Archive through March 11, 2002

The ClubHouse: Archives: DOGS: Archive through March 11, 2002

Grooch

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 07:27 am Click here to edit this post
I watched both nights while alternating between the dog show and the Olympics and the Real World. It wasn't easy.

The miniture poodle "Spice girl" won.

I was so mad at 2 things. #1- I feel asleep during the hound portion of the show. I love the hounds. And I missed the Rhodesian Ridgeback winning! My mother has them and I love them. I will probably never get to see the RR win again.

#2- When they were doing the working dogs (was that the correct category?) I saw they had a Sussex Spaniel. Because of Kstme, I was waiting to watch him be shown. Wouldn't you know, one dog before they got to him, I received a phone call from Chile and I could not get off the phone and I missed him being shown. Grrrrr!

It was a great show, and out of the final group of dogs, I thought the Affenpinscher or the Kerry Blue hound were going to win. I was surprised it was the poodle.

Grooch

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 07:28 am Click here to edit this post
Here's an article:

Miniature Poodle Wins Westminster Show
Wednesday February 13, 2002 12:20 PM

NEW YORK (AP) - Almost everyone at the Westminster dog show acted surprised except for Surrey Spice Girl.

In an upset, the miniature poodle pranced off as America's top dog Tuesday night after winning best-in-show at Madison Square Garden.

While her handler and the crowd of 10,000 were caught off guard by the victory, the 3-year-old called Spice took it in stride.

``Every step was right,'' judge W. Everett Dean Jr. said. ``She was smooth, gorgeous.''

Spice was not like last year's winner. When the popular bichon frise called J.R. won, he sprang up and beat his feet as if he were pounding a piano.

``I think she was very steady, very easy,'' Spice's handler Kaz Hosaka said.

The perfectly manicured Spice became the first miniature poodle to win America's most prestigious dog show since 1959.

This was Spice's 39th best-in-show victory, and her last one.

Owners Ron and Barbara Scott of Mechanicsburg, Pa., plan to retire her to breed. Spice can look forward to a life of her favorite things - playing outside, frolicking with toys and listening to the sound of ringing cell phones.

A Kerry blue terrier named Torum's Scarf Michael was the early pick among dog fanciers and the crowd. He was bidding to become only the second dog ever to win Westminster and Crufts, England's banner show.

But instead of becoming a world beater, the 5-year-old terrier called Mick appeared a bit distracted and left room for the composed Spice.

There were more than 2,500 entries at the show, representing 159 breeds and varieties.

Group winners earlier Tuesday were a Brittany called Jester (sporting), a Rhodesian ridgeback named Wetu of Kalahari (hound) and a Pembroke Welsh corgi called Sammy Sosa (herding).

A standard schnauzer named Charisma Jailhouse Rock won the working group, and an affenpinscher called Cosmo won the toy group Monday night.

Spice came from the non-sporting group and Mick won among terriers.

Hosaka expertly led Spice around the center ring, prompting her with bits of chicken as ``bait,'' and he could hardly talk after the victory.

``I was very surprised,'' he said. ``I came to this country 23 years ago hoping to win this show.''

Grooch

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 07:33 am Click here to edit this post
Here'a another good story about the show that was written after the first night. The tribute to the search and rescue dogs was very touching.

Favored Kerry blue begins bid for best in show

The 126th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show features 2,500 champion dogs representing all 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Seven variety groups — Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding — will be judged. The overall winner is crowned "Best in Show."

NEW YORK (AP) — The favored Kerry blue terrier got a nice cheer, as expected. Yet on this day at the Westminster dog show, the K-9 heroes drew the biggest ovation.

Often called a beauty pageant for canines, America's most prestigious dog show broke tradition Monday night and paid tribute to a bunch of German shepherds and retrievers that normally would not make it to Madison Square Garden.

A total of 20 search and rescue dogs were honored for their tireless work at the World Trade Center and Pentagon following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"We were pretty nervous," admitted Lt. Daniel Donadio, head of the New York Police Department's canine unit. "We'd rather face gunmen than the crowd."

There was no need to worry.

