Viruses and Attachments
I've gotten several emails lately from people who were concerned, they had been told that people received emails from them that they hadn't sent. They all did the right thing, they immediately scanned their systems for viruses and found none. Chances are that those emails did not originate from their computer. We have viruses out there that grab an email address to use in the FROM line, and the only way to try to figure out the origin of the email is to open the full header and look for a reply-to address or an ISP ID that is different. Bottom line, don't open attachments even from people you know, unless they have told you what it is that they are sending. AND GET SOME VIRUS CHECKING SOFTWARE Pat Long ( Luther) Berwyn PA
Re: Berner Puppy (long)
In a message dated 12/4/2002 9:22:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We were thinking about getting him a friend. For this reason, I was wondering if any of you could help me find a reputable breeder in Florida. We live in Florida and I would want to make sure Koc and the puppy get along good before we made any decisions. Good idea! BUT... g Very few bernese will show aggression towards a baby puppy. Typically, they'll either engage it in play or ignore it and give you a look that says What the heck is that? IF you're going to have trouble, it will come as the puppy matures and seeks to establish itself in the pecking order. If either Koc or the pup is an easy going sort who doesn't really care what rung of the ladder he's on, no problem. Problems can arise when more than one dog (or bitch) wants to be king of the hill and is willing to fight for it. MUCH depends on the inate characteristics of the dog and your management, but there is a sort of risk order, listed here from highest risk to lowest. (2) intact dogs or (2) intact bitches Note: Many people feel that bitch fights are worse than dog fights and tend to be more enduring. Boys may get along just fine, especially in the absence of a bitch in heat, and may do more posturing than battling if they do get into it. Girls can get into an I hate your guts and want you gone mode. Either way, dogs or bitches who don't get along are a nightmare to live with. (1) intact dog (1) neutered dog or (1) intact bitch (1) neutered bitch (2) neutered dogs or (2) neutered bitches (1) dog and (1) bitch Whether neutered or intact, these are unlikely to dislike each other or battle for supremacy. BUT, management is a BIG issue if both are intact. My sure pick for companion animals is: (1) neutered dog and (1) spayed bitch. Nice... :-D Now...we all tend to worry about aggression issues when adding another dog to our family, but be aware...there is another response not uncommon for Bernese. Withdrawal... This is most often seen with only child berners, especially if they haven't been playing with other dogs right along. They sometimes get themselves in a snit when a little brother or sister is added to the family. They'll mope about, loose their joie de vivre, literally remove themselves to a distant part of the house and stop participating in family fun. But fear not g! You CAN overcome this silliness...the key is to recognize what's happening and take control of the situation, not allow it to continue or play into it with poor baby stuff. When I realized what was happening with my first Berner upon adding my 2nd (thankfully, someone had warned me of the possibility!), we started putting our 3 y.o. on a stay when the puppy came into the room. This stopped her from getting up and leaving for the farthest reaches of the house as she had been doing...even in the middle of an ear rub! Of course we didn't let the pup drive her crazy since she clearly wasn't going to put the pup in her place. I also upped the private, quality time with my princess, little stuff like taking her with me when I went to the market etc let her know that she was special without reinforcing poutiness. Speaking of which... ANYtime I bring a new puppy into my family, I make a point of doing extra stuff with the other dogs, without the puppy.When Simca came home, Kalie started agility classes. When Granger came home, Simca started dance lessons (honest!). So...to answer your question. (Bet you thought I'd never get around to it!) g If I was happy with my first berner boy and his breeder, I'd go back to that person for my second. I'd ask for a female and I'd describe to the breeder my dog's interactions with other dogs and with me. Is he a 'take charge' sort who always want to be in control and surrounded by his possessions? Or is he happy to let the other dogs at the park take the stick and get off the couch so you can be comfortable? When he meets other dogs, doe's he posture and send the message I'm the big man around here, don't mess with me or does he go all goofy and loose and waggy? That kind of information will help a skillful breeder select a puppy who's complimentary to your dog and reduce the risk of conflict to practically nil. -Sherri Venditti
Re: Nose to Nose in Europe
Please remember that if you're shopping at Amazon.com or Dogwise (Wendy, where else can we use Boris' Books?) be sure to enter through this website: http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html#BT because a donation will be made to the BMDCA Health Fund for every dollar you spend. I ALWAYS use Boris' Books when I shop at Amazon. For those of you in foreign countries, remember that Pat Long and I can convert your foreign cheques to US Dollars with no charge from our bank, which gives you more money to spend. Just send the cheque to us and we'll let you know how it converted to US Dollars. Joye Neff and Winston (Samantha and Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
Not listening (was Re: BERNER-L digest 4161)
In a message dated 12/4/2002 11:08:51 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have a 3 year old male berner, who is a certified therapy dog, but all of a sudden has decided not to listen to any commands at all. He will not come inside , stays outside for 5-7 hrs at a time . any specific training, trainers? Hi Mila, Unless something's changed in your family or environment (new baby? moving? bitch next door in heat?), it's unusual for a mature dog to *suddenly* change his behavior patterns. So, I think my first stop would be the vet for a COMPLETE physical, including a CBC and Chemscreen and possibly a thyroid panel (use Mich. State U. instead of a commercial lab), and a long shot...a tick panel (because of your area). Some dogs will 'withdraw' if they're in pain, if something is changing in them such as sight or hearing loss, or if they're just not feeling well. (My 4-1/2 y.o. boy recently went through a period I call 'just not right', he wasn't as enthusiastic about things as usual, more withdrawn...but no outward physical problem. Physical exam and bloodwork were all normal. Turns out he had a case of 'sock-i-tis'. I made the 'diagnosis' when he vomitted up one sock...and I found 4 more missing from the laundry!) If you get a clean bill of health and are quite sure he doesn't have some kind of fabric or object in his digestive tract won't show on xray...look for a trainer who embrasses the use of positive motivation through either networking or the APDT (a web search will locate their website and list of members.) -Sherri Venditti
