Standard mail US Postage Paid Permit# 21 Duxbury, Ma 02332
FREE
Pet Gazette SS SE
Covering Southeastern, Mass and Cape Cod Volume 12 No. 9
Published by Clipper Press
E-MAIL:
[email protected]
Wendy Oleksiak, R.N.
500 Franklin Street, Duxbury
781-837-7178
Advertising: 781-934-2811 x23 or
[email protected] september 2009
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~Winston Churchill
Full Service Boarding and Daycare Facilities
www.DuxburyKennel.com
s )NDIVIDUAL INDOOROUTDOOR RUNS s (EATED AIR CONDITIONED FOR YOUR PETS COMFORT s 3EPARATE QUIET CAT AREA s $AILY EXERCISE AFFECTION TIME AVAILABLE s 4OURS ARE WELCOMED See our ads on page 17
TM
Cohasset Kennel 235 Cedar Street, Cohasset
781-383-1475
www.CohassetKennel.com
T
516 Washington Street Hanover, MA 02339 Sunday Appointment Hours Available! Full surgical and diagnostic services, including ultrasound and specialty services by our Board Certified Cardiologist and Internist .. . . . . . . . . . . . “A Lifetime of Veterinary Care”
COVER
his month’s cover illustration is from MassArt graduate Ashley Sexton. The New Hampshire native says she is an illustrator “with a penchant for puppets, painting, drawing, muraling, short story, design and all manner of creative lunacy. To view more of Sexton’s work visit her website at: www. sextonillustration.blogspot.com.
The Pet Gazette The Pet Gazette is published by Clipper Press, a family-owned company based on the South Shore since 1950.The Pet Gazette covers all of Southeastern, Massachusetts and Cape Cod. The Pet Gazette is a registered trademark. Pet Gazette Staff Production: Lindsey Gardner Layout: Sandra Guidetti; Advertising: Robin Nudd Publisher: Josh Cutler; Contributors: Becca Manning, Justin Graeber, George Sommers, Nicole Birkholzer, Gerald F. Williamson.
HOURS OF OPERATION URGENT CARE/EMERGENCY Monday thru Sunday 8AM-10PM
DELIVERY ADDRESS: 11 So. Station Street, Duxbury MAILING ADDRESS: Pet Gazette, PO Box 1656, Duxbury, MA 02331 Contact US:781-934-2811, ext. 23 •
[email protected]
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS Monday thru Friday 8:30 AM until 8:30 PM Saturdays & Sundays 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM
WALK-INS WELCOME Call 781/826-2306 or 781/749-4551 Fax 781/829-9270 24 HOUR NURSING CARE ............
STAFF VETERINARIANS
Charlie Patterson, DVM Brad Moses, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) Mary Reynolds-Callahan, DVM Pamela Martin, DVM Laura Fong, DVM Joseph Martinez, DVM Alice Hadden, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine) Megan Hwang, DVM Amina Johnson, DVM Mary Clark, VMD Klaus Earl Loft, DVM
————
Hours by appointment:
(Residency trained in Dermatology)
Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat
Maria Tehrany, DVM ............
www.VCARoberts.com VCA ROBERTS IS LOCATED 2.5 MILES SOUTH OF THE HANOVER MALL ON RTE. 53 TAKE EXIT 13 OFF RTE. 3
2
11 AM to 7 PM 11 AM to 7 PM Closed 9 AM to 8 PM 9 AM to 5 PM 9 AM to 1 PM
————
Pet Gazette
September 2009
I
Letter to the Editor
Dear Pet Gazette Editor would like to comment on the article “Prong Collars: Becoming “The Alpha”” in your June issue. As the author Colleen Sayers states, the prong collar is an issue of debate in the dog training world. I also agree that dogs who pull hard while walking are at risk of hurting themselves and their handlers. That being said, I personally don’t recommend prong collars or any collar or device that works by making the dog uncomfortable in the least or is painful when used incorrectly. Some dogs will pull right through the discomfort of choke or pinch collars rendering them totally ineffective. I like to recommend front clip harnesses for pullers as a management tool while training loose leash walking. The Alpha dog theory, when used to mean an animal using force to control or discipline others, has been debunked by recent research*. I have always lived with multiple dogs and their relationship is usually quite fluid. A very shy dog may never try to take a more confident dog’s toy but two confident dogs may give up their things one day and covet them the next. If you asked me who was Alpha, I would say it depended on the day. Dogs use body language and “verbal” and facial expressions to speak to other dogs. A certain body posture or growl is an effective warning signal to indicate displeasure to another dog. I have personally never seen a stable, confident dog nip another dog in the neck to prove anything; it isn’t necessary. I believe dogs try to avoid a jerk on the prong collar not because they believe it is a dog nip-
ping their neck but simply because it doesn’t feel good. I think I am the “boss” in my house (although the dogs and humans may disagree) but to me a good boss is someone who respects their workers, works with them as a team, and rewards their accomplishments. I would not want to work for someone who was loud, demanding, or gave punishments instead of praise.I believe my dogs listen to me because I respect them and treat them fairly. They know I will handle all situations so they don’t have to and I will never put them in a situation they cannot handle. I do believe every dog is different but I haven’t yet found one that hasn’t responded to0Apositve reinforcement training and a front clip harness for pulling problems. I also work with large, adolescent, untrained shelter dogs. Years ago we used choke collars, then prong collars for control. Since we moved on to the above mentioned methods the people are much happier and theanimals are much better trained! Nancy J. Bersani Certified Animal Control Officer APDT member Shelter President Milton Animal League Board member and evaluator for MA PILOT program * Journal of veterinary Behavior-Clinical Applications and Research May/June 2009, Science Daily-Univ. Bristol 5/25/09, AVSAB, Dr. David Mech who has studied wolves extensively
pet Drawing of the month We adopted our Basset Hound, Sadie, five years ago. She is the most loyal and loving dog that we could ever ask for.
