JACK FROST NIPPING AT THEIR NOSE!

So I was all set to go to the doctor’s this morning for my follow up visit after my accident, but “Mother Nature” decided to show her “wintry” side one more time with the white stuff caressing everything it can fall on! So I cancelled my appointment and decided to tackle another subject for my blog. Is anybody else ready for spring besides me?

I get pictures my friends send to me of their dogs frolicking in the snow and it’s like “Yee Haw” they’re having a grand old time for themselves! I let my dogs out. They do their business and they come sit at the back door waiting for me to let them in again! Granted the temperature is only 27 degrees, but come on guys, you should be having a ball in this stuff! So anyway, I wanted to write about some precautions to take in the winter months in taking care of our dogs.

The first thing the dog owner considers is the temperature outside. I don’t let my dogs stay out in freezing or below freezing temperatures. Maybe that’s why they’re jumping on the back door waiting for me to bring them back in again! I know some of you keep your dogs outside because you say they have beautiful coats because of the cold temperatures. Most of the time, we don’t have to take the same precautions as another dog breed owner might have to do. The German Shepherd carries the thick undercoat to help keep him warmer in weather like this. However, their coats won’t prevent them from getting frostbite on their ears, feet or tail. I notice if my dogs are out in freezing temperatures, they will come back inside and shake their heads because their ears are so cold. Forget about my house dog being outside for too long a time in this cold. Last week she was outside with me when I was cleaning the dog run. She loves to play on the back deck while I clean up her and her daughter’s mess! Anyway, when I was done and came up on the deck, she was shaking. So she is definitely not one that I could leave outside for any length of time. She’d freeze to death. She’s used of the warmth of the heater in the house.

Sometimes an owner will provide extra warm bedding for their dog. My girl has her own rugs that she lays on. Some people will provide a warm blanket in their dog’s crate if this is where they sleep. My one girl, I can’t put anything in her crate, because she starts to eat it. She eats anything she can get her mouth on! None of my dogs are finicky eaters, but she’s the “chow hound!”

Another thing of concern is that some dogs love to lie next to something that is providing them with warmth. For instance, a fireplace, a heater, or vents, etc. Sometimes they snuggle up too close to these things. Avoid space heaters and lamps and place baseboard radiator covers to avoid unnecessary burns. Fireplaces also pose a major threat and a pet-proof system should be used to insure that your dog doesn’t get burnt. My house dog loves to lie right next to the vent in the floor where the heat comes out.

Sometimes we think that our dogs need more food in the winter months. They don’t need an extra layer of fat, unless they live outside. Many times the cold temperatures bring on lazy behaviors and in that case the dog would need fewer calories. Our dogs still need the appropriate exercise. If he’s not getting enough exercise because of the weather conditions, you may want to adjust his food consumption so he doesn’t put on unnecessary pounds. That’s why it’s important to make sure you are feeding your dog the highest quality dog food and supplements to insure a healthy coat and to keep his energy level good for these cold months.

Dogs can dehydrate just as quickly in the winter as summer. Although many dogs eat snow, it is not an adequate substitute for fresh water. If your dog has a water bowl outdoors, check it often and break ice that may form on top. I empty their water bowls every day after I remove the ice and give them clean fresh water to drink.

Keeping your dog clean and well groomed is just as important in the winter as any other time of the year. Your dog needs a clean, well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. This is especially important if your dog lives outdoors. After bathing, dry your dog adequately, especially before allowing him outdoors.

It’s important to protect yours dog’s feet. Dogs walk through snow, slush, salt and chemicals and are very likely to sustain an injury to their foot pads unless protected. Now I know you’re not going to see the German Shepherd in dog booties like you might find for the smaller breeds. It’s important to clean your dog's feet every time he comes into the house. Use warm water and clean between the toes really well to remove debris and salt. You can apply a salve to prevent the dog’s feet from cracking. Avoid using any chemical ice-melting compounds or rock salt on your sidewalks, driveways or dog kennels that your dog may contact.

Another important thing to do is to shovel and clear the snow where your dog spends most of his time outdoors. Snow can be a lot of fun but it can also be dangerous for your dog. Snow that’s piled high near fences pose escape hazards that even well trained dogs often can't resist. Keep snow cleared away from fences to prevent your dog from climbing over. Snow and ice often accumulate on rooftops and if the sun is out or as temperatures rise, this accumulation can fall and injure your dog. Be careful when you’re playing outside with your dog. He’s not aware of the dangers of slippery footing. He can run after a snowball that you may throw for him and slip and fall and pull a tendon or worse. Accidents happen so quickly.

Most dog owners know to keep their animals away from toxic exposure. But sometimes we forget. We go in the garage and our dog is following us and this is where the problem can start. We’re not paying attention to the dog. Our mind is somewhere else. With winter comes antifreeze from automobiles. Antifreeze is sweet in taste and dogs will readily lick or drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic and just a small amount can be fatal for them. Keep your dog out of the garage and off the driveway where they may encounter antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.

The same precautionary measures that we take in the summer months when it comes to leaving our dogs in the car should also be observed in the winter months. Freezing cold temperatures are the main concern during the winter. Also if the car is left running during the winter (especially in the garage), carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat.

