This Magazine is dedicated to Multi-Media Sales Representative
Chris Jones
The entire staff here at the Mountain Democrat had the honor and privilege to call Chris our friend.
Chris embodied kindness and it poured out onto everyone she encountered. There was not a person she met where she did not leave a lasting impression. She was passionate about her career and it showed as she set sales records for continuous years.
She was a devoted animal lover and it was her inspiration that started “Happy Healthy Pets.” She poured her heart and soul into this magazine — it was her favorite undertaking every year.
With love in our hearts we dedicate this year’s issue to Chris. We miss her every day.
Perl’s supper sniffer
Publisher: T. Burt McNaughton tbmcnaughton@mtdemocrat.net
Does your best friend have bad breath? Despite what many pet owners may believe, “dog breath” is not just a nuisance – it’s a sign of an unhealthy mouth. Bad breath is caused by bacteria. Over time, bacteria lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your pet’s teeth.
HOLISTIC
Holistic health is a great way to naturally heal, or protect your pet. With that said, holistic care is about doing what is best for your pet, even if that means mixing in some conventional techniques. Our vet will work directly with you and provide honest feedback. We strive to stay up-to-date with all of the latest remedies and treatments, to ensure that your pet is receiving the best care.
WELLNESS
We are focused on keeping your pet happy and healthy. Our team offers comprehensive wellness services and diagnostics. We work diligently to become familiar with your pet and getting the treatment you need. Our team enjoys our ability to watch your family member grow.
LARGE ANIMAL
We are a full service equine and large animal vet clinic located in Shingle Springs California. From diagnostics to medical and surgical, our team works diligently to always provide high quality care. Our facility is fully equipped with all of the latest technology to help with any need. We provide oneon-one service every step of the way to ensure that you stay informed and as relaxed as possible.
SURGERY
Shingle Springs Veterinary Clinic is one of the leading surgeons, for small and large animals, in the Shingle Springs California area. Dr. Bader, will listen to your needs and concerns to properly diagnose, if needed, and conduct a safe surgery for your pet. We enjoy our ability to be there for your pet every step of the way from diagnoses, to surgery and post-surgery rehabilitation.
AGUILAR, DVM Veterinarian DEAN BADER, DVM Veterinarian
RODRIGO
Foothill Therapy Dog Group
registered teams of Pet Partners therapy animal organization (petpartners.org). The group visits with their own registered therapy dogs at Mercy Hospital Folsom, M.O.R.E, state preschools, resource rooms, colleges, base fire camps, etc. For more information, please contact Val Kneppel at (530) 306-7338 or email valsk9services@gmail.com for therapy dog training or information about Pet Partners or the Foothill Therapy Dog Group.
Fun frozen dog treats
After a long day at work or an eventful weekend, don’t just treat yourself to a delicious dessert — make sure you’re treating your pets, too. These homemade dog treats are easy to make with organic ingredients so you can show your pets some love while feeling confident that you aren’t putting their health in jeopardy.
Gather just a few ingredients and cute dog-shaped ice molds (like paws or bones) to give Fido the attention he deserves. The best part: these treats keep well in the freezer, meaning you can make a bigger batch to stay stocked up on your furry friends’ new favorite goodie.
Find more ways to take care of your pets at Culinary.net or eLivingtoday.com.
Peanut
Butter Banana Paw-sicles
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons organic peanut butter (no salt added, no xylitol)
1 medium ripe banana
Directions: In blender, blend Greek yogurt, peanut butter and banana until smooth.
Place silicone molds on baking tray to prevent spills. Fill molds with blended mixture and freeze 3 hours, or until firm.
Store in freezer-safe container or zip-top bags.
Berry Good Dog Bones
10 fresh strawberries
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons raw honey
Directions: Remove stems from strawberries and slice in half. In blender, blend strawberries, Greek yogurt and honey until smooth.
Place silicone molds on baking tray to prevent spills. Fill molds with blended mixture and freeze 3 hours, or until firm.
Store in freezer-safe container or zip-top bags.