Re: the dog on the mountain in Switzerland:becoming rare breed
Michaela, thanks for expressing thoughts I have too. Emma
Re: State of the Breed (dog on the mt, whatever)
- Original Message - From: Sharon Montville [EMAIL PROTECTED] It is very important to remember this fact about the Bernese in the USA: This is no longer a rare breed. I do not quite agree with your assessment. At least where I live, I am more often asked what kind of cross Micawber is, and if he is a perhaps a Saint Bernard (come on folks, he weighs about 87 lbs!). I do agree that they are getting more common, especially in advertising, and that more people do know or at least think they know what one is when they see it. I don't understand why people are spending more than 1000 of their hard-earned dollars, for the privilege of spending thousands more in vet bills, just because the puppy is a Bernese Mountain Dog. I don't think we can take the Berner, which is what? Somewhere in the 40s on the popular breeds list? And compare it with a breed which has been in the top 5 since I can remember. We need to compare them with other breeds in the general vicinity of their popularity (this is according to AKC lists). I know Berners and Newfs were not that far apart on the list, since I have one of each and paid attention to where they were. This about 1,000 price is consistent with the prices of Newfoundlands, well bred or not. A truely less common breed than either the Newf of the Berner is the Borzoi, which is considerably cheaper and practically does not exist in puppy mills (I've never seen on in a pet store, although I'm sure some have made their way through those channels). So I don't know that rare always = high price. I think *desireable* = high price, whatever drives that desire. For the most part, I agree with Susan that the breed will save itself - although it remains to be seen whether Berners become the next Golden (which did NOT save itself - the litters are too large) or the next Saint (a breed which basically DID save itself). Saints overall are not in favor at the puppy mills anymore - not profitable. I pray every day that Berners in the puppy mills will not be fertile. I see a lot of crappy Saints with bad tempers around here, as they are the mascot dog of several local BYB Mills. And I see Saints in the pet shop in the mall on a semi-regular basis. I'll go back to the Newf comparison . . . you don't see a lot in pet shops, but they come through auction on a regular basis and there is a firm foothold in the BYB/Mill set with this breed. They are big, hairy, slobbery, prone to health issues like heart and kidney problems, and a local Newf Farmer has produced a number of Newfs which are *quite* aggressive (I fostered a puppy who was put down for attacking foster mother #2 when I went on a trip; there are three others from the same place who must be muzzled at the groomers.). Think of the damage a dog the size of a Newf can do when aggressive . . . horrifying. And if you think temperament issues will be the make or break of the dog's popularity, look at the GSD (#1 biter how many years now?) and the Rottie (right in the top 10 biters also). You see them being Milled and BYB'd all over the place. What will change if the Berner gets a temperament rap is *who wants* the dog, not if it is wanted. There is a reason the thugs all have a dog de jour. So I am not sure what save itself is going to look like. I don't think Newfs and Saints are 'saved.' Or do you mean that there will be a level of dogs in mills and bybs and pet shops which is acceptable to you, and thus the dog has saved itself? As long as there is demand, those dog Farmer Bobs are going to rush out and get some stock; and if Farmer Bob gets disgusted, Farmer Sue is waiting in the wings to buy out his stock and try her luck, too. I think there are things we can do to help reduce this problem: educate, scoop as many bitches out of the BYB/Mill pool as possible, fight to change laws about the sales of dogs in pet shops, etc. But I think that hoping the crappy health of the breed will take care of it isn't quite the place I want to put my stake. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.419 / Virus Database: 235 - Release Date: 11/13/2002
RE: Winter skin??
Hi Karen, If Stevie is still under one year of age I would not recommend giving him oil supplements as they would contribute to his calories and encourage an surge in growth which is to be avoided in the developing large breed skeleton. You could however consider a few lifestyle changes such as refraining from bathing him too much while he is enduring indoor winter heating and if you must make sure he is rinsed thoroughly, and crank up the humidifier on your furnace. When I first came to Canada my two cats would suffer more static and winter flakies so I used to mist the rooms with a plant sprayer and it helped. Nowadays one could use one of those indoor relaxing water fountains to aide with humidity but for me they'd send me into the bathroom too much!! If Stevie has finished his major growth spurts you could supplement his diet with some oily fish, my preference is pink salmon when its on sale and the one dog I give this has an amazing coat for a spayed bitch because normally the spayed girls get kind of woolly looking. Alternatively you could use EFA capsules from the vet but they are expensive or use salmon oil capsules alternated each day with a flax seed oil capsule. The nice thing about using pink salmon or sardines is the protein and calcium content are nicely balanced for the young dog and easily digested and used in moderation easy on the stomach. Oak was having one can of salmon a day with her Fish and Potato allergy diet but now has about four cans a week, if I were to use sardines or canned herring I would be a little more conservative. I prefer not to use tuna because too much is not recommended for humans or pregnant women so I apply the same principle for my dogs. Rose Tierney
Re: Being chased by humans
LOL the boulangerie (bakery) lady, the garage mechanics, the cool guys at the kebab shop - Tatty knows more people than we do! She is great for our French as people always want to ask questiosn. A guy up a mountain wanted to talk as his Berner is 3 months older than her, fantastic. Emma and Tatty, France
RE: dewclaws
Hi Pauline, My vet counts to four and removes everything else. I have yet to see the type of skin only dewclaws that I've helped remove from a late friend's beagles. Both single and double have been jointed and attached, on the one occasion I actually had a pup with treble dewclaws the third was a skinny little thing with no boney attachment. I leave the front dewclaws on because it is my preference to do so and I see the dogs actually using them as a thumb when holding their chewies. They are removed as soon as possible after birth and when C-Sectioning they are done as soon as mom is off the table and the vet and tech have cleaned up. He's skilled and the procedure is quick and since we've been doing them straight away and not two to three days later the puppies settle immediately and there is no fussing whatsoever afterwards. When we used to have to wait they were sore for several hours and it was distressing for them and mom and me. Would I choose to leave them on if the standard permitted, no I wouldn't because I think they are unsightly and given the active lifestyle of my dogs more likely to get injured. Rose
