PAGE 1 Florida Lupine NEWS

Volume 5, Issue 1 SPRING 2003

Published Quarterly Seacrest Wolf Preserve for Members. Free By Cynthia Watkins

to Veterinarians, Florida is home to the only wolf preserve in Shelters, Donors, the southeastern United States. The Seacrest Wolf Preserve, located on 430 acres in Sponsors, Rescues, Washington County, in Florida’s panhandle, is a and Animal Welfare licensed facility organized solely for educational and humane purposes. & Control Agencies. The Wolf and Our Environment

FLA 2001-3 Directors The wolf is one of the most misunderstood and persecuted animals on earth. Long ago, man Al Mitchell, President under-estimated the valuable and profound place that this important carnivore holds in the Barbara Speer-Skeoch ecosystems in which it lives. Through the efforts Mayo Wetterberg of caring and concerned people, we are learning Jody Haynes how wolves play an important and vital role in our world. Kim Miles Before European settlers came to this country, the native Americans lived in harmony with all of nature. The wolf, in particular, was Inside This Issue: one of the most revered and valued of all animals. Native Americans emulated many of Seacrest Wolf Preserve 1 the wolf’s hunting skills and highly respected its intelligence. Not until the settler’s timbering of the land FLA Acknowledgements 2 and the disappearance of wild game was the available a variety of camping areas and a wolf forced to find other food sources and, unique wildlife gift shop. From the Desks of . . . 3 hence, the annihilation of this beautiful animal began. It was slaughtered barbarically to the You Can Make a Difference brink of extinction. In fact, the wolf totally Giardia: A Common Puppy 5 disappeared from the lower 48 states. Today, thanks to the Endangered Species Worm Act and the efforts of caring and concerned Our Goal people, the wolf is making somewhat of a Are You a Wolf or Wolfdog 7 comeback; however, wolves still face many Breeder? At Seacrest Wolf Preserve, we envision a challenges. place for school groups, adult and children’s Seacrest Wolf Preserve was founded by The Mexican Lobo who groups, as well as individuals to come and learn Cynthia and Wayne Watkins to help the 8 Adopted a Little Girl about wolves in a natural setting. Our goal is to wolf’s plight. Their philosophy is “one person provide a safe, humane habitat for displaced can’t change the world, but together, in a wolves and to educate all that visit, including collective effort, we can make a Recipe for Weight Gain 11 our children, who some day will be the care- difference!!!!” Seacrest Wolf Preserve is a takers of our planet. non-profit organization providing a safe Coccidia: A Common Puppy We provide educational lectures and tours, 12 haven for unwanted, abandoned wolves and Worm photo opportunities, and howling sessions with also wolves requiring placement. the wolves. In addition, we plan to make (Continued on page 6) Dog Anatomy Diagram 13 PAGE 2 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

Letters, advertisements, and articles do not necessarily Florida Lupine Association reflect the views of FLA. We welcome all comments, A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization advertisements, and articles but require that they are signed EIN: 59-3586075 and include a phone number and address (which will remain Dedicated to Being Florida’s unpublished if the author states in writing). FLA and the Responsible Voice for Wolfdogs Editor reserve the right to edit any material submitted for publication in the Florida Lupine News.

Letters,Letters, AdvertisementsAdvertisements && FLA Acknowledgements

PicturesPictures areare toto bebe sentsent toto Special thanks to those who provided donations or contributed their services to FLA this quarter: Kim Miles, Editor 9525 Jamaica Drive ∗ The members who contributed behind the scenes Miami, FL 33189-1709 in preparation for the 2003 Spring Rendezvous. Phone: (305) 278-7022 ∗ Cheryl Hazzard for contributing her article on FAX: (305) 253-7041 wolfdog breeders to the FLA newsletter. E-Mail: [email protected] ∗ Cynthia Watkins for contributing her article on the All submissions will become property of Seacrest Wolf Preserve—the only wolf preserve in Florida Lupine unless accompanied by a SASE. the Southeast. ∗ With the ending of a term, Florida Lupine Association, Inc., wishes to acknowledge the Board of Directors for a term well served, from 2001 to Contributions,Contributions, Dues,Dues, && QuestionsQuestions 2003: Al Mitchell, President; Mayo Wetterberg, aboutabout FLAFLA areare toto bebe sentsent to:to: Vice President and Treasurer; Barbara Speer- Skeoch, Secretary; Jody Haynes, Webmaster; and Florida Lupine Association, Inc. Kim Miles, Editor. This Board’s term of service P.O. Box 771615 expires on June 30 and the new Board of Directors Ocala, FL 34477-1615 will assume their positions on July 1, 2003. Many E-Mail: [email protected] thanks to the hard work of these five individuals.

If sending snail mail, please allow 2-3 weeks for a reply. All original art, photos, drawings, articles and other material within this Newsletter are Copyright© and are the property of FLA, Inc., except where otherwise indicated and credited.

ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT INFORMATIONINFORMATION FloridaFlorida LupineLupine AssociationAssociation Pricing Information: DirectorsDirectors && OfficersOfficers 1/8 Page: $5.00 1/4 Page: $10.00 1/2 Page: $20.00 Full Page: $50.00 Al Mitchell, President *Photos: $5.00 Processing Fee for each photo Mayo Wetterberg, Treasurer No Breeder Advertisements Allowed; Kennel Names & Kennels May be Advertised

Barbara Speer-Skeoch, Secretary (All submissions will become property of Florida Lupine unless accompanied by a SASE)

Jody Haynes, Webmaster Deadlines for Submission:

Kim Miles, Editor Spring NL: March 31 Fall NL: Sept. 30 Summer NL: June 30 Winter NL: Dec. 31

