Lowcountry Dog Magazine April/May 2012

volume 8, issue 3

magazine

TM

april/may 2012

the dog who found america the no fail recall only sunny days for area rescues

P

Newborns P

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

contents

Advertising Brian Foster (843) 732-0412 brian@lowcountrydog.com Communications Gillian Nicol gillian@lowcountrydog.com Online Contributor Leah Nicole Hawkins Photographer Laura Olsen www.lauraolsen.com Accounting Carrie Clark Financial Services (843) 367-9969 carriecl@comcast.net

Lowcountry Dog Magazine PO Box 22 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 www.lowcountrydog.com Web: lowcountrydog.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/leahengland Facebook: facebook.com/lowcountrydog

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april/may 2012 fido’s friends 4 Jim Martin more than a name 6 the dog who found america 8

This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper.

Continue the green process by recycling this copy.

only sunny days for area rescues 10

Lowcountry Dog’s mission is to be the leading 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.

newborns 14

Dog lovers can pick up the bimonthly 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.

training 24 The No Fail Recall

calendar of events 21 health and wellness 22 Summer Safety

adoption 26 Animal Rescue & Relief

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.

All Table of Contents photos by Laura Olsen Imagery.

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F ido’s Friends Jim Martin

Occupation: Executive Director, Charleston Parks Conservancy Dogs in Household: TWO Na med: Mia and Piper Lives: James Island 1. What’s the best thing about owning a dog?

Every new day is a day they want to love up on you.

2. What do you find the most frustrating about your dog, or struggle with as a dog owner ?

Pool season just wreaks havoc on a Keeshond's hair. Ours love to swim!!!

3. All time favorite memory of your dog?

The first time finding Mia lying in the ceramic water dish as though she was siting on a throne.

4. Favorite place to hang out with your dog in Charleston?

Our own garden. They love it!

5. With what aspect of your dog’s personality do you most identify?

Mia needs to be heard and Piper just wants to find something to eat, anywhere, any time of the day or night.

6. In your opinion, what’s the one item all dog owners must have?

Flappy toys. They last the longest for us.

7. If your dog were some other sort of animal, what would he/ she be?

Mia would be bird and Piper would be a monkey.

8. How does your dog inspire you? Or what has your dog taught you about life and work?

Loving back shouldn’t have to be conditional, to mean drop your moodiness at the door and just be happy to see the ones you're with.

9. How do you KNOW you and your dog are best friends?

They both whispered it in my ear, when the other wasn’t looking.

10. What’s your favorite thing about Lowcountry Dog Magazine?

I get good information from the Health and Wellness section of the Mag. The dog pictures rock! They always look happy.

photos by Laura Olsen Imagery 4

Lowcountrydog

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photos by Laura Olsen Imagery

More than a Name

by Brian Foster

I bet they get my file confused all the time. Filed under “Foster?”

Depends how they think about it… Noun. A person. I am Brian Foster.

And I foster animals. A verb. I can see how that would be confusing in the shelter office. But we have been around for a while, so I think they have the hang of it by now.

St. Patrick’s Day two years ago we got the call to save a litter of neo-natal puppies. They were just ten days old and were without a mama. The initial shelter didn’t have the space, funding or resources to care for these little bundles. The situation was dire. They would be put down if no one stepped up. Calls were made and a rescue plan was put into place. They were transferred to Pet Helpers and when we said “Yes!” we became an extension of the shelter. Our fostering tale begins here.

We brought home our little bundles of joy with love in our hearts and fear in our eyes. What if we did something wrong? What if we underfed, over fed, dropped, or injured one, over slept, under cuddled, over cuddled? I’m not gonna lie. Some of those things happened over the next six weeks while we raised our first litter of foster puppies. We endured nights of little sleep in the beginning due to the newborns’ feeding schedule, and little sleep in the end lying awake praying for good homes for our furry little children. But in the middle was pure joy… well, joy and a lot of baths. It really is a magical experience; to be there when they learn to scoot around and then to crawl, when their eyes open for the first time. And their first little tiny bark …

When telling people what we do, it’s common to hear, “Oh, how do you do it? I would want to keep them all!” And while we love each and every pup that comes through our door, we know that to keep saving lives we have to place each one into a home that will love

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them and raise them to the best of their ability. We’ve already gone through the chewing stage with our 21 month old Calliope, and we aren't interested in returning!

