On February 15th, 2006, Ch. Rocky Top's Sundance Kid (more affectionally known as Rufus) took Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club show.
Rufus is a colored bull terrior with a perfectly egg-shaped head. He's the first of his breed to ever take Best In Show in the 130 year history of the Westminster Dog Show. He's very cute. And he's a raw fed dog. Yay for raw-fed dogs!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Raw Seminar
Tuesday night I went to my favorite local pet store for a seminar by Judy Asarkof. She is the manager of the Natural Division of Especially for Pets. http://www.especiallyforpets.com/
She has also been a friend, mentor, and a lifeline to me when it comes to my pets, their illnesses, and their health. The seminar was an introduction to raw diets. I went because I really like to listen to Judy and because I figure there is always something more I could learn from her. If anything, I would be reassured that what I have been doing for the past 2+ years has been correct.
Judy started out by listening to each of our stories about our pets and why we decided to switch our pets to raw diets. The turnout was excellent and it was great to hear that everyone came with different ideas and problems regarding a variety of dogs, cats, and breeds. She gave a nice overview of the different "gurus" of raw feeding out there and explained their differences. I particularly appreciated Judy's ability to explain her personal choices for her animals as well as provide options for people who want to do things differently. Everyone's choices need to match their own comfort level and their lifestyles. I enjoyed listening to everyone's concerns and questions. Many of which were very similar to the ones I had when I first started. Judy has a wonderful way of explaining things in a supportive way, rather than in a dictative way.
Of my four furkids, three are on raw diets and thriving on it. My oldest lil girl, however, being older and more stuck in her ways, has had a difficult time switching. The main reason for my interest in the raw seminar was to learn more about the differences between raw diets for cats and for dogs. I seem to have Riley's diet down but the felines are a little bit more tricky! I learned a few new things. Firstly, cats are *obligate* carnivores. Meaning that they *have* to eat meat to survive. They also need a lot more meat to bone ratio than dogs. The way their ancestors and larger feline cousins eat prey is very different from what a dog or wolf does. Therefore, the ratios of meat, bone, fiber matter, and organs is all different. I learned that what I thought was evidence of picky eating was actually my cat's way of telling me she's had enough organs or bones and she needs more meat.
The more I learn about this more natural way of feeding, the more I learn to read the cues from my pets. They have the instincts that are so innately ingrained in them that help them to survive. As we have domesticated our animals we seem to have lost sight of their natural instincts. With Riley, I have learned to watch his cues. He will frequently request a fast if his body needs it, whether he is feeling a bit under the weather or if his last meal was too big. He refuses certain cuts of meat, organs, and most fruits and veggies. Part of me realizes that he just has some personal preferences. The other part of me which remembers all the hoops I had to jump through when I first started the switch, realizes that my dog knows which foods are not what he needs and which foods he is allergic to. I will watch what parts he picks out to eat first as a cue to what he may be missing/craving and remember to add it in again for the next meal. Although I'd like to think that this is very accurate, we all know that there are just some things our dogs LOVE to eat and will continue to eat until they burst. One of these things (Judy would be happy to hear this) is green tripe. Of all the things Riley will refuse to eat, I consistently believe that this should be one of them based on the horrific smell. But no. This would be Riley's absolute FAV item of all time.
So this morning, keeping some mental notes of what I learned at the raw seminar, I fed my four furkids. Riley got buffalo with an egg and kelp. MeiMei got buffalo meat, ignored the egg. Ming got chicken meat and an egg. And Little Li got her canned PetGuard with a smidgeon of chicken meat. I hope in about a month that Li will be able to tolerate two smidgeons of raw meat in her meal. Let's keep our fingers crossed for her!
She has also been a friend, mentor, and a lifeline to me when it comes to my pets, their illnesses, and their health. The seminar was an introduction to raw diets. I went because I really like to listen to Judy and because I figure there is always something more I could learn from her. If anything, I would be reassured that what I have been doing for the past 2+ years has been correct.
