 
The Best of

Carolina Mountain Dog

A Comprehensive Collection

of Blog Posts

from the Leading Dog Blog

in the Carolina Mountains

Barry Silverstein

Published by

Carolina Mountain Dog

www.cmdog.com

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2011, Barry Silverstein

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

### CONTENTS

About Carolina Mountain Dog

PoochPaths

Canine Cruisin'

Dog-Friendly Cities in the Region

Blog Posts

Helpful Information for Dog Owners

About Carolina Mountain Dog

Carolina Mountain Dog (www.cmdog.com) is a "blogazine" for dog lovers who live in or near the Carolina mountains (or wish they did). Published since August 2009, the blog celebrates the unique relationship of dogs and the mountains, offering news of interest and valuable information about what to do and where to go with dogs in Western North Carolina and the South Carolina Upstate. Carolina Mountain Dog strongly advocates for humane treatment of animals, animal rights, spay/neuter, and adoption of shelter animals.

Carolina Mountain Dog is the leading dog blog in the Carolina mountains. Through November 2011, the blog had over 28,000 lifetime pageviews. From November 15, 2010 to November 15, 2011, the blog had 10,305 visits, 15,821 pageviews, and 8,232 absolute unique visitors (Google Analytics).

Carolina Mountain Dog is written by Barry Silverstein, a professional writer and dog lover.

Barry is actively involved in the Asheville, NC animal community. He conceived and launched the Buncombe County Save A Life Campaign. He provides marketing counsel to Asheville Humane Society and writes/publishes their monthly volunteer e-newsletter. He helped launch his wife's business, Bandanas Mobile Grooming, an Asheville-based mobile dog grooming business. With his wife, Barry owns four dogs (all of them adopted from shelters or rescue organizations) and they foster animals for Asheville Humane Society on a regular basis.

Barry writes for business and marketing websites and select clients. He has also written about dogs for Dog Fancy, New Life Journal and WNC magazines. He is the author of Water's Edge, an eBook novel that features a dog, Blackout, as the hero. He is also the author of eight non-fiction books about branding, Internet marketing and small business.

POOCH PATHS

"Pooch Paths" are great dog walks and hikes.

### Azalea Dog Park, Asheville

Azalea Dog Park in Asheville is a great place for your dogs to work off their energy. It features two fenced-in areas, one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs, separated by a gate, although small and big dogs can use either area, as long as they are well-behaved.

The big dog portion is quite a large area, with plenty of room for running and playing. It has a gazebo in the center -- useful to get out of the sun, since the trees that have been planted are not yet full-grown. On the downside, there is a ravine in this area that quickly fills up with water when it snows or rains, so be prepared for a muddy experience if you go soon after wet weather.

Poop bags are generally available, but you will need to bring your own water. The dog park adjoins a pond and a small grassy area with a few picnic tables, and there are a few hiking trails close by as well.

Insider tip: One of the good things about the location of the park is its proximity to the Swannanoa River. For a nice cool-down after romping at this dog park, exit the park and look for a gated pull-in near a dumpster, immediately on your left. Down a short path is a shallow river bed and gentle rapids where doggies love to splash.

Location: Use Exit 8 off of Route 240 and follow signs for the WNC Nature Center. The park is at 395 Azalea Road, a few miles past the WNC Nature Center. Continue on Azalea Road past all the soccer fields and the dog park will be on the left.

### Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Easily accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway and not far from I-26 is a true natural gem -- Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The forest is right off Brevard Road (Rt. 191) south of Asheville. It encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of forest and streams, is home to the North Carolina Arboretum, and includes the Lake Powhatan recreational area (swimming, fishing and camping).

Bent Creek is also as close as you can get to doggie heaven. There are miles and miles of trails appropriate for hiking and biking -- everything from wide former logging roads to narrow dirt paths that meander through the woods or take ambitious hikers high into the mountains. An added bonus during the summer is that many of the trails are shaded and cool.

Dogs love the smells, sounds and running creeks. While dogs should technically be on leash (and they must be leashed at Lake Powhatan), many owners seem to feel comfortable allowing their dogs to explore off-leash. If you use trails that are not near to the Lake Powhatan area, chances are you your dog can enjoy a memorable off-leash experience, as long as he or she is well-behaved and returns when called.

Tip: Hunting is allowed in Bent Creek during the fall. Don't allow your dog off-leash during hunting season, or if you do, make sure he or she is wearing a bright orange vest. Watch for a sign indicating the dates for hunting season posted near the entrance to Bent Creek, opposite the service entrance of the NC Arboretum.

There are so many trails and access points that it is difficult to recommend any one or mention them all. The best thing to do is explore on your own since trails are well-marked. You can access a Bent Creek Trail Map here:  http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek/images/bc_trl_map_11x17_crews_opt_may_2004.pdf

You'll find that Bent Creek is especially popular (and frequently crowded) on weekends. To avoid the crowds, drive past all of the obvious entry points to Bent Creek. Go beyond the entrance to Lake Powhatan and continue on the dirt road that curves around to the right. You'll see another access area to the right, but keep driving down the dirt road, which curves to the left. Continue a mile or two and you'll find several more access points with small parking areas to the left and right. Many less-traveled trails are off this road.

Lake Powhatan

Lake Powhatan is a small lake with a sandy beach within Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The lake is a particularly great spot for the month of March because the lake and accompanying overnight camping area is closed until April 1. That means you and your doggies have the run of the place (including the beach) since cars, campers, and swimmers aren't around. You also don't have to pay any fee, which is required after the lake opens.

The lake and the surrounding roads and trails make for a great outing. You can walk, jog, or bike ride on the paved roads (it's moderately hilly but not too bad), or you can hike on the many trails near the lake and in Bent Creek. Your dog will love splashing around on the bank or running in the sand. During the off-season, many people let their dogs run free, although when the lake is open, dogs must be leashed.

The lake is easily accessible via the entrance to Bent Creek, which is right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at the North Carolina Arboretum exit, Route 191 (Brevard Road towards Asheville). Follow the signs to Bent Creek/Lake Powhatan. Go past the Hard Times Trailhead on the left (which itself is a great spot to pick up numerous trails). The road then forks and the entrance to Lake Powhatan is on the left. You can park outside the gate to the right and walk up the hill. Follow the signs for swimming and fishing to get to the lake. Walking around the empty campground, which is largely shaded, is also a nice stroll. During the off-season, the gates are closed to vehicles but foot traffic is allowed.

In the Bent Creek Forest itself, there are several parking areas where you can access trails. The first area, a right turn at a small brown sign that says "491" off the road to Bent Creek, offers access to what looks like an access road but is closed to traffic, as well as a nice trail that goes through the woods past a creek. The second area, a left turn at the Hard Times Trailhead, is the busiest – this is where many trails begin, including a trail that goes around Lake Powhatan. There are additional trails surrounding Lake Powhatan and to the right of the lake.

Directions: From I-26, take exit 33 (Old Exit 2), south approximately 2 miles on N.C. R 191 to the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area sign. Turn right and follow signs to campground. Also accessible from the Route 191 exit off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

### Biltmore, Asheville

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is one of the country's national treasures. It's also a naturally beautiful and protected walking, hiking, and biking paradise for dogs and their owners. George Vanderbilt, who built the magnificent structure, was a dog lover, and the estate carries on his tradition by welcoming leashed dogs onto the property (but not in the house). There are numerous trails of varying difficulty that lend themselves to hours and hours of walking, hiking, and biking.

The downside is that one must pay the full $65 daily admission price to use the facilities. However, a smart alternative for anyone who is within reasonable driving distance is to purchase a Twelve-Month Pass. The passholder is able to gain unlimited entry to the estate at any time of year for $105 annually. Passholders are also entitled to other benefits, such as priority dining reservations and discounts at estate stores. A few visits with your dog will make the pass worth the price, so it's something you should consider.

For basic walking or biking with your dog, the best place on the Biltmore Estate is probably the area surrounding and adjacent to Antler Hill Village and the winery. Park near the winery and pick up the paved trail that leads to the duck pond. It is a beautiful flat trail that meanders along the French Broad River and winds up at a duck pond where your doggie will love watching the ever-present geese. An added bonus is that you can return to the just-opened Antler Hill Village, where you'll find Cedric's Tavern, named after one of George Vanderbilt's beloved dogs, and a Creamery, which serves outstanding ice cream. Both eateries have outdoor seating and dogs are permitted to sit beside you while you enjoy lunch, dinner, or a treat.

Another great area for a walk is behind the house itself. Drive past the house and park in the lot for "A Gardener's Place," the plant and gift shop located near the greenhouse. Then cross the road to the Azalea Gardens. You'll find a wonderful paved path that winds through these gardens (the azaleas are spectacular in season) and eventually leads to a pond and waterfall. It's a memorable walk.

There are many more trails on the property, including some for serious hiking. Just ask for a trail map and follow whichever ones appeal to you. You could easily spend a day adventuring with your dog. Right now is a great time to visit because it's Biltmore's annual Festival of Flowers.

For more information and directions, visit: www.biltmore.com.

### Carl Sandburg Home, Flat Rock

Carl Sandburg and his wife Lilian owned a 245-acre farm named Connemara in Flat Rock, NC, a few miles from Hendersonville. Carl was one of America's greatest writers, and Lilian achieved world fame for raising award-winning goats. Mrs. Sandburg sold the house and land to the National Park Service after her husband's death. The Park Service designated it as a National Historic Site and conducts tours of the home.

Little known except to locals, however, is the fact that the site is a naturally beautiful hiking paradise and admission is free. The grounds feature everything from an easy stroll around picturesque Front Lake, to a moderate hike to Little Glassy Mountain, to a more adventurous hike up the Glassy Trail to Glassy Mountain. Most trails pass through unspoiled forest and it isn't suprising to have a trail all to yourself. Dogs are permitted on leash.

The Sandburg farm is truly a hidden gem for a hike with your dog. Chances are your four-legged friend will also be intrigued by the goats kept in the barn area, as well as by the resident cat. Trails can be accessed from the field across from the barn and from Front Lake.

Directions: The farm is located three miles south of Hendersonville, NC on Little River Road off of the Greenville Highway/Rt. 225 in Flat Rock, NC.

From Interstate 26 take exit 53 (formerly exit 22) - from I-26 east, turn right onto Upward Road; from I-26 west, turn left onto Upward Road. At intersection with Rt. 176/Spartanburg Hwy, continue straight. Upward Road turns into Highland Lake Road. At the light, turn left onto Rt.225/Greenville Hwy south. At next light take a right onto Little River Road. Visitor parking on left.

### Carrier Park and French Broad River Park, Asheville

The city of Asheville has some great venues for dog lovers. Two of them, Carrier Park and French Broad River Park, are along Amboy Road, close to each other, and include enough tree-lined paths by the French Broad River to make for a whole morning or afternoon of walking or biking with your four-legged friend.

Carrier Park attracts more of a crowd because of its facilities, but gently rolling paved and bark-mulched paths to the left of the picnic shelter lead away from the busy section, towards French Broad River Park. Walk along the sidewalk to reach the less populated area, and you'll notice a sign indicating the future home of "Karen Cragnolin Park." This is part of the ambitious "Wilma Dykeman Riverway Plan," named for a local writer/conservationist, and sponsored by the visionary organization, RiverLink. The plan calls for the eventual formation of a 17-mile continuous greenway linking the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers. It's an exciting and bold concept that encourages recreational use of the city's waterways.

French Broad River Park, beyond Carrier Park and to the left off Amboy Road, is a walker's delight. It has the added benefit of a fenced, 1-acre dog park on the premises. (However, there's a newer and larger dog park on the other side of town called the Azalea Road Dog Park, near the WNC Nature Center and not far from the Bleachery Boulevard shopping area.)

Walk or ride along the paths at either Carrier Park or French Broad River Park, stop to look at the water, and take time for you and your dog enjoy what Asheville has to offer.

Located off Amboy Road in Asheville.

### Fletcher Community Park, Fletcher

There are lots of community parks, so what makes Fletcher Community Park worthy of selection as a Pooch Path? One word: FLAT! Well actually, it's more than that. Yes, this park is very flat, but it also has excellent facilities and natural beauty. And it's a great place for a dog walk or a bike ride with your dog.

Fletcher Community Park has a large central "campus" with a paved trail all around it that makes for easy walking or a great bike riding path. It also has a crushed stone path running along Cane Creek that is very picturesque. Follow the bark mulch path from the stone path (behind all the parking lots) and there is a great spot to take your dog down into the water. It's right before a small bridge that passes over the creek. Go over the bridge and you'll come to a big open field (again flat) that provides another walking/biking trail. This is part of the "Fletcher Park Greenway." This flat, paved trail, partially in the shade, is perfect for walking and hiking. You can reach the path by taking the trail to the right of the parking lots as you enter the park. This trail leads over a small bridge. You'll see a large field ahead of you. Take the left path and you can follow the greenway path a few miles until the pavement ends. The path on the right is also flat but it is unpaved.

Fletcher Community Park also has restrooms and picnic tables. It is conveniently located off Hendersonville Road in Fletcher.

Directions: Coming from Asheville, make a left off of Hendersonville Road onto Howard Gap Road (at the light just before the Blue Sky Cafe). The park will be on your left.

### Mt. Pisgah, Blue Ridge Parkway

Mt. Pisgah is a delightful destination on a warm summer day, because of its cool temperatures, but it is equally beautiful during the spring and fall.

There are several areas your dogs will love. For a moderate hike, try the Buck Spring Gap trail, about 1.5 miles one way, which goes from the Buck Spring Gap Overlook parking area to the Pisgah Inn. There are marvelous views both at the overlook and the Inn. Interesting note: On this trail you'll see a marker and part of the original foundation of George Vanderbilt's mountain hunting lodge. You'll find it hard to imagine that he trekked all the way from the Biltmore Estate to get here! (Of course, he had a lot of help.) The present-day Shut-In Trail generally follows the same path along the Blue Ridge up to the lodge site.

There are numerous other hiking trails near Mt. Pisgah, but the most adventurous is the hike up Mt. Pisgah itself.

Our doggies particularly loved the nearby Mt. Pisgah picnic grove, accessible from its own parking lot. It is a lovely, large wooded area with picnic tables, outdoor grills, and restrooms. We brought tie-outs, hooked them around a table, and let the dogs enjoy their bones while we enjoyed our lunch. What a great spot!

Location: Mt. Pisgah is on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 407, south of Asheville.

### North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville

Consider taking a walk, hike, or bike ride with your dog on the grounds of the North Carolina Arboretum.

This exceptional facility has 10 miles of well-groomed trails. You can take an easy bike ride or walk along wide roads, or hike past the cooling waters of Bent Creek. Take the shaded Natural Garden Trail and see many kinds of vegetation. The Bent Creek Trail, a combination of open road and shaded creekside trail, passes by the National Azalea Repository -- a real treat in the spring. Try the Carolina Mountain Trail for a little bit of relatively easy mountain hiking. The lower part of the trail enters a very shady sanctuary where your dog will love splashing in the water right alongside the trail. Dogs must be leashed.

Pooch Pick: Enter the Arboretum at the main entrance. Make an immediate left into a parking area. Take the path with the bark mulch (Bent Creek Trail) until it meets up with the wide road. Stay on the road until you reach the three signs about creek restoration, shortly after the Azalea Repository. Right after the signs, go left down the hill to the creek. Doggies love this area. Seems like it was made just for them. They enjoy wading in and lapping up the cold clear water -- and the grass is tasty, too!

Directions: The entrance to the NC Arboretum is directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 393 (I-26 and Hwy 191). Admission is $6 per vehicle, free on Tuesdays. (Become a member and admission is always free.) There are many additional hiking trails, along with Lake Powhatan, in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest adjacent to the Arboretum.

### Pisgah National Forest, Brevard

If splashing in shallow water, hiking shaded mountain trails, and watching the rush of natural waterfalls excites you and your pooch, then the Brevard side of the Pisgah National Forest is the Pooch Path for you. Right at the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest on US 276, up a ways on the left, you'll find the shallow, gently running, cool water of the Davidson River, where doggies love to play.

All along US 276 are additional opportunities for fun, including the Visitor Center/Ranger Station, where you'll find a nature trail and exercise trail. Stop in to get trail maps. Then there's the Davidson River Campground, with hookups, trails, and fishing streams, the Sycamore Flats picnic area along the river, and the Coontree picnic area. At Coontree, cross a shallow stream and you'll find a secluded area with cliffs where you're likely to find jumpers splashing into the pool of water below.

