Sherry’s Corner

Pet Food Recall, AKC Plan to Reorganize Groups, and Aging Pets and Owners

Presidential Quote:  “Study hard and you might grow up to be President.  But, let=s face it.  Even then, you=ll never make as much money as your dog.@  George H Bush (1992, after learning Millie had made nearly a million dollars in book royalties.)

Dog Speak: Did you ever wonder how dogs bark in other countries?  There is a glossary that explains their language.  In Denmark dogs say Avuf-vuf@; in Iran, it’s Ahauv-hauv@; Italian dogs, on the other hand, say Abau-bau@.  The far eastern dogs seem to have the most unusual sounds.  Indonesian dogs say Agong-gong@; in Taiwan, it’s Awang-wang@; and in Thailand–@hong-hong@. 

Pedigree Food Recall: The recent Pedigree food recall reminds us that Mars is a part of Nestle and Nestle is a part of Purina!  It gets complicated.  Also, the foods affected are sold under so many names.  Ol Roy is affected and is a Walmart brand and Wegman=s will be emptying its shelves of the Bruiser brand!  The plant was in Everson, Pennsylvania, so we can=t blame the Chinese.  And, the problem was salmonella, which can affect pets and people–so this is more serious than increasing protein levels with suspicious labeling.  Did you know the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has a free e-mail service that will alert you promptly on recalls and dangers?  The subscription service has many categories and as a new subscriber I will keep you posted on what this means so that perhaps readers would like to also join the subscription list.  Apparently the UPC code reveals where the food was produced.  PAE means Everson, Pennsylvania.  Of course I checked all the treats made by Pedigree, too.

AKC-Proposed Revision of Dog Groupings: The AKC is proposing a revision in dog groupings, which will affect conformation events, among other things.  Instead of 6 groups there will be 10.  The Sporting Group will be divided into Group 1 with Setters and Pointers and Group 2 with Retrievers and Spaniels.  (The Irish Red and White Setter gains full recognition in 2009. ) The Hound Group is also divided into two groups–Scent and Sight Hounds.  The Working Group remains the same but gains the Leonburger and Cane Corso.  Terriers are Group 6 and Group 7 is the Toy Group.  Group 8 is titled  ACompanion@ and consists of Bichons, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Chinese Crested,  French Bulldogs, Lhasas, the Lowchen and the Miniature and Standard Poodle, as well as both the Tibetan Spaniel and Terrier.  Group 9 is the Herding Group and the new Group 10 is called ANorthern Breeds@.  In the 10^th group are the Akita, Malamute, Eskimo, Shar-Pei, Chow, Spitz, Keeshond, Elkhound, Samoyed, Husky, Schipperke and Shiba Inu.  The Board of Directors is due to vote on the proposal in October and the delegates get to voice their approval or disapproval next year.  Since researchers are finding that there are breed-specific dangerous drugs, categorizing dogs into groups must be done cautiously.  For example, the last study I read discussed dangerous drug effects in Aherding dogs@. The long-haired Whippet was included with Old English Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds.  But is a herding a dog a dog bred for the purpose of herding or is it one the AKC decides belongs in the herding dog group for purposes of conformation judging?  Should dogs be grouped along drug sensitivity breed lines or by other criteria?  Is safe convenient?

Seniors and Their Dogs: It seems like only yesterday thatI watched a dog with greying muzzle, portly and slow of gait, enter the veterinary hospital where I take my pets.  The owner would be on the other end of the leash, of course, and usually grey-haired, moving slowly and perhaps even a bit portly too.  The veterinarian (now retired) would joke, ABring your owner into the hospital, Spot@.  Today I am one of those Apet/people portly dog couples@ as both Cagney and I move slowly.  According to the new president of the Dog Writers Association of America, Carmen Battaglia, our number will increase from one in eight to one in four in the next twenty years.  Battaglia is concerned and wants dogdom to work now to meet the need of seniors in learning about the issues that affect us. 

Nutrition and Pet Food News, and How to Challenge a Too-Bright Spaniel

Rachel Ray uses the word “NUTRISH” often on her TV program. How does Nutrish translate into dog food? Samples of ANutrish,” her new food for dogs, are available currently at Giant for 69 cents in a one-serving medium-size-dog-size. I chose the chicken and vegetables for my test panel of Springer Spaniels. Let us say, it was not a Apaws up and lick the bowl for more@ but neither was it a Anose down and turn the back@. The ingredients look good in print–especially Areal chicken and dried peas, carrots and tomatoes@. I think we will add a few packages to our evacuation supplies, especially since it is good until 6/09 and part of the price is contributed to Rachel=s Rescue. Now if we can just persuade her to put the samples in bowl-shaped containers.

