Lowcountry Dog Magazine August Sept 2009

volume 5, issue 5

magazine august/september 2009

Animal AdvocaTes

unsung ACTIVISTS IN ANIMAL WELFARE

canine heart conditions physical vs. mental exercise do you suspect animal abuse?

Publisher Leah England (843) 478-0266 leah@lowcountrydog.com

contents

Guest Photographer Julia Lynn www.julialynn.com Staff Photographer Ashley Smith Blackburn www.lowcountryfocus.com Accounting Carrie Clark Financial Services (843) 367-9969 carriecl@comcast.net Intern Maggie Lott maggie@lowcountrydog.com For Ad Rates Call

(843) 478-0266 Lowcountry Dog Magazine PO Box 22 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 www.lowcountrydog.com Subscribe to LCD at www.lowcountrydog.com/subscribe.html

This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper. Continue the green process by recycling this copy.

Lowcountry Dog’s mission is to be the one and only local resource for dog owners regarding regional events, health and wellness information, trends, style and lifestyle choices. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various dog related non-profits and promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.

Dog lovers can pick up the bi-monthly magazine for free at most area veterinarians and pet stores throughout the lowcountry, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee bars and retailers. A full distribution list is posted to the magazine’s web site, lowcountrydog.com. Subscriptions are also available. Please call 843-478-0266 for more information.

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Lowcountry Dog Magazine with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher.

Lowcountry Dog Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any product, service, or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising space. Views expressed by authors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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august/september 2009 what my dog taught me about business 5 suspect animal abuse? 6 animal advocates 12 don’t call me disabled 16 calendar 20 health and wellness 22 Canine Heart Conditions training 24 Mental Vs. Physical Exercise adoption 26 Wild Heir Lab Rescue

Interested in adopting the adorable puppy on our cover?

Contact Charleston Animal Society at (843) 747-4849 or learn more at www.charlestonanimalsociety.org.

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Lowcountrydog

w h at m y

dog ta u g h t m e about business

andra l. watkins

Not too long ago, my dog died. She lived with me for 16 years, me, and she always practically since I’ve been on my own. The decision to end her knew her bedtime. I life was one of the most difficult I’ve encountered. In the days would often find her leading up to the end (which were mercifully few), I relived so curled up in the bed much of the past 16 years. Jazz taught me so much, about both with her head on business and life. Here are a few business tips I gathered from a pillow just like a watching my beloved dog. person, snoring contentedly. It was really quite cute. Personally, Do things to stand out from the pack. One of Jazz’s favorite I cannot function without enough rest. My clients deserve my attention grabbers best attention and Jazz sniffed out was plundering my efforts, and taking business savvy. guests’ suitcases, the time to rest pulling out makes me more underwear or some productive. (Note: other embarrassing This works for u n m e n t i o n ab l e , people in general, and parading not just me.) all through the Be sensitive to house with it in others’ needs. I her mouth. People cannot count the always noticed her. stupid decisions While we may not I’ve made that be able to get away resulted in my with such behavior finding myself in business, we crying all alone. can be creative Jazz always knew and devise unique how to comfort me ways to stand out without saying a from the crowd word. People who through marketing, notice little things Andra L. Watkins CPA CMC is a Certified Management Consultant specializing branding, unique and offer support in small business growth.

With her help and advice, many of her clients have promotional and encouragement doubled or tripled their revenues while investing in the right tools for growth. itmes or simply by are appreciated www.positusonline.com. our approach to in the rat race potential business. business world.

Tackle problems with ingenious solutions. Early in my 20’s, Always take the time to evaluate the person standing in front of I made a multi-course meal and invited guests over. Because I you, and offer kind words when it seems appropriate. had slaved over the meal, I decided to leave it on the table for a Beg gracefully. Jazzmine could stand on her hind legs and while afterwards and visit with my guests. I heard clinking in the turn around and around in circles for a treat, and she would not dining room and raced in to find Jazzmine on the table grazing take “No” for an answer. Learn how to turn those rejections into from everything left. She smelled the food, jumped up on a chair “Yes!” for more business success by evaluating your sales pitch and reached the table by being extremely smart (and terrible!) and getting objective feedback. Some small tweaks could make a If you’re struggling with some business issue, step back from it big business difference. and look at it from a different perspective or with fresh eyes. You Jazzmine was my oldest friend, and I will always miss her. might see a solution lurking there somewhere, all because you forced yourself to see things differently.

Know when to rest. Before I met my husband, Jazz slept with Lowcountrydog

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The Bark Park text & illustration by les schwartz

Every evening, Sera and I join the gang for yappy hour at the dog park.

For you unfortunates without one, a dog park is a partial acre fenced off like a huge play pen for pups and their people. The water fountain is designed with a second bowl low enough for a Pekinese. The gate is also for the dogs.

To get in the dog park, you go through a gate into what some call the foyer. Please latch the gate behind you.

