Metrolina Dog Reporter ®

GOT FLEAS? Green solutions for what's bugging your pet

2010-08-06T16:23:00.002-05:00

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Tiny bloodsucking fiends invading your pets and your property tend to bring thoughts of chemical warfare, not environmental friendliness. But is there a safer way to eliminate fleas, ticks and other pests from your pet and your life besides using toxic-pesticide potions?

South Charlotte worker and Wingate resident Carol Alcantara thinks so. She was using a common pharmaceutical formula for flea prevention as prescribed by her veterinarian but her 2-year-old Labrador retriever mix, Baby, became a feast for fleas all the same.

"I was miserable just watching her scratch. Then they started jumping on me and I really didn't like that. I didn't know which one of us to use the flea comb on," said Alcantara, who's originally from New York where hard winter freezes keep flea populations under control.

She tried another flea formula from Baby's veterinarian but that didn't work as well as the first, even though she was instructed to apply it more frequently. "I felt funny about putting so much pesticide on my dog, but I paid $57 for it and thought I should use it," she said.

Fleas were still bugging Baby when Alcantara accidentally found an alternative treatment while flipping through the book "Squeaky Green" by Eric Ryan and Adam Lowery. The authors recommend a solution of clove and eucalyptus oils to safely rid cats and dogs of fleas. With nothing to lose except fleas, Alcantara went shopping for essential oils.

She applied the oils to the inside of Baby's collar, between Baby's shoulder blades and sprinkled some on the sheets where Baby lays on the couch.

"It's not greasy so when it didn't stain the sheets, I started flinging it everywhere. It has a wonderful smell but the fleas apparently hate it because they started moving on after just a few days," she said.

Diana Daffin, owner of holistic pet shop Pawtique, 12206 Copper Way, Suite 136 in Ballantyne, isn't surprised by Baby's story. "We don't have any essential oils in the store right now," she said but agreed that clove and eucalyptus oils, as well as cedar wood oil, all can control fleas.

A couple of items Daffin has in stock are Organic Neem Spray and, for serious flea infestations, Organic Neem Dip. Neem comes from the Meliaceae tree in the Mahogany family. Native to Indonesia and East Africa, the tree is so recognized for its medicinal properties that it has nicknames like "Divine Tree," "Heal All," "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all Diseases" from the various countries where it's found. "Both (products) are all natural and not toxic and can be used on cats, too," Daffin said.

Pawtique also carries food-grade diatomaceous earth which kills fleas by destroying their exoskeletons. A sedimentary rock made from fossilized remains of hard-shelled algae knows as diatoms, its abrasiveness makes it a mechanical insecticide that dehydrates bugs by scratching off their protective waxy coatings. It can be used safely on everything from lawns and gardens to carpets and upholstery. It even can be dusted directly on pets. Daffin said diatomaceous earth is so safe that it can be added to pet food as a de-wormer.

To kill indoor fleas, Daffin recommends leaving it on carpeting overnight and vacuuming it in the morning. Because of its abrasive quality, avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth by wearing a dust mask while spreading it, especially outside in windy conditions.

Atrium Animal Hospital, 6520 McMahon Drive in Charlotte, carries a flea and tick repellent spray by Quantum Herbal Products that is 100 percent natural. It also contains eucalyptus oil and neem in its list of ingredients. Atrium owner and veterinarian Kim Hombs said soaking a bandana in essential oils and wrapping it around your pet's neck is another technique pet owners can use.

"Essential oils need to be applied daily if there is daily exposure (to fleas or other insects)," she said, cautioning pet owners to apply essential oils to places pets can't reach in the same way as a pharmaceutical flea formula because neither treatment should be ingested. Hombs added that good nutrition and a healthy immune system go a long way to prevent flea problems.

The first thing Elizabeth Williams of The Natural Marketplace, 8206 Providence Road, Suite 1800 in The Arboretum, wants to know from owners of pets with flea problems is what they're feeding their pets. "You have to use quality feed," said Williams, who has a selection of high-quality pet food with human-grade ingredients.

Animals on a healthy diet are more resistant to disease and infections, she explained. When fleas hitch a ride on cats or dogs with a good nutritional foundation, those pets are far less likely to end up with an infestation.

The store also carries garlic and brewers yeast tablets for dogs which will make them less attractive to fleas and ticks if they eat several a day. However, nothing works as well as keeping your dog and yard clean and watching what your pets eat, Williams said.

Deborah wrote this story for the 2009 launch of South Charlotte Weekly's "Animal House" section. Deborah lives in Indian Trail with her family and three rescue pets.

Fundraising for pets macho style

2009-08-07T21:09:00.036-05:00

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Tattooed men in muscle shirts leaned against the porch rails of The Thirsty Beaver Saloon at 1225 Central Avenue in Charlotte. Iron horses waited out in front. Beside the concrete block bar, men hurled things across a gravel parking lot toward one another while a crowd stood in the hot afternoon sun cheering them on.

Was it a Hell’s Angels gathering? No, but it wouldn’t be far off to call it a fur angels gathering. It was the 1st Annual Bags for Wags – a cornhole tournament held earlier this month (August 1, 2009) to benefit The Humane Society of Charlotte.

Cornhole is played by tossing a bag of corn 30 feet into a hole in a specially designed board; bags that land in the hole get more points than bags that lean into the hole so it’s similar to horse shoes but safer because you can’t be knocked out by a little bag of corn. In Charlotte, cornhole is popular at pre-concert, pre-game and pre-race tailgating parties.

Jon Littlepage, Lee Hoech and Mike Hebert are the three men who organized the August event that raised more than $3,300 to buy a new commercial washer and dryer for the Humane Society of Charlotte. “We went on a behind the scenes tour of the Toomey Avenue facility several months ago and that particular need stuck out in our minds when we came up with the idea for a cornhole tournament,” Littlepage said.

Why cornhole? “We’re trying to get more guys involved,” explained Littlepage. “We all have rescues (strays or pets saved from abuse, neglect or euthanasia) and want to raise awareness. Our wives are heavily involved in fundraising so we just followed their lead.”

Maybe so but plenty of testosterone was poured on that lead. There was no chance of winning a big-bowed gift basket or spa day at this event. Instead, the men (and a few ladies) competed for cornhole board sets, VIP parties, backpack coolers and wing platters.

“The coolers hold 18 cans of beer and dispense cans on the sides which really made it cool for most guys,” said Littlepage.

Watson and Roper, photo courtesy of Jon Littlepage

Jeremy Podjuban and Tim Dietrich of Charlotte, who placed 1st in the competition, were rewarded with a Miller Lite/Miller High Life cornhole board set donated by MillerCoors Beer in Charlotte and a VIP Party at Hooters to include 10 friends and all the wings and sides they can eat. Dan Watson and Scott Roper also of Charlotte came in 2nd and won the two coveted Miller Lite Carolina Panthers backpack coolers and a 50 wing platter from Hooters.

Even HSC executive director, David Miller and board member Neya Warren got in the game. Their team, The Fur Balls, placed an impressive 9th in the competition.

Thirty teams registered to play in the ACA (American Cornhole Association) regulation tournament raising the first $1,200. The rest of the money came from a silent auction, raffles and donations. Drink specials ($1 beers) and barbecue ($8 plates) helped bring some 300 spectators out despite the 90 degree heat.

“We were truly blown away by the number of people that showed up and donated. Just a great time all around,” said Littlepage.

Visit www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org for information about pet adoption, donating, events and volunteering.

Droves of dog lovers explore Bark in the Park's new territory

2009-04-27T11:42:00.028-05:00

photo by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Metrolina Dog Reporter

A freestyle frisbee demonstration delighted the crowd of dog lovers at 2009 Pedigree Bark in the Park event in Charlotte. Above, 7-year-old red and white border collie, Razor, jumps over her trainer's legs to catch a frisbee.

photo by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Metrolina Dog Reporter

This amazing "feat" was part of a freestyle frisbee demonstration put on by Laura Moretz and Riot, her 5-year-old border collie, at Metrolina Expo during the 2009 Pedigree Bark in the Park event.

By Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

A record crowd of 14,500 dog lovers and some 7,000 dogs attended Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s 2009 Pedigree ® Bark in the Park on Saturday, April 25, an increase of 1,500 from last year and more than double the number of people from two years ago.

Bark in the Park began in the early eighties but it wasn’t until 2005 that it really caught on in the community and became a regular annual event to promote the county’s off-leash dog parks. As Bark in the Park increased in popularity, parking spaces decreased in availability forcing a move this year from William R. Davey Park to Metrolina Expo where parking is plentiful.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has five off-leash dog parks. Two of those parks are very convenient for Matthews and Union County residents. The first is Ray's Fetching Meadow, a one acre dog park within McAlpine Creek Park, slightly west of Matthews at 711 Monroe Road in Charlotte. The second is a five acre dog park inside William R. Davey Park. It is the largest dog park in Mecklenburg County and located slightly south of Matthews at 4635 Matthews-Pineville Road. While this dog park does not have a separate name, it does have separate sections for large and small dogs - a good idea according to dog experts.

The county’s newest dog park, Frazier Park, opened in uptown Charlotte in 2008. The other two dog parks are Swaney Pointe K-9 Park which is inside Ramsey Creek Park and Barkingham Park which is inside Reedy Creek Park. These three dog parks also have sections for small and large dogs. All the dog parks are open seven days a week from 7:30 am to sunset. Visit http://www.parkandrec.com/ for more information on Mecklenburg County Parks.

Take your pick of local dog events this spring

2009-04-23T14:21:00.059-05:00

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

There’s no shortage of events for dog lovers in the Metrolina area. The Annual Union County Dog Walk is one of the first dog events held each year. Pooches and their people participate in a stroll around historic downtown Monroe in support of Union County Smart Start, an organization serving the educational, emotional and physical needs of children from birth to age five.

After the dog walk, it's time to practice canine social skills and/or participate in fun dog contests.

Pictured left: Two-year-old great Dane, Zelda, gives owner, Amy Smith, a high five after winning the amazing trick contest by weaving across the stage on command. Zelda also won Best in Show at the 2009 event. Amy and Zelda are students of dog trainer, Carol Hoyle. who works at the Monroe PetSmart.

Pictured center: Leah Boggs with papi-poo, Poppy, after Poppy won the "Face only a mother could love" contest at the 2009 event. Poppy was about to turn two, too, which was obviously a lucky number for dog contestants.

Pictured right: Leslie Adkins and her shih tzu, Bailey, won the look-alike contest at the 2009 event. Leslie said her "friends" entered her and Bailey in the contest.

Pictured above: "Batman" fights against animal abuse and neglect by giving money to Animal Adoption League's donation dog.

If you missed taking your dog to this event, don't let his tail droop because organizers Luann Van Leer and Kim Wolfe are already planning the 2nd Annual Union County Dog Walk for next spring. And there plenty more to pick from this spring ...

2009 Pedigree ® Bark in the Park is Saturday, April 25, 2009. Dog Lovers won’t want to miss this event which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A modified moniker and a move to Metrolina Expo promises to make this year's Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department’s event promoting off-leash dog parks better than ever.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation currently has five off-leash dog parks. Two of those parks are convenient for Union County residents. The first is Ray's Fetching Meadow, a one acre dog park within McAlpine Creek Park, just west of Matthews at 711 Monroe Road in Charlotte. The second is a five acre dog park inside William R. Davey Park - the former location of Bark in the Park - and is the largest dog park in Mecklenburg County. Located just south of Matthews at 4635 Matthews-Pineville Road, this dog park does not have a separate name but it does have separate sections for large and small dogs - a good idea according to dog experts.

The newest dog park, Frazier Park, opened in uptown Charlotte in 2008. It has 1.3 acres. Swaney Pointe K-9 Park is inside Ramsey Creek Park and Barkingham Park is inside Reedy Creek Park. Both these dog parks have over two acres. All the dog parks are open seven days a week from 7:30 am to sunset.

Bark in the Park began in the early eighties but it didn’t become a regular annual event for the county until 2005. Seven thousand people accompanied by hundreds of dogs attended Bark in the Park in 2007. That number almost doubled in 2008 when 13,000 people most with dogs attended the event. (Traffic and parking were challenging in 2007 so I can only imagine what it was like in 2008 because I chose to go to the Olympic Whitewater Trials instead of Bark in the Park that year. )

Although it’s a good bit further for me to travel, I am happy that this particular event moved from Davey Park to Metrolina Expo. The new location at 7100 Statesville Road in Charlotte should make it more enjoyable for everyone from beginning to end. Admission is free as is parking which is promised to plentiful.

2nd Annual Wishes for Whiskers Golf Classic is Saturday, May 16, 2009. Dog lovers who are also golf lovers will want to sign up for this event which takes place at Glen Oaks Golf Club, 245 Golf Course Road in Maiden, NC. A donation of $75 per golfer includes 18-holes, meals, a raffle ticket for a non-cash prize and more. Proceeds benefit Animal Adoption League.

2009 Pet Palooza is Saturday, May 30, 2009. Filled with entertainment for people and pets this event benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. This event also includes a pet walk. Walker check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m.

From Weddington to Westminster

2009-02-21T10:59:00.021-05:00

photo courtesy of Lisa Croft-Elliott

Weddington greyhound Galathea, with her handler, Taffe McFadden, at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 9, where she won best in breed. Owner, Melanie Steele of Weddington said Galathea is serious about her job as a show dog.

Local greyhound winningest in history, takes best in breed at No. 1 dog show

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

A Weddington greyhound, Galathea, won the best-in-breed title Feb 9 at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on February 9 - no small honor coming from one of the oldest and most prestigious dog shows in the country. Still, this win is just another notch on 5-year-old only Galathea’s collar. She’s won more dog show titles than any other greyhound in history.

Owner, Melanie Steele explained Italian-born Galathea’s officially known as “MBIS (Multiple Best in Show), MBISS (Multiple Best in Specialty Show), International, Italian, Swedish, Austrian, Finnish, American Champion: Sobers Galathea at GrandCru”. She’s the champion of record in all the countries that come before her name.

A prodigious pup, Galathea advanced quickly, winning best of breed at the world's largest dog show, Crufts Dog Show in England, at a mere 18 months. It can take up to a year for dogs to meet the preliminary requirements for serious competition, explained Steele. “She is the youngest dog to ever win that for the greyhound breed,” she said.

Steele and her husband, Jackson, own GrandCru Kennels in Weddington. They breed Scottish deerhounds and greyhounds, many of which are champions.

Steele was on a business trip to Italy in September of 2007 when she learned about Galathea. The rambunctious then 3-year-old, with five international titles under her collar already, had injured her hind leg chasing a cat in the garden, and a blood clot formed on her spine. She’d been through rehab but hadn’t recovered enough to be shown.

Steele immediately put in a call to her friend Denis Marcellin-Little, associate professor of orthopedics at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, who agreed to work with Galathea. “Within 24 hours she got on a plane with me and came here,” said Steele, the new owner.

It took more than two months of acupuncture, chiropractics, massage, treadmill work and water therapy before Galathea was ready to compete again. But compete she did, winning best in breed at the AKC-Eukanuba National Invitational Dog Show in December of 2007 and placing third in the hound group there. She was 2008’s No. 1 greyhound and No. 4, which led to her Westminster win.

“Nothing is perfect in this world but she is close,” said Steele, noting that Galathea exudes a regal quality and walks like she’s floating on air. “She is serious about her job as a show dog.”

Galathea will compete in a couple more dog shows this spring and then mating and maternity leave are penciled into the pooch’s planner. Once the pups are weaned, she’ll likely go after a few international titles that she hasn’t already won, said Steele. That shouldn’t take the talented greyhound too long and then Steele noted, Galathea will become “my sofa queen”.

Galathea video: http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=1002681

Deborah's article was published in Union County Weekly, Volume 4, Number 8 * Feb. 20-26, 2oo9. She lives in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children are at school and the pets take a nap, she does a little freelance writing.

Animal Adoption League, County partner to rescue puppy mill dogs

2009-01-23T22:00:00.012-05:00

Volunteers caring for 24 dogs taken from Indian Trail home

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Union County Animal Services recently asked rescue organization, Animal Adoption League of York County, S.C., for assistance after 29 dogs taken from an alleged puppy mill ended up at the county shelter.

Having received multiple calls in the past about animal abuse in Indian Trail, Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Cunningham investigated the South Fork Road property of Ricky Dean Mullis on Dec. 31, where he found more than two dozen small dogs shivering in raised wire cages caked with excrement – with nothing more than their matted fur to keep them warm. Mullis, 47, said he couldn’t afford the dogs after inheriting them from his mother and agreed to turn them over to animal control officers.

“Some were fairly healthy, some were borderline, but most of them were older and in bad shape with missing teeth, tumors, abdominal hernias (from being bred too frequently), heartworms and other health issues,” said Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services, which held the Chihuahuas, Maltese dogs and Shih Tzus as evidence until Jan. 20.

Lack of socialization was another reason Animal Services couldn’t put the majority of the dogs up for adoption at the county shelter. “We had to throw towels over some of them to catch them,” said Starnes, who helped groom the dogs before their release.

Enter Animal Adoption League

“We want to take the dogs that are never going to make it to the adoption floor at the shelter – the ones with health issues, the ones that are too shy or have fear aggression,” said Cindy Starkey, Animal Adoption League dog coordinator.

The dogs need time to recover, Starkey said. “The number of dogs coming into the (county) shelter is overwhelming and there is only so much space available. We want to help the ones that would otherwise be euthanized.”

