Lowcountry Dog Magazine June/July 2010

magazine

june/july 2010

volume 6, issue 4

gallery of model contestants

managing yourdog’s storm fear

preventingsummertime bloat

lowcountrydog.com

Roxyour 2010 model contest winner

TM

contentsPublisherLeah England (843) 478-0266 [email protected]

InternsGillian Nicol, Communications Christian Broder, Social Media Salvador Vilardo II, Editorial

Guest PhotographerKing Street Studios www.kingstreetstudios.com

Staff PhotographerAshley Smith Blackburn www.lowcountryfocus.com

AccountingCarrie Clark Financial Services (843) 367-9969 [email protected]

For Ad Rates Call(843) 478-0266

Lowcountry Dog Magazine PO Box 22 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465 www.lowcountrydog.com

Web: lowcountrydog.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/leahengland Facebook: facebook.com/lowcountrydog

june/july 2010

roxy, 2010 cover model winner 5

chain-free south carolina 8

2010 model contest gallery of contestants 12

bill takes aim at hunting dogs 21

health and wellness 22

Preventing Summertime Bloat

training 24

Managing Storm Fear

adoption 26

Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue

215 12

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 bi-monthly 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.

This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper. Continue the green process by recycling this copy.

Cover photo and middle table of contents photo by King Street Studios.Roxy the Shiba Inu is the 2010 Cover Model Contest Winner. 25 finalists were selected, and the public chose the winner through online voting.

Lowcountrydog 3

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Roxyour 2010 model contest winner

photography by King Street Studios

6 Lowcountrydog

Out of nearly 600 contestants, it was Roxy the Siba Inu who was crowned Lowcountry Dog’s 2010 Cover Model Contest Winner. The annual contest, held every year at Pet Fest, is always filled with fierce competition, but this year’s model search held a twist. LCD chose 25 finalists, and the public chose the winner through online voting. In the end, 3,356 votes were cast and Roxy claimed the title of Top Dog with 555 votes.

Winning competitions is not a new trick for the five-year-old Roxy. Roxy’s owner, Hung Vo, explains that she’s been in the spotlight for years: “We started competing in dog contests when she was a year old, and she knows she is a beautiful and special girl. Recently, Roxy won 2nd place in the Non-Sporting class at the Charleston Dog Show, an improvement on her 4th place win in the same class in 2009.” Vo and Roxy also win contests together. In 2008, they took home the 1st place prize in the Owner/Dog-Look-Alike Contest at The Isle of Palms Doggie Day.

When she’s not being the star of the show, Roxy just enjoys being your average dog. “She’s been with me since my college days, where she was the life of the party. But life after college is different; now Roxy has a house with her very own backyard where she chases tennis and soccer balls, pursues birds and squirrels and plays in the pond,” says Vo. Like a true Charleston native, Roxy loves her beach time, though her favorite activity is pulling Hung on his skateboard. That’s this Roxy’s preferred version of surfing!

Congrats to Roxy and Hung Vo, the 25 finalists and to all those who entered this year’s model contest. There’s no doubt the BEST dogs live in Charleston!

Want to see the Top 25 finalists? Click to: http://www.lowcountrydog.com/story/sections/2010-model-contest-top-25-finalists-and-winner-22509

Want to order your dog’s photo? Click to: http://kingstreetstudios.smugmug.com/Animals/Pet-Fest/11828109_QeQuW#836083724_LNESH

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Roxy’s Winning Tips

* Get a bath the day before the contest, and make sure your human brushes you right before your photo is taken.

*Practice your sit command and remind your human to bring your favorite toy or treat so you can focus at Pet Fest (where there are lots of distractions).

*Take advantage of social media and email to encourage friends, family and your human’s co-workers to vote for you!

*Meet and greet with as many people as you can. Charleston has lots of great dog parks, wonderful dog-friendly restaurants and events every weekend where you can meet other dogs and their humans. Ask for their support!

It is estimated that dogs bite 4.5 million

people a year. One in five requires medical

attention for his or her injuries. The best

way to prevent dog bites is not breed-

specific legislation. Anti-tethering laws

have proven to be a much more effective

way to reduce the number of dog bites in

a community. A 1991 study by the City of

Denver revealed

that a chained

or tethered dog

is 2.8 times more

likely to bite than

a dog that is not.

The Centers for

Disease Control

(CDC) concluded

in a study that

the dogs most

likely to attack are

male, unneutered,

and chained.