Continue further up US 276 and you'll reach Looking Glass Falls, right off the highway. You can take a stairway down to the falls and even swim at its base, but be careful -- the rocks are slippery. It's also a short ride to Sliding Rock, a natural formation that acts as a water slide. You and your fur-pal can have fun watching both kids and adults taking the plunge, and you can wade in the water near the bottom of the slide.

You could spend many happy hours splashing and hiking just along this route, without even venturing further in the Pisgah National Forest. And on your way out, be sure to make a stop at Dolly's Ice Cream (on the left as you're leaving the Pisgah National Forest). Get yourself one of their incredible flavors, and treat the pooch to a vanilla soft-serve!

### Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa

Asheville is home to many wonderful outdoor adventures and, increasingly, the city is becoming nationally known as one of the most green and most eco-friendly. At the heart of the environmental movement is Warren Wilson College, a small liberal arts school ten miles east of Asheville in Swannanoa. Warren Wilson is highly rated for its outdoor life and being green; for example, Outside magazine ranks the college fourth on its Top 40, noting the following:

"Warren Wilson is one of the most earth-friendly colleges on the planet. ... Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders don't even have to leave the 1,200-acre campus, as more than 25 miles of trails cut through the grounds. Warren Wilson's environmental studies program is the biggest on campus, and students can choose between sustainable agriculture, conservation biology, environmental policy, environmental education, and sustainable forestry."

Those trails Outside refers to are open to the public and they are definitely dog-friendly (on-leash). The River Trail, for example, runs alongside the Swannanoa Rover, oops, that is, River! Typically, only locals know about these trails -- but now you do, too. Warren Wilson's trails definitely qualify as a Pooch Path adventure. Access the trails from the campus.

Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 E to I-40 E to Exit 55. Turn left off exit to Tunnel Rd./US 70. Turn right for 2 miles on US 70 E to the first stop light. Turn left at light onto Warren Wilson Rd. Go about 1.5 miles to parking on left at the river.

For more information about Warren Wilson College:

www.warren-wilson.edu

CANINE CRUISIN'

Looking for a cool dog-oriented day trip? Then you should do some Canine Cruisin'.

### Cleveland Park, Greenville, SC

During cooler temperatures, the temperate climate of the Upstate is particularly enjoyable. For a great dog-friendly destination, cruise over to Cleveland Park, a 122-acre park set alongside the Reedy River and close to downtown Greenville.

First let your dog work off some energy at The Canine Corner at Cleveland Park, located right across from the Cleveland Park Animal Hospital on Woodland Way. This enclosed off-leash dog park is a sloping bark-mulched area with swings, benches, some shady areas, and a combination human/doggie water fountain. Then take a leisurely leashed walk (or bike ride) along one of the numerous flat paths in the park. Some wind their way parallel to the river.

This is a great fall and winter spot in a city that welcomes dogs.

Information about Greenville parks and trails: <http://www.greenvillesc.gov/ParksRec/Trails/default.aspx>

### Cashiers, NC

Cashiers is one of those places you and your dog won't easily forget. While it is about 1-1/2 hours southwest of Asheville, its elevation is higher -- 3500 feet -- and that makes it considerably cooler. This charming, quaint, upscale town has both mountains and lakes -- the smaller Cashiers Lake and the larger Lake Glenville, where you'll find pet-friendly rentals (check out the lakeview cottage or cabin at www.sugarbearlodge.com, for example) and water sports of all kinds, including kayaks and pontoon boats for rent. There are a number of public boat launches and low spots where your dog can paddle around -- take Pine Creek Road off of Route 107 in Glenville to reach them.

Cashiers is a worthy destination for its shops and restaurants, but there are some notable spots that are great for your pup, too. There is the Woof Gang Bakery on Pillar Drive, just off the center of town, where you can lavish your dog with baked treats, natural foods, and plenty of boutique and accessory items. Also in the center of town, at the intersection of Routes 107 and 64, is the Village Green -- a beautiful 12-acre park with flat walking trails, including one that wanders through natural wooded forest. The park features sculptures, a gazebo, a chldren's playground, a picnic area, and more.

Half an hour away, and at an even higher elevation, is Highlands -- worth the trip if you like a winding road leading to tony shops along a busy main drag. (You'll find a pet store called Whiskers there too.)

Additional information about Cashiers:

http://www.gocashiers.com/

http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/

### Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway

Craggy Gardens is one of those unforgettable spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway that reminds you why you're so lucky to live in the Carolina mountains. This special area is a perfect excursion for you and your dog during the hot summer months because its altitude means temperatures as much as 15 degrees cooler than in the city.

In addition to the cool mountain air, you'll be treated to some memorable vistas, as well as spectacular rhododendron and fire azaleas. (Note, however, that they are past peak right now.) There's a beautiful picnic area where your dogs can hang out for awhile. From the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, you can pick up several trails. Just slightly north beyond the Visitor Center you can find Craggy Pinnacle trail, just 1-1/2 miles round trip. This is a great one to try. It will lead your through a rhododendron tunnel to a great mountaintop view and you'll see plenty of vegetation along the way. This is a prime spot for a dog hike!

Location: Mile Post 364 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 25 miles north of Asheville.

### DuPont State Forest, Brevard

DuPont State Forest, located between Hendersonville and Brevard, NC, is a hiker, biker, and dog owner's paradise. This 10,000-acre forest has numerous outstanding trails (some of the best mountain biking trails anywhere), waterfalls, lakes, and dense, cool forest. It definitely qualifies as a premier Canine Cruisin' destination.

DuPont's most visited attractions are its waterfalls. There are six different falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wintergreen Falls, and Grassy Creek Falls. Each one has its own unique qualities. For a description of each, visit: http://www.dupontforest.com/attractions.asp

The falls are accessible from two parking areas, the Hooker Falls Access Area, and the Buck Forest Access Area, which has access to the high falls. If you park at the Hooker Falls area, you can walk all the way up a path and see several of the falls.

In addition to waterfalls, there are other natural attributes of DuPont State Forest that make great destinations for you and your doggie.

Consider, for example, that there are some 90 miles of trails and dirt roads of varying difficulty, so you can hike to your heart's content. Then there are several other water features, aside from the falls, that make for enjoyable and refreshing visits.

Fawn Lake is one such destination. This lovely lake is hidden away in an access area beyond the falls, so it attracts less attention and therefore less crowds. Fawn lake has a small grassy area and sand sloping down to the water's edge, plus a short wooden dock that swimmers use for diving. The lake is very dog-friendly; in fact, no one seems to mind dogs being off-leash. Your dog will love frolicking in the shallow, warm water near shore or chasing a ball or stick further out. Be aware, however, that there is no shade, so come prepared with sunscreen, hats, etc.

Another interesting place to take your dog is Corn Mill Shoals, which is on the way from DuPont State Forest to Fawn Lake. Corn Mill Shoals features a slippery but inviting shallow swimming area on the Little River.

Finally, try Lake Imaging if you're looking for a quiet spot for a picnic. It's a pond-sized lake with a covered picnic pavilion, located in its own access area, just before the Hooker Falls access area.

For driving directions, go to: www.dupontforest.com/directions.asp

### Furman Lake, Greenville, SC

If you're looking for an idyllic stroll with your dog in the Upstate, there's none better than Furman Lake, located on the campus of Furman University. The trail meanders about 1-1/4 miles around a small lake and offers shade and lovely views of the picturesque clock tower and campus. Take a picnic lunch and make it an outing.

There are other trails on campus as well, including a two-mile trail behind the lake that goes through the woods, and a portion of an eleven mile trail that stretches from downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest.

The lake and trails are open to the public, but dogs should be on leash – and please remember to pick up after your dog.

Directions: Take I-26 to Hendersonville, N.C., then US 25 South. In Travelers Rest, bear left onto US 276 to Greenville, just past the Hampton Inn. Stay on US 276 one mile to the Furman exit.

### Lake James State Park, NC

If you're looking for a dog-friendly escape that combines both trails and the splendor of a large lake, give Lake James State Park a try. An easy 45 minutes or so east of Asheville on Route 40, Lake James is over 6,500 acres with more than 150 miles of shoreline.

Lake James features boating and swimming, but it is surrounded by a state park that also includes four hiking trails appropriate for leashed walks. Two of the trails extend out to overlooks so you can get a great view of the lake. Sandy Cliff Overlook Trail is just half a mile and Lake Channel Overlook Trail is 1.5 miles. Fox Den Loop Trail is 2.2 miles. All of these trails are considered moderate. Fishing Pier Trail, at .3 mile, is easy.

Directions to Lake James State Park: <http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/directions.php>

State park map: <http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/pics/parkmap.pdf>

### Lake Jocassee, Devils Fork State Park, SC

Lake Jocassee, South Carolina is a great doggy destination that's easy to reach from anywhere in the Carolina mountain region. This 7,500-acre man-made reservoir is virtually undeveloped. Its clear, calm waters and gentle mountains make you feel like you're looking out at a Caribbean vista.

The Devils Fork State Park features nature and hiking trails and an excellent campground with full hookups and beach access. Fishing, picnicking, and boating are just some of the activities you can enjoy there.

We stayed at the campground with our dogs and were able to walk right down to the beach. They loved splashing in the water and running along the beach, which has both rocks and sand. We also drove over to a separate boat ramp area (not the primary boat ramp) that featured rocks that you could climb down to a small sandy beach. The dogs loved exploring the shoreline.

Lake Jocassee is a great day trip or a multi-day camping excursion.

Directions: Access the lake by going to Devils Fork State Park in Salem, SC via the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway (SC 11).

### Max Patch, NC

If you're looking for a little piece of heaven for both you and your doggie, cruise on up to Max Patch. True, it's in the middle of nowhere, close to the Tennessee border, a little more than an hour northwest of Asheville, NC. And as you drive up about seven miles of gravel-packed, winding road to reach Max Patch, you'll be thinking "This better be good."

It's worth it. Max Patch is a bald about 4200 feet high, and the road gets you pretty close to the top. A short hike and you reach a flat, open area that is breathtaking, to say the least. You'll love the 360-degree panoramic views. You'll feel as if you're on top of the world. Your dog will love cavorting on the large grassy hillsides. No one seems to mind well-behaved off-leash dogs up there. It'll be easy to spot your buddy from most any vantage point.

File this one away for a lovely spring day or, better yet, make it an outing on a hot summer day. The cool breezes and spectacular locale are guaranteed to help you chill out.

Directions: You can reach Max Patch off Route 40 West (Exit 7), right off the exit onto the unpaved road, or you can wind your way through Hot Springs to get there.

### Montreat, NC

Montreat is a tiny, secluded town north of Black Mountain that is home to Montreat College and the Montreat Conference Center, which is surrounded by 2,500 acres of unspoiled wilderness. Montreat is a dog lover's paradise because it is an ideal destination for either a casual walk or a serious hike. There are numerous trails, many of which run alongside rushing creeks, set amidst dense trees in the mountains. If you're looking for a spot that gets you close to nature and elevates your spirits, Montreat is it.

While Montreat is typically a spring and summer destination, it is less crowded in the fall and winter. It is cool year-round, so dress appropriately.

For an easy, flat trail that runs alongside a creek, go through the Montreat stone gate and enter the gravel parking lot immediately on your right. There you'll find a memorial garden and a good walking trail that's shaded and cool and has plenty of opportunities for your dog to go into the rushing water of the creek.

For more vigorous hiking, go all the way up Assembly Drive until it becomes Grayhead Trail. Continue to the end until you reach the Trailhead. There are a number of trails there that lead through the forests, some more challenging than others.

You can find a link to a trail map and detailed trail descriptions on the Montreat Conference Center's website at: http://www.montreat.org/programs/wilderness.

Directions: I-240 East to I-40 East to Exit 64 (NC9) to Black Mountain/Montreat. Left at NC 9 North/State Road 2500. Continue onto Assembly Drive.

### Moses Cone Park, Julian Price Park, Boone, NC

If you're thinking of taking a Fall color excursion, take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head towards Mile Post 294, near Blowing Rock, NC. That's where you'll find an outstanding doggie destination: the Moses Cone Memorial Park. On 3500 acres of grounds sits a mansion with a breath-taking view, surrounded by 25 miles of carriage trails which are used for horse trail rides, but the trails are also very walkable. (The mansion is now a crafts center run by the Southern Highland Crafts Guild.)

Down below the mansion is the picturesque Bass Lake, which can be reached from Rt. 221 south, right outside of Blowing Rock. Bass Lake has a wonderful flat paved trail all around it, so it makes for an ideal walk or jog with your dog. In the Fall, the lake is surrounded by red, orange, and yellow, and it is quite spectacular to look up the mountain at the white mansion, set off by the vivid autumn colors. Carriage trails loop around the lake for longer hiking opportunities.

It's hard to believe, but there is another wonderful park just minutes away from Moses Cone, Julian Price Park, also accessible off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, too, you'll find a lake with a trail around it. It is more rustic and uneven than the one around Bass Lake, though, so wear good hiking shoes or boots for this one. Julian Price Park is no slouch for recreational activities, either: It offers 3900 acres with hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, trout fishing, and boat rental.

One or both of these parks make an outing you and your doggie will not soon forget. You could easily spend a day or more doing these two parks. When you tire of the natural beauty, you can always head into the quaint town of Blowing Rock, where numerous shops, galleries and restaurants await you.

Location: Moses Cone Park is at Milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

### Mt. Mitchell, NC

If you're looking for a cool (sometimes even cold) spot to take your dog, Mt. Mitchell's the place. It's a perfect destination on a hot summer day, and just as delightful during the fall.

Just under 6700 feet high, yet easily reachable via car, Mt. Mitchell offers spectacular views and temperatures at least 10 degrees, and sometimes as much as 20 degrees, cooler than Asheville.

Mt. Mitchell is in Yancey County, 33 miles north of Asheville, accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile marker # 355). Off the Blue Ridge, turn left on NC 128, which leads to Mt. Mitchell State Park. You can drive to the top of Mt. Mitchell and walk your dogs a relatively short way to get to the observation deck (see photo). There's a restaurant at the park, but the shady picnic area is a better bet for dogs. There are a number of hiking trails in the park as well.

Additional information about Mt. Mitchell:

<http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php>

<http://www.romanticasheville.com/mtmitchell.htm>

### Rutherfordton, NC

Rutherfordton, NC is a first-class doggy destination for several good reasons.

First, right in Rutherfordton, you'll find a kind of canine camping nirvana for your dog called Four Paws Kingdom. This first-class campground is dedicated to dogs -- really! Four Paws Kingdom is a 30-plus acre site that features a large fenced off-leash dog park, a fenced off-leash agility fun playground, a fenced off-leash small dog play area, a fenced off-leash area with a creek, and a fenced off-leash doggy swimming pond. Plus there are twenty acres of on-leash nature trails, clean private restrooms/showers, over 40 RV sites with full hook-ups, and even dog-friendly on-site trailers and cabins you can rent.

Owners Meik and Birgit Bartoschek are exceptional hosts who throw many parties and cook gourmet meals for their guests. Schroeder and Lucy (see photo) are the resident greeters. The Four Paws camping season runs through December, so check them out at www.4pawskindgom.com.

Two more reasons the area rocks for dogs are Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure, both of which are within 30 minutes of Rutherfordton.

Chimney Rock welcomes on-leash dogs. It has natural beauty and hiking trails galore perfect for hours of fun. Chimney Rock holds a special "Bark in the Park" every year in the Spring that welcomes dogs and features special demonstrations. Past years have included agility and guide dogs. To learn more about Chimney Rock, go to www.chimneyrockpark.com.

Lake Lure is a stunning lake with a marina, beach area, boardwalk, and lake tours. While dogs are not allowed in all areas, you can take a refreshing on-leash walk and get a great view of the lake as a cool-down after your Chimney Rock excursion (or as a leisurely alternative to hiking in Chimney Rock). Both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are worth the visit -- and Four Paws Kingdom makes a great base of operations in the Rutherfordton area.

### SC Botanical Garden, Clemson, SC

Before the heat of summer sets in, why not take an excursion to a beautiful dog-friendly place in the Upstate where there are miles of nature trails and woodland hikes?

Pay a visit with your pooch to the 295-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University in Clemson, SC, where on-leash dogs are welcome. You can choose from the Belser Native Wildflower Trail through the Woodland Wildflower Garden, where you'll see plenty of native wildflowers that bloom starting in early spring, or the Heusel Nature Trail, located in the oak-hickory forest beyond the Arboretum. There are other trails along Hunnicutt Creek, which connect natural areas of the Garden and offer meadow vistas. The Arboretum loop road is another popular walk.

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is open every day, dawn to dusk, and admission is free.

