Volume 3 •Issue 4
Winter/Holiday 2012
Langer & Pilot: Guide Dogs in More Ways than One Healthy Holidays for our Pets Holiday Gift Guide Inside!
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“Duncan” available for adoption at Picasso’s Place Min Pin Rescue (see page 45 for details)
Winter/H
oliday 20
Volume 3
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Issue 4
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Volume 3 •Is
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contents Winter/Holiday 2012 Langer & Pilot: Guide Dogs in More Ways th an One Health
y Holid ays for our Pets Holiday Gift Gui de Insid e!
departments
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“Duncan”
19
Weekend Getaway:
20
Weekend Getaway:
22
Health:
30
Training: “Maggie, No!”
features
32
Training: Therapy Dogs at Work
8
Feeling a Bit “OCD”?
34
Nutrition:
10
What Goes Down Sometimes Comes Up
38
Legal:
16
The Life of Pie
24
Holiday Gift Guide
On the Cover…
The Hummingbird Inn
}
available Picasso’s for adoptio Place Min n Pin Rescue at (see pag e 45 for deta ils)
“Duncan” is hoping to find his forever home. He is available through Picasso’s Place Min Pin Rescue. Details found on Page 45. Photo by: Fuzzypants Photography – Carina Thornton
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
Healthy Holidays
Treating Colitis Naturally
Dogs & The Law: What You Should Know About Puppy Mills
40
Safety:
42
United for Change:
45
12
Center for Pet Safety Explains Pet Product Industry, Advocates Standards
special feature
Dog Around Town
Seeking a Forever Home
12
anger & Pilot: Guide Dogs in L More Ways than One
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ contributors }
contributors Hillary Collyer, Esquire
Tom Lacy, Dog Obedience Instructor
Hillary Collyer is a Virginia lawyer whose practice focuses on civil and commercial litigation. She received her law degree from the George Washington University Law School and is licensed to practice before the Virginia Supreme Court, the D.C. Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Hillary works at a law firm in Old Town Alexandria where her fourteen year old Shih Tzu-Mix “Lady” accompanies her to work each day.
Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT Dr. Erwin, a life-long Loudoun County native, owns a house call practice called Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services that focuses on offering in-home acupuncture, rehabilitation, pet hospice, and euthanasia for her clients. Dr. Erwin is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Mariah Frank, DVM Dr. Frank was born on a military base in Germany and grew up at bases throughout the United States, with her family settling in Maryland in 1994. Dr. Frank received her DVM from Ross University in St. Kitts and completed her clinical year at Ohio State University. Following graduation she did a 1 year rotating medicine and surgery internship at Metropolitan Veterinary hospital in Akron. This was followed by completion of a 1 year internal medicine internship and 3 year residency with Northeast Ohio Internal Medicine in Akron, Ohio. Dr. Frank joins the Internal Medicine Department, CARE – Crossroads Animal Referral and Emergency Hospital and is seeing daytime appointments and will be on-call for emergencies. She looks forward to meeting and working with our wonderful network of Referring Veterinarians.
Tom along with his wife Pat are the owners of Dog Lovers Obedience School located in Richmond, Virginia. Tom joined efforts with his wife Pat Lacy in 1983. Tom trained his first dog 25 years ago. He is an instructor, as well as a writer and counselor.
Charlene Logan-Burnett Charlene Logan Burnett is a service professional member of HeARTs Speak. When not writing, she devotes most of her time to animal advocacy and rescue. Her fiction will appear in the upcoming anthology, A Quiet Shelter There, a benefit for Friends of Homeless Animals, a shelter that focuses on rescue in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area.
Amanda Meighan, Intern Amanda is a recent graduate of Virginia Tech where she received her Bachelor’s degree in English with cum laude honors. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in English Secondary Education. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at local animal shelters and humane societies, hiking, and traveling
Darleen Rudnick, BSW, MHN Nutritional Pet Consultant Darleen Rudnick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, and a Master’s Degree in Holistic Nutrition. She counsels pet owners worldwide and supports animals with a complete holistic approach. As a nutritionist, her focus is nutrition and building programs for pets suffering from all ailments and offers natural supplements and herbal remedies.
Anne Stoneham, DVM, DACVECC
Laura Jones Laura Semonche Jones is an attorney and freelance writer and editor. She lives with her husband, two adored pit bull mixes and two tolerant cats in Charlottesville. Fallout Shelter, one of the stories in Breaking and Entering, her debut collection of short stories, was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Jones is also working on her first novel, and yes, there is a dog in it. More information and samples of her work are at www.LauraSJones.com.
Dr. Stoneham is an emergency and critical care specialist at VCA Veterinary Referral Associates in Gaithersburg, MD where she is Director of the Emergency Department. Dr. Stoneham completed her veterinary training at three different institutions: veterinary school at Cornell University in NY, internship at the Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Oregon, and residency at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Dr. Stoneham’s interests include emergency surgery, acute kidney failure, sepsis and hypoadrenocorticism among others.
Deva Khalsa, V.M.D. Dr. Deva Khalsa V.M.D. practices with a blend of sophisticated holistic techniques designed to best enhance the natural strengths of her patients. Aside from her impressive career and dedication to teaching, Dr. Khalsa has authored, ‘Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog’, a book best described as a ‘holistic bible’ for dog owners and has designed a comprehensive preventive supplement for Deserving Pets.
Lindsey Wolko, Pet Safety Advocate Lindsey is a long-time pet safety advocate and founder of the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety. She is a graduate of George Mason University and holds an associate membership with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International). Ms. Wolko currently leads the pet product research efforts at CPS
Pat Lacy, Dog Obedience Instructor Pat Lacy founded Dog Lovers Obedience School in 1976 in Richmond, Virginia. Pat’s many accomplishments include over 55 years of dog obedience training, teaching a two-year college course for dog obedience instructors, as well as founding Therapy Dogs and Associates in 1984. Pat’s specialty is working with families including children three and up.
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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Publisher/Editor in Chief Pamela Wahl
{ publishers note }
a note
from our publisher
Director of Operations Gene Wahl
With the holiday and winter seasons upon us, this edition of The Virginia-Maryland Dog is full of wonderful articles to educate and enlighten you about keeping your pets safe during the holiday and winter months.
Art Director Kalico Design, Kim Dow Senior Editor Kimberly Holmes Photographer Fuzzypants Photography, Carina Thornton Copy Editor Matt Neufeld Advertising Director Pamela Wahl Production Coordinator Diane Weller Web Site Design/Manager Kalico Design, Kim Dow Business Manager Cathy Wahl Contributing Writers: Hillary Collyer, Esquire Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT Mariah Frank, DVM Laura Jones Deva Khalsa, VMD Pat Lacy, Dog Obedience Instructor Tom Lacy, Dog Obedience Instructor Charlene Logan-Burnett Amanda Meighan, Intern Darleen Rudnick, BSW, MHN, Nutritional Pet Consultant Anne Stoneham, DVM, DACVECC Lindsey Wolko, Pet Safety Advocate The Virginia-Maryland Dog Magazine 1 College Avenue Frederick, MD 21701 Tel: (301) 514-2804 Fax: (301) 576-5079 www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com bark@thevirginia-marylanddog.com Copyright 2012 No part of this publication may be reproduced without expressed written permission of the publisher. No part may be transmitted in any form by any means, including electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Publisher accepts no liability for solicited or unsolicited materials that are damaged or lost. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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As part of our cover dedication to dogs in need of adoption, this edition includes a beautiful little Miniature Pinscher named “Duncan”. Duncan is seeking his forever home and is available through Picasso’s Place Min Pin Rescue. Additional information about Duncan and Picasso’s Place may be found on Page 45 of this issue. We are once again thrilled to report that “Divo,” who appeared on the cover of our Fall, 2012, edition, has found his forever home! It warms our hearts to know that these fine animals are receiving the publicity, love, care—and homes--that they truly deserve! If you are associated with a shelter or a rescue organization and would like assistance with getting the word out about your group, we can help! Drop us a line via e-mail – bark@thevirginia-marylanddog.com, or contact our office by phone. We are always ready to provide help to the many organizations dedicated to finding loving homes to the many dogs in need. During the holiday season and throughout the year, we would like to encourage our readers to assist the many rescue and shelter organizations by donating such simple items as bleach, gently worn towels, blankets, paper towels, grooming items, exam gloves, laundry detergent, rubbing alcohol, toys, leashes, collars, food, and, of course, monetary donations. Such items are extremely important and useful in the day-to-day operations of these wonderful organizations. In addition, many of these organizations offer shopping on-line and within the volunteer-run thrift shops. For a list of organizations in need of your help, please contact our office. As another year comes to a close, we at The Virginia-Maryland Dog would like to say “thank you” to our wonderful, dedicated readers for making our publication such a huge success. We hope that you have found each and every issue of our magazine to be educational and enjoyable. We are certainly honored to bring these articles to you, courtesy of an informed, veteran group of highly-experienced professionals within the pet industry. Happy Holidays! Pamela Wahl, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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Feeling a Bit “OCD”?
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Get to Know the Secrets of this Joint Disease and How it Might Affect Your Dog! By Krisi Erwin, DVM, CVA, CCRT
Welcome to the next installment of our “Vetside” chats! For this issue, we move locations to Leesburg, Va., to interview local veterinary surgeon, Dr. Jim Taylor. During our chat, Dr. Taylor was kind enough to enlighten me on the topic of OCD—a joint disease that affects a fair number of our companions and that could affect their performance and day to day comfort. Settle in and get ready to learn about OCD and how to best treat it!
Q: How long have you been a surgeon? A: I have been a board-certified small animal surgeon and a member of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons since February, 2012. I have been with the Veterinary Surgical Center throughout my surgical internship and residency since 2007. I am pleased to stay on now as one of their staff surgeons.
Q: What made you want to become a surgeon? Dr. Jim Taylor, Veterinarian Surgeon
A: Veterinary medicine has always been a natural calling to me since I was in high school. My extended interest in small animal surgery began in undergraduate college, which was fostered throughout veterinary school.
Q: What exactly is OCD? What are the causes? A: “OCD” stands for osteochondrosis dissecans and is a condition found in skeletally immature animals and humans. It’s a structural problem of developing hyaline cartilage, a type of cartilage that helps to cushion and protect the bones. When OCD occurs, there is abnormal thickening of a focal area of the hyaline cartilage with surrounding inflammation to the underlying bone. This area of cartilage has different biomechanics than normal hyaline cartilage and is less resistant to normal weight bearing stresses. Repeated stress on this area can lead to separation from the surrounding cartilage and the development of a cartilage flap within the joint, which causes pain and lameness. Sometimes, this flap breaks off completely and floats free in the joint space. A free- floating piece of cartilage is often referred to as a “joint mouse.” OCD can affect the
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shoulder, elbow, knee, and hock in the dog. The shoulder is most commonly affected. OCD has many causes, that include: 1. Heredity. 2. Joint morphology and incongruity (how the joint is made and how the bones are able to move against each other). 3. Rapid growth rates. 4. Trauma. 5. Nutritional factors such as overfeeding or too much calcium and/or Vitamin D3 in the diet. 6. Loss of vascularity to the diseased segment of cartilage.