The American

V e t e r i n a r y

M e d i c a l

A s s o c i a t i o n

(AVMA) has

also stated,

“Never tether or

chain your dog

because this can

contribute to aggressive behavior.”

While the chain itself can be a useful

tool for restraining your dog for a

reasonable period of time, a dog tethered

continuously becomes anti-social and

aggressive. As genetically pack-behavior

animals, dogs thrive in social settings. If

not allowed to interact with other dogs

or humans, a dog will become anxious,

frustrated, and aggressive. These

behaviors are not seen in just one breed –

any dog that is continuously tied to a stake

will exhibit some of these factors.

The proposed SC bill, S. 958, aims

to cut down on aggressive dogs in our

community by making it illegal to

tether a dog in a neglectful manner. The

proposed bill states, “It is unlawful to

knowingly or intentionally confine or

restrain an animal in a cruel manner or

knowingly or intentionally cause such

cruel confinement or restraining of an

animal in an unreasonable period of

time.” The bill also requires sanitary

conditions be provided, adequate space to

sit and lie down and also access to food,

water and shelter. However, it still allows

for tethering in accordance with animal

husbandry practices and veterinary

procedures.

While some think this bill is

discriminatory toward those in rural or

impoverished areas,

the real goal of S.

958 is to protect dogs

from situations that

foster aggression,

regardless of

where they live.

In turn, this bill

protects people

from aggressive

behavior exhibited

by tethered dogs.

Advocates of the

bill explain the

necessity of S. 958 as

such; when statistics

conclusively show

that tethered dogs

are more likely

to cause harm

than non-tethered

dogs, legislation

regulating tethering

is imperative.

To date, more than 100 communities

in over 30 states have passed laws that

regulate the practice of tethering animals

and have since reported a reduction in the

number of reported dog bites. Opponents to

the anti-tethering bill argue it is not going

to be effective because the dog owners are

8 Lowcountrydog

continued on pg. 11

Francie Hiles

Chain-FreeSouth Carolina?

Photo by Nick-Beddinfield, Flickr Creative Commons

Photo by Dasha Gaian, Flickr Creative Commons

Lowcountrydog 9

continued on pg. 11

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10 Lowcountrydog

the problem, not the tether. However,

if we know tying dogs continuously to a

n o n - m o v i n g

object leads

to aggressive

c a n i n e

b e h a v i o r

and a lack of

public safety,

it makes sense

to prohibit

this behavior.

South Carolina

does have

laws already

in place to

prevent animal cruelty, but the current

laws do not address factors that lead to

aggressive canine behavior. The solution is

to pass bills that prevent human conduct

that we know leads to aggressive dogs.

A law such as S. 958 not only helps

prevent aggressive dogs from attacking

humans, but also aids in dogs’ welfare.

Many tethered dogs suffer from inadequate

food, exercise, and veterinary care and

often have severe tether related neck

injuries. Although these necessities could

be seen as neglect rather than a tethering

problem, taking the tether out of the

equation helps

dogs by giving

them the chance

to take care of

themselves if

their owner is

negligent. For

instance, in

emergencies, a

pet should be able

to flee from a fire

or flood, should

be able to seek

shade, shelter, or

water.

By limiting tethering to only

“reasonable periods of time” and in

environments that provides adequate

shelter and sanitary conditions, our South

Carolina legislators are promoting animal

welfare and public safety. S.958 has passed

the State Senate and is currently in the

House Sub-Committee. If you believe this

bill should be passed into law, contact your

House Representative.

continued from pg. 8

Lowcountrydog 11

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how you can help a chained dogCall your local animal control

office, humane society, or sheriff’s

department if you see a chained dog

who is: consistently without food,

water or shelter, sick or infested with

parasites and/or too skinny.

A city/county official or humane

society investigator is required to

investigate the situation if the dog’s

guardian is breaking animal cruelty

laws. Even if your city doesn’t have

an animal cruelty section in your

city’s ordinance, your state will have a

section in the state law that addresses

animal cruelty.

Once you report the situation–don’t

be afraid to follow up! Keep calling

the authorities until the situation is

resolved. If animal control doesn’t

respond, write a letter describing the

situation to your city officials. The dog

is counting on you to be his voice.