Pay special attention to the senior dogs or ones who have arthritis during the cold weather. The cold will often aggravate these conditions. It is very important to maintain an exercise regimen with your arthritic dog, but be mindful of slippery surfaces. Insure that he has a warm, dry area to rest when he returns home. Try the adding a Hip & Joint supplement to lubricate the joints and ease the discomfort of arthritis. Vibrant Pets has two formulas that address this condition. Just like people, dogs are more susceptible to other illnesses during the winter weather. As you normally would do, if you see anything out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian.

So there you have it. Just as we have to be more careful in the winter, so too must we be with our dogs. The snow blankets the earth in a white sparkly diamond dust that begs you to come out and play. It can be a fun time for all, but do make sure you use caution for both you and your dogs before stepping out in the Winter Wonderland!

P.S. I want to know why the little black spider that has lived outside on my small back window is still alive in this freezing cold weather??? When oh when is he going to die and go to “buggy” heaven already??? Does he not know that I’m tired of looking at him with all his “yuckiest ugliness?”

My rating: feeding dogs a top food for the winter months: (4), supplementing him with vitamins, etc. (4)

REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD!

When one of our beloved animals has left this earth, we pray that we will be reunited with him and together once again. A few years ago on one of the lists I wrote a short article questioning whether or not an animal could have a soul. Then this year I wrote a blog titled “If there’s no animals in heaven, then I’m not going!” So here’s an excerpt from my original article for those who didn’t belong to that particular list at the time. Then I want to add some new information about this subject.

It is said that if an animal has a soul, than it must be a sin to kill an animal. The Bible says "he that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man" - Isiah 66:3. Throughout the animal kingdom, time and time again they illustrate to us they must have a soul because of the way they take care of their own. Dogs have been known to howl at the precise moment that a loved one has died. Some have been found lying on their dead master’s grave. Elephants try to lift their dying or dead. Cow and calf elephants have been known to refuse to leave their herd matriarch when she is shot, even as the poachers slaughter them one by one. Dolphins take turns helping an ill pod member to the surface to breathe. Some people will say this is only instinct. (Instinct - behavior that is mediated by reactions below the conscious level). (Soul - the quality that arouses emotion and sentiment). For those of us who are loved by our dogs, we know they must have a soul when they look at us soulfully when we are sad, or forget about trying to turn away from a dog when you're crying. They’re all over you, sometimes crying with you trying to lick away each tear that falls. They instantly forgive us when we are cranky and have taught us the meaning of unconditional love. Our animals are a gift the Creator left in our care as a testament to what real love is all about. When we open up our hearts to our animals, we realize they were put here not only to be our companions and best friends, not to walk 15 feet behind us, but along side us and many times deservingly 20 feet in front of us. I don't know about you, but I must believe there is a Heaven, because I want to run in the open fields once again with all my beloved dogs running to me so I can wrap my arms around them, because it always was the animals that taught me about love, forgiveness and acceptance. They love us no matter what we say or do, they forgive us when we are being less than patient with them, and they accept us, fat, skinny, rich or poor. Gee, they sure could show mankind or thing or two about love.

Now I share with you my new thoughts and information about this subject. Ask a theologian about this subject and he’ll say no that animals do not have a soul. Ask a person who has just lost a beloved pet the same question and his answer MUST be yes. How else will he relieve some of the heartfelt pain that he is experiencing if he doesn’t believe that he will be reunited with his pet in the here after? The theologian will point out the man was created superior to the animal and therefore, the animal can’t be equal to him. Try telling this to a child who has lost his best buddy. So as it is with many of us adults, we have the NEED to feel that we will once again see our dogs that have crossed over the “Rainbow Bridge.” It is this hope, this desire to be reunited with the deceased animal that keeps us going on and to reassure ourselves that all will be well once again when we are with our pets.

I love these two little sentences that I read on the web and I quote: “If they (animals) do have a "soul" that survives death, it is different from mans. It does not need redemption.” Wow……it does not need redemption! I think that’s so powerful! Our animals are incapable of sin. Man is the only one who needs redemption! So therefore, animals would go to heaven. He would be incapable of going to hell!

Here’s a cute little story that I read: There was an elderly widow whose beloved little dog died after fifteen faithful years. Distraught, she went to her pastor. "Parson," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks, "the vicar said animals have no souls. My darling little dog Fluffy has died. Does that mean I won’t see her again in heaven?" "Madam," said the old priest, "God, in his great love and wisdom has created heaven to be a place of perfect happiness. I am sure that if you need your little dog to complete your happiness, you will find her there."

I don’t believe that animals do things strictly out of instinct. If a mother dogs loses her litter of puppies, she may cry and whine for days and go off of her food. How about the many animal stories you read where a cat or dog will go back into a burning house to rescue her babies? Animals are petrified of fire. So it couldn’t be instinct driving her to them. I read a wonderful story once of a dog that was very fearful of water and would never go in it. This very same dog jumped into the water to save his young owners life! How about the stories of a dog that if lost in the wilderness with his owner will lie on the human to keep him warm? What about when your dog knows that you are sick and can smell the sickness in your body? He will sometimes cry with you when you’re crying. He will lie next to you quietly when you’re not feeling well. He has learned to read your body language and can understand us on a different level than most men can. These animals do these things because they have emotions and feel things like you and me do. So in this writer’s opinion our animals definitely know how to love.

