COMMEMORATIVE COIN SET. This year, the Bloomsburg Fair is proposing to offer a set of commemorative coins bearing images of dogs in honor of the Fair Dog Show. If this set of coins has the same challenges relating to collectibility that were found with the “Lassie” coin used as a 1970s prize in the Fair canine competition, there will probably be no bidders when they come up for auction. For those of you who did not know about the Lassie coin, in the 1970s, coins bearing Lassie’s likeness were used as awards for Fair dog show winners. After all, Lassie was the most familiar dog found on a dogfood label–in this case, Recipe brand food. Today, those coins do not appear to be popular in online auctions–one way to assess collectibility.
The late Ray Gross, then the Fair Dog Show superintendent, also mandated that dogs exhibited at the Fair had to have an American Kennel Club registration. We wonder whether the coins that will be available this year will bear images of breed-standard dogs and if they do, were they approved by the AKC (as the arbiter of breed standards)?
Speaking of value, the value of a Fair Dog Show ribbon has been another discussion topic. One year, a shortage of ribbons at the Show led a worker to transfer ribbons from cage to cage. At that show, a blue ribbon winner one day was not a blue ribbon winner the next. Another topic has been the claim that the Show is the oldest–in fact, the first dog and longest held dog show in the Commonwealth was and is still being held in Philadelphia.
CANINE FLU PROTECTION AND THE BLOOMSBURG FAIR. Most important about the Bloomsburg Fair Dog Show this year is the probability that many of the canine contestants will not be inoculated with canine flu protection. (The Fair veterinarian says the reason for this lack of immunization is there is no outbreak in the area.) Canine flu is highly contagious but seldom fatal and symptoms are similar to kennel cough. Dog lovers must ask themselves if the price of admission to the Dog Show building is worth the risk of the added cost of a veterinary visit for the family dog. Coughs are a symptom this year of flu in both children and dogs.
MEMORIALIZING A PET. Many pet owners think of their pets as children. When a pet dies, pictures of pets have an important place in the family album. What about “hair jewelry” made from the hair of beloved family member? This jewelry has become treasured local heirlooms–a precious collectible with meaning. We need to think of creating hair jewelry from our pet’s hair too–a memory as important as that commemorating the death of a child or any other family member.
LETHARGY COULD BE A SIGN OF DRUG REACTION. A new cautionary label is now on flea and tick products. “Topical flea and tick products can contain ingredients that could cause a reaction in your pet. All pets have the potential to react to drug or topical products and these products are no different. To be cautious , we suggest you apply a few drops of the dosage to your animal the first time you are using this product on your pet and if your pet appears fine after a few hours then the remaining dose to your pet. If your pet begins to show skin irritation, lethargy or any other change from normal behavior do not use any more product and contact the manufacturer and your veterinarian immediately.” Remember fleas and ticks have no season. . . the field mouse can bring Lyme disease into the livingroom!
BLUEBERRIES. My dogs are still enjoying the end-of-season fresh blueberries. For people, berries boost the brain and help shrink weight; they are often a staple for dogs in competition. Now baked dog treats with blueberries by Grandma Lucy are available. Grandma Lucy biscuits also come in pumpkin, honey, and ginger.
Sep 21, 2009 | | Uncategorized
GRANDPA BUSH DIDN’T HAVE A TAIL BUT WHAT ABOUT HIS DOG? Are breed standards vanishing? Will we need DNA tests to tell a setter from a retriever from a spaniel? The AVMA has reaffirmed its view that tail docking and ear cropping should not be performed for cosmetic reasons. However, in the same report it also states that these procedures are not unethical and illegal, thus allowing veterinarians to perform these procedures without liability. The new Pennsylvania dog law says cropping and docking and dew claw removal must be done by a licensed veterinarian within 5 days of birth. It also outlaws debarking and surgically birthing one’s own animal. KEEP YOUR OWN RECORDS for all procedures–when, where, and by whom. In a Bush’s Baked Beans commercial Jay Bush tells his dog he recognizes him because Grandpa Bush didn’t have a tail (the dog is dressed as a ghost and intoning that he is the spirit of Jay Bush’s grandfather in yet another attempt to get the family baked beans recipe–you’ve no doubt seen it)! Wonder if the controversy over cosmetic surgery will have an impact on commercials as well as breed standards.
