cottonwood tails receives an intramuscular injec-tion deep in the lower back muscles. this is a...

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Saving Rio

A Special Needs Dog Story From an interview with Mary Thorpe

Vol. 1 No. 3 April 2012

Cottonwood Tails

Rio’s treatment went like this: The

patient receives an intramuscular injec-

tion deep in the lower back muscles.

This is a painful injection with a painful

substance, and it is common for the pa-

tient to be quite sore afterwards at

home.

Pain medication may be needed. Be

careful of the injection site as it may hurt

enough to cause a dog to bite. An ab-

scess may form at the site, which would

require use of warm compresses.

The dog comes back one month later

for two doses 24 hours apart (the first

dose represents an introductory treat-

ment to kill some of the more sensitive

worms.) Keep in mind, too many worms

dying at once

creates circulato-

ry shock.

After treat-

ment, the patient

must be strictly

confined for one

month following

the final treat-

ment. No walks,

n o r u n n i n g

around.

The dog must live the indoor life. The

reason for this is that embolism to some

degree is inevitable and it is important

to minimize embolism-related problems.

Exercise increases heart rate and oxy-

gen demand and we need the heart to

rest during this recovery period.

As of this story, Rio has finished her

treatments, and though she’s not out of

the woods yet, she is free of living heart-

worms and will soon be a happy seven

year old lab who likes to run, play and

be loved by those around her.

Fostering has many benefits and joys.

First and foremost it

is a tremendous

help to the animal

by removing them

from the stressful

and less-than-social

shelter environ-

ment. It allows an

animal to open up

and you see a completely different per-

sonality than you do in the shelter.

Many people cannot make a lifelong

commitment to a pet, but fostering al-

lows them the opportunity to help a pet

and fulfill their want to have a pet on a

short-term or temporary basis.

Looking for a second pet? Fostering

lets you get to know an animal and

make sure they are a good fit for your

family and pet(s). It can be difficult to

select a pet based out of one meet-and-

greet at a shelter facility. Most people’s

response as to why they cannot foster is

that they would want to keep each one.

While there is an emotional compo-

nent to fostering the reality of it is that

most will not meet the criteria of what

will be appropriate for your lifestyle.

Keeping in mind that what you are do-

ing is beneficial and in the pet’s best

interest.

It is a great feeling when you see how

much you can help a homeless pet pro-

gress and know it allows them to find

their forever home that much easier

because they are more adoptable for

someone who is looking to adopt. Who

knows even if you aren’t looking to add

a new family member you may just find

one.

The following story should never have

happened. It did. This kind of story hap-

pens all to often in this country and

thanks to groups of people who care,

some of them have happy endings.

Our story is about Rio, a Labrador Re-

triever, who was recently freed from a

puppy mill in Kansas City, Missouri.

That first part of the story is bad enough,

but it gets worse.

Rio had a severe case of heartworms.

He has since undergone the treatment,

and has endured several months of in-

tensive treatment and care. Pat Thorpe

of Longmont, who cares for special

needs dogs found herself a part of her

recovery.

Rio was part of a group of seven labs

rescued from the mill facility about 6

months ago. They were taken in by the

Boulder Humane Society who had them

put on a treatment to kill the microfillar-

ie .

This gets them ready for the treatment

and stops the chance of their infecting

anyone else.

Then the dogs were adopted out to

people who would finish the process and

give them a chance at a long good life.

In Rio’s case, this was Bruce and Tonya

Harrington. The Harringtons, who could

have taken an easier route decided to

give Rio a chance.

Pat’s job was to insure that Rio had

around the clock attention and keep her

from overexerting herself while her

body begins to heal. The dead worms

will pass into the blood system and can

cause death if she overworks her circu-

latory system.

