2022 March Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

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MOLLIE, A 14-YEAR-OLD RESCUE DOG, HAS BEEN AMBASSADOR AT SEA SINCE 2021.

Welcome, Museum of Maritime Pets By Susan Spisak

here’s a new treasure on the Midcoast - the Museum of Maritime Pets. Initially a virtual website on seafaring animals through the ages, it moved into the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland

INSIDE 6 2 Hot Dog News

Basic Training Tips

last summer. The museum is the passionate concept of its founder, Patricia Sullivan. Her goal as the Chief Operating Officer and “Jill of all Trades” is to document and exhibit the contributions and activities of dedicated maritime pets. This 501(c)3’s mission, in part, is to foster an appreciation of animals living or working on or near the

8 &9

Recognizing Our Vets & Staff

water and who collaborated with man in times of peace and war. The museum celebrates and promotes the safe and humane treatment of animals who live or work on or near the world's waterways. This endeavor began as a fluke for Patricia, who has a background

12-13 Dogs for Adoption

DOWNEASTDOGNEWS.COM

See WELCOME on page 5

Calendar of Events

Hot Dog News MIDCOAST HUMANE RELAUNCHES CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR NEW ANIMAL SHELTER IN BRUNSWICK Years-Long Campaign Comes to Fruition with New Leadership in Place Edgecomb Facility Remains Paramount to Organization’s Vision

idcoast Humane is excited to share the launch of a $6 million capital campaign to fund the renovation of a new facility to replace an existing facility at 30 Range Road. “The pets in our care deserve an up to date, humane, safe facility designed to meet their needs,” said Jess Townsend, Executive Director of Midcoast Humane. “We have been serving Midcoast Maine for over 70 years without meaningful updates to our facilities. The shelter at Range Road is simply no longer adequate. For the health and wellness of the animals in our care, we need to move them to a new facility, one that serves them better.” Midcoast Humane leadership discovered a piece of property for sale at 5 Industrial Parkway in Brunswick. The building was the right size, located just 1.5 miles from the Range Road shelter, surrounded by green areas for walking dogs, and had all the right features. Midcoast Humane entered into a Purchase and Sale agreement on March 14, 2020, two days before the onset of the pandemic in Maine. Nevertheless, with two, anonymous one-million-dollar donations and a collection of donations from the previous capital campaign, construction began on the new facility in March of 2021. “To date, we have raised over $3,300,000 of our $6,000,000 goal,” said Michelle Zichella, Director of Development for Midcoast Humane. “That is an incredible achievement, but ultimately we need help from our friends, neighbors and supporters to reach our goal.” “This year, we are asking our supporters to consider a gift to the capital campaign in addition to their annual gifts that the shelter relies on to operate,” Zichella stated. She continued, “We would love to have more milliondollar donors step forward, but in all likelihood, this facility will be built on thousands of smaller donations that come in from our supporters.” Townsend continued, “The new facility will allow us to serve all of the animals we care for better, no matter where they come from. If we take in a stray cat or dog or a group of animals from a state seizure in Lincoln County, those animals will also benefit from the new facility. The fluidity of our organization allows us to move animals to the site that will be best for them. For some of those animals, that location is Brunswick, and for others it is Edgecomb.” Midcoast Humane plans to move into the new facility once renovations are complete in the second quarter of 2022. The shelter at 30 Range Road and the administrative office at 190 Pleasant Street will be sold to help cover the cost of renovations. This press release was abbreviated for print. To read it in full, visit downeastdognews.com. For more information about the capital campaign and to learn how you can help, visit midcoasthumane.org.

#Betty White Challenge’s Impact on Maine

y now you have likely heard of about the #Betty White Challenge that went viral after her passing, just a couple of weeks prior to her 100th birthday. Betty was a huge advocate for animals and this campaign urged folks to COURTESY BETTY WHITE / GUIDE pay tribute to DOGS FOR THE BLIND the celebrity by donating to a local animal rescue in her honor. I read an article online that reported that $12.7 million had been raised via Facebook and Instagram by more than 390k people. I thought it would be interesting to find out how much money was raised in Maine alone, so I did some brief research by reaching out to many of our rescues. The result was approximately $150k donated amongst the 17 rescues who responded to my inquiry. This campaign will certainly make an impact on the lives of animals in need, and I think Betty would be delighted!

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Downeast Dog News PUBLISHER Jenn Rich COPY EDITOR Belinda Carter CONTRIBUTORS Susan Spisak Diana Logan Sara Moore Judith Herman Carolyn Fuhrer Don Hanson Christine Calder Ruth Moore 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, March already, and of course I have not completed all my indoor winter tasks I had hoped to accomplish before spring. As I mentioned last month, I did decide to buy Pepper a coat for the really frigid days and then I started thinking, that by making her warmer and more comfortable, I’m probably stretching our bathroom breaks on the days when the wind is howling and I am getting pelted in the face with snow or sleet. I swear the cold and the weather do not faze her. Of course, I’d rather keep her warm, and she looks so cute in it! I don’t know if you watched the Puppy Bowl, but we did, and it is just too adorable. I felt bad for a couple of the pups because they looked scared. Hopefully, they took them off the “field” once they were off camera. I got up towards the end to do something, and apparently, I must have missed a dog from the Animal Refuge League. What a bummer! I would have loved to cheer her on. If you’ve never seen it, all they need to do to score is cross the goal line with any of the several toys on the field. I feel like Pepper would rack up some points quickly because she’d probably grab a ball and not want to drop it for fear that someone else would take it. We just found out that Pepper is going to have a new puppy cousin in about four weeks! My brother and his girlfriend are getting a Chocolate Lab pup. I don’t think he has a name just yet, but I saw photos of him, and they are so sweet. I can’t wait to meet him! Speaking of cousins, Happy Birthday to Miss Phoebe, one of Pepper’s other doggie cousins, who turns four this month! Sometimes it feels like time goes by so quickly. Have a great March, and soon we will look forward to the first of the spring flowers. All the best, Jenn and Pepper

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Dog of the Month! SONNY His best friend was our Pomchi Nutmeg. They were inseparable. My favorite memory is we darted into the store for about 7 or 8 minutes, and he had pulled all the tissues out of the box and made a little nest for himself on my seat! He was proud as a peacock! His tail was on constant wag if he was moving. If we should be a few minutes late with his dinner he let us know that he was being starved to death. A happy go lucky, beautiful soul.