Q: What are the clinical signs of OCD? A: Clinical signs usually appear in young dogs that are still growing and are usually due to the presence of a cartilage flap within the joint or to incongruity/instability in how the joint is able to function, because of the abnormally thickened cartilage. These changes cause an inflammatory reaction that affects the joint and bone underlying the cartilage flap. Symptoms depend on the joint affected, but usually manifest as an acute to insidious onset that’s static in progression and can be exacerbated with rest or exercise. Some dogs may have a barely noticeable limp, while others are unable to bear any weight on the affected leg. The disease can be, and is often times, bilateral.
Q: What breeds are affected most? A: Large and giant breed dogs such as: Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Newfound-
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lands, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, English Setters, and Old English Sheepdogs are most commonly affected. Males are affected more often than females. Traumatic cases can affect any patient.
Q: How is OCD diagnosed? A: Historical and physical examination findings are key components to an initial diagnosis with some expected variability. The majority of cases can be diagnosed by survey radiographs, or radiographs taken at specific angles under sedation depending upon the joint. Lesions can be found unexpectedly while examining the joint for other orthopedic disease. In cases elusive to radiography, analysis of the joint fluid is beneficial, and may also require the aid of CT, MRI, or arthroscopy if necessary.
Q: Do these injuries always require surgery? If so, what does surgery entail? A: Surgical intervention is recommended for patients that have persistent clinical signs attributable to OCD. The traditional treatment for OCD involves arthroscopic removal of the cartilage flap, allowing healing of the underlying lesion with fibrocartilage. Arthroscopy is currently the standard for removing flaps, instead of the older open approach to the joint. There is also an additional treatment we can offer called an OATS procedure,which allows us to resurface the previously diseased area with a healthy hyaline cartilage graft, thus restoring joint mechanics to as near normal as possible. OATS stands for Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System and utilizes the patient’s own hyaline cartilage harvested from a non-weight bearing portion of a pre-chosen joint with matching cartilage characteristics. The cartilage graft is placed in the debrided OCD defect and allowed to heal. Most patients spend one night in the hospital for observation post-anesthesia and pain management, then are discharged from the hospital the following day for further care at home.
Q: How successful is surgery? Should I expect my dog to recover well? How long does it take to recover? A: Most patients undergo a successful surgery and tend to show an improvement in lameness (compared to pre-operative condition) within the first one to four weeks. It is critical that they are restricted on exercise at home and allowed to rest for at least six weeks to allow the site to develop an adequate bed of fibrocartilage for normal weight-bearing in the future. Patients who undergo an OATS procedure may require a slightly longer rest period to ensure adequate healing prior to increasing forces borne on the cartilage graft.
Q: Would pet rehabilitation help my dog to recover from surgery better? A: Rehabilitation is a huge component of recovery, and mandatory for all patients undergoing orthopedic and select soft tissue and oncologic surgeries with our group. It’s very well documented (and personally noted) on a daily basis the therapeutic effects of an appropriate rehabilitation program which can significantly improve muscle mass, range of motion, weight bearing, comfort and overall function. Our rehabilitation department utilizes hands on techniques with the owner, cold laser, ultrasound and underwater treadmill therapy routinely.
Q: My dog is a competition dog. How likely is it that he can compete again? How long until he is able to compete to his full potential? A: The long term effects on the joint after a patient develops OCD is degenerative joint disease (a.k.a. “arthritis”). Treating the joint surgically to relieve patient discomfort and restore as near normal joint congruity and cartilage biomechanics is the first step in management. During the healing phase, the patient undergoes activity restriction while beginning rehabilitation. Anytime activity is decreased and joints are rested, normal hyaline cartilage will soften. Patients are only asked to rest until healed (six to eight weeks), however it is paramount that they gradually return to normal activity over the following four to eight weeks. A sudden return to normal, heavy activity in a patient that has been rested and has cartilage which has softened during recovery will run the risk of cartilage damage and a further set back in recovery. This is where an appropriate rehabilitation program that is coordinated with the pet parent to bring their pet back to full function is critical. Most patients are able to resume a normal activity after full recovery, which may include athletics. The likelihood of that patient being able to compete to their full potential is possible, and outcomes vary by joint affected, type of surgical management, and post-operative care/rehab.
Q: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me about this topic! On a more fun note, what hobbies do you have outside of surgery? A: Thank you, Dr. Erwin, for the chance to sit down and discuss this topic! It is an interest of mine and I enjoy helping these patients get back on the road to a full life with their families. My personal hobbies include spending time with my family and pretty much anything outdoors.
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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What Goes Down Sometimes Comes Up: Vomiting, What Does it Mean?
By Mariah Frank, DVM Vomiting—obviously one of the more unpleasant ailments, for dogs or humans—is a common complaint at the Crossroads Animal Referral and Emergency facility. Vomiting occurs in response to many problems. This includes: medical issues concerning the stomach and intestinal tract, such as eating foreign material (toys, etc.); dietary indiscretion (getting into the trash); and inflammation and infection affecting the stomach and intestines. Vomiting can also occur because of other metabolic or systemic (whole body) problems, such as kidney or liver disease. But please note—before treatment can be recommended, it is important to identify the cause. Vomiting episodes can be placed into two categories: acute vomiting and chronic vomiting. Acute vomiting has a sudden onset, and can be severe and continuous. Chronic vomiting is longer (weeks to months) and, generally, intermittent. The most common cause of acute vomiting is eating something inappropriate. Dogs are notorious for getting into the garbage and finding things in the environment. While it may have seemed like a good idea at the time—the stomach often disagrees! If your pet vomits once, and subsequently eats normally, with no further vomiting, and is acting playful, then the problem may resolve itself without treatment. However, if vomiting continues, or if you’re pet is lethargic or uninterested in eating, then they need to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Since vomiting occurs due to many causes, your veterinarian will need a detailed history from you. The vet should
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
perform a thorough physical exam to help form a diagnostic and treatment plan. Duration, frequency, and the timing of the vomiting after eating or drinking—these details are all helpful clues. You will also be asked to describe the physical characteristics of the vomit—including the color, amount, odor, and consistency. Following the gathering of history information and a physical examination, your veterinarian will recommend tests to help determine the cause of vomiting. A generally recommended procedures is blood work, to evaluate the liver, kidneys, electrolytes, and white blood cells. Radiographs and X-rays of the abdomen can help rule out foreign body ingestion and other causes of vomiting. In some cases, your primary-care veterinarian may recommend visiting a referral center such as Crossroads Animal Referral and Emergency for further diagnostics, such as ultrasound imaging of the abdomen or endoscopy to examine and obtain biopsies of the stomach and intestinal tract. Endoscopy can also be used to remove foreign material from the stomach without performing surgery. In acute, uncomplicated cases, your veterinarian may recommend withholding food for a period of time. If vomiting resolves, generally small amounts of water or ice cubes, followed by a low-fat bland diet, is started. If your pet has continuous vomiting, or changes on blood work and radiographs that show more serious issues, hospitalization for fluid therapy and continuous supportive care may be recommended. Your veterinarian will be able to determine an appropriate plan, based on the clinical signs and history provided by you, and by the findings revealed during the physical examination. Once the cause of vomiting is found, the treatment recommendations will be tailored to your pet to give them the best chance of recovery.
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Photography by Fuzzypants Photography
Gary with “Langer” & “Pilot”
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
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Langer & Pilot:
in More
Ways than One
Few people have the opportunity to weave together their personal and professional lives so completely and to do so with their dogs by their side. Instead, many people flounder as they search for purpose, just like dogs that are poorly trained find themselves lacking direction and the ability to connect. As a full-time attorney and mediator who specializes in animal law and advocates for the disabled, Gary Norman has found his path, and he knows that in many ways he is lucky, despite his visual impairment. He also knows that path is made possible by his partnership with his guide dog, Pilot, and the ability to travel freely, which that partnership gives him. Norman has used a guide dog for more than a decade. Before Pilot, there was Langer, his introduction to the world of working dogs and his guide in more ways than one. Norman is also a speaker and a consultant on all types of issues facing the disabled--including guide dog access—so he has a special place in his heart for all our canine companions. The process Norman went through to become a guide dog handler, and simultaneously, to build his career into a tool to help others, is fascinating and educational. By understanding his path, anyone can become a better and more informed citizen of our community, where animals and people interact every day.
Getting His First Guide Dog Norman has a genetic degenerative eye disease, and he started losing his vision at age 10. He decided to get Langer, his first guide dog, in 2001 to help make possible a new independent life in Baltimore. “Langer aided both my personal and professional development,” Norman says. “He added to my independence and ability to navigate meetings and office buildings, and he also eased social interactions.” Sometimes the terms are confusing in the world of working companion dogs. According to Assistance Dogs International, the three types of assistance dogs are: guide dogs for the blind and the visually im-
By Laura S. Jones
paired, hearing dogs for the deaf and hard of hearing; and service dogs for people with other disabilities. The nonprofit Service Dogs of Virginia further divides service dogs into three categories: physical assistance dogs; autism dogs; and diabetic alert dogs. Although guide dogs for the blind have been trained formally for more than seventy years, training dogs for physically and mentally disabled individuals is a much more recent concept. Since Norman uses a guide dog, that is the term that is used predominately in this article, although it is not meant to limit or discriminate. People don’t just get a guide dog through the internet or at the mall. Norman had to apply, be accepted, and then travel for training. He chose to apply to the Guide Dogs for the Blind Campus in San Rafael, California. Six months later, after an interview and a home visit, he was accepted and went to “guide dog school” for three weeks. Those three weeks included intense, six-day-a-week training designed to teach the handler how to work with a guide dog, and to allow the team to develop a working rapport. “Langer was a quick study,” Norman says. When it was time for Langer to retire nine years later, Norman applied for another, and he got Pilot. He then travelled back to the school for a two-week refresher course. “Every dog is different, so you still have to be trained with the new dog,”Norman explained. “You
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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have to be matched, and get a feel for each other to make sure the new dog-relationship works.”
