Central Maine Pet Parade by The Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company

Special Supplement â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, May 12, 2011 KENNEBEC JOURNAL

Morning Sentinel

PET PARADE

Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement |

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Freeport spay-neuter clinic joins the effort to control pet overpopulation BY NANCY P. MCGINNIS Correspondent

Two veterinarians, a small support staff and a dedicated crew of volunteers are making it easier for dog and cat owners in central Maine to do their part to control the massive global pet overpopulation. Members of the staff at Community Spay-Neuter Clinic on U.S. Route 1 in Freeport have performed more than 1,000 surgeries since the clinic’s doors opened last November. As part of the North Carolina-based Humane Alliance’s National Spay-Neuter Response Team, this is the fifth such clinic to open in New England in the past two years. Others are located in Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Dr. Elizabeth Stone and her colleague, Dr. Beth Sperry — both graduates of Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine — left private practices to launch their high-volume, highquality, low-cost, spay-neuter clinic that targets low income pet owners and caretakers. In their facility and practice, Stone and Sperry employ state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to provide feline and canine sterilization services. They say they also employ the highest medical, ethical and animal welfare standards that, combined with compassionate care and cost-saving strategies, allow the clinic to keep its fees affordable. Nancy McGinnis photo The clinic occupies every inch of Veterinary technician assistant Valerie cradles a female 9 week old coon hound mix pup, 1,600- square-feet of repurposed space who is just dropping off after receiving a carefully administered dose of anesthesia before formerly occupied by a Subway sandwich her surgery.

Congratulations to our 2011 PET PARADE WINNERS Featured on the cover is our 2011 Pet Parade winners, drawn at random, from all those who placed an ad in this section. They are: Brandy, a 3-year-old Beagle, cared for by Chuck Sontheimer of Starks; B.B., a 5 year old pussycat, cared for by Gayle and Rod Barrett of Oakland; Bailey, an 11-year-old, Longhair Domestic, cared for by Joan B. and Clyde of Augusta; and Sam, age 7, German Weimaraner, cared for by Sue McDougall and Walt Stillman of Canaan. The winners receive a $50 gift certificate to Pet Life, formerly The Kennel Shop, with locations in Augusta, Lewiston, North Windham, Portland, Saco, Sanford, Scarborough, South Portland and Wiscasset.

shop in a Freeport strip mall. The interior is clean, bright and functional, but not fancy. The entry waiting room is tiny. Beyond that are the office, an area used for surgical preparation and post operation recovery, separate cat and dog kennel space, a laundry and utility room and the operating room itself. The latter is equipped with two operating tables, so that one animal can be prepped or recovering while another is undergoing surgery. The veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, office manager and volunteers all work calmly and cooperatively to accomplish the ongoing task of surgeries for as many as 25 to 30 dogs and cats a day. The atmosphere is lively but focused, a mix of choreographed and impromptu activities as needs arise, in a professional, collaborative atmosphere that supports constant multitasking — all with a shared purpose. “Our focus on just one small set of veterinary services allows us to be efficient and to do what we do very well,” said Stone, founder of the clinic. “Our safety record is outstanding and on a par with that of any full-service veterinary practice. We follow the most current practices, including safe and effective anesthesia and multi-modal pain control for all patients.” Stone said they combine different classes of pain medication to maximize their effectiveness. More on CLINIC, Page 3

About this section This special advertising supplement was produced by the Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel. The cover design was by Denise Vear, Creative/Innovations Manager. If you would like information on running a section about your business or organization, call Business Development Manager Bridget Campbell at (800) 452-4666, Ext. 155.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement

PET PARADE

Nancy McGinnis photos

In the bright, clean, well equipped and organized operating room, Dr. Beth Sperry performs the first spay procedure of the day on a 6-month-old black Lab. Just outside, the next dog is being prepped for surgery that will be performed on the table in the foreground. Kim, the clinics office manager, detours from her other tasks to administer a kind scratch behind the ears of the young female black lab recovering from anesthesia. After surgery, the dogs and cats are placed on “the beach” - a warm quilt with heating pad underneath and heat lamps above, with blankets and heated rice packs available, where everyone monitors their gentle return to consciousness.

Clinic Continued from Page 2

“Our anesthesia and pain medication practices are designed in consultation with Veterinary Anesthesiologists at Mississippi State Veterinary School, a leader in community spay-neuter,” she said. Stone explained how the clinic can offer such high quality services at a fraction of the typical cost without cutting corners. What helps, she said, is the simplified process. In addition to limiting the services provided and generating a high volume of those services, the clinic accepts cash only. No credit or debit cards or checks are accepted. Scheduling is by appointment only. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Due to the high demand for services, the phones lines may be busy, but messages are returned as soon as possible, she said. Sterilization procedures are performed on an outpatient basis; each dog

