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.
december/january 2012
fido’s friends 4 Ryan Nelson
rafter’s last trot 6 “pup” in the air with pilots & paws 12
a corgi christmas 14
Pinkerton. This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper. Continue the green process by recycling this copy
calendar of events 21 health and wellness 22 De-Mystifying Joint Supplements
training 24 Holiday Pet Fears adoption 26
Cover photo, 1st and 3rd Table of Contents photos by Laura Olsen Imagery. 2nd Table of Contents photo by
Doug
Fido’s Friends RYAN NELSON
Occupation: Writer & PR Consultant for Nelwater Consulting Dogs in Household: ONE Named: Fletcher, AKA Fletch Lives: MOUNT PLEASANT
1. What’s the best thing about owning a dog?
The utter love you feel for them and the love they feel for you.
2. What do you find the most frustrating about your dog, or struggle with as a dog owner ?
Fletcher was a terrible puppy. He ate 25 pairs of my shoes, chewed through my leather handbags and even once ate an entire zucchini bread from the counter. But I realized that many labs are like him and it’s truly about correct training and exercise.
3. All time favorite memory of your dog?
I rescued a newborn kitten who had been ousted by his mother. When I woke up after the kitten’s first night with us, the kitten was snuggled under Fletcher’s neck. That kitten is now our 7-year-old cat Marley, and his best friend is still Fletch.
4. Favorite place to hang out with your dog in Charleston?
We used to go to the beach, but now that Fletch has slowed down we enjoy relaxing in our back yard.
5. With what aspect of your dog’s personality do you most identify?
His ability to get through tough times. Right now he’s going through chemotherapy after they removed a cancerous mass on his thyroid. I found the mass right after my mother had a massive heart attack, but I knew he would make it through for me. I just knew it.
6. In your opinion, what’s the one item all dog owners must have?
All dog owners should have a great veterinarian that cares. Dr. Mike Forcier of Animal Medical Center has been taking care of Fletch for years.
7. If your dog were some other sort of animal, what would he/she be?
A horse.
8. How does your dog inspire you? Or what has your dog taught you about life and work?
He inspires me to not sweat the small stuff, shake off the negativity and roll in the grass when I want to.
9. How do you KNOW you and your dog are best friends?
Because at the end of the day all I want to do is curl up with a glass of wine, my husband Darren and Fletch. It’s the best of both worlds!
10. What’s your favorite thing about Lowcountry Dog Magazine?
I love all the photos of local dogs and the stories. There’s something special about Charlestonians and our four-legged best friends.
photos by Laura Olsen Imagery
Rafter’s Last Trot
by Leah England
In 2001 Jane Hirch’s two-year-old Australian Shepherd, Rafter, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Veterinary specialists told Jane radiation treatments would prolong Rafter’s life for 18 months at best. Moving forward with the treatments was not an easy decision. “We were wavering,” says Hirsch, “so we asked Dr. Kent, Rafter’s vet at UGA, if it were your dog, would you do it? He immediately said that he would, because Rafter was young and healthy in other respects and emotionally sound to take the stress of going for treatments. I’ll always be grateful to him for that advice. Dr. Feinberg, our local vet, agreed, saying we needed to give Rafter the chance to live. Thank goodness we had a support team of wonderful caring vets in both places.”
And so, one week after diagnosis, Jane and Rafter began the 10-hour round trip pilgrimage to the University of Georgia every other day so he could receive his treatments. Rafter received these treatments 3 times a week for four weeks. “Dr. Kent told us that most owners drop their dogs off on Mondays and pick
them up on Fridays. Rafter and I would never survive that separation!” So Jane and her house mate, also named Jane, got into a routine of leaving at 4:45 AM and splitting shifts. “One of the most heartbreaking parts of the routine was that Rafter learned which days were treatment days. He would stay as far away from the car as he could. Though we did soften the difficulty of the trip and treatments with a chicken sandwich from Wendy’s. Even if he was sound asleep after an exhausting treatment, his head would pop up within a mile of arriving at Wendy’s!”
