2022 June Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

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Volume 17 • Issue 6 • JUNE 2022

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ARLGP Treks to San Angelo

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By Susan Spisak

eana Roth’s role as Director of Community Engagement for Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland aka ARLGP, includes participation in a bi-monthly national shelter Zoom call. On a recent pow-wow,

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Basic Training Tips

a colleague shared that the 501(c) 3 no-kill Concho Valley PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) aka CVPAWS in San Angelo, Texas was in a terrible situation. They were overwhelmed with hundreds of pets awaiting adoption, with more dogs and puppies being brought to them daily. In addition to their own animals, CVPAWS supports their neighbor’s eﬀorts, the City of San

8 &9

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Angelo Animal Shelter. Part of CVPAWS’ problem is that the rural San Angelo has a transient community – the city is home to Goodfellow Air Force Base and a few colleges, so residents come and go. Because of this, there are very few foster homes and volunteers. This a marked diﬀerence to ARLGP

12-13 Dogs for Adoption

DOWNEASTDOGNEWS.COM

See ARLGP on page 5

Calendar of Events

Hot Dog News

Join PAWS Animal Adoption Center on June 18th for the 5th Annual Paces for PAWS

On Track Agility Club of Maine to AdministerThe First AKC Temperament Test in the State of Maine

TAC (On Track Agility Club of Maine) is proud to announce that it will administer Maine’s first AKC Temperament Tests on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, ME. Two ATT tests will be held; one in the am and the other in the afternoon. Tests will be administered by two AKC evaluators. A dog passing both tests will earn the ATT title and a ribbon. The ATT is open to all purebred and mixed breed dogs. The temperament of any dog is an important characteristic. Temperament is a dog’s natural predisposition to react a certain way to a stimulus. The AKC Temperament Test includes items in the following six categories: social, audible, visual, tactile (touch) and proprioceptive (motion) and an unexpected stimulus. The ATT is a non-competitive, pass-fail test that will screen for fear, shyness, inability to recover and lack of cooperation. Desired traits are that the dog will be emotionally stable, inquisitive, appropriately social, biddable, and recovers from a startling situation in a reasonable amount of time. Dogs must be at least 1-year old to take the ATT test and dogs who do not pass the test may retest when ready. Dogs who pass the ATT twice under two different evaluators may earn the ATT title and list the suffix after the dog’s name. More information about the ATT test can be found at http:/www.akc.org/ acktemptest. For information on how to enter the OTAC July 9, 2022, temperament tests, please call Kathy at (207)691-2332. Premium list and entry forms can be downloaded from the AKC events site or from OTAC’s Facebook page.

tarting line will be at the Train Depot Station on the Belfast Rail Trail. All proceeds will go toward supporting PAWS with continuing to provide shelter, food, and medical attention to animals in need of a helping paw and lots of love. Whether you walk or run, there are prizes for everyone. Top awards will go to winners in the following categories: Fastest 5K (Female), Fastest 5K (Male), Fastest Youth (Under 16) Female, Fastest Youth (Under 16) Male, Walking Challenge Money Raised (Team), Walking Challenge Money Raised (Individual). www.pacesforpaws.org

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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 Loren Candito 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, I hope you have been enjoying your spring. Everything is beginning to look so beautiful! It makes me so happy when everything is colorful again. Pepper had her last swim appointment at Water Bark until it gets cold again and we have been trying to get out for more of our long walks. She LOVES to be outside! Sometimes she just closes her eyes and lifts her nose towards the sky and breathes in the fresh air. It makes me feel both happy and slightly bad as though I’ve kept the poor girl captive in the house. I suppose I feel a similar feeling as well. As I have mentioned in previous issues, we have been working on Pepper’s counter conditioning because she became reactive towards other dogs when we’d go for walks. It has been going really well but we did have an incident on Mother’s Day with another reactive dog that ended with me falling to my knees, ripping my jeans and scraping my leg. In hindsight there are several things I would have done diﬀerently and thankfully the dogs did not ﬁght. It really bothered me that the dog’s owner wasn’t doing much to avoid us and never even asked if I was ok once I fell. Unbelievable. It certainly could have turned out much worse. There will be more info. to come in a later issue about our training. Until then, enjoy your June and the warmer temps and please be mindful of others when out in public with your pups. All the best, Jenn and Pepper

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Table of Contents

Hot Dog News ...................... 2 Furry Words ......................... 4 Ask the Vet ............................ 4 Basic Training Tips ................ 6 The Itchy Dog ........................ 7 Summer Grooming Pitfalls .....7 Pet-friendly Camping & Lodging. ............................ 8, 9 Performance Dog Training ... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows ...... 11 Dogs for Adoption ...........12-13 Calendar .............................. 14 Business Directory .............. 15

I don’t know about you but when

I take my pup out, I’m a blackfly buffet this time of year, but I have hope knowing it will pass soon enough! I’ve been loving puttering in the flower beds, listening to the peepers and owls in the evening, and hanging on the patio with Syd, my 6-year-old chocolate Lab at my feet. I spend the rest of my time doing readings for you and your pets or food shopping for my 16-year-old son who is currently eating me out of house and home. Sigh. I love him and the dog dearly though, so it’s all worth it! I put out the call for your questions, and they flooded in within minutes. Enjoy! Kaela M. asked about River, a Lab, and wanted to know if she’d become a service dog. Um, NO. She is way too self-centered and has no desire to waste her time on this unless EVERYONE is serious about it happening! That means if she’s in training, you can’t skip it or show up late. If she has homework, it needs to be done. She will not do this halfway. It’s all or nothing. Even answering this makes me grumpy because she hates when people have control over her outcomes. This makes me wonder if she’s mirroring you! Kaela also asked about Jazzi, a Labradoodle. “Is she happy?” Absolutely! She thinks that she is the queen, not the princess, and she gets what she wants when she wants it. William E. asked about Callie, a

Is My Dog Depressed? Q.

