Our Pets - Village Soup

A Special Publication 

from the 

Cape Gazette 

Photo by Angie Moon 

2012 

INSIDE 

Acupuncture...for dogs? 

PAGE 4 

Benefits of pet adoption 

PAGE 6 

Keep it cool during summer 

PAGE 11

Snoop loved hunting, 

So we scattered his remains on the farm. 

 

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Serving all of Sussex County 

Free Pick Up from any Sussex County Animal Hospital 24 hour Service Available

OUR PETS - August 10, 2012 Page 3 

20845 COASTAL HIGHWAY 

REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE 19971 

OFFICE HOURS 

MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM 

FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

DOCTORS’ HOURS 

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9:00 AM - 12:45 PM • 3:00 PM - 6:15 PM 

FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 12:45 PM • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 

NOW SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS 

OFFICE: 302-227-2009 

FAX: 302-227-0745

Page 4 OUR PETS - August 10, 2012 

Acupuncture for your pet 

By Billie Criswell 

Special to the Cape Gazette 

When our beloved dachshund, Oscar, 

hurt his back in the spring, I was devastated. 

Our vet suggested we take him to 

Annapolis, Md., to have a neurological 

exam and possibly a surgery ... both of 

which came with huge price tags and 

no guarantees of a cure for his ailing 

back. All things considered, freaking out 

was a costly option. 

The other option was putting him 

on steroids. This also a risky decision 

because coming off the steroids, which 

can help rehab the back, is dangerous; 

the most serious side effect of coming 

off too soon is death. You have to wean 

the dog off very carefully. I knew it was 

a more palatable option than the surgery, 

but I wasn’t crazy about the idea. 

Instead of rushing my little Oscar to 

Annapolis or putting him on steroid 

therapy, we decided to first try a more 

unconventional approach to his back 

injury: we opted for acupuncture. This 

was not an option we were unfamiliar 

with. A family member of ours had used 

it for her dachshund when his back had 

been injured, and it successfully added 

years to his life. 

For those who are unfamiliar with 

acupuncture, it is a traditional Chinese 

medicine practice, used for thousands 

of years in Eastern medicine. Tiny 

needles are inserted into meridian 

points to stimulate the production of 

qi (or energy) to those places. Those 

points act like channels that help the 

energy flow and help heal the ailments 

there, whether they be physical, mental 

or emotional. 

Right off the bat, the vet warned us 

that whether it was used on people or 

animals, acupuncture fails to work in 

about 5 percent of all patients. We were 

a little skeptical, but hopeful. After 

a thorough examination and several 

questions concerning Oscar’s daily 

habits, diet and current back problem, 

we began our very first acupuncture 

session for our hurt friend. 

Doggie Day Care 

Doggie Grooming 

Doggie Training Courses 

DAREN CRISWELL PHOTO 

AN UNCONVENTIONAL APPROACH of 

doggie acupuncture yielded great results for 

Oscar. 

To my distinct surprise, he sat still 

through the entire treatment! The vet 

said he was the best dachshund to ever 

complete a treatment. When it was 

over, we scheduled another appoint- 

Continued on page 14 

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Join us Thursday, August 16, 2012 

from 6–8 pm, at Neverland Kennel & Cattery, 

for food, drinks, ice cream and melt-your-heart cute. 

A litter of lab mix pups, lovingly fostered and ready for adoption, 

will be there, as well as more adoptable animals, all hopeful 

to meet anyone looking to add a little sweet to their life. 

Call us at 302-698-3006 for more information. 

did we mention we’ll have ice cream? 

NEVERLAND KENNEL IS AT 34377 NEVERLAND LANE BETWEEN REHOBOTH BEACH & LEWES, ONE MILE WEST OF RT. ONE.


Benefits to pet adoption 

Learn how to find 

your forever friend 

More than 11 years ago - ready to 

become a pet parent - I stepped into 

the local animal shelter and perused 

the cages to find a new companion animal. 

The shelter was filled to capacity, 

mostly with pit bulls and other large, 

abandoned dogs. In one cage I saw a 

mound of mismatched fur and realized 

I had found “the one.” 

It was difficult to describe the dog’s 

appearance. He looked like a cross 

between an Ewok and Gizmo the 

gremlin. He was around 3 months old 

and had been found wandering the 

streets alone. His cage was marked 

“terrier mix,” so there was no way to 

fully know the breed or how large the 

puppy would get. 

Despite the way he started his early 

life, the dog wagged his tail and was 

very affectionate to me. I decided to 

take the plunge and adopt him. Eleven 

years later, my dog Happy is still a part 

of my family. I can say I’ve never met 

a more laid-back, well-behaved and 

relatively trouble-free dog -- and that 

comes with a history of many pet dogs 

growing up and my father even having 

owned a pet shop at one point. If I ever 

choose to welcome another dog into 

my home, I’m certain I’d go the adoption 

route. 

Pets in shelters 

According to the ASPCA, many of 

the shelters operating nationwide are 

independent organizations, and there 

is no reliable means of tabulating just 

how many dogs enter their shelters 

every year. It is estimated that anywhere 

between 5 to 7 million comppanion 

animals enter a shelter every 

year. Approximately 3 to 4 million are 

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SUBMITTED PHOTO 

PETS OFTEN “choose” their owners. Such is 

the case with Barack Cottter, shown here, who 

came to live with his owner, Kathleen. 

euthanized, and only 15 to 20 percent 

are returned to their owners due to 

microchip or tag identification. The 

National Council on Pet Population 

Study and Policy says most of the pets 

are destroyed simply because there is 

no one available to adopt them. 

There are a number of reasons that 

dogs end up in shelters. Many times, a 

family moves and may not be allowedto 

have pets in their next residence. 

Sometimes older people can no longer 

take care of a dog, especially if they’re 

moving into a nursing home. Some 

individuals simply misjudge the size or 

the responsibilities of having a dog and 

surrender the animal. 

