Cottonwood Tails receives an intramuscular injec-tion deep in the lower back muscles. This is a...
Transcript of Cottonwood Tails receives an intramuscular injec-tion deep in the lower back muscles. This is a...
Cotton Wood Kennels See Us ON Facebook Phone (303) 442- 2602
7275 Valmont Road Boulder, Colorado [email protected]
Saving Rio
A Special Needs Dog Story From an interview with Mary Thorpe
Vol. 1 No. 3 April 2012
Cottonwood Tails
Rio’s treatment went like this: The
patient receives an intramuscular injec-
tion deep in the lower back muscles.
This is a painful injection with a painful
substance, and it is common for the pa-
tient to be quite sore afterwards at
home.
Pain medication may be needed. Be
careful of the injection site as it may hurt
enough to cause a dog to bite. An ab-
scess may form at the site, which would
require use of warm compresses.
The dog comes back one month later
for two doses 24 hours apart (the first
dose represents an introductory treat-
ment to kill some of the more sensitive
worms.) Keep in mind, too many worms
dying at once
creates circulato-
ry shock.
After treat-
ment, the patient
must be strictly
confined for one
month following
the final treat-
ment. No walks,
n o r u n n i n g
around.
The dog must live the indoor life. The
reason for this is that embolism to some
degree is inevitable and it is important
to minimize embolism-related problems.
Exercise increases heart rate and oxy-
gen demand and we need the heart to
rest during this recovery period.
As of this story, Rio has finished her
treatments, and though she’s not out of
the woods yet, she is free of living heart-
worms and will soon be a happy seven
year old lab who likes to run, play and
be loved by those around her.
Fostering has many benefits and joys.
First and foremost it
is a tremendous
help to the animal
by removing them
from the stressful
and less-than-social
shelter environ-
ment. It allows an
animal to open up
and you see a completely different per-
sonality than you do in the shelter.
Many people cannot make a lifelong
commitment to a pet, but fostering al-
lows them the opportunity to help a pet
and fulfill their want to have a pet on a
short-term or temporary basis.
Looking for a second pet? Fostering
lets you get to know an animal and
make sure they are a good fit for your
family and pet(s). It can be difficult to
select a pet based out of one meet-and-
greet at a shelter facility. Most people’s
response as to why they cannot foster is
that they would want to keep each one.
While there is an emotional compo-
nent to fostering the reality of it is that
most will not meet the criteria of what
will be appropriate for your lifestyle.
Keeping in mind that what you are do-
ing is beneficial and in the pet’s best
interest.
It is a great feeling when you see how
much you can help a homeless pet pro-
gress and know it allows them to find
their forever home that much easier
because they are more adoptable for
someone who is looking to adopt. Who
knows even if you aren’t looking to add
a new family member you may just find
one.
The following story should never have
happened. It did. This kind of story hap-
pens all to often in this country and
thanks to groups of people who care,
some of them have happy endings.
Our story is about Rio, a Labrador Re-
triever, who was recently freed from a
puppy mill in Kansas City, Missouri.
That first part of the story is bad enough,
but it gets worse.
Rio had a severe case of heartworms.
He has since undergone the treatment,
and has endured several months of in-
tensive treatment and care. Pat Thorpe
of Longmont, who cares for special
needs dogs found herself a part of her
recovery.
Rio was part of a group of seven labs
rescued from the mill facility about 6
months ago. They were taken in by the
Boulder Humane Society who had them
put on a treatment to kill the microfillar-
ie .
This gets them ready for the treatment
and stops the chance of their infecting
anyone else.
Then the dogs were adopted out to
people who would finish the process and
give them a chance at a long good life.
In Rio’s case, this was Bruce and Tonya
Harrington. The Harringtons, who could
have taken an easier route decided to
give Rio a chance.
Pat’s job was to insure that Rio had
around the clock attention and keep her
from overexerting herself while her
body begins to heal. The dead worms
will pass into the blood system and can
cause death if she overworks her circu-
latory system.
