog yourself! Petfinder.com is a great source. What are some of the benefits of adopting a senior? Typically they are calmer, require less exercise than a puppy or a young dog, oftentimes they are already housebroken, and seniors are unbelievably grateful to have a home and a warm bed to sleep on. If you’re not a high energy, active person, or if you’re a senior yourself, an older dog would probably fit your lifestyle. If you’re thinking about giving a senior dog a home, the Grey Muzzle website offers many articles by veterinarians and other expert contributors on everything from basic wellness care to adopting a blind dog.

About the Author: Even though I’m only forty years old, I always have and always will adopt only senior pets. Speaking from personal experience of adopting or fostering twenty seniors over the past several years, I can say that while my heart has been broken many times, there’s never a day that it’s not full. As I look at my wall with their grey muzzles staring back at me, some who lived around 5 or more years, and some who lived less than one month, I am so happy that I can say that they all died with dignity. I wish every senior had that. Please help us become a world where no dog dies alone and afraid.

“As cherished companions, the old dogs in our lives enrich our days for as long as we are privileged to have them.” (www.greymuzzle.org) PC

To see the complete Washington Post article, read more here: www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article136605678.html#storylink=cpy 8 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Behavior & Training

By Paula Shimko KPA-CTP Certified Dog Trainer Raising puppies to be well behaved dogs is crucial. If a puppy is started out on the right paw, so to speak, this helps them understand how to best live in a sometimes, very confusing human world. When reaching their adult stage, they will be comfortable navigating the human world. The more comfortable with their environment and the outside world the better behaved they are. Socializing them to the human world before 14- 16 weeks is extremely important. Before the age of 14-16 weeks is the critical fear imprint period. In other words, all events that a puppy experiences prior to 14- 16 weeks is imprinted on their brains forever. Because adolescence is when dogs begin to become wary of unknown experiences, we want the puppy to have all positive associations to the human world before they hit the start of adolescence, which is around 5 months.

The primarily important start is rewards. What will you be using to reward your puppy to communicate the behaviors you are looking for? Some people think that praise is enough and I would argue that praise may work sometimes, but a high value reward will result in a much faster pace of learning. High value rewards are what the puppy considers a high value, in other words what does your puppy absolutely love? Is it a yummy treat or play?

Does your puppy love his specific ball? Will he just go crazy for piece of cheese? These are questions you must ask yourself. If one knows what the puppy will work for then one can, more than likely, get focus and attention from the puppy. If giving to many treats is a worry, then using the puppy’s daily meals laced with treats can be an option or removing that same number of treats given from the puppy’s daily meal. Also, it is important to know is that the size of the treat matters. Tiny little pieces should be given each time. It is not the size that matters to the puppy, but the fact that he is being rewarded.

I believe that teaching in a kind and gentle way based on the way dogs learn is the most effective way of training. Rewarding behaviors that a handler is looking for will most likely be repeated in the future. I do not correct while

UPPY

TRAINING training behaviors because I know the dog does not have enough information to give me what I am seeking from him. Think about when you were a child. Remember getting into line for the water fountain after gym class? Can you imagine the teacher yanking you into position? Maybe you didn’t hear, maybe you were not focused and your mind was wandering. Do I ever trust that teacher again? Dogs are no different. If I ask my puppy for a behavior and I get no response, I am not going to correct, I will just ask for it again. If I still don’t get the behavior, then I know my puppy does not have enough information to perform the behavior and I will do a little more training of that behavior.

Before the age of 14-16 weeks is the critical fear imprint period. In other words, all events that a puppy experiences prior to 14- 16 weeks is imprinted on their brains forever.

Training with a clicker or a happy toned marker word while training a behavior such as sit, is the fastest and most efficient way to train behaviors. Trainers call this training with a mark. There are three ways to train a puppy.

Luring into a position, capturing a spontaneous behavior, or shaping a behavior. Luring is putting the treat under the puppy’s nose and luring into a position. This works to jump start a behavior, but the lure must be faded

out quickly or the puppy learns to only do the behavior if a treat is involved. Capturing is marking and reinforcing a natural spontaneous behavior. The puppy naturally sits, I capture the behavior by clicking and rewarding exactly when the puppy’s hind end hits the floor.

Shaping is training in small steps to acquire a goal behavior. I visualize a stair case in my mind and then start at step one. For instance, the puppy looks at a mat and I click and treat, step two, the puppy puts a paw on the mat I click-treat and so forth, soon the puppy is lying on the mat. I have jumped and bounced on all the different steps to shape my puppy’s behaviors in tiny bits of information towards my goal behavior.

Rewarding behavior is about changing behavior. Many can misunderstand puppy behavior. Often people view a natural dog behavior as the dog is just being bad. This is not the case; the dog is simply not trained with enough information to perform the behavior the handler requires. There are many behaviors dogs exhibit that can be very annoying to people. Such as barking, jumping on us, nipping and many others. For one to stop unwanted behavior an alternative behavior must be trained. For example, if I want the puppy not to jump on me, I am first not going to allow the jumping by stepping out of the way and then asking for an already trained sit. I will click and reward the sit. If I ignore the jumping and reward the sit then my pup will offer the sit instead of jumping.

