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In This Issue

• Vaccinations – What is one to to do?
• Upcoming EventsSummer Pet Care Tips
  • Ready For My Close-Up: A Pet Fair and Art Show – Friday, July 12th – 6PM – 9PM
  • FREE Seminar - Dog Body Language & the Dog Park – Saturday, August 3rd – 10AM
  • Bangor Humane Society Paws on Parade – Saturday, October 5th
• Our Frequent Buyer Programs Can Save You Up To $7.18 per bag ($86.15/yr)!
• Update on Natura Pet Foods Recall
• Featured Cat Food – Holistic Select Indoor Health/Weight Control
• Featured Treats/Service – Cool Treats- Smoothies for Dogs
• Featured Product – Bach Rescue Remedy
• Featured Product – Bug Stuff
• Featured Product – Floating Rope Toy from Down East Nautical
• Two Points of View – One Vision: Muppy & Don
• Nail Trim Prices
• Kennel NewsTune in to The Woof Meow Show
  • Staff Champions
  • Staff Anniversaries
  • Activities
• Businesses We LikeLinks We Like
  • Sprague’s Nursery & Garden Center
  • Ron Bragg Carpentry

Vaccinations – What is one to do?

The subject of vaccinations for our pets is complicated by the fact that there is no universally accepted recommendation for every pet. Pet parents, veterinarians, and others in the pet care industry are all trying to do the right things, but the fact is vaccinations are complicated.

It used to be that vaccinations for our pets were relatively simple –even, black and white. All dogs and cats would get vaccines for a, b, and c, at specified intervals of x, y, and z. Vaccines were so simple that most pet parents didn’t even think about what vaccines were being given, they just brought their pet in to the veterinarian for their annual shots. That all changed In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s when the concept of annual vaccines was questioned, by experts in the field, as being a potential cause for increases in chronic disease. In some cases the need for revaccinations were suspected as being medically unnecessary.

“Evidence is building that annual vaccination of dogs and cats performed for diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus may not be necessary and could even be harmful. Vaccines licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are tested to ensure they protect pets against disease, usually for one year. But the tests don't detect long-term side effects, or measure the duration of a vaccines effectiveness. Recent and continuing studies at several universities suggest that protection from vaccines may last for years, which would make annual shots for some diseases a waste of money at the very least.” – Rhonda L. Rundle, The Wall Street Journal, July 31, 2001

 “A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccination. Almost without exception there is no immunologic requirement for annual revaccination. Immunity to viruses persists for years in the life of the animal.” - Veterinary immunologist Ronald Schultz and Tom Phillips, Current Veterinary Therapy, volume XI, pp202-206, 1992

As a result of these concerns, the American Animal Hospital Association convened a panel of experts to review the state of vaccines and to develop guidelines for their use.  This panel published the first edition of the AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines in 2003, with subsequent updates being published in 2006, 2007, and 2011. You can read the latest version by clicking here: 2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners has published a similar document addressing vaccination requirements for cats. You can read their 2006 report by clicking here: 2006 AAFP Feline Vaccine Panel Advisory Report.

The vaccination issue is important to us, more so because we have seen with our own pets how adverse reactions to vaccines can negatively impact their lives. Our Golden Retriever Tikken had a severe reaction to a Rabies vaccination which had a great impact on her life. In our next newsletter we’ll discuss that in more detail when we announce a fundraiser we will be doing in Tikken’s memory.

Last month Kate and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Dr. Ronald Schultz for four episodes of The Woof Meow Show. Dr. Schultz is Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was one of the experts on the panels that developed the 2011 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines and the 2006 AAFP Feline Vaccine Panel Advisory Report.