or cat that is brought into the clinic is returned home on the same day. Animals must be between 8-weeks-old and 6-years-old and in good health. If a pet is showing any signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, runny eyes or diarrhea, it will be declined for surgery. “See your regular veterinarian for care first and then reschedule surgery when your pet is healthy,” Sperry said. The clinic is affiliated with the Center for Wildlife Health Research, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to mitigate the negative human impact on wildlife health; it subsidizes some of the clinic’s expenses. “We also continually seek grant funding, not to cut our operating costs, but in order to attract and serve more clients,” Stone said. She said the goal is expand the days of service to accommodate enough clients to be able to perform 5,000 spay and neuter procedures a year. Stone and Sperry are excited that grant funding will allow them to begin providing transportation services for clients in the Augusta and Waterville areas, even as

far away as Bangor, who would otherwise have no way of getting their pets to Freeport for surgery. A climate-controlled van will pick up the animals at a central location in each community in the morning and return late in the same day. Community fundraisers and individual and corporate donations such as the Spay it Forward fund have helped the clinic be able to offer special promotions such as two-for-one deals, as incentives to pet owners with lower incomes. The veterinarians also reach out to make services affordable to caretakers of feral cats; these individuals often go to great lengths to try to help felines living in the wild. Humanely trapping, neutering, vaccinating and releasing feral cats that cannot be tamed back to their accustomed habitat improves the lives of this special population, they said. Every year, shelters across the country take in a staggering 8 million stray and unwanted animals. Nearly half of these animals are euthanized because good homes cannot be found for them, according to research documented by the

American Humane Association. That research indicates that shelter euthanasia is the leading cause of death for both dogs and cats in the United States. Public awareness has increased nationally and in Maine during the past few decades, but not nearly enough to keep up with the overpopulation problem. About 35 percent of pet owners choose to allow their pets to breed, either for fun or profit, the agency said. But puppies and kittens can be safely spayed or neutered well before they reach sexual maturity and, in fact, will statistically lead longer, healthier lives as a result, experts say. According to information provided on www.SpayUSA.com: an unspayed female cat, her mate and all of their offspring — if they produce two litters per year with 2.8 surviving kittens per litter — can add up to 11,606,077 cats in just nine years. An unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies and their

More on CLINIC, Page 14

PET PARADE

Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement |

Thursday, May 12, 2011

“Free to a good home?” Think twice before pet adoptions, say support agencies circumstances, she said. Sometimes the transition is unavoidable — if the owner dies, for instance. Other situations are dif“Free to a good home,” reads the poster ficult and stressful for all concerned, both or newspaper ad for puppies or kittens, or people and their pets, such as those being sometimes for an older pet that can no given away because of military deploylonger be kept. Sometimes a leash, food ment, divorce or domestic violence, hosand food dish, even a bed, is thrown into pitalization or transfer to a nursing home, the deal. So what’s wrong with that? or even because a family member develSometimes, there is nothing wrong and ops allergies. Sadly, the most common a sad chapter in a pet’s life leads to a reasons for giving up a pet are ones that happy new beginning. But there is the very might have been avoided in the first place, real possibility that this unfortunate situa- such as “landlord won’t allow,” “problem tion could become absolutely tragic, behavior” or “not enough time.” according to those in the business. There These are issues caused by and potenis a grim reality about this which many tially solved by people, not their pets. people, as pet loving “dog people” or “cat There might be a medical or logistical people,” may never have given much solution to the problem. Pet owners are Nancy McGinnis photos thought. encouraged to look for advice and suggesThere are unscrupulous individuals who tions from their veterinarian, local shelters If you can no longer provide a good home, your cat or dog depends on the owner to may appear to be perfect candidates to and rescue groups, even the Internet, as to look after his or her welfare. Working with a give a cat or dog a good home, while the shelter or rescue instead of offering a pet truth is anything but. Some pose very con"free to a good home" may go a long way vincingly as animal lovers when they are towards assuring a happy ending. More on FREE, Page 5 actually “bunchers,” licensed livestock wholesalers seeking numbers of domestic animals to sell for experimentation and other purposes, according to research from www.petrescue.com. Others may be looking for victims for dog-fighting bait, or even as live prey for their own exotic predator pets such as snakes and alligators. Even the best of intentions can lead to disaster. People generally value what they pay for. “A free pet is a disposable pet,” says the pet rescue web site. “Free” pets are the ones most likely to be neglected, abandoned or abused, it reads. Activists encourage people to think about whether the person who is interested in taking the free pet is prepared for the ongoing costs of pet ownership. Free is a seductive word. It’s human nature to be drawn to “something for nothing.” But even if an animal is acquired for free, providing even the basic food and necessities and routine medical care means ongoing expense, according to people who manage agencies that support animals. People tend to accept freebies on impulse, without serious consideration. But a pet is a family member, and his or her arrival should never be based on a casual, spur-of-the-moment decision, Nancy McGinnis photos according to Susanna Richer, volunteer MGPS Breed-specific rescue groups may be the perfect source to find a great home for a pet. The Maine Greyhound Placement Center coordinator of the Maine Chapter of Dogs in Augusta has a remarkable success rate in finding forever home for greyhounds, because of their expertise and familiarity with the Deserve Better. Adjusting to a new home health and personality characteristics of the breed, and what makes for a likely good match. MGPS will be hosting a fundraiser and inforand environment is traumatic in the best of mational gathering and walk at the Gardiner end of the Kennebec RIver Rail Trail on May 22. BY NANCY P. MCGINNIS Correspondent

