magazineaugust/september 2014

volume 10, issue 5

TM

animal advocate diane straney

local veterinary facility earns top certification

sc pet protective orders law

ask the trainer:chase drive

Seaside SullyMeet our 2014 Cover Model Contest Winner

contentsPublisher

Leah England

(843) 478-0266

leah@lowcountrydog.com

Advertising Information

(843) 284-3094

Communications

Gillian Nicol

gillian@lowcountrydog.com

Guest Writer

Kelly Rae Smith

Teri Errico

Photographer

Laura Olsen

Accounting

Carrie Clark Financial Services

(843) 367-9969

carriecl@comcast.net

Lowcountry Dog Magazine

PO Box 22

Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465

Web: lowcountrydog.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/leahengland

Facebook: facebook.com/lowcountrydog

august/september 2014

animal advocate diane straney 4

local veterinary facility earns

top certification 8

sc pet protective orders law 10

seaside sully 14

calendar of events 21

health & wellness 20

Hip Dysplasia and Osteoarthritis

training 22

Chase Drive

144

Lowcountry Dog’s mission is to be the leading local resource for dog owners regarding regional events, health and wellness information, trends, style and lifestyle choices. We also strive to be a mouthpiece to the public for various dog related non-profits and promote pet adoption and other responsible pet care practices.

Dog lovers can pick up the bimonthly magazine for free at most area veterinarians and pet stores throughout the lowcountry, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee bars and retailers. A full distribution list is posted to the magazine’s web site, lowcountrydog.com. Subscriptions are also available. Please call 843-478-0266 for more information.

The entire contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Lowcountry Dog Magazine with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher.

Lowcountry Dog Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any product, service, or vendor mentioned or pictured in this magazine in editorial or advertising space. Views expressed by authors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

8

This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper.

Continue the green process by recycling this copy.

Cover photo and Table of Contents photos by Laura Olsen Imagery.

Lowcountrydog 3

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Jennifer and Salty.

Diane Straney answered the call of

the wild when she decided to become an

advocate for feral cats back in 1995. While

most of us have had to make that tough

decision before — to feed or not to feed a

poor stray — Straney didn’t hesitate. She

helped the little guy out and then some.

“I retired and decided to move back to

Charleston,” Straney, a Charleston native,

remembers. “My first day back I was at the

house we’d bought, and there was a stray

cat on the porch. He was full of mange and

starving. I started taking care of him, and

the next day we had gone to the marina

and I looked over at the dumpster, and

there were 15 cats there starving. And

so I started feeding them. I just became

very aware once I retired at how many

homeless cats there are, and so I started

feeding cats in Mt Pleasant and getting

them spayed and neutered.”

Before retirement, Straney was a

successful computer programmer and

systems analyst who worked at the

Harvard Medical School Epidemiology

Department. In 1995, she decided to

sell her small software company that

designed Wall Street trading systems

for the likes of Charles Schwab and head

back home to Charleston. Little did she

know a whole new path lay ahead that

would dramatically change the future of

Charleston animals.

Straney’s incredible compassion for cats

began on her porch that day and continued

for 20 years. She’d eventually found the

Feline Freedom Coalition, a nonprofit

organization that has successfully reduced

the feral cat population, helped pass the

Free Roaming Cat ordinance, and is the

only facility in the south dedicated to

work specifically with ferals. “She has

helped lead the way to the development

of all the major programs that have saved

the lives of thousands of the homeless dogs

and cats in the Charleston area,” says Julie

Reynolds, a colleague of hers at the FFC

who has nominated Straney for the

Animal Advocate Diane Straney

TEXT BY KELLY RAE SMITH PHOTOS BY LAURA OLSEN

Top: Diane walks Loki through the 20 acre Feline

Freedom Coalition, which now also welcomes

adoptable bully breeds with medical and behavioral

issues. Below: Midnight gets some love, and a

brighter future.

4 Lowcountrydog

Lowcountrydog 5

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Lowcountry Dog Animal Advocate

Award.

“She has dedicated her life to ending the

euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs

by not only making significant financial

donations but by working daily, hands-

on, giving unlimited time, blood, sweat,

and tears,” Reynolds says. “She has been

the only leader who has focused her laser-

like energy on the plight of feral cats who

historically were the most at risk animals

in our community.”

Straney used her own funds and

whatever grants she could find to start

up the FFC facility. That was over 10 years

ago now. With 20-acres at her disposal,

Straney has been able to build a six-

building sanctuary for animals in need.

Fenced-in cat houses were created by

converting old building containers into

air-conditioned-and-heated rooms with

access to the outdoors, too. Today, she

has around 200 cats that are properly

cared for at the Ravenel-based facility.

Straney has also been working with a

group of volunteers recently called Rescue

Charleston that is dedicated to specifically

helping with pitbulls who are medically

and behaviorally challenged. No matter

how much good is accomplished, for this

animal advocate, also a board member of

Pet Helpers, there is still more work to be

done. And she’s already done a lot.