Mary and Rio
Have You Ever
Considered
Fostering? By Dan Antaya
Kennel Manager
Cotton Wood Kennels See Us ON Facebook Phone (303) 442- 2602
7275 Valmont Road Boulder, Colorado [email protected]
Spring Means Prevention Fleas, Ticks and Other External Parasites
Are in Season
In Colorado, beginning in March and
running through the warmer parts of the
year, we need to be aware of some of
the parasites that live on our pets. These
can include fleas, ticks, mites and dog
lice
Fleas can infest dogs and cats, and in
areas of moderate to
severe infestation, peo-
ple can be bitten by
fleas. An infestation that
is severe and not treated
can cause death to a pet due to blood
loss (anemia). Also, histamine-like com-
pounds in flea saliva irritate the skin and
allergies to fleas develop in both dogs
and cats.
Ticks are usually more of a dog prob-
lem than a cat problem
simply because of the
cats grooming habits.
It is a good idea to
check your dog for
ticks after they have
been out on walks, especially if they
have been into the bush and walked
through long grass.
Lice are insects that can be seen with
the naked eye. They are flattened and
possess no wings. They are very host-
specific and do not tend to
leave their preferred ani-
mal. Lice spend their entire
life cycle on the pet. There
are about 460 species of
sucking lice and 3,000 spe-
cies of chewing lice.
Transmission of lice is by direct contact
with an infested pet. Unlike fleas and
ticks, lice do not persist or travel in the
environment
Page 2 March 2012
Cottonwood Tails
Heartworms:
A Preventable
Problem Although at one time confined to the
southern United States, heartworm has
now spread to nearly all locations where
its vector, the mosquito, is found.
Transmission of the parasite occurs in
all of the United States (cases have even
been reported in Alaska. The highest
infection rates are found within 150
miles of the coast from Texas to New
Jersey, and along the Mississippi River
and its major tributaries and others.
Quite simply, heartworms are para-
sites that can do damage to your dog or
cat’s heart. Heartworm disease (the
buildup of numerous heartworms) is
always fatal if left untreated.
Treatment for heartworm disease can
be extremely expensive and will often
shorten your pet’s life, due to the exten-
sive damage that is done to their cardiac
system.
Heartworm prevention is a far better
option. It is very affordable, and is not
harmful to your pet. Veterinarians will
suggest a preventative plan (usually to
be given once per month).
Heartworm preventatives also protect
from roundworm, hookworm and other
intestinal parasites. They do not prevent
giardia, tapeworms or carcidia.
Though found mostly in the south,
heartworms are a national problem.
This map shows the severity of infec-
tion in varied areas of the U.S.
Mites come in several varieties, but
those most commonly
encountered are: Sar-
coptic mange, De-
modectic mange, ear
mites and Cheylitiella.
Sarcoptic mange is very commonly
picked up by dogs from foxes and can
be transmitted via fences, under-
growth etc. The mites burrow deep in
the skin resulting in very itchy, red,
scaly patches typically on the ears,
elbows and sides. It can be difficult to
diagnose from skin scrapes but there
is a blood test. Sarcoptic mange rare-
ly occurs in cats.
Demodectic mange is caused by a
long thin mite that lives in the hair
follicle and causes hair loss, typically
on the head and legs but can occur
anywhere. It isn't always itchy but can
spread and cause secondary dermati-
tis. It is common in puppies especially
in short coated dog breeds.
Ear Mites occur most frequently in
cats, especially kittens. These can
cause a very uncomfortable ear infes-
tation, with a characteristic black wax,
which can lead to secondary ear infec-
tions. Ear mites are easy to diagnose
and treat with drops.
All of the aforementioned pests can
be prevented using measures recom-
mended by your pet’s health care pro-
vider.
Next time you are in their office, ask
them what measures will be helpful in
your situation. They’ll be glad to dis-
cuss it with you. Your pet will be glad
you did.
Cotton Wood Kennels See Us ON Facebook Phone (303) 442- 2602
7275 Valmont Road Boulder, Colorado [email protected]
On March 13th, the staff here at Cot-
tonwood Kennels had the opportunity to
spend two hours with Dr. Nancy Bureau
who taught a course in pet first aid and
CPR.
