New Breeds Added to AKC Stud Book

Irish red whiteIf you paid careful attention during the broadcast of the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day, you may have noticed that the American Kennel Club has approved three new breeds, bringing the total number of recognized breeds to 162.

 The three new breeds are the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd. 

 The Irish Red and White is part of the Sporting Group.  This breed looks very similar to the conventional Irish Setter, except for the coloring.  However, the breed is sufficiently different to warrant recognition as a separate breed, rather than a variety of the Irish Setter.  Originally bred in 17th century Ireland as a hunting dog, the Irish Red and White was nearly extinct by 1900, but careful breeding efforts revived the breed by the 1940’s.  These dogs were eventually exported to the United States, where they have now been added to the official ranks of AKC breeds.  For more information, click here

 The Norwegian Buhund started its history as a farm dog companion of the Vikings.  The breed is capable of herding, guarding, and hunting, but is classified as a member of the Herding Group.  This dog is medium-sized and descends from the Spitz family, which also gives us the Chow-Chow, the Husky, and the Akita.  Like other Spitzes, the Buhund carries his beautifully plumed tail curled over his back.  For more information, click here

 The Pyrenean Shepherd is also a member of the Herding Group.  This dog may also be known as Berger des Pyrenees or Pyr. Shep.  Smaller than the Great Pyrenees, the two breeds often work together to help shepherds in their everyday tasks.  The long, lean body of this breed shows off the dog’s natural athleticism.  For more information, click here.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Help Your Dog Fight Cancer

huskyI have been privileged to be chosen as a reviewer for Laurie Kaplan’s book, Help Your Dog Fight Cancer:  What Every Caretaker Should Know About Canine Cancer. Laurie wrote the book after watching her beautiful Siberian Husky, Bullet, die from lymphoma in 2004.

This book had to be tough to write, as it chronicles Bullet’s story through four years of valiant struggle against the disease that kills as many as half of all dogs.  However, the book is an invaluable resource to those of us who never want to give up on our dogs, even when the situation seems hopeless.

Laurie answers such questions as whether or not you should have your dog tested for cancer, and what you should consider when trying to decide whether to treat the cancer or to keep your dog comfortable while the disease takes its course or to put your dog down when there’s nothing else that can be done.

The book reviews medical and surgical interventions, including the side effects you can expect to see.  It also covers diets which may be beneficial, as well as other things you can do to assist your dog including supplements and alternative therapies.

Finally, Laurie explores “Pawspice”, the canine version of the wonderful Hospice program with which many of you are already familiar.

“Plus if you order now”:

Bonus #1:  Especially for readers of this blog, Laurie is offering a discount on the book which you can receive by clicking here.

Bonus #2:  Laurie also founded the Magic Bullet Fund which provides financial assistance to families who cannot afford their dog’s cancer treatment. 10% of proceeds from the book go towards MBF. More information can be found at their Web site.

For those of you who have fought the brave fight with your animals, I hope you will consider buying the book for a friend who is dealing with his or her dog’s cancer.  And if you are in the middle of your dog’s fight, I can’t think of a better resource to help you.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

After I posted this, I received the following e- mail from Laurie:

Bullet did not die from lymphoma – he survived lymphoma. The best prognosis for that disease is 12-18 months, and Bullet survived 4 years and 4 months after the diagnosis. The cancer never came back!

I lost my sweet boy to kidney failure when he was almost 14 years old (very old for a Siberian!)

That was 5 years and a month ago, and I still miss him so…

I apologize for the error, Laurie – thanks for the correction!

Christmas Gifts for Your Dog

Christmas dogJust in time for Black Friday, this poll from Associated Press and Petside.com  shows that, in spite of the bad economy, more of us plan on purchasing holiday gifts for our pet than last year.  43% of respondents said they bought last year, while 52% plan to buy this year.

 One surprising stat that came from the study is that 60% of dog guardians will treat their pets to something special under the tree while only 40% of cat guardians will.  Similarly, and not nearly so surprising, is that over 60% of females plan to buy while only 40% of men plan to do so.

 Do you worry about your dog getting into the decorations?  Although only 14% of those surveyed said their pets had gotten into something in the past, but nearly 60% they do consider their pets when buying decorations.

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

Happy Thanksgiving!

turkey

 

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN’T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED –
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
‘TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES….
HAPPY EATING TO ALL – PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES ‘N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU FROM ALL OF US AT DOGGIES.COM

National Dog Show on TV Thursday

show dogAfter you watch the Macy’s parade, stay tuned to NBC for the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s dog show.  The event was actually held November 12 – 15, with unbenched shows on Thursday and Friday, followed by benched shows over the weekend.  (For the uninitiated, a bench show is one where the dogs stick around throughout the day so attendees, exhibitors, and breeders can stop by to meet them.  An unbenched show is one in which the dogs are allowed to leave the competition when they are done being shown.)

 Over 2,000 dogs from across the country competed at the show, which was hosted by John O’Hurley of Dancing with the Stars fame (who is a dog person) and by Devid Frei, known as the dean of dog show commentators –  you’ll recognize his voice when you hear him.

 Results are already available online, but I don’t want to spoil the show, so I’ll just say this:  the same amazing dog won ALL FOUR shows!  I will post the full results on Friday.

Enjoy your turkey!

Until next time,

Good day,  and good dog!

Another Cutest Pets Contest from Gadzoo

Gadzoo.com, the leading pets classifieds and content provider for nearly 100 newspaper websites nationwide, announces its Cutest Howl-iday Pets Photo Contest, running online now through December 22nd, 2009. Pet parents are invited to win great prizes by uploading photos of their pets making the season brighter. The contest occurs on Gadzoo!’s participating newspaper affiliates’ websites and is open to all pets. To locate the nearest contest in their area, consumers should visit www.gadzoo.com/contest/contesthome.aspx.

Continue reading Another Cutest Pets Contest from Gadzoo