FR
EE
Western Vermont Fall 2019
Therapy Goats! Pet Events You Won’t Want to Miss 10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat This Fall Beavers Prompt a New Town Ordinance Lost Dog Travels 2500 Miles to Find His Way Home
Now you can listen to your favorite stories & articles from 4 Legs & a Tail
Interviews & stories from your favorite writers Listen to the best from past issues Get a sneak preview of upcoming articles Plus, great stories that we just don’t have the room for in the magazine
Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail
®
2. Wag It Forward! Save the date for the 3rd Annual Wag It Forward A Nonprofit Festival for Pets on Sunday, October 6th 4. 20th Annual Green Mountain Iron Dog Competition Are you and your dog ready to compete this fall? 5. Beavers Create a Ripple Effect in Shelburne Lisa Vear A Vermont town launches new pilot program to save beavers 6. Dogs & Nature Preserves: Compromise Needed!
M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM
7. Can Lyme Disease Become a Thing of the Past? Researchers are closing in on a vaccine to render ticks harmless 8. Why is fall the most important tick spray of the year for you and your pets?
Pg. 2
10. Hey, That’s My Grass! Goats Chomp Fire Fuels Around Previously Burned Washington State Neighborhood Courtney Flatt 11. Therapy Goats: Helping Students, Healing Hearts
Karen Sturtevant
12. Vermont Horse Council: Creating a Unified Equine Voice 13. Top 10 Things Dogs Love Maria Karunungan, Ph.D Simple tips to make for a happier dog 14. Alternatively Speaking: What’s Up With Those Knees? Dr. Anne Carroll DVM, CVA 16. Your Pet's Chipped Tooth Kristin Esterbrook, DVM
Pg. 11
17. Rabies: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Rutland Regional Medical Center
18. Pup Tales: Mia - An Unlikely Hiking Partner
Carol Fleming
19. Fact or Fiction, The Myths About Spaying and Neutering 20. The Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat 22. A Long-Awaited Reunion Marina Welch The story of Starr and another great reason to have your pet micro chipped 23. He Found His Voice Gerri McLaughlin-Bendel It took a while, but Ryder finally gave a bark worse than his bite 24. Collie Travels 2500 Miles to Return to Oregon Home
Kate Kelly
27. Socks and Sandals Karen Sturtevant Not every English bulldog has the fashion sense of Penney
4 Legs & a Tail Volume R.319 P.O. Box 841 Lebanon, NH 03766 603-727-9214 TimH.4LT@gmail.com Fall 2019
Publishers: Tim Goodwin, Tim Hoehn Office Manager: Beth Hoehn Graphic Design: Kristin Wolff Lindsey Fleck
Pg. 27 If you have a tale about a tail or a photo that will make us smile, we’d like to hear from you. 4 Legs & a Tail is published quarterly and distributed free of charge throughout Western VT. 4 Legs & a Tail, Inc. is locally owned and operated and acts as a moderator without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data or claim. Any reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 1
WAG IT FORWARD!
S
ave the date for the 3rd Annual Wag It Forward: A Nonprofit Festival for Pets on Sunday, October 6th, 2019! This fall, Pet Food Warehouse presents the biggest dog party in Vermont at the Champlain Valley Exposition to promote visibility and provide aid to the animal welfare groups that abound in Vermont. Saddle up for a Wag It Forward unlike our past events. This year, head West with PFW for a day themed in all things wild, dusty, and frontiers-y. We are calling all cowboys, charros, ranchers, riders, rustlers, and wranglers to
2 4 Legs & a Tail
come together to make this nonprofit festival for pets our biggest bonanza yet. Both Pet Food Warehouse stores will close the day of Wag It Forward in the name of fun and fundraising. The gates for Wag It Forward open to the public at 10:00am. Want to skip the lines? You can pre-buy WIF tickets and pick up your canine waiver at either Pet Food Warehouse location now! Tickets are $5 minimum donation for adults. Kids 12 and under and pets are free! All profits equally benefit the participating non-profit animal welfare groups. Once again, we kick off the day with the 9th Annual VetriScience Chase Away K9 Cancer 5K. Registration begins at 8:00 am and the race starts at 9:00 am. Runners and walkers can pre-register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/ VT/EssexJunction/ChaseAway5K. All Chase Away 5K runners and walkers will receive free entry to Wag It Forward after the race with their race bib. Your dog can cool down after the Chase Away 5K with Dock Dogs thanks to the generous support of GlycoFlex by VetriScience. New to dog diving? Come over Saturday, October 5th at 3:00pm to get some practice in before wowing Fall 2019
the crowds Sunday at Wag It Forward. If you’d like to participate in the jumps you can register on-site at 9am each day or online at www.dockdogs.com. A wealth of diversions will be running throughout the day courtesy of 802 Disc Dogs, MotoDog Training, Vermont Police Canine Association, Eden Dog Sledding, Sit Pretty Grooming Salon, and Burlington Obedience Training Club! Pete Powers and the Buzz Bash Crew from 99.9 will get us moving with Dunkin’ coffee and tunes in the morning and The Dog Catchers will be playing Rock, Rhythm and Blues in the afternoon. We’ll have plenty of local chow and libations- maybe hit the mechanical bull before lunch, though. Be sure to get there early to participate in our Western themed costume contest that starts at high noon. All are welcome to participate, with prizes for the Best Overall, Most Creative, and a Wild Card category. Create some paw art in the PFW Fun Zone to take home and frame, snap pics in our photo booth and selfie spots, spin the PFW wheel for a free prize, and visit all the local groups
Fall 2019
that work tirelessly day in and out to connect the pet lovers in Vermont with animals in need. The event is generously sponsored by: the Pets Global Family of Brands: Essence, Fussie Cat, and Zignature; Glycoflex by local VetriScience Laboratories; PLB, Canadian manufacturer of Pronature brands of pet food; Sojos brand from WellPet; Triumph Pet Foods; American Natural Premium; Grizzly Pet Products; Healthy Hemp Pet; Heritage Toyota; our neighbors at Imported Car Center; Koha; Oma’s Pride; Petmate; PetSafe; The Honest Kitchen; our friends at The Pour House; Vital Essentials, and so many more! Without these partners, we wouldn’t be able to provide a no-cost avenue for local animal welfare and rescue groups to help raise awareness and funds as a community. We can’t wait to Wag It Forward with you and your pets on a beautiful fall day. For more details about the event, visit www.pfwvt.com/wagitforward. For questions about the day’s events, please email wecare@pfwvt.com.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 3
20th Annual Green Mountain
IRON DOG COMPETITION T he VPCA’s annual Green Mountain Iron Dog was initially designed to
simulate real-world Police K9 deployments. The course is an approximate 1.5 mile run where handler and dog run through a variety of obstacles over various terrain. The course is based on what Police K9 handlers experience during a real-life deployment. It is open to the public to compete and observe. Competitors are a mix of military, Police, and civilian. All abilities and dog breeds are welcome. Competitors do not know the course prior to their run, and many obstacles and the final length of the course are a surprise to them. The Vermont Police Canine Association is a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation that supports VT’s Police K9 teams with additional training, equipment and other needs. We have over 40 members in all branches of law enforcement, and work with teams around New England. PRO VS. OPEN: The run times are divided into two sections, Pro and Open.
4 4 Legs & a Tail
The morning runs are devoted to our “PRO” runners, those who are there to really compete with themselves and the other runners and their dogs. Teams (handler and dog) will be ranked by time to complete the course. Top times earn trophies. The afternoon “OPEN” runs are still timed and on the same course but will be for the less intense teams and for those who are just looking to do something fun and challenging with the canine companion. There are no awards for the Open runs. There are also separate competitions to include building and drug searches, as well as a 100-yard dash (dog only). You do not need to pre-register for these two events. Multiple runs: If you would like to run more than once, contact K9Tazor@ gmail.com for details and discounts. Teams of Runners: If you would like to run as a team of more than one K9 team/handler/runner/etc., please note that on the registration form. TEAMS are available only for the OPEN runs. The form will guide you through the process. Pro Heats start at 8:30, with orientation beginning at 8:00. Pre-Registration one week before the run is required! Open Heats, registration is open until the runs start. These start at approximately 12:30. There will be an opening ceremony and awards at 12:00. All times are subject to change, depending on the number of runners. Junior Course: 7-13 years old (Register on line or day of) AFTERNOON ONLY. Juniors will run the same course as adults but must have an adult runner (over 18) with them. The adult does not need to complete the obstacles (but they can if they want!) Adult Course: 14 years old and up (Register on line or day of) ALL DAY. How does this work: Runners will be spaced apart by only a few minutes. Most obstacles are designed so that slower runners can be passed by faster runners. Try the obstacle as many times as needed, but DO NOT give up. Keep trying. We look forward to seeing you and your dogs on October 5th, 2019 at the Camp Dudley at Kiniya, Colchester VT. You can find more information on www.irondogvt.weebly.com. Fall 2019
Beavers Create a Ripple Effect in Shelburne Lisa Vear
A
s a resident of Shelburne, I have a lot of reason to be optimistic, as the town is in the process of reviewing how it handles human-wildlife conflicts. In early May, I discovered a sizeable beaver dam near a large culvert running under a main road. I went down often to see a family of beavers working on the dam, swimming, and slapping the water with their tails. Not long after finding the beavers, I contacted Sharon at Green Mountain Animal Defenders (GMAD) to get her advice on how we could alert the town to the beavers’ existence without putting them in danger of being trapped and killed, which is what we feared may happen. Sharon, myself, and other concerned residents attended a select-board meeting, during which Sharon made a convincing plea to assess the dam situation before doing anything. On behalf of GMAD, Sharon offered to provide a consultation with an expert beaver biologist (Skip Lisle, president of Beaver Deceivers International) and to pay for whatever long-term, effective, humane solution was recommended. The select-board members were surprised to learn of the beaver dam and agreed that an expert opinion would be sought before action was taken. This information was passed on to the town highway department. After no updates and not seeing any beavers for a few days, I called the highway department and was told the beavers had been trapped and moved because they were creating a safety concern. I contacted the trapper to ask where the beavers had been relocated, but he informed me that he could not give out that information. Something did not add up because each person I spoke with gave me different information about the number of beavers trapped. After the town manager confirmed that the beavers had been moved, I contacted the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department to ask about beaver relocation. Sadly I was informed that, in Vermont, trapped beavers cannot be relocated but must be killed. I sent this information on to the select board and the town manager, saying that this news was “extremely disappointing and disheartening.” The chair of the select board agreed. Fall 2019
Beavers are a keystone species and, like many animals, an integral part of our ecosystems. That is why it is so important to seriously consider the effects of any decision to remove or kill wildlife.