RANDOM SOURCE DOGS AND CATS–STRAYS AND ABANDONED PETS FOR SALE? The AVMA is revisiting its policy on the use of random source dogs and cats (abandoned strays and lost dogs and cats) for research, educational purposes and testing. Under consideration was a resolution that would prohibit the use of animals from shelters for research purposes. Animals used to be bred for such activities. The availability of these colonies of animals gave those conducting such research one less source of variability and error. However, research is increasingly expensive. Developing new vaccines and a new dog food is more expensive than ever before. It is easier to dognap a pet or obtain a “free for free” animal and sell it for such use. Often many such animals are gathered together in trucks at interstates by “bunchers” and dealers. A research call goes out for a Golden Retriever or an Australian Shepherd or a small dog and if you own one of these dogs, then beware! The thief can be a stranger or a member of a so-called humane group. Now is the time to watch your pets and the organizations who should be helping pets–not selling them. It is illegal to use a tattooed dog or cat in research. Microchips, however, are still under scrutiny depending on the registry. There have been unconfirmed rumors that AVID has become affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States and the AKC’s HOME AGAIN is said to be having financial difficulties. The new PA dog law makes it illegal to sell a dog to anyone involved in dog fighting so at least locally we know that won’t be the fate of our stray dogs.
HE IS LISTENING. One of the 52 Vick dogs has joined a reading program and works with children. He is listening! Two of the dogs passed their TDI evaluation and cheer people. The number one problem the trainer/rehabilitators have had is teaching these dogs to trust and love people–thus our young readers have become rehabilitators. Both the HSUS and PETA advocated having the Vick dogs euthanized and spending the million dollars Vick had to forfeit for their care on other welfare causes. Instead, the funds are being used to care for Vick’s victims. Two of the 52 dogs died before they could be re-sheltered and one had to euthanized, while another was found to be too aggressive to be rehabilitated. Readers can see many of the dogs on the National Geographic channel being re-trained.
DOG MUST LIKE SNAKES. An interesting note from Larry Grocott, who heads the Geisinger therapy program in the children’s hospital. He is working with a client who owns a Jack Russell that Larry is training not to kill snakes. Seems the family also has a boa constrictor!
Sep 16, 2009 | | Uncategorized
The KEYSTONE DOCKDOGS sound like they could be part of a Chippendale review but the group is the “leading promoter of the fastest growing canine sport in central Pennsylvania.” Their dogs run down a ramp or dock and jump into the water. Jumps include the BIG AIR, a long jump (record is over 28 feet) and EXTREME VERTICAL, a high jump (record in over 7 feet). The sporting events from dock to water are not sanctioned by the AKC and only date to 2000. Sporting dogs seem to be the major participants, with retrievers in the majority. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever appears to be the breed to watch! Visit the website and click on a notable collection of recipes–like Bacon and Spinach training treats and SALMON BROWNIES .
Jumping canines will be part of the Bloomsburg Fair but I haven’t yet been able to determine if SALMON BROWNIES will be BLOOMSBURG FAIR FOOD and dog owners will need to budget for “a Fido doggy bag”. The brownies are easy to make. Take a large can of red or pink salmon and drain, reserving the liquid. Add 2 eggs, one and a half cups of whole wheat flour and a tablespoon of garlic powder. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, adding enough of the liquid to be able to form the dough into a ball. Press the dough into a nine-inch square pan coated with cooking spray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cut brownies into bars while they are still warm and allow them to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze.
CHEF MICHAEL’S LAST NAME IS PURINA– BUT IT COULD BE DISNEY! Chef Michael invites dog lovers to host house dinner parties–Sunday suppers featuring Rotisserie Chicken with a pea and carrot garnish and Filet Mignon flavor with a potato and green bean garnish (www.houseparty.com/chefmichaels) . Chef Michael Purina sends party packs for all the four-legged guests and you bring your favorite dish for an owner potluck buffet. House Party is a consumer marketing service company that organizes in-home parties featuring a brand, product or even entertainment programming. Current clients include Sargento, NBC, Disney, Ford, Microsoft and P&G.
