Re: Puppy in Annapolis Pet Store
Probably Fred and Linda Bunch of Fairview, MO. They are USDA commercial breeders Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 3 Sep 2003 18:06:46 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: A friend was able to check out the Annapolis mall pet store. Look at that price! If anyone wants the name of the breeder, e-mail me privately. Carol Lingley Ijamsville, MD Your sources were correct, they had a poor leggy Berner puppy in the pet store. He looked very sad not in the best of health. He definitely had Berner markings, but he had a very awkward looking head some very long legs. They were asking $2395 for him someone had already put a deposit on him. He came from a breeder in Fairview, Missouri.
Re: Everything you ever wanted to know about elbows
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Re: Everything you ever wanted to know about elbows
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Re: Stop OnlinePetAuction.com
Hi folks, I have been out of town and am just responding to this post. First there is nothing illegal regarding the Online Pet Auction. There is no appealling to the owners of the site as they are in the brokering business and this is just another aspect of that business. This is not the only e-pets auctions site out there either and to date is not the most active. Just thought I'ld let you all know that On Thu, 21 Aug 2003 10:55:10 -0700 (PDT) _Adam Conn [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If you want to help stop this site, cut 'em off at the pass. Request that Knoxnetwork.net no longer provide DNS service to the site. http://www.knoxnetwork.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=anonemailsendto=Comp anyEmail You provide DNS service for OnlinePetAuction.com. This auction site has been started allowing people to auction off pets to the highest bidder. This encouragement of puppymillers and backyard breeders will result in more suffering, unhealthy animals, and will contribute to the overpopulation problem. Please discontinue any service you provide to this domain. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com
Re: Responsible websites... Also, Elbow Dysplasia
Shar On Mon, 18 Aug 2003 11:22:26 -0700 (PDT) Sharon Montville [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Just a reminder, especially for people looking on the internet to find a puppy... Websites of responsible breeders generally include registered names, and often the clearances, of their dogs. When the clearances are not included, the registered names can be used to check. These days, www.offa.org is the easiest site to check for orthopedic clearances (since the GDC data was merged with OFA data). Cute photos alone, do not indicate a good breeder. Cute photos are a sales gimmick. In many cases, cute photos sell puppies. But the careful, informed buyer knows to look for a breeder who has in-depth pedigree background on the sire and dam of the litter - one who can prove much of this screening has been done, via formal registries (NOT the vet looked at the x-rays and said they were fine). Sharon Great info on finding a puppy via the internet. I have found some generalized rules when looking at websites. Please be aware not all of these rules apply but overall they are something to consider. Many serious hobby breeders are very proud of the pedigrees behind the dogs they've bred and as you stated will give full registered names of their dogs and many times some pedigree information. Commercial and backyard breeders tend to be very paranoid. They think if they give their names and contact information (other than a hotmail account) they will be harrassed by animal rights extremists. I have found that in the many years since I've had a site on the internet regarding my dogs I have not been harrassed. If someone was trying to determine if I was a puppy mill or BYB I like to think I passed the test and have never been bothered again. Questionable breeders will not let you come to their home to visit. Again they are concerned you are a spy for the animal rights folks. Some websites will be very upfront about their USDA status and often you will see these folks with multiple breeds. More than a couple of breeds may raise some questions. The commercial website usually gives minimal information, often accepts credit cards and is willing to ship anywhere. Many times these sites are cute with lots of pictures of dogs having a good time but you will see a lack of achievments (no titles in conformation or working activities) or you will seee that one champion that started their breeding program a zillion years ago. I've never understood how breeders can bemoan the fact that they don't have time to show their dogs but they do have time to breed them. Breeding and raising a litter IMO is no easy job! It takes 8wks! I love internet shopping but be careful when using it to buy a puppy. Like buying from the newspaper screening breeders is very very important Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Counter surfing
Counter surfing once discovered is very hard to stop. Good smells with tasty rewards for surfing can make Fido a real sneak theif. I have found there is no safe place to leave food except the cupboard, fridge, microwave or other closed container. My dogs are really good about not surfing my counters however, I have been shocked and horrified to see one or another of my darlings counter surf at other peoples homes when we have visited! Haley bless her soul who never ever tried counter surfing at home helped herself to my hostesses chicken enchiladas before she put them in the oven for our dinner one night. Norma Jean who isn't beyond counter surfing but does not do so at home ate an entire roast when she was at a friends house for a breeding. She was kept in the kitchen and the roast was not on the counter but left in the sink to thaw The biggest problem I've had is my young girl who likes to eat cat food. I keep the cat food on the kitchen table away from the edge so the cat can hop up there to eat when he wants. None of the other dogs touch this food. Miranda has learned to clean what's left in the bowl. I have corrected her when I catch her and she is very sneaky now. I found her one day standing all 85 pounds of her and all 4 feet on the table helping herself! I now only leave cat food out when the cat is there and slowly things are improving or am I just being lulled into a false sense of security? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: distressed over Berner pup
As hard as this is please keep in mind you do not help this puppy's mother by saving this puppy. Mom is the slave of a puppy mill owner who breeds dogs purely for profit and doesn't care where or how they end up. The puppy mill owner who sold this puppy to a broker then to a pet store doesn't see anything wrong with this puppy ending up in a small lucite cage. Be brave and know that this puppy will eventually find a home but if it sells too fast or for the asking price it will simply tell the petstore owners that they need more of these puppies to make more money. What you can do is print some material about Bernese from the BMDCA.org website on care and raising of the puppy and ask the store owner to give it to the buyers. See if they will give the buyer your name and number where they can contact you for questions and guidance. Be supportive of the buyer if they contact you as they will not have any input from a reputable breeder to fall back on. This situation will be occuring more and more and we all need to know how to handle it and what to do. The main thing we all need to remember is never never never buy anything from any pet store that sells any live dogs and cats (some would say any animal but I don't have problems with things that you can flush, I know this is probably not politically correct of me but it's just how I feel, sorry) Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Tue, 29 Jul 2003 18:59:48 -0400 Rick Grinstead [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I went to a new pet store - Petland in Maryville, Tn. today to see if they carryInnova dog food - they do not - BUT they had a Berner pup- just got it there - I felt so bad I could have cried - it was behind a lucite door in a small pen - any advise in how to get the word about this - it is a nine week female and they are asking $2,031.99 . Please help - this sweetie doesn't need to be growing up in a pet store - unsocialized and alone.
Re: more on bitches
Mary Ann your question on how many times a bitch is used is an interesting one and some of the answers are also well stated. I suppose my question in regard to all this does no apply to bitches as much as stud dogs however one can consider both questions equally - how many times should a bitch be bred in order to overall improve or help the genepool? or should a bitch that produces well continue to be bred to supply the demand for puppies? You can see how this applies to stud dogs also and for those people who repeat breeding after breeding is there a reason other than to fulfill demand? If there was no demand would these repeated breedings even take place? Just a thought as to why we bother to breed. By doing back to back breedings how can you honestly say that the dogs produced are healthy and sound when the repeat breeding is done while the previous litter is just 6mos old? What type of claims can you honestly make regarding the health of puppies of that age? Just tossing out some other thoughts and questions Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: more on bitches
On Sun, 27 Jul 2003 17:53:19 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Repeated breedings from respected, knowledgable breeders is, in my mind, preferable for filling this demand than the alternative(given, of course, ongoing attention to the health of the breeding bitch). But by doing back to back breedings when puppies are only 6mos old - how does this offer you the information you need to know you are producing healthy puppies? I would also not feel as concerned about this if those doing this type of breeding were indeed knowledgeable however, with the encouragement of reproductive experts to frequently breed a bitch and high demand many novice breeders have taken this course of action. How do can you determine the health of the dogs you are producing when you can have 3 litters on the ground before the first is even 2yrs old? What will this tell you about long term health? While I don't consider myself a novice I am hesitant to jump into overbreeding a bitch or dog due to the potential problems that may come up down the road. Breeding litters is more than just numbers when it comes to guaranteeing health. There are no shortcuts or rushing mother nature. Producing for the sake of producing numbers is exploitation. I'm not sure how else to describe it. The bitch may be kept in a house and on the bed but bred for the monetary gain of the owner. As long this is the primary reason for breeding it is very close to the reason that commercial breeders breed. Differences have primarily to do with contracts, responsibility of the dog long term and health screening, or am I missing something Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: raw food diet? any experiences? and relation to fat dogs
On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 07:47:34 -0700 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Anyways... have any of you experience with a raw food diet? Thanks Ok, here's where I'm going to get into trouble...I'm not wanting to start a war but, my experience with raw food is that I've seen lots of these dogs with beautiful coats happy smiles and fat butts! I mean really lots of folks don't seem to know how much to feed and there are alot of fat BARF fed dogs out there.. Having gotten myself into deep kaka for saying that yes there are fat dogs on kibble too. Just seems for dogs supposed to be so much more healthy on a BARF diet, fat seems to be part of the package. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: fat berners
On Fri, 25 Jul 2003 15:04:10 -0400 jenn's visi.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have a question on this topic. My Berner boy is a little over 5 months. He still eats 3 times a day. Can someone go over the logic of eating fewer times a day? I know I'm supposed to reduce it to 2x per day in a month or so... and then at a year (I think), down to only one feeding per day. Dogs usually don't eat several meals a day. They are active in the morning and in the evening when it comes to hunting and even then may only eat once in the wild. Depending on what your breeder instructed you to do I recommend twice a day so that they don't gorge themselves each day but split the meal to 2 small bolus. Many people aren't home for a noon time feeding so again twice seems to work out. My dogs are very good at telling time based on their eating patterns. mom, mom it's time to get up and feed me Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara !
internetting rescue/BMD mixes
Last week in Texas I got a call from a local shelter about a mix. We too do not do mixes but after the shelter sent me a picture of the puppy I placed the picture on our local Texas email list and with the efforts of Renee Jacquier passing the info to others she had spoken to, this puppy who was destined for euthanasia in 3 days due to a small patch of sarcoptic mange on the ear, found a home. Internetting rescue does work which is why there are so many rescue lists. The problem with the recent notices to the various Berner L and BMDCAmembers lists are that so many people want to do good by the puppy that the shelter gets swarmed with calls to the point they do not want to talk to anyone and/or give out further info. While reaching the public is important, coordinated efforts are also needed to prevent concerned citizens from overwhelming shelter staff. I think it is good for purebreed rescues to let those waiting on their waiting lists that a mix is available and if they wish to adopt may do so. This way the local rescue helps out but does not have to take a personal responsibility for the dog thus costing the club funds that may be needed at a later date. Those wanting a Berner rescue have the option then of adopting or not so everyone may come out ahead. When it works it's a good thing Susan Ablon Lone Star BMDC rescue On Mon, 21 Jul 2003 10:02:56 -0500 gabig [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I put together this webpage for our latest Berner rescue and 3 days later, there are nearly 300 hits on that page. I would encourage other clubs to use this method. It has worked very well for all our rescues, they find homes quickly when people are able to see many photo. The better the photo, the more it works. If your club does not have the ability to do this, I'll volunteer to do this for any Berner rescue. All you have to do is send me the photos, contact information, information about the dog, location, etc. See this page and use it as a guideline of what I'd need. http://classiquebmds.homestead.com/Rescue.html Dawn Gabig, Classique Berners, Kansas City USA Our Website: http://ClassiqueBMD.homestead.com FREE Graphics: http://ClassiqueBMDs.homestead.com/graphics.html Heartland Club Website: http://www.hbmdc.org/ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor -~-- Buy Breakthrough Natural Health Specialties at VitaminBoost.com $20 to $40 Naturally Painless Spray, Coral Calcium, No Snore, EZ Appetite Suppressant. http://www.challengerone.com/t/l.asp?cid=2882 http://us.click.yahoo.com/yoMABA/ruYGAA/ySSFAA/9rHolB/TM -~- To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Cabela update
Cabela's Puppy Central - update Hi, The guy Mike who sent out the original post about Cabela's and their Puppy Central went to the event this weekend. Here is what he had to say: This weekend is one of the Puppy Central weekends at Cabela's so I thought I would avoid the chores on the farm and go up and see the process in person. I was actually hoping that it would be better in person than it sounded on paper. It was their tent sale weekend and it seemed like a billion people were there. I hate crowds, but I found a parking space and ventured in. Here is what I found. The Good: It was a beautiful day; 82 degrees, blue sky with big puffy clouds and a nice breeze. It would have been a perfect day for an agility trial or to be home mowing the lawn. At first I wondered if they had actually canceled it, as all the signage that had been up the week before was absent now. Then I saw some dogs being walked in the grass out in front of the grand entrance to the store. There were fewer litters than I had heard there might be. Nine different breeders with a total of about 35 pups. Breeders came from 10 to 70 miles away. Ages ranged from 5 weeks, 5 days to 17 weeks. One breeder was selling 3 different breeds; labs, 13 beagles, and Visulas. 3 more with Labs, one with Weimeraners, two with German shorthair pointers and one with english pointers. There were also a few adults dogs on hand, some of which were the dam or sire to some of the pups. I met some nice people and had some good conversations about hunting and training dogs. I spent time with each of the nine breeders, in total about 2 and a half hours. I saw lots of photos and learned a lot of history about the dogs and their linage. In all, most of the pups looked fat and healthy. I would classify most of the breeders as backyard breeders, as in I have a nice bitch that I hunt, and I breed her to my buddy's dog who has a lot of fancy hunting titles. One fella was clearly what I would call a hobby breeder, who had competed in club sponsored hunt tests with good success and had carefully chosen a stud that had numerous field titles and had 9 breed points. He was the only breeder who had both OFA and CERF on both parents and had all the paper work with him. He was clearly proud of his pups. This owner was clearly screening potential buyers in the same way I would. All the pedigrees I looked at were AKC registry. Lots of questions, no urgency to sell a pup to anyone. One person was only willing to sell a pup to a hunting home and reported that he was turning away pet homes. The woman with the pups just shy of 6 weeks old, was taking deposits, but the pups had to be picked up at her home when they were 8 weeks old. I over heard 2 people telling a friend that they had had trouble selling their puppies through other avenues and thought they would give this a try. I did overhear someone that seems to be involved in the Wiem Club or perhaps rescue doing an excellent job counseling the Wiem breeder on more appropriate means of selling pups. She was firm, but not hostile and hopeful had some success in educating this breeder. The Bad: Of the 9 breeders, one had OFA on both parents and could produce the paperwork. (another said he did, but was vague Yeah, they all have good hips and did not have the paperwork). 3 people had OFA on the stud, but not on their bitches. Only one had CERF on the parents, most people did not even know what that was. No one knew what Penn Hip was. No one did hearts. Only one had micro chipped his pups (guess who?) This same gentleman had also had elbows done. 3 responded with We don't really have hip problems/eye problems in our dogs/breed, so there is not a need to do those kind of tests. One of the litters was admitted to be an accidental breeding of a 16 month old male with a 3 year old bitch. He used this to excuse his lack of OFA on the male, but the bitch did not have any genetic testing either. Only two asked me anything about my home or dog experience. Everyone was willing to sell me a pup. One woman admitted that her dogs did not hunt, but this was a good place to sell pups. The Ugly. Two breeders were willing to knock down the price when I asked. Of the 9 breeders, only 4 had what I would consider adequate shelter and water for a hot, sunny day. Several had the dogs out in the open in x-pens without any shade. One had 3, 16 wk old Wiems in a metal crate with no shade or water for the 2 hours I observed him. For the 2 and a half hours I was there, only 3 gave their dogs water. Several had water sitting there, but not accessible to the pups during those 2 hours in the sun. One person fell into what I might call a breed for profit, or small puppy mill category. He was selling 3 different breeds and his card lists 9 different breeds that are available at his kennel. He had a large banner with prices listed in bold. The
Re: George Alston handling seminar
If you are wanting to improve/learn to handle it is great. I just took it in May and found it to be entertaining, interesting, insightful and a great opportunity to improve my technique. The price is worth it On Thu, 3 Jul 2003 16:29:25 -0700 (PDT) Andrea Stefanac [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi all, I know these clinics have been discussed before, but I'm not having any luck finding anything in the archives. This clinic will be offered in my area in the fall. It's a bit pricey but I'm wondering if it's worth it. Do you take your dog(s)? I looked up the info on the hosting club's website, but it does not mention anything about the dogs. Any info would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks, Andrea Stefanac Chance CD NDD CGC TT Barkley- conformation hopeful Richmond, VA __ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Re: PetSmart...puppy classes
I require as part of my contract all buyers get some form of puppy kindergarten and/or obedience. Because I do not know of training facilities in all areas I have to allow the PPO to find a place they can use. While Pet Smart may not be the type of training that those of us with more experience would want, it is socialization for the puppy and can help most owners get some control over large unruly puppies. My early training was not clicker training but did give positive reinforcement when a dog performed well and corrections for incorrect behavior gasp and personally I think my dogs were well trained, adjusted and happy. JMO but for most first time novice dog owners, any training is better than none. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
reason for not sharing info
I am curious if there are reasons that a breeder would not give an owner of their dog information regarding owners of littermates. Is this a privacy issue? Is there any other reason why I should or shouldn't let one owner contact another? Just curious Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Puppy Mill Puppy?
First I will say that anyone who has their pups being offered for sale in a petstore is not legit regardless of whether he is a commercial breeder or not. Remember NO RESPONSIBLE BREEDER WILL SELL HIS PUPS VIA A BROKER OR PET STORE. Dick Lawson is a USDA breeder. As to what you can do you might ask the petstore if they will give the buyer information on Bernese Mountain Dogs. You might print out some of the info on your local regional club, the BMDCA and/or some of the info from the info series offered by the BMDCA on raising and caring for a Bernese Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 25 Jun 2003 19:32:51 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: A local store was advertising a long list of puppies for sale including a Berner puppy. I called and was told that the puppy was a male, 11 weeks old, AKC registered with no OFA or other certifications for a price of $1500. I asked where the puppy was bred and given the name Dick Lawson at 62781 E140, Miami OK. Does anyone know if Lawson is legit or a puppy miller? Is there anything I can do? Thanks Betsy Rich
Re: Brewers yeast
On Mon, 16 Jun 2003 23:12:46 -0700 Raymond Burnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If one is feeding a top quality food, be it Kibble or a raw diet one should not need to add items just for a good coat. Yikes, that's a pretty subjective statement Ray. I think different dogs have different needs and that a good food can still leave a dog in need of one or two supplements to balance out their diet. A common problem I've seen is flaky skin or itchy skin on many dogs. I like to add 3V caps to relieve this problem. It also helps promote a pretty shiny coat. (of course be careful what you try to achieve because sooner or later all that hair has to come out). It's the only supplement I use with my kibble diet and gives my dogs that little extra something that they don't get in their food. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
old dogs and a new trick
Today my dogs learned to eat whipped cream from the can. I am happy to say that the spray sound did not deter them from the sweet treat and all got their fair share. - I really need to get a life :) Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: keeping cool
On Mon, 16 Jun 2003 08:21:41 -0400 jenn's visi.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It's filled with little pellets and you soak the pad for 20 minutes and the gel pellets absorb the water and keep it cool for like 5 days. I have a couple of these cooling pads and I had a puppy that learned early on that it was cool and would seek it out. The older dogs never seemed to care for it. I think it has to be really hot for them to appreciate the temperature difference. On a word of caution. I did have one of my dogs eat the smaller mat and I had to watch her since the pellets do swell up in the gut. She did get rather large and since the pellets are soft when swollen (rather jelly like) everything did pass. I can see where this could be a problem for young dogs or puppies. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
USDA website
I apologize for sending the wrong URL Website for David Stoltzfus www.hua.org/Prisoners/davidstoltzfus.html . Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem
Re: discouraged by breed post
On Thu, 12 Jun 2003 11:06:41 + Lisa D Allen [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: There are radical approaches that could be taken such as adopting rules that would make those of the Leonberg club or the most strict European countries seem lenient. I have to question the rules of the Leonberger club in light of the commercial breeders I've found on line breeding Leos and Berners...how do they fit into the scheme of things? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Yuck
On Thu, 12 Jun 2003 12:27:50 -0400 Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Esta, What now?? Tapeworm medications:-) Actually tapeworms are from fleas and fleas usually won't stay on a cold body. I've been told that the fur or feathers ingested along with fresh flesh are natures wormers..Does anyone know if this is true or not? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: OFA Xrays - benefit to PO?