RE: cancer
Jordan, I guess the best answer is, a little of all of the choices. There is certainly an element of chance, and in at least two of the cancers (mast cell, histiocytosis) there is also an element of genetics. Maybe some environmental causes, life style, who knows! We don't have the answers to cancer yet, we may someday. For now, we can just share the information, and look to see if there is any hereditary aspect of the various types of cancer. That's what Berner-Garde helps to do. In the meantime, you hug that Hesse and enjoy each day! Pat Long ( Luther) Berwyn PA
RE: Canadian Shows
Hi, I would like to point out that though the Canadian system does not require majors most serious exibitors here like to attend well populated shows with a variety of kennels represented in order to have a sense of acheivement or to have at least made a placing in the Group level where there are often professionally campaigned dogs working for Top Dog in Canada awards. In remote areas it is sometimes seen that championships are obtained by loading the ring with multiple dogs from one kennel. If you join the Canadian Kennel Club and receive our monthly magazine you can get an idea of the areas of country for greater competition than others. If a dog is having a hard time finishing stateside it likely will not do well in heavily populated shows such as the West Coast, Eastern and Southern Ontario and West Quebec. You will still see a lot of owner handled dogs here and the atmosphere is usually friendly amongst competitors. Rose
RE: Eye Discharge
Hi Joby, Right now Bella is changing her teeth and it is not unusual to have a bit of redness or even droopiness in the eye during this time. However if the discharge is yellow or green in colour then she needs some eye ointment from the vet. All eye discharge should be from the inner corner, any watery discharge from the outside corner could be an indication of entropia developing. Buy some 100% cotton pads that are normally used to remove eye makeup and with some warm water gently clean the eyes using a different pad for each one. Check inside her ears as well, if she is beginning to exibit food allergy the inner ears are usually affected as well and also if she is chewing her feet excessively and they are pink and raw between the toes. Personally I would not feed rawhides but find her a nice meaty bone without too much fat or marrow and let her chew that to ease her mouth discomfort while teething. Rose
Re: Nails. Is wear a sign of use?
Ruth Reynold's wrote: I rarely have to trim toenails on my dogs including dewclaw nails. I always figured the dogs wear the regular nails down through their daily exercise. Ruth, I used to think the same, but not any more! My 4 year old Berner gets tons of exercise and I NEVER had to trim his nails. They are really short. However, his younger brother ( 16 months, same dam, different sire) has nails which need constant clipping and yet he gets exactly the same amount and type of exercise. Otherwise they are a health hazard, no kidding. I swear you can actually watch those darn nails grow. And, yes, they get a lot of road walking as well as lots of soft terrain walking. Odd, huh? Dogs who are not as active or who have gross conformational flaws have nails that need more attention at my house. Well, Rupert IS fairly laid back but he gallops like a derwish with the grace of a gazelle on his walks, thus I'm not sure that that would hold true for mine either. Therefore, do you think it's perhaps simply due to different genes which regulate the rate of nail growth? Maybe they DO wear down the dewclaw nails through use. Huh? How would they achieve that? Vertical rock climing? Abseiling? VBG Michaela, Harvey Rupert ( nails like a tiger!) Devon/UK
Feeding Practices.
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Re: Nails. Is wear a sign of use?
When I'm picking puppies, even nail wear (front back feet) is definitely one thing I look for. If a dog's front nails are worn down, but the back nails long, it indicates to me that the dog does not have good drive is doing more 'pulling' with his front legs. If his rear is worn down, but not the front, it tells me the dog does not have good reach in the front, but has good drive in the rear. If the nails on all 4 feet are worn down, to me, that's a dog with balance. My Flat Coat tears around retrieving bumpers, etc keeps his nails worn down including his dew claws as he does a lot of quick bobs weaves around trees, up down hills seems to use his dews to help maneuver. Kathy Davis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Windraider Kennels California www.windraiderkennels.com Bernese Mtn Dogs - Int Am BIS Can CH Windraider's Black Oak v Bevs , HIT, CGC, TDI Tobin Windraider's Manjula v Bev's Jul Windraider's Seven Seas Briggand Briggand 8 mo Windraider's Black Oak Conspiracy Brenna 8 mo Flat Coated Retv - Int Am CH Twofold Samba Sam, CGC, TDI Sam (liver-DK imp) Pembroke W. Corgi - Annline's Extra Well Done Miles (FI imp) r/w 14 mo Labs Eskie - Scout, Babe Klondike
Re: State of the Breed (dog on the mt, whatever)
In a message dated 12/05/2002 12:00:42 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: This is no longer a special breed in the sense that when you are on the other end of the lead, you get alot of attention because people are so surprised to see a BMD, or don't know what breed it is, whatever. I can only respond to this statement with my personal experience. In my area of the Chicago suburbs, my Flash still gets lots of attention whereever I take him and I still get LOTS of questions about what kind of dog is that? While I occasionally do meet people who recognize him as that Mountain Dog, those who have never seen a Berner, outnumber the knowledgeable ones by better than 25 to 1. In my area, this is still a rare dog. Also, most people, while they love the look and feel of a Berner, don't want one because they are too big, or they probably eat too much, or they have all that hair! So that's a good thing! That is not to say that the breed has serious problems. We will see whether or not the millers are able to continue breeding and supplying the pet shops. There have been in the past and will be in the future, BYB who will sell to shops and anyone with sufficient funds; but hopefully, as written before, this breed will save itself and there will still be knowledgeable, caring, responsible breeders with good and healthy dogs to bring back the well-bred Bernese. Anne Copeland, Flash,TDI/CGC (Berner, 8 1/2 yrs.) Gypsy TDI/CGC(Rescue Cavalier,1 3/4 yr.) NE ILL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ty's memorial page: http://www.geocities.com/workingyorkie/ty.html Gypsy's page:http://hometown.aol.com/annes4/Gypsy.html
Need help in how to avert endless questions!