DR. MARK MORRIS, THE REAL CANINE CHEF. Dr. Mark Morris, the founder of Science Diet, developed the most important recipe of all–k/d– a food for Buddy, the first seeing-eye dog when he was diagnosed with kidney disease. All prescription diets–both dog and cat–have followed this pioneering effort and there are diets for every disease, including obesity–r/d–and arthritis–j/d. Morris, unlike Michael, was a real person and not an advertising figure. Prescription diets are available through your veterinary hospital. The Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest and most notable animal health charities in the world. Their major focus this year is on cancer research.
TOO CLEAN. DR. NATHAN R BREWER, a laboratory animal advocate who developed a diet for gorillas recently died at the age of 105. Brewer became interested in animals while living in an orphanage. He identified with stray animals because of his early childhood. He enrolled in the National Farm School in Bucks County, PA and worked his way through college as a farm laborer. Brewer’s gorilla diet was developed while he consulted with the Lincoln Park Zoo and cared for Bushman. When the gorilla died Brewer performed the necropsy and found his diet to be at fault. Zoo staff had been rinsing away nutrients and vitamins from bugs that were part of the gorilla’s natural diet. Is there a lesson here in 2009, a year marked by disinfectants and wipes?
Aug 30, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Recently a local newspaper enclosed coupons worth $5.00 on Hartz products. There is a $3 savings on a tick and flea guard for puppies and dogs. One local pet owner who used this product reported that their pet died and they feel the product was to blame. If they are right, then there should be a recall. But, more likely they may not have read the instructions carefully or perhaps the death had another cause completely unrelated to the product use.
According to Veterinarian John Tegzes, THE NUMBER ONE POISON FOUND IN THE HOME ARE HUMAN MEDICATIONS!! A pill dropped on the floor or even an easy-to-reach bottle can kill your pet!
Because tick and flea medications are poisons they should be purchased from your veterinary hospital–not even over the counter or by mail. For example–did you know that flea and tick shampoos can be fatal to your pet, according to toxicologist Tegzes? Only your vet knows the possible interactions these products have with other medications your pet may be taking and how they will affect your pet given his or her age and weight. Dr. Tegzes spoke on an AKC Canine Health Foundation podcast. The toxicologist also debunked the myth that poinsettias are poisonous to dogs (not cats) and told the audience that the toxic effect of chocolate depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed (dark baking chocolate is most toxic) . The symptoms of a poison are a change in behavior and depend both on the poison and the dog. Poisons result in behavior changes such as continuous vomiting, and tremors can begin almost immediately or two to four days later. If you suspect poison see your veterinarian and collect the substance and the container for his diagnosis. The Poison Control Hotline number is 888-426-4435 and there is a fee.
BUCKS FOR BILLBOARDS
Due to the economy there seem to be many empty billboards across the country. Western dog organizations worked a deal with a local billboard company to send a message about the dangers of the animal rights movement. They bought billboards and simply added exposeanimalrights.com. Now even large organizations have joined this new form of communication .
WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER RDOs
Watch for announcements of local dog organization events celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO). The closest event in this part of Pennsylvania is being held in Scranton.
KILLER DOGS
The pack of dogs that allegedly killed the elderly couple were “wild dogs”. According to Dr. Alan Beck, wild dogs rarely attack humans–like other wild animals, they are shy and prefer to be left alone. It has been theorized that these dogs were owned by a hoarder. This is much more believable. Interestingly enough, none of the dogs weighed over 35 pounds and none were identified as “pit bulls”, shepherds, Rottweilers or any specific breed.
We must teach dog bite prevention to the elderly as well as to children.