If you ever looked in to the eyes or a dog that is in a shelter, you will see the sadness that resides there. If you look at the eyes of a dog that is sickly or that is dying, you will see the “windows of this animal’s soul.” The eyes that stare back at you are not eyes of emptiness; they are eyes that express some level of emotion.

The dog’s need for affection, his need for our touch is not something he does out of instinct. He enjoys the feelings that he gets from these things. It’s something he desires and wants. This is not instinct that tells him to look for this. This is what makes him feel good. Look at how happy they are to see us when we come in the house. This is true even if you went out to the mailbox to get your mail. The dog loves us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is constant whether you want it or not. I heard on television just last night that the dog doesn’t know how to hate. He might fear, but I don’t know that he hates. What do you think?

So whether or not our dogs or pets have souls will be something people will question and write about for years. There’s no hard evidence to prove they do or they don’t. But as long as man loves his animals, and makes him a part of his family, the NEED to believe that his dog has a place in heaven is always strong. To have these marvelous animals in our lives for only 10 – 15 years is incomprehensible to some of us. We want more of these wonderful gifts. Therefore, we MUST believe that we will see them again. It’s the only way that we can get through the lost of our loving companions. Man will believe what ever it is that will make him feel good. We convince ourselves that we will be with our animals once again. It’s the only way that some of us can get through the heartache. And believing that our animals have souls and will be afforded a “little piece of God’s acre” with us in Heaven makes man’s soul feel good. We just can’t imagine a place in heaven without our beloved animals! But what happens if the animal goes to heaven and we never make it there???? Oh my!

Gary Kowalski has written a wonderful book about this subject called "The Souls of Animals." He seems to get into the emotions of the animals by not treating his subject matter as living, breathing "emotionless" creatures. It's an easy, uncomplicated read. In my opinion, it's excellent reading for all animal lovers!


My rating: the book, "The souls of Animals" (4)

DEMODECTIC MANGE

I’ve only seen mange twice on two different dogs. One was in a shelter in Georgia. The poor thing was covered with it and was due to be put to sleep. The other was with an older puppy that I once bought that had a small spot of demodectic mange on her face. The breeder told me that the puppy scraped herself on the fence. Wrong! She had demodectic mange.

Almost all puppies are born with mites that they acquire from their mother. As the puppy’s immune system develops the mite should disappear after a month or so. Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex canis, a tiny mite that cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope. It is also known as red mange. Therefore, it is classified as a parasitic skin disease. The demodectic mite resides in the hair follicles. Demodectic mange is the most common type of mange form in dogs. All dogs and many humans have this mite on their skin. YUCKY! As long as the body’s immune system is functioning properly, these mites cause no harm.

Usually demodectic mange strikes puppies from three to 12 months of age. You may also hear your veterinarian refer to mange as canine scabies. Mites attack in large numbers and reproduce rapidly on the dog’s skin. They feed off the dog’s nutrients which cause skin outbreaks.

Sometimes demodectic mange may occur in dogs that are very old because the function of their immune system often declines with age. Also dogs who have immune suppression due to illness or medication are also candidates for this type of mange.

Mange can be localized or generalized. When the mange is localized it appears on only certain parts of the body. Most of the time this would mean the mange appears on the feet, ears and face. If the mange is generalized it means the whole body of the dog can be affected. This is the most severe type of mange and treatment isn’t always effective.

When a dog gets mange, he suffers intense pain and itching. This is why proper diagnosis and treatment by a veterinarian is so important. If you don’t treat generalized mange right away it can lead to your pet’s eventual death if treated too late in the dog’s infection.

Keeping a dog healthy and hygienic are important in insuring your animal doesn’t get mange. Demodectic dog mange usually occurs when the dog's immune system is weak, or he’s under a lot of stress, or is malnourished. Under these conditions, the dog can become sensitive to the Demodex canis mites that normally live on its skin. Treatment can involve medicated shampoos and antibiotics. Also like in my young dog’s treatment, a topical ointment called Goodwinol Ointment was used. This was all that was needed to treat her. I never had to use dips or shampoos.

Usually a veterinarian will look at skin samples under a microscope. With my dog, my veterinarian took a skin scraping from her face to make a diagnosis. Many times the diagnosis for mange is only 50% accurate so therefore, the veterinarian will still treat the dog for mange to see if the treatment helps heal the symptoms that the dog is displaying.

Different treatments are used depending on the type of mange your dog has and the age of the dog. Usually the younger dog will heal itself in 6 – 8 weeks, although sometimes it might take several months.

Often the veterinarian will prescribe a dip called Paramite, or Mitaban (amitraz). Please note, however that Mitaban can be very toxic to animals. It usually takes 1 – 6 months of applying these applications for this disease to heal. These are prescription drugs. When using these dips, ALWAYS wear gloves and only in a place with good ventilation. Follow the directions on the label carefully.

Your veterinarian may also recommend using Dermisil for your dog’s mange. This is a way to treat the mange outbreak without prescription. It mixes with your dog's normal shampoo making for easier application.

Treatments should continue for 3 months. There may be side effects (most often seen in puppies) such as tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and an odd walk or gait.

Sometimes an antihistamine will be used for Itching – Itching can be helped with antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) with dosage based on your dog’s weight (1 to 3 milligrams per pound).

I’ve read that if you have more than one dog in the house, you should treat them all. Check with your veterinarian about that. Also, mites can jump to humans so wash after handling.