I need your input with a seemingly daft question. Here is the thing: I, thanks to our relatively dog friendly laws in cafes and pubs, almost always have my boys in tow when I'm out and about. I enjoy having them with me and they enjoy tagging along. So far, so good. Both my boys are born schmooze bears and overjoyed when approached by strangers. They are very handsome dogs and appear to invite cuddles from everywhere. Invariably, the person starts asking a thousand questions about them. I AM flattered and I am normally only too happy to talk at length about Bernese, but sometimes I would just like to have a conversation with the friend I have come to meet, or drink my cup of coffee in peace and quiet. Two of my friends are by now so cheesed off by these constant interruptions that they refuse to meet up if I have the dogs with me. I CAN understand them, we never get to have a conversation! My friends sit there for a long time, bored witless, whilst I talk to perfect strangers about Bernese. Moreover, I have taught the boys to lie down quietly in those places, but with an endless stream of people coaxing them over, it has turned into an equally endless up-down-up-down-up-down. Not really what I want. Sure, it's a minor problem BUT is annoying all the same. I, not being English, don't know how to signal in a POLITE way that this isn't a good time for me to answer their questions. I have tried. But people are amazingly persistent and I don't want to be brusque with them. Hence, who knows a good way to deflect questions? I like my friends, I like having my dogs with me and I don't want to snub nice but intrusive strangers. Who knows an effective phrase which will keep all parties happy? Michaela, Harvey Rupert ( but we LOVE all that attention - lying down quietly is boring!) Devon/UK
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
Re: Nails. Is wear a sign of use?
- Original Message - From: Michaela Simmons [EMAIL PROTECTED] Huh? How would they achieve that? Vertical rock climing? Abseiling? VBG (dew claw wear) Well, when they are running and doing corners, the dewclaws of sighthounds do touch ground. The slow motion camera is a wonderful thing! When we walk Lliira and Cassie in rough terrain regularly, they do not need the same sort of trimming that they do when only walking the smoother paths. 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: 6.0.426 / Virus Database: 239 - Release Date: 12/2/2002
Re: Feeding Practices.
On Thu, 5 Dec 2002, Eileen Morgan wrote: kills to veggies to carcass. The initial prelim research from the Purdue Bloat study suggests dogs fed kibble only have a higher incidence of bloat than dogs fed healthful table scraps along with kibble. Please define: healthful table scraps -- ~~~ Jordan S. Dill SoVerNet: Vermont's Sovereign Internet Connection National Mobile Communications Corp. SoVerNetPO Box 495, 5 Rockingham St.276 East Allen Suite 2 Vmx. #146 Bellows Falls, VT 05101 Winooski, VT 05404 v - 802 463-2111 vmx.#146 Toll Free (877)877-2120 f - 802-463-2110f - 802-655-7291
Re: Feeding Practices.
(2) BARF and (1) 'boutique' kibble. All get a serving of ground raw veggies with each meal, pureed apple or banana slices pretty much every day, a dollop of yogurt or kefir (usually non-fat) every day or two, and a small amount of table scraps. I DO give them left over salad, veggies, rice, potatoes, and meaty bits. I DON'T ladle turkey gravy or pan drippings over their food nor give them fat trimmings from meats and poultry...there's plenty of fat in their regular diets. NO cooked bones at all...ever. -Sherri Venditti
Re: Santa Hat Help
Pat, My husband and I have forced our poor berners to wear silly Santa hats now for two years in our town's Christmas Stroll. This is what we have come up with so far. We have stuffed the hats with bubble wrap so that they stand up. We then sew a small strip of elastic to opposite sides of hat and put strap under the chin of the dogs, white works well, you don't even see it in their fur. One problem that we solved last year was that the hat will slowly move to one side or other. So I have tacted the back of the hat to the collar, no more pushing the hat back to the top of their heads. Hope this helps. Christie Leone Berners in Bozeman Beau, Belle and Breezie
re:Dewclaws
We have now had two dogs. The first with dewclaws removed and the second one intact. I never realized how much they do use them in every day activities until I observed during the quieter times. There is definitely musculature involved with the fronts, unlike what you'd find with the back dewclaws.I bring home the large cow femurs and Logan will reposition or manipulate the bone with the dewclaws almost like an opposible thumb. Climbing up into the back of the Explorer his dewclaws are definitely imbedded into the carpeting for grip. As with crawling up onto our bed in the middle of the night. (So much for not having to fight for my place in bed.) Also Logan cleans himself by licking the dewclaw and works around his eyes with it, trying to get the goobers off when we're not around to do it for him. So even when your dog is not turning on a dime off his dewclaws, he/she is definitely using them! Jim LaFrom San Jose, CA now get out there and work dem workn' dogs
RE: Need help in how to avert endless questions!
