Pawz Portraits, Personalize Pups

Twenty-year-old Indian Trail artist taps her talent to help dogs in need

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Artist Elizabeth Forscutt of Indian Trail freely admits her training is limited to a high school art course, reading books from Michael's arts and crafts store and watching how-to videos on YouTube. Not that it matters. Forscutt, 20, who said she's been drawing all her life, has natural ability; especially for capturing everyone's best four-legged friend on canvas.

There's more to her proclivity for painting pups, which recently became her profession, than applying paint to canvas. A mutt with devilishly itchy skin, whose vet bills kept piling up, was the inspiration for Forscutt's new business, Pawz Portraits.

She needs to pay for his expensive prescription and special dog food, so she's begun painting commissioned pet portraits. With the proceeds, she decided to help other dogs with medical needs, too.

Portraits come naturally

Though she's never sought recognition, Forscutt's talent has won awards. In elementary school, she won a poster contest in her hometown of West Islip, N.Y. "It was about recycling," said Forscutt, who was awarded a $100 saving bond for her drawing of a nature scene that included a duck with its neck caught in a plastic six-pack ring quacking for help.

As a high school junior, she received a $100 gift card to an art supply store after winning an art tournament at Weddington High School modeled on TV’s “Survivor” series. “I always enjoyed art as a hobby but I never considered making it a job,” said the afterschool group leader at Weddington Elementary School.

Not until Dante, that is.

Dante is an eight-month old pit-bull/lab mix that stole Forscutt’s heart in the parking lot of the Blakeney PetSmart in January. “He was the only white puppy with funny-looking black markings. He looked like a moo cow,” she said, adding that she and husband, Kevin, adopted the nine-week-old puppy on the spot.

Dante was perfectly content frolicking with his furry pal, Stupes the cat, until about a month ago when a mean itch started making him miserable. Diagnosed with probable food allergies, Dante’s veterinarian put him on medication and expensive prescription dog food. But his white coat is still covered with bright pink splotches from nonstop scratching and Forscutt is still searching for a cure.

Painting for prescriptions

Determined to find funds for Dante’s medical expenses, Forscutt came up with the idea of Pawz Portraits. “I loved animals as a kid – that’s all I used to draw,” she said, explaining how she would borrow ideas from her dad’s National Geographic magazines.

Now she borrows ideas from her customers’ pet photographs. “I try to capture their personalities,” explained Forscutt, who has immortalized a standard poodle, a sheep dog mix, and a Pomeranian/Yorkshire terrier mix and, of course, Dante, in acrylic on canvas. A 30-by-40-inch portrait of an Australian shepherd is currently in the works.

Her experience painting with acrylics comes primarily from being a newlywed on a decorating budget. “My husband said to me, ‘Why would you ever buy art when you can make your own?’” explained Forscutt, whose abstracts, landscapes, portraits and still lifes complement every room in the couple’s house.

Lucy, the 12-year-old Australian Shepherd being immortalized in paint,, belongs to Donna Huges of west Charlotte. "She loves swimming and once hid in our whiskey barrel fish pond while looked all over the place for her," Huges recalled. "The entire time, she was right under our noses, with nothing but her head above water. This painting is a tribute to her family loyalty and love."

Forscutt's tributes to canine-human family ties are on gallery-wrapped canvas and don't need a frame, she noted. Prices range from $150 for a small to $300 for an extra-large portrait (30-by-40-inch) with several sizes in between. Forscutt donates $10 from each sold painting to a dog in need.

Currently she is helping Soco, a Troutman dog that needs ligament surgery on both hind legs. Soco’s surgery and rehabilitation will cost a few thousand dollars, so Forscutt is sponsoring a drawing for 50 percent off one of her custom pet portraits. Anyone who donates $150 or more to help Soco will be entered for a chance to win. Read about Soco at http://www.giveforward.org/soco/

“I absolutely love art and hope this new idea of mine works out so things will start looking up for Dante," Forscutt said. "I love animals, especially dogs, and I will do whatever I can do to make their world and ours a better place."

Forscutt’s art can be seen at http://elf.mosaicglobe.com/tags/Designs. For custom pet portraits, contact her at e.l.f.designs@gmail.

This article was published by Union County Weekly,Volume 4, Number 35, * Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2009.

From Weddington to Westminster

photo courtesy of Lisa Croft-Elliott

Weddington greyhound Galathea, with her handler, Taffe McFadden, at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 9, where she won best in breed. Owner, Melanie Steele of Weddington said Galathea is serious about her job as a show dog.

Local greyhound winningest in history, takes best in breed at No. 1 dog show

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

A Weddington greyhound, Galathea, won the best-in-breed title Feb 9 at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on February 9 - no small honor coming from one of the oldest and most prestigious dog shows in the country. Still, this win is just another notch on 5-year-old only Galathea’s collar. She’s won more dog show titles than any other greyhound in history.

Owner, Melanie Steele explained Italian-born Galathea’s officially known as “MBIS (Multiple Best in Show), MBISS (Multiple Best in Specialty Show), International, Italian, Swedish, Austrian, Finnish, American Champion: Sobers Galathea at GrandCru”. She’s the champion of record in all the countries that come before her name.

A prodigious pup, Galathea advanced quickly, winning best of breed at the world's largest dog show, Crufts Dog Show in England, at a mere 18 months. It can take up to a year for dogs to meet the preliminary requirements for serious competition, explained Steele. “She is the youngest dog to ever win that for the greyhound breed,” she said.

Steele and her husband, Jackson, own GrandCru Kennels in Weddington. They breed Scottish deerhounds and greyhounds, many of which are champions.

Steele was on a business trip to Italy in September of 2007 when she learned about Galathea. The rambunctious then 3-year-old, with five international titles under her collar already, had injured her hind leg chasing a cat in the garden, and a blood clot formed on her spine. She’d been through rehab but hadn’t recovered enough to be shown.

Steele immediately put in a call to her friend Denis Marcellin-Little, associate professor of orthopedics at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, who agreed to work with Galathea. “Within 24 hours she got on a plane with me and came here,” said Steele, the new owner.