We have had a lot of changes lately, and my dog’s favorite person has moved away. I think Buster is depressed. Is that possible?

Furry Words by Sara Moore www.enlightenedhorizons.com

black and white mixed breed. “Is she in a lot of pain with her hip issue and if Reiki would help.” A lot of pain, no. Some discomfort, yes. I also get that she may be milking this for all it’s worth! When I was three, I got a shot in my butt cheek and for a week limped around whining. That is, until my favorite cousin came over and asked if I wanted a horsey ride on her back. Of course I did, so I hopped on, bounced around laughing hysterically, and then got oﬀ and resumed holding my butt and limping. I am telling you this because that memory instantly popped into my head when I read

Ask the Vet… by Dr. Judith Herman

Dogs do have emotional responses from changes like we do. Do they suﬀer from depression the same as people? We don’t know for sure because we can’t ask directly how they feel. We do know the symptoms of depression in people are being withdrawn, not eating, being lethargic, and not enjoying things they normally enjoy. Like people, dogs do become withdrawn, decrease or stop eating and drinking, have changes in sleeping patterns, hiding, not wanting to go for walks or play, and not enjoying doing what they normally love. Causes of depressions in dogs can happen with big changes in the dog’s life. Triggers for depression

can be moving to a new home, bringing home a partner, baby, or companion. In addition, loss of a loved one, either human or animal, can cause depression. A common cause is a change in schedule. When guardians who were at home most of the time take a job that takes them to be away from the home for long periods of time, it can cause

your question. Would Reiki help? Yes. She loves it. Too funny! She could have simply asked for it- you don’t need to be injured to enjoy it! Sylvia A. asked about Sukie, a black Lab/Golden Retriever mix who recently crossed over. She simply wanted to know if she had any messages to share. I want you to take a huge breath in and exhale. All the way. Then do it again. Then pay attention to your body and if it’s willing, release the breath. I don’t think it has yet, which is grief and frustration in equal measure. She wants you to know that you have her in heaven to rely on (her word) and she’s asking you to “let go and let God.” When I say God, I mean that in reference to your higher power. If you don’t have one, reach out to someone you love in Heaven who is an elder. She’s watching you intently and rooting for you! Karen K. wants to know what caused Bitsy, her Pitbull mix to die. My heart hurts and is cramped. My left lung feels funky and cramped. I should add the disclaimer that I’m not a veterinarian and have zero training to diagnose or treat any medical ailments. I use my physical body to feel what they were feeling before they passed. She said it was faster than you realized, and she leaves with no regrets although she has quite the sense of humor and spells that “Regerts.” Kathy C. asked if Maus, who is in heaven, is happy and if her passing was okay for her. Oh, I love this girl

so much!!! She is trying desperately to reassure you that she’s absolutely ﬁne on the other side, but you kind of want her to prove it. I smile as I say that because we all do in some way, but she is also telling you that you have so much more here to do before you get to join her. If you’ve been saying that it’s so hard to live without her please be mindful of your words and shift it to something like “I’m so blessed to have had her.” The universe is literal and oftentimes people accidentally manifest unintended outcomes! Mary C. wants to know why Chief, her Pomeranian mix doesn’t like young people. The person after her asked why Tommy, her rescue Boxer is so nervous and fearful around little kids. The answer from both of them is hysterical and came out super-fast: Kids can see through their facade to who they really are and because they are so pure. Tell the dogs they may be able to, but they are so distracted by other things that they won’t judge him. Too funny!!!! Thank you for your questions, and if you’d like a longer reading go to www.enlightenedhorizons.com. If you’d like to have a mini reading for Furry Words, like the Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page and be ready to ask as soon as the call for questions goes out! Enjoy the start of summer and your fourlegged friends.

problems. This is the number one cause of behavioral problems with our companions acquired during the pandemic. Our best friends respond to our emotions, such as grieving for the loss of a loved one. At these sad times, your companions may not be getting the attention they are normally accustomed to. This may trigger symptoms of depression. Most of the time dogs will bounce back to normal after a few days to a few months with just a little loving care. Be more engaged with your companion by doing more things you both enjoy. A little more exercise is part of the treatment with people who have depression. This is the same for our pups too. Be careful not to lavish treats on the depressed companion. This may be rewarding the behavior you are trying to remove which will prolong the unwanted behavior. Instead, reward engagement and behaviors you want to promote. Sometimes getting another companion may help bring your best friend out of depression. There is a caution here. Be sure to take into account the needs of the family and the dog.