Reinforced behaviors will more than likely be repeated in the future. Ignored unwanted behavior will go away because they are not reinforced. Dogs do what works. In this case, the sit works because it is rewarded, the jump gets nothing. Be careful when rewarding after asking the puppy to sit instead of jumping, pause a couple of seconds before clicking the sit and then reward. If one reinforces to quickly the puppy may think the behavior that you are seeking is a jump, and then a sit. In other words, now you have trained a jump-sit instead of just the sit. Timing of the click is important. What you click is what you get!

Remember this puppy is a baby and it has only been a few weeks since he has arrived on earth. Be kind, be gentle. Teach as if you were teaching a human toddler and you will have a happy well-structured dog. PC www.petconnections.pet

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Advertiser Locator

E D

10 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Inside Front Cover ASPCA Page 1 Fundvelopes Page 2 Real Big Puppy Page 15 A Beaver Animal Clinic Page 15 B Canine Health Page 19 C Crystal Remembrance for Pets Page 1 E MedVet Page 18 Fan Reps Page 5 K9 Grass Page 0 Hospets

Page 10 Timber Wolf Leather Page 2 Lucy Pet Products Page 15 Best Breed Page 19 Paws-n-Claws Page 7 Creative Foundations Page 7 Close 2 UR Heart Page 2 Kobi Collars Page 5 Mia Bella’s Page 7 Line Keepers

Directories Adoption, Rescues & Shelters

Avian & Exotics

MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets (Hilliard) 614-870-0480 medvetforpets.com OHPA Bird Fairs www.ohpabirdfairs.com

Dog Parks

Alum Creek Dog Park www.alumcreekdogpark.com Companion Club Dog Park 740-881-2000 www.columbusdogpark.com Godown Road Dog Park www. worthingtondogpark.com Heritage Trail Dog Park www.hilliardohio.gov/play/heritage-trail-dog-park Pizzurro Park and “Dog Park� www.gahanna.gov/departments/parks/ communityParks.aspx

Equestrian

Central Ohio Riding Club 614-873-6644 centralohioridingclub.com Equus Now! 740-549-4959 Equusnow.com OSU Veterinary Medical Center 614-292-6661 vet.osu.edu/vmc/

Landscaping & Lawncare Forever Lawn 844.614.TURF(8873) foreverlawnohio.com Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-529-6723 www.whygoodnature.com

Pet Burial, Cremation & Memorial Services

Crystal Remembrance for Pets 888-930-7363 Crystalremembranceforpets.com Day Manofsky Funeral Service 614-532-5012 Daymanofskyfuneralservice.com

Rutherford Funeral Homes 614-885-4006 Rutherfordfuneralhomes.com Schoedinger Pet Services 614-224-2691 schoedingerpetservices.com

Pet Fencing

Invisible Fence 614-888-3647 www.columbuseast.invisiblefence.com Pet Stop of Ohio Columbuspetfence.com

Pet-Friendly Auto Dealerships Central Ohio Area Byers Subaru 877-265-2083 www.columbussubaru.com

Pet-friendly auto dealers: Harfield Subaru 877-371-2094 www.hatfieldsubaru.net

Pet Insurance

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance 1-888-716-1203 aspcapetinsurance.com

Pet Resorts- Boarding, Daycare, Grooming, Agility & Training

ARF! Agility and Rally for Fun! www.arfagility.com Advanced Boarding & Grooming 740-549-9999 advancedboardingandgrooming.com K9 Connection 614-778-0431 www.k9connectiononline.com Park Your Paws Doggie Daycare 614-262-PAWS www.parkyourpaws.org Pet Palace Pet Boarding Resort petpalaceresort.com The Dog Spaw Pet Grooming 614-245-4169 thedogspawsalon.com/ Willow Wood Pet Resort & Training Center 614-304-1921 petresortwillowwood.com

Pet Retail, Supply and Accessories

April Minech Custom Portraits/Pet Inspired Art www.LadybugDelightz.etsy.com Best Breed Holistic Pet Nutrition Bestbreed.com Canine Health Supplements www.peggymills.lifevantage.com Close 2 Ur Heart Jewelry feifish.etsy.com Collar Doos collardoos.com Fan Reps Legwarmers and More 412-439-3063 www.fanreps.com Kobi Collars kobicollars.com Lucy Pet Products 844-724-LUCY (5829) www.lucypetproducts.com Moochie & Co. moochieandco.com

Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages Naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com Pet People petpeoplestores.com Pawdentify and Links-It Collar Tags www.pawdentify.com Plexidor plexidors.com Timber Wolf Leather collars, leashes, harnesses 419-308-4118

Pharmacies

Murray Avenue Apothecary www.maapgh.com/pet-supplements

Veterinary Medicine

Elemental Veterinary Center & Pet Spa 614-824-4036 elementalvetcenter.com Lifetime Pet Wellness Center 614-888-2100 lifetimepetwellness.com Health & Harmony Animal Hospital 614-360-3941 healthandharmonyanimalhospital.com The Animal Care Center at Granville 740-587-2229 www.animalcarecentergranville.com

Veterinary Medicine:

Closure at Home Jill Hayes, DVM 614-397-2128 www.closureathome.com

Veterinary Specialty and Emergency MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets 614-846-5800 medvetforpets.com OSU Veterinary Medical Center 614-292-3551 vet.osu.edu/vmc/

