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Happy Holidaysfrom Pet Set Horse Source magazine!

Fall/Winter 2012/2013 • Pet Set Horse Source • Page 1

• Pet Set Horse Source • Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Pet Set Horse Source is a magazine for thepet lovers of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is published twice yearly—spring/summer& fall/winter—and is available (free) at vet-erinary offices, tack and feed stores, petshops, grooming salons and other variousbusinesses across the U.P.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-In-CHIEFJoni Gleason

GRAPHIC DESIGNJoni Gleason

COPY EDITORJacquelyn Laitala

Julie Savola

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSScott Jandron DVM, Josh Lyons,

Gretchen Preston, Julie Savola, Joy Smith

Questions? Comments?Advertising inquiries?

Or to submit an article or photos:Contact Joni Gleason

(906) 360-PETS (7387)[email protected]

Published by: Companion Publishing

255 W. Water St.Negaunee, MI 49866

Fall / Winter 2013 • Volume 13

Join us on Facebook!

To view this issue online go to:

www.heritagehillshorsebackriding.com

click on magazine


CANINE FIRST AID: “BE PREPARED”

BY SCOTT JANDRON, DVM

MOUSE IN THE HOUSEBY GRETCHEN PRESTON

AMERICAN COMPETITIVE TRAIL HORSE ASSOCIATION

8

12

6

COVER PHOTO: ‘Nic’ of Pond House

Ponies, patientlywaiting to get

harnessed to a sleigh.

CONTENTS

HAND PLACEMENT AND USEWHEN RIDINGBY JOSH LYONS

TALES FROM A DOG OBEDI-ENCE INSTRUCTOR • VOL. 5 BY JULIE SAVOLA

DID YOU KNOW? BY BLAZE MAGAZINE

RORY: HERITAGE HILL’SGUARDIAN RIDERBY JONI GLEASON

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURVET ABOUT CREMATIONARRANGEMENTSBY JOY SMITH

24

25

27

22

17

Photo

by G

ene D

ucharm

e

www.pondhouseponies.com


To the fall/winter issue of Pet Set Horse Source! Do you realize this little pet magazine

has been in existence since 2004? With the exception of a two-and-a-half-year period

when I was working for a few national publications. It was hard to put it on the shelf

for awhile. Yet, my thoughts were, at the time, that I would gain knowledge of the publish-

ing world working with the ‘Big Boys’ to make this little U.P. magazine even better; and I

think I’ve accomplished that!

I am very proud to still be publishing the ONLY horse & pet magazine in the U.P., so many

people are familiar with it. Often, when I met readers, they hear comments like, Oh, that’s

your magazine - I love that!

I’m also very proud to showcase our regular contributors: Scott Jandron, DVM has shared

his knowledge of small animals here in the U.P. in every issue since 2004! Dog trainer, Julie

Savola is so very skilled at explaining step-by-step dog training that makes so much sense!

Joy Smith has taken on the delicate and heartbreaking issue of pet loss - we avoid talking

about it (I know I do) yet everyone of us as pet owners have to deal with it sooner or later.

Thank you Scott, Julie, and Joy, and all of our past writers for taking the time to share your

expertise with us and helping to make this magazine what it is today! Without meaningful

and informative substance we would have never lasted this long! And a huge thanks and

appreciation to Julie Savola and my daughter Jackie Laitala, our editors too!! Thank you for

inspecting every word and catching all of our spelling and grammar mistakes - for keeping

us all correct!

We’ve also had a few world renowned trainers who’ve tapped in with us too: Lynn Palm

for quite a while and now we have Josh Lyons. So we’ve been noticed by the ‘Big Boys’ too!

I’m very proud that they thought this little U.P. book is important and professional enough

to stir their interest!

Us ‘Yoopers’ may not be the biggest toad in the puddle, but we had the biggest turnout

at a recent focus group meeting conducted by the DNR & the ETS (see Equine Trails

Subcommittee, see article next page) in September at the Hiawatha Snowmobile Club House

in Marquette County. Twenty-six local trail riders were in attendance to make their opinion

known about U.P. horse trails and how to improve

them, compared to five or six at other meetings

held downstate!

