South Georgia Pets

When Jan Southern, publisher of Effingham Magazine and Pooler Magazine decided to create a special pet section in the magazines, I was so excited. And when she asked me to be the editor, I was ecstatic.

Animals have always been dear to me but my true passion for helping homeless and rescued pets came after the death of my sweet Basset Hound, Gracie. Gracie was my first dog. She was my best friend for so many years. When she passed over to the rainbow bridge, I was crushed. That's when a friend of mine, Patricia Manser—Owner of H.O.P.E.—encouraged me to volunteer at the Effingham County Animal Shelter. I am a photographer, so my first inclination was to take photos of the pets up for adoption to help them find forever homes. Instantly, I was hooked. I have been committed to supporting the rescues ever since and volunteer weekly to help find forever homes for abandoned animals.

The Effingham Magazine and Pooler Magazine South Georgia Pet Insert has the same mission. While we provide fun and informative content for pet lovers and pet owners, we also support the rescue organizations in our area with financial and marketing support.

We hope you are as excited as we are about this new section in the magazines. We also welcome your feedback. If you would like to comment or contribute, please let me know. I can be reached at Tonya@JDelSURMarketing.com.

Thank you, Tonya Perry

WHERE WE DONATE:

Coastal Pet Rescue 912.228.3538 One Love Animal Rescue 912.351.6750 Effingham County Animal Shelter 912.754.2109

CARTER’S CORNER

ADVICE FROM A DOG’S PERSPECTIVE

WET DOG Dear Carter,

My mom and especially her kids seem to get worked into a lather about my “stink” every time I get wet. She usually shouts at me to jump off the couch or go back outside. What’s the deal? By the way, I have noticed I do smell a little more, um, “ripe” when I get wet. Is there something I can do to help out my family? – Molly, Sausalito, CA

Dear Molly,

Dogs do have a peculiar odor to many humans. Of course, to us, how things smell is the essence of how we learn about the world. We never use deodorant, but most humans do this every day. But they really don’t understand smells that well. Their sense of “strong” pales compared to ours. If only they could imagine smelling everything within a two-block radius all the time like us!

There is, however, a time when a dog’s odor is indicative of something wrong and you should have that checked out by a vet if they smell something strange. But if it just “dog” smell after getting wet, they can try rubbing you down with a towel. That helps a lot. They can also lather you up for more baths more often but not more than once a week for any dog. Many vets recommend once per month.

HARNESS VS. COLLAR

Dear Carter,

There’s this dog at the park that wears straps that go around his shoulders and down to his chest. When his owner brings him in, the leash is clipped to the top of the strap instead of to his collar, like my human does with me. What’s the matter with him? Is his neck hurt or something?

– Colin the Collie, Clearwater, FL

Dear Colin,

Many dogs and their owners decide to use different types of collars when walking on a leash. Some smaller dogs have a problem with what is called a “collapsing trachea.” If these dogs are walked on a leash with just a regular collar and they tend to pull, they could choke. Lots of dogs pull when they are walked, and the harness-type collars are a good idea for those dogs. Constantly pulling on a collar round your neck can cause severe damage to your airway and throat. If you think this might be a problem for you or a friend, have your human talk to a vet about it.

The warmer months are typically all about renewal and evaluating things that may no longer serve you, such as habits, products or routines. This can be true for your dog as well. As the season changes and you spruce up your daily habits to feel and look fresh, consider these four things that may help brighten up your pup’s spirit. Learn more at Nutro.com.

NEW DOG BED

After a long year of cozying up inside, it is probably safe to say your dog’s bed could use a refresh. If you notice he retreats to the couch, floor or your bedroom for a good night’s rest, that may be a sign it is time to switch out the old for something new. Use this opportunity to gift your pet a plush and comfortable bed set. There are many options out there from donut dog beds to heated or kennel beds, so make sure you’re getting what’s best for your pup. A new bed could help brighten his mood in the morning, and after a full and active day, it can be exciting for him to have a new spot to relax.

NEW TOYS

When provided with the appropriate toys, dogs can keep themselves occupied when you’re busy with work, chores or life’s daily responsibilities that can take your focus away from them. If you have noticed a drag in your pup’s energy—laying around the house, acting less excited when you come through the door or staring at you blankly when you try to play, your dog may be experiencing boredom. It may be time to give him new toys that pique his interest. As you’re doing your cleaning and shopping, make sure to swap out old toys with new ones and even have him come along on your next trip to the pet store to pick out new ones. CHANGE OF SCENERY AND ACTIVITIES

It’s not a secret that dogs love the great outdoors. As the weather warms, it’s time to start thinking about breaking your dog away from the same old routine. Consider trying a new dog park, walking trail or taking him on more car rides with you. Your morning coffee run might be a fun adventure and a good way to help your pup start his day, especially if your local coffee shop has dog treats, too. This change of routine and scenery can leave him feeling energized to take on the day with you.

