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Covering Southeastern, Mass and Cape Cod Published by Clipper Press E-MAIL: editor@petgazette.net Advertising: 781-934-2811 x23 or ads@petgazette.net
Volume 13 No. 1 “Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” ~ George Elliot january 2010

Full Service Boarding and Daycare Facilities

Wendy Oleksiak, R.N. Cohasset
s)NDIVIDUALINDOOROUTDOORRUNS
s(EATEDAIR
CONDITIONEDFORYOURPETSCOMFORT Kennel
s3EPARATEQUIETCATAREA 235 Cedar Street, Cohasset
500 Franklin Street, Duxbury
781-837-7178
s$AILYEXERCISEAFFECTIONTIMEAVAILABLE 781-383-1475
s4OURSAREWELCOMED www.CohassetKennel.com
www.DuxburyKennel.com See our ads on page 17

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”
Habitat for Cats
Adoption Day
H
abitat for Cats is holding
a Cat/Kitten Adoption
Day on Sunday Janu-
ary 10 and 24 from 12:00 to 3:00 at
1322 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford,
MA (at the Dartmouth Dental, Sun
Kissed Tanning & Honeydew Do-
nuts Business Center)
All cats & kittens are spayed/
Adoption application and con-
neutered, inoculated and have tested
tract are required. Pets must travel in
negative for feline leukemia. Cats
a pet carrier. Bring a carrier or buy
have received medical and fos-
one at adoption day.
ter care valued at $200. or greater.
Call (508) 961-2287 for more
Adoption fee is $100. for adult cats
information or visit www.Habitat-
and $120. for kittens five months &
forCats.org.
younger. (Price increase due to the
rising cost of vet care)
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

Production & Layout: Lindsey Gardner; Advertising: Robin Nudd
Publisher: Josh Cutler; Contributors: Becca Manning, Justin Graeber, George Sommers,
Nicole Birkholzer, Gerald F. Williamson, Joe Breault, Diane Donovan, Rick Larsen

HOURS OF DELIVERY ADDRESS: 11 So. Station Street, Duxbury

OPERATION MAILING ADDRESS: Pet Gazette, PO Box 1656, Duxbury, MA 02331
Contact US:781-934-2811, ext. 23 • ads@petgazette.net
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)
Megan Hwang, DVM
Amina Johnson, DVM
Mary Clark, VMD ————
Klaus Earl Loft, DVM Hours by
(Residency trained in Dermatology) appointment:
Maria Tehrany, DVM Mon 11 AM to 7 PM
............ Tues 11 AM to 7 PM
www.VCARoberts.com Weds Closed
Thurs 9 AM to 8 PM
VCA ROBERTS IS LOCATED
Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
Sat 9 AM to 1 PM
2.5 MILES SOUTH OF THE
HANOVER MALL ON RTE. 53
TAKE EXIT 13 OFF RTE. 3 ————
2 January 2010
Pet Gazette
 Top Dog of the Month Pleasant Mountain Pet Cemetery
“Hunter” & Cremation Services

M
y name is Hunt- On Rt 3 76 Liberty St Plymouth, MA 02360
er, I am a one
year old pure- Where Heartfelt Responsibility is Practiced.
bred German Shepherd. When Visit our website at www.petrestofplymouth.com
I was born my birth name was
“Mr Floppy” because I had
s0RIVATECREMATIONSVERYREASONABLYPRICED
floppy ears. I lived with a fam-
ily in Falmouth for 8 months 5RNINCLUDED
who had two young children s3AMEORNEXTDAYPICK UPATYOURHOMEORVET
but they decided I needed
s#ERTIFIEDCREMAINSRETURNEDINFOURDAYS
more attention than they could
offer so I moved to Cohasset s6IEWCREMATIONSOPENDOORPOLICY
with my current owners. They ONOURFACILITIESEXCLUSIVEWITHUS
are very good to me and love
s0RIVATEBURIALSONBEAUTIFULLYKEPTGROUNDS
to take me on walks and play
with my in the yard. s2EASONABLYPRICEDAND
My “sister” had wanted a NOYEARLYMAINTENANCEFEES
dog for 20 years after her first
s9OUMAYINSISTONWHEREYOURPETS
German Shepherd had passed
away. Our “mother” kept re- AFTERCAREISPERFORMED
sisting but once she saw my s/VERYEARSOFCOMPASSIONDIGNITYANDSERVICE
picture she fell in love. A fence
was immediately put up and Call for info 1-800-852-0014 or 508-746-5550
toys were all over the house
and yard. I was home.
Though I have my own
bed, I prefer to nap on my
owner’s beds. I love to curl up
in a ball and snore real loud.
I absolutely hate taking
yard - a seashell that I love to the backyard most weekends.
Loving Arms
carry around and some pump- I don’t have a story about
rides in the car. I always think
I am going to the vet or to get
a bath and I get so nervous I
kins that my owner had out for
decoration.
saving my family from a fire,
and I don’t have a story about
Pet Care
Though I love to play with rescuing a little boy who fell
get sick.
my family, I’ve discovered in a pond, but I have brought,
I saw snow for the first
that I can play all by myself love and joy to my new family Sherilyn Biagini
time this month and it was
and throw my toys around the who waited so long to find the
pretty weird at first, but now I Veterinary Technician
yard and chase after them. perfect dog.
love it! I romp all around the 12 years in Animal Care
Our neighbors have out- I think I should be Top
yard chasing after snowballs
door cats that like to venture Dog of the Month because I
and dig holes and stick my
into our yard, but I am very have a great family and I give Member of PSI
toys in them.
protective of my yard and they them lots of love.
I have a really nice big
learned pretty quickly that I I offer boarding in my home while you are away.
backyard and I have lots of
like to bark quite loud. Hunter Gardner
toys. Some of my favorite toys • Daily walks • Playtime
I love playing with other Cohasset
are things I discovered in my • Medication administration
dogs and have play dates in • Post surgery recovery care
Dr. Bruce Indek attends American Veterinary • Litter Box cleaning • Some grooming
• Nail trims
Chiropractic Association convention

T
Whatever your pet needs are, I will take care of it.
I also do pick up and drop off
he AVCA this year to attend the AVCA convention;
depending on distance.
celebrates its 20th the seminars given by some of
I check mail, water plants etc.
anniversary; it was the most renowned animal chi-
formed in 1989 by Dr. Sharon ropractors in the business were 617-529-8325
Willoughby, a DVM, DC and a enlightening,” said Dr. Indek.  biaginis3@yahoo.com
group of veterinarians and chi- Indek Chiropractic is owned and
ropractors interested in further- operated by Dr. Bruce Indek, a
ing the profession of animal chi- Cohasset resident, who earned
ropractic. Today, the AVCA has his undergraduate degree from HEALTHY VETERINARY
a three-fold mission: to function Syracuse University, and his
as a professional membership Dr. Bruce Indek degree from the National Col- ALTERNATIVES
group, to promote animal chi- lege of Chiropractic; his certifi-
ropractic to professionals and the public, and cation in animal treatment is from Options for Acupuncture and other natural & holistic
to act as the certifying agency for doctors who Animals, National Chiropractic College.  Indek
have undergone animal chiropractic training.  Chiropractic has operated from its location at treatments to promote healing,
Dr. Indek is certified in Animal Chiropractic 71 Parkingway, Quincy, for 26 years. Indek
by the AVCA, having recently passed both the Chiropractic is a full-service practice, offering wellness and longevity
ACCC Comprehensive Written and Clinical traditional treatments for humans, as well as
Competency Examinations, taken in Bluejack- having a specialization in treatment of animals.
et, Oklahoma. Treatment of horses and dogs is done off-site at Dogs Serving the
“I’m delighted to have had the opportunity the owners’ locations.   Cats South Shore
Benefits of Grooming Your Pet & Horses and Cape
Regularly grooming your pet at home is ding, and keeping Cod
highly recommended by both groomers and pet your pet cool
industry professionals.  Many pet owners •  Stimulates
don’t realize that there’s more to regular groom- blood flow, which
ing than keeping your dog or cat looking beau- in turn improves
tiful; it is also vital to your pet’s health. Below blood supply to the
are some important benefits that grooming hair follicles Dr. Mark E. Russo, V.M.D.
brings to both you and your pet: •  Creates a KINGSTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC.
•  Removes dead hair, leaving a healthy, bond with your pet
shiny coat behind due to the physical touching and interaction
192 Main St. Kingston, MA 02364
•  Lets air circulate through the coat, thus So pick up that brush and let the fur fly! 781-585-6525
reducing any odor, decreasing seasonal shed- www.healthyveterinaryalternatives.com
January 2010 33
Pet Gazette