On Wed, 11 Jun 2003 08:51:00 -0700 (PDT) Rita [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Our baby girl, Jewel just turned two on June 1 and she's scheduled tomorrow for OFA xrays. I understand her breeder wants to evaluate her breeding decisions and I support the open sharing of knowledge. But as a pet owner, what does this information mean to me? In the absence of symptoms, what guidelines should I use to determine how to limit (or increase) her activities based on the OFA ratings? Should I use these ratings to decide the necessity of supplimenting her diet with glucosamine? Rita and Tim having your pet pup xrayed for OFA tells you much. If Jewel were to not be clear and asymptomatic you would know that keeping her weight down and encouraging moderate routine exercise should help to lengthen her quality of life. Yes a glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplement is not a bad idea either. While nothing may absolutely eliminate arthrosis doing what you can to minimize it is always a good idea. Of course each dog will progress in an individual manner so to say what is moderate exercise is based upon the individual dog's comfort zone. I have seen pet owners who have not xrayed their dogs and it isn't until the dog is older and quite arthritic that they discover the problem. Many times comfort could have been maintained had they been able to take earlier precautions. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
OT: Cat urine smell
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Re: NOT Lancaster County
I am very pleased to hear that the BMDCA is looking at another location for the 2005. My thanks to those who have done so much work at finding a site that is acceptable. Being part of the 2004 hotel search committee I can appreciate the work involved Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Mon, 09 Jun 2003 23:11:08 -0400 Tom Jaskiewicz [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dear Berner-l, The 2005 BMDCA National Specialty Committee is currently negotiating a contract with a hotel which is NOT in Lancaster County. When that contract is signed I hope they will extend the courtesy of announcing the date and location to the BMDCA membership for long term planning purposes. In the meantime I respectfully ask that this hard working group of volunteers be allowed to focus on the huge job they volunteered to do on behalf of the entire Berner community. Volunteers are the very foundation and support of the BMDCA. Please take a moment and ask how you would wish to be treated if and when you volunteer for any project, Berner or otherwise. Many heated messages have been exchanged in the last few days on all sides of the specialty location issue. Many feelings have been hurt. The reason for these exchanges is now gone. Please, now is the time for healing, pulling together and offering a helping hand so each and every BMDCA National Specialty can be an educational and rewarding celebration of Bernese Mt Dogs for all who have the good fortune to attend. Sincerely, Alison Jaskiewicz Mason NH
Re: Lancaster County National - I'm attending here's why
On Sat, 7 Jun 2003 08:39:42 -0500 Dawn or Tim Gabig [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: There are better ways to protest puppymills. Please share some of the ways you have in mind. Any tool to protest is greatly appreciated. There are already as you know websites and written flyers. In my area and nationally there are organized pickets against pet stores. Any additional ideas you have would be welcome Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
BYB
I read this in the AKC Gazette from the Shih Tzu column, written by Jo Ann White, and was wondering how others would define BYB (backyard breeders) They never go beyond their own backyard - not for a stud dog, not for learning. Their own male usually sires all their litters, or perhaps the male belonging to a friend who lives nearby, a dog whose primary merits are easy access and a cheap stud fee. They do not bother with the 'snobs' in the dog show world, because they already know their dogs are 'perfect', and they are too busy for that foolishness. They don't do testing, because they 'know' their dogs are healthy. They don't bother joining kennel club because all they need to know they learned from the little book the pet store sold them. Nor will you see them attending seminars to increase their knowledge of health, training, and reproduction. And they always say how much they 'love' having puppies and seeing them go on to make other families so very happy!
Re: A Boycott for Lancaster Country PA
I have attended every BMDCA national specialty since my first in 1990. That is 13 specialties to date with next year being 14. It will be with great sadness that I stay home in 2005 should the BMDCA decide to have it's specialty in a county being boycotted for its inhumane treatment of not just dogs but all animals. While this is a disappointment there are enough regional specialties that I can still get a good feel for what dogs are being shown and bred and to see what is being produced that I do not feel I will be missing anything. It may also be a good time to take advantage of the specialty to our north and visit our friends in Canada for their National specialty. Preferably the BMDCA will rethink it's current plan to have a specialty in Lancaster County PA. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: crossing the border
On Fri, 06 Jun 2003 16:04:04 -0700 Swisskiss BMD [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Everyone if you are crossing the border from Canada to the US and you are bringing dog food make sure it is in the original bag with the ingredients on it The recent problem with Mad Cow disease in Canada resulted in the recall of several brands of Canadian packaged dog food. The concern wasn't that there was a problem for the dogs but that any tainted food could be cross fed to livestock susceptible to the disease Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Reminder - the Lancaster County PA Boycott
Thanks for the explanation. While I'm sure my presence won't be missed I think it's too bad that as usual the BMDCA has shown that the show is more important than the dog Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Fri, 06 Jun 2003 22:14:38 -0400 Tom Jaskiewicz [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Why would they suggest this site? Are there so few sites in that area of the country that this is the only place to have a show? The short answer is yes. It is amazingly difficult to find a good specialty show site in the east (and probably everywhere else, too). The major issues are the hotel rooms for a large number of people and dogs, the dog show space, and the banquet/meeting room space for specialty events. Then there are the conflicts with all breed shows. Any show within 250 miles of the specialty has to give you permission to hold your show and forgo classes for your breed. Every site and date in the east has such a conflict to resolve -- and they usually come in twos (a Saturday and Sunday show). Sometimes you can't get permission. Generally it's easy to arrange a specialty four years in advance (which the BMDCA doesn't do). It is possible to do one three years out, and difficult to arrange one that is two years away. Do the math -- 2005 is two years away. --Tom Jaskiewicz From New Hampshire, where the bitches are ( Gita Kepler)strong, the dogs are good looking, and all [EMAIL PROTECTED]the puppies are above average.
Re: SOME FACTS on lancaster puppy mills/boycott
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Re: SOME FACTS on lancaster puppy mills/boycott
Below are some links to what is going on in Lancaster County. While some city and government officials may not see it as a problem others may view it differently http://www.hua.org/Prisoners/Lancastercounty.html http://www.goodsamaritanpetcenter.net/animalsmills.htm http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/newsmay01.html Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Realities of puppies
On Thu, 05 Jun 2003 06:58:49 -0400 Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why is it that Murphy's law makes a grubby puppy a heavy coated one:-)) You bring up an interesting point which I consider to be a dirt gene. I have a male that is very clean in many regards. He hates to get his feet wet, actually seems to enjoy a bath, avoids mud, but seems to love to roll in the most horrendous piles of you-know-what. His coat even when blown is still excessively thick . This gene is seen again in his daughter however like Pigpen on Charlie Brown she is dirty even immediately after the bath. Dirt seems to follow her and if by some chance it is slow catching up to her she too will roll in the same pile as daddy. While her coat isn't quite as thick as dad's, it is one of those long coats that takes care to groom. I would have to say it's not so much Murphy's law but a the Law of genetics (at least down here) Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: attacks on livestock
On Tue, 1 Apr 2003 11:46:23 +0100 Liz Bradbury [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Sheep are stupid, one runs, they all go and dogs just love to chase. That's when a game turns into a massacre. Hahaha, truer words were never spoken. I had a small flock for a short time (the other saying is sheep were born looking for a place to die) and my dogs found the chase quite thrilling. I did have verbal control to call them off (at least verbal control after I hit one stubborn Berner girl in the head with a 2x4 to get her attention after she refused to quit running the sheep in the pen). I never found the dogs to attack the sheep however, because of the stupid sheep factor they could easily injure themselves trying to escape. I have also had dogs that chased cows and horses however aggressive steers and stubborn horses can turn on a single dog and give it it's come-uppence. I found the best solution to the problem was to teach the dogs to go get the sheep, cattle, horses under supervision to stop when told and come back when called. Outside of teaching left and right (come by and way to me) I guess training is the answer. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Breeding
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Re: A special gift for our fundraiser....
Ahhhthe $50 is in the mail - Susan When it comes please place all the tickets in the Mother and Daughter print please :) Susan On Mon, 24 Mar 2003 07:41:44 -0500 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have received a generous donation for our AKC CHF Fundraiser from an anonymous donor in memory of her Berner, Aimee, who is at the Rainbow Bridge. This Berner lover has donated ten Quill pens that have an itty bitty berner on the end.The next ten people who donate $50 or more will receive one of these terrific Berner pens as a Thank You for their special donation. Here is the website for our fundraiser: http://www.overthefence.com/raffle/histio/ Please visit the site, and then make a donation of $50 or more because you will be helping us fight malignant histiocytosis, a terrible cancer that claims way too many of our beloved Berners at way too young an age. We have less than two weeks left in this fundraiser and we need to raise about $4,000 to reach our goal. We will not be able to achieve it if we don't have the support of many Berner people on this list. We need donations of all amounts - even donations of $1 will get us to our goal. Please help!! Joye Neff and Nick (Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
Re: Bloat
On Sun, 23 Mar 2003 06:31:03 -0800 Carol [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: No one has raised the issue of exercise and bloat. My vet suggested at least three hours between eating and any exercise to help prevent bloat. I was also told that soaking the kibble before eating would help. It swells in the bowl instead of the dog. What do you think?? Pat Long has an excellent article of bloat on her website I think. In it are many experiences with bloat. I know that my dogs eat in their crates on the ground and usually they are fed about 30 minutes to 1hr after they exercise. They are fed dry kibble with a spoon of canned food twice a day. In the evening I add a bit of water to their food to make a gravy not to soften the kibble. Currently all are well and there are no bloat issues. The one dog I had that did bloat did so around noon about 4 hrs after feeding and there was no exercise involved. I had come home from work and was greeted. I was on the way to run errands and took the dog. He seemed fine I went into the bank and came out and he was frothing at the mouth and his stomach was distended. We were off to the vet and he came through it all ok. Personally I think that bloat like so many other health issues we see in our dogs is one of common sense and luck working together. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: AOL HTML
I don't have AOL but with my Juno account I've noticed that if I reply to a post sent on the L and Cc it to the L or have a Cc to the original sender or another list, I get truncated. So, all replies must go to the L independent of any copies. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Had Enough -- Now: How to be a breeder
A friend of mine that shows Berners but is not a Berner owner recently went to some shows in the northern plains states. She is often approached by people looking for a Berner pup and has learned all the right things to tell these folks regarding care and health. At this one particular show she said she spent time with a woman who was looking for a puppy. She directed this woman towards the several breeders that were at the show after telling her a little about the breed. My friend overheard some of the conversation with the woman and Berner breeders. My friend felt they were very aggresive in their questioning of the woman. She felt they were defensive and this defensivness comes across as a bit hostile. They wanted to know what she wanted a dog for and what was she going to do with it and was she planning to show it, etc. My friend thought the woman seemed sincere and nice and later that day the woman came back and told my friend that she was the only one that didn't try to run her off. Just some input from a non-Berner dog person Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Whats so special?
