4 Legs and a Tail - North Vermont - Spring 2015

Happy Mud SeasonNorthern VT & NH

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Alternatively Speaking: A Holistic Approach

to Vaccinations

OBarkaCare-Is mandatory health insurance

for pets coming soon?

What You Should KnowAbout Feline Asthma

Eventing, Six ToughGoals for Brave Kids(One chicken required)

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4 Legs & a Tail Volume N.115

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Inside this issue of 4 Legs & a Tail2 Whats Up This Spring? The American Cancer Societys Bark for Life, New Englands largest equine and canine expo, and more!5 Alternatively Speaking: A Holistic Approach to Vaccinations, Anne Carroll, DVM6 Green Up Your Pets, M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM Great ideas for your pets and the environment7 Spring Pet Poisons Some considerations before you start the yard work7 ObarkaCare Is mandatory health insurance for your pet in the future?8 The Miracle of Love, Sandy Johnson A tender story from the popular book, Miracle Dogs: Adventures on Wheels.10 Rubys Story, Michelle Carroll, DVM A happy ending for one dogs encounter with Intervertebral Disc Disease

11 Toys Toys Toys, DJ Nelson Tips for choosing the right toys for your pet12 A Stroll in the Mud One German Shepherds mud season13 What You Should Know About Feline Asthma, Elisa Speckert Learn the signs and solutions 13 Comical Canine Cohorts, Pat Jauch A message straight from the Sunday funnies15 Stelline, Jim Mayor The joy of adopting an older dog16 When Molly Met Sally, Erin Regan How one family battled Cushings disease

18 Rabies, Liam Bisson, DVM18 The Joys and Benefits of Backyard Living, Ira Richards Some tips on getting started with animal husbandry20 The Bear and the Branch, Jackie Finethy Matching wits with a 300 lb bear.21 Rythem of the Rein: Four Hooves and a Tail Bring Special Healing to Those with Unique Needs, Dianne Lashoones22 Eventing, Six Tough Goals for Brave Kids, Denny Emerson Tips from one gold medal winner to a future winner23 A Feline Friend (18 Wheels Later) How one trucker made the purrrfect move24 Pet Accidents on Your Carpet or Upholstery: What Now?26 What Can Happen to an Infected Lower Molar in Small Dogs, Sandra Waugh, VMD, MS Little dogs can equal big dental issues27 Wild Donkeys & Older great Danes, Gloria Towne28 Changing Direction, Jan Bailey How one sailor found a new first mate

www.4LegsAndATail.com 1Spring 2015

What's Up This Spring?The Greatest Dog & Pony Show on Earth!

Whether you call it spring or mud season, everyone calls it "four legs and a tail fun" as the 11th annual dog and pony show comes to Essex Jct., VT. As the area's premier equestrian event and last years addition of mans best friend, this heavily attend event is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Everything Equine & Canine

will be Saturday, April 25th, from 8:30am-5pm and Sunday, April 26th, from 8:30am-4:30pm at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Jct., VT. Billed as New Englands largest equine and canine show, the two day event stands apart from many regional shows as a family friendly event with scores of consumer vendors, as well as a full schedule of informative seminars, dem-onstrations, horse and dog breeds on display and entertainment for dog and horse enthusiasts. As event coordina-tors put it, The addition of dogs last year really added a new dimension to the event. The crowd was larger and we noticed more kids than usual. This years event is a must for eques-trians, with renowned speaker and trainer, Dr. Andrew McLean of The Australian Equine Behaviour Centre. The AEBC system is evidence based and simple to understand for horse and rider. By understanding how the horse learns training becomes more effective and clear, improving horse welfare. Andrew McLean holds a PhD in equine cognition and learning, has been an accredited horse riding coach for over 30 years and has written 5 books (including an International Best Seller) and authored 35 peer-reviewed journal articles. A past winner of the Advanced section of the famous Gawler Three-Day-Event, Andrew has also rep-resented Australia in Horse Trials, been short-listed for World Championships and competed at State and National events in FEI level dressage and event-ing, has show-jumped to Grand Prix level and held a Racehorse owner-trainers license and raced bareback in Australia and New Zealand in the 1970 and 80s. Andrew will be presenting on both Saturday and Sunday. As the first day winds down, what could be more fun than Horsin Around on Saturday Night, a dog & pony show? This annual variety show provides Edu-tainment by showcas-ing many different breeds, disciplines and styles for new and longtime horse and dog lovers. In addition to the excel-lent horse demonstrations, the show will incorporate dogs and trainers per-forming agility, obedience, a canine weave pole challenge, and even a fun light hearted challenge of I can do what you can do between dog and horse. The very popular Equine Extreme

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Spring 20152 4 Legs & a Tail

Bark For Life

Have you ever participated in Relay for Life in your community? Perhaps you couldnt because dogs werent allowed? Well, guess what?! Since we know that our canine caregiv-ers can be such a vital part of patient sur-vivorship, it is our pleasure to invite you to join us. Come celebrate our canine caregivers with our 2015 Bark for Life event! The American Cancer Societys Bark for Life is a noncompetitive walk

Trail Challenge on Sunday morn-ing will feature New Englands top horse and rider teams competing for cash and prizes. On the canine side, dog lovers will have a wide variety of educa-tional options on both days with over 50 indoor seminars and dem-onstrations . The very popular dog agility demonstration will be presented by Show Me the Biscuit of Williston, Vermont. One of the staples of our weekend event has been the interactive manner in which attendees can learn and see firsthand, says event direc-tor Jeremy Spaulding. Were particularly excited about this years show and the remarkable seminars. A must see during this weekend of events is the dog show, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and Meet the Breeds, organized by the Champlain Valley Kennel Club. With more than 100 ven-dors on hand, Everything Equine & Canine is sure to be a hit for the entire family. Admission to Everything Equine & Canine is $10 and chil-dren under 5 are free. Advance discount tickets can be pur-chased at Guys Farm & Yard loca-tions in Williston, Morrisville and Montpelier Vermont and at Adirondack Tack in Plattsburgh, NY. The general public is asked to leave their dogs and horses home.

For more information anda complete schedule, visit

www.cvexpo.org/EverythingEquine

Sponsors include 4 Legs & a Tail magazine, the University of

Vermont Extension, Guys Farm & Yard, Horse Works, Show Me the Biscuit, Poulin Grain, Inc., Equine Journal, Vermont Horse Council,

Equiscents/VT Equine Acupressure and the Champlain Valley

Exposition.

event for dogs and their owners, raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Societys fight against cancer! This is a special year for Bark for Life. This year we have two very special guests coming to see everyone! Come meet our new friend Duke, and his best friend Alisha, both canine cancer sur-vivors! We all know that canine com-panions demonstrate unconditional love, joy, security, and compassion that can be the best therapy for cancer patients during their treatment. Come hear the story about the true meaning of dogs best friend; and oh Duke LOVES hugs!! You can also follow their story on our Facebook page; Vermont Bark for Life-American Cancer Society Bark for Life is committed to hon-oring the lifelong contributions of our furry support team, so we invite everyone to join us in celebrating our canines, and to bring an end to cancer. It is time to build your FIGHT BACK team and start fundraising, to make this years Bark for Life event a huge success! To register your team, please visit www.relayforlife.org/barkchit-tendenvt or contact Jennifer Clark at 802.872.6323 or [email protected]! Lets take a bite out of cancer... together!!


Caws 4 Paws Adopt-A-Thon & Pet Expo A howling good time is in store for all as JD Green of Froggy 100.9 presents the 1st Annual Caws 4 Paws Adopt-A-Thon & Pet Expo from 10-5 on Saturday, May 16 at the BOR in Barre. This is a must for all dog lovers and future dog lovers as the event will play host to a variety of rescue groups as well as local humane societies. According to organizer and popular morning radio personality JD Green, This has been a dream of mine for a long time. A dog lover himself, Green is a reg-ular contributor to the Sunday magazine of the Times Argus, sharing exploits of his long time buddy, Buddy. The month-ly column, entitled Beyond The Dog is based on a book project that is currently in the making. Learn more by visiting www.beyondthedog.com. In addition to adoption opportuni-ties, the one day event will feature obedi-ence training and behavior demonstra-tions as well as a wide variety of other educational canine programs. A large number of vendor booths ranging from veterinarians to pet food distributors will also be on hand to answer questions. The Caws 4 Paws will also feature guest speak-ers as well as K-9 demonstrations. Admission will be on a dona-tion basis with plenty of free park-ing. For more information contact JD at [email protected]