Wellness for Guardians The All Life Community for Integrative Well Being 740-201-8242 www.alllifecenter.org Creative Foundations 877-345-6733 www.creativefoundations.org Judith Levy Coaching www.judithlevycoaching.com Unique Home Solutions 614-845-0500 www.uniquehomesolutions.org

Visit our online directory at pghpetconnections.com/Dog-Cat-Directory

Almost Home Dog Rescue of OH 614-766-1001 www.almosthomeohio.org Canine Companions 1-800-572-BARK (2275) www.cci.org/northcentral Capital Area Humane Society 614-777-7387 cahs-pets.org CHA Animal Shelter 614-891-5280 chaanimalshelter.org Colony Cats Adoption Center 614-593-0055 Colonycats.org Columbus Dog Connection 614-471-9000 Columbusdogconnection.com Cozy Cat Cottage Adoption Center 614-336-8510 cozycatcottage.org Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center 614-525-3647 franklincountydogs.com Pets without Parents 614-267-7297 petswithoutparents.net/

Wildlife

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium www.columbuszoo.org Ohio Wildlife Center 614-793-WILD ohiowildlifecenter.org SCRAM! Wildlife Control ohiowildlifecenter.org The Wilds www.thewilds.columbuszoo.org

List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com www.petconnections.pet

11

Pet Health & Wellness

By Eva Sikorska, DVM, DACVIM

Heartworm Awareness Month

A

pril is heartworm awareness month and in preparation for summer and the reappearance of the mosquito, this is a good time to discuss this dreaded and completely preventable disease and review the importance of making sure your pet is protected from contracting a heartworm infection. Heartworm infections have been reported in all 50 states and the incidence is rising and spreading to new areas of the country every year.

Heartworm disease is caused by long thin worms called Dirofilaria immitis that reside in the blood vessels in the lungs of infected animals and, if left untreated, can lead to irreparable damage to the lungs, heart, and other organs in the body. Although heartworms can reside in various mammalian species such as wolves, foxes, coyotes, and even cats, dogs are their natural and preferred hosts, and the most at risk. As the natural host, dogs provide the ideal environment for the heart worms to mature, reproduce, and become a source of infection for other unprotected dogs.

So just how does this transmission occur?

Heartworm disease is not spread by direct contact between infected animals but rather it requires the help of a mosquito for successful disease transmission. Mature female worms residing infected animals will begin to produce “baby” worms called micorfilaria which circulate throughout the bloodstream.

When a mosquito feeds on the infected animal it picks up the microfilaria which will then mature into the infective stage larvae inside the mosquito over a period of ~2 weeks. When the mosquito then bites another susceptible animal, the larvae enter via the mosquito bite and begin to mature over a period of about 6 months and the cycle begins again. The adult heartworms have a lifespan of approximated 5-7 years in the dog and with each mosquito season, unprotected and susceptible animals risk developing an increased worm burden with each new infection.

CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

initial visit, again 6 months later, and then yearly. Dogs over 7 months of age that have not been receiving heart worm preventatives should be tested prior to beginning prevention and retested 6 and 12 months later.

What if the test is positive?

Don’t panic and remember that most infected dogs can be successfully treated and make a full recovery. Your veterinarian will first confirm the positive test with a different test to make sure that your pet is truly positive. If your pet has tested positive for a heartworm infection, your veterinarian will recommend exercise restriction and make sure your pet is

How do I know if my dog is infected?

Early signs of heartworm infection in dogs can go relatively undetected. A veterinarian will perform a yearly blood test to look for a heartworm infection. Due to changing weather patterns, heartier mosquitos, and various wild life carriers, the American Heartworm Society recommends dogs remain on heartworm preventative medications year round and have a heart worm test performed yearly by a veterinarian.

As the heartworms grow and mature, they begin to cause increasing damage to the host and signs such as coughing, listlessness, exercise intolerance, a decrease in appetite, and weight loss can occur. Dogs with very advanced disease can develop abdominal swelling caused by right sided congestive heart failure. In it’s severest form, heartworm disease can be fatal by causing cardiovascular collapse due blockages of large blood vessels.

The good news is that the earlier a heartworm infection is detected, the better chance the animal can be successfully treated and make a full recovery.

When should my dog be tested?

All dogs should be tested yearly, regardless of the type or frequency of preventative medication they are receiving. Puppies less than 7 months of age can begin heartworm preventative medications without a heartworm test but should be tested 6 months after their

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stable prior to treatment. Treatment for adult worms involves a series of injections and oral medication tailored to your pet’s condition as outlined by the American Heartworm Society.

Once your dog has been successfully treated for heartworm infection it will be important to continue your dog on year round heartworm preventatives as recommended by your family veterinarian. Unless your dog is protected, he can be reinfected because a prior infection does NOT mean your dog is immune to heartworms. There are many heartworm preventatives available for our pets and your family veterinarian will help guide you as to the best choice for your pet based on their individual needs. PC

CAN YOUR DOG HAVE CANCER? Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs

By Debra Primovic DVM, Emergency Doctor and Staff Writer, MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets

C

ancer in dogs is common and is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10 years.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth that have the potential to invade and destroy adjacent tissues or spread to distant areas through a process called metastasis.

