From the AVMA, AKC, Canine Good Citizen Memories, and Me
FROM THE AVMA
MANDATORY SPAY/NEUTER A BAD IDEA
“The AVMA policy on Dog and Cat population control has been revised to express the Association’s nonsupport for regulations or laws mandating spay/neuter of privately owned nonshelter dogs and cats” (JAVMA, Vol. 234, May15). The Animal Welfare Committee stated that although these surgical procedures helped population control, they also contributed to pet owners avoiding licensing, rabies vaccination and veterinary care for pets. The members took into account benefits such as the prevention of unexpected litters, and reduced incidences of some cancers and behaviors, and noted the potential health problems associated with spay/neuter. They identified the latter as increased risk of prostatic cancer in males, increased risk of bone cancer and hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs, and increased incidences of obesity, diabetes, urinary tract infections, incontinence and hypothyroidism. The AVMA policy can be read at www.avma.org.
FROM THE AKC
Rally regulations have been amended EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY to allow clubs to put the date of the trial and name of the club on the face, back tab or on a label attached to the ribbon. Is this important? After all–how important is a scrap of ribbon? Very important– especially when it is earned in an event that not only requires a well-trained dog but a group of caring dog owners as sponsors. And, what about the ripple effect? Will the ribbon winner cherish the event a bit more, return to compete another day and most importantly join the group and become a volunteer, helping others become more responsible pet owners? By the way, APDT rally events allow the use of food rewards; Bud Kramer, the author of Rally, has a grandson with a disability. Supposedly, the AKC Rally license funds his health care.
FROM CANINE GOOD CITIZEN MEMORY
The dogs, all Yorkshire Terriers, live on only in the the award-winning Canine Good Citizen videotape by the Latham Foundation and in a book of poetry by Arlene Klein titled “I Never Wanted To Say Goodbye”. Arlene is busy today as a Morris Animal Foundation board member and her husband Ron has his own radio show each Monday at 10 AM titled THE GRANDFATHER OF POSSIBILITIES. Ron invented magnetic strips for credit cards, among other items. The radio program press release reads “Inventor, entrepreneur, athlete and innovator”. It should also read Yorkshire Terrier fancier.
We all have first dogs !! Our dogs really tell the story of our lives and our values.
The Kleins began with an adopted “Yorkie” –he and Ron had matching trench coats! And, this family member so won their hearts that a saga is being written which is enriching us all with a pioneer contribution not just to the wonderful CGC but to the Morris Animal Foundation–benefiting all animals.
FROM ME
DOGS IN CHURCH? A doctor is shot and killed in church. A 6-year-old toddler is fondled at a Sunday service. Perhaps we need to be allowed to have the company of our Canine Good Citizen and TDI certified dogs in church? After all we have dogs working in protection in our public schools as well as helping children learn to read in libraries. A reminder from GOD spelled backward might return the sanctity of churches to its proper status.
STORMY WEATHER–Tornados, hail storms, never ending rain–all of this affects our animals too. A great time to consider joining your local animal rescue team! When you think Global Warning just don’t think about using less energy–also think about helping pets and other animals. It affects us all.