Ready or not, spring is here. There will be robins on the branch, crocuses emerging in the lawn, and of course, rabies clinics. These clinics serve a very important function in preventing the spread of rabies. My hospital hosts clinics for three surrounding towns, but they are not meant to be a substitute for healthcare. As a society we are cava-lier about vaccination. With increasing pressure on our time and pocketbooks, more people may turn to a quick stop at a clinic for shots, just as we can walk into a pharmacy and receive multiple vaccina-tions without any input from our doctor. Without veterinary guidance, pets can receive more vaccinations than they may need, and when it comes to vaccination, more isnt always better. First, let me state for the record, that holistic veterinarians are not necessarily anti-vaccine. I take the approach that a vaccine should be val-ued for its vital role in protecting against infectious disease, but also respected for what it is - a biological drug with potent effects on the immune system. Effects that in some cases can cause real health issues, and that possibility should not be ignored. The decision about which vaccines to give and how often to give them, can raise some heated debates. Vaccine manufacturers, professional organiza-tions, and legislators want to influence this discussion. Luckily, most individual vaccination decisions are left to the vet-erinarians, who use guidelines based on the most up to date science. However, the pet owner should have the knowledge that one size does not necessarily fit all. At the center of holistic medicine is the under-standing that to treat a patient is to under-stand them on all levels. This includes all of a patients past history, breed tenden-cies, diet, environmental exposures, etc. Vaccination is a medical decision that deserves a conversation equal to that of any medical treatment or surgical pro-cedure. The result is an individually tai-lored vaccine protocol that is specific to your pet, providing maximum protec-tion with the least chance of harm. How have we become concerned about excessive vaccination? Over the past several decades vaccination science has come a long way, our pets have ben-efited from more effective and safer vac-cines. These advances have created more vaccines than ever before, and they can be combined in up to a nine-in-one shot.

Convenient combo shots have a down side too, as they create the potential for pets to be immunized for diseases that they are not at risk for, either because they are not common where your pet lives or the types of activities they do or dont do. But the main cause of overuse is that a few of the ingredients require annual boosters while the rest could go far longer than that, and giving all of them sooner is not needed. In general vaccines are safe and rarely cause issues, however cer-tain breeds or individuals with genetic sensitivity are at risk for vaccine related illness. Though rare, these issues have become more noticeable as more pets are immunized routinely, with more shots than ever before. The most commonly recognized example is the potential for cancers in certain cats from any irrita-tion of the skin, including those from vaccines. Researchers are also trying to correlate the suspected effects over-vac-cination can pose on the immune, endo-crine and neurological systems. It does seem that the risks may be enhanced if your pet is already having any issue that involves the immune system or chronic inflammation. This is why vaccination should be taken into consideration with a whole health plan, including the use of individual or smaller combination vacci-nations that do not exceed what your pet really needs. So how can veterinarians take a holis-tic approach to vaccination? As with any medical decision, we weigh the risks and benefits. Our vaccination discussion should involve an assessment of the pet first, evaluating their current and past health issues, possible future issues com-mon to the breed, and past vaccine expe-riences. We can then determine what dis-eases they could be exposed to and if those could cause enough harm to warrant protection. If there is no real benefit to the patient then even the small risk of vac-cinating is not worth taking. We can cer-tainly take measures to reduce those risks by avoiding giving multiple vaccinations at once, postponing vaccines if the pet is not healthy, and giving vaccines no more often than modern veterinary guide-lines suggest. According to these guide-lines, many traditional veterinarians are already using fewer immunizations, less often. Immunity can last beyond what we once believed and we can measure that protection using a test called a titer to determine if a vaccine is truly needed,

Alternatively Speaking:A Holistic Approach to Vaccination

Anne M. Carroll, DVM - Chelsea, VT

especially in high risk patients such as elderly pets, cancer patients, or those with chronic issues. Homeopathic reme-dies can also be used to minimize adverse effects in those that are at risk but need their shots. To maximize your pets health this spring, dont just vaccinate. They may need a booster or they may not. The important thing is to get a good checkup, look for subtle signs of early disease that can go unnoticed at home, get updated on the latest recommendations for general health care, diets, parasite control and of course, vaccinations. Getting an annual checkup for your pet is like a person going to the doctor once every seven years, a lot can happen in that time. This relation-ship with your veterinarian is what ulti-mately insures long-term health for your pet, not the medicines we hand out. After all, if they are not needed, whose pet will complain that they did NOT get a shot?

Dr. Anne Carroll is owner of the Chelsea Animal Hospital where she practices

both conventional medicine and surgery, as well as several alternative modalities including traditional Chinese acupunc-

ture and Chinese herbal medicine.Her associate Dr. Betty Jo Black bringsclassical homeopathy to the practice.

For more information on alternativeveterinary medicine visit their website at

www.chelseaanimalhospital.com



Earth Day (April 22) and Vermont Green up Day (May 2) is the perfect time to consider some Earth friendly practices to help the environment, when it comes to our furry companions. Plastic is every-where, and only 27% of plastic is recycled. Landfills can only hold so much and even then it takes 450 years for plastic to start to degrade. If we can use products for our pets made from recycled plastic or even better from renewable resources, it is bet-ter for our pets and the environment in the long run. Consider making homemade treats to avoid buying ones pre-packaged in plastic. While there are a million reci-pes online for homemade dog biscuits, double check the ingredient list with your veterinarian before making them to ensure they are safe for your pet. An even simpler way (if your pet eats canned food) is to take some of your pets canned food, cut it into small strips, and bake in the oven until it is brick consis-tency. Homemade diets are a great idea,

Green Up Your Pets!The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association

M. Kathleen Shaw, DVMbut they can be tricky because you must ensure that the diet has the proper bal-ance of ingredients, vitamins, and min-erals. Animals can become very sick on

some homemade diets if they are not balanced: check with your veterinarian first. Just because Dr. Google says its so, doesnt mean that recipe is complete and balanced. There are at least five types of kitty litter that are not only biode-gradable, they can be used as mulch or compost (once you scoop out the waste)! These use renewable prod-ucts such as corn, wheat, paper, or kiln-dried wood. Nearly every local

pet or feed store has at least one such kitty litter. Stop using those plastic gro-cery store bags for your dogs waste and use ones that break down quickly and naturally and dont harm the environ-ment. It is estimated that a million ani-mals (mainly in the ocean) die each year from ingesting plastic, mistaking it for food. There are several companies that make biodegradable doggie doo bags that can be found locally. You know you cant resist buying toys for your pets. Did you know there are many companies that make dog and cat toys and beds from recycled plastics, hemp, wool, or cotton? Check with your local pet supply stores, or as a last resort, check online. You can even make your own pet toys at home. Reuse scraps of fab-ric to make your own braided dog pull toy. Cat owners all know that most of the time the cats have more fun playing in bags or boxes than they do with toys from the store. You can even crumple up your old bills and have the satisfaction of seeing your cats bat them around the house. Cats find cords and stringy toys irresistible to play with, but they also like to try to eat them. This can cause serious illness, so put them away when youre done play-ing. Avoid plastic food and water dishes and use ones made from metal or glass - or better yet, look for ones made from sustainable materials. There is at least one company that makes food and water dishes from bamboo, for example. So green up your pets! These are small things that you can do to help make the environment a safer and better place for wildlife and all of those future puppies and kittens.

The Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA), founded in 1898, is a professional organization of 340 vet-

erinarians dedicated to compassionate animal care and quality medicine.

8 Local OfficesVacation Travel Educational Tours

Corporate Travel SolutionsProfessional Sports TravelGroup & Incentive Travel


Many people are beginning to realize the dangers of landscaping items such as cocoa mulch and stainless steel edg-ing, but there are many more potential dangers for pets when you start your springtime lawn and garden care. While flowers are colorful and fragrant, there are several that are toxic to pets. Daffodils can cause severe vomiting, diar-rhea, abdominal pain and potential respiratory distress in dogs and cats. Lilies are deadly to cats and Autumn Crocuses can cause severe illness and death a few days after ingestion. Most pesticides and insecticides usually cause only mild irritation to your pet when ingested. The concentrated forms are the ones that can really make your pet ill. Fertilizers such as bone or blood meal may help your flowers grow, but to most dogs, they are very tasty and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea,

