2022 February Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

FRE E

Dogs for Adoption

View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. Many rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now.

CHARLIE BROWN

DowneastDogNews.com

Volume 17 • Issue 2 • FEBRUARY 2022

2 years, Labrador/Mixed Breed

Charlie Brown is so much fun! He has energy like a typical lab/shepherd mix and will thrive with an active family who can keep him busy. His ideal home will make sure he is left alone while he eats and will not grab his toys away from him. He likes some dogs and others he does not. He would likely do well with a submissive dog. He is super sweet and loving so he will make a great family addition to the right family!

FMI: Paws Animal Adoption Center, pawsadoption.org

PATCH

Great Dane (See Hot Dog News, page 2)

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARLGP

Patch is a special needs dog and is available at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. He is mostly deaf and has severe allergies. Patch knows signs for basic commands and communicates well with his humans. Patch's adopters must be willing to continue training with Patch so that he receives the physical and mental enrichment needed. To keep his allergies under control, Patch is on a very specific brand of dry and wet dog food (his food costs about $200 per month). Patch's adopter must be able to continue this diet. We feel Patch would do best in a home with a fenced-in yard, so that he has the physical space to exercise in a controlled environment. We believe that Patch may do best in an adult-only home, or with teenage children. ADOPTION PROCESS: Because of Patch's past and his special needs, we are asking people who are interested in possibly adopting Patch to fill out a survey – go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H3XC3HY. Our team will review forms as they come in, and will contact potential adopters that fit the home he would do best in.

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By Susan Spisak

A Devotion to a Heritage Breed

or Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes, dog sledding is more than a winter sport. “It’s part of our family culture,” said Hayes, who shares a large, blended family with wife, Tammie. A former US Marine Corps Infantryman, life runs at full speed

INSIDE 6 2 Hot Dog News

Basic Training Tips

for this ordained minister, author, and teacher at Wisdom Middle/High School in St. Agatha. “Yes, that’s what happens when you have a day job and are taking on the responsibility of trying to preserve a heritage breed.” He’s referring to the CKC registered Seppala Siberian Huskies that are bred, raised, and trained at their family-owned and operated Poland Spring Seppala Kennels in Ft. Kent near the Canadian border.

8 &9

Pawsitively Pampered

His dogs are direct descendants of the famous Norwegian-American breeder, Leonhard Seppala. (Hayes’ full kennel name is Mush Maine Poland Spring Seppala Kennels and is a respectful nod to Seppala’s original Poland Spring, Maine facility.) Seppala led his Siberian Husky relay team in the 1925 “Great Race of Mercy,” transporting diphtheria antitoxin to save the children of

12-15 Dogs for Adoption

DOWNEASTDOGNEWS.COM

See DEVOTION on page 5

Calendar of Events

Hot Dog News Join the AWS Team!

11 Very Special Great Danes T

he Animal Welfare Society is looking for a full-time Licensed Veterinary Technician. Are you just out of school and ready to start your career caring for animals of all kinds? Do you have experience as a veterinary tech and looking to get back to work? For a full job description and to complete an application visit: https:// animalwelfaresociety.org/about-us/ employment/ No phone calls please.

Winterfest Celebration Returns! J

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARLGP

anuary 21st, 2020 was a frigid day. A horse trailer arrived to the ARLGP at 7pm with three adult Great Danes on board. They had just been seized from a cold barn by State of Maine Animal Welfare Agents. It took nearly an hour for our team members to lure the Danes safely out of the vehicle and into the shelter. It may have been the first time they had ever been indoors with heat. We named them Ulrick, Mathilde and Ellinor, and while their first day within our facility may have been scary and new to them, their lives only got better. We teamed up with NEWS CENTER Maine’s Peggy Keyser to tell this special story about 11 very large dogs, 22 months of court delays, and finally— happy adopters. Visit: https://arlgp.org/11-very-special-great-danes/ We still have one Dane, Patch, looking for his permanent home. Patch is a twoyear-old special needs dog in need of adopters that can provide him with the care required to continue to thrive. See back cover. We extend a very heartfelt thank you to our fosters, volunteers, and team members who cared for these wonderful dogs for the past 22 months.

amden’s Winterfest Week will be February 5 to 13. After last year’s cancellation, the Camden Public Library and its partners are delighted to announce the return of this long-running community celebration in 2022 with family favorites like ice sculpting, music, and hot food, as well as new traditions like the Doggie Fashion Show, Polar Plunge, and a Story Walk. All of the festivities are made possible by the generous support of the First National Bank. FMI: https://www.librarycamden. org/event/winterfest2022/

IMAGE IS COURTESY OF THE CAMDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY.

