PUBLISHER'S NOTE
Brehmer Barks Happy New Year! Can you believe it is January 2012? I remember when I was younger, adults would say “time flies as you get older.” Since 2011 seemed to fly by, that must mean the adults were right. Though 2011 was a rough year for our family, and many of our friends as well, I am a little sad to see it go, yet happy to welcome in 2012. As we do every January, it is time to make New Year’s Resolutions and The Triangle Dog magazine is highlighting some possible resolutions that you can make for you and your canine friends. As much as we want to avoid the subject, the New Year is a good time to make plans for your pet if you pass before they do. It might also make sense for you to think about insuring your pet in case of an emergency. Since many of us commit to more exercise this time of year and walking our dogs is an obvious method, be sure to check out how to keep your dog safe in Safety 101. Canine cancer touched us in a painful way in 2011 as we, along with many of our friends, lost dogs to this awful disease. As a tribute to Sassy and Madeline, our beloved beagles who lost their fights to cancer, we want to support The Lance Memorial: A Fundraiser for Canine Cancer Research. The 5th Annual Lance Memorial will take place March 10-11, 2012 at Pet Behavior Help in Chapel Hill, NC. More information can be found in this issue of The Triangle Dog magazine. As we look to the year ahead and what it holds for the dog community of the Triangle we want to again thank all of you for your continued support. We are thrilled to continue this journey with all of our fellow dog lovers in the Triangle, and want to hear from you so we can partner in creating a better life for your dog. We wish you all the best in 2012, Chuck & Angie Brehmer (and Morrie, Millie, Elsie, and Cindy Lu) Publishers/Editor-in-Chief
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Table of contents Volume 2 • Issue 1 Departments:
4 Publisher's Note 5 Table of Contents 6 Masthead 8 Contributors 20 Ask the Vet 24 Ask the Groomer 26 The T–Dog 'Round Town 27 Triangle Happenings 38 Picture This!
Columns:
12 Shelter Spotlight:
Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina
13 Adoptable Dogs:
Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina
Features:
10 ‘Til Death Do Us Part – How To Prepare For Your Dog’s Future by Calley Gerber, JD
18 To Spay or Not to Spay – It’s Not Really a Question by Mariana Rivera Rodríguez
22 Coverage You Can Count On? by Ginny S. Gillikin
40 What’s the Deal With Dog Bites? by Bryson M. Aldridge, JD
42 The Lance Memorial: A Fundraiser for Canine Cancer Research by Shelly Harris
Cover Story:
14 Meet North Carolina’s “First Dogs” by Donna S. Elliott
16 Dogs @ Play:
Does your dog have C.L.A.S.S.?
28 Destination:
The Blake House Inn Bed and Breakfast
30 Natural Dog:
Lasers: Not Just For Evil Geniuses Anymore…
31 Let’s Cook: Top 5 Food
Supplements Every Dog Owner Should Know
32 Animal Health & Wellness: Is Fido Overweight?
34 Pet Friendly Business: NOFO@ The Pig
36 Safety 101:
Sure He Has a Fur Coat, But is Your Dog Prepared for Winter?
39 Canine Careers:
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)
44 Training:
Is Your Dog Pulling at More Than Your Heartstrings?
46 Tails From The Heart:
Everybody Needs a Reason The Triangle Dog
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CONTRIBUTORS 3. 4.
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Photo by Lindsey McDaniel
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1. Bryson M. Aldridge, JD Bryson M. Aldridge is an attorney practicing with the firm of Stubbs, Cole, Breedlove, Prentis and Biggs PLLC in Durham (stubbscole.com). Bryson is married to Dr. Jenni Aldridge, who is a veterinarian at Triangle Veterinary Hospital in Durham (trianglevet. com). The couple lives in Southwest Durham with their two rescue dogs Savannah (mixed breed) and Banner (Standard Poodle).
2. Sean Drummond Sean is the stay-at-home parent of three human children and two canine kids. The dogs are both rescues from different organizations. In the midst of childcare and dogcare he attempts to maintain a freelance writing career. You can read his blog about his adventures with his children in the Triangle at http://besteducateddad. blogspot.com.
3. Donna S. Elliott For 15 years, Donna S. Elliott was blessed to love a little brown dog named Reason, and now she shares her love with her two dogs, Jules and Luna, who continue to teach her how to live with an open heart and a happy tail and to be grateful for every smile. Donna volunteers with animal welfare causes and strongly supports making low-cost spay and neuter available to low-income families as a means of reducing pet overpopulation and ending the unnecessary euthanasia of pets in shelters. She serves on the board of directors for AnimalKind, a local non-profit dedicated to the spay/neuter cause.
4. Matthew Frazier Matthew Frazier is a native of Raleigh and has lived in or around Raleigh all his life. He is a graduate of NC State University and, along with his wife Susan, has two English Springer Spaniels, Newton and Stirling. Matt has had dogs virtually all his life, and loves to spend time outdoors with them walking, camping and exploring.