Is a Guide Dog a Pet or a Partner? Both! Just like humans have work clothes and play clothes, when Norman puts Pilot’s harness on, the guide dog knows it is time to go to work. When Norman takes the harness off, Pilot knows he is off the clock and can relax and just be a pet, like the retired Langer. “The harness is the go-to-work signal.” Dogs simply aren’t good multi-taskers, Norman says. They need that bright line. Even when a guide dog is working, he is the employee, and not the boss. “In my experience as an attorney-educator, as an advocate and lobbyist, and as a dog handler, an array of actors in civil society does not often understand that. Guide dogs are not in charge of the team,” Norman writes. “Obviously, guide dogs do not, in other words, ‘see’ for the handler. As with all other relationships among living beings, having a successful guide dog in the field does require a physical, psycho-social, and emotional interconnectivity and understanding. “For example, a guide dog does not know Union Station just based on the basic guide dog work commands they learned in school. A guide dog, especially one as talented and as intelligent as Pilot, or Langer before him, can certainly recall restrooms and their location, specific spots of commonly traveled paths in the train station or other public venues, and even find the pesky door to the outside. However, it is the responsibility of the handler…to know the building, to execute properly guide dog commands, and to otherwise be in control of the animal.” When all these parts are functioning, Norman says the result is “a partnership in independence” that allows the disabled “freedom of mobility and, by extension, robustness of opportunity.” Given this unique working relationship, when meeting a guide dog team, ask the handler if it is okay to interact with the dog and don’t be offended if the answer is no. A guide dog has an important job, and the handler’s safety depends on the dog’s alertness and concentration.
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Access and Advocacy are Norman’s Day (and Night) Jobs In the United States and many other countries, the proliferation of assistance dogs has led to legislation designed to ensure that these animals and their handlers are allowed access to wherever they need or want to go. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires public accommodations to modify policies, practices, and procedures to permit people who are blind or disabled to be accompanied by working dogs anywhere. Law doesn’t always govern reality. “Discrimination in society, including in terms of access denials of assistance dogs, is a regular problem, even, despite, affirmative civil rights legislation, rules, regulations, and policies being in place,” Norman explains. “That is a motivating factor for me serving as an Associate Civil Rights Commissioner in Maryland.” Most people have seen guide dog teams, perhaps while shopping, or in the post office. But what about in an ambulance? Or a hospital? Norman has worked to spread awareness that assistance dogs should be admitted everywhere. He helped to educate emergency personnel about how the dog can be managed. Specifically, Norman has helped develop a plan for housing and transporting guide dogs when they and their owners are injured. Norman also recently assisted the Baltimore County Fire Department with creating and implementing a plan for dealing with injured handlers, or dogs, in a guide dog team. Education is key to prevent needless suffering. Disaster planning is another similar issue. Norman works to spread the message that service animals must be welcomed in shelters after a disaster. It’s one thing to have laws on the books protecting the rights of service dog handlers, and another to see they are enforced. This is why advocacy and education are a big part of Norman’s law practice and personal volunteerism. Norman never seems to take his own harness off; he remains very busy. Norman is also a Civil Rights Commissioner. Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley appointed him to this position in 2009, and again in 2012. Norman is also the immediate past president of the Maryland Area Guide Dog Users, Inc., an advocacy and education based non-profit that he established. In that role, he organized the blindness community concerning issues of access and civil liberties, rights and responsibilities. With that platform, he can shape
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policy to promote greater access and understanding of the guide dog partnership. Norman cares about more than guide dogs, though. To ensure animal welfare is an important part of our public policy, he has held the post of chairperson of the Animal Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. He has also written numerous articles. He is also on the board of Wolfe Pack Press, Inc., a non-profit public charity dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and promoting animal welfare through education. For all his community work, Norman has received more than a dozen awards and honors throughout his career. Animal law focuses on any interaction between animals and the human world, and the field encompasses pet custody disputes, pet trusts, seizures of pets by local jurisdictions, evictions, and issues with homeowner associations and service animal disputes, Norman explains. “On some level, animal law is a unique area of legal practice, scholarship, and policy formulation in that it touches ultimate questions about how we are to care for living beings and the natural world around us,” he says. “Whether from the left or the right of the political spectrum, I would like to think that I am shaping the field to address these questions in a way that encompasses the broadest view points and perspectives, ultimately finding consensus in promoting a healthier world or civil society for all the creatures that reside in it.” Besides handling disputes, preferably by mediation, Norman’s vision for animal law is broader. His goal is to encourage informed decision-making in government by bringing “all types of people together who have any relationship with animals to have a good discussion.” His experience as half of a guide dog partnership certainly spurred his interest in animal law, although he also grew up around dogs--first with his grandmother’s poodle, and then with his family’s Doberman.
Up Close and Personal with Langer and Pilot Norman’s dog Langer is a Labrador retriever, and Pilot is a cross between a Golden retriever and a Lab, what Norman calls a “Goldendor.” Both “blessings” and occasionally “vexing rascals,” retired Langer and working Pilot are dogs first and foremost, Norman says. He decided to get Pilot when the timing was right, just before his second year of graduate school in Washington,D.C. He needed to be able to fit the
training into his schedule, plus “the urban setting was taxing on Langer and I could tell he was slowing down.” Regarding Pilot, Norman notes that the relationship has changed. “It takes a couple of years to forge a relationship,” he says. “His skill sets have greatly improved. [Now] Pilot is useful in mediations. He helps people focus on something other than their problems.” But the transition wasn’t easy. “Langer had to let go; he has a very serious personality. He had to allow Pilot to take over. He felt neglected at first. He no longer had a career. I had to figure out a way to include him. I told Langer he is Yoda for Pilot,” Norman says, chuckling as he references the famous “Star Wars” mentor and teacher. And the dogs have different personalities, Norman says. “Langer is more outdoorsy and Pilot doesn’t like rain, but is more social.” Both dogs excel at large crowd navigation, he adds proudly. On a less serious side, when his harness is off, “Pilot enjoys playing with his Kong in the house. He will drop the Kong, or the ball as we call it, and then catch it on the bounce. Ostensibly, he is playing basketball. Conversely, these days Langer has been somewhat less active, often enjoying sitting in my lap.”
The Future Norman sums up his plan for the future: “We’re here for a short time. Do as much good as you can for as many people as you can.” With that goal, Norman is spinning the many threads of his life into a tapestry full of light and color and value to those who love and need animals in all ways imaginable. With Pilot by his side when he’s needed, and Langer enjoying his retirement, Norman knows he can move forward with his plan of making a better life for all.
{
Gary’s beloved dogs. Top: “Langer,” Gary’s retired guide dog. Bottom: “Pilot,” Gary’s active guide dog
{
Photography by Fuzzypants Photography
For more information about Norman and his work, and for links to helpful articles, visit his website,www.gnormanlaw.com.
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ feature }
The Life of Pie
An Inside Look at How Veterinarians Treat a Unique Ailment Specific to Certain Breeds: Brachycephalic (Short Head) Airway Syndrome By Anne Stoneham, The first time I saw Pie was through the clear DVM, DACVECC oxygen cage door in the emergency room of VCA Veterinary Referral Associates. The sides of her chest were heaving and her mouth, set in the permanent grin of her breed, was wide open as she breathed. The next time I saw Pie, a machine was helping her breathe. I’m getting ahead of myself, though. Pie was a white and tan French Bulldog. She was only 3 years old. With her short, round face, big eyes and that unflappable smile, watching her struggle to breathe that first day tugged at my heart strings. Frenchies, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers all have similar facial characteristics that, combined with their usual ecstatic happiness, makes them permanent puppies—in their appearance and in their souls. They are known as “brachycephalic breeds”. Literally translated, brachycephalic means “short head.” Inside that head, the brachycephalic has all of the
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
same structures that the longer-faced breeds have— but it is all crammed into a much smaller space. As a result, many of them are predisposed to “brachycephalic airway syndrome.” This is a combination of congenital and developmental abnormalities that result in the snorty-snuffly breathing so familiar to anyone who owns one, and, sometimes, to severe respiratory compromise that can be life-threatening. The abnormalities that contribute to the syndrome include: 1) Extremely narrow nostrils and nasal passages; 2) an elongated soft palate that can partially obstruct the airway just because it is so long; and 3) outpouchings of tissue on either side of the airway (everted laryngeal saccules) that also prevent airflow into the trachea. The treatment for the syndrome is surgical. Doctors widen the nostrils, shorten the soft palate, and remove the laryngeal saccules. This brings immediate relief to most dogs. Many brachycephalic dogs regurgitate. Owners usually mistake this for vomiting. The difference is that when a dog vomits, you can tell it’s coming: they salivate, lick their lips, they heave...and then they vomit.
{
When dogs regurgitate, there are no warning signs: the food or liquid just comes up. Many times, dogs “silently” regurgitate. From an owner’s point of view, it looks like a burp, followed by a swallow.
With brachycephalics, regurgitation is secondary to increased pressure generated from working so hard to pull air into their lungs. The increased pressure in their lungs is transmitted to the esophagus and to the stomach, resulting in regurgitation. If the pressure is high enough or if it has been present for a prolonged period of time, it can cause a hiatal hernia to develop. This means that a little bit of the stomach is displaced through the diaphragm and into the chest. If this happens, it can be permanent and can cause regurgitation as well.
When Pie arrived at VRA, it was one day after she had the brachycephalic surgery performed. Unfortunately, because of her airway disease, she was already a chronic regurgitator, and she regurgitated soon after surgery. Even more unfortunately, she also aspirated (inhaled the regurgitation) and developed severe pneumonia. It was so severe, she could not get enough oxygen, no matter how hard she breathed. She absolutely required mechanical ventilation, in addition to the usual treatments for pneumonia (intravenous fluids, antibiotics). The ventilator is a great machine. It allows vets to give as much as 100 percent of oxygen to a pet (doctors can give only 40 to 50 percent when they are awake). And with it, doctors can use specific methods to allow dogs to oxygenate at a better level than they can without it. For those horribly sick patients that are unlucky enough to need it, the ventilator can mean the difference between life and death. Pie was anesthetized and on the ventilator for five straight days. During that time, there were many unknowns. Would she get better? If we got her off the ventilator, would she regurgitate again and re-aspirate? Did she have a hiatal hernia that would cause persistent regurgitation? Doctors did everything they could imagine try and prevent future problems. They cultured fluid from her lungs and found out that she had a multi-drug resistant bacterium that was not sensitive to the antibiotics with which doctors were treating her. Without that culture, Pie would not have gotten better because she was on antibiotics that, although they usually work against the typical bacteria that cause pneumonia, would not have worked in her case. Doctors also treated her with drugs to reduce
{ feature }
Special Note from Dr. Anne Stoneham: In the last issue
of the Virginia-Maryland Dog, I published an article entitled “The Incredible Lightness of Breathing.”. I neglected to name the wonderful veterinarian who was directly responsible for keeping Gus (the puppy and star of the article) alive until he reached the emergency room of VRA. That veterinarian, who absolutely went above and beyond for his patient, was Dr. Safi Chand. He was in the car with the owners as they drove from his hospital to ours, continuously suctioning Gus’s chest so he could continue to breathe. My sincere apologies for my oversight, Dr. Chand. Your efforts are deserving of praise and recognition!
her chances of regurgitation. If the doctors working with Pie, which included the author, did find that she had a hiatal hernia, we had a plan in place to take her back to surgery to have it repaired. The latter was never necessary. Once she was on the correct antibiotics, Pie improved rapidly. When her pneumonia cleared enough and she was able to breathe on her own, we stopped ventilation and housed her in an oxygen cage so that she could continue to get supplemental oxygen as long as she needed. During the next few days, she regurgitated a few times but did not re-aspirate. As she became stronger, the regurgitation subsided, her appetite returned and, even though she slept for a large part of her time, she started going on short walks. The day that Pie left the hospital, she was wearing a party hat—we were all excited that she was doing so well—and she continued to grin. Pie is now continuing her recuperation at home. From all reports, she is doing quite well. The main messages from Pie’s case: Be aware that dogs like Pie often have airway problems that can be corrected surgically. Having the surgery done earlier in life can help prevent additional health problems from developing at a later date. Pie’s case is an extreme example of what can happen, but it did happen. G iven the option to prevent a problem from happening, or to treat the problem once it has happened, we can all agree that prevention is the best choice.
