Tawny Fox – Delaware County Magazine

Founded by Alisa Johnson in 2011 after facing the challenge of finding a home for their dog JD when both her and her husband were preparing for separate military commitments, Alisa decided there should be a program available for all military members to find the perfect foster home for their pets. In her short autobiography, which can be found on the Dogs on Deployment website, Alisa describes JD as her “soul dog”.

“He is a part of me. I look at him and my heart gets butterflies. I have to fall asleep with my hand touching his fur. I needed to know he would be safe, wherever we would end up keeping him.”

Alisa’s commitment to her dog’s well-being symbolizes the core of the Dogs on Deployment mission, to encourage communities across the nation to recognize that pets are family members and they should be treated with as much respect and consideration as any human member would be. The connection between pets and owners is one of unconditional love and comfort for many people. Whether it’s a dog, cat, or any other animal, they connect with their humans by mutually caring for one another and for many military members, can be a great source of therapy.

Alisa believes that “pet ownership can be compatible with a military career; pets provide a significant positive impact to military families by providing love in times of loneliness, stability in times of constant moves, and companionship in times of stress.” When military members have to leave that relationship behind to pursue their careers, it is helpful to know that their pet is being well cared for so they can focus on their tasks without distraction and even have something to look forward to when their assignments are completed. For some, there are no family or friends willing to house a military member’s pet, so the owner is forced to consider other options like expensive boarding where their pet would be stuck in a crate for a large portion of that time. In extreme circumstances, some owners are forced to part with their pets permanently and bring them to a shelter where they may or may not be adopted by another family. As for the pets, Alisa thinks the program offers animals the opportunity to learn socialization and adaptability skills, and of course can be like a great vacation until their owner returns to them.

The program accepts pets of all shapes and sizes and coordinates with owners to find the perfect foster home for both of them. When applicants have finished the initial vetting process to confirm their assignments and that their pets are up to date on all necessary vaccinations, DoD will then advertise the pets on social media platforms until a boarder reaches out. From there, the owners can meet the volunteer virtually and conduct an interview to ensure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement. “Once they’ve found a good fit, they ‘deploy’ their pet”, as Alisa says. Interested in learning more about the Dogs on Deployment organization? Visit their website at www.dogsondeployment.org for more information.

First, it is important for owners to recognize signs and symptoms associated with fleas and ticks. These may include:

• increased itching, gnawing, and licking, especially around the ears, tail, and paws
• red, scabby, or raw skin as a result of scratching
• common allergy symptoms, such as red eyes, sneezing, and inflamed throat
• vomiting and diarrhea

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advised to call your vet or make an appointment to determine the best course of treatment to get rid of the pests and prevent infection from occurring.

Whether you are already in the midst of an outbreak or simply seek to prevent one, it is important to tackle pest problems at the source by maintaining a clean household and property. Some ways to do this are by regularly cleaning the floors inside the home, dusting and disposing of grass clippings and fallen leaves, all of which eliminate breeding grounds and hiding spots. Owners should also try to wash clothing and bedding at least once a month, as well as any dog or cat beds that could be housing fleas or ticks.

Some other tips to combat infestations include grooming and medicine. There is a wide range of flea prevention medication on the market nowadays, designed for pets of all breeds and sizes. To determine which product is best for your animal, schedule an appointment with your local vet to discuss options. Regular grooming is also a good way to prevent pest infection because it marks your pet as a less than ideal host and allows pet owners the opportunity to notice if they are dealing with ticks or fleas before the problem grows more severe. Grooming methods include bathing, haircuts, and trimming nails, all of which can be done by a licensed professional or at home. Brushing and combing every so often may also help lift any impurities out of your pet’s fur.

With these tips and tricks, your home and pets will hopefully remain free of any unwanted houseguests. However, if you notice any signs of infestation, pet owners are encouraged to contact a vet at their earliest convenience to discuss options for care and pest removal.

Think of all the ways we prepare ourselves to brave the cold winter elements: donning winter coats, strapping on some boots, accessorizing with cozy hats and gloves, all to head outside and shovel a path from the front of the house to car to avoid tromping through the snow. If we put in all this work to protect ourselves from exposure, it makes sense that we should do the same for our pets. If your dog is a long-haired breed that requires trimming during the summer months, it is advisable to avoid short haircuts during the winter to preserve your dog’s natural coat. If your pet is comfortable in clothing, you may even consider buying some comfy sweaters or coats to add an extra layer of protection. Some pet stores also carry booties to slip on your dog’s paws. Owners should also be cautious when bathing pets in the winter and make sure they are 100% dry before allowing them to go outside. We would recommend bathing your pet at night after they have gone out for the last time so they can dry overnight while they sleep and be good to go in the morning.

Once you’ve made sure your pet is all bundled up and ready to go out, owners
should consider shoveling a pathway through the yard so their pets can navigate the rough terrain a little easier while they find a place to do their business. This is especially helpful for small dogs who have trouble scurrying through a foot of snow and may otherwise decide to leave a little present on the porch when their owner isn’t looking. Owners should keep a close eye on pets when they are outside for any signs that they may be getting too cold or may have gotten into something harmful. The most common dangers include ice, which could break under your pets’ paws and cause injury or cold-related sickness, and irritants like salt and antifreeze which could be toxic if ingested or left on the skin for too long.

Pets should immediately be dried off when they troop back inside and also given a quick check for any signs of discomfort from the cold, dry or chapped skin, excessive redness, or cracked paws, which could lead to infection or sickness. If your pet presents with any of these signs, they should be monitored closely to make sure the condition heals and if not, you should consult your local vet as soon as possible. It is not advisable to treat your pet with any medications or other over the counter remedies unless prescribed by a vet.

In the event that the weather takes a turn for the worse and there is a power outage, or you are stuck inside your home, pet owners should prepare ahead of time by stocking up on important pet supplies such as food, water, blankets, and any necessary medications. If you have any further questions or concerns about ways to keep your pets safe and cozy through the winter season, please contact your local veterinarian for assistance