DogBoston

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

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

ONION & GARLIC POISONING:
Onions and garlic are other dangerous food ingredients that cause sickness in dogs, cats and also livestock. Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger.

Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop hemolytic anemia, where the pet’s red blood cells burst while circulating in its body.

At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animal’s urine and it becomes breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number.

The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness.

Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. A single meal of 600 to 800 grams of raw onion can be dangerous whereas a ten-kilogram dog, fed 150 grams of onion for several days, is also likely to develop anemia. The condition improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion

While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

THE DANGER OF MACADAMIA NUTS:
Macadamia nuts are another concern. A recent paper written by Dr. Ross McKenzie, a Veterinary Pathologist with the Department of Primary Industries, points to the danger of raw and roasted macadamia nuts for pets.

The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated.

Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter.

Luckily, the muscle weakness, while painful, seems to be of short duration and all dogs recovered from the toxicity. All dogs were taken to their veterinary surgeon.

Pets owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, such foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure that your pets can’t get into your stash of chocolates, that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity and that your dog is prevented from picking up macadamia nuts if you have a tree in your garden.

OTHER POTENTIAL DANGERS:
Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide posioning)
Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
Rhubarb leaves
Mouldy/spoiled foods
Alcohol
Yeast dough
Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine)
Hops (used in home brewing)
Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
Broccoli (in large amounts)
Raisins and grapes
Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars

by AJ Robinson

Quite a few years ago, about the time my voice was changing, we went to the pound to get him. He was just a furry white Jack Russell Terrier pup, with brown and black patches on his head. All the innocence of my life seemed to be wrapped up in his big brown eyes.
He was also very timid. When we got home, he wouldn’t even climb the stairs to our condo. We had to carry him up and down for the first few weeks.

He chewed Dad’s slippers and made messes in the kitchen, but he was full of energy. I tried letting him sleep in my bed, but for a little Jack Russell, he took up a lot of space and always hogged the exact center of the bed, causing me to lose sleep.

So, he slept outside my door. It wasn’t long before it had many small scratches. His whining pained me almost as much as the lack of shut-eye. Eventually, he grew up, and so did I.

While I was learning to drive, he was in the full vigor of youth. Dad and I would drive to some secluded stretch of beach and let him run and play in the water. Afternoon showers were his favorite events. He’d roll in the sand and chase the seagulls.

Throughout high school, he was my best friend – my only friend. He was there when I woke in the morning, when I got home, and at my door when I went to bed. And his tail always wagged.

When I left for college, I couldn’t take him with me. We were parted for the first time. He must have known something was wrong when I got into the car that would take me away, because I saw the sadness in his eyes and the lack of motion in his tail. But I also saw the twinkle in his eyes and whip-like action in that same tail, upon each return.

Our summers were spent on Martha’s Vineyard. The cottage we stayed in was in the woods, which was a paradise for him. So many sights, so many smells. He loved chasing the squirrels and rabbits, but he never caught any of them. Somehow, they seemed to know that and never ran too fast. We spent many happy days racing through those woods.

After college, my dad became sick. I came home to take care of him and look for work. He was getting on in years, and so was my dog. They were both slowing down. Those summers were long and lonely and their walks were different. Just two little old men ambling slowly down the dirt roads.

One day, they left together as usual, but somewhere along the way Dad had a stroke and we had to take him to the hospital. Then it was pretty much me and my dog for the next month. We were both happy to be together, in a way. But the thought of him sitting by the front door, waiting for Dad’s return pained me each night. And each night outside my father’s bedroom, faithfully guarding it, made me very sad.

One night, I came home to find him asleep on Dad’s bed, refusing to move. I tried to take him for a walk, but even that didn’t interest him. The next morning, I learned that Dad had passed away. After that, I once again had a Jack Russell Terrier sleeping outside my door, just as he’d done in our youth together, way back when.

His brown and black patches were turning gray by then and he had a touch of arthritis. Going for walks became difficult and he started going deaf. I had to use hand gestures to signal him and if he turned away, we lost contact. If I tapped him on the shoulder, he’d jump like a scarred rabbit and look at me as if to say: “Don’t sneak up on me!”

