Life Stinks...Sometimes

We finally joined the club.  It happened when I least expected it, plus it occured on my watch much to my chagrin.  Last Thursday, as we do every morning at 5:30, the dogs and I were standing on the front lawn so that they could relieve their bladders.  We often play a game where I release their leads afterwards and they race each other to the door in anticipation of a treat.  This time they bypassed the door, racing straight ahead through the bushes down the side of the house, cornering a humor-impaired skunk.

Sydney staggered out first, looking quite literally stunned. Coco immediately followed.  The look on Sydney’s face betrayed her dilemma a fraction before the odor assaulted my senses.  Sydney had taken the brunt of the attack, getting sprayed directly in the face.  By then Paul was on the porch having heard me hollering their names to no avail.  Our plight quickly became apparent and he was dispatched to the computer to determine how to proceed while the girls and I remained outside, me holding my nose and keeping a firm grip on the leashes.

Ten minutes later when Paul emerged from the house, having scoured the internet for information, he immediately asked if Sydney had been injured.  Skunks can bite and scratch in addition to spraying.  If your dog gets sprayed, be sure to check for other injuries including redness or discharge from the eyes.  Do not ignore “small” injuries because they can abscess within days.  Sydney's ego was deeply bruised but there was no evidence of physical damage.  Fortunately, we had all the ingredients on hand for a home remedy, which include hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap.  Sydney was more than happy to submit to Paul’s ministrations.  Despite that, we struggled to rid her and the house of the odor over the next two days.

Here’s our take-away from this fiasco.  One, don't forget our wild nocturnal neighbors.  As Paul reminded me several times, the dogs know we have company even before we hear or see these creatures and giving chase is a natural response.  The consequences are potentially dangerous, not to mention stinky.  The girls will receive a proper escort to the door in the future.  Two, keep the necessary ingredients on hand just in case a skunking occurs despite our best efforts. 

With the weekend behind us and the odor of our angry friend nearly gone, we can reflect on recent events and laugh.  It’s surprising how many friends, family, and colleagues have similar stories of being initiated into the skunk club.  Sometimes more than once!  Not a reassuring thought.

Sydney - pondering the wisdom of leading the chase

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Pippa - The Teacher's Pet

When the last of Holly’s two Bearded Collies died three years ago, she knew there would be another canine in her future.  It was just a question of when.  “They were the love of my life,” she says of Tasha and Maddie who lived to be 15 and 14 years respectively.  “They came to me as four-year-olds with a roommate.”  The roommate eventually moved out but the dogs stayed.

After a year of being alone and feeling like “there was no life in the house,” Holly began searching on Petfinders, the Milo Foundation, and several other rescue sights.  Her search was prompted in part by her cousin Susan with whom Holly went hiking on a regular basis.  Susan complained one day that Holly spent more time talking to the dogs they encountered along the way.  Holly laughingly admits it was true.  

Holly knew she could provide a dog with a good life and it was certain a dog would make her life better.  After a seemingly exhaustive search, Holly adopted a black, four-and-a-half month old Poodle mix whom she named Pippa.  A grade school teacher, Holly timed the adoption to coincide with summer recess, which began on June 11. Pippa joined the household on June 12.

The two bonded immediately despite a brief rough patch (Pippa started her day at 6:00 a.m. while Holly was looking forward to sleeping in during her summer respite).  They filled their time with puppy classes and hiking many of the nearby trails.  Holly wanted to involve Pippa in all aspects of her life. When classes resumed Holly brought Pippa to campus after school once a week to expose her to the children.  

With hundreds of kids in after-school programs, Holly and Pippa quickly became a welcome part of the routine.  Because she has hair rather than fur, children with allergies were able to touch Pippa.  Some were petting a dog for the first time in their lives.  Ranging in age from Kindergarten through 5th grade, the children lined up to take turns throwing Pippa's ball and rewarding her with kibble when she retrieved it.  “Kids without dogs were drawn to the opportunity,” notes Holly, further convincing her that this socializing strategy was beneficial for both Pippa and the children.

Adopting Pippa has enriched Holly's life in the ways most meaningful to her.  She understands and embraces the responsibility that comes with being an animal guardian.  "Dogs depend on you for everything and you have to organize your whole life around them because they never outgrow it."  For Holly, who admits her relationship with Pippa is no less important than her relationship with humans, the joy she receives in return makes the sacrifice a privilege.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Vaccinating Your Pet - Helpful or Harmful?

Several weeks ago my colleagues at Pet Allies Network asked me to write about the titer (pronounced tighter) test as an alternative to annual vaccinations.  Coming from a non-scientific background as a writer, I was reluctant to take on the assignment.  Then the notice from the vet arrived in the mail reminding my husband and me that our 16-year-old cat, Mrs. Bean, was due for her annual FVRCP and 3-year rabies shots.  The subject suddenly became very timely.  

The titer test is a simple blood test that determines the “level of antibodies to disease in the blood.”  The results are used to evaluate whether your pet needs to be revaccinated.  There is growing concern among many veterinarians that repeated vaccinations are both unnecessary and unhealthy.  A research study published as far back as 1996 connects vaccinations in dogs with a serious immune disease that “attacks red blood cells as though they were foreign.”  No less alarming is the evidence pointing to vaccine-associated sarcoma in cats.  It results in uniformly fatal tumors located in the neck and leg areas where the shots are administered.

