Although St. Francis was born in the twelfth century, his message remains as profound and significant today as it was then. An Italian friar and preacher, he founded the men’s Franciscan Order and the women’s Order of St. Clare. The son of a wealthy merchant in Assisi, he lived a life of wealth and privilege. After going off to war, however, he received a vision that inspired him to return to Assisi. He lost his taste for the worldly life and emulated the life of Jesus. He preached on the streets and soon acquired a large following. Once the Franciscan Order had been endorsed by the Pope, in 1223, St. Francis arranged for the first Christmas manger scene. In 1224, he received the stigmata, making him the first person to bear the wounds of Christ’s Passion. On July 16, 1228, he was proclaimed a saint by Pope Gregory 1X.

St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. He had preached of the beauty, complexity, fragility and magnificence of all creatures and Mother Earth. It has become customary for Catholic and Anglican Churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of October 4.

St. Francis believed that nature itself was a mirror of God. He referred to all creatures, regardless of how seemingly small or insignificant, as his “Brothers” and “Sisters”. He referred to the Sun as “Brother Sun” and to the moon as “Sister Moon”, to the wind and air, as “Brothers” and to the water as “Sister Water so useful, humble, precious and pure.”

The Feast of St. Francis reminds us to reflect upon the glory, purposefulness and meaningfulness of all life. In our age of technology, where we do not have much contact with the world of nature and her creatures, it is spiritually uplifting to take time to experience, celebrate and meditate upon the divinity of all life and to commemorate the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

Growing old is not easy – for our pets or us. There are so many physical, emotional and mental issues that accompany the aging process. Many of us are burdened with increased physical as well as mental limitations, and we find ourselves unaccustomed to being able to perform tasks that we found easy to accomplish during our younger years.

Just as is the case with human beings, some pets age more gracefully and easily than others. In this wonderful age of advanced technology, we have learned to improve the quality and increase the longevity of both animal and human lives.

The following are some simple and direct ways of prolonging the lives of our beloved animal companions.

As your pet approaches his senior years, pay close attention to any physical or behavioral changes taking place. Make it a special point to closely observe any changes in his physical condition, personality or behavior. Is he shyer, reticent, lethargic or is he more aggressive, assertive or dominant? Is he physically slower and less agile than he has been? Does he slow down more quickly and recoil from playtime or interaction. Does he seem to want to isolate or withdraw from interaction with his family members or buddies? You know your pet better than anyone else – it is up to you to note any changes in his personality, overall health and behavior. If you are concerned about any of the above, take your dog to your vet. Consult with your vet to determine the best health care and nutritional program for your pet.

Pet and feel your animal companion often, and check for any unusual lumps, bumps, areas of sensitivity, or pain, redness or swelling, wounds or patchy, raw skin, excessive panting or drooling. Being proactive is the best way to protect your pet from any serious illnesses or potential health problems.

As your pet grows older, take him to the vet more frequently in order to determine if he has any conditions or potential conditionals that may require a special exercise regime, supplements or diet.

As your pet ages, you may witness many changes. He may be slowing down. Look for subtle changes in the way he gets up or sits down and deals with stairs. Arthritis is common among older dogs – especially the larger breeds. Another possible cause for slowing down is hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder in older dogs.

Graying around the muzzle may also be a sign that your pet is aging. Most dogs begin to show graying at around five or six years old.

Reduced vision or hearing may also be indications that your pet is aging. If you suspect that your pet is experiencing diminished sight or hearing, take extra care to protect him from hazards. On walks, keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Check your pet’s mouth and teeth. With proper dental care and food, you can decrease the chances of him developing periodontal disease.

Check your pet’s eyes for signs of cloudiness, irritation, redness or discharge.

Flea and tick as well as heartworm prevention should be administered on a regular basis.

Massaging your pet can prove beneficial to your pet and can help you detect any abnormalities early on become they develop into more serious conditions.