For instance, Straney, along with the

help of PetHelpers and the Charleston

Animal Society, was key in making

Charleston the only no-kill community in

the Deep South. Straney developed the Free

Roaming Cat Program, a new approach to

feral cat population control. Under the

ordinance, feral cats can be trapped,

neutered, and returned (TNR) to their

original location, preventing them

being otherwise picked up by animal

control and euthanized. Though this

wasn’t allowed before, that didn’t stop

Straney.

“TNR was not legal in Charleston

County at that time Diane began her

efforts,” Reynolds says. “She did all

of her feeding and trapping at night

and took great care not to be seen. She

crawled under fences, snuck onto off-

limit areas, and went into situations

that required stealth in order to care

for the cats. Today, she is the only person

I know who will take these same kinds of

risks in contentious situations… When

something like this needs to be done, they

call Diane. She has never been caught!”

Now, thanks to Straney’s persistence

to change the laws and the lives of cats,

90 percent of all animals in Charleston

County leave shelters alive.

“There are less than 75 communities in

the country that can make this claim,”

Reynolds says, “and none of them are in the

South. The live release rate for Charleston

felines is now overall 84 percent with 91

percent of cats and 76 percent of kittens

being saved (including neo-nates and

kittens under six weeks). Our community

saves almost 50 percent more cats than

dogs, making it one of safest places in the

country for cats to live.”

Straney’s mission seems to be going

better than she could have ever hoped.

The FFC has also teamed up with

PetSmart in finding homes for socialized

kittens that have been nurtured in the

sanctuary. Straney and company are the

sole cat providers for the Mt. Pleasant,

West Ashley, and Summerville PetSmart

stores. And her focus remains firmly on

doing more. Straney continues to fulfill

her calling by spreading the word and

gathering more saviors. It’s important for

her that people understand the mission.

“We’re not trying to save feral cats;

we’re trying to prevent feral cats,” Straney

says. “TNR really is the most effective

way to reduce the feral cat population.

Trap-and-kill doesn’t work. Animal

control does not have enough resources

to trap these cats quickly enough to ever

get it under control — whereas, with

TNR, there are many individuals who

are willing to do that. With trap-and-kill,

you’re not going to be able to get the public

involved in that, so it doesn’t work. With

TNR you literally have an army out in the

public helping to maintain and reduce the

size of these colonies. And that’s the real

secret weapon.”

This is the third article in our series on Animal

Advocates of the Lowcountry. After all nominees

are featured, we will open online voting and one

winner of the Animal Advocate of the Year will be

recognized for their outstanding work.

Top: Diane cuddles Hannah, with Midnight

by her side. Both are looking for forever

homes. Below: Diane checks a kennel with

Ryan, a Rescue Charleston team member.

Lowcountrydog 7

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The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) has awarded its highest certification to West Ashley’s Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, making it one of only six Level I Certified Veterinary Hospitals in the nation and the only facility in the Southeast to attain this designation. David B. Sachs, Emergency Veterinarian and Medical Director of Charleston Veterinary Referral Center, upon receiving the certification, said its purpose is “to recognize those hospitals that meet the extremely high standards and guidelines published by VECCS with goals of raising the standard of veterinary care while also increasing public and professional awareness of emergency and critical care providers.”

Chief of Critical Care Kristin Welch, DVM, DACVECC, explained that the certification program identifies three levels (I through III) based on operating hours, equipment and personnel. “A Level I emergency and critical care facility must have the resources and specialty training necessary to provide sophisticated emergent and critical care using the attendant technologies.

Second, it must be open to receive small animal emergency patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Finally, a Level I facility must have a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care on staff full-time and available or consultation 24/7.”

Electrochemotherapy

Speaking of sophisticated technology, the center now offers yet another weapon to fight cancer in animals. It recently began offering a revolutionary new treatment option called electrochemotherapy (ECT). Electrochemotherapy delivers trains of electrical pulses to cancer cells shortly after injection of chemotherapeutic drugs. The pulses open pores in the tumor cell membranes making them more permeable and enabling better penetration of anti-cancer drug molecules to increase tumor cell kill. Patients will undergo very light, short (5-10 minute) anesthesia for the procedure and typically require two or three treatments (depending on tumor type and size). Because ECT makes tumor cells more sensitive to therapy, this allows lower doses of chemotherapy making systemic side-effects very unlikely. CVRC is pleased to be the first and only veterinary practice in the Southeast to offer ECT. Dr. Kerry Rissetto, DVM, DACVIM, the center’s oncologist, traveled to Rome for training in electroportation and chemotherapy under Enrico Spugnini.