Michaela: Buy a packet of Berner Baseball Cards from Pat Long (the donation supports BLEF, I believe). With a simple mailing label, you can (or maybe Pat will) tailor the contact for further information section on the card to your local Berner Club or yourself, if you are indeed willing to answer questions at a later time. When someone approaches you, say that you have an appointment with someone and cannot chat about dogs now, but (hand them the card) this card will give you some information on the breed, along with contacts for learning more. If the person rudely persists, say, As I stated previously, I have an engagement and cannot talk just now. Then don't. Nancy Melone Mars, PA
Dog on Mountain:Rare Breed
I shall take a guess at answering the cancer question; I think that it has to do with the general fragility of the Berner immune system and the fact that the population of the breed is exploding will only make things worsen. As I said, this is only my theory; my answer to the question posed by Jordan. I like to be happy. I like those whom I love to be happy. The world should be a happier place. I do not believe Bernese should be bred for the specific purpose of making people happy. To me, this makes them like a product on a conveyer belt, perhaps similar to a toy desired by children. Let us suppose that the popular toy of the moment was a doll and every child wanted one or more of these dolls. Let us imagine that it is two weeks before Christmas and weary parents are lining up outside stores so that their children will be able to play with these dolls on Christmas morining. Let us suppose that a shopper takes one of these dolls home and, in wrapping it for his daughter, finds a significant safety problem. The honorable thing to do would be to take the product off the line until changes were made, though the company would lose money and cause children to be sad. I believe each life, including those of our pets, is sacred. Therefore, I must put my happiness on the back burner, I feel, until I am guaranteed that which might not be perfect BUT, due to the most stringent quality control (inspectors, testing, etc.); if this means waiting, then that is a small price to pay given that in the end, the result will be that with which I shall be happier BUT, more important, the life for which I have accepted responsibility, having been treated as sacred and having intrinsic value, will possess more stability and longevity. And, no, I am not comparing the Berner or any dog to a doll; QUITE the contrary, I believe that dogs have souls, that God trusts us to exercise our dominion over non-human creatures in a moral and gentle manner, and not mass produce them, use them to satisfy our greed such as in the puppy mills, and more. In other words, if an agreed upon authority, hypothetically, told me that by the time I was 80 years old, that particular year would be the time when the breed could be offered safely in terms of drastically decreased disease, longevity, type, etc., as desperately as I might want one prior to then, I could not justify being a part of the demand, possibly forcing an unethical person to become my supplier. The Shar Pei lady whose first pup who came from a pet store died of pneumonia, yesterday, told my friend, a local business proprietor, that if a person wants, say, a black toy poodle, the pet store calls a Hunte? warehouse and tells them to ship one and if the store has run out of say, Yorkies, might demand that a few of these be delivered in the truck as well. This lady has made a committment to never again be a part of this process, now that she has studied it and has the most admiration that I can summon. Instead, her new pup was shipped from an ethical, established breeder, whose accomplishments she described in detail. Personally, I am striving to be a part of the solution and not of the demand, which will spell the downfall or, as Susan A. has more or less srated, the salvation of the breed. Lisa Allen _ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
RE: Santa Hat help--elastic under the chin
When I dressed my Hannah Anna up as a Berner bride (to create -- at the request of my step daughter-in-law -- an invitation to a day-after-the-wedding family reception for 75 of her relatives), I finally resorted to putting elastic on a white confirmation veil and running it under the chin. Hannah wasn't thrilled, but it worked long enough to get a priceless picture of a the bride (with pearl necklace -- a gift from the groom), Thor (her Great Pyrenees groom, donning bow tie and French cuffs), Molly (her Great Pyrenees maid of honor, wearing a pastel pink head piece and pink necklace) and the officiating priest (Devon, the Doberman with clerical collar). Clare, the Harlequin Great Dane, was a stand-in for Mother of the Bride. The caption on the invitation was -- This wedding has gone to the dogs. On a serious note, you can use black elastic -- which might blend in with the fur better. Nancy Melone Mars, PA
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: Santa Hats
Pat, I don't consider Santa hats and costumes off topic and have found a great solution for your problem. Using the thin black elastic cord that you can get from fabric shops, attach TWO loops that would go under the chin on the side of the hat about an inch apart. One loop goes in front of the ear and the second goes just behind the ear. Everything stays in place that way. This is from someone that has over eight different holiday and theme costumes that I now have to convince Logan that No, you don't look like an idiot wearing this costume. PS. Dressing your dog early on gets them used to the idea that a draft harness is not some kinky torture device. Jim LaFrom and Logan who says I'm only going to tolerate wearing the Beret San Jose,CA now get out there and work dem workn' dogs
Re: Nails. Is wear a sign of use?
On Thu, 5 Dec 2002 14:56:22 - Michaela Simmons [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Therefore, do you think it's perhaps simply due to different genes which regulate the rate of nail growth? Does your dog with the faster growing nails have the same feet as the one that keeps his trimmed. I mean are the toes rounded and tight or are his feet more open and flat? This can affect the amount of trimming needed even if the 2 get the same exercise. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Santa Hats
So when we dressed the 11 days old puppies in Halloween costumes for photos (with hats), we were REALLY getting them ready for drafting???!!! I like that!!! Mary-Ann Bowman
Re: BERNER-L digest 4162
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re:Dewclaws
- Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] We have now had two dogs. The first with dewclaws removed and the second one intact. I never realized how much they do use them in every day activities until I observed during the quieter times. There is definitely musculature involved with the fronts, unlike what you'd find with the back dewclaws. The back dewclaws on many dogs are boned in and are like any other toe. Both my Pyrs flex and move their dewclaws when they are stretching. Since double dewclaws are mandatory in the breed standard (and also one of the criteria by which dogs are accepted or rejected by overburdened Pyr rescue groups) we leave them on. 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: 6.0.426 / Virus Database: 239 - Release Date: 12/2/2002
Re: question for eileen morgan
Wow, my name made it to a header. I feel like I've arrived. =8-0 - Original Message - From: lydia myhree [EMAIL PROTECTED] Eileen- I am curious about if you mix Innova and California Natural together? Micawber the Berner boy, as a youngster, had tummy trouble with the food recommended by his breeder (Solid Gold) and also had loose stool trouble with Innova. Both are very rich foods, in terms of lack of fillers. California Natural (distributed by the same company as Innova) was a better food for Mic. Lliira the Pyr and Nessie the Newf were fine either way, but Lliira eats Innova better than she eats the CN. So I just got in the habit of giving Lliira and Nessie the Innova and Mic the California Natural. When Cassie the Pyr joined us, we put her on the California Natural for no particular reason other than the two bags would last about the same amount of time. Nowadays, Mic can eat either food, but we still get the two brands out of habit. 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: 6.0.426 / Virus Database: 239 - Release Date: 12/2/2002
Re: Santa Hat
Sorry, I think I sent the first time as a HTML. So here it is in plain text. Pat, My husband and I force our poor berners to wear silly Santa hats for the last two years in our town's Christmas Stroll. This is what we have come up with so far. We have stuffed the hats with bubble wrap so that they stand up. We have sewn on a strip of elastic to opposite sides of the hat and then put this in the dogs chin, white works well becuase you can't see it in the fur. One problem we solved last year was that their hats would eventually move to the side of their heads, so if you tact the back of the hat to their collar the hat stays in place. Hope this helps. Christie Leone Berners in Bozeman; Beau, Belle and Breezie
Need help in how to avert endless questions!
