February 2018 Downeast Dog News

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Hot Dog News

Basic Training Tips

INSIDE 2 6

Inc., or YGRR, serves the six New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut,

Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue,

By Susan Spisak

Volume 13 • Issue 2 • February 2018

Dogs for Adoption

Calendar of Events

14

See GOLDENS on page 5

Turkey, China, and Egypt without hindering their stateside mission.

Allyson MacKenna, YGRR’s Executive Director, said to her knowledge this Hudson, Massachusetts based 501(c)(3) rescue, incorporated in 1985,

12 & 13

DOWNEASTDOGNEWS.COM

Shaggy to Chic Grooming Special

8&9

Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, and it’s clear they revere their favored breed. While YGRR takes in young and healthy Goldens, they also excel in re-homing not only seniors but those with orthopedic needs--and in recent years their efforts have gone global to include rescues from the countries of

For the Love of Goldens

Mariah rescued from Turkey

DowneastDogNews.com

FRE E

Hot Dog News

Downeast Dog News

Food Bank Fundraiser

PUBLISHER Jenn Rich

Green Acres Kennel Shop has raised a total of

$8172.52 for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank in a fundraiser that started on November 19th. Members of the community donated a total of $6172 in 173 individual donations, and Green Acres Kennel Shop gave an additional $2000, bringing the total to $8172.52. All of the funds raised will be used to purchase pet food and supplies, at wholesale prices, for distribution by the Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Over the past ten years, Green Acres Kennel Shop has raised over $40,000 for this important cause which helps keep seniors and their pets together.

Green Acres Kennel Shop co-owner Don Hanson stated: “This is an event that my team and I look forward to every year because we know how much it means to the folks and pets who will be the beneficiaries of the money we raise. Helping keep people and pets together is not only the right thing to do it is the best thing to do for the entire community. Every year we have clients, friends, and members of the community that donate to help us reach our goal. My team and I cannot thank them enough. Whether it is a $1 donation or a $1000 donation, it all helps. Thank you and Happy New Year!”

The Eastern Area Agency on Aging is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization serving Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington counties dedicated to providing seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers with a variety of options, opportunities, resources, and referrals. (http://www. eaaa.org).

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Another month has passed already! I am very pleased that the subzero temperatures are also behind us. Poor Pepper was getting cabin fever, but that was just way too cold to spend any time outside.

We are also adjusting to moving our office to our home.

I think she is starting to get used to it, but at first it was difficult to understand why we didn’t go into the office anymore and why am I spending so much time in the “cat’s room” where she is not allowed to go. I know she misses our officemates, especially her buddy Marion who fed her treats and came by for a friendly visit now and then.

She is however quite comfortable with the option of her loveseat, the big couch, and her doggie bed. I came out one day and she was on the loveseat and the cat was on the big couch. That gave me a little chuckle. I think the cat is also wondering why I am in his room (location of the cat box and cat food).

We still visit the dog park as that is one of her favorite places to go. I would like to remind people that cleaning up your dog poop is not a seasonal thing. At one point it was getting pretty ridiculous and that is hazardous to everyone’s health and really disgusting when it warms up and the snow melts. It’s easy to see in the snow so please pick it up and help keep our pups healthy. Of course, if you love dogs enough to read this paper, you’re probably cleaning up your mess right? So please help spread the word.

Have a wonderful February! I hope it stays a reasonable temperature so we might enjoy some time outdoors.

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News ....................... 2 Furry Words .......................... 4 Ask the Vet............................. 4 Basic Training Tips ................. 6 Ask Bammy............................. 7 Shaggy to Chic.................... 8,9 Performance Dog Training.....10 Words, Woofs & Meows ...... 11 Rescue of the Month.............12 Dogs for Adoption................ 13 Calendar of Events ............... 14 Business Directory ............... 15

3

GOLDENS from page 1

When I tell you February is the

month for celebrating love, what’s your visceral reaction? Are you one of those people who dread Valentine’s Day or do you get all squishy and excited when you pass by the pink and red boxes of candy that seem to fill every store? My perspective on it has varied over the years depending on how I’m feeling emotionally.

Some years I think it’s lovely that we are reminded to celebrate our love for each other, and others I’ve only found joy the day all the unsold candy goes on sale. Sound familiar? Wouldn’t the world be a happier place if dogs got to celebrate Valentine’s Day, too?

First of all, I have to remind you how much your dog loves you. The ones who would run out and buy all the heart shaped boxes loaded with chocolate are the ones who are the most vocal about this in readings. It’s like they are your marketing guru and it’s their job to convince me just how perfect you really are.

Of course, most people want to know if their pets know how much they’re loved and if there’s anything else they could do to make them even happier. The

The Value of Honey Q. I take honey all the time for

so many maladies. Can I give it to my dog? Will it work?

Furry Words

by Sara Moore www.enlightenedhorizons.com

dogs are usually looking at me as if to say, “DUH! Of COURSE I know! I’m awesome!” and then they gush about how much they love you, too! I recently had one dog energetically lean in to me and kind of point at the owner and whisper, “Are they serious?

Do you get a lot of people asking this?” I burst out laughing and had to explain that her dog

Ask the Vet…

by Dr. Judith Herman

A. Honey has been used for

centuries. It has been used for many conditions, of which some are scientifically proven to be helpful but others are antidotal and unproven.

Raw honey is what most people use. The honey you can find in the grocery store has been pasteurized.

Honey has two forms of sugar, fructose and glucose. It can be absorbed right into the blood stream, so dogs who are diabetic should not be fed honey. Besides sugar honey has many vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

It is used in medicine for wound management. In veterinary medicine, when we have a wound that can’t be sutured, such as road burns, burns, fight wounds, we would apply the honey over the entire area and bandage. The bandage is changed often. The

antibacterial properties will kill the bacteria and allow healing called granulation. Small injuries can be cleaned, then apply the honey and bandaged at home. Again the bandage is changed often.

When your dog comes down with a respiratory infection and has a nasty cough, honey is much better than anything you could find over the counter at the pharmacy.

Honey is soothing as well as antiinflammatory. It works by coating the throat to decrease the irritation

thought that question was a waste of time.

Another thing that’s associated with the love holiday is celebrating your love by giving your partner a gift. When taking your dog to its favorite store to pick out a new toy or treat, most people wait to see what gets it the most excited and then happily get the toy or treat for it. Why? Because you love your dog so much it’s fulfilling to watch it dance around with joy! When someone asks you what you want as a token of the dog’s love, speak up! I challenge you not to say, “Oh, whatever you get will be fine…..” Really? Then maybe you’ll just get a dog treat, too!

