Lowcountry Dog Magazine- June/July 2019 by Lowcountry Dog Magazine

Issue No. 23 • JUNE/JULY 2019 • DIGITAL

"Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready to Play"

Meet Czabin aka BATDOG

Cover Contest Winners Revealed

ADOPTABLE DOGS!

Animal ER: LIVE in the Lowcountry

Meet the Pack PUBLISHER Brian Foster brian@lowcountrydog.com CHIEF CANINE OFFICER Peanut SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTENT COORDINATOR Julie Murray julie@lowcountrydog.com COPY EDITOR Chelsea Salerno EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Alicia Williams AD SALES ASSISTANT Abbie Allen abbie@lowcountrydog.com STAFF WRITERS Izzy Selert, Intern Kelly Glasson PHOTOGRAPHERS Southern Vintage Photography Stono Tides Photography Zeppelin Studios Palmetto Coast Media WEB DEVELOPER & CONSULTANT Laura Olsen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nicole Wilde Kimberly Blaker

We believe that our dogs are our best friends, and that’s why we need a reliable source to turn to for information on all things “dog” in our community. Our mission is to be the number one Charleston area resource for dog owners regarding regional dog-centric and dogwelcoming events, health & wellness information, dog training, trends, and local news. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various Lowcountry-based pet non-profits, and we promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices. Founded in Charleston, South Carolina in 2005 as a print magazine, we re-launched in 2015 as an online publication. In 2016 we updated our website to continue our mission to be the best dog friendly resource in the Lowcountry.

Sniff Us out!

CONTENTS COVER STORY

"PUT ME IN COACH, I'M READY TO PLAY!" Meet Charleston Riverdog's Official Bat Dog! FEATURES PEANUT TIPS-

05 THE ASHER HOUSE

Page 26

STAY, BEHAVE-HOW TO 06 SIT, CHOOSE A DOG TRAINER. HEALTH AND WELLNESS-

10 YES, DOGS DO GET

DEPRESSED â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AND IT CAN BE TREATED

14 PEACE, LOVE & REAL TALK 26 ANIMAL ER LIVE IN THE LOWCOUNTRY

30 AND THE WINNER IS...COVER MODEL WINNER REVEAL

34 ANIMAL ADVOCATE: LORI NEBEL

36 GO GREEN:

ADOPTABLE DOGS

Meet Gibbie Page 30

Page 36

The Asher House

When I learned that the Asher House was coming to the Lowcountry, I sent my crew out to meet and learn more about what traveling the country in a RV was all about. After learning more, I am thinking hard about LCD going on a RV trip of our own to visit some of the great rescues in the USA. Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House rescue, braved the 95 degree weather to bring his pack to Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary on Saturday, May 25. Asher and his 9 pups travel across the country in an RV to promote the importance of animal rescue and the Lowcountry Dog motto, "Adopt, Don't Shop!" His pack consists of all kinds - big, small, old, young - and you can tell from the moment he walks into the room how much they all adore him and how grateful they are for his tireless efforts. Follow his heartwarming journey on social media, @theasherhouse, and remind yourself that there is so much good in the world. :)

Our head writer, Julie is a sucker for senior chihuahuas Photos by Stono Tides Photography

's t u n Pea s Tip

Asher and his 9 rescues travel in this custom RV

Follow Asher House on Instagram @theasherhouse lowcountry dog 5

Sit, Stay...Behave!

Written by Nicole Wilde, CPDT Parents are particular when hiring a tutor for their children. They research the tutor’s background, experience and more. Yet many dog owners don’t ask any questions when hiring a dog trainer, other than the fee. Making a careful choice can have a huge impact on the way your dog is trained, which can in turn have long-term effects on your dog’s emotional well-being and behavior. There is no license required to call oneself a dog trainer. In other words, your Uncle Bob could hang out a shingle tomorrow and open Uncle Bobby’s Dog Training. Frightening, isn’t it? When you call a trainer, you might be speaking with one who is just starting out, or one who has been training for twenty years or more.

How to Choose a Dog Trainer.