Today, there are so many ways of providing quality care for your senior pet including a variety of holistic and homeopathic modalities in addition to traditional veterinary medicine. However, most important to the increased longevity and quality of life for your pet is your love and care for him.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

Grief is the normal and healthy emotional response to loss. It occurs regardless of whether death is the result of a sudden accident or a prolonged illness. Grief can be associated with many different kinds of loss. According to John W. James and Russell Friedman, grief recovery experts and authors of THE GRIEF RECOVERY HANDBOOK, ‘Grief incorporates the conflicting feelings caused by the end of or change in a familiar pattern of behavior and is represented by many different kinds of loss. For example, we may grieve the loss of a beloved human family member, friend, or colleague. We may also grieve the loss of a beloved and admired public figure. We may also grieve the losses resulting from the death of a spouse, or divorce or separation. The loss of a pet, marriage, graduation, retirement, empty nest, graduating form high school or college, moving, major health changes, financial changes (positive or negative), holidays, the end of addiction, loss of trust or faith in people or God, loss of safety, loss of control of one’s body may also result in our experiencing grief.’

Although grief is the normal and natural, way of responding to loss it is at the same time, one of the most powerful emotions and one of the most neglected and misunderstood experiences. Generally, although on a certain level we come to expect grief and loss as inevitable aspects of life experience, we know little about and are ill-prepared to deal with (let alone) recover from grief

The subject of grief is often painful, difficult, uncomfortable and unpalatable, and w e often find it difficult to discuss – regardless of the nature of our loss but especially if we are grieving the loss of a beloved animal companion. . People who do not know, communicate with and love animals are not able to understand or empathize with the loss of a pet which is a beloved family member for so many of us, Unless they have experienced the loss of a beloved pet, they seem unresponsive to the deep and profound feelings associated with our loss – the void and emptiness, the sadness and depression, the loneliness and despair we feel at the loss of our beloved family member – one so trusting, vulnerable, pure -of heart – one who loves us unconditionally and is loyal and devoted to us – one who is our true loyal and sacred friend, companion and confidant. Perhaps the one who know our hearts and souls better than anyone else.

We are desperately in need of education about grief – the nature of the experience and how to cope with and recover from it. There are many tools that can be helpful to us on our road to understanding loss and grief, as both are inevitable facets of our life experience. First and foremost, it is imperative to identify and recognize that we are grieving and that this grief is normal. Secondly, it is important to express our feelings verbally and in writing Sharing our genuine emotions with sympathetic and empathetic people are important steps to help you on your road to recovery. The process of recovery requires that we deal with loss directly and acquiring skills that we should have learned as children. You are the only person that can transmute pain into creative hurt. Grief can be transformational and help us grow in wisdom and compassion. It also affords us the opportunity to grow and evolve spiritually .It is truly a journey and leads us from one stage of our lives to the next…

Grief Recovery Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

Sedonia “Dony” Kennicoot Fairweather

December 25, 1998 – July 5, 2011

My beautiful White German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute mix, Sedonia Kennicoot Fairweather, or “Dony” as we called her died on July 5 at the age of twelve and a half.
She was born of Kianna Fairweather, one of the most beautiful and remarkable dogs I have ever known. Dony was the only one of nine puppies born on Christmas Day night in 1998 who survived. Three days after her birth, our beloved Caesar died of bone cancer- osteosarcoma.

Dony was pure white and so very, very tiny at birth. We did not know if she would survive, and if she did, if she would be disabled or ill. Kianna had advanced heartworm disease. She had many infirmities and had also been shot and almost paralyzed by a dart gun shot by an Animal Control officer. She was emaciated and dehydrated – and throughout all of her surgeries and vaccinations – all while she had been pregnant – unbeknownst to any of the vets that had treated her.

Dony was Kianna’s pride and joy. I have never seen a more maternal, caring and loving mother than Kianna. She socialized her beautifully- the two were virtually inseparable. Kianna taught Dony how to hunt and fish, and the two were always chasing and catching all kinds of critters. They had a special fondness for the mallards that swam in our pond.

Dony was born in our study and slept with Norman and me – on the bed with her mother and us or on the floor with her mother. She was very quiet and gentle and was, at the age of three, certified as a Therapy dog. She was beloved by many people in assisted living centers, nursing homes and hospitals. She was a great healing, calming and comforting presence to so many.

When we adopted Nenani, an Alaskan Malmute mix, she, he and Kianna were a family within our family. They played together, ate and slept together, and, of course, hunted and chased animals together. Even when Kianna died, Dony seemed to understandthe concept of death in a way that is indescribable – as though it were inevitable and a part of life experience. She and Nenani became closer than ever.

During recent months, Donny seemed disoriented and confused periodically – very unlike her. She was so very clever, resourceful, alert and intelligent. She was also having difficulty getting up and walking.

