W ords, W oofs & M eows

Iam often asked to help people find pet care professionals. I know and recommend many such individuals throughout the USA. Still, if I don’t know someone in a specific community, I always refer people to the Pet Professional Guild’s (PPG) Find An Expert page on the PPG website < https://www. petprofessionalguild.com/ZipCode-Search >.

A t PPG’s website, you can enter your zip code or country, and you will be able to review a list of pet care professionals who are PPG members that are closest to you. Yo u can click on the details and learn more about them, including the services they offer and how to contact them. If one of these professionals does not provide the services you need, they may still be your best contact for finding someone close to you that does offer what you are seeking.

I recommend PPG members first and foremost because the Pet Professional Guild is unique in that they are the only association of pet care professionals in the USA that requires that their members abide by a comprehensive set of Guiding Principles. Th e following are the non-negotiables in the Guiding Principles.

“ To be in any way affiliated with the Pet Professional G uild all members must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Pet Professional G uild members understand ForceFree to mean: No shock, No pain, No choke, No fear, No physical force, N o compulsion based methods are ever employed to train or care for a pet.”

Words, Woofs & Meo s

by Don Hanson ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

photo credit: debra bell

In June of 2020, the PPG took the next step with the publication of a new Code of Et hical Conduct. Th e code was developed to address “…the need for a level of oversight in the pet training and services industry, specifically regarding business practices, transparency, and marketing.” It includes a Personal Code of Conduct which requires: 1.M embers consider the e motional, physical and e nvironmental well-being of e ach client, i.e. both the pet and the guardian/owner/ c aretaker of the pet, in all actions. 2 . M embers do not condone or e ndorse any treatment by a p et’s guardian that in any w ay compromises the pet’s p hysical or mental well-being.

P PG members will not be p arty to any such acts. The code covers much more, including business practices. It concludes with the statement: 2 0. B y joining PPG, members a gree to PPG’s standards, c odes of practice, education a nd training philosophies.

F ailure to abide by the

G uiding Principles and this

C ode of Ethical Conduct may r esult in sanctions u p to and in cluding the termination of t he member’s membership.

B ecause of the PPG Guiding Principles and Code of Conduct, I can recommend a PPG member to someone without hesitation. W hile other organizations represent various pet care professionals, none of them have anything close to the Guiding Principles and Code of Conduct. The refore I cannot give their members an unqualified endorsement.

T he Pet Professional Guilds Guiding Principles and Code of Conduct are based on the knowledge and experience of experts in the world of pet care, animal behavior and training, and in the shelter and rescue world. Th e rationale for the principles is supported by a series of position statements that include references to peer-reviewed scientific literature that support those documents. Some of the position statements you might find of interest address: Breed Specific Legislation, Dominance Th eory in Animal Tr aining, TV Dog Tr aining, Th e Use of Choke and Prong Collars, The Use of Shock in Animal Tr aining, and Cat Declawing.

L ong before I joined the ranks of pet care professionals, I was a pet parent, and the PPG did not exist. I was not as knowledgeable as I am today. Due to my ignorance, I made some grievous errors, electing to work with people who hurt my dog. < F M I - http://bit.ly/ Th ings-Gus-Dominance >. It was a decision I regret to this day. I do not want this to happen to anyone else. Please do yourself a favor, make sure the professional you choose is a member of the PPG.

I a lso encourage you to take advantage of the Pet Professional Guild’s F REE membership, especially for pet owners. By joining, you will receive access to a wide variety of articles on dogs, cats, birds, and horses. Th e PPG is an amazing educational resource for all of its members, professional and pet parent. As a member, you will receive a discount on some of the excellent recorded and live webinars that they offer. Yo u will also receive access to an electronic copy of their quarterly publication, Barks From The Guild. I know you want what’s best for your pet. By joining the PPG you will get access to information that will help you achieve that goal. F M I - https:// www.petprofessionalguild.com/ O w ner- M em bers

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He also produces and co- hosts The Woof Meow Show heard on AM620 -WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at www.woofmeowshow.com. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. He is committed to pet care and pet training that is free of pain, force, and fear. The opinions in this column are those of Don Hanson.

