Hello everyone:  We’ve been hoping things would improve enough to have the picnic this year.   I think we’re close enough now to safely give it a try.  Here’s some information for your planning purposes.   Much more to come as we progress.

Date:  15 August 2021

Time:  1:00pm, start lunch about 2:00 and usually finish up around 5:00.

We’ve got 2 acres totally fenced in to keep the dogs safe.  They can run and play as they like or you can leash them or place them in an X-pen, totally as meets your needs.  It’s casual, fun and we’ve got plenty of parking and play space for dogs and kids.  BBQ’d sandwich items, drinks and plastic/paperware will be furnished.  We’ll do all the cooking, so all you have to do is relax and have fun with family, friends, other OES owners and your pups.  We ask attendees to bring their favorite salad or dessert or just pick up something tasty at Safeway (which is 1/2 mile away if you forgot your item).   No alcohol please.   Sara and Katie Pyne will be here, playing great music throughout the event.    We’ll also try to pay homage to all the great rescue families that have helped out these past two years.

Based on todays standards, we only ask that everyone be FULLY VACCINATED.   Masks won’t be required for the outside event, but feel free to wear one if you wish.  We want everyone to feel safe.

We’ll be sending out more information and directions as we get closer to the date.  Please don’t be shy about asking questions, especially for the people that haven’t been here before.  It would also be helpful if you could respond with your yea's and nay’s so we can be sure of having enough food and supplies.  (also if you need non-meat alternative)

We normally provide hamburgers, bratwurst, salmon burgers and a no-meat burger, with all the fixings. . .

Don’t worry if your plans change at the last moment as we’ve all got to remain flexible.  Just let us know!

We plan to have a quantity of OES treasures looking for new homes. . .  No charge!

IF you wish to donate to OESROWS or to Clackamas Dog Foundation, both 501 c 3’s, you will receive a tax deduction receipt and grateful thanks from the us and the dogs helped.

Dennis asks that we do not bring items for Clackamas Dog Foundation this year.  Covid has reduced the number of dogs coming to shelter, and they go out to rescue organizations right away since the shelter closed to the public for the present.

Mark your calendars now and get ready for what has always been a fun time.

Dennis Bossen

(503) 658-3842

hotrod@hevanet.com

15400 SE 202nd Avenue, Damascus, OR 97089

Keeping your Dog Safe on the 4th

While July 4th celebrations can be tons of fun for us humans, the loud bangs and other fireworks noises can be downright terrifying for many dogs. Even dogs who don't suffer from thunderstorm phobia or other noise aversions can become stressed by all the hubbub and flashing lights in the sky.

Dogs may show anxiety or stress in a variety of different ways. Pay attention and learn to recognize these signs for what they may mean.

Signs of stress in dogs can include: panting, trembling, drooling, pacing, hiding, trying to escape, decreased appetite, potty accidents, dilated pupils or wide eyes, and whining or barking.

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help your dog through the fireworks and lessen their stress and anxiety. Let's look at things you can do ahead of time to prepare your dog, as well as things you can do on the actual day of July 4th to lessen their stress!

Planning Ahead for Your Dog's July Fourth

Speak with Your Veterinarian Early about Anxiety Medication and Supplements

There is a variety of medications and supplements that can help reduce your dog's stress and anxiety from fireworks, and your veterinarian (or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist) is the best person to help you determine which one, or ones, for your pets. Every pet and every situation is different. One medication that should never be used alone for fireworks noise anxiety is Acepromazine.
 

Reach out to your veterinarian as early as possible (ideally even a month in advance) before July 4th. Your dog's dosage could be different since the last time they took the medication, or they might have medical conditions that can affect what medications are likely to be the safest or work best. And if your pet hasn't been seen by your vet within the last 6–12 months, they'll need a recent exam to receive a prescription.

By planning ahead, you'll have time to give trial dosages to see how the medication affects your dog, and how long it takes to start working. Your veterinarian can also discuss what non-prescription options might work best for your dog, especially if they are unable to take prescription medication. There are quite a few options including pheromones (Adaptil has a pheromone diffuser, an on-the-go calming collar, or a pheromone spray), and anti-anxiety wraps like the Thundershirt.
 

