2New Spirit News V2 I3 December 2010

New Spirit News
VOLUME 2
ISSUE 3 December 2010
An all-volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving Australian Shepherds and Aussie mixes in the US & Canada
Robin Sylvester, Editor Bill Deerr, Layout Designer
Happy Holidays
From
New Spirit 4 Aussie Rescue
New Spirit Receives Grant Funding!
~Kristin Haas~
ASPCA
New Spirit would like to recognize and send a special thank you to The American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for a generous grant to be used for spaying / neutering
our rescued dogs prior to adoption to their forever homes. This grant will free up our
other funds to aid dogs in need of additional medical treatments, such as heartworm
treatment or surgery, that otherwise may not have been possible. The ASPCA is committed to rescuing animals from abuse, passing humane laws and sharing resources
with shelters nationwide. The vision of the ASPCA is that the United States is a humane community in which all animals are treated with respect and kindness.
Please visit http://www.aspca.org
Pedigree Foundation
New Spirit would also like to recognize and send a special thank you to the Pedigree
Foundation for a generous grant to be used to benefit dog adoption. The donation will
be used to fund necessary veterinary treatments, including, spaying/neutering and vaccinating the dogs we rescue prior to adoption to their forever homes. Also, this funding is available to be used for additional medical treatments, such as heartworm treatment or surgery, that otherwise may not have been possible. The Pedigree Foundation
is committed to helping dogs by providing grants to non-profit shelters and rescue
groups and encouraging dog adoption. Please visit http://pedigreefoundation.org/
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
www.ns4ar.org
Kristin, Bella (NS218 Belle)
and Heidi Haas
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New Spirit News
When 4 senses have to make up for 5
In our last newsletter, we had a great article about how to work with your deaf Aussie or other deaf dog. This time
we'd like to talk about blind dogs.
Now blindness can come from old age or juvenile cataracts. In those cases, the vision degrades slowly and the dogs
make their own adjustments to their environment. Most do very well as it is a slow process and often you might not
even be aware of the diminishing vision until the dog can't find
its way back to you during off leash obedience or agility training
or you vet informs you of what is happening. With cataracts,
surgery is an option, depending on how advanced it is and how
much work you are willing to do to help your dog heal.
With Aussies, there is another and sneakier source of blindness. This is a recessive gene associated with the gene that gives
us merles. When 2 merle dogs are bred, every pup in the litter
has a 25 percent chance of being born blind or deaf or blind and
deaf. This is why reputable breeders do not breed merles to
merles. But the issue isn't quite as clear as that because your tri
or bi colored Aussie might have had a merle parent. Again,
reputable breeders know the pedigree of the parents and the
grandparents of the dogs they breed to try to prevent this problem.
Tyson MacDonald
Once a merle/merle pup is born, they can be partially deaf or partially blind, in which case training is the same as for
seeing/hearing dogs. We've talked about the deaf dog so now I'll give some hints about working with a blind dog.
First understand this: blind or not, deaf or not, what you have is an Aussie....smart, energetic, loyal and loving. He
doesn't know he has a 'handicap' and therefore you shouldn't treat him as handicapped or feel sorry for him. Of course,
you'll want to keep an eye on him if he's playing in an unfenced area. He's not going to see that play bow from your
other dogs or the lifted lip that says 'back off'. So monitor your pup until the resident dogs figure out that yes, he'll
bump into them and no, he won't see a visible warning or an invitation to play.
When evaluating a blind dog to add to your family, take time to watch its reactions to activity around it. If you sneak
up behind and rub his butt, he should just turn and look for more attention. If he spins and snaps, go find another dog.
That dog is going to be too reactive to take to a family environment. Walk him around the area, particularly outside
and watch reactions. Is he courageous, walking everywhere, bumping into things, then figuring out how to back up
and try a different route, is he listening to people coming and going, cars passing? Then you have a smart, curious,
energetic pup. Take him home and be prepared for the most devoted, loving dog you'll ever have.
In the house, on the first day, it might be helpful to walk him on a leash through the house to figure out where the
doors are. Then let him wander. Yes for a few weeks he'll be like a bumper car, bouncing off cabinets, door frames
and furniture until he's memorized everything. The one thing that takes a bit of extra training is stairs. Put him on a
leash and walk him up the stairs, counting the steps out loud. Let him visit the rooms then take the leash firmly in
hand and make him walk slowly down the stairs, counting them out loud. Do this a couple of times and he'll soon be
flying down the stairs with the rest of the pack as if they were racing the Indy 500. If you have to move, be sure to do
the stairs thing again. I went from a 12 step contemporary home to a 15 step old farm house. We heard a crash when
my Aussie counted to 12 and stepped off...Oops.