Cancer can occur just about anywhere in the dog body and there are multiple types of cancer that can occur at each location.

Some types of canine cancer can grow and spread quickly and others can grow slowly with minimal spread. Cancer can occur in any dog of any age but is more common as dogs age.

Because cancer can affect almost any organ or body system, the signs of cancer can include just about any abnormal symptom. The symptoms will depend on the location and type of cancer. For example, if the cancer involves the intestine or stomach, signs will be related to the intestinal tract and may include lack of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and/ or abdominal pain. Some dogs will have blood in their feces or vomit. If the cancer involves the lungs, dog may cough, be lethargic or have trouble breathing.

Not every tumor is cancerous in dogs.

Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and can often be cured with surgical removal. Most types of cancer can be treated with surgery, drug therapy, radiation or a combination of these.

If your dog has any of the above symptoms or you have any concerns about cancer, please see your veterinarian. Your vet will

Signs of Canine Cancer Possible signs of cancer in dogs may include: 1. Lethargy or a decreased energy level 2. Unexplained weight loss 3. Repeated vomiting – especially in older dogs

complete a physical examination and may want to perform additional diagnostic testing including blood work, radiographs (x-rays), a fine needle aspirate or biopsy, or other tests depending on your dog’s symptoms.

Many veterinarians work with specialists to provide a combination of conventional and complementary therapies to treat the cancer, optimize quality of life, and maximize chances for survival. PC

4. Difficulty swallowing or eating 5. Loss of appetite 6. Diarrhea, straining, or difficulty defecating 7. Coughing or labored breathing 8. Persistent lameness 9. Abdominal pain 10. Weakness or collapse 11. Bloody urine or difficulty urinating 12. Any lump, growth or mass including fast growing bumps, firm masses attached to the underlying tissue, pigmented mass, or a mass that changes its character 13. A sore or wound that does not heal

www.petconnections.pet

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Holistic Pet Care immune disease that causes the patient to lose protein through the intestines. He prescribed medications which helped her signs.

Sara seemed to tolerate the medications, however, I still didn’t think she felt well, and her abdomen was always bloated.

Sara didn’t act herself. It was as if she had aged years.

Sara’s Story S

By Patty Kelley, Client Relations Specialist, MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets ara is my 9-year-old beagle mix that I rescued when she was six months old. I wanted to share her story because I believe it could benefit many others.

Sara has always been my happy-go-lucky dog — full of life. She and I have enjoyed agility, nose work and rally. She was my partner when I was learning Healing Touch for Animals.

Through these years, Sara and I have formed a special bond.

In August 2015, I noticed Sara was having bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. I am fortunate to work at one of the best animal hospitals in the country, so I had skilled doctors to consult with.

Sara’s primary veterinarian examined her and performed a fecal study. The results revealed parasites that could cause vomiting and diarrhea, so she prescribed medication to treat them. Sara seemed better, but a week later, she was sitting on the couch and looked at me with those big brown beautiful eyes and I knew that something else was wrong.

Her primary veterinarian suggested I see an internist, who diagnosed Sara with a protein losing enteropathy (PLE). PLE is a serious auto 14 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Later that year, Sara had a small mass on her leg removed. The pathology showed it was a plasmacytoma, a form of cancer. Her oncologist prescribed a chemotherapy pill which Sara took for 10 days, then had 10 days off.

She also seemed to tolerate this well, and everything was status quo for about 9 months. I then saw that same look in Sara’s eyes, telling me something wasn’t right.

While having an acupuncture treatment, Sara’s acupuncturist agreed that something else was going on with her.

Bloodwork showed an elevation in Sara’s liver values. Her internist prescribed an antibiotic, but the liver values continued to rise to dangerous levels. He recommended a biopsy of her liver, intestines and stomach. Sara had those done, and also had 2 more tumors removed. (Poor Sara had stitches everywhere). The biopsies showed that the liver and intestines were fine, but her stomach was very inflamed and angry looking. Sara’s internist felt the liver values were medication related, and switched her to another drug for her PLE. Unfortunately, this made Sara very sick.

During this time, I had been considering changing Sara’s diet. She had always been on a high quality, grain free kibble, but I thought about home cooking or a raw diet. Sara’s oncologist preferred a cooked diet, so that’s what I chose. But where was I to start? With the help of Sara’s primary and integrative

medicine doctors, we began researching an appropriate diet. A holistic nutritionist suggested a low-fat diet that included raw goat’s milk, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Sara’s diet also included bison, duck breast, fresh vegetables and hard boiled eggs. Her integrative doctors prescribed probiotics, enzymes, essential oils and supplements. These included Chinese herbs and Canine Health, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbal formulation. Sara’s internist and oncologist were both very supportive of our plan for Sara.

About 2 weeks after starting the diet, we ran bloodwork on Sara. Her liver values had come back to normal. Her internist was amazed, as we all were. We continue to monitor Sara’s bloodwork periodically, and it remains perfect.

She is now off all medications for PLE, which is nearly impossible in conventional medicine!

And for the icing on the cake — Sara’s oncologist discontinued her chemotherapy and she is cancer free.

But most important, the change in my dog is amazing.

