So there I was, in high heels running with an entourage of men in orange hard hats, through high grass, mud and a pond complete with bugs, ticks, snakes and who knows what else.  I was glad not to be alone. When I reached the open field, I felt panic rise in my throat as I didn’t immediately see my dog.  But then, to my great relief, I saw Ben, perched in the shadows, next to another neighbors fence, panting and looking all innocent.

I slowly walked towards him, hoping he wouldn’t bolt again but he just sat there and let me approach him. As I got closer I saw he was shaking and his eyes were wide with fear.  Something had scared the bejesus out of him! Good I thought. Maybe it was the scent of the coyote who lived back there. Maybe he won’t do it again. Anyway, I took off my belt and made a make-shift leash, slipping it through his collars and walked my “bad dog” back to my car. I thanked the work men profusely (they really are the salt of the earth), handed one of them back his cell phone that fell during the chase (so glad I happened to notice it) and took Ben home for a big time out.

I called my electric fence guy again, from “Freedom Fence”,who was very concerned and came out the next day. “Let me check the circuitry and the control box” he said.   He had suggested during a phone call the previous week, that I turn up the volume. That all looked fine. We then went outside, me, the fence guy, Tucker and Ben.  Then, just as he was checking the perimeter of my property, Ben gave us both (pardon the expression) a Cheshire cat smile, turned towards the road and took off up the hill-again! I swear I thought I was going to die!

After the two of us raced up the hill (on foot this time, and did I mention I’ve lost quite a bit of weight running after Ben? Well, I guess that’s the up side from all of this).” Anyway, after we caught him I was glad the Freedom Fence guy saw it with his own eyes. Once back on the property and while I maintained an iron grip on Ben, he asked to see Ben’s collar.  Nothing. It seemed fine. Then he said, “Hmm, let me check Tucker’s collar.” Well sure enough, Tucker had a “tough dog training” collar while Ben had a weaker, calmer version. I had inadvertently switched their collars.  “He needs a tough dog collar” he told me. “In fact, he needs two.”  In the end he put the weaker version back on Tucker because Tucker was already trained, while Ben was still training and testing his boundaries, literally.

He put Ben through some training exercises, walking him on a leash near the audio warning zone and then tugged him away from it.  He told me to get a very long leash, just the right length so Ben could reach the edge of the street and let him train himself for the next week. He said I should hide and watch Ben without him seeing me.  That week I tied four leashes together, anchored one end to a raised tree root and (per my fence guy’s instructions) left Ben alone to ultimately train himself.  (I hid but watched from my garage because I didn’t want him to get tangled up with such a long leash). I watched as he tested the boundaries.  It worked!

So now, I am happy to report, I have been letting  Ben and Tucker use the doggie door independently again with zero escapes.   I did panic the other day though, when I couldn’t find Ben for about two minutes.  I kept hearing him but couldn’t see him until I realized he had gotten trapped under the deck!  He had wiggled his way in under my steps but couldn’t get out.  I guess it’s time to fix the lattice work..oh dear…until next time.

I did all of this and checked that the collar was working, first giving off a high-pitched wail as a warning before shocking him into staying off the road. He went through again.  First he stood right at the edge, looked at me like he was daring me to stop him and then took off. Huffing and puffing as I retrieved him again (and secretly grateful he went to the same spot each time), I scolded him and then called my fence guy again.

“Maybe you need a new battery,” he said.  So I ordered two new ones, and haven’t had any escapes this week so far. But, my anxiety level is as high as my electric fence.  The panic I feel when he goes out and the ridiculous relief I feel when he returns is making me crazy. My older dog, Tucker, his dad, had gotten out during an intense rain storm when he was younger, but not recently, so it’s only Ben, Ben, Ben.

Then, yesterday we took them to the beach for a good run. They decided it wasn’t freezing cold enough so they had to go for a swim. After arriving home with freezing fingers and wet, salty, sandy dogs, I went onto the next phase…bathing them. I have a large stall shower with a hand-held nozzle so we go in together. After drying them off with about twelve towels, I collapsed with exhaustion. Well, I thought. At least they had a good run, fresh air and are clean and smell free! (I used NOse Offense in the car and it worked great). But what about me? My fingers are raw, my back aches, and I keep doing laundry! Someone rescue me!  But…at least Ben hasn’t eaten anything naughty this week…well, as far as I know…on my way home to check.