When someone enters, most of the dogs at play stop and rush over to greet who’s coming in. That is why there is a second gate to enter the play area. When you open that gate, dogs will swarm like fish to bait welcoming you. It is very gratifying.

Our dog park is lavishly furnished with the finest plastic furniture most of which was snagged from trash piles on the side of the road. This is where the people pack gathers to unwind. You’ll find very young to very old, doctors, lawyers, students, a marine biologist and a pizza maker socializing. We all have at least one thing in common—we are willing to leave everything on hold for love of pup.

Think of one of those old movies with the row of nannies lined up watching the children play together.

“Your Great Dane has grown so much.

How much does he weigh now?”

“Oh, is this your new addition? What breed is she?”

“Look at the paws on that one.”

Some nights it sounds like group 6

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therapy. “I know he’s young but it’s like he protests being house broken.

I don’t know what else to do.”

“Heidi’s intense separation anxiety breaks my heart.”

“I had that problem.

You should leave the radio on for her.”

As one might expect, there’s even puppy love in the dog park. There is a lot of flirting but none sweeter than when an 89 year-old gentleman escorting his standard poodle would spend time courting the 91 year-old woman with her Maltese. One evening he brought her the latest edition of Lowcountry Dog. It was too cute. It was also an inspiration for the single, middle-aged women looking for a mate.

That reminds me of the steamy summer evening when some really hot shirtless guys were playing Frisbee with a golden retriever. The ladies in the crowd were never so quiet as they followed every move panting like dogs in heat.

Last evening, a park regular entered with a third dog in tow. “Who’s the Chihuahua?” “Beats me. He followed us for six blocks. I don’t know who he is.”

I recognized the little guy. I had seen him roaming the neighborhood one evening and tried to catch him. The little guy was just too fast. “That’s Chewy. He lives over on Maple Street. His people let him run loose.” ”Oh my gosh.

I could never

Charleston Parks Conservancy

I Bark for Parks Winning Essay do that.” said the Bouvier owner.

“You’re kidding.

That’s so bad.” said the terrier owner.

For twenty minutes, Chewy got to run

with the big dogs. When it was time to go, his designated escort tried to catch him to put him on a leash to take him back.

(Such a responsible young man.) Well, Chewy would have none of that. For the next ten minutes three people and two herding dogs raced around in hot pursuit.

It wasn’t until Chewy skirted under a chair and was surrounded that he got clipped. Still protesting, he was escorted off. I hope they made it home okay.

So how does Ms. Sera fit into this scene?

With the humans, of course. As a fashion editor for the local paper (and owner of Lucy, the pug) once said, “Sera isn’t a player.” She is amused by big dogs romping but you’ll never catch her acting so juvenile. And fetching a nasty, dirty ball is just nonsense. Even so, when we approach the dog park, Sera is every bit as excited as the rest. She likes sports but she is no athlete. Sera likes to watch. She strolls into the dog park past all the fur. On rare occasion she might stop and sniff around.

continued on pg. 11

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Suspect Animal Abuse? danille young

Shelter workers in the lowcountry Crimes against animals for the sake of on our animals. Denying an animal the witness firsthand the effect cruelty has on sport, such as dog fighting, cock fighting, appropriate level of food, water, or shelter animals. Animals are routinely brought and dog-hog fighting, all of which are can lead to a slow, painful death. Starvation in who have been hit by cars and left to present in the lowcountry, perpetuate and exposure to extreme temperatures (in suffer, abandoned on chains with no food violence, drug-related crimes, and horrific our case, heat exhaustion, dehydration, or water, imbedded collars left forgotten cases of animal cruelty. These animals and heat stroke) are very real threats in about, animals physically abused – and are raised in horrendous situations where the summer months. Leaving an animal these are the lucky ones who have made they are bred and raised to be vicious chained outside for long periods of time it to the shelter. Toby is one of these dogs. fighters. Animals used for animal fighting potentially exposes these naturally social Originally adopted from the Charleston spend their lives in isolation, starvation, dogs to boredom and loneliness, as well as Animal Society (CAS) last year, his harassment from people or attacks owner recently surrendered him from other animals. Particularly because of concerns for his safety. in South Carolina, these dogs may After she discovered him with large be exposed to extreme temperatures wounds spreading across his back, an with inadequate shelter and water, emergency vet visit confirmed that or potentially harmful bug bites. someone had dumped something on Chained dogs are also at risk of Toby that resulted in severe chemical strangling themselves with their burns. Although a neighbor who had chains or tethers. Leaving a dog shown a dislike for Toby was suspected, chained outside without adequate a lack of proof prevented his owner shelter, food, or water is against the Toby, he has remained sweet and social from pressing charges. law in South Carolina.

