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Issue 170 - 1/31/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS COLLIE MIX Q: I have a collie mix (Copper) with a thick undercoat. I take him to the groom shop once a year to get groomed. We don’t brush him at home because he seems so upset when we do and seems so stressed after his trip to the pet salon. How can I make this process better for Copper and not have so much hair in the house? A: Yes, I can suggest solutions for both you and Copper to lessen the stress related to his grooming. A little history into the nature of a double coated dog may ‘shed’ some light on how he gets to be a mess in the first place. An animal with a heavy double coat in the wild is in constant motion through thickets and underbrush, which result in keeping undercoats shedding out regularly. Wild dogs also eat raw meats and grasses, which provide nutrients and oils lacking in the standard diet of most domestic dogs. Copper, is probably not near as active and more than likely eats commercial dog foods. Our commercial pet foods are mostly corn, flour and dried low quality additives. A sedentary dog surviving on just commercial dry food is not given the conditions for a healthy coat that can shed out naturally. As responsible pet owners we must compensate. Frequent, effective brushing out of the undercoat and a premium diet will usually improve the stress and shedding problems you mentioned. Expecting the groomer to get a years worth of undercoat and dirt out in a session once a year is torture for most heavy coated dogs. Obviously, the longer the wait, the more the coat, the more the coat the more time and effort to get it out, the more grueling the process the more stress the dog will feel. Feeding a premium diet (research on this topic is encouraged) should provide the coat texture that will brush easier. The frequency of brushing will get Copper used to the process, relieving some of his stress, and as an added perk, creating a closer bond between the two of you. Setting up regular appointments at the grooming shop is a good alternative if your life style allows. Your groomer should be able to show you some brushing techniques if the cost is a concern. Don’t give up though, it may take time but Copper’s all around well being will benefit and you will have less hair in the house as well. Wishing You the Best of Results. Issue 171 - 2/7/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS DOG'S TOE NAILS Q: Why are my dog’s toe nails so long and how often should they be clipped? A: Your dog’s nails are long because he/she does not run on terrain or surfaces to wear them down naturally. Often times, even an active dog can not wear down toe nails to a healthy length . A dog’s toe nails need to be clipped before the nails force pressure on the toes of the dog when he/she walks. If nails are allowed to get too long they can stretch the ligaments in the toes, eventually forcing the carpel backwards. This painful situation can lead to many other ailments and misalignments of the bone structure resulting in more discomfort. Nails neglected too long may bleed when clipped because the quik(vein inside the nail) keeps growing longer also. Although there are differences in opinion on this, in extreme cases I feel the short term pain (couple minutes at most) could be the better choice rather than extend the pain and discomfort and risk permanent damage in the posture of our beloved pet. It is best to clip toe nails before pressure from the nail experienced by the dog. My motto is, “if you hear a click, time to clip.” Issue 172 - 2/14/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS BICHON/POODLE MIX Q: I have a Bichon/Poodle mix named, Camille. I brush Camille a couple times a week, however, when I take her to get groomed the groomer says she is matted. How can I be sure the groomer is being honest about the degree of matting? I like to keep her hair at least an inch long if possible, not short like she keeps getting clipped. A: Understanding the matted or fully brushed out concept, can be difficult. Without knowing your groomers competence or experience or your brushing ability this could be a bit difficult to answer. I have witnessed clients that brush their dogs regularly, but the dog comes in very matted. I have seen clients who admit to rarely brushing “Fifi” and their dog is just a little tangled. Ask your groomer to show you the condition of the coat before you leave the shop when you drop Camille off. She can demonstrate this by blowing the force air dryer into the coat. If you see a lot of clumped or tangled hair close to the skin or areas of thick matting then you have a matted dog. Most experienced groomers can condition and “force air” light to moderate matting out away from the skin allowing easy brush outs. Brushing heavy matting out is considered, doggy abuse and a selfish request. Make sure your brushing sessions with Camille are effective, not surface brushing. A good slicker brush and metal comb are needed. Start brushing Camille at her feet and work your way up to her back, head and tail. Make parts in the coat and line brush up and out. Double check your work with a fine tooth comb. If done correctly, matting should not be an issue at your dogs next appointment. Grooming appointments kept at four to six weeks apart can give the best results on a long styled clip. Short, frequent sessions that yield results can be fun, as well! Issue 173 - 2/21/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS DOG'S COAT DRY & ITCHY Q: Why is my dogs coat always so dry and skin itchy. The veterinarian prescribed a medicated shampoo and we have tried feeding him vegetable oils and using conditioners after his bath but his skin and coat are still flaky. Any suggestions? A: There is not just one answer to the dry itchy coat problems so many dogs have. Dry, itchy skin seems difficult to remedy even for the professionals. Good quality diet, regular grooming and environment all contribute to skin and coat health. Once your Vet has assured you that specific allergies or serious health problems are not to blame, consider a care routine that provides a strong foundation of nutrition and care so as to eliminate most the common fixable issues of skin and coat health. I have seen the greatest results from a natural or raw food diet. This diet takes education and dedication, but seems to yield incredible results. After many years and many dollars spent on allergies and dry, dull, itchy skin on their dogs without much change. I have witnessed amazing improvement in coat health, when these same owners chose a natural feeding method. Premium dog foods can improve skin and coat health, as well. I have witnessed big changes in coats after owners have gotten away from generic and cheap dog foods. Many of the dog foods sold in grocery stores would be the equivalent of us eating white bread as our total diet. Premium dog food with a quality supplement provide a good base of nutrients needed for healthy skin and coat. Commercial grades are my third choice but they rarely yield results the commercials say they will. There are many good shampoo products on the market that will temporarily relieve coat problems and add moisture to the skin and coat. However they are usually temporary and do not necessarily solve the problem. Using harsh, perfumed or human products can be hard on your dogs coat. It is best to stay with shampoos and conditioners made for dogs and mild or non-detergent shampoos for dry coats. Frequent grooming or brushing is often times all that is needed for some coat problems. A clean coat, free of dead undercoat and debris and parasites can alleviate many coat issues. The best diet and good grooming may give your dog the healthy coat you wish for him, even in spite of this harsh dry climate of Colorado. Issue 174 - 2/28/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS POODLE MIX FROM SHELTER Q: We have just adopted a 3 yr old poodle mix from the animal shelter. She seems very sweet but has obviously been treated poorly in the past. We want to be sure she has only positive experiences from here on, how do we find a grooming shop that will handle her correctly? (her name is ‘Sweetie’) A: Just knowing that you are asking the question of how to fi nd a good and reputable groomer lets me know she is in good hands. Thank you for adopting “Sweetie” it gives me “warm fuzzies” whenever an adult pet gets a new home. It can be tough for a lot of owners to drop their pets off at a grooming shop, I