Canine and Feline Physical Rehabilitation Center

Dogs and cats that have sustained injuries, undergone orthopedic or cardiac surgeries, and those that are overweight can all regain mobility, agility and fitness more quickly

and safely in the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center’s Animal Rehabilitation

& Fitness department. Led by Jennifer Au, DACVS, CCRT, who is board-certified in surgery and rehabilitation, CVRC has just opened a newly-designed rehab facility complete with underwater and land treadmills, laser therapy, electro-stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, hurdles, balance balls and boards, and a cushioned floor surface that protects healing muscles, tendons and joints from the jolts of exercise. The room is long enough for dogs to gallop in, and even has see-through windows so owners can watch their pets’ progress.

Founded in 2011 by Dr. Alan Green, Chief of Staff and Dr. Sachs, the Charleston Veterinary Referral Center is on Shelby Ray Court, just off Glenn

McConnell Parkway in West Ashley, and is the only veterinary facility in the Southeast that fulfills all the criteria set by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society to be called a Level 1 Emergency/Critical Care Center. Its 17 staff members are designated according to their areas of expertise, predominantly with dogs and cats. Clinical services include cardiology, dentistry, emergency and critical care medicine, diagnostic imaging (X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, Fluoroscopy), internal medicine, neurology, oncology, physical rehabilitation and surgery, including orthopedic, soft tissue and minimally invasive.

Dr. Sachs concluded that “Being a VECCS Level I facility affirms that this respected society recognizes us among the best of the best. It enables us to offer a level of care and service unparalleled in the Southeast and virtually the same as human trauma care facilities. We are able to treat the most critical patients and give comfort and confidence to their owners.”

Local Veterinary Facility Earns Top Certification

Lowcountrydog 9

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There is an undeniable link between human violence and

animal cruelty, which is perhaps more apparent in homes where

domestic violence is present than in other human-animal violence

situations. For some victims of domestic violence, a relationship

with a beloved pet may be the only positive connection in their

lives, making that pet especially vulnerable as a mere pawn in a

dangerous environment. Abusers will frequently harm, torture,

or even kill an animal in a brutal manner – sometimes in front

of the victim – to display control and to manipulate the victim

into either staying in the home, or coercing her to return.

Unfortunately, the perpetrator frequently has an additional

advantage in these scenarios as most women’s shelters are not

equipped to accept pet animals, and many victims cannot afford

to board their pets for an unspecified time. Furthermore, the

perpetrator may have ownership rights to the pet, which can

interfere with a victim’s ability to remove the animal from the

home. Law enforcement officers and courts have been reluctant

to intervene with a pet’s placement because such situations are

frequently considered a marital property dispute. Consequently,

many women delay or refuse to leave a dangerous relationship out

of fear of initial or escalating violence towards their pet, which

continues to put both the woman and animal in harm’s way. This

problem is not the exception to the rule. Multiple studies indicate

that between 48% and 71% of battered women report that their

pet had also been threatened, harmed, or killed by their partners,

and in a national survey of women’s shelters, a staggering 85%

reported incidents of women seeking safety who described pet

abuse in their homes.

This situation is particularly dangerous in states like South

Carolina where domestic violence rates are consistently high and

animal cruelty laws are relatively weak. Last year, the Violence

Policy Center in Washington ranked the Palmetto State the worst

in the nation for men killing women. At more than double the

national average, it was the third time in ten years that South

Carolina earned the top spot. The domestic violence crisis in

South Carolina is so severe that the state Attorney General has

challenged the state’s General Assembly to consider legislation

that would help protect victims of domestic violence, calling

the current statistics “inexcusable.” What’s more, The Humane

Society of the United States ranked South Carolina an abysmal

46th in its 2013 humane state rankings, which scores each state’s

animal protection laws. When considered collectively, it’s readily

apparent that a key component to minimizing both human and

animal violence in the home includes measures to protect both

victims of domestic violence: people and animals.

In an effort to reduce crimes committed against women and

animals, state representative, Gilda Cobb-Hunter, introduced

legislation referred to as a “Pet Protective Order” bill, which

would extend legal protections to pets involved in domestic

violence disputes. After repeated attempts to pass the legislation

through multiple sessions of the South Carolina General

Assembly, lawmakers finally recognized its importance, and the

bill was signed into law by Governor Nikki Haley on June 6th,

2014. The law, which has already gone into effect, allows judges

to include pets in orders of protection granted to victims of

domestic violence disputes. In essence, not only will a judge be

able to order an alleged abuser to refrain from harming a human

victim, but under the new law, he can also specifically order him

to refrain from harming a pet. Furthermore, judges can now

grant the temporary legal possession of pets, and order assistance

from law enforcement officers in removing the animal from the

family home if the perpetrator has not been evicted by court

order. Should an abuser violate the new law, he could be subject

to penalties under both the state’s domestic relations laws as well

as state animal cruelty laws.