5. Calley Gerber, JD Calley Gerber is a 1996 graduate of the University of Denver College of Law and the founding attorney of the Gerber Animal Law
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Center, a firm dedicated solely to animal legal issues. Her practice includes such things as assisting persons when their companion animals have been wrongly harmed, advising nonprofits and other entities engaged in animal-related activities, and speaking and writing on animal legal issues. She has authored/co-authored various articles, regularly speaks on animal law topics and sits on the board of directors for several animal organizations. In addition, she also is an adjunct professor of law, teaching Animal Law at Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law and the University of North Carolina School of Law. Calley’s other interests include adventure racing, hiking, biking, orienteering, reading, and spending time with her beloved rescue Great Dane, Joseph.
6. Lisa Giannini, CVPM Lisa Giannini is a 1987 graduate of the Indianapolis School of Veterinary Management. She earned the esteemed designation of CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager) in 1994. Her special interests are teaching and empowering team members, comforting pet owners and their family pet companions, and she has a special place in her heart for senior patients. She spends her free time playing soccer, creating art with found and recyclable objects, spiritual guidance through meditation, chakras and universal energy and being with her two rescue cats, Braveheart and Dirt, and her very fluffy rescued Great Pyrenees Sandy Marie.
7. Ginny S. Gillikin Ginny S. Gillikin graduated from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, with a print journalism/communications degree and an English minor. She also has a certificate in graphic design from Wake Tech in Raleigh. She enjoys music, photography, and travel. She writes for her personal enjoyment, and has written for publications in Raleigh, and Blacksburg and Richmond, VA.
8. Jennifer J. Goetz, DVM When Jennifer J. Goetz graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997, there were two things she knew about the direction for her career and life.
CONTRIBUTORS 9.
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Photo by Adam N. Goldsmith
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Photo by Lindsey McDaniel
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13. She never wanted children and never wanted to open her own veterinary practice. Today, Dr. Jenn Goetz has a five-year-old child, Celeste, and is the owner of Animal Hospital at Brier Creek. Her life is just one exciting moment after another and she has never been so happy.
9. Scott Goldsmith Scott Goldsmith is a retired attorney and certified travel agent who lives in Chapel Hill with his wife, Robyn, and their dogs, Ragtime and Farfel. Ragtime is a six-year-old Pumi who must herd everyone that comes within range and bark at anything that moves. Farfel is a playful two-year-old Portuguese Water Dog. A natural comedian, Farfel always wants to be the center of attention. Scott has raised an assortment of dogs and other pets throughout his life. His interests include traveling, cooking, and writing about his experiences.
10. Shelly Harris Shelly Harris is the founder of The Lance Memorial – Canines for the Cure fundraiser for canine cancer research, which has raised $50,000 for the National Canine Cancer Foundation. She lost Lance, her heart and soul dog, to lymphoma in 2006. She is incredibly grateful for the time she shared with Lance and all that he taught her about love and patience. She now shares her life with two rescue Border Collies, Mustang Sally and Simon, who are busy teaching her new things.
11. Brian Lapham, DVM Dr. Brian Lapham received his veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 1999. His true passion lies in preventative care—preventing disease before it can manifest itself as cancer, osteoarthritis, epilepsy, or the like. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Lapham is often occupied with his family, woodworking, home improvements (which never seem to end!) and running. Included in the mix are his menagerie of pets, currently including two cats, Pia and Kitten, and Elizabeth the guinea pig. Dr. Lapham’s daughter is still vying for a puppy— coming soon!
12. Erin O'Leary, DVM Dr. Erin O’Leary has been practicing veterinary medicine since graduating from Virginia Tech in 2004. She is originally from Arlington, VA and, after working in Virginia, Southern California
Photo by Diane Lewis Photography
and North Carolina, chose the Raleigh area to settle and start her mobile laser therapy business. HEAL brings laser therapy to your home which allows even more pets to benefit from this treatment. This includes pets that have a hard time making it into the hospital, owners who have a difficult time coming in as often as necessary for treatment and pets who feel the same way as most humans do about visiting their own doctors! Dr. O’Leary has absolutely no hobbies other than trying to come up with excuses as to why her 10-year-old dog is still so badly behaved. Her free time is taken up learning anything and everything she can about pain control in companion animals, watching movies with friends and hanging out with her basset, Trooper.
13. Clare Reece-Glore Clare Reece-Glore is owner of YAY dog!, a Durham company which provides in-home coaching services for people and their dogs, as well as dog care seminars. Clare holds an M.S. in adult education, and has worked in a veterinary clinic and volunteered with animal rescue organizations for many years. A lifelong equestrian, she is bringing her knowledge of natural horsemanship techniques to her work with dogs. YAY dog!'s spokesdog, Andy, came from the Animal Protection Society of Durham.
14. Mariana Rivera Rodríguez Mariana Rivera Rodríguez is a freelance writer with a B.A. in English and communications from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She enjoys writing, reading, and hiking the Eno River and Jordan Lake trails. She has been living in Durham since 2008 with her boyfriend and their Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Ofélia.
15. Barbara Shumannfang, Ph.D, CPDT Barbara Shumannfang, PhD, CPDT has been teaching Triangle dogs to be well behaved since 1999 at Top Notch Dog, LLC. Veterinarians and rescue groups recommend her for her effective, gentle approach, which is designed for her clients’ busy lives and for every stage of their dog’s life. Barbara is the author of "Happy Kids, Happy Dogs": Building a Friendship Right from the Start, and is a Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) evaluator. Visit her and the Top Notch Dog Blog at www.topnotchdog.com.
