Animal Families

Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016 — PAGE 17

a special section of the Addison Independent

Animal Families

PAGE 18 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016

Animal Families

PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING Over 16 years experience

Specialty Breed Clips $10 Nail Clipping

5

$ 00 OFF*

g!

Spring Groomin

* with coupon at time of payment.

Valid thru 6/3/16 – not valid on Saturdays

Make your appointment now.

802-388-2879

Located in the Marble Works • Middlebury, VT

New Styles for Spring!

Check us out for horse and rider • Helmets by Troxel & Charles Owen • Apparel by Kerrits, Ariat and others • Tall Boots by Ariat, Tredstep and others • Breeches, Tops, Show Coats and more EVERYTHING FOR THE SHOW SEASON OR CASUAL RIDING. JUST ASK OUR KNOWLEDGABLE SALES STAFF. (802) 877-3200 2470 Route 7, Ferrisburgh, VT www.greenmountainpetandtack.com www.facebook.com/GMPetand Tack

We’ve Got Your Animals

Covered!

PIERCE MURRAY LOVES his dog, Ivy. Ivy is a service dog trained to help Pierce navigate the challenges of autism including anxiety and panic attacks. Ivy joined the Murray family two years ago and has provided a sense of security for Pierce that enables him to relax in a way that was previously very difficult for him.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

These dogs are here to help us

By CHRISTY LYNN We all love our animals. The wagging tail and whimpering glee that greets you at the end of the day or the affectionate purr while relaxing on the couch can put a smile on any pet owner’s face.

Many pets have a keen ability to sense when their owner is happy or sad, providing an extra lick or gentle gaze during times of need. We turn to them for unconditional love and to help soften the hard days in life.

For some, this purpose is even more defined than for others. Service and assistance animals are specifically trained and kept to help people who live with disabilities navigate the world.

While service animals are most commonly dogs, there are also service monkeys, birds and miniature horses documented in the United States.

These animals are specifically trained to help a disabled person perform specific tasks related to their disability. Trained, working service dogs

are legally allowed to accompany their owners into any public place, including schools, restaurants, hotels, shops, grocery stores, hospitals, etc.

When many people think of service animals they commonly think of those who provide assistance to humans with physical disabilities (such as blindness or paralysis). However, dogs and other assistance animals can also provide aid to individuals with neurological, psychiatric or emotional disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety or depression.

IVY AND PIERCE Pierce Murray is a 15-year-old Middlebury resident who is autistic. He struggles with anxiety and is easily overwhelmed, especially when faced with something new. He also suffers seizures and panic attacks.

Pierce grew up with two Jack Russell dogs in (See Pierce and Ivy, Page 23)

Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016 — PAGE 19

Think of Agway when you think of your pets!

Are your animal companions a central part of your life?

We help you provide quality care for all your pets!

ASK ABOUT OUR

Pet Food Club

Earn rewards for your purchases!

We Welcome Your Pet

PET FOOD

Quality Brands Including:

We love to have your pet visit.

Come in & let them help you choose a new collar, toy or other accessory.

Pet I.D. Tags

Custom Engraved while you wait.

Choose from a variety of styles.

Beautiful brass Equine & Stable Plates, too.

Toys & Treats

Lots of fun items to keep your pets playful and rewarded!

Our

Self-Service

BIRDS

Dog Wash is OPEN EVERYDAY!

Birdfeeders, Seed & Suet, Sunflower Seeds (Black Oil, Blend & Striped) Houses, Accessories, Fire mix & more!

Enjoy your bird-friendly yard!

Washing your pet has never been easier!

Collars • Leashes • Harnesses High Viz Protective Wear Food Dishes & Storage Bins • Beds Crates & Carrying Cases

Everything you need for pet support & safety.

Horses

Compare our prices & switch to one of the fine feeds we carry.

Feed • Supplements Training & Grooming Equipment

Join our email list for preferred customer savings!

Accessories

Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere in our beautiful spa-like space.

& Grooming Supplies

Small Animal Products

• Cages, Foods, Treats & Pine and Cedar bedding for your hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.

• Bird food, toys and cages • Basics for fish, too!

Brushes, shampoos, skin treatment ointments to keep your pets’ coats healthy and problem free!