It looks like Washington is at it again, as legislators in our nations capi-tal have begun conversations to amend the Affordable Healthcare Act. The cor-nerstone of the current administration, ObamaCare has been the most polarizing legislation in more than 50 years, and the current proposal has lawmakers fighting like a cat and dog over it, literally cats and dogs. Under the plan laid out by a Senate sub-committee, a single payer health care program will be required for all dogs and cats. Needless to say, the idea has drawn fire from several groups over the guide-lines of the bill, including benefits. As one Georgia congressman put it, That dog dont hunt! Here in the Bible-belt, spay and neutering is a form of birth control and should not be funded by my taxpay-ers. When pressed further, the congress-man did say he would consider spaying if the mothers life was in danger. One animal rights group applauds the effort. According to one spokesperson, Weve paid a lot of money to our lobbyists over the years. Its about time Washington threw us a bone. Even the veterinary industry has chimed in with a statement. Dogs and cats are part of our families and should have FULL mandatory health benefits including vision coverage. Cats are prone to cataracts, (which is where the human optical term originated), and many dogs suffer from varying forms of blindness. Both would be well served with the pre-scription glasses covered under this pro-posal. However, some have been highly criti-cal as being too focused on just dogs and cats. The American Alpaca Society has

and gastric obstruction. Rose fertilizers may contain disulfo-ton and as little as 1 teaspoon of this can kill a 55 pound dog. Fertilizers applied to your lawn are reasonably safe when applied correctly. In general keep the pets off the lawn until the liquid is dry or the granules have been wetted. Whenever youre working in your lawn and garden, be sure to keep any containers of lawn care products out of pets reach. Save labels or containers in case your pet does eat something: this will help your veterinarian find the right treatment for your pet. If you are concerned with the potential toxicity of something your pet ingests, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 (www.petpoisonhelpline.com). To learn which plants are toxic to your pets, go to http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/spring/

Spring Pet Poisons

OBarkaCare?called the proposal discriminatory. As one alpaca farmer put it, Next time you complain about some scratchy acrylic sweater, youll wish for healthier alpacas. A full vote is expected sometime

this spring, and if all goes according to plan, OBarkaCare could go into effect as early as April 1, 2015. For more infor-mation visit www.4 Legsandatail.com/HappyAprilFools

M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM-VVMA

The Miracle of LoveSandy Johnson

Any man with money to make the purchase may become a dogs owner. But no manspend he ever so much coin and food and tact in the effortmay become a dogs Master without consent of the dog. Do you get the difference? And he whom a dog once unreserv-edly accepts as Master is forever that dogs God.

-Albert Payson Terhune, Lad: A Dog This is the story of two souls, one four-legged, the other two-legged, who were meant to meet and fulfill their shared destiny.First, Scooters story: A very cold day in February 2011. I was crouched on the side of the road, hiding from the people and noises coming from the street. Most of all, I was hiding from the man who shot me, my owner. I was a growing puppy, six months old and always hun-gry; they didnt want me anymore because they couldnt feed me, so they turned me out of the house and chased me away. Lost, alone, and hungry, I wandered for days. Finally, I gave up and went home, hoping they would take me back. But when I showed up at their door, the big man took down his rifle and shot me. I turned and ran, but he shot me two more times, once in each flank, and once in the back. I tried to keep on running, but I could move only as fast as my two front legs would carry me. When I couldnt move anymore, I hid in the bushes. I dont know how long I had been lying there when some people spotted me and stopped their car and tried to pick me up. I was frightened at first and tried to get away from them, but I had no strength left. They put me in a big blue plastic tub in the back of their car and talked about taking me someplace where I could be put to sleep. They drove to a building where many dogs were barking and lots of people were coming and going. A man came out and opened the back of the car and looked at me. Gently, he opened my mouth and looked at my teeth and ears, and then he scratched the top of my head and picked me up and carried me into the building. The smell of dogs and cats and critters of every sort filled the air. I heard the people who picked me up say, We think he was hit by a car.... Better put him to sleep.... Poor doggie.... The nice man took me into a room and put me on a big steel table with a towel on it to keep me warm. He looked at my eyes, my ears, and my mouth again. Then he looked at my back legs. Carefully, he picked me up and put me on the floor and walked a short distance away and turned to me. Using my front legs, I scooted along the smooth floor, which was so much easier than rocks and grass, and came to him. He turned and walked away again, and I followed him. He chuckled and said I was a real scooter. I liked the man; I liked the way he looked into my eyes and smiled as if we were old friends. I followed him around the table a few more times before he stopped and scratched me on the top of the head again and then under my neck. I just melted into him from that moment. He picked up the phone. His expression was discouraging; he wasnt liking what-ever it was he was hearing. When he put the phone down, he got up and spoke to the people who brought me inHes got great character . . . gets around on his own . . . and then they wandered off into another room. Before long, someone brought in big bowls of food and water, which I finished off three times, until I couldnt eat anymore. I curled up on a blanket on the floor and fell asleep. After a while, the man came back in with a towel that he wrapped around me. I didnt know what was happening, but I remembered the conversation about being put to sleep. I tried to get away, but the more I wriggled, the tighter his grip got. Now I was scared. He had covered me up completely with the towel, including my eyes, and went through a couple of doors, and it got really cold. This must be the end, I thought.But then it got really warm. We were in the nice mans car. He talked to me for a long time. I couldnt understand all the words, but I could understand what he meant. We were friends; I had nothing to fear anymore. He drove for a while and then stopped at a bigger building. He grabbed that really big, warm blanket and some of the towels and took me inside. There were more dogs in there; they all came up and sniffed at me. Then I had my first bath. The other dogs wouldnt leave me alone, I growled and snapped at them; it was all I could do, because I couldnt run. But then the nice man, my friend, came back in and showed me that the other dogs were not going to hurt me. For a long time, he stayed right next to me.

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my mood bleak. But I was not hopeless. I called the director. I always valued her opinion on such matters. She knew the budget issues, the risk involved, and the very small chance of his ever finding either a rescue or an adopter. She also realized that the fact of his survival so far was a miracle. Still, with apology ringing in her voice, she agreed with the vets suggestion. I was devastated. I couldnt accept it. I didnt know the scope of issues that Scooter (by then I had named him) brought with him, but I knew that I would go through hell before I gave up on him. I had to save him. At that moment, Scooter was mine. Or, rather, I was his. In my heart, I knew that losing him, even after knowing him for only an hour, would wound me more deeply than I could stand. At that moment I took him on, took him in, and opened my world to one of the greatest loves I will ever know. This pillow-stealing, wheelchair-breaking, run-you-down-and-make-you-glad, oversize dust mop has become one of my best friends. TJ Jordi, firefighter, certified master diver, service dog trainer,

and recipient of the Humane Heroes Award, is now the director of Tennessees Cheatham County Animal. With the support of a small but dedicated staff and rescue network, they have not had to euthanize a single healthy, adoptable

animal in three years.

Scooter has become a celebrity. He was the grand marshal of the Cheatham County Special Olympics in 2012 and 2013, and won a bronze medal in 2012 and a gold medal in 2013. He is being trained as a therapy dog for people in wheel-

chairs, and hes been to nearly all the schools in Cheatham County and has served as the lead dog in all Cheatham County Christmas Parades since his arrival. He is proof that

handicapped pets can live full and productive lives.Together, TJ and Scooter are fulfilling the destiny that brought

them together.

Finally, I got so tired that I just lay down and fell asleep. I know at some point he picked me up and carried me to another room and put me on a warm, comfy blanket. When I woke up, I looked around for my new friend, only to discover that he was right next to me, with his arm over my back. I licked his face for the longest time. Then he got up and brought me another bowl of food. After a couple of days lying around, he took me back to that place with that big steel table, but for some reason, now I wasnt worried. I had learned his name was TJ and that we would be friends forever. TJ came out of another room with a big box in his hands and took out a bunch of strange-looking things and some tools and got busy. When he was finished, he picked me up and took me over to the thing with wheels that he had been putting together. After getting my back legs into the strange-looking contraption, TJ put me down on the floor and wrapped the thing around me and snapped it on. I just looked up at him, wondering what he wanted me to do. TJ grabbed onto my collar and pulled on me . . . and sud-denly I could move! With ease! I could even run again, I was still really fast, I ran everywhere I could reach. I could hear people behind me laughing, but I didnt care . . . I could run again! I ran and I ran, and I ran till I couldnt run anymore. Finally, I got really tired and fell asleep underneath TJs desk while still in the contraption. I felt so good. When I finally woke up, I made the biggest decision of my life: I decided to adopt my best friend, TJ. TJs Story The dog, a six-month-old Border Collie, was brought in from the back of a beat-up hatchback inside a blue container. He was a sad sighta heart-wrenching puppy, not even a teen-ager. His hind legs and hips were scraped from scooting on the ground. Unfortunately, I knew we couldnt afford to take him for X-rays, not on our government budget. But when I looked him in the eyes, we connected. It was like a total alignment of all the planets in the universe, an almost audible ping. I knew right then that I was going to trytry anything. We brought him in and carried him to the treatment room, where the table was set up to euthanize him. I put him down on the table and looked at those pathetic, withered legs, and my heart dropped. There were no signs of new or fresh injuries. I tousled his head, and he smiled back at me. I set him down and backed up, hoping for a miracle, a sign, anything. I hadnt gotten two steps away before he screamed. It wasnt a yelp of pain or a howl of sorrow. It was a sudden, soul-stop-ping scream that cried, Dont leave me! The scream was unlike anything Id ever heard before; it was enough to stop me in my tracks. He had pulled himself along, his useless legs dragging behind him as he scooted toward me. Ecstatic that I had stopped, he dragged himself over to me and sat at my feet. His head was cocked back, and his tongue was lolling. I looked into his eyes, and I knew that, no matter what, I had to find a way to help him. I started around the table, and he followed, screaming joy-ously and sliding along the floor. To think that he had been dragging himself like this through streets and woods and rocks made me cringe. We started to chase each other around the room like two little boys, me laughing and his tail wagging. I had to stop and call the vet. I needed to know the next step; I had to know if there were any other options available for him. When the vet listened to his story, she explained that even with-out an X-ray, it was clear that the dog was paralyzed, and proba-bly had been so for a while. His scream was most likely his only defense when, stranded and alone, predators were near. The fear I felt for him at this past danger, together with the joy that he had survived, carved itself into my heart. This dog was meant to be saved. Regretfully, she suggested that it might be kinder to put him down. Impressed as she was with his survival, quality of life in the shelter would be poor, and finding someone to take care of him would be nearly impossible. I hung up the phone,

Sandy Johnson attended the University of Pennsylvania, CIDOC in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and the New School for

Social Research in New York City. She studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York and at the Actors

Studio in Los Angeles. Learn more about Scooter and the other pets and people in this book.