In these four shows, Kate and I ask Dr. Schultz specifically about: the importance of vaccines, core vaccines, the frequency with which vaccines are given, titer testing, non-core vaccines, adverse reactions to vaccines and The Rabies Challenge Fund. You can find the schedule for these shows later in this newsletter or at our website (www.woofmeowshow.com). Each show will also be available as a podcast, after the Sunday broadcast, at the Apple iTunes store and our podcast page (  http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/webpage). Additionally, we will be posting notes from each show in the articles sections of our web page. If you want to educate yourself about your pet’s vaccinations, please check out these resources.

Vaccinations with Dr. David Cloutier from Veazie Veterinary Clinic  <click to listen>

Annual Health Checks & Vaccines w/ Dr. David Cloutier from the Veazie Veterinary Clinic <click to listen>

Upcoming Events

Ready For My Close-Up: A Pet Fair and Art Show
Friday, July 12th – 6PM – 9PM

Professional Photographer Debra Bell of Bell’s Imaging and Design will be launching her new business, Bell’s Furry Friends Photography on Friday, July 12 from 6-9 pm at the Sea Dog, 24 Front Street in Bangor. The event is called Ready For My Close-Up: A Pet Fair and Art Show (  https://www.facebook.com/events/280298842115655/) and will be a grand opening for her new business as well as a fundraiser and a pet fair focused on helping the public learn how to help their pet look and feel their best. Exhibitors at the event include Green Acres Kennel Shop, Veazie Veterinary Clinic, Mutt Nose Best, Dogn'i Apparel, and Best in Show Paws.

The cost of admission is a cash donation or a pet supply item. Donations will be split between the Furry Friends Food Bank and Bangor Humane Society. The event's fundraising goal is $2000 and 2000 pounds of food and supplies.

For more information, check-out the BFF Photography Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BellsFurryFriends), call Debra Bell at 356-2353 or visit her online at www.bffpetphotos.com

Stay up-to-date and interact with the event by downloading the event's FREE app:   http://my.yapp.us/BFFPETPHOTOS

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FREE Seminar - Dog Body Language & the Dog Park

Saturday, August 3rd – 10AM

On Saturday, August 10th, Green Acres Kennel Shop will be hosting a free seminar entitled Dog Body Language and the Dog Park, taught by one of our Certified Professional Dog Trainers, Kate Dutra.  This seminar is targeted for those that live with multiple dogs or that allow their dog to play with other dogs either at home or at the dog park.

Dogs, like children, can really enjoy romping and playing together. However, just like with people, not all dogs get along and not all dogs will enjoy or are well suited to group play. In this free seminar Kate will teach you basic body language so that you can better understand what your dog is feeling and trying to communicate both to you and other dogs. Those same skills that you learn can be used to help you read other dogs and judge how they are reacting to your dog. Kate will emphasize the importance of close supervision so that you can successfully intervene before things get out of hand.

Call us at 945-6841 to reserve your spot.

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Bangor Humane Society Paws on Parade

Saturday, October 5^th – 10AM

It's that time of year again! The Bangor Humane Society's annual Paws on Parade Event is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th on the Bangor Waterfront. Last year, the event raised over $70,000 and drew a crowd of over 500 two-legged and four-legged participants!

Now, in its 20th year, BHS hopes to beat last year's dollars raised to make this year the biggest one yet.

We hope you will join the Green Acres’ team and walk with us at Paws on Parade! <click here to join or support the Green Acres Paws Team> If you join the Green Acres’ team and raise at least $50 by September 1^st, you’ll get a Green Acres Team t-shirt and a special gift for your dog.

Summer Pet Care Tips

As summer approaches, not only do the temperatures rise, but we also tend to spend more time outside enjoying the beautiful weather.  With the warm weather come some potential dangers and several things that need to be considered if we are to keep our pets safe and healthy. With a few simple precautions, summer can be a time of great fun for both you and your pets. So simply, take the time to plan ahead and have a great summer!