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MARCH 2022

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News ....................... 2 Furry Words .......................... 4 Ask the Vet............................. 4 Basic Training Tips ................. 6 Behavior Modification............ 7 The Hidden Threat .................... 7 Recognizing Our Vets & Staff .. 8, 9 Performance Dog Training.... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows....... 11 Dogs for Adoption............12-13 Calendar............................... 14 Business Directory ............... 15

We’ve had some beautiful

days that remind me that spring is coming! Until then, I have a very muddy dog who loves to lay on my furniture. I hope yours at least picks the floor or its own bed until things dry out. Every month I ask for your questions, but I recently had such an amazing reading that I’d love to share with you this month instead. So many times people call me for a reading about their dog, but it ends up being about their personal journey instead. This call is a perfect example of what I mean. Enjoy! One woman called me about her dog Fred who passed in December. He was a sweet Chihuahua Terrier mix with a HUGE personality! Both breeds can have some “interesting” quirks, but he was as peaceful and happy as could be. When she asked if she brought him to his final vet visit too early, he laughed and said HE picked the day, and he was grateful she listened. She was silent for a few seconds before saying that in the weeks leading up to his death, she kept seeing the numbers 12:12. After saying goodbye to him, she realized it was December 12th. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty amazing. She asked who Fred was with in heaven, and I instantly “saw” her paternal grandfather. He was waving Fred’s paw at her as if to wave, and Fred was completely

But He Is So Cute! Q.

I am in the process of getting a dog. The dogs I am drawn to are so cute, but I am not sure they will fit my lifestyle. Any tips?

Furry Words by Sara Moore www.enlightenedhorizons.com

unimpressed. She laughed and said he always hated when she did that to him! She didn’t remember her grandfather, but he told her how proud of her he was and that she has not only a tremendous sense of humor but also a faith that things will always work out as they should, which may not always be the way we desire. Even in the few minutes I’d been reading her, I could tell this was her approach to life and she agreed. She asked how she’d know her grandfather and Fred were around. I felt goosebumps on the top of my head and said when she feels that, it’s Fred, but

Ask the Vet…

by Dr. Judith Herman

Awesome question! With the pandemic, veterinarians are seeing many adopted dogs from the South and shelters. Some of these adorable pups are growing into dogs that are not matching their guardian’s lifestyle and the romance is dwindling. We are all suckers for the cuteness of the photos and then the back story, which breaks our hearts. Once past the introduction, the next question is what kind of mix is he? The answer here is a guess because most of these pups are strays. Few, if any shelters or rescues, are doing genetic testing. The next step is do your research. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, then a high energy border collie is not for you. If you are an avid hiker, a bulldog is not a smart choice.

First, look at the breeds you are attracted to and read their descriptions. A quick start is to look at dog groups. Hunting and herding dogs need a lot of exercise and training. Often you will hear, “Fido needs a job”. Dogs with heavy coats and long coats need a lot of grooming. Can you afford it, either with time or paying someone else to groom your dog? Dogs bred to be

for her grandfather, I heard Kermit the Frog singing The Rainbow Connection. She gasped. She said that last week she was in a store and that song was playing! I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember the last time I heard that song! She was so devastated without Fred who had been her constant companion for over ten years. He actually said he really missed her, too. This may sound normal to you, but for me, animals are usually confused when you ask me if they miss you. To them, they’re talking to you and always able to check in, so missing you isn’t really a concept they grasp. Fred did miss her though and said that they had had many lives together as humans. Stay with me here; I know this sounds crazy, but it’s not really to me! Fred said that they were so comfortable being together as souls that in this life, they planned for him to show up for a bit (shorter than a human life, so as a dog), and she could show him everything she’s capable of. He had 100% faith in her ability to keep him safe and happy. She was rocking this lifetime and was about to fall in love. When I told her that, she laughed, but Fred said that by leaving when he did, she was ready for her next chapter. He described the man who was about to enter her life and what kind of fun they’d have together. The coolest part was this man would totally embrace her

love for the dog even though he was on the other side. She admitted that her ex-boyfriend was always jealous of her love for the dog. We both had a good chuckle at that! Before our call ended, I told her how I thought she’d most effectively be able to communicate with her sweet boy in spirit. When I do a reading, so many images flash through my head. I see them the same way I see what I ate for breakfast, and I tell people the images come through like a memory that isn’t mine. I also have a dialog in my head with their energy. I’m a great psychic because I tell you all the crazy things I’m hearing, and more often than not, there is relevance in what is relayed. Instead of seeing images, I sensed that she would simply have conversations with Fred in her head. I encouraged her not to discount it or think she’s crazy because he was super excited to connect with her and be her energy buddy moving forward. I know that this is not quite a normal dialogue, but it works for me, and when we know what our pups want or how we can help them live a more fulfilling life, it’s simply amazing. You can find more information at www. enlightenedhorizons.com and follow us on Facebook at Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons. Enjoy the longer days and good luck with mud season!