Violence against animals in our throughout his treatment and stay at CAS. Though not all inclusive, below communities cannot and should not is a list of suggestions and resources be tolerated. These cases of cruelty for individuals who witness one of and neglect are sad marks on the these forms of violence or neglect. morality of humanity. Combating Please remember a few important them will require members of our steps to take if you think you are community taking a stand and witnessing cruelty. First, DO NOT demanding that local and state animal attempt to rescue the dog yourself! cruelty codes are enforced. There are Although tempting, you are putting clear links indicating that a person’s yourself, and potentially the animal, proclivity for violence against animals in physical danger and may face is an indicator of potential violence the risk of legal ramifications, toward people. A study conducted depending on the circumstances. in fifty battered women’s shelters across with constant beatings to build endurance, Instead, figure out who has authority in the nation found that 85% of women and until they are eventually put to battle the given circumstance and notify them children in the shelters also reported against another animal. These animals immediately. In most cases, animal violence, by their abuser, against animals. are trained to fight to the death and cruelty calls are directed to Animal Control It also concluded that children who are survivors either die of untreated wounds, or a local shelter. (See list below). Second, abusive to animals often report being are killed because of low performance, or be specific and succinct. Information victims themselves of physical or sexual live on to fight again. All fifty states have like dates, times, who was present, abuse in the home. Indisputable evidence laws against animal fighting but it’s an animal species, age, breed, and any other exists of violent offenders to animals atrocity that lives on nonetheless. specific facts will all aid in a subsequent subsequently committing violent crimes Other forms of non-violent animal investigation. Photographs, if they can against humans. cruelty have an equally devastating effect be safely taken, are helpful. Third, be 8

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patient but persistent. Politely reminding local enforcement agencies that you are concerned can help create an atmosphere where animal welfare is a priority.

Included is a list of local agencies that either have the authority to enforce state and local laws or can help direct you to those agencies. Also included are a couple of ideas that might be of interest. First, consider incorporating animals into your Neighborhood Watch organization. Get to know local pets. If you’re aware of the pets that live around you, you’ll be more prepared to act if you see one of them being abused or wandering alone.

If you notice something unusual, such as an injured animal not being treated, a chained dog, or a house with a lot of cats, remain observant. If the situation persists, call the humane officer in your town. Second, watch out for cruelty to wild animals as well. The link is clear: violence against animals is connected to violence against humans and these cases should be taken seriously. Finally, teach humane education to the young. If we

teach them to respect animals as children, they will carry this lesson into adulthood.

At a recent animal law conference a question was asked about how we can best affect change in our community.

The answer was simple. Be a role model.

Animals cannot protect themselves; they need our voices to speak for them. Talk to people, volunteer at local shelters, call elected officials, write letters, and persist, persist, persist.

As for Toby, he has remained sweet and social throughout his treatment and stay at CAS. He was adopted over the Fourth of July weekend to a new family. A special thank you to Kay Hyman at the Charleston Animal Society for sharing Toby’s story with me.

To locate local animal cruelty enforcement agencies in other areas please visit: www.Pets911.com.

For information about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence, please see: www.hsus.org Please direct questions and comments to Danielle Young at csolsaldf@gmail.com.

Charleston Animal Society: 747-4481 Pethelpers Rescue & Shelter: 795-1110 Berkeley Animal Control: 723-7603 Charleston Animal Control: 554-4700 Dorchester Animal Control: 832-0070 Folly Beach Animal Control: 583-2433 North Chas. Animal Control : 740-2815

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More than likely, she heads straight for an empty chair, jumps on it and sits herself down. A few of my peers have actually pulled up a chair for her leaving me to find my own. Sera is accepted for who she is. That’s what makes this place so special.

Unwinding in the dog park is the most important part of our day. I’ve spent many an evening there complaining about the heat and mosquitoes, and too many shivering in spite of heavy layers.

And there have been rainy nights that made no sense at all. For us, it’s like watching the nightly news and catching up with the world. Our world is a ¼ acre with two gates and many kindred spirits.

Sera, above & below with Les Schwartz and Jetta, enjoys Hampton Park every day.

Special thanks to Els Spikes of Nuance Pet Photography for these amazing photos of Les, Sera and Jetta at Hampton Park.

Els Sipkes is a photographer, graphic artist, and dog-mom to a yellow Lab named Cooper. You can see more of her pet photography, and read her blog, at www.nuancepetphotos.com.

To learn more about the Charleston Parks Conservancy and discover how you and your dog can become Park Angels, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.

Animal AdvocaTes

unsung ACTIVISTS IN ANIMAL WELFARE photos by julia lynn text by laura reiman

A lucky hound dog gets some love from DeDe.

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for PeT Helpers

When DeDe Tyler, a Charleston native, left her banking job of 31 years she decided it was time to discover her passions. She found her calling with animals, and from there got involved with PetHelpers on James Island.

You can find her at the shelter doing anything from cleaning the cages to simply socializing with a pet in need of human touch. Not only does she interact with the animals, she is also the coordinator for the Humane Net program designed for people who need financial assistance getting their animals spayed or neutered.

DeDe says she finds a sense of satisfaction when she can walk people through the process because one animal can turn into 15 in a matter of a year.

DeDe also enjoys fostering cats. She often takes home kittens that are too young to be left by themselves overnight or that have special needs. She recently finished fostering 5 kittens, full of fleas and in need of nurturing, for 4 weeks.