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‘Til Death Do Us Part—How To Prepare for Your Dog’s Future
If you are anything like me, you love your dog more than just about anything in this world. Thinking about what will happen to him (or her) if you pass on before he does is never a fun thought, but planning for it can be one of the most important actions you can take to provide for his future. It is widely reported that approximately 500,000 animals are euthanized each year because their guardians predecease them or become otherwise incapacitated. Math sometimes makes my brain hurt, but that is well over a 1,000 animals per day, every day. With a little bit of planning, you can be certain your dog will not become part of this dreadful statistic. In it’s most basic form, estate planning provides two main options to legally provide for the care of your dog – a will or a trust. Most people understand the concept of a will, where they provide for their animal and possibly leave some money to someone for care and then hope for the best. There are some disadvantages to using a will, such as the gaps that remain uncovered. Wills do not take effect until they are probated, leaving a significant time between death and implementation. Another issue with a will is the problem that occurs if you become incapacitated. Your dog then falls into a void where you are still alive and yet unable to care for him. Whether you are temporarily or permanently incapacitated, your will cannot offer any legal assistance to protect your animals prior to your death. 10 Volume 2 • Issue 1
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by Calley Gerber, JD
A second option in estate planning is what is commonly called a pet trust. A pet trust is a legal creation that provides for the care of your companion animal(s) in the event of your death or incapacitation. These trusts can take two distinct forms – an inter vivos trust, or trust which begins while you are alive, or a testamentary trust, which initiates upon your death through provisions in your will. For purposes of this article, and since I have mentioned the specific problem of provisions that do not take effect until the probate of a will, we will discuss inter vivos pet trusts. As with wills, there are also some challenges with a trust. They often involve more expense and/or fees for administration. When forming a pet trust, you will need to select at least one trustee and at least one caregiver. While one person can hold both roles, I recommend separate parties to provide a system of checks and balances. I also always recommend naming at least two alternates in the event one of your selections is unable or unwilling to perform their duties. The trustee will be responsible for managing the trust, making payments to the caregiver as well as making sure the caregiver is performing their duties. While there are corporations that will act as trustees for a fee, you may also be able to name someone you know to fill the role. The supremely important role of caregiver is the person you name who will be entrusted
with the possession and care of your beloved companion animal. This is a tremendous responsibility and requires considerable thought. You may think, “My sister will take my dog-- she loves dogs.” Perhaps six years down the road, your sister is married, has a child who is severely allergic to dogs and declines the appointment as caregiver. While you cannot plan for every contingency, thoughtful discussions with caregivers and potential alternate caregivers can eliminate a good deal of potential problems. Never name a trustee or caregiver without speaking with them to be certain they are willing to take on the responsibilities. It is highly reasonable to name the final alternate caregiver (whether that be a third or even fourth alternate) as a non-profit or rescue organization that is willing to serve in that capacity and place your animal in a loving home, where appropriate. As with other caregivers you name, be sure to arrange for this situation prior to naming such an organization to be sure they are willing to take custody of your dog and under what circumstances. A remainder beneficiary should also be named to receive the remaining trust property once your dog passes or is otherwise adopted to another family.
the standard of care in detail. The most important consideration is that you make a conscious decision and discuss your wishes with the caregiver. And, if it is important that your wishes are followed, those details should be in the trust document. Those are the basics of planning for your companion animals in the unfortunate event that you become incapacitated or predecease them. The best way to protect them is to meet with an attorney who handles estate planning and discuss your needs. If your attorney is unfamiliar with pet trusts, there are many resources on the internet to provide assistance. I also encourage the carrying of a wallet card, describing contact info for caregivers in the event something happens to you while you are away from your animals. Be sure the appropriate contacts know about your estate plan and where to locate important documents. The type of plan is not nearly as important as making sure there is a legal plan. Remember: those who fail to plan, plan to fail and this decision is far too important to be left to chance.