Source: www. chainfreebeaufort.org

12 Lowcountrydog

Nearly 600 dogs competed in this year’s Cover Model Contest. Check out the contenders

on the following pages. As you can see, the contest was filled with fierce competition!

photos by King Street Studios

Lowcountrydog 13

14 Lowcountrydog

Lowcountrydog 15

Camp Road

moonshine

vander

hunley

bones

lilianna

cotton bobo

faya garden

bailey & dexter

buckeye

pearlharley

shelby & scout

murry

hap

py

ho

un

ds

baby bear

buster

lola

baxter

levon

Upl

oad

phot

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f you

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coun

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and

mix

ed b

reed

s ac

cept

ed.

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Lowcountrydog 19

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here’s what you’ll find atthe new lowcountrydog.com

Brand-spanking new Health&Wellness and Training columns every week. Written by local veterinarians & trainers.

Weekly features of local dogs in our Meet a Lowcountry Dog Series will entertain.

The 411 on Upcoming Events and Event Recaps with photos to keep you in the know.

Our Pet Product Round-ups will featurethe coolest, most painfully cute, and most practical gear you can buy locally.

Lost Dog Bulletin Boards. Found a dog? Post their photo and description. Lost a dog? Get the word out.

Discounts and Deals. Everyone likes to save money. When we hear a local pet business is offering special savings, we’ll let all our readers know.

Looking for a new dog to add to your family? Check out Local Adoptable Dogs.

New Site at Same URLwww.lowcountrydog.com

upcoming eventsthroughout june and july 4:00pm-8:00pm o’brion’s yappy hours! Yappy Hours on Thursday

evenings to benefit PetHelpers. O’Brion’s

Irish Pub is located next to Publix on the

corner of Folly and Harborview Roads.

june 5th 11:00am-2:00pm charleston animal society adoption event. PetSmart Mt. Pleasant

june 5th 11:00am-2:00pm lcgrr meet & greet. PetSmart, West

Ashley. Join us as we have available

Goldens on hand with our volunteers

eager to answer all Golden questions.

june 5th pet support team. Pet

Helpers’ Junior Volunteer Program for

ages 6-11. Meets the first Saturday of

every month in the Pet Helpers Education

Room. Contact Christine Bush, at cbush@

pethelpers.org or (843) 795-1110 ext. 25.

june 6th 12:00pm-1:00pm bully walk. Meet at Hampton Park in

downtown Charleston. Join South

Carolina Pit Bull Rescue and the Pit

Chicks for our monthly Bully Walk. It’s

a great way to meet other “bully” lovers

and it gives the dogs an opportunity to

socialize. All dogs welcome. NO retractable

leashes. Please visit www.scpitrescue.org

june 9th 5:00pm-7:00pm lcgrr yappy hour at two rivers tavern. Daniel Island. LCGRR volunteers will be

there with their Goldens for a relaxing

evening on the patio, where we enjoy

drink specials and yappetizers! Bring

your four-legged friend and join the fun.

june 12th 11:00am-3:00pm sc pit bull rescue meet and greet. All

is Well, West Ashley. Join South Carolina

Pit Bull Rescue and our wonderful

volunteers and dogs for an afternoon

at All is Well in West Ashley. Come out

and meet some of our adoptable dogs!

For more info, visit www.scpitrescue.org

june 12th 9:00am – 4:00pm annual charleston animal society koi pond tour. Tickets $10 adults

children under 12 FREE. Includes tours

of 29 private water gardens, hospitality

hub & Grand Finale (5:00pm-7:00pm) at

the Charleston Animal Society! Ticket

Locations: Age of Aquariums, Crushed

Fine Wines, UPS Store in Summerville,

Hyams Garden Center, Tideline Aquatics.

june 12th tractor supply company vaccine clinic by pet helpers. June 12 at the Tractor

Supply Company in Ravenel. See

www.pethelpers.org for details.

june 18th 5:00pm-7:00pm disaster preparedness expo. Learn about

preparing for and recovering from

hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and

floods. Held at the new Public Safety

Building at 30 JC Long Blvd, Isle of Palms.

june 19th 6:00pm-10:00pm charleston animal society a furry affair! Donated art auctioned

off during a night of food, cocktails, and

festivities. This year A Furry Affair’s

auction items include exciting items

like vacation getaways, cooking lessons,

sports memorabilia, spa packages,

and a feature story of your dog in lowcountry dog! The

event is held at The Holliday Alumni

Center at the Citadel and costs $75 per

person (includes food and beer & wine).

june 23rd 5:00pm-8:00pm lcgrr doggy dining. Dog & Duck,

Summerville. Drinks on the patio

with our dogs; come and join us!

june 26th 11:00am-1:00pm daisy’s place and lcgrr joint meet and greet. Join Daisy’s Place

Retriever Rescue and Lowcountry

Golden Retriever Rescue at the Mt.

