Thursday, March 30, 2006

Sponsor a Paw!

This will be Riley's second year (my third!) walking to raise money for the MSWALK. We will be walking on beautiful DeVeroux Beach in Marblehead, MA Saturday morning. Each of his paws will be walking 6 miles! Won't you sponsor a paw? As the date is coming up quickly, Riley has given me permission to accept sponsorships via e-mail at my address: alegna75@comcast.net. Just let me know how much you would like to sponsor us for, I will pay in advance, and then I will track you down later!
If you miss this chance to sponsor this working dog, don't worry! Riley will be walking to raise money for premie babies at WalkAmerica Boston: March of Dimes this summer. That is our big annual charity so please don't forget to support us!

Sunday, March 26, 2006

A few photos to share


I really love this picture. It shows beautifully the Berner's quintessential style. These two Berners are of the same family, one is receiving aqua-therapy by their human and the other is clearly offering a helping paw.



Here are two photographs of Riley and his lil buddy, Ming-a-ling. Riley is engrossed in devouring his marrow bone. Meanwhile, Ming finds this as an opportunity to tackle him with a hug and lots of kisses.

Our First Child

Frequently when Jeffrey and I are in social situations, we start to talk about our furkids. Other people talk about their kids, we talk about our furkids. Sometimes I feel kinda silly, not wanting to compare animals and humans in the same conversation, but it certainly does compare when it comes to Riley. The kitties are also our family members, but none of them require the constant attention, care, and most of all, emotional suppot from us. I frequently tell people that Riley is our first child.

And now that Riley is less than one month away from his 3rd birthday, I am beginning to mourn the loss of his puppyhood. Really, Riley has grown out of puppyhood a good year ago. (He certainly took adolescence head on with a vengeance). Thank God that only lasted a few weeks. But when he hits that 3 year mark, he is offically a full grown adult Berner. I have been checking the pads of his paws over the past three years. He came to us with baby pink pads and little by little as the time went by, the pink was pushed out, replaced by jet black. And now, not a speck of pink left. Not even a smidgeon.

3 years a young dog
3 years a good dog
3 years an old dog
3 years a gift from God

I believe that is how the Berner saying goes. Our Bernerbuddies do not have much time here with us. Someone once said that they are really just here on loan from God (or whomever you believe in...maybe from Buddha? hee hee) and that is why their time here is so short. I am afraid when he will start to slow down. I am afraid he will get sick. So many of our Berners do. And I am sad that one day Riley will not be able to hike great mountains with us anymore. And one day Riley will not even be able to climb those stairs. And we will only just love him more, and hold onto him tighter, and he will break our hearts.

I worry about him. How was his day? Was he lonely? Was he sad? Did something scare him? Did he think about where he might like to go today? Did he think about what his next meal would be? Does he love the paint color on the wall? (no, I don't actually think about whether he cares about that) His happiness is important to us. Isn't that how you would feel about a child?

Saturday, March 25, 2006

My Girlfriend's Birthday

Riley's favorite gal pal celebrated her 3rd birthday party at Beaverbrook park today. We set off earlier in the afternon for the pet store to buy some special goodies for her birthday present. Riley chose a bright pink floating ball for her when the weather gets warmer and she gets to have her doggy pool in her backyard. We also added a great selection of yummy doggy treats. Did you know that Old Mother Hubbard makes a new biscuit called, "Please Kiss Me" !! We just couldn't resist buying those for his best girlfriend!
When we arrived at the park, Riley spotted Agave from atop the hill. She was wearing pretty pink bows on her collar and smiling from ear to ear. Riley gave his special birthday wishes to Agave and then beelined straight to the picnic table that was pilled high with treats, for both doggies and their humans. Along with the goodies was a big huge trash bag filled with tennis balls! (compliments of the Waverly Oaks Tennis Club where Dory teaches). Every dog got their own ball and as many treats as their humans would allow. Some dogs were a bit more assertive and took matters into their own paws, jumping right up onto the table to get a better look at the snacking options. So many breeds showed up to share in Agave's celebration: Goldens, Goldendoodles, Portugese Water Dogs, Vizlas, Beagles, Irish Wolfhounds, Australian Shepards, Weimeriners, Pit Terriers, and a bunch of great mixes! One of the best party activities was when it was time for Frosty Paws. Every dog got their own cup of the frozen refreshment. Each dog devoured their treat in their own fashion. Agave, of course, got to have her's and anyone else's she could steal, but Hey! It's her birthday and she can grub if she wants to!
I was very proud of Riley. He partied hard...and still came home clean!