Though the titer test is simple, the cost can be prohibitive, starting at about $100 depending in part on whether the blood is tested in-house or shipped to a lab.  My vet quoted me $350!  She also indicated that Mrs. Bean most likely did not need either the rabies shot or the titer test based on numerous previous vaccinations and lack of exposure to infected animals.  While those opposed to the titer test argue that it would need to be done annually, those in favor suggest that it is a one- or two-time expense at most and much less costly than treating some of the diseases associated with over-vaccinating.

To be sure, all puppies and kittens should be vaccinated at the appropriate ages.  But are we over-vaccinating our pets by doing so annually, spending more money than necessary and perhaps needlessly jeopardizing their health?  To help people understand the practice and potential drawbacks of vaccinating, Drs. Will Falconer and Janet Tobiassen Crosby have written several comprehensive yet easy-to-understand articles on the subject.  The two questions Dr. Falconer would like pet guardians to keep in mind are 1) are the vaccinations beneficial and 2) are they safe?  Further complicating matters is the fact that the law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated in order to be licensed.

Much to my relief, my vet was eager to discuss titering and help me make a decision that would best serve Mrs. Bean.  We decided to forego another round of vaccinations for now.  Our collective goal is to do what is best for the cat, allowing her to live a long and healthy life.  Since Mrs. Bean often collaborates with me on these articles, I hope to have my partner around for a long time.

I realize that the subject of vaccinating is as controversial as it is complex so I have noted my sources in the article above.  There is much more information on both sides of the argument.  Ultimately, we all want to make the right choices for our pets and we at Pet Allies hope this helps start or further the discussion in your household. 

Mrs. Bean at work

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Squeaky - the Cat Who Liked to Read

When Cindy was a little girl, her father was busy building what would become a successful career in truck sales.  The effort required frequent moves and by the time Cindy was in the third grade, she had lived in three states and was enrolled in her third school.  The moves had taken a toll on the quiet little blue-eyed girl who was having difficulty learning to read.  Her teacher often became exasperated with her.  Learning was becoming a fearful experience.

Concerned, her parents consulted their pediatrician for ideas.  He suggested a pet would be a good source of friendship and a constant in Cindy’s life during future moves.  Cindy’s father scoured the pet ads in the local paper and the following Saturday he drove Cindy to nearby San Francisco to meet with a woman who was offering free kittens.  They left with Squeaky, an orange and white short hair.  

Squeaky was amenable to friendship with Cindy and soon became her after-school companion.  They spent time under the high bed in her parents’ bedroom with Cindy reading to Squeaky.  She also enjoyed brushing the patient feline.  After accompanying the cat to the vet, Cindy became interested in medicine and would pretend to give Squeaky and herself shots.  The vet encouraged her curiosity in the medical field by giving her an empty syringe to use during play.  Cindy's interest would eventually blossom into a nursing career.

By the following year Cindy’s reading scores had improved and she began to excel in school.  Not surprisingly, there were subsequent moves and new schools to adapt to.  Squeaky remained a constant and loyal friend for the next seven years.  The companionship he offered the lonely child was never forgotten by Cindy and it left her with a lifelong love of cats.

Thirty years later, following her retirement from nursing to pursue a second career as a high school health education teacher, she had the opportunity to pass along Squeaky’s gift.  This time it was she who was teaching others the power of compassion and friendship when she enlisted her class in caring for a feral cat colony living outside their classroom.

More on that in a future column...

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Yay for Yellowdogging!

The staff at Pet Allies Network has been abuzz this week with talk of the Yellowdog Program.  Several people were already familiar with the concept, which originated in Sweden.  Others of us were not.  We’re all excited about it though and hope you will help spread the word.

The Yellowdog Program is actually a campaign that a group of Swedish dog lovers - including dog psychologists, trainers and pedagogues - are promoting to aid dogs with special needs.  It’s simple.  If you have a dog whom you do not want other humans or canines to engage with while you are out walking, affix a yellow ribbon to Fido’s lead or tie a yellow bandana around his neck to alert people that he needs space. Your dog may need space for a number of reasons including old age, illness or injury, shyness or behavioral problems in certain situations.  

Sometimes it’s we humans who need the space. My husband and I were walking our two very friendly Poodle mixes a couple of weeks ago when we happened upon a lovely one-year-old Golden Retriever.  As we approached, his guardian quickly maneuvered him into the street and instructed him to sit.  Noticing the puzzled looks on our faces - since all three dogs indicated a desire to meet -  she raised her arm, exposing a wrist guard used for carpal tunnel syndrome and said it hurts her when the dog pulls on his leash even slightly.  Yellowdogging would have instructed us to avoid contact, alleviating any need for an explanation.

Since starting the Yellowdog Program on June 27, 2012, the organizers have set up a website and translated it into 17 languages.  It has Facebook groups in six countries and has been viewed by people in 117 countries.  Yellowdogging has also received significant media attention in Sweden.

