"They're our kids" - Pets in a retirement village

As we get older, we need our companions more. And as they get older, they need us more. We have the resources to support the human animal bond, so we need to make it happen.

SAT’s interview of Di Johnstone, of the Pets and Aged Care Steering Group, is one of our most popular posts ever – as it should be. Many people who have to make the choice to live in a retirement or nursing home are forced to give up their pets. And yet these are the people who need their companion animals most. 

You can read the full interview with Di here:

http://www.smallanimaltalk.com/2013/07/pets-and-aged-care.html

Meantime, she’s sent some more resources on the topic, including this excellent ABC interview by Sharon Molloy with residents at the Oak Tree Retirement Village in Cairns, and Tricia Miles, Convener of the Cairns Pets and Aged Care Discussion Group.

According to Miles, many retirees simply aren’t aware that some aged care facilities allow pets.

“People seem to believe that it is legislation that prevents aged care facilities from actually taking pets in…that is apparently not true, it is more fear of litigation.”

Pour yourself a cuppa and listen to the full interview here: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/08/21/3830490.htm?site=farnorth

Pets get older too. The American Veterinary Medical Association have provided some guidelines on senior pets via this link. A recent study found that older dogs depend on us more - as they age they are less able to cope with emotional social distress. Just as we need them, they need us more. You can read more here.

SAT would love to hear from anyone who has been able to negotiate accommodation in a pet friendly retirement village, nursing home or special needs facility. Please drop us a line.

How photos can save lives: interview with pet photographer Jenny Parker

Jenny Parker poses with her dog Malibu.

I met pet photographer and animal lover Jenny Parker during a fund-raising Halloween (well, Howl-o-ween to be precise) photo shoot for Hunter Animal Rescue. As for most people, Jenny had been making plans with her life when life got in the way. She and her partner, together with their eight year old Boxer Bailey, were about to embark on a trip around Australia. But just before their planned departure Bailey tore a cruciate ligament, and suffered rare, major complications which robbed him of his quality of life (you can read a bit more on Jenny's website, here). Bailey was their baby, and losing him was devastating. Jenny and her partner finally did embark on their trip, long after they had planned, and she discovered photography.

She has studios in both Newcastle (Wallsend) and Balmain (Sydney), and believes in the importance of celebrating our pets. "They are with us for such a short time and they bring us so much joy and love," she says.

You can view her work on www.shootyapooch.com, or checkout Jenny's Facebook page to see what she is working on and who is looking for a forever home.

When Phil and I met Jenny I was struck by her gentle manner - and the way she interacted with Phil, like he was a worthy soul in his own right. When we met at the same annual fundraiser a year later she recognised him in a crowd. 

How could you not fall in love with Amie?

What (or who?) inspired you to get into pet photography?

I picked up a camera in 2010 whilst travelling Australia with the goal of being able to take great landscape shots. It was during an extended stay on the Gold Coast that I took part in some classes to learn how to take better photos and as part of some of my assignments I started photographing dogs at the local off leash beach which I enjoyed tremendously. I had no idea there was such a thing as a 'Pet Photographer' until I went along to an event at a local pet store and met K9 Photography. I knew then and there what my future held and as they say .... the rest is history. 

Everyone has a phone camera these days. Why do people seek out a pet photographer?

Contrary to popular belief, its not an expensive camera that creates great photos. Pet photography is about patience, taking time to connect with an animal, learning and how to get the best out of them and of course having an insane love for all animals...and of course an artistic eye for detail and knowledge of the technical side.

I love this portrait of Misha. Incidentally, exposing a white dog correctly is no mean feat - so often my photos of all-white dogs are overexposed or blown out. The lighting in this shot is beautiful.

What's the key to taking a good pet portrait? 

You will hear me say it over and over but patience is one of the main elements to capturing a great photo of a pet. Understanding lighting and how to make it work for you is also important. Every photographer is different and there are several ways to take a good portrait. My style is simple, clean and elegant. I put my focus on engaging the model as best as I can so that you can really feel an element of connecting with their soul when you look at their image.

How do you deal with challenging or less cooperative subjects?

Patience, patience, patience. I never ever rush a model or push them to do anything that they are uncomfortable with, its all about taking the time to find out what makes them tick, what they respond and working out what will or won't work. We always get there in the end so it's about relaxing and enjoying the whole process.