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
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New Spirit News
When 4 senses have to make up for 5 (continued)
Do all your normal obedience training. He should, first and foremost, learn to come when called. This is absolutely
vital, especially when you start letting him play off lead. He should learn the basics of sit, stay, down, leave it and
drop it. Even without vision, his nose will lead him to the most interesting things and you might want to call him off
from the activity. Blind dogs excel at obedience as they are not distracted by people walking by or balls rolling past.
Of course it also means this won't be your frisbee or flyball companion. That's when you get your second Aussie!
Blind Aussies are not handicapped; blindness is not lethal as long as you keep the dog out of the street or dangerous
areas. They are courageous, fun, loving pets. My blind Aussie Tyson is a major fundraiser for New Spirit, attending
events, walking among the crowds and rolling over for tummy rubs. Go ahead and adopt one if you are willing to do
the same basic training you'd give your seeing Aussie. Oh...and don't rearrange the furniture without warning your
dog.
~Martha MacDonald ~
Meet A Volunteer
Name: Lori Jablon
Occupation: Office Manager for a local home building contractor. I was a
Natural Science teacher for 18 years.
Where do you live?: Penobscot, ME
What is your role within New Spirit? I'm the Treasurer.
How long have you been volunteering with New Spirit? Since August 2008
How and why did you come to be volunteer with New Spirit? In July of
Lori Jablon, Treasurer
2008, I adopted an Aussie mix through a small, private New England reswith
Shawnee & Mickiak
cue. I was put in touch with the folks that first found him down in North
Carolina (he was a 7 week old stray). One of those folks, and another woman I was acquainted with on an Aussie Yahoo list, both encouraged me to volunteer with New Spirit, who at that time, I'd never heard of. Since I was looking to
volunteer somewhere...well the rest is history.
What is your favorite thing about New Spirit? It's hard to pick just one favorite thing. Being part of this team is wonderful. What a fantastic group of people! I'd been looking for something meaningful in my life to volunteer with and
this is perfect. I really like the feeling that I'm contributing to the world in some good way. I've learned a lot and have
made some great new friends and acquaintances.
What pets do you have in your home and what are their names? I have an Aussie (probably a mix) rescue named
Mickiak, who is 3-1/2. I also adopted a puppy (Aussie mix) through New Spirit in May of 2009, who I named
Shawnee. She'll be 2 at the end of February.
Do you have a favorite thing you like to do with your dogs? We live in a very rural area on the coast of Maine. We
love exploring the woods, beaches and blueberry fields.
What are some of your other hobbies/interests? I play bluegrass music (I play guitar and sing) with a group of
friends, gardening and putting up food for the winter, watching wildlife/animal behavior, living close to the land, baking pies.
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
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New Spirit News
Available Aussies
Tootsie (NS 0532) Tootsie is a 5 1/2 yr old mini Aussie that can be a cuddle
bug extraordinaire! This sweet little thing is just that, little, she is approximately 18lbs and about 15” tall which makes her a wonderful traveling companion size! She LOVES to ride in the car and is very good. Tootsie is house
and crate trained. Tootsie' s ideal home would be one where she might be the
center of attention. Please no cats! She’s not been around small children and
would probably be fine with older children; however, we feel she’s more of an
adult person’s dog. She’s affectionate and lovable and gives kisses, a lot of
kisses so if you don’t like kisses, Tootsie wouldn’t be your type of gal. Tootsie
has special needs because she has just been diagnosed with Megaesophagus. If
you can’t adopt Tootsie, but you would like to donate for her care, please click
here to make a donation in her name.
Tootsie is fostered in Deltona, FL. Apply here or visit www.ns4ar.org.
See Tootsie caught on Video! Click Here!
Betsy (NS 0598) Betsy is a sweet older girl with a gorgeous coat and big blue eyes.
This old gal has a delightful and beautiful personality. Betsy weighs about 50 pounds.
She is quiet and wonderful with other dogs and cats. She would blend easily into any
family.
Betsy is a lovely mature Aussie with a beautiful tail. She came to rescue terribly matted and heartworm positive; however she has completed her treatment now is really
hoping for her forever home to come along. She has been waiting a while for her perfect people to find her. She's a bit longer in the tooth, but older dogs are even more
grateful to have a safe place to lay their heads.
She is fostered in Powder Springs, GA. Apply here or visit www.ns4ar.org.
Meet more Aussies in search of their “Forever Home” at www.ns4ar.org
Timothy (NS 0836) Timothy gave 10 years of service to his human, who was deaf, and
did his work day in and day out without question. Then one day Timothy started to go
deaf, and lost all his hearing. The service dog organization said that to send a new service
dog he would have to go, or be put to sleep.
