Pug Talk - Spring 2015

Volume 51 | Number 1 | Spring 2015

Xander: A Perfect Pug Storm A New Beginning The Whelping Pen

Pugs & Children: What Fun! Training for Dog Sport

Pugs Around the World Australia, Canada and the Netherlands

Dedicated to purebred pugs and those who love them!

In This Issue PUG TALK

801 Dellwood St. #113 Bryan, TX 77807-5363 Phone: (512) 887-7847 Email: PT@pugtalk.com Web: www.pugtalk.com

OWNER/EDITOR/ PUBLISHER Marcy Heathman

The Last Pug Pen Editorial

–by Patt Kolesar Stoltz

Pug People Say

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The Tail of the Pug

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A peek at some of Pug Talk’s biggest fans

Pug Talk News

–by Marcy Heathman

A New Beginning The Whelping Pen

ART DIRECTOR/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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–by Beth Ballard

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Christen Cabe Creative Commonground www.creativecommonground.com

Quarter 4, 2014 CHIC Numbers

CONTRIBUTORS

Collector’s Corner

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Xander: A Perfect Pug Storm

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Artists: Debby Hanks, Sue Vicente, and the late Mary DeCamp Ashley On Agility: Ashley B. L. Fischer Canine Freestyle: Cher Grindle McCoy

Pug Physician

–Canine Health Information Center

Rare finds for pug people

Feature Rescue Article –Pug Talk magazine

Ashley on Agility Showing Your Veterans

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–by Ashley B. L. Fischer

Pugs and Children–What Fun! Training for Dog Sport

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–by Cher Grindle McCoy

PAW: Pugs Around the World Showing in Canada

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–by Tom Young

Down Under Color: Australia –by Felicity Prideaux

Pugs in the Netherlands: An International Affair –by Marion Geessink

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EDITORIAL

The Last Pug Pen –by Patt Kolesar Stoltz

“Begin at the beginning,” the King said, very gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”

–Lewis Carroll

W

hat can one say about the end? There is always an end. I was lucky. I got to do something I loved. No regrets.

know your dogs like they were our own.

Your pedigrees, your breeding, and your puppies: they became so familiar to us – they became our family.

I think back to the day when I wrote my very first column for this magazine. Oh the ideas that ran in circles around my head. I was excited and I had no idea of the journey I was in for. What a great team… with Ray and Robert. It feels like so long ago.

We saw your wins, your triumphs. We shared your losses and your heartbreak.

Together we bid farewell to beloved dogs, friends and family. We did it together, and we leave behind that printed history, so those who come after we are long gone know that we were here. They will know we were here and we tried to make a difference and we cared – no, that we loved our breed, our pug friends and our family.

We published Pug Talk for 17 years. We gloried during the popularity run of pugs in the 80s, Men in Black, Pocahontas and all that jazz. We weathered the decline of the economy and the printed word. We saw it all come and go, the ups and the downs. We saw it together – the three Musketeers.

But mostly through it all we saw you… and we came to know you. We came to

This change, though hard to make, is a necessary thing. Change helps us to keep going and to keep growing. I trust that Pug Talk has landed in very capable hands. I took great care to hold out for just the right place for Pug Talk, and it’s only fitting that it returns to Texas.

I know it will blossom again. It will bloom like those bluebonnets… Jack, Mimi, Ann Marie and Ray are watching.

It is hard to let go. Hard to let go of something that became such a part of one’s life. Something that, while often a labor of love, had so many good memories. It was hard to come to terms with the idea there is an end.

But I have learned – everything ends.

I’ve been told it’s good to have an end, because it’s not about the end… it’s about the journey that got you there.

So regrets? I suppose I might have a few…“Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.” –Arthur Miller So let me say thank you. Thank you for letting me begin… and thank you for letting me end.

Sincerely, Patt Stoltz

Pug People Say

Find out what's new with other Pug Talk enthusiasts!

Dear Pug Talk, Please renew our subscription to Pug Talk. We all enjoy the magazine, especially our pug, Crystal.

My husband, Michael, photographed Crystal and me in the patio of a local restaurant.

Now that Crystal has a stroller, she enjoys sitting with us at 'table height' and participating in our discussions of the articles in Pug Talk.

Hello to all our pug and people friends.

–Janet, Michael & Crystal Lekov.

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

Dear Pug Talk, Enclosed is my renewal for Pug Talk and a picture of Abby and Parker providing comfort to their best friend, Tommy the cat, during his final days. Pugs and cats make excellent companions and these 3 were inseparable.

I have enjoyed your articles covering natural solutions to pug health/skin issues. Please continue encouraging owners to seek these alternatives. Not only will their pugs be healthier, their wallets will too.

One of my favorite issues is the "Senior and Rescue" issue. Thanks to all who have opened their homes and hearts to these wonderful dogs.

–Joanne Jackson

"I enjoy every issue of Pug Talk. My pictures are of my black, Toby, 10 years old, who was my babysitter when I had back surgery 2 ½ years ago, and "Little Ben", 4 years old. He follows me every step I take. They are both spoiled rotten and enjoy sleeping with us.

We just lost our beloved Mikey a little while ago.

I'm a devoted "Pug Mom" and that's what my automobile tags say."

–Faye K. Irvine Pug Mom Lexington, VA

Section Title

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PUG TALK NEWS

Tail of the Pug

“In every end, there is also a beginning.”

–by Marcy Heathman

I

t’s a huge and somewhat frightening thing to step off into any new venture, but to step into the calm, quiet, casual atmosphere of pugs and their people is more than a little intimidating. Thanks to Patt for her safekeeping of Pug Talk and confidence in me.

Some of you already know me, while others are scratching their heads at who the “new person” at Pug Talk is. So let’s discuss my “credentials.”

Many years ago, I was a contributor to the magazine. It started with articles under the name, “Pug People in Profile,” where I would write (or call) breeders, ask them questions, and try to draw them out about their lines, the way they bred, and any interesting bits I could find out. I was disappointed to find out that breeders didn’t always want to share information. (And even wrote a column about THAT at one point!)

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I was encouraged to continue to write for Pug Talk, and the column morphed into “Pug Patter” which allowed me to write about anything in general. Most of my topics were based on something relatively personal: dealing with dental problems, admonishing people to check references when they placed puppies, and a few others.

About that same time, I was approached to help Louise Gore write a book about pugs. It was something Louise had wanted for a long time, and I was happy to help. Sadly, Louise passed on just a few months before it was published, but it had made her happy.

All of this was long before email and the Internet. We wrote letters, and anxiously waited for the next Pug Talk to come in the mail to find out news from around the country, and even around the world. Pug Talk, which had started out as a club newsletter, had become THE lifeline for information about the pug world.

PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

–Libba Bray A Great & Terrible Beauty

What's New:

»» 1 year extension for active subscriptions

»» Upcoming event info »» Complete show results available online

»» Online digital version for subscribers

»» New "theme" issues »» Featured rescue group in each issue

»» International pug news »» "Pug People Say"– Comments and photos from Pug Talk readers like you!

»» Photo contests It’s no surprise to anyone there has been an overall decline in print magazines of all sorts for the past decade, and perhaps it’s been more evident in those magazines which bring us news. And the reason is no surprise either, with the ready availability of information to readers on their digital and mobile devices.

Often we turn to Facebook and Twitter to hear the news right after it happens.

So when Pug Talk stopped publishing for a bit, some people didn’t notice and some didn’t care. I’m pleased and humbled to accept the guardianship of the magazine, and I'm hoping we can make changes for the better to buck the trend:

1.

First and foremost, every active subscription has been increased by one full year. That will account for the three missing issues, and add one more at no charge.

Our “theme” issues are going to be changed around a bit, as well. For now, Pug Talk will remain a quarterly magazine, published four times a year.

2.

Second, we’re encouraging information about events BEFORE they happen; clubs and rescue groups are being offered a discount for advertising in the issue before their events. Rather than depend on results, we want to publish things upcoming in the pug world.

The first issue of the year will be “Juniors/Seniors” – where we highlight puppies, litters, newcomers to the show ring, as well as our foundations, our veterans, and our old folks.

3.

4.

We’ll continue to publish the major winners for specialty shows, but full results will be available on our website, www.pugtalk.com. We have an email “hotline” address for recent wins (wins@pugtalk.com), where readers can email the winners and photos, and we’ll turn them around as quickly as possible.

Perhaps the largest change will come in the form of an online, digital version of Pug Talk. Any subscriber to the printed magazine will also be able to read the digital version. More information on that is later in the magazine.* So Pug Talk can go back into a handbag, a show kit, or a back pocket via smart phone or tablet.

*Refer to page 42.