Undaunted by the snow storm, Starkey and other AAL volunteers picked up 24 of the dogs from the shelter on Jan. 20. AAL had medical assessments done that same afternoon and coordinated with the Iredell County Humane Society to get the dogs to breed-specific rescue organizations or into foster homes pending permanent adoptions.

“Animal Adoption League agreed to pay their medical (expenses) and save as many of them as they could. We certainly would rather them take them than us put them to sleep or the county taxpayers have to pay for their medical (expenses) when they’re not adoptable. We’ve worked out a good compromise,” said Sheriff Eddie Cathey.

As for the other five dogs, one Chihuahua is up for adoption at the animal shelter, one is being fostered by an animal control officer and another has been adopted by an animal control officer. Two of the puppies died of parvo. Puppies are particularly susceptible to canine parvovirus which can be prevented by vaccinations. None of the dogs were up-to-date on their vaccinations so Animal Services vaccinated every dog.

“These are not dogs that are going to last many more years. They’ve gone through enough. Even if it’s nothing but nine or 10 months sitting on somebody’s lap in a cozy house that will make it worth it for me,” Starnes said.

“I only have praise for the way this was handled, starting with Sheriff Cathey to Lt. Starnes to Pat Raynor,” said Pat Shannon, AAL board member. “Such a large group of dogs quickly become a project. The shelter staff went above and beyond in their care for these dogs.

“We hope to continue working with the Union County animal shelter,” Shannon added.

Mullis has been charged with animal cruelty and failure to vaccinate dogs over four months of age. Both charges are misdemeanors. His court date is February 4.

For information about adopting an animal through Animal Adoption League or to make a donation visit www.mynextpet.com

Deborah's article was published in Union County Weekly, Jan. 23-29, 2009 issue. She lives in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children are at school and the pets take a nap, she does a little freelance writing.

Four-legged listeners

2009-01-15T21:49:00.018-05:00

photograph by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/MMHW, UCW

Matthews and Mint Hill libraries are now home to a program that lets students read to therapy dogs. (Above) Tucker, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, takes his turn in the spotlight.

Union West program that pairs struggling readers with pups
expands to Matthews, Mint Hill

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

Since its trial run at Union West Regional Library, Paws Awhile to Read – a free program that allows children embarrassed or hesitant about their reading skills to build confidence by reading aloud to dogs – has become so popular that its founder, Teresa Faucett of Mint Hill has had to both increase her pack of therapy dogs and expand its territory.

“Nearby libraries saw that it could work – Matthews was the first Charlotte-Mecklenburg program that we did. Mint Hill followed soon afterward,” said Faucette, a Therapy Dogs International evaluator who was seeking community-service opportunities for her 4-year-old sheltie, Max, when she approached the Indian Trail library last year.

Faucette and Max, along with two other TDI dogs and their handlers, started Paws Awhile to Read at Union West in October 2007. Demand for the twice monthly program was so high that Faucette immediately added a fourth dog.

Pack increases in size and variety

As the program expanded over the next 14 months, the pack doubled to eight dogs: Dusty, a dachshund handled by Sandy Pugyao of Waxhaw; Reiner, a German shepherd handled by Dale Stegall of Mint Hill; Maggie, a goldendoodle handled by Pat Pohar of Marshville; Piglet, a terrier-mix handled by Amy Harris of Goose Creek; Tucker, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel handled by Beth-Ellen Coates of Stallings; Zoey, a golden retriever handled by Tim Lauder of Matthews; and, of course Max, handled by Faucette of Mint Hill. A Newfoundland will join the program in January, as JJ the husky (one of the original three dogs) relocated to California.

“We could do (reading therapy) every, single Saturday and still have people waiting,” said Betsy Cullen, branch manager at Union West, where staffers, children and parents held a surprise party last month to thank the dogs and handlers.

“I had to lie to get them (to the party),” said Faucette, who told the handlers to bring the dogs to Union West for “mandatory” training.

Among those in attendance were Judy Silberquit and her son, Travis, 8, who regularly reads with the dogs at Union West. Silberquit had many compliments for the canines and their handlers, who have helped her son improve his reading comprehension and overcome his shyness. “He doesn’t just talk to the dogs. He talks to the handlers,” she said. “We don’t have pets at home, so the dogs are an added incentive (to read).”

More territory, more benefit

Now, the handlers are taking their pack of community-conscious canines to the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County’s Matthews and Mint Hill branches, too.

In Matthews, the program is called Tail Wagging Tutors and is held monthly on a Saturday morning. “I love to see the library so busy with children reading to dogs,” said Tricia Twarogowski, children services manager. “I like to try new things to encourage beginning, struggling or shy readers.”

“My daughter doesn’t like to read very much, but she loves dogs, so it was nice to see her excited to read,” said the mother of 7-year-old Lindsey, who was reading “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” to Tucker. Tucker’s handler, Coates, is an assistant teacher at Antioch Elementary School. Coates has two more Cavalier King Charles spaniels at home, but 3-year-old Tucker is the only one with the right temperament to be a reading-therapy dog.

On her first day volunteering at the Matthews branch, golden retriever Zoey proved she was up to the task. She remained attentive and calm as children flopped on the floor in front of her, flipping pages and sounding out the words in their books. Waving her fluffy tail whenever the children stroked her fur, Zoey was the perfect tail-wagging tutor.

“She’s our first therapy dog,” said owner Lauder of Matthews, who has another golden retriever at home. Lauder’s three children, ages 6, 10 and 12, came up with the idea of making Zoey a therapy dog. While Lauder took the dog through formal training, the children helped the pup practice at home. “We know some folks who have kids in the hospital, and they talked about the therapy dogs (there),” he said.

Lauder also was encouraged by Zoey’s trainer, who kept bumping the clever pup into more advanced classes. After meeting Faucette at a local pet store, Lauder scheduled Zoey for an evaluation and the pooch was approved to become a certified therapy dog.

Children who participate in the program receive collector cards of their canine reading companions. The cards have a photograph of the dog on the front and fun facts about the animal on the back.

Reading therapy programs resume at all three libraries in January.

For more information, about each library’s specific program, call the Union West Regional Library at 704-821-7475, the Matthews branch library at 704-416-5000, or the Mint Hill branch library at 704-416-5200.

Deborah's article was published by Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, Volune 2, Number 1 * Jan. 2-8, 2009 and by Union County Weekly, Volume 4, Number 1 * Jan. 2-8, 2009.

Dogs in Myth and Legend: The Faithful Hound

2009-01-09T01:00:00.025-05:00

Dogs have been the faithful companions of mankind for well over 12,000-years and in that time have amassed their own unique body of legend and lore. Myths about dogs often revolve around one or more of the animal’s well known traits such as their skills as guardians or hunters. However above all it is a dog’s unwavering loyalty which has earned them a place in the annals of myth and folklore.

The “Faithful Hound” motif, one of the major folkloric archetypes, can be found around the world beginning in ancient Greece with Homer’s epic the Odyssey in which it is Odysseus’ faithful dog, Argos, who is the only one who recognizes the hero upon his return home; Odysseus had aged twenty-years and was disguised as a beggar when he reappeared.

One of the best known folktales to involve a “Faithful Hound” is the 18th-Century Welsh legend of the deerhound Gelert whose master, Prince Llewellyn, left his hound in charge of his infant son while he went out hunting. When the prince returned he found the room destroyed and his son’s cradle overturned, the baby nowhere in sight. It was then that Gelert appeared, his muzzle coated in blood. Horrified the prince assumed the worst, that his once beloved dog had slain his only heir. Drawing his sword the prince slew Gelert. It was only after the fact that the prince began to hear the baby’s muffled cries and proceeded to search the room where he discovered not only his son – alive and well beneath the overturned cradle – but the body of a dead wolf. It was then that the prince realized his horrible mistake.

Today Gelert’s grave, which is located in the village of Beddgelert, serves as a major tourist attraction. According to local folklore even the village’s name, Beddgelert, is believed to mean “Gelert’s Grave,” though this theory is largely dismissed by historians.

Gelert’s story may be based on that of another famous dog; the 13th-Century French greyhound Guinefort. Guinefort’s tale is almost identical to that of Gelert’s. Guinefort’s master, a knight from a castle near the city of Lyon, leaves the hound in charge of his infant child while he goes out. When he returns the room is in shambles and the child is missing, but there’s Guinefort mouth wet with blood. The knight slays the dog only to discover moments after that his child is alive, having been saved by the faithful dog from a deadly viper whose dead body lay nearby.

What makes Guinefort’s story unique from Gelert’s however, is what happens next. Distraught over the slaying of his faithful hound the knight buries the dog and erects a small shrine over the grave. As word spread concerning the events which lead to Guinefort’s death, local villagers began to regard the greyhound as something of a martyr. A local cult quickly began to form around the dog, now called Saint Guinefort, and mothers with ill or sickly children would bring them to Guinefort’s grave in hope of a miracle. The Catholic Church was none too happy about this however and quickly labeled the cult of St. Guinefort as a heresy inspired by the devil. The Inquisition was sent to deal with the cult but despite their best efforts was unable to stamp out the veneration of the dog which (according to some reports) lasted well into the 1940s!

Other examples of the “Faithful Hound” motif can be found in several contemporary near-legendary tales. One of these is the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier whose owner, John Grey, died in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1858 when Bobby was two-years-old. Grey was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard and Bobby attended the funeral. After the funeral Bobby refused to leave his master’s grave except for meals which he received at a local restaurant.

Tales of Bobby’s fidelity quickly spread across Scotland and then overseas transforming the steadfast pooch into a living legend. In order to make sure that Bobby was protected the children of Edinburgh donated their pocket money towards buying him a collar and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Sir William Chambers, paid for the renewal of Bobby’s license making him the responsibility of the city council. Bobby was eventually awarded the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh; he is the only dog to ever receive this prestigious honor.

After fourteen years of faithfully waiting by his master’s graveside Bobby died on January 14th 1872. He was buried just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, as close to his master’s grave as could be allowed. In 1981 The Dog Aid Society of Scotland erected a red granite tombstone over Bobby’s grave. In addition to this a statue of Greyfriars Bobby can be seen atop a fountain in Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row in front of the Greyfriars Bobby pub.

A similar story to that of Greyfriars Bobby is that of Hachikō, an Akita from the city of Odate, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Hachikō’s owner was Dr. Ueno of Tokyo’s Imperial University. Everyday Dr. Ueno would board the train at Tokyo’s Shibuya Railway Station to go to work. When he returned in the evening Hachikō would be waiting. Then one evening in 1925 Dr. Ueno didn’t return home, he had died of a heart attack while at work earlier that day. Nevertheless Hachikō continued to show up every evening at the Shibuya Railway Station for the next ten years even after it became difficult for him to walk due to arthritis. When Hachikō died on March 8th 1935 at the age of twelve a National Day of Mourning was declared.

The year before, a bronze statue of Hachikō had been erected at Shibuya Railway Station. Unfortunately the statue was demolished during World War II so that the metal could be used for the war effort. After the war The Society for Recreating the Hachikō Statue had a second statue erected in August of 1948, it still stands at the Shibuya Railway Station today.

Sources: DK Eyewitness Books: Dogs (2004) by Juliet Clutton-Brock, The Hidden Powers of Animals: Uncovering the Secrets of Nature (2001) by Dr. Karl P.N. Shuker, and Curious Myths of the Middle Ages (2005) by Sabine Baring-Gould.

About the Author: Justin Mullis is a 21-year-old junior at UNC Charlotte pursuing a major in Religious Studies. He has been interested in mythology, folklore, legends and world religions since a very young age, specifically in how these very ancient forms of storytelling influence and shape the world around us. For more on these topics please visit Justin’s own blog Of Epic Proportions: A Blog on Myth and Mankind.

Saying Merry Christmas with a nature walk

2008-12-25T14:29:00.049-05:00

From left: Debbie, Blanco, Okami and Christa

Photos by Phillip Mullis/Metrolina Dog Reporter

Our two dogs received an early Christmas present on Tuesday (Dec. 23) – a nature walk at Colonel Francis Beatty Park in Mecklenburg County. (I am so happy our neighboring county preserved so much parkland - more than 17,600 acres - for the public to enjoy. Cane Creek is nice but having more than one option in Union County would be even nicer.)

Blanco loves to travel and gets excited whenever he sees his crate come off the shelf and go into the back of the van. Being part Husky, he's a natural born explorer.

Okami, our Border Collie mix is another story. We weren’t sure if she would appreciate this gift. Okami spent a lot of time traveling to adoption fairs with her rescue group as a pup. After she found her forever home with us, she seemed to prefer staying put. Whether or not the fact that she was returned to the rescue by her first adoptive family created a phobia or not would be a case for an animal communicator but Okami’s anxiety about traveling has always been plain to see.

Okami paces back and forth and drools profusely in the van. Trips to the vet meant a saliva soaked pooch coming and going. We ended up cutting obedience classes for the same reason and home schooled her instead.

To complicate matters, when Okami was 10-months-old we discovered she’d inherited a genetic disability: bilateral hip dysplasia. Traveling with Okami became very limited which meant both dogs didn’t go for walks beyond the streets of our own neighborhood.

As this was Okami’s second Christmas with us, we wanted to see if she was secure enough to take a pleasure trip in the van – no veterinarian or pet store smelling of adoption fairs at the end of the ride – just a walk in the park with her brother and the human pack members.

Although, her hip dysplasia has been well under control for over a year, we gave Okami a dose of Rescue Remedy to put her at ease. She climbed into the van willingly and settled down on a layer of towels in the back seat with our daughter, Christa. Okami managed to stay dry during the 20 minute ride to the park and once out of the van seemed very pleased about her destination. She immediately began investigating the new sights, smells and sounds.

Blanco had not been to Colonel Beatty Park before and was beside himself with joy when he saw so much new territory to sniff, sniff, sniff, mark, mark, mark and claim title to by scratch, scratch, scratching his scent into the ground. Silly alpha dog! (At home Blanco rushes to reclaim every inch of his backyard kingdom that Okami dares to piddle on.) Until he finished publicizing his presence at the park, walking Blanco was stop and go, stop and go. His pace picked up soon enough when worry about his sister walking ahead of him took priority over his attempt to aquire as much public land as possible.

The park was nearly empty two days before Christmas. We did see a cyclist, a jogger, and a family with young children fishing as well as a few other folks walking their dogs but we had the park to ourselves most of the time.

After the dogs checked out the playground area and the geese on the lake, they trekked along the trails for about hour with their ears alert, noses twitching and tails wagging. I imagine the dogs thought those heavily wooded trails were heaven. We thought it was the closest thing to "Peace on Earth" we'd experience this holiday season. The chilly air (mid to upper 30s') was so exhilarating; we probably could have kept going but we decided not to push our luck the first time out with Okami.

The ride home in the van was uneventful. Both dogs slept peacefully - Blanco in his crate and Okami on her towels. (Dog Philosophy 101: A tired dog is a good dog!) All in all, it was a wonderful Christmas present for everyone including our cat, Oreo. She thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon at the house without any annoying canines running about. She can’t wait for us to go again. Now that we know Okami can handle it neither can we!

- End -

Deborah Parkhill Mullis lives in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children are at school and pets are napping, she does a little freelance writing.

January is walk your pet month. Check out this link to Mecklenburg County parks. There are 210 of them, many of which are dog-friendly.

Love Lights shine for pets remembered

2008-12-20T22:40:00.007-05:00

Photography by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Union County Weekly

Camp Bark Doggie Day Care and Pet Lodge in Waxhaw was glowing with good feelings December 13, literally, as families all over Union and neighboring counties remembered their special pets and loved ones who have passed on at Love Lights Waxhaw. Sponsored by the Animal Adoption League of York County in Rock Hill, S.C., the event featured 163 luminarias flickering around the kennel located at 7619 Waxhaw Highway. (Above) Kylie Troy of Charlotte with her dog, Buddy, beside one of the luminarias her family displayed at Love Lights Waxhaw. The event raised $250 for the league, a non-profit, regional rescue organization.

Deborah's photograph appeared on page 9 of Union County Weekly, Volume 3, Number 51* Dec. 19-25, 2008. www.unioncountyweekly.com

Library holds celebration for community-conscious canines

2008-12-19T20:52:00.026-05:00

Photo by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Metrolina Dog Reporter

Community-conscious canines and their handlers from reading therapy programs in Indian Trail, Matthews and Mint Hill attended a celebration in their honor at Union West Regional Library on the 13th of December. (From left) German shepherd, Reiner, handled by Dale Stegall of Mint Hill; dachshund, Dusty, handled by Sandy Pugyao of Waxhaw; mixed-breed, Piglet, handled by Amy Harris of Goose Creek; sheltie, Max, handled by Teresa Faucette of Mint Hill; Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Tucker, handled by Beth-Ellen Coates of Stallings and golden doodle, Maggie, handled by Pat Pohar of Marshville.

Librarians, children and parents surprised the pooches with a party in the community room to thank them and their owners/handlers for volunteering in the Paws Awhile To Read and Tail Wagging Tutors programs. The programs are designed to encourage beginning, struggling or shy readers. "I had to lie to get them here (for the party)," said program director and Therapy Dog International (TDI) evaluator, Teresa Faucette, who told the dog's owners/handlers to come to the library on Saturday for mandatory TDI training.

In the above photograph the dogs are demonstrating some of the behaviors required of a certified therapy dog such as remaining in a sit/stay or down/stay in the presence of distractions such as other pets, people and even a photographer after their handlers step away. What good dogs! - Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Follow Metrolina Dog Reporter in the coming weeks to learn more about local reading therapy programs and certified therapy dogs.