Now that you have named the important players in the trust, it is time to discuss funding it. All trusts must be funded. Of course, the amount of funding varies widely depending upon the resources of the guardian and the standards of care enumerated in the trust document. For those without significant funds, you may want to initially fund the trust with a small amount of money while you are alive and well and then acquire a life insurance and/or disability policy with the trust as the beneficiary. You will want to have enough funds to care for the animal throughout his life, but not too much money so as to encourage a challenge to it. So, the trust is funded and the important roles are filled, but you still have more work to do. You need to identify the animals subject to the trust and the standards of care they will be provided. Take care to describe the animals as specifically as possible. When describing the standard of care, you will want to think about diet, exercise, routine, socialization, medical care, compensation for the caregiver (if any), how the trustee will monitor the caregiver’s services and how often, and ultimate disposition of your dog’s remains. You may be okay with leaving these decisions to your selected caregiver or you may want to describe The Triangle Dog
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shelter spotlight
RALEIGH, NC, September 15, 2011 – Triangle Beagle Rescue (TBR) of North Carolina is a non-profit 501(c) (3) rescue group launched in 2000 and managed by a volunteer board of directors. TBR operates exclusively through a network of 40 to 45 foster homes, depending on its dedicated team of volunteers to provide temporary, stable, loving, and nurturing environments for homeless beagles. TBR has no paid staff members. TBR’s corps of beagle-loving volunteers is committed to bringing together humans and hounds for a lifetime of love and pleasure in each other’s company. TBR takes beagles from shelters and homes where they are no longer wanted and places them into loving forever homes. TBR uses volunteers to complete phone interviews and home visits with each family that applies to adopt. An important part of helping beagles is helping their human families. TBR provides support and information about beagles both before and after the adoption process and will take back any beagle adopted from TBR at any time during its life if the adoptive family must give it up. Through TBR and its partners in the community (Crossroads Veterinary Hospital, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and others), beagles receive unlimited access to state-of-the-art veterinary care. TBR relies heavily on financial support from beagle lovers across North Carolina in order to fund the costs of this care, which can range widely from routine vaccinations, micro chipping, heartworm treatment and spay/neuter services to advanced 12 Volume 2 • Issue 1
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neurological testing and other comprehensive medical services. TBR receives no public assistance; all of its operating costs come from adoption fees, fundraising efforts, and the support of generous beagle lovers. Between January and September 2011, 64 dogs— including 7 senior dogs, 1 blind dog, and 22 puppies have found forever homes! TBR hosts two “adoptathons” per month – one in an alternating location in Durham on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00AM to 1:00PM, and the other on the fourth Sunday of each month from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at Animall in Cary Towne Center. Prospective adopters may attend adoptathons to meet the available beagles. Approved adopters may set up visits with the foster families of the dogs they are interested in adopting. As a non-profit organization registered with the State of North Carolina, all donations and financial contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Contact Information: Karen Carlton, PR Coordinator Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina 919-923-3193 www.tribeagles.org
Meet North Carolina’s “First Dogs”
by Donna S. Elliott
Photos by Diane Lewis Photography
On the day I was to meet North Carolina’s “First Dogs,” I drove to the governor’s mansion on Blount Street in Raleigh, NC not quite sure what to expect. I’d never been to a governor’s home or to an executive mansion. I pulled up to the iron gate and announced myself. The friendly female voice coming through the speaker asked me to park in the brick part of the driveway and enter the front entrance. The gate rolled open, and I drove in and parked, as asked. A tall man dressed in a suit graciously greeted me at the front door. He walked me past a grand staircase and past several rooms to the library and invited me to be seated. The room was comfortable and quiet. I wondered what life in an executive mansion would be like, right up until I heard the dogs come gently barking down the hall; it then felt like any other home. The First Gentleman, Mr. Bob Eaves, led Dosie and Zipper by leash into the library. After some hellos, Dosie jumped up beside Mr. Eaves on the settee and settled in for the visit. Zipper stayed on the floor between Julia Lee, director of the Office of the First Gentleman, and me. Dosie and Zipper are Tibetan Terriers; however, Tibetan Terriers are, in fact, not terriers at all. They were called 14 Volume 2 • Issue 1
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terriers by the British simply because they look like terriers. The British discovered the breed when they visited Tibet -- thus the name Tibetan Terriers. According to the American Kennel Club, Tibetan Terriers were known 2,000 years ago as the “Holy Dog of Tibet” and were treasured as good companions and watchdogs. Mr. Eaves and Governor Perdue chose the breed after researching in the dog encyclopedia. He said they kept coming back to Tibetan Terriers because of their size and the fact that they are good family dogs. Mr. Eaves and Governor Perdue now have six grandchildren, so being a good family dog was an important characteristic for the first dog to have. Dosie joined the family first. “We got her in 2001, just after my wife had been elected lieutenant governor,” Mr. Eaves explained. “The lieutenant governor is the number two -- “numero dos” -position in the state, so we named her Dosie. The official name is Lady of the Trent, because our other home is on the Trent River in New Bern.” Dosie is 11, and 6 years ago she had a litter of puppies from which Zipper came. Zipper was the runt of the litter.
“She had seven puppies,” Mr. Eaves said. “Two of them were almost identical to her, with their markings, and the others had more white.” Mr. Eaves smiled and explained that keeping puppies was “a lot of work.” “I had a big basket,” said Mr. Eaves. “At first I could put them all in the basket to take them outside. Then it got to where I could only take about three or four at a time.” Dosie and Zipper have adjusted well to life at the executive mansion. The second floor of the mansion is the private residence, and the third floor is where the first gentleman’s office is located. “During the week, they go upstairs to Julia’s office, and they just sleep all day,” Mr. Eaves said. “Zipper will get under Julia’s desk sometimes, and it’s hard to get her up.” Dosie and Zipper get three walks every day -- in the morning, at lunch and in the evening. Mr. Eaves explained that when he walks with Dosie and Zipper, they walk around downtown for about 30 minutes. “You can walk all over downtown Raleigh,” Mr. Eaves said. He said Dosie walks in front, but she’ll turn around and look to make sure he’s following her. They walk by the museum and the government buildings and especially like the water fountain by the legislative building.