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Downeast Dog News

Downeast Dog News PUBLISHER Jenn Rich COPY EDITOR Belinda Carter CONTRIBUTORS Susan Spisak Diana Logan Sara Moore Judith Herman Carolyn Fuhrer Don Hanson Cory Mosunic Elsebeth DeBiase GRAPHIC DESIGN NVDesigns • Nicole Vanorse ADVERTISING Jenn Rich 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com

PRESIDENT Wendi Smith PARENT & PUBLISHING COMPANY Maine Pet News LLC

From the Publisher Dear Dog News Readers, We’ve had quite the range of temperatures so far this winter. Pepper is a pretty warm dog, and she doesn’t own a winter coat other than the one she was born with, but when the temps drop to zero or below, I am beginning to reconsider. We worked at the office in Rockland one of those frigid days when my phone said it felt like -11 degrees. “Smoke” was rolling across the harbor. I put one of my own vests on her and just didn’t zip it. I figured that probably helped her a little. She doesn’t seem to care about the cold. She looked at me as though we were going to take our usual walk around the block and indeed, we were not. It was disappointing that we lost Betty White so close to her 100th birthday, but I think it is pretty amazing that she remained in such good health for as long as she did. She was an amazing lady. If you are unaware, she loved animals and was a huge advocate for them. Her passing inspired many to donate to animal organizations in her memory. She was a funny and spirited woman. She died on my grandmother’s birthday and in my mind, I liked to picture the two of them causing a raucous with lots of laughter and sass. In my last letter, I mentioned that I found a lump on Pepper. We have since had that checked out. The vet poked it with a needle and only got fat cells from it. It is likely just a fatty tumor. She is getting to be that age, but the vet said it was still good to have it checked out. We will of course keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t grow rapidly or change. I feel quite relieved, but I do prefer that she does not get any new lumps anytime soon. Stay warm and cozy this month. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your fuzzy valentines! All the best, Jenn and Pepper

“I learned it from my animal friends. Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself. I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do.” ―Betty White

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Tara (at age 14, she is now 15)with her team, Maddy, Husila, Pippen, and Jack, at the Maine Highlands Sled Dog Club February race. Tara runs Can Ya Catch Me Kennel and has 14 racing Alaskan huskies! She plans to run the Jr. Iditarod and Willow Jr. 100 in Alaska in 2023.

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News ....................... 2 Furry Words .......................... 4 Ask the Vet............................. 4 Basic Training Tips ................. 6 KCS - Dry Eye.......................... 7 Pawsitively Pampered ......... 8, 9 Performance Dog Training.... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows....... 11 Dogs for Adoption............12-15 Calendar............................... 14 Business Directory ............... 15

Welcome to the middle of

winter! I hope you and your pups are embracing the new year and staying healthy. If you’re new to the Furry Words column, I’m a psychic medium for people and pets. I can tap into their energy and tell you what they’re feeling, what would make them feel more peaceful or content, and also connect with them on the other side. Each month I put the call out on my Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons page for your questions and share the readings here with you. I am not a veterinarian, and psychic insight is not a replacement for licensed medical care. Enjoy! Jennifer R. asked about Bruno and wondered why he’s been sleeping in their bed way more than before and if there’s anything they can do to make him more comfortable sleeping by himself. First of all, as soon as I read your question, I get a super tickly feeling on the top of my head which is how your loved one in heaven is trying to get your attention. They say “Man you’re stubborn!” and aren’t used to taking help from others. This is not a handout; it’s a step up. The dog is in the bed more because you are FINALLY in a secure place! You are no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop and for your partner to become Dr. Jekyll. Embrace it! This dog is acting like he’s your human baby because he’s encouraging you

Lumps and Bumps Q.

I have found a lump on my middle-aged dog. Should I be concerned?

Furry Words by Sara Moore www.enlightenedhorizons.com

to consider that option. I also hear Time’s a Tickin’! Kristy O. wants to know about Bugsy, who is a snuggle bug. She wants to know if he’s having any health-related issues that they can’t see. Just a reminder: I’m not a vet at all, but I can tell you what I’m feeling from a psychic perspective. His belly lights up right away for me. I feel a bit gassy and like there’s some pressure in there, but nothing awful or scary like cancer. I would ask your vet if there’s a probiotic or supplement that could help with this! He makes me want to sneeze

Ask the Vet…

by Dr. Judith Herman

Most dogs will develop lumps you can feel during their lifetime. When to worry and when not is a concern for every guardian. When you find a lump on your best friend, the best thing to do is to set up an exam with your veterinarian. Many lumps are benign and may never cause a problem. Others are a concern and need to be addressed sooner than later. I have talked about cancerous tumors in past articles. This article will address benign tumors and what does that mean. The lumps you are going to find are on the skin and under the skin. The most common skin lumps are warts. Warts are firm when you feel them. Many are cauliflower shape and some are smooth. They can be tiny or big. Generally, they are not a problem, but some are in an area that bothers the dog, like on his legs. These warts are nothing to

worry about. Generally, they bother us more than the dog. If a wart is a problem either by getting cut when groomed or by Fido constantly licking it, removal is warranted. There are also warts called viral papillomas. These warts are viral in origin and are contagious. Dogs acquire them from other dogs. Viral warts are usually found in and around the mouth of young dogs. Sometimes they are found on other mucous membranes such as genital and eyelid margins. They differ from

