Pet Gazette Sept 2008

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Published by Clipper Press

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september 2008

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. –– Martin Buber

Volume 11 No. 9

Summer's over...

take your pet back to school! Tips for teaching your old dog new tricks!

For the birds

What’s Your Pack Leadership Style?

tale of The cockatoo cage klepto caper

Tough love, timid or tender?

Who is America's top dog? Find out on Page 11

Cover

Top Cat of the Month “Rastus”

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ur cover illustration is from a collection of artwork created for the Pet Gazette by students at  Bostons' Mass College of Art. Ryan Dougherty is the artist of this month's colorful cover illustration. For more information on Ryan Dougherty's art work contact ryan. [email protected].

The Pet Gazette The Pet Gazette is published by Clipper Press, a family-owned company based on the South Shore since 1950.

astus is a three year old Maine Coon Cat. When we first got Rastus the vet said it would be a very big cat because they could see that the size of his paws were large. They were right! Rastus currently weighs 25 lbs and is difficult to carry. He has received the nickname the East Street Lion because of his size. Rastus always likes to sleep in our grandmother's chair and we have to find new ways to keep him off like putting pillows on the chairs. Rastus gets along pretty well with older sister Stella, our nine year old Golden Retriver but sometimes Rastus gets mesmerized by Stella's tail and viciously attacks! But Stella always defends herself! We think our cat should be the top cat of the month because Rastus is the king of our house. He is basically our little brother as we think he wants to be human instead of a cat. He is a local attraction here in Hanover because of his size! He is a great cat and a cuddly companion! Sam and Jack Gardner Hanover, MA

Pet Gazette Staff Production: Lindsey Gardner Layout: Sandra Guidetti Advertising: Robin Nudd Publisher: Josh Cutler Contributors: Becca Manning, Justin Graeber, George Sommers, Nicole Birkholzer, Kristin Kames. DELIVERY ADDRESS 11 So. Station Street, Duxbury MAILING ADDRESS Pet Gazette, PO Box 1656, Duxbury, MA 02331

Pet Friendly Accommodations

Contact US Phone: 781-934-2811, ext. 23 Fax: 781-934-5917

Advertising A rare and delightful passage through time Wingscorton Farm Inn, a working New England farm, is an historical landmark situated on the North Side of Cape Cod. Whether your plans call for a weekend, week or no plans at all, Wingscorton Farm Inn graciously welcomes you and your pet to Cape Cod for a visit!

~Pet Friendly~ Reach more than 50,000 pet lovers across Southeastern Mass. in the Pet Gazette. For ad rates or more details please call Robin (or Snoopy) at 781-934-2811 2

Antique Farm • Private Beach • Full Farm Breakfast

Wingscorton Farm Inn 508-888-0534

11 Wing Boulevard (Off Route 6A), East Sandwich, Massachusetts 02537

Pet Gazette

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Hours by appointment: Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat

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

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September 2008

Loving, expert care. Full Surgical & Diagnostic Services, Including Ultrasound & Specialty Services by our Board Certified Cardiologist & Internist Our Medical Director Team Mary Reynolds-Callahan, DVM Charlie Patterson, DVM

Special Offer

OFF Dental Procedures

Brad Moses DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology) Laurie Pearlstein, DVM Pamela Martin, DVM Laura Fong, DVM Joseph Martinez, DVM Alice Hadden, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine) Megan Hwang, DVM Amina Johnson, DVM Join us in congratulating Alice Hadden DVM, DACVIM, who is now board certified in Internal Medicine. Please welcome our new doctors Klaus Earl Loft, DVM -

Residency trained in Dermatology - Accepting dermatology referrals

Geri Lake-Bakaar, DVM Mary Clark, VMD

Pre-surgical exam and bloodwork must be completed prior to the procedure. Discount increases to $125 off for geriatric pets that take advantage of our geriatric wellness screening in place of the regular preop bloodwork. Offer expires 10-31-08.

Month of October

Appointments Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 8:30 pm Saturdays: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Sunday : 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Urgent & Emergency Care Mon - Sun : 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

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VCA Roberts Animal Hospital

516 Washington St. • Hanover, MA 02339

781-826-2306 We are located 2.5 miles south of the Hanover Mall on Route 53. September 2008

PET GAZETTE

VCARoberts.com 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.

Whole-pet health Web site launched A new Web site is the pet version of Web MD, where pet owners can go online to get answers to their questions about animal health. The site, webvet.com, was founded by two passionate pet owners, Hope Schultz and Bill Zaccheo, who identified and met this growing need for a “whole-pet” online health and wellness resource. The two have previously worked for big-name companies like MSNBC, HBO, E! Entertainment Television, ESPN, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts. The site has sections for owners of cats, dogs, birds and small animals. Health topics range from allergies to zoonoses. There are articles keeping pet lovers up-to-date on the latest recalls, how to find pet-

friendly hotels, and a “vet finder” service. Visitors to the site can also sign up for an e-newsletter. All content on WebVet is reviewed annually by vets to guarantee its timeliness and accuracy.

Food diva dishes doggie treats Daytime host, author and pet lover Rachael Ray launches a new line of premium dog food and treats called Rachael Ray Nutrish. Ray’s proceeds from each sale will be donated to support Rachael’s Rescue (rachaelsrescue.org), which is dedicated to helping at-risk animals through adoption, medical care and educational programs, along with training and outreach initiatives. Rachael Ray Nutrish includes two varieties of all natural dog food featuring real

meat as the first ingredient – Real Chicken and Veggies and Real Beef and Brown Rice. There are no by-products, fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives. “I love my dog Isaboo and as a member of my family I need to make sure that she eats as well as the rest of us,” says Ray. “With the launch of Nutrish, I now have the opportunity to share with other pet lovers some of her favorite meals, flavors and special treats.” Rachael Ray Nutrish is available almost everywhere you shop for pet food. The Nutrish dog food line retails anywhere from $8.99 $16.99, depending on the package size. Isaboo dog treats retail for $3.99. Visit nutrishforpets. com.

A new solution for pet nail clipping A new tool will allow pet owners to trim their pets' nails without the pain and difficulty associated with traditional nail clippers. The PediPaws trims nails by filing them down with a high-speed rotating wheel that gently strips away layers of nail. The unique cap allows only the perfect amount of nail to be

removed and contains all the filings. The trimmer costs $19.99 and takes two C batteries. Using the PediPaws will keep your furniture and floors free from scratches. For more information or to order the PediPaws visit pedipaws.com.

A full service hospital caring for the needs of your four-legged family members.

WELLNESS FOR ALL AGES

MARSHFIELD ANIMAL

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• 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.

HOSPITAL

www.marshfieldvet.com

(781) 837-5005

490 PLAIN STREET, ROUTE 139 (NEAR HIGH SCHOOL), MARSHFIELD, MA 02050

Pet Gazette

September 2008

New chew toys for your chihuahua These unique tightly-woven, crochet fetch toys are great chew toys for your dog and can be used indoors or out. The internal “Sqweek” device keeps dogs entertained and curious and the crochet mesh helps to clean teeth and strengthen gums. The toys come in ball or bone shapes. $29.99 gets you five balls or four bones as well as a mesh storage bag. Visit petzenproducts.com.

Sequel to Dog Whisperer hits DVD DVD volumes of instructional lessons, including “People Training for Dogs,” “Becoming a Pack Leader” and “Your New Dog: First Day and Beyond.” The set will be available Oct. 7 for $49.99. Cesar Millan: Mastering Leadership is not only an important educational tool for dog owners, it is an entertaining journey to understanding canine and human behavior. According to Millan, it’s all about creating a “calm and assertive” demeanor, which can be effective in human-to-human relationships too.

The creator of the Animal Planet show “Dog Whisperer” has just released a threeDVD set called “Cesar Millan: Mastering Leadership.” The DVDs are a video guide that extends the lessons and methods introduced in the “Dog Whisperer” episodes and best-selling books Cesar’s Way and Be the Pack Leader. With humor, compassion and an uncanny grasp on the roots of canine behavior, Millan educates dog owners on how to develop a happy, healthy relationship with their dogs.  Cesar Millan: Mastering Leadership is comprised of three

Pets plight in Katrina revealed Lost in the human tragedy of Hurricane Katrina is the toll the storm had on the animals of New Orleans. Nearly three years after Katrina, a new book is documenting what was one of the largest animal rescue efforts in history. Veteran journalist Cathy Scott, who has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, George Magazine and other publications, traveled to New Orleans post-Katrina at the request of the Best Friends Animal Society to document the plight of pets displaced by the flooding. Eventually, Scott put aside her journalistic detachment and became a rescuer as well as a reporter. The book covers rescues, heartwarming reunions, and the stories of the efforts of strangers who spent their time and risked their own safety to save these animals. The book also contains 50 color photos, as well as blackand-white photos throughout the book. Pawprints of Katrina is published by Howell Book House, retails for $19.99 hardcover. For more information visit wiley.com.