Cassandra Kelley, D.V.M. Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Hospital • Preventive Care Programs • Senior Wellness • Dental Health • Complete Medical & Surgical Care
“Special Care For Your Cat”
508-746-8580
80 Sandwich St., (Rte. 3A) Plymouth www.catclinicplymouth.com
Loving Arms Pet Care Sherilyn Biagini
Veterinary Technician 12 years in Animal Care Member of PSI I offer boarding in my home while you are away.
• Daily walks • Playtime • Medication administration • Post surgery recovery care • Litter Box cleaning • Some grooming • Nail trims Whatever your pet needs are, I will take care of it.
I also do pick up and drop off depending on distance. I check mail, water plants etc.
617-529-8325
[email protected]
Melanie is an aspiring artist and plans to go to school to be a vet.
“Sadie” by Melanie Stoltz, 10
Mail entries to: PET GAZETTE, PO BOX 1656, DUXBURY, MA 02331 Guidelines Open to children 14 and under. Work should be on a 8.5 x 11 sheet of white paper with no lines. Please use colored pencils or crayons. Entries must include the name and age of child, parent’s name and contact information, including phone. Please include a brief description including your pet’s name.
Send us a drawing of your family pet along with a brief write-up. We’ll select one drawing per issue and feature it here. Winners will also receive a free subscription to the Pet Gazette. September 2009
Pet Gazette
3
Pe t p o u r r i Send items for the Petpourri page to
[email protected] The Deadline is the 12th of each month.
You’ve Always Wanted to Do More. Learn how you can protect cats at alleycat.org.
W W W. A L L E Y C AT. O R G
Education
Advocacy
Action
ANGEL VIEW PET CEMETERY & CREMATORY Because We Care, We Share In Your Compassion, Love & Grief SERVICES: PRIVATE CREMATION, URN INCLUDED GROUP CREMATION FORMAL BURIAL ON OUR BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED GROUNDS CEREMONIES & VIEWINGS AVAILABLE 24 HOUR PICK UP AT YOUR HOME OR VETERINARIAN'S OFFICE EQUINE SERVICES: PRIVATE CREMATION, GROUP CREMATION & COUNTRY BURIAL (INTACT) TRANSPORTATION OF YOUR HORSE OR PONY TO OUR FACILITY OR ON-SITE EUTHANASIA BY YOUR VETERINARIAN URNS, CASKETS & MARKERS ~OVER 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE~ 471 WAREHAM STREET, MIDDLEBORO, MA 02346 WWW.ANGELVIEW.COM 508-947-4103 OR 800-287-0066 AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY - 7 DAYS A WEEK
KINGSTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC. -AIN 3TREET s +INGSTON -!
781-585-6525
Extended Hospital Hours Mon - Thurs Friday Saturday
7 am - 9 pm 7 am - 6 pm 7 am - 5 pm
2AYMOND 2USSO $6-ARK % 2USSO 6-$ !#6)0ATRICIA + (ESS 6-$ 3HARON $AVIS $6%MILY 3 #LAIR $6- $!"60 !GATA $E-ARCO $6- -ICHELLE 2UDIN $6-
A half century of hospitality and caring for the pets of the South Shore 4
T
Tag Out Mosquitoes
P
$1 Million Prize for Cutest Dog
his summer, Australian inventor Joseph Symond released a new product in his Bug Bam! brand line, a mosquito-repellent dog tag that helps keep pets bug-free. Like the Bug Bam bracelets for humans (think: Lance Armstrong’s LiveStrong bracelets), the dog tags use all natural citronella oil to repel mosquitoes, which can be especially bad for dogs as they
et owners who think their canine’s the cutest can put their photos where their mouths are by entering the Cutest Dog Competition hosted by All American Pet Brands — with a grand prize of $1 million. The contest is being hosted by the maker of dog food brands Bow Wow Breakfast Cereal and Grrr-nola Natural Dog Food, partnering with various Web groups such as DOG.com. Check out cutestdogcompetition. com for contest rules and to submit an entry. The con-
may carry heartworm. The tags’ natural ingredients also have been proven to repel fleas and ticks, without the chemicals that are often found in flea collars and sprays. The tags are available online at bugbam.com or at various retailers listed on the Web site and cost $7.99 for a pack of two. Each tag lasts up to 15 days.
test runs Aug. 1 through Oct. 23. One semi-finalist will be selected each week over the 12-week competition, with the owner receiving $500. The top four finalists will be selected from those 12 semifinalists, with the final three receiving $5,000 each. Contest judges will select the grand prize winner on Thanksgiving Day. Help pick the weekly winner by voting online.
‘Mo’ Book Series Scentsational
A
colorful new canine character, Mo, is leading readers on some “scentsational” adventures through a series of books that allows children to actually smell what Mo smells. Written by Margaret Hyde and illustrated by Amanda Giacomoni, the Scentsational series includes “Mo Smells Red” and Mo Smells Green,” with a third title launched in August called “Mo Smells the Holidays.” Each book delivers its story along with unique “Press-2-Smell” scent-dispensing packets promised to provide
A
thousands of sniffs. The scents are created using all natural essential oils from aromatherapy company Aura Cacia, introducing young readers to a sweet-smelling story as well as to the benefits of aromatherapy. The books promise to be a nice addition to naptime and bedtime rituals with soothing scents such as “grass” (lemongrass, sweet basil and bergamot). The Mo books, $17.95 each in hardcover, are available at area bookstores and online book retailers. Check them out online at mosnose.com.
Advice on Where to Wag
ccording to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the Beneful dog food company, almost half of all dog owners, 48 percent, say they could not live without their dog on a daily basis — even more than their morning cup of coffee (35 percent), television (35 percent) or cell phone (23 percent). Recognizing that special bond between people and their pets, Beneful launched a Web site, wagworld.com, designed to help dog lovers share their traveling experiences and find dog-friendly places to visit. As part of the Web site launch, Beneful is seeking nominations for the Top 10 Togetherful Cities in America — the best locations where pet owners and their pups can enjoy daily adventures together. The 10
Pet Gazette
cities with the most activity on wagworld.com, including postings, reviews and photo uploads, from July 27 to Sept. 27 will make the list, to be announced in October.
