Re: What a beautiful dog . . .
Marion, So sad reading about your precious Silla, I can feel every word in the poem you include. Lots of Bernerhugs to you and your dogs in days of darkness and memories, Margareta and Vincent Stockholm
Re: Harnesses Haltis?
Hi, My experience is I prefer take a walk with each dog instead of having trobles with 2 or 3 walked in the same time. It is also always necessary for dogs to go for a walk on their own - not always with company of other dogs. They behave differently and need time for themselves. No special collars are needed if you walk only with one. Sometimes I walk with 2 and I know these 2 dogs quite well and we choose the way we go, try to not confront other dogs I know are aggressive or outspoken. I am not a friend of Halti and prong collars are forbiddenand even if they was not forbidden I would not use them. The feeling of the best for the dog is always the most important, more important than my own convenience. Bernerhugs to all, Margareta and Vincent
FW: Harnesses Haltis?
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FW: frequency of breeding evaluation (long)
I think this information is very, very interesting! It sounds like things work as they do in Sweden because of an informed/educated public and a Code of Ethics with some teeth behind it -- and the public disgrace aspect probably helps as well. When this COE was developed and implemented, was there resistance? If so, how was that handled? Hi all, I think Cecilia is at work at the moment, she will answer later/tomorrow. I have experience first from living with my parents and siblings, my parents bought their first dog about 45 years ago. I had my first dog, a German Shepard - his name was Oscar, raised by myself when I lived at one apartment for students about 35 years ago and in my own home, my own family, Berners the last 24 years. SKK (The Swedish Kennel Club) has been important all the time. The Code of Ethics all see like a very good rule and I can not remember any resistance - all welcome to breed in as good way as possible. SKK stands for the best standards in caring of dogs. Always if their are any discussion in our society around dog issues they ask the chairman of SKK. The Code of Ethics is seen like the best progress and developement when it comes to breeding dogs - all serious breeders and dogowners like to be more educated. Of course their are or have been some unserious breeders, but they have great difficulties selling their pups because registration in SKK has been the most normal for a pup. You can say it is the dogs passport or compare to being a citizen with your own passport. And you can all go to SKK:s website. They are also in English: http://www.skk.se Margareta Strand Stockholm
Re: Mixed in shelters?Re: frequency of breeding evaluation(long)
Hi Sylvia and all, We have one shelter in Stockholm and I think there are some others too in the country. There are organisations trying to find a new home to dogs if they cannot stay with the family or owner of some reasons. I learned from you on the list some years ago the big problem with many dogs in shelters in the US. We do not have a problem with almost wild dogs or dogs running around with no home. But there have been a bigger problem the last years. I looked at Hundstallet in Stockholm and their figures for 2002 is: Dogs found and left by the Police: 266 Dogs left of others, the owner: 42 Dogs who has got a new home:136 Dogs who has been put down. 12 The Police leave dogs there if the dog have been running away from home or found in families with problems - sometimes the dogs have been treated bad. Dogs left from the owner can be of the reason they cannot care for a big dog, the dog can have behavior problems - allergies in the family et cetera. If you look at the figures you understand many owners have been to Hundstallet and picked up their dog who has been missing and found of someone or of the Police. There are a private organisation who are helping dogs (and families) finding a new home, they are called HOPP - HOPE in English. We have a bigger problem with SUMMERCATS, the cat-homes use to be filled with a lot of kittens and older cats. We have a special law on prevention of cruelty to animals. About mixed breeds. Yes we have mixed by accidents and they who prefer a mixed bred dog, they belive mixed breeds often are healthier than purebred dogs. We have to learn from each other as you say and incorporate the good from all around the world. Margareta Strand Stockholm Från: Sylvia Katvala [EMAIL PROTECTED] Svara till: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Datum: Mon, 28 Jul 2003 12:17:51 -0700 Till: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ämne: Mixed in shelters?Re: frequency of breeding evaluation (long) Hi Margareta, Your system seems to be working well for your area. Does this mean you don't have shelters? What about mix breeds? We do have a big problem in the US with too many animals in shelters and a large percentage purebreds. They also have to put a lot down, because they shelters are full. When I volunteered about 10 years ago at an German Shelter, none of the dogs were put down. Maybe I was not with them long enough. Wish we could all incorporate the good from all around the world. Sylvia Katvala Tucson, AZ
re.breeding bitches
I think many countries has the breedingrule bitches would be 2 years old before any breeding. And after the first litter you must wait until 12 months to let the whole litter be x-rayed and look at the results. It can be some hidden reason why a bith would not be having another litter...and of course the most of us have our dogs because they are good companions and pets in our family. An old rules human doctors said many years ago for humans was a woman should have 2 sunny summers between every child. To let the bitch be carrying pups over and over again sounds a little like starting a puppy-mill?! Some countries already have too many dogs and pups - so lets be careful with our beautifully and furry friends. Margareta Strand Stockholm
Lovely barkers, hello!