Proactive Exposure Training — Noise Desensitization for Dogs

If you start ahead of time, you have a great opportunity to acclimate your dog to the sounds they'll hear on the 4th of July — from screeching bottle rockets to the deep booms of firework shells. This is "noise desensitization," and hopefully your dog was positively exposed to all different kinds of sounds during their critical socialization and imprint period. But all hope is not lost if they weren't — it's never too late to start!
 

Helping Your Dog Get Used to Fireworks

Follow the steps below to pair the sounds of fireworks with positive experiences and things — this will help your dog get used to the noise before the holiday. Try to do this as early as you can with your dog. You don't want to start this training on July 3rd, as habituation does take time.

You can find more recordings of firework sounds on our free Pupstanding App or Through a Dog’s Ear (available for streaming on Spotify or Apple Music).

Step One: Pay attention to when your dog is relaxed and happy. This is the best time to do noise desensitization training.

Step Two: Start playing the sounds of fireworks at a very low volume. I can't stress enough to start with a very low volume. You don't want to make your dog afraid of fireworks noises by starting with it too loud and startling them.
 

Step Three: Watch your dog carefully and lower the volume of the fireworks or turn it off if you notice any signs of fear, stress, or anxiety. To learn how to read dog body language so you can tell if your dog is fearful, stressed, or anxious, visit our Dog Body Language Resource List, or download the DogDecoder app on your smartphone.

Step Four: Do a variety of things with your dog while the sounds of the fireworks are playing in the background. Make sure you watch their body language for any signs of stress or bad reaction to the sound of fireworks.

• Have a fun training session using high-value treats.
• Play a fun game with them using their favorite toys.
• Feed them their breakfast or dinner.
• Give them a gentle massage or have a calm cuddle session.
• Anything your dog finds rewarding and positive!

Step Five: Do this for up to ten minutes at a time, a few times a day.

Step Six: As long as your dog is remaining relaxed and happy, you can gradually increase the volume of the fireworks. For example, in the first session, the volume is at 1; in the second session the volume may be raised to 3; in the third session the volume may be raised to 5, etc. Go at your dog's pace, and only as quickly as they're comfortable with.

Create a Safe Space for Your Dog

Your dog will feel more secure if they have a certain area that they know they can relax and is safe for them. For some dogs this might be their crate, for others, it might be a particular corner that they go to often to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Read more about how to set up a safe space for your dog in this article, but be aware of any modifications you might need to make for a loud holiday like the 4th of July, such as adding more noise-canceling materials, plugging in a pheromone diffuser nearby or adding a few pieces of clothing that smell like you, or playing white noise to help block the booming fireworks.

If you're creating a safe space for your dog especially for July 4th, introduce them to it a few weeks in advance so they can build a positive association with the area and get comfortable using it.

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June 13, 2021 — Freshpet Inc. of Secaucus, New Jersey, is recalling a single lot of Freshpet Dog Food due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria.

What’s Recalled?

The following defective dog food is being recalled:

• Freshpet Select Small Dog Bite Size Beef and Egg Recipe
• Package size: 1 pound bags
• Sell by date: 10/30/2021

Sell by date, along with UPC code and lot code, can be found on the bottom and back of each bag. Product images are posted below.

No other Freshpet products or lot codes are impacted by this recall.

What Caused the Recall?

Workers at Freshpet discovered a single lot of dog food that was contaminated with Salmonella bacteria… and had designated it for destruction.

However, the contaminated product was accidentally shipped to retailers in limited geographic markets between June 7 to June 10, 2021.

Where Was the Product Sold?

The recalled products may have been sold at: Publix in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. It was also distributed at limited Target locations in Arizona and Southern California.

Most of the product was intercepted at retailer distribution warehouses and not delivered to retail stores.

According to the company, “Freshpet has received no reports of illness, injury, or adverse reaction to date, and has issued this recall because of our deep commitment to the safety of our pet parents and their dogs.”

Membership is Due July 1

• If you joined the club between February 1st and June 30th of 2021, you do not need to pay.
• If dues have not been paid within 90 days of July 1st (which is October 1st ), your membership will be considered lapsed, 
  and you will need to reapply to the club.

OESCGS Membership Information

Please email Anne at OESCGSmembership@gmail.com for information on Membership