MIDDLEBURY AGWAY 338 Exchange Street, Middlebury

388-4937 • www.MiddleburyAgway.com

Open 7 days M- F 8-6, Sat 8-5 • Sun 9-4

YOUR YARD, GARDEN AND PET STORE

PAGE 20 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016

Middlebury Agway presents

PET CONTEST WIN AS CHOSEN BY ADDISON INDEPENDENT READERS

ACTION SHOT ___________ BEST PALS ____________ COUCH POTATO 1

1. GRADY submitted by Deb Cossaart at Bristol Park Dental. “Grady the Greeter is great at his job.

His wagging tail and five pounds of cuteness help make our patients forget they’re at the dentist office.”

1

1. NELLIE submitted by Andrea Way. “This is Nellie’s first time playing in the snow and loved catching snowballs!”

TIED FOR 1ST!

1

1

1. MAPLE Cheryl Br loves ball time and a to be in th also likes t comfortabl

2.

2

2. SCOUT AND PHILO

2

2. LIZZIE

2

2 3

1. BAILEY AND ISAIAH submitted by Kathleen Cotton. “Isaiah (age 10), and his best pal Bailey snuggling on the couch.

This photo was taken by our daughter Rachel. This picture captures their joy and unconditional love for one another!”

TIED FOR 3rd!

3

3. TIZZY

3. SPRINKLES 3. CLOVER

3

3 3. TIZZY

________________ This spread displays the culmination of a two-monthlong pet photo contest, where we invited our readers and members of the Addison County community to submit their best photos in six different categories.

More than 150 photos poured in over email, through our web form and through the mail, submitted by proud parents promoting their furry or feathered friends’ adorable expressions.

Winners were chosen by popular vote through our Facebook page, where more than 1,500 “likes” were used to tally winners in each category. Each firstplace winner will not only receive the title badge of champion pet in their category, but also can go on a

shopping spree to Agway in Middlebury with a gift certificate worth $25.

Here at the Addison Independent we have also selected “publisher’s picks” in each category — naming one photo from each category that we think is the strongest in terms of photo composition and expressiveness.

We would like to thank all of you who participated in our pet photo contest this year. Whether you submitted a photo, sent in a vote, or just enjoyed browsing the photo albums and seeing these cute faces within our pages, we appreciate your support.

COLBIE : We loved this photo montage that show’s Colbie’s awesome Frisbee catch!

REID AN pair!

Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016 — PAGE 21

NNERS

EACH TOP PRIZE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED A

$25.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM MIDDLEBURY AGWAY

________ FUNNY FACES _________ MODEL SHOT _______ WORK ___ COMPANIONS 1. SCOUT submitted

E submitted by ristol. “Maple or stick play absolutely loves he water. Maple to lay where it’s le.”

1

by Liza Sacheli. “Scout, a nine-year-old golden retriever mix, dressed up as Mrs. Claus.”

1

1. LAYA submitted

by Rachael Carter.

“Laya posing for a picture at her favorite swimming place. She has so much attitude and spunk.”

1

. BABY

2

1. EDDIE submitted by Teena Betourney. “Eddie is the new office dog at Middlebury Regional EMS.”

2 2. WOODROW

3

3

2. GRADY

3. PEANUT

2

3

3. ELLA

3. COCO CARL’S PUPPY

___ PET CONTEST WINNERS AS CHOSEN BY OUR EDITORS _________________

ND JJ: an adorable

PEANUT: There’s something about a shaggy dog that never gets old!

RILEY: First taste of lemon,

Riley?

NORTON: What a face!

It’s tempting to just think of dogs and cats as household pets, but especially when you live in Addison County we have to remember that all animals can be considered part of the family.

REESE: Reese goes to work with Shawn at Bristol Financial.

He makes great wall art!

PAGE 22 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016

YOU’RE NOT JUST A NUMBER

YOU’RE OUR NEIGHBOR Talk with one of our advisors today.

We offer professional and diverse investment options to match any business on Wall Street. Our team will pair its understanding and commitment to your goals. We’re a part of your community and we know that the success of our neighbors will make us more successful – Let’s thrive together.

