Bark Slope

Park Slope Puppy Boom: How Our Pets are Helping Us Cope

January 29, 2021 By Sofia Pipolo Filed Under: Bark Slope, Feature, Pandemic Diaries Tagged With: pandemic, pets, sofia pipolo

The overall mental health and wellbeing of our neighborhood (and entire planet) has shifted due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. With new stresses, a global financial crisis, and loved ones lost, there is much that can’t be replaced. Through it all, many of us have found solace in our new and old pets. Because individuals and families are spending more time at home than ever before, Park Slope has seen a “Puppy Boom.”

The Kingham family (Stuart, Roz, and 10-year-old Isla) rescued German-Shepard mix Macy to help uplift their spirits. While reluctant before Covid, Roz knew that getting a dog would give them something positive to focus on after Isla kept mentioning her experience with remote learning as “lonely.” Stuart reflected on his increased stress from all-day screen time, working from home, and worrying about the health and safety of his family, as a kind of low-grade PTSD. He reflects, “Everything was a worry, even going to stores.”

Though housetraining Macy was a challenge, they agree it has far outweighed the stresses of the outside world as the Kingham family saw their commitment to the new canine family member pay off. Over 2 months later, Macy is already growing up alongside Isla. Taking the time to step away from their screens and heavy workload, the endless news cycle, and the grief of pandemic losses to take care of puppy Macy has made Staut, Roz, and Isla feel a bit safer and happier.

***Isla Kingham with her rescue puppy “Macy”***

They train her together and connect with other dog-owners in the neighborhood. Roz says, “There’s definitely a dog community in Park Slope so just making that human connection on walks with other dog owners has been nice; everyone stops to talk when you have a puppy!” Their new routine includes early morning off-leash play in the park, after-school walks, and evenings spent on the front stoop where they sit to watch the world go by.

You’ll find many families enjoying similar daily pet pleasures. Park Slope has 10 dog parks, including the Prospect Park Dog Beach, making it an amazing community for pet owners. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, to ease loneliness and encourage exercise and playfulness. They also help children to grow up more secure and active, and provide valuable companionship for older adults.

These days everyone needs some extra stability, joy, and positive coping methods, one reason why pet adoption and sales have been through the roof this past year. Even veteran pet owners have become more appreciative and formed closer bonds with their furry friends.

For example, the pandemic has heightened Park Slope resident, Ingrid’s anxiety; making her less motivated to deal with tasks beyond short term consideration. Ingrid said, “ Much of the structure I’ve built into my life over the years vanished overnight, along with any sense of what the future could or should look like.” Her two cats, Cabiria aka Cabbie and Jean Harlow whom she’s had for over 3-years, have brought extra companionship and cuddles during these uncertain months of quarantining at home. “Taking care of the cats provide some structure to the days, and requires me to think about something other than myself… So I actually have something to discuss with friends or co-workers that isn’t horrible pandemic news or politics.” She’s found exchanging silly cat photos and having Cabbie and Jean meow over speakerphone a sure-fire way to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

***Giselle with her partner and their rescue puppy “Pico”***

Similarly, the unforeseeable future had spiked Diana Kane’s anxiety, so after some discussion adopting a dog felt like the right decision. And it was! Her family’s new 4-month-old rescue from Puerto Rico, Appa (named after the flying-bison from Avatar: The Last Airbender), has been a blessing for their mental and physical health. Diana and her family has been able to find peace and joy. She said, “I think Disney has it wrong: the Happiest Place on Earth is actually off-leash in Prospect Park.”

Giselle Navarro and her partner adopted a Jindo mix named Pico just before the city shut down. While worrying about their health and safety and only communicating with others through screens, they felt lucky to have Pico by their side. By structuring their quarantine days around the new puppy, their new routine for the new normal provides time to safely leave the apartment, stay motivated to train together, and actually get a steadier sleep schedule.

Pico’s need for cuddles and play was also a welcome distraction for Giselle. “She’s always so happy, I frequently tell others that I’m not sure how I would be getting through the pandemic if we didn’t have Pico. Living through this has been tough, but having her has made it a little bit easier. Even if I’m not feeling great, her good mood rubs off on me.”

A True & Genuine Companionship: Thanks to Isolated New Yorkers, Dog Adoptions Surge

January 19, 2021 By Kara Goldfarb Filed Under: Bark Slope, Feature, Pandemic Diaries Tagged With: kara goldfarb

The very real Coronavirus Pandemic has led to a very real Loneliness Epidemic. In a survey by the AARP, two-thirds of adults said they’re experiencing social isolation and 66 percent said their anxiety has increased during the pandemic. Essentially, one public health crisis gave rise to another.

There has been, however, one positive outcome in response to the isolation fatigue in Brooklyn and on a national scale. With flexible work schedules, more time at home, and a universal desire for companionship, one notable response has been a startling increase in dog adoptions. The double win of providing homes to a multitude of shelter animals and comfort to lonely residents may be one of the only good things to come out of the pandemic.