Have you photographed any species other than dog or cat?

I have photographed bunnies, birds, goats, horses and a snake but I would LOVE the opportunity to photograph Australian wildlife in my studio

You support Hunter Animal Rescue. How did this come about?

I was a fan of HAR on FB prior to moving to Newcastle and at the beginning of 2011 when they put a call out for a volunteer photographer for their annual HAR Pet Picnic Day which just happened to be on the day after we relocated here, I nominated myself. I signed up that day to become a volunteer and continued to offer my services in photographing foster dogs/cats to help them look their best on their website profiles. It was the best thing I ever done, not only did I get to practise my craft but to date I have photographed almost 300 rescues and hopefully played a big part in them finding their Forever Homes.

[Ed: You can visit Hunter Animal Rescue at www.hunteranimalrescue.com.au/]  

This is a gorgeous photo of Bailey.

You've said before that professional photos help increase adoption success. Why do you think this is?

Most animals in rescue are not puppies and are not the standard 'pretty' designer breed dogs. This doesn't make them any less special but sadly there are so many of them and their faces can blend one into another when you are perusing a website looking to adopt. By taking the time to make each one feel comfortable and aiming to engage them with the camera you can show the heart, soul and personality of each one to its very best advantage. I always try my best to get what I call 'the money shot' that adorable head tilt that makes your heart melt.

Jenny and her partner just welcomed a new puppy into their lives. We're looking forward to catching up with her in mid-September.

Three things I learned: fears and phobias in pets

It looks like a stripe. Nope, its a storm front heading closer at 5am one morning. In the Northern Territory. Where all the best storms are of course! (Above are dark clouds; below is black water; betwixt, the sky has been lit with electricity).

Dr Andrew O’Shea, veterinarian and head of the behaviour service at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Sydney University, gave a presentation last week on understanding and managing fears and phobias in companion animals.

Behaviour is the result of a complex interplay between genetics, previous experiences and the current environment.

Dr O’Shea pointed out that the terms "fear" and "phobia" should not be used interchangeably, as fear is a normal response designed to protect animals from a potentially dangerous situation.

Phobias are still a response to an anticipated threat, but they are abnormal and occur out of context. [Although that’s a hard one for me to wrestle with mentally – for example, what does a thunderstorm phobia look like out of the context of a thunderstorm? My interpretation is that it might be fearful behaviours in response to ran or heavy clouds]. The reactions are excessive (disproportionate to the threat), intense and uncontrollable. He made the interesting point – corroborated by behaviourist Dr Kersti Seksel – that affected animals on occasion know they are behaving irrationally yet cannot control this.

So what is irrational? As Dr O’Shea pointed out, a wolf – when startled – will run about 1 kilometre before turning to look back. If a dog that is frightened of fireworks jumps the fence and runs a kilometre, is that irrational?

Dr O’Shea didn’t agree with the popular hypothesis that rewarding a fearful animal (eg comforting a dog during fireworks) creates a phobia. But he did suggest it doesn’t help the animal to cope.

Fears and phobias can lead to maladaptive behaviours in dogs and cats, although dogs are more likely to be presented for treatment as cats simply tend to hide whilst dogs are more likely to exhibit anxiety, aggression and/or destructive behaviours.

Phobias occur in about 20 per cent of veterinary behaviour practice cases. Common phobias in dogs: loud noises, thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, people, places, or panphobia (fear of everything).

1. Signs of phobias: signs of fear, hiding, aggression, escape behaviours, vocalisation,  elimination, self trauma, destruction of property.
2. Prevention of phobias involves avoiding breeding from phobic animals; early best-practice socialisation and habituation.
3. Treatment involves managing the environment (for example avoiding the stimulus, providing a safe haven or a support person), modifying the behaviour through counter conditioning and training, and medicating the animal. You need to do all three to manage phobic animals.

Desensitisation can be helpful – but it can also backfire in a big way.

Final exams: interview with Dr Jade Risdale from ABC's Vet School

Jade Risdale, fellow students and a sheep.

This week is the final episode of the ABC's Vet School. The fifth year veterinary students at Murdoch University are days from graduating...but they have to finish their final exams. Meanwhile the fourth years, including Jade Risdale, are coping with a seemingly endless tide of pracs and theory...

