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: Has anyone ever returned a puppy??
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Re: Osteochondrosis
Hi Anne I can only give you our personal experience with OCD with our girl Ari. When Ari was about 8 mnths she started limping and after X-rays it was determined that she had a joint mouse [what they call the piece of bone that has come loose]...however in Ari's case it had not yet come completely loose. Evidently when it does, the sharp edges can cause pain when they jab into the surrounding tissue. We started Shark Cartilage and the Gloucosomine/Chrondroitin.shortly after that we switched to a BARF diet. Well, X-rays a few months later showed that a protective capsule of sorts had formed around the joint mouse and kept it in place. It never had a chance to migrate. We tried to keep Ari's antics to a minimum during those weeks...good luck! She is a crazy girl, whose play bows in the back yard are so forceful that you can hear them hitshe is a silly girl. Hope some of this info helps Cathi-see our babies at: http://community.webtv.net/bernerlover/LANDSLIDEBERNESE I would appreciate hearing from others who have dealt with this condition...your experiences with the surgery, recovery, success, return to activity, or if you found rest to be a viable solution in lieu of surgery. Thanks in advance for your input... Anne (with Maddie and Titan)
Re..now what?
I too find that this thread is interesting and agree with most of what has been said about breeding and guarantees. When I sell a pup, I try not to make it sound like a good deal in that if the pup turns up dysplastic requiring surgery or euthanasia the pup price will be refunded in full. I go on further and let them know that while it may sound like a great deal, the price of the pup is only approximately 1/2 the price of the surgery. I also explain that I would be happy to take the pup back, but by that time the family is usually too attached to let them go, but I let them know it is an option should they choose it. I do have a comment on clearances though..one that can tend to get different opinions. What about Grade 1 elbows? I think that this clearance rating is VERY subjective, unlike hip clearances. Too many vets have way too many opinions on Grade 1's and I am not so sure I would throw the baby out with the bath water here. I refer you to the article listed at the BMD Health Links page (compiled by our wonderful Robin Camken) There is an article there titled, ELBOW DYSPLASIA: CLINICAL SIGNS VERSUS RADIOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE by Dean R. Gahring, D.V.M., Diplomate. I have copied the last few sentences of this article: Grading elbows that are dysplastic may be helpful to breeders because it has been shown that breeding parents with higher grades of elbow dysplasia result in a higher incidence of dysplasia in the progeny. By only breeding normal or Grade I parents, significant progress in Scandinavia and the UK has been made in reducing the incidence of elbow dysplasia in Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. I simply do not feel there is enoough info out there about grade 1 elbows. I feel VERY differently about grade 2 elbows. I hope I didn't open a can of worms here. But I would love to hear others opinions. But please..no flames...just shared opinions. Darcy Babb Tijeras, NM
Re: Osteochondrosis
Cross-species alert! My big gelding, Bard, developed OCD during a late growth spurt (he is over 17 hands tall, which means 5'8 at the withers, and weighs in at about 1450-1500 lbs--much, much bigger than both parents). Although they do a lot of OCD surgery on horses these days, his was very mild and he was a poor candidate for surgery. I did Adequan and Legend and injected the stifle joint with steroids twice. Nothing worked, so I threw him out in the pasture and left him for a little over a year. At that time, I pulled him out of the field and trotted him up--98% sound, sounder than many horses who are ridden daily. So, he went back into light to moderate work, and has been working for a year now. He misses a step once in a while, and he isn't as strong on that side as he used to be, but he is well within normal limits for a horse working at the lower levels of his sport. My point is, I guess, even with OCD that is not a good candidate for surgery, the body can and does adjust itself given enough tincture of time. The vets said he probably wore the lesion to a more comfortable place just through his normal free exercise choices; they predicted that that was a possibility given how it looked in the initial diagnosis. Sometimes we look at these bone issues as the end of a healthy, happy life, and that just isn't necessarily so for most cases, in my experience (my beloved departed Akita, Rohan, had severe HD but it didn't really slow him down until he was getting up in years). Eileen Morgan The Mare's Nest http://www.enter.net/~edlehman --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002
Re: Ongoing Discussion of ED, HD and Breeders