A veterinarian recently recommended that pet owners consult with their pet=s veterinarian before feeding a weight-reducing diet. He noted that dogs with conditions such as hypothyroidism , chronic arthritis, liver failure, etc. , may appear to be overweight and suffer unnecessarily when owners put them on an over-the-counter weight management diet. He also noted that many cats considered overweight could be suffering from diabetes. Health claims by these foods could encourage pet owners to make their own diagnosis. And, he further noted that all pet food labels should urge pet owners to consult with a veterinarian before feeding. I would go one step further and state ethat from personal experience I have found many of the labels as well as even the names of pet food to be misleading and even false. And, I would discount most TV pet food commercials. A recent issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association further explores this theme by investigating prescription diets, exercise and drugs for the management of obese and overweight pets. It is important to remember that none of these solutions for slenderizing a fat Fido or Fluffy has been scientifically proven. But, obesity remains the most popular disease on the advertising radar for pets and people. Interestingly enough, the commentary concluded that weight loss exercise in conjunction with diet was most often to be effective if dog and owner exercise together.

Heppy is easily bored and always in search of a challenge. Thus I found that a trick my former Sunday School teacher used with her son is now one of my answers to this perpetual need. Mrs Randall used to make up great stories about her son=s toy elves. Then when her son was asleep she would hide the toy elves around the house. Each morning he would search for them as part of an ongoing tale–probably a pre-TV reality children=s drama. At the moment Heppy=s favorite toy is an AKC sheep that has lost his baah. (No. Not a Biblical parable!) When she isn=t looking I hide the sheep. She has such fun searching for the wayward toy and is so proud when she finds it and parades it by me. Such is the craziness in my home each day. Oh yes, Mrs Randall=s son grew up to be a famous California artist. I have no such aspirations for Heppy. (My pet sitter [a man] told me that if Heppy were a girl he would hate to date her! I haven=t spoken to Heppy about this either–that would be taking humanism too far.)

Will Population Changes Affect Pet Ownership? And Sad News

If you have seen the latest population headline on minorities in America you must wonder–as I have–how this will impact dogs. Canine performance competition seems to be dominated by white owners, judges, and ring stewards.  The veterinary profession is already wondering how this trend will affect animal welfare and care.  By 2042, white dog owners will be in the minority if ownership follows the general population–but will it?  And, what will be the influence of other nationalities and cultures on our best friends?  Our foremost and most popular dog trainer is Mexican and he certainly has exerted a powerful and strong influence on dogs, especially with regard to the concept of “pack@–currently a topic of debate by many behaviorists and trainers.  Another trainer, not as well known, is Terry Ryan.  She introduced the Canine Good Citizen to Japan where it has become a great success.  Ryan rose to fame during the early days of the Delta Society as a dog trainer who pioneered in training using games.  Today she introduces us to trainers like Turid Rukgaas through Legacy by Mail.  If you haven=t checked out Legacy you should!   

      GROOM EXPO is in Hershey September 10-14, at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.  They advertise exciting seminars on grooming, boarding, pet day care, animal behavior, training, retailing and mobile grooming.  The grooming demonstrations feature contestants from Animal Planet (there is a wide diversity of nationalities in this occupation).  Events that caught my eye were the Saturday evening ADancing with the Dog Stars@, the puppy playground and AGrooming Golden Retrievers the Malaysian Way@by Gan Wee Yet.  Grooming can be a dangerous profession and some of our best dog trainers/handlers  began as groomers.    

      Another conference of interest is the Federated Humane Society of Pennsylvania conference on October 16-17 in Reading.  The keynote speaker is Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)–you saw him on Oprah during the puppy mill programs.  Already there is an uproar about the choice.  Many claim the president of a group that advocates population control through killing animals and mandatory spay/neutering should not be addressing a humane organization.  (It is said that HSUS only funds kill shelters.)  The President of Federated is Anne Irwin, a down-to-earth, no-nonsense lady.  She introduced the concept of mandatory fire safety in kennels which now has been incorporated into our dog law proposal. The delegate many of you have met is Julian Prager.  Prager seems to have a balanced view of canine legislation issues and is probably most knowledgeable of all dog lovers.  He has spoken before many local groups and is often visible in the bulldog ring at dog shows.