have read about and been witness to questionable treatment of pets in shops. Here are a few points to consider that should help put ‘Sweetie‘ in good hands during her coiffure. Call; Is the groomer friendly/professional on the phone? If you catch her during a rush, listen to how she talks to the dogs/others in the shop. Shops can become a bit challenging at times on the nerves, but never should she vent abusively on the pets. Visit; is the shop clean? Hair fl ying in a small shop is unavoidable, but a strong stagnant dog or mildew odor is not so good. Do you see a quality disinfectant near the tables and cages? Are the groomers presentable/professional? Safety; Are there safety features in the shop? Rubber mats, hunch holders, cloth quick release leashes, etc. Ask; ask questions, a competent groomer will be happy to answer your questions and counsel about the proper care needed for Sweetie. After 3 or 4 visits compare ’Sweeties’ reaction to the grooming shop? Is she improving or getting more sour toward the experience? Expect her to be nervous at fi rst but don’t play into her insecurities. Act as if getting groomed is a wonderful experience to help her to look forward to the trip to the shop. Trust your instincts; you should like your dogs groomer too! Issue 175 - 3/7/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS PERSIAN MIX CAT Q: I have a Persian mix cat that does not like being brushed. How can I keep her from getting matted if she won’t let me brush her? A: Short, frequent sessions of brushing with the most effective tools and techniques, by a handler that is in control and calm. Well, that is the answer to your and your kitty’s dilemma, I will now elaborate. A good slicker brush and fi ne tooth pet comb work the most effi ciently. Cats have short attention spans and are very sensitive to pain. Ideally, the cats owners need to desensitize them to brushing, by short-frequent sessions. (even though we may not always accomplish much, every time) The secret here, is to not to give up and be more tenacious than the cat. Claws and teeth can hurt us badly, so don’t’ get caught by them. Learn to read the body language and signs of defense in the kitty, but also stay in control. Some cats can only be handled for a few minutes and others 15 to 20 minutes before they “go ballistic”. Some cats must be tranquilized to be groomed. But, most non-feral cats can be conditioned to accept their brushing and grooming. There are many books on feline behavior, that may help you to understand what is going on in that little cat brain, when you try groom her. It once took me three weeks to pet a cat that lived in the woods behind my house. Within, four weeks I was giving her a fl ea bath. The cat and I developed mutual trust and respect, that allowed me to groom her. Both of the kitties I have now did not like being brushed or their tails handled. Both of them will now fi ght over being the brushed one and wind their tails around my hands. There is also the option of taking her to a groomer that is competent with cats. Cats are best with routines and the familiar so do lots of behavior training/ brushing before her fi rst visit, to lessen the stress at appointment time. They seem to do best with fi rm but gentle handling. Please, don’t give up on her, most kitty’s I have known are not as nasty as they want us to think they are. Issue 176 - 3/14/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WHEATEN PUPPY Q: We just got a new Wheaten puppy. She has got a lot of energy and difficult to hold still enough to brush. What can we do keep her to hold still so we can brush her? A: Thank heavens for little puppies, a true sign of spring. Don’t give up, the wigglies will slow down as she grows up. The best method of training is short, frequent sessions of proper technique. I suggest, starting your training on a grooming table. You can also use the top of your washer and dryer. Put a non skid backed rug on top to provide a safe footing. Put a yard stick through the handle of a four foot leash and put the stick on the floor behind and between the washer and dryer, making sure it can’t be pulled up. Bring the hook end of the leash up through the space to create a way to hold her in place on the rug. Now, hook the leash on her collar. When she settles down, praise her and say stand or stay, give her a treat when she stands still. Do not walk away or let go of her. Do maybe 5 minutes at a time and keep increasing her time on the ‘grooming table’. Include brushing or calm petting and praise(or treats) when she settles down. The less jabbering you do and just vocalize praise, well placed “no’s” or “stays” the more she will be able to identify the words with the desired response. Forcing, begging and bribing doesn’t work, she may lose respect for you and become more tenacious. Guide her firmly but gently into the calm behavior she will need on the grooming table. Wishing you the greatest of results in your training. Issue 177 - 3/21/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS CHOW MIX Q: We have a Chow mix, that is starting to loose a lot of undercoat, his coat is very thick. Is it too early in the year to have him groomed? My husband wants to have him shaved, what do you suggest? A: It is never too early to get a Chow groomed. Keeping a thick coat in good shape all year will help avoid spear grass and other picky weeds from penetrating the coat into the skin, and still leave plenty of insulation for Colorado winters. Even in the dead of winter in Colorado an outside dog will do better with a clean, managed coat, than one left to grow thick and matted. Most dogs release or drop their undercoats in spring. A clean healthy coat will shed out easier than one whose owners waited to groom them after the coat became incredibly thick and dirty. The latter choice of care creates a difficult process for a dog that is not used to grooming, to endure. To shave a thick undercoated dog can result in other problems with the skin and coat. Shaving the double coated coats, takes a soft downy undercoat and a stiff outer coat to a ¼ inch length. Clipper blades must cut beneath the under coat or through a thoroughly brushed out coat, using a blade guard. There are several techniques an experienced groomer can use to expedite the job, but it is still labor intensive. More often than not the shaved double coat does not grow back healthy. I have seen everything from dermatitis to a spotty re-growth of hair, to an animal with no hair and coat re-growth in some areas, after being shaved. It is best to keep him in good condition all year. When spring comes and the profuse shedding starts, the job is not traumatic to your chow or expensive for you. Short, frequent sessions with a technique that yields results. Issue 178 - 3/28/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS MALTESE Q: Is there anything I can do to keep my little Maltese, Daisy, from licking and chewing her feet? Her saliva stains her feet and sometimes she even gets sores where she licks. A: There are many reasons dogs get into a habit of self licking. Allergy, anxiety, boredom, external irritation is the most common catalysts to excessive licking and chewing. Some chewing/ licking habits are difficult to break even after all needs are met. Hopefully the following observations and information can help free you and Daisy from her compulsive habit. According to what I have experienced and learned from veterinarians and pet health publications there are many common household stimuli that may trigger allergic reactions in dogs. In the shop, it seems small white dogs have are a little more sensitive than most. Perfumes, carpet deodorizers, lawn fertilizers, molds and harsh shampoos are common external allergens for dogs, as well. Low grade diets or diets high in certain grains, ingredients and preservatives don’t provide the balance a pet’s system requires. I have seen many dogs whose owners took the responsibility of proper nutrition, solve many food allergy problems with their dogs. The licking stopped, when the nutritional needs were met. Anxiety can be caused by many things that the dog perceives as threatening or uncomfortable. Anything from a loud or angry family environment to just being ignored can be a source of stress. Separation anxiety is also a popular stress for many beloved dogs. It would take more than this short article to actually solve Daisy’s licking problem. Much more information is needed and certain criteria may not apply to your situation, but this is a good place to start.