It was obvious that she was suffering. She was incontinent for the fist time in her entire life. It was obvious that she did not know what was happening. She was suddenly paralyzed, and her exquisite, alert and shining brown eyes were now dull and listless.

It was tine to put an end to her suffering. I knew that she was ready to go. And so, we had her euthanized in our bedroom. Nenani and the other dogs were with her, and I wept and held her close to me, placing my head upon hers. I told her how deeply I loved her and would miss her. But I knew that she would be joyously reunited with her mama, Caesar, Katie, Spencer, Two Socks, Chloe and the other dogs with whom she had lived. I I knew Auntie Betty & Uncle Chris would be warmly welcoming her to the Rainbow Bridge. I thanked Dony for all that she had given to enrich my life. I thanked God for the privilege and blessing of knowing my beloved Dony.

I am profoundly missing the best Christmas present I ever received – my beloved Dony. She will always live on in my heart and soul…

1). Keep your pet cool, safe and comfortable.

2). Keep him in the house or air conditioned shelter as much as possible.

3). Keep him hydrated – replenish his non-metal bowl with cool, fresh water many, many times throughout the day.

4). Keep visits outside limited to early morning and early/late evening.

5). Keep him out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

6). Limit his outdoor exercise and exposure to sun.

7). Keep him off of concrete and asphalt surfaces during the heat of the day when sun is at its highest intensity.

8). Hang out with your pet indoors – playing” fetch”, “hide & seek”, and fun indoor games and activities.

9). Check with your vet as to you pet’s summertime diet so that it reflects his age, size, weight and amount of activity.

10). Never leave your pet shut in a house or kept in a yard while you go away.

11). Never force your dog to run in hot, humid weather.

12). Keep your pets on heartworm and flea and tick meds not only during the summer but throughout the year.

13). Be prepared to deal with wasps, fire ants, bees, hornets. Discuss potential insect or snakebite remedies with your vet proactively so that you are equipped to deal with them if the situation should arise.

14. NEVER, ever leave your pet in the car during the heat of the summer.

15. Make summer vacation plans keeping your pet in mind. Will he be traveling with you? Staying at home with friends or neighbors? Being boarded at a kennel. Will you require a hotel/motel, etc, that allows pets? Research your itinerary and make plans for your pet long in advance of your proposed trip.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

On Memorial Day and at other times of the year when we honor those who have faithfully and courageously served and defended our country, I cannot help but reflect upon those unsung heroes who have valiantly and devotedly fought side by side with our military personnel - our dogs of war. Their valor, loyalty and devotion have for too long remained unacknowledged.

These dogs that have served our country have been rarely publicly appreciated, recognized, or received medals or any other award for their duty. There are some war dog memorials – probably the best known ones at March Air Force Base in California and the Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia. Other war dog memorials include: the Naval Facility at Guam, the Alfred M. Gray Marine Corps Research Center in Quantico, Virginia and the Alabama War Dogs Memorial at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. Unfortunately, the honor of and recognition for the work these dogs have done are limited in light of the fact that these dogs have saved countless lives.

Since ancient times, dogs have bravely served alongside humans during combat. Throughout the history of warfare, from the times of the Egyptians, Greeks and Persians, during the Roman Empire, throughout the Civil War and World Wars I & II, through Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and currently in Iraq and Afghanistan, dogs have actively served at the sides of their masters. Serving as messengers, sentries, protectors, guides, mascots and detectors of bomb and other explosives, they have sacrificed their own lives to save their masters. They have also brought companionship, healing and comfort to the injured and infirm.

When remembering those who have faithfully served our country, keep in mind our canine companions and fellow “soldiers”. They are deserving of our praise, appreciation and respect.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

Many pet owners suffer severe anxiety and distress when they are separated from their animal companion. These pets play such a pivotal and vital role of our every day lives and routines, it is difficult for many of us to leave them behind, whether we are going to work or away on vacation or a business trip. We may do everything in our power to ensure that they are well cared for in our absence but, nonetheless, we worry about them and miss them. So many of us fail to consciously realize what a significant role these pets play in our lives and overall well being. We feed them, exercise and play them, go for walks, share holidays and vacations with them, and spend countless hours in their comforting presence.