To make matters more confusing, some trainers use a title before their name, or letters after it. Find out exactly what they mean. “Certified,” for example, could mean he went through a three week course to become certified through that particular school. “Nationally Recognized” could mean she has a grandmother in Pittsburgh who recognizes her when she comes to visit! (Besides, if one really was nationally recognized, would one have to put those words in front of one’s name?) There is, however, now a designation “CPDT” which means “Certified Professional Dog Trainer.” This means that the trainer has passed a written exam given by an independent testing group (the CCPDT), and has met lowcountry dog 6

requirements that include at least 300 hours of training dogs, along with recommendations from peers and a veterinarian. Letters indicating a degree such as B.A., M.A. or Ph.D. are impressive, but be sure the degree is actually in a subject that has some bearing on dog behavior, such as psychology. An M.B.A. (Masters Business Administration) will certainly help the trainer, but it won’t help your dog any. “Behaviorist” is a title accorded to those who have a Ph.D. in Applied Animal Behavior. While it is acceptable for a trainer who specializes in behavior issues to call himself or herself a Behavior Specialist, it is not ethical to call oneself a Behaviorist. Check out any claims of this nature. Getting a recommendation from your veterinarian or a friend who has used that trainer is always the safest way to go. But even if you do, here are a few questions to ask: 1. “How long have you been training?” This one is a little tricky. Sure, you want someone who has at least a few years experience. But, a trainer with thirty years experience is not necessarily better than one with ten years experience, if the more experienced trainer hasn’t changed their methods or improved in all that time. Which leads us to… 2. “What is your background and do you pursue ongoing education?”

The best trainers regularly attend seminars and workshops to further improve their skills and learn the latest techniques. Avoid those who think they already know it all. Many trainers are members of the APDT, Association of Pet Dog Trainers. This organization promotes the ongoing education of its members. (The APDT web site, www.apdt.com, includes a city-by-city listing of trainers who are members, and also lists which members are CPDTs.) Other organizations that also have trainer listings and who promote positive training techniques are the International Assocation of Animal Behavior Consultants(IAABC_ and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG). 3. “What sort of methods do you use?” Another tricky one. I haven’t heard of a trainer yet who advertises “rough, punishment-based methods.” It just doesn’t sell. Although a trainer might call herself “positive,” find out exactly what that means. For example, what would she do if a dog did not comply with a request? If a trainer uses choke chains, by definition he is using “corrections.” (Within every style of training there is a range of trainers, some gentler and some harsher.) If he uses clicker training or lure-reward training properly, he is using positive methods. Some trainers call themselves “balanced,” which means they use both corrections and praise/reward.

4. “Do you train full time?” There are trainers who do other jobs while training on the side. That doesn’t mean they’re not good trainers. For basic obedience, someone who trains part-time might be fine. But for serious behavior issues, seek out a trainer who has been training fulltime for at least a few years and has experience with the particular issue your dog needs help with. 5. For in-home training, can you do one session at a time or are you required to pre¬purchase a package of sessions? 6. Does the in-home trainer work only with the dog? Or will they train you to do so? The second option is desirable because after all, you’re the one the dog will need to listen to in the long run. 7. For serious behavior issues, how much expertise does the trainer have? Some trainers specialize in specific behavior problems, while others won’t handle issues such as aggression. 8. For a group class, will you be allowed to observe a class first? A good trainer will have no qualms about letting you do so. 9. How many dogs per class? In a large class you’ll get less personal attention. Look for a small class, where the trainer demonstrates with students’ dogs hands-on and gives feedback. Dogs and people should look like they’re having fun, not being stressed out. A professional trainer should welcome questions and have a pleasant attitude. If you feel a trainer is being rude or unfriendly, move on. There are others who will welcome your business and treat both you and your dog well. Happy training!