Just kidding. If you’re reading this, you’d be happy to pass it along to your pup, so that’s a bad example. But be like your dog: ask for what you want and be clear about it!

Remember that you are just as awesome as your dog thinks you are. If you tell your dog it is just the sweetest, most beautiful thing ever, it KNOWS you are telling the truth and the dog believes it. Why wouldn’t it? You said it, so it must be true! When someone tells you the same, I bet that more often

than not you bumble through some awkward excuse for why that person is wrong. Stop it!

Say thank you! Be like your dog!

Smile, stand proud and if even for a moment, let yourself be loved!

Finally, there are the people who have no one to go home to on this holiday meant for lovers.

Well, if you have a dog, this statement is null and void. Your dog will always be happy to see you! It will not judge you, you don’t even need to get it anything (although many have requested things in readings) and since chocolate is toxic to dogs, you get to eat it all yourself! Sometimes a snuggle with your four legged is better than anything else. Just be sure to tell your dog how much you love it, and maybe even tell it why. I’m sure it will let you know the feeling is mutual.

to the nerve endings. The honey will decrease the inflammation causing the cough. With the antibacterial properties, it is a winner. You can give the honey often to stop the cough.

In some literature, it is said that honey is good for allergies. Since it is made from pollen, little particles of the pollen can be in the honey.

The idea is with exposure to the small amount of pollen, your dog will slowly become desensitized to whatever he is allergic too. There are no research studies to support this claim.

Honey has been shown to help older people with their short term memory. The theory is that the anti-oxidants help prevent brain cell damage. Others feel that honey helps the absorption of calcium which in turn aids in brain health.

We don’t know if this would be effective in dogs with dementia, but it wouldn’t hurt to give our old buddies a boost with a little honey each day.

If your dog is restless at night and has trouble sleeping, you may want to try honey. In people, honey before bed may help increase melatonin that is a hormone necessary for quality sleep. Honey also contains the amino acid called tryptophan which is in many calming supplements. Again, this

has not been studied so we don’t know if it will work.

If Fluffy has digestive problems, you can try honey. It may help with gastritis, IBD, colitis, and other gastrointestinal problems. Usually a teaspoon of honey in his food will be enough.

The honey with the most research behind it is Manuka honey.

This honey from New Zealand has shown to be high in antibacterial properties.

When looking for honey to buy, local raw honey is best. I don’t suggest raw honey in puppies because their immune systems haven’t developed and cases of botulism have been reported in infants from honey. If they are a year or older, honey should be fine.

Remember that honey is a sugar and if your companion is a diabetic, I wouldn’t recommend it being taken internally. If your companion has a weight problem, you need to cut back his calories if you add honey to his diet. Also, if your dog is suffering from any health problem, it is best to see your veterinarian first before medicating with honey.

Sara Moore is a psychic for people and pets, has an office in North Conway, NH but is also available for phone readings and private events. FMI go to enlightenedhorizons.com, email enlightenedhorizons@gmail.com or call (603)662-2046.

Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com

is the oldest breed specific non-profit still in operation. And because there’s been a steady decline of Goldens needing rescue since about 2008--especially in New England--they began accepting Golden mixes in the summer of 2015.

They boast a kennel/headquarters named “Riverview,” complete with runs and a quarantine area, where their much-loved dogs live comfortably until they’re placed in their forever homes. The staff and volunteers search to find perfect adopters, and to date, they’ve rescued over 5,500 dogs, including 161 international Goldens.

They’ve brought about 120 Turkey dogs to New England, and MacKenna even adopted Mariah, a beautiful cream gal that stole her heart on sight.

CHINA & BEYOND

HOMELESS TURKEY DOGS

There have been reports that roughly tens of thousands of dogs roam Turkish streets…and it’s been estimated that at one time, upwards of 2,000 of them were Golden Retrievers. Golden pups were once a Turkish status symbol, imported and also bred through local puppy mills, but as they aged and owners lost interest, they were discarded at shelters or onto streets.

The shelters spay/neuter, vaccinate for rabies, and ear tag to not only identify the dogs but to indicate they’ve been altered and vetted, but because Turkey’s shelters are no-kill, when they’re full, dogs are released into streets or forests and must fend for themselves. They beg for food or eat mud, rocks, or garbage. And there’s a great risk of being hit by cars.

An American in Istanbul noticed the shocking number of stray Goldens and contacted Adopt a Golden Atlanta, or AGA. AGA squared away logistics with Turkish rescuers, shelters, and street volunteers, and they began bringing the Goldens to the states for adoption in 2015. MacKenna was aware of AGA’s efforts, and she also spoke to the National Rescue Committee president, a committee of the Golden Retriever Club of America, which supports the Turkey project. So, in late 2015, YGRR delved into the Turkey mission as did many other US and CAN rescues.

The Goldens chosen by participating rescues are quarantined prior to travel, given a medical exam, rabies shot, and receive a passport. They’re transported safely in their own disinfected crates, on pallets of 18, via cargo airlines. MacKenna said for that first rescue, they banded with three other East Coast rescues for cost effectiveness to split one pallet of dogs (it’s roughly $2k per crate/dog). Unsure of what to expect and with a small quarantine area in their kennel (they’ve

Seela - Egyptian Rescue

now expanded it to hold 22), YGRR requested only three dogs.

MacKenna was nervous when they met that first plane. How would these dogs behave, especially after a long flight? Her fears were quickly dispelled. “Basically these 18 dogs arrived and they all walked out of their crates, [and it was as if they said], ‘Oh, we love you. We’re going for a walk? Another car ride? Great!’ They were just Golden Retrievers.” When YGRR’s board met them, they couldn’t believe what loving personalities they had and resolved to continue rescuing Turkey’s homeless dogs.

“That’s why we started this mission in the first place. For the love of this specific breed.”

They had the room at their kennel, and adopters willing to take them. “Seemed like a win-win.”

With many other rescues aiding in Turkey, they looked for other international rescue possibilities. They turned to China because of the millions of dogs that vanish to dog meat slaughterhouses, meat markets, and dog meat festivals, or are euthanized in shelters. And according to MacKenna, this breed is a popular one in China, with plenty of puppy mills, so more Goldens are at risk.