Pleasant Dolittle’s. Plenty of adoptable

Retrievers looking for their forever

homes. 843.240.0174, www.daisysplace.org

june 27th 11:00am-3:00pm sc pit bull rescue meet and greet.PetCo in West Ashley. Join us for some

fun and meet some of our adoptable

dogs. Feel free to ask our volunteers

questions, share pictures of your

dogs and get to know our rescue! For

more info, visit www.scpitrescue.org

july 3rd 11:00am-2:00pm charleston animal society adoption event. Mt. Pleasant PetSmart.

july 4th 12:00pm-1:00pm bully walk. Meet at Hampton Park in

downtown Charleston. Join South

Carolina Pit Bull Rescue and the Pit

Chicks for our monthly Bully Walk. It’s

a great way to meet other “bully” lovers

and it gives the dogs an opportunity to

socialize. All dogs welcome. NO retractable

leashes. Please visit www.scpitrescue.org.

july 10th tractor supply company vaccine clinic by pet helpers. Tractor Supply Company in Ravenel.

See www.pethelpers.org for details.

july 11th 11:00am-3:00pm sc pit bull rescue meet and greet. PetSmart in

Summerville. Join South Carolina Pit Bull

Rescue at the Summerville Petsmart. We

are happy to answer questions or simply

visit with you and talk about our rescue!

For more info, visit www.scpitrescue.org

july 14th 5:00pm-7:00pm lcgrr yappy hour at two rivers tavern. Daniel Island. LCGRR volunteers will be

there with their Goldens for a relaxing

evening on the patio, where we enjoy

drink specials and yappetizers! Bring

your four-legged friend and join the fun.

july 28th 5:00pm-8:00pm lcgrr doggy dining. Dog & Duck, Belle Hall,

Mt. Pleasant. Drinks on the patio with our

four-legged friends; won’t you join us?

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.

20 Lowcountrydog

Lowcountrydog 21

In January 2010, the bill S. 1027 was

introduced into the Senate by Senator

McGill (D) to amend Chapter 11, Title 50

of the 1976 Code, by adding Section 50-

11-770 to enact the “Renegade Hunter

Act.” This new piece of legislation has

caused quite a stir among hunters of

all types.

As with any new bill, there are two

opposing sides. One side says the bill

is in place to protect everyone and

reprimand hunters who trespass with

their dogs, while the other side says

the bill is “there to make dog hunting

impossible without making it illegal.”

One section of the bill reads:

“it shall be unlawful for any person to

hunt from any road, right of way, property

line, boundary, or property upon which he

does not have hunting rights with the aid

or use of a dog when the dog has entered

upon the land of another without written

permission or over which the person does not

have hunting rights.”

This section is cut and dry; if you

cross onto someone’s property without

expressed permission, it is considered

trespassing and is illegal. However,

there are provisions in the bill stating

that a hunter may be allowed a “single

dog to recover a dead or wounded

animal on the land of another [as long

as he/she] maintains sight and voice

contact with the dog.”

This allows the hunter the ability to

retrieve their kill, but in a way that is

respectful of the land and landowner.

On this note, the bill also states, “A

dog that has entered upon the land of

another without permission given to

the person in control of the dog shall

not be killed, maimed, or otherwise

harmed simply because the dog has

entered upon the land.”

Clearly, the first section above,

protects the rights, privacy and safety

of the landowner. The second section

holds the same weight for the dog. So

where does the hunter stand in all of

this?

The hunter, without permission

from the land owner to be able to

retrieve their kill, or hunting from

an unauthorized place, can lose their

license for up to one year and be fined

up to $500 or imprisoned for no more

than 30 days.