      I once had the privilege of attending a Federated Humane Society conference held in Scranton.  I went with a member of the Geisinger Medical Center administration.  He was concerned with what was being proposed to prevent dog bites since the victim population is composed mainly of toddlers.  It was in the Ano smoking@ days and I remember him going from table to table and removing the ash trays!  He told me he was going in order to see what Acrazy animal rights dog people looked like@.  What did he see?  The keynote speaker that year wore a simple flowered house dress and lots and lots of diamonds.   

      By the time this is published Connie Cuff will already be in the Daily Item as the first dog trainer to answer a question.  The question came from Robin Montgomery.  Please feel free to send in questions and, if you are a trainer volunteer, to answer questions.  I have two other very respected and accomplished trainers on the panel and can always use more.  Your question, your answer, may help a dog , a dog owner. 

      As some of you know we have lost another outstanding dog person–Terry Slaybaugh is now mushing in heaven with his beloved Siberian Huskies.  Survivors include his wife Doreen, who has promised to return to stewarding, and their Shiba Inu–Doreen calls the breed a Asmall Aikta@.

Updates on Pet Nutrition and Health, and the PA Dog Law

A special report in the most recent Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association examined the factors governing household expenditures for pets. Discounting the poor economy, which admittedly is hard to do, the most caring pet homes are those where the head is married rather than single. In these households, a greater proportion of the family budget is spent on pet care–so shelters and breeders should seek households where the head is married. Owning a home is also a plus. Further, pet expenditures seem to peak when the family size is four.

The BLUE DOG parent guide and CD are now available through the AVMA. This set is probably the most exciting and important advance in dog bite prevention education. The program is targeted to children ages 3 to 6 years of age. I liked it for its emphasis on the topic of toys and their role in dog bites, and also for offering the “ladder of aggression”. Veterinary practices, human healthcare practices, schools and canine rescue centers can all contribute to the safety of the community and the welfare of dogs by promoting, purchasing and distributing copies. The cost is $8. FFI 800-248-2862, extension 6656 or visit www.avma.org/bluedog.

HELP WITH A DOG PARK is available through the AKC. The AKC Government Relations department offers “Establishing a Dog Park in Your Community” in a step-by-step guide for creating and maintaining an off-leash dog park, including a list of suggested rules and regulations for park-goers. It is available online at www.akc.org/canine-legislation/dogpark.cfm. You may also order copies by calling the AKC Order Desk at 919-233-9767 or by sending an email to orderdesk@akc.org.

According to the Legislative Report from Julian Prager (Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs), significant amendments were made to the dog law proposal in the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee BEFORE THE BILL WENT TO THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. It was voted down by committee members and so never saw action. Would passage have prevented the death of the 80 dogs in two kennels? Many are blaming the nay votes as being responsible for these deaths. Did you know a candlelight vigil was held for the 80 canine victims? 80 dogs biscuits and 80 flowers were placed by a tractor. And, of course already the 80 canine victims? 80 dogs biscuits and 80 flowers were placed by a tractor. And, of course already there is new legislation to prevent owners from shooting their dogs. It will be legal to shoot a dog, however, if it not on the owner’s property and/or the owner is not nearby–in other words, running at large! What will the sportsmen think of this? It is doubtful now the dog law proposal will see action in the senate before 2009. Yet to be heard from is the group “DogsDeserveBetter” who are against tethering.

THE TREEING WALKER COONHOUND has been accepted into the Miscellaneous Class effective January 1, 2009 by the AKC at its September meeting. The Finnish Lapphund has been accepted for competition in herding events. The AKC Canine Health Foundation needs Keeshond, Alaskan malamute and Samoyed thyroid samples for research. akcchf@akcchf.org. Sometimes thyroid levels vary according to breed. In one local case an aggressive Akita with a bite history became non-aggressive when his thyroid levels were monitored. His veterinarian was not aware that the thyroid standard did not apply to that breed.

Therapy dog teams–here are some items that may interest you. Bio-Groom makes a Show Foot Anti-Slip spray that helps to prevent slipping on slippery surfaces. I also like to use it when I have an senior canine citizen who isn’t steady on her feet. It is available through Cherry Brook. There is also a new WHOLEMEALS bone-shaped product sized for your dog. I have not yet tried it with my dogs but I think it could be the answer as an emergency meal in an evacuation kit. It is made by Mars and the principal ingredients seem to be rice meal and chicken by-products plus wheat flour. Not impressive! WHOLEMEALS is available through Brookside and Sunlight.