See color photos, more stories,and upload your own at

HandicappedPets.com/MiracleDogswww.4LegsAndATail.com 9Spring 2015

Meet Ruby, a four year old dachshund who loves to run and play hard with her corgi and three dachshund housemates. Rubys parents noticed that she was weak in her hind end when they went to bed one evening. The following morn-ing (approximately 10 hours later) she was able to bear weight on her hind limbs, but was unable to walk on her own. Her parents had a previous dog that needed back surgery, so they knew it was time to take her in to Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists (BEVS) for emergency care. They also noticed that she was not able to urinate and her symptoms were worsening quickly. After a thorough neurological exam, it was noted that Ruby still had deep pain present (ability to feel and withdraw from pain in her feet). She was diagnosed with IVDD Intervertebral Disc Disease and referred to our surgeon, Dr. Helia Zamprogno for a CT/Myelogram and surgery. The CT and Myelogram identify the herniated disc, allowing the surgeon to decide on the location that requires surgery and the correct side to approach from. 85 95% of dogs that are taken to surgery with deep pain will walk again with surgical correction. 50% of dogs that do not have deep pain at the time of surgery will walk again with surgical correction within 24 hours of loosing deep pain. The longer a dog waits for surgery after losing deep pain the less likely they are to walk again, even after surgical correction. Recovery from surgery requires dedicated nursing care, physical rehab and time, as it can take several weeks to regain the strength and proprioception needed to walk again. At-home care involves a safe well padded area to rest, bladder management (regularly expressing the bladder when they are not able to urinate on their own) and giving daily medications.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spi-nal column either bulge or burst (her-niate) into the spinal cord space. These discs then press on the nerves running through the spinal cord causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Breeds of dog that are predisposed to IVDD include the Dachshund, Beagle, Basset Hound, and Shih Tzu.

Symptoms and Types Made up of a gelatinous substance surrounded by a thick outer layer, inter-vertebral discs are basically the shock absorbers of the spine. There are two types of disc herniation seen in dogs: Type I and Type II, of which Type II gen-erally has less severe signs and symp-toms.

Symptoms of IVDD may include: Unwillingness to jump Pain and weakness in rear legs (lameness) Crying out in pain Anxious behavior Muscle spasms over back or neck Hunched back or neck with tense muscles Reduced appetite and activity level Loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urinary and fecal incontinence, respectively)

Rubys StoryMichelle Carroll, CVT

Here Ruby is recuperating withher brother Max.


Michelle is a Surgery technician at Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists but because of her diverse background she also jumps in and helps with Internal

Medicine and Emergency. When Michelle is not at BEVS she volunteers as atherapy dog handler with Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Michelle is the mother

of two Labrador retrievers, Harper and Ritter.

Spring 2015

Toys Toys ToysDJ Nelson - St. Johnsbury, VT

Our pets always love getting new and exciting toys. Toys are very important for any pet (Dogs, Cats, Birds, Small ani-mals). Toys do so much more than offer something to play with. They challenge pets mentally, help keep teeth and gums healthy, help exercise, and create bonding time with their human pals. There are so many toys/accessories to choose from. You go online to search for the best possible toy/accessory for your pet. And you see it. You have just read about someones heartache when their beloved pet has to go into emergency sur-gery or possibly die from a bad interac-tion with a toy. It causes you to tear up and then panic sets in. It is heart breaking and scary especially, if this is a new pet. Not only are you trying to cover up your tears before someone sees you, you still have no clue what to get your own pet, because so many things are bad for your pet. So what is bad and what is good? Anything can be a potential hazard. I look at it this way. Our children can choke on a grape, but that doesnt mean they shouldnt eat them. We take precautions, we have the children eat while sitting down, or maybe we cut them into smaller pieces. How does this translate to toys for dogs, cats, small animals, and birds? Here are some important safety tips that can save your pets life! Anything can be a hazard under the right conditions! This doesnt mean you have to stay away from all toys, chews, etc. As long as you take steps like the ones below, you will decrease the risk of inju-ry or death to your pet. Remember, toys/accessories are very important for your pets mental health and development, and they can be fun for you too. 1. If you dont know how your dog/cat will react with a toy, let them play with it only when you can watch. If you find they are destroying it you can remove it.2. Give size appropriate toys. Toys that are too small can become a choking hazard. When in doubt, get the next size up.3. They may love rope toys, but it is in their best interest that you and your dog/cat play with rope toys together only. If you prefer not using rope toys, there are alter-native tug toys, such as the Kong Wubba.

4. Inspect dog/cat toys often... If they are starting to fall apart, pick up the pieces and the toy, and discard. 5. Pick appropriate toys for your dog or cat (think breed, size, behavior). If your dog rips apart stuffed toys, then dont go for stuffed toys... If your cat has a thing for eating ribbon, dont give him a toy with ribbon.6. It is ok to make alterations on your dog/cats new toy... Example if a cat likes to eat string, and you buy a toy mouse with a string for a tail, it is okay to cut it off before you give it to them. 7. Toss out toys that are breaking down, old/frail, etc and replace with new.8. Inspect everything right down to the cage for your small animals/birds. For small animal houses I like the wooden houses by Super Pet/Kaytee they use safe glue and wooden pegs instead of metal.However they still need to be inspected. Sometimes pets will chew the wood making a spot that may be sharp. When you see this cut off and sand the sharp edge, making it safe for your pet. 9. Inspect bird toys. They will destroy them, that is okay, but for example; if the rope becomes frayed you can cut it off the toy, before the birds foot gets caught in it. 10. Folks love to go out into the woods and collect branches/wood for their birds/small animals, even reptiles. I recommend you purchase these items,

www.4LegsAndATail.com 11

which have been cleaned or made pet-safe, from a pet store instead. Things collected from outside can bring in bugs, etc., that can harm your pet. Again, these are just a few of many tips regarding pet toys. Anytime you have questions or concerns contact your vet or local pet store for help.

DJ Nelson has worked in the pet industry for almosttwo decades and is the owner of AquaRealm Aquarium & Pets in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.He works with Reptiles, Birds, Small Animals,Fresh/Saltwater fish, and Dog & Cat Nutrition. Since proper care is constantly changing, educating customers about their pets is the most important.www.aquarealmaquarium.comand Facebook

A Stroll in the Mud After five decades of mud season there are few things that can rattle my cage. The exceptions are: 2am phone calls from my daughter, letters from the IRS marked URGENT and coming home to find a police car parked in my driveway. The latter was the case this last spring. Let me start with the fact that Bailey, our eight year old German Shepherd, is a little sweetie. She can bark like a Sheperd, but there is no bite to back it up. In fact, shes such a baby, that most times shell camp by the door when left alone and pine until we return. I say most times, because the day the police came to visit was the day Bailey decided not to wait for her masters. If you know Shepherds you know the intelli-gence of the breed, they are certainly smart enough to open a French door handle. Once this simple task was achieved, there was only one logical way to celebrate her new found freedoma casual stroll through the park and downtown Lebanon, NH. Naturally, the obvious issues arose: a self walking dog without a leash, and the fact that she is a large German Shepherd going solo. Although Bailey has not shared the details of her adventure (and maybe its bet-ter off that way), a story was shared with me by the local police officer who followed her home that day. He received a call about a German Shepherd wandering around the town. By the time he had caught up with her, Bailey was covered in mud, tired, and ready to call it a day. She walked the last hundred feet and into an open door-way. The fast thinking cop was worried and couldnt be sure that this dog hadnt just strayed into the first open door she came across. Arriving back at our house from a morning of shopping was when my heart skipped a beat. We found a Lebanon patrol car sitting in our driveway! Fortunately, officer Kapuscinski shared this tale as we went in to confront our wayward dog. She was lying sheepishly on our white bedspread covered in mud. If we hadnt known the entire story, Im sure we would have wondered until our final days, How did that dog get so muddy IN the house?


