HABIT Informational Meeting

For Jazzie's readers in the East Tennessee region:

HABIT Informational Meeting
Saturday November 1st
Doors open at 11:00 am, program begins at 11:30 and goes till 1:00 pm.
First United Methodist
214 Cedar Street, Sevierville, TN 37862.

HABIT is a nonprofit group of volunteers working together to promote the bond between people and animals. As a program of The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, HABIT sponsors animal-assisted therapy programs for those of all ages in a variety of settings such as nursing and retirement homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, physical rehabilitation centers, and area schools.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR PET

For liability purposes, attendance is required before a person can become a HABIT volunteer. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. People are encouraged to attend, even if they are just interested in knowing more about HABIT.

All are welcome. There is no cost to attend this meeting.

Please send me an email if you plan to attend, or contact Ruth Sapp at the HABIT office: 974-5633 so that there will be enough handouts for everyone.

Hope to see lots of faces there!

A Dog Owners Public Service Announcement

"The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions animal owners that xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products can potentially cause serious and even life-threatening problems for pets.

“Last year, we managed more than 170 cases involving xylitol-containing products,” says Dana Farbman, CVT and spokesperson for the Center. “This is a significant increase from 2004, when we managed about 70.” Barely halfway into 2006, the Center has already managed about 114 cases. Why the increase? “It’s difficult to say,” Farbman states. “Xylitol products are relatively new to the United States marketplace, so one possibility may be an increase in availability.”

According to Dr. Eric Dunayer, veterinarian and toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product. Therefore, it is crucial that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.” Dr. Dunayer also stated that there appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.

While it was previously thought that only large concentrations of xylitol could result in problems, this appears to no longer be the case. “We seem to be learning new information with each subsequent case we manage,” says Dr. Dunayer. “Our concern used to be mainly with products that contain xylitol as one of the first ingredients. However, we have begun to see problems developing from ingestions of products with lesser amounts of this sweetener.” He also says that with smaller concentrations of xylitol, the onset of clinical signs could be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion. “Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that even if your pet does not develop signs right away, it does not mean that problems won’t develop later on.”

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center strongly urges pet owners to be especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of the reach of pets. As with any potentially toxic substance, should accidental exposures occur, it is important to contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for immediate assistance. "

Direct quote from the ASPCA

Watch those food hounds!

Smoky Mountain Pet Fair

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PET FAIR

Sunday September 21st
Pearson Springs Park
Maryville, TN

11:am - 5:pm

Promoting Animal Rescue, Adoption, Spay & Neuter

Fun competitions, prizes, medals
Frisbee toss, hurdles, high jump and a whole lot more:

Rescue groups, face painting, micro-chipping, K9 police dogs, adoptable pets, wildlife rehab, pet therapy, great food, ferrets, vendors, live music, exotic birds, pet photography, rabbits, products & services........ AND "Sparky" the fire dog (with the fire engine!).


Come on out for the fun and meet Jazz and her humans at the HABIT exhibit. Nestle may be there too....but only for the socialization (he's not a HABIT dog....yet). It'll be a howling good time!

Jazz's 5 Minutes of Fame

Jazz was the perfect therapy dog at the HABIT informational meeting. She politely greeted all the folks who approached her and was her usual "lady like" self. Then came her moment to be with me before the entire audience as I shared what the "Ruff Reader" program is all about (reading program in the public schools).

We walked out confidently and with a spring in our step after being introduced. Jazz was especially bouncy. At least she wasn't shy! As I addressed the audience and began to speak, I felt Jazz jump up on my legs and I could tell she wanted to play (!!!!!). I calmed her, and I could feel a blush of embarrassment coming on. I continued speaking to the audience and a giggles began to erupt from the audience. I looked down and there was Jazz, rolling around on the floor, kicking her legs up in the air, playing with her lead and having the best time! Now I was embarrassed! But Jazz was certainly entertaining the crowd and lightening the mood! Her antics continued throughout my talk as I tried to calm her....... I cut my talk short to make an escape and relieve Jazz of what is obviously "her" way of dealing with stress.

She was a hit with the prospective volunteers! I wasn't mortified....but I was quite surprised, only mildly amused and a bit embarrassed by my "wild" therapy dog.

Boo!

HABIT Informational Meeting

Monday, August 25 , 2008

DOORS OPEN 6:00 PM

PROGRAM RUNS FROM 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

HABIT will be having their informational meeting at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine in Room A118. This building is located on the right as soon as your turn into the Agriculture Campus on Joe Johnson Drive. Registration will begin at 6:00 PM. There will be signs posted and due to UT parking regulations, please stop at the first HABIT sign and get a parking permit. You may park in the lot to the right of the stop light (Lot 66) behind the vet college.

Come on out and meet Jazz and get introduced to the wonderful world of pet assisted therapy!

Visit their site for more information: http://www.vet.utk.edu/habit/meetings.php

Do not bring your pets to this meeting.

Jazz & her new little brother, Nestle

Welcome Jazz's New Sibling

Nestle

B. 5-22-08

Chocolate/Rust long hair Mini-Dachshund

Nestle comes from a local breeder by way of Chattanooga where his original owner kept him for two days before surrendering him to the Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee. In spite of a traumatic month in the life of this little fellow, he seems quite at home with us and his new big sister Jazz and extra big brother Elvis both are very comfortable with him.

