PET GUIDE 2012

Hooves Paws

&

Pet Resource Guide

If it walks, crawls, talks or can help e id u G is th , s g sin rmation you! Helpful info wners, for Cat & Dog O on n plus informatio s! a Horses & Alpac

Spring 2012

2 - Hooves & Paws 2012

‘Frip is my Solace’

P

ets can provide laughter and companionship. While humans can’t talk with the animals, like fanciful Dr. Dolittle of children’s book fame, we probably do communicate with them on some basic emotional level.

As many pet owners claim, cats and dogs and other domesticated creatures do understand our needs on some primal level. Some animal researchers and observers point to meaningful bondings, perhaps even psychic ones, between humans and animal companions.

For Sandy McNamara of Panton, life is challenging as a senior citizen shut-in.

But that’s where her constant companion, Frip the cat, plays an vital role in leading a life of joy.

“I'm elderly and disabled and Frip is my solace,” she said. “I adopted him when I was living in New Mexico. He was two at the time. I later moved to Vermont. Now he is nearly nine years old

Essex Agway 364 Essex Rd. Williston, VT0 5495 802-878-3301

and we have grown very close. “ Sandy’s life changed in 2006 when her husband of 22 years died. Frip had been the couple’s cat since their New Mexico days, but the animal hadn’t played a major role in Sandy’s current life Panton resident Sandy McNamara’s constant companion, a cat named Frip, – at least not until sleeps next to her grand daughter Bella. one special night in Panton. the bed. He actually snuggles me and “Something changed,”she said.“The wraps his legs around my neck. He loves third night after my husband died I guess kisses and will press his mouth to mine it finally hit me he was gone for good.” so he gets a kiss,” she said.

That night, while Sandy was alone in For Sandy, Frip is four-legged friend bed crying uncontrollably, Frip jumped who is funny and a loyal companion. up on the bed. The cat began what Frip gets along well with Sandy’s appeared to be intentional behavior to grand daughter, too. console the grieving widow.

“One day back in 2004, my baby grand “Frip used to be kind of standoffish, daughter Bella was with me; she didn't but when he heard me sobbing he insistwant to go to sleep. But as you can see in ed on snuggling me,” she said the photo, Frip came to the rescue. He “From that night on, Frip has slept makes everyone feel special,” she said. with me and I don't mean just to be on — Lou Varricchio

Richmond Home Supply 99 Railroad St. Richmond, VT0 5477 802-434-2887

LD Oliver Seed 26S unset Ave. Milton, VT0 5468 802-893-4628

St. Albans Co-op Store 140 Federal St. St. Albans, VT0 5478 802-524-9366

OCM cCuin 3337 VT Rt. 78 Highgate Center, VT 05459 802-868-3261

83120

How a cat helped a widow get on with life

Hooves & Paws 2012 - 3

The perfect getaway for animal lovers

Mountain Top Inn & Resort

well-received welcome treat. In addition there are dog bowls and dog beds to help make your dog(s) feel at home at The Mountain Top Inn & Resort!

Out of respect for our guests who may not be as comfortable with pets, owners are asked to keep dogs on leash when in the company of others on the property. In winter you’ll have 15 km of pet friendly xc ski and snowshoe trails; in winter the hiking trails and beach are available to all well-behaved furry friends.

The Mountain Top Inn & Resort welcomes pets with warm hugs and friendly “good boy” or “good girl” smiles. Call 802.483.2311, visit www.mountaintopinn.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

83073

M

ajestically set among the Green Mountains of central Vermont, The Mountain Top Inn & Resort offers the perfect getaway for equestrian enthusiasts and dog lovers alike. The friendly and accommodating staff members invite guests to bring their dogs along on vacation; riders can bring their own horses, if they prefer.

Why leave your dog behind in a kennel or even with friends, when together you can enjoy the beauty of Vermont, a variety of hiking and cross-country ski trails, acres of freedom, crisp fresh air and 30 miles of horseback riding trails (June through October). This classic mountain resort has five pet friendly cabins and a selection of pet friendly vacation rentals available year round. These accommodations are in high demand so it is best to book far in advance.

When you and ‘Fido’ arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk of the Lodge and receive a welcome letter outlining some guidelines for our canine guests and their “human parents”. A bag of all natural dog treats from Vermont Gourmet Dog Treats is a

4 - Hooves & Paws 2012

The unique ballad of ...

Peachy and Gracie! changing though. Gray Nose’s new name became Gracie and Pink Nose’s new name became Peachy.

