It's a Scary World Out There

Gracie still refuses to take a walkie along her former route.  She prefers to stay within the boundaries of our property.

A few nights ago, she was intrigued by furiously barking dogs in our neighborhood.  She ventured outside the property line but retreated in fear not long afterwards.  Fortunately, I had a toy in my pocket.  As soon as we returned to our yard, I whipped out the toy and engaged her in a game of fetch.   (“Fetch” is a loose term.  She prefers to taunt me with the toy rather than politely relinquish it.)

I realize some trainers may say I reinforced the “happy place” quality of our yard.  My goal was to prevent her from “shutting down.”  When Gracie becomes truly afraid, she will not listen to anyone.  She retreats into her own little world, shaking and panting.  I could tell from her posture that we were moments away from that happening.  I decided it would be better to redirect her attention to the toy and use exercise to burn off the anxiety. 

It worked.  Her attention was fixed on the toy.  She forgot about her romp outside the property line and had a wonderful time chasing after the toy.

Fearful dogs are a challenge.  I encourage you to read books about positive training methods so you can help your dog.  As I said, my method may not have been 100 percent approved by a trainer.  It worked for my dog – and that’s what you must do.  Find something that works for your dog.  Just make sure it is positive training – no choke collars, no painful corrections. 

Good luck!

Rescue Mommy

Off the Leash

Since Gracie prefers to stay on our property now, I have been allowing her to spend more time off leash.  She stays by my side and returns quickly if she ventures a little too far away.

In the evenings, we have play sessions in the front yard.  Rescue Daddy and I toss toys.  Gracie grabs them, shaking them violently before getting just within arm’s reach.  Then, she dashes to the left or right, daring us to chase her for the toy.  We play this little game until she collapses on the grass. 

All dogs need exercise.  We cannot let Gracie’s little phobia prevent her from getting the workout she needs.  If you are having a similar issue getting your dog to “work out,” try to be creative.  (Another trick we use is tossing a toy down the hallway when the weather is bad.)  There is always a way to get exercise. 

Rescue Mommy

Service Dogs for Veterans

Memorial Day is a day off work for most people.  Let us not forget it is an actual holiday meant to honor the men and women who died in service to this country.

Regardless of your opinions about the conflicts of the last ten years, there is no denying that men and women have fought hard on behalf of this country.  Some return home in body bags.  Others return with serious physical and mental injuries that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.

In recent months, a few news articles have appeared stating a shocking fact.  The Department of Veteran’s Affairs does not provide assistance animals for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  They will only provide assistance animals for veterans who are physically disabled.  While the VA planned to study the impact assistance animals made on veterans with PTSD, the study has been halted. 

Furthermore, the ADA rules were recently tightened so that emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals.  An establishment could legally refuse to allow an assistance animal on the premises unless it helped someone with a physical disability. 

Anecdotal evidence alone shows that veterans suffering from PTSD benefit tremendously from their dogs.  Several organizations are trying to provide veterans with the dogs they need since the government is not going to help.  I have links at the end of this post that provide you with more information about the topic as well as a couple of organizations that assist.

This is a tragedy.  I urge you to contact your Congress person and tell him or her that the VA study should resume as quickly as possible.  They should also reconsider the ADA rules.  Emotional support animals are valuable and should have the same status that is provided to assistance animals for people with physical disabilities. 

Given Congress’ track record, please consider supporting organizations that train service dogs for veterans.  While we are waiting for Congress and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to do SOMETHING, veterans can get the help they need from private sources.

Have a safe Memorial Day.

Rescue Mommy

Reference links:

http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/index.asp

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10377254.htm

http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/about.asp

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/us/cnnheroes-cortani-veterans-dogs/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/09/us/cnnheroes-ptsd-service-dogs/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

 

Interesting Experiment

As I have mentioned, Gracie refuses to take long walkies here at our home.  She was zapped for the second time by an electric fence a few weeks ago.  Ever since then, she only wants to walk around our property or at Meemaw’s house.

While we were at Kiawah, we decided to take Gracie for several long walks.  We visited Night Heron Park.  We ran on the beach and swam in the ocean.  Gracie was a little tired but nothing out of the ordinary.  She had no qualms about exploring the island. 

When we returned home, she refused to walk more than a few feet past our gate.  This proved that there is nothing physically wrong with her.  She has some sort of issue.  Is it Angel, the neighbors’ pesky dog?  Is it the electric fence?

Well, the work continues.  It is nice to confirm, though, that she has no issue with exercise.  She just hates the walkie options here.  I guess we should just move to Kiawah!  Sadly, the Powerball win eludes us, so this is not an option, Gracie.

Rescue Mommy

NPR Dog

As we all know too well, Gracie hates to ride in the car.  On recent trips, I have noticed that she enjoys listening to “Car Talk” on NPR.  For some strange reason, it soothes her.  The shaking slowly stops.  The panting is not so bad.

The show was not on the radio when we travelled to Kiawah.  It was on the return trip, though.  After the show ended, it was followed by “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.”  She seemed to enjoy that show, although not as much as “Car Talk.”  Needless to say, we scanned the radio for every NPR station between Kiawah and our home.  We listened to just about every available NPR program to keep Gracie happy.  Nothing calmed her as much as the “Car Talk” show, though.