You love the outdoors. So does she.
Learn how to protect feral cats at alleycat.org.
W W W. A L L E Y C AT. O R G
Education Advocacy Action
ANGEL VIEW PET CEMETERY & CREMATORY
Because We Care, We Share In Your Compassion, Love & Grief
SERVICES:
PRIVATE CREMATION, URN INCLUDED
GROUP CREMATION
FORMAL BURIAL ON OUR BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED GROUNDS
CEREMONIES & VIEWINGS AVAILABLE
24 HOUR PICK UP AT YOUR HOME OR VETERINARIAN'S OFFICE
EQUINE SERVICES:
PRIVATE CREMATION, GROUP CREMATION
& COUNTRY BURIAL (INTACT)
TRANSPORTATION OF YOUR HORSE OR PONY TO OUR FACILITY
OR ON-SITE EUTHANASIA BY YOUR VETERINARIAN
URNS, CASKETS & MARKERS
~OVER 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE~
471 WAREHAM STREET, MIDDLEBORO, MA 02346
WWW.ANGELVIEW.COM
508-947-4103 OR 800-287-0066
AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY - 7 DAYS A WEEK
KINGSTON ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC.
Pe t p o u r r i
Great gates
C
aging a pet isn’t the
only way to keep
him out of certain
rooms in the house. Bindaboo’s
retractable pet gates offers an
alternative that still gives a
dog the freedom to roam — in
rooms of his owner’s choosing.
The gates, suitable for installa-
tion in doorways, hallways and
in front of stairs, are sturdy and
designed in a variety of heights
to provide a barrier to all types
Exploring the human-animal connection
H
umans surround
themselves with
animals — wheth-
er it’s in the cartoon form of
Mickey Mouse, the come-and-
go fashion of leopard-print fab-
ric, the choice to name sports
teams after bears, eagles or ti-
gers, or the appeal of films like
“Marley and Me” — but rarely
we stop to think about the pull
animals have on us. Animals
have dominated human lives
for tens of thousands of years
and remain an integral part of
the human life, but why? In
“Being With Animals: Why We Are Obsessed
with the Furry, Scaly, Feathered Creatures Who
Populate Our World,” anthropologist Barbara J.
Doggy problems solved
D
oggy problems quickly turn into
people problems unless dog own-
ers come up with good solutions.
Author Amanda O’Neill has those solutions,
which she shares with readers in her new book,
“Doggy Problems Solved: How to Stop Your
Send items for the
Petpourri page to
editor@petgazette.net
The Deadline is
the 12th of each month.
of dogs. The retractable gate
is made of durable mesh and
retracts out of the way when
not in use. Other Bindaboo
options include swing and
closed gates in black or
white that provide both vis-
ibility and security. Gates
range in price from $89.99
to $119.99 and are available
at a variety of online re-
tail sites. A complete list is
available at bindaboo.com.
King unravels the complexity and
significance of this relationship.
King explores this phenomenon
from the most obvious animal con-
nections in daily life and culture
over the whole of human history
to show the various roles animals
have played in all civilizations. She
ultimately digs deep into the impor-
tance of the human-animal bond as
key to human evolution, as a sig-
nificant aspect of what truly makes
a human, and looks to the future in
how further technological develop-
ment may or may not affect these
ties. “Being With Animals” (272
pages, hard cover, Doubleday Religion) sells
for $24.99 and will be available on Jan. 26 at
local bookstores and online.
others by deterrent
methods, and still
others by consulta-
tion with a veteri-
narian. O’Neill of-
fers her advice in a
-AIN3TREETs+INGSTON-! Dog’s Embarrassing Behavior.” The book is di- friendly, highly in-
vided into several general categories for easy formative style, and
781-585-6525 reference, including antisocial behavior, sex every page of her
problems, smelly problems, barking problems book is enhanced
and others. Among the issues discussed under with color photos
the Problems with People section is “My dog and cartoon-style il-
wrecks my neighbor’s garden.” The problem lustrations. “Doggy
and its solution are broken down according Problems Solved”
to possible causes, breed notes, recommended sells for $14.99 and is available at local book-
action owners can take and prevention. Some stores and online. Find it at barronseduc.com.
Extended Hospital Hours doggy problems are best solved by training,

Easy cure for bad breath

A
Mon - Thurs 7 am - 9 pm
Friday 7 am - 6 pm nyone who has vative biotechnology for oral
Saturday 7 am - 5 pm ever leaned in to care, has created an all-natural,
give their pup a probiotic pet oral care pow-
2AYMOND2USSO$6- kiss and received a whiff of der called Teddy’s Pride. This
-ARK%2USSO6-$!#6)- extremely bad doggie breath odorless, flavorless powder
0ATRICIA+(ESS6-$ understands the importance of can be sprinkled onto a pet’s
3HARON$AVIS$6- good canine oral hygiene. But food. The outcome is fresher
%MILY3#LAIR$6-$!"60 brushing a pet’s teeth is not an breath, a cleaner mouth and
!GATA$E-ARCO$6- easy task. There’s trembling, whiter teeth. A 60-day sup-
-ICHELLE2UDIN$6- whining, wincing and crying ply of Teddy’s Pride sells for
involved — and a pet doesn’t $24.95 and can be found online
A half century of hospitality and caring for like it either. Oragenics Inc., a at teddyspride.com.
the pets of the South Shore company specializing in inno-

4 January 2010
Pet Gazette
 Time to clear the air
I
t’s the time of year when win-
dows stay closed and there is
less fresh air to dilute and re-
place odors and indoor air pollution,
including those coming from furrier
members of the family. Getting rid of
animal odors, carpet smell and various
indoor pollutants can be a major chal-
lenge. Adding sprays and fragrances
to the environment can aggravate al-
lergies and typically does nothing
more than add additional pollutants.
Earth Care Products has come up with
a solution to eliminate these unhealthy
indoor pollutants. Clean the Air Car-
pet and Furniture Odor Eliminator is
a natural, non-toxic product designed
Keep the great outdoors outside
and paws clean
W
ith winter bring-
ing a messy mix
of precipitation
to the area, it becomes more

sWWWCAPECODKCORG
difficult than ever to monitor
what a pet drags in when he
comes in from the great out-
doors. With road and sidewalk
salt and ice posing potential
hazards to delicate paws, many
experts recommend owners
thoroughly clean and dry their
pets’ pads when they come in-
doors. One quick and easy al-
ternative to using a adequate
but cumbersome old towel is to
pick up something like the Spotless Paw, a six-
Savvy guide to a dog’s life
W
endy Diamond,
founder and ex-
ecutive editor
of Animal Fair magazine, has
been called the Canine Queen
and the “Martha Stewart for the
Milk and Bone Dish,” and she
now offers a playful, practical
guide for dogs and the people
who love them. “It’s a Dog’s
World: The Savvy Guide to
Four-Legged Living” shows
“pet parents” how to get their
dogs from shaggy to chic so
they can have a happy, healthy
Try the Winga, land on TV
K
urgo is hosting a YouTube Video
Contest
to follow
the launch of its new
dog toy, Winga. Con-
testants nationwide
are invited to show
the world how they
use the Winga dog
toy, the newest addi-
tion to Kurgo’s great
line of pet products.
Made of natural, non-
toxic rubber, Winga
is a disc that can be
thrown more than 200
feet either by hand or
with the Kurgo Winga
thrower, and it floats
when playing water games. The disc provides
a unique spin on the simple game of fetch that
everyone will love. There will be a $500 award
for the participant who makes the best video
displaying the new Kurgo Winga being used
with a dog ($250 for second place and $150
January 2010
to eliminate odors rather than cover
them up. It contains no volatile or-
ganic chemicals, is safe around chil-
dren and pets, even if swallowed, and
has no effect on fabrics and leather.
Earth Care’s negatively charged par-
ticles work like a magnet, attracting
positively charged odors from carpets
and furniture and absorbing the odor
like a giant sponge. It will work on
odors caused by urine, feces, smoke,
mildew, new carpet/furniture, pets,
dead animals and body odors. Prod-
ucts last 3-4 months. The 14-ounce
canister sells for $9.99 and is avail-
able at PETCO stores, online at petco. CAPE COD KENNEL CLUB, INC.
com, or at cleartheair.com.
DOG TRAINING CLASSES
Puppy Kindergarten • Beginner Obedience
Advanced Obedience • Show Handling
Agility Training: Beginner to Advanced
fingered, micro-fiber super ab-
sorbent glove that can be worn
For more information, please call:
by the owner on either hand to
wipe and clean pet paws. Small 
enough to store in a closet or in Cape Cod Kennel Club Inc. established 1947
a vehicle glove box, and with a
built-in loop to hang on a door-
knob or hook, the Spotless Paw
is a simple way to keep tracks
in the snow and not on the car-
pet or upholstery. It’s also ma-
chine washer and dryer safe
and is especially absorbent so it
can be used over and over be-
fore washing. The Spotless Paw
sells for $19.95. Find it at spot-
lesspaw.com or call 1-800-738-7293.
and fulfilling life together. “It’s
a Dog’s World” offers savvy
advice on a variety of topics in-
cluding: dog exercises, how to
host a pet party, fashion, diet,
choices in pet-friendly flooring
and furniture, travel, grooming,
breed-specific information and
how to help dogs in need. “It’s
a Dog’s World,” published by
Ballantine Books, will be avail-
able in hardcover on Feb. 9. It
retails for $25 and can be found
at local bookstores and online.
525 South Street
Walpole, MA 02081
for third). The video must be family-friendly, Phone (508) 668-5454
no nudity or pro- Fax (508) 850-9809
fanity. The video www.TuftsVets.org
can be anywhere VETERINARY EMERGENCY
from 30 seconds to TREATMENT & SPECIALTIES
three minutes and
is due by Feb. 15. We Now Proudly Offer the Following new Services:
The selected win- s,ASER%NDOSCOPIC#YCLOPHOTOCOAGULATIONFOR'LAUCOMA
ning video will be s$ENTISTRY
aired on the Kurgo - 24 hour Emergency Service
Web site, kurgo. - Board certified specialties
com. the Kurgo
YouTube channel, • Anesthesiology - Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVA
in retail stores na- • Emergency & Critical Care - April Paul, DVM, DACVECC
tionwide and other Tara Hammond DVM, DACVECC, 6 ECC Residents
potential media • Internal Medicine - Johanna Cooper, DVM, DACVIM
outlets; possibly • Ophthalmology - Federica Maggio, DVM, DACVO
even national TV. • Radiology - Ryan King, DVM, DACVR
Contestants do not • Surgery - Nicole Amato, DVM, DACVS
have to purchase the Winga dog toy to par- • Dentistry - Jean Joo, DVM
ticipate. Kurgo will send a sample toy free of • Dermatologist - Dr. Christine Prost, DVM, DECVD
charge as long as a video is uploaded by the
deadline. Visit kurgo.com for a complete appli- Our goal is to provide the best medical care combine with outstanding client service.
cation and contest details. Our qualified and compassionate staff is dedicated to serving the veterinary
community.
5
Pet Gazette
 Is pet care
insurance worth it?
By Gerald F. Williamson Esq. can be excluded from cover- covered. Many policies offer
Pet Gazette Columnist age (especially homeowner “premium coverage” which as