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS PAGE 3 From the Desk of the President From the “Virtual” Desk By Al Mitchell of the Webmaster By Jody Haynes We have known for quite some time that State Fish & Game officers have been having The FLA website has been updated with three new problems defining which animals should be issues of the Florida Lupine News from 2002—the regulated on the State level and which should Spring, Summer, and Fall issues. We like to make the old be the concern of local jurisdictions. issues available on the website mainly for non-FLA Too frequently, when they receive a “wolf” members who happen to visit our site and want to either complaint, an officer drives 100 miles only to learn more about FLA or learn more about wolfdogs. discover that the animal has blue eyes, a fluffy In my last column, I began talking about website tail beautifully curled up over its back, and a statistics. Since the last issue of the newsletter, the friendly demeanor that screams: “Hi. You’ve number of visitors to the FLA website has fluctuated come to see me? Come let me lavish you with from 1150 per week to just over 2000. The following is a kisses! I’m a dog and I love meeting new breakdown of the statistics for the week of April 27, 2003: people!” Fish & Game officers spend a lot of time Total sessions served: 2059 and expense responding to complaints, which should properly be resolved by local animal Total hits made on server: 9464 control agencies. Consequently, they have Total page view hits: 2408 asked the Florida Lupine Association for help in attempting to eliminate the needless calls Total non page view hits : 7056 they have received on dogs. Total time spent by all sessions (min): 1455.5 For the past six months, your Board of Directors has been working closely with the Total time spent by all sessions (hr): 24.3 State to assist them in reevaluating their Total bandwidth (Mb): 97.1 regulatory policies regarding wolfdogs. We Average hits per session: 4.60 have provided them with our best knowledge and experience relating to judging wolf content Average page views per session: 1.17 in an attempt to eliminate the possibility of Average time spent per session (sec): 42.9 dogs and lower content wolfdogs being Average bandwidth usage per session (Kb): 47.2 misidentified and needlessly and/or mistakenly confiscated. This spring and summer, the senior, experienced leadership will retire from Fish & Game. Consequently, they have asked FLA to assist them in responding to “wolf” complaints. Initially, we could be accompanying officers on visits and may subsequently become the “First Responders” on possible “wolf” calls. Our role will then be to provide our evaluation of the animal in question so as to allow Fish & Game to decide whether an Of the total sessions during the week, we had 17 officer should respond, turn the complaint over visitors from Germany, ten from Canada, five from to local jurisdiction (Animal Control), or China, four from the Netherlands, three from the UK, determine that the complaint is insufficient to two from Sweden, and one each from Belgium, Brazil, warrant further investigation. FLA is proud of Finland, France, India, Israel, and Turkey. our excellent relationship with Fish & Game As always, I ask that you please take a few moments and we look forward to assisting them and dog to visit your FLA website today—at http://www. owners who may have been mistakenly floridalupine.org/index1.htm—and encourage your identified by a neighbor as having “wolves.” friends, family, and neighbors to do the same! Happy surfing! PAGE 4 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 From the Desk From the Desk of the Treasurer By Mayo Wetterberg of the Secretary by many animal control people. So we are doing By Barbara Speer-Skeoch I hope all of you are doing well, and enjoy- ing the “puppy season.” I admit that I am a little well even though we are still relatively small in jealous of those of you who have little fur-balls numbers. However, we still have a long way to One of the most upsetting things go to be as active throughout the state as we about being secretary is receiving the romping around. We have been lucky in past years and have had some puppies to rescue wish to be. Our solid reputation with numerous emails and calls about wolfdogs that are Animal Control facilities and with Fish & Wildlife being given up by their owners. There almost every spring. This year is different, how- ever. will help to further our efforts. I am very happy are a variety of reasons—moving, hav- with our situation. ing children, didn’t realize it would be so Some of you already know that my wife and I are in the middle of moving to the country. This year we may increase our number of big or destructive, my other half left, etc. directors from five to six and may even add an- Sometimes the reasons why we have to We have sold the house in the city and are moving all the enclosures and animals to 43 other next year as the organization grows. We give up an animal are valid—but more are also transitioning to a staggered election often, people seem to want to give them acres of tree-covered land. There we can have larger enclosures and more capability to care schedule, which will prevent all the directors from up no matter what help is offered. being replaced at the same time. With staggered I guess this should not surprise me for rescue animals. The downside this is that the moving and closing of our house are occur- elections, first-time directors will have the assis- because people give up their children, tance of veteran directors. These changes to the so why not their pets. I have to admit ring during the FLA Rendezvous, which means we will regretfully miss this Spring’s Rendez- elections will also hopefully result in a method of that it greatly upsets me as an individual. getting new ideas and energy into FLA leader- I feel that when we bring an animal into vous. Although we cannot be there to partici- pate, I know you will have a great time. ship to add to the old and will help in creating a our homes—it should be for keeps. more active organization. I hope some of you will The animals that are given up Financially, FLA is doing well. For the first time, we entered the spring without a dwindling consider running for these positions. We need range from puppies to older animals— your ideas and talents to continue to serve the sometimes eight and nine years old. The bank account. Usually, we have managed to spend most of our funds during the year and membership better. The rendezvous is a great animals don’t understand why all of a place to communicate your ideas and your de- sudden they are in a strange setting or need a recharge in the spring (which is when a large number of our memberships are due). So sires to become a Director. caged up in a pound. The lucky ones All FLA members and Wolfdog lovers find new homes and owners that love I see this as a steady growth, which will allow us to build education materials and attend ca- should be aware that this Fall, the Association of them; too many of them have no place Pet Dog Trainers is having their annual conven- to go, however. There is a severe short- nine events around the state. We need to get the concept of responsible tion September 10-14, in Orlando, FL. While this age of places to put these animals. by itself may not stir most of you, one of the fea- All that I wish for is that if you know ownership out to people who may want a wolf- dog or maybe not even know there is such an tured speakers will be Nicole Wilde, discussing of someone who is having problems—try Wolfdogs. Nicole is the author of two superb to get them to talk with someone so that animal. In fact, one of our first tri-fold brochures, addressing the most common wolfdog myths books on Wolfdogs, and an excellent speaker. If they can deal with the problems. Help you are anywhere near Orlando then, it would be them before they get to the breaking and providing some common sense tips on ownership, is still being referenced and sought a great opportunity to hear her speak and maybe point and another animal is abandoned. meet some other WD owners.