- Original Message - From: Valerie Young [EMAIL PROTECTED] It is hard for me to relate to those who are looking for show quality puppies and want their money back or want to return the dog if they don't turn out to be perfect specimens. I CAN see if they paid a premium that there is room for negotiation. But I still can't see looking at a dog only for their potential in the ring (and as breeding stock). Aren't they ALL worthy of our love and the best life we can provide? OK . . . I am not a dog breeder or dog show person, nor do I play one on TV. But I will take a stab at this, since I have, can, do and will again breed my horses (similar issues, more expensive). Let's say you are trying to get your breeding program off the ground. You want and need a certain quality dog in order to do this. You also have a limit to your funds, space, time, etc. Having a stack of pet quality dogs pile up while you try for the pup who turns into your foundation bitch might be unreachable. You need to either reduce your goals, or rehome the dogs which are not going to work out into wonderful, high quality homes which only want a lovely pet. My big gelding, Bard, whom I mentioned in a previous post as an OCD sort of fellow, was from a breeding I picked out and planned. I got zapped with the OCD; no history on mother or father's side (I know more than 50 of his 1/2 siblings, and I know a lot of the horses on mama's side retired sound from the race track, a rare accomplishment). He grew much larger than either parent, and it was just bad luck. Although he can be a useful horse at a certain level, that is NOT the level I want to achieve myself--I've already been there, done that, and have the T-Shirt. I can't afford a ton of horses hanging out here, so, he is out on lease. If the perfect home comes along, I will likely sell him, although as long as he is earning his keep and being useful to someone I am content to leave things as they are now. Do I miss him? You bet. Am I making the best choice for both of us? You bet. By the way, if anyone is bored and wants to see what I am more of an expert at than the dogs, feel free to look at Moonlight's Competition Page and Belle's Competition Page on my website; URL is in my signature line, just scroll down to the Horse Pages boxes. The white rolltop jump in the top photo with Moonlight is a max height, close to max width jump for my new level--I am starting to know we are jumping a fence these days! Eileen Morgan The Mare's Nest http://www.enter.net/~edlehman --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.410 / Virus Database: 231 - Release Date: 10/31/2002
Update about Neala
Dr.D just called me to talk about our plan of action with Neala. At the check up last week she was able to feel 6 lymphnodes, which were about peasize. Normally they cannot be felt. It could be allergies or something harmless, but the antibiotics should take care of it. She has this one sided wet nose, her coat on part of her belly is matty looking, even after being brushed. Some of her skin is flaky. She does shed, but this is still different. Her ALT values more then doubled since June of 2001. We'll recheck her next week Tuesday and x-ray her. We also put her on some MilkThistle and some Tibetan Liver Herbs. Her thyroid is back in normal range, without medication. Wish us the best that it's something easy to fix. She is so happy when she can go for walks. So, we'll do more of them. Neala loves to cuddle and comes middle in the night into bed with us:) Sylvia
Re: Puppy Pictures
The new pictures of the puppies at 4 weeks of age are on the WebPages along with some of the PPO's. Of course there's one of me with an lap full. As I looked the site over I noticed some misspelled words so please forgive the errors. Some of the picture files are a little larger so when you click on the thumbprint for the larger view it takes a little longer. Ray Pat Burgett Eaglecap Bernese Talee,Lexi,Boomer,Bell Max www.goodbernerfood.com http://users.eoni.com/~eaglecap/ Draminski Ovulation Detector Rep
RE: Re Contracts/Guarantee
Sandy, I think you are looking at this one the wrong way. No one should promise to finish a dog if they don't want to do it. It's a lot of work and a lot of expense. Promising to get a CH on a dog if they don't plan to do it is not good for either the breeder or the owner. It's not a contract that is suitable for that buyer and that breeder! A contract can be a good contract, but a bad one for the buyer's particular situation. Pat Long ( Luther) Berwyn PA
Rescue Berner -- foster home needed ASAP!
There is an 18 month old neutered male Berner in the NJ area who needs a new home, he will eventually be needing permanant adoption -- but for now most urgently needs at least an emergency foster. He sounds like a fun loving wild child.energetic, digs in the yard, described as destructive, not fully housebroken. Lives w/ a male Golden he gets along well w/. The owners are frustrated and want to get rid of him right now. Please contact Margaret McMath ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) ASAP if you could possibly help this exuberant youngster in need of training, attention, and love. Vilma Briggs (Kistner) Mt. Gilead, OH U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT and rescue Berners: Charm (Thirdtym's A Charm CGC) and Willow and now Ted
MINI-FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT CANCER RESEARCH!!!