Judy started out by listening to each of our stories about our pets and why we decided to switch our pets to raw diets. The turnout was excellent and it was great to hear that everyone came with different ideas and problems regarding a variety of dogs, cats, and breeds. She gave a nice overview of the different "gurus" of raw feeding out there and explained their differences. I particularly appreciated Judy's ability to explain her personal choices for her animals as well as provide options for people who want to do things differently. Everyone's choices need to match their own comfort level and their lifestyles. I enjoyed listening to everyone's concerns and questions. Many of which were very similar to the ones I had when I first started. Judy has a wonderful way of explaining things in a supportive way, rather than in a dictative way.
Of my four furkids, three are on raw diets and thriving on it. My oldest lil girl, however, being older and more stuck in her ways, has had a difficult time switching. The main reason for my interest in the raw seminar was to learn more about the differences between raw diets for cats and for dogs. I seem to have Riley's diet down but the felines are a little bit more tricky! I learned a few new things. Firstly, cats are *obligate* carnivores. Meaning that they *have* to eat meat to survive. They also need a lot more meat to bone ratio than dogs. The way their ancestors and larger feline cousins eat prey is very different from what a dog or wolf does. Therefore, the ratios of meat, bone, fiber matter, and organs is all different. I learned that what I thought was evidence of picky eating was actually my cat's way of telling me she's had enough organs or bones and she needs more meat.
The more I learn about this more natural way of feeding, the more I learn to read the cues from my pets. They have the instincts that are so innately ingrained in them that help them to survive. As we have domesticated our animals we seem to have lost sight of their natural instincts. With Riley, I have learned to watch his cues. He will frequently request a fast if his body needs it, whether he is feeling a bit under the weather or if his last meal was too big. He refuses certain cuts of meat, organs, and most fruits and veggies. Part of me realizes that he just has some personal preferences. The other part of me which remembers all the hoops I had to jump through when I first started the switch, realizes that my dog knows which foods are not what he needs and which foods he is allergic to. I will watch what parts he picks out to eat first as a cue to what he may be missing/craving and remember to add it in again for the next meal. Although I'd like to think that this is very accurate, we all know that there are just some things our dogs LOVE to eat and will continue to eat until they burst. One of these things (Judy would be happy to hear this) is green tripe. Of all the things Riley will refuse to eat, I consistently believe that this should be one of them based on the horrific smell. But no. This would be Riley's absolute FAV item of all time.
So this morning, keeping some mental notes of what I learned at the raw seminar, I fed my four furkids. Riley got buffalo with an egg and kelp. MeiMei got buffalo meat, ignored the egg. Ming got chicken meat and an egg. And Little Li got her canned PetGuard with a smidgeon of chicken meat. I hope in about a month that Li will be able to tolerate two smidgeons of raw meat in her meal. Let's keep our fingers crossed for her!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Just a Dog
The following was sent to me this morning. Thought I'd share.
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the
distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours
have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel
slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a
dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave
me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably
understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and
patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise
early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks
like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams
of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the
moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
man/woman." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile,
because they "just don't understand."
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the
distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours
have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel
slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a
dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave
me comfort and reason to overcome the day.
If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably
understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a
promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship,
trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and
patience that make me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise
early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks
like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams
of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the
moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog"
but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a
man/woman." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile,
because they "just don't understand."
Monday, February 13, 2006
"We're going for the Big One"
"The big what?" I ask.
My husband responds by pointing in the distance, to the west.
"Over there?"
"Yeah, bring the camera."
About a half hour ago, my husband got dressed up in his snow pants, vest, hat, and gloves and headed out to play in the snow with Riley. The sidewalks have been plowed leaving heaps of snow on the side of the road, alongside the CVS parking lot that is across the street. I opened the front door to watch them run through knee deep snow towards a 10 foot high heap of snow that the snow plows left behind. Probably all the snow from the parking lot is heaped up here. I watch as they climb it together. They then spend another 10 minutes sitting on top of their snow pile, enjoying each other's company. I can't help but to laugh. Then I go back to watching my Netflix DVDs.
A few minutes later I hear them come up the front stairs and that's when Jeffrey announces to me that they are going for the "big one." He is referring to the 20+ feet pile of snow at the opposite end of the Hannafords supermarket.