Q : I am so sick
of the govern-
ment’s so-called
“health care plan”. Can you
policies). Stolen pets are
a common occurrence in
America, but are not “cov-
ered risks” in nearly all
its name implies are quite
comprehensive as to
more unusual njuries.
VPI holds a con-
tell me anything about pet policies. We say test each year for the ten
“pet care insur- most unusual pet claims
Dr. Rachel Francis Dr. Kelly Temple ance”? I have submitted by its furry
Dr. Kimberly Suh heard it can customers. How un-
be a real help usual? Try these
and doesn’t on for size:
Hospital Hours: cost much. Mar-
A: Insurance in ley (Tam-
pa, FL)
Closed for lunch every day 12-1pm
Monday: 8am-5pm the New World
Tuesday - Thursday: 8am-5pm & 6:30pm-8pm dates back to at submitted
Friday: 8am-5pm least the 1600s. a claim for sea urchin poi-
Saturday: 8am-12pm Wealthy Brit- soning after playing ball with
Sunday: Closed
ish aristocrats one of the spiny creatures.
commonly shared “nearly” an insurer simply Lulu (Watson Woods, MO)
303 Wareham Road, Marion the risk of loss sets out contractual indemnity sought coverage after eating
for ship cargoes terms which the policy holder 15 pacifiers over a six-month
508-748-1203 by each writing their bids for. There is very little in period. Rider (Ridgefield,
www.marionanimalhospital.com names at the bottom of WA), chasing a squirrel,
the ship’s manifest. This suffered head injuries by
practice spawned the running into a wheelbar-
term “underwriter” com- row. Rincon (Tucson,

#HIROPRACTIC#ARE
$R$EBRA-4RANBERG
monly used today. AZ) filed an injury claim
Since the early after being set upon by a
1980s, enterprising insur- pack of wild javelinas.
ers have entered the “pet Crawford (Camp Hill, PA)
&OR9OUR,ARGE3MALL field” by assuming the swallowed a bra with gel
!&RONT3TREET3UITE
AND%XOTIC0ETS risk of loss for dogs, cats, inserts causing acute GI
distress (the bra “passed”,
and any number of exotic
3CITUATE-! 6ISITOURWEBSITEFORDETAILEDDESCRIPTIONS much to Crawford’s re-
OFALLOUR0ET(EALTHSERVICES critters. As with most
   casualty and liability in- lief). Quincy (Montpelier,
$R4RANBERGISACERTIlEDMEMBEROFTHE surance contracts, there VT) filed a claim for inju-
WWWDRTRANBERGCOM
!MERICAN6ETERINARIAN#HIROPRACTIC are a virtual plethora of ries after inhaling a treble
!SSOCIATION
exceptions, exclusions,
and limitations to contend Paws & the law fish hook in a bucket of
minnows.
3ERVINGTHE3OUTH3HORE3INCE with. Dangerous dogs Pet insurance is a
cost effective part of
this world that can “never” be your pet’s health regimen.
A full-service hospital caring for the needs insured. Witness: Lloyds of Just look at the benefits: No
London once insured Liber- public option no “Louisiana
of your four-legged family members. ace’s fingers and Betty Gra- Purchase” and no “Death Re-
ble’s legs. view Boards.” Happy New
WELLNESS FOR ALL AGES In America, Veterinary Pet
Insurance “VPI” is the largest
Year!!

• Internal Medicine • General Surgery carrier, dating back to about SILLY STATUTE OF

MARSHFIELD • Dental Services • Oncology Services 1980. ASPCA is another fine

insurer for pets, as is Purina-
Care. In most cases, premi-
THE MONTH:
In Alaska it is a crime to
push a live moose out of flying
ANIMAL Jeffrey M. Barrow, D.V.M.
Randolph M. Adams, D.V.M.
Jennifer A. Johnson, D.V.M.
Sarah E. Lafaver, D.V.M.
ums are comparatively low. A
common practice is to pay for
aircraft!
Got a question about

HOSPITAL www.marshfieldvet.com
veterinary care, then submit
the paid bill to your carrier for
animal law? Send your ques-
tions and feedback to Attor-
reimbursement ney Williamson and you may
Pet policies usually ex- see it in a future column. He

(781) 837-5005 clude genetic disorders such can be reached at pawlaw@

490 PLAIN STREET, ROUTE 139 as hip dysplasia. Pre-existing etgazette.net or by mail to At-
(NEAR HIGH SCHOOL), MARSHFIELD, MA 02050 conditions are generally ver- torney Gerald Williamson, 71
boten. Intentional and/or reck- Legion Parkway, Brockton,
less injuries are almost never MA 02301.
CARING + EXPERIENCED STAFF /
Ê8‡,
9ÊUÊ1/,
-"1 
FULL-SERVICE VETERINARY HOSPITAL "-ÊUÊ

/-ÊUÊ ,-ÊUÊ 8"/
-

- ,Ê-1, ,9ÊUÊ-1, ,9 COMPLETE DENTAL SERVICES Foreclosure &
781-340-0800 Debt Relief
1389 Main Street chapter 7 chapter 13 trial work
(Route 18 South)
Weymouth, MA 02190 Gerald F. Williamson, Esq.
71 Legion Parkway
Brockton, MA 02301
Serving South Shore Over 25 Years
,

Ê-/,
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6 January 2010
Pet Gazette
 By the Breed:
The Boston Terrier
By Diane Donovan