On Thu, 6 Mar 2003 16:51:28 -0500 Kenneth L Babcock [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What do Berners have that Goldens or other breeds don't have? A shortened life-span that means that each day we share with them is limited and precious and not to be taken for granted Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: [BMDCAmembers] current prices
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Re: Dog Bath Tubs
Check out http://www.pawsforthought.com/ . They have the booster bath and are less expensive than anyone else I've found. I love these tubs and have finally ordered one Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Sat, 15 Feb 2003 17:19:43 -0800 Ray Pat Burgett [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Looking for a online place to get a dog bath tub. All ready checked Valley Vet and Foster Smith. They both have the one piece style and we are looking for the type that has a base and the tub sets on top so one does not have to kneel down to wash them. TIA Ray Pat Burgett Eaglecap Bernese Talee,Lexi,,Bell, Shadow Max www.goodbernerfood.com http://users.eoni.com/~eaglecap/ Draminski Ovulation Detector Rep
airline update
I was just sent this and thought I would share: The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that as of February 15, 2003 United Airlines will eliminate the restrictions against shipment of dogs that were imposed in June of 2000, and again allow them to be shipped as either excess baggage, cargo or carry-on. The many letters written to United by dedicated fanciers played a significant role in prompting United's decision, said Noreen Baxter, AKC's VP of Public Education and Legislation. We are extremely pleased with this turnaround. The ability to travel with their dogs is crucial for both pet owners and fanciers. The AKC Canine Legislation department staff has worked tirelessly to reverse the embargo since it was imposed three years ago, said Patti Strand, member of the AKC Board of Directors. The work of our contacts in Washington and strong opposition against these restrictions from the fancy has brought about a very positive action by United Airlines. AKC Canine Legislation Department 5580 Centerview Drive Raleigh, NC 27606 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: BERNER-L digest 4270
Annelise One of the problems that can occur in bitches with their uterus is a disease called pyometra. It can be life threatening and requires emergency surgery if it occurs. Not long ago a nice woman that bought a puppy from me and was supposed to spay her lost her 4yr old to this disease. What is even sadder is that she now blames herself for not following through and spaying her girl. If you only tie the tubes and do not remove the uterus your girl will continue to have heat cycles and attract the boys who will try to breed her. She may go through some of the hormone swings that intact bitches get and even have false pregnancies. If the vet is going to do surgery on her anyway, might as well take care of it all and completely spay her. As to exercise, let your puppy be your guide and if she seems tired you've gone too far. Keep the pace varied, not a steady constant march. Let the pup run, walk, sit, sniff.she will build up much faster that way and do it safely at her own pace. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Thu, 13 Feb 2003 12:58:47 -0800 Annelise Wagner-Klein [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi, I'm recieving the List since a while, but this is my first time trying it with questions...we will see if I'm doing it right. Our female Berner KYLA is 4 months old and will soon have to be spayed. I heard that some vet just tie tubes and others take out the uterus...and this seems to be very drastic to me. I would apreciate to get some opinions about those procedures! My other concern is about exercise. I'm not sure how much is good and how much is too much! We take her to 1/2 hour flat walks in the woods and would be happy to increase it but don't want to stress her joints! Thank you in advance for your input! Annelise Wagner-Klein From: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: BERNER-L digest 4270 Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 00:01:18 CST BERNER-L Digest 4270 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Dog Show/Wacamaw in Spartanburg, anyone? by [EMAIL PROTECTED] 2) Colonel update#2 by Lorece Aitken [EMAIL PROTECTED] 3) Re: Raw bones Diarrhea by Ray Pat Burgett [EMAIL PROTECTED] 4) Re: Growth Gates? by Ray Pat Burgett [EMAIL PROTECTED] 5) RE: Advice - Wedding Cake Toppers? by Kaethy Kennedy [EMAIL PROTECTED] 6) Re: BERNER-L digest 4269 by [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Dog Show/Wacamaw in Spartanburg, anyone? Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 22:13:11 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Message-Id: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'd love to know if anyone's going to be in Spartanburg SC for the 3 day show beginning this Friday. I'd also love to know what time berners will be in the ring.. Thanks, looking forward to meeting you and your dogs too, of course :-) Franny/South Carolina -- From: Lorece Aitken [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Colonel update#2 Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 21:32:16 -0600 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary==_NextPart_000_00C9_01C2D2DE.370A74C0 Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_00C9_01C2D2DE.370A74C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable COLONEL'S TUMOR IS 25% SMALLER THAN IT WAS 3 WEEKS AGO! Three weeks ago tonight, we gave him the first dose of CCNU, aka = Lomustine. The only side effect was to inhibit his bone marrow's production of = blood, which bottomed out halfway between then and now, and is now back = up. Second dose was administered tonight. I must say it dismayed me that the Official Diagnosis on his release = papers said _malignant_ histiocytosis. I had been clinging to the idea = that he had systemic, since it fit the locations of his tumors better as = I understood from the website research I did (no vital organs, in lymph = nodes near the skin). I have not yet been able to ask the Dr. if the = Univ. of Wisconsin Vet School differentiates between the two or not. = Perhaps tomorrow. Anyway, for those of you who asked for updates, there you go. =20 Now a question - With this second dose, we got a pamphlet on = chemotherapy drugs - wear gloves, dispose of securely, etc. It also = mentioned that feces, urine, and vomit should be flushed and cleaned up = with Lysol, including separate laundering of soiled fabrics. And we = should confine elimination to one part of the yard so as to keep the = rest from
Re: BARF
On Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:48:00 EST [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I see that you do in deed lack dietary knowledge, Pat, tho you have a good understanding of the basics. You listed the 4 basic food groups as: Chocolate McDonald's Potato Chips Chocolate You scored a 50%,which is really pretty good, you are half there. Here is the correct list, based on my intensive research and experience on one one human being (me.) Chocolate Coffee Pina coladas Chocolate Actually Vilma, I think you are both fairly close but you are scoring 75% due to ethnic differences. Down here in my neck of the woods I would have to say we list the 4 groups as: Chocolate Coffee Margueritas Chocolate Viva la difference Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Puppy ate a bully stick! or s**t happens
I think it is interesting that there are currently 2 threads running concurrently. Bully Sticks (don't let your puppy eat this or that) and Weird things eaten (just try to keep your puppy from eating this or that) For every person that says don't feed rawhide Bully sticks pigs ears etc. someone does. This is huge business and millions must be sold each year for them to continue to manufacture and market these things. I think that there is danger and risk in everything we do and for every bully stick eaten or remote control that disappears most dogs will pass the final product without problem and an unlucky few will need surgery. I have a good friend who I've known for the last 25 yrs that has always fed her dogs cooked bones (each year they get the turkey carcass or if we have ribs the bones) without incident. I cringe when she does it but to date there has never been an issue for her dogs. This doesn't mean I do it but I can't convince her that it is dangerous. I think we have to accept the fact that s**t happens and some of us are just going to hit that unlucky wall regardless of how careful we are or what we do. Surely raising dogs is just an issue of common sense and a bit of luck. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Trever lump!