Peachy liked sleeping in my toys when I was little. She also liked watching the birds at the bird feeders. Gracie liked stuffed animals, or more like drooling and clawing them. They were very cute. I grew up with these creatures; they are a part of my life.

One tragic night, Peachy was killed by a passing truck.

To me, the world had ended. I was so sad over the accident. I wanted to skip going to school and do nothing but cry inside the house.

But one thing kept me happy–little Gracie. Then, I asked myself a question: Why should I mope over Peachy’s death when I still had Gracie alive and well?

Ten-year-old Jeanine Angier with her cat Gracie.

Today, I love Gracie even more than I did when Peachy was alive. The cat enjoys sleeping on the top of our computer, drooling on my stuffed animals, and being loved.

I think Peachy is happy out there, somehwre. She must know that I am taking good care of Gracie and that I still love her.

The author, Jeanine Angier, 10, lives in Vergennes.

83078

I

t all started one day, when my cousin Nicholas was mowing the lawn at his house. There, in the grass, my cousin found several abandoned kittens.

Most of them were dead; their mother must have left them for some mysterious reason.

There were, however, two surviving kittens. They were both black and gray tabby mackerels with white chest, mittens, and socks (that just means the paws are white).

My cousin wasn't going to keep them all, so they kept two, Salt and Pepper.

The kittens still had their eyes closed and had to be fed with a little bottle.

One had a gray nose, so we named her Gray Nose; the other cat had a pink nose so we named her Pink Nose.

Their names were slowly

Hooves & Paws 2012 - 5

O beautiful end “Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence. I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.”

Rabindranath Tagore

T

he vet walked in and examined the ailing cat, “I’m sorry it’s time.”

Dr. Bob sat on the recliner as the wife held the seven year old black and white tuxedo cat on her lap.

Everything seemed relaxed until the vet injected the sedative.

Commotion erupted as the cat jumped clawing the husband’s hand.

“Oh no,” she uttered, running and grasping her Baby... carrying him to his bedroom where she second-guessed everything.

She sat on the floor caressing him from head to toe, and he peered at her through his sleepy eyes.

Dismay and distress watching the vet attempt the final, deadly injection. He could not reach a vein finally jabbing the tummy where the mass had grown. The couple cried as they caressed their Baby. All along, his bushy tail wagged until the final breath.

Dimness and mist lay ahead.

The cat walked to a distant receding horizon where it entered a portal, which led to a tunnel of luminescence–a transition to a new place suspended from space and time.

“Hi, I’m Satchmo, known as Baby. I don’t know how, but I’m dead.

“Although I was healthy in April, I lost five pounds by June.

It started with a urinary tract infection, and I could no longer eat or drink. For three and half weeks Mommy took me every day to Dr. Bob for I.V. and a feeding tube.

I really miss my caretakers. I loved sleeping with them and crawling under the covers licking their toes.

Daddy saved my life, as the passing cars whizzed by. He scooped me up when I was only six weeks old, and I crawled all over him as he drove.

At the house, I met my grandparents. Grandma said something about Mommy, “Oh, my, what is Cat going to think about this?”

While napping, I heard Mommy walk in and everyone sounding strange. They said, “Why don’t you go out on the deck and relax?”

The screen door slid open and Mommy said, “What an adorable bundle of fur!”

She picked me up and fell in love with me instantly. I must admit I was adorable, black and white with green eyes and white markings on my nose with an all white fluffy tummy and paws, and I had the greatest bushy tail salute.

Mommy took me to the vet and found out that I had ringworm, so I had to be sequestered. I didn’t mind because I had the best room in the house—it became my own bedroom where I spent hours playing with the neighbor cats, watching birds, deer, as well as viewing the mountains thinking about how gifted I was to have such a home.

I investigated everything, and how I loved to play with my water bowl. Mommy could not understand why water pooled until she saw me splashing my paws into it. I caused damage to the mahogany desk, but I was forgiven. She replaced the bowl with a gravity feeder, but I figured out how to empty that.

Set free from my room, I had the entire house as my playground. I loved crawling up the screen door on the deck, and I loved playing in Mommy’s closet. I could go far back and play hide and seek with everyone.

Known as the racehorse, I flew around curbs and down the staircases. No matter where I lounged in the house, I always met up with Mommy in the bathroom to play with her sweatpants’ drawstrings.

As the mischievous one of the family, my siblings, Tabatha and Miles, learned from my antics. I taught them how to run out the front door among other things.

Mommy left her new leather boots and a package of toilet paper in the den, and boy did I get in trouble. I first shredded the toilet paper and gnawed on the fine-smelling leather—I made a new design from the ankle to the top of boot. Mommy screamed causing me to run to the safety of my bedroom. I tried to run out the front door, and she said, “Go ahead you bad boy.