September 2008

Lloyd’s Animal Medical Center of Stoughton is proud to announce the opening of their state-of-the-art animal rehabilitation facility

’Animotion.’

This brand new facility is located at Lloyd’s Animal Medical Center, 1995 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072.

• Underwater Treadmill • Spa Pool • Home Treatment Plans • Therapeutic Ultrasound • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Why rehab in animals? • • • • • • •

For post-op of any orthopedior neurologic surgery Reduction of pain and swelling Improve function Strength building and endurance Accelerate and maximize recovery Help prevent further injury Obesity and deconditioning

Open Hou Coming S se oon !

Animotion, 1995 Washington St., Stoughton, MA 02072 For more information contact 781-344-1701

Pet Gazette

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Rover’s Recipe Corner

Arts for Animals Reception

Cosmo & Gypsies Favorite Cat Soup Also Enjoyed By Husbands

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By Lisa Alvanas

hen making Cat Soup our recipe always changes. All amounts are approximate, ingredients are organic. 1lb cooked chicken or turkey, skinless and boneless. 1/2-1/4 C. each: Carrot, Sweet Potato, Celery, Zucchini, Corn, Peas, Grain - brown rice, barley, Legume - Lentils, 2 Cloves crushed garlic For flavor add 2 tablespoons Braggs Amino Acids or Seaweed. 6 Cups water - filtered or spring Dice all ingredients into cat bite sized pieces. Cook chicken or turkey and set aside. In a large pot cook raw veggies in water until tender. Add chicken, any frozen veggies, flavorings and cooked grains and legumes. Freeze soup in small batches, bring to room tem-

perature to serve. We feed our cats the soup along with a high quality dry can cat food to ensure they get adequate nutrition. Detailed information on homemade cat food can be obtained from these books: "All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets‚" by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford & Gregory L. Tilford, "Dr. Pitcairn‚" Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" by Richard H. Pitcairn D.V.M and Susan Hubble Pitcairn, "The Natural Cat‚" by Anitra Frazier.

Two Malteses, Lulu and Lolly, launched their first music video on YouTube, called “Rescue Dog Rock!” The song is a collaboration of professionals who were all impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The dogs’ cross-country adventures are also chronicled in “Lulu & Lolly’s Road Trip” – a creative calendar, web site and series of products at luluandlolly.com.

Wine Tasting

The first annual New England Arts For Animals Invitational fund raising Arts Exhibition will run through October 4. An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday September 6 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the South Shore Natural Science Center, Vine Gallery at 48 Jacobs Lane in Norwell. There will be a silent auction, with refreshments and music. Proceeds for will go to programs/individuals that support therapy and companion animals, both domestic and wild.

Friday, September 26 6-9 p.m. at the Masonic Temple at 1170 Hancock Street in Quincy. The Quincy Animal Shelter is holding its 3rd annual Fall Wine Tasting fundraiser. Sample wonderful wines, mingle with friends, enjoy the refreshments provided by local restaurants, and help Quincy's homeless dogs and cats. Take chances on valuable raffle prizes. All proceeds will benefit the animals. Monies will be used for direct care and adoption of the Shelter cats and dogs. Examples include purchase of food, medical examinations and medication, and training. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door. Sponsors: Atlas Liquors, National Wine & Liquors, Presidential Liquors, Inc. and Shop-N-Save Liquors. For more information contact the Shelter at 617-376-1349.

Pet Supplies & Food K-9 Nutritional Specialist

1975 Washington St Rte. 138 Stoughton, MA 02072

• • • • •

Canidae, Innova, Evo Wholesale/Retail Guaranteed Lowest Prices All Natural/Holistic Foods Flea and Tick Products

(781) 344-2581 www.greatscottkennels.com

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Pet Gazette

September 2008

Big doings at Blue Dog T

he Brockton Blue Dog Shelter was founded in late 2000 thru our parent facility J.M K-9 Training at 760 West Chestnut St. in Brockton when a dog named “Blue” needed a second chance at a forever home, and some costly orthopedic surgery. Since its inception the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter has placed over 1500 dogs into loving homes. Most of the dogs that we place are local dogs that have either been relinquished to the shelter, or have been found as strays in the Easton or West Bridgewater areas. We also work in close partnership with a humane society in Tennessee to help rescue many of their puppies, who would otherwise be euthanized for lack of space and funds. Every dog that is available for adoption through the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter gets a physical exam, age appropriate vaccines and tests, is spayed or neutered, is microchipped and comes with a free month of pet insurance. The Blue Dog Shelter is not just an adoption facility, as it truly prides itself on placing dogs into their final home. They provide follow up care and advice regarding health care, training and nutrition for the life of the dog. If you can’t make it in person, please consider making a tax deductible donation the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter. Every single dollar helps, and all donations go to the care of the dogs, including medical needs, food, training and upkeep of the shelter. Sept. 8: GOLF “FORE” BLUE DOG. Join us at the Easton Country Club to make a day of golf count for the dogs. $125 per golfer (includes golf cart, dinner and a goodie bag) There is still room for more players, and sponsors are needed as well. Sept. 13: Annual Bluefest & Blue Dog Walk. Join us at J.M K-9 Training at 760 West Chestnut St. for our annual walk which starts at 10am, then stay and enjoy our Bluefest activities as we celebrate all things DOGS! The walk registration is $10 and all Bluefest events are free. The walk is even better this year because all dog participants get free bandanas and there are different distances for different level walkers if they choose to get a ride back half way. Of course we will have water stations and prizes galore! We would love for you to get your sponsors for your walk. You can get your walk forms online at bluedogshelter.com Other events that day

September 2008

include Police K9 Demos, hamburgers and hotdogs, face painting, low cost microchipping, doggie DNA testing and much more! SEPT. 14: Annual Motorcycle Ride.

led by the Brockton Blue Knights and offers police escorts. Registration is $25 and includes a t shirt (while supplies last) and a cookout and music following the ride. SEPT. 13 & 14: YARD

Join us for our 3rd annual Ride for Blue Motorcycle Ride. The ride starts and ends at the shelter located in Brockton, and last about an hour long. Registration is from 10-11am, and the ride starts promptly at 11am. This ride has been designed and is

SALE. 9am-3pm at the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter. Donations of “gently used” items can be dropped off at the shelter both mornings between 8am-9am. Due to space constraints we can ONLY accept yard sale donations at these times.

Pet Gazette

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Vet of the Month:

Dr. Sarah Lafaver

By Kristen Kames Pet Gazette Columnist

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The most experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate rehabilitation team has a new state-of-the-art Physical Therapy Center

Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England 1008 East Street,Walpole, MA 02081 508.668.7946 (SWIM) • fax 508.668.7973 Marjorie C. McMillan, DVM, DACVR, CCRP Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP

Physical therapy treatments available

Spa pool – Range of motion exercises – Massage – Joint mobilization Therapeutic ultrasound – Neuromuscular electrical stimulation Underwater treadmill – Land exercises – Home therapy plans – Custom orthotics

For treatment of…

Osteoarthritis – Hip dysplasia – Discs (pre and post-op) Tendon and ligament injuries Fracture repair (post-op) – Total hip replacement (pre and post-op) Cruciate surgery (post-op) Neurological injuries (degenerative myelopathy, tick paralysis, etc.) Arthritis – Cruciates – back surgery – Neurological deficits Weight management

What we do…

Pre-op conditioning – Post-op rehabilitation – Orthotics – Therapy groups Cancer rehabilitation – Cardiac rehabilitation – Conditioning

hy did you decide to become a veterinarian? As a kid, I was always interested in science, even in grade school. In college, I studied science but I didn't want to become a doctor for people. In my junior year, my father suggested that veterinary medicine might be something I'd be interested in and he was RIGHT! What do you love about being a veterinarian? I love that I am able to help clients with all of their pets' life stages. It is rewarding to know a pet and its owner from puppy/ kitten hood to adulthood and beyond. I enjoy developing a rapport with people and the day to day interaction with them. For those readers who are considering working in the veterinary field, what advice would you share with them? The veterinary profession is an emotional line of work. You need to be prepared not just academically, but also to be compassionate and patient with clients of all different levels of understanding. There are daily highs and lows and compassion fatigue is something that can affect veterinarians. What was the most unusual case you have ever been presented/treated? A client brought in a box turtle that had been caught in his own shell! Box turtles have a hinge on the bottom of their shell. Somehow this little guy's hinge got stuck and he was imprisoned with his own body! I used a lot of lubricant and a dental instrument to gently pry his shell back open without hurting him. He was perfectly fine and maybe even a little relieved to have come out of his shell! What is one of the funniest stories you can tell from your practice? I had been working with a lizard in the clinic only to have him bite the tip of my finger.

