2024 February Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

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Volume 19 • Issue 2 • FEBRUARY 2024

Treats Made with Love by a Special Family By Susan Spisak

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9 Kookies LLC is an ambitious business endeavor kicked off last summer by Waldoboro parents, Danielle and Jason Stewart, for and with their lovable, often goofy, and delightful 18-year-old son, Landen. Danielle and Jason knew they needed something to teach him job skills that would keep him happy and fulfilled as there are limited opportunities for the nonverbal, Fragile X syndrome, and autistic Landen to pursue. They’re also hoping that profits can be used towards an all-important Autism Service Dog in the future. To understand this disorder, Danielle explained that if you were to ask him a simple question, he may be able to answer you with a one- or two-word reply, but you cannot have

See TREATS on page 5

INSIDE 6 2 Hot Dog News

Basic Training Tips

8&9

Pampering & Portraits

12 - 15

Dogs for Adoption

DOWNEASTDOGNEWS.COM

Calendar of Events

Hot Dog News AWS's Animal Care Intensive to Take Place in February K

ennebunk, Maine –Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is pleased to announce that the application for Animal Care Intensive (ACI) is now open. ACI is a five-day series of workshops for high-school students deeply interested in a career in veterinary medicine. During the workshop series, students learn from and work directly with professionals and experts including veterinarians from a variety of specialties, licensed veterinary technicians, engineers, exotic animal handlers and laboratory technicians. Students spend a day at the AWS Community Veterinary Clinic, located on Animal Welfare Society’s campus in Kennebunk. They will watch veterinarians in action, including completing surgeries, and assist veterinary and animal care technicians with exams and treatments. The program also includes interactive field trips to IDEXX Laboratories in Westbrook, Southern Maine Hospital for Small Mammals in Kennebunk and the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals in Windham. On these field trips, students see first-hand how veterinary medicine is practiced in a variety of settings. “This series of Animal Care Intensive workshops focuses specifically on Veterinary Medicine and the many ways veterinarians practice,” explains Amanda Zimmerman, AWS’s Youth Programs Coordinator who is overseeing the program’s curriculum. “Students watch and support the veterinarians in a variety of tasks, and experience first-hand what a career in veterinary medicine entails. This experience can help inform their interests and academic pursuits in the future.” Animal Care Intensive is the only program of its kind in the area for high-school students to engage directly with veterinary professionals. The program runs Monday, February 19 – Friday, February 23 from 9 am – 2 pm at Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk. Tuition is $400. Interested students should submit their application and accompanying essay by February 9. For more details and to access the application, please visit https://animalwelfaresociety.org/youth/animal-care-intensive/. About Animal Welfare Society: Animal Welfare Society, a non-profit organization, exists to serve as the safety net for lost and homeless pets and to provide access to affordable services and resources necessary for long term well-being, so pets and their families stay together and thrive.

Green Acres Kennel Shop & ForceFreePets Announces Webinars for People with Pets B

angor, Maine - Our pets are becoming a more significant part of our lives all of the time. To help people with pets stay informed on how to help their pets have the best life possible, ForceFreePets and Green Acres Kennel Shop offer a series of online webinars this spring. Currently scheduled topics are: • What the Latest Science Tells Us About the Care of Dogs • Feeding Your Pet for a Long and Healthy Life • Are You and Your Dog Ready for the Dog Park? You can find a description of each webinar and the dates it is being held at https://forcefreepets.com/webinars/. You can register at the same URL. Don Hanson, a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board, will be the presenter. Don has worked in the pet care services industry since 1995 as the owner of Green Acres Kennel Shop and ForceFreePets.com. The webinars are based on his research and experience with pets over the past 33 years. About Green Acres Kennel Shop In business since 1965 and co-owned by Don and Paula Hanson, Green Acres Kennel Shop is located at 1653 Union Street in Bangor, Maine. Its mission is to provide humane, ethical, and empathetic pet care and education based on science while prioritizing the needs and welfare of its client's pets. They offer boarding, daycare, grooming, and the sale of wholesome pet food and supplies. For more information, please call 207945-6841 or visit www.GreenAcresKennel.com. Turn to page 11 to read Don’s monthly DEDN column.

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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 Gail Mason Elsebeth Debiase GRAPHIC DESIGN NVDesigns • Nicole Vanorse ADVERTISING Jenn Rich 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com

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From the Publisher Dear Dog News Readers, Here it is our February issue and as I write this, we’ve only seen snow a couple of times but certainly have had some very powerful weather. For those who were impacted by the recent storms you have my deepest sympathy and more importantly, I hope you and your families are all safe. Pepper and I made another trip to the vet this past month because I thought that her newest lump near her leg had grown. It turns out that it had indeed, but she also had new lumps for a total of 5 now. The vet still thinks that they are likely fatty tumors which is something that labs are known for as they age. My previous lab passed away at 7 years old so I never reached this stage. It is a bit unnerving. She did check the larger one again and it still looked like fat cells, so I am trying to relax but it is not easy. She also said that she will check with me in a few months to see if I want to have her look at them again. I think we get better service from the vet than my own doctor. She actually called me at the end of the day with the results of checking Pep’s cells under the microscope. It’s quite nice to receive information from a human versus a portal. When I wrote my previous letter, we had not celebrated Christmas yet. Pepper was adorable with her stocking. I had a toy upstairs that she had seen poking out of a bag a couple of times so I gave that to her while I tried cramming the other toys and treats into her stocking essentially for my own entertainment because I think she could care less about how these items are delivered to her. I was thinking that we might spread them out, but she was just like a little kid and kept going over to the stocking to let me know there was still stuff in there. I think it was the treats she was after! Wishing everyone a happy February! All the best, Jenn and Pepper

Dog of the Month! PLAYA

Playa (pronounced as the Spanish word for beach) is an 11month old mix breed puppy with the most happy energy! She loves to play with her neighborhood friends and even has her own calendar app because of her buzzing social life. Playa also loves cheese, pup cups, watermelon, bothering her grandparents’ cat (Gigi), and going to Lowes to say hi to everyone she passes. She brings so much joy to every day!