The Heat & Sun

Our pets, especially the young, elderly and overweight, are at increased risk for dehydration and heat stroke as the temperatures increase; both can be life threatening. Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:

• rapid breathing
• heavy panting
• excessive salivation
• fatigue
• unsteadiness and staggering
• muscle tremors
• glazed eyes
• a fast pulse

Signs of even more dangerous heat stroke include:

• high body temperature
• vomiting & diarrhea
• a deep red or purple tongue and gums
• collapse

If you observe these symptoms in your pet you need to immediately get your pet out of the heat and you need to contact a veterinarian. You can use cool water (not cold!) to cool down your pet, as you transport them to your veterinarian. Do NOT place an overheated pet in cold water. Misting them with cool water and placing wet towels on their neck, chest and limbs will aid in cooling during transport. Offer them ice chips but do NOT force them to drink.

If your pet experiences heat related distress, they need to be seen by your veterinarian, even if they seem to be okay, to rule out any unseen damage.

Things you can do to prevent heat related injuries are:

• If you leave a pet in the car you need to check on them every few minutes – No Exceptions! When the temperature outside is 80 degrees, the temperature inside your car will reach 100 degrees in 15 minutes, and 120 degrees in 30 minutes, even with the windows open half-way. This can be fatal!
• Once the outside temperature reaches 70, if your pet doesn’t need to go with you, the best place for them is probably at home.
• Do not rely on the vehicle’s air conditioning, or if you do, you must continue to check on your pet every few minutes to ensure that the vehicle and AC are still running.
• Make sure your pet always has access to fresh cool water, and if outside, shade. Be aware that not all dogs will move into the shade when they need to, so if they are outside you need to check on them on a regular basis.
• Keep your pet well groomed, and if they have a long or dense coat and undercoat make sure you keep it mat free. Your pet’s guard hair, or outer coat, actually acts as an insulator which keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We generally do not recommend shaving down an animal with a double coat unless there is a medical reason or the coat has become too severely matted.
• If the sun can get to your pet’s skin, you will need to apply sunscreen on a regular basis or keep them out of the sun, to avoid sunburn.
• Brachycephalic pets (those with short noses like Pugs and Persians) often have a more difficult time breathing in hot, humid weather because of their squashed noses, and are even more susceptible to heat related problems.
• When you go for walks or enjoy other outdoor activities with your pets, make sure you bring along enough fresh cool water for them. Also, it helps to plan these activities for early morning or late evening when the temperatures are a bit cooler.
• Make sure you pet does not overly exert themselves. Exercise is important, but too much activity when it’s hot and humid contributes to dehydration and can result in heat stroke. Like some people, not all pets know when to stop and rest.
• Avoid walking your pet on asphalt. Asphalt absorbs heat and can become hot enough to burn the pads on your pets feet.
• To keep ourselves cool, we often to keep windows open during the summer months. Make sure screens are secure so that your pet cannot escape or accidentally fall out of a window.

Water Safety

The summer months also bring more opportunities to play in the water for both people and pets. While it brings much joy, water also is a source of concern. Some things to consider:

• Many dogs enjoy swimming, but some dogs don’t swim well and even the best swimmers can get tired. Life jackets for dogs can save lives.
• If you have a pool, your dog needs to be supervised whenever they have access to the pool. You should take the time to train them how to safely enter and exit the pool from the shallow end.
• Salt water can damage a dog’s coat, so after any ocean dips take the time to hose them down with fresh water.
• Don’t let your pet stay wet! For some dogs, staying wet can lead to skin irritations, otherwise known as “hot spots.” These can be a source of discomfort and infection for your pet.

Bug Bites, Parasites and Pollen

Insects also enjoy the nice weather and if they are a pest to us they may be a pest to your dog and cat as well.