All dogs do not bark so lovely, maybe we could help them with a tape to listen to? In the news here in Sweden today they tell about young cocks in a chicken-run. The old cock in the farm had a very low voice and did not crow as beauty as ordinary cocks, he was a bad teacher for the youngsters. A man found out they made a tape with a very beautiful crowing and they played this tape every morning, at noon and in the evening. After a while all the young cocks had learned to crow very, very lovely with a wonderful voice. We all need god teachers - even if they are taped. So if you like your dog to bark more lovely - you know how to do! Margareta Strand and Vincent - who barks only at rare occasions, but the voice is lovely - or?
FW: fat berners
Hi, Maybe you are right? Many we meet think Vincent is fat, but he is not - he is not the tall Bernese more the compact built one and also the type of Berner I like. With all the fur the heavier he looks. It is not possible to compare Berners to Flat Coated Retrievers or German Shepards, they are built in different ways. And the Berners I have seen, in general, are not fat. I have seen fat Taxhounds and Labradors. You can also choose between less food/light food and more exercise if your dogs need to loose in weight. The last days we have learned our dogs, in the heat many countries have, whould not be exercized at all. I know some Berners having problems, they need to eat more and gain some extra pounds or kilos. So there are many kind of weight problems, for us all - both dogs and humans. Bernerhugs from, Margareta and Vincent Stockholm Most berners I know are too fat, and I really do not get it. Being overweight is linked to shorter life and a variety of health problems -- why would anyone let his/her loved dog be fat?! The solution is very, very simple -- less food, more exercise. It doesn't require a different food necessarily -- just less food. Since owners control the food intake, there are very few excuses for overweight dogs. I have performance dogs and I keep them nice and thin by watching their diet and making sure they exercise. You can easily feel their ribs -- something that you cannot say for most berners :) Mary-Ann Bowman Utah Emma, Abra, Maize and Halo -- Four Svelte Berners
A deaf dog, can probably learn to howl and sing too?
Hi, You are talking about howling and singing dogs? Just to inform you all we had on our news in Sweden a woman who discovered her newly arrived pup was deaf (not a Berner). She did not like to leave the pup back to the breeder, she had already falling so much in love with the pup. With help from a special trainer this dog now is learning commands from sign language. So there are also rather silent languages to teach our dogs. Margareta Stockholm
Re: GROWING PAINS ???
