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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tarvaris x Supreme: Let the Games Begin!!
For those of you who know me personally, you know how crazy I am about my dogs and my breeding program here at AMIaBULL. For those that don't - you're about to find out.
Tarvaris and Supreme have been a match since I first set eyes on 'Super'. She's very cobby - the most of all my girls, and her ticking (yes I know not everyone loves it...) makes me warm and fuzzy remembering the dreams of yesteryear when I had such high hopes for my dear Frodo (of the same colouration) who turned out to be sterile. :'(
Not only is she beautiful, but the little lady has pizzazz. You frenchie breeders out ther know exactly what I'm talking about; every so often there's a pup that just has that special way about them that compels everyone to just stop and stare. Not just dog people or the people at the park, but everyone. From the cars driving by to people working in their yards, children, adults and dogs alike will turn heads as if someone called their name and then follow with their eyes. That's Supreme; It's also Tarvaris. Tarv switched homes and came to me already proven, with some separation issues and hating a crate, but a little macho man that steals your heart the second you lay eyes on him. He will literally make most gasp. So much manliness strapped in that little 20lb muscle man body. I have yet to meet another creature with that much charisma. So the match was perfect in my mind, and I could hardly wait a second more!
Tarvaris lives in a co-home in Keswick, where his attachment and high need for ego stroking is given everything it needs and more. He's the only one of my Co-owns that I truly feel has bonded with me every bit as much as his other 'mom'. He's so funny to watch - he runs to me and waves one paw in the air with excitement every time he sees me again. He does exactly the same thing to Tamara when I drop him back at home. Not the sharpest tool in the shed, but always super happy as it seems he's on vacation no matter which home he's in. Trust me, his good looks and personality make up for not being Einstein. I should have named him Moto Moto.
The trip to get Tarv this time was jam packed with switching vehicles (to a smaller car for the long trip; more economical and easier on the environment than pumping my truck's $80 of gas out the exhaust)and puking children (yes BOTH of my kids vomited along the way! My son, the eldest, got out of the car at Tamara's and threw up all over my shoes and her front walk. Kudos to Tamara, an RN, who simply responded,"Poor guy, need anything?... I'll get the hose". My Daughter lost her lunch in the stop and go traffic on the way home. All over the car seat. Need I say more?). Tarvaris, on the other hand, slept at my feet for the duration blocking the AC just enough that I'm pretty sure his swimmers were chilled for the week's coming events while the rest of us dripped sweat. That's my Macho Man alright.
Supreme joined us the next day, dropped off by her amazing co-owns with a care package better than most kids get when going away to school! She's loved dearly by us both and it always warms my heart to see how cherished my dogs are at their homes away from home. Supreme is one that was very hard to see go to a co-own; My Husband loved her the moment he set eyes on her, and she's very very sweet - but the dogs that stay at 'Base Camp' (my term for my home) have to have a very special personality to deal with the comings and goings here. It is very rare to find a Frenchie that is a little aloof and loves everyone rather than a particular person; Who can roll with, "Sorry, honey, mommy has to go do puppies...again." and still flourish. Supreme came to me as a teenager - learning my routine here is for a girl raised to love it from puppyhood. My rule of thumb: Can they give her a better home than I can provide? - And that's no easy request; my dogs are family and treated better than some humans... so when the answer is 'yes', it's selfish for me not to place them. Very hard to do, but best for the dog.
So I started the AI [artificial insemination] over the weekend (much to Tarv's chagrin he is too short for Supreme) and was thankfully reminded that I much prefer it to natural breedings where my bruising, scratches and general painful frustration are put out of mind as soon as it's done (our household motto "What happens in the breeding room stays in the breeding room).;) Now the real patience has to kick in. I'm planning to keep a show girl from this pair and I'm anxious to see if it will come this first litter from them. I will know, I'm sure, when one of the pups just has this Je ne Sais Quoi that makes everyone stop, turn and gasp at her beauty when they see her. :)
http://www.amiabull.com/
yet another rant by Sheila Saar @ AMIaBULL
Tarvaris and Supreme have been a match since I first set eyes on 'Super'. She's very cobby - the most of all my girls, and her ticking (yes I know not everyone loves it...) makes me warm and fuzzy remembering the dreams of yesteryear when I had such high hopes for my dear Frodo (of the same colouration) who turned out to be sterile. :'(
Not only is she beautiful, but the little lady has pizzazz. You frenchie breeders out ther know exactly what I'm talking about; every so often there's a pup that just has that special way about them that compels everyone to just stop and stare. Not just dog people or the people at the park, but everyone. From the cars driving by to people working in their yards, children, adults and dogs alike will turn heads as if someone called their name and then follow with their eyes. That's Supreme; It's also Tarvaris. Tarv switched homes and came to me already proven, with some separation issues and hating a crate, but a little macho man that steals your heart the second you lay eyes on him. He will literally make most gasp. So much manliness strapped in that little 20lb muscle man body. I have yet to meet another creature with that much charisma. So the match was perfect in my mind, and I could hardly wait a second more!
Tarvaris lives in a co-home in Keswick, where his attachment and high need for ego stroking is given everything it needs and more. He's the only one of my Co-owns that I truly feel has bonded with me every bit as much as his other 'mom'. He's so funny to watch - he runs to me and waves one paw in the air with excitement every time he sees me again. He does exactly the same thing to Tamara when I drop him back at home. Not the sharpest tool in the shed, but always super happy as it seems he's on vacation no matter which home he's in. Trust me, his good looks and personality make up for not being Einstein. I should have named him Moto Moto.
The trip to get Tarv this time was jam packed with switching vehicles (to a smaller car for the long trip; more economical and easier on the environment than pumping my truck's $80 of gas out the exhaust)and puking children (yes BOTH of my kids vomited along the way! My son, the eldest, got out of the car at Tamara's and threw up all over my shoes and her front walk. Kudos to Tamara, an RN, who simply responded,"Poor guy, need anything?... I'll get the hose". My Daughter lost her lunch in the stop and go traffic on the way home. All over the car seat. Need I say more?). Tarvaris, on the other hand, slept at my feet for the duration blocking the AC just enough that I'm pretty sure his swimmers were chilled for the week's coming events while the rest of us dripped sweat. That's my Macho Man alright.