It took more than two months of acupuncture, chiropractics, massage, treadmill work and water therapy before Galathea was ready to compete again. But compete she did, winning best in breed at the AKC-Eukanuba National Invitational Dog Show in December of 2007 and placing third in the hound group there. She was 2008’s No. 1 greyhound and No. 4, which led to her Westminster win.

“Nothing is perfect in this world but she is close,” said Steele, noting that Galathea exudes a regal quality and walks like she’s floating on air. “She is serious about her job as a show dog.”

Galathea will compete in a couple more dog shows this spring and then mating and maternity leave are penciled into the pooch’s planner. Once the pups are weaned, she’ll likely go after a few international titles that she hasn’t already won, said Steele. That shouldn’t take the talented greyhound too long and then Steele noted, Galathea will become “my sofa queen”.

Galathea video: http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=1002681

This article was published in Union County Weekly, Volume 4, Number 8 * Feb. 20-26, 2009. 

Animal Adoption League, County partner to rescue puppy mill dogs

Volunteers caring for 24 dogs taken from Indian Trail home

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Union County Animal Services recently asked rescue organization, Animal Adoption League of York County, S.C., for assistance after 29 dogs taken from an alleged puppy mill ended up at the county shelter.

Having received multiple calls in the past about animal abuse in Indian Trail, Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Cunningham investigated the South Fork Road property of Ricky Dean Mullis on Dec. 31, where he found more than two dozen small dogs shivering in raised wire cages caked with excrement – with nothing more than their matted fur to keep them warm. Mullis, 47, said he couldn’t afford the dogs after inheriting them from his mother and agreed to turn them over to animal control officers.

“Some were fairly healthy, some were borderline, but most of them were older and in bad shape with missing teeth, tumors, abdominal hernias (from being bred too frequently), heartworms and other health issues,” said Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services, which held the Chihuahuas, Maltese dogs and Shih Tzus as evidence until Jan. 20.

Lack of socialization was another reason Animal Services couldn’t put the majority of the dogs up for adoption at the county shelter. “We had to throw towels over some of them to catch them,” said Starnes, who helped groom the dogs before their release.

Enter Animal Adoption League

“We want to take the dogs that are never going to make it to the adoption floor at the shelter – the ones with health issues, the ones that are too shy or have fear aggression,” said Cindy Starkey, Animal Adoption League dog coordinator.

The dogs need time to recover, Starkey said. “The number of dogs coming into the (county) shelter is overwhelming and there is only so much space available. We want to help the ones that would otherwise be euthanized.”

Undaunted by the snow storm, Starkey and other AAL volunteers picked up 24 of the dogs from the shelter on Jan. 20. AAL had medical assessments done that same afternoon and coordinated with the Iredell County Humane Society to get the dogs to breed-specific rescue organizations or into foster homes pending permanent adoptions.

“Animal Adoption League agreed to pay their medical (expenses) and save as many of them as they could. We certainly would rather them take them than us put them to sleep or the county taxpayers have to pay for their medical (expenses) when they’re not adoptable. We’ve worked out a good compromise,” said Sheriff Eddie Cathey.

As for the other five dogs, one Chihuahua is up for adoption at the animal shelter, one is being fostered by an animal control officer and another has been adopted by an animal control officer. Two of the puppies died of parvo. Puppies are particularly susceptible to canine parvovirus which can be prevented by vaccinations. None of the dogs were up-to-date on their vaccinations so Animal Services vaccinated every dog.

“These are not dogs that are going to last many more years. They’ve gone through enough. Even if it’s nothing but nine or 10 months sitting on somebody’s lap in a cozy house that will make it worth it for me,” Starnes said.

“I only have praise for the way this was handled, starting with Sheriff Cathey to Lt. Starnes to Pat Raynor,” said Pat Shannon, AAL board member. “Such a large group of dogs quickly become a project. The shelter staff went above and beyond in their care for these dogs.

“We hope to continue working with the Union County animal shelter,” Shannon added.

Mullis has been charged with animal cruelty and failure to vaccinate dogs over four months of age. Both charges are misdemeanors. His court date is February 4.

For information about adopting an animal through Animal Adoption League or to make a donation visit www.mynextpet.com

This article was published in Union County Weekly, Jan. 23-29, 2009 issue. 

Four-legged listeners

photograph by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/MMHW, UCW

Matthews and Mint Hill libraries are now home to a program that lets students read to therapy dogs. (Above) Tucker, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, takes his turn in the spotlight.

Union West program that pairs struggling readers with pups
expands to Matthews, Mint Hill

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Since its trial run at Union West Regional Library, Paws Awhile to Read – a free program that allows children embarrassed or hesitant about their reading skills to build confidence by reading aloud to dogs – has become so popular that its founder, Teresa Faucett of Mint Hill has had to both increase her pack of therapy dogs and expand its territory.

“Nearby libraries saw that it could work – Matthews was the first Charlotte-Mecklenburg program that we did. Mint Hill followed soon afterward,” said Faucette, a Therapy Dogs International evaluator who was seeking community-service opportunities for her 4-year-old sheltie, Max, when she approached the Indian Trail library last year.

Faucette and Max, along with two other TDI dogs and their handlers, started Paws Awhile to Read at Union West in October 2007. Demand for the twice monthly program was so high that Faucette immediately added a fourth dog.

Pack increases in size and variety

As the program expanded over the next 14 months, the pack doubled to eight dogs: Dusty, a dachshund handled by Sandy Pugyao of Waxhaw; Reiner, a German shepherd handled by Dale Stegall of Mint Hill; Maggie, a goldendoodle handled by Pat Pohar of Marshville; Piglet, a terrier-mix handled by Amy Harris of Goose Creek; Tucker, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel handled by Beth-Ellen Coates of Stallings; Zoey, a golden retriever handled by Tim Lauder of Matthews; and, of course Max, handled by Faucette of Mint Hill. A Newfoundland will join the program in January, as JJ the husky (one of the original three dogs) relocated to California.

“We could do (reading therapy) every, single Saturday and still have people waiting,” said Betsy Cullen, branch manager at Union West, where staffers, children and parents held a surprise party last month to thank the dogs and handlers.