Quarter 1

Quarter 2

The second quarter will be “Performance Pugs & Pedigrees,” and we’ll feature obedience, agility, rally, CGC, therapy and any type of performance activity, as well as inviting people to once again use Pug Talk to publish pedigree information for their sires and brood bitches. We know that you can find that information online most of the time. Updating websites can get really tedious, and many are a few years out of date. Pug Talk provides the most lasting way to acknowledge the bloodlines we have in pugs.

Quarter 3

The third quarter issue will focus on the “Blacks/Top 25” – not just top 25 in the US, but internationally. Our digital version will be available around the world!

Quarter 4

And then the fourth issue will cover the US National Specialty, pug gifts, and include your holiday greetings.

The results of our reader survey told us that you overwhelmingly want to see health, breeding, nutrition and training articles, as well as famous pugs/pugs of celebrities and breeder profiles.

(Hmm…) We’re shaking up the articles and columnists, and bringing back familiar faces while adding a number of new ones.

The rescue issue is no more, because we’re featuring at least one rescue organization or story in EVERY issue.

You’ll see more international news as we work with pug people around the world.

We’ll look at holistic and natural ways to help our pugs’ lives. Our goal is to provide solid information for use by all pug owners.

And then we have “Pug People Say.” The survey mentioned this section of Pug Talk repeatedly – so we’ll need those notes and photographs! Email them to PPS@pugtalk.com.

We’re also running a photo contest on the website for the BACK COVER of Pug Talk. No show photos, no professional photos, just life with pugs. Full details are on the website, and the contest is open to anyone.

That’s just the beginning. As “they” say, there’s more to come. We welcome your comments and suggestions and of course, you can email them to editor@pugtalk.com.

Tail of the Pug

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THE WHELPING PEN

A New Beginning –by Beth Ballard

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irst of all I want to wish a very warm welcome back to Pug Talk.

When I first started in pugs, Pug Talk Magazine was one of the most important ways I learned about pugs. It was my best source for all sorts of pug info. A place to study photographs and memorize heads and top lines, and structure. I would pour over the photos and illustrations by the hour. I loved to read about medical advances and hereditary diseases being studied, how to train pugs and about the various show wins and club activities. When my first Pug Talk arrived in my mail box, there was no Facebook, no Twitter, no Yahoo pug groups, and most electronic

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communication was done by e-mail and not instant messaging, so if my Pug Talk was due to arrive, my postman knew he’d better do all he could to produce it! A breed magazine is so important to us as lovers of pugs, and I am very grateful that Pug Talk is back and is on track to be one of the most valuable tools that we can ever have.

vital information on everything from the very basics, questions that to some seem silly but are actually very important, to current research and ongoing studies that I hope, will not only inform the readers of Pug Talk but inspire them to move forward in their breeding programs with a lot more confidence and passion.

I’ve been asked to be a regular contributing writer on the subject of canine reproduction and whelping and care of the neonate, and my column will always be here under the title of “The Whelping Pen.” I hope to bring you helpful, educational and sometimes

Since Pug Talk is experiencing a new beginning, let’s take canine reproduction back to the beginning, the starting place for anyone thinking of beginning a journey in breeding pugs.

PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

Finding the Best Vet Here is what I did. I live in Iowa, on the prairie. I am very rural here and my nearest neighbor is half a mile away… the nearest town, about 5,000 population, is eight miles from me and the next nearest town is ten miles.

The nearest major city, in which there are two incredible state of the art animal hospitals, is Des Moines, which is about 70 miles away. The nearest State University where I can have major pathology or semen collection and cryo done is Iowa State at Ames, and that is almost 100 miles away. So I was looking at distance for several different possible situations that could and probably would come up that a local vet could never handle. In a serious situation, I knew I’d need to have a plan and it had to be a good one, and I had better have a darn good vet. I was looking for a vet, or two or more if necessary, who not only would be a perfect fit for the care of my dogs, a very unique and special breed, but who also would be open to me and my personal preferences on the care my dogs would receive.

When someone first begins thinking of breeding pugs, where do they start?

Acquiring a nice puppy? Purchasing a few books on breeding dogs? Getting a whelping box and a few supplies?

Truth be told, a lot of hopeful breeders begin with those very thoughts, but any seasoned breeder (who, by the way, has probably mentored many beginning breeders) will tell you first and above all else, you must start with a great vet.

One that is a good fit for you and your dogs, one that will listen and who has knowledge of brachycephalic breeds and their special needs. One who is not afraid to learn from a breeder and to be open to that breeder being very proactive in the care of his/her dogs.

Before you purchase that lovely foundation puppy, before you bring home any puppy toys or buy a leash, let’s see if we can get that great vet on board. So, how does one go about finding a good vet?

If you have ever sat in the waiting room at a vet office or clinic and observed the goings on, you have seen that veterinarians usually work with a team of professional helpers. There are vet techs and support staff, and the office may have more than one vet who might substitute for your chosen vet on any given day. Inevitably, anyone who works in that office will probably have a hand in assisting in the care of your dogs in one way or another, so be sure to evaluate the whole team. If you love the vet but don’t care for one or more of the staff, you are going to have to evaluate the situation in different terms. Location, convenience, fees that suit your budget… you will have to weigh all the factors that are important to you. You may decide you are happier driving a few extra miles or paying a few extra dollars to get the care you desire for your dogs.

Schedule a consultation

When I found the vet office that I thought was the best possibility, I called them and asked if I could come in for a consultation with the main vet who handles small animal care.

This office had four vets, four techs and several other staff who helped in various ways. I asked if the vet would give me 15 minutes for questions and a tour of the clinic, including surgery and recovery and the lab. I had made of list of questions to take with me, and I wanted to see the surgical area to better understand the layout. I wanted to see how updated the equipment was. I asked to see the lab so that I could see the storage equipment/ protocol for vaccines (we will discuss the absolute importance of vaccine storage in an upcoming installment), and I wanted to see if it was clean. In fact I wanted to see if the whole office was clean. I wanted to meet as many who worked there as I could. At first the receptionist thought I was a nut, I’m sure. I could tell by her surprise at my request, but she asked the vet if he was able to give me a few minutes, and in a day or so, I got the time and the tour I had requested! I went home with a schedule of fees to review the costs of common visits, and after much thought and a great deal of prayer, I settled into that vet office and am still there to this day. It has been a perfect fit all this time. Over the years, one vet relocated and was replaced by a new vet who is every bit as skilled, and two techs have left, one to go into ministry for her church and the other to be a full-time mother to her new baby son. Those two techs have now been replaced, and the office still has the same incredible care. So things can and do change in life as far as your vet goes, but if the office has basic philosophies that are well grounded, what you get should always be the same level of care.

Vet checklist

Here is a short list of things to think about when searching for the vet that will be the best for your dogs and you. ‣‣ Ask for a list or schedule of fees.

While you should not select a vet based on his fees alone (the least expensive care is not necessarily the best), veterinary care is much like any other decision you make: the value, and not the bottom line, is how you must look at it.

A New Beginning

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A New Beginning // continued from page 9 ‣‣ Ask for a tour of the clinic. It is hard enough to assess things if you are in an emergency situation and have never seen a vet or been in his/her clinic. Get a tour and see if your dog will be put on a cold floor or in a warmed bed with a comfortable blanket. You can and should ask for a tour of the whole clinic, even “in the back,” so you can see if it is clean, how the dogs are handled and how the clinic is equipped. Talk to the staff and learn what their policies and philosophies are. A tour is a reasonable request. ‣‣ Look at location. How far away is the vet office you are thinking of using? What if you someday have a stuck puppy or other emergency?

Sometimes driving a little farther to get the best care does make sense, but the extra time it takes to get there means you must risk life. Many breeders have more than one vet; you need to make decisions based on your personal feelings and thoughts or needs. For example, you may want a local vet for basic things and a more advanced office for surgical. These things need to be set before the time comes when a decision must be made in a hurry.

Lastly, look into that vet’s or that clinic’s reputation. Word of mouth has been the way many of us have found our health care professionals, and good vets can be found in the very same way.

Ask others share your same concerns about their own dogs' care which vet they use. Make a list of all the vets who have been recommended to you by friends, family, trainers, groomers… anyone who might use a vet. Then, do your homework.

‣‣ Is the staff caring, calm, competent, and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?

Questions to Ask

‣‣ Which emergency services are available?

To summarize: what do I look for? ‣‣ Is location and parking convenient? ‣‣ Are appointments required? ‣‣ Is there value based on the services and price? ‣‣ How many veterinarians are there in the practice? ‣‣ Are there technicians or other professional staff members? ‣‣ Is the facility clean, comfortable, and well-organized? ‣‣ Are the dog and cat cages kept in separate areas?