A crowd of about 10,000 stood and cheered throughout the 15-minute ceremony in the center ring, which included actress Glenn Close singing God Bless America.

The dogs — with their handlers — who had come from all over the country were introduced one-by-one. As they walked on to the green carpet, public-address announcer Michael LaFave detailed their efforts in New York and Washington, along with places such as Nairobi.

"I'm very proud of my people and my dogs," Donadio said.

Near the end of the tribute, the USA Network, the Pedigree company and Westminster presented a check for $275,000 to Mike Tuttle, the president of National Association for Search and Rescue.

A Kerry blue named Mick also enjoyed a big day.

The 5 1/2-year-old terrier, born in England and now the No. 1-ranked show dog in America, needed only nine minutes to win the best-of-breed ribbon.

Hours later, the dog with the blue-silver coat and black beard breezed to win best-of-group.

The big prize, the best-in-show trophy, was to be awarded Tuesday night.

"There's always apprehension," Mick's handler-agent, Bill McFadden, said after the morning victory. "The dog can perform badly or the judge can perform badly."

"This is like 'Survivor.' If you get to this point, it gets easier. The ring gets bigger," he said.

Mick, known officially as Torum's Scarf Michael, was never in any danger. During the 2001 season, he won the terrier group in 137 of the 138 shows he entered, and was picked as top dog 87 times.

Among the other contenders will be a 6.50-year-old standard schnauzer named Charisma Jailhouse Rock.

The dog commonly called Rocky won the working group Monday night for the second straight year. He and Mick were the only dogs to repeat as best-of-group winners.

An affenpinscher named Yarrow's Super Nova won the toy group and a miniature poodle named Surrey Spice Girl won the non-sporting group.

Three more group winners will be picked Tuesday night, leaving seven contestants for best-in-show.

There were more than 2,500 dogs — all champions — entered and they represented the 159 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club. While only one St. Bernard showed up, 41 Irish setters were entered.

While the competition took place in full view of the audience, other aspects of the show were more subtle and not so apparent to people in the seats. Tricks of the trade, so to speak, just like in any other competition or pageant.

Coat not looking shiny enough? Some handlers resort to using a bit of chalk or powder.

"But you walk into the ring and that dog shakes and there's a cloud of dust, you're out of there," said Doug Young of Rushville, Ohio.

Young handles Dandie Dinmont terriers, led by his favorite, Montizard Dot Com. He said owners have been known to use mousse and hairspray, too.

"These dogs are walking drugstores," he said.

Some measures are more cosmetic, and certainly not legal.

There are stories about dogs wearing braces and having hair extensions. Mascara on noses and tattoos on inner eyelids for additional color and definition are not unheard of, either.

"Some people are so driven by that blue ribbon," said Dawn Camp, who brought her Cavalier King Charles spaniel from Maryland.

Such steps are strictly forbidden at Westminster. A few years ago, in fact, a humane law officer was stationed at the ASPCA booth to make sure everything was proper.

"Having been a judge myself, things that are done to artificially enhance a dog are illegal and not tolerated," show chairman Thomas Bradley said. "If someone is found doing something like that, they are disqualified."

Kstme

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 09:42 am Click here to edit this post
Grooch...thanks for posting the articles! I watched the "Sporting Group" last night. Saw the poodle...seems they don't like "big" dogs at the WM...lol I'm sorry you missed Stones! He's so ugly, he's cute!

Grooch

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 10:04 am Click here to edit this post
Who was Stones?

I agree, it always seems the small dogs win.

Grooch

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 10:06 am Click here to edit this post
Nevermind. I figured he must have been "your" dog. :)

(He is not ugly! There is no such thing as an ugly dog.)

Kstme

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 12:03 pm Click here to edit this post
LOL...Grooch! Have another cup of coffee, tea, milk? Yes, Stones was the Sussex.