She is also a member of the trap, neuter and return program at PetHelpers. She regularly feeds colonies of cats around the area, and traps and neuters as many strays as she can –all at her own expense.

DeDe’s favorite part about working with PetHelpers is the no-kill policy. After moving to the new facility they have been able to take in around 160 cats and 50 dogs. She says she has the time to do something positive, and volunteering is a way to give back to the community.

“She’s my go-to girl. I know I can ask her, she doesn’t complain, she’s on time and ready to go,” says Emily Laurie, director of public relations and outreach at PetHelpers.

DeDe’s motto is “I may not be able to save them all, but I will save all that I can, one by one.” She plans to continue her work with both pets and those who love them for as long as she can.

Go To WWW.peThelpers.org for more info on volunTeering.

De De Tyler

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Ward Reynolds for CharlesTon Animal SocieTy

Visit WWW.CharlestonAnimalsociety.com for more info.

Ward particularly likes spending time with the numerous pit bulls and that come into the shelter.

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Ward Reynolds is an active volunteer at the Charleston Animal Society. Visiting about three times a week, he gives the dogs some much-needed love and an opportunity to run around. This not only makes life at the shelter better for the dogs, but also increases their chance of adoption.

It all started when a neighborhood newsletter revealed volunteer opportunities at the shelter. Ward waited a few months before pursuing the idea, worried he would start bringing the dogs home with him. With two already, a Weimaraner and a corgi mix adopted 10 years ago, his hands are full.

Ward says he is surprised at how he’s been able to separate himself from the dogs. He works in the back room and never knows which dogs are sent to the front for adoption, and which don’t make it for health or other reasons. He interacts with as many dogs as he can – sometimes up to 20 in a three-hour visit.

Ward says the sheer volume of dogs at the shelter is not only the reason he stays so busy, but also the reason volunteers are so important.

Despite being in a wheelchair, Ward does whatever he can to help. “It’s funny to watch some of the more excited dogs pulling me down the hall. It’s kind of like waterskiing,” says Reynolds.

His favorite interactions are with the pit bulls. He says many come and go from the shelter, and they are just looking for some affection. He even lets them jump on his lap for a hug.

“Many of the dogs he takes out are frightened and do not trust humans. Ward helps to calm their fears, giving them a better outlook on life and people,” says Kay Hyman at the Charleston Animal Society.

Ward was looking to make good use of his time when he decided to volunteer at the shelter. He is now a devoted friend to the animals, looking to extend his work for as long as he can.

Terry & PaTTI Kiraly

for FRANCIS R. WILLIS SPCA

Volunteer Coordinator Cheryl Burns says the Kiraly’s are “good down to the soul.”

Go To WWW.summervillespca.com for more info.

After Terry Kiraly retired two years ago, he decided to volunteer at the Francis R. Willis SPCA. He started visiting the shelter regularly and would go home and tell his wife, Patti, about the animals. His enthusiasm was contagious. Since then, the Kiraly’s have fostered and found homes for 10 dogs and been regular volunteers at the SPCA. While Terry visits the shelter everyday if he can, Patti works around her job at Windsor Hill Elementary. “You don’t know how many times we come home and cry. They all have their individual personalities, their own little quirks, and you just love them all. It’s so hard to put them back in that kennel and close the door,” says Patti.

The duo have housebroken, socialized, trained and loved 10 foster dogs in the past two years. One of their own pack, consisting of a cat and three dogs, is Reagan. The puppy had been thrown from the window of a moving car, and was brought to the shelter by an older couple that had stopped to inspect. With a bruised spine, Regan was in pain and couldn’t walk, but the shelter was closing.

The Kiraly’s took him home and after a failed adoption, gave him a permanent family.

Terry and Patti were recently voted onto the Board of Directors for the shelter.

They attend monthly meetings, and Terry is looking to add money-raising events to the calendar. They find great reward in simply getting the animals out of their cages, but also enjoy spending quality time as a couple at the shelter.

Whether it’s to walk a dog, or just hand out a few treats, the Kiralys are devoted volunteers. According to the volunteer coordinator at the SPCA, Cheryl Bruns, Terry is a constant at the shelter always willing to help, and Patti is a guide often full of insight as to how to handle a tough situation. “You can tell by the way they treat animals that they are good down to the soul,” says Bruns.

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JANE HIRSCH FOR TROT FOR THE CURE

bonita

Jane poses beside a portrait of Rafter.

email jehirsch@comcasT.neT for info on Trot for the Cure.

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Lowcountrydog

Woody the Golden Retriever finds a new friend in Walter Robinson III, better known as “Third.”

“It’s ironic,” says Jane Hirsch, “that I was a cancer survivor and then got a dog that was diagnosed with cancer.”

After Jane found three melanomas in two years, she packed up her tennis gear and left sunny Florida for home. A 7th generation Charlestonian, she hung up her racket and tennis shoes and got an Australian Shepherd puppy. Rafter was 2 years old when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and given 18 months maximum to live. Already a therapy dog at the Veterans Administrations hospital, Jane decided his story would benefit sick kids.