So now Timothy is with New Spirit, and he really doesn't want to retire, he wants a job
to do, every day, for his human. Timothy is 12 years old, and says retirement is for rabbits, not dogs!
Timothy is fostered in Southern NJ. Apply here or visit www.ns4ar.org.
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
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New Spirit News
Available Aussies
Angel Spirit (NS 0827) Angel Spirit is an Aussie - Catahoula mix, about 2 years old, and
35 - 40 pounds. She has a short, red merle coat, floppy ears and a big feather duster tail. She
is deaf, but that doesn't slow her down. Angel Spirit is a submissive, pack oriented girl who
needs a firm alpha dog to channel her energy. She knows signs for sit, stay and down. She is
working on focus, leash walking, getting comfortable and building confidence. She is house
broken and crate trained, though she'd rather be curled up at her peoples' feet.
She is being fostered in Central Kentucky. Apply here or visit www.ns4ar.org.
Ask Aunt Aussie
Dear Aunt Aussie,
Our foster dog is quite the lover. One thing I have noticed that could have happened with this
other family is when you give him a treat, he will take your whole hand. I am guessing a child
may have had some kind of food in his hand and he found it to be too much for him and bit his
hand accidentally! You have to constantly remind him to be gentle and use a “flat hand” when
giving him treats. It was accidental, I am certain. Can you give me any pointers on how to work with him on this?
~Sore Fingers~
Dear Sore Fingers,
One tip on the treats to discourage gobblers is to use something like Beggin Strips that are thin. Let him have a taste
and then break off small pieces and put one between your fingers so he can smell it but none sticks out (between hand
and middle joint). Let your fingers curl up naturally (relaxed). Offer your hand to him and he will need to nose all
around trying to find the source of the smell. Let him use his nose to roll your fingers out and then leave them
out. Then he will push his nose right into the place where he smells but can't see or grab the treat. Relax your grip
between the two fingers with the treat between them just enough for his nose and then his tongue to start working it
out. Repeat as needed. In other words, treats are not obtained by snapping or grabbing. You have to go in search of
them gently, and once found (gently) he can have them with a little gentle diligence. Any other pushy snappy way of
going about it doesn't produce the treat! They learn this fast!
~Aunt Aussie~
If you have any questions for Aunt Aussie please email them to robinsylvester65@yahoo.com to forward them to her.
Then look for her response in upcoming newsletters!
We have a new feature on our website! We have a photo album called "Dog Days of Summer" which features
the pictures from the last newsletter and many more. The link to the album is on the front New Spirit web page
in a yellow block. We are going to add more photo albums in the future. Please send pictures for future newsletters and albums of your Aussies: Smiling, muddy/dirty pics, with other animal friends, doing anything funny,
different or people-like, with their favorite toy or treat, with just kids, family portraits, and sleeping
(for Snoozapalooza 2!) to robinsylvester65@yahoo.com
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
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New Spirit News
Meet Mr. Burns
Meet Mr. Burns. He is from Kentucky, and we think he was used to sire many puppies in a puppy mill. In other
words a puppy mill stud, who was probably no longer needed to perform his duties. Well in the puppy mill world
you are either dumped, put to sleep or worse, kept in a crate until you die. Lucky for Burns he was able to find his
way to a shelter, only to be set for the long walk. You see Mr. Burns had
lots of strikes against him. He was old, he was blind in one eye, he has
teeth worn down to the nub from chewing on the wires in his crate, he was
arthritic, and he didn’t have a gleam of hope in his eyes. He was then transferred to another shelter to buy him ten more days of life while rescues were
pleaded with to take this old gentleman. Burns was able to get to us at New
Spirit, and he touched every heart along the way, causing many to cry and
many to give him well deserved hugs and attention. Who was this thrown
away Australian Shepherd that touched so many on his journey to safety?
So now meet the new and improved Mr. Burns. He is around 42 pounds
and around 10 years old. We are working on his eye. We will probably
have it removed. We aren’t sure about getting him a prosthetic eye, but if we can receive enough in donations, this
guy can walk away with some additional pride! Mr. Burns when he arrived was very timid and unsure, but since he
has been in his foster mom and dad’s spread up in Wisconsin, he has been given a new lease on life. He is just happy
to not be crated, and allowed to actually loosen up his legs and run like the wind!
Mr. Burns rides well in a car, walks good on a leash, is learning to chase a ball,
he is completely a gentleman and uses the great outdoors to do his business.
