Speaks! - Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

SPDR
Speaks!
Where secondhand dogs
give first-class love.
The official publication of Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue
From Our
President
By Sharon
Davis
The 2011 “Booth Season”
kicked off recently when SPDR
attended the two Seattle Kennel
Club Shows in mid-March. I
had an opportunity to reflect on
the changes that have occurred
in the ten or so years I’ve been
taking our education booth to
various dog events. While many
people still think they want
a cute little puppy, more are
aware of the staggering volume
of dogs in shelters and rescues
in need of loving homes, and are
turning to rescue for their new
pet. They also recognize the
need to research breeds to get an
idea of which might make a good
addition to their family. This
rarely happened ten years ago.
New activities such as agility,
rally, fly ball, dock diving, etc.,
have increased in popularity
during this time as people search
for fun ways to interact with
their dogs and take a break from
their busy lives.
I have a loyal group of people who
frequently help me at the various
events we attend throughout
the year; explaining SPDR’s
efforts to find homes for needy
purebreds and educating the
public about what responsible
dog ownership really entails.
continued on page 18
Winter 2010-11
Winter 2010-11
Dogs Helping
Veterans
How Assistance Dogs
Support Veterans
With Psychological
Needs
By Wendy Dahl, Board Member
I was in Florida a year ago when I
received an email from a woman
in Connecticut wondering if I
would like to become involved
in a pilot project matching
assistance dogs with veterans
living in Washington state. This is
the story of how that project and
other local efforts are supporting
psychologically wounded
warriors with trained emotional
assistance canine companions.
“Serving Those Who Served” is
the mission of the Building 9 for
Veterans Transitional Housing
Program, a Washington State
Department of Veteran Affairs
facility located on 31 acres in
Port Orchard. Ray Switzer, a
U.S. Army veteran, manages the
program that provides services
designed to help homeless
veterans successfully regain their
place in the community. Through
these efforts, 129 veterans have
graduated to living on their own
in the last 36 months. Ray wanted
to expand mental health support
Richard and Chloe practice her lessons
for veterans in this program and
was instrumental in developing a
pilot project matching emotional
assistance dogs with veterans
who suffer from post traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and/or
traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Last year, one of Ray’s daughters
introduced him to her neighbor
who was fostering Chloe, an
assistance dog recovering from
surgery to repair an injured
cranial cruciate ligament. Chloe,
a chocolate Labrador, had been
trained to support an autistic child
living in Alaska through the North
Star Foundation, an organization
based in Connecticut.
continued on page 2
www.spdrdogs.org
1
Dogs Helping Veterans
continued from page 1
Executive Director Patty Gross
created North Star in 2000 to
raise and train dogs to support
children with challenges ranging
from autism to serious medical
conditions to the loss of a parent
(http://www.northstardogs.
com/mission.shtml).
At the time of Chloe’s injury,
the family she lived with was
facing the deployment of their
active duty father as well as their
mother’s acute medical issue. Due
to the combined stress of these
conditions, Chloe was removed
from the family, had her surgery
and was placed in a North Star
family home in Washington State
to recuperate…next door to Ray’s
daughter.
Patty and Ray connected and
began talking about the possibility
of using dogs from North Star
who need to be rehomed or who
do not pass the requirements
necessary to be placed with a
child but whose sensitivities
might meet the emotional needs
of psychologically challenged
veterans. Because autism and
TBI have similar symptoms,
Ray and Patty were encouraged
to begin this project to support
veterans in need. They wanted a
canine professional in the Puget
Sound area to guide a dog’s
transition from basic training
to reliable behavior in public
settings and then to help build
the bond between veteran and
canine. Through the magic of the
Internet, they located me and I
was invited to join the project.
2
www.spdrdogs.org
Jack and Chloe during a public access training session with Richard
I met with Ray, Chloe and her
veteran, Richard, at Ray’s office at
Building 9. Chloe had just received
her veterinarian’s approval to
begin regular activities after
weeks of confined recovery
and she was full of young Lab
energy. With the help of a training
halter, I demonstrated for Richard
how he could manage Chloe’s
enthusiasm and reduce the
chance of aggravating his back
injury. Two office dogs provided
good distractions while Richard
and Chloe practiced obedience
commands and all three dogs sat
patiently for tasty treats. During
a later visit to Richard’s home, we
reviewed general dog behavior
and I was able to observe his
progress with Chloe. We also
set up a series of public access
training sessions to reinforce
Chloe’s behavior when she and
Richard are out together. They
have become a strong team and
Richard has much less anxiety
when he goes to the grocery
store or runs other errands.
Chloe provides strong emotional
support for Richard, and he now
readily talks to strangers who ask
about his beautiful companion.
Jack is the second canine in the
dogs and veterans program, a
young yellow Labrador trained
for the North Star program by
Linda Barnett who operates the
West Texas Canine College in
Midland, Texas. Jack arrived
in Washington State during
Veterans’ Day weekend 2010 to
begin his advanced public access
training with me. Reinforcing
basic commands from his training
in Texas, Jack experienced busy
Seattle streets and sidewalks,
crowded public staircases and
grocery stores, became familiar
with elevators and noisy ferry
boats and even attended a
yoga class. He was a model
demo dog during a restaurant
training session with Richard and
Chloe. Jack’s calm and sensitive
nature paired with his steadfast
obedience made him the right
kind of canine partner for the
dogs and veterans program.
SPDR Speaks!
Dogs Helping Veterans
continued from page 2
Jack was matched with Brian
who had been homeless when he
was accepted into the Building
9 program and needed support
for his schizophrenia and night
t e r ro r s . T h e i r p a r t n e r s h i p
began when Jack visited Brian’s
apartment for a weekend so that
Brian could experience life with
a canine companion and learn
what Jack had been trained to do.
Jack also spent a few weeks with
Brian’s caseworker, Jay, who is
part of Brian’s support network.
Jack has been living with Brian
for almost a month now and Jack
has become a great comfort to
Brian. They run errands together,
visit Brian’s elderly parents and
go to church with them, and Jack
attends Brian’s weekly VA group
counseling sessions.
Within the first few weeks of
their partnership, Brian had a
psychotic hallucination in his
sleep. Jack responded by putting
his paws on the bed and nudging
Brian until he woke up and
Winter 2010-11
realized what was happening.
Jack’s reaction allowed Brian
to disengage from his episode,
get out of bed and use cognitive
behavioral exercises to calm
himself. Living with a dog like
Jack helps Brian concentrate on
Jack’s needs and reduces his
hallucination events.
Tanner, an 18-month-old Golden
Retriever, has just begun his
advanced public training and is
winning hearts with his sweet
charm. In the way that fostering
a rescue dog provides insight for
a good placement, this training
period with Tanner will help
match him with the right veteran.
The Washington State Department
of Veterans Affairs supports the
project’s mission, but the cost for
raising and training assistance
dogs is expensive. Because many
of the veterans who go through
the Building 9 program also need
financial assistance, the dogs are
provided to them at no cost. Ray
Tanner with Wendy Dahl
taking a break at the beach
www.spdrdogs.org
3
Dogs Helping Veterans
continued from page 3
has been busy seeking donations to support the project
and has successfully done this for the dogs currently in the
program. He is reaching out to other sources and will now
have Chloe’s and Jack’s success stories to persuade new
donors to support this remarkable mental health service
for veterans. Ray and Patty hope to replicate this assistance
program throughout Washington State and eventually
expand nationwide.
