Dog News
The Digest Volume 29, Issue 28
Of American Dogs $5.00
July 12, 2013
Robert
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*All Systems **The Dog News Top Ten List
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Contents 10 Editorial
14 Inside The Sport: Still Board Eligible
54 PETA’s Turn, 500,000 Fans, Updating The Judges Approval Process And More By Matthew H. Stander
56 The Wild Dogs of Australia
by john mandeville
18 The Lighter Side Of Judging: Split Decision - Part 1
By nick waters
66 Rare Breeds Of The World: Chart Polski (The Polish Greyhound)
By Michael H. Faulkner
22 The Question Of The Week
By agnes buchwald
68 The War Dog That Switched Sides
By Matthew Stander
26 The British Scene
by sharon sakson
80 The 2013 Leonberger Club of America National Specialty
By Geoff Corish
30 The New Business Model For Selling Dogs
By sarah mahoney
By carlotta cooper
34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions Asked Of Jeff Wright 42 Dog Training: Who’s Really In Charge? BY mj nelson
July 12, 2013
84 Hobbits And Hounds: A Trip To The Land “Down Under” BY patricia ulloa
88 The Gossip Column BY Eugene Z. Zaphiris
44 Take A Bite Out Of Dognapping
92 Click - Great Western Terrier Association & Parson Russell Terrier National Specialty
46 A Thought To Consider: Nothing Succeeds Like Failure
98 Click - Blue Crab Cluster
BY sharon pflaumer
by seymour weiss
50 Off The Leash: PETA, The No-Kill Movement and The NY Times By shaun coen
BY Eugene Z. Zaphiris & kitten rodwell
BY john ashbey
104 Click - The Way We Were BY leslie simis
106 Letters To The Editor
• 108 handlers directory • 110 subscription rates • 112 classified advertising • 114 ADvertising rates DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133) is published weekly except the last two weeks in December by Harris Publications, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010. Periodical Postage paid at New York. 4 Dog News
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010 All advertisements are copyrighted and owned by DOG NEWS, Harris Publications, unless received camera-ready. Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.
Number One Briard All Systems
Multiple Best In Show & Best In Specialty Show Winning
Mexican, Venezuelen, Colombian, Uruguayan, Paraguayan, Chilean, American
GCh. Deja Vu Mia Cool As A Cucumber Owned by Lynn Bernard, Terry Miller, Dominique DubĂŠ, Amie Melton Handled by Regina Keiter Photo by Congleton
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Dog News Cover Story - July 12, 2013
While Scott is benched as he recovers from recent foot surgery,
Team
Gus
continues its winning ways with Alfonso at the lead:
Thank you to Judge Mrs. Jacqueline Stacy
Best In Show, National Specialty Best In Show
GCh. Derby’s Toast With Gusto Owned By: Rick & Sue Copeland • Richmond, Texas Bred By: Kristin Kleeman, Robyn & Kenneth Toth Presented By: Scott Sommer Assisted by Alfonso Escobedo & Ashlie Whitmore
Winner, 2012 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship • Best Of Breed Winner, 6 Dog News
All-Breed Best In Shows • First Swissy To Win Three Reserve Best In Shows • Winner, 2012 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog National Specialty • Best of Breed
2013 Westminster Kennel Club • 17 Group Firsts …So Far In His Young Career • Number One Swissy, All-Breed (All Systems) • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Top Winning Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Of All Time • First Swissy To Win Four
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Ian Miller 212 462.9624 Contributing Editors Sharon Anderson George Bell Andrew Brace Agnes Buchwald Patricia Gail Burnham Shaun Coen Carlotta Cooper Geoff Corish Michael Faulkner Denise Flaim Geir Flyckt - Pedersen Allison Foley Yossi Guy Ronnie Irving Roz Kramer John Mandeville Linda More Desmond J. Murphy M. J. Nelson Sharon Pflaumer John Shoemaker Kim Silva Matthew H. Stander Sari Brewster Tietjen Patricia Trotter Connie Vanacore Carla Viggiano Nick Waters Seymour Weiss Minta (Mike) Williquette Dog News Photographers Chet Jezierski Perry Phillips Kitten Rodwell Leslie Simis DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approved Conformation Judges with more than one breed every week on a complimentary basis. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor. The opinions expressed by this publication do not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted.
Gold GCh. Jamelle’s Aristocrat V. Elba, CGC, RN, HOF, PE aka
Cookie
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The #1 Saint Breed & All Breed and the #12 Working Dog
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Judge rgan o t s k o an Our th Mowbray-M at Mrs. P e ay g W d e u J c a d an Cand ards. l o r a h Ms. S ial aw c e p s se for the
“This Cookie Never Crumbles” Owners: Ed & Linda Baker • Elba Saints Hopewell, NJ Elba1@aol.com
Always Loved and Handled By: Melody “Snooki” Salmi *The Dog News Top Ten List **CC System
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CHANGING DUBIOUS GOVERNANCE POLICIES AT AKC There is a project at the Harvard Law School which the Delegate By-Laws Committee would do well to investigate to improve the governance policies at AKC. Since 2012 and now into 2013 there has been a focus on a project to eliminate classified boards--those Boards whose directors do not stand for election each year. These staggered elections in which only a few directors are up for a vote each year make it harder to oust directors en masse for nonperformance. A far better approach for holding directors accountable, according to a significant body of academic research and as reported in THE NEW YORK TIMES, is to make them all stand for election annually or every three or five years depending on the needs of the organization. This idea was originally mentioned by Alan Kalter when he became Board Chairman but does not seem to have picked up any momentum whatsoever among the Board for sure. Perhaps the JUly 12, Delegate By-Laws Committee headed by Gretchen Bernardi would be wise to look into this idea particularly in light of the general unhappiness throughout the Fancy with the manner in which this Board has been functioning. This concept is considered by many to be a comparatively noncontroversial, simple notion of governance, which since its initiation less than two years ago has resulted in 77 large corporations having declassified their Boards. Let’s push for this concept for sure. Another perhaps more controversial idea to improve governance at AKC is to invite accomplished business leaders to sit on the Board even though they are not delegates. Years ago a Committee headed by the very progressive Bob Kelly appointed the above-mentioned Mrs. Bernardi and other Delegates to look into the matter, which they did. The recommendation was to adopt a proposal that basically backed this idea. Sent to the Board of its time it died the slow death so many progressive ideas seem to do at Board level. Although under the new Rules after six months a Delegate vote is mandatory. But now with Delegate Committees showing a strength and responsibility towards the corporation heretofore missing perhaps the time is ripe to think about this idea as well.
no-kill community, it is generally considered to be a place where at least 90 per cent of dogs and cats at local shelters are put up for adoption. ATTRACTING YOUNG PEOPLE INTO THE SPORT One of the most over-used criticisms of our sport is the failure of clubs to attract new and younger members. Perhaps a lesson may well be learned from the Kennel Club in the UK when more than 80 children, aged 6 to 15 years old, will spend a week at a dog camp for children at the YKC (the Young Kennel Club) Summer Camp. While we in America wring our hands and bemoan the fate of the graying of the sport what exactly are we doing about it other than complaining? Not the Brits howevertaking the bull by the horns. Parents, trainers and YKC members return year after year for a summer holiday with a difference. Held at Brooksby College in Melton Mowbray these children will be training their dogs in handling, agility, flyball, the Good Citizen Training Scheme and heelwork to music as they 2013 transform the College into a takeover by young dog lovers. Our own AKC has nothing to compare to this and is apparently unwilling to even consider the matter. A typical day at the camp includes four one-hour training sessions for the children and their dogs and a selection of team time activities with some days including a workshop or master class from dog experts. Evening activities include game night, discos, talent shows and many outdoor activities. This is more valuable to our minds in helping to promote the long-term continuation of AKC than 500,000 fans acquired through social media activities. Not that the two cannot work together but why totally ignore the youngsters in our sport in this area for an emphasis over tweeting or even grand championship competitions. Can’t both be accomplished successfully together?
The
Editorial
PETA TAKES IT ON THE CHIN For a change THE NEW YORK TIMES -- which for decades now has been seen by many to be a strong supporter-anyways its reporters seem to have been--of animal rights organizations has taken on in successive weeks both the ASPCA and PETA. And about time too as PETA’s euthanization policy of most if not nearly all of its shelter animals has finally been brought to national media attention. A fact these pages have reported for at least a decade now. PETA is now reported to be the number one target among supporters of no-kill shelters. And while some of the free spending no-kills such as Maddie’s Fund seem to use its incredibly large endowment to bribe both shelters and people into adopting dogs (it spent $3 million to subsidize 3,104 adoptions in a recent NYC adoption special) and has spent since 2009 with the Humane Society through the Ad Council some $127 million in media services to promote shelter adoptions alone its unhappiness with PETA too is reported by the Times as well. There are no national figures on the number of shelter animals adopted or euthanized each year, but several states keep records, as do a few private organizations. From that date according to The Times “the trend is clear: adoptions are up, and euthanasia down.” While there is no uniform definition of what constitutes a 10 Dog News
BANNING BREEDS IN DENMARK 13 Breeds are now banned in Denmark with 12 more on the line!! A petition is circulating to stop these irrational bans which include the Pit Bull Terrier, the Am Staff, the Fila, the Dogo and the American Bulldog. That something is “rotten” in that country cannot be denied as politicians there have been calling upon people to practice “do-it-yourself” euthanasia on their pet dogs! And while the message was retracted everyone knows how sincere these retractions are as sentiments rather than words run deeply for sure. Many Danish people are of course against the law and are crying out in protest at this outrage. Furthermore the Government has introduced a reverse burden of proof attitude so the owners of dogs that look like the breeds named now have to prove that are not the named breed! The dog will be euthanized if the family cannot lift the burden of proof. How horrendous is that one!!! THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK The AKC Web Site confusion with regard to the Judges Approval Process now seems settled. See AND MORE this issue for the gory details but at least it is officially stated that masking is official and that there is a moratorium on the “invite process”. Believe us that it took 24 hours of continued communication to get that settled. Ultimately the one person to go to at AKC for impartial and decisive decisions is Jim Crowley. His motives and answers are never personal and he helps create an atmosphere of candor that transcends the illusions certain Board members present about themselves. One can be certain his is as factual a statement of the happenings as you will get from anyone at AKC.
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InsideOut
In the end it was no surprise the delegates at their June 11 meeting defeated the proposed amendment to Article VII, Section I of the Charter and Bylaws of The American Kennel Club, which would have barred former AKC employees from serving on AKC’s Board of Directors.
STILLBOARD ELIGIBLE By John Mandeville
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aying the delegates defeated the proposal isn’t close to characterizing the vote. Crushed is more like it. Bottom line the delegate body delivered a humiliating rebuke to the delegate who had seemingly made it a personal crusade to bar former AKC employees from serving on AKC’s Board. That crusade was garbed in some distorted view of modernizing corporate AKC. In the proposing delegate’s words, “It’s time to move us into the 21st Century to make this organization a corporation that has a vision and that moves forward into the future with as little conflict and as little bias as possible.” Could you be any more insulting to, say, the members of AKC’s Board and its top staff over the last decade? And here I thought their track record was pretty good and certainly much better than what came before them. As far as “conflict” is concerned, it’s subsumed under the full disclosure pillar of modern corporate governance: The requirement to make known all relationships, financial and otherwise, which would, or might appear to, impact an individual’s independence. This applies not alone to former employees but also to consultants, contractors, vendors, professional service providers, and so on. Good corporate governance practices seek as
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broad a potential pool of candidates as possible and do not automatically ban from service entire classes of people – provided full disclosure is made. Full disclosure requires the delegate who introduced the amendment barring former employees from becoming AKC directors to have disclosed that she had done work for AKC. In fact this was high-level executive search work. Anyone thinking that was done pro bono might like to buy a bridge I’m selling. Whatever… the amendment barring ex-employees was so overwhelmingly defeated it wasn’t even necessary to count the actual number of votes for and against. The highest number of votes for the proposal I heard was “about a third;” e.g. about one-third of the delegates voting were in favor. That’s half the number needed for approval. I was also told by people in the room considerably fewer than one-third of the delegates were in favor with the low number of delegates actually voting for the proposal, told to me in all seriousness, being 10 – really. That there was overwhelming sentiment the amendment had no chance spared those who made the trek to North Carolina lengthy debate before the vote was actually taken. The only question is why didn’t the proposing delegate withdraw the amendment? Was it too much ego or something else? Still it would seem better to fight another day than to suffer such a slap down. Delegate debate on the proposal, if it can be called that, consisted of five delegates speaking: The delegate who had proposed the amendment and four
opposed. The delegate who proposed the amendment spoke twice – leadoff and cleanup. Meaning exactly that. The proposing delegate spoke first and last, saying 50% more than the four opposed speakers combined. Obviously to no avail. If you’re wondering, how the proposal got before the delegates in the first place, you’re hardly alone. The fact is a determined delegate can get virtually any rule or bylaw change before the delegates for a vote. AKC’s Board gets all such proposals for review and recommendation. Often such proposals are referred to a delegate committee for review before the Board acts. That was not done in this case. Meaning the Board did not exercise its prerogative to make a yea or nay recommendation. Was that cowardly? Yes. Is it understandable? Sure. Still the Board’s responsibility is to deal with the tough stuff. Instead they sat on their hands, as it were, let the clock run out, thus permitting the proposing delegate to get the amendment before the delegates for a vote the easy way. The Board’s inaction is inexcusable, especially so because they could’ve recommended revisions; such as approval of the amendment with the provision it would not apply to former and present employees. And/or they could’ve recommended that employees would not be eligible to serve on the Board until five years after leaving AKC employment, etc. So, anyone think henceforth AKC Board policy will be new hires must sign a waiver of future Board service?
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TheLighter Side
By Michael H. Faulkner
of Judging
Split Decision - Part One
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split decision is the closest possible result in Prize Fights where there is a winner and a loser. Split decision-making occurs when several reasonable alternatives surface and one must rely on reasoning, intuition, education, experience, knowledge, common sense, and confidence, in order to arrive at a judgment quickly and effectively. Often, I rely on split decision-making when evaluating show dogs and when planning and arranging my travel schedule to and from various parts of the world. However, there is one aspect of judging and travel that I never ponder or wonder whether I am making the right decision. The answer is and has been engrained into my way of being since early childhood, thanks to my Mother. It is good advice, with the goal to plan in advance, so that I can retain my dignity in the case of an unforeseen event. You see, the worst indignity that my mother---Miss Joanie---could imagine was having a doctor, nurse, or better yet, a neighbor see me in dirty, holey underwear. “Make sure you always wear clean underwear in case you have an accident,” she repeatedly would say and I repeatedly tell myself every morning and every time I pack for travel. Having packed conservatively for my trip to South Korea, I organize the black-ballistic-nylon- rolling-garmentbag (BBNRGB) and matching rolling carry-on case for my return flight back to the USA with soiled laundry. I leave out one remaining pair of clean boxer shorts, one clean t-shirt, a pair of clean socks, and recycled shirt and jeans for United flight # 6632 leaving Seoul ICN at 4:35 PM and arriving in San Francisco SFO at 11:25 AM the same day. A few days prior to my departure to South Korea, I made a split decision to stay in California upon my return. Once I pass through customs, I will connect with United flight # 6640 departing at 1:18 PM to Orange County---SNA. MLFORUM, one of the 4 Ms in FORUM GOLDEN RETRIEVERS (Me, Big Michael, Michele and Michael L) has agreed to meet me at the airport and transport me to her lovely home and to the kennel. There, I will assist in preparing our entries for the Golden Retriever Club of America Western Regional Specialty, The Southern California Dog Fanciers, and Bev-
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erly Hills Kennel Club. Yes, despite my exhausted state and eventual jet lag, I am looking forward to my twice-a-year pilgrimage back into the ring as an exhibitor and proud breeder and owner. JOHNL, my host and member of the Korean Kennel Club, promptly picks me up at the mutually agreed upon time for my return to the US. He phones my room from the hotel lobby. “Michael – are you naked?” I take a moment to ponder his question before replying, “No, I am fully clothed ---clean underwear, clean socks, recycled jeans, recycled shirt and shoes,” I think of saying---but opt for: “Yes, fully clothed and ready to depart.” “Very good, I will come help you with your things. I did not want to bother you, if you were naked,” he replies, not aware of his choice of words and method of delivery. I chuckle out loud, placing the telephone receiver back into place and wait for JOHNL’s arrival and assistance with BBNRGB. We exit PRIMA HOTEL together. JOHNL rolls BBNRGB and I carry the matching case along with Man-Bag over my left shoulder. The drive to the airport takes approximately one hour. We arrive in plenty of time. I am the first customer to check in at the Priority First Class counter. Unfortunately--not because I am flying First or Business Class, but as a result of my frequent flyer status. Using my charm, I procure an aisle seat at the rear of the 747, praying that no one of great girth is seated next to me. JOHNL and I enjoy a quick lunch before I say goodbye and proceed to customs and the departure gate. “We would like to welcome passengers in Zone 1 to board at this time using the blue preferred access lane,” a voice announces over the public address system. Gathering my stuff, I move forward, provide my boarding pass, and I am barely welcomed aboard flight #6632 to San Francisco by a wellweathered, middle-aged woman along with an even older gentleman---masquerading as flight attendants. “Straight forward to your right and all the way to the back of the plane,” they say in unison using overtones of sarcasm. I sneak a peek into the First Class cabin to my left and pass through Business praying that some God-like creature will halt the process and gently and lovingly usher me into an expansive and cushiony Business Class seat. No such luck. I find my magic aisle Continued on page 58
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If you were asked by a member of the general public ‘WHY SHOULD I BUY A PUREBRED PUPPY INSTEAD OF ADOPTING A PUPPY FROM A SHELTER?’” in a paragraph not an essay what would you say?