Supreme joined us the next day, dropped off by her amazing co-owns with a care package better than most kids get when going away to school! She's loved dearly by us both and it always warms my heart to see how cherished my dogs are at their homes away from home. Supreme is one that was very hard to see go to a co-own; My Husband loved her the moment he set eyes on her, and she's very very sweet - but the dogs that stay at 'Base Camp' (my term for my home) have to have a very special personality to deal with the comings and goings here. It is very rare to find a Frenchie that is a little aloof and loves everyone rather than a particular person; Who can roll with, "Sorry, honey, mommy has to go do puppies...again." and still flourish. Supreme came to me as a teenager - learning my routine here is for a girl raised to love it from puppyhood. My rule of thumb: Can they give her a better home than I can provide? - And that's no easy request; my dogs are family and treated better than some humans... so when the answer is 'yes', it's selfish for me not to place them. Very hard to do, but best for the dog.
So I started the AI [artificial insemination] over the weekend (much to Tarv's chagrin he is too short for Supreme) and was thankfully reminded that I much prefer it to natural breedings where my bruising, scratches and general painful frustration are put out of mind as soon as it's done (our household motto "What happens in the breeding room stays in the breeding room).;) Now the real patience has to kick in. I'm planning to keep a show girl from this pair and I'm anxious to see if it will come this first litter from them. I will know, I'm sure, when one of the pups just has this Je ne Sais Quoi that makes everyone stop, turn and gasp at her beauty when they see her. :)
http://www.amiabull.com/
yet another rant by Sheila Saar @ AMIaBULL
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Quit it with the Kissey- Kissey ... It Could Kill You?
So, all of my puppy owners know that I discourage your dogs sleeping in the bed with you. Check out the article below and you'll see why I don't like kissey dogs, either! eew. Now go buy them a bed of their own, and quit it with the kissey- kissey! :)
Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie in Your Bed Can Kill You
Jan 20, 2011 – 6:55 AM
READING THIS NOW
people
Others Are Reading 
Medical researchers have long shown that contact with pets can often help both the physically and mentally ill. But now, veterinary scientists say sleeping with your pets increases the chances of contracting everything from parasites to the plague.
What's a pet owner to do?
Most U.S. households have pets, and more than half of those cats and dogs are allowed to sleep in their owner's beds, Drs. Bruno Chomel, a professor at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, and Ben Sun, chief veterinarian for California's Department of Health, say in a study to be published in next month's issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Emerging Infectious Diseases.
"We wanted to raise the attention of people, as sleeping with a pet is becoming quite common, and there are risks associated with it, even if it is not very frequent," Chomel told AOL News. "But when it occurs, especially in children or immunocompromised people, it can be very severe."
The authors, both experts in zoonoses, which are diseases or infections transmitted from animals to humans, reported that "the risk for transmission of zoonotic agents by close contact between pets and their owners through bed sharing, kissing or licking is real and has even been documented for life-threatening infections such as plague, internal parasites" and other serious diseases.
How many of us admit to others that we sleep with our furry friends? Many of us do, according to the study.
Among dog owners, 53 percent consider their dog to be a member of the family, and 56 percent of those dog owners admit they sleep with their dog next to them, the researchers reported.
We're not just talking about teacup yorkies and chihuahuas here. Yes, the study says, most are small dogs, but 41 percent are medium-sized, and one out of three are large. Also, consider this fact, which the authors attribute to the American Kennel Club: Women were more likely than men to allow their dogs to share their beds.
As strange as it may be to canine lovers, more people have cats than dogs, and these felines also carry disease. This study and several others show that disease from cats is far more prevalent, and often more serious.
The number of cats snuggling up with their owner is far greater, which may explain the larger number of people acquiring feline-spawned diseases, Chomel explained.
Take cat scratch disease, for example. The bacterial infection, caused by Bartonella henselae, comes from infected fleas and flea feces and is transmitted to humans, often simply by a cat strolling across a food preparation area that isn't disinfected before food is placed on it. Mostly, the victims of cat scratch disease are children, infected by the scratch, lick or bite of a cat. The pathogen can cause swelling of the lymph nodes and sometime lethal damage to the liver, kidney and spleen of humans.
The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 people can contract cat scratch disease a year, but the federal disease agency could offer no information on the number of deaths.
Risks and Benefits
The CDC reports that pets may lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and decrease feelings of loneliness, while increasing opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization.
Medical studies going back at least 30 years have documented the clinical value of pets to cardiac patients, those hospitalized with mental illnesses and the elderly.
Sharing our resting hours with our pets may be a source of psychological comfort, but because pets can bring a wide range of zoonotic pathogens into our environment, sharing is also associated with risks, the authors of the current study reported.
For example:
But disease can easily be transmitted by your pet kissing you. The study cited cases where a woman died of septic shock and renal failure after her cat, with whom she slept, licked open sores on her feet and toes. In another case, a 44-year-old man died of infection after his German shepherd puppy licked open abrasions on his hands.
Your pet's food can also be a source of disease. A study published last August in the journal Pediatrics tracked an outbreak of salmonella in 79 people between 2006 and 2008 that was caused by contaminated meat in dry cat and dog food.
Half of the victims were children, who CDC investigators said "might also have played with the pet food and then put their hands -- or the food itself -- in their mouths."
The disease also could have come from pets who rolled or played in their feces, where salmonella can stay alive for up to 12 weeks.
Where do our pets they pick up these diseases? Fleas are a likely starting point. And most of your pets will eat the droppings of other animals.
Take a dog to any beach, park or trail through the woods almost anywhere and watch the speed at which it will find something really foul-smelling and dead in which to roll.
Cats usually do their own killing for food and fun. And just think about the infectious bugs that laced the dead and dying rodents, birds and other critters they eat or try to bring into the home.
What Can Be Done?
The two senior veterinarians say several things can be done to reduce the threat of disease. The main one is for owners to ensure the health of their pets by seeking regular professional checkups and care. Other points include:
Meanwhile, start practicing saying "Get off the bed. I mean it this time."
What's a pet owner to do?
Most U.S. households have pets, and more than half of those cats and dogs are allowed to sleep in their owner's beds, Drs. Bruno Chomel, a professor at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, and Ben Sun, chief veterinarian for California's Department of Health, say in a study to be published in next month's issue of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Andrew Schneider for AOL News
A new study says it's best to let your dogs and cats sleep in their own beds.