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News . ..................... 2 Furry Words .......................... 4 Ask the Vet............................. 4 Basic Training Tips . ............... 6 Corticosteroid Use in Dogs ......7 Pampering and Portraits.... 8 & 9 Performance Dog Training ... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows........11 Dogs for Adoption..........12 - 15 Calendar............................... 14 Business Directory ............... 16

Welcome to February! I hope

when you are reading this, the ground is blanketed in a clean layer of snow and it is not pouring, sleeting or flooding! What a wild ride it has been so far, but we are creeping toward the warmer months, so enjoy winter while it lasts. For you newbies to Furry Words, I am a psychic for people and pets. Insights given in a reading are not a replacement for licensed medical care. Let’s see what your dogs have to say! Lynn C. asked about Reagan, her English Bulldog. “Does she miss having a fur sibling and is she lonely?” Heck NO! She is quite entertaining with her response, and I’m still giggling. She loves the quiet life you’re leading right now, and because you’re so worried that she’s lonely, you’re giving her as much attention as a grandmother who only gets to see her grandbabies once a year. She’s spoiled rotten and wouldn’t change it for the world. That being said, I asked how she’d be if YOU wanted to add to the pack,

Feeding Fermented Foods to Your Dog Q. Can I feed fermented food to

my dog?

Furry Words by Sara Moore

www.enlightenedhorizons.com

and she got equally excited at the thought. Sigh. If you want another dog, it feels great, but I really love the gentleness surrounding you at the moment. Hope S. asked about Sam, a

Ask the Vet…

by Dr. Judith Herman

Fermented food has become very popular lately. Humans have been fermenting foods for centuries. This was mostly done to prolong the “shelf life” of the food, but it also brought some other benefits. Fermentation is the process of brining vegetables at room temperature which allows bacteria and yeast to break down starches and sugars into alcohol and acid. Over time the sugars in the vegetables are broken down to lactic acid resulting in making the carbohydrates easier to digest for the dog. The predigestion of the vegetables by fermentation is an efficient way to supplement your dog’s diet with extra enzymes and vitamins, plus it is a good source of food source probiotics. Dogs’ digestive tracts are shorter than humans. They have evolved as carnivores and eating meat is a more efficient way to get the nutrients they need to be healthy. Vegetables

are difficult for dogs to digest. To get the benefit of eating plant material, vegetables need to be broken down by cooking or grinding before feeding them to Fido. Fermenting veggies does this for you. Fermented vegetables last a long time in the refrigerator allowing you to add a small amount a few times a week to your pup’s meal. Like meat, vegetables, fermented or not, should be rotated to have the most benefit for your best friend. Just one half to 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight is all that is needed. It is a

Collie/Hound mix. “He has been groaning more lately; is it from discomfort or something else?” Oh dear. Let me preface my response with I have to relay what I’m hearing, so don’t shoot the messenger. He’s tired of hearing you complain about things that you have the power to change but not the energy or desire to change. Sometimes we have to look at our lives, shrug, and think, well, this is only “for now.” I’m chubbier than I prefer, but my son graduated high school last month, I’m 51 and have bizarre hormonal moments, and my focus has been on survival for the past 18 years. I’m chubby For Now. So, if you don’t feel like adjusting your life, it’s absolutely alright to simply embrace it for what it is right now. Tomorrow you can reevaluate! Kim G. said that the day I put the call out for questions on my Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page was her dog’s birthday, and she wanted to know what would make her day. Well, the birthday passed, but I hope you still treat her with her request! I actually

see some gross looking food that could pass as wet cat food, but the green peas that are in it are what she’s showing me. She wants that wet food but with no peas. LOL! Do you feed her this now? You have to let me know! Finally, Valarie M. asked about Killian, a gray and white Bearded Collie. “What will help his PTSD?” The first thing I feel when I tap into his energy is his ears. They feel kind of funky and slightly itchy and like I want to stick a pencil in them and scratch, but it wouldn’t help. If the vet can adjust the way his ears feel, I think that will allow him to fully rest. He’s grumpy because his sleep is so darned interrupted- his words, not mine. Thank you all for your submissions, and I hope to meet you in a phone or office reading in Conway! I am also back on 94.9 WHOM and will be on February 6th from 8am - 8:40am, so tune in for another chance for a free mini reading! www.enlightenedhorizons.com

good idea to alternate between fresh and fermented vegetables. There are pros and cons to feeding fermented food to your best friend. On the pro side fermented foods are a simple way to promote healthy bacteria and replace harmful bacteria. If you feed processed food or your dog does not get enough exercise, Fido can develop digestive issues. Adding fermented foods to the diet may help. Besides a healthier gut flora, fermented veggies break down nutrients, increase prebiotics, which feed the good bacteria in the gut, prevents diabetes, and are a good source of antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients. Minerals, vitamins, and enzymes are more bioavailable. Feeding these foods can create a more robust immune system and a boost to natural melatonin, which regulates Fido’s sleep cycle and may reduce anxiety. The downside of feeding fermented vegetables is that it can cause more harm than good to a dog fighting gut issues, infections, or yeast. If your dog has an overgrowth of yeast in his gut, fermented veggie’s prebiotics will feed the yeast potentiating the problem. Fermented vegetables should only be fed to healthy dogs and in small amounts. During the fermentation process, proteins are broken down

