THE GERMAN SHEPHERD SENTINEL
DECEMBER 2006 - NEWSLETTER
OF THE
GSDC OF GREATER RALEIGH
Pat Embrey, Newsletter Editor
1390 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504
PH: 919-934-6232, E-Mail: VonRillca@aol.com
Website: www.gsdcofgrraleigh.org
December Sentinel Information
1. Board Policy on Dogs at Club Sponsored Events
2. CHRISTMAS PARTY INFORMATION
3. Holiday Trips With Your Pet
4. Out of the Mouth of Babes
5. Ideas for Cutting Toenails
6. A Christmas Story for Dog Lovers
BOARD POLICY ON DOGS AT CLUB SPONSORED EVENTS
The GSDC of Greater Raleigh welcomes your German Shepherd at our events, including meetings. However, the following rules must be followed:
Anyone with an aggressive dog (one that growls, snaps, or is in any way aggressive towards other dogs or people) must be muzzled.
Dogs will be free of loose hair and external parasites (fleas or ticks). Please brush your dog prior to bringing it to the meeting as we must clean up the room after we are finished.
For the safety of all members, guests and their dogs, it is strongly recommended that all dogs be kept up to date on their vaccinations. ALL dogs that are old enough, MUST have a current rabies shot.
CHRISTMAS PARTY INFORMATION
HI ALL, DON’T FORGET THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY IS GOING TO BE THE 1ST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH AT RAGAZZI’S ON US 70WEST. That is this coming Wednesday. PLEASE CONTACT MARY BJELICA AT 919-661-9171 OR DEEDA DUNCAN AT 919-779-7841 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDENCE. WE WOULD LOVE ALL OF YOU TO COME.
HOLIDAY TRIPS WITH YOUR PET
Holidays are about family and friends. Often that means either you are a guest in someone's home or they are a guest in yours — overnight or over a turkey. What about the little ones — children and pets? Guests, never assume a hostess is prepared for the needs of an active 2-year-old. And pooches might be the accessory du jour but no fair arriving with uninvited guests.
Is Fido going with you?
Plan ahead.
"It is easier for a cat to stay at home with a pet sitter," says Diana Smith, animal behavior trainer at Hearts and Paws, "but a dog needs more social contact." Generally older, smaller pets (less than 40 pounds) are easier to travel with, Smith says.
Once you have your host's permission to bring Spot to the holiday gathering, plan where he will sleep, eat and go to the bathroom. If the host has animals, introduce the visiting animals in the yard rather than the house, Smith says. Bring the animal's crate and find a quiet area of the house. Even the most social dog sleeps 14 hours a day and needs some alone time.
Heads up! Children and other pets in the home you visit might make your normally serene pet nervous. Clues? Heavy panting, refusing to eat or uncharacteristic bladder problems.
In addition, holiday decorations might be a source of danger. A gift of chocolates (albeit wrapped) under the tree smells alluring to Fido, for whom chocolate is potentially poisonous. The water in a live-tree base and those homemade dough ornaments might also tempt him. Smith's advice? If your pet has not traveled and stayed in a home before, do not make the first time over the holidays.
Pet perils
•Lilies, including tiger, Asian, Japanese show and Orientals such as 'Stargazer' and 'Casablanca,' can cause kidney failure in cats.
•Chocolate (baker's, semisweet, milk and dark) can be potentially poisonous to many animals. The less sweet the chocolate, the more toxic it could be.
•Keep pets out of the garbage. Holiday leftovers — greasy, spicy and fatty foods — can cause stomach upsets. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.
•Alcohol, if ingested, could cause an animal to become very sick and might cause a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
•Eating aluminum foil and cellophane candy wrappers can cause vomiting and intestinal blockage.
•Mistletoe and holly berries are potentially toxic. Mistletoe berries might cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems.
•Ribbons or tinsel (particularly tempting for cats) can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.
Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES
Donated by
Mary Bjelica
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old German Shepherd named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept
Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply, Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
IDEAS FOR CUTTING TOENAILS
Following are some ideas that I got from the internet for cutting toenails. I am not guaranteeing any of the methods, but perhaps some of you might get some pointers. Pat
TRIMMING TOENAILS
This is what I do..I do not believe in the one or two toenail approach. I
believe you should win every battle you start. I put the dog in a big easy chair. Make him sit or lie down. I get on my knees in front of the chair. He has a choke collar and leash on. I pick up the foot, and when he pulls back, I make him stay, even if I have to lay on him! This continues until he gives up, and he will. I cut a nail, then cut another, and another, etc until the foot is done. Do not quick him. Cut as little as you can at this first lesson. Without a word, I pick up the other front foot and precede as above. Being in the chair seems to immobilize them, they have no place to go or gain leverage, and laying on them really does, LOL. Expect a terrible battle. Do all nails, then praise and give cookie.
I have a foot-pest dog too! I ended up quicking him usually at least one nail because of him jerking.
He would argue with me nonstop about me doing his nails. While he is obedience trained, and I eventually won the arguments, it took a lot of time, effort, and energy that could be better spent
I went to Wal-Mart and got a little Black and Decker rotary grinder.; It's battery powered (rechargeable--comes with a charger, and I bought an extra battery to keep charged just in case the first one ran out when I was in the middle of a pedicure...lol) it's small, lightweight, and it's ergonomic so it wouldn't be too hard on your arthritis.; And it's only about $20 The coarse grind refill cylinder thingies are a matter of cents to buy.
My dog took a little bit of getting used to it, but he was never ever as bad as he was with the clippers ; Now he just lays there and lets me grind nails. All of them.; He might twitch a bit out of memory when I pick up a foot, but that's it
I will NEVER ever use anything else to trim a dog's nails, now. Liz in Utah
I used to have a real problem with my male "Zack" when I tried to cut nails>You know, since I bought a "dremmel" they like that MORE than having their nails trimmed; It took one day and they were hooked.; Sit on the grooming table and just enjoy it.; Man, that is the ONLY way to go! ; If you get them to trust that you won't "bleed" them, maybe once or two times, you will have willful nail trimmer wanters for the rest of their lives!
I used to have a real problem with my male "Zack" when I tried to cut nails.He never threatened to bite or anything like that, but we played tug of war with his feet -- and he won too often ; So I finally got some hot dogs and rewarded each clip with a piece of hot dog ; The next time, though, that I asked him to jump onto the table for a nail clipping session, he looked at the clippers and he looked at the hot dog, and decided it wasn't worth it.; So I went to the refrigerator for a chunk of roast beef, called one of the girls over, clipped one of her nails, praised her to the skies and gave her a huge chunk of beef. ; I then told her to get down and asked Zack to hop up.; Not only did he quickly hop on the table, he promptly sat down and held out his paw! Who says dogs can't learn by observation? Anyway, now all I need for nail-clipping cooperation is a really good treat (And, by the way, I'm up to one whole foot for one treat now – working towards one treat for the whole job.)
I've found that the nails are softer after a warm bath... I don't have the luxury of a grooming table, but do use the same ideas with the animal tied to a secure fixture on the ground. After rinsing, I introduce the nail cutter... and, make a definate point of shifting their weight onto the other leg. I'll clip a few then, and perhaps a few later while blow drying... I talk sweet nothins in their ear... and lots of praise. They soon accept it.
Well, the score is Rags 10, Tish 0. She definitely won this round. Bob was holding and I was trying to cut but the way she was fighting I was afraid I would cut off her toes. Any suggestions on how to get her to permit us to cut her nails (I may just present her to Dorothy at the Board meeting and hand Dorothy the nail clippers!!! LOL). Monty feels he has to grumble the whole time (only dog I have ever had growl at me while I cut their nails) but at least he let us do it.