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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54 years experience training dogs
{ weekend getaway }
Humans and Pets
Can Enjoy the “Quiet Oasis” that is The Hummingbird Inn Pastoral Shenandoah Valley Bed-and-Breakfast is Pet-Friendly Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, The Hummingbird Inn is a popular choice for travelers, both human and animal, alike. Both types of companions can relax and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle that is found in this cozy bed-and-breakfast in Goshen,Virginia. Those who have had the luxury of staying at the Inn say it is like coming home, and that it is similar to staying at a relative’s house. With its proximity to metropolitan areas, such as historic Lexington, Staunton, and Hot Springs, The Hummingbird Inn is close enough for those looking to explore cities and towns, yet far enough away to feel like you are in the country. The Inn is a “quiet oasis,” according to owner Patty Harrison. Upon arriving at The Hummingbird Inn, visitors will immediately feel the sense of family and harmony that resonates from the peaceful property. With wraparound verandas, the rustic home, which dates to the mid- to late- 1700s, has recently been bought and restructured by the current innkeepers, Dan and Patty Harrison. The Harrison’s have graciously maintained the historic home, and they have updated the rooms, to add to the tranquility of the environment. Human guests are not the only ones treated like family. The Hummingbird Inn is also an ideal escape for our furry companions. Situated behind the home is a vast open field, more than an acre, that has plenty of room for dogs to run around and explore. They might even discover the tranquil Mill Creek that flows at the edge
of the property. There is a deck and seating for their owners at the creek, and the owners can fish or relax while their pets frolic. When its time to come in and rest, pets are greeted by a welcome mat, private dog bowls, blankets, and their very own welcome basket, complete with doggy books to be read before bedtime! Though not all five rooms at The Hummingbird Inn are pet-friendly, the two that are have direct access to the outdoors, including access to outdoor seating.
By Amanda Meighan Photo Courtesy of the Hummingbird Inn
If you and your pet do decide to venture out while staying at The Hummingbird Inn, there are plenty of options to explore, locally. The Hummingbird Inn is located in the Shenandoah valley, and there are endless hikes, of varying length, to explore. These trails include magnificent views, including rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Those looking to explore the rich history of Lexington can visit the Stonewall Jackson House, the Robert E. Lee Chapel, or the George Marshall museum. In Clifton Forge, guests can take a day to canoe or kayak the Jackson, James, and Cowpasture rivers. Just fifteen miles from the Inn, you can even discover one of the seven wonders of the natural world: the Natural Bridge. Whatever your reason for you and your pet’s getaway, humans and pets are sure to enjoy The Hummingbird Inn for its hospitable, serene nature and proximity to local, exciting, outdoor attractions.
For more information: The Hummingbird Inn 30 Wood Lane Goshen, VA 24439 Tel: (540) 997-9065 www.thehummingbirdinn.com
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ weekend getaway }
Kick Up Your Paws and Relax At:
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina By Amanda Meighan
Located on the serene Choptank River in Cambridge, Md., the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina offers guests a relaxing and luxurious getaway in a pampering environ-
Photos Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina
ment. This Eastern Shore resort hosts all types of special occasions, and the facility has become a popular destination for family reunions, business meetings and weddings. The resort is an ideal getaway, whether you are seeking relaxation or recreation. At the spacious resort, you can relax in the newly remodeled Sago Spa and Salon, release some stress on the River Marsh Golf Course that was recently ranked seventh on Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Northern U.S. Golf Resorts, or simply take in the charm and natural beauty of the waterfront. The resort has been rated as an AAA Four Diamond hotel. And--don’t forget the leash! Your pet is invited and welcome to stay with you and your guests at the resort! The facility has nine pet-friendly rooms that include luxury dog beds, water bowls, and treats. Pamper your pet by ordering him his favorite dog food off the “pet menu,” or have the chef create one of his favorite fresh doggy meals, such as chicken and rice. After a day of frolicking around the 400-acre resort, give your pet his own spa day by taking advantage of the select dog
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
shampoos available from the Stillwater Spa. Hunters and outdoorsmen may also want to look into the outdoor kennels available for hunting dogs. With the Hyatt Regency located on the waters of the Eastern Shore, hunting dogs and their owners can take advantage of hunting opportunities, specifically for waterfowl. If you want to take a boat out of the marina, your pet is more than welcome to tag along. You can explore the picturesque Choptank River aboard a leisurely sunset cruise, an exciting fishing expedition charter, or simply by cast your line right off the piers owned by the resort. Many walking paths, stocked with “doggy bags,” are located around the resort, and some lead straight down to the marina. Besides the doggy bags, other necessities are also available. There is even a fake water hydrant—added specifically for furry guests!
BREAKING and ENTERING eleven stories by Laura Semonche Jones
Though you may never want to leave the actual resort itself, the surrounding region does include outdoor parks, beaches, and seasonal festivals for you and your pet to enjoy. One of the annual festivals, “Bark in the Park,” located in nearby Easton, offers a 10k and 5k race, a dog agility course, doggie games, a Doggie Dash obstacle course, a Sheriff’s Department K9 demonstration, and more! Whatever the season, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Marina and Spa is an ideal choice for travelers wishing to relax with their pet. This treasured retreat is sure to provide a warm, hospitable environment for your and your canine traveler. From a soothing spa day to a rambunctious day of outdoor activity on the water or on the land, this resort is sure to leave your tails wagging—human and canine!
For more information: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina 100 Heron Blvd. Cambridge, MD 21613 Tel: (410) 901-1234 www.chesapeakebay.hyatt.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER: Starting with Walter, the grieving dog in the first story, and ending with Scout, the heroic three-legged dog in the last, this moving and intense collection from Charlottesville writer Laura Jones explores the many ways we bond with our dogs. $10.50 paperback $3.99 e-book Available at tidalpress.com, on-line retailers and your local bookstore.
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ health }
Healthy Holiday Food Treats—for Our Dogs! By Deva Khalsa, Although the holidays are naturally a season VMD, CVA, FBIH to spend time with family and friends—don’t forget to include your pets, too! And although family, friends—and pets—eat traditional foods made from treasured, old-fashioned, timetested recipes, these special treats can include food compounds that are good for your
Pumpkins are rich with many disease-fighting nutrients—including antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are loaded with potassium and zinc. Zinc is important for skin and coat health in dogs. And, like sweet potatoes, pumpkins include high levels of beta-carotene. Pumpkins and sweet potatoes are great for intestinal health, providing fiber and antiinflammatory help. Cooked sweet potatoes can also be helpful with diarrhea.
health—and the health of your pet! Continuing modern scientific studies routinely find compounds in foods that support, and help heal cells and organs. Among the traditional holiday-season foods that have strong nutritional benefits are sweet potatoes and yams. These popular foods have twice as much fiber as ordinary potatoes, and they are packed with vitamins B-6, E, C, and many other important minerals. Sweet potatoes are also one of nature’s top sources of the antioxidant beta-carotene—which dogs convert to vitamin A. And, when you eat them with a small amount of butter or oil, that can increase the uptake of beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Pumpkin—that ubiquitous Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas season stable—is not only good for pies, it’s also good for humans and their dogs!
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Cranberries are much more than a traditional food served during the holiday season. Cranberries are effective for preventing and treating urinary tract infections. Cranberries acidify the urine, and the bacteria can’t survive the pH changes. Additionally, cranberries contain a polysaccharide, called mannose, which helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. The bacteria preferentially adhere to the mannose, instead of the cells in the bladder wall. These bacteria then get flushed out with the urine. Cranberries are excellent as a general health tonic, as they balance the acid-base in the body. Cranberry makes the body a healthy alkaline pH, and the urine a healthier acid pH. Adding some stewed cranberries to a meal helps to promote a healthier, more alkaline state in the body. Fresh and frozen cranberries are four times as potent as cranberry juice cocktail, and cranberry juice concentrate is 27 times as potent.
{ { health }
Healthy Holiday Food Treats-for Our Dogs! Some of the herbs we commonly use in our holiday fare are very healthy and safe for your dog to eat. Many of these same herbs were used as healing herbs during the Middle Ages. Explorers on long voyages often sought to obtain them, and they were often more valuable than gold.
6 organic yams or sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Parsley is rich in minerals. It aids with digestion and freshens the breath, and we all know one or two dogs who could use that! Parsley is also beneficial to the kidneys and bladder. It works as a diuretic to remove any extra water retention in the body. Parsley helps detoxify the body, and a teaspoon or so in a meal adds healthy chlorophyll into your dog’s diet.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until cooked and a little crunchy.
Sage has a wonderful, healing fragrance. It can be used as an addition to the everyday diet for your dog by adding half a teaspoon of chopped fresh sage to a stew or casserole. It can also be used as a tea to rinse the mouth, because of its healing effect on gingivitis. This herb works to strengthen the body in general and has the effect of balancing estrogen levels. It would be good to add this to the food of a spayed female who is experiencing urinary leakage when sleeping.
1 cup of whole wheat flour 1 cup of rolled oats ¼ cup wheat germ 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon powdered nutmeg ½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup olive oil
1. Slice yams or sweet potato into thin slices. 2. Place on oiled cookie trays and drizzle with olive oil. 3. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.
5. Cool, store and serve.
Sweet Potato Muffin Snacks ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger ½ cup milk ½ cup olive oil ½ cup honey 3 eggs 1 ½ cups of mashed cooked sweet potatoes. ½ cup dried cranberries
To make a tea, pour two cups of water over two teaspoons of chopped sage. Let steep for 15 minutes and refrigerate. Either use in the mouth to rinse for gingivitis, or put a teaspoon or more into the drinking water for a taste test. If your dog likes it, add more, teaspoon by teaspoon.