The fact that you are considering different vets for different needs brings us to ponder if the services being provided are meeting your needs. Not every veterinarian is interested in the same field. You are going to need a vet who is skilled in brachycephalic breeds – eye care needs, breeding issues, C-sections, puppies with elongated soft palates, etc. Some of your pugs may be geriatrics, and you’ll need a vet who is well versed in care for the older pug, including dentals and anesthesia.

Make that list of questions ahead of time and ask in-depth questions. Make sure you have covered everything. Be sure you find a vet that will take time with your pugs and has staff trained to address your specific concerns.

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

‣‣ Do the veterinarians have services that meet the needs of you and your pet? ‣‣ Are x-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, EKG, endoscopy, and other diagnostics done in-house or referred to a specialist? ‣‣ Have you heard favorable comments from others in the community?

A veterinarian is your dog’s second best friend. Select a vet who has passed your CSI investigative scrutiny. Find that perfect vet and have his number on speed dial.

In next issue’s column, we will take the next step and look at the female canine reproductive system.

If you have issues you’d like to see addressed in "The Whelping Pen" column, please send suggestions to pugs4people2@yahoo.com or connect with me on Facebook at Beth Ballard (Birch Haven Pugs).

PUG PHYSICIAN

Quarter 4, 2014 CHIC Numbers –Canine Health Information Center

T

he Canine Health Information Center, known as CHIC, is a centralized canine health database. Sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), CHIC provides a resource for breeders and owners of purebred dogs to research and maintain information on the health issues found in specific breeds. Each breed has a recommended protocol of testing, and the CHIC database recognizes dogs which have been screened for health issues and had the results released by the owner to the public.

NAME OF PUG

Every dog reported on in CHIC is permanently identified using either a microchip or tattoo.

A CHIC number is issued when test results are entered into the database satisfying each breed specific requirement, and when the owner of the dog has opted to release the results into the public domain. The CHIC number itself IS NOT an indication that all test results were “good” or “normal” or “unaffected.” The issue of a CHIC number only indicates that all the required breed specific tests were

performed, and the results have been made publicly available.

The specific tests required for a breed can change as new health priorities are identified or as new screening tests become available. If the tests are modified, existing CHIC numbers are not revoked. The CHIC number is issued to a dog that completed all required tests at a given point in time.

The most recent report of new CHIC numbers issued is below.

DATE

NEW/UPDATE

CHIC #

REG #

OWNER

Caper's Just Be Sirius!

11/21/2014

NEW

101666

TS14742003

PHILLIP G. & CAROLYN J. FISHER

Andi Afternoon Delight

12/4/2014

NEW

101893

TR96574901

JOY BARBIERI

Starvue Celestial Return

by Pegasus

12/22/2014

NEW

102246

TR99656001

DANIELLE M. CAMPI, MED

Surewins Celestial Moonlyt Hollyberri

12/22/2014

NEW

102247

TS01293201

DANIELLE M. CAMPI, MED

Caillets Neytiri

12/31/2014

NEW

102356

ZU482838

DEBBIE DALES

Quarter 4, 2014 CHIC Numbers

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Collector's Corner RARE FINDS FOR PUG PEOPLE

Huge Pug Painting 56"x46" Oil on canvas Circa 1880.

Untitled Work Pastels on paper 20th Century 12

PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

Pug Brooch

Painted brooch with diamonds and pearls Circa 1910

FEATURE RESCUE ARTICLE

Xander: A Perfect Pug Storm

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ou may have heard of Xander, one of the recent recipients of the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). That would be Xander, the rescue pug. And Xander, the Canine Good Citizen. And Xander, the certified therapy dog. And Xander, the blind pug.

In spite of the confusion, Xander remained quiet and trusting of his new friends, the shelter workers. New dogs at the shelter are taken to the Double C Pet Resort for baths and grooming, getting them ready to meet new families.

Rodney Beedy works at the Double C, and when he saw Xander, he just fell in love.

Xander the Pug had a tough start in life – at ten months, an accident caused him to lose both of his eyes. After that, he was dropped off at the Klamath Animal Shelter in January of 2013. Xander describes that day:

Already the owner of six pugs and a chocolate lab, Rodney was no stranger to dogs. In the US Air Force, he had worked with dogs for 36 years as a dog handler and trainer. One of the other Double C workers commented on how calm the little blind pug

“At ten months old, my owners put me in the car and I was excited that we were going for an outing together. We got out of the car and entered a building; I met some new friends that were giving me lots of TLC. Then I heard the door close, and the familiar sound of the car starting and driving away. Did they forget me!?!

I didn't realize until later what had happened. They didn't forget me; they left me behind! My heart sank! I turned to my new friends at the Klamath Animal Shelter. They sat with me, hugged me, talked to me and told me that everything would be OK. I was confused and scared, but I knew that they were there to help me.”

Xander: A Perfect Pug Storm

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Xander: A Perfect Pug Storm // continued from page 13 was, and the idea was born that he would make a good therapy dog. But did they really need another dog, even one with a sweet, expressive face like Xander's?

Rodney’s wife didn’t think so, but she came down to see him at Rodney’s insistence. After Marcie, Rodney’s wife, met the little pug, they became the proud parents of Xander.

Xander wasn’t the first pug the Beedys had adopted. Sometimes their pugs came from rescue, but more often they came from people who simply didn’t have time or desire to keep their dogs, and gave them up. All the dogs in the Beedy household have basic training, know how to spend time in crates, as well as use the doggy door.

Bringing Xander home, they watched as the other dogs chaperoned Xander on his trips outside that first day. It seemed like they were showing him the ropes of living with the Beedys. After that first day, Xander was on his own and showed them his independent self. Marcie took Xander to school at Double C, and there they discovered how smart Xander was.

He passed his training and earned his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) quickly, and became the official greeter at Double C. After that, it was on to becoming a registered therapy dog with Pet Partners.

Xander’s life became busy, putting his skills to work at the Sky Lakes Medical Center, Hands & Words are Not for Hurting, and the Klamath-Lake Child Abuse Response and Evaluation Services. He also visits Klamath Hospice and local nursing homes.

Even without sight, Xander has an extraordinary ability to sense humans in need. His gentle, calm demeanor has provided unmatched comfort for so many. Beedy says Xander has a knack for knowing just how to respond to whomever he’s comforting, whether it’s a crying child or an elderly person, but he seems to be exceptionally good with children.

“He knows what you want,” says Beedy.

“Therapy isn’t something you train.

The connection has to be made from inside the dog.” There are only a few commands that Xander uses: heel, sit, stay, down and come. It’s Xander who adjusts his behavior to people’s temperaments and personalities.

One person he visited was terminally ill, and confined to her hospital bed.

Xander, who doesn’t normally like to be touched on his face, allowed her rub on his face and head, and do whatever she wanted to. He would visit her every night for an hour or two. On her last two days, she wasn’t awake, but Xander would lay on the bed with his head laid on her hands.

His empathy with children is extraordinary. He can run and play with boisterous children until their tire out, but when they slow down, he backs off and waits for them to come to him.

Normally when a child grabs for a dog, they tend to pull back, but Xander seems to know their need, and will push forward into their hands.

When they’re done, he waits a bit to verify they’re finished with him, then moves on. He’s been known to check back with a child later on, to be certain they've had all the attention they want.

Xander really dislikes hearing children crying, and has been known to bolt to them from as far as 500 feet away!

He simply understands that his purpose is to help, to assist, to comfort and to understand.

In April of 2014, Xander began a new form of training as a Diabetic Alert Service Dog. This time, Xander was going to work for his mom, Marcie

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

Beedy. Marcie is diabetic, and Xander was to learn to alert her when her blood sugar is below 70 or above 200.

Normally, a Diabetic Service Dog is trained to retrieve the testing kit to alert the person of an issue. That really wasn’t possible with Xander, so instead he was trained to jump up and lick Marcie’s face. Rodney says it took Xander just three days to learn his new duties. “We had gone into a restaurant for dinner, and Xander was there with us.

We take a blanket with us, put it down, and he lays there while we eat. Most of the time, no one realizes he’s there, he’s so well behaved. But one meal he persisted trying to get up on Marcie, so Rodney suggested she go ahead and test her blood, just in case. She did, and Xander was right on – her blood sugar was out of kilter. So the Beedys are learning to recognize when he’s alerting and not just being affectionate.

But don’t let Xander’s calm, serious work demeanor fool you! His dad will tell you, “He can beat up on any of the other dogs at home, and does so!”