She talked to Jill Groves, President of Golden Bond Rescue in Portland, Oregon as they have an Asian rescue program. Groves told MacKenna about her visit to a shelter in China, “‘No lie, there were nine Goldens in that shelter alone.’” Municipal areas have dog height restrictions--14” and under at the shoulder. So if an adult Golden is discovered, authorities will seize the dog and dump the dog in a shelter, where they’re euthanized on day seven. And there’s fear that they may be “adopted” for resale to the meat market trade.

Independent local rescues pull dogs as they can, including Together for Animals in China (togethertac.org/), with whom they and other rescues have a partnership. China rescuers often look for Goldens as they know US groups will accept them--making room in their own local rescue for other dogs in need.

The illegal dog meat industry is a focus for China’s rescuers as well. Stolen from families or pulled off the streets, dogs are carted off in trucks to slaughterhouses. Activists watch for the trucks and alert the authorities and notify other rescuers via social media. They converge on these vehicles at rest stops or stoplights and attempt to save the dogs. They’re often loaded with 400 or more dogs, and MacKenna said that some are in such bad shape that they must be euthanized on the spot.

Rescued dogs awaiting transport spend 30 days in quarantine in a Five-Star boarding facility (there are plenty of dog-loving people in that country that pamper their pets). YGRR’s Adoption Coordinator Devon Spirka and Kennel Manager Lucille Brooks made the first trip to Beijing to rescue their initial dogs. The duo met

See GOLDENS on page 7

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Downeast Dog News

February 2018

5

Our Dogs are Calculating Geniuses!

Staying Beyond Arm's Length

The frisbee is quickly airborne,

arcing up, spinning, lifting, then descending and BAM, the dog leaps up and snatches it out of the sky with seemingly little effort. Brilliant!

If you’ve ever watched a dog catch an object, you know it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. They have to calculate the trajectory of the object and calibrate/recalibrate its path in real-time, all the while positioning themselves strategically for their goal: the intersect!

The “instinctive arithmetic” dogs possess gives them a veritable superpower when it comes to flying objects and movement. After all, they are predators and this genetically-programmed power combined with plenty of practice demonstrates their forebears’ highly-tuned hunting skills. The game of fetch is, in essence, a byproduct of their ancestors’ quest for survival.

So... why do we think we can outsmart them, outrun or outmaneuver them when they possess this superpower and we are but slow-moving bipeds with visually loud and obvious intentions?

They are astute observers of even the subtlest movement which

Basic Training Tips

by Diana Logan

provides them with valuable insider information on what’s most likely about to occur next. If for some reason they dislike it, they will activate evasive tactics.

Do you have a dog who tries to avoid you, who runs away when you want to put on his leash, dodges your every move or stays just beyond your reach? Dogs know precisely how long our arms are. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. There are things you can do and not do to minimize your dog’s avoidance behavior.

“REFLEXIVE MAGIC”

If your dog shows the slightest hint of even thinking about avoiding you, STOP. Don’t try again or get mad or move faster. It may work once, but it’s unlikely to be a successful strategy going forward.

Your dog will simply reset his navigational system to anticipate your behavior in the future. You need to change tactics, change your behavior and habits. Pronto. You are dealing with a pro!

Our dogs avoid because, in their minds, something bad might happen. You need to do everything in your power to turn what he considers bad into something great. You will do this through skills training and generous rewards.

Did you know that facing your dog, in canine communication, is a signal to stay outside of your personal space? If you want him to come, it’s better to face the direction you want him to go and then reward him generously for coming with you. A practice to avoid at all costs is chasing your

dog or removing something from his mouth against his will; these things will increase his desire to avoid you. Teach him a good recall and a “drop it” instead.

Play loads of “with me” games such as following, chasing you, targeting, etc. Teach your dog to perch on objects, which will keep him stationary. Teach your dog the “middle” position. In this position, you are standing and straddling your dog between your legs. Simultaneously feed your dog and reach down to secure his collar.

PREVENT AVOIDANCE

Put a short line on your dog (but at least as long as your arm) and attach it to his body harness.

Eliminating the choice to avoid you sets you up to be able to reward him. A client's dog taught her owner the not-so-fun game of having to chase her down to put her collar on. I instructed her to invite her dog into a small room (her bathroom) and then put the collar on with the leash already attached. She gave her treats, too, and soon the dog was happy to have the collar put on. After several weeks, she was able to simply put the collar on her dog wherever she was, without treats. It was just a matter of changing the pattern.

What does your dog tend to avoid? How might you help change his mind?

I am a Carolina Dog, a breed

that long ago owned Native American people. We were designed by natural selection to be so intelligent and physically superior that we survived without humans. My greatgrandfather was caught from the wild. I can offer advice based on the natural instincts and abilities of wild dogs. My human and I have had lots of training classes and other experiences. Some humans call themselves Mom or Dad of their dog, but I call my human, tongue in cheek, Boss. Much as I love her, I admit she has many of the same odd notions as most humans, so I can relate to other dogs with problem humans. If I can’t help, at least I can offer sympathy, and we can have fun talking about our amazing humans. Please send your questions! Bammy, 280 Pond Rd. Newcastle, ME 04553, or email: askbammy@tidewater.net Dear Readers, Boss and I have a little problem. I wonder if any of you have the same trouble. I think it’s because she isn’t going for enough walks. You can’t blame her. It’s either cold or wet or windy. And it can be awfully hard running through deep snow. Believe me, as

Ask Bammy An Advice Column for Dogs by a Dog

a southerner, I hate winter weather as much as anyone. Sometimes when I ask to go out and she opens the door, I get a blast of snow in my face. I back up fast and run into the kitchen.

The problem is we both think about food all the time. She looks in the refrigerator, looks all around the kitchen. and then walks away with a big sigh. I can’t get into the ‘fridge, but sometimes I find something to eat. Yesterday

I opened the doors under the sink and got the compost bucket.

Mostly old egg shells. Funky! Then she gets annoyed, but it’s her fault for leaving food where I can get it.

For a while I had a good thing going. I trained her to give me treats while she was eating her supper. It was pretty easy, so try it. I just interrupted her supper. I yanked the bed out of my crate and shook it. That’s fun anyway, and it always gets her attention. I wandered around and whined and looked pathetic. Pretty soon she learned to give me a bone or a toy with peanut butter in it. I’d reward her by settling down for a while.

Then I’d start another training round. I found that bringing her something like the recipe file or a box of matches got her attention.