"I love working here at Marshfield Animal Hospital because we are committed to working with all our clients to make sure they have a positive experience. Our staff is knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. We are also in the process of expanding the physical layout of our practice so that we can provide even better (and more spacious!) service." Unfortunately, when he bit me, he wouldn't let go and I

Teacher’s Vet

Spotlight on Veterinarians

The Lafaver File VET. DEGREE: Tufts University YEARS IN FIELD: 4 PETS: A black Lab, Boomer and 2 cats, Juliette and Garland PRACTICE: Marshfield Animal Hospital, 490 Plain St. (Route 139), Marshfield PHONE: (781) 837-5005 WEB: marshfieldvet.com

had to walk around with a lizard attached to the end of my hand until another doctor got a tongue depressor to pry him off! I think I looked pretty silly with this little lizard attached to my hand! Out of all your experiences working with animals,

Attention Veterinarians & Animal Control Officers The Pet Gazette wants to highlight your service to our animal friends. Let us profile you in the Pet Gazette. There is no cost or obligation. Email us at [email protected] and let us know you are willing to be profiled. To our readers: If you have a favorite Vet or Animal Control Officer please tell them to drop us a line and you might see them profiled in a future issue.

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Pet Gazette

which was your favorite and why? When I was working in Connecticut, a client came in with a puppy who had an abnormal heart vessel and surgery was the only option to save him. The client had significant financial constraints and couldn't afford the surgery. As an intern, I offered to do the surgery in return for the puppy to teach me more about how to perform the necessary operation to help him. The puppy grew to be a healthy adult, the puppy's owner was so grateful and I learned so much...It was a win, win, win for everyone! It’s September. What advice do you give pet owners this month? Summer may be coming to an end, but it is essential to continue with heartworm and flea/tick preventative programs. What kind of food do you feed? Treats? I feed Purina One. For treats, I give my dog organic, whole grain cookies and carrots or beans. What is a book you could recommend for pet lovers? Since I have a Labrador, I really loved Marley and Me written by John Grogan. What is an important lesson an animal has taught you? There is nothing quite like the unconditional love you get from pets. At the end of the day there is no obligation: They ask for nothing in return except to be by your side. Kristen Kames is a high school teacher on the South Shore. She lives with her two “dogters” and has been a member of Dog Addict’s Anonymous for 15 years.

September 2008

The cockatoo cage klepto caper

By George Sommers, Pet Gazette Columnist

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lthough it’s September, we still may be able to squeeze out a few New England beach days. We applaud the comeback of piping plovers to even some of the more urban beaches. Pet birds, too, can enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and change of scenery. Goffin’s cockatoo Pippy joins me on many a beach excursion, which will doubtlessly continue into the fall. A scarlet macaw accompanied its human flock on a fall foliage tour of Mt. Pack Monadnock in New Hampshire one year when I happened by. First, a cautionary tale. Companion birds should have a portable travel cage for fun outdoor trips and vet visits, wing and claw trimming errands, etc. One day I left Pippy’s cage on a Wollaston Beach bench as I’ve done many times before, strolling with her on my shoulder much to the delight of children and pet lovers. (We recommend using a tether when bringing your bird loose outdoors.) Upon my return, the cage had vanished! Scoping out the immediate vicinity, I noticed the cage bedding had been dumped in a trashcan. I asked a couple in the area if they noticed anything and yes, they saw someone drive up in a van and help themselves to the cage. Okay, it was old with a busted door and a food cup that no longer fit in place but it still was an annoying inconvenience – and a couple of nice bird toys were absconded in the caper as well. I had to drive home with my cockatoo on my shoulder, hoping for no bird distraction generated major accidents. Minor consolation: the replacement cage

September 2008

from a chain pet store was on a special discount sale that night. In lieu of flying, wing clipped Pippy enjoys sitting on my shoulder for bike rides along the beach. She spreads her wings as the wind rushes by! While most onlookers make remarks to the effect of “Hey, that’s cool!” – I’ve also heard second hand from some of my neighbors that I look like “a nut”. Oh, well. Speaking of looking nutty, on outside bird walks nature does occasionally call, and the calling card leaves a mark on my shirt resulting in people behind my back laughing and making snide remarks. A good way to alleviate this is to have a special towel draped New travel cage replaces one stolen in cockatoo cage klepto caper. on the shoulders – not only

to catch droppings, but also to provide the bird with a better grip. Sometimes, Pippy stays in her travel cage at the beach as I read the newspaper and enjoy the bikinis, oops I mean sights. Inevitably, every year, one particular woman comes by and mutters under her breath how “sad it is to see a bird in a cage”. Ironically, in a perfect world, I’d probably agree. In the real world, it’s quite possible the Goffin’s cockatoo is extinct in the wild. All in all, I think Pippy would prefer being a pampered pet in a cage to extinction.parrot, could count from 0 to 6 and identify colors and shapes. Birds of a feather don’t necessarily all flock together!

Photo by George Sommers

Pet Gazette

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What’s Your Pack Leadership Style? Some dogs need more order. Some need more love, caring and guidance. Some need more exercise and stimulation. By Tana Watt Pet Gazette Contributor

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very mammal has a social structure— especially those who live in groups. Packs are the social structure that dogs understand, and every pack requires a leader who can accommodate the pack’s complex decision-making requirements, such as food, entertainment, shelter and how the pack spends time together. To best meet a dog’s needs, the dog should feel part of safe and fulfilling pack. Every dog requires order, consistency and a healthy social structure. The absence of structure creates stress in dogs. In fact, most of dogs’ problem behaviors can be traced to humans wanting the structure the pack to be different from the structure the dog wants. If the pack is not structured properly according to the dog, he will make changes to improve the situation. For instance, when a dog feels he must tell his owner when he needs to be fed, he asks for food and his owner feeds him. This can lead to begging and manipulating. The owner should instead

feed the dog at a standard time and ignore the dog when he begs—demonstrating that the owner is the decision maker when it comes to how food is managed. Unfortunately, there is no hard-and-fast rule about how to be an effective leader for your dog. You have to first understand who your dog is and what he

needs. Some dogs need more order. Some need more love, caring and guidance. Some need more exercise and stimulation. Perhaps your dog is a working breed. He is a tenacious, hard-working canine who requires stimulation

(entertainment) and a strong leader. Your dog’s brain moves fast, sorting out problems and creating solutions. If he doesn’t feel your leadership is adequate, he w i l l

resolve issues for himself. If yours is a timid dog, he needs to understand that you are not a threat—that it is safe for him to trust and bond with you. Tough love is not part of this equation with this dog. This is why it is often the dog who determines which leadership style you should

have. A common mistake of owners is to pattern their leadership behavior after what worked with a previous dog. Each dog has different needs, requiring that you recalibrate your leadership style to each individual dog. Communication is another

issue. Your dog might know you are the leader, but he might not agree with the choices you make. He cannot explain the situation in words—instead, he shows you with behavioral patterns and body language. As a social animal, you have the skills to read body language and infer the feelings and motives behind it. Stop your brain. Just be quiet and look at your dog. He is telling you something. Don’t fixate on the details of the problem—that is, on what form the problem takes. Focus instead on the function of the problem. Dominance gestures— jumping up, biting and barking—are a good example. The dog is saying, “You’re

the supposed leader, yet I control you. I’ll make the decisions and you’ll have to respond to me.” As your dog’s leader, assess the payoff for your dog when a behavior pattern arises. Help him understand the situation better to make a choice that aligns more with what you want. If your dog is the

one who chooses, you don’t have a basis from which to fix problem behavior. All dogs need a balance of love, trust and respect. Different owners show these emotions in different ways, and different dogs need these emotions in different amounts. Solving that equation with your dog will lead to the most fulfilling relationship for both of you. Tana Watt is a dog behavioral therapist and trainer with Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Bark Busters trainers are authorities in correcting dog behavior with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. For more information, call 1-877500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com.