Photo courtesy of Culinary.net Frozen dog treats are easy to make and conveniently store in the freezer so your pup always has a tasty treat on hand.
CT scans save pets’ lives
When Dr. Rick Turner opened his first veterinary clinic, he had a vision: Make quality veterinary care affordable to everyone, no matter what a person’s financial circumstance.
Over the past 40 years, that is exactly what he has done. All Creatures Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Folsom opened in 2020, and today he continues his mission to provide his patients with topnotch veterinary care along with the compassion they deserve. He and his staff work within their patients’ budgets while never compromising care for profit.
Turner graduated from University of California Davis in 1976 and has devoted his life to caring for and treating “all of God’s creatures.” From pocket pets, to large, exotic animals, his range of expertise includes zebras, bobcats, bears, elephants and, at one point, a bit of Hollywood was added to his repertoire when he treated baboons that starred in the movies “Evan Almighty” and “Rock of Ages.” He also has been a guest on the Today Show and MSNBC where he performed a root canal on a white Siberian tiger.
Today, Turner’s focus is on the more compact sized pets, and he’s always in search of the latest technology that will better help his patients. New to his Folsom clinic is the addition of a portable CT scanner. Having this tool on site means speedier, more precise diagnosis and treatments, especially in places where X-ray, ultrasound and echocardiogram machines
story by: JANA ROSSI
alone have difficulty capturing, such as areas in a pet’s brain, lungs, spine, heart and abdomen, Turner explained.
CT scanners produce cross sectional images that allow more clarity and the small portable design is perfect for cats, smaller dogs and exotic pets such as turtles,
rabbits, reptiles, birds and ferrets. Not only are CT scanners used for finding out what is going on inside of a pet, they are also used to rule out serious medical conditions such as cancer, brain tumors and hemorrhaging.
Turner recalled a dog with a swollen eye and the initial diagnosis
Courtesy photo
A CT scan is used to identify health issues not easily found other ways. It can also rule out possible maladies.
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would be to treat with antibiotics, but a CT scan showed a tumor growing behind the dog’s eyeball. This quick find ultimately saved the dog. All Creatures Veterinary Emergency Clinic is proud to be the only veterinary office in Folsom that has this specialized machine and, in keeping with the mission, it is an affordable alternative to all patients.
In addition to offering CT scans, All Creature’s Veterinary Emergency Clinic also runs as a full ICU emergency hospital within its state-of-the-art facility. Whether it’s an after-hours dental, orthopedics or soft tissue emergency, the clinic is open to help make what can be a very stressful situation a little more manageable.
All Creatures Veterinary Emergency Clinic is located in Folsom off East Bidwell Street. Hours of operation are mainly overnight, except on Saturdays and Sundays when the veterinary clinic is open 24 hours. The hospital is meant to complement existing veterinary care and to bridge the gap between the hours when a patient’s primary veterinary office is not open, offering emergency relief to the most fragile of patients — people’s beloved pets
Safety and con dence is achieved through understanding and knowledge. Susan’s passion and commitment is teaching horses and owners to communicate with each other — to build a partnership. She emphasizes a strong foundation of good behaviors that produces soft, willing partners in equines without force
or devices, as well as teaching humans how to gain con dence through having control of the horse’s feet and mind.
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and
Courtesy photo
A canine patient is sedated while a CT scan is done at All Creatures Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Folsom.
Owned Affordable Emergency Care When Your Pet Needs It Most When Every Minute Matters – All Creatures Emergency Veterinary Clinic provides specialized care for a wide range of urgent needs, from emergency surgeries to diagnostics and overnight monitoring. Our goal is to offer compassionate, expert treatment for your pets, including exotic animals, when it’s needed most.
All Creatures Veterinary Emergency Clinic – Folsom is pleased to serve Folsom and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to provide you and all your pets with quality, compassionate, and affordable emergency care to make your veterinary experience the best possible.
We are proud to provide care for exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and pocket pets.
