Tag: Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA

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In brief

Photo by Tristan Williams.

Rock solid

Dave Matthews Band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the star-studded class of 2024.

Musical acts become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first recording, and are inducted based on voting by more than 1,000 music historians, industry professionals, and current Hall of Fame members. Since 2012, fan voting has been a part of membership consideration, giving the winner of the poll one additional vote toward induction. In its first year of eligibility (2020), DMB was the first and only group to win the popularity poll, but not be inducted into the hall.

Eligibility, nominations, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been the subject of much national attention since its founding in the 1980s. After decades of snubbing Rock and Roll icons, the hall now balances honoring iconic figures years after they became eligible and inducting newer acts.

Joining DMB in the Class of 2024 are Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Peter Frampton, Mary J. Blige, Kool & The Gang, Foreigner, and A Tribe Called Quest. While this year marks the largest group of inductees ever, several nominees were snubbed, including Sinéad O’Connor, who died last year.

“Dave Matthews Band is honored to be in the @rockhall Class of 2024,” the band said on X/Twitter. “Congrats to our fellow nominees and thanks so much to all of our fans for the support!”

The Class of 2024 will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 19 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mascot mania

Finalist for new middle school mascot. Charlottesville City Schools.

Along with a new name and building, Charlottesville’s only middle school will soon have a new mascot. Voters have until April 30 to tell Charlottesville City Schools their preference from the list of finalists: the Black Knights, “another type of knight”(e.g. Junior Knights, Orange Knights), the Chargers, and the Monarchs.

The final choices were selected through an earlier survey conducted by the school district, with each potential mascot illustrated through stock photos and AI-generated images to give voters a feel for potential logos. CCS emphasizes that the “images shown are only starting points,” and it will work with a designer once a mascot is selected.

Regardless of which mascot comes out on top, the school’s colors and logo will be orange and black to match Charlottesville High School’s colors.

The district has not given a timeline for the selection of the mascot or revealed a final design, but Buford Middle School will formally be renamed Charlottesville Middle School when the new building is officially opened for the 2025-26 school year.

UVA assault

University of Virginia police responded to an assault April 21 on the 1400 block of University Avenue. The incident, which occurred around 2am, left one adult male victim with serious injuries. He was sent to UVA Medical Center. University police transferred the case to the Charlottesville Police Department, and detectives have begun an investigation. Photos of individuals sought by CPD are available at charlottesville.gov/1741/police. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact CPD at 970-3280 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 977-4000.

Burn out

One of the tiki torch-bearers from August 11, 2017, has pleaded guilty to participating in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Tyler Bradley Dykes, 26, of Bluffton, South Carolina, who was arrested in Charlottesville last year, took a guilty plea on two felony counts regarding his assault on Capitol police officers. According to the plea agreement, Dykes faces a maximum of eight years in prison, plus a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Dog’s day

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA raised more than $100,000 this year during its 11th annual bow-WOW-walk fundraiser, which was held on April 20 at Boar’s Head Resort. The event featured both a competitive 5K race and a leisurely dog walk. Pet owners could also enter their furry friends into competitions for best trick, best costume, and pet-owner look-alike. According to CBS19, more than 250 people attended the fundraiser, whose proceeds will go to homeless animals and programs at CASPCA.

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Lingering questions

Niko the pit bull in a cage
After hours on July 15, Albemarle County’s Animal Protection Unit seized Niko from the SPCA and took him to an undisclosed location to be euthanized. PC: Staff photo

Nearly two weeks after Albemarle County seized a pit bull named Niko from the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA after hours and euthanized him, against his owners’ and the SPCA’s wishes, questions remain about how and why the decision was made. County officials have thus far refused to disclose the location or provide proof of a humane euthanization process. 

“No records responsive to this request exist,” reads the county’s response to a FOIA request for any contract with or receipts from a veterinarian related to Niko’s euthanasia, and for the name of the veterinarian and veterinary practice that performed the euthanization.

“This lack of transparency is consistent with what we’ve experienced the entire final stages of this case,” says attorney Elliott Harding, who represented Niko’s owners during a lengthy court battle over the dog’s fate. “It’s unsettling because the narrative that is being delivered by the county should be subject to corroboration in formal records requests such as this.”

The county did not respond to C-VILLE’s second request for corroboration of the euthanization by press time on Tuesday. 

C-VILLE Weekly’s FOIA request also asked for written documents exchanged between Albemarle County police and county executives about the dog, as well as emails between the SPCA and county police or leadership. Of the nine total documents provided in response to those two queries, three appeared to contain conversations concerning Niko, including a discussion of a meeting on July 5. That email thread refers to a person who will be present and has the most up-to-date information on the case, but whose name is redacted, with the county citing attorney-client privilege. 

