June 2016 Published by
Sauk Valley Media Fighting Fleas & Ticks
Adoption & Adapting
Treating pets facing flea & tick infestations
How to adapt to your new furry friend
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Treating pets facing flea and tick 4 infestations
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Did you know? According to the pet adoption service Petfinder, dogs chase their tails for various reasons. Some dogs may be curious about the appendage or have a predatory instinct, while others may chase their tails just to get some exercise. Tail-chasing may also be a nervous tick that’s indicative of the dog’s anxiety. Flea infestation is another reason dogs may chase their tails. Some dogs may believe they can alleviate itchiness from flea bites by latching onto their tails. Dog owners concerned about excessive tail-chasing should discuss those concerns with their veterinarian, who may offer insight as to why the dog is chasing its tail and how to reduce that chasing in the future.
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How to care for aging dogs Changes to expect as cats age Make vet visits easier on cats What to know about sharing a bed with pets
Adapting to your 11new furry friend
12 How dogs benefit from daily walks 13 Dog bites & summertime 14 The benefits of professional dog groomers 15 Unity Hospice’s Paws for Patients program
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Treating pets facing flea and tick infestations
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et owners love many things about having companion animals. But flea and tick infestations are probably not on the list of things pet owners love about their furry friends. Few pets will go their lifetimes without experiencing fleas and/or ticks. Understanding common flea and tick behaviors can help pet owners better handle infestations. Fleas and ticks do more than just create irritating skin ailments for dogs and cats. Fleas and ticks also can transmit diseases to pets and even people. There are more than 850 species of tick and 1,600 species of flea identified around the world. The main goal of these parasites is to suck the blood of their hosts in order to reproduce. Both fleas and ticks can survive months to even a year or more without feeding. Fleas are especially prevalent in warm, humid areas. Ticks tend to be active in warmer weather as well. Fleas and ticks live outdoors and prefer grassy and forested areas. They need moisture and prefer to stay out of direct sunlight. Both seek warm, dark humid places. Fleas can wait out winter indoors. Fleas and ticks are especially skilled at attaching themselves to companion animals. Fleas can leap quite far. Revival Animal Health says fleas can leap vertically up to 7 inches
and horizontally as far as 13 inches. Fleas can easily hop onto dogs, cats or even humans passing by. While ticks cannot leap, they are excellent climbers. Many ticks will attach to a lower extremity on an animal and then climb slowly until they reach the preferred location for latching on. Identifying symptoms of flea or tick infestations on dogs or cats is relatively easy. Scratching and biting of irritated areas is often the first indication of a flea problem. Pet owners usually notice ticks when petting their animal and feeling a strange bump. On occasion, ticks are discovered while crawling on the pet’s fur, before they have latched on to the animal. The Animal Health Institute advises combatting flea and tick populations with pesticides and repellents. Growth inhibitors also are included in the options for flea and tick control. Powders, spot-on liquids, collars, and pills may be used as well. Veterinarians can best assess which flea or tick product will be best for a specific animal. Keep in mind that formulations for treating flea and tick problems in cats may differ from those used to treat flea and tick problems for dogs, so they shouldn’t be used interchangeably. Also, follow the instructions from the veterinarian or manufacturer carefully so as not to overmedicate the pet. To catch fleas and ticks before they become problematic, and in conjunction with using medications, follow these additional tips. • Wash pet bedding on high heat regularly. • Clean your home thoroughly to remove any immature fleas and their food sources. • Check pets regularly for pests and groom them frequently. • Look for fleas and ticks after coming in from outdoors. • Mow lawns each week and remove any lawn and garden debris. Though flea and tick infestations can be unhealthy and uncomfortable for pets, pet owners can take steps to prevent such problems.
