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Summer Heat: Cars, Blacktop & Insulation
Summer heat means extra caution for our furry friends. The heat index, particularly here in south central Pennsylvania, requires that we think twice about everyday activities. Like taking our pups with us in the car. And taking a mid-afternoon walk. And even a trip to the groomer. Read on to learn best practices for dogs and dealing with summertime temperatures.
Cars and dogs don't mix during hot summer days. While it's fine to take your pup along for the ride, leaving your dog in the car, even for a quick stop, is unacceptable. Temperatures rise quickly in an enclosed space, even with the windows cracked. And that goes for days when the temperatures don't feel that warm. Did you know that the rule of thumb for finding the internal temperature of a car is to add
40 degrees to the outside temperature? That means that even a balmy 80 degrees will become a blistering 120 degrees in less than 15 minutes! Every year, dogs die as a result of being left in a parked car. It's an easy problem to fix: don't do it.
When we head out for a walk in the afternoon, chances are we aren't walking barefoot on the asphalt. If we were, we'd know how unbearably hot black pavement becomes on a summer day. While your dog's feet are meant to withstand normal wear and tear, the extreme heat can burn their feet. On a sunny, 90 degree day, the blacktop becomes a blistering 119 degrees in only 20 minutes! An easy fix is to alter your walking schedule, opting for an early morning or evening walk. And don't forget to have adequate water along, for both you and your dog.
Imagine removing all the insulation from your home in the summer, to keep your home cooler. Sounds crazy, right? The same is true for your dog. Their coats are designed to provide protective insulation winter and summer. Removing that insulation doesn't keep them cool; it opens your dog to a host of problems including sunburn and heat exhaustion. Leave their beautiful coats intact and exercise caution. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them.
Following a few simple rules during the dog days of summer will ensure that your pup is here and healthy to enjoy a fall frolic come September.
Enjoy your Summer!
Betsy
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Straight From the Nose:
Dilah's Love Letter
I was born in Kansas; that's what they told me. My first known accomplishment was to give birth to a litter of pups when I was only 8 months old. When it was time for my puppies to find forever homes, along came a person, and she picked ME! I was over-the-moon excited, and a little scared too.
I was worried. You could see it in my face. What if my new person wanted me to be more than I could be? I don't have a lot of self-confidence, but I wanted to please my person, so I decided to try. My Own Person. I love having My Person. I met Betsy Howell at Redfern for my first beginners' class. What a challenge for me to escape from under the chair at the first class! It was so hard, but I thought maybe I could trust these people. I crawled out and felt better about myself. My Person was very kind and patient. She wanted to work with me; she wanted me to be happy.
Betsy suggested a Nose Work class to improve my confidence. I have a nose, and I hoped it would send me in the right direction to find the hidden treat. We began with just one box termed the "dirty" box. No, it was not dirty, but always had a treat which smelled so good. More boxes and objects proved to be a challenge. I loved it when My Person said, "find it." I learned to search for treats on cars and more outside structures. Wow, these experiences sent my nose and brain to another level. I met many new dogs and their people. And you know what? No more hiding under a chair for me! My confidence has grown in leaps and bounds. I'm part of a human-dog team, and I love my life.
xo, Dilah (as dictated to Karen Hamill)
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And the Award Goes To...
Our Students!
Congratulations to the Redfern teams that have worked so hard together. We recognize the work and effort that goes into working together. Nicely done!
Canine Good Citizen
Ann-Louise Gilfoyle & Bridget
AKC Rally Novice
Tamalee Brassington & Meggie
C.L.A.S.S.--M.A
Tom Bates & Tucker Cheryl Daily & Bentley--with honors!
Karen Hamill & Dilah--with honors! Lori Potteiger & Gambit--with honors!
Tracy Sullivan & Olive--with honors!
STAR Puppy
Yvonne Crotty & Delilah Alyssa Guarneschelli & Millie
Kim Keller & Murphy Ashley Miller & Hope
Judy Nguyen & Mozart Natalie Potter & Katie
Bonnie Roberts & Kalli Lois Schwartz & Ella
Nicole Snyder & Stassi Kevin Zentmeyer & Coco
Kurt Zitsch & Rex
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Portia's Back!
I've missed you all terribly, but I've had my paws full
with the Golden Girls. Meet Rose, Blanche, Sophia & Dorothy. All four girls are thriving and I'm doing all those things a good mother does to get her girls ready for the world. Just like our human counterparts, we encourage creative play with siblings, and the chance to practice skills, like balance. Take a look at my lovelies on their balance board. I think they're doing very well!