“I had to lie to get them (to the party),” said Faucette, who told the handlers to bring the dogs to Union West for “mandatory” training.

Among those in attendance were Judy Silberquit and her son, Travis, 8, who regularly reads with the dogs at Union West. Silberquit had many compliments for the canines and their handlers, who have helped her son improve his reading comprehension and overcome his shyness. “He doesn’t just talk to the dogs. He talks to the handlers,” she said. “We don’t have pets at home, so the dogs are an added incentive (to read).”

More territory, more benefit

Now, the handlers are taking their pack of community-conscious canines to the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County’s Matthews and Mint Hill branches, too.

In Matthews, the program is called Tail Wagging Tutors and is held monthly on a Saturday morning. “I love to see the library so busy with children reading to dogs,” said Tricia Twarogowski, children services manager. “I like to try new things to encourage beginning, struggling or shy readers.”

“My daughter doesn’t like to read very much, but she loves dogs, so it was nice to see her excited to read,” said the mother of 7-year-old Lindsey, who was reading “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” to Tucker. Tucker’s handler, Coates, is an assistant teacher at Antioch Elementary School. Coates has two more Cavalier King Charles spaniels at home, but 3-year-old Tucker is the only one with the right temperament to be a reading-therapy dog.

On her first day volunteering at the Matthews branch, golden retriever Zoey proved she was up to the task. She remained attentive and calm as children flopped on the floor in front of her, flipping pages and sounding out the words in their books. Waving her fluffy tail whenever the children stroked her fur, Zoey was the perfect tail-wagging tutor.

“She’s our first therapy dog,” said owner Lauder of Matthews, who has another golden retriever at home. Lauder’s three children, ages 6, 10 and 12, came up with the idea of making Zoey a therapy dog. While Lauder took the dog through formal training, the children helped the pup practice at home. “We know some folks who have kids in the hospital, and they talked about the therapy dogs (there),” he said.

Lauder also was encouraged by Zoey’s trainer, who kept bumping the clever pup into more advanced classes. After meeting Faucette at a local pet store, Lauder scheduled Zoey for an evaluation and the pooch was approved to become a certified therapy dog.

Children who participate in the program receive collector cards of their canine reading companions. The cards have a photograph of the dog on the front and fun facts about the animal on the back.

Reading therapy programs resume at all three libraries in January.

For more information, about each library’s specific program, call the Union West Regional Library at 704-821-7475, the Matthews branch library at 704-416-5000, or the Mint Hill branch library at 704-416-5200.

This article was published by Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, Volune 2, Number 1 * Jan. 2-8, 2009 and by Union County Weekly, Volume 4, Number 1 * Jan. 2-8, 2009.

Love Lights shine for pets remembered

Photography by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Union County Weekly

Camp Bark Doggie Day Care and Pet Lodge in Waxhaw was glowing with good feelings December 13, literally, as families all over Union and neighboring counties remembered their special pets and loved ones who have passed on at Love Lights Waxhaw. Sponsored by the Animal Adoption League of York County in Rock Hill, S.C., the event featured 163 luminarias flickering around the kennel located at 7619 Waxhaw Highway. (Above) Kylie Troy of Charlotte with her dog, Buddy, beside one of the luminarias her family displayed at Love Lights Waxhaw. The event raised $250 for the league, a non-profit, regional rescue organization.

Deborah's photograph appeared on page 9 of Union County Weekly, Volume 3, Number 51* Dec. 19-25, 2008. www.unioncountyweekly.com

Program rehabilitates dogs and prisoners at the same time

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Big dog fighting bust leads to small penalty

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Nov. 4, 2008 - Almost two years after 36 pit bulls were seized on Jan. 18, 2007 by Animal Service Bureau authorities in what Sheriff Eddie Cathey referred to as one of Union County’s biggest dog fighting busts - defendant, Stanley Max Plowman, II, was brought to trial before a jury of six men and six women.

Potential jurors who had donated money or volunteered time to humane organizations were excused by defense attorney, John Painter, even if they felt they could be impartial. Even still, most of the jurors called to serve owned pets.

Plowman’s claim that the pit bulls at 7116 Howie Bottoms Road were kept for boarding, breeding, selling and showing quickly fell apart after the state’s first witness took the stand.

Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Cunningham testified about the vast amount of evidence he saw on Plowman’s Indian Trail property indicating dog fighting including scarred dogs, bite sticks, dog fighting literature, hanging scales, heavy chains, medical trauma supplies, neck weights, spring poles, treadmills and more. Photographs of the confiscated items were shown to the jury and entered into evidence.

After Cunningham’s lengthy testimony, Plowman decided to change his plea to guilty to the charges of felony dog fighting and the misdemeanor charges of using excessive restraint (on his dogs), possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphenalia.

Sheriff's Deputy Stephanie Philemon briefly testified regarding a shotgun that was found inside Plowman's home, after which Iredell County Superior Court Judge Christopher Collier threw out the only remaining charge: felony possession of a fire arm and excused the jury from making any decisions in the case.

Judge Collier then suspended the maximum prison sentence of 12 months and sentenced Plowman to 36 months intensive probation, a $1,000 fine and court costs. He also ordered Plowman to stay away from dogs. Most of Plowman’s dogs had previously received the death sentence.

An edited version of this article appeared on page 7 of Union County Weekly, Vol. 3, No. 45* Nov. 7-13, 2008 www.unioncountyweekly.com

Grant your doggie's wish list at The Furry Godmother

Dawn Rivers, owner of The Furry Godmother in Waxhaw, holds an edible greeting card for pets. Last year, Rivers sent the cards to canine friends across the country. The cards made it safely through the mail but probably didn't last long once the pooches got their paws on them!

Charlie, a grooming client, investigates Poochie Bells hanging from the front door at The Furry Godmother. A fast-selling puppy training tool, Poochie Bells have been hard to keep in stock since Oprah endorsed them.

New toys and treats at the store tempt Charlie.