A service dog program was recently started at Joint Base
Lewis-McChord. Canines and Heroes for Independence
(CHI) works with the Brigadoon Youth and Service Dog
Program to place service dogs with active duty service
men and women and veterans suffering psychological or
physical wounds. The Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan
conflicts have engaged National Guard reservists unlike
previous military actions. Active duty reservists have been
called up multiple times without subsequent support to
monitor mental health challenges. Federal funds are now
being allocated to support innovative mental health services
like CHI for active duty and veteran National Guard troops.
Gold Star Mothers (mothers who have lost a child in
military service) and Gold Star Families (who have lost
a family member) will partner with the CHI program by
helping to raise and train puppies. Twenty-two families
across the state, some with 4-H experience, have signed up
to participate. When families lose a loved one in military
service they are likely to be comforted by their friends and
family and acknowledged by their community. But as time
passes, these survivors often feel adrift and want to find
ways to actively support service men and women. The CHI
program partnership not only gives these families a way
to show their appreciation for the sacrifices made by their
family members, but connects them to wounded warriors
in a very tangible and rewarding way.
Hardly a week goes by that I don’t read about canine
companions helping active duty personnel or military
veterans. No matter what your philosophy is about U.S.
military engagements, it is heartening to see new programs
being created and succeeding to comfort and build
confidence for those who are serving or have served in the
armed forces. I’ve witnessed the positive transformation in a
veteran’s life when he is partnered with a canine companion.
An assistance dog’s skills are taught and reinforced, but
the connection that happens in these teams comes from
the heart.
4
www.spdrdogs.org
Jack’s arrival in Seattle with trainer Linda Barnett
Jack visiting Ray Switzer at Building 9
Jack on the job with his veteran Brian
SPDR Speaks!
Remembering Two Wonderful Rescue Dogs
by Steve Thein, SPDR Collie Breed Rep (with a soft spot for Shelties)
dog bed in our bedroom. Every
night we would tell him, “time
for bed.” He would walk over
and gracefully lower himself
down and go right to sleep.
Shortly after Shadow arrived
we discovered that he had
some serious health issues.
He was losing weight and his
skin was in bad condition.
The vet diagnosed him with
Cushing’s disease and a MRSA
skin infection.
In Memory
of Shadow
1999 – January 6, 2011
Shadow was a sweet smooth
coated male Collie who was put
to rest on January 6 at 12 years
of age. He came to SPDR in
May 2008 after his senior owner
passed away. He was a very
happy 10 year old boy who loved
to play fetch with his ball. He was
very well trained and loved all
the cats and dogs around him.
Shadow was adopted and moved
to Oregon. He was a loving
family member until they fell on
some financial bad times. They
contacted me and explained their
situation and that they could no
longer provide for Shadow’s
care, asking if SPDR would take
him back.
I n J u ne 2009 Sh adow was
returned and took over a large
Winter 2010-11
Shadow was put on medication
to treat the Cushing’s disease
and antibiotics for his skin
infection. He needed weekly
medicated baths to keep him
from scratching, and regular
blood work to make sure the
medications were not affecting
his liver. During all of Shadow’s
trips to the vet and baths he
would always stop and lick
my hand vigorously as to say,
“thank you for helping me.”
B u t t h re e w e e k s i n t o t h e
treatment he was still losing
weight and stopped eating.
Then he stopped playing with
his ball. I knew that he was
telling me, “enough.”
D r. B ro w n a t C h u c k a n u t
Veterinarian Clinic quietly
gave Shadow a sedative and
he slowly relaxed in my lap. A
few minutes later he gave him
another injection and Shadow
s l i p p e d a w a y p e a c e f u l l y.
Shadow was an exceptional
dog. He loved being loved and
I will miss him.
In Memory of Jo Jo
Dec. 2, 1994 – January 15, 2011
Jo Jo was a 16-year-old Sheltie that
came to us with his brother Rocky.
Their owner was in financial
distress and had lost everything.
She asked that the brothers remain
together. At ten years of age they
were hard to place at all, let alone
together. And so they remained
with us. Every night I made Jo Jo a
bed next to ours with some of my
clothing; he would only sleep on
my clothes, never my wife’s.
After 2 years we lost Rocky to
cancer. Meanwhile Jo Jo had
numerous fatty tumors, and we
removed a large tumor from his
chest 3 times. It always grew
back, contributing to his downfall.
Eventually he lost most of his
mobility, and we had to make the
decision to let him go peacefully.
A few days before he left us there
was a snowstorm. Jo Jo loved the
snow. He would go out and stick
his nose in the snow and play. We
will always remember how he had
one last snow fling before he left.
www.spdrdogs.org
5
Donations
William Ernst & Jane Sakson
Howard & Susan Robboy
Fred Zensen
William & Susan Wilder
Sean McKee & Kristen Good
James & Deborah Parent
Cindy & Robert Crowley
Florence Woodbrook
Kim Birgh-Pitkanen & Tero Pitkanen
Quinn Fitzpatrick
Grant Joyner
Jeanett Skeels
Diane Cummings
Alyce Weckwerth
Cheryl Mensler
Darren & Elizabeth Cole
Noelle Uro
Angelika & Allen Mitchell
Harold & Kim Jaffe
Natalie Wright & Susan Sigel
John & Marilyn Salgado
Frank Worster & Deborah Wells Dix
Nancy & James Gunter
Sigrid Briscoe & Lois Briscoe Kimball
Donald Reed
Mark & Gretchen Benson
Edward Guzman
Matt Basta
Candace Carrier
Patricia Imholte
Shelley Larkin-Krebs
Karyn Rasmussen
J Kleinholz & J Kirscht
Linda Miller
Karen Tilbury & Daniel Lofgren
Eva Husoe
Judith & Lyle Lane
Janice & Everett Hobbs
Kristi & Shad Bell
Kathy & Jay Kraus
Gregory Thomas
Stephen Schreiber
Gary McMillan
Karen Long
Michael & Doreen Johnston
Joe Cline
Georgia Machotka
A Fellows
Russell Cornell & Dawn Perry
Larry McClellan & Dinah Brein
Mary Jordan
Daniela Hewitt
Patricia De Luna
Catherine Harger
Charles Goggio, Jr.
Sandra Bennett
Carol Lloyd
Dale & Candace Bretschneider
Elizabeth Fortman
Pamela & Michael Burk
Randy & Mary Johnson
Darryl & Patricia Milton
Faith McCreary
Michael & Bobbie Hedrick
William & Linda Populin
Kathleen Cole
Margaret & Allen Nelson
6
www.spdrdogs.org
From Fellow Dog Lovers...
Love Their Border Collies
This donation is for Border Collie
Rescue in the name of our wonderful
dogs “Lindy” and “Dodger.”
“Kama”
Sheltie adopted by
the Brimm Family
Kirsten Toedter
A Special Westie to Love
Please accept the enclosed donation in
memory of “Miss Rosie”, an SPDR
Westie we had the pleasure of giving
a home for nearly four years; a senior
age dog. Rosie was a joy and we were
glad to be her forever home. She was a
special Westie we will always love.
The Blivens
Teddy Brings Joy
May all of you be blessed for what
you bring to these lost and forgotten
animals. Teddy, the Dachshund, is
truly loved and brings me tremendous
joy every day.