FLORIDA LUPINE ASSOCIATION, INC. 3200 NW 60th Street, Ocala, FL 34475 We are always looking MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION for new and interesting

New Membership ______Renew Membership ______Date ______items to put into the FLA Individual* (FL Residents) _____ $25 Individual Affiliate (out of state) _____ $15 newsletters. If you have a Family* (FL Residents) _____ $35 Family Affiliate (out of state) _____ $20 Junior Membership _____ $10 Business Affiliate (out of state) _____ $40 poem, picture, article, etc., Business Membership _____ $50 Donation Only (no membership) $______that you would like to submit to the newsletter, Name:______Address:______please send it to the FLA ______Editor, Kim Miles, at Home Phone:______Office Phone:[email protected].

*These are the only voting categories. VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS PAGE 5

Giardia (Giardia canis) By Holly Frisby, DVM, MS Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Giardia are protozoa (one-celled organisms) that live in the organism. Special diagnostic procedures, beyond a routine fecal ex- small intestine of dogs and cats. Giardia are found throughout the amination, are necessary to identify Giardia. The procedures we use United States and in many other parts of the world. Infection with to identify roundworms and hookworms kill the active form of Giardia is called ‘giardiasis.’ Giardia and concentrate the cyst form. There are many things we do not know Giardia multiply To see the active form, a small amount of stool may be mixed about this parasite. Experts do not agree on by dividing with water on a microscope slide and examined under high magnifi- how many species of Giardia there are and cation. Because these forms have flagella, you can see them move which ones affect which animals. Veterinarians do not even agree on around on the slide. The active forms are more commonly found in how common Giardia infections are and when they should be treated. loose stools. If you ever have the opportunity to see the active form of Generally, it is believed that infection with Giardia is common but dis- Giardia under the microscope, take it! It is an interesting-looking ease is rare. There is much about the life cycle we do not know either. creature. It is pear-shaped and its anatomy makes it look like a car- toon face, with eyes (which often look crossed), nose, and mouth. How do Giardia reproduce and how are they trans- Once you see it, you will not forget it. Cysts are more commonly found in firm stools. Special solutions mitted? are used to separate the cysts from the rest of the stool. The portion of the solution that would contain the cysts is then examined micro- A dog becomes infected by eating the cyst form of the parasite. In scopically. the small intestine, the cyst opens and releases an active form called a Tests which detect antigens of Giardia in the feces are becom- trophozoite. These have flagella, hair-like structures that whip back and ing more available. These tests are more difficult to run, are more forth allowing them to move around. They attach to the intestinal wall expensive, and their accuracy may not be better than other methods. and reproduce by dividing in two. After an unknown number of divi- In the future, these tests will hopefully be fine-tuned so we can more sions, at some stage, in an unknown location, this form develops a wall accurately diagnose infection with Giardia. around itself (encysts) and is passed in the feces. The Giardia in the feces can contaminate the environment and water and infect other ani- mals and people. We have done the tests, now what?

What are the signs of a Giardia infection? Now we come to how to interpret the test results. It can be a dilemma for your veterinarian. What you see (or do not see) is not always a correct indication of what you have. A negative test may Most infections with Giardia are asymptomatic. In the rare cases mean the animal is not infected. It may also mean there were too few in which disease occurs, younger animals are usually affected, and the Giardia present in the small portion of stool that was examined. usual sign is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be acute, intermittent, or Negative test results are common in infected animals. If a negative chronic. Usually the infected animals will not lose their appetite, but test occurs, your veterinarian will often suggest repeating the fecal they may lose weight. The feces are often abnormal, being pale, having examination at least two more times on different samples taken on a bad odor, and appearing greasy. In the intestine, Giardia prevents different days. Repeat tests are often necessary to finally find the proper absorption of nutrients, damages the delicate intestinal lining, organism. and interferes with digestion. What about a positive test? That should not be hard to interpret, right? Wrong. Giardia can be found in many dogs with and without Can Giardia of dogs infect people? diarrhea. If we find Giardia, is it the cause of the diarrhea or is it just coincidence we found it? The animal could actually have diarrhea This is another unknown. There are many species of Giardia, and caused by a bacterial infection, and we just happened to find the Giardia . Test results always need to be interpreted in light of the experts do not know if these species infect only specific . Sources hosts signs, symptoms, and medical history. of some human infections have possibly been linked to beavers, other wild animals, and domestic animals. Until we know otherwise, it would be wise to consider infected animals capable of transmitting If we find Giardia, how do we treat it? Giardia to humans. You may have heard about Giardia outbreaks occurring in humans Here we go again; treatment is controversial too. There is a due to drinking contaminated water. Contamination of urban water sup- question about when to treat. If Giardia is found in a dog without plies with Giardia is usually attributed to (human) sewage effluents. In symptoms should we treat the animal? Since we should not know if rural settings, beavers most often get the blame for contaminating lakes G. canis can infect man, we often err on the side of caution and treat and streams. Giardia outbreaks have also occurred in day care centers an asymptomatic infected animal to prevent possible transmission to fueled by the less than optimal hygienic practices of children. people. If we highly suspect infection with Giardia, but can not find the How do we diagnose giardiasis? organism, should we treat anyway? This is often done. Because it is often difficult to detect Giardia in the feces of dogs with diarrhea, if Giardiasis is very difficult to diagnose because the protozoa are so there are no other obvious causes of diarrhea (e.g., the dog did not get small and are not passed with every stool. Tests on serial stool samples into the garbage several nights ago) we often treat the animal for (one stool sample every day for three days) are often required to find the giardiasis.