Friday, March 24, 2006

KYMYTHY SCHULTZE SEMINAR ON NATURAL NUTRITION & HOLISTIC CARE

Kymythy Schultze's book, "Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats - The Ultimate Diet" was the first book on natural diet I ever read. I love this little book. In fact, I leave it on my coffee table so that I can browse through it frequently. Time and time again, I see others recommend this book. It is a small, paperback that makes learning about this type of diet so simple and easy to understand. I have not yet attended a seminar of a natural diet "guru" for lack of a better term. I hear about seminars all the time by famous veterinarians such as Dr. Schultz, Dr. Hamilton, or Dr. Jean Dodds. But I always felt the information would be over my head and more involved than I am really interested in. But this author, I think I would really like to attend this seminiar. I enjoy learning more about animal health and nutrition when it is not shoved down my throat, or when it is presented in layman terms and not full of technical jargon.

Don't miss this great seminar featuring Kymythy Schultze Certified Animal Health Instructor and Clinical Nutritionist Author of Ultimate Diet:Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats and The Natural Nutrition no Cook Book
MAY 20-21, 2006 - HARRISBURG, PA

http://www.nose2nose.net/events/ALT-0506.htm

Topics for the 2-day seminar include:

*The food your dog/cat evolved to thrive on
*How commercial pet food is made
*Diet & disease prevention with nutrition
*Homemade and commercial diet nutrition comparison
*Raw vs cooked food
*Vitamins, minerals, & supplements
*Bodywork:Acupressure immune system stimulation, body massage,
stress-reduction
*Flower essences: How to use remedies for emotional and physical disorders.
*Herbs: How to use herbs nutritionally and medicinally. The scientific
validation of herbs
*Holistic animal care: What it is and why to use it. Resources
*Homeopathy: How to use it to help your pet with acute and chronic disorders

OR sign up for only the day that covers the topics you're interested in!
Click here for more details and to register:
http://www.nose2nose.net/events/ALT-0506.htm


--

Another bad drug

This info has been flying around all the dog lists I'm on. This drug allegedly killed someone's dog and many people have similar stories. Kinda like how Rimadyl was when it first came out. My feeling is, everyone, just BE CAREFUL!! Drugs are dangerous!

Previcox, a drug...do NOT use on your dogs

This drug was touted as safer than Rimadyl and all the other NSAIDS.
(Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are medications which, as well as having pain-relieving (analgesic) effects, have the effect of reducing inflammation when used over a period of time)

Monday, March 20, 2006

Making news in Puerto Rico

As a young puppy, Riley was certified as a therapy dog. He passed his Canine Good Citizen test (CGC) on his first try at a BMDCNV Fun Day, much to my amazement. I even had my doubts throughout the therapy dog certification process. He was still skittish of people leaning over him and reaching to pet his head. Nevertheless, Riley worked hard, graduated, and we found a perfect job for him. We found him a job at McLean Hospital's Geriatric Alzheimer and Dementia unit (Belmont, MA). With this population, Riley felt at ease. They rarely lounged quickly at him, nor crowded around him, nor stared intently at him. He could enter the hospital and trot about at his own pace, going up to meet the seated patients for a back rub, lick a hand, or have a close face to face encounter if he chose to.

Riley's been a therapy dog at McLean Hospital for almost two years now. He looks forward to his work, as he recognizes his name tag, bandana, and special short lead we use. I know this because as soon as we arrive in the parking lot, he churtles his excited sound and pulls me through the entrance. He waits patiently at the elevator and once we arrive at our floor, he knows exactly where to go. I am proud that my working dog is working hard.