Aug 21, 2009 | | Uncategorized
The Franken-Isakson Service Dogs for Veterans Act has passed the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan Act would establish a pilot program within the Veterans Administration that would pair disabled veterans with service dogs. Sponsors believe that increasing the number of service dogs would reduce the suicide rate, decrease the number of hospitalizations, lower the cost of medications and result in reduced health care costs, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries. Fifty percent of the veterans are expected to be suffering from mental health disabilities, with the balance composed of those with physical injuries or disabilities. The Act mandates partnership with non-profit agencies that do not charge for their animals, services or lodging. The project will last a minimum of three years. Funding will be provided for the first 50 service dogs, with matching funds for the agencies for the balance of dogs.
Could Michael Vick make an important contribution in the success of this program? The program needs attention and the non-profits will need funding.
MEET THE BREEDS–DOGS . . . . AND CATS!
Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th, the American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers Association are holding a showcase of dogs and cats at New York’s Jacob Javits Center. According to the organizers there will be over 160 dog breeds and 41 cat breeds with breeders on hand to give advice. In addition there will be demonstrations, including agility, obedience, K-9 Search and Rescue, grooming and more. Tickets are available through www.meetthebreeds.com
CCA (CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMATION ASSESSMENT)
According to Golden Retriever breeders the majority of dogs born never are evaluated on their confirmation–that is, how they meet the breed standard. The majority of dogs become companions or compete in obedience, agility, etc. The CCA, a non-competitive evaluation by three judges, gives breeders a way to learn how closely the puppies they are breeding meet the standard’s requirements. The evaluation is private and the results are not published. The CCA evaluation is designed to be a teaching tool for small breeders who want their puppies to be assets to the world of dogs. It was developed by Golden Retriever breeders to protect the quality of their breed for future generations. The text and rules of the CCA can be found on the web site www.gra.org.
DOROTHY NICKLES
“I never judge without love for every dog that steps into my ring. I’ve seen great dogs and not so-great dogs, but I never forget that inside very one of them is a beautiful soul.” This quote is from Dorothy Nickles, who died at the age of 99. She had been judging dogs for 57 years.
PAUSE BEFORE PURCHASING
Think about those biscuits and cat treats that allegedly ensure cleaner teeth before purchasing. The only study I could find that evaluated the Hartz product, for example, was done in 1995 and involved a SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) coating. SHMP is a common food additive safe for dogs and people that does reduce calculus formation. Once, again, pause before purchasing.
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Aug 18, 2009 | | Uncategorized
The first canine influenza vaccine H3N8 is now available. The killed virus vaccine involves two shots. Canine influenza was first identified in the U.S. in greyhounds in 2004; a respiratory infection, it is highly contagious, seldom fatal and continues to spread. Most dogs have no immunity. At one time in its history it was mistaken for “kennel cough” and Tamiflu was found to be an effective treatment. There is no evidence that it can spread to people.
There is now a an electronic breeders directory that lists breeders who have been vetted by the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs. It also includes groups, organizations AND RESCUES. A bonus on the website is a legislative update. The directory is search- friendly thanks to Darin Cox. Of course, he breeds Springers!! http://PAFederationOfDogClubs.org. and click on electronic directory!
FITNESS UNLEASHED, written by Marty Becker, DVM and Rober Kushnew, MD, belongs in everyone’s library, especially as we face universal health care debates. A dog is after all our best personal trainer. The book is widely available and can be ordered from Tufts University by calling 973-579-3700 or www.tuftsbooks.com. Too bad that after shedding pounds and lowering blood pressure we can’t deduct expenses for our four-legged health care worker! MORE ON THE HEALTH LEGISLATION–according to a recent study about 28% of pet owners who smoke would try to quit if they knew that secondhand smoke endangered their pets, according to a recent study cited in JAVMA. The authors concluded that no smoking education campaigns should include pets. Also, did you know that the famous BLUE DOG legislative group of conservatives have an interesting counterpart in the canine culture? BLUE DOG is an effective guide to preventing dog bites using a ladder of aggression. The dog bite program can be ordered through your veterinarian. (I don’t know if they access to the Washington group. )
DOG SCOUTS OF AMERICA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. The Dog Scout is the dog and the owner can be either an adult or child but the group is unique in that it has a junior scout program, runs camps and has badges. The badge that interested me was called a Travel Safety Badge; it stresses using seat belts and safe steps to take when traveling with a pet. This badge would seem to fit well into animal disaster response teams. Unfortunately, they encourage talking to the dog in full sentences. After reading some of the twitters and texting I thought communicating in full sentences was obsolete! The AKC Responsible Dog Owner celebration is also going in a scouting direction, offering badges for both Girl and Boy Scouts.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE to help us trace the origin of dogs across the world, account for human migration patterns and breed diversity. A study of the National Science Foundation has found that dogs did not just descend from friendly grey wolves–their ancestors were village dogs. Through the analysis of blood, the diversity and similarity of first dogs appears to be much more complex than many of our dog trainers would have us believe. The title of the study fittingly is OF MUTTS AND MEN!!
