Green Acres Kennel

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9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Integrative Veterinary Medicine: Using Conventional and Complementary Therapies Together – Dr. Mark Hanks

Our western medical establishment does not always accept alternative therapies. In the west, we put Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Bach Flower Remedies, Homeopathy and other healing techniques into the fringe category, considered non-traditional with varying degrees of acceptance by veterinarians. This lecture will explore those things we lump together as alternative, and review some local practitioners that have training in a variety of techniques.

Dr. Hanks has been a veterinarian for 27 years, 24 of them in the greater Bangor Area. He owns Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic in Orrington and loves the practice of veterinary medicine. Although holistic in his approach, he believes that extreme opinions on either side are often misrepresented.  The resources we have at this time in history are huge, sometimes overwhelming. Come explore what the Buddha called The Middle Way with Dr. Hanks.

Links Between Diet & Behavior – Bette Schubert

In this Session, BRAVO! founder Bette Schubert discusses the links between diet and behavior. She will explain how the relationship between the two can help make vast improvements in the quality of life for your pet.

Bette Schubert is the co-founder and senior vice president of sales, new product development and education for Bravo! Pet Foods, a company she helped form in 2002. She has been a dog trainer for more than 15 years and owns, breeds and trains champion Golden Retrievers.  Quality, simplicity and choice are at the heart of every Bravo! product.

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Pet Behavior as an Essential Component to Holistic Wellness – Don Hanson

According to data published by the American Animal Hospital Association in the summer of 2015, “More dogs and cats are affected by behavioral problems than any other condition, often resulting in euthanasia, relinquishment of the patient, or chronic suffering.” In this presentation, I will discuss some of the probable causes for behavior issues in pets, including the many misunderstanding’s pet professionals and pet parents have about their pet’s behavior. I will offer suggestions on how you can prevent and alleviate behavioral issues in both dogs and cats.

Don Hanson is the co-owner of The Green Acres Kennel Shop and is a certified cat and dog behavior consultant (ACCBC & CDBD), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner (BFRAP). He is also the producer and co-host of a weekly radio, The Woof Meow Show, and writes a monthly column, Words, Woofs and Meows for the Downeast Dog News. He also writes on a regular basis for his blog at www.words-woofs-meows.com. Committed to continuing education, Don attends a variety of conferences and seminars every year. He has also presented seminars on pet behavior, dog training, pet nutrition and Bach Flower Remedies in Canada, the Caribbean, Japan, and throughout the US.

Physical Therapy for Pets: The fountain of youth for aging pets and a critical modality in post operative care and injury recovery – Dr. Dave Cloutier

Physical therapy for pets, officially known as animal rehabilitation, is an often overlooked but effective adjunct to injury recovery and postoperative return to function. Similar to humans our pets need assistance in returning to full range of motion and strength following injury or surgery. More than expensive equipment, the assistance of a well trained Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner or CCRP is the key to animal rehabilitation. The CCRP knows how to utilize not only equipment but exercises to safely stretch stiff joints and strengthen muscles helping to facilitate healing. Aging pets who have become weak and stiff can benefit from therapy to regain function. We will discuss different modalities and the benefits of each to your pet.

Dr. David Cloutier is a graduate of the University of Maine pre-veterinary program and the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. In nearly 25 years as a Veterinarian at the Veazie Veterinary Clinic he has developed a passion for providing the best possible experience to clients and their pets. He believes it is important to listen and understand the concerns of the owner first, then take the time to make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment with kindness. Dr. Cloutier has an interest in cardiology and surgery, particularly orthopedic and thoracic surgery as well as working with nervous dogs in a way that is calming and non threatening to them.

12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Power of Healing Touch and Presence: Reiki for Pets – Brenda Bywater

Touch and presence is healing to both animals and people. Reiki is a healing art that can be received from a certified practitioner or practiced yourself at home. Reiki is sharing healing energy by intention through hands placed lightly on or near the body. Animals are even more receptive to touch and presence by instinct, but are trickier to get consent from; and they choose time, position, and duration at whim. (i.e., hard to schedule a session and get cooperation sometimes!) Hear about the benefits of Reiki for animals, how to equip yourself to support your pets healing, and why professional reiki may be appropriate for you loved furry one. P.S. The animals are often gifted healers themselves, but already knew that.

Brenda Bywater, M.Div, J.D.-Brenda is an interfaith spiritual director/counselor and reiki master. Her practice is based at the Green Gem Holistic Healing Oasis, and she is available in the community as well. Brenda has practiced Reiki since 2013, and spiritual direction/counseling with groups, individuals, and organizations for 20 years.