September 2009
Ending the ‘Cat Lady’ Stereotype
H
oping to bring an end to the negative perception of owners with multiple cats — think: the weird old “cat lady” — the makers of cat litter brand Tidy Cats has launched the “Tidy Cats Campaign to End Cattiness” and is seeking stories from humans whose lives have been improved or even transformed by their relationship with their many cats. The contest is open to “cat ladies” and “cat men” alike, and grand prize is $5,000, a year’s supply of Tidy Cats Scoop and the chance to star in a Webisode. Partici-
A
Tired of Animal Cruelty
bout a year ago, brother and sister team Dan Hoffman and Carrie Pollare launched the “I’m Tired of” campaign with a goal of raising funds to help fight some of the world’s major issues from animal cruelty and breed-specific legislation to cancer, world hunger, and global warming. To raise funds, the pair has been selling bracelets made of recycled tire rubber and metal that declare the wearer’s cause, whatever it is they may be tired of. The bracelets, available at ImTiredOnline.com, sell for $10 each, with $5
W
pants can visit tidycats. com and click on the campaign link to submit their entries, which should include a short essay describing “the fulfilled life you share with your multiple cats,” and two photos. Deadline is Sept. 11. Curious about other cat people? Check out some of the entries already submitted and vote on the ones you like.
from each sale going toward the cause of choice. In addition, to help raise awareness about one issue in particular — animal cruelty — Hoffman and Pollare have been selling “I’m Tired of Animal Cruelty” T-shirts ($29.50) and bumper stickers ($5) and last year released “SMILE,” a 60-second video set to music featuring dogs and cats grinning at the camera. They recently released their second video, “SMILE2, The Sequel,” which can be viewed at their Web site along with the original.
Not Too Tough to Help
hen a group of guys with names like “Big Ant,” Johnny O and Mike Tattoo met regularly at tattoo and motorcycle conventions, they discovered they had more in common than bulging biceps and head-to-toe body ink — they realized each of them had been rescuing animals from abuse for years. So they formed Rescue Ink, devoted to fighting the problem of animal neglect on a larger scale. Now readers can see how the guys got started in the book, “RESCUE INK: How 10 Guys Saved Countless Dogs and Cats, Twelve
Horses, Five Pigs, One Duck and a Few Turtles,” due out in September. In the book, former Newsday staff writer Denise Faim recounts the guys’ adventures as they travel the country to free animals from neglect and educate the public on animal care. Along with their book, the Long Island, N.Y.-based nonprofit will be featured in a new series premiering this fall on the National Geographic Channel. Check them out at rescueink.org. The book, hardcover from Viking Press, retails for $25.95 and will be available Sept. 21 at area bookstores and online retailers.
Ce-ce and friends humane society
781-331-6115 | www.angelfire.com/ma3/cecenfriends
CAPE COD KENNEL CLUB, INC. DOG TRAINING CLASSES Puppy Kindergarten • Beginner Obedience Advanced Obedience • Show Handling Agility Training: Beginner to Advanced For more information, please call:
s WWWCAPECODKCORG Cape Cod Kennel Club Inc. established 1947
Canine Chiropractic Improving the alignment and performance of your dog will improve their health........Naturally
INDEK CHIROPRACTIC 617-472-0661 Chiropractic can be used for chronic & acute problems & part of a wellness program with your Veterinarian.
“Dr. Bruce has been in practice for 26 years and has the utmost compassion and caring for your dog. Appointments at your home or Norwell Animal Hospital.” wwww.Indekchiropractic.com
KITTENS: They are all females, super super loving and would like a home of their own before they get too big and no one will adopt them.
VETERINARY EMERGENCY TREATMENT & SPECIALTIES
Brewski: he is tripled pawed in the front paws. He is looking for his forever home.
525 South Street Walpole, MA 02081 Phone (508) 668-5454 Fax (508) 850-9809 www.TuftsVets.org
We Now Proudly Offer the Following new Services:
Rescue Groups
s ,ASER %NDOSCOPIC #YCLOPHOTOCOAGULATION FOR 'LAUCOMA s $ENTISTRY - 24 hour Emergency Service - Board certified specialties
Forever Home Rescue New England
• Anesthesiology - Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVA • Emergency & Critical Care - April Paul, DVM, DACVECC Tara Hammond DVM, DACVECC, 6 ECC Residents • Internal Medicine - Johanna Cooper, DVM, DACVIM • Ophthalmology - Federica Maggio, DVM, DACVO • Radiology - Ryan King, DVM, DACVR • Surgery - Nicole Amato, DVM, DACVS • Dentistry - Jean Joo, DVM • Dermatologist - Dr. Christine Prost, DVM, DECVD
TOUGH BEGINNINGS. HAPPY ENDINGS. We are a 501c3 all-breed rescue group with a network of foster homes in the south and in New England. Please check out our available dogs at www.foreverhomerescue.org
September 2009
Our goal is to provide the best medical care combine with outstanding client service. Our qualified and compassionate staff is dedicated to serving the veterinary community.
Pet Gazette
5
Why People Don’t Train Their Dogs And Why They Should By Dick Norton Special to the Pet Gazette
M
BECOME A PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER!