Mareth Kipp Since for most people purchasing a puppy temperament is the number one priority, I would stress that part. No one knows the history of the puppies in shelters, but we as serious breeders have generations of a line to back up our pledge of a steady temperament. I think number two, and maybe even number one, again, is that for whatever reason the family has to give up their puppy, breeders will take them back and make sure they are placed in a loving, life long home, whenever possible. And – there is no greater feeling than to walk down the street with a beautiful dog, and have people stop to ask, “Where did you get that lovely dog”, and you answer – from a breeder.
Frank Murphy The theme would be consistency. If there are certain traits in a dog you are looking for, maybe it’s a safer bet finding those traits in a breed that is known to possess them. The other factor that jumps to mind is the health screening that we do when breeding purebreds. Another reason could be pride of ownership, similar to what we see when purchasing a house or a car. Having said this, I have to admit, (even having puppies due on Sunday), that I applaud those who go to the pound and give a perfectly good mutt a great home and fabulous rest of its life.
Kathy Beliew I do not believe there is much difference in purchasing a purebred puppy from many breeders than adopting a puppy from a roberta lomshelter. The folks that are asking this bardi question are searching for a healthy That is simple...You know family pet. I believe it’s important to what you are getting and do your homework before purchasyou have a support team ing a puppy from an AKC breeder. to work with for the life of Having an AKC registration certifithat puppy !! cate doesn’t guarantee it will fill their needs. I can only speak inF l o r e n c e telligently about my breed the Chow. Males The majority of our breeders ignore Two big advantages! One you the Parent Club’s recommendations can select a breed that suits on health testing, or so it appears. Less your temperament and way of life than one percent of the Chows in the top By Matthew H. Stander twenty and the other is being able to very have a chic number. More litters are possibly see the parent(s). Having the bred each year where one or often neither of the breeder to turn to for advice including the parents have health clearances. These puppies are raising and grooming of the dog. A dog is with you then sold as show/breeding prospects. Unsuspecting novice a long time and this way you know more what to expect. All people are paying exorbitant amounts of money to purchase these dogs are wonderful and everyone should have one (or two). “purebred” dogs. Soon to be faced with the expense of entropion surgery, luxated patellas, elbow and hip dysplasia only to be cripalice bixler pled by the age of 6 years, and facing euthanasia. The Chow has In the cartoon, a man has just walked into an animal shelthe second highest incidence of elbow dysplasia of all “purebred” ter followed by a huge, shaggy, droopy-eared dog on leash. dogs. I must admit I have been asked this question many times. I “Don’t worry,” the man tells the shelter worker, “I’m not always recommend purchasing a purebred puppy BUT ONLY from bringing him back. I just wanted you to see how your ‘terriera reputable breeder. One who has done ALL health tests on all the mix’ pup turned out.” Predictability is the plus factor in pickparents and grandparents. Also only from a breeder that will give a ing a purebred pup over a shelter pup. Whether you want a written health guarantee. I also recommend they familiarize themlap dog or a guard dog, a hiking buddy or a hunting companselves with the OFA website. I inform them that all dogs that have ion, a mellow house pet or a feisty friend, there’s a purebred passed their tests are listed on this site. with the size, looks and temperament you want. Getting a pup from an experienced and caring breeder is a good way to get Robert Urban the dog you really want as well as having someone you can Besides the well established reasons of health and temperament turn to with questions. Where will you find a knowledgeable predictability when buying a purebred dog from a good breeder, the person to answer your questions about the ‘terrier-mix’ pup reasons are as varied and unique as the many breeds themselves; from the pound? every breed has a fascinating past and breed history to compliment any dog lover, whatever their interests, hobbies or background.
Question Of The Week
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L
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ast time I mentioned the news of the ‘Jilly’s Jolly Jaunt’, the idea of Gavin Robertson a few weeks after he had won best in show at Crufts under myself. His idea then snowballed into an event which will be remembered by the world of pedigree dogs for years to come. The 140-mile week-long walk from Crufts’ venue, the NEC in Birmingham, to central London and the home of the Kennel Club. As of this moment they have raised more than $48,000 (32000 pounds) and in aid of great Ormond St Children’s Hospital, Dog Lost and The Kennel Club Charitable trust. One of the nation’s favorite dog personalities, Marion Spavin, waved a flag to start the walk off. They were joined at various stages by 18 previous Crufts best in show winners, seven group winners from this year’s show, dogs of the 14 high-profile breeds and many individual supporters, my partner and myself did a total of 10 miles!! The weather was thankfully kind during the week and there were several checkpoints when the walkers changed over. Lisa Croft Elliott, known to all in the US, did more than five miles and she even had a cast on her foot, well done Lisa. The welfare of the dogs, of course, was paramount, and it had been announced that while Jilly would walk the lion’s share, Gavin took along her kennelmate to relieve her on sections of the walk. I mentioned earlier the 14 high-profile breeds that would accompany parts of the walk, and it sent out a message that judges who had respect, integrity and amazing pedigree dogs are fit-for-function ability to find the best dogs. In a KC magazine when you saw Bulldogs, Neapolisome years ago l was asked to name the judge tan Mastiffs, Mastiffs and Pekes, l most admired. l didn’t have to think for a secall walking happily along the ond; it was Ellis Hulme. He was a person l loved two paths of the canal. Walkers to show to. l won under him and l lost under him, came from all across England, but you always knew it was about the dog and Scotland, Wales and Jersey in the nothing else. And again he was rare in that you Channel Islands, some having could approach him after he had judged and he to leave in the early hours of the could explain everything he had done and why. morning in order to get there. We Oh, how l wish we had more judges like him tohad great support all along the day. Toy dogs were his main interest in his early way. Of course lots of sponsors years, beginning with Maltese and also handling were needed and Royal Canin prothe famous Cypegs Pomeranians. His great vided shirts and jackets, Agria Inmentor was Hindley Taylor, the great Kyratown surance, Lintbells, Dorwest Herbs, Pekingese exhibitor. It was not until the early Tesco’s and Holiday Inn provided 70’s that he started with the breed with which free accommodation. At the end of he will forever be associated, the Papillon. His the week 248,348 steps were takfirst champion in the breed, Oakridges Petite en, 584 miles walked by the dogs, Maurice, was bred by Mollie Castle, the legend17,917 calories burnt! Six dogs ary King Charles Spaniel breeder and later he actually found themselves in the was fortunate to obtain from her a spectacular Grand Union Canal. It has been an puppy, Pierre of Oakridges, who took his first amazing time for pedigree dogs certificate at Crufts in 1974. Later that year he and has reunited lots of people went best in show at the Welsh Kennel Club and at a time when we are getting so became the first, and for many years only, Papilmuch bad publicity. I was proud to lon to take a best in show at a UK general ch have been part of something that, show. Many more champions followed, perhaps maybe in the future, all of us can the best known being Pierre’s double grandchilbenefit from. dren Ch Tongemoor Snow Tiger and Ch TongeI was particularly sad to remoor Miss Peppermint. She was the first Papilceive the news that we had lost lon to win the toy group at Crufts and also won one of this country’s most rebest in show at the UK’s only toy show and that spected all-round judges, Mr. Ellis year she was also the top toy. Hulme. His health had not been There are few people who have had such an good for a while, which prompted impact on our world, as exhibitor, judge, show him to resign from judging. This official and KC person. We shall miss him more was such a blow to the UK dog than we realize. scene. Ellis was one of those rare
British SCENE By Geoff Corish
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“At the end of the week 248,348 steps were taken, 584 miles walked by the dogs, 17,917 calories burnt! Six dogs actually found themselves in the Grand Union Canal.”
Am. & Can. GCh. Wolf Creek Galaxy Of Merivern The Number One German Shepherd Dog in the US* WOW! What a weekend in Wrentham, Massachusetts for “Galaxy” – Four for Four Group Wins, leading to three Best in Shows! Pictured winning a Best in Show earlier in June under Judge Miss Virginia Lyne at the Fort Dodge Kennel Club. A big thank you to all!
Owners: Ed Farrell & Pat Walker Breeders: Pat Walker & Mary Ann Imhoff Handled & Conditioned By: Scott & Loren Yergin 678-485-6141 *All Systems
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The New Business Model For Selling Dogs by Carlotta Cooper As purebred dog breeders most of us are familiar with the codes of ethics for our parent breed clubs or our kennel clubs. Those codes typically spell out how we should care for our dogs and state something to the effect that we are supposed to put the welfare of the dogs and the breed above personal gain. I believe most purebred dog breeders take these goals seriously. That doesn’t mean that it’s unethical to recoup your costs on a litter or that people who breed dogs full-time and do it well are doing anything wrong. There is no particular virtue in losing money on a hobby if you can do things better.
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ut hobby breeding and even breeding purebred dogs for profit are the old business models when it comes to pets. Thanks to some of our more creative animal shelters and local governments, there is now a new business model for selling dogs as pets. Consider, for example, the shelter in Boise, Idaho, that wants to pay $25 per puppy to anyone who will sell them. As stated in their ad on Craigslist, the shelter intends to spay and neuter the puppies and then sell them at the shelter for “adoption.” The shelter thinks this will cut down on pet overpopulation. It’s hard to see how. The shelter would be acting as a broker for puppies and encouraging irresponsible breeding to meet their demand for “rescue” dogs. After an outcry from breeders, the ad was removed though it has reappeared, more carefully worded. Then there’s the situation with the pet shop in the Freehold Raceway Mall in New Jersey. The lease of the pet shop was not extended – because they sold dogs. That didn’t stop the Monmouth County SPCA from taking over the shop. They now use the space to – sell dogs. The dogs come from other shelters as well as from Puerto Rico. It also functions as a pet store and they sell leashes, beds, toys, pet clothing, and so on. They have a full line of pet products from popular brands. Just don’t expect to find any registered dogs there. Many people have seen this trend coming for several years as animal control and legislation have made it harder to breed purebred dogs while at the same time encouraging people to get their dogs from shelters. Shelters have literally become pet stores today where people are supposed to go to buy their dogs and accessories. A visit to PetCo or PetSmart can often give you the same insight as these companies are supporters of HSUS. They often welcome shelter dog adoption events in their stores and are not friendly to dog breeders. Approximately 32 municipalities in the U.S. have banned pet stores in their precincts. While some dog breeders might erroneously think this is a good thing, it’s only a small step from banning pet stores to banning purebred dogs and hobby breeding. Local governments don’t distinguish between a commercial dog breeder and a hobby breeder. They can easily ban all breeding once they set their sights on the selling of pets. The San Diego City Council is in the process of trying to ban pet stores in their city, leaving shelters free to operate as the only source for dogs in the city. Pet stores
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*The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
Dog News 31
Stella was finished by new handler, Pam Gilley by going Best of Breed from the Classes and on to a Group Fourth! Thank You Judges Mr. Edd E. Bivin & Mrs. Barbara D. Alderman...
P Stella & am
g:
Introducin
Stella Is Being Brought To You By:
Carla Sanchez Southport Mastiffs, Est. 1982 32 Dog News
...and Best of Breed and on to a Group Two Thank You Judges Mrs. Keke Kahn & Mrs. Loraine Boutwell
Stella was also Winners Bitch & Best of Winners at the Mastiff National Specialty-Judge Mrs. Barbara Alderman
The New Mastiff Team To Watch For In A Ring Near You!
Look for this Spirited Bitch as she & Pam take on the BOYS...
Stella Is Exclusively Handled By
Pam Gilley
*Stella was handled by Co-Owners Matt & Dena Drozdoff at the MCOA National Specialty Dog News 33
Jefferson City Missouri Kennel Club - Friday Sedalia Kennel Club - Sunday Saluki GCh. Sandstorm BlueNile Bubbles of Jatara Judge Mrs. Susan St. John-Brown Judge Mr. Jack Ireland Owners Sandra Middlebrooks, Jackie Harrington, Sara Winsted Handler Erin Roberts Long Beach Kennel Club Akita Gold GCh. Ruthdales Candy From a Baby Judge Mr. Larry F Mackai Owners Linda & Richard Stark Handler Larry Fenner Naugatuck Valley Kennel Club Holyoke Kennel Club Kenilworth Kennel Club of Connecticut Farmington Valley Kennel Club Portuguese Water Dog GCh. Claircreek Impression De Matisse Judge Mrs. Patricia Hastings Judge Mr. Tom Hale Judge Mrs. Judy Webb Judge Dr. John V. Ioia Owners Milan Lint, Peggy Helming & Donna Gottdenker Handler Michael Scott
ts Week The
of the
To report an AKC All Breed Best In Show or National Specialty Win Call, Fax or Email before 12:00 Noon Tuesday. Fax: 212 675-5994 • Phone: 212 462-9588 Email: Dognews@harris-pub.com
34 Dog News
Ann Arbor Kennel Club - Saturday Miniature Pinscher GCh. Marlex Classic Red Glare Judge Mrs. Patti Widick Neale Owners Leah Monte and Armando Angelbello Handler Armando Angelbello Huntington Kennel Club - Saturday & Sunday Norfolk Terrier GCh. Yarrow Venerie Ticket To Ride Judge Mr. Randy Garren Judge Mr. David Kirkland Owners John and Pam Beale Handler Roxanne Sutton Naugatuck Valley Kennel Club - Sunday Irish Water Spaniel GCh. Whistlestop’s Riley On Fire Judge Mr. Larry Berg Owners Gregory Siner and Tom and Bethany Urban Handler Rick Krieger National Capital Kennel Club - Sunday American Staffordshire Terrier GCh. An Garda Deja Vu Looking At You Judge Mr. Don Evans Owner Evelyn McKee-Heath Handler Christian Berg Ann Arbor Kennel Club - Sunday Lawton Dog Fanciers Association Great Dane GCh. Longo Miller N Lore’s Diamond Lil Judge Mrs. Debra Thornton Judge Mrs. Paula Nykiel Owners T. Longo, J. Miller, L. Matherly, C. Crawford Handler Laura Coomes Coos Kennel Club Standard Poodle GCh. Penndragon Owain Judge Mr. Charles E. Trotter Owners James & Kathy Smith, Rick & Kim Bates Handler Kim Russell Greater Collin Kennel Club Pointer Ch. Chesterhope State Of T Art Judge Mrs. Judith Daniels Owners Jennifer Mosing & Jordyn O’Neill Handler Brian Livingston Upper Marlboro Kennel Club - Saturday Samoyed McMagic’s Mojo Judge Mrs. Paula Hartinger Owner & Handler Patty McCallum
Dog News 35
Multiple Reserve Best In Show Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winning
36 Dog News
*All Systems
Dog News 37
ten
What person do you most look forward to seeing at the dog shows? THE PERSON HOLDING THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE ROSETTE WHILE POINTING TO ME!
What is your greatest extravagance? GOOD CHAMPAGNE.
What do you dislike most about your appearance? MY WEIGHT, THAT’S WHY I’M WORKING ON IT.
What dog person would you like to see on ‘dancing with the stars’? FRANK SABELLA.
Questions
If you were forced to get a tattoo, what would it be? OF MOTHER-OR ELSE.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? UMBRELLA, CABANA BOY TO FAN ME AND A
asked of
Jeff Wright
VODKA MARTINI.
When and where are you the happiest? WHEN I GET BACK TO MY MOTOR HOME TO RELAX AT THE END OF THE DAY.
Other people think I am...? STAND-OFFISH, BUT I’M NOT.
Born: TOPEKA, KS Resides: TOPEKA, KS Marital Status: SINGLE
What did you want to be when you were growing up? A RICH VETERINARIAN.