Michaela, ... Invariably, the person starts asking a thousand questions about them. I AM flattered and I am normally only too happy to talk at length about Bernese, but sometimes I would just like to have a conversation with the friend I have come to meet, or drink my cup of coffee in peace and quiet. Two of my friends are by now so cheesed off by these constant interruptions that they refuse to meet up if I have the dogs with me... I always have the same problem when I'm in public with my boys. BMD's attract a lot of attention! First my husband and I thought a sign would work: ..A Bernese Mt Dog, but Buef just ate the sign. So then we resorted to T-shirts, one for me one for my husband. That didn't work - no one looked at us! So we decided to put a 'sign' on the dog. Buef now has his own black t-shirt that says 'Bernese Mt Dog', 'BMD', 'Berner', 'Sennenhund' and 'I'm a Bernese Mt Dog' all over it!! His back pak also says BMD on it. BooBoo wears a t-shirt that says BooBoo The Dog! My husband and I usually team up together when we have the dogs out in public. One of us will answer everyones questions, while the other concentrates on shopping. If I really don't want to be disturbed, I turn my back and avoid eye contact. As soon as you acknowledge someone with a smile or eye contact their all over you. I know it sounds rude, but you gotta do what ya gotta do! I want all my dogs to be properly socialized and become CGC's and that means going out into public places with them. -Denise Michigan USA * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED---* * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * *Mail Lists at Prairienet only accept PLAIN TEXT* * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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: Being chased by humans
Subject: Being chased by humans Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 19:38:14 -0500 From: Laurie Montoya [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] It's really cool to have a dog that has her own fan club ... has anyone else had this sort of thing happen ??? YES! Laurie, We can't take Jack our 3 month old baby boy Berner anywhere without attracting all kinds of attention. We brought him with us to a PetCo and after seeing so many people stopping us and asking questions and petting him, a woman who works there joked that we only had 4 more hours before the store closed. For the Thanksgiving weekend we took him with us to Cape May, NJ to visit my boyfriends family. We had told them of our adventures with friendly strangers when we take Jack out with us but they didn't realize how much attention he really gets. We were all walking around in an area of stores like an open mall and were stopped by all kinds of people including a mom, dad and little girl. The little girl wanted a puppy like Jack so much that when we ran into the same people a little while later they had bought her a stuffed dog that looked similar to him. We had another couple who were store owners give us their e-mail address so we could send picture updates of Jack as he grows up and another girl who actually asked if he was for sale! My Mother-in-law had just had new WHITE carpets put in about a month ago but wanted us to bring Jack and stay at her house anyway. The three hour drive upset him a little and he had diarrhea when we arrived. She remarked after he had a small accident on her carpet your so damn cute I can't be mad at you! It's amazing what good looks will get you, and get you out of. It does get to be a bit much sometimes but it's a lot of fun to show off our beautiful baby boy and he loves the attention and the tastes of different hands to nibble on. Maria Mirti, Mark, Jumpin' Jack Flash and Arabia (our Lab) Ringwood, NJ
Re: Dewclaws
I stand corrected. On the dogs I have noticed, mainly mixed breeds, the rear seem very delicately attached, almost vestigial. I haven't had much intensive daily observation with dogs with the rears still intact. Have heard much about their removal to eliminate accidental tearing. If they were better muscled, they probably wouldn't flop around as much and less prone to get hung up in thick brush. Jim now get out there and work dem workn'dogs
Contributing to BARC - Shop through iGive
BARC has an arrangement with a website called iGive so that all purchases made through that website, with over 400 stores to choose from, will result in a percentage of the purchase being donated to BARC. There is no additional cost to you, yet you're contributing money to BARC!!! Need to send some flowers to your mom? Want to make a purchase from Eddy Bauer, Barnes Noble, Dell Computers? Make it through this website and help BARC. Shop 'til your fingers bleed!!! Below are some websites contained in my latest message. Vicky Whitney Bozeman, Montana Each new buyer means $5 extra for BARC, Inc., on top of whatever we'd normally send! Just send folks this link: http://www.iGive.com/html/refer.cfm?causeid=18141 They now have over 410 stores to choose from! As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at http://www.iGive.com/html/contactus.cfm Yours, The iGive team. http://www.iGive.com _ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus
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
Breeder Referrals for SF Bay Area
Hello, I am interested in having a Berner puppy in my life. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and need referrals for very reputable breeders in the area. I'm not interested in showing my dog, just adoring it. Thank you very much, Carol LaSalle [EMAIL PROTECTED]MSN 8 helps ELIMINATE E-MAIL VIRUSES. Get 2 months FREE*.
