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Volume 13 No. 12 “Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace.” –– Albert Schweitzer December 2010

HAVE A HAPPY, PET-SAFE HOLIDAY

Where your pet is part of our family
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT J.M. PET RESORT
GOING AWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
DON'T FORGET TO BOOK YOUR PET'S STAY AT J.M. PET RESORT!
SEE OUR BOARDING AD ON PAGE 21
1014 Pearl Street, Brockton, MAsjmpetresort.com • Phone:508.588.5661

516 Washington Street
Hanover, MA 02339
Sunday Appointment
Hours Available!
Full surgical and
diagnostic services,
including ultrasound
and specialty services
by our Board Certified
Cardiologist and Internist
.. . . . . . . . . . . .
“A Lifetime of Veterinary
Care”
HOURS OF
OPERATION
URGENT CARE/EMERGENCY
Monday thru Sunday 8AM-10PM
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS
Monday thru Friday
8:30 AM until 8:30 PM
Saturdays & Sundays
8:30 AM until 4:30 PM
WALK-INS WELCOME
Call 781/826-2306
or 781/749-4551
Fax 781/829-9270
24 HOUR NURSING CARE
............
STAFF
VETERINARIANS
Charlie Patterson, DVM
Brad Moses, DVM, DACVIM
(Cardiology)
Mary Reynolds-Callahan, DVM
Pamela Martin, DVM
Laura Fong, DVM
Joseph Martinez, DVM
Alice Hadden, DVM, DACVIM
(Internal Medicine)
Mary Clark, VMD
Maria Tehrany, DVM
Emily Howe, VMD
............
www.VCARoberts.com
VCA ROBERTS IS LOCATED
2.5 MILES SOUTH OF THE
HANOVER MALL ON RTE. 53
TAKE EXIT 13 OFF RTE. 3
2
This Month’s Cover
M
by Jayne Shelley-Pierce
y job was to paint a Christ-
mas image. I asked myself,
“What could I paint that
might be unusual?” Hmmm. I got to think-
ing, sure, I could  paint the mundane, but
of course that wouldn’t be me. So, I went
for broke and painted “Woodland Frolic.”
The painting was a ton of work. The back-
ground and foreground were easy. The
hard part was drawing all those dogs upon
the foreground, breed by breed, getting the
postures and action, trying to keep a bal-
anced composition, having dogs interact as
they play out a woodland frolic. And, then
keeping the viewer from seeing my pain. It is important that a painting
flows, and that it looks like there was no struggle on the artist’s part. Be-
lieve me, there was; hopefully, it is well hidden.
 “Woodland Frolic” is available in a limited-edition print and also as a
greeting card. Check out my Web site, JayneShelleyPierce.com, for more
information.
Helping Paws for the Holidays featuring
Santa Paws and The Grinch fundraiser
Dave Carlson, manager of The Pet Food Shoppe on Route 44 in
Lakeville, announces that Vested Interest in K9s Inc. will be the recipient
of the “Helping Paws for the Holidays” fundraiser that began Saturday,
Nov. 27 and will run through Sunday, Dec. 19. Carlson is confident that
the proceeds will help all 20 Massachusetts police dogs presently await-
ing a bullet protective vest.
Santa will be visiting The Pet Food Shoppe, to welcome all com-
panion animals and their family members. As an added attraction, The
Grinch will be joining the festivities on weekends and participating in
the holiday photos. A holiday photo package will be offered for chil-
dren, families and their pets each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. Each holiday package includes multiple photos on an 8x10 sheet,
an abundantly stuffed pet/person goodie bag and an e-mail of your photo
directly to you, which would make a wonderful holiday card, for only
$20.
Other attractions: Police dog demonstrations are scheduled for Sat-
urday, Dec. 4 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. and
1 p.m. Party of Gold will offer competitive rates to turn your unwanted
gold into cash Sunday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec.12, from noon to 3 p.m.
and Saturday, Dec.18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pat the giant angora rabbits,
enjoy some Hilliard’s candy bars and more. Times are subject to change.
Call 508-824-6978 to confirm or e-mail info@vik9s.org.
Please note that outside cameras or camera phone usage is not per-
mitted throughout the fundraiser.
Vested Interest in K9s Inc. is a 501c(3) nonprofit charitable organi-
zation dedicated to providing bullet protective vests to Massachusetts
police dogs, including local police departments, county sheriff’s offices,
Massachusetts State Police, Transit Police (Massachusetts Bay Trans-
portation Authority), U.S. Air Force-Hanscom and U.S. Coast Guard-
Gloucester. The vests cost an average of $735 each.
Vested Interest in K9s President Sandy Marcal, who will be photo-
graphing the pets, is expecting several ferrets, birds and a pig in addition
to the cats and dogs who will come out to meet Santa and the Grinch.
Marcal is hoping to provide at least 10 police dogs with bullet protective
vests with the proceeds.
Can’t make the fundraiser, but would love to support helping provide
bullet protective vests for Massachusetts police dogs? Tax deductible do-
nations are welcome via the Web site at vik9s.org or at Vested Interest in
K9s Inc., P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
The Pet Gazette
The Pet Gazette is published by Clipper Press, a family-owned company
based on the South Shore since 1950.The Pet Gazette covers all of
southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod.
The Pet Gazette is a registered trademark.
Pet Gazette Staff
Publisher: Josh Cutler Editor: Lindsey Gardner Advertising: Robin Nudd
Contributors: Becca Manning, Justin Graeber, George Sommers, Danielle Hennessey, Diane
Donovan, Rick Larsen, Dr. Bruce Indek, Dr. Gregory Mertz, Sarah Bruno
DELIVERY ADDRESS: 11 So. Station Street, Duxbury
MAILING ADDRESS: Pet Gazette, P.O. Box 1656, Duxbury, MA 02331
Contact US:781-934-2811, ext. 23 • ads@petgazette.net
Pet Gazette December 2010
 Top Cats of the Month
Mimi and Milo
M
y cats Mimi and Milo should be
the Pet Gazette’s top cats of the
month because they represent
both sides of the pendulum, as far as cat atti-
tude goes.
Mimi is our oldest at five years old. We
got her from a Pet Smart adoption center in
Plymouth after we got our
first apartment. I remem-
ber meeting her for the first
time –– my wife drove up
to where I was working
in Hanson and met me in
a parking lot. She was so
tiny! Mimi is a medium-
haired tortoiseshell cat, and
when she first came to us
she was suffering from an
eye infection. We gave her medicine and she
eventually recovered. However, it was then
that her natural personality, which had been a
bit subdued because of her illness, came out.
Mimi is one of the most attention-seeking and
affectionate felines I have ever met! She loves
to wedge herself in next to me or my wife as we
watch TV and will just purr and purr away. She
Habitat for Cats
Adoption Day
Habitat for Cats is holding a Cat/Kitten Adoption Day on
Saturday, Dec. 11  from 12-3 p.m. at 1322 Ashley Blvd., New
isn’t shy at all around strangers, and she will
Bedford, MA (at the Dartmouth Dental, Sun Kissed Tanning
beg everyone she meets for a scratch behind the
and Honeydew Donuts Business Center)
ear. She also jumps up on the furniture and has
All cats and kittens are spayed/ neutered, inoculated and
batted many a small household item under the
have tested negative for feline leukemia. Cats have received
couch.
medical and foster care valued at $200 or greater. Adoption
Three-and-a-half year old Milo, is on the
fee is $100. for adult cats and $120 for kittens five months
opposite end of the personality spectrum. We
and younger.
got him at the Quincy
Adoption application and contract are required. Pets must
Animal Shelter. He’s
travel in a pet carrier. Bring a carrier or buy one on adoption
a shy boy and doesn’t
day. Call 508-961-2287 or visit www.habitatforcats.org for
usually come out when
more information.
we have company. He’s
happy to chase a small
felt mouse around the
house for hours on end
–– and he’’ll occasion-
ally bring up a real one
from the basement and
leave it as a “gift” at our bedroom door! He
doesn’t like to be picked up like Mimi, but if
you’re really still he will come over and let you
scratch his back.
Our cats may be wildly different, but we
love them both, and we think of them both as
members of our family.

2011 calendar helps provide

protective police dog vests
The Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog Inc. 2010 calendar featuring Massachusetts police dogs is now
available online and at select stores for a $10 donation. Proceeds from the calendars will help
provide bullet-protective vests for Massachusetts police dogs.
The calendar can be previewed on the organization’s Web site, mavestadog.org. The calen-
dar’s exclusive photographer is Christian Kozowyk, an award-winning advertising and editorial
photographer whose work has appeared in award shows internationally. ANGEL VIEW PET CEMETERY & CREMATORY
Calendars are available in the South Shore area at: Angel View Pet Cemetery, 471 Wareham Because We Care, We Share In Your Compassion, Love & Grief
St., Middleboro; B&B Dogs Professional Training, 1040 Central St., E Bridgewater; D's Home
Again, 93 E. Falmouth Highway, Falmouth; Especially for Pets, 95 Washington St. in the Village SERVICES:
PRIVATE CREMATION, URN INCLUDED
Shoppes, Canton; Especially for Pets,67 Main St., Medway; Especially for Pets, 1185 Chestnut GROUP CREMATION
St., Newton; Gallery Consignment Shoppe, 247 Main St., Wareham; Sunshine Pet Parlor, 813 FORMAL BURIAL ON OUR BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED GROUNDS
Nantasket Ave., Hull; Super Stars Salon, 415 High Plain St. (Palumbo's Plaza), Walpole; The Red CEREMONIES & VIEWINGS AVAILABLE
Dog Inn and Resort, 590 Elm St., Mansfield; and Twin-Beau-D Kennels,170 Walker St., Swan- 24 HOUR PICK UP AT YOUR HOME OR VETERINARIAN'S OFFICE
sea.
Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog is an independent, all-volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization EQUINE SERVICES:
dedicated to raising funds to provide bullet-protective vests for police dogs throughout Massa- PRIVATE CREMATION, GROUP CREMATION
& COUNTRY BURIAL (INTACT)
chusetts. Each vest costs $735. Donations of any amount, full vest sponsorships ($735), as well
TRANSPORTATION OF YOUR HORSE OR PONY TO OUR FACILITY
as volunteer assistance, is welcome. Donations may be sent directly to Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog, OR ON-SITE EUTHANASIA BY YOUR VETERINARIAN
Inc, P.O. Box 48, Walpole, MA 02081. For more information, call 508-668-7149 or visit their Web URNS, CASKETS & MARKERS
site at mavestadog.org.
~OVER 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE~
471 WAREHAM STREET, MIDDLEBORO, MA 02346
WWW.ANGELVIEW.COM
508-947-4103 OR 800-287-0066

Bone Apétit!
AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY - 7 DAYS A WEEK

H E A LT H Y V E T E R I NA RY
A LT E R NAT I V E S
Do you have a great pet friendly recipe? We will feature a new
recipe each month! Send your recipe to Lindsey@PetGazette.net Acupuncture and other natural & holistic
treatments to promote healing,
wellness and longevity

Salmon Fudge Dogs Serving the

Cats South Shore
Ingredients & Horses and Cape
14 oz. undrained salmon 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Cod
1 1/2 cups of oat flour 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Method
Mix together all ingredients and spread on an oiled or non-stick cookie sheet to desired
thickness. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes, then cool and slice with pizza cutter to desired Dr. Mark E. Russo, V.M.D.
size. Refrigerate. KINGSTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC.
192 Main St. Kingston, MA 02364
Recipe from Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog. Suggested by Carol Brown, Pawsitively Natural 781-585-6525
www.healthyveterinaryalternatives.com
December 2010
Pet Gazette 33
 Pe t p o u r r i
!(EALTH&OOD3TOREFOR0ETS Send items for the
Petpourri page to
(and a generally fun place to go for pets and their people) editor@petgazette.net
/FFERING#USTOMER3UPPORT'UIDANCE The Deadline is
the 12th of each month.
Rawdiets & Natural Pet Diets
Vitamin & Herbal Supplements
Pet Shampoo
Adventures with an unforgettable dog
“
#OLLARSs,EASHESs4OYSs0ET"EDS For Christmas, the woman who would sion should be to whom he should marry and
become my wife bought me a dog — where he should live. And his dogs have “talk-
4REATSTREATSANDMORETREATS a little terrier. The next
year, her Christmas gift to me was
#ANINE-ASSAGE4HERAPY a shotgun. Most of the people in my
!LSOAVAILABLE&LOWER%SSENCE#ONSULTATIONSBY$IANE$EWBERRY family believe that those two gifts
were not unrelated.” So writes psy-
4OWN,INE0LAZA2TE
7ASHINGTON3Ts0EMBROKE chologist and renowned dog expert
(781)826-9760 Stanley Coren about his life with
a dog named Flint, a Cairn terrier
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm / Saturday 9am-4pm
with a big personality, who is the
star of his charming memoir, “Born
ed” back, helping him through
health crises, career overload
and divorce. When Flint enters
the picture after Coren’s first
marriage, he becomes Stan’s
beloved companion for 13 years
— a smart, energetic little dog
who has a mischievous sense of
humor and exuberant approach
to life. Coren never gives up on

e ss i on to Bark: My Adventures with an Ir- training his headstrong pup and

g I m pr ation repressible and Unforgettable Dog”

(Free Press; November). Coren is
interweaves the stories of Flint’s
antics and resistance to training

Ste rl inal Re habil it the bestselling author of six books

on dogs’ behavior, intelligence and
with fascinating training meth-
ods that work, information on

Ani m training. But not until now has he

"Improved Function,
Improved Quality
of Life"
Marjorie C. McMillan, DVM, DACVR, CCRP • Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP
told the stories of his own dogs,
from childhood through today, and his special
connection with one memorable little character,
Flint.
Throughout his life, Coren has found com-
fort in talking to his dogs — he’s asked for their
advice on everything from what his profes-
why dogs are genetically wired
to act in certain ways and how
he came to some of his most important eureka
moments about canine behavior and psycholo-
gy through living with Flint. Available in hard-
cover, “Born to Bark” sells for $24. Find it at
local and online bookstores.