Speechless, I scooped up the remains of the Hamilton and let out a breath.  There was, I thought, at least 55% of the bill intact.  Perhaps all was not lost and the bank would honor the chewed evidence and reimburse me.  I felt a little better.

As for Ben, well he and Tucker (his dad, 7 years his senior) both looked up at me with innocent eyes, and indeed, there was nothing I could do to scold or train them not to eat cold hard cash. In all honesty, it probably smelled really good.  Who knows where it’s been? Maybe I should spray my money with NOse offense.  It works on everything else!

Anyway, after this money incident, my husband and I felt a good long walk was in order, for us as well as for them.  We proceeded with our walking ritual, which we learned long ago, because the electric fence was not to be breached.

The first step – load the dogs into the car. Next, remove their electric fence collars (they always wear two collars, one with the electric battery and the other with their tags always removed at night for safe sleeping).  Then we drive off the property and park in the street, attach their leashes and begin our walk.  As silly as this sounds, driving off and ultimately past the electric barrier, really works.  They know the “car” can pass through without getting zapped.  Whatever you do, don’t forget to remove their electric collars and don’t keep them in the car with you!  They not only freak the dogs out with their high-pitched whine, but it runs the battery down.

When choosing an electric fence company (we went with Freedom Fence), there are differences to consider.  One of the features I like about Freedom Fence is the dog’s ability to return through the fence without that lightning bolt reminder, should they get through. Their battery senses where it is and turns off upon returning.  They don’t get through often. It happened only a couple of times, once during an intense down pour.  I’ve since “turned up” the fence charge which seems to be working.

As for our “walk,” it’s more like an attempt to walk a wild lion, than a dog.  At least it’s that way with Tucker.  My bad as I didn’t know what I was doing when he was a puppy and didn’t train him properly.  Between the very large yard, a doggie door they can access at will, and an electric fence, I never really just walked Tucker on a leash. He really didn’t need a leash at the dog park either, but I am determined to be better this time around. As for our walk together,  my husband ends up way ahead of me, keeping a fast pace with our 85 pound animal. I hold tight to the reins, trying my hardest to walk at my pace with Ben. It’s hard work, definitely not your casual stroll through the neighborhood. But hey, I chose two loving, wonderful, loyal Golden Retrievers and can’t expect them to walk the walk of a poodle (nothing against poodles. I grew up with one).  Anyhow, refreshed after our walk and happy to be back home and off the leash, I had one more errand…off to the bank…to be continued…

Many pet owners ask me for advice when considering winter hazards and maladies. It is important to use common sense when you are out outdoors with your pet.  Pets get cold just like we do and the temperature, wind and precipitation all factor into their comfort.  Your dog should be healthy to spend time in harsh weather and you should have your dog checked by a veterinarian if you have any health questions.

Do dogs need coats in the winter?  It seems that pet boutiques selling outerwear are opening all over the country.  Sweaters made of all materials and shapes are the raging fashion in some cities.  Although some owners want their dogs to be as fashionable as they are, most dogs do not need coats.  Many dogs have been bred to work in the winter and their long coats and foot pads prevent injury.  Some of these heavy coated breeds thrive in the winter and seem to be less active during hot summer days.   Can you imagine an Alaskan sled dog wearing a coat and boots?  I don’t think that they would be able to pull their sleds too far with that kind of dress.

Walking in the streets of Manhattan I have seen many small dogs wearing coats in 40 degree F weather.  I can say with certainty that the coats are not comfortable for these dogs.  I would only consider a coat necessary in short coated breeds on the coldest and windiest day.  If you go outside with your Greyhound or Whippet and you find the cold biting, a coat would be appropriate. But any healthy long coated breed doesn’t need one.

