13 minute read
Words, Woofs & Meows
My wife and I decided pet insurance was worth investigating when we adopted Muppy in 2013. We had several unplanned vet bills with previous pets requiring emergency surgery or because they were treated for chronic issues for many years. So, when we adopted Boomer that fall, we also purchased a policy for him. Nine years later, I believe it was a wise investment.
In the fall of 2020, I started talking about pet health insurance with students in my Puppy Headstart-ONLINE class. It follows the module where we discuss chewing and dogs consuming inappropriate and dangerous items. I show my students images from veterinarians that some of the scary things dogs have ingested. A partial list includes: coins, toys, spoons, forks, a fish hook, a segment of a fishing pole, batteries, socks, tennis
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balls, 4lbs of gravel, and even an 8-in kitchen knife. A veterinarian even told me about a dog that had swallowed a woman's brassiere. Unfortunately, a dog consuming items like these is not unusual; just ask your veterinarian.
I discuss pet insurance with my puppy students because this is the time in a dog's life when it puts anything and everything in its mouth. However, I also bring it up before their puppy swallows
by Don Hanson
ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA
photo credit: debra bell
something dangerous because if they try to purchase pet insurance after the fact, the future ingestion of inappropriate items will likely be excluded from coverage. Unlike human health insurance, pet insurance typically does not cover pre-existing conditions.
In addition to worrying about swallowing hard goods, there are many other items a dog can consume that can be deadly. These include; tobacco and marijuanabased products. Products designed to help one quit smoking, such as patches and chewing gum, contain enough nicotine, even after discarding them, to be toxic to dogs. The same is true of vaping products containing nicotine or THC.
Then there are the things we might consume, which can also be deadly to our dogs. A partial list includes: marijuana edibles, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and anything containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol (birch alcohol). A partial list of products with Xylitol includes sugar-free candy and gum, breath mints, toothpaste, children's vitamins, ready-to-go pudding, and even some peanut butter brands.
I cannot emphasize enough that the probability of consuming dangerous things does not end after puppyhood or will happen only once. I know of a dog that recently ate a bag of chocolate chips resulting in a vet bill approaching $2000. I have a client whose dog swallowed a sock on six occasions, requiring surgery. I know two people who had dogs that got into gum containing Xylitol. One dog survived after a three-day stay in the doggie equivalent of an ICU. One dog died. One of those images I mentioned above was of a dog with 44 socks in its stomach.
So why pet insurance? Simply because any of the abovementioned incidents could result in a costly bill. Also, it is not just the ingestion of items that can cause an unplanned vet bill. Like us, dogs are subject to trauma, orthopedic issues, heat stroke, and tick-borne diseases. Additionally, there are many chronic diseases to consider: skin disorders, ear infections, urinary blockages, seizures, behavior disorders, diabetes, renal disease, and cancer. Pet insurance can help with all these expenses if you have it in place before it occurs.
We decided to purchase pet insurance for Muppy because of a previous dog who had seizures for seven years of his life and another that had two immune system disorders. The treatment cost for both was significant. In addition, we purchased it for our cat Boomer because we had previous male cats who experienced a blocked urethra which can be deadly and is not inexpensive.
The Policy we chose does not cover annual wellness exams, but we are covered in the case of the unexpected. I believe it has more than paid for itself in dollars and peace of mind.
Next month I'll address what to look for in a pet insurance provider.
Don Hanson lives in Bangor, Maine, where he isthe co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) and the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. He is a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)and a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP). Don is a member of thePet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee. He is also a founding director of Pet Advocacy International (PIAI). In addition, Don produces and co-hosts The Woof Meow Showpodcast,available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/,the Apple Podcast app, and Don's blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.