Also my research warned: DO NOT use motor oil for Canine Mange. The oil can be toxic if licked by your pet. DO NOT use corticosteroids. Corticosteroids (cortisone) may control the itch, but actually lowers immunity to mites, allowing them to multiply faster. Once again, be guided by your veterinarian’s advice.

Vitamins and fatty acids are good for dogs that have skin problems. Look for a good supplement or make sure that your dog’s food will provide him with these essential additives.

My rating: Early diagnosis and treatment: (4), topical ointments (Goodwinol Ointment: (4), dips and shampoos: (4)

WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME

I wasn’t born in to a rich family and sometimes times were tough growing up, but my mother always made the holidays special. My sister and I were typical kids. Mom would buy the presents, wrap them and “hide” them. Yeah, right! With two very noisy little girls, no hiding place was too hard for us to find. Somehow those perfectly wrapped presents that my mother painstakingly spent hours wrapping, saw little rips here and there in the Christmas themed paper when she finally did place them under the tree. It seems little eyes and fingers just needed to have a “peek” before Christmas Day! Mom never seemed to notice or if she did, she pretended like she didn’t.

Christmas always has meant a day of family and friends gathering together to share in the holiday spirit. My mother is no longer with us, but her memory and our family traditions always shine brightly in my heart. She had the biggest, kindest heart for someone who didn’t have too much in the way of material things. It was her humble heart that made me love and respect her more; for there were times she would say to me when I got older, “Oh Barb, momma’s alright. The Lord has been good to me. I have everything that I need.” Indeed, my mother had more than any money in the world could buy. She had a great, big old heart! So with that thought in mind…….

I wish all of my friends and their families and “fur” kids a very happy holiday season. May your Christmas day find you surrounded by your loved ones. May your tummies be filled with good food. May your health be good or on the mend. May your worries be few. May there be a song in your heart. May you not receive too many “re-gifts.” May you receive an unexpected happy surprise. May you remember those who do not have much and reach out to them. May you remember the German Shepherds in shelters and pledge to do something to ensure their future safe welfare. May you appreciate all of God’s abundance of “gifts.” May your hearts be light and merry. May you ask for little and give plenty. May you forgive those who have wronged you. May you remember our soldiers who will not be home for Christmas this year. May you remember those who are no longer here with you and let your good memories of them brighten your day. May you love and be loved in return. May you know world peace in your life time. May your prayers be answered. May your burdens be lifted.

Good will! Good cheer! And if you’ve got any little children at home whose little eyes and fingers are looking to “peek,” I hope you look the other way!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!


My rating: Love and good will: (4)

TIMBERWOLF DOG FOOD

Recently I had the opportunity to feed my dogs Timberwolf dog food. I’ve always heard so many positive things about this company. I know that Dawn Restuccia (yesterday’s interview on this blog) told me that she feeds Timberwolf exclusively. Her dogs always have such gorgeous healthy looking coats. She also told me about this company’s extreme generosity to her Last Hope, Safe Haven organization. They have donated thousands of pounds (and dollars worth) of dog food and also salmon oil to her organizations efforts to try to bring the rescue dogs back to a healthy body and nerves by feeding them a top food like Timberwolf. This is not the type of food that you would expect to find in a grocery store. This is a high end product and for them to donate so much of it to the rescues is truly amazing. If you go on their website, you will see they have a banner of Last Hope, Safe Haven on it as well!

If you talk to one of Timberwolf’s owners Rozina Choudhry on the telephone, you come to realize that you’re not just talking to another dog food company that’s only interested in the profits her company makes. She truly believes in her companies products because she not only sells it, but she uses it on her own German Shepherds! She’s had German Shepherds for many years so she knows the nutritional requirements of this breed. Mark Heyward is the Founder of Timberwolf Organics. He has put together a great website about this product so I encourage you to take a look at it. I asked Rozina to send me some information for this article and I’m including that now.

Since 1995, Timberwolf has produced rotational pet foods that simulate the natural diet of wild canids and felids. Studies have shown that dogs and wolves share 99% of the same DNA. Domesticated dogs have the sharp teeth and short digestive tracts of their wolf ancestors, and are therefore able to metabolize higher levels of proteins and fats. Cats, true carnivores, have even shorter digestive tracts than dogs. Animals in the wild naturally gravitate toward raw food sources that provide the vitamins and minerals they need.

Timberwolf holistic pet diets combine the health benefits of a raw diet with the convenience of dry kibble. We use only the freshest, highest-grade ingredients: premium protein sources (such as elk and lamb), fruits and vegetables, whole grains, herbs and seeds. You won’t find any cheap fillers or artificial additives in our all-natural pet diets.

In keeping with our “back to basics” philosophy, Timberwolf diets contain high levels of meat and/or meat meals. Our meat meals are made only from fresh meat tissue, and they provide a concentrated source of protein to aid in growth and development. Timberwolf formulas also include tantalizing herbs to enhance flavor and add nutritional value. The health benefits of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, basil and fennel seed have been well documented through the ages.

Nutrient-dense Timberwolf diets are packed with a balanced blend of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help pets thrive. Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids promote eye health, joint function, healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Timberwolf diets are designed to be rotated every 2-3 months. The purpose behind rotation feeding is to provide your pet with an improved nutrient uptake and a more satisfying feeding experience. Rotational diets can aid in the prevention of food allergies and nutritional deficiencies in the long term, ensuring that the dog or cat receives a full range of vitamins and minerals.