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Sunray Animal Clinic

Veterinary rehabilitation and hydrotherapy • Laser therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal therapy • Nutrition counseling

Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. Christine Fraser, DVM Located in Happy Tails Daycare at 119 Bishop St. Portland, ME

Visit our website all4pawswellness.com or call (207) 809-9505 for more information

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Full Service Veterinary Clinic with Dentistry • In-House Lab Equipment • X-rays & Laser Therapy High Quality Pet Food and Supplies Pet Grooming

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Rescue of the Month

Res cue of the Month : Mid coast Huma ne 70 Years of Providing Care & Second Chances to Animals

By Susan Spisak

Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelter merged in 2016 and were renamed M id coast Humane in 2018. But the nonprofits’ roots go back to 1950, making this their 70th year. They are one of the biggest shelters in the state with two animal sheltering campuses, an administrative office, and a thrift shop. Their mission is to make life better for the animals and people in the communities they serve. They do this by providing care for almost 4,000 animals every year and assisting thousands more through programming. But with C OVID-19, those numbers are down. Abby M a lone, Interim Shelter Manager, said only 54 dogs have been adopted since mid- M a rch. Th eir intakes decreased as out-of-state transports were on hold until recently - they

received pups from a partner shelter. O w ner relinquishments are also down - Scarlett’s a nervous girl looking for an adult only home. She is a behaviorally special needs dog who will be available by appointment only. She is a shy girl and wary of meeting new people – but once she’s warmed up, she is an absolute love. An experienced dog owner who’s is willing to provide the time, patience, and the love that she needs to succeed is the perfect adopter. She has so much to offer. Because of her fear, Scarlett’s home needs a solid wood or chain link fence. M a lone attributes this to people being home more and tweaking pet issues themselves.

Their doors remain closed to the public due to the pandemic, but adoptions are happening with safe procedures. A potential adopter fills out a survey and application, then a staffer contacts them to schedule an outdoor meet and greet with the dog he or she is interested in. If they mutually blend, an adoption happens. E x citing news for M id coast Humane is that Christine Calder, D.V.M , DACVB, the state’s only veterinary behaviorist (and only one in the tri-state area), came on board as Director of Behavior Services i n February. “ Th e majority of dogs who come here have behavior problems,” said Dr. Calder. By having an expert on-site, these dogs have a real chance at making a turn and finding a home that’s compatible with their needs.

Dr. Calder takes on in-house and privately-owned dogs for behavioral consultation and training on a one-onone basis. And vets and local trainers may refer pets to her for anxiety, separation anxiety, and aggression. Her expertise is not limited to dogs – cats and small animals are welcome too.

Dr. Calder’s team is formulating new operating protocols. Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP, is the Training and W ellness M anager, and she’s been teaching the staff clicker training and body language. Certified dog trainer Jessica Greenleaf, ABCD T, has been holding online Zoom training classes with clients. Additionally, all staffers are being certified in “Fear Free,” a tool to reduce or prevent pet’s fear, anxiety, have a nice stay here,” said Dr. Calder. Their Foster Care Program is important, especially for dogs with behavioral issues. A treatment plan is written and they place the animal with a dog-savvy foster – pets respond better in a home environment. Dr. Calder would like to have more knowledgeable fosters who are willing to take on dogs with behavioral problems. If you’d like to foster, contact Laurice DuCharme, Foster and Placement Coordinator at lducharme@ midcoasthumane. M onetary donations, bleach, and cleaning supplies are needed. Shop their Creature Comforts Thrift Shop at 153 To wnsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. For more information on training, campus addresses and phone, visit midcoasthumane.org/

2 yrs . , Whippet Sc arlett /Chih

, uah ua Mi x

and stress. “ W e want our animals to

5 yrs ., Bea

Momo, gle / Chih uah ua Mix

M omo has been through a lot already in her short life. W e are looking for an adult only home with no other animals for this girl. M omo is a behaviorally special needs dog, who is available by appointment only. She will need an experienced dog owner who is willing to provide her with the consistent care and training that she’ll need to succeed. M omo is a very smart girl who is working on mastering more cues. M omo is a high energy pup who loves her toys. She requires a traditional fence and a quiet loving home.

