(Photo by Rose Caiazzo)

MEET:
Cat & Shadow

GOOD DEED:
As we enter into Jackson Hole’s “dog days” of summer, please remember the temperature inside a parked car can climb to over 100º degrees in just a matter of minutes. We met Cat and Shadow at the Bank of Jackson Hole, where she could bring her furry friend inside (most banks are dog-friendly). Beating the heat can be extra tough for Shadow because dogs can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads. Heatstroke can come on quickly, so watch for rapid heartbeat, lack of appetite, dark tongue, or vomiting. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, move them to the shade immediately and call your veterinarian. Contact the town & county switchboard at 733.2331 if you see a dog in distress. If the locations you visit throughout the day are not dog-friendly, it’s best to leave your pet at home. Thanks Cat for being a responsible dog owner!

MEET:
Garth, Chester & Kate

AGES & BREEDS:
8 year-old Chester is part Labrador, Husky and Shar-Pei
11 year-old Kate is half Rottweiler and half Border Collie

OWNERS:
Garth and Corie

GOOD DEED:
We met up with Garth, Chester and Kate on a walk up Cache Creek. A few summers ago, Garth and his fiancée, Corie, were hiking up by the Hagen trail with the dogs when an emergency occurred. As Chester bounded through the woods, his chest cavity was cut very deeply – most likely from a sharp fallen branch. Garth and Corie remembered to stay calm, avoiding panic and fear while helping their dog. They immediately wrapped a t-shirt around him to protect the gash, and took turns carrying the 60 pound dog back to the trailhead. A mountain biker stopped to help, and they were able to get Chester to the vet in time. Garth and Corie now carry a doggie emergency kit on all hikes! Jackson offers 24 hour emergency pet care – just phone your vet and the answering service will contact the doctor on duty. Thanks Garth and Corie for being responsible pet owners!

MEET:
Alan, Malik & Oude

NAME:
Malik

AGE & BREED:
4 year old German Shepherd

OWNERS:
Alan & Oude

GOOD DEED:
We found this active family group skiing the trails of Game Creek. The Game Creek drainage is appropriately named because it’s home to many elk, deer and moose – which is why the Forest Service established a dog leash requirement on the first 1.2 miles of trail. Malik doesn’t mind the leash and Alan and Oude know that dogs are perceived as predators to wintering wildlife and pet control is critical to protecting them. Please don’t ruin it for the many! The Forest Service could easily prohibit dogs in the drainage and cease grooming operations. Since the winter leash requirement went into effect, 14 citations and 7 warnings have been issued. Thank you Alan and Oude for being responsible pet owners!

MEET:
Kerry & Jessie

NAME, AGE & BREED:
Jessie is an 8 year old purebred Beagle

OWNER:
Kerry

GOOD DEED:
We found Kerry skiing the packed trails of Cashe Creek with her furry friend Jessie in tow. Kerry knows that skiing with your pup is a very high impact activity and leads to fatigue quickly. She brings plenty of water and is sure to rest often to give Jessie time to recover. Every winter, our vets see an increase in ACL injuries from dogs bounding through deep snow and torn Achilles tendons from leaping in front of skis. So, please be careful and aware that this type of constant activity can lead to long-term effects like arthritis. Thanks Kerry for being a responsible pet owner!

MEET:
E.K. & Riley

NAME:
Riley

AGE & BREED:
5 year old “Labradoodle”
Which is half Labrador Retriever & half Poodle

OWNER:
E.K.

GOOD DEED:
E.K. knows that licensing your pet in Teton County is a great idea – that’s why Riley always wears his tags. By doing this, reuniting will be super easy if E.K. and Riley somehow get separated! It only costs $1 if your dog is spayed or neutered and $5 if your furry friend is intact. The town registration building or any veterinary office will do the licensing for you. Remember, if a pooch is found without tags, it is considered a stray and is property of Teton County. Thanks E.K. for being a responsible dog owner!

MEET:
Lynne & Frannie

NAME:
Frannie

AGE & BREED:
5 month-old Miniature Dachshund

OWNER:
Lynne

GOOD DEED:
Lynne and Frannie were just about to step outside for a short walk, but not before Lynne put a sweater on her extra small fur baby. With the cold weather quickly approaching, sweaters, booties and waterproof gear can be necessary at times for dogs living in Jackson Hole. It’s not just about fashion! Lynne knows that tiny toys like Frannie need warm clothing more regularly, whereas her larger dogs may need a warm coat when outdoors for longer periods of time. And remember, no matter how much clothing they wear – please don’t leave your dog alone in a vehicle (it can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold). Thanks Frannie for being a responsible dog owner!

MEET:
Jon, Rosie & Gunner

NAMES:
Rosie & Gunner

AGES & BREEDS:
Rosie is a 4 year old Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Gunner is a 4 year old German Wire Hair Pointer

OWNER:
Jon

GOOD DEED:
We found Jon and his two furry friends recreating on the mountain. Rosie and Gunner were having a great time rolling around in the powdery snow together! Although Rosie and Gunner are great buddies, Jon knows that when other dogs come to play – watching the initial investigating behavior is important. Canines are social animals and normally enjoy the company of other pups, however, confrontations can occur when dogs of equal dominance status meet or when introduced on the home turf of another pooch. Thanks Jon for being a responsible dog owner!

MEET:
Sue & Willow

NAME:
Willow

AGE & BREED:
One & a Half Year Old Flat Coat Retriever

OWNER:
Sue

GOOD DEED:
We found Sue & Willow decorating for the holidays! Sue knows to be extra careful about what she chooses to decorate her home and business with. Like any pup, Willow likes to investigate anything and everything, so Sue knows what plants and decorations to steer clear of. Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly berries and potpourri are poisonous, while pet owners should also avoid the dangers of tinsel, garland and fake spray-on snow. Be sure to secure Christmas trees and electrical cords from mischievous pets and place glass ornaments higher up on the tree. Thanks Sue for being a responsible pet owner! ASPCA’s Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435.

MEET:
Paul, Bonnie, Chance & Alley

NAMES:
Chance & Alley

AGE & BREED:
Chance is a 9 year-old Australian Shepherd mix
Alley is a 9 year-old Border Collie mix

OWNERS:
Paul & Bonnie

GOOD DEED:
We found Paul and Bonnie with their dogs Chance and Alley taking a leisurely walk on a Cache Creek trail. Knowing that it’s fall in the Tetons and animals are on the move, Bonnie and Paul know to be extra careful of the wildlife they encounter this time of year. Trained as puppies to learn certain voice commands, Chance and Alley are great walking off-leash together. And when mom and dad say something, these furry friends listen! Please be alert when out and about in Jackson’s more secluded areas, and don’t let your dogs harass or chase wildlife by keeping them leashed or under voice control. Thanks Paul and Bonnie for being responsible pet owners!

MEET:
Taylor & Teddy Bear

NAME:
Theodore Roosevelt (Teddy Bear)

BREED:
Part Maltese & part Yorkshire Terrier

OWNER:
Taylor

GOOD DEED:
We found Taylor buying some yummy doggie treats for seven-month old Teddy Bear. Good nutrition is important for your pet’s energy level, and Taylor knows that Teddy Bear’s health depends on what she buys him to eat. Canines need a balanced diet for optimum health – that’s why Taylor feeds him dog food and not table scraps. And remember… chocolate is toxic for dogs! So when our favorite candy holiday (Halloween) rolls around next week, be sure to keep trick or treat sweets out of their reach and offer your furry friends their own canine delights. Thanks Taylor for being a responsible dog owner!