guard dogs are not necessarily the right family dog for you. Once you find the size, energy level, grooming needs, how much time do you have for training? Some breeds, such as shepherds, are known for trainability. Others are harder to train as in Nordic breeds. By seriously going through your needs, lifestyle, and daily schedule, look for a breed or group that may fit the bill. After that, go talk to more than one breeder, read several articles because articles have different viewpoints. See if the breed’s temperament fits with yours. If there is more than one person involved, everyone needs to participate. This research will give you an idea what mix out there may fit your family. What about shelters and rescues? Local shelters can give you some feedback on where the pup came from. They can tell you what they have seen since the dog has been at the shelter. Hopefully, the shelter will have some kind of behavior assessment to better match the dog with a potential guardian. Online adoptions are the most risky. You only have a picture and a story to sell the pup. They can only

guess what the breed is. Puppies are a bigger wild card than full grown dogs. All pups are cute, but not all pups grow up to meet your expectations. One client bought a puppy from a Southern rescue, which was to be a German Shepherd type dog. He was adorable with the markings of a shepherd. He grew to be 20 pounds and is more of a terrier than a shepherd. Before investing in a puppy or a dog, do your research. Honestly assess what you can handle. If possible, see the dog in person at a trusted shelter or rescue. Have everyone involved be onboard with the adoption. If you have a strict criteria, then go buy a pup from a reputable breeder who guarantees its health, has known breed expectations, and who would take it back if it didn’t work out. If you have more flexibility, you can go to your local shelter or online for a puppy. Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopahticvet.com

Downeast Dog News

WELCOME

from page 1

as a trained historian and museum administrator. (She ran three historic house museums, including the Paul Revere House in Boston.) Around 2005, she was online in her Annapolis, Maryland home and happened upon the National Maritime Museum site in England that highlighted an “Animals at Sea” exhibit: “I thought how interesting.” She found several concurrent animal nautical exhibits in museums across the world. As an avid animal lover (she had a busy pet-sitting service in Maryland which she plans to reboot here as Penobscot Pet Services), she decided to start the online museum focusing on seafaring pets in 2006. She sent out a few inquiries and was inundated with pictures and information. “It was virtual, but from the get-go, it had a major international following,” she said. In the early years, she turned to the nonprofit VolunteerMatch. She was paired with volunteers from around the world who were key to the museum’s growth. Two researchers surveyed and listed worldwide maritime museums and contacts for her while a master’s student cataloged her book collection via pictures of her book spines. With invaluable info at her fingertips, Patricia could rely on these for pertinent data as needed. “It’s not something you can make up. I never dreamed it would happen. This was going to be a retirement

project, and it quickly became fulltime.” Since she already had a career, she utilized spare moments to get this off the ground, it was important to her. “Animals have done so much for and with man, but their maritime stories had never been collected into a single institution. We are, so to speak, a clearinghouse to facilitate further research and sharing of that history.” While she enjoyed her online museum and in-person events such as working dog water demos in Annapolis, she longed for a brick-andmortar facility. She knew she wanted to retire in New England, so in the Fall of 2019, she visited Maine to scout towns and tour area museums. Her visit to the Maine Lighthouse Museum proved fruitful. The powers that be indicated they’d be thrilled if she shared their space - after all, as home to the largest collection of lighthouse, lifesaving, and United States Coast Guard artifacts in the nation, works exhibited could complement each other. She knew her exhibits might overlap as the Coast Guard has a long history of military working animals, and many lighthouses have animal mascots, but their relationship would work. Patricia was pleased with this partnership of sorts and was ready to pack up her Maryland home. She could finally have “walls” and highlight the courageous exploits of animals at sea. The pandemic set her time frame back, but by last year the museum mounted two exhibits about Lighthouse Mascots and maritime pets. This year, the museum will have more breed-specific exhibits about working and companion sea pets as well as heroes and famous mascots. Today, the museum continues to rely on information from friends and supporters – animal lovers, artists, sailors, archivists, underwater archaeologists, mariners, and history buffs. There are her traveling exhibits that head to other museums and public institutions, including the ever popular "All Paws on Deck" which features several famous mascots and a tribute KASH IS A MASCOT AT CAPE BEALE LIGHT HOUSE, to the pets who were VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC CANADA aboard the Titanic in

PHOTO FROM PENOBSCOT MARINE MUSEUM. BABY AND DOG ABOARD SAILING SHIP TAKEN BY PHOTOGRAPHER SAM HOOD.

1912. She offers online presentations to groups and libraries upon request and plans to continue water events. There are diverse topics available through Zoom and other platforms. Maritime Pets & Ambassadors Faithful seafaring pets, mascots, and working animals through the centuries include many species, with dogs holding special roles. Many canines on naval ships often nursed wounded soldiers. At destination points, they would serve as guards on decks. Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to herd fish into fishermen's nets, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and delivered messages from ship to ship or ship to shore. Labs and Newfoundlands also worked on fishing fleets and rescued any “man overboard.” These are just a few examples of the breeds and roles that these loyal canines, and sometime pets, held. Other animals included birds (such as parrots who traveled with pirates), dolphins, and seals. Cats were important on boats – they not only kept the rodent population down but could sense oncoming barometric pressures, crucial to sailors. Since 2014, the museum has chosen an Ambassador at Sea. The first one was Bailey Boat Cat, a seal-point Siamese living aboard S/V Nocturne just outside of Rome, Italy. Bailey is the center of a blog written by his mom, Louise Kennedy. She also crafted the best-selling book, Bailey Boat Cat: Adventures of a Feline Afloat in his voice, telling of his explorations and philosophies. Bailey cruised the Mediterranean with co-skippers, Louise, and James, and was joined three years ago by