It was a very positive meeting, and as the newly

appointed U.P. representative of the ETS, I am

looking to do all I can for our local trails - it’s not

going to happen overnight, but it’s a start. And I

know we have manpower, or the horse enthusi-

asts numbers, to make things happen. Stay in

touch - I’ll keep you posted of the progress

throughout the winter!

Welcome......

Happy fall & winter! Joni


Since September 2010, the Equine Trailways Subcommittee (ETS) has beenworking with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR ) and others tomaintain and improve horse trail riding in the state. The ETS reports to the

Michigan Snowmobile Trails Advisory Committee (MSTAC). Both the ETS and theMSTAC have legislative authority. As required by statute, the ETS produced a2011 Recommendations Report and this report was accepted by MSTAC.

The MSTAC is now developing a statewide trailway network plan for all typesof trails—motorized and nonmotorized. The ETS is providing information withrespect to horse trails and facilities to MSTAC. Recently the ETS and the DNR con-ducted five focus groups around the state collecting opinions of riders. In addi-tion, there have been over 500 surveys returned from riders as to their recom-mendations for the future development alternatives. A draft of that plan will beready for public comments sometime this fall as will the responses obtained fromthe focus groups and surveys. ETS also continues to actively address equine trailriding concerns, gaps, and opportunities.

As part of the MSTAC planning process, ETS (in partnership with the DNR) isalso developing an inventory of existing trails and facilities—with trail maps. Inaddition, an email list has been developed of riding association representatives—to improve communication about horse riding issues.

This is an exciting time for a statewide trails network plan. There is consider-able interest around the state about improved use of our trails and state lands—current and new—to promote recreation, tourism, businesses, healthy exercise,and enhanced sense of place. Governor Rick Snyder strongly supports Michiganbecoming the #1 trail state. Many towns are now interested in becoming “trailtowns” with connectors to motorized and nonmotorized trails. The ETS andmany other user groups—coordinated through MSTAC—will be working to movethe trail opportunities into realities.

Sandra S. Batie

Chair of ETS

September 12, 2012

Michigan’s Equine Trail Riding Update

Equine Trailways

Subcommittee

The ETS report and information aboutETS and MSTAC can be found on the DNR website:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/2011RecReportETS_Final_030212._378261_7.pdf


The Upper Peninsula is a beautiful place

to live. It offers all of us opportunities

to explore the great outdoors with our

families and pets. Many Yoopers live out of

the city limits or have camps “out in the

boonies.” While this allows us to enjoy what

the U.P. has to offer, it does come with some

dangers to our pet dogs. There are many sit-

uations that arise where our dogs can

become injured or placed in harm’s way. To

ensure the safety of our dogs, we all need to

remember the Boy Scout motto: “Be

Prepared.”

A proper plan needs to be in place to be

ready for an unexpected injury or illness. The

internet is a great place for first aid informa-

tion, but your veterinarian is the best source

for your pet. He or she knows your pet’s

medical history and a plan can be put in

place that is more specific for their needs.

There are so many types of emergency situa-

tions that I will not be able to cover them in

one article. I don’t expect pet owners to have

every possible technique memorized, but it is

a good idea to take the time to learn the

basics. What I will do is explain the impor-

tance of restraint during an emergency and

how to put together a first aid kit. Your ulti-

mate goal is to stabilize your dog so you can

get them to your veterinarian for treatment.

Proper restraint is absolutely essential for

the safety of the injured dog and for the peo-

ple involved during an emergency. Even a

family pet that you are certain would not bite

may bite if they are scared or in pain. There

are two types of restraint: physical and ver-

bal. It is important to verbally calm a dog

before making your approach. Your voice is a

powerful tool, as commands such as “sit,”

“stay,” and “good dog” can be utilized to

gain control of a fractious dog. Using a calm,

quiet, but firm tone to your voice will be

more effective than an excited or loud tone.

Continually speaking to an injured dog lets

him know that you do not intend to cause

harm.