To help you decide if a coat is necessary watch the reaction of your dog when he goes outside on a cold day.  If he is walking with you and seems happy, then he doesn’t need a coat.  If your dog goes outside and starts to shiver and refuses to walk, try a coat and see if he is more comfortable outside.

Snow presents another challenge.  Ice can get trapped between the toes of dogs and cause discomfort.  Also snow melting salt can cause irritation between the toes.   After a walk in the snow it’s always a good idea to check the feet of your dogs. If ice is present gently remove it.  If your dog has walked through melted ice, dry their feet and rinse them off with warm water.

Dogs can slip on the ice and injure themselves.  I see more torn ligaments, lacerations, and even toenails ripped off during snowstorms.   It’s a good idea to keep your dog close to you and on a leash in the snow.  If you live in a wide open section of the country away from traffic your dog would love running in a field, but make sure that  he is well trained and will come back to you when called.  Dogs can get lost and run away if not trained properly and it can be very difficult to track a runaway dog in the snow.

Before long spring will be upon us, but until then winter can be a great time to have fun and bond with your dog.  Remember to use common sense and good judgment and you and your pet will enjoy fun times in the cold weather.

Holiday decorations can attract pets of all ages.  Pets see new objects around the house as their new toys.  Shiny lights and ornaments can be a magnet to any playful pet.  Streamers, tinsel, and ornaments can be grabbed and seen as opportunities for endless hours of enjoyable play time.  Unfortunately these objects could be ingested and at best cause mild abdominal pain and at worst cause an obstruction.   New electrical wires around the house can be seen as new chew toys and pet chewing through a wire could be severely burned or even electrocuted.

With the extra traffic in your house, make sure that no one steps on your pet.  Fractured bones, especially in small dogs and cats, can happen when pet gets underfoot.  Make your guests aware that your special friend is close by.

There are many opportunities for our pets to eat foods that they typically don’t ingest.  Sometimes they are stealthy hunters and forage for dropped food under tables and sometimes they can be aggressive and look for an opportunity to pounce on a table and have a great meal when no one is looking.  I once treated a dog who grabbed an uncooked turkey when his owner turned her back to answer a telephone.  By the end of the conversation, the owner had to run out and get a new turkey for her soon to be arriving guests. Other than the annoyance of destructive behavior, eating raw meat can be as dangerous for animals as it is for us.  Salmonella and E. coli infections can be transmitted to animals and severe or even deadly infections can occur.

Sometimes our guests think that they are being kind to our pets when they give them some of their own foods.  But they may unwittingly be feeding toxic foods.  Grapes, raisins, onions and chocolate can be deadly.  Many people are surprised to learn that avocado and macadamia nuts can cause very serious problems.   Even some cakes and cookies with the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause blood sugar and liver problems.  It’s important to tell your guests not to “sneak” anything to your pets

New holiday plants are definitely an attraction for pets.   There’s a wide variety of plants that we get as presents.  Most pets might chew on a leaf or two but I rarely see serious problems from eating plants.  Years ago we were warned that the common holiday plant poinsettia was poisonous but it turns out that it really doesn’t do much harm.  One plant that has emerged as a serious toxin is the Easter Lily.  Cats eating Easter Lilies can develop deadly kidney failure.

Finally, I have seen too many pets escape out of a house when guests come in or out and get hit by cars.  We have to be vigilant to prevent our pets from running away when our doors are opened.

Pets are an important part of our lives and the holidays are a fun time to spend with them.   It’s very important that as pet owners we are cautious and alert and watch for any unexpected hazards during our celebrations.

Then one day an astute veterinarian was carefully feeling the neck of a cat and he felt a small lump right were the thyroid gland is.  Could this be the source of the new constellation of symptoms?  A simple thyroid test was run, and to everyone’s surprise the levels were elevated, and a new disease in cats was discovered.  It is called hyperthyroidism.

Luckily hyperthyroidism is usually caused by a benign tumor of the thyroid gland.  No one knows why this condition suddenly occurred.  There are many theories, but iodine levels in the food have been implicated.