He is on the BARF diet and loving every meaty bite. Hi, About this little big pup. I am not familier with BARF, I am a kibble-mother, but hope it is not only meat your pup got. Too much protein make pups grow faster. Said without starting i BARF-kibble-discussion. About pups and the growing we in Sweden use to say small bernerpups grow a kilo each week, means about 2 pounds a week. We also have a rule pups can leave their mother and the breeder at 8 weeks not earlier. The most breeders also recommend to give Bernerpups food for adults, of the reason the pup should not grow too fast. All kind of pain in dogs means visit to the veterinarian. Good luck with your little pup and give Alex soft cuddle from us, Margareta and Vincent
Re: berner gallery
Hi, And I always just adore these puppy pictures when the pup laying asleep on the back. Makes me remember my own puppietimes and the very soft and warm little stomach. Thank you for charing so lovely pictures! Margareta and Vincent Stockhom
the funnel//Re: baka's lump - update
Hi, About your words: wear that silly funnel on her head. Many years ago when we had our first Bernerboy Chaplin a young fellow said when Chaplin was having a funnel after a surgery. Has Chaplin rigged out himself to be a lily of the valley? So there are different ways to look at this funnel. Vincent do not like it at all - so we never use it one him, we try to watch to see what he is up to and telling him not to lick on certain areas. So far it has worked. Bernerhugs to you all from, Vincent and Margareta Stockholm
Re: Good Boy
Hi, Thank you! Vincent has a little dog (toy for dogs) who is singing the music from the film, he got it several months ago. I did not know until now the music was from this coming movie. Margareta and Vincent Stockholm the trailer for the film is now up on the Good Boy web site -- the Berner has the greatest voice -- adorable! Can't wait to see the film! http://www.goodboy.com/home.html
Hit by birdpoo
We, Vincent most, was attacked by a black-backed gull or was it just a gull? It was in the afternoon about 100 meters from our home between the houses 3 big birds was cirkulating around and they sounds angry at each other and 1 stuck out from the 3 and rusched towards us from front and back. We was so scared and other people on the street also run away very afraid - well the only thing which hit Vincent was a lot of poo from that angry bird. I was thinking about the film Hitchcock made, The Birds. Earlier I only have met jackdaws in the park who has been pooing on the dogs, it has been at the time when the birds have young birds. And we also have a big crow who always follows us and other dogs when we are going at a certain area around our Museum of History. Some weeks ago that crow took the leash of a little dog who belongs to an old lady, she is over 90. The crow was out for a walk on the leash with her little dog. And it has happend several times now. This crow got small pieces of kibble from us dogowner in the wintertime, perhaps he feels connection with the dogs. But, have anyone been attacked by birds, dogs or humans? I know eagles have been taking taxhounds but Berners? Margareta Stockholm
Re: discouraged by breed post
Hi Pat, Excellent post! Are we going to the vet more often nowadays? In our country we do, earlier (15- 25 years ago?) it was just to put the dogs down if they was very sick. If we go to the vet more often now a lot of new diseases are seen and discovered in the breed. Perhaps the illnesses had been discovered earlier if we had went to the clinics as frequent as we do today. There are also better educated veterinarians, thanks God! And about going for walks in town with your lovely Berner. I love to see all the love Vincent gives to all who just are looking at him. He gives their hearts a warm hug with his friendly look. Meaning Vincent gives a lot a better life just when he walks around in our world. Bernerhugs from Vincent and Margareta Sweden
Re: Neutersol -neutering/progesteron
Hi, I have taken part of all your post on Neutrosol, read the articles. Sometimes the hormone progesteron are given in injections under the skin on the back to males with testosterone-problems: aggressiveness, prostatit et cetera. I do not know if it also means the males get sterile for some weeks or months? Sometimes these injections are used to see if the dog will change behavior and if surgical neutering would be one idea to try later on. Pups are not neutered/spayed at 8 weeks, we do not yet have the problem of too many pups being born - very often the opposite instead. My Vincent got an atrophy of one of the testicles two years ago. We was scared it could be something malignant so he was castrated through surgery. Giving hormones or perhaps Neutrosol will always make you worried if these products will end up in cancer in some years. Going through surgical neutering would be the best choice if it is done at a good clinic. I left Vincent in the morning and he came home in the afternoon. The stiches was taken 8 days later. Margareta Strand Stockholm
Re: Collars for Berners
Hi, But there are always two - one in each end of the leash. I am a human being and I hope I sometimes is a little bit more educated than the dog when it comes to intellectual thinking. I am the one who can decide not to be a strength in one end causing my dog a damage. We are many, also many on the list, who very well know the kind and soft methods of training without any pinches and jerks will give you a so much happier and healthier dog. I am also one of them who is quite uninterested in obedience classes or training for my dog. My dog got a close human natural training in everyday life and I do not enjoy competitions in general and not competitions in obedience. I see no need for prong or pitch collars or no other cruelty to animals. I leave this topic and will in the future concentrate on the positive things discusssed on the list and how we as humans can help our Bernerfriends. Margareta Strand It is not the collar that causes the injury but the human on the end of the leash.