Hands-On Dog Training Experience Included Great Job Placement Assistance Easy Qualifying Low Interest Student Loans (as low as $30.00 per month) Training Locations throughout the Greater Boston Area
any of us consider our dogs to be members of our family. In many ways, they are. We form a special bond with dogs that few other animals share. Some dog owners go so far as to interpret their dog’s every action in human terms. Given this special status, as family member and companion, we naturally start to look at our furry friends through “people-colored” glasses. This is where problems begin. Often dog owners forego training because they don’t like the way they think the training makes their dog feel, or they feel guilty for setting rules and not letting their dog “be a dog.” This humanizing of a dog’s behavior leads to faulty judgments about what dogs understand, what they need, and what is best for the dog. Dogs simply do not think like people – something many owners do not understand or refuse to accept. Dogs are guided by principles of pack law, and they expect their leader to act in a certain way. Misunderstanding of pack law is often the cause of behavior problems. Dogs instinctually crave leadership and are keenly attuned to the discipline associated with it. However, if dogs don’t sense leadership from owners, their primordial drive compels them to try to take charge, which can lead to behavior issues, such as barking, pulling on the leash, jumping or even worse behaviors Learning how to communicate leadership in a way a dog understands is key. Case in point: Two of my dogs, Brewster, an adult male rottweiler; and Brandon, a 10-month-old male boxer
The lesson for dog owners is to take control by communicating leadership – and do so consistently. There is no reason for your dog to lead you on walks, cut you off on the stairs, run first through open doorways, jump on visitors, or bark every time the doorbell rings or a child walks by your house. puppy; both have dominant personalities, but there is no doubt who is higher in the pack. Brewster makes sure of that by deciding when it’s time to play and who gets what toys. At times, to demonstrate his leadership, Brewster simply ignores Brandon – and if the over-active boxer crosses the line (tests the rules), Brewster enforces his rules with modeled consistency. His leadership in this relationship is 100 percent consistent. The lesson for dog owners is to take control by communicating leadership – and do so
Mention Code #PG2006 and get $100 off!
CALL TODAY AND BEGIN TRAINING FOR THE CAREER YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED .....WORKING WITH ANIMALS! 1-800-795-3294 www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com 6
Discipline and leadership are not enemies of fun. And in no way should training a dog inhibit its playfulness or spontaneity. But that doesn’t mean there should be no rules for inappropriate behavior.
Pet Gazette
consistently. There is no reason for your dog to lead you on walks, cut you off on the stairs, run first through open doorways, jump on visitors, or bark every time the doorbell rings or a child walks by your house. Typically, these are things dog do when they think they are in charge. And for those that shudder at the thought of ever ignoring their dog’s nudges to be petted (as a demonstration of leadership), remember, this is an important lesson for your dog to understand its pack structure, thus providing the a safe and stressfree environment it needs. Discipline and leadership are not enemies of fun. And in no way should training a dog inhibit its playfulness or spontaneity. But that doesn’t mean there should be no rules for inappropriate behavior. In fact, providing your dog with consistent leadership and ground rules for behavior will make it feel more secure and relaxed and make for a more self-assured companion. Dogs must learn who is in charge in a way they understand. Remember, dogs are pack animals, and in a pack, rules and hierarchy are the cornerstones of a happy, secure, and stable family. Dick Norton is a dog behavioral therapist and trainer with Bark Busters. For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com.
September 2009
Women Motorcyclists Roar into Standish Humane Society O
n August 8th the New England Thunder Women's Motorcycle Club paid a visit to the Standish Humane Society Shelter in Duxbury to drop off sorely needed donations. The women's motorcycle club, consisting of women from all over the South Shore as well as other areas of MA and RI, incorporates several visits a year to local animal shelters into their busy ride schedule. It is their way of giving something back to their local communities. These women load their motorcycles up with various donations of food, litter, toys, detergent and various office supplies as specified on the shelters "wish list". "We want to help in our own way by not only making donations, but also bring attention to the animals that are in need and the shelters that are struggling to care for them, especially in this economy", says Jane Deger, one of two New England Thunder members who volunteer their time at the Standish shelter. Another club member, Donna Seltzer, who also volunteers at the shelter says,“Standish
The women’s motorcycle club, consisting of women from all over the South Shore as well as other areas of MA and RI, incorporates several visits a year to local animal shelters into their busy ride schedule. It is their way of giving something back to their local communities.
has some truly wonderful cats that need loving homes. The beauty of Standish is that the cats are not caged, and live in as close to the “in-home” experience as can be provided until such time as that special someone visits the shelter, falls
in love with them, and takes them to their forever home. In the meantime, I and all the other volunteers give them as much of our time, love and affection as we possibly can. To gain the trust of an animal who has been lost, abandoned
or abused and who is confused and scared by what is happening to it is extremely heartwarming.” The Standish Humane Society, which is celebrating its 40thyear, was founded in 1969 as a non-profit, tax-exempt or-
ganization of volunteers dedicated to the care and placement of stray and abandoned pets in southeastern Massachusetts. The Holmes House, Standish’s no-kill, two-story cat shelter located at 622 Congress Street in Duxbury, opened in March of 1990. Standish has a model adoption program, placing approximately 300 cats and kittens annually into carefullyscreened homes. Through an active placement and reducedcost spay/neuter program Standish Humane Society works to reduce the critical pet overpopulation problem. There are a number of ways you can contact Standish: the website is www.standishhumanesociety.com/ or they can be reached at 781-834-4663 or you can go to petfinder.com by clicking this link http://www. petfinder.com/shelters/MA71. html to view cats available at the shelter. If you are a woman motorcyclist, or even thinking about it, New England Thunder welcomes new members regardless of riding experience. For more information about New England Thunder, visit their web site at www.newenglandthunder.com
Standish Humane’s 15th Annual ‘Folk & Furfest’ Benefit Walk for Animals
S
tandish Humane Society is having its 15th annual “Folk & Furfest” and benefit walk for animals on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 10-2pm at Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, MA. In celebration of the Society’s fortieth a n n i v e r s a r y, Standish presents “Four for Forty” and will honor four worthy people and animals. Among these honorees will be Vicki Croke, the host of NECN’s “The Secret Life of Ani-
mals” serving as the walk’s grand marshal. There will be dog contests, pet care information booths, food, music, and more! Help raise money for injured, sick, abandoned and homeless animals. Everyone is welcome! Visit www. standishhumanesociety. com for more info on how to get registration forms. For more information e-mail standishhumane@ comcast.net.