He is getting used to what it’s like in a house and he is in heaven. So if you
think that everyone deserves a second chance, and an old Aussie who was
made to sire a many a pup is worth giving 4-5 more years in your home, we
would be delighted, and so would Mr. Burns. If you would like to help offset
the MAJOR medical bills he has incurred, please donate, we have a Chip In
jar online for him. Chip in HERE!
To adopt Mr. Burns, Apply here or visit
www.ns4ar.org. NS 0840
Watch a video clip of Mr. Burns here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYczM_8BTI4
Donate Today!
If you make a donation today, we will send you a free gift as a show of our appreciation.
All donations will go to the rescue and care of our Aussies.
Find out more at www.ns4ar.org
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
www.ns4ar.org
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New Spirit News
Gilligan’s Story - From Terrified to Terrific!
Early in January an email arrived from Terry with the Mt. Sterling Kentucky
Humane Society. Could anyone please help this poor red merle aussie at their
shelter? Adoptions are few in this small town, and this poor dog did not
"show" well to those looking to adopt. You see, he was terrified of people and
hid in the back of his kennel when they walked by.
When we saw the email and his sad, terrified picture, we knew we had to at
least give him a chance. Natalie went to visit him and gave us an idea of what
we faced. Arrangements were made to get him transported to us and his journey began.
He was terrified of everything and everybody, EXCEPT for other dogs. And he had some vision problems, as a product of a "merle to merle" breeding. He immediately bonded with our girl Macy who took him under her paw. He
would slowly come up to me for attention, then run away if I reached to pet him. Bob scared the daylights out of him,
yet he came back to him time and again. We decided to name him GILLIGAN, because he was so lost and he became
our "little buddy".
Months went by and he began to realize how wonderful life could be, yet new experiences and new people still terrified him. We exposed him to more and more things, hoping he would find the right family. That is when Valorie and
Bob came along. Valorie thought he was just what she wanted, warts and all. Initially we said no since Valorie lived
in Massachusetts and we feared he would not do well and be returned, so we wanted to keep him close by. But, she
said she knew what she was getting into and was ready to give him the best life she could.
In June we sent him on a long transport to reach his new family, fearing he would fail miserably. But something happened on the way there. Gilligan seemed to find a new found confidence and hit the ground running! Within a few
weeks we were receiving reports of him enjoying time with other family members and complete strangers, even coming up to them and asking for pets!
He enjoys daily walks and playtime with all his doggy pals on a large farm near his home. Gilligan goes to visit family and jumps up in laps for some snuggle time and belly rubs. He started obedience training and is making great
strides. "Gillie" as he is known to family and friends, is fond of his canine siblings Max and Allie and especially
McLovin, the family cat!
Check out a video of Gilligan and McLovin here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTmz0f9NCKs
Recently, Valorie and Bob, sent us some updates on his progress:
"Just thought I would drop you a line to update you on our lovely boy. We are still totally enamored. He is fitting in so
well. He has made enormous progress. He LOVES everyone in my family and Bob's family. He's always the first to
try to climb in someone's lap to be petted. He pushes the other dogs out of the way every chance he gets.
In a recent obedience class he did something that had everyone in stitches. We were working on "Stay" and the instructor had us put our dogs in the stay position on their mats. Then he got a ball and bounced it near each of them to
see whether they could hold the Stay position despite the distraction. When he
got near us, Gillie stayed seated, but turned his body so he faced the wall and
couldn't see the instructor bouncing the ball!!! It was if he was struggling to
maintain the position, and knew he had to avoid the distraction, so he turned to
the wall and said to himself "I can't see you!!!!"
He loves chasing the ball and the frisbee at the farm, though he still isn't very
good at bringing either one back. I still haven't met another animal he hasn't
loved and he loves every human he gets to know, and even some he doesn't
know very well. I can't imagine a better dog and we love him to pieces. Thanks
so much for allowing him to come live with us!!!"
~Valorie & Bob~
Terrific indeed.....
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
www.ns4ar.org
~Jane & Bob Hills~
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New Spirit News
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
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New Spirit News
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
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New Spirit News
Windows to the Soul
Some dogs are just unlucky in life. McGraw was rescued with his siblings from a shelter in Chattanooga in the fall
of 2007. Being the most sought after pup in his litter, he was quickly adopted – but just as quickly returned because
the older dog in his new home did not accept his presence.
He was adopted again to another home; however sadly was returned a year later
through no fault of his own. McGraw just has a zest for living and a very adaptive personality. Despite all the trials he endured, he re-entered foster care with a twinkle in his
eye and a willingness to begin his next adventure onto bigger and better things.