It took me forever to find those boots, and I only wore them once!” Needless to say, I got lucky because a shoemaker repaired the boot.

How I loved to chew on leather. I also damaged Daddy’s maroon desk chair. Leather wasn’t the only thing. I found speaker and telephone wires, twist ties, and rummaging through the garbage for Q-tips, a real treat.

Freelance writer Catherine M. Oliverio is an English teacher at Poultney High School in Vermont. Pictured above are Baby and Miles.

83112

6 - Hooves & Paws 2012

The NWFT ...

A Fine Breed of Terriers O

ne day my wife Nancy, saw an article in a popular magazine about a terrier mix female that was nursing a goat kid.

According to the article’s author, “One of the breeders, of the North West Farm Terriers (NWFT) Susan, had a goat doe that was not nursing her kid. A female dog, Marilyn, was nursing her litter and kept coming in where the goats were and was chased away a few times until she presented herself to the kid and nursed it. Marilyn continued to care for the kid for two weeks.”

The NWFT is a mediumsized breed of dog originating in the northwestern United States.

The breed was developed by Greg Houghton and his wife DeeDee McCarty of Port Angeles, Washington, over the last 20 years. While this breed

has yet to achieve recognition by the American Kennel Club, an active breeding program makes it a likely candidate for future recognition.

The breed has in its lineage dogs of the following breeds: Airedale Terrier, Jack Russel Terrier,Welsh Corgi, Border Collie and Irish Terrier.

Nancy at this point, said she wanted a NWFT puppy and contacted the breeder Susan.

Two years later the time was right and a litter was available. Not just any litter, but a Marilyn litter. They were born on June 6th 2007 and a female was chosen for us. Sue Grisaitis is the breeder and she shipped our Sarah in August 2007.

We picked up Sarah at the Albany Airport.

She was tired and a little confused, but ate, drank and pottied as soon as we took her out of her crate. She traveled home in Nancy’s lap and slept

The National Greyhound Adoption Project

T

ens of thousands of greyhounds are bred every year for the 27 racetracks in the United States, according to the U.S. Humane Society. They’re intentionally over-bred so there will be ample to replace old and underperforming grey-

83075

The NWFT is a medium-sized breed of dog originating in the northwestern United States. The breed has in its lineage dogs of the following breeds: Airedale Terrier, Jack Russel Terrier,Welsh Corgi, Border Collie and Irish Terrier. most of the way. When she was three years old ,we found a male NWFT “Lee”.

Lee’s owners agreed to breed him to Sarah for the pick of the litter. On June 12, 2010 Sarah had one female and three males. They grew up beautifully. Males were temporarly named, Piglet, Brother and Junior, the female Muffin.

All four live nearby except Muffen, (now Willow) who lives part time New York City, where everyone knows her from her romps in Central Park. and part time in Vermont. Piglet (now Dodger), lives on a potato farm and has

been highlited in a Vermont magazine recently.

Brother, now Huckleberry Hound, lives happily and actively with one or out best local Chefs and Junior, now Ziggy, lives with his father on a Vermont farm.

Susan Graisaitis is bringing a 12 week old male to us in June.

In her honor we are having a NWFT reunion her at the farm. We are looking for a forever home for “Buster.” The plan is to breed him to a female a litter of Willow’s pups.

— By Fred Simon

hounds at the tracks. Each year, thousands of these retired dogs do not find a home; they are killed.

The National Greyhound Adoption porject, a reminder for animal lovers that there is an industry that “throws away dogs like they are defective products,” according to retired police officer Irvin Cannon, a dog lover whose new book, For the Love of Dog Tales (www.FortheLoveofDogTales.com), gives voice to man’s best friend.

Cannon said there are some things to remember for those considering adopting a greyhound: • Greyhounds tend to be intelligent, timid: These dogs are considered gentle and reserved, but stubborn. If they sense they can take control, they will, so owners should quickly establish authority.

• Not used to other breeds: Greyhounds are born and raised around people and other greyhounds only. They may become confused or frightened by other dogs, and may need to get accustomed to cats.

• No fat, little hair: No dog should be left outside in the cold or heat. Greyhounds are especially sensitive to extreme temperatures and rain.

• Sweet affection: They do not bite; they show affection by licking, leaning and rubbing, much like cats.

Although there is a well-known and dedicated effort to find homes for aged-out greyhounds, Cannon said there is only one way to fix the racing industry – it must be ended.