If the depression is prolonged, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to your best friend. If the symptoms are addressed early with enrichment, exercise, and engagement, most of our companions will not need drugs. Alternative treatments such as herbs, nutritional supplements, essential oils, ﬂower essences, and homeopathy, may also help your buddy overcome depression. If your friend needs to be on medication, it usually is on it for a couple of months, not a lifetime as in people. It is important to know that the symptoms of depression can mimic the outward response your companions will express when they are sick. If you are seeing your buddies not eating or drinking, hiding, being lethargic, and not responding the way they normally do, have them evaluated by your veterinarian to rule out any other causes for these symptoms. Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopahticvet.com

Downeast Dog News

ARLGP

from page 1

who has an extensive base of fosters and volunteers. Through a coordinated effort, ARLGP quickly put a plan in motion to help CVPAWS. Components of that included contacting CVPAWS as well as a nonprofit they’ve worked with before, Wings of Rescue, for a lift back to Maine. Wings of Rescue is a 501(c)3 charity whose volunteer pilots fly large-scale transports of at-risk shelter pets from disaster areas and overcrowded shelters to safe havens. Jeana said they chose fift y-five dogs and eleven cats prior to the trip south in mid-April – they needed immunizations two weeks prior to their transport. In addition to pups, they wanted some of CVPAWS longer term residents. ARLGP wanted to give them an opportunity at a better life because they adopt out pets quickly to dog-loving Mainers. One canine, Shady, was especially happy to be included – he had been at CVPAWS for two years. “Everything kind of fell into place,” Jeana said. ARLGP’s Marketing Coordinator, Kyra Hunsicker, and their Safety Net Manager, Sarah Lunt, were chosen to represent. (Through their IDEXX Safety Net, ARLGP partners with sixty rescues and shelters across Maine and the country. IDEXX’s support of these collaborations means they’re able to save more lives through the Safety Net program.) They Zoomed with the CVPAWS team to understand the challenges they faced. In less than three weeks after the project took hold, Kyra and

Sarah were packing their bags. “We put all our ducks in a row and sent the two down,” Jeana said. Once the duo arrived in Texas, it was a whirlwind of activity. Sarah said on that ﬁrst day, they toured both facilities and met staﬀ members. Kyra captured content at the shelters and snapped pics of dogs. They aided with animal care, cleaning, and medical support. Additionally, they began posting their activities via notes and pictures on the ARLGP Facebook and Instagram pages. The next day, the two were busy putting together the necessary sixtysix crates. All were labeled with the animals’ name, and water and food

bowls were placed in each. They chatted and interviewed fosters who dropped oﬀ dogs for the transport. And they made time for plenty of canine interaction and snuggling. How were the animals? “They were excited to get to Maine and their new lives,” Sarah laughed. On their last day, the Maine duo rose well before dawn and headed to the airport to load all crates on the Wings of Rescue plane. The plane, with Sarah aboard, headed back to Portland where ARLGP staﬀers awaited their arrival, thrilled to welcome the pets. Jeana live streamed the event, with a heartfelt narrative. This was a brand-new experience

for the duo. They witnessed and participated in the stage-by-stage import process. Sarah noted the amount of time and patience that’s involved. On past imports, they only participated on the receiving end at the airport. She added her favorite part of the mission was flying back on the Wings of Rescue plane with the pilot and pets. “It was surprisingly quiet the whole way,” she explained the pets slept during most of the flight. Kyra, who flew home commercial, had a tough time choosing her favorite animal. “There were so many dogs, it’s hard to pick.” But she quickly changed her mind when she revealed she fell in love with and was fostering a Texas chihuahua/ dachshund mix named Haltom who gets along splendidly with her older Pitbull mix. She added she was going to adopt him, so yes, she thought he was her favorite. And she’s going to rename the 3-month-old pup Hiu (Hugh). Jeana has an overall viewpoint on all state shelters’ efforts: "For me, it’s so impactful for Mainers to see where our shelter dogs come from. Any dog you meet in a Maine neighborhood likely came from a shelter across the country before they landed at a Maine shelter for adoption." Note: Many of their Texas dogs have been returned from their local foster homes and are ready to be matched with a family. See ARLGP’s website at arlgp.org/adopt/dogs/ for their hours, and visit their adoptables at 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, Maine.

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“Your Dog is Fat” The Hard-to-Digest Truth

was astounded when a fellow student told me, “Your dog is fat.” Twenty-some years ago I was taking a class with this acquaintance, and I respected her insight. However, it was the first time anyone had mentioned the “fat” thing. “She’s quite chubby, you know.” I didn’t. I had no idea. On the contrary, I considered Dory to be slim and trim. She was active and happy, and I prided myself on her condition. How could I not have known? How could I not be aware of what a fit dog looked like? I’d transitioned Dory to a raw food diet when she was a puppy after a long period of digestive difficulties from eating highly processed fastfood kibble. She loved her menu! If she finished her portion and seemed to want more, I indulged her, assuming she needed it. I had no idea I was feeding her to excess. I simply didn’t know. I had choices in how to react to Jen’s comment: I could have: 1. taken it very personally, becoming indignant and offended. 2. brushed it off as nonsense and just an opinion - optimal weight is purely subjective, right? 3. been thankful for the information, motivated to delve into it deeper for the benefit of my dog. I chose Option #3. I didn’t want an overweight dog, and I felt terrible that I hadn’t been savvy enough to