Julie Take a breath and relax. This could be many things and until your vet looks at it don't panic. Berners get warts, cysts, ingrown hairs, bug bites etc. Only when your vet looks at it and examines it will you know. (my bet it something innocent) The other good news is even if it is some kind of cancer you are probably catching it early so there is a chance to treat it. I think it is sad that we (the Berner community) so strongly focus on our dogs dying of cancer that we often scare people to death that every lump and bump is a death sentence. Most times it is not. It is fair for us to be concerned and have bumps checked out, but we shouldn't terrorize people into thinking every lump is a death sentence. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: weird things berners have eaten
My favorite thing that one of my dogs ate I posted about at the time it happened so some of you may remember. About 3 yrs ago after one of my girls had a litter she started getting rather bloated looking. She acted all right but was definately full in the belly. I started to worry and took her into the emergency clinic caching. They took her right back and xrayed her belly. The vet came and got me and put up the xray and in a concerned voice asked me if I still had all my puppies. I said yes, and she asked could your bitch have eaten one of her puppies?. I looked at the xray and started laughing. I had fed raw pig tails to the dogs earlier in the week and the vet was looking at the little spinal bones that made up the tail sitting in my dogs belly that hadn't digested yet. I felt pretty darn stupid and haven't fed pig tails since. An expensive lesson to the tune of about $150. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: thyroid/aggression
On Thu, 06 Feb 2003 11:42:25 -0500 Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Berners tend to be on the low side of normal and if he is truly hypothyroid Actually this is one of those issues I am questioning. I have been told that Bernese and other large and giant breeds tend to be on the low side of normal. These dogs also tend to have shorter lifespans. Does one have anything to do with the other? I do not know. Idiopathic thyroiditis may be ignored since all T3 T4 and cTSH normals are within the normal values (albeit may be low normal). It's only the TgAA that is elevated. The endocronology report on my bitch with this type of report came back saying she was NOT hypothyroid YET. By placing her on medication all her values are not mid to upper normal and the TgAA is back to normal range. and actually needing supplementation then you must start with low doses and test every two weeks until the right dose is established and then retest at least every six months. According to Dr. Jean Dodds (and I know not everyone believes in her findings) thyroid supplements for dogs that are hard to diagnose or such as the case above or one that is borderline or low normal can be done safely for a 6-8wk period following the standard dose recommendations. Once correct dose is established then yearly testing is recommended Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
more thyroid thoughts
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[no subject]
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Re: normal thyroid range and aggression/dosing
I keep thinking of other things I meant to sayVilma wrote: I would be very very cautious w/ supplementing thyroid hormone in a dog whose complete panel was already in the normal range. I'm not in favor of the practice of some breeders who routinely put their bitches on thyroid medication to get them pregnant and then take them off after they whelp. These girls either need to be supplemented or they don't. It seems that maintaining their optimal health should be the first concern of the breeder and a bitch that can not conceive unless on thyroid may have one of those thyroid conditions that is simply hard to diagnose. I'm not saying these girls shouldn't be bred but, that a closer look and follow up of their endocrine status may be warranted Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: thyroid/aggression
The only problem I have seen is if the thyroid supplementation tends to be to high the dog seems a bit hyper. I recently lowered the dose of my girl on supplementation from .8mg to .6mg. I will test to be sure she is therapeutic in a couple more months. I have noticed that she appears adequately energetic without seeming nervous or hyper. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 5 Feb 2003 14:29:10 -0500 Vicki Fallin [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We have had aggression problems with our male Samson. One of the recommendations we have been given is thyroid replacement therapy to boost his thyroid to the upper part of normal or higher (his level is 1.3 normal 1-4).
thyroid and cancer
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Re: LOC calendar effort
If someone could post in plain text the post that Ann shared I would appreciate it. Thought I was in plain text but the gods at prairienet felt otherwise :) Susan
Re: HELP! HELP! HELP!
If he ate river stones and is having diarrhea, he may have a partial blockage. Whether he can pass the stones or not remains to be seen and I would consult with a vet as a complete blockage could occur at any time and result in emergency surgery. Better IMO to do surgery prior to a complete block while Cooper is still in good condition if that is what your vet recommends than to wait til the bowel is total blocked and compromised. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 29 Jan 2003 10:54:04 +0100 Lindsay Cox [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi everyone! I need HELP!!! First of all, I have to thank everyone that commented on the website! It made our day! I promise to keep updating it so that we can all share in the unbelievably amazing growth of Cooper! Secondly, but by far, first priority This is really kind of gross but I need your help. Cooper ate LOTS of moss from one of artificial trees this past Sunday (the remaining moss was discarded and replaced with lovely BIG inedible river stones!) Well, this morning, you would have thought a land mine filled with you-know-what had exploded all over the house (thank GOD for wood floors and Swifer Wets!) The problem is that he has massive, explosive diarrhea. My bet is that the plant moss is stuck and/or working its way out. Other than having to go out about every 30 minutes, he acts completely normal. I fed him his breakfast this morning and made sure that he had LOTS of water. Is there anything else I can do to speed up the process or do I have to just wait it out (HA! Literally!) Any advice would GREATLY appreciated. Lindsay and not Super Cooper, but POOPER Cooper!
Re: What do you have in your medical bag?
For anyone interested in a really great first aid kit, I was lucky enough to win one of Lynne's kits and let me tell you it is outstanding! When one of these comes up for a raffle I would urge anyone with a dog or animal (I've used the eyewash on my mare) to try for one of these great kits. Everything in the kit is useful and even if you don't ever think you may need it, believe me you will. Great kit Lynne and thanks Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 22 Jan 2003 06:51:16 -0800 Steve Weber [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: These are the items in the first aid kit that I donate to the various raffles for Berners: Canine First Aid Kit Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook Basics: 1. Thermometer 2. Gauze Sponge- dressing large wounds, cleaning wounds 3. Gauze pads- cleaning ears, dressing smaller wounds... 4. Tape- porous and elastic, for securing bandages or splints or to muzzle a dog 5. Vet wrap- securing gauze pads without tape keeping wounds covered till vet attention can be gotten. 6.Coated aspirin- pain reliever, help reduce inflammation. 7. Hydrogen Peroxide- diluted 50/50 with water to cause vomiting, cleaning wounds and drying hot spots 8. Charcoal Tabs- use to absorb and bind suspected poisons, ease gas symptoms... 9. Q-tips- cleaning OUTSIDE of ears, acquiring stool samples. 10. Cotton squares- general cleaning 11. Scissors OTHER HELPFUL ITEMS 1. Leash- for use as a tourniquet, restraint, muzzle. 2. Ice pack- for heat stroke 3. Emergency blanket- for a shocky dog 4. Bag Balm- sores, scrapes and cuts to pads 5. Antibiotic Cream- use on any wounds or sores 6. Antibiotic Eye Cream 7. Eye Wash- cleaning eyes and to relieve redness 8. Nolvasan Wound and Skin Cleaner- Use for cleaning without stinging any wound except for eyes. 9.Bendryl Tabs- for allergic reactions to insect stings, relieve itching. 10. Imodium- for diarrhea 11. Phazyme and Gas-X Tabs- to relieve gas and beginning bloat. 12.Kwik-Stop-for torn/bleeding nails 13. Derma Dream- for any skin irritations/sores 13. Betadine solution- use on infections, sores, hot spots. 14. Allercaine- use for hot spots, itchy skin. 15. Derma Pet- skin and ear cleaner 16. Cotton Balls- Soaked in cream and fed to dog to capture and remove from the stomach sharp objects such as glass. 17. Gloves Lynne and the guys
Re: Pet/Show Quality
On Sat, 18 Jan 2003 09:31:20 -0800 Pat Bishop [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I would like some opinions as to why breeders offer *Pet Quality* and *Show Quality* puppies with a difference in price? Good question. I don't know why there are different prices in these pups. As a breeder I put in as much thought and consideration into that PQ pup as the SQ pup. They are from the same litter and same breeding. I expect my SQ pups to be treated as pampered pets and my PQ pups to be cared for as high class show dogs. At 8 wks of age I can determine structure but, I can not say with 100% certainty that the SQ pup will be sound moving, have a correct bite, or meet earlier expectation. Breedability of that SQ pup should not even enter into the cost at 8 wks as this is a seperate consideration. Just because a pup may be SQ does not mean it is Breed Quality and should be bred even if it does have a championship. Perhaps if breeders wanted to be true to thought PQ and SQ pups should be the same price and they should only ask for more on the BQ pups (which some breeders do by asking more for bitches than dogs). In anycase, every puppy I breed to me is worth the same and like yourself I don't understand the difference in prices Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
what's important to you?
Today is a nice cool 35degrees with a balmy 30mph breeze out of the north to chill the air as I take my guys for our afternoon walk. The cool air energizes all of us and I watch as my guys run and sniff in the pasture when it occurs to me what I like best about my dogs. I watch them strong, healthy and full of the enjoyment of the moment and realize that what is most important to me about this wonderful breed - They make me smile. Thanks Hank, Norma Jean, Bunny and Miranda for giving me the gift of a smile. It may be fleeting but today it is here. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
mix
The Lone Star BMDC has come into possesion of a mix breed (possible Berner) dog. This boy was identified as a purebred dog by a Berner owner but he is not a purebred dog. Currently this dog has been neutered, and given rabies. He is heartworm negative. He is good with other dogs and children but has not been given any obedience training and has not been house trained. He is about 2 yrs old and seems very energetic. He is a bit apprehensive in new situations but with gentle assurance does come around. Weighs about 80 pounds.This dog is in need of a home as the Lone Star members can not keep this dog and most of those we have been in contact with want a purebred dog. Local rescue groups are full and unable to take him. If you are interested or know someone who is please contact me. I will be happy to send pictures to those interested. Susan Ablon
poo eating gene
Last nite I began to develope the theory that for those of us with dogs that seem to like - no love - to eat poo that there is a gene that determines this. The gene from what I can see is recessive and requires both parents to give it to the offspring. I have a female that has been bred twice. Her mother and father were not known poo eaters however she became one especially once she had her first litter. (her brother never has been a poo eater) . This poo eating I'm talking about is what I consider compulsive rather than casual. She can tell when poo is about to be made and keeping the 5 second rule in mind races to it before it has a chance to hit the ground. Anyway, in her first litter of 4 all of these pups are also somewhat to very compulsive poo eaters. The only complaint I've had regarding any of these dogs is their bad poo eater breath. The owners have tried changing foods, adding no poo eating supplements, adding various fruits and flavors only to give the poo a more exotic flavor. The second litter from this female is now on the ground and I am pleased to see that they are not poo eaters. Since these pups have a different father I can only conclude that the poo eating gene is not present in this male. This is good news to the new owners of these puppies. I am curious if others have seen any type of poo eating behavior in dogs they've bred that might lead them to the same recessive gene poo eating conclusions. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: left over puppy