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How to care for aging dogs
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ogs and cats may not live as long as their human companions, but they age just like other living creatures. Cats’ and dogs’ rate of growth and maturity is accelerated compared to human beings’, and pet owners should know it’s never too soon to make plans for keeping pets comfortable as they grow older. Pet owners may find signs of aging more noticeable in dogs than cats, as cats tend to be less active in the daytime than dogs. Canines that were once rambunctious and energetic can sometimes lose their zeal as the years tick by. Knowing what to expect of aging dogs
can help owners prepare for the years ahead. Nutrition Aging dogs need vitamins, minerals, fats, and fuel. The right pet diet can help dogs remain active and playful as long as possible. Take the time to speak with your dog’s veterinarian about brands or food formulations that may help your dog live with certain conditions. Vets may suggest foods that are easily digestible or that include essential fatty acids for cognition and a healthy coat. Foods may need to be low in calories to help prevent weight gain from reduced activity. Continued on page 6
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aging dogs Veterinary care Geriatric dogs may require more frequent veterinary visits than younger animals so any potential health conditions can be discovered before they escalate. Expect senior pet exams, which may include bloodwork, to be more in-depth, says the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Discuss any mental and behavioral issues your dog has exhibited with the vet, as dogs can show signs of senility as they get older. The AVMA says studies conducted in the early 1990s were the first to identify brain changes in older dogs that were similar to brain changes seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease. The doctor may recommend tasks to keep dogs engaged and more cognizant. Arthritis Aging dogs may suffer the aches and pains associated with arthritis. Large dog breeds are especially vulnerable to joint diseases. Take note if your pet seems to be walking stiffly or having difficulty sitting down. Increased irritability may also be a sign your pet is in pain. The vet may suggest nutritional supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin as well as pain relief medication to help. An orthopedic bed, frequent rub downs of stiff joints and cozy spots to stretch out can help, too. Dental cleanings Dental care is important throughout a pet’s life, but even more so as he or she ages. Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis, which can cause bacteria to get into the dog’s bloodstream, potentially leading to internal illness. Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing teeth-cleaning chews and toys can help. You also may need to schedule thorough teeth cleanings at the vet’s office. Pets’ needs change as they get older. Dog owners should keep watchful eyes on their aging pooches to ensure man’s best friend stays happy through his or her golden years.
Changes to expect as cats age
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experience significant changes in their health and behavior as they age. It’s important for cat owners to take their cats for routine veterinary checkups regardless of their cats’ ages, but such appointments are especially necessary for aging cats. Because cats tend to require less attention than dogs, it can be harder for cat owners to notice changes in health or behavior in aging cats than they might notice with aging dogs. Routine vet visits can ensure that age-related health conditions don’t go undiagnosed, and such visits may even help to delay the onset of certain problems. The AAFP recommends that healthy older cats be examined by their veterinarians every six months. While that may seem frequent, six months for older cats is roughly equivalent to two years for human beings, and that’s plenty of time for cats’ health to change dramatically. In between vet visits, cat owners can look for the following changes that cats often undergo as they age, calling their cats’ vets immediately if any of these signs appear to be having any adverse effects on the cat. • Altered sleep-wake cycle • Changes in vision • Appearance of brown spots in the iris • Decreased sense of smell • Brittle nails • Decreased lung reserve • Heart or circulatory problems • Decreased ability to digest foods and absorb nutrients • Loose skin • Reduced ability to handle stress • Changes in behavior • Changes in mobility More information about caring for aging cats is available at www.catvets.com.
ogs are widely referred to as “man’s best friend,” and few dog owners can imagine life without their beloved pups. But Fido’s feline counterparts are incredibly popular as well. According to estimates from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, somewhere between 74 million and 96 million cats are owned in the United States, putting cats on par with dogs (the ASPCA estimates Americans own between 70 million and 80 million dogs). Cats are also quite popular in Canada. The 2014 market research report titled “Canadian Pet Market Outlook,” which examined pet ownership and pet trends throughout Canada, reported that there are 7.9 million cats in The Great White North, which is also home to 5.9 million dogs. Many prospective pet owners feel that caring for cats must be easier than caring for dogs. Cats do not need daily walks to stay happy and healthy, and many cats do not crave attention as much as their canine counterparts. But caring for cats is not always so simple, especially as cats grow older. The American Association of Feline Practitioners notes that some cats age faster than others. But older cats are often classified into three groups: Mature or middle-aged: 7 to 10 years (44 to 56 years for humans) Senior: 11 to 14 years (60 to 72 years for humans) Geriatric: 15-plus years (76-plus years for humans) Though this might surprise some people, the AAFP notes that many cats can live well into their geriatric 2705 Avenue E • Sterling, IL 61081 years, some even reaching 815-622-2800 their early twenties. Owners www.MorningsideofSterling.com of geriatric cats may need to Pet be extra diligent when caring Friendly for their felines, as cats often
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Make vet visits easier on cats
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ome pets handle trips to the veterinarian better than others. Animals used to car trips or spending ample time among other animals might not hesitate to get in the car for routine vet visits, while pets that don’t often socialize with other animals may be more resistant when it’s time for their routine medical checkups. Frisky felines may experience some anxiety when leaving the house, and that anxiety may only increase upon
arriving at the vet’s office. While cats may never be excited by trips to the vet, the American Association of Feline Practitioners offers the following advice to cat owners who want to make their cats’ vet visits go as smoothly as possible. Make the carrier a place cats can feel comfortable in. The AAFP advises that cat owners should always transport their cats in a carrier so trips are as safe as possible. Place a small blanket or toy inside, and keep the carrier in an area of your home where cats feel comfortable. Doing so encourages cats to see the carrier as a safe haven. If they do, then they will be less likely to resist their owners’ efforts to get them into the carrier in advance of their vet visits. Another way to make the carrier more inviting is to spray the carrier with Feliway® roughly 30 minutes before the cat needs to enter the carrier. Feliway simulates cat pheromones and can make a cat feel more comfortable about entering the carrier. Covering carriers with towels also may soothe cats’ anxiety, preventing them from seeing the unfamiliar.
