DogBoston

Angell’s Hikers: Tom and Atticus Finch

By Brian Henderson

What if I told you there was a man named Tom that is attempting to hike each one of New Hampshire 4000-foot mountains this winter. You probably would think “not a big deal” or “been done before” or worse “hope we don’t see that guy on the news…”

But what if I told there were 48 of those peaks? And what if I told you Tom’s partner is a Miniature Schnauzer named Atticus Maxwell Finch? And that they are attempting to summit each of the 48 4000-footers twice – 96 peaks in 90 days – and are being sponsored by ordinary people who love dogs and other animals, and giving 100% of the money they raise to Angell Memorial Hospital – the same hospital that treated Atticus when he had a cancer scare this past spring.

I think it’s a nice story – too long to try and summarize here – but when you read the details and between the lines, I believe it’s about more than just the dog itself. It’s about Tom who left the town of Newburyport, struggling with his own weight control issues and direction, who found himself up North.

To learn of the Tom and Atticus story is to learn a bit about the kindness and compassion of others and about the trait that so few of us have these days: raw determination. I will stop talking about their story and instead point you to two specific blog posts that were really memorable to me:

1. Why Angell Memorial Hospital (placed below)
2. Thinking About Bears http://tomandatticus.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-woke-up-thinking-about-bears.html

Why Angell?

Atticus and I will be attempting to hike each of New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-foot mountains twice in winter. That’s 96 peaks in 90 days, starting on December 22, 2007. This is not just an endurance event for us but also a fundraiser for a very special place, Angell Animal Medical Center.

It’s about hope. When we had none this past spring, when Atticus was rapidly going blind and two blood tests showed hyperthyroidism and I feared I may lose him to thyroid cancer, the most wondrous thing happened. People of all shapes and sizes, of all ages, of all economic backgrounds came to the aide of this little dog who loves his eyes and these mountains.

Because of the generosity of a couple of hundred people, Atticus received the best care possible: from Dr. John Grillo at Newbury Animal Hospital; to Dr. Ruth Marrion of Bulger Animal Hospital, the Ophthalmologist who operated on his cataracts and saved his eyes; to Dr. Maureen Carroll at Angell Animal Medical Center who was wonderful to deal with and restored our hope; to Angell’s Dr. Gregg Rapoport, a Cardiologist, who was equally great to work with; to Dawn Price at the Natural Dog in Newburyport, an animal nutritionist who has seen that Atticus eats healthy to stay healthy.

In the end, modern medical science had a lot to do with saving this little dog’s eyes, but to me there seemed to be something more—perhaps the power of prayer or of faith or maybe even more importantly…the power of friendship—that helped to raise the money, showered a dog and a man with love, and mysteriously took his hyperthyroidism away as if it never existed.

So many people helped us I feel the least we could do would be to return the favor this winter by raising money for Angell Animal Medical Center. Angell was great to deal with. And it wasn’t just Dr. Carroll and Dr. Rapoport, it was everyone we encountered from the techs to the receptionists. The people at Angell may be great at what they do with medicine and therapy and surgery, but I think the key thing about this wonderful place is that they give hope. So, this winter, perhaps we could bring a little help to those who bring hope where it is often most needed.

As far as just how important Atticus’s eyes are, see for yourself by clicking on the bold letters in the last sentence. This is for those who helped save his sight and his life…his numerous friends. Thank you all for touching this little dog’s life. This is for you.

Please take the time to visit the blog at http://tomandatticus.blogspot.com/ and for only $50 Tom and Atticus will hike a mountain for you, and send you a 4”x6” photo with Atticus atop the summit. Check the Mountain Dedication page to see which mountains are available and then email them with your dedication.

from Jo Jacques

Ever want to know what pro dog trainers read? How about knowing the best of what they read… The absolute BEST?

Here is the cream of the crop, what’s on every GOOD professional trainer’s bookshelf:

The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
Clicker Training for Obedience by Morgan Spector
Family Friendly Dog Training by Dr, Patricia McConnell
The Dog Whisperer By PAUL OWENS (NOT Millan!!)
Positive Puppy Training Works! by Lt. Joel Walton
The Complete Idiots Guide to Positive Dog Training by Pamela Dennison
How to Teach a New Dog Old Tricks by Dr. Ian Dunbar
Outwitting Dogs by Terry Ryan
How to Behave so Your Dog Behaves by Dr. Sophia Yin
Don’t Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor
How Dogs Learn by Mary Burch and Jon Bailey
The Other End of the Leash by Dr. Patricia McConnell
EXCEL-erated Learning by Dr. Pamela Reid

As well, if you REALLY want to learn about canine cognition and learning, there’s Stephen Lindsey’s 3 volume set on Applied Behavior and Training (at a cost of 300-400 for the three), Domjan’s Principles of Learning and Behavior, Schwartz/Wasserman/Robbins’ Psychology of Learning and Behavior, and Sidman’s Coercion and it’s Fallout.

Make sure you get your dog license if you haven’t. Here are some quick facts on who needs a license, where to get one, how much they cost

Who Needs a Dog License?

Dogs aged six months and older are required to be vaccinated and licensed. You need to renew your license every year.