Kabin fever
W
COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAMS FOR
At Sterling
Impression Rehab Arthritis - Obesity - Amputation - Weight loss
inter can be rough for cats that the Premium Combination KatKabin. Also op-
Post-Surgical - Post-Trauma - Cancer
means:
INCLUDES
spend much of their time out- tional is a waterproof low-energy EcoGlow Pet
Recvory Spa Pool - Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation doors or those that find them- Warming Pad to provide extra warmth in chilly
Expertience Custom Orthotics - Home Therapy Plans selves temporarily out conditions. The KatKabin ($99) comes in a va-
Healing Underwater Treadmill in the cold. The Kat- riety of colors and is available on-
Ambulation Kabin Dez Rez by line at KatKabin.
ASK ABOUT OUT PRODUCTS FOR YOUR
Brinsea Products is net. 
Better quality of life ELDERLY, DISABLED OR INJURED PET
an outdoor cat house Though the
Boots - Harnesses - Slings - Hot/Cold Packs - Low Calorie Treats
designed to give cats KatKabin can also
Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England all the comfort an be used indoors
safety they are used to for a quiet retreat,
1008 East Street, Walpole indoors. Standing above another option de-
xän‡ÈÈn‡Ç™{ÈÊUÊÜÜÜ°ÃÌ>ÀVœ˜i°Vœ“ ground, it provides a signed specifically
warm, cozy outdoor shel- for indoor use is the
ter for napping, stretching SkratchKabin. Similar
KINGSTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC. and relaxing in all weather in style to the KatKabin,
-AIN3TREETs+INGSTON-! conditions. The insulated Kat-
Kabin is made from high-grade
781-585-6525 materials designed to withstand
all weather conditions and tempera-
ture extremes. It can be fitted with an
optional washable, fleecy Winter Warmer to
provide additional warmth, even in the coldest
conditions — available separately or as part of
the SkratchKabin ($99)
offers cats a cozy place
to sleep as well as a textured
scratching surface out the outside cov-
er. It is available in three colors and comes with
a washable KatKushion and a free toy hanger
with mouse to provide extra feline fun. Find it
at KatKabin.net.

Extended Hospital Hours

Mo smells Christmas
F
Mon - Thurs 7 am - 9 pm rom a freshly the Holidays,” Mo’s
Friday 7 am - 6 pm cut pine tree to Christmas tale sees him
Saturday 7 am - 5 pm a sugary gin- celebrating all the mer-
gerbread cookie, readers ry aromas that abound
2AYMOND2USSO$6- can explore the scents at Christmastime. Also
-ARK%2USSO6-$!#6)- of Christmastime with coming soon is Mo’s
0ATRICIA+(ESS6-$ the pup Mo in his latest newest adventure: “Mo
3HARON$AVIS$6- adventure, “Mo Smells Smells Pink.” The books
%MILY3#LAIR$6-$!"60 Christmas” (hardcover, are written by Margaret
!GATA$E-ARCO$6- $17.95). Each title in the Hyde, who was inspired
-ICHELLE2UDIN$6- Mo’s Nose Scentstation-
al series features unique
A half century of hospitality and caring for packets of scent that allow readers to explore
the world the way a dog might: nose first. As
the pets of the South Shore a follow-up to the award-winning “Mo Smells
to write the series by her
best friend’s rescued dog,
Mo, and are illustrated by Amanda Giacomini.
Find all of the Mo’s Nose books online at mos-
nose.com and at local and online bookstores.

4
Pet Gazette December 2010
 Memorial keepsake
W
hen Alex Lynch’s father died in
July 2008, his mother opted for
cremation.  For months, she sat
looking at the black, plastic box of ashes, not
knowing what to do with them. She didn’t want
to bury or scatter them. She
had been married to her hus-
band for over 53 years and
took great comfort in having
him near. The thought of a
commercialized urn sitting
on the shelf was a little dis-
concerting, so Lynch offered
to help. After a few months,
Lynch perfected a process for
turning the ash and crushed bone into a 13-by-
8-inch cross. He engraved his father’s name,
date of birth and date of death on the back and
presented it to his mother. Today, she keeps the
Eternal Cross above her bed, saying every time
she sees it she feels as though her husband is
still with her.  Windsong Memorials, visit windsong-memori-
Eventually, news of Lynch’s innovation
F
Learn the right moves
orget the old tricks —  a
new book by TFH Publi-
cations Inc. promises not
to teach your pup how to sit, stay
and fetch but how to boogie. “Danc-
ing With Dogs” by Mary Ann Nest-
er offers a lesson in canine freestyle
with colorful, easy-to-follow photos
that promise to help even someone
with two left feet (or four left paws)
learn the steps. The book opens with
an introduction to canine freestyle,
which can be used to entertain small groups
— such as residents of an assisted living home
— or developed to the competition level. The
author then launches into a list of dance terms,
such as “busking” — unplanned choreography
Close to your heart
No longer just for babies,
now slings offer a fun way to
“wear” beloved pets, too. The
Pet Teek Pet Carrier ($49.99) is
a hands-free pet carrier that al-
lows a person to carry a small
pet (up to 25 pounds) in one of
three positions. Unlike tradi-
tional pet carriers in which pets
are carried in bags or structured
carriers, the Pet Teek enables a
person to wear the pet on his
or her body in a soft and cozy
hammock-like seat, a safe and secure pouch
where he can settle in and still see everything
around him. Made of durable 100 percent cot-
ton knit fabric that is soft, breathable and ma-
chine-washable, the sling features no buckles,
rings, snaps, clasps, bulky padding, metal or
Caring for senior dogs
D
ogs are living longer than ever
thanks to enormous advances in
medical treatment and to a highly
evolved understanding of what
dogs need to thrive. The renowned
faculty of Tufts University’s Cum-
mings Veterinary School, who
treat more than 8,000 older dogs
annually with their signature
whole-dog approach and cutting-
edge science and technology,
know better than anyone how to
ensure healthy aging. Now the
lessons learned at Tufts are col-
lected in a book, “Good Old Dog:
Expert Advice for Keeping Your
Aging Dog Happy, Healthy and
Comfortable” (Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt; November). “Good Old
Dog” rings the Tufts clinic into readers’ living
rooms, providing the essential advice needed to
see dogs through their golden years, including:
December 2010
Pet Photo of the
spread among family and colleagues and he re- Month!
Do you have an intere
sting or funny picture
ceived more and more requests for the Eternal Submit it to us! Emai of your pet?
Cross, which is now available along with other l lindsey@petgazette
.net
memorials handcrafted from both human and
pet cremated remains, though Rhode Island-
based Windsong Memo-
rials. Lynch transforms
a pet’s cremated remains
into a decorative piece of
artwork. It can be painted
to resemble a departed pet,
as depicted in a photo pro-
vided by the owner. Each
piece is handled carefully
by a skilled artist and takes
about 14 days from receipt of the cremains to
complete. Memorial plaques measure about
12-by-12 inches and are about one inch thick.
All memorials are treated with a moisture bar-
rier and include a built-in hanging device. For one
information and costs or to order an item from h e s every d.
wis arshfi
el
c a t Roxy i n M
mo’ s live s
als.com or call 401-578-8645. Cacca mas! Roxy
i c o l e t
N ris
a Mer
ry Ch
— or “pop” — a command used to
cue a dog to jump straight up into
the air like a jack in the box. The
book then walks the reader through
everything else he or she needs to
know about doggy dancing — in-
cluding a history of the sport, how
to find a class, picking the right
breed for the right moves, basic
moves up to the more challenging
steps, troubleshooting and a guide
to competition. With fun illustra-
tions and tons of action photos on each page,
the book is sure to get any pup-and-human pair
out on the dance floor. “Dancing With Dogs”
($19.95) is available at tfh.com or at local and
online bookstores.
plastic and no wrapping or com-
plicated instructions. The easy-to-
use cross-stretch design distributes
a pet’s weight across the person’s
shoulders and back, providing back
support. The Pet Teek Pet Carrier
has been tested and approved for
quality and safety in accordance
with baby carrier standards and
regulations, far surpassing normal
pet safety standards.
The sling is great for traveling
with small pets or for use with dis-
abled pets and also can be helpful with provid-
ing sensory nourishment, comfort and stimula-
tion for disabled pets, injured pets or pets with
special needs. The carrier comes in a variety
of colors. Find it online at petteek.com or call
866-738-8335.
nutritional advice; how to evaluate complicated
procedures and decide what’s right; the cost of
caring for an older dog and how to shoulder the
burden; how to identify cogni-
tive decline and manage it; how
to create a healthy, comfortable
environment; and how to deter-
mine when “it’s time” and cope
with the loss.
The book focuses on taking
sensible preventative measures
against disease and acting quick-
ly and appropriately if something
goes awry. And it keeps readers
from falling prey to popular but
misguided notions about senior
dog care. With the help of “Good
Old Dog,” dog owners will better
understand how to increase their
pet’s life span and also their health span. “Good
Old Dog” (hardcover; $26) is available at local
and online bookstores.
Pet Gazette 5

