April/May 2013

volume 9, issue 3

magazine

TM

april/may 2013

mental agility opening our eyes to animal cruelty trips with pets give me shelter

´ Bone Appeti� top chefs

top dogs

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

contents

Advertising Information (843) 284-3094 Communications Gillian Nicol gillian@lowcountrydog.com Contributing Writers Sarah Kalnajs Kelly Rae Smith Denise K. James Staff Photographers Laura Olsen www.lauraolsen.com Dana Cubbage www.danacubbagephotography.com Guest Photographer Olivia Rae James www.oliviaraejames.com Accounting Carrie Clark Financial Services (843) 367-9969 carriecl@comcast.net Lowcountry Dog Magazine PO Box 22 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 Web: lowcountrydog.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/leahengland Facebook: facebook.com/lowcountrydog This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper.

Continue the green process by recycling this copy.

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.

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.

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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april/may 2013 fido’s friends 4 Capers Landrum staying gold 6 mental agility 8 goose creek dogs 10 bone appetit 14 calendar of events 21 training 22 Trips with Pets health & wellness 24 Preventing Infectious Disease give me shelter 26

Chef Parker, of the Old Village Post House, and his two dogs Dolce and Tia grace this issue's cover. Cover and last table of contents photo by Olivia Rae James. First table of contents photo by Laura Olsen. Middle Table of Contents photo by Dana Cubbage.

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Occupation: Owner of Landrum Tables & Father Dogs in Household: Two Na med: Rosie and Skeet Lives: West Ashley

F ido’s Friends: Capers Cauthen

photos by Laura Olsen Imagery

1. What’s the best thing about owning a dog? Unconditional love 2. What do you find the most frustrating about your dog, or struggle with as a dog owner ?

A dirty floor.

3. All time favorite memory of your dog? Coming home to a bed, couch and two love seats completely destroyed with their stuffing littered throughout the house.

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

Riding around on a Saturday morning in my truck with the dogs in the passenger seat.

5. With what aspect of your dog’s personality do you most identify? Their ability to vocalize what they want.

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6. In your opinion, what’s the one item all dog owners must have? A dog bed… every dog needs their own space.

7. If your dog were some other sort of animal, what would he be? Not sure about Rosie, but Skeeter would be a rat.

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

Don’t let old age get your spirits down or keep you from eating whatever you want for that matter!

9. How do you KNOW you and your dog are best friends? I look forward to seeing them everyday when I get home from work . They are at my heels everywhere I turn when I am home.

10. What’s your favorite thing about Lowcountry Dog Magazine? It is a testament that we all love dogs!!

Lowcountrydog

5

Staying Gold

by Randy Shelley

"Hap" on a happy day.

I doubt that Robert Frost ever owned a golden retriever. If he had, his poem Nothing Gold Can Stay would likely have never been written. In 2005 I adopted a golden retriever from a rescue center in Charleston, South Carolina. He was about a year or so old, “a stray for whom no one searched” was the only information they gave me.

I cannot imagine why. He was the type of dog that could probably make friends with a rattlesnake, fat as butter and with a personality like the 4th of July. I named him Jed. Jed undoubtedly had the IQ of a box of doughnuts, but he was happy – probably happier than most of us will ever be. He just wanted to be wherever I was.

Jed knew how to entertain a crowd. Whether it was casually crashing through a screen door at a dinner party, chasing a neighbor’s cat across the golf course, or winning a pie-eating contest at a fundraiser, he always left us wanting more. Jed was my chunky golden meatball and required my attention and affection on a near constant basis.

Jed was the first dog I’d ever had on my own. I knew the love affair would not last forever, but I never expected to lose him so young. Not long after his 7th birthday he began to limp and then knuckle over.

Jed’s mobility became heartbreaking to watch. We traveled across the Carolinas seeking a cure. There never was a clear diagnosis, but it was decided that he had an untreatable neuromuscular disorder similar to Lou Gehrig’s disease. Eventually Jed’s body just shut down completely.

I did not know how to live without a dog. They were always a part of my household growing up, and Jed was like my first born child. We’d hiked along the Appalachian Trail together and fished every creek on the South Edisto River. Our legs ate up a lot of miles together and now we faced our longest walk – separation.

A few months passed and the void was just too much for me. I had to get another dog. It was the only thing that would make me happy.

But what kind... I didn’t want to be one of those people that went

out and got an exact replica of their last dog. I spent weeks combing through breeder profiles and searching online shelter registries.

Finally I decided that another golden was the only answer. I only had one stipulation – it had to be a female. Contrast was a necessity.

I found a breeder outside of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was expecting a litter in a few weeks and assured me that she would pair me up with the right dog based on a puppy questionnaire I filled out. I didn’t check any of the boxes for preferences in regard to my need for a birdie dog, a water dog, or a show dog. I only checked “other” and next to it I wrote female, companion dog.

When the litter arrived the breeder called me out of breath as if she’d birthed the pups herself. With twenty five years of breeding experience she had never seen a litter so big. The mother had ten puppies and only one baby girl. Although some of her other clients had requested a female she wanted me to have her. It was fate, the only time in my life I’d gotten the girl.

Photos were emailed and I spent hours watching the pups tussle around on a web cam for the first eight weeks. I began reading books on the do’s and don’ts of dog training and spent my weekends in pet stores picking out toys and orthopedic bedding. I felt like an expecting father. When it finally came time to bring her home everything was in place, except a name. It had never occurred to me how difficult it would be to name a female dog. All of the traditional names were taken by friends – Maggie, Sadie, Lily, Daisy, etc. I probably had a list of a hundred names for male dogs that I liked, but could not settle on naming my new puppy after a flower or waitress. Eventually, I went with “Hap.” Not short for happy, just plain ole Hap. It seemed fitting.