What Do You Need to Get a Dog License?

• Unspayed/unneutered dogs need proof of current rabies vaccination.
• Spayed/neutered dogs need proof of rabies vacc and record of spay/neuter.
• Pit bulls and PB mixes need proof of home ownership or letter from landlord stating that you are allowed to have a pit bull or pit bull mix, a photo of your dog that is no more than 30 days old, and a photo of yourself (the owner) that is no more than 30 days old.

How Much Does a Dog License Cost?

* Unspayed/unneutered dogs: $17
* Spayed/neutered dogs: $6
* Pit bulls/pit bull mixes: $50

Where Do You Go to Get a Dog License?

There are two places you can go to get a Boston dog license. Bring all required paperwork and a check/money order (not cash).

1. The Property Management Department
Boston City Hall, Room 811
1 City Hall Plaza, Boston

2. City of Boston Animal Shelter
26 Mahler Road
Roslindale, MA
Hours: Mon-Sat 8 am to 4 pm & Wed 8 am to 8 pm

You can also purchase a dog license by mail if it is more convenient for you. Print the dog license application and fill it out. Mail the completed application, a copy of your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate, a check for the fee, and proof of spay/neuter (if applicable). You will receive the license in the mail.

Mail to:

Boston City Hall
Animal Control - Room 811
1 City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA 02201

A Pug is a toy dog breed with a wrinkly face and medium-small body. Pug puppies are often called puglets. The word “pug” may have come from the Old English pugg, which was an affectionate term for a playful little devil or monkey. Country of origin: China.

The breed is often summarized as multum in parvo (”much in little”), describing the Pug’s great personality and small size.

Appearance

Build: Square, thickset, stocky, compact

Weight: 13-20 pounds (6-9kg.)

Height: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm.)

Coat: Short, sleek, soft coat

Color: Apricot, fawn, black and silver

Head: Short, flat, black muzzle

Teeth: Slightly undershot bite

Eyes: Prominent, expressive, dark, lustrous

Ears: Velvety

Tail: In a tight curl or double curl

Limbs: Straight and strong

Feet: Well split-up toes

Life span: Median 12-15 years

While most Pugs appearing in eighteenth century prints tended to be long and lean, the current breed standards call for a square, cobby body, a compact form, deep chest, and well-developed muscle. Their heads, carried on arched necks, should be substantial and round, the better to accentuate their large, bulging, dark eyes. The wrinkles on their foreheads should be distinct and deep,. The ears should be smooth and soft, like black velvet and come in two varieties: “rose” (small, round and folded with the front edge angled toward the mask, giving the head a more rotund shape) and “button” (level with the top of forehead and folded at a sharp ninety degree angle). Breeding preference goes to “button” Pugs. The lower teeth should protrude farther than their upper, meeting in an underbite.

Coat and color

Their fine, glossy coats can be apricot, fawn, silver or black. A silver coat is characterized by a very light coloured coat, absent of black guard hairs. Some unscrupulous breeders call “smutty” Pugs silver. A “smutty” Pug typically has a very dark head, with no clear delineation at the mask, and dark forelegs. The tail should curl tightly over the hip; a double curl is considered perfection.

Pugs of different coat types shed to varying degrees, but they all shed quite a bit year round. Fawn Pugs, which have both an undercoat and an overcoat, are the most notorious for shedding. Pug owners have gone to great lengths to control this Pug characteristic. Partial solutions to the problem involve using special shampoos, supplementing or changing the Pug’s diet, or even trimming the Pug’s coat. Alternatively, regular coat grooming can keep the shedding down.

The silver variety of a Pug is much less common in the United States with Black and Fawn being the dominant colors. A Pug with a hard or woolly coat are considered objectionable by the AKC and are viewed unfavorably in shows. There is supposed to be a clear trace or black line extending from the head of the Pug to the tail. Additionally, moles and birthmarks are accepted and are not viewed unfavorably.

Temperament

The stern expression of the Pug belies its true sense of fun. Pugs are very sociable dogs, and usually stubborn about certain things, but they are playful, charming, clever and are known to succeed in dog obedience skills. Pugs are sensitive to the tone of a human voice, so harsh punishment is generally unnecessary. While Pugs usually get along well with other dogs and pets, they generally prefer the company of humans and require a great deal of human attention; they may become slightly anxious or agitated if their owner ignores them or does not play with them; however some may occupy themselves when the owner is away. In general, they are very attentive dogs, always at their owner’s feet, in their lap, or following them from room to room.

Health

Because Pugs lack longer snouts and prominent skeletal brow ridges, they are susceptible to eye injuries such as puncture wounds and scratched corneas and painful Entropion. Also, the compact nature of their breathing passageways can cause problems such as difficulty breathing. Furthermore, dogs regulate their temperature through evaporation from the tongue. Because of the problems Pugs have with breathing, in conjunction with how all dogs regulate their temperature, Pugs may have trouble controlling their temperature. Pugs are bred to be indoor pets only, and must not be left outside in temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, despite loving to “sunbathe”, and should never be left inside cars on hot days.