What would be your last request? TO PASS QUIETLY IN MY RECLINER WITH A DOG AT MY FEET. 38 Dog News
Dog News
The Digest
Of American Dogs
is proud to dedicate the Westchester Weekend issue of September 6th, 2013 to
Take the Lead on the occasion of their 20th Anniversary Serving the Needs of our Purebred Dog Community If you would like to contribute a testimonial about the benefits of Take The Lead, we encourage you to email them to us: thedognews@aol.com Dog News 39
GCh. Quiet Creek’s Kiss and Tell 40 Dog News
Kiss
Judge Mrs. Murrel Purkhiser
Judge Mr. Allen Odom
# 3 Hound, #1 Bloodhound All Systems *
*The Dog News Top Ten List
RESERVE BEST IN SHOW
Judge Mrs. Murrel Purkhiser Owners/Breeders: Susan LaCroix Hamil Heather Whitcomb Laguna Beach, California Handlers: Bruce Schultz Tara Schultz Dog News 41
DOGTRAINING: WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE? The Lab who mastered the childhood game of “hide the thimble” on blind retrieves.
One of the dogs who taught their owners to secure toilet paper behind closed doors.
By M.J. Nelson
F
rom time to time during the years I’ve been writing for Dog News, I have tried to pass along some bits of knowledge I gained in close to 50 years of training dogs for field events, hunting and performance events in the hope that it would make life just a tad easier for those of you venturing into the field or performance events for the first time with your show dogs. But, one area of dog training that I’ve neglected to cover is the way dogs train us. While I try to project an aura of command around my dogs, the absolute truth is that military drill instructors all over the world can only dream of getting the kind of unquestioned obedience from their recruits that my dogs get from me. Certainly the dogs have figured out that because I buy the dog food, pay the vet bills and provide the ear scratchings, they need to humor me on occasion by letting me think they’re obeying my orders when they swim out to fetch waterfowl or maneuver through cattails to rout a pheasant out of a marsh. But, the truth is that they’re hard-wired to do this without any instructions from me. If you asked the dogs, they likely view my attempts to direct them to birds as interference but they’re willing to let me at least pretend that I’m the one who is in charge. However, if you strip away all the pretensions and force me to be honest, I know who is really running things. Having had Chesapeakes for more than 50 years and Brittanys for about 20 of those years, I have memorized the “canine general orders” and I can recite them on command without error: It’s too hot, turn up the air conditioning. It’s cold, turn up the furnace. It’s breakfast/suppertime, where’s my food? Open the door and let me out NOW! It’s raining/snowing/ windy/hot/cold/full of mosquitoes-gnats-deer flies out here, let me in imContinued on page 78
42 Dog News
Abu, the tiny terrorist in a Brittany suit, provided a graphic display of just how many 7½ pellets are contained in a half dozen 20 gauge shot shells.
Dog News 43
by Sharon Pflaumer All photos ©American Kennel Club
Because the Yorkshire Terrier is the most commonly stolen purebred according to AKC pet theft statistics, its owners and breeders should be especially vigilant.
The Chihuahua ranks No. 2 on the dog thief’s list of most desirable breeds to steal.
A
long list of stolen dog reports pops up if you type in the words “pet theft” at Google. Lisa Peterson, American Kennel Club (AKC) Spokesperson, began tracking pet theft five years ago after she noticed a trend in the media. The statistics she compiled since then formed the AKC Companion Animal Recovery National Pet Theft Database, which relies on media reports and AKC CAR customer reports to track stolen dogs. She also contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the only national law enforcement agency that tracks pet theft. Its National Crime Information Center (NCIC) maintains a stolen property database. Because dogs are considered property by law, they can be entered in the NCIC database if they’re permanently identified with a microchip or tattoo. Dognapping Stats In 2008, Peterson documented 71 stolen dogs. In 2009, the number increased to 162. In 2010, the number jumped to 255. In 2011, it jumped higher still to 444 but only increased very slightly to 458 in 2012. Between January and May 2013, however, 194 dogs were stolen. During that same period in 2012, Peterson only tracked 140 pet thefts. That’s a 27.8% increase in the number of stolen dogs from 2012 to 2013 during the same timeframe. (Note: AKC pet theft statistics reflect the actual number of dogs stolen rather than the
44 Dog News
Small enough to be stuffed inside of a tote bag, the Pomeranian is the third most likely breed to be taken by thieves.
number of pet theft incidents that occurred, i.e., more than one dog is sometimes taken during a single crime.) Analysis of the data for the January-May 2013 period revealed the majority of stolen dogs are purebreds (113) versus mixed breeds (58) with the rest being of unknown heritage (23). “The breeds of purebred dogs most often reported stolen are Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs, in that order,” Peterson says. “MOs” or Methods of Operation Dogs are vulnerable to theft in a myriad of situations. Not surprisingly, they’re often taken when their owner ties them to a post outside of a store and leaves them unattended while he goes inside. Dogs also are often stolen when left unattended in their owner’s car. “Sometimes the motive is car theft and the dog just happened to be inside the vehicle. Other times, the dog clearly was the target because thieves left the car behind,” Peterson says. Unfortunately, the presence of an owner doesn’t always deter thieves. A dog was stolen from a car in Indianapolis, IN recently when its owner stopped at a red light. A thief in another vehicle pulled up next to the owner’s car, jumped out, nabbed his dog, and then sped off.
The ever popular Labrador Retriever is the fourth most commonly stolen breed.
Likewise, puppies are often taken from pet stores. “Surveillance cameras show them being stuffed inside purses and tote bags or tucked under jackets and winter coats. The crime may involve as many as three thieves. One distracts the sales person, a second acts as look out while a third snatches the puppy from an open pen where it’s on display.” Dogs are stolen by deceptive means as well. In this scenario, a thief poses as a prospective owner answering a “free to a good home” advertisement placed online or in a newspaper. This is believed to be a common crime in areas where there is a high incidence of dog fighting, i.e., dogs are stolen to be fighters or used as bait when training other dogs to fight. Because victims are seldom if ever recovered, statistics on the number of dogs stolen by deceptive means each year are unknown. Although their “MO” maybe different, thieves target dogs bred by breeders as well. “A well-publicized incident, which occurred in Los Angeles, CA several years ago, involved a gunman breaking into a breeder’s house. He
stuffed an entire litter of Yorkshire Terrier puppies into a pillowcase and fled with them,” Peterson says. During the past 4th of July weekend, a white toy poodle in a continental clip was stolen from a nearby motel where its breeder was staying before showing it at the Greater DeKalb Kennel Club’s annual cluster held at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in DeKalb, IL. Show dogs as well as pets also have been stolen from their owner’s front or back yard or from the front or back yard at his place of employment. “I know of two instances where dogs were stolen in these circumstances,” Peterson says. “In both cases, a van drove-up, someone jumped out, grabbed the dog, and then drove away. That actually happened to a Bulldog named Bubba shortly after he exhibited at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, CA a couple of years ago. Bubba’s owner had let the dog outside to eliminate in the backyard, while he was at work one day when the theft occurred. Fortunately, the dog was recovered unharmed.” Continued on page 94
Small breeds like the French Bulldog, which is the fifth most commonly taken, are sometimes given as gifts by thieves who don’t want to pay for a purebred dog.
There also have been instances where dogs literally were snatched out of their owner’s arms or taken while their owner was with them at a park. “One report of pet theft involved a child sitting in a park with her mother while she was playing with her new puppy,” Peterson says. “Someone ran by, scooped up the little dog and took off with it. In another instance, a man talked to a family about their dog when they visited a park with their pet. Apparently, he followed them home because he showed up at their house the next morning with a gun and stole their dog.” An increasing number of dogs are being taken during home invasions and animal shelter breakins. Sometimes police don’t know if the dog was targeted during a home invasion or if it simply escaped while the crime was being committed. When the animal was the objective, there have been cases where thieves not only took the dog but its bowl and toys as well. “I’ve also seen reports of dogs being stolen during adoption events held at pet stores. Here, the scenario often involves a perpetrator who stole the dog because his application to adopt it was rejected,” Peterson says. Dog News 45
Nothing Succeeds Like Failure
A Thought To Consider
“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on them. You don’t let them have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.” — Johnny Cash
by Seymour Weiss
A
very long time ago, when I was new to dogs, I would attend the local shows, usually spending the entire day yielding to the delightful assault to my senses from the scene that whirled seductively around me. The dogs, the people and the numerous interactions I witnessed and sometimes shared were a heady brew, intoxicating for a high school kid with a vivid imagination and a growing dream. Virtually all the shows I attended then were local events I could reach via public transportation and I can still recall the wistfulness I experienced when it was time to leave. However, upon returning home I would use the experiences fresh in my mind to try something I had seen or had been told about earlier that day. Whether it was a handling technique or a new grooming trick, I would try it on my Kerry (poor Penny) to try upping my game. Some things worked; others did not. Over time I succeeded in learning enough to launch a serious effort at finding my place in the dog fancy. To be sure, my earliest efforts made for a very bumpy ride. However, I persevered even though many of the people I met probably wished I would have gone away. The more I went to dog shows the more I was determined to make a success of this amazing niche I had discovered for myself. So I forged ahead and continued making a regular succession of designer blunders, but I learned from them. Eventually, my grooming improved, my handling improved, I started making some wins and my peers began taking me seriously. I had arrived – sort of. So, the underlying message of this brief bio is to take heed to the wise words of Mr. Cash that precede this Thought to Consider and consider what your mistakes can do for you. Many people who show coated breeds are tentative when it comes to trimming, wrapping, 46 Dog News
stripping or any of the myriad esoteric procedures that are commonplace in the management of a show dog. They are afraid to make a mistake and so compromise their dog’s chances of winning. They would do well to remember that mistakes of this kind are temporary and their evidence will disappear as the hair grows back. By then perhaps the aspirant will have better learned to make the most of a dog. Remember when you did something you hadn’t intended? You wanted to kick yourself. But kicking yourself would not have made the hair grow back any faster; just have to do better next time. Those who have given themselves the chance generally do succeed. A large part of this is identifying where you made you errors and find the path to not making the same mistake twice. The late author and dog writer, Ernest Hart, often observed that to many newcomers the dog sport appeals as a bed of roses, but inevitably the thorns take their toll. That has remained the same in the intervening decades and, as a consequence, only the most determined successfully stay the course. Learning to be honest with oneself is a long step in the development of an aspiring fancier, and, while daunting¸ is absolutely necessary to any dog person achieving a desired measure of independence and success. It’s sort of Darwinian; wouldn’t you think? – The survival of the fittest. Those who refuse to benefit from their failures (call them mistakes if you like) are at risk for developing terminal “kennel blindness.” They can only see the merits in their dogs – even if little or none exists. Plagued with such myopia, they forge ahead to no constructive purpose; they typically blame their failures on the judges, the handlers, and the mythical old boys’ (or girls’) club they swear actively functions in full view of all. Eventually, most of these chronic malcontents do fall by the wayside. A good thing it is too; to have detractors whining and grousing can only be a re-
flection on the sport. It is also worth noting that these same crybabies often breed from inferior, badly bred bitches using as a rationale people connections, win records or simple convenience of time and distance. Oh, and let me not forget the condition in which their dogs are shown. Often these dogs could benefit hugely from some time in a sudsy bathtub. Don’t believe me? Ask any judge how vigorously they must wash their hands before going to lunch after their morning assignments! You might be surprised. But for those who are open minded enough to learn and progress, putting their mistakes under a microscope can be a godsend. An initial revelation is the fact that while forgiveness rests with the unseeing, those who evaluate their exhibits are not bound by an owner’s adoration. When a dog fancier becomes her own severest critic, it may be well and truly said that she has made an important step toward regular trips to the photo stand. And that is because she develops the ability to measure her stock against the competition, learn what the judges want and how to give it to them from the whelping box to the winners’ circle. The honest souls, who will evaluate their own dogs objectively, breed according to the standard, keep only the finest or none at all have the best chance to advance. If they also learn how best to train and present their dogs to be truly competitive, or turn them over to those who can do it for them, they become forces to be reckoned with. No one comes into the conformation dog sport to lose, but we all do more losing than winning; that’s a given. However anyone who returns from a show disappointed in the results has two choices. The first is to rail in self righteous indignation at the circumstances that caused her dog to lose. It won’t change anything and she can blame a host of circumstances for the results. Or she can ask herself what she can do to make future efforts more fruitful. All through the history of the dog sport, people have taken up showing, become disillusioned and drop out. The late John Marvin called it the “Passing Parade.” Regular readers of Dog News can take pride in their longevity. They have many good reasons for this. Anyone who would seriously be among them would do well to learn those reasons and follow suit. Thank you for reading.
Dog News 47
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Dog News 49
F
Off LEASH
or the second week in a row The New York Times has exposed another dirty secret about an animal rights organization. Last week the A.S.P.C.A. was the target, this week PETA was the subject of Pulitzer-prize finalist Michael Winerip’s reporting. What may come as a shock to most of the general public is that PETA kills an average of about 2,000 dogs and cats each year at its only shelter, which is in Norfolk, VA. Furthermore, PETA’s lone shelter only adopted out 19 cats and dogs in 2012 and 24 in 2011. Most if not all Dog News readers are aware that PETA kills dogs and cats but it’s well beyond time that the mainstream media reported such findings. PETA has long been known for its over-the-top, controversial publicity stunts and celebrity endorsements but the fact that it kills thousands of animals annually somehow doesn’t reach the press or the press chooses to ignore it. Kudos to the NY Times and Mr. Winerip for finally bringing it to the nation’s attention, on the first page of the National section on Sunday, July 7. Though the NY Times delivered two successive, unfair blows to the American Kennel Club back in February, these last two Sundays have provided a bit of payback of sorts as these two animal rights organizations that are no friend to purebred dog owners and breeders, especially on the canine legislation front, have received their comeuppance. Lest anyone forget, PETA was the organization that likened the AKC to the Ku Klux Klan in one of its PR campaign videos and has launched an all out war against purebred dog breeders. Breeders and dog show fanciers have long been aware of PETA’s tactics and practices, but now, as Mr. Winerip writes, “PETA has become the No. 1 target among supporters of no-kill shelters.” The proliferation of no-kill shelter systems and their growing success rates have forced many to question PETA’s operations. Winerip noted, “Over the last decade, PETA has euthanized 1,045 to 1,942 cats a year” at its Richmond shelter despite the evidence that spaying or neutering and vaccinating stray alley cats and releasing them instead of killing them will spare unnecessary deaths and not create new litters. Maddie’s Fund, a San Francisco based foundation with a $300 million endowment, believes it can reach the goal of a nokill nation by 2015, as does The Mayor’s Alliance for N.Y.C.’s Animals, an umbrella group that consists of 150 rescue groups and shelters, which has seen the number of dogs euthanized drop from 31,701 in 2003 to 8,252 in 2012. Maddie’s Fund reports that in 1970 there were 115 dogs and cats euthanized per 1,000 Americans, a figure that dropped to 11 50 Dog News
PETA, The No-Kill Movement and The NY Times ByShaun Coen
per 1,000 in 2010 and which it projects to be 2 per 1,000 by 2015. According to Out the Front Door.com, a blog that tracks no-kill communities, 162 no-kill communities are currently saving 90 percent of shelter animals, while back in 2001, only one such community met that target percentage. And in the state of Virginia, where PETA has its shelter, 61,591 dogs and cats were euthanized last year, down from 103,327 in 2004, yet Daphna Nachminovitch, PETA’s vice president for cruelty investigations, told Mr. Winerip, “It’s nice for people who’ve never worked in a shelter to have this idealistic view that every animal can be saved.” The no-kill movement certainly believes it’s possible – or that it can reach at least a 90 percent save rate – and is continuously winning more converts as it seeks out ways to change PETA’s methodology. The rise of the no-kill movement, however, also poses a threat to the future of hobby breeders as well as the AKC, as part of its success is rooted in the push to have potential dog owners adopt from shelters instead of seeking out purebred dogs from reputable breeders. This push, which also received a boost from a certain well known pet food company that participated mightily in this adoption drive, plays into the hands of the A.S.P.C.A., PETA and the HSUS, promulgating a shadowy shelter underworld, as diseased dogs are being shuttled across state and country lines, often in deplorable conditions, to meet the demand of this new business model. (For more on this new form of pet business, see Carlotta Cooper’s article in this issue.) Last month I reported on the success of what was billed as New York City’s “biggest free adoption event ever,” a program underwritten by Maddie’s Fund. Eight communities across the U.S. participated, resulting in some 8,000 dogs and cats being adopted in one weekend. To put that number in perspective, if we are to believe recent estimates, that’s approximately the number of dogs the AKC can expect to register on a weekly aver-
age (52 weeks x 8,000 dogs =416,000 dogs registered per year). In NYC alone, Maddie’s Fund reported that there were around 2,500 adoptions, more than doubling the expected number of 1,000. Mr. Winerip reports that figure to be 3,104 and writes that, as an incentive, “Maddie’s Fund paid the shelters $500 for each dog and cat under 7 years that was adopted, $1,000 for each animal over 7 and $2,000 for each animal over 7 with a medical ailment.” One has to question such practices when many of these adoptions are impulse decisions. How many of these older dogs with medical conditions will wind up back in the revolving door of the shelter system? New Yorkers strolling by the Union Square pet store pushing on-site adoptions —and don’t forget to take home a dog food, a dog bed, a leash and collar, some bowls, treats and toys, too— may rethink their rash decision in the hot summer months when they’d rather be cooling themselves at the beach than taking care of an old dog with medical issues. Taking in a dog is a life-changing decision, one that requires research and a well-thought out plan for both the short and long-term care of the dog. Purebred dogs from reputable breeders are predictable in size, form, function and temperament; adoptions are wild cards. There are many benefits to dog ownership but it’s not a decision to be taken lightly or made impetuously and providing monetary incentives to shelters that may not be on the up and up may not yield the desired result. Yet, make no mistake, the adoption drive is well funded and its players are committed. Dot-com billionaires Cheryl and David A. Duffield created Maddie’s Fund, which pledged between $5 and $7 million to offset shelters’ costs for that one June weekend adoption extravaganza across the country. According to its website, Maddie’s Fund, along with the Advertising Council and the Humane Society of the United States, launched The Shelter Pet Project in September 2009, urging people to adopt from shelters and rescue groups, a campaign that has generated over $130 million in donated media placements on billboards, bus shelters, websites and TV. The Humane Society of the US is as adept at generating revenue and headlines as PETA is at causing controversy, but not so generous when it comes to the hands-on care of animals in shelters. And the HSUS would love nothing more than to see purebred dog breeders become extinct. Will the NY Times finally expose some of the dirty little secrets behind the HSUS? So far Mr. Winerip, like Jacob Bernstein (the NY Times journalist who exposed some of the questionable activity behind the scenes at the A.S.P.C.A), hasn’t answered my inquiry about a possible in-depth investigation into the HSUS but the general public should be made aware of the goings-on there as well. A third time may not exactly be the charm but it may be a boon to purebred dog breeders and enthusiasts and the AKC as well.