and if your house is really dry, that could be the cause. The rest of his body feels pretty darned good to me!!! Sue C. lost her black Lab Murphy in 2017, and she asked how he is and if she made the right decision. Holy smokes, yes you did! He said that loud and clear- he was barely hanging on and was so grateful to be free of his earthly body. It feels like I’m wearing a corset (or what I imagine that would feel like) and I finally took it off and can take deep breaths again. He knows how difficult that decision was for you, and it feels like it happened during a tough year for you anyway. Smile when you think about him. He said it will remind you that he’s always with you. That’s lovely!! Courtney K. asked about her little white poodle, and as soon as I read her question, I started to laugh. This dog is so funny without meaning to be! You know the meme of the little girl in the backseat of the car with a look on her face that says, “what the heck?” That’s how the dog looked at me when it “heard” me talking to it! This dog is somewhat insecure and then overanalyzes everything. I’m guessing you do the same since dogs usually mirror their owners! You both have what it takes to rock the world, so go for it! Donna S. has Poppy, a sweet red and white smaller dog. Since living

in isolation the past two years, is there something she can do to make her life better? She doesn’t get to interact much with other dogs, and she doesn’t seem to care about toys. Poppy is such a total love!!! She is 100% content simply to be with you. She doesn’t need others or toys to enrich her life. You constantly seek enlightenment through books, documentaries, and even by replaying situations you’ve been in to better understand what the underlying issues were. Poppy has enjoyed all the time she’s spent with you, and because you talk to her like a partner, she feels like she’s totally in the loop of your life, and she loves that! Finally, Erin M.’s dog Jasmine is on the other side. She asked if she was satisfied with her time on earth with her. HUGE YES! This dog is fairly quiet and peaceful, but when it was go time, she was a ball of energy. You honored a work/play balance for both of you exceptionally well, and she needed that to stay healthy and grounded. If you feel a little out of whack, make sure the pendulum hasn’t swung too far to one side.

other warts by the way they look and their number. These warts look like sea anemones and there are usually several. The good news is these papillomas will go away within a month or two. Viral papillomas are contagious, so remember if your pup develops them don’t let him interact with other dogs until they are gone. Another common benign skin tumor is called a skin tag. It is a small piece of tissue that grows with a small base and can become long and floppy. They occur mostly around the head, neck and chest, but can occur anywhere. Like humans they develop with age and can be triggered by irritation. This irritation can be from chemicals, rubbing collars, and chronic scratching to name a few. If they get big, they can get caught on something and tear. If they are on the chest, they can become frostbitten causing discomfort for your dog. Removal is mostly for cosmetic reasons unless they are bothering your dog. Sebaceous cysts form in the skin. These are lumps made from skin glands called sebaceous oil glands. These glands produce a skin oil called sebum. Sometimes these glands get clogged with dirt, debris, or scar tissue. The

sebum builds up and makes the nodule you feel. Sebaceous cysts can become inflamed and painful. When this happens, it is important to have your dog treated by your veterinarian. Sebaceous cysts can look like other tumors. If the lump in the skin changes size from day to day, have your veterinarian check it out because it may not be a benign cyst but something more serious. The last common lump most dogs get are called lipomas. These are tumors made of fat cells. Normally they are soft, moveable, nonpainful, and under the skin. If you find this on your dog, you don’t need to panic, but you will want your veterinarian to check it out at Fido’s next visit. Most lipomas are not a problem unless they grow big and inhibit your dog’s movement or quality of life. The most important take away is not all tumors are a problem, and it is best to have your veterinarian confirm that you don’t need to worry.

FMI go to www.enlightenedhorizons. com. Sara is available for phone sessions, parties, and workshops. She lives in Conway, NH with her chocolate Lab Syd, two cats, and her son Zachary.

Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopahticvet.com

Downeast Dog News

DEVOTION

from page 1

Nome, Alaska. Considered heroes, they were celebrated throughout the states. Seppala then partnered with New England musher, Elizabeth Ricker, and they opened a kennel devoted to breeding Siberian Huskies in Poland Spring. A few years later, Seppala closed the Maine kennel and returned to Alaska, but delegated his dogs to friend, Harry Wheeler. According to the AKC, the Siberian Husky Club of America believes all the breed’s registered dogs of today can trace their ancestry to those from the Seppala-Ricker or Harry Wheeler’s kennels. While Hayes has been involved with sled dogs for over two decades, he didn’t grow up with an interest in mushing, rather he grew into it. As a sixth generation Tennessean, he moved north about 25 years ago. Before he packed up, he met an old-time Mainer who advised him, “‘If you’re going to move there, you need to find something to get you through long winters or they’ll drive you crazy.’” Since Hayes is interested in canids (carnivorous animals that include wolves, jackals, foxes, coyotes, and domestic dogs), arriving at mushing was easy. “It didn’t take me long to figure out sled dogs and snow, lots of snow [here in Maine would fit the bill]. He’d also seen Iron Will, a 90’s adventure movie about a sled dog race. First came research, then came the dogs. “I rescued Siberian Huskies. I was mushing for two years before I ever met another musher.” Their children have taken to mushing as well. Caleb, 17, and Christian, 14, attend Belfast High and head to the kennel on weekends. They’ve raced competitively at the prestigious Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race in Ft. Kent. In 2022, they’re stepping it up – Caleb is competing in an overnight 100mile race while Christian is running the 100-Mile Wilderness Race in Greenville. Twelve-year-old Elizabeth and 9-year-old Sophia just ran their first race. And Hayes’ 21-year-old son Asa, serving in the US Marine Corps in Afghanistan, told his dad, “‘I can’t wait to get back to Maine and the sled dogs.’” For this former Maine Forest Ranger, it’s not just the races, it’s about enjoying the trails and being in the great outdoors with the Seppalas. They’re hard-wired to run, excited, barking, and begging to go. “The moment you pull the quick release,