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Free Continued from Page 4

how others have resolved similar issues. Ideally, before acquiring a pet a person should honestly consider the long-term commitment of time, money and responsibility that are about to be made. Dogs and cats can live as much as 20 years or longer. Volunteering at a shelter or even becoming a temporary foster care provider could be a more manageable and positive way to spend time with animals, do well, and avoid long-term commitment. If a person has tried every solution and is still determined to give away a pet, they can seek out sources of advice and sample forms and contracts on the internet for do-it-yourself pet adopter screening. It is always a good idea to charge something ($50 is realistic), rather than giving an animal away, according to some advice columns. If a person feels awkward taking money, he or she can donate it, or even have the adopter make out a check to a shelter or rescue organization—they can always use the funds. A sample adoption agreement can be downloaded from the pet rescue site. While it’s better than just handing over a pet to someone who looks nice, there are still risks, according to advice on the website. Another option is to contact the local shelter or rescue group directly and ask them to help find a new home for a pet. There are many breed-specific rescues whose expertise and affection regarding a particular breed can be most helpful in lining up a great new home. They may have a waiting list of prospective new owners that they have already screened. Even if they are unable to take the pet, they may be able to connect a pet owner with another legitimate group or organization that can. These agencies have experience with successfully matching animals and people. They are far more likely than a pet owner to recognize and thwart an unscrupulous imposter. They ask the right questions, document the

| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement animal’s health and behavior history and require proof of ability to care for the animal as well as checking the references of the person who wants to adopt. They even conduct home visits, and create safe opportunities for existing and potential new pets to meet each other under watchful supervision and observation. Using their connections with veterinarians, behavioral specialists and trainers and foster homes, they can minimize the chance that a pet will become a repeat candidate for adoption. Richer urges pet owners to understand that it can be a terribly traumatic and stressful experience for an innocent cat or dog to be taken from a familiar and loving home environment to a life behind bars in a crowded, noisy shelter, even briefly. Yes, the shelter or rescue may ask for a donation to offset expenses and require the new pet owner to pay a fee, but that may a small price to pay for the reassurance that the animal’s best interests are being protected. And a pet owner will have the peace of mind that he or she has done everything possible to give the cat or dog a smooth transition to a new life with a permanent, loving family.

PET PARADE

Pet tips to create a happier home BY BONNIE N. DAVIS Correspondent

With spring finally coming to central Maine, pet owners need to brush up on health care and training tips so their animal companions have a healthy and safe summer. After all, pets are part of the family. Whether a hunting companion, farm dog, couch potato or mouser, they deserve a forever home. • Spay or neuter pets to ensure that every animal has a loving home. Every year more than 8 million cats and dogs end up in shelters; half of them are euthanized about one every eight seconds. • Many animals end up in shelters because their owners had unrealistic expectations about time, effort, cost, training and their ability to sustain a long, loving relationship with their pet. • With time and love, shelter animals make great pets — they appreciate a good home; they know what it is like not to have one. • Old dogs do learn new tricks and are great to adopt. • Picking the right size and breed of dog is essential. While an older dog is often happy as a couch potato, a younger herding, sporting or working dog — even a mixed breed — needs exercise, fresh air, training and a job. • Small breeds make great pets, but if left untrained because they are considered too cute for

discipline, they can become little monsters — barking, nipping and hard to handle. • For flea and tick control, purchase a preventative from a veterinarian or herbal flea collar from a health food store. • To treat a bad flea infestation, treat pets, furniture and rugs, etc., every three days for 10-14 days to break the cycle. • Some essential oils, such as lavender, citronella, rosemary and pennyroyal, also work as insect repellents when applied to the withers, collar or bandana; however, some pets have a toxic reaction with herbs as with chemical insecticides. • Dogs want to please humans. Remember to smile, say, “Good dog,” and play. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a pet. • When encountering a behavioral problem, talk to more than one trainer. Some use harsher methods that may not be the best for every animal. • Cats make friends in their own time, and often appear aloof. Play gently, petting around their head and face. Cats love toys and scratching posts with catnip. • Scientific studies prove pets enhance the human experience, promoting physical and mental health as shown in rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and similar facilities. • If unable to care for a pet, responsible owners find a home or turn the animal into a shelter.

PET PARADE

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Thursday, May 12, 2011

Contributed photos

As she sets up fluids for a sick dog, Dr. Penny Rochelle has her patient resting with a pin in its forehead.