• Black Flies, Maine’s own special nemesis, seem to love to feast on the tender underbellies of both dogs and cats. While some pets are oblivious, some react the same way we do, itching, scratching, and the equivalent of pet cursing. There are several insect repellants that are safe to use on pets that will help keep black fly and mosquito bites to a minimum. We sell and prefer U. Tick Me Off!  And Bug N’ Out. Before using an insect repellent for humans on your pet, read the label. Many products for humans, even kids, may not be safe for pets.
• During the summer months our pets are at risk of getting heartworm from a mosquito bite. This parasitic worm is more of a threat to dogs, but even in cats it can be fatal. Discuss heartworm testing and prevention with your pet’s veterinarian at their annual exam.
• Fleas become more of a problem in the summer months, particularly towards the end of summer. These small insects like to live, feed and breed on our pets. Feeding involves a bite to get a blood meal which causes the classic itch response we see in many pets. Some pets are more allergic to flea bites and just a couple of fleas can make their lives miserable; severe infestations can even cause anemia. The most effective and safest flea preventative products will be available from your veterinarian. These products are safe when used properly. Unfortunately, they are often unintentionally misused causing serious illness and even death in some pets. Talk to your veterinarian so you can make the best choice.
• Ticks are becoming more and more of a problem in Maine. Because they can carry Lyme disease, as well as other tick-borne diseases, you should talk to your veterinarian about preventative products if your pet is likely to be in areas where they may pick up ticks. Just like with flea products, your veterinarian will be able to help you pick the best option for your pet.
• While rare, pets can have an allergic reaction to being stung by bees, wasps and the like. This can be more serious for brachycephalic pets because their breathing is already less than optimal. If you suspect such a reaction you need to get your pet to a veterinarian immediately.
• Tree and grass pollens make my eyes water, nose run, and if the lawn has just been mowed, I itch all over. Some pets can also experience seasonal allergies. In addition to the aforementioned, another common manifestation of seasonal allergies is the continual licking and chewing of feet. If you see these symptoms, talk to your veterinarian and they can assist you in finding relief for your dog.

Outdoor Chemicals

Lawn fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides and all sorts or other “…cides” are used routinely in our environment to kill something we don’t like. These poisons can all be toxic to our pets and since our animals can’t read little lawn signs or product labels, we need to watch out for them. Read product labels and keep your pet away from areas where these products are used. Remember – our pets aren’t wearing gloves or shoes but run around naked and then clean themselves by licking, increasing their exposure to these products.

While we usually think of mulch as pretty innocuous, cocoa mulch can be deadly if ingested and has an appetizing scent to some animals.

Holiday Gatherings

Summer is also a time for family gatherings, celebrations, and vacations. Depending on your pet’s temperament, these can range from good times to scary events. These simple rules will help you keep your pet safe during the festivities.

• Put your dog in his crate with a bone or favorite chew toy, at least during the most hectic times – when guests are arriving and leaving as well as when meals are being prepared and served. Make sure your guests know that they are to leave your pet alone in this situation.
• Assign one adult to be in charge of each of the dogs, to watch for signs of stress and to protect the dog from unwanted attention from children. At the same time, assign one adult to supervise each baby or toddler, with no other tasks assigned to them. Make sure that ALL interactions between pets and children are supervised by an adult.
• Not every dog likes every person – ALWAYS let your dog decide if they want to meet someone new.
• If you are quite certain your pet will not enjoy the increased activity due to the event, or if you will be more relaxed knowing your pet is in a safe, pleasant environment, consider boarding your pet the day and night of the event.
• Fireworks, with their loud booms and bright flashes of light can be very frightening to pets. If they’re right in your backyard or your neighbor’s backyard they can be not only be frightening but can pose a danger to our pets. Keep your pets inside during any personal firework activity. If you go someplace to see the fireworks I would advise you to leave your pet at home in a safe quiet location. They’ll be glad you did.