We do not spend money on advertising, because we prefer to put that money into our ingredients. Many of our customers discover us through word of mouth—because a friend, breeder, or veterinarian told them about Timberwolf. Our diets are formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines for all life stages. Whether you have a puppy or a senior, a working animal or a dog with weight issues, you can confidently feed Timberwolf knowing that your pet is receiving a complete and balanced diet.

In August 2008, Timberwolf donated $55,000 worth of food to help homeless animals. We also had great success with our “bag for bag’ program, in which we donated one bag of Timberwolf food for every bag purchased in a 30-day period. Between December and January 2009, we also donated over 82,000 lbs of food to U.S. animal shelters and rescue organizations. Timberwolf is proud to have helped organizations such as Animal Rescue New Orleans, IAMRA, Big Dog Rescue, Animal Haven, Placing Paws, Dogs Deserve Better, Last Hope Safe Haven, Ozark Haven Rescue, Wolf Rescue Resources and the Milo Foundation amongst several others. “More than ever before, we recognized how great the need had become and very few pet food company’s were helping out so we had to go to extreme lengths to help those in need”. Animals are loosing their homes and going hungry and there are those on the front lines who take in so many homeless animals and whose hearts and wallets are at breaking point and they can no longer afford to feed all the animals that are continually arriving at their doors. We applaud them for theirs is a thankless mission of love and compassion tempered with action for which we are eternally grateful.

One thing I noticed when I opened the bags of Timberwolf was the strong smell of the herbs in their products. I am lucky to have great eaters. But I could tell how much they loved this food each time I put it in the bowl. It just doesn’t smell like any other food does. They really got excited each time I scoped out a cup of the food and couldn’t wait to eat it.

For anyone who wonders why they use herbs in their foods, I highly recommend you take a peek on their website. It’ll tell you all the reasons that they use herbs in their dog food as well as answer many other frequently asked questions.

And speaking of those bags that the dog food comes in…..they are not like the everyday type of bag that you usually see when you buy dry dog food. These bags are state of the art oxygen barrier packaging that protects freshness by reducing transfer of oxygen which causes foods to spoil.

I always like it when the people that own a dog food company owns dogs themselves and when they own German Shepherds, that makes it that much better in my eyes. They’re not asking us to feed our dogs anything that their dogs are not being fed. I feel confident that this is a company who cares for the welfare of dogs and knows the nutritional needs to keep them healthy. This is a friendly company to do business with and is willing to answer any questions you may have about their products. In today’s hectic world, having a company who promotes good customer service is very important to me. This is an excellent company who is interested in taking care of our dogs and is interested in making the dog owners happy as well. It’s a win-win situation!

My rating: quality of dog food ingredients: (4), donating to animal rescues: (4), price: (3)

ON THE SPOT: LAXFIELD GERMAN SHEPHERDS

I remember when I first “met” Dawn Restuccia on the telephone a little over four years ago. I came away with the impression that here was a woman who truly loved the breed.  She wasn’t in it for what the breed could do for her………fame and glory; no she was in it to see what she could do for the betterment of the German Shepherd Dog.  Dawn got in touch with me after I wrote one of my articles on the list. She had asked me if I could write a story about a pathetic little female dog that had acid thrown all over her body and wondered if I could help get the word out about this horrific story.  So I wrote a story called, “Mooie” which received the attention that Dawn was hoping for and so began a warm friendship between us.   I finally got to meet Dawn in person at a futurity a couple of years ago.   Here was this unassuming woman with the big personality.  I am now glad to be able to call her friend.

Me: How long have you owned German Shepherds and why did you decide on this breed?

Dawn:  I have had dogs of one sort or another my entire life.  When our last dog (a Lhasa Apso) passed away, I purchased Krunch#1 for my husband’s birthday gift.  He had always wanted a GSD.  We took great care in selecting our newest addition, interviewing several breeders and visiting quite a few kennels.  We settled on Krunch from a Rhode Island breeder and could not have been more pleased.  His intelligence was astounding.  When he was 6 months old, we brought him back to his breeder for evaluation.  A video of Krunch was sent to Billy Rossi and the rest is history.  That was more than 15 years ago.

Me: Most people, who have heard of you, associate you as the founder of Last Hope, Safe Haven. Can you tell us how you got involved with this? When did you start trying to help shelter dogs and why?

Dawn:  I do not remember what led me to the Petfinder link for Willow; a beautiful throwaway GSD in a Chatsworth Georgia shelter.  All I remember is her eyes, staring out from behind the chain link.  She had such a quizzical look...as if she were asking "What did I do wrong? Where are my owners?"  The thought of this beautiful creature being destroyed for no reason other than the lack of a rescue or a home made no sense to me.  I went to our national chat list and posted her need where I was met with people offering to go to pull her and drive her great distances to another GSD lover in NC where she remained until she was adopted. One dog after another followed; all in desperate need.  I was in awe of the number of German Shepherd breeders and AKC competitors who were willing to assist either financially; with transport or temporary fostering.  In speaking with the Rescues, I realized that many had foster homes available but did not have the money for the altering and vaccinations for the dogs.  There was also a lack of any emergent care funding; another thing that LHSH provides when our finances permit.  We have covered the expenses for heart worm treatment and many types of surgeries for dogs who otherwise would have had to been destroyed.  Our initial motivation for LHSH was to provide rescues with the necessary finances required in "pulling" a German Shepherd facing an uncertain fate in a kill facility. In the beginning we had hoped to have a Sanctuary for those dogs that were not adoptable and the seniors.  While we have not eliminated that ultimate goal, it is on hold until we have the funding to provide for such an enormous undertaking.  To date, together with the many Rescues we work with, LHSH is honored to have assisted more than 450 German Shepherds on to new lives of hope and love.