Maps of the Garden: <http://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/visiting/maps.html>

More information about visiting: <http://www.clemson.edu/public/scbg/visiting/index.html>

### Six Wags of Greer, SC

If you live in or are traveling to the Upstate, you'll find a place near Greer where your dog can play all day. "Six Wags of Greer" is a privately-run dog park that features 3 very large fenced in play areas for small, medium, and large dogs \-- complete with benches, toys, shade, and a running creek. It also includes two separate play areas for dogs that might do better playing alone, and one of those areas is outfitted with agility equipment.

You pay $5 for an "all-day pass" for your first dog, and $2 for each additional dog. It's a bargain even for a few hours of fun. The park is well-maintained and open 7 days a week from 7 AM to 8 PM. If no one's at the small shack on the property, just leave your money in the mail slot.

Directions: Six Wags of Greer is located on Highway 14, between Landrum and Greer, about 4 miles beyond the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 14, heading towards Greer. The park will be on your right.

### Waynesville and Lake Junaluska, NC

Waynesville and nearby Lake Junaluska make a great excursion for you and your dog. You'll be able to walk, jog, or bike on the Waynesville greenway -- a flat trail that runs over 5 miles through parts of Waynesville, some of it beside Richland Creek, and then to Lake Junaluska, continuing along one side of the lake.

Lake Junaluska, a retreat and conference center run by the United Methodist Church, is picturesque and peaceful. It is open to public use. There is a lovely trail, about 2-1/2 miles, that encircles the lake, and another walking trail of almost 4 miles that passes many of the buildings.

In Waynesville, let your dog off leash at the Pepsi Dog Park, located on Vance Street, not far from the Waynesville Recreation Center. The dog park is divided into two grassy areas, one for large dogs, and one for small dogs. It's a modest size but sufficient for some good playtime. After you drain your dog's energy, take a stroll down Waynesville's main street, where you'll find many interesting shops and several good restaurants.

Directions to Waynesville: I-40 West, right at US 74-W (US 19/23/64 to Clyde/Waynesville. Take Exit 102, US 276 towards Waynesville. Right onto US 276 S, right at North Main Street into Waynesville.

DOG-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE REGION

### Black Mountain, NC

Black Mountain is a charming, laid back town east of Asheville, right off Route 40. It's also remarkably dog friendly.

In Black Mountain, you'll find a small but nicely appointed off-leash dog park at the River Walk Park. It is a fenced-in, bark mulched area with shaded seating for owners and a water spigot for dogs. There is also a plastic doggie pool for splashing and cool-downs. It's known primarily to locals but anyone can use it. Just head for the Bi-Lo shopping center on NC 9, going south out of Black Mountain. Go around the back and to the left of Bi-Lo and you'll see a parking area and the entrance to the dog park.

Another great dog-friendly spot is Lake Tomahawk Park. It's located at 401 S. Laurel Circle Drive, not far from the center of town. This lovely lake has a half-mile flat path all the way around it, perfect for a low-impact walk with your pal (on-leash, please).

While in Black Mountain, be sure to visit Bone-A-Fide Bakery in the heart of town at Cherry Street Square. The bakery features homemade treats and doggie birthday cakes, as well as dog food, soaps and shampoos, collars and leashes, doggie clothing, and gifts. Bone-A-Fide is open Monday 1-6 PM, Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM - 6 PM, and Sunday 1 - 5 PM.

### Greenville, SC

Greenville, SC is a dog-friendly city, worthy of a visit with your pooch.

Dogs can go off-leash at Canine Corner at Cleveland Park, a fenced, mulched dog park on Woodland Way in Greenville. For leashed walks, try Falls Park in downtown Greenville (pictured here), right along the Reedy River. It features waterfalls, gardens, and the beautiful Liberty Bridge. For ambitious excursions, there's the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail. It's more than 13 miles long and goes from Travelers Rest to Greenville, running along the Reedy River.

Many Greenville restaurants welcome dogs in the outdoor seating areas. If you're looking for special treats just for Fido (baked gourmet goodies as well as boutique items), head over to The Barkery Bistro, 118 North Main Street.

For lake recreation, Paris Mountain State Park is just four miles away from the city. Paris Mountain features 15-acre Lake Placid, hiking trails, and picnic and camping areas.

And if you're from the area and looking to adopt a pet in the Greenville area, don't forget about the Greenville Humane Society.

### Knoxville, Tennessee

Dogwood Park in Knoxville, Tennessee is considered one of the South's "5 Best Dog Parks," according to the May 2010 issue of Southern Living. The magazine says:

"Puppies are not overlooked here with a playground (constructed especially for little legs) that features a tunnel, puppy jump, and inclined hill. Once your pooch is thoroughly worn out, he or she can drink up at a water fountain designed just for dogs. It's part of larger Victor Ashe Park, a 115-acre area that also includes a disc golf course, a children's playground, soccer fields, fishing, a 1.5-mile cross-country trail, and a paved greenway for biking or jogging."

Directions from I-40: From I-40, take the I-640 exit #385; take the Western Ave. West; head west on Western Ave; turn right onto Ballcamp Pk. at the Wendy's; turn right onto Bradshaw Rd; park will be on the left

BLOG POSTS

_Articles are alphabetical by title._

### Bike Riding with Your Dog

For a fun way to exercise yourself and your dog, consider a bike ride. It's an especially good activity during the Fall months. But keep in mind that your dog probably has no idea what a bike is, or what it does. That's why at least one training session is essential before you take off.

We trained our 9-year old black lab mix and our 6-year old cattle dog mix in an afternoon. These basic steps will get you started. (The following steps assume you are interested in a leashed ride on a flat surface. If you are planning to do mountain biking, your dog should not be leashed. He must be able to follow voice commands and stay near you.)

1. Orient your dog to the bike. Walk the bike and your dog on a loose leash until the dog becomes accustomed to walking beside the bike. Make a few turns and go in circles a few times so the dog has to follow you.

2. Get on the bike in a flat, protected area with little or no traffic. Keep your dog loosely leashed on the side most comfortable for you. Have your dog sit before you begin. Start riding very slowly and gently pull your dog to follow. Provide plenty of leash but keep your dog at your side or slightly behind you.

3. Keep riding very slowly and make some turns. See if your dog follows you. Use voice commands that your dog understands to control his movement as needed.

4. Gradually increase your speed. Your dog should keep up. If the dog moves ahead of the bike, gently pull him back and use a voice command such as "easy" so he knows to stay by your side. Be alert. If your dog starts to go in a different direction and you can't correct him, drop the leash, stop your bike, and start over again with your dog sitting by your side.

5. Bike ride frequently so your dog gets used to it. Be sure to bring water and don't over-work your dog.

**TIP** : Look for flat, wide paved areas with minimal traffic to bike ride with your dog. Rail trails or greenways, such as the Boone, NC greenway and the Fletcher, NC greenway (in the Fletcher Community Park) are ideal places for bike riding.

### Black Dog Syndrome

Do you own a black dog? Good for you!

The fact is black dogs (and cats) are often overlooked at animal shelters. It's a phenomenon called "Black Dog Syndrome." There are a number of reasons for this -- everything from superstition (they are thought to be bad luck), to the irrational fear that black dogs are more aggressive (not true), to the fact that black dogs don't "show" well because they don't reflect light and their eyes are harder to see (that is true). As an aside, we have a black lab mix that we adopted from an animal rescue organization many years ago. She is without a doubt the sweetest, gentlest dog we've ever owned.

Help your local animal shelter or rescue organization out by spreading the word that black animals get a bad rap. In fact, animal rescue organizations now have to use special marketing tactics to get people interested in black dogs and cats.

For more information about the myths and realities associated with black dogs, visit <http://www.blackpearldogs.com/>, a website that celebrates "the black pearls of the dog world."

### Cancer in Dogs

In more remarkable evidence of dogs tracking humans in terms of disease, dogs now get cancer at about the same rate as humans. Cancer is the cause of almost half of all deaths in pets over 10 years in age.

As in humans, there are many different kinds of cancer that affect dogs. Some of the more common ones, according to PetPlace.com, include skin cancer, lymphoma, mammary gland tumors, abdominal tumors, and testicular tumors.

The following warning signs, says PetPlace, could indicate cancer, so you should schedule a visit with your dog's vet if any of them appear:

Any lump or mass that appears to be increasing in size

Any sore that does not heal

Change in bowel or bladder habits

Difficulty urinating or defecating

Unexplained bleeding or discharge from any body opening

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Difficulty breathing

Persistent lameness or stiffness

Offensive odor

Difficulty eating or swallowing.

### Can Dogs and Humans Share Infectious Diseases?

The transfer of diseases between dogs and humans has been rare if not non-existent, but now MRSA, a drug-resistant germ that used to infect only humans, seems to be moving from human to dog and vice versa, according to an article in The New York Times. MRSA has typically been a problem in hospitals and other health care environments.

Some recent scientific studies have suggested "a strong link" between pets and humans when it comes to MRSA. "There are a number of papers coming out now showing that pets pick up MRSA from us," says Dr. Elizabeth Scott of Simmons College in Boston.

The best precaution, according to experts, is "frequent washing or sanitizing of hands before and after playing with a pet." Infectious disease specialist Dr. Richard Oehler "recommends hand washing or using hand gels before and after playing with a pet, not letting a pet lick people around the face, and not washing pet food or water bowls in the same sink that food is prepared. People should also wear gloves when attending to pets that have open wounds, he said, and should keep any of their own broken skin bandaged."

Dr. J. Scott Weese, a veterinary microbiologist thinks transmission is rare. "In the grand scheme of things with MRSA, pets are a pretty minor thing," he says. But given the close relationship humans have with companion animals, it pays to be careful. Says Dr. Weese, "If they're a minor component of a major disease, that's still something we need to be aware of."

### Can Your Dog Become a Therapy Dog?

The more we learn about dogs, the more we understand their value -- not just to us as pets, but as members of society capable of helping others. One way dogs can give back is to become volunteer therapy dogs. This gives them a sense of purpose because they have a "job" -- and it is also a wonderful experience for the dog owner, who is the dog's partner in providing therapy.

There are a number of ways therapy dogs can help society. For example:

\- they can visit classrooms and assist children with reading

\- they can bring a smile to the face of kids who are in hospitals

\- they can brighten the day of a resident at a nursing home.

Not all dogs are suited to become therapy dogs. Some programs require therapy certification.

The following programs operate in the Carolina mountains. Contact each directly for more information.

Paws with a Purpose- Asheville area

Paws 2 Care- Upstate SC area

SC Dogs Therapy Group - Anderson, Seneca, Clemson area

For more information about therapy dogs in general, contact:

Therapy Dogs International

Intermountain Therapy Animals

Therapy Dogs Inc.

### Can Your Dog Get the Flu?

Human flu season has officially started. Millions of people will be getting "regular" flu shots, and H1N1 vaccine distribution began yesterday. So dog lovers everywhere, including in the Carolina mountains, are wondering, "Can my dog get the flu?"

The answer is yes and no. Dogs are not known to contract human influenza virus, or H1N1 (formerly known as Swine) flu, at least at the present time. But your dog can get a canine variation of the flu known as H3N8, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Canine flu causes similar symptoms in dogs as in humans -- runny noses, coughing, and fever. The H3N8 flu originated with horses but, in September 2005, it became a legitimate flu infecting the canine population. According to the ASPCA, there have been outbreaks of canine flu in parts of North Carolina, but only in areas where dogs are in close proximity, such as kennels and shelters. Canine flu does not appear transferable to humans.

Most cases of canine flu are mild, but it can develop into a more serious disease. There are treatments available, and there is a canine flu vaccine -- ask your vet about it.

For more information about canine flu, visit:

<http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/>

 http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-canine-flu-question-and-answer.html

### Celebrating Senior Dogs

We own two wonderful dogs who are considered seniors, and we're not alone. In the U.S., about 40 percent of households with dogs have at least one that is considered a senior, aged seven or older. Senior dogs make great pets -- they tend to be laid back, know and accept the routine, and always provide unconditional love.

If you have a senior dog, you'll be interested in a new website called www.SeniorDogs.com. You'll find articles and resources for senior dog owners all in one place, covering medications, health insurance, nutrition, financial assistance and more. The site provides a full spectrum of pertinent information, as well as message boards where owners can find support and guidance from others who are experiencing the same challenges and joys of caring for an older dog.

### Cold Weather Tips to Protect Your Dog

With colder weather setting in, it pays to be extra-cautious when it comes to protecting your dog from the elements. These helpful tips, courtesy of Asheville Humane Society, can keep your dog safe and comfortable during the winter months.

\- If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal – even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. Fortunately, the Sierra Company now offers a far less toxic form of anti-freeze. They can be reached at (888) 88-SIERRA.

\- Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Musher's Secret which can be applied to your dog's footpads prior to going outside, which may help reduce the pain that is often caused by road salt and chemicals.

\- When a dog's internal temperature drops below 96 degrees F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold – such as shivering – should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.

\- Your dog should have a warm area to sleep at night, away from drafty windows or doors. Make sure your dog has warm comfortable bedding and his water isn't too cold.

\- To avoid fleas this time of year, wash your dog's bedding and vacuum your carpets weekly. Also, make sure your dog is on a monthly flea and tick preventative.

\- Your dog may require more calories in the cooler months. Talk to you veterinarian about whether or not you should increase the amount of food in the dog dish.

Most dogs shed their summer coats before putting on their winter coat. Make sure to brush your dog often to keep down the amount of hair dust found in your home.

### Common Dog Myths

A really interesting article appeared on PetPlace.com recently -- "16 Common Dog Myths" by veterinarian Dr. Debra Primovic. It lays to waste some commonly held misconceptions about our favorite four-legged friends.

Here are just a few excerpts:

Dogs should have a litter before they are spayed.

Not true. Dogs that have a litter before they are spayed are not better for it in any way. in fact, spayed dogs are at lower risk for breast cancer and uterine infections.

Dogs are sick when their noses are warm.

The temperature of a dog's nose does not indicate health or illness.

Dogs eat grass when they are sick.

Many scientists believe grass was once part of dogs' natural diets and eating small amounts of grass is normal.

Read the entire article here: <http://www.petplace.com/dogs/16-common-dog-myths/page1.aspx>

### Critter Magazine

If you're interested in adopting an animal and you live in or near the Asheville or Greenville areas, pick up a free copy of the monthly Critter magazine, generally available at shelters, rescue organizations, pet stores, and veterinary clinics.

Critter has helpful articles and ads from numerous area shelters and rescue organizations. The magazine focuses on adoption, awareness of spay/neuter as the best way to reduce animal over-population, and education, which includes a "Kids Page."

Critter publishes editions in Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC, as well as in Athens, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Gainesville, FL, Knoxville, TN, and Myrtle Beach, SC.

You can also read Critter online at <http://www.crittermagazine.com/>

### Do Dogs Have a Sixth Sense?

Dogs are often thought by their owners to have ESP, or a sixth sense. At the very least, some dogs do seem to be sensitive to changes in the weather and can even "predict" a thunderstorm by exhibiting unusual behavior. Dogs and other animals have been known to react right before an earthquake occurs. Even more remarkable, perhaps, are the dogs that can predict when their human owners are about to have a seizure.

Well it turns out that a considerable number of people believe pets have a sixth sense. A new AP-Petside.com poll indicates that 47 percent of U.S. dog owners believe their dogs have a sixth sense. In addition, 72 percent of dog owners think their pets can predict an approaching storm.

Arthur Benjamin, president of American Dog Rescue, is absolutely convinced that his poodle Buddy can predict seizures, according to Petside.com. Benjamin says before his wife Gail had a seizure, "Buddy would make these jerking movements -- like he was having a fit -- and we realized he could sense the seizures coming on."

Animal experts believe that animals can be sensitive to things humans cannot feel, see, or hear. They cite the fact that storms cause a static, electric charge in the air that pets may be able to sense. More about the study: http://www.petside.com/article/ap-petside-poll-do-pets-have-sixth-sense

What do you think? Does your dog have a sixth sense?

### Dog Hero Featured in Novel, "Water's Edge"

Of course you love dogs -- but if you also love a good story with a dog as the hero, Water's Edge is a new book you might enjoy. An extra bonus: It takes place in Asheville.

Water's Edge features Blackout, a 3-year old female black mixed breed dog -- some lab, some shepherd, and who knows what else. She's jet black with a few white highlights. She was adopted from a shelter by David Samuels, an environmental consultant from Boston, who named her Blackout after a blackout that occurred around the time he adopted her.

David taught Blackout to sniff out chemicals and other substances. She became so good at it that David began to use Blackout as his "secret weapon" in helping to uncover pollutants and even track them to their source. As a result, Blackout became something of a local celebrity.