Re: collar issue
Hi, Can anyone explain to me the differences to all these collars? I have a leather collar for Vincent, has always had and I do not understand the differences between all these types of collars you are talkning about. Are there a picture of them all somewhere? My dog need a confidence for me, not a special collar? I choose a collar as soft and gentle as possible for my dogs neck. The most important is he not going to be hurt and no jerk who would cause damage to his neck. Just a soft collar for the dogs best secure. Margareta I thought the consensus has been more for the Gentle Leader than for the prong collar for training. I prefer the Gentle Leader to the Halti collar. Once the pups or adolescents Berners show a tendency to pull I change from a buckle collar to the Gentle Leader collar. The introduction to the Gentle Leader though must be positive and gradual. Sherri Venditti Lisa Baldwin can you re-post your fine pieces on using the Gentle Leader collars. Barb Lindman owner of Berners Kari 13 1/2 years and Anja almost seven years Oxford, Iowa
prong/pinch collars is forbidden to use in our country
Hi, I got information on prong or pinch collars. It is forbidden to use these kind of collars in Sweden. We saw them sometimes many, many years ago and noone would even dream of using this kind of torture for their pets or members of the families as the dogs are. Very sorry to understand these collars are discussed for use on dogs among serious owners of Berners. Margareta Strand Stockholm Sweden
Re: Babies and Berners/Dogs
Hi Karyn and the listers, I was reading this article because I very strong felt: Of course you should spent as much time as possible with your dog. May be someone will try to frighten you with this article? Berners are known as very friendly with both kids and babies, normally. If your Berner have aggressive problems, some has, you will be very careful - as you always have to be with an aggressive dog - towards both humans and other animals. I can only speak from my own experience and I must say living with a Berner has always been one of the most positive parts in life for my 22 years old son Mattias. 23 years ago I was waiting my Mattias-baby, my first Berner Chaplin was 1 year and 5 months old when the baby was born. During the time before the baby was born I took part in a group studying phychology of dogs. The teacher told me babies and puppies both smells about the same, a smell of sulphur. Meaning dogs like the smell babies have. Some weeks before Mattias birth I called our best and most wellknown dog trainer and dog psychologist Anders Hallgren (he has also been working in the US) - he is a trainer using very soft and kind methods. I called becuse there was people who tried to scare me up: How is Chaplin going to tolerate a baby in the family? Would it be better if you let Chaplin move to a new home? I was going to be a single mother so it was Chaplin and me in our small family. I had heard parents with a newborn baby and also with a taxhound, they had also put the dog up on the nursing table - to avoid the dog being jealous. Doing the same with a Bernerboy was a bit difficult. Anders Hallgren told me how to introduce the baby to the dog, he said: Let the dog say hello to the baby. Lay the baby down on the floor or on the bed and let Chaplin smell and introduce himself to the baby. Very simple and so simple it was. The little baby and Chaplin could sleep beside each other on the bed or on the sofa. And they had to live very close to each other because these two boys was my two children. Mattias has been very glad he always have had a Berner in his family. After Chaplin we had Haendel and now Vincent. Mattias nowadays live most of the time with his girlfriend and he often come to take care of Vincent and to spend time with him. We both sat on the floor beside Chaplin at the vetclinic when Chaplin had to go to the Rainbow Bridge, the same when Haendel went over the bridge. Mattias is 22 and has now done his 4th year of studies in medicine to become a doctor. Our Bernerboys have always been very important for him. Do not let anyone frigthen you up dogs are dangerous to babies or to children. Some, very few are, but not all. And of course children have to learn how to behave with dogs. Kindly and softly Bernerhugs to all, Margareta Vincent sleeping on the floor beside med, dreaming of Mattias!
