Sherry’s Corner

Bloomsburg Fair Dog Show Coins–Collectible Value or No?

COMMEMORATIVE COIN SET. This year, the Bloomsburg Fair is proposing to offer a set of commemorative coins bearing images of dogs in honor of the Fair Dog Show. If this set of coins has the same challenges relating to collectibility that were found with the “Lassie” coin used as a 1970s prize in the Fair canine competition, there will probably be no bidders when they come up for auction.  For those of you who did not know about the Lassie coin, in the 1970s, coins bearing Lassie’s likeness were used as awards for Fair dog show winners.  After all, Lassie was the most familiar dog found on a dogfood label–in this case, Recipe brand food. Today, those coins do not appear to be popular in online auctions–one way to assess collectibility.

The late Ray Gross, then the Fair Dog Show superintendent, also mandated that dogs exhibited at the Fair had to have an American Kennel Club registration.  We wonder whether the coins that will be available this year will bear images of breed-standard dogs and if they do, were they approved by the AKC (as the arbiter of breed standards)? 

Speaking of value, the value of a Fair Dog Show ribbon has been another discussion topic. One year, a shortage of ribbons at the Show led a worker to transfer ribbons from cage to cage. At that show, a blue ribbon winner one day was not a blue ribbon winner the next.  Another topic has been the claim that the Show is the oldest–in fact, the first dog and longest held dog show in the Commonwealth was and is still being held in Philadelphia. 

CANINE FLU PROTECTION AND THE BLOOMSBURG FAIR. Most important about the Bloomsburg Fair Dog Show this year is the probability that many of the canine contestants will not be inoculated with canine flu protection.  (The Fair veterinarian says the reason for this lack of immunization is there is no outbreak in the area.)   Canine flu is highly contagious but seldom fatal and symptoms are similar to kennel cough.  Dog lovers must ask themselves if the price of admission to the Dog Show building is worth the risk of the added cost of a veterinary visit for the family dog.  Coughs are a symptom this year of flu in both children and dogs.

MEMORIALIZING A PET. Many pet owners think of their pets as children.  When a pet dies, pictures of pets have an important place in the family album.  What about “hair jewelry” made from the hair of beloved family member?  This jewelry has become treasured local heirlooms–a precious collectible with meaning.  We need to think of creating hair jewelry from our pet’s hair too–a memory as important as that commemorating the death of a child or any other family member.

LETHARGY COULD BE A SIGN OF DRUG REACTION. A new cautionary label is now on flea and tick products.  “Topical flea and tick products can contain ingredients that could cause a reaction in your pet.  All pets have the potential to react to drug or topical products and these products are no different.  To be cautious , we suggest you apply a few drops of the dosage to your animal the first time you are using this product on your pet and if your pet appears fine after a few hours then the remaining dose to your pet. If your pet begins to show skin irritation, lethargy or any other change from normal behavior do not use any more product and contact the manufacturer and your veterinarian immediately.”  Remember fleas and ticks have no season. . . the field mouse can bring Lyme disease into the livingroom!

BLUEBERRIES. My dogs are still enjoying the end-of-season fresh blueberries.  For people, berries boost the brain and help shrink weight; they are often a staple for dogs in competition.  Now baked dog treats with blueberries by Grandma Lucy are available.  Grandma Lucy biscuits also come in pumpkin, honey, and ginger.