I am very pleased to announce a Mini Fundraiser to benefit research on Malignant Histiocytosis in Berners. This fundraiser is Mini because it will only run for ten days. It also only has two fantastic items. The fundraiser will start today, November 13th and will run until November 23rd. The drawing will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th. A very generous gentleman artist from the Netherlands has donated two lovely paintings of Berners to help raise money for cancer research. Willem Wijnberg, a hobby painter, lost his Berner several years ago to cancer. Willem is legally blind and uses special tools to paint his beautiful Berner portraits. He wants to help us raise money to go towards a study being done in the Ostrander Lab at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. Heidi Parker and her colleagues are trying to identify the DNA variants that cause Malignant Histiocytosis. Once an association is found, the team will define the region of the dog genome that is associated with Malignant Histiocytosis and they will then begin searching for the markers and mutations that contribute to developing the disease. The efforts of these researchers will, it is hoped, lead, in the next three to four years, to a DNA test using associated markers for this disease. By the way, if you have a dog of any age who has been diagnosed with Malignant Histiocytosis or a ten year or older dog who has never been diagnosed with any type of histiocytosis, you can donate a blood sample to this study. Heidi currently has 22 samples from control dogs and 6 samples from dogs with Malignant Histiocytosis. She needs at least 18 more samples from control dogs and 34 samples from dogs with Malignant Histiocytosis in order to start her study. Please consider being part of this study - the Berners you help and their owners will be forever thankful if this leads to finding a marker for this dreaded disease or leads to finding a cure. Karen Pickel has once again made a terrific website for our fundraiser, so you can see Willem's paintings. Be sure to check it out and to also click on the link for information on the study and how you can help: http://www.overthefence.com/raffle/CHF/ The first painting (14 x 14 inches) is of Yasper, the father of Willem's Berner, Dingo, who died from Malignant Histiocytosis. The second painting (12 x 10 inches) is of Jean Cheesman's puppy, Sam (from England) who died about 3 years ago from cancer. Tickets for the fundraiser are: $5 each??OR??3 tickets for $10??OR??8 tickets for $20 Make your US checks payable to AKC CHF (contributions to AKC CHF are tax deductible) and in the memo part of your check, write Grant #2214. Please mail your check to: Joye M. Neff 1182 Firwood Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15243-1825 Please send me the following information with your check: Name Address Phone Number E-Mail Address How you want to distribute your tickets As usual, I can accept foreign cheques, with no extra charge from my bank. Make these cheques payable to Joye M. Neff, so I can convert them to US dollars. Please help us fight Malignant Histiocytosis. There are far too many young and old Berners who lose the battle to this terrible disease every day. We need to find a way to eliminate Malignant Histiocytosis. Won't you please be part of the solution - we CAN and WILL make a difference!! Joye Neff and Winston (Samantha and Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
Re: Guarantee/Contract Issues
I know this is from France so the issues are different and I have been reading with interest. We bought our lovely BMD from a breeder after much research (though not enough as I now realise). We realised things were not as they seemed when we tried to email and call for help with the terrible biting problems we were encountering. The breeder refused to anser calls or emails. Then Tatty got sick, ver ysick and as she seemed as if she would die I called the breeder. Did she know of any fmaily problems? I got a lot of noise about how it was not her fault my dog was sick (not what I was suggesting), and finally a small detail that one of her dogs had a problem with her throat (that was the entire info). The breed line certs never arrived. we bought a show quality dog so that we could if we so choose show her and or breed her at a later date. She is fully recovered, fighting fit and we would never give her back or want a refund if she turns out to not be show quality, or not able to be bred due to hips/elbows etc. Instead we will go to another breeder in Franc ewho has responded to our questions, who does not breed unless at least the last two generations are clear. The breeder I bought from has two litters every few months (as seen on her web site) not what she told us on the phone or in person). We should have known better, but when we were there with this new pup we were not going to say no! I am sure there are many more experiences like mine which colour the way us buyers see breeders, however my other experiences with breeders bith on and off this list has changed that view to one of FIND THE RIGHT BREEDER FOR YOU. We will look for a few years before we may or may not buy