888-426-4435

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (Allied Agency of The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine). A fee of $45 is charged per case (payable via credit card), with no extra charge for follow-up calls. There is no charge when the call involves a product covered by the ASPCA Animal Product Safety Service.

888-232-8870

Animal Poison Hotline. A 24-hour hotline staffed by veterinary professionals, toxicologists, and pharmacologists for pet owners and veterinarians. Fee $35 per incident, payable by credit card. No charge for follow-up calls. Sponsored by the North Shore Animal League America in New York City and PROSAR International Animal Poison Center.

We have prepared three documents to help our clients deal with problems that might occur when you aren't able to see us immediately. Just click on the link to read the articles in separate pop-up windows:

1) All about your pet's temperature.

2) What over the counter medications can I use for my pet and how much do I use?
Toll-free animal poison control phone number

3) Safe and effective homeopathic treatments of common acute first aide situations.

View and print the New Patient form here. That way, you can fill it out ahead of time instead of doing it at the office when you come in for your pet's first visit. Your pet may not feel like waiting for you to do this at the office if s/he is ill.

As of October 2003, our technician, Jennifer Omer, is no longer offering clicker training classes. We are recommending classes offered by Connie Kogler, of The Dogcrafter. Connie continues the tradition of gentle, non-violent positive reinforcement in both private and group settings. She also uses the Clicker Training technique, which is a method of training that uses positive reinforcement. I can’t say enough good things about this technique—it is the ultimate in humane, relationship-based training. (Check out our lending library page to learn about some of the books we have on this subject.)

Connie can be contacted via e-mail at ckogler@montrose.net, through her web site at www.aslansown.com, or can she be reached at 970-252-0210 or 970-275-3375.

Case in point: Brookie is a 2 & 2 year old Australian Shepherd that was found abandoned at the age of 4 months. Having missed the crucial socialization period that occurs from 4-12 weeks, she presented with significant behavioral problems. With the exception of the patient and persistent new owner, no stranger could come within 2 feet of Brookie without her backing into a corner in extreme fear. With the aid of positive reinforcement techniques (Clicker Training), Brookie's owner was able to teach her basic obedience skills, expand her comfort level, and most importantly, instill the self-confidence she so desperately lacked. Today, Brookie is much more outgoing and self-assured, not only allowing most strangers to approach her, but even to pet her, something that was unheard of prior to her training. She recently participated in an agility session where both physical and social challenges were met with great confidence and enthusiasm. Thanks to a loving, committed owner and gentle training methods, Brookie has become a true companion and leads a happy life.

Did you know we have a lending library at Morningstar? You won’t find the latest bestsellers by John Grisham or Barbara Kingsolver, but you may discover a great book about animals. Titles range from training guides like “How to be Your Dog’s Best Friend” by the Monks of New Skete to “Care of the Wild Feathered and Furred.” Some volumes, like “The Green Iguana,” focus on a particular species, while others, including “The Health & Beauty Book for Pets” and “Homeopathy: Beyond Flat Earth Medicine,” cover a broader spectrum.

Check out these favorites:
“Chicken Soup for the Cat & Dog Lover’s Soul” celebrates the relationships between humans and pets (including critters other than canines and felines) with short vignettes by both famous and unknown writers. Humor abounds, but many stories tug at the heartstrings. (If you have a fear of tears, you had better skip the first piece, titled “Rescued by Love.”)

“Canine Colorado” is a guide complied by Cindy Hirschfeld, subtitled “Where to Go and What to Do with Your Dog.” This book came to our attention when a young couple on vacation brought their pet to us for first aid after locating our phone number and address in their copy. Intrigued, we ordered a pair of volumes for the clinic. Covering the whole state, Hirschberg’s guide details “Tail-Rated Trails” for hikers, locations for cycling or skiing with your pet, motels that welcome (or at least accept) dogs, daycare facilities, vendors of quality dog food and a section on “Canine ER.”
Plan to travel outside Colorado with your pet? “Pets Welcome” is a national “Guide to Hotels, Inns and Resorts That Welcome You and Your Pet.” After a brief introduction, this fat volume describes (and rates) classy places that are animal-friendly, beginning in California and and ending up in Woodstock, Vermont. If you don’t have a trip planned, you’ll be itching to travel after reading about these options presented by Kathleen and Robert Fish.

“PEACEFUL KINGDOM: Random Acts of Kindness by Animals” abounds with amazing anecdotes from around the world that document behaviors nothing short of miraculous. One example: Bibs the canary, who lived with an elderly woman, flew next door to the home of the woman’s niece, pecking so frantically at the window that Bibs died, but not until he had alerted the niece to check on her aunt, who was lying, unconscious, in a pool of blood after a fall. (The old woman survived.) “A loving tribute to all creatures great and small,” by Stephanie Laland, published in 1997 by Conari Press.