your team takes off and everything goes silent except for the patter of feet on the snow. It’s a relationship between you, the dogs, and nature.” As a board member with the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club, Hayes’ most important mission is to protect this breed. He’s also adamant that it’s essential to continually promote the preservation of wild spaces. True North Legends of Dogs and Men The story of Togo is one that is near and dear to Hayes. Togo was the 12-year-old Husky who led the toughest and longest portion (261 miles) of the 1925 diphtheria antitoxin run with Seppala. Disney honored him in the movie Togo in 2019 while Hayes wrote the children’s book The True Tails of Togo the Sled Dog! (Initial accolades went to Balto, the sled dog who simply finished the last 31 miles of the trek.) Togo remained with his beloved master, living in Poland Spring until he passed at 16 in 1929. Seppala treasured the special dog: “I never had a better dog than Togo. His stamina, loyalty, and intelligence could not be improved upon. Togo was the best dog that ever traveled the Alaska trail.” (Credit nps/.) Knowing the history of Togo and the fact that he died there, Cyndi Robbins, owner of the Poland Spring Resort and vice president of the Poland Spring Preservation Society, contacted Hayes with hopes for a collaboration. She wants a life-sized statue of the heroic dog built with his support on the grounds of the historic Maine State Building in Poland Spring. Laura Brown, Director of Operations at Poland Spring Preservation Society agreed this will be a treat for tourists when completed – they plan to erect the statue at the end of the Togo Storybook Trail. She added that visitors have more to see inside, “There’s a Togo display in the Maine State Building Museum which features photos of Leonhard and Togo, as well as Elizabeth Ricker and Togo at Poland Spring.” Hayes wanted to participate in the project to not only raise funds for the $25k statue but to enlighten others on the unsung hero as well – but in his own way. He decided to embark on an expedition akin to Togo’s legendary run – he knew it would be his tribute to Seppala, Togo, and his own dogs as well. Wanting to document the adventure, he turned to Jeremy T. Grant, Searsport videographer/ filmmaker, who jumped on board. Grant described the outing as fun but

HAYES AND HIS THREE DAUGHTERS WITH FROST AND BEAR LEADING THE WAY.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/HAYESMUSHING

admitted a great deal of hard work and grit went into pulling it off. He credited Hayes’ determination and self-sufficiency. The pair, who were virtual strangers initially, left from Ft. Kent together, but often split apart because Hayes and his team of Huskies traversed remote areas throughout the weeklong, 280+ mile Northwoods journey that ended in Greenville. They worked cohesively, spent nights together in camps or under the stars, and charted the next day’s route, often with local’s assistance. Grant followed Hayes and his dogs via pickup, snowmobile, or on snowshoes. The filmmaker used everything and anything at his disposal – traditional cameras, GoPros, drones. And he relied on Hayes to film since he wasn’t always in proximity to him on trails. “Jonathan was a rock star,” he said, citing that Hayes learned camera skills quickly, making him better than many professionals. “I have so much respect for him,” he said, adding that Hayes was able to film even in knee high slush, mushing along. “It was an honor to do the documentary,” Hayes said of the finished product, True North Legends of Dogs and Men. Grant was thrilled

to work on the film, adding Hayes is “an awesome dude,” and that they’re brothers for life. Hayes feels the same, he even gifted Grant a blue-eyed Seppala pup from his kennel on New Year’s Eve as a “thank you.” The Grant family named her Aurora Eve. (Grant grew up in Aurora in Hancock County, Eve is self-explanatory.) Grant explained that the documentary isn’t available to the public yet as it’s been submitted to about 60 film festivals. If/when it’s picked up, depending upon the size of the festival, they may allow online previews. Grant admitted it’d be great to be on a streaming platform such as Netflix as well but feels it’s unlikely. (Watch the powerful trailer here: youtube.com/ watch?v=GHOGIoONCSI.) Grant, now a proud owner of a Seppala Siberian Husky, knows it’s important to have the Togo statue built to keep the unique, hardworking breed alive. “It’s such a big thing.” Note: Brown indicated that about $18k for the statue has been raised (with $10k of that from Hayes’ expedition). For more info and to donate, visit polandspringps.org/2020/01/27/togo/.

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“Error-Free Learning"

What’s your Plan?

hen I started to throw myself into dog training, I was delighted to discover how creative the process could be and how limitless the possibilities. Really, the only limitations were (and still are) my training abilities. Once I understood and embraced the basic scientific tenets of learning theory, I could more easily set aside the emotional baggage that sometimes accompanied my training efforts. Carolyn Fuhrer has written many excellent articles on “Training your Performance Dog” in this publication (her insight applies to all dogs, by the way, and not just performance dogs). She beautifully highlights how important it is for the rewards you offer to be highly motivating to your student, and that you be in tune with his body language and emotional state so that you don’t put too much pressure on him. Learning must be fun for both of you. Your dog will not want to participate, and you will not want to continue if it’s not enjoyable. Reward works both ways! Assuming you have the above points covered, this article focuses on the physical aspects of setting up for a successful training session. Activate your analytical mind, don your detective hat, and neatly pack any of your potential emotional baggage (e.g., frustration,

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

impatience, blaming the student) into your suitcase. “Error-Free Learning” Error-Free Learning sounds like a lofty goal. It suggests that a learner can achieve a behavior without making any mistakes, right from the get-go. Is this actually possible? Well, yes! The caveat is that we, as teachers, have to ensure the goal is the only choice the student wants to make. We need to ask, “what might he choose to do instead?” and prevent those behaviors from happening before we even begin.