Mary and Rio

Have You Ever

Considered

Fostering? By Dan Antaya

Kennel Manager

mailto:[email protected]



Spring Means Prevention Fleas, Ticks and Other External Parasites

Are in Season

In Colorado, beginning in March and

running through the warmer parts of the

year, we need to be aware of some of

the parasites that live on our pets. These

can include fleas, ticks, mites and dog

lice

Fleas can infest dogs and cats, and in

areas of moderate to

severe infestation, peo-

ple can be bitten by

fleas. An infestation that

is severe and not treated

can cause death to a pet due to blood

loss (anemia). Also, histamine-like com-

pounds in flea saliva irritate the skin and

allergies to fleas develop in both dogs

and cats.

Ticks are usually more of a dog prob-

lem than a cat problem

simply because of the

cats grooming habits.

It is a good idea to

check your dog for

ticks after they have

been out on walks, especially if they

have been into the bush and walked

through long grass.

Lice are insects that can be seen with

the naked eye. They are flattened and

possess no wings. They are very host-

specific and do not tend to

leave their preferred ani-

mal. Lice spend their entire

life cycle on the pet. There

are about 460 species of

sucking lice and 3,000 spe-

cies of chewing lice.

Transmission of lice is by direct contact

with an infested pet. Unlike fleas and

ticks, lice do not persist or travel in the

environment

March 2012

Cottonwood Tails

Heartworms:

A Preventable

Problem Although at one time confined to the

southern United States, heartworm has

now spread to nearly all locations where

its vector, the mosquito, is found.

Transmission of the parasite occurs in

all of the United States (cases have even

been reported in Alaska. The highest

infection rates are found within 150

miles of the coast from Texas to New

Jersey, and along the Mississippi River

and its major tributaries and others.

Quite simply, heartworms are para-

sites that can do damage to your dog or

cat’s heart. Heartworm disease (the

buildup of numerous heartworms) is

always fatal if left untreated.

Treatment for heartworm disease can

be extremely expensive and will often

shorten your pet’s life, due to the exten-

sive damage that is done to their cardiac

system.

Heartworm prevention is a far better

option. It is very affordable, and is not

harmful to your pet. Veterinarians will

suggest a preventative plan (usually to

be given once per month).

Heartworm preventatives also protect

from roundworm, hookworm and other

intestinal parasites. They do not prevent

giardia, tapeworms or carcidia.

Though found mostly in the south,

heartworms are a national problem.

This map shows the severity of infec-

tion in varied areas of the U.S.

Mites come in several varieties, but

those most commonly

encountered are: Sar-

coptic mange, De-

modectic mange, ear

mites and Cheylitiella.

Sarcoptic mange is very commonly

picked up by dogs from foxes and can

be transmitted via fences, under-

growth etc. The mites burrow deep in

the skin resulting in very itchy, red,

scaly patches typically on the ears,

elbows and sides. It can be difficult to

diagnose from skin scrapes but there

is a blood test. Sarcoptic mange rare-

ly occurs in cats.

Demodectic mange is caused by a

long thin mite that lives in the hair

follicle and causes hair loss, typically

on the head and legs but can occur

anywhere. It isn't always itchy but can

spread and cause secondary dermati-

tis. It is common in puppies especially

in short coated dog breeds.

Ear Mites occur most frequently in

cats, especially kittens. These can

cause a very uncomfortable ear infes-

tation, with a characteristic black wax,

which can lead to secondary ear infec-

tions. Ear mites are easy to diagnose

and treat with drops.

All of the aforementioned pests can

be prevented using measures recom-

mended by your pet’s health care pro-

vider.

Next time you are in their office, ask

them what measures will be helpful in

your situation. They’ll be glad to dis-

cuss it with you. Your pet will be glad

you did.




On March 13th, the staff here at Cot-

tonwood Kennels had the opportunity to

spend two hours with Dr. Nancy Bureau

who taught a course in pet first aid and

CPR.

The course was

attended by almost

all of the 30 plus

employees of

CWK. We gained

the knowledge

that will help us in

our daily duties

here at the kennel as well as with our

own pets at home. Dr. Bureau covered

many topics that gave valuable insight

and information .