“This bill,” says Ashley Blackburn, a

local hunter “is a legal translation of a

good code of hunting ethics that should

already be in place.” Stray hunting

dogs present a number of problems,

especially when they intrude upon

a hunt in progress, scaring away

the game or endangering innocent

bystanders who are in the path of the

prey. Blackburn, who usually hunts

birds with her dogs, explains that the

legislation means different things to

different types of hunters. “When we

hunt birds we work close to our dogs,

and bird fields are clearly marked. It is

not difficult to keep the dogs in check,

so the legislation is not really an issue

for us. But as a deer hunter, who hunts

in stands and does not drive dogs, the

proposed legislation means that I will

not face the inconvenience of stray

hunting dogs destroying my hunt –

which becomes an even larger issue if

I’m at a paying hunt club. In that case,

I feel the law protects neighboring

Bill Takes Aim at Hunting DogsSalvador Vilardo II

continued on pg. 25

photography by Lowcountry Focus

Charleston summers mean beaches, food,

fun and blistering hot weather. Any true

Charlestonian knows the importance of

keeping hydrated during the ten weeks

of freedom between when school ends

and starts up again. Family outings are

not complete without our four-legged,

furry friends, but add fur to 100-degree

days and your fun day at the beach can

quickly turn into an emergency trip to

the Veterinary clinic. If your thirsty dog

drinks too quickly then resumes high

activity they risk summertime bloat.

What is Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and

Volvulus)?

Gastric Dilatation, also known as

“bloat,” is caused by an expansion of

the stomach or intestine with food,

fluid or gas; gas is the most common.

This gas can come from the digestion

of food or the taking in of air through

the mouth. Typically, this air is expelled

one way or another, either by burping or

releasing it in another, less pleasant way.

Bloat is not usually a problem; it is

just like the feeling we get when we

drink a soda then run around for a few

minutes. In dogs, bloat can turn deadly

if it moves into the next stage – Volvulus

(rotation). This is when the intestine

either twists, like a set of sausage links,

or turns over on itself, creating a loop

in the bowl, much like a balloon animal.

Dr. Shawn Finch, DVM notes, “The

dangerous thing about GDV, and what

makes it so difficult to treat is that

when the stomach twists, it continues

to fill with air, and it places tremendous

pressure on the blood vessels of the

abdomen.” This serious condition is

the second leading killer of dogs after

cancer, and has a 50% or more chance of

reoccurring after the initial incident.

What types of dogs are affected?

Deep-chested dogs, such as Golden

Retrievers, Great Danes and Greyhounds,

are in the most danger during the

summer months. The reason these dogs

are at such a high risk is because their

V-shaped torso provides a large area for

bloating and then Volvulus to take place.

“The bigger they are, the harder they

fall” – unfortunately this old saying holds

true for dogs. Large and giant breed dogs

are most at risk for Gastric Dilatation

and Volvulus with reports of 20% of all

dogs over 100 lbs dealing with bloat at

some point in their life. Some smaller

dogs, such as the Italian Greyhound

can also be affected by bloat since their

length to width ratio of their chest falls

in the same category. Any dog can bloat;

the risk is just increased with size.

What causes bloat?

Scientists have not identified any one

thing that leads to the onset of bloat, but

have developed a list of conditions and

events that are commonly seen in GDV cases.

•Breed (large or giant)

•Large, deep chest

•Gulping food or drinking too quickly

•High activity following large meals

•Feeding only one meal a day

•Stress and anxiety

•Thin body condition

•Genetic predisposition

•Gender - male dogs at twice the risk

(neutering does not seem to help prevent

bloat)

What are the symptoms of bloat?

The American College of Veterinary

Surgeons (ACVS) lists the initial signs of

GDV, often associated with abdominal

pain, as including but not limited to:

•An anxious look or looking at the

abdomen

•Standing and stretching (laying down

and standing back up)

•Drooling immensely

•Distending abdomen

•Retching or vomiting without producing

anything physical

•Rapid and shallow breathing

These are great physical signs to look

out for, giving you a hint that your dog

may have GDV. As the disease progresses,

usually these signs will become more

dominant and noticeable. If Volvulus

has occurred, the dog may go into shock

and become pale, have a weak pulse

and eventually collapse under its own

weight. Within an hour of the onset of

Volvulus, the liver, kidneys and other

vital organs begin to die from hypoxia

(lack of oxygen). As the organs begin to

shut down, bacteria commonly seep into

the blood stream, causing sepias. When

the gas is finally released, chemicals

22 Lowcountrydog

PreventingSummertime BloatSalvador Vilardo II

Photo by AndersSteenNilsen, Flickr Creative Commons

Lowcountrydog 23

travel through the system, causing

cardiac arrhythmias and renal failure.

What if I suspect bloat?

The best thing to do if you suspect your

dog has bloat, is to get him to a veterinary

office immediately. It is imperative that

your vet act quickly because there is only

a short time before GDV becomes deadly.

The ACVS recommends performing a

stabilization routine of intravenous

fluids and oxygen therapy and surgery

during very early stages of the disease.

Catching the condition as early as possible

is paramount and greatly increases the

chance of your dog surviving the incident.

