The Tucker Files: Doing Better

We finally had a nice day here in Southern Ontario.  We took Tucker for a hike and a quick swim, since it has been over 10 days since “The Surgery”.

Here are some pictures from our trip:

running down the trail with gusto! (slightly out of focus, I’m working on this!)

running

Swimming in the river:

swimin

Checking out the scenery..(again, slightly out of foucus)

explorer

The car ride…

thecarride

And now all brushed and checked for ticks, resting with his best buddie…a great (almost) summer day!

resting

Good night everyone!!  Thank goodness summer is almost here!

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Buy A Golden Retriever Chalkboard and Give Back!

The statuesque photo of the golden retriever caught my eye immediately while browsing my Facebook news feed last night. The Dogington Post was holding Facebook contest to win a chalkboard decal of your favorite breed.  (The winners are to be announced this Monday, June 17th)   I entered the contest of course!

chalkboarddog

The chalkboards are sold by a family-owned company called  Steadfast Friends from Utah who also offer temporary tattoos and iphone cases of golden retrievers (and almost any other breed you can think of!).  The article in the Dogington post says they are currently offering a 20% discount on the chalkboards when you use the code: steadfast20%

Here is the super cool part – Steadfast Friends will donate 10% of ANY purchase to the charity of your choice.  Your three options are The Guide Dog Foundation, Best Friends (Utah) and America’s Vet Dogs.

Something to consider as a gift for the dog lovers in your life, (or yourself!) while giving back!

Artist Tom Mosser Reveals Next Golden Retriever Painting

A follow up to “A Golden Retriever At the Museum” was revealed yesterday by artist Tom Mosser.  He has created a new masterpiece entitled “A Golden Retriever and A Labrador Retriever At The Museum”

golden-retriever-insider--jpg

“A Golden Retriever and A Labrador Retriever at the Museum” – Tom Mosser

Norma is a female Labrador Retriever, and a friend of Lucas.

Mosser tells WTAE Pittsburg: “It is so simple. A dog and a ball. Simple things in life have the most resonance.”

Mosser revealed the painting at the Animal Rescue League shelter in  Pittsburgh. T-Shirts of the first painting in the “Lucas” series were sold, with a portion of the proceeds going to the shelter.  (I really want a T-shirt!!)

There are currently 100 prints available.  Email alanjsmith@juno.com for details.

Full story with video from WTAE.com

How to Protect Your Golden Retriever From Ticks

Golden Retrievers are known to be tick magnets.  Some say ticks are more attracted to lighter colors, and a golden’s long fur is a great place for a tick to hang out and hide.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Due to factors like milder winters, an increase in white tailed deer, and fewer insecticides being used, 2013 is being predicted as a record year for ticks.  Ticks are a problem for animals and humans alike.  Tick species vary by location, and different species carry different diseases like Lyme Disease,  Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Tick Population to Explode in 2013 – Veterinary Practice News

Adult deer tick, Ixodes scapularis.

Adult deer tick, Ixodes scapularis. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

  • Joint pain and stiffness similar to the symptoms of arthritis
  • High fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neurological signs resulting in seizures and neck pain (infrequent)

- See more at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/canine-anaplasmosis#sthash.9KsY5RIW.dpuf

  • Joint pain and stiffness similar to the symptoms of arthritis
  • High fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neurological signs resulting in seizures and neck pain (infrequent)

- See more at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/canine-anaplasmosis#sthash.9KsY5RIW.dpuf

  • Joint pain and stiffness similar to the symptoms of arthritis
  • High fever
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Neurological signs resulting in seizures and neck pain (infrequent)

- See more at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/canine-anaplasmosis#sthash.9KsY5RIW.dpuf

Now that we know this, lets talk prevention.  Here are some things you can do to help protect your golden from these pests:

  • Keep your lawn cut short.  Ticks and other critters love to lurk in long grass
  • Try to avoid long grass and wooded areas
  • Check your dog for ticks every time you bring him/her indoors.
  • Visit your veterinarian every spring to discuss flea/tick and heart worm prevention medications.
  • There are shampoos and collars on the market that deter fleas and ticks.
  • Try a holistic approach such as Dr. Ben’s Cedar Oil

bens

So you have found a tick on your dog.  First, you must remove it with tweezers or a Tick Twister.  It is not recommended that you burn it or suffocate it off with any type of substance, as this can cause the tick to inject more saliva into you or your pet.  Then clean the area with an antiseptic and put some antibiotic ointment on the site.