While Xander himself may be disabled, he doesn’t live that way. Working with the Klamath Chapter of Hands and Words Are Not For Hurting Project, an anti-violence group, Xander serves as a traveling ambassador. With Klamath Lake Cares, Xander helps abused children have a safe and comforting environment. Often they will curl and uncurl his tail, and he takes it all in stride.

So it comes as no surprise that last fall, when the AKC announced the five winners of the Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence, or ACE award, Xander was the winner of the therapy dog category. The other category winners were companion dog Boomer, who fought off a bear for his owner,

service dog Gander, the first mixedbreed dog to earn an ACE award, uniformed service K-9 Bruno, who took a bullet in the line of duty and is now retired, and search and rescue dog Patella, who led recovery efforts after Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Receiving his award at the 2014 Eukanuba National Championship dog show, Xander, as usual, took it all in stride. He confidently marched into the ring, he sat quietly, showing no sign of fear or confusion in the extraordinary circumstances of a crowd and microphones and the huge open area he was in. A true professional, Xander showed the confidence and adaptable nature – and curiosity – that makes him a wonderful pug representative.

Congratulations Xander!

Xander: A Perfect Pug Storm

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

In Our Hearts

Sarah Ayers

Andrea J. Belmore Marie Brintle Bianca & Barry Clothier Cynthia Cool Kathi Dunlap Ashley Fisher Donald & Mary Ann Hall & Maridon Pugs Marcy Heathman Rosemary Robles Lisa Sheeran

Patricia A. Scully Our legacy is really the lives we touch, the inspiration we give, altering someone’s plan – if even for a moment – and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue.

More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles; the ones we share with our closest and dearest, and the ones we bestow on a total stranger, who needed it RIGHT THEN, and God put you there to deliver.

Patt Kolesar Stoltz & Rick Stoltz Vickie Swarowski, DVM Betty Weston Toby & Loretta Wiseman & Wiselore Pugs

"You gave your all and did your best in all that you participated in.

You, your smile and cheery greetings will be missed."

–Pat Laurans

PUGS FOR PINKY 4th Annual

Fundraiser Event Rain å Shine

Saturday April 25, 2015 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Harford Equestrian Center 608 N TOLLGATE RD. BEL AIR, MD 21014

Admission

Get Ready for

Pugs for Pinky

$10.00/person Children 15 & Under FREE

3 Covered Pavilions

is a 501c3 nonprofit foundation, helping sick pugs and their people with high medical costs.

All pugs and wannabes welcome!

Shopping & Resource Venders Games & Costume Contest Hot Food Raffles & Silent Auction

Like us on Facebook!

Keepsake Program Souvenirs Best Dressed Pug in Pink Contest

Visit us on the web: www.pugsforpinky.com

MAJORAY

h ESTABLISHED 1979

Introducing

NEW CHAMPION

DAENEN’S THE SPIDERMAN “Brady” finished his Championship with five majors, owner handled by Joyce Finnegan.

Thank you Darrin Lawrence, breeder.

JOYCE & DICK FINNEGAN 321 Billington St. majoray@verizon.net Plymouth, MA 02360 (508) 830 -1260

Wet Noses Rescue Jewelry Pug Rescue Jewelry by Denise & Stephen Tallman Whimsical Mystical Jewelry

Saving pugs one bead at a time!

Shop Online! www.etsy.com/shop/whimsicalmystical

Wet Noses Rescue Jewelry

www.pinterest.com/denisetallman/pug-rescue-bracelets

Wet Noses Rescue Jewelry

Never Ending Pugs introduces

GATOR

Int. & Nat. Ch AKC GCH Sienna's Never-Ending Alli Gator

Sire: GCh T-Star's Shogun

WHELPED 7–11–11

Dam: Ch Sienna's Megan of Jpar

Multiple Best of Breed winner and group placing with limited showing.

IABCA Reserve Best in Show winner. Thank you judges!

Gator is available to approved bitches via fresh chilled semen.

AKC DNA#V676195 // Brucellosis Neg. // Patella N/N // PDE N/N

Semen evaluation/chills for shipping: Excellent BRED BY: Virginia Clark Houston, TX

LOVED, OWNED & HANDLED BY: Never-Ending Pugs Dallas/Ft. Wor th, TX Linda & Gar y Chase Diana & Dar yn Clyburn Puglady2000@yahoo.com

Section Title

25

Never Ending Pugs introduces

SMIDGEN

Int. & Nat. Ch UKC GCH Sienna's Never-Ending Just A Smidgen

With limited showing Smidgen has both majors with just a few singles needed to finish. She also has multiple group wins and placements in IABCA & UKC.

BRED BY: Virginia Clark Houston, TX

LOVED, OWNED & HANDLED BY: Never-Ending Pugs Dallas/Ft. Wor th, TX Diana & Dar yn Clyburn Linda & Gar y Chase Puglady2000@yahoo.com

Thank you judges for recognizing our girl!

Sire: GCh T-Star's Shogun

WHELPED 7–11–11

Dam: Ch Sienna's Megan of Jpar

NEVER ENDING PUGS OUR OTHER LADIES

BUBBLES

Int. Ch Sienna's Victoria Anne of Jpar CGC

Bubbles is currently training in rally obedience. She's having a blast and will start competing soon!

BRED BY: Nita & Jim Larue

WHELPED 6 –17– 06

TAT E R T O T Int. Ch Jpar's Never-Ending Lalu Ka NJP, RN, CGC

Matriarch of our pack, Tater Tot occasionally entertained from the veteran class and is now a fully retired couch potato.

BRED BY: Jean Parson Houston, TX

WHELPED 8 –13 – 01

Even a Veteran can still

WIN BIG!

CH. JASEZ PETUNIA BLOSSOM OF CHECAGOU ROM Thank You to Judge Susan St. John Brown!

GENERATIONS OF CHAMPIONS: Silver GCh Ch Jasez Pinkk Vulcan God of Fire CH. Jasez Pinkk Wisdom CH. Jasez Caramel Delight De Motif

JASEZ PUGS Susan Theobald Elgin,IL 60123 Suet13@sbcglobal.net

CH. Jasez Storm Trooper CH. Jasez Thunder from Down Under GCH. Checagou Jasez Color N Dance

Watch for our next promising star!

CH. Jayar Jasez Naughty by Nature

Jasez 8 Second Ride

CH. Jasez “Biggie Smalls” CH. Jayar N’ Jasez Blonde Moment GCH.CH. Pinkk That’s Hot

JASEZ 8 SECOND RIDE Watch for "Owen" in 2015!

BREEDERS

Susan Theobald & Suzanne Shiloh

OWNERS

Jessica Pearson & Susan Theobald

HANDLERS

Amanda & Vito Ciaravino, assisted by Subrina Rundle

Sire: Jasez Notorious P.U.G.

Dam: CH Jasez Carmel Delight De Motif

ASHLEY ON AGILITY

Showing Your Veterans –by Ashley B. L. Fischer

I

love showing Veterans. As a matter of fact, when my specials retire, I practically count the days until they will turn seven years old and can go into the Veteran classes. Just go and watch a Veteran class at any dog show and I can guarantee that you will smile, even shed a tear or two. All you see are happy faces… on the dogs, on the exhibitors, even on the judges. It is one of the most heart warming events at the National Specialty every year, as once again our retired dogs remind us why we loved watching their careers when they were being campaigned.

So, why do we show our Veterans?

First, and in my opinion most important, the dogs love it. Face it; we are only going to show a Veteran who loves to show. Otherwise, why bother? My Spike, Ch Ledgewoods Ricochet Rabbit RN NAP OJP, loved the show ring. He was so upset the first time we left him home after he retired that our dog sitter told me that we should never go to a show without him again. Spike was never happier than when he was back in the ring showing in Veterans. He was barely under control as he flew around the ring, challenging me to keep up with him. He had a big “grin” on his face the entire time and often wagged his curly tail like a Labrador Retriever when the judge approached him on the table. He kept us all smiling every time he stepped into that ring.

Jane Blackerby Boatman showed her Chance, BIS GCH Ch Dynasty’s Shooter Of The Pines, in Veterans. He was her third generation in the Veterans ring, in that she had also shown his Dam and Grandsire in the class as well. She told me that he loved to show. “He smiled from ear to ear every time he walked into the ring, and he performed like he

30

did when he was young. Sometimes all we need to do is pack up a crate, or pick up a lead, and they are there, ready to go. The excitement they feel is obvious.”

She added, “I feel that so many people show the dogs when they are young and then just kind of put them on the shelf. What they don’t understand and appreciate is how much these dogs enjoy themselves in the ring and what joy it brings them to be in the ring at an older age. There is no more satisfaction than allowing an old dog to relive its youth by being a show dog again.”