The bloating is gone, she has lost weight, and when I look into her eyes, she says “I’m OK now, mom”. I have my Sara back and my heart soars. Sara’s amazing turn around was due to acupuncture, energy medicine, a home cooked diet and supplements.

I could not have done this without a team approach. All of her doctors had Sara’s best interest at heart, and trusted each other’s expertise. I am eternally grateful to them for listening to me and being supportive of my choices for Sara.

Sara continues to do well and sees her acupuncturist regularly. She is my happy-go-lucky dog again! And Sara continues to remind us that we are what we eat! PC

Call: 614-937-8309 www.peggymills.lifevantage.com

Dr. Doug

The Holistic Vet Welcome massage therapist Diana Powell, CVT and Certified in Pet Massage Therapy

Holistic and Conventional Care 357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009

724-774-8047

beaveranimalclinic.com www.petconnections.pet

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Wellness For Guardians

“Choosing a New Way of Being”

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By Susan Wagner DVM MS ACVIM

espite intensely cold weather here in the upper Midwest, the birds have been singing for weeks, and little critters are showing their faces. While we endured continuing temperatures below zero, the animals were telling us to hold on. No matter what, spring was coming — and what a spring it’s going to be.

There has been a monumental spiritual shift occurring in humanity over the last few years, and this spring marks it’s completion for many people. Recurrent struggles with bitter cold, snow and ice, as well as personal difficulties, are ready to end. It’s a new season, and we can choose to embrace it.

And if we can truly choose a new way of being, we can influence the healing of the rest of the planet.

Many of you have been following the powerful fight between darkness and light.

This battle is apparent as we read stories of global violence and suffering. But our own personal wars may be more difficult to see. Our patterns have been repeating over and over again, but we’ve gotten wiser. The triggers that pull us back into suffering have to be smarter and more subtle in order to reel us in. They’re often just underneath the surface, and it’s difficult to see them — or perhaps we really don’t want to. We’re frustrated from shoveling layers of snow, only to find ice underneath, when our intention was to find a clear and safe path.

We want the daffodils to show up and make it all better, but it’s not quite that easy. Let’s

16 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

not falter now. Yes, the snow is gone, but we can’t get swept away by spring flooding because we’re too exhausted to check the water level in the creek rushing right next to us.

One of the most important themes during this completion time is recognizing danger. We see or feel something that isn’t resonating with us, and we instinctively know that it’s unhealthy. We want to heal it, so we stay connected, when in reality, it’s not in our best interest to engage with it at all. Continuing on this path will cause suffering at some point. It may be physical, emotional or financial.

We must have the courage to see when situations are not in the highest good.

Everyone and everything is connected by a vast energy field. When we continue to stay in drama and pain, we negatively influence the universal energy field, and promote suffering for all beings.

Each of us is here to make a difference whatever that may be. As we follow our healing path, we must remember that the action step itself does not determine the

outcome — the energy and intention behind it does. In other words, it’s not what you do, but how you do it. Walking away from a relationship or job may be very appropriate, but if the dynamic behind leaving is negative (anger, victimization, retaliation) the scenario will continue to be recreated.

In fact, you’re not really moving forward— you’re just going around the block, only to end up back where you started.

It may look a little different, but make no mistake, it’s the same place. And the next stimulus to move on is going to be even stronger.

If a resolution doesn’t seem at all possible, remember the power of spring — rebirth and renewal. Open your heart and ask for guidance. Remind yourself that it’s your heart’s desire to live a peaceful, fulfilling life. Simply intend that you are giving your difficulty to a higher vibration, and let it go.

You may be amazed at what sprouts up to help.

Please take time to regenerate — even if it’s just a few moments to listen to the birds, take a walk, or enjoy the sun on your face.

Quiet reflection is imperative. If you can’t do it daily, then set aside a couple times per week — whatever you can do. Being still isn’t optional —it’s as important for healing as eating and drinking are to your physical body. When asking for clarity, we have to have the patience to receive it! These simple steps keep us aware and resilient, so we can look forward to enjoying blossoming trees and baseball. PC

Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple Ohio Celebrating Companion Animals from the Space of Advitha—Each One is Part of the Whole.

Inner Awakening The most profound inner journey to awaken who you really are

Inner Awakening® is a 21-day spiritual transformation program in India that awakens you to your natural intelligence through yoga at all levels of body and mind. Deriving various techniques and processes from the Vedic scriptures and teachings like Shiva Agamas, Inner Awakening® offers a powerful awakening of the Kundalini Shakti, one’s inner potential, through meditation, spiritual processes, yoga, pranayama, kriyas, and the powerful Shivoham process.

How will Inner Awakening enrich my life?

The Awakening of the Kundalini energy by the power of initiation by a rare living incarnation in just 21 days gives you access to a whole new realm of living. The program works on all the basic dimensions of your life, allowing you to experience deep healing at the physical, mental and emotional levels and the ultimate experience of enlightenment.

You gain a state of deep inner peace coupled with tremendous productivity and creativity.

Becoming constantly aware of every moment provides you with astonishing clarity to fully live the life you love!