Flinging a roll of toilet paper so it unrolled was pretty good. I think the best was walking into the dining room, head high, swinging the toilet brush by the tip of its handle. She couldn’t scold me very well while she was laughing. Then she gave me my hydrant toy with peanut butter frozen in it. She thought if she waited a little before she gave it to me, I wouldn’t think she was rewarding me. Hah! I’m smarter than that! So try training your human. It’s really easy! There must be hundreds of fun ways to get a snack.

But now she’s getting wise to me. She puts a little bit of my supper in a toy that I have to hold by the top so kibbles fall out the bottom. When I’ve gotten them all, she waits until I’m somewhere else and then puts in a few more.

She can string it out until she has finished her own supper, and she’s an amazingly slow eater!

Sometimes I get impatient with that stingy toy and take it to her. If she doesn’t help, I bark at her. But you’d think she’s deaf. I went in the bathroom to get the brush or some toilet paper, and she threw that awful bunch of keys behind me. I’m not afraid of them because she isn’t throwing them at me, but the noise makes me skitter. So I wandered back looking casual, and just as I opened my mouth to grab the bed out of my crate, she stood up and closed the gate! No treat!

No fun! She didn’t even look at me or say anything. I gave up and lay down by the heater.

Well, pups, give this a try and let me know if you can make it work.

Good luck training your humans, Bammy The Ask Bammy column is intended for humor and entertainment. If your dog has behavioral issues please contact a veterinarian or professional trainer.

Diana Logan, CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed Pet Connection Dog Training, North Yarmouth, Maine | www.dianalogan.com | 207-252-9352

Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital

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6

Downeast Dog News

GOLDENS from page 5 their friend, Groves from Golden Bond, as well as the vets who examine, vaccinate and spay/neuter their dogs.

They learned about coordinating travel paperwork and mandatory permits, making future trips for their other volunteers smoother.

Instead of using high-taxed cargo shipments out of China, they depend on flight volunteers to escort their dogs (who are crated and travel in the baggage compartment), and navigate them through customs.

Including vetting and ticket for escort and crate, the cost per dog is roughly $1,500. They’ve rescued 17 dogs so far and agreed to take in 20 more from a slaughterhouse rescue.

MacKenna said that 50 Goldens could be sent to the US every day for a year, and there’d be plenty more who’d need saving.

Their foray into Egyptian rescues is reflective of YGRR’s soft hearts. A foster-based rescue contacted them about Seela, a Golden with serious orthopedic problems. With no available home, they reached out to YGRR, who couldn’t refuse. They’ve taken her to an orthopedic specialist and neurologist, and it’s believed she may have a rare condition that’s caused her hind end issues.

While there’s still hope, MacKenna indicated that her back legs may have to be amputated at the knees-but they’ll fit her with prosthetics for ease of mobility. They’ve also accepted three more Egyptian dogs, two pups and a dog without a paw.

February 2018

ANNIVERSARY OF THE BREED

Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks was interested in hunting and sporting dogs, so in 1868 he bred Nous, a Wavycoated Retriever, to Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel, at his historic Guisachan House farm and kennels in Scotland.

Their pups, three yellow wavy-coated puppies named Crocus, Cowslip, and Primrose were the foundation litter of the Golden Retriever breed.

(Marjoribanks is commonly referred to as Lord Tweedmouth, the title he took after elevated to nobility 13 years after that first litter.)

This year is the 150th anniversary of the Golden breed and the celebration in the Scotland Highlands is called “The Guisachan Gathering,” which is hosted by the worldwide non-profit, Friends of Guisachan.

Interestingly enough, this non-profit was founded by YGRR member and one time board member, Joy Viola.

The celebration is July 13 to 22, and YGRR is selling tickets including airfare to the event, which is open to the public (www.ygrr.org/ trip-guisachan-gathering-scotlandcelebrate-150th-anniversary-goldenretriever-breed-july-13-22-2018/).

Of course, MacKenna, Viola, and other YGRR members are attending, joining others from across the world, because they have a deep love for the Golden Retriever breed.

For more info on YGRR, including the trip to Scotland and their international rescues, visit www.ygrr.org.

Planning for summer trips and visits? We can help by boarding your four-legged friends!

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7

Shaggy to Chic Whether it’s routine maintenance or a fancy

style you are looking for, just like humans, our furry companions need a trip to the salon once in a while. How often can be determined by your dog’s breed, age, and health.

While some simple procedures such as bathing or brushing can be done at home, some things are better left to the professionals. When home grooming, do not use a brush made for a long haired dog on a dog with shorter fur. It can scratch and/or irritate its skin. How often you brush depends on the dog. It would be best to brush long haired dogs weekly. This will also help make the groomer’s job easier and help prevent painful mats.

Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to infection, so routine cleaning may be necessary.

It is also not uncommon to discover lumps or parasites during a thorough grooming routine.

Learn how much grooming your dog needs and keep it on a schedule.

Most often, a trained professional can more safely handle tricky procedures and frightened animals. To avoid unwanted cuts and harm to your dog, severe mats should always be removed by someone with experience. Do not let mats go all winter because you will be shaving them off in the spring. In the meantime, it can be painful, cause hotspots, sores, or other skin conditions. Nail trimming can also be painful for a dog if not done properly.

Grooming may include bathing, brushing, nail trimming, mat removal, ear cleaning, flea

6

7

professional dog grooming

baths, and more. Each groomer may use different techniques and tools of the trade. Some cage dry while others may take the handheld approach.

Groomers will all have their own preferences when it comes to shampoos and conditioners.

Find someone that uses methods that make you most comfortable, and alert the groomer if your

1

dog has a condition which may require the use of special products.

Talk to your groomer to avoid any confusion about the style or type of cut you are looking for. Perhaps you are just looking for something

See GROOMING on page 11

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Downeast Dog News

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8

February 2018

5 Portland 6

Saco Coastal/Southern ME 3

9

Training Your Performance Dog Agility, Obedience, Tracking

by Carolyn Fuhrer

Agility For All Agility, if introduced and taught

correctly, can be a wonderful experience for almost any dog.

Agility can help build confidence by exposing dogs to different surfaces, textures, and shapes dictated by the nature of the equipment. It can also help build coordination and body awareness as well as increase strength. Agility is a wonderful way to engage the mind by presenting different problems for the dog to solve.

Besides all these benefits for the dog, agility provides a great opportunity for the handler and dog to form a wonderful working

relationship. The handler must be able to communicate to the dog while the dog and handler are both moving and to direct the dog in a certain path throughout the course.