In an emergency, pets need your help
story by: AMERICAN RED CROSS
Even if your pets normally stay at home when you vacation, they will need to travel with you during an evacuation. Evacuations are stressful for everyone, but with careful planning and preparation, you can minimize your fears and help your pet stay safe and calm.
Top safety tips for traveling with your pet
1. Prepare your pet’s emergency kit (see below).
2. Talk to your vet about medications your pet might need for travel, such as to reduce anxiety or travel sickness symptoms. Test them on your pet in advance, to ensure that your pet doesn’t suffer any adverse side effects.
Traveling with your pet by car
If you are traveling by car:
■ All cats should be in a crate or carrier.
■ Dogs can be either in crate or carrier, or restrained in a special harness that attaches to the seat belt. If you use a pet barrier in the back seat or deck of your SUV, be sure it is sturdy and firmly attached so it does not collapse on your pet.
■ Never allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat (especially one that is airbag equipped).
■ Never let your pet out of the car without proper restraint.
■ Don’t allow your pet to ride with their head out the window; they could get hurt by flying debris.
■ Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. He or she will be vulnerable to heat stroke or theft.
■ If you are traveling out of town, stop regularly so that your pet can stretch his legs and have a drink of water.
Traveling with your pet on an airplane
■ Know that last minute air travel with pets is not always possible, and each airline and destination may have its own regulations, including for vaccinations and quarantine.
■ If your pet is small, you may be able to carry him or her onboard with you (in a crate — check airline rules).
■ If your pet must travel in the luggage or cargo area: a) take a direct flight; b) travel on the same flight as your
pet; c) don’t travel when temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit; and d) ask to watch your pet being loaded and unloaded.
■ Notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is in the cargo area.
■ If the plane has to taxi for a long time, ask that a temperature check be taken on the cargo area. Pets have been harmed because cargo area temperatures got too hot or too cold while the airplane taxied.
Pet disaster preparedness
In an emergency, your pets will be even more dependent on you for their safety and well-being. Your family’s disaster plans must include your furry family members too.
Assemble an emergency kit for your pet
Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers so that they can be carried easily. Your kit should include:
■ Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
■ Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
■ Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
■ A first aid kit.
■ Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
■ Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
■ Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
Create an emergency plan for your pet
The best way to protect your household from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
Know a safe pace to take your pets. If you have to evacuate your home during a disaster, the best way to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. If it’s not safe for you to stay behind then it’s not safe to leave pets behind either.
■ Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
■ If you are going to a Red Cross shelter, shelter workers will do all they can to accommodate household pets. However, depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are always welcome in Red Cross shelters.
■ Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
■ Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
■ Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
■ Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
■ Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.
Working Girl:
Perl’s super sniffer is on the
job
Avid readers of the yearly issues of Happy Healthy Pets will no doubt be acquainted with some of the impressive ways dogs lend a helping paw to local law and other services. Some of the dogs previously profiled assist with fire investigations, some aid in narcotics detection and others help take down suspects in hectic and dangerous situations — all uses that people might commonly expect to see from K9 units.
Perl, the Labrador retriever who recently joined the ranks at the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, has a job doing something a bit more high-tech.
Perl is an Electronic Storage Detection K9, which means she uses her keenly-trained nose to sniff out electronic devices that may have been hidden or tossed aside by the subject of an investigation.
“ESD K9s are professionally trained to locate very important yet often overlooked evidence including cellphones, computers, micro-SD cards, USBs flash drives and other electronic devices that may contain sensitive photos, financial information, contacts, etc.,” explained Indiana State University professor Jason E. James in his article “Electronic detection K9s: the newest weapon in the fight against human trafficking and child predators.”
Dogs who are trained to find electric storage devices are sniffing out a specific chemical compound used in the manufacture of many components found in everyday electronics. If that skill of specific sniffing isn’t impressive enough, ESD dogs are able to sniff out these chemicals in mind-bogglingly small amounts — parts per trillion, according to Perl’s handler, EDC District Attorney Investigator John Robertson.