Re: Realities of puppies
Hi, I use the newspapermethod. If the pup can have his/her own toilet indoors, for a while, it will make the puppyhood so much easier for you all. All bernerpups grows very fast and sooner or later they all will use the outdoors toilet. I think it takes a little longer time for boys, but all are different. One trainer told me many years ago, never say good girl/good boy when the pup are doing what they should outdoors. It just make the pup very confused. Just let it happen and fine. Save the praises for other occations. And, of course, do not be unkind to the pup when accidents happens away from the newpaper toilet. Pups are just babies and never naughty. Enjoy every minute of your pups first weeks in your home...times will come when you long for these weeks of puppyhood caring and sometimes sleepless nights. And to sleep beside the pup on the floor the first weeks will give you a close friend forever. Love and hugs to all dogs, both pups and adults! Vincent and Margareta Stockholm
Re: Poisonous flowers
Hi, I read in my book about poisonous plants and impatiens and petunias is not known as poisonous. But always try to see what your pup is eating or taking in his mouth. Could you put the pots on a table instead of the deck? Lots od hugs to your baby, Margareta
dogs who pant rather much
Hi Karen, Vincent is a panter, he has panted rather much since he was a little pup. He panted much more when he was under medication for Syst. Histio. Why he normally pant very much has never got an explanation, all are different - also dogs. Ultra sound, of other reasons, has not found any trouble with his heart. I believe it just is his personality to be a panter. Bernerhugs to you all, Vincent and Margareta Stockholm
Re: Dogs and Bikes
Hi, I know some bikes with their dogs to exercise the dog. When I see people in town, with a dog beside the bike, I feel it must be very bad for the paws. Of course there have been many accidents. I would not go biking with Vincent, I think it would not be a walk for him to enjoy, he likes to smell on every flower in his way and he is also to heavy...and not exercised and built for this type of constantly running. He is running when he plays with other dogs, then he runs - stop for a while - run again. And he himself always decide when to run around a play. Sounds like your laws in Calgary are great. Margareta Stockholm
Re: what age do puppies start drooling?
Hi, Saw your post. All Berners are different, some drool a lot, others less. You never know what kind of drooler your pup is going to be. We have our third berner and we have never been thinking the drool is a problem, even if there are a lot of drool making slippery floors in our kitchen very often. Berners drool and you will find black hair everywhere, it is a part of the life when you have decided to love a companion of this breed. Myself I do not think drool is a problem, but Berners are not like Goldens - even if Goldens also are happy dogs. If you like a constantly very cleaned home Berners are not something for you. If you like the warmest and most loving companion on earth, choose a Berner. Bernerhugs from Vincent, 4 years, who has been bathing today in our bathroom. He stands on the floor and there he got shampo and showers, over and over again. And the days after the bath you will find the softest black hair everywhere. Margareta Stockholm
Ang: Re: Ang: Re: Karen and Stevie-Collars.
Hi, It will be a heat between the collar and the skin. Wounds like chafes in the armpits, close to the dogs chest. Margareta
Re: fruits and vegetables
You can serve cabbage, but very small amounts - because dogs has difficulties digesting cabbage and many other vegetables as well. I've never heard that a dog shouldn't have cabbage. Is that just a personal preference? Jennifer Lennon My dogs have also loved fruit. They often like the food I like for myself even if I give them special dog food for their meals. I am not so found of cabbage so it has never been given to my dogs. Margareta Strand
giving drugs/Griffin update : )
Hi, I put the drug deep in the mouth, one by one, Vincent swallow between each - cuddling under the troath and afterwards something good to eat. It use to work, we also have these huge drugs at the moment. An hour ago I had my hands in his mouth of other reasons - Vincent took in his mouth something big from another dog, we had snow in the morning and this dirt was under. Think I still have stinky hand´s - . my dog is very natural child! Margareta
Histiocytic Sarcoma
Disseminated Histiocytic Sarcoma - the same as Malignant Histiocytosis? I saw a notation Disseminated Histiocytic Sarcoma is what earlier was called MH? Am I right? Margareta Stockholm - our town had snow in the morning, in the afternoon sunshine!