By Danielle Hennessey
Pet Gazette Contributor
W
hy did you de-
cide to become
a veterinar-
ian? Like many veterinarians,
I enjoy working with animals,
but I also really enjoy helping
people. Veterinary medicine
seemed like a great way to do
both.
For those readers who
are considering working in
the veterinary field, what
advice would you share with
them? There is no question
that studying hard and getting
good grades is very important.
But it is also important to do
vet of the
month
something more practical.
Volunteering in a pet hospital
is an excellent way to get the
experience necessary to find
out if you want to work with
animals, many of whom may
be sick or in pain. It is also
important in gaining the neces-
sary pre-veterinary experience
that will make you a good can-
MARSHFIELD
ANIMAL
HOSPITAL
(781) 837-5005
6
Spotlight on Veterinarians
Dr. Stephen Dyer
didate for being accepted into
vet school.
Most pet owners are
aware of the dangers that
the heat of summer months
pose to our animals, but is
there anything we should
look out for in the cold win-
ter months? Antifreeze poi-
soning is a common problem
we see during the winter. As
people top off their automo-
bile coolant with antifreeze, it
is very important to clean up
any spilled material, because
cats and dogs seem attracted to
the taste. Antifreeze poison-
ing can cause kidney failure
and can be fatal if not treated
quickly.
Also, as the winter months
approach, the humidity drops
and the air becomes very dry.
This is particularly hard on pet
reptiles, such as iguanas, that
are adapted for life in the trop-
ics where the humidity is very
high. This leads to a subtle but
persistant dehydration, that
over time can lead to serious
health problems. With these
pets, particular care must be
taken to maintain proper hu-
midity within their enclosure.
Something that would
surprise readers about you
is... I love partner dancing,
which includes ballroom/
swing dancing and certain
types of folk dancing, like con-
tra dancing. I started in col-
A full-service hospital caring for the needs
of your four-legged family members.
WELLNESS FOR ALL AGES
• Internal Medicine
• Dental Services
Jeffrey M. Barrow, D.V.M.
Sarah E. Lafaver, D.V.M.
www.marshfieldvet.com
490 PLAIN STREET, ROUTE 139
(NEAR HIGH SCHOOL), MARSHFIELD, MA 02050
lege, and never really stopped.
I also enjoy playing the fiddle,
though I must admit I’m a bet-
ter dancer than a fiddler.
Do you have a favorite
new product on the market?
Cerenia is a great new product
that helps control vomiting
in dogs. Vomiting dogs of-
ten have trouble taking other
medications. For example, if
a dog is vomiting because of
intestinal parasites, but can’t
hold down the medication to
kill the parasites treatment is
• General Surgery
• Oncology Services
Jennifer A. Johnson, D.V.M.
Karen E. Ravanesi, D.V.M.
Pet Gazette
The dyer File
Veterinary Degree: 1998, DVM from
Tufts (Cummings School of Veterinary
Medicine at Tufts Univ.)
Years in field: 12
Pets you own: Two dogs (basset
hound and maltese), four cats, two birds
(Hahn’s macaw and cockatiel), one turtle
(red eared slider), and a hamster.
Practice: VCA South Shore Animal
Hospital
Phone: 781-337-6622
Web site: vcahospitals.com/south-
shore-weymouth
difficult. Cerenia helps control
the vomiting so the patient can
get better.
What do you love about
being a veterinarian? I’m
doing a job that my six-year-
old self would think was really
cool.
Who is someone you
admire who works with or
for animals? Charlie Innis,
DVM, veterinarian at the New
England Aquarium, was also
the first person to teach me
how to spay an iguana. He is
a knowledgeable and patient
instructor.
If you could own any
type of animal you haven’t
so far, what animal would
you choose? All of my pets
are rescued pets, but if I had
a choice, I would get a caique.
A caique is a type of parrot that
has the clownish personality
of a conure parrot, but, unlike
conures, is usually fairly quiet.
Conures tend to scream a lot.
It is the best kept secret of the
bird world.
What is a common mis-
conception that patients’
owners make? The Internet
is a great source of informa-
tion, but it fails to give a good
perspective on the likelihood
of certain diseases. Sometimes
people come to me, convinced
of a diagnosis that they have
made based on their Internet
research, and I have to spend
some time convincing them
that there are other more likely
possibilities that must also be
investigated before we start
treatment. I often use the ex-
ample of driving to make the
point. If people did Internet in-
vestigations on driving prior to
learning, they would discover
all the accidents and recalls
that are true and possible. We
might never even get into a
car after learning all the things
that could go wrong. But in
our years of experience driv-
ing, we have gained perspec-
tive that allows us to get in the
car, knowing that with careful
attention, the things that could
go wrong are very unlikely.
Never impossible, but unlike-
ly. Perspective is what veteri-
nary school and experience in
the clinics teach us about dis-
eases.
What is it that makes
South Shore Animal Hospi-
tal so special? What makes
South Shore Animal Hospital
so special are the numerous
specialists that we have. I have
worked in private practice be-
fore, where we took and read
our own x-rays, performed our
own surgeries and interpreted
are own tests. We had to be
“jacks of all trades, but mas-
ter of none.” It is wonderful
to have a radiologist who can
assist with the x-ray readings,
surgeons to perform advanced
surgeries, and internists/criti-
calists to give advanced treat-
ments for really challenging
cases.
I noticed that you com-
pleted your residency in
avian and exotic animal
medicine. How did you de-
cide to choose that field of
veterinary medicine? Hon-
estly, I kind of backed into this
field. My original plan was to
be an emergency veterinarian.
Entering veterinary school, I
did not really give much pass-
ing thought to avian and exotic
pets. It wasn’t until my fourth
year in school that I began to
see a need for emergency vet-
erinarians who were, at a bare
minimum, comfortable main-
taining these pets until they
could be seen by an avian/ex-
otic veterinarian. To gain this
comfort level, I began to spend
time during my fourth year
with avian/exotic veterinar-
ians. What an amazing world
to discover! I quickly fell in
love with these unique crea-
tures and found that I wanted
to learn more and more about
them. The original plan fell by
the wayside and I devoted the
next several years to becoming
a specialist in avian and exotic
pet medicine.
December 2010
 By the Breed: Basset Hound
Meet Jake
the hunt. This means I can track those rabbits on a get enough momentum to keep myself afloat. Some-
By Diane Donovan long trail. I am not as quick as a rabbit, but be- times even stairs are hard to negotiate.
Pet Gazette Contributor ing slow and deliberate, I am less likely to George Washington was presented a pair of bas-
scare them as I approach. My paws are set hounds by Lafayette, a French general who fought
very large to give my heavy body bal- under Washington in the American Revolution. This
ance. We have powerful necks under was our first introduction to the U.S. and our popu-
all that loose skin, to use when we larity grew from there. The first Basset registered
have our game trapped. The bas- in the American Kennel Club was in 1885. In 1928,
set hound is the heaviest-boned we were featured on the cover of Time magazine and
dog when compared by size to from there we started to show up in cartoons, comic
other breeds.My tail is white strips and other popular culture. Of course we have
tipped, so hunters following been the symbol for Hush Puppies for over 50 years.
by foot can easily follow me in I love to go to day care and see all my friends, I get
the dense brush. My other well- to play and bark with all my buddies. Sometimes
known characteristic is my voice. we will break into a howl song and we will see who
If the hunters ever lost my trail, my can howl the longest;+ I usually win. After day care
low, deep howl would easily lead them or my walk or a treadmill work out, I get pretty tired
back to me. and when I sack out, I sleep on my back and get a
Because of my slow, gentle and agreeable good long rest. I can be a little reserved when I first
ways, I can fit into a pack of hunting dogs eas- meet you, but when I see you again I will be happy to
ily, but I am just as happy alone, too. At the have your company.
time we were first developed, hunting was a
sport among the aristocrats and I
was an easy dog to keep as both a
pet and out on the hunt as a com-
We are pleased to announce the addition of
petitor. We were extremely devot- Dr. Karen Ravanesi
e d to our masters.

M
I am almost 10 months old and to our staff. Dr. Ravanesi
ost dogs were selectively bred to do weigh 50 pounds. I will only be 12-15 graduated from Smith College
specific jobs, and you can usually see inches high and will be 50-70 pounds with a Bachelor’s in Biology and
all the traits that were picked for their when I am full grown. That is almost as Psychology. She received her
jobs pretty easily. I am Jake the basset hound and much as a lab, which is almost twice as
looking at me at first glance, it may be hard to pick tall as me! I need lots of exercise, be- veterinary degree in 1993 from
out my special features. At first I look sad and slow, cause it is important that I don’t become Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine.
and when I play I may look a little clownish, but as overweight. An overweight basset can She practiced at hospitals in Winchester, Ashland
you look closer at all my details, you can see what I lead to many health problems, especially and Hingham before coming to Marshfield Animal
was originally designed to do. Every inch of me has adding stress to my spine. I can become Hospital. Her interests lie in geriatric medicine
a precise purpose, from my tail, to my coat, to my very lazy if you let me; my dad has a
paws, to my voice, to my ears and of course my most treadmill for me. I get treats when I get and surgery. She loves getting to know her clients
important asset, my nose. on the treadmill, so I guess it’s worth it! and their pets and keeps them healthy with
We are true hounds, so we are hunting dogs. I love to go for long walks, but don’t get compassionate care and understanding.
We were specifically designed by friars of St. Hubert mad if I start to pull; I may find a scent
Abbey in France to be a lower set, slower hunting that I have to follow. I love to use my
dog easier to be followed on foot. The word basset nose, and once I am in the zone it may be
is from bas — “low” or “dwarf” in French. We were
bred to trail rabbits, hares, deer and pheasant in the
difficult to get my attention! I am told I
can be a little bit stubborn, but treats will (781) 837-5005
hunt and to take them to the ground. My skin hangs always work to get my attention during
loose, causing lots of wrinkles that help protect me in training. Because of my unique body MARSHFIELD www.marshfieldvet.com
the dense underbrush. My short legs keep me low to structure, I am not a swimmer. I am so
the ground to pick up the scent. My long low ears heavy and with my short legs, I cannot ANIMAL
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are set far back on my head HOSPITAL (NEAR HIGH SCHOOL), MARSHFIELD, MA 02050
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December 2010 PetGaz2010_4x2_5_DEC.indd 1
Pet Gazette 11/16/2010 2:54:17 PM 7

By Lindsey Gardner
Pet Gazette Editor
Sarah Mellin is the owner of
Good Faith Farm.
How did Good Faith
Farm come to be? Tell us
about the history behind the
farm. Good Faith Farm has
been in business almost 22
years. I had worked for other
trainers and was leasing a barn
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
Good Faith Farm
in Marshfield when one of my
customers, who was a real es-
tate agent, put the notion in
my head that it was possible to
own my own farm. I took her
advice and Good Faith Farm
opened its doors on Feb. 14
1989. I got the name off the
mortgage papers, signing ev-
erything in “good faith” that I
could make it all work.
Good Faith Farm func-
tioned strictly as a small full
service show facility up until
2006. I loved taking clients
to the shows and being part of
helping people to attain their
dreams and goals, but I also
felt I needed a break and a
fresh perspective.

After so many years do-

Business of ing horse shows, what was
your new emphasis? In talk-
ing with many people and
the month looking around the industry, I
saw a void to be filled that was relatively simple in it’s con- good faith farm and teaching business is basi-
cept but nonetheless seemed cally geared toward the work-

Good Faith Farm

hard to find. People seemed to
be looking for an experienced,
trustworthy place to just board
and enjoy their horse but still
be able to increase their own
knowledge base and challenge
themselves through quality
training.
What kind of lessons do
you offer? Obviously lessons
are individualized toward a
client’s own particular inter-
ests, but there are common
threads running through every
lesson due to my own frame of
“Horse boarding for the discerning adult owner” reference. First, even if a cli-
ent wants to work over fences,
I’m adamant about including
• Quiet private setting with trails a flatwork warmup so I can
see how horse and rider are
• Unique co-op board structure creates interacting together. Every
affordability for most budgets jump is only as good as the
flatwork that has proceeded it.
• 150x72 indoor ring with Perma-Flex footing I’m not a fan of the half hour
lesson because I usually have
• Large stonedust/sand outdoor ring too much I want to cover. This
is one difference I can indulge
• All new stalls under construction myself in now because a les-
son focused on showing is
• 25 years professional experience in the geared a little more toward the
hunter/jumper industry – lessons available idea of instant results.
You have a master’s de-
gree in clinical psychology
— how has this influenced
your teaching? Sports psy-
chology is a huge interest of
mine. Nothing performance-
wise happens without a rea-
son, and I really enjoy helping
a rider get to know themselves
better and how their thought
processes and perceptions
could be effecting their train-
ing. When you put a horse in
the equation, it becomes even
more interesting as they mirror
back so much of what you are
feeling, good or bad.
What is the most com-
“Our most valued asset is our client’s trust” mon question or concern you
receive from clients? I think
Sarah Mellin – 11 Wenham RD the most basic concern is that
Carver (508) 866-4803 boarding your horse can be a
8
Pet Gazette
ADDRESS: 11 Wenham Road (Rte 44)
Carver, Mass.
PHONE NUMBER: (508) 866-4803
WEBSITE ADDRESS: Under Construction!
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday-Friday 9a.m. to 8:30p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 9a.m. to 7p.m.
scary experience if the situ-
ation is not right. As a barn
owner, I actually spend more
time with the horse than an
owner, does. With that real-
ization comes a huge respon-
sibility to be aware and know
each horse inside and out. With
that knowledge I can help an
owner maximize and protect
the horse’s health, safety and
well-being. My clients and I
work as a team to benefit the
horse. That is why I really do
feel being able to earn my cli-
ent’s trust is my biggest asset.
What type of facilities do
you offer? Good Faith Farm,
by today’s standards, is a small
facility, housing a maximum
of 14 horses. I think as with
all trainer/owners there was a
time when we thought of ex-
pansion, but the things that
really interest me such as the
individual care and being able
to spend time with each horse
and client would not have ben-
efited.
We are currently undergo-
ing an extensive renovation
inside and out, renewing fenc-
ing, paint, stalls, tackroom and
feedrooms.
We have a very large out-
door ring with stonedust/sand
footing and a smaller sand
ring for those days when your
horse isn’t behaving. In 2002
we added a 72-by-150-foot
indoor ring with sand and Per-
ma-Flex footing so our clients
can enjoy their horses all year
round.
Tell us about your co-
op program. My boarding
ing adult. As the economy
changed for the worse, I felt
that I needed to do something
to still keep it economically
viable to be able to keep a
horse in a safe, professional
environment with nice facili-
ties and an indoor ring. The
co-op concept basically con-
sists of owner participation on
the weekends in the form of
doing your own stall and cov-
ering a feed. During the work
week when most my clients
are busy, the horse receives all
full care services. My clients
enjoy the experience of caring
for their horse, and all of my
cost savings are passed on to
them. If an owner is unable
to come down or is on vaca-
tion, there is always plenty of
help available to fill in. This
participation has had the un-
foreseen benefit of educating
owners in understanding barn
management procedures and
feeling more a part of their
horse’s care.
Is there anything you
would like to add? The client
who advised me to buy a farm
22 years ago is still with me
today with the same horse. He
is almost 35 now.
I really enjoy creating an
upbeat friendly place where
owners enjoy being with their
horses. When someone tells
me that they never worry
about their horse if they can’t
come down or that the barn
is their favorite place to be, it
make me know I’m doing my
job well.
Want your
business featured?
For more info.,
e-mail lindsey@
petgazette.net
December 2010
 Parrot newsmakers of 2010
Pet Gazette Columnist
A
mazon parrot
busted in Colum-
bian drug raid.
Lorenzo was trained to
warn perps of approaching po-
lice but was apprehended by
Five-O before yelling “Cin-
co!” Cops hope jailbird turns
stool pigeon and talks.
Sun conure battles bur-
glars in British pet shop.
Jack bit intruders, leav-
ing blood and clothing traces
on his beak. While the thieves
made off with some animals,
killed others and caused dam-
age, police hope DNA leads
them to the perps.
Some encouraging signs
for wild parrots buck generally
bad news. 
New Argentinian law
protects Patagonian conures,
blue-fronted Amazons, oth-
ers.
Previous loopholes al-
lowed “harvesting of agricul-
tural pests.” Congo authorities
seized 523 pet trade-destined
African grey parrots. Wildlife
frequently takes a back seat
to other issues in developing
nations. Meanwhile, Czech
Republic’s Operation Lora is
apprehending smugglers and
confiscating endangered par-
rots. A new wild population
of endangered grey breasted
parakeets has been discovered
in Brazil, in a habitat atypical
for the species. 
Rhode Island Quaker par-
rots now require licenses, as
December 2010
By George Sommers
of April 15, 2010. Some claim
the remarkably adaptable spe-
cies is “exotic invasive” harm-
ful to agriculture, property.
Bank confiscates macaw.
Contractor padlocks, cuts
off utilities in Pennsylvania
home of blue and gold Luke’s
temporarily absent owner,
claiming house vacant. (With
Internal Medicine
Michael Bernstein, DVM, DACVIM,
Medical Director
Angelyn Cornetta, DVM, DACVIM,
Intern Director
Alice Hadden, DVM, DACVIM
Susan Morrison, DVM, DACVIM
Jerry Perry, DVM
Bruce Walker, DVM
Cardiology
Susan Morrison, DVM, DACVIM
(Internal Medicine)
Bradley L. Moses, DVM,
DACVIM (Cardiology)
Neurology
Stephanie Kube, DVM, DACVIM
(Neurology)
Dermatology
Klaus Earl Loft, DVM
Emergency/Critical Care
Angelyn Cornetta, DVM, DACVIM
Angela Girello, DVM
Alison R. Gaynor, DVM, DACVIM,
DACVECC
Cindy Lopes, DVM
Ophthalmology
Bill Greentree, DVM, DACVO
Surgery
David Diamond, VMD, DACVS
Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging
Lori Hartzband, DVM, DACVR
Diana Rosenstein, DVM, DACVR
Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine
Stephen Dyer, DVM, DABVP (Avian)
a parrot inside?) At bird droppings on the culprit’s based bird’s accuracy in mat-
last report, the own- socks and feathers sticking out ters of money, marriage, etc.
er was seeking a of his pants. The psychic psittacine was
substantial sum in Cockatoo co-stars in Asia’s answer to Germany’s
damages. “Iron Man 2,” sidekick to octopus oracle.
Aussie Avi- Mickey Rourke’s villainous Parrot border crossings
ary opens at character, Whiplash. more costly.
Franklin Park Rourke’s pet sulfur crested U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Zoo part of cockatoo is a rescue bird. hikes inspection fee to average
Outback Trail. Buffalo gnats scourge to $251. Bird owners must com-
Visitors stroll Gulf Coast aviary birds, oc- ply with import/export laws
inside huge casionally fatal, in wake of that effect commercial bird
“bird house” as hurricane flooding. couriers.
multi-colored Finch fighting ring bust- Snowball the  dancing
parakeet flock ed in Ashland, Mass. in Feb- cockatoo revisited on CBS’
flies “free” – ruary. “Sunday Morning.”
can purchase The songbirds may have Scientists believe synchro-
and feed the had their beaks sharpened nizing movements with music
budgies seed and/or blades attached to in- — dancing — arises from the
sticks. flict maximum damage as two same brain area that allows
Bird smug- males vied for a female’s at- parrots to speak, putting par-
gler’s wings clipped. tention. Small, quiet saffron rots in a very select group be-
Sharp-eyed customs offi- finches are easier to conceal sides humans.
cials catch California man red than dogs and cocks used in Happy holidays to our
handed — make that red legged other despicable “sport” fight- readers!
— with Vietnamese songbirds ing. Photo: Goffin’s cocka-
strapped to his legs. Tragically, Indian ringneck parakeet too, Amazon parrot and friends
many were dead. Other black predicts World Cup Soccer enjoy Car Show activities in
market bound birds were in his outcomes. Hyannis, Mass., Father’s Day
house. Damning evidence was Locals attest to Singapore 2010.
VCA South Shore
(Weymouth)
Animal Hospital
595 Columbian Street
South Weymouth, MA 02190
(781) 337-6622
• Full Service Veterinary Hospital
• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Appointments Available Seven
Days a Week
Dedicated team of 29 doctors on staff –
including Board Certified specialists in
Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology,
Emergency/Critical Care, Radiology,
Ophthalmology, and Avian Practice
The Best of Quality Care for
Every Stage of Your Pet’s Life!
Pet Gazette 9
 Is my pet a psychic?
O
Special to the Pet Gazette
ne out of every two pet owners said yes,
their dog or cat seems to be able to read
their minds and react to their thoughts or
intentions. That was one of the surprising answers in
a ground-breaking study in 1994 into the seemingly
psychic powers of pets. More than 15 years later, sci-
entists are still debating this fascinating question.
Is my pet psychic?
According to Brian Hare, PhD, assistant profes-
Cartoon of the month