Dogs need to have some basic obedience – “wait” and “come” and “with me” will help things go

smoother, and because dogs will learn to focus on instructions to gain rewards (usually food or toys), these basic obedience skills are easy to teach because the dogs want to do the work. They want to play agility because it is fun, and they can earn rewards.

Agility can teach a handler a lot about how to motivate and focus his dog and how not to pressure him and to help him learn at his own pace.

A safe, progressive introduction to agility equipment is extremely important. Dogs should be taught, so they want to do the work, not lured onto obstacles with trepidation. Correct introduction builds confidence and helps to ensure safe performance. A good instructor can modify a course for all skill levels for both dogs and handlers.

Handlers learn to understand and work with their dogs. Many handlers are surprised how much focus it takes from the handler to keep the dog engaged. Without clear communication from the handler, the dog is really on his own and the results may not be what you want. Handlers must take on the responsibility of communication and be willing

to present information at a pace and in a format the dog can understand.

Agility provides a medium for dogs to work on self-control skills such as start line stays, table performance, and contacts. Dogs also learn to work in the company of other dogs and still be able to focus on their handlers and the “job of agility”. Dogs learn self control by watching and having to wait for their turns while the other dogs run the course.

If you are interested in agility, it is important that you find a place to introduce your dog to this wonderful sport safely and correctly. Because a friend of yours may do agility with his dog does not necessarily mean that friend can teach you and your dog to do agility. Agility is NOT a free- for-all where dogs just run around jumping and climbing on things. If you push him too far, too fast, and he becomes worried about certain experiences, your dog can have great setbacks in learning.

There is no substitute for quality instruction from someone who not only knows how to play agility but also knows how to teach it properly.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 100 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine.

She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

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10

Brambell’s Five Freedoms and how they provide a valuable reference point for assessing a dog’s quality of life. I discussed the first of the freedoms: Freedom from Hunger and Thirst. This month we will examine Freedom from Discomfort.

by Don Hanson ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Discomfort: 1. an inconvenience, distress, or mild pain 2. something that disturbs or deprives of ease 3. to make uncomfortable or uneasy – Collins English Dictionary Many things in our dog’s life may cause pain or anxiety.

This may vary in individual dogs depending on their genetics, temperament, anatomy, size, age, and other variables.

• Are you familiar with how your dog expresses discomfort so that you recognize when your dog is anxious and afraid?

– Dogs often indicate stress by various changes in their body language, often called calming or displacement signals. Signs such as looking away, yawning, and tongue flicks will typically occur before signals such as growling or snapping. If you wish to keep your dog comfortable, you first need to know how they indicate their discomfort. Just because a dog is not reacting does not mean they are comfortable. Most people have not been taught how dogs communicate, yet it is one of the most important things they need

photo credit: debra bell

to know. ( FMI – http://bit.ly/ DogsSignsofFear ) • Is your dog’s environment free from things that may cause anxiety, stress, and pain? This will vary with the individual dog.

Common causes of anxiety can include children, adults, other animals, objects, loud noises, having their picture taken, having their nails trimmed, being hugged, wearing a costume, and many more. One of the easiest ways to avoid these issues is to spend time thoughtfully socializing and habituating your puppy to novel stimuli during

• Does your dog have shelter from the elements, especially extremes of temperature, wind, and precipitation? This one seems straightforward, yet every year dogs are left out in dangerous weather and freeze to death.

• Does your dog have a quiet, comfortable place where it can rest undisturbed and where it will feel safe? Dogs, like people, need downtime and a place where they will feel secure and safe so that they can get adequate rest.

People and especially kids need to respect the adage, “Let sleeping dogs lie.”

• If you have multiple pets, does each pet have adequate resources? Many people have multiple pets. Do the pets get along and enjoy each other, or is there frequent conflict? Are there sufficient resources (food, space, and attention) for all of the pets?

If your dog feels it does not have what it needs to survive, or if it feels threatened or intimidated by another pet in your home, it is not free of discomfort.

• Do you maintain your dog's physical condition, so it does not experience discomfort?

– Fifty percent of the dogs in the US are clinically obese. Just as with people, obesity often causes pain and discomfort.

Many dogs with long coats require weekly grooming by us to prevent their coats from becoming tangled and matted and uncomfortable.

Next month we will examine the Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease To read previous articles in this series visit the Downeast Dog News website at https:// downeastdognews.villagesoup. com/ or visit Don’s blog at https:// www.words-woofs-meows.com

GROOMING from page 8 simple while others might be more looking for something more specific to their breed. Do a little research on the different styles and just be very clear with your description. Make sure you choose a cut you are willing to maintain and that fits both your needs and those of your dog.

Before your appointment, be sure that your dog is up-to-date on his vaccines. Share any necessary information in regards to your dog’s health and temperament.

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| 739 Warren Avenue, Portland | AnimalEmergencySpecialtyCare.com

Last month I introduced you to

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS

its critical socialization period which occurs between 8 and 16 weeks of age. (FMI – http://bit. ly/SocializationPuppy ) If your dog was older than 16 weeks of age when it joined your family, it is very likely that it was not adequately or appropriately socialized. Remedial socialization is possible with an older dog, but it is even more essential that you plan such sessions carefully and that you proceed slowly.

In this case, consulting with a professional fear-free, forcefree, pain-free trainer is highly recommended. ( FMI – http://bit. ly/HowToChooseADogTrainer ) • Have you trained your dog?

When a dog joins a family, many expect it to automatically fit in even though dogs and humans are two very different species with different cultural norms.

We must teach our dogs how to live in our world, and that can best be accomplished through reward-based training. Failing to train our dog is almost sure to cause discomfort for both the dog and us. ( FMI – http://bit.ly/ WhatIsDogTraining ) • Are you committed to NEVER using aversives to manage or train your dog? If you are using an aversive (shock collar, choke collar, prong collar, leash corrections, or anything where the intent is to physically or emotionally punish) to train or manage your dog, you are making your dog uncomfortable. The very definition of an aversive is to cause discomfort, possibly up to the point of causing physical or emotional pain. Dogs that are trained in this manner are unlikely to be happy and have a much greater probability of becoming aggressive. ( FMI – http://bit.ly/ RewardVSAversive )

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BRAMBELL’S FIVE FREEDOMS – PART 2 FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor. He is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He produces and co- hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show heard on The Pulse AM620 WZON and streamed at http://www.wzonradio.com/ every Saturday at 9 AM. A list of upcoming shows and podcasts of past shows can be found at www.woofmeowshow.com. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. He is committed to pet care and pet training that is free of pain, force, and fear. The opinions in this column are those of Don Hanson.