One email thread naming Niko begins with a citizen asking, “Why was he murdered in such a cruel and unprofessional manner? Who is responsible?” and was circulated between county officials. Emails between county officials discuss the county’s statement released on July 15, and include a plan to have the county spokesperson be the single point of contact for questions about Niko. C-VILLE’s request for information about other options considered for Niko was responded to with a single document, entirely redacted under attorney-client privilege.

The county did provide a police report describing a neighbor’s complaint that Niko had bitten their dog in 2013.

The Niko saga began in late 2014 when the dog arrived at the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA by court order after Albemarle County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Higgins ruled that he had killed a neighbor’s cat, labeled him a “dangerous dog,” and removed him from his owners’ care. Albemarle County General District Court had already attached that label. According to a county press release issued on July 15, the day after the euthanization, Niko had previously injured two other dogs and subsequently injured a third while at the SPCA in 2016.

For the next seven years following the court’s ruling, his owner Toni Stacy fought to save Niko. Harding helped find numerous possible placements and repeatedly asked the county for guidance on desired conditions that would enable the dog’s release.

“We wanted to know what types of special qualities in a rehoming situation they would want to see for Niko,” Harding says. “And we never heard back, at least I didn’t, even when I asked for follow-up.”

In the spring, the Virginia Court of Appeals issued a final disposition in the case. The ruling meant that Albemarle could choose how to “dispose” of Niko. Harding says euthanization is just one of multiple options available under state code for “dangerous dogs,” a less serious label than “vicious.”

“Most of the options all include rehoming him or sending him to some type of qualified organization,” says Harding, adding that euthanasia should be a last resort.

In a July 15 interview, county spokesperson Emily Kilroy said the decision was made by county leadership in the interest of public safety since Niko had a history of biting other animals.

That explanation didn’t satisfy Harding.

“I don’t know whose public they’re concerned about because he could have been sent all the way up to New York if need be,” he said in a July 15 interview. “In fact, there was one organization in northern New York that actually ultimately called us back and said, ‘You know what? We won’t take him because he’s not dangerous enough. We only work with extremely dangerous dogs.’” 

Harding said any placement would have come with a liability waiver for the county, and notes that the county is full of other dangerous dogs who, despite their aggression towards other animals, can be kept safely with proper supervision.

The decision to euthanize Niko upset not only Niko’s owners but the SPCA, which issued its own press release.

“The SPCA opposed the decision to euthanize Niko, played no role in that decision, and did not participate in the euthanasia itself,” the statement read.

Harding and one of Niko’s owners, 15-year-old Madelyn Wells, spoke about Niko at the July 20 Albemarle County Board of Supervisors meeting. “In life and living, humane alternatives should be the presumptive outcome of this county and the people in this county and the way they view animals and second chances,” Harding said. “I don’t think the decision and the way that it was implemented last week reflects that.”

Wells, who grew up as the court battle over Niko carried on, told supervisors that the thought of his final moments haunt her.

“It makes me sick to my stomach that he went through that alone,” she said. “I just wanted our dog to live.”

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Living

Thoroughly Vetted: Tips for managing a teething puppy

A puppy’s need to gnaw can lead to punctures on shoes, furniture and fingers during the first few months. Most dogs have their adult teeth by 16 weeks.

So you’ve got a happy new puppy scampering around the house, and all the joy that goes with him. Your days are suddenly full of impromptu playtimes and snuggly naps, and your fingers are completely lacerated and bleeding—it can’t all be joyous. Why must these delightful little creatures come with a face full of sewing needles?

The good news is that these painful days will pass. Just like people, dogs and cats get a starter set of baby teeth. And for some reason, they are much sharper than the adult teeth that will eventually replace them. There’s some variation depending on size and breed, but you can expect those nasty little things to start falling out around 16 weeks of age. You might find a few lying around for the Tooth Fairy, but they’re just as likely to be swallowed up first, and I’ve never had a patient suffer indigestion from it.

Unfortunately, teething isn’t going to happen overnight. It takes about two months, and in the meantime, his insufferable chewing is likely to worsen. It is important to keep valuable items well out of reach, and to bar any access to dangerous things like electrical wires. Assume that if your puppy can reach it, he will chew it. Topical deterrents like Bitter Apple can be spritzed in trouble areas for additional peace of mind, but they aren’t foolproof by any means, so proper physical barriers are ideal.