The authors, both experts in zoonoses, which are diseases or infections transmitted from animals to humans, reported that "the risk for transmission of zoonotic agents by close contact between pets and their owners through bed sharing, kissing or licking is real and has even been documented for life-threatening infections such as plague, internal parasites" and other serious diseases.
How many of us admit to others that we sleep with our furry friends? Many of us do, according to the study.
Among dog owners, 53 percent consider their dog to be a member of the family, and 56 percent of those dog owners admit they sleep with their dog next to them, the researchers reported.
We're not just talking about teacup yorkies and chihuahuas here. Yes, the study says, most are small dogs, but 41 percent are medium-sized, and one out of three are large. Also, consider this fact, which the authors attribute to the American Kennel Club: Women were more likely than men to allow their dogs to share their beds.
As strange as it may be to canine lovers, more people have cats than dogs, and these felines also carry disease. This study and several others show that disease from cats is far more prevalent, and often more serious.
The number of cats snuggling up with their owner is far greater, which may explain the larger number of people acquiring feline-spawned diseases, Chomel explained.
Take cat scratch disease, for example. The bacterial infection, caused by Bartonella henselae, comes from infected fleas and flea feces and is transmitted to humans, often simply by a cat strolling across a food preparation area that isn't disinfected before food is placed on it. Mostly, the victims of cat scratch disease are children, infected by the scratch, lick or bite of a cat. The pathogen can cause swelling of the lymph nodes and sometime lethal damage to the liver, kidney and spleen of humans.
The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 people can contract cat scratch disease a year, but the federal disease agency could offer no information on the number of deaths.
Risks and Benefits
The CDC reports that pets may lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and decrease feelings of loneliness, while increasing opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization.
Medical studies going back at least 30 years have documented the clinical value of pets to cardiac patients, those hospitalized with mental illnesses and the elderly.
Sharing our resting hours with our pets may be a source of psychological comfort, but because pets can bring a wide range of zoonotic pathogens into our environment, sharing is also associated with risks, the authors of the current study reported.
For example:
- A 9-year-old boy from Arizona got the plague because he slept with his flea-infested cat.
- A 48-year-old man and his wife repeatedly contracted MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which their physicians eventually attributed to their dog. The animal "routinely slept in their bed and frequently licked their face," the California experts reported.
But disease can easily be transmitted by your pet kissing you. The study cited cases where a woman died of septic shock and renal failure after her cat, with whom she slept, licked open sores on her feet and toes. In another case, a 44-year-old man died of infection after his German shepherd puppy licked open abrasions on his hands.
Your pet's food can also be a source of disease. A study published last August in the journal Pediatrics tracked an outbreak of salmonella in 79 people between 2006 and 2008 that was caused by contaminated meat in dry cat and dog food.
Half of the victims were children, who CDC investigators said "might also have played with the pet food and then put their hands -- or the food itself -- in their mouths."
The disease also could have come from pets who rolled or played in their feces, where salmonella can stay alive for up to 12 weeks.
Where do our pets they pick up these diseases? Fleas are a likely starting point. And most of your pets will eat the droppings of other animals.
Take a dog to any beach, park or trail through the woods almost anywhere and watch the speed at which it will find something really foul-smelling and dead in which to roll.
Cats usually do their own killing for food and fun. And just think about the infectious bugs that laced the dead and dying rodents, birds and other critters they eat or try to bring into the home.
What Can Be Done?
The two senior veterinarians say several things can be done to reduce the threat of disease. The main one is for owners to ensure the health of their pets by seeking regular professional checkups and care. Other points include:
- Persons, especially young children or immunocompromised persons, should be discouraged from sharing their bed with their pets or regularly kissing their pets.
- Any area licked by a pet, especially an open wound, should be immediately washed with soap and water.
- Pets should be kept free of parasites, especially fleas; routinely de-wormed; and regularly examined by a veterinarian.
- Preventive measures such as administering anthelmintic drugs for flatworms -- and drugs for flukes, tapeworms and other parasites -- to puppies or kittens within the first few weeks after birth or, even better, to their mothers during the last few weeks of pregnancy. This could help prevent most cases of human toxocariasis, which can cause severe and sometimes permanent vision problems for young children.
Meanwhile, start practicing saying "Get off the bed. I mean it this time."
Friday, May 13, 2011
Prof Developing Video Game Aimed at Preventing Dog Bites
A University of Guelph researcher is studying whether a video game can prevent dog bites by teaching children how to safely interact with their furry friends.
Psychology professor Barbara Morrongiello has teamed up with researchers in Belgium to develop a software program called The Blue Dog, which helps children understand a dog’s behaviour and recognize when it’s friendly and wants to play or when it wants to be left alone.
Many dog bites happen in the home and are triggered by an interaction initiated by the child, said Morrongiello, who is director of U of G’s Child Development Research Unit.
“Dog bites are considered a major issue because when they do happen to children, they tend to be severe. Young children are similar in size to dogs, so when a dog bites, it often bites on the face or neck. Despite this, there is little out there in terms of effective educational tools to prevent dog bites.”
The video game teaches children how to behave around dogs by giving them different scenarios such as a dog eating, playing with its favourite toy or hiding under a table. The child is then asked to choose how to respond to the dog’s behaviour. If the child makes an unsafe decision, the dog shows its teeth and growls.
“We’re trying to make the child aware of the dog’s behaviour and, based on that, whether it’s a good time to interact with the dog,” said Morrongiello. “Children assume their own dog won’t hurt them, but a dog is still an animal. They need to know how to read their dog because a dog can communicate only through its behaviour.”
The software program also teaches children how to behave around dogs, she added.
“They are taught not to play with a dog’s toys or to hold treats above their head because their pet might jump at them, which could knock them down.”
Morrongiello’s study of the effectiveness of the video game involves children from ages three to five.
Before introducing the game, researchers evaluate what a child already knows about dog safety by presenting photos of dogs in different situations and asking whether it would be safe to play with the animal. They also act out different scenarios using a dollhouse and figurines.
The child and parent are then given a copy of the video game to play at home. When they return to the lab a few weeks later, researchers again evaluate the child’s dog-safety knowledge to see if it has improved.
Morrongiello and her team are using the same procedure to also test a video game aimed at teaching children about fire safety and how to respond in a house fire.