In most cases, however, the exact cause is not able to be determined and our feline friends are managed medically. This includes limiting their exposure to some of the more common and easily avoided irritants (cigarette smoke, dusty cat litter, perfumes, etc). It also includes placing your pet on medication to manage their symptoms. Oral steroids are the most com-mon treatment for feline asthma. Ideally owners will try to decrease this medication to the lowest effective dose. Inhaled medi-cations such as albuterol or steroids used with a specialized feline mask and spacer are also very effective with fewer long-term side effects. Antibiotics are also used in some cases if a bacterial infection is suspected. Though most cats can be man-aged very well with just a few medications it is important to pay close attention to the way your pet is acting and feeling. If they suddenly begin having trouble breathing or their medication seems to stop work-ing it is imperative that you contact your veterinarian immediately. In some cases your cat may require oxygen therapy and additional medications to recover from a particularly serious episode.

Elisa Speckert a graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in Animal Science and is currently a veterinary technician at River Road

Veterinary Clinic in Norwich, VT. She cur-rently lives in White River Jct. with her son,

three dogs, cat and hedgehog. www.RiverRoadVeterinary.com.

What You Should Know About Feline

AsthmaElisa Speckert, Norwich, VT

Feline asthma or bronchitis is a relatively common condition in cats. This condition occurs when your cat is exposed to a certain irritating substance that causes an allergic response. This response results in a narrowing of the air-ways and difficulty breathing for your cat. Additionally, the bodys inflammatory response allows for the buildup of mucous in the airways that can cause additional problems. Adult cats between the ages of 2-8 are most commonly diagnosed with asthma. Siamese cats and overweight animals are also at an increased risk. Symptoms of feline asthma can include coughing, dif-ficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, sneezing, vomiting, mucous discharge and wheezing. There are a large variety of substanc-es that can trigger your cats allergic response. These are often inhaled irritants

including cat litter dust, cigarette smoke, hairsprays or perfumes, pollens or molds. Other less common causes of feline asth-ma can include viruses, bacteria and heartworms or lungworms. Diagnosing feline asthma usually requires complete blood work and a radiograph (x-ray). The blood work is use-ful in determining whether a bacterial infection is present in your cats respi-ratory system as well as whether they are having an allergic response. A radio-graph will allow the veterinarian to see if there have been any chronic changes to the lungs which are common in feline asthma. Additional testing including biopsy of the airway tissues with a scope can be done in an attempt to identify exactly what is causing the asthma.

Chronic lung changes in a cat with asthma.

Snoopy, the independent, self-reliant beagle of the Peanuts cartoon, exudes an air of self-assurance. Surrounded by his feathered friend, Woodstock, and a bunch of youthful servants led by Charlie Brown, this dog has a doghouse of his own and knows that every night his human caregiver will provide food and water. Leash laws do not rule his realm, so Snoopy goes on various expe-ditions with the bird but always man-ages to be home in time for supper.

Buckles lives in the home of Paul and Jill, a couple who tries valiantly to mold their pampered pet into a proper pooch. When he tears the garbage, or ransacks the house, he is banished to the garage, to no avail. When he loung-es on the new furniture his inner self

Comical Canine CohortsPat Jauch - Caladonia Canine Rescue, Inc

There is much to be learned from humor, which, at its best, is a form of truth. Just turn to the comics page and you will find a bevy of beasts, not the least of which are Buckles, Fred Basset, Garfield and Odie, and Snoopy. The personification of these

creatures provides some insight into the reasons for their behavior, giving the dogs (and cats) eye view of the world for thehumble humans who share their lives and provide comfort. There are lessons to be learned from their madcap activities

and the situations described can easily fit the funny story list of any pet owner.

scolds the behavior, yet he continues, knowing that his owners will not be pleased. The look of shame Buckles demonstrates when his owners return usually serves to dismiss punishment. He has a conscience (doesnt every dog?) but it never prevents his misbe-havior.

Odie and Garfield are quite a pair. Garfield, the smug fat cat who rules the roost, survives on lasagna and any other human treat in sight. Jon, his owner, caters to his every whim. When the overzealous Odie bounces into the frame, Garfield watches with scorn, never missing an opportunity to swat the unsuspecting canine, and then appear as the innocent when Jon attempts to discipline him.

Fred Bassett is the model of the mature dog. Obediently bringing his masters slippers, fetching the paper, and knowing his place in the scheme of things, his sole desire is to become a lap dog. Occasionally, he succeeds. His preoccupation with relocating buried bones and the forgetfulness that enters the process brings to mind human traits that affect all of us.

Each of these pets from the com-ics has a story to tell. Apparently they have been spayed or neutered, since no unwanted litters have arrived over the course of their years in print. Each has a loving family, adequate shelter, food and water, and the inevitable trip to the vet. What more could any animal require? Their owners care!



STELLINEJim Mayor - S. Albany, VT

In the Spring of 2012, while visiting our veterinarian at East Haven (VT) Veterinary Service with our ailing collie-shepherd mix, Ranger, Dr. Sally asked if we might be interested in another rescue. Not exactly waiting for my, Im sorry I think we have enough, she brought out the most adorable, long-haired, miniature dachs-hund. Puppy she wasnt, however, as Dr. Sally estimated her age around fifteen. Maybe I have gullible written all over me. In any case, we made room for the little one for the long drive home. She rode home quietly in the passenger seat as if she belonged there. She was most literally a rescue. She had been abandoned in the house of per-sons, who had moved several days before the neighbors heard her distress cries. One can only wonder why we still use the blanket term humans to apply to all people. My two adult kids were surprised, and needless to say, delighted with the new addition. After a short discussion we settled on the perfect name for her, Stelline, loosely being the Italian word for little star. Little, because the pasta is very small stars. Stelline, indeed fit right in, because she came with her own share of problems. Dr. Sally had pulled almost all of her teeth, leaving her with only a couple in her upper jaw in the front, and those were loose. Soft foods were in order, but Stelline used her abnormally long tongue to dispose, with aplomb, a dish of her food. It does take her a while to eat, but most of the time our other companions respect her food.

Although Dr. Sally had given her a good going over, it wasnt too long before we noticed she had eye problems. On the return trip to our vet she decided we should seek expert help, and off we went to the eye care clinic at Peak Veterinary Referral Center in Williston, Vermont. She eventually lost sight in first one eye, and then the other. Dr. Hoy at Peak was reluctant to remove either eye, due to the Stellines poor risk for surgery. Although Stelline spends most of her days asleep in front of the heat register, snuggled into one of three soft beds scattered around the room, parts of each day are spent wandering around the living room, occasionally bumping into furniture and, rarely, other animals. But she has a good memory. Among her favorite things are interludes on someones lap, a nice belly rub, which will usually elicit a roll-over, and tofu as a treat. Although she isnt allowed outdoors, she has quite a nice batting average with the various puppy pads spread about the house. In general, the other companion animals are not bothered by her, even with an unexpected encounter, but none have seen fit to act as a guide companion yet. Although our small Christmas tree will be just one more complication in Stellines life, she will soon remember its location, and the cat or two amongst its branches. As we gaze out on the snow-covered trees and down on our little star snug-gled near the warm air duct, we admire Stellines ability to let no obstacle bother her. I can only hope I will wander through my old age with as much poise and sweetness as she.

Jim Mayor is a retired engineer. He has lived with his family inSouth Albany, VT for the past 20 years.

There are many advantages of adopting an older dog

Continued NEXT PAGE

When Molly Met Sally

Erin Regan - Bethel, VT

Only once in a lifetime do you meet that one dog that truly connects with you. For Sally Boyle, that dog was Molly. Sally found Molly in a small pet store, and it was love at first sight. Little did they know, that with as much love as they were going to share, they were going to have some very tough times ahead. Before Sally and Molly came to Country Animal Hospital, Molly devel-oped an infection in her uterus called pyometra and she had to have emer-gency surgery. Sally had a bad accident, where she had a compound fracture of her right leg, and strangely enough, Molly broke the same leg the next year. Their breaks were pretty much identical, and they both had to have metal implants and bone grafts. When Sally and Molly decided to visit Dr. Martin at Country Animal Hospital, Molly had already had some bad experi-ences at hospitals, and wanted nothing to do with medical care. Dr. Martin initially saw Molly for a scratch on her eye, but she suspected that something else was going on because Molly was overweight, was always extremely hungry, and had lost most of her hair on her chest and belly. Dr. Martin and Sally decided to test to make sure her thyroid was working prop-erly because that can cause weight gain and hair loss in dogs. They got the results back, and all of her blood work was per-fectly normal. With those results and other clini-cal signs, Dr. Martin started to suspect Cushings disease. Cushings disease, unfortunately, can be expensive to test for and requires a complicated treat-ment. Dr. Martin decided to have Sally try and change her diet to see if that would help, before they pursued further tests. After a few months, Sally noticed that Molly started to drink a large amount of water, much more than normal, and she wasnt acting herself. She came right in for an appointment and strangely, Molly wasnt acting her normal grouchy self. We knew something wasnt right. Dr. Martin recommended repeating the blood tests, and found out that Molly had diabetes. Sally was given detailed information on the requirements for

