Take Your Dog to Work Day - June 24th North Andover

Pet Sitters International is celebrating their 13^th year of “Take Your Dog to Work Day”.   On Friday June 24, 2011 businesses, animal shelters and pet-care professionals from around the world will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere.  Thousands of businesses will open their doors to employees’ furry, four-legged friends on this day in celebration of the great companions dogs make and to promote pet adoption.
What a better way to promote adoption and of course “show off” your pooch to all your colleagues.  They hear the stories, see the pictures, endless entries on your Facebook page, and engage in your tweets so why not show everyone the real thing.  Bring your Dog to Work!
Not to mention, this is a amazing way to promote adoption.  People who are interested in adding a dog to their family will have the opportunity to meet your dog.    Our shelters are packed with homeless animals and maybe a day like this will help encourage future dog owners to consider saving a life and adopt.  
North Andover businesses:  Try this,  allow your employees to bring their dogs to work on June 24th.  
Statistics  show  humans blood pressure and stress levels go down when they are comforted by their family pets.  We all know how stressful work can be so why not create a fun filled Friday and organize this day at your company.  Think of all the activities you can do, play dates at lunch time,  ball on the company front lawn,  doggie  ice cream treat snack break, there are just tons of things you can do,  be creative and have fun with it !
As for me, I already have the best job and take all of YOUR dogs to work with me EVERYDAY!!
For additional information please visit this website:  http://www.takeyourdog.com/

Why Vaccinate? Social Opportunities for your Dog

I just read our proposed Town Article regarding Dog Vaccination requirements which will be voted on by the residents of North Andover at our annual town meeting.  For some people this is a very sensitive issue and they have chosen not to vaccinate their dogs.  For others they are very proactive and faithfully obtain all vaccinations needed.  And there are a few that do this just because their Vet told them they need to have this done.

Is it just another money maker for the pet industry?   Actually no it is not.  It really isn’t.   North Andover still is considered a rural community.  However with all the developments and building some of our wildlife is simply displaced.   When wild animals become homeless, lost, or confused they are going to do what nature has taught them to do.  Defend!   Wild animals carry several different diseases and if your animal gets bit the disease will be transmitted.  Some may say, my dog is always on leash or in our fenced in backyard.   Well you just never know, an animal with rabies will attack, they are sick, they are ill, they are scared.  It doesn’t matter how cautious you are, it can happen.  

But my reason for blogging about this is not just to focus on the requirement importance but the SOCIAL aspect this has on your pet.

With my pet care business I require all animals to be up to date on their vaccinations. Why? Because when your dog is in my care it is my responsibility to keep your animal safe.  Vaccinating your dog is just one more responsible way and a preventive measure to keep your dog healthy.

I want to be able to walk your dog, I want your dog to have a nice day out on the trails, and I love bringing your dog around other dogs for play dates.   Unfortunately, if your dog isn’t vaccinated I am unable to allow your dog around others.  Because what if?  What if your dog was a carrier of disease, some stay dormant for years and you may not even know your dog is infected.   I can’t have your dog around the others.  I am responsible for all the animals in my care.

Also, as a registered business, I carry an insurance policy.  My insurance will not cover an animal that is not vaccinated.   Once again, denying your animal play time or a daily dog walk.  What if you wanted to go on vacation?  All legit boarding facilities require your dog to be up to date on on their vaccinations.
Or how about bringing your dog to dog daycare?  Yes, once again they require your dog to be vaccinated.  And what about the Town of North Andover?  Well, the town requires all dogs to obtain a dog license. To get your dog license you must show proof of vaccinations.

Mental stability, social activity and exercise are all just as important for the health & wellness of dog as a balanced diet.   There has been no significant proof by the American Veterinarian Association proving vaccinating your dog is dangerous.   Therefore,  I encourage you all to have your dog vaccinated.  Go throw a ball and play with the neighbor’s dog too! Remember a health dog is a happy dog...social activity creates happiness and enjoyable memories.

Oodles of Doodles ~ North Andover's passion for this breed

Goldendoodle, labradoodle, shepadoodle, pugapoo, pekepoo, and cockapoo. There are over forty different types of doodles and they are all strolling around North Andover.    Our town has gone crazy for these curly, wiry, small, & tall high energy breeds!

High St,  Stevens , Dale or So. Bradford and every street in between chances are you will meet someone that owns some type of doodle.  But what is a doodle?

The most common two are the goldendoodle and labradoodle.   Golden retriever and poodle mix or a labrador poodle mix.     Basically, it is any breed that is mixed with a poodle.   Why is the poodle the primary?

