The other day my veterinarian told me that spaying my dog would prevent cancer and other diseases. Research supports her statement. She neglected to mention, however, that research has also proven that “spayed bitches tend to gain weight”. And, of course obesity is the number one problem in dogs today. I wisely remained quiet, knowing that there is a research study somewhere that can be cited to prove almost any argument–and if not research at least an anecdotal belief that fits our notion of what should/could/might be.
I have also read studies which concluded that bitches who were not spayed outlived others in that breed. As for males — many dog owners have their male dogs castrated in order to stop aggression. However, in a classic study by Hart and Hart the authors concluded that “clinical data shows that when dogs are castrated as adults only 50 to 60% change in behavior can be expected and further the authors believe this is probably the case if the dog is castrated before puberty.”
Of course the most famous unscientific research, studies based only on myth and magic, is that pet therapy has an effect on the mental health of a group. According to Drs. Beck and Katcher, pet therapy is unproven and should be considered worthwhile mainly for its RECREATIONAL benefits. These two authors cite study after study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in an effort to refocus attention on the BOND between pets and people and not the illusive so-called “therapy”. This led one veterinarian to respond, “the important word is love–not therapy! Love heals disease. Consider the power of spiritual energy and the nature of the human animal that can’t be documented scientifically.”
One fact is indisputable. If we spay/neuter all our dogs and cats we soon won’t have any dogs with which to do “pet therapy”, search and rescue, sheep herding, and bird hunting, and which also show us unconditional love. That is a world I don’t want to live in. We must not rely only on the veterinarian to make the neuter decision. Breeders, trainers, judges and experienced behaviorists also have valuable information to share. It takes a village to knowledgeably raise our pets!
Aug 28, 2010 | | Uncategorized
The Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association has published a brochure that could be useful locally–wish our local association would do the same! It is titled, “Veterinary Medicine–The Price of Excellence”, and it explains client fees and costs. It is written in a Q and A format. For example, “Why is veterinary care for my pet so expensive today? Sometimes I believe I am spending more on my pet’s health than on my own.” “Should I be wary of bargain basement veterinary care and why? Why is there such a wide range of prices for the same procedures among veterinarians?” Other topics include: spay-neuter, payment plans, who pays the bill when a stray injured animal is brought to the clinic, sales of vaccines through catalogs, etc.
ZUCCHINI EXERCISE. Zucchini is an abundant home garden plant widely shared with friends and neighbors. It is usually not wasted but becomes chocolate cake and bread–we share this expression of nature’s goodness. Compare the abundance of zucchini and the desire to share with the number of shelter dogs that need to be walked–and the elderly who need to walk as an exercise. Researchers found that pairing elderly people with shelter dogs benefited both more than just walking with a friend or family member. Participants began to feel concern for the welfare of their companion, a need to make walking habitual in any kind of weather. Walking the dog could well be the zucchini exercise in a dog class. Collars, leashes, corrections could all be part of sharing skills with two populations who need it most.
LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING. I recently learned that the manufacture of antibiotics was not as profitable as producing a medication that has to be administered on a long-term basis. This is the rule in human medicine and one has to wonder if this profit-driven motivation is making its way into the care of animal diseases? How much of a preventative dose is too much? Are heartworm, tick and flea medications taking the vaccination path of over-use? And, is the trend of treating newly diagnosed human diseases in dogs all prevention or profit? The questions we ask our doctors, we must also ask our veterinarians.
SERVICE ANIMALS. The Justice Department has recently amended the Americans for Disability Association Rules on the definition of a “service animal”. The definition defines a service dog as one that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The rule states that other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as service animals. Dogs used for emotional support are not service animals–nor are dogs not trained. Service animals used by people with mental disabilities are also protected as (in certain cases) are trained miniature horses. Questions: Must service animals be trained by an organization or can they be trained by individuals? How is disability defined? Is post traumatic stress a disability and if so is it a mental or emotional disability?