ESD dogs are still a rare breed; Perl is one of fewer than 300 such dogs in the entire country. Todd Jordan, Perl’s trainer, and his dog Bear — one of the first ESD dogs ever — helped secure evidence that proved pivotal in the investigation that led to the federal court case against former Subway spokesperson Jared Fogle.
Robertson has an extensive history as an investigator
and detective in the area, having started off at the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office in 2006. In addition to his work for the DA’s Office, he also works as part of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force. Because of his work with the task force, Robertson was extended the opportunity to train with and take on an ESD K9 partner through the National Computer Forensics Institute, a program funded by Congress and run by the U.S. Secret Service. The process of pairing a handler to a dog isn’t like going through a kennel and picking your favorite; Robertson explained the questionnaires he
Photo by Odin Rasco
El Dorado County DA Investigator John Robertson and Perl team up during investigations to gather electronic evidence against suspects.
story & photos: ODIN RASCO
filled out as part of the dog selection process were very extensive.
“We didn't get to pick them; they did a full survey — of our home life, our work life and even our work ethic,” Robertson said. “‘What's your home situation, who is your spouse, do you have children, what is your yard situation?’ Kind of basic things like that and then all the way up to ‘what are your hobbies?’ Lots of lots of questions. They even wanted pictures of us. And, in my experience, they're really good at pairing people.”
Robertson flew out in May of this year to meet and train with Perl for two weeks in Indianapolis, a nearly nonstop session of working in a variety of settings and circumstances. From looking for devices on vehicles to sniffing out submerged flash drives in shallow water, Perl was put through her paces before she was sent home with Robertson. It wasn’t long before she proved herself an asset to the team, with her first deployment just days after the training session ended.
“We had our first deployment with her lined up before I got her,” Robertson explained. “This was actually out in Auburn, and the Placer County DA's Office was working a $20 million cryptocurrency embezzlement case. After the human investigators concluded a search, she went in and alerted really hard at a cabinet. She found a cryptocurrency wallet in there; as far as I'm aware, they were able to recover funds through that wallet, which
was a phenomenal win. She alerted hard on that cabinet again and I found a device I didn't even recognize but I looked it up and it was another crypto device. Needless to say, the people there were ecstatic. It was so cool to get that confirmation; it’s like magic watching her work.”
Perl has settled in at Robertson’s house comfortably, making friends with his pet German shepherd and getting a lot of love and attention from his kids. Because she needs to stay in practice to do her job well, unlike narcotics dogs who only need occasional training, Perl has to put the time in every single day.
“She doesn't eat unless she trains, unless she finds devices,” Robertson said. “So, we train two to three times a day every day. And that is a challenge, you know. I mean I've gotten home from hanging out with friends and I'm running her at 1:00 in the morning because I have got to make sure she's getting fed. That is a challenge, but I mean my kids love hiding devices for her and, man, they can get diabolical.”
With ESD dogs as rare as they are, Robertson is sure Perl is an asset not only for the county DA’s Office but for the whole region. The closest K9 with similar training is in Santa Clara, and another to the east in Sparks, Nev.
“There are none in Northern California other than her,” Robertson said. “So we anticipate that the work is just going to increase as word starts getting around.”
Courtesy photo
Perl has been trained in locating electronic storage devices, including hard drives, cell phones, air tags and micro SD cards. She and her handler, DA Investigator John Robertson, received their certification from the National Computer Forensics Institute.
Mayzie
story & photography: SHELLY THORENE helps the heroes who help us
Adrienne Steurer of El Dorado Hills and her first responder therapy dog, Mayzie pose for a photo in El Dorado Hills.
Adrienne Steurer has a day job at Lakeview Elementary School in El Dorado Hills but still finds the time to volunteer with her first responder therapy dog, Mayzie. The 7-year-old Australian Kelpie/cattle dog mix is innately sweet and has a calm disposition and, Steurer said, “She knows who to go to, to do her thing.”
In 2019, Mayzie was surrendered to Bradshaw Animal Shelter where she was attacked by a kennel mate. She was transferred to Foothill Dog Rescue in Shingle Springs where she was spayed but post-surgery developed aspiration pneumonia and needed intravenous fluids. She healed and shortly afterward Steurer adopted her.