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T
he fact that PETA has been euthanizing most of its shelter animals is something I have been writing about for years now. But lo and behold THE NEW YORK TIMES suddenly woke up and smelt the roses and in its July 7th issue led off its Sunday NATIONAL page Section with that report written by Michael Winerip. He raised the questions about the basic no-kill philosophy so prominent in American culture today and how this movement has left PETA far behind and in the minority insofar as animal rights groups are concerned. As a result of the conversation I had with Mr. Winerip it would not surprise me to see more articles appear in The Times about other questionable PETA practices. PETA’s response seems to be that the animals they receive are in such a horrible physical and mental state and this is a direct quote from its vice president Daphna Nachminovitch “they are better off dead.” And this from an organization that advises people not to eat turkey at Thanksgiving time! Of course some of these no-kill shelter proponents are the very people pushing indiscriminate adoptions of dogs based on numbers adopted and not the needs of the dogs and the kinds of homes at which they will end up. For instance at the recent weekend last month in New York City when Photos of the Blue Crab Cluster by John Ashbey 3,104 dogs and cats were adopted
Peta’s Turn, 500,000 Fans, Updating The Judges Approval Processes...
More By Matthew H. Stander
54 Dog News
the Maddie’s Fund out of San Francisco paid the shelters according to Mr. Winerip $500 for each dog and cat under 7 years that was adopted, $1,000 for each animal over 7 and $2,000 for each animal over 7 with a medical ailment. “It teaches the shelters that old and uglies are not discards,” said Mr. Richard Avanzino, the director of the foundation, which spent $3 million to subsidize the 3,104 adoptions. Well money does not buy everything and how many of those 3,140 adoptees are still in the homes they went to and how many will be after six months or a year is an interesting figure to research. My prediction is that more than half will end up in other shelters or the same shelter as little if any background checks are made to say nothing of the anything for a buck attitude we all know is so prevalent today in the adoption area particularly.
I
had an interesting luncheon the other day with Chris Walker, the new head of social media for AKC, to which Gina DiNardo, the charming and knowledgeable Assistant Executive Secretary of AKC, was invited as well. Chris appears to be extremely capable in a field about which I admit to knowing very little--that is the effect and long term results of social media particularly on a non-profit organization such as AKC specifically and the use of social media generally. However he seems confident that this is the wave of the future for everyone, which perhaps it is. Indeed a recent press release sent to the delegates indicates that in the very short period of time that Chris and his team have been working in the area they increased AKC’s so-called fans from a very low number of under say 20,000 to over 500,000 fans and Continued on page 113
Best In Show!
h s a l F
Only One Dog Took Home The Bronx Ribbon!
✴
✴
FLASH
Another Best In Show National C apital Kennel Clu b
Multiple Best In Show & Best In Specialty Show Winning
GCh. An Garda Deja Vu Looking At You Thank you Judge Ms. Minna-Liisa Koltes and Group Judge Mrs. Sue Goldberg
Handled exclusively by Christian P. Berg Bred, Owned & Loved by Evelyn McKee-Heath Dog News 55
The Wild Dogs
There are many public statues scattered throughout cities, towns and countryside around the world which honour or pay homage to the dog. However, there are few countries where the native wild and feral dogs are accorded this privilege. One is Australia. By Nick Waters 56 Dog News
W
eaving their way through the trees and benches in the centre of Australia’s capital city, Canberra, heading purposefully to their home in the Brindabelle Mountain Range, is a bronze pack of feral dogs which was unveiled in the city in October 2011. They were created by Amanda Stuart, a former park ranger in New South Wales and Tasmania, whose art has been exhibited regularly in Australia since 2002. Amanda’s work as a ranger has been central to her fascination with species that are reviled or perceived dangerous and unwanted by humans, what she refers to as an ‘outsider’ species. The sculpture group came from fourteen months of research by the artist, talking to farmers, dog trappers, land management officials and Aborigines. In creating the group she took measurements from carcasses of wild dogs, some of
which had been hung from trees by hunters and farmers. The feral dog is a hybridised, cross-bred, big mongrel, the scourge of the farmland and bush and is a top pest enemy for land managers in farm and national park regions. The anxiety these dogs generate is evident by the myths about them, their size and above all their cunning and their ability to survive. There will never be any rapport between the two enemies, the dogs and the humans. In creating her sculpture, Amanda’s aim was to bring a sense of the danger of the bush to the ‘bush capital’ and show that although the pack is out of place in an urban area, the dogs are clearly capable of dealing with anybody who crosses their boundaries. The true ‘wild dog’ of Australia is the Dingo, claimed by many to be the oldest pure bred dog in the world, having been left in isolation for thousands of years. The earliest Dingo fossil dates from 1450 BC.
of Australia
Australia was a carnivore’s paradise and when the Europeans arrived and introduced rabbits, the Dingoes’ food supply grew even richer. When the rabbits themselves became a pest and were poisoned on a major scale by the farmers, the Dingoes turned their attention to the farmers’ livestock, especially lambs. The damage Dingoes do to stock has meant they never conform to the dog-human relationship, this in turn has led to their persecution and they are currently classified as vermin in Australia and it is illegal to keep one as a pet. Most belong to small social groups and form, where possible, stable packs with clearly defined territories. It is one such pack created in 1989 from synthetic polymer paint on fibreglass, wire and metal that is on display in a Museum in Melbourne. The way the pack is depicted shows clearly the conflict between humans and Dingoes with one breaking through a boundary fence and another lying dead, its foot caught in a
gin trap. The group is positioned to show the dogs’ natural instinct, whatever the odds, to protect the mother and puppies, the next generation. The sculptural group was created by Lin Onus, the only child of Bill Onus, a Yorta Yorta man from the Aboriginal community of Cummeragunja in Victoria, and a Scottish mother, Mary McLintock, who had been crowned ‘Miss Communist Party 1947.’
Lin Onus died prematurely aged just 47 after a remarkable career as a motor mechanic, political activist and creator of thought-provoking original paintings and sculptures. He was brought up to understand and appreciate the cultural and traditional ways of the Aborigines and painted his Dingo group in the traditional Aboriginal colours in reverence to his paternal Aboriginal background. Dog News 57
TheLighter Side of Judging Continued FROM page 18
seat three rows from the last. “Not far from the restroom,” I say to myself in an attempt to stay positive. The plane quickly fills. I find comfort and relief as a Petite Asian Woman (PAW) ---along with her also Petite Elderly Mother (PEM) ---take the two seats to my right. The daughter claims the center seat, giving mother the opportunity to rest her head against the interior side of the plane. “Perfect---I will be able to breathe, stretch my arms, extend my legs, and maybe get some rest before my arrival in SF,” I joyfully think to myself. “We have reached cruising altitude. You are free to move about the cabin at this time. The seat belt sign will remain lighted for your safety. Please refrain from gathering in the galley area and please use the restrooms assigned to your class. Thank you. In-flight service will begin momentarily,” one of the several flight attendants announces from an undisclosed section of the plane. I squeeze my shoulders together while at the same time rotating my elbows inward to make room for the approaching beverage cart and the middle-aged flight attendant from Hell, MAFAFH. She stops directly at our row, serves the row in front and to my left before approaching. I attempt to toss a smile in her direction and it is obvious her door is not open---in fact, she slammed it shut. “Drink! Whatchu want?” She rudely directs her question to PEM. They banter back in forth in Korean before handing over a glass of tomato juice, clipping my nose in the process. PAW shouts out rather boldly before being asked, “Beeeer, I will like beeeeer,” while holding up two fingers. MAFAFH smirks and rudely passes two cans of beer to PAW again precariously close to my face. “And, whatchu want mister?” “Oh, no you did not just call me mister!” I mumble under my breath, wanting to take my left leg and dropkick MAFAFH just a few feet down the aisle. Instead, I answer, “I would 58 Dog News
like a bottle of red wine and a glass of water, no ice.” MAFAFH, sighs and begrudgingly hands me the beverages to place on the fold-down tray stand. From the corner of my right eye, I take notice of PAW positively guzzling her beeeeeeer. “For such a tiny lady, you surely can drink,” I silently remark as she flips the tab of her second can. PEM shoots a smile my way through twinkling eyes and tomato-rimmed lips. Taking comfort in an ever-so-slight red wine buzz, I place the provided headphones over my head in an attempt to watch the first movie of flight. “SAFE HAVEN ---A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her. Staring Julianne Hough, David Lyons and Josh Duhamel,” I read to myself from United’s Hemispheres Inflight Magazine. I watch as a young woman, played by Julianne Hough, flees her house in possession of a bloody knife. At the same time, MAFAFH returns from the galley pushing the dinner cart and stopping to my left. I attempt to watch Julianne Hough escape the pursuit of what appears to be the police, but give up as MAFAFH blocks my view. “Whatchu want to eat? Beef with Potato or Chicken with Noodle?” PEM nods in agreement and, once again, they engage in a heated exchange in Korean. MAFAFH hand PEM, Beef and Potato. “I will have Beef and two more beeeeers,” PAW boldly exclaims. “Holy #$(^#&!, this little girl can pack ‘em away,” I contemplate. PAW puts down her tray and an additional flight attendant---working from behind MAFAFH---hands her two more beers. “Whatchu want Mister---Beef or Chicken?” Again, actually not wanting to hurt the poor old girl too much, I settle for, “I would like the Chicken, please, and another red wine if you would be so kind.” “Wed Wine,” she shouts to the other attendant, who quietly hands me the small bottle and another plastic glass. PAW sits cross-legged while eating her dinner, bouncing ever so slightly in her chair. I attempt to settle in and continue to watch Safe Haven.
T
hirty-seven minutes into the movie I feel a small tap on my right shoulder. “Excuse me, may I go?” PAW points to the direction of the restroom. Somewhat irritated, but also aware of her beer consumption, I lift the headset from my ears, reach across and place my wine glass on PEM’s tray, and holding my food tray in my left hand, I proceed to lift myself from the cramped seat allowing PAW to slide by. I slowly return to my seat, careful not to dump what is left on the dinner tray (which is practically everything). The trays and
trash are cleared before PAW returns. Again, a small tap---I rise, she slides into the center seat and I proceed to watch the remainder of SAFE HAVEN. The movie ends. My head nods forward, to the side, and I doze off into a very much needed sleep. I feel a slight pressure on the upper part of my thighs. I try to turn to the right, then the left. The pressure continues and becomes more intense. Trying to stifle the urge to wake, I peer out of my squinted left eye to see PAW straddling my lap in an effort to exit the center seat without waking me. “OMG – what are you doing?” “So sorry. Need to go to the bathroom. So sorry! Please excuse me,” PAW offers while sitting on my lap. PEM is sound asleep, resting against the side of the plane. PAW slips off and scurries backwards. Frustrated and tired, I wait for her return. The remaining ten hours in transit, PAW is up and down on an average of two times per hour. She consumes two additional beers and my only escape is watching endless films---Escape from Planet Earth, Promised Land, The Guilt Trip and several episodes of Big Bang Theory. I am relieved beyond measure when we land in San Francisco. I pass through customs and board my next flight to Orange County. MLFORUM waits curbside. “You are a sight for sore eyes!” I exclaim while stretching forward to give her a welcome hug. Barely able to hold my head up, I stay coherent for the fortyfive minute drive to the house. “The weekend should be fun. I have booked us a room at the Queen Mary, which is located right next to the show grounds. Tomorrow we will finish trimming and bathing five dogs, load the truck and Wednesday morning we will go to the airport, pick up MSVEDORO and her two dogs, and proceed to the dog show. It’s going to be hot so I hope you packed some shorts,” MLFORUM shares. In my current state I have difficulty comprehending the thought of trimming and Continued on page 62
Bosco on the road again! Group First
Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club June 29, 2013 Judge: Mrs. Monica Canestrini
Group Third
Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club June 28, 2013 Judge: Mrs. Jacqueline Stacy
The Best In Show Winning
Ch. Alfredrich Indigo Dark Roast of Robbsdale (L) Owners: Tim Robbins • Daniel Goebel Edward Osowski • Jean-Richard Millaire
A Top 10* Dalmatian Handled by: Andrew & Abba Mansfield *The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
Dog News 59
60 Dog News
*
*All Systems **The Dog News Top Ten List
**
Dog News 61
TheLighter Side of Judging Continued FROM page 58
bathing five golden retrievers, loading a van, supplies, food, picking up MSVEDORO and her two dogs, and also finding the time to do laundry. “Sounds like a plan and everything will work out just fine. All I will need is a goodnight’s rest tonight and I will be ready to roll in the morning. Luckily, we were able to stay ahead of the California rush hour traffic and we arrive at the house way before expected. MLFORUM leads the way through the front door. With BBNRGB and matching case in tow, I drag myself through the foyer, to the guest room and deposit my stuff I return and MLFORUM gives me a guided tour of the many significant changes to the homestead since my last visit. “WOW! I cannot believe all the splendid changes and improvements,” I remark. After an appropriate amount of time, I excuse myself for a quick nap. Before crawling on top of the comfortable bed, I unpack my cases and sort my dirty clothes into two color-sensitive piles---well aware of the need for clean clothes. Three hours and forty-two minutes pass. Thrilled to wake and not find a petite Korean woman straddling my thighs, I go to the bathroom, toss some cold water on my face and join MLFORUM and MR.MLFORUM outdoors on the terrace for a glass of cold wine and a quick dip in the pool. “Hey there! Are you back amongst the living?” MLFORUM questions with a slight smirk. “Yes, I feel so much better. Thank you,” I offer. “Well just relax. We are going to grill out, no pressure, and you can go to bed whenever you like,” MR.MLFORUM kindly states while keeping a close eye on the gas grill. I opt for a quick dip in the pool in hopes of sensory stimulation, after which, we eat, drink, talk, and I fall asleep in one of the many oversized stuffed chairs. “Michael, Michael, wake up. It’s time to go to bed,” MLFORUM whispers into my left ear, while guiding me forward. Morning arrives to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and a chorus of Golden Retrievers---music to my well-rested ears. Pulling on a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and a pair of sandals, I join MR.MLFORUM for morning coffee and the morning news. “In approximately thirty minutes the Supreme
Court will announce their ruling on DOMA and PROP 8. Stay tuned for further updates.” Having been out of the country, I lost track of time and lost track of this momentous occasion. I sit mesmerized in front of the large screen, coffee in hand, waiting for a newsman that I have never seen or heard before, to announce the ruling that will change my life forever. “The Supreme Court has ruled---DOMA Overturned 5-4. I repeat the Supreme Court of the United States has overturned DOMA. Stay tuned for more regarding Proposition 8.” Dropping my head, I shut my eyes in total shock and joy. Tears flow down my cheek. I pull DROID from the right pocket of my cargo shorts and phone BIGMICHAEL. No answer. I text: “Congratulations! We are moving in the right direction. I am proud and I love you,” end of text. MLFORUM and MR.MLFORUM, both aware of the significance of the ruling, provide mutual support and comfort, and I find newfound energy to get my tired ass off the couch and groom five Golden Retrievers.