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Rescue of the Month
RESCUE OF THE MONTH: GRAMMY ROSE DOG RESCUE AND SANCTUARY
By Susan Spisak
Grammy Rose Rescue and Sanctuary in Acton takes in adoptable dogs from kill shelters around the country and provides them with quality care in a unique, homelike setting as they work to match them with forever families. The extensive campus-like setting features “cabins” for their rescues awaiting adoption. Grammy Rose staffers collaborate with the local community to provide employment, volunteer, and recreational activities as they support their ongoing mission.
The rescue’s namesake, Grammy Rose, aka Rose Kessler Wentworth, had a zest for life and loved all animals, especially dogs. Grammy Rose spoiled her own dogs so much she even cooked scrambled eggs for them on Sundays. A descendant of Grammy’s is also a dog lover – in fact, she and her husband adopted a rescue out of TN named Sammie. They became aware of a sanctuary with cabins for dogs called Our Companions. They shared all info on their successful undertaking, and the Acton group tweaked it to fit their needs. This Maine endeavor was privately funded by a member of the family who has stewarded the land upon which Grammy Rose sits.
According to board member Andrew Whitaker, construction started in the fall of 2020 and concluded just recently, about April of 2022. “The actual idea dates back a few years farther…The design phase, working with architects, designers, and dog shelter experts, took about six to nine months.” The result is a campus with an adoption center and six residential canine cabins. Each
LAYLA, 1 YEAR OLD, TERRIER/STAFFORDSHIRE BULLDOG MIX
ROXY, 1.5 YEARS OLD, DOBERMAN PINSCHER MIX
Layla is a puddle of love and a staff favorite. This sweet girl has returned to us due to unforeseen changes of her owner's living situation and boy does she miss car rides and couch cuddles. She will crawl into your lap for a good nap, or just as quickly be up and ready to go out and hit the trails. This gorgeous brindle-blue coated girl would be a fantastic addition to a family, she loves all people and puts up with any kind of petting you are willing to impart. Once she’s tuckered out, she’ll grab and nap and snore aware. cabin has individual living spaces for several dogs. They are outfitted to ensure that visitors and canine caregivers are comfortable. More importantly, these surroundings aid dogs in adapting to their future homes and families.
There are 55 acres of surrounding land with walking and hiking trails and play areas. And to honor Grammy’s husband, they named their new on-campus ice cream parlor and 18 hole mini-golf course Wicky Ralph’s (aka Ralph Wentworth). This feature is open to the public in warmer months. Ongoing rescue operations are funded in part by proceeds from the mini-golf and ice cream shop, and the balance is private donations and fundraising.
Cindy Norwood, Rescue Manager (also a Veterinary ER Nurse), oversees the rescue operations, the full/part time staff and the 150 volunteers. She searches for dogs from kill shelters nationally (they have several partners in a handful of states as of now) and matches them to their forever family when ready for adoption. As of 6/21/2022, they have saved the lives of and rehomed 80 highly adoptable dogs. This number changes daily, and they expect it will pass 100 very quickly.
The first group of dogs arrived at the rescue in July of 2021. “Affectionately referred to as The Lucky Seven, the group included a Catahoula mix puppy named Rose [a true coincidence] who was the first to step off the transport van and the first to be adopted,” shared Whitaker.
For more info including all adoptable dogs, grammyrose. org. Donations are welcome. Their Amazon.com and Chewy.com wish lists are on that site as well.
Roxy comes to us from Midland Texas and our friends at the Permian Basin Animal Advocates. She literally bounded off the bus, greeted all of us with a quick shake and a smile, and we knew instantly she was happy to be in Maine. She’s very sweet, very playful, and super friendly. She gets along with other dogs and everyone she meets. She can be very territorial of her bed, her room, and her toys, but she’s not aggressive about, she’s just guarding her resources because of her history.
For information on adoption, grammyrose.org/adoptable-dogs. Due to print deadlines, Layla or Roxy may have found their forever homes. Check the Grammy Rose website and Facebook page for all available dogs.
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Help us find a forever home!