I put my dogs in an EASY CHAIR. I would muzzle this dog, if you think for a minute that she would bite. You will still need help. You can put your body weight on her in an easy chair, if you are kneeling in front of the chair. I would use a pair of Miller's forge clippers, they have a nail guard, that will only let you cut a small amount at a time, there is no way you can quick her with the Miller's Forge. You HAVE to win the battle, they will ALL give in if you stick to it long enough. You may need 3 people, whatever it takes.
Please do not take a chance on quicking the dog, you can imagine how this does not help. Threats by the dog are unacceptable, and should be met with severe discipline. The dog will give up, if you do not give in
First thing I would do and do do!
Put them on a grooming table. Still need two people. If you dont have a grooming table...get one! Cut off the legs if it is too tall. Grab leg above the foot, turn foot under with pads up and you behind leg, and cut. FAST! If you worry about blood letting. You lost the battle. DOG KNOWS IT. KEEP BLOOD STOP OR styptic stuff. Repeat in two days, with just handling feet. Do this AFTER the first toenail clipping. Just keep doing it. Desensitizes the dog! And might also work with you!
I always get disbelief when I speak of my nail grinding method, but it works for me. I sit on the ground with whatever dogs WANTS to go first. They lie down in front of me, sleeping style. I sit with my legs over their side. And Dremel grind. As soon as I am through, I rub their tummy, play with them, rub and giggle. They get up rather unwillingly and the next dog (who is sitting waiting) lies down in front of me. Honest! I start as pups with little clips weekly, holding them in my lap, graduating to the grinder just as soon as the little nails are strong enough. They love to do whatever is being done to the others and we have lines for grooming table, baths, ears (well, not as anxious there) and, ( ahem LOL) food. Might take a few minutes longer with the Dremel, but nice rounded corners and no dread of quick cutting. And no, the nail doesn't get hot. I hold the nail with my finger tips and have never felt heat coming through.
Well I got a good laugh out of that one .the first time i tried to cut miss Patti cakes nails There was 5 of us .& you guessed it miss Patti 10 , helpers 0.all dogs nails are cut & ground once a week. Unless I am sick. Miss Patti still hates having her nails done & so does the big Hobbs. he howls & screams the whole time. I know the neighbors think I am killing him. finally he just sobs & throws his foot at you. get it over with , You don't love me anymore is what his eyes say. just enough to make you feel guilty. Keep handling their feet & nails, you can't let them win. Usually they give in so you can get the job done
Once you let her win, it becomes harder to get control. Our dogs are too big to let them be the boss. Also, if you do cut the quick, the dog is going to be even more reluctant the next time and it's understandable from their point of view--it hurts.
We try to avoid this problem by working with our litters from the start. We touch and play with the whole body, paying extra attention to the ears (so the vet can look into them easily), with the butt (in case they need their temperature taken) and the legs and feet. Not only do we trim them from little on up, we handle the feet each time we pick them up (which is often). Our vet says we have they so well handled, that they are not puppies, they are ladies and gentlemen. He also says he can give them a better exam (with their first shots) because they stand so nicely for him, not wiggling and scratching like some of the other puppies.
Being able to check them over better helps us to know they are doing fine as well.
Here's my two cents on nail cutting I agree with the grooming table, but if you must do it on the floor, have
the dog sit in front of you so that both of you are facing the same direction. You can use your legs to keep the dog from slipping back. ( Can you tell I usually do this alone?) I don't grab any part of the dog. I put >
my hand on his paw and let him adjust to the idea that my hand is there before I gently but firmly lift the paw. With a dog that is nail phobic I don't worry about how good a job I'm doing the first few times. My goal may be only to hold the paw or touch the nail clipper to a toe without even cutting. If the dog accepts that much, he gets a cookie and released. Then, fifteen minutes later, I'll repeat the performance. Little by little I will repeat this, adding more as the dog accepts each level. I find that having another person hold the dog usually activates the dog's reactive resistance and makes him fight against being held. I also find that most dogs prefer the dremel to the nail clippers.