Pugs living a mostly sedentary life can be prone to obesity. Therefore, it is important for Pug owners to make sure their pets have regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Pugs can also suffer from a chronic form of granulomatous meningoencephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) specific to the breed called pug dog encephalitis (PDE). There is no known cause or cure for PDE, although it is believed to be an inherited disease. All dogs tend to either die or are euthanised within a few months after the onset of clinical signs, which usually occur anywhere from 6 months to 3 years of age.

Pugs, along with other brachycephalic dogs (e.g. boxers, bulldogs), are also prone to hemivertebrae. The screwtail is an example of a hemivertebrae, but when it occurs in others areas of the spine it can be devastating, causing such severe paralysis that euthanasia is a serious recommendation.

The Pug, like other short-snouted breeds, has an elongated palate. When excited, they are prone to a “reverse sneeze” where the dog will quickly and seemingly laboriously, gasp and snort. This is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. “Reverse sneezing” episodes will not hurt a Pug, but it will scare the dog, and maybe its owners, a good deal. The quickest way to stop these episodes is to talk to them calmly and gently rub the throat to induce swallowing.[citation needed] Otherwise, the reverse sneezing will usually resolve on its own. It is important that future and present Pug owners recognize this phenomenon as a pathological symptom rather than value it as a seemingly endearing behavioral pattern.

As with all small breeds, some problems may arise in pregnancy and birth. The most common include the need for a c-section and disinterest in the puppies, which may cause the mother to not break the birth sack.

As Pugs have many wrinkles in their faces, owners must take special care to clean inside the creases, as irritation and infection can result from improper care.. Pugs also need to have their claws trimmed regularly and should only be bathed as needed, as this takes essential oils off the skin and fur.

Pugs are one of several breeds that are more susceptible to Demodectic mange, also known as Demodex. This condition is caused by a weakened immune system, and it is a minor problem for many young Pugs. It is easily treatable. Some Pugs, however, are especially susceptible to the condition, and will present with a systemic form of the condition. This vulnerability is thought to be genetic, and good breeders will avoid breeding dogs who have had this condition.

Origins

Bred to adorn the laps of the Chinese sovereigns during the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BC), in East China, they were known as “Lo-Chiang-Sze” or “Foo” (ceramic foos, transmogrified into dragon, with their bulging eyes are very Pug-like). The Pug’s popularity spread to Tibet, where they were mainly kept by monks, and then went onto Japan, and finally Europe.

Sixteenth and seventeenth centuries

The breed was first imported in the late 16th and 17th centuries by merchants and crews from the Dutch East Indies Trading Company. The Pug later became the official dog of the House of Orange. In 1572, a Pug saved the Prince of Orange’s life by barking at an assassin. A Pug also travelled with William III and Mary II when they left the Netherlands to ascend to the throne of England in 1688. This century also saw Pugs’ popularity on the rise in other European countries. In Spain, they were painted by Goya, in Italy Pugs dressed in matching jackets and pantaloons sat by the coachmen of the rich, and in Germany and France. Pugs appear several times as footnotes to history. Sometimes, they were used for Scent hounds. They were used by the military to track animals or people, and were also employed as the guard’s dogs.

Eighteenth and nineteenth centuries

The popularity of the Pug continued to spread in France during the eighteenth century. Before her marriage at age 15 to Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette owned a Pug named Mops (the German, Dutch, Danish and Swedish name for the dog’s breed).[citation needed] Before her marriage to Napoleon Bonaparte, Joséphine had her Pug, Fortune, carry concealed messages to her family while she was confined at Les Carmes prison. The pet was the only recipient of visiting rights.

The English painter William Hogarth owned a series of Pugs, to which he was devoted. In 1745 he painted his self-portrait together with that of his Pug, Trump, now in the Tate Gallery, London.

In nineteenth century England, Pugs flourished under the patronage of the monarch Queen Victoria.[citation needed] Her many Pugs, which she bred herself, included Olga, Pedro, Minka, Fatima and Venus. Her involvement with the dogs in general helped to establish the Kennel Club, which was formed in 1873. Victoria favoured apricot and fawn Pugs, whereas the aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in 1886.

The Pug arrived in the United States during the nineteenth century (the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885) and was soon making its way into the family home and show ring.

Pugs in media and culture

In a May 23, 2007 web issue of The Onion, Pugs were lampooned in a fake news article titled Dog Breeders Issue Massive Recall Of ‘07 Pugs. The piece satirized Pugs and Pug breeders by speaking of the dog and its characteristics as a faulty product, “evidenced” by a fictional quote from the American Pug Breeders Association director, “While pug owners are accustomed to dog malfunction, the latest animals are prone to more problems than just the usual joint failures, overheating, seizures, chronic respiratory defects, and inability to breed without assistance. The latest model Pug is simply not in any way a viable dog.”

Pugs have also held their own as featured players in many films and television shows.