H
Pet Gazette Contributor
i my name is
Pinto, I‘d like to
Cassandra Kelley, D.V.M.
introduce you to
my breed the Boston Terrier. Full Service Feline Only Veterinary Hospital
If you are considering us as a
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is some useful information
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our only job is to be the ulti-
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we are so eager to please, we
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intelligence. white English Terrier in Boston in the late 1870’s. From these first
dogs this breed developed into the Boston Terrier you see today.
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January 2010 7
Pet Gazette
 A horse and its carriage...
Dr. Bruce Indek
W
Pet Gazette Contributor
hile horse own-
ers typically
have a special
bond with their animals, even
the most intuitive and consci-
entious can overlook the signs
of a common interference of
the spine known as Verte-
bral Subluxation Complex or
VSC.
Before we get into the
symptoms of VSC and treat-
ment measures, it should be
noted that animals’ spines act
the same way as humans’ –
vertebrae move in many dif-
ferent directions similar to a
hinge and when one or more
of these hinged movements
gets stuck, the process of VSC
begins. Muscles and liga-
ments tighten and the nerves
that exit between the vertebrae
can in effect become short-
circuited, causing a loss of
muscle function, a decrease in
normal activity and the horse’s
diminished health.
The cause of VSC is many
and varied, from poor saddle
fit, hoof issues and bad tack
to rider VSC – that’s right, a
rider with subluxation issues
will not be able to function at
100% of their innate abilities
115 Mattakeesett St.
Pembroke, MA
8 January 2010
Telltale signs for chiropractic care
and can compromise a horse’s
Saddle dos and don’ts
health. An ill-fitting saddle can
also be the cause of numer-
wide ranging symptoms ous problems, including VSC.
Chiropractic treatment of While they can certainly be
VSC includes stretching and ornamental, it’s all about the
exercise to loosen muscles, fit, not the appearance when it
followed by specific adjust- comes to selecting a saddle for
ments to alleviate the muscle your horse.
dysfunction. Press your hand in the mid-
Cavaletti work – basically dle of the saddle and slide your
using a long pole of eight or other hand underneath the pan-
more feet attached to an X els; there should be equal pres-
to allow training over three sure from front to back. You
heights – can be incorporated should be able to place three
into VSC treatment, helping to fingers width on the gullet of
develop and improve strength the saddle to be sure it doesn’t
and balance. In addition to pinch the horse’s spine. Good
If a saddle doesn’t fit properly, additional padding is sort of like
helping to treat VSC, horses putting more socks on when your shoes don’t fit – it only makes clearance is mandatory be-
can benefit through cavaletti matters worse. And gel pads are not a good idea; they can create tween the horse’s elbow and
as it can help to build muscle pressure points on the animal’s back. the girth to guarantee against
fitness, improve stretch in theor performance deserves an come lame, but with a few ba- pinching. Also, the saddle
topline and enhance stride animal chiropractic checkup sic evaluation mechanisms in should maintain solid pressure
length. to determine if this unpleasant place the proper treatment can near the withers – it shouldn’t
Walking a horse backwards spinal interference is present. be provided sooner rather than be too long or extend too far
on an incline is another form later. up on the withers or jamming
of therapy for VSC. When a No lame excuses There are many causes and those dreaded white hairs
horse backs up, it must engage Horse owners know that and depending on the issue – will appear.
its hind quarters and butt cup VSC is not the only issue that from joint, or shoe to muscle A fairly easy and depend-
its pelvis – this opens up the can cause movement prob- problems – treatment can be able way to ensure fit is to
spine and improves flexion in lems. provided by a veterinarian, place a white sheet or blanket
the animal’s rear. When their animal starts to chiropractor, Ferrier, massage as a pad on the horse’s back,
A word to the wise – in thelimp, attention must be paid. therapist or a combination. then put the saddle you’re con-
early stages of VSC there may From an obvious injury to a The potential cause of sidering purchasing, minus its
be no or very slight symptoms, minor cause, there are many lameness can be determined pad. Pull the cinch around
so even the most subtle change reasons why a horse can be- by evaluating the horse when the horse under the belly and
in a horse’s appearance, stance walking, trotting and canter- tighten, checking all areas of
ing. Have your horse walk the saddle to be sure it’s not
The Doctors and Staff at away and towards you as well too tight or pinching the ani-
Pembroke Animal Hospital would like as trot and canter in circles mal.
while on a lunge line to assess Ride for 20 minutes, then
to thank our clients and wish them a the situation. take the sheet off and place a
safe and happy holiday season Often, lameness begins second sheet on the horse with
in the rear of a horse and no the pad and saddle on top of
Full Service Veterinary Hospital wonder – the animal’s power sheet and ride for another 20
projects from the rear. In par- minutes. Compare wear and
Dogs, Cats & Exotic Animals ticular, dressage horses that dirt patterns on the two sheets;
House Calls* execute advanced movements if they are different it may be
can show evidence of tight- the saddle or pad doesn’t fit
Lisa M. Teixeira, DVM ness and tension in the area properly.
Paige Pongratz, DVM behind the saddle as a way to If a saddle doesn’t fit prop-
Jennifer J. Johnson, DVM compensate for stresses in the erly, additional padding is sort
* Limited to active clients* hocks and fetlocks, including of like putting more socks on
shortening of the gait. when your shoes don’t fit – it
Lameness issues that only makes matters worse.
should be evaluated and treat- And gel pads are not a good
781-293-5184 ed by a veterinarian and/or idea; they can create pressure
Ferrier include hoof abscess, points on the animal’s back.
osteoarthritis of the coffin And one last word of ad-
joint (ringbone), tendonitis and vice – saddles are best checked
navicular syndrome, which in every six to 12 months since
layman’s terms in intermittent the horse’s muscle mass can
lameness caused by overwork. change seasonally.
And consider it an emergency Whether it’s from an ill-
situation if a horse seems stiff fitting saddle, early stages of
in the forelegs or is leaning on VSC or a severe condition like
his heels in a “rocking horse” founder, unexplained move-
stance. It may be founder and ment changes are signs that
should be addressed immedi- should never be taken lightly
ately. – and that’s straight from the
If determined an issue best horse’s mouth.
treated by a chiropractor, then Dr. Bruce Indek estab-
adjustments, massage, stretch- lished his practice in 1984 and
ing and strengthening exercis- provides care throughout New
es will be the course of action. England. To contact him call
Chiropractors, who treat both 617-472-0661 or email at In-
humans and animals, can also dekchiro@conversent.net. The
determine if a horse’s lame- website is Indekchiropractic.
ness is as a result of the rider. com and the blog is Indekchi-
Quite often, the rider is out of ropractic.blogspot.com
balance and may need adjust-
ment, causing the horse to ex-
perience imbalance.
Pet Gazette
 By George Sommers
Bird Boredom? Join the club!
L
Pet Gazette Columnist
et’s face it, the
bright shiny novel-
ty of pet bird own-
ership wears off after a while
- but you can’t just fold up
the birdcage like a Monopoly
game and stash it away in the
closet. Nor can you ignore
your bird like an underutilized
piece of furniture. Certainly
Pippy the Goffin’s cockatoo
is not too demure to announce
she’s receiving insufficient at-
tention!
When feathered fatigue
sets in, one remedy is to seek
out some fellow birdbrains
Fish & fowl
(make that folks who share
your interest) who’ll enthusi-
astically listen to your cutesy
pet stories and offer a few of
their own. An excellent way
to accomplish this is to join
a bird club. Locally, the best
choice is the Mass. Cage Bird
Association. Whether you’re
a zebra finch’s friend or soul
mate to a scarlet macaw; or
anything in between, or even
if you don’t own a bird but
just have a passing interest in
them; everyone is welcome to
join, as stated in club bylaws.
The annual bird show and
mart is a club high point and
fun event, held in October
last year at the Elks’ Lodge in
Weymouth. “Serious” avicul-
turists put their prized birds
on display to compete for
“Best in Show” type awards
while more casual pet bird
January 2010
owners can browse the mart
for bargains on toys, food and
other accessories including
many unique items not found
in chain or neighborhood pet
stores.
Monthly meetings occa-
sionally feature special guests
like veterinarian Dr. Stephen
Dyer, who recently addressed
the club on typical avian is-
sues encountered in his clinic.
Members receive the
monthly “Beakon” newsletter
featuring club-specific news
as well as information of gen-
eral interest to pet bird owners,
breeders and fans.
The Association dips its
bill into politics, such as in
promoting the preservation
of wild bird species and their
habitats and bird-related leg-
islation; not always from a
predictably left or rightwinged
perspective A current issue of
concern is Massachusetts Sen-
ate Bill 2195 which proposes
to restrict the transporting of
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
Bradley L. Moses, DVM,
DACVIM (Cardiology)
Neurology
Stephanie Kube, DVM, DACVIM
(Neurology)
Emergency/Critical Care
Angelyn Cornetta, DVM, DACVIM
Angela Diaz, 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 Michienzie, DVM
Sheri Procious, DVM
This Senegal parrot hopes to see you at the next bird club event!
–Photo by George Sommers
unweaned baby chicks across dling, maintenance, breeding
state lines, potentially hamper- and welfare of cage birds and
ing the accepted standard pro- the dissemination of useful and
cess of hand raising. helpful avian related informa-
MCBA began in 1916(!) tion.” They fondly refer to
with its stated goal to improve themselves as “the comeback
and promote “the care, han- kids” of bird clubs, for after a
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 28 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
period of stagnation and de-
clining membership; they re-
built into a thriving, popular
organization.
Monthly club meetings
are held on Sunday afternoons
at the South Foxboro Com-
munity Center on 382 South
Street and include a social/re-
freshment hour (members are
encouraged to bring snacks)
along with an informational
meeting.
To apply for membership
to MCBA, you can Google
up (or set applicable search
engine for) Mass. Cage Bird
Association and fill in their
online membership form. It’s
$25 to join ($30 for a fam-
ily membership); or for more
information e-mail President
Audrey O’Connor audreyo2@
msn.com or Secretary Thomas
Keegan thomkeegan@aol.
com.
This club is for the birds –
literally – but also their friends
and fans!
9
 New England Arts For Animals
Supporting therapy, companionship and service animals
By Don Hoffman to become artist members and

P
NEAFA Board Member
eople helping ani-
mals help people
is the vision of this
grassroots foundation, based in
Norwell, created and inspired
by the love of animals and art
by its’ founder, Jill Flynne.
In late 2006, creativity
coach Jane Pollak was helping
Jill find a focus for her busi-
ness and personal life. Re-
cently divorced, she did not
have the time or money to de-
vote to causes about which she
felt very deeply. She wanted
to give more, but thought that
all she had to offer was her art;
she had a daughter to raise, a
new life to begin and a pre-ex-
isting business to keep afloat.
By the time she was done with
Jane that day, she was focused
on her lifelong passion for ani-
mals, therapy and companion
animals in particular, and her
love of painting - and New
England Arts For Animals
(NEAFA) was born.
Incorporated as a 501 (c)
(3) in late 2007, the forma-
tive phase was comprised of
recruiting people in the arts
use a portion of the proceeds
from the sales of their artworks
to drive NEAFA’s mission of
supporting therapy, compan-
ion, and service animals, the
people who need them, and the
organizations that help train,
place and support them. This
was followed in rapid fashion
by the formation of a standing
Board of Directors and numer-
ous non-artists, who resonated
with the vision and mission,
actively seeking to join and
support NEAFA in whatever
way they could.
By the end of the follow-
ing year, the creation and sales
of a NEAFA calendar provided
enough funding for the foun-
dation to conduct their first
Artist Member Exhibition, a
month-long event, at the South
Shore Natural Science Center
in Norwell. Both the calendar
and Artist Member Exhibi-
tion proved to be very popu- “Pico and Friends” by Christine Winship
lar, and as such have become
a yearly occurrence. NEAFA Annual Artist Member Exhi- Weymouth; to jump-start proud they were to be associ-
teamed with the Senior Illus- bition, another month-long their therapy and compan- ated with NEAFA and partner
tration class at MassArt, who event, was held at The Fern- ion animal outreach program, with them in taking the next
produced the artwork for their wood Gallery in Norwell. in which they bring rescued steps forward in their mutual
2010 calendar; and the Second Portions of the proceeds wildlife animals to senior liv- journey together.
from the sales of the calendars, ing and care centers. If you think your company

She was focused on her lifelong passion for animals, therapy and companion
animals in particular, and her love of painting - and New England Arts
For Animals was born.

and in some cases, outright do-
nations by the artists of the en-
tire sale price of their artworks
sold at the exhibitions, enabled
NEAFA to proudly award their
first grants in 2009:
To Booth Hill Farm in
Scituate; to fund a summer
therapeutic riding program for
a young girl and her favorite
horse.
“Mayo” by Judy Enright
To Canines for Combat
Veterans in Princeton; this
helped provide a service dog
Nene’s Nibblers for one of our Iraq War veter-
ans, presented at their gradua-
tion ceremony at Hanscom Air
Force Base in Lexington.
To the New England
Love ‘Em For Life Wildlife Center in South
(We help animals in need.)
Nibbler Books & Products
Author Janene O’Neil introduces her first book in the Nene’s
Nibblers series, “Meet the Animals.” Children meet Nene’s pets
and follow her daily routine of caring for them.
Her message for children and their families is to Love ‘Em For Life!
Through our sales we donate to local no-kill animal shelters and
wildlife habitats
Available to accompany the book are t-shirts, bibs, book
bags, embroidered bags and magnets.
Fittingly, NEAFA was re-
cently recognized for their
work and awarded their first
grant by DePuy Spine, a divi-
sion of Johnson & Johnson,
one of the world’s leading pro-
viders of pharmaceutical and
healthcare products.
In the grant award let-
ter, Johnson & Johnson cited
NEAFA’s truly unique vision
and mission and how, though
only being slightly less than
two years old, they had al-
ready made life-changing,
long-term differences in the
lives of people and animals
through the awarding of three
grants of their own. In closing,
Johnson & Johnson stated how
would like to be a sponsor like
Johnson & Johnson, and/or if
you too share the same passion
as they and the ever-growing
number of people and artists
do in making a difference in
the lives of people and the
animals which can help them,
please take the time to visit
their website at neartsforani-
mals.org. Contact founder Jill
Flynne directly at jill@nearts-
foranimals.org. The benefits
to the people who help NEAFA
are nearly as great as those
brought by the animals you
help support. As they always
say, “Thank you from the very
bottom of our hearts!”