(Fwd) Blue Ridge BMDC Meeting this Weekend
Sorry about the late notice, but just talked to our club secretary tonight and found out that thanks to our ice storm, she is sans power. So, figured I'd forward her post to the L. If anyone has any questions about the club or the meeting, you can email me at this email ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) - though I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning, so you'll have to catch me tonight. After that you can email me on my phone at [EMAIL PROTECTED] - but just email me with the number I can call you at and your name in the Subject line, as all I get is the from and subject. Hope to see some of you this weekend!! Melissa --- Forwarded message follows --- Hello Everyone, Hope this finds you and your Berners healthy and happy! This year's entry for the Forsyth Kennel Club show on Saturday, December 7, 2002 is excellent! There are 9 class dogs (a 4-pt major!), 8 class bitches (2 pts, but cross-over points may be available for a major), and three dog specials - 20 Berners in all. Thank you to everyone who entered, and best of luck to us all! Click here for the judging program and more info on the show: http://www.infodog.com/clubs/2002031901.HTM http://www.infodog.com/clubs/2002031901.HTM We show at 10:30 (well, probably closer to 11am, as we follow another breed) but then will proceed to La Carreta Mexican Restaurant in Winston-Salem, approx. 1 mile from the show site (the Coliseum) for a meeting. We will begin the meeting at 12:30 pm or when the judging concludes and those who are exhibiting can get there, whichever is later! We will be electing a new slate of officers, discussing ideas and focus for the coming year, and planning a lot of fun events all over the VA/NC region! We need your input and your helping hands! Remember, it takes everyone to make a vibrant club that will serve the needs of all our members, not just a few. Also, the club is starting their own website! The new site, www.blueridgebmdc.org http://www.blueridgebmdc.org , should be up and running in the next couple of days and will have a notice and map to the show site and restaurant, so check this out!! Hope to see all of you this weekend! Bernerly, Joanna --- End of forwarded message --- Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] Homepage: http://home.talkcity.com/RedRoseRd/melissaz/index.html BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
Re: cancer
Hi Jordan, Some advice sought... How might one relate to cancer in a Berner? Bad luck? Genetic? Or, what? I moderate a group on Yahoo for owners of pets with cancer and have done for the past three and a half years since my Sam was first diagnosed. Many pet owners come and go through this group, all breeds. Only four Bernese in the time I have been doing this, one my Sam, two others were Berner Owners I have pointed to this group. And, believe me, this group is busy. So, do I judge that Bernese are less prone to cancer than other breeds or that Berner owners are lucky to have Berner-L where these problems are addressed! Cancer is an issue but I do not believe is more so in this breed than any other! Or in us humans for that matter! My Sam's death to lymphosarcoma was heartbreaking for me, he was only six, first ever of my animals to die young! But, I will do my utmost to fund further research into cancer and possible genetic links, anything to help stop someone else going through the pain I felt when Sam died. And I work hard with EndlessLove helping other people who are facing this right now, not just lymphoma but all the other cancers too! Guess my answer has to come in the or what part of your query! More than bad luck, more than genetic in Berners! A much bigger issue here is involved! Cancer can be a killer for us all, one day we will find the answer if we all try hard enough! Biggest Berner Hugs, Jean, Sunny, Simmy, Barney and the Gang (Mr Rainbow Sam the Bridge Kids) http://www.angelfire.com/anime3/longlease/index.htm
Re: Winter skin??
Actually Rose, my vet recommended these capsules (10 calories each) in lieu of putting supplement oil on his food to keep the calories low, Manson is just 8 months old btw. Dawn Wells, Manson, Rio Hi Karen, If Stevie is still under one year of age I would not recommend giving him oil supplements as they would contribute to his calories and encourage an surge in growth which is to be avoided in the developing large breed skeleton.
RE feeding practices
We feed our dogs Canidae and healthy table scraps as well. Frequently this includes the following -- dollop of canned pumpkin dollop of kefir or yogurt cooked veggies that are leftover spoonful of leftover soup rice noodles applesauce (just the apples ma'am) They also often get little treats or snacks of fresh fruit (esp. bananas!) such as apples (from our own trees!), pears, and I also use things like cheese and pieces of wholewheat bread or crackers to mix it up a little with my training treats. Catherine Young Cross Plains WI Shadow Mickey Jenny Remembering Coo-coo Canoe
Re Endless Questions
When Jay and I took Mickey with us to an art fair in IL this summer it took us 20 minutes to go 10 feet we got so many people wanting to pet/visit/talk about our beautiful Berner boy. At one point I was resting sitting on a curb when a police car drove up and stopped. And I thought, oh brother, what did I do now? The cop rolled his window down and said that he had a BMD too. Even gave me a baseball card with his photo in uniform with his two dogs. Catherine Young Cross Plains WI Shadow Mickey Jenny Remembering Coo-coo Canoe
Going on a real vacation!
Good night all, I'm headed out tomorrow morning for an actual vacation! Paul and I are headed for Vienna, Austria - first vacation together without dogs in 14 years; he won't let me count dog shows as vacations. I'll be back online by the 15th of December, so until then - Happy holidays, happy shopping, and be sweet! The very capable error crew will be on the job, and Maria Crifasi will be speaking for me in my absence. Not Daisy, she is busy guarding against Federal Express deliverymen, and not Buddy, he's, well he's, um, busy. However, I know that Maria will be able to sit back and relax - since everyone will be as pleasant as they've been for weeks now! Thank you all for that, it means a great deal to me not to have to feel like an arbitrator! Be back soon, and I will miss you all! Pat Long ( Luther, wadaya mean I can't go) Berwyn PA
Re: Going on a real vacation!