and produce histamines. When your dog has an allergic reaction, histamines are released from cells called mast cells. These histamines cause inflammation allowing more blood flow so immune cells can react. You can see the change by skin rashes or a change in your dog’s breathing. If your dog has a histamine intolerance, you may see nausea, diarrhea, farting, inflammation, skin rashes, itching, and lethargy. More severe symptoms can be irregular heart rate, anxiety, aggressiveness, dizziness, and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). There are many pluses to feeding fermented veggies to your best friend. Like many good things, there can be too much. Remember to feed fermented vegetables to healthy dogs in small amounts a few times a week not every day. Avoid products with onions and a lot of garlic. If you see any of the symptoms mentioned above, stop immediately. If those symptoms persist, see your veterinarian. Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopahticvet.com

Downeast Dog News

TREATS from page 1 a functional conversation with him. “You can imagine with those barriers, how communication can be such a struggle for Landen.” She added a lot of his responses come from him copying things he has learned from TV shows. “It is actually quite amazing to see him pull a line from a TV show or movie and use it appropriately in a conversation.” Danielle said the path to making delicious healthy treats for canines was an easy choice. “He loves dogs and cats, so we were brainstorming what we could find for Landen that could include his four-legged friends. It didn't take us long to come up with dog biscuits,” said Danielle, adding that he had a special connection with the family dogs, Cypress and Zeppelin who have since passed and their two cats. Jazzy, often considered Landen's cat, meows to wake him, and runs into his lap after school. His nonverbal issue is not an obstacle with animals. This has been a family affair for the young man who everyone says has the ability to make them smile and laugh. In July, research began, recipes

were sifted over, baking commenced, and samples were offered to their friends and family’s pets. They arrived at peanut butter pumpkin dog biscuits. They are made with natural peanut butter, pumpkin, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and eggs. “We have had several people tell us that they have picky pups, but they even love our K9 Kookies.” Tyeler, Landen’s older brother, is involved with K9 Kookies by offering guidance with his business degree smarts. They also do brother things-the duo hangs out on weekends, listen to music (rap is their favorite), play video games, and have nerf wars. His sister Baylee supports from afar. (Although when she’s home, she and her little brother like to listen to tunes in the car.) She’s serving in the US Air Force at Fairchild AFB in Spokane WA. “I send her video clips and she edits them and gets them back to me,” Danielle explained. Danielle’s brother, Tony Poulin, has been a godsend--he is a Professor of Culinary Arts at Southern Maine Community College. “He has had great insight into streamlining our baking process and has such a wealth of knowledge. It took a few months

WORK IN PROGRESS K9 KOOKIES

to get our licenses and the business side of things in working order.” His daughter, Rachel Kathryn Poulin, designed the labels for them. “We are blessed to have a great support system of family and friends willing to help us with whatever we need,” said Danielle. As far as K9 Kookies, Landen helps his parents after school with part of the process. (He’s a senior at Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro, and while he’ll graduate with his class, he’ll continue schooling until he’s 22. He loves playing Unified Basketball there, is also their football team manager, and will stay on as he’s their number one fan.) Truth be told, Landen’s forte isn’t baking, but they’re trying to get him more comfortable in the kitchen. “He has some sensory sensitivities and doesn't love to get his hands dirty, which can obviously happen when you are in the kitchen,” explained Danielle. That said, he is an expert at labeling, counting the kookies, and placing them in the bags. “We made him a shadow board of laminated papers with outlines of the kookies, so he counts out 15 kookies by filling out the laminated sheets and then fills the bags. He is fantastic at it." The kookies are made in small batches, and they bake them two to three times each week. While they do not look alike, that’s the point. “They are unique, just like we are. Our focus is teaching Landen job skills that do not always come easily for him. They may not all be uniform and perfectly shaped but that is okay. We are all different, just like our K9 Kookies.” The Hope for a Service Dog Jason became aware of service dogs through his position at the Bolduc Correctional Facility. Certain inmates raise and train pups, and he shared the info with Danielle. “Bolduc used to work with Little Angels [Service Dogs] out of North Conway, NH,” she explained. “It was eye opening and where the goal of a service dog for Landen was born.” (She clarified that Bolduc is now working with another service dog organization.) For Landen, an Autism Service Dog can change the scope of his attitude and outlook. “We see the effect [dogs] have in Landen's life every time

he is around one. It is remarkable to witness,” shared Danielle. They’re so excited to find a canine best friend and helper for their boy. He has come a long way from his younger years, but it’s still stressful for him going to unknown places. “He can bolt, so it is always a fear when we are in public, and a service dog could be tethered to him, so he would not be able to bolt into a roadway or parking lot.” A service dog can also accompany Landen to medical or dental visits, school activities, and shopping to decrease anxiety. The dog can be trained to recognize and quietly interrupt self-harming behaviors or help de-escalate an emotional meltdown. For instance, the canine can respond to signs of agitation with a calming action, like leaning against him or gently laying across his lap. Support Landen and the Stewart’s in their mission to get a service dog for this sweet guy. The kookies are available at Moody's Gifts, Good Things Crafts & Thrift Shop, Laugh Loud Smile Big, Jefferson Market & General Store, King Ro Market, Tenant's Harbor General Store, and Delano's Seafood Market, and they’re working on other sales outlets. To purchase online, visit k9kookiesonline. com/. You can also link to their socials from there for more info. An example of Landen’s gentle, funny spirit: Danielle and I chatted on a phone call just before the holidays, with Landen and Jason listening on speakerphone. As Danielle, Jason, and I said our goodbyes, Landen chimed in with a hearty HO, HO, HO. He had me laughing out loud as I clicked off..”