Jeanett Skeels
Good Works
Thanks for all the good work you do.
Frank Worster & Deborah Wells Dix
Seniors: Dog and Human
We appreciate your giving us time
with your group. We had a lot of
conversation about senior dogs and
senior humans. I like “Sophie” the
Boston. Bill needs a few more minutes
alone with her and he will feel a bond
with her as well.
A Loving Tribute to “Baby”
You are my music in my heart;
your greeting I miss the most. You
give comfort and I receive comfort;
sometimes at the same time. I will
always love and miss you every day of
my life.
Zenaida Manaloto
“Lilu”
Doberman adopted by
the O’Brien Family
Susan & William Wilder
Always in Their Hearts
Here is a donation to the Doberman
Pinscher fund in memory of “Jake”,
“Shadow” and “Storm”.
Jim & Judith Anable
SPDR Speaks!
Donations
Maya and Layla
adopted by Theresa Kirschbaum
Heart Wrenching Days
New to the Family
I wanted to thank you for your help
rehoming darling “Boscoe.” I’ve had
several heart wrenching days and miss
my boy a lot. Boscoe was the only
boy in the family and taught us a lot.
He’s a bundle of love. Thanks for the
important work you do.
Thank you for our Boston “Watson.”
Florence Woodbrook & The Girls
“Gizmo” Continues Helping
A few years ago we had to give up
a precious and wonderful little dog
named “Gizmo”, who we got from
Becky Hughes. This small gift is in
his memory with hope that it will help
you cope with some of your expenses.
Patrick & Shirley Gallagher
Help for the Shibas
Thank you for the important work
you do connecting pets with loving
families. The enclosed check is for the
Shiba Inu fund.
Stephen Newell-Niggemeyer
Winter 2010-11
Robert & Tiffany Cartner
Soapy Dog Wash
Thank you for your participation in
the Soapy Dog Wash 3rd Anniversary
Event. We couldn’t have done it
without you. Thank you for coming
to the party. Steve Thein is a great
advocate for Collie rescue.
Bob & Robbi Crawford
A Shared Bond
Enclosed is a check for the Boston
Terrier rescue project. Vicki and
Al have been a wonderful support.
They make me feel like we are close
friends because of their empathy in
understanding what has happened to
me in searching for the right dog and
their friendship when my one and a
half year old Boston died suddenly.
Kathryn Woods
Mary Johanson
Stephen Newell-Niggemeyer
Ted Middleton
Gloria Frazier
Bill Julian
Deborah Gates
Margaret & Roger Samson
Marybeth Convery
John & Margaret Anthony
Joseph Koch & Greta Thibodeau
Lori Pfankuch
Vicki Nederhood
Bill Johnson
Dan Puetz, Sr.
Robin Bridges
Vicki Brunell
Nancy Doerfler
Andrew & Jane Teran
Cliff & Sharon Bartlett
Mark McNamar
Krystin Westwind
Ron & Eileen Burchett
Karl & Erica Stricker
Ronald & Shari Laverty
Ben & Selena Bolotin
Dan Hager & Dianna Palermo
Bill & Lori Calvert
Kimberlie Payne
Darlene Whiting
Kathryn Woods
Yolande Ferouge
Jeffrey Patterson & Barbara Bohn
Patterson
Deborah Ruckwardt
Edith Barrett
Bobbie Ritter
Jack Sharp
Suzanne Vaughan
Linda Monton
Dianne Dobson
Avis Jobrack
Paul & Carolyn Wagner
Dona Cooper
Douglas & Roseanne Jones
Paul & Diane Rutherford
Leo Ahearn
Wendy Dahl
Wendy Newscomb
Olivia Yang
Jacqueline Marks
Jessica Spears
Jenifer Ward
Emily Trittschuh
Rhea Larsen
Merry Hukill
Nitya Nadesan
Brian Fjeldstad
Danny & Janet Bonife
Timothy Libra
Richard Alexander
Alberto & Bonita Inza
April McCartney
Erik Seth
Luis Garcia & Gwendolyn Olivarez
Edward & Lisa Golding
Vincent & Renate Crow
Valerie & Anthony Sha
www.spdrdogs.org
7
Donations
Richard Alexander
Alberto & Bonita Inza
April McCartney
Erik Seth
Luis Garcia & Gwendolyn Olivarez
Edward & Lisa Golding
Vincent & Renate Crow
Valerie & Anthony Sha
Carol & Frederick Baker
Erin Brimm
Linda Spilger
Eileen Walbourn
Phyllis Biskey
James & Suzanne Nelson
Makayla Sybrandt
Kelly & William Duerr
Tormay & Rosemary Brown
Carrie & Shawn Bartlebaugh
Colleen & Mike Finnerty
Adam Schnurman
Edwin & Maryanne Hunt
William & Linda Populin
Paul Meshke
Hon. & Mrs. Steven Charno
In Memory of:
Don Anderson: Michael & Bonnie
Altenburg
“Miss Rosie”: The Blivens
“Jimmy Dean”: Sondra Webber
“Scotty” & “Ladd”: Eva Husoe
“Baby”: Zenaida Manaloto
“Gizmo”: Patrick & Shirley Gallagher
“Venus”: Barbara & Clayton Haberman
“Jake”, “Shadow” & “Storm”: Jim &
Judith Anable
“Jack”: Kathleen Houlihan
“Max”, “Snoopy” & “Mickey”: James &
Lillian Schauer
“Timber”: Ronald Schumacher
In Honor of:
Alice, Carl & Louaine Magnuson: Jan
Magnuson
Russ Baker: Donald & Linda Baker
Kim Norton: Jeffrey & Sandra Kunz
Nancy Biglow: Cynthia Wayburn
Mary Vaughn: Marylou Haugland
“Lindy” & “Dodger”: Kirsten Toedter
Micosoft Matching Gifts Program
Steven Salazar Aray
David Chickering
Stacey Kelly
Rico Mariani
Charles Satterfield
Valerie See
Jeffrey Sutherland
Sondra Webber
United Way of King County
Favre International
Olympic Kennel Club
Seattle Pug Rescue
8
www.spdrdogs.org
SPDR is so very grateful...
A Pat on the Back
Great job on the SPDR newsletter.
Louise Fellows
“Mac”
adopted by
the Moore Family
A Thoughtful Remembrance
Please accept this donation in memory
of Don Anderson of Whidbey Island.
Michael & Bonnie Altenburg
Annual Statistics Help Spay/
Neuter Program
Just a quick thank you for all the
wonderful work you do. We started
WeSNIP (the Whatcom Education,
Spay and Neuter Impact Program) in
Whatcom County two years ago, to
spay and neuter pets for free for people
on public assistance, and low-cost for
others. I really appreciate the annual
statistics SPDR compiles. This
information is very helpful to educate
pet owners about the reality of the pet
overpopulation situation, particularly
as it concerns purebred dogs.
Karen Mueller, DVM
Kind Thoughts
Thank you for all you do.
Rob & Regina Smithrud
Home was a Car
Last month we were contacted to
foster a Siberian Husky whose owner
needed to surrender him as he was
living in her car. Along the way my
husband and I fell in love with this
lovely young dog “Logan.” Cyndi
Michelena was wonderful to work
with. We appreciate all the work you
do with all of these homeless animals,
and particularly the huskies that have
no where to go. We want to support
the efforts of your organization, and
particularly the Siberian breed fund in
honor of our adoption of Logan.