managing a diabetic dog, and willingly proceeded with the treatment. They struggled for months trying to regulate Mollys blood sugar, but were unable to succeed. Dr. Martin advised Sally that she should really make sure that she doesnt have Cushings disease, as that can make regulating diabetes even harder. Sally was convinced it was time to test for Cushings disease, a condition that can take at least two diagnostic tests to confirm, and can be quite costly. Molly was unfortunately diagnosed with Cushings disease on top of diabe-tes. Sally was crushed and heartbroken, she loved Molly so much and this blow was very hard, but she would never ever think of giving up on her. She decided to try and treat her Cushings disease, which added additional medications, monitoring and costs on top of what is required for diabetes. Dr. Martin made every effort to keep the balancing of treating two hormonal diseases as easy and affordable as pos-sible. Sally was very appreciative of her efforts. In the months to follow, Molly never acted like she didnt feel well, she would still run around and hunt for mice and snakes and paw her way in to cuddle next to Sally when she had worn herself out. During the same time Molly was diagnosed with diabetes and Cushings disease, Sally was diagnosed with a very overactive thyroid gland, called hyper-thyroid. It is a condition similar to Mollys, both involving the endocrine system. Molly had been doing well with her twice daily insulin injections and injec-tions at the hospital for Cushings dis-

Molly celebrating the holidays.


There are two types of Cushings dis-ease that are treated differently. The most common form of Cushings dis-ease is caused by the overproduction of a hormone by the pituitary gland in the brain that in turn controls the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands. This is called pitu-itary-dependent Cushings.

A small percentage of dogs with Cushings disease have a tumor of one of the adrenal glands which is called adrenal-dependent Cushings.

Cushing's Disease

ease, but one day Sally noticed that she started to have trouble going down the stairs. She had just turned 12 years old and had lost a tooth right in the middle of her front bottom teeth. Sally also started noticing that her eyes were turn-ing white, and she knew that they were cataracts. She developed them very fast in about a period of 2 weeks. They can be an unfortunate side effect of diabetes. With almost a year of insulin injections, medications for Cushings, and frequent trips to the vet, Molly was starting to wear down.

Molly didnt start her care at Country Animal Hospital, but she was treated there at a time in her life that mattered most. Sally has been telling people that Dr. Martin was a miracle worker, but Dr. Martin will always say that Sally was the real miracle worker, because she did everything that was medically pos-sible for Molly. Both Dr. Martin and Sally never gave up on Molly, no matter the cost. Molly isnt with us anymore, but Sally feels that she received the best care and attention that she could ever have hoped for from a veterinarian. Sally has since acquired another dog who has a very spe-cial story too. Marley is her new dog, she is the spitting image of Molly and she was born on Sallys birthday. She is also miss-ing her middle front tooth, the same one that Molly lost, it never grew in. A techni-cian once told Sally that Marley has some really big shoes to fill, and she sure does.

Erin Regan is a Veterinary Technician who graduated Magna Cum Laude

from Vermont Technical College. She has been working at Country Animal Hospital for 3 years, and has acquired a lamb and kitten who both needed bottle feeding. She is also a United States Army Veteran who served 8 years on active duty work-ing in intelligence, and completed one

combat tour in Iraq.


Warmer weather and springtime are around the cor-ner and that means its time to remind ourselves about Rabies. Rabies is a neurologic disease in mammals. If left untreated rabies infections are fatal due to ultimate failure of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Rabies is typically transmitted through bite wounds from at least one infected ani-mal. (The virus is present in the saliva as part of its life cycle). The virus then travels from the bite wound site along peripher-al nerve fibers to the CNS, where it continues to advance toward the brain.

Signs: Early signs may be subtle and include lethargy and anorex-ia. As the virus progresses, patients begin to display signs more consistent with neurologic disease that include: ataxia, decreased mentation (dazed appearance, doesnt respond when called), hypersalivation (drooling). Also, it should be noted that an animals loss of fear of humans is cause for con-cern. All of us have likely heard of cases of wildlife (mammals in this case) behaving strangely. For example, I heard a story of a bobcat in a western state that wandered into a restaurant and attacked several patrons. This animal was later caught and test-ed positive for rabies. Regarding public health, this is where the two worlds of people and wildlife intersect, highlighting the importance of proper vaccinations for our pets and taking care when encountering wildlife. Rabies can effect any mammal, however, the most frequent

species encountered in New England are: skunks, bats, foxes, raccoons and woodchucks. In an effort to help control rabies, the state of Vermont conducts rabies bait drops. Bait that has been specially treated and approved for use in wildlife is used to vaccinate the animals in a given area when they ingest the bait. The primary species of interest is the raccoon as they seem to thrive in urban environments. If you or your pet(s) encounter one of these baits, it should be left alone. If you have further concerns you can contact the Vermont state depart-ment of health or your veterinarian. Thankfully, due to diligent pet owners and regular vaccina-tion of the local pet population, I have not personally seen any rabies cases in VT. That includes dealing with the occasional suspected wildlife case. However, it is a disease that is endemic in our area and something of which, as New Englanders, we all need to be aware and respectful. The take home message, with respect to avoidance, this spring is to leave wildlife undisturbed as much as possible. If you encounter an animal that is behaving strangely contact your local wildlife or police representative. If you or one of your pets has contact with a suspected rabies infected animal, that pet should be seen be a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet can talk with you about the appropriate course of action in each individual case.

Dr. Bisson owns and operates the Shelburne Veterinary Hospital in Shelburne, Vermont; caring for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and small exotic pets (rodents, ferrets and bunnies). Dr. Bisson and

his wife share their home with 4 dogs and 1 cat.

RabiesLiam Bisson, DVM - Shelburne, VT

Continued NEXT PAGE

The Joys and Benefits of "Backyard LivingIra Richards

From the past to the future, the practice of Backyard Living is alive and well. In addition to raising fruits and veg-etables for personal use, there has been a strong resurgence of backyard animal husbandry in recent years, particularly as consumer awareness grows, and folks become more concerned about what they are putting on the family table. It should come as no surprise, that in order to avoid the potential for foods to contain harmful chemicals and other unwanted substances, one must know exactly where that food came from and how it

was produced. Relatively new concepts such as urban agricul-ture and vertical farming are now going beyond a few plant-ers of peppers and tomatoes or fresh herbs on the windowsill; backyard enthusiasts are dabbling in everything from raising livestock to beekeeping, and everything in between. Although very few people would consider our region of New Hampshire and Vermont to be an urban area, when it comes to growing and raising our own food, this is a very good thing. Our landscape allows us to spread out a bit further and

worry less about maximizing every square inch of space as we grow our gar-dens and raise our animals. At the local feed and supply store, we see an incred-ibly wide range of Backyard Living enthusiasts, from the basil-on-the-win-dowsill growers to full-time commer-cial farmers. We know that our area is brimming with people who share the common interest of raising and grow-ing their own food for an equally-wide variety of reasons, including self-suste-nance, health, education, nostalgia, and for the simple joy it brings to the entire family.



Getting Started with Your OwnBackyard Living

Your community feed store, has long been a place that the locals visit not just for feed and supplies, but to share information and catch up with their neighbors. Its one of the reasons they strive to keep the staff well-trained and up-to-date on the latest news and information regarding the products they carry, animal health and nutrition, the agriculture industry at large, and so much more. They have embraced the community roll of an informational resource, sharing from their own knowledge and years of experience, as well as from a vast network of industry experts, so that the customers they serve can learn new skills and stay informed. We encourage readers to look for the various training and seminar opportunities offered on a variety of topics throughout the season. Gardening is certainly a great way to introduce homegrown food products into your familys lifestyle. One of the most attractive benefits of starting with growing fruits and vegetables from seed is that gardening is very versatile and scalable, which means that almost anyone can grow and enjoy their own crop in some form or another. Many customers start out with a few pots of peppers or tomatoes, or they might build a raised bed or two in order to maximize space and grow a select assortment of fresh produce. This can lead to expansion quickly, and once those dabblers get a handle on how to successfully care for their crop, they often devote larger areas to their gardens and experiment with a wider variety of delicious fruits and vegetables. To begin with animal husbandry, a large majority of people start by raising chickens, most often for the eggs they produce. Raising poultry is a relatively easy activity that requires very little in the way of expense or expertise in order to get started. Not only is the experience of raising and keeping backyard birds reward-ing and fun for the entire family, but few will argue against the noticeable taste difference between a farm-fresh and a store-bought egg; theres simply no com-parison. Once the appropriate level of knowledge is achieved, simply call or stop by your local store to place your spring poultry.