Please visit our web site at www.nenesnibblers.com.

Shop with the ease of pay pal or call Nene’s Nibblers at
(508) 436-3939.

You may purchase our products at the following locations:

New England Wildlife Center, Weymouth, MA.
Forever Paws Animal Shelter, Fall River, MA.

10 January 2010
Pet Gazette
 Moose on the loose in Mass.
Enjoy them, and stay safe!
By Cheryl Jacobson Massachusetts, the moose pop- major highways. car collisions. Maine has two divides communities, creates

M
Special to the Pet Gazette
oose are the larg-
est wild animal
in North Amer-
ica. They grow to an average
of 1,000 pounds and stand 6
feet at the shoulder. They eat
40-60 pounds of leaves, twigs,
aquatic plants, and tree buds a
day. Although they don’t see
distant objects well, they have
keen hearing and a good sense
of smell.
Male moose are known as
bulls and females are known
as cows. The male is larger
than the females and distin-
guished by dark brown or
black muzzles and antlers that
can weigh up to 60 pounds.
In the early spring, bulls be-
gin to grow antlers, which
mature by late summer/early
fall, at which point the velvet
is shed. During the winter,
mature bulls lose their antlers
completely, while young bulls
may keep their smaller spikes
into early spring. Cows -- who
do not have antlers -- have a
light brown face and a patch of
white fur beneath their tail.
Mating season begins in
mid-September and moose are
on the move for about a month.
Their home range varies from
five square miles, to more than
50 square miles during rut.
Bulls breed when they are five
years old, and cows begin to
breed at a year-and-a-half old
and usually have one calf un-
til they reach four years old.
Once a cow reaches four, it is
common for her to have twins.
The calf/calves are born in late
May or early June and weight
twenty to twenty-five pounds.
Possible Conflicts
and Solutions
The most common con-
cern people have about moose
is the possibility of a collision.
Given the moose’s enormous
size and the automobile’s high
speed, collisions between the
two are indeed dangerous and
can result in both human and
animal injuries and deaths. In
ulation was about 150 in 1990
and there were no reported col-
lisions; in 2001 the population
estimates approached 500 and
there were 19 accidents (no
human fatalities; no record for
the moose). Many solutions
have already been proven
effective at prevent-
ing collisions, and
new technologies
are being devel-
oped. Below are
suggestions for
staying safe. In
Massachusetts,
wildlife offi-
cials estimate that
there are between
five and seven hun-
dred moose.
Tips to Reduce
Collisions with
Moose
• Take moose-
crossing signs se-
riously -- they’re
erected in high ac-
cident areas.
• Don’t speed --
excessive speed
increases
the risk of
serious in-
jury or death.
• Be extra cautious in the
Fall -- hunters frighten moose
and keep them on the move;
and mating season for moose
is September and October.
• Dim your dashboard
lights at night -- this increases
your visibility on darkened
roads.
• Scan roadside edges for
moose as you drive, especially
at dawn and dusk when moose
are more active.
Proactive
Prevention Measures
• Post moose-crossing
signs in high accident areas.
• Air public service an-
nouncements during times
when moose are on the move.
• Reduce speed limits.
• Erect high fences or ex-
tend existing fences bordering
• Increase fines for litter-
ing or enforce existing laws --
litter attracts animals to road-
sides.
• Mandate that all driver-
education courses include in-
formation on collisions with
animals and safe
driving methods for preven-
tion.
• Keep current with devel-
oping technologies and imple-
ment them when available
-- laser devices, mirrors, col-
lision avoidance sensors, and
new headlight technology are
a few currently being tested.
Hunting Will Not
Prevent Collisions
In recent years, moose-
population numbers in Mas-
sachusetts are low; the Massa-
chusetts Division of Fisheries
and Wildlife estimates there
are between 500 –700 ani-
mals.
Research in other states,
including Maine, has shown
that a moose hunt will not stop
the moose population from
growing nor significantly re-
duced the number of moose/
hunting seasons for moose,
yet the population continues to
grow. Public officials in Maine
have studied a myriad of ways
to reduce
the inci-
dence of
moose hit by
cars. They have
found that vehicle/
animal accidents
have been reduced
through the imple-
mentation of driver-
education programs
and technological so-
lutions, not hunting.
If there is available op-
timal habitat, more animals
will simply move in to replace
those that are hunted. Hunting
Advertising in the
pet gazette delivers!
• The Pet Gazette is a monthly newspaper directed at pet lov-
ers. Our Our features and columns include interviews with local
veterinarians, the latest in product and book reviews, local
adoption pages and much more.
further conflict and is not a
long-term solution.
The MSPCA believes that
a moose hunt will not signifi-
cantly reduce accidents or the
population. We believe that a
plan should be devised
to reduce the numbers
of animal/car collisions
that includes
multiple so-
lutions with
an emphasis
on public and
driver edu-
cation.
Pre-
venting
collisions
from occur-
ring in the first place is clearly
the more affordable solution in
both lives and dollars. Encour-
aging drivers to alter their be-
havior by slowing down, driv-
ing alert -- especially when
many animals are most active
(at dawn and dusk and during
the spring and fall months),
dimming dashboard lights at
night, and scanning roadside
edges for animals can all help.
For additional infor-
mation on this issue please
contact the MSPCA’s Liv-
ing With Wildlife Program at
617-524-5632; email info@
livingwithwildlife.org or visit
www.livingwithwildlife.org

• The Pet Gazette has a readership of more than 50,000 and

We are open and here for growing! Our readers take an active interest in the well being of
their pets and advertising in the Pet Gazette promotes customer

our patients interest in local pet businesses.

• Whether you provide a pet-related service or sell a pet-related

Please call
product, the Pet Gazette can help you reach potential custom-
508-428-6393 to schedule or reschedule
ers throughout Southeastern Mass. and all of Cape Cod. Reach
Monday - Saturday 8-5 your specific target market! Every person that picks up a Pet
Gazette either owns pets or enjoys pets. You just can’t target
Cape Cod Animal Hospital has been in
your audience any better than that!
continuous operation since 1930 and will be
Complete rebuilt. The hospital will continue to serve
Medical Care this wonderful community. ADVERTISING QUESTIONS?
Scott E. Munson, VMD
Melaine L. Bikis, DVM Contact Robin Nudd
Heidi A. McMorrow, DVM
Ads@petgazette.net • 781-934-2811 ext. 23
1411 Osterville Road West Barnstable

January 2010 11
Pet Gazette
 Frequently Asked Questions –
Dog Allergies and Atopic Dermatitis

N
By Dan Burke most com- sees certain their dogs avoid the allergens
o dog owner wants mon canine allergens as that that cause the “flare-ups”
his or her pet to be allergies in- "invaders" or atopic outbreaks. The most
in pain. But when clude flea, that need to common allergens in the home
a dog is in obvious discomfort, food, contact be eliminat- environment are dust mites,
it’s not always easy to identi- and environ- ed. molds and cigarette smoke.
fy the source of the problem. mental aller- W h e n These as well as other aller-
One way for dogs to show gies. exposed to gens can often be reduced or
discomfort is through scratch- Flea al- these aller- avoided with these easy tech-
ing. Seemingly healthy dogs lergies: le- gens, cer- niques:
may begin to scratch them- sions on tain cells of Throw away foam or
selves constantly, chew their body from the immune stuffed dog beds that are older
negative re- Atopic dermatitis isn’t easy to atopica.novartis.us/diagnosing/ad1. system re- than one year. Dog beds are one
paws and rub the hair off their
face and joints. These are typi- action to flea other allergies first. Only a veterinarian can determine the source of lease mol- of the most common sources
shtml” diagnose and often requires eliminating the possibility of
cal signs of a condition often saliva ecules that for household dust mites. 
a dog’s itchiness. Wash all bedding once a
overlooked or mistreated – a Food al- cause in-
Atopic dermatitis isn’t flammation week in hot water. 
condition known as atopica. lergies: gas-
easy to atopica.novartis.us/di- of the skin, leading to intense Do not allow anyone to
novartis.us/understanding/ trointestinal problems and skin
lesions caused by allergens in agnosing/ad1.shtml" diagnose itching. smoke in your home. 
understanding1.shtml” canine
some foods and often requires eliminating Use a HEPA filter to clean
atopic dermatitis, which is How prevalent is canine
Contact allergies: inflam- the possibility of other aller- atopic dermatitis? the air. 
caused by a hypersensitivity
gies first. Only a veterinarian According to the National Dehumidify the home to
to indoor and outdoor environ- mation caused by contact with
certain dyes, fibers or topical can determine the source of Institute of Allergy and Infec- help prevent dust mites, mold
mental allergens. As with hu-
a dog’s itchiness. The vet- tious Diseases, airborne aller- growth and flea infestation. 
mans, dogs can have allergies, medicines
but instead of a runny nose, Environmental allergies/ erinarian will attempt to do
this through a patient history,
red eyes and sneezing, dogs atopic dermatitis: intense
physical examination, diag-
react differently to the various itching as a result of a hyper-
allergens in the environment. sensitivity to both indoor and nostic testing and other clini-
cal evaluations. Several of the
What are the different outdoor allergies, including
forms of canine allergies? animal dander, dust mites, allergies described above have
similar signs and symptoms
Not all itchy dogs have molds and pollen
atopic dermatitis. Dogs are What makes atopic der- to atopic dermatitis and may
even be present at the same
susceptible to several different matitis different from other
time. The most important step
kinds of allergies. Some of the allergies?
in treating dog allergies is cor-
rectly diagnosing the source.
Canine Chiropractic That’s why it’s very important
to visit a veterinarian who can
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, airborne allergens lead to upper respiratory tract
take the proper steps to diag- symptoms for about 35 million Americans, or around 11 percent
Improving the alignment and nose the problem. of the U.S. population. A similar percentage of dogs suffer from
What are the symptoms atopic dermatitis.
performance of your dog will of canine atopic dermatitis?
improve their health........Naturally Dogs with atopic dermati- gens lead to upper respiratory Take measures to remove
tis may present symptoms of tract symptoms for about 35 dust mites from carpets, bed-
INDEK CHIROPRACTIC the disease in slightly different million Americans, or around ding and upholstery. 
ways. Some cases may be more 11 percent of the U.S. popula- Bathe your pet regularly
severe than others. Symptoms tion. A similar percentage of with antimicrobial shampoo
617-472-0661 may be seasonal or year-round dogs suffer from atopic der- to wash off any allergens and
and include: Constant scratch- matitis. prevent secondary infections
ing or chewing of the skin, According to Kadence Re- caused by bacteria or yeast.
Chiropractic can be used for constant licking at the paws, search, canine atopic dermati- Keep your pet on a month-
chronic & acute problems & part restlessness/sleeplessness due tis affects about 16 percent of ly flea control program recom-
of a wellness program with your to constant scratching, skin le- the canine population. mended by your veterinarian.
Veterinarian. sions or sores caused by con- Signs of the disease usu- Dogs with atopic dermatitis
stant scratching, red, inflamed ally appear between the ages can be very sensitive to flea
skin or scaly skin, hair loss, of 6 months and 3 years. bites.
red-brown stains on feet and Dogs may develop the dis- Ask your veterinarian about
“Dr. Bruce has been in practice for 26 years and other parts of the body, face, ease later in life if presented ATOPICA® (Cyclosporine
has the utmost compassion and caring for your feet, folds, friction and/or flex- with new allergens by moving capsules, USP) MODIFIED,
ure areas affected. to a new home or geographical which specifically targets the
dog. Appointments at your home or What causes the symp- location. immune cells involved in the
Norwell Animal Hospital.” toms of canine atopic der- Are some breeds more allergic reaction.
matitis? susceptible to atopic derma- For more information on
wwww.Indekchiropractic.com The dog’s immune system titis than others? atopic dermatitis or Atopica
Certain dog breeds are pre- visit www.atopica.novartis.us
disposed to atopic dermatitis or visit your local veterinar-
and are more likely to have the ian.
disease. These breeds include: Note: As with all drugs,
Labrador retrievers side effects may occur. In a
Golden retrievers field study, the most common
Irish and English setters side effects were gastrointes-
Terriers tinal signs. Gingival hyperpla-
Lhasa apsos sia and papillomas may also
Dalmatians occur during the initial dosing
Pugs phase. ATOPICA is a systemic
English bulldogs immunosuppressant that may
What can an owner do increase the susceptibility of
once their dog is diagnosed infection. ATOPICA is not for
with atopic dermatitis? use in reproducing dogs or
While there is atopica. dogs with a history of neopla-
novartis.us/managing/manag- sia. For a full product insert,
ing2.shtml" no cure for atopic visit www.atopica.novartis.us.
dermatitis, owners can help

