Host Gloucester Catholic edged Royal Division champ Williamstown, 39-38, as Mike Calzonetti (15) hit a critical foul shot with 10 seconds left.

Buoyed by a 20-9 first quarter and Dontae Johnson\’s 23 points, Overbrook toppled host Pennsville, 68-57. The Eagles\’ Ryan Karr posted 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Colonial. Junior A. J. Greenwald reached the 1,000-point milestone for his career at West Deptford, finishing a 53-41 win at Haddon Township with 19 points in the game and 1,013 for his career. The Eagles\’ Charlie McShane (27) poured in seven three-pointers.

Paulsboro got a fast start with a 26-14 first quarter, and followed Daryus Quarles\’ 26-point effort to a 72-60 win at Haddonfield.

Audubon claimed a 70-54 win over visiting Gateway with Brandon Hill\’s 21 points and 11 rebounds, and T.J. Tassi\’s 20 points and six assists.

It\’s always a nice feeling to have your dog greet you at the door, but some dogs can be a bit excessive about it. Greeting you this way upon your return home is one common separation anxiety symptom. Simply put, separation anxiety is the fear of being left alone. If your dog has it, he is not alone. Animal behaviorists estimate that 10 to 15 percent of dogs exhibit symptoms of separation anxiety, which include:

Digging, chewing or scratching at doors or windows in an attempt to escape or reunite with you.

• Howling, barking and crying in an attempt to get you to return.
• Urination and defecation—even with house-trained dogs—as a result of distress.
• Destroying household objects.
• Clinginess or remaining close to you, even following you from room to room, while you\’re home.

Punishing a dog for separation anxiety behaviors will not solve the problem. You should understand your dog is not doing it intentionally; he is distressed and anxious because you are not there. This anxiety and nervous energy causes him to act out.

What Causes Separation Anxiety?

No one knows exactly. However, certain factors and triggers are common among separation anxiety cases. They include:

• A change in schedule that requires the pet to be left alone for longer periods of time than normal.
• Living in multiple homes or being abandoned by previous owners makes dogs susceptible to separation anxiety.

Ways To Treat It

Here are some commonly recommended ways to treat separation anxiety:

• Place the dog in a smaller space, such as a crate, where he can feel secure when you leave. However, if the dog panics when crated, do not force him in.
• Leave your dog an article of clothing that smells like you, such as an old T-shirt that you recently slept in.
• Teach your dog as many commands as possible, especially \”sit,\” \”relax\” and \”stay.\” The point of teaching anxious dogs to relax is to give them confidence. Do the exercise in all the rooms of the house and in the yard. Give praise and treats liberally.

Finally, do not make a big production out of your departures.

Dogs must be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurological and skin side effects may occur.