another pup, just so we know we have found a breeder we personally can trust. It is not about money, it is about ensuring we can make sure the breed stays as wonderful as it can, whether or not we start to breed. I am so glad of the help adn advice offered by breeders and buyers to me, that is seems obvious we need each other. And yes I do tell everyone not to buy from the place I did! Emma - Original Message - From: Ruth Reynolds [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 10:13 PM Subject: Re: Guarantee/Contract Issues Ruth, I've always wondered why a guarantee would call for the return of a puppy prior to any refund for health problems. I can understand why a contract would be written to ensure the return of the dog to the breeder instead of allowing it to wind up at the SPCA. ***Mind you, this is not the way I view dogs or selling them, Pat. ***Dogs are considered livestock in this country. Like it or not, that's the way it is by law and it the common understanding of the public. It is uncommon amongst even the most honest of livestock traders to offer animals with a money back guarantee if the animal does not turn out as hoped. Take this horse, ride him for a week. If you're not completely happy with him, send him back for a refund. Take this bull, test his semen. If he is sterile bring him back and I'll refund your money. ***I can see where a person who would sell a dog to a buyer might think it above and beyond what most folks do to offer a full refund if the dog turns out not to be what the person wanted. If the dog is truly so undesireable a refund is warranted, after all WHY would the buyer want to keep it? I know the answer to the question, but the point is, the person offering such a guarantee or their buyer may not have even considered same. But why would a caring breeder want to sell a puppy to someone who thought they could ever return the dog? ***I would hope any buyer of one of my dogs WOULD return the dog if it were unsatisfactory. I'd be very glad the dog was not a burden to someone who perceived it as such. ***Breeder places a dog with a buyer who has intentions to breed the dog. The dog develops not as the buyer wished it had and the buyer wants to neuter the dog if she is to keep it. The breeder likes the dog and wants it returned in tact so she can possibly breed and/or show the dog. In such a case is not the breeder is fortunate the buyer is willing to return the dog? Why would a buyer wish to purchase a dog from someone who would expect that as a condition of a refund for health issues? I've never understood that one. ***Perhaps because they have no intention of ever requesting a refund so the whole issue is a moot point. I have no intention of requesting a refund on any dog but if I did, I'd know it would be on the same terms as the seller and I had agreed upon at the time of sale. I love the breeders in this area that guarantee the puppy for health and temperament - for a full refund on the condition of the return of the dog and only if the dog is still intact. ***Yo do not love it, Pat. You despise it, just as I despise that buyers are so impatient that they'll buy from just
Re: LSBMDC Signature Calendar
Fellow L'ers I have heard that LSBMDC has already raised $1,000 for the Light One Candle.Come on folks we can raise more than that! This is a great cause -- for the future of not just our breed but other breeds to help change import transportation regulations. It only costs about $5.00 more than any of the other calendars you tend to buy for Christmas gifts well worth the extra few dollars spent! Contact Ann Landeros for ordering information: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pat Tackett Texas
RE: shared info
Fox 2 news did a VERY short thing on this story this morning -- I watched for a Berner -- but didn't see any -- I saw a 1 or 2 week old tri-colored puppy -- but it had a black nose; don't Berner puppies have pink noses?? I also sent this email to the morning crew for their whats on your mind segment (the email address is [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Fox 2 Morning Crew: Rescuing the dogs puppies was great -- HOWEVER, one has to think ... why so many puppy mills in Missouri?? Did you know Missouri is the home of the most puppy mills in the COUNTRY?? Where do these puppies GO?? Everyone needs to be educated... NO REPUTABLE BREEDER WOULD EVER *EVER* sell it's puppies to a pet store!!! Nor would they sell through newspaper ads!!! Rest assured that 99 out of a 100 times the puppy you see in a window came from a puppy mill!!! Besides bad conditions -- these puppies are likely to come from BAD STOCK!! That cute puppy in the window is likely to have problems with Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cancer, Cataracts, heart problems, the list goes on and on!!! And what do the new puppy owners have?? Can they *really* go to the pet store for help?? Most agreements say you can get your money back if the dog has been EUTHANIZED Where is the breeder for these dogs to help new puppy owners??? PLEASE PLEASE DON'T BUY PUPPIES FROM PET STORES!! DON'T BUY PUPPIES THROUGH NEWS PAPER ADS!!! CONTACT BREED CLUBS OR DOG SHELTERS FOR DOGS!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! Owners would be so much happier if they had a relationship with an ethical breeder Please read this on air!!! ... please do a story on puppy mills!!! -- I think that the general public has NO IDEA where these puppies go or where the puppies they get are from EDUCATION IS THE KEY!! Tracey Conner Belleville