Once you are certain you can safely make

your approach, it is time to use physical

restraint. This will allow you to apply the

needed first aid and transfer the dog to a vet-

erinary clinic. First, approach the dog slowly

and calmly. Then, place a leash around his

neck so that you have something to hold

onto. At this point, you need to place a cloth

muzzle over his mouth. Do this by making

your approach from the side, slipping the

muzzle over the mouth, and securing it

behind the ears. Do not use a muzzle on a

dog that has been vomiting, has trouble

breathing, has a mouth injury, or is uncon-

scious. You can purchase manufactured muz-

zles or make one out of a leash, rope, or even

a tie or a belt. You will have to adjust the

amount of restraint to the response of the

Canine First Aid:“Be Prepared”

by Scott Jandron, DVM


dog. Some dogs respond better to less

restraint, while others feel safer with more

restraint. Once you have gained control and

trust with the dog, you will then be able to

administer first aid. It is obviously better if

you have other people to help, but some-

times this is not an option. If at any time you

feel that you can’t do it by yourself, set the

dog up in a safe area and go find others to

help.

Dr. Scott Jandron has been practicingcompanion animal medicine in the

Ishpeming-Negaunee area since 1993,and is currently co-owner of NorthernVeterinary Associates in Ishpeming. He

is a regular contributor to Pet Set Horse

Source. He welcomes your pet-relatedquestions; send them to:

Scott Jandron, DVM 661 Palms Avenue

Ishpeming, MI 49849Or e-mail: [email protected]

First aid kits are easy to assemble and don’t have to be expensive. There are some very

important items to remember when making one:

l. List of important phone numbers – veterinarian, poison control

2. Your dog’s medical record

3. Leashes (at least two) – flat, lightweight nylon slip-leads are best

4. Muzzle – cloth muzzles available from most veterinary clinics

5. Bandaging material – roll gauze, gauze 4X4’s, non-stick pads,

- Coban or VetWrap, bandage scissors

6. Disinfectants – Betadine or chlorhexidine solution

7. Misc. medications – triple antibiotic ointment, Benadryl

- NSAID (*check with your veterinarian*)

8. Eye flush – can use human contact lens saline (labeled “for sensitive eyes”)

9. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) or Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting)

10. Digital rectal thermometer

11. Folding stretcher or a heavy blanket

12. Space blanket

Now that we have covered the basics, it is important to educate yourself on how to deal

with various critical situations. It is always best to utilize your veterinarian when putting

together your first aid kit and emergency response plan. A well thought out plan allows you

to “Be Prepared” for your dog and ensure that you have the ability to provide the help your

pet needs, should the situation arise.


Boonie and his kitten-sister Congo sat in

a pile of orange, red and yellow leaves

that Grace had raked earlier in the day.

The Valley Cats watched the chickadees at

Grace's feeder. The busy birds were flying

one seed at a time back and

forth, from the feeder to the

woods.

"What do the chickadees

do in the winter?" Congo

asked.

"They live on tree

branches. When it is very

cold, they huddle togeth-

er and fluff up their feath-

ers. This creates a feather

blanket to keep them

warm. The chickadees

eat when food is avail-

able. This is why Grace

keeps the feeder full of

birdseed and suet,"

Boonie explained. “All

of this talk about food is

making me hungry,” Congo reported. "Let's

go in the house!”

Boonie and Congo kicked at the fallen

autumn leaves as they walked to the porch.

"Well, hello you two," Grace greeted as she

opened the door. "How about I make you a

little snack? You adventurers need to eat a lit-

tle more. I would like you to gain a little

weight before winter."

Congo thought this sounded like a fabu-

lous excuse for a midday treat. She already

was looking forward to her first winter.

Grace held open the door and the cats

slipped into the warm kitchen. The air

smelled good. A pot of soup bubbled on the

stove.

"I don't think you would

like vegetable

soup," Grace gig-

gled as she caught

the cats lusting after

her dinner. She

opened the refrigera-

tor, pulled out a can

of cat food and

spooned a dab into a

pretty bowl for the sib-

lings to share.

Boonie and Congo

were enjoying their

lunch when out of the

corner of his eye Boonie

saw something, or some-

one scamper from behind

the fireplace and run

under the stove. Congo and Grace saw the

little brown mouse too.

"Looks like we have a visitor," Grace

remarked casually. "When it starts to get cold

at night the mice come inside looking for a

warm place to spend the winter. I am going

to crack the door open. I would appreciate it

if you cats could gently escort our mouse out

of the house. I’m going upstairs to read."