Some of the topics she covered were

allergic reactions, parasites, shock, sei-

zures, and bloating. She also covered

treatment for abrasions, broken toenails,

torn pads and heat stroke.

We learned how to check a dogs gums

and eye color for shock. She also in-

formed us on how to tap the dogs sides

to check for bloat.

She brought her own dog, Griffin, a

bearded collie, to practice on. Griffin

was a great sport.

By working closely with family

and vets, we are able to give your

pet the best care possible

Cottonwood meets all kinds of ani-

mals that have special needs. These in-

clude medical and physical needs. We

have trained staff administering medica-

tion on a daily basis.

We are always tracking behaviors and

monitoring every pet. The little guys

can’t verbally tell us what’s wrong. With

information like that we received from

Dr. Bureau, we are better equipped to

spot something going on.

By working closely with family and

vets, we are able to give your pet the

best care possible.

We at Cottonwood pay special atten-

tion to every aspect of your pet during

their stay with us, from their diets, medi-

cations, exercise/play and rest periods

to be sure that their health and welfare

are the very best we can deliver.

Front Office Report By Rhonda Beitzel

Kennel Manager

Cottonwood Tails April 2012

Medication

Notes

By Danielle Reeves

A commonly asked question by our

clients wanting to board their pets is

“What about their medications, can you

administer them?”. The answer to that

question is “Yes”. We have people who

handle the medications and they take

the job very seriously.

We start the medica-

tions promptly at 7 am

every morning. We

have separate boxes for

each pet that has them.

All of their names are

written up on the board

with the dosage and times.

We also use sign off sheets with the

name of the pet, the medication, com-

plete and detailed directions on their

dosages, and the reason why they are

getting them.

We give the medications in varied

ways. Typically we use soft cheese,

peanut butter and meat.

Some owners bring us ‘pill pockets’

as that is what their pets are used to.

One owner even brings in bread for his

pet’s medication wrapping. Another

brings in honey for sore throats.

Our medication people don’t

stop at pills. We do eye and ear drops,

shots (except for diabetes). We clean

hotspots and even do hot compresses

on your little ones when needed.

We will be glad to talk with you about

any medications your pet needs during

their stay with us.

Dr. Nancy Bureau and her

assistant ‘Griffin’, her bearded

collie.

The staff of Cottonwood listens in-

tently as Dr. Bureau explains first

aid for pets.




Notes From Small

Dog Playgroup By Pilar Heffelfinger

Playgroup Captain

What does my cat do all day? Cats have

a choice of several different windows.

They can enjoy morning sun in the east

window. They can watch white butterflies

buzzing the field next door or squirrel

races along the fence.

The big bay south window they can

enjoy a sun bath and bird watching. There

is always a few

cars, people, and

dogs OH MY to

watch. The two

smaller south

windows are good

for watching the

cars on Valmont.

The swallows

swooping and

Robins bobbing is

fun to watch.

The west window is a good place to

watch Willie the sheep and his little sheep

friends, Nickolas the alpaca and the many

color chickens. Little dog play group is

very entertaining.

There are several different large plants

to play queen or king of the jungle under.

The plants are a good place to curl up for

a nap.

The Cattery has several kinds of toys to

play with. We have one small round ball

that has a squeaking

mouse in it. Cattery

furniture is comfy to

sleep on or to

sharpen nails.

Cat Nip Time is

Grand. Last but not

least, time for

rocking and petting

in the rocking chair.

Cottonwood Tails

A lot has been happening in small dog

playgroup lately. We have been re-

vamping the indoor play area to make it

more spacious.

We are also making it more colorful,

with green and blue walls to make it look

like the horizon.

We have also introduced new toys

that the all the little doggies just love !

The ‘Jolly Balls’

and ‘Hol-ee Roll-

ers ’ really enter-

tain the little guys

while they run

around with all

their friends. A lot

of the toys the

pups play with are

sold in our lobby retail area.