As for the problem of chewing on people, the goal is to focus on positive reinforcement of good behavior rather than punishment of bad behavior. Try to distract him with a loud “ouch!,” offer up a proper chew toy instead of your thumb and praise him for munching on that instead. Don’t be disheartened if it doesn’t turn things around right away. The teething impulse is strong, and you’ll likely be fighting this battle until the process finally ends. But consistent enforcement now can lay the groundwork for proper behavior later, and it will prevent this from becoming a problem into adulthood.

Blood and destruction aside, teething usually goes smoothly. The roots of the baby teeth dissolve as the adult teeth push in behind them, and the crowns simply fall away. But in some dogs, especially smaller breeds, this process fails. Some baby teeth may keep their roots and persist alongside their own replacements. It’s important that these stubborn holdouts be extracted promptly by a veterinarian to avoid permanent damage to the adult tooth.

Apart from evolutionary whim, it can be hard to imagine why dogs and cats really need baby teeth. It hardly seems worth growing a whole set of pearly whites just to have them replaced a few short months later. And I’m even less certain of why they seem custom designed to snag on sweaters and puncture human skin. Teething can be a frustrating phase, but with some patience, a bit of training and a few boxes of Band-Aids, it’ll be over soon enough.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

We’re available to adopt!

Call me Cooley (that’s my name). I’m a big teddy bear who is looking for a gentle friend to help me transition to an indoor/outdoor lifestyle. Let’s be adventure buddies.

My name is Arabella and everyone says I’m the sweetest. I’d like to find a loving, affectionate home where I can flourish, purr and lounge around all day.

I’m Phoenix (aka Doug) and, though I got a rough start in life, I love to be playful and silly. I need an active guardian to take me on adventures and help me with training.

Hi! I’m Lullaby and, like my name, I’m quiet and shy and can be easily startled. But I love being around people. Give me soft pets and I’m yours forever.

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily

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Thoroughly Vetted: When old dogs get dizzy

If your aging dog loses his footing, don’t fret, but do get him to a vet. A dog with idiopathic vestibular syndrome usually recovers in a few days.

My client is in tears as she carries her standard poodle into the lobby. There was no appointment because the problem came out of nowhere. “It’s like he had a stroke,” she suggests as we hurry to an exam room.

And that’s certainly how it looks. The poor dog can’t keep his bearings. His head is cocked sharply to the right, and he stumbles in the same direction as if trying to brace himself on the deck of a storm-tossed ship. He scrambles to his feet just to pitch starboard again. I steady his head, and see what I’m looking for in his eyes. His pupils drift slowly to the right before darting back to the left, over and over in dizzy rhythm.

Despite the unsettling turbulence of it all, my response is surprisingly passive. Odds are good that he’ll be fine in a few days and will never suffer anything like it again. He’s almost certainly dealing with a peculiar disorder called idiopathic vestibular syndrome—a sudden disturbance in the balance center of the inner ear.

As far as these dogs are concerned, the world is spinning. If you’ve ever made yourself dizzy by twirling in circles as a child or, as an adult (you do you!), you’ve experienced the exact same symptoms. But unlike this poodle, you only had to put up with them for a few seconds.

Nobody really knows what causes this (which is what idiopathic means), but it tends to happen in older dogs. The symptoms appear instantly and without warning, and are frightening if you’ve never experienced them before. The first few days are the roughest, but most dogs are back to their normal selves within a week or so without any treatment at all. Care revolves around keeping them safe from injury and as comfortable as possible, and some dogs need a bit of encouragement to get them eating and drinking again.

It’s important to note that there are other diseases that can cause similar symptoms, and affected dogs should always be taken to see a veterinarian. Vestibular patients are examined for evidence of things like inner ear infections or other neurologic abnormalities that could suggest deeper disease in the brain. But unless there’s a compelling cause for alarm, it’s usually premature to begin talking about brain scans when the vast majority of these dogs go home and recover.

We may not know what causes idiopathic vestibular syndrome, but it’s common enough that I see a case every month or two. We can’t do anything to make it happen less often, but hopefully if more people know about it, they’ll be spared some anguish when it happens to their own pet.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

Blondes really do have more fun. At least, that’s what I say. I’m Seabiscuit, and my best qualities include confidence, enthusiasm and energy. Let’s have a great time together!

I’m Desi, and if there’s one thing I love, it’s belly rubs. But I also like the park. And snuggling. And treats. Let’s meet up to see if we’re a match.

Maggie Moo here. I’m quiet (shy, some might say), but it doesn’t take me long to warm up to your everlasting affections. Still, I’d prefer a calm, peaceful home.

The name’s Zane, and I’m looking for a hiking buddy who can keep pace with me while exercising and relaxing. I’d prefer a home with only adults, please.