Dr. Rachel Francis Dr. Kelly Temple Dr. Kimberly Suh
Hospital Hours: Closed for lunch every day 12-1pm Monday: 8am-5pm Tuesday - Thursday: 8am-5pm & 6:30pm-8pm Friday: 8am-5pm Saturday: 8am-12pm Sunday: Closed
303 Wareham Road, Marion
508-748-1203 www.marionanimalhospital.com September 2009
Pet Gazette
7
The canine conundrum
By Gerald F. Williamson Esq. Pet Gazette Columnist
Underwater Treadmill Spa Pool For Treatment of: s /RTHOPEDIC.EUROLOGIC 3URGERY s #ONDITIONING3TRENGTH "UILDING)MPROVE &UNCTION s 7EIGHT -ANAGEMENT Now offering Chiropractic Services! 7ASHINGTON 3T 3TOUGHTON s WWWANIMOTIONANIMALREHABCOM
n o i s s re ti on p m I g abi lita n i l r e t S a l Reh Ani m "Improved Function, Improved Quality of Life" Marjorie C. McMillan, DVM, DACVR, CCRP • Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP At Sterling Impression Rehab means:
Recvory Expertience Healing Ambulation Better quality of life
COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAMS FOR Arthritis - Obesity - Amputation - Weight loss Post-Surgical - Post-Trauma - Cancer INCLUDES Spa Pool - Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Custom Orthotics - Home Therapy Plans Underwater Treadmill
ASK ABOUT OUT PRODUCTS FOR YOUR ELDERLY, DISABLED OR INJURED PET Boots - Harnesses - Slings - Hot/Cold Packs - Low Calorie Treats
Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England 1008 East Street, Walpole xänÈÈnÇ{ÈÊUÊÜÜÜ°ÃÌ>ÀVi°V
Q
. My fiancé and I are splitting up and we are trying to divide and return many items of personal property. My problem: We (or I) own a beautiful 105 lb German Shepherd which was bought two years ago but has lived in my house most of the time. My fiancé pays for all his care, but I am the primary “caregiver”. I don’t want to give up this dog. We never made a written agreement about this. What are my chances? A. Until the advent of a recent (and very controversial) New Jersey case, the answer might have been “little or none.” In Massachusetts, we have a property settlement/ alimony statute which contains a veritable shopping list of factors for a probate judge to ponder and evaluate in a divorce case. There are such elements as station (status) of the parties, income, contribution as a homemaker, education, opportunity for capital appreciation, and a host of others. A judge is usually free to accord whatever weight he/she deems appropriate in making a fair and equitable division of property. Interestingly, when the marital knot is tied, husband and wife generally give
We are open and here for our patients Please call 508-428-6393 to schedule or reschedule Monday - Saturday 8-5
Complete Medical Care
Cape Cod Animal Hospital has been in continuous operation since 1930 and will be rebuilt. The hospital will continue to serve this wonderful community.
Scott E. Munson, VMD Melaine L. Bikis, DVM Heidi A. McMorrow, DVM 1411 Osterville Road West Barnstable
up their respective individual rights to real and personal property in favor of the so-called “marital estate.” Many an aggrieved spouse has learned belatedly that “my house” or my “401(k) account” may or may not whether the storm in a divorce setting. The probate
Paws & the law judge has the power to apportion or award all or any part of the marital estate to one or the other of the not-so-blissful players. This, of course, presupposes that the couple has been lawfully married with vested rights to the property in question. Ah, you say, but what if the guy and gal never actually married when they accumulated such personal items as the family pooch? A New Jersey probate judge, in perhaps an incisive look at today’s social standards, decided to test the legal waters and consider the rights of betrothed, but not hitched, partners. The good judge, who we shall call Judge Solomon, ruled that property rights, in a suitable case, can be modified, even ignored, in a proper framework. In the New Jersey case, John had bought the gorgeous black-and-tan
from an exclusive breeder, along with AKC qualifications, OFA certification, etc. He paid big bucks for the dog, but then, in contemplation of marriage to Jane, gave her all but a deed to the mind and heart of the big pup. Duke, as he was called, drew very close to Jane and actually growled at John occasionally, if the latter was away at work for several weeks. On John’s side of the ledger, the “title” in the Shepherd was clearly his. He also paid all the original purchase and vet expenses. On Jane’s side, not too dissimilar from a child care enigma, She was the human “mother” and chief caregiver to the dog. In order for a judge to wrest title from one party and turn it over to another, there must usually be a contract of some sort to establish the future grantee’s entitlement. Jane had the ring, alright, but the two hapless folks had never completed their marriage “contract”. Judge Solomon, in dividing up quasi-marital property between this couple, weighed all the factors on behalf of each. What happened? In the first round, Jane was awarded sole custody of Duke, with reasonable visitation to John. Does any of this sound familiar? The case has gone up on appeal on a variety of thorny issues. For one: How can you order reasonable visitation with a mere item of personal property? (Sorry, Duke!). SILLY STATUTE OF THE MONTH: In Massachusetts you cannot sell live chicks or ducklings if they have been artificially colored! Got a question about animal law? Send your questions and feedback to Attorney Williamson and you may see it in a future column. He can be reached at pawlaw@ etgazette.net or by mail to Attorney Gerald Williamson, 71 Legion Parkway, Brockton, MA 02301.