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The Deferential Equation

Learning Boundaries

uppies! So innocent, so cute, so full of unmitigated joy, such blank slates. Or not… at least not when it comes to “blank slates.” Puppies are surprisingly full of knowledge and replete with genetic programming that predisposes them to think and behave in certain ways even when they come into our homes at a mere 8 weeks of age. They’ve already learned to interpret many patterns in their environment that help them understand the ways of their little worlds. The patterns that become relevant are the ones that contribute to their feeling of safety - physical and emotional - and those which lead to either getting what they want or avoiding what they don’t want. When we see a litter of very young puppies engaged in rough-and-tumble play, we don’t often think how these seemingly inconsequential interactions may influence future interactions with other dogs. Does one puppy tend to slam into another? Is there one particular puppy who always seems to be at the bottom of the puppy pile? Individual characteristics emerge very early in a dog’s life and can affect their long-term development. At 4-7 weeks of age, puppies are interacting with their littermates and learning the subtleties of social interactions. They are also learning

Basic Training Tips

by Diana Logan

some basic manners thanks to Mom (and other adult dogs who may be present). Mom will have begun the weaning process which may be the first time the puppies are denied something they really want. “No” becomes a new but critical concept. Littermates may or may not be effective teachers when it comes to learning what is and what is not acceptable behavior.

Boundaries. Rules. Structure. Young puppies need to learn to respect personal boundaries whether it’s within their own litter, with other puppies, adult dogs or with humans. “Just because I want it doesn’t mean I can have it,” is a lesson each of us needs to learn in order to be good citizens in this world. A puppy will best learn boundaries through the consequences of his behavior: appropriate behavior may gain him what he wants; inappropriate behavior will not. “I see a dog! Yay! I can run over and jump on him!” says the puppy who has never learned boundaries. Later, this same puppy will likely grow into a dog who still feels the same way. It is asking for trouble to enable puppies to practice this rude behavior. The Importance of Adult Dogs in a Puppy’s Life We often hear that puppies need to meet puppy-loving adult dogs so that they learn they are safe around all sizes and ages of dogs. Indeed, this is true, but just as important is having them meet adult dogs who do not want to engage with them and who can appropriately and effectively get the message across that they are not available or that a puppy has committed a civil infraction. Adult dogs are usually better equipped than puppies when it comes to teaching respect, but we want them to do it with the appropriate intensity in order to avoid traumatizing the puppy. It’s a careful balancing act. A puppy who grows up understanding that not every dog he sees wants to meet him

is far easier to live with than a puppy who thinks every dog is his new best friend. Deference: Yielding to Another’s Wishes An example of deference is turning away from a dog who is standing still (freezing is a signal that an interaction is not welcome) or moving away if a play partner yips or growls. It’s a conversation of body language. Yielding space is a form of deference: in a play situation, both partners should be giving and taking space fairly equally. It takes multiple wellmanaged interactions with many dogs for a puppy to become well-versed in canine language. Make sure your puppy gets this education. Bullies Hate to be Bullied Whether you are dog or human, this rings true. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is not a recognized canine concept. Bullying behavior is a common feature in puppies and it should not go unaddressed, no matter their age. Puppies, like small children, are always testing their boundaries, and if there isn’t anyone around who can let them know exactly where that boundary truly lies, they will not learn how to modulate their own behavior. Interrupt. Redirect. Avoid punishing. We don’t need to punish our dogs for being rude: we just need to make sure they don’t get what they want unless they are polite. If your puppy or dog starts to look like he’s going to cross the line, “change the channel”

See BASIC on page 15

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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Jennifer Keaten DVM, MPH, DACVPM Practice limited to dentistry. 158 Roosevelt Trail, Windham

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Downeast Dog News

Corticosteroid Use in Dogs Friend or Foe? By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care

orticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones, also known as steroids or cortisone, that are naturally produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids are involved in a wide array of activities in the body including the stress response, immune system response, reducing inflammation, and nutrient metabolism. Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, the second type of steroid produced in the adrenal glands control total body water levels, blood pressure, and sodium and potassium electrolyte levels. Both types of hormones are essential for life. Glucocorticoids are by far the most common type of steroid prescribed in veterinary medicine. There are numerous forms of prescribed glucocorticoids including prednisone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, dexamethasone, flumethasone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone, budesonide, and methylprednisolone. These related compounds primarily differ in their potency and their duration of effect within the body.

What are they used for? Though sometimes maligned and feared, corticosteroids comprise one of the most useful therapeutic drug categories in veterinary medicine. Corticosteroids can suppress inflammation and in higher doses, allergic responses, and an overactive immune system. They also can be utilized in certain cancer treatments. For decades, corticosteroids have benefited humans and animals immensely. They are an essential part of treatment protocols for many lifethreatening and disabling diseases. They also can reduce arthritis pain, and itching, and increase appetite, water intake, and weight gain in dogs that are battling chronic illness or cancer. Most forms of corticosteroids that are prescribed to patients are synthetic (manufactured) and are several times more potent than the naturally occurring forms found in the body, and they typically last much longer. Glucocorticoids can be administered to the patient by injection, by mouth, topically, or by inhalation. Ideally, the specific type of dose and duration of use of the corticosteroid is chosen to block an abnormal process while minimizing side effects for the patient. In general, they should be used at a dose and interval to accomplish the goal, and then either tapered and