Toddler on a Table with Sharpies You want your 2-year-old child to practice an important skill: drawing. [At this age, it’s known as “controlled scribbling” which makes me giggle because this is how I would describe my current drawing abilities!]. Do you give him a bunch of wide-tipped jumbo Sharpies, set him on top of a table covered with important documents and let him at it? Oh gosh, no! One, it would be super dangerous as he could fall and get injured. Two, Sharpies are toxic! Three, anything on the table could be irreversibly damaged. Four, he’s likely to practice undesirable behaviors. Five, Six… you get it. There’s absolutely nothing good about this scenario. Nothing. Anticipating the Student’s Choices I’ll bet you would opt to give Johnny age-appropriate writing tools, paper sufficiently sized, and presented in a safe place. You will help him, but not too much, because you want some independent thinking. You will most definitely supervise and adjust the setup if it looks like other surfaces might become his canvas. Applying this to Dog Training Let’s say I want to teach my dog to heel (vs. loose leash walking). What does that “picture” look like? Most people have a general, fuzzy idea but are challenged when asked to describe it in detail. The definition of heel is for your dog to be at your left side, walking parallel to you with no more than six inches between you. The right side of your dog’s head is

lined up with your left leg.https:// midogguide.com You might be content to have your dog within arm’s length of your side, or slightly behind, or slightly ahead. It’s your choice but try to be specific. Is your dog looking up? Are you offering eye contact? Be mindful of how your behavior is relevant to the picture. When teaching heel position, focus on the stationary position before you progress to moving. Once you have a definition for any skill you want to train, you need to figure out how to create a setup where your dog will be most likely to want to find that position and least likely to choose other positions/behaviors. Reward generously for that “right” choice. If he makes a “wrong” choice, address it right away by adjusting your setup to prevent it. Remember to keep things fun and light for your dog, too. Training is a game! Pens, platforms, perches and barriers These training aids play an important role in helping make your training successful. Be creative, anticipate what your dog might do, and be ready to pour on the rewards! I have, over the years, shifted more towards this type of training. It takes the guess work away from the dog but requires a more thoughtful training plan. The end result is that you get much more efficient training and a happier dog! Happy Training!

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

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Downeast Dog News

KCS - Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) By Dr. Cory Mosunic, DVM Board-certified Ophthalmologist Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care

Some people experience an itchy

or burning feeling in their eyes and not surprisingly a common cause of this is due to a drying of the eye. This condition is commonly known as “dry eye” or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) when eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eye moist. It could also stem from the quality of the tear being poor and evaporating too quickly. Did you know that dogs and cats can get “dry eye” too, but how can you tell? The surface of the eye is similar to skin. For example, in the winter, when our skin is dry, our skin becomes more sensitive, itchy, and often red and cracked. Similar symptoms happen to the eye. Some of the most typical signs of dry eye disease are redness/bloodshot, squinting, and rubbing of the eyes. Sometimes dogs and cats will also present to their veterinarian for a corneal ulcer (sore on the surface of the eye) that is caused due to lack of moisture on the surface of the eye. However, the one tell-tale sign of KCS is an excessive amount of thick yellow goopy discharge coming from the eyes or accumulating on the eyelids. What? That doesn’t make sense. How could an eye that is dry produce all that discharge? Often due to the yellow and pus like nature of the discharge, a misdiagnosis of infection is made, and antibiotics are prescribed, but the discharge

does not improve. So, what is all this discharge and why is it seen with dry eyes? The tears that coat the cornea are actually made of three layers, similar to a sandwich. The bottom layer serves as a base coat, called the mucin layer. This is like a paint primer that then helps the middle layer, the aqueous layer (what we know as the actual watery tears), to adhere to the surface of the eye. The third layer is called the lipid layer. The lipid layer is a top protective coat that covers the watery layer with a fatty gel to prevent the tear from evaporating too quickly. Traditional KCS is when the eye does not make enough of the watery/aqueous tears. Consequently, parts of the eye that make the mucin and lipid layers start to work overtime and try to make more fat and mucous to compensate for the lack of the watery tears. Unfortunately, they just can’t adequately compensate for the loss of the tears, but they sure do try! Sometimes the discharge can become so severe it can cause the eyelid to stick together and remain closed. So why does this happen? Most often there is an underlying immune mediated component which means that the body inappropriately starts attacking the normal gland that produces the tear as if it were a disease or virus and damages it. Therefore, treatment consists of topical eye medications that have to be administered lifelong to continue

to prevent the immune system from destroying the tear gland tissue. One of the most common medications to treat dry eye in dogs is cyclosporine (Optimmune). Interestingly, treatment for dry eye is one of the few treatments that was first patented in dogs and then later developed into a different strength for humans called Restasis. If you or your veterinarian suspect that your pet has KCS/dry eye, then an ophthalmic examination can be performed followed by a Schirmer Tear Test (STT). This consists of a small test strip being placed just inside the lower eyelid for one minute. The tears wet the strip and a measurement is obtained. Sometimes treating this disease can be tedious and other underlying factors can be contributing to the cause of the dry eye (i.e., certain medications, other diseases, or