Me: Just what is it that Last Hope, Safe Haven does?

Dawn:   LHSH is a 501c3 national German Shepherd Rescue assistance organization, bridging the financial gap between shelter and Rescue for German Shepherds in critical situations.  We cover the cost of spay/neuter, HW testing, age appropriate vaccinations and up to three days of board while transport is arranged by an LHSH approved Rescue.  Typically, this represents a cost of approximately $150.  We work with both purebred and all breed Rescues.  When the dog is adopted, we only ask that any money realized be utilized to save another life.  We do not deduct the adoption money from whatever is paid out to the Rescue.  We also raise funds to assist GSDs who are in crisis already IN rescue, such as in the case of Lukas in North Carolina. Found tied to a bumper of a fire truck, weighing a mere 47 pounds and covered in bedsores, A Shelter Friends' founder Krista Hansen called on LHSH to assist with his medical care (which was extensive).  Through donations, we were able to cover $700 of Lukas' care; the difference between life and death for a dog who only wants to love someone.

Me: What are you most proud of with your organization?

Dawn:  I am continually amazed at the outpouring of support from so many wonderful people.  We have raised well over $30,000...no small feat in this economic downturn.  Fully 99% of every dollar donated goes to direct care of a dog.  The remaining 1% is for administrative expenses such as brochures.  I am proud of the people who have helped make LHSH what it is, our Board members both past and present.  I am very proud of those volunteers who have trudged out to dog shows in downpours to raise much needed funds...I am proud to know so many wonderful people in Rescue, who give their life's blood each and every day to save just one more dog.  They are the real hero's here.

Me: OK, so now that people know about Last Hope, Safe Haven, I bet not too many people know about your small breeding program.  Can you tell us about that and what is the name of your kennel?

Dawn:  The name of our kennel is Laxfield. It is in honor of a dear friend who raised Connemara horses in Weston, Massachusetts.  It was the name of his farm and where we lived for several years.  Eleven years ago, we lost our precious Shandrani at 3 years old to mesenteric torsion. Krunch #1 was inconsolable, so we set out on a journey to add yet another GSD to our band.  In came Kizzy (Red Rock's Champagne Kisses ROM), the light of Krunch's life and the show dog I had always hoped for.  Due to my declining health, I was unable to finish her (she lacks only a final major). We did however; succeed in breeding her two times to Dallas, resulting in 6 AKC Champions which gave Kiz her ROM.  I kept four of the resulting progeny; Krunch #2, Vinnie, Arwen and Gracie. Krunch and Vin are both "finished".  Krunch is currently being shown in Juniors with his co owner, Chris Martin.  Vinnie (Ch. Laxfields Hit Man) has multiple group wins and placements as well as an Award of Merit which he garnered at the 2008 Westminster Kennel Club show. Gracie and Arwen are both AKC pointed.

Me: I know you have told me several times that you prefer showing in the All-Breed ring rather than in the Specialty ring.  Can you explain this to our reading audience?

Dawn:  I have shown in both venues successfully.  Vinnie and Kizzy both had Major Reserves in the specialty rings.  That being said, the camaraderie you experience with the exhibitors in the all breed ring is a better fit for me.  The atmosphere is different; how can I say...less stressful?  There are also a great many more All breed shows here in the northeast.

Me: Do you show any of your dogs in obedience work? How about therapy work?

Dawn:  Krunch was certified by Therapy Dogs International as a Therapy dog.  His younger sister Esme is a Service dog in Ohio and Vinnie is my Service dog.  Vinnie's brother Cash is not only an AKC Champion, but is a herding dog as well.  Four other siblings live in homes with small children.

Me: What are you most proud of with your own dogs?

Dawn:  The temperaments.  Some of my best memories of showing are the times when people ask if they can pat my dog and I can comfortably say yes.  I remember one time at the Cape Cod shows when a small child was sitting on the ground eating his hotdog.  Vinnie calmly went over and washed his face in a half hearted attempt to grab some crumbs.  Vinnie is my "dog of a lifetime"; he continues to take my breath away. Watching him "work the crowd" at Westminster was a sight to behold.  He always looked for the camera and seemed to know where his light was best.  He is the quintessential ham.

Me: Who is your favorite German Shepherd dog of all time and why?

Dawn:  That is a hard question to answer.  Kizzy has given me the ride of a lifetime.  I never could have imagined having 6 Champions, competing at Westminster or finishing two of her progeny within one week of each other...those are feelings I will never, ever forget.  She was the beginning, my foundation...and I cannot imagine living without her.   Dallas has always had my heart since the day I met him.  His character was beyond reproach.  Not only was he physically beautiful outside, he was a true gentleman inside.  Together, they gave me the stuff dreams are made of.

Me: What are you most proud of in the breed today?