What do you say when you visit a Pet Gazette advertiser?

“I saw you in The Pet Gazette!” ARTFUL DOG STUDIO Fine animal portraiture in oils and inks "Turn your beautiful photo into an incredible artwork." West Boxford, MA 01885 • www.artfuldog.net • 978 376-1100

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Pet Gazette

September 2008

America's Number One Dog: The Lab

These lovable oafs are usually terrible bed hogs By Sirena Van Schaik, Pet Gazette Contributor

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suppose that I could start by listing off all the wonderful qualities of the Labrador Retriever; singing their praises. I am after all a happy owner of one and they are truly a wonderful breed. I am sure though that their praises have been overstressed. Many already know that they are an excellent working dog, intelligent enough to be used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, drug and explosive detection, guide and service dogs. They also excel as hunting companion and family pets. Everyone knows that they are active and happy, that they seem to love everyone and make an exceptional pet for families with or without children. Let’s face it, these are the reasons why the Labrador Retriever has been BY THE BREED

Breed: Labrador Retriever Color: Black, Yellow Chocolate Life Span: 14 or more years Size: 55 to 80 pounds, 21.5 to 24.5 inches Companionship: 33333 Suitable for Kids: 33333 Good with Strangers: 33333 Grooming Needs: 33333 Exercise Needs: 33333 Good in Apartments: 33333 Popularity: 33333 Shedding: 33333

America’s Number One dog for fifteen years running and it isn’t just about their obvious traits. Although the goofy nature of the Labrador Retriever is in high demand, this wasn’t always so. The breed was established in Newfoundland, Canada and was originally known as the St. John’s Dog, which was used as both a fishing dog and as family companions. Many English sportsmen saw merit in the breed and the first St. John’s Dog was imported to England in the early 19th century. From there it looked like the breed would gain significant popularity but unfortunately it didn’t. Instead, the Labrador Retriever came close to extinction many times and the founding breed, the St.. John’s Dog, became extinct in 1981. It wasn’t until the late 1920’s that the Labrador Retriever began to see a rise in its popu-

September 2008

Let’s face it, these are the reasons why the Labrador Retriever has been America’s Number One dog for fifteen years running and it isn’t just about their obvious traits. larity. Labrador Retriever look very similar to the St. John’s Dog but there are some differences do to selective breeding. Where the St. John’s Dog was primarily black with white on its muzzle and toes, the Labrador Retriever can be found in three different colors, yellow, black and chocolate. There is a lot of confusion about their colors but this mainly deals with variations in two of the color shades. A yellow coat can range from a very pale, almost white yellow to a deep red known as Fox Red while a chocolate coat can range from light milk chocolate to a dark chocolate that almost appears black. When these shade variations are registered, they are registered as either yellow or chocolate, not any other color; black is always black and there is no shade variations. In the last 50 years there has been a emergence of a new color known as silver but despite claims that silver is a natural color for the breed, the validity of those claims are under question and many Labrador Retriever breeders feel that the coat color comes from lines that have been BREED

mixed with Weimaraners. Labrador Retrievers are a large breed of dog that truly defines the term. They have a large size, large appetite, large heart and an extremely large tongue that can soak you within seconds. On average, the Labrador Retriever ranges in size from 21.5 to 23.5 inches and 55 to 70 pounds for a female and 22.5 to 24.5 inches and 65 to 80 pounds for a male. In recent years there has been a change in the overall size of the Labrador Retriever and puppy buyers now have the choice of either buying from show lines, which can be slightly heavier with some dogs weighing over a 100 pounds, or the smaller, sometimes more energetic, field lines. Although the Labrador Retriever is considered to be an average shedder, they really aren’t. On a regular basis they seem to deposit more hair on furniture,

RANK 2007

Lab. Retrievers Yorkshire Terriers German Shepherd Dogs Golden Retrievers Beagles Boxers Dachshunds Poodles ShihTzu Bulldogs Miniature Schnauzers Chihuahuas Pomeranians Pugs Rottweilers

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

2006 2002

1997

1 2 3 4 5 7 6 8 9 12 10 11 14 13 17

1 9 3 4 6 13 7 5 11 26 14 12 10 19 2

1 6 3 2 4 7 5 8 10 18 11 9 12 14 13

SOURCE: AKC Dog Registration Statistics

Pet Gazette

floor and clothing than is seemingly possible. With daily brushing, however, the amount of hair can be kept to a minimum and Labrador Retrievers make up for all that hair by showering their owners with love. Labrador Retrievers can do well in apartments but exercise is the key no matter where you live. This is a working breed and they enjoy playing, retrieving and long walks. They can be couch potatoes but this is usually only after they have been exercised enough. Labrador Retrievers are a very mouthy breed and will chew hands and anything else if they are not trained properly. They will eat just about any-

thing and can create heart stopping trips to the vets where rings and other questionable material needs to be extracted. Labrador Retrievers can gain weight very quickly and need to be kept on a healthy diet with the proper proportions and exercise to keep them trim. Despite their idiosyncrasies, they are truly a wonderful breed that love to spend time with their family. They will be a constant companion whether at home or abroad. They will hike, swim, retrieve and are game for almost any type of sport. The only real problem to work out isn’t training or exercise but the fact that these lovable oafs are usually terrible bed hogs.

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11

Back to school Time!

Old Dog, New Tricks? With the right training, a mature dog can get a second chance

D

By Becca Manning, Pet Gazette Staff

awn Archibald-Corby was volunteering at the Scituate Animal Shelter when she fell in love with a one-year-old black Lab and German shepherd mix who had been brought in when her owners moved and left her behind. The dog, Maxine, was pregnant when she came to the shelter and eventually gave birth to nine puppies. ArchibaldCorby said she knew she wasn't ready for a puppy. "Puppies are like little kids; they’re just all over the place. You have to realize you’re taking on a baby,” she said. Instead, she adopted Maxine. “When I first got Maxine, she was dragging me down the street,” Archibald-Corby said. She enrolled in a group obedience class to learn how to get the dog to walk with her. “Maxine took to training like a fish takes to water,” she said, and Maxine’s owner, too, enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to become certified as a trainer. Since then, Archibald-Corby has been helping owners work with their pets for 13 years through her Halifax-based training business, Canine Etiquette. Through her experience with clients as well as with her own dogs, ArchibaldCorby has learned that while, yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks — and mature dogs

generally have a longer attention span than puppies — older dogs also come with their own baggage, and they can’t easily tell you what that baggage is. With Maxine, ArchibaldCorby said she could tell that the dog’s previous owners had clipped her nails too closely because, “When I tried to cut her nails she was like a bucking bronco.” But as ArchibaldCorby continued to slowly and carefully clip the dog’s nails without hurting her, Maxine grew accustomed to the activity, and grooming time became painless for all involved. The key, Archibald-Corby said, was time. The further a

dog gets from reacting in a negative way, the less likely it will be to turn to those bad behaviors. If, for example, after a certain number of brush strokes a dog starts to curl its lip, the owner should learn to cut that activity short. “Don’t let the dog get to that threshold,” Archibald-Corby said. Michelle Carlin of Wicked Good Dog in Quincy said training an older dog requires a little more perseverance. “The big difference between older dogs and puppies is that older dogs have had a long time to practice all the wrong things,” Carlin said. She finds that clicker training, which combines clear communication with positive reinforcement, works best with shelter dogs and helps owners bond with their pets. “Lots of times the dog is trying to figure out, ‘Is this just another foster family or is this my new pack?’” Carlin said. “An older dog that has been bounced around more has more need to really bond with its owner.” Jeni Mather, president

of J.M. K 9 Training in Brockton and founder of Brockton Blue Dog Shelter, said each dog that comes through her shelter starts out with “decompression time,” during which they are isolated from other dogs but

“It’s kind of like with children," says Jeni Mather of K-9 Training in Brockton. "If you put children in with a bunch of children that aren’t well behaved and who are not setting good examples, those are the examples they learn by.” When dogs see other dogs getting positive reinforcement, they want to get the same treatment.