1. Combine dry ingredients.
It’s nice to know that many of our holiday foods have excellent health benefits--for ourselves and for our canine companions. Perhaps this holiday season you’ll decide to cook up some holiday treats for your dogs, giving them the health benefits along with a delicious treat. They’ll thank you for your caring, and that’s what it’s all about!
6. Bake at 400 degrees, preheated, for 15 minutes (minimuffins would bake for only 8 minutes).
2. Combine wet ingredients. 3. Mix wet and dry ingredients together. 4. Mix in carrots and liver. 5. Spoon batter into oiled muffin tins.
{
Here, then, are some helpful—and healthy—holidayseason recipes your dogs can enjoy!
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ department }
2012
Holiday Gift Guide Unique gifts sure to please any pet, owner or animal lover.
Photo by Teresa Powell Photography
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
{ holiday gift guide }
Glowdoggie™ LED collars
Fuzzypants Pet Photography
For those that want to keep their furry loved ones seen & safe on dark winter mornings and nights, the German-engineered Glowdoggie™ LED collar provides an ultimate, highquality solution. 100% waterproof, extremely durable and guaranteed for 2 years. From $49.99 with free U.S.
At Fuzzypants, we specialize in the balance of playfulness and poignancy to provide Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC families with soulful and honest images of their beloved family pets.
shipping included.
www.glowdoggie.com
www.fuzzypantspets.com | 631.766.5282
Wylie Wagg
Paws N Claws All Breed Dog Grooming
Harry Barker Dog Food Storage Bins: Why store dog or cat food in unattractive plastic bins when there is a stylish alternative? Containers come S, M, & L, all with a durable metal scoop. Cat food bins (not pictured) are available in S only. S (10 lbs. max): $51.99; M (22 lbs. max): $55.99; L (40 lbs. max): $59.99. Wylie Wagg – Offering four locations to serve you: Arlington, Fairfax, Middleburg & Tysons, VA
Bring in this ad & receive 10% off your holiday groom at Paws N Claws All Breed Dog Grooming. See our full color ad on page 5 of this issue. I will make your furry friend picture perfect for the holiday season! Expires December 31, 2012.
www.wyliewagg.com
301.829.7632 | 240.876.0066 www.paws-n-claws.org
Breaking & Entering By Laura Jones
Bike Tow Leash
Tidal
Press
Breaking and Entering by Laura Jones is the latest offering from Tidal Press. Each story is rich with diverse characters, including many dogs, and takes you briefly but deeply into their lives which are forever altered by a chance encounter, a forgotten friend or a deceptively simple choice.
www.TidalPress.com | 434.760.1968
Amazingly stable even when large dogs lunge sideways, the 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leash®, BTL, is the enjoyably stress free way to safely bike with your dog. The joy of trotting beside you at their own natural pace is the best gift for any dog. BTLs also work on other mobility equipment keeping your dog happy no matter your condition. Made in the USA
www.BikeTowLeash.com | 857.BIKE.DOG
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ holiday gift guide }
holiday gift guide Off-Leash K9 Training, LLC
Dog Italia, LLC
Give your K9 the gift of being off-leash for the holidays! Check out our 200 videos on YouTube and our (84) 5 star reviews on google in order to see the results we guarantee!
Dog Italia offers organic toys, treats, and unique gift ideas for all animal lovers and their pets. Choose from our Gourmet Gift and Holiday Collections to find the perfect way to pamper your pet. Holiday Special – FREE SHIPPING to selected states. Allow Dog Italia to Treat your Pet to – A Taste of Italy!
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/ OffLeashK9Training
www.offleashk9training.com | 888.413.0896
www.dogitalia.com | 410.948.0927
Frannie’s
Peaceable Kingdom Essentials
At Frannie’s, we have a selection of gentle harnesses and cozy coats to pamper your pooch. Our high quality, machine-washable products are made of natural materials right in San Francisco, CA, USA. Current harness sizes are XXS-XL (approx 2-21 lbs). Current coat sizes available are XS-Large (approx 5-18 lbs). For help selecting your Frannie’s, please give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to assist whether it’s for you or as a gift.
Keep your pet healthy and happy with herbal, organic and natural products. For your pets well being and your peace of mind. Strengthen digestion, boost immunity, calm anxiety and more. 100% organic.
www.franniesshop.com | 415.336.0625
www.HerbsForYourPets.com
Animal Reiki Alliance
Woodrow Wear
Best Friends Day Out What better way to escape from the stress of the holidays, than an afternoon of relaxation with your best friend. This package includes two 50 minute Reiki Sessions, one for you and one for your animal companion for only $135 in the comfort of your home. Or give this as a gift to the animal lover in your life.
www.animalreikialliance.com
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Power Paws are a sensible, sock-based traction solution for dogs with indoor mobility issues. They are also a cute fashion product, a practical solution for injured paws, and perfect for protecting hardwood floors from nail marks. Outdoors, they protect paws against heat, cold/ snow/ice, and allergens.
www.woodrowwear.com | 877.737.3545 The Virginia–Maryland Dog
{ holiday gift guide }
Go All Natural Pet
Sassy Pet Photography
Ruff Puppies Collars Hand-crafted collars and leads using vegetabletanned top grain leather from American cattle. Quality and custom products with four natural leather color choices and dozens of fun and unique embellishment combinations. Any dog can find the perfect collar! Take 10% Off First Order with Coupon Code - 10OFFVMD.
using the power of photography.
www.goallnaturalpet.com
www.sassypetphotos.com
Snuggle Pet Products
Symmetrical Pottery
Sassy Pet Photography was created from my love for photography, rescue, and my sassy little Pug. Having a background in fine art and photography, I will capture beautiful, artistic images of your pet. Visit my website to learn more about what I can offer you and how I support rescue
When you look at our bed you see Momma SnugglePuppieTM looking over her offspring with her front legs hugging her baby. Under her chin is a pouch for our SnugglePuppieTM Heat Packs, (2 Included), to provide extra comfort and warmth for your special pet. The cotton blend material is double thick so the seams hold in the wash. Machine Wash, Air Dry. Made for dogs under 20 pounds.
Our ceramic pet treat jars are a delightful addition to your home. We have many styles and colors to choose from. You can personalize the jar with your pets name or select from our in stock jars. Potters Scott Reed and Angi PogueReed are continually adding new and exciting designs to their website.
www.SnugglePetProducts.com | 734.697.3757
www.SymmetricalPottery.com
Mr Paws By Snow
VAMD Dog Subscription 3
Fall 2012
Volume 3 •Issue
2012
3 •Issue
2
Summer
Volume
Service Dog Supplies •Dog Vests •Patches •ID Cards •Mobility Harnesses •Treadmills •Books Call Today!
Nick White: ion Man on a Miss of Aging Aches & Pains 101 Healthy Ears g in the Happy Hikin oors Great Outd
{
“Divo” available
for adoption Rescue
Baywater Animal (see page 46
for details)
}
at
Inside Stray An the Afghan imal Le ague My Dog
{
Has Los t His Voi ce A New Meaning Military Deploym to ent Holistic Health 101
“Honey”
}
Don’t let your pet lover miss a single issue of this regional magazine for Maryland and Virginia dog-lovers! Get the convenience of having The Virginia-Maryland Dog magazine delivered directly to their home or office—a hot, off-the-press subscription is only a click or call away!
the Middle available for adopti burg Human on at e Found (see page ation 46
www.mrpaws.com | 480.837.0190
for details)
thevirginia-marylanddog.com | 301.514.2804
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ holiday gift guide }
holiday gift guide Healthy GOO Glow
The Paw Wash LLC This season give your canine friend a Healthy GOO Glow with a tasty peanut butter treat! GOO-licious sublingual Doggy GOO to fight Itchy environmental allergies. And GOO-licious GOO Gut Rescue for a healthy gut microflora during/after antibiotic/NSAID or heavy medication protocols
The award winning Paw Wash is the 1st patented gentle, brushless dog paw washer of its kind. Paw Wash’s unique design and powerful fluid dynamic flushes dirt from the paw quickly and effectively, with very little effort! In just four simple steps your dogs’ paw is clean and ready to go back into your house or car. The Paw Wash comes in two sizes to fit all canine breeds. A clean paw equals a clean house!
www.HealthyGOO.com | 855.246.2426
www.thepawwash.com | 1.888.WET.PAWS
Mambe Waterproof Pet Blankets
Wiki Wags
Give peace-of-mind this holiday season with a Mambe Waterproof Pet Blanket. Reliably protect expensive furniture and bedding from all sorts of nasty stuff like pet hair, dirt, urine, vomit, etc. Dogs and cats can’t resist the soft fleece. Machine washable, made in America, and guaranteed for life.
www.mambeblankets.com | 800.760.7852
Fur, & Feathers Fur, FinsFins & Feathers * Licensed, Bonded & Insured * Professional pet sitting service serving Montgomery County Maryland since • Mid-Day Dog 1989. WeWalking offer pet sitting, • Pet Sitting mid-day walks, house sit• House Sitting ting, and bed and breakfast. Licensed, Bonded & • Bed & Breakfast Insured
(301)840-1989
www.FFFpetsitting.com Proudly Serving Montgomery County, MD Since 1989 www.FFFpetsitting.com | 301.840.1989
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Dazzle this holiday season with Wiki Wags brand Disposable Male Dog Wraps. You and your guests will enjoy not having those undesirable male potty habits in the house. Forget the embarrassment and cleaning up after your male dog soils on the carpeting, furniture or worse yet...the presents.
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Walk In Sync™ Humane Dog Walking and Training System Walking and Training your dog just got a whole lot easier and safer. Give your dog the gift of walking in sync with you this holiday. The Walk In Sync™ System offers the easiest, safest and most effective training and walking tools to end pulling, lunging, anxiety and train your new puppy to walk in sync in just minutes without ever choking them. Includes: harness, leash and online videos. holiday discount: wis10
www.WalkInSync.com
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Middleburg Humane Foundation
A farm shelter specializing in the rescue & rehabilitation of abused, neglected, and “at risk� animals, both large & small.
The Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) is embarking on a campaign to raise $3,000,000 to build an entire new farm shelter facility on 20 + acres that was generously donated to MHF by Zohar & Lisa Ben- Dov. This land is located 2 miles from our current farm, just west of the town of Marshall, VA. Although we love our current 4-acre farm shelter, the demand for assistance is growing & we have outgrown our facility. It is time for us to move on to bigger & better things! The new farm shelter will provide a state of the art Spay/Neuter Clinic, Small Animal Adoption Center, Grooming Salon, Humane Education Center & an Equine & Livestock Rescue Facility all capable of accommodating our growing needs. Zoning & land planning are now in process & we hope to begin our Capital Campaign Fundraising very soon!