We have been so excited to play with

your little ones over spring break. It’s

great to see so many familiar faces and

get to know some new furry friends.

The pups, and I, are excited for our

warmer weather and can hardly wait for

summer. Goodbye winter snow !

We have begun to play outside now

much more and are enjoying the fresh

air and clear skies.

This month we will be making

quickie dog cookies. You will need

the following to get started:

1 jar of baby food (beef or pork)

1/3 cup of wheat germ

2/3 cup of dry milk.

Mix all the ingredients together

and add a small amount of hot water

to thin it out to a consistency that

makes them easy to drop onto a

cookie sheet. Size cookies according

to the size of your dog.

Bake in preheated oven at 350

degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Let

cool. Store in the refrigerator. Use as

needed. Great for training rewards.

_________________________________

Cottonwood Days

Sarah getting in a little one on one

time in small dog play group

Mikes Canine Culinary Corner

By Mike Thorpe

March 2012

“An animal's eyes have the

power to speak a great lan-

guage." ~ Martin Buber

Purrs from the Cattery

By Connie Duras

What a great view !

Connie rocking one of

the little kitties.




Spring has definitely sprung. Spring is

starting out considerably drier and

warmer this year. That means more fun

outdoors for our 4-legged friends.

This however means they are getting

less transition times for their coats, and

may become uncomfortable much sooner

This is the time where double coated

dogs start blowing (shedding) their

Linda grooms a double layered Malamute. Removing the winter coat will put a smile on their faces.

coats. This in turn redecorates everything

in their environment with a lovely layer of

hair.

All four legged friends may show signs

of being uncomfortably warm, and getting

dusty with the drier weather. Dogs

beginning to swim now may mat more

now with the heavy winter coats that are

beginning to loosen.

With the pollen flying, dogs with

airborne allergies may start itching and

having skin and other allergy problems.

For their human companions it is time to

think ahead, of their comfort and welfare.

The fun is ahead, we can help.

———————————————————-

Dogs are not our whole life, but they

make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras

Notes from Large Dog Playgroup

By Jon Mouser Playgroup Captain

Inside Story Headline

March 2012

Cottonwood Tails

Happy April to all ! We hope that eve-

ryone had as good a

spring break as we

did. Out in playgroup

we had a blast. With-

out all the snow and

cold weather, out-

doors was the place

to be, whether you

are a two legged or

four legged type.

We had a full house every day over

the week of spring break. Lots of day-

care and boarding pets all having a

great time outside in the great weather.

We have really seen a lot of new faces

over spring break and throughout

March, and everyone getting to know

each other is really something to see.

We have brought out the pools which

really makes the pups very happy. You

could certainly tell that all of our 4 leg-

ged friends are ready for summer, and

the staff here at Cottonwood couldn’t

agree more.

Until next time, we hope everyone en-

joys the rest of spring. We look forward

to seeing your little, and big ones, here

in the future.

It’s springtime at Cottonwood Kennels !!

Out comes the pools and in go the

munchkins.

_________________________________

Meet the Cottonwood Family

By Penny Vardell

This month we would like to

introduce you to Blake Howard.

Blake has worked at Cottonwood

for a little

over two

years now.

Blake is

a n a l l

around the

h o u s e

e m p l o y e e

who can

be seen

just about

an yw h e re

d u r i n g

t h e

workday.

A s w e l l a s w o r k i n g f o r

Cottonwood, Blake is going to

s c h o o l f o r e n v i r o n m e n t a l

chemistry. He hopes someday to

work in the field of environmental

remediation . Blake also takes a

course in Spanish to expand his

horizons.

Blake was involved in scouting

as a boy and attained the rank of

Eagle. Blake also loves hiking,

camping and tennis.

Blake has rapport with animals

that cannot be taught, that comes

from within.