In 1979, I remember a professor in veterinary college showing me how to feel for enlarged thyroid glands in cats. When I graduated and went into practice I was so excited when I saw my first case. I gathered all of my colleagues and was thrilled to teach them about this new condition. Unfortunately hyperthyroidism does much more to the body than cause an excessive appetite and weight loss.  The thyroid helps control the metabolism and high levels of thyroid hormone can cause high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease.  Left untreated, hyperthyroidism will cause problems that lead to death.

In the early days, treatment consisted of giving medication three times daily.  Eventually a surgical procedure to remove the affected thyroid gland was perfected.  Unfortunately, both methods of treatment had side effects.  Not all cats could tolerate the medication and sometimes fatal blood or liver problems occurred.  The surgery was difficult because surgeons had to preserve the tiny parathyroid gland which sits on the thyroid. If all of the parathyroid tissue was lost during surgery cats lose the ability to control their calcium levels.  Low calcium causes seizures and even death.

In recent years radioactive iodine treatment has been developed. An injection is given and the radioactive iodine travels to the thyroid gland and destroys all of the tissue.  The only disadvantage of this treatment is that the treatment has to be done in a specialized facility and cats have to be hospitalized isolated away from you for three to five days. Recently a new food has been developed to treat hyperthyroidism.  The food has low iodine levels and therefore lowers the amount of thyroid hormone the body can make.  Some veterinarians question the long term safety of this food.  We will watch the research carefully and after a few years we will know if the new food is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism.

For cat owners, it’s important to take your cat to your veterinarian yearly for checkups.  Your veterinarian can feel for an enlarged thyroid gland and take a blood test for high thyroid levels.  It’s important for you to observe any changes in your cats eating habits or weight.  Cats that develop hyperthyroidism can lead normal lives and have a normal lifespan if treated early.

My older dog, Tucker-age 6, (Ben’s real dad) was never this mischievous as a puppy, so I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of chaos brought upon our home. But determined to do what is necessary to train little (27 pounds!) Ben, I am proud to say I have now mastered many death-defying feats such as: gate opening and closing, gate hopping, shoe warden, bathroom patrol, and meal-time negotiator.   Ben eats three times a day but he acts as if we are starving him – the poor thing. I know this because, despite what the vet says is the right amount of food, he bee-lines for Tucker’s food the millisecond he finishes his own dish.  My solution was to feed Tucker upstairs at the same time I place Ben’s dish down.  I encourage him to use the outside for the bathroom and he is getting the hang of it pretty much.  I crate him after lunch for his nap which he goes in willingly.

Tucker, happily has warmed up to Ben and plays with him a couple of times a day. As for the gates, I have two long gates which protect my living room from any more offenses and, of course, when he does have an accident in there, I use NOse Offense right away and it does the trick!

I also keep a vigilant eye on all shoes left on the floor which I readily place on counters or in closets.  I have dog toys everywhere and have kept after him whenever he chooses something else to chew like my: carpets, my son’s Rainbow sandals(albeit too late), towels, furniture legs and basically anything he can get his mouth around.  One of my saving graces has been the limitless supply of sticks from my yard. He can spend half an hour ripping a piece of a maple branch to smithereens. My reward for all this hard work are Ben’s kisses and the look of love in his eyes when I play with him. He only wants to be adored and paid attention to.  He loves eating and loves being clean. I love keeping him washed and have trained him well by getting him used to the shower from the start.  My daughter has slowly begun to take over some of my jobs and I have happily passed the baton to her.  She now feeds Ben breakfast and dinner, brushes him, plays with him, crates him at night and gets him (and herself) up and out in the morning.  She also made her first attempt at bathing him the other night but A WORD OF CAUTION…when your young teenage daughter offers to give your new puppy a bath…MAKE SURE SHE ISN’T SITTING IN THE TUB WITH HIM! Oh well…gotta keep on laughing…Until next time…

Here is our President, Marvin Rembo, donating samples to the Stark County Shelter in Canton, Ohio.

“The Stark County Humane Society is a private, charitable organization.  We are not a county agency and we do not receive funding from the United Way.  Our continued existence and success depends upon the support of the community through membership fees, gifts, and contributions.”