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

recognize that she was indeed fat. I got that weight oﬀ her. She was never overweight again and lived to be nearly 16. The Girth Rate Unfortunately, the trend of obesity in humans and that in our pets is tracking in the same direction. We have become desensitized to the sight of overweight dogs. Fat is sometimes synonymous with love. We have been blinded into accepting overweight as normal. It is not. It’s time to recalibrate! www.cdc.gov 73.6% of adults aged 20 and over

were overweight, including obesity (2017-2018) www.petobesityprevention.org In 2018, an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. Subjective? NO. There is no reason why we shouldn’t maintain our dogs’ weight at the optimal level even if we ourselves aren’t the fit athletes we want to be. These two things aren’t related, and it’s unfair to our dogs to subject them to a potentially lifelimiting existence with the risk of many health problems caused, or exacerbated by, being overweight. The “Fat Gap” “93 percent of dog owners and 88 percent of cat owners whose animals were assessed as obese considered them to be of normal weight.” * How to Determine your Dog’s Body Condition (no matter the breed) ** Please test your dog's body condition. 1. If a pet’s ribs feel like the knuckles on a closed fist, the pet is underweight. 2. If it feels more like the palmside of a flat hand, the pet is overweight. 3. If a pet’s ribs feel like the top of the fingers on a flat hand, the pet is fairly close to an ideal body condition. The Veterinarian’s Conundrum We humans are so sensitive about our own body image that the mere topic of weight can turn on the defensives even when it’s not about us. This tendency has made it very difficult for vets to have a productive conversation with clients about their pets’ weight. It’s not likely to be wellreceived and can even potentially

lead to a client leaving. Veterinarians often don’t say anything in order to avoid this uncomfortable conversation, sure to invite backlash. This is a huge problem. Veterinarians are the primary go-to for pet health information. When trainers or other dog professionals bring up the topic of weight with a client, we are frequently told something like, “he just had a checkup, and the vet didn’t say anything.” Or “the vet said he’s fine.” It happens so frequently that we can pretty much predict this response when we start a conversation about weight. It's exasperating when our efforts to help educate dog owners about their dogs' weight are dismissed, partially due to this conflict of information. Many dog professionals, me included, are involved in dog sports where fitness is the most important factor for performance. These performance dogs get generous food rewards, too. Input can be carefully controlled without sacrificing food rewards. Yes, even puppies can be overweight, bully breeds, too! Even if our dog isn’t in a sport, it should still be of optimal weight at the very least. It may be difficult to control our own weight, but it’s insanely simple to control our dogs’ weight. Once we know our dog is overweight, we have no excuse but to help them slim down. We owe it to them. "Among all diseases that perplex the veterinary community and plague our population of pets, obesity has the greatest collective negative impact on pet health… it's time we stop accepting the status quo."** *www.petobesityprevention.org **www.veterinarypracticenews. com

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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“The Itchy Dog” By Dr. Loren Candito, DVM, DACVD Portland Veterinary Emergency Specialty Care

If your dog spends their

days itching, biting, chewing, or scratching, then you know the frustration that many pet parents with atopic dogs feel. There are many causes for itching in dogs, including infestations with fleas or mites and allergies to ingredients in the diet or things in the environment. Here in Maine, environmental allergies are one of the most common causes for itching behaviors in dogs. Environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis) occur in pets due to sensitivities to outdoor allergens like grasses, weeds, and tree pollens, as well as indoor allergens like molds, dust mites, and storage mites. Skin dander can also play a role, as dogs can be sensitive to cat dander or even human dander. Signs can be seasonal (just warm weather, just cold weather, intermittent), or yearround, depending on what a pet is allergic to. While many humans with allergies have mainly respiratory signs (sneezing, watery eyes), pets show their allergy signs primarily on their skin (biting, licking, chewing, scratching, and recurrent infections

on the skin and in the ears). Dogs with allergies experience increased water loss from their skin and a weakened skin barrier, making them prone to dry itchy skin and secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Unfortunately, environmental allergies are not curable, and most dog’s allergy signs worsen with age. Therefore, if the symptoms are affecting your dog’s quality of life, it’s important to set up a plan to diagnose and manage the allergy signs proactively, as they likely will require life-long treatment. There are many over-the-counter remedies touted to help dogs with allergies, but the reality is that many products lack reliable testing to prove they work or contain such minute amounts of important ingredients it would be hard to expect benefit. If your pet’s quality of life is being affected by chronic itching behaviors, then the best avenue is to speak with your dog’s veterinarian, to help set up a long-term management plan. Your veterinarian will examine your pet, potentially collect cytology samples (non-invasive rubbings and scrapings from the skin) to determine if your pet has an infection and will

JUNE 2022

of allergy control with minimal side effects There are also symptomatic treatment options. This means targeting the symptoms (ex. itching) rather than the root cause (say a dust mite allergy or a maple tree pollen allergy). There are a range of options, from over-the-counter antihistamines to prescription oral or injectable medications. Your veterinarian will be able to give you the appropriate dose of an antihistamine for your dog, however, keep in mind that dogs cannot safely take an antihistamine that includes decongestants, so make sure to avoid that option. Prescription itch medications like Apoquel ™, Atopica ™, or Cytopoint ™ all have particular roles in treating allergy in dogs, and an exam and dermatology history will help your vet pinpoint which medication would make the most sense. As many of these medications do work by suppressing parts of the immune system, we use these medications with close monitoring. Being itchy definitely affects the quality of life of the individual pet and the humans in the household. The good news is that there are a variety of treatment options to help maximize a pet’s comfort and care.

