Pepper here. Sorry I haven’t been blogging much recently, but these land trust people have been keeping me really busy. In addition to greeting everyone who visits the Historic Dvoor Farm, and generally keeping an eye on all my people, my job description has a new responsibility – Pup
py Mentor. Now I know my people have told you that I don’t always play well with other dogs, but the truth is it just has to be the right dog for me to play with. Thankfully the land trust people got it right when they brought in my little protégé, Sherman. He is nice enough that I will even share my toys (and a smooch) with him.
In some ways Sherman and I are just alike, for example we both like to spend as much time outside as we can, maybe you do too. Unfortunately for those of us who like to be outside, ticks are a part of life here in Hunterdon County. Part of my role as Puppy Mentor is to make sure Sherman knows all about these annoying blood-suckers.
Deer Tick, Ixodes scapularis
There are several varieties of the tick here in New Jersey including the Deer Tick, Lone Star Tick and my personal nemesis, the American Dog Tick—can you guess what kind of host this tick is looking for? Geesh!
But all my human friends tell me not to panic and that being aware and prepared is the best defense against tick borne illnesses. The Hunterdon County Department of Health has some good advice on their website to protect yourself, like tucking your pants into your socks and 
wearing light colors when you go for a walk in the woods. 
After I take Sherman outside, my human friends check me for ticks, and I watch to make sure he gets checked too. I know that if we catch the ticks early enough it significantly decreases the chances of getting Lymes’ disease.
Turns out I am such a good Puppy Mentor that Sherman even got in on the act and re-checked me when we were done!
Don’t forget to check yourselves for ticks after playing outside, and if you are looking for places to play, you can find some great places on our website.