Steurer said she knew immediately Mayzie would be an amazing therapy dog.
“She has a good temperament, she’s a good size and won’t knock you over,” she explained.
Steurer discovered First Responder Therapy Dogs, a nonprofit located in San Raphael and began the certification process. She said the first step was basic obedience training, which includes getting the dog to sit, stay and ignore food. She said a dog must be neutral to other dogs and must welcome petting and grooming by strangers, adding that a good therapy
Courtesy photo
Fallen Leaf Lake firefighters enjoy some quality time with Mayzie
dog isn’t startled by loud noises, fire engines, etc. Mayzie has earned all three AKC Canine Good Citizen titles and two AKC Therapy titles including the advanced title for surpassing 100 visits.
Steurer knows first-hand the stresses of being a first responder as she previously worked as an EMT with an ambulance company and CalStar.
According to First Responder Therapy Dog’s website, first responders “face immense physical and mental health challenges” and there is often a “stigma around seeking help.”
The group states firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement search and rescue and dispatch center personnel often experience extreme stress, PTSD, depression and even suicidal impulses. “Our therapy dogs provide the emotional support they need to navigate these intense experiences.” The group has more than 400 teams in 46 states that have made more than 300 visits this year, supporting 7,000 first responders.
Since June 2023 Steurer and Mayzie have together made more than 140 visits to law enforcement, dispatchers, firefighters, military personnel and other community members in Northern California and Nevada. Mayzie has been
nominated for the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award by FHE Health, a national behavioral health provider based in Florida and the First Responders Pack Foundation but she did not place this year.
“We will try again next year,” Steurer said. “It was really fun to be nominated and to be able to get some press exposure to help raise awareness about us and First Responder Therapy Dogs.
“She’s an excellent tool for peer support and comfort,” the handler said of her pooch. “She definitely has found her calling and I love that she’s a rescue dog that was able to get a second chance at life and give back to first responders that sacrifice so much for us. She’s been through her own trauma and doesn’t let it stop her from helping those who need it the most. They share that bond. It’s truly magical to see her work.”
LEFT: Mayzie is wellknown by Placerville Police for her assistance.
BELOW: Mayzie chills at an El Dorado Hills fire station.
Courtesy photos
Dog adoption 101
story
by: CAITLIN SULLIVAN / El Dorado County Animal Services
Adoption is not the end of a shelter dog’s story; it’s the beginning of a new story that you get to write together…
Every shelter dog dreams of a forever home — but forever doesn’t happen by accident. Forever takes planning, patience, preparation, commitment and humans who understand that love alone doesn’t replace structure and training. Before you clip on the leash for the very first walk with your newly adopted dog, keep these 10 essential tips in mind. These tips will help set you and your pup up for long-term success!
1. Pick the right dog
Not every dog fits every lifestyle. Research breeds and individual personalities to find a dog whose energy level, size and temperament match your home and routine. Make sure you have enough time and resources to meet both the physical and mental needs of the dog you bring home. Picking the right dog will pay off by creating a happier, healthier relationship for both of you.
Connor, one of the El Dorado County Animal Shlter pups waiting for his forever home with Caitlin.
Photo by Noel Stack
2. Prepare your home before your new dog arrives
Dog-proof your space, set up a cozy area for your pup to retreat to. Having food, water, toys, and a safe space for your new rescue pup is imperative and will make the transition easier for both you and your dog. If you have a resident dog already in the home, it is important that you create an environment where each dog has their own space away from one another.
3. Schedule a vet visit immediately
One of the first things you should do after bringing your new dog home is schedule a visit with a veterinarian. Depending on the nervousness of your newly adopted pet, I would recommend making an appointment for your dog to be seen within the first few days of their adoption. This will be where you can discuss ongoing vaccinations, deworming schedules and prescription preventative medications, including heartworm and flea medications. A vet visit is important to address and catch any potential medical issues right away.