Summer Grooming Pitfalls

By Elsebeth DeBiase BAminSc, ICMG, FFCP, LSHC-S Coastal Creations Pet Salon. ummer in Maine is freedom, full of possibilities, anticipated adventure, nostalgia, and enjoying nature. What better way to experience Maine outdoors than summer romps in the woods or long walks on the beach with a favorite canine companion? Unfortunately, these pastimes can provide additional grooming challenges for your pup such as removing tree sap and burdocks. If you enjoy hiking in the wooded areas of Maine, you will inevitably encounter tree sap, most commonly from pine, spruce, and fir trees. This viscous yellow substance carries nutrients throughout the tree and is essential for survival. However, the lifeblood of Maine's beautiful trees can be a literal pain for our active outdoor pooches. The sticky sap and its gummier form pitch become glued and practically fused to the pet's hair, skin, and paws. Rocks and debris will adhere to sap and pitch stuck between paw pads, causing discomfort and irritation if left in contact with skin. Finding tree sap on your pet can be distressing; fortunately, removing it is a straightforward process using the following steps: • Locate any clumps of sap contacting the skin and paw pads and remove these first to reduce skin irritation. • If the sap has hardened, use a hairdryer to soften it. For safety,

help set up a treatment plan for short and long-term management. If your pet does not respond to therapies, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinarian that specializes in Dermatology and Allergy cases, to further explore treatment options. Pets can be tested for environmental allergies via skin patch (intradermal) testing, serum (blood) allergy testing, or a combination of the two. Unfortunately, hair and saliva-based allergy testing has been proven to be unreliable (as has any testing for food allergies), so these types of tests are not recommended. Following environmental allergy testing, pets can be treated with allergen specific immunotherapy. Allergen specific immunotherapy is a custom serum formulated specifically with the extracts of the things a pet tests positive to. The goal, like with allergy injections in people, is to desensitize the patient to the things causing the allergy symptoms, by giving them back very small amounts of what they are allergic to over time. In pets, this is an at-home therapy administered by a regular oral drop or subcutaneous injection. This therapy can take months to full benefit and then is generally continued lifelong, but can provide an excellent long-term level

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use the lowest heat setting and test the temperature on your hand before applying heat to the pet. Various oily household items, such as creamy peanut butter, olive oil, butter, and mayonnaise, will help loosen the gluey substance. Massage the oil into the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Work the oil through the tree sap with a wide-toothed comb wiping the excess on a paper towel. Sap not near the skin can be removed with scissors or clippers. For wiggly pets, consult your professional groomer for additional help. More stubborn areas may require treatment with alcohol. Alcohols are known for dissolving adhesive materials. Dr. Marty Becker recommends using vodka or bourbon for difficult to remove areas of tree sap because there is less risk to the pet if they lick table alcohol vs. isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Use caution with this step. Pets should also not consume drinking alcohol. It would be best to place an Elizabethan collar on your dog or have a helper distract them while removing the sap. After removing the tree sap, bathe the pet in a petsafe degreasing shampoo. If the pet consumed tree sap, contact your veterinarian.

Maine's second summer grooming nemesis is burdock seed. The burdock plant is a thistle-like plant that produces round prickly burrs. Burdocks prefer to grow anywhere the soil has been disturbed, such as roadside ditches and fields. They grow through the summer months and go to seed in September using an unsuspecting pet or animal to transport them to a new growing location. Pets that encounter burdocks are in for a bristly experience, and owners should remove the burrs promptly to prevent injury. Burrs remaining on pets can cause damage to the skin. Additionally, pets may try to remove burdock seeds from their fur by chewing them out, resulting in oral injuries known as burr tongue requiring treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Luckily, burdocks can quickly and easily be removed from pet hair using the following steps: • Examine the pet, locate, and

remove any loose burdocks by hand • Treat areas heavily clumped with burdocks with a lubricating substance such as a siliconebased pet grooming spray or propellant-free olive oil spray. • Carefully pull the hair away from the burdocks and gently comb through the pet to remove any remaining barbed pieces. If the pet is too sensitive for this step, it may be necessary to trim these areas with clippers or scissors. • After removing all burdocks, bathe the pet in a pet-safe degreasing shampoo. Warm summer days invite and inspire us to be active and spend more time outside with our pets. Scheduling regular grooming appointments and brushing or combing through your pets after outdoor activities will go a long way in keeping them safe.