Paul & Carolyn Wagner
A Lip Curl for the Cats
Penny, the Dachshund, had her dental
surgery and survived – there was a
question if she would. She is doing
well all in all. She is also getting along
with the cats. No more barking, but a
little lip curl if they get too close.
Alyce Weckwerth
The Boys
Remembering our boys “Max”,
“Snoopy” and “Mickey”; all great
little guys. We miss them every
day. Now our house is filled with the
sounds of “Tina” and “Mokey”. They
keep us busy and entertained. They
are happy little Dachshunds and are
really enjoying life. Please use our
donation for other Dachshund rescues.
Jim & Lillian Schauer
SPDR Speaks!
... for your love and support!
“Ricky”
Donations
Washington State Scottish Terrier Club
Gram’s Gift Closet
adopted by the Monton Family
Wild River Ventures
Roberta Bridges
PEMCO Foundation
Timothy Davidson
Employees of the Boeing Company
Allen Doepel
Barbara Kinnison
Dawn Clarke
David Jones
Deborah Schwartz
Devin Harmala
Donald Nordby
Donald Roosa
Gina Pischke
Gregory Mosen
Janice Johnson-Bynon
Karen Scholz
Linda Betts
Mary Arnold
Robert Miller
Roxanne Derheim
Sandra Bennett
Stephen Carter
Steve Liu
Buddy’s Duds
Custom Dog Wear • Custom People Wear
Owned and operated by Buddy, an SPDR rescued Lhasa
www.buddysduds.com
For the dogs…
A custom dog coat created from your dog’s specific measurements. Water resistant nylon on one side, fuzzy warm fleece on the
other side. Personalization available! Extra Small or Small $10.00; Medium $20.00; Large or Extra Large $25.00
For the humans…
Quality people wear including clothing, accessories and duffle bags suitable for embroidery. We have an extensive inventory of
dog embroidery designs... Buddy knows he has your breed! Browse our online catalog: www.companycasuals.com/buddysduds
Questions? Contact Buddy at buddysduds@comcast.net
10% of all sales are donated to SPDR
Winter 2010-11
www.spdrdogs.org
9
Meet The Breed:
Scottish Deerhounds
by Jenya Campbell,
SPDR Breed Rep for Scottish Deerhounds,
Salukis, Ibizan Hounds, and Whippets
(and Phone Seretary too!)
B
Before this year, many people had never seen a
Scottish Deerhound. After the most recent Best in
Show win at Westminster, by Deerhound Foxcliffe
Donavan
Hickory Wind, folks have started to take notice.
The visit statistics for the Scottish Deerhound
Club of America’s website were normally around
200 unique visitors, with 600-900 page views,
but the day after Hickory’s big win, page views
were 16,000 and 122,000, and the site had 600,000
hits! Breeders and owners everywhere were
inundated with inquiries about their breed. As
a result, breeders are being extremely cautious,
as they have always been, to keep the breed safe
and protected.
Fortunately, Scottish Deerhounds are rarely found
in need of rescue, and there are typically less than
150 puppies registered with the AKC each year.
Those considering owning a Scottish Deerhound
should consult the Scottish Deerhound Club of
America to find a reputable breeder:
http://www.deerhound.org
...and they should be prepared to wait.
The Scottish Deerhound strongly resembles a
rough-coated Greyhound, but is larger and more
heavily boned. Some believe that that the Scottish
Deerhound breed predates recorded history. Some
evidence of that can be found on stones from
around the 7th century AD, depicting hunting
with hounds.
While not as fast as a Greyhound on flat terrain,
they can outperform a Greyhound on hills
and rough ground. The cool, damp, and hilly
Scottish Highland Glens, where they were bred
to hunt, contributed to the larger, rough-coated
appearance of the breed. The Deerhound is closely
related to the Irish Wolfhound and was the main
contributor to that breed’s recovery in the 19th
century.
10
www.spdrdogs.org
SPDR Speaks!
The Scottish Deerhound was bred to hunt red deer,
until the end of the 19th century, when modern
rifles and slower tracking dogs became the hunting
preference. In coursing deer, one or two Deerhounds
were brought as close to the deer as possible & then
released to run one of them down by speed.
Although some still employed Deerhounds for their
original intention, the majority of its remaining
enthusiasts made them into a show breed. Many
Deerhound owners also involve their dogs in
coursing, a sport that lends itself to the dogs desire
to run and chase.
Breed Characteristics:
The Scottish Deerhound is gregarious and gentle
best?)
in (the
nature.
The breed is known for being dignified,
docile and eager to please. They are affectionate,
charming and intelligent. If socialized appropriately,
the Deerhound makes an outstanding and stable
companion.
One mustn’t forget, though, that the Deerhound is a
Sighthound, bred over generations to pursue game;
and as a result, most Deerhounds are eager to chase.
Size:
The Scottish Deerhound is one of the tallest of
all the Sighthounds, resembling a rough-coated
Greyhound, but quite larger in size and bone. Males
range from 30 to 34 inches tall, and weigh 85 to 120
pounds. Females range from 28 to 32 inches, and
weigh 70 to 95 pounds.
Colors:
Today, the harsh, wiry coat is only seen in various
shades of gray (blue-gray being preferred).
Although historically, Deerhounds could be seen
in brindle, yellow, and red fawn coats, these genes
now appear to be lost.
Deerhounds should not be raised in a small yard, or
on just leash walking, as this would be detrimental
to their health and development. Responsible
apartment and city dwellers can successfully
own a Deerhound, so long as they are willing to
regularly venture to nearby parks for lengthy runs
and exercise.
Adolescent Deerhounds can be quite destructive,
especially when insufficiently socialized and not
provided adequate exercise, but the average adult
Deerhound enjoys a relatively sedentary lifestyle.
Outside, Deerhounds can play quite intensely, but
they are generally gentle and docile indoors.
Life Expectancy and Health Issues:
Scottish Deerhounds can have an average life
expectancy of 8 to 12 years, however it can be hard
to find a line free of the serious health issues that
affect this breed. Cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma
(bone cancer), bloat and torsion (GDV), and Factor
VII (a blood clotting disorder) are all very real
threats to this breed.
Compatibility with Children:
The Deerhound is a giant breed, and therefore can
accidentally knock over young children or even frail
adults. Their height makes it easy for them to steal a
youngster’s ice cream cone or food on tabletops and
counters. As with all dogs, in respect to children –
sleeping and eating times should be undisturbed.
For the most part, Deerhounds love all people and
to be in their company, so long as they are treated
gently and with respect.
continued on page 12
Energy level:
A young Deerhound requires a great deal of free
running exercise to develop properly and maintain
a healthy condition. While they don’t necessarily
require a large living space, Deerhounds should
have frequent access to a large fenced or otherwise
secure area.
Winter 2010-11
www.spdrdogs.org
11
Breed: Deerhounds
continued from page 11
Compatibility with Other
Animals:
Deerhounds prefer living with
other dogs, preferably another
Deerhound or large Sighthound.
Small critters, such as cats,
rodents and even some small
dogs may be seen as prey to
some Deerhounds, especially if
not raised with them. Therefore,
proactive care must be taken
when introducing a Deerhound
to other dogs and pets.