• Otis from The Adventures of Milo and Otis
• Odie the Talking Pug - First appearing on David Letterman’s “Stupid Pet Tricks” Odie went on to win America Online’s Top T.V. Moment of the Year in 2004.
• Frank from Men in Black and Men in Black II
• Weenie, from Kay Thompson’s Eloise book series
• Shakespug is a friend of Satchel Pooch, a main character in the comic strip Get Fuzzy.
• Mr. Pickle, BBC-presenter Jonathan Ross’s Pug, seen in his talk show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.
• Ralph, Don Burke’s dog In the long running channel 9 show, was a Pug and a frequent guest of the show.
• Percy Pug from Pocahontas and Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World.
• Bean from The Clique series.
• Tori Spelling’s pug Mimi LaRue.
• Pakkun the ninja pug from the anime series Naruto.
• Frank Iero, Guitarist of My Chemical Romance owns one
• Lloyd from Norbit
• Heidi Range from the Sugababes has a pug called Buddy.
• Marie Antoinette had a pug named Mugs.

Local Pug Rescue of New England

Brian: Hi and congratulations for being selected DogBoston’s Best of 2007!

Erin: Thanks a lot, we’re proud of the honor!

Brian: So, how did you get started and when did you get serious about dog walking?

I began dog walking in Oct of 2005 and really got into it about one year later. I would have never expected to be doing this. I can assure you of that! I graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology. I went to college to be a probation officer. I worked in the courts, jails, detention centers all throughout my undergrad. I spent my days with hardened criminals, juveniles, drug addicts, you name it! I enjoyed the work, but decided immediately after completing my bachelor’s degree that I should complete my master’s degree.

I decided to go back to school and get an MBA with a marketing concentration. While doing this I took a job at an insurance company where I worked in the fraud department. Finally, in 2005 my MBA was completed. I graduated in May and was married in July. I quit my job two weeks before my wedding and had no idea what I was going to do! We traveled for a bit and then I got my real estate license and worked as a real estate agent for a while. I was so bored!! My days were all the same. I was really itching to get back working with criminals. I know how it sounds but I always enjoyed helping people!

One day I was in the park with my dog Carly. It was around lunchtime. I saw a dog walker come through the park with quite a few dogs. Immediately, I was jealous. She got to be outside all day and with dogs! I went home and told my husband that I wanted to walk dogs. He laughed and did not think I was serious! My family was not all that shocked because growing up I always took care of our dogs. In fact, I got my first dog walking job when I was ten-years-old. My neighbor hired me to walk her dogs while she was on vacation. With help from my mother I took care of the dogs while my neighbor traveled which was often. I did this until she moved when I was 16.

Once I decided that I wanted to walk dogs it seemed like no time before I began walking my very first dog and her name was Sophie. We spent hours together! I had so much fun and decided I would walk one or two more dogs. So I had about three dogs within the first few months. I did not think I was going to start a business because ultimately I thought I would go back into the corporate world. I thought I would take a break and figure things out. In the mean time why not walk a few dogs. Little did I know this was only the beginning! About a year after walking I decided there was no way I was going back to work and this is what I was meant to do. I was happy all the time and excited to go to work. The dogs were great, the owners were great, and I had a lot more free time to be with the dogs!

Brian: So, you started as the North End Dog Walker and now call your business Dog Party – what prompted the change?

Well I made the change because in the beginning I did not spend time thinking of a name. I kind of fell into dog walking and I did not think I would be starting a business. I figured I would only walk dogs temporarily. Also the dogs and I have lots of fun on our walks and I think this new name better gets across that point.

Brian: Your website mentions Dog Party has “full service dog walking agency” – can you tell me what that means?

Sure. It means that we do everything. We walk dogs, take care of them overnight, feed them, play with them, ext. All dogs are different and they all have different needs. Some dogs prefer certain things and our goal is to keep them happy! We even offer cat sitting.
Brian: I am still amazed by the amount of people who raved about your service in the DogBoston’s Best of 2007 Survey… So what do you think you do different than other dog walkers that people like so much about your service?

I think I run things very differently. I am very organized and a schedule is done days before the dogs are walked. This way we know exactly who is being walked and at what time. I would never miss a walk, I take this very seriously.

Also, I observe other dog walkers and try not do things that make me cringe when I see them! For instance, I do not spend my days on a cell phone. My job is to walk and spend time with my dog clients. I feel when you are on the cell phone all day that you are going through the motions, but you are not properly paying attention to the dogs.

I always say that when you are out walking you are in the public eye. When you walk dogs you tend to stand out and people are always watching. I am more likely to get caught being silly with the dogs in the park! Just the other day an owner emailed me saying she got out of work early and walked by the park. She said she was so happy to see me playing with her dog (we were having a blast in the snow). She said she was happy to know her dog was having so much fun while she was at work. These are the kinds of things that owners tell me! They see it firsthand. Since I live in North End I see the dogs I walk all the time. Even when they are with their owners they run up to me and give me kisses! This always makes the owners so happy. It is obvious I love the dogs and they love me too!

Brian: Your puppy program and play groups sound unique. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes, as the name suggests, the puppy program is designed for puppies. Since they are so little they require extra walks and extra attention. I start with them right when they come home with their owners. We teach them how to walk on a leash and help get them housetrained. At first, we carry the puppy everywhere because they do not want to walk! Then we take them out with other puppies and they get some play time. They are just so cute! It is important that once they have their shots that they get used to being around other dogs and learn to interact with them.