Foreclosure & Debt Relief chapter 7 chapter 13 trial work Gerald F. Williamson, Esq. 71 Legion Parkway Brockton, MA 02301
Serving South Shore Over 25 Years
LIZ CZAPLICKI, DVM 8
(508) 588-2284
Pet Gazette
September 2009
By George Sommers Pet Gazette Columnist
A
Albino Aquarium Fish (Doing the White Thing)
lbinos are the Rodney Dangerfields of nature – they get “no respect”. Their striking appearance leads to many strikes against them, starting with vulnerability to sunburn and often vision problems. Albinos, by definition, lack skin pigment. The skin appears pink or ghostly white and eyes red or pink (in humans usually a pale blue). Albino corydoras catfish makes a ghost-like appearance.
Fish & fowl Wild albino animals stick out like a sore thumb (except perhaps in snow) and are easy targets for predators – like a stuffed white moose displayed in a hardware store in Errol, NH. In parts of Africa human albinos are still thought to be magical and are occasionally murdered with their mutilated body parts sold as “lucky charms”. Even among “enlightened” Americans, albinos are disproportionately portrayed as villains in films like “The DaVinci Code”. Albino fish fare somewhat better in the aquarium world, where they are prized and several species are selectively bred to produce more albinistic individuals. I’ve seen albino trout in fish hatcheries. Most widely available are albino Corydoras catfish. In addition to the novelty factor, they are excellent scavengers – and happiest when kept in
schools of at least three. The China doll is a diminutive albino version of the black moor goldfish – “white black moor goldfish” sounds too awkward, I guess. Larger albino moors are also commercially available. Moors and other fancy goldfish are already “designer” fish – so artificially producing more albinos is another step along in
the process. Conversely, life in a sunless subterranean environment caused some Mexican tetras to evolve naturally into the eyeless, albino subspecies known as the blind cave fish. Tinfoil barbs can also come in a whiter shade of pale. While peaceful with fish of similar size, they can grow large quickly and are not suit-
ed for small to average sized tanks. Albino rainbow sharks still hold onto some reddish highlights on their fins. They should be kept with other semi-aggressive fish. Albino paradise fish retain vertical orange stripes but not the blue stripes of their normally pigmented relatives. They are antabids, members of a
family including gouramis and bettas; equipped with an organ that allows them to breathe air above the water surface when water oxygen is low. When aggravated, the stripe coloration becomes especially vivid. The paradise is also a semi-aggressive fish, so tank mates must be chosen with care. Killifish and African cichlids continue the theme of occasional albinism combined with a somewhat pugnacious attitude. They should only be kept with their own kind, or with fish of similar size and temperament as established by careful research. Similarly, pink-eyed albino Tiger Oscars are popular and selective breeding has produced this fish to include individuals with varying amounts of red markings. The Oscar is a large. aggressive fish not suitable for a community tank. Albino fish may behave like their “regular” kin but colorwise they are beyond the pale.
VCA South Shore (Weymouth) Animal Hospital Internal Medicine Michael Bernstein, DVM, DACVIM, Medical Director Angelyn Cornetta, DVM, DACVIM, Intern Director Alice Hadden, DVM, DACVIM Susan Morrison, DVM, DACVIM Jerry Perry, DVM Bruce Walker, DVM
595 Columbian Street South Weymouth, MA 02190
(781) 337-6622
Cardiology Susan Morrison, DVM, DACVIM Bradley L. Moses, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
• Full Service Veterinary Hospital
Neurology Stephanie Kube, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
• Appointments Available Seven Days a Week
Emergency/Critical Care Angelyn Cornetta, DVM, DACVIM Angela Diaz, DVM Alison R. Gaynor, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC Cindy Lopes, DVM Ophthalmology Bill Greentree, DVM, DACVO Surgery David Diamond, VMD, DACVS
• 24 Hour Emergency Service
Dedicated team of 28 doctors on staff – including Board Certified specialists in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Emergency/Critical Care, Radiology, Ophthalmology, and Avian Practice
Radiology/ Diagnostic Imaging Lori Hartzband, DVM, DACVR Diana Rosenstein, DVM, DACVR Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine Stephen Dyer, DVM, DABVP (Avian) Dentistry Michelle Michienzie, DVM Sheri Procious, DVM
September 2009
The Best of Quality Care for Every Stage of Your Pet’s Life!
Pet Gazette
9
Right
W
Back to School
and wrong ways to cope with canine misbehavior
By Becca Manning, Pet Gazette Staff
hether you have a new puppy, a three-year-old rescue or a dog that’s been part of the family for years, whether you’ve learned and forgotten the right way to do things or you never received a proper pet education — it’s never to late to go back to school. So get ready to take notes as local trainers outline some of the common problems people have with their pets and the frequent mistakes they make when trying to solve these issues. With a few handy tips (like using pepper to curb trash-picking), you and your pet just might rise to the top of the class.
Lesson 1: Jumping
The problem: You walk in the door after a long day at work and are instantly greeted by your pet, who insists on jumping up and getting right in your face as if to say “WELCOME HOME! REMEMBER ME?” Though it might feel nice to have such an enthusiastic greeting from your pal, this constant jumping is more often than not a nuisance — especially when it happens with visitors, small children, or in the presence of white pants. The mistake: Making eye contact, using your hands to push the dog down or away, shouting “Down!” or “Get off!” or saying anything at all. “For many people, it’s a normal reaction to go ‘Down!’ or ‘Get off!’ or push them off. But it actually encourages the dog because it gives them the attention they’re seeking,” says trainer Susan Wyzik, who runs Pawsitive Solutions Dog Training Services in Mashpee. “The best thing to do is to ignore the behavior altogether.” Jumping is a problem that often starts when the dog is a
puppy — when he is small, cute and less likely to cause serious injury or damage. But then is the time to start training. If the dog is older, perhaps a rescue whose habits are more firmly in place, curbing him of his tendency to jump may take more time and patience, Wyzik said. And remember: the behavior might get worse before it gets better. “This dog has been doing this for so long and everything that he’s done has gotten him his way, so when you stop or turn your back on him, he’ll go ‘It’s always worked before, how come it’s not working now?’ So he’ll start trying a little harder.” Giving up when behavior worsens is a crucial mistake, Wyzik said. “A lot of people will say ‘it’s not working’ and give up, but that’s the turning point,” she said. Stick with it, and the tide will turn, she promises. Trainer Stephanie Delaney, who runs the Kingston business The Everyday Dog, has similar advice for handling jumpers. “Lift your chin up so you’re not looking down at the dog, because your eyes will say ‘Yes, yes, yes!’ even
STOP the Overpopulation of Pets Mobile Veterinary Clinic provides low-cost neuter & vaccination services for cats
$80 for spay (females) $70 for neuter (males) FEE INCLUDES:
Physical Exam
Rabies Vaccination (with certificate)
Nail Trim
Surgery
Dr. Ann-Marie Roche Call today for an appointment: 617-571-7151 or for more information visit www.TheStopClinic.com 10
Jumping is a problem that often starts when the dog is a puppy — when he is small, cute and less likely to cause serious injury or damage. But then is the time to start training. If the dog is older, perhaps a rescue whose habits are more firmly in place, curbing him of his tendency to jump may take more time and patience, Wyzik said. And remember: the behavior might get worse before it gets better.