Dosie and Zipper travel with Mr. Eaves and Governor Perdue when they go to their private home in New Bern or to the official western residence in Asheville. And while Tibetan Terriers are not water dogs, Dosie and Zipper love trips to the beach. “They love the sand,” Mr. Eaves laughed, explaining how they roll on their back in the sand and dig and bury their faces. “They get down in the sand and just love it.” Mr. Eaves and Governor Perdue’s families have long been dog lovers. He talked about his dogs, her dogs and their children’s dogs. He clearly enjoys sharing his love of Dosie and Zipper and dogs in general. He even shared the large framed group of photos of Dosie and all her seven puppies. Mr. Eaves said they were each named as they were born. One of the puppies is even named after him – Wendell – his middle name. He was the last one born, and has a marking that looked like a W. He lives with Mr. Eaves’ grandson in Atlanta. “So now I’m lucky enough to have a granddaughter with the middle name of Eaves and a dog with my middle name,” he smiled as he was petting Dosie who was still lying by his side, and that’s pretty good.”
“We kind of walk by there at the end of the walk, and they get a drink of water,” Mr. Eaves said. “Zipper will stay on the edge and drink, but Dosie will get her feet wet.” The first dogs are spoiled just like any other family pets. The dogs even sleep in bed with Mr. Eaves and Governor Perdue. “It kind of varies,” he noted. “Recently, it’s been Dosie. It’s hardly ever two of them, and it isn’t always the whole night.” The Triangle Dog
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DOGS @ PLAY by Barbara Shumannfang, Ph.D, CPDT
Does your dog have C.L.A.S.S.? Enjoy the benefits of higher education Most of us want to include our dogs fully in our lives, which is much easier when we give them boundaries and skills with real-life relevance. C.L.A.S.S. identifies nine of the most important of these and shows dog owners how to teach them using fun, effective, rewardbased methods. Mastery of these skills makes dogs more desirable in the eyes of insurance companies, hotels and our communities. It enhances the bond between our dogs and us and emphasizes the importance of ongoing training for the lives of our dogs. The list of sports and leisure activities available to dogs with their B.A. is as long as a Great Dane’s tail. Even longer is the list of compliments you will receive when your neighbors, friends and veterinarian admire your dog’s good manners.
Did you know the Triangle region might have the highest concentration of dogs with PhDs in the country? Well, not yet, but it soon might, thanks to an exciting new program called Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.). Triangle dogs can polish their training skills and earn a B.A., an M.A. and even a Ph.D. through this educational program created by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. C.L.A.S.S. promotes reward-based training that strengthens the bond between people and dogs. It emphasizes mastery of real-life skills like: settling on cue; coming when called; walking politely on leash; waiting to be released to a food bowl; and responding to “leave it” in the face of temptation. The dog learns to ignore more challenging distractions at each level. For example, at the M.A. level, the dog waits before being released from an open car and responds to the owner even when offered a treat from someone else. At the Ph.D. level, the dog demonstrates table manners during a simulated dinner scenario and comes directly, bypassing food and toys, when called. 16 Volume 2 • Issue 1
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Service and therapy dogs use C.L.A.S.S. to sharpen real-life skills. Shelter and foster dogs with B.A. degrees are more attractive to potential adopters. Preliminary results show that shelters that teach the B.A. skills have increased adoption rates and decreased rates at which dogs are returned or euthanized. Those who teach and test the skills in a rescue or shelter environment receive a special curriculum and waived registration rates.
Get Ready for C.L.A.S.S. First, a veterinarian attests that your dog is in good health, free of parasites and well groomed. Second, you pass a short online quiz about dog wellness, training and behavior. Finally, a certified C.L.A.S.S. evaluator assesses nine skills mastered by your dog. Your dog can even pass “With Honors” by doing bonus tricks. Professional dog trainers in the Triangle can help you and your dog prepare to earn your Canine Life and Social Skills degrees. To register your dog, access the study guide, view demonstration videos and a list of area evaluators, visit mydoghasclass.com. You know your dog is smart; now you can take him to the head of the C.L.A.S.S.!
To Spay or Not to Spay – It’s Not Really a Question by Mariana Rivera Rodríguez
Eight million pets find themselves in animal shelters every year in our country. Up to half of these unfortunate animals will never find a home, and sadly, with shelters running over capacity, the ones that are left behind are sentenced to euthanasia. That’s almost four million pets euthanized in shelters every year in the United States. The high prevalence of shelter euthanasia in our country, and here in North Carolina where close to 20,000 shelter animals are euthanized yearly, is a direct result of overpopulation. The best way to treat overpopulation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. And, the best way to prevent the births of thousands of unwanted, shelter-bound puppies is simply to spay potential mothers and neuter potential fathers.
On top of their regular affordable prices available to all pet owners, SNAP-NC runs their Prevent Another Litter Subsidy Program (PALS). PALS-qualified, low-income pet owners may have their surgery subsidized for as low as a $30 cost to them. POP-NC also works with voucher and subsidy programs with rescue groups and animal shelters to subsidize the cost for needy pet owners.
