SOCIAL MEDIA, NETWORKING, AND DEDICATED PEOPLE CHANGE RESCUE AND ADOPTIONS FOR THE BETTER

By Kim Campbell Thornton

In January, a sporting dog rescue group asked Lori-Lynn Clayton of San Angelo, Texas, to go look at a dog in her local shelter thought to be an English springer spaniel or Brittany. He was a springer, emaciated and near death.

She struggled to get him released, battling shelter workers and then veterinarians who said it would be better to euthanize him. She got on the phone to Beth Maryan, the north Texas representative for English Springer Rescue America, who agreed to help, and arranged a flight for him with Pilots N Paws volunteer Tyler Chapman to Carrollton, Texas, where he could get the specialized veterinary care he needed. Kim Mrozek stepped up to foster the dog, soon named "Clayton," once he was well enough to leave the hospital.

No one can quite pinpoint why, but people who saw the dog's picture fell in love with him. As specialists fought to reverse the effects of starvation and dehydration and figure out why his body wasn't absorbing nutrients, people across the country and around the world followed his progress on ESRA's website and then on Facebook, where Mrozek set up a dedicated page for him called, simply, Clayton.

Within 18 hours, the Clayton group had 600 members and eventually rose to 1,759. They called themselves the Clayton Nation.

The social media exposure ensured that Clayton's extensive veterinary bills -- $23,000 for three weeks in intensive care -- were covered, and then some. Mrozek estimates that people donated approximately $50,000.

"It seemed like every time I would post about him, people would go to his ESRA site and start donating money," she says. "There were people sending $500 at a time. He had more donations than any special-needs dog ever."

Not every pet can be a Clayton, but Christie Keith, social media manager for the Shelter Pet Project, the Ad Council's public service campaign promoting pet adoption, says social media is an incredibly powerful tool that has revolutionized the pet adoption landscape.

"It enables individuals who don't even work or volunteer for shelters or rescue groups to help spread the stories and photos of pets who need homes or are looking for other kinds of help," she says. "They can do this literally with the click of a mouse or a click on their mobile device, and there is no barrier to them being able to get a pet in front of people who aren't connected to the rescue or shelter world: their friends, their family, their college roommate. You never know when someone is looking for a pet or when a pet's story will inspire someone to adopt."

Although his life hung in the balance for two weeks and he needed a feeding tube for two months, Clayton's story has a happy ending. Tony and Mary Davies of Durand, Illinois, adopted him after following his story from the beginning. They drove to Texas in May to pick him up and on the way back made stops so other Clayton supporters could meet the springer celebrity. He made a smooth transition to life on their 20-acre farm.

"It is a glorious sight to see this dog who was knocking on death's door finally get to live the life he deserves," Mary Davies says.

When he's not playing with the Davies' other dogs or digging holes, though, Clayton keeps busy with important work. He makes appearances at ESRA functions to raise money for other special-needs springers.

"He is giving back, and we are grateful for everyone who has helped him," Davies says.

Q&A

Fear usually triggers

aggression in cats

Q: My cat is sociable at home and even makes therapy visits to nursing homes, but at the veterinary clinic, she turns into a screaming, scratching nightmare, even though they have always handled her gently. Why does she behave this way, and is there anything we can do about it? -- via email

A: Aggression is a common behavior problem in cats, and it is often triggered by fear. The smells in a veterinary clinic -- other cats, dogs, unknown people -- are enough to give any cat the heebie-jeebies. Cats go on the defensive when they're scared, responding with attempts to escape, dilated pupils (to let in more light and improve their peripheral vision for better defense), hissing, growling, biting and clawing.

If you're facing a defensive cat, the first thing to do is back off. That way he doesn't feel trapped, and you don't run the risk of injury. Never punish him for a fearful reaction because that will just make him think he has good reason to be scared.

To help your cat feel more calm at the veterinary clinic, start by helping him to enjoy riding in his carrier. Leave it out at home, and stock it with treats or place meals inside it to encourage him to hang out in it. When you must take him to the veterinarian, spray the carrier beforehand with synthetic feline pheromones that have a calming effect.

At the clinic, let your cat wait in the car until it's time to take him into the exam room. The technicians and veterinarian should speak softly to your cat and hand out plenty of treats before beginning any exam or procedure. Stay calm yourself so your cat is less anxious. You and your veterinarian can find more tips on helping cats feel comfortable during veterinary visits from the Catalyst Council at www.catalystcouncil.org. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

'Rescuing' kittens

isn't always best

-- Do you know what to do if you find a litter of kittens? You might be surprised to learn that Best Friends Animal Society says newborn kittens born outside have the best chance for survival when they are left with their mother. Before you scoop them up and take them to a shelter, wait to see if they have really been abandoned. Their mother may simply be out hunting so she can feed them. If she is caring for them, it's best to leave them alone until they are old enough to be trapped and spayed or neutered, usually when they are 8 weeks old.