Re: When your dog is lame
I would strongly suggest that before anyone considers various supplements, treatments, therapies, diets for lameness, Xrays and perhaps various other diagnostic tests be done. There are so many things that can cause lamemess, such as, but not limited to, dysplasia, autoimmune disease, and bone cancer. Lisa Allen YES! Lisa´s word of wisdom once again! You have to see a veterinarian with knowledge and experience, let diagnostic tests be done. Because your berner is worth the best therapies and treatment. Margareta Strand
Ang: Raffle/check as payment
About check´s as payment. In Sweden nobody use check´s any more - we use card´s or cash. My monthly salary goes directly to the card. I asked the bank for a check to the Raffle, it would cost around 28 US dollar to buy a check at the bank to send to the USA. Margareta Strand Stockholm
Ang: Berner Allergy or Cold
Hi, Please visit your veterinarian as soon as you can, it looks like the systemic reactive histiocytosis. Can be treated! You could read information about the disease on the list yesterday and also useful websites was mentioned. Let us know what happens! Your names seems so Swedish, do you live here in Sweden too? Margareta Strand and Vincent Stockholm
colourproblem in berners
Hi, we have been on our morningwalk and I must say I have a bernerproblem I hope some of you can help us with. Overnight Vincent changed colour so the bernerwhite is brown, the brown is black and all the rest in brown. Have he eaten something wrong or is it common in his age, he will become 4 in the end of this month. Please help! Vincent and Margareta Stockholm
Ang: Griffin: bad news and good news
Hi all, I will also be in the choir If it weren´t for the list. My Vincent was diagnosed with systemic reactive histiocytosis in December 2002 and I got so very god information from many of you on the Berner-L, I will mention and say thank you to: Pat Long Marion Brown Terrill Eckert Heidi Parker Cecilia Stahl Peter F. Moore Verena Affolter and the wonderful veterinarian Kerstin Bergvall, DjurAkuten in Stockholm. - The wonderful new vet was full of optimism. She said that Griffin's lymph nodes were not enlarged and that as long as he tolerates the med combo (cyclosporine ketoconazole), everything will fine. You know what? If it weren't for this list, I never would have found the histio site, recognized the symptoms and persisted with my suspicions. If it weren´t for the list and you all, all over the world, my bernerboy was not a rather healthy boy today! We started the medication with ketaconazol and cyclosporin A the 6th of December 2002 and now Vincent feel good with less medication for every week. THANK YOU, The biggest and warmest bernerhugs - Vincent and Margareta Strand Stockholm, Sweden
FW: Systemic Reactive Histiocytosis
Hi Anne, Here are good websites were you find a lot of information. The second one Dr Peter F.Moore´s website at ucdavis have a lot of useful information upon the systemic reactive form of histiocytosis. Some count the disease as a form of cancer, a tumour disease - often treatable if you be in time at your veterinarian and if you meet a veterinarian with knowledge in this special form of histiocytosis. You will se swellings, like bumps on the nose - very red eyes with corneaoedema - there can be other symptoms as well. http://www.bmdca.org/pages/histiocytic.htm http://www.histiocytosis.ucdavis.edu/ Perhaps Cecila will add more later on, she is so much better in the English language than I am. And again Thank heaven for the Berner-L and all the listers! I got help and courage from all of you and I feel so thankful! And big hugs to Griffin Cecilia! I know he will feel so much better very soon, Vincent and Margareta Strand Stockholm, Sweden
digging dogs
Hi, We have a golden around the corner, Kolan is her name - she is a digging girl. In the summertime at their house at the countryside Kolan is digging her a big hole - it will be colder to lay there. A new hole each summer. Her family use to fill the hole with earth in the autumns. Sometimes Kolan has another golden retriever friend with her for some weeks and she then digging a hole for her friend also. They must be good friends and perhaps we will meet Kolan at our nightwalk very soon. Vincent and Margareta
Re: To make your house BMD tail-safe!