Mouse in the House

Sit back and enjoy another episode from Gretchen Preston's Valley Cat series!

"Mouse in the House" appears in More Valley Cats: Fun, Games and New Friends.

by Gretchen Preston


Boonie and Congo exchanged puzzled

glances as Grace pulled the kitchen door

open slightly. The cats watched as she

climbed the stairs, leaving them alone to

deal with the invader.

"I saw it go under the stove," Congo

reported. Boonie poked his head under the

oven. He could see the small mouse hud-

dled in the corner looking terrified.

"I can see it, but I don't think a mouse

will come out with two cats in the room,"

Boonie said as he stood up.

"Maybe it will come out if we ignore it,"

Congo suggested.

Agreeing that it was worth a try, the

Valley Cats took a perch on the ledge above

Grace's couch. They waited… and waited.

Nearly half an hour had passed when

the cats saw the small brown mouse poke

its head out from under the stove. It nib-

bled on a toast crumb and quickly darted

back to its hiding place.

"Our mouse is hungry," Boonie

observed.

“That gives me an idea!" Congo said

excitedly. She whispered her plan to her

big brother. Boonie grinned and nodded

his head in agreement.

Together the cats jumped down from

the ledge. They crept very quietly up the

stairs. Congo peeked around the corner.

She saw Grace sitting in her comfy chair

reading.

“Grace is busy,” Congo reported.

Boonie took a look, to make sure Grace

was not going to come down the stairs any-

time soon. Their mistress would not be

happy if she came in as they were execut-

ing Congo’s mischievous plan!

Boonie and Congo darted down the

stairs. The Valley Cats jumped up onto the

forbidden kitchen counter and dining table.

Boonie found three abandoned peanuts

lying beside the sink and a few leftover veg-

etables on the cutting board. Congo

brushed forgotten pizza crusts off a plate.

The morsels of food fell to the floor. In the

corner near the stove Boonie found a raisin


and Congo pushed lost popcorn kernels off

of the chair near the door.

The Valley Cats worked quickly arrang-

ing the bits of food into a trail from the

stove to the partially open kitchen door.

"Now, let the fun begin!" Congo

exclaimed.

She scampered to the far end of the

room where she hid behind the arm of the

couch. Boonie tucked behind the kitchen

door. They peeked out from behind their

hiding places, waiting for the unsuspecting

mouse to take their bait.

It wasn't too long before the hungry

mouse came out from under the stove and

ate the fat juicy raisin. The Valley Cats

watched the little brown mouse move

along their food trail. It ate the veggies,

gobbled up the pizza crusts and smacked

its lips after devouring the peanuts. As the

mouse swallowed the last piece of pop-

corn… left near the open door…, it saw the

tricky cats!

The surprised mouse's belly was so full

that it could barely waddle out the door,

and onto the safe porch.

Boonie slammed the door shut with his

paw. “Good job!” he shouted. “I’m so

proud of you, Congo, for coming up with

such a good plan!”

"Thank you, big brother,” Congo said as

her face broke into a very big cat-smile.

Inside, there were two very satisfied cats.

Not only had the Valley Cats safely escort-

ed the mouse out of the house, they had

tidied up Grace's kitchen!


Find Dr. Tim’s Pet Foods at Mare-Z-Doats in Marquette, The StoneHouse in

Ishpeming & Erickson's Feed in Houghton


Whether you are a mounted shooter,

team roper, barrel racer or a pleas-

ure rider, your horse will benefit

from time away from the stress and routine of

an arena. Keeping a horse mentally fresh is a

key part of success inside the arena, and the

American Competitive Trail Horse Association

(ACTHA) is a great way to do just that.

Carrie Scrima, along with Karen

VanGeston formed the Texas-originated

ACTHA as a way for families and friends to get

together and demonstrate their horseman-

ship skills out on the trail. This is not a speed,

‘extreme –type’ or endurance event, it’s a safe

casual pace which covers an average of six

miles and has a minimum of six judged obsta-

cles. Judged obstacles are as natural as possi-

ble and can range from crossing water, step-

ping over logs, opening gates to going up

and down embankments.