stopped, or used at the lowest effective dose. It is interesting to note that veterinary patients are much more tolerant of corticosteroid use than humans, which is where some of the “negative press” stems from. What are the side effects? Short-term: The short-term side effects are those we expect a dog to experience when initially placed on corticosteroids. These side effects depend both on the type of steroids prescribed and on the duration that it is administered. Most commonly these include increased thirst and urination, panting (not trouble breathing), increased hunger (warning: counter surfing is common!), low energy, weight gain, and thinning hair coat. More rarely, corticosteroids can escalate aggression in those dogs with pre-existing dominance/aggression. If the side effects are problematic, your veterinarian may adjust the drug dose and interval of administration. The duration of use should be the minimum required to produce the desired effect. However, many instances require that a dog be maintained on the drug for longer periods, or even indefinitely. In that instance, most veterinarians will prescribe the lowest-effective dose, and at every-other-day dosing intervals. This allows the body to produce its own cortisol on the “off days” to keep

the adrenals functioning. Your dog’s gastrointestinal condition may be treated chronically with budesonide, a cortisone drug that has less systemic effects and more direct action on the gut. Long-Term Side Effects Some disease processes and medical conditions require longterm treatment with corticosteroids, either at an anti-inflammatory or an immunosuppressive dose (the latter is generally 4 times higher). Side effects from long-term use become more of a concern, but with judicious monitoring, they can be minimized. Side effects most often seen with longterm corticosteroid use include weight gain, a pot-bellied appearance to the abdomen (due to muscle weakness), thinning of the muscles of the head (temporal muscle atrophy) changes in haircoat in either color or density, and rarely, firm skin plaques called calcinosis cutis. Many of these issues are reversible by discontinuing or lowering the dose of corticosteroid. While gastritis or gastric ulcers can occur, it is rare. Similarly, pancreatitis has been thought to be occasionally caused by corticosteroids, but proof of this is lacking. An increased risk of diabetes

See CORTICOSTEROID on page 15

You are invited to witness the most challenging sled dog race in the eastern United States!

CAN-AM CROWN International Sled Dog Race Begins March 2, 2024 8 am - 11 am Tips: • Park well off the trail so as not to interfere with other trail users. • If traveling along the trail during race hours, please watch carefully for teams and slow down as you pass any. • Some dogs are fearful of the noise of snowmobiles; turning your engine off while stopped will help! • Please don't allow children to approach the sled dog teams. • Please leave pet dogs home. • Bring extra warm clothing.

FEBRUARY 2024

All three Can-Am Crown races (the 250, 100, and 30 mile races) have highly accessible starts on Fort Kent’s Main Street.There are no fees to view the races. Bring your camera! Finish Line: Fort Kent (All 3 races finish at Lonesome Pines Ski Lodge) Estimated Finishes: Can-Am 30 – Saturday, noon – 4PM Can-Am 100 – Saturday, 9PM – 2AM Can-Am 250 – Monday, 8AM – Tuesday 10AM

Visit website for race checkpoints @ can-am-crown.net The Can-Am Crown organization arranges a festive dinner and awards ceremony after each racing event. Dress casually.

Photo by Pete Freeman - capture27 Photogrpahy

Pampering Managing Dry Skin Naturally with Coconut Oil by Elsebeth DeBiase, BAminSC, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S Coastal Creations Pet Salon, Owner Winter days invite romps with your canine companions in the fresh snow and long snuggles by the fire. The chilly winter months are great fun for many dogs but can foster grooming challenges. Low humidity levels and higher indoor temperatures promote dry, flaky skin, sometimes resulting in excessive scratching and skin damage. As a result, regular inspection of your dog's skin and promptly addressing minor skin disturbances will go a long way in ensuring skin health. If dry skin and dandruff are noticed, coconut oil is a viable home option for moisturizing and alleviating these conditions. Coconut oil is an effective and safe natural solution that is easy for dog owners to use. Coconut oil is one of the oldest recorded holistic remedies dating back to Ayurvedic medical documents from 1500 B. C. Its healing properties are attributed to its high fatty acid content. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats and oils, and several play a vital role in maintaining essential body functions. Fatty acids, including lauric, caprylic, and capric acids found in coconut oil, have been scientifically studied. Research indicates they possess antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory properties, even when applied topically. When applied to the skin, coconut oil acts as an emollient, smoothing the skin's top layer, preventing cracks, and reducing moisture loss. Adding a natural

soothing emollient helps protect the skin barrier, allowing it to heal. Dr. Karen Becker, DVM states in her video "Why Use Coconut Oil for Skin Treatment" that coconut oil improves skin flakiness, skin integrity and helps skin resist opportunistic pathogens like yeast and bacteria. When purchasing coconut oil, virgin organic cold-

pressed coconut oil is the best choice due to its high nutrient content, purity, and preservation of natural properties. As outlined below, virgin coconut oil can be added to a conditioner following a bath, used as a mask, or applied as a spot treatment. Coconut Oil Conditioning Bath • Cleanse the dog’s skin with a

species-appropriate gentle shampoo formula, lather, and rinse well. • Mix 3 to 4 drops of coconut oil into a pet-safe commercial rinse-off conditioning product. • Apply coconut oil and conditioner solution to damp coat and leave on for 5 to 10

VISIT OUR STORES FOR ALL YOUR PET NEEDS! Pet Supplies Plus locations: 50 Market St., South Portland, (207)331-4062 91 Auburn St., Portland, (207)331-3263 1364 Main St., Sanford, (207)292-4171 770 Roosevelt Trail, North Windham, (207) 292-4017