crew member canines, April, Blue, and Annabelle. Bailey was a “spokescat” for ocean conservancy, safe boating practices, and offered tips for sailing with your pet. Annabelle, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, was their second Ambassador at Sea. She assumed her duties in June of 2019 after Bailey retired. She and her two crewmates, Border Collies April and Blue, lived with their humans on S/V Titanium near Barcelona, Spain. Annabelle's first duty as Ambassador was to meet and greet the other furry sailors at the marina. Sadly, Annabelle passed away while ashore in 2020. The museum’s latest Ambassador is Mollie, a mixed-breed dog who lives aboard S/Y Yacht Monty B. She sails Lake Kotor in Montenegro and the nearby Adriatic with canine crewmate, Bertie. Tim, the Skipper and their owner, hails from the UK and offers charter sails. The spunky Mollie has personally welcomed over 1,000 guests. She’s keenly interested in naval history, navigation issues, and advocates for safe boating practices. Patricia enjoys creating interesting ideas such as the Ambassador program, talking with guests, and sharing exhibits for visitors. She’s looking for volunteers in a variety of positions – greeters, tour guides, gift shop clerks, and virtual researchers. Contact her at 207-390-5909 or email info@museumofmaritimepets.org if interested. Donations are welcome, visit museumofmaritimepets.org/ supportus.html. Tour this unique museum at 1 Park Dr. in downtown Rockland, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm.

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What’s That Noise?

The “Name Game”

Tips on how to teach a great recall We regularly subject our dogs to meaningless noises. I’m not referring to environmental sounds, but rather our own vocal “noises.” Imagine being plunked into a foreign culture where nobody speaks your language. That’s what we do with our dogs. It’s pretty amazing they cope as well as they do! Do you understand any of this? I sure don’t! It’s just noise to me, yet I know it’s meaningful to the speaker: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=L2ST-UU6Ns8 Dogs are not verbal creatures. What we say to them is meaningless until we pair it with something that is relevant. WHAT IS A NAME? Name as Cue We don’t often think of our dog’s name as acting as a cue comparable to “sit” or “down,” but in fact it is even more important. It’s not a matter of “assigning” a dog a noise (name) and expecting him to respond: it boils down to strategic pattern-building. I want the dog’s name to signify, “orient towards me,” and eventually come to me, therefore my training plan is based on that goal. You might want it to mean something else. The bottom line is that he needs to understand the namebehavior (then reward) connection. And you need to be consistent and generous!

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

The “ding” of an elevator predicts the door will open. The “ding” in this case is the name; the door opening is the reward. If you were at an elevator and heard the ding, but the doors didn’t always open, you might choose to take the stairs! Create the Pattern: Build Relevance First, Response Later. Your pup’s name must predict great stuff within seconds of hearing it, each and every time, no matter what he’s doing. Remember, you are trying to turn a noise into something meaningful. “Great stuff” is determined by your dog. It might be in the form of food,

a toy, a game of chase, etc. We often use food because it allows for many repetitions. Repetitions build habit, therefore food tends to be an efficient and effective training tool. Assuming you, too, want your dog’s name to mean “orient towards me,” here’s a simple blueprint for how to get started. Let’s assume your pup is positioned in front of you. Say his name once, then give him a treat (not simultaneously). Do it over and over. Don’t wait for a response or for him to do anything yet; we are simply building a pattern of name = relevance. Repeat, repeat, repeat After you’ve successfully practiced the simple Name Then Treat pattern, start to move. 1) Say his name, 2) then step back a few steps, 3) then feed him close to you. Repeat these steps separately. If he doesn’t follow, revert to name-treat as before, then try again. Bungee Dog Next is Name Then Toss Treat so your dog has to add some oomph. Repeat, but every once in a while, drop a small handful of treats at your feet. Fun! It’s through consistent repetition that we will eventually build a response. Keep sessions short. CHOOSING A GOOD NAME What makes a good name? These are some observations I’ve made over the years: they are just opinion. The following may be points to consider. • Unique. The name must not sound like any other cue you might use with your dog, now or in the future. If you use “sit” as a cue, choosing “Kit” as your dog’s name may be

confusing to her. Other examples are names like “Bea” (“be” and words like it are common in English), and “Poppy” (sounds too much like “puppy,” which we habitually and frequently use). I’m still finding cues in my own cue dictionary that are too close for comfort. “Round” and “down,” “up” and “hup” were some of my sad discoveries. Yes, context does matter, a lot, but it’s valuable to consider how your dog might be perceiving these different sounds and whether or not he’ll be able to distinguish them from each other. • More than one syllable. A one-syllable name doesn’t stand out as well as multiple syllables. If you choose a one-syllable name, you may opt to double it. Example: “Roo” becomes “RooRoo.” • Big, long, open vowels. You want the sound of your dog’s name to carry and have some punch. Our beloved “Astro” had a solid, open voweled name, in both syllables. One has to fully open one’s mouth to enunciate it. Heck, “Wifi” would be a great name based purely on its sound! THE BIGGEST RULE: do not use your dog’s name unless you are ready to reward him right away. If he hears it in conversation, hears it on repeat, hears it in the background sans reward, it will become as meaningless as the ding-without-an-elevator. If this has already happened, give him another name. Yes, this is acceptable! Happy Training!

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

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Dog Training and Rehabilitation

Kris Potter

Serving Locations In Midcoast Maine And Beyond

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Downeast Dog News

Behavior Modification: How We Change Behavior? Does your dog go crazy every

time someone comes to the door? Or UPS delivers a package? What about when you are out walking, and you pass another dog on leash? Are your dogs fighting over attention or maybe food? What happens when you leave the house to go the grocery store? Is your dog destructive or barking the entire time you are gone? How do you change these behaviors? Are these training issues, or does my dog need more help? When it comes to changing behavior, training alone is often not the answer. If your goal is to change behavior long term, your pet will need behavior modification instead. Training focuses on specific behaviors like how to come when called, picking items up that fall, pushing the elevator button, or apprehending the bad guys; behavior modification involves changing how an animal feels and behaves in a specific environment or towards a particular trigger. Five Steps of Behavior Modification: 1. Identify your dog’s triggers and avoid them. The initial stage of any behavior modification plan is to avoid all of your dog’s trigger as much as possible. This may mean going for a