To find a dog trainer that can help you and your dog... Go to LowcountryDog.com to check out some of the best trainers in our area. FIND A TRAINER

by Kimberly Blaker

Yes, Dogs Do Get Depressed – And It Can Be Treated As most dog owners will attest, dogs do feel a range of emotions. Dogs may not experience sadness quite the same as humans because dogs lack selfconsciousness, but they can experience anxiety and depression, says Dr. Carlo Siracusa at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, according to the article, “Do Dogs Feel Sadness?” by Kate Hughes. The development of dogs' emotions is equivalent to that of a two or two-and-ahalf-year-old child, say researchers. So the sadness they experience is less complex than that in human adults. For example, human adults can feel sad or depressed as a result of ruminating about their failures, imperfections or something they did or

Health

Wellness

didn't do. Since dogs, like very young children, lack self-consciousness, they don't experience this type of sadness. Still, dogs can experience sadness or get depressed for a variety of other reasons. Causes of depression in dogs Because dogs are social animals, a lack of attention or being left alone for long periods can affect a dog's mental health. When dogs are confined to a crate or bathroom for extended hours, it can lead to depression. Allow your dog to spend as much time with family as possible. Similarly, a lack of exercise can also cause depression. This can be particularly problematic for pets that are crated or lowcountry dog 10

confined to small areas for many hours at a time. While crate training for puppies is beneficial for housebreaking, they should never be crated for more than 4 hours at a time without an extended break. Once your puppy is housebroken, a crate can provide a cozy spot for your dog with the crate left open. Dogs need companionship, exercise and stimulation, which they cannot experience in a crate so as dogs grow, limit confinement and preferably to a larger room when necessary. Also, find out how much and what types of exercise are appropriate for your dog's breed and age so you can make sure your dog gets the exercise it needs regularly. Another cause of depression in dogs is when a family member is depressed. Recent studies have found dogs recognize human emotions. In May 2012, a study was published in the Animal Cognition journal that found dogs responded more strongly when people were crying as opposed to talking or humming. In this case, the best remedy may treatment for yourself or the depressed family member, which could alleviate your dog's sadness. Dogs also experience depression when they lose a family member, whether it's another pet or human companion. Sometimes dogs improve if a new pet is introduced, but not always. When a dog loses its owner, this can be particularly devastating. An interesting 2013 study was reported by CBS News, in “Study: Dogs bond with

"When dogs are confined to a crate or bathroom for extended hours, it can lead to depression." owners similar to babies with parents.” Researchers observed that the “secure base effect” phenomenon that's experienced by babies also occurs in dogs. Like babies, dogs are more likely to interact with things and other people when they feel the secure presence of their caregivers. If your dog has lost a beloved family member or caregiver, those closest to your dog should intervene and give it additional love and attention. Another cause of depression in dogs is punishment. Animal behaviorists say when dogs are repeatedly punished with shock collars or other physical means, dogs come to feel helpless. Not only can it cause aggression in dogs, but it can also cause dogs to withdraw. The best method for training dogs is with rewards for positive behavior. Not only is this better for their emotional health, but it's also more effective. Finally, certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems can cause depression. If your dog is depressed, particularly if there's no obvious reason for it, have your dog checked out by your veterinarian.

Signs your dog is depressed The most common symptoms of dog depression are similar to those in humans. These include: sleeping more than usual withdrawal or hiding loss of interest in food loss of interest in things it previously enjoyed, or inactivity excessive licking, particularly of their paws self-mutilation, in more severe cases, often related to separation anxiety

What to do if your dog is depressed First, if you suspect any of the reasons above is causing your dog's depression, try to remedy the situation that's causing it. This will often resolve your dog's sadness. But if your dog doesn't improve, an antidepressant can help, particularly in anxious dogs. Dogs are prescribed many of the same antidepressants as humans. Always talk with your veterinarian before giving one to your dog.

Swipe Right for Dogs #dogsbeforedudes

Hey people! I have been in and out of the dating scene for as long as I can remember. After almost each and every new interaction with a potential significant other, I’m left feeling empty, rejected and most of all – hurt. So people of the world, instead of looking for a soulmate I suggest you look for a dog to adopt. I know this concept has been stated before but I’m here to validate it for you. Sure, finding the right pup may be a lot of work – but unlike people, dogs are never disappointing – so the search will definitely be worth it. First things first, a dog will never care what you look like. You don’t need a lowcountry dog 14

new outfit. You don’t need to style your hair. You don’t even have to bathe. A dog will love you in evening attire or in pajamas. When starting to date someone, I always worry about “I wonder if he’ll like me when I’m sweaty” or “I wonder if he’ll like me when I don’t have make up on.” Dogs literally do not care. Are you familiar with the term “ghosting?” Ghosting is when you think everything is going great and then all of the sudden the person you were interested in just stops communicating with you out of the clear blue sky. It sucks. It’s one of the most cowardly ways to tell someone,