Issue 179 - 4/4/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS CHOOSING A BREED Q: My wife and I got married six months ago. We are not ready to have children yet, but would like to get a dog to make our house feel like home. We both love animals, but have not had a dog since we were still living with our parents. What breed would be best for us? A: This is a very good question with a lot of unknowns. The most common reason for giving up a pet, is the introduction of children into a household. How much are you and your wife willing to commit to being responsible pet owners? How much time (money) do you and your wife have to commit to a new pet in the household? What is your training plan if a child does come along? What kind of everyday life would a dog in your care have? Would you have to leave it in a back yard all day and night? Would you have to leave it in a kennel all day? Crating is okay for training but left day after day for more than a couple hours is caging and is not considered a healthy life style for dogs? If your new dog must spend 12 hours alone everyday or be caged or you do not have the lifestyle to afford proper care yet than I would say to you, ‘No Dog’ is the right dog for you. If you are making lifetime commitment to keep a dog, even when a family is started and you have the time and resources to provide a healthy environment, then there are many dog breeds right for you. The author of ‘The Right Dog for You” by Daniel F. Tortora, PhD, teaches how to choose the right breed that matches your personality, family and lifestyle. Here are some topics to consider as you search for that special four legged family addition: • Physical characteristics-height, weight, strength, coat color and texture, shedding or no shedding, grooming requirements, and food requirements • Temperamental characteristics-indoor/outdoor, activity level, emotional stability, sociability, training potential, and watchdog/guard-dog ability • Popularity, background , and unique qualities of each breed type, genetic problems and pluses Once you have read up on breeds, behavior and care requirements and know the type of dog that will blend in well with you and your spouse, start your search. If you are not set on a specific breed, than I would suggest starting at the local shelters and rescues. I suggest spending some time getting to know a few of the abandoned dogs in the shelter ‘the one’ may be, waiting just for you. Armed with the insight from your studies you will be able to pass up the dogs that are not a right fi t. All you may need then is to peer into the right set of canine eyes and the match is made. If your heart is set on a specific pure breed than learn how to identify responsible breeders. Remember cost does not necessarily mean quality when it come to pets. A pet store, normally supplied from breeding farms and mills with little attention to breed specifics, health or comfort will often charge three to four times the going rate for a dog. Yet some good breeders are willing to let an older pup go for less to the right individuals. Issue 180 - 4/11/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS STANDARD POODLE Q: My Standard Poodle has been lifting his leg through out our home. I love this dog, but am at my wits end with his urinating in the house. We keep a very nice, clean home with expensive furniture and décor, so this has to be remedied. We have tried scolding and nose rubbing training techniques to no avail. What can we do? A: Of all the many books on canine behavior and training concepts that I have read, there are a few different philosophies explaining the inappropriate urination problem. The authors, Carol Lea Benjamin, Ian Dunbar and Job Michael Evans do agree leg-lifting is an attempt to dominate the owner. Get him neutered, if this is already done then take him to the veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing it. Put the dog in a radical regimen right away. Return to the crate training process, done in the same way as a new puppy. With a larger dog this may be difficult, so confinement in a small area, with his bed may work. It is not suggested to use a wire or open air crate because ‘Squirt’ may just decide to pee outside the crate. If your recalcitrant urinates in an airline crate, the result is he must sit and stew in his own youknow-what. By using the crate and a schedule, you will prevent him from marking indoors, unless you are watching. If you do catch him in the act, swoop down on him, shake him back and forth by his collar (be sure to leave his back legs planted on the floor, do not cause pain to him, just shame) make a huge display of anger, SHAME him and then walk him. When you come home with him and “find” the accident again, correct him all over again. Confine him to his crate until the next walk. Clean the spot thoroughly. So as not to mix the message, do not leave it even for ten minutes after the second scolding. There are a few other aspects of your leg-lifters behavior you’ll have to control. Don’t let Squirt spray the neighborhood. Some leg-lifters are unintentionally trained that urinating in the house is OK when owners allow them to leg-lift ten or twenty times during a walk- and heartily praise each spray. When he is in the house, crate him. Let no amount of whining or barking sway you in this training. A truly house broken dog would die before wetting in doors. It was partly someone’s poor communication with him previously that brought out the problem. Study up on what it takes to become consistently the dominant pack leader to your dog and don’t give up. Issue 181 - 4/18/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS LABRADOR RETRIEVER Q: My Labrador is three years old and has reestablished the habit of stealing food off the counters and the kids toys. She has lots of toys and plenty of high quality food so she doesn’t lack for anything. Why is she stealing and how can we stop the habit? A: What many of the greatest authors of canine behavior teach us (Ian Dunbar, Barbara Woodhouse and John Fisher etc.) we must always remember what instincts drive a dog to do some things. More often than not a dog is just simply being a dog. Thieving is a strong natural instinct in all dogs. In the days of the wild pack, his ancestors hunted and stole from those animals not clever enough to guard their cache’. The mind of a dog is cunning when it comes to stealing food or other articles he fancies. Thieving by domestic dogs is often purely out of boredom. A dog that is well trained and has a sense of purpose generally won’t steal. If your dog does not have worms or any other medical condition that will create an insatiable hunger or need, than observe her routine for clues. Try not to just have the dog