Dog adoption 

Despite the vast numbers of available 

pets in shelters, there are many 

people who continue to think a better 

dog is one that comes from a pet store 

or private breeder, especially if a pure 

breed is desired. Keep in mind that 

25 percent of dogs who enter local 

shelters are purebred, according to 

the NCPPSP. There are actually many 

benefits to choosing the adoption 

route. 

• Save a life. There may be no better 

incentive to adoption than knowing 

you are saving the life of a dog that 

Continued on page 7


Adoption 

Continued from page 6 

would probably be on its way to being 

destroyed. You are also saving the 

life of another animal that can then fit 

into the shelter and get a chance for 

a forever home. Even pets that are in 

no-kill shelters may not have the quality 

of life that they deserve. Often they 

are kept in cages, and some actually 

develop personality ticks due to the 

lack of exercise and confinement. 

• Save money. Purchasing a pet can 

cost a substantial amount of money. 

Depending on the breed, some dogs 

can cost hundreds of dollars, or even 

thousands of dollars for designer 

breeds. When adopting a pet, fees help 

shelters mitigate the cost of feeding, 

housing and providing healthcare for 

shelter animals. Your adoption fee, 

in part, helps all of the animals in the 

shelter. Furthermore, the shelter often 

vaccinates and neuters the animals 

prior to adoption, helping to save you 

the cost vof these procedures. 

• Get a healthy dog. Some dogs at 

shelters do have special care requirements, 

but the majority of them are 

healthy pets. The shelter will have a 

veterinarian examine and treat the 

dogs, helping to ensure you start out 

your life together on a healthy note. 

This is not always the case with dogs 

purchased from a breeder. Some 

pet stores get their dogs from highturnout 

puppy mill breeders, where 

overbreeding may result in genetic 

problems with puppies or illness from 

overcrowding. 

• Get a dog that’s already trained. Shelters 

house animals of all age groups; 

therefore, if a housetrained pet is 

desired, or one that has learned some 

commands, you may be in luck. Older 

dogs may not need the same amount 

of preliminary training that can make 

puppies frustrating. 

• Get a pet that is already socialized. 

Having spent some time in a shelter 

interacting with other animals and 

people may offer a measure of socialization 

to the pets. It may be easier to 

acclimate the dog to a new environment. 

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Fish as pets: Dive in with fun facts 

Fish as pets are common in homes around the world. Fish 

can live in fresh water, saltwater or a combination of both, 

and depending on the type of fish, can be a relatively easy 

pet to maintain. Here are some fascinating facts about fish, 

large and small. 

• Fish can taste without opening their mouths. 

• The clown fish has the ability to change its gender and 

sexual organs depending on what is needed to breed. 

• Fish range in size from microscopic creatures to gigantic 

organisms. 

• The whale shark is the world’s largest fish. It feeds on 

microscopic plankton and probably wouldn’t make a good 

home aquarium pet coming in at 65 feet long. 

• Fish do not have 3D vision and predominantly use other 

senses. 

• Some fish swim backward, sideways and upside down. 

The Upside Down Catfish spends most of its time belly-up. 

• It is estimated that there may still be more than 15,000 

fish species that have not yet been identified. 

• Tropical fish are one of the most popular pets in the 

United States. 

• Most aquarium fish are harvested from the wild in Africa, 

Asia and South America. 

• Improper housing and nutrition is the common form of 

mortality among pet fish. 

• Some tropical fish are known as mouth brooders, where 

the young grow and develop while inside of their mother’s 

mouth. African cichlids are a breed known to do this. 

• Feed fish well, but don’t overfeed. Some breeds resort to 

canibalism if there isn’t a good food supply. 

Do You Know What 

You Are Feeding Your Pets? 

Your pet relies on you to make the right choices. 

Our products are formulated with premium ingredients. We will not cut corners on our standards of excellence. 

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Representatives and Customers Wanted!! 

Please contact a team memeber below to answer your questions. 

Go to our websites to use the pet food calculator and compare your current pet food. 

South Paw Acres, LLC - Connie Todd • 302-853-2547 • www.southpawbestfood.com 

Camp Canine Kennels, LLC - Stephanie Schrock • 302-684-1151 • www.lifesabundance.com/stephanieschrock 

Havanese of Delmarva - Bill Mehan • 302-947-2275 • www.havaneseofdelmirva.com


Get the facts 

about FIV 

Cats are delicate animals that make 

great pets. Individuals who choose to 

open their hearts to feline companions 

should know many things about how 

a cat operates. In addition, cat owners 

should know about potential diseases 

that can affect cats, including feline immunodeficiency 

virus or FIV. 

FIV is commonly referred to as 

feline AIDS because it is a condition 

very similar to the disease that afflicts 

humans. 

Essentially, FIV is a widespread viral 

infection that preys on the immune 

system of cats. It is caused by the same 

type of Lentiviruses that trigger AIDS 

in people. 

FIV devastates a cat’s immune 

system, making the animal unable to 

combat other common diseases and 

infections. It is often these secondary 

diseases that prove fatal. According 

to the Cornell Feline Health Center, 

approximately 1 to 3 percent of healthy 

cats are infected with FIV in the United 

States. The virus is passed most often 

through bite wounds and scratches. 

Therefore, outdoor cats have a greater 

risk of infection than indoor ones. 

Stages of infection 

FIV has a few different stages it goes 

through before the cat may become 

visibly ill. 

• After the virus enters the bloodstream, 

it can cause infections, fever 

and swollen lymph nodes 

• Stage 2 is generally the dormant 

stage, and many cats appear as if 

they’re completely healthy. This stage 

can last for months or years. 

The final stage is the “terminal” 

stage. The cat may suffer from diseases 

that are often chronic and turn out to 

be fatal in one year. 

Complications may include anemia, 

infections of the gums and mouth, 

cancer and skin disorders. The cat may 

also suffer neurological problems that 

cause seizures, problems maintaining 

balance and dementia, as well as 

behavioral changes like inappropriate 

elimination. 