One of Riley's favorite people at McLean is a nurse named Lesley. He knows her as well as her two labs from the local dog park. When he sees her at McLean, it is just an added treat. Frequently he forgets he is at "work" and does naughty things just as jump up on her when he sees her. Lesley, along with many McLean staff, look forward to the therapy dog visits as much as the patients do. People can forget about the stresses of their day for a few minutes when they talk about the dogs, talk about their own dogs, or simply pet the dogs. Many times, the activities director tells me, "this is just great, so-and-so hasn't said much of anything since she's been here." I am pleased that my Berner boy is able to do that for someone.

Lesley recently went to Puerto Rico with collegues for a conference. There she passed out hundreds of copies of an article she wrote about the pet therapy program at McLean's. Here is the link to the article:

http://www.mclean.harvard.edu/employment/nursing/pet.php

We are very excited when other people are excited about pet therapy. It is a wonderful, yet terribly under-researched and under-rated alternative therapy activity. But one thing I know, as long as Riley enjoys working, we will continue working.

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Four paws less

Riley's on vacation.

Without me and Jeffrey. He's on vacation in New York with his best girl buddy, Agave, and his favorite auntie Dory. Jeffrey and I will be in the Bahamas for the entire week and needed Dory to take Riley. It turned out that Dory had plans to go to NY for the weekend and would not be back until the day after we would both be gone. She enthusiastically volunteered to take Riley with her, as he could keep Agave company while she tended to some family business. In addition, Riley will get to meet a Border Collie and a Pug. Such is the Life of Riley! Needless to say, I was relieved. Riley loves Dory and Agave.

On Thursday, I drove Riley to Beaverbrook to meet up with them so that the dogs could run their YaYa's out before their long car ride. We arrived a few minutes before them. When Riley spotted their car, he began to churtle his special "I'M SO EXCITED I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MYSELF" sound. As we prepared to depart, I transfered Riley's overnight bag with about 12 pounds of raw meat and bones into her car. Riley had watched me pack his entire bag: two towels, two toys, doggie biscuits for both of them, two rec bones to share, and all of his food. He promptly jumped right into her car and laid down in the back seat. As I pulled away, I looked to see if Riley would be watching me from the window, concerned that we had arrived together, but were leaving separately. Nope. He was too busy wrestling with Agave over her squeeky toy.

As I drive home I call Jeffrey. Our voices are drawn out and our tone is heavy.

"I miss him"

"Me too"

I start to panic about arriving home and having no one to hug and cuddle and play with. There will be no stampeed coming down the stairs to greet me. No crazy tail flying around in the air. No sweet, smiling face to say, "hello! I've been waiting for you!" And even though I am thoroughly conscious of the fact that my Riley will not be home, I am still struck by the silence when I arrive home. The house still has 12 paws running around (Well, okay, MeiMei's paws don't do that much running, but whatever) but there is a sad, sad emptiness. Riley is a family member. His presence is always so prominent in our lives. Without him, our house does not quite feel like home.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

VACCINATION NEWSFLASH

How timely this information came to my last post. There is a lot of information here. I have edited the original article to post a more simplified version. To read the complete version, or to print a copy for your vet, goto http://www.doglogic.com/vaccination.htm. You can also find out more information about Dr. Jean Dodds there. But here it all is....take it or leave it!

I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics.

Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every 3 years to appease those who fear loss of income vs. those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well being should not
be a factor in medical decision.

NEW PRINCIPLES OF IMMUNOLOGY
"Dogs and cats immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus vaccine is given after 6 months of age, it produces an immunity which is good for the life of the pet (ie: canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize the antigens of the second vaccine and there is
little or no effect. The titer is not "boosted" nor are more memory cells induced." Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. "There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual administration of MLV vaccines." Puppies receive antibodies
through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should NOT be vaccinated at LESS than 8 weeks.
A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8 weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 mo) will provide lifetime immunity.

CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS
Distemper & Parvo "According to Dr. Schultz, AVMA, 8-15-95, when a vaccinations series given at 2, 3 & 4 months and again at 1 year with a MLV, puppies and kitten program memory cells that survive for life, providing lifelong immunity." Dr. Carmichael at Cornell and Dr. Schultz have studies showing immunity against challenge at 2-10 years for canine distemper & 4 years for parvovirus. Studies for longer duration are pending.
Bordetella Parainfluenza: Commonly called "Kennel cough" Recommended only for those dogs boarded, groomed, taken to dog
shows, or for any reason housed where exposed to a lot of dogs. The intranasal vaccine provides more complete and more rapid onset of immunity with less chance of reaction. Immunity requires 72 hours and does not protect from every cause of kennel cough. Immunity is of short duration (4 to 6 months).

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CATS
Feline vaccine related Fibrosarcoma is a type of terminal cancer related in inflammation caused by rabies & leukemia vaccines. This cancer is thought to affect 1 in 10,000 cats vaccinated. Vaccines with aluminum adjuvant, an ingredient included to stimulate the immune system, have been implicated as a higher risk. We now recommend a non-adjuvanted rabies vaccine for cats . Testing
by Dr. Macy, Colorado State, has shown this vaccine to have the lowest tissue reaction and although there is no guarantee that a
vaccine induced sarcoma will not develop, the risk will be much lower than with other vaccines.
Program injectable 6 mo flea prevention for cats has been shown to be very tissue reactive & therefore has the potential of inducing an injection site fiborsarcoma. If your cats develops a lump at the site of a vaccination, we recommend that it be removed ASAP,
within 3-12 weeks.
Feline Leukemia Virus Vaccine
This virus is the leading viral killer of cats. The individuals most at risk of infection are young outdoor cats, indoor/outdoor cats and
cats exposed to such individuals. Indoor only cats with no exposure to potentially infected cats are unlikely to become infected. All
cats should be tested prior to vaccination. Cats over one year of age are naturally immune to Fel.V whether they are vaccinated or
not, so annual vaccination of adult cats is NOT necessary. The incubation period of Feline leukemia can be over 3 years, so if your
cat is in the incubation state of the disease prior to vaccination, the vaccine will not prevent the disease.
Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine.
Also called feline distemper is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease of kittens. It's extremely hardy and is resistant to extremes in temperature and to most available disinfectants. Although an effective treatment protocol is available, it is expensive to treat because of the serious nature of the disease and the continued presence of virus in the environment, vaccination is highly recommended for all kittens . Cats vaccinated at 6 month or older with either killed or MLV vaccine will produce an immunity good for life. Adult cats do NOT need this vaccine.
Feline Calicivirus/Herpesvirus Vaccine.
Responsible for 80-90% of infectious feline upper respiratory tract diseases. The currently available injectable vaccines will minimize the severity of upper respiratory infections, although none will prevent disease in all situations. Intranasal vaccines are
more effective at preventing the disease entirely. Don't worry about normal sneezing for a couple of days. Because intranasal
vaccines produce an immunity of shorter durations, annual vaccination is recommended.

VACCINES NOT RECOMMENDED
Chlamydia or pneumonitis. The vaccine produces on a short (2 month) duration of immunity and accounts for less than 5% of upper respiratory infections in cats.The risks outweigh the benefits.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
A controversial vaccine. Most kittens that contract FIP become infected during the first 3 months of life. The vaccine is labeled
for use at 16 weeks. All 27 vet schools do not recommend the vaccine.
Bordetella
A new vaccine for feline bordetella has been introduced. Dr. Wolfe of Texas A&M says that bordetella is a normal flora and does not
cause disease in adult cats. Dr. Lappin of Colorado State says that a review of the Colorado State medical records reveals not one case diagnosed in 10 years.

THE VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES; BUSINESS ASPECTS
Most vets recommend annual boosters and most kennel operators require them. For years the pricing structure of vets has misled
clients into thinking that the inherent value of an annual office visit was in the "shots" they failed to emphasize the importance of a physical exam for early detection of treatable diseases. It is my hope that you will continue to require rabies & Kennel cough and
emphasize the importance of a recent vet exam. I also hope you will accept the new protocols and honor these pets as currently
vaccinated.

CONCLUSION
Dogs & cats no longer need to be vaccinated against distemper,parvo, & feline leukemia every year . Once the initial series of
puppy or kitten vaccinations and first annual vaccinations are completed, immunity from MLV vaccines persists for life. It has been
shown that cats over 1 year of age are immune to Feline Leukemia whether they have been vaccinated or not. Imagine the money you will save, not to mention less risks from side effects.