How can I prevent bloat?

Dogs burn many more calories than

humans, so they become hungrier over a

shorter period of time. Dogs also become

more active during the warm summer

months, making them more susceptible

to eating and drinking quickly. In a

survey of ten veterinarians, including

Dr. Lorie A Huston, DVM; Dr. Amanda

Brown, DVM and Dr. Shawn Finch,

DVM, the overwhelming response to

preventing bloat was “Feed small,

frequent meals, at least twice a day with

no exercise 30-45 minutes after eating.”

•Feed your dog individually if you have

multiple dogs

•Keep water available at all times – in

small amounts – and completely avoid

water immediately after feeding

•Make changes to the diet gradually over a

period of a week

•Slow down eating by turning food bowl

over, making it harder for the dog to get

to food

•Avoid highly stressful situations,

especially around meal time

While nothing can truly prevent bloat

in 100% of the cases, staying in tune

with your dog’s needs and knowing what

types of situations can lead to bloat is

a great step forward in reducing the

number of cases each year. Being aware

of the symptoms is another key aspect to

getting help immediately if you notice

something wrong. It is better to take your

dog in on a false alarm than to ignore

the signs and be too late for treatment.

Dr. Kendra Findley diagnoses a patient in her clinic on wheels.

Save TIME and MONEY with the VET who comes to your PET!

Call to set upan appointment

843.743.9209

Doc At Your DoorMobile Veterinary Service

www.docatyourdoorsc.com

Jane Miller, MBACharleston’s Pet-Friendly Realtor®

Buying or selling?Call me today!

(843) 323-6903e-mail: [email protected]

Jane Miller.LowcountryDog7.indd 1 5/18/10 3:35:51 PM

As thunderstorm and hurricane season

creep up on us, we want to help dog owners

know how to manage their dog’s fear of the

booming thunder. While thunderstorms

may cause panic, dogs can be trained to

manage their reactions and feel calmer

through all the noise and bright flashes.

Thunderstorms are a common fear in

dogs here in the Lowcountry, causing many

to panic and run away, become destructive,

or even hurt themselves. Dogs can sense

that a storm is on the way, and they often

begin to show signs of anxiety even before

the storm can be heard or seen by humans.

Follow these tips to help your dog

learn to be relaxed during storms,

fireworks or other loud disturbances

that may be frightening to him.

Always keep proper identification

securely fastened to your dog’s collar in

case he gets out. Consider talking to your

veterinarian about implanting a universal

microchip in your pet for lifelong

identification. Remember to update your

veterinary clinic and animal shelter

with your correct contact information.

Give your dog a safe

place to stay during

storms. Inside your

home, create a quiet

den-like area where

your dog feels secure.

A properly introduced

crate or kennel can be

a calming refuge for

him. When a storm

is brewing, lead your

dog to his special

place to help him feel

calm and protected.

If your dog lives

outside, cover his

doghouse or dog run

with a blanket to shield him from the

bursts of lightning. Outside dogs can

get lost or even injured if they escape

their fenced yards in fear during storms.

Dogs can pick up fear or discomfort with

storms from their family pack members,

so it is important that you develop a

calm, matter-of-fact attitude. Let your

dog stay close and try to distract him

with activities like play or brushing. Do

not try to reassure him in a sympathetic

voice—this will sound like praise and may

increase his nervousness and confusion.

Some dogs become destructive when

frightened. A crate is always the best way

to keep your dog safe and your belongings

intact. If you don’t use a crate, remove any

items in the room your dog could destroy

or could hurt him if he chewed them.

During a storm, keep windows and

curtains closed to reduce noise and

bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio

playing soft music at normal volume to

distract your dog and help him to relax.

Keep your dog away from doors

that lead outside. Your dog may be

under significant stress, which could

result in unnecessary injury to others

entering your home or cause him to

dart outside and get lost or injured.

Your dog may become incontinent due to

his extreme fear and the rush of adrenaline

he experiences during a storm. Be prepared

for accidents, and don’t react if it occurs.

Dogs that continue to panic

in thunderstorms may have to

be reconditioned by creating an

artificial storm with environmental

recordings. While reconditioning

can be a time-consuming procedure,

it can have a high success rate.

In the most extreme cases, medication

in conjunction with training may be

the best solution to help your dog cope

with his fear of storms. Consult with your

veterinarian about possible treatments.