Once the dog is acclimated to the nail clippers and it is associated not with being held, grabbed, or in pain (not accusing anyone of doing this to their dogs. It's just what might be in the dog's mind.) they will sit nicely and offer their paws. It also helps to have them around when you clip nails on dogs that don't mind it.
For whatever it's worth
A CHRISTMAS STORY FOR DOG LOVERS
Long ago in the deepest of winters all of the animals on Earth were abuzz
with the news.
"HE IS BORN! HE IS BORN!" cried the snowy owl.
"Come one and all, rejoice!" roared the mighty lion.
"Bring gifts to the new King!"
The forest grew bright with the din of excitement. Every creature was running towards the star. The noise was so loud and joyful that it traveled distant lands. In a quiet glen, under a bramble bush, a small lonely dog raised his head from his slumber and heard the sounds from afar.
He raised his little head and wondered. Slowly he raised his tired body and sniffed the air. He knew something was amiss - but he knew not what. A voice ever so sweet was singing in the distance, this he could hear. The words were not at all clear, but the sound was of waterfalls, and misty mornings and everything dear... Eagerly he followed the sound and soon saw a star. It shone so brightly his little eyes watered. What was this shiny thing that happily glowed? What could be happening that would bring about such a lovely sight?
His little legs beat the path for many days. He became tired and hungry but still he walked on. He had to follow the sound of that voice. The voice that reminded him of warmer and kinder times. He had to follow the light of the star. The star told him of happy things to come. At last he came into a
clearing and his eyes beheld a mystifying sight. Animals were everywhere, and each had a precious gift. Some brought shiny berries from the forest, some brought beautiful leaves, some brought twigs from the rarest of trees and even some brought the most precious wildflowers of the fields. They were laying these gifts at the entrance of a stable. Above the stable the light of the star twinkled more brightly than before.
He turned to the deer and asked: "What is all this? Where have I come?"
"You have come to see the new King. He is Born. Where are your gifts for the child?" asked the deer reproachfully. "I have no gifts..I didn't know..." said the lonely little dog with his head
hung low.
The deer sneered and snubbed and quickly walked away as he tossed his head indignantly. The little dog's body trembled all over, his little tail flew between his little legs, and his little head hung lower than ever. He was ashamed.
And yet...he still wanted to get a little peek at the New King. Quietly, ever so carefully, he crept over to the stable. He was so small he could easily hide under the other animals. Ever so sleekly he crept up to the manger and peeked inside.
"WHO ARE YOU!" boomed the voice of the Lion. "WHY DO YOU DARE NOT BRING
GIFTS FOR THE NEW KING?" and the little dog cowered, much humbled. He laid his little head at the foot of the manger and hid his eyes. He was ready to be killed by the Lion, and yet he spoke ever so quietly, ever so meekly, ever so bravely: "I have no gifts, I have no berries, or twigs, or bright flowers of the field...all I have is my life and I will gladly give that, for I have shamed all my brethren tonight."
He waited - with his eyes closed, thinking that if he did die tonight, at least he would die beneath the cradle of his King. That's when a warm and gentle hand was upon him. He did not dare to open his eyes, until he heard a woman's voice speak: "Do not fear little one. You are safe here. This bramble
in your fur speaks of the gift you have brought to him." The lonely little dog opened his eyes and looked up at the woman.
"But I have no gift to offer, save for myself, and that is very little..."he shyly protested.
The woman smiled and scratched his ears. "Little dog, you traveled far to see the King..that is gift enough when it comes from your heart. What gift is more precious than one given in innocence and humility? No little one, you are welcome here." As she spoke she raised the little dog up.
"Behold, your King, the Son of Man. You shall serve him well." And the baby smiled.
So it came to pass and dog was lonely no more.
And dog has served man ever since, loyal to a fault, and humble he remains. A gift from God to us, for who, but dog will travel miles without explanation? Who, but dog will cower from you even if he is not wrong? Who, but dog will take a scolding even when he is not to blame? Who, but dog is content to die at our feet if he so must?
Let us care for it well.
Author Unknown
Best Wishes
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