Young men and women like

Blake is what makes Cottonwood

Kennels the place for your pets.

Their work ethic and dedication

to their charges, both big and

small is not to be matched.

Blake and Jessica during a big

dog play group session

Clips

from the

Groom Room

By Linda Little

Blake Howard




This month we

would like to introduce

Madame Neah. She will

read the stars and let

us know what lies in

our pet’s future.

She also does paw

reading at special

events in the area.

Madame Neah

Aries (3/21—4/19) This month is a

chance to improve on your “I didn’t do it

look”. Your family will be more recep-

tive to your ‘sadder’ eyes. Work it !

Taurus (4/20-5/20) The sun is shining

and the leaves are budding. Bring your

best friend the leash and let them know

it’s time to get out and play.

Gemini (5/21-6/20) It will be OK ! This

month brings you a new scent. You will

get a full spa treatment. Even though

baths are not your thing, you will feel

new. Afterwards, strut your stuff and get

extra praise from your family.

Cancer (6/21-7/22) You have been

down after so many cold days. Now is

the time to get out and make new

friends. Smell some new behinds , intro-

duce yourself, mingle and get involved.

Leo (7/23-8/22) OMG !! Lucky you !!

The pools are out. You will reconnect

with your lighter side. You will frolic..

you will play… you will splash and be

happy.

Virgo (8/23-9/22) Yellow snow is

gone, yet blue toilet water is never

gone. Resist temptation. Your usual bowl

will provide. Don’t stray.

Libra (8/23-10/22) Yeah ! You will go on

an adventure this month, hiking down a

new trail. Remember to protect yourself.

With the change of seasons, it’s time to

take charge. Get all of your flea, tick and

heartworm preventatives in place.

This months barnyard friends will fea-

ture Nicholas, our alpaca. He’s the tall-

est one in the pasture which makes him

hard to miss.

Nicholas came to us a few years ago

as a very young alpaca. He came with a

family of four. The other 3 belonging to

one of our employees at the time.

When they left, some wondered if he

could go it alone. He did, and well. He

has his step brothers and sisters, the

sheep, who he gets along very well

with .

Nick was different than most alpacas

though. He was very comfortable around

people which made him a great addition

to our barnyard. He will walk right up to

the gate and greet clients as if he’s al-

ways known them.

Nicholas stands

about 5 foot tall

and probably

weighs in at close

to 300 pounds,

yet he is as affa-

ble as a lamb. His

curiosity about

things makes him

seem almost

childlike.

Our

Barnyard Friends

March 2012 Cottonwood Tails

Your Pet’s Horoscope By Madame Neah

Nicholas and his always charming smile.

Scorpio (10/23-11/21) Your family will

need special attention this month. Listen

closely, Nuzzle open hands and give

freely with kisses and tail wags. Re-

member, you can always bring a smile

to their faces.

Sagittarius (11/22-12/21) Excite-

ment ! I see a new treat in your future. A

baked buffalo shin bone is on the hori-

zon. It will take you the month before

you are interested in anything else.

Capricorn (12/22-1/19) Squirrels are

active now with spring. Don’t let them

draw you across the street !! Don’t let

those critters fool you. When you do

have to cross, look both ways.

Aquarius (1/20-2/18 ) It is time to

better yourself and impress your family.

Embrace new commands and tricks.

Work with your trainer during positive

reinforcement sessions to earn ‘jackpot’

goodies.

Pisces (2/19-3/20) This month is a

chance to better bond with family. Not

sure you are ready to brave the chang-

ing season? Hang out with family and

friends cuddled up on the couch or your

favorite bed.

____________________________________

Cottonwood Kennels

“Play and Stay for Pets”

Remember us for all your boarding,

daycare and grooming needs.

Open 7 Days A Week

7:30am until 6:00 pm

Nicholas is hard to miss, he’s the tallest of our barnyard friends.


cottonwood tails receives an intramuscular injec-tion deep in the lower back muscles. this is a...

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