Hi, we do not have any low table in front of the sofa - then it is easier for Vincent to jump into the sofa. We only have dinnertables or tables in the same sizes for work, writing et cetera. But we also have a berner who likes the dinnertable in the kitchen as a bed in the summertime. It was his own choice to lay on the table when we was away from home last summer. This habit maked me taking away flowers and other things from this special table when we left home for some hours. More because my bernerboy could be hurt from broken glasses - his safety is number one, the belongings can always be put away in a cupboard. My first bernerboy Chaplin was very found of books, he took his paws and picked out books from the bookcases. We arranged the furniture so he couldn´t reach the books - we have very many bookcases so I remember it was a bit of a problem. Chaplin lived 1979 - 1989 and now when I see some of the books with marks from his teeth I remember Chaplin with warmth and love, these books has a higher value! Lots of hugs from Margareta and Vincent
Re: re tail safe/lovely words
Your pup will never change how it expresses its happyness. Thank you for these wonderful words! You can later on change to: Your Berner will never change how it expresses its happiness. The Berners have these wonderful expressions undtil the very last day! Our lovely dogs, the biggest hugs to all of them! Vincent and Margareta Stockholm
Return of The Fun Survery!!
1 --- Do you live in? a) city b) suburbs c) country d) on Planet Berner In the City of Planet Berner. 2 --- Where does your dog spend the night? Beside one side of my bed, later on the other side of my bed - sometimes in my bed. He wake himself up and also me by laying in the bed when he ask for cuddling. He think it is too warm to sleep all night in the bed, he use to say so. He is free to sleep were he likes to, it is his home as well as mine and ours. 3 --- What is your dog's favorite toy? He has a lot of dolls. Vincent call all his toys for dolls - he is a real boy! He love all stuffed animals and the last he has got is the one he use to run after to show when friends are coming home. He often have a toy in his mouth. He loved the little bear who sang Oh Susanna... and when we sang the song he run after the right animal toy. Just wonder were the Susanna toys are - probably in a bag waiting for surgery? 4 --- Your dog's most remarkable feature is (fill in the blank) His ears, we use to say our berners has silky ears. His forehead, the forehead of a very great philosopher! Also when he comes to me in the kitchen, sitting on the floor he says - smiling and with the head marks and pointing out Mummy, I like some of the tidbits I have in my pot! And also his body: His front legs and his paws, his front legs are like log´s. Also his whole body of kindness when he smiles and say hello from his nose to his tip of the tail. 5 --- You bought a new car for your dog? No, we have no car. We live very central in Stockholm and we can see all with cars driving around in the evenings to find a parkingplace, sometimes they drive around for hours. We use buses and trains and take a cab or get along with our friends in their car. We like to walk. Vincent has decided not to take a driving licence. 6 --- Your dog participates in (feel free to list any titles your dog Parties - he like going to birthday parties, the cakes use to be very good. 7 --- The naughtiest thing that your dog has done is. Vincent is not a naughty boy. He used to lay on the table in our kitchen last summer when I was away from home, but naughty behavior - I think just it was a rather cold place? This morning he tried to wee-wee on another dogowners leg when we was out on the big field there our dogs run and play, but naugthy - dogs/males sometimes use to wee-wee like that. Vincent is not a naughty boy - he is kindness personified. LOVE from your mum Vinci!