Shedding:
If the Deerhound’s coat is
brushed regularly, shedding is
quite minimal and is easy to
vacuum or sweep up.
Grooming Needs:
For an indoor pet Deerhound,
weekly brushing, regular nail
trimmings and the occasional
bath are all that is required to
keep the coat in good form.
Deerhounds competing in the
show ring require more regular
bathing and stripping of the hair
on the dog’s ears.
Best With:
Scottish Deerhounds are best
for mature families, in peaceful
homes with fenced yards.
Families must be willing to spare
no expense when it comes to dog
food, as the breed requires more
food than many other breeds, and
it should be of the highest quality.
This breed requires an owner that
has researched and understands
Sighthounds (hounds that hunt
using sight).
Not For:
This breed is absolutely not for
owners subscribing to harsh
12
www.spdrdogs.org
training methods, as they will
be met with fear and resistance.
Deerhounds should not be made
to live outside, nor should they
be let off leash when not in a
securely fenced area. Although
Deerhounds do aim to please,
and follow simple commands
quite easily, this is not an ideal
obedience dog, as they are quite
willful and do not see the point
in repeat performances.
beach, and expect them to come
when called. The Deerhound
can be an expensive breed to
own. From buying a puppy
(purchasing a Deerhound from a
breeder can cost between $1,000
and $3,000), to feeding and vet
bills for a larger breed, one
should always have money ready
for anything that may crop up
with this dog.
Pros:
Scottish Deerhounds are
loyal to their families, witty,
beautiful, graceful, funny and
kind-natured. They are easy
to maintain, if you are familiar
with their requirements. They
have wonderful and individual
personalities.
Cons:
As a general rule, Sighthounds
cannot be trusted when off -leash,
as they have poor recall… so it is
imperative that they have a fully
fenced area to play in. This is
not the kind of dog you can let
off leash when hiking or at the
SPDR Speaks!
Volunteer
Spotlight:
Wendy Dahl
As told by Wendy, SPDR Board
Member and Volunteer
A
As far back as I can remember,
companion animals have always
been within reach. I grew up
on Fox Island, a small oasis in
Puget Sound, where I enjoyed the
freedom of a childhood nestled in
a watchful community. Growing
up in the 60’s, we could tear out
of the house in the morning,
ride our bicycles or horses for
miles, blend into another family’s
dinner time, and turn up at home
with adventures to share. We
always had a dog and a few cats
in my family, and for a decade
were blessed with the company
of two patient horses.
My grandmother would
occasionally hear about an animal
being abused or neglected in her
position as director of the island’s
post office, and when necessary
she would “rescue” the animal in
need, keeping it until the owners
could prove they had changed
their ways. This certainly made
an impression on me as I adored
my grandmother. And though I
haven’t yet added rescued horses
into my present pack, I have
moved back to an island where
that just might happen someday.
I began volunteering for
SPDR when I adopted my
first Doberman, Blue, with
Nancy Phillips’ help in 1997,
doing home visits, transports
and occasionally fostering. I
took on Doberman Breed Rep
Winter 2010-11
responsibilities in 2003 and held
that position for 18 months until
I began to see how much time my
graduate studies required. I don’t
have as much time these days
to help with Doberman rescues,
however I did adopt my most
recent foster, Bodie, last spring.
My most meaningful rescue as
Doberman Rep was sweet Jake, a
lovely male from the SAC shelter.
Jake had to spend several months
at my home recovering from a
broken leg, and his prospective
mom, Frosti, came to visit him
to take pictures for her friends
and family as she planned for his
homecoming. Frosti’s previous
adoptee from SPDR had been a
blind Doberman named Baron,
who had recently passed away.
As soon as she heard my report
on the male I had bailed out of
the shelter, her heart was Jake’s,
sight unseen.
Frosti became a dear friend and
Jake always stayed with me
when Frosti took her two annual
trips. She and Jake had five great
years together before Frosti
passed away. Jake still comes to
Vashon for his vacations when
Frosti’s daughter and son-inlaw take their annual trips. He
always brings a little bit of Frosti
with him every time.
I have also helped Karin
Harkness with Dachshund
rescue, fostering when I could
and adopting an unforgettable
senior named Precious. Those
little spirits taught me that
attitude trumps size every time.
My non-SPDR rescue experience
was first with local greyhound
rescue and now with Dane
Outreach. I adopted my first
Great Dane, Duchess, in 2009.
Another SPDR addition to our
family was Gracie, a very shy
Rottweiler, who eventually
blossomed into a rescue
ambassador and was once
featured during Meet the Breed
at the annual Seattle Kennel Club
Dog Show.
continued on page 19
www.spdrdogs.org
13
About GDV / Bloat / Torsion
aka Gastric Volvulus and Dilation
L
By Nancy E. Phillips
Last month the Cascade Greater
Swiss Mountain Dog Club hosted
a seminar on bloat, splenic
torsion, gastropexy and IBD
(irritable bowel disease), given
by several veterinarians from
South Bay Veterinary Hospital
in Olympia.
10. Have a history of
aggression
Having had one Doberman
suffer GDV and knowing of
many other dogs that bloated,
some of whom died, I thought
this was one seminar I couldn’t
miss. I hope to talk these same
vets into doing a similar seminar
further north in the near future.
GDV is the buildup of gases in
the dog’s stomach, usually after
eating a meal. When symptoms
appear, the dog can be given an
antacid such as Gas-X to relieve
the bloating.
Risk Factors for GDV
Most dogs can bloat, but large,
deep chested breeds such as
D o b e r m a n s , G re a t D a n e s ,
Greater Swiss, Irish Setters, St.
Bernards, and Basset Hounds
are more prone to it. GDV is
also common in small dogs such
as Dachshunds and Pekingese.
Dogs at increased risk have one
or more of the following factors:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
14
Fed only one meal per day
Have relatives who bloated
Eat too quickly
Are thin or underweight
Eat moistened dry food,
especially if citric acid is a
preservative
Have elevated feeders
Have restricted water intake
before and after feeding
Have a dry diet that includes
fat in the top 4 ingredients
Have a fearful or anxious
temperament
www.spdrdogs.org
11. Are male
12. A r e b e t w e e n
7-12 years of age
X-ray of GDV prior to
decompression
What is GDV?
Unfortunately, too often the
stomach will twist, tying off the
blood supply at both ends of the
stomach. Unless you get the dog
immediately to a vet, the dog will
most likely die a very painful
death. Even with surgery, the
restricted blood supply may
cause tissue death.
Gastropexy is basically tacking
the stomach to the abdominal
wall to prevent future twisting.
This is most often done during
surgery for GDV, but is now
also being done by many vets
prophylactically when doing
other surgeries such as a spay.
Once a dog has had GDV it
will most likely bloat again.
That is why the gastropexy
is so important as 80% will
experience gastric torsion again
if not stapled.
Symptoms of GDV
Symptoms of your dog bloating
and possibly having gastric
torsion include:
1. Distended abdomen
2.Retching
3. Futile attempts to vomit
4. Restlessness and pacing
5. Lethargy or agitation
6. Depression, shock
7. Increased salivation
8. Abdominal pain
9. Pale gums
10. Difficulty breathing
11. Weak pulse
Any of these symptoms should
be taken seriously, and your vet
should be called immediately.
There is a first aid kit for bloat
you can purchase, and measures
you can take at home, but bottom
line is if the stomach twists, the
dog must have surgery to save its
life. Time is of the essence.