Dawn:  I have a very limited view here in my little corner of the world.  It appears that the males are looking more masculine; a pet peeve of mine.  People seem to be concentrating on temperament more and more. Without stability, you have a potentially loaded gun.

Me: How would you like to see the breed improved upon?

Dawn:  I would like to see people breed for the TOTAL dog and not just side gait...which is what appears to be the case.  What good is a fluid side gait on a GSD that is physically unappealing? Or worse yet, unstable?

Me:  What's the one thing about the breed that really bugs you?

Dawn:   Unstable temperaments and GSDs that are shaking ringside or tucking their tails in the ring.  I have had SO many people contact me attempting to place their dog who "only bit one time"... In my opinion, breeding a dog with an unstable, unpredictable temperament is unethical.

Me: Who have been some of the most influential people who have mentored or helped you in the breed?

Dawn:  First, it was Debbie Hokanen (sp).  We were taking Krunch#1 to handling class in Attleboro Mass (an hour each way to drive, two nights a week) and working hard to get him ready for the show ring.  We had joined one of the local regional clubs only to be told by "those who knew" that he "was a pet"..."far too large".. "didn’t have good pigment"...etc.  We were feeling very down when we ran into Deb and Sam at the handling class.  I told her of our encounter with "those who knew"...she responded with a resounding, "Do you believe in your dog?  Do you love your dog?  Then go and have fun with your dog and don't listen to anyone else"...Who knows what would have happened had she not offered those words of encouragement? There were many who offered advice and guidance along the way...Dallas's owners, Angela and Colin Howells, Sally Robbins and Billy Rossi, (our very first handler and the one who introduced us to the wonderful world of double handling) to name but a few.  I feel blessed to have had these people in my life.

Me: In your opinion, what needs to be done so we don't see so many German Shepherds in shelters?

Dawn:  As breeders, we need to insure that when we place a puppy, we do so with utmost concern.  Perhaps offering cash incentives for spay/neuter or obedience classes taken.  Sell your puppies on limited Registration.  Insist that the potential puppy buyer have a Puppy Kindergarten class set up before that pup leaves your hands and follow up with them to see how it is going.  Check to see if the trainer of that class has had experience with GSDs and if they use positive reinforcement methods of training.  Ask what their plans are for a puppy if they have to work and do not sell pups to people who work full time and who cannot afford either a dog walker or to send your puppy to doggy day care.  Puppies left alone are puppies that get into trouble.  Let your puppy buyer know by contractual obligation that you have the right of first refusal for the life of the dog; offer them back their purchase price if necessary...whatever it takes to get your dog back. Make it a habit to contact your puppy people at least once a year to see how they are doing.  Let them know you are in that dog’s life FOR its lifetime.  You breed it...you own it...until it dies.  You are the reason that puppy is here; it was by your choice.  Not your bitches, nor the dogs.  If you cannot take a puppy or dog back that you bred, assist the owner in re-homing the dog; up to and including the paying of boarding for him/her.   Educate people about (dare I say it) pet overpopulation.  If you can stop just one person from breeding the neighbors GSD Spike to their little Juliette, you may be eliminating a lifetime of misery for a puppy who did not ask to be brought into the world. Breeding should be left up to those who have ethics, can afford the financial cost and are breeding to improve the breed...not to get those few extra bucks for a new bauble or to entertain the children with "the miracle of birth."  I recently had someone ask me about breeding.  After reading my diatribe about the potential horrors of a whelping gone wrong and the resulting $3,500 vet bill, I got a quick reply..."you scared me straight"...I could not have been more pleased.  Most people do not consider the cost of an emergency c section at 2 am on a Sunday morning for their beloved family pet or the possibility of losing her in the process.  Try explaining THAT to the kids.

Me: What's your hope for the future in the breed?

Dawn:  I hope that ethical breeders continue to breed sound, stable, BEAUTIFUL German Shepherds who can be ambassadors for the breed in ANY situation.   Dogs with brains as well as brawn...dogs that are built to do the job they were bred for; either herding sheep or taking down a felon.  The German Shepherd is a dog that can do it all when bred correctly and properly socialized and trained.

Me: Is there anything that you haven't achieved in the breed that you still want to do?

Dawn:  Sure....win Westminster! lol...All kidding aside, I have achieved SO much more than I could have ever hoped for.  I followed my heart; it didn't lead me astray. I am truly blessed.

Me: What are three things that people don't know about you, but would be surprised if they did?

Dawn:  Probably that I am legally disabled for one...I have fibromyalgia syndrome and suffer from chronic migraines.  I have 6 kids and 8 grandchildren. I bear a striking resemblance to Shamu...or Quasimodo.

In 2008, Dawn was awarded the much deserved Presidents Award by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.  Whether she’s showing one of her beloved dogs or helping a forgotten or abused German Shepherd find its forever home, this is a woman whose heart is truly in the right place! The breed is better for having her in it!

Thank you Dawn for giving me permission to do this interview and to use your pictures for this article.