(Continued on page 10) PAGE 6 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1

(Continued from page 1) Preserve has a USDA and Class II license and is a certified Wildlife Rescue Center. Sponsor a Wolf Special Testimonial All the wolves at Seacrest Wolf Preserve are available for sponsorship. At 8:46 p.m. PST on 20 May 2002, Your interest and participation are 14-year-old Heather Ann Brennan lost essential in providing the most natural her battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers environment for these wolves. You can and cards, her family asked that sponsor the wolf of your choice, be donations be sent in Heather's name to provided the opportunity to visit the her favorite charity: Seacrest Wolf preserve and take pictures of your wolf, Preserve. Heather’s memorial webpage and receive educational material, is located at the following URL: including a wolf poster. Any donations http://www.askawitch.org/heather.html. are greatly needed and appreciated and Contact information for Seacrest Wolf My Dog, the Teacher will be used for food, fencing, Preserve is as follows: If a Dog Were the Teacher, You enclosures, and veterinary care for the would learn stuff like… wolves. Seacrest Wolf Preserve, Inc. The ownership of pure wolves in 3449 Bonnett Pond Road 1. When loved ones come home, Florida is regulated by the Florida Fish Chipley, FL 32428 always run to greet them. & Wildlife Conservation Commission 850-773-2897 2. Never pass up the opportunity (FFWCC) and the U.S. Department of [email protected] to go for a joyride. Agriculture (USDA). Seacrest Wolf http://www.seacrestwolfpreserve.org 3. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. 4. Let others know when they've This Spring newsletter is coming out a little later than usual, so don’t be surprised invaded your territory. when you see the Summer 2003 issue following closely on the heels of this one. 5. Take naps and stretch before We would like to take this opportunity to explain the delay in publication. The FLA rising. Board decided to print this newsletter after the Rendezvous for financial reasons. Unlike 6. Run, romp, and play daily. previous Rendezvous, FLA had to assume some of the costs of the day trippers this time. 7. Thrive on attention and let We were unsure how many day trippers we would have and we questioned the amount of people touch you. money in our budget to cover FLA’s portion of the day trippers’ expenses, the meals we 8. Avoid biting when a simple provided, and the printing costs of our Spring newsletter, etc. growl will do. Therefore, FLA thought it most feasible to put off the printing of the Spring newsletter 9. On warm days, stop to lie on until after the Rendezvous, when we were sure how much money we had in our budget. your back on the grass. We hope that you understand the delay and are pleased with the newsletters. In addition, 10. On hot days, drink lots of water we want to personally thank the people who have sent in pictures, articles, poems, etc., to and lie under a shady tree. be posted in the newsletter. Many thanks for your participation and support of FLA! VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS PAGE 7 Are You a Wolf or Wolfdog Breeder? By Cheryl Hazzard, Central Florida Wolf Haven & FLA Member

Is it their howl, their strikingly wolfdogs registered with one of the We desperately need more seri- beautiful looks, or the underlying major registries are recommended. ous rescue people. A lot of us are full myth that makes the wolf so in- There are those of us who are up! This includes permitted folks triguing? opposed to breeding, and there are [with USDA Class II licenses] as Over the past 15 years, we some of us who feel that if it is done well as those who are not! have seen an increasing fascina- properly, our wolfdogs may not have I have rescued 81 wolfdogs and tion with the wolf in production a bad reputation — if things are wolves and 14 litters since 1990. films. This type of publicity, both monitored more closely! Each has gotten a permanent home. fictional and semi-factual, has cre- It is up to us to straighten this Some came from Seminole, Orange, ated an overwhelming interest by out and set the record straight. Wolf- Lake, Pasco, Indian River, Flagler the public, and many people now dogs have been unjustly categorized and Volusia counties, and the most desire ownership of a pure wolf. and unfairly condemned as villains recent, immediately following our Since ownership of pure wolves is that attack and kill and maim. This FLA Spring 2003 Rendezvous, came illegal in most states, the wolfdog would probably never happen if from Marion County. has become a sought-after alterna- breeders properly screened their po- I do breed, but only to pay for tive. tential buyers. cage repairs or to add a new kennel So just what is a wolfdog? Properly contained animals can- or enclosure—for more rescues! I do Wolfdogs have no established stan- not get into trouble. It is the not breed to make a profit. If you dard, so they are impossible to de- breeder’s responsibility to place think you can make a living from scribe as a ‘breed’. If we consider these animals in responsible homes. wolfdog breeding, think again! the various breeds of dogs and sub- Breeders should make buyers Ownership of wolves and wolf- species of wolves, the results of sign a contract which states that dogs should be purely as personal crossbreeding can produce quite a they will properly contain the ani- pets and enjoyment because we love variety of wolfdogs. mal. their company. Devote yourself to Among wolfdog owners and Breeders should also visit the your animals and you will get many breeders, the common denomina- buyers’ homes, and should never sell rewards in return. tors seem to be wolf-like appear- someone a pup simply because they We need to branch out into all ance and wolf-like behavior—both traveled a long distance. If a breeder counties with more efforts to accom- of which are affected by the per- truly loves wolves and wolfdogs, plish our goals of education and centage (content) of wolf in the they will take the time to do the with fundraisers to assist in rescue mix. right thing, not just take the money! work. We need to work as a team, The dogs of choice seem to be Well-bred animals speak for them- not just as individuals to establish a Siberian huskies, German shep- selves as well as sell themselves. better reputation for the wolfdog. herds, or Alaskan malamutes. Conversely, buyers should ask If you have any suggestions, These breeds seem to produce an for contact information of previous contact me or someone else in our even-tempered mix when combined purchasers as references. This will organization. Let’s work together to with wolves. help locate accurate and reputable make a difference! Not all breeders have the same breeders. philosophy. However, a knowledge- able breeder will stand out in your mind. A good breeder will inquire about the amount of knowledge FACESFACES ofof thethe HOWLHOWL you have learned about wolves and WolfDog Rescue & Adoption Facility wolfdogs, even before considering selling you a wolfdog over 25%! Located in Pensacola, Florida A good breeder will furnish you with a pedigree of your animal’s Life IS Better With the Critters background—which is essentially Life IS Better With the Critters its family tree. Never purchase an When shopping for your animal without proof of what you E-Mail: [email protected] next caninetry acompanion, rescue!1-850-492-8716 are buying. In addition, verified All rescues are spayed/neutered and come with a clean bill of health unless otherwise specified. PAGE 8 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 The Mexican Lobo and the Little Girl He Adopted Author Unknown