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www.concordpetfoods.com


Choosing to say 

goodbye to your pet 

No one wants to lose a member of the family, but pet owners 

know their pets likely won’t outlive them. This means that 

there may come a time when pet owners face the decision of 

whether or not to euthanize a pet. 

Choosing to euthanize a pet can be sobering. Most pets 

are valued members of their families and the idea of living 

without the companion that has shared the ups and downs of 

life can be heart-wrenching. However, while some animals 

die peacefully on their own -- and pet parents hope their favorite 

pets will gently expire in their favorite curling-up spot 

-- many animals have strong wills to stick around with their 

pet parents and may live on despite a poor quality of life. It’s 

in their nature to mask pain and illness, so it may be difficult 

to determine the extent of illness or failing. 

While pet parents cannot control all of the factors, the one 

thing you can do is alleviate pain and suffering to a companion 

animal. In many cases, the decision to euthanize a pet is 

the most humane option available. So how do you determine 

if it is time for euthanasia? There are certain questions to ask 

that may precede the choice. 

• Is your pet in pain that cannot be alleviated by other 

methods? 


FIV 


Prevention 

There is no cure for FIV, so the best 

way to keep a cat healthy is to prevent 

initial infection. It is important to keep 

the cat inside with other FIV-negative 

cats. Before introducing a new cat 

to the household, it should receive a 

diagnostic test. 

Kittens can contract FIV from an 

infected mother through birthing or 

from drinking its mother’s milk. So 

kittens should not be exempt from FIV 

testing. 

Testing 

Vets will conduct an initial test to 

see if there are any positive FIV antibodies. 

False positives are common, 

so the vet may conduct a separate test 

later on to try to confirm the results. 

There are some medications that can 

help treat the secondary illnesses that 

result from FIV. 

The Pet Station 

Grooming and Daycare 

302-644-PAWS 

16298 Savannah Rd. 


At the railroad crossing 

CHOOSING TO EUTHANIZE A PET can be sobering. Most pets are 

valued members of their families and the idea of living without the companion 

that has shared the ups and downs of life can be heart-wrenching. 

As the cat’s immune system deteriorates, 

more aggressive treatment 

may be needed. Vets often engage in a 

long-term management plan for dealing 

with FIV. 

To learn more about FIV, consult 

with your veterinarian.


What’s in a 

name? Plenty. 

“Bella” and “Max” once again topped 

the list of most popular pet names last 

year, but there are thousands of pet 

owners who look for more originality 

when naming their furry, four-legged 

friends. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. 

Goodbye 



• Does your pet have a terminal illness 

that has progressed? 

• Will more treatment create a poor 

quality of life? 

• Has your pet lost most of his normal 

bodily functions, such as getting 

up, walking, going up and down stairs, 

and relieving himself properly? 

• Does the pet still want to eat? 

toys 

treats 

bowls 

collars 

breed-specific items 

personalized tags 

stationary 

10 WACKIEST DOG AND CAT NAMES 

Dogs 

1. Chew Barka 

2. Nigel Nosewhistle 

3. Sir Maui Senqkey Schwykle 

4. Spark Pug 

5. Agent 99 

6. Stinker Belle 

7. Vienna Sausage 

8. Furnace Hills Dante 

9. Senorita Margarita 

10. Trigonometry 

• Are the dog’s or cat’s gums pink? 

• Are you putting the pet’s best 

interests at the forefront, or are you 

simply extending the animal’s life for 

your comfort? 

• Can you afford the vet care or 

further treatment? 

Answering these questions can help 

pet owners make a more educated 

decision. 

If you are still having difficulty determining 

if it’s the time to say goodbye, 

talk with a veterinarian. He or she 

is in the business of saving pet lives 

Cats 

1. Pico de Gato 

2. Dingleberry 

3. Dumpster Kitty 

4. Schnickelfritz 

5. Koobenfarben 

6. Sassy Pants Huska 

7. Vincent Van Furrball 

8. Kitty Gaga 

9. Beefra 

10. Mister Bigglesworth 

and will not encourage euthanasia if it 

is not the right time. 

Most people and vets agree that it 

is better to euthanize your pet earlier 

than later so that he or she will not suffer 

unnecessarily. 

Others prefer to make a list of what 

their pet enjoys, i.e. chasing a ball, being 

petted, eating, going for rides. Set 

a minimum that must be reached for 

quality of life. If the pet falls below this 

minimum, then euthanasia should be 

considered. Couples who have a pet 

may disagree on the time to euthanize. 

Petique 

unique gifts for pets and their people 

300 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, DE 19944 

302-537-8591 www.petique.net


Name 


(VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest 

provider of pet health insurance, celebrates 

the most clever, creative and 

quirky pet names nationwide. After a 

thorough selection process, 50 unusual 

dog names and 50 unusual cat names 

were chosen from VPI’s database of 

more than 485,000 insured pets and 

narrowed down with a vote for the 10 

most unusual names in each category. 

“Sorting through our database of 

more than 485,000 insured pets, we 

found some very interesting, amusing 

and flat-out peculiar dog and cat 

names,” said Curtis Steinhoff, director 

of corporate communications for VPI. 

“When we spoke with the pet owners 

from our Top Ten lists, we heard some 

entertaining and heartwarming stories 

about how each owner selected their 

unusual pet name. While monikers like 

Stinker Belle and Vincent Van Furrball 

might sound odd, they are also a reflection 

of what makes each pet unique 

and special to their family.” 

PET BOARDING 

We treat your pet with the same 

care and attention you do, 

at no extra charge. When you 

board your dog with us, 

walks, playtime, individual 

attention and medication 

administration (if needed) are all 

included in one affordable price. 

ATHENA, AKA Goddess of Tug of War, lives with Annette and George Cornell. 

For the full list of 50 unusual dog and 

cat names, pictures of pets that made 

the Top 10, and the stories behind their 

unusual names, visit www.wackypetnames.com. 