The playgroups are for dogs who love to play with other dogs. We take a few at a time to the park and let them run off leash where they can get all of their energy out! They love to wrestle and run around. This seems to make them the happiest. Some dogs prefer to play with people so I have a few that just like to watch the other dogs while sitting on my lap!

Brian: Do you think Boston is a dog friendly place? Why or why not?

This is a tough one! I find that people either love dogs or do not like them. I get a lot of people who come up to me and want to pet the dogs. However, everyday I get my fair share of dirty looks/comments as well. For the most part I think it is friendly, but not as friendly as I would like! The coffee store owners are great though. On hot summer days and cold winter days they let me come in with the dogs so I can get a hot or cold drink. They give the dogs treats too!

Brian: What is your favorite place to walk in 1. the North End, 2. Charlestown, and 3. Waterfront sections?

My favorite place in the North End to walk is in the Prado. This is right off Hanover Street. It is quiet and there and there are lots of benches and trees. The dogs like it. They can run around! My favorite place in the Waterfront is Christopher Columbus Park. I like the part closest to the water. It is wide open and the dogs can run! My favorite place in Charlestown is in the Navy Yard. It is nice to be able to see the harbor and the planes. Lots of grass for the dogs too!

Brian: Favorite park outside of Boston?

Gotta be the Fellsway

Brian: Best trainer in the area?

Hands down it is Zendog!

Brian: Sounds like you’ve found your passion, and things are working out well for you.

Erin: They sure are, thanks!

Jo, I just moved to the North shore and I am concerned about ticks & Lyme disease. As per my vet, Frontline & Lyme vaccine is the best option. Would you agree? Are there better options?

Hi,

That all depends, and mostly it depends on your dog’s immune system — it can do more harm than good in certain cases.

We DO line in a high-Lyme area (there’s a couple more tick-borne diseases as well). HOWEVER — there can be issues with the Lyme vaccine (as well as some others). You may want to research it a bit first, you can start here: http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/DODDS-CHG-VACC-PROTOCOLS.HTM

Did you move from a non-lyme tick area? If so, you may want to have the first round of Lyme vaccines then titer afterwards.

Frontline can be effective at keeping away ticks/cleas (believe it or not, the regular Frontline, NOT the Plus, is MORE effective). Again, depending on your own dog’s immune system, sometimes it can do more harm than good.

Do you feed a commercial food or home-prepare, or a combination? If you home-prepare or feed a combo, you can also add a bit of garlic powder (NOT garlic salt) and some rosemary to your dog’s food as you prepare it — this will help repel fleas and ticks quite well (in 5 years, we’ve had no fleas and only one tick for all 3 of our dogs). There are also quite a few natural recipes (herbs, essential oils, etc) that you can mix up and spray on your dog (and you!) to repel the little buggers.

No matter what you decide to do, remember to do DAILY, if not twice-daily, checks for Ticks and remove them quickly. If you remove them within the first 24 hours, you won’t have any issues with Lyme — after that, your chances will increase.

Jo Jacques CPDT, CPCT
WiggleBums! Dog-Friendly Training & Behavior
www.wigglebums.com

Emergency Pet Preparedness:
Caring For Dogs Before, During, and After a Crisis

by Diana Bocco

“Our lives are determined by the things we never planned —but we can control some things better if we plan for them to the best of our ability,” says Diane Levitan, VMD, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Director of the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care in Long Island. “Just as you should have a plan for any human you love and care for, you should have a plan for the non-humans you love and care for. Do your best to make provisions for all that you possibly can, because you would never want to be forced to make sacrifices that you otherwise would not have had to make had you planned ahead.”

Know Your Risks

For the safety of all your family members (including the four-legged kind), you need to know beforehand what risks are inherent to the area where you live (natural disasters, man-made problems, evacuations?) and when are they more likely to happen (winter or summer?). This will help you prepare better and make you more alert to potential danger signs.

Assemble a Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

Being prepared can make all the difference in a time of crisis. “Make a kit and have it ready,” says Levitan. “Then all you need to do is take it with you.”
A basic kit should include:

• A heavy-duty leash and harness. For small dogs, a sturdy carrier works best. Carriers should have a secure locking mechanism and be large enough so that the animal can stand, turn around, and lie down.
• A week’s supply of dry or canned food (if canned, remember to pack a can opener)
• Bottled water
• Food and water dishes
• Extra supply of any medication you pet needs on a daily basis
• An updated copy of your pet’s medical records. Kennels and shelters will require proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations before allowing an animal inside.
• Clear, current photos of your pet in case you become separated.
• A written report of any medical or behavior condition your dog has, plus the name and number of your veterinarian, in case you need to board your pet somewhere.
• A first aid kit. You can assemble one yourself with medicines you buy at the vet’s office (not human medicine) or buy a pre-made one.
• A dog bed only if portable; otherwise, a thick blanket than can be used both as bedding and to keep warm.
• Toys (to help reduce stress)
• Plenty of newspaper, paper towels, plastic bags, cleaner and disinfectants to properly handle pet waste (zip-lock plastic bags work well)

Before An Emergency

“It is a good idea to have a ‘disaster drill’,” says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, a veterinary consultant for several national television programs and the creator of the First Aid for Pets — Dogs & Cats course endorsed by the American Red Cross. “You can more calmly practice scooping up all your pets, evacuation kits, children and other family members and leaving your home. Time yourself. At the end of the drill, have each family member responsible to assessing their part of the drill and making suggestions on how the process can be improved and then try it again at a later date.”