M
L F ORU M bathes and dries the dogs and I control all things related to the grooming table. To this day---I remain extremely critical of the grooming process and detest over-trimming and the use of clippers on any portion of a Retriever. I spend the entire morning and afternoon hand stripping our 6-9 Puppy Bitch, two Open Bitches, one Special and our ten-year-old Veteran. Our combined efforts pay off. MLFORUM and I watch the dogs run in the paddock and determine that I will show SMOOCH--OPEN BITCH, she will show IVANNA---OPEN BITCH. I will show ANTHONY---VETERAN DOG. Our handler will show ROBBY---BEST OF BREED and CARMELLA, the untrained 6-9 PUPPY, remains up for grabs. “OK, now that the dogs are finished, I need to do some laundry. Need to make sure I have clean underwear on in the event of an accident,” I chuckle while heading to the house to collect my first load. MLFORUM guides me through “how to use the washing machine and dryer” and within seconds, underwear and t-shirts begin spinning in the front loader. Between loading the van, preparing food, beverages, and other last minutes necessities, I manage to complete the two loads of wash,
dry them, fold them, and repack for our morning departure to Long Beach and the Queen Mary. I retain a pair of khaki shorts, a black V-neck t-shirt, belt, sandals, and a pair of grey boxer shorts for the morning trip, laying each article of clothing across the back of the chair next to the foot of the bed. I take comfort in knowing that if we experience an accident during the short journey to Long Beach, my panties are fresh, clean, free of holes, and Miss Joanie will not be shamed. Wednesday morning, the temperature already 80 degrees, is expected to climb into the mid- nineties by afternoon. MLFORUM and I load the dogs, along with all the other assorted dog show essentials and depart for the QUEEN MARY, with a quick stop at LAX to pick up MS.VEDORO and her two canine companions, who are arriving from Edmonton, Canada. “Have you heard from MS.VEDORO…I wonder if she remains on schedule?” I ask. “Nope--- if you want to check, call the airline and ask if there are any delays,” MLFORUM suggests. “Wait, I have all the information in my phone. I will call.” She activates her IPHONE, using voice commands and I check DROID for messages. I have four new text messages, one being from MS.VERDORO. “Four hour delay---I will send word when I board the plane. It has been the trip from hell! See you soon.” “The flight has been delayed for four hours,” we both say in unison. “Let’s go to the show site, check into the Queen Mary, get the dogs settled, scope out the show grounds, and meet up with RB, who is traveling from Sacramento,” MLFORUM guides me through the plan. Navigating through multiple parking lots, MLFORUM maneuvers the Canine Traveler to the only shaded parking space available. Taking a moment before exiting, I activate a DROID search, typing in: Queen Mary, Long Beach into the search browser. Using my right index finger, I choose to open the Wikipedia link... ...TO BE CONTINUED IN A FUTURE ISSUE
62 Dog News
Dog News 63
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Number Three overall, *The Dog News Top Ten Lists
Dog News 65
are
by Agnes Buchwald
Breeds Of The World The Chart Polski - The Polish Greyhound Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but having the right to do what we ought. (Pope John Paul II Polish Pope 1920-2005) I have found that if you love life, life will love you back (Arthur Rubinstein - Jewish Polish American Composer and Pianist (1887-1982)
P
oland’s name “Polska” is derived from the word “Polanie” or “people of the fields”, and refers to one of the many Slavic groups that settled the Northern European plain between the Oder and Vistula Rivers. Its capital and largest city is Warsaw. The country covers an area of 120,606,41 sq mi, and the population is of 38,5011,000 (2011 census). Poland is about the size of USA’s New Mexico. The former pagan country adopted Christianity in 966 A.D. when Prince Mieszko I was baptized. In 1024 the country became part of Western Europe as an independent kingdom which the Piast Dynasty, (descendants of Mieszko), ruled until 1370 instituting social reform, rebuilding Poland, and establishing a democratic government with a Parliament. In 1385 Poland was united to Lithuania when Wladyslaw Jagiello, the Lithuanian prince, accepted Christianity, and married a Polish queen, becoming the King of Poland. In 1410 under the Jagiellonian Dynasty, Poland’s political position was strengthened in Europe, and this period became known as the “Golden Age.” The PolishLithuanian Commonwealth was based on religious tolerance and mutual respect for different customs. A period of Renaissance in architecture and literature followed but conflicts started in the 17th century when the international balance of forces was not favorable to Poland and Lithuania. Some Polish kings became involved in wars with neighboring countries seeking more power but were attacked by Sweden, Russia, Prussia and the Ottoman Turks causing Continued on page 102
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Dog News 67
By Sharon Sakson Photos courtesy of US War Dogs Association, Inc
I
n 2012, new movies and books about the killing of Osama Bin Laden brought attention to the specialized, fast moving, deadly combat units of the military – and to their dogs. A Belgian Malinois named Cairo was a valuable member of Navy SEAL Team 6, who kept worried neighbors from coming near the Bin Laden compound while the SEALs were at work. But one of the most curious of the canine stories to come out of the Mideast wars is that of Fluffy, a German Shepherd trained to fight with the forces of Iraq’s Saddam Hussein.
At the beginning of the war in Iraq, a twelve-man U.S. Army Special Forces unit was deployed to Mosul to unite with the Kurds. Since they were enemies of Saddam Hussein, they were excited to help the Americans who had come to fight against him. Sgt. First Class Russell Joyce was in charge of securing supplies for the unit. The team had used a trained Military Working Dog for sentry duty in Afghanistan, and found him to be a useful deterrent. So when a local Kurdish leader named Kordo asked Sgt. Joyce what he needed, he told them: a police dog.
THE WAR DOG that Switched
68 Dog News
Sgt. Joyce didn’t think there was any possibility the Kurds could come up with one. Dogs are considered “haram,” unclean, and Muslim religious law forbids touching them. But several days later, two Kurdish Maslawi entered their camp holding a tightly wrapped carpet. To the soldiers’ shock, out popped a skinny, scared German Shepherd. The average German Shepherd in America weighs 75-80 pounds. This dog weighed only half that, about 36 pounds. His ribs and bone structure stood out clearly. He’d obviously been starving. He’d also been abused; there were scars over his face and front legs. He was missing his two lower canine teeth. The Kurds said they had found him chained in one of the police stations that Saddam Hussein’s forces had abandoned.
Trained to fight by the Iraqi military, “Fluffy” served with the U.S. Army - Special Forces The first night in the compound, the dog cowered in the shadows. A dog like this was not what the soldiers had in mind. Some suggested Sgt. Joyce turn him loose. The only reason Sgt. Joyce didn’t was because he wanted to maintain the good relationship with the Kurds. “Let’s give him a chance,” he said. “We can always turn him loose later.” Sgt. Joyce fed him mutton, fried chicken and rice out of his hand, whatever he was eating,
from his own plate. The dog was ravenous. And he seemed grateful, relaxing a little in Sgt. Joyce’s company. But the second night was also a disaster. When darkness fell, the dog began to bark, and he kept it up through the night. The sentry determined that a pack of stray dogs was just outside the fence. The men couldn’t sleep. In the morning, they were once again in favor of getting rid of the dog. But Continued on page 70
Sides
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the war dog... Continued FROM page 69
Sgt. Joyce still insisted on giving him a chance. As things turned out, it was a good decision. With some food in his belly, the dog started to learn what was asked of him very quickly. He’d obviously had military training before. He learned basic commands in English like heel, sit, and stay. After just a few nights, Sgt. Joyce noticed the dog snap his head to attention and stare out into the night, beyond the fence. He encouraged him, telling him “Good!” The shepherd began to bark loudly. Several insurgents sprinted out of their hiding places and hightailed it out of there. They’d been waiting for the right moment to get a shot at the Americans. But with a dog on the scene, they decided it wasn’t worth it. Sgt. Joyce looked down at the shepherd in amazement. “You might have just saved my life,” he said. The unit was pestering Sgt. Joyce to come up with a name for their new friend. Some of their suggestions were “Lucky” or “Terror.” Sgt. Joyce was thinking about his two young daughters, back at home in their bedrooms with their stuffed toys. He reached out and touched the dog on the head, and said out loud how his coat felt, “Fluffy.” The dog had been sleeping. When he heard Sgt. Joyce say, “Fluffy,” he looked directly at him. “Fluffy,” Sgt. Joyce said again. “That’s what I’m going to call him.” The men groaned and complained that no one would be afraid of a dog with a sissy name like Fluffy. Yet the next night, as they walked the perimeter, Fluffy spotted someone and tore loose from Sgt. Joyce. It was a Kurdish soldier, friendly to the Americans, but he was an Iraqi, and Fluffy knew the difference. He chased the man over a fence, tearing off his pants.
of bullets, and we were safe because he was there.” Sgt. Joyce was due to return to his home in South Carolina. But he started to worry about what was going to happen to Fluffy. “I had trained him to hate Iraqis, so there was no way I could leave him with them. I started to think about taking him home.” On one of his weekly calls to his wife, Caroline, he told her he was thinking of bringing a dog home from Iraq. Caroline later recalled that conversation. “I said, ‘Excuse me, I didn’t hear you right. It sounded like you said you want to bring a dog home.’” But she never once thought of asking her husband not to do it. Having him home meant so much to her and the girls. If he wanted to bring a dog, fine, bring a dog. Just come home in one piece, she prayed. Sgt. Joyce sought out Air Force dog handlers from the 506th K-9 unit who had been trained at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where all military handlers and K9s are trained. They were impressed with Fluffy, and the rapid progress he’d made. They were sympathetic to his desire to take Fluffy home with him. But in 2003, this was not an easy matter. The U.S. military had not been very helpful in the past to handlers who wanted to keep their dogs. Sgt. Joyce set about on a mission to have Fluffy made an official U.S. War Dog. Since Fluffy had enlisted on the battlefield, it was complicated. But word of Fluffy’s work to protect his unit had spread throughout the region. And Sgt. Joyce was a persuasive advocate. The red tape of the military moves slowly, but Sgt. Joyce was able to get it done. His Commanding Officer made Fluffy official and gave him orders to move stateside. The matter of getting Fluffy permission to enter the United States was just as complicated. Army veterinarians pronounced Fluffy fit and free from communicable disease. Sgt. Joyce needed a lot of official signatures. When the big day arrived, he thought he had them. But the pilot of the C-17 Globemaster disagreed. He refused to carry Fluffy. Sgt. Joyce had to leave him at a military kennel at the airport. “For 72 hours,” the kennelmaster told him. “After that, I’ve got new dogs coming in. He’s got to be out of here.” Sgt. Joyce arrived back at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, happy to be with his wife, Caroline, and daughters Samantha and Elise. But he was desperate to find a way to get Fluffy back to the United States. He told Caroline, “I put my life in his hands every
“He was a
soldier. He
was one of
the team. He
walked guard with every
American
soldier in our
T
compound,
all night long. He never ran at
he best thing about that incident was that everyone in the unit saw it. They were impressed. Fluffy now alerted whenever an Iraqi approached the Americans. On patrol, he warned them away from anyone lying in wait. He was with the unit when they came under fire twice, took minor injuries, and stuck bravely through the shootings. He learned his job at an amazing pace. In only two weeks he could correctly walk patrol, bark ferociously when directed, and challenge and even attack anyone who tried to harm Sgt. Joyce or the men in the unit. Sgt. Joyce said, “He was a soldier. He was one of the team. He walked guard with every American soldier in our compound, all night long. He never ran at the sound
the sound of bullets, and we were safe
because he was there.”
70 Dog News
Continued on page 100
4 Days in Santa Barbara 4 ALL-BREED SHOWS
& our 5th Annual Breeders Showcase sponsored by Simi Valley Kennel Club - Friday August 23, 2013 Santa Barbara Kennel Club - Sunday August 25, 2013 Breeder’s Showcase - Saturday August 24, 2013 Bullyganzga – Saturday August 24, 2013
Santa Barbara Kennel Club - Saturday August 24, 2013 Conejo Kennel Club - Monday August 26, 2013 Foreign Bred Competition - Sunday August 25, 2013 Sighthound Spectacular- Saturday-August 24, 2013
Art Work by Artistic Impressions by Terry d. Chacon
Our 5th annual Breeder’s Showcase is for you the Breeder. You don’t have to own either dog – just be the breeder(s). You don’t have to show either dog – anyone can. This is designed for you the Breeder to showcase your breeding program Also join us for dinner on Saturday night compliments of our patrons For further information: Please visit out website www.sbkcdogs.com – (includes Breeder’s Showcase entry blanks) or contact one of the people below Breeder’s Showcase info: Desi Murphy –desichowman@gmail.com or Connie Miller – 269-375-8856 SBKC Show Chairman – Anita O’Berg – 805-685-5838 Superintendent: Jack Bradshaw – www.jbradshaw.com Dog News 71
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The New Business Model For Selling Dogs Continued FROM page 30
in California are regulated by state law and hobby breeders in the state are covered by the puppy lemon law, but shelters are not regulated. Anyone who completes the IRS paperwork can become a non-profit rescue group and there is no oversight, according to Kay A. Henderson, PhD, Legislative Liaison for the Del Sur Kennel Club. More than 10,000 puppies from Mexico come into California every year. These puppies have no paperwork and they may have no vaccinations. They can be poorly bred, malnourished, and unsocialized. They are a health risk. They’re brought in to be sold to meet the demand for cute puppies, partly because current legislation has made it so difficult for American breeders to breed, especially in California. These imported puppies often end up in local shelters where purebred hobby breeders are blamed for them, with talk of “pet overpopulation.” Imagine that. If the ban on pet sales in retail stores succeeds in San Diego, this will be the kind of dog that is available to people in SoCal, with few other options unless they look elsewhere for a pet. Every new law that is made reduces options for breeding and keeping dogs. Finally, there’s the case of LA Animal Services General Manager Brenda Barnette, who says shelters need puppies to increase their revenue. Barnette wants to change the policy of LA shelters, which currently requires late-term spaying for pregnant bitches. Instead, Barnette, a former breeder, has recommended that pregnant bitches be taken in by fosters and allowed to whelp their
puppies. She wants the puppies to be fostered and raised until they are 8 weeks old when they can be spayed/neutered and then adopted out through the shelter or one of its pet shops. Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention that Barnette also collaborated on and supported an ordinance that prohibits any pet stores from selling puppies, kittens, dogs or cats from puppy mills or local breeders and mandates that ALL dogs and cats sold in any pet store MUST be animals taken from a Los Angeles City shelter.
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s. Barnette makes clear in her report to the Department of Animal Services that keeping the puppies to sell would be a good way to raise revenue: “Fostering puppies until they are eight weeks old, and returning them to Animal Services to be adopted out, represents additional revenue opportunities through adoptions to the public or through pet shops.” This amounts to a monopoly for the city on the sale of dogs. Commercially-bred and home-raised puppies are not allowed to be sold in pet stores. Yet the city is seeking its own ongoing source of puppies to keep these pet stores supplied with “merchandise.” Barnette, the former CEO of the Seattle Humane Society, is, or was, an AKC Legislative Liaison. As you might imagine, her former existence as a dog breeder and Legislative Liaison caused some concern when she was being considered for the position of LA Animal Services General Manager. In response to those concerns, Barnette told the Los Angeles Times: “I’m a member of the Seattle Kennel Club,” she said, explaining the extent of her job as legislative liaison for the club. “Every now and then I get a press release from the AKC saying ‘This is the legislation,’ and I hit forward and send it to all the other members.... I have shown dogs, and you may see me at a show.” Either Barnette wasn’t doing a very good job as Legislative Liaison or this raises some questions about what club LLs are doing and how effective they are. So, what’s wrong with allowing bitches to come to term and whelp their litters? I admit, I don’t personally like the idea of late-term spays, even though many vets say they are perfectly safe for the bitch. But the point is, if an animal shelter is trying to reduce the number of dogs produced, it makes more sense to spay the bitch and place her in a good home instead of involving
Commercially-bred and home-raised puppies are not allowed to be sold in pet stores. Yet the city is seeking its own ongoing source of puppies to keep these pet stores supplied with “merchandise.” 74 Dog News
foster families, raising a litter, and then spaying/neutering the puppies – or waiting until they are older when they might or might not be altered. Especially when all of this effort is being done to make money for the shelter. Aren’t shelters supposed to do what’s best for the animals instead of using them to make money? One thing is abundantly clear from all of these cases: shelters are actively seeking dogs, especially puppies, to meet the public demand. This should tell us something about “overpopulation.” What overpopulation? There are clearly plenty of people who want puppies and dogs, especially if you have what they are looking for. There are still too many unwanted dogs in some areas – too many big, black dogs; too many “pit bulls” or bully breeds people are afraid to adopt; and too many Chihuahuas now in California. But there are shelters all over the country actively seeking dogs to meet demand. And they are trying to suppress purebred dog breeders because they see us as their competition, whether the dogs are in a pet store or we sell online or simply through word of mouth. There is a new business model and shelters are acquiring and selling dogs. These “non-profits” are turning into for-profit entities and they certainly are not always doing what’s best for the animals. They aren’t responsible to buyers in the same way that a pet store business is or a hobby breeder is. They offer no guarantees. They don’t have to know anything about the puppy or dog’s history or health clearances. Basically, shelters can act free of any regulation or oversight and wash their hands of a dog as soon as he’s sold. They don’t face any of the restrictions placed on breeders. And some of these shelters are running breeders out of town. Watch out for it.