Children playing this game are also asked to make decisions based on given scenarios that change each time they play. In one case, for example, the child will see smoke and the doorknob will be hot, so the best choice is to not open the door but to go to the window and signal for help. In another scenario, the doorknob is cool, so the best choice is to quickly leave the room and stay low to the ground.
Although fire-safety programs are currently offered in schools, most information is given in a group and there is no evaluation of what an individual child understands or how he or shell will react in a fire situation, said Morrongiello.
“The video game is more effective because each child has to decide how to respond and with repeated playing once can see improvements in the child’s understanding. Video games are also a great teaching tool because they are fun and familiar to children.”
If these video games are found to be effective, they will likely be distributed nationally by Safe Kids Canada to children through daycares, schools and other community sources, she added.
Morrongiello and her research team are still looking for study participants. Interested families can contact the Child Development Research Unit at 519-824-4120, Ext. 55033, or cdru@uoguelph.ca.
Psychology professor Barbara Morrongiello has teamed up with researchers in Belgium to develop a software program called The Blue Dog, which helps children understand a dog’s behaviour and recognize when it’s friendly and wants to play or when it wants to be left alone.
Many dog bites happen in the home and are triggered by an interaction initiated by the child, said Morrongiello, who is director of U of G’s Child Development Research Unit.
“Dog bites are considered a major issue because when they do happen to children, they tend to be severe. Young children are similar in size to dogs, so when a dog bites, it often bites on the face or neck. Despite this, there is little out there in terms of effective educational tools to prevent dog bites.”
The video game teaches children how to behave around dogs by giving them different scenarios such as a dog eating, playing with its favourite toy or hiding under a table. The child is then asked to choose how to respond to the dog’s behaviour. If the child makes an unsafe decision, the dog shows its teeth and growls.
“We’re trying to make the child aware of the dog’s behaviour and, based on that, whether it’s a good time to interact with the dog,” said Morrongiello. “Children assume their own dog won’t hurt them, but a dog is still an animal. They need to know how to read their dog because a dog can communicate only through its behaviour.”
The software program also teaches children how to behave around dogs, she added.
“They are taught not to play with a dog’s toys or to hold treats above their head because their pet might jump at them, which could knock them down.”
Morrongiello’s study of the effectiveness of the video game involves children from ages three to five.
Before introducing the game, researchers evaluate what a child already knows about dog safety by presenting photos of dogs in different situations and asking whether it would be safe to play with the animal. They also act out different scenarios using a dollhouse and figurines.
The child and parent are then given a copy of the video game to play at home. When they return to the lab a few weeks later, researchers again evaluate the child’s dog-safety knowledge to see if it has improved.
Morrongiello and her team are using the same procedure to also test a video game aimed at teaching children about fire safety and how to respond in a house fire.
Children playing this game are also asked to make decisions based on given scenarios that change each time they play. In one case, for example, the child will see smoke and the doorknob will be hot, so the best choice is to not open the door but to go to the window and signal for help. In another scenario, the doorknob is cool, so the best choice is to quickly leave the room and stay low to the ground.
Although fire-safety programs are currently offered in schools, most information is given in a group and there is no evaluation of what an individual child understands or how he or shell will react in a fire situation, said Morrongiello.
“The video game is more effective because each child has to decide how to respond and with repeated playing once can see improvements in the child’s understanding. Video games are also a great teaching tool because they are fun and familiar to children.”
If these video games are found to be effective, they will likely be distributed nationally by Safe Kids Canada to children through daycares, schools and other community sources, she added.
Morrongiello and her research team are still looking for study participants. Interested families can contact the Child Development Research Unit at 519-824-4120, Ext. 55033, or cdru@uoguelph.ca.
Contact:
Prof. Barbara Morrongiello
Department of Psychology
519-824-4120, Ext. 53086
bmorrong@uoguelph.ca
http://www.amiabull.com/
Prof. Barbara Morrongiello
Department of Psychology
519-824-4120, Ext. 53086
bmorrong@uoguelph.ca
http://www.amiabull.com/
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Pet Abandonment: The Furry Family Crisis
I just read an article about one of my least favourite topics: the abandonment of pets. The article (in a nutshell) was talking about the side effects of the economy being in such a lull, and how the number of pets that families are forced to give up due to financial crisis is skyrocketing.
My reaction? all over the map to be honest.... I know that not all people are as focused on their pets as I am. I know this not only from seeing others interact with their pets, but also from interviewing uncounted numbers of prospective homes for puppies and, quite frankly, being mocked (sometimes in the nicest ways) by friends and family for treating my dogs like they humans - or better. ;) I sure I'm not the only one that has read articles and seen tear-jerking news reels about the homeless and how some people with nothing else in the world will choose to feed their dog companions before feeding themselves; and I always think: "That's awesome!!" Would I choose to feed my dog over my children? Truthfully - no - so I won't be talking about if I'd feed them first if I was by myself; it just doesn't apply.
The real question: Do I have a plan in place for my furry babies in case of emergency or crisis? You bet your milkbones.
This is where my job as a breeder kicks in. I ask: why are pets abandoned when things just get too tough? Where is the breeder?! Now, I realize that a rescued pet from a shelter may not have this option, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking that all of these dogs are from the pound. I see dogs posted on the internet all of the time that are purebred and needing to be rehomed. So again I ask - where are the breeders?? Most of the ones I know would absolutely insist the dog come back to them - in fact if they are like me they contract it; meaning that if you have one of my dogs and can no longer give it the excellent care that he deserves, he must be returned to me so that I can either care for him myself or find a loving and suitable home. Listing him for $500 on the closest classified is breach of contract - these are living things, not the old couch. I have been known to try to re-home for a fee and and forward the entire sum to the family forced to give them up. Here's the key: If you are buying a dog from a breeder, be clear as to the breeders outlines as to what happens if a crisis were to occur and you need to find a home for your furry kid. If they don't have a policy of taking the pup back (regardless of age, health, or circumstance), or helping you out for a month or two- with the best interest of your dog in mind - walk away and find a better breeder.
We cannot control this world; that little we know. People lose their jobs, deaths occur, divorces can leave families bankrupt... we can't plan for everything, for sure; but we can cover our bases. Please make sure that you have emergency care outlined for all of your pets as a just in case before you pick up your new baby. Many people never think of the worst, never mind plan for it when you're talking over dinner about adding a pet to the family this year. Add crisis planning to the list, discuss your options, and lay out the plan with whomever may be 'Goddogparents'. It would be much more heartbreaking for your loved one to end up scared at a shelter than at another pampered home. It's a horrible thing to have to give up a family member... make sure if it happens that you can say, "I did the absolute best thing by them I could".