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neurological conditions). It is important that you continue to stay in touch with your veterinarian to update how the treatment is working. Sometimes, there are other medications that need to be utilized. Prior to the development of Optimmune, surgical intervention was the only option to treat this disease. The surgery is called a PDT (parotid duct transposition) in which a salivary duct from the mouth is rerouted to the eye. Yes! That means that when a dog sees food and starts to drool it comes out of the eye. This surgery is not as commonly performed since the introduction of the use of Optimmune/cyclosporine. There are many factors to consider and discuss with a board-certified ophthalmologist prior to performing this surgery. Certain breeds are more likely to develop KCS and therefore there is likely a genetic cause of KCS. English Bulldogs, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, and West Highland White terriers are more predisposed to developing KCS. Early diagnosis is key as well, as continued follow up examinations. With treatment, most patients have a good prognosis for maintaining comfort and vision. If your pet is not responding to treatment, then a consultation with a board-certified veterinary Ophthalmologist may be recommended.

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Do you have a senior dog struggling with grooming? It is the goal of the professional groomer to ensure pets are clean and comfortable throughout their years. Extra care should be taken with senior dogs experiencing age-related changes, which commonly includes diminished hearing and eyesight, mobility issues, and reduced activity levels. An experienced team of groomers can easily manage the needs of aging pets. Conversely, behavioral changes resulting from canine cognitive dysfunction, also referred to as doggy dementia, pose more of a challenge. According to PETMD.com, “Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is a condition related to the aging of a dog's brain, which ultimately leads to changes in awareness, deficits in learning and memory, and decreased responsiveness

to stimuli.” If you suspect your pooch is experiencing age-related cognitive changes, there are steps you can take to make their next grooming appointment go more smoothly, including familiarizing yourself with the signs of CCD, communicating changes in your pet to the groomer, and being open to varied approaches to the grooming process. The signs of CCD are not always easy to recognize in the early stages and are often dismissed as normal aging. Therefore, it is important to record behaviors that are unusual for your pet and consult a licensed veterinarian as well as inform your professional groomer. The most evident signs of canine cognitive dysfunction include: • Aimless wandering or pacing • Barking for no apparent reason and/or for prolonged periods

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• Fear/anxiety/startling easily • Disorientation in the home/ waiting at the hinge side of the door • House soiling Despite the difficulties of aging, senior pets feel their best when they are groomed. However, the stress of grooming could also be detrimental. Therefore, communication with your professional groomer is paramount, especially when it involves CCD. Ask your groomer to take note of any physical or behavioral changes your pet is experiencing. This will allow the groomer to make special accommodations for your pet, including setting up or removing equipment to make the area safe. Additionally, it might be necessary for the groomer to book a longer time slot for your pet, particularly if it is struggling with a certain aspect of grooming like drying or face trimming. Discuss your pet’s progress with the groomer after each groom to determine if more changes are needed. For pets struggling with fear and anxiety due to CCD, a variety of modifications can be made to improve the grooming process including: • Staying with your pet for part or all of the groom • Waiting in the car in case you are needed • Bathing your pet at home to reduce the grooming appointment time • Consulting a veterinarian for anti-anxiety medications

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• Splitting the groom into two appointments Comfort and hygiene should be the main priority for pets experiencing adverse effects of aging. It will not always be possible to accomplish a perfect haircut. Often, senior pets will experience good days and not so good days; therefore, it is important to remain flexible in your expectations of grooming. Finally, not all grooming salons are equipped to manage senior dogs with special needs.

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Downeast Dog News

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Training Your Performance Dog Agility, Obedience, Tracking by Carolyn Fuhrer

Can Puppies Do Agility?

any veterinarians will advise their puppy clients not to do agility until their dog is full grown. This is correct and well-meant advice. Puppies should not be performing full size contact obstacles, regulation jumps, and a lot of twisting, turning moves before their bodies have matured, but there is so much they can learn about agility while they are still physically immature. A good instructor who has worked with puppies in agility

can safely introduce your puppy to many important concepts of agility and help start you and your new puppy building a wonderful working relationship. Basic commands such as wait, come, stay with me, go, sit, and down are all important aspects of

agility training and also important foundation training for any pet dog. Clicker training works very well in agility and is so much fun to teach puppies. Puppyhood is the best time to establish a valuable rewardbased training system and establish a clear understanding that focus and work “pay” very well. So, already we have talked about so much to do and learn and we haven’t even introduced any equipment! Puppies can be taught the concept of a jump with jump bars on the ground or only a few inches high. Puppies can be taught that jumps have value and to go away from you and perform the jump. They can be introduced to the different shapes and sizes of various wings on the jumps. Puppies can go through a tire that rests on the ground. They can learn to do a tunnel and have lots of fun with performing the tunnel from various angles. Puppies can explore low ramps and planks with different types of surfaces. Low puppy boards or wobble boards introduce them to movement and noise. A low platform or table can be used to

teach a desired table performance sit or down and a wait and release. Puppies can be introduced to the concept of weave poles by using open channel weaves where they run straight through. The best part about all of this is that most puppies are naturally curious and will enjoy exploring all the different obstacles and surfaces with you as long as they are introduced properly and you let your puppy explore at its own pace. Do not try and lure your puppy if it shows hesitation by telling it “it’s okay”. Obviously to the puppy, it is NOT okay. If something concerns the puppy, leave it for a while and try again later or at another session. Respect your puppy’s needs and concerns, and it will learn to trust you. No matter what, do not compare your puppy’s progress to another puppy. Puppies all have different ways and styles of exploring this big new world. Take your time. Enjoy each day and new exploration, and remember that puppyhood goes by so fast, so make the most of it!