With more than 485,000 pets insured 

nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance 

Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a 

GROOMING 

With 13 years of Vet Tech 

experience, owner Stephanie 

Schrock has the knowledge & 

skills to make your pet look 

their best. From head to tail, 

we offer all the services 

your pet needs to stay 

healthy and beautiful. 

DAYCARE 

Daycare is the perfect way 

to keep your pet active and 

engaged while you're at work 

or on vacation. Young puppies 

also benefit from daily 

socialization, so bring your new 

family member to daycare and 

help them grow up well-adjusted. 

21275 Burton Road · Milton, DE 19968 

www.CampCanineKennelDE.com 

Hours: 7:30AM-7:00PM · 7 Days/Week · Appointments: (302) 684-1151 

member of the Nationwide Insurance 

family of companies and is the oldest 

and largest pet health insurance company 

in the United States. Since 1982, 

VPI has helped provide pet owners 

with peace of mind and is committed 

to being the trusted choice of America’s 

pet lovers.


Grooming tips to keep pets prim, proper 

Pet parents know there are many 

responsibilities that come with having 

a pet as a part of the family. Medical 

care, feeding and watering, providing 

exercise, and offering moderate entertainment 

are all par for the course. 

Another consideration is keeping your 

pet well groomed and clean. 

Depending upon your pet, grooming 

may need to be a frequent or intermittent 

part of care. Birds, for example, 

may need nail trimming every once in 

a while. Cats keep themselves relatively 

clean, so may only require nail 

trimming and infrequent baths. Fish 

don’t need grooming, per se, however 

you will have to keep the tank clean 

and at the right pH. 

When it comes to grooming, most 

people associate the task with dog 

ownership. Dogs of all shapes and 

sizes, with various coat types, may 

require more grooming than other 

animals. Grooming may feature home 

involvement, professional grooming or 

• Handmade 

Giftware 

• Designer 

Collars 

and Leads 

a combination of both. 

Professional groomers will offer an 

array of services and are the way to go 

if you do not have the time or the ability 

to bathe, dry and shape your pet’s 

coat. Depending upon the groomer, 

certain services will be rendered at 

every grooming appointment. Here are 

some things to expect: 

• The grooming appointment will 

likely last a few hours from start to 

finish 

• Your pet will be brushed and 

bathed 

• Some groomers use a dryer for 

your pet, others believe it is better to 

let the coat air-dry 

• Detangling and dematting will occur 

if the pet needs it 

• Ears and teeth may be cleaned 

• Nails are trimmed 

• Emptying of dog’s digestive system 

may occur 

• Clipping and shaving of coat will 


Gourmet Treats and 

Accessories for pets and the 

people who love them! 

• Floatable Beach Toys 

156 Rehoboth Avenue 

Rehoboth, DE 19971 

(302) 226-2690 

www.critterbeach.com 

WINNIE loves a trip to the groomer. 

• Bling 

Apparel 

Collection 

• Gourmet 

Dog Treats


Acupuncture 


ment for the following week and took 

our little hot dog home to rest with a 

prescription for some Chinese herbs 

(the plant equivalent of the steroid 

treatments) in hand. 

We expected he might improve right 

off the bat, but the first day, he was 

overwhelmed with exhaustion and 

slept straight through. The next day 

when we woke up, he mostly kept to 

his cage, feeling sore. But on the third 

day we could tell he was feeling much, 

much better. 

The road to recovery had begun. 

Oscar completed three treatments 

over three weeks as well as a cycle of 

Chinese herbs. 

By week four, he was really rocking, 

able to walk around like normal and 

enjoy life again. 

He started rolling around on his 

back on the carpet to scratch and was 

back to his old self. 

We were certainly glad to have one 

of our best buddies back in action. And 

when his Border Collie “sister” came 

down with a hip that was acting limpy, 

we took her for acupuncture as well. 

Both are now doing fabulously. 

Traditional Chinese medicine really 

helped my doggie family out. While 

this solution might not work for every 

dog all the time, it is certainly a more 

natural approach that I personally 

endorse. 

Through our traditional Chinese 

medicine program, we have learned 

about proper nutrition for our dogs, 

which includes fresh fruits and veggies 

as well as whole grains, and we now 

have regularly scheduled acupuncture 

appointments for our dogs to help 

their bodies stay in good shape. 

Acupuncture has also helped cure 

Oscar of occasional seizures, which he 

hasn’t had since his first treatment in 

April. 

Oscar has made a full recovery from 

his back injury and is enjoying the 

summer by the pool, where he loves to 

swim and sun. 

Dogs And Their Companions, LLC 

“Living in Harmony” 

Come Learn Play 

Dog Obedience Training: 

All Ages and Breeds, including Puppy Pre-school 

Individual, Group, Board & Train, and Dog Day-Camp 

Agility, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Therapy Training, 

and so much more... 

Educational Seminars: 

Mastering the Walk 

How to Introduce Your Dog to Your New Baby 

How to Pick the Best Dog for Your Family 

Call for your FREE Consultation 302-228-2107 

www.DogsLivingInHarmony.com 

DogsAndTheirCompanions@gmail.com 

WHAT...ME WORRY? With such a sweet 

face, Ginger doesn’t have a care in the world. 

Grooming 


take place 

• If pet has fleas, a flea dip will be 

offered 

• Advice on routine maintenance 

may be given 

Pets who are introduced to the 

grooming experience early on - 

whether at-home brushing or visits to 

a groomer - will become less nervous 

and more tolerant of the experience. 

While groomers expect some skittishness 

from certain pets, your animal 

may be refused if he or she is overly 

aggressive. You may want to consult 

with a veterinarian to see if a sedative 

is helpful or necessary to make grooming 

sessions less traumatic. 

Grooming is not just for aesthetic 

purposes. Regularly cleaning and 

brushing a pet’s coat ensures that the 

skin remains healthy and receives 

adequate air and blood circulation. 