Yet another rant by Sheila Saar @ AMIaBULL
http://www.amiabull.com/
My reaction? all over the map to be honest.... I know that not all people are as focused on their pets as I am. I know this not only from seeing others interact with their pets, but also from interviewing uncounted numbers of prospective homes for puppies and, quite frankly, being mocked (sometimes in the nicest ways) by friends and family for treating my dogs like they humans - or better. ;) I sure I'm not the only one that has read articles and seen tear-jerking news reels about the homeless and how some people with nothing else in the world will choose to feed their dog companions before feeding themselves; and I always think: "That's awesome!!" Would I choose to feed my dog over my children? Truthfully - no - so I won't be talking about if I'd feed them first if I was by myself; it just doesn't apply.
The real question: Do I have a plan in place for my furry babies in case of emergency or crisis? You bet your milkbones.
This is where my job as a breeder kicks in. I ask: why are pets abandoned when things just get too tough? Where is the breeder?! Now, I realize that a rescued pet from a shelter may not have this option, but let's not fool ourselves into thinking that all of these dogs are from the pound. I see dogs posted on the internet all of the time that are purebred and needing to be rehomed. So again I ask - where are the breeders?? Most of the ones I know would absolutely insist the dog come back to them - in fact if they are like me they contract it; meaning that if you have one of my dogs and can no longer give it the excellent care that he deserves, he must be returned to me so that I can either care for him myself or find a loving and suitable home. Listing him for $500 on the closest classified is breach of contract - these are living things, not the old couch. I have been known to try to re-home for a fee and and forward the entire sum to the family forced to give them up. Here's the key: If you are buying a dog from a breeder, be clear as to the breeders outlines as to what happens if a crisis were to occur and you need to find a home for your furry kid. If they don't have a policy of taking the pup back (regardless of age, health, or circumstance), or helping you out for a month or two- with the best interest of your dog in mind - walk away and find a better breeder.
We cannot control this world; that little we know. People lose their jobs, deaths occur, divorces can leave families bankrupt... we can't plan for everything, for sure; but we can cover our bases. Please make sure that you have emergency care outlined for all of your pets as a just in case before you pick up your new baby. Many people never think of the worst, never mind plan for it when you're talking over dinner about adding a pet to the family this year. Add crisis planning to the list, discuss your options, and lay out the plan with whomever may be 'Goddogparents'. It would be much more heartbreaking for your loved one to end up scared at a shelter than at another pampered home. It's a horrible thing to have to give up a family member... make sure if it happens that you can say, "I did the absolute best thing by them I could".
Yet another rant by Sheila Saar @ AMIaBULL
http://www.amiabull.com/
Fun Dog story...
A man wrote a letter to a small hotel in a Midwest town, which he planned to visit on his vacation.
He wrote, "I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?"
An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel, and if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too!"
http://www.amiabull.com/
He wrote, "I would very much like to bring my dog with me. He is well groomed and very well behaved. Would you be willing to permit me to keep him in my room with me at night?"
An immediate reply came from the hotel owner, who said, "I've been operating this hotel for many years. In all that time, I've never had a dog steal towels, bedclothes, silverware or pictures off the walls. I've never had to evict a dog in the middle of the night for being drunk and disorderly. And I've never had a dog run out on a hotel bill. Yes, indeed, your dog is welcome at my hotel, and if your dog will vouch for you, you're welcome to stay here, too!"
http://www.amiabull.com/
Monday, May 9, 2011
Dog Vision
Dog Vision
Dog vision - what do our friends see?There are some common misconceptions in the canine-lover's world about how well dogs see.
In fact, for their purpose, dog's have quite useful optical tools at their disposal. While it is true dogs usually depend more on their sense of smell, evolution has provided them with some quite complimentary eye-sight.
A myth: Dogs are color-blind....not!
It is a common to hear people say dogs are color blind, and that simply is not true.What is true is that dogs eyes have only two cones each, whereas the human eye has three. Thus, dogs are "dichromatic" while you and I are "trichromatic".
Here is a nice comparison of the color spectrums visable to humans and dogs:
Think about that when you choose which color ball to toss to pooch in the back yard. He's going to have problems finding a red ball that has found it's way into long green grass!
Interestingly, however, the fact that dogs are dichromatic makes them much more sensitive to different hues of grey, meaning they can see much better than we do at night or near night.
So don't feel so bad for him.
On the left is a picture of the way we would view the puppy, and on the right, how the same picture would look to a dog:
Read more about dog color blindness (or lack thereof), here.
While our eyes are built to detect both color and light, dogs have a greater need to see light than color. Their eyes contain more rods (the light detection pieces of the eye) than cones (the color detectors) to allow them to see fairly well even in darkness.
In addition to their night vision, dogs also have bigger pupils than people. This helps them track moving objects for longer distances without having to move their heads. And there was me thinking that my dog just couldn’t be bothered!
http://www.amiabull.com/
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A French BullDog's Dictonary & Guide
A French BullDog's Dictonary & Guide
Leash: A strap that attaches to your harness, enabling you to lead your owner where you want him or her to go.
Dog Bed: Any soft, clean surface, such as a white bedspread, newly upholstered couch or the dry cleaning that was just picked up.
Drool: What you do when your owners have food and you don't.To do this properly, sit as close as you can, look sad and let the drool fall to the floor or better yet on their laps.
Sniff: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs or those people that sometimes smell like dogs.
Thunder: A signal the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling, panting, rolling your eyes wildly and following at their heels.
Wastebasket: A dog toy filled with paper, envelopes and old candy wrappers. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house. This is particularly fun to do when there are guests for dinner and you prance around with the contents of that very special bathroom wastepaper basket!
Sofas: Are to Frenchies like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your wrinkles clean. If there are people sitting on the couch just include them as a handy wipe.
Bath: A process owners use to clean you, drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.
Love: A feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction, shared by you and your owner. Show it by wagging your tail
Dog Bed: Any soft, clean surface, such as a white bedspread, newly upholstered couch or the dry cleaning that was just picked up.
Drool: What you do when your owners have food and you don't.To do this properly, sit as close as you can, look sad and let the drool fall to the floor or better yet on their laps.