Taking the Mystery Out of Treating Arthritis in Dogs and Cats – Dr. Dave Cloutier

Osteoarthritis is painful and has a significant impact on the quality of life of our pets. It is our responsibility to alleviate the pain and associated dysfunction, at the same time we do not want to do harm to other body systems. Effective treatment begins with an assessment of the patient and an accurate diagnosis. The treatment of arthritis is best achieved using multiple modalities including; supplements, diet, exercise, rehabilitation and when needed, medications. We will do our best to present all treatment modalities and the current evidence for their effectiveness.

Dr. David Cloutier is a graduate of the University of Maine pre-veterinary program and the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine. In nearly 25 years as a Veterinarian at the Veazie Veterinary Clinic he has developed a passion for providing the best possible experience to clients and their pets. He believes it is important to listen and understand the concerns of the owner first, then take the time to make an accurate diagnosis and provide treatment with kindness. Dr. Cloutier has an interest in cardiology and surgery, particularly orthopedic and thoracic surgery as well as working with nervous dogs in a way that is calming and non threatening to them.

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Canine Body Language for Beginners – Kate Dutra

The goal of this seminar is to help you to improve your communications with your dog. We will introduce the basics of canine body language, look at how human body language can impact dogs and briefly explore interactions in multi-dog households.

Kate Dutra has been a manager and professional dog trainer at Green Acres Kennel Shop since 1992. Her extensive knowledge of animal behavior, especially body language and group play, has helped many clients and dogs in the community. Kate has presented several seminars on canine body language in Maine. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a member of the Pet Professionals Guild, and co-host of The Woof Meow Show, heard on WZON AM620 every Saturday at 9 AM.

Tellington TTouch and Essential Oils for Companion Animals – Cher Lord and Deb Burke

Participants will gain a basic understanding of Tellington TTouch , a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. This method based on cooperation and respect offers a positive approach to training, can improve performance and health and presents solutions to common behavioral and physical problems. Also, get an introduction to essential oils for your pets and how oils can work in conjunction with TTouch.

Cher is a Guild Certified TTouch Practitioner (2001) and Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist. She has an extensive background as a zookeeper, horse trainer and wildlife rehabber. Her work as a Psychiatric Technician has helped with understanding animal behavior. She volunteers with Avian Haven and works with feral cats through cat rescues. She and her husband have 8 cats, a mouse, 2 chickens and a 24 year old goose.

Deb has always had a deep compassion for animals and children. She is in her 29th year as a k-5 educator having worked as a teacher of special needs students, classroom teacher, and elementary librarian. She is currently assisting people and animals to integrate healing, balance, and well-being through the power of TTouch, Reiki, and the use of essential oils. She lives together with her husband, 2 cats, 4 dogs, goats, sheep, chickens, and rabbits on GoTees Farm in Dresden, Maine. kidzandkritters.com

3:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Cooking for Your Pet – Dr. Mark Hanks

The concept of kibble and pre-formulated food for pets is a relatively new one in the history of dogs and cats. We will explore the basics of nutrition: calories, processing, vitamins/minerals, raw vs cooked. Dr. Hanks will give you resources to make your own pet food and still give balanced nutrition to your pet. You can use the concepts to make an occasional homemade meal for your pet or use it to provide complete nutrition and avoid processed food altogether. 

Dr. Hanks has been a veterinarian for 27 years, 24 of them in the greater Bangor Area. He owns Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic in Orrington and loves the practice of veterinary medicine. Although holistic in his approach, he believes that extreme opinions on either side are often misrepresented.  The resources we have at this time in history are huge, sometimes overwhelming. Come explore what the Buddha called The Middle Way with Dr. Hanks.

Sports Massage For Man’s Best Friend – Jo-Ann Wilson

Does your dog.......... Chase balls, jump, twist in the air or rough house?, Practice agility or other sports?, Work as a hunting dog?, Pull on his collar or leash?, Is elderly and losing flexibility and the ease of motion? If you answer YES to any of the above, chances are your dog may have tight muscles in his neck, and or body preventing him from being flexible and free to move easily. This presentation will address; 1. Introduction to Sports Massage and its history and uses, 2. What is muscle tightness and how does it create resistance to performance, endurance, balance and general well-being in the dog, 3. Causes of muscle tightness, 4. How to prevent muscle tightness and restore freedom of movement, 5. How to differentiate simple muscle tightness from exercise with a deeper structural problem.

Jo-Ann Wilson, M.Ed., is the Director of Wilson Meagher Sports Therapy® and is a world-renowned clinician, author, teacher, researcher, as well as a nationally certified and licensed massage therapist. She is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Jo-Ann works with people, horse and canines.

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