Dr Risdale was in the second last year of her veterinary degree years ago when Vet School was filmed. She is currently working in a small animal clinic south of Perth and took some time out to chat with SAT.

What made you decide to become a vet - and are you still doing it for this or these reasons or has your motivation changed over time?

One big reason for me was (due to experiences with my own animals) was that I wanted to have the knowledge and skills to be able look after my own animals the best possible and be able to pick up on any problems early (know what I was looking for). I also thought about career options and figured making a living helping animals feel better sounded pretty good :p I have wanted to be a vet since I was able to contemplate the idea of a "job". My animals have always meant a great deal to me and seeing vets over my life helping them whenever they got sick was really inspiring for me and I developed a great deal of respect for the profession, this contributed to my decision also.

Are there any significant non-humans in your life and can you tell us a bit about how they have helped you through vet school?

There have been many significant non-humans in my life. Currently I have a dog, 3 cats and a horse, all of which have their own personalities and are very special to me :p Through vet school (and life) my first dog Jenna was particularly significant. She was with me since I was about 7yo and passed away the start of my second last year of uni at 14yo. She was a great dog and my best friend the majority of my life so far. She was a very caring girl and loved people, was always there for me, simply an awesome dog!

She also helped with my education and veterinary interests, as she was diabetic later in life, developed cataracts so was blind in the end and developed seizures layer in life. How this helped? When someone close to you gets sick, in this case Jenna, you do your research! So by the end I had firsthand experience and was well informed on giving injections, diabetes, living with a blind pet and seizures.

Being in fourth and fifth year is gruelling, but you had the added scrutiny of TV cameras. How did that affect you?

Yeah... It was a bit confronting being followed around. I am naturally a quiet, fairly non-social person who tends to blend rather than stand out :p and I feel I lead quite a boring life, didn't really go out or anything. So it felt really strange someone following me as if I was a very interesting person and commenting on my daily 3 hour trip as really significant/ determined, when I just saw it as a "got to do what you got to do" type thing. Plus... I don't really like cameras (Not very photogenic) so it was really awkward for a while. It took a long time to get used to it :p In regard to interfering with study it wasn't too bad, it did take up some study time and I did give up time outside of uni for the show also. The crew were pretty respectful though and worked around me to get a lot of the footage they needed. Probably the most stressful times being recorded were right before one of my exams, the sheep laparotomy surgery, the cow epidural and when I failed one of my exams and needed to do a supplementary test.

[See the episode here].

What was the highlight of being involved with the production?

I think what I liked most about being part of the program is that it will be a nice memento to have to look back on in the future (See where I came from) and the hope that the show will have some impact on the public, i.e. Show people what is involved in becoming a veterinarian and the challenges we have to face in this profession.

How has the veterinary degree changed you as a person?

It has allowed me to achieve my lifelong goal! You want different things as you go through life but I have wanted this my whole life! Now that I am a vet, I have achieved that ~20 year long goal. I have a sense of achievement/ satisfaction and now I am working on what I want/ want to achieve next. As a person I think I have more so matured than changed through obtaining my veterinary degree. I have had to deal with the reality of the profession and all the hard work you must do to get through builds a good work ethic... well at least that's how I feel. I am still a kid at heart, that will never change and I still have the same morals, etc., having the vet degree hasn't really changed me too much, I’ve just grown as a person :)

Getting through those final years is one part of the journey. What is the next step for you and how well prepared do you think you are?

Well currently I am working on building my confidence, becoming comfortable with the basics/ common things seen in practise and working on my time management! You are REALLY slow when you first get out, compared to experienced vets and the only way to get faster is through practise, so that's what you do. Once I have the basics down packed, then I can always look at specialising or trying something else within the profession, there are so many options with this career, which is another great thing about our profession. I think currently I am doing alright, still pretty slow with my consults and surgery, but I am getting there :P

Vet training tends to be highly demanding, full-on, all-encompassing. How do you wind down?

I am fairly boring really :p I am happiest just chilling at home with my family and animals. A normal weekend is me usually playing a game or watching a movie in the company of my boyfriend and sister with a purring kitty cat on my belly :P I love just spending time with my animals and loved ones, they make me happy just being in their company.

That said, some people think a lot of vetty thoughts in their down time. Are there any good vet books, websites or resources you recommend?