She wanted the children with cancer to meet Rafter and be able to ask questions about what he had been through. According to Jane, Rafter was never a “loveydovey” therapy dog. He entertained with tricks: marching, boxing and pulling a hanky out when she sneezed. While Rafter passed away this last year, Jane is still involved with therapy.

Jane Hirsch is not only involved in pet therapy at children’s hospitals, camps, nursing homes, schools and other places in need, but is also the founder of Trot for the Cure.“I had no idea cancer in dogs was so prevalent,” says Jane. She decided more fund-raisers were needed to support canine cancer research and created the event to raise both awareness and funds. Since its inception in 2005, Trot for the Cure has raised over $65,000 for research at the University of Georgia.

Jane Hirsch is a leader when it comes to pet therapy in the Lowcountry. She has mentored many human/dog teams interested in making the lives of hospital patients better. She has helped form the rules and regulations in place at MUSC to protect both therapy dogs, and those they are helping. Her now annual event is dedicated to the wellness of our canine counterparts, and she works tirelessly to try and ease the pain of those around her.

don’t call me

disabled

heather hobbs

I have sat in a room with countless num- knowing he trusted me to make the right it were your dog?” What was I going to do? bers of clients and counseled them on the decision and end his pain.

The day came and I followed through fact that animals are survivors. I have told What would it be like not to be able to with what I had advised so many clients bethem that a pet can lose its vision and still look into his eyes and feel, whether true or fore. Ben would have to lose his vision. It go on to live a happy and fulfilled life. A pet not, that he knew exactly what I felt when was best for him. Ben earned the right to be that is non-visual can still play and partici- I spoke to him? What would it be like to happy; he didn’t deserve to be in pain just pate in family activities. I was able to give never again play our favorite game, affec- because I couldn’t be strong. this advice because, while working for a vet- tionately named “chase ‘em”? My personal I will never forget that day of surgery. I erinary ophthalmologist, I had witnessed feelings of loss aside, what if I made the was nervous, sad, and most of all, concerned first-hand how blind pets have been able to wrong decision? Had I tried my very best to for Ben. However, in true Ben fashion, like overcome any obstacle placed in most beagles, his greatest concern their paths. after surgery was dinner. In my Eventually there came a day, mind, I had built up this surgery however, when the counselor beto be a huge undertaking…yet for came the counselled. I was the Ben it was just another day in his “parent” sitting in the exam room journey with glaucoma. listening to my doctor explain that It has been a year since Ben’s my beloved beagle, Ben, had lost complete vision loss, but let me his 6 year battle with glaucoma. assure you, he has been very busy.

I was devastated. Had I been adHe has snuck out of our locked vising something I didn’t truly fence, only for us to find him believe? Or had I not fully apsunbathing on the driveway. He preciated the loss associated with has been caught standing on the the word ‘blind’? I had a choice to kitchen table, in what appeared to make. Should I let him retain the be a crime scene, with his muzzle very limited vision he maintained covered in pasta sauce. (The only in this remaining eye? Or should evidence was a destroyed TupperI relieve his pain and end his sufware container which he had left fering, but in exchange, take away lying on the kitchen floor.) He his vision? has also spent time chasing our Somehow my decision didn’t cats, hurdling baby gates, and seem as easy since it was my best finding all food dropped by any friend Ben. I knew what animals child within a 100-foot radius of where capable of handling. I had the house. Ben continues to reseen pets lose their vision from mind me that nothing is out of various diseases and cope, as not the reach of a determined beagle, many humans could, without blind or not. complaint or self-pity. I had been When you see us at the beach, in the exam room, standing next in the dog park, or walking downBen doesn’t let glaucoma slow him down one bit. to my doctor as owners thanked town, please don’t feel sorry her for ending their pets’ suffering, even give him all his medications on time? Had for Ben. Don’t pity him for all the things if the pets could no longer see. I had seen I truly considered at all possibilities and you feel he might miss out on or can’t parfirst-hand how much better the quality of made an educated decision rather than an ticipate in, because as soon as you do, he life was for a non-visual, pain-free pet com- emotional one? Now all the questions that will be sure to prove you wrong. So call pared to a visual pet who suffered from un- were asked of me while I was a technician him spoiled, call him ornery or call him controlled glaucoma. I found myself look- were running through my mind – the most a chow-hound, but please don’t ever call ing into Ben’s loyal and understanding eyes difficult of which: “What would you do if him disabled.

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happy hounds

scruffy

colbert buela

slim colby

coombsy

kona penny

email photos of your happy hound to leah@lowcountrydog.com. all breeds and mixed breeds accepted.

lucy

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luna will and grace

marlin mombacho

sweet

bella & zoe mclovin & mcqueen

neffi & ary Lowcountrydog

riley

sienna

Follow publisher Leah England on Twitter for the latest updates, events, contests and exclusive model calls. www.twitter.com/leahengland And fan Lowcountry Dog on Facebook too! www.facebook.com/lowcountrydog

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upcoming events august 8th 9am-1pm animal communication mini-clinic taught by barbara rawson.