David has relocated to Asheville to retire, but he gets a strange call from his former employer. Apparently, someone is polluting the French Broad River with benzene. Knowing that Blackout's special skill could help, David reluctantly agrees to get involved.

David and Blackout get caught up in a chain of events that's more sinister than anyone can imagine. In fact, river pollution is just the beginning of this wild ride. Ultimately, Blackout plays a key role in uncovering the plot -- and David finds out that "retirement" is more than he bargained for!

Water's Edge is an environmental thriller with plenty of twists and turns. This novel marks the beginning of a new series with two unlikely heroes, Blackout the dog and his baby boomer owner.

Water's Edge is available as an eBook for just $2.99. Get a free sample at the Amazon Kindle Store on the iPad and nook, or at Smashwords.com. You can also follow Blackout the dog's blog, www.blackoutthedog.com.

### DOG IS LOVE

The blue "DOG IS LOVE" bumper sticker that you see on cars throughout Western North Carolina (and beyond) is one of those viral community efforts that you may not know much about.

But here's the behind the scenes scoop. In 2001, Suzi Katz of Asheville found a stray dog. She launched a website, www.loveyourbuddy.com, to help get the dog, who she named "Buddy," adopted. Suzi found him a home, but the website lived on as a place to sell DOG IS LOVE stickers. At first she just thought it would be fun to see them around, but as the stickers grew popular, she decided to use them to raise money and awareness for animal and rescue organizations.

There are now a number of different stickers available at the website. Suzi has raised over $11,000 for local and even national organizations. That's what loving dogs can do!

### Dogs and Car Safety

Two big safety concerns related to cars always pop up as the weather gets warmer: leaving a dog in a hot car, and letting a dog ride in the open bed of a pickup truck.

Hot Cars

On warm days, the inside of a car heats up very quickly. For example, when it's 85 degrees outside, the inside temperature of a car with the windows slightly open can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes. According to the Animal Protection Institute, a dog's normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees. Dogs can withstand a body temperature of 107 to 108 degrees for only a very short period of time before suffering serious effects or even death... so don't take a risk leaving your dog in a car when temperatures are on the rise. For more information, visit www.mydogiscool.com.

Pickup Trucks

Dogs riding in the open beds of pickup trucks may look like they're having fun -- but they're not safe. A dog can easily be thrown from the truck bed onto the road. According to The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), there is no brand of harness known that has been proven safe to restrain a dog in the open bed of a pickup truck. Instead, says HSUS, put your dog in the cab in a travel crate or other pet carrier.

### Dogs and Cold Weather

The unusually cold weather we've been having in the Carolina mountains can be difficult for dogs. Here are some tips from veterinarian Janet Tobiassen Crosby of About.com:

1. All pets need adequate shelter from the elements and insulation against cold weather. Pets should not be left outside for long periods in freezing weather -- like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite. Young and senior pets are especially at risk.

2. If your dog lives outside, set up a suitable house in an area protected from wind, rain, and snow. Insulation, such as straw or blankets, will help keep in body heat. Pet supply vendors sell heated mats for pets to sleep on or to be placed under a dog house. Fresh water is a must at all times! Pets are not able to get enough water from licking ice or eating snow. A heated water disk is a wonderful tool. The water stays cold, but doesn't freeze.

3. Dogs walking in snowy areas may get large ice balls between their pads. For dogs that have a lot of hair between the pads, keep it clipped shorter to prevent ice ball formation. Pets walking on sidewalks where salt or chemicals have been used are prone to dry, chapped paws. This will encourage dogs to lick their paws and ingest the chemicals, which may cause stomach upset. Wash off your dog's feet after an outing with a warm wet cloth.

4. Thirsty and curious pets will lap up antifreeze. Just a few licks can be fatal. Lock up antifreeze containers and clean up spills immediately.

5. If your dog has arthritis, it can be worse during cold and damp weather. Take special care to handle your pet gently, watch out for icy walks, and provide soft (and possibly heated) bedding.

For more detailed information, visit:  http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/diseasesall/a/coldweatherlist.htm

### Dogs and Sunburn

In the Carolina mountains, the sun can increase in intensity quickly during the day this time of year. It's important to know that your dog can actually get sunburned. This is what Drs. Foster and Smith have to say about dog sunburn on their very comprehensive website, www.peteducation.com:

"Collies and other dog breeds such as Shetland Sheepdogs, who have no pigment on their nose can develop a condition called 'Collie Nose,' or 'nasal solar dermatitis.' This is actually caused by a hypersensitivity to the sun.

Some pets, whose hair is clipped very short over their bodies or for some reason have sparse hair can also develop sunburn where their skin is exposed. Pets susceptible to sunburn should be kept out of direct summer sun, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is particularly strong."

### Dogs and Thunderstorms

During the summer in the Carolina mountains, afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. It's somewhat of a mystery, but some dogs are adversely affected by thunderstorms, while others are not. One theory says certain breeds are more prone to "storm phobia" than others, but that is not a hard and fast rule.

Dogs who are affected by thunderstorms can exhibit anxiety or fear when they hear thunder or witness lightning. Possible behaviors in reaction to a storm include barking, whining, shivering, hiding, or even attacking toys or clawing furniture. Some dogs can sense when a storm is coming and they begin exhibiting behaviors even before thunder and lightning begin.

Some experts believe that de-sensitizing a dog is the best therapy. For example, you could expose your dog to a video of a thunderstorm, with the volume set low, and repeat this training with positive reinforcement until the dog adjusts to the sound. However, any such training should not be attempting without first checking with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. Severe cases may require medications, which your vet can provide.

During a storm, presenting a calm demeanor to your dog without babying him or her is thought to be the best action to take.

For additional helpful tips about how to handle a dog that has a bad reaction to a thunderstorm, check out these resources:

<http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/pets/articles/d103>

 http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2010-06-10-vetviews11_ST_N.htm

### Dogs and Women Helping Each Other

The lead article in the October issue of Western North Carolina Woman is a fascinating inside look at the "New Leash on Life" program, which brings together women in the Swannanoa Correctional Facility with dogs in a win-win situation. Sponsored by Animal Haven in Asheville, the five year old dog training program demonstrates the unique bond of people and dogs, says Debbie Hughes, Superintendent of the facility.

"The inmates get a lot out of the program. ... It's a beautiful thing because the dogs have been through a lot of trauma, and the inmates have too. The way I see it, they help each other heal. It's great to see a dog who came in terrified, not trusting, then over the weeks just blossom, not just because of the trainers but because all the inmates love these dogs. ...Every inmate brings a different gift to the table. Every dog brings a different story."

To read the complete article, go to: <http://wncwoman.com/october10/page6.html>

### Dogs at the Movies!

What is thought to be the first movie theater for dogs had its debut last month in Sweden, according to Petside.com. Eight screenings of the movie, Marmaduke, were held in a theater, and 20 dogs attended each show -- but they did have to attend with their owners.

The pups didn't get popcorn and candy, but they did enjoy "goodie bowls" with doggie snacks courtesy of Pedigree, who co-sponsored the theater with Fox Home Entertainment.

The theater was a special one-time occurrence set up in conjunction with a pet exhibition, but the organizers said the doggy theater was so popular that they would do it again next year.

Maybe this is a novel idea for a movie theater in the dog-loving Carolina mountains???

### Dog Walkers are Healthier

Those of us who walk our dogs religiously can feel pretty darn good about several recent studies that show "dogs can be powerful motivators to get people moving," reports Tara Parker-Pope in the New York Times. "Not only are dog owners more likely to take regular walks, but new research shows that dog walkers are more active over all than people who don't have dogs," writes Parker-Pope. (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/forget-the-treadmill-get-a-dog/?nl=health&emc=healthupdateema2)

A new study by Michigan State University published in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health, indicates that "dog walking was associated with a significant increase in walking activity and LTPA" (Leisure Time Physical Activity). Of those dog owners who went on regular walks, 60 percent met federal standards for regular moderate or vigorous exercise. Two-thirds of the dog owners, who were Michigan residents, took regular walks lasting at least 10 minutes with their dogs. However, owning a dog did not guarantee physical activity.

Tara Parker-Pope raises an interesting question, "whether owning a dog encourages regular activity or whether active, healthy people are simply more likely to acquire dogs as walking companions."

Another study from the University of Missouri, published last year, suggested that dogs are better walking companions than humans. Yes -- and they don't argue with you, either!

### Do You Need Insurance for Your Dog?

With the recent passage of health care legislation in the U.S., health insurance has top-of-mind awareness. So maybe it's time to ask the question: Should you get insurance for your dog?

If you've been to your vet lately, you know why "pet insurance" has become more popular nowadays. If your dog has ever required surgery or any other form of specialized veterinary medicine, you know such services are expensive. With dogs living longer, and people treating them more like family, it is likely that the average dog owner will pay a significant amount of money for veterinary care over the life of the pet.

Pet insurance is not unlike health insurance for humans: it can have limits for pre-existing conditions, deductibles, co-pays, and so on. According to the Insurance Information Institute, three types of pet health insurance are available:

1. Traditional insurance, which includes three levels of coverage: a. Basic (Least expensive. Typically covers accidents, poisonings, and many illnesses; caps on reimbursements per accident or illness and total reimbursements per policy term.) b. Comprehensive (More expensive. More generous reimbursement, plus coverage for office visits, prescriptions, diagnostic tests, x-rays and lab fees.) c. Well Care (Reimburses preventive care, with deductible for other medical services.)

2. HMO Coverage – Technically, these are not insurance policies; rather, they are wellness packages offered by some vets, that typically provide discounts on vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and dental cleanings.

3. Discount Plans – Participating vets and pet vendors offer discounts on veterinary services and some supplies.

Purchasing pet insurance is a personal decision and should be based on a number of factors. Here's a good resource for more information about how to decide whether or not to get pet insurance:

 http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/insuranceinfo/a/pethealthinsura.htm

### Duke University Studies How Dogs Think

Researchers at Duke University have established the Canine Cognition Center to study how dogs think. Professor Brian Hare, the research laboratory's director, tells CNN, "We're excited about describing the psychology of our dogs. Different dogs solve different problems differently. And what we want to understand is: What is it that either makes dogs remarkable as a species or what is it that constrains the ability of dogs to solve problems?"

The ability of dogs is tested at the lab via games. The lab also studies dogs' behavior and tries to understand their limitations. Researchers believe that knowing why dogs make mistakes can help them become even better at serving humans' needs.

Professor Hare has studied dogs for fifteen years, and he believes dogs are better than any other species at figuring out how to read human behavior. He says dogs think "people are super-important and they can solve almost any problem if they rely on people... They really narrow in and pay attention to you and they want to know what it is about the world that you can help them with."

Professor Hare also says that a dog, like a child, know that when you turn your back, he can sometimes get away with something. In fact, a dog is skilled enough to manipulate his owner. According to the professor, although a dog owner likes to think she's in charge, it may actually be the dog who runs the show!

### Fleas in Winter?

Don't be fooled. Here in the Carolina mountains, even though temperatures can fall during the Winter, flea season is year round. Fleas typically do NOT die during the colder months -- they just become dormant. If fleas are present anywhere in your home (which is highly likely if you have a dog), they will continue to be a problem regardless of the weather outside.

That's why the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends that pet owners continue to use regular monthly treatments for flea prevention all twelve months of the year. There are many flea treatments available and it is best to check with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate one to use for your dog. For information about the safety of commercial flea treatment products, visit the website www.greenpaws.org.

### "Fur-Ever Home," Animal Rescue Game

Looking for something different as a birthday gift for the kids? How about a board game to help educate them about animal rescue, the first of its kind.

By playing "Fur-Ever Home," you work together to get all the animals off the streets of "Straytown," creating a rescue organization that needs to raise money, pay bills, spay/neuter, and do a lot of other things that real rescue organizations have to deal with. You "win" the game when Straytown's streets are free of homeless animals and each one has been taken in by a shelter or adopted.

You can purchase Fur-Ever Home directly from the maker at: www.petsapalooza.com. Designate Asheville Humane Society and a $5 donation will be made with your purchase.

### Garden Alert: Don't Use Cocoa Bean Mulch!

Dogs spend a lot of time in the yard during the summer and that's why you need to know about a dangerous product: cocoa bean mulch. When you mulch your garden beds, stay away from cocoa bean mulch. Despite its sweet smell, rich color, and organic qualities, the ASPCA reports that cocoa bean mulch can be just as toxic to dogs as chocolate. If your dog ingests a quantity of this mulch, it can result in serious illness. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, hyperactivity, and muscle tremors.

Dr. Steven Hansen of the ASPCA recommends using a nontoxic mulch alternative. Some possibilities are shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark. If you suspect your dog may have ingested cocoa bean mulch, contact your veterinarian at once, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. For helpful tips from the ASPCA about pet-safe gardening, go to:  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/pet-safe-gardening.aspx.

### Good News, Dogs: You're Superior to Cats!

Researchers have discovered that dogs' brains are larger than cats because they are highly social and need more brain power than solitary animals. A recent study by Oxford University, published in PNAS Journal, indicates that groups of mammals with relatively larger brains tend to live in "stable social groups." The study found that brain growth varies widely among mammals, and the results indicate that social animals need to think more.

Professor Robin Dunbar, a co-author of the study, said, "For the first time, it has been possible to provide a genuine evolutionary time depth to the study of brain evolution. It is interesting to see that even animals that have contact with humans, like cats, have much smaller brains than dogs and horses because of their lack of sociality."

So rejoice, doggies. While you may have suspected it all along, now you know it for a fact. Your brains are larger than cats because you are socially superior!

### Grass Roots Anti-Puppy Mill Campaign

Puppy mills continue to be one of the dirty little secrets behind the pet store industry. Puppies sold in pet stores typically come from puppy mills, not legitimate breeders. The USDA is charged with regulating puppy mills, but they do a woefully inadequate job. Conditions at puppy mills are truly horrible. States often step in to pass their own puppy mill laws (North Carolina has not passed a law yet, but one is in the works). Unfortunately, not all states take this action, and even those that do sometimes fall short.

That's why it's important for everyone who cares about animals to support rescue organizations, animal shelters, adoption centers, and legitimate breeders as places to obtain dogs instead of pet stores.

It's also important to speak out. A number of nonprofit organizations support national and local efforts against puppy mills, including the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, and the Humane Society of the United States.

Here's a grass roots effort we learned about that shows you even a single individual can make a difference. Kathleen Fitzgerald, a dog shelter volunteer in New York, decided to take matters into her own hands by writing a passionate letter about puppy mills and sending it out to over 4,500 animal lovers and organizations. Carolina Mountain Dog applauds Kathleen for speaking out, and we're providing a link to her letter here so you can print it out and pass it along if you so choose: <http://pacsnj.org/docs/Kathleen-Fitzgerald-Letter.pdf>

### Holiday Decorations and Your Pet

During holiday time, you may consider your pets part of the family and therefore part of the celebration, but they are particularly susceptible to injury and illness from things you might consider harmless. Here are some tips to keep the holidays safe for your dogs and cats, courtesy of Asheville Humane Society.

\- The family Christmas tree should stand in a flat, wide base. You might want to anchor it to the wall to avoid tipping. Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. If your kitty shows a penchant for this activity, decorate with animal-safe items such as dried flowers, pine cones, resin-cast or wood ornaments. You might also want to consider putting the tree in a room with doors that close.

\- Whether your tree is real or artificial, both kinds of needles are indigestible.

\- Metal ornament hooks can get caught in curious mouths. Use ribbon or yarn instead of hooks to hang ornaments.

\- Refrain from using edible ornaments or decorations on your tree. Cranberry and popcorn strands can be deadly to pets, causing internal obstruction or getting wrapped around your pets' neck.

\- Tinsel can cause intestinal obstruction and blockage if swallowed.

\- Glass balls can shatter in an animal's mouth. Broken pieces can cut and be deadly if ingested.

\- Angel hair is spun glass, and will shred the intestines if swallowed.

\- Artificial snow or flocking can be ingested or inhaled and caught in the nasal passages.

\- Cover your tree stand tightly with skirting. The water from the tree base can cause mouth sores, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

\- DO NOT use moth balls to deter your cat from climbing the tree, digging in your holiday plants or scaling garland. They are highly toxic and if even a little is ingested it could have serious consequences. A bowl of fresh lemon peels at the base of the tree can deter curious kitties plus add a nice scent to your festivities. Also, try spraying Bitter Apple or "Cat Away" on the lower branches.