Holistic veterinary medicine promotes pet health BY BONNIE N. DAVIS Correspondent

Although alternative medicine including acupuncture, herbs, chiropractic adjustments and homeopathy is growing more popular for people in the United States; using the same treatments and therapies on animals is new to many pet owners. “As a veterinarian, I am firmly rooted in western medicine and science,” Dr. Penny Rochelle said. “I only decided to enroll in the Chi Institute for traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture because I had educated clients who loved it.” Working at Dehler Animal Clinic in Westbrook, Rochelle said holistic and alternative methods help to bring the animal’s body into balance, promoting its natural ability to heal. However, she cautions pet owners to use these practices in conjunction with western medicine, saying that broken bones, bacterial infections, fugal diseases and other conditions need the immediate results of surgery and-or medications. “I’d somewhat skeptically refer elusive

better — they have a longer time or at least a better quality time.” Working in traditional veterinary medicine for about a year, she then started in animal shelters, while continuing her DR. PENNY ROCHELLE studies. Although her practice focuses on alternative medicine, Dalto recommends a regimen for vaccinations developed by and carotid in horses — as well as exam- dog breeders over 20 years ago. lameness cases to a respected local equine acupuncturist — in New Jersey at ining the tongue. “I felt an erratic pulse “I give single injections on a reduced the time — and clients would consistently related to a dog’s triple burner, that’s a schedule,” she said. “Giving single Chinese organ running through the shoul- immunizations is less of a challenge to come back with success stories,” she said. “And so I embarked on an adventure der. The physical therapist worked on the the immune system — you can get side area first with range of motion, and then I effects and hypersensitivity. I like to give that has forever changed my mind and did acupuncture — the results were methods of practice.” rabies, then distemper and parvo. I like to As she continued to work at an animal immediate.” do blood tests and track their levels.” According to Rochelle, horses are diffirehabilitation center in New Jersey, Dalto said too many vaccines given at cult to diagnose and treat due to their Rochelle began spending one week a once creates weaknesses in puppies. month for five months at the Chi Institute size; using the Chinese method enhances However, she accommodates clients in Florida. The grueling schedule took its both diagnostics and treatments. requiring other vaccines for travel or At Holistic Healing for Animals in toll and Rochelle decided to try an boarding. Yarmouth, veterinarian Dr. Ruth Dalto, acupuncture session for her own health. “I try to do things from a whole-health uses acupuncture as well as other pracFeeling immediate benefits from her standpoint,” she said. Initial appointtices to promote healing. As stated by treatment, Rochelle said she gained a ments often take about one and a half Rochelle, Dalto said western medicine deeper understanding for the method. hours. “I even have alternative flea and has its place in critical and emergency “Initially, it was so strange to me and tick treatments.” then it clicked,” said Rochelle, who reads care and should be available to pets. When pets have access to alternative the pulses in the traditional Chinese medicine, Dalto said, “I think they do method of diagnosis — femoral in dogs More on ACUPUNCTURE, Page 7

“I’d somewhat skeptically refer elusive lameness cases to a respected local equine acupuncturist and clients would consistently come back with success stories. And so I embarked on an adventure that has forever changed my mind and methods of practice.”

Thursday, May 12, 2011

PET PARADE

| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement

Contributed photo

Dr. Penny Rochelle inserts acupuncture pins into the horse’s hide.

Continued from Page 6

Chiropractic adjustments are common place in her practice. “I do an adjustment on almost every animal. It’s important to stay in alignment — it balances health — and the combination with other practices works nicely. If an animal is out of alignment, you can give an anti-inflammatory — that covers the pain, but the underlying condition is not gone.” Dalto uses homeopathy in her practice, which operates under the assumption that like treats like. Although difficult to understand in terms of dilutions, homeopathy works similar to vaccines. A small dose of the disease in a vaccine stimulates the immune system, whereas a small dose of homeopathic medication — made from plants, minerals and poisons — balances the system rather than treating symptoms. “I think one of the Queen of England’s doctors is a homeopath,” she said. “It affects the electro-magnetic level. You can use homeopathy to treat chronic conditions. It’s gentle, but tricky to get the right treatment.” Reading animal pulses and examining the tongue for diagnosing acupuncture treatments, Dalto said once again, it is all about balance. “Hopefully, I can make them stronger and healthier. I’m assisting them in their journey to tap into their healing potential,” she said. “I’m helping the animal and I’m helping the owner too.”

Although using long pins, the animal does not feel pain from the treatment.

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PET PARADE

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Thursday, May 12, 2011

The furry faces on these pages are looking for a new home!

THANK YOU! to the caring businesses sponsoring these ads who made these pages possible.

Visit online to see all the pets available for adoption.