McGraw was great with everything – other dogs, cats, and loves children. He just had
the kind of Aussie panache that put a smile on everyone’s face.
Shortly after his second rescue, his foster home noticed there was something unusual
about his sight. He seemed unable to focus on things held close to his face and bumped
into things when moving around the home. A visit with a specialist revealed our worst fears. McGraw was suffering
from cataracts in both eyes and the only solution to restore his sight was to remove the defective lenses and replace
them with new ones. This surgery would not only give McGraw a new chance at sight, it was a permanent fix to his
eyesight issue. However, the procedure carried an equally large price tag , despite the generous discount Dr. King and
her staff offered to New Spirit. I began networking immediately through Facebook, volunteers, adopters, etc. Before
we could even say “cataract” the amazing generosity of Aussie lovers everywhere came through for McGraw and
we’d raised most of the funds needed to restore his sight.
After a lengthy recovery and an unbelievable dedication by his foster home Carol and Cliff Popp – that committed to
eye drops several times per day and repeated weekly visits back and forth to the eye specialist, McGraw was ready for
adoption. His new family was Camilla and her daughter, and it was love at first sight. McGraw, now Max, is doing
wonderfully in his new home, and his new family is tickled pink to have this lovely and vibrant dog as a permanent
member in their home. Camilla still had a bit of road ahead of her with McGraw’s follow up care and didn’t bat an
eyelash at transferring his case to a specialist nearer to her home. She worked closely with his original surgeon to assure that his care was top notch and the commitment she has shown to him is just astonishing.
~Rachael Eley~
Here's a Happy Ending letter from Camilla:
I knew it was time to get a second dog and was thinking of a Golden Retriever. Then I started looking at pictures of
Aussies on the New Spirit for Aussie Rescue website over and over, and my heart was jumping out of my chest! I remembered with tears Bodie and Zeke and knew I had to stay with Aussies! I saw the picture of Max and so I put in an
application. A fellow Aussie lover made the home visit and that was actually very fun. Then I was able to meet the
awesome fosters, Cliff and Carol Popp. They are fabulous people and helped Max through the recovery of serious surgery on both eyes. They were very bonded to Max, it was clear they really developed a
love for the boy. Yet they were generous enough to let him go, to let Max be adopted
into our family. Now Max is part of our family. My young daughter loves him and so
does Koko, our 11 year old border-collie mix. Koko romps around with Max even
though Koko is much older than our new 2-year old puppy. Max has learned to walk
on the leash without pulling, how to obey basic commands, and happily plays fetch.
So, if there isn’t time for a walk we can play 15 rounds of fetch and we are all happy
and exercised. Max is a real beauty, deeply loving, and like all Aussies, has a distinctive personality to say the least. We feel that Max was worth waiting for and he is a
perfect match for our family.
~Camilla~
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
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New Spirit News
The Sprague Family
David and I attended the Scotland County Humane Society photo fundraiser in Aberdeen, NC on December 11th. I
met SCHS board member Melinda McMillan in August when she contacted New Spirit for assistance with an Aussie
at her shelter. We were able to work out temporary foster and transport options for Scot NS #0652, now listed under
happy endings.
In the photo:
Sitting right next to Santa is Nico NS #0443, whom we adopted in May 2010. This
versatile Aussie can easily transition from playful outside funster to gentle indoor companion. His foster mom Jessica (VanEffen) Carter found him as a scared and sickly
stray. Thankfully with her care, Nico became a healthy, happy and well mannered fellow!
Panda the black/white tuxedo boy (Border Collie X Chow) was rescued from the
Rocky Mount, NC shelter for transport to Ewenity Farms Border Collie Haven. He
was the classic "foster failure" for me, too sweet and special to let him go anywhere but
here!
Our current foster is the merle Dapp NS #0638, a two year old Aussie X Catahoula
from the Roxboro, NC shelter. He looks forward to daily walks, training classes and
outings to the local park. But he also will settle quietly in his crate with a favorite chew
bone. Dapp gets along with the crew (even our cat) but would love to have all the attention for himself!
~Anne Sprague~
(Photo taken by Trish Suiter Dooling,
board member for SCHS.)
A Dogs New Years Resolutions
I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.
I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table
I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.
I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the
house when I am about to throw up.
I will not throw up in the car.
I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.
I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.
Kitty box crunchies are not food.
I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.
The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.
I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people
will think I am hemorrhaging.
When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's
raining outside.
We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.
The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.
My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's
license and car registration.
Author Unknown
Volume 2 Issue 3 December 2010
www.ns4ar.org
"Dogs are not
our whole life,
but they make
our lives whole."
~ Roger Car~
Austin Miller Schweitzer
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