Grant your doggie’s wish list at The Furry Godmother
by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Looking for the perfect gift for that special canine on your list? If so, The Furry Godmother in Waxhaw is a great hunting ground. The combination doggie day care, gift shop and pet-grooming salon on 113 W. South Main St. opened 18 months ago with a selection of unusual gifts, including edible greeting cards for pooches.

“I wanted to give dogs a place that they could come and enjoy and not be petrified of the whole grooming situation. We try not to cage the dogs - we let them run around and play, we take them out for walks,” said owner Dawn Rivers, a 15-year veteran of the pet care and grooming industry. Baths start at $30; haircuts start at $40; and de-shedding starts at $50. Consultations are free.

Tasty treats, tough toys

Enticing canine clients through the front door is a display featuring the latest trends in toys, treats and training tools. Most dogs can’t resist sniffing the Cool Dog Café treats, which are making more than pets’ mouths water this season. Scrumptious-looking doggie delicacies decorated with carob chips and yogurt icing tempt two-legged customers, too.

“People probably could eat them but they are made for dogs,” said Rivers. Snowmen, Santas and other holiday treats sell for under $2.

In addition to gourmet dog biscuits, plush toys that make animal noises rather than simply squeaking are another hot item this year. Why does a duck-shaped chew toy squeak, anyway? A duck quacks and so do the duck chew toys; for $12.99 your pet can pick from a variety of appropriate-sounding chew toys.

For aggressive chewers that destroy toys regardless of their sound effects, Rivers carries Jolly Balls, which range in price from $9.99 to $14.99. “They are balls with ropes through the center. They are soft enough so that heavy chewers … can still sink their teeth into them but they can’t rip them apart,” she said.

Training tools

A more practical present, especially for a new puppy, are the coveted Poochie Bells, a fast selling, housebreaking tool priced at $16.99. Poochie Bells, which come with a detailed instruction card, are hard to keep stocked, Rivers said, because not only do they work but also Oprah has endorsed them.

“They hang on the doorknob and every time you take your puppy out, you teach (the pup) to nudge the bells with its nose or hit the bells with its paw so the dog learns to ring the bells to go outside and use the potty,” explained Rivers. “Once your dog understands the concept, Poochie Bells will work anywhere you take your pet. It’s a smart thing.”

Additional training tools include choke-free harnesses and fleece-lined versions made of hemp with heavy metal buckles. “Choke-free harnesses go around the sides of the dogs verses around the neck or the chest. (They) pull on the body. Nothing touches the neck at all. They work on all size dogs,” Rivers said.

Grooming, food and fashion

Other practical gifts include high-end grooming products by Angel Eyes and Eqyss, as well as high-quality dog food. “Merrick (dog food) was never on the recall list. It is very high in protein and made with all natural, organic foods. There’s turkey, duck, pheasant, buffalo, trout, salmon, chicken and venison. The dry food has freeze-dried vegetables in it. We can barely keep it in the store,” Rivers said. Individual cans sell for $1.89; cases are discounted. Dry dog food runs $25 for a 15-pound bag and $35 for a 30-pound bag.

If dog breath is an issue, Oxyfresh starter kits contain a toothbrush, toothpaste and water deodorizer for about $20. “Oxyfresh works from the inside to neutralize smells so that your dog is odorless,” Rivers said.

If you own a fashion hound, designer doggie duds available include blue jean jackets, camouflage skirts, overalls and party dresses. For dogs that would agree wearing less is more, there’s a wide variety of holiday-themed, custom collars, too.

People presents, too

For children who may not be ready for a real pet, wildly popular Webkinz are available. On the market less than a year, Webkinz are plush toys that come with access codes to an online virtual world. Rivers likes Webkinz because they teach children about responsibility.

“Children have to earn money to provide food and other things for their Webkinz. They learn that if they feed their pet potato chips obviously their pet’s health isn’t going to be where it should be. If they give their pet a more balanced diet, their pet’s health will be better,” she said, describing the online component.

She also sells special little collars created to safeguard Webkinz’ access codes. “A lot of kids were losing their codes so another company came up with the idea for a little collar so the children can have the pet’s name on the (collar’s) front and the access code on the back,” she explained. Webkinz sell for just under $15 and the collars are about $5.

Numerous novelty items for dog lovers of all ages include a carved wood chess set pitting cats against dogs ($89) and much more. Gift certificates are available for store items, grooming and pet care.

“I tried to get different (gift) items in here - not the same things the (chain stores) carry,” said Rivers, adding that her desire is to help owners get what they want from their animals while helping animals get what they need from their owners.

Deborah is a freelance writer who lives in Indian Trail, North Carolina with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was published in Union County Weekly,Volume 2, Number 49 * Dec. 7-13, 2007. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments on the above article by clicking on the link below.

Therapy dogs help children bond with books

Steven Burt and his registered pet therapy dog, JJ, listen to Cary Lausch of Weddington read during the Paws Awhile To Read program at Union West Regional Library.

Therapy dogs help children bond with books

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

A therapy dog can change a child’s attitude about reading. That is why Betsy Cullen, branch manager at Union West Regional Library in Indian Trail is so excited about the Paws Awhile To Read program beginning there this month.

In some cases, children need extra incentive to read aloud because they have been teased by their peers for missing simple words, explained Teresa Faucette, who approached the library earlier this year with the idea of bringing in therapy dogs to help kids bolster their self-esteem and improve their reading skills.

Cullen said she saw a similar program in Florida turn "reluctant readers into kids who were excited to go home and practice (reading)."

"Dogs don’t laugh at the children when they miss a word. If (the children) get frustrated, (they) can calm themselves down by petting the therapy dog. There‘s something good about having a dog beside you when you are trying to do something difficult," Faucette said.

Six-year-old Siberian husky, JJ; four-year-old sheltie, Max; and three-year-old long-haired dachshund, Dusty, all volunteered - along with their respective owners, Steven Burt, Faucette and Sue Pugyao - to spend their Saturday mornings supporting children who struggle with reading by listening to the children read their favorite books aloud. All three dogs are registered with Therapy Dogs International, Inc. and have experience working with children.