PRIMROSE

Franklin County Animal Shelter - www.petfinder.com/shelters/ME43.html Kennebec Valley Humane Society - www.pethavenlane.org Humane Society Waterville Area - www.hswa.org Also, Maine Greyhound Placement - www.greyhoundplacement.com

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Thursday, May 12, 2011

PET PARADE

| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement

Please visit and consider adopting one today. BOOMER

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For information, contact the Maine Greyhound Placement Service 626-2893

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PET PARADE

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Thursday, May 12, 2011

How to be your dog’s best friend “We need to make sure our dogs get plenty of healthy exercise, Certified dog trainers: whether we’re playing ball in the People decide to buy or adopt backyard, snowshoeing with Jean Mason a dog with the best intentions. them in the winter, or swimming South China, Maine They have fond memories of in the summer.” Carol Rogers, a 313-0108 or 445-4432 childhood pets or they want a trainer for Guiding Eyes for the jeanmason56@yahoo.com playmate for the kids or a hiking Blind, raises pups for their first or walking companion. They Debbie Berthiaume year and then sends them for furWaterville, Maine bring home a cute 8-week-old ther training to the Guiding Eyes 873-6544 Lab puppy, go to obedience training center in upstate New tntserve@roadrunner.com school classes and get through York. In June, she will start a house training together. series of obedience and behavCarol Rogers So why would an owner surioral troubleshooting classes for Phillips, Maine render that full-grown Lab a year 639-5421 the public. later to the animal shelter? Or put cjpuppraiser@yahoo.com “Many of my students came an ad in Uncle Henry’s, offering from a shelter or were given up a dog that is “free to a good by an owner who didn’t do home, needs room to run.” enough research to understand a Some lessons a dog and owner usually the dog’s behavior will dog’s breeding and habits,” she will never learn in a classroom. get better.” Most of the time, she said. “Dogs need a lot of exerDogs will remember commands, says, owners simply do not cise, and people don’t realize but with no regular exercise, understand why their dog does that’s a big time commitment. practice and patience, they will what he does. Dogs understand Dogs need jobs and aren’t meant find ways to ruin their owners’ and learn differently, so she to be couch potatoes.” All three lives. teaches them how think like their trainers recommend treats as That’s when owners need a dog. Most dogs want to please. rewards, but said they should be canine behavior expert to mend “It is a matter of teaching the tiny and counted as part of the relationships and keep Fido from dog what we want in a way the dog’s total food intake. going to the shelter, and he will dog can understand,” she said. To find a certified dog trainer, take his bad manners to his next Walking is a perfect opportunity look for someone who has comhome. to teach appropriate leash behav- pleted a comprehensive training Certified Dog Trainer Jean ior. Until he is trained, owners program and a hands-on apprenMason, of China, a graduate of should not let a dog wander back ticeship program. ABC-certified the California-based Animal and forth on a Flexi-Leash, mark- students are assigned to a mentor Behavior College, makes those ing trees and telephone poles. trainer with certification from the house calls. Every dog can be “If dogs do not get enough Animal Behavior and Training trained, she said. exercise, they can resort to Associates, Inc. in the United “There is no such thing as a destructive behavior,” she said. States and in Canada. bad dog,” she said. “It is a dog with inappropriate behaviors.” For example, a dog can feel inseCompanion (207) 622-2737 cure or threatened with the introAnimal 235 Hospital Street duction of a new baby or a visitor. Maybe the owner has a long Clinic Augusta, ME 04330 work day, and the kids aren’t around after summer vacation Complete Care for your ends. Dogs may react badly, and Furry Family Members owners may give up. Debbie Berthiaume, a Scott Bennington, D.V.M Waterville-based Certified Dog Penny Bennington, D.V.M. Trainer and ABC graduate, also www.companionanimalclinic.com visits owners for problem-solving sessions. On the first visit, she observes the pet’s behavior and that of people in his surroundings. “I reassure the owners that I’m not judging them,” she said. “I just want to see what the dog is doing and how they react to the dog’s behavior. The owners are thinking like humans, but I want them to understand how their dog thinks. Once I can achieve that, BY VALERIE TUCKER Correspondent

Valerie Tucker photo

Carol Rogers, a volunteer puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, is training JJ, a six-month-old yellow Labrador retriever, at her home in Phillips. Rogers also raised Irish, an 8-year-old Lab. After his retirement from Guiding Eyes, Irish came back to live with Rogers. After 18 months, JJ will leave Rogers and Irish for “guide-dog college,” which provides more rigorous training at the organization’s New York site.

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Thursday, May 12, 2011

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“There is no such thing as a bad dog. It is a dog with inappropriate behaviors.” JEAN MASON, CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER

BEAR Age: 10 Chow/Shepard Cared for by: Wendy and Kris

TOBY TOBIAS TUXEDO Age: 8 Tuxedo Cat Cared for by: Linda

B. B. Age: 5 1/2 Pussycat Cared for by: Gayle & Rod Barrett

LILY Age: 8 DSH/Feral Cared for by: Bonnie N. Davis

YELL Age: 5 Domestic Short Hair Cared for by: Bob and Deanne

BOEING Age: 2 English Setter Cared for by: Brenda King

ARROW Age: 11-1/2 Black Lab Cared for by: Pete & Karen Paradis

SYDNEY Age: 7 Golden Retriever Cared for by: John, Bridget and Haley Campbell

DOWNTOWN HENRY BROWN Age: 3 Snoodle Cared for by: Denise and Dan

AMBER LYNN BROWN Age: 3 Golden Retriever Cared for by: Denise and Dan

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Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement |

Thursday, May 12, 2011

The last motel from “away,” sniffing along the late night walks past antique shops and parked cars, in front of theaters and movie houses. This is a last testimonial to a Hollywood Sometimes, bored, he would jump at the dog who died somewhere else. open window of a parked Mercedes and Gatsby never took to Maine, even though scare the Beaujolais out of a couple enjoying he was born here. He didn’t like the snow or themselves in the dark. the wind that blew leaves in his face, didn’t At the time, our home was in a middle like the cold. income actor’s neighborhood. He found lovGatsby was an old English sheep dog of ing friends there. Gatsby loved actors. When 13 years. We bought him in Maine as a pup fortunes rose and we moved to a high scale while we were visiting almost 35 years ago neighborhood called Hancock Park, Gatsby and drove him back across America, through shuddered. He missed the smells of the old the rusted boredom of Ohio, the roadside blur neighborhood. This better “upscale” neighof Kansas, Missouri and Colorado, through a borhood was to Gatsby, just another motel. succession of motels and diners. There were no close-by restaurants, coffee Motels were all the same to Gatsby. He cafes or burger joints. There was no smell to slept with one eye open each night, waiting perk his nostrils. The “better” folks kept their for the suitcases to be thrown into the trunk dogs locked in gardens and away from pedieach morning. His rewards were the bits of greed lawns. Gatsby was an actor’s dog, and waffles and bacon we brought back to the he never got used to being upgraded. room before we left. He hated motels because Moving back to Maine permanently was there was never enough time to lay down a the final blow. The breezes over our new scent, to stake out a piece of dogdom. It was neighborhood in Waterville never carried a always one night with a reward of dinner trace of salami or olives, pizza or rich sauces. scraps and the smell of my scotch and then The wind brought only the scent of pine on the road again. cones and the distant barking of hunting Gatsby was a puppy and puppies need a dogs. place to settle down, to be part of something One day, not long after we had moved solid and whole. Gatsby found that in back, Gatsby gave up. He decided that this Hollywood. He was brought up on the smell was just another motel and, for him, the last of Chinese and French food in the alleys motel. He knew that he would never again behind Restaurant Row on La Cienega. He hear a hovering police helicopter to bark at or grew to be a healthy and proud sheep dog have leftover tacos for lunch. Gatsby got sick BY J. P. DEVINE Correspondent

JP Devine photo

Gatsby, and the authors daughter Jillana, on their Hollywood patio in the mid 70s.

and, one day, I took him for his last walk in the garden. We sat down on a stump, and he sniffed the air. He turned his head and gave me one last look. I saw it in his eyes, mixed with the pain he was hiding, the goodbye look. I handed him over to the vet. I didn’t go to the back with him. I just handed him over, said goodbye and left. I knew what he was thinking as he lay back there waiting for the sound of my trunk closing for the last time. He was remember-

ing how he chased the joggers on the beach, ripping through the park at the museum, finding treasure out back of the alleys on Restaurant Row. One day I will return to Hollywood to finish my own journey. I will scatter the last of his ashes behind the American Burger and under a tree where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific. After that, if anyone should see the shade of a sheep dog walking in the orange tinted evening, give him a pat, especially if you’re an actor. Gatsby loved actors.

TUXY Age: 18 DSW/Persian Cared for by: Bonnie N. Davis

BRANDY Age: 3 Beagle Cared for by: Chuck Sontheimer

TIFFANY Age: 10 Toy Poodle Cared for by: Ken & Dot Cashman

SOPHIE Age: 4 Dalmation Cared for by: Valerie Trask & John Paul

SHADOW Age: 2 Springer Spaniel Mix Cared for by: Karen & Greg Grenier

SPANKY Age: 10 Siamese & Maine Coon Cared for by: Bonnie N. Davis

JAX Age: 5 1/2 months Goldendoodle Cared for by: Josh & Erica Atkinson

LACI Age: 8 months English Golden Retriever Cared for by: Dusty & Ruthann Cram

PONCHO Age: 4-1/2 Chihuahua Cared for by: Linda

CAPTAIN Age: 1 Border Collie Cared for by: Gordon Pelotte/Grandmama

Thursday, May 12, 2011

PET PARADE

| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement

Self-service dog wash makes a hard job easy BY BONNIE N. DAVIS Correspondent

With summer inching its way closer to central Maine, dogs need more baths — whether for vacation visits to grandma’s, flea and tick control or smelly coats from swimming. Applewood Kennels, located at 174 Bangor Road in Benton, offers a unique option for this difficult and messy chore — a self-service dog wash. In a small, self-contained room attached to their grooming and boarding facility, Dawn Boudreau and her husband Gary provide clients with aprons, clippers and brushes as well as professional, easy-to-use equipment. “It’s fun,” said Morgan Boudreau, age 12, as she washed her German Short-haired Pointer, Weiss. “You put in $10 for 12 minutes and turn the dials for shampoo, conditioner and rinse. For us, it takes eight to ten minutes ‘cause we have shorthaired dogs.” Dawn Boudreau said the popularity is growing. “All her friends want to use it. Photos by Bonnie N. Davis We average about 50 dogs a month,” Dawn Boudreau protects Weiss’s face from the strong blast of the dryer, which blows water out of his coat.