Here is a great video from Doctors Foster & Smith on removing a tick from your dog:

If your dog has been bitten by a tick, watch for signs of illness including stiffness, loss of appetite and lethargy.  Contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your dog has a tick borne illness. Keep in mind these illnesses can lay dormant for several months before showing signs.

Comfort Dog “Prince” Featured in High School Yearbook, Graduation

Portage, IN – Prince, one of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, is retiring from his position as a comfort dog at Portage High School.  In honor of Prince, his picture was featured in the yearbook with the graduating senior students.

From Portage High School Yearbook

From Portage High School Yearbook

Prince has patrolled the halls of school for the past 4 1/2 years and was loved by all the children.  He would also accompany his handler Tim Kunstek, a guidance counselor in his sessions.

There’s something really calming about golden retrievers; they have a big effect on people,” said Kunstek in an article from Yahoo Shine.

Prince at work - www.facebook.com/Prince-Comfort-Dog

Prince at work – Facebook

On Sunday led the parade for the graduation ceremonies wearing a cap and gown!

Prince - Facebook.com/Prince-Comfort-Dog

Prince – Facebook.com/Prince-Comfort-Dog

Prince was one of the Comfort Dogs who traveled to Newtown, CT in December after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Here he is with LCC president Tim Hetzner.

Prince in Newtown, CT - Facebook

Prince in Newtown, CT – Facebook

Thanks for all your hard work Prince, and have a wonderful retirement!

Prince will be replaced at Portage High School by Comfort Dog Isaiah.

To donate to the LCC K-9 Comfort dogs, click here. 

Life-Sized Golden Retriever Sculpture Stolen

Vail, CO – A life sized sculpture of a golden retriever was stolen from outside the Cogswell Gallery in Vail Village on the night of June 03, 2013,

Sulpture before and after - RealVail.com

Sulpture before and after – RealVail.com

The sculpture is entitled “Wash Day” and was created by artist Marianne Caroselli.  It is approximately 24″ high and weighs 150 lbs.  The value of the whole sculpture is estimated at $24,000.

Dog Gone – Vail Police seek missing golden retriever sculpture – RealVail.com

Golden Retriever Survives Fall from Cliff

Sidmouth Devon (UK) – An 8 year old golden retriever was rescued after falling approx 250 ft down a cliff after chasing a rabbit.

samrescue

Sam was out for a walk with family when he suddenly disappeared.  His owners were searching for him for about and hour, and he was eventually discovered halfway down the steep cliff.  Apparently some branches broke his fall, and he was not seriously injured.

The Fire Department and local rescue crews arrived a short time later and a rescuer was lowered down the cliff and lifted the dog to safety.  The whole ordeal took about 4 hours.

Sam’s owner Jonathan Minshull said Sam was just ready to go back to the campsite and cool off.

‘When he was pulled up over the cliff he was really happy to see us – he just wanted to get back to the campsite to cool down.’

Golden Retriever Rescued from Well

Clarington, ON – Another happy ending close to home.  On Friday May 31, 2013, about 50 kms East of Toronto in a small community called Port Granby, the Hunter family were fearing for the life of their 4 year old golden retriever, Harley.

Kailey, Kim, Colton and "Harley" Hunter / Sabrina Byrnes - Metroland

Kailey, Kim, Colton and “Harley” Hunter / Sabrina Byrnes – Metroland

The Hunters were visiting friends when they realized Harley was missing.  Harley’s owner Kim Hunter said she heard what sounded like a dog in a tunnel.  The neighbors have an open well on their property, and sure enough, that is where Harley was found.  He was very afraid and treading water and crying.

The Clarington Fire Department arrived and a firefighter climbed down the well on a ladder and carried Harley to safety.   Harley immediately collapsed from exhaustion and his paws were worn and bloody. He was in the well for over an hour. He also suffered a split tongue, possibly from biting it in the fall.  He still has a little trouble walking, says owner Kim Hunter.

After a checkup at the vet, Harley was home the same night, and able to celebrate his 4rth birthday on June 03.  Happy Birthday Harley!  I’m so glad they found you in time!

I hope the neighbor with the open well is fined accordingly.  Clarington Deputy Fire Chief Bill Hesson says well rescues are rare ” Wells are supposed to be covered and a well animal rescue is unusual, but firefighters went above the call of duty to save Harley.”

They sure did.  Thank you Clarington Fire Department.

Lucky Dog Survives fall down Port Granby Well – Durham Region.com