Meet the illustrator
S
mall & Big is the work of Duxbury
cartoonist P.L. Frederick. The car-
toon corrals life’s wisdom, its trick
mustaches, bearded ladybugs, and litter box-
es. Frederick says, “The cartoon’s perspec-
tive comes from my having been owned by
dogs, cats, horses, chickens, honey bees, fish,
reptiles, rodents, and Sea Monkeys. Not all at
once. I learned from each of them. Their hob-
bies are different.”
Frederick learned cartooning and carica-
ture from a local course taught by Building
#19 cartoonist Mat Brown. She says, “His
Cartooning for Grown-ups class was an eye-
opener. Mat teaches that you can do anything;
10
sor of evolutionary anthropology at the Duke In-
stitute for Brain Sciences, dogs have kept such
close company with people for hundreds of
generations that they have evolved the
ability to read human body language
and social cues.
Hare and his colleagues found
dogs are better at a test of abili-
ty to interpret social cues than
even the chimpanzees.
Do dogs and cats
have super powers?
There’s no ques-
tion dogs and cats have
extraordinarily keen
senses.
Compared to the
human hearing range
of 100 yards away,
dogs can pick up
sounds a quarter mile
away. A dog’s sense of smell is up to
40 times stronger than a human’s.
And, compared to a human’s, the
cat’s sense of touch, hearing and
vision are all more highly evolved.
However, along with this height-
ened sensitivity, some pets also
develop frequent and ongoing fears or phobias.
Can my pet sense trouble?
Dogs are astute at reading body language and
picking up on subtle expressions and gestures. Dogs
can also smell fear. Literally. When humans experi-
ence intense emotions, such as panic, we naturally
release pheromones. So if you’re afraid, your dog
may not only sense your mood, she can
also smell the adrenaline you release and
may respond with fear, too.
©2010 P.L. FREDERICK
smallandbig.blogspot.com
you just have to have an interest in it.” She
adds, “For me, cartooning is a fun way to lift
someone’s day. That’s the best. And maybe
get more pets reading the Pet Gazette.”
For 18 years Frederick has also been a
graphic designer and illustrator; she has cre-
ated work for Disney, PBS, Harvard, Texas
Instruments, and the Museum of Bad Art. She
has a BFA from the University of Michigan.
For more, visit Small & Big at smal-
landbig.blogspot.com or follow the tweets
of plfrederick. P.L. Frederick is available to
caricature at children’s parties and benefits.
To connect, email hello.smallandbig@gmail.
com or call 781-837-6252.
Pet Gazette
Why are some pets more fearful than others?
With their built-in ability to know when change
is coming, many pets are more sensitive than we
realize. Thunderstorms, fireworks, other animals
and loud noises can cause intense reactions. Fears,
anxieties and phobias are more common in pets than
people realize, said Stacey Leonard, senior market-
ing manager, Senior Care, Virbac Animal Health.
And a pet that’s experiencing frequent fear, anxiety,
phobia or brain aging is likely suffering. If treatment
is delayed, the problem can get worse, so it’s impor-
tant to recognize the early signs and get help from a
veterinarian.
Is anxiety bad for my pet’s health?
If left untreated, the discomfort caused by per-
sistent fear, anxiety or a phobia can lead to behavior
problems or aggression. And yes, it can raise the risk
of illness, including skin and digestive problems or
heart disease.
Fortunately, research has demonstrated these
pets don’t need to suffer or be sedated to enjoy a nor-
mal life. At the first sign of ongoing trouble, consult
a veterinarian, who can analyze the situation and
recommend appropriate treatment. In some cases,
behavior training to properly calm a pet may be all
that’s needed. Serious cases may call for additional
therapy.
Anixitane, a nutritional supplement is now avail-
able from your veterinarian that’s proven to help
keep pets calm.
Anixitane Chewable Tablets by Virbac Animal
Health can support behavior modification and train-
ing programs to help pets cope with external stresses.
For more information visit virbacvet.com.
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New England Arts For
Animals Annual Show
The New England Arts For Animals will hold its third an-
nual member artists show at Fernwood Gallery, 430 Washing-
ton St., Norwell. Nov. 18 to Dec. 31.
Artwork for sale will be in different media and include
animals, still lifes, landscapes, seascapes, etc.
Come find the perfect and unique gift for the holidays.
All proceeds benefit NEAFA and the artists.
During the running of the show through December, there
will be special music events, book signings, art demos, etc.
More info will be forthcoming.
After only 18 months in existence, NEAFA was able to
award three grants in 2009. They will be announcing the 2010
grant winners at this Show.
The new NEAFA 2011 Calendar with the winning cover
photo by Scituate’s Peggy Roth Major is for sale at various
South Shore locations and will be for sale at the show for $10,
or visit neartsforanimals.org to buy online.
New England Arts For Animals (NEAFA) is a non profit
organization that helps raise funds for therapy, companion
and service animals (both domestic and wildlife), the people
who need them, and the programs that train, place and support
them.
December 2010
 Insulinomas in ferrets
sugar lev- els, helping to counteract the low blood sugar levels
els in fer- caused by the tumor. In many animals, especially
rets are dogs (and people), corticosteroids cause significant
usually side effects, but ferrets are surprisingly resistant to
caused these. This makes this medication a good first choice
by an in- in ferrets that are free of heart disease. A second
sulinoma, medication called diazoxide may be added to the
your veteri- treatment regimen if the prednisone alone is not suf-
narian will ficient, or if the patient has underlying heart disease.
need to rule In some cases, medication and surgery are used to-
out other less gether to treat the patient.
common causes As new treatments become available, we hope
such as severe bac- that a cure will be found for this disease. Unfortu-
terial infection, liver nately, a complete cure is usually not possible at this
disease and other types time. With every patient, the main concern is always
of cancer. The x-rays will quality of life. The goal in treating this disease is to
help rule out the pres- make the ferret feel as normal as possible, and not
Stephen Dyer, DVM, DABVP ence of heart disease, just to prolong life. Many ferrets with insulinoma

S
Special to the Pet Gazette which can affect the can live with few or no symptoms, sometimes for up
ince it became legal to keep ferrets as pets treatment options for to two years, with appropriate treatment. Perform-
in Massachusetts about 15 years ago, they insulinoma. ing annual screenings of fasting blood sugar levels in
have become very popular. They are charm- It is very important to understand that in most ferrets that are four years of age and older can help
ing, lively and inquisitive, but unfortunately they are cases this disease can be controlled, but cannot be identify this disease early, which is when treatment
also prone to certain diseases that are fairly common; cured. Several treatment options exist. The first op- has the best chance for success.
one of these diseases is insulinoma. It is estimated tion is surgery, which is the treatment that
that as many as 15 to 20 percent of is most likely to result
ferrets will develop an insulinoma in the longest disease-
sometime during their lifetime. free interval. Unfor-
An insulinoma is a tumor arising tunately, the tumor
in the pancreas that produces exces- can usually be only
sive amounts of insulin. This causes partially removed,
the ferret’s blood sugar level to drop as it has usually
— sometimes to dangerously low spread microscopi-
levels. Symptoms of this disease cally throughout the
may include episodes of collapse pancreas by the time
with excessive salivation, or periods the ferret shows any
of weakness that may last minutes to symptoms. Regard-
hours and may resolve spontaneously less, removing a large Dr. Rachel Francis Dr. Kimberly Suh
or after eating. Many owners will portion of the tumor Dr. Nicole Cummings
mistakenly attribute these signs to ag- can eliminate or di-
ing, and therefore may not bring the minish the symptoms
for a considerable pe-
NEW Hospital Hours:
ferret to a veterinarian for evaluation Now Offering:
in a timely fashion. Other common riod of time. Grooming, Closed for lunch every day 12-1pm

signs, which may be intermittent, in- Stephen Dyer, DVM, DABVP (Avian The second treat- Acupuncture and .POEBZ
BNQN
t
5VFTEBZ
BNQN
Wednesday: 8am-5pm & 6pm-8pm
clude rear limb weakness or wobbli- Practice) is a member of the veteri- ment option is medi- Herbal Alternatives, 5IVSTEBZ
BNQN