walk during off times of the day or remote locations or placing your dog in a safe haven before visitors arrive or separating household dogs that might be fighting. Our goal is to keep your dog feeling safe while learning new coping skills and behaviors that can be used when the triggers are reintroduced. 2. Open the lines of communication between you and your dog. Learn your dog’s body language, so you are able to understand how your dog is feeling. Stop using corrections or punishment this strategy probably isn’t working anyway. Instead of “no” or yelling at your dog, reinforce the behaviors you would rather see from your dog instead. 3. Teach focus behaviors such as eye contact and targeting (nose to hand or nose to target stick). These behaviors encourage your dog to “check-in” more with you when needed. Targeting can help your dog feel safe by using another task to focus on or to build new relationships with. 4. A foundation behavior, conditioning relaxation on

a mat, is often used during the behavior modification process. The goal is to provide your dog with a new set of coping skills and keep its anxiety in check. When conditioning relaxation, start with a non-slip, portable mat and gradually shape the behavior as the relax on that mat. Start with your dog sitting on the mat, then lying on the mat, followed by shifting of its hind legs to the side, head resting on the mat, and then taking deep breaths. Practice these new behaviors and relaxation techniques in nondistracting environments before

taking them on the road. 5. Systematic Desensitization and Counter Conditioning (DS/CC) are the main techniques used to change behavior long term. Triggers including sounds, people, other dogs, objects, environments, etc., … are reintroduced to your dogs on a gradient (intensity and distance) while pairing their existence with good things (food and play). These techniques should result in a positive response from your dog when done correctly. The goal is to replace an unwanted emotional reaction such as hiding, hyperarousal, and aggression, with a more relaxed and comfortable response such as eye contact. As you work through the steps above, it is important to remember that behavior modification can be a slow process and there are no quick fixes. If you have questions about your dog’s behavior, always contact your veterinarian. Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB

Calder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com

The Hidden Threat of Warm Months By Dr. Ruth Moore Part I - Blue Green Algae and Pets These three words can strike a pet-owner’s heart with terror. This phenomenon has been repeatedly written about by the State of Maine, the Portland Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Bangor Daily News in an effort to educate people about the increasing contamination in Maine’s lakes, ponds, and standing water supplies. But the major questions that remain for many people are, what is it, and why is it a threat? Blue-Green Algae is a cyanobacteria that grows in bodies of fresh, brackish, and saltwater, and it can also appear as yellowish or reddish brown. What makes it different from traditional pondscum is that it is photosynthetic and can produce its own food. There are over 2,000 varieties of bacteria colonies or blooms that grow every year, with approximately 80 strains being toxic. It is nearly impossible to know which are safe blooms and which are toxic to the untrained eye, and both people and pets are accidentally exposed every year in Maine; thus, people are being encouraged to assume that all forms

MARCH 2022

of algae growth are dangerous. How Dangerous IS the Danger? Blue-green algae cyanobacteria can destroy liver function, affect the central nervous system (breathing and circulation), or cause severe skin reactions in animals that are exposed to an algae bloom with the end result becoming a painful death that occurs within hours if not treated. Should your companion show neurologic signs such as disorientation and seizures or begins to repeatedly scratch after entering (or playing near) a body of water, it may have been exposed, and if untreated, may develop symptoms of shock (panting, drooling) or become lethargic and then comatose. How Does it Grow? From the Portland, Maine department of Parks and Recreation, “Cyanobacteria growth is rapidly accelerated by high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous in a body of water. In urban areas, pet waste left behind by pet owners is a leading contributor of nitrogen and phosphorous in the environment.” Likewise, in more rural areas, rain runoff and snow melt can move animal waste into the streams which

flow into bodies of water. This contaminated water acts as fertilizer for cyanobacteria, causing blooms when the snow melts and the water temperatures rises. Are my pets (and family) in danger? In a word, “yes.” This winter’s weather has been favorable to blue algae blooms growing at an unprecedented rate in the spring. For pet owners, sportsman, and farmers, this is a very real and present danger to the communities and bodies of water that are nearby. People can mitigate the risks by testing the standing water bodies that their animals can come in contact with. Even if an algae is not visible to the eye, the cyanotoxins can be growing along the shore or in remote areas and then become airborne. There are three ways for people to test the waters. The first is the “jar test” that takes up to 48 hours to determine potential blooms, and this test is not 100% reliable. (https://www.maine.gov/dep/ water/lakes/jartestdirections920. pdf). The second is to mail a sample to the State of Maine and wait up to a week for results. The third and

perhaps most expedient / reliable is a new home test developed by 5Strands Affordable Testing. This test is $35, generates results in as little as 15 minutes, and can be purchased online at www.5Strands. com with a discount code (DrRuth). Dr. Ruth recommends that summer enthusiasts keep 3-4 tests on hand and test their water bodies every month over the warmest months to ensure pet safety. It is also a perfect tool for people who travel with pets, to test unknown water bodies at rest stops or vacation destinations. Pets can inadvertently become exposed if they enter the water or even walk on the edge or walk in pet relief areas that other dogs have walked in. How can I treat a potential exposure? Potential exposures must be treated very quickly! Experts advise that you wash both yourself and pet thoroughly within 15 minutes of a known exposure. They encourage the use of a shower and the wearing of gloves to prevent absorbing the toxins through the skin. They then offer that you monitor

See HIDDEN on page 15

Recognizing Our Vets & Staff T hank you!