Your dog’s phobia of thunderstorms

won’t get better on its own. Help him learn

that it’s just noise and is nothing for him to

worry about. When he learns to relax and

remain calm, you can relax and not worry

about your dog during future storms.

Bark Busters, the world’s largest,

most trusted dog training company,

started in Australia in 1989 and came

to the United States in 2000. James

and Michelle Rodriguez are the

owners of the Charleston branch. Call

1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visit www.

BarkBusters.com for more information.

24 Lowcountrydog

Charleston Bark Busters

ManagingYour Dog’s Storm Fear

Lowcountrydog 25

land owners and private clubs from loss of

enjoyment, safety, or business, and enforces

a standard of ethics that every hunter

should possess.”

Critics of the legislation cite concerns

with the bill’s logic. How are dogs expected

to distinguish between property lines? Dogs

can’t read No Trespassing signs after all, and

anyone who has ever hunt with a pack

knows how difficult it can be to pull them off

of an active hunt. Even if the infringement

is unintentional, hunters still risk losing

their license, hefty fines and even jail time.

Critics claim those who penned the bill have

an ulterior motive: to make hunting with

dogs impossible without making it illegal.

As for Blackburn, she does see both sides

of this hot issue and will be watching the

legislation closely. “I do have sympathy for

the plight of those who hunt with dogs, as

what they do is a tradition and does not

stem from any intention of wrongdoing.

Unfortunately, the hunting world is

changing and we have to adapt,” Blackburn

said. “My biggest concern about the bill is

that it will be a gateway to further laws that

infringe upon the rights of hunters who do

abide by the current laws.”

In an interview earlier this year, Senator

McGill said he proposed this bill in order

to address a long-standing issue; “People

don’t deserve other people taking advantage

of their legal rights.” Senator McGill was

unavailable to speak directly to Lowcountry

Dog on this matter because the Senate was in

session.

As of May 19th, 2010, the bill stands in

the House with a “Favorable” committee

response. To voice your opinion, visit the

Lowcountry Dog forums at

www.lowcountrydog.com/forum

Need a Bigger House?

Call 843.847.1085 today or visit www.ChucktownRealEstate.com

Now’s the Time to Buy!Jason and his dog love assisting dog lovers with their real estate needs.

ManagingYour Dog’s Storm Fear

continued from pg. 21

Hello, my name is Bailey. I am friendly and love to play with toys and chase balls. I love play-ing with other dogs at my current foster home. I have learned some basic commands and know how to sit and lie down. I love cuddling and being with people. I also love getting exercise and running. If you would like to give me a loving home, please contact Skip at 843-552-2563 or email: [email protected]

My name is Aiden. I am an approx-imately 1-year old, male border collie/lab mix. While I have the smarts of a BC, I don’t have the drive that makes some a little too much to handle. An active home would be great. I’m relaxed in the house, and enjoy being with my person. You will have a hard time finding a more loving and loyal companion! Please contact my foster mom at [email protected] for more information.

Hi, my name is Liberty and I am a young, neutered male. I came into PRBCR as HW+, but a nice lady saw me and decided to give me a chance. I had my HW treat-ment and am ready to find my for-ever home! I have a gentle nature. I love people and will give you lots of love and joy! If you would like more information contact my foster mom at [email protected].

Hi. My name is Sox and I’m a female BC mix, approximately 2 years old. I love to play with toys and I have lots of fun play-ing with kitties and all the other doggies here at my foster home. I am house and crate trained and love children. I am also up to date on all my shots. Please email my foster mom at [email protected] if you are interested in meeting me.

Hi, I am Andy and I am a lovely young fella. You can call me a velcro dog. I don’t get too far from you because I am happiest if I can touch you and know you are there. If you are looking for a mild mannered dog to sit beside you and snuggle, take walks, and play a bit - then I am your guy. If you are interested in Andy please email [email protected].

My name is Tom Tom and I am approx 2 1/2 year old neutered male. I am extremely smart and love to play fetch! I love to roll the basketball back and forth with my friends. I love other dogs and especially love people! I am so sweet! Please contact my foster mom at [email protected] if you would like to learn more about giving me a forever home.

Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue

PRBCR IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING RESCUE AND

NECESSARY VETERINARY CARE FOR UNWANTED,

NEGLECTED, ABUSED, HOMELESS AND DISPLACED

BORDER COLLIES. WE STRIVE TO PLACE OUR BC’S

IN FOREVER HOMES WHERE THEY WILL RECEIVE A

LIFETIME OF LOVE AND CARE.