Matting or other problems can cause 

infection or fungus to form, or hot 

spots that lead to irritation.


Learn about dogs 

with Mispillion 

Kennel Club 

The public is invited to join other 

dog lovers in having fun, and learning 

something with their dog. Whether 

one is looking for puppy training, 

breed research or anything else dogrelated, 

the Mispillion Kennel Club 

Inc.(MKC), a member of the American 

Kennel Club, is ready to help. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC), 

is the oldest, largest and only nonprofit 

dog registry in the United States. It not 

only registers more than 165 breeds of 

purebred dogs, but also has an entirely 

new area devoted 

THE AKC 

to mixed breeds. 

LEGISLATION There are competi- 

SECTION FIGHTS tions for these similar 

to the current 

ANTI-DOG LAWS 

ones for pure- 

IN THE ENTIRE breds. Aside from 

COUNTRY; IN the registry and 

maintenance of the 

MANY STATES stud book, the AKC 

DOG OWNERS holds competitions 

HAVE IT TO 

in every form of 

dog activity: agil- 

THANK IN GREAT ity, conformation, 

MEASURE FOR earthdog tests, 

field trials, hunt 

MAINTAINING 

tests, lure-coursing, 

THEIR RIGHTS TO obedience and 

OWN PETS. tracking. If it can 

be done with a 

dog, the AKC is 

there. Programs include the AKC/ 

Canine Health Foundation, working 

in every field of canine health for all 

dogs; Companion Animal Recovery, 

which microchips and enrolls any sort 

of companion animal, even ferrets and 

turtles; The AKC Museum of the Dog; 

and the AKC Canine Good Citizenship 

Test, which many states now use to 

determine a dog’s legal status in problem 

cases. The AKC Legislation section 

fights anti-dog laws in the entire 

country; in many states dog owners 

have it to thank in great measure for 

maintaining their rights to own pets. 

The MKC and the Wilmington Kennel 

Club are the only all-breed clubs 

in Delaware, different from field trial 


Dog Walk on the 

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk 

Saturday, October 6, 2012 

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

A Benefit for Homeless Shelter Pets 

Grand Marshals: 

Mr. Beefy & the U.S. Coast Guard 

• Pet Contests and Games 

• Face Painting 

and Kids Activities 

• Refreshments 

and more! 

Start helping pets today, 

visit: 

www.delspca.org 

Delaware SPCA 

serving Sussex County 

for 40 years.


Kennel Club 


or other special-interest clubs. MKC 

started around 1964 and will be holding 

its 48th annual dog show, obedience 

trial and rally obedience trial 

Nov. 11, at the Wicomico Youth and 

Civic Center in Salisbury, Md. 

With 1,000 or more dogs entered, 

spectators can see most of the AKCrecognized 

breeds, speak with the 

exhibitors, watch all the competitions, 

admire the beautiful trophies to be 

won and browse the vendors’ stalls. 

An annual springtime match show – 

sort of like spring training for the real 

thing - is held outdoors near Georgetown. 

The club has year-round classes in 

Obedience, Rally Obedience, Conformation 

Handling, Canine Good 

Citizenship, Agility and Puppy Kindergarten. 

Although there is no licensing 

requirement in Delaware for teaching 

any form of dog training, MKC 

instructors have years of competitive 

K-10 

experience in the classes they teach, 

and a warm understanding of the dog/ 

human association. 

MKC members and their dogs visit 

nursing homes, rehab facilities and local 

elementary schools where the kids 

have a hands-on experience with a 

gentle purebred as they pat it and hear 

about proper, loving dog care. 

The club awards generous scholarships 

each year to a Delawarean 

attending veterinary school and at 

Delaware Technical & Community 

College in Georgetown in the veterinary 

technician program. During the 

holiday season, instead of the usual gift 

exchange, members bring food and/ 

or toys for CHEER to distribute to 

seniors with pets who may need a bit 

of help in caring for them. 

They have fun in parades, doggie 

dress-up shows and in just owning 

these wonderful companions. 

Call 856-2199 for the free Five-State 

Area Referral Service to get information 

on reputable breeders and the 

rescue organization run by each AKC 

breed parent club. 

Talking to the breeders is much better 

than relying on some internet web- 

DOG TRAINING 

CAN YOUR DOG MEET AND GREET OTHER DOGS? 

IS YOUR DOG BARKING OR JUMPING AT YOUR GUESTS...STILL? 

PRIVATE & GROUP CLASSES AVAILABLE 

NOW OFFERING SOCIALIZING & ADVANCED CLASSES 

NANCY LaFONTAINE 

ABC Certified Dog Trainer, ABC Mentor, CGC Evaluator 

ALSO AVAILABLE: GROOMING SERVICES 

Call 302.236.2497 for details • www.k10training.com 

Evelyn Bryant 

Milton, De. 19968 

Positive 

Reinforcement 

Since 2003 

For Excellence in Pet and House Sitting Services 

(302) 684-5228 

syre@localnet.com 

PEARL LOVES RELAXING in the backyard at 

her house in Milton. 

site where anything can be claimed 

and usually is. 

Visit the MKC website, mispillionkc. 

org or call 302-856-2199 to check on 

what’s going on and when meetings 

will be held. 

Playtime at the Beach 

Aug. 18 at the Seafood Shack 

The Seafood Shack in Rehoboth 

Beach will host the next Delaware Humane 

Association’s doggy happy hour, 

Playtime at the Beach, from 4 to 7 p.m., 

Saturday, Aug. 18. Dogs are welcome 

but must be on a leash. A portion of the 

proceeds will be donated to DHA. 

The Seafood Shack, 42 1/2 Baltimore 

Ave., Rehoboth Beach, offers cocktails, 

lunch or dinner in a cozy, laid back, 

and fun-filled atmosphere. For more 

information about this venue, visit 

seafoodshackrehoboth.com or call 

302-227-5881. For additional dates and 

venues, visit dehumane.org/playtimebeach. 