QNQN
ness, gagging, pawing at the mouth, nary staff at VCA South Shore Animal cation. Prednisone is
Ultrasounds Friday: 8am-5pm & 5:30pm-7pm

depression, and/or a dazed appear- Hospital in South Weymouth, MA, a corticosteroid that
ance. In severe cases, the blood sugar
level may fall low enough to cause
the ferret to have seizures; this
can be life-threatening, and
requires immediate veterinary
attention.
If your ferret starts to
show any of these symptoms,
he or she should be seen by a
veterinarian familiar with dis-
eases that are common in fer-
rets. A typical clinical workup
for a patient with these signs
includes a complete blood
count, a biochemistry profile,
and x-rays. While low blood
Complete
Medical Care
Scott E. Munson, VMD
Heidi A. McMorrow, DVM
1411 Osterville Road West Barnstable
December 2010
Saturday: 8am-12pm (every other)
& 9am-3pm (every other)
causes an increase Sunday: Closed
where he oversees the avian and in blood sugar lev-
303 Wareham Road, Marion
exotic animal practice.
508-748-1203
Dr. Debra M. Tranberg
Chiropractic www.marionanimalhospital.com
Care
For Your Large, Small
and Exotic Pets
PO Box 542 Visit our website for
detailed descriptions of
Bryantville, MA 02327
all our Pet Health services.
(781) 789-5999 Dr. Tranberg is a certified
drt@drtranberg.com
member of the American
Veterinarian Chiropractic
Association.
www.drtranberg.com Cassandra Kelley, D.V.M.
We are open and here for Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Hospital
our patients • Preventive Care Programs
• Senior Wellness
Please call
508-428-6393 to schedule or reschedule
• Dental Health
Monday - Saturday 8-5 • Complete Medical &
Cape Cod Animal Hospital has been in
Surgical Care
continuous operation since 1930 and will be
rebuilt. The hospital will continue to serve “Special Care For Your Cat”
this wonderful community.
508-746-8580
80 Sandwich St., (Rte. 3A) Plymouth
www.catclinicplymouth.com
Pet Gazette 11
 Happy Adoption Stories
By Lindsey Gardner
Pet Gazette Editor
I home ever with Lisa and Tom. Baxter is so spoiled and
f you have ever looked at the last
few pages of the Pet Gazette you
would see our Adoption Center.
Adoption centers all around Massachusetts
send in stories of pets that are looking for
loving homes. Roughly 7 million animals
enter shelters each year in the United
States Though there are many no-kill
shelters, an alarming 9.6 million ani-
mals are euthanized annually in this
country. Pets are abandoned for many
r very well.
reasons — these shelters are giving
B a x t e these pets a voice to tell their story
and the chance to find a family that
can give them a home.
The stories below are just a few of the
many happy adoption stories from our
adoption centers.
With over 500 happy dog and cat adoption
stories, Brockton Blue Dog Shelter tells the
happy “tails” of Rusty and Lady.
Rusty was a 12-year-old cocker spaniel
who came to the shelter when he started having
problems adjusting to life with a new baby. He
had been injured when he was young in a fall
and lost the use of his right
front leg.
Rusty’s age and
handicap did not
g n u s deter him from
t y & A being quite en-
ergetic. He
M o n was a real
favorite of
the staff and he loved
all the attention they
gave him. However,
not many people even
asked to meet him. A
friend of one of the
volunteers decided
she wanted to help
an older dog. She
came to the shelter
to meet Rusty and
it was love at first
sight. Now Rusty
is living happily in his new
home and enjoying rides
on an ATV.
J o s i e Lady was a very en-
ergetic, friendly 10-year- old mini
schnauzer who was relinquished to the
shelter. Her original owner died and a fam-
ily member took over her care; then he had to
be hospitalized. With no one to care for her, she
came to the shelter.
We learned that she had a history of bladder
stones and already had surgery once to remove
them. This is a common medical condition with
schnauzers and often requires a special diet for
the rest of their lives. During her stay, she de-
veloped bladder stones again and had to have
surgery. Luckily for Lady, we found a family
who was familiar with her medical problem
and willing to adopt her and welcome her
into their family.
 
Joanne G. Mainiero, president of the
y
Massachusetts Humane Society, has
L a d more than 20 years of experience in
animal rescue and adoption.
Baxter had been abandoned and
dumped at the Mass.Humane Society with fleas and
was dirty. He became a shelter dog and was scared and so
12
Pet Gazette
unsure, not knowing what was going to happen to him.
Mass Humane Society cleaned him up and got him ready
to be adopted into a loving home. Baxter found the best
is getting lots of love and attention. He has found his for-
ever home.
 
Josie was found outside by the Mass. Humane staff
as a kitten, barely surviving in the cold with her siblings.
Josie is a sweet, cuddly  and lovable, one-year-old girl
cat. She was adopted, but fell through the cracks and be-
came a victim of cruel abuse.  Josie was a victim of forced
blunt trauma to her femur by a human/heavy object. Her
femur was so smashed that her back leg had to be ampu-
tated. Mass. Humane  was able to get Josie the surgery
she needed and she now has three legs and gets around
Josie’s disposition is wonderful  and she  plays and
does all the cat things a cat does, with no problems.  Josie
has been adopted by Nancy along with three other feline
friends. Josie is now living with no fear and is getting lots
of love, kisses, hugs, attention and kindness.
Maura Porter of the Milton Animal League tells
the sad stories of Trinity and Lolly’s journey to
the shelter and how there can always be a happy
ending.
The first time the Milton Animal League took in Trin-
ity, she had been abandoned at a veterinarian’s office. 
As a three-month-old Siamese kitten, Trinity had been
brought in after an accident caused a devastating leg in-
jury. The leg was so badly broken that it could not be re-
paired and needed amputation.  Trinity had
been owned by a Siamese
cat breeder but because an
injured animal cannot be
sold for much money, the
breeder just walked away,
deserting Trinity at the ani-
mal clinic. 
The Milton Animal
League paid the medical
bills, allowing her to recu-
perate, and was then able
to find a young family to
adopt her. That was back
in 2007, but sadly after
two and a half years,
Trinity was returned
when she wasn’t
comfortable around
her owner’s toddler. 
R u s t y Trinity was so trau-
matized upon her
second return to the
shelter that she screamed and
howled in her cage. 
Yet Trinity rebounded once again.  In April, Trinity
met Donna, who immediately fell in love with her. Trin-
ity has been adored and has been loving her new home
ever since. She is a testament to the ability of animals to
recover and flourish when given true love and kindness.
Lolly, a young American bulldog/pit bull mix, was
named because she was as sweet as a lollipop. Her kind
and gentle demeanor was in opposition to the sad and
hurtful life that she had led.
When Lolly arrived at the Milton Animal League,
they noticed that the chain around her neck had begun
to embed into her skin.  It was also apparent that she had
lived chained outside and not ever in a home.  Lolly was
inquisitive about basic household things — the television
intrigued her immensely, as did the tea kettle and even a
broom. 
Given her lack of home experience and her need for
a lot of patience, she waited almost a year before being
adopted.  Then in April, Don and Katja came in to meet
her and it was love at first sight.  Great owners arrive
sometimes when most needed and that was the case with
Lolly, who had become overly stressed in the shelter. 
Now Lolly is no longer stressed — she lives a life of
joy and happiness with owners who love her more every
single day.  As her owners recently wrote about Lolly;
December 2010
“We can’t say enough about how happy we are with her and self as he was buying a home, knew he
how she has changed our life.” Perfection.  wanted to adopt Hooch. On June 26,
Hooch’s new life started. Matt and
All Paws Rescue in Accord, Mass. was able to bring Hooch get along great and go every-
happiness not only to a cat, but also to an assisted where together.
living community.
The Sunrise Center, an assisted living facility in Cohas- Colin Doggie, a Chihuahua
set, is much sunnier these thanks due to their newest and mix, was spotted at about a year
furriest resident. Jemma, a tiny, stubby-tailed torti with big old, tagged with a no-kids, no-an-
ears and a heart to match, and her brother Jinxie were care- imal warning and been returned to
lessly abandoned but miraculously found by a young woman Taunton’s Shelter once already. Still,
who made arrangements to bring the pair safely to All Paws his new owner welcomed him into
Rescue. her family.
In spite of their uncer- tain entry into the shelter Those early days were rough
world, Jemma and Jinxie because, like a lot of dogs,
loved the attention they got no one had taught
from the great volunteer Colin manners.
team and had a blast play- Everything from
ing around with the other tissues to his new
“clients.” The shelter owner’s feet were

i n i t y
Tr
director’s mom lives at chew toys. But Colin
the Sunrise Center, and Doggie earned his obe-
the staff soon learned dience school diploma
that their 20-year-old and transformed into
resident cat recently had a social butterfly
passed away. around people and
Everyone on the dogs alike.
“Reminiscence” floor, Now life for
dedicated especially Colin Doggie is
to memory-impaired full, dates with
residents, dearly loved the Bichon
their pet and so any sisters up the
new cat had very large street, cruis-
paws to fill. Staff from

m m a ing around

Je
the center came to the town in his
shelter, where they immediately carseat help-
fell in love with Jemma. Off she ing his “mom” run
went to the Sunrise Center to start errands or walking her to keep
her new life among the residents – her fit. It’s been more than two years,

y
and everyone is very pleased – es- pecially little but Colin still keeps in touch with his
Jemma. Happily, Jemma’s brother Jinxie was adopted by a
couple of All Paws volunteers. A very happy ending to this
story indeed.
pen pals from the shelter, often send-
ing photo greetings and blog updates
to brighten their days. Everywhere L o l l
Colin Doggie goes now, he shows
The Taunton Animal Shelter places more than 360 off his smooth doggie manners, puts
dogs and cats into loving homes each year. The sto- people under his spell and assists with
ries of Hooch and Colin Doggie are just two of the “mom’s” campaign for adoption.
many happy animals that Taunton Animal Shelter
has placed. A Helping Paw Rescue in
Hooch spent a long time in a shelter and, as time went Buzzards Bay tells the happy
by, the forever home he so desperately wanted didn’t seem story of a brother and sister
to be in sight. A kind woman gave Hooch things and sup- desperately needing a loving
ported him while he was there, but nothing can beat getting home.
adopted into a home with love, care and good food. A kind This little brother and sister pair
and generous young man, Matt, who had been waiting him- of long-hair black and white  kit-
tens arrived at the shelter as just
contact your local little things. Though they weren’t
blessed with health, they were
adoption center surely blessed with personality
ADOPT-A-PIT BULL RESCUE plus. Not long after arriving, both
Web-site: adopt-a-bull-rescue.webs.com/ succumbed to a viral infection.
E-mail: adoptabullrescue1122@hotmail.com While the brother, Monty, began

A Helping Paw rescue

Web-site: ahelpingpaw.org/
Phone: 508-743-8406
E-mail: ahelpingpaw@aol.com
All Paws rescue
Web-site: allpawsrescue.org/
Phone: 781-749-0968
E-mail: allpawsrescue@hotmail.com
brockton blue dog shelter
Web-site: bluedogshelter.com
Phone: 508-436-6446
E-mail: info@bluedogshelter.com
massachusetts humane society
Web-site: masshumane.org
Phone: 781-335-1300
Milton Animal League
Web-site: miltonanimalleague.org
to respond to the medication, sis-
ter Agnus didn’t.
Her little life was threatened for
C o l i n
nearly a month. When the medications
didn’t help, 6-8 times per day  volun-
teers force fed her with a syringe — a
puree concoction  of food and all natu-
ral supplements. Her body was run
down and weak. But having a fight-
er’s spirit, she held on. She greeted
us every feeding with love and purrs
and often times head-butts.
After about  four weeks of ongo-
ing care, her body finally started to
respond. Daily, she showed improve-
ment, and though she should have fi-
nally been able to eat on her own, she
seemed to prefer the syringe feeding
as if she was a baby bird. Several
months later, though she made a
full recovery, she was left with na-
sal issues that caused her to sneeze

c h
Phone: 617-698-0413

taunton animal shelter

Web-site: petfinder.com/shelters/MA72.html
Phone: 508-822-1463
through out the day.
Monty and Agnus were finally ready for
adoption. But few people showed interest in H o o
the pair because of their health issues. Sadly,
E-mail: paws4blue@aol.com
December 2010
Pet Gazette 13
we watched this pair grow up
at the shelter. Finally a wom-
an showed interest in the
pair and they were adopted.
However, it wasn’t long be-
fore they were brought
back. Agnus continued
to sneeze, leaving little
messes on the walls and
furniture that her new mom
couldn’t tolerate.
So again they were
placed up for adoption. And
though everyone who saw
them fell in love with their
personalities, not one per-
son would take a chance
on them because of their
health issues. Finally,
another woman came
along and fell in love
right away. Like everyone else, we
thought she would be
scared away because
of their sneezing —
but not this woman.
She took them home
that very day.
She has re-
ported to us that
both have grown
huge and though
they initially had
mild sneezing  epi-
sodes that got all
of the furniture,
nearly a year later
they have very
few  incidences.
We deem this one
of our happiest
adoption stories
because it goes to
show that many
of these precious kit-
tens who suffer from colds or
upper respiratory symptoms
while little improve greatly
14
and show few symp- as a bait dog, muzzled and thrown into the pit with
toms as adults. Our pitbulls in training to fight. They decided to take him
volunteers worked home, because they could not just leave him there
overtime trying to to die. After months of rehabilitation, lots of love
save this little girl’s and yummy, nutritious  food, Odie went to a foster
life — she was so full home. He learned a lot from his foster home and got
of life and  energy, a ton of love, attention and training. Finally after six
she surely deserved months of foster care and being returned once, Odie
the  chance to enjoy met a lovely family from Mashpee. They decided
life.  They are forev- right when they met him that he was the dog for
er grateful to their them. He is now enjoying life with a huge fenced-in
new mom who ad- back yard, an amazing, lovely house and three chil-
opted  Agnus and dren to call his own.
Monty because He now gets firm direction and lots of exercise,
she truly loved which he needs. And, of course, he gets lots of love.
them and over- He has gained at least 20 pounds. The nervous bone
looked  their rack they once knew became a happy, well-balanced,
mild health is- well-rounded dog.
sues.
e
  
i
These are just some of the lucky animals
Ji n x Founded
in 2008,
Adopt-A-
that have already found loving homes but
there are so many more pets still looking for
their forever homes.
Pit Bull Rescue on If you are unable to adopt but want to help,
Cape Cod tells the story shelters are always looking for volunteers. Any
of Odie. little bit helps to give the millions of pets out
Odie was a pound dog there loving homes. Please see our adoption
at a high-kill shelter in Con- center on pages 22-23 for a list of the latest
necticut. It was his last day at adoptable pets in your area.
this shelter, and if he wasn’t
adopted out, he would be put
down just a few hours later.
The owners of Adopt-
A-Pit Bull Rescue were
Adoption fees
down at that shelter look-
ing to fill a void from one reduced for Christmas
of their beloved furry This holiday season, Habitat for Cats will be of-
friends who passed away fering a reduced price on their adoption fees. From
from cancer.  The dog Dec. 1 - Dec. 31, the adoption fee will be $75.
officer walked them by “We would love to see all our homeless cats have
Odie’s kennel several homes for Christmas,” said Aura Correia, president
times, trying to get of Habitat for Cats. “Therefore, we are lowering our
them to take Odie
e
adoption fees for all our cats for the month of De-
O d i out for a walk “just
to look at him.” He
was a total bone rack
cember.”
As always, adoptions are available throughout
the month, by appointment. Call 508-961-2287 or
and covered in scars, except for visit habitatforcats.org for more information.
his face. They were told he had been used
pet drawing of
the month
“izzy the little puppy dog!”
Kelsey, 12 years old
Mail entries to: PET GAZETTE,
PO BOX 1656, DUXBURY, MA 02331
Guidelines
Open to children 14 and under. Work should be on
a 8.5 x 11 sheet of white paper with no lines. Please
use colored pencils or crayons. Entries must include
the name and age of child, parent’s name and con-
tact information, including phone. Please include a
brief description including your pet’s name.
Pet Gazette December 2010
 Butt tucks South Shore Humane’s
annual gift wrap fundraiser
How to get your horse stronger Look for South Shore Humane Society at the Barnes and
Noble in Hingham and Braintree and Borders in Braintree
this holiday season. Come support this non profit organiza-
tion started by a dedicated group of people more than 35 years
ago.
Visit and shop at these book stores and then have your
purchases wrapped by dedicated volunteers.