If you’re doing the math you’ll note that Calliope falls within the time frame that we have been fostering. In the biz they call that a “foster failure.” Typically once a foster turns into an adoption the foster home is less likely to foster again because of a) the fear of not being able to let go again and b) not having the time to devote to fostering with an expanded family from the last time. I can see how this is true because it definitely took us out of the game for a while.

Since that first call we have fostered 22 other dogs, mostly puppies.

Each time we say yes, we • Visit www.SaveMoreLives.org know that it’s not easy, but • Call 843-875-4031 when they go outside at • Foster • Volunteer four weeks old and see the • Donate big wide world, there is no • Spread the Word on Facebook substitution for the feeling • Blog about Fostering & Adoption of being there with them.

• Attend Shelter Events We have plenty of space and tons of love.

And because we thought outside the shelter, we are making a difference. 25 dogs and their adopted families from Charleston to Atlanta will tell you the same thing. It gets easier each time, even the letting go.

Can Charleston save 4,000 more lives this year? It’s up to you! Call us at 843-875-4031 now or go to www.SaveMoreLives.org to learn

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The Dog who found America

by Coleen Balent

I first met Paolo six years ago as an emaciated, flea-ridden puppy in a boat yard in Portopalo, Sicily. He’d been hit by a car and his mouth was taped shut with medical tape. The man in the boat yard, Salvatore, said the dog was dumped there and I should take him or he would die. After a lot of tears and a little argument with my husband, the puppy, who I named Paolo after the port where he was found, came home with us. The vet told me that Paolo had a severely deformed nose, a massive respiratory infection, and probably wouldn’t survive through the week.

Fast forward six years, 2 children, 2 countries, 3 cities and 4 homes: I find that Paolo’s fall off our bed the previous day was more serious than I thought. His hind legs were paralyzed from a herniated disk and hemorrhaging in the spine. Paolo needed a very expensive surgery that wouldn’t guarantee he’d ever walk again. Faced with taking out a loan or putting Paolo down I felt so numb when the veterinarian left me in the cold, sterile room alone with Paolo to “think about it.” As Paolo lay on the floor helpless in a pile of worn blankets, I said “Damn you, Paolo! This isn’t how it’s supposed to end. You’re supposed to grow old with me. Please tell me what you want me to do?” And he looked up at me with those same eyes from the boat yard, eyes that said, “Save me!”

Some people think I’m crazy for the choice I made.

Someone said to me, “Wow, you’re a better person than me. I can think of a lot of other

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things I’d rather spend $6,000 on than a dog!” I have two things to say to that person: 1. Yes, I am a better person than you. 2. Paolo may be just a dog to you, but to me he’s someone with whom I share my home and heart. He is family. He is my child. He is my friend. He was there beside me in the bathroom when I learned I was pregnant with my first child; he welcomed two babies into our family; he cuddled me through several periods of debilitating depression; he has greeted me at the door everyday with ridiculous enthusiasm, even when I’ve just stepped out to check the mail; he has witnessed six years of my tears and laughter. To me, Paolo is not just a dog. He is part of my life story and that chapter isn’t over yet.

It’s been six weeks since Paolo’s injury. Paolo is making progress and we’re feeling confident that he falls into that 70% chance of recovery from spinal surgery. He’s wagging his tail; he’s moving his legs; he’s able to control his bladder (mostly); he can stand with little assistance; and he can walk a few steps with a sling. Those are pretty significant strides for a dog that was paraplegic last month.

There’s a saying in Italy when someone gets lucky, “ha trovato l’America, ” which means “he’s found America.” My Italian friend recently told me that Paolo ha trovato l’America when I found him.