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Pet Gazette

September 2008

receive lots of controlled walks and care. Once they have been fully vetted, the dogs receive socialization as a reward. The shelter uses the “leadership by pack” system, putting dogs with other wellbehaved dogs — supervised, of course — so they can learn the right behaviors. “It’s kind of like with children. If you put children in with a bunch of children that aren’t well behaved and who are not setting good examples, those are the examples they learn by,” Mather said. When dogs see other dogs getting positive reinforcement, they want to get the same treatment.

What's the problem?

Because older dogs come from a variety of backgrounds, owners should never make assumptions about how a dog might react to a certain command or activity. When she teaches obedience classes, Carlin said she typically starts from scratch, assuming the dog hasn’t been trained at all. “I’ve seen shelter dogs change behavior in a day because the problem was they had poor management or training by the previous owners and the second someone put effort into it, they changed,” she said. Carlin once tried to get a dog to sit and stay, “and every time I said ‘stay,’ he ran behind the couch.” But when she changed the word from "stay” to “wait,” Carlin said the dog obeyed almost immediately. “He had baggage with ‘stay,’” she said. Archibald-Corby recalled having some trouble with Gwen, a Lhas Apso she brought home from the shelter because she was afraid the dog would eventually bite someone. At home, she paid close attention to the dog, who “must have thought I had eyes in the back of my head, because every move she made, I was on her.” But though she was behaving most of the time, the dog still had issues that needed to be dealt with. Once, when ArchibaldCorby’s mother came up behind the dog while she was eating the cat’s food, Gwen bit her, hard. Obviously, she was protective of her food. “You shoot in the dark, and you don’t know until a situation presents itself, and then you have to deal with it,” Archibald-Corby said.

September 2008

Take Charge

To successfully train a dog, owners must have patience and maintain control. “You have to realize this dog for whatever reason was given up and just bounced around and the reason it reacts might

not be the root of the problem at all. That’s when you go out and find a good trainer and you work through it — especially if you’re dealing with aggression, because aggression will never go away on its own. You have to meet it head on,” Archibald-Corby said. A dog owner has to be a disciplinarian, she said. “You don’t do any dog any favors by being a marshmallow and just lavishing it with love.” A lot of dogs dropped off at shelters are entering adolescence and in some ways have the same “go ahead and make me” attitude as human teenagers, Archibald-Corby said. “This is why you have to become an assertive owner. You can’t be a doormat. You have to set the boundaries.” She has seen owners at both ends of the spectrum: some too harsh and others too easy. Often times, different family members will have conflicting training styles. “As a trainer, I’ve had to play referee,” ArchibaldCorby said. “I kind of like to be the bad guy, to tell them they’re not being assertive enough or they’re being too assertive.” Showing dominance is key, but “losing it” with a dog defeats the purpose, ArchibaldCorby said. “You’ll never get anywhere by losing control. That will show weakness to a dog,” she said. “You have to be a leader. Leaders are always under control no matter what the crisis is.” Mather suggests several simple steps owners can take to become the leader of their pack. First, owners should never let a dog sleep in their

beds. This tells the dog they are equal to their humans and undermines the owner’s authority, she said. Secondly, Mather said free feeding is a “no-no.” “If you put the dog’s food bowl down and leave it down, what you’re saying is that food bowl belongs to them and you are the servant that feeds them whenever they want,” she said. Instead, the owner should take charge of the food bowl, Mather said, putting the bowl away after the dog finishes eating and bringing it out again at a regular time — first telling the dog to sit, then making him wait briefly before putting the bowl down and filling it. This tactic helps with a finicky eater, too, who will become used to eating when the food is available, Mather said. Another way to assert leadership is make a dog follow its owner, Mather said. Owners should make a dog sit at the door, take one step outside and then release the dog and tell him its OK to go. “What you just told your dog is that you’re the leader, because the leaders of the pack always go first to check out new territories,” she said. One of the most important things an owner can teach a dog is the “automatic sit,” which is essentially “please” in dog language, Mather said. People instill manners in their

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DOES BREED MATTER?

T

hough certain dog breeds more often make the news with cases of aggressive behavior, trainers say an owner shouldn’t rely on breed alone to determine how a dog might behave, or how it might train. “A Bassett hound’s not going to train like a German shepherd. A shepherd has attention, drive and endurance” ArchibaldCorby said. Understanding the history of a breed can help an owner determine their dog’s motivations or the instincts they are following, but “typically, you still have to get to know the individual dog,” Carlin said. “You might have a Lab that thinks fetching has to be the biggest reward ever, but I’ve known Labs who hate to chase a ball and I’ve known pitbulls who have been joyously happy to run and collect a ball over and over again. Breeds come with their own quirks,” she said. “Even ‘bully’ breeds will really respond to clicker training

Pet Gazette

because you’re not fighting the dog — you’re building a cooperative relationship.” “Bully” breeds, such as rottweilers and pitbulls, might be more keen to fight other dogs, but if well trained, they won’t naturally fight a person, said Archibald-Corby, who has both a rottweiler and a pitbull mix at home along with two young children. She said she never worries about the dogs being around her kids and calls her rottweiler “docile” — “even to bark at you takes too much effort.” “A lot of people are ignorant. They would rather label than educate themselves,” she said. “[Rottweilers] are wonderful dogs as long as they’re in the right hands. … There are a lot of great dogs out there, and I hope people become far more educated than what they are.”

13

You can teach an old dog new tricks or another high-energy dog.” Training shouldn’t be as hard as a lot of people make it, she said. “The biggest thing is making the commitment.” Archibald-Corby said she is against sending a dog off to be trained by someone else, because a dog has to learn to behave from the person they will be living with. Owners also should pick a training style that works best for them, Carlin said. Know Thyself “You’re really matching Successful dog training what’s going to work with the isn't just the result of getting to person’s style as well. It’s know your pet well. It's also really a partnership. You have about knowing your limits. to find that key that’s going to No matter how old the dog is, training him is a commitment and “You can’t expect to take in help that person train and live takes patience and leadership, professionals say. a dog and all of a sudden with that dog. It’s a fine art,” you’re going to change who she said. “The person in the family that Common Sense you are,” Archibald-Corby Owners with more than one works with the dog — that’s Whatever the dog’s breed said. “You have to be honest person in the family should the one the dog’s going to or personality might be, trainwith yourself. If you are a keep in mind, too, that just respond to,” Archibald-Corby ing will go nowhere without couch potato, then go out and because a dog is trained that said. common sense. get a Bassett hound. If you’re doesn’t mean he or she will An owner should keep an an athlete, go get a Weimaraner react the same to everyone. eye on a dog while it is being trained, and should put it in its pen or cage when it's not being watched, Archibald-Corby said. Dog owners should think of their pet as they would a toddler. “You wouldn’t let a toddler just wander off. When you don’t hear anything, you go and check to see what’s We Train Any Issue, Any Breed going on,” she said. Also important is establishing clear communication. “Just say what you mean and mean what you say. Your dog doesn’t have a crystal ball,” she said. If an owner tells a dog to sit and it does and then it gets up and the owner gets frustrated, Archibald-Corby asks, “Well, did you tell him to stay?” “It’s not rocket science,” she said. Though in some ways you can compare an untrained dog to a toddler, it’s also important to understand pets are not “little people,” Carlin said. For one, they don’t generalize the way humans do. If you teach a dog to “sit” in the kitchen, he’s not necessarily going to know to sit when the word is said outside. A child will. Understanding these differences can reduce frustration. It’s also important to address an issue from the start — particularly if the problem is an aggressive dog, ArchibaldCorby said. “If you’re seeing it [aggression] out of a puppy, don’t wait until that dog is six years old to try to correct it,” she said. “You see that puppy lift its lip at you and you have to react to that. You can’t back away. It’s only going to get worse from there.” Archibald-Corby said many people have the misconception that if they shower a dog with love and affection it will react accordingly — “like Lassie.” children and should do the same with their pets. Instead of jumping on visitors or demanding attention, the dog will wait politely to be recognized. “When you use these demotions in leadership [for the dog], you put your entire family at a higher level in the leadership pack,” Mather said.

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Pet Gazette

“People have to remember: Lassie had a lot of training put into him,” she said.