I wondered if I was responsible for the death of these beavers. Had I kept quiet, maybe they never would have been noticed… Since these events, we have been in contact with town officials to encourage them to enact a policy that will guide how human-wildlife conflicts are addressed in the future. The proposed policy will ensure that the most effective, humane solutions are the first step to be taken when wildlife issues arise within Shelburne. In the case of the beaver family, the expert recommended installing a customized water-flow device where the dam was so that future beavers can live in the area without causing a flood concern. This pilot installation is being funded
by GMAD and was approved by the select board in a unanimous vote. It is my hope that this is the first step toward change in the form of a long-term, far-reaching policy that will not only protect beavers but address various wildlife issues. As a keystone species, beavers are crucial to wetlands and water quality. These guiding ideals would not only allow wildlife to flourish but also the ecosystems of which they are a vital part. This humane strategy will benefit every species concerned, including humans. Not only do I anticipate that this mindful approach will prove successful in Shelburne, I hope it will inspire other communities to reconsider how they handle wildlife matters. This progress is a legacy I am proud to have been involved in from the very beginning.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 5
Dogs and Nature Preserves:
Compromise Needed! M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM Vermont Veterinary Medical Association
P
art of the joy of having a dog is taking them with us on walks: we all benefit from the exercise, time together, and viewing nature. We also love to go walking in nature preserves and conservation areas to do the same. Unfortunately, park managers have seen a marked increase in people refusing to leash their dogs and an increase in reactive animals. The impacts on wildlife, visitor experience, and the ecology are hard to calculate, but there is concern about this issue: serious enough that policy changes may prohibit dogs from being in the preserves at all, which hurts everyone. For now, in trying to balance the interests of dog lovers and nature lovers, nature preserves that
6 4 Legs & a Tail
do allow dogs on the trails require that you keep the dogs on a leash only and clean up after them. Nature preserves and conservation sites are just that: safe places for wildlife and plants to grow and reproduce safely. Sadly, with humans encroaching on wildlife areas as our population grows, there are fewer places for them to do it and there is a great need for conservation areas. Dogs running off-leash can disturb the ecology of the preserve, frightening wildlife, crushing delicate plants off-trail, and negatively impact the visitor experience. Not everyone appreciates your dog chasing after them as they walk, even if the dog is merely curious. Also, not everyone is physically equipped to handle an interaction with a dog. Older people, pregnant women, and people with physical ailments would love to enjoy nature with-out fearing an exuberant, jumping dog. Leashing your dog has a lot of benefits to you, too. It will keep your dog safe from any unwanted wildlife encounters (think porcupines and skunks). It will help prevent dog fights: even if your dog is friendly, not everyone’s dog is, and fights can break out between dogs with people getting injured. If your dog sees a deer or other wildlife and chases it, they may ignore your frantic calls and get lost.
The sad fact is that park managers at the state and local level are increasingly reluctant to allow dogs in at all because of some dog owners who refuse to leash their dogs and who threaten them, tear down signs, and ignore the park rules. They are considering new policies that may prohibit dogs on the premises. But because they love dogs (most are dog owners, too), they are imploring visitors at nature preserves to respect nature and keep their dogs on a leash and clean up after them. It is a fair compromise: You and your leashed dog can enjoy the preserve, and the wildlife and other visitors are not disturbed. We are not advocating you avoid conservation areas with your dog. We are asking that you keep your dog on a leash and pick up after them as a matter of health, safety, and environmental protection. Failure to do so may result in policy changes that don’t allow them in the parks at all- then we all lose. The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 380 veterinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine Fall 2019
CAN LYME DISEASE BECOME A THING OF THE PAST? T
he battle against Lyme Disease just got a bit more interesting. In an attempt to rid areas of deer ticks to prevent tick-borne illnesses, Connecticut entomologists now plan to target the start and vaccinate the white-footed mice which are major carriers of the Lyme bacteria and a popular tick target. According to Scientific American, the mice will be fed a kibble developed by Purina, which contains an oral vaccine. The pellet has layers, much like a peanut M&M. The chocolate coating around the peanut is the vaccine and the candy coating is the coating that protects the vaccine from stomach acid. The vaccine enters the bloodstream through the animals’ intestines. The Washington Post recently reported that in heavily infected areas, at least half and up to 90% of the mice are infected with Lyme disease. By targeting the mice, researchers hope to stop the spread of the bacteria before the tick bites.
The Lost Dog
A lost dog strays into a jungle. From a distance a lion sees this and says with caution, “This guy looks edible! Never seen his kind before.” The lion starts rushing towards the dog with menace, to which the dog notices and starts to panic. As he’s about to run he sees some bones next to him and gets an idea - He says loudly “Mmm...that was some good lion meat!” The lion abruptly stops and says, “Whoa! This guy seems tougher than he looks, I better leave while I can”. Over by the tree top, a monkey witnessed everything. The monkey realizes the he can benefit from this situation by telling the lion and getting something in return. The monkey proceeds to tell the lion what really happened and the lion says angrily, “Get on my back, we’ll get him together”. They start rushing back to the dog. The dog sees them and realized what happened and starts to panic even more. He then gets another idea and shouts, “Where the hell is that monkey?! I told him to bring me another lion an hour ago...”
Fall 2019
www.4LegsAndATail.com 7
FALL TICK CONTROL
Why is fall the most important
tick spray time of the year for you and your pets? Ticks mate in the late spring and summer, that is to say that during the fall the female ticks are pregnant and they stay that way all winter long. When the first thaw of spring arrives those pregnant ticks hatch more ticks. The baby ticks from early spring are called nymphs. The nymphs are dangerous because they are the size of a sharpened pencil tip. A fall tick spray eliminates and reduces the overall tick population. Reducing the population in your yard is the key. Eliminate eggs that are deposited in leaf litter. Eggs are fertilized in the fall and deposited in leaf litter the following spring. That’s why we highly recommend treating your yard to eliminate
8 4 Legs & a Tail
ticks through the late fall and starting in the early spring. Companies like Surf & Turf Landscape Specialist, LLC will eliminate eggs on contact, but it will always help to do a yard cleanup and eliminate leaves and brush from your yard. That way the spray treatment can access all surfaces in the yard so the eggs have nowhere to hide. Remember, ticks can survive in the winter. Stop the two-year life cycle from beginning again. Immature ticks, called nymphs, are difficult to see because they are so tiny (less than 2 millimeters). They feed during the spring and summer months. Adult deer ticks are much larger and are most active during the fall. When you eliminate the adult deer ticks before they can lay their eggs, or even eliminate the eggs before they
hatch, you are reducing the deer tick population for the following two seasons. That means you may not see a reduction in the current season, but you prevented the cycle from continuing the following year. It’s important to mention that although you should spray for ticks in early Fall as soon as temperatures drop below freezing, you should continue spraying through late Fall for the best control of deer ticks on your property. At Surf & Turf Landscape Specialist, LLC tick-focused sprays adjust for the season and life-stage of the deer tick in order to eliminate and proactively reduce future populations. What types of diseases do ticks carry? Ticks are vectors for all types of disease, most famous in New England is Lyme disease. They can carry bacterial infections, Ehrlichiosis, Human babesiosis and auto immune disorders too. Cases have now occurred in half of the counties in the 48 continental U.S. states. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with 95% of confirmed cases come from key states in the North East. Most recently and for the first time, a NH resident has tested positive for both rare diseases - Jamestown Canyon virus and Powassan virus by the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services, (Keene Sentinel article August 9, 2019). Both viruses are vector-borne with the Jameson Canyon virus transmitted by infected mosquitoes and the Powassan virus by infected blacklegged ticks.
Fall 2019
It is widely thought that the majority of tick bites go unreported to doctors each year therefore the CDC can not accurately account for how else tick bites affect humans and pets. Ticks are stealthy creatures that have developed an elaborate system to feed off human blood. Whereas other bloodsuckers like mosquitoes bite, suck quickly and leave, a tick’s goal is to stay embedded in your skin for days. To allow them to do so, they have specially developed mouths just for this purpose which makes it more difficult to extract the tick from your skin due to the strength of the mouth’s design. Since some ticks are relatively small (the larva can be smaller than a millimeter) there’s a good chance you won’t notice one on you. The tick burrows its head into your skin, unpacks its feeding tube, and spits out a saliva. Then it’ll likely feed for about 2 to 3 days, and, if it’s a female, it can swell up to nearly in double its normal size—which is useful for when it needs to lay its eggs. You or your pet can’t feel it when a tick bites, nor when they feed. For more information on protecting yourself and your pets this fall into the spring, please contact Nick at Surf & Turf Landscape Specialist, LLC: 603-363-9347 or SurfAndTurfLandscape@outlook.com Fall 2019
www.4LegsAndATail.com 9
HEY, THAT’S MY GRASS!