Doing hard time

2008-12-12T21:00:00.016-05:00

Photo by Tony Powers/Union County Weekly

James Conner trains Karma (above, left) in the New Leash on Life program at Brown Creek Correctional Institution in Polkton. Karma is one of three dogs in the program, with Izzy and Kahlua from the Humane Society of Union County. (Right, front) Barotolo Sixtos and Izzy, Jonas Davis with Kahua (center) and Hector Rojas (right) with Karma. (Back, from left) Donna Miller, program director at Brown Creek, Cindy Poppino, an HSUC volunteer, Sue Ratliff, HSUC president, and Conner, Karma's other trainer.

By Pat Higgins

Izzy’s been behind bars since Oct. 3. Doing hard time. She was wild and scared when she arrived at the medium-security prison in Polkton, not exactly how she’d planned to spend her youth.

But living on the street was worse; at least she had two girlfriends now, Kahlua and Karma. They were just as scared as she was when they all wound up on the inside that warm day.

But who could complain about a nice crate with blankets and three squares a day – not too mention hugs, kisses and fur ruffling from six inmates who’ve become their best friends and trainers?

They’re prison dogs, now. But they’re lucky. They’re getting a New Leash on Life.

They get out on Dec. 5, not paroled, exactly. They’ll go home to new families, if they’re lucky. Prison dogs no more.

Their prison home

Brown Creek Correctional Institution sprawled on serene, rolling hills in Anson County, 20 miles east of Monroe, down Route 74, houses 920 men who’ve committed serious crimes, from dealing drugs to first-degree murder. Donna Miller’s been a correctional case manager at Brown Creek for four years, sort of an inside social worker who handles everything from child custody reviews and work assignments to behavioral issues.

She said when she heard about New Leash on Life a year ago from Prison Superintendent Herb Jackson and Assistant Superintendent Jack Clelland, she immediately jumped up and whooped, “Pick me! Pick me!”

Miller more than loves dogs. She trains and handles German shepherds as rescue dogs for local police and sheriffs. She works with volunteer dog trainer Darryl Burgess, another law enforcement veteran who’s worked with tracking and trailing dogs for some 10 years.

“This program is dear to my heart. It’s a win-win situation,” Miller said of the program celebrating its first birthday at the December graduation, with 20 dogs successfully trained.

Cindy Poppino is a Humane Society of Union County volunteer who coordinates the program with Brown Creek. Miller asked if the HSUC would like to participate in the eight-week program and Poppino said she jumped at the chance.

“Too many animals are given up because of behavior issues, even minor ones like jumping on people. They would be more adoptable with obedience training,” Poppino explained. “And the program would enable us to help three more dogs than usual because they’d be at the facility."

“It also benefits the inmates, providing them an opportunity to give back to the community and share the nonjudgmental love only an animal can provide.”

Poppino pointed out that the program costs next to nothing. HSUC provides its usual services: spaying and neutering, vaccinations, deworming and microchips. It also buys leashes, food and the crates.

Put through their paces

Miller chooses the inmates to participate based on an application, interview and state requirements. They’re trained and must commit to 16 weeks – two dogs. The girls don’t eat with their handlers or live in their cells, but have kennels in the day room.

Once chosen, the men take the dogs out at 6:20 a.m., take turns cleaning the kennels and train outside once weekly. They’re with the dogs, on the leash at all times, except at meals, until lights out at 9:45 p.m.

“Leash training starts the minute the dogs walk inside the prison gate,” Miller said. “(the men) must be in control of the dogs at all times.”

Two men each are assigned to the dogs; four agreed to talk about New Leash on Life, though they were as reticent at first as the dogs were shy. Bartolo Sixtos, 43, of Graham, N.C., who’s in for drug offenses, trains Izzy, the troublemaking attention-seeker, a Jack Russell mix with tall fox ears who’s busy, busy, busy.

Karma, short hair standing on end all over her thin body, quakes quietly with Hector Rojas, 25, of Mexico, also in on drug charges, and James Conner, 46, a quiet ponytailed inmate from Indian Trail, doing life for murder. Kahlua, likely, a spaniel mix with a bristly muzzle, is the “best friend” of Jonas Davis, a baby-faced 40-year-old from Charlotte, another drug offender doing 9.5 to 12 years.

Saving each others lives

It’s clear the pooches mean as much to the prisoners as the men do to them. In some respects, they’ve helped save each others lives. As they move to put the dogs through their paces, it’s obvious the leash does more than just connect dog to man. It’s a lifeline, a literal link and figurative link that binds the new friends.

“Inmates are human. A lot of people forget that,” Miller said. “When you see a great big man bending down on his knees to give the dog a hug, that’s something.”

“I never thought I’d be training dogs. I never thought I’d do anything – we can’t do much,” Sixtos said.

Davis said he’d probably be “sitting, getting into trouble,” if he weren’t dog training, while Sixtos recognizes he’s learning a skill and responsibility and enjoys the teamwork.

Miller said inmates become more approachable when they train dogs. “People who might not walk up to them to talk do,” she said. “The dogs are a bridge to communication.”

“They don’t talk about us behind our backs, “Davis noted. “My favorite saying is, they won’t tell on you either.”

“She gives me a sense of accomplishment, knowing I taught her something,” Davis continued. “(Kahlua’s) come a long way. When I get out of here I hope I see her again. Dogs don’t never forget.”

“I love (Karma) because she listens to me, makes me feel good,” Rojas said, Karma sitting contentedly on his lap. “She kisses me. She’s my best friend.”

Miller said New Leash on Life gives the inmates something to think about besides their own situations. Sixtos, who’s on his seventh dog, shakes his head. “When you think how hard it’s been for them on the outside …”

Learning to listen and love

They still have nervous, twitching eyes, as Izzy launches a barking chorus of wary welcomes to a reporter. The others settle down, while Izzy busily chases her tail, then peeps around the table, gnawing its corner.

The dogs learn basic socialization skills – don’t jump up, stay, come. And the “stop, drop and roll” of dog training, sit down and roll over. They get lots of praise and a month into the program, the girls have shown dramatic results, their handlers note proudly.

Some have come further than others – men and dogs. Izzy, eager to do anything, runs through her paces easily with Sixtos, eagerly racing to him at “Come!” Karma and Kahlua stay put, not quite sure of their next move.

It’s Conner, though; who Miller says has made some of the biggest strides. “He never, ever smiled; he was mad at the world,” Miller said. “But I saw something in him. And he hasn’t quit smiling and doesn’t shut up.”

Conner just grinned, stroking Karma’s back, noting, “Hopefully, when I get out, this will help me get a job.”

Miller said she hopes to take six more dogs for inmates on the prison’s other two yards – 40 men are waiting for canine friends. And all of the inmates said they’d like to stay in the program.

Home, sweet home

Izzy’s forever family is in Gastonia, Karma’s in Fort Mill. The three dogs recently got a weekend pass to visit their new families and attend an adoption event at Charlotte’s Blakeney PetSmart, Poppino said.

Miller said when the dogs returned, they could see the men across the yard and dashed happily into their arms. “I think they missed the guys as much as they missed the dogs,” she noted.

“I missed her,” Davis agreed. “She’s my best friend now.”

But Davis is worried. Kahlua hasn’t been adopted yet.

She’ll go back to a foster home if she’s not adopted by graduation, a sad fact no one wants to see happen. Poppino wants to spread the word so “people will be lined up and waiting to adopt” by graduation.

“It would make me feel good if she got a home,” Davis said, quietly. “It’s always on my mind.”

Want to adopt Kahlua or another animal?

For more information on adopting animals through the Humane Society of Union County, visit http://www.hs-uc.org/ or call 704-283-9126.

This article was contributed by Pat Higgins, editor of Union County Weekly and Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly. It was reproduced from Union County Weekly, Volume 3, Number 48, Nov. 28-Dec.4, 2008 with permission from the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group, 1421-C Orchard Lake Drive, Charlotte, NC 28270. All rights reserved. www.unioncountyweekly.com

Do you have a story you'd like to contribute to Metrolina Dog Reporter? Contact dogreporter@hotmail.com

Light a candle for a special pet (or person)

2008-12-06T13:17:00.010-05:00

Animal Adoption League’s volunteers grow,

luminarias glow ...

Animal Adoption League, a regional non-profit (501-c3) all volunteer organization that rescues area animals that are homeless, hungry, hurt or otherwise in danger, will be hosting ‘Love Lights Waxhaw’ on December 13 between 6 pm and 9 pm at Camp Bark located at 7619 Waxhaw Highway in Waxhaw.

Luminarias will be on display along the winding, woodsy driveway and the pond at Camp Bark in honor or memory of a special person or pet. There will be Christmas music, hot apple cider and cookies.

AAL has over 100 volunteers in the region. "The number of volunteers in Union County has really grown this past year,” said AAL Dog Coordinator Cindy Starkey. “Thankfully, lots of Union County volunteers are active. We currently have approximately 20 homes fostering multiple animals,” said Starkey, noting that local volunteers wanted to hold an event here similar to one the organization holds every December in Rock Hill, S.C. “We want to give the public here a chance to witness this beautiful and touching event,” she said.

All proceeds will benefit Animal Adoption League and help provide foster care, veterinary care and locate loving homes for dogs and cats that otherwise would have no hope. For a donation of $4.00 AAL will include a luminaria in honor of your special loved one. An acknowledgement card can be included for an additional $1.00 per luminaria. - Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Information: http://www.campbark.net/LoveLights

Big dog fighting bust leads to small penalty

2008-11-05T09:58:00.030-05:00

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Nov. 4, 2008 - Almost two years after 36 pit bulls were seized on Jan. 18, 2007 by Animal Service Bureau authorities in what Sheriff Eddie Cathey referred to as one of Union County’s biggest dog fighting busts - defendant, Stanley Max Plowman, II, was brought to trial before a jury of six men and six women.

Potential jurors who had donated money or volunteered time to humane organizations were excused by defense attorney, John Painter, even if they felt they could be impartial. Even still, most of the jurors called to serve owned pets.

Plowman’s claim that the pit bulls at 7116 Howie Bottoms Road were kept for boarding, breeding, selling and showing quickly fell apart after the state’s first witness took the stand.

Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Cunningham testified about the vast amount of evidence he saw on Plowman’s Indian Trail property indicating dog fighting including scarred dogs, bite sticks, dog fighting literature, hanging scales, heavy chains, medical trauma supplies, neck weights, spring poles, treadmills and more. Photographs of the confiscated items were shown to the jury and entered into evidence.

After Cunningham’s lengthy testimony, Plowman decided to change his plea to guilty to the charges of felony dog fighting and the misdemeanor charges of using excessive restraint (on his dogs), possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphenalia.

Sheriff's Deputy Stephanie Philemon briefly testified regarding a shotgun that was found inside Plowman's home, after which Iredell County Superior Court Judge Christopher Collier threw out the only remaining charge: felony possession of a fire arm and excused the jury from making any decisions in the case.

Judge Collier then suspended the maximum prison sentence of 12 months and sentenced Plowman to 36 months intensive probation, a $1,000 fine and court costs. He also ordered Plowman to stay away from dogs. Most of Plowman’s dogs had previously received the death sentence.

An edited version of Deborah's article appeared on page 7 of Union County Weekly, Vol. 3, No. 45* Nov. 7-13, 2008 www.unioncountyweekly.com

To comment on this story, click on the link below the line.

Proof Reader

2008-11-01T22:00:00.064-05:00

Our proof reader, Okami, is a very intelligent border collie mix. She was adopted from Operation Care in April 2007 when she was four-months-old. She turned two on January 4, 2009 and recently taught herself how to open the storm door when the doggie door is closed.

Season of fireworks, thunderstorms may spark fear in pets

2008-07-02T21:14:00.029-05:00

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Animal Care & Control Division is reminding pet owners that it’s once again the time of year we hear fireworks, firecrackers and thunder from summer storms.

Please be mindful of how this affects your pets as the Fourth of July holiday approaches and summer thunderstorms and heat waves roll through our region. Last year approximately 17 dogs were brought in as strays (running loose) in the two days following the Fourth of July holiday. Out of the dogs that were reclaimed by their owners, nearly half the owners stated that their dog was frightened by fireworks.

The American Humane Society states that July 5th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Dogs are found miles from their homes, confused, disoriented, and exhausted. According to the organization, people call hoping to locate a missing dog that, terrified, crashed through a window, jumped a high fence, or broke its leash or chain.

Animal Care & Control advises that you secure your pet in an area of your home where it feels safe and secure. This will help avoid unnecessary stress on your pet or possible injury and accidental escape.

If your pet is easily upset by common sounds such as a door slamming or other loud noises, consider consulting with your vet for a sedative* prior to the Fourth of July.

Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if it were chewed or consumed. Leaving a radio or television on at normal volume may help to provide your pet companionship.

In any case, make sure your pets are wearing identification or microchipped so they can be returned if they do get lost. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the Animal Care & Control at 8315 Byrum Drive in Charlotte, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

Animal Care & Control recommends microchipping your pet. It’s permanent identification for your pet. All of our Animal Care & Control Trucks are equipped with microchip scanners and every animal we pick up is immediately scanned for a microchip. If a chip is located the animal can be returned home immediately, without having to come to the shelter. Animal Care & Control also encourages everyone who has a pet that’s microchipped to register your pet in our local database for FREE.

To register online go to http://www.cmpd.org/ and click Animal Care & Control, then click the programs and services tab. Lastly, to look for a lost pet, first check the lost pets section on our website. We also suggest coming to the shelter to walk through our stray kennels.

This article was contributed by Melissa Knicely of CMPD Animal Care & Control.

*Dog Reporter adds: Rescue Remedy is an over the counter calming agent made from natural herbs. It is a safe alternative to giving your pet a stronger sedative prescribed by a veterinarian. I have used it for my Akita/Border Collie mix as she is anxious about riding in cars. (She prefers to be the one doing the herding and enjoys safely escorting all the cars that pass by our corner lot from inside our fenced in yard ) Anyway, I plan to give her a dose late in the afternoon of the "Big Boom" day as she is already hiding in the laundry room at the sound of the few scattered fireworks our neighbors have been setting off early. Rescue Remedy is available at area pet stores such Pawtique in Charlotte's Ballantyne area and The Natural Market Place in the Arboretum Shopping Center.

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

Coyotes in Metrolina Area - protect your pets, protect yourself

2008-05-30T16:02:00.020-05:00

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Animal Care & Control would like to address recent concerns regarding coyote sightings in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. While we are not the responding agency in the management of wildlife; we do understand the concern and wish to offer safety tips, educational information and guidance to direct the citizens of Mecklenburg County to the correct resources that handle wildlife management.

Coyotes fall under the jurisdiction of North Carolina Wildlife Commission. If you have questions concerning coyotes please contact North Carolina Wildlife Commission at 919-707-0030 or 919-707-0050. North Carolina Wildlife Commission has a biologist assigned to Mecklenburg County. North Carolina Wildlife will contact the biologist if there is a reason for concern. They will not respond to a coyote sighting, as they are indigenous to this area and it is not uncommon to see them.

Animal Care and Control will respond if your domestic animal attacks, fights with, or is wounded by a wild animal. A report will be filed but that does not mean that the animal will be trapped. If your animals are being attacked, killed, or injured by a coyote you will need to contact both Animal Care and Control and North Carolina Wildlife Commission.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg and surrounding towns are continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Due to this growth and development we are continuously encroaching on wild animal habitats. With the increase in population and new developments being erected, it is not uncommon for people to see coyotes in an urban area. The coyote has been in Mecklenburg County for the last 20 years. North Carolina is actually one of the last states in the southeast to be populated by them.

Coyotes in urban areas normally run in a family unit consisting of a female, a male, and their pups. A female may have between 4 to 7 pups in each litter and can reproduce 2 times a year. However, most coyotes will die with in the first three years of life in urban areas. The recent increase in coyote sightings is mostly likely because they are in mating season and having pups. Coyote sightings usually spike during the Fall because the pups have matured and they are moving out to form their own pack.

The urban coyote’s diet mainly consists of small rodents, deer, and fruits. Coyotes are not predators that will attack humans, in most cases they are easily frightened, afraid of humans and will run away if they see a human. Coyotes have been known to attack small dogs or cats, so if you have seen a coyote in your area, protect your pets by keeping them indoors and monitoring them when they are outside.

Tips to keep you and your pets safe!

Keep your pet restrained while outside.

A fenced yard is the best safeguard against wild animals coming into your yard.

Monitor your pet while it’s outside.

Keep cats inside if possible.

Do not feed your pet outside.

If you must feed your animal outside, remove any food that is left after your animal is finished eating.

Bird feeders often attract small animals such as squirrels and small rodents. Larger animals will then prey on the squirrels and rodents, thus attracting them to a bird feeder.

At night, bright white floodlights will deter coyotes from your property.

Make sure that your trash is secure. If possible keep trash in a can with a very secure lid.

If your pet comes in contact with a wild animal or is injured by a wild animal, protect yourself first!

Wear rubber gloves when handling your pet.

Wear long sleeves.

Protect your eyes.

If the injuries to the pet are not life threatening, wash off the animal with a garden hose. This will remove salvia from the animal.

Wrap your pet in a blanket.

Most importantly make sure your pet is current on its rabies vaccination! If your pet comes into contact with a wild animal, a current rabies vaccination will save your pet’s life!

Animal Care & Control offers a FREE Rabies Clinic on the second Saturday of each month. The clinic takes place at 8315 Byrum Drive Charlotte, NC 28217. The hours are from 8am to 11am.