12 January 2010
Pet Gazette
 Coping with pet loss
Beth Wechsler, LICSW to make your plan clear to her, and more than half of widows

T
Special to the Pet Gazette
he medium, Mau-
reen Hancock,
was young, blonde
and pretty. She seated me in
a chair and offered me a cup
of herbal tea, turned on back-
ground music and closed her
eyes. A minute later, she
stood up and made an
instantly recognizable
gesture, slashing her


finger across her throat.
“This first,” she
said, “is a death by
head injury.”
She had spoken ex-
actly eight words, after
which I began to cry. It
was a long time since I'd cried
for her and a long time before
I stopped.
Her name was Morgan.
She had been crated with
a mix of other puppies when
my son, then eleven, and I met
her on an early December af-
ternoon. Eight weeks old, she
K-9 CASE STUDY
and she would eagerly com-
ply, heeling without training
or leash, and always the first of
the
dogs
to come when
called in the woods.
She was, for me, the dog
of a lifetime, the one you love
without a twinge of ambiva-
lence.
Morgan died early on
a summer morning. She
was hit - and decapitated
report the ADC (after death
communication) experience.
As a psychotherapist in private
practice, I had no way to offer
Underwater Treadmill Spa Pool
my clients the kind of relief For Treatment of:
that Maureen had given to me. s/RTHOPEDIC.EUROLOGIC3URGERY
Then, in 2009, I learned about
the work of Dr. Allan Botkin,
s#ONDITIONING3TRENGTH"UILDING)MPROVE&UNCTION
a psychologist who had de- s7EIGHT-ANAGEMENT
veloped a treatment called
Induced After Death Now offering Chiropractic Services!
Communication (in- 7ASHINGTON3T3TOUGHTONs
duced-adc.com).
Dr. Botkin uses WWWANIMOTIONANIMALREHABCOM
EMDR, a well-re-
searched, widely ac-
cepted technique that
enables the brain to
WE ARE HERE WHEN
reprocess traumatic YOU NEED US!
experiences. What he
Veterinarians and technicians on site 24 hours a day.
discovered, inadver-
tently, was that he could Locally owned and operated since 1975.
not only reduce grief but IN AN EMERGENCY
could frequently also induce
the ADC experience. In April,
508-580-2515
24 hour care for sick or injured pets. Chief of Staff
2009, I became the first clini- Board Certified in Emergency and Critical Care.
cian on Cape Cod to train in
IADC.
WHEN YOU NEED A SPECIALIST
Grief takes a lot of energy.
Those of us who love animals
know - even if others don't al-
ways understand - that the loss
508-587-2700
Board certified veterinarians in internal
medicine, surgery, and cardiology.

has a long, soft coat, mostly
black except for her paws,
which were white with brown
tips, as if she were wearing
socks and little brown boots.
Whatever mix had assembled
her, she was a herding dog.
She was, for me, the dog of a lifetime, the one you
love without a twinge of ambivalence.
“This one is an angel,” the
woman who had rescued her
litter said when I pointed to
her. "She will sit in my lap all
day long and is very quiet."
For the nine months that
Morgan was our puppy, she
played with our four-year-old
Lab-Shepherd cross, Maggie,
and slept beside our sons. At
eleven months, she had grown
into a beautiful dog, her black
coat long and shiny. She
seemed, as a friend familiar
with shepherds explained to
me, to get things that other
dogs didn't get. You had only
- by the train that runs through of a pet is the loss of a fam-
North Falmouth - a train that, ily member. That suffering YOUR FAMILY VETERINARIAN
her little heart surely pound- can now be lessened in two or 508-584-1600
ing, she tried to herd. It had three psychotherapy sessions. Full service veterinary practice including vaccinations,
dentistry, surgery and preventative medicine.
happened years before and I For further information,
had never forgiven myself. contact Beth Wechsler, LIC-
“Such a pure, beautiful SW at 508-566-9304 or email
bethwmsw@aol.com.
New England
For information about
Maureen Hancock's shows,
Animal Medical Center
Postcards from Heaven, www. 595 W. Center St., W. Bridgewater
maureenhancock.com/events. Routes 106 and 24 (Exit 16B from 24)
html www.neamc.com
love,” Maureen said. “Not a
long life though. No regrets,
she says, no regrets.”
I cried in her office and pet Drawing of the month
afterwards. But it was a dif-
ferent kind of crying. Maureen
had shown me in some way,
that she - but not I - could see,
that Morgan was still with me.
I was no stranger to the
world of psychic events which
I'd studied for many years.
Psychic experiences are a huge
secret in American healthcare.
More than two-thirds of Amer-
icans believe that ESP (ex-
trasensory perception) is real

The Pet Gazette is looking for

freelance contributors
Specifically we are seeking pet fans who can offer
some expertise in a particular aspect of the pet
industry, specifically a doctor or veterinarian
who can inform our readers about pet health Coco is my monkey. He loves to play.
or a wildlife expert who can write about non-
i t ers Payton, Age 4
Wr nted traditional pets and animals.
Wa We cannot offer compensation, but we do
Mail entries to: PET GAZETTE, PO BOX 1656, DUXBURY, MA 02331
offer recognition and advertising for your
business or organization. Guidelines
If interested, please e-mail Josh Cutler at 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
josh@clipperpress.com with writing samples, column ideas and contact information, including phone. Please include a brief description including your pet’s name.
and/or background materials.