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily

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Pot bellied: When pets get into marijuana

Marijuana toxicity in pets can be resolved fairly easily, so it’s best to come clean if your pet consumes your stash.

I’m suspicious right away. His dilated pupils don’t seem focused on anything in particular, and his usually chipper demeanor has been replaced with a vacant haze unmoored from time and space. His head lists to one side before jerking back to center, like a student fighting to stay awake in a lecture. His eyes squint tight against the beam from my penlight, and he’s startled by the slightest touch. If dogs could giggle, he’d probably do that too. Clinically speaking, my patient is high as a kite.

And that’s good news! Marijuana is pretty benign as far as toxins go, although animals do have a tendency to eat all of what they find, baking themselves well beyond a pleasant buzz. Dogs, in particular, will indulge to the point that symptoms can linger for several days. These patients often need hospitalized support, but it’s typically a matter of keeping them warm and hydrated for their return trip to Earth. With only the rarest exception, they’ll be completely fine.

The biggest challenge in these cases isn’t the treatment. Although prevailing attitudes about marijuana have relaxed in recent years, it’s still a trick getting people to admit what happened. Perhaps they’re embarrassed or afraid of being judged. Perhaps it’s fear of legal repercussions. Regardless, it’s a bad time for reticence because we really need to know. If it’s not pot, then the remaining possible causes are all significantly worse. There’s no sense wasting time and money on unnecessary diagnostics and treatment if the problem can be sorted with a conversation.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, please level with your veterinarian at the outset. Not only is your vet likely to be unfazed, she’ll probably be relieved. And even if your vet is a card-carrying buzzkill, anything discussed in that exam room is confidential. Laws vary state to state, but here in Virginia, “revealing confidences” is regulated as unprofessional conduct. You’re safe to speak freely.

Whether used recreationally or medically, the presence of marijuana is a fact of life in many homes. And assuming laws gradually catch up with reality, it’s going to become more common. As a veterinarian, I hope to one day see the various benefits of cannabis become part of my toolbox (properly dosed, of course). But as pot grows more prevalent, so will cases of toxicity.

It’s not the worst thing that can happen, but keep those stashes well out of reach. And if precautions fail, it’s okay. Get to the vet, for sure. But, in this case, honesty is a huge part of the antidote.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

I’m Pepper, and at the CASPCA they refer to me as the “whole package”: sweet, friendly and fun-loving. I’m young, I love to play and I adore people and other cats (but I might overwhelm less energetic felines).

Howdy, I’m Ada, a calm, sweet gal who’s a little shy. I prefer to be an only dog, and while I don’t need a lot of exercise, nothing would make me happier than accompanying you on walks.

Hey there, I’m Bella, your future BFF. I’ll snuggle on your lap, but bust out the toys, and my feisty energy is contagious. I like
to be the center of attention, though, so it’s best if I’m an only kitty.

Buckwheat here, and, as you can see, I’m one fine lookin’ dude. Come hang out with me, and you’ll also see I’m a sweetie who enjoys (in no particular order) playing, snuggling, exploring and long walks.

You can meet us at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, where we’re all available for adoption. 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily. 

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Using DNA to test your dog’s breed

Testing your dog’s DNA may sound intriguing, but there’s little to be gained in terms of medical treatment with these kits.

She’s such a delightful dog, and you were lucky to find her at the shelter that day. But what exactly is she? Her cheese-curl tail evokes a shiba inu. Those droopy ears are all spaniel. And only a schnauzer could have gifted her those magnificent eyebrows. Everyone who meets her spots another breed in the hodgepodge.

Thanks to the miracle of DNA testing, you don’t need to guess anymore. Or, at least, that’s the pitch. You can just buy these kits online. You swab around your dog’s mouth, drop it in the post and you’re sent a precise numerical breakdown of everything she is and isn’t. But is it true?

It may surprise you to hear that, yes, it is actually true. Or at least the basic science of it is. These tests work by screening for thousands of subtle genetic mutations (properly called single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) that are statistically prevalent in particular breeds. I should emphasize that these SNPs aren’t otherwise important. They are not genes, and they are not directly responsible for any of the traits that define a breed. They are merely markers—unique chance errors that popped up long ago when these breeds were forged by human selection, and they have persisted in those lines to this day. They don’t do a whole lot, but if you find one, you can say with confidence that one dog is descended from another.

The question isn’t whether the theory is sound, but whether it works in practice. And I’m afraid this is where things get murky. In my own experience, the results are inconsistent, ranging from “well that makes perfect sense” to “seriously?” And that renders it a bit pointless. If the results fit our expectations, we pat ourselves on the back for being as clever as geneticists. If they don’t, we exchange skeptical glances and ponder the wasted money.