\- Exposed wiring can electrocute a curious animal who chews on it. Encase or cover cords or electrical plugs inside PVC tubing or under tape. Hide or tape down all cords to avoid tripping.

\- Leave Christmas tree lights unplugged when out of the room to avoid electrocution.

\- Keep gift ribbons, curling ribbon and bows out of sight to prevent chewing and swallowing. Do not put presents under the tree if your pet can access them.

\- Many pets enjoy romping through discarded wrapping paper and empty boxes, but be sure to dispose of all bows, yarn and curling ribbon to prevent swallowing and intestinal blockage, or strangulation.

\- The lovely bubbling holiday lights are of moderate to lethal toxicity, depending on the amount of fluid (methylene chloride) inhaled or ingested.

\- Fire salts may be beautiful and breathtaking on a cold winter's evening in the fireplace, but they are moderately toxic to pets which can cause vomiting or convulsions.

\- Resist the temptation to tie ribbons around your pet's neck for the holidays. The ribbons could tighten or get caught on something, choking the pet.

\- Never leave burning candles unattended. Pets could knock over burning candles and receive serious burns by spilling hot wax over themselves.

\- Beware of simmering potpourri and/or potpourri oil. Most potpourri liquids contain natural or essential oils, which if ingested can cause vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, weakness and possibly liver damage. Some products also contain cationic detergents, which is even worse. Cats are often exposed to the oils by rubbing against a leaky bottle or pot containing the oil, or may spill it over themselves. When they try to lick the oil off of their fur, it poisons them, burning their tongue, mouth and esophagus. Dogs and ferrets often like the taste of potpourri, so make sure to keep an eye on them, too.

\- Keep batteries stored safely away. Batteries contain a highly corrosive acid that can burn a pet's mouth if it leaks or the container is broken by chewing.

### How Is Your Dog's Dental Health?

The American Veterinary Dental Society says 80 percent of dogs develop periodontal disease by the age of three. As in humans, periodontal disease is a condition that needs to be treated promptly or it can have a damaging effect on the dog's overall health.

The Woof Report, an email newsletter/website for dog owners, has some good advice for dog owners about taking care of Fido's teeth and gums. You can read it here:  http://woofreport.com/k9-care/2198-how-to-care-for-your-dogs-dental-health.html

Also of value is the website, Petdental.com, which features these three basic steps to success:

1. Get a dental exam from your veterinarian.

2. Begin a dental care regimen at home.

3. Schedule regular veterinary checkups.

At some point in his or her life, your dog may require a canine teeth cleaning, especially if the dog is over five years old. Talk to your vet about this. The good news is there are a number of ways to fight plaque and tartar buildup, including specially formulated foods, treats designed for healthy chewing, and special chew toys that promote good oral health.

### How to Go Green with Your Dog

Going green goes with dogs in more ways than you might imagine. Maybe your dog is "recycled" to begin with because you adopted your pup from a shelter or rescue organization. But that's just the beginning of the relationship between your pet and protecting our precious Earth. Here are some ways you can go green with your dog:

\- Both dogs and cats enjoy playing with cardboard cores from paper towel and toilet paper rolls.

\- Recycle your old pet toys, collars and leashes to an animal shelter or rescue group.

\- Clean up after your pet using organic and natural cleaners, such as vinegar, water and baking soda -- they help the environment and are safer around your dog.

\- Reuse plastic grocery bags to pick up your doggie's poop, or purchase biodegradable poop bags.

\- If you have a cat, consider using natural, eco-friendly cat litter, such as "Yesterday's News," made from recycled newspapers, or "Feline Pine," made from renewable Southern yellow pine and 100 percent biodegradable.

Source: Buncombe County e-news

### How We Communicate with Our Best Friends

The recent "Wags Not Words" Survey, conducted by a research firm for Del Monte's Pup-Peroni brand dog snacks, reveals that the majority of American dog owners believe they can communicate with their best friends.

\- Nearly three in four (74 percent) dog owners surveyed say their dog's body language or facial expressions let them know how their pet is feeling.

\- Seven in ten dog owners (70 percent) says they have "shared a look" with their dog on at least one occasion.

\- Nearly half (49 percent) believe they know exactly what their pet is thinking.

\- More than a third (34 percent) report that they've had an entire "conversation" with their dogs without saying a word.

\- A remarkable 89 percent of survey respondents said there have been moments when their dogs tried to comfort them in times of need.

\- Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) says their dogs are more dependable than their human best friends.

\- The vast majority (89 percent) of dog owners admit that their dogs are usually more excited to greet them when they come home than their significant others (sorry, dear!).

So there you have it: Some very good reasons dogs really are our best friends!

### If Dogs Could Fly...

... they wouldn't need Pet Airways, the airline created especially for pets.

Pet Airways flies dogs and cats in the main cabin of an airplane, not the cargo hold. All flights are accompanied by a trained pet attendant. The airline promises never to leave its "pawsengers" unattended and even makes sure flights are scheduled to allow for potty breaks. Pet Airways currently serves about 15 cities, with the closest location to our area being Richmond, Virginia. They are expanding so who knows, maybe they'll come to Charlotte soon (or even Greenville or Asheville, if we're really lucky). For more information, visit www.petairways.com.

Speaking of Charlotte, maybe you're planning some holiday travel in and out of the Charlotte airport and you have a doggie dilemma: you'd rather not fly with Fido. Then you'll be interested to know that a new pet resort, Pet Paradise, has just opened near the Charlotte airport. Pet Paradise provides free airport parking, daycare, and boarding in luxury accommodations. They even have a bone-shaped pool for swimmers. Pet Paradise also operates at several Florida airports, as well as in New Orleans and Houston. For more information, visit www.petparadiseresort.com.

### Interested in Dog Breeds?

While many dog owners are partial to just plain mutts (or to put it more politely, "mixed breeds"), there are hundreds of dog breeds, each with unique characteristics. It's helpful to know about these characteristics if you're thinking of adding a dog to your family that is a specific breed. Sometimes, knowing about a breed can even be beneficial if you have a mixed breed, because your dog may exhibit the characteristics of its dominant breed.

A good source of information on breeds is Animal Planet's online "Dog Breed Selector." This tool guides you through an interactive process to help you select an appropriate breed, or you can pick a breed from the list and view information about its history, temperament, characteristics, upkeep, and more.

Check it out at: <http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do>

### Is a Holistic Vet Right for Your Dog?

Holistic medicine has grown in popularity in recent years because it considers the whole being and often includes treatments that are generally viewed as "alternative" medicine. While holistic veterinarians can provide traditional treatments, they are also typically skilled in specialized areas such as acupuncture, behavior modification, herbal medicine, homeopathy, augmentation therapy, and chiropractic.

The following information is adapted from the American Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association (www.ahvma.org).

Holistic medicine

Holistic veterinary medicine is interested in treating the "whole" dog -- physical, behavioral, medical history, dietary, emotional, and environmental factors. The holistic vet considers "the environment, the disease pattern, the relationship of pet with owner" and develops a treatment plan that "uses a wide range of therapies for healing the patient."

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is "a technique for relieving pain and for improving the function of organ systems by stimulating acupuncture points on the surface of the body." Veterinary acupuncture aims to strengthen the body's immune system.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine uses plants and plant extracts to treat conditions and diseases. Medicines used may include Western herbs, Chinese herbs, and Ayervedic herbs from India. "Herbs have healing powers that are capable of balancing the emotional, mental and physical dimensions of animals."

Homeopathy

Homeopathy works on the principle of "like cures like." Homeopathic remedies "contain vibrational energy essences that match the patterns present in the diseased state within the ailing patient."

Augmentation therapy

Also known as orthomolecular medicine, augmentation therapy uses supplemental minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to treat conditions and diseases.

Chiropractic

Employed to treat "a broad spectrum of conditions in animals," veterinary chiropractic uses "hands-on specific adjustments" to alleviate problems.

### Is Your Dog Overweight?

We've heard a lot about the human obesity problem in the U.S. Well, it seems dogs are following that pattern. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 45 percent of dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. That's about 35 million animals. The association says an overweight dog can develop a number of health problems. Tops on the list are osteoarthritis, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, cranial cruciate ligament injury, kidney disease, and cancer.

Dogs are a healthy weight, says the association, if you can easily feel their ribs, observe a tucked abdomen (no sagging stomach), and you can see a waist when viewed from above. The association has a lot more good information on its website, including a body conditioning scoring chart, ideal pet weight ranges, and a listing of pet caloric needs. Check it out: http://www.petobesityprevention.com

### Keeping Your Dog Safe around Holiday Food

Holidays are a time for lots of good food, and many of us are tempted to include our dogs in the festivities. Unfortunately, food for humans is generally not healthy for dogs to consume -- and some aspects of human food are downright dangerous. Here are several tips to keep your dog safe during your holiday feasts, courtesy of Asheville Humane Society (www.ashevillehumane.org).

\- Even the most docile, well trained dog might discover that a turkey, roast or bone simmering on the stove or counter or accidentally dropped on the floor might be worth fighting for. This could result in the dog biting anyone who attempts to take it away, including a small child that just happens to walk by. Keep food and bones out of reach and keep your dog out of the kitchen during preparations and servings.

\- If your dog normally joins the family at dinnertime, remove him/her from the room and provide a favorite chew toy or Kong instead.

\- Watch those hot containers filled with turkey and ham drippings on the stove or table. Your dog can easily tip them over causing severe scalding and burns to themselves.

\- Don't feed dogs the cooled drippings from meat. Human seasonings aren't good for dogs, and the rich stock and drippings can easily upset their digestive systems.

\- Dogs should not be garbage disposals for holiday left-overs. Any sudden change of diet, even for just one meal, can give your dog stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating or other health problems. This is particularly true for older animals, whose digestive systems are often more delicate and nutritional requirements more strict. Consumption of human food can also result in pitiful begging, an aggravating habit hard to break, when the family sits down for meals.

\- BONES ARE DANGEROUS! Please, please don't feed your pets bones, especially poultry bones. Poultry bones splinter easily. Each year thousands of pets are treated for consumption of splintered bones, causing pain and sometimes death. Only offer bones that are specifically designed for dogs to chew on.

\- Aluminum foil that has been wrapped around meat and disposable baking pans might be attractive to a pet, but do not let your dog near these -- ingestion of aluminum foil may cause vomiting, intestinal blockage or even more serious problems. Also be careful of aluminum foil wrapped candy.

\- Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.

\- Bright and attractive candy wrappers can be a choking hazard or cause digestive problems. Also, chocolate is toxic to dogs.

\- Spicy foods, alcohol, and fatty foods may seem harmless but can lead to upset stomachs. For example, onions can be toxic to cats and dogs.

\- Instead of "people food," have appropriate dog and cat treats available and give sparingly.

### Keeping Your Pet Safe in a Home Fire

Some 500,000 pets are affected in home fires each year. The National Volunteer Fire Council has published tips to keep pets safe from house fires:

\- Extinguish open flames. Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your house.

\- Pet proof the home. Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as stove knobs, loose wires, and other potential hazards.

\- Secure young pets. Especially with young puppies, keep them confined when you are away from home.

\- Practice escape routes with pets. Keep collars and leashes handy in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.

\- Affix a pet alert window cling. Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers times when locating your pets. You can get a free pet alert window cling from ADT: <https://www.adt.com/resi/programs/pets/>

\- Keep your information updated. Firefighters are familiar with pet alert window clings so keep the number of pets listed on them updated. This aids rescuers in finding all of your pets.

\- Consider using monitored smoke detection services. As an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms, smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center help save pets who can't escape with left home alone.

### Know Anyone Having Trouble with Vet Bills?

Owning a dog is a responsibility and, in some cases, can lead to unanticipated costs. Veterinary care can be quite expensive, especially if it involves special treatment, surgery or other major services.

If you or anyone you know is having trouble with vet bills, you should be aware of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Helping Pets Fund. This fund was set up specifically to help pay for veterinary services administered to sick or injured pets who have been abandoned or whose owners are experiencing financial hardship. The AAHA Helping Pets Fund makes grants of up to $500 per calendar year to cover veterinary expenses, but the money is distributed only through an AAHA-accredited veterinarian, who must apply for a grant on behalf of the pet owners.

The AAHA Helping Pets Fund will make the award if an individual or family qualifies for Supplementary Security Income, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Food Stamps and Unemployment combined. In addition, the AAHA Helping Pets Fund will consider cases of temporary financial hardship.

Any pet owner interested in taking advantage of this fund should ask their vet if he or she is AAHA-accredited and if a grant application can be completed on their behalf. Visit the fund's website for further details: <http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/index.html>

### Local Dog Wins Best of Breed!

This article appeared in the Asheville Citizen-Times:

A Western North Carolina dog won best in breed Tuesday at the Westminster Kennel Club 2011 Dog Show in New York. Redclay Dreamboat Lieutenant Disher, better known as Lt. Disher, a male Dandie Dinmont terrier from Hendersonville, won best in breed Tuesday and went on to compete for best in group Tuesday night.

The dog is owned by Laura Chapal, owner of Dreamboat Pet Grooming and Supplies in Hendersonville. Chapal has been raising dogs for 30 years, but it was her first time to Westiminster, said her father, Ed Chapal. He called the show "The Super Bowl of dog shows."

"She called this morning so excited she was almost bawling," Ed Chapal said Tuesday evening.

### New Stamp Honors Owney the Postal Dog

The U.S. Postal Service has issued a Forever stamp to commemorate Owney, the canine mascot of the Railway Mail Service. Beloved of clerks on mail-sorting trains at the end of the 19th century, Owney was hailed as a symbol of good luck. Today he is an icon of American postal lore whose story highlights the historical importance of the Railway Mail Service.

The stamp art features an original illustration of Owney, with many of his famous tags and medals gleaming in the background.

In the 1880s, during the height of the Railway Mail Service, clerks in the Post Office in Albany, New York, took a liking to a terrier mix named Owney. Fond of riding in postal wagons, Owney followed mailbags onto trains and soon became a good-luck charm to Railway Mail Service employees, who made him their unofficial mascot. Working in the Railway Mail Service was highly dangerous: According to the National Postal Museum, more than 80 mail clerks were killed in train wrecks and more than 2,000 were injured between 1890 and 1900. However, it was said that no train ever met with trouble while Owney was aboard.

As Owney traveled the country, clerks affixed medals and tags to his collar to document his travels. When John Wanamaker, Postmaster General from 1889 to 1893, heard that Owney was overburdened with tags, he gave him a special harness to display them all. During his travels, Owney accumulated more than a thousand medals and tags. Today Owney is on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum in a case that includes some of his medals and tags.

The Owney the Postal Dog stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. Stamps can be purchased at any post office or online.

### New Survey Shows Pet Adoption is Favored

The Hartz Pet Trend Report, a new survey conducted on behalf of the Hartz Mountain Corporation, shows that pet owners favor adopting animals from rescue organizations and shelters. Sixty percent of survey respondents said they would prefer to get their next pet from a rescue organization, and a majority of pet owners agree that pet stores are "out of favor." Only four percent would get their next pet from a pet store.

The survey also suggested that personality, not pedigree or physical appearance, is the most important attribute of a pet. Nearly half of pet owners (47 percent) think of their pet like a child, and 42 percent of pet owners compare their pet to a good friend.

The survey was conducted in April 2011 and included over 1,000 cat and dog owners ages 18 and older from around the United States.

### Obesity Continues to Dog People... and Dogs

The latest annual Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study found approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight or obese. Preliminary data released from a nationwide collaboration with Banfield, the nation's largest chain of veterinary clinics, reveals pet obesity continues to be a serious problem. APOP founder Dr. Ernie Ward said, "This year's data suggests that our pets are getting fatter. We're seeing a greater percentage of obese pets than ever before."

35 percent of dogs were found to be overweight and 20.6 percent obese. "The number of obese pets is growing," said Dr. Ward. "This is troubling because it means more pets will be affected by weight-related diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease costing pet owners millions in avoidable medical costs."

The group began conducting nationwide veterinary surveys in 2007 and has seen a steady increase in the percentage of pets classified as obese or at least 30% above normal body weight. For dogs, obesity rates escalated from just over 10% in 2007 to 20% in 2010. "One of the reasons we think the obesity rate for dogs has dramatically increased is due to a better understanding of what an obese dog looks like. Veterinarians also realize how critical it is to tell a pet owner when their dog is in danger due to its weight," said Dr. Ward.