My plans to train the perfect dog went out the window almost immediately. By the time we reached the end of the breeder’s driveway Hap was singing the most tortured tune to ever to meet my ears. And she had pooped in her car crate. I stopped at the first gas station and threw the crate in a dumpster. It was clear that Hap was

continued on page 29 6

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Mental Agility

for a Well-Behaved Dog

by Sarah Kalnajs B.A., CDBC, CPDT-KA Most pet owners know the importance of physical exercise for their dogs. Physical activity helps keep our pets in good health and provides them with a wider world to explore than just home and yard.

What many pet owners don’t realize is that mentally-stimulating activities are just as important as physical exercise for the health and behavioral wellbeing of our four-legged friends. Dogs are scavengers who evolved to solve problems. If we don’t give them appropriate problems to solve, they’ll find some other outlet for their instincts such as redecorating your living room, emptying your trash bins, or nibbling the heels off your favorite pair of shoes.

There are several reasons why dogs (or their owners) may not be able to enjoy daily outdoor exercise. Health problems or bad weather can keep us indoors for days or weeks at a time. In fact, in my practice I often see an increase in behavior problems towards the end of our long, icy winters that I can only attribute to “cabin fever”.

Behavior problems are another reason why some dogs are not able to get outside much. If your dog lunges at other dogs or people on walks, you may need to curtail outdoor excursions to prevent the problem from getting worse.

On the other hand, even dogs that get lots of physical activity need daily mental stimulation. Luckily, there are many ways to help your dog practice “mental agility” that can be fun for the two of you.

Let’s start with a dog’s keen sense of smell. Dogs have roughly 250 million scent receptors compared with our paltry 5 million, yet we typically do very little to exercise this faculty: we feed them out of bowls instead of making them scavenge, we’ll point to a piece of food that we dropped on the floor instead of letting 8

Lowcountrydog

them find it, and we discourage them from stopping to sniff when we take them on walks.

One of my favorite mentally-stimulating activities is called “Hide the Cookie”. This game will thoroughly exercise one of the largest parts of your dog’s brain, the one connected to his nose. To play the game, put your dog in another room or outside then take 20 small pieces of treat and hide them all over the house - anywhere you don’t mind him putting his nose. I like Solid Gold Tiny-Tot treats for this purpose because they break easily into pea-sized pieces. To make the game somewhat challenging don’t just drop the treats on the floor - he is already accustomed to searching there. Instead, put them on the bottom rungs of chairs, edges of radiators, bottom shelves of bookcases, under his toys, and so on. After the treats are hidden bring your dog back into the house. Help him learn the game by moving from treat to treat while encouraging him to “Find the cookie!”. Stand near each treat until he finds it, but don’t point – that would make it too easy. Once he catches on your dog will excitedly begin using his long-dormant scent receptors. Think of it as “doggie calculus” – it is so mentally stimulating that it will leave your dog tired and happy when he’s done.

The next time you play this game you may only need to say “Find the cookie!” once to get him started. You can also play “Hide the Cookie” with multiple dogs. Just

hide more treats (20 per dog).

There are many other ways to play this scenting game. In snowy climates you can put a handful of treats into a half-dozen plastic water bottles, bury them in the snow up to their necks, then set your dog loose to find them. If you have a fenced yard you can scatter your dog’s food like birdseed and have him scavenge for it. Be creative! Any sort of hide-and-seek game, especially one that involves the use of scent will provide a good outlet for your dog’s problem-solving instincts, and will help reduce behavior problems such as excessive barking, inappropriate chewing, and anxiety.

If you prefer ready-made puzzles, there are some excellent choices on the market such as the Busy Buddy line by Premier Pet Products, the Everlasting line by Triple Crown, and many others.

Not all mental agility toys are treatrelated. There are other types of puzzles that will appeal to dogs who love balls or squeak toys. The most sophisticated mental stimulation puzzles are those made by Nina Ottosson. Featuring sliding panels, removable pegs, and spinning disks that hide small pockets loaded with treats – these puzzles can challenge even the smartest dog.

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9

Animal Abuse in the Lowcountry

Opening Our Eyes

by Denise K. James

The old agreement about a dog being "man's best friend" has its own guidelines and stipulations just as a friendship between two human beings does. Like any friendship, the one between man and beast depends on trust, consideration and treating one another with kindness and respect.

But what happens when the terms of these delicate relationships are violated in a most frightening manner? Pay a visit to the Doc Williams animal shelter, and a group of dogs fighting to regain their strength and wellbeing can show you.

The "Goose Creek Dog Massacre," as the incident has been dubbed in local news sources, involved the grisly deaths of over two hundred dogs, and the marginal survival of 45. It's unclear as to what, exactly, happened to these dogs; at this time, no one has been named guilty in the case, though a Goose Creek man named Loney Garrett was arrested. Still, there are important lessons to learn from this sad story, and residents of the Lowcountry who love animals and fight for their rights should be aware.

Michelle Reid, Executive Director of Animal Rescue and Relief, said that her organization had been receiving anonymous phone calls, beginning in January, about the particular area where the dogs were discovered. Finally, the organization pinpointed the location where 45 dogs were more than ready to be rescued.

"With each phone call, we got closer to where the problem was taking place," Reid said. "We then got in touch with the Berkeley County sheriff's department and went out there to remove the 45 living dogs. Over 200 did not survive. It took about 12 hours to remove not only the living dogs but also the remains of the deceased animals, as evidence in this case.