Nightcrawler

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 01:09 pm Click here to edit this post
dos anyone have an older dog... we have a dog thats going to be 12yr next month is there anything we can get to help her get around better.(( she not were we would think of puting her down.)) she's has truble walking some, she dos not see to good anymore or hear to good . she still brings the ball to me when i get home to play , but i know she will be hurting if we do play. she has to spend most of the time out side now she has truble makeing it out side to pee.
anyone now of things we could get to help her from the vet or pet store. c.j. (( the dog )) would thankyou for any help we could get
nightcrawler & bookworm

Jeep

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 01:20 pm Click here to edit this post
Hi Nightcrawler - all my dogs have passed, but we had the same problems with arthritis and joint pains. Our oldest dog took "BUTE". Its a short name for a long medical one, but a vet would know what it was. It was an arthritis medicine and helped with the pain. Now there are many new medications for the same thing. Ask your vet. I bet there is one that will help your doggie. Also, be sure she has someplace outside to lay down that protects her from the cold damp ground.

If you're like me, I try to make their last years as comfortable as possible. It breaks my heart to see them get old. Good luck!

Moondance

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 01:22 pm Click here to edit this post
I would suggest a vet trip so they can diagnose it but older dogs often suffer from Arthritis ... there is a lot you can do... you can massage her and there are suppliments that can help... here is an article...

Arthritis
If your dog is acting lethargic, he may have a joint problem.
Arthritis, which literally means 'inflamed joints,' is an umbrella term for many forms of joint disease. Imagine a machine with well-oiled parts working smoothly, all valves pumping, all parts meshing together. Then, for some reason, one part bends or the lubricating fluid dries up. Over time, the parts begin to wear down or grind together until something gives way. That's what happens when your dog's joints become arthritic.
Risk Factors and Detection
Large dogs are particularly prone to arthritis, but any dog could potentially develop the condition, which is influenced by age, genetic factors, and wear on and trauma to the joints. Obesity also can increase your dog's chances of developing arthritis because carrying excess weight can stress the joints.
Signs of arthritis include the following:

* Difficulty getting up
* Difficulty walking
* Swollen, warm joints
* Yelping, especially during exercise
* Hesitating or refusing to climb stairs
* Despondency
* Limping

Routine examinations help your veterinarian detect and treat arthritis before it becomes too painful. If your dog doesn't receive regular exams, the arthritis may already be advanced when you recognize it. If you notice signs of arthritis, see a veterinarian immediately. Your doctor will perform a complete physical examination and may use X-rays, blood tests, and joint fluid analysis to determine the cause and severity of the arthritis.
Prevention and Treatment
A good diet and plenty of exercise throughout your dog's life are excellent preventive measures for arthritis, but in some cases they aren't enough. If your dog suffers from arthritis associated with old age, you can help ease his discomfort through weight reduction and controlled exercise.
Weight Reduction
Older animals tend to be less active, which can lead to weight gain. And increased body weight results in a greater chance that your dog will develop diabetes and cardiovascular, respiratory, and orthopedic diseases - including arthritis. That's why it's so important to control your older pet's weight.
If your dog is overweight, ask your veterinarian to recommend a weight-reducing diet to help him reach his normal body weight and reduced-calorie food to maintain the weight loss. Keep in mind that just as with people, it's safest for dogs to lose weight gradually. You can also help your dog stay slim by cutting back on the number of treats you feed him. Instead of relying on food rewards, offer pats, praise, and play.
Controlled Exercise
Don't exercise your dog until your veterinarian can control his pain. After your veterinarian gives the okay, choose exercises that maintain strength and flexibility - but aren't harsh or demanding. Remember, moderation is the key. You can step up your dog's exercise routine as his condition improves.
Swimming is an excellent choice because it's a low-impact, therapeutic sport. However, this activity isn't practical unless you have a pool or body of water nearby.
Pet health experts agree that short, gentle walks are the next-best form of exercise for the aging dog. For your dogÕs comfort and safety, choose walking routes that offer level ground and good footing, and avoid walking in cold or wet weather. Provide a padded bed and a warm, dry environment to help reduce your pet's discomfort.
Medical Therapy
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, are veterinarians' first choice to treat arthritis. NSAIDs cause minimal complications and side effects and block the production of prostaglandins - which cause inflammation - to help control arthritis pain. Your veterinarian might prescribe carprofen or etodolac. These drugs provide good pain relief, may slow the arthritic process, and have a low incidence of side effects.
Many NSAIDs are sold over the counter for pain control in people. Don't use them without consulting with your veterinarian first - they can be dangerous when given to dogs. Also don't give your dog more than one NSAID at a time.
Aspirin is an NSAID approved for use in people but commonly used for dogs because it's widely available and inexpensive. Aspirin relieves joint inflammation and eases pain in dogs in much the same way it does in people. The downside of giving your dog aspirin is that it can cause gastric ulceration when used regularly. Again, to protect the health of your pet, check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter medication.
Chondroprotective Agents
These compounds help prevent further cartilage destruction and promote joint repair. They're most effective when used early in the course of arthritis. Some of these compounds are administered by injection and some are given orally. Your veterinarian must prescribe and administer the injectable agents - known as polysulfated glycosaminoglycans. These drugs are FDA-approved, and research shows they are safe and effective in slowing the progression of arthritis and controlling pain.
Other chondroprotective agents are sold as nutritional supplements and are given orally (glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate). Because these supplements don't need FDA approval, researchers have completed few studies to test their safety and effectiveness. But subjective evidence indicates that they help relieve the pain of arthritis, and they appear to have few side effects.
For maximum arthritis relief, chondroprotective agents can be given along with an NSAID to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
Surgical Therapy
Surgery, which is used less often than other arthritis treatments, may help some pets with severe arthritis. Veterinarians perform surgery to relieve pain, improve motion, or correct deformed or unstable joints. One of the surgeries performed is joint fusion, which relieves pain and helps restore use of the limb. Other surgeries include joint replacement and ligament repair.