she said. “I actually use the flea and tick setting a lot. The dogs are out in the woods all the time.” When entering the dog wash, owners lead their pooch up a rubber-matted ramp into a stainless steel tub. With a noose securing the dog in the front of the tub, the customer is ready to start. Once the quarters or bills are inserted — the machine takes singles, fives, tens and 20s — the client is ready to set the dials and begin. However, the machine does not give back change. “If you put a twenty in, you’d better mean it,” Dawn Boudreau said. “It doesn’t always take the new fives. Ten dollars is good for most dogs – slightly longer-haired dogs need a little longer.” If a client has small dogs, Boudreau suggests putting several in the tub at once. Clients must be careful when using the dryer because of the force of the air, she said. She cautions against blowing in the face or sensitive body parts, as the dryer blows water from the coat, rather than using heat.

More on DOG WASH, Page 16

LEFT: SCOOBY-DOO ~ 15 mo. Male: Papillion/Pomeranian Mix Cared for by: Norman Wysocki RIGHT: FOXY ~ 11 yrs. Female: Purebred Pomeranian Cared for by: Joyce Lovell

MYLIE Age: 2 1/2 Poodle Cared for by: Gregg & Susan Perkins

TUCKER Age: 3 Lab Cared for by: Laurie & Tom Dunbar

HARLEY Age: 6 Lhasa apso Cared for by: Charlotte Eaton

WILLY & LOLLY Ages: 15 & 4 Jack Russell & Lhasa apso Cared for by: Wilton Black

SAM Age: 7 German Weimaraner Cared for by: Sue McDougall and Walt Stillman

TY LESSARD Age: 2 Jack Russell & Mini Doberman Cared for by: John Lessard & Nicole Wilkie

OTIS Age: 3 Domestic Short Hair Cared for by: Rick and Natalie Blake

COSMO Age: 4 Domestic Short Hair Cared for by: Rick and Natalie Blake

ROCCO Age: 9 Austrialian Sheepdog Mix Cared for by: Bonnie N. Davis

PET PARADE

Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement |

Thursday, May 12, 2011

year, according to the organization’s promotional material. While all breeds of cats and dogs contribute to the overpopulation problem, cats far outnumber dogs in Maine and nationwide, according to statistics. Some 70 percent of the clinic’s patients to date are feline, but controlling the dog population remains important. Because pit bulls are not only statistically the fastest growing breed of dog in Maine but also among the most difficult to place, the clinic also offers special incentives to owners of pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Each Monday throughout the month of May, male pit bulls can be neutered at a discounted cost of just $50, including vaccinations. The clinic is offering $10 savings for spaying a female pit bull brought in with a male. Meanwhile, the clinic hopes to be able to offer another two-

for-one cat special soon, since cats typically go into heat during the spring and summer months, according to Sperry and Stone. With low fees, special deals, and now even transportation services to and from other communities, the Community SpayNeuter Clinic is striving to meet its mission of reducing the unwanted pet population across the state, so that every dog and cat is a loved and wanted pet. “Here in Maine, thousands of cats die in shelters every year for lack of a home. Sadly, many dogs are euthanized too,” Stone said. “Please neuter your pets so that every dog and cat can have a home.” Sperry agreed: “Nothing would make us happier than to be out of business.”

Clinic Continued from Page 3

puppies’ puppies, if none are ever neutered or spayed, add up to 67,000 dogs in six years. Many people who breed pets may feel they aren’t adding to the pet overpopulation problem as long as they find homes for all the offspring. However, American Humane Association research indicates that for every puppy or kitten sold by an irresponsible breeder, there is one more shelter animal that will not find a home. Many of those same kittens and puppies will end up in shelters themselves at some point in their life, according to statistics. Currently, there are about 163 million pet cats and dogs in the U.S. and about one out of every 20 ends up in a shelter each

Nancy McGinnis photo

After surgery, veterinary technician Jess gently applies a temporary Elizabethan collar to speed the young dogs recovery by protecting the incision site.

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SALEY Age: 8 years Siamese Cared for by: Stacy Hustus

SNOW Age: 1-1/ 2 Sheltie Cared for by: Pat Jonas

TOBEY - Black Lab ~ 5 yrs. TUCKER - Gr. Sheperd ~ 7 yrs. Cared for by: Steve & Lori Furrow

EMILY & CORNELIA Ages: 12 & 9 Long Hair cat & Shih Tzu dog Cared for by: Harold & Kate Pestana

PATRICK Age: 7 Himalayan Cared for by: Catherine Westervelt

POOKIE Age: 8 Persian Cared for by: Nancy Westervelt

BUFFY Age: 3 Shih Tzu Cared for by: Joan Keuch

KIBBLES Age: 7 Chihuahua Cared for by: Pam Norris

JACKSON Age: 1 1/2 Black Lab Cared for by: Tyler Clifford

DERUSH, DEL & DOC HOLIDAY Ages: 3, 3 & 2 Siberian Huskies Cared for by: Linda Kelman Buckley & J. Ambrose

Thursday, May 12, 2011

PET PARADE

| Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement

Nancy McGinnis photo

A young pup snoozes comfortably in the dog kennel room while awaiting her turn in the operating room.

