Re: Berner Address Labels
Hi, You can usually find them on e-bay cheap. Just put Bernese Mountain Dog in the item search scan. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. Bill Cosby - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2003 5:35 PM Subject: Berner Address Labels Hello there all - Does anyone know where I can purchase personalized Berner address labels? I'm sure someone out there is selling 'em! Thanks, Lisa and Sherman, 22 mo Berner boy
Re: Special B-Day 10 yrs...
Linda wrote:Special day for Int'l, Am, Can, Ch Snobear's Gambling Fool Baxter He turns 10 yrs old today, and still running strong... Happy Birthday Mr. B We are SO proud of you!!! You are beautiful in both personality and body. From day one the show off puppy, always such class! You your Mom accomplished so much in the show ring. Enjoy your Lady and your frosty paws!! : ) Long live the King of Best Bet, and our hearts! Thank you Linda, for being the best Mom Baxter could have! Love Hugs from: Jeff, Mary, The SnoBears Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Happy 13th Birthday
Happy Birthday to you Nitro!!! Wow!!! 13 years!!! : ) Mom has been doing the right things! Enjoy your treats! Big hugs, Mary, Jeff The SnoBears Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Cirrus Falcon
OK, What is this all about? My computer has this apoplication BUT it has been there since 1998. So, it seems it was loaded when the computer was made. I don't think this is an application that you should remove from your computer. Can anyone verify this? Thanks, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Cirrus Falcon
It is a hoax. Jdbgmgr.exe file hoax Reported on: April 12, 2002 Last Updated on: March 20, 2003 10:50:15 AM Symantec Security Response encourages you to ignore any messages regarding this hoax. It is harmless and is intended only to cause unwarranted concern. Type: Hoax This hoax, like the SULFNBK.EXE Warning hoax, tries to encourage you to delete a legitimate Windows file from your computer. Jdbgmgr.exe is the file to which the hoax refers, and it is the Microsoft Debugger Registrar for Java. The Jdbgmgr.exe file may be installed when you install Windows. NOTE: Recent versions of this hoax take advantage of the recent outbreak of the [EMAIL PROTECTED] worm. The Jdbgmgr.exe file mentioned in the hoax has a bear icon. The actual [EMAIL PROTECTED] worm file is a .exe file and does not have a bear icon. The Windows Jdbgmgr.exe file has a teddy bear icon in the hoax, as illustrated below: Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Cirrus Falcon
Hi Karen, Go here: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/jdbgmgr.exe.file.hoax.html Restore instructions should be included. Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Cirrus Falcon
NOTE: If you have already deleted the Jdbgmgr.exe file, in most cases, you do not need to re-install it. The following quote is extracted from the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, Virus Hoax: Microsoft Debugger Registrar for Java (Jdbgmgr.exe) Is Not a Virus (Q322993). The Microsoft Debugger Registrar for Java (Jdbgmgr.exe) is only used by Microsoft Visual J++ 1.1 developers. If you follow the e-mail message instructions and delete this file, you do not have to recover it unless you use Microsoft Visual J++ 1.1 to develop Java programs on Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows 98, or Windows 95. If you need to restore this file, follow the instructions in Virus Hoax: Microsoft Debugger Registrar for Java (Jdbgmgr.exe) Is Not a Virus (Q322993). Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: GRACIE IS FOUND!!!
Judy, Thank Goodness Gracie WAS in the way! So glad to hear she is safely home! : ) It is amazing to hear why these guys get home. A couple who owned a male and spayed female BMDs from us came home to find both stolen. The female was found at the SPCA almost immediately, she had been turned in by a person who had found her running down the street wide eyed with fear. She had obviously escaped the thief. The male stayed missing over a week. They put a BIG reward in the paper, posters up etc. Got a call from a woman at a Chinese restaurant that her son had their dog. They rushed down and sure enough, there he was. The lady collected the money then said, My son wanted to keep him but I think he needs to go to the vet, She pointed to his tummy area. They turned him over and she pointed at his umbilical hernia. he had picked up fleas and had scrached it up and had a rash around the area. She said, He has tumor! They saw it and laughed with relief, that is his belly button hernia! She then offered, How much do you want for him? (Holding their reward money!) They declined, and left. So, he was saved by his tumor! You stay hoime now Gracie! Berner hugs, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. Bill Cosby
Re: PPO Needs OFA translations!!!
I need help deciphering the OFA numbers, etc. Hi, You did not sign your post but in answer to your question, yes, you are reading the hip numbers correctly. Elbows do not list a grade, they only get an elbow number if the elbows are both clear. If anyone is interested I wrote a very detailed post to the Berner-L on reading OFA/GDC numbers and it should be in the archieves for the berner-l. Pat?? Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. Bill Cosby
Website needs club/breeder presence.
Hi, I found this site (Puppynet) while browsing the net. It definitely needs the presence of club contacts, and/or ethical breeders for education/referral purposes One of the PPO's states: present Berner owner who purchased their first BMD from a well known breeder who suffered a stroke and is not breeding anymore. They now are searching for a 2nd BMD here. I am considering placing an ad here to educate/refer to regional clubs. take a look: http://www.puppynet.com/cgi-bin/desiretobuypreview.pl Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
re: Website needs club/breeder presence.
Whoops! After clicking here: http://www.puppynet.com/cgi-bin/desiretobuypreview.pl Click on Return to Puppynet Ad info. page. Then select Bernese Mountain Dog from the drop down list and hit review to see the Buyers list and comments. Sorry, Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Mastitis
Bill, We encountered in one of our girls almost the same scenario you have discribed in your dog. It was just one breast, and the vet cultured it to find e-coli. At four weeks of age those puppies already have sharp teeth and we feel that a puppy punctured mom's breast, which in turn left it open to e-coli that can be found in puppy stools. Mom cleans the puppies, and the sore breast and infection can occur. After several days on the antibiotics and warm compresses applied several times a day to the affected breast, a small (not even dime sized) pus pocket ruptured on the affected breast and we cleaned it, and kept it cleaned, and it healed fine. We were able to let the puppies continue to nurse with supervision (there were only 3) and they avoided that breast. This girl had no history of mastitis in her first litter of one puppy and LOTS of milk, and did not get it in the next litter of two puppies after this episode. So, with the puppies already 3-4 weeks old when she got sick we're pretty confident it was due to a puppy bite. Mastitis no matter what the cause comes on quickly and can be deadly if not treated promptly, and throughly. Puppies should not be allowed to nurse the breast. If not treated promptly the whole breast can rupture, and could require amputation. Always check mom's breasts when nursing, feel for any hard lumps, or hot areas. This indicates an infection. If a nursing bitch refuses food, call the vet. Healthy Mom's usually have a ravenous appetite! Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Where Did You Get Your Dog
Thank you Peggy, I'm sure that Bobbie, Kim, Candy, April will all agree with me in that we are very proud to have our girl belong to your family where we KNOW she is getting the best of everything, and all the love her little heart can hold! We are very grateful to you, in return, and value your friendship immensely. : ) Go get'um Sierra!! Berner hugs, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Where did you get your dog?
I would like to thank Jackie Smith for trusting us with CH. Onyx Oh'so Special V. Mt. Tops - Oh'so 1989 - 2002 and Raime Campbell for trusting us with our girl - CH. Blue Mt. Andi Dasso's Swissmis - Andi 1991 - 2002 These were two very different, but equally spectacular, wonderful, loving kids. They are missed by us daily, but in our hearts and memories forever! Berner hugs, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: BERNER-L digest 4296
Hi, I too agree that wearing a collar while unsupervised can be a fatal situation. Dogs like to jump up after things that are above them, even if standing on their hind legs. If the collar loops over something when they are in the air then the collar acts as a hanging noose when they come back down. A friend of mine also had two dogs get collars caught while playing, she got them undone, thank goodness she was home like Terry, but when the dog whose jaw was stuck came loose it snapped it's mouth together and nipped of the end of my friend's little finger! Required the emergency room. Luckily the two four month old puppies were ok. They make break away collars for cats who might get stuck while climbing. I guess if these are not available for dogs, and you really want a collar on while you are away it would be easy enough to make a break away collar by buying a nylon collar, cut it into two, then tape it, or loosely stitch it together to hold, but only hold a light amount of pressure before tearing apart. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Sterling is 9
It has been an honor these past 5 years to care for him, be responsible for his upkeep and vet care. I think as dog owners we all accept these responsibilities willingly. It is easier on the pocketbook though when the dog you accept from someone is already an adult, has had all health certs. done, and a AKC Championship in addition. When you took him into your home and heart did you believe that in addition to him coming at no cost, all his health care, dog food, and upkeep would be paid, for the rest of his life? She's my wonderful little Swiss Miss, no matter her elbows. Her litter back agreement could not be fulfilled as it turned out she had cysts on her ovaries. I was quite naive 7 years ago and would not enter into such a contract now. Again, if the dog was given to you for nothing, in a breed where HD and ED are almost a 40/60 chance I think you came out pretty good. No, she can't have puppies, but a lot of people pay full price for puppies with high hopes of breeding only to find out that the hips, elbows, eyes, teeth, or other things do not pass. If they do pass, and are bred, and if they do get pregnant, a c-section for a litter of 2 dead puppies, or a bitch that dies as a result of the pregnancy can be a real heart breaker. I think I'd be happy that both my dogs are alive at 7 - 9 years of age and I had been given at least a $3000.00 credit (2 x $1500.00 purchase price.) toward their care upkeep. I still think that was pretty generous. As far as Bobbie I , we've never had any sort of partnership. I have used some of her males in the past for breeding. I've never had to sign a stud contract. She let me know up front what the terms were, and nothing ever changed. I've never purchased a puppy from her, she has never purchased one from me. I do co-own a male with Bobbie, he lives here with me. I paid nothing for him. Bobbie has only used him at stud 2 times in 3 years. I gladly pay his upkeep expenses and Jeff I are very grateful to have him to enjoy in our lives, a nd sleeping on our bed nightly. If heaven forbid he came down with cancer and died tomorrow I would not be mad at Bobbie. Where is the sense in that? I would still be grateful for the time I was given with this beautiful guy. Question to all listers: If a breeder gave you a puppy free of charge, and it came up with health issues later on, would you feel that the breeder should be responsible to pay all the health costs? Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners http://snobear.freeyellow.com California, USA
A free lunch.....err puppy!