MAKE IT COUNT

Training a dog is a commitment, whether owners hire a trainer or attempt to correct behavior on their own. Archibald-Corby expects her clients to work with their dogs between lessons and tells owners to practice with their dogs at least 10 minutes twice a day every single day while going through basic obedience training. “The more you train, the better off you are,” she said. “Practice makes perfect.” That kind of attention can be daunting in today's world, and as the mother of two young children, Archibald-Corby said she understands that even attentive dog owners can get overwhelmed. Owners should make up for missed opportunities when they can. “Life happens,” she said. “You do the best you can when you can, and you make those moments count.” It's also important to remember that every dog will have his bad day, too. “If your dog is having a bad day and you’re just not getting anywhere at all, you should end your training session on a good note and pick it up again later,” ArchibaldCorby said. “It doesn’t make sense to just keep hammering away.” The bottom line with positive training is to set it up so that all a dog’s good behaviors pay off, Carlin said. “We go to work because the boss pays us. If he stops paying us, we stop going to work. For some people, it might take them a little longer. They might stay through the week just to see what will happen, but eventually we all stop working. It’s the same thing with a dog,” she said.

SECOND CHANCES

Though shelter dogs sometimes come with baggage, Archibald-Corby recommends taking a chance. In Maxine, she found a sweet companion who brightened her life for more than 10 years. “A lot of people think shelter dogs have all these problems. Maxine’s only problem was that she had an irresponsible owner. It wasn't her fault her owner moved and left her behind,” she said. With any dog, an owner has to earn trust and respect, Archibald-Corby said. And with the right person —  and the right training — a dog can get a second chance. “When they’re in the right hands, they just blossom,” she said.

September 2008

14th Annual

FOLK & FUR FEST 2008

Standish Humane Society’s

Benefit Walk for Animals Sunday, September 28, 2008

Wompatuck State Park, Hingham, MA • Registration: 10am - 2pm (Rain or Shine) Why Should I Walk? Your participation is important whether you raise $10 or $300; any amount is appreciated. The success of this WALK depends upon a large turnout of people like you who care about animals. Your donation will be used to provide shelter to homeless animals and to support our reduced-cost sterilization program.

Standish Humane Society is... ...a non-profit, tax-exempt organization of volunteers dedicated to the care and placement of lost, stray and abandoned pets in southeastern Massachusetts. Founded in 1969, Standish Humane Society’s mission is to reduce the tragedy of pet overpopulation through active adoption and reduced-cost spay/neuter programs. Twenty-two area veterinarians participate in Standish’s reduced-cost spay/neuter program. In 2007, Standish subsidized $48,000 in sterilizing 808 needy animals.

“We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Walker’s Name __________________________ Address ________________________________ Town _____________________ Zip__________ Email Address ___________________________

v A three-mile walk. Paved route, handicapped accessible. Your walk begins as soon as you sign in. v Free T-shirt for every registration donation of $50 or more. Donations over $250 get a garment with the Standish Tall Tails logo. Collect donations from friends and neighbors as sponsors. Prizes awarded to the top three fund raisers on the day of the walk. v Bring a can of cat/dog food to donate to the local pounds. v Bring friends – human and canine (leashed and friendly)! Sorry, no cats or other animals allowed. v All dogs must be wearing a current rabies vaccination tag and have an up-to-date vaccination. v To make this event fun for everyone, use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet. Please don’t bring a dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others and keep females in heat at home! (We reserve the right to refuse entry to aggressive animals.) v Be a courteous and responsible owner by cleaning up after your dog. Plastic scooper bags will be available.

All contributions are tax deductible.

Standish is a non-profit organization; your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Before and after your walk, enjoy the exhibitors and vendors under the tents. v Dog Microchipping v Live Folk Performances v Massage – Canine & Human v Merchandise Mart v Rescue Groups v Refreshments

Dog Contests

Enter your dog in one or more of the following categories: v Largest Dog v Smallest Dog v Loudest Bark v Best Tail Wagger v Best Trick v Best Smoocher v Best Pound Dog v Best Costume v Best Owner-Dog Look Alike www.standishhumanesociety.com

Bring your donations with this form to the walk. To save the expense of follow-up, please collect all donations prior to the walk, and turn them in with this form. Collect $50 or more and receive a T-shirt, collect $250 or more and receive a unique garment with the Standish logo as our thanks on the day of the walk.

How did you hear about the walk? Q Mailing Q Marshfield Fair Q Radio QWeb Q Vet Office Q Poster Q Newspaper Sponsor Address City

(Xerox additional sheets if necessary) O Sorry, I am unable to join you, but I want to support Standish’s Walk. Enclosed is my contribution of $________

Features

Join The Fun!

Q Pet Gazette Q Groomer/Trainer State Zip

I, the participant, assume all liability for accidents, personal injuries (including injuries to my pet) and damages to property and I hold the Standish Humane Society, its sponsors, employees and volunteers harmless from any and all claims arising out of any connection with the above-described event. Signature _________________________ Date __________ (if under 18 years of age, must be signed by parent or legal guardian)

Phone

Donation

Total Donations Enclosed • Checks should be made out to: Standish Humane Society • All money is due on the day of the Walk • Money pledged, but not collected, will not be counted toward prizes

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Pet Gazette

15

When the test comes back positive Feline leukemia brings a range of emotions for this special litter

By Stephanie DeMello, Special to the Pet Gazette

I

t was a call like most every other call that comes through the lines at Habitat for Cats….A woman needed help with a cat colony in her yard that had become unmanageable. What made this call a little different was that the woman’s neighbor had begun trapping the cats and bringing them to the local Animal Control Office for euthanasia. On a quiet residential road in the North End of New Bedford, what started as a few cats that this woman was feeding, had grown to 30 adults and 20 kittens. Most of the cats were feral, or unsocialized, running and hiding behind trees and stonewalls. What could have been a picturesque scene of cats under sweet honeysuckYour help is needed

Habitat for Cats is an all volunteer cat rescue organization. If you aren’t able to adopt a cat or kitten, then consider a donation to help these homeless kitties. Send your check to Habitat for Cats, PO Box 79571, N Dartmouth, Mass. 02747. You can get more information about all our programs by visiting HabitatforCats.org

Regardless of the final diagnosis, these babies are looking for forever homes. They need a special person who is truly an angel, who is willing to open their heart and homes. They have been healthy and have not shown signs of the disease. If you are interested in adopting one of these kittens contact Stephanie DeMello at [email protected] or call Habitat for Cats at 508-961-CATS. les and sitting on fences, was marred by that fact that this was a serious situation, where cats were being put to sleep. When we began looking into the doghouses that the woman had placed for shelters, we found litter after litter of kittens. There were so many kittens and so many females that it was impossible to know what litter went with what mother cat. It took several days to trap the colony. The cats were brought back to Habitat for Cats for assessment and then brought to Animal Associates

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for spaying/neutering and vaccination. Many of the cats were relocated to the backyards of Habitat volunteers, some were returned to their quiet North end neighborhood, the kittens went into foster homes to await adoption and the colony caretaker had a 6 foot fence installed. She was also given instructions to have any cat that found her back yard refuge to be spayed or neutered promptly. All this effort and coordination satisfied the angry neighbor. As a volunteer for Habitat for Cats I took on a mixed litter of 5 kittens. They ranged in ages, sizes and personalities. They had eye infections and were underweight, but they were happy little fur balls and I was their foster mom. Eventually, their eyes cleared and they grew by leaps and bounds. They ran and played and behaved like kittens should. Then the day came for leukemia testing….it was positive. It’s one of the most devastating statements that an animal lover can hear. It was like getting the wind knocked out of

Pet Gazette

me. A million thoughts run through your head. Volunteering in the field of cat rescue, you know that the chance of finding homes for leukemia positive

kittens is very slim. Like most volunteers at HFC, I have a multi-cat household of 13 (all but one a rescue cat), including a hospice cat with cancer and an FIV positive male. Feline Leukemia is contagious to other cats and the kittens would have to stay separated. According to Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine, there are three outcomes for leukemia positive cats and kittens: The can fully recover and eventually test negative, the virus can go latent and hide in bone marrow, or the virus will multiply and the cat become symptomatic. Feline leukemia is a very complex disease, but simply put, it suppresses the cat’s immune system, making it difficult to fight of sickness. Two of the kittens have been adopted into a wonderful home. Their new family has stayed in touch and reports the kittens a vibrant and happy. Two other kittens remain at my home, Pork Chop and Tater Tot. The kittens will be retested for leukemia in a few months.