After that first round of treatments, Rafter’s cancer was miraculously gone. “We were on a schedule of check ups first one month out, then 3 months, then 6 months, then one year, then released. This really was the beginning of a positive experience with cancer, and one of Rafter’s greatest gifts. Rafter knew the routine and as soon as he was finished, he would start doing
his repertoire of tricks for cookies from the veterinary staff. His antics helped me see that Rafter really enjoyed being an entertainer, so we dove into therapy work with human cancer patients.” Cancer patients related to Rafter’s fight against the disease, and the vivacious dog made both children and adults smile at his tricks as they forgot about their medical problems, even if only for a few minutes. Rafter is most notable in the Charleston community as the mascot for the canine cancer benefit Jane organized in 2005. Inspired by Rafter’s struggle with the disease, Jane created Trot for the Cure, known now as Rafter’s Trot for Canine Cancer Research, in effort to raise awareness of and funds for research. “I started thinking about all the animals we saw at UGA who had cancer, and how many wouldn’t be as lucky as Rafter. My heart ached for those who would lose their beloved dogs. The Trot was something I could actively do to help future dogs that would face that awful diagnosis of cancer.” Little did she know the event would become so popular it would grow into an annual event, with 300 participants each year and raising over $80,000.00 for cancer research at UGA. “Although the Charleston area is now fortunate to have 2 wonderful specialty hospitals,” says Hirsch; “our local oncologists depend on the research that’s done at facilities like UGA to help them in devising the best and most effective treatments. Research provides our local specialists with the best
Rafter with his support group in the Trot-mobile which he pulled to start each group of walkers during the 2006 Trot for Canine Cancer Research. Photo by Jon Shumpert.
Rafter performing one of his signature tricks, the wave. Photo by Doug Pinkerton.
• Board Certified Internal Medicine, Oncology, Neurology, Surgery & Cardiology
• Over 100 years combined, trusted experience in the Lowcountry
• Online emergency pre-registration on our website
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and most current information to aid in diagnosing and treating our pets.”
But even good things must come to an end. The final Trot will be hosted by Magnolia Plantation on January 8th 2012. Jane hopes to raise enough to reach the $100,000 mark. For their ticket admission, participants will enjoy a beautiful walk through the grounds at Magnolia Plantation, BBQ, entertainment provided by Dixie Dancing Dogs and seminars from leading veterinary oncologists and other veterinary specialists in our community, as well as those from the UGA program where Rafter was treated.
In August 2008, Jane noticed that Rafter had a slight limp. When resting him for 2 days didn’t help, Jane took him to Dr. Feinberg who recommended tests at UGA. Jane’s nightmare had occurred – Rafter’s cancer had returned in the same seventh cervical vertebra, seven years after his initial diagnosis “It broke my heart to make him go through the treatments again, but he took them in stride. Unfortunately, this time the cancer was more aggressive and the radiation only slowed his tumor for several months. But his last months at home were happy -- he got lots of cookies, treats and special time on the couch with us.”
Even though this year’s Trot will be the last, Jane remains dedicated to the cause. “Although we lost Rafter 8 days before his 10th birthday, I know that he did more in his short lifetime that I ever dreamed of accomplishing in mine. I can thank him for helping me to find a passion and a purpose in life. Furthering canine cancer research remains a top priority of mine and this is his legacy, which I am honored to carry on. Although this will be the final Rafter’s Trot for Canine Cancer Research, there will be another venture down the road to continue my promise to Rafter.”
We hope to see many Lowcountry Dog readers at this final Trot. Let’s help Jane reach her $100,000 goal in honor of all those lost to cancer, thinking especially of the sweet dog who defied the odds and went on to live an extraordinary life.
Rafter’s Trot for Canine Cancer Research
January 8th 2012
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Check in at 11:00
$25 pre-registration
$30 day of event
More info and registration at: http://k9careunit.org/trotforthecure/about/
Jane took this photo the day before Rafter passed on. “I wanted a picture to help carry on his cause.”
Walkers enjoying the day at Magnolia Gardens 2009 Photo by Doug Pinkerton
Pet Boarding & Doggie Daycare
111 Acres Drive • Ladson, SC 29456 (843) 553-3710 (843) 553-3713 fax scladson@aol.com preppy pet sc Mon-Fri: 7-12 and 2-7 Closed 12-2 Sat: 8-1 and Sun:1-4 It’s the playtime that makes all the difference Six indoor play areas. Two outdoor runs with real grass. Scooter
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1. Peppermint Chew from Hairy Winston. 2. Rope Bone from Hairy Winston. 3. Gingerbread Man from Hairy Winston. 4. GoNut Everlasting Chew from Hairy Winston.