Aug 15, 2010 | | Uncategorized
DIVERSITY–MEET THE BREEDS! Effective January 1 the following breeds will be eligible for the miscellaneous class–Argentine Dogo, Boerboel, Peruvian Inca Ochid, Portugese Podengo, Pequerno Pumi, Sloughi and Wirehaired Vizsla. These are breeds most of us probably cannot identify, let alone pronounce their names. Want to learn more? Circle October 15 and 16 for an event that promises to reveal all about breeds–MEET THE BREEDS IN NYC.
Add to the canine diversity a human side. The infamous sheriff– Joe–who painted Arizona jail cells pink is now being applauded for managing the animal shelters in Maracopa County. Prisoners are caring for the dogs and the animal control budget has been cut. With the new and controversial illegal immigration Arizona legislation we may have more Spanish-speaking prisoner/dog trainers. (Already HSUS is translating its literature into Spanish.) Perhaps it won’t be long before the AKC publications will also be in Spanish and we will have bi-lingual judges. Will the MEET THE BREEDS have Spanish language advertisements?
The AKC has proposed new rules for agility and in the process has reemphasized the rule that dogs who show aggression in or out of the ring to either person or another dog can be permanently disqualified from participation in all AKC events. This is a good rule as long as it is fairly and thoroughly investigated. I remember a West Highland White Terrier, a champion, who nipped a careless and rough judge. (Yes, unfortunately some of these incidents are the fault of people. I have seen dogs snap when another dog–usually not carefully monitored–makes an unwanted advance. Then the person holding the leash is at fault and not the dog. And, in the case of the Terrier the judge handled the dog roughly, frightening this very ringwise competitor!) The dog was reinstated after passing a CGC evaluation–and yes, the late Dixon Cuff was the dog’s advocate.
More on the Joe story–Prisoners feed and care for the strays, walking them twice daily. They even give classes for people who want to adopt an animal. The animal control budget has gone from $18 million to $3 million. A dog which has been neutered with all shots and a microchip cost $78. The prisoners earn 28 cents an hour.
You probably read about this in the June AKC Gazette. “The best obedience teams appear to perform a kind of interspecies voodoo as they glide through intricately choreographed rituals attached by nothing but mental moonbeams.” Think of that the next time you go to class.
NEW CAREGIVER. We have a new caregiver in the house. Among her many talents is working with special ability children in the Olympics. She is great with my blind and hard-of-hearing Cagney. Somehow her enthusiastic praise and positive energy have made Cagney more confident. I love watching them walk together, with Marlene telling Cagney, “You go girl”.
Aug 06, 2010 | | Uncategorized
IMPORTANT UPDATES. The most recent dog law regulations pertaining to commercial kennels now mandate 50% solid flooring in cages with mothers and puppies. It will be voted on August 19th.
The employment rate for Seeing Eye dog users is 70%. Monday, July 26th is the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which allows dog users access to the workplace. The Seeing Eye was established in 1929 and those were economic hard times too.
The FDA has developed an online reporting system for safety problems relevant to foods–INCLUDING PET FOODS. The new system will enable information to reach the public more quickly. For example, IAMS has recalled canned cat food (Proactive cat and kitten ) due to a thiamine deficiency. This type of information will now be able to reach consumers much more rapidly.
COYOTES, RACCOONS AND BEARS, OH MY! Un-vaccinated pets in urban and town areas are now more at risk of picking up diseases. Co-existing with neighborhood wildlife may mean more vaccinations for health safety, especially as virus’s jump species barriers. In Pennsylvania the danger is magnified by the high population of outdoor and feral cats that could form reservoirs of diseases.
KITTENS AND PUPPIES MOVE OVER –SENIOR PETS MAY BE NEW IMAGE OF NEW PRODUCTS. Keep that elderly cat and dog well groomed and trim. He may soon be in front of the camera touting a new wonder drug. A Previcox (NSAID) ad was recently spotted with the declaration–”Once daily dosing with no age restriction”and another showed a cat wearing horn-rimmed glasses! The Pet of the Week at the Danville SPCA was a ten-year-old Pug mix!
When I see advertisements for the TV program, PIT BOSS, I think of Dr. Randall Lockwood. In his early pre-HSUS days Lockwood devised a projective test to reveal the psychology of pet owners using various sketches of people and dogs. For example, there was a picture of a small, delicate woman walking a big dog. The answer to this personality test was that she was a DOMINATING person. According to the interpretation the woman is saying, “don’t mess with me I can control this big dog!” Given the small stature of the main character in PIT BOSS and the pit bulls involved I have to wonder how Lockwood would interpret this program.
MORRIS AND ESSEX. Daughter Lee discovered some old copies of Field and Stream (1930s) and they contain fascinating articles about sporting breeds. One of them announced the largest benched outdoor show in the country to be held in Madison, NJ. Over 4,000 dogs were judged. The show was a birthday present from Mr. Rockefeller to his wife Geraldine Dodge who owned Giralda Farms. (For the woman who has everything!) When I visited in the 1980s I saw what I believed to be a children’s playground complete with see-saws and slides. It turned out to be an early version of an agility course! Puppy kindergarten in those days consisted of the Canine Good Citizen program taught by Pia Silvani. Modern canine traditions continue on these beautiful grounds. And, speaking of sporting breeds–did you know the FIRST AKC GRAND CHAMPION is a Weimaraner?
Aug 03, 2010 | | Uncategorized
The window was rolled down so I could hear the veterinarian say to the Beagle, ‘bring your mother inside.” The beagle was portly with more than a hint of grey on his muzzle. He lumbered into the open door with his nervously smiling owner. (The veterinarian did not demand the owner go through the door first–as many trainers do.) He knew the importance of his four-legged guest. When I have an older dog, I told myself, I will bring him here. This is a veterinarian who recognizes family ties. Unfortunately, that veterinarian retired before Cagney was a senior.
The veterinarian who purchased the practice is excellent and I trust her and not just because she has a laptop as well as a smile! Caring about old Beagles will always be and should always be important but today the economy has made medical decisions difficult. Somehow guilt and shame have entered into Beagle choices. However, I have seen my veterinarian cry over the death of a pet and the death of an owner. And, I have heard veterinarians discuss their hurt and sadness when they lose a client. Veterinary medicine still has corners and nooks of warmth that can not be measured with a digital rectal thermometer.
Today, laptops and mutating-species-jumping viruses complicate tradition. The diagnosis may not fit this elderly Beagle without blood tests. It is a delicate balance between modern medicine–tradition and spirit. Each veterinarian shapes the hospital practice. It is their hospital–shaped and formed by them. My dogs’ medical care is my veterinarian’s spirit.
The hospital then and now is AAHA-accredited. AAHA stands for the American Animal Hospital Association. In order to earn the evaluation there is a quality assessment review of the facility, equipment, practice methods and pet health care management. I wonder if that still fits old Beagles–probably not. And, it probably wouldn’t even fit a young Beagle. Pet health care management has become linked with key economic decisions.
Recently AAHA conducted an interesting survey in which it found more efficiency if hospitals were merged. In other words, fewer and fewer individually owned veterinary hospitals. It also found that if hospitals increased the number of feline patients, their bottom line would benefit. (Good luck with that in rural Pennsylvania!) And they found that most veterinary students preferred to work in hospitals with multiple veterinarians so they have the option of working part time. 68% of the hospitals had an increase in revenue from 2008 to 2009. The average visit increased .8% to $109.20.
Behind the curve–applause for us–we live in an area of the Commonwealth where most of hospitals are individually owned hospitals a vanishing– an endangered symbol of a tradition of caring– not part of today’s modern animal healthcare system. As clients we need to salute their presence, appreciate them and feel proud of the privilege of having our animals cared for by veterinary staffs which are part of each hospital’s family. Some of these hospitals and clinics may not pass AAHA standards but let us hope they continue in their Jane and James Herriot tradition and pass the Beagle test!
(The Beagle was chosen as the hallmark breed/dog for all the Beagles who test dog food for the many clinical nutritionists! They have defined good health and longer lives and–unfortunately obesity for generations of canines.)
Jul 16, 2010 | | Uncategorized
United Pet has voluntarily recalled nutritional supplements for dogs, as well as additional tablet and powdered form products for dogs and cats, due to a possible Salmonella health risk. Products include some Excel and Petco branded products dated 01/2013 and 06/2013. Expiration dates can be found printed vertically on the right side of the containers. People handling these products as well as pets may become infected.
DOG DATES. On July 14, Animal-Vues is hosting a senior pet discussion. It will be interesting to hear the concerns and questions of these very lucky pet owners. I also hope to have an occupational therapist from Geisinger attend to explain how they can help pet owners recovering from illnesses take slow walks with their pets at home. July 15 is Fire Safety Day. Our new dog law mandates fire exits and fire equipment in all shelters. July 25th is the Nita Nee Kennel Club show. Last year they had a special hospitality committee headed by their president. The committee hosted question-and-answer sessions and were ringside to help newcomers understand the workings of the ring. On the last weekend in July there will be a three-day dog show on the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. This is the first opportunity many of us will have to see the first of the new breeds, the Cane Corso, Icelandic Sheepdog and the Leonberger.
RENDELL REJECTS REGULATIONS. Last week the Dog Law Bureau allowed the new dog regulations to include the use of wire flooring in kennels, including with pregnant dogs and puppies, for, it was written, sanitation reasons. (Rep. Millard is pro-wire flooring in the Bloomsburg Fair dog show building along with stacked cages.)
In response, Gov. Rendell sent a stern message to his own Agriculture Department, asking the agency’s top official to pull the regulations and start over!! Rendell wrote, “the regulations that were submitted do not address the issue of flooring provided to nursing mothers while they are nursing and moveover we need to do more to ensure safe and sanitary flooring to puppies as they mature to 12 weeks. Act 119 was intended to improve the life of all dogs in commercial breeding kennels.”
Perhaps instead of raising so many dogs in one facility it would be better to avoid this kind of intensive breeding and have smaller kennels. Puppies are not livestock but companion animals. Regulations must be re-submitted by August 19th.
TIOGA COUNTY CATTLE. A herd of beef cattle in Tioga County is under quarantine for drinking from a pond contaminated by chemicals from Marcellus Shale drilling. So much for locally grown beef and Pennsylvania pride in products from the farm if the ground and water are contaminated.
K9 LANDMINE REMOVAL. A new ad in our local paper is headlined “K9 Landmine Removal.” A year-round, seasonal or one-time service pet waste disposal for pet owners at $11 a week. Wonder if they would clean puppy mills?
MORE ON CARING FOR PETS IN HOT WEATHER. My daughters reported that there were altogether too many unhappy dogs, suffering both from hot asphalt and generally hot and humid conditions, often visibly so, at the People’s Choice and Arts Festival events this year in State College. Owners seemed generally oblivious. No idea why these pets were not left home in more comfortable conditions. At one event there was very little available shade and many had not brought water. Under crowded conditions, a heat-stressed dog can respond in unfortunate ways. I have always felt that after a dog received his/her CGC the owner should receive a laminated CGC wallet card like the TDI identification. This would be necessary for events where dogs can become a negative presence, even if they are normally well behaved.
Jul 12, 2010 | | Uncategorized
This past week I took a “time-out” to attend a Mid-Susquehanna Kennel Club meeting to hear AKC judge and author Sharon Sakson speak on the healing power of dogs. We all believe this, of course, and want to believe. But, I was surprised mostly at what was not covered in her presentation and the AKC view. First of all, she neglected to mention the first study on the healing effect of dogs–the heart attack study done in the 1980s by Drs. Alan Beck, Aaron Katcher and Erika Friedmann. Study of the healing power of dogs has been ongoing for some time.
The findings from this heart attack study startled both the dog and medical communities with significant statistics proving that having a dog increased chances of longevity in men who had had heart attacks. It subsequently led to the first use of the term “human animal bond”. Later Beck, Lockwood and others proved, however, that it was impossible to verify with statistical reliability most of the subsequent studies of the healing effect of dogs. Thus, Sakson’s discussion of how dogs predict cancer offered interesting anecdotes but nothing yet based on fact.
Sakson even hinted that Dr. Carmen Battaglia was looking into breeding purebred dogs with this ability as part of the companion dog group. Unfortunately for the AKC, the ability to detect cancer and bombs and dead bodies is not breed- specific. I was hoping she would mention Battaglia’s most recent work–she didn’t–which is the study of bloat. This work is currently ongoing at the University of Pennsylvania with collaborator Dr. Susan Otto. (When I read about bloat study findings I am always amazed at the one fact all studies seem to agree on–raised feeding dishes play a significant part in causing this horrible death.) She also did not discuss the Xolo, a Mexican breed said to have pain-reducing abilities.
Alerting to human medical illnesses which cause accidents would have been an interesting topic to have included, too. It seems more and more accidents are caused by a driver’s medical problem–especially in drivers over age 60. This was emphasized for me when I met a retired U.S. Marshall who has seizures. His Pomeranian/Cocker mix alerts him to an impending seizure by barking and biting at the car keys. This is truly an heroic dog–saving not only his owner’s life, but the lives of others.
In conclusion, although it is important that dogs detect cancer in its early stages in people, it is EQUALLY IMPORTANT that we also be able to detect cancer in our dogs. Research, important research, must be a two-way street benefiting both partners in the bond.
Finally, she mentioned breeding “companion dogs” as a special group–companion dogs are on the AKC agenda in confirmation competition. I imagine this could be possible. Behaviorist William Campbell believes that if all breeding stock had a Canine Good Citizen, we could have a better dog world. That, of course, presupposes breeding responsible owners!
THE PITS IN THE PAST. A dog-fighting DNA database has been established to help investigators put together an abused dog’s history from breeders to pit operators. Called the Canine Codis or Combined DNA Index System, the database is similar to an FBI archive containing profiles of criminals. Swabbing the inner-cheek of a dog will determine whether the dog comes from dog-fighting bloodlines. Use of the database, which was developed last July, has resulted in 26 arrests and the seizure of more than 400 dogs–the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history. Nearly 250 of the dogs have been rehabilitated and are now pets or service and therapy dogs.
Jul 06, 2010 | | Uncategorized
MAINTAINING PET CALM DURING 4TH CELEBRATIONS. As we near the noisy 4th of July holiday it is important to take precautions to safeguard our pets from the man-made summer storms brought on by carnivals and parades! The loud noises and bright flashes of light can send both cats and dogs fleeing. We create these fearful explosions and we need to experience them with Cesar’s calm energy in order to keep our companions calm, too. Also, remember the normal body temperature of a dog is between 100 and 102 degrees. So stay calm and help pets keep their cool!
SENIOR PETS NEED NEW HOME. An owner of two senior dogs passed away on the Memorial Day weekend, leaving a Norwegian Elkhound age 11 and a Border Collie mix age 13. Both dogs are said to be very good with children. If you can help– karefreedals@yahoo.com. Nancy.
IS IT PATRIOTISM OR PET FOOD SAFETY? A worker at our local Del Monte pet food plant was ordered to remove an American flag sticker from a cap she wore during work. She was told that stickers of all kinds had to be removed so that they did not fall into the product and cause contamination. Of course, it was the “American flag” which was newspaper-emphasized. As one pet owner who suffered through the food recall I believe all possible contaminating problems should be eliminated–even patriotic symbols Patriotism has nothing to do with the issue of food safety. Another canine headline recently discussed a dog that is eluding his family and their well-meaning friends in a bid for freedom. An animal communicator might message that this “run away” is just escaping from an unhappy home life!
PET STORE AND INTERNET PUPPY SALES. Wholesale breeders are covered by the Animal Welfare Act but the pet stores they supply are exempt from the act. Large-scale breeders who sell animals over the Internet meet the definition of a retail pet store and so are not obligated to comply with federal welfare guidelines either. The Puppy Uniform Protection Act (PUP) attempts to close this loophole.
BETTY WHITE FUND HELPING VICTIMS OF OIL SPILL. The Betty White Fund set up by the Morris Animal Foundation in March 2010 is now part of the effort to help animals affected by the oil spill.
RUMOR CONTROL. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, reports of resistance coming from heartworm infection appear to be caused from a compliance-related failure rather than product failure.
FURTHER OLD-AGE CHALLENGES. Even though my senior citizen, Cagney, has an indoor X-Pen built for two it has become too small for her increasing energy and good health. In a not too subtle frustration she paces, bangs, and yells. She does not understand that she is confined because of her diminished eyesight and uneven gait plus arthritis–in short, for her safety. We are having a quality-of-life dilemma!
DOG PARKS NEED VETS–NEW PARK RANGERS? Canine flu (CIV) is inactivated on the hands of a person washing with soap and warm water for over 20 seconds or by application of a hand sanitizer. It can be inactivated by laundering with detergents and on solid surfaces by most disinfectants. CIV is spread by aerosol transmission and animals not showing clinical signs. Interspecies transfer of this virus–it crossed over from horses– is an important part of a new characteristic and researchers believe it NOW will be difficult to predict the evolution of all viruses in dogs. CIV is not fatal but there is no vaccine shield. Now more than ever it is important to avoid contact with dogs that are not routinely and carefully vetted. For example, veterinarians in the State College area can tell when a newcomer has joined a dog park–their clinics are filled with coughing canines. So, although your dog park dog’s romp may seem like a Harry Potter dream it may result in an expensive visit to the vet. Dog parks must be carefully monitored. One of the most successful dog parks in the state is in Philadelphia and is watched over by the reknowned veterinarian behaviorist, James Serpell. Does your dog park have a vet (park ranger)?
Jun 28, 2010 | | Uncategorized
Although JUNE IS PENNSYLVANIA SHELTER APPRECIATION MONTH, summer months can be important in all states during August, September, and October, due to an ASPCA opportunity to compete in an Animal Shelter Challenge. Shelters will work to increase lives saved over last year and be eligible for a $100,000 first prize. $25,000 will be awarded the shelter engaging the most community members. Wouldn’t a similar challenge be a worthy fund raiser to benefit local pets in need of homes as well as all area shelters? Also, there has been a welcome increase in the number of puppy mills forced to close due to non-compliance. The dogs and puppies in these kennels CANNOT BE EUTHANIZED according to the newly enacted dog law. There should thus be MORE DOGS IN THE RESCUE POOL.
THERAPEUTIC DIETS. I have not tried any of the Purina Veterinary Diets but I did have the good fortune to be able to hear an interview with Chad Reese on the topic. According to Reese, the research that is part of the development of these 24 therapeutic diets has influenced the other Purina products–those sold over the counter. Reese also spoke highly of Purina”s probiotic supplement–Fortiflora. Fortiflora is for dogs with acute enteritis, diarrhea caused by stress, antibiotics and diet change as well as soft stools. Fortiflora is also for cats.
CAMPUS CANINES. Dogs will be allowed on some college campuses this fall! Entering students at some universities are being allowed to bring their home companions to help ease the transition to the collegiate scene. According to a recent press release there are even dormitories set aside for students with pets. It wasn’t so long ago that Penn State was having a problem with students dumping dogs when they left for home over the summer break. And, also the Danville SPCA had a policy of not adopting pets to college students! Perhaps the administration is drawing a line of distinction between the family pet and one newly acquired while a student? Wonder if these canines will be allowed access to the library and classrooms?
KEEPING CANINES COOL (Notes from a veterinarian) . Due to their hair/coat, when it is very warm it is most effective to run water over the dog and place it in front of a fan–getting the dog wet is not the point, it is to have the water evaporating. Immersing a dog in a bath tub or pool doesn’t work either–the wet hair acts as an insulator. On muggy days most dogs will be comfortable in front of a fan at medium speed. ( I use inexpensive box fans placed on the floor where the dog is resting.) In most situations it is only necessary to place a dog in a cooler environment or in shade. The veterinarian advises carrying RUBBING ALCOHOL and placing it on the pads. Replace as the alcohol evaporates. The vet also says to take the dog’s temperature AND WRITE IT DOWN and take it every 3 minutes–he finds the digital thermometers unreliable. It is IMPORTANT TO STOP ALL COOLING EFFORTS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE BEGINS TO DROP. The temperature will continue to drop once it begins and can get dangerously low. He also cautions against giving a panting dog a lot of water. It is enough just to give him enough to keep his mouth cool so the panting is most effective. THIS WILL PREVENT BLOAT FROM HAPPENING. AND IT IS IMPORTANT IN THE CASE OF HEAT STROKE TO GET THE DOG TO THE VETERINARIAN FOR IV RE-HYDRATION.
IN HOT MUGGY WEATHER WATCH YOUR DOG–ESPECIALLY HIS TONGUE. It gets larger as he approaches a need for help.
HELPING DOLPHINS. Most of us associate dolphins with smiles and training. NOW, however, Sarasota is preparing for the impact of the oil spill on these wonderful creatures. No one knows what happens to dolphins trapped in a spill. No such study has been done. Thus, thanks to the Morris Animal Foundation biologists are measuring the amount of foreign contaminants in the bloodstream and blubber of individual wild dolphins for possible comparison before the spill–getting ready to help before it is needed! The wild card will be the winds in the next few months and now is the time to prepare for the unknown.
Jun 20, 2010 | | Uncategorized
According the the AKC, the MOST FAMOUS TDI DOG WILL WORK FOR SUSHI: RUFUS, the famous ten-year-old Westminster Best in Show legend continues his career in therapy at the Ronald MacDonald House and Walter Reed Army Center, and in “Reading With Rufus” programs and helping to destroy the “bull breed stereotypes”. (Rufus has the most perfect egg-shaped head!) The Sushi-loving champion is called by his owners “the god of mischief who gets anything he wants”. His owners state, however, that they refuse to allow him to drive! It is heart-warming to see older dogs strut in the spotlight. Most of us remember the latest star–Stump the Sussex Spaniel–who came out of retirement to a win at Westminster.
Marmaduke is the dog of the media this summer. You might say he lives perpetually in Pennsylvania as the official Commonwealth canine. Great Danes are gentle and intelligent. Unfortunately they have short lives. One of the most famous Dane people was Lina Basquette, a salty and savvy ex-Ziegfeld chorus girl turned handler. (From the reviews I have read of the movie, Lina would have been an exciting addition.) Also a real plus–Dottie Davis would be an interesting program speaker for any dog organization due not only to her life with this majestic and marvelous breed but her life in the rings with famous dogs and judges.
Although Cagney’s show and therapy dog days are in her past, she has successfully completed her course of treatment for pneumonia and heart disease and is once again wagging her tail. The lessons from this latest bout were mine and include –know and respect YOUR limits in time, space, and emotional and financial resources. And, take care of YOURSELF. Not a selfish demand. Your quality of life affects your dog’s. I also found that as she progresses to full health it is important to allow her to make choices. If she doesn’t want to eat we don’t try to control amount or content. And, we have even found that varying the kinds of bedding allows her to make a choice between sheepskin or just bare floor, head on a pillow or no. I think it is important when her body seems to fail her that she be allowed to have as many options as she can with safety.
Long nights allowed us to review books and I discovered THE DOG CHAPEL: WELCOME ALL CREEDS, ALL BREEDS by Stephen Huneck. It is available through Amazon, both used and new, for under $15. The chapel really exists in Johnsbury, Vermont. Huneck was a folk artist specializing in woodcuts. I also discovered one long evening a book published by HSUS on Spanish phrases and words to help animal control professionals be more effective in communication. I send the classical magazines and journals to Connie for distribution to club members but there are still so many. I am putting together boxes of magazines and hope to find a venue at which to sell them.
NEW TITLE OFFERED: A new title, GRAND CHAMPION, will be offered this month at all AKC-sanctioned shows. Competition will be judged during the Best of Breed and it is open to all champions participating in this event. Grand championship points are awarded at the judge’s discretion to the following placements: Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, SELECT DOG AND SELECT BITCH. The ribbon color for this new title is deep green.
Jun 11, 2010 | | Uncategorized