Our pets, as part of our pack or members of our family have a deep love for and loyalty to us, their family. When we leave them, many, who are very attached to us, suffer from great stress, sadness, frustration and anxiety. In a previous article, I wrote about some of the many manifestations separation anxiety may assume in your pets. I would like to help you treat this condition. Recognizing some of the symptoms of your dog’s anxiety is an important step in helping resolve this issue. Is your dog whimpering, whining, barking excessively, following your every move as you prepare to leave? When you are away, does he chew, dig, defecate or urinate arbitrarily? Does he lick himself howl, attempt to escape, self-mutilate, panic? When you return, does he display frantic, overly excited, effusive greeting behaviors? Does he stay as close to you as possible for as long as possible? There are many ways to overcome your pet’s separation anxiety.

First and foremost, take this situation seriously. You pet is not “acting” or “acting out” on purpose. He is genuinely fearful and concerned about being apart from you. You are his caregiver, parent, best friend and companion. He is dependent upon you for all of his needs.

Some of the ways you can treat your dog’s separation anxiety are as follows:

Don’t make a dramatic exit when you are ready to depart. Make it calm, simple. and matter-of-fact.

Practice leaving for only a short while and returning. Leave for longer periods each time,
and greet your pet calmly and casually when you return.

Leave your dog in a safe and comfortable room with an article of clothing that has your scent.

Keep his special toys and blanket in this room. Provide him with a Kong or other toys containing treats like peanut butter or cheese in them. He can “work” on getting the treat from the toy.

Place him in a room with a window so that he can look out.

Leave the television or radio left on while you’re away.

When you are home, keep your pet in rooms other than the one you’re in for increasingly longer periods of time until he gets used to you being apart from one another. Make sure he has toys, and come in the room frequently to reassure him that you will always return to him.

Try to exercise or walk your dog before you leave home. A tired dog is generally a better behaved dog. Increase the amount of exercise he gets.

Get your dog accustomed to getting ready to leave cues, such as changing your clothes, getting out your keys, putting on your jacket. Repeat these actions without actually leaving home. Your pet will get the idea that you will be returning.

Consider taking your dog to doggie daycare or to a friend or neighbor’s house while you are away.

Consult your veterinarian about drug therapy. Such medications as the tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone and benxoodiazepines may help your dog get over his anxiety These meds should only be used in conjunction with desensitization/counter conditioning work – teaching the dog how to deal with being left alone.” Reconcile” is a chewable, flavored tablet (fluoxetine hydrochloride) that you give your dog once daily to treat separation anxiety in conjunction with a simple training plan.

Homeopathic remedies such as the Bach Flower Essence mix, Rescue Remedy” may also help calm an anxious dog.

The DAP method is another alternative to helping your dog. It is a “plug-in” product that releases a chemical that is supposed to be a dog comforting hormone.

Keep calm and be patient. Discuss your dog’s separation anxiety issues with a knowledgeable veterinarian. Having lived with many dogs that have had separation anxiety, I know that it can be treated and resolved satisfactorily. – for the benefit of you and your best friend!

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

Dogs with separation anxiety experience anxiety, depression and distress upon being separated from their parent or care-giver. These dogs experience excessive worry or fear about being apart from their family members. Separation anxiety is an enormous problem for an estimated 10% of all puppies and older dogs. Since most dogs are pack animals and very social, they naturally desire to be with their family all of the time. They become very disturbed, agitated, frustrated and frightened when their “parents” are away from them.

Did you know that separation anxiety is the second most common reason dogs are euthanised and have been given up by their owners? Dogs experiencing separation anxiety may whine, whimper, bark incessantly or howl disturbingly. They may drool or salivate excessively. They may become destructive in all manner of ways such as pacing nervously, chewing furniture, ripping up carpeting and upholstery, scratching doors and windows, eating the baseboards, raiding the cupboards, and even going through plate glass windows. Eating through drywall, mutilating plants, eating wall paper, rummaging through garbage, chewing furniture in addition to urinating and defecating indiscriminately can all be manifestations or symptoms of a dog suffering from separation anxiety.

Most adult dogs (3-4 months and older) can be left alone for 8 hours or even longer if they have access to a yard for elimination. They may be bored and unhappy but do not become destructive or problematic. A dog with separation anxiety becomes agitated and anxious as soon as he realizes his family member will be leaving him. He may whimper and whine and physically “beg” you not to leave. His distress is obvious – he does everything in his power to dissuade you from leaving – hugging you, trying to leave with you, placing himself between you and the door. You finally manage to disengage yourself from him and get through the door, but you can still hear him whining, crying and scratching at the door as though he were a trapped animal.