Visit our website for info on the animals pictured here & other available animals. PO Box 1238 Middleburg VA 20118 540-364-3272 www.middleburghumane.com
{ training }
“Maggie, No!” By Tom Lacy, Dog “Maggie, No,” doesn’t tell Maggie what to do. Obedience Instructor It only tells her what not to do. Immediately after the “no” command, Maggie needs to hear a specific command — one she knows well and will perform on or off leash. Dogs must learn to respond immediately to one-word commands. When Maggie is running toward the street, there is no time to repeat a command several times or retrieve a treat or clicker to prevent her from running into the path of an oncoming vehicle. No is the primary safety command used at our dog obedience school. Even adept 3- and 4-year-olds easily master this command. No-control can be practiced in conjunction with any one of three positional command words: sit, down or stand. As seen later, the stay command reinforces the no command. Let’s test this using a three-part command: “Maggie, no. Maggie, stand. Maggie, stay.”
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Two things train a dog: consistency and repetition. Consistency and repetition do not produce robots. In conjunction, one with the other, they produce well-trained, well-mannered, obedient and safe family pets. It is, therefore, imperative that everyone in the family use the same command words in the same way — all the time. Pets learn quicker, and retain information longer, when everyone in the family uses the same one-word commands. In a safe environment, walk your dog in the heal position — that is, the dog’s front feet about three inches from your left heel. If the dog forges, or falls behind, then correct with a slight tug backward or forward with the leash to re-position the dog — repeating the command heal in a firm, but conversational, tone. Repeat this until the dog is walking on a loose leash. Do not keep the leash taut. Restraining is not training. Say, “no,” in a firm conversational tone, as you stop walking. Give a slight tug backward on the leash — but not so much so the dog will attempt to sit. The goal of this exercise is to get the dog to stop walking and stand still.
Repeat this as often as needed to accomplish this phase of the exercise with voice command only, and without tugging the leash. When you get this response the first time, every time, you are ready for the next step in the sequence. Still in a safe environment, have the dog walk beside you in the heal position without the leash attached to the collar. Give the command, “No,” as you stop walking. The dog should stand still beside you in heal position. If not, replace the leash and repeat the above step until the dog learns this exercise. Then come back to this step. When the dog is stopping and standing first time, every time, from a voice command, off leash —induce the dog to walk around, or run around, an enclosed area as you stay in one place. Suddenly say, “No,” in a firm, but not loud, tone of voice. (Note: Always speak to dogs in a normal conversational tone unless competing noises require you to speak more loudly.) The dog should stop walking or running and stand still. Reinforce immediately with the stay command, as you walk toward the dog. As you walk, continue to reinforce with the verbal command until you can put your leash on the dog. Practice this exercise by tossing a retrieve object or have someone influence the dog to run away from you. You may become tired of the exercise, but to the dog, it is a great way to teach the dog to return to you—safely. Never chase a dog. This is a catch me if you can game that dogs love — and people always lose.
{
For more information:
{
Dog Lovers Obedience School 1127 Gaskins Road Richmond, VA 23233 (804) 741-DOGS www.dogloversobedienceschool.com
Bring the Virginia-Maryland Dog Direct to Your Door.
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Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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{ training }
Therapy Dogs at Work By Pat Lacy, Dog I often get calls from people who want to Obedience Instructor have their dog become a therapy dog. They usually tell me how wonderful and friendly their dog is. Most of the time they have trained at home, but they have not had any formal obedience class training. You can train a dog at home, but usually they have not had the distraction and structure that is offered in the obedience classes. Therefore, I recommend that they get basic beginner and intermediate training before trying for therapy dog certi-
Blue, a white miniature poodle, was visiting a facility for disabled patients. A man was in a wheelchair, with a tray in front of him, was moving his hands, trying to reach the dog. Blue circled the chair, trying to find a way for the man to pet him. I was standing about 20 feet away when I saw Blue figure out a way to solve his problem. He slowly placed each rear foot on the feet of the wheelchair and carefully lifted his front paws on the tray reaching his head close so the man could pet his head and ears. Both dog and man were happy. This was certainly not an exercise in his dog obedience classes. It was Blue’s natural understanding of his job as a therapy dog.
fication. Many therapy organizations require a Canine Good Citizen certificate also. Therapy Dogs & Associates was started in l984. Members are required to have a minimum of sixteen weeks of training at the beginner and intermediate levels at the Dog Lovers Obedience School. The handler and the dog are evaluated during these classes. Dogs going into nursing homes and hospitals need to project a calm and reliable image of a trained dog. People need to feel safe when the dog is walking close to people in wheelchairs, walkers or on canes. It is important that the handler can tell their dog “no” and have him back away from food or pills. There are many dangers in hospitals and nursing homes.
{ 32
It is important that the handler is attentive to their dog’s actions and that the dog is friendly and wants to be petted and visited by the patients. Be sure this is something your dog enjoys and not just something you want to do. Dogs that have a real interest in people often show special concerns regarding the elderly and people who are sick.
For more information:
Dog Lovers Obedience School 1127 Gaskins Road Richmond, VA 23233 (804) 741-DOGS www.dogloversobedienceschool.com
{
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
Misty, also a white miniature poodle, was a very happy and active therapy dog. At one of the nursing homes, she visited an older man and was very quietly standing close against the man’s chest, allowing him to pet her and feel the long hair on her head and ears. The nursing home director said the man was blind and was impressed with how Misty seemed to understand his need to feel her in order to see her. Again, this was not something she had been taught — it was an instinctive response. Nicky, a sable Shetland sheep dog, went weekly to a rehabilitation center to visit with the patients in the activity room. He would show off some of his tricks and demonstrate some of his obedience exercises. Across the hall, a lady stood in her doorway watching. Nicky’s owner invited her to join them, but she declined. After a few weeks, Nicky started to go to her room to visit with her after the group program. She was so excited to pet him and began to softly talk to him as she ran her fingers through his long hair. The staff had told Nicky’s owner that the lady hadn’t talked to her family or the staff since her stroke many months earlier. After several weeks of visiting with Nicky, the lady began to talk freely with everyone -- and especially Nicky. Therapy dogs often show a special sensitivity to all of the needs of the patients. They try to meet those needs as best they can and often show great talent in working out their need to take care of the patients.
Help Save a Life
Adopt – Foster – Volunteer Help Wanted: Fosters!
Each time a family fosters, a Great Dane is given a second chance at nourishment, medical care, shelter, a bed and a family.
Rewards of Fostering:
Expenses may be tax deductible. GDROC pays all veterinary care. It’s a temporary situation. You help save a life.
GDROC rescues and rehomes Great Danes in southeastern Virginia.
Join us and make a difference!
www.GDROC.com
{ nutrition }
Treating Colitis Naturally By Darleen E. Rudnick, B.S.W., M.H.N.
Colitis refers to inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal bloating and increased intestinal gas. Colitis can be caused by a primary disease, irritation of the bowel, antibiotic use, parasite infestation or ulceration. There are two major types of Colitis -- Ulcerative Colitis and Ischemic Colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon, the large intestine, which is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the colon. It affects only the colon. The first symptom of ulcerative colitis is normally a progressive loose stool. The stool is typically bloody, and symptoms can include abdominal pain and severe urgency to have a bowel movement. The diarrhea may begin slowly or suddenly. Ischemic Colitis is an inflammation caused by interference with the blood flow to the large intestine. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, bright red blood in the stool, diarrhea and muscle pain. Because Colitis can be similar to Irritable Bowel Disease and can be triggered by many factors, it is important to have a thorough examination done by a veterinarian. If you decide to use natural methods, the nutritional program and other recommendations outlined in this article are designed for pets that have been diagnosed with Colitis, but do not apply to every pet.
Feed What is Right for Your Pet Maintaining proper nutrition is important in the management of colitis. The most important thing to remember when choosing a food, is to pick a food that is right for YOUR pet, not what other people think is right. Raw diets are
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
great, and home cooking is wonderful, but if your pet doesn’t do well on it, you shouldn’t feed it. Every case is different, so it is a matter of experimenting and sticking to what works best. However, when selecting a dry food, avoid synthetic preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol and ethoxyquin. Avoid animal fats, high fat treats, spicy foods and products containing sugar. These foods may aggravate the problem. In many cases, feeding a very simple diet helps. Diets that seem to be beneficial are chicken and one vegetable, or ground meat and one vegetable. Some pets only do well when brown or white rice is added to the diet. In other cases, a dry food containing beet pulp is beneficial because it hardens the stool.
Structure Meal Times Feed small, frequent meals instead of one large one. Offer all food at room temperature, for best digestion.
Use Bottled Water Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum are often found in drinking water, and some pets are very sensitive to these metals.
Rule out a Parasite Infestation A parasite infestation is a very common problem with dogs and cats. Symptoms of an infestation include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, inability to absorb nutrients, bad breath, skin problems, chronic ear infections, yeast infections, foul odor to the stool, and many other minor and major ailments. GIARDIA does lead to Colitis and many other illnesses! Giardia is a gastrointestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. This is a common parasite, causing gastrointestinal illness. It is found in the stools of many animals, including rodents, dogs, cats, cattle, and wild animals. Symptoms of Giardia can include diarrhea, foul, greasy stools, abdominal cramps, bloating, increased gas, weakness, and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to Colitis, so it is essential that
{ nutrition }
Final Tips for Treating Colitis 1. During bouts of diarrhea, Pedialyte and baby food may help. Plain yogurt replenishes the intestinal tract with friendly bacteria and does help in some cases. Rice can be helpful for bouts of diarrhea, but this is not true in all cases.
5. Eliminate any food or supplement which seems to upset the digestive tract or aggravate the symptoms.
2. Large breeds that eat off the floor from a bowl
7. Give supplements to strengthen the immune
are forced to gulp down their food which may cause bloating and slow down digestion. Raising the food bowl for them eases the digestive process and causes less discomfort.
3. Feed small, simple meals throughout the day. 4. Test for Giardia and other parasites at least three to four times.
your pet be tested for this parasite. This simple and inexpensive test can save you hundreds of dollars and invasive testing.
Eliminate Toxins in the House, Yard and on your Pet Because Colitis can be triggered by stress, it is important to put as little stress on the body as possible by avoiding toxins that may deplete the immune system. Avoid the following: BHA - A preservative commonly used in dog foods. BHT - A preservative commonly used in dog foods. Sodium nitrate Carpet powders Air fresheners Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Monosodium Glutamate - in excess Sugar - Sucrose, corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar. Low quality commercial dog biscuits and treats Low quality dry food Low quality canned food Toxic flea products - If the product states “Hazardous To Humans And Domestic Animals”, it is hazardous to your pet. Toxic shampoos Toxic flea collars Worm infestation Excessive exercise Overheating Rawhides - Many are dipped in a solution of salt and bleach Cheap painted pet toys
6. Exercise your pet regularly, as this helps with digestion. system and, most importantly, give digestive enzymes before or during each meal.