Face it; showing Veterans is FUN! If our dogs are having fun, then so are we. My Daphne, Ch Frisco’s Castlerock Dreamdancer RA OAP OJP NFP, was the same. She was always the comic relief in both the Veteran class and Toy group. On going back to the judge on her up and back, she would look up at the judge, stomp her feet and yap, demanding to be admired. We had one group judge make her do it several times before sending her around because

PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

she got such a kick out of her, as did all the spectators. My good friend, Karen Rasmussen, took her back into the ring at the 2013 PDCA National Specialty after my special had also made the cut.

In the final cut, Karen told me that while the other dogs around her were starting to get tired, Daphne never quit showing.

She said that she had never had more fun in the show ring as she did showing Daphne. That’s because Daphne was having fun too, so much fun that Barbara Dempsey Alderman gave her an Award of Merit. She loved the fact that my little Veteran kept making her laugh with all her antics.

In my opinion the Veterans class isn’t only about fun, however. I remember Polly Lamarine telling me early on in my show career, “If

you want to know about different lines and soundness, go watch the Veterans classes.” Jane agrees. She wrote, “One of the reasons I enjoy showing in Veterans is to show the quality, and longevity of that quality, maintained by my dogs as they age. They do not just reach their peak and then go downhill at a young age but continue to be quality dogs.” At the National Specialty in Mason, Ohio in 2010, we had an especially competitive Veteran Dog class.

I think it was because Dr. Harry Smith was judging, and we all wanted to show our special boys to him. It was filled with dogs who were big winners in their day.

One spectator was overheard to say, “Look at those old dogs go. They are outmoving most of the specials.” And they were! That’s something to consider when making choices about breeding.

Another reason we show our Veterans is that special relationship we have formed with our partners in the ring. Spike was/ is my heart dog. We love everything we do together. I think one of my saddest days at a dog show was showing him for the last time at the 2008 in Ontario, CA where I retired him. I think people thought I was teary because Spike and I had not made the cut. However, it was only because I had come to the realization that we wouldn’t be dancing together again in the specials ring. That dog had taken me on quite a ride and I was not ready for it to be over. Joyce Finnegan showed her Jeremy in Veterans for the first time at the National in 2014. She wrote, “GCH Ch Majoray’s Allstar is my heart dog. He always will be. He finished very quickly and had several great group placements despite me as his handler. It was a thrill to start showing him again in Veterans. We have a great bond and always will. I look forward to being with him in Veterans anywhere there is a class.” Jane adds, “I show dogs because I enjoy spending time with them and having an activity we can do together. As they age and finish their standard show career, I am so glad that I can continue to spend time with my best friend doing the same fun activity we always enjoyed.”

It’s important to note that Conformation dogs aren’t the only Veterans who love to compete. Linda Coates said about her incredible Otis, “I showed Otis in

Veterans Obedience at the National in Chattanooga. It was kind of bittersweet as that was the last time I showed him and he has aged so much since then.

We did have a good time and the judge was very nice, great to do something nice with our old guys.” Paula Ham competed in Agility, Rally and Obedience with her Wilson. She wrote, “As my Wilson aged, our time together became a dance of two spirits.

He read my thoughts and I read his. I so enjoyed showing him. His consistency in the ring only showed me the importance of a strong foundation of training; also that training never ends.

Veterans will teach you the importance of patience. He would get on top of the A-frame and tease me, not coming down.

He would lie on top of a crate at ringside, sleeping peacefully and waiting for his turn to show. I would wake him up and off we would go, doing our thing, never warming up. Very seldom was he ever out of the ribbons. If he was, I messed up. The planes we flew, the miles we drove, the fields we walked, the rings we showed in, the hours we slept waiting till our next time never got old.”

"All the pride…but with no pressure…just pure fun!"

Finally, I think that the awards we earn with our Veterans are especially precious. I have enjoyed quite a few very special wins with my dogs. Still, I think one of my happiest moments was when Dr. Harry Smith gave my Spike first place in the Veteran Dog class at the 2010 National. Joyce was so delighted when her Jeremy won his Veteran class at the 2014 Regional Specialty in Louisville that she said, “I had never shown a Veteran before but can’t wait to enter him in that class again.” I was more than thrilled when Daphne was given her Award of Merit in Chattanooga and even more excited when she went Best Veteran in Show a few weeks later, stomping and yapping her way to that big win. These Veterans have been our teammates over the years and we love seeing them appreciated by the judges and the spectators. I have seen many a happy tear shed over a Veteran win, myself included.

I think Donna Manha said it best, “Showing a Veteran is so exciting – especially if they haven’t been in the ring for a while. It’s always amazing to me what they remember. Put your hand in your pocket and wham! They are in a free stack. Remind the Obedience/Rally dog what heel, sit or down is and their mind clicks in. If they were good, they are still good! Show the Agility dog a tunnel or weave poles and they are off in a split, not forgetting and loving what they used to do. Showing a Veteran brings out all the pride and the memories of what the two of you shared together but with no pressure… just pure fun!”

Donna is right. Above all else, showing a Veteran IS fun. It doesn’t count for anything. There are no points to be earned, no ranking to chase. We show our Veterans because they love it. We feel their joy come right up the lead, whether in the conformation or performance ring. I think they know the crowd is clapping just for them when they gait around the ring. They love being back in the limelight, but much more important, they love playing once more with us. So… consider taking your Veterans back out. Enter the Veteran classes at the National. We are going to have a non-competitive Veteran Showcase at the Agility trial at the National this year with a special Jumpers class. Your Veteran can do as much or as little as you want. The jump bars can even be on the ground. Trial Chair Linda Coates promises to be handing out Kleenex with the rosettes. In showing your Veterans, you are honoring them for all they have done for and with you. You are showing everyone else how much you appreciate them and how proud of them you are. Most important, you will make them very, very happy. What could be more important than that?

Showing Your Veterans

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

TRAINING FOR DOG SPORT

Pugs and Children – What Fun! –by Cher Grindle McCoy

P

eriodically I talk about obesity but this past year it has reached an all-time high – a whopping 55% of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight according to results from the sixth annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

The survey found 52.5% of dogs and 58.3% of cats to be considered overweight or obese by their veterinarian.

That represents about 80 million U.S. dogs and cats at increased risk for weight-related disorders such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension and many cancers.

Unfortunately, pet obesity remains the leading health threat to our nation’s pets. Also in the survey approximately 45% of dog and cat owners thought their pets were of normal body weight. This phenomenon of incorrectly evaluating an overweight pet as normal is called ‘the fat gap.” Most vets that were surveyed indicated that the subject, based on the above info, is a challenge at best since many pet owners are shocked when their vet informs them that their pet needs to lose weight.

As an animal behaviorist, I feel obligated to approach the subject of obesity regardless of what the client called me about. Obviously, it’s much easier when the dog is a puppy and not overweight.

They seem to be able to accept the news from me, as I never tell them that dog is fat. I show them how to determine if they are overweight and make sure they are doing the exam correctly. Once they do the exam, they know – providing they are willing to be honest with themselves. I offer to send them a picture of a dog to show what also to look for, besides doing the

simple test (showing a definite waist, for one). I also inform them that I have had problems with overweight dogs over the years and have found an excellent way to reduce their weight without putting the dog on a ‘lite’ diet formula, which I can only imagine is less tasty than a regular formula.

Pugs and kids go together like apple pie and ice cream. That is why pugs are the perfect breed to do Pet Education at school and therapy work. Tomkats Poetry in Motion – aka Poppy – made her entrance into the Pet Education preschool program shortly after I got her. After getting Poppy, she trained with Sushi and the kids at various events, getting her ready to take over for Sushi as I decided to retire her. The first time I took Poppy to my favorite nursing home, where I had been doing therapy work for years, she was a big hit. Many of the residents had no idea that pugs came in black. With it only partially finished, the two of us cut up the rug with a freestyle routine that had been a work in progress for only six months. This is a dog who still does not sit (on cue), and I decided to not spend the time to work that given her age. It’s cute to watch the two, one standing, one sitting, when I ask who wants a cookie…

The black (conformation) and the fawn

(performance). There’s nothing in our therapy or freestyle routines that require her to sit. If she was a little bit younger I probably would have done obedience and rally with her. I no longer can do agility as my hips have gotten worse each year since my cancer treatment.

As I continue my Pet Education with preschoolers, I am constantly reminded how much the children do not know about dogs, safety, and what to do relative to bite prevention. About 50% of the kids in the Pet Educaction program have dogs at home, and yet they know do not know any more than the children who have no dogs or cats. The backpack program that I’ve introduced to the local school system is an ideal way for the parents to get an idea of what their children know and what they don’t know. Most importantly, the parents also discover what they do not know, especially when it comes to safety and how to protect their children. The backpack program has been mentioned in a previous issue; however, if you have missed it, you’ll be able to learn about it from my book, “Meet Miss Sushi, the Dancing Pug! Pet Education for Children and Parents,” which will finally get published this year! In the backpack program the kids learn how to take care of a dog and a cat. They get

Pugs and Children – What Fun!