Stuffed Retro Reindeer from Lucia’s 6. Classic Sock Monkey from Hairy Winston.
photo by Laura Olsen Imagery
Up in the Air with Pilots & Paws
by Suzanne Carr
As the Safety Net Manager for Humane Net, my job duties include rescuing animals from the euthanasia hallways of shelters in the Lowcountry.
Founded in 1998, Humane Net is a coalition of over 20 animal organizations, and the group’s mission is to help our area’s most at risk homeless animals by placing them in foster homes and smaller rescue groups. There are many reasons why animal shelters decide that a dog is best off with a rescue group. The number one reason is the time it will take for the animal to recover from health or behavior issues. Another reason is simply the need to free up space for other animals that desperately need the shelter’s help. Often, rescue groups or foster homes are located hours or days away, so transport becomes a huge factor. Though a good number of volunteers are willing to drive animals to their temporary homes, time can be of the essence when a dog’s “hour is up,” and a several hour drive won’t fit into the time line.
Enter Pilots N Paws, a group of pilots who transport dogs in need in their own private planes and ask nothing in return. The first Pilots N Paws flight took place on February 8, 2008. Since then, the number of general aviation pilot volunteers has climbed to over 1,800, with 8,200 registered users participating on the Pilots N Paws website. Brett Grooms from Goose Creek is one such pilot who donates his time to saving animals while pursuing his favorite hobby, flying his Cessna 172 four seat aircraft. Brett began flying animals through Pilots N Paws in 2009 and has now flown over
10 animals to safety.
I was slated to accompany Brett as he flew three cocker spaniels from the Charleston Animal Society to their new, temporary home, but shelter volunteers drove the dogs instead. We were given an alternative assignment: pick up Pippa, a pit bull mix pulled from the Gaston County shelter just one day before her scheduled euthanasia, and fly her to the foster mom awaiting her here in Charleston. So on a picture perfect morning in October I met Brett at the John’s Island Airport and nervously climbed aboard the smallest airplane I’ve ever seen to begin our journey to save Pippa.
During our departure, Brett kept asking if I was ok. Perhaps my clenched fists and lack of communication gave away my apprehensions. I admit I was overwhelmed at first with the swirling skyline, and all the dials, switches, and radio chatter but after about thirty minutes I began to really enjoy the experience. I realized after years of flying commercial airlines and always being disappointed by an aisle placement, I finally had the ultimate window seat.
When we arrived at the Rock Hill/ York County Airport, just outside of Charlotte Megan, the volunteer from Ruffed Up Rescue who pulled Pippa from the shelter, helped us load the energetic dog into the back cargo area of the plane. I had a brief premonition of the dog attempting to get out of her crate mid-flight, but she was an ideal travel partner. She settled right in, and never made a peep during the entire flight!
Knowing what to expect this time, I too settled into my seat and took in the aerial sights with childlike enthusiasm. Brett sensed my comfort level and asked me if I wanted to take the
controls and fly for a bit. I was reluctant, but with some encouragement and coaching I actually flew the airplane!
We enjoyed smooth and clear weather on the way home, and completed our journey with a neat landing. It was now time for me to take Pippa to her new foster mom Karen Lacey, but using more conventional modes of transport.
My experience with Pilots N Paws left me with a joyful heart knowing Pippa’s future would be bright thanks to the generous hearts of hobbyist pilots. I truly look forward to working again with Brett and other Pilots N Paws pilots to assist in the aerial transport of dogs in need.
If you interested in helping foster, rescue or transport animals in the Lowcountry please contact Suzanne at suzanne@humanenet. org. Pippa still needs a permanent home, so please share her story and contact us if you are interested in meeting this sweet girl, who has already “earned her wings.”
To learn more about Pilots N Paws, and volunteer your time as a pilot, visit www.pilotsnpaws.org To learn more about Humane Net, visit www.humanenet.org
Suzanne & Brett in the cockpit, and upon meeting a happy Pippa.
Pippa
A Corgi Christmas
photography by Laura Olsen Imagery
Penny, our 2011 cover model contest winner, invited a few of her closest Corgi friends to Hyde Park Farm and Polo Club to celebrate the holiday season in rustic, Lowcountry style. Grab a snuggly cable-knit wrap and a warm cuppa hot cocoa; it’s time for a Corgi Christmas!