Check us out online at 

capegazette.com


American Kennel Club Summer Safety Tips 

Play it cool during the season’s dog days 

• If kept outside, make sure pets 

have plenty of shade. Remember that 

doghouses are not good shelter during 

the summer as they can trap heat. 

• Make sure dogs have access to 

plenty of cool, fresh water 24 hours 

a day. Owners who travel with dogs 

should bring along water and a bowl. 

• Never leave a dog in a vehicle on 

a warm day. Even with the windows 

open, the temperature inside a car can 

rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of 

minutes. 

• It’s fun to take dogs along to run 

errands, but if the dog can’t come 

inside the store, it’s best to leave him 

home. Tying a dog outside a store is 

dangerous because he is exposed to 

the hot sun and strangers who could 

be unkind. 

• Avoid strenuous exercise on 

extremely hot days. Take walks in the 

early mornings or evenings, when the 

sun’s heat is less intense. 

• Make sure the dog’s vaccinations 

are up-to-date. Dogs tend to stay 

outdoors longer and come into contact 

with other animals more during the 

summer months. 

• Keep dogs off lawns that have been 

chemically treated or fertilized for 24 

hours (or according to package instructions), 

and away from potentially 

toxic plants and flowers. Visit akc.org/ 

pdfs/public_education/hazardous_ 

plants.pdf for a list of toxic plants. 

• Mosquitoes (which carry heartworm 

disease) along with fleas and 

ticks are more prevalent in warmer 

months. Ask a veterinarian for an 

effective preventive to keep these 

parasites off the dog. 

• Many dogs like swimming, but 

some cannot swim or may not like the 

water. Be conscious of the dog’s preferences 

and skills before putting him 

in the water. Always supervise pets 

while they are swimming. 

• Chlorine from pools and bacteria 

from streams, lakes and ponds can be 

toxic for a dog’s system. Always rinse 

dogs with clean water after swimming. 

Beware of the wildlife that may pose a 

danger to swimming pets. Some catfish 

are known for attacking small dogs. 

• Many airlines will not ship animals 

during summer months due to dangers 

caused by hot weather. Some will only 

allow dogs to fly in the early morning 

or in the evening. Check with airlines 

for specific rules. Shipping policies can 

be found at akc.org/pdfs/canine_legislation/airline_chart_0605.pdf. 

• If traveling by car, keep dogs cool 

by putting icepacks such as frozen 

water bottles in their crate. DO NOT 

use freezer ice packs, which can contain 

poisonous materials. Make sure 

the crate is well ventilated. For more 

traveling tips visit akc.org/public_education/travel.cfm. 

• Be aware that asphalt can quickly 

get hot enough to burn the pads of 

dogs’ paws. In hot weather, walk dogs 

on the grass or dirt where is it cooler. JESSIE IS A COOL DOG that loves any kind of 

weather. 

COMFORT SPA: 

Soothes irritated 

skin with a 

combination of 

oatmeal and 

lavender. 

Your dog can enjoy a: 

RENEW SPA: 

Cleans and removes 

toxins with a 

combination of 

ginger root and 

grapefruit. 

Treat your dog to a 

“Day at the Spa!” 

Denise Irwin (formerly owner of Home 

Away From Home Kennel) has 25 years of 

grooming experience, and in a new, 

smaller shop, will treat your dogs in a 

gentle, calm, and relaxed manner. 

Sandy Paws is not your average Dog 

Grooming salon……in addition to my 

regular grooming services, there are 

several Spa Packages for your dog to enjoy. 

ULTIMATE SPA: 

A deep cleansing bath 

combining vanilla, white tea, 

and milk thistle. Also 

includes a bubble bath nail 

& paw treatment, and a 

fresh blueberry facial scrub. 

DEAD SEA MUD 

TREATMENT: 

Uses mineral-rich 

mud from the Dead 

Sea to relieve many 

kinds of skin 

irritations. 

Call Denise at 302-684-8576 or e-mail at Pets007@aol.com 

Located on Rt 9, 3.5 miles west of Rt 1.


OSCAR THE DASCHUND benefits from Christina Criswell’s raindrop therapy treatments. 

Animals benefit from holistic healing treatments 

By Billie Criswell 


Seven years ago, when Christina 

Criswell was having carpal tunnel issues, 

she looked for alternative means 

of treatment. That was what initially 

led her to Young Living Essential Oils, 

where she found pain relief for her 

carpal tunnel and was introduced to a 

new world of healing art. 

She fell in love with the high-quality 

oils, and from there she became a 

Young Living distributor. Before long, 

her appetite for the healing arts grew, 

and she went to take raindrop therapy 

classes at the Center for Aromatherapy 

Research and Education, a training 

program through Young Living. 

After being certified there, she was 

able to give raindrop therapy to people 

- something she used to help out family 

members and friends, free of charge. 


DAREN CRISWELL PHOTOS 

CRISWELL IS CAREFUL TO POINT OUT that she only uses Young Living Essential Oils, which 

are high-quality, therapeutic-grade oils made with a “seed to seal” process.


Holistic 


The raindrop technique is great for 

people; it helps align the body using 

a host of essential oils from basil to 

wintergreen to cypress, which all work 

in conjunction wivth one another to 

promote balance and relieve pain. 

In October 2011, Criswell’s dog, 

Shotzee, suffered a lower back and 

hind leg injury. 

Her traditional vet suggested surgery, 

but Criswell had another idea: 

holistic healing. She sought out Dr. 

Carol Lewis in Salisbury, Md., who 

specializes in traditional Chinese 

medicine treatments for animals. 