Wag N Wash locations: 4 Scammon St., Saco, (207)331-8665 200 Expedition Dr., Scarborough, (207)413-2011 See ad on back cover

High Quality Pet Food and Supplies Pet Grooming and Self Dog Wash Station 1517 Post Rd, Wells, ME Shop: (207)251-6016 • Grooming: (207)630-4091

Downeast Dog News

g & Portraits W

e hope you find this article helpful for your home grooming. When you are ready to visit a professional groomer, we hope you will consider one of our advertisers. Once you have visited the groomer and your pup is looking their best, that would be a great time for a portrait session with a pet photographer. If you already have a photograph that you love, there are also artists that would be happy to turn that image into a lovely painting. Please plan your appointments well in advance as most groomers and artists often have busy schedules. minutes. • Rinse the solution from the skin and coat thoroughly with warm water. • This method is best for long coated dogs and dogs with greasy skin and coat. Coconut Oil Mask • Cleanse the dog's skin with a species-appropriate gentle shampoo formula, lather, and rinse well. • Apply generous amounts of virgin organic cold-pressed coconut oil to the dog’s skin and coat. • Let the oil sit for 5 to 10 minutes. • Rinse with abundant water and lightly shampoo if needed to remove any greasiness. • This method is most suitable for dogs with very short, sparse, or no coat. Coconut Oil Spot treatment • Apply coconut oil to localized areas of irritation or dry skin. • Apply coconut oil to dry nails, paw pads, or crusty ear tips. Although rare, coconut allergy can affect both pets and people. Testing a small amount of coconut

oil on a specific area is crucial to avoid any possible allergic reactions. It is safe for dogs to lick coconut oil, but avoid allowing them to ingest too much, especially if they have dietary sensitivities. For information on coconut oil for dogs, visit barkandwhiskers.com, and always consult a veterinarian if your pet is experiencing skin and coat changes.

Watercolor Animal

PORTRAIT PAINTER Meticulous custom watercolor paintings make the perfect gift and a provide a lifelong memory.

Visit my website for more details about commissioning a painting:

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207-730-8031

Haggett Hill Kennel 93 DODGE RD., EDGECOMB

www.haggetthillkennel.com PHOTO BY BELL’S FURRY FRIENDS PHOTOGRAPHY.

Have your dog groomed by Kylee. Professional dog grooming with patience and kindness. Please call for an appointment.

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gift of images

Professional Dog Grooming We groom one dog per groomer with no kennel drying. Book online: www.lavishdog.com 111 OSSIPEE TRAIL EAST, STANDISH,

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FEBRUARY 2024

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

Focus, Attention, Engagement, Cooperation

ocus. Attention. Engagement. Cooperation. We hear these words all the time, but what does it all mean? How do we obtain it, and how do we keep it? In the beginning stages of training, we use food or toys first as lures and eventually as rewards to pay our dogs for performing certain tasks. This approach works very well with most dogs. Problems arise if you want to progress beyond the venues where you can use food as a lure or carry food with you and

reward with it. If your performance is based upon your dog believing that food is present and will be forthcoming for certain behaviors, you will be limited as to how much you can achieve. Dogs must choose and want to give us attention and focus and be willing to join us and cooperate with us because it is a good deal and an enjoyable experience.

Focus and attention to you can be enhanced in everyday life with your dog. Every time your dog looks at you or chooses to engage with you, acknowledge his attention and enjoy him. Work on building your relationship with your dog wanting to give you attention, not you pursuing the dog to get his attention. Consider whether your dog is stressed, anxious, or fearful of the environment, or is the stress coming from you? Or perhaps some of each. Is the environment overwhelming to your dog because your dog is extremely curious and has not developed the ability to concentrate on a single task but just flits from one environmental distraction to another? Your dog’s breed and temperament will influence whether he is stressed or wary of the environment or wants to engage with every smell, sight, or noise he encounters. Some dogs are more introverts where others are extroverts. You need to understand and work with the dog you have. Some dogs need quite a bit of emotional support, whereas others are quite independent. You need to understand your dog’s emotional make up when you plan a training session.

Sometimes your dog’s inability to focus has nothing to do with the dog or environment. It has to do with poor training. Poor training and lack of clarity in training will cause a dog to be confused, anxious, frustrated or just shut down or leave. Training, when done correctly, should strengthen your relationship, and training should be an enjoyable, rewarding session for both dog and handler. The dog understands you will be fair and clear in your teaching, and therefore he will be willing to try and solve problems and enjoy putting forth effort. The handler, in turn, will be patient, fair, and supportive of the dog’s efforts. The more you build your relationship, the more your dog will focus on the tasks and engage with you because work is fun for both of you! Remember, every time you set up a training session, go to a class, a show, or a trial, you set an emotional tone for the event. If these experiences are not pleasant and confidence-building for your dog and enhancing your overall relationship, you will be undermining the foundation of trust you need to have with your dog. No amount of food can substitute for poor training.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 130 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 4 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She is also an AKC Tracking Judge. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years.

Want to Achieve Success in Obedience, Agility and Tracking?

North Star Dog Training Carolyn Fuhrer Somerville, Maine

We can help you achieve your goals! Classes - Private Lessons Small Group Lessons – Workshops Call for more information!