Any breed of horse is welcome and any

style of riding is welcome, whether it is

English or Western. Various divisions ensure

the riders are correctly classed according to

their abilities. Pleasure Division riders com-

plete less difficult obstacles. Open Division

riders complete the same obstacles but with a

slightly greater degree of difficulty. Junior

Division riders are between seven and fifteen

years of age, and they must be accompanied

by a guardian. The Buddy Division, is open to

any rider, over the age of seven, who would

like to ride the trail, say the friend of a com-

petitor, but they do not want to partake in the

American Competitive

Trail Horse Association

‘Not just a trail horse anymore…’


obstacles because they are either seasoning

a young horse, or simply gaining experience

out on the trail. Finally, the Scout division

permits ACTHA non-members to join any

ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge.

ACTHA is committed to improving the

health and welfare of horses nationwide.

ACTHA Co-Founder, Karen Van Getson

states “ACTHA has a huge heart for the

horse and a huge heart for charity. We want

to welcome every trail rider across the

nation and show them the fun and enjoy-

ment of an ACTHA Competitive Trail

Challenge. Together we can ride for a pur-

pose, with a common goal of helping those

non-profit organizations who are in need of

funding.” Funds from every ACTHA ride are

donated to a charity selected by the Ride

Host.

For more information about the

American Competitive Trail Horse

Association, visit our website at

www.actha.us.


Send us your photosor artwork and be partof this popular feature...

Birthday Party Girls!

‘Old Friend’ painting by Bette Rowe Pallos

www.betterowepallos.com

Madi RIP

Nicole driving Jes & Zee

Ally

Ollie

Joni, Grady, Phil, Big John

Union Park, Ishpeming

Rhea RIP


Send us your photosor artwork and be partof this popular feature...

Thank You Frenchie’s Farrier Servicefor sponsoring our Pet Set Horse Source

photo centerfold!

Elliot

Cami

Frodo withSergeant Marty Munger

Bath time

Lannie & Daisy

Lyn & Juan

Jen &

Leia

Mercedes


Hand Placement & Use

When Riding


Ibelieve that hand placement has more to

do with the rider than the horse. A rider

can maintain control of the horse and him-

self better when his hands are in the proper

place.

Attention should be given as to where the

rider places his hands in order for him to

send a consistent clear signal. Proper hand

placement will also help the rider to main-

tain a balanced position in the saddle.

Your hand placement has little to do with

how the horse actually responds to the bit.

The horse responds to the pull of the rein

because he is concerned about getting a

release. So when you hear someone say,

"Hold your hands lower and the horse will

lower his head," your horse will not automat-

ically do so. You need to teach him a cue to

place his head at a desired elevation.

The rider should put his hands in a posi-

tion that gives him the best ability to stay

balanced and maintain the most control of

his own body, and therefore, send the clear-

est, most consistent signal to the horse.

These guidelines keep the rider’shands from getting too low or too high.The rider has a better opportunity to usenecessary strength in case he needs topull on the rein in an emergency. Thishand placement helps to keep therider's upper body from leaning.

by Josh Lyons

Hand Placement & Use

When Riding

There is an area where the rider'shands belong:

• The hands belong in a onesquare foot area directly in front ofhim/her.

• The hands belong no fartherback than just barely behind the backof the saddle horn or six inches infront of the saddle.

• The hands belong no further for-ward than he can reach without tak-ing his shoulder forward.

• The hands belong no farther upthan where the little finger is 4 incheshigher than the elbow or when thethumb is 4 inches below the elbow.


Where the rider normally keeps his

hands will have a direct correlation as to

where he will put them in a crisis. If the

horse is moving smoothly and quietly and

the rider gets his hands five inches away

from where they should be, he will put his

hands two feet out of position if the horse

spooks and the rider becomes startled.

What the rider practices in a calm situation

will have an effect as to what he will do in a

crisis. Your ability to control your horse in a

crisis should be more effective if the correct

hand position is practiced.

Now that we have talked about where

your hands should be, let's look at how fast

you should take the slack out of the reins

when asking your horse to do something. I

refer to this as hand speed.