Every morning, he insisted on going for a walk, though it obviously pained him. On the weekends, he’d sit by my bed until I got up. He couldn’t jump up because of his arthritis. Often I’d feel him watching me. I’d stretch out my hand and pat his little head. He’d look at me in the same exact way that had captured my heart from the first moment I’d seen him.

Time rolled by and his vision began to dim. Then, like my dad, he had one stroke, and another. Each time, the Vet gave him medicine and he recovered. By this time, he was eating senior dog food and rice cakes instead of dog biscuits – all strictly low-sodium.
Then one day, my faithful friend collapsed. I took him to the Vet and asked for help. This time, however, the Vet just shook his head. There was nothing that could be done. My friend was living in pain and misery. Blind, deaf and senile.

I made the difficult decision.

The Vet asked me if I wanted to stay. I could only nod; emotions choked off my voice. He gave my dog the last dose of medication, while I held him in my arms. He couldn’t see me or hear me, but I hope and believe that he knew my touch and my scent, that he knew I was with him to the end. As he died a part of me died, a part of my soul went dark.

For fifteen years, he was my friend. He asked nothing of me save that I love him, feed him and shelter him. He didn’t criticize or complain, interrupt or ridicule. He accepted me when no one else would. He was the best listener I have ever known. He taught me gentleness and loyalty. He taught me the value of listening, and to turn around three times before lying down.

I miss the sound of his claws on the linoleum.

I miss his little whine each morning that let me know he wanted to go out.

I miss him sleeping at my feet when I’d lie on the couch.

Even all these years later, there are still mornings when I feel him watching me.

But when I stretch out my hand to pat his little head, he isn’t there anymore.

For fifteen years, he was faithful and true, and he was –

Just a dog.

Read more Feature Stories Here.

A new position statement released by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) warns veterinary professionals about the use of punishment-based dog training techniques, which can cause serious behavioral problems.

“For the general public, punishment can be defined as the use of force/aversion, coercion, or physical corrections in order to change an animal’s behavior,” said Sophia Yin, DVM, MS, director of media relations for the AVSAB. The scientific definition of punishment, which is included in the position statement, is different, she added.

Although many books written in the last decade focus on positive reinforcement, a television show titled “The Dog Whisperer” (Cesar Millan) has stoked the popularity of the punishment-based method, which veterinary specialists call outdated and — at times — dangerous for pets and their owners. Short televised segments can mislead pet owners about the time investment required for effective behavior modifications, said Yin, who added that inconsistent reactions from pet owners can exacerbate anxiety in dogs, which may lead to aggression.

“When people focus just on stopping the problem, they are just trying to put fires out,” she said. “They are failing to address the fact that the reason the pet engages in these behaviors is that the behaviors have been inadvertently rewarded.”

By issuing the position statement, behavior specialists hope private practitioners will warn clients about punishment-based approaches and refer them to credentialed professionals who can address root causes for behavior problems and suggest effective solutions.
Instead of yelling at dogs, holding them down in an “alpha roll,” or using choke chains or pinch collars, Yin and the AVSAB suggest taking a holistic perspective to the issue. “A more appropriate approach is to determine how the pet is being rewarded for the bad behavior, remove that reward and control the environment, and reward a more appropriate behavior.”

While punishment-based approaches may seem to work — especially on half-hour televised and staged segments — they can cause long-term repercussions for pet and owner.

“…the techniques force the dog to mask the behavior while the dog becomes more anxious,” Yin said. As a result, “many dogs are likely to get worse/more aggressive in the future.”

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) is a group of veterinarians and research professionals who share an interest in understanding behavior in animals. AVSAB is committed to improving the quality of life of all animals and strengthening the bond between animals and their owners.

History

The term “bulldog” was first used around 1568 and might have been applied to various ancestors of modern bulldog breeds.Bulldogs were bred in England over time from a cross between a mastiff and the smaller pug.

In the 1600s, bulldogs were used for bullbaiting (as well as bearbaiting), a wagering sport popular in the 17th century in which trained bulldogs leapt at a bull lashed to a post, latched onto its snout and attempted to suffocate it.