No Doggy Kisses and Pawshakes

This is the end of the review of the pet therapy canine health guidelines published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Guidelines suggest you discuss with your veterinarian an appropriate flea, tick and enteric parasite program if you have a therapy dog. They believe, however, that topical pasasiticides should be applied a minimum of 24 hours and preferably at least 48 hours before a visit. Bathing with a flea shampoo is not recommended because patients may be sensitive to ingredients in the shampoo. The Guidelines also require that licking be prevented for 2 reasons–the skin of the patients and staff can be contaminated with pathogens, providing an opportunity for your dog to acquire the pathogen; and because susceptible people can become infected with pathogens found in animal saliva. The guidelines also warn against “shaking paws” because the paws can become contaminated when walking through the healthcare environment.

LOBBY DAY IN HARRISBURG IS SEPTEMBER 15 AT 10 A.M. CONTACT Pennafeddogclubs@aol.com FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MISSION ORANGE
Yes, there is a caring link between Danville and Philadelphia and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). But, just as Danville is wholly separate from Philadelphia, so the PSPCA is wholly separate from the ASPCA. MISSION ORANGE brings both organizations together through site and through purpose but they are SEPARATE.

What is MISSION ORANGE? It is a “focused effort to create a country of humane communities, one community at a time, a nation in which there is no more unnecessary euthanasia of ADOPTABLE animals simply because of a lack of resources and awareness. (Important for pet owners and especially those in our Danville branch area is their definition of “adoptable”! What is it? We do know the ASPCA saved most of the Vick fighting dogs through rehabilitation and were able to re-home them even though HSUS thought they should all be destroyed!)

The first target communities are Spokane, Washington; Austin,Texas; Philadelphia, PA; Tampa, Florida; Gulfport, LA; Biloxi, Mississippi; Charleston, South Carolina; and New York, NY. As each community becomes sustainable, another can be added to the list. Does the community of Philadelphia include the communities with branch shelters and will they then operate under MISSION ORANGE guidelines? FFI hredfern@pspca.org and ask for link to MISSION ORANGE.

Ed Sayres is the ASPCA CEO. I met him when he was at St. Hubert’s Giralda at the shelter and training facility begun by Josephine Rockefeller Dodge. He wore a pony tail then– today, his hair is closely cropped, but if you want to see him in his early years and listen to him talk about the Canine Good Citizen program (the CGC was the puppy kindergarten curriculum there) and the dog shelter, get a copy of the Animal-Vues CGC videotape produced by the Latham Foundation. He is hard not to like–a kind and humble sense of humor, a man who ate lunch with his staff and the other employees. I think his parents and Mrs Dodge would be most proud of the life work he has chosen.

Must-Reading, Cesar on QVC, and Taking Your Pet to Celebrations

MORE INTERESTING ADVERTISEMENTS IN THE DOG WORLD…”I’m a Rescue Dog” tag! A pet vending machine franchise and my favorite–Aqua Pure Breed spring and mineral waters packaged in PORTABLE BOWL SHAPED BOTTLES! Makes perfect sense? Blue water for males, pink for females, yellow for coat and skin and green for bone support! The newest Q&A book is titled “Do Dogs Have Bellybuttons?” Do you know? Also did you know that dogs’ bodies are 70% water compared with our 80%? They have to drink an ounce of water per pound of weight per day to stay hydrated.

THEN THERE IS DOG WORLD MAGAZINE–the definite “must have” issue is always September’s because it contains the rare breed standards. This magazine–owned by the DOG FANCY group–is for “thinking dog owners”. One of the best issues is the one on purebred rescue and includes such topics as why dogs end up homeless, agility for rescue dogs, how to volunteer, shelters and rescue groups bridging the gap. This is another “keeper” and reference. Another good issue for the serious dog owner is the guide on how to succeed in breeding. DOG WORLD is widely available on newsstands and by subscription for $28.00. It’s a good gift for someone who is truly a student of all things canine. For Pit Bull rescuers a new DVD –”The Pit Bull Paradox”. A presentation of the Latham Foundation, this was written to promote understanding and appreciation of pit bulls and encourage forever homes.