Lewis recommended Chinese herbs 

THE RAINDROP 

TECHNIQUE IS 

GREAT FOR PEOPLE; 

IT HELPS ALIGN 

THE BODY USING A 

HOST OF ESSENTIAL 

OILS FROM BASIL 

TO WINTERGREEN 

TO CYPRESS, 

WHICH ALL WORK 

IN CONJUNCTION 

WIVTH ONE 

ANOTHER TO 

PROMOTE BALANCE 

AND RELIEVE PAIN. 

for Shotzee’s 

injury, 

and when 

Criswell 

brought up 

the raindrop 

therapy she 

had been 

using on humans, 

Lewis 

urged her to 

give it a try 

on her dog. 

Before 

leaving the 

vet, Criswell 

asked how 

long it would 

be until her 

four-legged 

friend would 

be able to 

resume walks 

with her and 

her husband. Lewis said that perhaps 

by May 2012, Shotzee would be able to 

go on walks again. So, armed with her 

knowledge of essential oils, Criswell 

began Shotzee on her Chinese herbs 

and raindrop therapy. 

By the second session, Criswell said, 

“I would get the oils out and Shotzee 

would get excited - she loved it.” To 

her surprise, Shotzee was able to resume 

her walks by January - a full five 

months ahead of schedule! 

Lewis was so delighted with the 

results of the raindrop therapy that it 

wasn’t long before she recommended 

Criswell to other patients. One such 

was Miss Chips, a standard dachs- 

hund who also had a back and hind 

leg injury, though Miss Chips was not 

able to stand at all. Criswell began her 

raindrop therapy on Miss Chips, showing 

her owners how to administer the 

oils to the dog for long-term ongoing 

treatments. 

Within a few sessions, Miss Chips 

was able to stand to eat her food. 

Criswell is careful to point out that 

she only uses Young Living Essential 

Oils, which are high-quality, therapeutic-grade 

oils made with a “seed 

to seal” process. It’s also important to 

know that every animal will respond 

differently to treatment depending on 

the injury, and its severity and progression. 

In the case of Miss Chips, she 

was able to stand, but not walk fully 

because of the prolonged nature of 

her injury. Still, Criswell says the oils 

provide great relief to the dogs she’s 

treated. 

Criswell charges according to the 

size of the animal, but her rates are 

very reasonable, beginning at just $25 

per session. For more information on 

raindrop technique for a furry friend, 

reach Christina Criswell at 302-539- 

0264. 

Serving 

People through 

their pets. 

Savannah 

Animal Hospital 

24 Hour 

Animal Emergency 

················· 

33818 Wescoats Road 


················· 

302.645.8757 

Exciting news... Now providing 24-hour medical 

and emergency services for anyone in need!


Dogs at the beach 

What are the rules? 

By Molly MacMillan 


Rules and regulations for dogs on 

Delaware beaches are as follows: 

STATE PARKS: Dogs are only allowed 

in areas designated for surf fishing 

vehicles and must be leashed. Owners 

must clean up after their pets. Dogs are 

not allowed on beaches marked for 

swimming or surfing. 

LEWES: Dogs are only allowed on 

the beach before 8 a.m. or after 6:30 

p.m.. May 1 to Sept. 30 They are 

required to be on a leash, and owners 

must clean up after their pets. 

REHOBOTH BEACH: Dogs are not 

allowed at any time on the boardwalk 

or the beach from May 1 to Sept. 30. 

Off season, dogs are allowed but must 

be leashed and owners must clean up 

after their dogs. 

DEWEY BEACH: Dogs are allowed on 

the beach year-round, but there are 

limitations during the summer. From 

Memorial Day to Labor Day dogs are 

not allowed to be on the beach from 

9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They do not have 

to be leashed, but owners are required 

to clean up after their pets. 

Safety first 

If you manage to spend some beach 

time with your dog, remember, increased 

temperatures mean increased 

health hazards for pups. The American 

Kennel Club offers strategies to 

keep your best buddy safe throughout 

the seasons 

• Have vaccinations updated. Diseases 

like rabies, parvo and distemper 

are ever-present. 

• Beware of insect bites and watch 

Continued on page 21


Beach 


for allergic reactions. In the case of 

multiple bites, stings or an allergic 

reaction, contact your veterinarian. 

• Talk to your vet about flea and tick 

prevention. 

• Heartworm is a common problem 

for dogs. Ask your vet for a check each 

spring and follow advice for prevention. 

• Lawn and garden products can be 

toxic. Store hazardous chemicals and 

plants out of reach for your pet. 

• Dogs may need extra brushing and 

bathing to stay clean and healthy as 

they spend more time outside in the 

summer. 

• No matter how careful you are, 

accidents can happen. Store your vet’s 

number in a safe place, available to all 

family members. 

• Never leave your dog unattended 

in direct sunlight, or in a closed ve- 

hicle. Heatstroke can occur and lead to 

brain damage or death. Signs of heatstroke 

include panting, drooling, rapid 

pulse and fever. To treat, immediately 

immerse the animal in cool water and 

seek emergency veterinary assistance. 

On an 80 degree day, a closed car will 

heat up to 120 degrees in minutes. 

Always leave the windows partially 

rolled down. 

• Always make sure your dog has 

access to fresh water. 

• Make sure your pet has the proper 

identification. The AKC reccommends 

a collar with an ID tag and a microchip 

or tattoo. 

• Keep your dog on a leash outdoors 

to prevent accidents and injuries. 

• Try to avoid strenuous exercise 

with your dog on extremely hot days. 

Refrain from physical activitiy when 

sun is most intense. 

• Provide plenty of fresh water and 


A pawsitive approach for You and your Pet. 

•Basic Obedience Training Classes 

•Private Problem-Behavior Training Plans 

•Family Education & Training Plans 

•Bite Prevention Programs 

•Training Walks 

•Pooch-N-Pump 

Fitness Classes 

302-344-6108 • GetYourWagOnPetServices.com


Let’s go 

for a walk 

Walking your dog is a wonderful 

and peaceful exercise. It’s a time to 

explore the world, to let go of all our 

stresses, to breathe in the fresh air, and 

smell some flowers. 

Or is it? 