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By Dr. Bruce Indek gion to the hind end. Abdomi- horse’s butt. Start at the base

B
Pet Gazette Columnist
utt tucks (tucking
the pelvis in order
to commence for-
ward movement) are a great
way to improve your horse’s
engagement. Butt tucks are
also a way of strengthening
the core abdominal muscles,
which will help the top line of
your horse.
All horses are rear wheel
driven. Forward movement
starts by your horse tucking the
pelvis and moving its center of
gravity from the shoulder re-
nal muscles contract as well
to raise the top line and start
forward movement. If your
horse has difficulty moving
forward or throwing the head
up, this horse may need chiro-
practic evaluation along with
rehab exercises to improve the
engagement problem. You can
also test your horse by backing
it up an incline. Upon backing
up, if your horse is hesitating
or attempting to go sideways,
engagement is also at fault.
How butt tucks work is
simple (see picture). Just stand
up close and to the side of the
of the tail and go out 3 inches
to the side and down 5 inches.
This will put you in the loca-
tion of a crease between two
muscles of the butt. Scratch
sideways at a somewhat heavy
pressure and watch the croup.
The croup should rise even-
ly on both sides. Continue
scratching for approximately 5
to 10 seconds. Rest for 5 sec-
onds and repeat. If your horse
is responding well, repeat 5 to
6 times. You can do this exer-
cise as many times per week
as you wish.
WE ARE HERE WHEN
YOU NEED US!
Veterinarians and technicians on site 24 hours a day.
Locally owned and operated since 1975.
IN AN EMERGENCY
508-580-2515
24 hour care for sick or injured pets. Chief of Staff
Board Certified in Emergency and Critical Care.
WHEN YOU NEED A SPECIALIST
508-587-2700
Board certified veterinarians in internal
medicine, surgery, and cardiology.
YOUR FAMILY VETERINARIAN
508-584-1600

Feed The Pets annual

Full service veterinary practice including vaccinations,
dentistry, surgery and preventative medicine.

holiday pet food drive New England

I
t’s that time of year when we are soon
to celebrate festive holiday feasts.
Though we are excited to spend time
with our families, planning these holiday fes-
tivities can be hectic and stressful. We get so
caught up in making sure everything is just
right, we don’t stop to think about those who
are less fortunate:  The cats and kittens who
have been dumped on the streets and battle
daily for enough food to survive and  pet
owners who have lost their jobs because of
lay offs or downsizing and are just making it
day by day. The holidays will not be a time of
happy celebrations for these pets or people —
it will be a time of struggle just trying to stay Animal Medical Center
warm and fed.  595 W. Center St., W. Bridgewater
Please join A Helping Paw’s annual  Routes 106 and 24 (Exit 16B from 24)
Feed The Pets campaign and give the gift of www.neamc.com
food to a pet in need. Drop off canned and
dry food at our adoption center at 3086 Unit
No. 4, Cranberry Hwy E. Wareham (behind
the Traveller’s Inn) or send a donation to: A
Helping Paw, Feed the Pets, Box 387, Buz-
zards Bay, MA 02532. The goal this year is to
raise $3,200 to keep the pet food pantry full
during the long winter season so no pet will
do without.

CARING + EXPERIENCED STAFF /
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9ÊUÊ1/,
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FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY HOSPITAL "-ÊUÊ

/-ÊUÊ ,-ÊUÊ 8"/
-

- ,Ê-1, ,9ÊUÊ-1, ,9 COMPLETE DENTAL SERVICES

781-340-0800
1389 Main Street
(Route 18 South)
Weymouth, MA 02190

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December 2010
Pet Gazette 15
 By Rick Larsen
The enthusiast
finished in Springfield, Mass. But I skipped the show tion, not a dictatorship.

I
Pet Gazette Columnist
know, without reservation, that I am an enthu-
siast. I came to this revelation, not through
education, religion, or even self-improvement
seminars. This epiphany was the result of my eyes
rolling over words on the cover of a catalog.
Some time ago, I received a catalog full of man
toys. It pictured fancy shoes, wrist-worn timepiec-
es and brightly pat-
terned trousers with
HORSE elastic waistbands all
promising to enhance
TALK my appearance in the
eyes of others. It
was an enthusi-
ast’s catalog – as evidenced by the cover. The
byline shouted out: “The Enthusiast Catalogue.”
Imagine my excitement — I was an enthusiast
… or at least I was on a mailing list with other
enthusiasts. I pondered the source of my possible
enthusiasm. I wear shoes, and I like watches and
elastic trousers. I don’t know why I like watches. I
have no time sense. But I do know why I like elastic
trousers. I like elastic trousers because I’m 51 years
old and I also like food.
Though pleased about being an enthusiast, I was
still wallowing with uncertainty about what being an
enthusiast meant to me. Did I have to buy things to
be enthusiastic, or was it enough to just exude enthu-
siasm, catalog in hand? Was there a catalog for non-
enthusiasts? What would that have in it?
Then a queer idea intruded. What if no catalog
was required? Was it a mandate for me to purchase
man-toys to be an enthusiast? Could I just enthusiate
without spending money? Frankly, I am most enthu-
siastic about my wife, kids and horses. Since this is a
magazine about animals, all three qualify as animals.
But since this magazine is about pets, I will narrow
down the list to horses.
Equine Affaire, a huge trade show about horses,
with horses, and catering to horse enthusiasts, just
horse farm directory
in favor of enthusing with my own herd rather than
enthusing about everyone else’s horses and their pas-
sionate horsey skills. Instead of enthusiating in pub-
lic, I enthused in the privacy of their home.
I enthuse about the horses because they enthuse
about me. Most important, I try my darndest to help
them feel important. We all want something to be en-
thusiastic about and I think that horses need to feel
enthusiastic about, themselves. My friend Tom Cur-
tin told me once — and he said it just like this, too:
“It don’t matter what you think about your
horse. It don’t matter
what your
horse thinks about
you. What matters is how does he
feel about himself when he is around you? That’s
what matters.”
Therefore, I spend as much quality time as I can
with these horses and find things to do that will chal-
lenge them a little. Everyone needs a job, and horses
are no exception. I get mixed results for my horsey
requests, but that’s OK. Sometimes these horses are
completely engaged and sometimes they don’t want
to give me the time of day. Sometimes I ask them to
work a bit anyway and sometimes I cut ‘em some
slack. Isn’t that the way it is in most families, though?
We can’t be enthusiastic 100 percent of the time no
matter what species we are. Horsing is a conversa-
This holiday season, as the catalogues show up
on my doorstep, ten at a time, I choose not to buy
enthusiasm. I will not force enthusiasm into my soul
with a credit card. And horses are wise to me when I
show up all full of forced enthusiasm borne of a self-
important agenda.
But if I show up with some humility, some open-
ness, some understanding just how sensitive and em-
pathic these horses are — and yes some genuine en-
thusiasm — they give it back to me ten-fold. There’s
nothing quite so nice as an enthusiastic animal,
whether it is my spouse, my children and especially
my enthusiastic horses.
Enthusiasm is contagious, too. I want to share it
with you, but not like a bad cold when school starts
up in the fall. I want to share it with you more like the
feeling of rolling, building laughter in a theater when
everyone is all caught up in the same joke, expertly
delivered by the talented actor onstage. Not to im-
ply that I’m a talented actor. I think I’m more like
the stage mom that laughs the loudest when things
go well, but hopefully not so loud that everyone
turns around and looks at me funny.
I enthuse about my beautiful wife, whose en-
thusiasm for cats has the same feel as my enthu-
siasm for horses. I am enthusiastic about my family,
those at college and those at home. I am enthusiastic
about my friends, my so-called enemies, my fail-
ures and successes. I am enthusiastic about my job,
where I get to play with electronic stuff all the time
and share ideas with like-minded people five days a
week. I am especially enthusiastic about our won-
derful home, our community and the opportunities
I am given to feel alive, to be part of a bigger story,
and to share this enthusiasm with you. Thank you,
Pet Gazette, for giving me the chance to offer my
own brand of horse-powered sunshine to you, dear
reader. Please enthusiate with me and make the most
of this wonderful season. I wish you the happiest of
holidays, and I am extremely enthusiastic about the
coming year.
Call Robin at
781-934-2811
for more info

Stonecroft Farm Furnace Brook Farm Mare Willow Farm

Briggs Stable
Horse back Tack Shop & Trailer Sales
623 Hanover Street
riding Hanover, MA 02339
lessons (781) 826-3191
fax (781) 829-0091
Give Us a Call! Instruction • Training
Barn: 781-585-1940 Boarding • Sales
Residence: 781-585-6258 Full Service Tack Shop

(SPWF
4U
t
,JOHTUPO
Kingston Trailer Sales
W. Bridgewater, MA
508-588-5576 Erin Collins Van Steenburgh
Licensed Instructor
Boarding/Training
Huntseat, Dressage
Welcoming two
Join our new instructors
Middle/High Megan Means
School Riding Lessons: beginner to
advanced, dressage,
Jocelyn Maniglia
Team horsemanship camps, 168 Beaver Dam Road
ages 6 and up.
Year round lesson programs
ages 4 and up
Plymouth, MA 02360
Barn 508-224-9559
Indoor & Outdoor Ring
Marshfield, MA
Small, friendly atmosphere! (781) 837-2495 Boarding & Lessons

All around Training for the With a new Indoor Arena,

Complete Equestrian
Boarding~Lessons~Sales~Leasing
Equine Massage Therapy
School Vacation Programs
Talk to the guy that actually does the work April, July, and August!
www.peakequestrian.com
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL 1089 Main Street • Marshfield
781-834-6166
!SPHALTs2OLLs7OOD
2UBBERs3IDING
7INDOWSs'UTTERS
&2%%%34)-!4%3
-A,IC
Offering Lessons
beginner-advanced,
Training and Reschooling,
Horse showing, Ponies for
lease and for sale.
Geraldine Burnet
271 Main Street Plympton, Ma.
(781) 585-0295
Black feather horse rescue
508-951-4685 - www.blackfeatherhorserescue.org
Cinnamon is a small mare in her early teens.
Cinnamon gets her name from the unique color of
her coat which is Chestnut but is a much brighter
color that almost resembles cinnamon. Cinnamon
is approximately 14.3 hands.

(Local)781.293.1911 Sassy is an older Bay Thoroughbred Mare, approxi-

(Toll Free) 800.617.9677 mately 15 hands. She is well schooled and possesses
the kindest brown eyes. She came from an unfortu-
www.ridgebros.com nate situation, but she has now put on some weight
and is coming along nicely!