Gifting Gratitude and Kindness T

his month, we center our focus on those who help keep our pets healthy and assist them when they become sick or injured. Over the past two years, the pandemic has affected nearly every business in one way or another and our veterinarians and their staff are no exception. They have faced many challenges and have had to make adjustments to what used to be their normal protocol in caring for our pets. Some have been working longer hours and shorthanded while trying to keep themselves, staff, and clients safe. According to an article posted on avma.org, “A study has found that the percentage of veterinarians with serious psychological distress increased to 9.7% in fall 2021, compared with 6.4% in fall 2019, and regression analysis suggests that this change was an effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Additionally, “The percentage of staff members with serious psychological distress was 18.1%, compared with 9.7% of veterinarians. Half of staff respondents and 31% of veterinarians had high burnout.” There are many factors that contribute to stress and burnout in veterinary medicine and then you add a pandemic to boot. So, what can we do to help? If you’ve had a positive experience with your vet’s office, why not give them a shout out on social media or send them a thank you note or personal message to show your gratitude for their hard work. Perhaps you might like to include a photo of your pet. Other ideas might include dropping off treats for the staff or a gift card for coffee or lunch or possibly donating to an animal charity that they support in their honor. You may recall Daniel Atkins

from our July 2020 issue. Daniel spent three months holding up homemade signs outside of hospitals along the midcoast to help encourage workers and spread kindness and support at the pandemic’s start. Truly amazing! You don’t have to make a grand gesture to be supportive. One thing that we all can do is to be patient and kind. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. I would also recommend, if you have not already, that you read Don Hanson’s November 2021, Words, Woofs and Meows column, “Why Is it Suddenly So Difficult to See the Veterinarian? …and What Can I Do If My Pet Has a Healthcare Emergency?” To read it online, visit: https:// issuu.com/rfbadvertising/docs/ downeastdog_november_2021 Thank you to all veterinarians and their staff who work tirelessly to care for our beloved, furry family members. We appreciate all that you do!

(207) 223-2596

559 South Main Street, Winterport, Maine www.ridgerunnervet.com You can also find us on Facebook

207-582-4588 Dr. Karen WalshMeiczinger, owner 568 Maine Avenue Farmingdale, ME

Dr. Christine Welch

503 Main Street Damariscotta

207-563-3934 Feline boarding and Laser therapy available

www.damariscottavetclinic.com Offering compassionate medical, surgical and dental care with a personal touch

PHOTO COURTESY OF BATH-BRUNSWICK VETERINARY ASSOCIATES.

MORE BEACH DAYS

We have moved! Pat Koven, LVT KPA-CTP, formerly of Midcoast Humane is now with Haulin’ Aus, Inc. We oﬀer behavior modiﬁcation, triage and management consultations, veterinary cooperative behaviors, pet- assisted therapy, and basic skills training. We use reward-based training to build solid communication skills between pets and their owners.

Haulin’ Aus, Inc

Certified Training Partner & Licensed Veterinary Technician

OXFORD HILLS

https://www.caldervbs.com/behavioral-services.pml

Dr. Rina Porell Dr. Pamela Bluestone Dr. Ken Odrzywolski Dr. Margaret Shively

Call or email us to learn more

Work with a behavior technician for help with your pet’s special needs. haulinausdogtraining@gmail.com

brought to you by

136 Western Avenue So. Paris, Maine 04281 www.oxfordhillsvet.com 743-9271

Medicine and Surgery for Large and Small Animals

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including: • Wellness exams • Vaccines • Microchip ID • Dental care, including oral surgery and dental radiology • Surgery • Digital radiography • In-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics OUR FOCUS IS TO PROVIDE QUALITY VETERINARY CARE THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF YOUR PET. MICHAEL BINETTE, DVM STEPHEN MADDOX, DVM 1197 MAINE STREET, POLAND, ME 04274 I (207)998-2444

Downeast Dog News

We love love all all of of our our wonderful wonderful clients, We clients, old old and and new, new,but butour ourexpert expertveterinary veterinary care would not be possible without our amazing team! THANK care would not be possible without our amazing team! THANK YOU YOU Dr. Burgess, Burgess, Dr. Dr. Chadima, Chadima, Mary, Dr. Mary, Carly, Carly, Luke, Luke, Dulcie, Dulcie, Sonja, Sonja,Rebecca, Rebecca,Ali, Ali, Deb, Desirae, Grace, Holly, Cristi, Carina, Denise!!! We are so grateful Deb, Desirae, Grace, Holly, Cristi, Carina, Denise!!! We are so gratefultoto each of of you you and and your your dedication dedication to each to the the patients patients and andtheir theirhumans! humans!

VCA Lewiston Lewiston Animal Animal Hospital VCA Hospital 75 Stetson Stetson Road, Road, Lewiston, Lewiston, ME ME 04240 75 04240

207-782-8121 vcalewiston.com vcalewiston.com 207-782-8121 2022VCA VCAAnimal AnimalHospitals, Hospitals, Inc. Inc. VCA VCA is is aa registered registered trademark ©©2022 trademark of of VCA VCA Inc. Inc.or orits itsaffiliated affiliatedcompanies. companies. TMofofVCA VCAInc. Inc.or orits itsaffiliated affiliated companies. companies. TM

MARCH 2022

Full service veterinary care Full service veterinary care including including preventative preventative medicine,medicine, nutrition, nutrition, surgery, surgery, dentistry anddentistry, diagnostics. ultrasound and diagnostics. We also offer worry free We also offercat worry free cat boarding. boarding. Arthur DVM Arthur J. J. Charles, Charles, DVM Ariana Fowlie, DVM Bailey E. Gage, DVM Laurie DVM Laurie S. S. Howarth, Howarth, DVM Bailey E. Gage, DVM AtlanticHighway, Highway, Waldoboro Waldoboro 1414Atlantic

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2/12/20 12:11

Since 1946 the Veterinary Clinic has offered quality pet care services in Mid Coast Maine. We offer a wide range of services including wellness care, surgery, dental care, x-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork and physical rehabilitation. Dr. Erica Parthum • Dr Kevin Cowan Dr Angelica Stasolla • Dr. Susan Hayhurst 304.5 Maine Street Brunswick, Maine 04011 (207) 729-3412 • www.thebrunswickvetclinic.com Like us on Facebook

Celebrating 17 years as the Midcoast’s Hospital of the Year!