Anyone who lives in rural New England and has a bird feeder in their backyard, has probably witnessed a bear raiding their feeder from time to time. Living in Ridge, New Hampshire, with 18 acres of woods, a pond, apple trees, wild berries and bird feeders, I have been blessed with numerous animal sightings. Id like to share with you one sighting in particular, of a bear- I named him Tough Guy. Tough Guy weighs in at about 300 pounds of stubborn determination. Hes healthy and strong, curious and cau-tious. His walk is a confident swagger. I can single Tough Guy out from other bears by the large, white patch on his chest. His singular motivation for all he does is survival. In order to keep my feeder out of the reach of bears and squirrels, I have learned to toss a plastic coated wire cord, with a weight on one end way up high over the thin branch of a tall thin tree. I then fix the bird feeder to that end and wrap the other end around the tree trunk; a pulley of sorts. With this feeder in place, up high enough so the bear cant stand up and pull it down, I really thought I had it made. I mean, what bear is going to climb a tall, thin, tree and go out on a thin branch to get the feeder? Tough Guy, thats who! Last May, about dusk, I spotted Tough Guy circling that tree, eyeing my bird feeder. After sniffing the air with his nose straight up, he climbed that tree in a matter of seconds! Then he perched himself close to the trunk of the tree, on the branch with the bird feeder hanging from it. First, he tried to reach out and grab the cord, but it was too far out, so he began to shake the branch-- trying to shake the feeder loose, a trick that had worked for him in the past. When that didnt work, he started to bend a smaller branch near the one with the feeder on it. He continued to pull the small branch up and down, over and over, until he could use it to whack at the feeder!

I couldnt believe my eyes, Tough Guy had just made him-self a tool! He whacked that feeder with the small branch 6 or 7 times, all the while precariously perched on the small limb, and becoming more and more agitated. Next, Tough Guy decid-ed to hold on with all fours and use his mouth to manipulate the thinner branch and hit the feeder, which didnt work at all. Now, his impatience was getting the best of him, and he started making all kinds of noises - little grunts, snapping sounds and huffing; generally, just complaining. Finally, Tough Guy slid down the tree and wandered back into the woods. I was elated! Id not only just watched a bear make and use a tool, but my feeder was still there. I won! After two years of Tough Guy outsmarting every attempt Id made to keep my feeders from him, I had finally won! Now I could take my cof-fee outside in the morning and watch the chickadees, and car-dinals, and all would be well. I was wrong! I had forgotten that bears, foxes and other critters often make a second pass through their routes in the night. This is exactly what Tough Guy did! Less than an hour later, he was back, nose straight up in the air again ready for one more try. Up the tree he started, when he felt the cord wrapped around the trunk. Back down the tree with a little thump, Tough Guy simply unwrapped the cord, and down came the feeder, nearly hitting him on his big stubborn head! Wait a minute, he won? In spite of my ingenious pulley, he won? I was beside myself, I didnt know exactly how to feel about Tough Guys victory. Id seen a lot of bear behavior in this yard over the years. Everything from courtship in early June to cubs wrestling in midsummer, to all out nonstop feed-er raiding in the fall. But never had I seen a bear make a tool to get what he wanted. Maybe, on second thought, Tough Guy wasnt the only winner. How often do we get to witness something like this, and how blessed am I to watch these animals in nature, in real time, doing what they need to do for their survival? Yeah, I guess we both won, and I cant wait to see whats in store for us next year. See you in the Spring, Tough Guy.

THE BEAR AND THE BRANCH!Jackie Finethy - Rindge, NH

Bears are bowlegged to give them better grip

and balance.

Williamstowns Earl Everhart and his best friend Spencer marched in the Northfield Labor Day Parade. They were promoting the Northfield

Rotary Clubs Motorcycle Raffle.

And Your Little Dog Too


We all have special bonds with 4 legged friends, cats and dogs enrich our home lives. The bond that devel-ops between a horse and a human has a slightly different mystique to it. The horse is a different type of being, that intellec-tual and emotional level of connection is different than what we have with our house pets. Horses are more self directed beings in thought and action (yes, they do depend on us for feed and care). When a horse chooses to interact with us, it is an honor and a privilege to be accepted into their social circle. They demand honesty and respect in their social lives and when we give that to them, they reward us with their acceptance of us. This is why Equine Guided Education and Learning is so pow-erful in teaching us about ourselves, how our actions and reactions impact those around us. Spending time with our smaller house pets may help us redirect our thoughts from ourselves onto them. Interacting with a horse DEMANDS we focus our attention on them, they expect it and let us know immediately if we are not with them mentally, even if we think we are. They will wander away, they will not pay attention to our cues, they let us know. We just need to learn to read their communi-cation. A culture has developed, over the past few decades, of blaming others for our challenges and problems in life, expect-ing others to fix it for us. Horses make it abundantly clear we need to own up to our responsibility in how we respond to what life and each day throw at us. We might not be able to control what we have to deal with, but we CAN control HOW we deal with it. There is no baggage, emotional clutter, or deceit in a horse. They are hon-est. This is what makes interacting with them so special. There are no hidden messages or manipulative behaviors. Reading the non-verbal communication of body language can help us separate out the real from the hidden messages, in try-ing human relationships. The conflict in

these messages, makes trusting what oth-ers say, so hard to do. Allowing a person onto their back is a huge sign of trust, neurologically, something on their back is a threat to sur-vival; a mountain lion attacking them in the wild. Overcoming that automatic response shows a high level of trust in us. When we are on their backs, riding is more like a dance with a partner, the more you practice together the better you get at responding to your partners motions. Keeping your focus on your horse shows here, if you are not focused on them, they will tune you out and take over leader. If you arent holding up your end of the deal, they will follow their own agenda until you get back in sync. The rider finds out it is not about making the horse do what you want him to do, it is communi-cating clearly what you NEED him to do, and HOW he needs to do it. If he doesnt do what you have asked, you have not asked correctly or clearly, in a way he understands. Accept your responsibility, learn what the horse is communicating to you, this is why a good instructor is so important; they give you feedback on

what they see hap-pening. Learning to communicate physically with a horse is like learn-ing a language, it takes lots of prac-tice. Riding is like making your way through France without knowing the language, to start. After living there and using the language, it

FOUR HOOVES AND A TAIL BRING SPECIAL HEALING TO THOSE WITH UNIQUE NEEDSDianne Lashoones - Marshfield, VT

becomes second nature. While there are technical skills to learn, it is not like learn-ing to play tennis or drive a race car, it is much more than heels down and eyes up. The physical bond The physical motion of the horse impacts our neurological and musculo-skeletal systems. It is not a passive experi-ence. Riders note improved posture, core strength and flexibility. For those riders with special needs, dealing with issues processing sensory input into their bodies (sound, smell, touch, sight, movement), or having problems with coordination of their movement, riding has a strong neurological impact in helping the brain organize and coordinate these vital func-tions, making their mobility more effi-cient. Its amazing how intuitive horses are, they can sense what their riders abili-ties and challenges are, they shine in the multitude of therapy settings, and offer their talents to us to help in healing both physically and psychologically. Working with horses can help in a number of ways, from the pre-teen with low self esteem, to at-risk older teens that can benefit from structure and self responsibility, to those with physical and learning disabilities, horses add an amaz-ing benefit to treatment options without feeling like you are participating in a therapy session. Truly a mechanism to develop practical life skills. Visit their program at 386 US Route 2 or their website at www.rhythmoftherein.org

Dianne Lashoones, program manager for Rhythm of the Rein, has been a physi-cal therapist for 39 years, PATH Intl. certi-

fied riding instructor for 8 years, AHA (American Hippotherapy Assoc) level I certified therapist. Owner/manager of Water Tower Farm in Marshfield, VT, host site of Rhythm of the Rein Therapeutic

Riding and Driving Program a non-profit serving Central Vermont and the NEK for 8 years. Instructors Libby Hale, (a regis-

tered therapist with PATH and AHA Level II therapist), and Beth Belote,

driving instructor, help deliver quality equine assisted activities and therapies

year round.


Rhythm Of The Rein

Eventing,Six Tough Goalsfor Brave Kids!