But anyone who knows Paolo knows that it was really me that found America when I found Paolo.

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Only Sunny Days for Area Rescues

When Sunny, Cristi Gunselman’s Golden Retriever, passed away in January 2011 after a tough battle with T-Cell Lymphoma, the jewelry designer’s grief became inspirational. “Sunny’s courage, strength and positive attitude through what was a horrendously scary time absolutely amazed me,” says Gunselman. “ When she passed away, I wanted to do something in her honor and decided the best way to do that was to help other animals.”

Daunted by starting a dog rescue of her own, Gunselman created a rescue for the rescues, Sunny Days Rescue Relief, which serves as an umbrella non-profit that supports the smaller rescues in the Lowcountry through monetary donations as well as food and supply drives.

While the group was awaiting its nonprofit status, Gunselman began her efforts with gusto, sponsoring a different animal group each month. By the close of 2011, the group had raised between $200 and $400 every month benefiting a total of 7 feature rescues throughout the year, not bad for a fledgling organization still earning the trust of a community.

Gunselman is certain of Sunny Day’s reach, “Now that we are incorporated as a 501c3 and donations are tax deductible,

we can help at a much higher level. I am very optimistic in our ability to hold larger fundraisers, resulting in more funds for each rescue.” The Sunny Days supply drives are also becoming increasingly successful. Drop off locations include Hairy Winston in Mt. Pleasant and the Dolittle's stores in Summerville, West Ashley and Mt. Pleasant. “One of our biggest goals for 2012 is to get our name out into the community and gain more support,” cites Gunselman. “The more people we can reach, the more animals we can help save.”

Gunselman also looks forward to working with more local rescues. “We like to help the underdogs... those groups that are really struggling to make ends meet,” she says. To benefit from Sunny Days Rescue Relief a rescue should be registered as a non-profit, be in good standing with animal control and other city organizations and have a real need of funds, transport assistance and supplies.

And like any non-profit, Sunny Days Rescue Relief’s success is dependant upon new volunteers joining the ranks as the needs expand within the organization.

Needs include fund-raising, marketing, event planning and soliciting for silent auction items. Gunselman beams talking about her current team of core volunteers, “Our volunteers are family, and each one is irreplaceable. I'd like to say a special ‘Thank You’ to Heather and Neil Heath of the Beached Dog, Paul and Cindy Covert, April Hurley, and Tara Webb. I don't know where we would be without them!”

The group’s next big fundraiser will take place during the April 7th Dogs with a Cause River Dogs game. The Sunny Days booth will offer auction items and

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raffles in support of Paws to the Rescue/ Marion County Animal shelter. The rural shelter has an operating budget of only $53,000 a year to take care of more 3,000 dogs and cats, and often transports pets to the Charleston area to be saved from euthanasia. Additional Sunny Days events include a Yappy Hour Fundraiser at Mosaic on May 9th, a Yappy Hour at Bohicket Marina on May 16th and a fundraiser at Southend Brewery & Smokehouse on June 16th. Check www.sunnydaysrescuerelief. org for more information on these events as well as which rescue the event will benefit.

Gunselman is also using her professional talents to support the Sunny Days cause.

Teaming up with Lowcountry Dog Magazine, the jewelry designer and publisher Leah England collaborated on a limited 30 piece earring collection. When you choose from three beautiful styles all priced at $35, 70% of every sale goes directly to Sunny Days Rescue Relief and their featured rescue.

England discusses the uniqueness of the creative endeavor, “I get scores of emails from readers asking if they can donate to LCDM to help the rescues and shelters you see in the pages of the magazine.

But without non-profit status myself, I have to turn these people and their good intentions away. Of course I encourage them to donate directly to one of the groups we feature, but many people are daunted by the choice. Choosing only one seems like rejection of the other rescues who do good work.

With the jewelry

line, people can now purchase something beautiful and support a number of area’s rescues at the same time.”