8. Avoid using toxins on, or around, your pet. 9. Offer only bottled water.
10. Last, it is important to keep a positive attitude, as your problems and your stress level will affect your pet.
Styrofoam Loud noises - Yelling, fighting, doorbell ringing Red food dye Ethoxyquin
Supplements Purely Pets does not recommend discontinuing traditional medication cold turkey, or discontinuing them at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. We highly recommend you work closely with your veterinarian. Although medications can be very effective, some may cause side effects that can eventually lead to other symptoms. Many pet owners are now looking into other methods for treating Colitis. A more natural approach is outlined below.
Exercise Your Pet Daily Exercise increases the efficiency of the immune system and helps with muscle development, digestion and overall health. A well-conditioned body will work and perform better and increase the ability to carry blood and oxygen to muscles. Exercising burns fat and increases your pet’s metabolism.
{
If you have any questions,
{
please feel free to contact Purely Pets at www.purelypets.com or e-mail darleen@purelypets.com.
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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Subscribe Today! Volume 3 •Issue
2
Summer 2012
n Inside the Afgha e Stray Animal Leagu
His Voice My Dog Has Lost g to A New Meanin ent Military Deploym
} 101
at available for adoption Foundation
the Middleburg Humane
(see page 46 for details)
Fall 2012
3
Holistic Health
“Honey”
Volume 3 •Issue
{
Nick White: Man on a Miss ion
Aches & Pains of Aging Healthy Ears 101 Happy Hiking in the Great Outdo ors
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“Divo” available
}
for adoption at Baywater Animal Rescue (see page 46 for
details)
thevirginia-marylanddog.com 301.514.2804
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{ legal }
Dogs & The Law: What You Should Know About Puppy Mills By Hillary Collyer, Esquire
With the holiday season here, you may be considering buying a dog as a gift for your family. Or perhaps the kids recently saw a movie that features a certain breed of dog — and now they just have to have that type of puppy. It seems that every time a movie such as “101 Dalmatians” or “Beethoven” is broadcast, or a Hollywood actress is photographed around town sporting a new dog in their handbag, there’s a spike in the popularity of that particular breed. The same thing happens with so-called “designer dogs,” such as labradoodles, cockapoos, yorkipoos, or others. These dogs can be sold for thousands of dollars to people who know nothing about the breed. Whenever there is a surge in demand for a particular breed, puppy mills see dollar signs. and the owners will make every attempt to meet that demand. Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to research the traits and needs of the breed they are considering. Before you make that trip to your local puppy store or purchase a dog online, you should be aware about not only the characteristics of the breed you are considering, but also of the reality of what goes on at puppy mills, the facilities where the dogs sold in puppy stores and online are being bred and raised. At puppy mills, dogs are bred for quantity, not quality. Dogs are often maintained in cramped, crude and filthy conditions. Continual confinement and lack of adequate veterinary care and socialization often result in unhealthy animals who may be difficult to socialize. Unmonitored genetic defects and personality disorders are often passed on from generation to generation, which can result in substantial veterinary bills for the ultimate purchasers of these neglected and abused animals. Although there is no legal definition of a puppy mill, a puppy mill is generally defined as a large-scale
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
commercial dog breeding operation that puts profit over the well-being of its dogs, and acts without regard to responsible breeding practices. While puppy mills are not necessarily illegal, there are federal and state laws which regulate the commercial breeding of dogs.
Relevant Federal Laws: The AWA and the 2008 Farm Bill The federal laws summarized here are administrative laws. That means they are distinct from animal cruelty laws, which are criminal laws. Commercial breeders that violate their state’s animal cruelty laws are generally subject to criminal charges, in addition to being subject to these administrative laws. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is a federal law passed in 1966 that regulates certain animal activities, including commercial dog and cat breeding. The AWA establishes the minimum standards of care for dogs and other animals bred for commercial resale, research, and exhibition. The AWA also requires that certain commercial breeders be licensed and inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Unfortunately, the standards set forth in the AWA are quite minimal. For instance, under the AWA, dogs can legally be maintained in cages that are only six inches wider than the dog in each direction — for their entire lives. Furthermore, there is a lack of enforcement on the part of the USDA, which means violations of the AWA often go unpunished. There is a significant loophole in the AWA — only breeders considered “wholesale” operations, that is, those that sell animals to brokers or pet stores for resale, are subject to regulation by the USDA. The AWA does not apply to breeders that sell directly to the public, including the numerous breeders that sell animals directly to the public online. The result of this loophole is that there is no one regulating these facilities, and there are no consequences when they provide deficient care. With the increase of online commerce, puppy mills are springing up all over the world — and they are selling poorly-bred puppies directly to consumers.
{ legal }
As a consequence, increasing numbers of dogs imported to the U.S. are arriving in poor health and are carrying harmful diseases. Because foreign puppy mills are not subject to U.S. regulations (even the minimal standards set forth in the AWA), many of these dogs are likely being bred and raised in extremely inhumane conditions. In May, 2008, animal welfare groups won a major victory when they successfully fought for an amendment to the Farm Bill which prohibits the importation of puppies under six months of age for the purpose of resale.
State Laws States have the ability to pass laws setting higher standards of care for commercially-bred animals than the minimums established by the AWA. During recent years, there has been an increase in the number of states considering and enacting laws to regulate commercial breeders. Virginia requires commercial breeders to possess a valid business license. The state also subjects commercial breeders to investigation by a state veterinarian, animal control officer, or public health official. It is a Class 3 misdemeanor in Virginia for any dealer or pet shop to fail to adequately house, feed, water, exercise or care for animals in their possession. Virginia has also enacted a law that makes pet stores financially responsible for sick animals purchased from them. In Virginia, if within ten days of purchasing an animal described as being registered with an animal pedigree organization, a licensed veterinarian certifies the animal to be unfit for purchase due to illness, a congenital defect, or the presence of a contagious or infectious disease, the consumer has the right to return the animal and receive a refund or an animal of equivalent value. Also, Virginia regulates the age at which puppies may be sold — puppies in Virginia must be at least 7 weeks old before they are sold.
breeders to 50 breeding dogs. Several other states have enacted similar laws.
The Bottom Line on Puppy Mills You many think that because you are purchasing a dog from a pet store which advertises that it gets puppies only from “licensed USDA breeders,” that you don’t need to worry that your dog is coming from a puppy mill. However, in order to sell puppies to pet stores, a breeder must be licensed by the USDA. Thus, the fact that a pet store buys puppies from “licensed” breeders may give you a false sense of security, when actually, these shops may indeed get their puppies from puppy mills. Likewise, the fact that a dog is registered or “has papers” does not mean that the dog is not being raised at a puppy mill. Many registered and pedigreed dogs are bred and raised in puppy mills. The same fact holds true for puppies purchased online — many of these puppies come from puppy mills. The reality is that responsible breeders do not sell puppies to pet stores or online because they want to screen potential buyers to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes. The bottom line is that the only way to be certain that a puppy is coming from a reputable breeder is to research that breeder carefully and see for yourself where your dog is coming from.
{
{
For more information on puppy mills and what you should know, visit www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills.
In Maryland, the director of a humane society, accompanied by a sheriff, may inspect a kennel where a person is engaged in the business of buying, selling, trading, or breeding dogs, or a kennel where 25 or more dogs are kept, for the purpose of determining whether the dogs are being treated inhumanely. Also in Maryland, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old, and anyone who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a $500 fine. In addition to laws that establish standards of care and require breeders to be licensed and inspected, a few states have enacted laws that limit the number of dogs a breeder may keep. In 2008, Virginia became the first state to pass such a law, which limits
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{ safety }
Center for Pet Safety
Explains Pet Product Industry, Advocates Standards By Lindsey Wolko, Pet Safety Advocate
When you walk down the aisle of a pet store, you are seeing a glimpse inside the pet product industry. Every year, hundreds of new items hit the shelves, each one hoping to capture your attention and your dollars. Manufacturers, marketers and photographers work together to influence your buying decision. In this regard, the pet product world appears similar to the children’s product industry. That’s true—with one BIG exception. When parents shop the stores for baby needs, they know that those goods meet standards and have been tested before arriving at stores. Monitoring the quality of children’s products has led to safer materials, reduced injuries and minimized accidental deaths. Yet for pet products, it appears as though no one is paying the same close attention. Only consumables—pet food, treats, chemically made (plastic and rubber) toys and pharmaceuticals—need to meet standards before coming to market. The Food and Drug Administration as well as the United States Department of Agriculture monitor such
products, but all the other goods that you purchase for your pet have no such protection. The pet product industry exceeds $50 billion in annual revenue with little oversight. While consumers love items that strengthen the human-animal bond, the truth is most pet products come to market without safety standards or testing. Manufacturers have good intentions and some great ideas, but why don’t they test? As it turns out, manufacturers are not ignoring standards. The standards simply don’t exist yet. Meaningful rules have not been written and the test protocols are not specified. It is up to the individual manufacturer to determine the testing, if any, that it wants to perform. Startup companies, for example, can manufacture pet products in their garages and sell the items directly on the Internet without any proof of efficacy or safety. It’s an admirable entrepreneurial approach, but it is also a consumer safety concern. Consumers deserve quality and peace of mind when spending their hard-earned money on their pets, but changing an industry is a daunting task. Companies, like people, are not easily accepting of change.
Left: Lindsay Wolko of CPS and Steve Fazlovic, Engineer with MGA Research conducting a harness study. Right: Lindsay Wolko of CPS and Steve Fazlovic, Engineer with MGA Research. Photography by Leslie Wolko, Wolko Design
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The Virginia–Maryland Dog
{ safety }
Enter the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). With its scientific understanding regarding the importance of safe, effective products, CPS was founded to give a voice to you, the pet owner and consumer. CPS is a non-profit research and advocacy organization working on your behalf to encourage industry change and lead to much-needed oversight. CPS works to develop standards and establish test protocols on behalf of the consumer. Once these standards are in place, CPS will work with manufacturers to encourage testing and certify products meeting the standard. Recently, some states have proposed legislation requiring the use of safety harnesses during travel with pets. CPS encourages you to be mindful of pet travel safety and eliminate distracted driving. However, is it appropriate to legislate the use of safety devices that have no scientific proof of protection? Most consumers assume that pet travel products are crashworthy, but CPS’s 2011 Pilot Study revealed otherwise. Alarmingly, the pilot study demonstrated a 100 percent failure rate for the specific harnesses that were tested. None of the harnesses were deemed safe enough to protect both the dog and the humans in the event of an accident. Shouldn’t the first focus be ensuring these devices offer real protection before laws are passed mandating their use? CPS cannot address the legislative side of this discussion but asks these important questions on behalf of the consumer. The implementation of product standards will instill consumers’ confidence in their purchases. The manufacturers who subject their products to formal testing will be successful not just because they offer measureable protection but will also enjoy an enhanced brand perception because consumers will appreciate the manufacturers who provide proof of safety. When consumers can trust that a safety restraint offers proven protection, the use of pet travel safety devices should naturally increase. This seems like a logical formula that benefits everyone—manufacturers, legislators, consumers and pets.