For driving directions, store hours, or information about this store, please visit www.petsmart.com.

Grounding methods, boundary setting, and telepathic skills will be taught and practiced. $50 Email barbararawson@ hotmail.com or call 843.364.2210.

september 6th 12pm- 1pm bully walk with sc pit bull rescue and the pit chicks group at hampton park. The purpose of the Bully Walk is

august 8th 11am-3pm sc pit bull rescue meet & greet at petsmart summerville. As always, we will

to bring together responsible pet owners and their dogs to walk and bring positive awareness to good dogs owned by normal people. For more information, please visit www.scpitrescue.org and click on Events to view our Calendar of Events.

have some of our wonderful Pit Bulls in attendance, ready to find their new homes. For driving directions, store hours, or information about this store, please visit www.petsmart.com.

august 15th 11am-2pm greyhound pets of america charleston meet and greet at Petsmart in Summerville. More info at our website www.adoptcharlestongreys.org.

august 22nd 10am-2pm noble ones bully breed rescue bubbles for bullies at chick-fil-a in west ashley. Stop by The West Ashley Chickfil-a to support dog rescue, get a chicken biscuit and get your canine clean and micro chipped! To learn more please visit www.NOBBR.org.

august 22nd 11am-2pm greyhound pets of america charleston meet and greet Petsmart Sam Rittenberg.

More info at www.adoptcharlestongreys. org.

august 23rd 5pm pug days of summer. It’s too hot outside for the pugs! Bring them inside for a fun pug event! PetSmart 2076 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407 for more info visit http://pug.meetup.com/688.

august 26th 5pm - 8pm doggy dining and drinks. Join The Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue at The Dog and Duck at Belle Hall for a good time.

571 - 7177 or visit www.lcgrr.org.

august 30th 11am-3pm sc pit bull rescue meet & greet at petsmart, mount pleasant. As always, we will have some of our wonderful Pit Bulls in attendance, ready to find their new homes 20

Lowcountrydog

september 9th 6-8pm shih tzu & furbabies rescue yappy hour at red’s. You AND your pooch are welcome to enjoy dinner and a brew on the deck!

Meet some of our local foster dogs and volunteers in a fun, relaxed setting.

september 9th 5-8pm dog tails with golden tails. Come by for drinks and dinner and join The Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue on the patio of the Dog and Duck in Summerville.

Visit www.lcgrr.org or call 571 - 7177.

september 12th 11am-2pm greyhound pets of america charleston meet and greet All is Well west ashley 11am-2pm. More info at www.adoptcharlestongreys.org.

september 12th 10am frw spca 6th annual pawker run.

Dorchester Shrine Club, off Highway 61 in Summerville. 5 stops on a 100 mile run.

Food, music and prizes for all participants.

50/50 drawing. 10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. first bike out. For more info visit www. summervillespca.com.

september 13th 12pm-6pm dog day afternoon at whirling waters. A dogs-only day at the Whirling Waters Adventure Water Park in North Charleston. $10 per dog. $8 if Gold pass holder. Concessions will be available for purchase. Visit www.ccprc.com for more info.

september 19th 11am-2pm greyhound pets of america charleston meet and greet

petsmart summerville. More info at our website www.adoptcharlestongreys.org.

september 19th 10am-2pm charleston air force base pet fest. Activities, vendors, rescue village and K9 working dogs. Current and retired military, base workers and their families welcomed. Contact Rick Baker for more info: 843-963-1672/1732 or rick.baker@ charleston.af.mil.

september 20th 5pm pug’s country fair. If pugs had a country fair what would their contests be? Curliest tail, biggest eyes, shortest, heaviest, you name it! Everyone votes! Much fun!

PetSmart 2076 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

Charleston, SC 29407 For more info visit http://pug.meetup.com/688.

september 23rd 5pm - 8pm doggy dining and drinks. Join The Low Country Golden Retriever Rescue on Wednesday evening at the Dog and Duck Mt. Pleasant for a casual get together to meet some of our Goldens and their human friends. Visit www.lcgrr.org or give us a call at 571 – 7177 for more info.

september 26th 11am-4pm post and courier pet expo. Charleston Area Convention Center. Rescues, vendors, demonstrations, food. Email jneville@ postandcourier.com for more info or visit www.lowcountrypaws.com.

Questions? Comments?

Call 843-478-0266 Want to submit event information?

Visit www.lowcountrydog.com and click on Contact Us. We will do our best in include your event as space allows. Our online calendar lists all events in full.

Tha t’s mas our co Luc t, y!

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Lowcountrydog

21

health & wellness

Canine

heart Disease abigail kaufman, DVM

to control rhythm disturbance.