Give yourself time to get cats ready to go. It can take time to get cats on board with the idea of getting into their carriers. Allow yourself enough time to calmly get your cat into its carrier. Rushing things may only increase the cat’s existing anxiety, and that can create problems at the vet’s office and set a bad precedent for future visits. Keep cats in their carriers upon arriving at the veterinarian’s office. Do not remove cats from their carriers while sitting in the vet’s waiting room. Instead, keep cats in their carriers, maintaining eye contact and speaking to them in soft tones to calm their nerves. Prepare for the vet visit in advance. The more time cats spend in the vet’s office, the more restless they may become. Save time and reduce the chances your cat will suffer an anxiety attack by preparing for the visit in advance. Prepare a list of questions for the vet and write down any abnormalities regarding your frisky friend’s behavior when applicable. If your vet is willing, you may even want to email him or her such questions and concerns in advance of the visit.
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What to know about sharing a bed with pets
possible — with many even welcoming them into their beds. According to PetMd, an online animal healthcare resource, around 80 percent of pet owners allow pets to share beds with human family members. Data from the American Pet Products Association has found at least half of all pet parents allow pets to sleep with them every night. Whether this is safe, healthy or wise is a matter of debate. There are pros and cons to sharing a bed with pets. Understanding those pros and cons can help pet owners make more informed decisions. Pro: Get into a relaxed state. Companion animals can help relieve stress, which may translate into better sleep for their owners. Some people find that the rhythmic breathing of dogs or cats can help lull them to sleep. Con: Possible transmission of illness or zoonotic agents. Snuggling so close to a pet may put people at risk of acquiring illnesses that are transmitted from animal to human. In the past, MRSA skin infections and H1N1 influenza have been transferred from pets to people.
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Pro: Pets are warm. If the goal is to get cozy under the covers, animals can provide a little extra warmth, as their body temperatures run a few degrees warmer than their owners’. ets provide companionship for thousands of people around the world, so it is understandable that pet owners want to be around their companion animals as much as
Con: An extra body in bed can disturb sleep. Just as individuals may have trouble with a spouse or a child being in the bed next to them, pets can bring about the same
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Pro: A deeper connection forms between pet and owner. Many pets like to be around their owners because it gives them reassurance and comfort that they are loved. Animals that were rescued or are anxiety prone may be especially comforted by snuggling in bed with their owners. Happy pets often make for happy owners. Con: It may cause behavioral problems. Dogs in particular may mistake sleeping in their owners’ beds as a sign of dominance. Some veterinarians suggest puppies that are more prone to issues with aggression may fully develop these behaviors if allowed to sleep with humans. At the very least, it is adviseable to wait until dogs are trained and exhibiting good behavior for extended periods of time before allowing them to sleep in their owners’ beds.
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Pro: It’s a sign of trust. According to Victoria Stilwell, an internationally renowned dog trainer, dogs only sleep with the people or dogs they trust. Therefore, dogs who like sleeping with their owners are exhibiting trust and recognizing the same from their owners. Whether or not to allow dogs or cats to share personal spaces like beds is a decision pet owners have to make. It should be based on safety, comfort and mutual agreement with any other bed partners.