Camping & Lodging Tips for Camping with Your Dog • Check with the campground about their pet policies. • Make an appointment with your vet for a checkup. • Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and travel with a copy of their vaccination records. You should also make sure they have been treated for ﬂeas and ticks. • Be prepared for an emergency. Find the number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital near where you will be staying and program it into your phone. • Research daycares/boarding for days when your activities do not allow your dog to accompany you. • Plan a trip appropriate for your dog’s personality. Are they adventurous or do they

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prefer to lounge? Never leave your dog unattended. Most campgrounds will require your dog remain on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Be courteous to fellow campers. Bring along pet waste bags and clean up after your dog while at the campground and during adventures elsewhere. Dispose of waste in trash receptacles. Keep your dog in a cool area during the hottest time of day. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink. Do not let your dog drink stagnant water and be cautious of lakes and rivers that could be infected by blue-green algae.

Dog Camping Essentials • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Food and bowls Treats Water Medications if needed Tether Extra collars/leashes/ harnesses with your contact info. on them Towels First-aid kit* Blanket or favorite toys from home Current photo of your dog in case they get lost Dog waste bags Flea and tick preventatives, pet-friendly insect repellent Dog-friendly sunscreen Pet wipes, grooming products Bed or mat to sleep on (if tenting the ground gets damp and cold) Portable crate (optional)

3 1/2 miles to Boothbay Harbor

Shore Hills CA M PG R OU N D & RV PA R K

*Dog First Aid Kit Pet ﬁrst aid guidebook Bandana for a makeshift muzzle Vetwrap (self-stick gauze) Activated charcoal (which can save your dog’s life from accidental poisoning) Butterﬂy Bandages (to close open wounds) Waterproof surgical tape Blunt-end scissors Instant cold pack Cotton balls and swabs Styptic Powder (stop bleeding) Tweezers Nail clippers Ear & Eye Ointment Triple Antibiotic Ointment Meds for insect stings Hydrogen peroxide Towels Booties for injured paws

Tips for Staying at Pet-friendly Hotels/Accommodations • Double check that the hotel is pet-friendly. • Check for any pet restrictions. Some hotels only permit dogs and cats and some only dogs. There may also be size restrictions and a maximum number of pets allowed per room. • Ask about pet fees. • Pack your pet’s bed, bowls, food and treats and other

familiar items from home, such as a blanket or a favorite toy. • Be aware of the rules of the hotel. • In which parts of the hotel are pets permitted? • Are they allowed to be left in your room unattended? Often, pets are requested to not be left unattended in your room. If you are

Camping in Central Maine

Open May thru Mid-October

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• •

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Consult your vet on the best choices, doses and instructions on how to use these items.

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Large pull thru sites, Full hookups, 30 and 50 amp sites

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reception for a quiet room, ideally not next to the elevator or bar. All of the advertisers that you ﬁnd in this section are petfriendly and eagerly await a visit from you and your four-legged family member.

Located in the village of Freeport, Maine, the Candlebay Inn is a quaint, dog-friendly bed and breakfast within walking distance to outlet stores and restaurants.

207-865-1868

8 Maple Ave, Freeport, ME 04032 info@candlebaymaine.com candlebaymaine.com

HighTide Tide Inn High Inn ononthetheocean ocean Camden, ME ME Camden, 1-800-778-7068 1-800-778-7068 on the ocean hightideinn.com hightideinn.com

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14 miles to Acadia National Park

Family owned and operated, offering the best of Downeast hospitality at a great price.

The Acadia Sunrise Motel offers our guests & their pets beautiful views of Acadia National Park. Conveniently located close to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Ellsworth and Downeast Maine.

952 Bar Harbor Road Trenton, ME • 207-667-8452 • acadiasunrisemotel.com

Exploring Maine with your dog?

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Dog Parks, Beaches, Trails, Daycares, Kennels, Retailers, Lodging , Acti vities and more!

RV & Tent Sites - Cabins SPACIOUS SKIES BALSAM WOODS 112 Pond Rd, Abbot, ME 04406 (207) 876-2731 Campatbalsamwoods.com

To request a copy — Call Jenn: (207) 706-6765 or email: jenn@downeastdognews.com

SPACIOUS SKIES WALNUT GROVE 599 Gore Rd, Alfred, ME 04002 (207) 324-1207 Campatwalnutgrove.com

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ASPCA Poison Control hotline (888) 426-4435 for emergency poisoning information and support.

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permitted to leave your pet in your room, carefully consider whether your pet is comfortable with being alone in a foreign place. What are procedures for booking housekeeping while staying with a pet? Where do you take your pet to do their business? Are pets are allowed on furniture or beds? As a rule, dogs should always be kept on a leash while walking through common areas of the hotel, not to mention when walking through the parking lot. Keep barking to a minimum. Be aware of what sets oﬀ your dog and their temperament. If you know that your dog often barks at external noises, ask the