On Wed, 8 Jan 2003 18:05:30 -0800 2scorpios 1 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: How do you get started with the breed if everyone makes it next to impossible? The same way many of us did. Once upon a time it took a long wait to get a puppy. Breeders were fewer than today and sometimes pups were slow in coming. I waited a year for my first dog and then I got it from a different breeder than the one I was waiting on. While I waited however, I developed a relationship with that breeder, I attended dog shows, I read what little was out there etc. There was much less wealth of information than today where I can email breeders in Europe and click on a puppy at the drop of the mouse. By building a relationship with a breeder (and I was very very persistent) I learned about different lines of dogs, structure and set up on the path to further my learning of dogs and the breed. We met some awesome breeders in our quest, but we also know that there are some people out there who seem to want to have a monopoly on the breed. I am always amused that breeders who want to, who care how their dogs are used in the future and want some control of who and what is bred are said to want to monopolize the breed. Far from it. These breeders are simply concerned that puppies and dogs that they helped produce will at some point in time be exploited by someone that innocently sold a puppy to a loving PPO. Why question everyone's motive? Why be so judgemental? What is that saying...Innocent until proven guilty? Everyone on the list professes their love for berners.does that mean that others can't love them, too, and want the best for them??? For anyone been in the breed for more than 5 years we have seen this huge extraordinary growth in people breeding these dogs. These are good people who profess to love the breed. They check hips and elbows on their dogs and only breed to top champions (whatever that means). They sell their pups on contracts. They are members of clubs. They are not members of clubs. They are too busy to show their dogs, they are too busy to do any performance work with their dogs, but they aren't too busy to breed them and profit from the sale of the puppies (I will not argue whether breeders make money or not - if you are selling puppies for $1000-1500 and have a litter of 5-10 one to two times a year - you do the math). These people appear good and seem respectable but other than breeding the dogs I have to ask - What are they doing for the breed other than producing more puppies? Why do we only hear from some of these people when they have a litter? Does being a responsible and respectable breeder mean more than just producing another litter? I'm glad they love the dogs but make yourself known to the Berner community in some way so that innocence or guilt are not questioned. When I got my first Bernese in 1988 things were very different. Bernese breeders actually knew who all the other breeders were. We met at dog shows, specialties, communicated. Nearly everyone seemed to be a member of the BMDCA. Today sadly, we have breeders who are USDA commercial breeders, Bernese are sold at auction, Bernese are showing up regularly in shelters, responsible breeders are selling puppies to new PPO on full registrations with the expectation that they will get a puppy back when the bitch is bred. New breeders pop up and profess their love of the breed but don't lift a finger to help it. New breeders have no idea as to breed type but feel that the perfect Berner is in their backyard and want to breed it. New breeders are instant experts on the breed because they've owned a bitch for 2 yrs and she has clear hips and elbows. The list goes on. You ask why some of us are judgemental - we have seen changes in the breed and not for the better. I say if you are on the recieving end of negative opinions do something other than whine about how unjustly you are treated. Get to know some of the people in the breed. Join a regional club and help out. Join the national club and get involved. Caring and professing to care are 2 different things Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: exercise and teenagers QUESTION
My first Berner was a male who his first year of life was very very sick. At 4 mos he suffered from pancreatitis, parvo, had exploratory surgery, followed by kennel cough and pneumonia and generalized demodetic mange. By the time he was a year old he was just starting to shine as far as his health went and I chose not to neuter him as he had been through so much. He had a very very very low libido so was no problem with the girls. As to male aggression, I have had up to 3 intact Berner males in my home and my boys have never shown signs of aggression. I took care with them if a girl was in season but other than that they were good with each other. I have also had other Berner boys here to visit and taken mine out and while they may not seek out the company of other males I have not seen the boys misbehave. Maybe it's been luck, I'm always watchful. Now the girls on the other hand is a whole other story. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Mon, 06 Jan 2003 19:27:44 -0500 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: this is a really interesting topic. i have a question--does anyone out there have an intact male or female for reasons OTHER than to show or breed because i would be really interested in knowing other reasons there could be for not doing it since so many other (health or otherwise) problems seem to arise from having the intact dogs...just a question...this coming from the owner of three dogs, one bernese and two pound dogs, one great shepherd girl and my adorable macho neutered boy dog who DESPISES unneutered boys and can smell them a mile away--i always know before we even get to the dog when we go out hiking or the park or whatever and he gets that weird high step with his tail up and a low growl...i've finally gotten to the point where i can handle this behavior but thank goodness most people out there tend to spay/neuter their dogs before they bring them out to public areas like this because i've also noticed my annoying boy is not the only dog who feels the need to show off when intact males are around. i've witnessed many many fights...this is another reason why i will never get another boy dog! i love him to death and he is my baby but i think i prefer girls from now on. anyway, thanks for listening... danielle hudson
Re: A Tribute to Winston Poohbear (1998-2003)
I am sorry to hear of your Winston passing. You are so right about Malignant histio. It is so fast. Thank you to Winston for helping find a cure. Susan Ablon
Re: socialization
On Sat, 21 Dec 2002 08:20:36 -0500 Jennifer Popp [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: So that's what begged the question, was I a better owner/trainer for the third dog (in this particular pack) or was it luck of the [genetic] After reading the replies you got I would say you have been given some very good information. The debate over nature vs nurture is one that has raged for years in regard to both dogs and people. I do not think they are seperate issues but closely entertwined. A puppy with a genetically sound temperament does not shy from loud noises, does not back away from large people or dogs, does not run away from new situations. He does not have a melt down during the first second or however many fear periods exist. He can endure isolation, horrible treatment and situations and bounce back with proper training love and care (witnessed by the shelter and rescue dogs that end up loving devoted pets). This is genetics That you are a better owner/trainer is no doubt. You have learned. Training has become more instinctual for you and you aren't having to think about every command and your timing with praise is probably faster and more consistent. This can help take any puppy with a slight to moderate temperament flaw and mold it to a point that is less apparent and livable for you and the dog. So - you have no definite answer I think The answer is yes Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: ED surgury v.s. no surgury
I have had surgery done on 2 of my dogs for ED and have not done it on several others. Here's my feeling on the subject - IF your vet can actually see a fragment or chip floating about then surgery may be successful. The most successful surgery comes from arthroscopic procedures rather than conventional slash and tear surgery. It does the least damage to surrounding tissue. IF your vet can not see anything the I would wait on the surgery. IF your pup is negatively affected - meaning, he seems to be in pain and limits his activity due to that pain then consider the surgery if indicated IF your pup limps but it never slows him down and the limp is mild then let him be a dog and work it out. I don't know that there is a right answer. I do know that one of my dogs that limped had surgery on one elbow and not the other. Both elbows gave him problems til he died at 11 1/2 yrs. The other girl that had surgery always limped. Neither had arthroscopic so that may have added to the problems. I have not done any surgeries on my dogs nor have any been done. All limping problems seem to have worked themselves out over time. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Online ad for berner pups
On Wed, 11 Dec 2002 02:05:06 -0800 (Pacific Standard Time) A. Sufi [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Can we do anything about this? Should I call for information tomorrow? Is there anyone in that area that can get information? What would you do? Tis the season to make money fa la la la la The number belongs to a person in Southwest Missouri. IMO 'nough said. This happens all the time these days. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: You should take such good care of yourself!
On Sat, 07 Dec 2002 23:49:01 + Lisa D Allen [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My mother of blessed memory, when she would come from Detroit to visit, upon opening my fridge, exclaimed, Where's YOUR food? (was tucked between dogs' various menu items). When I would describe the various treatments, therapies, social events, classes, and foods enjoyed by the Berners, she used to say You should take such good care of yourself! Anyone else experience this with a sibling, parent, spouse? Mom adored my dogs, singing to them, cuddling them, sending them gifts! My mom didn't care much for animals even though we always had a dog of some sort as I grew up. When my third Berner came into my home and I told her I had a new puppy, there was a silence. Slowly, she quietly said I guess I never am going to have grandchildren. I suggested she consider her dogs her grandchildren but somehow the idea never caught on. :) Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Throid (was re: Winter skin??)
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Thyroid (was re: Winter skin??)
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Re: berner pup or baby - which should come first???
Personally I like to see the baby first. Many couples don't know how much a child will affect their lives and how much attention a baby will need. Couples aren't going to get rid of a child for a dog but if things don't work out will get rid of the dog. My advice has been have the baby and fit your life around it. When that aspect of your life is settled they bring the puppy into it. Having said all that - no 2 people are the same and for some kids and dogs are all alike and never skip a beat when adding one or the other or both. However, if you aren't sure what sort of person you are, wait for the puppy. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Fri, 06 Dec 2002 13:43:09 -0800 kerry ferrari [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I am 32 and I recently married my husband who is 37. We have been together for over 7 years and have gotten baby fever. Since I was 17 years old, I have always wanted a BMD. So I have a case of berner fever too. My question is, which should we do first? The baby or the puppy. We are both getting older so we feel like the clock is ticking. However, I know that I could give the puppy much more attention and training if we got a puppy before the baby. Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help, Torn between the two, Kerry Ferrari San Jose, Ca.
posting to the L
Ok, I'm confused. This AM I sent a post (and resent it) and when I got it I got the message that it had been truncated. I then sent a post this evening and it came through just fine. I did not make any changes I do not add attachments, have a virus nor am I posting in HTML. What's up?