Bristol Park Dental Outstanding Family Dentistry Dr. Jim and Deb Cossaart with Grady and Elly 6 Park Place, Bristol, VT • 802.453.7700 • bristolparkdental.com

L to R: Kris Pearsall, Registered Representative; Fred Baser, CFP®; Shawn Oxford, AIF®; Matt Igler & Reese in front.

EVERY OFFICE NEEDS A PET! “Office pets are a warm and welcoming part of every office.”

– Dr. Mark “Loving dogs and cats since 1940!”

20 Main Street • vergennesanimalhospital.com • 877-3371

36 Main Street, Bristol, VT • 802-453-2378 www.bristolfinancial.com Registered Representatives of, and securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SPIC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016 — PAGE 23

Animal Families Pierce and Ivy (Continued from Page 18) the house, but one — Jake — that he was especially fond of.

“Jake would sleep in Pierce’s bed with him and calm him when he had his anxiety attacks and just be around.

He wasn’t a service dog or anything, but they had some kind of intuitive understanding,” recalled Andrea Murray, Pierce’s mother.

Soon after Jake passed, Pierce started asking where he had gone and stating that he missed his pal. So Andrea and her husband, Chris, began to look into getting another dog.

What they found was a non-profit organization based in Portland, Ore., called Autism Service Dogs of America. They submitted a long and intensive application and were admitted to the program.

Ivy is a golden retriever who was

bred and trained by the organization specifically with Pierce in mind. It took two years to complete her training, pass all of the necessary tests and be ready for integration into the Murray household. She has now been with the family two years.

Ivy is a sweet and gentle dog who enjoys a pet on the head or a nap in the sun — when she doesn’t have her vest on.

“But once you put her vest on, she is instantly a different dog,” Andrea Murray explains. “She knows she is working and is totally focused on the task at hand.”

Murray says it took somewhere between six and nine months for Ivy to really bond with Pierce and recognize that he is her charge. It took Pierce a similar amount of time to bond with her and expect that she should be with

Think of Agway when you think of your pets!

Proud to help you provide quality care for all of your pets, we know your animal companions are a central part of your life!

PET FOOD

Quality Brands Including:

ASK ABOUT OUR

Pet Food Club

Earn rewards for your pur

chases!

Everything you need for pet support!

TOYS & TREATS Accessories & Grooming Supplies

SELF SERVE

Leashes • Harnesses Collars • Clothing Food Dishes Storage Bins Beds & Baskets Brushes, shampoos, skin treatment, ointments to keep your pets’ coats healthy and problem free!

Kennels, Dog Houses & Carrying Cases Come in and check the variety we have in stock!

Wild Bird Large & Small Animal Products Supplies

• Feed • Supplements • Training & Grooming Supplies Feeders, • Cages, Foods, Treats & Bedding Seed & Suet, Houses & • Bird food, toys and cages Accessories.

• Basics for fish, too!

MIDDLEBURY AGWAY Join our email list for preferred customer savings!

338 Exchange Street, Middlebury 388-4937 • www.MiddleburyAgway.com Mon - Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5 • Sundays 9-4

Open 7 days

YOUR YARD, GARDEN AND PET PLACE™ • www.middleburyagway.com

him wherever he goes.

“Pierce has some motor planning and rhythm issues when walking, so when he walks with Ivy she sets the pace and they kind of co-regulate with one another,” Murray explains.

Ivy has become a wonderful social catalyst and conversation-starter for Pierce as well, making interactions more comfortable and situations that previously would have made him uncomfortable much easier.

One easy example Murray gave was from last year’s Memorial Day parade in Middlebury. Pierce loves trucks and tractors and the parade has provided an opportunity to see some of the largest in town, all collected together. But each year he had built it up in his mind and had gotten so excited about it that when the day of the parade came he had gotten so anxious about seeing them that they would have to leave the parade to prevent a panic attack.

“He would never make it and we’d have to come home and watch it on MCTV or something,” Murray recalled.