Sniff: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs or those people that sometimes smell like dogs.
Thunder: A signal the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling, panting, rolling your eyes wildly and following at their heels.
Wastebasket: A dog toy filled with paper, envelopes and old candy wrappers. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house. This is particularly fun to do when there are guests for dinner and you prance around with the contents of that very special bathroom wastepaper basket!
Sofas: Are to Frenchies like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your wrinkles clean. If there are people sitting on the couch just include them as a handy wipe.
Bath: A process owners use to clean you, drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.
Love: A feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction, shared by you and your owner. Show it by wagging your tail
Friday, May 6, 2011
10 Ways to Keep your Dog Healthy, Young and Energetic
There is a large disparity between the life spans of dogs and humans. After having loved a pet and lost one, it seems unfair. The best we can do is to keep our friends as healthy as possible and "forever young."
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Young and Energetic:
1. Know When Your Pet is "Old." The time when your dog is considered a "senior" depends largely on his or her breed and size. According to Dr. Johnny Hoskins in Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, small breed dogs (less than 20 pounds) are in their senior years around nine to 13 years of age. Medium sized dogs (21 to 50 pounds) around nine to 11.5 years; large breed dogs (51 to 90 pounds) around 7.5 to 10.5 years and giant dogs (more than 90 pounds) between six and nine years. In general, smaller breed dogs live longer.
2. Wellness Exams. When your pet is considered a senior, you should bring your dog for regular geriatric examinations. These examinations help identify early diseases or problems in older pets. Exams should include a history and physical examination with evaluation of the teeth, listening to the heart and lungs (by stethoscope), abdominal palpation (feeling of the abdomen) and inspection of your dog's ear and eyes. Weight monitoring, parasite check (fecal examination) and blood work and urine tests are also often recommended. Other tests may be indicated depending on your pet's symptoms.
3. Watch for Illness. Careful observation at home is extremely important. By nature of survival, dogs are very good at hiding their illness until it is too late. Take time to examine your pet. Feel him or her for masses and indications of weight loss or loss of musculature. Things to watch for include changes in water consumption or patterns of urination, poor appetite, weight loss or gain, coughing or difficulty breathing, changes in activity level, vomiting, diarrhea and skin lumps or masses. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, play it safe and have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is vital to the success of treatment.
4. Weight Control. Obese dogs have shorter life spans than non-obese dogs. Obesity may lead to a number of health problems. Excess weight puts excess stress on your dog's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.
5. Keep Close Tabs. In general, "outdoor" free roaming dogs have shorter lives than indoor animals. Infectious diseases, poisonings and trauma are common killers. Senior dogs have decreased reflexes and may not see and hear as well as they used to. This makes them vulnerable to outside dangers such as predators or cars. Keep dogs on leashes or in fenced-in yards.
6. Monitor Your Environment. Keep poisons up and out of your dog's reach. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat poison and slug bait. Keep trash out of reach. Don't count on your pet to "know better." It doesn't take a large amount of a dangerous substance to make your dog seriously ill.
7. Nutrition. Feed your pet a premium high quality diet supplements. Feed low fat and high fiber foods since high fat and/or low fiber foods are thought to decrease life expectancy. Minimize treats and make them nutritious and low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is often a good treat for dogs. With your veterinarian, you should discuss the merits of a diet formulation for your senior dog.
8. Exercise. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, strengthens joints and muscles and provides mental stimulation for your dog.
9. Spay and Neuter. Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs, or dogs spayed later in life. Health problems that can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. In addition, the desire to "wander" is diminished, which lowers the chance of your dog running away and suffering trauma, such as being hit by a car.
10. Mental Stimulation. Provide your pet with toys, games and quality time. Most pets are never too old to play. Encourage mental stimulation. It is never too late to teach old dogs new tricks.
Follow these top 10 tips, and you'll keep your dog forever young.
By John Hinkle
http://www.amiabull.com/
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Young and Energetic:
1. Know When Your Pet is "Old." The time when your dog is considered a "senior" depends largely on his or her breed and size. According to Dr. Johnny Hoskins in Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, small breed dogs (less than 20 pounds) are in their senior years around nine to 13 years of age. Medium sized dogs (21 to 50 pounds) around nine to 11.5 years; large breed dogs (51 to 90 pounds) around 7.5 to 10.5 years and giant dogs (more than 90 pounds) between six and nine years. In general, smaller breed dogs live longer.
2. Wellness Exams. When your pet is considered a senior, you should bring your dog for regular geriatric examinations. These examinations help identify early diseases or problems in older pets. Exams should include a history and physical examination with evaluation of the teeth, listening to the heart and lungs (by stethoscope), abdominal palpation (feeling of the abdomen) and inspection of your dog's ear and eyes. Weight monitoring, parasite check (fecal examination) and blood work and urine tests are also often recommended. Other tests may be indicated depending on your pet's symptoms.
3. Watch for Illness. Careful observation at home is extremely important. By nature of survival, dogs are very good at hiding their illness until it is too late. Take time to examine your pet. Feel him or her for masses and indications of weight loss or loss of musculature. Things to watch for include changes in water consumption or patterns of urination, poor appetite, weight loss or gain, coughing or difficulty breathing, changes in activity level, vomiting, diarrhea and skin lumps or masses. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, play it safe and have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is vital to the success of treatment.
4. Weight Control. Obese dogs have shorter life spans than non-obese dogs. Obesity may lead to a number of health problems. Excess weight puts excess stress on your dog's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.
5. Keep Close Tabs. In general, "outdoor" free roaming dogs have shorter lives than indoor animals. Infectious diseases, poisonings and trauma are common killers. Senior dogs have decreased reflexes and may not see and hear as well as they used to. This makes them vulnerable to outside dangers such as predators or cars. Keep dogs on leashes or in fenced-in yards.
6. Monitor Your Environment. Keep poisons up and out of your dog's reach. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat poison and slug bait. Keep trash out of reach. Don't count on your pet to "know better." It doesn't take a large amount of a dangerous substance to make your dog seriously ill.
7. Nutrition. Feed your pet a premium high quality diet supplements. Feed low fat and high fiber foods since high fat and/or low fiber foods are thought to decrease life expectancy. Minimize treats and make them nutritious and low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is often a good treat for dogs. With your veterinarian, you should discuss the merits of a diet formulation for your senior dog.