"Okay," I say, leerily, "have fun, but I'm not coming with the camera. It's too cold."
10 minutes later, I glance out the window and spot them just as they are ascending "the big one." I laugh again aloud. My husband is sitting on a snow pile in the Hannaford supermarket. Gotta love that.
Upon their return I get, "You didn't come take a picture."
"It's freezing out!"
"It was awesome. The moon's out. I was sitting out there on a throne. Tomorrow morning, you're gonna come out there with us and take a picture."
"Okay, Hun."
p.s. I'm sure the picture will look something like that one I took from the Blizzard of 2003. You know, the one of Jeffrey and Riley on top of a big pile of snow.
My husband responds by pointing in the distance, to the west.
"Over there?"
"Yeah, bring the camera."
About a half hour ago, my husband got dressed up in his snow pants, vest, hat, and gloves and headed out to play in the snow with Riley. The sidewalks have been plowed leaving heaps of snow on the side of the road, alongside the CVS parking lot that is across the street. I opened the front door to watch them run through knee deep snow towards a 10 foot high heap of snow that the snow plows left behind. Probably all the snow from the parking lot is heaped up here. I watch as they climb it together. They then spend another 10 minutes sitting on top of their snow pile, enjoying each other's company. I can't help but to laugh. Then I go back to watching my Netflix DVDs.
A few minutes later I hear them come up the front stairs and that's when Jeffrey announces to me that they are going for the "big one." He is referring to the 20+ feet pile of snow at the opposite end of the Hannafords supermarket.
"Okay," I say, leerily, "have fun, but I'm not coming with the camera. It's too cold."
10 minutes later, I glance out the window and spot them just as they are ascending "the big one." I laugh again aloud. My husband is sitting on a snow pile in the Hannaford supermarket. Gotta love that.
Upon their return I get, "You didn't come take a picture."
"It's freezing out!"
"It was awesome. The moon's out. I was sitting out there on a throne. Tomorrow morning, you're gonna come out there with us and take a picture."
"Okay, Hun."
p.s. I'm sure the picture will look something like that one I took from the Blizzard of 2003. You know, the one of Jeffrey and Riley on top of a big pile of snow.
Blizzard of 2006
And so it was officially declared a blizzard. No school today. Beverly reportedly got 18+ inches up there. I'm sure the side roads weren't clear enough for the school buses.
Riley and I took an early walk at Beaverbrook. Although the parking lot was plowed and the paths cleared, the snow had not yet been touched. Riley was the first dog to break the snow! Winter's just not winter without a thick blanket of snow every once in awhile.
I remember three years ago...the first year we moved into our new house. That first December of 2003 we were hit with a mighty blizzard. Jeffrey, Riley, and I went out to play in the piles of snow behind our house. This was Riley's first winter and what a joy it was to watch him play. The snow drifts were more than waist deep and we felt like kids again. I was able to take a few photographs of these moments. I'm so glad I did. They bring back great memories.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
For the love of snow
Blizzard warning today! YipeeeeeKaiYaiAye says Riley.
We've been waiting all day for the winds to die down just a little bit so that Jeffrey can take Riley out for a proper snow romp. For most of today, the wind has produced white-out conditions and snow is flying in 4 different horizontal directions. Jeffrey is thinking about taking Riley to Cat Rock.
http://www.geocities.com/amcwalks/elmerchapt1.html
We were just there yesterday with my GK sister, Jill, her fiance, Jaime, and their dog, Jaxx (the J's cubed). No snow yesterday, but it was a good day for a walk. We really haven't gotten a chance to really explore this area but apparently it's quite large! Cat Rock is 64.4. acres and it is adjacent 80 more acres of conservation land. I have walked with Riley here a few times before (See Down Drabbington Road) but I've always been afraid to explore any further than what I already know. Now that we've done a little more research into the trails, it could be a fun place to hike.