Hooves & Paws 2012 - 7

‘Animal hoarding:’ Cases on the rise A

ccording to a spokesperson of the Rutland County Humane Society, the animal shelter in Pittsford responded to a call for help in a Rutland-area case of animal hoarding situation recently.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website, “animal hoarding involves keeping higher than usual numbers of animals as domestic pets without having the ability to properly house or care for them, while at the same time denying this inability.”

Sending a RCHS press release to news media April 4, Gretchen Goodman announced that an elderly Rutland woman was hospitalized and removed from a home. The animal shelter were called by her out-of-state family to intervene. The woman’s name and specific location was not released by RCHS. “Animal hoarding is a complex issue and one not easily addressed,” according to Goodman. “The effects can be devastating to the animals and humans involved and impact public safety. With the family’s permission, we entered a

home that no one other than the owner had been in for up to 15 years.

Conditions in the home were difficult making it necessary for RCHS to work for seven hours the first day to remove 12 cats. In the next three days, three more pregnant cats were removed and placed in foster homes. To date, ten kittens have been born.”

RCHS staff and volunteers issued feline vaccines and performed check-ups and spay and neuter surgery.

“While they are physically ready to be adopted they are emotionally still a bit shut down,” Goodman stated in the release. “These cats received affection from their caretaker but were isolated from the larger world and will need plenty of time to adjust to the shelter and, eventually, to new homes.”

This recent case of animal hoarding in Rutland in not unique to Vermont. The tragic phenomenon is on the rise here as similar stories can be found in statewide news on a semi-

regular basis.

There may be a mental health component in animal hoarding including delusional, attachment, obsessive–compulsive disorders, as well as zoophilia, dementia, and addiction, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

If you suspect animal hoarding in your area, contact the office of the nearest animal shelter and report what you know.

—Lou Varricchio

83076

8 - Hooves & Paws 2012

All Breed Rescue is a life saver - Literally!

F

ounded in 1996 by Hilary Davis, All Breed Rescue in South Burlington is a privately run and funded rescue that has saved the lives of over 4,000 dogs. This compassionate non-profit rescue organization is dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in Vermont and from high-kill shelters in the south.

Until this past autumn, ABR has relied on foster homes and various kennels in the area for boarding all of rescued dogs.

Due to this, there was a lot of coordinating in terms of getting the necessary food and vetting, in addition to arranging adop-

Adirondack Tack English/Western Tack & Apparel Stable Supplies Consignments Now Carrying Dansko BOGs

tions at multiple locations.

Now, thanks to an exclusive arrangement with a new doggie daycare and boarding facility in South Burlington, all dogs are able to be under one roof and we are conducting adoptions by appointment five days per week.

“We have already seen a drastic increase in the number of dogs that we have been able to place,” according to Mia TroyVowell of All Breed. “Our goal is to at least double our efforts in saving the lives of dogs that would have otherwise been euthanized. That is just to give you a little background on who we are and what we do. The reason I am writing to you today is to tell you of an incredible effort this weekend by over 20 volunteers that left me speechless and tearful.”

Troy-Vowell is clearly proud of All Breed’s volunteers and their efforts for the dogs, but it is a temporary solution.

“If I had my druthers,” she said, “we would place every dog after the week quarantine is up. However, we do have some for weeks, months even, still in the program.”

Troy-Vowell noted that the facility where the organization boards dogs is basic, esentially two large warehouses.

“The floor is concrete, we have received many donations of blankets and towels but those are inevitably shredded, soiled, and discarded or washed but we have a lot of laundry which results in a lot of bills,” she said.

But every cloud has a silver lining and Troy-Vowell said one “amazing woman” stepped into the lives of All Breeds human volunteers and animal charges.

“Her name is Joyce Girard,” Troy-Vowell noted, “and she has single-handedly spearheaded efforts to raise funds for KONGs, which were then stuffed and distributed to all of our dogs on Christmas day, coordinated a volunteer training program, and most recently secured volunteers, funds, and materials to build 100 elevated beds to keep our dogs off of the cold concrete floors. These beds are lightweight, easy to clean, and comfortable for the dogs. Through her efforts, she was able to secure funding, material donations, and volunteers to build these beds.”

She also added that donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $1,000 towards this program, the single-largest donation our program has ever received. Haartz Corporation in Acton, Mass., donated marine industrial fabric (free of charge), Independent Pipe and Supply Company in South Burlington (donated PVC for 40 beds), screws were donated by SAC Fasteners in Williston, corners were bought at a discount from C and S Plastics in Winter Haven, Fla., St. James Episcopal Church in Essex Junction donated the use of a hall for construction, and Joyce's numerous friends, family, and coworkers from General Dynamics volunteered their time and tools to complete this project.