CORRECTIONS: The PSPCA logo-dog is named “Feller” and not Tramp! I apologize to one and all. On Rep. David Millard–he was invited to present the Best in Show trophy at the Bald Eagle Kennel Club Show–not Lackawanna– by Doreen Slaybaugh. She says that, according to the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs, we are all to thank Millard for DELAYING the vote on HB 2525 until all of the amendments the Federation feels are essential are in place. As of July 4^th 58 amendments have been offered and 2525 is waiting in the Appropriations Committee. Apparently the vision of puppy mill dogs facing snow and rain this winter in Pennsylvania is not part of this group’s perceptive process. Not being a politician I impolitely emailed Millard that his campaign re-election sign was not welcome on my property this year. All I can say about the Federation is that its leadership needs vision.

(Although it is not common knowledge, an amendment that gives the cat status as a domestic animal is now part of the Dog Law. This is important.)

HOPE you like the new column debuting this Sunday and once a month thereafter. It was conceived by the Daily Item as a veterinarian question-and-answer column. The questions are or will be from the readers and area veterinarians are invited to participate with answers. Hopefully with your help we can convince the editorial powers to run this column more often–at least twice a month. Also, please send in the type of questions you want to see answered and discussed–and do talk to your best friend/veterinarian and ask him or her to participate. If you want to know how I feel about the questions and answers, you will have to read it here–I am only the moderator for the newspaper column. But, I feel this could be a step or pawprint out of syndicated columns to a place to air local pet problems and opinions.

DID YOU SEE CESAR ON QVC? He remained calm and assertive and was not the salesman, but the educator. His books and DVDs sold well as did his dog toys. The toys are sold with a scent bottle since he says smell is the first sense developed by a dog–in order to fully engage and interest a dog, this sense must be engaged first. All toys also have a DVD to help with good play–not prey! (Toys have been proven to provoke dog bites.) There is a squirrel, a duck and a mallard. There is also a tennis racket with balls. He also had natural shampoos in various scents–interestingly enough, lavender was one and the only scent proven by behaviorists to calm dogs. And, stressing “living in the moment,” he said to exercise your dog and get him tired before giving him a bath. And, begin with the feet and not the body.

BE A GOOD CITIZEN AND SHOW YOUR GOOD MANNERS Before bringing your dog to a party, carnival, festival, or other celebration, or into someone’s home and yard or the community, ASK PERMISSION.

A Potpourri of Useful Information for Pet Owners

INVITATION.   Rep. David Millard, a member of the House Agriculture Committee who is debating the proposal to revise the dog law, told me recently that he intended to visit area kennels personally to check on conditions.  If you are a local kennel owner, invite him to do so.  Show him how dogs live in his district.  I especially urge rescues and foster homes to extend invitations to Millard.  And, while you have the opportunity suggest that the caging at the Fair Building Dog Show be an example for the rest of the state and all dog lovers. It should be an example of what kindness and care mean.  The crating in this building should be a benchmark.  I understand Millard has been accorded the very rare honor of an invitation to present the Best In Show Ribbon at the July American Kennel Club Lackawanna cluster.   

      While the AVMA still opposes traditional steel-jawed leghold traps, its policy now reflects the new trap designs and the need to capture animals in order to manage wildlife populations. 

      Also, veterinarians are now considering OCD as behavior in animals as well as in the behavior of people. 

      New research indicates a growing trend in pet ownership.  Childless working older couples and retired older couples are among the groups increasingly likely to own pets.  This was formerly exclusively a trend among young couples. Rescues and shelters must take this need into consideration when re-homing pets. The older pet with social skills could be the dog or cat in demand rather than a puppy or kitten.  Trainers and training classes will be vital in making sure that these needs are met. Perhaps adoptathons will become Ashow and go obedience/canine good citizen show cases”.

ECONOMIC COSTS OF PET FOOD RECALL

      Pet food recall costs are estimated to be approximately $54 million.  Among the larger food manufacturers and retailers affected were: Del Monte, Proctor and Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Nestle and Mars, Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway, Petco and Petsmart.  It is not known how much the local Del-Monte plant was affected in dollars and cents.  It is one of the largest plants owned and operated by Del-Monte.  

ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION

The American Humane Association (AHA) has formed a Human Animal Bond division to complement the Animal Protection Division and the Children=s Division.  The focus of this endeavor is to highlight pets and women=s shelters by promoting and providing shelter for the pets of victims of domestic violence.  The division will also include animal-assisted teams, educating health professionals on the use of therapy animals and exploring the links between violence toward people and violence toward animals.  The AHA was the first organization to work with the American Red Cross in helping animals in disasters.

THE LITERARY DOG

      The most recent Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) has a review of a book titled Small Animal Nerd Book.  In the most recent MODERN DOG, advertisements for agility equipment from Toys-R-Us !  Also, Nutrience, a pet food made with North American-sourced ingredients; PUP-GRASS, a synthetic grass built for dogs; and Royal Canin, which has a weight reduction diet for medium-sized dogs (like Cocker Spaniels) .  The cashew-shaped kibble supposedly also helps prevent cataracts and dental plaque!

Animal Safety and Health–Web Sites, Books, Etc.

Most of you are aware of the fire that killed 22 Beagles. But, are you aware that the proposed dog law would mandate smoke alarms and fire extinguishers as well as exit doors in all kennels? Of course we don’t know if this would have saved one life or made a difference but the important point is that this tragedy happens all too often. The second important point is that the suggestion to add smoke alarms in kennels was made by Anne Irwin, who runs a Pennsylvania shelter. But, you won’t see her taking credit for this suggestion or asking for donations. This is the difference between animal welfare groups and animal rights organizations.

The Morris Animal Foundation has announced a canine cancer website exclusive for dog owners and lovers featuring Colorado State and Cornell Veterinary Cancer experts. The website is www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/ccexclusive One in 4 dogs die of cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over 2 years of age.

According to librarian-reviewed commentary in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), the number one website for animal health is the American Veterinary Medical Association’s page that includes Animal Health Brochures, which are available at www.avma.org/communications/brochures/animal_health.asp. The site offers online brochures for common pet health concerns as well as public health brochures and a children’s area. A close second is Petplace.com, available at www.petplace.com. This site includes consumer-friendly information and a high-quality veterinarian-created forum for pet owners.

I am often asked about books. I can’t say I agreed with any of the choices. Their number one choice in dog books was the Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventative Care for Dogs by Darlene Arden. Arden is not one of my favorite authors so I may be biased. Their second choice was the ASPCA Complete Dog Care Manual by Bruce Fogle. Again, I am not too delighted with Fogle. Amy Shojai has a book on the care of an aging dog that is good to look at. Also, if you can obtain an inexpensive copy, look at Essential Dog published by Readers Digest 2006. As always, check Amazon for good prices on new and used copies.

A FRIEND FOR EXERCISE

David Frei, the dog guru of Westminster fame, picked six breeds he felt would be the most suitable companions for dog owners who are into fitness. His first choice was the German Shorthaired Pointer –a breed he calls “the ultimate SUDS–sports utility dogs.” He picked the Whippet for interval training companionship for their intensity and focus. For marathons and as a year-round athlete Frei picked the Siberian Husky. He stressed their dense coat, which keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For overall speed, endurance, and energy, the Smooth Fox Terrier was one of Frei’s choices. For the best companionship in a jog the surprise choice was the Poodle and for a breed that will run circles around his human athletic owner–the Border Collie! Someone needs to get Frei’s choices of breeds that are the best exercise companions for senior citizens with and without walkers and canes!

Rabies, Medications, and a Loss to the Local Dog Community

THREE to remember. 1. The first case of rabies in pets–Lionville cats–has been diagnosed. 2. Dog law officers are surveying for licenses. Be ready. 3. Scranton is looking at passing breed-specific legislation and asking for help. This terrible form of canine discrimination is coming closer and closer to our area.

Dog Owners SHOULD take care when giving pet medications

An interesting article on giving medications to pets seems an important one to share. According to the article’s author, dosage is important because many medications must reach a certain level in the bloodstream before they become effective. Always find out whether medications need to be given on an empty or on a full stomach. Before powdering a pill and sprinkling it on the food remember some pills have a protective coating that may play a role in delayed release of the medication. Often pet owners stop giving medication when they see improvement. This can be counterproductive especially with antibiotics. Antibiotics fail when not enough is given or they are given over too short a time. Also, this can lead to the development of resistant strains of bacteria which may make the infection more difficult to control the next time. Pay attention to how the medication affects the pet=s appetite, consistency and frequency of stool and urination and ask how soon you may expect to see improvement.