It’s not that the tests are nonsense. They’re legitimate, but the technology is still young. As databases swell with discoveries of new SNPs, and as statistical models are accordingly updated, we’ll certainly see accuracy improve.

If we imagine a day in the future where these tests are more reliable, would there finally be a use for them? It’s still unclear. Does it really help to know that your dog is 6 percent shih tzu and 17 percent saluki? The manufacturers say yes, contending that every breed has its list of common problems, and that forewarned is forearmed. But remember that these tests aren’t looking for functioning genes, which limits their predictive value regarding specific genetic abnormalities. I’m simply not convinced that they yield information that couldn’t be gleaned from an old-fashioned eyeballing. If it kind of looks like a boxer, it’s probably part boxer.

That’s not to say that other kinds of genetic testing don’t have their place. For example, collies frequently carry a mutation in a gene called MDR1 that alters the way their bodies process certain drugs. This information may affect my choices in caring for that patient. But I can easily test for that specific mutation, so there’s no need to agonize over what percent collie the dog is.

For the time being, DNA breed testing is more of a novelty than a useful medical diagnostic. And that’s completely fine. There’s nothing wrong with having some fun with science, so long as people know what they’re buying. These kits can be interesting gifts for the mutt-lover in your life. But as a veterinarian, I expect it’ll be a long time before I start adding any of that information to my patients’ charts.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

You can meet us at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, where we’re all available for adoption. 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily  COURTESY Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA

Hi! I’m Callie and, first off, you should know that I can get along with anyone. In my former home, there was another cat, two dogs and a 5-year-old, so I’m very adaptable. I like eating and staying inside, but I’ll venture out on occasion.

I’m Diana Prince (aka Wonder Woman). Much like my namesake, I’m a whiz with a whip, er, leash and my intelligence and poise are my greatest assets. But I know how to have fun—fetch is my favorite—and be kind and gentle.

I’m Citrine. It’s not that I’m selfish (though I would prefer to be the only kitty in your home), it’s just that I don’t like sharing affection. I also suffer from FOMO, so I might temporarily have a hard time when you leave the house.

Hey, I’m Levi. I’m an 8-and-a-half-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound who loves walks, runs and protecting my person. I’m housebroken, can get along with cats and am okay when left home alone. But, really, I just want someone I can snuggle up to (don’t you?).

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Generation gap: Introducing puppies to older dogs

Older dogs need extra attention when a puppy joins the family. Taking time alone and being sensitive to physical activities can buffer the introduction of a high-energy companion.

My patient, a 12-year-old Labrador, is showing his age. Arthritis has settled into those old bones, and he’s not as active as he used to be. But he’s still a happy dog, living out his golden years in peace with a family that loves him. We’re just finishing up, but his owners have one more thing they want to discuss. For just a moment, I can swear I see the dog’s eyes widen in alarm. “We’re thinking of getting a puppy.”

Let’s face it. Puppies may be adorable, but they can also be incredibly annoying. Their default setting is a kind of joyful insanity. If you’re an old dog trying to steal a few minutes of quiet in a convenient sunbeam, the last thing you want is some deranged little furball gnawing on your ears and sitting on your head.

To be fair, some older dogs really thrive with the addition of a puppy. I’ve seen plenty that discover a renewed zeal for life, seeming to borrow surplus youth from a puppy blessed with more than it needs. And others seem to relish the chance to be a big sibling, providing the puppy with an older (and hopefully better-trained) role model.

But even the most patient dog will eventually crave a break from his protégé, and it’s important to respect that. Old dogs need the ability to walk away and be alone for a bit. Make sure there are dedicated puppy-free areas where they can go recharge in their own bed without worrying about interruption.

It’s not just about having some room of his own. Your old dog is going to need some of your time as well. It’s normal to want to spend every waking minute with a brand new puppy, but that’s hardly fair. If your dog is used to getting all the attention, this new ankle-biter can be a frustrating intrusion on a familiar schedule. Be sure to reserve some time to let your old dog know that some things haven’t changed, and he hasn’t been replaced.

When it is time to bring the two generations together, keep in mind that older dogs don’t have the same physical capabilities as puppies do. Younger pups may think nothing of a three-mile hike, but that might leave senior dogs dragging their feet before the halfway mark. Be creative with walking routes to ensure that each dog is getting the right amount of exercise for their age, setting up shorter loops at the start, and then dropping off the old man before the second leg of the journey.

Age also comes with a variety of aches and pains, which can add a challenging dynamic to an elderly dog’s relationship with a puppy. Even the most amiable dogs will get a bit grumpy if something hurts, and if the pup is pushing him beyond his physical limits, it could invite trouble. Keep a close eye on play sessions, and don’t hesitate to intervene if you see any snipping or growling. And make sure to talk to your veterinarian about steps you can take to reduce that kind of physical discomfort to begin with.