A coyote is about the size of a medium sized dog. They average in size from 20 to 40 pounds.They may resemble a German Shepherd or Collie. A coyote will have pointed ears, slender muzzle, and a dropping bushy tail that is black tipped. Their colors are usually a gray brown with red behind the ears and on the face. Their color may vary from a gray to black. The coyote’s eyes will be a vivid yellow with large pupils unlike dog eyes which are mainly brown.

Call a Wildlife Damage Control Agent if a wild animal is damaging your property. A list of resources is provided on http://www.ncwildlife.org/ under “coexisting with wildlife”. -

This article was contributed by Melissa Knicely of CMPD Animal Care & Control Department. Do you have an article you would like to contribute to Metrolina Dog Reporter? Contact dogreporter@hotmail.com

Olympic trials at Mecklenburg Whitewater Center draws dogs, duck

2008-04-27T19:10:00.071-05:00

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Bark in the Park (2008) may seem like the obvious place for a dog lover but because I have 'been there, done that', the Whitewater Center's Olympic trials won my attention on Saturday, April 26. I have nothing against Bark in the Park - a wonderful event that I would have gladly attended again this year - but forced to pick between two dog-friendly events on the same weekend, many dog lovers made the same decision as me and took their pets to a world-class sporting event. A bit pricey for people - it cost me $55 to park my van and gain admission for two adults and one child - pets were actually a better bargain as companions to the Whitewater Center this weekend as they were admitted for free! (Sorry, Blanco and Okami, I should have brought both of you with me and left the human pack members at home.)

Springer spaniels, Olive (front) and Tillie, live close to each other in Charlotte and visit the Whitewater Center about once a month, according to Olive's owner, Amy Zimmerman. Olive didn't have a favorite competitor in the slalom on Saturday, said Zimmerman, but she did have a favorite event: taking a quick splash in the "river" before the race began. Tillie, however, was pulling for all the women in the kayak competition as stated by her owner, Leah Smith. (In addition, to world class sporting events, I'm told these two sophisticated pooches also frequent the Mint Museum of Charlotte but that's another photo-op.)

Dobermans, Charlie Brown and Lucy (front), lead their owner Madeline around the Whitewater Center on Saturday.

Rachel and Austin Laminack of Charlotte took three-month-old, Shadow, a Rat Terrier/Yorkie mix to watch her first world-class sporting event on Saturday.

Doug Gailor of Weddington and his nine-year-old terrier mix, Stillwell, stand by the Dragon Boat Association display at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in western Mecklenburg County. Gailor's daughter, Rachel, works at the center. Doug and Stillwell were rooting for Rachel's friend, Pablo McCandless, to win a spot on the Chilean Olympic team for the Beijing Games.

Where are your pink "I love Pablo" t-shirts, guys?

Five-year-old German Shepherd/Lab mix, McAlister had his hair cut for his first visit to the Whitewater Center, said his owner Courtney Adams, a Cabarrus College student.

While eating dinner at the Whitewater Center's restaurant/bar, I noticed Nora, a shepherd mix just under two-years-old at a nearby table with her guardians from Project Halo.

The group's volunteer coordinator, Heather Stickney, said Nora was rescued three months ago from a home where she and eight other dogs spent all their time tied to trees and surrounded by broken beer bottles. Nora was so severely neglected by her owner that she had heartworms and such a bad case of mange that she'd lost fifty percent of hair, explained Stickney. Young Nora was not spayed and had had at least two litters of puppies, she said.

Thanks to a concerned citizen who convinced the owner to give up some of the dogs, Project Halo has been able to provide Nora with foster care and medical care. Nora is now heartworm-free, mange-free, spayed, vaccinated and well-socialized enough to attend world class sporting events. If you are interested in giving this well-behaved girl a permanent home, contact Rhonda Thomas at projhalo@bellsouthnet or call 704-562-8939.

Okay, okay ... I'm a dog reporter and I thought I was done for the day but then I saw these people walking their ... er ... duck.

Chris Osborne (left) of Spartanburg, SC and Marisa Serrat of Cleveland, Ohio met at Clemson University and fell in love. Naturally, the next step was to adopt a duckling!
Kuhsie, a magpie duck, goes everywhere with the couple - including kayaking. Kuhsie will weigh four pounds when she is full grown and have black and white spots. (Kuhsie is German for she cow. ) Check out this couple's travel blog.

Crates work like a charm with proper training

2008-04-01T21:38:00.038-05:00

Crate Training Bond / by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

By Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

I recently came across one of my favorite photos of my daughter, Christa, with her first puppy, Blanco. (above.) She was so in love with her puppy that she wanted to be with him every minute - even during crate training. After seeing this photo of Blanco sleeping peacefully in his crate, I wanted to share what a wonderful tool a crate can be.

Crate training magic

Blanco was the first dog we crate trained. That was five years ago and it worked like a charm. No messy newspapers to pick up and only one indoor accident during the training period! Blanco was 'house broken' in a short time and seemed to understand exactly what we meant by "do business" whenever we took him outside. We had the same positive experience crate training our new puppy, Okami, last year.

Our first two dogs, Alex and Hobo, were 'paper trained' and continued to have occasional indoor accidents throughout their lives. I believe this is because we taught them via 'paper training' that sometimes it is appropriate to "do business" inside. I highly recommend crate training. It reinforces a dog's natural instinct to sleep in a den-like setting and not soil his personal space.

I also like Poochie Bells. In addition to using a crate overnight, we trained Okami to go to the door and ring "Poochie Bells" when she needs to go outside during the day.

There are so many clever tools available to dog owners now. However, these tools were created to complement dog training - not take the place of it.

Professional dog trainer, Luann Van Leer, cautions pet owners not to crate puppies for extended periods of time. A good gage is your pup's monthly age plus one hour. "Which means if you have a three-month-old puppy, she should not be left in her crate more than four hours, " she said.

Taking your puppy from the crate to a "potty spot" outside every two hours is the quickest way to help her understand the behavior you desire; thus, she will become housebroken/crate trained sooner, said Van Leer.

Crates teach other lessons, too

Puppies need exercise, socialization, supervision and training. Crates should never be used as a substitute for any of those things. However, a crate can be a useful tool for more than reinforcing canine hygiene skills. You can also teach your puppy that he is supposed to settle down and be quiet when you are away from the house by putting him in his crate with a safe toy to entertain him just before you leave. When he's older, your dog will know what behavior you expect while you are away whether he's in a crate or not.

"Your puppy will actually look forward to getting his treat in his crate and not make an assumption about you leaving," said Van Leer, who recommends frozen stuffed Kong toys to keep dogs content and free from boredom while they are crated.

Because I write about dogs, family members and friends often ask me why their puppy misbehaves when they leave the house and will report to me about their chewed furniture, destroyed decorative pillows and so on. There could be any number of reasons for this type of behavior: boredom, frustration, loneliness, teething but what is true in all cases is that puppies are puppies. They need supervision and training - just like children and teenagers.

"Some puppies look physically grown by eight or nine months but they are not mentally (mature) until eighteen months and with some breeds it's closer to two years," explained Van Leer.

"Crate when you are away. You would not leave your toddler home alone to roam; do not leave your puppy alone to roam," she said, adding that a sure way to correct destructive behavior such as barking, chewing, digging and jumping is to make sure your puppy gets enough exercise.

"A dog should have at least a 30 to 40 minute walk twice a day or be taken out to play a game that includes running to release built up energy," Van Leer said.

Misuse of crates

Some owners have confided in me that they confine their puppy to a crate as punishment after they get back home and find a mess. This is a big mistake. You want your puppy to like his crate and think of it as a safe place. You can try placing a blanket, cushion or towel inside the crate to make it cozy.

Some puppies become aware that blankets and towels absorb urine, warns Van Leer. "They will then push it aside and still have a dry spot to lie ... take everything out of the crate until they are no longer having accidents," she said. "If you find your puppy has soiled her crate do not say anything ... just take your puppy outside and clean the crate," she added.

There should be enough room for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down with ease which may mean buying a bigger crate as your puppy grows. Blanco was so small when we brought him home that he rode in our cat's carrier. That was soon replaced by the collapsible crate pictured above which was eventually replaced by an identical but even bigger crate. This style crate has an easily removeable door which happen to be off when this photo was taken.

Traveling in a crate

Even though he graduated to a Kuranda bed long ago, Blanco still loves his crate which is only used for travel purposes now. Still, he is happy to jump into the back of the van and climb inside his crate. He knows it is a safe place that likely has a special treat inside and he feels very secure there even when it's in a moving vehicle.

Deborah Parkhill Mullis is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail. Luann Van Leer operates Shake-A-Paw Dog Training in southwestern Union County. She can be reached at LvanLeer@alltel.net

Grant your doggie's wish list at The Furry Godmother

2007-12-07T13:57:00.008-05:00

Dawn Rivers, owner of The Furry Godmother in Waxhaw, holds an edible greeting card for pets. Last year, Rivers sent the cards to canine friends across the country. The cards made it safely through the mail but probably didn't last long once the pooches got their paws on them!

Charlie, a grooming client, investigates Poochie Bells hanging from the front door at The Furry Godmother. A fast-selling puppy training tool, Poochie Bells have been hard to keep in stock since Oprah endorsed them.

New toys and treats at the store tempt Charlie.

Grant your doggie’s wish list at The Furry Godmother
by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Looking for the perfect gift for that special canine on your list? If so, The Furry Godmother in Waxhaw is a great hunting ground. The combination doggie day care, gift shop and pet-grooming salon on 113 W. South Main St. opened 18 months ago with a selection of unusual gifts, including edible greeting cards for pooches.

“I wanted to give dogs a place that they could come and enjoy and not be petrified of the whole grooming situation. We try not to cage the dogs - we let them run around and play, we take them out for walks,” said owner Dawn Rivers, a 15-year veteran of the pet care and grooming industry. Baths start at $30; haircuts start at $40; and de-shedding starts at $50. Consultations are free.

Tasty treats, tough toys

Enticing canine clients through the front door is a display featuring the latest trends in toys, treats and training tools. Most dogs can’t resist sniffing the Cool Dog Café treats, which are making more than pets’ mouths water this season. Scrumptious-looking doggie delicacies decorated with carob chips and yogurt icing tempt two-legged customers, too.

“People probably could eat them but they are made for dogs,” said Rivers. Snowmen, Santas and other holiday treats sell for under $2.

In addition to gourmet dog biscuits, plush toys that make animal noises rather than simply squeaking are another hot item this year. Why does a duck-shaped chew toy squeak, anyway? A duck quacks and so do the duck chew toys; for $12.99 your pet can pick from a variety of appropriate-sounding chew toys.

For aggressive chewers that destroy toys regardless of their sound effects, Rivers carries Jolly Balls, which range in price from $9.99 to $14.99. “They are balls with ropes through the center. They are soft enough so that heavy chewers … can still sink their teeth into them but they can’t rip them apart,” she said.

Training tools

A more practical present, especially for a new puppy, are the coveted Poochie Bells, a fast selling, housebreaking tool priced at $16.99. Poochie Bells, which come with a detailed instruction card, are hard to keep stocked, Rivers said, because not only do they work but also Oprah has endorsed them.

“They hang on the doorknob and every time you take your puppy out, you teach (the pup) to nudge the bells with its nose or hit the bells with its paw so the dog learns to ring the bells to go outside and use the potty,” explained Rivers. “Once your dog understands the concept, Poochie Bells will work anywhere you take your pet. It’s a smart thing.”

Additional training tools include choke-free harnesses and fleece-lined versions made of hemp with heavy metal buckles. “Choke-free harnesses go around the sides of the dogs verses around the neck or the chest. (They) pull on the body. Nothing touches the neck at all. They work on all size dogs,” Rivers said.

Grooming, food and fashion

Other practical gifts include high-end grooming products by Angel Eyes and Eqyss, as well as high-quality dog food. “Merrick (dog food) was never on the recall list. It is very high in protein and made with all natural, organic foods. There’s turkey, duck, pheasant, buffalo, trout, salmon, chicken and venison. The dry food has freeze-dried vegetables in it. We can barely keep it in the store,” Rivers said. Individual cans sell for $1.89; cases are discounted. Dry dog food runs $25 for a 15-pound bag and $35 for a 30-pound bag.

If dog breath is an issue, Oxyfresh starter kits contain a toothbrush, toothpaste and water deodorizer for about $20. “Oxyfresh works from the inside to neutralize smells so that your dog is odorless,” Rivers said.

If you own a fashion hound, designer doggie duds available include blue jean jackets, camouflage skirts, overalls and party dresses. For dogs that would agree wearing less is more, there’s a wide variety of holiday-themed, custom collars, too.

People presents, too

For children who may not be ready for a real pet, wildly popular Webkinz are available. On the market less than a year, Webkinz are plush toys that come with access codes to an online virtual world. Rivers likes Webkinz because they teach children about responsibility.

“Children have to earn money to provide food and other things for their Webkinz. They learn that if they feed their pet potato chips obviously their pet’s health isn’t going to be where it should be. If they give their pet a more balanced diet, their pet’s health will be better,” she said, describing the online component.

She also sells special little collars created to safeguard Webkinz’ access codes. “A lot of kids were losing their codes so another company came up with the idea for a little collar so the children can have the pet’s name on the (collar’s) front and the access code on the back,” she explained. Webkinz sell for just under $15 and the collars are about $5.

Numerous novelty items for dog lovers of all ages include a carved wood chess set pitting cats against dogs ($89) and much more. Gift certificates are available for store items, grooming and pet care.

“I tried to get different (gift) items in here - not the same things the (chain stores) carry,” said Rivers, adding that her desire is to help owners get what they want from their animals while helping animals get what they need from their owners.

Deborah is a freelance writer who lives in Indian Trail, North Carolina with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was published in Union County Weekly,Volume 2, Number 49 * Dec. 7-13, 2007. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments on the above article by clicking on the link below.

Therapy dogs help children bond with books

2007-10-08T19:18:00.008-05:00

Steven Burt and his registered pet therapy dog, JJ, listen to Cary Lausch of Weddington read during the Paws Awhile To Read program at Union West Regional Library.

Therapy dogs help children bond with books

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

A therapy dog can change a child’s attitude about reading. That is why Betsy Cullen, branch manager at Union West Regional Library in Indian Trail is so excited about the Paws Awhile To Read program beginning there this month.

In some cases, children need extra incentive to read aloud because they have been teased by their peers for missing simple words, explained Teresa Faucette, who approached the library earlier this year with the idea of bringing in therapy dogs to help kids bolster their self-esteem and improve their reading skills.

Cullen said she saw a similar program in Florida turn "reluctant readers into kids who were excited to go home and practice (reading)."

"Dogs don’t laugh at the children when they miss a word. If (the children) get frustrated, (they) can calm themselves down by petting the therapy dog. There‘s something good about having a dog beside you when you are trying to do something difficult," Faucette said.

Six-year-old Siberian husky, JJ; four-year-old sheltie, Max; and three-year-old long-haired dachshund, Dusty, all volunteered - along with their respective owners, Steven Burt, Faucette and Sue Pugyao - to spend their Saturday mornings supporting children who struggle with reading by listening to the children read their favorite books aloud. All three dogs are registered with Therapy Dogs International, Inc. and have experience working with children.

"The dogs are so sweet and so well-trained, they will sit still no matter what (happens)," said Cullen.

The trial program will operate from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 and 20. Children who have registered in advance will receive 15 minutes of one-on-one reading time with a therapy dog. "So far every slot for October has been filled and November dates have not been selected yet," Cullen said.

The program currently is limited to twelve children per hour. "We don’t want to have so many on the waiting list that they don’t get to read (with a therapy dog), so we may find it’s mandatory that we bring in a fourth dog," said Cullen.

Contact Union West Regional Library for more details at 704-821-7475, ext. 3.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, North Carolina with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. Her article above was published in Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 40, October 5-11, 2007. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above article by clicking on the link below.

Skunk Encounters 101

2007-09-27T18:07:00.012-05:00

Stinky situations may result in deadly disease

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Although skunk attacks aren't common in Union County, this year’s prolonged drought increased the number of "house calls" made by local wildlife. Case in point: our dog’s recent discovery of an uninvited guest in the vegetable garden. For his detective work, our pooch received a blast of skunk spray in the face.

Petowners take heed. According to Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services, pets that have close encounters, or fight, with wildlife - especially raccoons and foxes - are in danger of contracting rabies.

“Even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination, it's still imperative that the animal get a booster shot for rabies within 72 hours (of contact)," explained Starnes, noting that pets without current rabies vaccinations must be quarantined for six months unless the wildlife can be apprehended and tests negative for rabies.

Our dog was examined the following morning at Sun Valley Animal Hospital in Indian Trail. Although he had a current rabies vaccination and no scratches or bite wounds were found, he still received a new three-year rabies shot because he'd been sprayed in the face including his eyes and mouth.

If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, the Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Matthews recommends using the following solution to eliminate the odor: one quart of hydrogen peroxide, one cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of Dawn dish soap.

Mix the ingredients together to make a shampoo.
Wear rubber gloves to lather up your dog.
Leave the solution on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.

It may be necessary to wash your dog more than once to get rid of the smell. We bathed our dog three times, twice with the aforementioned solution and a third time with regular dog shampoo; it worked. Be careful to keep the peroxide-based shampoo out of your pet’s eyes, and be sure to rinse it off thoroughly. If your pet has been sprayed in the eyes, a sterile eyewash solution is safe to use.

(Please see Doggie door not exactly heaven 'sent' for the whole story.)