The new protections afforded women and pets by the

legislation are a tremendous victory and an important step for

combatting domestic violence in South Carolina, but that isn’t

the bill’s only achievement. Thanks to a late amendment offered

by Senator Greg Hembree, the bill also increases maximum fines

and jail times for those convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty,

with significant increases for repeat offenders. Previously under

state law, a first-offense misdemeanor cruelty charge carried a

maximum penalty of 60 days in jail or a fine ranging from $100 to

$500. For a second offense, the penalties previously included up

to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $800. It wasn’t until the third

offense that convicted abusers could face up to two years in jail

and a $2,000 fine. Under the new law, first time offenders could

face up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second and subsequent

offenders are subject to a maximum of two years imprisonment

and up to a $2,000 fine. Punishments for felony animal cruelty,

including imprisonment ranging from 180 days to five years and

a fine of $5,000 remain the same.

Domestic violence and animal cruelty are serious crimes that

will continue to require additional attention from our state

legislators, judges, and law enforcement personnel. The pet

protective orders law, coupled with increased animal cruelty

penalties, are not solutions to the complicated and widespread

incidents of human and animal related violence across the state.

However, with new laws in place, our legal system now has

additional tools to help protect victims– both human and pets–

in domestic violence situations and that’s an important victory

all South Carolinians should celebrate.

SC Pet Protective Orders LawBy Kimblerly Kelly

Lowcountrydog 11

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My boyfriend and I adopted our puppy 10 months ago, and we

joke it’s a tough life owning the sweetest, goofiest, most adorable

dog ever. Whenever we take him out, people stop us to gasp and

coo at him. The people we know best gasp the hardest though—at

me. “I still can’t believe you have a dog!” That’s because I have

spent 30 years terrified of every canine in vicinity, be it Collie or

Shitzhu. My fear stemmed from a bad encounter with a stray as

a child bookended by an attack as an adult. But when I met the

man I wanted to marry, a dog lover to the extreme, I knew I had

to work to get over my fear. And now here I am almost a year later

loving my own four-legged furball.

When I finally conceded to my boyfriend Kyle that we could

adopt a dog, the first thing we did was research. While his family

has always had large dogs, he met me halfway in considering

what I wanted, and needed, too. For starters, big dogs that could

overpower me or outweigh me were out of the question. I’m

of petite stature and it terrified me to think I could enter the

house when Kyle wasn’t there and the dog might bowl me over

leaving me helpless against it. Another factor was barking. While

the sound may be both good and bad, it made me jumpy all the

same and I hoped for a quiet pet. Additionally, I wanted a smart

breed that’s easily trained, and most of all, one that’s good with

children. Kyle accepted my insecurities and we moved ahead

with our checklist.

It was a random search during my lunch break that yielded a

unique but ideal breed for our needs: Toy Australian Shepherd.

The smaller breed of Aussie grows to about 20-25 lbs., which was

just right. Famously loyal creatures, Australian Shepherds are

easygoing and can entertain themselves, which was beneficial if

I got overwhelmed and needed to step back. Australian Shepherds

are also intelligent, quiet and good with children. It was a perfect

match. Kyle and I decided to adopt a puppy so that I could be with

it from the start of its life and help it develop good habits, and we

picked up newly dubbed Luke Bryan Skywalker on November 6,

when he was two months old. I knew he was the one the moment

I met him, but when he peed on me for the third time on the car

ride home, he stamped my role as his momma.

While I adored looking at Luke, my six pounds of adorable fluff,

I knew I still had a long road ahead of me. He was innocent and

clumsy, but I was nonetheless terrified of getting too close, of his

constant nipping and his jump puppy energy. So off to training

class we went at PetSmart in West Ashley, under the tutelage

of Dog Trainer, Emily Gallow. Emily has spent her life training

hunting dogs on her family’s 120-acre farm in Ladson and trained

her first pup at the age of 8. She has taught at PetSmart for two

years and she is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and always

willing to stop and answer questions, even if you just bump into

her walking down the aisle.

To Emily, training is the most important bonding experience

a new dog owner can have with his pet. “Dogs are pack animals

so there has to be somebody in charge,” she notes. “Training is so

important because you’re working with your dog to show them

who is in charge and also to build confidence in them. You’re

teaching positive reinforcement for good behavior so they’ll want

to keep doing it to please you.”

PetSmart has four six-week classes new dog owners can take:

beginning, intermediate and advanced training, as well as a trick

class to teach dogs fun things such as grabbing their leash or

cleaning up their toys. Emily showed us how easy it is to train a

dog, thanks to simple techniques and repetition. Kyle and I saw

or How I Found

Four-Legged Freedom

Part 2

By Teri Errico

a vast improvement in Luke immediately

and signed up for every class. “Every dog

can sit, but it’s important to take that

training further,” Emily says. “Not only is

your dog going to behave if you properly

train it, but it’s going to be a dog you can

take with you anywhere and introduce to

anyone.”

The three most important commands

you can teach your dog, according to

Emily, are: come when called with

major distractions; strict leash training,

including heel and turns; and stay. But

while you may train your dog endlessly,

Emily cautions that dogs will still be dogs.