We are a small volunteer-staffed group dedicated to

finding new permanent, loving homes for border collies

in need, and also educating the public about the nature

of the breed, so that rescue will be less necessary in

the future. We mainly service South Carolina but as

resources allow, can rescue and place dogs in adjoining

areas of North Carolina and Georgia. We are registered

with the state of South Carolina as a 501(c)(3) charitable

organization.

www.PRBCR.org

Check our website for more adoptable dogs. Please

consider a tax deductible donation to Phoenix Rising

Border Collie Rescue. Save a life. Become a foster

parent.

26 Lowcountrydog

adoption

You Snooze,You Lose!

Don’t lose out on engaging with Lowcountry Dog readers! Print, Web, and Social Media opportunities are much less than you might think.

Call 843.478.0266 or text your email address and business

name for a rate kit.

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MarketPlaceTake a careful look at the awesome advertisers listed in this directory as well as throughout the rest of

the magazine. They make LCD possible! Give them a call or visit their shop for the best products and

services right here in the Lowcountry. Thanks for supporting your local pet industry and Lowcountry

Dog Magazine. Make sure to tell these folks LCD sent you!

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out how to reach 210,000* dog owners

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28 Lowcountrydog

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Pleasant Pet Services, LLCChris Maltese843-412-1485

www.pleasantpetservices.com

Licensed, Insured & Bonded

Pet CPR CertifiedMember of PSI

Multiple Walk DiscountsServing Charleston &

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Serving Summerville, Ladson, Goose Creek & North Charleston

Licensed, Bonded & InsuredMember of National Association of

Professional Pet Sitters

IMAGINE YOUR AD HERE.

You CAN Afford It. Call 478-0266 to find

out how to reach 210,000* dog owners

for $600 a year.*60,000 copies printed a year,

3.5 reader pass-along rate.

Lowcountrydog 29

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Got Poop? We Scoop!

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Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free, recorded infor-

mation that you will find useful.Jason Merchey, M.S., SFR, REALTOR(C)

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www.McAlister-Smith.com

FUNERAL ~ CREMATION Gift Pet MemorialsPet Cremation Urns

Garden Pet Memorials and Markers

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Daniel Island Animal Hospital

Lynne M. Flood, DVM Bridget E. Luke, DVM Allison Chappell, DVM

Katherine Rainwater, DVM

Wellness Care • Emergencies • Personalized Service Dogs, Cats, and Small Mammals • Dog/Cat Grooming

Daniel Island Animal Hospital 291 Seven Farms Drive Ste 103

Daniel Island, SC 29492

(843) 881.7228 • www.danielislandvet.com

30 Lowcountrydog

one-of-a-kind memorial glass art

Create a unique keepsake with the ashes of your cherished

pet or loved one.

crafted by local artisan, Bradley Tubbs

Contact Molly: 843-709-8998closetoyourheart@comcast.netwww.closetoyourheart.wordpress.com

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by M.C. Churchill-Nash

Watercolors of Your Best Friend

[email protected]

Introducing WashDoggyThe Portable,On Demand

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Because no one in your family likes a cold shower!

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If you and your best friend are thinking of moving, put Atlas and Jason on your side!

Buy or sell successfully with Jason & Atlas and receive a $500 Veterinary Treatment Coupon with Veterinarian Kendra Findley, Doc at Your Door Mobile Vet, with mention of this ad prior to closing. Call 843.847.1085 today!

Need a bigger home for you and your furry friend? Jason and Atlas can help!

Doc At Your DoorMobile Veterinary Servicewww.docatyourdoorsc.com

Happy Hour! 50¢ Off All Domestic Beer and Cocktails

Yappy Hour.Perfect for you & yourpooch! The 2nd Wed.of Every Month!

A Local Favorite!Voted Best Waterfront Bar 2004 - 2010 andBest Mt. Pleasant Bar 2007 - 2010

Nightly Features!Crab Legs, Local Shrimp, Oyster Roasts & More!

2 Red,s Are Better Than 1!

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Mt. PleasantLocated On

Historic Shem CreekEst. 2 0 0 4

SeabrookBohicket MarinaOpening Spring

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Diverse menu featuring fresh, local seafood and plenty of delicious land lover options.

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Mt. Pleasant • On Historic Shem Creek • 98 Church St. • 843.388.0003 ◆ www. reds i c ehouse . comSeabrook • Bohicket Marina • 1882 Andell Bluff Blvd. • 843.518.5515 ◆ As Local As You Can Get.