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC. She can be reached at dogreporter@hotmail.com

Doggie door not exactly heaven "scent"

2007-09-26T17:07:00.012-05:00

Teaching my dogs to use a doggie door seemed like a good idea at the time

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

Of all the home improvements we’ve made so far this year, the storm door with a doggie door in it was my favorite. It made my life so much easier after we adopted a second dog that I ranked it above the smooth cook top stove and the self-cleaning oven.

Adopting a second dog made perfect sense as the first dog had finally calmed down after four years and I feared a normal life. If that wasn’t self-defeating enough, I was getting bored being a doorkeeper for a single dog. By adding a second dog, I could see if two dogs running in and out all day suited me better. Remarkably, I did not find facilitating twice the number of border patrols and boundary markings more rewarding. So to safeguard my sanity, my husband installed a doggie door.

The puppy, Okami, had no problem adjusting to the doggie door. My smart little girl was pushing her way past the vinyl flap and into the backyard with only a day of training - she’s part border collie. Big brother, Blanco, comfortable with my role as a concierge for canines, took more convincing. His refusals to come out the door when I called sent an unmistakable message: “You don’t call me, I call you … remember?”

Begging sometimes worked. Kneeling outside the doggie door, holding the vinyl flap high so his white fur would not be sullied, I waved a piece of cheese and pleaded. Every now and then, ‘His Highness’ would reluctantly pass through the undignified little hole to survey his backyard kingdom.

Obviously, this was more work than my old doorkeeper job. Yet, I had faith that my stubborn boy (he’s part Siberian husky) would eventually see the advantages of a doggie door. Sure enough, my services were soon limited to lifting only a corner of the flap. One happy day, Blanco discovered the puppy’s canine sensibilities and started slipping through the doggie door with his intuitive little sister. Eventually, he lowered himself to going in and out on his own.

With both dogs trained, I saw no negatives to the doggie door. I could now do any number of things without canine interference. I burned less food, made fewer mistakes in the checkbook register and read past the introductory pages of my library books. As far as I was concerned, the doggie door was a sweet deal!

One should never get too cocky about one’s home improvements

Late one night, I was watching television with my two children when Blanco came barreling through the doggie door in a panic.

“Eeewww!” screamed my daughter.

“What is that smell?” shouted my son.

Blanco looked like he’d been attacked by a fire extinguisher and smelled like burning rubber smothered in onions.

“Help me open the windows!” I exclaimed. Immediately, my children jumped up and ran away, slamming their bedroom doors behind them. I stood alone with a very bewildered dog that was vigorously slinging foul-smelling slobber in every direction.

Blanco had been on backyard border patrol at 11:30 p.m. when he discovered an uninvited guest in our vegetable garden. Intending to chase the intruder over the fence before it got a taste of our tomatoes; he got a taste of its secret weapon. After he recovered from his shock, I imagine poor Blanco was impressed by a ‘cat’ that could mace in his face like that!

I called the 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic and hastily explained why I needed to bring in my dog. The veterinary technician who answered wasted no time explaining why I did not need to bring in my dog. Rather, she gave me a recipe (using household items I did not have in my household) for dog shampoo that removes skunk spray odor from dog fur. “And call your regular vet in the morning,” she said.

My next move was to call my husband home from his night shift job due to the family emergency of needing dog shampoo ingredients. He made a midnight run to Wal-Mart and came home with enough hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dish soap to give all 50 dogs in our neighborhood a bath.

Bathing a dog by moonlight was a new experience for us - and judging from the lights that flicked on and off at 1 a.m. - for a few of our neighbors, too.

After more baths than he’d had since birth, Blanco’s white fur sparkled and he smelled like a dog again. In the meantime, Okami had thoroughly investigated (read: rolled around in) her big brother’s drool. Having forgotten my teenage experiments with hydrogen peroxide and shampoo, we bathed Okami, too. Her black and brown fur sports blonde highlights now.

Leaving the clean dogs outdoors in the clean air, we braved the noxious fumes indoors. Thankfully, the stench was still extremely strong and had drifted throughout the entire house, thus we had no problem staying awake to clean. While washing walls, mopping floors and gagging at 3 a.m., I made a mental note: move doggie door off favorite’s list.

Please see Skunk Encounters 101 for practical information in the event your dog has suffered a skunk attack.
Parkhill Mullis is a freelance writer from Indian Trail, NC. She can be reached at dogreporter@hotmail.com

Taking Dog Safety to the 'Max'

2007-08-31T22:25:00.002-05:00

Above: Children in the Cherokee Woods neighborhood line up to learn the proper way to pet someone else's dog. Presented by "Max the Dog" and his owner Teresa Faucette, responsible pet ownership and dog safety shows are one way to address the ongoing issue of loose dogs in Indian Trail.

Below: Children learn about pet grooming and dog safety including what to do when a strange dog approaches: "make like a tree" if standing or "make like a rock" if on the ground.

'Max the Dog' and his trainer tackle dog troubles in Indian Trail

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

September may be Responsible Dog Ownership Month but when she's not working at her regular job as a nutritionist, Teresa Faucette and her 4-year-old sheltie, Max, educate and entertain people about topics such as dog safety, fire safety, nutrition and responsible pet ownership every month.

Max is what trainers call a one in a million dog. Faucette has had other dogs but never one as gifted as Max. A canine good citizen and a certified pet-therapy dog, Max loves to perform and Faucette loves to teach. "He’s a show-off," said Faucette. Max and Faucette teach at churches, day cares, elementary schools, middle schools and perform demonstrations at special events. Now they can add dog-troubled neighborhoods to their list.

Recently, the two traveled from Mint Hill to Indian Trail to teach a group of children gathered at the home of Darlene Davis in the Cherokee Woods neighborhood. According to Davis, the neighborhood has an ongoing problem with dogs running loose. "People have resorted to carrying sticks," she said, noting that dogs have attacked two bike riders as well as a home owner who was getting out of her car in her driveway.

Although there hasn't been an incident in three months, Davis felt it was important to inform the children about responsible pet ownership and dog safety. "So far they've been lucky," she said, but now that school is back in session, children need to know how to react to a strange dog at the bus stop in the morning or walking home in the afternoon.

Cherokee Woods isn’t the only Indian Trail neighborhood having problems with pets that are supposed to be man’s best friends. For months residents have been complaining to town officials, writing to local papers and appearing before county commissioners to beg for a solution to irresponsible pet owners who allow untrained dogs to run free in densely populated subdivisions. Town officials say leash laws are not high on the priority list, so residents like Davis are finding their own safety solutions.

Max and his suitcase to the rescue

How many of you have dogs?" Faucette asked the group of boys and girls sitting in lawn chairs and sipping Kool-Aid. Most of the preschool to middle school age children raised their hands.

Faucette spread open Max’s suitcase on the lawn for a game of show-and-tell. On command, Max trotted over to his suitcase to retrieve his personal belongings one at a time as Faucette explained each item and its importance.

First, Faucette asked Max for his leash. Max located his leash among the other items in his suitcase, grabbed it in his mouth and carried it over to her.

"Good job," Faucette said as he let the leash go into her hand and sat down beside her. The sheltie tilted his head from side to side, his brown eyes following Faucette's every move.

"Why is a leash important?" she asked the children.

"So you can walk him," answered one boy.

So he doesn’t run loose," replied another.

"That’s right! And why is it important for a dog not to run loose?" prompted Faucette.

The children call out answers.

"He could get lost."

"He could get hit by a car."

"He could get in a fight with another dog."

"That’s right. What if another dog is running loose and picks a fight with your dog?" Faucette continued.

"He could get hurt!"

"That’s right," she said.

Max returned to his suitcase to fetch his collar and dog tags for Faucette as she conducted another Q-and-A on the importance of ID tags and vaccinations. Next, Max produced a dog toy from his suitcase and pranced around with it. "Do any of you own dogs that chew on things they‘re not supposed to?" inquired Faucette.

"My grandma had a dog that chewed on everything - even my grandpa’s pants," said one boy. Faucette took this opportunity to talk about spending time with their dogs and training them to play with pet toys and not people's things.

"Dogs like to have something to do. It's important to train your dog to do what you want him to do," she said.

Then Max took the final four items out of his suitcase: a red bandana, a dog brush, doggie toothpaste and a doggie toothbrush. Faucette joked about how much Max loves to wear his bandana and look at himself in the mirror. A giggly discussion about Max's vanity, dog grooming and how to avoid matted fur and "stinky dog breath" followed.

"Make like a tree" but don't leave

The second part of the show addressed the serious issue of dog safety, with instruction about what to do and what not to do when a strange dog approaches. Faucette asked the children to stand and then Max, pretending to be a strange dog, charged at the group. "Make like a tree. Stand straight, cross your arms and look at your roots," instructed Faucette. The children folded their arms across their chest, stared at their feet and stayed as still as possible.

"Should you watch the dog?" she asked.

The children weren't sure.

"If you don''t know me and I go up to you and stare at you, does it make you feel nervous?"she continued.

"Yes!" shouted the children.

"It makes a dog feel nervous, too," explained Faucette. "Dogs can't tell a person to stop staring at them, but they can bark, growl and even bite if you are doing something they don't like. Never stare at a dog. They consider it a challenge."

Next, the children crouched down on the ground to play and Max, again pretending to be a strange dog, crawled into their midst. They learned to cover their ears and "make like a rock" if they are on the ground when a strange dog comes along. Faucette emphasizes to never jump up, run away or scream. That kind of behavior can excite a dog, and then he may bite. Instead she told the children to count to themselves and remain still until the dog loses interest or an adult comes to help.

One girl asked what to do if a dog chases you while you are riding your bike. "That’s a good question," Faucette said. "Put the bike between you and the dog. Use it like a shield and make like a rock on the other side of it."

Well-trained children equal well-trained dogs

For the final part of the show, the children lined up and asked Faucette for permission to pet Max, which is the proper way to greet someone else’s dog. Max sat politely while each child took a turn stroking him under the chin or scratching him on the chest - not patting the top of his head or grabbing him, actions that are threatening to some dogs.

"I want them to know that a dog is a lot of responsibility," said Faucette, who believes that teaching responsible pet ownership to children now is one of the best ways to end irresponsible pet ownership in the future.

For more information about Max the Dog, e-mail tfaucette@carolina.rr.com or call 704-618-2609.

This article was published by Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 25 * Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2007. Deborah lives in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children go to school and the pets take a nap, she does a little freelance writing. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

Dog fighting allegations scar athlete, pit bull

2007-08-12T17:09:00.010-05:00

Update: What do you think would be a fair plea bargain? How about 15 years working 15 hours a week in a public animal shelter? To give your answer click on comments below.

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Obscene gestures and other misconduct aside, Michael Vick’s reputation has taken another hit. This time he is accused of aiding in the gross abuse of man’s best friend.

Beyond the bodily harm and senseless loss of life suffered by those dogs directly involved in the case; the reputation of pit bull dogs has been scarred again, too.

On July 17, a federal grand jury indicted the star NFL quarterback, who was in the third year of his 10-year, $130-million-dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons, for his alleged sponsorship of an interstate dog fighting scheme.

Atrocious acts of animal cruelty outlined in an 18-page government document (available on-line) and reports regarding co-defendant, Tony Taylor’s, testimony appear particularly incriminating for the 27-year-old celebrity.

However, on July 26 Vick pleaded not guilty to interstate gambling charges as well as charges of rearing pit bull dogs for competitive fighting at Bad Newz Kennels and hosting dog fights on his Moonlight Road property in Smithfield, Virginia.

If found guilty in November, the millionaire football player faces $350,000 in fines and could receive a career stopping six years in prison.

Local dog lover’s defend man’s best friend, bark about Vick

Vick’s innocence or guilt has not been determined but one thing is certain - like one of his alleged fighting dogs, Vick is now under attack. Dog lovers across the nation have jumped to defend man’s best friend. Below is the reaction of local dog lovers. (Quotes have been edited for brevity, clarity and repetition)

“My personal opinion is that laws should be more strict and punishments more severe to any one who purposefully hurts an animal.“ - professional pet-sitter, Indian Trail, NC

"I am both appalled and disgusted … I believe that the lawlessness and sheer stupidity of professional athletes has been tolerated for far too long. (If found guilty) I hope Vick is suspended from the NFL, convicted and has to serve jail time. The fact that he claims he didn't know what was going on in that home is ludicrous. I am saddened for the dogs who lost their lives in a vicious and brutal way and the monsters who did this should be severely punished. Our society needs to stand up for the voiceless ones and put an end to this horrific 'sport' ". - foster care provider for animal shelter dogs and also works with a breed specific rescue, Charlotte, NC

“I have a son who loved Michael Vick. He was a big Falcons fan. Thank goodness he is old enough to realize how cruel and serious this is. I can only imagine how it would be if he were younger - how much confusion it would cause - that all of a sudden (Vick) is not a hero but an (alleged) criminal on trial. If children follow the case on TV and see that people and organizations are defending him, that only adds to their confusion. Anyone who is in the public eye and knows they are adored by children should act accordingly.” - volunteer with an animal rescue organization, Rock Hill, SC

“(If found guilty) He deserves to go to jail and absolutely should be let go from the NFL. I am glad that his endorsements have been pulled and that he is unable to attend football practice. There is no place in society for people who do not respect the rights of living things!” - animal shelter volunteer, Charlotte, NC

“My feeling is that pit bulls are the best dogs in the world if they are properly trained and socialized. They are obedient, protective family-oriented dogs. I‘ve had lots of different dogs over the years and this breed is a very good breed if brought up the right way. My dogs are loyal and would lay down their life to protect me but they are not aggressive to the point that they are going to run outside and start shredding up other animals. They run around my house with cats, children and other dogs,” - pit bull dog owner and proprietor of a pet care and pet grooming facility, Waxhaw, NC

“Michael Vick is a very young man who can certainly learn from this experience. I wish he could come spend time in the animal shelter environment where he could find out first hand that fear, hunger, happiness, contentment and more move on four feet as well as two.” - certified professional dog trainer, Wingate, NC

“Vick's example is proving to be a useful educational tool to build awareness around the heinous activity and conditions of dog fighting.” - husky owner, Charlotte, NC

In conclusion, there is no denying that as a nation we cherish our pets and are passionate about animal welfare. It is also evident that as a nation we place a high value on entertainment. We reward people for their ability to amuse us in acceptable ways. Gifted artists, athletes, authors, comedians, media personalities, musicians, etc. can become rich because of our country’s value system. But in America we also value the golden rule; we expect our millionaire celebrities to give back and have grown accustom to their generous funding of humanitarian causes. This is all the more apparent by the intense public outcry over Vick’s alleged sponsorship of such blatant inhumanity.

To see the devastating results of organized dog fighting click on the link below:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2085589

(Warning: this video is not appropriate for young children.)

Parkhill Mullis writes about dogs for newspapers and magazines and on-line.

Charitable fund established for Union County Animal Shelter

2007-08-02T17:29:00.003-05:00

Animals such as Lacey, a golden retriever (right) surrendered by her owner to the shelter this past spring, are being helped by a new charitable fund.

By Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter Inc., a new charitable fund, is dedicated to meeting the medical needs of animals in the county shelter.

“The county doesn’t fund - nor could it afford to fund - treatment for every single dog or cat that comes through here with some kind of illness, disease or injury but this (charity) that we’ve established is going to allow that,” said Lt. Michelle Starnes, who has worked diligently to establish a charity for the shelter since she became director of Union County Animal Services less than two years ago.

In the past, money donated to the shelter was deposited into the county’s general fund. If the shelter needed to purchase anything for the animals, there was a lot of paper work involved in getting that money back, explained Starnes.

That's one reason the shelter started accepting gifts in-kind from supporters. Now, through Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter, animal lovers can be confident their cash donations will directly benefit shelter animals.

Common ailment, expensive treatment

Establishing the charitable fund means more animals can be deemed adoptable - animals like Lacey, a golden retriever surrendered by her owner to the shelter this past spring.

“She was a beautiful dog - less than 2 years old - with a good temperament. The only thing wrong with her was that she was heartworm positive,” recalled Starnes. “The number of animals that come into the shelter that are heartworm positive each year are in the couple hundreds. If you multiply that by the cost of treatment, it gets very expensive,” she said.

Expensive indeed. Veterinarian Heidi Hutmaker said heartworm treatment at Atrium Animal Hospital in Pineville typically costs between $500 and $1,000, depending on the size of the dog and the stage of the disease. The drug used to kill heartworms costs $55.00 per injection; and in most cases it takes two to six injections to eradicate the disease. Charges for pain medications, diagnostic tests and boarding fees are often associated with treatment, she said. Heartworm treatment costs are similar at Sun Valley Animal Hospital in Indian Trail, according to veterinarian David Hudson.

Today Lacey is undergoing heartworm treatment and doing well, thanks to Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter. Once she has completed her treatment, she will leave the shelter and be adopted through a golden retriever rescue group, said Starnes.

Microchips, quilts add to charity fund

Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter recently purchased equipment that allows it to offer affordable microchip implantation and pet registration. “The microchip company has a special program for shelters, so even (paying) $15 for the microchip and $15 to register in the company’s data base, (leaves) a profit that goes back into the charitable fund, ” explained Starnes, noting that microchips are a great tool for finding lost pets. She urges pet owners to update their information in the data base whenever they relocate.

To raise money for the fund, two handmade quilts have been donated to the charity and raffle tickets are being sold. One quilt is on display at the animal shelter and the other is traveling to different events and locations around the county until December, when they will both be raffled off.