as random entertainment for the kids but give her a “real” job to do. The experts suggest starting with basic obedience training; sit, down, stay, etc. Continue training to give your dog a sense of purpose. Take her for walks on leash and enforce her manners. Give her jobs to do; teach her to bring in the newspaper, slippers, a toy, etc. Food stealing can be a considered a major crime. While it is normal for a dog to try, food stealing can be stopped. First establish a communication with your dog, by teaching her not to take any food without permission. For one week, every time you give her anything to eat, a biscuit or putting her bowl down say OK in a bright voice. She won’t get the message right away, but it will sink in. Week two, hold the biscuit, say nothing. If she tries to take it say, NO. If she hesitates, say OK and give ti to her. Continue to use the OK for all food but practice the NO just a couple time a week. Once her training of taking food only on the OK, you are ready to train by set-ups. Set-ups involve purposely baiting and calling of the act. Baiting or set-ups generally only work when communication and respect of the owner are secure. Many people try to start at this level and the dog just steals when no one is looking. My favorite explanation of the set-up is in DOG PROBLEMS by Carol Lea Benjamin, a fun read. Issue 182 - 4/25/05
SAFETY RULES FOR PET OWNERS In many of the past For The Love of Pets articles, solutions to owner’s problems related to getting the whole family involved in training and grooming. It is probably a good idea to practice these safety rules when children (and adults that lack common sense and forethought) are responsible for the care of the pet.
Common Sense Works - Chy Issue 183 - 5/2/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS NON-SHEDDING DOG Q: I am thinking of getting a pure bred non-shedding dog. I have not yet decided on the exact breed yet. How often should I get it groomed? A: The duration of time between professional grooming can vary greatly even on dogs of the same breed. Coat condition, hair type, and climate are just some of the variables. A lot depends on how much home grooming you are willing to offer to your pet. Listed below are some guidelines suggested by grooming authorities. Your professional groomer can be more specific with your pet. Here is what is suggested for some of the more common breeds:
Issue 185 - 5/16/05
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS HYPER, DESTRUCTIVE DOGS Q: Why are some dog’s destructive, hyper or difficult? A: Dogs need mental stimulation. If a dog’s natural energy is not properly channeled, he can indulge in destructive behavior. Because of the unique nature of the relationship of the dog to us, he is dependent on our initiative for his mental and physical activity. When we fail in this area, we are confronted with the behavioral problems that all too frequently develop. To train or create a happy emotionally secure pet we need to stimulate the dog in similar ways to those in which it is naturally stimulated. Activities that include nose work, problem solving, learning and balance are needed. We have to think like dogs, if we are going to be successful in training. It’s easy to make mistakes. For example, if when teaching a dog to come when his name is called and at the same time calling his name to discipline him when he messes in the house is a sure way to produce a mixed up mutt. Here are some canine rules of learning as listed by Bruce Fogle, DVM in THE DOG’S MIND.
Issue 187 - 5/30/05
SUMMER IS NOW UPON US Many of us are busy with yard chores and outdoor activities. Let’s not put off getting our pets ready for the hot weather too. They can’t do it themselves. If you have an outside dog keep his water dishes fresh and full. Maybe it’s necessary to get a bigger water dish and place it close to a water spigot, to remind and make it easy for you to refill and freshen up.
Stay cool with your dog, in the dog days of summer! Chy Issue 188 - 6/6/05
SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY HERE!!! Colorado is such a wonderful state to enjoy activities that include our pets. Hiking, bicycling, camping and more with our beloved “Fido” at our side, can be very rewarding. Please, always be considerate and aware of the incredible spirit and loyalty of your dog when you are hiking and sharing outdoor activities with him. After a long winter they are not any better equipped to handle extreme conditions or sport than we are. Dogs are not wired to show pain or discomfort the way we do. They will try to stay with us far beyond what we would deem even possible if our experiences were switched. Many a dog will run to his death to stay with and please his owner. Gradually and mindfully increase the level of the activity at your dogs pace not yours. Do not run a dog along side of a bike until he is in peak physical condition. Stop frequently to let him rest and drink plenty of water. I have been witness to many dogs distressed to the point of fatal exhaustion. I have seen owners run their dogs so hard before they are conditioned, that the pads of their feet were worn off to a bloody mess and the dog unable to go on. Check feet and watch for lameness regularly even on dogs in the best of conditions. Dehydration happens fast in the mountains, carry plenty of water for your dog, as well. Feeding high quality, premium foods, high in protein is a must if an owner chooses a high-activity and endurance life style for their dog. The cheap foods don’t get it for a dog that is subjected to climbing “fourteeners” or running alongside a bike at a fast pace for hours. It is important to keep double coated dogs brushed out through the summer months even more if you are exercising or hiking with them. Never subject a heavily coated dog to intense activity when it is hot out or water and shade is not available. Before you go on a mountain hike or camping trip be sure “Fido” will absolutely obey basic commands. To ‘come’ when called, could save ’Fido’ from getting killed by a mountain lion. A solid ‘stay’ command could save ‘Fido’ from a fall off a rocky ledge. Condition, Training, Consideration, Safety, Good Food equals lasting fun for you and your dog for years to come. Chy Issue 190 - 6/6/05
DOG LETTERS TO GOD It’s no fun to laugh alone, so I thought I’d share this with you. As found on the internet….
Have a happy week! Chy Issue 191 - 6/27/05
DID YOU KNOW... As studies have shown, when it comes to assessing the age of a dog as compared to humans, the following criterion applies. Please note that size, breed and breeding lines may alter the actual age equivalent. This is still a far closer comparison than the “7 human years equals 1 dog year” as commonly believed.