Poodles are considered a great breed to cross-mix because they are very intelligent, make great family pets and have a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat. In other words, poodles have “hair” while other breeds of dogs have “fur.  The difference is that hair doesn’t shed like fur and people who are allergic to dog fur are often not allergic to poodle hair.  Most allergists do believe that no dog is 100 percent allergy-free, and often as dogs grow older their coats can change and become more troublesome for allergy sufferers.   
The energy levels of any of these breeds are just so much fun. With North Andover being a family orientated, community driven town these breeds may be the perfect fit for your family’s lifestyle. They love to walk, run, jump and sometimes they just climb into your lap and cuddle too.  I have several clients that just can’t get enough of the “doodles” and my owners have just as much fun naming their pets:  Kella, Duffy, Piper, Kayla,  Maggie, Cooper, Cassie,  Kia, and Bella. 

When one of my clients; Dick  Vaillancourt’s goldendoodle Dori passed, (one of the most compassionate sweet sweet dog’s I have ever met) the Vaillancourt household immediately felt the sense of loss and loneness.  Their home was just not complete anymore.  Dori was the first one in the kitchen in the morning and the last one to go upstairs at night.  The Vaillancourt’s decided to take a road trip out to their breeder in Michigan and when they did they came back they had not one, not two but four !   Two for their family and two for their brother’s family.   I love it.. and..

North Andover really has gone Oodles for Doodles !

Beware of the Backyard Breeder

It’s puppy season!  It’s that time of the year when families decide it is a great time to bring a puppy into their homes.  

People constantly ask me, “Do you know a good breeder? “  or they ask me for names of breeders of specific breeds.   After I remind them I am a strong advocate of ADOPTING and that I believe in saving a life of a dog from being euthanized, I then answer their questions with “No I don’t work with any breeders.”

This doesn’t mean that there are not any reputable breeders out there.  Most certainly, there are people that comply with all the AKC (American Kennel Club) rules and regulations of how to breed.  They also apply for all the proper paperwork needed and certificates provided by the AKC.   However, there are even more people out there that we in the industry refer to as “backyard breeders”.

Backyard breeders are exactly that.  They don’t necessarily know how to breed;  they don’t understand the separation of blood lines and to be quite honest, just want to make money off of their dog.   They believe if they mate their dog with another dog of the same breed that they will have a pure breed and can sell those pups for a high dollar amount.   Cash revenue off of the life of a dog.   For example:  it was brought to my attention that a young woman in my town wants to breed her Yorkie because she wants her dog to have “babies”.  This individual has no background in breeding, she is not listed with the AKC. She is going to pick another Yorkie to mate with her 3yr old because she believes her dog should have a litter.   Besides the fact I personally think that is a completely selfish reason to mate a dog, I am more concerned about the health of the litter.  Will she be able to provide the proper nutritional food for the mother, will she stay up to date with all the vet appointments, when the litter is born will she make sure all the puppies have all the proper shots needed before she sells them?  Most importantly, what will she do with the puppy that may be born with a birth defect or is extremely ill?   Remember, her goal was for her dog to have “babies”, it wasn’t for her to keep all these dogs, her goal was to sell them and she would keep the mother. 

However, there are people for whatever reason will only buy a dog.  They will never adopt and only feel comfortable spending top dollar for a dog from a breeder.  If this is your choice, I do ask you look for the following when purchasing your dog. 

To make sure your breeder is a good quality, reputable breeder please uses the following guidelines:

1. Only breeds very few types of dogs and is knowledgeable on the various breeds he raises.

2. Only pre-sells litters. These breeders will have waiting lists to get puppies because they are known to put the female dogs health first, not the dollar value of the puppies. Reputable breeders will only let a female have one litter a year or possibly one litter every two years.

3. Interviews you and has you complete a questionnaire or application before agreeing to sell you a puppy. This may include questions on your income, people in your home, and size of your home or even if you have other pets. The breeder may even request to do a home visit.

4. Registered as a breeder with the local or national breed registries as well as the Kennel Club for the country.

5. Allows and encourages you as the prospective owner to tour their facilities and see the “parent” adult dogs.  Keeps clean, well-ventilated and spacious kennels or living space with happy and healthy adult dogs.

6. Offers litter registration papers as well as all paperwork required for AKC, CKC, KC or other registration.

7. Provides information on the championship lines of the parents as well as vet certificates and genetic condition test results.

8. One of the MOST important guidelines: Provides a health guarantee for the puppy.

Please understand that 1 out of 4 shelter dogs are actually pure breed.  My Lani, a Boston terrier is a full pure breed. In fact,  she was the mother of many, way too many litters.  She was a puppy mill mother.  Puppy mill puppies are sold to retail stores or sold to people that only want full breed dogs.   My dog was saved from a puppy mill and I adopted her from a rescue.  People that will only buy dogs bought my dog’s “babies”.  My dog is a shelter rescue.  See my point!  

  Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional.  She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness.  Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey  may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net.  Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and follower of www.traceythedogwalker.blogspot.com

World Vets begins Animal Rescue in Japan

Life can change in a minute..Literally.  Last month I wrote an article educating readers on the importance of Animal Evacuation Plans.  I submitted that article to the Valley Patriot March 3 and just days later March 11, 2011 Japan was destroyed by an earthquake and a tsunami.  Who knew a simple article written for the readers of the Merrimack Valley would turn into an article that would be read worldwide.

Within hours of the earthquake I heard from people all over the country and the world. One of my readers lives in San Fran and other was as far away as Australia.    My blog followers were asking if they could reprint my article or if they could write an article similar to mine.  Of course, spread the word, ALL communities need animal evacuation plans.  March 11 is the perfect example why we need to be prepared for what mother nature may send our way, including a plan to save our animals.

Two weeks later rescue efforts and unfortunately recovery efforts are now taking place and groups are traveling from all around the world to help Japan.   But what about the animals?  The good news is animal rescue groups are packing their bags, gathering their supplies and heading over seas to start their campaign to save the animals.  They are also providing assistance helping people locate their pets that have been displaced in all the ciaos.   The bad news, the Red Cross still chooses not to allow animals in their shelters.  Watching the news, reading the papers and following on line bloggers the story is still the same.  People choosing to    not leave their homes, their farms, their animals because they will not leave without their loved family member.  Same story, many of these people and their pets have now lost their lives.   

Animal rescue groups realize this and are on a mission to save as many animals as possible.  They are gathering food and water, medical supplies and medications.  All in the effort to help save the lives of these animals and to also help prevent the spread of diseases.  The newest challenge, radiation.  Some of the rescue groups are unable to send over any additional volunteers since the fear of the radiation levels started to increase.   They are working closely with groups that are already in Japan.  Until the government has an understanding of the affects of the radiation levels, many of these animals that normally would be transported to facilities in other countries will have to stay in Japan and rely solely on our donations.

One particular group that is leading the way on the rescue is World Vets International Aid for Animals.  Quoted from their website www.worldvets.org

World Vets is a non-government organization (NGO) providing veterinary aid around the globe, in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, U.S. and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad. In response to the recent earthquake and tsunami, World Vets has reached out to the veterinary community in Japan, specifically in Sendai – an area affected by the tsunami where animals are reported to be isolated and injured. Working with a large coalition of Japanese animal welfare groups and international aid organizations, World Vets deployed a first responder assessment team on March 15 and is currently mobilizing their resources to setup ongoing support activities.

“The response from the communities aware of WorldVets’ mission has been overwhelming and we are very thankful to those who have already contributed to our efforts. More help is needed,” says Dr. Cathy King, CEO of World Vets. “Our first responder deployment will make an assessment of the current resources available, the animal related needs that exist and how best World Vets is able to assist animal rescue and sheltering efforts.”  Immediate and long term assistance in this region will be necessary. Dr. King added, "We have a veterinarian from World Vets who will be there long term to coordinate our ongoing efforts and provide direct veterinary care to animals in need, and we have additional veterinary teams ready to deploy."

World Vets is making arrangements for shipments of large quantities of pet food, veterinary supplies and shelter supplies and working to identify and respond to the needs of the Japanese groups, supporting their efforts. World Vets is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing global veterinary aid. Funding is by grants and donations, and aid is provided by volunteer veterinarians, veterinary technicians and lay volunteers. At this time of crisis in Japan, donations are urgently needed to provide veterinary care, vaccinations, and disease control measures.

To learn more about World Vets in Japan and around the world, please visit their site at www.WorldVets.org and make a donation today !

**This article will appear in the April edition of the Valley Patriot

Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional.  She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness.  Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey  may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net.  Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and follower of www.traceythedogwalker.blogspot.com

God Bless the animals of Japan...love Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care

STAY STRONG...help is on the way...animal rescues will be arriving soon ! 

I posted my blog regarding Animal Evacuations on March 6, 2011 just five days later Japan was destroyed by a record breaking earthquake and a tsunami.   Lives, animal and human were lost all across the country.  But today March 15 we are fortunate to say we are still rescuing and not calling this a recovery mission only.  Be strong and stay positive..a 70 yrs old woman was found today!

For the animals...well help is on the way.  Worldwide animal rescue leagues are traveling over to Japan to help our friends.  They will need food, shelter and water.  Once the basic needs are met, these precious loves will need homes.  That will be phase two...relocating all these animals to safe ground and to loving homes.