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Not all pets are good at finding their way back home. A 2012 telephone survey by the ASPCA discovered that in the last five years before the survey was conducted, the percentage of lost dogs or cats hovered around 15 percent. Veterinarians have confirmed that many animals, even a small pet, can trot indefinitely at 3 miles per hour. At this moderate pace, it’s possible for a pet to get 24 miles away from home in a typical work day. Dogs tend to roam, sometimes in circles or straight lines, while cats tend to go through a series of run-and-hide bursts until they find a safe spot to settle down. The ASPCA survey also found that a greater percentage of lost dogs are recovered (93 percent) than lost cats (74 percent). This is likely due to the fact that dogs are more likely to wear identification tags and have tracking microchips.
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Adapting to your new furry friend
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dopting a dog is a wonderful way to bring joy into a home, and adoption may very well save a dog’s life. According to the Humane Society of the United States, between six and eight million pets end up in shelters each year and half of those are unlikely to be adopted. Adjusting to life with a dog is not always easy. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, the scope of which first-time dog owners may not fully grasp until their furry friends arrive at their new homes for the first time. But there are ways to make the transition to dog ownership go smoothly, which should afford new dog owners more time to spend with the newest additions to their families. Prepare your home before Fido’s arrival. While many dogs adjust quickly to their new homes, preparing the home before dogs arrive can make that adjustment even easier for the dog. Dogs might be nervous and under significant stress when entering a new home for the first time, so prepare the area where the dog will be spending most of its time. Remove items that curious pooches may break, and don’t forget to move household cleaners from floor cabinets to high shelves
so dogs won’t ingest anything harmful. Have a crate ready for the dog if you plan to crate him or her so you don’t have to introduce it after the pet has already grown acclimated to its new living arrangements. Prepare and stick to a schedule. Dogs benefit from routine, so before bringing your dog home figure out when you are going to feed and walk the dog, and which times of day you plan to play him or her. Examine your own schedule and recognize that you might
need to make some changes to accommodate your new housemate. Stick to the same daily feeding, walking and socializing schedule, which should acclimate the dog more quickly. Another benefit to adhering to the same schedule is the dog will grow accustomed to relieving itself at the same time each day, reducing the likelihood of potentially messy accidents that no dog owner wants to clean up. Keep things calm. A hectic household might make
it difficult for the dog to adjust, so remain calm and encourage other residents to do the same until the dog seems comfortable in its new surroundings. If necessary, limit visitors to your home and steer clear of the dog park or other places where the dog might become overexcited. As the dog grows more comfortable, you can then invite one or two friends over at a time and start taking the dog to the park as well. Take note of any irregularities. Some shelter dogs come from abusive situations, and the effects of those situations may still be lingering. While it’s perfectly reasonable to use leashes when walking dogs, recognize that some dogs may associate leashes or other objects with past abuse. In such instances, speak with your veterinarian about the best ways to address these irregularities, and always exercise patience as your dog adjusts to his or her new surroundings. Shelter dogs often make great companion animals, and owners should afford their new dogs ample time to adjust to their new home.
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How dogs benefit from daily walks
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og owners with fenced-in backyards may think their furry friends are getting all they need during their nightly exercise sessions in the backyard. While such yards provide safe places for dogs to relax and run around, the American Humane Association (www.americanhumane.org) notes that even dogs who run wild in their backyards each day can benefit from daily walks. The following are a handful of ways dogs benefit from daily walks. Socialization: The Animal Humane Society (animalhumanesociety.org) notes that puppies between three weeks and 20 weeks old are generally accepting of other dogs, and nightly walks can provide the perfect opportunity for puppy owners to acquaint their furry friends with their fellow dogs. Continued exposure after 20 weeks can help further the socialization process for young dogs. Behavior: While puppies can learn to socialize on daily walks, older dogs may or
may not reap the same rewards. But daily walks can help dog owners instill better behavior in their dogs. The AHS advises that owners of older dogs use walks as opportunities to teach dogs to behave calmly in public. Bring treats to reward dogs for sitting quietly when encountering other dogs and new people along the walk. Exercise: Of course, daily walks provide great exercise for dogs. Dogs who are let out in the backyard each night but are not played with may not be getting the exercise their owners think they are. Dogs left alone in a backyard may briefly run around before plopping down in the grass and enjoying the fresh air. That’s not enough exercise for many breeds, and it’s certainly insufficient for dogs who may be overweight or obese. Nightly walks can help dogs lose and/or maintain healthy weights, and the AHA notes that such walks also help dogs build strength and endurance.