With all her big brothers and sisters “Don’t be afraid. That’s my mama and on my lips when Becky emerged from the off to school, our ranch became a lonely she loves you, too.” bushes. “Is Brian going to make him well, place for our three-year-old daughter, Then the unbelievable happened. As Mama?” Becky. She longed for playmates. Cattle her tiny hands stroked the great shaggy Before we could intercept her, she had and horses were too big to cuddle and head, I heard the gentle thump, thump, approached the wolf and hauled his head farm machinery too dangerous for a child thumping of the wolf’s tail from deep onto her lap once more, burying her face in so small. We promised to buy her a inside the stump. the coarse, dark fur. puppy, but in the meantime, “pretend” What was wrong with the animal? I This time I wasn’t the only one who puppies popped up nearly every day. wondered. Why couldn’t he get up? I heard the thumping of the lobo's tail. I had just finished washing the lunch couldn’t tell. Nor did I dare step any That afternoon my husband, Bill, and dishes when the screen door slammed and closer. I glanced at the empty water bowl. our veterinarian came to see the wolf. Ob- Becky rushed in, cheeks flushed with My memory flashed back to the five serving the trust the animal had in our excitement. skunks that last week had torn the burlap child, Doc said to me, “Suppose you let “Mama!” she cried. “Come see my from a leaking pipe in a frenzied effort to Becky and me tend to this fella together.” new doggy! I gave him water two times reach water during the final agonies of Minutes later, as child and vet reas- already. He’s so thirsty!” I sighed— rabies. Of course! Rabies! Warning signs sured the stricken beast, the hypodermic another of Becky's imaginary dogs. had been posted all over the county, and found its mark. The yellow eyes closed. “Please come, Mama.” She tugged at hadn’t Becky commented that he was “He’s asleep now,” said the vet. “Give me my jeans, her brown eyes pleading, “He’s thirsty? I had to get Becky away from a hand here, Bill.” crying—and he can’t walk!” him. They hauled the massive body out of “Can’t walk?” I questioned. “Honey,” I began, trying to remain the stump. The animal must have been Now that was a twist. All her previ- calm. “Put his head down and come to over five feet long and well over one- ous make-believe dogs could do marvel- Mama. We’ll go find some help.” hundred pounds. ous things. One balanced a ball on the end Reluctantly, Becky got up and kissed His hip and leg, however, had been of its nose. Another dug a hole that went the wolf on the nose before she walked mutilated by bullets. Doc cleaned the all the way through the earth and out on a slowly into my outstretched arms. Sad wound and then gave the patient a dose of star on the other side. Still another danced yellow eyes followed her. Then the wolf’s penicillin. But that was all he could do at on a tightrope. Why suddenly a dog that head sank to the ground. With Becky safe that time. couldn't walk? in my arms, I ran to the barn where Brian, The next day, he returned and inserted “All right, honey,” I said. one of our cowhands, was saddling up to a metal rod into his leg to replace the miss- By the time I tried to follow her, check the heifers in the north pasture. ing bone. Becky had already disappeared into the “Brian! Come quickly. Becky found “Well, it looks like you've got your- mesquite. a wolf in the oak stump near the wash! I selves a Mexican lobo,” Doc said when the “Where are you?” I called. think it might have rabies!” surgery was over. “He looks to be about “Over here by the oak stump. Hurry, “I’ll be there in a jiffy,” he said as I three years old, and even as pups, they Mama!” hurried back to the house eager to put don't tame real easy. In fact, I’m amazed at I parted the thorny branches and Becky down for her nap. I didn’t want her the way this big fella took to your little raised my hand against the glare of the to see Brian come out of the bunkhouse. I gal. But often there's something that goes Arizona sun. A numbing chill gripped knew he’d have a gun. on between children and animals that we me. There she was, sitting on her heels, “But I want to give my doggy his grown-ups just don’t understand.” toes dug firmly in the sand, and cradled in water,” she cried. I kissed her and gave Becky named the wolf Ralph and car- her lap was the unmistakable head of a her some stuffed animals to play with. ried food and water to the stump every wolf! Beyond its head rose massive black “Honey, let Mom and Brian take care day. Ralph's recovery was not easy. For shoulders. The rest of the body lay com- of him for now,” I said. Moments later, I three months he dragged his injured hind- pletely hidden inside the hollow stump of reached the oak stump. Brian stood look- quarters behind while clawing at the earth a fallen oak. ing down at the beast. with his front paws. “Becky….” My mouth felt dry. “It’s a Mexican lobo, all right,” he From the way he lowered his eyelids “Don’t move.” said. “And a big one, at that!” when we massaged the atrophied limbs, I stepped closer. Pale-yellow eyes The wolf whined. That’s when we we knew he endured excruciating pain, but narrowed. Black lips tightened and lifted both caught the faint smell of gangrene. not once did he ever try to bite the hands slightly, exposing double sets of two-inch “Whew! It’s not rabies,” Brian said. of those who cared for him. fangs. Suddenly the wolf trembled, its “But he’s sure hurt real bad. Don’t you Four months to the day, Ralph finally teeth clacked, and a piteous whine arose think it's best I put him out of his mis- stood unaided. His huge frame shook as from its throat. ery?” long-unused muscles were activated. Bill “It’s all right, boy,” Becky crooned. The word “yes” hadn’t quite formed and I patted and praised him. But it was VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS PAGE 9 Becky to whom he turned for a gentle joyous circles around her. This welcoming Although the wound wasn’t serious, word, a kiss or a smile. He responded to ritual persisted throughout her school this time Ralph didn’t get well. Precious these gestures of love by swinging his years. pounds fell away. The once luxurious fur bushy tail like a pendulum. Although Ralph seemed happy on the turned dull and dry, and his trips to the As his strength grew, Ralph followed ranch, he disappeared into the surrounding yard in search of Becky’s companionship Becky all over the ranch. Together they desert and mountains for several weeks ceased. All day long he rested quietly. roamed the desert pastures, the golden- during the spring mating season, leaving us But when night fell, old and stiff as he haired child often stooping low, sharing to worry about his safety. was, he would disappear into the desert with the great lame wolf whispered secrets This time of year was also calving and surrounding hills. At dawn, his food of Nature’s wonders. When evening came, season, and fellow ranchers watched for was always gone. he returned like a silent shadow to his hol- coyotes, cougars, wild dogs and, of course, The morning came when we found low stump that had surely become his spe- the lone wolf. But Ralph was lucky. During him dead. The yellow eyes were closed. cial place. his twelve years on our ranch, his habits Stretched out in front of the oak stump, As time went on, although he lived remained unchanged. Always keeping his he appeared but a shadow of the proud primarily in the brush, the habits of this distance, he tolerated other pets and en- beast he once had been. timid creature endeared him more and dured the activities of our busy family, but A lump in my throat choked me as I more to all of us. His reaction to people his love for Becky never wavered. watched Becky stroke his shaggy neck, other than our family was yet another Then the spring came when our tears streaming down her face. story. neighbor told us he’d shot and killed a she- “I’ll miss him so,” she cried. Strangers terrified him, yet his affec- wolf and grazed her mate, who had been Then as I covered him with a blan- tion for and protectiveness of Becky running with her. Sure enough, Ralph re- ket, we were startled by a strange rustling brought him out of the desert and fields at turned home with another bullet wound. sound from within the stump. Becky the sight of every unknown pickup or car. Becky, nearly fifteen years old now, looked inside. Two tiny yellow eyes Occasionally he’d approach, lips taut, ex- sat with Ralph’s head resting on her lap. peered back in the semidarkness. posing a nervous smile full of chattering He, too, must have been about fifteen and Ralph's pup! Had a dying instinct teeth. More often, though, he’d simply was nearly white with age. As Bill re- told him his motherless offspring would pace in the distance and skulk off to his moved the bullet, my memory raced back be safe here, as he had been, with those tree stump, perhaps to worry alone. through the years. Once again I saw a who loved him? Hot tears spilled on baby Becky’s first day of school was sad chubby three-year-old girl stroking the fur as Becky gathered the trembling bun- for Ralph. After the bus left, he refused to head of a huge black wolf and heard a dle in her arms. return to the yard. Instead, he lay by the small voice murmuring, “It’s all right, boy. “It's all right, little . . . Ralphie,” she side of the road and waited. When Becky Don’t be afraid. That’s my mama, and she murmured. “Don’t be afraid. That’s my returned, he limped and tottered in wild, loves you, too.” mom, and she loves you, too.”