Goats Chomp Fire Fuels Around Previously Burned Washington Neighborhood Courtney Flatt
O
n the western edge of Wenatchee, Washington, homes wind up hillsides. Many properties back up to rolling foothills. In this neighborhood, thick brush and grasses creep up to people’s backyards. It’s hard to see to the bottom of the drainage. Firefighters say the thick vegetation needed to be thinned, but the work would be timeconsuming, risky and expensive. In the heat. On a steep hillside. With rattlesnakes. So they’re bringing in reinforcements. “Goats,” Billy Porter called to his herd. They bleated an answer almost in unison. Yes, the firefighters are using goats. More than 300 Spanish-cross goats moseyed along the hillside, eating all the brush their little hearts desired. They chomped down on the fine grasses (that several firefighters say they could only get to with a controlled burn). The goats hopped on rocks to reach trees. The brush and the hillside were no match for their voracious appetites. Goat herder Billy Porter, who owns Billy’s Goats Targeted Grazing Services, said they’ll eat for up to 17 hours a day. “That one there is just standing up on that brush on that steep bank going to town. If you give them the opportunity, they’ll eat as much as they can,” Porter said. So far, it seems to be doing the job. Chelan Fire District No. 1 Chief Brian Brett said the acre the goats have eaten looks completely different than it did 24 hours earlier. “I had no idea how aggressively they would they would chow down on the vegetation,” Brett said. It’s exactly what he’d hoped for, especially after seeing fire race up this hillside in 2015. Thick patches of brush fueled the flames. Thirty homes and three industrial buildings
Chelan County Fire District 1 firefighters brought water to the goats in Wenatchee’s Broadview neighborhood with their engines in this July 2019 grazing. Credit: Courtney Flatt/NWPB
10 4 Legs & a Tail
These goats from a herding operation based in Ephrata were in Wenatchee in July to clean out fire fuels near the Broadview neighborhood that burned in the 2015 Sleepy Hollow fire.
burned down in the Sleepy Hollow Fire. Four years later, many homes in this neighborhood have been rebuilt or updated to be more fire-resistant. Brett said his firefighters are moving on to improve the terrain — with the goats’ help. “This slope is so steep it would be a daunting process to work on. The goats make easy work of it,” Brett said, looking down the hillside. Porter’s herd has helped tame weeds before, but this was the first time his goats have munched on the grass to help slow large wildfires. He said this steep hillside is like home to the goats. “They’re very agile and athletic animals, so they’d love to prance and hop off big rocks and logs and kind of scoot down the hillside and back up,” Porter said. Porter and a fellow herder strung up an electric fence in 1-acre sections to keep the goats concentrated in an area before moving on. They’ll move the goats five times down this drainage. Community wildfire liaison Hillary Heard is herding this particular program for the fire district. She said the goats appear to eat much of the extra vegetation, like wild rose and serviceberry, but they’re also leaving some of the native plants. “It’s very much a balance between wanting to do fuels reduction work and also making sure that we leave the vegetation for the native habitat, too, for the mule deer and everything like that,” Heard said. One big problem grass the goats won’t eat at this time of year is the invasive
plant cheatgrass. When grass fires spark, cheatgrass burns quickly, fueling wildfires and allowing them to grow even faster. Right now the cheatgrass is too dry and prickly. That’s why the fire district plans to bring the goats back at different times and in different spots. “It’s just another tool in our list of resources, using different methods to make communities more fire resilient,” Heard said. She said they’ll likely replant some native grasses and shrubs to help stabilize the steep slopes. It’ll have the added benefit of beating out the invasive grasses, like cheatgrass, that help fires grow. “This will benefit the site in a number of ways,” Heard said. “One: An improvement of vegetation type will keep grasses greener longer into the fire season. Two: increase in soil stability. And three: hopefully establish a site that can be grazed every three years to keep the wildfire fuels in check.” District Chief Brian Brett said they hope to eventually create a fire break around the western edge of Wenatchee. “The intensity and duration of the flames are lessened and if we have an established fire line, it allows us to get ahead of the fire,” Brett said. For 10 days the goats ate until they had to take a break. They chewed hardy shrubs and fine grasses, right up to the electric fence line. For the goats, it was all food and fun. For the onlooking neighbors, that feast meant protection from future fires. Fall 2019
Therapy Goats: Helping Students, Healing Hearts
R
Karen Sturtevant
eturning to school after a lazy summer of sleeping in, water play and unstructured days bring mixed feelings: excitement at seeing friends and showing off new clothes and, for some, anxiety at the thoughts of new classrooms, teachers and routines. Anxiety, in general, or for a specific task, manifest in different ways for each person. Children are especially vulnerable. For some children, this manifestation displays behavior challenges. Often expert help is needed in working through these emotions and worrisome feelings. For the students of Ludlow Ele- of positive behavior supports as well as mentary School, that help comes in the providing classroom and school-wide behavior management strategies. name of Mrs. Martin. Not only are traditional approaches implemented for encouraging academic success and addressing students’ challenging behaviors, but Amanda also has a secret surprise in her lunchbox––one that just happens to have four legs and hooves. A lifelong animal lover, Amanda surrounds herself at home with dogs, cats, chickens and a family of barn swallows who has recently taken up residence in her barn. Along with this menagerie, there is one animal that continually strums at her heartstrings. Students and staff of Ludlow Elementary were familiar with the use of therapy dogs as patient reading buddies and companions, which got Amanda thinking: if dogs can be therapy partners, why can’t goats? She shared her thoughts with school administration and before long in the 2018 school year, Stink’n Benjamin (Benny), a gentle Nubian Wethers goat, was visiting the classrooms once to twice a week. “The reason I decided to use my goats as a therapy tool was that some of the Lily at School children I work with have either seen, been a part of, or a reciprocate of trauma. Trauma often triggers negative behaviors. These children need to find their soft loving side and receive back unconditional love, I feel that animals provide Amanda Martin has been facilitat- this. Children who shut down open up. ing positive change in the Two Rivers They look forward to coming to school Supervisory Union School District (for- for their time with the goat, no absences merly the Rutland Windsor Supervisory on goat day,” said Amanda. Union) for the past 35 years. She has When Benny got too big to be easily worked with children in small groups, transported to and from school, he retired in one-on-one dialogs, as a planning to grazing in the pasture and playing in room supervisor and now as the school’s the barn with his goat friends, Rose, Poppy, behavior interventionist. Her current and mother, Petunia. The students often role has her engaging with children ages remarked how much they missed Benny. 4 - 12 using her knowledge and skills “The feedback that I have received from necessary to assist in the application children, parents, teachers, and adminisFall 2019
trators has been nothing but positive. We all have seen positive changes in many children. Negative behaviors diminish in some students,” notes Amanda. Benny was a highlight of the school day and for many children, his presence had a calming effect. Amanda explains: “They [children] love to take on the responsibility of being a caregiver, groomer, feeder, exerciser, and story reader to Benny. Children that you don’t usually see having smiles or bright eyes, can be seen on goat day.” With the void of beloved Benny, Amanda again approached the administration with the idea of purchasing a dwarf goat to continue Benny’s faithful work. As fate would have it, Amanda received a call telling her some Nigerian dwarf goats would be available in the spring of 2019 and did she want one. The next call came in early May: Amanda’s goat was here and needed a name. Staying with the flora theme, the little female became Lily.
Amanda describes Lily as a constant bundle of energy, running, jumping and kicking her legs and feet in many directions while always managing to land on her feet. She also loves to jump up and over any obstacles in the path. Lily made her debut at Ludlow Elementary in the spring of 2019 when she entertained the children after being evacuated to a local community center’s gymnasium due to a fire alarm. Animals innately cast their healing spells on us, wayward humans, children of all ages included. “I have seen the teachers and high schooler come and get their animal fix, that softer, kinder self opens right up and puts happiness in their soul.” Lily’s twice-a-week schedule continued, much to the delight of her constant caregivers, until the end of the academic year. Not to worry. Lily will resume and expand her role as a lunch and snack buddy, reading partner and playmate at recess when school resumes in 2019. With Lily’s silly temperament, playful personality and sweet face, the students (and staff) of Ludlow Elementary will have yet another reason to be enthusiastic about the upcoming school year. www.4LegsAndATail.com 11
VERMONT HORSE COUNCIL “Creating a unified equine voice” T
he Vermont Horse Council is leading a collaborative of equine related businesses and organizations since last year’s Equine Summit to gather economic data about our industry. Working with the UVM Center for Rural Studies, this group has agreed to move forward on a two- part study: 1. The focus of Phase 1 was the impact of equine-related events and those who came to Vermont to participate. 2. The focus of Phase 2 is to Measure the economic contribution of annual expenses related to horse ownership in Vermont, including large purchases such as barn construction, trailer purchases, etc. and gathering “demographic data” about owners.