For helpful information about maintaining your dog's weight, visit <http://www.petobesityprevention.com/>

### Pet Behavior Advice from the ASPCA

The ASPCA now offers a free online service called the "Virtual Pet Behaviorist." You simply type your dog's behavior problem into their database and you'll receive free step-by-step advice from a nationally recognized team of animal behaviorists, 24 hours a day. This is a pretty cool tool for dog owners so check it out at: <http://www.aspcabehavior.org/>

### Pet Trading Cards

Carolina Mountain Dog just discovered an unusual website/community called Toki Poki (<http://www.tokipoki.com/home>). For a "lifetime membership" fee of $30, a member receives 50 trading cards customized to your dog, shipped free plus an online pet profile. In addition, Toki Poki offers a lost-and-found service; if your pet is lost, they'll provide you with an instantly generated poster, as well as send a lost pet alert to your community and veterinarian.

Toki Poki says its pet trading cards have a purpose: You can hand them out to family, friends, and neighbors so they get to know your pets, meet other pets in your neighborhood and online, and maybe start a pet trading card group. Toki Poki also puts together packs of cards for sale on its website. The cards area a way to promote an organization or interest group and potentially raise money.

As a kid, I remember treasuring baseball cards with my favorite players (of course I also liked the bubble gum), so I guess it's not a crazy idea to have a trading card featuring your favorite furry friend!

### Pets Influence Owners' Decisions in Many Aspects of Life

petMD, the world's largest source of pet health information, surveyed 1,500 pet owners in May 2011 and found that pets influence decisions in many aspects of life.

Here are some of the survey results:

\- 98 percent of respondents said they believe it's important for children to grow up around pets

\- 73 percent would choose their pet over a human if they could have only one friend

\- 66 percent would not vote for a presidential candidate who is perceived not to like pets

\- 90 percent would fight more passionately for their pets than for money in a divorce

\- 60 percent would decline a second date if the person didn't like pets

\- 25 percent said they had tasted the pet's food

\- 50 percent of pet owners wish their pets could brush their own teeth

\- 40 percent of pet owners wish their pets could clean up after themselves when they poop (!)

### Recommended Reading: "Best Hikes with Dogs in North Carolina"

_Best Hikes with Dogs North Carolina_ by Karen Chavez is a great resource, both for its basic information about hiking, as well as its extensive details about trails. You'll find essentials about canine trail etiquette, permits and regulations, a doggy first aid kit, and more. The book is loaded with Western North Carolina trails off the Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. For each trail, Chavez provides length, hiking time, best time to hike, difficulty, and lots of other details, including elevations and maps. You'll find yourself referring to this book often, so buy it today!

### Recommended Reading: "Inside of a Dog"

Have you noticed that more and more books about dogs are on the shelves of bookstores and libraries these days? Both non-fiction books about dogs, and fiction books with dogs as characters, are fetching a lot of interest. One recently published book that's creating buzz goes where no human has gone before (kind of): _Inside of a Dog_. Author Alexandra Horowitz takes a novel approach -- she tries to understand, and make us understand, the world from a dog's perspective.

Dog lovers already know, of course, that dogs are driven by their acute sense of smell. Horowitz points out that humans have about 6 million receptor cells in their noses, while a beagle has more than 300 million. She explains what that means in terms of a dog's life -- how a particular odor conveys a message to a dog. More than that, Horowitz says, a dog's sense of smell is the means by which he categorizes and identifies things. Sniffing another dog's urine, in fact, provides a lot of information about the other animal -- "who the urinator is, how often he walks by this spot, his recent victories, and his interest in mating," says Horowitz. Dogs view objects differently too. While we know what a chair is, for example, Horowitz says a dog may see it as just an obstacle that stands in the way of a path to their food bowl in the kitchen.

Unlike their wolf ancestors, the author writes, dogs like making eye contact with humans: "...dogs seem to be predisposed to inspect our faces for information, for reassurance, for guidance."

All in all, going _Inside of a Dog_ is fascinating stuff.

### Recommended Reading: "Strays"

_Strays_ , a novel by Western North Carolina author Jeanne Webster, will be available in June from Personhood Press at online booksellers, and in bookstores.

_Strays_ is the compelling story of a spiritual journey taken by Jane Morgan, a young woman in search of life's answers. Jane connects with nature in a unique and unusual manner. Along the way, Jane meets a stray dog, Max, who becomes not only her companion but her spiritual guide. Max is an endearing character you can't help but love.

This fanciful tale is beautifully written in flowing, evocative language. The author does a masterful job of weaving in age-old stories of the mountains and the Cherokee Indians, which adds to the mystical flavor of _Strays_. If you suspend your rational mind and let your imagination go, you will be enthralled with this story. So many of us have "strayed" in our lives from the things that have true meaning. This is a book that just might lift your spirits.

Karen Allanach, Associate Director, Animals and Religion for the Humane Society of the United States, says: "In _Strays_ , Webster sagely guides us on a revealing journey about the importance of animals and the environment to our whole existence -- physical and spiritual. The scruffy canine, Max, is sure to win hearts of readers in this inspiring story."

To learn more about the book and to read free excerpts, visit: www.straysthebook.com

### Recommended Reading: "The Secret Lives of Dogs"

Ever wonder why your dog dislikes having his feet touched? Or why he lifts his leg to urinate? Or why he might eat grass... drink from the toilet... or be afraid of climbing stairs? These and other mysterious canine behaviors are explored in the fascinating book, _The Secret Lives of Dogs_. Jana Murphy, a former editor of Pet Life magazine, tells you why dogs do these things and more -- she covers fifty-two behaviors in all.

You'll learn all about a dog's natural instincts, breed-specific features, and ways to modify your dog's behavior. Enhanced with beautiful full-color photography and case studies, _The Secret Lives of Dogs_ is highly recommended.

### Recommended Reading: "What I Learned from the Dog"

It's often the books about dogs written by ordinary people that have the most impact. _What I Learned from the Dog: 101 Stories about Life, Love, and Lessons_ is one of those books. It is part of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. While it seems there's a "Chicken Soup" book for just about every type of person, this one is a winner for dog lovers. Why? Because it pays off on the promise of providing 101 delectable slices of life, written by everyday dog owners. These little gems are divided into such categories as Learning to Have Courage, Learning to Listen, Learning to Overcome Adversity, Learning to Put Things into Perspective, Learning to Heal, Learning about Unconditional Love, and Learning to Say Good-bye.

This recently published volume will make a great gift for anyone who loves dogs.

### Restaurants and Your Dog

A surprising number of dog lovers would like to take their dogs with them to restaurants. This is not an impossible dream. While it is rare (and sometimes illegal) for restaurants to permit dogs inside the premises, restaurants with outdoor dining facilities are often accommodating to dog owners, as long as local ordinances do not prohibit dogs from being in restaurants.

Happily, many restaurants in the Carolina mountains welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas as long as they are well-behaved. Some restaurants may restrict the offer to small dogs only, however. Asheville and Greenville are particularly dog friendly. Of course, it always pays to call a restaurant in advance to inquire about their dog policy.

If you're traveling with your pet in Arizona, California, Florida or New York, or in the Chicago area, check out the "Dining with Dogs" website, www.diningdogs.com. The site lists dog-friendly restaurants (including reviews) in these areas. Who knows, as the site expands, restaurants in the Carolina mountains might someday be listed. (Offer to post reviews of local restaurants and it could happen sooner than you think!)

### Results of the National Mutt Census

The 2010 Census revealed a lot about our nation's population, so Mars Incorporated, makers of Pedigree dog food, decided it would be just as useful to find out about the nation's "mutts." The company's Mars Veterinary division, a leading authority in dog DNA analysis, sponsored the first ever National Mutt Census to get a snapshot of the make-up of the nation's 38 million mixed breed dogs.

Results of the National Mutt Census were recently released and are available at www.muttcensus.com. Here are some interesting facts about mutts and their owners in North Carolina according to the Mutt Census:

\- The top breeds detected in mutts in North Carolina were, in order of priority, Labrador Retriever, Chow, Boxer, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever

\- About 78 percent of North Carolinians own 2 or more pets, and over 22 percent of the population owns 5 or more pets.

\- 9 percent of dogs were adopted from an animal shelter.

\- The two leading methods of acquiring a dog were: (1) from a friend, relative or neighbor, and (2) the dog was found somewhere.

\- Over 86 percent of dogs in the state have been spayed or neutered.

### Safe Car Travel with Your Dog

A recent survey of "dog parents" conducted by the American Automobile Association revealed some disturbing facts. For one thing, 59 percent of those responding said they participating in at least "one distracting behavior" while they were driving with a dog. For another, more than half of the respondents said they pet their dog while driving, and 21 percent allow their dog to sit in their laps.

The ASPCA suggests that drivers with dogs in the car keep their pets safe and secure in the car's back seat in a well-ventilated crate, pet carrier, or specially made harness. A crate should be large enough for standing, sitting, lying down, and turning around, and it should be secured so it doesn't slide. Read the ASPCA's top 10 tips for safe care travel with your pet here: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/car-travel-tips.aspx

### Saving Lives on the Road and in the Air

Two organizations based in South Carolina's Upstate are helping to save the lives of animals.

Freedom Train Animal Rescue Transports is a network of volunteers who transport animals from shelters and abusive or neglectful situations to screened and approved rescues and adoption homes. The focus is on sending animals from the South to the Northeast, but it can involve many states and regions. A transporter drives 60 to 90 miles with one or more animals and hands them off, relay style, to the next transporter. The organization welcomes applications for volunteer transporters as well as donations. Visit www.freedomtraintransports.com for more information.

Pilots N Paws brings together people who rescue, shelter or foster animals with pilots and plane owners who want to assist in transporting these animals. The organization does not directly arrange in-flight transports, but it facilitates networking between individuals via its website, www.pilotsnpaws.org. In September, the organization ran the "Pilots N Paws 5000," a one week event designed to transport thousands of animals to safety.

### Saving Money on Pet Costs

With the spiraling cost of both food and gas these days, Fido is just one more rising cost center in the family budget. While you never want to skimp on quality when it comes to veterinary care or doggie nutrition, there are some ways you can save money and keep costs in line.

Petside.com offers some good advice in two articles:

11 Ways to Save on Pet Costs

<http://www.petside.com/article/11-ways-save-pet-costs>

This article has some useful tips on how to save money on food, supplies and healthcare. One smart idea every dog owner should take advantage of is the frequent buyer club, available at both PetSmart and PETCO. These programs are free and offer discounts and gifts that help reduce your overall cost. Another tip: Comparison shop for such items as flea/tick prevention, heartworm prevention, and medications online. There are numerous discounters who can beat retail prices, and many offer free shipping over a certain dollar amount.

Saving Money on Vet Bills

<http://www.petside.com/article/saving-money-vet-bills>

Many good ideas are included here for keeping the cost of veterinary care to a minimum. Obviously, prevention is key so you don't have to make frequent vet visits. That means providing your dog with proper nutrition (both for healthy body and teeth); using treatments to prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworm; keeping an eye out for dental disease which can be costly if treatment is required; getting your pet spayed or neutered, which has health benefits; and considering pet insurance, particularly for older dogs.

### Search and Rescue Dogs

Along with the many wonderful things we know about dogs, let's not forget the amazing canines in North and South Carolina that function as part of search and rescue teams. These highly skilled dogs are trained in search tactics and are used for tracking and trailing. Contrary to popular belief, search and rescue dogs come in all breeds and sizes.

These dogs work as part of volunteer teams supported by the North Carolina Search and Rescue Dog Association, South Carolina Search and Rescue Dog Association, and South Carolina Search Dogs, all of which are non-profit volunteer organizations. In fact, they typically respond at no charge to assist local, state and federal agencies in searching for lost or missing persons, including children, Alzheimer patients, boaters, downed aircraft, mountain hikers, or others in need.

Consider supporting these organizations -- some day a search and rescue dog might help save you or someone you know!

### Spartanburg Dog Knows 1,022 Nouns

A female border collie named Chaser, owned by Dr. John W. Pilley of Spartanburg, SC, has the largest vocabulary of any known dog -- 1,022 nouns, according to the _New York Times_.

Dr. Pilley, a retired psychologist who taught at Wofford College, acquired Chaser in 2004 as a puppy. For four or five hours per day, he showed her an object, said its name up to 40 times, then hid the object and asked Chaser to find it. Chaser learned one or two new items a day and loved every minute of it. "She still demands four to five hours a day," Dr. Pilley told the Times. "I'm 82 and I have to go to bed to get away from her."

The vocabulary relates to physical objects, each of which is given a name the dog can recognize. Dr. Pilley had to buy hundreds of items, writing the name on each item with a permanent marker. Technically, the 1,022 words Chaser knows are all proper nouns. But she also recognizes phrases and can distinguish between "Fetch a Frisbee" or "Fetch a ball." Dr. Pilley even got Chaser to distinguish between three specific actions -- "pawing," "nosing" or "fetching" each object.

Dr. Pilley suspects Chaser could have learned more words, but he grew tired of teaching her when she reached 1,000 items. Now, he says, he is trying to teach Chaser some elementary grammar. "We are interested in teaching Chaser a receptive, rudimentary language," Dr. Pilley said, with the goal of developing methods that will help increase communication between people and dogs.

Chaser was featured in a "Nova" episode on animal intelligence which aired on PBS on February 9, 2011.

### Supporting Dogs in Afghanistan

American Dog Rescue is a nonprofit organization that works towards the goal of "no healthy dog without a home." The organization funds a number of projects and has recently teamed up with a British nonprofit called Nowzad Dogs to help raise money to rescue and rehabilitate the more than 500 abandoned dogs in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Nowzad Dogs is named after the war-torn town of Now Zad in Afghanistan. The organization was started by Pen Farthing, a former Royal Marine, to save support dogs of military personnel in Afghanistan. It is the first, and only, dog rescue organization now serving Afghanistan's dogs. Through Nowzad's work, neglected and undernourished dogs are relocated to western countries where they can find the love, care, and attention they deserve.

For some of the many stray dogs in the Middle East they now have a guardian for the first time in their lives. Dogs that serve our troops as emotional support animals and become socialized in this effort deserve to earn their stripes in the form of new homes. They cannot be left behind to return to a homeless feral life because they will not survive.

For more information or to make a donation to Nowzad through American Dog Rescue please visit  http://www.americandogrescue.org/philanthropy/help-support-nowzad-dogs/

### Susie's Law (NC)

In June 2010, Governor Bev Perdue signed into law an animal rights bill known as "Susie's Law," which was unanimously passed by the North Carolina legislature. The new law took effect on December 1, 2010.

The law essentially states that it is now a Class H felony if a person tortures, abuses or murders any animal in the state of North Carolina. A Class H felony is punishable by time in jail. Prior to the enactment of Susie's law, such acts were considered misdemeanors.

The law was named after Susie (shown here with Governor Perdue), who became the first dog to sign a piece of legislation in North Carolina. Susie was tortured, set on fire and left for dead in Greensboro, North Carolina, about a year before the bill was signed. She miraculously survived the ordeal and her owner, Donna Lawrence, fought along with others to get a law enacted that would ensure anyone who tortured a dog would face jail.

At the bill's signing, Governor Perdue said, "This law will also protect, I believe, North Carolina's people. The data is pretty clear. For those of you who don't know the data, people who are actually cruel and do this kind of stuff to animals are five times more likely to do this kind of thing to a human being."

### Suzie's Law Update

In a previous post we wrote about "Susie's Law" which took effect in North Carolina on December 1. Named after Susie, a dog who was tortured yet survived, the law essentially states that it is now a Class H felony if a person tortures, abuses or murders any animal in the state of North Carolina. A Class H felony is punishable by time in jail. Prior to the enactment of Susie's law, such acts were considered misdemeanors.

Now state senator Don Vaughn of Guilford County has introduced an amendment to Susie's Law that would make it easier to prosecute animal cruelty, allow the court to place restrictions on custody of animals and require psychological evaluation and treatment, and require shelter for dogs.

### The Animal Rescue Site

Need a daily dose of happy rescue stories? Want to help animals in shelters?

Then all you need to do is go to The Animal Rescue Site (www.theanimalrescuesite.com) once each day. There you'll read about dogs, cats, and other animals that have been rescued, and by simply clicking on the site, you'll be helping shelter animals. The Animal Rescue Site gets sponsors to run online ads, and the more clicks on the site, the more revenue they potentially make. They give all the money from the advertisers to partners who provide food and care for rescued animals.

Sign up on the site to receive a free daily email reminder to click and you'll receive a rescue story in each email, too.

### The Fascinating Wolfdog

Every so often, I'll be walking with my dogs in the NC Arboretum or in Bent Creek Forest, and there'll be an older gentleman calmly strolling along beside the largest, most magnificent animal I've ever seen.