Chaplin 4 1/2 mo Project Chaplin
Hi List Mates!!! Chaplin is so much happier and less howling from all your input. I printed out all your replies and the kids and I read them. I made it like a home work assignment. ;0) We we're s guilty of leaving shoes around, things on the counter. There new assignment is called There new baby brother So we typed up rules. No home work or books or shoes left around. You loose major points for dirty socks!! The list goes on and on, but they will get rewarded. They new from their teacher and my mom chocolate is off limits for dogs. The teacher lost her dog to a bar of chocolate. The kids hid the Halloween candy so he couldn't get to it. I have been keeping him busy with the Kong toys (when our Lab doesn't steal it) so now we crate him with it and stuff it with baby carrots, or frozen bagels. lol Crate is in the kitchen so I can always keep an eye on him. Thanks for the grape tip. He ate a fruit salad that had grapes in it, but he didn't get ill. Thank goodness. Howling was for attention, so I give him a job to do while I get my own done. He never howled in his crate. He likes his flannel blankets.lol He only howls to music if I 'm singing to the radio.lol Guess he thinks I lack talent!;0) Thanks again!!! Jen and Chaplin
Help!
http://web1.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2pet=1211795adTarget=468doggenera lSessionID=3dd254671dfb2091display=preview=row=0
Re: Signature calendars amount raised so far!
Fellow L'ers I have heard that LSBMDC has already raised $1,000 for the Light One Candle lobbying effort.Come on folks we can raise more than that! This is a great cause -- for the future of not just our breed but other breeds to help change import transportation regulations. It only costs about $7-8.00 more than any of the other calendars you tend to buy for Christmas gifts well worth the extra few dollars spent! Contact Ann Landeros for ordering information: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check out http://www.lonestarbernese.org/ and click on Signature Berners calendar for a sneak preview. Heidi is ADORABLE! Pat Tackett Texas __ Do you Yahoo!? U2 on LAUNCH - Exclusive greatest hits videos http://launch.yahoo.com/u2
Re: Two young Berners needing homes
I thought the word was out that those 2 already were adopted? Judith on 11/12/02 10:25 PM, Susanne at [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi everyone, There are 2 Berner siblings, born in March 2002 needing new homes. They are currently being fostered for the Northern Virginia SPCA can be seen at: Look at Max Zoe at: http://www.spcanova.org/ I thought I would post this information here because I feel that these dogs will be better off being adopted by people who are familiar with the breed will have this large group of Bernese lovers to help support them down the road, as the breeder is obviously not there to support the dogs they bred, nor any future owners. Best, Susanne Cummings crew in VA [EMAIL PROTECTED] Health Wealth, Pure Simple http://www.foreverlivingproducts.us
Re: Fw: Ongoing discussion
Sent this this morning...haven't seen it show up. Sorry if it ends up posted twice. -SV In a message dated 11/12/2002 5:51:12 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Breeders don't PLAN on scamming their buyers, they don't PLAN on pups becoming ill or dysplasic, they don't PLAN on taking the money and running as some of these message seem to say. I'm afraid some are doing exactly that Sandy... Maybe not the ones you work with or chat with at shows...but there IS a whole other world of people breeding or brokering Bernese who don't give a whit about anything but profit. They breed for maximum production period...and they intentionally structure guarantees in such a way that they're unlikely to be utilized. Pay them some extra money and you get a lifetime guarantee!...just like the 'extra protection plan' when you buy a new fridge. Perhaps you haven't experienced these breeders, but there are many people on this list who have... either by purchasing one of their puppies or by rescuing them. And there are others on the list who will experience those profiteers ...unless we're able to help them discern the difference. -Sherri Venditti
Re: Two young Berners needing homes (NOT)
In a message dated 11/13/2002 12:16:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi everyone, There are 2 Berner siblings, born in March 2002 needing new homes. They are currently being fostered for the Northern Virginia SPCA can be seen at: Look at Max Zoe at: http://www.spcanova.org/ As posted yesterday, the NOVA SPCA has requested that no one else call on these dogs. They have been swamped with calls and have more people wanting them then they can interview. Thanks, Carol Lingley Ijamsville, MD
Hips, Elbows, X-Rays, Breeders, Owners...