Mammyyokum

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 02:22 pm Click here to edit this post
Nightcrawler, the best results I've seen in older dogs that have joint problems has been in the use of Nutro Senior dog food. It's formulated for older dogs and has glucosomine and condroitin sulfate in it. There are other foods on the market that have those ingredients, but they are not always even in measurable amounts. If she's bigger than 50 pounds, they also have a large breed formula.
As for the bladder control, it's my understanding that it can be a common occurance in older spayed females and sometimes just a short round of hormone therapy about twice a year can help tremendously.

Grooch

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 03:06 pm Click here to edit this post
If she is having trouble getting outside to pee in time, I did see at the pet store doggie diapers plus they have pee pads (disposable or washable and which I am using while house breaking my puppy and is a godsend.).

I don't have an older dog so I never had to use the diapers so I don't know anything about them, but those 2 items might be a big help to you to keep the stress down from the constantly cleaning up.

Plus, I agree with the vet advice above.

Tksoard

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 03:37 pm Click here to edit this post
One of my dogs "leak", and she wears a diaper in the house. It's a piece of cloth with a hole cut out for her tail, and goes under her belly and over her back, held togather with velcro. It is so great, but don't buy the disposable pads!!! They are exactly like "light days" pad, except they cost $6.00 for 24. Light days are a dollar!! If you have a leaking dog, it really works great!! Good luck!!

Nightcrawler

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 05:27 pm Click here to edit this post
Thanks a lot for the help!

She is blue heeler about 35 pounds (( they are cattle dogs ))

I guess I need to fill in some things I left out
for one we have gone to the vet and she does have arthritis and it has gotten worse over the last year. We went to the vet last year and they put her on Rimady 175 (1/2 a tab 2 times a day). She was on one pill a day but she was getting sick and couldn't keep food down. She needs a higher dose but she gets sick if she get anymore. She lives on a farm and gets lots of exersize loves to play ball and has trouble walking afterwards when she does play so we have cut back on the playing. We live on a farm and don't think we will use the diaper idea, the other dogs and cows may laugh at her. We have four dogs so it would be hard to feed her special food without the other dogs getting into it.

Moon are you a vet? You are very knowledgeable on dogs.

Enjoy reading your ideas, keep them coming.