Pictured above: Volunteers at All Breed Rescue in South Burlington help construct needed furnishings for the non-profit rescue organization.

Brand names you know Brand names you trust

Natural Horsemanship Center of Vermont

795 Rt. 3 Plattsburgh, NY 12901

New Horizons Farm

Boarding ~ Lessons Training ~ Clinics ~ Sales Dressage ~ Cowboy Dressage Hunter ~ Reining Indoor Arena ~ Beginner through Advanced Riders

Special Orders Welcome

518-562-4630 Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

83100

AD Ktack.com

at

Rosemary Root AQHA Professional Horseman Essex Jct., VT • 802-878-8683 www.newhorizonsvt.com cowboydressageusa.com

83077

Serving Equines & Their Partners

Cowboy Dressage USA

Hooves & Paws 2012 - 9

Vermont Large Animal Clinic - Equine Hospital

T

he Vermont Large Animal Clinic and Equine Hospital offers extensive equine veterinary services to Vermont and upstate New York, for all ages, breeds, and disciplines.

The clinic’s mission is to deliver caring, professional service with a large variety of diagnostic and treatment options. The staff takes pride in offering a high level of customer service throughout our practice. They offer the peace of mind that your horses will be cared for by veterinarians who have undergone equine specific training. This ensures your horse will receive the highest standard of health care.

VLAC – Equine Hospital serves as a referral equine medical and surgical hospital for Vermont, New Hampshire and upstate New York with two board certified equine surgeons, a board certified equine internist, and a certified equine acupuncturist.

One focus of VLAC – Equine Hospital is on client education, allowing clients to make the best and most informed decisions for their horses.

Veterinarians: Philip D. van Harreveld, DVM, M.S. Board Certified Equine Surgery Dr. van Harrevel’s special interests include lameness examination, soft tissue and reproductive surgery, and the management of medical and surgical equine colic.

William Valentino, DVM, M.S. Board Certified in Equine Surgery Dr. Valentino special interests include equine orthopedic imaging, arthroscopy, lameness evaluations and orthopedic surgery, including fracture repair.

Lorie Valentino, DVM, M.S. Board Certified in Equine Internal Medicine Dr. Valentino brings much needed expertise in equine internal medicine to the region.

Kathy Murphy, DVM Equine Acupuncture and Mesotherapy Dr Kathy Murphy’s special interests include the diagnosis and treatment of lameness, sports medicine, and acupuncture.

Kristen Clapp, DVM Dr. Clapp has a strong interest in the equine sector of veterinary medicine.

Services provided: •Ambulatory •Emergency •Laboratory •Lameness evaluation •Shockwave Therapy •Medicine •Reproduction •Surgery •Spinal Manipulation Vermont Large Animal Clinic-Equine Hospital 1054 Lake Rd. Milton, Vt. 05468 802-893-6800 802-893-6808 fax 802-860-8266 (emergency after 5 p.m.)

E-mail address: vlac@vlac.net To schedule appointments: office@vlac.net

Make Your Dream A Reality…

With Your Own Custom Amish Horse Barn.

• Custom built horse barns & riding arenas • All Style Rooflines Available Make a stable investment by buying a #1 Amish quality horse barn at the Carriage Shed ENGINEERED FOR PROPER WIND AND SNOW LOADS

• Financing available • Delivery throughout the USA

The Carriage Shed 1195 VA Cutoff White River Jct, VT 05001

802-296-6057 • 800-441-6057 Visit Us On the Web at: www.carriageshed.com e-mail: info@carriageshed.com

33400

10 - Hooves & Paws 2012

Cody:

A Friend Forever I

83106

became sick after I delivered my youngest son in 1978. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease on July 4, 1979. I started spending a lot of time in and out of hospitals for treatments.

My first surgery occurred in 1986 and was quickly followed by another in 1987. Several years passed and it felt like I had my life somewhat under control.

I had been told by the physicians that I would probably not live to be over 50 so I started a list of things I wanted to accomplish and set out on a mission to succeed crossing items from my list. I guess the modern term is a “bucket list”.

Like every little girl, I had wanted to learn to ride so I started taking lessons at the age of 35. After a year of lessons, I really wanted a horse to call my own. I purchased a western pleasure horse named Leo. He taught me well about patience, persistence, and practice but decided I needed more of a challenge.

Now was the task of finding my horse.

It just so happened that the owner of the farm had taken in a seven-year-old palomino paint mare. She was definitely in poor condition and ornery but the owner wanted me to take a look at her. I very carefully went into the pasture because I had heard the stories about how she would charge people who went into the pasture to either feed or get her and they would end up running back to the fence for safety.