Make sure that your dog wears a collar and identification tag at all times. The tag should include your name, address, and phone number. Levitan recommends also including any emergency health alerts on it.

Consider having your dog microchipped. Micro ID implants contain identifying information, vital in case a collar comes off. “Microchips are tiny (about the size of a grain of rice), can be seen on an x-ray (so we can tell they have one) and are painlessly injected at any age and last forever,” says Levitan. “The only downsides are it must be realized that the pet has one and they must find a compatible scanner to read the chip. Many breeders, pet stores and veterinarians are using these routinely today. There is actually a push to make all chips readable by a universal scanning device so that no matter what company makes the chip, the pet can be identified using any scanner.”
Place a sign or decal in your window declaring that there animals in the house. Emergency personnel need this information in order to plan a rescue. Pet stores such as Petland will provide you with a decal for free, or you can order one for a couple of dollars from the ASPCA.

Research your neighborhood. Find out in advance what local clinics are open 24hrs. and which ones handle major emergencies. Inquiry where lost animals are taken –Sometimes it’s not to the local shelter.

Contact your local emergency management office to find out if there are prearranged places where animals can be housed in the event of an emergency. These can include animal shelters, clinics, and boarding kennels.

Because of health regulations, Red Cross shelters cannot accept animals, so you’re responsible for finding alternate refuge. Make a list of pet-friendly motels/hotels in your area and a few on a neighboring district (in case of a major emergency that requires city-wide evacuation). For a list of over 25,000 hotels, motels, and B&B that accept pets, check PetsWelcome.Com or www.clemson.edu/lph (Emergency Preparedness website)
Call hotels that have a “no pet” policies and ask if they’d be willing to waive it in an emergency.

Designate a person (preferably a neighbor or a pet sitting service) that can pick up your pet from your house in case you’re away when disaster strikes. This person needs to have a key to your house and know where your animals are likely to hide when scared.
Ask friends and relatives in neighboring cities if they’d be willing to shelter your animals in an emergency.

During an Emergency

If you Have to Evacuate…

“In the event of a disaster, and you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do is evacuate your pets too,” says Billie Douglass Jones, the Interim Animal Emergency Response Coordinator of South Carolina Emergency Management Division. “This advanced planning is essential – it could save your pet’s life and make yours easier during a threatening storm emergency.”

Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order. If emergency officials are involved, you may be ordered to leave your animals behind.

Bring your pets inside at the first sign of danger. Animals may become agitated and run away, or hide in places where you won’t be able to find them in a hurry. If the danger is imminent, put dogs in their carriers or leash them.

Know the common hiding places inside your house, so you can look for your pets in a hurry.

Drive to the nearest safe location that will allow you to check in with your pets. The last thing you want is to get stuck in the highway when a storm is approaching.

“The most important thing a person can do during an emergency is to have embraced the Scout’s motto before the disaster ever happens….Be Prepared,” says Cruz. “During the crisis…Breath! Take a moment to try to relax and think clearly. You can’t be of any assistance to your pet or yourself if you are running around frantically. Pets can easily sense when their owners are stressed and this can cause them to become nervous and more difficult to work with.”

If You Don’t Evacuate

If you have to wait out a storm at home, start by identifying the safest room in your home and retreat there at the first indication of danger. Make sure your disaster kit is stored in that room.

“Keep them on as normal routine as possible (feeding time, play time, exercise time),” says Jones. “Try to keep emotions as level as possible. Even the most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, and try to escape, bite or scratch when alarmed. This applies to family members as well as strangers. Be extremely cautious and gentle.”

Put small animals such as hamsters, lizards, or birds in carriers rather than keeping them in glass tanks, especially if there’s a risk of falling debris (as in the case of earthquakes) or broken windows (tornadoes).

Try to stay calm. Animals will pick up on your anxiety and become even more agitated.

“NEVER leave animals of different species together,” says Jones. “Put dogs and cats in separate quarters.” Even if they normally get along fine, they may react differently under severe stress.

After the Emergency
Keep your pets indoors. Animals are likely to become disoriented because of unusual smells or displaced familiar objects and can easily get lost or run away.
Make sure there are no broken windows or holes the animals can use to escape.
When you take your dog for a walk, use a short leash. There may be downed power lines or other dangers you are not aware of.

Be patient. “Pets like consistency and routines,” says Cruz. “Disasters disrupt their lives and, similar to young children, a pet may not know how to react to the turmoil. It is not uncommon for a pet to have a diminished appetite. Change in water, food, and stress can all lead to upset bowels. A typically outgoing pet may become reclusive, anxious, or argumentative. The length of time that it takes a person to recover from the traumatic shock can be extremely variable. The same can be true for your pet. If a pet is loosing condition, is not interacting with the family in a manner that is deemed normal, seeking the assistance of a veterinarian is strongly recommended. This is especially true for very young and elderly pets.”