“Hey, this isn’t working out for me.” Dogs do not EVER practice the ghosting trend. When you leave your pup at home, they are always there when you get back. Upon your arrival, they are ALWAYS happy to see you. If a dog had the ability to text or call you, they would. It’s such a great feeling. You’ll soon be thinking, “Why did I waste all my time trying to find a human?” Dogs are also very agreeable creatures. They’ll join you on almost any adventure (minus the vet of course). Do you want to relax on the sofa? A dog will happily join you. Do you want to go to the beach? A dog will be thrilled to go. Do you want to take a joy ride in the car? A dog would love to accompany you. They just want to be with you – and isn’t that all we want – for someone who just wants to be with us? Look no more – a pup at your local rescue or shelter wants Y O U. Dogs aren’t the best at buying gifts. Most of them don’t have jobs and can’t drive a car. However, when a dog offers up their favorite toy or favorite blanket – you will feel so honored. Money can’t buy that feeling. Who needs an engagement ring when Rover just presented you with an amazing pinecone from

the yard?! It’s such a treasure. Dogs are also extremely helpful when you decide that you want to throw yourself back out on the market (I don’t advise putting yourself out there, but to each their own). Dogs have a great sense of character. If you introduce the person you’re dating to your dog and they do not like him/her – SAY GOODBYE. I know it sounds irrational, but I mean it. Every time a person meets my dog and my dog acts out, I’m like, “Hmm… that was weird.” THEN magically, weeks later, the person was actually NOT a good person. I may have been fooled – but my dog was not. (This has happened on multiple occasions.) So, if you’re planning on a long term relationship with someone – make sure your dog approves. After reading this I’m sure you’re thinking, “Wow this chick is really jaded” – and the answer is yes, I really am jaded. I do have two great dogs and a couple of other foster dogs waiting for me though and I know they will never let me down. Humans have broken my heart time and time again. A dog makes me feel appreciated, happy and most of all “whole.” So what are you waiting for?! Go rescue your new four legged best friend today!

Thanks to Drivin' N' Cryin' for great show on May 24th and for being a part of the Lowcountry Dog Pack!

Photos by FreeLeaf Productions

About the Cover We met Czabin at our Dia De Los Perros Festival when she won our costume contest. Czabin has been the official bat dog of the Charleston Riverdogs for the past 2 years. We spoke with her owner and trainer, Simms Willbanks of Fathom K9 about Czabin's training and went out to see her in action at a baseball game. She was one of the most fun shoots we have ever done.

"Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready to Play" Meet Czabin aka BATDOG!

Written by Julie Murray, Head-writer, Lowcountry Dog Magazine Photography by Southern Vintage Photography

“Put me in coach, I’m ready to play!” Czabin is our very own Charleston Riverdog’s Official Bat Dog. Fans cheer every Monday home game when Czabin takes the field to retrieve bats during the game. It seems only natural for the Riverdogs to have a dog retrieving bats. After watching her work at a recent game, it’s obvious that she is natural for this job. Czabin is a Belgian Malinois, which are often used as police dogs, in the military or as bomb and drug detecting dogs.

Photos by J Michael Walker

Czabin’s handler Simms Wilbanks has been working with dogs since her high school job as a kennel tech. She earned the Professional Certified Trainer certification from National K9, where they taught her the kinds of traits and characteristics to look for in potential canine recruits. Simms evaluated Czabin as a puppy to assess her working and training abilities and found that she met all of the requirements. When Czabin was two months old, they began training for explosives detection, obedience and service work. This dynamic duo holds a national certification for Explosives Detection. They work at the Charleston Port Authority and Czabin loves her job.