NEW FOOD

As the seasons change, it may be time to switch up eating habits and choose a diet that suits your lifestyle and dietary preferences. If you’re feeling ready to make a change to your normal routine, consider doing the same for your dog. An option like NUTRO™ dry dog food provides a healthy and nutritious diet with recipes featuring ingredients such as chicken, brown rice, kale and spinach, and garnishes like egg, tomatoes and more. Following the NUTRO™ FEED CLEAN™ philosophy with simple, purposeful and trustworthy recipes, each recipe is rich in nutrients, full of flavor and made with real, recognizable ingredients to help energize your dog from the inside out. h

Dogs in History

Rin Tin Tin: The Legacy

by Penny Paine

Rin Tin Tin is perhaps most fondly remembered as the highly intelligent, German Shepherd Dog star of the television series, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, first aired on ABC from 1954 to 1959. In fact, Rin Tin Tin is an 108-yearold canine lineage; a historic bloodline dating back to World War I.

The Rin Tin Tin legacy would not exist were it not for the passion and dedication of Corporal Lee Duncan, and Duncan's insistence on his battalion checking out a bombed war dog kennel in Lorraine, France on September 15, 1918. The two, five-day-old puppies rescued by Duncan, were named after tiny French puppets that children gave to the American soldiers for good luck. The brother and sister progeny of Betty des Flandres and Fritz de la Chasse Royale, were named Rin Tin Tin and Nannette.

Duncan was enamored by the performance of the German war dogs, and their feats became the model for Rin Tin Tin's and Nanette's training. Duncan went so far as visiting the imprisoned German kennel master to learn more about the German Shepherd Dog breed.

At the end of the war, Duncan and his pups traveled to Los Angeles, Calif., but, sadly, Nanette succumbed to distemper before reaching home. Knowing of Dun-

can’s love of the breed, Mrs. Wanner—a Only one of the many individuals inter- Hereford had lived with her grandpremier German Shepherd breeder of the ested in continuing the Rin Tin Tin lineage mother since 1955 and had quickly actime—sent him one of her finest female was chosen by Duncan to be responsible quired Propps’ dedication to the Rin Tin puppies to take the place of Nanette. So for continuing his heritage. For her dedi- Tin lineage; learning not only the qualbegan Duncan’s mission to define Rin Tin cation to perpetuating the legacy, Jannet- ities of the bloodline but all aspects of Tin and the German Shepherd breed as tia Brodsgaard Propps, of Bodyguard Ken- breeding and showing dogs. the most intelligent, able and dedicated nels in Houston, Texas, received her first Hereford’s faithful adherence to Dunworking dog. son of Rin Tin Tin IV in 1957. Propps was can’s definition of his beloved German

Rin Tin Tin’s abilities proceeded to awe to receive four more dogs and Duncan’s Shepherd Dogs has ensured the Rin Tin people and—at a dog show in 1922—it was endorsement before Duncan died on Tin family tree continues into the 21st his 11 foot 9 inch jump that initi- Century. The ancestry and pedated his new career. After seeing the show, Charles Jones asked to capture Rin Tin Rin Tin Tin made 26 pictures for “ igree of Rin Tin Tin X and his father and forebears is traced back through Junior and Rin Tin on his camera that took Warner Brothers and was one of Tin Tin III to their father, the moving pictures—and pay $350 for the privilege—prompting Hollywood’s top stars, receiving some original Rin Tin Tin. Hereford confirms, “Now, Duncan to launch his protege in the movies. Duncan’s persistence in promoting Rin Tin Tin 10,000 fan mail letters a week. “ more than 50 years later, I have served the lineage longer than either Duncan or my was a success. Rin Tin Tin made grandmother. I have a working 26 pictures for Warner Brothers and was September 20, 1960. Rin Tin Tin V, nick- knowledge of the bloodline that will one of Hollywood’s top stars, receiving named “Rinty’’ at Propps’ kennels, began continue to produce dogs both would some 10,000 fan mail letters a week. the preservation of the heritage of primar- be proud of, as they are a true tribute

Duncan, the studio and Rin Tin Tin’s ily intelligence, secondly a sound working to their namesake and identical in evfans were devastated by his sudden structure and, overall, the dog’s ability. ery way. There will always be a Rin Tin death on August 10, 1932. By then, Propps’ granddaughter, Daphne Hereford, Tin!” h Rin Tin Tin had sired several litters and inherited the legacy in 1988. Duncan had named one of the puppies Junior. Although not the image of his father, Junior was a good dog and Duncan was persuaded to take a tour, in 1933, promoting him as the son of Rin Tin Tin. Junior was the first dog to take a commercial air flight and would go on to win the hearts of fans across America and abroad.