For upcoming dates: www.innerawakening.org To register: http://tiny.cc/awakening-petc

Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple Ohio Aadheenam 820 Pollock Road • Delaware, OH 43015 614-571-8425 • meetup.com/Meditation-and-Yoga-for-Wellness youtube.com/lifeblissfoundation

Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple is a traditional Shiva temple and the spiritual center for the teachings of enlightened master Paramahamsa Nithyananda in the Ohio region. Located on the banks of the Olentangy River, the temple is a peaceful, serene energy field designed to elevate consciousness.

The temple offers free meditation, yoga, Sattvic cooking classes, and spiritual solutions for life.

Paramahamsa Nithyananda is revered, regarded, respected and worshipped as the Avatar (living incarnation) of superconsciousness by millions across the globe. He is also the spiritual head of Mahanirvani Peetha, the oldest and largest apex body of Hinduism.

He and his global spiritual community are serving humanity by reviving the science of completion, science of Enlightenment and manifesting various extraordinary spiritual powers as per the Vedic Agamic tradition of Sanatana Hindu Dharma. He is author of 350 books, which are translated and published in 500 titles and various international languages.

His Sangha has a strong presence worldwide through numerous Temples, Aadheenams (Temple monastery complex), Gurukuls (Vedic schools), universities and goshalas (cow shelters).

His live spiritual discourses can be viewed every evening online at nithyananda.tv at 9:30 pm EST. Recorded discourses can be viewed at youtube.com/ lifeblissfoundation. www.petconnections.pet

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Wildlife

Spring In Full Swing For Wildlife

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By Linda Forte-Spearing, Volunteer, Ohio Wildlife Center

affodils. Tree pollen. Baby Animals. Spring has sprung in central Ohio—just ask the folks at Ohio Wildlife Center’s non-profit wildlife hospital in northwest Columbus. Armed with Pack ‘n Plays, kiddie pools, laundry baskets, aquariums and a battalion of dedicated volunteers, the hospital’s 2017 influx of orphaned wildlife is in full swing.

“It happens this time every year,” says Logan Oates, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Center. “Well-intentioned animal lovers bring us fledgling birds, litters of bunnies and buckets of infant squirrels not realizing they may have been better off without our assistance.”

Unlike people, wildlife mothers often leave their babies unattended for hours—and for their own good. This proven strategy keeps them hidden from hungry predators.

Likewise, not all baby birds “fall” from their nests. Initial flights are often unsuccessful, leaving first-time fliers at ground level until they figure it out.

“Animal parents are the most equipped to raise their young,” says Logan. So before you pluck them from their natural environment, consider the following guidelines: BIRDS. If you find a nestling on the ground, and it’s not injured, pick it up and put it back in the nest. Birds have a poor sense of smell and will not reject their young if touched by a human.

If you can’t see the nest or it’s out of reach, construct one from a berry basket or a plastic container partially filled with paper towels to form a depression. (If it’s raining, punch holes in the latter for drainage.) Place the nestling inside and hang it from the tree closest to where you found it. Watch from a respectable distance for the next 30 to 60 minutes. If an adult does not return, the baby is likely an orphan and should be admitted to your local wildlife rehabilitator, as should any injured bird.

Photography by Cassandra Swiatek 18 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Migratory birds of all ages are especially vulnerable to springtime injuries from window strikes. If you find a dazed bird, examine it first for external wounds. If neither wing is dangling, and the eyes appear normal, see if it can perch unassisted in a branch. If so, leave it to recover on its own. If the bird does have a noticeable injury, place it in a shoebox or other dark container, and take it to a wildlife rehabilitator right way. Proper intervention will typically allow broken bones to heal without surgery.

RABBITS. When it comes to bunnies, take special care to check for nests along grass lines, under fences, beneath patio furniture, in woodpiles and around fire pits before mowing your lawn, weed whacking, washing hard surfaces or igniting a flame.

Rabbits camouflage their shallow burrows with grass and fur. If you disturb a nest, and the young are unharmed, cover it back up. If you’re aware of a nest and you don’t see the mother, don’t be alarmed. Rabbits only feed their young before dawn and after dusk.

If you’re concerned, place some string across the top of the nest in a crisscross pattern at dusk and leave for 12 hours.

Or generously sprinkle baking flour around its perimeter and check for footprints after dawn. Either way, you’ll have definitive proof that mom has been there.

If there is no sign the mother has visited the nest by morning, place the young rabbits in a towel-lined shoebox for warmth and transport them to your local wildlife rehabilitator. Always take injured rabbits to a wildlife rehabilitator without delay.

SQUIRRELS. Squirrels typically have their young in tree cavities or make leafy nests 30 to 40 feet from the ground.

Nests can be disrupted during a storm, when a tree is removed, or young may get

too close to the edge and fall out when shifting positions.

If you find a baby squirrel, it’s important to give the mother adequate time to claim her young. Squirrels are not put off by human smells, but if their offspring are cold, they don’t seem to recognize them—so keeping them warm is their best chance for survival.

You can do this by placing the baby in a towel-lined shoebox before returning it to where you found it.

Allow 3 hours for the mother to return. If close to evening hours, bring the squirrel inside and place a towel-lined shoebox on a heating pad (low setting) and try again in the morning. Do not feed the squirrel. If the mother still doesn’t make an appearance, keep warm and bring it to your local wildlife rehabilitator. Seek immediate medical assistance if the squirrel is injured.