If you would like more
information, please contact me.
I’ll be sure to notify everyone
when I’m able to schedule a
seminar closer to the Seattle area.
Nancy Phillips is SPDR’s Doberman
Pinscher Breed Rep, German
Pinscher Co-rep, Mentor for the
Working Group and List Manager
for the SPDR Breed Rep Discussion
E-mail List
SPDR Speaks!
Lizzie’s Story
L
by Barry and Merry Hukill of Bozeman, Montana
Lizzie came into our lives on February 2, 2008, and turned 8 years
old on April 16, 2008. She had spent the past 6 years of her life with
a family who had two other Westies. The wife was not fond of or
kind to Lizzie, and their grandson was allowed to terrorize her.
We had wanted a Westie for some time, so we looked online for
a rescue organization and found Lizzie on Petfinder. We phoned
Karin Parish, who is the Westie breed rep for SPDR. Karin came
up with many reasons why she could not place a dog in Montana
and I gave her as many reasons why she should.
We didn’t meet Karin’s adoption criteria – we didn’t have a fenced
yard, we had never owned the breed before, we lived out of state
and Karin would not ship the dog. After many phone calls we
convinced Karin that we were the right people and were thrilled
when she at last agreed, and we were allowed to adopt Lizzie.
We drove to Washington to get her.
Karin had us pick Lizzie up from her owners because she had
asked them to provide a geriatric blood panel. The owners were
actually giving Lizzie up to make room for a new puppy! The
wife was elated and showed off the new puppy to the foster home
mom who evaluated Lizzie. As Karin said, it took a lot to remain
calm and refrain from saying something.
At first Lizzie didn’t like me (because I’m a woman), and she didn’t
like children. She wouldn’t let me hug her or pick her up, and we
couldn’t let children close to her. Fortunately, Lizzie took to my
husband immediately, so she had someone to love till she came
to know me and that we would not let any sort of harm come to
her again. As time went by, she warmed up to me, and now we
are in love. Now, she is very good with children.
While at the veterinarian’s, it was found by X-ray that Lizzie’s
back had been broken! How could that have happened? The vet
said, “Someone kicked her across the room.”
Now we and Lizzie have a wonderful life together. Lizzie goes
everywhere with us, and if she cannot accompany us, we just don’t
go. Lizzie deserves and gets all our love and attention, and she
returns it to us one hundredfold! In April 2011, she will be 12 years
old, and we hope she can be with us for many more happy years.
Karin Parish wanted to add that she was glad that she opened her mind
to adopt to Barry and Merry because Lizzie could not have found a better
home. Karin wishes all of her adopters were this wonderful.
Winter 2010-11
www.spdrdogs.org
15
Xylitol is Deadly for Dogs
By Lynn Erckmann, Emeritus Board Member, Herding Mentor,
and Sheltie Breed Rep
X
Xylitol is a super dangerous natural sweetener – OK for
humans but deadly to dogs. It used to be in a handful of
products such as sugar-free mints and gums. It is a natural
product, sweeter than sugar and with fewer calories. It is
becoming more widespread in people foods from toothpaste
to cough syrups.
If your dog eats a few sugar-free mints, a pack of sugar-free
gum, or a Jello dessert cup, he might die. One gram of xylitol
(that’s one twenty-ninth of an ounce) can kill a 10-pound
dog. Xylitol can cause a dog to go into seizures brought on
by hypoglycemia and sometimes lead to fatal liver failure.
Most dog owners are not aware of the danger. They know
that chocolate is bad for their pets, but other human food?
Because xylitol does not raise insulin levels and lowers
bacterial levels associated with dental disease, doctors
and dentists favor it. More and more consumer products
contain xylitol. It’s in some Flintstones vitamins, omega-3
supplements, nicotine gum as well as the previously
mentioned breath mints, chewing gum, baked goods and
cough syrup.
If people aren’t aware that xylitol can kill their dogs
they may inadvertently feed them products with xylitol.
Children’s vitamins and cough syrup are often given to dogs
as well as omega-3 supplements. Veterinarians and owners
alike need to consult labels before using human products
on dogs now that xylitol use is becoming so widespread.
The ASPCA Poison Control Center shows more dogs than
ever being poisoned by xylitol. All dogs are susceptible,
although small dogs are at greater risk than larger ones.
Dog owners need to be especially wary of feeding their
dogs any children’s medicines or supplements as well as
any products with sugar substitutes. Owners must read
labels very carefully if they must use these products and
find ones without xylitol.
Xylitol could become the cause of another round of dog
deaths. The dangers of a few sugar-free Tic-Tacs or a pack
of sugar-free gum need to be shouted out to all dog owners.
Until manufacturers place warning labels on these products
all dogs are at risk. Right now we should be checking
all products on our home shelves, our purses, and our
cabinets for any products that contain xylitol and get them
permanently out of reach of our dogs.
16
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HELP WANTED
Speaks Newsletter Writers
We’re looking for volunteer
writers who are interested in
contributing to the educational
mission of Speaks.
Depending on your availability,
you can choose to be one of our
quarterly writers (for articles
such as “Meet the Breed,”
“Volunteer Spotlight,” or
“Featured Breed Rep” -- all of
which have helpful “how to”
instructions readily available)
or you can choose to write an
feature / main article for our
front page either one-time or on
an on-call basis. Not sure about writing but have
ideas? We need your input too!
Drop us an email and tell us what
you would like to see published. Contact Lynn Erckmann at:
flurry@u.washington.edu
d
Interactive PDF Forms
SPDR’s annual rescue statistics
report forms are already created
in Adobe InDesign, but we’d
like to turn them into interactive
versions that would allow our
breed reps to type in their rescue
numbers and email the form back
to us.
If you know how to do this,
please contact Patty Carey at:
moxy@centurytel.net
SPDR Speaks!
Featured Breed Rep: Steve Thein
Breed Rep for Collies
By Lynn Erckmann, Emeritus Board Member, Herding Mentor,
and Sheltie Breed Rep
W
It’s a pleasure to feature Steve
Thein, SPDR’s Breed Rep for
Collies. Steve has been so
much more than a breed rep,
volunteering his time and
expertise to SPDR in many ways.
He shows up at most general
meetings, he helps with booths,
and he’s been a fixture at our
annual picnics since he started
volunteering with SPDR back in
the mid 90’s.
Steve said he became aware of
SPDR when he saw a story in
the newspaper in 1995 about
me fostering and placing
Shelties. He contacted me about
adopting a Sheltie and ended up
saving Chester, one of the more
neglected and abused Shelties to
have come through rescue. After
adopting Chester Steve contacted
then Collie rep Ann Ferguson
and started fostering Collies for
SPDR, becoming the Breed Corep shortly afterwards.
Although Shelties introduced
Steve to SPDR, Collies are his
first love. He grew up as a classic
blond-haired little boy in the
50’s watching Lassie on TV. He
still lives in the house he was
born in, on a 30-acre farm in La
Conner where he and his wife
Kim raise beef cattle. He went
to the same school in La Conner
for all 12 grades. He owns all of
the Lassie books as well as all of
the Albert Terhune books, some
of the greatest Collie stories ever.