It is rewarding to see older dogs accept a new puppy into the family, but it’s important to take a moment to see things from their perspective, and to give them the time and space they need to continue enjoying the happy life you’ve given them so far.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

SPCA

You can meet us at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, where we’re all available for adoption. 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily  COURTESY Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA

Hi! I’m Amala, and while I came to the shelter as a wild cat, now I’m looking for a calm and understanding family to take me to my forever home. Because of my checkered past, I’m pretty shy around strangers, but I’m learning to love.

What’s up? I’m Riley, and I’d describe myself as a pretty laid-back dude. See, I had a few health problems when I first got to the shelter, but it’s given me perspective—I don’t sweat the small stuff. I’m cool with other dogs, too. Let’s hang out!

I’m Jody. I showed up in pretty rough shape, but I’m ready for a peaceful, quiet forever home where my new family will give me frequent brushings and feed me canned food (it’s the simple things). Let’s cuddle on the couch. Whaddya say?

My name might be Cher, but I’m nothing like my Clueless namesake. I love yummy treats (movie Cher frets about five peanut butter M&Ms); I love being outdoors (Cher prefers AC). There is one similarity: I love hanging out with my best (canine) friend, Tai.

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Pig-killing couple convicted of animal cruelty with no jail time

Pam Rivera photographed the pig July 3 when it was found wandering around her neighborhood near Proffit Road. Courtesy Pam Rivera

 

In a two-day trial that ran into the early-morning hours on April 22, a 12-person jury convicted a Fishersville duo of animal cruelty and maliciously killing a pig by stabbing it in the neck at least 31 times.

Aymarie Sutter, 27, was employed as a veterinary assistant at the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA on July 3 of last year when two Albemarle County patrol officers dropped off a pig they had received several calls about and eventually found wandering near Proffit Road. The SPCA does not take livestock, so as employees worried about what they would do with the swine, Sutter testified that she offered to take it to the home she shared with her fiance, Lee Oakes, 33, house it in their dog run overnight and take it to a butcher in the morning.

In a tearful testimony, Sutter told the jury that when Oakes arrived at the SPCA that evening, his intention was to hogtie the animal and haul it home on a tarp in the trunk of his car.

“Things didn’t go as he had planned,” said Bonnie Lepold, Oakes’ attorney, during her opening statement. The jury reviewed an SPCA surveillance video, which showed Oakes struggling to walk the pig in a dog harness outside the facility. There, he and Sutter forced the animal to the ground and tried binding all four of its legs with dog leashes while the pig thrashed and eventually bit Oakes through the boot. He then instructed Sutter to get his hunting knife out of his car, and he slaughtered the pig himself—just out of the video’s frame.

When the act was over and the pig was finally still, Sutter testified, “Lee closed his eyes and bowed his head, like I see him do over any animal life he takes.”

His own attorney called him a “terrible butcher,” but said when her client realized he would not be able to get the pig in the car alive, he killed it as quickly and humanely as he could. As a skilled deer and turkey hunter, she said he was not prepared for the thickness of the pig’s skin.

Prosecutor Amanda Galloway showed the jury pictures of the maimed animal lying lifeless with several gashes and cuts along its neckline. About 15 animal-lovers and animal sanctuary owners showed up in pig shirts, leggings and carrying pig purses—though they were forced to check the latter at the door. During the trial they audibly gasping for breath and sniffled when the bloodied images were shown. Some left the room.

Lepold and Alicia Milligan, who represented Sutter, argued that the pig was feral, “a nuisance animal” with “no real value” and belonging to no one.

Jose Zamora, a farmer on Mine Creek Trail, testified that he had bought a black pig at the Tractor Supply Company, and when the seller delivered it to him, a white pig also escaped out of the seller’s cage and ran into the woods on his property. The seller told Zamora to keep the white pig for free, though Zamora testified that he never wanted it. He would leave food out for the pig and saw it every day for more than four weeks until it went missing, he said. He identified the white pig as the one with 31 stab wounds to the neck.

Dr. Jaime Weisman, an expert in veterinary forensics training and a diagnostician at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Warrenton, conducted a necropsy—or an animal autopsy—on the pig and concluded that it bled out. She testified the pig probably suffered for 10 minutes before it died.

“It never even crossed my mind to call it anything other than domestic,” she said, noting that the pig she examined had thin hair and short tusks while feral pigs have thicker hair and longer tusks. A feral pig would never allow someone to get near it or pet it and it certainly wouldn’t walk on a leash like a dog, she said.