though your arms are saying ‘No, no, no!’ And the dog will be invited into your space, especially if you’re saying his name.” Put your hands in your pockets or fold your arms across your chest and, keeping the dog in your peripheral vision so you don’t accidentally step on him, “kind of shuffle forward” or “snow plow” your way gently through to clear a path, Delaney advises. “Become a boring space invader,” she says. Though sometimes turning your back does the trick, Delaney says it also can work against you — and be painful — if the dog just comes at you front behind and rakes his claws across your back. Delaney also does not advise kneeing a dog in the chest as it not only could injure the animal but also put your body off balance and endanger you. Be neither passive nor aggressive, she suggests. “If you stay in neutral, most dogs will stop within a few seconds,” she says. “That’s when the teaching begins.” When the dog’s four paws are flat on the floor, a friendly “Thank you” or “What a good dog!” is appropriate, keeping in mind the dog’s personality (an easily excitable pet could be set off again if your “thank you” is too enthusiastic). Rewarding a calm, seated greeting with a treat also helps to encourage your dog to say hello in a better way. If the dog is on a leash and is jumping on a guest or
Pet Gazette
passer-by, Delaney (who does not use choke chains or pinch collars) suggests dropping the leash on the floor and standing on it with two feet, preferably wearing sneakers. As the dog begins to jump, the collar will be pulled against the back of his neck and prevent him from going much further than a few inches. This is better than pulling the leash with your hands, which causes the collar to press against the dog’s throat
and could cause more stress in the animal because he feels like he is being choked. “That’s how they train dogs in the police academy to attack,” Delaney says. “They hold them back so the dog is lunging forward at the suspect. … The dog then sees that person as a target.” A quick drop, stomp and pull is a much better way to go, she says.
When the dog’s four paws are flat on the floor, a friendly “Thank you” or “What a good dog!” is appropriate, keeping in mind the dog’s personality (an easily excitable pet could be set off again if your “thank you” is too enthusiastic). Rewarding a calm, seated greeting with a treat also helps to encourage your dog to say hello in a better way.
September 2009
ent textures; some like plastic, some wood, some wicker baskets. If the dog likes fabric, pick up some cheap stuffed animals at a yard sale. If he’s going after the fringe on the carpet, find him cotton or robe toys. If he has a taste for the hardy, pick up a more durable toy — Delaney suggests the ultra-durable chicken-flavored Nylabone Souper (one of the most popular items at her former kennel). Once you’ve found the right toy, get it nice and stinky. Dogs like to chew things that smell like their humans. “That’s why the like the remote control. We pick up the remote control and play with it a lot. Our scent is on it, and our interest,” Delaney says. Take the dog toys out and start play-
The problem: You walk in the door after a long day at work and are instantly greeted by your pet, who insists on jumping up and getting right in your face as if to say “WELCOME HOME! REMEMBER ME?” Though it might feel nice to have such an enthusiastic greeting from your pal, this constant jumping is more often than not a nuisance — especially when it happens with visitors, small children, or in the presence of white pants.
Lesson 2: Barking
The problem: Some dogs are so quiet you can barely tell if they’re in the room. Then there are those other dogs, the barkers, the “yappy” ones, the animals that like to announce the arrival of a guest, the postal carrier, a passing car, a squirrel, or just to stand at the screen door and let you know she is not happy being inside when you are out. The mistake: Talking or yelling over the dog, shouting to “Stop barking!” or ignoring it completely. The first thing to do is to ascertain why the dog is barking at all. Is she barking for attention? “Look at me! Get off the phone! Give something to me! I want out of this crate! Pet me! Walk me! Play with me!” “That kind of barking, you walk away from. You just don’t even respond to that.” Delaney says. “That’s a poor relationship if that’s what your dog is doing to you and you’re responding. We teach people and our dogs how to treat us. If it’s working, the dog will do it.” If you’re at a loss as to how to correct that relationship, it might be time to schedule a visit with a trainer. For other types of barking, the solutions are pretty much common sense. “If she’s barking because she’s tied up in the back yard, untie her and bring her in,” Delaney says. “She’s scared to
September 2009
death out there.” If the dog is engaged in what Delaney calls “nuisance barking” — barking at something inside or outside that catches her attention, take her attention away from it. “What they don’t see, they don’t bark at,” says Delaney, who pulls her shades down when she’s not at home to make sure her dog’s not “acting like a fool.” When home, the best solution is to talk over to the dog and interrupt the barking. Get the dog to look at you instead of the object of her attention, move her away from the window or area and put your body between the object and the dog. “Again, be a space invader,” Delaney says. Oftentimes, the solution is to teach an alternate behavior: Replace this for that. Delaney’s dog used to chase the cat whenever she walked through a room, so Delaney taught the dog to come to her owner and lay down whenever the cat passed through. A quick treat further cemented this behavior exchange. “It created a wonderful relationship with the cat, because every time the cat was in the room, [the dog] would get rewarded instead of punished,” Delaney said.