Signs of disease caused by FeLV? During the early stages of infection, it is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all. However, over time—weeks, months, or even years—the cat's health may progressively deteriorate or be characterized by recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health. Signs can include: • Loss of appetite & poor coat condition • Slow but progressive weight loss, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process • Enlarged lymph nodes & a variety of eye conditions • Persistent fever & diarrhea • Pale gums and other mucus membranes • Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis) • Infections of skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract • Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders • In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failure Source: Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine

September 2008

Caring for Laminitic mare By Nicole Brkholzer, Pet Gazette Columnist

I

t is time for an update on our laminitic mare Kaylaa. About two weeks ago Kaylaa watched me closely when I pulled up the trailer to take the geldings for a ride. Her head hung over the fence, her nose pointed at the trailer, clearly she wanted to come along. I acknowledged it by telling her if she was ready to head out as well I would take her the next day to a local arena where she could move around in the soft footing. The next morning, right after I placed the breakfast buckets in the stalls, I opened the side gate that leads into her paddock to remove the overnight manure. Before I could get the wheelbarrow through the gate into her paddock Kaylaa had whipped around in her stall and exited halfway through the gate to come out of the paddock. Whoa, she was ready to go indeed. I backed the trailer up to the barn and led her toward the back. I figured the step up into the trailer could cause a problem…but, Kaylaa took one deep breath and placed her first foot on the rubber mat and quickly pulled up the rest of her body. Those front feet were working again. To keep Kaylaa company we took the filly along for the ride.

When we got to the arena my husband and I led both mares into the arena and tentatively removed the halters. Kaylaa had not been off the property for eight months, we

clear that the actual presence of pituitary tumor in horses is so remote that it is a “freak” occurrence in nature if it does occur. This notion in horses came about when the veterinary world started labeling horses with ”long, thick, curly coats that did not shed out in the usual time” as h a v i n g Cushing’s syndrome; which is a disease in humans that does actually involve pituitary tumors most times. “ According to Kaylaa’s extensive blood work, her white blood cells were too low to effectively ward off infections, while a form of anemia affects her peripheral blood circulation. Since she has diabetes this will be an increased risk for future laminitic episodes. Therefore she continues on the Herb program until we take another blood sample after 6 months. While I don’t know if barefoot trims and Chinese Herbs will work forever, I do know that it worked this time.

Mindful Connection hoped that she would take care of her body and not explode in sheer delight over the new found freedom. After a good roll both girls trotted off around the perimeter, only to follow it up with a 20 meter circle at a nice canter. We could not believe what we saw. Ten weeks prior we were wondering if Kaylaa would survive this round of acute founder, and here I was taking pictures and videos of a very happy mare cantering in circles. As difficult as it has been over the last months, the learning has been incredible. Since I wrote the initial column a few months back I have become aware that according to Dr. Thomas (the founder of “For the Love of the Hose”, Chinese Herbs) “The pituitary adenoma (tumor) model is extremely outdated and completely invalid. The research is very

Nicole Birkholzer, Founder of Birchwood Farm Equine Inspired Coaching. Nicole and her horses facilitate Life Changing Horse Experiences, while coaching clients to find their path and believe in themselves.birchwoodfarm.us ~ 508.846.5001

YOUR AD HERE!

Kaylaa and Shana trotting along

Join our Horse Farm Directory! Call Robin 781-934-2811 [email protected]

September 2008

Pet Gazette

Specializing in Morgan Horses • Boarding • Training • Lessons-Adult & Children • Leases- Show or Pleasure • Breeding • Sales

2008 Riding Camp Dates • Aug 4-8 • Aug 18-22 25 Center St. Rte 14. Pembroke, Ma. 781-294-7448

www.Azeedad.com

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Boarding

Writers Wanted The Pet Gazette is looking for freelance contributors. In particular we are seeking pet fans who can offer some expertise in a particular aspect of the pet industry. Examples might include an attorney knowledgeable about pet-related legal matters, a doctor or veterinarian who can inform our readers about pet health or a wildlife expert who can write about non-traditional pets and animals. We cannot offer compensation, but we do offer recognition and advertising for your business or organization. If interested please email Josh Cutler at josh@ clipperpress.com with writing samples, column ideas and or background materials.

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Pet Gazette

September 2008

WonderDogs & Friends

~where training is a positive experience!~

Agility • Rally • Obedience • Puppy • Behavior Modification •

• Certified Pet Dog Trainer • Group, Private and In-Home Lessons on Cape Cod & the South Shore

508-542-1512

www.wonderdogs-and-friends.com

September 2008

Pet Gazette

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PET SITTING

ADD A BITE TO YOUR BUSINESS! ADVERTISE WITH US!

[email protected] Ocean Bluff Pet Services Serving Marshfield

Daily Dog Walks In Your Home Pet Sitting Pet Taxi & Puppy Pit Stops Insured with Pet Sitters Associates, LLC Certified by National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Carol Spooner, Sole Proprietor 781-254-7521 [email protected]

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PET GAZETTE

September 2008

VCA Roberts Animal Hospital

516 Washington St., Hanover, MA Open 7 Days a Week

“A Lifetime of Veterinary Care” 781-826-2306 • www.VCARoberts.com

Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England 1008 East Street,Walpole, MA 02081 508.668.7946 (SWIM) • fax 508.668.7973 Marjorie C. McMillan, DVM, DACVR, CCRP Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP

What we do…

Pre-op conditioning – Post-op rehabilitation – Orthotics – Therapy groups Weight Management – Conditioning

ADD A BITE TO YOUR BUSINESS! ADVERTISE WITH US!

[email protected]

RESCUE GROUPS

German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue New England, Inc. www.gsprescuene.org 888-450-2519

September 2008

PET GAZETTE

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The Transformation of Miss Jackie

JACKIE entered the Taunton Shelter in the summer of 2007. She was a sweet loveable senior female Beagle about 8 years old, and although Beagles are a popular breed of dog and often adopted very quickly - Jackie was passed over time and time again because she was extremely over-weight. She was so overweight that she even had trouble walking across the street when she first came into the shelter. Believe it or not, Our "Miss Jackie" weighed 72 pounds! After some time at the shelter, and being walked by volunteers on a daily basis, Jackie was able to walk farther and to come up the couple of small stairs in front of the shelter. Unfortunately, she was still quite obese and was still being passed by by potential adopters. Sadly, some people even chuckled and made jokes about her. :( Jackie had sores on her legs from laying down so much and mostly on the same side. One day, one of our long-time volunteers, Cheryl, who has fostered dogs for us before and has adopted several dogs from the Taunton Shelter, came to meet Miss Jackie. It did not take more than a minute for Cheryl to fall in love with "Miss Jackie" and to want to try to help her get to a healthy weight and, therefore, more apt to be adopted. JoAnn Laughlin, from Silver City Canine Training, recommended that Cheryl put Jackie on a "Green Bean Diet" - which consists of a measured amount of dry dog food with green beans (YES! The kind you buy in a can or frozen at the super market). With Cheryl's consistent routine of daily walks, the Green Bean Diet, and lots of love and TLC - Jackie began to lose weight. She was able to walk farther all the time, she was able to climb stairs, and eventually, she was able to even run around the yard with her "foster brothers"! Eventually, Cheryl and her family decided to officially adopt "Miss Jackie" and now, one year later, Jackie weighs approximately 45 pounds and has transformed into a happy, energetic, typical Beagle - enjoying life to its fullest and loving every minute of every day!

German Shepherd Rescue of new england 978-443-2202| www.gsrne.org

BUDDY: Happy-go-lucky Buddy is a delightful dog who wasturned into GSRNE at 10 months old because he was not getting along with the female Shepherd in the house. Since then, he’s turned a year old and has made great strides with other dogs. He currently resides with two other GSD’s (female and male) and gets along famously. He does well with other dogs that are calm and respectful of him, but still has some issues with other dogs occasionally. He knows sit, down, stay, come, wait, heel, drop, off and leave it. He loves baths, and getting brushed! STACIA:Stacia is a sassy two-year old black and red spayed female. She loves to run and run and run and run! She has a high energy level and will need that energy to be run off daily in order to keep her (and her new family) happy. A good sized fenced-in yard will be in order for this girl, as well as a feline-free home.. At only two years of age, Stacia is a sweet adolescent who has plenty of time to become the well-mannered companion that we believe she can be. HOOPER: Everyone who has met Hooper says he is a beautiful dog with a gentle soul. This 7-year old male came to us from a very good home. When his former owner had to be hospitalized, we were called and asked if GSRNE could find another home for Hooper. He loves going for walks, rides in the car, and meeting new people. He's very gentle when greeting adults and children and likes to lean against you for a back rub. He's been calm around other dogs, showing an interest and curiosity but no aggression. He's completely housetrained.