Pat, have a nice trip, Vienna is awesome, make sure you visit the spanish riding school, it's fantastic! Judith
Re: cancer
How might one relate to cancer in a Berner? Bad luck? Genetic? Or, what? Jordan, You'll probably get as many answers on that as there are people who respond. I relate to cancer in Berners this way. Two dogs live and work in the same environment, eat the same foods, drink from the same water source and breathe the same quality air. One dies prematurely from a specific type of cancer, and the other lives a normal lifespan and dies from the same or other form of illness. It seems to me the one who died earlier was predisposed to influences that the other was not at an earlier age. Seems to me that predisposition would be inherited. Prevalence of premature death (before age 7) in the extended family I'm considering using for breeding or from which I'm considering a companion animal is very important information to me as a breeder and as a person who enjoys the companionship of my dogs for as long as we can hang together. Ruth Reynolds Pioneer Bernese Greenwood, FL www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/rar
roommate for the national specialty?
i know that this is early, but i thought that i'd start on it. is there anyone who would like to be my roommate at the national this year? so far it's just me one old dog. i have a reservation at the host hotel. lisa baldwin (dickens, bark zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Kongs
Candi Comet, I would recommend the Kong for Comet. Our Hobbes is very food oriented and these work well for him. My advice would be to get the larger Kong (may even be called theUltrasize?) Choose a black colored one as I was told they are made from a tougher rubber and can withstand powerful chewing the best. (this was later proven to us as both a green Kong and a red Kong had to be tossed for becoming too ragged the 2 black ones have been fine for 2 years now) Over the last couple years we have tried a few different ways of stuffing these Kongs but the last year we have stuck with one method that is easy for us and more importantly ~ pacifies him while we are gone. Keeping in mind the key is to have it be a challenge for him but not so great a challenge that he doesn't get the goodie and he becomes frustrated or bored of it. We have this down to a science grin: Use Old Mother Hubbard dog biscuits in the large size(no preservatives ~ some other biscuits crumbled too easily) I break the biscuit in half (not so easy to do at first- but you will get the hang of it. I hold both knobby ends and knock the center of the biscuit against the top side corner of his crate) this gives you 2 knobby ended halves. Stuff the biscuit ragged edge first into the Kong-so the knobby end of the biscuit gets wedged just inside the Kong (may have to press the Kong against the side of the counter so the opening is an oval instead of a circle press hard with your thumbs) The biscuit gets kinda wedged but he can get it out with some work. He gets 2 Kongs (each with half a biscuit in it) every morning. He chews and tosses them around and eventually works them out. If the treat ever gets too wedged and he cannot get it out - leave the Kong in a sink of warm water and the treat will become mush can be rinsed out easily. We still have to keep the house puppy proof to limit any temptations or dangers, and regular exercise really does wonders to take the edge off a mischievous thinking adolescent! ;o) I am glad that Comet is okay! Best of luck to you and yours, Crystal Hobbes (almost 2 1/2 now ~ but still my baby) - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2002 8:08 PM Subject: Bone/Rag Eater, Kongs, Dew Claws Second, I would like to know if anyone out there uses Kongs as a treat when they are away from home for their Berner. My boy tends to get bored easily when I leave him. I'm looking for a way to entertain him while I am away for a few hours. Thanks in advance, Candi Appl and Sophia (11 years and still going, but hating the cold), Chloe (6 years), and Comet (named after the reindeer, isn't my birthday Christmas Eve Mom? Maybe a Kong?) in cold Illinois!
Re: Dewclaws
Yikes, some of the sidebars I get myself into. Lets start again. Before I say anything let me preface this any any future statements that I may make, that I try to speak from my own observations and experiences. I am not an expert and I am not trying to make blanket or all emcompassing statements. That being said, Please reread my first reply again. I never made a statement that there was no skeletal structure in the rear dewclaws. I said...There is definitely musculature involved with the fronts, unlike what you'd find with the back dewclaws. Now a explanation of what I meant. By comparison the front dew claws have quite a bit of muscle tone, whereas the rear dew claws seem to not have as much (to the casual observer.)I didn't mean to imply that there was ZERO. Hence even on Pyr's the rear dew claws seem to dangle (and flop around)like little globs of snow hanging off of the fur when gaiting. Expanding on one other sentence If they were better muscled, they probably wouldn't flop around as much and less prone to get hung up in thick brush. Wouldn't you think that if 'they' (the rear dew claws)had excellent musculature and tone in the rear dew claws that the dog would hold that 'toe' close to the pastern,not unlike the four other toes? I know... clear as mud. Jim LaFrom San Jose,CA now get out there and work dem workn' dogs
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re: oversocialization??
a friend of mine always used dog biscuits for her teething children. for some reason her daughter disapproves of this, but my friend is still letting her grandchild teethe on biscuits. lisa baldwin (dickens, bark zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sierra West Christmas party
May I remind our friends in No. California that this Sunday is Sierra West's Christmas Party. We will be having a club meeting but the emphasis is on celebrating the Christmas season and snuggling each others dogs. If you are interested in joining the club or talking to Berner owners in a relaxed atmosphere please come. We also eat. Sierra West definitely does that part REALLY well. (Oh Boy.) Your entry into SW is partially based on how well you cook, so bring something to impress us! The shindig is open to anyone that has a BMD, wants a BMD or is a BMD. WE will be hosting our annual auction of Berner stuff as well, and the net proceeds go to LOC so be sure to bring your checkbooks. There is always something that you have never seen before and can't live without. The location is in Livermore, just east of the S.F. Bay Area. For further info go to ... http://www.sierrawest.org/Christmas%20Party%20flyer.pdf Seasons Greetings Jim LaFrom San Jose,CA now get out there and work dem workn' dogs
Santa Hat suggestions!
Thanks everyone on the Santa Hat suggestions, that's pretty much what I had figured on doing (elastic) hadn't thought of doing two one for in front of ears, etc. I sure hadn't thought of stuffing to make it stand up so I'll definitely try that. Pat Tackett Texas
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
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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