Welcome home Nestle.

Toy Safety

Dogs are like small children and toys must be evaluated and monitored by us, the responsible humans. Don't forget that dogs can have accidents too! Most can be prevented, some toy related accidents can cause death, or hefty medical bills.

Small "super balls" that children love for their high-bounding feats, are a serious choking hazard to dogs. These balls lodge in the throat of the playful dog, cutting off air supply and death can result in mere minutes.

Thick rawhide chews pose a similar hazard to food gulping dogs, or if large enough peaces are swallowed, can become lodged between the large and small intestine requiring expensive surgery to correct.

Any chew toy that gets small enough to be swallowed can become a choking or obstruction hazard and should be thrown away.

Toys should be checked frequently for damage. Small plastic parts should be removed and thrown away. Squeeky toys can become an enjoyable thing to tear up, at which time the plastic squeeker should be retrieved and thrown away.

Other hazards exist as well. Here, Chai's owner shares his horrific story so that other owners can be aware and take precautions. Thank you Chai, our prayers are with you: http://www.thechaistory.blogspot.com/

A Fond Farewell

MacKenzie Isle of Skye

"Mac"

Border Collie

B: 6-06-1994 - D: 7-23-2008

Aged 14 years

Sleep well old friend

May God hold you in the palm of his loving hands. Your memory will always fill our hearts as we recall the glorious days of your life: The hikes we took, the daily swims off our dock, the agility shows, obedience trials, the therapy visits we made together. Your smile was always there, a spring in your step, a bottomless heart. You always gave your all, right to the end. Thank you, Mac. You taught me so much about life, living, dogs and dog training. You gave me your all. Thank you my friend. You have blessed my life and won't be soon forgotten as you hold a special place within my heart. Always.

All my love, Mum.

Hiking at Hooper Bald

Hangover Lead

At the bald high in the Joyce Kilmer National Forest

At home in 2003 with "the new arrival", Elvis.

Happy, Safe Summer!

Jazz sends a happy "Woof" greeting to all her readers! We hope everyone out there is enjoying their summer with their favorite fur-friend!

Don't forget to care for your dog in the summer as well as yourself:

Dogs sunburn too: If your dog spends a fair amount of time outdoors and has light colored skin, place a dab of sunscreen lotion on the bridge of their nose (where the hair is the most thin and the skin most exposed) and rub it in.

Monthly heartworm preventative is important, just as monthly flea & tick protection are essential during these summer months. But what can you do about the flies? Head to your nearest farm store or Co-op and get a fly spray sold for use on horses. Avoid spraying your dogs face when applying this product. If flies are an issue around your dogs face, apply with a wipe. Some fly sprays may have a sunscreen ingredient as well to help prevent sun bleaching to the dogs coat.

Glass: be vigilant of glass where ever you travel with your dog. Serious cuts can lead to an emergency situation and stitches. Avoid soft shoulders when out jogging as our litter-minded Nation has certainly led to the threat of broken glass at our way sides.

"Crash Kit": I highly recommend traveling with a plastic tackle box stocked with emergency supplies for both human and canine:
Benadryl
Nitrofurizone (stronger and thicker than Neosporin)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Iodine (stronger than Betadyne)
Pain reliever (human only)
Eye drops or saline solution
Vet Wrap (self stick wrapping material avail. from vet. Replace annually)
Syringes (no needles. For irrigating wounds and targeted application of liquid ointments. Large bore ones can be used for liquid oral medications).
Pepto Bismol
Band Aids
Sterile bandages
Tape, scissors, tweezers, wash cloth

I also try to keep on hand a roll of paper towels (1/2 or more used), 1/4 roll of toilet paper, 1-2 small bath towels, plastic grocery bags . When it comes to outings with dogs or kids, it's a virtual guarantee that some of these items will see use.

Have a safe, happy summer & keep your pediatrician and vet phone numbers saved in your contacts list in your cell phone, or tucked in a safe place (wallet).

All in Stitches

All the girls in Jazz's family are sporting the latest in summer fashion.....stitches.

Jazz underwent the common canine surgery, spaying, on July 3rd. Her procedure went very well and her recovery has been relatively easy. Stitches come out at the end of the week (July 11th or so).

For the rest of the girls, it was a bit more traumatic event leading to stitches. July 5th was a lovely day filled with swimming, snacking, fireworks, boating. Towards the close of the night yours truly and daughter opted for a midnight swim. Daughter Sarah made a run along the dock for a dramatic splash which was abruptly interrupted by cries of pain. I came to her rescue and was halted by a similar, painful circumstance. Pain seared through my foot. I looked down to find the bottom portion of a glass beneath my foot. I sat and applied pressure while the rest of the partying gang attended to the injured Sarah. Sarah was carried inside while I made a gimping dash. After some emergency care on Sarah the party atmosphere doused from some bloody reality...off to the ER we went.

As it turns out Sarah and I sustained nearly an identical injury to the big toe on our left foot. Both of us have a large, deep gash across at mid-toe. We don't know at this time how many stitches we each have, but guesses are "10" at the minimum.

Sadly, pet therapy visits are postponed till the Perry girls can again walk without crutches, and Jazz's stitches are removed.