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DOGTRAINING: WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE? Continued FROM page 42
mediately, maybe sooner. The water dish is empty, fill it without delay. Drop the tailgate, stupid, so I can get in the truck. I also know when they want attention because this is almost always accompanied by a sharp upward thrust of my elbow. This usually occurs when I am on deadline trying to finish a story and it causes a perfectly good sentence to disintegrate into a long series of repeated letters: Fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffor jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj depending upon which elbow is hit and how hard. While I have mastered all the general orders, the more esoteric commands frequently escape me. Who knew, for example, that there were standing orders against bringing three dogs into a motel room at the same time? On one hunting trip, one of the Chesapeakes trained me to never do that again and he did it with spectacular ease. As I led the dogs down the motel hallway, Mike, who was always something of a free spirit and was as big and strong as Babe, the mythical blue ox that accompanied Paul Bunyan, was lagging behind, no doubt humming along with his private muse. Oh, by the way, did I mention that in addition to his free spirit and strength, he had also mastered escape and evasion tactics to such a degree that he should have been teaching those tactics to the cadets at West Point or the Navy SEAL trainees at Coronado? No? Well, about halfway down the passageway, he slipped his collar and took off down the carpeted corridor making only slightly less noise than a stampeding herd of longhorns all the while barking joyfully at his escape from any restraint. As he romped along, he spotted a slightly open door. At the point in mid-gallop when all four feet are suspended above the ground, Mike executed a 90 degree pirouette so exquisite and athletic that, if it had been done by Mikhail Baryshnikov on the stage of the Kennedy Center, it would have earned Misha shouts of “Bravo,” a standing ovation and showers of roses from the audience. Instead, in place of “Bravo,” it earned Mike yells of “No! Here! Heel!” because upon landing, he shouldered open the door, raced across the room and leaped onto the bed, which happened to be occupied by an unlucky and unsuspecting soul on the phone telling his wife how miserable his day had been never suspecting for a moment that it was about to get significantly worse. Mike swarmed all over the unfortunate bedsitter in a barking, tail-wagging, face-licking frenzy. You’ve heard how aloof Chesapeakes are with strangers? Well, Mike apparently missed that part of the Chesapeake Handbook because he never met a person he didn’t immediately recognize as a long-lost friend. As I attempted to extricate the poor guy from Mike’s suffocating embrace, I was simultaneously hissing “stay” at Duke and trying to reassure Bobby, who was Mike’s exact personality opposite and had clearly 78 Dog News
In the great motel hallway caper, Bob was determined to drag me out of the stranger’s room with or without Mike.
memorized the “Chesapeakes are aloof with strangers” section of the Handbook. The result of his careful study of that clause was that he was suspicious of everyone he didn’t know extremely well and he was doing his level best to put as much distance as possible between himself and the stranger as he tried to drag me out of the room with or without Mike. When I finally got Mike collared, Bobby calmed down and Duke intimidated into a “stay” in the doorway, I apologized profusely to Mike’s victim. The guy, bless his heart, didn’t immediately pick up the phone to call his lawyer but instead smiled and said, “Not a problem. I have a dog at home although he’s not nearly as big or as enthusiastic as this one. Anyway, after the kind of day I had, any expression of love and affection is a bonus.” Despite the man’s gracious response, from that point on, I was properly trained to bring the dogs into a motel one at the time or at least bring Mike in singly. Motels have often been fertile grounds for the dogs to train me. One of them, Abu the tiny terrorist in a Brittany suit, taught me early in her career as a hunting and hunt test dog to always keep an eye on her in motel rooms. On one of her first hunting trips, my partner and I had rooms with a connecting door. As we sat in my room talking about the day’s hunt, replenishing lost fluids and calories with a cold beverage and pizza and idly watching a college football game, Abu, displaying the kind of stealth that would have drawn rave reviews from a Marine Recon Unit, set out on a search and destroy mission in my partner’s room. When she was finally missed and the results of her mission discovered, every article of clothing that had been in my partner’s duffle bag had been removed and dispersed about the room, his toothpaste tube was placed on the killed-in-action list and his toothbrush, likewise, was Continued on page 90
Dog News 79
of By Sarah Mahoney
D
on James and Glen Ferguson, the co-chairs for “The 2013 Leos and Clark Leonberger National Specialty” along with their group of hard working, creative volunteers, presented a well-organized, relaxed, “user” friendly venue for Leo lovers and their dogs. The lovely Hilton Vancouver, the host hotel for this year, could not have provided a more congenial stay, offering upscale human and dog- convenient amenities. From their friendly, helpful staff to consistently wonderful meals served ringside throughout the shows, this hotel did an outstanding job. The beautiful Vancouver city park and large weekend farmers market located across the
LCA Best of Opposite & Best of Winners - Beleljonet UpTown Girl owned by Peggy Atchley
As the old saying goes, good things come in small packages and The Leonberger Club of America’s 2013 National Specialty held in Vancouver, Washington, April 3 through 7, certainly proved this old adage. Although attendance was slightly lower than some previous LCA National Specialties, the camaraderie, atmosphere and venue were impressive, well planned and just plain fun! street from the hotel made for an accommodating, dog-friendly destination for walks and socializing. The shows and programs were spread out over five days, which provided plenty of free time to reconnect with Leo friends seen only once a year and to make some new ones, too. Wednesday began with the outdoor Drafting competition judged by Jennifer Brightbill, BMDCA and Ruth Nielsen, BMDCA, a carting workshop, Stewards Meetings and Rookie Orientation. The day ended with dinner ringside to watch the Handling Clinic and LCA Puppy and Veteran Sweeps judged by long time club member, Ginny Bartholomay. Thursday morning began with the AKC Obedience and Rally Trials judged by Chris A. Primmer, AKC. The AKC National Specialty conformation event and Jr. Showmanship competition judged by Roberta C. Davies, AKC filled the afternoon. Before dinner in one of the hotel’s lovely formal dining rooms, the Leonberger Club of America held its annual membership meeting. Assorted Leo related topics and club business were 80 Dog News
covered this year with lively, cordial audience discussion and participation. The LCA welcomed new Board members Connie Kent and Michael Bloink and thanked retiring Board members Sarah Mahoney and Alida Greendyke for their past service. The highlight of Thursday evening was a very engaging and enlightening presentation by keynote speaker Dr. Jean Dodds on “What You Should Know about Thyroid Disease, Vaccine Issues and Nutrition.” Dr. Dodds was entertaining, knowledgeable and passionate concerning wholesome canine nutrition, creating safe vaccination protocols and addressing hypothyroidism in all dog breeds. Her enthusiasm for the subject was contagious and the audience left her presentation wanting to know MORE! Friday morning started bright and early with Junior Showmanship, always a hit with the audience, and was followed by the first day of The
LCA National Specialty Club show judged by Mr. Per Kristian Andersen, FCI of Norway. The format for this year’s Specialty varied from previous years with all males being shown on Friday and all females shown on Saturday, thus making it easier for everyone to comfortably view all classes. Saturday ended with the traditional farewell banquet and LCA awards show. Sunday morning wrapped up this year’s event with the annual Judges Review. Specialty judges Per Anderson and Roberta Davies each gave personal overviews concerning the strengths and weaknesses of the dogs presented at the National Specialty shows over the weekend and shared their insightful recommendations for the future of the Leonberger breed in America.
Judge Per Anderson of Norway commenting on Award of Merit dog, Lionscrest Always Be My Panda with owner Richard Moulthrop
AKC Best of Opposite - Woo Hoo I love you v. Sanftenloewen Owned by Mary Ann Ruggiero-Smith & Kayleigh Knight
Best of Breed at both LCA and AKC Specialties GCH. A. Feiner Eros, Owned and Bred by Lisa Baslen
Competing in the LCA Draft Test
“The shows and programs were spread out over five days, which provided plenty of free time to reconnect with Leo friends seen only once a year and to make some new ones, too.”
LCA Specialty First Place Novice Bitch, ForeverGreens U Betcha with owner Margot Schmidt
Oonagh v. SIssy-Haus shown by Seamus Richardson won 1st- AKC Novice Jr. Handling, Best of Opposite-Veteran’s Sweepstakes, 2ndLCA Veteran Bitch & 3rd-LCA Jr. Handling
LCA Best Veteran - Bellawoods Adelaide Rainbow with owner Sharon Bishop
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Hobbits & 84 Dog News
I
knew I was in for an adventure when I looked out the window of the jetway. Waiting for me was the biggest airplane I have ever seen. The jet engine was so big it could easily stable a pony or two. Thus did I begin my journey to New Zealand to judge the South Island Hound Club Championship Show.
A Journey To The Land “Down-Under” Story & Photos By Patricia Ulloa I was very excited about this assignment because I have never been to New Zealand and this presented an opportunity not only to see the hounds on the other side of the world but to indulge in a little tourist stuff for myself. My destination was Christchurch, New Zealand. New Zealand is a beautiful country. The stunning and diverse landscapes of New Zealand have captivated movie fans around the world as the unbilled star of Sir Peter Jackson’s hugely successful The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Over 150 spectacular locations were used in the films. Everybody is a Kiwi! The residents take great pride in being called Kiwis. People are Kiwis, things are Kiwi made and you hear the word everywhere you go. By the way, the Kiwi is a little bird and has become the national symbol of New Zealand. The indigenous people of New Zealand are the Maori. They came here more than 1,000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Today Maori make up 14% of the population and their history, language and traditions are central to New Zealand’s identity. Maori cultural performances, which include traditional singing, dancing
Hounds... Continued on page 96
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Gossip The
By Eugene Z. Zaphiris
V
Column
irginia might be for lovers but watch your step in Maryland. Two bad falls resulted in handler GREG STRONG breaking his arm in a fall and judge VICTOR CLEMENTE suffered a bad fall at the hotel where the judges were staying. On the other hand or should I say hip, following a four month rehabilitation, TOMMY OELSCHLAGER is about to return to the ring following his hip replacement surgery. So was this speedy recovery due to MARLENE DEPALMA’S nagging the wheel of his automobile. Along with or prodding…I say lovingly prodded. his wife SUSAN they bred and owned Handlers SHELBY ROBERTS and Pointers. Their love of dogs was passed LENNY BROWN just learned that along to their daughter KATIE and her the baby they are expecting the first husband, professional handler DENNIS week in December is a baby girl. The (lovingly known in our home as SKYE WESTCHESTER issue of DOG NEWS BOY) BROWN. All of us at DOG NEWS is being dedicated to TAKE THE send our deepest sympathies to the LEAD. Many people have been helped entire THOMPSON FAMILY. BRAD by this worthy organization and some CHILD passed away on July 2nd, of of those might want to publicly thank complications during his fourth openthem. If you would like to write about heart surgery. Together with his wife your experience, please mail it to KAREN they judged several hound and DOG NEWS, 1115 BROADWAY, NEW working breeds. He underwent his first YORK, NEW YORK 10010 or email it open heart surgery at the tender age of to THEDOGNEWS@AOL.COM at your 23 and as a result did not qualify for earliest convenience. The deadline life insurance. Our deepest sympathies for that issue is Friday, August 30th. to KAREN and family. A fund at US Maybe there is a turn around in Bank has been established in the name the American Kennel Club’s public of BRADLEY RYAN CHILDS account face. A kennel club press release number 153152978364. In Argentina, with the Virginia Veterinary Medical PATRICIA NEMEROVSKY-ALSINA’S Association took PETA (PEOPLE husband ROBERTO passed away on FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF June 30th. A longtime Airedale terrier ANIMALS) to task for the recent article fancier, PATRICIA judges fairly regularly that appeared in THE NEW YORK in the States and has sung our national TIMES that reported the high number anthem at Montgomery on several of cats and dogs being euthanized at occasions. Their son PABLO ALSINA their Norfolk, Virginia headquarters. has been working as an assistant to Three sad and unexpected deaths handler SUSIE & JORGE OLIVERA. occurred this week. Pointer fancier Our deepest sympathies to the entire BILL THOMPSON passed away with ALSINA FAMILY. what is presumed a heart attack at
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*Canaan Dog, Number 2 overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed ** 2013, Number 3 overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed *** Number 2 overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed **** Number 3 overall, The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
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DOGTRAINING: WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE? Continued FROM page 78
they had been the victims of burglars who were also into a probable KIA although at the time, it could vandalism, they called the police. However, a careful only be classified as “missing.” In addition search of the house revealed nothing missing, no signs to the destruction of his tooth brushing gear, of forced entry and no further evidence, other than the she had somehow punctured his shaving toilet paper decorations, of vandalism. Furthermore, cream can which, under pressure, had dethe couple’s two Airedales had been in the house during posited copious amounts of shaving cream their entire absence and created such an uproar when on the motel carpet and she had opened two the police arrived that the cops said they didn’t know boxes of shotgun shells. Not only had she any burglar brave enough to challenge a pair of bayscattered the shells but she had also emping Airedales threatening to tear off any appendage that tied and distributed the contents of at least came in range of their teeth. The conclusion was that a a half dozen of them all over the carpet. I relative or a friend who had a key to the house had tp’d can testify that the sheer volume of pellets the home in celebration of the Airedale owners’ tenth contained in a single 20 gauge shell makes wedding, which was the following day. you wonder how you could ever possibly miss However, intensive grilling of all relatives and a bird. That there is a tremendous amount The successful recapture of Mike friends who had a house key met with nothing but indigfollowing his escape in the motel of 7½ shot in the average 20 gauge shell becorridor required Duke to sit and nant denials of culpability so the Airedale owners were comes especially apparent when you are trystay in the motel room’s doorway. left without a single clue as to the identity of the warped ing to recover it from a motel carpet. From interior designer. About a week later, when both owners were that time forward, I was trained to watch her absent, the husband returned to again find the interior of the closely whenever she was loose in a motel room. house liberally decorated with toilet paper. This deepened the mystery A friend of mine’s Labrador mastered, on his own, the rules because his wife was visiting relatives in another state and nobody, of the childhood game of “hide the thimble” on blind retrieves. except him, had known of either his or his wife’s absence. Again there He then had to teach his owner the Labrador interpretation of was no sign of forced entry and nothing was missing. This led to those rules. While the dog never played this game when they were only one possible conclusion. The Airedales had to be the toilet paper actually hunting because he seemed to be able to differentiate decorators. The fact that one of the dogs still had bits of tp clinging between what was “real” and what was contrived, in training and to his whiskers lent considerable credence to the Airedales being the in hunt tests, the dog would frequently take his owner’s directions culprits. to the hidden bird but once he found it, in his view, it was now So, the next time the Airedale owner left the house, he made sure his turn to hide the bird and his owner’s turn to go look for it. the toilet paper was placed on a window sill, out-of-reach he thought, He was devilishly clever at finding hiding places and on several of the dogs. He also asked his neighbor’s wife to keep a close eye occasions, his owner had to say, “I give up. Where is it?” Even on the place during the day just in case his theory was wrong. He then, the dog refused to returned to find the living and dinshow his owner where the At the point in mid-gallop during rooms adorned with the roll of bird was hidden or fetch it ing the great motel hallway toilet paper that had been on the affair, when all four feet are from its hiding place. Afsuspended above the ground, window sill. There could now be no ter a LOT of trial and erMike executed a 90 degree doubt. The Airedales were guilty. pirouette so exquisite and ror, the Lab’s owner finally athletic that, if it had been But, probably more importantly, figured out that the dog done by Mikhail Baryshnikov both of the dogs’ owners were was looking for some sort on the stage of the Kennedy Center, it would have earned trained for all time to secure toilet of tangible reward for his Misha shouts of “Bravo,” a paper rolls behind a closed door cleverness at being able to standing ovation and showers of roses from the audience. whenever they left the house. find a hidden bird. It took So what do these stories awhile, but the Lab was mean? Just that while we as dog ultimately able to train his owners tend to view the human/ owner to give him a treat or throw a bumper or ball for him to canine relationship as an absolute retrieve when he completed a blind retrieve in training or at a monarchy, the dogs clearly have a much different perspective. They test. see it as an unequal partnership in which they possess all the skills, Another friend whose breed of choice is Airedales says that do all the work and also have to exercise considerable forbearance in his dogs trained him to hide the toilet paper when there was gothe face of human stupidity as they are required to expend a considering to be no one in the house except the dogs. The first inkling able amount of time and energy training us. Over the years, I’ve come they had that something unusual was occurring in their house to the conclusion that dog training frequently is a two-handed game came when they returned from a several hours long shopping trip of stud poker and the dogs are the ones with the ace as their hole card. to find the inside of the house festooned with toilet paper. Fearing 90 Dog News
Nina & Kan Kan A WINNING PAIR
GCh. Kankan Stepowy Goniec Group Third - Thank You Judge Mrs. Susan Carr This TOP TEN* Borzoi is [ Beautifully Presented by Nina Fetter \ Breeder: Dr. Kazimierz Rychlik Michalow, Poland
Owner: Elaine J. Misko Pittsburgh, PA *The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed
Dog News 91
BY ssell Terrier u R n o rs Pa NationalSpecialty PHOTOS BY
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Great Wesctiaertnion Terrier Asso PHOTOS
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Continued FROM page 45
(Because dogs reported missing from fenced yards may have escaped through a gate that was left open—or were smart enough to open the latch themselves--Peterson only tracks those incidents where there is evidence of theft, i.e., the owner reported his dog was taken after his fence was cut and the wire rolled back.) Who commits pet theft and why In addition to thieves, family members sometimes steal dogs as can pet sitters and neighbors. In the case of the latter two, they may offer to care for the dog in the owner’s absence and then refuse to give it back. Most of the time, thieves are motivated by the potential for economic gain. For example, they steal dogs so they can hold them for ransom. “I’ve seen people pay as much as $10,000 to get their dog back,” Peterson says. “Last year in Portland, OR a tragic example of this occurred. A man stole a disabled woman’s Bulldog named Jaggar and ransomed it for $1,000. The woman didn’t have the money to pay the ransom despite the thief’s threat to torture her dog. Sadly, Jaggar was found dead after being tied up and struck by a passing train.” Thieves also sell stolen dogs at flea markets and animal auctions or on the Internet. The latter occurs so often now a term has been coined for the crime. It’s called “dog-flipping” and is a disturbing new trend where pets are stolen by thieves who then post them for sale on social media sites like Craigslist. It appears thieves also sometimes steal dogs to avoid spending money. The spike in pet theft statistics around holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day suggests dogs are stolen then so they can be given as gifts by people who don’t want to pay for their purchase. Money isn’t always the motivating factor, however. In April 2013, a Pomeranian named Luigi was stolen from his owner’s car while it was parked at local farm market in Niles, IL. Video surveillance cameras enabled police to recover the dog from a woman who apparently intended to keep the Pom as her pet. Prevention Owners and breeders can go a long way towards protecting their dog(s) from becoming victims of crime by simply using some commonsense. For example, dogs never should be allowed to roam free nor should they be left unattended in a front or back yard. Dogs left outdoors for long periods of time can become targets for theft, especially if their owner has a wire fenced-in yard that’s visible from the street. Dogs never should be tied outside a store and left unattended either. This is a popular practice among city-dwelling owners. If they need to shop, they should patronize dog-friendly retailers or leave their dog at home. Likewise, dogs never should be left unattended in a vehicle even if it’s locked. Although the owner may intend to only be gone for a few minutes, it’s still an 94 Dog News
“Thieves
also sell stolen dogs at flea markets and animal auctions or on the Internet. The latter occurs so often now
a term has been coined for the crime. It’s called “dogflipping” and is a disturbing new trend where pets are stolen by thieves who then post them for sale on social media sites like Craigslist.”