VIN is quite a helpful resource I have found. I haven't needed to branch out further than this, my colleagues and my textbooks/ lecture notes thus far. Sorry, I try to spend my down time as "family time" trying to create some "Work-life balance", so I will read vet-related texts on occasion, but I don't have any other good resource suggestions currently.

Finally, now that you have graduated, what is your advice to vet students? Good survival tips? Dos and don'ts?

For final year in particular, NEVER FORGET you are surrounded by SPECIALISTS so don't feel down if you forget or don't understand something, it will all be ok, you'll get there in the end. DO - try to keep your stress levels down/ find an outlet for stress, Get enough sleep, Keep on top of your work and be organised (The information stream doesn't stop so try and do your notes, read through lecture notes, etc. as you go, don't leave it till later and become bogged down in information). DON'T feel disheartened if you need to do a supplementary exam - They are stressful BUT in doing them you go over everything you may not have had time to go over before/ did not learn well enough and it will benefit you in the long run.

Thanks Jade! If you are like me and have struggled to be home at 8pm Friday night (hey, I was working!) then you can catch up on the previous eps on iView any time of the day or night. Is it just me or does everyone need a box of tissues when they watch this show?

Barry goes to college: Aaron Steley and his Guide Dog undertake Diploma of IT at Martin College

Aaron and Barry - partners in life and study.

Barry Steley goes to college. He sleeps, plays with toys under the desk, and enjoys the fact that the course schedule is designed to fit around his comfort breaks. Oh, yeah...he's a Guide Dog. He, and visually impaired companion Aaron Steley, attend Martin College where Aaron is completing a Diploma of IT.

Aaron was born with around ten per cent of the average level of eyesight, and this has progressively decreased. With the aid of technology - such as high contrast screen settings - and assistance, Aaron can study just fine. Barry helps him get around safely.

"It's important for us to cater to Barry as much as we can because we know what a vital role he plays in assisting Aaron's studies," said John Martin, Head of Martin College.

Aaron (with Barry at his side) has completed his first block of study with a distinction average. He took a few moments out to talk to SAT about Barry, and Guide Dogs in general.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself - what made you want to embark on the diploma of IT?

Growing up in the age of technology starting to take a hold, I discovered early on that I had interest and love for computers. I did voluntary work at schools growing up and then entered the working world in IT. I left the working world of IT shortly after to explore my interests in other areas of the business world. Returning to IT this year I was horrified to find that you need formal qualifications to even be considered for an interview in IT jobs. Life experience counted for little. Martin College presented an opportunity to study at a quicker pace to receive the diploma in a more timely fashion.

What accommodations have been made for Barry to come to College with you?

Barry has an area in the college classrooms that we have been assigned, where he can relax on his bed and has access to fresh water as required. Rather then being stuffed under the desk all day, he has the floor space that he can delightfully spread out on without being in the way of fellow class mates.

We see assistance dogs all the time but I think there remains some confusion. Can you clarify - where can assistance dogs go that other dogs can't?

Assistance and Services dogs are pretty much regarded by government legislation as people. They are entitled to be anywhere at any time a reasonable person is expected to go. However, one particular area that Assistance dogs are not allowed to be in is food preparation areas of a restaurant, i.e. kitchen (not that I’d take my dog in there anyway) and hospital operation areas (sterile environment). Recently, assistance dogs have been granted access to intensive care for short durations to be with their handlers. We go everywhere and anywhere during the day. The dogs are the means of our successful transition from Point A to B. Lastly, national parks.  Assistance dogs are trained and well behaved and are therefore allowed to be with their handlers in the national park. The dog enjoys the grass and cool breeze, we enjoy the sun and sounds of the parks.

For more in-depth details in regards to access the information is contained in the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 and the Anti Discrimination Act 1991.

How does Barry get along with your classmates and lecturers?

Barry spends much of his time at College asleep and relaxing.  He has his own toys to keep him amused and very rarely interacts with anyone at the college.

Martin College has given Barry a student card and organised your classes around comfort breaks for Barry. How important is it for you to have Barry at college?

As an assistance dog is my freedom to mobility, I would consider him very important in being at college. It is how I get from Point A to Point B without requiring emergency visits to our fantastic health care providers. The student card was a suggestion by me and the student council to help the international students see that Barry was considered a student at the college and was there welcome in any part of the college. We considered it a practical example to explain what an assistance dog was.