Hi Sherri, I disagree. If someone offered to give you a house, free of charge and you looked at the house and said, yes! I'll take it!! Then, 4 years down the road after you'd enjoyed the home, part of the roof blew off and caused water damage inside, would you go back to the person who gave you the house and demand they pay for everything? What about a car? Someone gives you a nice car free of charge. A year later the engine blows up, after thousands of miles of carefree driving. Do you expect the gift giver to pay for repairs? So, now we talk about a puppy. You go to a breeder's house. You see a puppy you like, they say, Here, you can have her, free of charge. you say, Oh my goodness! Thank you! You take the puppy home, raise it up, and at age 3 years old the puppy comes up with lets say kidney failure. Do you then call the breeder and ask them to pay for medical costs? Sherri, I think in today's world too many people expect someone else to pay the dues for things they have fully accepted responsibility for. It's all good if you are given something and never have problems and enjoy the gift, but if the gift that you accepted, because Wow!!! I can't believe I don't have to pay for it! is an animal dog, cat, horse, pig, etc. and it comes down with a medical condition that may cost you some then the person who gave you the gift IE: breeder, should now also on top of giving you the animal, pay for it's health costs?? I say, If you don't want the responsibility of the animal, or unforeseen future medical costs, don't take the gift. If you do take the gift and are unhappy paying for vet bills, food, etc. For goodness sake, give it back! Why do people in today's world feel that the world owes them? Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: door bells
Hi Kendra, Here is the address of a website that sells Swiss Bells etc. http://www.shopswiss.com/26.html On other sites, without the straps, these bells run about $4.00 less. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: door bells
Here is another site that sells bells... http://www.alpenschatz.com/bells.htm : ) This one has some really nice things and cute stuffy Berners too! Thank you for sharing the link. : ) Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners California, USA
Re: Sterling is 9
Happy belated birthday to my Sterling, Ch. Duntiblae Foreign Exchange, CD, CGC, TDI Happy Birthday Sterling! You are a beautiful boy and have some beautiful kids. We were talking about dog call names on the list. I have always thought that Sterling's was pretty neat. Sterling's call name comes from the fact that he is from England - British Sterling. : ) His AKC name: Ch. Duntiblae Foreign Exchange is due to how he ended up in America. Bobbie Hefner through her friendship with Diana Cochran agreed to exchange puppies with her. Bobbie sent Diane a puppy, and Diane sent Bobbie Sterling, hence Duntiblae Foreign Exchange. Anyway, I'm glad that Sterling is doing well. I always thought that it was very nice of Bobbie to give you co-ownership of Sterling and allow him to live with you, and to give you your girl Valentine as a gift. What is her full name? Guess I shouldn't be surprised though, I've always known Bobbie to be a very generous person. : ) Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: vacuums
I think hands down the best vacuum for dog hair is the Kirby Generation series. Ha! This brings up another call name. Our girl CH. SnoBear's Maximum Clean Sweep has the call name: Kirby. She swept right through her Championship and the only glitch was she loves to vacuum up any dropped bait! Careful what you name your dogs! : ) Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Too much attention????
Hi Karen, I don't know these friends of yours so it is hard for me to gauge them. But if they are truely concerned for you it may be that they are afraid that something might happen to Stevie and you will be devastated. The problem with that type of thinking is that it seems to me that they are not true animal/dog lovers and don't realize that Stevie IS a child to you. If your human child were sick you would not abandon him/her because you might get hurt if they did not recover fully, and you would not cut down on the attention you gave a sick child because he/she might become spoiled from it! Some people just do not understand the relationship we have with our dogs. To these people they are dispenseable. If things get too costly, time consuming, too tough, or infringe on their personal life they say, Well, I guess we better put him down. Dogs take us warts and all, they give us unconditional love. I believe they deserve that from us, in return. You have NOT done Stevie any injustice, you have NOT ruined him. You have given him the most pure gift you could, your heart and soul and I personally feel he will, and does, give the same back to you. These silly people just do not realize that in a true dog lover's heart there is not the ability to cut off or detach our hearts from these guys. Trying to distance yourself from Stevie in order to not get hurt would not be possible. Maybe right now Stevie is your whole world, but right now without your devotion I believe Stevie would not still be in our world. Your love is healing him, and what they do not see is Stevie, through this whole ordeal has taught you lessons, and started the healing in you too! Don't be mad at them. Just realize through their ignorance they will never know the depth of a love like this. Once Stevie is well you can both work on gaining back some independence . ) For now, keep up your good work! Glad to have you back. : ) Hugs to both of you! Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: BARF and trichinosis
Thanks for the info. Vicky. I don't feed BARF, but am not against it. Growing up I had a Mom who drilled into me that pork MUST be well done or we'd all die of trichinosis! So was just curious about dogs who ate it raw. : ) Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Healthy Teeth and Gums
Vicky wrote: I have found raw beef and pork ribs, and pork neck bones, to be very effective with my dogs. snip I do not wish to spark a BARF debate, only pose a question. Is it safe to feed dogs raw pork?? Only after it has been frozen for at least five days first? Please see below: Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com Trichinellosis (TRICK-a-NELL-o-sis) What is Trichinellosis? Trichinellosis, also called trichinosis (TRICK-a-NO-sis), is caused by eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game products infected with the larvae of a species of worm called Trichinella. Infection occurs worldwide, but is most common in areas where raw or undercooked pork, such as ham or sausage, is eaten. What are the symptoms of a trichinellosis infection? Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, and abdominal discomfort are the first symptoms of trichinellosis. Headaches, fevers, chills, cough, eye swelling, aching joints and muscle pains, itchy skin, diarrhea, or constipation follow the first symptoms. If the infection is heavy, patients may experience difficulty coordinating movements, and have heart and breathing problems. In severe cases, death can occur. For mild to moderate infections, most symptoms subside within a few months. Fatigue, weakness, and diarrhea may last for months. How soon after infection will symptoms appear? Abdominal symptoms can occur 1-2 days after infection. Further symptoms usually start 2-8 weeks after eating contaminated meat. Symptoms may range from very mild to severe and relate to the number of infectious worms consumed in meat. Often, mild cases of trichinellosis are never specifically diagnosed and are assumed to be the flu or other common illnesses. How does infection occur in humans and animals? When a human or animal eats meat that contains infective Trichinella cysts, the acid in the stomach dissolves the hard covering of the cyst and releases the worms. The worms pass into the small intestine and, in 1-2 days, become mature. After mating, adult females lay eggs. Eggs develop into immature worms, travel through the arteries, and are transported to muscles. Within the muscles, the worms curl into a ball and encyst (become enclosed in a capsule). Infection occurs when these encysted worms are consumed in meat. Am I at risk for trichinellosis? If you eat raw or undercooked meats, particularly pork, bear, wild feline (such as a cougar), fox, dog, wolf, horse, seal, or walrus, you are at risk for trichinellosis. Can I spread trichinellosis to others? No. Infection can only occur by eating raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella worms. What should I do if I think I have trichinellosis? See your health care provider who can order tests and treat symptoms of trichinellosis infection. If you have eaten raw or undercooked meat, you should tell your health care provider. How is trichinellosis infection diagnosed? A blood test or muscle biopsy can show if you have trichinellosis. How is trichinellosis infection treated? Several safe and effective prescription drugs are available to treat trichinellosis. Treatment should begin as soon as possible and the decision to treat is based upon symptoms, exposure to raw or undercooked meat, and laboratory test results. Is trichinellosis common in the United States? Infection was once very common; however, infection is now relatively rare. From 1991-1996, an annual average of 38 cases per year were reported. The number of cases has decreased because of legislation prohibiting the feeding of raw meat garbage to hogs, commercial and home freezing of pork, and the public awareness of the danger of eating raw or undercooked pork products. Cases are less commonly associated with pork products and more often associated with eating raw or undercooked wild game meats. How can I prevent trichinellosis? Cook meat products until the juices run clear or to an internal temperature of 170 degrees F., Freeze pork less than 6 inches thick for 20 days at 5 o F to kill any worms. Cook wild game meat thoroughly. Freezing wild game meats, unlike freezing pork products, even for long periods of time, may not effectively kill all worms, Cook all meat fed to pigs or other wild animals, Do not allow hogs to eat uncooked carcasses of other animals, including rats, which may be infected with trichinellosis. Clean meat grinders thoroughly if you prepare your own ground meats. Curing (salting), drying, smoking, or microwaving meat does not consistently kill infective worms. For more information: Centers for Disease Control. Trichinosis Surveillance, United States, 1987-1990, MMWR 1991;40:(SS-3)35-42. Moorhead A, Grunenwald PE, Dietz VJ, Schantz PM. Trichinellosis in the United States, 1991-1996: Declining but not gone. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1999; 60:66-69.
Re: Hugo and His Stroke, is there a chance?