When asking your horse to respond to

your signal from the rein you should do so

without bumping his mouth. It is important

that you do not cause pain to the horse's

mouth. Think of the rein as a telephone line

and you are making a call to the horse. If

you were to make the call uncomfortable,

after a while the horse may hesitate or not

answer the phone at all.

Here are some "speed" guidelines for

asking your horse to respond to your sig-

nals with the bit.

The rider's hand speed should be natural

and deliberate but not hurried.

If the hand speed is too slow, the horse

has too much time to respond and will not

be able to connect the cue with the

response you are looking for. On the other

hand, if the hand speed is too fast, you will

never give the horse a chance to learn the

cue and then eventually respond from a

light signal from you.

Many handlers think that the faster you

cue the horse, the more responsive he will

become. It is natural for handlers to speed

up the cue, hoping that the response will

happen more quickly. This is exactly the

opposite of what the handler should be

doing. continued on page 20


Most times when a horse is not respond-

ing to your cue it is because he does not

know what you are asking of him. He is not

solid with the cue. Speeding up the cue,

"demanding" that the horse responds faster,

may only confuse the horse and adverse

reactions can develop. When you slow down

your request, you give the horse more time

to think and then respond. The horse has

more of a chance to respond on his own,

using his own thought process. As learning

takes place, he will actually respond quicker

because he understands the cue. The key to

getting a lighter more responsive horse is to

give him a chance to respond on less of a

signal. A medium hand speed gives the

horse that opportunity.

Hand placement and hand speed are two

fundamental riding practices that when used

with consistency will become a habit. These

two items will help in your pursuit to make

your communication process are clear as

possible.

Two young cowboys enjoy watching ‘birthday party’ riders at

Heritage Hills Horseback Riding in Ishpeming.


You may have heard

about clicker training

and wondered what all

the hype was. Is this just

another new gadget that

promises to work a miracle

with your not so well-behaved

dog? Are you going to have to

add it to the boxful of instant

training thingamajigs that have failed you in

the past? You decide to take a chance and

buy the interesting little tool. You get it

home, aim it at Fido like a TV remote, click it

a few times and… nothing happens. Fido

looks puzzled and walks away. Great, another

failed magic training tool.

Let me ask you this: Does just having a

leash make your dog heel? Of course not.

Proper use of the leash does. It is important to

understand how a dog thinks, why the clicker

works and to learn how to use it properly.

Dogs tend to live in the moment. When

using the traditional posi-

tive reinforcement

method with a food

reward, by the time Fido

even realizes you have a

treat and you deliver it, it

is likely the magic

moment has passed. He is

left to figure out which of

the 15 or 20 things he did in the last 90 sec-

onds was the one you liked.

How and why does a clicker work? First

you must make sure your dog understands

that when he hears the click, (added a

comma here) a treat will follow. So in his

mind ‘click’ means ‘treat.’ This is a very

important step you must not skip. This is

referred to as “loading the clicker.” After this

step is complete, when your dog offers the

correct behavior, you simply click at the

moment it happens and treat as soon as pos-

sible. The clicker can precisely mark the

Tales from a DogObedience Instructor

Vol 5 –Click Marks the Spot

by Julie Savola


behavior you want instead of you trying to

deliver a food reward quickly enough for the

dog to connect it with the behavior you

intended. This concept of immediate praise

is why clicker training is so effective. It moti-

vates the dog because he is successful very

quickly and more often. His success moti-

vates him, and in turn it will motivate you

too. Make sure you understand the process

before you begin to optimize your results.

There are plenty of clicker training books.

You can look it up on the internet or seek a

professional to get you started. Using this

powerful training tool can be one of the best

kept secret shortcuts.

Julie Savola operates her dog obedienceinstruction under the name K9 Basic O andhas been helping UP dog owners train theirdogs for over 20 years. She lives in Munisingwith her husband, Jerry, her Doberman, Doc,TBear, a miniature horse she is training fortherapy work and two riding horses; Moe, aTennessee Walking Horse and Byrd, a QuarterHorse she purchased for Team Penning.


Gwinn author/sled dog musher Jackie Winkowski has published a new book,

Promise of the White Dog. While a work of fiction, the photo-illustrated book was

inspired by a true story.