-- More babies are born from June through September than during any other part of the year. If you're a dog owner who's expecting, start preparing your dog now for the new arrival. He should have a good command of basic obedience skills, including sit, down, wait and leave it. Get him used to a more unpredictable schedule by randomly changing the times he eats or is walked, or plan how you can keep his schedule the same by using an automatic feeder or hiring a dog walker. Don't hesitate to consult a trainer or behaviorist who's experienced in working with dogs and children.

-- Protect your pet bird from household hazards. The Association of Avian Veterinarians says birds can be at risk from sandpaper-covered perches that irritate or injure the bottoms of their feet; cigarette smoke, insecticides and toxic fumes from overheated nonstick cookware, all of which can cause respiratory problems and even death; easily dismantled toys that can cause toxicity or intestinal problems when they are chewed or swallowed, such as those made with balsa wood, small-link chains, metal clips or skewers, or lead weights; and toxic houseplants, such as bleeding heart, calla lilies, dieffenbachia, elephant ear, philodendron, pothos and ranunculus. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDIT

Caption 01: Social networking, including Facebook and YouTube, helped a desperately ill dog survive and find a new home. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Before the baby comes, accustom your dog to the possible heavy pats and tail grabs he may accidentally experience from a young child. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

DOGS MAY DECEIVE OTHER DOGS (AND PEOPLE) TO GAIN BENEFITS FOR THEMSELVES OR JUST FOR FUN

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When my dog Harper was a puppy, she wanted up in my lap one day. The problem was, my lap was already occupied by Twyla, our black-and-tan cavalier. Harper knew that Twyla would "give her what for" if she dared to jump up there, too. Harper paced back and forth, watching us. You could practically see the wheels spinning in her head.

Suddenly, Harper sprinted for the stairs, barking loudly. Twyla immediately jumped out of my lap and ran down the stairs to lead the charge against whatever danger threatened us. Harper, still at the top of the stairs, stopped barking, trotted back to my chair and hopped in my lap. Problem solved.

I never cease to be entertained and impressed by dogs' thought processes. In her book "Inside of a Dog," Alexandra Horwitz writes that "dogs are quite capable of concealing behavior, acting to deflect attention from their true motives." In other words, they practice deception.

In a 2009 address to the American Psychological Association, canine researcher Stanley Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs," said, "During play, dogs are capable of deliberately trying to deceive other dogs and people in order to get rewards."

My husband has experienced this in nosework class with Gemma, our Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix. Inside her tiny head is a brain worthy of Machiavelli -- or at least Machiavelli's dog. Gemma knows that she is rewarded with treats when she finds a particular odor, and at first she wasn't above giving a false alert in the hope that she might get rewarded anyway. She has learned, though, that it doesn't work, and last time she rocked all her searches, including sweeping by the boxes containing tasty distractors such as pasta, popcorn and Cheetos.

Anna McDole, a veterinarian in San Jose, California, says her dog pretends to walk away from the cat food. When McDole thinks it's safe to drop her guard, he sneaks behind her to get back to it.

Glenye Oakford of Lexington, Kentucky, says her beagle, Eider, knows how to lie when the pressure's on.

"He will sometimes find a forbidden object, like one of our baseball caps, and grab it. In his excitement, he'll fly around at top speed carrying the item in his mouth. When we spot him and yell 'Eider!' he runs behind a piece of furniture and emerges on the other side with nothing in his mouth and keeps on running, as if to say, 'You must have been mistaken because I'm just running around here having fun.'"

Dogs don't always trick other dogs (or people) with the intent of getting something out of it. Sometimes they do it just for fun. Kim Schive of Carlisle, Massachusetts, still laughs when she remembers this story about two of her Shetland sheepdogs.

Kia lived to keep the yard free of squirrels. Whenever she saw one, she ran at the fence, jumped at it, hitting it with all four feet, did a quick half-turn in the air and another quick half-turn on landing. Then she stamped her feet five times, all the while barking furiously with hackles raised.

Penny could mimic Kia's routine perfectly, right down to the number of foot stamps and barks. During the dead of winter, while all the squirrels were hibernating, Penny would periodically launch into Kia's squirrel dance.