Adopting a homeless animal from a shelter is a great cause, but adopters simply cannot keep up with the daily influx of these animals, and shelters across the country are chronically over-crowded. The practice of euthanizing unadopted animals has become the only way for many shelters to manage their overflowing numbers. But the overpopulation cannot be cured by either adoption or euthanasia. “We cannot kill our way or adopt our way out of this problem,” says Laureen Bartfield, DVM, director of the Spay Neuter Assistance Program of North Carolina (SNAP-NC). SNAP-NC is a non-profit charity offering affordable spay/neuter surgeries to North Carolina pet owners and has been sterilizing pets in the state for more than 10 years. Their mission, Bartfield says, is “to address the pet overpopulation issue in our state by offering high quality, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries.” Research has shown that the animals most at risk of ending up in shelters originate from low-income households, where, on average, fewer pets are sterilized. The SNAP-NC surgeons work out of a mobile veterinary clinic, essentially a veterinary operating room on wheels, traveling to locations in 12 North Carolina counties, making the low-cost service as accessible as possible, to as many people as possible. Also patrolling North Carolina neighborhoods is the Pet Overpopulation Patrol (POP-NC), another low-cost mobile spay/neuter operation. Meredith Barthelemy, program manager at POP-NC, says that many of their potential clients have not spayed or neutered their pets “because they do not have the finances to do so or they are not aware of the spay/neuter options available.” POP-NC brings its mobile clinic to nine different locations in eight counties in the state. 18 Volume 2 • Issue 1
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Low-cost spay/neuter options are also available at many animal shelters, such as the SPCA of Wake County, performing on-site procedures and also running a voucher program of their own. And you can always ask your regular veterinarian if he or she participates in any voucher programs, or can help you with a payment plan if you’d like to have the procedure done there. The spay/neuter operation is invasive but not particularly dangerous. Neutering for male pets consists of castration of the testes, and spaying for
female pets consists of the removal of the ovaries and uterus (though sometimes just the ovaries). Low-cost spay/neuter clinics are equipped with all the equipment necessary to perform the surgeries with the same quality of service as any non-subsidized veterinary clinic. “In fact,” says Barthelemy with POP-NC, “our veterinarians are spay/neuter specialists.”
the solution of voluntary pet spay/neuter assistance.” Without government assistance, services such as THE $20 FIX may not have sufficient funds to operate. “In most North Carolina counties, the most critical need ‘education on the issue’ continues to be with county decision makers and the citizens who influence those decision makers,” says Livingstone.
Both POP-NC and SNAP-NC, as well as many rescue organizations, veterinary offices, and shelters in the Triangle area, participate in a successful voucher program called THE $20 FIX, managed by the non-profit organization AnimalKind, Inc. Through this program, qualified low-income pet owners in five Triangle counties
In addition to the funding, the biggest challenge to these programs is awareness and the need to educate those who aren’t aware of the many options available to them. Pet owners across the country may fail to sterilize their animals for many reasons, but research has shown that those less likely to spay or neuter their dogs are in the lower income brackets and usually are not aware of the special services available to them. Being unable to afford the cost at a regular veterinary office, with prices ranging from $200 to $400, depending on the animal, its size, sex and health (large female canines being the most expensive), many low-income pet owners dismiss the service as inaccessible. But most states offer plenty of assistance to anyone knowing where to find it. And NC is one of those states. Once you are aware of the options available in your area, the responsibility is with you as a pet owner to account for your own animals and prevent unwanted litters…and to spread the word. “It’s difficult sometimes to see the relationship between your personal animals not being spayed or neutered and millions of animals each year dying in shelters due to overpopulation,” says Barthelemy. Talk to your family, friends and community about the benefits of spaying and neutering. Sterilizing your dog is not only good for all companion animals in the country, it’s also good for your family pet as well. Research has shown, for example, that spaying females prior to their first heat cycle eliminates the risk of breast and uterine cancer, and that neutering males prevents testicular cancer and tumors. If you still have concerns, talk to your veterinarian, or call one of the low-cost programs in your area. They will be happy to tell you all about the details of the spay/neuter procedure, and what it will mean for you and your pet.
may have their dog spayed or neutered for only a $20 co-pay, sometimes less for the most needy. AnimalKind also runs the SpayNC Helpline at 888-623-4936, a tollfree number for North Carolinians seeking spay/neuter resources in their area. It takes a lot of funding to keep these non-profit programs afloat. “The struggle to maintain the spay/neuter assistance system,” says Beth Livingstone, executive director of AnimalKind, “is in the hands of the government…A county’s policy and budget decisions must fully support
The good news is, the pet overpopulation crisis is not irreparable, and no pet owner is without support. For more information on SNAP-NC, visit www.snap-nc.org or call 919-783-7627. For more information on POP-NC, visit www.pop-nc.com or call 919-942-2250. To learn more about AnimalKind and THE $20 FIX, visit www.animalkind.org or call 919-870-1660. The SpayNC Helpline can be reached at 888-623-4936.