The line, named the True Blue Collection, is inspired by a dog’s unwavering loyalty, the corporate colors of LCDM and the magazine’s mission to be “true blue” for our area’s dogs in need. The three designs are named “The Ashley”, “The Wando” and “The Cooper” as an homage to the bodies of water that surround the Lowcountry.

No paw prints in sight, England explains her decision to keep the designs classic, “I wanted pieces that people could wear every day. Paired with a classic white T-shirt, jeans and a fun pair of shoes, or worn while wearing a cocktail dress, these pieces will shine. And because they aren’t obviously dog related and can be worn so often, I believe they’ll give the wearer more opportunities to share the cause the earrings support. When the baubles are complimented, you’ll have the chance to talk to someone about Sunny Days.”

England goes on to explain that she hopes the 30 pieces sell out quickly and she and Gunselman can work together to expand the collection, “My goal is to sell 30 new pieces every month for 12 months, and to raise more than $8,000 for Sunny Days Rescue Relief. I already see people walking down the street or in restaurants with LCDM in their hands. Now I want to see people wearing our True Blue collection!”

Gunselman is equally excited about the collaborative endeavor. It’s a chance for her creativity to shine while honoring Sunny’s memory. “I used to tuck a flower behind one of Sunny’s ears; you’ll see that in our group’s logo. It was her signature, so it is fitting that an earring collection would further the Sunny Days cause.”

It seems that with Sunny Days Rescue Relief on the scene, local rescues, who work so tirelessly and often without thanks for animals in need, will have additional financial support and exposure in the community. Let’s help them have more sunny days.

To learn more about Sunny Days Rescue Relief visit, www.sunnydaysrescuerelief.org To purchase earrings from the True Blue collection, visit www.TrueBlueCollection.etsy.com Special Thanks to: Our model. Fashion Stylist Andrea Serrano, www.andreaserrano.com. Makeup by Elina Mille of Bellelina, www.bellelina.com. Photography by Olsen Imagery, www.lauraolsen.com

Andrea Serrano, one of Charleston Magazine's "Most Fashionable" is True Blue. Are you?

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Hound mix newborns. Lovingly fostered for Pet Helpers

by Pam & Larry Haskell.

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P Newborns P

There is no

psychiatrist

photography by Laura Olsen Imagery

Puppy

in the World like a

licking your face. - Bern Williams

Megan Scott of FortyLix Kennels graciously allowed us to snuggle with her litter of German Wirehaired Pointer puppies. Right, Inset, Top: a Pet Helpers pup fostered by Brian Foster and Laura Olsen. Right, Inset, Below: The sole surviving Weimaraner of a litter owned by Linda Weick, Teresa Weick Treat & Richard Treat, and Bill Flynn.

She is appropriately named, Hope.

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Top and middle below, shots of the mixed breed foster puppies from "The Folsen Zoo," the home of serial puppy fosters Laura Olsen and Brian Foster. Below, right and left, gorgeous shots of Hope, the baby Weimaraner.

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sniff us out online

Coming to Mt. Pleasant in April!

Paws in Paradise

training articles health & wellness advice new eulogy section features on cool local dogs adoptable dogs

NEW CONTENT EVERY DAY.

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Pet Helpers Adoption Events Every Weekend at 12pm - 4pm 975 Savannah Highway, Charleston (843) 852-4563 wwww.petco.com To find out more about Pet Helpers and the animals available for adoption go to www.pethelpers.org

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happy hounds

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Upload photos of your happy hound at www.lowcountrydog.com/share/photo All breeds and mixed breeds accepted.

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Lowcountrydog

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upcoming events every saturday in the spring and summer. cas adoptable dogs at the marion square farmer’s market. every friday in april, 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th 6:00pm charleston city paper’s 9th annual free movies in marion square. Food from D’Allesandro’s Pizza, Roti Rolls, The Taco Spot, Hello My Name is BBQ, Cory’s Grilled Cheese & O-Ku. Beer from New Belgium Brewery. For movie line-up, call 577-5304 ext 140. Kid friendly and pet friendly, but no outside coolers, please.

april 14th & 15th: 11:00am-5:00pm pet fest and lcdm model contest.