At the onset of World War II, Rin Tin Tin III and his master became head trainers at Camp Hahn, California—the training camp for military dogs initiated by Duncan. Rin Tin Tin III was an enlisted soldier—with his number tattooed on his leg—and trained 5,000 dogs and handlers. After the war, dogs were re-trained, or untrained, so they may be returned to the families who had donated them for the war effort.

Duncan concentrated on the development, progress and betterment of the German Shepherd breed as a whole. He was listed as breeder of Champion Tasso of Villa Marina, Register of Merit, the grandson of International Champion Grand Victor Odin von Buescher Schloss, FH (herding) and the 1936 SV (German) Champion. Odin was the grandsire of the dog registered as Rin Tin Tin II by Duncan. It was Rin Tin Tin II and his son Rin Tin Tin IV that appeared in the television series of the 50s.

Tatum (@hi.this.is.tatum)

43 Nicknames & A Broken Tail. Tatum was rescued from a shelter in Macon, GA on the day he was scheduled to be euthanized. The Pixel Fund rescued Tatum, transported him to Maine to be fostered until he was adopted in 2016 by Charles and Nicole. He is now living his best life in Maine. Balam (@Balam_Says)

The most kissable, boopable snoot possibly in the entire known universe, Balam is a rescued Mexican street cat. When Balam loves something, he does it with all his heart and soul. He brings joy and raises awareness for endangered wild cats and rescue work in general.

Tuna (@TunaMeltsMyHeart)

Tune Melt, as he is affectionately known, warms the hearts of everyone who sees his unusual smile and shriveled neck. If an unconventional dog can bring us joy and encourage us to love with excellence, be accepting of others with differences (like him), and make people from all backgrounds and walks of life feel seen and known, then maybe we should consider putting those virtues into practice more and more as humans. It’s true that we can learn a lot from animals but we can especially learn a lot from one another by being examples of these virtues. It truly starts with us and it can start right now. Walter Geoffrey (@WalterGeoffreyTheFrenchie)

“When I picked this little guy up 7 years ago, I had no idea he would change my life forever. I can’t imagine my life without him in it. Walt... Thank you for teaching me so many things, especially how to care and to love. I am such a better person because of you and I never knew a little fur baby could have such a positive affect in someone’s life. You are and will always be my baby boy, no matter how annoyed you get by my hugs or kisses. Thank you for being my #1 through the highest of highs and lowest of lows... I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else by my side. Here’s to 7 more together!

ADOPTABLE PETS

Please consider adopting! 912.754.2109 | www.ecas.petfinder.com

Bando (M) Betty (F)

Bobbie (M) Carenia (F)

Maddie (F)

Otis (M) Guy (M)

Paxtin (M) Bell (F)

Glee (F)

Panther (F) Egypt (F)

Poe (M)

Twilight (F)

Where Pets are Family

We accept donation items (pet food, blankets, towels, etc.) for Coastal Pet Rescue in our hospital lobby.

www.animalhospitalatricehope.com

REAGAN POWELL: Vitality Counseling, Inc.

Reagan Powell is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Vitality Counseling, Inc. in Rincon. She founded Vitality Counseling in 2017 and now has a team of counselors with a variety of specialties.

Originally from Houston, TX, Reagan moved to Alabama and attended high school there. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Alabama and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Mississippi State University. Her first job was right here in Effingham County at Effingham County High School. She worked as a Professional School Counselor there for 14 years. While the position at Effingham High School was fulfilling, Reagan wanted to have more interaction with her clients and more opportunity for in-depth counseling sessions. Her experience at the high school did however, inspire her to open her own practice, Vitality Counseling, Inc.

Reagan has built a strong practice with a diverse group of counselors who are able to provide a variety of services to their clients. One service that Reagan is especially excited about is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). ART is grounded in well-established psychotherapy techniques, and it uses relaxing eye movements to reprogram the way in which distressing images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. Clients do not even have to talk about their traumas or difficult life experiences in order to achieve recovery. ART has been shown to provide benefits much more rapidly than most traditional therapies (in 1-5 sessions) and can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues, such as trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, substance abuse, and a number of others. Currently, there are two therapists at Vitality Counseling, Inc. who are trained in ART, and there is another therapist who is trained in EMDR, which is another eye movement therapy. Both ART and EMDR offer similar results. Vitality Counseling, Inc. has a diverse staff of therapists who provide counseling services to Effingham and surrounding areas. There are three Licensed Professional Counselors on staff, along with one Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Each of them brings their own unique style, along with different areas of expertise into a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere. This is what makes Vitality Counseling, Inc. a great choice most counseling needs.

Located in Rincon, Vitality Counseling, Inc. is just the place to start your counseling journey in a relaxed, friendly setting.

(912) 421-1000 www.vitalitycounselinginc.com info@vitalitycounselinginc.com