Ginseng for dogs
Hi, read today in our newspaper abour Ginseng for dogs. Anyone who has tried Ginseng for their tired dogs? Boehringer Ingelheim has made a study on 358 dogs in Switzerland. 65 % saw a positive difference - dogs who was more alert and felt better. And what about if the dog has high blood-pressure (as I have). I am told Ginseng would not be given to them with high blood-pressure? More knowledege out there in Bernerland? Margareta and Vincent Stockholm
Re: Olive Oil
Hi, I use olive oil and some days a week rape-oil. Just teaspoonful every second day. Always the best qualities to both my Bernerboy and to the family. These are the two kind of oils we always use to our meals. Vincent now eat the senior food (dry) from Science Plan (Hill´s), lamb and rice. He get 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups in the afternoon/early evening. I add also a hand full of oats. I put a little water to the food and after about 15 minutes I serve. Vincent is 4 years soon, he get senior food because it contains less protein and phosphorus. We can also share a banana or a sandwich with mozzarella and tomatoes, different from day to day. Meaning he also can get something else to eat. I like to share meals with Vincent. His senior food,lamb and rice-meals with oats and olive oil/rape-oil are the same every day - just for him, not for me. We have a special CUP my mother got many years ago from her aunt who moved to Seattle from Varmland (Sweden) 70 - 80 years ago. I am so proud over the cup and remember both aunt Hulda and my mother when I use it every day! Margareta Strand and Vincent Stockholm Does anyone add olive oil to the food? I usually do this once a week. Esta Dalsass
Ang: Re: Frontline/BIOSPOT
Hi, I used Biospot 2 summers ago to my Vincent. I called Bayers in Sweden and they did not like to tell me what Biospot contains of, it was a secret. They said, maybe ecalyptus - but no real answer. I saw ads - how natural Biospot would be. Biospot didn´t work and it also hurt the skin. Meaning I just used it once and not again. Think I will try garlic this summer. Margareta Strand Stockholm I was looking into a product called Biospot that I saw in the Drs Foster and Smith catalogue. It's supposed to kill fleas, ticks AND mosquitos. Well, maybe they mean repellent in the case of the mosquitos. Has anyone used this to any effect ?? It's also a LOT more affordable than Frontline. I always use Frontline , and haven't seen a flea in years. On the tick side of things , I've been lucky with the dogs. Lyme is a BIG concern in my area. I've had it and wouldn't wish it on a dog :-(. Any opinions on this brand , Biospot ???Thanks !! Laurie Montoya S. Central PA.
get dog to drink/eat
Hi, I sometimes use to but a little butter (easily melted) and/or flings from Dextrosol(dextrose,grape-sugar) to give a little energy. It makes both water and food taste. It is worth a try! Hope it works, Margareta Strand Stockholm
Merry Christmas ...and now healthier days!
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all in the big BERNERWORLD! Will also tell you that my bernerboy Vincent, diagnosed with systemic reactive histiocytosis the first week in December, now feel so much better. After some weeks with Cyclosporin A (Neoral) Vincent is happier again, even if we/he have to continue the medication for quite a while. We has also recieved the test kit from Fred Hutchinson and going to get a blood sample when we see the vet again the 7th of January. Berner-Christmashugs to all of you, especially to you and you and you who has been such a god help for us! What did we do without you all and the knowledege amongst many on the Berner-L?! Vincent and Margareta Strand Stockholm PS. But we miss Mattias, 22, my son. He is on his 4th year of medical training to become a human doctor and for some weeks they study Global health. Mattias and other students went for 3 weeks to Cuba the 22th of December. Cuba is wellknown for very good healthcare and medical organization.DS
systemic histiocytosis
Hello, my bernerboy Vincent 3 1/2 year was last week diagnosed: systemic reactive histiocytosis. Would very much like to be in touch with others out there with experience from this disease in their dogs. The veterinarian and I decided to try Sandimmune as therapy. Prednisone can help but research says only 10% will be helped and the sideeffects are too many. The SYSTEMIC REACTIVE HISTIOCYTOSIS started with bumps in Vincent´s face 3 weeks ago, then his eyes become more and more red. He eat well and behave normal and gladly like all berners - probably a bit sad from all the visits to the vet clinic (but they have smapp pieces of very good things in a bowl at the reception desk at the clinic!). Margareta and Vincent Stockholm
histiocytosis, sites to visit?
Hello all, would be happy to know the best websites to get information on the histiocytosis that berner´s often get. Margareta Strand Stockholm
bumps in dogs face
Hello, since some days my 3 1/2 year old berner Vincent has some bumps in his face, like swellings. Have someone experience of maybe bruises in dog´s skin or face, these small swellings feels a bit hard. He can have been hurting himself when he the other day had paniced when he was alone at home (he do not like very high sounds like from drilling if some of the neighbours in the house drill). I found a very wet window and a wet dog, he had salivating a lot ( do dog´s do this salivating when the stress is like panic?). He had jumped on a big table close to a window and can have been hurting his face in the jump - if he has turned his face in the window handles, my theory. Send an answer if you know anything on bruises in dogs, how they feel - if they are impossible. Margareta Strand