Dog Psychology by Leon F. Whitney, DVM Keep on Learning, Chy Issue 192 - 7/4/05
THE BARKING DOG My goodness we have all been annoyed by hearing the neighbors dogs bark endlessly and bad times like at night or when trying to achieve quiet time. In this area of hilly and open neighborhoods, like Red Rocks or Kings Deer, a barking dog can be heard for miles. From my experience and learning there are many different barks that a dog expresses. The most disturbing bark, to me, is a dog that barks a single bark, then a pause and a single bark again, then a pause, over and over for hours in the night. This dog is lonely and is expressing needs, in the only way he can. I lay awake and pray for this dog, because he is probably neglected and alone. My heart aches for this dog, because I hear him every night. I question; Does he have food and water? Does he ever get a responsible owner to care for him? Where is he? The idiot bark as I’ve heard it called, is when a dog barks excessively to some form of stimuli, a visitor, car or noise, etc. This dog just needs an owner with the time and education to train it when to sound a warning and how long. There are many effective training techniques to accomplish this. I think the set up version is the easiest and least expensive. The bark collars work in situations when the owner is not around when the dog displays excessive barking. Often times the outside dogs hear an appropriate bark from a dog in the area and the rest just sound off to accompany him. The domestic dog like the wolf, can retain the instinct just to let the other distant canines know they exist. Music and harmony of nature, you might say. If a dog barks in a staccato, high pitch, more than likely he is sounding an alarm that should be recognized. I have witnessed, owners who respond to this type of barking, in an attempt to quiet the dogs, with the same high pitched vocalizing. Naturally the dogs are being trained to keep up the exited barking behavior, due to the fact the human just joined them. They won’t know the human meaning for ‘quiet’ if it is expressed by 40 to 50 rapidly spoken, high pitched phrases that they don’t understand. Remember, a calm, one word command, said once, then enforced, works! Happy, Quiet Canines Please! Chy Issue 193 - 7/11/05
PET QUIPS TO ENJOY Here are some more fun quips on a serious note from some great authors, on pets…..
Enjoy all the Little Creatures for all they are, Chy Issue 194 - 7/18/05
MYTH BUSTERS Here are some Myth Busters for my readers, from the wonderful book Ain’t Misbehavin‘ by John C. Wright, PH.D. (America’s foremost pet psychologist.) Mini Myth #1: says something like, “I have to let Sweetums have a litter before I have her spayed. It’s only fair, and this way she won’t end up hyper.” The reality is that there is no evidence that spaying has any effect on the temperament of female dogs or cats in terms of excitability. Sorry! As to the “fairness” of letting a pet experience motherhood ---I guess that’s a question for the philosophers among us to settle. But keep in mind that spayed females are likely to be healthier as they age, and that tons of unwanted puppies and kittens are put to death each day, which seems a lot more unfair to me. What do you think? Mini Myth #2: Spaying Makes Pets Fat and Lazy. Myth 2 may be true. There is a grain of truth in that statement because the average spayed female gains about 10 percent in body weight after spaying. Summing up Dr. Wright’s wonderful remedy for this is reduce the food intake and increase exercise. Pretty simple, ah. Mini Myth #3: Dogs Feel Guilty Here’s that old classic: dogs feel guilty when they’ve pooped on the rug. Yes, it sure seems as though they are suffering the pangs of guilt when you come home to a cowering, tail-between the legs, slinking-away canine instead of the one who usually greets you with enthusiasm. Sure enough, there’s the poop, and you go into your ballistics right on cue. When your dog smells that poop (which he has forgotten he deposited there) and sees you looking at it, he knows that he is in trouble. He expects to get yelled at or swatted, nose rubbed in it, banished, etc. Dr. Wright explains this behavior as “chaining”---a term behaviorists use when one thing leads to another in the inevitable chain of events--- that prods the dog into hanging his head in anticipation of the punishment. And it all starts when you walk it the door and spot the pile on the floor. Yes, fear and submission are at play her, but guilt does not likely enter the picture! Enjoy all the Little Creatures for all they are, Chy Issue 195 - 7/25/05
ANOTHER COMMON MYTH One of my closest friend’s daughter is having her baby tonight as I write this, so an article relating to ’mommies’ of puppies and kittens is definitely appropriate. Even more appropriate when it exposes a common myth. The myth: Don’t touch that puppy or kitten or the mother may kill it or abandon it. Ha! As any women who has given birth will swallow this misconception! It may contain some truth if applied to baby birds in the wild, however this has been pretty thoroughly discredited. Mammals certainly do not let the human odor deter them from caring for their young. In some cases if the mother has not had time to establish the young as hers. (by smell, sound, taste and grooming her babies) or you coat it with the scent of a dead animal carcass, she’ll care for them. I believe most dogs and cats who have had access to their mothers for at least 6 to 8-weeks will have had their basic physiological needs(full advantage of the health benefi t of mothers milk), psychological needs(security that results from structured parenting and social needs(the learning of play and relating to the litter mates)met. Animal behaviorists have studied litters raised with minimal human contact and compared them to those litters exposed to people on a regular basis. It has been shown that as far as people-friendly kittens go, the earlier and more often kittens are handled , the friendlier they’re likely to be. The same is true for puppies. Results have been found with only 15 minutes of handling to bring out affectionate behavior. Little ones with up to two hours a day are even more people-friendly. I guess there can never be enough love and affection when it comes to babies of any kind. To Casey who has certainly by now delivered a beautiful Baby! Chy Issue 196 - 8/1/05
INTELLIGENCE Part 1 Intelligence, as it is expected of us and possibly misinterpreted in our dogs. I encourage our readers to further understanding of their dogs through reading and observation in all areas, from feeding to training. Just like Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods, who are the best of the best, they continue to be coached and schooled in their sport, in spite of the fact they have achieved more than any other. Therefore, even though many of us have been pet owners or professionals, seeking and increasing knowledge about our beloved fourlegged family members is valuable to achieving success with them. We often overestimate the intelligence of our dogs, and as a result, become impatient with them about their apparent refusal to learn. House-training is a classic example of this. The phrase ‘he knows he’s done wrong’ expresses a misconception about the limits of a dog’s intelligence. We may be more tolerant if were to compare it limits with those of a child who can walk, but not yet talk of understand spoken words. A child this age is regarded as not old enough to understand the difference between right or wrong. If one is in China and does not understand the Chinese language, no amount of shouting or repetition will create that understanding. We as humans have the ability to write down or express words and meanings to others to express our needs, how would we do if grunts and body language was all we had? How would we do if we were isolated from humans and other beings most of our lives, and then required to interact? Wow, what an insight! The biggest breakdown in our communication arises because we are trying to get the dog to understand our value. This will never happen; after all we have enough trouble attempting to understand our own values and communication hurdles in our own species, without trying to inflict them upon another species. We humans, have the intelligence to learn about and understand canine values, and if we apply these, communication between us becomes easier. Effective Communication Between Any Two Beings Seems to Require A Continued Education. At least on the part of the more intelligent of the two. Chy Issue 197 - 8/8/05