We had about ten volunteers help us with the job, including veterinarians and vet techs."

The 45 dogs were not in the best of shape - many were malnourished, afflicted with heart and stomach worms, parasites, open wounds and showing other signs of neglect and abuse. Today, these dogs are being housed at the Doc Williams SPCA. Animal Rescue & Relief is meeting their medical needs as they recover.

"We partnered with Doc Williams. We don't have a shelter of our own, so we needed a place for these dogs to stay," said Reid.

"The shelter agreed to house the animals for us, and, because we don't want to impact other animals living there, Animal Rescue & Relief is delivering extra food, cages, anything that 10

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helps, in addition to medicine for the dogs. We are there every day."

Animal lovers have long wondered when the proper legislation will mean harsher consequences for those who abuse and neglect animals. Kimberly Kelley, South Carolina director of the Humane Society, is hopeful that legislation on these dogs' (and on other animals') behalf will soon be a reality.

"We are currently working on legislation that will do more to protect animals from this kind of cruelty," Kelley said. "This bill will increase the fines and the jail time involved, depending on the number of animals. More than 25 animals equal a felony."

Though Kelley and the Humane Society did not work directly with the Goose Creek Massacre, Kelley feels compassion for the 45 surviving dogs. During our conversation, she urged me to visit them at the shelter.

"The dogs at the shelter are hopefully going to recover, and it's good to go show them some love," she remarked. "They need to know that human beings can be kind-hearted and loving."

Sadly, according to Reid, a case of animal abuse this gruesome also means trouble for other members of a family; in fact, the Animal Rescue & Relief team has discovered cases of human abuse in the same vicinities where 12

Lowcountrydog

animals are suffering.

"We deal strictly with the abuse and neglect of animals, but our cases can often lead to instances of spousal and child abuse as well," Reid explained. "Thus, we work closely with DSS and the police to make sure instances like that are addressed when they are found. If someone is hostile to an animal, it often points to other problems; abuse goes hand in hand."

Reid's hope is that people will understand from this horrific incident that animal suffering goes on in silence a great deal of the time, if people do not do anything to stop it. Though the 45 dogs currently in custody are eligible to be adopted after the case is closed, Reid and the Animal Rescue & Relief team urge us all to remember those who did not make it and not to let their deaths be in vain.

"If we don't have the information we need to find the animals and get them out of grim situations, we often hit a dead end," she said. "People absolutely must speak up. It's the most important lesson here."

Besides providing care for the 45 dogs housed at Doc Williams, Michelle and her team have established a hotline in order to collect donations for the Goose Creek dogs, and to encourage concerned neighbors to call in if they sense anything suspicious regarding animal abuse. Animal Rescue and Relief is not exclusive to dogs, of course, but to any kind of animal, from horses and cats to exotic birds and reptiles.

"You can call our hotline to make donations for the dogs' medicine and food, and you can report animal abuse," Reid said.

"Just be on the lookout; that's what people need to learn from this."

Keep up to date on the case and donation needs at www.arrinc2.petfinder. com and www.facebook.com/animalrescuerelief

photo by EuroMagic

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13

BoneAppeti� ´ top chefs

top dogs

photos by Olivia

Rae James text by Kelly Rae Smith Dottie enjoys her daily walks with Jeremiah and Liz Bacon.

“It’s a whole lifestyle,” Liz Bacon, wife of The Macintosh and Oak Steakhouse Executive Chef, Jeremiah Bacon, says of the relationship with their dog, Dottie, as we convene on their front porch by the Ashley River. Dottie, a two-year-old English bulldog with sloppy kisses, has been theirs ever since she was “a wrinkly potato.”

“If you’re as busy as Jeremiah,”Liz says, “it forces you to take time away, and this is probably true for a lot of people— you just get caught up in the grind. But now we can’t even remember what life was like before Dottie.”

Anyone who wonders if they’re too busy to ever own a dog should look no further than the examples set by some of the city’s finest chefs, some of whom have built hugely successful businesses from scratch in remarkably short amounts of time.

They’re preoccupied with everything from getting nominated for national awards to moving houses to getting married—not to mention the demanding hours required to run a kitchen. Chefs take on unsightly schedules no one could envy, yet they aren’t too busy to turn their attentions to their number-one fans: their pups.

“Having a busy business along with a dog—it really forces you to gear it down, which is really good,” says Chef Bacon, a James Beard Award semifinalist for The Macintosh for two years running—quite the feat for a restaurant that only opened a little over a year and a half ago. “Every morning, I take Dottie for a walk before I leave for work, and being able to stop and do that is the fun part.”

Dottie, who loves her skateboard and her collection of plush dollies, was also a fun part of the Bacon union itself. As ring bearer, she dutifully walked down the aisle last April, but that wasn’t her only contribution. “When we got engaged, I put the ring on her collar. I’d been trying to do it for a week, and finally one night we were at home and kind of hanging out and having a glass of wine, and she noticed it and said, ‘There’s something on her harness. Why don’t go you see what it is?’

I said ‘Well, why don’t you see what it is!’”

And as you guessed, the rest is history.

Chef Josh Keeler of Two Boroughs Larder knows all about incorporating a four-legged friend into his personal life, as well as the

life of his business. The face of the downtown restaurant that he and his wife, Heather, run together is actually their seven-year-old Corgi, Walter. And since the restaurant has enjoyed a profound amount of success in its first year and a half, this means that Walter is a pretty popular guy now, too.