As part of her service training, Czabin learned to pick up common household items and give them to her handler. Building on this skill, Simms was able to teach Czabin to pick up and retrieve a baseball bat. This activity quickly became one of Czabin’s favorite games to play and is enjoyed by players and fans alike! Simms told us “We have enjoyed working with the Charleston Riverdogs for the past two seasons. Czabin looks forward to every Monday home game.” It’s such a simple joy to watch her run out on the field, having the time of her life. Czabin also won Best Overall Halloween Costume, a title she snagged last November at Lowcountry Dog’s Day of the Dogs Festival, held at the Tattooed Moose on Johns Island. Czabin dressed up as a scuba diver and even rocked the flippers! She will be featured in our October Issue as well. Cover modeling, bat retrieval, explosive detection - all in a day's work for Czabin the wonder dog! Make it a point to bring your own dog out to the next Riverdogs Dog Day Monday Game and see Czabin in action. lowcountry dog 24

Animal ER: LIVE in the Lowcountry Animal emergencies are followed in real time at animal hospitals and mobile vet emergency units.

Written by Julie Murray, Head Writer, Lowcountry Dog Magazine The next time you sit down to relax on the Entertainment. They were in the process couch with your pup and your popcorn, of developing a show for Nat Geo WILD don’t be surprised if you tune in to the that would capture the incredible work television and see someone you recognize! being done in 6 different animal hospitals Our very own Veterinary Specialty Care and emergency rooms around the was one of 6 featured animal clinics in the country...LIVE!” She said that after the first season of Animal ER on the Nat Geo initial emails, a few back-and-forth Skype WILD channel. This show gives us a peek sessions and working out the details, VSC behind the scenes of the daily operations was chosen to be part of the TV show. 3 of a busy vet clinic and an all-access pass days later, the film crew arrived! to the highs and lows that abound. Natalie told me that when they found out I spoke with Natalie Garber, the Outreach they had been selected, there was a lot of Coordinator and Client Advocate for excitement...and a lot of nerves. “Above Veterinary Specialty Care, about how the all, we knew this was going to be a big deal amazing opportunity came to be. “I and a great opportunity for VSC to share received an email mid-December from the the amazing, life-changing work that goes Development Manager of Big Fish on within our walls every day.” She says that after meeting the TV crew many lowcountry dog 26

worries subsided because they were fun and friendly. It took the staff at VSC a bit to become used to the filming equipment, but it quickly became the norm. They filmed 5 days a week and the live shows were filmed on Saturday and Sunday nights. Set up consisted mostly of placing mics and still cameras - but most filming consisted of cameras following the staff around. One of the VSC staffers said, “At first it was a little strange, but after getting to know [the crew], it was like they weren’t even there!” The crew filmed many of the cases that came into the hospital but only ended up featuring a few. During that time, there were a variety of emergencies - snake bites, multiple pyometra [infection in the uterus] surgeries, laceration repair - to name a few. They also dealt with wildlife emergencies and were filmed extracting a fish hook from a turtle’s mouth. Some of the footage from the Surgery and Internal Medicine departments was pre-recorded, including a scope procedure to remove pieces of a chewed toy and even an amputation! It wasn’t all seriousness though. One of the staffers told me that there were too many funny and interesting experiences to share “The film crew was amazing - and hilarious! It was really a wonderful experience to meet a group of people that all came from different places - countries even - that have so many stories of their own about their filming adventures. It was very sad when they left!”

Getting such an in-depth glimpse of the inner workings of a busy veterinary hospital is a rare - and special - occurrence. I asked Natalie and the staff what they hope the general public will learn from seeing this footage. Emergency tech Erin said she hopes people will learn “that things happen and when they do, we are here for both the pet and the owner with any emergency, big or small, at any time of day or night.” Natalie also told me what she wants viewers to take away from this experience. “I hope that viewers are able to see how much compassion and care goes into treating every pet that comes through our doors. The emergency world is very fast paced and because of that oftentimes gets a bad rap of not caring in fact it’s just the opposite!” *Authors Note: Having been one of those late night visitors to VSC myself, I can personally attest to their care and compassion and quick-thinking! Bullet and Harry thank them too.* A few parting thoughts: From Internist and Co-Founder of VSC, Dr. Perry Jameson: “We wanted people to see that the level of medicine offered is just like what humans receive. You were also able to see just how much our nurses and doctors cared about the patients and their human families." WATCH PAST EPISODES

From Surgeon and Co-Founder of VSC, Dr. Henry Bianucci: “We really hope that viewers will see that our team members across the hospital have good hearts and minds and are dedicated to doing the right thing for the pets, especially in emergency situations. We really want to put a caring and compassionate face to our ER so that people can see even though emergency situations may arise, that we are always here for them.” If you want to experience all the excitement and drama of veterinary emergency medicine - you can check out the first season of Nat Geo WILD’s Animal ER right now. [Check your local cable provider listings or www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/animal-er-live/

and the winner is... GIBBIE The 2019 Lowcountry Dog Cover Model Contest had over 200 contestants. The top 25 were chosen by a panel of judges and then voting was left to the public to chose our winner. With over 6500 votes cast, Gibbie took the crown with 1967 votes followed by Marsh with 512 votes.