Although some dogs with endocardiosis can develop severe heart failure, many dogs remain stable for years or never even develop symptoms. Those dogs that develop symptoms of left-sided heart disease often experience coughing, exercise intolerance and breathing difficulty from congestive heart failure.

The best advice is to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian on a regular basis, especially if symptoms begin to change. Tests that should be performed on a regular basis include cardiac ultrasound, chest x-rays, and an electrocardiogram. Depending on what is seen, medications can be prescribed to stabilize the dog’s condition.

Categories of heart diseases can be divided into those that primarily affect the right side of the heart and those affecting the left side. Primary right-sided heart diseases are less common and usually develop as a result of lung disease: since the right side of the heart pumps blood through the lungs, anything that causes the lungs or the vessels associated with them to become stiff and non-compliant causes right -sided heart weakness.

The most common causes of right sided heart failure in dogs are heartworm disease, chronic bronchitis, and allergic lung disease.

Left-sided Heart Disease: Endocardiosis The most common acquired disease in dogs is known as endocardiosis. In this condition, the valve becomes damaged by the deposition of fibrous-like tissue, which causes the valve to become thickened and irregular and thus unable to close normally. This condition is an aging change that we see in many dogs that may also have a genetic basis.

The most common valve to become affected is the mitral valve, which separates the left atrium from the left ventricle. When the left ventricle attempts to pump blood forward to the body, some of the blood goes backward across the damaged valve into the left atrium.

This backward flow of blood causes turbulence, which causes a heart murmur.

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Lowcountrydog

Over time, as blood continues to flow backward,the left atrium can become enlarged and dogs often begin to cough.

One cause of coughing is the left atrium pressing on the windpipe, causing it to become irritated or even to collapse. Coughing due to left atrial enlargement is often triggered by stress or excitement, anything that causes the heart to rate to increase and more blood to flow backwards.

A second more serious cause of coughing that occurs with left atrial enlargement is when blood backs up into the vessels in the lungs and causes fluid to accumulate in the lung tissue. This condition is called congestive heart failure and usually causes the dog to suffer breathing difficulty along with coughing.

If this disease progresses, the left ventricle may also fail in its ability to pump blood forward adequately. This happens because too much blood remains on the left side of the heart, and the volume of blood overwhelms the left ventricle’s muscular strength. Sometimes dogs with endocardiosis will also develop abnormal heart rhythms.

Treatment of heart valve disease consists of drugs to remove fluid from the lungs, drugs to lower blood pressure, and drugs to modify heart rate and pumping action. Animals having arrhythmias will require medication

Left-sided Heart Disease: Dilated Cardiomyopathy Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease whereby the left ventricle primarily weakens and loses its ability to pump blood forward. Secondarily, the heart chambers become enlarged and the valves become stretched and don’t close well.

Symptoms seen with this disease are often very similar to those seen with endocardiosis; however, they are usually much more insidious.

Since the heart muscle fails gradually, the dog is often able to adapt to these small changes until it reaches a critical level where the heart can’t pump at all. The dogs often cough, and many have episodes of collapse.

The most common breeds to be affected are Doberman pinschers, boxers, cocker spaniels and retrievers. The condition tends to be genetic in these breeds and the prognosis varies by breed, with Dobermans tending to have the worse long-term survival rate.

Besides conventional medication, dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy often benefit from the administration of certain nutritional supplements.

Although cardiac disease is very serious, many dogs can live healthy, long and happy life spans. It is very important, however, to diligently follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Abigail Kaufman attended veterinary school at Tufts University, followed by residency at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1993 she established Coastal Carolina Veterinarian Internal Medicine in Charleston.

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23

training

VS mental physical .

james & michelle rodriguez

During the summer heat outdoor playtime workout energizes you? The physical stimulating his brain. He needs to think hours are reduced with your dog. The dog conditioning builds more stamina. It’s the about what he’s doing and he needs to park can be a convenient way to tire your same with dogs. There is a point where the concentrate. He doesn’t want a correction. dog if you can go first thing in the morning exercise will tire them, but it takes a lot! He wants to be praised, so he has to think or during the early evening hours. Dogs can run and run for hours and still about what he’s doing.