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

AKC Rally Some Things to Think About Before You Show

ccording to AKC Rally Regulations, Rally trials demonstrate the dog has been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs in a manner that will reflect credit on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions. All contestants in a class are required to perform the same signs in substantially the same way so that the relative quality of the various performances may be compared and scored. The judge

tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at a brisk pace through a course designed by the rally judge of designated signs. Each of these signs provides instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. The dog and handler move continuously throughout the course with the dog under control at the handler’s

left side. There is a clear sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during and between the numbered signs. Rally provides an excellent introduction to AKC Companion Events for new dogs and handlers and can provide a challenging opportunity for competitors in other events to strengthen their skills. AKC Rally is a companion sport to AKC Obedience. Both require teamwork between dog and handler along with similar performance skills. Before entering a trial, you should read and understand the rules. Today, many people learn their rally skills via video. This is fine for basic learning but may not cover the procedures for filling out an entry, checking in at the show, protocol for entering the ring, and an understanding of why you may lose points or NQ. Deductions range from minor (1-2 points) minor or substantial (1-10 points) substantial (6-10 points) and NQ or non-qualifying scores. To get credit for performing a sign, you must correctly perform the principal parts of the exercise. These are clearly defined for each sign in the rules. You can order a rule book from AKC or download the rules,

but make sure that you read and understand them. If you are new to rally, it is always a good idea to go and watch a trial. You can learn a lot by watching, and most competitors are happy to talk to new potential exhibitors as long as they are not warming up to go into the ring. Understanding the rules, show and ring procedures, and etiquette, will help ensure that you and your dog have an enjoyable experience when you do enter. How you enter the ring (after the judge invites you in) sets the tone for you, your dog, and the judge. You need to be able to quickly regain lost attention, and you should always be reading your dog so that you can adjust your feedback and give your dog good, pertinent information. When you walk the course, think about where you may need to adjust your information or need to have a plan to keep or regain attention. You should also plan your end/exit routine so your dog is under control and on leash when you leave the ring. And remember: sometimes it just doesn’t work out how you planned. Don’t be afraid to ask to be excused. There is always another show.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 125 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 3 Champion Tracker titles. 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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Veterinary rehabilitation and hydrotherapy • Laser therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal therapy • Nutrition counseling

Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. Christine Fraser, DVM

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Located in Happy Tails Daycare at 119 Bishop St. Portland, ME Visit our website all4pawswellness.com or call (207) 809-9505 for more information

Education • Rehabilitation • Guardianship • Adoption Dedicated 501(c)3 rescue working with shelters and dog owners of both Catahoula Leopard Dogs & Australian Cattle Dogs along the East Coast. 30 Clements Point Rd, Warren, ME 04864 207.273.1320 | 207.975.2909 nehoularescue.com www.facebook.com/CatahoulaNewEngland

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Downeast Dog News

Our Pets Most Important Nutrient – Water The most important nutrient we

provide for our pets is not the food we buy at the store or make from fresh ingredients. It is water. Water is also the most essential nutrient for people as well. Water is a vital ingredient that fuels our bodies and keeps us alive. Without water, the cells in our body could not grow and reproduce. Water removes toxic wastes from our bodies via urine and helps lubricate our joints. Our body temperature is regulated by water and our brain uses water to produce hormones and neurotransmitters vital to our survival. The saliva we produce is an integral part of the digestive process. Is it any wonder that the human body is 60% water? According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, "The percentage of water in fat-free wet weight for most mature animals is estimated at 73.2%, although the mean values in the literature range from 63% for the beagle to 80% for the mouse, with the mean for the majority of species between 70 and 76%." 1 Nature designed the dog and cat to get the bulk of the water they need from their food. While they may drink water we provide in a dish, cats less so than dogs; their body expects most of the water to be ingested with the food they consume. Let's look closer at the mouse, which is 80% water and also happens to be a common food source for feral canines and felines, either wild or domestic. The mouse is 80% water, and the rest is protein and fat – an optimal source of fresh nutrients for a dog or cat. I am not advocating we all start feeding our pets mice. However, we can use the mouse to compare the food we

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS by Don Hanson

ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

photo credit: debra bell

typically provide our pets. So, how much water is in our pet's food? That depends on what we feed them. Wet food, packaged in cans or pouches, is usually 70 to 75% moisture. Frozen raw food or lightly-cooked frozen food is about 60 to 70% moisture. So both wet and frozen foods are very close to meeting our pet's water needs. However, before you immediately switch to these foods, understand that you need to look at the other ingredients. I feed my pets and recommend food with high moisture content and mostly meat (protein and fat) with minimal carbohydrates. Remember,

neither the cat nor dog needs any carbohydrates in their diet. So basically, I want my pet's food to mimic the composition of a mouse. Dry pet food: kibble, or freezedried and dehydrated foods contain 10 to 12% moisture. Manufacturers work very hard to keep that number low to prevent the food from spoiling. Yet, dry foods contain much less water than our pets' bodies need. Kibble is also the most popular form of pet food due to its convenience and price compared to other options. Most freezedried and dehydrated food brands recommend you rehydrate the food before feeding it to your pet. If they didn't, I would add water anyway. However, most kibble brands do not discuss the need to add water, which concerns me. Our pet's digestive system is designed to work best when digesting food that is 60% or more water. Digesting food with a low moisture content requires your pet to draw on the water reserves held in their cells. That can cause chronic dehydration. When I feed my dog Muppy, I always add water, no matter what type of food I am providing [ FMI - What I Feed My Dog and Why I Feed What I Do https://bit.ly/WhatIFeedAndWhy ] Boomer, my cat, is only fed wet food or frozen raw food with high moisture content. Cats are especially susceptible to dehydration as they are desert creatures who evolved to get almost all their water from food. Feeding a cat food with a minimal moisture content can cause a lifethreatening medical condition called Urethral Obstruction. That is why I recommend that all cats be fed primarily with wet food. There are other benefits of adding water to your pet's dry food. Water makes the food easier to