"The dogs are so sweet and so well-trained, they will sit still no matter what (happens)," said Cullen.

The trial program will operate from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 and 20. Children who have registered in advance will receive 15 minutes of one-on-one reading time with a therapy dog. "So far every slot for October has been filled and November dates have not been selected yet," Cullen said.

The program currently is limited to twelve children per hour. "We don’t want to have so many on the waiting list that they don’t get to read (with a therapy dog), so we may find it’s mandatory that we bring in a fourth dog," said Cullen.

Contact Union West Regional Library for more details at 704-821-7475, ext. 3.

This article above was published in Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 40, October 5-11, 2007. 

Skunk Encounters 101

Stinky situations may result in deadly disease

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Although skunk attacks aren't common in Union County, this year’s prolonged drought increased the number of "house calls" made by local wildlife. Case in point: our dog’s recent discovery of an uninvited guest in the vegetable garden. For his detective work, our pooch received a blast of skunk spray in the face.

Petowners take heed. According to Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services, pets that have close encounters, or fight, with wildlife - especially raccoons and foxes - are in danger of contracting rabies.

“Even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination, it's still imperative that the animal get a booster shot for rabies within 72 hours (of contact)," explained Starnes, noting that pets without current rabies vaccinations must be quarantined for six months unless the wildlife can be apprehended and tests negative for rabies.

Our dog was examined the following morning at Sun Valley Animal Hospital in Indian Trail. Although he had a current rabies vaccination and no scratches or bite wounds were found, he still received a new three-year rabies shot because he'd been sprayed in the face including his eyes and mouth.

If your dog has been sprayed by a skunk, the Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Matthews recommends using the following solution to eliminate the odor: one quart of hydrogen peroxide, one cup of baking soda, and one teaspoon of Dawn dish soap.

• Mix the ingredients together to make a shampoo.
• Wear rubber gloves to lather up your dog.
• Leave the solution on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.

It may be necessary to wash your dog more than once to get rid of the smell. We bathed our dog three times, twice with the aforementioned solution and a third time with regular dog shampoo; it worked. Be careful to keep the peroxide-based shampoo out of your pet’s eyes, and be sure to rinse it off thoroughly. If your pet has been sprayed in the eyes, a sterile eyewash solution is safe to use.

(Please see Doggie door not exactly heaven 'sent' for the whole story.)

Taking Dog Safety to the 'Max'

Above: Children in the Cherokee Woods neighborhood line up to learn the proper way to pet someone else's dog. Presented by "Max the Dog" and his owner Teresa Faucette, responsible pet ownership and dog safety shows are one way to address the ongoing issue of loose dogs in Indian Trail.
Below: Children learn about pet grooming and dog safety including what to do when a strange dog approaches: "make like a tree" if standing or "make like a rock" if on the ground.

'Max the Dog' and his trainer tackle dog troubles in Indian Trail

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

September may be Responsible Dog Ownership Month but when she's not working at her regular job as a nutritionist, Teresa Faucette and her 4-year-old sheltie, Max, educate and entertain people about topics such as dog safety, fire safety, nutrition and responsible pet ownership every month.

Max is what trainers call a one in a million dog. Faucette has had other dogs but never one as gifted as Max. A canine good citizen and a certified pet-therapy dog, Max loves to perform and Faucette loves to teach. "He’s a show-off," said Faucette. Max and Faucette teach at churches, day cares, elementary schools, middle schools and perform demonstrations at special events. Now they can add dog-troubled neighborhoods to their list.

Recently, the two traveled from Mint Hill to Indian Trail to teach a group of children gathered at the home of Darlene Davis in the Cherokee Woods neighborhood. According to Davis, the neighborhood has an ongoing problem with dogs running loose. "People have resorted to carrying sticks," she said, noting that dogs have attacked two bike riders as well as a home owner who was getting out of her car in her driveway.

Although there hasn't been an incident in three months, Davis felt it was important to inform the children about responsible pet ownership and dog safety. "So far they've been lucky," she said, but now that school is back in session, children need to know how to react to a strange dog at the bus stop in the morning or walking home in the afternoon.

Cherokee Woods isn’t the only Indian Trail neighborhood having problems with pets that are supposed to be man’s best friends. For months residents have been complaining to town officials, writing to local papers and appearing before county commissioners to beg for a solution to irresponsible pet owners who allow untrained dogs to run free in densely populated subdivisions. Town officials say leash laws are not high on the priority list, so residents like Davis are finding their own safety solutions.

Max and his suitcase to the rescue

How many of you have dogs?" Faucette asked the group of boys and girls sitting in lawn chairs and sipping Kool-Aid. Most of the preschool to middle school age children raised their hands.

Faucette spread open Max’s suitcase on the lawn for a game of show-and-tell. On command, Max trotted over to his suitcase to retrieve his personal belongings one at a time as Faucette explained each item and its importance.

First, Faucette asked Max for his leash. Max located his leash among the other items in his suitcase, grabbed it in his mouth and carried it over to her.

"Good job," Faucette said as he let the leash go into her hand and sat down beside her. The sheltie tilted his head from side to side, his brown eyes following Faucette's every move.

"Why is a leash important?" she asked the children.

"So you can walk him," answered one boy.

So he doesn’t run loose," replied another.

"That’s right! And why is it important for a dog not to run loose?" prompted Faucette.

The children call out answers.

"He could get lost."

"He could get hit by a car."

"He could get in a fight with another dog."

"That’s right. What if another dog is running loose and picks a fight with your dog?" Faucette continued.

"He could get hurt!"

"That’s right," she said.

Max returned to his suitcase to fetch his collar and dog tags for Faucette as she conducted another Q-and-A on the importance of ID tags and vaccinations. Next, Max produced a dog toy from his suitcase and pranced around with it. "Do any of you own dogs that chew on things they‘re not supposed to?" inquired Faucette.

"My grandma had a dog that chewed on everything - even my grandpa’s pants," said one boy. Faucette took this opportunity to talk about spending time with their dogs and training them to play with pet toys and not people's things.

"Dogs like to have something to do. It's important to train your dog to do what you want him to do," she said.