“He’s our mascot,” Chef Keeler tells me during a family outing one sunny afternoon in Hampton Park. “He’s on the T-shirts, hats, stickers, koozies. He was even at our grand opening, along with our Walter T-shirts.”

It’s true. Wherever you see Two Boroughs Larder branding, there you’ll also find Walter. That signature black and white face is on their magnets, the “Chick Magnet” to be exact, and TBL fans can also buy tees that read, “Walter saves room for dessert.” He actually owns his own little doggie tee but they say it’s more of muscle shirt when worn on his stout little 50-pound frame.

I look at Walter in his adorable blue bandana and wonder if he has any idea of the integral part he plays in this couple’s livelihood.

He just lies there in the grass and smiles back. “This is as excited as he gets,” Josh tells me. “He’s just like—he doesn’t care. He’s really laid back. And he doesn’t bark. He’s barked like four times in the last month.”

They’ve had Walter now for two years, adopted originally in Athens. Back then, his name was Happy, and “Happy” won the Keelers over when they saw the Humane Society’s cute video of him playing to the tune of one ridiculously cheesy song. And since they’d been looking for a Corgi to fit in well with both their pet cat, Indica, Lowcountrydog

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Lowcountrydog

Walter gets a lift from Josh and Heather Keeler.

as well as their hectic lifestyle, they knew Walter was the one.

“He’s definitely the ideal dog,” Josh says, “especially for someone who has such a busy schedule. He really is the most relaxed, perfect dog” Of course, The Post House’s Chef Forrest Parker would say the same of his dogs—except they’re probably not of the most relaxed nature. You see, they’re both Chihuahuas.

“With Chihuahuas, it’s a constant battle of wills,” Parker says to me as we stroll down Legare Street.

“They’re bound and determined to have the last word.”

Parker and his now-newlywed rescued their teacup Chihuahuas, Dolce and Tia, about four years ago when they lived in Nashville. Her sons had recently lost their dog and were understandably crushed. Chihuahuas were mentioned and the next thing they knew, the family had grown by two.

A couple of years later, they decided to relocate to Charleston, where Chef Parker had already laid some culinary roots years back. Parker became executive chef at the Post House in Mt Pleasant in January of last year; but despite the both personal as well as professional changes that consumed his life for a spell, he managed to keep it together thanks to the love of Dolce and Tia. “I absolutely think it’s therapeutic,” Parker says. “It makes me much more of a mild-mannered person to work with in the kitchen. They’re just your best friends ever. Especially working the hours I do; there are plenty of times when you don’t have the companionship or the interaction with people that you normally would. Even after the last guest has left, I’m still looking at hours of administrative work, prep work, and so on.”

But there’s plenty of companionship when he gets

Forrest Parker poses with an armful of Dolce and Tia.

Addie clearly adores Chef Neuville.

18

Lowcountrydog

home. Parker explains that Dolce and Tia are the first things he sees when he actually gets up in the morning, and the last that he sees before he falls asleep after work. But when he’s off, they head outside.

“We’re right on the marsh,” he says, “and there’s always some kind of microcosmic source of amusement there. It’s not the frontier or anything but there’s squirrels and birds, and the best entertainment is to watch them light up when a squirrel comes by us. There’s just nothing like having a dog, just being able to play is great.”

No one wants to have all work and no play—just ask Chef Fred Neuville of the Fat Hen on John’s Island. When he’s not busy creating masterpiece meals at work, he and his wife and two labs like to do everything together from camping to gardening to trips to the beach. The couple welcomes the newfound fun in their household after a hard 2012.

“We lost both of our 14-year-old lab rescues last fall to cancer,” Neuville says. “We have been fostering George since January and decided to adopt him, and Addie was adopted in February.”

After a little bit of coaxing to get George out of his shell, the pups are now thriving with the new family. But they aren’t the only ones benefitting from the relationship.

“Well it really makes you think about others more,” Neuville says. “They depend on you. They make my life happier because they are always so happy to see you when you come home. And they do silly things that make me laugh!”

He claims that Addie loves everything and hates nothing.

George prefers remote controls to thunderstorms, and they both benefit not from the chef’s gourmet know-how, but from that of his wife.

“She makes their dog food in the crock pot! When George moved in, we had to coax him to eat. He was very thin and had skin problems so my wife started making their food. Now he loves to eat, is normal weight, and his skin is clearing up.”

Sounds like another dog we met earlier. Dottie, the dog so lucky as to wind up with a last name like Bacon, gets more than your average scraps, too.

“We spoil her pretty good,” Chef Bacon says, referring to the quality steaks he prepares.

“She’ll just sit in the kitchen, watching you, and she’ll start drooling.”

Who can blame her?

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happy hounds

winnie

koenig gets an earful

cooper buddy hannah

meemo gracie marnie sawyer jasmine

lola luce

NON PA*REIL Photography

peyton

henry

stuie

ben

penny lane

caroline

chole

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

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upcoming events every saturday & sunday pet helpers adoptions at petco, west ashley. www.pethelpers.org every saturday cas adopt-a-thon at petsmart mt pleasant. www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

every sunday in april and may 4:00pm pet safety sundays. Enjoy this FREE monthly lecture series provided

by Dr. Carrie Davis, ER veterinarian. Topics include "Basic First Aid and CPR" and "Dog Bite Prevention" Veterinary Specialty Care 985 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464. RSVP to Donna @ 843-216-7554

april 13th-14th 11:00-5:00pm pet fest at palmetto islands county park. A two-day event, Pet Fest provides an opportunity for local pet organizations and businesses to showcase their causes, products and services in a fun, pet-friendly environment. Leashed pets are welcome with their owners! Or, come to the festival in search of your new best friend from local rescue groups, who will have adoptable animals on site.