View online at: downeastdognews.com

Downeast Dog News

JUNE 2022

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

Tracking Dog Urban

racking Dog Urban is an AKC optional titling tracking test which was introduced in 2014. The three regular titling tracking tests familiar to most people are TD (Tracking Dog), a 440-500-yard track which takes place on moderate, relatively uniform terrain – usually a large ﬁeld, TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent), a much longer test of 800-1000 yards utilizing woods, ﬁelds and various vegetation and rugged

terrain, and VST (Variable Surface Tracking) which takes place in business parks or a college campus and involves extensive work and turns on pavement and short, manicured grass and involves working close to buildings and

other structures. If a dog passes all three of the above tests, it earns the title Champion Tracker. The optional TDU (Tracking Dog Urban) test involves work in a business park, school or campus setting, but does not require the extensive pavement (non vegetated surface) that VST does. In a TDU, the dog follows a track laid by a person under a variety of scenting conditions in an urban environment and finds articles dropped by that person. The track is 400-500 yards long and will have a minimum of 2 different surfaces - vegetated and non-vegetated. 10% to 30% of the total length of the track must be on a non-vegetated surface. The track may cross various non-vegetated surfaces, e.g. sidewalk, gravel path, bark mulch, to make up the total necessary non-vegetated surface. There will be NO turns on a nonvegetated surface. The track will start on a vegetated surface – most likely grass – and the first turn will be on a vegetated surface. The track may have 3-5 turns and will be ½ hour to 2 hours old. There will be no physical obstacles as in a TDX test. Stairs are not considered

an obstacle. The articles for a TDU will consist of 3 personal, dissimilar fabric or leather articles and will be approximately the size of a glove or wallet. The first article will be at the start for the dog to take scent from, the second will be approximately midway on the track and at least 30 yards from a turn, and the last article will be a glove or wallet dropped at the end of the track. TDU opens up the possibility to practice entry level tracking in many nearby places: school, office park, shopping center, etc. so you don’t always have to drive to a field to practice. You can go to a local area and put out several small segments of a track, run some errands, and go get your dog and run your little practice tracks. TDU opens up a whole new range of possibilities to have tracking fun with your dog Looking for a way to learn how to start? Watch the Downeast Dog News calendar where clubs will post their practice sessions.

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

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Downeast Dog News

There Are No “Stubborn” Dogs

Twelve Steps to Becoming Best Friends for Life - Steps 1 thru 7 For the past two months, I have

addressed why dogs can appear to be "stubborn" In my following two columns; I will introduce twelve steps to help you and your dog become best friends for life, a far cry from stubborn. I believe that dogs are never "stubborn" but simply misunderstood. Step #1 – Focus on being your dog's best friend, not its master. Be committed to the idea that you and your dog are a team working together. Make it your goal to thrive on a life of companionship and the adventures you share, not blind, perfect obedience. Your dog will notice your positive and considerate attitude, and it will respond in kind. Step #2 – Take time to learn about dogs. Your dog is a sentient being very diﬀerent than a human and far more complicated than your smartphone. To make the best of

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS by Don Hanson

ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

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your life with your dog, you need to take time to learn about your dog. You need to understand its senses, how it communicates, how it interprets communication from people, the best ways to teach it,

how it expresses emotions, what constitutes normal and abnormal behavior, and what it needs to have a long and happy life. A dog training class taught under the direction of a credentialed professional dog trainer or canine behavior consultant should address all of those subjects. Meanwhile, an excellent place to start is with these two books; Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw and On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas. Step #3 – Build and nurture a relationship based on mutual trust. You cannot be a best friend or have a relationship with your dog unless you trust one another. Trust is earned. It takes time and patience, especially if you have a rescue dog who may have had a rough start. While it can take weeks to achieve your dog's trust, that trust can be lost instantly. Step #4 – ALWAYS be kind and patient. Smile at your dog instead of making "frowny faces." Speak softly and gently, not loudly and with an authoritarian tone. Handle your dog gently, and don't grab at them. Never use force or fear to intimidate your dog; instead, be patient and help it learn. Step #5 – Show empathy and understand your dog's emotions. Dogs have a rich emotional life and

PHOTO CREDIT: DEBRA BELL

experience positive emotions such as joy and contentment and negative emotions like fear, grief, and anger. Help your dog through those negative moments just as it may try to help you when you feel bad. Understand that an emotional response cannot typically be "trained out" of a dog. If you need help addressing your dog's negative emotions, seek help from your veterinarian or an accredited dog behavior consultant sooner rather than later. Step #6 – Let your dog make choices. Trust your dog's instincts and understand that it will feel better when it has options like you. Be its advocate when it is out in the world. Do not allow others to force your dog to interact.

Step #7 – Understand the world from your dog's point of view. While we share our dog's five senses of hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch, it prioritizes them differently. For example, we might enjoy a brisk walk around the same block every day, letting our minds wander. However, most dogs will enjoy a walk that involves following its nose and making frequent stops to sniff and explore. Your dog may even choose to go in an entirely different direction at any moment in time. These are pretty incompatible ways to walk, so it is our responsibility to take your preferred walk without the dog and then take the dog on a walk it will enjoy. Think of it as your dog helping you increase your daily steps. Next month, steps 8 through 12 to be a canine best friend.