invitation to thieves. Valuables like laptops and GPS equipment left in clear view inside an automobile further motivate thieves and can cause dogs to become unintended victims of crime. When driving around with a pet that’s visible from the street, it’s a good idea to keep car doors locked and windows rolled up. If approached by strangers, owners never should provide information about where they live or how much their dog cost. Breeders should be aware that thieves sometimes pose as would be “puppy buyers” who could show up at their kennel and snatch their dogs. Or thieves may return later to burglarize the breeder’s home while he is away. Breeders should be vigilant when attending dog shows as well and when staying at area accommodations. Recovery Time is of the essence when a pet is taken. While there have been instances where stolen dogs were recovered weeks, months or even years later, most of the time, they’re never seen again if not recovered within the first 48 hours after they went missing. To facilitate the return of stolen pets, all dogs should have a permanent ID in the form a microchip because collars with tags are easily removed. Owners should be sure to provide their recovery service provider with updated contact information as needed. Owners also should keep fliers with a recent photo of their dog on hand in the event it’s stolen. Current photos of their dog—a full body profile and headshot-should be kept in their wallet or on an easily accessible web account to distribute immediately in the event their pet goes missing. If an owner suspects his dog was stolen, he should notify the local police and animal control authorities immediately. If the dog has a microchip, the owner should ask to have that unique serial number, along with the dog’s description and where it was last seen, posted in the “stolen article” category on the NCIC database. Likewise, the owner should canvass the neighborhood, and talk to people in the immediate vicinity where his pet went missing for possible sightings of the actual theft. Because stolen dogs are sometimes “dumped” by thieves, the owner should check area animal shelters and dog pounds for his missing pet. This should be done in person rather than by phone because staff at these facilities may not know what a Vizsla or Briard looks like. Perhaps most important of all, the owner should contact the media. Even “big” city television and radio stations give “air” time to reports of pet theft. Newspapers run lost and found advertisements where stolen pets may be listed. The owner should ask to have a web post put out about their missing pet. Posting a stolen dog report on the owner’s Facebook page is another effective way to spread the word to a vast audience. Additional pet theft prevention and recovery tips can be found at www.AKCCAR.org. For information about AKC CAR’s microchip and lifetime recovery service, visit www.akccar.org.
Back-to-Back Group Firsts!!!
GCh. Solivia’s Decadence of Beagood Thank you Judges Mrs. Nancy Simmons & Mr. Joseph Gregory (not pictured) Flagstaff Kennel Club Saturday and Sunday Handled on this occasion by Pam Lambie and Connie Williams Special thanks to Loran Morgan for co-piloting Ruby this past year! Breeders: Jose Herrara, Susan Thompson Dennis and Katey Brown
Handler: Adrienne Owen
Owners: Lucy Goodman, Amber Lambie Nash Katey Brown and Susan Thompson Dog News 95
Hobbits & Hounds Continued FROM page 85
and haka (ancient war dances) are a wonderful way to experience the culture. Several TV channels are dedicated to Maori activities. I watched one performance and if I were to describe the people in a word that word would be fierce! They glared into the cameras and as they danced they seemed to be daring me to confront them. Maori are heavily into tattoos. The women have tattoos on their chins and the men are covered with tattoos all over their legs and arms – all traditional Maori designs. Examples of Maori art are found all over. Even on the tails of the Air New Zealand aircraft. The shows took place in the City of Christchurch. The City is a lovely little village set beside a lake and in the shadow of show-capped mountains. Sadly, much of it was destroyed in a devastating earthquake in 2010. I would have to guess that about a third of the lots in the City have been reduced to rubble. Huge piles of concrete and bricks lie in wait for clearance and reconstruction. There is a church with its steeple sitting beside it. A weathervane on top of one building has been bent to one side due to the whiplash. It was a magnitude 6.3 earthquake and it killed 185 people. But the Kiwi spirit is strong. Reconstruction is underway all over the City. Tradesmen of all kinds are needed. If you are a carpenter, mason, electrician, painter, or any type of contractor in need or work – Head for New Zealand! They are crying for skilled workers. BAA, BAA, BAA. I am
still looking for the sheep. They say there are 60 million sheep in New Zealand. But the closest thing I have found to a sheep is a lamb chop on the menu. There are 3 million people in New Zealand and with 60 million sheep that works out to 20 sheep for every person. But they must have them hidden waaaayyyy outside of town because I never saw a sheep the whole time I was there. Onward to the Dog Show! When I arrived I was met by Bernard Fears, who would take me in hand and guide me throughout my stay. Starting with a personal welcome as I came off the airplane, he proceeded to get me checked into my hotel and then spent almost a day driving me around Christchurch to see the sights. Being from the good old U.S. of A, where we drive on the right side of the road, it took some time for me to adapt to the New Zealand style of driving on the left side of the road. Even the cars are “backwards”. The driver’s seat and steering wheel are on the right. As I was being given the grand tour I panicked every time we made a left turn into a lane that would result in a head-on collision here at home. Even the language took a while to get used to. Cookies are biscuits, low-fat milk is “trim”, bacon is always Canadian style, bread is bakery, coffee gets milk – not cream. If you get fired from your job you are sacked. I don’t go shopping, I go for a look-see and everyone and everything is a KIWI! On the day of the show Bernard Fears served as my Steward. The hounds I judged were exactly like those I would judge here in the United States. But the procedures! OYE VEY!!!...I
“Even the language took a while to get used to. Cookies are biscuits, low-fat milk is “trim”, bacon is always Canadian style, bread is bakery, coffee gets milk – not cream. If you get fired from your job you are sacked. I don’t go shopping, I go for a look-see and everyone and everything is a KiWi!”
C C C C
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have never encountered anything so complicated. There were many more “classes” and subdivisions of classes and run-offs and competitions than I am used to. Plus I had the responsibility of awarding Challenge Certificates. We didn’t stop at Best of Breed (no best of opposite here!!), we had to have run-offs for best baby puppy, best puppy, best junior, best intermediate, best open, best veteran, and best New Zealand Bred. First we did all this for the dogs. Then we did it again for the bitches. And then we started all over again with the next breed! If I hadn’t had Bernard pointing me in the right direction I would have gone crazy. Many of the dogs were similar to others of the same breed. A reflection I think of the limited gene pool in New Zealand. I am sure there were generations of in-bred and line bred dogs. Quality was good in most of the breeds. I found none that I would “excuse” in the States. Temperament was also very good throughout. My personal breed is the Borzoi and there was the sweetest little puppy bitch there that I wanted to kidnap and bring home. In the end, after sorting through the gazillion classes and subclasses I chose the Basset Hound, Gr. Ch. Hunterspark Mr. Bertie, from the New Zealand Bred Classes, as my Best in Show. This was a fine dog that could hold its own in competition here in the States. The breeders were W. Hewitt and J. A. Riley. The owners were T. Cloete and A. Combrink. Yes, it was a grand adventure! Many thanks to my host, the South Island Hound Club, and to the many club members who made my stay so enjoyable. This trip will rank as one of my best judging experiences and if any of my fellow judges receive an inquiry to go there and judge – go for it!
Dog News 97
CLICK Blue Crab Cluster PHOTOS BY
JOHN ASHBEY
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the war dog... Continued FROM page 70
day. And he put his in mine. I can’t just abandon him.” He found the right person when he called Ron Aiello, president of the US War Dog Association. Ron is a former Army military dog handler who served in Vietnam with a German Shepherd, Stormy. When Ron heard the story, he was determined to help. Sgt. Joyce recalls, “I had no idea that I’d woken a sleeping giant, the Vietnam dog handlers. They got in touch with everybody in Washington to get them in on this effort.” It was normal to get phone calls from family and friends, welcoming him with relief that he’d returned safely. But now, when the phone rang, it was Senator Kennedy from Massachusetts, Senator Alexander from Tennessee, and Senator Boxer from California, Senator Brownback from Kentucky or Senators Burr and Dole from North Carolina. Caroline kept track; 32 of the 100 United States senators called the Joyce home, promising to do what they could to bring Fluffy home. The Joyces were overwhelmed with messages of support. Ron Aiello says, “I hoped to get some correspondence from the Pentagon in about two weeks. But the Pentagon called me two days later. They said, ‘There are formalities we are going to have to take care of, but we’ll do it. We are as committed to bring this dog home as you are.’” When Ron expressed gratitude, the official on the phone said that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was being swamped by calls from Capitol Hill; so many that he couldn’t get any other work done. That was the power of the Vietnam vets, each one acting on his own across the country. Vietnam is a bleak moment in the history of U.S. war dogs. Five thousand dogs served in country; only 206 were brought back to the United States. Ron Aiello says, “They served with us, just as hard, just as loyal. And we betrayed them. We left them behind. The Vietnamese probably ate most of them. We weren’t going to let it happen again. We were going to get this one home. Like I wrote to Donald Rumsfeld, ‘If we bring this dog home, it’s kind of like a living memorial to the dogs who served in Vietnam.’” A lawyer who was at the Department of Defense recalled, “The Secretary came out and said, ‘I want that dog brought home now. And if you can’t do it, go get me some better lawyers.’” The Defense Department kept its promise and worked on the Fluffy matter as quickly as it could. Twenty days after he’d left Fluffy in Iraq, Sgt. Joyce was waiting for another C-17 to land. The Vietnam dog handlers waited anxiously across the country
“Fluffy
for Ron Aiello to email them the news. And then, another heartbreaking delay. “The kennelmaster called me from the airport in Iraq. He was screaming, ‘We’re under fire, we can’t send him!’” Ron recalled. “A gun battle had broken out on the airfield. They had to postpone the flight.” Many who got the news felt despair. They had fought hard to get Fluffy on that plane. Now, maybe he wouldn’t make it. Two hours later, the kennelmaster called back. The battle had been won. Fluffy was on his way. The reunion took place May 31, 2003, on the flight line at Charleston Air Force Base. Fluffy charged across the airstrip towards the one human he loved more than anyone else in the world. Sgt. Joyce took the leash and dropped down to put his arm over Fluffy’s shoulders. During his years in the States, Fluffy helped raise money for U.S. War Dog Memorials in Holmdel, NJ, and Fort Benning, GA. He had dog treats named after him by a manufacturer, secured a spot in the National Infantry Museum, and was featured on “America’s Top Dog” on A&E and in a chapter of Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs. The Iams Company provided him with a lifetime supply of dog food. He was the hero of a children’s book written by Joyce’s 14-year-old daughter, Samantha, with the help of her mother. A roster of celebrities including comedian Robin Williams, actor Gary Sinise and unconventional physician Patch Adams lent their support. Things changed rapidly in the next few years. Many of the improvements in the lot of war dogs are directly due to Ron Aiello’s organization. War Dog monuments have gone up in New Jersey, Florida, Texas and other states. Military dogs are now put up for adoption at the end of their careers, rather than being destroyed. The AKC recognizes a Heroic Military Working Dog with an award every year. There is an effort underway to make March 13 National K9 Veterans Day, since March 13,1942 is the official birthday of the U.S. K9 Corps. Despite the fact that he could be an aggressive war dog, Fluffy adapted to life in the suburbs with Sgt. Joyce’s family. He lived peacefully until his death in 2009. His age was estimated to be nine. Early injuries, before his time with the Americans, contributed to his death. Sgt. Joyce wrote in an email to all Fluffy’s many friends, “He protected me. He protected my family. He was not a pet – he was a soldier first.”
charged
across the airstrip
towards the
one human he
loved more
than anyone
else in the
world. Sgt. Joyce took the leash
and dropped down to put his arm
over Fluffy’s shoulders.”
100 Dog News
Dog News 101
Rare Breeds of the World Continued FROM page 66
the loss of some of the countries’ territory which losses resulted in the devastation of towns and villages when thousands of Polish people were killed. On May 3, 1791 the government was reorganized, the religious freedom was provided, and the government provided rights to the population, executive powers were given to the King and to Council which consisted of a Premier and his ministers. The decline started with the aggression of Russia, Prussia and Austria because Poland, with its traditions of tolerance and freedom, was considered politically dangerous. The winning monarchies divided the area of Poland among themselves so Poland disappeared from the map of Europe for almost 125 years. The country regained freedom in 1918 at the end of World War I, and its Parliamentary democracy lasted from 1919 to 1935. In September, 1939, Poland was the first to suffer the attack of Hitler’s Army from the west and the Red Army from the east. After Russia and Germany occupied the country, the Polish Home Army constantly fought them. The country remained under occupation until the end of World War Il. During WWII German forces, under direct order from Adolf Hitler, set up six major extermination camps, all of which were established on Polish territory including the notorious Treblinka and Auschwitz camps. About 90% of Poland’s Israelites were killed. What became known as the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising began on April 19, 1943 when the Nazis set about liquidating the Ghetto but the two columns of German and Ukrainian troops were forced to retreat. The fighting continued until May 8, when the ghetto’s leader Anielewicz and 100 of his men were surrounded at Mila st.18* and chose to die at their own hand rather than surrender to the Nazis*. On July 22, 1944, the Soviet Union established a Communist controlled government, and in Lublin on August I, 1944 an uprising broke out as an attempt to free Warsaw from Russians under the leadership of the Home Army, who expected to win full independence for Poland and establish a new government, however the uprising failed. Poland remained under Communist control until August 31, 1980, when striking workers, led by Lech Walesa, negotiated an agreement guaranteeing their right to form independent trade unions. The national union movement, “Solidarity,” followed the signing of the Agreement, and the rapid deterioration of the Communist Party began. In 1990 the Communist Party dissolved and new parliamentary elections were held. Poland became a member of NATO, (March 12th 1999), and in May of 2004 become a member of the European Union. Poland’s rich history has many great personalities who definitively contributed to turn the world a better place to live. I have counted hundreds of prominent personages but certainly must point out some as Nicholas Copernicus the Polish astronomer (1473-1543). Before his time, people believed that in the solar system the Earth was the center of the universe.