Vacations & Traveling with Your Pet

• If you travel with your pet, even just to camp, make sure they are wearing ID tags or have been micro-chipped.
• Take your pet’s shot records with you as well as contact information for your regular veterinarian. If you are more than an hour’s drive from your veterinarian, make sure you have phone numbers of other veterinarians in the area where you are staying.
• If you go hiking or camping with your pet, plan ahead. Make sure you have sufficient water and snacks for both of you, a first aid kit, as well as poop bags. Have your dog on a leash – it’s the law in Maine and is intended to keep your pet and others safe. If your dog is frightened by something and runs off, you might not get him back. Lastly, have a plan in mind for getting your dog to safety if they become sick or injured on the hike. If you are alone, weigh 115lbs and your dog weighs 120lbs, could you carry them to safety 5 miles away?

Save You Up To $7.18/bag ($86.15/yr)!

With Our Frequent Buyer Programs

Did you know that you can save even more when you take advantage of one of our frequent buyer programs from NutriSource, Pure Vita, Natural Planet Organics, California Natural, Evo, Innova or Steve’s Real Food for Pets? Depending on the manufacturer, the particular product, and frequency which you get a free bag, our frequent buyer programs represent as much as a $5.17 discount on each bag.

NutriSource/Pure Vita/Natural Planet Organics – (Buy 12 get one free!) Buy any products in the NutriSource family and you will get a free product, after buying twelve. NutriSource allows you to move around between formulas and brands, but does limit the free product to being the one of lowest value. Since we keep track of all of this in the store, the reward is immediate. Depending on what you purchase, and assuming that you purchase one bag per month, this can result in a savings of $7.99/year  ($0.66/bag) up to $61.99 per year ($5.17/bag).

Natura (California Natural/Evo/Innova) – (Buy 10 get one free!)Natura’s program works the same as NutriSource’s, but you get free product after purchasing ten products. There is an added step of our clipping the barcode off the product at time of purchase and sending the ten barcodes to Natura get the coupon sent to you. Depending on what you purchase, and assuming that you purchase one bag per month, this can result in a savings of $9.60/year ($0.80/bag) up to $86.15 per year ($7.18/bag).

Steve’s Real Food for Pets –(Buy 12 get one free!)  Steve’s is our most popular line of frozen, raw food for cats and dogs. We keep a card on file where we record each of your purchases. After you have purchased twelve bags, you get the thirteenth free. If you purchase one bag per month, this can result in a savings of up to $35.99 per year or $3.00/bag.

Update on Natura Pet Foods Recall

This morning we received the following notification from Natura:

We are extremely disappointed to announce today that we have made the voluntary decision to recall all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma dry food, treats, biscuits, and healthbars with expiration dates prior to June 10th, 2014. Wet products and other P&G Pet Care brands are not impacted by this action.

We are making this decision based on a single positive Salmonella test by the FDA on product manufactured April 3, 2013. In an abundance of caution, Natura is voluntarily recalling all products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014.

Salmonella is an ongoing challenge for the industry and no company is immune. We implemented significant improvements to our sanitation and production processes. In spite of these efforts, an instance of Salmonella occurred.

We are on a path of continuous improvement. Over the past several months, we have been working with outside industry experts to improve and implement a more sensitive testing procedure. This means we are taking four times as many analytical samples and conducting twice as many tests. These changes were implemented as of June 10, before the FDA notification.

We are temporarily suspending shipments in preparation for product return and resupply; this will result in product being temporarily unavailable.

If you have existing Natura (California Natural, Evo, Innova) product that you purchased at Green Acres, you may return it to us, preferably in it’s original packaging, and we can issue you a full refund. Alternatively, you can call the Natura 800 number (1-800-532-7261). We have been advised that if you call the 800 number that you will may be compensated at a higher level than we can offer, which is just a refund of the purchase price..

We are optimistic that Natura will get through this difficult time and still have faith in the company and their products.

Thank you!

Featured Cat Food – Holistic Select Indoor Health/Weight Control

While supplies last, you will receive a $4 manufacturer’s coupon, good for your next purchase, when you buy a small bag of Holistic Select Indoor Health/Weight Control cat food.