Steve’s family always had dogs
when he was growing up. His
Winter 2010-11
first purebred dog came from
the Everett shelter, where he
had gone to look for a dog as a
teenager. He found Patch there,
a large sable male Collie that
was going to be euthanized that
same day if not adopted. Steve
and Patch bonded tightly over
the next two years, so much so
that when Patch had a seizure
Steve, who was several hundred
miles away on a business trip,
felt as though he was having a
heart attack and had to stop his
car and rest about an hour on the
road shoulder. When he phoned
home he learned about Patch and
that both events had occurred at
the same time. Unfortunately
Patch had spinal paralysis and
had to be euthanized.
Since Patch Steve has owned
several Collies and another
Sheltie. He fosters both Collies
and Shelties for SPDR, and as
happens to many foster homes,
some of them stay on. Some of
his favorites have been Laddei,
Gloria, and Priscilla, who was
so badly abused and who is so
tightly bonded to Steve.
He has many fond memories
of special Collies that have
come through SPDR. There
was Tyler who was left tied to
the shelter door. There was
Willow, a sweet puppy who came
from a shelter and had urinary
tract abnormalities that left her
totally incontinent. She had
to be washed daily to prevent
skin irritations and dressed in
underwear. When she was a year
Steve with Laddei and Priscilla
old Steve discovered she had
severe spinal deformities that
caused her pain and he had to
let her go, a sad ending to a long
effort to try to fix her problems.
Without doubt though, the
most memorable rescue will
be Taffy, a Collie found in an
eastern Washington shelter after
she had been abandoned at a
campground. She was in horrible
shape, and was presented as
having recently had puppies,
but she was in fact about to have
puppies. Steve was fostering her
and took her to his vet, who did
an X-ray and told Steve he hoped
he didn’t have any plans for the
weekend. Poor Taffy was not
healthy enough to deliver her
puppies on her own, so Steve
and then Breed rep Judy Byrd
ended up having a Caesarian
performed on Taffy in the middle
of the night and returning home
with Taffy and 9 puppies.
Steve confesses that tending to
9 puppies was very demanding
and took tons of time, but he also
says it was very rewarding to see
Taffy and all 9 pups happy in
their new homes. He also found
a lot of support in the SPDR
network with advice on puppy
raising.
continued on page 19
www.spdrdogs.org
17
From Our President...
continued from page 1
Working at a booth is a great way
to spend a few hours on a weekend.
What could be more fun than
spending time talking about dogs
with people who love them as much
as you do?
There is an opportunity coming
up to meet other volunteers at our
annual Volunteer Picnic at O. O.
Denny Park in Kirkland on Sunday,
July 17th. All volunteers, adopters
and their dogs are welcome. It is
always fun to get together to catch
up with old friends and make new
ones. Hopefully we have given the
weather gods enough lead time to
ensure a beautiful sunny day.
•
•
•
•
•
•
I would like to welcome two new
Breed Reps. and a couple returning
Co-Reps. Ryann Grady and Eric
Wallens recently completed their
training to become reps for Samoyeds
and American Eskimos respectively.
Jill and Brent Ottoson also completed
training and are once again helping
Dobermans as Co-Reps.
SPEAKS is going green. As of this
issue our current newsletter will
be available online. It will contain
the same great articles and features
you have enjoyed over the years
but you’ll at last be able to see it in
its original color format. I had the
opportunity to see a preview of it
and I think you will be very pleased.
Additional writers are still needed
(another volunteer opportunity)
though. Right now the task of
writing articles is handled mainly
by two people. They could use
more help. As the old saying goes
“Many hands make light work.” If
interested in contributing articles,
please contact Lynn Erckmann at
flurry@u.washington.edu
Enjoy!
Sharon
Dog-friendly Landscape Design
Clean-up and Renovation
Diana O. McLeod
Expert pruning
License# NORTHB1015BJ
Stonework
Custom maintenance plans
Installation (plants, pavers, groundcover, mulch and more)
www.northwestbotanicals.com (206) 932-1850
18
www.spdrdogs.org
SPDR Speaks!
Volunteer Spotlight...
continued from page 13
It was my experience as a volunteer in canine
rescue that motivated me to go to graduate school.
I realized that rescuing and placing dogs would
succeed only if people also learned about animal
behavior and how to help their new pets’ transition.
Otherwise, dogs adopted with behavior issues
often ended up back in rescue or shelters or worse.
During an animal behavior class taught by Lynne
Seibert, D.V.M., I discovered that I could become
a companion animal behaviorist by first getting
my master’s degree in psychology with a focus in
animal behavior. With Dr. Seibert’s and behaviorist
Dr. James Ha’s advising during my degree process, I
was ready to begin my private practice as an animal
behavior consultant as soon as I graduated in 2007.
In my practice, I provide in-home consultations to
assess a pet’s behavior in their environment and to
help families develop behavior modification plans
for their companion animal. I value my continuing
education after meeting these clients and their
unique companions, and am thrilled when we find
solutions to improve their relationship.
For those of you who attended the general SPDR
meeting on February 13, I introduced a new part of
my practice working in partnership with the WA
State Department of Veterans Affairs. Ray Switzer,
director of the transitional housing program at
the department’s office in Port Orchard, hired
me to help train assistance dogs that are matched
with veterans learning to live with psychological
wounds like PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Each
emotionally sensitive dog has taught me how their
partnership can improve a veteran’s life.
My professional memberships include the
Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the Animal
Behavior Society, and the International Society for
Anthrozoology. And my “day” job is Executive
Assistant to the President of Antioch University
Seattle, which I have enjoyed for almost 14 years. I
have the perspective of a staff member, a graduate
student and now an alumna.
dog romping that is enjoyed by the resident SPDR
rescues Bodie the Dobie and Duchess the Great
Dane. There is often an assistance dog-in-training
and occasionally a friend’s dog on vacation, as well.
After all... it is all about the dogs.
Editor’s note: Wendy became a most welcome addition
to the SPDR Board in 2010.
Featured Rep...
continued from page 17
Collies have traditionally been one of the best
represented breeds at our annual picnic, and Steve
continues that tradition. There is always a large
group of Collies with their adopters, and Steve
brings picture boards and scrapbooks for show and
tell. Steve is often the first to arrive at the picnic
and brings his signs that he posts around the area
to direct attendees to the site. When we were doing
the auction Steve brought many donated items and
helped run the auction as well. Of late he has been
flipping hamburgers and hot dogs at the grill and
getting photos of the Collie group.
Steve has a demanding day job, working as a district
supervisor in charge of shoe inventory for 80 stores.
He drives about 50,000 miles each year, covering his
territory from the Canadian border to the Oregon
border. In his “spare time” (if there is such a thing)
he likes to collect coin-operated machines and has
a jukebox, as well as several pinball machines in
storage. He used to collect fruit jars and model
cars. His current “collectible” car is a 1956 Chevy
station wagon, the same model in which he learned
to drive. He’s also an amateur photographer.
Steve considers himself fortunate to have grown
up and be living in such a great place. SPDR is
fortunate to have him as one of our strongest
supporters.
I have lived on Vashon Island in a log cabin since
2003, loving its peace and serenity. It should come as
no surprise that there is a large fenced meadow for
Winter 2010-11
www.spdrdogs.org
19
Book Nook:
The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and
their Tale of Rescue and Redemption
Author: Jim Gorant • Publisher: Gotham Books, 2010
As reviewed by Lynn Erckmann
This is a beautifully written
book about a truly horrendous
story. It shows us the human
potential for extreme violence
as well as amazing compassion.