Opposite, Top: Panda (Top) Paddy & Pico (sweater) enjoy each other’s company in the horse stables. Opposite, Left: Danny Boy and Abigail are a dynamic duo. Opposite, Right: Walter guards the Christmas tree. Isn’t he handsome? This page: Rhetta greets everyone at the gate of the Hyde Park Farm cottage.
I just LOVE sharing the fun of the farm with my CORGI friends.
the day hanging out on the back porch. Opposite: The stables are a gorgeous sight on a silent night.
Special thanks to Hyde Park Farm and Polo Club, Etsy shop SheriSewSweet for the burlap bunting on page 15, Hairy Winston and Lucia’s Premium Pet for the collars and canine sweaters, the Corgi Club of Charleston, and photo assistant Alexis Kaul.
Top: Rhetta prettily poses in front of the barn. Bottom: Lola and her human friend Thomas go for a cool afternoon ride. Opposite Inset: Cosmo and Thomas end
ONGOING
frances r willis spca meet and greets At All is Well in Summerville on the second Saturday of every month and at Pet Lovers Warehouse in Summerville on the third Saturday of every month. Adoption counselors will be on hand to introduce shelter dogs that have been at the shelter the longest to potential adopters. House-trained foster dogs will also be on hand to mingle and meet the public. Come and see our fabulous dogs away from the stress of the shelter. You may find your new best friend.
december 7th: 10:00am-2:00pm carolina coonhound donation drive/meet and greet at Dolittles in West Ashley. CCR will be collecting new and used items to help us continue our mission of saving hounds. The group will be collecting food, dog bowls, blankets, dog beds, collars and leashes, crates, etc., and accepting monetary donations to help with vet care costs. Drop- offs can be made at the Summerville and Mt.P stores as well.
december 9th 6:00pm-10:00pm
santa paws party at square onion too! Come spread some holiday cheer for our four legged friends - $10 admissionbenefits SWAT and Daisy’s Place - amazing food, festive music, beverages, giveaways!
december 10th 12:00pm-5:00pm holiday sip n shop at square onion too. Come shop local, meet local artisans and have complimentary holiday snacks and sipping beverages! Get all of your holiday shopping done and enjoy giveaways to benefit SWAT and Daisy’s Place. The adoptable dogs will be hanging out too!
december 10th 11:00pm-4:00pm
santa paws at Summerville and West Ashley PetSmart for Charleston Animal Society and Doc Williams SPCA.
december 11th 11:00pm-4:00pm
santa paws at Mt. Pleasant and West Ashley PetSmart for Charleston Animal Society and Doc Williams SPCA.
december 11th 12:00pm-4:00pm
adoption event for pet helpers at West Ashley PetCo.
december 13th-24th frances r. willis spca paws of christmas. Each day a featured dog is only $12 to adopt!
december 16th pet helpers adoption event at Rick Hendricks Jeep Chrysler Dodge.
december 17th 10:00am-6:00pm home for the holidays adoption event at the Charleston Animal Society.
december 17th doc williams spca at 107 St James Avenue, Goose Creek.
december 17th 11:00am-2:00pm
furlife german shepherd meet & greet at Hairy Winston.
december 18th 11:00am-4:00pm
santa paws for frances r willis spca Photos will cost $9.95 and $5 of every photo will benefit Frances R. Willis SPCA! What a great cause!
december 18th 12:00pm-3:00pm carolina coonhound meet and greet At Hairy Winston.
december 31st 12:00pm-3:00pm carolina coonhound meet and greet At Hairy Winston.
january 7th 12:00pm-3:00pm carolina coonhound meet and greet at Hairy Winston.
january 8th 11:00am, final rafter’s trot for canine cancer research Magnolia Gardens Charleston, SC $25 PRE-REGISTRATION $30 day of the event.
events
january 15th 12:00pm-3:00pm carolina coonhound meet and greet at Hairy Winston.
january 15th 12:00pm-3:00pm frances r willis spca meet and greet at Pet Lover’s Warehouse in Summerville.
january 20th 4:00pm stingrays dog days of winter to benefit Charleston Animal Society. Dog friendly game!
january 21st 5:00pm doc williams yappy hour at 211 Meeting Street.
january 27th dog days of winter with the stingrays. Dog-friendly! $5 of each ticket purchased through Pet Helpers will go to the organization!
january 28th 12:00pm-3:00pm carolina coonhound meet and greet At Hairy Winston.
january 28th 9:00am doing the charleston akc all breed dog show, All Breed Obedience & Rally Trials, Match. Exchange Club Park Coastal Carolina Fairgrounds.