4. Know the 3-3-3 rule
Bringing home your new bestie can be exciting and rewarding. However, the transition from the shelter to a home can be overwhelming and stressful at times. The 3-3-3 rule is a helpful guideline for a dog’s decompression and adjustment into a new environment. 3-3-3 is very important to keep in mind when bringing home your new dog.
First 3 days — Decompression
In the first 3 days, it is common for dogs to feel overwhelmed; they may be scared or unsure, they may not want to eat or drink, they may shut down and hide or an otherwise potty-trained dog may have accidents in a new home or environment. Allow your dog adequate time, a minimum of 3 days, to decompress. This allows for stress hormones in their blood to decrease.
• Have your dog drag a light leash attached to the collar so you can gently guide them and direct them instead of grabbing the collar or picking them up.
• Offer food, like bits of chicken or string cheese, to start building a bond with your new dog. If the dog is not comfortable taking it straight from your hand, no problem; gently toss the treats away from you.
• Only pet when the dog consents. Your dog will let you know when they want affection. Allow it to be on their terms.
• Do not introduce your new dog to a bunch of people, nonfamily animals or new environments in the first 3 days.
• Do not expect a resident dog and your new dog to share personal items or space. Pick up high-value items and give each dog their own space.
First 3 weeks Building Trust
After 3 weeks, your adopted dog should be starting to settle in and feel more comfortable. They start to realize this could be their forever home since they are becoming familiarized with your routine and their new environment. This may be when they let their guard down and may start to show their true personality. Once they feel more comfortable, it is common for behavioral issues to start to arise.
• Take your dog out in the neighborhood and be prepared by bringing high-value treats to create positive associations with new sights and sounds.
• Use positive training methods with your dog and consider consulting a trainer if you are having problems. Play with your dog and engage with them with toys that they like. This may take time to discover their preferences, as lots of dogs have not had experience with toys.
• Continue to manage interactions with your resident dog(s) and do not have high-value items accessible to both dogs.
• Do not push your new dog to do anything uncomfortable. Remember that you are building trust, and that you do not want to undermine your trust-building efforts.
First 3 months — Settling in
After 3 months, many adopted dogs start to finally feel completely comfortable in their home. They are settling in, and their trust is building into a true bond. In this time frame, adopted dogs may have gained a complete sense of security with their new family. Routines are formed, and they may expect their dinner at a usual time!
• Join an obedience class for manners and building a bond. Introduce your dog to a friend’s dogs, so long as both dogs are social.
• Do not introduce any new pets into the family until you have everything sorted out with your new dog.
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• Have a trainer do a home visit if you are having problems you would like to address.
5. Reward resident dog
Every time your resident dog notices or engages calmly with the new pup, make it rain rewards … treats, praise, toys, whatever they love most. The goal? Teach your resident dog to associate the newcomer with awesome things. You want the resident dog to think, “Hey, when that new dog shows up, my life gets better!”
6. Set up controlled introductions
Keep the dogs separate but visible at first. Use leashes, baby gates or crates to manage space. Avoid overwhelming both dogs; short, chill sessions are better. Imagine being introduced to your new roommate and then being told that now you must share your room, bed, personal items and space with this person. Relationships do not happen overnight; it takes time to build trust and friendship.
Try to avoid conflict over resources by picking up food bowls, toys or any valued items. Avoid personal space violations by managing interactions between both dogs. Once both dogs are calm in each other's presence, I like to encourage parallel walks with one person per dog daily or multiple times a day. Brief sniff-and-walk-away greetings are important to interrupt if the two dogs are sniffing too intensely. Most importantly, reward each positive interaction between the dogs.
7. Establish a routine
Dogs thrive on predictability and routine. Feeding, walks and playtime at consistent times each day help your dog feel secure and make training easier. If there are multiple dogs in the home, establish separate feeding areas so there is no conflict over food. Setting up a clear routine can help you stay on top of bathroom breaks, preventing accidents before they happen.
October 31st
Bring your dog to the potty spot regularly and reward with a treat when your dog finishes. It is not uncommon for dogs to slip up on potty training when in a new environment.