“No matter how well trained they are,

dogs are still perpetual three year olds

in the human world,” she explains. So

never take your pet off its leash in public

settings, and always be aware of your

surroundings.

I had spent my life afraid of dogs and

no advice or therapy worked until Emily

came along and suggested the best way

to learn to be around dogs, or any fear in

fact, is in a controlled where I would be

happy and comfortable—and also could

walk away. That setting for me was Emily’s

class, a fun atmosphere with my boyfriend

and our puppy in a room that I could

easily exit.

But Luke and I successfully made it

through all four levels of classes, and

this summer, after almost 10 months, I

survived (yes, survived!) five days alone

with him when Kyle went on his yearly

hiking trip. I never thought that would

be possible with any dog. I now play with

my puppy and let him climb all over me, I

scratch his head and don’t fear he’ll bite

me, and I kiss him, too, when he cuddles

up on my chest with his favorite toy. I

understand he just wants to be near me

when he jumps. That he paws at me or

emits a tiny bark because he wants to play.

And it’s all because he has been trained

well by Emily, and so have I. I am so very

lucky he, Kyle and Emily finally were able

to help me overcome my 30-year fear of

dogs—otherwise I never would have been

able to understand what true puppy love

really is.

Lowcountrydog 13

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Seaside SullyMeet our 2014 Cover Model Contest Winner

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA OLSEN

Lowcountrydog 15

Eric and Allison Swanson welcomed German Shorthaired Pointer litter mates Sully and Stella into their lives 13 months ago. Both dogs enjoy pointing birds, chasing squirrels in the local dogs parks, and scent training, but being in the water is clearly their favorite pastime. Sully and Stella are truly in their element when dock diving, running in the surf, and swimming in lakes. Thrilled with her pooch winning our annual cover model contest held at Pet Fest each year, Allison exclaimed, “We believe Sully is the perfect Lowcountry dog because he is as friendly as a puppy can be and is never happier than when he is on the beach running among the birds.”

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Charleston's Dog Friendly Beaches

Isle of Palms:Dogs must be on leash, except during the following hours: 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. from April 1 through September 14 and 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. from September 15 through March 31. Owners must clean up after pets.

Sullivan's Island:All dogs must have a valid Sullivan’s Island permit – residents and visitors. Dog permits are available at Town Hall. $35.00/dog permit. Resident Discount $10 ($25.00) $2.00/license discount available if proof of an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizenship Certificate is presented at time of permit purchase. See www.sullivansisland-sc.com/Files/DOGS/2013%20dog%20application%20full%20packet.pdf for full application packet and requirements.

SUMMER HOURS (May 1 – September 30)Off-leash: 5:00am – 10:00am • No dogs: 10:00am – 6:00pmOn-leash: 6:00pm – 5:00amWINTER HOURS (October 1 – April 30)Off -leash: 5:00am – Noon • On-leash: Noon -5:00am All dogs must be curbed. Pet waste bags may be found near the entrance of each beach access path.

Folly Beach:Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 1 to September 30 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.In the off-season, though, from October 1 through April 30, your dog is welcome on Folly’s beach. Your pup must stay on a leash and under control, but running, walking, fetching, and swimming are all allowed. There are pet waste bags at beach access points, please use them to keep the beach clean for everyone on Folly, whether they have two or four legs.

Kiawah: Dogs must be on leash on all of Kiawah Island year round, except for 5 areas on the beach. There are 2 dog use areas in which dogs can be off leash year round as long as they are under voice command. The first area extends from Beachwalker County Park for 1,000 yards to the west (towards Captain Sam's inlet). The second area is located between the Beach Club and the Ocean Course pedestrian beach access. Dogs may also be off leash during the winter months (December 1-March 15) on the central portion of the beach between Beachwalker County Park and the Beach Club. In addition, there are 2 Dog Leash areas where dogs can be present year round but must always be on a leash.

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copper, katie rose, jake & abby

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dottie

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upcoming eventsrecurringevery saturday & sunday pet helpers adoptions at petco, west ashley. www.pethelpers.org

every saturday cas adopt-a-thon at petsmart mt pleasant. www.charlestonanimalsociety.org

lowcountry lab rescue adopt-a -thon at whole foods mt p. Adoptable Dogs are usually at Whole

Foods every third Saturday of the

month from 11 - 2. Please visit www.

lowcountrylabrescue.org for more

information.

yappy hours and pups, yups and food trucks by charleston county park and recreation commission at charleston county parks. Pick up man’s best

friend after work and join the fun at

events held this summer and early fall

especially for dog owners! Pups, Yups

and Food Trucks offers on-site food

trucks and live music in the meadow

at Palmetto Islands County Park in

Mount Pleasant, just adjacent to the

dog park.

Yappy Hour features live music and

beverages for sale, directly in the off-

leash dog park at James Island County

Park. The next Yappy Hour will be

on Aug. 7 with a performance by

Dreamland Band.

Both events are free with general park

admission ($1 per person or free with

Charleston County Parks’ Gold Pass)!

