Misc. Idle Chit Chat - Part II (The Sequel)

[kian]

Richard they are all on Coconut oil and Super 14, what a difference in thier coats. The dark is darker and the whites are whiter! I know there is more spam, I have to run. Will tackle it when I return.

[Nileska]

Kian,I don't know what the opportunitys are in your neck of the woods but it would be of great benefit to spend a day at an AKC sanctioned show just to see All that goes on..I have been to the nearby Mesa Verde and realize that it is in the middle of nowhere but some of the city's have annual shows if you happen to be nearby at the time...Check with the AKC.

Note: If you are going to show dogs be prepared to travel.I used to range from Toronto to Atlanta and Pa to Ill.regularly.

R pB

[JaymeK]

Hey all,

just checking in. I've started B on coconut oil, haven't seen much of a difference yet but it's only been a week and I started him off slow.

Everything is crazy right now, I'm in the middle of trying to switch my major (not so easy to do when you're going into 3rd year). I'm missing a lot of courses I would need for one of the degrees I'm looking at. I'll be meeting with a bunch of different counsellors over the next week to try to figure it out before I have to choose courses for next year.

There was a very sad accident the other week here. A 6 month old puppy was hit by a car when he ran across the road (don't know the context there; if he was offleash or what...). It was almost positive he wasn't going to make it but he pulled through and now the student (his owner) is looking at a $15,000 vet bill. She's asking the community for donations and her goal is $14,000, leaving only $1000 for her to pay. Nobody expects such a large bill at any point but a big problem in this area is people buying dogs for $500 but then they can't afford any medical expenses. I did read somewhere and have heard from vets you should have easy access to $3000-5000 dollars in case of an emergency with your pet.

Of course $15,000 is a far cry from that and a lot of people wouldn't be able to afford it. They're doing a few fundraisers to try to pay the bill.

I'm trying to get benson into a therapy dog class. Originally, I just wanted to get him back into Rally O for the summer, but I couldn't find any schools or courses that seemed like a good fit for us. We went to kitchener to do rally o last time but I wasn't crazy about the teacher. Benson was very good, so we spent a lot of time sitting and doing nothing while she "demonstrated" with the other dog. So we'll see what happens! It would be good for him to be more comfortable around wheelchairs and such, as he has seemed a little wary in the past.

Hope everyone is well!

[Nileska]

Jayme,...When I was at College I met a 4th year student who was known as "the dog lady" she rescued and found homes for lots of stray and unwanted dogs.When medical care was needed she set up a table outside the cafeteria to solicit donations.
It never took long to raise the funds for the procedure.

Perhaps this may be a way to defray the pups medical costs.the more publicity the better.People WILL come forth.

In our aerea an US Airforce noncom found an injured puppy beside the road one night recently...She rushed the puppy to the all night emergency clinic (not an inexpensive place),The pup was stabilised and she paid the $1000 .bill out of her own pocket...Well actually maxed out her credit card...(no AF Master Sgt. runs around with that much cash)

The next day the pup was sent to an orthopedic surgeon where broken bones were repaired.total bill about $5000...The pup was moved to the "Animal Resource Center"to recover,the story hit the newspaper and the donations poured in.At last count the goal was almost reached and a move was afoot to reimburse the Sgt.who has dogs of her own.

There is no shortage of homes being offered as soon as he is well.Meanwhile,3 lovely,hardy,puppies about 2-3 months old were abandoned in an elderly woman's driveway this weekend.There will be no trouble finding homes.

[kian]

Many people will certainly donate towards a puppy! Wonderful stories Richard.

Jaymey keep looking, you might find a club with a perfect fit for you and Benson. The oil will need at least 6 weeks to see a difference, fingers crossed it will help.

Richard I'm doing a lot of observing at shows and tonight we go to a place where I'm told they teach Showmanship professionally, it's up in Colorado so I will let you know if it was worth it.

[kian]

Richard, I just got back from Showmanship class, it was very good. I knew I wasn't striding correctly with Ice and that is what one of them picked up on. They said Ice has a very nice gait, I need to stride out there to show his gait off better, I just hope my leg doesn't give out! I knew I was hestitant because of that, I know I can do it. Wish I could afford a handler, I can't so I just need to realize my leg as gotten stronger through all the gym classes I take.

The training does give me more confidence, I hope to go again next week.

Suppose to be in the 70's this week.....woohoo! Back to shorts and t-shirt weather.

[Nileska]

Good show Kian,I was about your age when I first took handeling classes...Nearly everyone has to learn a longer running stride. Your dog will tend to mimic your stride and you want him to show his reach and drive.

We had a rather corpulent fellow,and inveterate comedian,in our class who would crack everyone up by imitating our instructor...Think 280# ballet dancer ..When you stretch out like that it feels like you are covering the ground in half as many strides...It will all become natural after a while.