White feet, Don't treat
A recent topic on one of my dog-related Yahoogroups: Ivermectin, and it's potentially fatal effect on herding dogs. The issue being discussed is that some dogs, specifically those dogs with white feet (herding breeds), have had severe and fatal reactions to this drug. Ivermectin is commonly used to treat Demodectic mange in dogs. List members responded on both sides of the argument. Some people stated in big BOLD print that this is a "genetic mutation" in herding breeds such as Collies, Aussies, and Shelties, and that one should get their dog tested before using this drug. Others are saying they have used it long term with no ill effects. One Berner owner posted photos of the ulcers their Berner suffered after taking the drug. The photos were quite graphic and certainly left a permanent red flag in my brain about Ivermectin.
All in all, it was an interesting topic. And I never really thought about the fact that dogs with white feet are herding dogs.....
All in all, it was an interesting topic. And I never really thought about the fact that dogs with white feet are herding dogs.....
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
One thing that owning a fur-baby has taught me is to research and question everything. I think I used to be very naive in the way I sought out information. Someone would say something and I would believe it to be true. Why not? Well, there are very few absolute truths out there. I have learned that a truth for one person is not necessarily a truth for another. Every situation, every person, every family, every *dog* has it's own story. So now, learning more and more about dog health, nutrition, and advocacy has become more challenging, but more fun! There is so much information hanging around on the internet these days. Sometimes it can be hard to sift through it all and come out with any definitive conclusions, but I like feeling like I am learning.
I am on several Yahoogroups that are dog-related: TheTruthAboutVaccines, NaturalBerners, BMDCNV, and RawfedNE. Recently, on one of these groups, someone posted that they saw a baby Berner on Petfinder. Everyone gets all bent out of shape when we see a baby Berner being sold in a pet store or on-line. We (Berner owners) can be quite protective of our breed. The issue was that the seller claims to be a dog rescue who "saved" this baby girl from an auction. They go on to claim that she certainly would have otherwise been shipped off to a puppy mill and bred to produce puppies by the time she reached 7 months of age. Many Berner owners, including myself, initially thought the seller was legitimate. What nice people to rescue a puppy from the hands of puppy brokers and puppy millers. And they are now looking for a forever home for her! Right?
Wrong.
Reliable sources tell us that our Berner Rescue has been onto this woman for awhile now. Our Berner Rescue tried to get this baby girl and this seller actually bid against us. Now why would they try to outbid a Berner Rescue if they are a rescue themselves? Rescue is an expensive task! They are pulling at the heart strings of many many people out there for one simple reason: PROFIT. This is a sad situation. We can only wait and hope that the seller cannot find this puppy a home. Soon she will grow too big, too rambuncious, too expensive to keep around. Hopefully then the seller will relinquish her to our Berner Rescue where her rehabilitation will begin. She will be untrained, unhealthy, and a harder sell to adoptive homes. But this way, maybe the seller will think twice about getting another Berner puppy next time. Less demand, less supply. Unfortunately, this needs to happen at the expensive of that beautiful Berner baby.
Just goes to show you that not everything is always as it seems.
I am on several Yahoogroups that are dog-related: TheTruthAboutVaccines, NaturalBerners, BMDCNV, and RawfedNE. Recently, on one of these groups, someone posted that they saw a baby Berner on Petfinder. Everyone gets all bent out of shape when we see a baby Berner being sold in a pet store or on-line. We (Berner owners) can be quite protective of our breed. The issue was that the seller claims to be a dog rescue who "saved" this baby girl from an auction. They go on to claim that she certainly would have otherwise been shipped off to a puppy mill and bred to produce puppies by the time she reached 7 months of age. Many Berner owners, including myself, initially thought the seller was legitimate. What nice people to rescue a puppy from the hands of puppy brokers and puppy millers. And they are now looking for a forever home for her! Right?
Wrong.
Reliable sources tell us that our Berner Rescue has been onto this woman for awhile now. Our Berner Rescue tried to get this baby girl and this seller actually bid against us. Now why would they try to outbid a Berner Rescue if they are a rescue themselves? Rescue is an expensive task! They are pulling at the heart strings of many many people out there for one simple reason: PROFIT. This is a sad situation. We can only wait and hope that the seller cannot find this puppy a home. Soon she will grow too big, too rambuncious, too expensive to keep around. Hopefully then the seller will relinquish her to our Berner Rescue where her rehabilitation will begin. She will be untrained, unhealthy, and a harder sell to adoptive homes. But this way, maybe the seller will think twice about getting another Berner puppy next time. Less demand, less supply. Unfortunately, this needs to happen at the expensive of that beautiful Berner baby.