There are some manufacturers working to advance the safety of their products even before standards are in place. When shopping for a harness, research manufacturers’ websites and places like YouTube.com for visual evidence of test results. Look for a start-to-finish crash test video that is explained clearly. Whether available online or in a phone call, manufacturers should be able to identify the specific conditions of the tests. What is the size and weight of their crash test dog? How fast was the vehicle traveling in the crash simulation? Equally important is the need for consumers to understand the limitations of pet travel products in general. CPS wants to make sure these products help prevent injury to your pets but the science is very new. There are more questions than answers at this point. That’s why CPS is working to make improvements, gain new knowledge and draft quality standards. In coming months. CPS will examine crate travel, a common choice for travelers wishing to secure their pets in the car. CPS will post its findings to help consumers who prefer to use crates for their pets. Understanding the nuances of accident protection from crate use can also save lives. The Center for Pet Safety encourages pet parents everywhere to lend your voice to this important topic. Surveys and focus groups will inform and guide CPS. Consumers are encouraged to join the CPS email list to keep abreast of its work. Finally, as a non-profit organization, CPS needs funding to continue working on your behalf.
{
For more information:
{
Be sure to visit CenterforPetSafety.org for more information about pet safety restraints, crash test information (including video clips) and to donate.
Until standards are in place, CPS encourages you to do your homework. Using a harness may help prevent distraction that could lead to an accident, but the selection of the strongest available harness can also help prevent injury to your passengers in case of an accident.
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
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ited for change
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“Capone” photo by Hany Hosny Photography
“Zeb” photo by Hany Hosny Photography
“Snickers” Photo by Teresa Powell Photograpghy
{ feature }
Dog Around Town By Charlene Logan Burnett Photos by T. Powell and H. Hosny
During the holiday season, the downtown streets of Roanoke, Va., are a feast for the senses. A dog, with millions of nasal scent receptors, can pick up the smell of food cooking blocks away from City Market. His acute hearing pinpoints the footfall of a hired Santa leaving his late-shift post. And when socialized, he knows that a child who reaches out to stroke his fur or a holiday shopper, who bumps into him, means no harm. A unique program, Dog Around Town, run by Angels of Assisi, a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, showcases dogs for adoption out and about in their hometown of Roanoke. “Getting the dogs out on the streets, where there are colors, textures, sounds, and people, helps make it clear what these dogs are really like,” said Hany Hosny, a photographer for Angels of Assisi. “Dogs photographed on intake at shelters have a broken look about them. They are usually at the lowest point in their lives. They have lost their homes, lost their families, lost their confidence, and their sense of calm. The shelter may have them in a high state of arousal. Or they may be under-stimulated. Some are depressed. And some are suffering from kennel craze. How do you make a good impression when you are in that state?”
“There are good photographers and there are dog lovers. Teresa is both,” he said. For Powell, photography and animals are clearly a passion. Her work for Angels of Assisi is particularly rewarding, because they take in less-adoptable animals. “They give them a chance that they otherwise would never get,” Powell said. “They pull ones that are old, sick, injured, blind, and offer them their second chance. They’ve even pulled animals that they know are dying and offer them hospice care. They truly go above and beyond.” Working on Dog Around Town gives Powell and Hosny the opportunity to interact with the community. “Of course we want to get a phenomenal shot of the dog, but we also want to raise awareness of why we’re doing this,” said Powell. “Folks we talk to are often surprised that the dogs are living in a shelter environment.” One of these dogs, Capone, wound up adopted by a Roanoke police officer after the two were photographed together downtown.
Potential adopters often make decisions about a lifelong companion in split seconds, scrolling through Petfinder, or walking by rows of runs and cages at an animal impound facility.
Powell and Hosny are members of HeARTs Speak, a global network of animal artists and advocates who believe in the power of collaboration to reduce the staggering number of adoptable animals unnecessarily euthanized each day.
“People want to imagine the dog in its best state,” Hosny said. “Dog Around Town aims to remove the shelter-dog stigma.”
“I’m just an ordinary person trying to take extraordinary pictures,” said Powell, who also volunteers at a high-kill facility.
Hosny is not only a professional photographer who volunteers his time and skills to photograph shelter animals in the local community. He is also a knowledgeable hobbyist of canine behavior, which is essential to his work. Knowing dogs and how they may think and react, whether at the shelter or on the city streets, allows him to help the dogs relax and show their true personalities for the camera.
And extraordinary pictures are what they get when they load their vehicle with dogs and cameras and equipment and hit the town—allowing the dogs’ natural instincts and curiosity to take hold as they explore the sights and sounds of their community.
He works on Dog Around Town with Teresa Powell, who he describes as an exceptional photographer who shoots from the heart.
The Virginia–Maryland Dog
For more information about Dog Around Town and the photographers: www.angelsofassisi.org/ photography/dogaroundtown.html For information about HeARTs Speak, please visit: www.heartsspeak.org
12th Annual
WORLD OF PETS EXPO & Educational Experience
January 25, 26, 27, 2013 MARYLAND STATE FAIRGROUNDS TIMONIUM, MD Open To All Pet Lovers Hundreds of Vendors Selling a Variety of Pet Products/Services Over 30 FREE Seminars by National Experts Johnny Peers Muttville Comix Dock Dogs, Extreme Reptiles, Wild World of Animals Parade of Breeds ACFA Allbreed & Household Pet Cat Show AKC Dog Agility Trials FREE PARKING Only for General Admission s on sion 2013 Friday, January 25, 2013
$1.00 0 OFF Purchase se off one admission ticket. Limit 1 coupon per person.
•Intensive Educational Workshops •Advanced registration required for workshops Please see our web site.
Great Food Too! SHOW HOURS Friday 2pm - 8pm F Adult Admission: $10.00 Saturday 10am - 7pm Ages 5-12: $5.00 Sunday 10am - 6pm Under 5 Free
Coupon cannot be reproduced
Well socialized pets welcome. Please see our web site for more information.
410-374-5964 • 800-882-9894 www.worldofpets.org • info@worldofpets.org
Saving just one animal won’t change the world, but the world surely changes for that one animal
Over 650 animals had their world changed by Middleburg Humane in 2012 including Maria Maria is a 4 year old registered TB mare who nearly died from severe neglect. She was found in a field suffering from skin disease & malnourishment only 9 months after she ran her last race. Thanks to the exceptional loving care from Dr. Andrea Russell and the support of the community, MHF was able to give Maria a second chance!
We could not provide care to so many wonderful, deserving animals without continuous support from everyone. Thank you for all YOU do to help us help them ! Middleburg Humane Foundation PO Box 1238 Middleburg VA 20118 540-364-3272 www.middleburghumane.com
Support YOUR local animal shelter this holiday season & help other animals like Maria get a second chance.
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Seeking A
Forever Home
“Duncan”
Surrendered to a high-kill shelter in Los Angeles at only 8-months old with a broken elbow that had rehealed, Duncan made his way east via a Pilots N Paws volunteer. After multiple opinions by various veterinarians, it was determined that due to the complexity of this fractured joint, surgery would not be successful. Dr. Peter Lotsikas of Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group recommended an extensive physical therapy regimen and felt there could be a chance that with physical therapy, Duncan’s leg may be saved (he also agreed that surgery was not an option due to the complexity of a break at the joint). After 12 weeks of therapy, Dr. Lotsikas reexamined Duncan and was astounded by his progress. He does not feel that amputation is necessary! Duncan will need routine physical therapy (about every six weeks). Duncan is an active dog and will need to be kept active in order to avoid arthritis from setting into this leg. He loves to play fetch and his athleticism is quit impressive. Breed/Mix: Miniature Pinscher Approximate Weight: 12.5 lbs Approximate Age: 1.5 yrs old Activeness: Active Good w/Other Dogs: Yes (and cats) Good w/Children: Mature children only Housebroken: Yes, has an occasional accident though Medical Issues: Yes Feeding Issues: None Special Needs: Yes Vaccinations: Current on all vaccines, micro chipped and neutered. Fun Facts: Duncan loves to play fetch and has a particular adoration for tennis balls. He can often be found wandering around the house with a tennis ball in tote just in case there is someone that might be willing to toss the ball. He is looking for a home with a large fenced yard that would love to play fetch with him. Duncan is eager to learn and already knows a great deal of tricks such as high-five, shake, sit and he politely waits for his food.
Picasso’s Min Pin Rescue, Inc. Rescued from a dog (meat) farm in South Korea in 2004, Picasso, a red miniature pinscher, found his way to the U.S. by a good samaritan and into the loving hands of his forever home. Picasso’s parents were so inspired by Picasso’s story that Picasso’s Place Min Pin Rescue was founded in his honor. Picasso’s Place Min Pin Rescue facilitates the rescue and adoption of stray, abandoned and surrendered miniature pinschers and places them into permanent and loving homes. In the interim, they provide foster and veterinary care, proper nourishment and of course, plenty of love and attention.
Picasso’s Place Min Pin Rescue www.picassosplace.org
Picasso’s Min Pin Rescue, Inc. services the mid-Atlantic states including Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvaina and Washington, D.C. Please visit their website at www.picassosplace.org to learn about ways you can help min pins in need or find your new best friend.
Photography by Fuzzypants Photography
Winter/Holiday 2012 | www.thevirginia-marylanddog.com
45
coming in 2013 from Hadley Rille Books
This anthology directly benefits Friends of Homeless Animals, a shelter that focuses on the rescue of homeless animals in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC area.
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Curcumin is an anti-oxidant for a variety of problemsCancer, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, IBD, diarrhea, leukemia, liver/kidney, obesity, diabetes, epilepsy, cataracts, Crohn’s disease. The Cute Story A five-year-old was explaining the Bethlehem Christmas Story. Governor Herod (he was never a king) forced the Holy Family to flee. All FOUR of them left. Four, you might ask? Remember, this Solid Gold Holistic Animal Nutrition Center is the logic of a five-year-old. Yes, Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the 1331 N. Cuyamaca, El Cajon, CA 92020 pilot who flew the plane for the Holy Family on their flight to Egypt. Guess she confused pilot with Pontius Pilate. Ask your local pet store for a free catalogue. If they don’t Sounds reasonable to me!!! have a SunDancer catalogue, call us at (619)258-7356, M-F, 10am to 5pm Pacific time. Or e-mail us at sarah@ We will soon have a similar dry cat food. The cats keep stealsolidgoldholisitc.com. You can also visit our website at ing the SunDancer from the dog’s bowl. Surprisingly, ferrets www.solidgoldholistic.com. like the SunDancer also.
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