“But last year, for the first time, we went and we sat with Ivy across his lap on the steps of the Folklife Center and he had the best time EVER.” Ivy also accompanied Pierce to the dentist, which had previously made him incredibly anxious, but just with her sitting by the chair, Pierce was IVY’S GENTLE DEMEANOR and soft, well-groomed coat are qualities calm enough to follow the directions that any dog owner would admire in their beloved pet. But for fifteenand proceed with the check-up. year-old Pierce Murray, who has autism, these qualities especially valu“Part of it might be maturity,” Mur- able. When Pierce begins to feel anxious or overwhelmed, Ivy is trained ray says, “but a lot of it is just that to stay close to him and put her head or body on his lap. This pressure, Ivy provides that security — in a lot and her soft fur, helps calm Pierce down and work through a stressful of ways. She makes him feel safe and situation calmly.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell comfortable.”

That sense of security might be par- stairs slowly, going up two, then wait- ply, “Ivy is my dog.” So I asked how Ivy made him feel. “Happy,” he retially explained by a natural affinity ing, then going up two more.

Pierce’s seizures are mostly con- plied. for dogs, but the Murrays also work constantly with Pierce and Ivy to sup- trolled by medication, but he has had MOLLY AND KAITLIN two or three since they have had Ivy. port that bond.

Kaitlin Wood is a sophomore at “When we got Ivy “If he would have they couldn’t prom- Middlebury College, who suffers from a little fit or something, getting her on “Ivy provides that ise that she would a generalized anxiety disorder. When be able to detect sei- she started at Middlebury, Wood said him — even just putzures,” Murray ex- she didn’t know if she was going to ting her head on his security — in plained, as each ser- make it as a college student. lap — so he can feel a lot of ways.

“It was hard to get myself out of my vice animal is only that pressure, is retrained for a specific room at times,” she says. The thought ally, really helpful.” She makes him task. “The first time of going out to a meal or the library Ivy is also extraor- feel safe and he had a seizure and would be quite overwhelming. dinarily soft, with Wood has always been an animal we had Ivy, she tolong white hair (that comfortable.”

Andrea grooms ev— Andrea Murray tally freaked out. She lover and her family in New Hampwent up to the hill at shire always kept dogs. With her anxiery morning before the top of our prop- ety, Wood has a difficult time reading school). “When he’s stressed, he can just rub her and that erty and just sat there and stared at the and relating to other people, but has amazing softness calms him down and house. I think she felt like she had to- always felt a certain comfort around dogs. tally failed her job or something.” makes him feel safe again,” she says.

One day, as if inspired by chance, But since then — while she hasn’t Ivy accompanies Pierce to school every day and is handled by his one- been able to detect the seizures yet Wood got the idea to look into havon-one assistant at Middlebury Union — Ivy has stayed by Pierce. Even ing a dog on campus that would help Middle School. She also goes to res- during his various episodes and even her be more comfortable. She worked taurants, has flown on airplanes with when she’s not working, she’ll intui- with Jodi Litchfield, the campus ADA him, ridden on trains and goes to the tively pick up on things that are going Coordinator, to file the various forms doctor with him. She knows around on with him. She sleeps with him or and paperwork and was granted per50 commands and wears both a gentle by his door at night and just kind of mission to bring her canine companion, Molly, to campus this year. leader that is held by the handler, as knows that she protects him.

While Wood says they have permitWhen I asked Pierce to share somewell as the vest, which has a handle that Pierce holds. She walks and takes thing with me about Ivy, he said sim(See Molly, Page 24)

PAGE 24 — Addison Independent, Monday, April 18, 2016

PETS IN NEED HOMEWARD BOUND

Addison County’s Humane Society

GIZMO. Rex rabbit, male. Gizmo is a friendly young rabbit who seems to enjoy handling. He is looking for a home where he can live inside and eat lots of carrots and lettuce!

WILLOW. American rabbit, spayed female. Willow is a friendly young rabbit who doesn’t mind handling. She is looking for a home where she can live inside and eat lots of carrots and lettuce!

DAISY. Hound mix, 7 months, spayed female. It’s spring and the flowers are in bloom. Daisy is ready! She is a sweet, smart puppy looking for a new home in which she can grow and blossom. And unlike real flowers, she will be a bright addition to your home for more than one season!