The course was
attended by almost
all of the 30 plus
employees of
CWK. We gained
the knowledge
that will help us in
our daily duties
here at the kennel as well as with our
own pets at home. Dr. Bureau covered
many topics that gave valuable insight
and information .
Some of the topics she covered were
allergic reactions, parasites, shock, sei-
zures, and bloating. She also covered
treatment for abrasions, broken toenails,
torn pads and heat stroke.
We learned how to check a dogs gums
and eye color for shock. She also in-
formed us on how to tap the dogs sides
to check for bloat.
She brought her own dog, Griffin, a
bearded collie, to practice on. Griffin
was a great sport.
By working closely with family
and vets, we are able to give your
pet the best care possible
Cottonwood meets all kinds of ani-
mals that have special needs. These in-
clude medical and physical needs. We
have trained staff administering medica-
tion on a daily basis.
We are always tracking behaviors and
monitoring every pet. The little guys
can’t verbally tell us what’s wrong. With
information like that we received from
Dr. Bureau, we are better equipped to
spot something going on.
By working closely with family and
vets, we are able to give your pet the
best care possible.
We at Cottonwood pay special atten-
tion to every aspect of your pet during
their stay with us, from their diets, medi-
cations, exercise/play and rest periods
to be sure that their health and welfare
are the very best we can deliver.
Front Office Report By Rhonda Beitzel
Kennel Manager
Cottonwood Tails Page 3 April 2012
Medication
Notes
By Danielle Reeves
A commonly asked question by our
clients wanting to board their pets is
“What about their medications, can you
administer them?”. The answer to that
question is “Yes”. We have people who
handle the medications and they take
the job very seriously.
We start the medica-
tions promptly at 7 am
every morning. We
have separate boxes for
each pet that has them.
All of their names are
written up on the board
with the dosage and times.
We also use sign off sheets with the
name of the pet, the medication, com-
plete and detailed directions on their
dosages, and the reason why they are
getting them.
We give the medications in varied
ways. Typically we use soft cheese,
peanut butter and meat.
Some owners bring us ‘pill pockets’
as that is what their pets are used to.
One owner even brings in bread for his
pet’s medication wrapping. Another
brings in honey for sore throats.
Our medication people don’t
stop at pills. We do eye and ear drops,
shots (except for diabetes). We clean
hotspots and even do hot compresses
on your little ones when needed.
We will be glad to talk with you about
any medications your pet needs during
their stay with us.
Dr. Nancy Bureau and her
assistant ‘Griffin’, her bearded
collie.
The staff of Cottonwood listens in-
tently as Dr. Bureau explains first
aid for pets.
Cotton Wood Kennels See Us ON Facebook Phone (303) 442- 2602
7275 Valmont Road Boulder, Colorado [email protected]
Notes From Small
Dog Playgroup By Pilar Heffelfinger
Playgroup Captain
What does my cat do all day? Cats have
a choice of several different windows.
They can enjoy morning sun in the east
window. They can watch white butterflies
buzzing the field next door or squirrel
races along the fence.
The big bay south window they can
enjoy a sun bath and bird watching. There
is always a few
cars, people, and
dogs OH MY to
watch. The two
smaller south
windows are good
for watching the
cars on Valmont.
The swallows
swooping and
Robins bobbing is
fun to watch.
The west window is a good place to
watch Willie the sheep and his little sheep
friends, Nickolas the alpaca and the many
color chickens. Little dog play group is
very entertaining.
There are several different large plants
to play queen or king of the jungle under.
The plants are a good place to curl up for
a nap.
The Cattery has several kinds of toys to
play with. We have one small round ball
that has a squeaking
mouse in it. Cattery
furniture is comfy to
sleep on or to
sharpen nails.
Cat Nip Time is
Grand. Last but not
least, time for
rocking and petting
in the rocking chair.
Cottonwood Tails
A lot has been happening in small dog
playgroup lately. We have been re-
vamping the indoor play area to make it
more spacious.
We are also making it more colorful,
with green and blue walls to make it look
like the horizon.
We have also introduced new toys
that the all the little doggies just love !