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 125 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 3 Champion Tracker titles. She is also an AKC Tracking Judge. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

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A dog may suddenly refuse to

Dogs and Automobiles – Part 2 Aversion and Motion Sickness

get in the car for several reasons. The vehicle may have become a predictor of something unpleasant such as a trip to the veterinarian. Or perhaps the dog was in the car during a traumatic event such as a crash or a thunderstorm. If the dog was injured getting in or out of a vehicle, it might also become anxious about the car. Nausea due to motion sickness is one of the biggest reasons dogs learn to dislike traveling. This may be due to unfamiliarity with traveling inside a vehicle or a medical condition such as an innerear problem. However, anything that causes physical or emotional pain or discomfort will be remembered and is unlikely to resolve on its own. Two of my nine dogs went through periods of being uncomfortable in the car. When Tikken was a puppy, I started taking her on frequent short trips to acclimate her to travel. She was transported in a crate to keep her safe. These included a weekly trip to her vet for what I called a "happy visit," where we walked in, I gave her a few treats, and then we left. One day I took her out of the crate, and I noticed she had drooled so much that her chest was soaked. The next time I tried to get her in the car, she sat down 20 feet away and refused to get any closer. The excessive drooling was a sign of nausea, and Tikken made it clear she did not want to feel nauseous again. I helped Tikken learn that the car was safe by stopping all travel until I successfully desensitized and counter conditioned her to like the car. A couple of months later, we took a 10-hour trip without incident. My second dog to have issues in the car is my current dog, Muppy. The day we drove home with her,

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS by Don Hanson

ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

photo credit: debra bell

for three-plus hours, was without incident. However, soon after, she would occasionally vomit in the car. Muppy never became hesitant about getting in the vehicle, but the enormous amounts of vomit motivated me to get her feeling comfortable. I was able to do so with some anti-nausea products, but due to the unpredictability of her getting sick, it took a couple of years. If your dog is experiencing excessive drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea, specific to being in a moving vehicle, make an appointment with your veterinarian so that the veterinarian can rule out any medical causes and prescribe

any necessary medications. How to tell if your dog is uncomfortable in the car • Your dog is exhibiting signs of stress and discomfort in or around the vehicle ( FMI – http://bit.ly/DogsSignsofFear • Your dog refuses to get in the car. Making it do so will only make it more fearful of the car and you. It is not a solution. • Your dog is smacking or licking its lips or drooling excessively. • Your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea when in the car. Things that may help alleviate nausea and anxiety • Limit trips to only those that are necessary until the issue is resolved. • Withhold food and treats at least 12-hours before necessary travel. • Treat the nausea and anxiety. • Over the counter treatments (No Prescription Required) • Ginger helps relieve nausea. The easiest way to see if it helps your dog is to get some gingersnap cookies. Just make sure they contain real ginger and do not contain xylitol. • CBD can relieve both anxiety and, in some cases, nausea. It is one of the things I use with Muppy. Just be careful as there is a wide range of CBD products, and not all of them are good. (FMI – http://bit.ly/ BLOG-Hemp-CBD-PRO-for-pets) • Adaptil – This is a pheromone that can help alleviate anxiety. It is available as a spray and a collar. • Lavender Essential Oil – Lavender can have a calmative effect, but just as with CBD, there are many Lavender products, and they are not all of the same grade and quality.

• Bach Rescue Remedy – Rescue Remedy® is a combination flower remedy formula explicitly created for addressing stress in emergency or crisis situations. I have used it for over 20 years in a wide variety of applications. (FMI – http://bit.ly/Bach-Rescue Remedy) • Homeopathic Remedies– While many homeopathic medications do not require a prescription, I recommend that you work with a Homeopathic Veterinarian if you are not knowledgeable in this area. Some remedies can be beneficial in treating nausea and motion sickness. One was very helpful with Muppy. Dr. Herman, who also writes a column for Downeast Dogs News, is very knowledgeable in this area. • Prescription medications – (Must be prescribed by a veterinarian). Treating nausea only may be enough, but symptoms of nausea may predict anxiety, so an anti anxiety medication may also be in order • for nausea - Cerenia®, Antivert®, and Bonine® • for anxiety - Alprazolam (Xanax®), trazodone (Desyrel®) • Behavior Modification – A desensitization and counterconditioning protocol may be helpful or even necessary to get the dog to tolerate or enjoy the car after a bad experience. A credentialed dog behavior consultant or Veterinary Behaviorist such as DEDN columnist Dr. Christine Calder can help. (FMI – http:// bit.ly/WWM-Trainer Behaviorist)

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He also produces and co- hosts The Woof Meow Show heard on AM620 -WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available 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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FEBRUARY 2022