First Aid Kit

A basic first aid kit for pets should contain the following items:
• Bandages: sterile roller gauze, porous non-allergenic adhesive tape, cotton batting, self-adhering athletic bandage, non-adherent sterile pads.
• Stainless steel tweezers (to remove splinters, thorns, ticks, etc.). Magnifying tweezers are available at drugstores and pet stores.
• Rectal Thermometer
• White petroleum jelly or other water based sterile lubricant.
• Plastic Dropper or syringe (for administering medicines)
• Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting in case of poison ingestion)
• Chlorhexidine solution or 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (to clean wounds)
• Emergency muzzle. “In the chaos that often accompanies an emergency situation, a frightened or injured pet might inadvertently lash out and bite,” says Cruz.
• Styptic powder or pencil (to stop bleeding from minor cuts)
• First aid or triple antibiotic ointment (such as Betadine)
• Sterile eye lubricant and eye wash. Sterile saline can be used both for eyes and wounds.
• Instant ice pack
• Emergency blanket
• Small scissors
• Medical grade vinyl gloves
• An up-to-date pet first-aid guidebook that covers emergency care (including CPR, trauma, chocking, etc.) and non-emergency procedures. Better yet, contact the Red Cross to take their First Aid for Pets — Dogs & Cats course.

Some Basic First Aid Tips

Bleeding stops with the help of direct pressure on the site. If there is bleeding from a vein, it will likely stop with constant pressure. Arterial bleeding is more difficult to control and more dangerous, but again, pressure directly on the site is key.

The key to wound care is to keep all wounds clean, dry and protected from germs. Cover open wounds with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing until proper medical attention can be given.

Body temperature control is very important: keep the animals temperature as close to normal (101-102 F). If they are very over heated, they should be gently and gradually cooled to normal by using cool water on their body and or alcohol to the extremities. Fans are also helpful. Be careful not to over cool.

If they are cold, heat them using hot water bottles or a heating pad. Never place the pet directly on the heating pad, use a towel or blanket in between and NEVER leave it on the High setting, as pets can get severe burns.

Adult dogs do not generally get colds- if your pet is coughing and or sneezing excessively, seek medical attention.

When in doubt, have it checked out.

In Conclusion

“Pets have truly become a part of the family,” says Cruz. “It is the responsibility of each pet owner to insure the safety and well being of their furry, feather, or finned friends, because when a person brings a pet into their lives, it is for life…the life of that pet. In times of disasters, large or small, we each need to be self sufficient. As has been seen in the wake of Katrina, emergency services can be over taxed and may not be able to respond to our individual needs in a timely fashion. By anticipating the needs of your entire family, formulating an emergency plan tailored to them, you can increase the chances of surviving the calamity and make your life easier during an emergency.”
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Winter is almost over. With the thawing comes the greening of the landscape which happens shortly after what Bostonians call our beloved “mud phase”. And with the greening of the landscape comes ticks. This article is about how to remove ticks properly if you get one on yourself or your furry friends.

The goal of tick removal is to get rid of the live insect quickly, and in one piece. While the squeamish at heart may be tempted to give the little bugger a quick yank and be done with it, leaving parts of the tick embedded in your flesh will most likely cause an infection. With patience in mind, follow these simple steps (taken from the FDA):

1. Wash your hands.

2. Sterilize a pair of tweezers. This can be done with rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab or by running a lit match beneath them.

3. Grab the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible and pull slowly. Do not jerk! You want the tick to help you, by backing out as you’re pulling. If the tick does not back out on its own, stop pulling, and add a few drops of rubbing alcohol, cooking oil, or petroleum jelly to the surface of the skin. The added moisture will begin to drown the tick, causing him to back out.

4. Wait. Within five to ten minutes, the tick should begin to loosen its hold.

5. Pull again. Using the tweezers again, gently pull the tick from your skin.

6. Examine the tick. Make sure you both remove the head and body of the tick. If you suspect the tick is a disease carrier, preserve the tick in a zip lock bag for examination by your physician.

7. Cleansing. Once the tick is out, wash the skin area with antibacterial soap or swab affected area with an antiseptic. Any itching, rash or irritation can be treated with hydrocortisone or antiseptic creams.