Hi, Our Andi was active as could be, ran so fast up 4 steps and across the deck that she'd come sliding into the house out of control. She was over ten years old. Just overnight she became like a person who had spun in circles and then tried to walk. She wobble then crash. He head had a slight tilt. We went to the vet, ran tests, etc. We were told she had suffered a stroke and would not get better, probably soon would have another and worsen. After some time we decided she was losing her dignity unable to hold her urine, wetting herself. We made the awful decision to let her go. She was 10 years, eight months old. Several months later I was talking to an ole timer vet and described Andi's stoke and how we'd had to put her down. He said, Honey, I hate to tell you this but strokes are not that common in dogs. What you've described sounds like Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome and it can be successfully treated. I was heartbroken. I researched the disease and thought it was important to get out the word so that Andi's possible premature death would not be in vain. I sent the info. to Elizabeth Pearson it was published in the Alpenhorn. As then, I hope now this info. could help Hugo, and other Bernese who may be incorrectly diagnosed and given a premature death sentence. I would have spent any amount of money to save my girl, but I did not know about this ailment in time. I will look up the info. and post the address to the list. It may not be of help in this case, but if it saves one Bernese it is worth sharing to me, in rememberance of: CH. Blue Mt. Andi Dasso's Swissmiss - Our Andi girl. In our hearts forever. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome
Here are a couple sights on Old Dog or Canine Vestibular syndrome. (Young dogs can get it too.) Everyone should read them as many vets do not reccognize the symptoms as this disease. I'm still searching for one other sight I had. http://ilil.essortment.com/dogearproblems_rmib.htm http://www.peoriahs.org/vestibular.html Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Food for thought
Lisa, My puppy owners are free to tell me what they think works, and offer up a diet different from the one I reccomend, I'm not unreasonable. I do not however believe a diet of imported pepperoni and white cake are good for a puppy, (yes, actual diet I was informed my puppy was eating.) Oh, he also would eat white castle hamburgers, but only if they take him to white castle to eat them there. Nor do I believe that cat food is the food of choice for a growing puppy. No, they won't die, the dog I mentioned will be ten years old in June, but he was 128 lbs. on a frame that should hold 90 - 95 lbs. and recently the vet told them his cause of breathing problems was all the fat constricting his heart. They finally got it! He went on a kibble diet, no more dog candy, and has lost 18 lbs. He now walks over 5 blocks each time without stopping where he had only made 1/2 a block before sitting down and resting before. These Berner kids can be VERY manipulative and convensing. if I can't have the pepperoni I'll just starve myself to death. I have to step in and try to bring a reasonable diet back into the dish. When this boy came for a visit while Mom Dad were in Italy he turned his nose up at hot dogs, etc. Within 3 days he was eating kibble AND enjoying it. Too bad it didn't last. They met us the night before he was being shown and kept him in their motel room. I asked the next morning if he had eaten his dinner. Yes! They replied. We ordered him a large cut prime rib, he loved it! Frail??? As far as eating? Nah, but they can be quite manipulative! Exercize?? You should see our gang running, jumping and chasing down (in play) my son's mixed breed that is built like a Gazelle! Never had one torn or ruptured cruciate. And they leap at full speed over that diving board, and race around the pool. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Help!!puppy warts?
Hi, If the vet has diagnosed viral papillomas then unless the warts are causing problems with swallowing or breathing I'd just wait and see what happens. In my experience the dog can have several of these papillomas that appear overnight, then boom! they are gone completely and as suddenly as they appeared. Here is some info. on them from Vet Info. Certain viruses are able to cause the growth of small round skin tumors that are commonly referred to as warts. Everyone who has every seen a drawing of a fairy tale witch knows what warts look like so when the family dog develops small round skin growths, many people assume these are harmless warts. In reality, there are many types of small round skin growths and it is important for them to be examined as some such growths may not actually be innocuous viral warts. Most growths must be removed and biopsied before they can be identified, though there are some exceptions to this rule. Dogs actually can get warts though not through the same viruses that cause human warts and often these warts have a characteristic appearance which does not require biopsy for identification. In dogs, we do not call these growths warts; we use the more formal term viral papilloma. These are benign skin tumors caused by the canine oral papillomavirus. WHAT DO THESE PAPILLOMAS LOOK LIKE? Viral papillomas are round but often have a rough, almost jagged surface reminiscent of a sea anemone or a cauliflower. They occur usually on the lips and muzzle of a young dog (usually less than 2 years of age). Less commonly, papillomas can occur on the eyelids and even the surface of the eye or between the toes. Usually they occur in groups rather than as solitary growths. HOW IS THIS VIRUS TRANSMITTED? The infection is transmitted via contact with the papillomas on an infected dog. The incubation period is 1-2 months. This virus can only be spread among dogs. It is not contagious to other pets or to humans. ARE VIRAL PAPILLOMAS DANGEROUS? Not really. They should go away on their own as the dog's immune system matures and generates a response against the papillomavirus. There have been two cases published where viral papillomas progressed to malignancy but this is extremely rare and by no means the usual course of the infection. Typically, it takes 1-5 months for papillomas to regress with oral growths tending to regress sooner than ocular growths. Occasionally some papillomas will stay permanently. Sometimes oral papillomas can become infected with bacteria of the mouth. Antibiotics will be needed in such cases to control the pain, swelling, and bad breath. TREATMENT In most cases, treatment is unnecessary; one simply allows the papillomas to go away on their own. Occasionally an unfortunate dog will have a huge number of tumors, so many that consuming food becomes a problem. Tumors can be surgically removed or frozen off cryogenically. Sometimes crushing several growths seems to stimulate the host's immune system to assist in the tumor regression process. In humans, anti-viral doses of interferon have been used to treat severe cases of warts and this treatment is also available for severely infected dogs. Sometimes some of the warts can be removed and made into a vaccine which is felt to stimulate the immune system in removing the tumors, though such vaccines do not seem to be as effective as one might want. Obviously such treatments should be performed by a veterinarian; do not attempt freezing, cutting or crushing of growths on your own. Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Any info on Lora v Hausmatt???
Any info on Lora v Hausmatt??? Rusty, Are you speaking of Lora Vd Hausmatt? SHSB42083 If so, she was born on 07/23/87 I would assume that she is no longer living. Sire: Esko V. Bankenhof Dam:Farah Vd Hausmatt You can put her name into the Bernergarde database and get her info. and pedigree. There is also a bitch named Yutta Lora VD Hausmatt, (don't know if she is in the database or not) I believe she was a daughter of Lora, I believe she is gone too. Karo vd Hausmatt - Matt, is alive and well. I own two of his girls, out of different moms. Both are GDC excellent hips, clear elbows, CERF certified, etc. I have photos of Lora and Matt's sire also if you'd like to view them contact me. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
BMD mix on angels for animals site.
Hi Andrea and all, I found a 5 month old female BMD mix for adoption on the angels for animals site, Info from site: Name: St. Pauli: ID# 02-775 Look at that sweet little face! I am a 5 month old female bernese mountain dog mix who needs some love and affection. I am a little on the shy side so I will be going into the prison obedience program in order to bring me out of my shell so that when you come and meet me I will be all ready to jump right into your arms and your heart! NOTE: - St. Pauli entered the prison program on 12/3. She will return in 6-8 weeks housebroken, crate-trained and will know basic obedience. If you are interested in her we will be taking names and will call you when she comes back for adoption to see her photo: http://www.angelsforanimals.org/picsd3.asp http://www.angelsforanimals.org Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: BMD pups on petfinder?!?!?
Hi All, I did a National search for Bernese Mountain Dogs on Pet Finder. There are 48 BMD, or BMD mixes listed. There are several listed in California, one in Sacramento, several in Arizona, and many, many other states. Some are listed as purebred, some are definite mixes. Some look to be purebred puppies. I see the rescue for Seattle, Washington is listed. Are other regional rescues aware of these dogs? http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: BMD pups on petfinder?!?!?
Sorry, the link I posted will not work. You'll have to click this link, Select - Dog, then type in Bernese Mountain Dog, Leave everything else as is, but make sure it is on national search. http://www.petfinder.org/search.html Bernerly, Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: BMD pups on petfinder?!?!?
?Hi All, Here is the national list. If you go to the petfinder site search it will bring up these dogs with a photo links to the organization that has them. http://www.petfinder.org/search.html I've been asked about certain areas, look below for your state/area. Organization - Dominant -breed - Age - M/F - Name Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue Sanctuary Elverta, CA Golden Retriever/Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M Lincoln Sacramento SPCA Sacramento, CA Bernese Mountain Dog/Australian Shepherd Young M Henry Lyon County Animal Shelter Silver Springs, NV Bernese Mountain Dog Baby M Chinook Merced S.P.C.A. Merced, CA Rottweiler,Bernese Mountain Dog Young M Lucky Wee Bar None Ranch Pet Placement Apple Valley, CA Bernese Mountain Dog Young M RALPHIE Friends for Dewey Las Vegas, NV Bernese Mountain Dog Young M KA 150059 Bear Mountain Dog Rescue Big Bear City, CA Bernese Mountain Dog Young M Kuba Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center Riverside, CA Bernese Mountain Dog,Retriever Adult M Champ Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Greater Seattle Rochester, WA Bernese Mountain Dog,Australian Shepherd Adult M Chance-- In Texas Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Greater Seattle Rochester, WA Bernese Mountain Dog Adult F Sample- female Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Greater Seattle Rochester, WA Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M Sample- male Maricopa County Animal Care Control Pet Adoption Center Phoenix, AZ Bernese Mountain Dog Baby F no name Maricopa County Animal Care Control Pet Adoption Center Phoenix, AZ Bernese Mountain Dog Baby M no name MCACC West Valley Animal Care Center Phoenix, AZ Bernese Mountain Dog Baby M no name MCACC West Valley Animal Care Center Phoenix, AZ Bernese Mountain Dog Baby F no name H.A.L.O. Helping Animals Live On Phoenix, AZ Bernese Mountain Dog,Border Collie Young F Harley Girl MCACC East Valley Animal Care Center Mesa, AZ Bernese Mountain Dog Baby M no name MCACC East Valley Animal Care Center Mesa, AZ Bernese Mountain Dog Baby F no name Dreampower Animal Rescue Colorado Springs, CO Bernese Mountain Dog,Bernese/Pointer Adult M Regis HELP Humane Society Raymore, MO Bernese Mountain Dog,Chow Chow Baby M Grizzley Germantown Animal Shelter Germantown (near Memphis), TN Bernese Mountain Dog Young M no name H.A.N.D. Foundation Lookout Mountain, TN Bernese Mountain Dog,Gordon Setter Adult M Ben H.A.N.D. Foundation Lookout Mountain, TN Saint Bernard St. Bernard,Bernese Mountain Dog Young M Max- ADOPT ED Frolic Farm Sanctuary Alexandria, OH Bernese Mountain Dog,Spaniel Senior M Buster Angels For Animals Canfield, OH Bernese Mountain Dog Baby F St. Pauli ?Canfield, OH Bernese Mountain Dog Baby M SutureCounty Humane Society Fairmont, WV Bernese Mountain Dog,Collie Adult M SPRINGER Jacksonville Animal Care And Control Jacksonville, FL Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M Duncan Rescue North Inc. Jacksonville, FL Bernese Mountain Dog,Retriever Adult M Sinatra S.A.F.E. Society of Florida, INC. Palm Harbor, FL Bernese Mountain Dog Young M DUNCAN FURS Friends United with the Richmond Shelter Richmond, VA Bernese Mountain Dog,Rottweiler Adult M Zeke Capital Animal Care Arlington, VA Bernese Mountain Dog,Collie Adult M Harry Humane Society of Southern MD and York PAYork, PA Bernese Mountain Dog,Border Collie Adult M GROVER Pet Rescue Foundation Glen Allen, VA Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M Longhaired Rotty Prince George County Animal Shelter Prince George, VA Bernese Mountain Dog Young F no name Lehigh County Humane Society Allentown, PA Bernese Mountain Dog Young M Bear West Jersey Animal Shelter Pennsauken, NJ Bernese Mountain Dog,Border Collie Adult F Princess Animal Rescue and Referral Inc. Richboro, PA Border Collie,Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M Stevie Ray. Croydon, PA German Shepherd Dog,Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M Stevie Ray Pet Rescue of Mercer Hamilton, NJ Bernese Mountain Dog,Rottweiler Young M SMOKEY Chowdren for Adoption Butler, NJ Bernese Mountain Dog,Tibetan Mastiff Young M Gunther Animal Emergency Fund Inc. Saugerties, NY Bernese Mountain Dog,German Shepherd Dog Young M Shep PAWS Montclair, NJ Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M Blue 100 Mile House BC SPCA 100 Mile House, BC Bernese Mountain Dog,Golden Retriever Baby F Jenna Coquitlam SPCA Coquitlam, BC Rottweiler,Bernese Mountain Dog Adult M ADOPTED Caruso Georgina Animal Control and Adoption Centre Keswick, ON Bernese Mountain Dog,Rottweiler Young M Toby Ontario SPCA - Region of Peel Branch Brampton, ON Bernese Mountain Dog,Australian Shepherd Adult F Willow Mature Dog Adoptions Ontario, ON Australian Shepherd,Bernese Mountain Dog Adult F Willow Bernerly, Mary * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * MESSAGE EXCEEDED PERMITTED LENGTH * * * * message truncated * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Re: question about swelling