Highlights include: K9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs and Dock Diving · Lowcountry Dog Magazine’s Cover Model Contest·Pet Contests · Swift Paws Lure Chasing · FlyBall dogs demonstrations · Live music · STARR Team Demonstrations · K-9 Good Citizens Test · Animal ER: Interactive Vet Experience. Admission: $5 per day. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the event. Children 12 and under, Gold Pass Holders and leashed pets are free. For further information call 843-795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com/petfest.

april 27th 8:00am the charleston dog show at marion square. A friendly canine fun event for Lowcountry dogs and their families—presented by South Carolina Bank and Trust (SCBT), The Charleston Dog Show celebrates its tenth year. Welcoming dogs of all breeds, rescues, pound puppies and pedigrees, The Charleston Dog Show promises all of the fun and none of the fuss of a traditional

dog show. Founded by Middleton Place Hounds—in partnership with Greyhound Pets of America/Charleston and The Rescue Village participants —dogs of all shapes, sizes, talents and tails are invited to show off style, form, personality and showmanship in 13 different classes.

Spectators’ favorites include the Sporting Dog, Toy Dog, Heinz 57, Children’s Handling, Puppy, Senior, Costume, and the “RESCUE” classes. Entry fees are $10.00 per dog per class and participants can enter up to 10 minutes prior to each class.

Registration begins at 8am and the show begins at 9am. www.charlestondogshow. com

may 11th: 11:00am-2:00pm carolina boxer rescue meet and greet at palmetto paws. Raffle and partial proceeds benefit the rescue. 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd. www.cbr.homestead.com

may 11th 12:00pm-3:00pm frw spca adoptathon at petland. 975 Bacons Bridge Rd. 843-419-6548 Foster Pets & Shelter Pets are welcome

may 18th: 11:00am-2:00pm phoenix rising border collie rescue meet and greet at palmetto paws.

Raffle and partial proceeds benefit the rescue. 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd. www. prbcr.org

may 4th: 11:00am-2:00pm bark (bone-a-fide aussie rescue krewe) meet and greet at palmetto paws. Raffle and partial proceeds benefit

may 18th 4:00pm-6:00pm habitat for humanity block party with frw spca adoptathon. Corey Woods

the rescue. 976 Houston Northcutt Blvd www.seaussierescue.org

Habitat Block. Foster Pets & Shelter Pets are Welcome. www.summervillespca.com

may 4th star therapy dog workshop at the franke of seaside. This one-day workshop will introduce you to the wide variety of opportunities in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and other venues.

With this overview, you will be able to decide whether therapy work is right for you, and what type of facility might be a good match. Pre-registration is required, and the workshop cost is $35.00 per dog/ handler team. Contact Cynthia King at 843-884-5385 or Barbara Dengler at 843-8498201 for further information.

may 4th 8:00am-10:00am. charleston animal society low cost rabies vaccinations.

Vaccinations will be available at the discounted rate of $10 at the shelter, located at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston. The vaccination drives will run from 8 to 10 AM and all pet owners are eligible. Dogs should be on leashes and cats should be in carriers. www. charlestonanimalsociety.org

april 20th-21st 9:00am to 5:00pm daily lcdm hosts deciphering the canine code with sarah kalnajs. Sarah Kalnajs, internationally renowned certified canine behaviorist and dog trainer, comes to Charleston to help us Break the Canine Code. This seminar will offer insight into dog-to-dog, dog-to-human, and human-to-dog communication. Trident Technical College Click to www.lowcountrydog. ticketbud.com/caninecode for tickets. *IAABC CEU credits: 6 per day, 12 total **CCPDT CEU Credits: 7 per day, 14 credits total.

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.

Trips with Pets

by Jill Lundgrin Many people give little thought when planning a trip with their dog. However, there are things you can do in advance to make the trip less stressful for you and your dog.

First determine if your dog is even capable of travelling. Would it be better to leave him at home with a licensed pet sitter or have him stay in a boarding kennel?

If so, know that most boarding facilities require proof of current vaccinations and protection against kennel cough. Check the requirements for the place where you want to leave your dog and allow plenty of time to reserve a spot.

DEALING WITH ANXIETY If your dog shows signs of anxiety such as panting, pacing, shaking, hyperarousal, salivation, vomiting, urination or defecation during short trips around town, then address his anxiety before your long trip. Your veterinarian may prescribe medication. Given enough lead-time, a trainer can often help your dog become more relaxed.

Also consider your dog may have a different reaction to travelling if you switch vehicles. Your dog might be fine 22

Lowcountrydog

Photo by alee_04 Flickr Creative Commons

getting into your everyday get-aroundtown vehicle, but he may surprise you once you switch the environment and want him to get into a large truck or motor home. If you think this might happen, take him around some larger vehicles making the experience positive.

Playing classical music can have a calming effect.

Through a Dog’s Ear, Driving Edition is specially designed to ease a dog’s anxiety through the arrangement of the piano selections.

Other items that address stress are Calming Caps, Thundershirts, scented collars and aromas to help calm your dog. It’s best to place these items on the dog during times he is already calm so he associates them with calmness. Then apply when your dog is calm about an hour before you leave the home.

SAFETY MEASURES Most dogs today have microchips.

Make sure your address is current with the pet’s ID (microchip and/or tags).