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.
JointDemystifyingSupplements
by Dr. Christine Bessent, DVM
With summer sunshine turning to damp and cool air it is the perfect time of year to evaluate our pet’s joint health. Providing good quality joint support supplements is one of the most common and important aspects of maintaining joint health, especially in colder weather and as the pet ages. It is estimated that between 20 - 25% of the dog population suffers from arthritis. Given that there are more than 6 million dogs in Canada and roughly 77 millions dogs in the United States, that would mean we have between 16-20 million dogs in North America who would benefit from joint supplements. With so many products available how does one choose the right product for your pet’s specific needs? Here are a few key ingredients that are important to look for when shopping for the perfect joint supplement.
Glucosamine is perhaps the most widely known and one of the most important ingredients for joint health. Glucosamine is a fairly small particle and is absorbed well by the body and is used to make thick and viscous joint fluid. This viscous
joint fluid cushions the two bone endings and allows them to glide smoothly over each other. The recommended amount of Glucosamine for a 50 pound dog is 1000 milligrams per day. If there is less than this it is simply not enough.
Chondroitin is another common ingredient found in joint supplements. This molecule is an important component of cartilage. It is a larger molecule than Glucosamine and thus is not as readily absorbed into the body.
MSM is an ingredient that is widely known to have an anti-inflammatory effect. This is important as inflammation causes the release of hydrolyzing enzymes. These enzymes cause the break down of the joint fluid that cushions the joint.
Hylauronic Acid is another component found in many joint supplements that chemically is the same as joint fluid. Wouldn’t this be the ideal product to give to your pet you might ask? The downside of Hylauronic Acid is that it is a very large molecule and unlike Glucosamine it is not absorbed well into the body.
Herbs are also a great choice for joint support. A few herbs to look for are boswelia, an herb that also helps to stop the breakdown of joint fluid, yucca, curcumin, and corydalis. Cinnamon is also a great choice because it has a slight warming quality for pets that have joint issues that tend to get worse in cold weather. One other suggestion is to add Omega 3 fatty acids to the pet’s diet. Omega 3 fatty acids are antiinflammatory by nature and help to provide great joint support as well! As always, it is generally a good idea to be preventative when it comes to joint care. It’s always wise to support your pet’s health throughout their life rather than wait until problems occur.
Christine Bessent, DVM is the owner and founder of Herbsmith Inc. She created Herbsmith Inc. as a way to provide impeccable quality herbal supplements for pets. Dr. Bessent has been a practicing Veterinarian for nearly 25 years in Southeast Wisconsin, most of which as a Holistic Veterinarian.
Holiday Pet Fears
by Cindy Carter
The house is decorated, the gifts are wrapped, the food is ready and it’s time for your guests to arrive. Everything is ready for the holidays except Rover and Rosie, the family dogs. Rover is so excited by the prospect of all the fun and visitors, and he has found the best thing to mark, that new tree in the corner. Meanwhile, Rosie is cowering under the table but not with doggie dreams of holiday goodies.
Though we all look forward to the holidays, we are well aware of the added stress the season brings. Hopefully we have ways to deal with the added pressure and excitement of the season.
But what about our dogs? They can be just as excited, anxious or stressed and try to tell us through their behavior and body language. But are we listening?
Let’s take a look at Rover. If Rover isn’t your dog, you have probably met him. He LOVES everyone and everything. Whether he is jumping, barking, grabbing your pant legs or your sandwich, he is overly excited and finds it difficult to calm down. Rover has poor impulse control and the added activities around the holidays just make him more amped up than usual.
Can we help Rover learn to calm down and control his impulses? Yes, but the time to start is now, not the night before your big holiday party. Dogs, like people, don’t come with an off switch. It is something they need to learn and will
make their lives better, even after the holidays.
1. Reward Rover for all calm behavior.
Remember, dogs are always learning. If Rover only gets your attention when he is doing something that you don’t like, he is learning bad behavior works. Instead, praise and reward him when he is lying down, relaxing or chewing on his bone.