The AAHA and all 27 veterinary schools of North America are our biggest endorsement for these new protocols.
> Dr. Bob Rogers

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Killing us, Not so Softly

If you read my blog regularly, you would know that I spend a lot of time reading about dog/cat health, disease, and nutrition. I also spend a lot of time reading about dogs and cats dying. This is a topic that I have many times wanted to write about but couldn't seem to do it. I know most people think I've gone overboard with this whole pet health thing and I try to keep things in perspective. I've generally tried to keep to the rule not to offer too much advice unless specifically asked. But it is hard not to offer information. I think I own it to my furkids to be an educated consumer and responsible pet-parent. Shouldn't I also inform my friends? I am frequently caught between wanting to offer information or advice to a pet-owner and keeping my mouth shut. Good thing I have this blog and several yahoogroups as an outlet. There are like-minded people out there for me!
When we were kids, dogs and cats rarely died of cancer, or had irritable bowel syndrome, or needed to have their teeth cleaned, or had allergies. They died of old age or were hit by a car. And pets lived way past 12 years of age. Today, you can't have a conversation with another pet owner without hearing about one ailment, or disease, or death of a pet. On my two Berner lists (NaturalBerner and BMDCNV) I read about cancers killing our dogs practically EVERYDAY. What is killing our pets?

Vaccines
"Over the past decade or so, many veterinarians have become increasingly convinced that a number of vaccines are doing more harm than good for our animal companions.  Some remain necessary, even mandated by law, such as rabies.  But not all the annual boosters that have been traditionally given now appear to be necessary and they may be leading to several diseases." (Courtesy of 'New Living' Newspaper, March 2001)
Riley suffers from over-vaccination, also known as vaccinosis. That is not the sole culprit of his health problems, but it has played a big role. God help me if I can protect him from being vaccinated again for the rest of his life. I continue to see the damaging affects of his vaccinations today.

Pet Food
Haven't I talked about this topic enough? If you don't believe me, read Ann Martin's "Food Pet's Die For", published in 1997. It'll be enough. Just in case you don't get around to reading this book, Martin spent seven years investigating the commercial pet food industry and what she uncovered isn't pretty. There are several reasons you really do not want to feed your dog or cat commercial foods.  Perhaps the most compelling moral reason is that there are rendered, euthanized pets in much of this food. These pets have been mixed with other materials, including some condemned for human consumption: "rotten meat from supermarket shelves, restaurant grease..'4-D' (dead, diseased, dying and disabled) animals and roadkill." Don't believe me? Do your own homework. In both the United States and Quebec, this rendering of pets is not illegal. That's not to say that there isn't "better" commercial pet foods out there. But I'd dare to guess that 99% of pet owners feed this garbage.

Breeding
Did you know that a study has found vaccinations to alter DNA? Wow. Damaged genes as well as poor health is passed down generation after generation. No wonder Riley's got the whole deck of cards stacked up against him.

Our environment
"Cancer is a breakdown of the immune system, pure and simple. Our immune systems identify and destroy foreign, mutant and imperfect cells found in the body as its main function. It does so quietly and efficiently from day one and, it only when this system is compromised, that cancers can develop." (Steve M. Dudley). Whatever is causing more and more cancers in people is also causing cancers in our pets. Whether it's the cleaning products we use in our home, the pesticides on our foods, the pesticides in the parks, or the pollution in the air, our pets are getting the same cancers we are.

Well, I've finally gotten some of this off my chest and onto my blog, as I have intended to do for some time now. I hope people will read this and re-evaluate their pets' health. It is not easy to question veterinarians. But if you knew how much money they make off of annual vaccination boosters, promoting pet food, and cleaning your pets' teeth, you may start realizing that they are a business. Their education includes very little animal immunology and nutrition. Their educations are largely funded by the pet food industry! Duh!

My final message:
Strong immune systems promote good health. Not vaccines, not medication, and certainly not kibble!
Okay, I'm done for today.