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Dog grooming is physical work. The groomer is working

with an animal that wiggles, barks, licks, etc. Accidents do happen. The groomer is working with sharp tools and a moving animal. There is nothing worse than nicking a dog; it is heartbreaking and trust me very upsetting to the groomer.

If your groomer says he/she will call you when done, please wait for the call. Sometimes things don’t go as planned which might cause the appointment to run longer. Please do not expect a haircut in under an hour.

Let the groomer know if your dog has any new medical

conditions, so he/she does not move your dog in a way that may be painful to it.

Let the groomer know if your dog is aggressive or could become so during grooming. It does happen that this information does not get passed on at the drop off thus resulting in injuries to the groomer.

Please plan your appointments ahead of time. Most groomers are booking 2-4 weeks in advance, and March tends to be the busiest month.

The groomer may refer you to a different groomer if another one

specializes in your pet’s needs or have more knowledge of your breed.

Groomers can tell if you have been brushing. They are like the dentist and know it didn’t happen on the way in.

Please let the groomer know when your dog has passed away.

The groomer grows close to your pet and would like to know.

As is the case with anyone you hire to care for your pet, please do your research and ask questions.

Everyone will have her own set of rules and ways of doing things.

Find one that best suits you and your dog.

22 MCKOWN ST. BOOTHBAY HARBOR - WWW.TWOSALTYDOGS.COM - 207-633-PETS

Downeast Dog News

February 2018

11

Rescue

of the

Compassionate Care & Placement of Homeless Animals This no-kill facility has faithfully served Downeast

Maine since 1984. The Ark, as it’s nicknamed, is committed to providing wonderful care and the rehoming of those homeless animals that come under their wing. The pets that come to them are spayed and neutered to alleviate overpopulation.

They also promote the welfare of animals through community outreach and education.

Their newest educational outreach program is PippY (Positively inspiring pet programs for Youths), and its goal is to build caring and compassionate citizens by inspiring youngsters to teach others about the importance of animal welfare. They believe that when a child understands that pets are people too, who experience the same emotions we do, their bond and understanding of them will be strengthened.

To that end, Ark’s Executive Director, Vincent Ewald, wrote Hope for Someday, a book that follows abandoned puppies, Pippy and Poppy, who

end up in a shelter. It’s illustrated by Ark’s Board President, Tom Leigh, and they’re free to schoolaged children during PippY presentations. They’re also available to the general public for a fee to help support PippY and its mission.

Before their animals are available for adoption, they are socialized, evaluated for and corrected on any behavioral issues, and initial training begins.

The shelter also keeps a “personality profile” on each pet, so they can have a more in-depth idea of their temperament. All animals are fully-vetted and given necessary vaccinations, including parvo, distemper, rabies, and kennel cough. They’re also wormed, checked for parasites and are groomed.

If you’re interested in adopting from the shelter, you must fill out an application. Expect a vet check if you have other pets, to verify that they’re up-to-date on vaccines and are spayed or neutered. If you don’t own your home or are an apartment dweller, proof of landlord permission is required.

ARK staffers will help determine which pet is a good match for your home and lifestyle. If you

View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com.

See a dog you like, but don't have a computer? Call Jenn to help you reach the rescue: (207) 706-6765

STELLA

THE ARK ANIMAL SHELTER

By Susan Spisak

Dogs for Adoption

Month

have another dog or cat, they may suggest an introduction at the shelter to insure compatibility.

A home trial may also be an option.

As a non-profit, the shelter needs donated items that are used daily at their facility at 60 Barber Lane in Cherryfield. Cleaning supplies include Clorox bleach, Dawn dish detergent, 55 gallon trash bags, window cleaner, buckets, brooms, and rubbing alcohol. Nutritional needs include Purina One Lamb & Rice dog food and Friskies (any flavor pate cat food), Fancy Feast and Purina Naturals dry cat food. Dog and cat toys, Nylabones and Kongs, large dog marrow bones, 6 ft. dog leads (3/4 inch or 1 inch wide), and cat litter box wood pellets. Office supplies and redeemable bottles and cans are accepted, and monetary donations are always appreciated.

Dog-walkers, cat-groomers, and fair and event volunteers are welcome. They always need loving foster homes. For more information on The Ark and to see all their pets, visit thearkpets.org/theark/.

JASPER

3 yrs., Border Collie Mix

Suffers from separation anxiety.

Ideal home would be with an owner that is home most of the time. Currently on medication to help with her anxiety and that needs to be continued. Needs to be the only pet in her new home.

P.A.W.S., (207)236-8702

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First National Bank

16 Branches from Wiscasset to Calais 1-800-564-3195 • thefirst.com

11 yrs., Toy Fox Terrier

The Ark Animal Shelter, (207)546-3484

Came to us after her owner passed. A little shy but does not object to being petted. Mya is paper trained and would love to find her forever home.

MICKEY

Chihuahua Mix

The Ark Animal Shelter, (207)546-3484

Sweet with a quirky personality. He is funny, playful and loves his toys. Mickey loves attention, but he tends to choose who he likes or doesn’t. He will also let you know, in his own way, when he has had enough of your attention.

The Ark Animal Shelter, (207)546-3484

BELLA

4 yrs., Lab/Terrier

Loves going hiking and spending time with her person!

Good watchdog, needs time to adjust to visitors, but warms up quickly.

She's also very good in the car.

FMI: http:// almosthomerescue.net

Sponsored by

HOMETOWN VETERINARY CARE

She gets along well with other dogs. A little shy at first, she warms up quickly.

She likes to play, but would also like to be a lap dog, and we won't tell her she is too big for that.

Puppyloveme.org (207)833-5199

Pope Memorial Humane Society, (207)594-2200

Sponsored by

Sunray Animal Clinic

73 Admiral Fitch Ave., Brunswick • (207) 725-6398 sunrayvet.com

BROOKLYN 1 yr., Lab/Terrier Mix

Very timid. Recently began anti-anxiety medication which has boosted her confidence. Needs a person that understands and can help her grow and trust at her own pace. LOVES car rides! Best as an only dog or with the right dog and no small children.

Animal Rescue of Kennebec, ambercreswell.ark@gmail.com

Loves to be around people, and wants someone by her side at all times.

She loves her ball!

Would be happy to be the only dog in the home. A home where someone could let her out often - old dog with an old bladder.