2. Teach him to settle down on his mat or place.
Use a mat, rug or Rover’s bed as his special place to relax and earn lots of good things. Ultimately the mat will become his cue to lie down, calmly, when things are going on around him. We will actively teach him to go to his mat, but be sure to take advantage of the times he’s just hanging out with the family. If he enjoys lying by your feet when you are watching TV or working on the computer, place his mat nearby and reward him with something great to chew on, occasionally dropping an extra treat on the mat. The more he is rewarded for choosing to calmly remain on his mat, the more he will want to be on his mat.
When Rover is happy spending time on the mat without distractions, make things more difficult for him. Stand up and take a few steps away from him, returning to drop a treat on his mat. Then take a few more steps, always returning to reward him before he gets so excited that he stands
(bah humbug)
up to follow you. If he gets up, return to your chair and wait for him to settle down again. You will gradually increase the intensity of your movement, add other people to the mix, ring the doorbell, etc. Now that Rover is starting to understand that being calm and staying on his mat makes good things happen, you can begin to send him to his mat. Start small, take a couple of steps away from his mat and encourage him to go to his mat. Gradually increase your distance and the time that he can remain there.
Break it down into small, rewardable pieces and before long, Rover will be able to go to his mat and remain there when people come into the house.
3. Make sit or down a requirement for attention.
Dogs do what works for them. If Rover has learned that jumping and barking makes you pay attention, that is what he will do. Make a commitment that Rover must sit or lie down, calmly, before he gets what he wants. If it is dinner time, Rover sits before dinner is served. When it is time to play fetch, he lies down before the ball is thrown. You come home from work, Rover must sit before you greet him. Be consistent. Rover will soon figure out that he has to offer a new behavior to get what he wants. Now bring in your friends or family to help, gradually making Rover’s world more exciting but still requiring
calm behavior to gain attention. Soon, Rover will be a welcome member of the party instead of the feared, out-of-control party crasher.
Poor Rosie is still hiding under the table, terrified by all the noise, people, music, lights and merriment. In many ways, Rosie is in more trouble than Rover. While Rover is excited, Rosie is fearful and shy, and possibly doesn’t have a place that feels safe. Many people with shy dogs don’t realize how difficult social events can be for them, after all, they aren’t causing problems. Instead, Rosie is hiding under the table or in the bedroom, not stealing dessert from the counter. It’s easy to overlook Rosie’s fear while dealing with guests and worrying that Rover might have a lapse in judgement when Auntie comes in.
Rosie lacks self confidence and sometimes that lack of confidence can turn ugly. If Rosie is forced into a situation that she can’t escape, her reaction could possibly turn to aggression -- a good defense is a great offense. How can we help Rosie?
Rosie’s shyness can’t be changed over night, maybe not in several weeks, but we can help her feel more comfortable and safe during the holidays. Consider working on a behavior modification program that will help Rosie for the rest of her life, but management is key for the short term.
1. Give Rosie a safe place to escape the celebration.
We love our dogs and want them to be a part of our lives, but too much too soon is not fair to Rosie. Give her a safe, people free place to retreat when the party is overwhelming. Rosie may benefit from having a crate in a quiet part of the house. Provide her with something wonderful to chew on, soothing music such as Through A Dog’s Ear to calm and reassure her. A Thundershirt is a good tool that helps many dogs remain calm, just be sure that you introduce her to the shirt when life is calm and happy. We don’t want her to associate the Thundershirt with the scary things, making it a predictor of something bad happening.
2. Teach touch or say hello.
By teaching Rosie a way to interact safely with people, we allow her to choose whether to say hello or leave. Teaching touch is simple but remember, Rosie always
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adoption
Recycla-Bull Terrier Rescue
Recycla-Bull Terrier Rescue is dedicated to the “3 R’s”: rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming. Our goal is to place Bull Terriers that may have been homeless, neglected, or surrendered into loving, stable homes.
As a shelter-less rescue, all “recycled” Bullies are fostered in home environments to evaluate their needs and prepare them for their forever homes. It is this close and personal care that ensures they are restored to health before being adopted.
When we evaluate possible foster or adoptive homes, the needs of the dogs take first priority. Some rescued Bull Terriers will need to be the only pet, or in homes without young children. Like all dogs, they may or may not be cat/dog friendly.
After adoption, Recycla-Bull Terrier Rescue likes to keep in touch. We support our adoptive families with tips on caring, training, health, and other FAQ’s upon request! To find out if a Bull Terrier is right for you, please visit our website at www.rcbtr.org.