Lesson 3: Chewing
The problem: Canine teeth are shredding everything
in your house, from shoes to belts to table legs. The mistake: Yelling or punishing the dog for chewing your stuff without offering healthy, safe alternatives. Also, giving the dog special toys that neither smell like you nor hold your interest — if you don’t want it, why should he? “Dogs have to chew,” Delaney says. “It’s what they do to relax. It’s what they do for entertainment. It’s what they do to clean their teeth. So you have to give them appropriate items to chew. We mistakenly go, ‘This is my stuff, this is your stuff,’ when it’s all our stuff. It all belongs to us, the humans. [What we need to be saying is] this is allowable and this isn’t. They’re going to chew so give them what they like.” Different dogs like differ-
ing with them. Leave them in the clothes hamper overnight. Throw them at the foot of the bed. “Make them desirable,” Delaney suggests. Also, avoid games of tugo-war. The average pet owner doesn’t have enough control over their dog to manage the kind of behavior that comes with tug-o-war: grabbing, ripping, tearing and shaking. “You’re building aggression in your dog,” Delaney warns. “Do not play tug-o-war with your dog unless you want them to rip, tear and pull.” A better idea is to make a trade. If a dog won’t give up an item, drop your end and become interested in another toy. He will likely shift his attention onto that item instead.
Advertising in the pet gazette delivers! • The Pet Gazette is a monthly newspaper directed at pet lovers. Our Our features and columns include interviews with local veterinarians, the latest in product and book reviews, local adoption pages and much more. • The Pet Gazette has a readership of more than 50,000 and growing! Our readers take an active interest in the well being of their pets and advertising in the Pet Gazette promotes customer interest in local pet businesses. • Whether you provide a pet-related service or sell a petrelated product, the Pet Gazette can help you reach potential customers throughout Southeastern Mass. and all of Cape Cod. Reach your specific target market! Every person that picks up a Pet Gazette either owns pets or enjoys pets. You just can’t target your audience any better than that!
ADVERTISING QUESTIONS?
Contact Robin Nudd
[email protected] • 781-934-2811 ext. 23 A full-service hospital caring for the needs of your four-legged family members.
WELLNESS FOR ALL AGES
MARSHFIELD ANIMAL HOSPITAL
(781) 837-5005 Pet Gazette
• Internal Medicine • Dental Services Jeffrey M. Barrow, D.V.M. Randolph M. Adams, D.V.M.
• General Surgery • Oncology Services Jennifer A. Johnson, D.V.M. Sarah E. Lafaver, D.V.M.
www.marshfieldvet.com 490 PLAIN STREET, ROUTE 139 (NEAR HIGH SCHOOL), MARSHFIELD, MA 02050 11
Pleasant Mountain Pet Cemetery & Cremation Services On Rt 3 76 Liberty St Plymouth, MA 02360
Where Heartfelt Responsibility is Practiced. Visit our website at www.petrestofplymouth.com
s 0RIVATE CREMATIONS VERY REASONABLY PRICED 5RN INCLUDED s 3AME OR NEXT DAY PICK UP AT YOUR HOME OR VET s #ERTIFIED CREMAINS RETURNED IN FOUR DAYS s 6IEW CREMATIONS OPEN DOOR POLICY ON OUR FACILITIES EXCLUSIVE WITH US s 0RIVATE BURIALS ON BEAUTIFULLY KEPT GROUNDS s 2EASONABLY PRICED AND NO YEARLY MAINTENANCE FEES s 9OU MAY INSIST ON WHERE YOUR PETS AFTER CARE IS PERFORMED s /VER YEARS OF COMPASSION DIGNITY AND SERVICE
Call for info 1-800-852-0014 or 508-746-5550
WE ARE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US! Veterinarians and technicians on site 24 hours a day. Locally owned and operated since 1975.
IN AN EMERGENCY
508-580-2515
24 hour care for sick or injured pets. Chief of Staff Board Certified in Emergency and Critical Care.
WHEN YOU NEED A SPECIALIST
508-587-2700
Board certified veterinarians in internal medicine, surgery, and cardiology.
YOUR FAMILY VETERINARIAN
508-584-1600
Full service veterinary practice including vaccinations, dentistry, surgery and preventative medicine.
New England Animal Medical Center 595 W. Center St., W. Bridgewater Routes 106 and 24 (Exit 16B from 24) www.neamc.com
Lesson 4: Digging
The problem: Holes. Everywhere. In your garden, in your yard, under the fence, even a few attempts inside on carpet. It’s as if your dog is trying to make it to China. The mistake: Assuming you can keep a dog from digging, particularly if it’s part of her breed, like with a terrier. If you have a dog that’s a digger, you have basically two choices, Delaney says. Either take away all opportunities to dig or create a space for them to dig in. For owners with small dogs, Delaney suggests getting a small sandbox with a cover (to keep out neighborhood cats and prevent them from leaving “buried treasure” for your dog to dig up). Encourage your pet to use the box by burying real treasure — dog treats — for her to find. Oftentimes, digging is a sign of another problem, Delaney says. If the dog is digging for a cool spot, give her a cool spot — get a cooling pad or a kiddie pool full of water to splash about in or bring her in out of the heat. If the dog is digging out boredom, then give her something to do. “If a dog is bored, that’s a human problem, not a dog problem,” Delaney says. Many owners mistakenly assume a dog is happy just being outside, which is not usually the case, she says. If a dog must be outside, Delaney suggests building a kennel with the following specifications: lots of space to move around in, a chain link bottom covered in a cool base to prevent digging out, and chain link sides and a top to prevent good jumpers, like Jack Russells, from getting out or predators, like coyotes, from getting in.
Lesson 5: Getting into trash
! (EALTH &OOD