Hi Danielle, First let me say I am not a vet. From my experience one possible explaination for your dog's second lump could be a foreign body, weed, splinter etc. This foreign body causes the dog's body to react by building the abscess around it. If you gave antibiotics and drained the abscess but did not remove the foreign body it may still be in there and may have migrated, and lodged in a new area causing a new abscess to form. Until the foreign material is removed it can keep moving and after antibiotics are stopped, cause a new abscess. I've had fox tails do this in the past with dogs and horses. I'd ask the vet about this possibility and what he feels in the best course of action. You could also pose this queestion to another vet for a second opinion if the first vet suggests going in to look for the foreign body. Right now my son daughter-in-law are going through the same thing with their mixed breed girl. Abscess, antibiotics, healed, new abscess. Since it has come back they are faced with the same problem as you. Best wishes, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Soft treats
Hi Laura, If you have a food dehydrater you could make any variety of jerky treats for your puppy and cut them bite size. Or you could cook liver and cut it up into bite size pieces too. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Regarding the left-over puppy
Help!!! We have 1 beautiful berner pup left a little girl she is a little over 3 months old and we need to sell her. I can not have a puppy left (if this keeps up I might have one from every littler). I need to sell her. Dear Carol, One thing you need to think about if you are going to breed dogs is the fact that as their breeder you are responsible for those puppies all their lives, not just eight weeks. Think of this scenario: You plan a litter carefully, do your health screenings on the parents etc. you have a litter of say 7 puppies. You have wonderful homes for all seven and at eight weeks old they all go home happily. When puppy #1 is 12 months old his owners contact you and say that they are getting a divorce and can no longer keep the puppy. When puppy #2 is 2 years old the owners call and say that their 3 year old child won't stay out of the dog's food dish and he's growling at the child. They want to give him back. When puppy #3 is 9 months old her owners inform you that they are moving across the country and are going to now be living in an apartment that does not allow dogs. When puppy #4 is 5 years old his owners call and tell you that he has become very dog aggressive and pulled his owner down trying to chase a dog, they want to give him up. When puppy number #5 is 14 months old her owner informs you that they just had a new baby and no longer have time for their puppy. When puppy #6 is 8 months old the owners call to tell you that their son is allergic to the puppy and they can not keep her. When puppy #7 is 18 months old his owners call to tell you that he is terribly shy, (no they never did get into those obedience classes and he was socialized only at home) and he bit the water delivery man and they are being sued and losing their home owners insurance. Can you take all these puppies back? Many of them now have issues that need to be addressed. Can you take them back and overcome these issues in order to place them in new homes? You stated that you can't have a puppy left, if this keeps up you might have one from every litter. I think that if you cannot keep a puppy you don't have a home for, until you can find a proper home for the puppy, or if you cannot take back the dogs you bred when they are in need, then you should not breed any litters at all. Being a breeder is a very big responsibility, this is only one aspect of that responsibility. I hope before you breed another litter you will think about these responsibilities, the puppies you breed depend on you to. By the way, all the scenarios that I have mentioned are not fictional. The only one that is fictional is the one where the dog bit the water delivery man. The rest are actual occurances that we have encountered over the past 17 years, and several more. We took back these dogs and either kept, or rehomed them. No matter how carefully you screen families situations can occur. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: newcomer with questions
Welcome to the list Aishling! You will get lots of Berner information here! Have you looked into events and meetings of your local BMD Club? I think it would be a great idea for you to contact them and go to some events/meetings and meet some BMDs in person. It will give you the opportunity to meet several Berners and allow you to talk to their owners. You will also be able to see how your children interact with the dogs. Here is the info. for the club in your area: Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Southern California Southern California http://www.bmdcsc.org/ Breeder Referral Roni Leighty Littlerock, CA (661) 944-3354 [EMAIL PROTECTED] In April the BMDSC will be hosting the National Specialty Dog Show. All the info. is on their website. This is an excellent opportunity for you. Many, many activities, several hundred BMDs and their owners from all over the USA. Check the club's calander for each days events. Best wishes! : ) Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Volunteers at Club Events
Hi Pat, I look forward to it! And maybe I can brave the line to get some of your great dog photos! : ) Have seen some you did of our kids and they were very nice. I especially liked the ones I received of Aces Brandi together. Thank you. Many times with all our responsibilities to our human children and now grandchildren, and Jeff's working out of town, plus our non- dog life activities (we do have those too!) we cannot go to all the events we'd like to but we're going to try our best to be there. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: View from the puppy seat (was Re: Car sick Cooper)
Hi Sherri, Sounds like our car rides. : ) Sometimes if we are going to be at an dog show many hours away from us, but close to a puppy's new family's home and the date coincides with when our puppies are going home we'll take a puppy to his/her new home personally. We have taken puppies to Los Angeles, Portland, OR. etc. Using the method you I described they have all been very happy travelers. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Bernese Mountain Dog Landscaping...
Hi Marilyn, Wow! Never thought of it that way! I guess that is why our crew have been digging such deep holes? To make bigger mountains! Really, they have been very naughty lately. All the rain has made for nice soft, or muddy dirt where they've worn the grass down by the front gate and now as you say, they are building mountains. : ) They also decided that my brick flower beds are get to rototill up. This nice cool, but unrainy weather has made them all feel very good, and mischevious! So full of energy! Actually the whole reason they are in the front yard instead of the pasture and back yard is due to the fact that one of my fences got a little loose in the storms and one girl figured out she can vault up onto the fence bending it enough to launch over. Now they are all following suit. So, today brings fence tightening and a electric wire added to the fence to nip this little habit in the bud. They are just like a bunch of mischevious little kids getting into trouble! Come springtime I have a lot of gardening repairs to do! Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2003 12:43 PM Subject: Bernese Mountain Dog Landscaping... Hi All, Last week we had just a dusting of snow. (We are having a very brown winter so far in Minneapolis - which I am sure many of you on the East coast aren't happy about as you seem to be getting our snow.) Anyhow, as I looked out over the backyard one night, with the street lights glistening off the snow, I was struck by an enormous realization... Our wonderful, four legged, family members aren't digging craters They are trying to create mountains Hugs and belly rubs to all of your landscape architects. Marilynn and Star (Mom, we wouldn't have Mountain in our names if we weren't supposed to have Mountains in our backyards!)
Merry Christmas Happy New Year!
Count Your Berner Blessings Tis The Night Before Christmas, And all through the house, Not a Berner is stirring, To ourselves we say, Wow! Not one Berner opening a present, Not one Berner chewing a bow, Not one swiping Christmas cookies, They are all asleep in a row! All dreaming of bisquits, Squirrels, a pond, Chasing a butterfly, Here and beyond, Yes, we do have those furballs, Mudprints, a chewed child's toy, But we also have the blessings, Of our Berner hugs, kisses, and joy! They are our Christmas angels, So deeply asleep, Our beautiful furry children, Lodged into our hearts so deep. Author: Mary Chapdelaine Seasons Greetings! We wish you all peace, love joy! Bernerly, Mary, Jeff, Kids (Furry Non) Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. Wayne Dyer - Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker
Re: Eukanuba Classic Invitational
Congratulations Sindi Gunner on your BOB wins, and on Gunner's Breed All Breed ranking! Sounds like you were able to hold it together better than you actually thought you were! : ) Happy Holidays! Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: By Jove!
can someone help me with the By Jove web address? Hi, This should work: http://www.byjove.net/xcart/customer/home.php Happy Holidays!!! Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Carob/Chocolate Toxicity
I had a Newf do a raid on my 3+ pounds of fudge I had bagged for gifts one Christmas - when we weren't home, obviously, and, though he was a very thirsty dog and did develop diarrhea, he was just fine. If there was any way chocolate should have killed a dog, he was it. Hi Chris, Actually if the fudge was made with Milk Chocolate it would not have been a fatal dose for a normal sized adult Newf. With Milk Chocolate the toxic level of chocolate is calculated at: 1 oz. per 1 lb. of body weight so A 2 lb. dog could die from 2 oz. of milk chocolate, whereas a 96 lb. dog could die from 6 lbs. of milk chocolate and a 160 lb. dog could die from eating 10 lbs. of milk chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate toxicity is calculated at: 1 oz per 3 lbs. body weight. 3 x's more toxic than milk chocolate. A 3 lb. dog would die from eating 1 oz. A 30 lb. dog would die from 10 oz A 96 lb. dog would die from 32 oz. or 2 lbs. With Baker's Chocolate: Toxicity calculated at: 1 0z per 9 lbs. body weight. 3 x's more toxic than semi-sweet, and 9 x's more toxic than milk chocolate. So a 3 lb. dog who ate only 1/3 of an ounce could die. 2 oz. per 18 lbs. 3 oz. per 27 lbs. 4 oz. per 36 lbs. 5 oz. per 48 lbs. 6 0z. per 54 lbs. 7 oz. per 63 lbs. 8 0z. per 72 lbs. 9 oz. per 81 lbs. 10 oz. per 90 lbs. 11 oz. per 99 lbs. Website: http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/DOGS/chocolatetoxic.htm Here is an article about Daisy a 12 year old Golden who ate a 6 lb. box of chocolates and what she went through in order to survive: http://www.vetheart.com/choc.html IMO Chocolate can be deadly and should be kept away/out of reach of dogs. Giving dogs chocolate in small amounts will only make it more likely that they will seek it out. So, especially during the holidays, be careful, keep chocolate out of reach of your pets. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: berner pup or baby - which should come first???