The oldest single breed specialty club is The Bulldog Club (England), which was formed in 1875. Members of this club met frequently at the Blue Post pub on Oxford Street in London. There they wrote the first standard of perfection for the breed. In 1891 the two top bulldogs, Orry and Dockleaf, competed in a contest to see which dog could walk the farthest. King Orry was reminiscent of the original bulldogs — lighter boned and very athletic. Dockleaf was smaller and heavier set — more like modern bulldogs. Dockleaf was declared the winner that year. Although some argued that the older version of the bulldog was more fit to perform, the modern version’s looks won over the fans of the breed because they proved they were equally as fit and athletic in the walking competition.

Recently, many people have tried to recreate a breed more akin to the original bullbaiter. Examples of the trend are the Olde English Bulldogge, Renascence Bulldogge, Victorian, Continental and Dorset Old Tyme Bulldog. The AKC does not recognize any of these newly “recreated” breeds of dogs.

Appearance

The bulldog is a stocky breed, with a compact body and short, sturdy limbs. Its shape results in a peculiarly unique gait. Bulldogs are known for their short muzzles and the saggy skin on their faces, creating the apparent “frown” that has become a trademark of the breed. Bulldogs come in a variety of colours and ideally have a smooth, short coat. The only disqualifier for the breed in the show ring is a liver colored nose, however a black-coated Bulldog is also not preferred. In the US, the size of a typical mature male is about 50 pounds; that for mature females is about 40 pounds. In the United Kingdom, the breed standard is 55 pounds for a male and 50 pounds for a female.

Temperament and characteristics

The temperament of the Bulldog is generally docile, friendly and gregarious but are known to be fiercely loyal. Breeders have worked to breed aggression out of the breed, and as such the dog is known to be of generally good temperament. Bulldogs can be so attached to home and family that they will not venture out of the yard without a human companion. Due to their friendly nature bulldogs are known for getting along well with children, other breeds of dog and any house-broken pet in general.

A bulldog is suitable for houses as well as apartments due to their size and comparative lack of energy, but puppies may be destructive until they reach maturity.

Health

The bulldog is prone to health issues. Breathing issues can be prevalent in the breed due to the shape of the lower jaw and the shortness of muzzle - bulldogs are known to snore. In the United Kingdom, some dogs can be prone to interstitial cysts, that is cysts which form between the toes. These cause the dog some discomfort, though they are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner. Other problems can include cherry eye, certain allergies and amongst older bulldogs, hip issues.

Because of the large heads in proportion to body size, puppies are frequently delivered by Caesarean section as they can get stuck in the birth canal during natural birth, however it is not uncommon for a bulldog to whelp naturally and successfully.

Bulldogs require daily cleaning of their face folds to avoid unwanted infections caused by moisture accumulation. Daily teeth brushing with a regular human soft toothbrush using a vet approved toothpaste is also recommended.

Like all dogs, Bulldogs require daily exercise. If not properly exercised the bulldog could gain weight, which could cause health problems relating to the lungs and heart. Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat and cold and great care should be given to the dog during overly warm periods. During these times, the owner should ensure that the dog has plenty of shade, water and should be ideally kept out of standing heat.

As the breed has developed, the tail in some dogs can be tight to the body and can cause infection if not treated or cleaned underneath regularly.

Popular mascot

Because of its tenacity, the bulldog is a symbol of England and is a popular mascot of American universities, such as University of Georgia, Bowie State University, Georgetown University, Alabama A&M University, Mississippi State University, Louisiana Tech University, Fresno State University, Drake University, Ferris State University, The Citadel, Yale University, Butler University, University of Minnesota Duluth, Western Illinois University, Truman State University, North Carolina A&T State University, South Carolina State University, Bryant University, Gonzaga University, Gardner-Webb University, University_of_North_Carolina_at_Asheville, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, University of Redlands, as well as numerous high schools throughout the United States of America.

It is commonly accepted that Handsome Dan, the Bulldog mascot for Yale University, is the oldest-running traditional live mascot in the United States, since some incarnation of Handsome Dan has served at Yale for more than a century.

Uga (mascot), the bulldog mascot for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, has become one of the most popular and beloved bulldogs of all time.

In addition, a bulldog, named Chesty, is widely recognized as a symbol of the United States Marine Corps.

Notable bulldogs

Some bulldogs and bulldog characters are notable for their accomplishments or cultural cachet.