If you would like to make a donation to help in the rescue efforts for the animals of Japan I received the following information from a Facebook friend of mine:  

Diana Guerrero, Animal Expert, Author and professional speaker provided these sites to make donations  
World Association for Zoos & Aquariums Japan Quake Donation Pagehttp://www.waza.org/en/site/get-involved/donate-for-japan

Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue & Supporthttp://japanearthquakeanimalrelief.chipin.com/japan-earthquake-animal-rescue-and-support
on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Japan-Earthquake-Animal-Rescue-and-Support/207835229228979?sk=wall

They include:http://www.heart-tokushima.com/ENGLISH/WELCOME.html
http://www.animalgarden-niigata.com/index.html
http://www.japancatnet.com/

World Vets Donation Pagehttps://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=worldvets&id=1   

Animal Evacuation Plans - in your town

Animal Evacuation Plans

August 2005 the United States witnessed probably one of the worst natural disasters in our country’s history.  Hurricane Katrina.   None of us will ever forget those images we saw of people desperate for help and rescue crews filling boats and airlifting people to safety.  But for me the most chilling and heartbreaking images where those of animals left behind.  Roof tops with dogs clinging for their lives, cats climbing to the highest possible level of a tree and horses up to their necks in water.

With all the ciaos of this disaster the animals were forgotten.  First line responders didn’t have the resources or in some cases the approval to rescue animals.  They were told to leave pets behind.   Although New Orleans a city known to be built under water never thought they would actually be under water had their awakening;  no resources, no help, no game plan.  The ignorance of it will never “really” happen to us played out in a hand of bad karma. 

Can you imagine?  Never, ever would I leave my Boston Terrier Lani behind.  And who is it of a political leader to tell me I have to leave my pet?   Well, we all learned with Katrina that many people felt the same way I do and they didn’t leave.  These folks of Louisiana stayed behind; they refused to abandon their pets.    Unfortunately, many of them didn’t live.   Human and animal lives were lost to the hands of government.  Now what kind of democracy is that?

Less than a year later, the Merrimack Valley experienced its own version of Katrina.  We were nearly washed away by the Shawnsheen and Merrimack Rivers in the historic Mother’s Day flood of 2006.    Lawrence and North Andover were unrecognizable and Lowell was a city of canoes rowing up and down the streets.   Once again, a region that thought that it could never “actually” happen to them…experienced just that.  It did!   

With the help of Anderson Cooper filming dogs tied to trees to drown, starve and die and interviewing people that had survived going back to their homes desperately looking for their pets, the media started getting the awareness out to the people and to our government.  Pets are our family and need to be included in all evacuation plans.

I did my part as an animal advocate and a concerned citizen.  I wrote my letter to Congressman John Tierney’s office.  My request was for the Essex County to mandate animal evacuation plans in their town municipal plans.   Thanks to Congressmen across the country that listened to “their people” voices were heard and action happened.   Our leaders developed plans with FEMA and PETS ACT was passed in 2006.

 PETS Act

Approved by the federal government in 2006, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act contains provisions to include companion animals in all disaster planning, according to the Humane Society of the United States. The act requires that local and state governments include pets in all natural disaster evacuation plans in order for these governments to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants. The act also gives FEMA the authority to assist local governments in making such plans. The bill sets aside federal funding to establish pet-friendly emergency shelters and authorizes FEMA to help evacuate those with pets and just the pets themselves.

North Andover also took this very seriously and immediately incorporated animal rescue into the town rescue plan and the town shelter plan.  Under the leadership of Jeff Coco,  Director of the Town of North Andover’s Emergency Management Team all animals will be included in the rescue process.   If the town does set up a shelter at the senior center animals will be allowed.  No North Andover first line responder will be told to leave an animal behind.

However, not all goes without a little politics…

If for some reason the town is unable to host a shelter at the senior center, because the devastation is too large or too many people are displaced, or the town doesn’t have the finances to support the shelter ( food water bedding)  they may be moved to a regional shelter.  This tends to be in Methuen and this is where the politics takes over human and animal rights.

If the shelter is financially backed and managed by FEMA – animals will be allowed.

If the shelter is financially backed and managed by the Red Cross-animals will NOT be allowed.

I called the American Red Cross to ask for an explanation of this and I was told that animals are not and will not be allowed into one of their shelters.   Basically they are concerned about people’s allergies and medical conditions.  Honestly, I am very disappointed in the Red Cross and apparently they didn’t learn anything from Katrina.  Ask any human being whose life was just saved and they were brought to a shelter knowing they will have the opportunity to live,  I really don’t think they would mind having a stuffed up nose for a couple of days because a dog may be lying on the cot next to them. 

I recommend each of you reach out to your town or city’s emergency management teams and find out what is included in their plan for animal rescues.  North Andover has done a wonderful job in creating a plan, just know  if you have to leave town please ask if the shelter is a FEMA or Red Cross managed facility.   You will have to make your decisions based on that answer.  For me if it isn’t FEMA managed I will not be leaving my Lani and I will pray for the best.

This article will be printed in the March issue of  The Valley Patriot

Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional.  She has been featured on local radio, tv and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness.  Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units. Tracey  may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net.  Become a fan on facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care and follower of www.traceythedogwalker.blogs.com