After the killing, Sutter testified that she and her fiance delivered the animal to Jim Vines, a meat processor and owner of Rolling Knoll Farm, who later took the stand and said he only agreed to receive the dead animal because he thought it was feral—its hair was rough, its teeth were rounded from chewing rocks and its nose was rough from rooting. He called it a “wilder pig” and said it takes virtually no time for a domesticated pig to transition to a feral one when out in the wild.

Staff photo.
Lorelei Pulliam, the executive director of Gallastar Equine Center in Afton, which has an animal sanctuary called Ranger’s Refuge. Staff photo

Outside of Albemarle County Circuit Court, Lorelei Pulliam, the executive director of Gallastar Equine Center in Afton, which has an animal sanctuary called Ranger’s Refuge, said “[The defense] is trying to characterize him as a nuisance species. He was a treasure.”

When the pig was captured by police, they testified that it was exhausted, hungry and frothing at the mouth. In Pulliam’s opinion, it was lost and looking for help. “Instead of getting that help, he was brutally butchered,” she said.

And reacting to an SPCA’s sobbing testimony—the only person present during the slaughter other than Oakes and Sutter—Pulliam noted the pig’s “horrible gurgling sounds at the end, as he took his last breath.” She called the testimony “one of the worst things I’ve ever heard in my life.”

It wasn’t until 1am Saturday that the jury indicated it had made a decision. The jury found them not guilty of stealing the pig, but convicted them of one felony count of killing livestock and a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty, each charge carrying a $500 fine and court costs—and no jail time.
Pulliam, who dubbed the pig Profit, commended the commonwealth’s attorney for prosecuting the case, and says the moniker only comes, in part, because the animal was found near Proffit Road. She also likes the name “because he has a lot to teach people and people have a lot to learn.”

Categories
Living

How to manage hot spots in dogs

Not only must you treat hot spots with ointment and medication, but you must keep your dog from licking and scratching at the skin. Courtesy photo

It definitely wasn’t there yesterday. She looked completely normal before bedtime, and now there’s an oozing 3″ sore over her left hip and she won’t let anybody near it. Some dog owners are all too familiar with this story, but if it’s your first time seeing a hot spot, it can be alarming. They appear with astonishing speed, and the nastier ones could easily lead you to think that something terrible is happening.

Ultimately, a hot spot is just a bacterial skin infection. In most cases, there isn’t anything particularly exotic about the bacteria involved—it’s the same staph bacteria that otherwise live peacefully on your dog’s skin every single day. So why are they suddenly staging a violent revolution?

Hate to say it, but it’s kind of your dog’s fault. You know how you aren’t supposed to pop pimples and pick at scabs because it just makes it worse? Hot spots are the result of dogs ignoring that age-old advice. Something drew your dog’s attention to the area, and she was a bit overzealous in responding. All that licking and scratching damaged the skin, giving those otherwise benign bacteria an opportunity to move in. They cause additional pain and irritation, triggering more intense licking and scratching—and more damage. It’s easy to see how this can spiral out of control in a hurry.

So what caused all that fuss to begin with? We don’t always know. If a dog comes in crawling with fleas, it’s easy enough to guess that they’re behind it. But there are dozens of other possibilities. Maybe a splinter burrowed into the skin or a burr got caught in the fur. In most cases, the skin is so badly damaged by the hot spot that any evidence of the inciting cause has been obliterated by the time I see it. But all it takes is some kind of annoyance to start the reaction, and the dog takes care of the rest.

Luckily, hot spots aren’t too hard to manage. The infection is suppressed with an antibiotic, while an anti-inflammatory is used to break the cycle of inflammation. In milder cases, these can be delivered topically in an ointment, but most will require oral medication. The area must also remain clean and dry. Often, this means shaving the fur away, especially in dogs with dense coats that tend to clump up over the hot spot.

It’s also imperative that affected dogs stop making things worse! If they keep tearing up the skin, no amount of medication is going to solve the problem. Sometimes, that means hauling out the old cone of shame. Bandages and wraps might seem like a good idea, but they tend to trap moisture and make these things fester.

Hot spots are hideous, but they’re common and generally easy to treat. Just make sure to get it taken care of quickly. If it can go from zero to nasty overnight, it’s not going to look any prettier tomorrow.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

Courtesy of the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA
Courtesy of the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA

You can meet us at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, where we’re all available for adoption. 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily  COURTESY Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA.

Bones is a very handsome, outgoing boy who isn’t shy about asking for a little lovin’. He’s playful and enjoys being around other kitties. His favorite pastime is eating, so with a few treats he’s sure to be glued to your side forever.