January 2010 13
Pet Gazette
 Horses and Martial Arts
By Rick Larsen

Specializing in Morgan Horses
• Boarding • Training
• Lessons-Adult & Children
• Leases- Show or Pleasure
• Breeding • Sales
2008 Riding Camp Dates
• June 23-27 • July 7-11
• Aug 4-8 • Aug 18-22
25 Center St.
Rte 14.
Pembroke, Ma.
781-294-7448
www.Azeedad.com
All around Training for the
Complete Equestrian
Boarding~Lessons~Sales~Leasing
Equine Massage Therapy
School Vacation Programs
April, July, and August!
www.peakequestrian.com
1089 Main Street • Marshfield
781-834-6166
Veterinary Owned & Operated
Boarding & Dressage
Training Facility
Lessons available for all ages
and levels of riding
Summer Camp
508-430-5393
With a new Indoor Arena,
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
Briggs Stable
Tack Shop & Trailer Sales
623 Hanover Street
Hanover, MA 02339
(781) 826-3191
fax (781) 829-0091
Instruction • Training
Boarding • Sales
Full Service Tack Shop
Kingston Trailer Sales
Mare Willow Farm
168 Beaver Dam Road
Plymouth, MA 02360
Barn 508-224-9559
Instructor Pamela Ring
508-250-3155
Boarding & Lessons
Furnace Brook Farm
Erin Collins Van Steenburgh
Licensed Instructor
Lessons: beginner to
advanced, dressage,
horsemanship camps,
ages 6 and up.
Marshfield, MA
(781) 837-2495
Stonecroft Farm
W. Bridgewater, MA
508-588-5576
2 Stalls available
on September 1st.
Year
round Huntseat
lesson
program Western
ages 4
and up.
Dressage
Indoor & New 100x200 Outdoor Ring
Fabulous Footings!
Small, friendly atmosphere!
I
Pet Gazette Columnist
used to think horse
training was like prac-
ticing kung fu. It was
because of the naturalness of
horses, synonymous with the
spirituality of kung fu, as dem-
onstrated in the TV show Kung
Fu. “Snatch the baby carrot
from my hand, little warm
blood, and you will be ready
for export to America.”
Now I think modern horse
training is more like a Jackie
Chan movie. If you have ever
been to a horse show, you see
good guys and morons, and
sometimes there is yelling and
confusion. It is fun to guess
how it will end, but usually, the
winner is the one with the big-
gest production trailer, unless
Quentin Tarnatino is directing.
Then who knows what will
happen? And there is usually
a horse that looks like Owen
Wilson, but not always.
Back at riding schools, se-
cret training rituals are prac-
ticed in shrouded arenas with
sawdust floors. Students and
their horses train using lots of
HORSE
TALK
tools with straps, shiny bits,
and sparkly chains. The only
outsiders who actually know
what goes on are the black-
smiths. Like ninjas, they are
very secretive, and appear
when you least expect them.
Not all horse training is
hard style. Many horse train-
ing systems focus on the softer
internal meditative way. Like
Kung Fu, the roots go way back
to the old country. For exam-
ple, the classical horsemanship
of the Iberian Peninsula found
its way to the old west, where
new world Vaqueros learned to
shoot videos to teach disciples
how to be natural horsemen,
using string halters made from
genuine imitation nylon.
In 1972, Nixon visited
China, opening the doors of
the orient to the west. But it
was Kennedy’s visit to Berlin
that caught the attention of the
German dressage masters. In
a speech on June 26th, 1963,
Kennedy proudly proclaimed,
“Ich bin ein Berliner.” He
wanted to say, “I am a person
of Berlin.” But what he actual-
ly said was, “I am a jelly filled
Not all horse training is hard style. Many horse training systems
focus on the softer internal meditative way.
time, thus infringing on the
patent for Slinky®. In Ocala,
the great ones consume virgin
mint juleps and coach plebians
to play polo. Not bad work if
you can get it.
My latest epiphany about
horses and martial arts oc-
curred when I was reading
a book about how Chinese
doctors treat arthritis. Jet Li
doesn’t have bone spurs and
I want to know why! I’m 50
now, and I am planning my de-
mise in slow delectable stages,
or segments, like a really good
Clementine.
The author of this book talks
about “chi gong.” Chi means
“energy” and gong means
“work.” So “chi gong” means
“energy work.” The desired re-
sult of chi gong is to influence
and balance the energy in your
body. Like martial arts, chi
gong has both a hard external
style and a soft internal style.
The difference lies in what you
do to affect the energy in your
body. Hard style means you
move the energy with physi-
cal activity. Jogging, weight
training, and driving in Boston
are all considered hard style, or
external chi gong. The oppo-
site is internal or soft style chi
gong. The master of internal
chi gong learns to influence the
“chi” in his or her body with
their mind. The most effective
way to practice soft internal chi
gong is through meditation.
There is also a popular
middle ground. This middle
ground involves both mind
and body working together. In
the orient, the middle ground
between the two extremes is
found in tai chi, yoga, or scrap-
booking with friends.
External style means that I
can run and jump while listen-
Black feather horse rescue
508-951-4685 - www.blackfeatherhorserescue.org
ing to my iPod. For internal
style, I actually have to focus
my intent, or else my chi will
just wallow about like extra
fluff in a campfire S’more.
For middle ground chi
gong, I can jump about in slow
motion, but I actually have to
pay attention to my environ-
ment and my body so that I
don’t hurt myself… in slow
motion.
And THAT is what I really
think about when I am work-
ing with horses. Just like when
you are scrap-booking, when
I am around horses, I actually
take off the headphones, ignore
the crackberry, and check my
ego at the door. I have to pay
attention to my body, my soul,
my surroundings, and not sur-
prisingly… the horse.
You have the same op-
portunity. Whether you are a
hard style athlete or a soft style
guru, your horse will tell you
volumes about both you and
your world if you let him do
so. You can be American, Ger-
man, Iberian, or even Jackie
Chan, but if you are available,
attentive, and intentive in the
presence of your horse, then
you are likely to be an effective
rider and companion. Remem-
ber, this important saying. The
difference between a rut and a
groove is awareness.
Rick Larsen lives in Marsh-
field, Massachusetts with sev-
enteen other mammals, includ-
ing one wife, one son, three
daughters, four horses, six
cats, and two dogs; one that
is occasionally flatulent and
the other one who rolls around
in anything smelly and dead.
Just to be clear, that last bit de-
scribes the dogs. Learn more
about Rick and his horses at
www.ricklarsen.net.

Specializing in
Equine
Law
THE LAW OFFICE OF
REBECCA L. CASTANEDA
www.equineattorneyma.com
Telephone: 857-334-1880
Fax: 857-288-5524
doughnut.” The Germans saw
the USA as a place where it
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Cinnamon is a small mare in her early
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that almost resembles cinnamon.
Cinnamon is approximately 14.3 hands.
Sassy is an older Bay Thoroughbred
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some weight and is coming along nicely!

14 January 2010
Pet Gazette
 dog training dog training dog training
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Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP
• The Pet Gazette is a monthly newspaper directed at pet lovers. Our
What we do… Our features and columns include interviews with local veterinarians,
Pre-op conditioning – Post-op rehabilitation – Orthotics –
Therapy groups the latest in product and book reviews, local adoption pages and much
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LORI HARVEY, DVM • The Pet Gazette has a readership of more than 50,000 and growing!
Animal Hospital LIZ CZAPLICKI, DVM Our readers take an active interest in the well being of their pets and
516 Washington St., Hanover, MA advertising in the Pet Gazette promotes customer interest in local pet
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enjoys pets. You just can’t target your audience any better than that!

ADVERTISING
QUESTIONS?
Contact Robin Nudd
Ads@petgazette.net • 781-934-2811 ext. 23

January 2010 15
Pet Gazette
 Michele’s Complete
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products/services
in The
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Pet Gazette
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January 2010 17
Pet Gazette
 Taunton animal Shelter all paws rescue
508-822-1463 781-749-0968 | 781-848-8065

HOOCH is a male Am Bulldog mix about 4 years old. He
is a big, friendly guy who is a favorite among many of the
volunteers. He always has a "smile" for everyone and
"wags" from head to toe. We recommend no toddlers and
Hooch may be happiest as the only pet in the home. The
shelter participated in the Annual Xmas Parade and
Hooch was chosen as one of the canine participants. He
was wonderful with all the people, children and noise! He
even wore his "Santa Paws" outfit proudly and brought
"miles of smiles" to everyone along the route. We recom-
mend breed knowledge and an active person/family who will include him in lots
of activities. Hooch does appear to have some skin allergies, which can be
eliminated with a good quality dog food and daily supplements/meds and/or
medicated baths. He is fine in the bath and loves getting the extra TLC! Please
call the Taunton Shelter at 508-822-1463 or e-mail deanie7243@aol.com
Over Labor Day weekend, one of our volunteers arrived at Walmart only to
discover that someone was trying to sell 8-week old kittens to any passerby
who wanted one. Well, that didn’t sit right with our volunteer, and so she
called our director who promptly came to get them so that they could enjoy
comfort and safety of our shelter. Not surprisingly, all four had head colds in
addition to giardia, a nasty intestinal parasite that is highly contagious; these
kitties were very familiar with the inside of the vet’s office before all was said
and done!
All are now healthy, current with their vaccinations, and are all spayed/neu-
tered. They were originally very frightened and nervous, but have since
relaxed and are joyfully responsive to any volunteer who comes by to keep
them company. It’s hard to tell this group apart – each one is a gorgeous
shade of dark gray – but each has their own personality that would make them
a welcome addition to any home!

Rita: Being the only Wallie is Mr.