What is the right etiquette with a dog like Barry: If we meet an assistance dog on the street, what's the right way to interact - offer a hand for a sniff, ignore the dog because it is working?

Whilst an Assistance Dog is wearing their harness or training coat out in public, they are not to be interacted with whatsoever.  They have a job to do and require their concentration to make sure that the handler is able to make it safely to their chosen destinations.

For public information, Guide Dogs Qld has provided a few simple guidelines with interaction with Assistance dogs which you may find helpful.

http://www.guidedogsqld.com.au/page/guide_dogs/guide_dog_etiquette/

What does Barry do with his time off?

Barry has a wide variety of toys that he entertains himself with when he’s at home, has a grass area that he rolls and runs around to relieve the stresses of a working day.  He eats and sleeps and then the process starts all over again the next day. Amidst all of this though, Barry receives plenty of cuddles whilst also receiving appropriate amounts of “Barry Time” where he rests quietly to be ready for the next task.

Have you ever had to take Barry to the vet? Can you elaborate on that experience?

Barry routinely visits a vet every 6 months 1 for a checkup and the other for the yearly vaccinations, C5 and heart guard.  Barry loves his vet, likes going there and we often head up there on a fortnightly basis to receive his bath and groom. He’s an absolute delight to watch getting bathed as he shows the people bathing him where to bath him and how to bath him and directs them missed spots. 

Any messages you'd like to share with veterinarians and future vets about guide dogs?

Vets do a great job and look after the Guide Dogs very well, however a handler will get very attached to their animals and will carefully consider decisions that will impact their mobility and separation from the animal. Best message to vets and future vets? Guide dogs are the most patient loveable and patient animals you will likely have in your waiting room and your examining room.  They love to co-operate.  Well, at least Barry does.  As I said earlier, Barry loves his vet he sees.  

Thanks Aaron and Barry! Wishing you the best with the remainder of your studies - and well done for blazing a trail for Guide Dogs in higher education.

Three things I learned: veterinary care of backyard chickens

This chicken presented with a nice bright comb, but she was quite depressed and straining to lay an egg.

Chickens are just delightful. I don’t treat many of them but they are always absolutely gracious patients and they are staggeringly beautiful. I am trying my best not to overdose on webinars, but when the Centre for Veterinary Education announced a webinar on backyard chickens, no wasn’t an option.

Well known avian and exotics luminary Dr Michael Cannon, of Cannon & Ball Veterinary Surgeons, gave a fact-packed presentation.

One point he made was that most backyard chickens (BYCs) produce eggs for around three years…but they live well beyond that (8-10 years). So urbanites who adopt chooks as an ethical source of eggs need to cater for their long retirement. (Another point he made – which I had not thought of as most of my chook-owning clients say their chickens are companions) is that as veterinarians we need to be mindful to ensure that a withholding period is observed if people intend to eat their chickens. i.e. chickens can’t be consumed within a certain time period (e.g. 7 days for amoxyl and14 days for trimethoprim-sulfa drugs).

1. Egg binding occurs due to oversized eggs, overproduction of eggs, dietary deficiencies (calcium & vitamin D3), shell gland infections and when hens are too old to lay. Dr Cannon’s medical treatment for egg-binding consists of placing the patient in a warm, dark, humid environment; giving fluids (usually Hartmanns – PO/SC/IV or intra-osseus); calcium (50-100mgkg/IV or slow IM); oxytocin (5 IUkg IM with a repeat dose 30minutes later if required) and the surgery if no response within 12-24 hours.
2. Healthy chickens have a bright eye, clean beak, nice plumage, an evenly coloured and reasonably erect comb and a generally bright demeanour. The best way to assess their hydration is the feel the skin over their pectoral mass and slide it side to side. If they are well hydrated this feels smooth, but if they are dehydrated it can be quite sticky. Subcutaneous fluids can be given between the shoulder blades or in leg fold in the inguinal region.
3. Scaly-leg is probably due to the Cnemidocoptes mite which probably thrives in immunosuppressed chickens. It can be treated orally with ivermectin (200-400micrograms/kg; dose each 10-14 days until resolved).

But thanks to some medical treatment...out it came. 

The webinar also covered much about common respiratory diseases and conditions such as heavy metal poisoning, treatment of scaly-leg (probably due to immunosuppression) and feeding BYCs.