LOCAL HUMANE is another interesting group. www.localhumane.org This group emphasizes that local humane societies are not chapters of and are not governed and funded by HSUS (Humane Society of America) . Confusion on the links between HSUS and other local groups can contribute to community problems. This mis-connection could also be the source of confusion with the PSPCA.
Aug 10, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Since my dogs now have MOLLY MUTT beds, what is in them can be a filling of torn clothing, tattered towels and blankets or even a blouse now too small! A Molly Mutt bed has two parts. One part is a mesh zippered sack you fill with old clothing, blankets, sheets, towels etc. The second part is the sack, which is like a strong, attractive duvet–yours or theirs– also zippered! The whole bed is wonderfully washable (as a whole or in parts) of course. With MOLLY MUTT you and your dogs can give a whole new meaning to “sharing a bed”!! Comes in three sizes–small medium and large. I chose medium for the girls. My 12-year-old has now decided she is staying in bed all day! I think she would eat her meals there if she could. Her daughters share the other bed and seem in awe of the splendor and smells, especially since they are used to piles of old sheets and rugs and towels scattered about the floor. MOLLY MUTT beds have been advertised in the AKC Gazette and are also sold in Pennsylvania. Contact Bone Appetite, 8505 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118 . I am waiting for some clever owner to make duvets with the Penn State and/or Pittsburgh Steelers logos or club logos for fund raisers!
POOCH PERSONALITY–DO THEY REALLY HAVE ONE AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR DOG TRAINERS AND OWNERS?
Long ago when the Guiding Eye Foundation decided to raise puppies for its program it developed a puppy aptitude test (PAT) which was devised to determine which puppies had a genetic predisposition for service dog work. To date, millions of puppies have had PAT testing to determine genetic traits. Aptitude, however, is not personality. Personality is part of each breed’s standard and is taken into account when a dog is judged. It can be influenced and developed through environment and experience. Aptitude, on the other hand, cannot be changed–there is some evidence that the genes in the brain could be still evolving when the dog is 7 days old, determining aptitude. We do not know if it can be influenced in utero.
It is popular to give owners personality tests to determine if they will and would be responsible dog owners and what breeds would fit with their lifestyle. Now we owners are being asked to take tests to determine our dog’s personality–as we see it! THE TESTED HAVE BECOME THOSE DOING THE TESTING! What is more, we are asked to use something called EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE as a training help. These pay-for-attendance-seminars promise us a view on how the brain learns, how memories are made, how to use stress and how to improve attention with movement. Since I have a master’s degree in psychology, which stressed learning theory as well as physiological psychology, I question the veracity of the subject matter–is this PAT tied to a human limbic system? It would seem so.
Aug 03, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Many of the diseases we face today in both pets and people probably originate with the importation of exotic animals. It used to be that when wild animals were not in their natural habitat they were confined to circuses and zoos and not apt to show up in a child’s bedroom. Now they are commonplace in pet stores, roadside zoos and at fair petting zoos–as well as pet and toy parades. In fact, I have even seen exotic animals receiving rabies vaccinations at a free rabies clinic! (This was the same rabies vaccine manufactured to protect dogs and cats. Would this vaccine protect or infect an exotic animal?) And, we know both wild animals and farm animals are invited into nursing homes where they are not only a disease danger both to residents and staff but to therapy dogs. SARS is said to come from caged civet cats in a Chinese market and of course turtles are a prime source of salmonella. Very few species receive a health screening when they enter the United States and we know very little about the diseases exotic animals carry. (We do know that pigs can catch swine flu from people!) In short, legal as well as illegal importation of wild animals and public exposure probably pose more of a threat to America than so-called dangerous dogs!!