Moondance

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 07:01 pm Click here to edit this post
Oh Gawd don't tell my Mom that, she still thinks I should have finished Vet school... only had 2 years pre-vet... I just LOVE animals and do a mean cut and paste:) There are lots of alternatives out there... I will try to find out some more info tomorrow... massage is still a great idea for her condition!

Mammyyokum

Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 08:17 pm Click here to edit this post
We have 4 dogs and one of them is diabetic. She has to have special food in specific amounts at 6 hour intervals and insulin shots every 12 hours, so we corral the other dogs outside and give them their food and shut the doggie-door and go inside and give her food to her. That way they all get their feedings and she doesn't get sick from eating theirs and they don't send us to he poorhouse gobbling up prescription food. It's not really hard, it's just a matter of getting into a routine and the dogs adjust to it easier than the humans do. *s*

Jeep

Thursday, February 14, 2002 - 11:07 am Click here to edit this post
Nighcrawler - I love blue heelers! My hubby and I lived on a working dairy farm for 15 years until we sold out in 1996. We also had 4 dogs, two siberian huskys, a rottweiler and a small mutt. I agree that the diaper thing would probably not work. I can see it getting caught on all sorts of things.

Maybe if you ask the vet to try a different medication, your dog may be able to keep it down better. There are several new ones available. I wish you good luck!

Tksoard

Thursday, February 14, 2002 - 01:20 pm Click here to edit this post
Actually, there is NO reason for a dog to wear a diaper outside!! Mine just wears it in the house.

Car54

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 04:54 pm Click here to edit this post
TOP TEN REASONS WHY IT'S GREAT TO BE A DOG.
1. If it itches, you can reach it. And no matter where it itches, no one will be offended if you scratch it in public.

2. No one notices if you have hair growing in weird places as you get older.

3. Personal hygiene is a blast: No one expects you to take a bath everyday, and you don't even have to comb your own hair.

4. Having a wet nose is considered a sign of good health.

5. No one thinks less of you for passing gas. Some people might actually think you're cute.

6. Who needs a big home entertainment system? A bone or an old shoe can entertain you for hours.

7. You can spend hours just smelling stuff.

8. No one ever expects you to pay for lunch or dinner. You never have to worry about table manners, and if you gain weight, it's someone else's fault.

9. It doesn't take much to make you happy. You're always excited to see the same old people. All they have to do is leave the room for five minutes and come back.

10. Every garbage can looks like a cold buffet to you.
---------------------------------------

Magikearth

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 07:29 pm Click here to edit this post
This is a cute (and short!) story from the book
titled "Chicken Soup For The Pet Lover's Soul."
Just had to share it! :)

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Susan E. Roman

One afternoon,I was in the backyard hanging the laundry when an old,tired looking dog wandered into the yard.I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home.But when I walked into the house,he followed me,sauntered down the hall and fell asleep in a corner.An hour later,he went to the door,and I let him out.
The next day,he was back.He resumed his position
in the hallway and slept for an hour.
This continued for several weeks.Curious,I pinned a note to his collar:"Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap."
The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar:"He lives in a home with ten children-he's trying to catch up on his sleep."

Magikearth

Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 07:51 pm Click here to edit this post
Car54,
Thanks for your post-Very cool!! I think it would make a great poster!...even though I'm a cat person! :)

Myjohnhenry

Sunday, February 24, 2002 - 12:22 am Click here to edit this post
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Grooch

Monday, March 11, 2002 - 01:58 pm Click here to edit this post
Hsa anyone ever bought pet insurance and is it worth it, or is it a scam?

Fruitbat

Monday, March 11, 2002 - 02:51 pm Click here to edit this post
I think it is in the "let's soak nervous, hypervigilent, overprotective pet owners" catagory. Animals rarely get sick and if they do it is often fatal. It falls in the catagory of tests. Vets love to run tests. Many of them unnecessary. I have had dogs and cats all my life and rarely have any of them had high vet bills. It is mostly just vaccinations.

Spygirl

Monday, March 11, 2002 - 03:01 pm Click here to edit this post
Wow, if I did have insurance for my pets, I sure wouldn't admit to it now!! LOL