Don Hanson lives in Bangor, Maine, where he isthe co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) and the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. He is a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)and a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP). Don is a member of thePet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee. He is also a founding director of Pet Advocacy International (PIAI). In addition, Don produces and co-hosts The Woof Meow Showpodcast,available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/,the Apple Podcast app, and Don's blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

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Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. Christine Fraser, DVM Located in Happy Tails Daycare at 119 Bishop St. Portland, ME Visit our website all4pawswellness.com or call (207) 809-9505 for more information

JUNE 2022

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Rescue

of the

Month

RESCUE OF THE MONTH: BANGOR HUMANE SOCIETY By Susan Spisak The Bangor Humane Society, BHS, has been around since 1869. This no-kill, board governed nonproﬁt reaches far and wide; they serve over two hundred communities in northern and eastern Maine. They advocate for the humane treatment and adoption of companion animals, provide quality care for homeless pets, and promote animal welfare through education and advocacy. I had the pleasure of speaking with Kathryn Ravenscraft, their Director of Development. She shared that most of their dogs and puppies are professionally transported in from partners in the south, particularly Georgia. All are evaluated for behavior issues – they want readily adoptable dogs. BHS does a fantastic job of rehoming these pets – hundreds of southern canines come

through their doors annually and are placed with loving adopters. Why do they import? They have room in their shelter for out-ofstate pets needing refuge. This is because Mainers keep a close watch on their beloved pets, resulting in far less strays. Combined with that positive fact, Kathryn indicated the philosophy has shifted in communities to spay and neuter. Widespread altering programs are incredibly eﬀective, and to aid with that, BHS and most shelters have vouchers and low-cost discounts available. Occasionally they will get local relinquished dogs, often seniors. Such was the case with Troy, a sick guy who had to have his spleen removed. In March, a family opened their hearts and home to him. The parents told their children there was no guarantee on how long Troy

would live. The kids were adamant that Troy was meant for them. “They were excited to give the sweet old man a home,” Kathryn said. BHS has a big need for volunteers, especially afternoon dog walkers. There’s a three-part training process before you can venture on your own. From time to time, fosters are needed for dogs (and always for cats). Contact Chelsea Brown, the Volunteer & Community Outreach Director at chelsea@bangorhumane. org. BHS relies on the community for support. Their Wish List, with many items that can be purchased from Amazon, is on their site. The usual suspects such as dog food, cleaning supplies, rawhides, and more are appreciated. Kennel Sponsorships and Golden Paw Society are special annual donations. BHS welcomes one-time donations as well.

To give back to the communities they serve, in addition to educational outreach, BHS has Operation: Pet Adoption and PALS: Pet Adoption for Loving Seniors. Veterans and Seniors over sixty-five can adopt a dog, one year old and up at a fift y percent discounted rate. They understand the therapeutic benefits of having a canine companion. Put the Paws on Parade on your calendar for October 29th at Husson University. It’s their largest fundraiser. “It’s a giant community dog walk,” Kathryn said. Expect lots of fun. Watch their Facebook page and website for full details. BHS is located at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue in Bangor. They’re open Monday through Saturday, 12:00pm to 6pm. For all info on donations and adopting, go to bangorhumane.org/

BAILEY - 9 YEARS OLD HOUND MIX

FIONA - LAB FINN- AMERICAN PITBULL TERRIER

Meet Bailey, a 9-year-old hound mix who is sweet girl up for adoption at the Bangor Humane Society! Bailey is full of wiggles and kisses, as she loves her "people." She wants to be the queen of the castle in her home. Bailey would prefer to be the only dog as she has a history of being protective of her family, her home, and her toys. As far as cats go, it is recommended to use caution When it comes to children, Bailey is recommended to be placed in a home with children no younger than 10 years old. Bailey does have a history of positive crate training, and we recommend that be continued in her new home. We believe Bailey's best fit home would be that of a rural setting. Bailey is vocal, especially when she sees other dogs, so that would not be the best fit for most apartments. Bailey also tends to chase after wildlife, so a high traffic area would not be the best fit.

Finn aka Batman, a playful Pittie and Fiona, a sweet Lab are looking to go to their new home together. They lived together previously and do just about everything together!! In their new home, they would like to be the only dogs. As for cats, we recommend using good judgement as they may chase them. With children, they would prefer to live in an adult-only home (16 and older may be okay). If there are teens, having friends visit would not be ideal with them as they’re weary of new people. All new introductions should be slow and positive!! If you have room in your home and heart for two fur friends, these 8-year-olds may be the ‘pawfect’ ﬁt for you!!

Stop by to meet Bailey, Finn and Fiona at Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Avenue in Bangor. bangorhumane.org

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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. OLIVE

ACE & LUNA

5 months old, Heeler/Dachshund Mix

1 year old, Boxer Mix

Olive loves to snuggle and play and does well with other dogs. She is showing some separation anxiety so she would do best if only left home for a few hours at a time or with someone who works from home.

Bo is a little shy at first but warms up quickly. He is very sweet and loving. Bo has been around other dogs and done fine - he is very tolerant. He does pretty well with confident cats. Bo would prefer an active home.

6 & 4 years old, German Shepherds

FMI: fetchinghope.com

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VERA

Ace and Luna are a bonded pair that came to us from CA. They are stunning AKC purebreds looking for a home together. They would do best as the only pets in the home. Both dogs are very friendly and seem to like children, too.

2022 June Downeast Dog News

Articles inside

Basic Training Tips

Calendar

Dogs for Adoption

Words, Woofs & Meows