For ages 8 and up, the story begins with a mysterious musher and team of white

dogs spotted on a moonlit winter night. Hearing a friend’s account of the sighting

causes main character Jeanne to reflect on the birth, years before, of a white puppy

at her sled dog kennel: she had always wanted a white dog but soon encountered

someone who needed one. Readers will learn of Jeanne’s decision and the surprising

events that follow. The tale has been described at heartwarming and filled with pos-

itive life lessons.

Photos of winter scenes, puppies, and sled dogs throughout the book are the work

of Winkowski, local professional photographer Aladino Mandoli, and NMU student

Lisa Dietzen.

New Children's Sled Dog Book

The keepsake hardcover edition is available at Marquette andIshpeming book stores and gift shops or throughwww.snowyplains.com. Softcovers of the new book, as well asMiki's Challenge and Miki's Race, are available locally as well ason Amazon.com.


Most of us can’t see Rory, but some can. One lady who ridesoften with us at Heritage Hills has even spoken with him.

I’m told he likes us being here; he’s glad to have horses backin this area again. He’s actually watching over our trail rides!He’s even pointed out a few dangerous spots to stay awayfrom.

And he wants us to know he’s here - to acknowledge him -so we do! We are working on a sign to post near the beginningof our trail that looks something like this:

Rory: Our Guardian Riderat Heritage Hills

You Are Entering Rory’s Territory

Please say hello to him and his horse

And thank him for watching over our rides!

The photo above is actually Tin Can Sullivan, a trapper in the Big Bay / Huron

Mountain area in the early 1920s. I’m told Rory looks very similar.


1) If I choose and pay for a private cremation what assurance do you givethat my pet will be cremated individually (ONE-AT-A-TIME) and will I receivesome type of identification ensuring so? What other industry practices does thecompany perform to assure me?

2) Where is the facility located and may I inspect the facility?

3) Will my pet be placed in a plastic bag and stacked on top of other pets ina chest freezer and cargo transported in mass, sometimes along with medicalwaste at a later time? Will it leave the state?

4) Will I have direct contact with the crematory operators? How do I knowmy pet is handled with dignity and respect?

5) Is the vet clinic using a mass pet cremation corporation with a businessmodel that caters to the clinic and NOT the owners?

6) Will my pets remains be available with in 3-5 days? Is there 24 hr serviceoffered?

7) If I choose a group cremation how am I assured my pets remains are beingscattered respectfully and not sold to a fertilizing plant or thrown in thegarbage or landfill? May I inspect the facilities?

8) Is there one set price? Or is my vet getting one price from the corpora-tion and then marking it up to me the pet owner?

9) Is there grief support available?

10) Is the facility state monitored? Or is my pet going to a waste manage-ment city site? Or animal control facility?

10 Questions to ask

Your Vet About

Cremation

Arrangements

by Joy Smith


Joy Smith is the owner & operater of Rivers Edge Pet Crematory, LLC.

She lives on 38 acres along the Black Riverwith her 3 English labradors. Joy has been inthe pet industry for over 15 years. Contacther at 906-663-4811 or 906-364-2309

or email [email protected] look for Rivers Edge Pet Crematory

on facebook too!

If the service you are using has only some

or part of the answers to these questions,

why should you trust them with your pet?

Unfortunately, there are different cremation

industry practices among providers. Rivers

Edge uses the same identification process as

with human and cremate ONE-AT-A-TIME

for private cremations and do not cater to

the clinics. For other providers, it may mean

three to five pets are placed in the chamber

in different areas and incinerated all at once.

If more than one is placed in the retort the

chance of commingling exists because of the

turbulence in the chamber that takes place. If

you are offered individual, separate, and/or

private services by the cremation provider or

your vet, be sure to ask exactly what those

terms mean. You should not have to pay a

premium price for any of the latter type of

services.

Nobody wants to think of the death of

their beloved pet but making pre arrange-

ments and asking questions ahead of time is

a good idea. For the past 20 years or so, mass

corporations have dominated the market

and now more and more privately owned

and operated LLC businesses have been

swinging their doors open across the United

States. Pets are our family members and

should be treated as one. I believe you

should be well informed of the facts when

your vet offers you cremation services. Just

like with humans at the time of death, you

have a choice.

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