Of course, the first time I saw this sight, I had to stop and ask the man about his unusual pet, which my two dogs observed rather warily. Turns out the animal is a wolfdog named, appropriately enough, Tom Wolf (unlike the famous author, this one is spelled without the "e"). Tom Wolf has been with his owner since he was a pup. Last time I saw him, a week or so ago, Tom Wolf was fourteen. This gentle giant is as nice and mellow as any big ol' dog could be.

Wolfdogs are not uncommon here in the mountains. We are fortunate to have a local sanctuary for these beautiful creatures, Full Moon Farm in Black Mountain, NC. Full Moon Farm says a wolfdog is a dog with recent wolf heritage -- an animal with a pure wolf ancestor within the last five generations. Interestingly, the domestic dog is thought to be a domestic variant of the gray wolf.

Wolfdogs, according to Full Moon Farm, are "domestic animals with special needs." They were bred by humans and combine characteristics of both dogs and wolves. Most wolfdogs are a combination of wolf and German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, or Alaskan Malamute. They typically have a high prey drive, but they can certainly make good pets in the right household -- Tom Wolf is proof of that. However, owning a wolfdog takes a special breed of person, and these animals are not legal as pets everywhere.

For more about wolfdogs, visit Full Moon Farm's website, www.fullmoonfarm.org.

### Therapy Dog Helps Stressed Out College Students

The college school year may have come to a close, but at Yale University, students could be remembering the past academic year with fondness, even when they were stressed out. Why? Because some of them went to the Yale Law School library to check out a stress reliever named Monty.

At first, students circulated rumors that this was a gag, but in late March, librarian Blair Kauffman sent a memo to students which read, in part:

"The law library intends to run a three day pilot program starting on March 28, 2011 during which students will be able to 'check out' our certified library therapy dog, Monty for thirty minute periods. We hope that making a therapy dog available to our students will prove to be a positive addition to current services offered by the library. It is well documented that visits from therapy dogs have resulted in increased happiness, calmness, and overall emotional well-being.

Beginning March 21, 2011, a sign-up sheet with additional information will be available at the circulation desk for students wishing to check out Monty. Even though Monty is hypoallergenic, visits will be confined to a dedicated non-public space in the library to eliminate potential adverse reactions from any library user who might have dog-related concerns. We are committed to ensuring our library remains a welcoming and comfortable environment for all our users."

It's not as crazy as it sounds. A number of other colleges already use therapy dogs to calm down students -- but this seems to be the first time a university library has made one available for "check out."

### The Shelter Pet Project

Maybe you've seen (on TV) or heard (on the radio) the new ads for The Shelter Pet Project. These provocative ads feature talking animals who, not surprisingly, seem to be smarter than their human owners. The point of the ads, though, is to make it clear that animals adopted from shelters are not "bad" or "damaged" -- they're just unwanted by their owners. The Shelter Pet Project is designed to "give shelter pets a voice" and it is a joint venture between the Humane Society of the United States, Maddie's Fund, and the Ad Council.

The website for The Shelter Pet Project (www.theshelterpetproject.org) also features talking animals, plus a lot of cool resources, such as an "Adopt-a-Gram" you can send to family and friends, "Pet Personals" to help you locate a perfect pet, and "The Adopter Network," where you can get questions about pets answered by experts. You can also view the clever television ads on the site.

### This Police Dog is a Chihuahua!

Reuters reports that a 6-1/2 pound long-haired Chihuahua passed the police dog exam at the end of last year to become the first Chihuahua police dog in Japan, and perhaps the world.

"Momo" (Japanese for peach) passed a search and rescue test; she found a person in five minutes after sniffing an article of clothing.

A police spokesman in the western Japanese perfecture of Nara, where Momo will serve, said "Any breed of dog can be entered to become a police dog in the search and rescue dvision."

Momo is likely to be used primarily for rescue operations that take place during earthquakes and other natural disasters, because she may be able to squeeze into narrow places that are too small for larger rescue dogs.

We think that's just peachy!

### Time to Get Fit? Get Your Dog to Help

Traditionally, the beginning of a new year is when a lot of people think about fitness and diet. Those of us who own dogs (especially energetic ones) know that, when it comes to exercise and a healthy lifestyle, a dog can be a great motivator.

Woof Report, an online publication for dog owners, recently ran a great story entitled "How to Get Fit with Your Dog's Help." The article discussed the benefits of exercising with your dog, offered tips for specific exercises, and included information about articles, books, and fitness gear.

You can find the complete article here:  http://woofreport.com/dog-peoples-choice/2125-how-to-get-fit-with-your-dogs-help.html?utm_source=Woof+Report+Weekly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=6b89e47942-Woof_Newsletter10_01_06_2011&utm_medium=email. Also consider signing up for the Woof Report's free newsletter, join the Woof Report community at: <http://woofreport.com/sign-up.html>

### Top Ten Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

1. Older dogs are house-trained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.

2. Older dogs are not teething puppies and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Older dogs can focus well because they have mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.

5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.

7. What You See Is What You Get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.

8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that young dogs and puppies do.

10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need night-time feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

From The Senior Dogs Project, www.srdogs.com

### Try This Technique if Your Dog Pulls

Leashed walks with your dog should be a pleasant experience. You shouldn't be pulled and tugged all over the place. Unfortunately, many leashes permit and actually encourage just that. The most common way to attach a leash to a collar is clipping it on, and that simply gives a dog license to pull. In fact, "flexi's" -- those popular flexible, retractable leashes -- simply exacerbate the situation, because dogs think they can go off on their own.

There are alternatives, such as "gentle leaders," which attach to the dog's muzzle, or harnesses that go around the body. These may be effective, but they cost more and may take some additional training.

Here's a technique that could save you a lot of headaches and frustration. Take any ordinary leash with a handle, and instead of attaching it to your dog's collar, slip the leash through the handle. Then put it around your dog's neck. Move the leash high up on the dog's neck so you can keep it snug and handle it from above. Keep the leash fairly short as you walk.

What does this accomplish? The leash acts as a slip-leash, allowing you to have more control by applying upward pressure. It usually only takes gentle upward pressure with a shortened leash to get your dog to walk by your side. An occasional gentle tug lets your dog know that you are in control. Always maintain a calm demeanor, giving gentle corrections if the dog tries to get ahead of you. Pretty soon, your dog should understand what you want and the walk should be a lot more pleasurable.

This method is preferable to letting a dog pull horizontally on a leash, which essentially means the dog is controlling the walk and pulling you. It is a simple, easy way to stay in control and have a more enjoyable walk.

### Wackiest Dog Names of 2010

The end of the year is a great time for lists, and this one is a natural for Carolina Mountain Dog readers, courtesy of VPI Pet Insurance. From its database of more than 485,000 insured pets, employees of the company picked the 50 wackiest dog names and cat names for 2010.

The top ten names are listed below.

Top Ten Wackiest Dog Names

1. Pickle Von Corndog

2. Lord Chubby Pruneface

3. Badonkadonk

4. Ninjastar Dangerrock

5. Molly Mcboozehound

6. Dog Vader

7. Flopsy Squeakerton

8. Bettie Poops

9. Geez Louise

10. Barnaby Bones

### What Can an Adopted Dog Bring to Your Life?

There are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world! That's why we're encouraging people to adopt a shelter dog and experience the joy of finding their own answers.

Are you looking for:

\- an exercise buddy?

\- a best friend and confidant for your child?

\- a dog you can train with to learn animal-assisted therapy?

\- a partner in agility competitions?

\- a constant companion for your favorite senior citizen?

\- a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work?

An adopted dog can be all these things -- and so much more!

Your local shelter is the perfect place to find dogs of every type, size, age and personality -- all waiting for a loving home. Or, if you prefer a particular breed that isn't currently available at a shelter, go online to find a breed-specific rescue group in need of adopters like you.

Please visit a shelter near you and consider adopting a dog.

### What's Your Dog Really Made Of?

Many dogs in the Carolina mountains are mixed breed (affectionately known as mutts). Typically, this is a good thing -- a mixed ancestry in dogs is believed to result in a phenomenon known as "hybrid vigor." Essentially, this means mutts are found to be generally healthier than pure-bred dogs.

So, what if you're curious about what your mixed breed dog is really made of? Wouldn't you like to know what breeds are in the background of your pup? You can venture a guess or ask your vet to theorize, but you'll never be sure. This is what accounts for the current popularity of dog DNA testing. By simply collecting cells from your dog's cheek with a swab and sending them to a lab for analysis, you'll get an accurate report of your dog's ancestry.

To learn more visit www.biopetvetlab.com/

### What to Do if You Find a Stray Dog

There are a remarkable number of stray dogs roaming around the streets and highways of the Carolina mountains. Most dog lovers' hearts go out to these strays and they wonder what they can do to help. Here are some tips condensed from an article on Petside.com:

1. Safety first: Use caution approaching a stray. Any dog that appears tense, has raised hackles, growls or shows teeth is best left alone. Call the nearest animal control officers or local police department if such is the case.

2. Containment: If the animal appears to be friendly, approach slowly and calmly. Many animals are found while driving, so you should consider keeping a spare leash in your car. Gently loop the leash around the dog and see if you can coax it into your car. Determine if the dog is injured and, if so, see if a local vet or animal care facility is willing to treat it. If you decide to take the dog home temporarily, separate it from your own animals and wash your hands after you touch it.

3. Taking Action: If you have taken responsibility for the animal, your first objective should be to try to locate its owner, if it has one. Obviously, if a tag with identification information is on the dog, try to contact the person and leave a message. Have a vet or animal shelter check to see if the dog has a microchip. This microchip is linked to a database which hopefully has updated information about the owner. If you cannot locate an owner, you can keep the dog (this is more common than you would think). You should post notices of a found dog in the area where you found it along with your phone number. You could also decide to bring the dog to your local animal shelter. Typically the animal shelter will retain the dog for a period of time to see if it is claimed. If the dog is not claimed, the shelter will put the animal up for adoption if it is deemed adoptable.

### What to Do if You Lose Your Dog

The number of stray dogs that come through local animal shelters in the Carolina mountains is amazing. Where do these dogs come from? Are they all lost?

Don't let your dog be one of them. You can avoid losing your dog in the first place by using proper identification. It is best to have your dog microchipped. A tiny chip is painlessly inserted behind the dog's neck. This can be done at a shelter, at a microchip clinic, or at your vet's office. You then file contact information with the microchip provider. If your dog is found and turned in, authorities will scan the dog for a unique ID number and call the provider to match the dog up with your information. In addition to a microchip, your dog should always be wearing some form of ID. This will make it easy for anyone who finds your dog to contact you. You can choose anything from inexpensive tags to designer tags to tags connected to pet-finding services.

If you do lose your dog, take action right away. Often, a dog is closer to home or the point of loss than you may think, so make the rounds, call your dog, and shake a bag of treats. This might do the trick. Put the word out about your lost dog and offer a reward. Obviously, you should inform family, friends, and neighbors first.

File a lost dog report with your local shelter immediately, and keep checking back with the shelter periodically to see if your dog shows up. Make up and post signs where the dog was lost. Use email, Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media you're familiar with to publicize your dog. Check "Found" ads and place a "Lost" ad on your local Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) and on local newspaper websites.

There are other websites that could help you out as well. In Western North Carolina,there's www.LostPetsWNC.org, a free service where you can post a listing and search to see if your pet has been reported.

National sites with lost and found sections include:

www.petfinder.com

www.pets911.com

www.thefoundbin.com

www.petharbor.com

www.lostmydoggie.com

www.lostpetsos.org

www.flealess.org/lostpets

www.petchaser.com

www.fidofinder.com

www.amberpetalert.com

www.lostandfoundpetsca.com (California)

www.lostandfoundpetsnewyork.com (New York)

www.lostandfoundpetstexas.com (Texas)

(Note: There may be fees associated with some of these sites.)

For additional helpful tips, go to:  http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/finding-a-lost-pet.html

### What You Can Do to Reduce Pet Overpopulation

As 2010 unfolds, one of the problems we will continue to face in the Carolina mountains is pet over-population. Here is a stunning statistic: In the U.S., about 10,000 human babies are born every day. In contrast, almost 3,000 puppies and kittens are born every hour. That's why shelters and rescue organizations in our area are so overwhelmed with stray, homeless, and unwanted cats and dogs.

There are three important things you can do to help reduce pet over-population:

1. Spay or neuter your pet. It is essential to "fix" your pet so it cannot reproduce. In many areas, it is unlawful to own a pet that has not been spayed or neutered. As the statistic above proves, dogs and cats proliferate with ease, producing litters of typically 4 to 8 animals with each birth. Low cost spay and neuter procedures are available in Western North Carolina at Humane Alliance in Asheville (www.humanealliance.org) and in the Upstate at Animal Allies in Spartanburg (www.animal-allies.org).

2. Adopt a pet. If you are thinking of getting a dog or cat, please OPT TO ADOPT. Local shelters and animal rescue organizations have many animals available of all breeds, sizes, and ages. These are not "rejects" -- they are animals that are typically available because they have been found as strays or they have been surrendered by their owners. Rescue animals make the best pets -- they know they are being saved by their new owners and they become lifelong, loyal companions as a result. Please DO NOT buy pets from a pet store or a "backyard breeder" -- these animals are often bred in deplorable conditions and it is not unusual for them to have behavioral and health issues.

3. Help put puppy mills out of business. Puppy mills are hellish operations run by people whose sole purpose is to make a profit by selling as many puppies as possible. Female dogs are often kept in the worst imaginable conditions and used as breeding machines. Puppies produced at these mills are poorly socialized and often genetically or medically unhealthy. Many people don't realize that most pet store puppies come from puppy mills. Unfortunately, North Carolina is home to many puppy mills. You can help put these places out of business by boycotting pet store puppies and urging family and friends to adopt dogs from shelters and rescue organizations instead.

### WNC's Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic

The over-population of dogs and cats in WNC and the Upstate is evident in shelters every day. The same problem exists nationally. The solution to the stray, abandoned, and unwanted companion animal dilemma is this: only by implementing widespread sterilization programs, only by spaying and neutering all companion animals, will we get a handle on pet over-population.

That is the mission of Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic, an organization that is both regionally and nationally prominent. Humane Alliance serves 23 counties and partners with over 40 animal welfare organizations within a 100 mile radius of Asheville. Humane Alliance has spayed/neutered over 200,000 dogs and cats in WNC since its founding in 1994. Humane Alliance sterilizes an average of 120 animals daily, or close to 23,000 annually, with 70 percent of them being transported to the clinic.

Humane Alliance also operates a mentoring/training program, the National Spay/Neuter Response Team (NSNRT) that helps other organizations learn how to open and operate self-sustaining clinics in their communities. As of May 2009, NSNRT has trained 55 organizations in 23 states. In 2009, Humane Alliance started a new training program for veterinary extern students and private practitioners.

Humane Alliance is open to the general public, providing affordable spay/neuter, along with low-cost vaccines given at the time of surgery. the clinic is located at 25 Heritage Drive, off Leicester Highway, in Asheville, NC. For more information, call (828) 252-2079.

Humane Alliance helps reduce animal over-population by offering high volume, high quality, affordable sterilization to WNC and, through its training programs, to the entire country!

### Your Dog and Cognitive Dysfunction

It's a fascinating fact that dogs seem to mirror humans in terms of longevity and diseases. As a result, the increasing incidence of Alzheimer's in humans is followed by an increasing incidence of cognitive dysfunction (CD) in dogs -- in essence, doggie Alzheimer's.

A recent issue of USA WEEKEND magazine carried a helpful article about ways to protect dogs from CD. It's worth reading here:  http://www.usaweekend.com/article/20110225/HOME05/102270301/Protect-your-pet-from-Alzheimer-s

Additional tips for helping to prevent or delay CD in dogs were provided at the USA WEEKEND website. Basically, it's a good idea to provide your dog with a combination of "enrichment" and learning, regular exercise, and the right nutrition.

Teaching dogs tricks and behaviors keeps the brain stimulated. Taking dogs for walks seems to have a positive impact as well. Social activity stimulates canine brains, says Carl Cottman, director of Alzheimer's Research at the University of California, Irvine, so offering opportunities to interact with people as well as other dogs is helpful. "Rotating toys" could be useful to provide a changing environment, according to Nicholas Dodman, director of the Behavior Clinic of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Massachusetts.

Cottman tells of a study in which dogs were exposed to ongoing education and regular exercise and fed an ant-aging diet. The dogs were tested for cognitive skills and the results were amazing. "It was a fantasy come true," says Cottman, "because the results were so definitive, proving social interactions, exercise, enrichment and diet really do make a significant difference in dogs."