SMOKEY is a male gray DLH. I was rescued from the female in this group Personality – he loves
streets by a kind lady. She took care of me but in time i made Rita very shy, people and is always
just wanted to be the only cat and did not like sharing but she’s a loving little trying to get a little
with the resident cats. Sadly she had to bring me to the lap cat who loves to attention from his
shelter. I am very handsome and a good cat, I just need be cuddled. human companions. He
to be your only buddy. So if you are looking for a special can’t wait to get to his forever home!
"one" than please ask to meet me. 
Marty is Isaac: This hand-
warm and out- some boy is mostly
Mass HumanE going like his solid grey and has a
781-335-1300 - www.masshumane.org
brothers and wonderful purr that
This handsome boy is waiting for his big moment to has the most matches a loving
be adopted. Sam is a 3 year old German Shepherd / tiger stripes of any in the group. personality.
Lab cross Neutered male.  Update on rabies and dis-
temper and is heart worm negative.  He is light blond
color, slim-light foot 80 pound dog and has lots of
energy and needs active people. He is a very affection- A Helping paw inc.
ate dog with a good disposition. Loves to go for leash 508-743-8406 | www.ahelpingpaw.org
walks -- but does need some training in the leash
walking department. He likes the car and loves to play ball and run around in the Bo-Jingles is a
yard so a fenced in yard would be great for Sam. He does OK with other dogs - he Stuart is a 4 yr male tuxedo kit-
has been in a doggie day care with all kinds of dogs. Sam could go with another old Cocker Spaniel. ten. Fully neu-
dog in the household, no cats or small toddlers but older kids OK.  His previous Great family dog, tered, vaccinated
owner had no choice but to give him up and the other family members had to good with kids, and ready to go.
move and could not take Sam. He is looking for a loving caring responsible home loves to play.
that will KEEP HIM for good. If your interested come and meet Sam at the shelter Doesn't do well with
Tobey is a med-
or call MHS 781-335-1300 or email masshumane@aol.com cats.
hair fluffy gray
male, older kit-
ten. He is
 Hi my name is Lily and my name is Simon, we are Roxanne is a extremely shy,
siblings - brother and sister and about 5 months old. mid-age kitten - but we know
I am spayed and Simon is neutered  - we are both up simply gorgeous with the right caring person he'll do
to date on shots, Combo tested negative, de flea and calico  with velvet very well. He loves other kitties.
de worm. We are both very lovable and love to cuddle fur. She is still Adoption fee reduced to get him in  a
up. We both have a great disposition and love to play. shy, but will do home quickly. For the month of Jan, all
We have bonded with each other so we would love to wonderful in a special home. adult kitties only $59.00
get adopted together -- believe me, you will have no
regrets! Our story is sad -- Simon and myself and my other brother and sister
almost became a meal for a pack of coyotes. Unfortunately our mother was killed
--she sacrificed her life for us kitty kids!  Simon and I need a loving, caring and Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Mass
responsible home to call our own..  We are both waiting for the big moment to 508-586-2053 | www.apcsm.org
get adopted together. If your interested in us contact MHS 781-335-1300 or email
masshumane@aol.com. Nala is a 1
Tabitha is a gor-
year old
geous 3 year old
female lion
Pet Gazette Adoption female. She's
head bunny.
back from a foster
She's too
Center Guidelines home were she
raised her kittens
cute for
• Adoption notices words and
and she now
are published free of very sweet! This little girl deserves a
needs a loving
charge for all area loving home of her own. Stop by to
forever home!
animal shelters. meet her and fall in love.
This sweet girl
• The deadline for sub- will steal your heart!
mitting pets is the 15th of Spanky is a
the month. Space will be given out on very sweet 5
a first-come, first-serve basis. Onyx is a 6 year old neu-
• Please send a photo and brief write-up month old little tered male pit
for each pet seeking adoption to adopt@ boy that needs bull mix looking
petgazette.net you! He has been for a forever
• You may send four pets per month. at the adoption home. He loves going for walks (and
All types of dogs, cats and other center since he jogs!) and getting lots of pets from his
domestic pets are welcome. was 8 weeks old! This playful and fans!He would do best in a home with-
•  We encourage shelters to send news affectionate little man deserves a real out other dogs, though he may do ok
of successful adoptions. home and a real family to adore him! with the right match.

18 January 2010
Pet Gazette
 Brockton Blue Dog Shelter People for cats
508-436-6446| www.bluedogshelter.com 508-540-5654| www.peopleforcats.org

Lily is a 1.5 year old Hound mix who recently came to our MR. WHISKERS is a CALIE is a
shelter. With her previous owner, she lived with another dog long-haired orange female long-
and did not always get along with him. Both dogs also some- tiger boy with a white haired dilute
times got out of the yard. At our facility, Lily has settled in patch under his chin. Calico who is
nicely and is beginning to enjoy playing at our doggie daycare He is approximately 4 approximately
but she needs supervision when meeting new dogs. If you years old. It's hard to 3-4 years old.
would like to meet Lily, please come to our new location at imagine the history of Her original
1014 Pearl St. Brockton during any regular shelter hours. many of our cats, but it is always owners had to give her up when they
traumatic when cats like Mr. Whiskers moved and were unable to bring her
Rusty is a very special are found abandoned in a house. along with them. Calie's owners report
Sounder is a
dog who needs a very Despite what may have been a tough that she tends to be a quiet and timid cat,
young adult
special home. Rusty is home life, Mr. Whiskers is as gentle but she is doing well at the shelter. She
Hound mix who
almost 12 years old and and loving as can be. He has a loud is not hiding or does she seem afraid of
was returned to
when he was young he "purrer" and loves to be petted and other cats. Calie is a very beautiful cat
our shelter when
was injured in a fall off a cuddled. Soon after he was rescued and would prefer to live indoors (as
things did not
cliff. He can not use his right front leg Mr. Whiskers was neutered and People for Cats always recommends).
work out with
although he does have feeling in it and received all his shots. You can find She has all her shots, is spayed and is
his previous family. Sounder is a
wears a bandanna to support it. He walks him at our shelter where he is anx- read to strike out on her own. Come in
tall, long-legged dog who knows a
and runs on his other three legs very ious to get on with his life. Come in a and meet her and you will not be disap-
lot of his basic obedience. He enjoys
nicely. Rusty came to our shelter because meet this sweetheart. pointed.
playing in our doggie daycare and
would love to have a family with an he had difficulty adjusting to life with a
active lifestyle. Sounder has had small child. Rusty needs a home with no JODY is a shorthaired white kitty with strategic patches of
some negative experience with elec- children and a quiet lifestyle where he dark tiger. Jody was found near a day care center in
tric fencing so he needs to go to a can get moderate exercise and lots of Wareham and so far despite numerous attempts to find her
home with regular fence. If you love. If you feel that you could help this home, she is still unclaimed. Jody is looking for a forever
think Sounder is the dog for your special dog, please come to meet him home. In her former life, Jody was spayed and well cared
family, please come to meet him during any regular shelter hours at our for. She is accustomed to being with kind owners. She is
during any regular shelter hours. new location 1014 Pearl St. Brockton. approximately 4 1/2 years young and loves to be petted.
Jody, as you can see, is as cute as a button and is very playful. Come in and meet
Montana is a beautiful adult female who came to our shelter her. She is looking for just the right spot to make her home.
when her owner could no longer keep her due to family issues.
Although she was very scared at first, she has become good
PANDA is a three year old female Siamese with traditional
friends with many of the staff and has a very playful side. Due to
chocolate brown, buff and white coloring. And like most
her large size and strength, Montana can not go to a home with
Siamese Panda has beautiful blue eyes. She is a real prize
small children. Because of her breed and size, Montana needs a
and needs to stay indoors. Panda is a shy girl so it is hard
family with previous large dog experience and good leadership
for her to be in the shelter with so many other cats. She is
skills. Montana likes to play with dogs at our doggie daycare; we
looking for a quiet home and a home where she is the only
do not know if she has any experience with cats. If you think you are the right family
cat. Her previous owner had to surrender Panda when she
for Montana, please come to meet her at our new location at 1014 Pearl St. during
moved into senior housing. Panda has all her shots, is spayed and is litter trained.
any regular shelter hours.
Come to the shelter and we will help you find Panda¹s special private spot. Once you
meet her it will be hard to leave her behind!
German Shepherd Rescue of new england
978-443-2202| www.gsrne.org
Milton Animal League
617-698-0413 | www.miltonanimalleague.org
Strider had lived in a loving country home for seven years
before his owner passed away after a long illness. Strider’s
owner had asked that his family take good care of his It is now a new year and still our Tazjah waits to have
beloved pet in his absence, as Strider was the apple of his a real home and family.  Tazjah is a great dog, who is
owner’s eye.  True to their word, the family took Strider into playful and active – and she has been waiting and
their home, but soon realized that their busy city household waiting and waiting for a family to call her own.   She
with two other dogs was not an ideal home for Strider. is a spayed 3 ½ year old dog, who is really a tomboy. 
Strider's intelligence, loyalty, and independence will make She plays like a “boy” dog -   and loves, really loves,
him a wonderful dog for a  GSD-savvy adopter. to dodge and chase.  She has waited too long for
someone other than the shelter staff knowing how great she is.  If Tazjah’s
demeanor was in another breed dog, she would have been adopted a long time
OTTO is One and one
ago, but many pitbulls have to wait and wait to be adopted and Tazjah is one of
half year old Otto has
them.  Come by and meet her.  Please make her wishes come true.
lost his foster home, and
is being boarded. We are
Olive is a 1 Spirit is an 8
worried that he may
year old spayed year old
regress and fall apart in
female pit bull spayed female
that environment. Otto grew up with a
terrier who domestic
family who loved him, but were told he
thinks that she medium hair
had a degree of hip dysplasia. Fearing
is a lap dog.  who was
he would be in pain, and unable to
Really she found as a
bear the costs of orthopedic treat-
does.  She might be a dog but all she flea-infested
ment, they surrendered him to GSRNE.
wants it to do is spend time with and stray. We
Otto required arthroscopic surgery of Parker is a one year old black and around her humans.  Olive is still thought we
his elbow, and has now recovered tan male, with high energy level who young and puppyish…she plays with might have been lucky since Spirit was
nicely. Hips only need Cosequin, and gets along with both cats and her toys and enjoys life.  She is a lov- microchipped, but her owners had
occasional Rimadyl for pain. He is dogs! ing and sweet dog who loves resting in never registered the number. We can't
active and loves to chase a ball.
the sun.  She is not as active as other imagine why no one came looking for
young dogs and would love to be a Spirit - she's is a sweet cat who is also
Candy is an   8-9 year old GSD with light tan coloring accented with companion for someone who gorgeous, with one blue eye and one
a little black on her back.  Candy came to GSRNE after her owners, spends time at home.    golden eye.
who were not in good health, considered putting Candy to sleep
because they could no longer take care of her.  The owners’ vet knew
Candy as a sweet and gentle dog that had so much left to give so he
asked the owners to surrender Candy instead. The owners agreed
Pet Gazette Adoptions:
and the vet then called GSRNE to see if we could help find this Please send a photo and a brief description to
lovely girl her new forever home.
adopt@petgazette.net
January 2010 19
Pet Gazette
 1014 Pearl Street Phone:508.588.5661
Brockton, MA www.jmpetresort.com
COME V
BRAND NEWISIT OUR
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Formerly
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20
Pet Gazette January 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 Diaz, 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 Michienzie, DVM
Sheri Procious, DVM
20
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 28 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!
January 2010
Pet Gazette