We (the equine industry) need to raise $25,000 to move forward with this study. This may sound daunting – but we have some donations in hand – and if 150 individuals and businesses donate $100 each we can begin immediately! You can help – let’s work together to see the answers • Make a donation • Ask others to donate • Support our Spring online Silent Auction by donating products and services - contact Heidi at vthorsecouncil@gmail.com • Volunteer by helping to write a grant - contact Heidi at vthorsecouncil@gmail.com
*We will not sell or give your information to a third party R319
12 4 Legs & a Tail
Fall 2019
TOP 10 THINGS DOGS LOVE Maria Karunungan, Ph.D. - Burlington, VT
L
ooking for ideas how to put a smile on your dog’s face? Dogs are often easy to please, but sometimes one of life’s simplest and most satisfying pleasures comes from thoughtfully adding an activity to your dog’s life. Even if it’s only taking that extra golden moment to snuggle with them on the couch and give them smooches... Below is a list of things many dogs love (keeping in mind, of course, that not all dogs will be into every single thing on this list!). Sniffing on Walks Dogs have incredible noses. Allowing them to use their olfactory smarts is one way to provide them with immense enrichment and joy – with the added bonus that this will tire them out!
typically well-fed, this also means they are often bored. Some fun games you can play with your dog can tap into species-appropriate behavior and exercise abilities they inherited from their ancestors, but no longer use. For example, a vigorous game of tug or chase that gets your dog’s blood going will release endorphins (known in humans as “runners’ high”). Hint: Endorphins make your dog happy!
Dissecting Toys Does your dog lay waste to toys? Do you ever experience chagrin at the dollars you just spent on that brand spanking new toy, only to find it ripped immediately to shreds? Worry not, there is a solution: Next time you hand a new toy to your dog, whip out your camera and film the precious minutes, even seconds of pure bliss emanating from your dog’s every pore. Recording this pleasure for posterity will make every cent you Work-To-Eat Puzzles Another way spent on that toy completely worth it. to provide your dog with enrichment that (Consider buying new toys that are cheap!) plays to their ancestral abilities is through Swimming in the Pool …or the lake, work-to-eat toys. The pet toy manufacturing or a river, or a pond, or the kiddie pool, industry has exploded with a dazzling array or even just a plastic container filled with of toys that not only slow down fast eaters, water that your dog can step into. On a hot but also make eating a festival of activity. summer day, nothing feels better on paw There is absolutely no reason to feed your pads than refreshing cool water. Some dogs dog out of a traditional bowl. If you’re short like to dunk their whole head in, some dogs on time (or just feeling lazy!), you can will lay down in the water, and some will pour kibble into a Snoop (by PlanetDog) go swimming after that stick you tossed or even into a takeout container that had for them. Nothing beats the tactile sensa- last night’s leftovers in it – or chuck your tion of cool liquid! dog’s kibble across the lawn and let them Digging If your dog loves digging, take a good long time to find it all. Your let them! This is a wonderful species- dog will have a blast and working for their appropriate behavior that will let them food will help to tire them out. wallow (literally) in cool dirt and enjoy Playing with Other Dogs Just as the smells of fresh earth. Digging also humans often crave the company of other provides a nice core workout since they humans, so do many dogs. That said, just use both front legs (unlike humans, who as you know who you like to hang out with don’t always shovel symmetrically).
and how many people makes a comfortable gathering, your dogs may likewise have a preference for the number and type of other dogs they want to be around! Snoozing in a Sunbeam Sometimes opening up a curtain or making a sunny spot on the patio accessible to your dog is all that is needed to allow your favorite fur-buddy to take a pleasurable snooze in a sunbeam. Hanging with the Family There is a reason dogs are often our best friends. As much as we love to hang out and cuddle with them, they love it right back. Don’t forget to take a few extra moments in your day to tell your dog all about your day and ask them how theirs was. Maybe hold a paw affectionately and give them a scratch on the ear or on their rump – or find that spot that makes them play the air guitar – the one where, if you hit just the right rib, their hind leg scratches the air. Or simply let them lay contentedly near your work area or follow you around as you go about your evening chores, soliciting the occasional pat and “whoosag’boy?”. Maria Karunungan is an honors graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers, where she earned her Certificate in Training and Counseling. Maria also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies. She has trained service dogs, therapy dogs, shelter dogs, and pet dogs for over 15 years and currently works with Fetch the Leash in Burlington.
Training Dogs love to train (with positive reinforcement, of course). Even older dogs or dogs who already have a lot of skills under their belt get what we call “cookie eye” when they realize they have a chance to earn a beloved biscuit. If you want to improve your dog’s behavior, training is the perfect way to spend time with them, stimulate their brains and tire them out, AND get the behavior change you want to see! Interactive Games Dogs’ ancestors used to entertain themselves and expend energy hunting for food. Although modern-day domestic dogs are well-loved, and Fall 2019
www.4LegsAndATail.com 13
Alternatively Speaking: What’s Up With Those Knees? Dr. Anne Carroll DVM, CVA
I
n our last article, we discussed ways to avoid injuries while having summer fun. Fall may be here, but unfortunately, injuries happen year-round. Since so many lameness complaints involve knees, we thought it would be good to follow up and focus on them in detail. Dogs (and even cats) can have many different problems with their knees, including arthritis, loose knee caps, and unfortunately sometimes bone cancers. While cats or specific breeds of dogs can be prone to certain knee problems, if we lump them all together the cruciate injuries are arguably the most frequent issue involving the knee. Since a little knowledge can go a long way towards prevention, let’s learn about cruciate injuries. Most people have heard of cruciate ligaments, it is a common injury for humans too. To understand why involves a look at anatomy. Unlike the hip or elbow, knee joints lack interlocking bones. The thigh sim14 4 Legs & a Tail
ply sits on top of the shin bone, with cartilage shock-absorbing pads (menisci) cushioning between them. What keeps them aligned are the ligaments around the joint, along with the leg’s muscle and tendon attachments. However, when you think about stress to the knee, it is not being pushed to the side, or backward. Whether upright or on 4 legs, most activity involves forward motion so the thigh is constantly pushing down on the shin, which naturally wants to pop forwards under that pressure. The cruciate ligaments don’t allow that to happen. Located inside the knee joint, they cross diagonally, anchoring the bones so they stay in line and any weight is transferred down to propel the body forward. Like any ligament in the body, they are incredibly strong to bear this pressure. But they do have their limits. This brings us to why cruciate ligaments are so prone to injury. In people, it is typically a result of trau-
ma, like when playing football or skiing. But for dogs, this is not usually the case. Take “Hackett” for instance, who we talked about in the last issue’s article. He went out into the yard to play and came back on 3 legs. For dogs, injury happens during regular activities, because for them the ligament has been weakening slowly for some time until it suddenly gives way. Why are the ligaments weak? There are several reasons. For Labradors and Newfoundlands, there is a genetic link to faulty ligaments and affected dogs’ knees can give out as young as a year old. Genetics play a role in body type also. A dog’s knee is not straight like ours, their leg angles forward from hip to knee and then back to the foot. This angle can be excessive, like in German Shepherds whose sloped rear end throws their feet behind the body straining the back and hips. The opposite is an ‘upright’ conformation, where the leg is too straight. This can happen in any breed but commonly Fall 2019
in Labrador Retrievers that have a tall slim build versus the classic stocky hunting dog. Studies have shown this lanky build may result when male Labs are neutered before puberty because puberty hormones signal a stop to bone growth and the surgery delays that. The straighter leg creates a constant forward strain on the knee like a skier always going downhill, making them prone to injury. The other big contributor to weak ligaments is dietary promoted inflammation. Eating excessive processed carbs, combined with being more than 10% over ideal body weight promotes inflammation that can weaken ligaments, affecting more than just knees. Weak hip ligaments allow excess motion that damages growing puppy hip (hip dysplasia), and weak cruciate ligaments suffer small tears over time until they fail. From a Chinese perspective, the ligaments and tendons need good blood circulation to maintain full strength, otherwise, they become dry and brittle. So dogs with the Chinese diagnosis of Blood Deficiency may have ligament problems in general, as well as other signs of poor circulation to their extremities such as dry dander, thin dry coats, anxious personalities, and restless dream-filled sleep. Blood Deficiency is often linked to a diet lacking blood-rich meats and organs. The good news is that knowing what to look for allows us to support against cruciate injuries before that injury occurs. In our practice, we discuss including fresh ligaments or bone broth in your dog’s diet, or supplements that provides those nutritional tissues. Glucosamine may be added to reduce inflammation in at-risk joints. Chinese herbs and food therapy can help soften Blood Deficient tendencies and avoid or minimize the issues that imbalance causes over time. Simple steps like keeping lean and trim, especially during growth, has a huge impact too. This is best done by providing at least part of the diet as a fresh, canned or dehydrated food that has little or no processed carbs. Dry dog food is convenient but not ideal to feed as the sole diet. Whether corn, wheat, rice, peas, lentils, potatoes or chickpeas, a starch is a starch and in processed form only contributes to weight gain and inflammation, especially in a species designed to eat meats and carcass parts, not bread. Labrador owner should discuss the pros and cons of delayed neutering with their vets. It is not the right choice for every dog but the evidence is good that waiting Fall 2019
may improve the chances of healthy knees. Lastly, encourage low impact exercises like swimming, hiking and walking while avoiding Frisbee and fetch games that involve a lot of twisting, skidding and jumping on an at-risk knee. In case prevention isn’t successful, know the early signs of injury. Most people don’t have trouble noticing when their buddy can’t use a hind leg. But the more important symptom to act on is the limp that lasts for a day or two, but then gets better. This may be an innocent strain or muscle pull, but more often it is a small tear in the cruciate ligament. It can still hold the bones in place, so feels better after the initial pain of the tear. Suspect this injury if your dog hurt themselves just during normal play or activity, or if they haven’t had arthritis or ongoing issue to explain why their leg would be suddenly sore. Most cruciate injuries can be diagnosed with a physical exam, although some dogs may need a sedative to relax the joint for that exam especially if they are painful, or need X-rays. Early intervention is critical since this is the best opportunity to manage the issue without surgery. Left unaddressed, the ligament will continue to suffer small tears until it gives out and the knee can no longer support weight at all. So let’s say you are at the vet’s and a partial tear is diagnosed, or at least suspected, what happens then? Modifying and restricting activity is important while giving the ligament time to heal. Not being in pain just means the acute inflammation of injury has passed, but it takes 8 weeks for a ligament to repair a tear, and then as many months for that new repair to be as strong as the original ligament was. That means avoiding heavy activity for a while, perhaps even just short leash walks in the beginning. In the meantime, we want to take all the steps mentioned above for preventative support, but also add herbs and supplements that enhance circulation to the joint while reducing inflammation to promote healing. Acupuncture and massage are also helpful to this end. Studies looked at dogs a few years after cruciate injuries and showed that a combination of weight loss and physical therapy can be as effective as surgery, especially for partial tears or tears in animals under 30 pounds. For complete tears of the ligament, the joint has lost its stability and can’t hold the body’s weight. Surgery is the only way to immediately return that function. For large, active dogs,