The ‘Jolly Balls’
and ‘Hol-ee Roll-
ers ’ really enter-
tain the little guys
while they run
around with all
their friends. A lot
of the toys the
pups play with are
sold in our lobby retail area.
We have been so excited to play with
your little ones over spring break. It’s
great to see so many familiar faces and
get to know some new furry friends.
The pups, and I, are excited for our
warmer weather and can hardly wait for
summer. Goodbye winter snow !
We have begun to play outside now
much more and are enjoying the fresh
air and clear skies.
This month we will be making
quickie dog cookies. You will need
the following to get started:
1 jar of baby food (beef or pork)
1/3 cup of wheat germ
2/3 cup of dry milk.
Mix all the ingredients together
and add a small amount of hot water
to thin it out to a consistency that
makes them easy to drop onto a
cookie sheet. Size cookies according
to the size of your dog.
Bake in preheated oven at 350
degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Let
cool. Store in the refrigerator. Use as
needed. Great for training rewards.
_________________________________
Cottonwood Days
Sarah getting in a little one on one
time in small dog play group
Mikes Canine Culinary Corner
By Mike Thorpe
Page 4 March 2012
“An animal's eyes have the
power to speak a great lan-
guage." ~ Martin Buber
Purrs from the Cattery
By Connie Duras
What a great view !
Connie rocking one of
the little kitties.
Cotton Wood Kennels See Us ON Facebook Phone (303) 442- 2602
7275 Valmont Road Boulder, Colorado [email protected]
Spring has definitely sprung. Spring is
starting out considerably drier and
warmer this year. That means more fun
outdoors for our 4-legged friends.
This however means they are getting
less transition times for their coats, and
may become uncomfortable much sooner
This is the time where double coated
dogs start blowing (shedding) their
Linda grooms a double layered Malamute. Removing the winter coat will put a smile on their faces.
coats. This in turn redecorates everything
in their environment with a lovely layer of
hair.
All four legged friends may show signs
of being uncomfortably warm, and getting
dusty with the drier weather. Dogs
beginning to swim now may mat more
now with the heavy winter coats that are
beginning to loosen.
With the pollen flying, dogs with
airborne allergies may start itching and
having skin and other allergy problems.
For their human companions it is time to
think ahead, of their comfort and welfare.
The fun is ahead, we can help.
———————————————————-
Dogs are not our whole life, but they
make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras
Notes from Large Dog Playgroup
By Jon Mouser Playgroup Captain
Inside Story Headline
Page 5 March 2012
Cottonwood Tails
Happy April to all ! We hope that eve-
ryone had as good a
spring break as we
did. Out in playgroup
we had a blast. With-
out all the snow and
cold weather, out-
doors was the place
to be, whether you
are a two legged or
four legged type.
We had a full house every day over
the week of spring break. Lots of day-
care and boarding pets all having a
great time outside in the great weather.
We have really seen a lot of new faces
over spring break and throughout
March, and everyone getting to know
each other is really something to see.
We have brought out the pools which
really makes the pups very happy. You
could certainly tell that all of our 4 leg-
ged friends are ready for summer, and
the staff here at Cottonwood couldn’t
agree more.
Until next time, we hope everyone en-
joys the rest of spring. We look forward
to seeing your little, and big ones, here
in the future.
It’s springtime at Cottonwood Kennels !!
Out comes the pools and in go the
munchkins.
_________________________________
Meet the Cottonwood Family
By Penny Vardell
This month we would like to
introduce you to Blake Howard.
Blake has worked at Cottonwood
for a little
over two
years now.
Blake is
a n a l l
around the
h o u s e
e m p l o y e e
who can
be seen
just about
an yw h e re
d u r i n g
t h e
workday.
A s w e l l a s w o r k i n g f o r
Cottonwood, Blake is going to
s c h o o l f o r e n v i r o n m e n t a l
chemistry. He hopes someday to
work in the field of environmental
remediation . Blake also takes a
course in Spanish to expand his
horizons.
Blake was involved in scouting
as a boy and attained the rank of
Eagle. Blake also loves hiking,
camping and tennis.