INTELLIGENCE Part 2 In studying the great authors that have studied in depth the behavior and intelligence of dogs certainly gives insight into their motivations and limitations. So often forgotten though is the undeniable, possibly limitless potential they seem to possess. I say this in retrospect of the many memories and stories I have been witness to during the 20 plus years in the pet industry. So many times a scenario plays out involving a dog or animal that seems to disprove all that we have come to believe as true about what they are capable of. I would like to share some of my favorite memories and stories of animals that tend to put a question mark on our perceptions of them, often times leaving us in awe. ‘MUFFIN’ Oakes was a sweet unassuming, short, fat cocka-poo. I had been grooming her for a few years before she got a bad gall stone attack. Muffin was 8 years old at this time and her owners asked the Veterinarian I was working for to euthanize her because they did not want to pay for the surgery. Muffin was fortunately adopted by on the vet. Techs, given the operation, and settled into a new life. She would follow her new ‘mommy” everywhere while she worked and home, leash not needed. Shortly after her recovery the animal control officers brought in a litter of abandoned kittens only days old. Muffins mom took on the responsibilities of the round the clock feedings and stimulation necessary to keeping nourishment coming and going round the clock. The animal hospital staff set aside a lower kennel with a box to contain the newborns and make it easy to tend them. Muffi n took and interest in the kittens right away. Somehow, when the door to the kennel was left open, after a feeding, Muffin jumped in. She would tend to the kittens like they were her own. She became very adamant about staying with them. She licked their bottoms, let them sleep and crawl on her, kept them safe and could not be enticed from them. Her food and water had to be placed in the kennel with them. We had a few litters of kittens and puppies come to the animal hospital in the years to follow needing a nurse maid, Muffi n took her duties seriously, tending to them with the love and devotion of a natural ‘Mommy’. It’s been twenty years, Muffi n still holds a special place in my heart. For the next few issues I will be writing and reminiscing about all the special animals and stories that have touched my heart. Hope you will enjoy them. Thank You. Chy Issue 198 - 8/15/05
INTELLIGENCE Part 3 Potential: possible but not yet realized: with a possibility or likelihood of occurring, or of doing or becoming something in the future What a truly fascinating topic, be it in humans or animals. So often what one believes that is possible in behavior is way below or limited compared to what is actually played out. Here are some more stories to ponder pertaining to our beloved pets and their true potential. The nature of certain purebred dogs is often predictable. For instance, a Golden Retriever is motivated by games of fetch and sport but guarding is not a strong point. Terriers will bark, Labs will fetch and swim, Portuguese Water Dogs will swim, and Newfoundland’s may jump into the water and drag small children out of the water because their instinct is so strong to save a drowning victim. Dobermans on the other hand have a strong instinct to guard or be cuddled by their owners. Swimming is something they don’t choose to do because they have a dense, lean body type that tends to sink a bit more than most in the water. My true story is about a Doberman (Schultz) that lived with his loving family on a canal in Florida. It was common for Schultz’s owners to take him boating and include him on many activities around the water. Schultz would occasionally wade into the water as long as his feet touched the ground or sniff around the shore line. Never would he swim in the canal with the kids or follow them into the surf, no way, no how. One day Schultz’s owners brought home two litter mate puppies, Yorkshire terriers. Now these Yorkies were tiny and cute and ran around a lot. Schultz, the big proud Doberman, would watch them, but mostly acted as if they were silly little rodents and didn’t have much to do with them. When the family could not find the little dogs when workmen had left the front door open, they naturally went looking for them. Suddenly they heard an excited and loud bark from the back yard. They recognized Schultz’s bark but when he did not repeat it they didn’t hurry to the back yard to check. They were looking for the little Yorkie pups in the front yard where the door they escaped from was. By the time they made it to the backyard a few minutes later, Schultz was pulling himself up on to the break wall alongside the boat hoist, with one Yorkie puppy in his mouth, the other one soggy and shivering on the dock. Naturally a new and fond respect for Schultz was felt by the family and from that point on the Yorkies and ‘Mr. Schultz’ became quite inseparable angels. Act of God? Maybe just an unexpected, natural behavior! Chy Issue 199 - 8/22/05
MY BELOVED J.R. ‘J.R’ came into my life at a time nine years into my pet industry career and also when my life was taking a 180 degree change. He was a four and a half year old standard poodle from a wealthy family that was in great turmoil. At first he had poor manners and a little lack of discipline. I took J.R. with me everywhere I could, to work, meetings, hardware store, lakes, boating you name it. I had a constant shadow. Often times when he was not with me, following as he faithfully did, I felt a little amiss. I am as many of you know a dog groomer by trade. I worked at a shop in a kennel and animal hospital. It was not unusual for a difficult dog or cat to be on my grooming table and giving me quite a hard time. J.R. took it upon himself to help very soon into our partnership. He would gently nip or push cats and small dogs back up on the table if they were trying to jump off, chase runaway pets, and ’give the eye’ to some of the aggressive big dogs that would come in. He tended to stay close to me no matter where I was in the building and many clients got to know him and would ask to see him. There was a little girl that came into the shop I worked in that had Cerebral Palsy, her movements were quite erratic and uncontrollable, yet J.R. would stand perfectly still until she could gain enough control to pet him. Her initial attempts would often time result in a couple raps on J.R.’s head or neck but he never flinched. She would even hang onto his withers if his hair was long enough to steady her self, he never moved. I would bring J.R. to the schools to do career day or safety presentations once a year. He immediately picked up my cues during a demonstration about how to be a responsible owner. I did a little adlib about a happy dog