Sherry’s Corner

Are Breed Standards Vanishing?

GRANDPA BUSH DIDN’T HAVE A TAIL BUT WHAT ABOUT HIS DOG? Are breed standards vanishing? Will we need DNA tests to tell a setter from a retriever from a spaniel?  The AVMA has reaffirmed its view that tail docking and ear cropping should not be performed for cosmetic reasons.  However, in the same report it also states that these procedures are not unethical and illegal, thus allowing veterinarians to perform these procedures without liability.  The new Pennsylvania dog law says cropping and docking and dew claw removal must be done by a licensed veterinarian within 5 days of birth.  It also outlaws debarking and surgically birthing one’s own animal. KEEP YOUR OWN RECORDS  for all procedures–when, where, and by whom. In a Bush’s Baked Beans commercial Jay Bush tells his dog he recognizes him because Grandpa Bush didn’t have a tail (the dog is dressed as a ghost and intoning that he is the spirit of Jay Bush’s grandfather in yet another attempt to get the family baked beans recipe–you’ve no doubt seen it)!  Wonder if the controversy over cosmetic surgery will have an impact on commercials as well as breed standards.  

RANDOM SOURCE DOGS AND CATS–STRAYS AND ABANDONED PETS FOR SALE? The AVMA is revisiting its policy on the use of random source dogs and cats (abandoned strays and lost dogs and cats) for research, educational purposes and testing.  Under consideration was a resolution that would prohibit the use of animals from shelters for research purposes.  Animals used to be bred for such activities.  The availability of these colonies of animals gave those conducting such research one less source of variability and error.  However, research is increasingly expensive.  Developing new vaccines and a new dog food is more expensive than ever before.  It is easier to dognap a pet or obtain a “free for free” animal and sell it for such use.  Often many such animals are gathered together in trucks at interstates by “bunchers” and dealers.  A  research call goes out for a Golden Retriever or an Australian Shepherd or a small dog and if you own one of these dogs, then beware!  The thief can be a stranger or a member of a so-called humane group.  Now is the time to watch your pets and the organizations who should be helping pets–not selling them.  It is illegal to use a tattooed dog or cat in research.  Microchips, however, are still under scrutiny depending on the registry.  There have been unconfirmed rumors that AVID has become affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States and the AKC’s HOME AGAIN is said to be having financial difficulties.  The new PA dog law makes it illegal to sell a dog to anyone involved in dog fighting so at least locally we know that won’t be the fate of our stray dogs.

HE IS LISTENING. One of the 52 Vick dogs has joined a reading program and works with children.  He is listening!  Two of the dogs passed their TDI evaluation and cheer people.  The number one problem the trainer/rehabilitators have had is teaching these dogs to trust and love people–thus our young readers have become  rehabilitators. Both the HSUS and PETA advocated having the Vick dogs euthanized and spending the million dollars Vick had to forfeit for their care on other welfare causes.  Instead, the funds are being used to care for Vick’s victims.  Two of the 52 dogs died before they could be re-sheltered and one had to euthanized, while another was found to be too aggressive to be rehabilitated.  Readers can see many of the dogs on the National Geographic channel being re-trained. 

DOG MUST LIKE SNAKES. An interesting note from Larry Grocott, who heads the Geisinger therapy program in the children’s hospital.  He is working with a client who owns a Jack Russell that Larry is training not to kill snakes.  Seems the family also has a boa constrictor!