Please inform your fellow dog lovers about the Yellowdog Program.  By spreading the word, we can all help create positive change for special-needs dogs and their humans.  We can reduce the potential for unfortunate situations where a dog snaps or is accidentally hurt, not to mention the difficulties that arise between humans on those occasions.

Yellowdogging is so simple, creative and intelligent, it makes us wonder why no one thought of it years ago!

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Rocket - the Blended Family Dog

When we think of blended families, it usually pertains to step-parents and children that accompany a new marriage.  But what about the adjustment faced by animals when their humans divorce and find new love?

Jane and her then-colleague, Ezra, had known each other for a year when they started dating.  A month into their new relationship, Jane met Rocket, Ezra’s 11-pound Chihuahua/Basenji  mix whom Jane describes as a “handsome little man and very protective of his daddy.”  In 2001 Ezra and his former wife had adopted Rocket from Furry Friends in Fremont, California.  Rocket was three at the time but quickly developed a strong bond with his new parents and was suspicious when Ezra brought Jane home following the divorce several years later.

When Ezra introduced Rocket to Jane, it took the frisky canine a while to accept her as part of the pack.  Rocket’s devotion to Ezra runs so deep that everyone else is secondary. If Rocket and Ezra were alone in a room, Rocket would bark at Jane when she entered.  “Rocket is not a waggy-tail, loves-everybody kind of dog,” Jane observes, and he took his time learning to trust her.    

Rather than being annoyed by the dog’s possessiveness, Jane loves the fact that Rocket is discerning.  Three years into their new family, Rocket still barks at Jane when she intrudes on his time with Ezra.  But more recently Rocket has also started barking at Ezra when he enters a room Jane and Rocket are occupying.  Jane chalks up some of Rocket’s grumpiness to old age and health issues but appreciates being part of his inner circle.

When asked why she loves Rocket, Jane responds without hesitation.  “He’s soulful.  He’s a love who just wants to be part of the mix.”  Rocket likes hanging out at home.  One of his favorite routines involves Jane and Ezra playing cards while he lounges in his dog bed.  A committed dog and cat lover, Jane worked hard to win Rocket’s heart.

To what does she credit her success?  “Glucosamine treats and a warm body.”  Rocket loves to come and suckle Jane’s warmth by leaning into her.  He values his independence and doesn’t want to be petted or held, just supported and warmed.  “He’s a heat-seeking rocket,” she laughs.

Rocket and Jane managed to work out their differences and find common ground in their shared love of Ezra.  While they may still fight over him from time to time, little-man Rocket now accepts Jane as someone he can lean on in more ways than one.  He’s glad she came to stay.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

My Girl Zoe

Our beloved cat Zoe died on Friday, February 15, at approximately 4:30 p.m.  My husband Paul and I realized that morning that she was in pain and her health had deteriorated quickly following her diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma on January 30.  It was an aggressive cancer that does not respond to chemo and made surgery impossible due to its location in her throat.

Zoe was one of four girls born to my next door neighbor’s cat, Lizzie.  I was single then and living in an apartment.  At barely a year old, Lizzie was on her second litter.  I came home from work one day to find another neighbor’s son had treed the heavily pregnant cat while he and a friend threw stones at her.  I immediately took her in and her kittens were born a few days later.  Lizzie chose, of all places, a newly cleaned, covered litter box in which to deliver her babies.  Two of the kittens were born close to midnight September 25 and two more in the wee hours of September 26.  For a petite feline who weighed under 10 pounds, her brood of four seemed unimaginable.

Zoe was a timid kitten, earning her the title of Shy Kitty.  Finding good homes for Lizzie and her babes proved harder than anticipated so in the end, Paul kept the only black kitten, Mrs. Bean, and I kept Zoe.  Shortly after Zoe’s birth, one of my two cats, Zorro, died unexpectedly.  Zoe’s name was chosen to celebrate Zorro and her presence in the home helped heal our hearts.  She relentlessly pursued a friendship with my remaining cat, Redmond, and he grew to cherish her.

Zoe had a Cheshire cat smile, a high pitched voice, and matured into a little talker, shedding her shy kitty moniker with ease.  After Paul and I married, Zoe quickly adapted to the life of an indoor/outdoor cat, took on the job of vector control, and managed to keep other cats out of the backyard through intimidation rather than fighting.  Agile and adventurous, Paul and I awoke one morning in our second-story bedroom to find Zoe staring back at us from her perch in the Redwood tree next door.  She often followed me to the property line in the morning as I walked to work and was there to greet me in the afternoon when I returned.  

Zoe lived a good life.  She never lacked a full belly, a loving home, or a sense of security.  My girl always came when I called, including last Friday when I interrupted her sunbath on a beautiful, warm afternoon to take her on her final journey to the vet.  Zoe was loyal, loving, and brave to the very end.  Paul’s was the last face she saw.  She died in my arms as we prayed for her easy passage to the next life. 

Sweet, Zoe, I had forgotten how much a broken heart hurts.  Thank you for sharing every day of your life with me.  You are loved and missed.

Zoe Sundstrom
September 25, 1997 - February 15, 2013

by Elizabeth Sundstrom