or sad dog and he responded as if we rehearsed for a week. The time I fell in love with my dog another 10 fold was the time I took him to a Home Show to man a booth for a rescue group. The isle ways were extremely crowded, the people could barely see into many of the booths along the way. J.R. and I would venture into the edge of the crowd from time to time to draw attention but it was a bit hectic. A few people stopped to talk and pet J.R. with their 7 year old grandson. The boy needed a little training but he really liked the dog. After about 10 minutes of chatting the couple decided to move on. The boy came out from behind the display and did a loud rrrraaahhh’ and grabbed J.R. from behind around the back and neck. J.R. never got excited but slunk down and came and stood next to me. Many a dog would have bit the kid, many would have growled, many a dog would have shrieked or snapped in fear but not my beloved J.R. So many clients and coworkers made the comment that looking into J.R.’s eyes was almost like human eyes. I believe it was his intense spirit they saw I those eyes. I know it was the love in his heart. He taught me so much. Chy Issue 200 - 8/29/05
TWO KITTIES I WON'T FORGET: R.J. AND ZERO My first year with my standard poodle J.R. was a memorable one. He taught me so much about the capacity of the animal spirit and intellect. A favorite memory is one that involved a couple of exceptional cats. J.R. loved kitties, so much so that he would spend hours staring at them while I was working at the animal hospital. If one got away he would catch it under his front paws until we got there to gather it up. He never hurt the get away kitties and some of the regulars of the grooming shop actually got to know him and allowed him to lick their faces as I was brushing them. So when an extremely neglected cat and dog came into the animal hospital, starved and close to death, everyone took to checking on the pair’s recovery. The dog and cat were kept in the same kennel once they regained some strength for companionship and they preferred to be together. J.R. would spend a lot of time starring at the helpless pair and the cat would purr and rub the side of the cage for him. We named the cat R.J. for Rescued Joe, and adopted him after his two month recovery at the animal hospital. R.J. was special, he’d been through a lot but never lost his spirit. He would play anytime someone was there to play. J.R. and R.J. would play on a living room chair I had that spun around. R.J. would lay in the chair and J.R. would spin him around and around. They were both quite vocal at this game so it was really quite a site. R.J. loved to wake us up in the morning to feed him by drumming on the glass shower doors and running up and down the hallway and meowing. He would follow us on our walks and come when called. He let my two year old niece brush him and handle him and never ran from her. After about a year of knowing R.J. he started bringing a black and white cat he befriended from the woods, home with him. Every morning I would let J.R. and R.J. outside and this other cat would be hanging out with them. I would catch R.J. leading this stray cat to his dish and then walking away so the stray cat could eat. R.J. would keep J.R. from the dish till the other cat was finished. My friend Mike, named this new cat, Zero. Eventually I got close to this tough little kitty and found out he was loaded with fleas. He allowed me to give him a flea bath and take him to get shots. He was an exceptional hunter and one of the most affectionate cats I ever knew. He and R.J. were inseparable once Zero became a part of our little family. They even slept together. When I let J.R. outside, Zero would follow him and rub and nuzzle his head and front legs while J.R. tried to do his ’business’. I guess Zero thought he had a captive audience. It was comical to watch. Just didn’t get to be around that wonderful kitty long enough, he still had a little wonder lust in him and ended up getting hit by a car. I sure miss that little black and white cat. I like to think that J.R. and Zero are hanging out together in animal heaven. Chy Issue 201 - 9/5/05
TILLY ANN AND CURRIE Some of the stories I have to share with you are not so much extraordinary as they are just plain amusing. The following cat story is just that, amusing. I share my home with two cats, Tilly Ann and Currie. Tilly is a people cat, she prefers people to other cats, and loves to eat and lay about. Currie is a people cat too, but has a tendency to make friends with other cats and is a great mouser. While still living in my little house in Michigan, the cats lived mostly in the garage in the summer. The yard backed to small woods not far from a restaurant with a dumpster, so cats and wildlife populated the wooded area. I was preoccupied with my busy schedule one summer and although I did not spend a lot of time with my kitties, I did make sure they were fed and watered and protected from fleas. To keep stray animals out I made an entrance for my cats through a window, they had to climb up a small ladder to get inside. I was getting curious about how fast the two cats were going through cat food, but never imagined what I was about to discover. As I opened the garage door one evening to feed the cats I could see Tilly looking through the far window, sitting on the little ladder. Currie, was sitting in the middle of the floor. When I switched on the light a stray cat seemed to come out of nowhere screeching and howling in a panic down from the loft and around the doorway I was standing in then back toward the window entrance Tilly was sitting in, Tilly hissed and the cat came like lightening back in my direction. I was stunned, so naturally I stepped back and slammed the door. When I dared to step back in, slowly this time I saw something close to 15 cats prowling around in my garage all acting a little crazed. Every time one would try to leave the way it got in, through the window, Tilly would hiss and they would run back. Currie, in the mean time just sat in the middle of the room just as calm as could be while the rest of the cats ran about like their tails were afire. It was really quite a sight. It appeared Currie acted like the social director and Tilly was the warden. Needless to say dinner was served in the house from then on. Chy Issue 203 - 9/19/05
THE DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER A Dolphin encounter, that is what it is called at the resort I stayed at during a recent vacation. What I learned from the encounters with these incredible animals is they are very affectionate, gentle creatures with an incredible energy one feels when surrounded by them. They remind me a bit of my standard poodles, without the curls of course. The three hours or so I interacted with them was way too short, but it gave me a glimpse as to what a dolphin is really like. They have a game they play that involves a piece of seaweed that they bring to you to take and give back with the same repetitive enthusiasm as a dog with a ball. They will also nuzzle your hands and lift your arms up to petted, sometimes with a bit of force. The trainers train them with the same positive reinforcement methods that work so well with our pets. Dolphins have a separate left and right brain hemispheres similar horses so they have the capability to process information received from both eyes separately. I also learned that they can sleep with one eye opened, a great asset in a fish eat fish world. They interact with each other with a lot of touching and even get in little tussles much like dogs or horses might. The experience with these fine creatures left me in great awe and left me with a memory of a dream encounter come true. Chy Issue 204 - 9/26/05