it still is the treatment of choice in most cases, however medical management is not impossible for a dedicated owner and the right patient. Even when surgery is pursued, all the above supports are still important for several reasons. First, the weakness that existed in the torn ligament exists in the opposite leg, which is now bearing abnormal weight while the injured leg is out of commission. This is why we caution to expect a similar injury in the other leg within the next 2 years unless proactive measures are taken. Secondly, most of the herbs and supplements used help with circulation to the knee and that aids in healing after surgery. Finally, these measures are also supporting ligaments in the whole body, which all share the same vulnerabilities and can suffer strains over a lifetime. Addressing ligament health has body-wide orthopedic benefits for your pet and is a worthwhile investment to make early on. So if you have a breed prone to knee problems, or a dog with a body type that puts their knees at risk, you can certainly get good pet insurance and/or start saving for knee surgery early on. You may have enough saved up by the time you need it. But consider putting some of those dollars towards a nourishing diet and supports to strengthen and promote healthy joints and ligaments, and both you, your dog and your wallet will be happier for the effort. Dr. Anne Carroll is the owner of the Chelsea Animal Hospital where she and her associates practice conventional medicine and surgery as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. For more information on alternative veterinary medicine visit their website at www.chelseaanimalhospital.com
www.4LegsAndATail.com 15
YOUR PET'S CHIPPED TOOTH W
hen presenting their feline or canine family members, our clients will often direct our attention to the teeth. Chipped, broken, fractured, or worn teeth can be a source of pain and infection for pets, and should be evaluated by your veterinarian promptly. A minor chip may only involve the enamel of the tooth, and in a large breed, may not need immediate treatment. But the tiniest chip from the tip of a canine tooth in a cat, almost always involves the deeper pulp chamber of the tooth. This part of the tooth includes the blood supply and nerves of the tooth, and exposure
16 4 Legs & a Tail
Kristin Esterbrook, DVM
to the oral cavity may lead to bacterial infection of the tooth and pain for the cat. Some tooth fractures are more obvious. When a large portion of the crown is suddenly missing, there has almost certainly been a traumatic event causing a fracture. Usually, the pet has chewed or bitten something hard such as a bone or rock or metal. Even ice cubes have caused tooth fractures. As a rule, if an object is too hard to make an imprint with a thumbnail or if you could plausibly use the object to drive a nail into a wall like a hammer, it is too hard for your pet to chew. A very common scenario, especially with larger breeds, is a mouth full of teeth that appear to all be fractured. But on close inspection, these teeth are often actually worn. Wear, or abrasion occurs gradually. The culprit many times is a tennis ball. Because the wearing occurs gradually, teeth have time to protect themselves by producing tertiary dentin which is layered between the enamel of the crown and the sensitive pulp chamber. This extra layering of dentin can protect the tooth from infection, and also the nerve endings from pain. However, sometimes the
Fractured upper left 4th premolar.
wearing occurs too rapidly for this protective layer to be completed, and areas of sensitivity, and bacterial access occur. In all of the above situations, it is very difficult and often impossible to thoroughly evaluate the tooth in the exam room. Even with the most compliant patient, our eyes are not able to see the entire picture. Anesthesia with a well lit field and magnification, dental instruments such as a dental explorer, and dental x-rays are almost always necessary to differentiate the benign enamel chip or the gradually worn tooth that is not a source of pain from those that need treatment. A large fracture always needs some form of treatment. With the help of your veterinarian will decide the best treatment for your pet taking into consideration your pet's demeanor and lifestyle, your valuable time, and finances. A referral to a veterinary dental specialist may be necessary for certain treatment options. Although accidents happen and some tooth fractures are unavoidable, there are steps we can take to decrease the chance of tooth trauma in our pets. No hard chews! Use the thumbnail rule. Even ice cubes or those cow hooves we see in pet stores are too hard for pet's teeth. No tennis balls. Use rubber balls for those games of fetch. The fuzz of the tennis ball is abrasive and over time will wear you pet's teeth. If you are unsure if a toy, treat or chew is appropriate for your pet's teeth, ask your veterinarian for advice on the best products to maintain oral health including strong, intact teeth. Kristin Esterbrook, DVM is a Rutland native who has recently relocated back to Vermont from Massachusetts. Dr. Esterbrook has been practicing Veterinary Medicine for fourteen years. She received her Veterinary Medical Degree from Ross University. Her special interests include dentistry and internal medicine Riverside Veterinary Care & Dental Service in Rutland and Ludlow, VT. www.RiversideVetCare.com Fall 2019
RABIES
Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
W hat is rabies? Rabies is a very serious viral infection of warm-blooded animals. It is caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family.
The virus infects the central nervous system. Once symptoms develop, it is virtually 100% fatal in animals. In North America, rabies happens mainly in skunks, raccoons, foxes, and bats. In some parts, these wild animals infect domestic cats, dogs, and livestock. In the U.S., cats are more likely than dogs to be rabid. Generally, rabies is rare in small rodents, such as beavers, chipmunks, squirrels, rats, mice, or hamsters. Rabies is also rare in rabbits. In the mid-Atlantic states, where rabies is increasing in raccoons, woodchucks (groundhogs) can be rabid. How does rabies happen? The rabies virus enters the body via the animal’s saliva either through a bite, cut or scratch, or through mucous membranes such as the lining of the mouth and eyes. It then travels to the central nervous system. Once the infection is in the brain, the virus travels down the nerves from the brain and multiplies in different organs. The salivary glands and organs are most important in the spread of rabies from one animal to another. When an infected animal bites another animal, the rabies virus is transmitted through the infected animal’s saliva. Scratches by claws of rabid animals are also dangerous because these animals lick their claws. What are the symptoms of rabies? The incubation period in humans from the time of exposure to the onset of illness can range anywhere from weeks to months. The average incubation period is about 2 months. These are the most common symptoms of rabies: • Pain, tingling, or numbness around the wound site • Low-grade fever • Headache • Appetite loss • Intense thirst, but drinking will cause painful throat spasms • Restlessness • Hyperactivity • Disorientation, anxiety, hallucinations • Seizures Symptoms of rabies may look like other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Seek care right away if you think you may have been exposed to rabies.
Unconditional L ve v
This is George. George loves you. Be like George.
Preventing Rabies Teach young children to never walk toward or try to touch an unknown animal. Have your cats and dogs vaccinated against rabies. If you have other types of pets, ask your veterinarian if they need a rabies vaccine. Keep your animals in a fenced yard or on a leash. Check that the animal wears its rabies vaccine tag with its vaccine history, name, and your contact information. Call animal control to report any stray animals in your neighborhood. They may be ill or not vaccinated. This article was submitted by Rutland Regional Medical Center. www.rrmc.org Fall 2019
www.4LegsAndATail.com 17
Mia and Carol Enjoying the View
Pup Tales
Mia – An Unlikely Hiking Partner Carol Fleming
I
f you were to look at her, you would never guess that one of Mia’s favorite activities is hiking. She is a small, black and white mix between a ShihTzu, chihuahua and cocker spaniel, and weighs about 12 lbs. Though I wanted a dog, I hadn’t been actively looking when Mia landed on my lap around a year old. She was a spunky, sassy, sensitive, and scared little girl – and she wouldn’t come near me. The first night was chaos, as she barked and growled and skirted around me, while I sat as motionless as possible on the kitchen floor, talking to her in dulcet tones. It took hours. That first night, I wasn’t sure if Mia and I would work out. It became clear that she was not potty trained, not comfortable with other dogs, or people, primarily men, and that we had a lot of work ahead of us. Though it was not an easy task, Mia began to realize I was there to love her, to protect her, care for her, and to teach her about the world. She was still cau-
18 4 Legs & a Tail
tious and withheld her affection, unsure if I was deserving. Mia was far from the hiking dog that I had pictured, barely reaching the middle of my calf in height. She often needed a boost to get up on the couch, where she would then perch on the back like a cat. The first few weeks, we spent hours walking every road in the neighborhood. Mia seemed to enjoy her walks and gradually became more associated with walking on leash, having cars and people around, and generally being out and about. We tried a few trails in the area, simple and small, generally flat. Mia trotted along happily – sniffing the fresh air and enjoying the exercise. For a little thing, she didn’t seem to tire, at least not nearly as quickly as I did myself. We began to venture further each time, resting when either of us needed, sharing water and snacks from my pack. Mia began to trust me. We bought a trail hiking map of the New Hampshire White Mountains and
began spending all our free time devoted to crossing off peaks. We were not working from a list, like “52-With-A-View” or the “4,000 Footers” – we chose mountains based on proximity to home and necessary time commitment. While Mia was a small inexperienced hiker, I was following a back injury a few years prior. We were slow. We enjoyed the views. We took a lot of photos. We didn’t limit ourselves, and we pushed ahead, step by step. Spring the next year, following a few shorter local hikes, we did a solid 6.5 mile loop and sat atop two small peaks – Jennings & Noon near Waterville Valley. I could easily see Mia’s joy at the prospect of hiking. As soon as I extracted my hiking pack from the closet, she was a bouncy and vocal puppy, clearly ready to go. At the trailhead, she would yip and run around with glee while I put my boots and pack on, anxious to get started. Mia had learned many new trail commands – “wait”, “Ok, let’s go”, “this side” for going around trees so her leash wouldn’t get snagged. She would run ahead of me but always look back to check I was following along. If she was tired, she would let me pass but would stay on my heels, following each of my footsteps. The very next weekend, Mia and I hiked her first 4,000 foot mountain – East Osceola (4156’) along the Kancamagus Highway. We sat together at the summit, looking out across the green ripples of mountains and valleys. We drank in the noise of the wilderness and relished in our solitude under the sunshine. Mia sat along my side, leaning slightly against my hip. Something changed that day. We shared an accomplishment and it bonded us forever. I felt her sigh, and I sighed too – the mountains brought a sense of calm and peace to us both. Since that first mountain, Mia and I have sat atop twelve more 4,000 footers together. We shirk off the comments of doubtful hikers we meet along the way – commenting about her size, sometimes almost accusing me of abuse. To these folks I say – “She’s small, but she pulls me most of the time!” and walk off with a laugh. We welcome our fellow hikers who look at Mia in amazement and wonder, at how such a small pup could accomplish a feat they struggled completing. We both know she is capable, but I still look at her with amazement too, especially when she is sitting above tree line staring out across the vast wilderness. Mia and I have created a rhythm and a routine, and an inexplicable bond. If you enjoyed this story, Mia and I are now reading “Following Atticus” by Tom Ryan – a wonderful story about another unlikely hiking pup, who attempted to climb all forty-eight 4,000 footers twice in one winter to raise money for charity. Fall 2019
FACT OR FICTION? SPAY/NEUTER MYTHS BUSTED
E
very year, millions of healthy dogs and cats in the United States are euthanized simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. The ASPCA is working hard to combat the pet homelessness crisis, and spay/neuter operations are one of the most effective tools at our disposal. Spaying (female) and neutering (male) helps curbs animal overpopulation and has medical and behavioral benefits for pets—yet there are a number of myths, rumors and falsehoods circulating about this important procedure. In honor of Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, we’re here to set the record straight.