16
Pet Gazette December 2010
 Let’s play chicken
By Greg Mertz, DVM
Pet Gazette Contributor
T
here has been a rush of chickens at the
Odd Pet Vet this year. It is always a curios-
ity what triggers such rushes. Is it because
an outbreak of a disease strikes a particular species of
animal? Or is it because people suddenly develop an
interest in owning a particular kind of animal?
In the case of chickens, it is definitely an increase
of ownership. There is a wave of micro-flock chicken
raising sweeping America. It goes hand-in-hand with
the locavore food movement and the onset of the
Great Recession.
“If we raise chickens, we get free eggs,” some say.
Never mind that a dozen eggs in the grocery store
runs about $2.74 a dozen, and that to feed a dozen
chickens probably costs the same amount. There is
the added benefit of available meat, but I have yet to
encounter a client who is eating her chickens. I say
“her” chickens, because I have only women clients
who raise chickens. The men, it seems, stay out of
this arena.
“So, why do you raise them?” I asked Janice
Schembari of Hanover, the owner of a micro-flock of
chickens for 12 years.
“They lower your blood pressure,” she said. “And
the eggs are great.”
“Why don’t you eat the chickens?” I asked,
Rescue Groups
Forever Home Rescue
New England
TOUGH
BEGINNINGS.
HAPPY
ENDINGS.
We are a 501c3 all-breed rescue group
with a network of foster homes in the
south and in New England. Please
check out our available dogs at
www.foreverhomerescue.org
December 2010
knowing she has a strong enough flock 5. The chickens you eat from the grocery
to sustain a “chicken in the pot” once store are only seven months old when they are
a week. butchered.
“All my chickens have names,” she said.
“You can’t eat an animal with a name.” 6. A “layer” is a female chicken that lays
Well, then, why do you … Well, you know eggs.
what? I agree!
It turns out there are 15 billion chickens in the 7. A hen has to be bred by a male before it
world. That is two and a half chickens for every man, can lay eggs.
woman and child on earth. Here in the United States
it is even greater. Here they outnumber us 3 to 1. 8. An average hen lays 3-4 eggs a day.
Hard to name 15 billion chickens.
Historically, the American tradition has been that 9. The natural life span of a chicken is over
most homes had chickens in the yard for eggs and 10 years of age.
meat. Whether they named them, I don’t know. The
only thing new about the resurgence of family flocks 10. If there is no rooster in a flock, a domi-
is the suburban flock. City flocks and rural flocks nant hen will step up and takes its place.
have been with us for a long time. It is only since
the 1930s that large central flock farms have gotten 11. The average chicken that you eat is allo-
a foothold. And the suburbs came after the fac- cated a space smaller than the size of this news-
tory farms. paper in which to live its entire life.
The micro-flock is filling something
more than the frying pan. Shirley Ritchie Answers all are true except: 4. The wattle is
of Weymouth keeps three chickens. the hang down structure directly under a chick-
Why? “Because they are fun,” she en’s beak. 7. Hens are programmed to lay eggs
said with enthusiasm. with or without a male. 8. A typical hen lays 3-4
So what makes a local chicken eggs per week, not per day.
farmer come to the Odd Pet Vet? Here
is a list of what we have seen so far this
year: leg mites, bumblefoot (infections Photo: Janice Schembari of Hanover with a
of the foot and leg), feather lice, trauma rooster named Fred.
(broken legs, animal attacks), gastroen-
teritis and upper respiratory infections.
Although not part of micro-flock, we
treated an exhibition chicken with ul-
cers, an esophageal foreign body and
an egg-yolk induced metritis (uterine
infection). This did not all happen at
once. This particular chicken is always
getting into something.
If you want to learn more about rais-
ing chickens, there is a great new book on
the market, titled “City Chicks: Keeping Mi-
cro-Flocks of Chickens as Garden Helpers, Compost
Makers, Bio-Recyclers, and Local Food Producers,”
written by Patricia L. Foreman.
How much do you know about chickens?
Try your hand with this True-False quiz.
1. If you have an inordinate fear of chickens,
it is called alektorophobia.
2. Egg color of a hen can be told by the color
of the chicken’s ear lobes. White predicts white
egg color; red predicts brown egg color.
Shirley Ritchie of Weymouth with her hen Myrtle.
3. White meat of the breast is fast
twitch muscle that helps a chicken fly
away from danger. Dark meat of the
legs and thighs is slow twitch muscle
that helps a chicken run around gath-
ering food.
4. The chicken’s wattle refers to
the way the chicken walks and bobs its
head.
Pet Gazette 17
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18
Pet Gazette December 2010
 dog training dog training dog training
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6 AM - 9 PM Canine Etiquette
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THE EVERYDAY DOG Obedience Training School
55 Jonathan Bourne Dr. U-4
POSITIVE TRAINING Pocasset, MA 02559
508-563-1122
Josephsdogtraining.com
Lessons In Your Home Classes Available
s"EHAVIOR-ODIFICATION Puppy, Basic, Level 2, Level 3, Attention,
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Group, Private and In-Home Lessons on
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pet health
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December 2010 PetGaz2010_2x2_3_DEC.indd 1 Pet Gazette
11/16/2010 2:53:38 PM
19
 Boarding Boarding Boarding

An Ad in The Pet Gazette Directory - Your Sign of Success!

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(2’’ x 2.3’’ wide)
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20
Pet Gazette December 2010
 • Easy access to Rte. 3 and on Rte. 53!! • Full Grooming Service DOGS &
• Convienent daycare drop off and • Indoor/Outdoor Runs CATS
pick up hours! 7-9 am & 5-7 pm. • Large private boarding facilities • Large Play Area
• Clean, modern and climate controlled
• All air conditioned and premium foods! • Soft music for relaxation • Heated & A/C
Cat Boarding also available. • Free nail and wing clipping available
120 West Center St. (781) 834-7675

Boarding Boarding Boarding

Call for information, rates and booking Rt. 106
781-331-8425 W. Bridgewater, MA 02379 Resident Owners: Spiros and Kim Mallios
508-580-0032
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Brockton, MA
THECat Boarding Kennels Just Minutes
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inspection welcome • Cats Only! 781-585-2150
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43 Winnetuxet Rd. Plympton, MA 02367
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working with her! • Cageless/Homestyle Boarding for -Hingham, Cohasset, Abington, Milton
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• In-Home Boarding for special needs Private Lessons - Board & Train
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when you're at work
Owners and Caring Staff Luxury Kitty Condos for• Dog
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us at GROOMING
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– Individual climate controlled indoor/outdoor runs
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of engaging doggy activities!
Toys, Treats, Grooming Products,
781-837-5125 www.greengatekennel.com Pet Beds & Much More
Our experienced staff can help youThe Pet Gazette, June 2006 21
choose the right food based on your
pet's individual needs

grooming

s&ULL'ROOMING3ERVICE
s$OGGIE$AYCARE
s)NDOOR/UTDOOR2UNS
s,ARGE0LAY,OUNGE!REAS
s(EATED!#

December 2010
Pet Gazette 21
 Adoption Center
Made possible by the generosity of Mary Lou’s News
Adopt a pit bull rescue
adoptabullrescue1122@hotmail.com
Athena is a five-year-old pitbull mix who has been through a
lot in her life time. She is up-to-date on all of her shots and she
is spayed. Sadly she was used for breeding purposes for the
first three years of her life, and then when they were done with
her they left her tied outside with no food or water. She was
saved by a wonderful person who couldn’t stand seeing her
like this. Sadly that person couldn’t keep her forever, so he signed her over to our
rescue organization about a year ago. She is quite large and scary looking, but she
is a total sweetheart. She gives the saying “You can’t judge a book by its cover” a
real meaning. She does OK with older children, but we don’t think she should go to
a home with young kids because of her size. One lick would knock them right over.
She is basically a perfect dog. She knows obedience commands and she is crate
trained. She walks very well on leash and loves to cuddle. Her only issues are guard-
ing toys and making accidents in the house every once in a while. We are currently
working on her “drop-it” and “leave-it” commands, and we are also looking for a
supplement to help her hold her potty over night. We think because she was bred so
much, and spayed at an older age, she has weak bladder control.
Baby is a three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier who is up-
to-date on all of her shots and is spayed. A lot of people and
other rescues try to classify pitbulls as “staffordshires,” but
Baby is a genuine staff bull. She was saved from a high kill
shelter in Conn. just in the nick of time, before they euthanized
her to make room for more dogs coming off the streets. She
was abused, bred and neglected. Her body is covered in scars
and she was completely emaciated when she came into our care. Her previous owner
was actually trying to get her back from the pound, but he couldn’t “make bail” for
her. That’s when our rescue stepped in before she was put down to make more
room. She loves people and kids of all ages, shapes, sizes and races and would
really enjoy sitting on the couch with you all day cuddling. She does well with most
male dogs, but doesn’t do well with other females, but it really depends on the dog.
She isn’t the biggest fan of energetic little puppies or overly hyper or dominant adult
dogs. She makes silly snorting and grunting noises and snores a little when she is
sleeping. We think she would make an amazing therapy dog because of the love she
possesses for people. She is quite tiny, weighing in at around 35-40 pounds. She
knows basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, laydown, kennel, paw and get
(which means move away) She walks very well on leash, and we are currently work-
ing on breaking her focus on other dogs while out walking, which she is doing very
well with. She is almost completely potty trained; she just needs someone to take
her out a few extra times a day.
taunton animal shelter
508-822-1463
My name is Micky, and I am a male black & white DLH.
Handsome gent I am with my long furry tuxedo. Allergies, that is
why I am now in the shelter. I am hoping that my next home is
forever and it is where i will hang my hat. I enjoy visitors and will
often speak to get attention. I am four years old so all those frisky
kitten days are behind me. If you are looking for a good friend,
loyal and true, then please come to meet me. I have a special adoption fee. I have
been waiting for my adoptive family since May 5. Everyone passes me by for those
younger kittens. Six months is a long time to be waiting for a home of my own
again; some days I feel like this cage will be my forever home and then I feel sad.
Wyatt is a male Portuguese hunting dog,  about 2 1/2 years old.
Wyatt is a handsome guy. He seems fine with most other dogs and cats.
He is somewhat timid of new people, but warms up quickly. He has
several favorite volunteers with whom he loves to snuggle and cuddle.
We recommend no toddlers. Breed knowledge is preferred. Wyatt walks
well on the leash and would make an excellent walking/running compan-
ion. Wyatt would do well at agility training. A fenced yard would be ideal.
Pet Gazette Adoption
Center Guidelines
• Adoption notices
are published free of
charge for all area
animal shelters.
• The deadline for sub-
mitting pets is the 15th of
the month. Space will be given out on
a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Please send a photo and brief write-up
for each pet seeking adoption to adopt@
petgazette.net
• You may send four pets per month.
All types of dogs, cats and other
domestic pets are welcome.
•  We encourage shelters to send news
of successful adoptions.
22
Pet Gazette
german shepherd rescue of ne
978-443-2202 | www.gsrne.org
Beautiful black and tan Kasey is the perfect companion — a lov-
ing attentive seven-year-old who seeks to please.  She loves to go
for walks and is happy to return and curl up on her bed. Kasey would
do best in a home with few stairs. While she does have limitations
due to her hip, her condition is easily managed.
Loden is a large black GSD with a bit of tan accenting his
face. He stands tall and has some of the softest ears you will
ever feel. Loden previously lived with a family but was sur-
rendered to a shelter after the household schedule became
too hectic, with him being tied alone outside for long periods
of time. Despite this, Loden is an extremely social dog that
bonds very strongly with people who care for him. He loves
attention and being around people.
Killian is a large, gorgeous three-year-old, black and tan male
that came to GSRNE from a shelter.  Killian was surrendered to the
shelter because his original owners had an illness in the family and
could no longer care for him. This GSD is young, enthusiastic and
loves to play with toys and fetch tennis balls or Jolly balls.  He
adores toys that squeak and will contentedly toss them around if his
people are not ready to play. Killian will benefit from obedience
training that keeps him engaged and challenged.
SAMPSON: The  ideal home for  six-year-old Sampson would be  one
where he could be with his people throughout the day. Daily walks along
with playing would be on the agenda because he loves his soccer ball.
Sampson would need someone who could say “OK, that’s enough soc-
cer for today. Let’s take it easy on that leg.” An easy-going canine sibling
would be the frosting on the cake. Sampson loves his GSD foster sibling,
enjoys children and older people, plus he loves his foster family’s cat. 
brockton blue dog shelter
508-436-6446 | www.bluedogshelter.com
Dixie is a beautiful eight-year-old mixed breed dog who was
relinquished to Blue Dog. Her previous family had her for about five
years and loved her to death, but Dixie doesn’t get along well with
small dogs, and that became a problem. Dixie is a wonderful dog
and would do very well in a home with no other dogs. Dixie needs
a family with a quieter lifestyle and previous dog experience. Dixie
is at the shelter now, waiting to meet her new forever family. Please
note that you can also sponsor Dixie by clicking the “Sponsor Me”
button at the top of the page. This is a great (and tax-deductible) way to help home-
less pets.
Dutchess is a sweet mini-schnauzer in need of a new home.
She weighs 18 pounds and is seven-years-old. Dutchess likes to
go for walks outside and would love to have a home with a quiet
lifestyle. She doesn’t really like other dogs and because she has
had little experience with children, we would recommend a home
without young children. Several years ago, Dutchess had to have
surgery for a bladder stone — something very common in schnauzers — and
needs to be on a prescription diet for the rest of her life. Dutchess is ready to meet
new families during any regular shelter hours.
Minnie is a seven-year-old Jack Russell terrier who came to our
shelter as a victim of the economy. She had lived with a male Jack
Russell her whole life and she gets along well with other small
dogs. Minnie is a little shy when she first meets new people but
then makes friends. Minnie would like a quiet adult home where
she can get lots of love, be taken for walks, and enjoy her “retire-
ment years.” Please consider adopting this deserving “senior citi-
zen.” Minnie is available to meet new families during regular shelter hours.
Sarah is a six pound, seven-year-old Chihuahua in need of a
special home. When Sarah first came to us, she was terrified and
hid in her crate for days. With weeks of patience and loving care,
Sarah has become a more playful, cute little dog. She is still
somewhat nervous and will need a calm, quiet home but does
seek attention and plays happily with toys. She is the perfect size for a small apart-
ment or condo. Sarah will not be placed with any children but will be a good com-
panion for someone who is at home a lot . Sarah has been training to potty out-
doors and also will use “potty pads” in the house. She had never been potty trained
outdoors, but the shelter has been working with her on that and she is doing better
outdoors. If you think you are the right person for Sarah, please come to meet her
during any regular shelter hours.
December 2010
 Adoption Center
Made possible by the generosity of Mary Lou’s News
Mass Humane
781-335-1300 | www.masshumane.org
Gus is a toy terrier chihuahua mix, two-year-old male, brown color,
neutered and UTD on shots, HW- Lyme tested negative, de worm and
de flea. He weighs about 18-20 pounds and loves to play ball in the
yard, he can fly through the air and has lots of fun. He is a loyal dog
that loves to be with you and go for leash walks. He is very smart and
willing to please you, “agility” is his style!  Gus would do best as the only pet in
the house hold and no cats or small toddler kids — he should go to an adult fam-
ily or person. Gus could use some basic training and socializing and he needs more
house training. His former owner had a  baby and no longer wants Gus.
Unfortunately the former owner did not do too much with Gus, so he is now learn-
ing to be a dog, have fun and trust people. Gus will be a good member of the
family  for somebody that wants to give him that big chance in life. He is at the
shelter now; call MHS 781-335-1300 or e-mail masshumane@aol.com.
 Hi my name is Chino, I am a six-year-old neutered male AST,
reddish in color, UTD on Shots, HW & Lyme negative, de worm,
de flea, weight is about 60 pounds. I am a lover of a dog, I am a
happy guy  with a good disposition and have manners. I love to
go for walks, play and run around and rides in the car. I should do
OK with dogs; at the shelter kennel there are all kinds of dogs and
I am OK with that. I would do best as the only pet, but I am a social guy that wants
to get out there and meet and greet. No cats or small toddlers, but older adult kids
are fine. I was dumped — abandoned at the MHS shelter. I did nothing wrong to
be forgotten and dumped. I am now looking for a loving, caring family that will
keep me for good this time. Come and see me at the mhs shelter.
hilltop humane society
781-963-7289 | www.hilltophumane.org
LEA: A very petite, gray and white tabby female who is as sweet
as she looks.  Although she was taken from a bad home, she loves
people and lots of affection.  Only about four years old, Lea is
healthy, spayed and tested, and has all her shots.
EMMA ROSE: A playful, friendly four-month-old gray tabby with
white paws and bib, Emma Rose  is the sister to Kelsey.  She is
healthy, spayed, tested, vaccinated and ready to bring a lot of love
into your home.
KELSEY: Emma Rose’s sister and littermate Kelsey has a lot of
white with patches of gray tabby stripes.  She has been spayed, vet
checked, vaccinated and tested.  She would make a sweet and loving
pet either alone or as a pair with her sister.
ELKY: A multicolored tabby with extra toes on her front paws (a
Hemingway Polydactyl). Little more than a baby herself (about 1 to
1-1/2 years), she was found abandoned with a litter of kittens. They
have been adopted and now it’s her turn. She will follow you around
and just loves attention. Elky is healthy, spayed and tested and has all her shots.
Milton animal league
617-698-0413 | www.miltonanimalleague.org
Hildy is a one year old spayed female pit bull terrier. Hildy is a
fun and active dog who is looking for someone who is fun and
active too. She’s also a lovebug who enjoys lots of petting and
people time. She is very stressed in the shelter and is more than
ready to be in a real home with her best human friends. See
Hildy’s video on YouTube through the MAL website.
Hannah is a 2-year-old spayed female Rottweiler mix who was
abandoned by her owners. Hannah is a quiet and sensitive girl who
would make a dog-savvy person a great companion and friend. She
likes walks and she even stops to smell the flowers. See Hannah’s
video on YouTube through the Milton Animal League Web site.
Maxine is a 14-year-old spayed female domestic medium hair who
has had a difficult time. Maxine was found outside one rainy evening,
wet and shivering. After recovering from this neglect and getting her
matted fur groomed at the vet, she is ready for someone with a big
heart to give her lots of love. She does not like other cats, but loves
people. Please see her video on the Milton Animal League Web site.
December 2010
Pet Gazette
all paws rescue
781-749-0968 | www.allpawsrescue.org
Bailey came to us when he was about eight-weeks old and was
part of a litter born under a porch. As scared as he may have been,
he came up to his foster mom his first day to vocally express his
opinions, and the next day he was in her lap and purring. Bailey is
an adorable cream puff. He is very playful and he and his brother Guinness (see
below) actually vibrate when they purr.  
Guinness is a gorgeous white and orange male with an
amazingly sweet disposition. Both he and his brother Bailey are
neutered. Guinness loves to snuggle. He and his siblings have
spent over a month in a foster home and have received and
given tons of love. Guinness and Bailey would love to go together to a forever
home but can go alone as long as there is lots of love waiting for them in their new
home.
Tara is a sweet and lovable black female who nuzzles anyone’s
legs who happens to be walking by — or standing still. She is vocal
and loves a good session of ear scratching. Tara’s littermates have
all found forever homes, and Tara is patiently waiting for hers. 
Dixie is a spayed female almost two years old and has been with
All Paws Rescue since shortly after her birth. Sadly, she has watched
her four littermates find their forever homes. Dixie is shy and needs
a quiet home with no small children, but she gets along great with
other cats and kittens. She also plays a mean game of laser tag. In
the right home Dixie will do fine, but it will take some time for her to
adjust. If you have room in your home and room in your heart, Dixie
would make a wonderful feline companion.
a helping paw
508-291-PAWS | www.ahelpingpaw.org
Spuds is a tuxedo gray male kitten — full of energy, recent-
ly altered and ready to go. We offer discounts for pairs; kittens
need friends.
Pecan is a solid black kitten, ready to  “spice” up   your holiday
festivities. We love to keep kittens in pairs; special discounts for
two.
TeeTee s a gorgeous and playful adult white calico who is so
ready for her new home. She adores her babies and would love
to find a home with one of them. She is so very bonded with
them, we’ll even offer a very special discount.
This is just one of TeeTee’s babies, this adorable tiger/white is
fun and spunky. Fully vetted and ready to go, he does have a very
mild medical issue.
Quincy animal shelter
617-376-1349 | www.quincyanimalshelter.org
Buddy:  He wants out of the shelter!  With us since April,
he has sadly watched while other cats have found their
forever homes.  Buddy is three years old and a handsome
tuxedo.  He gets along well with other cats, although he
won’t object to being the only feline in your life. Buddy likes
to play, seeks out a warm lap and loves to be petted. Visit
the shelter. Ask for Buddy. You will be glad you did.
Jimi H:  His last owner lost their home and Jimi came to the
shelter. He’s won the hearts of all the volunteers, but we’d love to
see him go to a forever home. He’s a sweet Shepherd/Husky mix
who loves to run, swim, catch toys and learn tricks. If you are
active, Jimi would be the perfect companion. He’d do best if there
were no kids, and he’d be happiest as the only pet. Come meet
Jimi and see why we love him.
23
 1014 Pearl Street Phone:508.588.5661
Brockton, MA www.jmpetresort.com