Top Three Reasons to Spay and Neuter • Most countries have a surplus of companion animals and are forced to euthanize or disregard their great suffering. The surplus is in the millions in the United States. Compared to humans, cats are 45 times as prolific, and dogs 15 times as prolific. They do not need help to expand their numbers; they need help to reduce their numbers until there are good homes for them all. • Sterilization of a cat or dog will increase its chance for a longer and healthier life. Altering a canine friend will increase its life an average of one to three years; for felines, that number is three to five years. Altered animals have a very low- to no-risk of mammary gland tumors/cancer, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyometria and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers. • Sterilizing a cat or dog makes for a better pet, reducing their urge to roam and decreasing their risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt as they roam. Surveys indicate that as many as 85 percent of dogs hit by cars are unaltered. • Intact male cats living outside have been shown to live, on average, less than two years. Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome is spread by bites and intact cats fight a great deal more than altered cats. The Humane Society of the US offers a summary of facts and myths about spaying and neutering at: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/spay_neuter_myths_facts.html - From Spay USA

Nancy McGinnis photo

The Community Spay-Neuter Clinic is located in an easily-accessible U.S. Rte 1 strip mall just off I-295 in Freeport. The plain exterior is an example of how the clinic's focus is on quality care and cost effectiveness, not appearance.

OLIVER & OLIVIA Age: 1 Ragdoll Cared for by: Sharon Norton

BAILEY Age: 11 Longhair Domestic Cared for by: Joan B. and Clyde

RUDY Age: 7 Dachshund Cared for by: Leo and Lori Plante

BENTLEY Age: 1 1/2 Yorkshire Terrier Cared for by: Kristi, Walter & Makenzie Carlow

MIKE Age: 2 Golden Retriever Cared for by: Raymond and Carol

SWEET WILLIAM Age: 8 Nice Kitty Cared for by: Dave & Debbie Fuller

GRACIE PUFF CAT Age: 8 Beauty Queen Cared for by: Dave & Debbie Fuller

TASHA Age: 3 Pomeranian Cared for by: Paul and Kay

BUBU Age: 5 Peekapom Cared for by: Donald & Lisa Breton

SUZY-Q Age: 1 Domestic Cat Cared for by: Alene & Kathy Huggins

PET PARADE

Kennebec Journal | Morning Sentinel | Special Supplement |

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Dog Wash Continued from Page 13

The small room also has a hitch for extra large dogs or those unable to climb the ramp. The hoses reach to the middle of the room and water drains through the floor. Others use the hitch to secure one dog while washing another in the tub. “It’s such a simple thing,” Gary Boudreau said. “We can do a Lab in eight minutes. It’s great for our groomers, too — especially with the big dogs. It’s hands free — you’re not fumbling with shampoo. It was a great investment.” Dawn Boudreau said it has many advantages. “It’s good for aggressive dogs that are hard to groom, and it’s a third of the price of having a groomer wash your dog,” she said. “Eighty percent of the people can do it in 12 minutes or less — sometimes it takes longer the first few times.” Starting a boarding kennel and grooming facility was not part of the Boudreaus’ original plan. After receiving a degree in business administration from the University of Maine at Orono, Dawn Boudreau joined the corporate world. When she met her husband, they bought a home in Benton, across the street from their current location. “I always loved dogs,” she said. “I always imagined myself with lots of property and dogs — but someone else’s dogs. I even thought about being a veterinarian.” When ready to have her first child, Morgan, Boudreau decided to stay at home and raise her family. The couple paid off all their debt, but soon discovered they needed more money. “Then the field across the street became available,” she said. “I went to the owners and said, ‘Excuse me, you should offer me first dibs.’ So the next day, the owner came over and made a deal — we couldn’t say no. Now we were really poor.” As the young couple began investigating business opportunities, Shane Savage of Fairfield Pharmacy suggested a kennel. “Once I started researching it, we thought it was something we could do,” she said. “We opened it up in October 2001.” With two groomers working at the facility, Beth Savage and

Seven-year-old Gage Boudreau shows machine options – washing, flea and tick shampoo, skunk off, rinsing and drying.

Stephanie Higgins, Applewood offers clipping and trimming for dogs who have been washed, but need more beauty care. Boarding facilities include traditional kennels as well as suites for pampered pets, complete with toddler bed, ceiling fan and flat screen TV. “Some customers actually ask for certain channels,” she said. “The suites are good for dogs that don’t like other dogs, but others like the socialization of the regular kennels. We’re all pretty laid back — we know what to do. We care about the animals and want people to be happy.”

Photos by Bonnie N. Davis

Morgan Boudreau, enjoys washing the family pets at her family’s self-service dog wash.

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