Stimulation: According to the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org), dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Walks obviously provide physical stimulation, but they can stimulate dogs mentally as well. Dogs often interrupt walks when their curiosity gets the better of them, stopping to observe or investigate something while on walks, and that’s mentally stimulating. Resist the temptation to pull the leash when dogs want to stop to check something out, affording them a little time to do some mental exploration before continuing the walk.
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Dog Bites & Summertime Submitted by Susan Jakobs
Dog bites, especially to children, increase during the summer. Teach your child how to safely interact with dogs and you may prevent a bite! Review the following with your child and have them practice items 12 & 13. 1. Stay away from strange dogs or dogs that are loose. 2. Ask permission before petting a dog, even if you know him. A dog you petted yesterday may not want to be petted today. 3. Don’t stare at a dog. Staring is threatening and may cause an aggressive response. 4. When a dog is tied up, leave him alone, even if it is a dog you know. 5. Respect your dog’s space. Leave him alone when he is sleeping, eating, in his kennel, on his bed, behind the fence or in a car. 6. Teach your dog a ‘give’ command rather than taking a toy or a bone out of his mouth. 7. Teach your dog how to take toys and treats with a ‘gentle’ command.
8. Don’t try to stop dogs that are fighting—find an adult. 9. Don’t tease or provoke dogs. A fake throw may cause a dog jump on you to get the toy. Pushing a dog may cause him to react with a growl or a bite. 10. Playing chase games is fun, until someone gets knocked over or nipped. A dog doesn’t know when to stop chasing. 11. Fast movements and high-pitched squeals can freak a dog out. During kids’ playtime, make sure your dog is on a leash or safely contained. 12. Have your child practice curling up into a ball to act like a ‘rock’ to protect their face. Remember, rocks don’t move or make noise. 13. Never run away from a dog, because he will chase you. Slowly walk away sideways and do not make eye contact. Remember staring can make a dog uncomfortable. Teaching your child how to treat dogs with respect may help prevent a scar that lasts a lifetime. Susan Jakobs, www.wagitforward.com
Did you know?
When adopting or purchasing new dogs, dog owners must accept that their companion animals will be part of their lives for the next decade-plus. When dogs are welcomed into a home, they can alter the family dynamic and bring families immeasurable amounts of joy. So it’s understandable that pet parents want that joy to last as long as possible, and prospective pet owners may be surprised to learn that some breeds have longer life expectancies than others. •Chihuahua: One of the smallest dog breeds, chihuahuas also tend to be one of the longest-living. The longest-living chihuahua reached 20 years old. Pomeranian: Pomeranians hail from a region of the world formerly known as Pomerania, which was located in parts of presentday Germany and Poland. Queen Victoria fell in love with a pomeranian and made the dog popular in England. These small pups can live between 14 to 16 years.
Yorkshire terrier: Adorable Yorkies are a favorite of doglovers and can live as long as 20 years. Dachshund: Affectionately known as the “weiner dog,” these lively pups typically remain loyal companions for anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Collie: Fans of the television show “Lassie” fell in love with intelligent collies. These dogs were bred to herd sheep and cattle, but they’re also excellent family dogs. Collies tend to live between 15 and 16 years.