### Your Dog's Health: Tear Stains

Tear stains -- those unsightly, rust-colored discolorations that appear in the corners of dogs' eyes -- are common in many dogs and will probably appear at least once in a dog's lifetime, whether the dog is purebred or mixed breed, furry or smooth-coated, and with a light-colored or dark-colored coat. Of course, the stains tend to show up more prominently on dogs with white faces, and they do seem to be more common in smaller dogs.

These stains are caused by excessive tearing and generally are not harmful. The excessive tearing keeps the hair under the eye wet, and that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. In fact, the reddish-brown stain you may notice could be the result of a "Red Yeast" infection.

Chronic tear stains can be a sign of other conditions. While a visit to the vet is advisable to determine the exact cause, these are some of the possible causes:

\- Clogged or infected tear ducts

\- Eye infections (bacterial or yeast)

\- Irritants in the air, such as smoke, room deodorizers, or pollen dust

\- Low-quality commercial dog food which contains additives, preservatives, or beef pulp

\- Teething (in puppies)

\- Female dogs in heat.

Remedies for Tear Stains

If you've determined the cause (with help from your vet if needed), you can begin a program to keep the staining under control. There are two basic kinds of solutions to the problem: topical products and internal products.

Topical

Topical products are applied daily, directly to the stained area. The best known topical product, endorsed by vets and groomers, is Eye Envy, a safe and gentle externally applied cleanser that comes in a liquid solution and powder. For more information, visit: www.eyeenvy.com.

Internal

Internal products treat the problem via dietary intake. The best known internal product is Angels' Eyes, a safe, wheat- and dye-free formula that is sprinkled on your dog's food. For more information, visit: www.angelseyesonline.com.

### Your Own "PetCast"

If the weather's been driving you crazy, take heart. Spring is coming soon (not soon enough!). In the mean time, you can rely on an online service that will not only provide you with the local weather, but also with a page of useful information that's customized to your pet.

Go to www.weather.com/pets, enter some brief information, and get your own "PetCast" with the local weather, as well as a dog "comfort index," a report of mosquito activity in your area, tips from the "dog care clinic," a park locator, a dog walking calculator, a list of local pet events, videos, and more.

### What's the Real Age of Your Dog?

Most of us remember the old formula that 1 dog year equals about 7 human years. But dog experts say it's a lot more complicated than that. A dog actually matures more quickly than a human, so at age 1, a dog is closer to 15 rather than 7 human years. A dog's breed and weight also factor into the age equation.

So how do you calculate your dog's real age? For more information, visit: <http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/how-to-calculate-your-dogs-age>

Helpful Information for Dog Owners

### Adopting a Dog

If you own a dog, you know the special joy it can bring to your life. Dogs are called "man's best friend" for a good reason – they are genetically pre-disposed to be loyal companions to humans.

Sadly, in the Asheville area, throughout North Carolina, and nationally, there is a large surplus of dogs. Dogs reproduce at a rate of 15 puppies for every 1 human baby. If dogs are not spayed or neutered (humanely sterilized) by humans, they will continue to reproduce and contribute to severe over-population. Animal shelters are forced to euthanize dogs because they simply cannot place all of them.

You can help by adopting a dog from one of the animal shelters or rescue organizations listed in this guide. This is far better than buying a dog from an outside party, which might have come from a puppy mill. Puppy mill dogs – dogs that are raised just to be sold – are often kept in terrible conditions and can have physical or emotional problems because of their environment. Pure-bred dogs obtained from reputable breeders are another alternative, but they are expensive and tend to be more vulnerable to breed-related maladies. "Mutts," on the other hand, tend to be less susceptible to physical and emotional problems, generally healthier, and better adjusted.

You will often find that a dog adopted from an animal shelter has a way of knowing you are his or her savior. Shelter dogs seem to be especially affectionate, attached, and loyal to their adopting families. While some shelter dogs may have behavioral issues, they can be rehabilitated if they are given adequate exercise, consistent rules, and lots of love, patience, and understanding. Despite their past lives, shelter dogs seem to bounce back and thrive with the right owners.

If you already have a dog, consider adding another – a well-chosen second or even a third dog creates a healthy pack, provides companionship, and can make for a happy, fun-filled environment.

Don't miss the opportunity to share your life with a dog from a shelter – it can be an enriching and rewarding experience, both for you and for the dog.

There are a number of animal rescue organizations in Buncombe and Henderson Counties that have animals available for adoption.

Please consider adopting your pet from Asheville Humane Society. To see the animals available for adoption, visit Asheville Humane Society's new Nancy Hiscoe Clark Adoption & Education Center at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806 (behind Deal Motor Cars on Brevard Road), or go online: www.ashevillehumane.org.

### Dog Etiquette

Asheville, and Western North Carolina in general, is dog country. Dogs are typically accepted and welcomed on city streets, in many hotels and even in the outdoor seating areas of many restaurants. As noted in this guide, there are bakeries, boutiques, and stores that cater to dogs.

Nonetheless, while it is hard for dog lovers to admit it, dogs are dogs and not people. Even harder to admit is that some people are not "dog people."

It is therefore important to follow the rules of dog etiquette – which are mostly common sense – when you and your dog are out and about.

\- Keep your dog under your personal control at all times. Your dog should wear a collar with identification and be leashed, unless you are in a dog park or in a place where a dog can safely run free. The leash should be kept at a maximum of 6 feet on streets, or less if there are a lot of people around. Don't permit your dog to jump on people.

\- Assume that dogs are not allowed off-leash on city streets, in parks, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or in other public areas, except where noted.

\- Make sure your dog is social with both people and other dogs if you bring him or her into public places. Dogs can be protective of their owners, even if the owner is doing something normal by people standards, like shaking hands or hugging someone.

\- Your dog should have all proper vaccinations and be licensed, if required by the city or town in which you live.

\- Don't be shy about telling people, especially children, how to interact with your dog. According to the ASPCA, 50 percent of children will be bitten by dogs before their 12th birthday. Many of these bites could be avoided if the owners were properly controlling their dogs. It is better to anticipate a moment when your dog may be startled, or may not like to be handled or touched in a certain way, than to have it turn into an unsafe situation.

\- Many restaurants in the area permit well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners in outdoor seating areas. Never assume that this is allowed, however; always ask for permission. While it is appropriate to ask for water, it is a good idea to bring your own water and a small bowl. Your dog should be kept near your side or under your table. It should not be allowed to approach other diners' tables unless invited. Be alert to what your dog may pick up on a restaurant floor (or on a sidewalk, for that matter) – it could contain bones or something that won't necessarily agree with your dog's digestive system.

\- Remember that on any city street, a dog can be spooked by loud noises, cars, joggers or bikers, or even crowds. Maintain control of your dog at all times and watch for any nervous behavior.

\- Always, always, always have poop bags available and pick up after your dog on streets and on trails used by walkers, joggers and bikers. This is the number one complaint of non-dog people.

### Local Rules and Regulations

### Asheville

Licensing

The City of Asheville requires that dogs must be licensed every year on January 1st. The fee is $10.00 and all dogs must have a city license by the age of six months. The city license tag and a current rabies tag must be displayed on the dog at all times. Cats are not required to have a city license or to wear tags; however cat owners should be prepared to provide proof of current rabies vaccination.

Spay and Neuter Law

All dogs and cats six months of age or older must either be spayed or neutered, or the owner must possess an Unaltered Pet Permit. The permit fee is $100 for the lifetime of the animal and may be purchased on the first floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza. Permit applications may also be obtained at the Asheville Police Department at 100 Court Plaza. The fine for violating this requirement is $200.

Chaining Ordinance

Dogs are not allowed to be left continuously tethered (chained) if unattended.

For further information about the above ordinances and laws within the City of Asheville, visit the city's Animal Services webpage:

 http://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/police/police_services/default.aspx?id=436

### Local Rules and Regulations

### Buncombe County

The following applies to all Buncombe County residents living in the unincorporated areas:

Any person living in the unincorporated areas shall not own or harbor any dog or cat over the age of six months that has not been spayed or neutered unless such person holds an unaltered animal permit issued for such animal by the department of animal services, or any successor agency authorized by law to issue such a permit, except:

1. Persons who own or harbor service dogs or police work dogs;

2. Individuals who are non-residents of the county and reside temporarily therein for a period not to exceed 30 days;

3. Animal shelters and veterinary hospitals; and

4. Persons who own or harbor a dog or cat and who are in possession of a certification signed by a licensed veterinarian stating that such animal is unfit to be spayed or neutered because such procedure would endanger the life of such animal.

How to obtain an unaltered animal permit:

Applicants must apply for an unaltered animal permit with Lt. Helen Hall, Director of Animal Services, (828) 253-1195. Applications for said permit are available at the Sheriff's Office at 202 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville.

The fee for an unaltered animal permit shall be $100.00. A tag will be issued identifying the animal as an unaltered animal and must be displayed at all times.

Rabies Vaccinations

State law requires that all cats and dogs four months of age and older receive a rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. The County periodically offers low-cost rabies vaccination clinics. To receive further details and location information concerning clinics call (828) 253-1195.

Restraint of Animals

The city and county animal ordinances mandate that every person owning or having possession, care, or custody of an animal shall be responsible for keeping the animal on his or her premises. Owners found in violation are subject to civil and/or criminal penalties as set forth in the ordinance.

Animal Cruelty

It is unlawful for any owner to fail to provide his or her animal with sufficient food, water, and protection from the weather. Owners must provide veterinary care and humane treatment.

Lost or Found Animals

If you have lost your pet, call the Asheville Humane Society immediately at 828-253-6807. File a lost report with the shelter and plan to come to the shelter at least every other day to personally look for your pet.

If you have found an animal, call the Asheville Humane Society and file a found report or bring the animal to the shelter. The Humane Society is located at 72 Lees Creek Road in West Asheville. The hours to file a lost or found report or to bring in a stray animal are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Note: A new shelter located on Pond Road off Brevard Road in Asheville is scheduled to open in 2010.

### Local Rules and Regulations

### Henderson County

Animal Services of Henderson County: 828-697-4723

For emergency service after hours, holidays, and on weekends, call the Sheriff's Department at 828-697-4911 and they will contact the on-call Animal Services Officer.

Rabies Vaccinations

Every owner or keeper of a dog or cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies pursuant to G.S. 130A-185. Each year local veterinarians conduct low cost rabies vaccination clinics. Please check with your veterinarian or the Animal Shelter about a clinic in your area.

Stray Animals

Animal Control Officers will pick up stray dogs and cats on public property or on private property when reported. If the animal has tags, every reasonable effort is made to contact the owner to come and pick up the animal at the shelter. It is County policy that the animal is to be held at the shelter for a minimum of one week. If the owner is not located the pet is offered for adoption or put to sleep.

Henderson County Commissioners passed an amendment to the Animal Ordinance requiring owners to restrain or confine their animals. Local municipalities may have stricter laws. Any animal running loose must not be a nuisance, and must have a current rabies tag attached to the collar. ID tags help locate owners. In some cases, wanted pets have been destroyed at the Shelter because the owner was identified too late. Spay and neutering your pet also helps control the stray population. Please check with a veterinarian about these procedures.

Dangerous Dogs

The Dangerous Dog Law requires the owner of a dangerous dog to take precautions against attacks by such dogs. It imposes criminal penalties and civil liabilities upon the owner of a dangerous dog which attacks and causes serious bodily injury to a person. The owner of a dangerous dog that attacks a person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), imprisonment up to two years or both.

If an individual is bitten by a dog, no matter how minor the bite seems, go to the Emergency Room. Animal bites can be very dangerous. The hospital will contact the Animal Shelter for you.

Lost and Found

Unfortunately, pets lose their way from home. Some pets are found and kept safe by kind strangers. Other pets are taken to local shelters. Animal Control maintains a list of all reported lost and found pets and makes every reasonable effort to locate owners.

If you have lost your pet, it is best to visit the shelter. It is sometimes difficult to identify your pet over the phone. Stray animals are kept at the shelter for a minimum of one week before offered for adoption or put to sleep.

Additional information: <http://www.hendersoncountync.org/animals/index.htm>

Wolf Dog Ban

Effective August 2010, a ban on wolf dogs is in effect in Henderson County. The ban, which has been added to the county's animal ordinance, allows the county to seize a wolf dog after a complaint, if the animal is determined by an Animal Control officer to have wolf genetics.

### Humane Treatment of Dogs

Like it or not, inhumane treatment of dogs exists. Dog-fighting for sport and puppy mills are just two deplorable ways in which dogs can be taken advantage of and victimized.

But there are less horrific ways to treat dogs inhumanely, and we see them every day. For example:

\- A dog who is chained day and night, with little or no social contact

\- A dog who is not given adequate food or water

\- A dog who is not regularly groomed and kept free of fleas

\- A dog who is not given regular veterinary care

\- A dog who is yelled at or hit when he or she isn't behaving as expected

\- A dog who is kept in a crate for excessively long periods of time

\- A dog who is left in a hot car with little or no outside air

\- A dog who is made to live outside with little or no shelter

\- A dog who is not given adequate exercise

\- A dog who is often "ignored" -- rarely given the chance to play fetch, chase a Frisbee, go for a car ride, or left alone all day with no human contact.

One of the responsibilities of owning a dog is treating it humanely – and advocating for the humane treatment of all dogs. Dogs cannot protect themselves from the weather or from abuse or neglect by humans. They deserve to be treated with the same respect accorded any living thing.

Being Humane to Animals Starts with Spaying and Neutering

One of the most humane actions you can take when it comes to improving the lives of dogs and cats in our society is to spay or neuter them. This prevents unwanted dogs from being born, reduces the number of homeless strays that roam the streets, and results in fewer abandoned animals being turned in to over-crowded shelters. It also can help limit aggression.

Buncombe County has set a goal of "zero euthanasia" and sponsors the SAVE A LIFE Campaign (www.imalifesaver.org). The county wants to eliminate the need to put down unwanted animals that are not adopted. This can only be achieved if everyone takes responsibility for getting their own pets spayed and neutered, and for making sure all dogs and cats are spayed and neutered.

We are fortunate in Western North Carolina to have available to us the Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic, which serves all WNC counties and also trains spay/neuter clinics nationally. Humane Alliance offers low-cost spay/neuter services. For more information, call: 828-252-2079 or visit: www.humanealliance.org

### Safety Tips

Identification

Always be sure your dog has some form of identification with at least the dog's name and your phone number. The most dependable form of identification is a microchip. A microchip is quickly and painlessly implanted via injection into an area on the upper back. This microchip carries a unique number that can be read by a hand-held scanner. The number is registered to your dog and your information is kept on file. If your dog is found by animal control or any other animal organization, the first thing they will do is scan your dog for the presence of the microchip. You can get a microchip for your dog from any veterinarian or from the Asheville Humane Society. In addition to a microchip, you should ALWAYS be sure your dog is wearing a pet identification tag.

Car Safety

There has been an alarming increase in the number of dog fatalities due to inadequate ventilation in cars. In a temperate climate like ours, and especially during the summer, always open all windows at least halfway and keep your sky-roof open if you leave your dog unattended in a car. Park the car in a shaded area if possible, away from other cars. The interior temperature of a car rises rapidly with closed windows. If a dog is left in a car for even a short period of time it can be dangerous and possibly fatal.

" **People Food"**

Quality dog foods are comprised of the right kinds of nutrition for your dog, so there is really no reason to feed a dog "people food." In fact, some food made for human consumption can be harmful and even deadly. Keep the following foods away from your dog: alcohol, avocado, chocolate, coffee, garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, raisins, salt, yeast, xylitol (a sweetener).

Toxic Substances

Many substances that we take for granted can seriously harm a dog. Because their body weight is much less than a human, a dog doesn't need to ingest much of a toxic substance for it to be deadly. Antifreeze, for example, is one of the most lethal substances. Even a small drip can be dangerous – it tastes sweet to dogs yet it takes only a few teaspoons to be deadly.

Keep the following substances away from your dog: lawn, garden, and shrub fertilizers or insecticides; ant, mouse, or rat poison; swimming pool chemicals, citronella candles, ice melting products (there are some dog-safe products on the market); cleaning supplies; laundry dryer sheets; mothballs; human medicines of any kind, unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

Numerous common plants can also be harmful to dogs. For a complete list, consult the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center webpage: www.aspct.org/pet-care/poison-control/

The Animal Poison Control Center is also the best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the center toll-free at 888-426-4435. A $55 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

### For what to do and where to go with dogs

### in WNC and the Upstate,

### read the leading dog blog in the Carolina mountains, Carolina Mountain Dog!

www.carolinamountaindog.com

www.cmdog.com