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Coverage You Can Count on? by Ginny S. Gillikin
While pet owners do their best to ensure that their animals remain happy and healthy, unexpected illnesses and accidents sometime occur. When unfortunate events happen, it is advantageous to have pet insurance. Although we all hope that our pets will avoid illness or injury, it is better to have insurance coverage if the unthinkable does happen. Pet insurance can also help you avoid unexpected vet bills, which can reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars. According to www.gopetplan.com, “With pet health insurance on your side, you can confidently follow your veterinarian’s recommended course of treatment with financial peace of mind.” Dogs of all ages need health care and advanced veterinary care can become quite expensive. More lifesaving treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery and diagnostic tests such as MRIs are becoming available as each year vet technology improves. According to the American Veterinary Medical
Association’s 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, the cost of veterinary care has more than doubled over the past ten years. With pet insurance, your dog will have access to veterinary care and prescription medications. Commonly, dog insurance premiums depend on several factors, including the amount of coverage you desire and the age and breed of your dog. Many companies let you mix and match your desired coverage, co-pay amounts and deductible so that you can build a policy that will meet your budget and your pet's needs. Coverage is usually available at different levels of protection. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance continues the ASPCA’s mission as the United States’ leading voice for animal welfare by “helping pet parents afford the veterinary care their pets need,” according to their website, www.aspcapetinsurance.com. They offer two choices for wellness care and also offer extra protection for long-term or chronic conditions. Best Friends Animal Society offers three levels of pet insurance coverage through their website. According to www.insurebestfriends.com, all three of these levels offer “coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of all accidents and all illnesses.” This coverage extends to: ultrasounds, X-rays, CAT scans, blood work, and hospitalization. Some pet insurance policies cover fees for specialist and referral veterinary treatment. According to www.gopetplan.com, these specialized conditions include: cardiology (matters of the heart); dermatology (skin conditions and allergies); orthopedics (bones and joints) and oncology (cancer treatments). Some policies cover alternative therapies including, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment, providing those treatments are recommended and performed by a licensed veterinarian. Pet insurance can also cover routine check-ups for your dog and preventive treatments such as vaccinations and dental cleanings. When shopping for pet insurance, do your homework. While some companies provide coverage for hereditary, congenital and preexisting conditions, others impose restrictions and age limits or require extra fees. Many pet insurance providers offer rate comparisons and quotes on their websites. A good site to visit is www.petinsurancereview.com.
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In seniors with painful joints, discuss with your veterinarian what you can do to maintain good quality of life. There are many options out there for seniors -- from acupuncture to NSAIDS1 and more! Many seniors do very well at grooming shops when they are given pain control medication at home. Speak with your veterinarian about dosage prior to a grooming appointment. Certainly, you would not want to give your dog the same dose of medication he gets while at home sleeping the day away! They will often times do well on a higher dose better suited to the demands of standing for bathing, drying and clipping. Also, most seniors have more energy in the morning, so discuss this with your groomer. Are they able to do the bulk of the work in the morning? Do they have lifts or ramps for your senior’s comfort? What do they do if the pet tires? Are they able to keep your pet for longer periods so there can be more break-time? Do they have adequate bedding to ensure that they are laying on a soft surface? These are all questions that you should ask your groomer ahead of time, both for your dog’s benefit and so the groomer can be prepared when your senior arrives at the grooming shop. So remember, keep it safe, short and simple and your senior will enjoy grooming in the “golden oldie” years as much as they did when they were younger!
1
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
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let's cook by Brian Lapham, DVM of Southpoint Animal Hospital
Top
5 Food Supplements Every Dog Owner Should Know
Turmeric – One of my favorite cooking spices, and with such amazing color! This spice grows wild in South Asia, and is a key ingredient in many Indian and Thai dishes, including the well-known curry dishes. The root or rhizome of the plant is usually dried and powdered to be used for flavoring, medicinally and to add color to various foods. The active ingredient in turmeric has been identified as curcumin and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, as a remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort and to aid in sleep. Ginger – This is another root-based therapeutic food, coming from the rhizome of this plant. This spice also originally came from South Asia, but now is grown throughout the world. Ginger is usually dried and powdered, but can also be used fresh or even pickled like Sushi ginger, called gari. It has been used to give a hot taste to foods, as a preservative, to make tea, and of course, for its medicinal properties. The most well known medicinal use of ginger is for gastrointestinal upset, in particular nausea from motion sickness. There are also some preliminary discussions on its use for arthritis, blood thinning and ability to lower cholesterol. Garlic – Is in the onion family. Garlic contains many good things, including substances that are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. It has also been shown in people to help reduce blood clots. Raw garlic has a higher concentration of these compounds so it should not be cooked prior to consumption. Some dogs will not eat garlic raw because of the strong taste, but can be disguised in fresh foods or home-prepared diets readily.
Probiotics – These are live organisms that have beneficial health properties associated with them. These were originally found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, but can now be purchased as powders or capsules. The most common ailment treated with probiotics are gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Some research is suggesting they might be helpful for fighting cancers, lowering of cholesterol and improving immune function. Fish Oil – The new cure-all! OK, maybe not, but this food supplement containing omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA) have many benefits, some of which are only now being discovered. In fact, an FDAapproved version was recently approved for humans. Studies indicate that these can be helpful in combating heart disease, hypertriglyceridemia, osteoarthritis, depression and many common skin conditions. It has also been documented to protect against fetal brain injury and improve infant brain health. It is, however, important to stay away from fish that may contain high levels of contaminants – such as shark, tuna and tilefish. The Triangle Dog
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canine careers by Lisa Giannini, CVPM, of Southpoint Animal Hospital
Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) The Best of Both Worlds - Leadership and Management, Surrounded by the Spirit of Pets What is a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)? A CVPM is a professional veterinary practice manager who has earned the credential and demonstrated the professional competency standards identified and adopted by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA). A CVPM demonstrates to members of the profession, the public and governmental authorities a commitment and interest in providing only the highest quality professional management services available. The VHMA's certification program provides more than ordinary assurance of professional quality services. The certification designation, CVPM, is recognized as a sign of achievement of excellence. The professional veterinary practice manager who participates in the VHMA's certification program publicly endorses the VHMA Code of Ethics and standards of excellence and offers professional services knowing that the veterinary profession, the public and governmental authorities realize that established CVPM standards serve as the certified professional's own starting point for delivering professional quality services.