View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. Many rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Some rescues do not offer phone numbers and require you apply online.
Please see the contact info. highlighted in yellow below each dog.
FRANNY
3 years old, Mixed Breed
Franny is a mellow girl who loves everyone she meets! She also does well with some other dogs and great with kids.
GECKO
Almost 2 years old, Mixed Breed
Gecko is healthy and happy and looking for a forever family who will never let her down. She does well with most other dogs. Cats are unknown but dog-savvy cats may be fine.
BRODY
5 years old, Black Mouth Cur
Brody is a smart boy who knows many commands and learns quickly! Brody loves to be active, running & playing fetch, but then settles in for snuggles at night. He has a chicken allergy.
FMI: pawsadoption.org Sponsored by: Bagel Café
25 Mechanic St., Camden, (207)236-2661, bagelcafemaine.com
XENA
8-10 years old, German Shepherd
Xena hasn’t had the best life until she went into foster care now, she is soaking up love like a sponge! Xena needs a home without other dogs & cats. She is friendly, affectionate, loyal, playful, gentle and smart.
FMI: olddogsnewdigs.com Sponsored by: Mason’s Brewing Company
15 Hardy St., Brewer, (207)989-6300, masonsbrewingcompany.com
LUCY
5 years old, Maremma Sheepdog
Lucy has arthritis in her back hips and will be on meds (Including pain medication) for life. She should go to a home with someone who has experience with livestock guardian breeds. A home with adults only is best and cats or dogs must be respectful of her boundaries.
FMI: pethavenlane.org Sponsored by: Green with Envy Salon
Camden, Rockland, Belfast, Augusta, (207) 236-3689, greenenvysalon.com
BELLA
10 years, Mix Breed
Bella came to us because her family could no longer care for her. This gentle girl does well with other dogs and kids and would likely adjust to a friendly cat.
FMI: pawsadoption.org Sponsored by: Water Bark Wellness
4 Commercial St., Rockport, (207)230-8455, waterbarkwellness.com
RYKER
7 years old, Border Collie/Aussie/ Cattle Dog Mix
Despite his breed mix, Ryker doesn’t require constant activity. He does need an owner who is a homebody, with a quiet lifestyle. He needs to be the only pet with no children in the home.
FMI: olddogsnewdigs.com Sponsored by: First National Bank
18 Branches from Wiscasset to Calais, 1-800-564-3195, thefirst.com
GUNNER
5 years old, Hound Mix
Gunner is VOCAL, active, smart, and very committed to what he wants. Cats are ok, other dogs are not and respectful children over 12 are best.
FMI: pethavenlane.org Sponsored by: Green Tree Coffee & Tea
2456 Atlantic Hwy., Lincolnville, (207)706-7908, greentreecoffee.com
MAYA
2-4 years old, Aussie Mix
Sweet Maya is an incredibly sweet and sensitive little soul who can happily live with other animals and gentle teenagers. Maya is still most comfortable with females.
FMI: luckypuprescue.org Sponsored by: Kompletely K-9 Dog Training and Rehab.
248 Choate Rd., Montville, (207)322-5111, kompletelyk9.com
RIPPLE
6 months old, Black Lab Mix
Ripple is a sweetie. He loves to play, snuggle, observe, and be held. He is either playing hard or totally crashed out. Ripple would be a great addition to any family, and he gets along well with other dogs.
FMI: fetchinghope.com Sponsored by: Rising Tide Co-op
323 Main St., Damariscotta, (207)563-5556, risingtide.coop
PENNY
3 years old, Shepherd Mix
Penny loves to prance around the yard, loves toys (specially that squeak), and is an in your face sweetheart! She would do well with respectful dog-savvy children (8+) but seems a bit unsure of other dogs.
FMI: harvesthills.org
KANE
7 years old, Rottweiler Mix
Kane is a regal but playful soul who likes car rides and going for long, leisurely walks. Certified good boy by staff.