8. Exercise. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, strengthens joints and muscles and provides mental stimulation for your dog.
9. Spay and Neuter. Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs, or dogs spayed later in life. Health problems that can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. In addition, the desire to "wander" is diminished, which lowers the chance of your dog running away and suffering trauma, such as being hit by a car.
10. Mental Stimulation. Provide your pet with toys, games and quality time. Most pets are never too old to play. Encourage mental stimulation. It is never too late to teach old dogs new tricks.
Follow these top 10 tips, and you'll keep your dog forever young.
By John Hinkle
http://www.amiabull.com/
Amazing dog Mom!
From the left Toby, a stray Lakeland dog; Bramble, an orphaned roe deer; Buster, a stray Jack Russell; a dumped rabbit; Sky, an injured barn owl, and Jasmine
Click on the Title to check out this amazing link!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Dog fact of the day...
A Frightened dog will put its tail between his legs because it cuts off the sent glands in its anal region which a very vulnerable part of the anatomy. Since the anal glands carry personal scents that identify the individual dogs, the tail between the legs action is the dog’s equivalent of insecure humans hiding their faces.
...what does this say about frenchies? - well I don't know about yours, but mine are never worried about telling me how they feel!!
...what does this say about frenchies? - well I don't know about yours, but mine are never worried about telling me how they feel!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Dog Reunited with Owner After Amazing Rescue
Over three weeks ago the horrible and tragic tsunami hit Japan, damaging homes and businesses all across the area. Search and rescue missions have been ongoing ever since that day and today a very unique rescue was completed.
A rescue team reportedly saw a large group of debris drifting along in the ocean and when they approached it found that there was a dog onboard the floating debris. As the boat got close enough the rescue workers quickly pulled the dog on board in order to bring it to the safety of mainland Japan.
Not long after arriving back on land the dog was reunited with its owner. The dog, named Ban, was reportedly veryhappy to be back on land and with his owner. The miraculous rescue was made even more amazing by the fact that the dog’s owner saw the rescue on TV. Had it not been for the television coverage the rescue got it would have been nearly impossible but everything seemed to work out great for the dog and his owner.
Support your dog's dental health
By Darcy Lockman
Periodontal disease in dogs can contribute to the development of kidney, liver, heart and bone disease, so toothbrushing and regular veterinary cleanings are as important to your dog's health as they are to your own. Good food and habits, however, can also fight tartar and the whole host of dental issues, such as a malodorous mouth, which go along with it. Dr. Katy Nelson, a Virginia-based veterinarian, explains the importance of dental care and its relationship to diet.
Recognizing Dog Dental Health
According to Nelson, healthy dog gums are pink as opposed to red, with no buildup of tartar around the gum line. What's more, a healthy mouth does not produce intolerably stinky breath. "Your dog's vet should always do an oral exam," says Nelson. "In older dogs especially, [teeth] can get abscesses with no easily visible signs. A thorough assessment may require sedation."
According to Nelson, healthy dog gums are pink as opposed to red, with no buildup of tartar around the gum line. What's more, a healthy mouth does not produce intolerably stinky breath. "Your dog's vet should always do an oral exam," says Nelson. "In older dogs especially, [teeth] can get abscesses with no easily visible signs. A thorough assessment may require sedation."
Maintaining Dental Health
There are three ways you can make sure your dog stays dentally healthy: at-home brushing, professional cleaning, and dog food and treats containing sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP).
There are three ways you can make sure your dog stays dentally healthy: at-home brushing, professional cleaning, and dog food and treats containing sodium hexametaphosphate (HMP).
1. Brushing You can make any pooch tolerate the dental health process: Buy a chicken- or beef-flavored toothpaste, or make the brushing sessions standard practice.
"Brush as often as your lifestyle allows -- daily if possible. They get used to it quickly if it's a regular part of their lives," says Nelson. Put your pet on a raised surface, such as a table, hold its jaw firmly in one hand, and brush with the other. Choose a time when your dog is relaxed and stop if your pet gets too agitated.
2. Professional cleaning Not every dog needs its teeth cleaned yearly. With the right genes, some dogs never develop much tartar. But for the rest, regular cleanings, which require anesthesia, are necessary up to twice a year.
"We use an ultrasonic scaler, which makes a high-pitched noise and vibrates really quickly. There's not a dog on the planet who will sit still while its teeth are cleaned this way," explains Nelson.
3. Food Food fights tartar in two ways. The first is mechanical: The simple act of chewing on something crunchy breaks up tartar. The second is chemical: The aforementioned HMP, a food additive, lives in the saliva for up to 12 hours, breaking down tartar and preventing plaque.
To boost the effectiveness of foods with this additive, Nelson suggests serving wet and dry foods separately -- if you normally provide your dog with both types. "The chemical works best when it is activated by saliva, so other types of moisture can water down the process," she explains.
Nelson also says to look for a food or treat with a seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). "If it's got the seal, it's guaranteed to be a good dental treat or food." Nelson advises you proceed with caution, though, if your dog is overweight. "A lot of dental-specific diets can be high in fat, so make sure whatever diet you choose is designed for the whole dog, and not just its mouth."
Copyright (c) 2010 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.
Darcy Lockman is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and Rolling Stone. She lives in Brooklyn, with the prettiest pug dog in the five boroughs.
Fun dog fact of the day...
Dogs often hesitate before going out in the rain. It's not because they're afraid of getting wet, but because the rain amplifies sound and hurts their sensitive ears.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Buyer Beware
Finding a good breeder is a difficult and often daunting task,yes, but my motto is that you probably will not have to do it again for years - so stick to your guns and don't let up until you find a great one!
When looking for a breeder PLEASE ask around, call references, check with their vet to see what testing they do (cutting corners on testing and medical care is an obvious red flag!) Talk for 2 hours and see if they start to sigh on the phone because they are bored of questions. Ask about their dogs and if you can get them to stop gushing in 10 minutes or less hang up. Find out what they are breeding toward, and away from; no dog is perfect, can they tell you the faults in theirs? Great breeders are excessively picky, so they should find fault in the most perfect dog and tell you how they hope to improve them in the next generation.
Ask for several references and call them; all of them. Find out how old the pups are, what their challenges have been, and very importantly if they can still rely on their breeder for good advice quickly and reliably. If everyone you talk to raves about them it's a very good sign.