Dr. Mary Burch has done much to encourage and broaden the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Dr. Burch is an animal behaviorist from Tallahasee and came to fame working with Rottweilers on the local police force. These dogs were not only trained to attack but were kind and stable enough to qualify for a CGC. (I doubt the Northumberland police dog who attacked the dog in his search for a Danville bank robber had a CGC!) The Rottweiler, which is not a breed often seen on a police duty rooster, is one of those breeds not for “the first-time owner”. It has an authoritative baritone bark (as well as a warning Rottweiler rumble) and high intelligence, and requires an intelligent owner–one with a lot of adult-dedicated dog-time. Wonder if this is a commentary on our local police officers’ dog handling training? Burch is now owned by “Wyn” (aka Ch. Noel’s Wynn Wyn Situation, UD, OA, AXJ, CGC), a 9-year-old Welsh Springer Spaniel. Burch also successfully lobbied the Florida legislature into being the first state to recognize the CGC as a successful program. And, as far as I know she was the first to work with “crack babies” using dogs to achieve results in therapy.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a former president of the AVMA, has written recently on the use of DNA tests to determine which breeds comprise the mixed-breed companion you share your bedroom with–”I don’t recommend these tests unless they are used for curiosity’s sake. It does not reveal anything other than what an ancestry MIGHT be.” According to an article in YOUR DOG, testing ranges from$60 to $125 and varies in accuracy on the number of dogs in the database. The most accurate appears to be WISDOM PANEL MX by Mars Veterinary. At this time neither disease susceptibility nor behavior can be predicted from these tests.
Jul 29, 2009 | | Uncategorized
DOGS IN CHURCH–All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has monthly services for pets–and even treats for communion! And, if a pastor can allow guns in church today–why not dogs? Ask the pastor of your church if he or she would allow dogs with CGCs and TDI dogs to accompany owners to church. Let Connie know the response. FOOD FOR SHELTER PETS–many groups collect food for the unfortunate ex-pets living in shelters but one has to wonder if this random but free food is always the best diet for dogs in a stressful environment–perhaps even pets that are ill. Why hasn’t some dog food company produced a special shelter food that would be easy to digest and palatable? Paw Prints Sanctuary cares for DOGS OF SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN for free until they return from duty. (717)-789-3236. pawprintsdogsanctuary.org, P.O. Box 161, Shermansdale, PA 17090. ONLINE ARTHRITIS RESOURCE FOR PET OWNERS www.MorrisAnimalFoundationorg/arthritis. 20% of adult dogs and 45% of cats experience arthritic pain! CESAR HAS TWITTER. Address is Twitter.com/cesarmillan. A study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has identified a link between NFL games and Emergency Room caseload–at least when the New England Patriots are playing. A previous study attempted to determine the effect of lunar cycles on emergency clinic caseload.
CROP AND DOCK CONTROVERSY
According to Anne Irwin, president of the Federated Humane Societies, the humane organizations support the passage of the crop and dock bill before the legislature. (This includes dew claw removal.) The AVMA Board came out against these surgical procedures but this has been opposed by the Utah VMA so it is not “a done deal”. The Utah VMA believes crop and dock is an individual choice and stresses that vets should only be concerned with the surgical procedure being performed safely and humanely by a veterinarian.
MEET AND GREET
More and more AKC shows are holding orientations for new exhibitors–and to make observers feel welcome are conducting tours of the show grounds so the audience understands what is going on in each event. According to trainer Eileen Drummond this will occur at the Back Mountain Kennel Club Shows this fall on the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
CANINE FLU VACCINE H3N8
Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health has developed the first vaccine against the highly contagious canine flu. The vaccine was approved on May 27th. Two shots, given two to four weeks apart, are required for immunity. H3N8 is apt to affect dogs in animal shelters, boarding kennels and veterinary clinics as well as canine events.