The ASPCA reported over 600 online foster applications in New York City and Los Angeles during the second half of March, compared to the average 200 applications. Reported by the AP, New York based nonprofit Foster Dogs Inc. saw the number of applications in the month of August increase from 140 the previous year, to 3,000. Muddy Paws Rescue, an NYC foster-based nonprofit, reported that, after receiving ten times the number of applications in a two week period, the shelters they partnered with were essentially empty.

For Toni Bodon, the increased interest in adopting a dog is palpable as well. Bodon is the cofounder of Stray from the Heart, a New York-based nonprofit dog rescue organization aimed at rescuing and rehabilitating neglected dogs. “If I had to guess, I’d say 25 percent more this time than last year,” Bodon said in regards to the number of applications the organization received. Stray from the Heart has partners in Puerto Rico and Ecuador who care for the dogs until they are matched with the perfect owner and well enough to travel. Bodon is thrilled with the uptick. However, with an emphasis on making sure a candidate is the right fit for a particular dog, the organization’s thorough vetting process makes it a time-consuming mission as well. “We are entirely volunteer-based,” Bodon notes, adding, “it really is a labor of love.”

***Max and Kate with their rescue puppy “Appa” from Puerto Rico (Stray from the Heart).***

In going through the multitude of applications, the team looks for stability within potential owners. For instance, they may receive an application from someone who is currently working from home due to the pandemic. But if the person doesn’t know whether they’ll have to return to the office in five months, their application likely won’t be approved. “If they live alone, who is going to take care of the dog then?” Bodon asked. Her core responsibility is in ensuring each dog they rescue finds a solid home.

Because Stray from the Heart doesn’t have a foster center and the rescues are abroad, they’ve also had to work with the COVID travel restrictions when it comes to uniting an adopted dog with an owner. The normal adoption process takes 4-8 weeks, with the added process of flying the dogs over. A rescue in severe conditions will take longer as the dog undergoes necessary rehabilitation procedures, which the organization relies primarily on donations to cover the cost of. Bruno and Gracie are two recent examples of rescues found in critical condition. Bruno needed chemotherapy as well as treatment for skin lacerations. Gracie, an abandoned poodle found on the roof of an empty house in Ecuador, needed emergency care after spending an unknown amount of time unsheltered from the heat and rain without food or water. They named her Gracie “because by the grace of God she was rescued.”

Though the volunteers work tirelessly, it pays off, as evident by the universally satisfied owners upon receiving their new family members. “We have settled in well with our little love bug Hachi,” the parents of a recent rescue wrote via Facebook. “So far his favorite activities are curling up on the couch, sleeping on our laps, and eating cheese treats. He enjoys our walks as well, but not quite as much when it is raining hard — we think he’s still got memories of the hurricanes in Puerto Rico,” they also wrote; a reminder of the hard times these animals have been through.

***A happy and healthy Bruno (Stray from the Heart).***

There are also stories of people who were simply able to slow down enough during the pandemic to complete the adoption process. Joni Wildman, a local Brooklyn resident, adopted a dog earlier this year from Muddy Paws. “I had been looking to adopt before the pandemic hit, but I struggled with elaborate adoption applications,” Wildman said. She was able to find more time for herself during the pandemic, which included more time to work on her paintings. A friend who was fostering for Muddy Paws had one pup in particular named Catch who stood out to Wildman. “Catch looked like the dog in the painting I was making, so I applied. Had to be fate, right?” she said. “He’s been my hiking, beach, running, going everywhere buddy ever since.” Wildman says the added time in her day has given her the opportunity to train catch and help him really adjust to her home.

There’s an underlying beauty in these kinds of matches. The rise in stray dogs who have found warm, loving homes over these past eight months is undoubtedly a wonderful thing. But beyond that, the notion of an owner who has had a difficult time during COVID finding solace with an animal who has likewise had a tough row to hope, makes the relationship between the two a true and genuine companionship.

It’s Summer, Dog. Get Moving!

August 17, 2015 By admin Leave a Comment Filed Under: Bark Slope Tagged With: cat, cats, dog, dogs, exercise, health, pets, vet

As the temperature grows warmer and the days grow longer, many of us feel the urge to get outside and increase our level of activity. What better way of doing this than getting some exercise with our canine companions?

Exercising with your pet is a great way to bond and has health benefits—physical and psychological—for both of you. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 54 percent of America’s pets are overweight or obese. Starting an exercise routine with your pet is an important step toward maintaining a healthy weight.
Exercise can also help your dog burn off the excess energy that can lead to behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, destructive chewing or digging, and attention-getting behavior such as barking, whining, and jumping up on people.
The additional activity is good for people, too. Did you know that studies have shown pet owners walk an average of 300 minutes per week, whereas non-pet owners only clock about 168 minutes? That translates into a greater number of calories burned, improved cardiovascular fitness, as well as better mental and emotional well-being.