Holistic Select Indoor Health/Weight Control was developed for less active, indoor cats or overweight cats. Protein sources include turkey meal, chicken meal, turkey and herring meal to provide that meaty taste that your cat needs and loves. Like all Holistic Select foods, this formula also contains their unique Digestive Health Support System, including active probiotics, healthy fiber and digestive enzymes. When combined with their other high quality, natural ingredients, this recipe supports the absorption and utilization of vital nutrients throughout your cat’s entire body. Your cat will look and feel healthy from the inside out.

Featured Service/Treats – Cool Treats- Smoothies for Dogs

As the warmer weather approaches, Cool Treats are a great snack option that we offer for our canine guests. Cool Treats are an all-natural, no sugar added, frozen fruit blend. Hailed as a smoothie for dogs, Cool Treats are a perfect option for those pets that struggle with weight as they are low in both fat and calories. Offered as a room service option for $0.95 per serving, Cool Treats are available once a day, every other day, or a specific number of times during your dog's visit.

The dog’s that try Cool Treat’s typically love them so we offer them for sale in the store so you can take some home. They may be purchased singly or in six packs.

Featured Product – Bach Rescue Remedy

Bach Rescue Remedy® is a combination flower remedy formula created specifically for addressing stress in emergency or crisis situations. Effective with people and pets, it can be especially useful immediately after an accident or proactively prior to a stressful event like a summer party, wedding, reunion, or celebration. It even helps some dogs who become anxious due to fireworks.

The individual remedies used in this formula help with trauma and shock (Star of Bethlehem), terror and panic (Rock Rose), hysteria or loss of control (Cherry Plum), impatience and agitation (Impatiens), and faintness and stunned feelings (Clematis). Rescue Remedy® often has an immediate calming effect. It may be taken as often as needed without fear of overdosing; it is safe, gentle, and non-toxic. It is a perfect addition to any first aid kit.

The Rescue Remedy and Rescue Remedy for Pets are identical products except no alcohol is used in the formula for pets. They can be used interchangeably with pets and people. However, the Rescue Remedy Pastilles should NOT be used with pets as it contains the artificial sweetener xylitol which can be toxic to pets.

For more information on Rescue Remedy and how to use it with your pets, checkout this article on our web page <Rescue Remedy>

Featured Product – Bug Stuff

Summer is here and with it are some of Maine’s less welcome tourists: black flies, mosquitoes and ticks. These pests can bother our pets even more than they bother us, so we recommend you  keep ample supplies of U. Tick Me Off!, from our friends at Mutt Nose Best, and Bug N’ Out from Dr. Dog, on hand.

U. Tick Me Off! Is a handcrafted, sulfate free botanical blend that helps your dog keep from being TICKED off by pesky insect bites. This botanical blend of natural essential oils helps  keep itching and scratching to a minimum and aids in soothing your dogs itchy, irritated skin caused by insect bites. U. Tick Me Off! Is available in a soothing shampoo and a daily spritz.  For dogs that are regularly exposed to insect bites use these products together for an herbal infusion of soothing relief!

Mutt Nose Best uses the highest quality natural and organic ingredients in their formulas because your pets mean the world to them!  They have combined Eucalyptus Citridora Essential Oil, Citronella Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Cedarwood Essential Oil, Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil, Clove Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, and Peppermint Essential Oil to create an herbal infusion of soothing relief for your pet.

U. Tick Me Off! Contains NO harsh chemical pesticides and is safe, gentle and environmentally friendly.  U. Tick Me Off!  can be used with topical and oral flea treatments and will not strip your pet’s skin and coat of its natural oils.

Safe for use on puppies 12 weeks and older

Dr. Dog Bug N'Out is a natural, non-toxic biting insect repellent spray. This product uses a 4% concentration of Citronella Oil to safely and effectively repel all biting insects such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, black flies, chiggers, and horse flies. Further, Bug N'Out uses a natural carrier and binding system to maintain the effectiveness of Citronella for up to 8 hours per application. Bug N'Out can be used safely and effectively on any mammal.