207-691-2332 carolyn@northstardogschool.com http://facebook.com/NorthStarDogTraining

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Boarding 7 days/wk., year-round

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Kompletely K-9

Dog Training and Rehabilitation

Kris Potter

Serving Locations In Midcoast Maine And Beyond

207-322-5111 Kompletelyk9.com • 248 Choate Rd, Montville, ME 04941

Member #P2848

Become a sponsor of an adoptable dog in our paper and help raise money for a Maine rescue. Call Jenn (207)706-6765

Dog Training Walk & Train Group Hikes Dog Walking Boarding

Spoiled pet? No such thing. Handmade collars, harnesses, and Handmade harnesses, and leashes in acollars, store brimming with a leashes well-cuin a store brimming with a well-curated rated selection of products for selection of products for your favorite pet. your favorite pet. Come Port—because we Comesee seeus usininthe theOld Old-Port—because know there’s nothing common about your we know there’s nothing common four-legged friend. about your four-legged friend.

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Where Training and Playtime meet to create an exceptional experience for people and the dogs they love!

Coming soon! Daycare (with training optional) and New Training Services. Daycare opening in February 2024! Client registration is open now.

(207)619-2414 • www.pawsitiveplay.net info@pawsitiveplay.net

Downeast Dog News

Pet Obesity, part 2

Make your dog's weight a

How to Keep Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

family project – Everyone MUST be actively involved in monitoring your pet's weight if you are to succeed. It only takes one of you sneaking the dog extra calories to make your dog obese. Be proactive – Many people do not understand their pet is overweight; statistically, half the dogs they see are overweight. Use the body condition charts I discussed last month ( https:// petobesityprevention.org/petweight-check ) and asses your dog weekly. Weigh your dog at least once a month – Annual weight checks at the vet are insufficient. Most of us do not have an appropriate scale for weighing our pets, so stop by your veterinarian’s office for a weigh-in. Follow the feeding guidelines for the food you feed your dog – By law, every pet food package must include feeding guidelines that indicate how much to feed your pet. These guidelines vary wildly between brands and formulas, so you must check them whenever you change what you feed. Companies almost always indicate a range for a pet at a specific weight, and I recommend you feed at the low end of the range. I’d rather have your dog underweight than one percent overweight. We know that dogs that are fed less live longer. Do not FREE feed your dog – Leaving food out increases the likelihood of overeating and may delay your action when your dog is ill. A healthy dog always eats. Accept that your dog is genetically programmed to ALWAYS be hungry – In other words, a healthy dog will NEVER refuse food, whether offered or scavenged. One day, my wife and I were working in our store and let our dog Gus join us. At one point, one of us said, “Where’s Gus?” We found him with

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS by Don Hanson

ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

photo credit: debra bell

a bag of dog food with a tiny tear that he enlarged. Our 18-pound dog had consumed four pounds of food. Please do not kill your dog with kindness by succumbing to those heart-wrenching pleas to feed him more. Feed your dog a healthy diet by reducing or eliminating carbohydrates – Excessive consumption of carbohydrates plays a significant role in obesity for people and their pets. More importantly, dogs and cats do not need carbs, yet carbohydrates are a substantial ingredient in dry pet food (kibble). Carbs are in pet food for three reasons: 1) they provide more calories for fewer dollars than protein and fat (meat), creating higher profits for the manufacturer; 2) they are necessary to hold the

kibble together; and 3) pet parents find kibble convenient and a healthy choice because the five biggest pet food companies: the Mars Candy Company, the Nestle candy company, Colgate-Palmolive, JM Smucker’s, and General Mills have brainwashed them. No matter what they say on TV, kibble is not optimal nutrition for a pet any more than dry cereal is optimal nutrition for you. This is what leading pet nutrition experts, including AAFCO, the quasi-regulatory agency that sets the rules for pet food, say about carbohydrates. “Dogs have no requirement for plant carbohydrate.” – Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), 2016 “There appears to be no requirement for carbohydrate [in dogs] provided enough protein is given.” – National Research Council (NRC), 2006 “…there is no minimum dietary requirement for simple carbohydrates or starches for dogs and cats…” – The Merck Veterinary Manual. If you need help learning about healthy diets for your pet, talk to someone who understands the value of fresh foods. Every year, more scientific research suggests fresh, minimally processed foods are healthier for our pets. This should be no surprise as human nutritionists have told us the same about what we eat for years. Eat fresh food and avoid processed food. I conduct regular webinars on this topic. You can learn more at https:// forcefreepets.com/webinars/. Understand that everything your dog eats has calories – Besides monitoring your dog's daily food ration, you need to monitor the treats he receives between meals. We’ll discuss that in detail next month. Avoid Weight-Loss and Less

Keeping Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

Active Kibble Diets – A veterinarian often recommends a regular or even a “prescription” diet when a pet is overweight. Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian and author of The Forever Dog, states, “…the vast majority stick stubbornly to their misguided, uninformed advice to feed highly processed, starch-based diets.” I agree with Dr. Becker; why feed more carbs? Especially since Dr. Conor Brady’s review of the scientific literature on pet food revealed the following: “The ideal weight loss diet for your dog is lower in calories, high in protein, lower in fat and zero carbohydrates. This will result in gradual weight loss but will retain lean body mass, crucial to the whole process.” Next month, I’ll discuss treats and exercise and their role in obesity.

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.

Promote Comfortable Joint Movement Recent studies have demonstrated that glucosamine and chondroitin can act synergistically to lubricate joints and nourish cartilage and connective tissue. Sea Jerky® is the original, patented “joint flexibility product for dogs”. Imitators may make similar claims -but there is only one Sea Jerky!