Whew! Now that I'm caught up on my Digests I must say that there have been some lively discussions! (we've been busy with Jenny and Canoe, getting them settled in and realizing that yes, we DO have 4 big dogs!) Our breeder sold us a pup with one blue eye for the same price as hershow quality pups. She gave us specific instructions on feeding, socialization and exercise, which we followed. She has been (and continues to be) available to us as a resource and friend. Our contract stipulates that Mickey's hips and elbows be x-rayed and the results be registered. We will also have to have his eyes CERFed. We have been VERY happy with our experience with our breeder. And I feel that our Mickey, who possesses a fabulous temperament, intelligence, sparkle, wit, drive, affection, a sound body and a desire to please, is every bit worth the price we paid. Some of the breeders on the List have mentioned breeding for temperament and health before looks and I applaud that. We have also recently taken in 2 more Berners - Jenny Canoe. They are 9 and 5 respectively. Their breeder was contacted by the rescue group and as a result, we have also been able to talk about the girls. And last weekend, she came to visit and see just where these dogs (one of them, nearly a decade down the line!) have ended up. She has been available to us as a resource and now a friend! The girls need some TLC and Jenny esp. needs to drop about 10 lbs. But their breeder has taken responsibility for the dogs -- in word and deed. Although some folks have had sad or nasty or tragic experiences with dogs and breeders, we have had wonderful ones! Catherine Young in Madison WI Shadow Mickey Jenny Canoe
Moses' osteosarcoma treatment begins
Today we completed stage one in the treatment of Moses' bone cancer; the leg in which the tumor resided was amputated, the left rear, where the tumor was discovered on his femur. As many of you recall, my Yoda, too, lost a leg but NOT to bone cancer, in fact, no cancer was found in Yoda's bones, a tissue biopsy revealed synovial cell sarcoma, we consulted with Dr. Withrow at Colorado State University, world's top canine cancer specialist, and he advised amputation of Yoda's front leg. The amputation allowed Yoda (1992-2002) to enjoy an extra sixteen months (they told me maybe two years) of life, excellent quality. My soulmate passed away in my arms in February. I have more or less taken a crash course in canine osteosarcoma since learning of Moses' diagnosis, including joining a VERY active yahoogroups list dealing solely with such. What I learned made me feel like Augusto Odone played by Nick Nolte in the movie Lorenzo's Oil when he pours through the literature and learns of the course of his son's adrenoleukodystrophy. Basically, I have been feeling like there is a tractor sitting on my chest. Osteosarcoma is famous for liberally tossing microscopic cells about the body so it is possible Moses will also face some chemotherapy; we await the pathology results on the leg. Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston houses some of the world's most special people and deserves the very highest praise. Dr. Trout, who did Yoda's surgery, also did Moses' surgery (and biopsies for both) and is extraordinarily gifted and compassionate. Dr. Brum, Moses' internal medicine specialist, ascertained that I received regular updates and, when he broke the news to me of Moses' cancer a short while ago, seemed every bit as sad as I was. And then there is Dr. Marks, my dogs' veterinarian for twenty years, an outstanding and compassionate clinician, a superb diagnostician, and a brilliant surgeon, who goes to the ends of the Earth for his patients to ascertain the best of care and treatment. Moses will remain in the hospital for a few days, will be monitored around the clock by his doctors and the technicians, the incision looks fine and Moses stood up to greet one of the technicians, just hours after surgery, even though he was not encouraged to do so and, I was told he handled the anesthesia beautifully! That's my boy! Lisa Allen, bone-weary and oh, so proud of such a special Berner! _ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
bleeding gums
Does anyone have any experience with bleeding gums in Berners? Yesterday I noticed that Han's gums around his teeth were unusually red and several of his teeth had blood around the base. His mouth is definitely sore, he hasn't chewed up a remote control in a week. He had a bout of ulcers in his mouth about a month ago could both incidents be related? If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. He is not taking any medications at the moment so that couldn't be the problem. Thanks in advance, --- Beverly Arnold
RE: Rescue Berner -- foster home needed ASAP!