The most recent court case involving the value of a pet stems from a medication situation. Interestingly, it is about two Vermont cats that were diagnosed with hypertension. The cats died soon after they began treatment and the owners sued the veterinarians and the pharmacy for noneconomic damages, citing breach of contract and negligence as well as loss of companionship and society, severe emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. According to an article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) the American Kennel Club (AKC) noted that the courts won=t allow a person to collect emotional loss damages for wrongful injuries to friends, siblings, and other important relatives. The AKC has urged the Vermont court to stick with traditional law.

DALE BERKHEIMER

Those of us who participated in the AKC performance events that had Jim Rau as a superintendent knew Dale Berkheimer. I met him hundreds of years ago when his dog of choice was a Boston Great Dane. He was an important part of founding the Mid-Susquehanna Valley Kennel Club. There were no kennel clubs locally in those days and he helped to found all local AKC performance events. Dale=s obituary not only mentions surviving human family but the surviving dog family and the GrandDogs and Great GrandDogs. I hope someone writes about my dogs like that. I believe in spay/neuter but I also feel we need to acknowledge good breeders. They are an endangered species. One last note–Jim Rau will forever stand high in my memory for creating the first and only Canine Good Citizen qualifying ribbons. He was told to cease doing so by the American Kennel Club and he did. I still have a few samples and they are truly creative and beautiful. Connie has some also. My favorite is the one with a rainbow- colored ribbon because a Canine Good Citizen represents all of the qualities and colors of companion dogs.

A STRAY DOG AND A COVERED BRIDGE

Long ago, the symbol of the Pennsylvania SPCA was a woe-be-gone dog named Tramp. Tramp carried his possessions in a bag attached to a stick balanced against his shoulder. He was the symbol of the homeless, the stray dog. As the SPCA grew, Tramp began to wear clothes. During World War II he dressed up as Uncle Sam and once he even donned a cap and gown and graduated from school–presumably obedience school. I wonder if Tramp is still alive, still the symbol of the homeless, and what he looks like! Most importantCI wonder if Tramp ever found the Aguaranteed good home@. As one who has whelped litters of puppies I am thrilled that the PSPCA can guarantee that its dogs and cats can be placed in Aloving forever homes@ (Director of Branch Adoptions, Chad Weaver). Finding loving forever homes is the most difficult part of raising puppies. I hope the executive board shares this priceless information with all dog lovers. Does Tramp have a Pennsylvania covered bridge for sale, too?

HONORING VETERINARIANS

The Morris Animal Foundation has announced an essay contest honoring veterinarians. The contest is sponsored by Hill=s Pet Nutrition, Veterinary Practice News Magazine, Dog Fancy, and Cat Fancy. The contest runs from June 1 to August 31 and in 300 words should address: 1. The veterinarian=s outstanding clients, 2. commitment to the human-animal bond, 3. service to community, and 4. service to the veterinary profession. For rules and to enter online, go to www.ThankYourVet@MorrisAnimalFoundation.org. Entries can also be mailed to the Morris Animal Foundation, Thank Your Vet Contest, 10200 E. Girard Ave., Ste. 8430, Denver , Colorado 80206. For a printed copy of the rules call 800.243.2345. The Morris Animal Foundation funds over 1,400 humane animal health studies to protect, treat, and cure companion animals. Hills Pet Nutrition paired with the Morris Animal Foundation in the 1940s when Mark Morris, DVM, created a special food for a seeing eye dog, Buddy, who had kidney disease. This began the prescription diets now sold through veterinarians and include r/d (weight loss), j/d for dogs with arthritis, t/d a food for tartar control, and the famed b/d for older dogs who are in the beginnings of senility.

CALMING SIGNALS

One of my very favorite books and videotapes is titled ACalming Signals@.

They say there was no warning–but there always is. For example, in the ATurning of the head@, the signal can be a swift movement, turning his head to the side and back, or the head can be held to the side for some time. It can be just a tiny movement or the whole head clearly to one side. Your dog may use head turning when another dog is approaching him to tell the other dog to calm down. Maybe your dog was approached too fast, or directly head on instead of in a curve. His head may turn if you stoop over him. Maybe he turns his head but stands still, which tells you about his discomfort. You can use head turning yourself when a dog starts to get worried or frightened when you approach him. When a scared dog starts to bark or growl at you, turn your head.@ Once when Dixon was sitting in my livingroom he picked up this book and, while reading it, fell asleep!