Then Max took the final four items out of his suitcase: a red bandana, a dog brush, doggie toothpaste and a doggie toothbrush. Faucette joked about how much Max loves to wear his bandana and look at himself in the mirror. A giggly discussion about Max's vanity, dog grooming and how to avoid matted fur and "stinky dog breath" followed.

"Make like a tree" but don't leave

The second part of the show addressed the serious issue of dog safety, with instruction about what to do and what not to do when a strange dog approaches. Faucette asked the children to stand and then Max, pretending to be a strange dog, charged at the group. "Make like a tree. Stand straight, cross your arms and look at your roots," instructed Faucette. The children folded their arms across their chest, stared at their feet and stayed as still as possible.

"Should you watch the dog?" she asked.

The children weren't sure.

"If you don''t know me and I go up to you and stare at you, does it make you feel nervous?"she continued.

"Yes!" shouted the children.

"It makes a dog feel nervous, too," explained Faucette. "Dogs can't tell a person to stop staring at them, but they can bark, growl and even bite if you are doing something they don't like. Never stare at a dog. They consider it a challenge."

Next, the children crouched down on the ground to play and Max, again pretending to be a strange dog, crawled into their midst. They learned to cover their ears and "make like a rock" if they are on the ground when a strange dog comes along. Faucette emphasizes to never jump up, run away or scream. That kind of behavior can excite a dog, and then he may bite. Instead she told the children to count to themselves and remain still until the dog loses interest or an adult comes to help.

One girl asked what to do if a dog chases you while you are riding your bike. "That’s a good question," Faucette said. "Put the bike between you and the dog. Use it like a shield and make like a rock on the other side of it."

Well-trained children equal well-trained dogs

For the final part of the show, the children lined up and asked Faucette for permission to pet Max, which is the proper way to greet someone else’s dog. Max sat politely while each child took a turn stroking him under the chin or scratching him on the chest - not patting the top of his head or grabbing him, actions that are threatening to some dogs.

"I want them to know that a dog is a lot of responsibility," said Faucette, who believes that teaching responsible pet ownership to children now is one of the best ways to end irresponsible pet ownership in the future.

For more information about Max the Dog, e-mail tfaucette@carolina.rr.com or call 704-618-2609.

This article was published by Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 25 * Aug. 31 - Sept. 6, 2007. Deborah lives in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children go to school and the pets take a nap, she does a little freelance writing. 

Some of us started making noise about this six years ago.  

Charitable fund established for Union County Animal Shelter

Animals such as Lacey, a golden retriever (right) surrendered by her owner to the shelter this past spring, are being helped by a new charitable fund.

By Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter Inc., a new charitable fund, is dedicated to meeting the medical needs of animals in the county shelter.

“The county doesn’t fund - nor could it afford to fund - treatment for every single dog or cat that comes through here with some kind of illness, disease or injury but this (charity) that we’ve established is going to allow that,” said Lt. Michelle Starnes, who has worked diligently to establish a charity for the shelter since she became director of Union County Animal Services less than two years ago.

In the past, money donated to the shelter was deposited into the county’s general fund. If the shelter needed to purchase anything for the animals, there was a lot of paper work involved in getting that money back, explained Starnes.

That's one reason the shelter started accepting gifts in-kind from supporters. Now, through Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter, animal lovers can be confident their cash donations will directly benefit shelter animals.

Common ailment, expensive treatment

Establishing the charitable fund means more animals can be deemed adoptable - animals like Lacey, a golden retriever surrendered by her owner to the shelter this past spring.

“She was a beautiful dog - less than 2 years old - with a good temperament. The only thing wrong with her was that she was heartworm positive,” recalled Starnes. “The number of animals that come into the shelter that are heartworm positive each year are in the couple hundreds. If you multiply that by the cost of treatment, it gets very expensive,” she said.

Expensive indeed. Veterinarian Heidi Hutmaker said heartworm treatment at Atrium Animal Hospital in Pineville typically costs between $500 and $1,000, depending on the size of the dog and the stage of the disease. The drug used to kill heartworms costs $55.00 per injection; and in most cases it takes two to six injections to eradicate the disease. Charges for pain medications, diagnostic tests and boarding fees are often associated with treatment, she said. Heartworm treatment costs are similar at Sun Valley Animal Hospital in Indian Trail, according to veterinarian David Hudson.

Today Lacey is undergoing heartworm treatment and doing well, thanks to Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter. Once she has completed her treatment, she will leave the shelter and be adopted through a golden retriever rescue group, said Starnes.

Microchips, quilts add to charity fund

Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter recently purchased equipment that allows it to offer affordable microchip implantation and pet registration. “The microchip company has a special program for shelters, so even (paying) $15 for the microchip and $15 to register in the company’s data base, (leaves) a profit that goes back into the charitable fund, ” explained Starnes, noting that microchips are a great tool for finding lost pets. She urges pet owners to update their information in the data base whenever they relocate.

To raise money for the fund, two handmade quilts have been donated to the charity and raffle tickets are being sold. One quilt is on display at the animal shelter and the other is traveling to different events and locations around the county until December, when they will both be raffled off.

A large portion of the money received by the charity has been earmarked for a remodeling project that will result in an on-site spay/neuter clinic for shelter animals. The charity will honor requests by supporters to fund specific needs such as heartworm treatment.

For information about raffle tickets or to make an appointment to have your pet implanted with a microchip, call the shelter at 704-283-2308. Donations to the charitable fund should be made payable to Friends of the Union County Animal Shelter, Inc. and mailed to the attention of Lt. Michelle Starnes, Union County Animal Services, 3340 Presson Road, Monroe, NC 28112.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was published in Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 30 * July 27- Aug. 2, 2007 (http://www.unioncountyweekly.com/) Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

Dogs dig in at Camp Bark

Camp Counselor, Beth Kelly, shares her affection with canine campers (from left) Darcy, Frankie, Zoe and Maggie during camp playgroup time.

Canine Campers (from left) Maggie, Frankie and Darcy explore the smells in the secure, naturalized area at Camp Bark in Waxhaw.