Love, Portia
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CURRENT CLASS LISTINGS
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| Class Title |
Beginning Date/Time |
# Class Sessions |
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Introduction to Training Seminar
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7/21 (Sat) 3:00 pm
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1*
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Rally I
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7/23 (Mon) 6:30 pm
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6
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Rally II
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7/23 (Mon) 7:45 pm
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6
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C.L.A.S.S.--B.A.
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7/25 (Wed) 7:45 pm
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6
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Beginners Class
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7/26 (Thur) 6:15 pm
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7*
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Advanced Manners
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8/2 (Thur) 7:30 pm
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4(8/2, 8/9, 8/23, 8/30)
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Puppy Class
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8/4 (Sat) 9:00 am
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7*
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Introduction to NoseWork I
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8/7 (Tues) 6:30 pm
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6
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NoseWork - Exteriors
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8/7 (Tues) 7:45 pm
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4
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CGC - Therapy Dog Preparation
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8/8 (Wed) 6:30 pm
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5
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Beginners Class
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8/11 (Sat) 12:45 pm
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7*
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NoseWork - Buried
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8/25 (Sat) 10:15 am
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4
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NoseWork II/Introduction to Odor
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8/25 (Sat) 11:30 am
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4
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Introduction to Training Seminar
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9/8 (Sat) 2:00 pm
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1*
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Outdoor Adventures
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9/9 (Sun) 1:00 pm
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6
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K-9 Sampler
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9/9 (Sun) 2:30 pm
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5
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Puppy/Beginners Combined Class
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9/10 (Mon) 10:00 am
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7*
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| Advanced Manners Class |
9/10 (Mon) 11:15 am |
4(9/10,9/17,9/24,10/1)
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NoseWork - Vehicles
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9/10 (Mon) 6:30 pm |
6
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Rally I
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9/10 (Mon) 7:45 pm
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6
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CGC/Therapy Dog Preparation
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9/11 (Tue) 7:45 pm
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5
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Puppy Class
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9/13 (Thur) 6:00 pm
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7*
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Advanced Manners Class
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9/13 (Thur) 7:15 pm
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4(9/13,9/20,9/27,10/4)
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Introduction to Training Seminar
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9/16 (Sun) 4:00 pm
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1*
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Beginners Class
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9/19 (Wed) 6:30 pm
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7*
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Tricks Class
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9/19 (Wed) 7:45 pm
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4
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Introduction to Training Seminar
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10/2 (Tue) 7:00 pm |
1*
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IMPORTANT NOTE
All training classes denoted with an asterisk have a prerequisite of the
Introduction to Training Seminar. This seminar is designed for trainers only, no dogs are permitted. For additional class information, visit
www.redferncanines.com
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Stay
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Wake up; we have exciting news!
NEW DAYTIME CLASSES!
- Puppy/Beginner Class - Monday, Sept.10, 10:00 am
- Advanced Manners Class - Monday, Sept. 10, 11:15 am
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Need a Great Party Space? Look No Further.
Our Redfern Canine Center is available for party and meeting rentals. We have a perfect open space for musical chairs and games of tag. We also have an ADA restroom, lots of tables and chairs, and free parking. The center is conveniently located on Allentown Boulevard, with easy access to Route 81, and just minutes from Hershey, PA. Rentals start at $50 for two hours. Contact Betsy@redferncanines.com for further information.
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Tick Protection for You & Your Dog
Protect yourself and your dog with an all-natural tick repellent.
Blend: 1 T. witch hazel with 40 drops rose geranium oil and 1/3 cup distilled water in a small spray bottle. Shake well to blend and apply between your pup's shoulder blades and at the base of their tail. The blend is good for humans too!
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Want to learn more about integrating holistic veterinary medicine for your pup?
Redfern Canines invites you to join the Cavalier Fanciers of the Susquehanna Valley as they welcome Dr. Judy Morgan to their fall seminar on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
Dr. Morgan specializes in many areas, including nutrition, veterinary chiropractic care, food therapy, acupuncture, and vaccination protocols. The seminar is open to the public but pre-registrations are requested! Cost is $40 per person and should be received by Sept. 23, 2018. (Members of the Cavalier Fanciers Club will receive a $5 discount.) For more information or to register for the seminar, contact Melissa MacMullin at (717) 525-0063 or melispaint@aol.com. |
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