Beverages and food are available for

an additional fee. Outside alcohol and

coolers are prohibited.

Event Dates:

Aug 7th 4-8pm , August 21st

5-sunset, September 18th 4-sunset,

September 25th 5-sunset. Visit www.

charlestoncountyparks.com for more

info.

special events

august 25th public court hearing for hound dog cruelty case. This court hearing is for the

Animal Cruelty Case involving 45 Hound

dogs seized on 2/11/13. This hearing is

open to the public and we are asking

for YOUR support. We would like to

see the courtroom and courthouse

parking lot packed with individuals

that are against animal cruelty! In

order to clearly show that we are a

unified group, we ask that everyone

wear SOLID BLACK shirts. If you want

to contribute towards the anti-cruelty

work done by Animal Rescue & Relief,

you can mail contributions directly

to Animal Rescue & Relief at PO Box

13477, Charleston, SC 29422.

Sept. 7th noon - 5:00 pm x 6th annual dog day afternoon at whirlin' waters. Humans can cool

down at beaches and waterparks, but

how does man’s best friend beat the

heat? On Sunday, Sept. 7, dogs will

have free reign at Whirlin’ Waters for

the 6th Annual Dog Day Afternoon!

On that special day, Whirlin’ Waters

Adventure Waterpark at North

Charleston Wannamaker County Park

will be open to canines and their

owners from 12 – 5 p.m. Dogs can

splash around the 27,000-sq. ft. Big

Kahuna wave pool and the Rollin’

River lazy river. The refreshing Otter

Bay kiddie pool area, recommended

for smaller pooches, will also be open

for frolicking.

Admission to Dog Day Afternoon

is $15 per dog. Charleston County

residents may purchase advance

tickets for $12 per dog. All tickets

purchased on site will be $15. Owners

are free with their pets. Spaces are

limited, so sign up today! For more

information, call (843) 795-4386 or visit

CharlestonCountyParks.com

september 13th francis r. willis spca 11th annual pawker run. It is time for the 11th Annual

“Paw”ker Run to benefit the Frances R.

Willis SPCA of Dorchester County, SC.

Our first ten “Paw”ker Runs were very

successful for the nearly 3,140 lost,

abandoned and abused animals that we

care for each year. Those numbers are

rising in 2014 with the poor economy

and housing foreclosures. However,

2014 promises to be a much better year;

in January, February and March our

live release rate matched that of no

kill shelters across the country!

We are projecting over 600 bikers to

participate and we are hoping to raise

over $25,000 or more for the SPCA.

Entry Fee is $20 per person and includes

collectible T-Shirt. Registration begins

at 10:00 am or sign up online in

advance. Run time is at 11:00 am. Hwy

61 E. / .5 Miles off ALT 17 S. Dorchester

Shrine Club. Live music by Double

Nought Spies. BBQ Lunch, Door Prizes,

cash prizes and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place

prizes.

More info at www. summervillespca.

org

Questions? Comments?Call 843-478-0266. Want to submit event information?Visit www.lowcountrydog.com and click on Add an Event. We will do our best to include your event as space allows. Our online calendar lists all events in full.

Osteoarthritis affects animals and

people alike. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the

hip joint in dogs is common. Different

studies show 30% of German Shepherd

Dogs have hip OA and 52% of various dogs

have hip OA in another study. One study

in people showed the risk of developing

hip osteoarthritis in a lifetime is 1 in 4 or

25% of the population. Interestingly, a lot

of the medical or conservative treatment

options for managing hip osteoarthritis,

or osteoarthritis of any joint for that

matter, is very similar between people and

out pets. Maybe while you are working

to reduce the risk of development or the

discomfort from current OA you can do the

same for your pet, making it a team effort.

While there are surgical options for

dogs, and cats, with hip dysplasia or

other diseases of the hip joint resulting

in OA, the good news is approximately

70% of dogs with appropriate medical,

also termed conservative, management

can have a good quality of life, never

needing surgery. There is no cure or single

treatment for OA, but in combination,

the various medical treatments can be

very effective. Basic medical management

consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory

drugs (NSAID’s), supplements, activity

modification and weight control. More

advanced options include additional drug

therapies, physical rehabilitation, laser

therapy, shockwave therapy, acupuncture

and regenerative medicine therapies

along with other options. Weight control

is actually one of the most crucial

components to managing OA in animals

and people. Since I already stepped on my

soapbox regarding weight control in pets

in a previous article I will concentrate on

some of the other forms of conservative

management today.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,

also referred to as NSAIDs, are one of the

most effective drug classes used to control

OA pain and inflammation. While NSAIDs

can be a godsend for both people and pets

they should be used correctly and under

a veterinarian’s supervision, for the pet

that is. Any drug has potential side effects;

NSAIDs are not alone in this category.

NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal issues

such as ulcers, bleeding or perforation

and have deleterious affects on the liver

and kidneys. Ideally blood work should

be performed on your pet prior to starting

NSAIDs to evaluate for underlying liver

or kidney problems and have a baseline

for monitoring, especially if the plan is

for extended use of these drugs. While

the number of dogs that have side effects

related to NSAID use is very small,

the results of the side effects can run

the gamut from very mild and easily

controlled to severe or life threatening.

Any dog on NSAIDs should be monitored

for decreased or absent appetite, vomiting,

diarrhea, blood in the stool or melena

(black, tarry stool indicating digested

blood). If these signs are seen you should

contact your family veterinarian for

assistance. Nonsteroidals should always

be used within the appropriate dose

range (ask your veterinarian) and never

be used with other NSAIDs or steroids as

this can increase the risk of side effects.

Use of nonsteoidals in animals with

underlying liver and kidney disease

should be avoided if possible. I am not

harping on the risks or side effects of

NSAIDs to keep you from using them; I

am trying to make you a smart pet owner.

As I said, NSAIDs are very effective in

controlling pain and inflammation from

OA but use your smarts when using them

for your pet and consult your veterinarian

for more information. Ideally your dog

should receive a nonsteroidal specifically

for dogs. Aspirin in dogs can cause an

increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding

compared to other dog-specific NSAIDs

and they affect platelet function that can

result in an increased risk of bleeding.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is toxic to cats.

Did you know, on average, 10,000-15,000

people die every year from NSAID related

complications? Again just trying to make

you a smarter, more informed pet owner.

Nonsteroidals are useful and effective in

controlling signs of OA, just be smart when

using them or giving them to your pet. I

think I might have stepped on another

soapbox there too.

Nutraceutical is a combination of the

words ‘nutrition’ and ‘pharmaceutical’.

The origin comes from foods or parts

of food that provide medical or health

benefits, including the prevention and

treatment of disease, but also applies to

specific nutrients, dietary supplements

and even herbal products. Another

term is DMOAS or disease modifying

OA supplements. Whichever term you

prefer, there are several options available

to help with OA. Omega 3 fatty acids,

commonly derived from fish oils, have

been shown in multiple studies to reduce

inflammation in osteoarthritic joints

along with improving comfort and limb

Medical Management of Hip Dysplasia and OsteoarthritisBy Jennifer Au, DVM, DACVS, CCRT

Tucker Daniel

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use in dogs. Glucosamine is another

supplement people have commonly

heard about, and may even be taking for

their own joints, that may be effective

in aiding joint comfort and function.

Glucosamine with chondroitin is reported

to be more effective than glucosamine

alone, allowing for a synergistic action.

There are various studies, both on the

human and veterinary side, reporting

varying degrees of efficacy. One week a

paper comes out saying glucosamine with

chondroitin works, the next week a paper

comes out saying it doesn’t. Personally I

feel it is a supplement with very little risk

or side effects and may help in the battle

against the signs of OA so I recommend

it for my patients. If or when there is

definitive evidence one-way or the other

my recommendations may change.

By now you have probably seen the

Celebrex commercial with the tag line ‘A

body in motion, stays in motion’ regarding

OA and NSAID’s on the human side. This

adage also rings true on the animal side.

We want pets with OA to stay active.

Being a ‘couch potato’ increases the risk

of weight gain, allows joints to stiffen

up and results in muscle loss that causes

more work for the osteoarthritic joints. Of

course the activity needs to be reasonable.

Low-impact activities such as walking or

swimming are ideal for pets and people

with osteoarthritic joints versus higher

impact activities such as running and

jumping. Shorter, more frequent activities

are better than one single long activity.

You should always monitor your dog for

signs of discomfort such as slowing down,

reluctance to walk, limping during the

activity and the following day or two.

Similar to us working out, we may not feel

the aches and pains until the next day.

Any activity that results in your dog being

stiff or sore during the activity or after

should be reduced or eliminated from the

routine or until additional OA treatment

options are added into your pets routine.

Next time we will talk about something

near and dear to my heart, physical

rehabilitation. In the mean time, get out

side and get moving with your pet.

Tucker Daniel Animal Antics, LLC is a company dedicated to providing products that are of the highest quality, made from all natural ingredients and are environ-mentally friendly. As well as services, that exceed expectations and deliver value.

We view ourselves as ambassadors for a better planet; fostering compassion and respect in animal welfare and training, while understanding the science behind nutrition and animal behavior; our focus is on the health and wellness for all pets; to treat our customers with courtesy and gratitude, as well as, being partners in the community.

843-284-89031964 Rivera Drive, Suite J

Mount Pleasantwww.animalanticsllc.com

Animal Antics training philosophy is part of our holistic focus on good mental and physical health for pets. Our cooperative approach teaches socialization skills, modifies problem behaviors, and is the basis for our entire training curriculum.

Pet Care • Behavior & Training • Grooming • Accessories

Check out Charleston Animal Society’s Puppy Parties, socialization classes with a professional dog trainer for puppies 7-24 weeks. Free with donation to the shelter. Registration required.