MYTH: Spaying and neutering will cause my pets
to gain weight. FACT: Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause
your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not spaying and neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor their food intake.
MYTH: Neutering causes behavioral changes. FACT: Unneutered cats and dogs are more likely to mark
their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Unneutered dogs also have a tendency to mount other dogs, people and inanimate objects. All of these above behaviors may change when your pet is sterilized—which is a good thing! Neutering can help avoid some aggression problems or undesirable behaviors caused by a higher level of testosterone. That said, it is important to note that there are no guarantees. Neutering does not eliminate the testosterone hormone completely, nor will it negate any behaviors that your pet has learned or that have become habitual. The effects of neutering are largely dependent on your dog’s individual personality, physiology and history. Fall 2019
MYTH: Spay/neuter operations are expensive. FACT: The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery is
far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter! Plus, the ASPCA and many other organizations offer free or low-cost spay/neuter services for pet owners.
MYTH: Spaying and neutering is unhealthy. FACT: Just the opposite! Neutering your male com-
panion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Spay/neuter will help your pet live a longer, healthier life.
MYTH: Neutering will make my pet feel like less
of a male. FACT: Pets do not have any concept of ego or sexual
identity, and neutering won’t change that. What might change, however, is that your male dog will be less likely to roam away from home! An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate, including finding creative ways to escape from the house. Once he’s free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other male animals. Similarly, spayed female pets won’t go into heat. While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they’ll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house! Spay/neuter operations will help curb these behaviors and keep your pet where he or she belongs: in your safe and loving home. www.4LegsAndATail.com 19
TOP 10 REASONS TO ADOPT A CAT Adopting a cat is not only a wonderful way to support your local animal shelter, it’s also an excellent way to bring some cuddly love into your life. Here are the top ten reasons why adopting a cat is the right move. #10 They’re Independent…
#7 They Bathe Themselves
Cats are naturally independent creatures that require little supervision. This makes them the perfect pet for workaholics, city dwellers, people living in apartments, and the just generally mellow. While you can feel free to walk your cat, it isn’t necessary to their lifestyle.
And it’s a good thing, too. Have you ever tried to get a cat into water? Not fun if you prefer your skin scratch-free. So they bathe themselves and leave you with one less chore – it’s a win-win situation for all concerned.
#9 …Yet Cuddly
#6 They’re Avid Hunters
They may be able to take care of themselves, but cats still love a good cuddle. And unlike those 100-pound pooches that think they belong on your lap, a cat actually fits there quite nicely. Plus, they are warm and fuzzy – so purr-fectly suited for snuggling.
#8 You Won’t Need To Housebreak Them In addition to bathing themselves, cats come into your life pretty much potty trained. You set up a litter box and with very little instruction they figure out how to use it almost naturally. Adopting a cat means never having to worry about getting home late and realizing you still need to go out into the cold, cold darkness.
20 4 Legs & a Tail
Not a big fan of lizards, mice or giant beetles? Adopt a cat! Cats are skilled hunters that will help keep the bug population down in your home, as well as those hairraising lizards, mice, moths, dust bunnies — and those alarming red laser pointers.
#5 …and Great Entertainers Cats are more than capable of entertaining themselves with toys, boxes, drawers and the like. Give a cat a window (and window sill to perch on) and she’ll spend hours watching the goings-on in the Great Outdoors as she plots taking over the world and generally enjoys making the peons on the other side of the glass jealous of her glorious coat and pretty whiskers.
Fall 2019
#4 Perfect Couch Potato Companion
Think about it. A cat spends about 15 or so hours a day sleeping. This means they will never make you feel guilty when you laze about on the couch eating a tub of ice cream and watching TV all day. In fact, a cat would love to just veg out with you. It’s a built built-in excuse to be lazy. Just tell the haters, “I’m spending some quality time with my cat.”
#3 You’re Saving a Life
According to The HSUS, somewhere between 6 to 8 million cats and dogs are taken in by animal shelters each year in the U.S., and 3 to 4 million of those cats and dogs are eventually euthanized. By adopting a cat today, you could be single-handedly saving a life. That’s a pretty big deal. And on top of saving the life of your own new feline friend, adoption frees up more space in the shelter for other animals, and the adoption fees help shelters keep running and saving even more animals. Adoption fees vary depending on the age and breed of the cat, but help cover pre-adoption veterinarian care and evaluations.
#2 They’re Saving Your Life
As if saving a life wasn’t a good enough reason to adopt a cat, keep in mind that your potential new cat could save your life, too. Having a pet has been attributed to significantly lowering blood pressure, as well as lowering the risk of heart disease. Plus, the mere act of stroking a cat for a few minutes has been shown to release “feel good” endorphins in the brain.
#1
THEY’RE AWESOME
You can’t argue with the facts. A cat is pretty much the most popular pet in the world (there are statistically more cats in U.S. households than dogs). They’re adorable, loving, easy companions that make you super happy (and healthy). So what are you waiting for? Head on down to your nearest shelter to find your new best friend! Fall 2019
www.4LegsAndATail.com 21
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Star and Her Siblings
Marina Welch - Upper Valley Humane Society
A s a pet owner, having your furry family member go missing is a
fear. If it happens, your life is thrown into turmoil. Your life becomes filled with hanging flyers, scouring the neighborhood daily, and constantly feeling worried and scared for your pet’s safety. This happened to Jessie and her family at the beginning of 2018. Jessie was in the middle of moving and had to leave her cat, Star, with a family member. Amid the chaos and stress involved in moving, she received a phone call from her pet sitter saying that Star had managed to escape from a window. She rushed over to make sure Star wasn’t hiding somewhere and searched the apartment complex desperately, but with no luck. She immediately hung up flyers, posted pictures throughout social media, and spread the word to locals that her cat was missing. Star was spotted periodically over the next couple of months. Jessie even managed to get near her a few times, but Star always bolted before she could be caught. One night, Jessie
22 4 Legs & a Tail
nearly caught Star while hobbling after her on a booted foot she had just had surgery on! Shortly after that, things went quiet for a year. Star seemed to have disappeared forever. Jessie’s daughters never stopped asking about their beloved cat and the family was left to wonder what happened to her. Then, on May 22nd, 2019, the Upper Valley Humane Society posted on their Facebook page about a stray cat that had been brought in. They had named her ‘Mavis’ and asked social media followers to spread the word that she was looking for her family. ‘Mavis’ was then put on “stray hold,” a period of time for owners to find and contact UVHS about their lost pets. However, Jessie didn’t see the original Facebook post. Nobody contacted UVHS about ‘Mavis’ and she was put up for adoption. On June 4th at 10 pm, Jessie’s friend texted her and told her that UVHS had her cat! She was in disbelief but doublechecked. Sure enough, it was Star! Jessie
frantically called the shelter as soon as she could the next morning, worried that she might be too late. She had no reason to worry, as Star was still at the shelter and could be picked up that day! Jessie rushed to UVHS, nervous that Star might not remember her--worried that she might be a completely different cat now. As soon as Jessie walked into the room, Star jumped into her arms, hugging her, purring, and rubbing her head against Jessie. She remembered her family! With happy tears, Jessie took her long lost feline friend home. The best part of their reunion was bringing her daughter home early from school and having Star waiting to welcome her home. Her daughter’s eyes shone brighter than she’s ever seen them when she saw Star. Since Star has been home, she is the same cat she was before. She fell back into her routine and still climbs up on the bed to cuddle and lay on Jessie’s head while she sleeps. Jessie says that Star reminds her more of a dog than a cat with her antics! Everyone is still over the moon and a little bit in disbelief that Star came home after being gone for so long. The Upper Valley Humane Society is thrilled that they were reunited and that we were able to keep Star safe and cared for while she waited for her family to find her. We hope that this story inspires those that have lost their furry family members to never lose faith. We hope that it also highlights how important it is that we post on our social media pages about strays that are brought to us and put on “stray hold.” Through this vital protocol, we continue to unite families with their lost pets. UVHS will be hosting a Rabies Vaccination Clinic on September 7th from 8:30-10:00 am. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are welcome and each shot is $10. For more information, call 603-448-6888 or visit our website at www.uvhs.org/calendar. Fall 2019
HE FOUND HIS VOICE Gerri McLaughlin-Bendel - Grantham, NH
This is the story of Ryder, the wonder dog...