PEANUT BUTTER. Pitbull mix, 2 years, neutered male. Peanut Butter is a sweet dog with an amazing smile! This boy loves to play, play, play, whether it be with toys, people, or other dogs – he is a puppy at heart. He plays well with other dogs of similar energy level, but may overwhelm lower energy dogs with his exuberance.

In order to make a successful match for Peanut Butter, we require that he go to a household with children 13+ due to his tendency to be mouthy during play.

SJ. Brown Tiger, 10 months, neutered male. SJ is an incredibly loving, affectionate young cat who loves to cuddle and be with people. In his previous home he lived with other cats, dogs and children! His people brought him to Homeward Bound to find a new “furrever” home because they had too many animals to easily care for. Do you have a cold, lonely lap just waiting for a cuddle-bug like SJ? NIKKI. Tri-color, 12 years, spayed female. Nikki is a regal little lady looking for a home of her own to reign from. She should be an indoor-only kitty as she is declawed, and would do best in a home with older children who will respect her inner Diva. Nikki was surrendered when her owner moved and couldn’t bring her along.

Call or check our website. We may have a pet for you...

388-1100 • www.homewardboundanimals.org 236 Boardman Street, Middlebury

Animal Families

Molly

(Continued from Page 23) ted assistance animals at Middlebury previously during summer programs, she is the first to be granted access to bring an assistant dog to campus during the academic year.

Molly was adopted through a rescue organization called Passion for Paws out of Shelburne, that works to save animals housed at high-kill shelters. Molly is missing one leg, which was amputated following her rescue from a large flood and mysterious trauma that cost her a paw. She is a pitbull-boxer mix and is a sweet and loving gal who adores snuggling and greeting passers-by.

Molly is not a certified service animal, but rather an assistance animal (also referred to as emotional support animals, comfort animals, or companion animals). The main distinction is that assistance animals are not legally granted access to all of the places that service animals may go with their humans.

On campus, Molly is permitted anywhere inside the dorm with Wood and in any of the outdoor areas, as well as some of the other buildings on campus. Some teachers have granted Molly access to the classroom, but for the most part Molly waits to hang out with Wood after class.

“I cannot even begin to explain what an enormous difference it has made to my experience on campus,” Wood said. “Because I have to take care of her, it also makes me take care of me.”

Molly is a natural conversationstarter, not just because there’s a dog on campus (which is certainly not common), but because there’s a three-legged dog on campus — and a very cute one, at that.

“People often stop to ask about her — often about what happened to her leg. It’s a good way to meet people and I’ve made some great friends that started by a conversation about

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE SOPHOMORE Kaitlin Wood is one lucky student: She gets to have her dog with her at school. Wood has a generalized anxiety disorder and after a challenging first year on campus she worked with the college to enable her to bring her canine pal Molly to school with her as an assistance animal. “I can’t even begin to describe what a difference she has made to my experience,” Wood says.

Independent photo/Christy Lynn

Molly.”

Having a dog has eased the stress and pressure Wood feels around others, as it has turned the focus to the dog and Wood feels less judged herself. When she is having a bad day or is feeling down, Molly seems to know that she needs an extra cuddle or lick on the hand.

“She’s got a great temperament and has a good sense of when to go up to people and — for a dog with no formal service training — it’s amazing that she is so intuitive and just picks up on human cues so well.”

Wood is hoping to be able to work with Molly to get her officially trained and recognized as a therapy service dog. That could be a little PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING OVER 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE

877-3371 “Pets put the Spring in one’s life.”

Drs. Mark, Rebecca & Greg

Serving the Community Since 1940

VergennesAnimalHospital.com

! gs today groomin g in r p S ur Book yo

$10 Nail Trim!

Specialty Breed Clips!

Call now for an appointment!

802-388-2879 Located in the Marble Works Middlebury, VT Like us on facebook

tricky for Molly, operating without her back left leg, but Wood is determined to give it a shot.

For now, Molly’s presence on campus has benefitted not just Wood, but many other folks she regularly interacts with. Wood says friends and floor-mates will regularly swing by her room to get in a therapeutic snuggle with Molly if they’re feeling stressed or lonely.

Two of Molly’s favorite people on campus are the custodians that clean the dorm where she and Wood live.

They stop to greet her and gain a little relief themselves during their long days.

“She really does help everyone have a better day,” Wood says.