Hi Kerry, Both Susan Eileen have given you some good advice with several points to think about. I have placed several pups with couples before they had children. I will tell you, it seems like soon after getting the puppy they come up pregnant! Must be like trying trying to have a child then adopting and bingo you're pregnant? If you do get a puppy I'd suggest waiting on getting pregnant until the puppy is at least 6 months old. this would give you until the puppy is 15 months old before the baby arrives, a good amount of time to do heavy socialization with children, babies, other dogs, and obedience training too. You might consider training for therapy work. I'd also reccomend spay or neuter at right on 6 months of age. Find a breeder who puts temperaments as a high priority on her breeding goals. That said, I have not had any problems with puppies coming first, then having a baby. It really gets you ready for the new responsibilities a baby imposes like getting up at night to go potty, house training, puppy/baby proofing the house, etc. You need to also be the type of person who will continue to be able to give the dog the time, training, attention, and love he/she needs after your cute human bundle arrives. Not the type that becomes exsausted easily! Otherwise the dog will get very resentful of the fact that you do not follow that same routine anymore and may start being distructive to show his/her displeasure. Berners will definitely let their voice be heard in many ways if they are use to one amount of attention and then they are offered less. So..it is a BIG decision that you your husband need to decide on, and make together. Example: if your baby turns out to have colic for 12 weeks and you are occupied rocking etc. Will your husband be available to take over some rocking time in order for you to spend time with the dog? If this sounds far fetched I'd forget getting the puppy until the child is older. He will have to want the dog as much as you do, and be willing to help with baby puppy on a regular equal basis or it will not (IMO) work out for any of you. Having both a puppy, and a human baby will be just as much work as having two human babies, one an infant, one a toddler. : ) Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Need help in how to avert endless questions!
Hi Michaela, Maybe you could order some breed baseball cards and say something like, I'm sorry, I'm unable to talk about my dogs right now but would you like one of these cards which will give you information on the breed? Hand them the card and go back to your coffee. You can educate, and have time with your friends. : ) Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Oversocialization????
Hi All, Just had to share this with you. I have two daughter-in-laws. Both have small children. One hates dog hair and dogs bothering her. The other loves the dogs, helps me with puppies, etc. Both were raised in families who just had dogs. their parents were not particularly good dog owners. One daughter-in-law avoids my dogs and my house is not her cup of tea, dog hair on her clothes etc. The other is living here while she my son finish their home. This morning my grandson,who just turned one year old, came to watch me build the morning fire in the fireplace. Mom was in the bathroom doing hair make-up. I saw he was eating something and said, What do you have in your mouth? (Around here it could be a lot of things!) Mom stuck her head out and said, Oh, I gave him one of Honey Bell's dog bisquits. I said, Oh..you have a doggie treat? Mom says, It's okit's lamb rice. : ) : ) : ) I think I may have oversocialized my daughter-in-law to our Life with dogs! Later she kind of timidly asked, There isn't really anything in those that will hurt him is there??? I thought about the phenobarbitol in dog food issue..stray dog and cats in the food issue. I said, Well maybe a dead horse or two, and there's been talk of phenobarbitol in some kibble..but no, I don't think an occasional bisquit will cause harm!~ She said, It says they have lots of vitamins and they have been cooked I'm still chuckling! Believe me, she loves her little boy dearly and is an excellent Mom. He just saw the bisquits and wanted one. He ate it all too! : ) Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Oversocialization????
Anne, Yes, I told my daughter-in-law that I still remember going into the living room closet where the dog kibble was kept and eating the kibble. I also tried those fake chocolate kisses my grandma had for her dog. Yuck! I'd prefer the kibble any day! : ) Living on a farm growing up I also liked to lick the salt blocks and eat the corn, barley, and molasses! It is interesting to note that nowadays kids have died from eating hamburgers with e-coli in them, yet growing up on a farm with cows and a bevy of other critters as kids we walked the pastures barefoot, stepped in and threw cow paddies at each other, chewed on clover from the pastures. We stepped on nails and were cut on barb wire, yet we were as healthy and fit as can be. I never had a tetnus shot till I was fourteen years old and my dad noticed a red line extending up my arm from where I had been biten by a stray cat I tried to hold. We raised butcherd our cattle, ate steaks rare and hamburgers medium rare. I think that in today's world children have been so antibacterialized that their immune systems have never been challenged. Therefore many children are seriously affected by things that in the past, were not a problem, or not a serious one. That said I ponder the effects of all this on our dogs, plus the bombardment of chemicals in the environment, and chemicals applied to them purposely. Food for thought. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Dewclaws
If they were better muscled, they probably wouldn't flop around as much and less prone to get hung up in thick brush. Jim Jim, I'm sorry?? I don't understand? If what were better muscled? Are you still refering to rear dewclaws here? Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Dewclaws
Hello, For the benefit of those wishing to learn about dew claws the reason I asked Jim about the phrase in his post: If they were better muscled, they probably wouldn't flop around as much and less prone to get hung up in thick brush. and if he was still speaking about rear dew claws was because floppy rear dew claws do not have any muscle. Floppy rear dew claws are extra toes that are detached from the bone. They are only attached to the foot by a flap of skin. I have seen them range in size from a little bigger than a sesame seed with a tiny claw, to big dews, or double dews that are larger than the normal toes. Attached dew claws are basically extra toes that are moveable like the other toes. They are sometimes in line with the other toes, sometimes spaced and farther up. These are attached to the bone and are connected to tendons. These, as well as detached dew claws are taken off at birth or within three days of birth because most (not all) breeders feel that they are contrary to the breed standard. Beside the fact that the standard calls for the removal of rear dew claws the detached rear dews (as Jim stated) can easily be hooked on brush etc. and end up ripping that flap of skin, sometimes quite far up the leg. This can be very painful and become a much bigger problem if the wound becomes infected. The front dew claws are usually always attached and functional as thumbs. We leave those on. If we had a puppy with a detached front dew I would remove it. Otherwise I feel it is an unnecessary amputation. Dew claws, front or rear should be removed no later than 3 days of age. It is a simple proceedure within those three days. If a breeder neglects, or chooses to not remove the rear dew claws on a puppy you bring home at eight weeks old I would advise you to wait until the puppy is neutered/spayed and put under anesthesia to have the vet remove them. If an eight week old puppy has attached dew claws, front or rear it will be quite an operation to amputate them. I'd suggest leaving them as they are. JMO, always check with your puppy's/dog's vet and/or breeder. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: BERNER-L digest 4165/It's a boy!!!
Congratulations! Gentle hugs and belly rubs~! Mary, Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: oversocialization??
Lisa, They are not much different than the biter bisquits made for babies I guess! : ) Old habits die hard! Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners N. California, USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Canadian Shows
Hi Jennifer Everyone, Here is a great link to dog show information. If you click on conformation it will explain dog shows, how to get started showing etc. There is a link for dog show superintendants, (including Western Dog Shows, which handles the Canadian shows) AKC, CKC, Obedience, herding etc. It is really a link to bookmark. : ) http://www.dogpatch.org/dogs/shows.cfm#A14 Here is the link to Western Dog Shows if you don't wish to view the others. http://www.westerndogshows.com/ Best wishes, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Canadian Shows
Hi Jennifer and all, Here is the other info. you requested: In Canada you are not required to have two wins of major points in order to gain his/her Championship. Your dog has to win a total of 10 points. The number of dogs/bitches your dog wins over decides the number of points each win earns. In an AKC Championship a major win is a win which gives you three, four, or five points. The points are determined by the number of dogs your dog wins over. In order to gain an AKC Championship on your dog you must have gained 15 points which must include 2 major wins. You can have all majors and count the points to 15, but at a minimum you must have earned at least 2 major wins which would be at least 6 points, the other points can be gathered 1,2,3,4, or 5 at a time to total 15 points. The major wins must be under two different judges. Back to Canadian Shows Championships: How many points do I need to earn a Conformation Championship title? Conformation championship points are awarded at Conformation Shows. Your dog must earn at least 10 points under at least three judges to become a Conformation Champion and must also be individually registered with the CKC or have an Event Registration Number. How do I obtain an Event Registration Number? Every foreign born and owned dog that is entered in a Canadian Kennel Club event must obtain an Event Registration Number (ERN) within 30 days of that event. An Event Registration Number Application must be completed and submitted along with a copy of registration documents from a CKC recognized foreign kennel club and the required fee. Click here to download the Event Registration Number Application http://www.ckc.ca/forms/pdf/150-14-50.pdf or contact the CKC Order Desk at 1.800.250.8040. Click here for Shows Trials Fees. http://www.ckc.ca/member/fees/shows_trials-results.asp How do I enter my dog in an event? You can find a list of events on the CKC website, in the Calendar of Shows and Trials Events. To enter your dog in an event, you must submit an entry form along with the required fees to the Event Secretary. The entry form can be obtained from the Event Secretary, whose name and contact details are found under the event in the Calendar of Shows Trials Events. Click here to go to the Calendar of Shows and Trials Events. http://www.ckc.ca/default-refresh.asp What are the rules to cross the Canadian border with my dog? For information regarding dogs crossing the Canadian border, please contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency at (613) 225 2342 or visit their web site at www.inspection.gc.ca Note: If a dog is under three months of age when crossing the border, proof of age is required. If the dog is over three months of age, a valid rabies vaccination certificate and proof of age is required. Hope this helps you! Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: BERNER-L digest 4153
Hi Jessie, I've heard of several dogs who were on Science diet that developed flaky skin. You might try getting some Linatone or Linatone plus to put on his kibble daily and see if it clears up. It will take a few weeks of supplementation for you to see results. As far as the itching, it could be an allergy. Food, airborne, or something as simple as carpet shampoo or fresheners, etc. Some dogs that get wet a lot, or stay damp can develop a yeast infection on their skin in those areas, or he could possibly have picked up mites. What does your vet think? Sorry I can't be more specific. This could be caused by so many things. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Sad News
Dear Larry Litia, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. It is so hard to see these grand old guys gals passing. I remember seeing Kodiak out in the show ring as a youngster. : ) It was very hard for us to say good bye early this year to our Andi Oh'so, they were 10 years 8 months old, and 12 years 1 month old. No matter how old they live to be, it just seems too soon to let them go. Today still with occasional tears, but also many smiles, we remember those we have lost, and we are very thankful that we were allowed the privilage to have known, and shared our lives and love with such beautiful souls. I know that they are all gazing down on us with love and patiently waiting to be reunited with their families when the time has come. Hugs to you yours, And all the families who have lost their furry friends this year. They are all missed immensely. Bernerly, Mary, Jeff The SnoBears Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners Northern CA. USA http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Busy Thanksgiving
Congratulations to all!! Our Grandson is a daddy. : ) I just got the photo album. (All 46 pictures!!!) Glad the babies are all safe sound. Now I gotta go look at the pictures. : ) Bernerly, Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Understanding HD/ED Ratings
Hi Karen, I will try to help you with this. There are many pedigrees where you will see dog's with ratings from foreign registries. Most of those system's ratings can be found here: http://www.malinut.com/do/hd.shtml GDC had a hip rating as Normal but it was either EN= Excellent Normal, GN=Good Normal, or AN= Acceptable Normal. FCI rates hips as: A1 = our OFA Excellent A2 = our OFA Good B1= our OFA Fair B2= our OFA Borderline C1 = our OFA Mild Dysplasia C2 = our OFA Mild Dysplasia D1= our OFA Moderate Dysplasia D2 = our OFA Moderate Dysplasia E1 = our OFA Severe Dysplasia E2 = our OFA Severe Dysplasia It is my understanding that whatever the lower hip rating is, that is the rating the dog receives. In some foreign pedigrees you will see something simillar to this: A2/C2 - My understanding of that rating would be left hip graded A-2 (our good) right hip graded C/2 (our mild HD) But, I have asked the Berner-L's new Sweedish friend Cecilia to give me a definitive answer on this as Sweeden now goes by FCI ratings. Switzerland gives: HD Frei = HD Free (compares to our Good Excellent.) I = Fair/Borderline/Mild II = Moderate HD III = Severe HD Sometimes you see HD +/- or HD -/+ That means one or the other hip was affected, one was clear. Some pedigrees you see people have just listed HD- or HD Normal left out the actual grade because they are attempting to make the hip ratings more uniform and easy to read, or the only info they have on the foreign dogs is HD - or HD frei. As far as I can see a dog that has a HD D rating with/without a 1 or 2 would be comparable to our rating of Moderate HD. Hope this is of some help, and if anyone who knows these foreign systems better than I spots any mistakes in their ratings vs ours, please correct me. : ) Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: celebrating seniors!