SCRAM! WILDLIFE CONTROL Unfortunately, countless animals become orphaned each year when humans forcibly remove adult wildlife from human structures and leave the babies behind.

If you do find unwanted critters living in, around or under your home or business, Ohio Wildlife Center urges you to call their 100% non-lethal Wildlife Control Service at (614) 763-0696 for sound advice and support.

SCRAM! provides permanent solutions to prevent and resolve conflicts between people and Ohio’s native wildlife—even reuniting babies with parents after excluding them from structures to keep wild families intact.

For additional information about SCRAM! or Ohio Wildlife Center, including a listing of the licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area, visit www.ohiowildlifecenter.org. Please call the Center’s monitored information line at 614-793-WILD for help with common wildlife situations. PC

In Remembrance

L remembrance text

Lilly

illy was a cool cat, would nip you during a pet once in a while, but otherwise sweet and got along with everyone. The best thing about Lilly was that she was a huge fan of song...but not just ANY song, she loved “Dixie”.

My husband is known to break in to a random tune out of nowhere and one day, he landed on “Dixie”... “Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away”....not positive on the lyrics but Lilly came running. It blew our minds how much she liked this song.

I always believed that maybe she thought his singing was a wounded animal (he embellishes the songs quite a bit to make them fun.) So, any time we needed to know where Lilly was, all he had to do was sing “Dixie”, and she came running every single time. Maybe she fought for the South in another life. She was brave and tough and even caught a mouse in her 16th year. She also loved her catnip mice and always put them in our shoes as gifts. She was loved and will be missed very much. Thanks for the good times Lillyschmeck.

Distinctive, Rare, Extraordinary Priceless one-of-a-kind work of art Crafted by degreed glass artists in the USA Engrave as desired A small amount of your pet’s cremated remains are included in each memorial 1.888.930.7363

www.crystalremembranceforpets.com www.petconnections.pet

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Equine Affairs

The “Rider’s Pit Stop”

By Kristin Hermann

The rider’s position is the most important aspect of communicating with the horse when mounted. A rider needs a correct position for the horse to understand the signals, and clarity between horse and rider is what makes for a unified partnership. Too often a rider’s signals are muddled because they are not in the correct position to signal the horse. I always use playing a musical instrument as an analogy. If you are learning how to play an instrument and your hands or feet are on the wrong keys, your instrument (or the horse) will always be played (or ridden) out of tune.

The Rider’s Pit Stop is when the rider and horse take a break from training, but this is not time to slump and rest. Yes, the horse gets a break and gets to walk on a long rein, but the aspiring rider, not so much! During this Pit Stop, the rider does a checklist of his or her position. So instead of getting new tires, an oil change or a mechanical adjustment such as a vehicle would in a race car’s pit stop, the rider gets tweaked and adjusted. Checkpoints in the Rider’s Pit Stop would be: is the seat in the middle of the saddle? Is the rider sitting on the sitting bones and not on the lower spine or perching forward?

Are the legs correctly positioned with the inner thigh rotated in so the hip’s are open? Are the balls of the feet placed on the stirrup correctly?

Are the arms relaxed hanging by the sides with a soft bend in the elbow? Riding and communicating to the horse is challenging, so we need to take every moment we have in the saddle and check and fix our position so the horse can understand our signals.

Basic riding position begins with the rider sitting in a vertical alignment with the ears, shoulders, and hips in alignment. This rider’s position is the same whether one is riding in a balanced seat (such as dressage), hunt seat with a shorter stirrup or Western riding. It is the same vertical alignment required when mounted as it is when a rider is walking or standing on the ground.

However, one of the challenges for the rider is to keep this position while signaling the horse in motion. The rider needs to be able to maintain this vertical alignment and “go with the horse” at all three gaits.

Sounds easy, but as a riding instructor for many years, most of my lessons are spent correcting the rider’s position. My constant corrections are paramount, simply because a good riding position makes it easier for the horse to understand 20 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Western Dressage trainer, Ingrid McNamara riding in good alignment.

EquestrianEden.com

The author showing a good riding position on her Spanish Norman horse. the rider. A rider in the correct riding position will signal the horse more fluidly.

I tell my students I cannot fix their position for them. They have to first know what the correct riding position is and then know how to get there by making the adjustments themselves.

However, throughout lessons we are constantly tweaking the rider’s position, because a rider who obtains the correct position will more clearly communicate to the horse and have better results. World champion rider Kyra Kirkland is quoted in her book Dressage with Kyra, “In tennis, for example, it can take up to 100,000 repetitions to learn to serve. If it has to be changed, up to 2,000 correct repetitions may be required just to break the old habit and, depending on how serious the mistake

The Rider’s Pits Stop Alignment Checklist 1 T he rider’s seat is in balance with an elongated spine.

2 The head is balanced in the middle of the shoulders and the eyes straight ahead.

3 The arms bending with a soft elastic elbow that will follow the forward and back nod of the horse’s head and neck.

4 The sides of the legs are positioned so the inner thigh is in contact with the horse while keeping the hips open.

5 The balls of the feet resting in the stirrups and the heels slightly down. The rider’s feet should be facing forward nearly parallel to the horse.

is, 100,000 more repetitions maybe necessary before the new pattern becomes a reflex.” I joke about this quote and how that study is good for my income because even if I tell a student one hundred times in one lesson to look between the horse’s ears, it will take 20 more lessons of me telling them one hundred times each lesson to get to 2,000. So with statistics like that, the rider best use the rider Pit Stop to make as many adjustments as possible.