R
yder joined our family 3 years ago. He had BIG paws to fill. Six months earlier our 100-pound Scout, the BEST Lab had gone over Rainbow Bridge. My husband and I agreed if we looked for a Lab, it would have a hard act to follow. We decided to adopt a rescue. On the Vermont For the Love of Dogs website, I saw a dog that absolutely needed to be with us. To be honest, I needed to be with him. Ryder was described as a Red Bone Coon about 2 years old, sweet and loving hugs. The only Red Bone I had ever seen was in the movie, “Where the Red Fern Grows.” The movie was a tearjerker. 40 odd years later, I remember the 2-star hounds, noses to the ground, howling, driven by coon scent. Ryder was rescued in Alabama. He had been hanging out at a Quick Stop for a month. The manager found him every morning curled up by the front door. Customers were greeted with tail wags and a paw shake. Ryder was rewarded with all-day treats. One morning the manager arrived to find him lying in the parking lot, shot in the face. A Good Samaritan took him to a vet and paid his bill. When he recovered Ryder was sent to an adoption center. He was posted on a Vermont Dog Rescue site. He was transported to a foster home in Vermont, where we were to pick him up. I was anxious. What if I didn’t feel a connection? What if I had jumped in without meeting him first? I emailed Vermont Dog Rescue with my insecurities and their reply was reassuring and non-judgmental. If I had any doubts about the adoption, Ryder would be well cared for in foster care until he was placed. We drove upstate to meet Ryder. All I remember is getting out of our car, looking up to a house deck and seeing a smiling, wiggling, tail-wagging dog making full eye contact with me. He came home with us within the hour. At first, this hound was a bit shy, sweet, smart and very quiet. Whenever friends would come by, he would stay lying in our driveway and wag his tail. It took about 6 months for him to venture forth to greet friends exiting their cars. We also noted our hound was quiet, no bark, definitely no howl. I worried about this, certain it was due to past trauma. His smarts showed in not begging at our table. For an entire year, whenever we would sit down to dinner, Ryder would go to the other side of the room and lie down. This single trait won my husband over; he said something like, “Never in my life have I met a dog that didn’t beg.” A year later my husband and I were totally surprised when Ryder let out a barely audible, “arf, arf.” We were all in the backyard. Ryder appeared to be guarding our side of the riverbank. On the opposite bank, a man was bushwhacking his way through the unforgiving forest. In the years we had lived there, only deer braved that area. We petted the best hound, grateful for letting out a warning, even if only a whisper. It was around that time; Ryder was comfortable enough to sleep on my feet, under the table at dinnertime. He did not beg, but snored loudly, making all present laugh. He never stole food off the kitchen counter, never dumped the garbage and never attempted to climb on the furniture. During his second year with us, our family jumped the river and landed in New Hampshire. I wondered how our hound would adapt Fall 2019
to the move. Relieved, I watched him settle into his new surroundings. He pranced through our wooded acre and found his lookout pad on the deck. Ryder continues to thrive. He was instrumental in helping our young grandsons overcome their fear of dogs. My elderly Mom’s feet were always cold. She loved when Ryder would curl upon them. As of his third year in our family, he has found his howl. A week ago, I was awakened by a sound thundering down our hall. At first, I thought was dreaming. The howls emanated from the kitchen. I heard nails scratching on glass. I found Ryder attacking the door. I flew to flip on the porch light. Through the glass, Ryder and I stared at the backside of a black bear ambling off our deck.
Ryder, the wonder dog has found his voice.
Gerri has lived in the Upper Valley for more than 40 years. She and her husband Ron now live in Grantham, NH with their best hound, Ryder.
www.4LegsAndATail.com 23
I
Collie Travels 2500 Miles to Return to Oregon Home
24 4 Legs & a Tail
n the 1920s, a collie mix was separated from his family in Wolcott, Indiana, where the family vacationed the summer of 1923. Frank and Elizabeth Brazier and their two daughters, Nova and Leona, lived in Silverton, Oregon, along the foothills of the Cascade Mountains south of Portland. Driving their automobile, an Overland Red Bird, they made the long trip to Wolcott, Indiana, to visit friends and relatives, staying at tourist camps along the way. (By the 1920s, an increasing number of families owned automobiles. Along the bigger roads entrepreneurs built small bungalows to rent out nightly.) The Brazier dog Bobbie (named because he had a “bobbed� tail which was unusual for a collie) accompanied the family. The Red Bird had a collapsible roof, but cars of that time were primarily open air automobiles, so Bobbie could ride on the running boards or on top of the trunk strapped to the back of the automobile. Either way, he was free to jump in and out of the car as they traveled. Auto speeds at that time were slow enough that it was not difficult for a motivated dog to re-join his travelers. Bobbie Chased Away One afternoon Frank Brazier left the home where they were staying to take the car to the service station. As usual, Bobbie went along. Frank stopped to chat with the station owner, and Bobbie hopped out to do his usual exploring. However, three stray dogs took issue with the newcomer, and chased Bobbie out of the area. Frank Brazier was not particularly worried. Bobbie was fast and smart and generally figured out a way to circle back to the car no matter where he wandered. Frank remained at the station for a time, chatting with others who stopped by. After waiting for a bit, Frank sounded the signal to Bobbie. A couple of toots on the horn meant that it was time to get going. But Bobbie did not appear. A Search for Bobbie After waiting for about an hour, Frank decided Bobbie must have returned to the house where the family stayed. When he arrived, no one had seen Bobbie. Frank drove back to the station and waited a little longer, but as it got dark, he resolved to start hunting again early the next day. Unfortunately, the next day was the same. Frank visited stores in Wolcott and stopped in at the local tourist camp, since the family usually stayed at similar places. Bobbie was not to Fall 2019
be found. Frank circled around and honked again at the service station, but there was still no response. Needed to Go Back to Silverton The Brazier family owned a popular restaurant in Silverton, Oregon, and they knew they couldn’t be gone much longer. All they could do was leave word that if Bobbie returned, they would pay all shipping charges to have him sent home by rail. With heavy hearts, the family set off for the long drive home without their beloved pet. As they traveled, they left their information at the tourist parks where they camped. Perhaps Bobbie would appear at some place that seemed familiar. The family arrived in Silverton and re-opened the restaurant. Life had to go on.