Remembering with laughter tears: CH. Blue Mt. Andi Dasso's Swissmiss 05/02/91 - 01/15/02 CH. Onyx Oh'so Special V. Mt. Tops 12/16/89 - 01/15/02, Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: southern california bernese
Hi Danielle, Do you already know about the local BMD club in your area? The Bernese Mountain Dog Club Of Southern California? Here is their website address: http://www.bmdcsc.org/ I saw on their site they will be hosting a Christmas party. This would be a great way to meet fellow Berner owners and learn about future club activities! Usually well mannered dogs are welcome to attend. Best wishes, : ) Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Female Incontenence--DES in humans
Hey Vilma, Don't make fun of the Mc Donalds coffee lawsuit attorney!: ) He lives in San Francisco. He contacted me for a puppy then later I called him about trouble I was having with my son's school and to my surprise instead of just giving me advice he took care of it for us free of charge! First time anyone had challenged the school district and won! He's actually a nice guy, and a great attorney to have available! Most big name lawyers would have been too busy, or not into such non-headline cases. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Ongoing discussion
Book knowledge, information knowledge can't cover the emotions that it all entails. It takes BOTH learned knowledge and experience, IMHO. Excellent post Sandy. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Grapes Raisins--warning!!
Kathryn wrote: I heard on the radio the other day (pet show) not to give dogs grapes raisins.at least for right now. For some unknown reason, they are toxic to dogs several have died. snip Here is the url to the ASPCA Canine Poison Control Center's Information on Grape Raisin Toxicity: http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/grapes.pdf?docID=189 Bernerly, Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Orthopedic status of breeding stock
Lisa, The current BMDCA Code Of Ethics, section C states, C. Ideally x-ray for evidence of hip dysplasia at age of two years or older, treating mild cases as they would any other fault, and excluding from breeding programs dogs with more severe evidence of hip dysplasia. OFA says it is the lowest of three passing grades but is acceptable to breed. GDC called it acceptable normal and it was the lowest passing grade of three. The Alpenhorn printed an article on the back cover about the comparing different ratings and the instances of them degrading. I do not remember the date, I believe it was between 1997 and 1999??? Does anyone know which issue this was?? I feel if the dog/bitch received a fair rating at 1 year old by GDC it should be checked at two years by either GDC (now gone) or OFA to see if the hips have degraded further. I do know of several dogs who received a AN (Acceptable Normal) rating from GDC at 12 months who were re-x-rayed at three or four years old and were given Good ratings. I'm sure it has swung the opposite direction as well. Bernerly, Mary
Re: Hello, I'm new to the list.
Hi Jennifer, Welcome to the list, and congratulations on the arrival of your new baby Have you asked your breeder about the issues and concerns that you have? I would do that first as you said they picked the perfect puppy for you so they might be best able to answer your questions. I know I tell my puppy owners to call me 24/7 if they have concerns that need addressing. Here is an article you may find interesting/helpful on puppies and calcium supplementation and other supplements etc. : The web address is: http://www.msu.edu/~silvar/hips.htm Calcium Plasma calcium concentration is tightly regulated by the body. This regulation is needed for the many calcium-dependent biologic processes, such as muscle contraction, hormonal release, and blood coagulation. The release of calcium-regulating hormones (parathyroid hormone [PTH], calcitonin [CT], and 1,25- dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25 vitamin D]) is influenced by plasma calcium concentration. These hormones regulate calcium dynamics in the intestine, kidneys, and bone. Calcium excess is routed primarily to bone through the influence of the calciotropic hormones on target organs. Chronic, high intake of calcium in large breeds has been associated with hypercalcemia, concomitant hypophosphatemia, rise in serum alkaline phosphatase, retarded bone maturation, higher percentage of total bone volume, retarded bone remodeling, decrease in osteoclasts, and retarded maturation of cartilage. These changes cause disturbances in endochondral ossification (articular and epiphyseal).(6) When high calcium intake (calcium excess) is coupled with relatively little absorption from bone, severe pathologic changes occur in the young, growing skeleton that is unable to respond by normal remodeling and endochondral ossification. The clinical diseases associated with these changes are osteochondrosis, retained cartilage cones, radius curvus syndrome, and stunted growth.(1,6) Therefore, calcium excess is a major causative or contributing factor in the pathogenesis of skeletal disease in the growing giant-breed dog.(3-6) It is the absolute level of calcium, rather than the calcium/phosphorus ratio, that most influences skeletal disease.(11) Young, giant-breed dogs fed a diet containing 3.3% calcium (dry matter basis) and 0.9% or 3% phosphorus have significantly increased incidence of developmental bone disease. These dogs seem to be unable to protect themselves against the negative effects of chronic excess levels of calcium.(26) Calcium levels for a growth diet should be between 1% and 1.6% (dry matter basis). Often puppies are switched from growth to maintenance diets to avoid calcium excess and skeletal disease. However, because maintenance diets are generally of much lower energy density than growth diets, the puppy must consume more dry matter volume to meet its energy requirement. If the calcium levels (dry matter basis) are similar between the two diets, the puppy will actually consume more calcium on the maintenance diet. This is exemplified in the case of switching a 13-week-old Great Dane puppy from a typical growth diet (4.2 kcal/g and 1.6% calcium on a dry matter basis) to a typical maintenance diet (3.2 kcal/g and 1.4% calcium on a dry matter basis). The puppy would consume approximately 638 g of the growth diet containing 10.2 g calcium. To meet energy needs of 2680 kcal/day, this same puppy would consume approximately 838 g of the maintenance diet containing 11.7 g of calcium. Feeding treats containing calcium or providing calcium supplements further increases daily calcium intake. If the same 13- week-old, 20 kg Great Dane puppy were given two level teaspoons of a typical calcium supplement (calcium carbonate) in addition to the growth diet, it would more than double its daily calcium intake. This level is well beyond that shown to increase the risk for developmental bone disease.(11) Recent investigations produced osteochondrosis in the fetuses of ewes fed high levels of dietary calcium.(24) Because of the rapid growth rate of giant-breed dogs, they become sentinels for nutritionally influenced skeletal disease such as is seen with excesses in dietary calcium. Similar changes may be slower to surface and are not as easily identified in the smaller breeds. Regardless of the risks of high calcium intake, dietary calcium is a highly influential nutrient for skeletal development. I'd ask your breeder and vet before using any supplements. I tell my puppy owners, Just because the pet supply sells it, does NOT mean it is good for your puppy. Best wishes, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Poisonous Plants Flowers and other hazards
Hi Anne, The idea of one leaf killing a child came from a Japanese child dying after ingesting poinsettia plant parts. I guess if he ate the plant he could have gotten ahold of something else too? Cornell still lists poinsettias as poisonous. The Government still lists as poisonous. UC Davis lists toxic effects though not as drastic as the fatal effects. Colorado State says most commercially grown poinsettias are harmless but other poinsettia family members aren't. The site I quoted (last url) says death. I think I'd still rather be safe and keep them out of reach of my grandchildren and doggies. : ) Life is too short already! http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/comlist.html http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~djw/Plantnam.html http://envhort.ucdavis.edu/ce/King/PoisPlant/tox-com.htm http://www.vth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/index.cfm http://www.frostatiers.com/flowers.htm Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Diet-related skeletal and joint diseases in dogs
List Members, I do not think that anyone involved in this thread believes that hip dysplasia is NOT genetic. Of course it is genetic. The point is that there is data that indicates certain hip/bone problems can be caused or ?exacerbated by improper diet and/or exercise. (And that said I do not advocate crating up puppies like veal calves to save or hide joint problems) And furthermore, If a breeder feels the need to blame a puppy owner for causing the puppy's ortho problems maybe the three fingers pointing back at them should indicate that they should have been a closer mentor for their puppy owner?? So now, how would it be responsible to tell puppy owners that, I've done the best I can to assure that this puppy's parents, sibs., etc have been certified free of dysplasia, now we'll just see how it goes, we can't do anything else because it is ALL up to genetics. Why would it be irresponsible for a breeder to do the best they can to breed from HD certified lines/individuals AND inform the puppy owners that there are risks that can be avoided or lessened in raising a large breed puppy? As far as E.A. Corley is concerned, he may sign my OFA certificates and be a highly respected individual but I do not take him as a God. There are other orthpedic surgeons and specialists that have opinions that differ from his. Addtionally, he signs the certs. but the rating is the consensus of three different vets, and then with each additional submission you get three other vets opinions from all over the USA that I don't know from Adam. (But that is another subject.) I think all hopes of growing intellectually stop when you decide to close your mind to further opinion and learning experiences. I don't think anyone would be on this continent if people never got past the world is flat theory. : ) I am going to post portions of two articles and the urls for the complete articles. Yes, these are only two opinions among many, many, but it is additional experience and opinion to digest. I'll post in two e-mails to avoid length limits. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Constitutional Fragility