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(Continued from page 5) In a recent small study, fenbendazole, tions of Lysol, bleach, and quaternary am- which has been approved for treatment of monium compounds are effective against There are several treatments for giardi- roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm infec- Giardia . tions in dogs, has been shown to be effective asis; some of them have not been FDA ap- proved to treat giardiasis in dogs. Metronida- in treating giardiasis in dogs. It is safe to use zole is one of these, but is the old standby. in puppies. How do I control Giardia in The nice thing about this drug is that it also Most recently, a combination of my kennel? kills some types of bacteria that could cause praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel diarrhea. So if the diarrhea was caused by has been shown to decrease cyst excretion in Infection with Giardia can be a big bacteria, and not Giardia, we still kill the infected dogs. The table below summarizes the problem in kennels. Veterinarians at Cor- cause of the diarrhea and eliminate the symp- information above. nell University have developed a specific toms. Makes us look pretty sharp! Unfortu- But now we come to yet another un- protocol. They recommended a four- nately, metronidazole has some drawbacks. It known. It is possible these treatments only pronged approach. has been found to be only 60-70% effective remove the cysts from the feces but do not kill Treat Animals: Treat all nonpreg- in eliminating Giardia from infected dogs. In all the Giardia in the intestine. This means nant animals with fenbendazole or albenda- some dogs, it can cause vomiting, anorexia, even though the fecal exams after treatment zole for 5 days. On the last day of treat- and some neurological signs. It also can be may be negative, the organism is still present ment, move them to a holding facility while in the intestine. This is especially true of the toxic to the in some animals. It is sus- a clean area is established. When the ani- liver older treatments. So treated animals could still pected of being a teratogen (an agent that mals are moved back to the clean area, treat be a source of infection for others. causes physical defects in the developing them once again with a 5-day course of embryo), so it should not be used in pregnant fenbendazole or albendazole. animals. Finally, it has a very bitter taste and How can I prevent my pet from Decontaminate the Environment: many animals resent taking it. Establish a clean area. If possible, this can becoming infected with Giardia? Quinacrine hydrochloride has been used be the whole facility. Otherwise, create a in the past, but is not very effective and can few clean runs or cages, separate from the The cysts can live several weeks to cause side effects such as lethargy, vomiting, others. Remove all fecal material from the months outside the host in wet, cold environ- anorexia, and fever. areas since the organic matter in feces can ments. So lawns, parks, kennels, and other A newer drug, albendazole, has been greatly decrease the effectiveness of many areas that may be contaminated with animal shown to be 50 times more effective than disinfectants. Steam clean the area and then feces can be a source of infection for your pet. metronidazole and 10-40 times more effec- clean it with a quaternary ammonium disin- You should keep your pet away from areas tive than quinacrine hydrochloride in killing fectant according to the manufacturer's contaminated by the feces of other animals. Giardia in the laboratory. It has not been directions. These solutions will generally This is not always easy. approved for use in dogs. Some serious side kill the cysts within one minute. Then let As with other parasites of the digestive effects of albendazole have been noted, in- the area dry for several days before reintro- system, prevention of the spread of Giardia cluding injury to the bone marrow. Since it ducing the animals. centers on testing and treating infected ani- may also cause birth defects, it should not be Clean the Animals: Cysts can re- mals and using sanitary measures to reduce or used in pregnant animals. main stuck to the haircoats of infected ani- kill the organisms in the environment. Solu- mals. So before moving the treated animals to the clean area, they should be shampooed and rinsed well. Especially concentrate on Use in Pregnant the perianal area. The Cornell researchers Medication Dose Animals then recommend washing the animals with or Puppies? a quaternary ammonium compound safe for dogs, using the manufacturer's recom- mended dilution. Be sure all shampoo has Metronidazole 11.5 mg/lb twice daily for 5 days No been rinsed from the animal, as it will neu- (Flagyl) tralize the effect of the quaternary ammo- nium compounds. Leave the compound on the animal for 3 minutes, then completely Quinacrine hydrochloride 3 mg/lb twice daily for 5 days No rinse the animals. These compounds can be (Atabrine) irritating. Do not leave them on for more than 3 minutes. Do not get these com- pounds on mucous membranes or in the Albendazole 11.5 mg/lb twice daily for 2 days No eyes. Always use an ophthalmic ointment to (Valbazen) protect the eyes. Prevent Reintroduction of Fenbendazole Giardia: Giardia can be brought into the Safe in puppies 6 (Panacur) 22.5 mg/lb once daily for 3 days kennel either by introducing an infected weeks or older animal or on your shoes or boots. Any new animal should be quarantined from the rest No of the animals and be treated and cleaned as Praziquantel/ pyrantel Use manufacturer's suggested (puppies must be 3 described above. You should either use pamoate/ febantel disposable shoe covers or clean shoes/boots dosage weeks old & weigh (Drontal) and use a footbath containing quaternary more than 2 lbs.) VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS PAGE 11