MONUMENT: A GREAT PLACE FOR PETS Did you know Monument is a great place for pets? Now that gas prices are an encouragement to stay close to home for errands and entertainment I feel that this is a good time to shed some light on some great pet friendly places to go with ‘Fido’. Those of us who know the importance of spending quality time with our pets are often torn between chores and pet play time. I have been frequenting our merchants in Monument to take care of chores and necessities for years and often have my dogs with me. I have been welcomed warmly when I took my dog shopping with me in The Office Center, the Love Shop and Folk Art Gallery. They are all located on Front Street in the Historical part of Monument. High Country Store is not only a great place to take your dog shopping with you but they have a great selection of premium pet foods and pet supplies. The ponds and greenery are fascinating for dogs to smell and look at also. Be sure to keep your male dogs from “watering the new greenery” though. I also have made it a point keep my accounts in pet friendly banks and institutions, as well. I can walk the dogs and do my banking or pay bills. At this time, First National Bank, Farmers Insurance, Edward Jones and Wells Fargo welcome a well behaved pooch. It makes it a lot more fun to own a pet we can take places we need to go. It makes the chores more fun for us and life more fun for our often left behind pets. I am certain these wonderful establishments do not wish to become crowded with dogs on a daily basis or subjected to out of control pet situations, so it is important to be completely considerate when taking your pet into public stores and institutions. Leashes are a must. Quiet dogs that have been taught the basics(sit, stay, heel, no, off) and have good manners are also required to maintaining a ‘welcome back.’ If you are about to enter a building that already has a visiting owner with a dog it is best to wait for that pet to leave. Stay out of the way and give the other pet owner space to pass by. If you are outside of the public building and wish to have your dogs meet each other, do so calmly and confidently but keep the leashes on. Always try to ask permission from the staff or employees to be sure if it is okay to bring ‘Fido’ in each time. It will become easier once they trust your judgment and your dogs temperament, so be sure to put on a blue ribbon show. Many dog lovers enjoy the privilege of taking their dogs with them different places and the employees get a welcome distraction of loving cuddly pets in an often times predictable workday. Lets maintain and encourage this small town privilege and be responsible and considerate pet owners so we can enjoy our wonderful Monument community with our four legged companions for years to come. Issue 205 - 10/03/05
A STRAYS PRAYER Thought this prayer would be appropriate in light of the animals left in the wake of Katrina. (Found on internet) Stray’s Prayer Dear God, please send me somebody who’ll care! I’m tired of running, I’m sick with despair. My body is aching, it’s so racked with pain, and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain. That someone will love me and give me a home, a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone. My last owner tied me all day in the yard Sometimes with no water, and God that was hard. So I chewed my leash, and ran away. To rummage in garbage and live as a stray. I’m tired and hungry and it’s very cold, and so afraid that I’ll never grow old. They’ve chased me with sticks and hit me with stones, while I run through the streets just looking for bones! I’m not really bad, God, please help if you can, or have I become just a “Victim of Man!” I’m wormy dear God and I’m ridden with fleas, and all that I want is an owner to please! If you fi nd one for me, I’ll try to be good, I won’t chew their shoes, and I’ll do as I should. I’ll love them, protect them and try to obey.... when they tell me to sit, lie down or to stay! I don’t think I’ll make it too long on my own, cause I’m getting so weak and I’m so all alone. Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry, for I fear dear God, that I’m gonna die. And I’ve got so much love and devotion to give, that I should be given a new chance to live! So God, if you hear me, please answer my prayer, and send me someone who REALLY will care. - Unknown Issue 206 - 10/10/05
WHY GOD CREATED ANIMALS A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to “Where do pets come from?” Adam said, “Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me.” And God said, “No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself.” And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, “Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal.” And God said, “No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG.” And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail. After a while, it came to pass that Adam’s guardian angel came to the Lord and said, “Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but perhaps too well.” And the Lord said, “No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration.” And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat’s eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility. And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Dog was happy. And the Cat didn’t give a hoot one way or the other. - Author unknown Issue 207 - 10/17/05
THE "NEW" BREEDS I’ve been a little serious the last few Tidbits contributions, so I thought I’d lighten it up a bit. Most of us have heard of the “new” breeds that breeders are trying to create. The Lab-ra-doodle, gold-er-doodle, pooshon and cock-a-poo are just a couple new breeds in the making. They are a cross between two standardized breeds such as a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle equaling a lab-radoodle. Now my experience has shown me that none of these breeds are predictable yet as a standardized breed, but eventually they will be. I would like to share with you some highly unknown, rare, standardized, predicable breeds that exist now with some very interesting names. Anyone paying attention the Westminster winners the last 8 years has heard of the “Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen” the PBGV as its known. What a mouth full, even the abbreviation takes a little articulation. We have all heard of the Maltese and the Bichon Frise, but in the same family of dogs (closely related breeds) are the Bolognese, Havanese and the Coton De Tulear. One of my favorites is in the family of the hairless breeds, like the “Mexican hairless”. (also known as the Chinese Crested) I understand the original name of this breed to be the Xoloitzchuintli, try that after a couple beers. Another sobering mouth full of a breed name is the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever, a sweet little red retriever with action on his mind. Have you heard of the ‘New Guinea Singing Dog”? I wonder what if he sings Rap or top 40. In my efforts to show respect to breed names specifically of another language, some of the non-American breed names amusing. The Eurasier, is a little spitz type. The Niederlaufhunds, is a German, beagley basset type dog. How about the “Ca De Bou”, a small fighting dog from the Balearic Islands. One more grandiose breed name is a dog that closely resembles a Fox Hound cross, the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir. If you get the opportunity to wander through a breed book some day you will find many other strange and interesting dogs with very different names. I hope you enjoyed some of my favorites. |
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