Upward and Onward....Richard

[Nileska]

Sometimes it is better to employ a professional handler when an important major is at stake...Mostly though its more fun to do it ourselves..after a while people will know who you are and you will develop a circle of friends who will help you when you need it,(grooming,2 dogs with the same show times,etc.)

Example...we had a friend who had her purse lifted at a 3 day show.She was carrying extra cash to buy things from the vendors requested by folks back home...As soon as everyone heard about it they came around and gave her money and offered her assistance...We had one more day to show and since we had an extra bed at our motel we offered her a place to stay and took her out to dinner.

Some time later she repaid the favor by handeling one of my dogs to a 4 point major. It was the day after the Siberian Specialty and all tne best dogs were still there (she even defeated the previous days winner) It was a particularly delicious win.

BTW this was the same person who taught the handeling class...What goes around comes around Eh!

[kian]

How sad to get her purse stolen, what joy to see people come to her aid. That was very nice of you Richard. Sure wish I had the $$ to employ a professional handler, what are you doing these days Richard??? Just kidding!

Practice again tonight, I'm going to employ the tips and see how we do.

On the news side...Ice earned his official ASCA right to be a stud dog! All medical passed with flying colors, now he needs a date! Of course, the female has to be qualified to. So far Ice is: MDR1 N/N, DNA-VP, CERF Normal, OFA excellent, RN and WD. He is on his way!

Today we went downtown in Durango and he walked perfectly and commanded quite a few comments. He did his tricks for many who made over him, I was so proud of him today. I sure love this dog! We met a lady in front of a store and there was a baby photo competition for us to vote on. She wanted me to vote on her baby and I said while downtown is dog friendly, not all stores are. She was legit and had her baby with her and handing out cookies to those who voted. She offered to hold Ice while I went in...........NOT A CHANCE! I was polite and told no one holds him as his worth is sky high now and I only let people I know hold him. She was understanding and still offered me a cookie.

[Nileska]

Kian,I know lots of professional handlers are a bit pricey ( when I was showing,about $65 each time ) but there are some who are less expensive,it pays to ask...You may develop friends who are experienced and will take your dog in for free when the chips are down..We all "scratch each others back"

I never charged any of my friends,they never charged me....On the rare occasion that I did charge anyone it was someone I did not know who had hired a pro who failed to show up at ringtime.
They already had money invested in entry fees and asked me to take their dog in (they didn't have a clue how to do it theirselves) .They were thrilled when I charged them $30

I allways thought it was more fun to show the dog myself win or lose. (Win is the most fun) But I sometimes had to be pragmatic and hire a pro when a major was at stake.

Now all this sweetness and light ends at showtime and all bets are off.

[kian]

I think when a Major is at stake I will ask a friend of mine who is quite good at this and about 25 years younger, to show him. She is the one that got him Winners Dog at the classic and she can stride well....youth is nice!

Last night went extremely well at practice, we both did well. I was told he stacked great and by lengthing my stride, he gaited like a true champion!

I'm also getting into herding with him, I would love a versatility title. I'm looking at adding some sheep for him to herd, afterall he needs to practice before we compete. Awwwww, I'm stepping out into some fun times with this guy.

[Nileska]

We had one exhibitor who was a real treasure,she was the sister of a famous movie star and had a movie career of her own but was better known for her performances with the Zeigfield Follies.This remarkable woman was still showing Great Danes well up into her eightys.To see her take a Dane around the ring was like watching poetry in motion and her outfits were outrageous..In her final years she became a judge and the AKC fast tracked her to all breed so she could judge any breed,Group and Best in Show...As a judge her outfits became very conservative...She is now gone but NOT forgoten .

[RubyJeansMom]

Hi all...I'm trying to get back in the DP groove, but haven't caught up yet.

Richard, I'm sorry to hear about Maggie, 15 is a good old age for a Sibe.

Hi Nezza and Jayme!
I see most everyone else here on Facebook these days.

I've been busy with the dogs and goats.
Actually just the other day the HO said, "You need to get more goats." What?!?!?
That made me happy, so on to baby goat shopping...heehee!

[manitwo]

Nice to see you back RMJ. I do miss seeing so many people who used to appear in DP on a regular basis.
Everyone to their own of course,but we dont all have Facebook. Manitwo,Mimi and little Badge.

[RubyJeansMom]

Thank you, manitwo!
I've missed the DP people that aren't on Facebook, and decided to come back and catch up.

Kian, What is Super 14?
My dogs get Omegaderm-3 oil, I've been using it since the vet recommended it when Ruby was a puppy, to help with her skin issues from mange.

Oops, I just saw Richard's post about Super 14 being a horse supplement.
I wonder if I could use that for the goat's dry skin issues?