Cody locked eyes with me as I walked gingerly towards her.

My heart was racing and my body was tense. As I got closer she seemed to understand my trepidation and ever so slowly came to me and placed her head on my shoulder. That did it. From that day on Cody was my horse.

Cody has now been with me for nearly 15 years. I have had

Pictured above, left: Cody and Muffin.

Above: Cody and Tori ride the bed of the New Haven River in Vermont.

many more surgeries and hospitalizations since and through it all Cody is there for me. I can go to her crying or needing someone to listen and she understands. On the bad days we saddle up and take a ride that leaves us breathless and in awe.

I had to retire early from working due to my health. I was wondering what I was going to do to fill the gap in my life.

Cody lovingly kept me busy. I now have a farm with 11 horses and am still enjoying life.

The “bucket list” isn’t important to me now. I found my purpose. She came into my life during one of my darkest moments and has lighted a path for me to follow. I believe without her I would not be sitting here writing this story. She has been my companion, friend, advisor, counselor, etc. She and I have a bond that will not even be broken by death as I know spiritually our souls will always be intertwined.

— The author, Tori Lathrop lives in New Haven, Vt.

Hooves & Paws 2012 - 11

Protect

Against Lyme J

Disease

ust like humans and dogs, horses can become infected with Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the organism Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the deer tick. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi is particularly high in the northeastern United States. The transmission of Lyme occurs anytime that ticks are active, but is highest from late summer to early winter.

The clinical signs of Lyme disease are nonspecific and can involve multiple body systems. Some of the more common signs include fever, change in attitude, shifting or vague lameness, muscle tenderness, swollen joints, anterior uveitis (eye inflammation), and depression. Left untreated, horses can develop long-term effects.

Diagnosis of Lyme disease can be difficult. There are blood tests available that identify antibodies to the bacteria in the bloodstream. While diagnostic blood-work is often helpful, results can be vague depending when in the course of disease the blood was collected. For instance, early in the disease, the body has not had time to produce enough antibody to provide a positive result. In such an instance, your veterinarian may make a presumptive diagnosis based on clinical signs and the results of diagnostic testing. An improvement in clinical signs following treatment is, at times, the best diagnostic indicator.

The sooner a horse is diagnosed and treated, the more likely they will be to make a full recovery. Treatment involves a long course of antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the disease, a veterinarian may choose to start the horse on intravenous antibiotics, intravenous antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics, or oral antibiotics alone.

The treatment length can range from 3-8 weeks, depending on the method of treatment. Follow-up blood-work can be run following treatment, but can be frustrating, as some horses will maintain a high titer for many months.

Relapses, unfortunately, are not uncommon.

Currently, there is no vaccine against Lyme disease approved for use in horses. There is a dog vaccine which has been shown to be useful in preventing Lyme infection, and many veterinarians have started using this vaccine to help prevent infection. Tick management is essential, and daily grooming is important. An infected tick must be attached for 24-48 hours before bacterial transmission is possible. Because of this, daily checks and removal of ticks can play a role in preventing infection. Be sure to check your horse's chin, neck, mane, and under the tail as ticks tend to hide in these places. Keeping pastures mowed can also help with tick control. If you think your horse may be suffering from Lyme disease, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible because recovery can depend on early diagnosis and treatment.

Stables Riding Arenas Equine Facilities Dairy Barns Utility Buildings Garages Storage All Building Needs • Using the most advanced pre-engineered wood-frame technology available.

• Bring us your custom designs to meet your individual needs.

Authorized Dealer

lesterbuildings.com

Bud Carpenter, Inc. North Orwell Rd., Orwell, VT 05760 (802) 948-2941 • Fax (802) 948-2943 e-mail: bud@shoreham.net • budcarpenter.com

83141

12 - Hooves & Paws 2012

Vermont Lt. Gov. Phil Scott with Dr. Alison Cornwall (in blue vest) and farm owner Susan Hall (in plaid jacket).

Photo by Jeannette Wulff

How a Vermont politician learned to love Alpacas

V

83130

33401

ermont Lt. Gov. Phil Scott continued his “Vermont Everyday Jobs” tour last month spending a morning making house calls with Dr. Alison Cornwall, a largeanimal veterinarian working in central Vermont.

Their itinerary for the morning’s work included a horse barn in Montpelier, a goat dairy in Cabot, and an alpaca farm in Middlesex.