RHETT

10 mos., Lab/ Australian Shepherd Smart pup, needs owner who can continue to foster confidence and provide adequate socialization. He is busy, busy and would love to go for hikes and runs or perhaps a doggie sport.

FMI: http://www.olddogsnewdigs.com

FMI: http://almosthomerescue.net

MABEL

BRUNO

11 mos., Golden Retriever

1 yr., Mixed Retriever

YGRR requires that an application be submitted and approved first. View details at https://www. ygrr.org/adopt-a-golden/

YGRR requires that an application be submitted and approved first. View details at https://www. ygrr.org/adopt-a-golden/

Rescued from China. Loves the snow and is playful, and has wonderful manners. Would probably love a doggie brother or sister to help teach me the ropes in the U.S.

Friendly and outgoing, and plays well with others.

Very active and high-spirited and eager to please.

Unsure about cats, probably too energetic for young children.

Help us find a forever home!

51 Western Ave., Fairfield, ME • 207-453-7387 www.yourhometownvet.com

12

29 First St., Scarborough • (207) 883-4412 scarboroughanimalhospital.com

REGINA

FMI: http://www. olddogsnewdigs.com

7.5 mos., Lab/ Shepherd Mix

Sponsored by

Scarborough Animal Hospital

10 yrs., Labrador

Sweet and playful and loves to go for walks. Wants a home where she can be the only animal, with no kids and a laid-back drama free life.

10 yrs., Toy Fox Terrier

Tall Tails Beagle Rescue, (207)797-5392

Energetic girl hoping for an active family to call her own!

She can be a bit fearful of men at first. Would do best in a home without cats, but she does get along with some other dogs.

Fantastic personality! She loves people and also loves a good belly rub! She does have Epilepsy, but it is currently being controlled with medication. Please don't let this scare you away!

ECHO

Came to us after her owner passed. A little shy. Paper trained. She would love to find a forever home.

Very loving. Loves to run and play. He is protective of his home and would need some training on how to react to strangers. Needs time to get to know people, but he is so worth the effort.

Adult, Mixed

10 yrs., American Shelter Dog

MYA

4 yrs., Beagle/ Bulldog

AMITY

BELINA

9 yrs., Lab Mix

Kennebec Valley Humane Society, (207)626-3491

BETTY

AVA

Become a sponsor and help raise money for a Maine rescue. jenn@downeastdognews.com

Downeast Dog News

February 2018

13

Business Directory

February C lendar

MIDCOAST

To submit or get more information on the events below, go online to downeastdognews.com PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

parking off of Temple Street, behind Lebanese Cuisine! The cost is $10 per pet and all proceeds will be donated to the Somerset Humane Society. No appointment necessary. loyalbiscuit.com; 207-660-9200 x7

Saturday, February 3 Belfast, 10 AM – 11 AM When a beloved pet dies it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your sorrow. Join others who share your feelings and understand your loss. Every first Saturday of the month, Ginny Ford will hold a Pet Loss Group at the Belfast Free Library, 106 High St., Belfast. Feel free to bring along a picture, leash, poem, or other items that remind you of your pet.

FMI: pawsadoption.org; (207)2368702

OBEDIENCE WORKSHOP

Saturday, February 17 Somerville, 10AM – 1PM Don't miss an outstanding workshop given by Carolyn Fuhrer.

North Star Dog Training, 252 Jones Rd., Somerville. Space is limited; please call to register asap. Call Kathy for more information and to register (207)691-2332. $60 dog/handler team.

NAIL CLIPPING CLINIC

Saturday, February 3 Camden-Rockport, 10AM – 12PM Rockland, 1PM – 3PM Shannon from Catahoula Rescue of New England will be at our Loyal Biscuit CamdenRockport location on US Rte 1 in Rockport from 10am – Noon and our Rockland location at 408 Main St. from 1pm – 3pm for our next nail clipping clinics. The cost is $10 per pet and all proceeds will be donated to Catahoula Rescue of New England. No appointment necessary. loyalbiscuit.com; 207660-9200 x7

RESCUE DOGS

Thursday, February 8 Gardiner, 6PM – 8PM Have you opened your home to a rescue dog or puppy? If so, congrats to you and congrats to your dog for finding their forever family! Although adopting a dog or puppy is exciting, it can also be scary and sometimes difficult for you all to adjust. We must remember that some of these dogs have never seen the outside world – or maybe they’ve seen too much.

This class will give you some insight on how your dog is feeling, how to increase your dog’s confidence, and how to help them adjust to their new home. Registration fee is $15.

To register, go to www.msad11. maineadulted.org. FMI: (207)5823774.

DO YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING EVENT? Let us know about it!

Send info to jenn@downeastdognews. com or add to our online calendar at downeastdognews.com/calendar

AWS SPEED DATING

MID COAST KENNEL CLUB OF MAINE MONTHLY MEETING

Thursday, February 8 Union, 6:30PM THOMPSON COMMUNITY CENTER, 51 South Union Road, Union ME Interested in joining a vibrant and active club?Come and meet us and see what we are all about! MCKC is approved in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Tracking and Agility. See our website for upcoming events www. midcoastkennelclub.org. Call Kathy at 691-2332 for more information

COASTAL CLINIC

Saturday, February 10 Brunswick, 10AM – 12PM A low-cost rabies vaccination and microchipping clinic. Held at our administrative offices at 190 Pleasant St., Brunswick. Nail trimming and ear cleaning are also offered at reduced prices. Please bring your pet's most recent rabies vaccination certificate.

Coastal Clinics are made possible by volunteers, including the veterinarians.

FMI: coastalhumanesociety.org; (207)449-1366

NAIL CLIPPING CLINIC

Saturday, February 10 Belfast, 10AM – 12PM Shannon from Catahoula Rescue of New England will be at our

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CALL AHEAD!

Event schedules are subject to change.

Contact individual event organizers to confirm times and locations.

Downeast Dog News is not responsible for changes or errors.

Add your events TODAY on downeastdognews.com/calendar.

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Loyal Biscuit Belfast location on 1 Belmont Ave. for our next nail clipping clinic. The cost is $10 per pet and all proceeds will be donated to Catahoula Rescue of New England. No appointment necessary. loyalbiscuit.com; 207-660-9200 x7

SPEED “PETTING”

Tuesday, February 13 Camden, 3PM – 4PM Held at P.A.W.S. at 123 John St., Camden. A fun-filled event for anyone looking to add a four-legged friend to their family! Spend 5 minutes with each participating pet and talk with their escorts about their likes and dislikes. $10 entry fee - If you find your soul mate, this amount will be deducted from your adoption fee! Refreshments will be available. (207)236-8702; events@ pawsadoption.org

PET LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP

Thursday, February 15 Brunswick, 3:30PM – 5PM Held at CHANS Home Health & Hospice, 45 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick.