"I think she did it just to get a rise out of Kia, because when she saw it, Kia would dash around the yard madly for 15 or 20 minutes, looking for the nonexistent rodent while Penny watched her with clear amusement," Schive says.

In Native American folklore, coyote has the reputation of a trickster, but clearly he is not the only canid who plays tricks on his friends.

Q&A

What to know about

storing pet food

Q: What's the best way to store pet food, and how can I know if it has gone bad? -- via Twitter

A: Pet foods contain preservatives to help ensure that food stays fresh, but once you open a can or a bag, the freshness level starts to decrease. You can take several steps to help food stay fresh and to know if it's time to replace it.

-- Check the "best by" date before buying. Don't buy the food if you don't think you'll be able to use it all before the date given.

-- Once you open a bag of dry food, use it all within 4 to 6 weeks.

-- If you feed dry food, keep it in the original bag instead of pouring it into another container. The fat in the food forms a film on the container, and you'll need to clean it regularly with soap and water to prevent the food from becoming rancid. It's better to place the original bag inside an airtight container to help it stay fresh and prevent raids by bugs or mice.

-- Store dry food in a cool, dry place under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat can cause fat in food to go rancid more quickly.

-- If your pet doesn't eat an entire can of food at one meal, refrigerate the remainder in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. The food will keep better that way than if you leave it in the can covered with a plastic lid or aluminum foil.

-- Use your nose. Give dry food a good sniff to make sure it doesn't smell stale. And even if it smells all right to you, trust your pet's sniffer. If he turns up his nose at the food or eats with less enthusiasm, it may be time to replace it. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Pets and electronics

aren't a good mix

-- If your dog has swallowed your remote or your cat has thrown up a hairball on your smartphone, you're not alone. A survey released last month by Square Trade found that 28 million pet owners have had a pet damage an electronic device, with smartphones accounting for almost 30 percent of the damaged items. Electronics are most at risk from male dogs (86 percent more likely than females to damage devices) or puppies (three times more likely to damage a device than older pets). It could be worse. At least they're not ordering stuff online. Yet.

-- You may have recently seen a story about ice water causing bloat making the rounds on Facebook and elsewhere on the Internet. We're here to tell you that ice and ice water won't cause stomach cramps or bloat. It is true that if your dog is overheated, you shouldn't cool him off with ice or ice water, but throwing some ice cubes in his water dish on a hot day won't do any harm. Chewing ice cubes can cause him to break a tooth, though, so don't give them as treats.

-- How are new cat breeds created? According to the Cat Fanciers Association, some are developed after kittens with natural, or spontaneous, mutations appear in litters, while others are the result of crossing two already established breeds. Mutations can occur as skeletal changes, such as the stumpy tail of the manx or the folded ears of the Scottish fold; new coat types, such as the waves of the Cornish rex or the wiry fur of the American wirehair; or new colors, such as the red Abyssinian. Examples of breeds created through crossing two or more breeds -- known as hybridization -- include the Havana brown, Oriental shorthair, and Tonkinese. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDIT

Caption 01: Many types of dogs have been known to employ distractions and deception to get what they want. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The short, wavy coat of the Cornish rex is the result of a spontaneous mutation. New cat breeds are sometimes developed after a cat with a natural mutation appears in a litter. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

Do your homework before plunking down big bucks for a pet

By Kim Campbell Thornton

We can stream movies at any time of day or night, order books or small kitchen appliances for next-day delivery, or send off for a dozen pairs of shoes for in-home try-on, free returns guaranteed. The Internet allows us to acquire all kinds of goods at a speed undreamed of less than a decade ago.

So why not pets? Americans spent more than $2 billion last year purchasing dogs, cats and other companion animals, according to a 2013 survey by the American Pet Products Association. Anyone in search of a puppy has run across websites such as NextDayPets.com, PuppyFind.com, PuppyDogWeb.com or PuppyAvenue.com, not to mention advertisements on Craigslist or eBayclassifieds.com. It's no longer "How much is that puppy in the window?" but "How much is that puppy on your website?"

It's easy to fall in love with a pet in a picture, but not so easy to evaluate that potential pet's temperament, health and living conditions. Last November, a new USDA rule brought large-scale online pet sellers under federal oversight, but it's important to know that neither the USDA nor dog registries such as the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club guarantee puppies or require breeders to test dogs for heritable problems, to socialize puppies or even to be knowledgeable about the breed or dogs in general. Registration papers certify only that both parents were of the same breed. It's up to you to research the breed and breeder to make an informed decision.