Blake has rapport with animals
that cannot be taught, that comes
from within.
Young men and women like
Blake is what makes Cottonwood
Kennels the place for your pets.
Their work ethic and dedication
to their charges, both big and
small is not to be matched.
Blake and Jessica during a big
dog play group session
Clips
from the
Groom Room
By Linda Little
Blake Howard
Cotton Wood Kennels See Us ON Facebook Phone (303) 442- 2602
7275 Valmont Road Boulder, Colorado [email protected]
This month we
would like to introduce
Madame Neah. She will
read the stars and let
us know what lies in
our pet’s future.
She also does paw
reading at special
events in the area.
Madame Neah
Aries (3/21—4/19) This month is a
chance to improve on your “I didn’t do it
look”. Your family will be more recep-
tive to your ‘sadder’ eyes. Work it !
Taurus (4/20-5/20) The sun is shining
and the leaves are budding. Bring your
best friend the leash and let them know
it’s time to get out and play.
Gemini (5/21-6/20) It will be OK ! This
month brings you a new scent. You will
get a full spa treatment. Even though
baths are not your thing, you will feel
new. Afterwards, strut your stuff and get
extra praise from your family.
Cancer (6/21-7/22) You have been
down after so many cold days. Now is
the time to get out and make new
friends. Smell some new behinds , intro-
duce yourself, mingle and get involved.
Leo (7/23-8/22) OMG !! Lucky you !!
The pools are out. You will reconnect
with your lighter side. You will frolic..
you will play… you will splash and be
happy.
Virgo (8/23-9/22) Yellow snow is
gone, yet blue toilet water is never
gone. Resist temptation. Your usual bowl
will provide. Don’t stray.
Libra (8/23-10/22) Yeah ! You will go on
an adventure this month, hiking down a
new trail. Remember to protect yourself.
With the change of seasons, it’s time to
take charge. Get all of your flea, tick and
heartworm preventatives in place.
This months barnyard friends will fea-
ture Nicholas, our alpaca. He’s the tall-
est one in the pasture which makes him
hard to miss.
Nicholas came to us a few years ago
as a very young alpaca. He came with a
family of four. The other 3 belonging to
one of our employees at the time.
When they left, some wondered if he
could go it alone. He did, and well. He
has his step brothers and sisters, the
sheep, who he gets along very well
with .
Nick was different than most alpacas
though. He was very comfortable around
people which made him a great addition
to our barnyard. He will walk right up to
the gate and greet clients as if he’s al-
ways known them.
Nicholas stands
about 5 foot tall
and probably
weighs in at close
to 300 pounds,
yet he is as affa-
ble as a lamb. His
curiosity about
things makes him
seem almost
childlike.
Our
Barnyard Friends
Page 6 March 2012 Cottonwood Tails
Your Pet’s Horoscope By Madame Neah
Nicholas and his always charming smile.
Scorpio (10/23-11/21) Your family will
need special attention this month. Listen
closely, Nuzzle open hands and give
freely with kisses and tail wags. Re-
member, you can always bring a smile
to their faces.
Sagittarius (11/22-12/21) Excite-
ment ! I see a new treat in your future. A
baked buffalo shin bone is on the hori-
zon. It will take you the month before
you are interested in anything else.
Capricorn (12/22-1/19) Squirrels are
active now with spring. Don’t let them
draw you across the street !! Don’t let
those critters fool you. When you do
have to cross, look both ways.
Aquarius (1/20-2/18 ) It is time to
better yourself and impress your family.
Embrace new commands and tricks.
Work with your trainer during positive
reinforcement sessions to earn ‘jackpot’
goodies.
Pisces (2/19-3/20) This month is a
chance to better bond with family. Not
sure you are ready to brave the chang-
ing season? Hang out with family and
friends cuddled up on the couch or your
favorite bed.
____________________________________
Cottonwood Kennels
“Play and Stay for Pets”
Remember us for all your boarding,
daycare and grooming needs.
Open 7 Days A Week
7:30am until 6:00 pm
Nicholas is hard to miss, he’s the tallest of our barnyard friends.