However, it is essential that you know be ready for more, but 10 to 15 minutes of A very slow walk—making sure he your dog. Not all dogs enjoy meeting new making them concentrate and THINK is is right next to you—is another braindogs. Don’t let your dog get overwhelmed exhausting, and they’ll be ready for a nap. stimulating exercise. The slower you walk, by meeting too many dogs at once. Testing Just as the physical exercise will give you the more your dog has to think about what your dog in a controlled he’s doing. You can walk environment with one dog inside of your home, it will is ideal before you go into be a surprise to your dog to the dog park. If he is not be on leash indoors and he acting polite or is aggressive will not be able to anticipate outside of the dog park then what is coming next. Go it is not the right fit for you, up and down the stairs or seek other environments to through the doorways first play together. Professional and keep your dog’s focus help is available to socialize on you. We’ve seen, over your dog that does not and over again, very highinvolve putting other dogs energy dogs crash as soon as and yourself at risk. they finish a very structured If outdoor exercise is not five- to ten-minute walk. A a viable option for you this “power walk” will give them time of year and Fido has more energy, but a walk that energy to burn -what can you requires brain power will be do? Think about this. “How exhausting. am I stimulating my dog’s Puzzles are a great way mind?” If your answer is “I to mentally stimulate your do not know,” the following dog’s brain. Take one of his are some suggestions to help favorite treats, let him sniff you differentiate between it and then hide it. Let him physical and mental try to find it or freeze treats exercise, which in turn will mixed with peanut butter help tire your dog on those inside of a Kong toy and really hot or rainy days. make him figure out how to This is an area where Teaching your dog to retrieve on command can be both a mentally get it out. there is a parallel between Scatter feeding is another and physically rewarding exercise. dogs and people. If you great mental game. Take his have a mentally stimulating day where and your dog physical stamina, exercising usual amount of kibble and toss it on the your brain really gets a workout, you are the brain will build mental stamina. floor or in your yard. Your dog will have usually very tired and ready to just relax.

So, how can you exercise your dog’s to search for his supper. Scatter feeding If you don’t have any mental stimulation, brain? Obedience training is one great also works well if your dog has a tendency you have more energy at the end of the way. Making your dog sit and stay, to wolf down his food. There are very few day. The same holds true with your dog. correcting his mistakes and praising him food motivated dogs that don’t love this Have you noticed that a physical for the right behavior is a great way of game.

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Lowcountrydog

The more you exercise your dog’s brain, the happier and calmer he’ll be. He does need physical exercise, just as we do, but he also needs mental stimulation. Dogs who are bored are more likely get into trouble.

If your dog is digging or chewing inappropriate items or if he’s running all over the house out of control, look at the mental side of the equation. A mentally stimulated dog is a tired dog and a tired dog is a calm dog. A calm dog is happy and that’s what we all want.

James & Michelle Rodriguez are dog behavioral therapist and trainers with Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Bark Busters trainers, who have trained more than 500,000 dogs worldwide, are renowned authorities in correcting dog behavior with all-natural, dog-friendly methods. Bark Busters training is the only service of its kind that offers guaranteed lifetime support.

For more information, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.BarkBusters.com.

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Lowcountrydog

25

adoption Wild Heir Labrador Rescue Wild Heir Labrador Rescue (WHLR) is a labor of love on behalf of unwanted Labrador Retrievers – and Lab mixes. Informally begun in 2001 and becoming ‘official’ in 2005, WHLR is an all volunteer 501c3 non-profit organization. In 2008 alone, WHLR placed over 250 neglected and abandoned Labs into loving, responsible forever homes. WHLR is dedicated to saving Labs from life threatening situations and the rescued Labs come from a variety of sources in South and North Carolina – and beyond. The Labs come from animal control facilities, humane societies, owner surrender and good Samaritans. Many of the Labs find their way to WHLR from loving homes that are facing life changes such as moving, divorce, death and children. Others have endured lives of neglect and isolation.

Despite their origin, each Lab that enters WHLR is treated as an individual and receives the vetting, socialization and training it needs to be a devoted family companion. It is the mission of WHLR to ensure the training, structure and safe, stable environments along with lots of love and playmates to allow the unquenchable ‘Labby’ personality to shine through in each and every dog that crosses their doorstep.

For more information please visit our website at www.wildheirlabradorrescue.org or call (843) 240-0174.

Ray is a super sweet guy that loves to play with his foster brothers and sisters – and he loves to carry his favorite football toy in his mouth as he runs in the yard.

He’s still young and has lots of energy, but he’s well behaved in the house. Oh, by the way, did we mention that Ray is blind? It doesn’t slow him down a bit!

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Lowcountrydog

Meet Missy! She was found in the middle of a busy road, trying to shield a young puppy from oncoming cars. She is house trained, knows basic commands, is good with other dogs, has had all of her medical work and is a delightful, playful companion.

Mabel is our senior celebrity! Wild Heir teamed up with the generous pilots from Pilots ‘n Paws to get Mabel to Charleston from a Tennessee shelter! Mabel is a healthy senior gal and has been fully vetted, is heartworm negative and would love to find a forever home to enjoy her golden years.

Calvin is a happy go lucky puppy who’s still growing into his big frisbee feet! He spends hours playing in the yard with his foster brothers and sisters and loves to play fetch. Even though he’s still a pup, he’s very well behaved and is learning how to be part of a family!

Honey came into rescue when her owner became terminally ill and could not take care of her.

She used to be a hunting dog, but now she’s content to be a companion dog! Honey will be your best friend; her favorite thing in the world is to be with her people.

Trevor is an energetic young Lab who loves to play with other dogs. Retrieving his ball is one of Trevor’s favorite pastimes and he enjoys going for walks and running. Trevor positively beams when praised and is learning basic obedience. He’s looking for a forever family to give him lots of love!

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Lowcountrydog

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Heart

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Lowcountrydog

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