Passing this along in plain text for Helen: In NJ -- 18 month, male, neutered, bred by Grace Bloemart in Alberta, Canada. Owner has an older Golden and a fenced yard and has done all she can to civilize this dog. He is VERY hyper -- destroys everything; chewed his way out of a metal crate, digs holes under fence to try to get out, refuses to housebreak (goes out, comes in, poops on rug). Vet's best advice is that he'll calm down when he is older. Ho, ho. Without seeing the dog in person, one can only speculate...so here goes... The behaviors described above appear to be manifestations of classic Separation Anxiety, Frustration, lack of proper housetraining, and attention seeking behaviors to boot. I question just how much time the owners actually put into this fella in terms of actual training. More in particular, housetraining. Was he ever properly potty trained and rewarded for eliminating in the right plae? Just letting the dog out does not guarantee he knows what to do there, other than sniff the world around him. Then, when he comes in, bang, he remembers he has to pee and poop. Did they hope the BMD would cue off the older GR's house manners? G! He definitely appears to be suffering from some form of anxiety...What is going on IN the house with the owners? Has he been physically corrected making him nervous and fearful? Ah...so many, many questions that need answers: How old was dog when acquired? What age was it neutered? Is he displaying any type of aggressive behavior? Has the dog ever received formal obedience? Has the dog been properly housetrained What kind of exercise does the dog get aside from being in yard with GR Is the dog left outside for an inordinant amount of time? What is the owner's schedule? Are they home or away most of the day? Have they *always* had this out of control behavior or is it escalating? Has the vet suggested pharmaceutical intervention? (anti-anxiety to help calm the dog so that he will be more receptive to behavior modification) Just off the bat, this dog has to be taken back to square one with a person who is kind, gentle but quite firm. They have to immediately implement a program of deference.. N.I.L.F. He must defer to the owner and by doing so, the dog will be given his role in that (or any other's) family's heirachy. His not knowing what is expected of him fuels his anxiety...part of that being he does NOT KNOW what to do and is left to decide what works for *him*. This makes any dog anxious...and when they are anxious, physiological problems arise...such as inappropriate elimination...fear and anxiety causes the body to *empty* itself (going back to a wild dog that is threatened will empty its bladder and bowels to be able to run faster to safety). Ever find you have to pee more when you are nervous etc, etc? They must leash this dog and take him out routinely for potty training, rewarding him when he goes... Definitely try changing the dog's diet...Barfing often helps tremendously. Have a thyroid panel done on the dog... My first suggestion is to get a work up by the vet...Thyroid in particular. Then perhaps get some meds or homeopathics into the dog. Change his diet. Naturally removing the dog from whatever is triggering his stress is optimum. Only good things ~ Helen Helen Hollander, CPDT The Educated Pup, LLC Lawrence, L. I., NY Certified Member Association of Pet Dog Trainers APDT #5888P exp.12/03
Re: MINI-FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT CANCER RESEARCH!!!
Hi Carol, I'm so happy that your story has a wonderful ending - I think that the word benign is one of my most favorite words!!! It's great news that Stretch is doing so well and the NO CANCER report will help you feel a lot better, too! Thanks for your support for our fundraiser and for cancer research!! Hugs and belly rubs to Stretch!! Joye Neff and Winston (Samantha and Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
Re: ongoing discussion
The way I interpreted Pat's comment about breeders who force an owner to finish the CH on a show quality pup was like this... not sure if this was what she meant or not: Oftentimes, the breeder has a pup or two left s/he thinks are nice and wants to see these pups in a show home. In the not-so-distant past, Bernese were hard to find. So a person who really wanted just-a-pet might get roped into a show pup just to get a puppy from decent lines, soon... This person has NO intention of breeding, just wants a nice dog. They don't really know what is involved, so they agree to show the dog... then regret it. About 7 years ago, I was having a hard time deciding which girl pup to keep - both were nice. I kept both a while - until about 14 weeks - and then knew who I was keeping... the other girl was also nice. A wonderful couple, new to Bernese, wanted the one I was letting go. I talked to them about co-ownership, showing, etc. - clearly they just wanted a pet and so she was sold as a pet on spay/neuter contract. She is a beautiful dog. After she was spayed, her owners expressed regret about her lost show career and it was very simple - I assured them their dog wasn't losing any sleep over it!! She ended up with a unilateral grade 1 elbow so I was so glad that she was not placed as a breeding prospect (but to answer Darcy's topic, I do not think it is a crime to carefully and cautiously breed - and then *follow-up* on this breeding - a bitch with Grade 1 ED). Now, Sandy's example seemed to focus on ensuring that a show prospect is finished BEFORE BEING BRED and yes, I agree with Sandy on that. If someone wants to buy a breeding dog from Sandy, and she wants it to be finished before it is bred, I totally support her view on this. Does this make sense? I am not sure I really am getting the point across but I tried! I agree with both of these ladies which may be confusing. Sharon Montville - Firstrax - Colorado __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site http://webhosting.yahoo.com
Re: Trembling puppy......