My rating:  Last Hope, Safe Haven:  (4), German Shepherd Dog rescues:  (4)

IT'S A LITTLE BIT ME, IT'S A LITTLE BIT YOU

I watched an excellent program about dogs on the “Animal Planet” channel the end of last week. Perhaps you saw it as well. I was glued to the program because it almost socked me in the eye, almost like a wake up call if you will. It was talking about how dogs became…..well dogs. There are some different theories about it, but most conclude that they originated from the wolf. So this was nothing new to me. I’ve heard that one many times. But what made me sit up and take notice was when the commentator said that the dog is man made. I really never looked at it that way before. It’s almost like it’s not really a true species of an animal. It was created from another animal that existed on this planet for many years….the wolf.

The wolf comes from part of a group that is known as the canidae which include wolves, jackals, coyotes, dingoes, and foxes. It is thought that today’s domesticated dog is probably a mutated form of the Middle Eastern or East Asian wolf. There is archaeological evidence which points to a time-period some 12,000 to 15,000 years ago when man started creating permanent settlements. Some feel that the modern dog may have first surfaced in Northern Israel.

I love this little story about Archaeologists discovering remains of a burial site at a Natufian village called Ain Mallaha. It is here that the remains of an old man and a young pup were found buried together. The man’s left hand was cradling the puppy. They estimate that the puppy was three to four months old and was probably killed to give the man company and companionship on his journey to the afterlife. What makes this an important find is that it is the earliest chronological evidence pointing to the domestication of a dog. It would seem to suggest that humans had started accepting dogs not just as pariahs and vermin, but as companions and trusted pets,

We as breeders have made the dog what it is today with all the good that that entails as well as the bad. Man decides if he wants the dog to have a short body, a long tail, short legs, pushed in snout or a square head. Through the years man has used different breeds of dogs to create new breeds of dogs. When you think about it, it isn’t too different from what some people are doing today when they create the “designer” breeds. A lot of us complain about it, but it’s no different than what man has been doing for centuries. He’s always looking to improve on what he already has and in order to do that, he had to many times cross breed the different breeds of dogs to create a new breed.

What I found interesting in this program was how they showed that they raised wolves and their puppies and socialized them with man. The wolves were very affectionate with the people and even trainable. But what was fascinating and what really set the dog apart from the wolf was the dog’s need of man. The wolf had no need of man. They are independent from him, whereas, the dog is dependent on him.

The experiment that they did to show this point was to show how the dog if given instruction and training to find a piece of food will do so by the human showing him where to get it. Example: One person held the dog on a leash. The other person walked to the other side of the room and put two plates of food on the floor. This person gave the dog hand signals letting him know that he wanted him to get the food from the plate that he instructs him to retrieve it from, even though the other plate also has food. The dog watched and when let loose, he went to the plate that the instructor pointed to. They did the same experiment with the wolf. The wolf never went to the plate that the human pointed out. He always went for the other plate. This illustrates that the dog was meant to be a companion to man and truly lives for us and looks to us for leadership.

You can not domesticate a wolf. You can train him, but not domesticate him. From the time he is a little baby, he would need almost 24 hour supervision with the man and then this would have to continue when breeding this same pup when he got older. The same thing would have to be done with his puppies. They would be born wild and need hand rearing all over again. Wolves have a fear of man and man also fears the wolf. Even when trained they can be unpredictable, fierce and immensely powerful.

In many countries it is illegal to own a wolf or wolf hybrid. Some places you can own a Utonagan which is a cross between German Shepherds, Huskies, Eskimo Dogs and Malamutes and sometimes a few others. They are magnificently beautiful and look wolf-like, fortunately they do not act like wolves although they have been difficult to handle.

It is sad to note, that many countries that formerly had wolf populations, including Great Britain, Mexico, and Japan, now have none, and in other countries, such as the United States, wolves occupy only a fraction of their former territory.

What made me really pay attention to this program is when a few different times it said how we breeders are the ones who are responsible for all the health problems and faults within the dog’s population. It doesn’t come from any place else, but from you and me. It’s all in the breeders hands. We created these animals and sometimes their health suffers for it. I mean I never really looked at it that way before. I kept saying to myself all these years, where the heck are all these health problems coming from in our breed? The answer is you and me! We talk about health problems all the time. Watch out for that bloodline. Don’t use that dog. This dog produces that problem, and so on. But I truly never looked at it from this viewpoint before. That dog doesn’t produce the problem. We breeders produce the problems. The dog is sick or carries the potential for making his offspring sick because we weren’t conscientious enough to breed away from some of those problems. Some of us were too concerned about the pigment, the side gait, the front, etc. etc. We got lost somehow along the way and forgot that all the prettiest, all the extreme side gait in the world, mean absolutely nothing if that gorgeous dog is only on this earth for three years before he drops dead.

Some people should not be breeders. To be a breeder carries with it a BIG responsibility. If we want to be the creators, then we need to also be the guardian of the health of our dogs and the dogs through the next generations. There is no such thing as a good breeder who only produces the winners who only lives a few short years. There are some very unhealthy bloodlines out in the genetic pool made so by unhealthy breeding habits. If your dog has health problems don’t just look at his pedigree. Look at his breeders and those breeders before them. They made the line unhealthy and so now it’s up to today’s breeders to get rid of the cesspool of genetic time bombs. When breeding, we should not only be breeding for the beauty and movement that the German Shepherd dog is known for, but more importantly the longevity of this breed to ensure future generations of strong healthy animals! So truly, it’s a little bit me, it’s a little bit you. The future health of the German Shepherd dog lies in our hands!

My rating: breeding away from health problems: (4), just breeding for structure and motion: (1)