Photos by Stono Tides Photography lowcountry dog 30

Top 10 Winners will be our 2020 Lowcountry Dog Calendar Models 3. Chewbacca 4. Colby 5. Kevin 6. Max 7. Layla 8. Meeko 9. Morgan 10. Ruby

lowcountry dogÂ 30

EVENT RE-CAP

photos by

Over 800 people came out to enjoy the 3rd Annual May The Dogs Be With You Festival. It was a hot day but plenty of cold drinks and good food filled bellies while McKenna Andrews and the Mike Martin Band entertained. $2,250 was raised for 6 local rescues. LEARN MORE HERE

This issue’s Animal Advocate is Lori Nebel! Lori is the owner of a Pet Supplies Plus franchise located at 208 St. James Avenue in Goose Creek and she has been an ardent supporter of Lowcountry Dog Magazine and the local rescue community for a long time. Her rescue adventure began when she was a child in Massachusetts volunteering at the local animal shelter. She dreamed of one day working with animals and opening her own pet store - a dream that came true in 2014 when the first Pet Supplies Plus location was opened in Summerville, SC. “One of the attractions of becoming a Pet Supplies Plus franchisee was their focus on being locally owned and a part of the community”, Lori said. This community connection was fostered by networking with local shelters and helping to plan store events, fundraisers and donation drives. lowcountry dog 34

LoribyNebel Written Julie Murray

Owner Pet Supplies Plus

She soon found like-minded friends, including Kym Wallace (a former Lowcountry Dog Animal Advocate), who was serving on the board of the Francis R. Willis SPCA at the time. Lori assisted Kym in her efforts to start Sinbad Sadie Second Chance Rescue in 2015 and served as a board member, as well as volunteered for events, transported animals, sponsored medical cases and fostered. “The most rewarding [thing] was being a foster. Yes, I failed three times!” Lori’s first foster was a dog named Sable who was

found by a good Samaritan on her way into work one morning. Sable lived in Lori’s store until they found her a family. But as we all know, life happens, and Lori told me that Sable is back with the PSP family! “Five years later she is now back in my life. Her housing situation changed, so while we try to find her a permanent home, she is being cared for by Country Paws Play & Stay, located in Hollywood, SC.” Being a part of the rescue community in the Charleston area is something that Lori values greatly. She loves seeing the difference rescuing and fostering can make in an animal’s life. “It’s an awesome community to be a part of...Of course with the good there [are] heartbreaking, stressful moments you also have to be prepared for. It is hard work, just like anything worth doing.” Lori told me that even the smallest gestures can have great significance. “We had a little girl sell lemonade at our store to help support a veteran and his service dog. She did it all on her own and raised thousands of dollars!” She is also amazed by those children who choose to forego birthday gifts in favor of donations to a local shelter.

If you want to help animals, there are so many things you can do. “Foster, fundraise, volunteer time, make home-made treats, interactive toys, donate old blankets, kennels...the sky's the limit on creativity! I’m always about paying it forward, even if it is loose change you put in a jar. Every penny helps!” Lori currently has three dogs, Mia, Jessi and KC, who remind her every day that even though animal rescue is hard work, “It is heart-warming, gives you the butterflies knowing you made a difference and you can see the good that comes out of it. They need us and we need them. I could never picture myself without a pet (or several of them) in my life. They bring me tranquility and happiness. Why wouldn’t they deserve a second chance?” The next time you are in the Goose Creek or Summerville area, stop by and check out the amazing selection of pet products at Pet Supplies Plus and maybe even have a chat with Lori about how you can engage in your community animal rescue efforts too!

Valiant Animal Rescue

Khloe

Mary Poppins

Hera

Cami