Do you dream of your dog on the cover of Lowcountry Dog Magazine? Now’s your chance! Enter the LCDM model contest at this year’s Pet Fest. It’s a free and fun contest where your dog will meet publisher Leah England and his or her doggie headshot will be taken. Last year 600 dogs vied for the prize! Mark your calendars now for this fun event filled with dog friendly vendors, rescues and shelters, a charity walk, a microchip clinic, frisbee demonstrations, entertainment, food tents and much more. Entry into the event is $5 per person. Palmetto Islands County Park in Mt. Pleasant. www.ccprc.com or (843) 795-4386 for more info.

april 7th 7:00pm dogs with a cause at the river dogs game.

Silent Auction, Raffles and more benefit Sunny Days Rescue Relief. www. sunnydaysrescuerelief.org

april 21st 11:00am-2:00pm greyhound pets of america meet & greet at palmetto paws. Have you been considering adding to your current pack? Looking for a new playmate for your pet? Interested in volunteering for a great cause? This is your opportunity!

Palmetto Paws will be offering a variety of in-store specials for our customers AND a portion of the proceeds for in-store specials will go to the Greyhound group. www.palmettopaws.com

april 27th – 29th 9:00am-4:00pm the charleston dog training club akc agility trials. Dogs will compete on courses including jumps, tunnels, weavepoles, seesaws, and tires.

Wappoo Shelter at James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston Park admission is $1. Spectators and wellbehaved leashed dogs are welcome. Visit www.charlestondogtraining.com or call (843) 696-2892 or karen-w@msn.com for more information.

april 28th 11:00am -2:00pm wild heir labrador rescue meet & greet at palmetto paws. Have you

may 6th 11:00am to 2:00pm st. andrew's parks and paws. Brinker field in W. Ashley (1095 Playground Rd). $3 per dog, owners are free. Many vendors, dog sport demonstrations, food for purchase, and contests. Contact Lindsay at swim@standrewsparks.com for info.

may 9th sunny days rescue relief yappy hour at mosaic. Mt. Pleasant.

Time TBA. www.sunnydaysrescuerelief.org

may 16th sunny days rescue relief yappy hour at bohicket maria.

Time TBA. www.sunnydaysrescuerelief.org

been considering adding to your current pack? Looking for a new playmate for your pet? Interested in volunteering for a great cause? This is your opportunity! Palmetto Paws will be offering a variety of in-store specials for our customers AND a portion of the proceeds for in-store specials will go to Wild Heir. www.palmettopaws.com

may 12th 8:00am 3rd annual leslie mccravy memorial 5K run/ walk. Benefits Pet Helpers. Edwin S.

april 28th 11:ooam-1:oopm veterinary specialty care open house. Come tour the new facility! 985

We are looking for some players to come take part in this fun charity tournament! $100 per player/4 man teams, fee includes 18 tournament round with golf cart, lunch prior to play, tee gift, bevs on course, dinner after play, and prize fund. Dress code: collar shirt required, no jeans, spikeless shoes please. For more information click to http://www.golffusion.com/wescottgolf/ tournaments/upcoming.php?groupId=124

Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mt. Pleasant.

april 29th 11:00am - 4:00pm dog days at mixson.

Park Circle Area, North Charleston. www.

Charlestonanimalsociety.org for more info.

may 5th 9:00am the 8th annual charleston dog show. Marion Square. The Charleston Dog Show promises all of the fun and none of the fuss of a traditional dog show. 14 different classes. Entry fees are $10.00 per dog per class and participants can enter up to 10 minutes prior to each class.

Blessing of the Dogs, Dog Rescue Village, Dog Vendors, Microchipping, Canine Good Citizen Testing, Silent Auction and Obedience Demonstrations. Proceeds support Greyhound Pets of America-Chs Lowcountry Lab Rescue, Rescue Village members and Middleton Place Hounds charlestondogshow.com.