(Continued from page 10) Meyer, EK. Adverse events associated with albendazole and other products used for ammonium compounds to prevent people from treatment of giardiasis in dogs. Journal of reintroducing Giardia. the American Veterinary Medical Associa- Remember, Giardia of dogs may infect tion. 1998;213(1):44-46. Dog people, so good, personal hygiene should be Sherding, RG; Johnson, SE. Diseases of the used by adults when cleaning kennels or pick- intestine. In Birchard, SJ; Sherding, RG ing up the yard, and by children who may play (eds.) Saunders Manual of Small Animal with pets or in potentially contaminated areas. Practice. W.B. Saunders Co. Philadelphia, Humor PA; 1994;699-700. References Sousby, EJL. Helminths, arthropods and proto- A man breaks into a house zoa of domesticated animals. Lea & Fe- biger. Philadelphia, PA; 1982;577-580. in the middle of the night. Barr, SC; Bowman, DD. Giardiasis in dogs Zajac, AM; LaBranche, TP; Donoghue, AR; and cats. Compendium on Continuing Chu, Teng-Chiao. Efficacy of fenbendazole Whilst he is nicking all of Education for the Practicing Veterinarian. in the treatment of experimental Giardia the family silver, he hears 1994;16(5):603-614. infection in dogs. American Journal of Barr, SC; Bowman, DD; Frongillo, MF; Jo- Veterinary Research. 1998;59(1):61-63. a voice behind him saying, seph, SL. Efficacy of a drug combination "Jesus is watching you!" of praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febental against giardiasis in dogs. Ameri- can Journal of Veterinary Research. The burglar looks around 1998;59(1):1134-1136. but can't see anyone, Georgi, JR; Georgi, ME. Canine Clinical Para- Copyright © 2000 Drs. Foster and Smith, sitology. Lea & Febiger. Philadelphia, so he continues to pack PA; 1992;59-61. Inc. Reprinted as a courtesy and with per- his swag bag. Griffiths, HJ. A Handbook of Veterinary Para- mission from PetEducation.com (http:// www.PetEducation.com). On-line store at: sitology. University of Minnesota Press. Once again he hears, Minneapolis, MN; 1978;21-22. http://www.DrsFosterSmith. com. Free pet Hendrix, CM. Diagnostic Veterinary Parasitol- supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208 "Jesus is watching you!" ogy. Mosby, Inc. St. Louis, MO; 1998;19- 20. This time curiosity gets the better of him, and he risks turning on RECIPE the light to see a Satin Balls for Weight Gain brightly colored parrot,

sitting on a perch, This recipe is for putting weight on an animal quickly. Some use it for putting a couple of extra pounds on a show animal prior to the big day or for an animal that may have been ill watching him. and needs to be put on a weight gain regimen. "Did you say that?" the This recipe has also been known to help with some forms of hair loss, such as when dogs burglar asks the parrot. blow their coats or a female gives birth; it tends to keep the coat healthy and shiny. (This recipe is intended to be fed raw.) "Yes" replies the parrot.

10 lbs hamburger meat 1 jar wheat germ "And what's your name?" 1 lg box of oatmeal (uncooked) asks the burglar. 1 1/4 cup vegetable oil 10 eggs "Moses" says the parrot. 10 sm pkgs unflavored gelatin 1 1/4 cup unflavored molasses "Moses!" exclaims the bur- pinch of salt 1 lg box Total cereal (2 lbs) glar, "What kind of idiots call a parrot ‘Moses’?" Mix all ingredients together well, much like a meatloaf. Separate the mixture into patties or cookies (however you choose to separate it) and put it into separate freezer bags. Freeze the "The same kind of baggies and thaw them as needed. idiots that call their You can feed these Satin Balls every day (alone or with kibble); they do not produce Rottweiller ‘Jesus’," diarrhea. replies the parrot.