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

On the outskirts of Waxhaw, off Highway 75, a gravel drive winds its way past a field, a pond and acres of woods to the place where Cindy Starkey built her dream: a 5,000 square foot pet lodge and doggie day camp with enough rustic charm to rival many retreats designed for mankind.

Starkey opened Camp Bark this year on Memorial Day weekend with the motto, "It‘s not a kennel; it’s a camp” and the associated tenet - that her clients are not canines but rather "campers" - gives pet owners an indication of her philosophy about boarding dogs.

“This isn’t the Ritz-Carlton. I think that dogs like to sniff and explore the natural environment. Dogs like to dig holes,” said Starkey, warning that dogs sometimes get dirty at Camp Bark.

Raised on a farm in West Virginia, Starkey had a natural affinity for dogs even as a child. Her love for dogs was so strong that she was shocked to discover not all children felt the same way and that some of her friends did not want to spend all day playing with pooches.

That revelation didn’t change Starkey, now 38, who still spends her days playing with dogs. Assembled daily for playdates are Frankie, her 10 year-old terrier mix and Sabrina, her 5-year-old Rottweiler, not to mention all her canine campers and any dogs she may be fostering. An animal advocate, Starkey rescues dozens of dogs from shelters each year.

Starkey ventured into the dog-boarding business eight years ago after many years spent driving back and forth to her parents’ home for her dog's sake whenever work took her out of town. The four hour drive was exhausting, but knowing the level of inactivity her dog was likely to endure at an animal hospital or traditional kennel was more stressful. “Whose dog wants to take a vacation at a hospital? Even if it’s a safe place - it’s not a fun place,” she said.

Believing there had to be a better way, Starkey started pet-sitting on the side for friends and co-workers who shared her anxiety. It gave people peace of mind to know an animal lover was welcoming their pets into her home and treating them as one of her own while they were away. Soon Starkey was so busy caring for canines that she gave up her corporate job and began dreaming of the day she would open a romping retreat for man’s best friend.

That day has arrived. Starkey and her staff now provide a high-spirited schedule beginning at 6:30 am and ending around 9:30 pm for healthy, well-socialized dogs. “I want it to be a full fun day so that when the dogs retire at night they’re dog tired,” she said.

Camp playgroups are the highlight of each day. Dogs get to go outside and play chase with canine friends or fetch with staff members. They can dig in dirt, romp on grass or visit trees all inside a naturalized area safely surrounded by solid cedar fencing. Playgroups, held mid-morning and late afternoon for up to three hours at a time, are supervised by staff members who are experienced dog handlers. The camp routine includes an indoor siesta time during the hottest part of the day. Dogs that desire more breaks from all the fun and sun can find respite on the cool concrete floor under the covered back porch where bowls of fresh water are set about. There is even a baby pool for dogs inclined to take a dip or in need of a camper bath. (Baths are by request and cost extra.) There is an indoor play area in case of bad weather. Camp playgroups are included in the regular rate of $35 a day for overnight camp and $25 a day for day camp.

Overnight campers can sleep in the cageless boarding area or be tucked into their own "cabin". Buddies are allowed to bunk together. Campers' chow times are at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., all dogs are fed their own food to avoid upset stomachs. Dogs with medications, special diets and exercise requests can be accommodated, too.

Starkey's years of experience caring for dogs with special needs led her to design a roomy den next to the lobby for her senior and special-needs “campers”. These dogs may lounge on the couch or relax on the rug while listening to music or watching television. An indoor pup tent and a separate outdoor area allows every Camp Bark canine to experience the camp atmosphere.

However, Starkey does not cater to dogs that are simply spoiled. “If your dog is a late sleeper, Camp Bark is not the right place for him,” she cautioned.

Opening Camp Bark hasn't stopped Starkey's dreaming. She plans to develop an agility course, build an exercise pool and hold obedience classes, all on Camp Bark's fourteen acres. But the camp director/owner has dreams beyond Camp Bark. As the foster home coordinator for Animal Adoption League, her most precious vision is the day when there are no animals to rescue from shelters or streets and people finally understand the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.

Learn more at www.campbark.net or call 704-858-BARK.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was also published in Volume 2, Number 27 *July 6-12, 2007 of Union County Weekly and Volume 6, Number 27 * July 6-12, 2007 of Charlotte Weekly. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.

Holistic approach helps dogs handle Piedmont pollen

After undergoing holistic treatment for inhalant allergies,

Blanco, my 4-year-old husky-terrier mix can enjoy his yard

again even though he is highly allergic to the river birch

tree seen in the background.

Holistic approach helps dogs handle Piedmont pollen

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

When Blanco, my three-year-old husky-terrier mix began biting, chewing and scratching his skin relentlessly last spring, I sought help. Although many might attribute this kind of irritation to fleas or mange, the source of Blanco's fidgetiness proved to be inhalant allergies - or what could be called canine hay fever.

Canines aren't spared spring's allergens; the symptoms just manifest differently than in humans. It's unusual for dogs to sneeze or have runny eyes due to airborne particle sensitivity or atopy. Atopic dogs are more likely to develop skin problems - the No. 1 reason for veterinary visits according to research by the pet insurance industry.

"We definitely see a lot of dogs for inhalant allergies," said Kim Hombs of Atrium Animal Hospital, who practices integrative veterinary medicine (a blending of conventional and holistic therapies) at her Pineville clinic, Atrium Animal Hospital.

Because pollen cycles for trees, grasses and weeds overlap, some type of pollen is always in the air - not to mention canine nasal passages - from late February until mid November in North Carolina's Piedmont region.

"In an area like this where there is high humidity, mild temperatures and no steady winds to blow the pollen away; it doesn’t take much to push a dog over his allergy threshold," said Dr. Hombs. Add a little construction dust, some industrial pollution and a lack of rain into the mix and susceptible dogs will start to show symptoms like irritated ears and itchy red skin, she explained.

A Torturous Cycle

Traditional veterinary treatments like antihistamines and corticosteroids can relieve symptoms but also can cause dry mouth and increase the dog's heart rate, said Dr. Hombs. In addition, some corticosteriods weaken the skeletal system, make dogs jittery and cause them to overeat, she continued. Allergy shots are an option if allergy testing can pinpoint just two or three allergens. Over several weeks, Blanco's symptoms led veterinarians to suggest all these treatments, in turn.