Warm-up/Cool down

Just like humans, there are some warm-up and cool down routines that may benefit your dog. Launching immediately into strenuous exercise increases your pet’s risk of spraining or pulling a muscle or developing cramps. And by cooling down, you allow your dog to catch his breath. His heart rate will return to normal, and the likelihood of post-exercise soreness will decrease as lactic acid is removed from his system.
The length of your warm-up or cool-down depends on you and your dog’s individual requirements, but five to ten minutes should be enough for your dog’s body to adjust. It can be as simple as taking a light jog or a brisk walk with your dog before and after engaging in any intense exercise.
Routines suitable and safe for your dog will depend on aspects such as age and pre-existing orthopedic conditions, so it is essential to consult with your veterinarian prior to starting a warm-up or cool down/stretching routine.

Get  Moving! 

Are you or your pet new to exercise? The first step is to schedule a check-up for your pet to ensure there aren’t any heart or respiratory problems that should be addressed.
Once your pet has a clean bill of health, get started by introducing a ten minute walk into your daily routine. Try taking a stroll around Prospect Park and gradually build the length and intensity of your sessions as you and your pet adjust to the increased activity. Be sure to vary your route occasionally to give your pet new places to smell and explore.
For those who are already more active, on-leash running, inline skating, and bicycling are fun activities to do with a canine companion.

Here are a couple of important points to keep in mind:
• Dogs aren’t all well suited for jogging or running long distances. Many are built for short, intense bursts of speed. If you do decide to run with your dog, be careful not to overextend her. If she seems sore or exhausted after a jog, cut back next time.
• Be sure to check your dog’s paws after a run. Dogs are susceptible to blisters, just like humans. Hot pavement can also be damaging to a dog’s paws. Consider running or cycling on soft surfaces that won’t be as harmful, such as dirt or grass trails. You can also purchase booties to protect your dog’s pads.
• Sustained running or jogging isn’t recommended for young dogs whose bones are still growing. If you have a young dog, be sure to check with your veterinarian before taking her on a run.

If you’re looking for something more structured, try an exercise class designed specifically for dogs and their owners, such as Go Fetch Run (gofetchrun.com). Classes meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. in Prospect Park.

Heat-Related  Illness

As we enter the “dog days” of summer, it’s important to be aware of the heat-related illnesses that have the potential to turn a fun afternoon activity into an emergency trip to the veterinary hospital.
The most common heat-related illness people hear about is heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s core temperature rises to a high level, inciting inflammation and organ failure. Avoid heatstroke by knowing limitations of your dog, breed specific problems and giving your dog time to adjust to the heat.
Our dogs dissipate heat through their skin and through evaporation from their respiratory tract via panting. They cannot sweat in the same way we do. Humidity makes heat loss through evaporation even more difficult, so be especially careful on humid days.
If your pet does become overheated, contact a veterinarian immediately. You can spray the animal down with room temperature or cool water, but never ice water. Ice cold water causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin and heat can’t escape the body, which makes heat exhaustion symptoms worse.
Don’t give sports drinks or electrolyte supplements to pets. Supplements like sports drinks can actually harm animals and make pets sick.
Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark red gums are all signs of heat-related distress. If your pet is panting uncontrollably or collapses, take the animal to your veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Pet owners should also remember to make sure their pets have access to plenty of water at all times. It’s also good to stay near shady spots where a dog can rest and cool off if necessary. There are a number of pet-friendly businesses in our area that will provide water and a place to cool off for you and your pooch. Check Brooklynforpets.com for an up-to-date list.
Certain breeds, termed brachycephalic (short head), are at greater risk for heat-related illness because they have conformations that make heat loss from the respiratory tract difficult. Brachycephalic breeds include French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and pugs. These breeds should be exercised with extreme caution. A simple walk around the block may cause their temperature to rise to dangerous or even life-threatening levels.

Getting  Used  to  the  Heat

A good way to head off heat-related problems is to ensure your pet has adjusted to the warmer summer weather. Heat acclimatization is the body’s gradual physiological adaptation to heat stress. It is what makes an exercise a month into the summer less taxing than that same exercise in the first few hot days. Heat stress on the body is generated by the environment (a hot day), normal metabolism, and exercise.
Acclimatization includes changes such as salt conservation, changes in blood volume, and in humans, the amount we sweat. Heat acclimatization in humans takes around two weeks, so keep this in mind as you begin to take your dog out in the heat.
Also, consider exercising your pet early in the morning or later in the evening when the heat isn’t as intense.

Just  Do  It

Exercise can be fun and beneficial for both you and your dog. Whatever activity you choose, be sure it is one that is safe and that you both enjoy. Also, remember to use your common sense and consult your primary care veterinarian if you have any questions.

Dr. David Wohlstadter is a senior emergency clinician with BluePearl Veterinary Partners. He is also certified in canine rehabilitation therapy.