Also take a picture and have detailed information on your dog’s height, weight, special markings and health information (vet record – with current vaccinations, including rabies). Keep this information current and with you during your trip and keep a copy at home with your important papers. You never know when your pet may accidently slip away from you. Some electronic media are supplying apps where you can keep track of your dog if he gets away. This may be worth the investment prior to a trip. Dogs get lost all the time, even with ID, and never return to the owners – and that’s locally!

Travel with a leash and flat buckle collar

(which might also have the pet’s ID). Many people prefer to use Flexi-leads which have their advantages, but more than once, I’ve seen these leads break, so don’t risk it.

My preferences are to use 6’ and 20’ cloth leads. Carrying some old towels and paper towels for rainy days is useful, too.

Recent studies by the Center for Safety have shown the harnesses they tested to secure dogs in vehicles did not perform as expected. I recommend securing your dog in a crate that is durable (plastic or metal) and large enough for your dog to stand and turn around in. It should be well ventilated, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent airflow blockage, preferably with handles, free of interior protrusions, and have a leak-proof bottom with a comfortable pad, preferably without foam if your dog might chew the bedding. A removable pad cover is useful when the bedding needs to be laundered.

If travelling by plane or going on a cruise, you’ll need to check their specific requirements for crates. Many airlines do not allow dogs to travel when it’s too hot or too cold. You can give the dog something to chew on, such as a Kong filled with peanut butter, to keep him occupied in his crate.

Instruct children not to tease the dog in the crate. To train a dog to a crate, try the simple act of putting their food into their crate at mealtimes. A trainer can help you with other ideas.

Never leave the dog unattended in a closed vehicle. Remember: a 70-degree temperature is too hot for your dog in the car. If the outside temperature is 75 degrees, it’s 118 degrees in the car!

HEALTHY & HAPPY If you plan to travel in the mountains, and this is a new experience, your dog may become car sick on the curvy roads. Let you dog travel on an empty stomach, keep him well-ventilated, and try to avoid any sudden stops.

Allow travel time to include regular potty stops for your dog. Give him a chance to exercise and to drink water you’ve carried from home. Be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your pet; carry some poop bags attached to your leash or in the crate to make it easier. Also watch that your dog doesn’t pick up toxic elements (such as gum) from the ground. continued on page 27

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23

Avoiding Infectious Disease

is another contagious disease that is spread through the saliva and blood of infected animals. This is something every animal should be vaccinated against as the disease is fatal. Your veterinarian may recommend a one year or three year vaccination.

There are several diseases that can be spread through fleas and ticks. Most of these diseases affect different aspects of blood profiles. However, there are some diseases spread by ticks that can cause fever, lethargy, and/or limping.

There are a wide variety of preventative medications which can be used to protect your dog against these parasites. It is very important to discuss which products are safest for your particular dog and which will be most effective. There are several over the counter products to choose from as well, but these are not usually as effective and can cause severe problems in some animals.

Lastly, Heartworm Disease is a big problem in the southeastern United States.

It is spread by mosquitos. All it takes is your dog being bitten by a mosquito that has been infected with the larval stage of the worm by feeding on an infected dog.

Just as with flea and tick prevention, there is a variety of heartworm preventions to choose from. Most are given on a monthly basis. Talk with your veterinarian about which is the safest and most effective for your dog.

This is just a brief synopsis of some of the more common or prevalent infectious diseases that your dog may be exposed to.

The most important aspect of decreasing the likelihood of your dog becoming infected is preventative care. Every dog lives a different lifestyle, and therefore may be at a higher risk for certain diseases.

Your veterinarian is the best person to help guide you as to how to best protect your dog. He/she will develop a safe and effective plan to keep your pet healthy and disease free.

Drs. Klein and Smith are lead veterinarians at Olde Towne Veterinary Clinic, www. charlestonvetclinic.com

by Dr. Kelli Klein and Dr. Cynthia Smith

There are a large number of infectious diseases that your dog is exposed to just by walking down the street. There are simple steps to take to minimize the likelihood of your dog becoming infected by one of these diseases.

Tracheobronchitis (commonly referred to as “kennel cough�) is a highly contagious disease that is spread by nasal secretions. Meaning when an infected dog coughs, sneezes, or even breathes around another dog they have the potential to infect that dog. Kennel Cough can be caused by bacteria and/or viruses. Many of these pathogens may also survive on fomites; meaning if a person is around an infected dog they can carry the disease causing bacteria/virus on their clothes, shoes, hands, etc and spread it to another dog just by being around them. Dogs that are at high risk may go to grooming facilities, doggie daycare, frequent trips to the veterinarian, and/or dog parks.

We certainly do not want to stop taking our dogs to these places and there are things that can be done to minimize risk of infection. There is a vaccine which protects against these pathogens. We strongly recommend the vaccine be given at least once every year but every six months is even better for protection. No vaccine prevents disease 100%, but by keeping up with this vaccine you decrease the chance of your dog becoming infected and lessen the severity of clinical signs if they are infected. Signs of kennel cough in your dog include lethargy, a dry/hacking cough, and possibly a fever.

Canine parvo virus is another highly contagious disease that unvaccinated puppies can become infected with. It is spread mainly through feces.

The virus is very virulent and can survive in the environment for months to years.

A diluted bleach solution is needed to kill the virus. This disease can be fatal if 24

Lowcountrydog

not diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Puppies need to receive a series of vaccinations as they grow and finish this series between four and six months of age.

Until the vaccination series is complete your puppy is not completely protected against this disease. Signs of parvo include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, blood in the stool, and lethargy. You should see your veterinarian right away if your puppy shows any of these signs.