33

Pugs and Children – What Fun! // continued from page 33

to practice how to brush and comb a dog and practice on Sushi & Poppy after learning on the dog (stuffed animal) in the backpack.

I’m still working on the children’s obesity program where Poppy will interact with the kids who are interested in exercising with their dog as a weight loss program.

Agility is an ideal performance venue for these kids.

In addition to the Pet Ed program with the children, I have started the Read program where kids read to Poppy! They really enjoy this program. My schedule is hectic but I find working with kids the most rewarding of all the work I

do with animals. They especially like the different outfits that both Sushi & Poppy wear when they visit the schools.

When I’m doing these programs in the schools, I’m constantly talking about all the activities that kids can do with their dogs. It’s important for them, and their parents, to know that while there are many activities a child can do with their dog and many variations of them, not all activities are appropriate for every child or every dog. I often stress that the dog as well as the child needs to be evaluated before selecting a specific activity. It’s important that the parents support the activity the child wants to do or things can go badly very fast.

How to Evaluate Your Child The following is a list to give you an idea how to evaluate the child: 1.

My child would rather a) Participate in an outdoor game or sport b) Play a video game or board game with friends indoors c) Watch television or play games on the computer

2.

My child prefers to be a) With lots of friends b) With one or two best friends c) Alone

3.

On vacation, my child prefers sleeping a) In a tent or campsite b) In a motel

4.

For a science project, my child usually chooses something a) Alive, that needs constant tending such as seedlings b) Inanimate, that can be proven quickly, such as electrical current

5.

My child’s favorite books are a) Animal stories b) Adventures or mysteries c) Romance

6.

My child would rather a) Go hiking, fishing or camping b) Work with the computer or play computer games with friends c) Go to a movie

7.

My child a) Runs the half mile to visit a friend b) Walks the half mile to visit a friend c) Asks me to drive him/her to visit a friend

8.

My child is a) Outgoing b) Reserved c) Shy

9.

15. My child participates in ______ extracurricular activity(ies), such as band, team sports, student government, or cheerleading a) Two or more

My child regularly plays

b) One

a) Team sports, such as baseball, football, basketball, volleyball or lacrosse

c) No 16. My child thinks school is

b) Individual sports, such as running, tennis, in-line skating, skateboarding, skiing, ice skating, or horseback riding

a) Great

c) No sports on a regular basis

d) Awful

10. When it rains, my child

b) Okay c) Boring 17. My child usually

22. When my child interacts with a dog, he/she a) Talks to the dog and pets it for five minutes or more b) Talks to and/or pets the dog for a minute or two c) Gives the dog a quick pat then ignores it 23. When my child plays with a dog, he/she a) Tries to teach the dog a trick b) Tries to get it to play ball games, such as keep-away, catch, or fetch c) Enjoys running, chasing, wrestling, or tug games with it

a) Continues his/her outdoor activities as if nothing changed

a) Finishes school projects ahead of schedule

b) Changes into suitable clothes and continues his/her outside activity

b) Finishes school projects on time

c) Comes inside immediately and stays in

d) Turns in school projects late

a) More than three

e) Fails to complete school projects

b) Two or three

d) Doesn’t notice, because he/she is seldom outside in the first place 11. My child easily holds conversations with a) People of all ages b) His/her peers c) No one at the moment 12. My child takes lessons, such as piano, guitar, or dancing a) Twice a week or more b) Once a week c) Never Answer #13 only if answer to #12 was (a) or (b) 13. My child practices a) Without being told b) When reminded c) When nagged or screamed at d) When threatened with losing privileges 14. My child does his/her homework

c) Finishes school projects at 3:00 a.m. on the morning they are due

18. My child’s grades are mostly a) As and Bs b) Cs and Ds 19. My child has enjoyed the same hobby for a) Three years or more b) One to three years c) Less than a year d) Doesn’t have a hobby 20. My child performs his/hers household chores a) Automatically, without being told b) Right away, upon being reminded c) Only after I nag or scream d) Only under threat of no television or being grounded 21. My child has changed hobbies _________ times in the past two years. a) Zero (He/she kept the same hobby)

d) Loses interest quickly 24. My child’s room has _____ pictures of dogs decorating the walls.

c) One or two d) No If there is no dog in your family, please skip the next eight questions and begin again at question #33.

If there is a dog in your family, please continue. Your final question is #32.

25. When my child comes home from school, he/she a) Fusses over the dog immediately b) Greets the dog briefly c) Pushes the dog away if it demands too much attention 26. When my child’s friends are visiting he/she a) Includes the dog in the group b) Includes the dog until it becomes a pest c) Shuts the dog out of the room 27. My child _____ remembers and celebrates the dog’s birthday

a) Faithfully

b) One to two

a) Always

b) When reminded

c) Two to three

b) Sometimes

c) When nagged or screamed at

d) Four or more

c) Never

d) When threatened with losing privileges

e) Zero (He/she had no hobbies in the last two years)

Pugs and Children – What Fun!

35

Pugs and Children – What Fun! // continued from page 35 28. My child a) Always remembers to walk the dog b) Walks the dog whenever asked c) Tries to get out of walking the dog 29. My child has taught the dog a) Several tricks b) A trick or two c) Nothing 30. My child has a) Occasionally put clothes on the dog just for fun b) Dressed the dog up for Halloween c) Never tried to dress the dog 31. My child brushes the dog a) Often b) When reminded or asked c) Never 32. When my child comes home from school, the dog a) Gets incredibly excited and stays right with him/her b) Greets him/her happily but briefly c) Wags its tail a little but doesn’t bother to get up d) Looks the other way or goes into a different room 33. We have no dog, but my child has begged for one a) For as long as I can remember b) Occasionally, when nothing else takes precedence c) Recently d) Never, but I wish he/she were interested in dog activities 34. My child talks about dogs a) Incessantly b) Occasionally c) Seldom 35. Ever since he/she was little, my child drew many pictures of a) Animals b) People c) Cars, airplanes, or boats

36

36. On the subject of dogs, my child a) Constantly surprises me with his/her knowledge of breed identification, care, training, and other facts b) Occasionally teaches me something I never knew c) Seldom says anything 37. My child has a pet other than a dog and a) Takes total responsibility for its food and care b) Takes care of it when reminded c) Often forgets and I take care of the pet 38. Concerning his/her friends’ dogs, my child remembers a) Their names, breeds, ages, and habits b) Their names c) Very little Once you have the answers to all the questions, you will need to interpret them.

Preferences & Attitudes

Questions # 1 through #11 will evaluate your child’s preferences and attitudes.

Most canine sports have certain characteristics in common. They make physical and mental demands on the trainer, are quite social, involve tests or competition, and many are held outdoors rain or shine.

A large number of [a] answers indicate an outdoorsy, active, and highly social child who would probably excel at almost any canine endeavor, provided he or she has the desire, and the dog is suitable for the activity. Special favorites might be agility, junior showmanship, animal-assisted therapy, tracking, or one of the sporting events that showcase his or her dog’s inherited talents. This child may be somewhat overconfident and consequently not practice quite enough, but the sport of dogs will soon teach the child that even naturals need preparation to win.

Most of the [b] answers, with some [a] answers mixed in, indicate a child who is a bit more reserved and possibly a

PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

little less confident. If this child has a lot of desire, he or she will work very hard without being prodded and be highly successful if teamed with a suitable dog. In addition, the child will benefit from meeting a wide variety of people and will probably increase his or her activity level and love of the outdoors. Favorite activities might be obedience, rally, canine freestyle or conformation, as well as sporting events testing the dog’s natural talents.

Becoming a puppy raiser for a service dog organization or participating in animal-assisted therapy would boost this child’s self-esteem and social skills.

Several [c] answers with some [b] answers mixed in indicate a child who may be quite shy, has a low activity level, or doesn’t like outdoor activities.

While this child may not enjoy extremely physical endeavors, such as agility, or trips through the woods or fields for testing like what is done for a tracking title, the sport of obedience, rally or canine freestyle might just be the sport for them. When motivated by a strong desire to work with a dog, this child may blossom nicely. As the child progresses, he/she will become more secure and consequently more active and outgoing.

With therapy work, the child will receive as many benefits as he or she gives.

Responsibility & Attention Span

Questions #12 through #21 evaluate your child’s sense of responsibility and attention span.