Before Dr. Hombs was consulted, Blanco took a short course of oral prednisone as well as antibiotics to fight secondary skin infections from all the biting, chewing and scratching. The prednisone was effective but Blanco resumed biting, chewing and scratching once the corticosteriod was out of his system.

Next, one antihistamine - and then a second - left Blanco drowsy, upset his stomach and didn't relieve his itchiness. Then a prednisone injection was suggested, and allergy testing was mentioned. I did not want to subject an otherwise healthy dog to a steroid injection that would stay in his system for several weeks so the torturous cycle continued.

By summer, Blanco and I had both had it! My tears fell to the floor along with what was left of Blanco’s beautiful white fur as I stroked his thinning coat and had a good cry. Determined to do something, I decided to research alternative treatments for inhalant allergies in dogs and ended up at Clara's Choice for Herbs in Indian Trail. It was there that I was referred to Atrium Animal Hospital: http://www.atriumanimalhospital.com/

Help The Way Nature Intended

After taking a medical history and giving Blanco a physical exam, Dr. Hombs pointed out that the red skin on the inside of his thighs indicated inflammation. "It should be pencil eraser pink," she said, and prescribed a high quality Omega-3 fatty acid capsule formulated for dogs. A natural anti-inflammatory, Omega-3 fatty acids are also good for brain development, Dr. Hombs said.

"If there is one thing I would recommend (for dogs in allergy crisis) it would be Omega-3 fatty acids but be careful of the source," explained Dr. Hombs, "Sardines, herring, mackerel - all those little cold water fish are loaded with it and their tiny bones are a good calcium source, too."

Dr. Hombs also prescribed a homeopathic combination of Chinese herbs to relieve Blanco’s itchy skin. At first, he wanted nothing to do with the pungent powdery herbs; however, hiding Chinese tea pills - tiny round pellets about 1/4 inch in diameter - in his food worked like a charm. Although, I thought I was giving my dog high quality nutrition, Blanco's food, a mixture of dry food and canned food, also drew scrutiny.

"Most dry goods are highly processed and lack nutritional value. For a dog with inflammation, dry food can be compared to putting dry kindling on a fire," explained Dr. Hombs. "The carbohydrates are transformed to sugar and sugar inflames."

Dogs with allergies need plenty of nutrients to help their immune systems deal with the problem, she said. Foods with antibiotics, dyes, growth hormones and preservatives will only exacerbate symptoms.

Blanco was given a more natural diet, primarily of raw beef. This would help clean his blood of all the drugs he had been given and provide nutrition closer to what he would get in nature. This could be complemented by a list of "cooling foods" to ease Blanco's inflammation. Plain organic yogurt was added to help his digestive tract absorb nutrients. Blanco thinks yogurt is a fine treat!

A Happy Healthy Ending

After a few weeks on his individualized holistic regimen, Blanco showed dramatic improvement. He stopped biting at his skin, scratched less and starting to get his beautiful white fur and his spirit back. After a few months, I thought he was good as new.

Even though Blanco was well, I saved up the money and had an allergy test done to satisfy my curiosity. The chief offender turned out to be the big river birch tree in my backyard. River birch trees are common here so cutting it down wouldn’t help the situation and as Dr. Hombs predicted Blanco was allergic to more than one thing.

"Allergy testing is limited as far as accuracy," said Dr. Hombs, adding that the allergens a lab might list for the Southeast might not be localized enough to generate medication ideally suited to your pet. She recommended administering locally made raw honey instead: "What you are getting in local honey is fabulous. A company can’t possibly put all the allergens from your particular location (into a serum) but the bees do. They are tapping from all the local pollen."

So rather than give Blanco allergy shots, I opted for the holistic approach of a teaspoon of locally made raw honey once a day. I began giving him honey in January as it takes three to four months to desensitize a dog to allergens this way. The real test came this spring when the river birch tree once again filled the backyard with long squiggly strings of yellow pollen. Blanco and the holistic approach passed with flying colors.

Note: Never administer herbs to a dog or any pet without consulting a veterinarian trained in the use of herbal medicine.

An edited version of this article was published in Volume 2, Number 24 * June 15-21, 2007 of Union County Weekly.

Pound Puppies Dog Show Pictures

Kim Blutreich holds, Gus, a 12-week-old German Shepherd-Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) mix available for adoption from the Union County Animal Shelter during the Pound Puppies Dog Show in downtown Monroe on Sunday, May 20th. Gus has two siblings also available for adoption at the shelter.

Shelter volunteer, Barbara Lopez chats with Wixe radio personality and Pound Puppies Dog Show emcee, Britt Pope about Ricky. Like the other puppies in the show, Ricky was part of an unplanned litter that wound up at the Union County Animal Shelter this spring. The necessity of spaying and neutering pets to decrease Union County's pet overpopulation problem was stressed throughout the event. Donations were accepted and tickets to a December quilt raffle were sold to benefit the opening of an on site spay/neuter clinic at the Union County Animal Shelter in the near future.

Amber Cato admires two participants in the Pound Puppies Dog Show: Flash, a young Jack Russell Terrier mix and Simon, a four-year-old purebred Dalmatian. Both were up for adoption from the Union County Animal Shelter on Sunday, May 20, during the Pound Puppies Dog Show.






Michelle Feemster of Go Dog Productions and her rescued shelter dogs entertained the crowd at the Old Court House in downtown Monroe during the Pound Puppies Dog Show on Sunday, May 20th. Wixe Radio and the Union County Sheriff's Office presented the show to help dogs from the Union County Animal Shelter find homes as well as raise public awareness about the pet overpopulation problem in Union County and raise money for an on site spay/neuter clinic the shelter plans to open in the near future.

Deborah is a freelance writer/photographer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. (Several of these photographs were also published in Volume 2, Number 21 * May 25-31, 2007 of Union County Weekly) Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above article by clicking on the link below.