Denny Emerson - Strafford, VT

I knew that I was giving two talks at the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame din-ner-the one the recipients give, and the talk about Kilkenny, that Jim Wofford asked me to do. As I researched Kilkennys extraor-dinary record, it made me more aware what had been lost with the demise of the classic three-day event. I decided I should slant my remarks toward you kids who are just coming up the ladder of event-ing. Those who may feel shortchanged by what has happened to a sport which used to test speed and endurance, in addition to the various technical skills, but which no longer does so. Forty-some years ago Jim and I were in our early 20s, we were facing an 18 to 19 mile long second day, with a 5:30 steeplechase, and roads and track at 240

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meters a minute. We had to work back-wards in our horse selections, our horse had to possess enormous stamina, endur-ance, soundness, speed, and generosity of spirit. Those were musts. Then we added in as much dressage and show jumping ability as we could afford. That sport, like the cavalry tradition that inspired its creation, has vanished. It may never exist again except in memo-ry. Lots of todays riders dont miss it, and many seem actually relieved that roads and tracks and steeplechase are gone. Dachshund Eventing, I call this new ver-sion. Short, slow, and German! If you are a young rider who loves a chal-lenge and want to measure yourself against a historic standard of toughness, you can still do it. You will just have to find some of those challenges outside of eventing.

So, here are six challenges or goals, whatever you wish to call them. I man-aged to achieve five of them, but failed miserably with my first one. My very first goal, at age 10 or 11, was to chase a chicken on a bareback pony, lean down, catch it, and come back up onto the pony. It sounds pointless, I read that American Indian kids had to learn how to do it, so that some day they could rescue fallen comrades from the battle-field. If you try this, and get hurt, which you probably will, I warned you. When you get down low enough to reach the chick-en, assuming you can even get near the blasted little thing, gravity takes over. You will fall under the pony and get kicked all over your body by all four of his feet. I only tried this a half a dozen times and got hurt every time, so I chickened out of my first major riding goal. Goal number two: Ride in timber or steeplechase races. Lots of event rid-ers used to do this, but not many do these days. A good Thoroughbred can gallop about 1,100 meters a minute, and point to points are run somewhere around 800-850 meters per minute. Want to see if you have what it takes? Dont wait until youre in your 30s for this one; its too scary and too dangerous. Do it while you are still young and immortal. Goal number three: Jump six feet. I picked that magic number because it was a nice round number, and five feet was too easy, seven feet was too hard. Once youve jumped six feet, 43 will never look so big again. Goal number four: Go clean in a CCI14* event. You are event riders, so you know what that goal entails. Goal number five: Horses dont mag-ically appear from under cabbage leaves, you should learn all the steps along the way. Choose a mare and choose a stallion, and breed a foal. Bring that foal through all the stages until you are riding your home grown horse in advanced three-day events. In many ways this is the hardest of the goals, it takes nine to ten years to achieve, and so much can go wrong along the way. Goal number six: If endurance is gone from eventing, go find the challenge elsewhere. The Tevis Cup 100-mile one-day race in California up and over Squaw


A Feline Friend(18 Wheels Later)

If you listen closely, the sound of the road can tell you where you are. For example, the low pitch roar of interstate blacktop says New England. The distinctive whining of concrete is the stretch of I-95 south of the Mason-Dixon Line, while the Cross Bronx Expressway in New York produces a slow tribal drum sound, thanks to constant gridlock and neglected potholes. As a truck driver of almost twenty years for a moving company, Ive heard these and most of the roads and highways from coast-to-coast and until recently, made the runs solo. Several of my buddies will travel with their spouse or dog. Since I have nei-ther, mine was a life of peaceful solitude with only a responsibility to myself. It was June when I pulled up to a home just outside of Lebanon, NH. A young cou-ple was relocating to North Carolina in pursuit of a milder winter and new opportu-nities. My job was fairly simple. I was to move the larger items such as furniture and appliances, and they would be following a few days later with a pickup of personal items. The truck loaded quickly and I was on the road in no time. Just outside of Trenton, my dispatcher called with a strange request. It seemed the young couples cat had turned up missing, with a search in the obvious places, coming up empty. They asked if I could check the truck to see if I had a stowaway. On the next stop I shut down my rig and listened intently for any sound in the box. Even when I opened the side doors there was still no sign of the cat, but just as I was about to hop into the cab, I heard the faint meow of my new passenger. As I relayed the good news to the relieved couple, the plan was to proceed to North Carolina, unload furniture and cat, get food, water and litter and back on the road. Then a funny thing happened. I didnt know the cats name, so I called him Buddy. Whenever the radio would call out breaker-breaker good buddy, Id smile at the cat and say, Theyre talking to you. To be honest it was actually nice to have some com-pany for a change, and I found the independent nature of a cat was not all that differ-ent from my own. My sad farewell to Buddy was tempered a few weeks later when it turned out Buddy was actually Miss Phoebe, with a litter due at the end of the month. I called down to North Carolina a short time later with the offer to take one of the kittens. Several months later, I pulled out of Durham with 18 wheels and my new four-legged Buddy.


Peak, is the oldest and toughest endur-ance race in the world. Win a Tevis Cup buckle by completing the race within 24 hours. There are six good, solid challeng-es. Achieve all of them, and you are a pretty darn good rider. Youll also be a good horseman, the goals are so varied that you will have to learn hundreds of different pieces of the horsemanship equation. Unless you really expect to rescue a wounded buddy from the battlefield, you can probably skip goal number one. But, if you do figure out how to catch the chicken, let me know so I can come watch. Achieving goals is probably less important than setting them in the first place, and then being brave enough to get up every day to go try. If you dont like my six goals, set your own. The only person they must have meaning for is you.

One of the 50 most influential horse-men of the Twentieth Century (The

Chronicle of the Horse, 2000), Denny Emerson is the only rider to have ever won both a gold medal in eventing and a Tevis buckle in endurance. In 2006, Denny was inducted into the United States Eventing Association

(USEA) Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Dartmouth College

Athletic Hall of Fame and of the Vermont Academy Athletic Hall of

Fame. www.TamarackHill.com

24 4 Legs & a Tail Spring 2015

Is it a spot or a stain? Spots can be removed but stains are usually perma-nent. Living with a pet often goes hand-in-hand with occasional household spots/stains. New, young, or untrained pets might need time to learn where and when its appropriate to do their busi-ness. Nervous, ill pets or pets under stress might forget old lessons and make a mis-take now and then. Its all part of being a pet guardian, and we know its worth it for the loving companionship our pets offer. If you notice changes in your pets bathroom behavior that isnt eas-ily explained, visit your veterinarian to make sure no underlying health problem is involved. With the help of your vet, good clean-ups and good training, you should be able to solve any problems and enjoy a happy, companionable, clean and healthy life with your pet. But what should you do when the occasional pet issue soils your carpet or upholstery? Pet stains are notoriously difficult to clean, because of the combina-tion of stubborn discoloration and odor.

Pet Accidents on YourCarpet or Upholstery: Now What?

Its important to eliminate issues com-pletely and as soon as possible, to prevent pets from getting in the habit of using the same place due to their natural marking behavior. Pet issues can be such a challenge, whatever your pet eats or drinks and even medications they may be on, can all affect your ability to remove the soiling. Also, knowing what type of carpet you have and the fabric of your upholstery will assist in your ability to deal with problems. Wool carpets or area rugs are more of a chal-lenge than the more standard synthetic carpet most homes have, due to the nature of the fibers, and special care should be taken on many types of upholstery fabric.

Here are some basic steps to remove new soiling that is still wet:

Soak up urine with a thick layer of paper towels or white cloth towels. Removing as much of the liquid as pos-sible before it dries will make it easier to also remove the odor. If possible, place white cloths under the soiled area, as well. For rugs, stand on this padding for about a minute, remove it, and repeat the process until the area is almost dry. For upholstery, blot as carefully and thor-oughly as possible. Carefully Rinse the accident zone with clean, cool water, being care-ful not to over-wet upholstery and then remove the water as soon as possible through blotting or with a wet vac. Use a cleaning product that is approved for your type of carpet fiber or upholstery fabric. The Humane Society of the United States suggests putting the urine-soaked paper towels in the area where you want your pet to do its business, such as your cats litter box or your dogs outdoor bath-room area, to teach your pet that elimi-nating is perfectly OK in the right place.

For stains that have alreadydried and set into the carpet or

upholstery: Use a high-quality pet odor neu-tralizer (such as Natures Miracle) after the area is really clean. These products are available at most pet supply stores. Follow the cleaners directions carefully, and as always, test the cleaner first on a small, hidden portion of carpet or uphol-stery to be sure it doesnt stain. Also, remember that neutralizers wont work

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until youve rinsed every trace of old cleaners from the carpet. Any trace of a non-protein-based substance weakens the effect of the enzymatic cleaner, which will use up its energy on the old cleaners instead of on the protein stains. Also be aware that the product has to contact the ENTIRE area affected and often the spot you see on the surface can be as much as a third smaller than the area that needs to be treated. Hot water will also kill the enzyme which will need to stay damp for an extended time to work (up to 24 hours). Try any good carpet/upholstery stain remover that is approved for the fiber of your carpet/upholstery if the area still appears to be stained. Always test first, and best to avoid oxy products! Avoid using household cleaners that are not meant for carpet/upholstery,

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4 Legs and a Tail - North Vermont - Spring 2015