SANDRA BRETTFine Pet Portraits

The Perfect Gift!sandrabrett1@gmail.com

910.616.6119www.zhibit.org/sandrabrett

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The Problem: How can I teach my dog not to chase people running by or on bikes? -Andy Infante

The Solution:Dogs chase moving objects for many reasons, but all of the

reasons are instinctual. Whether it is prey drive, hunting, herding, guarding/protection or even a defense out of fear…..the chase is initially triggered by the dog’s instinct. Couple that with how much fun and rewarding your dog has learned this behavior is and you find yourself competing with not only instinct, but a self-rewarding behavior. Based on the dog’s trigger for the chase, the rewards can vary between each dog and each instinct. Since I haven’t observed the dog’s behavior, it’s difficult for me to determine exactly why your particular dog is chasing the moving objects, however I have some tips for you to help teach him an alternate behavior.

Before expecting your dog to learn the desired (new) behavior with a biker speeding by, you must practice with him in a setting with little to no distraction. You’re going to start with the “Leave It” command in a controlled setting, such as inside your house. Start out by making it really easy, then slowly increase the level of difficulty. For example, have him ‘Leave’ a piece of dry kibble for a soft yummy treat. When he’s good at that, teach him to ‘leave’ the soft treat for a piece of cheese, and so on. As mentioned in a previous response when addressing a dog chasing the resident cat……this is worth repeating: When I teach Leave It, I never ever let the dog have the item I have asked them ‘Leave’. In other words, don’t have him ‘Leave’ the dry kibble on the floor, then turn around and say ‘Take it’. You want to instill that ‘Leave It’ means ‘Leave it’, don’t ever ‘Get It’. Always reward with something different, and better, than what you are asking the dog to ‘Leave’. You would slowly but surely work up to levels of increased difficulty by having him ‘Leave’ a rolling ball that will serve as a moving object, a piece of cheese you toss, someone walking by, and eventually work up to ‘Leaving’ the bikers and joggers.

When you are ready to begin working around bikers and joggers, it is important that you start out at the easiest level for him to succeed, as well as desensitize him to the bikers’ and joggers’ movement. You will need to recruit the help of a friend or family member for this. Have your dog on leash and have your recruit pass by at a faster pace than walking, but not a full jog. Continue to work that ‘Leave It’ command and reward heavily for the correct response. If your dog is having trouble giving the correct response, you’re moving to quickly for him – go back to an easier step in which he can be successful so you can reward. You’re not looking to keep having him fail so you can ‘correct’. Do the same thing with the bike, but start out with the person walking past you with the bike, not riding by at full speed.

The two things that are going to set you and your dog up to succeed is starting with slow speeds of the joggers and bikers as well as setting distance away from the bikers and joggers. For example, before your dog can resist the urge to chase, and comply to your ‘Leave It’ command with a biker speeding by 3 feet away, he must be able to give the correct response 15 feet away and the biker slowly walking by. Find the threshold at which your dog can successfully comply with the ‘Leave It’ command then slowly have the joggers and bikers increase speed, and you slowly decrease the distance from the moving objects. Don’t increase speed and decrease distance at the same time. An example of this would be if the dog can comply with the Leave It command 15 feet away and the biker slowly riding by, move in to 13 feet, but keep the biker at the same speed. Then, go back to 15 feet away and have the biker slowly increase his speed and so forth. Don’t be tempted to increase difficulty at the level in which you think your dog should be progressing, but at the level your dog is progressing. And as with any training, don’t progress too quickly in a way that will set your dog up for failure.

If you have a young dog that has not practiced chasing for very long, you should see progress and results fairly quickly. If your dog has practiced the chasing behavior for quite some time, it will more than likely take a little more time and energy to extinguish the rehearsed behavior and implement the new behavior. Be consistent and patient and always set your dog up for success. The more he rehearses the desired behavior and is rewarded for it, the better he will get at it. Just remember, rehearsing behaviors and getting better at it work with any behavior…..so the more he rehearses the undesired behavior and is rewarded for it, the better he will get at that also. As mentioned above, the chase itself is rewarding, so even though you don’t personally reward it, if he completes the action, he is rewarded.

Please don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a Certified Positive Reinforcement Trainer if you find yourself needing assistance implementing these tips. Your investment will be well worth it for both you and your dog. Follow this advice from Dr. Ian Dunbar, a world renowned trainer, behaviorist, teacher, and who I like to refer to as the Grandfather of Positive Reinforcement Training: “When I’m training a dog I develop a relationship with that dog. He’s my buddy and I want to make training fun. Training a dog to me is on a par with learning to dance with my wife or teaching my son to ski. These are fun things we do together. If anyone even talks about dominating the dog or hurting him or fighting him or punishing him, don’t go there.”

Kristie Allen, CPDTThe Learning Canine, LLC

Ask the Trainer:Chase Drive

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