In terms of survivability, water is the single most important nutrient for the body. Although animals can live after losing almost all their body fat and more than half of their protein, a loss of only 10% of body water results in death. Canine and Feline Nutrition - E Book (p.9). Elsevier Health Sciences

chew and digest. If warm, the water creates a gravy, making the food more aromatic and palatable. Be aware there is a myth that dry pet food will keep your pets' teeth clean, but unless it is one of the special dental formulas, that, like all myths, is just not true. There are also much better ways to keep your pets' teeth clean. If you don't want to add water to your pet's kibble, consider bone broth, goat milk, fresh veggies (broccoli, kale, zucchini), fresh fruit like Maine blueberries, or a raw egg or some sardines. There are also many food supplements loaded with moisture and other vital micronutrients to consider. Please, remember how important water is to your pet's health. You will be glad you did.

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He also produces and co- hosts The Woof Meow Show heard on AM620 -WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at www.woofmeowshow.com. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. He is committed to pet care and pet training that is free of pain, force, and fear. The opinions in this column are those of Don Hanson.

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Rescue

of the

Month

RESCUE OF THE MONTH: POPE MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY Caring for & Finding Homeless Animals Loving Owners By Susan Spisak Back in 2020, I talked to Tracy Sala, Executive Director of the private, independent 501(c)3 Pope Memorial Humane Society aka PMHS. She indicated they had many adoptions at the beginning of the pandemic – people were home and could bond with and enjoy a new pet. I wanted to see how PMHS was faring these days, so I chatted with Kasey Bielecki, their Marketing and Public Relations Manager. She indicated adoptions have been steady the last few years. Last year, they adopted out 1,101 pets – 160 of those being dogs. And the good news is that pets aren’t being relinquished back as many nationwide shelters are experiencing. That’s thanks to PMHS’ efforts. “During the past couple of years, we’ve been trying

to do everything on our end to help people keep their pets.” One of those programs is the Pet Pantry. They offer temporary pet food assistance to individuals and families in need. PMHS also supplies pet food as they can to local pantries. PMHS relies on fosters, especially for senior dogs who may be jumpy with all the commotion in a shelter. Canines with behavioral problems will do better in a patient foster home, too. “Our staff does an amazing job for all the animals, but it’s still stressful for certain dogs.” Their goal is to make sure each dogs’ needs are met. (She said she knows DEDN is a dog paper, but did mention that in kitten season, fosters are invaluable. Last year they had upwards of 200 kittens.) When asked if anything is new and exciting, Kasey answered quickly. “We’re working on a five-year plan

to see how much more community focused we can become. How we can develop as a shelter.” The shelter already had a significant physical transformation thanks to a capital campaign and large donations. They were able to build a debt-free 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in 2016. When we talked, she had just come from a fundraising meeting and was excited about an event being held in August. “It’s a big party,” she said of the 21+, human only celebration, “Barking Brew in the Barn” that will be held at Harmony Hill Farm in Warren. She said there will be a food truck, a S’mores bar, and local breweries will be on hand. (Watch their website link below for info). Kasey also shared that the Betty White Challenge in January “was insane” in a good way. It brought in over $14k in donations - they were surprised but very grateful for the

HERMES, 8 YEARS, GERMAN SHEPHERD

community backing. PMHS welcomes volunteers – they currently have about 170 but more are helpful. Crafters are needed to make the soft blankets that each animal goes home with. Call the shelter at number below for details. Consider donating to their Sherman Medical Fund, a matching gift fund. For more, popehumane.org/50000-matchinggift-launches-2022-pmhs-medical-fundcampaign/. All dogs in their care are examined, vetted, spayed or neutered, receive preventatives, and are treated to a mini groom. To view all their adoptable animals, visit hskcme.org. For adoption and volunteer applications, check the website. They’re appointment only - call the shelter at 207-594-2200 to schedule a meet and greet at 25 Buttermilk Ln., Thomaston.

STELLA, 2 YEARS, TERRIER-PITTIE MIX

He’s a handsome black and brindle boy. He’s okay with older kids. Hermes is not fond of cats and wants to be the only dog – his previous owner, who passed away, dotted on him. He also spoke fluent Spanish – so Hermes understands that language too!

She’s a total love! Stella is a charming but shy girl, but she has really started to come out of her shell at her foster home! Stella is now housetrained, crate trained, and used to a regular house routine in a few short weeks. She absolutely loves walking and is an absolute pleasure to take on long walks. She has so much love to give and loves to be near you on the couch or bed. Stella needs a fenced-in backyard for her safety - she was a street dog in her past life and could run far if scared. Stella’s otherwise a straightforward, quiet, sweet, and rewarding dog, with soulful eyes, adorable ears, hilarious howls, and a genuine desire for peace and continued guidance from her human.

If you are interested in Hermes or Stella, call Pope Memorial Humane Society at (207)594-2200 to schedule a meet and greet at 25 Buttermilk Ln, Thomaston.

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

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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. 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. RONIN

FINLEY

1.5 years old, Catahoula Mix

Energetic and playful. Not a dog for first time dog owners or people unfamiliar with the Catahoula breed. He loves to snuggle and learn new tricks. Can be protective of his home but is learning to be more comfortable around new people. Email: Catahoula Rescue, sln2310@yahoo.com

He has got those flashy, get-you-noticed colors, AND the personality to boot! He has food insecurity and will protect his food at all costs. Therefore, he needs a home with children 16+ years. He is a take-him- everywhere adventure pup.

FMI: www.pethavenlane.org

2022 March Downeast Dog News

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