Mostly [a] and [b] answers indicate a child who is busy, has varied interests, takes responsibility for his or her actions, finishes what he or she starts, enjoys learning, and makes good use of time. This child has already developed the habits that lead to success, and needs only an occasional reminder to complete responsibilities. If your child fits this description and has a strong desire to participate in dog events, chances are excellent that your child will take good care of the pet and succeed at the dog sport of his or her choice.

A few [c] answers, in addition to some [a] and/or [b] answers, signify a child

who may still be searching for an activity exciting enough to stimulate continuing interest. If this child scores high in the next category, degree of desire, then participating in dog events could enhance his or her sense of responsibility and attention span, causing improvement in many areas, including school. In fact, membership in the right 4-H group could have a marvelous effect on this child’s attitude toward responsibility. But beware: if this child’s desire isn’t very strong, he or she may tire of dog events quickly and you will end up taking care of the dog or nagging your child to do so.

Several [c] answers, along with a couple of [d] or [e] answers, indicate a child who has not yet developed a sense of responsibility or found a lasting field of interest, and is falling behind in school due to inattention or boredom.

If your child fits this description, but scores high on desire and is absolutely hounding you for the opportunity to work with a dog, give the request some serious consideration. Attending dogtraining classes won’t make this child fall further behind with school work, and may be exactly what it takes to awaken his or her interest and sense of responsibility. But if this child scores low in desire, don’t get a dog just because you think it will help. It probably won’t, and the dog will simply become an additional chore. Instead, try to help your child discover his or her real field of interest. Once your child becomes deeply involved in a productive hobby of his or her own choosing, your child’s attention span and sense of responsibility should gradually improve.

Interest & Desire

Questions #22 through #38 evaluate your child’s degree of interest in dogs and desire to participate in dog activities. Questions #22 through #32 evaluate children who already have a dog, while questions #22 through #24 and #33 through #38 evaluate children who do not have a dog.

A combination of [a] and [b] answers reveal children who definitely have dogs on their mind. If your child already owns a dog, he or she probably trained the dog to do a few tricks and often includes

it in games and social activities. The child who does not have a dog reads dog books, knows about care and the importance of training, and talks fondly about friends’ pets. Either child is highly motivated and is a good candidate to enjoy responsible dog ownership and participate in canine activities.

A combination of mostly [b] and [c] answers indicates children who enjoy dogs when they are in the mood for them but may soon get over the novelty of daily dog care or regular practice. If your child fits this description but has a well-developed sense of responsibility and wants to participate in a canine activity, give it a try if you already have a dog. The structured training, along with the excitement of accomplishment and the promise of competition, may soon make your child and dog into an inseparable team. But if you don’t have a dog, getting one is not a step that can be taken lightly. A puppy is not a disposable object like a used guitar or the piano nobody plays. A dog deserves love, care and a permanent home, and giving it anything less sends your child a less than positive message. Rather than get a dog at this time, pay closer attention over the next six months and evaluate him/her again.

Mostly [c] answers with an occasional [d] suggest a child who has little interest in dogs or dog activities. Don’t acquire a dog for this child unless you want one for yourself.

Passing the test

Still confused about whether or not your daughter should have a dog? Still wondering if your son will finally stick with a hobby? If they scored low on responsibility or desire, or have changed hobbies so often that you don’t want to pay for any more lessons, there is a program that will test their staying power as dog trainers without requiring outside instruction – the Canine Good Citizen (CGC). While it’s easier to train for this test by attending classes or getting help from an instructor, a ten year old or above should

be able to follow the free instructions with a suitable dog. If children manage this feat on their own, they have demonstrated their desire and ability to succeed in dog events, and deserve to own dogs and attend classes in their chosen activities. Now that we have evaluated the child, it’s time to evaluate your dog!

Next issue – Evaluating Your Dog and Interpreting Your Answers!

If you get the chance to sit it out or dance … I hope you dance!

I have lost two dogs, Danca (Rottie) & Sonny (Border collie), my cat Tomahawk and my pot belled pig, Wild Bill Hickok.

Cher McCoy lives in Lexington, VA with her husband, Steve, and 4 dogs (German shepherd, border collie & 2 Pugs), a parrot, and 3 cats. She is a dog trainer specializing in animal behavior and the owner of Lexington Pet Care Center and the founder of Virginia Share-A-Pet. If you would like more information about behavior modification or Pet Education, contact Cher at chergrindlemccoy@gmail.com.

Pugs and Children – What Fun!

37

PAW

[PUGS AROUND THE WORLD]

Showing in Canada –by Tom Young

T

hank you Marcy, for keeping Pug Talk alive and for offering me the opportunity to address the pug community.

I would like to share information about Canadian dog shows. If you have never attended a Canadian Kennel Club sanctioned show, you really have missed out on a unique experience.

Our shows tend to be smaller in entries, but big on hospitality and camaraderie. Canada being about 10% of the population of the USA, it is not a surprise that the shows are fewer in numbers.

days. We also have some two-showsa-day events (six shows in three days).

These are limited entry shows, and once the entry limit has been reached, no more entries are accepted for that show. So get your entries in early to ensure your participation. I have many times been tardy in making entries and not gotten in to some or all of the shows. A lot of host clubs offer discounts for early-bird entries or entering all of the shows, but you can enter which shows you want up until the closing date and time. Many offer free barbecues, silent auctions and vendors with unique crafts for sale.

Most of the shows are three day shows that run Friday, Saturday and Sunday; some start on Thursday and run four

One other bonus is that at many shows you can pick up your pictures right at the show or have them emailed.

Typical venue at a Canadian show in the summer.

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

Just pick out the ones you want on the computer, and the photographer usually can print them off within the hour.

Most photographers will take the photo and add the judge if you want but it is always an option to have it taken with the judge. And there are often candid ring shots available.

Shows run pretty much every weekend in the summer in the western group of provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia). In Ontario, you can do shows almost daily in the summer months, if you want to and have the stamina for it. You can also pick a stretch that meets your availability and has the judges you like as well.

This Ontario summer circuit typically

starts in the Ottawa Valley in mid-July, and ends just outside of Detroit at the end of August. During this time you have over 50 all-Breed shows and Group 5 specialty shows in fifteen cities to choose from. Most of the shows are a short drive from the show you just finished to the next show.

For example, the last Muskoka show is on Friday. You pack up after the show, drive 35 miles to Orillia and set up that night. Then do the three shows there on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Pack up after those shows, drive two hours to Owen Sound and set up that evening for shows Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. And so on down the line.

Most of these shows are at fairgrounds and are outside shows or in buildings without A/C, just fans and natural ventilation. For most venues, there is plenty of RV parking with power, water and sewer services available at reasonable rates. Usually services are on a first come first served basis, but there are a few that will reserve spaces.

If you think in doesn't get hot in Canada, you are mistaken. During the months of July and August, the mercury can sail to about 100ºF at midday.

The Pug Club of Canada will be holding a regional specialty in Edmonton, Alberta.

The specialty is in conjunction with the Alberta Kennel Club All-Breed Show, starting Friday, July 31, 2015 and going until Monday, August 3, 2015. They are expecting around 19 Breed and Group Specialties as well, with a Group 5 Specialty included. This means six sets of points for pugs. If you want to make it a holiday, the Edmonton Kennel Club show starts on Thursday, August 6, 2015 and goes to Sunday, August 9, 2015 with a Toy specialty on the Sunday. Another five sets of points for pugs.

The Pug Club of Canada National Specialty will be held this year in conjunction with the Trillium Dog Fanciers Shows. These shows are traditionally held Halloween weekend, this year from October 30, 2015 to November 1, 2015. Along with the National Pug Specialty, there is another Regional Pug Specialty and two Toy Dog Specialties – a total of seven sets of

JULY

JULY 31–AUGUST 3, 2015

AUG

AUGUST 6–9, 2015

31 06 OCT

30

Pug Club of Canada in conjunction with the Alberta Kennel Club All-Breed Show

Edmonton Kennel Club

OCTOBER 30–NOVEMBER 1, 2015

Pug Club of Canada National Specialty in conjunction with Trillium Dog Fanciers Shows

points for pugs to choose from. I agree this is a lot of shows, but you don't have to enter them all. Pick and choose the days and judges that suit you best.

To follow and get information on Canadian shows, Canuck Dogs is an excellent site. It is very user friendly and has links to Entry Services and Show Secretaries for ease of entry. http://www.canuckdogs.com/ If you do decide to come to the Great North, you should be aware of a few things.

First of all the Breed Standard is similar, but not the same. There is a DQ for wry mouth, teeth or tongue showing and any colour, shade, or pattern other than the colours described in the Standard.