At the Saudek horse farm, Dr. Cornwall had Scott’s assistance in examining, vaccinating, and giving dental exams to a couple of horses. Lt. Gov. Scott also learned how to disbud, or remove horns, from baby goats at their second stop at the Rockwell Farm in Cabot. Their final stop was at the Hall alpaca farm in Middlesex, where Lt. Governor Scott assisted in a few male alpaca castrations.

“It was a really interesting experience,” said Scott. “Each ‘Everyday Job’ generates information that I can bring back to Montpelier, and this visit showed me how much our state needs capable large-animal vets like Dr. Cornwall.”

According to the Vermont Veterinary Medicine Association, veterinary medicine as a whole employs nearly 1,200 Vermonters. However, the large-animal veterinary industry in particular is facing a current shortage of doctors. Last year, the Vermont Legislature and the governor enacted a loan forgiveness program for large-animal vets, with the hope that more young Vermonters would study veterinary medicine and help fill this need.

“With more Vermonters choosing to raise their own animals for meat and produce, having regular and timely access to veterinary services will be essential to protecting the safety of our food supply,” said Lt. Gov. Scott. “It’s an important investment.”

“I’m really grateful that Lt. Gov. Scott took the time to make these calls with me today and to experience what’s happening in Vermont agriculture,” said Dr. Cornwall. “I was also surprised at how hands-on he is. In addition to talking about policy issues, Lt. Gov Scott was also able to repair the igniter on my butane burner, which unexpectedly quit on me as we were disbudding the baby goats. All in all, I truly appreciate having him along.”

— By Nancy Driscoll

Hooves & Paws 2012 - 13

Addison County Humane Society’s

All New Annex

T

he staff and volunteers at the Addison County Humane Society are excited about a new renovation and expansion project that is well underway in Middlebury. The project is increasing the facility’s square footage by 65 percent to care for Addison County’s homeless, abandoned and abused animals. The new space is ready for occupancy.

The current facility, located at 236 Boardman St. in Middlebury was built in 1990. Although the shelter was originally designed to house 60 animals, the overcrowded space is now shared by 140 cats, dogs, rabbits and hamsters.

“In 20 years the shelter has become outdated and inefficient and has fallen far below contemporary standards and requirements for optimal animal care,” according to Jackie Rose, executive director of ACHS last year.

The new facility includes an entrance/reception area to welcome guests and potential adopters; intake/admission area which will provide greater privacy for persons needing

to surrender their pet and/or the intake of stray or lost animals; incoming area designated for all newly admitted animals, providing quiet space for new animals to adjust to the facility and be medically cleared for adoption; “meet and greet” rooms for potential adopters to play and become familiar with animals they SHOVEL READY — Work is well under way at the Addison are considering for adoption; medical quarantine area; Expanded med- County Humane Society’s new annex, but this is what the ground-breaking event last year looked like with Jim Stuart, ical examination room; “cat land” ACHS board member; Liz Holm, campaign co-chairwoman; housing (free range, cage-free rooms) and public viewing area for Jackie Rose, executive director, ACHS; Sarah Cowan, senior vice president, National Bank of Middlebury; Michael Bard, cats that are available for adoption; USDA representative. separate “dog barn” offering housing (14 kennels) and public viewing and storage areas area for dogs that are available for adoption; ACHS conducted a capital campaign to education/conference room for meetings, raise the $1.12 million needed to design and humane education/training events, resource build the new addition and renovate existing library; private bereavement room; office space. Called the “Homeward Bound space for staff and volunteers with adequate Campaign,” ACHS experienced considerable furnishing and computers to allow for efficommunity support. cient daily operations; and expanded laundry Drop by and visit ACHS’s newest addition.

33395

14 - Hooves & Paws 2012

Hippology requires skills, tests, stamina M

ore than 80 4-H club members from around the Green Mountain State competed at the Vermont 4-H Horse Hippology Contest in Castleton this year.

Spectators were welcome to attend the free event, which was cosponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and Rutland County 4-H. The action was held at the Tedesco Stables at Angier Farm on Route 4A where the horse judging component of the competition took place.

At the conclusion of the judging, which consisted of one halter and one performance class, the event moved to CastletonHubbardton Elementary School.

Following lunch, the contestants participated in a written test, which included testing of cognitive and hands-on skills such as tack assembly, knot tying or balancing a feed ration, and identification stations. For the latter, they were judged on their ability to identify tack and equipment, forages, horse breeds and origins and other equine-related items.

The 4-Hers, ages 8 to 18, were divided into groups based on age. Rosette ribbons were awarded to the top scorers in each division through tenth place. All others received participation ribbons.

The four highest scorers in the senior division, ages 14 and up, earned a spot on the Vermont 4-H Horse Hippology Team, which will compete at the Eastern National 4-H Horse RoundUp in Louisville, Ky. in November.