A large portion of the money received by the charity has been earmarked for a remodeling project that will result in an on-site spay/neuter clinic for shelter animals. The charity will honor requests by supporters to fund specific needs such as heartworm treatment.

For information about raffle tickets or to make an appointment to have your pet implanted with a microchip, call the shelter at 704-283-2308. Donations to the charitable fund should be made payable to Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter, Inc. and mailed to the attention of Lt. Michelle Starnes, Union County Animal Services, 3340 Presson Road, Monroe, NC 28112.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was published in Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 30 * July 27- Aug. 2, 2007 (http://www.unioncountyweekly.com/) Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

New Name, New Life for Lacey

2007-08-01T18:17:00.002-05:00

Update August 1, 2007

My name is Bodee Corby and I am the Adoption Coordinator for the Golden Retriever Rescue Club of Charlotte (GRRCC).

We are the rescue group that got Lacey and I read the article on her in the Union County Weekly last week. I just wanted to give you a quick update on her. She is truly a wonderful little girl. In fact, her Foster Mom is so 'taken' with her that, in less than 48 hours, she fell head over heels in love and decided she wanted to adopt her. Lacey has just about another week to go before her heartworm treatment is officially completed so she is on restricted activity until then. We have an appointment to get her spayed on Aug 16th and, after that, she will be officially adopted. I don't know if there was a specific individual that sponsored Lacey's heartworm treatment or if it was The Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter. Either way, all of us at GRRCC ( and especially Lacey) say a resounding thank you!

Attached is Lacey's picture with her new mom. She has been re-named Gracie as it befitting her new lease on life. Please feel free to pass this along to her sponsor or The Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter if you deem it appropriate.

Thanks again,

Bodee Corby

GRRCC

http://www.grrcc.com/

Dogs dig in at Camp Bark

2007-07-06T22:13:00.006-05:00

Camp Counselor, Beth Kelly, shares her affection with canine campers (from left) Darcy, Frankie, Zoe and Maggie during camp playgroup time.

Canine Campers (from left) Maggie, Frankie and Darcy explore the smells in the secure, naturalized area at Camp Bark in Waxhaw.

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

On the outskirts of Waxhaw, off Highway 75, a gravel drive winds its way past a field, a pond and acres of woods to the place where Cindy Starkey built her dream: a 5,000 square foot pet lodge and doggie day camp with enough rustic charm to rival many retreats designed for mankind.

Starkey opened Camp Bark this year on Memorial Day weekend with the motto, "It‘s not a kennel; it’s a camp” and the associated tenet - that her clients are not canines but rather "campers" - gives pet owners an indication of her philosophy about boarding dogs.

“This isn’t the Ritz-Carlton. I think that dogs like to sniff and explore the natural environment. Dogs like to dig holes,” said Starkey, warning that dogs sometimes get dirty at Camp Bark.

Raised on a farm in West Virginia, Starkey had a natural affinity for dogs even as a child. Her love for dogs was so strong that she was shocked to discover not all children felt the same way and that some of her friends did not want to spend all day playing with pooches.

That revelation didn’t change Starkey, now 38, who still spends her days playing with dogs. Assembled daily for playdates are Frankie, her 10 year-old terrier mix and Sabrina, her 5-year-old Rottweiler, not to mention all her canine campers and any dogs she may be fostering. An animal advocate, Starkey rescues dozens of dogs from shelters each year.

Starkey ventured into the dog-boarding business eight years ago after many years spent driving back and forth to her parents’ home for her dog's sake whenever work took her out of town. The four hour drive was exhausting, but knowing the level of inactivity her dog was likely to endure at an animal hospital or traditional kennel was more stressful. “Whose dog wants to take a vacation at a hospital? Even if it’s a safe place - it’s not a fun place,” she said.

Believing there had to be a better way, Starkey started pet-sitting on the side for friends and co-workers who shared her anxiety. It gave people peace of mind to know an animal lover was welcoming their pets into her home and treating them as one of her own while they were away. Soon Starkey was so busy caring for canines that she gave up her corporate job and began dreaming of the day she would open a romping retreat for man’s best friend.

That day has arrived. Starkey and her staff now provide a high-spirited schedule beginning at 6:30 am and ending around 9:30 pm for healthy, well-socialized dogs. “I want it to be a full fun day so that when the dogs retire at night they’re dog tired,” she said.

Camp playgroups are the highlight of each day. Dogs get to go outside and play chase with canine friends or fetch with staff members. They can dig in dirt, romp on grass or visit trees all inside a naturalized area safely surrounded by solid cedar fencing. Playgroups, held mid-morning and late afternoon for up to three hours at a time, are supervised by staff members who are experienced dog handlers. The camp routine includes an indoor siesta time during the hottest part of the day. Dogs that desire more breaks from all the fun and sun can find respite on the cool concrete floor under the covered back porch where bowls of fresh water are set about. There is even a baby pool for dogs inclined to take a dip or in need of a camper bath. (Baths are by request and cost extra.) There is an indoor play area in case of bad weather. Camp playgroups are included in the regular rate of $35 a day for overnight camp and $25 a day for day camp.

Overnight campers can sleep in the cageless boarding area or be tucked into their own "cabin". Buddies are allowed to bunk together. Campers' chow times are at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., all dogs are fed their own food to avoid upset stomachs. Dogs with medications, special diets and exercise requests can be accommodated, too.

Starkey's years of experience caring for dogs with special needs led her to design a roomy den next to the lobby for her senior and special-needs “campers”. These dogs may lounge on the couch or relax on the rug while listening to music or watching television. An indoor pup tent and a separate outdoor area allows every Camp Bark canine to experience the camp atmosphere.

However, Starkey does not cater to dogs that are simply spoiled. “If your dog is a late sleeper, Camp Bark is not the right place for him,” she cautioned.

Opening Camp Bark hasn't stopped Starkey's dreaming. She plans to develop an agility course, build an exercise pool and hold obedience classes, all on Camp Bark's fourteen acres. But the camp director/owner has dreams beyond Camp Bark. As the foster home coordinator for Animal Adoption League, her most precious vision is the day when there are no animals to rescue from shelters or streets and people finally understand the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.

Learn more at www.campbark.net or call 704-858-BARK.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was also published in Volume 2, Number 27 *July 6-12, 2007 of Union County Weekly and Volume 6, Number 27 * July 6-12, 2007 of Charlotte Weekly. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

JULY PERFECT FOR HOT DOGS IN THE PARK, Charlotte Dachshund Meetup Group trades "Doxie" tales and tips

2007-07-01T20:35:00.006-05:00

Hot dogs in the park present a different picture if you are a member of The Charlotte Dachshund Meetup Group. "Doxie" owners and their dogs meet regularly. The group has 135 members. For more information go to :www.dachshund.meetup.com/334/

Pretty long-haired dachshunds, Ginger and Holly, attracted lots of attention during a recent outing to the park. Their owners are Anne and John - no last names please - both girls have done some modeling and need to protect their privacy!

Crash, an 11-year-old dachshund, proves he still has digging skills.

Sporting stylish bandannas, 11-year-old brothers, Peanut and Crash, are enthusiastic about their owner, Taffy Tyler, bringing them to Park Road Park for The Charlotte Dachshund Meetup Group's July event.

Deborah is a freelance writer/photographer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

Holistic approach helps dogs handle Piedmont pollen

2007-06-15T19:09:00.004-05:00

After undergoing holistic treatment for inhalant allergies,

Blanco, my 4-year-old husky-terrier mix can enjoy his yard

again even though he is highly allergic to the river birch

tree seen in the background.

Holistic approach helps dogs handle Piedmont pollen

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

When Blanco, my three-year-old husky-terrier mix began biting, chewing and scratching his skin relentlessly last spring, I sought help. Although many might attribute this kind of irritation to fleas or mange, the source of Blanco's fidgetiness proved to be inhalant allergies - or what could be called canine hay fever.

Canines aren't spared spring's allergens; the symptoms just manifest differently than in humans. It's unusual for dogs to sneeze or have runny eyes due to airborne particle sensitivity or atopy. Atopic dogs are more likely to develop skin problems - the No. 1 reason for veterinary visits according to research by the pet insurance industry.

"We definitely see a lot of dogs for inhalant allergies," said Kim Hombs of Atrium Animal Hospital, who practices integrative veterinary medicine (a blending of conventional and holistic therapies) at her Pineville clinic, Atrium Animal Hospital.

Because pollen cycles for trees, grasses and weeds overlap, some type of pollen is always in the air - not to mention canine nasal passages - from late February until mid November in North Carolina's Piedmont region.

"In an area like this where there is high humidity, mild temperatures and no steady winds to blow the pollen away; it doesn’t take much to push a dog over his allergy threshold," said Dr. Hombs. Add a little construction dust, some industrial pollution and a lack of rain into the mix and susceptible dogs will start to show symptoms like irritated ears and itchy red skin, she explained.

A Torturous Cycle

Traditional veterinary treatments like antihistamines and corticosteroids can relieve symptoms but also can cause dry mouth and increase the dog's heart rate, said Dr. Hombs. In addition, some corticosteriods weaken the skeletal system, make dogs jittery and cause them to overeat, she continued. Allergy shots are an option if allergy testing can pinpoint just two or three allergens. Over several weeks, Blanco's symptoms led veterinarians to suggest all these treatments, in turn.

Before Dr. Hombs was consulted, Blanco took a short course of oral prednisone as well as antibiotics to fight secondary skin infections from all the biting, chewing and scratching. The prednisone was effective but Blanco resumed biting, chewing and scratching once the corticosteriod was out of his system.

Next, one antihistamine - and then a second - left Blanco drowsy, upset his stomach and didn't relieve his itchiness. Then a prednisone injection was suggested, and allergy testing was mentioned. I did not want to subject an otherwise healthy dog to a steroid injection that would stay in his system for several weeks so the torturous cycle continued.

By summer, Blanco and I had both had it! My tears fell to the floor along with what was left of Blanco’s beautiful white fur as I stroked his thinning coat and had a good cry. Determined to do something, I decided to research alternative treatments for inhalant allergies in dogs and ended up at Clara's Choice for Herbs in Indian Trail. It was there that I was referred to Atrium Animal Hospital: http://www.atriumanimalhospital.com/

Help The Way Nature Intended

After taking a medical history and giving Blanco a physical exam, Dr. Hombs pointed out that the red skin on the inside of his thighs indicated inflammation. "It should be pencil eraser pink," she said, and prescribed a high quality Omega-3 fatty acid capsule formulated for dogs. A natural anti-inflammatory, Omega-3 fatty acids are also good for brain development, Dr. Hombs said.

"If there is one thing I would recommend (for dogs in allergy crisis) it would be Omega-3 fatty acids but be careful of the source," explained Dr. Hombs, "Sardines, herring, mackerel - all those little cold water fish are loaded with it and their tiny bones are a good calcium source, too."

Dr. Hombs also prescribed a homeopathic combination of Chinese herbs to relieve Blanco’s itchy skin. At first, he wanted nothing to do with the pungent powdery herbs; however, hiding Chinese tea pills - tiny round pellets about 1/4 inch in diameter - in his food worked like a charm. Although, I thought I was giving my dog high quality nutrition, Blanco's food, a mixture of dry food and canned food, also drew scrutiny.

"Most dry goods are highly processed and lack nutritional value. For a dog with inflammation, dry food can be compared to putting dry kindling on a fire," explained Dr. Hombs. "The carbohydrates are transformed to sugar and sugar inflames."

Dogs with allergies need plenty of nutrients to help their immune systems deal with the problem, she said. Foods with antibiotics, dyes, growth hormones and preservatives will only exacerbate symptoms.

Blanco was given a more natural diet, primarily of raw beef. This would help clean his blood of all the drugs he had been given and provide nutrition closer to what he would get in nature. This could be complemented by a list of "cooling foods" to ease Blanco's inflammation. Plain organic yogurt was added to help his digestive tract absorb nutrients. Blanco thinks yogurt is a fine treat!

A Happy Healthy Ending

After a few weeks on his individualized holistic regimen, Blanco showed dramatic improvement. He stopped biting at his skin, scratched less and starting to get his beautiful white fur and his spirit back. After a few months, I thought he was good as new.

Even though Blanco was well, I saved up the money and had an allergy test done to satisfy my curiosity. The chief offender turned out to be the big river birch tree in my backyard. River birch trees are common here so cutting it down wouldn’t help the situation and as Dr. Hombs predicted Blanco was allergic to more than one thing.

"Allergy testing is limited as far as accuracy," said Dr. Hombs, adding that the allergens a lab might list for the Southeast might not be localized enough to generate medication ideally suited to your pet. She recommended administering locally made raw honey instead: "What you are getting in local honey is fabulous. A company can’t possibly put all the allergens from your particular location (into a serum) but the bees do. They are tapping from all the local pollen."

So rather than give Blanco allergy shots, I opted for the holistic approach of a teaspoon of locally made raw honey once a day. I began giving him honey in January as it takes three to four months to desensitize a dog to allergens this way. The real test came this spring when the river birch tree once again filled the backyard with long squiggly strings of yellow pollen. Blanco and the holistic approach passed with flying colors.

Note: Never administer herbs to a dog or any pet without consulting a veterinarian trained in the use of herbal medicine.

Deborah lives in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. She writes about dogs for magazines, newspapers and her blog: Metrolina Dog Reporter (An edited version of this article was also published in Volume 2, Number 24 * June 15-21, 2007 of Union County Weekly.) Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

Buy Healthy Dog Food

2007-06-06T00:09:00.008-05:00

Wondering which dog food manufacturers you can trust? Looking for dog foods free of additives, antibiotics, artificial hormones, by-products, dyes and preservatives? Do you believe dog food ingredients should be human grade or organic?

Buy healthy dog food at these local stores:

Atrium Animal Hospital

(Pineville area)

6520 McMahon Drive

Charlotte, NC 28266

Phone: 704-542-2000

Bark Street
3930 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 704-525-9998

City Dog, USA
1100 N. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 704-338-9663

Club K-9 of Charlotte
2001 N. Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-376-0801

Earthfare

(Ballantyne area)
12235 North Community House Road
Charlotte, NC 28277
Phone: 704-296-1201

The Furry Godmother

113 West South Main Street

Waxhaw, NC 28173

Phone: 843-9905

Home Economist
5410 E. Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28212
Phone: 704-536-4663

Pawtique

(Ballantyne area)
12206 Copper Way #136
Charlotte, NC 28227
Phone: 800-544-7551

Talley’s Green Grocery
1408-C East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203

Phone: 704-334-9200

The Natural Marketplace
8206 Providence Road #1800
Charlotte, NC 28277
Phone: 704-542-1444

village paws and claws
(birkdale village)
16815-D Cranlyn Road
Huntersville, NC 28178
Phone: 704-655-7297

Pound Puppies Dog Show Pictures

2007-05-22T21:37:00.006-05:00

Kim Blutreich holds, Gus, a 12-week-old German Shepherd-Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) mix available for adoption from the Union County Animal Shelter during the Pound Puppies Dog Show in downtown Monroe on Sunday, May 20th. Gus has two siblings also available for adoption at the shelter.

Shelter volunteer, Barbara Lopez chats with Wixe radio personality and Pound Puppies Dog Show emcee, Britt Pope about Ricky. Like the other puppies in the show, Ricky was part of an unplanned litter that wound up at the Union County Animal Shelter this spring. The necessity of spaying and neutering pets to decrease Union County's pet overpopulation problem was stressed throughout the event. Donations were accepted and tickets to a December quilt raffle were sold to benefit the opening of an on site spay/neuter clinic at the Union County Animal Shelter in the near future.

Amber Cato admires two participants in the Pound Puppies Dog Show: Flash, a young Jack Russell Terrier mix and Simon, a four-year-old purebred Dalmatian. Both were up for adoption from the Union County Animal Shelter on Sunday, May 20, during the Pound Puppies Dog Show.

Michelle Feemster of Go Dog Productions and her rescued shelter dogs entertained the crowd at the Old Court House in downtown Monroe during the Pound Puppies Dog Show on Sunday, May 20th. Wixe Radio and the Union County Sheriff's Office presented the show to help dogs from the Union County Animal Shelter find homes as well as raise public awareness about the pet overpopulation problem in Union County and raise money for an on site spay/neuter clinic the shelter plans to open in the near future.

Deborah is a freelance writer/photographer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. (Several of these photographs were also published in Volume 2, Number 21 * May 25-31, 2007 of Union County Weekly) Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above article by clicking on the link below.

Bark in the Park 2007

2007-05-01T15:47:00.006-05:00

The Ultimate Air Dogs Show was an entertainment highlight for the crowd at Davie Dog Park during Bark in the Park on Saturday, April 28th. In this event known as "Ultimate Vertical" dogs jump 8 feet out over the pool to grab or release a training bumper.

An estimated 7,000 people accompanied by hundreds of dogs attended this year's event, said Candy Bridges, recreation coordinator for the south district of Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. Bark in the Park began in the early eighties but only recently 2005 - 2007 has it become a regular annual event for the county, she noted.

Located within William R. Davie District Park at 4635 Pineville-Matthews Road, Davie Dog Park has five fenced acres for dogs to play off-leash. There are secure separated sections for large dogs (over 20 lbs) and small dogs (under 20 lbs).

Deborah Parkhill Mullis writes about dogs for area magazines and newspapers and her blog: Metrolina Dog Reporter. Contact her at dogreporter@hotmail.com (This photograph was published by Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 19 * May 11-17, 2007)

Pitbull Dogs Impress Judge

2007-04-24T20:57:00.008-05:00

(from left) Josh Rivers, Echo, Gideon and Dawn Rivers

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Pitbull dogs, Echo and Gideon, owned by Dawn and Josh Rivers of Lancaster, S.C., were the winners of five awards including Best in Show at a benefit dog show held Saturday afternoon at Why Not An American Ark in Monroe.