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Featured Product - Floating Rope Toy from Down East Nautical

We’re excited to be offering this new Floating Rope Toy from our friends at Downeast Nautical. Handmade out of “float rope” on Great Wass Island, we find that dogs enjoy this toy in the water and on the land. It’s a great retrieving toy and equally suitable for an appropriate game of tug.

Two Points of View – One Vision

Nail Trim Prices

Not all nail trims are equal. In some cases your pets are incredibly easy going and any of our customer service staff or our professional pet stylists can trim their nails in minimum time with minimal fuss. In other cases, and sometimes it may just be the way that your pet is feeling that day, it can take more than person to trim your pet’s nails and may take considerably more time. If your pet is especially squirmy or unhappy we may have to stop and suggest you bring them back another time.

Effective August 1^st, the base rate for nail trims will be increased to $9.00. In order to fairly compensate for the wide range of nail trimming requirements, additional Special Handling charges may be assessed for animals based upon their individual needs and tolerance for service on that day.

Please feel free to discuss your pet’s individual needs with staff. Thank you!

Kennel News

Staff Champions

Every month the Green Acres staff chooses two Staff Champions; someone who has done an exceptional job and someone who has publicly recognized another employee for doing an exceptional job.

Hearty congratulations and thank you to Amber and Hilary!

Staff Anniversary’s

Green Acres is very fortunate to have many staff members who have been with us for several years. We thank them for their service!

Kate Dutra - Operations Manager & Certified Professional Dog Trainer - 21 years

Brenda Merrill - Retail Associate, Certified Pet Care Technician - 16 years

Angela Allen Certified Professional Dog Trainer - 12 years

Kaila Moore - Certified Pet Care Technician - 4 years

Jessica Horan, - Pet Care Technician – 1 year

Activities

Thank you to the Old Town Elementary School for inviting Operations Manager Kate Dutra to give a presentation on her work as a professional dog trainer at their annual career day.

Thank you to the Glenburn School for inviting Green Acres co-owner Don Hanson to participate in a career day panel with Dr. Simon Alexander from Exeter Veterinary Services and Jennifer Gallant from the Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic.

Tune in to The Woof Meow Show

It is also available as a podcast at   http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/webpage and at the Apple iTunes store.

• 22JUN13-23JUN13 –Vaccinations– Why they are important, Core Vaccines & Vaccination Schedules with Dr. Ron Schultz
• 29JUN13-30JUN13 – Vaccinations– Titer Testing, Non-Core Vaccines and Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex with Dr. Ron Schultz
• 6JUL13-7JUL13 – Vaccinations– Non-Core Vaccines for Cats and Adverse Reactions to Vaccines with Dr. Ron Schultz
• 13JUL13-14JUL13 –Vaccinations – The Rabies Challenge Fund with Dr. Ron Schultz
• 20JUL13-21JUL13 – What’s Happing at BHS this Summer?
• 27JUL13-28JUL13 – So You Want to Be A Veterinarian with Dr. Dave Cloutier
• 3AUG13-4AUG13 – The Rational for Feeding Pets Raw Foods with Bette Schubert from Bravo
• 10AUG13-11AUG13 – Bravo’s Raw Pets Food, Treats, Chewables and Bones with Bette Shubert
• 17AUG13-18AUG13 – Dogs and Babies with Jennifer Shryock from Family Paws Pet Education

Businesses We Like

Sprague’s Nursery & Garden Center

Who could ask for better neighbors! Whether it’s taking care of our snow removal needs our compensating for the number of black thumbs in residence at Green Acres, it’s a real privilege to live and work across the street from our friends at Sprague’s. If you’re not visiting them for your garden and landscaping needs – check them out! (  http://www.spraguesnursery.com/) and (Spragues Nursery Garden Center on FaceBook)

Ron Bragg Carpentry

Whether you need a house built from scratch, a room remodeled or just a window replaced, we think you’ll love working with Ron Bragg and his crew. Ron is honest, dependable and provides quality work at a fair price. What more could you ask for in a contractor?   (  http://www.ronbraggcarpentry.com/) and (Ron Bragg Carpentry on FaceBook).