You might think that a dog destined to be "just a pet" doesn't need all the bells and whistles of champion, health-tested parents, health guarantees, an in-person visit to examine the breeder's home and kennel, and all the rest that comes along with buying a dog from a reputable breeder. But pets are family members, and it just makes good financial and emotional sense to choose one carefully, not only to ensure that the dog is a good fit for your family, but also to reduce the risk of high veterinary bills from congenital or genetic diseases.

It's best if you can see the puppy in person before you buy so you can evaluate his temperament and the conditions in which he was raised. If that's impossible, ask for references that include the breeder's veterinarian and previous puppy buyers -- and call them. Try to find a trusted friend or relative in the area who can examine the puppy and interview the breeder on your behalf.

To get the most for your money, expect the seller to provide up-to-date health certifications for both of a pup's parents on file with health registries, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Health Information Center. Check CHIC to see which health tests are recommended for the breed you're interested in.

The seller should offer a health guarantee against heritable problems for the first two years of the pup's life and lifetime support when you have questions about the dog's health or behavior. He or she should provide a sales contract that includes a clause stating that the breeder will take the dog back at any time in his life if you can't keep him.

If you are buying a "designer dog," a crossbreed such as a Maltipoo, Yorkipoo, puggle or Labradoodle, ask for the same health certifications and warranties that you would if you were buying a purebred. All of this advice applies even if all you plan to do with your dog is walk him around the block every day and sit on the sofa with him and watch TV.

Q&A

3 ways to help

sound-sensitive pets

Q: My dog is really fearful of loud noises, especially thunderstorms and fireworks. Can I do anything to help him be less afraid? -- via Facebook

A: With Independence Day coming up, that's a concern that's on the minds of many pet owners. Extreme sensitivity to sound is a common problem. Up to 20 percent of dogs of all ages and breeds suffer from severe noise phobias. They can become so panicked that they jump through windows and glass doors, tear carpet away from doorways, or dig out of the yard and run away.

Shelters know to expect an influx of lost dogs on July 5 every year. (Cats can develop noise phobias, too, but they are more likely to just hide under the bed until the scary sounds subside.)

Thunder and fireworks are the most common causes of noise phobias, but dogs can also fear gunshots or any unusual sound. Dogs who are prone to anxiety are most likely to develop noise phobias. The following techniques may help your dog learn to remain calm when he hears scary sounds.

-- Expose him to the sounds of thunder or fireworks on CDs. Gradually increase the volume and duration. This can help to reduce the dog's overall level of fear by desensitizing and counterconditioning him to the sounds.

-- Some dogs respond well to dog-appeasing pheromones, which come in collars, sprays and diffusers, and snug-fitting wraps such as Storm Defender Capes and Thundershirts.

-- If your dog has a severe noise phobia, ask your veterinarian about medication to help him remain calm during a storm or a fireworks show in the distance. Medication is a temporary remedy that can be withdrawn once the dog's fear becomes more manageable.

-- Never take your dog to a fireworks show to try to acclimate him to the sound. It's a good way to lose him. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Dogs sporting yellow

may not be mellow

-- Tie a yellow ribbon. Not 'round the old oak tree, but to the leash or collar of your dog if he's aggressive toward other dogs or people, or has special needs, such as being overly excitable or a health problem that makes it uncomfortable for him to be touched. The yellow ribbon shouts caution to others, warning them to give your dog some space and not to approach him unless you give the OK. A yellow leash, bandana or bow serves the same purpose. Whether or not a dog is wearing a yellow ribbon, it's always polite to ask before petting.

-- The ears have it -- cat ears, that is. A cat's hearing is better than that of dogs and people. One of the reasons is because cats can rotate their ears and focus each ear independently, allowing them to hear well from all directions. If your cat stalks out of the room while you're watching TV, it might be a signal that you have the volume up just a little too high for his comfort.

-- People, domestic animals, wildlife and the environment are all served when doctors, veterinarians and scientists work together, a concept known as One Health. To move the initiative forward, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's One Health Committee is focusing on a number of areas, including control of rabies and other zoonoses (diseases that can be passed between people and animals); research into diseases that affect people, cats and dogs; and the human-animal bond and its significance to health.

In a related effort, the WSAVA Foundation is working to improve the care of companion animals in sub-Saharan Africa, including monitoring infectious and parasitic diseases that affect them, and supporting the education and work of the veterinarians who care for them. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: A picture might be worth a thousand words, but it's only the starting point when purchasing a dog. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Hear, hear! When it comes to sound, cats can hear four times more frequencies than humans and nearly twice as many as dogs. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2