Dear Valerie The disease you are thinking of is called Hypomyelinogenesis and is a condition in which the normal myelin sheath-axon relationship is not properly formed. It has been concluded that this condition is brought about by the absence of myelin on the nerve fibres. It is believed to be a simple recessive. It has been reported in a number of different breeds and is not present at birth but usually develops from about 2.5 weeks of age and is usually complete by about 12-16 weeks of age. Affected puppies tremble constantly except when sleeping. In the UK it was seen in the early 80's and suggested that one particular dog (an import from Sweden) was a common ancestor of the affected pups. As I remember the Brits solved the problem radically by removing from the breeding programme any dogs/bitches that produced the condition. Hope this helps although it does sound as though Chiara may be rather older than the UK pups when it was seen there. I have seen Rottweilers that tremble in the rear legs and I understand that there is a genetic condition in this breed that causes it. Marion Brown Teversal Bernese Mountain Dogs South Africa Dogs Never Lie About Love (Jeffrey Masson)
All Too Suddenly...
All too suddenly All too suddenly, Our house is much too quiet. All too suddenly, There is no one to come to the gate to welcome me home. All too suddenly, There are too many leashes on the rack for only a one dog household. All too suddenly, I don’t have to struggle to get dressed in the morning, as a furry head forces itself between my legs and tries to lick my face. All too suddenly, I don’t have to fight to keep my place in the bed at night. All too suddenly, We have a lot of Halloween costumes that will go unused. All too suddenly, Our doorbell doesn’t sound loud enough. All too suddenly, The squirrels have unfettered reign of our back yard. All too suddenly, I don’t have a teammate to pull our cart. All too suddenly, I don’t know what we are going to do for a mascot for our draft tests. All too suddenly, I don’t think I’ve taken quite enough pictures. All too suddenly, The kitchen now seems plenty large enough to actually get around in. All too suddenly, I might have to join a gym because I don’t have to do the low hurdles around the house, any more. All too suddenly, I don’t have to get up in the middle of the night to let someone out or back in. All too suddenly, There isn’t enough Berner fur on the floor. All too suddenly, last Friday we had to put our dog Ranger (formally known as Swiss Star’s Black Badge of Curage, CGC, HCT, CD, NDD) down at the age of 10yrs and eight months because of bloat and gastric torsion. Within a half-hour of discovering Ranger’s problem, we were at the Emergency Vet’s. An hour later, after X-rays, we let him go. We had recently helped him through a serious bout of pneumonia, which gave us a couple of months of extra quality time to pamper him. That is time we will always cherish. For those of you that knew him, he led a blessed life. He was the dog who knew how to dance the hokey-pokey and performed a dozen or more tricks. He was the ever- tolerant dog that gave rides to the kids in the neighborhood in his cart. He loved to wear costumes and was the ever-popular clown dog at Halloween. His great personality made him the premier ambassador for the breed. He was my able team-mate for obedience and was the consummate demo dog when it came to demonstrating draft work technique at our clinics. He gave me the opportunity to get involved with our regional club as well as the national club. He gave me the opportunity to get to know a huge group of people known as the Berner-L, many of you that have become corresponding friends. Give your own dogs a special hug tonight because there will come a day when you can’t. Rest in Peace dear friend, I love you and will always remember you, you were a special dog. Jim and Anna LaFrom and Logan, who now thinks he is the King of the House San Jose, CA