There are several pathogens that can infect the gastrointestinal tract of your dog. Giardia, Coccidia, and Candida are a few of these. They are not common in healthy, adult, house pets but any dog has the potential to contract these pathogens. They are all spread through infected fecal material. All that has to happen is a dog can walk through an area where infected feces has been present and they then lick their feet and have the potential to become infected. All of these diseases can be treated successfully by your veterinarian.

Leptosporosis is a bacteria which can lead to kidney and liver disease. If your dog becomes infected with this disease and it goes untreated it can be fatal.

This bacteria is transmitted through the urine of infected wild animals (raccoons, squirrels, mice and other rodents, deer, skunks, feral dogs, etc). This disease can also be transmitted to people that may handle infected urine. There is a vaccine to protect against this disease but it is not given to all dogs because of risk of reaction.

Your veterinarian will help you decide if your dog is at a high risk of contracting the disease and from there can decide if he/ she needs to be vaccinated. Clinical signs of lepto are extremely variable. You may notice vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, a yellow tinge to the skin color, increase or decrease in water consumption or urination, etc.

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Lowcountrydog

25

Paws and Think: Addressing the Issue with Strays

By Denise K. James

Jessie Anderso n-Berens

TV Pilot Spotlights Local Animal Advocates

When Jessie Anderson-Berens was a child, she wanted to be a photographer for National Geographic. Eventually she chose a different path, becoming a producer, editor and the owner of Palmetto Coast Media, a full service video production company based here in Charleston. With her current project, Give me Shelter, Jessie married her skills as a producer with the interest she’s had in animals since her youth.

Give Me Shelter is a 13 episode reality show about the lives of committed animal welfare advocates and the process of rescuing animals. Touted as “Animal Cops” meets “From Underdog to Wonderdog, ” the production tells the incredible story of Pet Helpers. From rescuing imperiled animals

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in our local community, saving pets from euthanasia in shelters from other areas, to the amazing recovery of a severely abused and neglected animal, the audience will witness life and work within a no-kill shelter.

“The series’ central focus is compassion and courage in the face of callousness and cruelty,” says Anderson-Berens. “It is a series that highlights just how much good people can do, even in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds.” While the series will certainly educate viewers on the horrors of animal cruelty and teach what can be done to prevent such tragedies, the series presents shelters as cheerful places with happy endings. “We want to encourage people to donate their time and money to a shelter. Each episode is crafted to end on a positive note, ” cites Anderson-Berens.

Another goal of the show is to showcase the successes of a no-kill facility, and encourage other shelters to make the shift.

The production crew is currently filming new episodes while they shop the pilot to networks. Some European networks are already showing interest, and AndersonBerens feels confident she will ink a deal with a network for distribution within the next few

Jessie Anderson -Berens months.

“Our team has great success already with the series, ‘Rescue Vet,’ currently playing on Discovery Europe, Animal Planet HD UK, France Direct 8, National Geographic Mundo and Hulu, so it’s only a matter of time.” In the meantime, Pet Helpers benefits from the production crew’s presence because Palmetto Coast Media provides them with video segments they for use in their own marketing and capitol fundraising. “The Pet Helpers staff is going out of their way to accommodate us during filming. Helping them with their local marketing needs is a good way to give back,” says Anderson-Berens.

Give Me Shelter takes the perennially successful genre of animal friendly programming to new heights of feel good emotion. That’s not just entertainment, it’s a movement that could change the world.

Learn more at the website www.palmettocoastmedia.com or at www.facebook.com/givemesheltertvshow

continued from continued from pagepage 24 22 MOTEL MANNERS Make advance arrangements for petfriendly hotels/motels/inns/bed and breakfasts. Check out their fees and amenities specifically for pet owners. Most will charge an up-front fee for services, which can be non-refundable. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, a motel, or with relatives, it’s helpful if your dog has had some training and can respond to basic commands like “down,” “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it.” When I say “hup,” my dog jumps into her crate.

Hopefully, your dog has been well socialized. Just because he gets along fine in your home (even with other dogs) doesn’t mean you can expect the same in another home or lodging. The more you acclimate your dog to various conditions and surroundings in a positive manner, the more accustomed he will become to changes. If a dog is not used to travelling, don’t be surprised if the first couple of days he’s off his food. Make sure he’s still drinking water and his eliminations are close to normal. You may want to discuss this in advance with your vet.

Your dog’s hearing is much better than yours and he may begin to bark in the hotel. He will hear strange people talking, car doors closing, and footsteps.

Grab the calming music and Thundershirt before he gets riled up. Knowing dog communication calming signals, such as yawning, are a good way to let your dog know that everything is OK. Jill Lundgrin – Available for trainings in your home of classes in various locations. Specializing in clicker training for the person who wants their dog to learn the correct behavior and make good choices in a fun, positive learning environment • Certified Instructor for American Red Cross Pet CPR/First Aid • Founder Coastal Canine Academy LLC “Train ‘em! Don’t blame ‘em!” www.coastalcanineacademy.com www.facebook/coastalcanine

Looking for a new best friend?

Pet Helpers Adoption Events Every Weekend at from 12pm - 4pm

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To find out more about Pet Helpers and the animals available for adoption go to www.pethelpers.org

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reader sponsored: Adoption Page

I'm Buddy, one of the sweetest grey muzzles you'll ever meet! My person went to heaven and now I'm living with my foster mom with two great new pals. I'm a perfect gentleman and good on leash. Email melissa@ daisysplace.org to meet me.