PAGE 12 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 involved in legal cases as to who was Coccidia responsible for the cost of treatment, the breeder or new owner. Usually coccidia

By Holly Frisby, DVM, MS was present only to surface during the Veterinary Services Department, stressful period of the puppy adjusting to Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. a new home. Fortunately, coccidiosis is treatable. What are coccidia? What are the symptoms of coccidiosis? Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine Coccidia are small protozoans (one- The primary sign of an animal suf- (Tribrissen) have been effective in the celled organisms) that multiply in the in- fering with coccidiosis is diarrhea. The treatment and prevention of coccidia. testinal tracts of dogs and cats, most com- diarrhea may be mild to severe depend- Because these drugs do not kill the organ- monly in puppies and kittens less than six ing on the level of infection. Blood and isms, but rather inhibit their reproduction months of age, in adult animals whose im- mucous may be present, especially in capabilities, elimination of coccidia from mune system is suppressed, or in animals advanced cases. Severely affected ani- the intestine is not rapid. By stopping the who are stressed in other ways (e.g.; mals may also vomit, lose their appetite, ability of the protozoa to reproduce, time change in ownership, other disease pre- become dehydrated, and in some in- is allowed for the puppy's own immunity sent). stances, die from the disease. to develop and remove the organisms. In dogs and cats, most coccidia are of Most infected puppies encountered Drug treatments of five or more days are the genus called Isospora. Isospora canis by the authors are in the four to twelve usually required. and I. ohioensis are the species most often week age group. The possibility of coc- encountered in dogs. Regardless of which cidiosis should always be considered How is coccidiosis prevented or con- species is present, we generally refer to the when a loose stool or diarrhea is encoun- trolled? disease as coccidiosis. As a puppy ages, he tered in this age group. A microscopic tends to develop a natural immunity to the fecal exam by a veterinarian will detect Because coccidia is spread by the effects of coccidia. As an adult, he may the cysts confirming a diagnosis. feces of carrier animals, it is very impor- carry coccidia in his intestines, shed the tant to practice strict sanitation. All fecal cyst in the feces, but experience no ill ef- What are the risks? material should be removed. Housing fects. needs to be such that food and water can- Although many cases are mild, it is not become contaminated with feces. How are coccidia transmitted? not uncommon to see severe, bloody Clean water should be provided at all diarrhea result in dehydration and even times. Most disinfectants do not work A puppy is not born with the coccidia death. This is most common in animals well against coccidia; incineration of the organisms in his intestine. However, once who are ill or infected with other para- feces, and steam cleaning, immersion in born, the puppy is frequently exposed to sites, bacteria, or viruses. Coccidiosis is boiling water, or a 10% ammonia solu- his mother's feces, and if the mother is very contagious, especially among young tion are the best methods to kill coccidia. shedding the infective cysts in her feces, puppies. Entire kennels may become Coccidia can withstand freezing. then the young animals will likely ingest contaminated, with puppies of many age Cockroaches and flies can mechani- them and coccidia will develop within their groups simultaneously affected. cally carry coccidia from one place to intestines. another. Mice and other animals can in- Since young puppies, usually those What is the treatment of coccidiosis? gest the coccidia and when killed and less than six months of age, have no immu- eaten by a dog, for instance, can infect nity to coccidia, the organisms reproduce It should be mentioned that stress the dog. Therefore, insect and rodent con- in great numbers and parasitize the young plays a role in the development of coc- trol are very important in preventing coc- animal's intestines. Oftentimes, this has cidiosis. It is not uncommon for a seem- cidiosis. severe effects. ingly healthy puppy to arrive at his new The coccidia species of dogs and cats From exposure to the coccidia in feces home and develop diarrhea several days do not infect humans. to the onset of the illness is about 13 days. later leading to a diagnosis of coccidia. If Most puppies who are ill from coccidia the puppy has been at the new home for are, therefore, two weeks of age and older. less than thirteen days, then he had coc- Although most infections are the result cidia before he arrived. Remember, the Copyright © 2000 Drs. Foster and Smith, of spread from the mother, this is not al- incubation period (from exposure to ill- Inc. Reprinted as a courtesy and with ways the case. Any infected puppy or kit- ness) is about thirteen days. If the puppy permission from PetEducation.com ten is contagious to other puppies or kit- has been with his new owner several (http://www.PetEducation.com). On-line tens. In breeding facilities, shelters, animal weeks, then the exposure to coccidia store at: http://www.DrsFosterSmith. hospitals, etc., it is wise to isolate those most likely occurred after the animal com. Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323- infected from those that are not. arrived at the new home. The authors 4208. merely point this out as they have been VOLUME 5, ISSUE 1 FLORIDA LUPINE NEWS PAGE 13 Label Dog Anatomy Diagram

Answers Below

subjects/mammals/dog/label/anatomy/label.shtml.

the parts of the body located on both sides of the back- the of sides both on located body the of parts the - loin

ture and answers are located at www.enchantedlearning..om/ at located are answers and ture

Copyright © 2002 EnchantedLearning.com. Dog Anatomy pic- Anatomy Dog EnchantedLearning.com. 2002 © Copyright dog. the of ankle/heel the form that bones the - hock

hindlegs. the of part uppermost the at joints the - hips

neck. the behind just shoulders, the of top the - withers

feet. back the - hindfoot

leg. hind the of part upper the - thigh

feet. front the - forefoot

rump. the on set backbone, the of part most - hind the - tail

pastern. the

eyes. the between skull the of part indented the - stop

The parts of the forelegs between the elbow and and elbow the between forelegs the of parts The - forearms

ankle. the above leg hind the on located knee, dog's the - stifle

lips. upper dog's the of part hanging the - flews

forelegs. the of part uppermost the at joint the - shoulder

hearing. with ciated

the fleshy, often triangular appendages on the head asso- head the on appendages triangular often fleshy, the - ear neck. the around grows that hair thick long, the - ruff

toes. other the above leg the of part leg. hind the of hock the below

located on the inner inner the on located - claw fifth useless, tiny, the - dewclaw the part of the leg below the knee of the front leg or or leg front the of knee the below leg the of part the - pastern

joint. pastern the of bones the wrist; the - carpals muzzle. the of tip the - nose

dog. the of chest the - brisket jaws. the of parts front the - muzzle

withers. the and loin the between body the of part the - back hips. the and ribs the between bone

Dog Anatomy Answers Answers Anatomy Dog

PAGE 14

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