Mass HumanE

781-335-1300 - www.masshumane.org

Barry is a very sweet and quiet 11-year old black lab mix. His owners could not take him on their move, so he is now looking for a home for his later years. Barry is used to resting his day away and likes the quiet life, so he would do best in an adult home as the only pet. He likes to eat, go on short walks and just being petted. Do you know a senior who wants some company of an older, gentle dog with a few age spots? Do you know of someone who has some love for a sensitive soul? Barry deserves that. Please call the Mass Humane Society for an appointment to meet Sweet Barry at 781-3351300 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

KIRA: Kira, an adult white German Shepherd female has very nice house manners and loves playing with toys, especially fetching a ball and returning it for you to throw again. Kira does quite well with the two cats in the home. Kira's foster Mom wrote, "Kira is very sweet. Her whole body wriggles with excitement when she is happy. In the mornings, she will run to grab her ball and carry it with her as she goes around the fenced yard. She'll bark to let you know when there is a visitor; otherwise, she's very quiet and content in the house."

Pumpkin is a one year old spayed female Calico cat‚Äî a very sweet and affectionate girl with beautiful green eyes. Poor Pumpkin was found outside in the cold crying for help and was brought to Mass Humane. Now all she needs is a real loving and caring home of her own. She does OK with one other cat in the household; no dogs or small toddlers. Up to date on shots, combo tested negative, micro chipped and dewormed. If you are interested in Pumpkin contact Mass Humane Society 781-335-1300 or email [email protected] or masshumane@ gmail.com fa

A Helping paw inc.

508-743-8406 | www.ahelpingpaw.org

Yoshi is a senior Shitzu, he is loving and very friendly. Does great with cats and dogs. He just needs his own special people to pamper him.

Simba: is an older adult kitty with a cute bob-tail. Everyone falls in love with him but nobody gives him a home. Won't you please give him your love.

Put your ad in The Pet Gazette!

send to ads@ petgazette.net 22

Cali: and tons of other kittens. Save money, adopt one of our adorable kittens, they come fully vetted.

Pet Gazette

September 2008

People for cats

Brockton Blue Dog Shelter

508-540-5654| www.peopleforcats.org

508-436-6446| www.bbds.org

PIXIE was found in the small vestibule between the screen door and the front door at the PFC shelter. Although she was abandoned, she quickly relaxed and purred as loud as can be. Pixie is a very svelte orange tiger that probably has some other exotic heritage beside alley cat. She has a distinctive triangular face, very long legs and a pert tail. Come and meet her. Pixie is ready for the comforts of a loving home and in no time you will have found a devoted and grateful companion.

ELSIE is a 3-year-old loveable short hair black and white female who is most happy when she is given attention and petted. She is a wonderful lady who was given her name because of the black cow-like patches she carries on her body! Her owners surrendered her because they weren¬πt home enough to give her the care and attention she deserves. Elsie is an indoor cat and is very sweet. She has been spayed, has all her shots and loves treats.

WILL is a young, adult male cat. He is a handsome combination of tiger and Siamese and has been declawed. Will has a wonderful manner and is a gentle personality. He was found as a stray, but no one has claimed him. Will has adapted to life in the busy People for Cats Shelter and gets along with the other cats, even those who like to be "the boss". He has all his shots, is neutered and is ready to go to live in a home where he can be part of the family.

MEME (may-me) is a robust 5 year old who is white and orange. She is enjoying meeting the other cats and exploring People for Cats Center. Her owners had to give her up when they moved to a smaller home. Meme loves attention, petting and rubbing and is ready to find a new home. She is spayed, has all her shots and her bags packed ready to go to a new home.! Drop in the shelter during adoption hours - Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If these hours don't work for you, call our HOT LINE 508-540-5654 to arrange an appointment

Rebel – Rebel came to our shelter after being found as a stray. Since no one has claimed him, he is looking for a home that can accommodate a lively small dog. With the typical MinPin personality, Rebel thinks he is a big dog and wants to let you know what he thinks. Rebel plays well with other small dogs in our play group. When he is in his crate , he lets us know when he needs to "potty". The ideal home for Rebel will be with a family who sets limits and is willing to train Rebel to be a good family pet. Rebel is not suitable for young children as he does not like to be "pestered". If you would like to meet Rebel, please come to our shelter during regular hours. Texas Ned – Texas Ned was found as a stray. He is a solid pup weighing 35 lbs at about 4 months of age. At his foster home he loved to play with other puppies and with balls and sticks. He has been socialized with men and women but not with children. He is a mellow, happy boy and has been introduced to some obedience commands, He will thrive in a family where he gets lots of play and exercise to help him manage his energy, and proper obedience training so he can be a dependable family member!

Brutus - Brutus is a wonderful American Bulldog who wandered into our founder's yard. After many attempts to reunite him with his owner, we decided that he had been abandoned and we are trying hard to find him the home he deserves. He is about 2.5 years old and loves people. He will let you rub his belly for hours! He is BIG and HANDSOME and STRONG and will need a family that is committed to lots of regular exercise. Brutus's ears were cropped short when he was younger in what we call the "combat cut" which can make him look and seem intimidating, but his waggle and wiggle give him away as a big ham and a softy. Because of his size, we recommend a family with no small children as his mere strength and "bull in a china shop" nature might be too much for small children. We are also looking for a person who is experience with American Bull dogs or "bully breeds" as he is very typical of these breeds. (Loyal, bonding, Pushy, and STRONG!, he will also have the tendency to walk over an owner who is a push over.) He is very good natured and has proved to be a shelter favorite.

Taunton animal Shelter

Quincy animal shelter

508-822-1463

617-376-1340 www.quincyanimalshelter.org

Marco. I'm young, handsome, and very energetic! There is still a lot I have to learn so my new family should continue by obedience training. I can be stubborn so I need to work on that. Cats are not my favorites and I'm not sure I'd want to share you with another dog. Some folks may hesitate because I'm a Staffordshire terrier, but Shelter volunteers will tell you that I'm a good boy who deserves a loving family. My smile is as wide as the state of MA (OK a slight exaggeration-but it is a big smile!) Come meet me. See for yourself that I would be a loving addition to your family.

September 2008

Arkansas Red – Arkansas Red is a sweet puppy with lots of puppy energy. He is about 4 months old and about 15 lbs. He likes to play games like fetch and tug, and likes playing with other dogs. He is well socialized around children and people of all ages. Arkansas Red is looking for a family with lots of time to devote to training and socialization. He is at our shelter and ready to meet families during regular hours.

Jessie. It seems like I've been at the Shelter a long time. I'm a sleek, trim all black four year old. My favorite activities are playing, purring, and occupying warm laps. Having been a stray I know I never want to live like that again. I'm FIV+ so would probably do best as an only cat or a a companion to another FIV+ cat. Come by the Shelter and let me try out your lap! It could be the start of a long wonderful relationship.

JACKIE: My name is JACKIE, and I am a female DSH Calico. My owner could not take me with her when she moved, so she brought me and my two children Cheekie and Nicki to the shelter. OMG what just happened to my life? I am so frightened here that it is hard for me to raise my head to look at visitors to my cage. A cage-I never thought that my life would involve living here and not in a home. I am 7 yrs old and medically up to date so I am ready to find a home where I will be cherished forever. Please call the Taunton Shelter at 508822-1463 or e-mail [email protected] PRINCESS: Approx 9 yrs, Princess is a wonderfully sweet senior girl. She has just been surrendered to the shelter due to an illness in the family and does not understand why she no longer has a home or family. Princess is somewhat shy of new people, but warms up quickly and would make a wonderful companion for a person of any age and excellent addition to any family. She is a favorite among many of the volunteers already! Princess LOVES belly rubs and putting her head in your lap when you sit on the floor with her! She seems fine with most other dogs. If you are looking for a loving and faithful companion, who would bring much love and companionship to your life than look no further. Please call the Taunton Shelter at 508-822-1463 or e-mail [email protected]

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Pet Gazette

September 2008