Being a dog owner in Boston is a treat. Whether enjoying information and community from DogBoston or a dog cookie from the Boston Dog, it’s fun and easy to pack a pooch here. But along with the fun, comes responsibilities and not everyone loves dogs as much as we do. So, just how good a dog owner are you? The following questionnaire might give you some insight:

You brush your dog’s teeth once a
a. Day
b. Week
c. Millennium

You walk your dog on a
a. Leash
b. Long piece of string
c. Telepathic plane

You bathe your dog when your
a. Car smells doggy
b. House smells doggy
c. Neighborhood smells doggy

You clean up after your dog
a. Always
b. When someone is looking
c. When the EPA sites you for having an illegal landfill

When your dog is gassy in the middle of your dinner party, you
a. Quickly light the candles for “ambiance”
b. Sternly order your dog from the room
c. Secretively point to the person to your left and mouth “woo-eee”

Your dog comes home with orange fur in his mouth right around the time your next door neighbor’s cat (who is often in your backyard) is missing. You:

a. Bury the fur and rehearse your alibi – Fido was inside with YOU all evening
b. Apologize to Mrs. Murphy and never let Fido outdoors again
c. Trade your dog in for a cat

When your neighbors in the South End complain that your dog’s barking can be heard all the way to the North Shore, you:

a. Invest in Dog Training for Dummies and have lots of fun practicing “shhh”
b. Tell them to invest in soundproof windows
c. Trade your dog in for a Basenji

Your black suit is covered in white fur again. You
a. Decide to trade in basic black for winter white
b. Carry lint brushes with you everywhere and even use them on your dog
c. Trade your dog in for a Mexican Hairless

When your pound of chocolate box is suddenly empty and wrappers are strewn in a path to Fido’s bed, you
a. Follow the plan you have neatly typed out and hanging on the fridge for such emergencies
b. Panic and call your mother
c. Punish Fido – those were your favorite kind of truffles
When your dog gets a little too intimate with the Chow on the Boston Common, you
a. Say “Those rascals” and walk both of you with dignity to the car
b. Say “That’s amore” and look on
c. Don’t notice because you’re on your cell phone

If you answered “a” to most of these, you can pat yourself on the back - you live in a very strange, dog-centric world but try to be considerate of others. If you answered mostly “b”, this is probably your first dog and, with time, you’ll come around. If you answered “c”, you should own a ferret. Owning a dog means more than just picking up after them (and some dog owners even fail at that). For, as we all know, there are no bad dogs, just bad owners.

By Brian Henderson

A press release was recently provided to me, indicating an uncommon fad/trend that could soon be on the rise. I’ve always been of the opinion that dog friendly places and parks add direct value to the communities that maintain them - much like a playground or a baseball diamond, it makes life in that area a little more rich, and a little more complete. People who have fought for and continue to fight for local dog rights are doing their communities a favor… so you should thank them, or better yet, get involved.

The press release I will show you below is not near Boston, it’s practically 1000 miles away to the South. It’s for a community is Douglasville Georgia called Tributary, and well, this is just about one of the neatest things I’ve seen in a while. It’s an idea that Boston area real estate developers should keep in mind. I’m not trying to convince anyone to leave Boston - that’s not my point. My point is that sometimes the free market and capitalism lead us to unique and interesting places - such as this housing community which is almost completely focused on dog people. The question that remains is “will this be a short term fad or a long term trend?” I’m hoping for a trend.

The press release follows:

POOCH PARKS: PREFERRED PLACE FOR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

With a variety of parks scattered throughout the community, homeowners at Tributary at New Manchester face tough decisions over where to spend their leisure time. But for four-legged residents, the decision is a tail-waggingly simple one.

The canine set is meeting at the Pooch Parks.

The developers of Tributary in the city of Douglasville have seen puppy love bloom at its three special destination parks linked to homes by tree-lined sidewalks and dedicated to running free, playing, sniffing out new friends, and — well, to be delicate, taking care of business.

The landscaped and fenced parks are decorated with animal-friendly icons which remind residents to leave only paw prints behind.

“The American love affair with pets is growing by — pardon the expression — leaps and bounds,” says Tributary sales & marketing director Frank Gilligan. “Pets can be found in 62 percent of American households, and nearly 75 percent of those homes have more than one pet. Americans spend an estimated $34.3 billion on pets.”

The numbers, Mr. Gilligan says, show a market that views pets as part of the family — in some cases, the heart of the family.

“Many of our buyers are Generation Xers and empty-nesters,”he says. “A place for their pets is a valued attraction.”

There are more than just dog parks at Tributary. Residents have plenty of open spaces to enjoy. Founders Park in The Village neighborhood is a large open green with plenty of shade trees, and each Tributary neighborhood has Social Parks with swings and benches, and children’s parks with play equipment. The parks are dispersed throughout the community. Tributary is also adjacent to Sweetwater Creek State Park and the Chattahoochee River.

“All of our parks are intended to contribute to an active, vibrant neighborhood and are geared to people gathering, talking and socializing,” Mr. Gilligan says.

Homes in The Village are priced from the low-$200,000’s to $800,000. In the new River Banks neighborhood Traditional and Arts & Crafts homes clad in Hardiplank, brick and stacked stone, are priced from the mid-$200,000s to the $500,000s.

Tributary is a 1,475-acre community with a small town atmosphere and a variety of housing and neighborhood choices and prices. The development offers an array of nature activities, including walking on nine miles of trails, mountain biking, fly fishing, kayaking and even camping. Its master plan also includes swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers, tot lots and athletic sports fields.

Tributary is located just 20 minutes to downtown Atlanta, the airport and the Vinings/Galleria area.

More information about Tributary at New Manchester can be found at: www.TributaryGA.com or by calling 678.391.0026.

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For more information, contact:

Ernie DiRico or Melanie Ham
DiRico & Associates Public Relations
404.255.3696