Chelsea is a cute, medium-sized ray of sunshine just waiting to brighten up your day! She’s a snuggly, sweet girl who loves to play and adores people. She didn’t have the easiest start in life but, even so, she’s one of the happiest dogs around.

Marco is a young adult with a lot of energy, but he also likes to snuggle up in his doggie bed. He used to live with another dog, but he gets overwhelmed in the shelter and needs a home of his own. Marco loves chasing and chewing tennis balls.

Like any queen, Cynthia loves hanging out at the top of her cat tree (aka her throne), where she can observe the world from
up high. She prefers to be the only kitty in the home, and is looking for a human companion to spend her days with.

Categories
Living

The woes of your pet’s separation anxiety

Dogs who are prone to separation anxiety may benefit from an owner’s change of habit.

I knew I was in trouble within days of adopting him. If I made it all the way to the car before the barking and screaming began, I was lucky. I’d return from grocery shopping to find cracked blinds hanging lopsided above splintered windowsills, and puddles of drool creeping across the floor. My return home was never a reunion. It was a rescue.

Separation anxiety is a nightmare, but shouldn’t come as a great surprise. Dogs evolved as pack animals, and aren’t naturally inclined to spend time alone. Packs don’t break up for the day just to reconvene in the evening. My dog wasn’t being a jerk when he redecorated my living room. He felt unsafe and exposed because he had been separated from his tiny pack and didn’t know what else to do.

Before you begin addressing separation anxiety, it is vitally important to understand this point. I hear so many people projecting spite and anger onto their pets. “He knew what he was doing,” they tell me. I say this as unequivocally as I can. “No, he did not.” Believing otherwise will only lead to a mutually resentful and unhealthy relationship.

The first step in solving this problem is the hardest one. Affected dogs are deeply attached to their owners and those bonds must be stretched. Instead of excitedly greeting them when returning home, be aloof for a while and pay them no attention until they settle down. Get them used to some physical separation by having them sleep in their own beds and keeping them off the couch. Make sure that every day includes some quality time together, but also that you are the one to initiate it.

It is necessary to teach dogs that (with apologies) you aren’t the center of the universe. If you have more people in your household, delegate tasks like feeding and walking to them instead. If you live alone (indeed, dogs that live with singles are more than twice as likely to develop separation anxiety), it may be wise to consider daycare once or twice a week. Try to make their pack bigger, not smaller.

Another important step is breaking down the cues that lead to anxiety. Dogs aren’t stupid. They pay careful attention to things that matter to them. They know your habits, and can use them to predict your next move. It’s time to start paying more attention to your own behavior and shuffling the signals. Put on your jacket, but go watch TV. Grab your car keys, but make breakfast. Step outside and lock the door, but come back moments later without making a big fuss. By severing these connections, we help reduce the hypervigilance that amps up their fears.

Sometimes, training efforts fall short and we need to consider medical support. There are numerous anti-anxiety drugs that can help, but these options need to be deployed with adequate understanding of their benefits and limitations. While some people scoff at the idea of dogs on Prozac, affected patients may be a danger to themselves and others. This is not boutique medicine—it is potentially life-saving. That said, these drugs are not magic bullets. They are intended only for use alongside dedicated training efforts, and will fail if used incorrectly.

Separation anxiety can feel like a hopeless curse, but with patience and understanding, most cases do improve. It’s not a quick fix, and it’ll be a choppy ride. But, speaking from personal experience, it has been rewarding to see my own dog gain confidence and poise over these years. Going through this together was a challenge, but we grew closer for sticking it out.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

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You can meet us at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, where we’re all available for adoption. 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily  COURTESY Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA

I’m Pumpkin, and, like a mysterious house on Halloween, I should be approached with some caution. Don’t misunderstand: I’m affectionate—but on my own terms. Once we’re acquainted, I’m sweet as pie and will wag my tiny tail at you as we cuddle on the couch together. 

I’m Bubba and I have just one question: Hoo’s ready to take me home? I’m a huge Cavs’ fan and am always in training in case they need a new small forward. I love running, going for walks, chewing on toys (and also lounging around). Bonus points: I’m housebroken.

My name is Rollo. Historically, Rollo was a Viking who became ruler of Normandy. I’m not looking for anything that dramatic. I just want a quiet home to chase feather toys, bat at your feet dangling off the edge of the bed and eat my favorite food: wet Fancy Feast.

Sarah Jessica Barker here. You’ll find me enthusiastically chewing on treats and toys (not shoes!) and taking long walks around the city. I like visiting with potential families, but, at the end of the day, I can’t help but wonder: Will I ever find a forever home?