A separate senior novice division was open to any teen, 14 and older, who was either new to 4-H or a first-time participant in the state hippology contest. However, anyone competing in this division was not be eligible for the state team.

To learn more about involving your child in horse hippology or other Vermont 4-H horse events, contact Wendy Sorrell at 802-656-5418 or toll-free at 800 -571-0668, extension 2.

Pictured above: More than 80 Vermont 4-H club members competed at the Vermont 4-H Horse Hippology Contest in Castleton this year. Photo courtesy of UVM

FENCING For Every Application On Your Property.

DECORATIVE FENCING: Spruce or Cedar, Driveways, Flower Beds/Gardens, Pools, Property Boundaries HORSES: Split Rail (2-3 Rail), PVC Fencing DOGS: Chain Link Kennels SHEEP: Wire Mesh

RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL 394 Shunpike Road • Williston, VT

1-800-339-3219 • 802-862-6691 33396

Hooves & Paws 2012 - 15

Pond Hill Ranch ...

The best of the West - In the East P

33399

ond Hill Ranch in Castleton is about as close to open range as it gets up here in Vermontana. While the Green Mountain State may be about as far east of the Mississippi as you can go in many ways, the fact is that horses and cattle—even cowboys and sheepmen—have always been a part of Vermont’s northern-frontier heritage.

Dating back to the early 1900s, Pond Hill Ranch was founded by the O’Rourke family and began as a draft horse and cattle operation. Nearly a century later, it remains an O’Rourke operation and has grown to become a genuine 2,000-acre ranch complete with free-roaming broncos, unusual cattle stock, and weekly rodeo shows.

Harry O’Rourke, Jr., and his wife Josephine expanded the original family ranch during the 1930s; they added horses and more acreage to the spread. Today, five O’Rourke siblings—Debbie, Dick, Judy, Harry and Colleen and families—manage the ranch.

“We primarily buy and sell horses,” said Harry O’Rourke, “so we buy and sell animals and also lease horses to camps, resorts, etc. We do a lot of traveling for the ranch.”

Currently, over 800 Pond Hill horses are scattered across the region providing pleasure riding for tourists and other enthusiasts in New England and New York. “New England has an English riding tradition,” said O’Rourke, “But our tradition here is Western although we offer both styles of horseback riding.”

At the Castleton ranch, visitors can go on an exciting trail ride, view an operating ranch close up, or simply shop at the ranch tack shop for a new Stetson or a pair of boots.

In addition to providing Vermont’s best trail ride—through open meadows, woods, and across a Taconic mountain ridge— Pond Hill Ranch boasts Vermont’s only professional rodeo, part of the American Professional Rodeo Association and National Rodeo Association. The ranch’s rodeo show had its start at Lake Bomoseen back in the 1960s, but was subsequently moved onto the ranch to better accommodate growing audiences.

Eight rodeo events, held each Saturday at 8 p.m., are offered between July 4 and Labor Day. While the rodeo season is short up here, roping, riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, and much more, are offered to eager audiences.

If you’re simply a fan of westerns, country and western music, want to ride a horse, or are just curious about rodeo, Pond Hill Ranch is close to home, and it’s guaranteed fun for the whole family.

So, saddle up and head west—to Pond Hill Ranch!

Hours and directions: The ranch is open daily during the summer 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rodeos are held every Saturday, at 8 p.m., between July 4 and Labor Day. The ranch is located in Castleton just south of Castleton State College, off old Route 4, at 1683 Pond Hill Ranch Road. For details or the arrange a trail ride, call the ranch at 802-4682449 or 802-468-0578.

H.A. MANOSH Corporation

Well Water • Water Systems • Aggregate Products • Drilling • Pumps • Hydrofracturing • Geothermal Systems • Pond Fountains • Pond Aeration • Aggregate Products: Stone (3/8”, 3/4”, 1-1/4”), Ditch Stone (25”), Sta-Mat or Plant Mix for roads & drives, Sand & Gravel, Screened Topsoil

It’s Manosh, By Gosh!

120 Northgate Plaza • Morrisville, VT

802-888-5722 • 800-544-7666 www.manosh.com 33398

DEPOT HOME & GARDEN 36 Park St. Essex Jct., VT 802-878-8596

LD OLIVER SEED CO. 26 Sunset Ave. Milton, VT 802-893-4628

ST. ALBANS COOPERATIVE STORE 140 Federal St. St. Albans, VT 802-524-9366

83101

MIDDLEBURY AGWAY 338 Exchange St. Middlebury, VT 802-388-4937