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
How the breed will be saved (dog on the mountain)
I've reached the cynical point in this breed that we are beyond saving it. The BMDCA has it's own agenda which seems to be one of placating the large breeder (no code of ethics yet that could possibly require anything of substance from it's membership) and holding dog shows. The grass roots efforts of others are only a small finger in the dyke and all around backyard breeders and commercial breeders are growing in numbers. The number of unknown breeders grows with every unspayed female placed in a pet home. For every person we educate 10 others buy that puppy in the window. It's true we can only continue to try however in the end the breed itself will save itself. The questionably bred questionably sold pets that turn up in backyards, shelters, vet clinics and rescue programs that are of poor health and temperament will save the breed. As the reputation of the breed changes from one of good with kids to one of shy and sickly fewer people will want to buy puppies. As the commercial breeders start having the same breeding and whelping problems the rest of us have faced they will find it not so profitable to care for these dogs and as the price goes down on the pups find a new up and coming breed to exploit. While I don't mean to moan and groan (I am rescue coordinator for the Lone Star club and help with education down here) I like Lisa see things getting worse - but in the end the breed will save itself. I only hope that there are at least a core of breeders choosing to maintain strict controls and keep bloodlines that in the end can be worked with in a responsible way once the fad ends Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: How the breed will be saved (dog on the mountain)
On Wed, 4 Dec 2002 09:58:49 EST [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Can you elaborate on that Susan...I'm not sure exactly what you mean by bloodlines. Sherri I agree the term was used incorrectly (excuse that 5am composition). I think what I should have said to be more exact is that there are at least a core of breeders choosing to maintain strict controls and keep pedigrees that in the end can be worked with in a responsible way once the fad ends Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: dewclaws
On Wed, 4 Dec 2002 08:02:23 -0700 Mary-Ann Bowman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: ..The front ones seems to actually serve a function, especially for performance dogs. I have heard this several times. It has been awhile since I've done any performance work and it was limited to obedience (Granville had his UD) and tracking (Martin had his TD). I never noticed how the dewclaws would have helped in either of these venues. Could you please explain ? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: More How the breed will be saved (dog on the mountain)
On Wed, 4 Dec 2002 10:18:39 EST [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm as frustrated as you with much of the BMDCA...but I can't point a finger at the club per se, nor the leadership. Nor can I point a finger at the large breeders, simply because I truly don't know how they feel about the various proposals that have been offered for commentthey tend to be a quiet group as far as public forums goes. I'll explain my point of view a bit. The reason the finger pointing to the club is that while much has been done by the board, (thank you board), the hard core issues have remained hanging. When efforts to devise a breeder referral program were started the board took over the task and rewrote it as they saw fit and then asked for feedback. Surprise but the whole thing has now been bogged down in opinion, debate and rhetoric. When a code failed to meet the board's approval it was rewritten by the board, then feedback was asked for and again not surprisingly the whole mess got bogged down. No 2 members can agree on what is responsible, what the BMDCA should stand for or what breeders should do to be responsible. Since the board is going to rewrite and has to approve of anything given to the membership to vote on, perhaps if they quit asking for opinion and just gave the members something to vote on we might end up with a new code and a BRP. Having just said all of that, I do think most breeders and stud owners are already doing most of what we should see in a code of conduct. I think there are exceptions to all rules and to point the finger at large breeders (hell, that's another definition I doubt we would agree on) may be incorrect. I do think the board wants to keep from offending or chasing any breeders off by requiring anything of substance from them. God forbid we should demand our breeders wait til their bitches and stud dogs are mature prior to breeding and that we actually state what that maturity age should be. Or that we require stud dog owners to be equally responsible for puppies out of their stud dog owners. Or that we require all breeding dogs to be DNA tested. Or that we require all dogs prior to breeding to have been OFA'd (not prelims either). That we require CERF and other appropriate testing. No I guess it's not just the large breeders who would be upset by this. I put the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the overwhelming majority of the membership who are either playing ostrich, defensive lineman, or being just plain unconcerned about anything outside their backyard. Well I do know that you can only hit your head against a brick wall (or should I say a board) so long and then you just don't care. I've reached that point and think others have too. The membership may not have an opinion. I do know that some of us who have had ideas and opinions which may not be reflective of the board's vision of the BMDCA (whatever that is) have pretty much been silenced. Personally, you can count me in on the I don't give a blank anymore. The BMDCA and board will do what they want. Whether this is true or not it is the way I have been left to feel about the BMDCA. I do not feel like I have sat back and taken pot shots. I made an effort, it was totally rejected, I felt frustration and disgust at what was offered as a compromise and so have nothing more to offer since this would seem to be the direction the club wishes to take. Until I see something of substance I will criticize this club Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: dewclaws
Thank you Mary Ann. I guess the only time my dogs cantered or galloped was when they took the jumps and they did not seem affected by the lack of dewclaw. I am curious how horses function as the movement you describe is very easily seen in the galloping and cantoring horse although I always thought that the idea of good pasterns was to keep the carpal joint from actually making contact with the ground. Horses do not have dewclaws as we know and were bred to run, unlike our Bernese. Ideas :) Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Wed, 4 Dec 2002 12:59:44 -0700 Mary-Ann Bowman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Happy to provide info :) A discussion of the dog's foot would not be complete without mention of the dew claws. In most dogs, the dew claws are attached to the bones of the pastern by a joint. When dogs canter or gallop there is one moment when a single front leg remains on the ground, bearing the dog's full weight. At that point, even in the lightest dogs, the pastern is flat on the ground and the carpal pad is cushioning the carpal joint as it hits the ground. At that moment, the dew claw is in contact with the ground and can catch the ground as the dog rotates its leg on turning. This allows the dog to take full advantage of the ability of the front leg to rotate in its axis. Some people who compete with sighthounds in lure-coursing have observed an increased incidence of front leg and foot injures in dogs who have had their dew claws removed. For this reason, some people prefer not to have their puppies dew claws removed. They prefer to give their performance dogs the advantage of a functional dew claw and risk possible injury to the dew claw that might necessitate its removal later in life. (Zink, C. and Daniels, J. (1996). Jumping from A to Z. Lutherville, MD: Canine Sports Productions.) Mary-Ann Bowman
Re: berners horses
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berners and horses (not really berner related)
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Re: Celebrating Seniors and the AKC CHF Fundraiser......
would it be of any help if Heidi could use some of the DNA sitting in the UC Davis bank. They had us collect and send tumors and DNA for quite some time. They diagnosed the types of cancer found in these samples. What are they doing with all the DNA and info they found? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Introduction from an active Swedish Berner Owner
Cecilia After reading your post on the Swedish Code of Ethics it sounds as if your breeders are truly concerned for the health and well being not just of the breed but the individual dog. Did you have a hard time getting breeders in Sweden to agree to these rules or did they do so willingly, or did they have a choice? Do you find breeders who refuse to abide by these rules? Are there large kennels where large numbers of puppies are produced annually? I commend your Sennenhund breeders on taking such a stand to preserve the breed and am curious how difficult it is to achieve such a strict position. We have been working on the code of ethics in the US with much controversy lately and nothing we've come up with has begun to approach such a conservative stance as that of the Swedish club. Just curious how difficult it was for your club to achieve this. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Introduction from an active Swedish Berner Owner
On Wed, 20 Nov 2002 20:31:16 +0100 =?iso-8859-1?Q?Cecilia_St=E5hl?= [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I can ask for the the total numbers of registered litters from each kennel if that will help answer your question more precisely Thanks that would be interesting to know. Are the dogs in high demand and do breeders tend to keep long waiting lists? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Age Question/Longevity Histio
On Wed, 20 Nov 2002 13:50:24 -0600 Ruth Reynolds [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It is my understanding that lymphoma is the most common cancer in dogs in general. I'm not sure if there is a heritable component to it or not. It's really hard to determine this when a dog dies of it and produces the breed average for it. I don't know that it would really be determinable even if the dog produced a higher than average incidence of it. But in such a case I'd be leaning in the direction of a heritable component to its occurence Ruth excuse my ignorance, but wasn't the study done by Dr. Padgett done to determine the hereditability of cancer in Bernese and wasn't it concluded that only histio and mast cell were hereditary? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Willem's Paintings And Histio
Boy your email was perfect timing this AM Pat as I am paying bills so the check book is out. If anyone with Bernese hasn't faced the ruthlessness of malignant histiocytosis count your blessings. For all who have I hope you are sending a check. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD In memory of Trilogy's Suncrest Heartbreak, Gweebarra's Ace in the Hole, October's Eye on the Prize my check is in the mail Joye
Re: Berner-L Histio Rollcall
On Tue, 19 Nov 2002 09:52:43 -0700 Liz Steinweg Crew [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: - Original Message - From: Pat Long [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 9:20 AM Subject: Berner-L Histio Rollcall If you're interested, add yours to the List. Hannibal, 7/29/88 - 5/23/93, loved by Pat Long, Berwyn PA Toby 6/29/97 - 6/30/00, loved by Sid Liz Steinweg, Colorado Springs CO Wendy 10/12/87 - 4/16/94 Martin 8/28/93 - 5/15/01 both loved by Susan Ablon
Re: Re Contracts/Guarantee
Sandy, I applaud you on your standards. I hope you don't mind if I make a few observations. You have been in the breed for a very long time and have had much more experience than I on breeding placing pups and whelping however, the times they are a changing, my dear. This weekend we were just discussing how rare it was to see an ad for Berners in the local Texas newspaper and now it is not uncommone to see one from a BYB or commercial mill at least once to twice a month! This has been in the last 3 years! I had to wait nearly 10mos to get my first Berner. Now it seems we must provide the public with a pup immediately or they may go to a BYB or miller. The point is times are changing and it is my opinion that the conscientious breeder changes with the times. I sell lots of show potential pups...if the owners do not wish to show, then the dog is to be neutered before the first season.no mistakes. While I don't produce the number of puppies you do or evidentally the quality as I only had a few dogs I've considered show, I think this attitude is a dangerous one in these times. Full registrations going out on a puppy is an invitation for that pup to end up in an exploitive situation. As far as that goes, a limited registration will protect you little more as many of these folks don't care about registration or simply cross register with any of several pet registries. (I do not agree in neutering when they are babies, so I DO NOT do that before they are placed) I didn't believe in it either until I found I could sleep at nite not worrying about my dogs. It certainly does eliminate anyone with alteriar motives regarding their intent. It also decreases my need for lengthy threatening contracts since most of that has to do with breeding. I do understand reluctance to early neuter and not all vets may be willing so, why not hold papers until proof of neutering has been sent? I mean after all it's one way to stay in touch with the owner and if they actually are going to show wouldn't it be nice to know? If the dog is to be bred, it should gain it's Championship beforehand I used to think that too until I saw the quality of some champions being bred. It amuses me how many times fellow exhibitors find ways to finish their dogs. I've seen them not show a dog but all of a sudden turn up in some obscure southern town where they've built their own major, or it only requires 4 dogs or bitches to make a major. I've seen some totally dismiss a dog as being worthy of being used until it gets that championship as if suddenly the dog is now somehow better quality that before. I've seen expensive handlers taking the dog out weekend after weekend and if one doesn't have enough clout then a more politically correct one is found and paid. For some of us getting a championship just doesn't mean what it used to. When I think of how hard I've worked to produce one of the few champions I have and how hard it was for me to take that dog the hundreds of miles to find those majors I realize it's not the championship that makes the dog but the dog alone. I have to know the quality and breeding is there and not base my decisions on the title. I wish it were that simple. Sorry for rambling on so long. I've had Berners since 1989, been a BMDCA member since 1990 and only bred 7 litters in that time. I'm still quite the newbie compared to your experiences and time with the breed Sandy so hope you don't take offense at my point of view Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Boy Questions Again
Hahahaha.I had my first boy dog about 13yrs ago. It was my Granville and we experienced the same thing except he had that huge hard round lump. I got home and he was just so darn happy to see me. I however freaked when I saw it and started to get him in the back of the car to take to the vet when - it disappeared! No internet back then or I'm sure I would have asked :) hey big boy, is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: okay -- now what?