Taylor Fishing Pier in Folly Beach. www. pethelpers.org for registration info.

may 18th 10:30am wescott plantation golf tournament for the animals. Calling all golfers!

may 19th 11:00am-2:00pm lowcountry lab rescue meet & greet at palmetto paws. Have you been considering adding to your current pack? Looking for a new playmate for your pet? Interested in volunteering for a great cause? This is your opportunity! Palmetto Paws will be offering a variety of in-store specials for our customers AND a portion of the proceeds for in-store specials will go to Lowcountry Lab. www.palmettopaws.com Questions? Comments?

Call 843-478-0266.

Want to submit event information?

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

Summer Safety

by Kelly Love, DVM

photo by Flickr User: Cynr, Creative Commons

In beautiful Charleston, the seasons of Spring and Summer give us many opportunities for fun in the out-of-doors with our pets. But there are hidden dangers here in our beloved coastal town.

It’s important to be well aware of these potentially harmful situations so we can avoid a difficult trip to the Emergency Vet. Sago Palm toxicity: Sago palms are a very popular plant in coastal areas. They make for beautiful landscaping but my message to any pet owner would be to dig them up immediately and get rid of them! This is one of the most toxic plant ingestions I see. The results of eating any portion of this plant, with the bulb being the most toxic portion, can involve vomiting and liver failure.

This is an extremely costly case to treat medically and unfortunately, even with the most advanced care, most patients 22

Lowcountrydog

die. If your pet has ingested any portion, have them seen immediately. Your vet will recommend blood work to see if there have been any effects to the liver.

It can, however, take a few days before the liver values change. Even if blood work is normal, any pet that has been exposed to this toxin should be treated medically for hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and upset stomach. Most pets die from ingestion within days, some are treated for weeks before improving.

Please spread the word to any pet owners you know that have this in their yard or are considering landscaping in the future not to have this in their yard.

Heat Stroke: It seems as though this topic is covered every year by veterinary professionals yet we still see heat strokes year after year.

Everyone knows that they can avoid heat

stroke by not leaving their pet in a hot car, not taking them on a run in the heat and humidity, etc. After years of experience though I have learned that these are not the only causes of overheating.

We see a lot of heat related emergencies in the late spring and early summer.

The reason for this is that pets have not acclimated to the heat and humidity yet. I would recommend taking your pet on walks in the evening hours when it is cooler out and learn to read the signs when their pet is tired, don’t push them to walk further than they are used to.

Since pets release heat through their lungs not sweat glands, watch how your pets breathing changes. As pets get warmer, they pant to release excess heat. A normal pant is when their tongue is hanging moderately out of their mouths and in the front of their mouths. The hotter they become, their tongue starts to curl and hang out of the side of their mouths.

Other signs of heat stroke include collapse, glassy eyes, acting dazed or confused, and can also include vomiting or diarrhea. If you see this or suspect your dog is too hot, you should hose them with water and seek veterinary attention. This can be a difficult situation to treat and can be very costly for owners. Heat stroke should not be taken lightly since it can easily be fatal and is usually avoidable.

Boating accidents: Lots of families take their furry friends boating with them. The most common boating related injury we see is the result of a dog jumping from the boat while the propeller is still on. This can cause severe damage to the soft tissues such as the skin, muscles, and vessels.

It can also cause fractures to the bones.

These wounds can be so infected from the bacteria and contaminants in the water we are unable to save the leg.

Tips to avoid this kind of injury include not allowing your dog to jump in the water before the propeller is turned off and has stopped spinning, training your pet to only jump on command, or keeping them leashed and away from the edges of the boat.

Saltwater toxicity: Most owners don’t realize that a fun trip to the beach can be harmful to your Continued on page 27

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The No Fail Recall

by Kristie Allen

photo by Flickr User: Thompson Chan, Creative Commons

I’ve noticed many dog owners are not pleased with their dog’s response to the COME command. I frequently hear remarks like, “he only comes when it is convenient for him.” This means a dog owner did not teach and practice a reliable recall under all circumstances. Teaching a reliable recall takes time, patience and consistency. However, short frequent sessions that always set the dog up for success will create the muscle memory required for a solid recall.