LOST CAT
One of the most heart-warming stories on the Internet, provided courtesy of AKC Companion Animal Recovery, concerns the recovery of a lost cat named Dopey. Dopey had been missing for over 6 years and finally found and identified as a result of a microchip being scanned. Somehow Dopey had found his way to a town 40 miles from his home and had been adopted by an elderly woman. When she passed away Dopey was taken to a local shelter and the 9-year-old cat was scanned before being scheduled for euthanasia as an old cat. “Dopey purred like crazy when he saw his owner. The reunion included other family pets who all remembered Dopey–Spencer, a 17-year-old Am Staff mix and Inni , a 15-year-old cat. The owner says, ‘He’s still the same sweet kitty we remembered. He’s just a little bit more mature.’”
Jul 18, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Recently, I read about a study in JAVMA (June 1) on the incidence of pathogens prevalent in the health-care field (nursing homes, staff, patients, etc.) and their possible effects on therapy dogs. Although we owners have taken many precautions to ensure that our therapy dog companions do not endanger any of the people we visit, I don’t think we have taken seriously the dangers our dogs’ immune systems face from pathogens in these environments–and they are serious! Among those encountered and recounted in this study, for example, was the well-known MRSA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile. The authors noted that such activities as accepting treats, licking resident hands, and getting into beds could be risk factors and dangerous. A veterinarian told me that testing for these diseases is not routine and a Geisinger doctor added that these diseases were “nasty”. Yet, the authors point out that not only the dogs themselves were at risk from these pathogens, but their families were, too, since the dogs could be considered a source. Since this is a healthcare-oriented area it would seem that these diseases must be considered if therapy dogs exhibit symptoms of diarrhea and/or gastrointestinal upset become a concern. And, perhaps it is time to re-think the age and general health of your best friend therapy dog. For example, should I take my 12-year-old Springer into a nursing home or limit her therapy activities to an educational program that does not have small children. How do you explain to a dog who loves to do therapy that she is too old— after all, her love and desire are still very much part of her joy and life.
POSITIVE PUNISHMENT. Admittedly I know very little about dog training. I have to confess that I have not taken any of the Internet courses that entitle me to a dog profession degree (the Humane Society of the U.S. is now offering degrees, too.) When asked, I have helped dog trainers by signing in dog owners, holding leashes and being a distraction. And, how I miss not going to class with a dog and watching! I have learned a lot by auditing dog training classes. This year many of the articles on training stress using “play” as part of the exercises. I approve. I like to see dog owners smile at their dogs and if it is Heppy–she smiles back! But, I approve of positive punishment (my term). Sometimes raising or lowering your voice or jerking the leash can focus a dog’s attention–it isn’t necessarily dominance. I am easily distracted so I can understand it if my dog gets distracted too. Re-focusing and being attentive is a good thing. “Texting” and “twittering” and training at the same time–No!
NEW HELP IN ANTICIPATORY GRIEF –FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG. The Argus Institute, Colorado State University, has a new publication entitled “What Now”? Contents include: supportive strategies for when a pet faces a serious injury or illness; for making end of life decisions and for coping with loss. Individual copies are $3. Call 970-297-4143 or argus@colostate.edu. This is probably the only book on pet loss I have read that discusses the problem of guilt.
ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM HELPS PUPPY MILL VICTIMS. Fifty members of Animal Response Teams from Cumberland, Perry and Dauphin Counties walked, fed and worked with 216 dogs rescued from the Almost Heaven Kennels. The seized victims were temporarily sheltered in the PA Farm Show complex. The CART response earned the gratitude of state Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff and others. Do think about volunteering with your local CART. Disasters come in all sizes and shapes.
HOW SAFE IS SAFE? Interesting to note that the 24 Polo ponies that died had been given a non-FDA compound of vitamins so they could perform better. A mistake was made in the mixing of the compound at the pharmacy. Another similar mistake–this time involving an FDA-approved drug that caused the death of two cats in Vermont.
Jun 29, 2009 | | Uncategorized