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 08:36:21 -0600 Rusty C Wingate [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ah, haopinions on what to do. Depends, if the pup was pet or show bought. This is why all puppies should be sold as pets. I've never understood why an 8 wk old show prospect that may or may not turn out is worth more than the 8 wk old pet puppy that may go on to achieve multiple performance titles. Shouldn't all show dog be treated as pets and all pets be treated like show dogs? I have a single price for all my pups. It's easier and more fair since there is no way to predict with 100% certainty that a pup will be a show dog even if it does pass it's hips and elbows (i also don't now why some sell bitches for more than males - IMO it's to encourage breeding by inferring that one can make their money back on a bitch) Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: okay -- now what?
Rose I agree if the case is one of neglect then by all means the breeder should do everything in their power to get the dog back (I know of one case where the breeder actually stole the dog back) however, in the case where the contract has a guarantee that can only be met by returning the dog I will stick to my statement - the breeder is a scam artist Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 10:07:45 -0500 Rose Tierney [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Circumstances can prevail where a breeder may need to get a puppy or dog back and this type of contract can provide leverage in order to get the puppy or dog out of a bad situation. Rose I agree if the case is one of neglect then by all means the breeder should do everything in their power to get the dog back (I know of one case where the breeder actually stole the dog back) however, in the case where the contract has a guarantee that can only be met by returning the dog I will stick to my statement - the breeder is a scam artist Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Orthopedic status of breeding stock
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 06:52:48 -0800 (PST) Sharon Montville [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have used an HD fair bitch for breeding and I will let you know in a month, the final results on her offspring. So far, out of the 4 pups she produced, one was OFA Prelim Good at 11 months, and one was GDC Excellent at 12 months (she will be 2 years old at the end of November, along with her 2 littermates).. The post made by Sharon is IMO an example of what a real breeder does to make an educated decision on what to breed. They do not look at one piece of information but rather carefully weigh all information together to decide to breed. They do a breeding and evaluate all the info they can to then determine if the breeding were a success or not. Each breeder has their own criteria for what makes a breeding a success and each breeding can be considered a test breeding. It may or may not turn out. If you want to find a breeder then reread Sharon's post and see how she logically made her choice, what info she had on hand, what info she is trying to obtain. Each breeder should be able to share this type of info. When you find the person who can, then you have found a breeder who is basing their decisions on the entire dog and not just a tri-colored dog with hips and elbows. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: okay -- now what?
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 09:54:44 -0600 Ruth Reynolds [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm seeking an example and understanding here of breeders' scams and am not questioning the validity of your statement above. What guarantee is more reasonable than, If at any time you are not pleased with your dog, return it and receive your money back? What would be the scam a person offering such a guarantee would be plotting Again Ruth and Rose, these are not issues. I think at anytime the buyer wants to get rid of the dog and the seller wants/should buy the dog back that is fine. The question from what I understood was the health guarantee. Some owners are not willing to give up their much beloved sick dog for compensation. They would like the breeder to take some responsibility and while that is up to the breeder as to how they choose to offer that responsibility, to say I'll give you your money back just send me the dog is in my feeble way of looking at things trying to get out from under their obligation. I'll repeat the question - what will the breeder do with this ailing dog that may require major surgery once they have it back? I think many will just euthanize it, some may do the surgery but then what? If a breeder wants to guarantee health issues then do so outright without requiring the dog be sent back. If the owner does not want to keep the dog then have a clause that the breeder has the right of first refusal in buying the dog back. These are IMO seperate issues. Does this help or am I still confused. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: okay -- now what?
On Tue, 12 Nov 2002 11:29:39 -0600 Rusty C Wingate [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You mean you would sell a pup with blue eyes or red or with a white collar for the same as a proper colored berner? This ain't even fair, giggle The red or blue eyed pup had just as much care and forethought put into his breeding as his properly marked brothers. I expect him to be loved and treated the same, so I guess I would. Life just ain't even fair :) Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: okay -- now what?
On Mon, 11 Nov 2002 17:05:48 -0700 Mary-Ann Bowman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Spoke with a breeder whose name was public when it showed up on auction pedigrees. This man told me that he will give a refund for a dysplasic dog -- if the owner returns the dog to him. After all, he told me, you don't get a new refrigerator unless you return the defective one. So what do you think?? I've always wondered what these breeders do with the defective returned dog. I hate to guess. I'm fortunate in that although I've had dysplastic dogs in my breedings, I've yet to have one that required surgery. I know the first thing I ask is that either I get to see the xrays or they go to OFA for a pre-lim eval. In one case I had a vet ready to do surgery on a dysplastic pup I bred. He claimed she had severe hips and bad elbows. The poor owner called me in tears and I begged her to please wait to get another opinion. OFA came back as good hips and grade one elbows DJD. Ultimately at 2 this girl ended up with OFA good hips and grade 2 elbows but again did not require surgery. I recommended a life long course of glucosamine and chondroitin. I think the important thing is I am there. I like to think if surgery was needed I would have refunded the owners money as this is a huge financial commitment on the owners behalf however, I have not crossed that bridge yet so do not know. I don't think breeders can make guarantees on something they can not control. If a breeder makes the best effort possible to breed towards healthy dogs and honestly discloses hereditary trends in their breedings then it is up to the buyer to buy a pup or not. There is IMO a risk to ownership. This risk however should not be shouldered by the buyer alone. IMO any breeder that asks for the dog back in order to get your refund is a scam artist. The last thing any breeder should do IMO regardless of what they may think is place blame on the owner for the problem. I can tell you the owner feels guilt, sadness and concern and regardless of what you think may or may not have caused the problem it is wrong to place blame. The hardest thing a breeder has to do is accept the responsibility. Every dog I produce that has a problem is sick or is lacking in some way is my dog. It is as hard for me to accept this defeat as it is for the owner to deal with it. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Diet-related skeletal and joint diseases in dogs, was Innova -- HATE IT!
On Sun, 10 Nov 2002 15:49:42 -0500 Jennifer Popp [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: C'mon Mary-Ann, you're bright enough to allow yourself to think just *maybe* there is something else to consider here. If we close a book based on 'current' findings, where would that leave any scientific advancements? Jenn I don't think MaryAnn was being defensive when she posted back. It's just amazing to find that after 40 yrs of study, that we still won't accept that we have dogs that can and do produce HD and it is a genetic problem not the fault of the poor puppy buyer I am personally aware of responsible breeders who have told puppy buyers that the reason their dog has HD is due to the type of food fed, the amount of exercise given, the type of flooring in their homes, etc. When breeders stop finding excuses for HD other than the genetic cause we may continue to see progress made in how many affected dogs we produce. I don't care if your dog is fat, never walked, hikes 10 miles a day or is fed BARF or kibble, if the genetic predisposition is there then you will have HD. You are correct that HD is a disease of development. (a genetically transmitted disease of development)Overfeeding can contribute to the severity of the disease in the genetically inclined puppy. The type of overfeeding can be BARF or kibble. Lack of exercise as well as too much exercise can contribute to the severity of HD in the genetically affected puppy. Much of what contributes to HD is intertwined but the common factor is that the pup is genetically predisposed for the disease. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Diet-related skeletal and joint diseases in dogs, was Innova -- HATE IT!
On Sun, 10 Nov 2002 16:58:59 -0500 Jennifer Popp [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Surely you don't suggest that we pick the best breeding pair and leave it at that? Why then, are some breeders adamant about feeding said puppies well into their adult years? If I remember correctly, I was sent home with specific feeding instructions when I got my first dog Many breeders give specific feeding instructions so that novice buyers don't feed the cheapest food out there, nor do they want the pup to be overfed. Some breeders have it as part of their contract that if you don't feed brand X then their guarantee is nul and void. I feed a brand of food that is difficult for my buyers to find on the market so I give them a list of foods I have found to be comparable and acceptable. I tell them how much to feed and how often. How many times do we see on the L new owners asking what to feed, how much to feed and how often even after they have recieved instructions. If overfeeding were the reason puppies developed HD, then all fat puppies would be seen to have it. There has to be that genetic predisposition to develope HD there for the problem to occur. This may be one of those topics some of us may never believe in. Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Question about X-Rays for Pregnant Bitch
There is an article by Cathy Burlile in the June 2000 Alpenhorn about x-rays for pregnant bitches Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Question re Flexi leads
On Tue, 5 Nov 2002 07:17:30 -0800 (PST) Maureen Barry [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: To those of you who use Flexi leads, in your opinion, is the cord lead sufficiently strong to stop a determined 115 lb Berner in his tracks if need be, or would the lead that is webbed its entire length be a wiser investment A story - Years ago I had a problem with my Granville bolting out the door. I put him on a flexi when we got ready to go out the door and when I opened it and he bolted I held on with both hands as he charged full speed to the end of it. He was only about 100# but at that speed I couldn't hold on and he popped the lead out of my hands as it flipped him backwards into the air. I still have that flexi 10yrs later and am using it with other dogs. Whether it stops you dog will depend on if you can hold on. BTW, Granville quit bolting out of doors Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara
Re: Seeking New Puppy
It would be of benefit to know where you are located so you could be pointed in the right direction. There are good breeders throughout the US and it might be easier to try to find a pup closer to home Susan Ablon Gweebarra BMD Balch Springs, Tx http://www.pageweb.com/gwebara On Sat, 02 Nov 2002 08:09:39 -0600 Zurich [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hello! My purpose in writing this list is to request assistance in locating a Berner Puppy from a top-drawer breeder. A male show-quality dog is preferred. Excellent references are available on request. I have just lost my dog of 13 years. If someone could provide any leads on a new puppy, it would be appreciated greatly. Sincerely, Curt [EMAIL PROTECTED]