The dog show was emceed by professional dog trainer, Teresa Faucette of Mint Hill and judged by Dee Smith of Charlotte. About fifteen dogs representing a variety of breeds and breed mixes were entered in the "All Dogs FUN Show". There were eighteen entry classes including everything from Best Kisser and "Waggiest" tail to Least Obedient and Most Talented.

Echo placed first in Fastest Recall, a timed run across the arena to her owner. She also picked up a blue ribbon for Most Talented. Gideon received blue ribbons for Best Kisser and Most Obedient. She also won Best In Show.

"I think Pitbulls get such a bad rap. Everything about that dog was (best) all around. She was extremely well-trained," Smith said about her Best In Show pick.

This was the first dog show for three-year old Echo and four-year-old Gideon. According to Dawn, the dogs have had no special training other than what she has picked up while working in the pet grooming business for 14 years. Dawn is co-owner of The Furry Godmother, a combination pet grooming, pet care and unique gift shop in downtown Waxhaw. The shop celebrated its one year anniversary on April 15th.

Dawn and Josh raised Echo and Gideon from pups. There was absolutely no treat training," said Dawn of their winning dogs. They work solely to please their masters, she explained, noting that the two large dogs live harmoniously with their little guys at home: a Chihuahua, a Rat Terrier and two cats. Pitbulls are a likeable breed if they are raised right, she said.

The "All Dogs FUN Show" was part of the United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) - Central Piedmont Field Day. This is the second year the event which "brings together horses, dogs and the people who love them" was hosted by Jeff and Amy Wylie of Monroe.

Other rescue organizations represented that day included Operation C.A.R.E, Animal Adoption League, NC Schnauzer Rescue and Union County Animal Control. In addition to the dog show, other benefit events included a horse show, fishing derby, horse shoe contest and a silent auction. All proceeds went to the USERL to help care for rescued equines.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was published by Union County Weekly,Volume 2, Number 18, * May 4-10, 2007. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

All Dogs FUN Show brings new addition

2007-04-21T22:17:00.002-05:00

Editorial

My family and I went to the ALL DOGS FUN SHOW at Why Not An American Ark in Monroe on Saturday, April 21, and we met so many wonderful people and their dogs.

In fact, we did not get away without adopting a rescue dog from Operation Care (http://www.operationcare.petfinder.com/) of Rock Hill, SC.

She is a four-month-old Akita/Border Collie mix with one blue eye and one brown eye pictured above. My daughter named her "Okami" which is Japanese for wolf.

Okami seems to be adjusting well (eating, eating, eating and eating, house-training, playing and sleeping just fine. No noise coming from her crate at night). In addition to having her first set of puppy shots, she is already spayed and implanted with microchip. (A real bargain for a donation of $125.00!) Good job Operation Care!

She is a beautiful, intelligent, obedient, sweet girl that is responding to her new name already and has quickly learned to sit and to come to front. We are working on stay, down and the all important OFF!

Equally important is that our other rescue dog, a four-year-old very active Husky-JRT mix, Blanco, is adjusting to her. I was a little worried at first but she soon put him in his place and in a short time Okami seems to have had a profoundly calming affect on Blanco. (A blessing in itself!)

The two are getting along famously and since reading up on Akitas I think we are very lucky our other dog is a male and that she is a mixed breed.

The eight-year-old cat, Oreo, hasn't packed her bags even though we now own two dogs with very strong prey drives. (We didn't plan it that way, Oreo!) We absolutely never leave our cat alone with our dogs. (Even though we think the tough little girl could probably take them.) Oreo doesn't even seem to really mind Okami because she is mild-mannered and obedient thus far. Let's hope Blanco doesn't teach her any bad habits. (I'm sorry Blanco you're a good boy ... just excitable!) I guess I will be retraining him while I train her.

Dog Reporter Debbie

dogreporter@hotmail.com

SouthPark Mall Animal Adoption Fair

2007-04-06T16:42:00.004-05:00

Rob Anderson handles Cole, a one-year-old Labrador/hound mix, that he and his wife are fostering. The couple has been volunteering with CMPD Animal Control Bureau for three years and foster dogs with issues such as spinning in their cages because they have been behind bars for too long.

Classy Mall goes to Cats and Dogs

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Shoppers could not resist the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Control Bureau adoption fair on Saturday, March 3 at South Park Mall. The fair featured animals from the agency’s foster program and animal shelter.

Sponsored by South Park, the event is one of the most successful for CMPD Animal Control Bureau, said Linda Hagemann, the volunteer Coordinator for the department.

Hagemann couldn't convince area malls to allow animals inside until she asked upscale SouthPark. The mall's general manager, Randall Thomas, generously agreed to turn over the center court to the shelter's cats and dogs the first Saturday of every month. People have been drawn to the mall in support of the cause.

Eighteen dogs, four cats and thirty-eight volunteers were on hand for the March adoption fair. Only a few cats were there because cats don’t do as well as dogs with all the commotion. Cats have to be handpicked for this kind of event, explained Sylvia Becker, who became involved with the animal shelter as soon as she moved here from Los Angeles one year ago.

Linda Middleton was watching over the cats and introduced Pappy, a stray kitten that was adopted right away. Pappy was named after the popular dog breed because of her large Papillion looking ears, she said. Middleton, a volunteer for two years, loves working adoption fairs and enjoys educating people about responsible pet ownership. "I like going into distressed neighborhoods and doing pet education. I love meeting people - either I find out something or they find out something we didn’t know before."

Becker started a fund drive in conjunction with the SouthPark adoption fairs. She put donation boxes on all sides of the venue for The Second Chance Medical Fund. The fund pays for the treatment of sick and injured animals that otherwise would not be candidates for adoption. As much as $500 in public donations has been collected at each event in addition to the sizable amount she donates from her Allen Tate real estate business each month.

Seventeen animals were adopted during the March event. "We don’t always adopt 100 percent of the animals we bring but we come close," said Becker.

Rescue a shelter pet by visiting CMPD Animal Control at SouthPark Mall the first Saturday of every month. For more information on CMPD Animal Control Bureau, see Local Animal Shelter Links in the left hand margin of this blog. (An edited of this story ran in Charlotte Weekly, Volume 6, Number 14 * April 6 -12, 2007)

Leash laws tied to people not pets

2007-04-06T13:47:00.007-05:00

By Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Countywide leash laws are designed to protect the public from potentially dangerous animals, but the benefits don’t stop there. According to animal advocates, strongly enforced leash laws effectively address irresponsible pet ownership, lower the risk of unplanned litters and reduce the unwanted pet population. Currently, Union County does not have a leash law; but certain municipalities within the county, such as Waxhaw, do.

How other counties compare

In Mecklenburg County, with an estimated population density of 1,573 people per square mile, fines for breaking leash laws range from $50 to $500. Residents are required to keep all animals other than cats on a leash or inside a fence. A broken connection in an invisible fence is no excuse; the ordinance states invisible fencing must be marked and operating. When off the leash outdoors, animals trained to respond to verbal commands must stay in the yard and be with the person to whom they respond. Repeat offenders risk permanent seizure of their animals in addition to a $500 fine.

Cabarrus and Gaston counties also have leash laws. Lt. David Taylor, animal control supervisor with the Sheriff’s Office of Cabarrus County, can’t remember a time without a countywide leash law. "Leash laws make the owners accountable," he said.

Taylor noted that the cities of Concord and Kannapolis adopted the same ordinance as the county. On farms encompassing more than five acres, animals don’t have to be on a leash but they do have to stay on their property, he explained.

In Gaston County, citizens can learn about leash laws through a video presentation on the animal control department’s Web site. According to Sgt. Larry Lingafelt of the Gaston County Police Department, the leash law has existed for at least 24 years. "It’s a helpful tool and one of the best things to happen in Gaston County," he said.

Numbers Game

Leash laws are often based on population density. But even with rapid suburban development, census statistics from 2006 indicate that Union County’s population density of approximately 275 people per square mile is still lower than those of Cabarrus (430), Gaston (560) or Mecklenburg counties. Yet, Union County impounded approximately 2,000 more pets than Cabarrus County last year.

Joe Blomquist, the state Department of Agriculture's animal welfare outreach coordinator, said N. C. general statute 67.12 disallows dogs over 6 months old from running at large at night unaccompanied by their owner. If such a dog were to cause personal injury or property damage, the owner would be liable. Aside from this state statute, he said, it is local government's responsiblity to develop leash laws.

"In North Carolina a lot of counties are still very rural with a lot farm land and open land, which is probably why they don’t have leash laws. If a farmer has 200 acres then his dog can go 200 acres," he said.

Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services, expressed concerned that a countywide leash law could double or triple the number of dogs entering the animal shelter. In the largely rural county, people are accustomed to letting their animals roam.

When returning a stray dog, animal control officers emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering, said Starnes, who believes that educating owners is the solution to pet overpopulation. Even without a countywide leash law, pet owners are charged between $25 and $150, plus the cost of boarding, for the release of their impounded pets.

Union County Weekly pulblished Deborah's article in their Volume 2, Number 14 * April 6-12, 2007 issue. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com

Union County Animal Services rescues Waxhaw animals

2007-03-23T12:16:00.003-05:00

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Even as a new generation of public animal shelters works to build volunteer crews and educate citizens about responsible pet ownership, animal control officers continue to respond to animal cruelty issues.

“Our (animal control) officers answer call after call after call. Most of the time it’s the public calling about cases of abuse or neglect. We send officers out to investigate immediately,” said Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey.

On March 14, Union County Animal Services helped investigate the condition of 50 abused and neglected animals belonging to Waxhaw dog breeder and kennel operator, Denise Helms. Upon the arrival of a state investigator and a local animal services deputy at Helms' Pleasant Grove Road property, the breeder surrendered what she claimed to be the “worst” animals: two yellow labs, two chocolate labs and a bloodhound.

Lt. Michelle Starnes, UCAS director, said the five dogs were emaciated, and no food or fresh water for the animals was found on the property. The surrendered dogs' health was so poor they were euthanized.

The conditions led to a search of the premises and subsequent seizure of 36 dogs; one pair each of cats, ferrets, birds, horses, and goats; a donkey, sheep, rabbit and iguana. Helms has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.

The US Equine Rescue League is fostering the horses, goats, sheep and donkey seized from the premises; a veterinarian is looking after the birds. Starnes said it appears the remaining animals receiving care at the animal shelter on Presson Road in Monroe will recover. Shelter staff had to learn how to tend to an abused iguana with a fused tail, securing a him a proper diet of dandelion greens, fruit, and kale and soaking him in tepid water three times a day. “His color is coming back and he is eating now,” said Starnes.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. She wrote this article for the Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 12 * March 23-29, 2007. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com

2007-03-23T12:02:00.004-05:00

This is the third article in a series on educational programs and volunteer efforts at area animal shelters to promote responsible pet ownership and manage the ongoing problem of pet overpopulation.

Working together for animal welfare
Part Three

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

A survey of area animal shelters shows that no matter how many cats and dogs enter a shelter - more than 18,000 (Mecklenburg County) or less than 3,000 (Cabarrus County) - more than 50% will be euthanized if citizens do not change their behavior. Euthanasia rates for cats in nearby counties are as high as 89% following impoundment.

That sad fact hasn’t changed much over the 10 years that Sue King, Gaston County Shelter Supervisor, has worked with animals. The solution is to educate people about responsible pet ownership thereby limiting the number of pets impounded in the first place, she said.

“So many surrender cards say 'moving' it can’t possibly be true in every case,” said King. More likely the pet has a training issue and the person has an attitude problem. “We have people who turn in animals as if they are broken and disposable and then want to look at the adoptables. They didn’t take care of the one they had!” she exclaimed.

How do area shelters encourage citizens to re-examine their behavior and consider animal welfare? A spirit of cooperation between animal advocates and animal shelters seems to be the key to creating an ongoing educational campaign that successfully reaches and teaches the public what it means to be a responsible pet owner.

According to Joe Bloomquist, animal welfare outreach coordinator for the NC Dept. of Agriculture, public animal shelters across the state are doing a good job with limited resources by building volunteer networks to help foster animals so that so many don’t have to be euthanized. “This state is trying to lead the way in getting shelter animals adopted, getting people to spay and neuter their pets and use identification tags. The main thing is education,” he said.

Hand in Hand

Talking to citizens about responsible pet ownership is a mission Gaston County Animal Control shares with rescue groups. “We work hand in hand with all the animal leagues. It's good for their animals and promotes adoption of our animals,” said animal control officer, Sgt. Larry Lingafelt of the Gaston County Police Department. According to Lingafelt, one Saturday each month rescue groups organize an adoption day at the shelter. And when rescue groups hold off-site adoptions at parks or malls, animal control officers are available to educate citizens.

The department has an impressive Web site ( www.co.gaston.nc.us/AnimalControl/index.HTM ) featuring a streaming video called "Gaston County Close-up," which communicates a serious message about animal control’s role in Gaston County and shows photos from an adoption event at Westfield Eastridge Mall in February. Volunteers from the Animal League of Gaston County helped shelter cats and dogs find new homes that day. Lost animals have a page on the site as do animals up for adoption. Information about a new spaying and neutering assistance program can also be found there.

Side by Side

In Cabarrus County, the Sheriff’s Office enforces animal control and the local humane society handles adoptions. “They work side by side with us at the shelter,” said animal control supervisor, Lt. David Taylor. "Under a lease agreement they work within the shelter and get the monetary value (for adopted animals),” he explained.

A prominent “Adopt a Pet” link on the web page for the Sheriff’s Office of Cabarrus County Animal Control takes readers to the Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County‘s web page, which is filled with up-to-date information including a calendar of events and a current newsletter. Many articles speak to the issue of responsible pet ownership.

The two-year anniversary of the New Leash on Life Program was recently celebrated, according to a local humane society newsletter. “Inmates train dogs over a six week period and then they are adopted out to the public. We have a waiting list for those dogs,” said Lt. Taylor.

Five Years Running

Adoption fairs and free spaying and neutering clinics held every month by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Control’s base of volunteers has had a positive impact on animal welfare in Mecklenburg County. Volunteer coordinator, Linda Hagemann, oversees 185 volunteers in a variety of programs for CMPD Animal Control. The Call Back Program gives new pet owners a free training DVD and contacts them within a week to see how their rescue pet is doing. Volunteers offer help if any training issues are raised.

In addition, CMPD Animal Control, The Humane Society of Charlotte, Smash Communications and The Foundation for the Carolinas launched an ambitious media campaign known as “Spay-Neuter-Adopt” to educate the public about responsible pet ownership with strategically placed billboards, extensive Web sites, and pre-feature cinema slide shows on as many as 38 screens within four major movie theaters.

CMPD Animal Control also publishes a newsletter, Four Paws & a Tale, which is made available at adoption fairs and is filled with information and stories that encourage responsible pet ownership. Financially fragile neighborhoods receive flyers and phone calls to advertise free rabies and spay/neuter clinics. Animal control officers go into schools to educate children.

Getting it Together

Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey said Animal Services is in the process of hiring a volunteer coordinator to oversee education, off-site adoptions and rabies clinics. He hopes the new position will lead Union County residents to become as involved in animal welfare as Mecklenburg County residents.

“We don’t have a real good website, we realize that," he said. The old building did not have the computer accessibility that we have in the new building. The IT Department is working on that daily.”

According to Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services, current shelter volunteers have been instrumental in obtaining free brochures about responsible pet ownership from the American Kennel Club and other resources to hand out at the adoption center and during events such as rabies clinics.

Starnes and certified professional dog trainer Maggie Blutreich, make educational presentations at schools and for groups. For example, as a community service project, Girl Scout Troop 939 is collecting funds, distributing flyers and posting signs to promote rabies clinics the shelter will sponsor this spring.

Animal Services staff and shelter volunteers will continue holding new volunteer orientations as needed. To find out more about volunteering at the Union County animal shelter contact: Kristin Blank: weebiscuit1946@yahoo.com or 704-843-5152.

Deborah wrote this article for Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number12 * March 23-29, 2007. She can be reached at dogreporter@hotmail.com

2007-03-16T20:55:00.004-05:00

This is the second article in a series on educational programs and volunteer efforts at area animal shelters to promote responsible pet ownership and manage the ongoing problem of pet overpopulation.

Working Together for Animal Welfare

Part Two

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Strong animal control laws and enough sworn officers to enforce them are basic to managing a burgeoning pet population; but the close association of committed volunteers, according to Linda Hagemann, volunteer coordinator of Charlottte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Control, helps a program hum.

Union County Animal Services recently asked county commissioners to fund a volunteer services coordinator for the new animal shelter on Presson Road in Monroe. After commissioners approved the position, Lt. Michelle Starnes and three experienced volunteers began building a volunteer base by holding informational meetings and volunteer orientations in February and March.

As new recruits get their feet wet at the Union County animal shelter, Hagemann talked about her experience at the animal shelter on Byrum Drive in Charlotte.

When Hagemann was hired five years ago she had one volunteer but said building a base of volunteers was easy, because people are passionate about animals. "It is exciting to see how you can make a difference with a growing volunteer program," said Hagemann, who oversees 185 volunteers. "We have such dedicated volunteers. Every time people join the volunteer program they bring new ideas."