Grief and bereavement volunteers are teaming up to offer grief support for pet owners. These support sessions are open to anyone who is grieving the loss of a beloved pet or who may soon face the passing of a pet. Please join us to share experiences and stories of your animal companions. FREE TO ATTEND, PRE-ENROLLMENT REQUIRED: Please call group facilitator Andy Sokoloff at (207)721-1357 or email asokoloff@ midcoasthealth.com.

NAIL CLIPPING CLINIC

Saturday, February 17 Waterville, 10:30AM – 12:30PM Melissa from Primp My Paws will be at our Loyal Biscuit Waterville location on 109 Main St. for our next nail clipping clinic. Convenient

Saturday, February 17: 11 am* – 3 pm Sunday, February 18: 11 am* – 3 pm Biddeford (*Registration starts at 10 am Saturday and Sunday) Searching for that special Valentine? Come to AWS Speed Dating, a very special adoption event at the Biddeford PetSmart National Adoption Weekend, 208 Mariner Way, Biddeford, (207) 2836546. -Canine and Feline Bachelors and Bachelorettes of all shapes and sizes!

-Free Informational Materials -Kids’ Activities –Giveaways and tons of fun! As the event draws near, visit our adoption page to see which bachelors and bachelorettes will be available which day. animalwelfaresociety.org

FOSTER FAMILY EDUCATIONAL SERIES: MEDICAL FOSTERING

Saturday, February 24 Kennebunk, 11:30AM – 12:30PM Held at the Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Rd., Kennebunk. Taught by the AWS Community Veterinary Clinic’s April Morin, LVT, this class covers the basics of administering eye, ear, and oral medications, giving insulin shots, and providing wound care to dogs and cats. No RSVP needed. FMI: Marie O’Brien, Cleo Fund Manager, (207) 9853244 ext. 127

DROP IN PUPPY SOCIAL HOUR

Sunday, February 25 Kennebunk, 10AM – 11AM Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Rd, Kennebunk. If your puppy is younger than 6 months and under 25 pounds, please stop by the AWS Canine Training Classroom for an hour of fun socialization. AWS’ trainers will be on hand to facilitate and provide training information. $12/hour. No advance registration needed. FMI e-mail our Canine Training Team or call (207)985-3244 ext. 111; animalwelfaresociety.org

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More Hot Dog News

February is... National

Pet Dental Health Month

Medomak Veterinary

Services is pleased to announce new ownership under Dr. Art Charles and Dr. Bailey Gage. The husband and wife team purchased the practice from Dr. Laurie Howarth on December 28, 2017. Dr. Howarth will continue to practice at the facility on a part-time basis.

"I was anticipating having feelings of sadness and loss Dr. Gage, Dr. Charles and Dr. Howarth when the time came for me to sell my practice. This turned out to not be how I felt, I am happy and relieved to see the practice that I worked so hard to develop and grow pass into the capable and caring hands of Drs. Charles and Gage. I look forward to continuing my work at Medomak Veterinary Services and being able to watch it thrive under the direction of the new owners," says Dr. Howarth of the transition.

Dr. Charles is originally from Belgrade, ME and is joined by his wife, Dr. Gage, originally from Kansas City, Kansas. Both graduated from Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and have been practicing in Aroostook County for the past several years.

"We feel very fortunate to be working in such a great community at such a wonderful facility." says Dr. Charles, "MVS has had a reputation for excellence and compassion for over 30 years and we are looking forward to continuing and expanding that tradition going forward".

Medomak Veterinary Services is open Mon,Wed,Fri 7:30am-5:00pm, Tue&Thur 7:30am-6:00pm, and Saturdays 7:30am-12:00pm. Please feel free to stop in and meet Drs. Charles and Gage anytime. New clients are welcome, and an open house will be planned for the spring.

February 2018

Fact: Dental disease can affect heart, kidney and lung function.

Fact: 80% of pets will have oral issues by age 3.

Myth: Dogs’ mouths are cleaner than our own.

How to avoid dental disease: • Specially formulated food and treats for dental health • Chew toys can help remove tartar • Daily Brushing • Veterinary Care Check your pet’s mouth frequently for: • Red, white or swollen gums • Brownish tartar on teeth • Strongly offensive breath • Excessive drooling

Help your pet live longer.

Talk to your vet about dental care today!

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ME License #F251

U Boarding & Daycare U Dog Grooming U Dog Training Classes U Behavior Counseling U Wholesome Pet Foods U Quality Pet Supplies

Your pet’s home away from home 1653 Union St., Bangor - 207-945-6841 www.greenacreskennel.com

Rated as one of the Top 10 Kennels and Top 30 Dog Trainers in New England by Best Businesses of America for 2017

Meeting the boarding and grooming needs for your dogs, cats and other pets.

N

S

BE

R

OOK KEN R B

GREAT SELECTION, GREAT PRICES AND A HELPFUL STAFF. WE HAVE IT ALL!

EL

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Voted the Bangor Regions: Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer

If the road is calling, go ahead and go.

Let us help make the time away from your pet worry free. The staff at Bear Brook Kennel is committed to helping ease the anxiety of separation for both you and your pet.

Your pet will receive quality care from the kennel attendants, trainers, groomer and receptionists.

All services will be customized to your specifications. Your pet is our guest.

n Huge selectiot a c d n of dog a foods!

Nutro Pro Pac Candidae Iams

Blue Seal

By Nature Fromm Wysong Innova Solid Gold

Pedigree Purina Pro Plan Science Diet Taste of the Wild Eukanuba

Merrick Max Triumph Whiskas Friskies

U.S. Route 1, Wiscasset Mon.-Fri. 7:00 - 5:30 Sat. 7:00 - 5:00 Closed Sun.

When boarding, a reservation should be made, preferably a week or more in advance. If you should have an emergency or urgent situation, we will do our best to accommodate you. For reservations call 207-989-7979.

19 Bennett Road, Brewer, ME 04412 tel 207-989-7979 fax 207-989-6927 e-mail: info@bearbrookkennel.com

Bring your dog to check out our great supply of pet foods and toys!