Michael Vick was ordered
to pay almost one million
dollars to finance the lengthy
rehabilitation and care of the
dogs.
Almost four years ago the
very public arrest of Michael
Vick, star NFL quarterback, on
charges of animal cruelty for
participating in dog fighting
and the inhumane slaughter
of dogs that either lost or
wouldn’t fight made headline
news. The first third of the
book is devoted to the building
of the case against Vick and the
dedication of the investigative
team to achieve justice for
the pit bulls. They were up
against local officials who
did not want to prosecute
a famous, local sports star
as well as unhappy football
fans. The facts of the case are
extremely well documented
and fairly presented.
The last part of the book
documents the rehabilitation
of the dogs. Only 2 dogs had
to be put down initially. Two
more died during the months
that followed, but 47 of the 51
dogs were able to be salvaged.
This is astonishing when you
consider that they had had
almost no socialization at
Bad Newz Kennels (Vick’s
operation) or had received
cruel treatment. They were
removed from that life to be
spread out among several
shelters where they remained
for many months without
much interaction with people
except in a few cases.
What made this case different
from most other dog fighting
cases is that there were
advocates for saving as many
dogs as possible and not just
automatically euthanizing the
lot. The ASPCA set up a team
of experts to evaluate each dog
and determine where each dog
would go for rehabilitation if
possible.
20
www.spdrdogs.org
Despite these hurdles, three
fourths of these pit bulls
became loved and loving
family members all over the
country. The rest are living
their lives at Best Friends
Sanctuary in Utah, where they
interact with the staff and each
other. Many of those adopted
earned their AKC Canine Good
Citizen titles and some passed
the American Temperament
Testing Society test. One is in a
reading program for children,
and others are therapy dogs.
They are a testament to dogs’
forgiving natures and desire to
trust humans.
It was hard to put the book
down when the individual
dog stories began. Some
of those were quite funny,
documenting how these dogs
that had seen little of the world
reacted to garbage trucks,
stairs, toys, blankets, and how
clumsy they were. Jonny
Justice will make you laugh,
and Sweet Jasmine will make
you cry. Jasmine’s story is the
most moving, and you will
wish you could just cuddle her
and tell her she’s safe.
SPDR Speaks!
SPDR Resources and Information
Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue
PO Box 3523
Redmond, WA 98073-3523
(206) 654-1117
www.spdrdogs.org
Our Mission:
Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue is a nonprofit rescue, referral, and education
organization dedicated to placing
unwanted purebred dogs into suitable
homes, and preventing unwanted
purebreds from overloading the
shelter system. Towards attaining
these goals, we promote responsible
dog ownership by educating the public
in the selection, care and training of
dogs. Founded as a non-political
organization in 1987, SPDR works
cooperatively with breeders, animal
shelters, breed clubs, and individuals
to accomplish SPDR’s purpose.
Breed Rep Coordinator
Lynn Erckmann
Breed Rep Mentors
Herding:.............................Lynn Erckmann
Hound:................................. Sylvie McGee
Misc./Non-AKC....................... Patti Govoni
Non-Sporting:......................... Patti Govoni
Sporting:.................................. Edith Bryan
Terrier:................................. Susan Hilliard
Toy:...................................... Susan Pfeiffer
Working:.............................. Nancy Phillips
Shelter Liaison: Lynn Erckmann
Shelter Manager: Chris Enrico
Shelter Coordinators
Chris Enrico: Tacoma, Olympia, Crossroads
Janet Legg: Everett, Kent
Joan Delvecchio: PAWS, Seattle Animal
Shelter, Seattle Humane Society
Volunteer Coord.: On hold
Founded in 1987 by:
Dixie Tenny and Dale Gordon
Foster Coordinator: Janet Legg
Board of Directors
Sharon Davis, President
Patty Carey, Vice President
Kirsten Gleb, Treasurer
Mary Hill, Secretary
Janet Legg
Claudia Celano
Wendy Dahl
Gretchen Schumacher, Member Pro Tem
Lynn Erckmann, Emeritus Member
Public Awareness & Booth
Coordinator: Sharon Davis
✁
©2011 Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue
Main Phone Contact: Jenya Campbell
Mail Secretary: Betsy Robb
Statistics Coordinator: Mary Hill
Speaks! Editors: Lynn Erckmann and
Relaena Sindelar
Webmaster: Wayne Seward
Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue
PO Box 3523
Redmond, WA 98073-3523
To Subscribe By Mail:
Send your name, address and phone
number with a check made out to SPDR
for the following amount:
Individual:$15/year
Veterinary Office:
$10/year
Overseas:
US $20/year
To Advertise:
All advertisements must be in accordance with our mission statement. SPDR
takes no responsibility for, and makes
no warranties, expressed or implied, as
to the accuracy of any claim, offer, or
assertion made in any advertising placed
in SPDR Speaks! To advertise, contact
SPDR’s main phone line and request an
Advertising Submission Form.
Full page:
Inside half page:
Quarter page:
Business card:
$25/issue
$15/issue
$10/issue
$4/issue
To Submit Articles:
Speaks! articles are selected for education,
general interest and entertainment value,
with a focus on canine companions.
Authors’ views do not necessarily
represent the policies of SPDR, nor does
the publication of any article constitute
an endorsement by SPDR. Material
submitted for publication is subject
to editing. Mail submissions to Lynn
Erckmann at: flurry@u.washington.edu
Yes, I want to help SPDR!
q I’d like to subscribe / renew my subscription
to this newsletter (include check for $15.00)
q Enclosed please find a donation of $
q Please send me a Foster Home Application
Name:
Address:
City:
State:Zip:
q Please send me a Volunteer Application
Phone# (optional)
q I’m interested in becoming a Breed Rep or
Co-Rep for (breed)
Comments:
Winter 2010-11
SPDR Speaks! is published four times
a year as a community service for dog
lovers everywhere.
www.spdrdogs.org
21
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Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue
PO Box 3523
Redmond, WA 98073-3523
www.spdrdogs.org
(206) 654-1117
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SPDR
Speaks!
Winter 2010-11
The official newsletter of Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue - Since 1987
In This Issue:
Feature Article: Dogs Helping Veterans..................1-4
From the President......................................................1, 18
Remembering Two Wonderful Rescue Dogs........... 5
Donations, Letters and Photos.................................. 6-9
Meet the Breed: Scottish Deerhounds............... 10-12
Volunteer Spotlight: Wendy Dahl........................ 13, 19
About GDV / Bloat / Torsion....................................... 14
Lizzie’s Story....................................................................... 15
Xylitol is Deadly for Dogs............................................. 16
Help Wanted...................................................................... 16
Featured Breed Rep: Steve Thein....................... 17, 19
Book Nook: The Lost Dogs..........................................20
SPDR Resource Page...................................................... 21
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www.spdrdogs.org
SPEAKS is Going Green! Starting with this issue, SPEAKS is now available
free as an electronic PDF on our website:
www.spdrdogs.org/about/spdr_newsletter.html
If you still wish to receive a printed (black and
white) copy of SPEAKS via U.S. mail, the price is
$15 per year; simply complete and submit the
subscription coupon on the back of this page.
Remember, SPEAKS is copyrighted and no
portions of it may be used without explicit
permission from a current SPDR Board Member.
SPDR Speaks!