Available Through: Daisy's Place Retriever Rescue. Sponsored by: Heather Parker, Crew LaLa

Dixie is a 3 year old spayed female Pointer/Lab mix. She has an ACL tear in both rear legs and needs surgery. The medical expenses are paid for with the Foster Medical Funds which come from donations.

Contact tkiraly@sc.rr.com to meet him. Available Through: FRW SPCA. Sponsored by: Meghan Sarvis

AC is an adorable seven year old hound mix. He is neutered and up to date on shots. Will you give this loving hound a forever home or consider becoming a CAS foster home? Learn more about AC and volunteer opportunities by calling (843) 747-4849. Available Through: Charleston Animal Society. Sponsored by: Chris Frank

Hello, I'm Shelby and my heart is as big as my ears! Can you hear me now? I am a cute as can be 10 year old Jack Russell Terrier mix. Won't you come meet me and consider me as your next furry companion?

Learn more by calling (843) 7474849. Available Through: Charleston Animal Society Sponsored by: Veterinary Specialty Care

Cruz is a short coated Chihuahua mix. Won't you consider giving him a forever home, or fostering him and being his adoption advocate? Learn more about Cruz and CAS volunteer opportunities by calling (843) 7474849. Available Through: Charleston Animal Society. Sponsored by: Headway Rehabilitation: Speech Therapy

Marion was found on the side of the road with his eyes barely open, covered in severe demodex mange.

He was emaciated and scared of people. Now he is friendly, loves other dogs and cats and does well with older kids. Call (843) 795 - 1110 for more info. Available Through: Pet Helpers. Sponsored by: Barkley & Brooks Robertson-Hall

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Hi I'm Abraham, a two year old Siberian Husky mix. I'm looking for a forever home with a loving family.

Come meet me and see if we are a match. Call (843) 795 - 1110 for more info. Available Through: Pet Helpers.

Sponsored by: Veterinary Specialty Care

Meet Shadow!!! She is about 2 years old, potty trained, crate trained, good with dogs and kids and is very friendly towards cats (likes to lick them)...she is such a catch!

Contact info@lowcountrylabrescue. org to meet her. Available Through: Lowcountry Lab Rescue. Sponsored by: Little Mountain Unlimited Antique Mall

dolly

Hello my name is Dolly. I am a 11 year old terrier. I like to play, run, and ride in cars. I am very loving, playful and great with adults children and other pets. For more info on Dolly, please call Christine at 843-764-2590.

Available Through: Doc Williams SPCA Sponsored by: Pat Haley

Dozer is a beautiful one year old Labrador Retriever mix. Black dogs are often overlooked at shelters.

Won't you give him a chance? To learn more about Dozer call 843761-5266. Available Through: Doc Williams SPCA Sponsored by: Amy & Jonathan Owen

delta dawn

Delta is a very sweet girl, but had a difficult start in life. She needs to be an only dog and is not cat friendly. To find out more about Delta Dawn email kelly@carolinacoonhoundrescue. com. Available Through: Carolina Coonhound Rescue Sponsored by: Rachel Miller

Tanner was found abandoned with her brother Raven on Edisto Island on March 17. She is a very sweet, well socialized, healthy puppy and is up to date on her shots. She will be spayed before being adopted.

Call 843-869-3869 to learn more.

Available Through: ALOE. Sponsored by: Leah, Chris & Thomas England

abraham

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shadow

dozer

tanner

continued from page 6 in charge and wanted to ride shotgun. The first night in her crate at home was equally unsuccessful. Hap howled for freedom until my will was broken. I let her snuggle in the bed with me. This is not going well, I thought.

After of month of this nonsense I decided to take her to a puppy class. We needed a lesson in boundaries. Things began to turn around on the home front. Hap won “Top Dog” honors in her class, although there was not much competition. I could not believe that there were people worse at this than me. One couple had a pair of yorkies that did nothing but tremble and bite anything that approached them. My confidence was growing and so was Hap’s.

Not long after graduation the period of adolescence that I’d been warned about arrived. Hap now refused to sit unless I fed her a treat. She learned to couch surf and dig holes on the exact same day. She barks almost constantly. My little princess even drinks from the toilet. Putting Hap down for a nap is next to impossible. If food is left unmanned Hap circles it like a shark while shoestrings of drool dangle from her gums.

Probably the worst behavioral development has been the jumping. Regardless of her target Hap maintains an almost rocket-like trajectory when greeting people. Pregnant women and toddlers seemed to be her favorite marks. Hap has very unspecific taste buds. Nothing is off limits – cigarette butts, shards of glass, rocks, nails, you name it. The first time I discovered a turd in her mouth I almost fainted. She destroys all vegetation in her path (flower beds are her favorite.) At least twice a day Hap goes into a frenzy of demonic possession for no apparent reason, racing around the house bouncing off furniture and sliding across hardwood flooring.

What have I done wrong? Besides everything. Hap and I are regulars at the dog park, did the classes, and go on daily walks. I’ve spoken with every dog owner in the neighborhood about their theories on parenting. They all say the same thing...

“She’ll grow out of it.” I sure hope they’re right. I guess some things do stay gold, Mr. Frost.

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For 35 years, Pet Helpers has been the voice for unwanted, abused, neglected and forgotten animals in our community. We were founded on the idea that every life is precious. Our staff and volunteers are doing more than ever before, saving more lives than ever before, but we need your help. Please call or visit www.pethelpers.org today and learn how you can join the fight to end animal suffering in our community. Together, we can change Charleston forever.