enforcing client credit policies; analyzing fees and strategic financial planning; overseeing daily and monthly banking procedures; maintaining chart of accounts; and maintaining imprest petty cash account.
Responsibilities of a CVPM include tasks surrounding human resources, finances, laws and ethics, marketing, client services and practice organization. Below are examples of what each task includes.
Those interested in earning a CVPM designation must be actively employed as a practice manager for a minimum of three years within the last seven; have 18 college credit hours in management-related courses; have 48 hours of continuing education courses, seminars, etc., specifically devoted to management; and have four letters of recommendation.
Human Resources includes: recruiting, interviewing and hiring, managing, training and development (including safety training). It also includes tasks such as scheduling, managing daily work assignments, conducting staff meetings and employee performance reviews, mediating internal disputes, discipline/discharge employees, managing employee benefit programs, maintaining confidential employee records and creating and updating job descriptions and manuals. Financial aspects of CVPM include the following: analyzing practice and financial reports; managing payroll; performing accounts payable and accounts receivables; budgeting and long-range planning; establishing and
Law & Ethics includes employee contracts and employment and labor law. Marketing includes internal and external marketing and public relations Client Services includes monitoring client retention, setting up and maintaining new client program, handling client complaints, obtaining and reporting client feedback on service, responding to client questions, and providing client education. Organization of Practice includes inventory management; equipment and maintenance; medical record standards and compliance; technology systems and policies; and liaison to professional services.
If all these criteria are met the applicant can then sit for a written exam. Finally, in order to maintain certification, each certified professional must provide evidence of the individual's continued compliance with the certification program. All of us have stressors in our life, especially in the workplace. How wonderful to align business management with the purpose of putting the clients’ and pets’ interests first! For additional information go to www.vhma.org The Triangle Dog
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What’s the deal with dog bites?
by Bryson M. Aldridge, JD
What happens if my or another dog bites? Admittedly, the laws governing dog bites can be very confusing. If you are a dog owner, you should become familiar with the laws of the State of North Carolina, as well as, your local County and/or City ordinances pertaining to dog ownership and dog bites. While every situation is different, generally, it is safe to assume that if your dog bites someone you are liable for the injuries caused to that person whether under theories of “strict liability,” negligence or violation of other laws/ ordinances. A dog owner is strictly liable for civil damages for any injuries their dog inflicts upon a person or other animal and any property damage the dog causes in
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two primary situations: 1) the dog is over the age of six months, is roaming - at night - and injures the victim; or 2) was previously determined to be a dangerous dog. A "dangerous dog" means: 1) Any dog owned or harbored primarily, or in part, or trained for the purpose of dog fighting; 2) a dog that has in the past, without provocation, killed or inflicted severe injury on a person; or 3) is determined by animal control to be potentially dangerous because of its prior reported conduct. Dog owners can also be liable under other theories of law including; negligence, violation of leash laws or other ordinances or laws that results in injury. While there may be exceptions in
to achieve--only 40 percent of dogs treated go into remission and the duration is shorter. Lance was able to achieve a second remission, which lasted five months. Less than 20 percent of dogs with lymphoma will achieve a third remission. Sadly, Lance wasn’t among them. While he lost the fight with cancer, Lance’s legacy lives on in The Lance Memorial—Canines for the Cure fundraising event for canine cancer research. The Lance Memorial is a North America Dog Agility Council (NADAC) dog agility trial and raffle sponsored by Agility Addicts and Rover Fanatics (AARF), an agility club based in Raleigh, NC. All proceeds from the event go to the National Canine Cancer Foundation (www.wearethecure.org) to help cure cancer in the pets we love. To date, The Lance Memorial has raised $50,000 for the cause! Our canine companions are exposed to many of the same environmental risks that we are. Just like humans, they develop melanoma, mammary (breast) cancer,
lymphoma, osteosarcoma, bladder cancer, and hemangiosarcoma. Moreover, the canine cancer cell is biologically comparable to the human cancer cell. Researchers agree that we are closer than ever to finding a cure for canine cancer. And once we have the cure for cancer in dogs, we are that much closer to finding it in humans! So please join us at The 5th Annual Lance Memorial, which will be held March 10th and 11th 2012 at Pet Behavior Help in Chapel Hill, NC. Come out and see some amazing canine athletes in action. In addition to the competition, there will be a raffle with many great prizes and a balloon release to honor dogs lost to cancer. For more information on the event, go to www.agilityaddicts.com/AARF/Fund_Raiser.html. Remember, if we all work together, we are the cure!
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