What Happened Next To everyone’s amazement, six months later Bobbie appeared in Silverton. He looked very thin, his fur was matted, and he limped because the pads of his paws were bleeding from the long trip on ice and gravel. Daughter Nova and a friend were first to see him. The girls were on the street outside the family’s restaurant on February 15, 1924, when Nova grabbed her friend’s arm: ”Is that Bobbie?” With shouts of joy from the girls and yips and small jumps from the injured Bobbie, the girls and the dog shared hugs and kisses. Nova led Bobbie into the restaurant where patrons were surprised to see her bringing a bedraggled dog with badly matted fur inside. He limped slowly toward the back of the diner, only to be greeted by a cry from Elizabeth Frazier: “Bobbie!” With that, the community realized what happened—Bobbie was home. Finding Frank Frank worked the early shift so he was upstairs napping before coming down to prepare the next meals. The rest of the family raced up the stairs behind Bobbie who used every last ounce of his strength to bound onto the bed beside his beloved owner. Fall 2019
bie last summer at my shack on the Tippecanoe River. I was sitting under a tree one summer day, when I heard a splashing in the river and running up the hill came a collie dog which I knew was seeking his master…”
Frank woke with a start with the first wet lick, but within seconds he realized that this worn-out dog was Bobbie. Bobbie quickly nestled down beside Frank and the two continued Frank’s nap until Frank knew it was time to prepare for the next restaurant diners. But of course, his first priority was putting out a good meal for Bobbie. While the family was elated over the return of their beloved dog, they couldn’t answer the question that bombarded them from all the townspeople: How did Bobbie get home? In a fairy tale, Bobbie would step forward and explain his part of the story, but we all must acknowledge that’s not possible here. What happened was the next best thing. Bobbie Makes News Today local television news shows occasionally provide airtime for a feelgood “dog-and-family-reunion” story, but print papers rarely cover such stories. However, in 1925, Bobbie was a great local—and eventually a national—story. The national news stories resulted in an outpouring of mail for Bobbie and his family. Often the letters were just addressed to “Bobbie, Silverton, Oregon,” or “Silverton Bobbie,” and not much else. The post office knew where to find Bobbie and the Braziers, and each letter was carefully answered. Unbeknownst to the family, these letters were key to unlocking Bobbie’s secrets. Some of the letters were from dog owners who were particularly touched by the story. Others were letters of admiration for Bobbie. Some sent gifts, others wrote poetry in Bobbie’s honor…all were touched by knowing that Bobbie got home. Bobbie became even bigger news when he was featured in the syndicated column, Ripley’s Believe It or Not. More News As time went on, the Braziers began to learn a little more about Bobbie’s travels: “Dear Sir: The enclosed picture appeared in an Indianapolis paper recently and I am wondering if I did not make the acquaintance of Bob-
Other Hints of Bobbie’s Whereabouts Here and there, other news trickled in: “A dog that looked just like Bobbie stayed around our tourist park for a few days…then we never saw him again.” There were two particular occasions when Bobbie stayed for a longer time. The first incident occurred near Des Moines. One night something must have startled Bobbie. He found himself in the rapidly moving water (presumably the Des Moines River). When he surfaced on the other side of the river, he may have been hit by a vehicle as he emerged from the water. He slowly made his way to a house where he pushed his way in through a screened door and found a friendly greeting. Des Moines Stop The Des Moines family wrote to the Braziers: “I am prompted to write you in the hope of establishing his identity. He made his appearance during the night and finding my nephew sleeping on the porch, he offered his paw to shake hands, after which he quietly went to sleep.” The family made over him the next morning and fed him breakfast. Each evening Bobbie returned to their home, but he spent his days elsewhere—perhaps scouting for a lead on his family. After several weeks with the family, Bobbie was better fed and more rested. The injury to his hip also seemed better. One morning the family fed him as usual, and when they let him out, he didn’t return. They were heartbroken that he didn’t stay, but after asking about for him, there was nothing they could do. Portland Savior His second long stay was closer to home. After many more miles, much bad weather, and almost certainly dangerous encounters, Bobbie arrived in Portland, Oregon, but he was in such bad shape he could not go on. This time he was taken in by an elderly woman who nursed him back to health and loved having him with her. Those whom Bobbie visited were in awe of his determination to return to his original family. Despite warm welcomes in several locations, Bobbie insisted he had to go on. Piecing the Story Together The Oregon Humane Society heard the stories of Bobbie and the letters coming in that seemed to trace Bobbie’s trip. The story fascinated those who Continued Next Page
www.4LegsAndATail.com 25
Unlike the rest of the canines in Silverton, Bobbie was given free range to travel the town as he pleased. The Braziers received countless invitations for Bobbie to appear at various events, and there was also an intriguing invitation from a producer who wanted to make a silent film of Bobbie’s life. Frank thought that was interesting, and when they said Bobbie would play himself, the family signed on. Today one reel of the two-reel film has been located and restored. The other reel is still missing. In the meantime, to see Bobbie in action as himself, watch some of “The Call of the West” preserved by the Oregon Historical Society. worked there. How could a dog travel so far on his own, and how did he possibly find his way? The director of the Society paid a call to Frank Brazier at the restaurant. He offered to take the letters after the family answered them and let the staff try to trace Bobbie’s route home. The Braziers loved the idea, and the Society went to work. As they followed the leads in the letters, Bobbie sometimes circled around and occasionally was led off-track (as in a trip to Denver by automobile), but ultimately, he pointed his nose West
26 4 Legs & a Tail
and did what he could to track back through landmarks the Braziers passed the first time. Safe at Home In the meantime, Bobbie received keys to various cities around Silverton and was invited for a week-long appearance at the Portland Home Show, where they provided him with an elegant doghouse, complete with it’s own white picket fence. People lined up for hours to wait to shake Bobbie’s paw and give him a good scratch behind his ears. The happiest event for Bobbie, however, One Litter of Pups was the Silverton City Council’s resolve that Other dog owners considered BobBobbie was exempt from the town leash law. bie prime breeding material, but the Braziers moved forward with that plan cautiously. They finally agreed to let him father one litter of puppies with a local collie of good quality. Several handsome pups resulted from the breeding. The Braziers took one of the dogs as a companion for Bobbie. Pal became Bobbie’s sidekick. Bobbie died in April of 1927. The veterinarian that treated him speculated that the arduous journey took years off the dog’s life. Memories of Bobbie He was buried in the Oregon Humane Society’s pet cemetery in Portland. The doghouse/castle created for him marks the grave, and two hundred people attended the service. Today visitors are able to go behind the building to see Bobbie’s final resting place. A week after the funeral, the dog film star, Rin-Tin-Tin, made a special appearance. He brought with him a wreath that he laid atop Bobbie’s grave while photographers and reporters documented the arrival of the famous canine star. Today there is a mural in Silverton telling Bobbie’s story, and each year, the town continues to have a Pet Parade in Bobbie’s honor. The parade began in the 1920s, with Pal, Bobbie’s son, as the first parade leader. It has been held since then as a way to recognize the important of pets to people. Fall 2019
Socks and Sandals
I still can vividly picture one of the girls I went to high school with, although
Karen Sturtevant
been acutely aware of a trend: we Vermonters love our sandals in any season. the last time I saw her was graduation day. Winter sandals: add wool socks. Fall We’ll call her Teva. She was pretty, popular, sandals: add argyles. Spring and sumplayed sports and was super smart. How I mer offered options: no socks or any envied her: her clothes were fashionable variety including cotton, silk, polyester, and the boys fawned over her. I wanted to patterned, plain or individual toe pockbe like Teva. My locker was near hers, and ets for each little piggy––the brighter what I witnessed one spring school day the color, the greater the impact. shattered my perception about Perfect Teva. It was May 1986, the sun was shining, the temperature in the ‘70’s. Ah, finally, open-toed footwear weather. Similar to today, back ‘in the day,’ girls’ footwear ran the gamut from tame to what-were-youthinking? I preferred the $1.99 drug store special. (I’d be lucky to make it through the season without the plastic toe separator snapping.) Perfect Teva, however, had other tastes. She was in the one percent who wore…Dr. Scholls––those way cool, stud accented harder-than-concrete, woodheeled sandals (as if I could hold Teva up any higher on a pedestal!). My over-the-moon infatuation was about to be shattered. In a split second after I noticed the fancy foot attire, I saw something that would sear itself in my mind and send my high school world spinning. Sandals, by design, are made to be worn with naked feet, tiny toes free to enjoy the fresh air. Not this time. With her out-of-this-world-awesome Dr. Scholls, Perfect Teva was wearing…panty hose! Panty hose! Her toes couldn’t breathe, I feared her feet would slide out from the slippery wood base––not to mention how silly this looked. How could she?! Panty hose with Dr. Scholls? I couldn’t believe my 17 year-old-eyes. That high school snapshot was over three decades ago, but it still is fresh in my brain cells. Isn’t it funny the things we remember? Since that loyal day, I’ve Fall 2019
On that faithful day, my teenage brain automatically lumped all those who sported socks with sandals into a category, albeit an unsavory one. The attendance in that informal, known-only-to-me-club, would increase in membership throughout my adult life. I would spot “them,” smirk, and figuratively hand them a card of inclusion. Continued Next Page
www.4LegsAndATail.com 27
Much to my surprise, I had this exact same feeling of bewilderment when I began to notice another group who needed their own membership cards. You’ve seen them in public, on the bus, in parks, in the workplace. They post on social media, have chat rooms and competitions. “They” are the people who dress their dogs in costumes, hats, snowsuits, dresses, booties and yes, even ballerina tutus. For me, this was another ‘what-are-they-thinking moment.’ Have they lost their minds? Why would someone do this? What’s the point? So, in the new secret club they went and on with my life I went to live. In 2014, I adopted an English bulldog named Penney. You, kind reader, know where this is going. As we celebrated each birthday and holiday, you guessed it, I would dress her up. Some occasions, it would be a simple fresh flower headband (for her 5th birthday), while Halloween and Easter would bring out the lady bug costume and bunny ears. Christmas? A Santa hat and festive scarf, of course. Was I now one of “those” people? Without a doubt, and I didn’t care one hoot. Sweet Penney would tolerate my snapping pictures and enjoy cookie treats for her begrudging participation. When she passed in February 2017, I had the photos to keep me smiling and to help me remember her tenderness. I can’t recall
28 4 Legs & a Tail
the exact moment that I reasoned putting a brightly colored kerchief around her, but boy, did she wear it well. I currently have another rescued dog, the complete opposite of Penney, but just as sweet. And, yes, I do dress her up from time to time. MommaChi is a Chihuahua/Corgi blend and quite tolerant of my madness. Her first winter required a fur-lined, warm coat (with hat and scarf–Vermont winters are brutal!). She has a kerchief for every outing, a blue raincoat decorated with yellow duckies and holiday jammies with penguins and candy canes. My coworker made us matching purple hats with pink flowers. And I should mention, I have a Russian tortoise that will, on happenstance, get to wear a flower sash on her shell (Zoe loves being in the club.) I’ve learned a few things since I was in high school. One is live and let live. If you want to wear panty hose or socks with your sandals, who am I to snicker? Want to dress your fur kid in puff and stuff, go ahead. If you see a little dog in Williston with a pink and purple harness with matching leash and flowered scarf, look twice as it might be MommaChi. As for me, being a pragmatic type of gal, I enjoy wearing my sandals sans the socks. But go ahead if you want to, I won’t stop you or add you into the secret club.
Fall 2019
Now you can listen to your favorite stories & articles from 4 Legs & a Tail
Interviews & stories from your favorite writers Listen to the best from past issues Get a sneak preview of upcoming articles Plus, great stories that we just don’t have the room for in the magazine
FR
EE
Western Vermont Fall 2019
Therapy Goats! Pet Events You Won’t Want to Miss 10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat This Fall Beavers Prompt a New Town Ordinance Lost Dog Travels 2500 Miles to Find His Way Home