Just goes to show you that not everything is always as it seems.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Eeyore needs a home
This cutie was recently given up by his family. I really don't know the whole story, but I can only assume that every possible avenue was explored before this family had to give him up. Apparently, he was not getting along with a dog that already lived in that home. So Eeyore is on Petfinder.
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=5768052
He's soooooo cute. He's about the same size as Riley, only he's a quarter Australian Shepherd. Here is the description on Pet Finder:
Eeyore is a 1.5 year old Bernese Mountain Dog/Australian Shepherd. He was born May 9, 2004. His Mom was 1/2 Bernese Mountain Dog and 1/2 Australian Shepherd and his Dad was a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. Eeyore is approximately 85 pounds and is up to date on shots and neutered. He is a big boy with lots of energy and even more love! He is very sweet and playful. Eeyore is not good with cats but he LOVES people!! Eeyore is good with some dogs as long as they are very active and will allow him to be the dominant one. He has had lots of obedience work and needs lots of exercise to keep him happy :) His favorite past times are snuggling, running, going for walks in the woods, and playing catch. He would make a great new family member as a part of the right family. Please fill out our online adoption application if you think you may be the family that could give Eeyore the forever home he is waiting for!
Maybe you know someone who is active and has time to spend with this young boy?
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=5768052
He's soooooo cute. He's about the same size as Riley, only he's a quarter Australian Shepherd. Here is the description on Pet Finder:
Eeyore is a 1.5 year old Bernese Mountain Dog/Australian Shepherd. He was born May 9, 2004. His Mom was 1/2 Bernese Mountain Dog and 1/2 Australian Shepherd and his Dad was a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. Eeyore is approximately 85 pounds and is up to date on shots and neutered. He is a big boy with lots of energy and even more love! He is very sweet and playful. Eeyore is not good with cats but he LOVES people!! Eeyore is good with some dogs as long as they are very active and will allow him to be the dominant one. He has had lots of obedience work and needs lots of exercise to keep him happy :) His favorite past times are snuggling, running, going for walks in the woods, and playing catch. He would make a great new family member as a part of the right family. Please fill out our online adoption application if you think you may be the family that could give Eeyore the forever home he is waiting for!
Maybe you know someone who is active and has time to spend with this young boy?
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A little time together
These past few weeks I have been training like a maniac for an upcoming Chinese New Year Lion and Dragon Dance performance with my troupe. I have been going to work, then going to my second job, and then driving into Chinatown 3-4 evenings out of the week and practicing on weekends too. Needless to say, time with Riley has shruken down to nil-none. He wakes up with me every morning, keeping me company, watching me. I think he knows I wake up every morning, sore from head to toe. We have a little breakfast together and I usually take him out for a quick bathroom break and then that's it for him for the day. He won't get out again until Jeffrey comes home. No trip to the park. And there's no complaining from him. He is still just so happy to see us...*every* time. Before this intense training began, I still worked until 6pm, way past our early 4pm sunsets. But I would take him to the park to meet up with some people to walk. We would all have lights on our dogs and we could do a quick walk together in the dark. At least he got 10-15 minutes to stretch his legs off leash. Well, these days, we break for the weekends.
So this morning, I have gotten up an hour early. I didn't have to practice last night and I got a good night of rest. I will need to save up energy for two big performances this weekend. So with my extra energy and extra time, I will take Riley to the park for a 15 minutes romp. That's the least I can do for my (hee hee, Riley is nuzzling my arm...he MUST know.....) patient, loving, and loyal friend. Let's go already!!!
So this morning, I have gotten up an hour early. I didn't have to practice last night and I got a good night of rest. I will need to save up energy for two big performances this weekend. So with my extra energy and extra time, I will take Riley to the park for a 15 minutes romp. That's the least I can do for my (hee hee, Riley is nuzzling my arm...he MUST know.....) patient, loving, and loyal friend. Let's go already!!!
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