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The benefits of professional dog groomers
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rooming is something few dog owners may consider before bringing man’s best friend into their homes. But grooming is an important component of dog ownership that keeps pooches healthy and looking their best. Some dogs are more cooperative than others during grooming sessions. Likewise, some dog owners are apprehensive about grooming their dogs, knowing that dogs can easily be hurt during the grooming process. Professional dog groomers can make grooming that much more comfortable for uneasy dogs and owners while providing a host of additional benefits. Safety: One of the troubles owners experience when grooming dogs on their own is that dogs tend to move around a lot when getting their hair trimmed. Unlike humans who rest easy in barber or salon chairs and let their hairdressers ply their trade, dogs tend to fidget or move around during haircuts, and even the slightest movement can lead to cuts or scratches that can hurt dogs and make them even more nervous. Professional dog groomers are well-versed in cutting the hair of fidget-prone pooches and know how to calm dogs so they can enjoy pain-free haircuts. Nail trimming: Trimming dogs’ nails serves multiple purposes. Nails that are not trimmed can break, and such breaks can make dogs more susceptible to infection. In addition, nails that are allowed to grow too long can be painful to pooches, pushing the nail into the nail bed and creating pressure on the toe joints. But
trimming dogs’ nails is not as simple as trimming humans’, as dogs’ nails contain nerves and blood vessels referred to as the “quick.” When the quick is cut, dogs can experience significant pain and even bleed. The potential for that outcome is one reason many dog owners are hesitant to trim their dogs’ nails. Professional groomers do this every day without cutting the quick. Appearance: Human beings like to look good, and dog owners like their dogs to look good as well. Experienced professional groomers know how to style dogs’ hair in ways that make the dogs look good and feel comfortable. Different breeds of dog require different grooming supplies, and professional groomers will have all the tools necessary for particular breeds. Long-term health: Even the most attentive dog owner may not notice certain signs that suggest a dog may be sick or developing a condition that can threaten its long-term health. Dog groomers deal with dogs every day and are in a great position to recognize any abnormalities that may be indicative of a larger problem. Owners may not notice rashes, lesions, skin discoloration or lumps right away, but dog groomers, especially those who have groomed particular dogs in the past, may be more likely to notice such irregularities. This can provide an important safety net between grooming sessions and vet visits. Dog owners want their dogs to be happy and healthy, and professional groomers can help make that happen.
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UNITY HOSPICE’S PAWS FOR PATIENTS PROGRAM OFFERS COMFORT TO HOSPICE PATIENTS Submitted by Unity Hospice
Rochelle, Ill. – June 6, 2016 – Animals have a longstanding history of providing companionship and loyalty to the humans in their lives, which is why more and more healthcare organizations are integrating animals into care plans as a supportive service. Unity Hospice of Western Illinois, located in Rochelle, Ill. and serving patients in 18 surrounding Illinois counties, recognizes the benefits of combining complimentary medicine, such as pet therapy, with traditional medicine. Through their Paws for Patients animal-assisted therapy program, Unity Hospice offers patients the opportunity to receive emotional support, companionship, comfort and love from therapy animals during their time on hospice. The companionship and connection between animals and humans creates a powerful bond; one that differs from the bond between humans and other humans. This special bond between animals and humans has been proven to encourage emotional well-being, improve relaxation and reduce anxiety and depression. The presence of animals often brings peace and joy to patients whose life once included pets in their home. Whether it is to relieve anxiety and depression, or to improve physical comfort, the therapeutic use of animals is one more way that Unity Hospice is dedicated to enhancing comfort and individualized end-of-life care for hospice patients. To learn more about animal-assisted therapy and how it is used in hospice, or if you and your canine companion would like to become a Paws for Patients volunteer with Unity Hospice, visit our website at http://www.unityhospice.com/ the-unity-difference/pet-therapy/. About Unity Hospice Founded in 1992, Unity Hospice is a family owned and operated hospice and palliative care company committed to providing comprehensive care, support and education to people facing a life-limiting illness, their families and the community. Unity Hospice offers care of the highest quality by licensed and competent staff in accordance with laws & regulations and accepted standards of practice. With the dedication to
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make their patients comfortable, Unity Hospice provides an interdisciplinary approach to each individual and family, in which they go above and beyond everyday to meet their needs. For more information, visit www.unityhospice.com. MEDIA CONTACT: Jenna Matzer, Public Relations, jmatzer@unityhospice.com, (618) 606-3796
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We’re Looking for a Few Top Dogs! We’re recruiting well-trained, well mannered dogs and their humans for a special animal-assisted therapy program serving patients at CGH Medical Center. The Love on a Leash Dog Therapy Program.
Does Your Dog Have What it Takes? Download an application at www.cghmc.com/dogs Following a telephone pre-screening, those who meet qualification requirements will be scheduled for temperament testing on
Thurs., July 28 - 5:30-7:00pm - CGH Ryberg Auditorium
Please note that walk-ins will not be accepted. All dogs must be pre-registered.
For questions about becoming an animal-assisted therapy volunteer, and nd to see what makes an A+ Therapy Dog, g, please visit www.cghmc.com/dogs or call Deb at 815-625-0400 Ext. 5727 27
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