There are many causes for separation anxiety in dogs. It can appear in those animals that have not been properly socialized. . It can also be a byproduct of or related to a traumatic experience such as a violent episode in which your animal has been injured; a natural disaster or frightening experience such as a fire, an earthquake, tornado or severe thunderstorm. Your pet may have been abandoned, neglected or abused, and is wary of being “given up”.

It is important to obedience train and socialize your dog. If your dog is still manifesting the symptoms of separation anxiety, it is important to consult with an animal behaviorist and/or veterinarian who can help you to determine if your animal does, indeed, have separation anxiety and to help you understand, train and perhaps, even medicate your dog in order to correct these behaviors and improve the quality of life for both you and your pet. There are many ways to effectively treat separation anxiety and ensure a successful outcome – one that is beneficial for you and your pet. I will discuss some possible healing modalities in my next article, “How To Help Your Pet Cope With Separation Anxiety.”

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

One of the most important health decisions you can make for your pet is to spay or neuter your cat or dog. Spaying and neutering refer to the surgical procedures that sterilize your animal and ensure that your pet cannot reproduce. If we do not spay/neuter our pets, we potentially take homes away from those animals in greatest need. There is an overabundance of stray and homeless animals that will invariably be euthanised. By spaying//neutering your pet, you are helping the homeless animals that exist to find homes. Spaying involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female pet. The procedure involves minimal hospitalization and provides lifelong benefits. Neutering involves the removal of the testicles of your male pet – and will improve his health as well as his behavior.

What are some of the benefits of spaying a female cat or dog? You reduce or eliminate the heat cycles, so that males will not be attracted to her. She will have less of a desire to roam. You decrease the risk of mammary gland tumors. The likelihood of her having ovarian and/or uterine cancer is also decreased. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases. Again, you are reducing the number of unwanted cats, dogs, kittens and puppies.

Among the benefits of neutering males are: the lessening of their desire to roam or escape which, in turn, decreases the likelihood of their being injured in fights or car accidents. An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate. The risk of testicular cancer is eliminated. The incidence of prostate cancer is also decreased. Aggressive behavior is far less common, including biting. Neutering your pet helps him live a longer, healthier life and reduces the number of unwanted pets.

By spaying or neutering your pet, you are benefiting your community. Unwanted animals pose many problems and can be A great public nuisance – creating noise, soiling streets and property, frightening people, causing automobile accidents and fighting with and even killing or injuring other pets.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “The capture, impoundment and eventual destruction of unwanted animals costs taxpayers and private humanitarian agencies over a billion dollars each year. As a potential source of rabies and other less serious diseases, they can be a public hazard.”

Adopting a pet requires a lifetime of commitment to him and for his well-being. It is in your best interest as well as his to make him a happy, healthy member of your home and a good citizen in your community.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook

April has been designated by the ASPCA as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. The ASPCA urges its supporters and all who love and care about animals to participate and help spread the message that animal cruelty is not unacceptable under any circumstances.

For those of us who love animals, this message is very important. Far too many animals are treated cruelly without any kindness or compassion – without the awareness that animals are sentient, intelligent beings deserving of our respect, appreciation compassion and proper care and nutrition.

All of us can help decrease animal cruelty by being aware and knowing who to contact if we suspect animal abuse. According to the ASPCA, there are also many ways that we can recognize or identify cruelty to animals.

1). Dogs who are left outside chained or tethered in all kinds of weather – extreme heat and intense cold.

2). Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food or water.

3). Dogs who have flea or tick infestation

4). Wounds on the body.

5). Emaciated or starving animals.

6). Witnessing an owner beating, choking or kicking an animal.

7). Dogs or other animals who are limping.

8). Dogs/Cats with patches of missing hair.

9). Animals with scars or open wounds

10). Dogs or cats that have been hit by a car or truck and are debilitated but have not received veterinary care.

Animals are deserving of our care and compassion. It is very important to be aware of cruelty in our own neighborhoods and communities and to take action when we find that it is occurring.

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane Pomerance

Follow me on:Twitter

Become a fan on:Facebook