Lisa, I do not reccomend a diet that cannot be purchased with ease. I do not preach to lock up the puppies with Rancher Ray's veal calves. I do preach to not use supplements in addition to kibble water without discussing it with me first please. I do hope unsupervised play with a puppy of eight weeks old and an adult 100 lb. dog will be avoided. There are a lot of things experienced owners and breeder's think of as just common sense but new owners need to be taught and mentored with. I'll never forget a lady bringing me her Rottweiler bitch and saying, Can you please help her? We've done everything, bought everything we can think of and she won't get better, my husband wants to put her down. The poor girl had bare, thickened skin from behind her ears to her tail, but on that skin was every tonic known to man, in different colors. I took her in, first thing I did was to wash off all the tonics with a very mild hypoallergenic shampoo. I waited about a week and gave her a bath with a very mild flea shampoo and washed the bedding in her kennel run with the same. (She was kenneled to protect my dogs from whatever she may have been carrying.) ALL her hair grew back, skin became supple once again. I placed her in a wonderful new home and she never suffered any other skin problems. She had allergies to fleas. They obviously did not treat the premises, just the dog, their other dogs (yes, unfortunately they had more) just were not as sensitive, the poor things, to the fleas. They decided to bombard her with so many chemicals that she lost her hair completely in that area from the medicines and fleas. I had common sense therefore I was able to help her. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Diet related skeletal and joint diseases in dogs
always changing joint angulation. His muscle tone is a small fraction of that of a puppy which plays with other active dogs all day long. The result is an injury. snip Don't stop here,Click below to finish reading this article: http://www.showdogsupersite.com/hips.html Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Diet related skeletal and joint diseases in dogs
Canine Hip Dysplasia: A Symposium Held at Western Veterinary Conference, February 1995. Skeletal Diseases of the Growing Dog: Nutritional Influences and the Role of Diet Daniel C. Richardson DVM Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons Director, Advanced Research Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, Kansas Skeletal development in the dog results from an interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The genetic component can be influenced when the populations are well controlled, accurate breeding records are kept, and a desire to improve the breed exists. Environmental factors such as housing and activity level are under the owner's influence. Nutrition is one of the single most important factors affecting development of the musculoskeletal system, and energy, protein, and calcium are some of the more critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. When given in excess, they can be detrimental to normal skeletal growth.(1-7) Most pet owners in the United States feed commercially prepared diets, which are balanced and complete. The vast majority of developmental skeletal disorders diagnosed in veterinary practice occur in large and giant breeds and are associated with excess (i.e., inappropriate) intake of a commercial diet and/or supplementation. The most prevalent developmental orthopedic disorders are hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis. CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is the most frequently encountered orthopedic disease in veterinary medicine practice. This extremely common heritable disorder of the growing dog can be influenced by nutrition. The period from 3 to 8 months of age appears to be important in the development of CHD, with the first 6 months generally thought to be the most critical. Early developmental findings of CHD, including joint laxity and coxofemoral anatomic changes, have been documented within 2 weeks of birth. Rapid weight gain in German shepherds during the first 60 days after birth has been associated with CHD at a later age. Frequency and severity of CHD are influenced by weight gain in growing dogs, especially if sired by parents with CHD or with a high incidence of CHD in their offspring. Dogs with weight gains exceeding breed standards have a higher frequency of CHD as well as more severe CHD than dogs with weight gain below the standard curve.(8) In one colony of fast growing Labrador retrievers, the triradiate growth plates of the acetabula fused at 5 months as determined by conventional radiography; normal closure of these growth plates in pups growing at conventional rates has been reported to occur at 6 months. Early fusion in the acetabulum is speculated to result in bone/cartilage disparities in the future and to predispose to dysplastic changes.(9) Limiting food intake in growing Labrador retriever puppies has been associated with less subluxation of the femoral head and fewer signs of hip dysplasia.(10) snip Read more: and view resources http://www.msu.edu/~silvar/hips.htm Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Red Herrings!
Amen Sandie, I was going to answer the Red Herring post but you've done it quite well. I will say that the subject line to posts on a certain topic should not be changed in the middle of the discussion because for those who do not wish to follow it are mislead into opening the post instead of just deleting it. And those who wish to keep up with the thread may miss threads. I have not tried to cram my opinion down anyone's throats, I only politely gave my opinion and offered articles illustrating my opinion. This offered differing opinions for all to digest. That is what I thought the list was about. Leadership to me goes hand in hand with the phrase, Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow, Don't walk behind me, I may not lead, just walk beside me and be my friend. Friends discuss issues, listen to input, and if all else fails, agrees to disagree. In my leaders (and my friends) I want my input, opinions, and thoughts to be considered, as well as those of the others being lead not just looked down upon, picked apart, directed, my words twisted and struck out at. It's all about thought and consideration, fairness and equality. Not, I'll lead, you follow! My way or the highway. Bernerly, and well done with the previous subject, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Hip and Elbow Certifications
OFA Radiographic Evaluation of Pelvic Phenotype With Respect to Canine Hip Dysplasia (***Starred categories indicate those which DO receive OFA certification) (GRADES GIVEN BY OFA) EXCELLENT HIP JOINT CONFORMATION*** superior hip joint conformation as compared with other individuals of the same breed and age. GOOD HIP JOINT CONFORMATION *** well formed hip joint conformation as compared with other individuals of the same breed and age. FAIR HIP JOINT CONFORMATION *** minor irregularities of hip joint conformation as compared with other individuals of the same breed and age. BORDERLINE HIP JOINT CONFORMATION marginal hip joint conformation of indeterminate status with respect to hip dysplasia at this time. MILD HIP DYSPLASIA radiographic evidence of minor dysplastic change of the hip joints. MODERATE HIP DYSPLASIA well defined radiographic evidence of dysplastic changes of the hip joints. SEVERE HIP DYSPLASIA radiographic evidence of marked dysplastic changes of the hip joints. Reading OFA X-Rays: If a dog is said to be OFA Certified it will have a Certification number issued by OFA. It will look like this but not exactly because each breed and each dog has differences. BMD-2731G34F The first three letters denotes the breed, in this case BMD. The next four letters in this example 2731 is the dog's individual number it could be as low as 1 if it is the first dog of that breed to be OFA Certified, or as high as they have given numbers out. Next is the letter G in this example. This denotes the grade they have given the hips. In this example G stands for Good. It could be any of these letters: E = Excellent Hip Joint Conformation G = Good Hip Joint Conformation F = Fair Hip Joint Conformation. These three are the only passing grades. The next two letters in the example denotes the dog's age, in months at time of evaluation. In this case 34 months. It will be 24 up to however old someone wants to submit x-rays. OFA will not issue a Cert. until at least 24 months of age. The letter at the end denotes the sex of the dog, in this case F is female. Obviously it will only be M for Male, or F for female. OFA has recently added another letter at the end after the sex. Now you will see T or a PI T denotes that the dog was not permanantly identified, another words no microchip or tatoo or DNA number. PI stands for Permanantly Identified. Having permanant identification assures that the dog brought in for x-rays is in fact the dog that that the owner identifies it to be on the form not a stand -in. There are (3) passing grades, Excellent, Fair, and Good. These all receive a number and certificate. There are (4) Failing grades - Borderline, Mild, Moderate, Severe Hip Dysplasia. The Borderline grade is usually given with a note from OFA asking you to re-x-ray the dog and re-submit those x-rays in X number of months. This is because (as outlined above) borderline does not receive a certificate and it is because the dog is deemed to have: marginal hip joint conformation of INDETERMINATE status with respect to hip dysplasia at this time. So.the dog is not passed, but failed because the hip conformation is unable to be determined. When the owners resubmit new x-rays they will either be given a Pass or Fail rating. Note: If a dog fails OFA or gets a low passing Grade the owners can resubmit x-rays over over to try and get the dog to pass. The X-rays are graded as compared with other individuals of the same breed and age. However if the x-rays are sent in on a dog at 24 months and the dog is rated Good and the owner resubmits at 36 months and the dog is rated Fair the lower rating will be recorded and listed for the dog. GDC certification numbers are basically the same as OFA numbers. Example: GDC15387H18EN The differences being: GDC = Genetic Disease Control 15387 = Individual GDC dog number H = Hips 18 = Age in months EN = Grade (Excellent Normal) GDC rated dogs with passing scores as: EN = Excellent Normal GN = Good Normal AN = Acceptable Normal GDC also certified dogs from 12 months of age and over. Elbows are rated on a pass or fail basis. OFA elbow numbers look like this: BMD - EL527 BMD= Breed EL = Elbow 527 = Dogs individual number. GDC elbow numbers look like this: GDC15387E18N GDC= Genetic Disease Control 15387= Dog's individual number E= Elbow 18 = Dog's age in months N= Normal To verify OFA and GDC numbers (Hip or Elbow) you can search at: GDC: http://canis.tamu.edu/gdc/search_dog2.asp OFA: http://www.offaorg/ofasrch.html Other countries including Canada have their own HD/ED registries and scoring systems. Maybe Rose can describe the Canadian scoring system and how it relates to OFA GDC??? Bernerly, Mary
Re: re; Innova - HATE IT!