In all of my reading about desensitizing a frightened dog, I have never seen a recommendation to pop in a CD of “Car Talk.”  Hey, whatever works! 

If you will excuse me, I am going to visit the NPR website.  Maybe they have recordings of old shows via podcast or CD.  If listening to a couple of Boston mechanics makes Gracie happy, then crank up the volume!

Rescue Mommy

Ticks!!

The ticks have arrived!  We have found three on Gracie so far. 

We do not use a flea preventative medicine on Gracie year round.  In our area (knock on wood), fleas are not a big deal.  Ticks are the problem.  We have a lot of wildlife that attract ticks – turkeys, deer, roaming dogs, coyotes. 

We use Frontline Top Spot, a milder version of Frontline Plus.  Gracie tolerates it well, and it does a good job at repelling ticks.  We especially like that you can apply it between 30 and 90 days.  We let the tick population decide how frequently we use it.   

Ticks carry a lot of nasty diseases that can harm both your pets and you.  It is important that you take preventative steps.  Talk to your vet about treatment options.  You can also look online and learn about medications or natural remedies that have worked well for other people.

One word of caution:  do not overlap treatments.  Centuries ago, I applied a topical flea product to my Dalmatian.  Ticks continued to be a problem so I next washed her with a flea/tick dip.  She began ill and refused to it.  Because I used two flea treatments within a 30-day period, I poisoned my dog!  Fortunately, she recovered.  I have heard stories where other people were not so lucky.

Good luck!

Rescue Mommy

Training Continues

As I alluded on Monday, Gracie continues to have a deep fear of walking anywhere near the electric fence.  It is as if the zap has jumped started the fear machine in her. 

A few days ago, my mom lit a citronella candle while we were sitting on her front porch.  She shook the box of wooden matches.  Grace was terrified, shaking violently and jumping into my arms.  That was a new fear.

Adopting older shelter dogs can be a challenge.  I have no idea what has happened in her life to make her so afraid of the most bizarre things.  As I have said many times, it will take patience and time to resolve the issues.  In some cases, the fear never goes away.  You just try to manage it.

I purchased Victoria Stillwell’s new book, Train Your Dog Positively.  I hope to glean some tips for helping Gracie overcome her anxiety and fear.  You can expect a book review in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, I welcome any advice you may have. 

Rescue Mommy

Weighty Matters

Gracie weighs 20 pounds.  I knew she had put on a little weight over the winter; don’t we all?  My suspicions were confirmed during a recent trip to PetSmart.  They have a clinic in the back of the store.  Beside the counter is a scale which the staff let me use. 

While it was difficult to get a precise weight, the average was about 20 pounds.  Gracie weighed 16 pounds when she joined our little furry family almost four years ago.  I prefer her weight to be in the 17 to 18 pound range.

Obesity is a problem for everyone in this country.  We all need to keep a close eye on our weight so that we can live long, active lives.  Unfortunately, our pets are only here for a short time.  Don’t you want to spend as many years with them as you can?

I would like for Gracie to lose two pounds.  That may not sound like a lot of weight.  It is 10 percent of her body weight.  Imagine how much weight you would lose if you lost 10 percent!

How will I accomplish this?  For starters, I have reduced the size of the treats I make her.  They are now about one-third of the original size.  I am also reducing her wet food intake.  I suspect the new “grain free” food has some extra fillers that are fattening.  The pounds seem to creep on after she began eating grain-free wet food.

The next step is the hardest:  exercise.  This was not an issue until recently.  The zap from the electric fence has left Gracie totally frazzled.  She still refuses to take the usual route for our walkies, preferring to stay on our property.  It is not enough exercise for her.  In the coming weeks, I will try harder to help her overcome her fear so we can resume our long walkies.

Yes, it is hard to help your pet lose weight.  It is not easy for us humans to do it.  We must try, though.  While I am helping Gracie get more exercise, I will help myself in the process.  I want to be here for every moment of Gracie’s life too. 

If you have been a little slack with your or your pet’s health, take this opportunity to put on your sneakers and go for a walk.  You do not have to take a 10-mile walk.  Just start with a few steps.   You can do it!

Rescue Mommy

*Breaking News* Two Big Events This Weekend

I wanted to share the news in case you were looking for something to do on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Saturday, May 11.  Brother Wolf’s “Thrifty Paws at the Bywater” event is tomorrow from noon until 4:00 p.m.  BWAR’s Second Chance Thrift Store will have items for sale, and the shelter will bring dogs for adoption. 

The Bywater is located on 796 Riverside Drive in Asheville.  When “The Hunger Games” was filmed here, the director and some of the cast frequented the place.  It has picnic tables and outdoor grills if you would like to bring a picnic or have a cookout.  You can also enjoy food from food trucks that will be onsite. 

Since the Bywater is a private club, a $5 membership fee is required.  All new membership fees from that day will be donated to BWAR.