Rescue

of the

Month

RESCUE OF THE MONTH: SOMERSET HUMANE SOCIETY Providing Care for Stray and Abandoned Animals By Susan Spisak Founded in 1978 and declared an official 501(c)3 non-profit in 1984, Skowhegan’s no-kill Somerset Humane Society (SHS) serves 27 towns and 82 unorganized townships. SHS is funded almost entirely by donations from the public and their town contracts. Bonnie Brooks, Operations Director at SHS said the number of dogs coming to them are more than the norm. “It was something that people predicated would happen,” she said. Many folks adopted dogs because of the pandemic and work-from-home mandates, but it was a trend that didn’t last. She said by the summer of 2021, pets were being relinquished. Financial-related reasons account for many of those relinquishments. Some have experienced a loss of income and

couldn’t afford their pet anymore. Or they’d lost their home and have been forced to move into a non-dog-friendly rental. Others headed back to their brick-and-mortar workplace and didn’t want to leave the pet alone. Since SHS is a small shelter, they do not transport pets in. They have 12 dog kennels and always leave a few open for strays. For their senior canines, SHS utilizes and is grateful to Old Dogs, New Digs Rescue who takes most under their wing. Bonnie said she hopes to expand a dog-fostering program, and she’d love to find a savvy foster home for Princess. This Terrier/ Pittie mix is energetic, likes plenty of exercise, and is fun. She does need schooling on basic obedience and manners. ( See her pretty face and more details below) SHS is dedicated to finding the

perfect home for all their animals. Because of this, their process starts with a pre-adoption application. Expect a vet check if you have a current animal, and a call will be made to your landlord if you're a renter. Once approved, they will match your family, lifestyle, and current pet to the dog who will blend in best. Adoption rates run from $100 to $300. SHS has a “win-win” Annual Shoe Drive Fundraiser. They collect new and gently worn shoes and sneakers. Once they reach their goal of 2,500 pairs of shoes, Funds2Orgs picks them up and ships them off to 3rd world countries. Once there, micro-entrepreneurs resell them to provide for their families. This annual fundraiser nets SHS $1,200 to $1,800 each year. If you’re interested in collecting shoes and holding a “mini” shoe drive in your neighborhood,

PRINCESS, 3 YEARS OLD, TERRIER, AMERICAN PIT BULL/MIX

school, or at your business, email somersethumanesociety@gmail.com or call them at the number below for more information. Monetary donations, animal sponsorships, and tangible items are needed, see shsanimalshelter.com/ animal-shelter-donations/) for their Amazon “Wish List,” amazon.com/hz/ wishlist/ls/1H79LBSJ177M9?ref_=wl_ share. Volunteers who can commit to a regular schedule and work as part of the team are welcomed. To see their pets and for the application, visit shsanimalshelter.com. Hours are Monday through Wednesday, appointment only, call (207) 474-6493. Stop by SHS at 123 Middle Rd., Skowhegan, on Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm, or Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm.

BEN, 5 YEARS OLD, GERMAN SHEPHERD MIX

Three-year-old Princess is a very energetic girl. She loves to run and play in the yard with people. She would do best in a home as the only pet. She will need basic manners training but is housetrained and such a lovable girl. She is spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Ben is a very smart and loyal German Shepherd. His past living situation wasn’t stable, so he is anxious. This almost 5-year-old requires a home with no other pets. He needs an adopter who is willing to work with him, so he feels safe and secure. We are willing to help with training costs for the right adopter so Ben can find his forever home. For more information on Ben's situation, please call the shelter.

For more information or to complete an adoption application visit: secondchanceboxer.com

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Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption

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. ROSS

ADDIE

CASH

5 years old, Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix

3 years, Boxer Mix

Ross weighs 43 pounds, loves people, prefers to be an only dog & can’t live with cats.

Addie weights 50 pounds, she LOVES her people but is not a match for small children or cats or other female dogs.

1 year old, German Shepard Mix

FMI: luckypuprescue.org

FMI: thearkpets.org

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248 Choate Rd., Montville, (207)322-5111, kompletelyk9.com

PEPPER

Cash loves the outdoors, is loving and has lots of energy. He loves people, belly rubs and squeaky toys. He would do best in a home with older children 12+ and no other dogs.

Sponsored by: Mason’s Brewing Company 15 Hardy St., Brewer, (207)989-6300, masonsbrewingcompany.com

BUBBLES

5 years old, Plott Hound Mix

1.5 years old, Mixed Breed

11 months, Shepherd Mix

FMI: thearkpets.org

FMI: pawsadoption.org

Trudy is an extremely active pup, and needs an active family - think hiking, long walks, and playing fetch. We can promise her future adopter: Trudy will wear you out - but only in all of the best ways!!

Sponsored by: First National Bank 17 Branches from Wiscasset to Calais, 1-800-564-3195, thefirst.com

BLUE JAY

Pepper’s owned passed away. She traveled all the way from GA to find her forever home. She is super sweet with everyone she meets. She seems like she would do fine with other dogs and kids. Cats are unknown.

A super sweet girl! So far, she has been good with everyone she meets. Seems okay dogs the same size as her or larger, good with older kids, but not good with cats or small dogs. She would like an active lifestyle to keep her happy.