Links We Like

Hybrid Vigor: Real or Assumed?- This post from Dr. Kay’s blog discusses a recent article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association that attempts to answer the question – “Is a mixed breed dog less likely to develop the genetically inherited diseases found in pure bred dogs.

Compared to their purebred counterparts, mixed-breed dogs were more susceptible to only one inherited disorder- tearing of the cranial cruciate ligament (the main stabilizing ligament within the knee).

Purebred dogs were more likely to develop ten specific inherited disorders including: Aortic stenosis(a birth defect within the heart), Dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle resulting in heart failure), Hypothyroidism (inadequate production of thyroid hormone, Elbow dysplasia (malformation within the elbow joint), Intervertebral disk disease (slipped disk), Allergic dermatitis (skin allergies), Bloat (gastric torsion, twisting of the stomach, Cataracts, Epilepsy and Portosystemic shunt (a birth defect causing shunting of blood around rather than through the liver).

No differences in disease incidence between the mixed-breed and purebred groups were found for 13 different disorders including: The cancers evaluated (hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumor, osteosarcoma), Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle), Cardiac birth defects (mitral valve dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect), Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation (displacement of the knee cap), Addison’s disease (a hormonal imbalance), Cushing’s disease (a hormonal imbalance) and Lens luxation (displacement of the lens within the eye). -   http://speakingforspot.com/blog/2013/06/02/hybrid-vigor-real-or-assumed/

Hypoallergenic Dogs Don't Have Lower Household Allergen Levels Than Other Dogs, Study Finds – From Science Daily, this study reveals: "We found no scientific basis to the claim hypoallergenic dogs have less allergen," says Christine Cole Johnson, Ph.D., MPH, chair of Henry Ford's Department of Public Health Sciences and senior author of the study.

"Based on previous allergy studies conducted here at Henry Ford, exposure to a dog early in life provides protection against dog allergy development. But the idea that you can buy a certain breed of dog and think it will cause less allergy problems for a person already dog-allergic is not borne out by our study."

  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707161738.htm

What Your Vet Doesn’t Know About Distemper Could Harm Your Dog – An interesting article about vaccines from Dogs Naturally magazine. If you find this article of interest, you won’t want to miss The Woof Meow Show on June 22^nd and 23^rd, June 29^th and June 30^th, July 6^th and 7^th and July 13^th and 14^th. In this four part series, we interview Dr. Ronald Schultz about the importance of vaccines, over vaccination, vaccine reactions and the Rabies Challenge Fund. Each show will be available as a podcast after it is broadcast at both the Apple iTunes store and at our podcast site (  http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/webpage)

  http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/vet-distemper-dog/

Dog Walker’s Hair Goes Gray Overnight: Says Invisible Fences Are to Blame – This post from the notes from a dog walker blog talks about some of the inherent problems with underground fences designed to give your dog a shock as they try to cross what is usually an invisible line. –   http://notesfromadogwalker.com/2013/06/08/invisible-fences/

Should I get an Invisible Fence? – This post on the Paws Abilities blog is similar to the link above in that it also outlines the flaws with underground fences that use electric shock. -   http://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/should-i-get-an-invisible-fence/

Secret life of the cat: What do our feline companions get up to? – This page at the BBC website explores the lives of several cats in Surrey village -   http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22567526

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Green Acres Kennel Shop
1653 Union Street
Bangor, ME 04401-2204
207-945-6841
www.greenacreskennel.com