Not only does the rider need to think about the vertical alignment required for riding when on the horse, but when they are in between riding sessions. A smart rider works every day to create more strength, flexibility and coordination by doing Pilates, Yoga or going to the gym. Having a constant awareness of how you use your body during the day will also make for better riding when mounted. When I drive my car, I have a back pillow so I maintain my posture. In a chair I make sure I am sitting on my seat bones and not my coccyx, or lower spine and when I am walking, I make sure my eyes are up and my toes are facing straight ahead. I go out of my way to be aware of how I use my body doing every day things. Correct harmonious riding is not just a journey, it is a pilgrimage!

At Coventry Equestrian Center, I use part of the indoor arena wall as a chalkboard for lessons, and there is a big note on the wall that says, “No slumping zone.” Don’t think you are going to ride on one of our horses and then during a walk break slump and “rest!” Nope, a walk break at Coventry means fix your seat, adjust your foot in the stirrup, rotate the thigh back, relax the shoulders and enjoy only five thousand more times to make those adjustments until you get to 100,000 because you have entered the Rider Pit Stop.

Suggested Reading Simplify Your Riding by Wendy Murdock Connected Riding Peggy Cummings PC

A Horse a Day Keeps the Doctor Away — That’s My Motto!

By Susan Wagner DVM MS ACVIM

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he weather’s finally broken after a long harsh winter, and I’m itching to do a few farm visits. There’s something special about springtime on a farm. It must be the new life all around – lambs, foals, calves and lots of daffodils and forsythia.

There’s one special horse I can’t visit this year. She’s passed on, but her healing energy survives. Her name was Sweet Adeline, and she was one of the healing horses at Serendipity Stables in York, Ohio.

I don’t think the owner had any idea of how appropriate the name was at the time she chose it. Sweet Adeline is one of the most amazing creatures to ever to walk this planet. I don’t make statements like that lightly.

I was blessed to do energy medicine on Sweet Adeline a few times, and I have never felt anything so powerful before or since. I think she was helping me more than I was treating her.

Her miraculous story began as a healing horse — mostly for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She and her companions have helped hundreds of children from all over the world. One Sunday afternoon in 2002, Serendipity Stables was hosting its monthly open house. The barn was small and modest, no match for the F3 tornado that hit suddenly with 150 mph winds. All structures on the farm were destroyed, two horses were killed and three were severely wounded.

During this fateful day, Serendipity put 12 people next to this amazing creature. As the storm hit, Sweet Adeline kicked three

I was blessed to do energy medicine on Sweet Adeline a few times, and I have never felt anything so powerful before or since. I think she was helping me more than I was treating her.

people to the ground to prevent them from running out of the barn, then pinned all of them between her body and the wall. She endured flying metal that turned into shrapnel, severely injuring her. Sweet Adeline never moved, saving the lives of everyone.

The Ohio Veterinary Medical Association honored her with the Outstanding Animal Hero Award.

But her story doesn’t end there! Two years later, Sweet Adeline had an accident that crushed a joint in her left rear leg.

Orthopedic specialists suggested euthanasia. The odds of a successful surgery were slim, and even if they tried, it was very likely that one of her other legs would founder during the healing process. Horses need all four legs — they just can’t survive on three.

The veterinary recommendation was reasonable and compassionate, but they didn’t understand that this was Sweet Adeline they were examining.

Donations came from everywhere for the surgery. She made it through, but the leg never completely healed.

Unlike any normal horse, Sweet Adeline didn’t let that stop her. She had more healing work to do. She toe-touched on that back leg for years, and all three of her other legs remained healthy.

I always enjoyed the looks on my veterinary students’ faces when they would see her wobbling out of her stall.

She was nothing short of a miracle in action.

Sweet Adeline lived for 4 years until the leg finally became too painful for her.

I’ve heard stories of people photographing her empty stall, then seeing a horse standing there once the pictures were developed.

Others have said they would catch a horse out of the corner of their eye. When they turned, it was gone.

Imagination? Perhaps. One thing I know for sure is that nothing can keep energy like that down. Wherever Sweet Adeline is right now, you can be sure someone next to her is healing. PC www.petconnections.pet

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PRESENTING EQUINE EXPO SPONSOR

2017 PETCON Pet & Equine Expo

Join us for a weekend of fun with friends and family!

Produced by: PetConnections magazine

Washington County Fairgrounds & Expo Center

May 13th & 14th Saturday 9am-8pm & Sunday 9am-6pm

Kids 12 & Under: FREE Military & Veteran: FREE General Admission: $10 - Seniors 65+: $8

Your well-behaved pets are welcome! Donating 10% of ticket and concession sales to participating organizations!

FEATURING:

Adoptable Pets Costume Contest Pony Rides Seminars Giveaways Craft Fair Tack Swap Dog Agility Demos Horse Demos HAAWC Fundraising Gala Pet, Horse and Home Exhibitors

A Special Thank you to all our Sponsors!

www.petconnections.pet

info@pghpetconnections.com

724.292.7387