Begin in a setting that has little to no distractions. Distractions can include other pets, kids, or even the TV. You will also need a generous amount of tasty, soft, pea-sized treats. Invest in a long training line, preferably one 30 – 50ft. long. Not a retractable leash, but a long training line your dog can drag around.

Start by building on the basics. Put your dog on a 6 ft. leash, and put him in a sit/ stay. Walk to the end of the leash and give the release command. Encourage him to come to you, and as he moves towards you say the word “Come.” Get excited about it.

Be enthusiastic and make it fun! Once he reaches you, say “good” or “yes” and give lots of yummy treats. Practice this over and over again until you can say the word 24

Lowcountrydog

“Come” and your dog comes to you every single time, with no more than the 6 ft. length of distance.

Now it’s time to work on calling him to come to you when he is not in a sit/stay. If the only way you practice your dog coming to you is from a sit/stay, that is the only context he will understand.

Let’s face it, when your dog is in a Sit/Stay that is typically not when you

need him to come to you.

Still with little to no distraction, and 4-6 ft. of distance, begin calling your dog to come to you when he is interested in something else. Be prepared to reward heavily, and use your leash to guide him to you if need be. The leash is used to encourage him to make a different choice, and/or to lead him back to you so you can continue to teach him the command. It is not a harsh physical correction. Dogs learn by repetition and association. The repetition builds the muscle memory you desire, and the high value rewards build the association that great things happen when he comes to you.

After you have done this from 4-6ft feet for several days move on to 6-8 ft. Don’t increase the distance too quickly at the risk of your dog being unsuccessful. If your dog is unsuccessful at 6 or 8 feet, go back to 5 feet.

Repeat these short sessions several times a day and soon you can begin to add distractions and practice in different environments. Still use your dragline in these settings and always setting the dog up for success. You will soon be able to practice at 10 or 12 feet and different

locations. The dog is ALWAYS rewarded.

Remember, you want to continue to slowly add distance and distraction, but never add them at the same time. Also, don’t go from little to no distractions to the most distracting environment you can find – such as the dog park. Work up to high distracting environments, just as you are working up to increased distance.

You’ll want to start offering real life rewards such as affection, play, a bone, a toy, a walk, a game of fetch, saying Hi to the neighbor, and things he really likes.

It’s important that you intermittently throw in the “jackpot” treat for a better than average response. If his recall was from a longer than average distance or in a high distraction location, don’t hesitate to reward heavily. There must be a reason for the dog to comply and you don’t want the incentive or enthusiasm to wear off.

If your dog bolts out the front door and runs around for a half hour before coming back to you, never punish him for coming back. You may think you are scolding him for bolting out, but your dog will associate the scolding with coming back to you, which can be detrimental to the reliable recall.

Always call your dog to you for things he likes. Every dog is unique, so different dogs enjoy different things.

Some examples may include: meal time, walk time, play time, snuggle time, etc.

Never call your dog to you for things he finds unpleasant such as bath time, nail trimmings, applying ear drops, etc.

One last thing – don’t make a habit of only calling your dog to come from the fenced yard to come inside and end “fun time.” He will begin to associate his coming to you with the end of freedom.

Make a point to call your dog to you while he is out, give a big fat reward for the recall, then give him the freedom to go back and play.

If you devote consistent practice with your recall, are patient and put in the effort, you will soon have a dog that always comes when called. If you try to skip steps and move too quickly, you will have a confused dog and you’ll be frustrated.

Learn more about Kristie Allen and her training techniques at her website, www.thelearningcanine.com

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adoption

Animal Rescue & Relief Animal Rescue & Relief is a non-profit, NO-KILL rescue organization. We strive to make a difference through rescue, rehabilitation, re-homing, disaster work & educating the public. Please contact us for info on adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating. We currently have a variety of animals in need of sponsors to assist with food and medical care.