»»The colours shall be only fawn,

silver-fawn or black. Fawn is any fawn shade including light apricot, deep apricot, to reddish gold.

»»Silver-fawn has a decidedly cold,

silver cast. The colour of the full moon as opposed to the sun on an otherwise light coloured coat.

A smutty coat has darkened areas that give a sooty or smoky effect. This is not silver-fawn and is undesirable. Regardless of the fawn shade, the colour should be decidedly so as to make the contrast complete between the colour and the trace and the mask. A smattering of blacktipped guard hairs, hardly visible unless inspected closely, is quite common and not to be faulted.

»»Black to be glossy jet black.

There is also a clause that says:

»»Both front rows of teeth should

be straight between the canines.

This unfortunately gives judges an excuse to look into an exhibit's mouth.

And although most do not, there are still some who insist on it. So be prepared to show the bite, before they start digging in there and ruin the months of effort you have put into getting that puppy finally comfortable on table.

With many veterinary governing bodies refusing to do “cosmetic” (their definition) procedures like docking, cropping and dew claw removal, the Canadian Kennel Club approached the Pug Club of Canada (PCC) to address the claws clause (no pun intended) in the Pug Standard:

»»Dewclaws are generally removed.

After much discussion and a vote by the membership, the PCC agreed to remove the clause from the Standard. Since it has always been a choice of the breeder to either leave on or remove the dew claws, it was essentially a non-issue and removing the clause had no impact on the integrity of the Pug Standard or the pug breed. The CKC currently has it on their website for public review after which the official change will come into place. This will probably happen in January 2016.

In conclusion, please consider coming to some Canada shows for a weekend or longer this year. We look forward to seeing you and showing you a great experience!

Showing in Canada

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PAW

[PUGS AROUND THE WORLD]

Down Under Color: Australia –by Felicity Prideaux

I

’m so excited to be part of the new look for Pug Talk! What an exciting time this is. I will endeavour to bring you the results from the “Royal” All Breeds shows, as well as Pug Championship shows in Australia.

Unlike the US, we have state shows, but no national show. I’m hoping to bring the results from New Zealand as well! If I can, I will also provide results of pugs in obedience.

A little background on me! I live in the Australian Capital Territory – Canberra.

We are similar to Washington DC, located 3½ hours southwest of Sydney and about 8 hours north of Melbourne.

I’ve been very fortunate to have

had pugs dominate my life for 34 years, and 12 years ago I introduced my husband, Rob, to “life with pugs”!

Fortunately he is as besotted as I am; however, he firmly believes that they should spend all day at home on the couch watching movies – he isn’t into the show thing!

Whilst I have successfully owned, exhibited and bred fawn pugs, my true infatuation is with blacks, and I am planning on only showing blacks in the future.

Rob and I will shortly be moving to a rural village, about 30 minutes outside of Canberra, with 4½ acres to play with the pugs on!

This allows us to participate a bit more actively in rescue, and my gang will love having acres to do “Pug Rushes” around –

not to mention raiding the orchard for fruit!! As I write this, we are in the middle of creating the “Pug Pad” which will also be my study.

"If I was asked what my overarching passion is for pugs – it is to retain the purity of our breed."

If I was asked what my overarching passion is for pugs – it is to retain the purity of our breed. For some years I have been quite outspoken on the issue, and I have no tolerance for the rip off merchants who are breeding “Pugs of Colour.” I’ve been bitterly disappointed that not all countries were able to stop the registration of brindle pug-like dogs.

Pug Clubs in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland all took a strong and forceful stance and were successful in not having those colours registered.

Strangely we don’t see these dogs in any numbers – except very obvious crossbreds being sold on classified web sites which are known for scammers.

I look forward to the exciting new Pug Talk and to bringing you the news from “Down Under” – email me at Ozziehugapug@gmail.com with Australia news.

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

PAW

[PUGS AROUND THE WORLD]

Pugs in The Netherlands: An International Affair –by Marion Geessink

H

ere in the Netherlands only the best dog and best bitch get a CAC (you need 4 CACs to become a Dutch CH, and the last one has to be obtained AFTER 27 months of age) and CACIB (to become an International CH, you need two from your home country and two from two different countries to qualify as International CH). We also have a Junior CH which is awarded after three wins in the Youth class.

We have the following show classes: ‣‣ 4–6 months: Baby class ‣‣ 6–9 months: Puppy class ‣‣ 9–18 months: Youth class with a CAC awarded (does not qualify for CACIB!!) ‣‣ 15–24 months Intermediate class ‣‣ 18 months–8 years: Open class ‣‣ 8+ years: Veteran class The last three classes qualify for CACIB. Our first International show of 2015 took place in Eindhoven, the Netherlands and was well represented by more than 6,000 dogs of all breeds; it was spaced Photo courtesy of Kynoweb [Facebook: Int. Dogshow Eindhoven 2015] over a three day period and shown in a total of 14 showings a day. The pugs this time had a nice entry, as we had an International judge, Mrs. Ingram from Ireland. A total of 26 pugs from not only the Netherlands, but Belgium, Germany and Ireland, were entered with a well presented Champions class.

The BOB winner (CAC, CACIB):

Runner up (Res CAC, Res CACIB):

BOS (Best Bitch) (CAC, CACIB):

Ch Tangetoppen’s Mysterious Ihle Grande x Tangetoppen’s Unbreakable News Bred by Tuija Ronhovde from Finland Owned by Inge Willemse from Belgium.

Kisci Rumble Bumble x Buttons and Bows of Golden Pugs Bred by Sabine van Roon Owned by M. Bongartz Both pugs are from Germany.

CH Winsome’s Golden Standard x CH Lady Jai-Li of Winnefall Bred and owned by Marion Geessink from the Netherlands.

CH Kingpoint Wannabe Tangetoppen

CH Hubble Bubble of Golden Pugs

Lady Unique of Winnefall

If you have news to share about shows and winning, email mariong@planet.nl.

Pugs in The Netherlands: An International Affair

41

Loose Hairs Our Next Issue Advertisement deadline: May 1st

Don’t forget: the next issue of Pug Talk will be the Performance and Pedigrees issue!

Save $25 on half-page or larger ads which include a three generation pedigree. (Three generations: dog, sire and dam, and both sets of grandparents.) Pages on the web may come and go, but pedigrees in Pug Talk are there as long as a copy exists! Take the opportunity to immortalize YOUR pugs' lineage in this issue.

Check Your Subscription Date!

On the back cover is your mailing information, as well as the date of your LAST issue of Pug Talk. If it says “2015-Q1,” then this issue is your LAST issue. You can renew online through our website, or send a check to our mailing address: Pug Talk 801 Dellwood St. #113 Bryan, TX 77807-5363

How to Get Your FREE Digital Copy Since you’re already reading the print version of Pug Talk, you’re entitled to a FREE online digital copy of the magazine. Each issue, subscribers will receive by email a link to the protected area where Pug Talk will be.

You know what that means: we need your email address. On our website is a form where you can fill out your email address and join the mailing list for the electronic version. You’ll also be asked to include some other information so we can identify you as the subscriber. If everything matches up – you’ll be added to the list! If it doesn’t, we’ll contact you and work it out. Pug Talk will NEVER release your contact information for ANY purpose without your prior consent. Next issue, you’ll receive an email the SAME DAY the print copy is mailed.

Prefer Digital Only?

You can subscribe to receive the DIGITAL ONLY copy of Pug Talk. No waiting for the post office to deliver, never a scratched or folded copy. If you already have a print copy and would like to switch to digital only, we will prorate your subscription.

Email pt@pugtalk.com with your request.

On the Back Cover The back cover is a photo of Lily, who not only is a show pug, but has aspirations of being a herding champion too.

She was bred by Carla Rose and is proudly co-owned by Shirley and Phil Gilchrest. Lily’s picture was voted onto the back cover in our online contest. Visit the website to see when the next contest will open and submit your “Life with Pugs” photo!

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PUG TALK January | February | March 2015

CH C-Ray’s

TWENTY FOUR SEVEN “Katie”

Sire: CH Pugoda’s Academy Award at C-Ray

We are proud to present our newest home-bred champion, Katie.

Best Bred By and Reserve Winners Bitch at the PDCA National under Judge Mr. Timothy Catterson.

Finishing her title with a major under Judge Mr. Merle Taylor.

Thank you Judges.

Katie has been bred to GCH Sheffield’s Crimson Trace

Good luck to Marcy and the new Pug Talk team!

Dam: House Poory JP Ultra Halloween

C-Ray Chuck Pate & Jeff Wisner Ellettsville, IN craypugs@aol.com (812) 876-3246

PUG TALK

801 Dellwood St. #113 Bryan, TX 77807-5363