When you go for a walk does it feel 

like your arm is about to be pulled out 

of its socket? Do you find that the littlest 

distraction makes your dog lunge 

causing you to fall? Does your dog’s 

behavior embarrass you when you 

leave the home? It does not have to be 

this way. It should not be this way. 

I have noticed that the majority of 

people do not understand how important 

it is for their dog to learn how to 

walk properly. Dogs are all over the 

place, usually on a retractable leash. 

It is nice when the owner actually 

acknowledges the dog when it is doing 

this, but more commonly the owner is 

not paying attention. The dog is more 

than 10 feet away from the owner and 

the owner is absentmindedly doing 

something else while the dog disturbs 

everyone around it. These people 

anger me. I feel sad for the dog. These 

owners have tons of excuses. The 

dogs, they simply lack a leader. 

Beach 


shade for your dog. 

• Dogs can sunburn. Especially 

short haired dogs and those with pink 

skin and white hair. Limit your dog’s 

exposure to peak sunlight and apply 

sunblock to your dog’s ears and nose 

30 minutes before going outside. 

• Check daily water conditions with 

the lifeguard. Dogs are easy targets for 

jellyfish and sea lice. 

• If your dog is out of shape, don’t 

encourage your pet to run on the sand. 

Running on the sand is strenuous 

exercise and your dog can easily pull a 

tendon or ligament. 

• Cool ocean water is tempting for 

From the moment you adopted 

your dog you needed to establish the 

ground rules. Your dog is to walk by 

your side or behind you at all times. 

Dogs are allowed to go to the bathroom 

in designated areas but after they 

do their business, they should return 

to your side. Weaving around side 

to side, jumping, pulling, or biting the 

leash is unacceptable. You need to be 

your dog’s leader! 

FROM THE MOMENT YOU ADOPTED 

YOUR DOG YOU NEEDED TO 

ESTABLISH THE GROUND RULES. 

YOUR DOG IS TO WALK BY YOUR 

SIDE OR BEHIND YOU AT ALL TIMES. 

With all my clients, I talk about the 

importance of “Mastering the Walk”. 

The majority of the time, this is met 

with joy and excitement because the 

idea of having a peaceful and harmonious 

walk with their dog would be a 

gift. Some owners need to be convinced 

of the importance of the walk. 

The first question I am always asked 

is “Will my dog still have fun on the 

walk?” My answer is always, yes of 

course. Going outside and exploring 

the world is fun. Just because a dog 

is walking by your side or slightly behind, 

it does not mean that he cannot 

have a good time. Dogs are sniffing 

the air and can smell more wonderful 

things than we could ever imagine or 

even want too. Your dog’s tail is wag- 

dogs to drink. Do not allow your dog 

to drink too much seawater. The salt 

will make him sick. 

• Salt and other minerals found in 

the ocean can damage your dog’s coat. 

Rinse your pup when you are ready to 

leave for the day. 

• Not all beaches permit dogs. Check 

local ordinances before heading out. 

Does your doggy paddle? 

• Not all dogs can swim. Most do, 

but use caution for dogs entering the 

water for the first time. 

• Never throw your dog in the water. 

• Start in shallow water and call your 

dog’s name. Coax with a treat or toy, 

but always keep your dog within reach. 

• Introduce your dog to water with 

ging. His body is moving and relaxed. 

He is glancing up at you and panting. 

His acknowledgement and pant is his 

smile. 

Why does your dog have to walk by 

your side or slightly behind you? Dogs 

are pack animals and within each pack 

there needs to be a leader. If you as 

the human do not take the leadership 

reins, you are then telling your dog to 

be in charge. There are a lot of dogs 

that would not complain about this 

idea. Some dogs will even try and fight 

the human for leadership. Most dogs 

do not want it and it causes them tons 

of stress and anxiety to lack a leader. 

Now I say to you followers who 

lack the ability to lead. Why do you 

not want your dog to be happy? Your 

dog is happy when he knows his 

rules, boundaries, and limitations. He 

is happy when he has a strong pack 

leader to listen to and obey. One of the 

easiest and most rewarding ways to 

show your dog that you are the leader 

and happy with your position within 

the family, is to master the walk. 

Mastering the walk does not have to 

be a battle. There are many different 

techniques and tools to help you and 

your dog to learn how to communicate 

better and for you to gain control over 

the walk. To learn more and to sign up 

for a FREE informational meeting contact 

Lori Leonard of Dogs And Their 

Companions, LLC by calling 302-228- 

2107 or go to the website dogslivinginharmony.com. 

another dog that already swims and is 

friendly with your pet. Let your dog 

follow the lead. 

• If your dog swims doggy-paddle 

with front legs only, lift his hind legs to 

help him float. Most dogs quickly catch 

on and keep their back end up. 

• Swimming is great exercise, but 

don’t let your dog overdo it. He will 

find new muscles and tire quickly. 

• Be careful of strong tides; hazardous 

to even the best swimmers. 

• Never leave your dog unattended! 

You should always be in a position to 

help your pet get out of the water. 

For more information visit the 

American Kennel Club website at 

www. akc.org or call AKC customer 

service at 919-233-9767.

OUR PETS - August 10, 2012 Page 23

A Cageless version of dog boarding based on a love and understanding 

of a dog's needs. Our mission is to remove the stigma of isolating 

a good dog for convenience. All dogs will receive individual attention 

and be provided a comfortable sleeping environment. 

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH OWNER ON PREMISES 

$30 a night per dog. One Weekend night (Friday or Saturday) is $40. 

For late/early drop off/pick up there will be a surcharge. 

Daycare and Evening care are available on a limited basis at a rate of $5 per hour. 

Because of limited space (6 occupants max.) reservations are required. 

Please ask about specific breed exclusions. 

This decision is not based on personal preference but on the peace of mind of other boarders. 

28313 Johnson Road 

302-947-1745 

Becky Schellenger www.thegooddoginn.com 

Georgetown, DE 19947 Innkeeper 

thegooddoginn@verizon.net

Our Pets - Village Soup

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