“The Dog Whisperer,” by Paul Owens with Norma Eckroate, offers a “Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training” that may strike some readers as a bit “far-out” but really makes a lot of sense. For instance: Instead of punishing your dog for barking at the mail carrier (which makes that person– and perhaps everyone in uniform– seem a danger because a bad thing happened), consider interrupting the barking each time with a phrase like “Who’s that?”, and giving a treat. As Dr. Hooley says, “In a world where we’re seeing more and more violence, anything we can do to learn to live nonviolently has got to help us all.” Rewarding your dog can be just that– rewarding.
Readers of “The Dog Whisperer” may also want to peruse “Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training.” Author Karen Pryor has successfully “shaped the behavior” of not only dogs but marine mammals and (we surmise) her friends and relations using positive reinforcement, including clicker training. Pryor, a behavioral scientist, explains why “punishment... so often fails, and describes the specific methods that do work.” Don’t expect to read this fascinating book in one night!

Bantam Books

Puppy-owners will probably want their own copy (available at Morningstar) of a great little paperback called “Taking Care of Puppy Business: A Gentle Approach for Positive Results.” Our veterinary technician and dog-trainer Jennifer Omer uses this book in her fabulous Puppy PreSchool. Even if you’ve successfully raised young canines in the past, this book is a helpful refresher on the way to use positive reinforcement to raise a well-adjusted dog– without going crazy in the process. It’s all about setting your puppy up to succeed, covering issues like house training, play-biting, and separation anxiety. “It gives you realistic expectations,” says Jennifer. “If you manage things correctly and set limitations, you can avoid problems– even at this age.”

The Right Dog for You

It’s a classic Christmas photo– the fresh-scrubbed child in flannel pajamas, clutching a puppy decked out with a big red bow. But if the pup’s holding still, it’s probably because terror has immobilized it. Christmas morning is definitely not the ideal time to introduce a newly-weaned or stressed pet to a new owner. Does this person even want a dog– and are they prepared for a lifetime commitment?
Let’s say the dog is for you. Before purchasing or adopting a canine at any season, you need to think about what you’re looking for in a companion. Too many folks fall for the gorgeous fellow in the dog food ad or the canine star of a favorite TV show– and far too many dogs end up at local shelters. Often it’s because of an unsuitable pairing. The ideal dog for you might be “too hyper” or “too hard-headed” for someone else.
In “The Right Dog For You,” Ph.D. Daniel F. Tortora, a nationally recognized canine behaviorist, provides guidance that may help you connect with the dog of your dreams. (Of course, proper training is up to you– this book is only intended as a good start!)
“ The Right Dog For You” offers a variety of methods for “choosing a breed that matches your personality, family and lifestyle.” If you already have your heart set on a specific breed, you can go right to information on the subject. Dr. Tortora analyzes the temperament and activity level of dogs from Affenpinscher to Tibetan Terrier, and later in the volume discusses matters like grooming requirements. Considering a Brittany Spaniel? Be prepared for a very active outdoor lifestyle, a high learning curve, the possibility of excessive barking when left alone, and a very high degree of sociability– perhaps even toward an intruder. Interested in an adorable little Yorkie? Get ready for a canine that’s busy indoors and out, and one that may not be easy to housebreak.
It’s at least as important to think about the kind of person you are. Sociable, aggressive, physically strong? Solitary by choice, timid and frail? Do you want a dog that mirrors your own traits, or one that might help to draw you out of your shell? (Dogs can be a great way of meeting not only other dogs but people, too.) Consider all family members– some dogs bond primarily with one person (many Rottweilers) while others (like lots of Golden Retrievers) consider the entire population their best friends but might be too rambunctious for unstable toddlers or the elderly. This book offers sets of questions for determining your own personality type and ways to choose a suitable canine.