Conveniently Located Open 7 Days a Week

Minutes from Rt. 24 6 AM - 9 PM

Where Your Pet Is a Part Of Our Family

FOOD OF THE MONTH: BLUE BUFFALO

$6 OFF A 30 LB BAG OF DOG FOOD &
$3 OFF A 7 LB BAG OF CAT FOOD
10% OFF PET BEDS ALL MONTH LONG!
Customer Appreciation Weekend is December 17, 18 & 19 . Don't miss out.
Everything in the store is 10% Off!

Hmmmm? What can I get Aunt

Get your pet looking their best
this holiday season. Call today
for an appointment with one of
our friendly, experienced groom-
ers. Dog & Cat grooming available
7 days a week. Excellent prices
and frequent customer specials.
Mary for a holiday gift? Please
every pet owner on your holiday
shopping list with a J.M. Pet
Resort gift certificate or a cus-
tom-made dog or cat basket
filled with delightful goodies.
Don't get left out in the cold. Make
your holiday boarding reservations
today at 508.588.5661. Ask about
special deals on luxury add-ons to
pamper your pet during their stay.

Make Dixie's Holiday Wish

Come True.... She's been wait-
ing at the shelter for far too
Make a shelter dog happy long and the staff and vol-
by picking an ornament from unteers can't understand
our Christmas Tree and pur- why. Dixie would love a home
for the holidays and forever.
chasing an item for that dog. She's a gentle soul who would
love a new family with previ-
ous dog experience. She's also
wishing for a home that's a
little on the calm, quiet side
where she would be the only
Check out our great selec- pet and the apple of your
tion of doggie winter coats eye. For more information on
and sweaters and keep your Dixie visit bluedogshelter.com
pet toasty warm all winter.

Warm wishes for a safe,

Beat the winter blahs by
healthy & prosperous holi- volunteering at the Blue Dog
day season from our fam- Shelter. Visit the website for fur-
ily to yours. The Mathers ther details bluedogshelter.com
Become our fan
on Facebook!
HOURS: Monday - Sunday: 6 AM - 9 PM
24
Pet Gazette December 2010

Internal Medicine
Michael Bernstein, DVM,
DACVIM, Medical Director
Angelyn Cornetta, DVM,
DACVIM, Intern Director
Alice Hadden, DVM,
DACVIM
Susan Morrison, DVM,
DACVIM
Jerry Perry, DVM
Bruce Walker, DVM
Cardiology
Susan Morrison, DVM,
DACVIM
(Internal Medicine)
Bradley L. Moses, DVM,
DACVIM (Cardiology)
Neurology
Stephanie Kube, DVM,
DACVIM (Neurology)
Dermatology
Klaus Earl Loft, DVM
Emergency/Critical Care
Angelyn Cornetta, DVM,
DACVIM
Angela Girello, DVM
Alison R. Gaynor, DVM,
DACVIM, DACVECC
Cindy Lopes, DVM
Ophthalmology
Bill Greentree, DVM, DACVO
Surgery
David Diamond, VMD,
DACVS
Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging
Lori Hartzband, DVM,
DACVR
Diana Rosenstein, DVM,
DACVR
Avian and Exotic Animal
Medicine
Stephen Dyer, DVM,
DABVP (Avian)
Dentistry
Michelle Politano, DVM
Sheri Procious, DVM
December 2010
VCA South Shore
(Weymouth) Animal Hospital
595 Columbian St., South Weymouth, MA 02190
(781) 337-6622
www.vcasouthshore.com
Dermatology
Chronic Ear Disease In
Dogs & Cats
If your dog has had two or more ear infections in his or her life, you might have been told that
“all dogs gets ear infections,” or “it is normal for dogs with long, hanging ears to get ear infec-
tions,” or “all dogs that swim get ear infections,” or even that “it is because your dog is digging
in the dirt that he gets ear infections.” These are common misconceptions that Dr. Klaus Earl
Loft, who runs the Dermatology Service at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in South
Weymouth, MA, has heard from owners who bring him their pets with chronic ear problems.
In reality, a dog that suffers from recurrent ear infections may actually have an underlying
allergic skin condition that, if diagnosed and treated properly, could eliminate or reduce the
incidence of future ear infections.
If your dog has had ear problems that began when he or she was younger than 3 to 4 years of
age, it is likely that the ear problem is secondary to allergies. Older animals that develop their
first ear infection later in life may have problems other than allergies that are the cause for the
ear infection.
In veterinary medicine, it is often the dermatologist who deals with chronic ear diseases in
dogs and cats. This is very understandable, since the ear and the skin are one and the same
organ, and clinical signs associated with the ears are often part of a generalized dermatologic
condition. Some dogs that present with an ear infection will have other clinical symptoms that
are suggestive of allergies, such as foot licking and chewing, itchy skin, reoccurring skin infec-
tions in the groin or elbow area, greasy and scaly hair coat, and/or patchy hair loss. These
symptoms can seriously affect the quality of life in these pets, and managing patients afflicted
with chronic allergic ear disease has become a passion for Dr. Loft. Using the videotoscope at
VCA South Shore for both the diagnosis and treatment of these frustrating chronic ear prob-
lems has increased Dr. Loft’s ability to determine the best therapeutic options for these
patients, and to help deal with the often severe discomfort associated with ear infections.
If Dr. Loft suspects that allergies are the underlying cause for a patient’s chronic skin or ear
issues, he can offer either intradermal or serologic testing for both cats and dogs. Once a spe-
cific allergic cause is identified, he will treat the patient with Allergen Specific Immunotherapy
(commonly known as “allergy shots”). This hypo-sensitization is very similar to what is offered
to humans with atopic dermatitis.
If your dog or cat suffers from reoccurring ear problems or other chronic skin conditions, ask
your regular veterinarian for a referral, or feel free to call VCA South Shore Animal Hospital,
to schedule a consultation with Dr. Loft. In Dr. Loft’s opinion, “Until proven otherwise, a
pet with chronic ear disease is an allergic pet.”
• Full Service Veterinary Hospital
• 24 Hour Emergency Service
• Appointments Available Seven Days a Week
Dedicated team of 29 doctors on staff – including Board
Certified specialists in Cardiology, Internal Medicine,
Neurology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Surgery,
Avian Practice, and Emergency/Critical Care.
The Best of Quality Care for
Every Stage of Your Pet’s Life!
Pet Gazette 25