It's a very sad thing, but there are alot of bad apples in the barrel - you know it because you've heard some stories yourself, but it can be difficult to weed through the pile when someone is being cunning and nice to sell the next pup. Always remember that all (well, most ;) ) puppies are cute, but you want to love the one you pick for a long long time - so as always caveat emptor! Believe it or not breeders get bitten, too, in fact every great breeder I know can share at least one horror story - so don't feel you are showing weakness by being super cautious. My recommendation? Assume the worst and make them prove you otherwise - this is about adding to your family; you can play nice in the dog park.
A final note on the matter: If you have had a bad experience - shout it out!! Reputation goes miles, and a bunch of bad reviews of awful experiences speaks volumes! As a consumer in this crazy world you are a king (or a queen), and your opinion can make a massive difference. Breeders can be trapped by etiquette and slamming another breeder, frankly, does very little good; it makes us look petty, competative and carries little weight. But as the new family you have the true power. Rave about the breeders you love, and please, and broadcast the ones that gave you the willies, or worse, the short end of the stick!! And last but not least - ask who we as breeders have had good experiences with - we buy dogs too, probably more often than you do! I know I have a couple of people I've dealt with that I highly recommend! Ask who we love to work with; If my experience has been fantastic, yours probably will be, too!
Be opinionated and hard to win over, your family and it's new furry baby will thank you for it!!
When looking for a breeder PLEASE ask around, call references, check with their vet to see what testing they do (cutting corners on testing and medical care is an obvious red flag!) Talk for 2 hours and see if they start to sigh on the phone because they are bored of questions. Ask about their dogs and if you can get them to stop gushing in 10 minutes or less hang up. Find out what they are breeding toward, and away from; no dog is perfect, can they tell you the faults in theirs? Great breeders are excessively picky, so they should find fault in the most perfect dog and tell you how they hope to improve them in the next generation.
Ask for several references and call them; all of them. Find out how old the pups are, what their challenges have been, and very importantly if they can still rely on their breeder for good advice quickly and reliably. If everyone you talk to raves about them it's a very good sign.
It's a very sad thing, but there are alot of bad apples in the barrel - you know it because you've heard some stories yourself, but it can be difficult to weed through the pile when someone is being cunning and nice to sell the next pup. Always remember that all (well, most ;) ) puppies are cute, but you want to love the one you pick for a long long time - so as always caveat emptor! Believe it or not breeders get bitten, too, in fact every great breeder I know can share at least one horror story - so don't feel you are showing weakness by being super cautious. My recommendation? Assume the worst and make them prove you otherwise - this is about adding to your family; you can play nice in the dog park.
A final note on the matter: If you have had a bad experience - shout it out!! Reputation goes miles, and a bunch of bad reviews of awful experiences speaks volumes! As a consumer in this crazy world you are a king (or a queen), and your opinion can make a massive difference. Breeders can be trapped by etiquette and slamming another breeder, frankly, does very little good; it makes us look petty, competative and carries little weight. But as the new family you have the true power. Rave about the breeders you love, and please, and broadcast the ones that gave you the willies, or worse, the short end of the stick!! And last but not least - ask who we as breeders have had good experiences with - we buy dogs too, probably more often than you do! I know I have a couple of people I've dealt with that I highly recommend! Ask who we love to work with; If my experience has been fantastic, yours probably will be, too!
Be opinionated and hard to win over, your family and it's new furry baby will thank you for it!!
Thinking of skipping the Tick coverage? Think again!
In Canada we think of Lyme Disease as an unfortunate illness that happens elsewhere in the world - well the numbers are in and and look out, because it's in our back yard too, now. When I first moved out to Ridgeway from St. Catharines I met my first tick. And then my next ten in a span of about an hour. The great dane had gone for a leisurely walk around the perimeter of the property and low and behold - TICKS!! Not just one or two, either. I quickly learned the lesson of checking carefully the coverage of my flea preventative, because not all cover tick prevention as well. The few days between the coverage application and it's full effect saw enough ticks on my big guys to last me several lifetimes.
Look below at the new CDN stats; and then call your vet to make sure your furry family memebers are covered!
In 2010, Lyme disease became a nationally reportable disease in Canada. This means that all medical professionals must report cases of Lyme disease to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) via their provincial public health system. PHAC posts information on reportable, or notifiable, diseases on its website. PHAC surveys the provinces and territories to assess the number of cases and distribution of Lyme disease in Canada. This survey does not capture all of the cases of Lyme disease in Canada, particularly cases of early Lyme disease. Recent studies suggest that the incidence of Lyme disease in Canada is increasing.
The risk for exposure to the disease is highest in regions where the ticks that transmit Lyme disease are known to be established. These regions are parts of southern and southeastern Quebec, southern and eastern Ontario, southeastern Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as much of southern British Columbia. Surveillance data indicates a small number of blacklegged ticks are introduced into widely separated areas of Canada by migratory birds, posing some risk that individuals in other areas may also be exposed to infected ticks.
Although rarer than Lyme disease, there are other infections that can also be contracted from blacklegged ticks. These include Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis; Babesia microti, the agent of human babesiosis and Powassan encephalitis virus. The precautions outlined above will also help to protect individuals from these infections.
Look below at the new CDN stats; and then call your vet to make sure your furry family memebers are covered!
In 2010, Lyme disease became a nationally reportable disease in Canada. This means that all medical professionals must report cases of Lyme disease to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) via their provincial public health system. PHAC posts information on reportable, or notifiable, diseases on its website. PHAC surveys the provinces and territories to assess the number of cases and distribution of Lyme disease in Canada. This survey does not capture all of the cases of Lyme disease in Canada, particularly cases of early Lyme disease. Recent studies suggest that the incidence of Lyme disease in Canada is increasing.
The risk for exposure to the disease is highest in regions where the ticks that transmit Lyme disease are known to be established. These regions are parts of southern and southeastern Quebec, southern and eastern Ontario, southeastern Manitoba, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as much of southern British Columbia. Surveillance data indicates a small number of blacklegged ticks are introduced into widely separated areas of Canada by migratory birds, posing some risk that individuals in other areas may also be exposed to infected ticks.
Although rarer than Lyme disease, there are other infections that can also be contracted from blacklegged ticks. These include Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis; Babesia microti, the agent of human babesiosis and Powassan encephalitis virus. The precautions outlined above will also help to protect individuals from these infections.
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