From: Mary-Ann Bowman bad orthopedics are not caused by food -- it is in the genes I am afraid. Mary-Ann and all, I have to totally disagree that bad orthopedics are not/can not be caused by food. While heredity is a major factor you can *cause* orthopedic problems in a sound puppy, from sound parents. In my opinion, hip and elbow problems can be caused by a combination of factors including: heredity, nutrition, and environment. 1. Feeding a high protein/fat diet, one example would be the old Eukanuba puppy which had like 32% protein and 20% fat caused rapid growth (including bones) which can cause many problems including malformation of hip sockets, femur heads etc. 2. Allowing a puppy to jump off decks, run down stairs, and play roughly can cause FCP and other injuries. 3. It goes back to the fact that even if you have 4 generations of hip/elbow certified stock behind a puppy, that puppy could still develop problems if the nutrition and environment of the puppy is not properly controled by the owner. I try very hard to make sure that the owners of our babies are made aware of this, and how to try to avoid caused problems. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
National Reasearch Council's Nutrient Requirements of Dogs (NRC).
I am very interested in the evidence you have to support those conclusion CANINE NUTRITION: A Practical Approach to Feeding Dogs and Puppies THE CONTROVERSY OF CANINE NUTRITION Want to incite a riot among an otherwise amiable group of dog breeders, commercial nutritionists, veterinarians and pet food salespersons within a relatively short amount of time? Begin a conversation about which brand of dog food one should be feeding their puppy or adult dog. Among dog breeders, brand of food is an extremely sensitive topic, mainly because many breeders base their evaluation of dog food on many years of experience and performance among their dogs. In many cases, the best dog food isn't always the most expensive or the most socially acceptable dog food on the market. At the heart of the controversy, many nutritionists and pet food salespersons take the stand that puppies require expensive, specially formulated high protein, calorie-dense diets to maximize skeletal development. However, clinical research on the occurrence of skeletal diseases in growing dogs have veterinarians and canine orthopedic specialists taking the opposite side that high plane nutrition increases risk of skeletal diseases in medium and large breeds predisposed to developmental bone disorders (including hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dessicans, panosteitis, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, etc.). To minimize occurrence of these disorders, they recommend that foods encouraging rapid and maximized growth in puppies be avoided with the premise that a gradual, progressive growth curve obtained through restriction of high-calories and avoidance of rapid weight gain, particularly between the ages of 4-8 months, ensures less stress on developing joints and bones. The following article addresses the nutritional requirements of the dog for the purpose of selecting good-quality dog food. Additionally, common misconceptions regarding feeding and supplementation are discussed in regard to medical findings. DETERMINING NUTRITIONAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS OF THE CANINE Dogs are considered carnivores--meat eaters--however, to acquire complete nutrition, a dog must eat a wide variety of cereals and vegetables as well as meat. Therefore, meat-only diets, particularly those which must be supplemented with excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals are not recommended since they often do not provide the critical balance of nutrients required. To take the guess-work out of canine nutrition, recommendations for the daily nutrient intake for proper growth and maintenance of dogs is outlined by the National Reasearch Council's Nutrient Requirements of Dogs (NRC). The latest NRC publication provides a guideline for the manufacturing of good-quality commercial brand dog foods. However, dog food labels are misleading because although many of them claim to meet or exceed NRC recommendations for nutrients, the quality and thus the digestibility (bioavailability) of these nutrients are often undetermined in these dog foods. Therefore, a more reliable assurance of nutritional quality is given by labels that state that the food has passed American Association of Feed Control Officials' (AAFCO) feeding trials. IS THERE ONE BEST BRAND OF DOG FOOD ? Unfortunately, there is no one superior brand of dog food on the market which will work best for all dogs. This is primarily because nutritional requirements differ from dog to dog based on factors related to breed, genetics, body weight, level of activity, environment, pregnancy or lactation, and age. It is, therefore, important to take these factors into consideration when selecting a commercial dog food that will provide the necessary levels of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. When acquiring a puppy from a breeder, it is recommended that the brand of dog food and feeding guidelines be discussed with the breeder. Unlike dog food salespeople who have a vested interest in selling expensive dog foods, breeders usually recommend dog food based on years of experience with the performance of their own dogs on a particular brand of dog food. If a breeder is pleased with a particular brand of dog food, it is usually because her dogs have exhibited signs of good health and nourishment while on that brand. Such signs include alertness, vigor, good appetite, regular urination and defecation habits, proper weight, glossy haircoat, unblemished skin, and bright eyes and indicate that a dog food is providing the necessary nutritional requirements. Sometimes, however, advice pertaining to dog food may not be available from a breeder. In such cases, pet owners may have to make decisions based on little or no experience. Therefore: WHAT FACTORS ARE IMPORTANT WHEN SELECTING A BRAND OF DOG FOOD? PROTEIN Proteins contain essential amino acids which are the building blocks for growth and repair of the body. The average dog requires a minimum of 22% protein in dry dog food for basic maintenance; higher levels are required in pregnant or
Re: hip and elbow dysplasia
Relationship of Nutrition to Developmental Skeletal Disease in Young Dogs for Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, Volume 4, Number 1, 1997, Published by Veterinary Practice Publishing Company, P.O. Box 4457, Santa Barbara, CA 93140, Phone - 805-965-1028, Fax - 805-965-0722. Relationship of Nutrition to Developmental Skeletal Disease in Young Dogs Daniel C. Richardson1 Phillip W. Toll1 Developmental skeletal disease is common in large and giant-breed puppies. One manifestation, hip dysplasia, affects millions of dogs. Genetics, environment, and nutrition all contribute to developmental skeletal disease. Of the nutritional components, rate of growth, specific nutrients, food amounts consumed, and feeding methods influence skeletal disease. Excess energy and calcium are known risk factors; therefore, the level of these nutrients in the food should be near the Association of American Feed Control Officials minimum requirement. Complete article can be viewed at: http://www.ilovemypet.com/jackart.html Mary, Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: hip and elbow dysplasia
Mary-Ann wrote: Because when breeders hide behind the belief that diet causes hip and elbow dysplasia, it gives them an excuse not to accept responsibility for the problems that many, many berner owners live with each day. Exactly which breeders are you speaking of here in your quote We need to quit whispering about defects, and gossiping about defects, and instead set up a sound program that allows the standard selection procedures to go on so that we breed good dogs and avoid major defects. George Padgett Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: BARC LOC Challenge Raffle....
Sue wrote: This is a great opportunity to remind BMDCA members that if they would like to see changes on the board, that there is an election coming up with several vacancies on the board. snipI have sent my paperwork in to the BMDCA announcing my intention to run for the board. snip Jeff Mary Chapdelaine - SnoBear berners wrote: Change is GOOD! Marjie wrote: What kind of change would you like to see? Mary wrote: First of all a board and officers who are concerned more about the dogs than politics. More about the dogs than personal agendas. More about the dogs, less about egos. I think Sue could help bring about change and I send cheers to her for standing up. : ) Marjie wrote: Yes, there's always room for improvement. I applaud those who, rather than complain, have stepped up to make it a better club. Mary writes: I agree! Thanks for stepping up Sue!!! Thanks also to all of you who have worked hard making a difference for the dogs this year in whatever way you could, officially or just in whatever way you could contribute, it all counts. : ) Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Show times
Hi, If you go to: http://www.infodog.com Click on show information. Then click on show calendar. Choose the show date and click on it. Then choose the individual show and click on it. If it is an MB-F show you should see: Show Information Judging Panel Judge Changes Entry Breakdown Judging Program (html) Judging Program (pdf) Click on Judging Program (pdf) ( it is easier to read, but you do need the adobe acrobat reader.) Scan down to: Index Of Breeds (Example) Entry -Breed -Ring -Time 09 - Pugs 710:30 AM This would show that there are a total of nine Pugs in Ring#7 at 10:30 AM Scan to the breed that you are looking for. Sometimes the entry breakdown is shown. Example: 18 - 6/7/4/0 - 1/0 This would mean: 6 dogs, 7 bitches, 4 dog specials (or Champions) 0 bitch specials, and 1 non-regular, such as veteran dog, for a total entry of 18. The judging program is sometimes not posted/available until a few days to a week before the show. Each day of the show will have it's own information. Hope this helps. : ) The other Superintendents have similar show postings, you should be able to figure it out now. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Dog show schedules
Was anyone able to find ring times for the Arizona show this weekend? Pat, Are you looking for the Kachina KC Shows in Goodyear, AZ?? If so. Saturday - Ring#2 at 9:00 am - 3-3-0-0 Sunday - Ring#1 at 9:10 am - 3-3-0-0 Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: Subject: Re: leash training
SO, this debate about free range berners, combined with my recent experiences ( expenses)has taught me that some berners are probably very happy receiving their exercise on the leash (hello, Zeus), while others seek more freedom of movement. Antoinette, Good for you! All your HARD work has paid off in peace of mind. Even though he seems to be unimpressed with all your efforts you can rest assured that he is safe and sound and can safely run free in his back yard. Also no other dogs can get in to harm him and you'll never have to worry that he could get tangled up on that lead run you had previously. Even with a swivel I've heard of dogs ending up strangled while tied to one of those. So, even if it may seem like you did it all for nothing, you didn't. You have proven in another way that you are a loving and responsible dog owner. : ) Take a bow! Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com
Re: False Pregnancy
I am sure this behavior will change, but was wondering about it being a normal behavior when delivery is near? Dear Pat, Many bitches stop eating about 24 hours before whelping. If she is carrying out this false pregnancy to the end she might be following this behavior. Do keep an eye on her temp. though just in case of other causes such as a uterine or bladder infection. These could lead her to believe she is pregnant due to the location of the pain they cause. One of our girls who had an ear hematoma smelled the blood when it was drained and immediately associated the scent of blood with birthing. She hurried up and checked her crotch to see if a puppy had appeared! : ) I told her, No you don't have puppies coming out your ears. : ) Uterine infections can come on very suddenly, and become life threatening just as fast. Not very common in bitches as young as yours, but neither are false pregnancies. Bernerly, Mary Jeff Mary Chapdelaine SnoBear Berners [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://snobear.freeyellow.com