Sunday, May 12 – Mother’s Day.  In honor of Mother’s Day, Brother Wolf will offer discounted adoption fees to any mother who adopts adult dogs (6 months or older) and cats.  The reduced fee is $75 for dogs and $40 for cats.

The regular rate is great deal.  The reduced fee is even better!  All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.  Believe me, the cost for those services would be MUCH more expensive through your local vet.

Brother Wolf’s adoption center is located at 31 Glendale Avenue in Asheville.  The shelter hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  For more information, call 828-505-3440. 

You can also see pictures of available pets at www.bwar.org.  Keep in mind that newly-arrived pets may be at the shelter, yet not on the site yet.  You could be the first to know about a fabulous pet.  Your true love could be waiting for you!

Rescue Mommy

Interesting Conversation

While at Brother Wolf’s Re-Tail Store last Saturday, I met a woman who was adopting a dog.  She spotted Gracie and immediately came over to pet her.  (Standard reaction – Gracie is super cute.)  She told me her 15-year old JRT had just passed away. 

She ruefully admitted she bought the dog from a breeder.  I mentioned that times were different 15 years ago.  Adopting a rescue was not “the thing” that it is today.

I have thought a lot about that conversation.  Affordable opportunities to spay or neuter your pet are readily available in more communities.   Shelters across the country are trying hard to become no kill or partner with local rescue groups to save more lives.  Most importantly, it is very common to hear someone say about their dog or cat that he/she “is a rescue.”  It is cool to adopt, not shop.

Yes, more work is needed to save the millions of animals who do not find homes.  Let’s take a moment to focus on the positive, though.  Tremendous strides have been made in animal care and rescue.  Just imagine what more we can do in another 15 years.

Rescue Mommy

Progress Report

Last week, I mentioned that Gracie’s zap from the electric fence caused a setback in training.  While things are not back to normal, she is acting better.

She has taken a full walkie on the usual route a handful of times.  The last time, she walked at a brisk pace on the return trip but was not totally freaked out.  Believe it or not, that is progress.

What was the trick?  Patience.  I encouraged Gracie to take a few steps down the road, past the safety of our property.  I offered her treats.  When she came to me, I coaxed her to take a few more steps.  I could tell when she reached her limit and gave her lots of affection.  I then turned toward the house, much to her pleasure.

I also took her to my parents’ house.  She ran around their yard and played in the woods.  I knew nothing was physically wrong with her as I watched her race around the property.  As usual, it was all psychological.

She is still nervous, yet I can see the trust returning.  The last jolt has made quite an impression on her so I fear I have more work to do.  I am encouraged by her progress, though.

Oh – one more thing.  I also mentioned last week that I wanted to find a different wet food for her.  The Blue Buffalo food was even greasier than the Castor and Pollux food I usually buy.  The search continues.  Let me know if you have any recommendations.

Rescue Mommy

Spay-Ghetti and No Balls Dinner

The annual Spay-Ghetti and No Balls Dinner will be held tomorrow evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mayfel’s Restaurant at 22 College Street in Asheville.  The event raises money for Brother Wolf.  As you probably gathered from the name, the focus is usually spay/neuter.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 5 to 13, and free for kids under 5.  There will be a silent auction, cash bar, and raffle.

For more information, call 828-505-3440.

Cinco de Mayo Adoption Event

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and over 15 other rescue groups are holding a “Cinco de Mayo Fiesta” adoption event this weekend.  The event will take place on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at PetSmart at 150 Bleachery Boulevard in Asheville. 

Banfield will provide discounted $20 microchipping for your pets.  At the event, you can also learn a lot about the organizations in our area who help animals.

For more information, call Brother Wolf at 828-575-2699.

Rescue Mommy

The Great Debate

Gracie has eaten Castor and Pollux organic dog food for some time now.  She had skin issues when we adopted her, and the food helped clear them.  Like most manufacturers, though, the company has on the “grain free” bandwagon.  While you can buy the dry food in the regular formula, I can only find the grain-free version in the wet food. 

This is a problem.  The grain-free version seems to be oilier than the regular formula.  Gracie’s stomach has been bothering her more frequently than normal.  I decided to investigate other brands.  As usual, I turned to the Internet for information.

Oh my goodness!  If you want to worry about every little thing, go to the Internet.  I read about chemical exposure and saw pictures of rotting meat used in pet food.  Some folks recommended Brand X while others said it was horrible.  A lot of people like grain-free food for animals with sensitive stomachs, yet Gracie’s stomach would disagree.

I even read a lot of opinions that the best diet is a homemade diet.  People talked about using organic chicken and vegetables to make delicious food for their pets.  If you can afford to do that and are willing to consult with your vet about the nutritional composition, that is fantastic.  Unfortunately, we do not have unlimited financial resources.  We will buy her the best commercial food we can afford.

In the end, I decided to go with Blue Buffalo Basic.  It contains ingredients you can actually pronounce.  It is not cheap, but she is a small dog.  A can will last several days in the fridge.  I will keep you posted on the results.

The Internet is a great resource.  Keep in mind that it is filled with opinions, including this blog!  Sort through the information and make the best decision you can.  Good luck!

Rescue Mommy