While volunteers help exercise, foster, groom, socialize and train animals approved for adoption, that is far from all they do. They also lead educational programs such as the Call Back Program.

Every person who adopts an animal from CMPD Animal Control gets the educational DVD "Pets Incredible," which was developed to help shelters reduce the number of animals returned because of behavior problems. It gives step-by-step advice about common training issues in cats and dogs. Volunteers make follow-up phone calls about a week after an adoption to see if the DVD has been viewed. They go through a checklist of questions and assess how pets are doing in their new environments and offer help with transitioning issues. "This is one way to stop owners from getting impatient with their pets," she said.

Some volunteers have found a niche in the department’s on-site spay/neuter clinics held twice a month. Recently, 58 free spay/neuter surgeries were provided on a single Saturday to Mecklenburg County residents who otherwise would not have been able to make pet reproductive surgery a financial priority, Hagemann said.

Besides assisting with adoptions at the shelter seven days a week, volunteers are very active in off-site adoptions. Adoption fairs are held at SouthPark Mall the first Saturday of every month. "We hold events throughout the county but the mall has been our biggest success," she said, noting that 36 spayed and neutered pets implanted with a microchip found homes through SouthPark adoption fairs in February and March.

Through their outreach efforts, volunteers have helped increase community partnerships that not only promote adoptions but also financially support the shelter’s monthly public spay/neuter clinics, medical donation fund and media campaign.

"All of our outreach programs, our adoptions and our spay/neuter clinics utilize a few staff members and a large number of volunteers," said Hagemann, who had 38 volunteers working two shifts at the SouthPark adoption fair on March 3.

Volunteers may give as little as five or as many as 89 hours monthly. But no matter how many hours they give Hagemann looks for commitment. "We put them through a lot of training and they need to stay practiced. The staff has a growing reliance on volunteers," Hagemann said of the animal control department’s 80 employees. "Two banquets are held each year to recognize volunteers. One is a formal dinner and the other is a cookout. In addition, the animal shelter has its own Christmas party," she said.

More than 20,000 animals passed through CMPD Animal Control during the 2006 fiscal year. Statistics show that 5,747 lives were saved either through adoptions (3,606) or through reunions (2,141). Unlike private charitable organizations, government agencies don't choose which pets pass through their doors.

"We are required to take them all," Hagemann said. "You can’t get overwhelmed by the statistics. Each life saved is a life saved. Cumulatively, we hope to change the statistics."

Deborah aka dog reporter is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. She wrote this article for Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 11 * March 16-22, 2007 issue. www.unioncountyweekly.com Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

2007-03-09T20:24:00.005-05:00

This is the first article in a series of articles on educational programs and volunteer efforts being made at area animal shelters in order to promote responsible pet ownership and manage the ongoing problems of pet overpopulation.

At right: New volunteer Liza Megherian holds 5-month-old "Eddie" in the Union County animal shelter's adoption center. The kitten is named after Sheriff Eddie Cathey.

Working Together for Animal Welfare
Part One

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Union County Animal Services held its first volunteer orientation on Wednesday, February 28, at the new animal shelter on Presson Road in Monroe.

"A lot of folks still think of us as the dog catcher running around with a net. We‘re a lot more than that," said Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services.

The two-hour orientation was organized by Starnes and three experienced shelter volunteers: Kristin Blank, Maggie Blutreich and Sue Hardy. By organizing current volunteers and beginning to expand the shelter’s volunteer base, they hope the new volunteer services coordinator will be able to "hit the ground running," said Hardy.

Union County commissioners recently looked into the cost of funding a full-time coordinator to oversee all volunteer services of the Union County animal shelter. The position was recently posted on the county’s Web site with an annual salary range of $29,710 - $44, 565.

Paid volunteer coordinator Linda Hagemann has been with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Control for almost five years now. Together CMPD Animal Control, Hagemann and her volunteers saved the lives of 5,747 cats and dogs through adoptions and owner reunions during the 2006 fiscal year.

In 2006, Union County Animal Services saved about 1,550 animals. "I have a lot of visions of where we can take this volunteer program," said Starnes, who has visited surrounding animal shelters.

A retired pharmacist and a high school senior who plans to become a veterinarian were two of the 10 animal lovers who attended the orientation. Everyone received a folder of information about animal services and responsible pet ownership. A set of goals for animal shelter volunteers was included.

Blank spoke about upcoming events in need of volunteers: The US Equine Rescue League’s 2nd Annual Field Day on April 21 at 1126 Charlie Williams Road in Monroe and the "Doggie Idol Contest" on May 27th at Waxhaw’s Memorial Day celebration. Volunteers will process rabies clinic paperwork at the April event and will educate the public about responsible pet ownership and promote the volunteer program during the May contest.

Ann Bass, animal medical technician, covered routine measures such as blood tests, health exams, preventative medications, temperament evaluations and vaccinations provided for shelter animals. She explained why some treatments are not provided and why certain animals have to be euthanized, noting that rescue groups are often contacted in the case of animals the shelter can not care for like heartworm positive ones.

Bass said she’s happy to have enough space to hold animals for a few days now and let them calm down. "This facility is so much bigger, I liken it to moving from Motel 6 to the Westin," joked Bass. "Sometimes it’s just a trust issue and in 24 to 36 hours they will adjust to their new environment and see that we are not the bad guys."

New volunteers will be trained by experienced volunteers in the shelter’s adoption center, Hardy said. She covered the basic rules for safety, cleaning cat cages and taking dogs from inside kennels to outside runs. Even the proper radio station for shelter animals was discussed: classical music only please!

Blutreich, a certified professional dog trainer, gave tips on bringing out the best in shelter dogs and eliciting the best opinion from people who visit the shelter. "We are the face of the animal shelter," she said, "a person who walks in here may have never been in any shelter before. You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

For information on volunteering contact: Kristin Blank: weebiscuit1946@yahoo.com or 704-843-5152.

Deborah aka dog reporter wrote this story for the Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 10 * March 9-15, 2007 www.unioncountyweekly.com

Matchmaker, Matchmaker ...

2007-02-14T19:44:00.007-05:00

Kennel owner, Nicole Moore (left) socializes rescue dog Ella with her own dogs in the doggie day care area of Charlotte Kennels. Professional dog trainer Luann Van Leer (right) commands rescue dog Ella's attention.

...finding a match for Ella

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

Nicole Moore and Luann Van Leer have already made two successful matches this year. Today they talk excitedly about a possible match for Ella, their first relationship challenged female.

Very petite with pretty brown eyes, Ella is an energetic, physically fit young girl that enjoys being active. After experiencing multiple rejections over the past three years, Ella is a little unsure of herself but Nicole and Luann will help her regain her confidence and composure. Not only are they matchmakers - they are life coaches.

In spite of her negative experiences, Ella still warms up to people. She still desires that human bond. That’s why Nicole and Luann will do all they can to make sure Ella’s next bond sticks.

They will give Ella a new outlook on life by coaching her and encouraging her until she learns to control certain behaviors like backing up when people approach her, jumping up and down when she gets excited and using the bathroom in the wrong place.

I should probably mention that Ella is a rescued Rat Terrier. That said, I should also tell you that Nicole Moore is the owner of Charlotte Kennels, a full service boarding, grooming and daycare facility for dogs and cats in Indian Trail, North Carolina and Luann Van Leer operates Shake-A-Paw Dog Training. In addition to running their respective businesses, they also make it their business to rescue, socialize, train and ultimately match up the right person with abandoned and/or neglected dogs - one dog at a time.

From a business standpoint, it’s expensive to rescue dogs, explains Nicole. "You give up boarding space, you have to feed them, buy beds for them, get them shots and training … it’s like it’s your dog," she said, admitting that her silent business partner helps her to keep her perspective or else she would fill up the whole kennel with rescues.

It’s easy to see how Ella benefits from a personal matchmaking situation as opposed to an impersonal rescue organization. There’s no competition - it’s all about Ella. The focus is on refining her until she is irresistible.

Ella’s re-education begins with an evaluation by professional dog trainer, Luann Van Leer. "Sometimes we are not certain of a dog’s true background. Some dogs will not show their true personality and temperament right away. Once a dog is with us for a while and starts to feel comfortable then they will show their true colors," she said. Then the work begins.

Socializing rescue dogs is very important, explains Luann, it builds their confidence and turns them into well-rounded dogs who will adjust better. This is why kennel owner, Nicole, turns her doggie day care area into a sort of charm school for canines today by bringing in her own pets to help Ella work on her doggie social skills. Ella will learn to get along with Jussy, an eight-year-old Australian Shepherd; Jill, a three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix; and Lilly, an eleven-month-old Schnauzer-Poodle. Ella doesn’t have any problems with the other dogs.

Ella also gets to practice her people skills with employees who work at Charlotte Kennels as well as customers who come to pick up their own dogs. "If we try them out in different situations and we socialize them with many people, from children to older adults, we can better place them in an appropriate home environment," said Luann.

Luann calls for Ella. Ella comes running with her tail wagging but then she backs away. "She’s been moved around a lot, she’s unsure," notes Luann. Ella’s hesitation is no problem for an experienced trainer and soon Luann has Ella’s full attention and visa-versa. Luann is taken with the tiny terrier and toys with the idea of bringing her home for a few days and trying her out in her own family but then another dog visiting the kennel that day, Bonnie, comes outside to play.

Bonnie is a 3-year-old Miniature Pinscher attending doggie day care to run off her excess energy. Although Ella got along fine with Nicole’s three dogs, Bonnie and Ella are about the same age and close to the same size. They immediately click with each other. The two dogs have a blast playing together and before long the wheels start to turn in the minds of the two matchmakers … perhaps Bonnie’s owners will be interested in a second dog?

If not, Nicole and Luann will keep working with Ella until the right person falls for her.

- - - END - - -

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. All of the family pets are rescues. An edited version of this story was published in Union County Weekly, Feb. 29-March 6, 2008 issue.

Letters from dog lovers

2007-02-01T23:18:00.012-05:00

Send your dog-related anecdotes, comments or questions to dogreporter@hotmail.com. Please put Dear Dog Reporter in the subject line and include your current contact information.

Dear Dog Reporter,

I am new to Indian Trail and I am having a real problem with a cat that is not fixed and keeps coming into my yard.

I have a dog and cat of my own. My cat is an indoor cat and my dog has a fenced in yard to run and play in.

The owner of the cat does not care about his cat being in other peoples' yards. My cat gets very upset when this roaming cat ends up on my front porch.

Do I have any recourse?

Thanks,

Terri (June 2008)

Hi Terri,

I share your frustration as I have the same problem in my Indian Trail neighborhood with dogs and cats.

Unfortunately, Indian Trail has no leash laws. And even if there were leash laws, cats would likely not be included. This is one of the reasons why this site emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownershipship.

Try contacting the following group's Charlotte chapter of Friends of Feral Felines for advice about a roaming cat that is not fixed.

Meanwhile, I suggest you keep a spray bottle of plain water near your front door and give the neighbor's cat a few squirts when it tries to get cozy on your front porch. Cats are smart creatures and I bet before long this one will decide your porch is not worth the aggravation.

Best regards,

Debbie (aka Dog Reporter)

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Quality Pet Food vs. Cornering the Market

Many readers have written me recently regarding my reasons for recommending pet food found in health food stores and speciality pet shops and asking why I still eschew the popular brands available in major grocery store chains and pet store chains, even though those brands may not currently be on any recall lists. Please study this excellent article: What's Really in Pet Food and you will understand pet food company that spend the bulk of their budget on advertising instead of on quality ingredients are suspect.

Best regards,

Debbie (aka Dog Reporter)

(March 2008)
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Dear Dog Reporter,

I recently rescued two mixed breed puppies and would like to enroll them into some sort of obedience training class. I live in the southwest Charlotte area and wondered if you had any that you could recommend.

Thanks,
Tiffani

(January 2008)

Hi Tiffani,

For their first obedience class, I took both of my rescued mix breed puppies through training classes at Petsmart. Puppy Headstart or a regular beginners class are ongoing at area Petsmart stores.

There are also Puppy Kindergarten classes at Piedmont Kennel Club which is located near Carowinds. Check out the PKC website for scheduled classes.

Both of these facilities use postive reinforcement training methods. When looking for a dog trainer and especially when it come to puppies; avoid trainers who employ scare tactics such as loud noises or harsh physical discipline.

Best regards,

Debbie (aka Dog Reporter)

Send your dog-related questions to dogreporter@hotmail.com Please include your name, location and contact information. Please put Dear Dog Reporter in the subject line of your e-mail.
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Dear Dog Reporter,

Regarding your article: Doggie doors not exactly heaven 'sent', let me tell you a cute story that will have you pondering.

I recently adopted this beautiful mixed breed dog, very energetic and under one year of age. One night after going to bed and being asleep, I became semi-conscious of the dog jumping on and off my bed, running up and down the hall and in and out of the doggie door. She repeated this I don't know how many times. I thought to myself, the dog is just exploring her new surroundings and the yard is large and fenced in ... what could be the harm? Besides I was so cozy and warm that I rolled over and was soon fast asleep again.

When I awoke about 6:30 a.m, I noticed something on the floor. Oh darn, it looked like my new white bath towel. Switching on the light, I let out scream. It was a possum, thankfully a dead one. Now, the question is when the dog was jumping on and off and on and off my bed, did she have the possum with her? Hopefully, she was just trying to get me to acknowledge the gift she'd left me on the floor. I'll never really know for sure but from now on the doggie door is locked at dark!

Signed,

Carol

Wingate, NC

(November 2007)

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Dear Dog Reporter:

Thanks for the laughs. This (Doggie door not exactly heaven 'sent') was so well written, a true joy to read. Props to you!!!

Jolene A. Fecker

Improving the quality of your pet's life

Fur, Feathers, Fins & Fun

Professional Pet Sitters

(September 2007)

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Hi (Dog Reporter) Debbie,

I wanted to tell you that everyone on the staff (myself included) LOVED your story. It may be one of our favorites this year. As we sit around our copy editing table, we always talk about the stories, etc. and this one had everyone enjoying it so I can only imagine the readers loved it , too. Fine job, indeed! The quotes were priceless!

Alison Woo

Editor

Union County Weekly

(September 2007)

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Dear Dog Reporter:

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed and appreciated your article. I've already had phone call this morning from someone interested in Lacey. Here's hoping the exposure will sell some microchips and raffle tickets for us so we can continue this work. Stories like yours help to make it possible, and I wanted you to know how much I personally appreciate it. While the county has come a long way in what it is willing to do for the anmials of Union County, a lot of it still will depend on the generosity of others. With the new foundation, we can be sure that those donations fund exactly what the contributors intended.

Once again, a heartfelt thank you.

Ann Bass

Union County Sheriff's Office, Animal Services Bureau

(July 2007)

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Puppies learn good-doggie basics at obedience class

2004-08-01T22:55:00.006-05:00

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

It was an unusual ceremony. For starters, it was close to 80 degrees outside yet all of the graduates wore fur coats. Uninhibited beyond belief, these grads enthusiastically exchanged hugs and sloppy kisses. Some even rolled around on the floor together. However, when asked to settle down, they did.

Before you decide to skip your next invitation to a graduation ceremony, this was a class of canines. Having passed their final exam, this “Puppy Headstart” group was graduating from a basic obedience class.

Each dog had to demonstrate his smarts by successfully performing commands given by their owners and evaluated by a professional trainer. These included a 30-second sit/stay; a 60-second down/stay; loose-leash walking (not pulling), “leave it” (walking by dropped treats); wait; come; a 30-second settle; sit politely for a greeting. Pretty impressive for puppies all under a year old!

Proud of their puppy’s accomplishments, the owners all waited to hear their pet’s name called: Thistle, a Labrador retriever mix; Blanco, my daughter’s white Siberian husky mix; Biscuit, a Cockapoo; and Cookie, a chocolate Labrador retrieve, all received their rewards of pats and praise. They also received an official Certificate of Achievement from the program (really for the owners) and a bag filled with a variety of doggie treats (really not for the owners).

After the ceremony, it was time for more pictures. Each puppy was photographed wearing a black graduation cap complete with tassel. Then a class picture was taken.

Not every dog nor owner who started the class finished the class. “Puppy Headstart” is a commitment to an hour long class once a week as well as to homework (frequent repetition of commands at home) but it is well worth the time and the effort. It is also great fun! This particular class cost $89 for an 8-week course, or a little more than $11 a week.

It’s a worthwhile investment when you consider how many dogs are abandoned each year due to behavior problems like biting, chewing, jumping, over-zealous playing and under-zealous house-breaking. These normal puppy behaviors can be easily controlled with a little training.

Unfortunately, puppies are often expected to “grow out of” these behaviors and when they don’t, they loose favor with their owners and often end up in a shelter.

Dogs aren’t so different from children. They want to please their authority figures but they aren’t born knowing how to do it . Like children - they have to be taught.

The good news is an obedience class is probably conveniently located near you. The class Blanco took happened to be held at a pet store. Dog training tips are also available via books, the Internet, television and videos. But taking your dog to an actual class offers additional benefits.

A class provides socialization for your dog with other people and other pets as well as the opportunity for your dog to deal with distractions and still obey you .

It only took a couple of lessons to see how capable the puppies in this class were! The trainer had each one of them following basic commands in a very short time. In this class, the owners were able to catch on almost as quickly as the canines which will undoubtedly prove to be fortunate for all!

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This story appeared in the Union Observer (now Neighbors of Union County) and was posted on Charlotte.com on August 1, 2004. Deborah lives in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children are at school and the pets take a nap, she does a little freelance writing.