Visit midcoasthumane.org/adopt/dogs/ for more info.

HO METOWN

51 W estern Ave., Fairfield, ME Sponsored by

VETERIN ARY CARE

• (207) 453-7387 • www.yourhometownvet.com

Help us find a forever home!

View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. See a dog you like, but don't have a computer? Ca ll Jenn to help you reach the rescue: (207) 706-6765

Most rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Please visit their website or give them a call if interested in one of these dogs.

Kona 6 mos., Terrier Mix

W onderful with other dogs and cats and is kennel trained. A little shy at first but comes around once she knows you and knows that you are okay! Very loving, very submissive and will be great in a home!

Email: transportfetchinghope@gmail.com

Sponsored by

First National Bank

16 Branches from W iscasset to Calais 1-800-564-3195 • thefirst.com

Hayde n 2 yrs., Lab/Shar-pei Mix

Loves people, car rides, giving kisses and snuggling. W ould love to be a hiking partner. Great on/off leash (once trained with new owner). No cats and can be dominant when first meeting other dogs. Looking for a dog savvy owner.

Email: transportfetchinghope@gmail.com

Sponsored by

Sunray Animal Clinic

73 Admiral Fitch Ave., Brunswick • (207) 725-6398 sunrayvet.com

Daisy 10 yrs., Hound Mix

Looking for a very quiet, adult only home. She's doesn’t like to cuddle and not a huge fan of unsolicited petting. She’s most content to show her affection by being near her people, rather than being touched.

FMI: Animal Welfare Society, (207)985-3244x125 Sponsored by Scarborough Animal Hospital 29 First St., Scarborough • (207) 883-4412 scarboroughanimalhospital.com

Ge orgie 1 yr., Mixed Breed

Sweet, energetic gal. Has a strong prey drive, so no cats and due to her enthusiasm no small children. Fetch is one of her favorite games. She is affectionate with her people and is lovable and playful.

FMI: Animal Welfare Society, (207)985-3244x125

Apoll o 1 yr., Catahoula Leopard Mix

Very sweet, calm, and well mannered. He loves to play with other dogs and is good with cats and small children. A little shy at first, but when he warms up to you he is very loving. W o uld love an active home with other dogs or someone to take him on hikes, walks, runs, etc.

Email: sln2310@yahoo.com Lucky 4 yrs., Mixed Breed

Lucky is a sweet, playful boy that is fine with other dogs, but prefers to be the only dog in the household.

FMI: www.P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption, (207)236-8702 Sponsored by Hello Doggie Daycare 1311 Roosevelt Trail, Raymond • (207) 655-6521 hellodoggiedaycare.com

Tanner 6 yrs., Beagle

A very sweet girl who is good with children, cats, and other small dogs. Loves to be outside running and playing, but also likes to cuddle with her people. A seizure condition requires her to take a medication twice per day. It is inexpensive and controls her seizures completely. She also has some anxiety.

Email: info@talltailsbeaglerescue.org Lilly 12 yrs., Lab

Dogs don’t get much sweeter! Easy going, affectionate, loves all people and is great with other animals. She has some weakness and arthritis in her hind quarters. Recently had a mass removed from her throat but has recovered well.

FMI: www.olddogsnewdigs.com

Wi zard 1.5 yrs., Hound, Basset/Mix

Super sweet and friendly!

FMI: P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption, (207)236-8702

Rosie 1 yr., Lab Mix

Rosie is an energetic dog. She will thrive when she is loved by someone that can spend some time with her training. She should not be in a home with young children due to her enthusiasm.

Callie Adult, Terrier Mix

A sweet and gentle dog. W o uld do best in a home without small dogs or cats. She is playful, but not overly hyper. She loves all people & will gladly cuddle. She is great on a leash! She would do best getting treats/food separately.

Barbara , White German Shepherd

W e think Barbara needs a family who has experience with her breed, to help her reach her full potential. She is a very smart cookie and is food motivated. Barbara would love to continue her formal training.