8. Focus on training early
Training isn’t just teaching tricks; it’s about communication. Start with basic commands like sit, stay and come. Positive reinforcement and patience go a long way. Reward the behaviors you like and want the dog to keep. If you’re thinking, “Wow, Buddy is being so good right now,” reward that! Remember, a well-trained dog is not just obedient, but also confident and happy.
9. Lose the baggage!
Lose the baggage of your new dog’s backstory — the circumstances that led your new dog to end up in a rescue in the first place. By hanging on to what we may or may not know about our new dog and viewing it through a lens clouded by the dog’s perhaps-not-ideal past, we do it a great disservice. Observe the dog in front of you and respond accordingly to their current needs.
10. Expect some challenges
Even the sweetest dog may have rough patches. Accidents, fear, separation anxiety or behavioral concerns are normal. NO dog is turnkey. Stay patient, consistent, routine-oriented and
loving. Reaching out to trainers, behaviorists or support groups can make these challenges easier to navigate. Here is a helpful website to guide you and support you when bringing a new dog into your home: rescuesmart.net/rescuesmart.
Adopting a dog isn’t just about giving them a home, it’s about reshaping your life to include them as a family member. These 10 tips will help set you up for success, but the most important takeaway is commitment. If you are patient, structured and consistent, your new dog will bring you loyalty, joy and unconditional love in return.
To see the dogs available at the El Dorado County Animal Services shelters visit eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Services/AnimalServices.
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Favorite
Name: Sequoia
Owner: Eileen Crim
City: Placerville
Favorite activity:
Name: Aero
YOUR HAPPY HEALTHY PETS
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Owner: Choral & Rich Engstrom
City: Camino
Favorite activity: Pixel loves to remodel and redecorate our home by chewing sheet rock and base boards. Despite her “help” we are love her.
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Favorite activity: Nugget loves to swim, loves daily neighborhood walks and is the sweetest mentor brother for many foster dogs through Foothill Dog Rescue.
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Owner: Alan and Denise French City: Rescue
Favorite activity: Having much rest and relaxation in a sunbeam through a window
SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS
HartSong Ranch is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. 100% of donations go to the best possible care of the sanctuary animals, the pups rescued via our two Dog Rescue Programs, and future rescue efforts. This is made possible only through the generous support of our caring donors. Please consider donating today to help HartSong continue its mission.
THE SANCTUARY ANIMALS
Feeding Little, Blind Ciara
HartSong Ranch Animal Sanctuary is a 30-acre facility offering a lifetime of care to 60+ previously neglected and abused horses, cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese. We provide a platform to observe firsthand the way farm animals behave when they are not expected to be used for milk, meat, clothing, or labor. We allow the animals living within our gates to simply be; and, as a result, connect to one another and humans with an awe-inspiring sense of calm and trust. Come to meet these remarkable beings! Schedule a fieldtrip/tour by calling us today.
HartSong Ranch pulls shelter dogs that are never allowed on adoption room floors due to failed temperament evaluations – ‘RED LISTED’ for euthanasia because they are terrified or shut down emotionally in the shelter environment. They are immediately placed into loving foster homes, allowed time to decompress and then once ready, placed up for adoption.
We pull senior and terminally ill dogs scheduled for euthanasia from the shelter environment. They are placed into loving, warm hospice homes until they take their last breath. Our mission is to make the last days/months/years of a senior pup’s life the best they have ever known. HartSong Ranch covers all expenses. Please consider becoming a fospice care provider.
• Become a volunteer
• Become a canine foster
• Become a “fospice” care provider
City:
Favorite activity: Going for car rides & playing with her toys.
Foothill Mobile Veterinary Service
Our Services Include:
• Preventive Medicine and Vaccinations
• Colic Treatment and Wound Care
• Equine Dentistry, (Performed by a Veterinarian) with Powered Instruments
• Lameness Examinations & Radiographs
• Reproductive Examinations & Ultrasound
• Pre-Purchase Examinations
• Consultation and on-site animal management advice