Recycla-Bull Terrier Rescue runs on donations and adoption fees. All fees go to the vetting of and caring for the dogs. With the number of Bull Terriers coming into rescue needing medical care, we can always use your help. Please consider helping a bullie in need by making a donation via PayPal or credit card at www.rcbtr.org
Found during and named for hurricane Irene, Irene is a mini bull terrier. She has a unique look as she is almost all black/brindle. Miss Irene is crate trained, house broken, and walks well on a lead. She is young and energetic, so she will need a forever family that will give her plenty of exercise and training. Irene loves human interaction and is sweet on her people, whomever that may be! She cannot live with any cats.
Bella is the newest arrival at the Bullie Bungalow… a 4 year old white female weighing about 44 lbs. Bella is very quiet and easy to manage. So far, she’s done very well around submissive male dogs as she is not a dominant girl. Bella is already crate trained, walks well on a leash, and is housebroken.
Possum is a sweet, comical and energetic 18 month old male weighing in at 50 lbs. A smart and sensitive youngster, Possum is white with brindle ears! This boy loves, loves, loves his Kong Wubba! Possum walks well on lead, is crate trained and house trained. For his forever home, he is looking for a stable, more settled family. Possum is dog friendly, but cannot hang out with any cats!
Three year old Max is a smaller Bull Terrier, weighing about 44lbs. He’s going to have to be an only pet as he is not fond of other animals. Max is strong spirited, energetic guy and is very loving. He is crate trained, walks well on a lead and he’s house broken. Max is looking for a lifelong friend!
is white with brindle spots, and is around three years old. He is crate trained, walks well on lead, and really energetic. Frasier does not feel comfortable yet around other dogs, so he will need to be an only pet. He’s looking for someone to give him a chance and a forever home!
Weighing in at 45lbs, Roxy is a sweet young girl of only 18 months! Roxy loves human interaction and attention. Roxy is dog friendly! She is looking for a forever home and family willing to continue her training. With consistency, Roxy will learn her manners and will be an even more awesome companion.
Frasier
gets to chose who, when or if she interacts with other people.
Begin by holding your hand just a few inches from Rosie’s nose. Most dogs will sniff your hand out of curiosity. When she touches your hand, mark the nose bump and give her a tasty reward. Have her repeat the behavior 5 or 6 times, then add your cue.
Once she is happily touching your hand from a distance and at different angles, you are ready to introduce the touch with another person. Start with someone that Rosie is comfortable with, if possible. Place your hand in front of the other person’s hand, cue Rosie to touch and you reward her. The next step is to have your hand behind the other person’s hand, you still cue and reward her. Then you will cue Rosie to touch the other person’s hand without yours being there, but you continue to reward her. You will need to practice with other people but be sure that everyone knows the rules; Rosie gets to choose and the stranger does not reach to pet her.
3. Protect her from scary situations. Pay attention to Rosie’s body language;
if she is worried or stressed, remove her from the situation and give her a safe place to relax. Some things to look for: tucked tail, lip licking, yawning, turning her head away, paw raises, whale eye, or lowered ear carriage, just to name a few. Nothing good comes from forcing a dog to stay in a situation that creates fear or stress. In fact, that frequently sets them up to fail and puts Rosie and others at risk. Rosie may not react outwardly to a scary person, but it does affect her nervous system and her future behavior. It is possible that she will learn to act aggressively to drive the scary thing away
4. Protect Rosie from the lure of great food.
Many well meaning people offer tasty treats to shy dogs in the hopes of helping them overcome their fears. Unfortunately, some dogs will move forward to take the food then find themselves too close for comfort once the food is gone. In that case, some shy dogs will bite. The classic fight or flight scenario. The better choice is to have friends toss treats across the room until Rosie is comfortable with their presence and willing to engage on her
That being said, it is your job as Rosie’s owner and advocate to intervene if someone gets a little bold with her. Remember, that a shy dog if feeling cornered or threatened, may bite.
Honor the dog that you have. Whether you have a Rover, Rosie, or someone in between, you are their advocate, the person that they should be able to count on for protection and guidance. Set them up for success and remove them from situations that they cannot handle before something goes wrong.
Start now, move slowly, incorporate everything into your daily routine and your holidays will be filled with great times shared with your four-footed, canine friends.
Happy Holidays!
Cindy Carter, CPDT-KA, is the owner of Mindful Manners Dog Training. Learn more about Cindy and her training methods at www.mindfulmanners.net