* The lazy, lovable Lola from MTV’s TV series ‘The Osbournes’.
* Jake and the Fatman. A tv show in the 80’s, starring William Conrad, Joe Penny and the handsome star of the show, Max — the dapper English bulldog!
* Hector the Bulldog, Spike the Bulldog, Butch the Bulldog and Marc Antony are animated cartoon characters in the Warner Bros. Looney Tunes Merrie Melodies and Disney series of cartoons. Spike is also the name of Tom’s nemesis in the MGM theatrical cartoon series Tom and Jerry. In this series, Spike was often accompanied by a puppy, his son Tyke.
* Butch is Droopy Dog’s nemesis in the theatrical Droopy Dog cartoons.
* A bulldog named Cyril is the titular character in Connie Willis’s Victorian time-travel comedy, To Say Nothing of the Dog.
* A bulldog named Regi starred in the feature film About a Dog, along with dog expert Ian Dickinson. Regi played a dog named Sprinkles, and two dog-mad rivals fought over Sprinkles’ love.
* Dribble in Wario Ware
* Tech XIX (also known as “Champ”) is Louisiana Tech University’s mascot.
* Uga V, a former University of Georgia mascot, was the first live college mascot to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine ( April 28, 1997 ) and he was also named College Mascot of the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine. Uga V also earned a co-starring role in the feature film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, directed by Clint Eastwood. Uga V also gained notoriety in the media when during a football game on November 16, 1996 he lunged at an Auburn University receiver ( Robert Baker, #21 ) in an apparent attempt to bite the rival player and bring him down. Uga V, March 6, 1990 to November 22, 1999, was buried in Sanford Stadium with the epitaph “Defender of his Turf.”
* Meaty from the MTV show Rob and Big
* Jack the Bulldog is Georgetown University’s tenacious mascot.
* Handsome Dan, a bulldog, is the athletics mascot at Yale University.
* Butler Blue II, a bulldog, is the athletics mascot at Butler University.
* Winston, the English commander’s pup on a beach at Normandy in “The Longest Day”
* Tyson, the famous skateboarding bulldog. He also made a cameo appearance on Rob and Big.
* Eric Byrnes of the Arizona Diamondbacks owns a bulldog named Bruin (as Byrnes is a UCLA alum). The bulldog accompanied Byrnes in McCovey Cove during the 2007 All-Star Game in San Francisco’s AT&T Park.
* Matilda, who was the mascot of the British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) in the World Wrestling Federation
* Unamed Bulldog is Angry in episode BBQ Party Rugrats
* Winston, who Davey Boy Smith often brought to the ring during part of his singles career in the World Wrestling Federation.
* Meatball and Matzohball, of Adam Sandler
* “Mr. Beefy” from Little Nicky
* Boomer from Scrubs, Dr. Kelso’s new dog after the death of Baxter.
* Sluggo, who is owned by Ron White and is referred to in some of his comedy routines.
* Hemingway, owned by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. The dog is often mentioned by Wentz in interviews and is the focus of the video for the band’s single, The Take Over, The Breaks Over, as well as being featured on shirts produced by Wentz’s company, Clandestine Industries. ‘Hemmy’ is also notable for the large attention he draws on his Myspace account operated by many people.
* Chris Potter owns a bulldog named Weezy.
* The movie Van Wilder features a well-endowed bulldog.
* Tatonka Gold (also known as “Bully” and “Tonka”) is the current bulldog mascot for Mississippi State University.
* Since 1922, the mascot of the United States Marine Corps has been a bulldog. The current mascot is Chesty VII.
* In the Disney movie, The Game Plan, the character Joseph “Joe” Kingman played by The Rock owns a bulldog named Spike.
* Lily (IV), aka “Rufus” in 2001 Legally Blonde as Paulette’s bulldog that is rescued from a custody dispute by Reese Witherspoons’ character.screen credits
* Milly, the guard dog at Fore Season Golf in Augusta, Maine photo
* Toby, Murray Hewitt’s (Rhys Darby’s) dog from the HBO TV show Flight of the Conchords. Jemaine Clement and Bret Mckenzie sing about him in their song “Cheer Up Murray.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog