Archives for August, 2009
The KEYSTONE DOCKDOGS sound like they could be part of a Chippendale review but the group is the “leading promoter of the fastest growing canine sport in central Pennsylvania.” Their dogs run down a ramp or dock and jump into the water. Jumps include the BIG AIR, a long jump (record is over 28 feet) and EXTREME VERTICAL, a high jump (record in over 7 feet). The sporting events from dock to water are not sanctioned by the AKC and only date to 2000. Sporting dogs seem to be the major participants, with retrievers in the majority. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever appears to be the breed to watch! Visit the website and click on a notable collection of recipes–like Bacon and Spinach training treats and SALMON BROWNIES .
Jumping canines will be part of the Bloomsburg Fair but I haven’t yet been able to determine if SALMON BROWNIES will be BLOOMSBURG FAIR FOOD and dog owners will need to budget for “a Fido doggy bag”. The brownies are easy to make. Take a large can of red or pink salmon and drain, reserving the liquid. Add 2 eggs, one and a half cups of whole wheat flour and a tablespoon of garlic powder. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, adding enough of the liquid to be able to form the dough into a ball. Press the dough into a nine-inch square pan coated with cooking spray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cut brownies into bars while they are still warm and allow them to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or freeze.
CHEF MICHAEL’S LAST NAME IS PURINA– BUT IT COULD BE DISNEY! Chef Michael invites dog lovers to host house dinner parties–Sunday suppers featuring Rotisserie Chicken with a pea and carrot garnish and Filet Mignon flavor with a potato and green bean garnish (www.houseparty.com/chefmichaels) . Chef Michael Purina sends party packs for all the four-legged guests and you bring your favorite dish for an owner potluck buffet. House Party is a consumer marketing service company that organizes in-home parties featuring a brand, product or even entertainment programming. Current clients include Sargento, NBC, Disney, Ford, Microsoft and P&G.
DR. MARK MORRIS, THE REAL CANINE CHEF. Dr. Mark Morris, the founder of Science Diet, developed the most important recipe of all–k/d– a food for Buddy, the first seeing-eye dog when he was diagnosed with kidney disease. All prescription diets–both dog and cat–have followed this pioneering effort and there are diets for every disease, including obesity–r/d–and arthritis–j/d. Morris, unlike Michael, was a real person and not an advertising figure. Prescription diets are available through your veterinary hospital. The Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest and most notable animal health charities in the world. Their major focus this year is on cancer research.
TOO CLEAN. DR. NATHAN R BREWER, a laboratory animal advocate who developed a diet for gorillas recently died at the age of 105. Brewer became interested in animals while living in an orphanage. He identified with stray animals because of his early childhood. He enrolled in the National Farm School in Bucks County, PA and worked his way through college as a farm laborer. Brewer’s gorilla diet was developed while he consulted with the Lincoln Park Zoo and cared for Bushman. When the gorilla died Brewer performed the necropsy and found his diet to be at fault. Zoo staff had been rinsing away nutrients and vitamins from bugs that were part of the gorilla’s natural diet. Is there a lesson here in 2009, a year marked by disinfectants and wipes?
Aug 30, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Recently a local newspaper enclosed coupons worth $5.00 on Hartz products. There is a $3 savings on a tick and flea guard for puppies and dogs. One local pet owner who used this product reported that their pet died and they feel the product was to blame. If they are right, then there should be a recall. But, more likely they may not have read the instructions carefully or perhaps the death had another cause completely unrelated to the product use.
According to Veterinarian John Tegzes, THE NUMBER ONE POISON FOUND IN THE HOME ARE HUMAN MEDICATIONS!! A pill dropped on the floor or even an easy-to-reach bottle can kill your pet!
Because tick and flea medications are poisons they should be purchased from your veterinary hospital–not even over the counter or by mail. For example–did you know that flea and tick shampoos can be fatal to your pet, according to toxicologist Tegzes? Only your vet knows the possible interactions these products have with other medications your pet may be taking and how they will affect your pet given his or her age and weight. Dr. Tegzes spoke on an AKC Canine Health Foundation podcast. The toxicologist also debunked the myth that poinsettias are poisonous to dogs (not cats) and told the audience that the toxic effect of chocolate depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed (dark baking chocolate is most toxic) . The symptoms of a poison are a change in behavior and depend both on the poison and the dog. Poisons result in behavior changes such as continuous vomiting, and tremors can begin almost immediately or two to four days later. If you suspect poison see your veterinarian and collect the substance and the container for his diagnosis. The Poison Control Hotline number is 888-426-4435 and there is a fee.
BUCKS FOR BILLBOARDS
Due to the economy there seem to be many empty billboards across the country. Western dog organizations worked a deal with a local billboard company to send a message about the dangers of the animal rights movement. They bought billboards and simply added exposeanimalrights.com. Now even large organizations have joined this new form of communication .
WATCH FOR SEPTEMBER RDOs
Watch for announcements of local dog organization events celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO). The closest event in this part of Pennsylvania is being held in Scranton.
KILLER DOGS
The pack of dogs that allegedly killed the elderly couple were “wild dogs”. According to Dr. Alan Beck, wild dogs rarely attack humans–like other wild animals, they are shy and prefer to be left alone. It has been theorized that these dogs were owned by a hoarder. This is much more believable. Interestingly enough, none of the dogs weighed over 35 pounds and none were identified as “pit bulls”, shepherds, Rottweilers or any specific breed.
We must teach dog bite prevention to the elderly as well as to children.
Aug 21, 2009 | | Uncategorized
The Franken-Isakson Service Dogs for Veterans Act has passed the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan Act would establish a pilot program within the Veterans Administration that would pair disabled veterans with service dogs. Sponsors believe that increasing the number of service dogs would reduce the suicide rate, decrease the number of hospitalizations, lower the cost of medications and result in reduced health care costs, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries. Fifty percent of the veterans are expected to be suffering from mental health disabilities, with the balance composed of those with physical injuries or disabilities. The Act mandates partnership with non-profit agencies that do not charge for their animals, services or lodging. The project will last a minimum of three years. Funding will be provided for the first 50 service dogs, with matching funds for the agencies for the balance of dogs.
Could Michael Vick make an important contribution in the success of this program? The program needs attention and the non-profits will need funding.
MEET THE BREEDS–DOGS . . . . AND CATS!
Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th, the American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers Association are holding a showcase of dogs and cats at New York’s Jacob Javits Center. According to the organizers there will be over 160 dog breeds and 41 cat breeds with breeders on hand to give advice. In addition there will be demonstrations, including agility, obedience, K-9 Search and Rescue, grooming and more. Tickets are available through www.meetthebreeds.com
CCA (CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMATION ASSESSMENT)
According to Golden Retriever breeders the majority of dogs born never are evaluated on their confirmation–that is, how they meet the breed standard. The majority of dogs become companions or compete in obedience, agility, etc. The CCA, a non-competitive evaluation by three judges, gives breeders a way to learn how closely the puppies they are breeding meet the standard’s requirements. The evaluation is private and the results are not published. The CCA evaluation is designed to be a teaching tool for small breeders who want their puppies to be assets to the world of dogs. It was developed by Golden Retriever breeders to protect the quality of their breed for future generations. The text and rules of the CCA can be found on the web site www.gra.org.
DOROTHY NICKLES
“I never judge without love for every dog that steps into my ring. I’ve seen great dogs and not so-great dogs, but I never forget that inside very one of them is a beautiful soul.” This quote is from Dorothy Nickles, who died at the age of 99. She had been judging dogs for 57 years.
PAUSE BEFORE PURCHASING
Think about those biscuits and cat treats that allegedly ensure cleaner teeth before purchasing. The only study I could find that evaluated the Hartz product, for example, was done in 1995 and involved a SHMP (sodium hexametaphosphate) coating. SHMP is a common food additive safe for dogs and people that does reduce calculus formation. Once, again, pause before purchasing.
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Aug 18, 2009 | | Uncategorized
The first canine influenza vaccine H3N8 is now available. The killed virus vaccine involves two shots. Canine influenza was first identified in the U.S. in greyhounds in 2004; a respiratory infection, it is highly contagious, seldom fatal and continues to spread. Most dogs have no immunity. At one time in its history it was mistaken for “kennel cough” and Tamiflu was found to be an effective treatment. There is no evidence that it can spread to people.
There is now a an electronic breeders directory that lists breeders who have been vetted by the Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs. It also includes groups, organizations AND RESCUES. A bonus on the website is a legislative update. The directory is search- friendly thanks to Darin Cox. Of course, he breeds Springers!! http://PAFederationOfDogClubs.org. and click on electronic directory!
FITNESS UNLEASHED, written by Marty Becker, DVM and Rober Kushnew, MD, belongs in everyone’s library, especially as we face universal health care debates. A dog is after all our best personal trainer. The book is widely available and can be ordered from Tufts University by calling 973-579-3700 or www.tuftsbooks.com. Too bad that after shedding pounds and lowering blood pressure we can’t deduct expenses for our four-legged health care worker! MORE ON THE HEALTH LEGISLATION–according to a recent study about 28% of pet owners who smoke would try to quit if they knew that secondhand smoke endangered their pets, according to a recent study cited in JAVMA. The authors concluded that no smoking education campaigns should include pets. Also, did you know that the famous BLUE DOG legislative group of conservatives have an interesting counterpart in the canine culture? BLUE DOG is an effective guide to preventing dog bites using a ladder of aggression. The dog bite program can be ordered through your veterinarian. (I don’t know if they access to the Washington group. )
DOG SCOUTS OF AMERICA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. The Dog Scout is the dog and the owner can be either an adult or child but the group is unique in that it has a junior scout program, runs camps and has badges. The badge that interested me was called a Travel Safety Badge; it stresses using seat belts and safe steps to take when traveling with a pet. This badge would seem to fit well into animal disaster response teams. Unfortunately, they encourage talking to the dog in full sentences. After reading some of the twitters and texting I thought communicating in full sentences was obsolete! The AKC Responsible Dog Owner celebration is also going in a scouting direction, offering badges for both Girl and Boy Scouts.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE to help us trace the origin of dogs across the world, account for human migration patterns and breed diversity. A study of the National Science Foundation has found that dogs did not just descend from friendly grey wolves–their ancestors were village dogs. Through the analysis of blood, the diversity and similarity of first dogs appears to be much more complex than many of our dog trainers would have us believe. The title of the study fittingly is OF MUTTS AND MEN!!
LOCAL HUMANE is another interesting group. www.localhumane.org This group emphasizes that local humane societies are not chapters of and are not governed and funded by HSUS (Humane Society of America) . Confusion on the links between HSUS and other local groups can contribute to community problems. This mis-connection could also be the source of confusion with the PSPCA.
Aug 10, 2009 | | Uncategorized
Since my dogs now have MOLLY MUTT beds, what is in them can be a filling of torn clothing, tattered towels and blankets or even a blouse now too small! A Molly Mutt bed has two parts. One part is a mesh zippered sack you fill with old clothing, blankets, sheets, towels etc. The second part is the sack, which is like a strong, attractive duvet–yours or theirs– also zippered! The whole bed is wonderfully washable (as a whole or in parts) of course. With MOLLY MUTT you and your dogs can give a whole new meaning to “sharing a bed”!! Comes in three sizes–small medium and large. I chose medium for the girls. My 12-year-old has now decided she is staying in bed all day! I think she would eat her meals there if she could. Her daughters share the other bed and seem in awe of the splendor and smells, especially since they are used to piles of old sheets and rugs and towels scattered about the floor. MOLLY MUTT beds have been advertised in the AKC Gazette and are also sold in Pennsylvania. Contact Bone Appetite, 8505 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118 . I am waiting for some clever owner to make duvets with the Penn State and/or Pittsburgh Steelers logos or club logos for fund raisers!
POOCH PERSONALITY–DO THEY REALLY HAVE ONE AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR DOG TRAINERS AND OWNERS?
Long ago when the Guiding Eye Foundation decided to raise puppies for its program it developed a puppy aptitude test (PAT) which was devised to determine which puppies had a genetic predisposition for service dog work. To date, millions of puppies have had PAT testing to determine genetic traits. Aptitude, however, is not personality. Personality is part of each breed’s standard and is taken into account when a dog is judged. It can be influenced and developed through environment and experience. Aptitude, on the other hand, cannot be changed–there is some evidence that the genes in the brain could be still evolving when the dog is 7 days old, determining aptitude. We do not know if it can be influenced in utero.
It is popular to give owners personality tests to determine if they will and would be responsible dog owners and what breeds would fit with their lifestyle. Now we owners are being asked to take tests to determine our dog’s personality–as we see it! THE TESTED HAVE BECOME THOSE DOING THE TESTING! What is more, we are asked to use something called EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE as a training help. These pay-for-attendance-seminars promise us a view on how the brain learns, how memories are made, how to use stress and how to improve attention with movement. Since I have a master’s degree in psychology, which stressed learning theory as well as physiological psychology, I question the veracity of the subject matter–is this PAT tied to a human limbic system? It would seem so.
Aug 03, 2009 | | Uncategorized