Another book on basically the same topic and available through your local library or bookstore is “Why We Love the Dogs We Do,” by psychology professor Stanley Coren. After interviewing 6000 people and compiling loads of additional research, Coren has “re-categorized” the groups of dogs into seven types based on personality(rather than using traditional divisions like Terrier or Working: Friendly Dogs (which include Labradors and Bichon Frise), Protective Dogs (like Giant Schnauzers and Akitas), Independent Dogs (such as Airedales and Siberian Huskies), Self-Assured Dogs (among them Cairn Terriers and Shih Tzus), Consistent Dogs (like Italian Greyhounds and Dachsunds), Steady Dogs (which include some of the largest breeds like Mastiffs and Saint Bernards), and Clever Dogs (with German Shepherds and Border Collies among the members.). Professor Coren profiles the canines of famous folks including many of our Presidents (often dominant personalities who preferred Self-Assured Dogs), suggests breeds for human individuals who are trusting or controlling, and dogs for introverts and extroverts.
Both these books require a certain degree of self-honesty in order to help you choose the perfect type for you. And what about those cute mixed-breeds at City Market or the Shelter? Often you can find (or guess) about a puppy or dog’s parentage, and then average the breeds’ “scores” together to make an educated stab at what you might be getting yourself into. Heinz 57? This book may not help you much, but it’s interesting reading. Choosing a dog may not be forever, but it is an important decision that deserves thought rather than just impulse.

A magazine for dog lovers.

We’ve discovered a great little magazine for dog-lovers, filled with articles on holistic health care and non-violent training methods that really work– with no advertisements! The Whole Dog Journal, published monthly, analyzes dog foods (Is dry better than canned? And what about raw, homemade diets?), discusses behavior problems (Keeping Peace in the Pack), and offers detailed tips on training (Are electronic collars cruel? How can you teach your dog to come when called– every time?). Concerned about fleas but reluctant to use poisons? Read the March 2002 issue. Wondering if your aggressive dog can be rehabilitated? Check out the article published in December 2001. We’ve assembled all our back issues in a binder that’s available in our lobby, for those times (hopefully infrequent) when we can’t see your pet immediately. You can enjoy your own subscription for $39 annually by sending a check or money order to: P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 or by calling 800/829-9165. Individual articles are available online at

www.whole-dog-journal.com/backissues.

The Whole Dog Journal isn’t glossy froth, but instead offers a well-written, concise opportunity to read up on ways to keep your best friend healthy and happy.

Diet/Nutrition Recommended Reading

• "Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" by RH Pitcarin, DVM
• "Give your Dog a Bone" by Dr. Ian Billinghurst
• "Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative" by Donald Strombeck
• "Raw Meaty Bones" by Tom Lonsdale, DVM
• "Switching to Raw" by Sue Johnson
• "The BARF Diet" by Dr. Ian Billinghurst
• "The Ultimate Diet: Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats" by Kymythy Schultze
• *"Chicken Soup for the Dog and Cat Lover's Soul" by Canfield
• *"Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats" by RH Pitcarin, DVM

General Recommended Reading

• "Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant (children's grief book)
• "DOGS-Homeopathic Remedies" George Macleod, DVSM
• "Don't Shoot the Dog" by Karen Pryor
• "Food Pets Die For" by Martin
• *"Four Paws Five Directions" by Schwartz
• *"Homeopathic Care For Cats and Dogs" by Don Hamilton, DVM
• *"Puppy Love" by Karen Pryor (videotape)
• "Switching to Raw" by Sue Johnson
• "The BARF Diet" by Dr. Jan Billinghurst, MRCVS
• "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" by Juliette Levy
• *"The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson
• *"The Daisy Sutra" by Weaver
• "The Dog Who Loved Too Much" by Dodman
• *"The Dog Whisperer" by Paul Owens
• "The Monks of New Skeet-How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" by Little Brown
• "The Monks of New Skeet-The Art of Raising a Puppy" by Little Brown
• *"The Nature of Animal Healing" by Martin Goldstein, DVM
• *"The Right Dog for You" by Daniel Tartora, PhD
• *"The Tenth Best Thing About Charlie" (children's grief book)
• "What Vet's Don't Tell You About Vaccines" by Catherine O'Driscoll

*Books of special merit

530-752-4200 or 800-565-1526—Staffed by University of California Davis veterinary students.

630-325-1600—Staffed by Chicago VMA veterinarians and staffs

607-253-3932—Staffed by Cornell University veterinary students

352-392-4700; then dial 1 and 4080—Staffed by University of Florida veterinary students

217-244-2273 (CARE) or 877-394-2273 (CARE)—Staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students

888-ISU-PLSH (888-478-7574)—Staffed by Iowa State University veterinary students and community volunteers

517-432-2696—Staffed by Michigan State University veterinary students

614-292-1823; e-mail, petloss@osu.edu—Staffed by Ohio State University veterinary students

508-839-7966—Staffed by Tufts University veterinary students

540-231-8038—Staffed by Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

509-335-5704—Staffed by Washington State University veterinary students

Meets 1st Tuesday of every month at 711 Main St., Delta (behind Taco Time), 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Community Center, Room B, Cedaredge, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. For information please call Elaine Conlon, B.S., CAC II, 970-856-6720

Pet Loss Support, Rainbow Bridge, Candle Ceremony

www.petloss.com