In 1543 Copernicus started a scientific revolution publishing the theory in which all the planets, including Earth, revolved around the sun. Madame Curie, Maria Salomea Skłodowska, known for her research on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only woman to win in multiple sciences. The first chemical element that she discovered - polonium, which she isolated in 1898 named after her native country. Pope John Paul II - Karol Józef Wojtyła - the Polish Pope reined the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was the second-longest serving Pope in history and the first non-Italian since 1523. A very charismatic figure, John Paul II was rightfully acclaimed as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. Frederic François Chopin, (Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin - 1810-1849), Polish composer and virtuoso pianist was one of the great masters of Romantic Music. His sonatas, scherzos, ballades, polonaises, mazurkas, and nocturnes have cemented a solid place in the world of music, and are well known around the whole world. Lech Walesa: Winner of Nobel Peace Prize (1983) a Polish politician, trade-union organizer, and
human-rights activist. A charismatic leader, he co-founded Solidarity Continued on page 111
102 Dog News
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LettersTo The Editor DISCOVER 200 BREEDS OF DOG IN LONDON THIS NOVEMBER Despite there being 211 different dog breeds officially recognised in the UK, just ten breeds dominate the canine population in Britain, making up more than half of all pedigree dogs. Ahead of its Discover Dogs event in London this November, the Kennel Club has revealed that British dog owners are missing out on a plethora of wonderful and interesting breeds. Breeds such as the Hovawart, Hungarian Puli, Russian Black Terrier, Sloughi, Schipperke and Cesky Terrier are being overlooked in favour of the Border Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Pug and just a handful of others. The Labrador Retriever has been Britain’s most popular dog breed for more than 20 years and its popularity does not seem to be fading. In 2012, more than 36,000 puppies - 16% of all of the pedigree dogs registered in the UK - were Labradors. This is in stark contrast to the British native breeds, the Otterhound, Skye Terrier and Sussex Spaniel for example, which only managed 153 registrations between them. Every November, Discover Dogs attracts hundreds of different dog breeds and thousands of visitors. The annual event aims to bring almost forgotten breeds back to the public consciousness and enlighten people about the unique lifestyle requirements and characteristics of different dog breeds. At a previous event, comedian Jimmy Carr paid a visit and fell in love with the English Toy Terrier, a breed native to this country but at risk of becoming extinct with worryingly low yearly puppy registrations. After finding out about the breed at Discover Dogs, Jimmy is now the loving owner of Ollie, a beautiful English Toy Terrier, a breed which generally only needs 30 minutes of 106 Dog News
exercise a day and thus fits well with his busy schedule. Discover Dogs, sponsored by Eukanuba and Metro Bank is taking place at Earls Court on November 9th and 10th, featuring around 200 breeds, from the most popular to the vulnerable native breeds which are in danger of extinction, as well as interesting foreign breeds and everything in between. Caroline Kisko Kennel Club Secretary said: “The top ten dog breeds are all wonderful breeds, but it is about time we used our imagination and looked at the other fantastic dog breeds in the UK. “Too many people choose a dog because they like the look of it, or perhaps their friends or a celebrity has the breed. Discover Dogs helps and encourages people to look further, find out about why certain dog breeds are or are not suitable for the individual’s lifestyle and gives people the tools to make informed choices that will lead to a happy relationship.” Discover Dogs is a family friendly event; visitors can meet hundreds of dogs, watch the fast paced agility and flyball competitions, the famous Scruffts crossbreed competition semifinal and the Junior Handler of the Year final. There will also be Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme displays, Companion Dog Club competitions and much more. For further information on this great day out, please visit www.discoverdogs.org. uk or telephone 020 7518 1012. Laura Quickfall London, England LATE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK’S QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What criteria do you use in determining whether or not to dedicate a show to a club member who has passed away? Jay Richardson Wheaton doesn’t really have a criteria, we try and honor any member who passes.
DOG CAMP FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS Dog-loving children and their four legged best friends are coming to Melton Mowbray for a week of tail wagging action at the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Summer Camp. More than 80 children, aged from 6 to 15 years old, will be training with their dogs in handling, agility, flyball, the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme and heelwork to music, made famous by Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey. Brooksby College will be transformed for a week as the young dog lovers take over, having fun whilst learning skills with their dogs and keeping them both healthy and active. Victoria Gleave from Leicester is returning to the YKC Summer Camp after a successful experience last year. Victoria and her dog Tommy, who has his own blog, are already quite experienced in agility and will be using their time at camp to take lessons from the experts and to perfect their skills. Victoria said: “I love my dog Tommy - he is very funny and great at agility. I am really looking forward to the agility and Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme training, but also to seeing all of my friends and take part in all of the evening activities.” Camp is a great way for children to keep active, have fun, make new friends and take part in a wide range of dog training and social events. The programme is packed with a range of activities and evening entertainment that will keep youngsters busy from morning till night. A typical day at the camp includes four one-hour training sessions for the children and their dogs and a selection of team time activities, with some days also including a workshop or masterclass from dog experts. Evening activities include games nights, discos, talent shows and many outdoor events. Gerald King, Chairman of the Young Kennel Club said: “The annual camp is an important event in the development
of young people. Not only is it run by senior YKC members as part of their development, it encourages attendees to try different canine activities. The key is to enable everyone to work as a team and develop their skills.” Parents, trainers and members return year after year for a summer holiday with a difference and agree that nothing can match the enthusiasm and innovation of YKC camp. This year’s camp is taking place from 27th July – 2nd August at Brooksby College, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. All places at YKC Summer Camp are booked but if you are interested in attending one of the popular YKC Activity Weekends visit www.ykc.org.uk and find out about becoming a member. Laura Quickfall London, England AKC AND VVMA EXPRESS OUTRAGE AT PETA APPROACH TO EUTHANASIA IN ANIMAL SHELTER The American Kennel Club® (AKC) and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA) have today issued statements to highlight their vehement disapproval of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)’s apparent policy of euthanizing animals frequently at its shelter in Norfolk, VA. Furthermore, the AKC has called for the PETA shelter to take steps towards balancing its adoption and euthanasia rates for dogs and cats in its shelter. “While most shelters strive for a 90% re-homing rate, PETA is apparently proud of their 99% killing rate and callously boasts that the animals it rescues are ‘better off dead’. That is an alarming ratio that should be fully investigated. PETA’s track record is absolutely unacceptable,” said AKC Chairman Alan Kalter. “Legitimate animal shelters in America re-home most of their sheltered animals. If some of Michael Vick’s fighting dogs can be
CORRECTION TO BOSTON TERRIER NATIONAL ARTICLE
BISS winner GCH Gunther’s Gussied Up Edna.
Best of Winners Candar’s This Girl Is On Fire.
In coverage of the Boston Terrier National that appeared in the July 5 issue of Dog News, Margaret Noble was incorrectly identified as the photographer when she in fact acted only as a liaison in providing us with photos. In addition, the photo identifications of the Best In Specialty Show Winner and the Best of Winners were incorrect. The BISS winner was GCH Gunther’s Gussied Up Edna and Best of Winners was Candar’s This Girl Is On Fire, as now correctly pictured above. ■
rehabilitated and re-homed then PETA can – and should – do better. If they cannot – or will not – then they should leave sheltering to others.” “Re-homing a dog is not always the easiest but it is AKC’s preferred route. PETA’s apparent lack of commitment to re-homing is hypocritical. Our experience, through AKC clubs’ rescue network, proves that a rescued dog can often thrive if given the much-needed love, medical care, rehabilitation and responsible placement into a new home. AKC is disgusted that euthanasia is seemingly so easily employed by PETA.” “While it is true that some animals at shelters are too physically injured or psychologically scarred to be adoptable, many of them can be successfully treated, rehabilitated and adopted, said VVMA President, Mark Finkler, D.V.M. “Veterinarians throughout Virginia work with numerous shelters and rescue groups to assist in the care of these dogs and cats. It is disappointing to hear that PETA has a different philosophy regarding the handling of these abandoned and unwanted pets.” • AKC affiliated clubs and dedicated volunteers comprise the largest dog rescue group network in the country. www.akc.org/breeds/ rescue • The AKC Humane Fund also supports rescue group activities through its Rescue Grants. Learn more at: www.akchumanefund.org • The American Kennel Club believes euthanasia should be employed only as a last resort when all reasonable efforts to place adoptable dogs have failed. At the same time, AKC recognizes that not all dogs are adoptable due to temperament and health issues. Lisa Peterson New York, NY Dog News 107
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108 Dog News
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Rare Breeds of the World Continued FROM page 102
at the Soviet bloc’s first independent trade union, and served as President of Poland between 1990 and 1995. His father Bolesław was arrested by the Nazis months before Lech was born and thrown into the concentration camp at Mlyniec. Ignacy Jan Paderewski: pianist, composer, diplomat, politician, and second Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland. In 1922 retired from politics, and returned to his musical life. Paderewski had an important role in establishing free Poland after the World War I. Jan Kiepura-actor and singer; Arthur Rubinstein, award winning pianist. Isaac Stern, and Jascha Heifetz violinists. Władysław Szpilman, concertist and subject of Roman Polanski’s film “The Pianist”, Polanski himself a Polish film director is also known for Rosemary’s Baby, Chinatown and other movies. Israel’s Prime Ministers born in Poland were Menachem Begin (Nobel prize laureate), David BenGurion, Shimon Peres (prime minister, president, and Nobel Prize laureate), Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin (Nobel prize laureate), and the present Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose father was born in Poland. There are a total of fifteen Nobel Prize winning Polish individuals. From this country originates beside the famous individuals, the pierogi, and Polish sausage, the Chart Polski, my Rare Dog Breed of today. The turbulence in Poland, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, almost decimated the breed, and only a small number of dogs survived. Originally the Chart Polski’s (Polish sight hound) ancestors were used to hunt hare, fox, deer, and wolves, and the first written references date back to 1600. Around 1980 a group of Polish fanciers initiated a serious work to revive the breed, and produced the written standard based on depictions of the dog by such 19th-century Polish painters as Juliusz Kossak (1824-1899), Jozef Brandt (1841-1915), and Alfred WieruszKowalski(1849-1915). The work based on the paintings and a small group of survivor dogs were the source of the rebirth of Polish Sight hound, and serious breeders recommend some specific care regarding the proper selection. In fact The Chart Polski is typically a healthy
dog, but as other breeds he is at risk for certain forms of cancer and cardiomyopathy. It’s important to take any dog for annual heart exams. No Chart Polski should be bred until a board-certified veterinary cardiologist performs a comprehensive heart evaluation. The Chart Polski, like many of the large breeds, is also susceptible to bloat. It is recommended to protect the dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity, so the Chart Polanski should be controlled, and kept at an appropriate weight. The Polish hound is a dog of great size, powerful, muscular, definitely stronger and less fine in shape than the other short-haired sight hounds (however he must not be heavy or lethargic). In appearance he is close to his ancestor the Asiatic greyhound. The strong frame, the concise structure of the body, the distinct musculature and the powerful jaws show that this dog has been used in the difficult conditions of the Polish climate for hunting not only the hare, fox, and deer, but also the wolf. The expressive eyes, with a lively and penetrating look, play an important role in the general aspect of the Polish hound. They can be very good guard dogs in the home creating strong bonds with their owners; in some, this instinct is so strong that will not accept strangers coming into the home. They enjoy a good exercise regimen, walking them daily is a very good way to do this. This dog loves to run of course, and if they can no longer be used for actual hunting, (many locations prohibit this) then a decent facsimile would be participating in the performance sports like coursing and racing. Between running activities, they like nothing better than lounging on the couch or bed. They are obedient and easy to train, although they can be stubborn and willful. This is not the best breed for the novice dog owner. They need early socialization and firm, fair guidance from their owners. (From the Standard). The Kennel Club of Poland, the Federation Cynologique Internationale, FCI-Standard N° 333 / 01.10.1999 / GB, and the United Kennel Club have all recognized the breed, but it’s rare to find these dogs outside of Poland. *Mila 18 by Leon Uris is an enlightening book about this history, as well as the film “The Pianist” which also recounts the Warsaw ghetto’s upraising.
Dog News 111
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Peta’s Turn, 500,000 Fans, Updating The Judges Approval Processes...And More Continued FROM page 54
hope to hit the million mark by the end of the year. As it was explained to me or anyways as I understood the explanation this is accomplished by communicating with all dog owners who use the AKC Web Site and by asking and answering basic questions about their dogs. According to Chris as I understood it most of these people are mixed breed dog owners who hopefully through this means will be converted to purebred dog owners or at the least will realize that AKC wants to be their friend and result in a generally better ‘pr’ position for AKC. Whether or not either result will occur remains to be seen but better to do something than nothing that’s for sure. Practically how this will affect registrations also remains to be seen but quite frankly the side effects should improve the overall results as the more friendly people are to something the more likely they will take part in it. This could be an ideal time to expand the concept of a general membership program for AKC, which has been side tracked by socalled legal problems. If these new fans are really friendly towards AKC they should be putting their hands in their pockets to prove it by supporting the organization as it offers registration advantages such as micro-chipping, pet insurance and canine health developments for all their dogs. Saying you are a fan is one thing--putting your money to work for it is another!
N
ow for the very confused Judging Approval Process and its implementation. From March 1, 2012 when the new Judges Approval Process was outlined on the AKC web site in 10 difficult to read and confusing pages until today as I write this report no one really understood it. The
problem has basically been and continues to be the lack of understanding by most as to how the program was and is NOW being implemented. Indeed for months I wrote, as did others, how impossible it was to understand the approval process. We all asked for a simplification so that it could be better understood. These pleas for clarification were ignored by ALL parties concerned. The stock answer was that it is on the web site--go and read it. Well along with all the other peons of the world that’s what I did and never did fully understand (nor did most other people) understand it as well! Eventually the system imploded as dissatisfaction from all quarters of the judging community and those concerned members of the Fancy grew to a crescendo highlighted by the Invitation processes (a great idea in my opinion as originally founded by the Board) as well as the Appeal’s decision of a judge as handed down by the Board’s Appeal Committee. In the latter case a dispute arose as to what was or was not in her file and when the Board Appeals Committee ruled in the appealing judges favor the Board thence decided upon that radical changes were needed for the entire process. Most of us know that not only did the Board decide to change the make-up of the entire Judges Review Committee (which make-up was ill-conceived in my opinion with which to begin) but they decided to put a moratorium on invitations until looked at by the new task force committee established by the Board and headed by Charles Garvin. Without going into the merits of these proposals, which have been discussed and written about ad nausea, what follows is a report of how CONFUSION reigns somewhere within the hallowed halls of AKC.
I
t seems that once the new system and new members for the JRC was established and it finally got working letters were sent out to the various judges two months after the time they should have been sent telling them what new breeds they were awarded or not. An invited judge under the old system felt he had been unfairly treated and appealed to at least the JRC and probably many more people of authority than he should have about the alleged injustices done to him. What the outcome has been or will be truly does not interest me and is not the point of what I am about to report. What his letter writing did was to make me wonder what the actual new provisions of the judging approval provisions really are! So I went to the most trustworthy of people at AKC who I have found through the years to be Jim Crowley and asked him how to proceed. He read me through the navigation of AKC’s web site, which believe me I could never have found on my own, and finally found the Judging Approval Process pages effective March 1, 2012. Catch this one ---NOTHING HAD BEEN UPDATED concerning the Board changes of February and March- NO mention of the change in make-up and personnel of the JRC, no mention of 12 members on the JRC, no mention of masking either!!! As for the Invitations to Judge NO MENTION of the Moratorium being placed on the procedure by Board--It has taken me personally two solid days of phone calls and emails to get this stuff finally posted on the AKC Web Site!!! Me--should not this have been done automatically by AKC. Not that I understand it all and certainly I agree with less than 5% of what the Board has done but why not post it so at the very least everyone has the opportunity to find out what the process really is. By the way there is no mention of the fact that those who sit on the JRC are kept a secret from the applicants. Why is everything so secretive? Done in the name of fairness and accomplishing what? Less accountability and an attitude of equality towards everything-come on Mr. Kalter--come on Mr. Newman-- are all dogs equal too? Why just not forget the word quality in the altogether and turn the art of breeding into a pencil pushing routine as you have the art of judging. Dog News 113
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