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Rescue of the Month RESCUE OF THE MONTH: PITTIE POSSE RESCUE & SANCTUARY Rescuing & Advocating for Neglected Bully Breeds By Susan Spisak

owners for dog fighting, her drive was further ignited. She moved to Maine, got married, and convinced her husband, rescue advocate Todd “Sully” Sullivan, to initiate PP. By December of 2017, their first dogs came under their wing, and since then they have rehomed 600 dogs. That said, they are down on intakes. “We get up to half a dozen requests a week [from Mainers for relinquishments]. Ninety-nine percent we can't take, either due to them needing the animal gone immediately, or human aggression, or needing to be in an animal/child free home.” (It’s rare for them to have a foster open without children or animals.) Likewise, southern imports are slow. “We are way down this year due to lack of funds, fosters, and very slow adoptions. This year we've only imported 29 (with eight

Pitte Posse, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, does not just rescue dogs and find them new homes. They strongly advocate for responsible dog ownership for bully breeds and their “cousins,” and this includes essential training, socialization, and education as part of that mission. They also offer a free pet food pantry for those in need in Southern Maine. The backstory of PP is as interesting and full of heart as co-founder Britt Bolnik is. She rescued her first Pit Bull in New York City twenty plus years ago. Her dedication to him prompted her to not only volunteer for a few Pit rescues but also research them. After discovering there’s an abundance of bully breeds in pounds who are abused, neglected, or exploited by

owner surrenders) vs. last year 118 imported.” Their fosters and volunteers are valuable. “The volunteers are the absolute backbone of Pittie Posse—we literally couldn't do this work without them. We have a close-knit circle of core crew who talk most of the day, every day, handhold foster families and support them, and bend over backwards for the dogs. We have a new social media person who is slaying our social media game and really helping to grow and engage our audience.” Britt and Sully are also co-founders and owners of The Bark Yard (TBY) in South Portland that provides trusted dog care, grooming, boarding, and positive training. This priceless forprofit was a goal of theirs to work in tandem with PP. (Next is a land

sanctuary for PP.) “We now have a place to board dogs when they need immediate placement and we don’t have an open foster, plus we can get them training at TBY, do adoption meet and greets there, and offer follow up training for new adopters. We’ve also been able to offer local fosters daycare for their foster dogs, which is a huge bonus and carrot for fosters’ families who work full time.” They’ve had a few dogs with them for over a year. Rory, a smaller, shy couch potato needs a savvy owner who can gain her trust slowly. Katya deserves a shout out too—she’s a playful 4-year-old. Britt would like to find them their perfect homes. See below for more. For foster and adoption criteria, pittieposserescue. com/adopt/.

HALO, 2 YEARS OLD, MIXED BREED

RORY, 4 YEARS OLD, CATTLE DOG/PIT BULL MIX

KATYA, 4 YEARS OLD, PLOTT HOUND/ PIT BULL MIX

This two-year-old little love muffin is Halo and she's hoping for a home! She's been here just a few weeks and we're learning more about her goofy, cuddly personality every day! Halo loves to play tug, is eager to learn and is an amazing snuggler! She loves playing with her foster doggy siblings and her zoomies are hysterical!

Rory is a little couch potato and only 44lbs! Rory is the perfect dog for those who can’t have cats. She is a bit shy with new people so patience is key with her but once you have gained her trust she will love you forever. Loves to go on trail walks and always takes a dip in the lake when given the chance! A quiet girl who is extremely well mannered, and house trained. She loves her comfy beds and the couch will be her spot! Rory will need a dog savvy owner who can be patient and slow with her and fulfill her needs of a low energy, low stimulus environment. She is truly an amazing dog who will make a great addition to the right family's home!

This beautiful brindle is Ms. Katya! Katya is almost 4 years old and is loving her new start in Maine. Katya's favorite things are her tennis balls, playing tug and all things outside! Her fosters rave about how sweet and smart she is! They have this to share, "Katya is very confident, easy-going, attentive, goofy and loves to give kisses." If you're looking for an adventure pal that also loves couch cuddles, Katya's your gal!

For more on these and other Pittie Posse dogs, visit: pittieposserescue.com/adopt/.

Sponsored by Raymond (207)655-6760 • So. Paris (207)743-8960 Bridgton (207)647-2383 • Jay (207)897-3333 • Lewiston (207)783-1366 Newport (207)368-4329 • Turner (207)225-2525 • Winthrop (207)377-2614 North Conway, NH (603)356-5669

parisfarmersunion.com

Help us find a forever home! Become a sponsor and help raise money for a Maine rescue. jenn@downeastdognews.com

Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com.

Some rescues do not offer phone numbers and require you apply online. Please see the contact info. highlighted in yellow below each dog. BLAZE

MOONSHINE

MILO

2 years old, Terrier Mix

12 years old, Lab Mix

11 months old, Beagle Mix

FMI: pethavenlane.org

FMI: www.luckypuprescue.org

Blaze is very high energy and loves to roughhouse. He loves to learn new things and has mastered sit/stay! Blaze is looking for a home with no cats but we think he may do ok with another submissive dog but he would need to meet them at the shelter first. No kids under 16 years old.

Sponsored by: Haggett Hill Kennel 93 Dodge Rd., Edgecomb, (207)882-6709, haggetthillkennel.com

HOPE

She loves sleeping on the couch, playing fetch, going for car rides, pup cups, chasing squirrels, and following her people around. Some separation anxiety but settles down quickly in her crate. Very sweet girl but is protective of her space and food. No kids under 8 and no other animals.

Milo is a very loving dog who wants to be with his people. Crate trained, snuggly & loves to play! He loves his toys, his favorite being a rope toy. He does well with other dogs & older kids.

Sponsored by: Androscoggin Animal Hospital