ANIMAL HOARDING...A term everyone should be familiar with. An Animal Hoarder is someone that accumulates a large number of animals, fails to provide proper food, water, sanitation, space & veterinary care and fails to act on the deteriorating condition of the animals. This often includes dehydration, starvation, infestation of parasites, disease, uncontrolled breeding, etc. ANIMAL HOARDING is a form of animal abuse and is one of the greatest causes of animal suffering in the United States.

Animal Rescue & Relief has one simple request when it comes to people having knowledge of ANY form of Animal Abuse, such as Puppy Mills, Dogfighting or Hoarding: please report it!

Charlie is a gorgeous, 1 year old Terrier Mix. He is sweet but a bit timid. Charlie absolutely loves children and would do best in a home where he gets lots of love and attention. Charlie is neutered, microchipped, and up-todate on routine vaccinations.

Pip is a 9 month old Lab/Hound Mix who is very smart and loves to play. His favorite activities include going to the dog park and playing with others. Pip would be happiest in an active household.

Pip is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on routine vaccinations.

Mingo is a 4 year old Dingo Mix. She is a very happy, sweet dog.

Mingo has come a long way since being rescued by ARR. She would do best in a home where she is the only dog or where her owner is familiar with the Dingo breed.

She can be a bit selective of her doggie friends, but she does have them. Mingo is spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on routine vaccinations.

Huck Fin is an adorable little dog who was recently found at a trash dump site. He is happy-go-lucky and likes other dogs. Huck is neutered, microchipped and up to date on routine vaccinations.

Animal Rescue & Relief PO Box 13477 Charleston, SC 29422 arrinc@yahoo.com www.arrinc2.petfinder.org

Isabella is a 4 year old Pit Bull Terrier who is all love. When Isabella was rescued by ARR she was in pretty bad shape. She had delivered several litters of puppies and did not know the love of humans. Through lots of TLC Isabella has turned out to be a very beautiful and sweet dog. Isabella is spayed, microchipped, and upto-date on routine vaccinations.

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Lowcountrydog

Ezra is a 10 month old Lab/Pit Bull Mix. She is very playful and eager to please. She absolutely adores people. Ezra is spayed, microchipped, and up-to-date on routine vaccinations.

pet, but salt water can cause medical problems. Some pets love to splash around the in ocean. If the salt water is excessively consumed, it can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or even neurologic signs caused by “salt poisoning.� Neurologic signs can include acting drunk, seizures, extreme lethargy, or even coma. This is because the salt in their system begins attracting water. When it attracts excess water to the gut, it causes profuse diarrhea and/ or vomiting. When the salt gets into the bloodstream after being digested, it will start to dehydrate the brain and cause the signs listed above.

This is a medical emergency that needs to be treated by your vet immediately!

Most vomiting and diarrhea will be self limiting but the neurologic condition can be deadly. One way to try avoid problems is by bringing a bottle of water for your dog to drink while they are at the beach so they are less tempted to drink the salt water.

Another problem seen from swimming in the ocean can be pneumonia. While a dog is swimming they may get some salt water in their lungs. Since the water has a heavy salt concentration, it will attract fluid into the lungs and can basically cause a drowning situation in which the lungs are filled with fluid.

This is again a medical emergency which should receive immediate treatment.

A less common problem we see after a day at the beach is sand impaction.

As pets ingest sand or ocean water they can have sand settle in their stomach or intestinal tract. This can cause vomiting and sometimes an obstruction in the intestinal tract in which the sand settles and food or water cannot pass through.

Diagnosis of this condition and is treated medically or, sometimes, is done by taking a radiograph of the abdomen and is treated medically or, sometimes, surgically. Feel free to let your pets have fun on the beach, just use caution and watch them closely.

Originally from Charleston, Dr. Kelly Anne Love earned her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. She worked for Veterinary Specialty Care before moving to Wilmington, NC to continue working in emergency and critical care medicine. She rejoined our team at VSC in June of 2010 to head up the 24 hour emergency service in Mount Pleasant.

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