President`s Message - Versatility In Poodles

VOLUME 17, NO. 3
JUNE 2009
www.viPoodle.org
IN THIS ISSUE
Dedicated to the Health, Education and Performance of Poodles Everywhere
President’s Message…………… 1
New Members…………………….. 2
President’s Message
Board of Directors Notes……. 2
The Hounds of Heaven……….. 3
Compassion Dog………………….. 5
Member Brags…………………… 6
Health News…………………………8
AKC Updates……………………… 9
VIP 2010 Calendar Project…..10
Treasurer’s Statement…………11
If you are receiving this
Newsletter via Mail and
would like to receive it by email please contact
Carolyn Wray at
cswray@comcast.net
Challenges, Changes and Commitment
I’d like to start this message off with a sincere “Thank You” to Susan Baldridge, who
has resigned as Treasurer. The job of Treasurer of any organization is a difficult one,
and with VIP, that difficulty is compounded by distance.
I was gratified to find that the day after we made this public and appealed for help,
three of our members willingly stepped up to help out. I’m not saying who these three
are at this time, because as of this writing, the BOD has not had a chance to vote on an
approval, but you three know who you are, and have my heartfelt thanks for your cooperation and commitment.
This transfer is a challenge to us as an organization, and as such, has pointed out some
things that we need to improve on – and a biggie in that category is how we prepare
and mentor new people in elected positions.
For those of us who reside in America, we are used to hearing and expect to hear
about ‘transition teams’ being in place to make sure that the transfer of power of the
Presidency within this nation goes smoothly and seamlessly. And our country is good
at it – while we hear about minor politically motivated problems between the parties,
on a larger scale, the transfer is a model of co-operation amongst people who may be
diametrically opposed to each other politically, but put that aside in the interests of
the welfare of our nation.
Gee, we can’t go the route of a team to help with the transition with a three month
lead-in time, but surely there are things that we can do to help it, and in the coming
months, we will be discussing this on the VIP Members e-mail list. Give it some
thought, and be prepared to chip in when we talk about this. I am sure there are
many of you out there who, in your non-Poodle jobs, have had some experience with
this sort of thing, and we need your input.
……./more
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 1
Please welcome our new members!
President’s Message continued…..
Another thing I would like to bring to the attention of the
general membership is how burdensome it is to transfer
hard copies and files around every time there is a change in
officers. We run the risk of losing them, as well as our most
important corporate documents, in transit as well as to
some sort of calamity (think hurricane, tornado, or fire) as
well as the time and expense of moving them around. We
also need them accessible by whoever may need them in a
timely fashion.
If there is a computer-savvy person in our membership who
would be interested in looking into this, I’d appreciate
hearing from them. I’d like to know more about how some
of the on-line storage sites work and/or CD backup
information and what our options may be along those lines.
I’d like to know how we make a conversion of this sort, too.
So, c’mon, computer people, step up and let us hear from
you.
This may be a Poodle club, but the reality is that we’ve all
made our livings in a world outside of Poodle involvement.
It’s that practical, working knowledge we need to tap into
now.
Judy Harding
Easton, MD
Interests:
Agility, education, service dogs, obedience,
working (hunting), tricks, CGC, therapy,
tracking, rally, freestyle.
Variety:
Standards
Thomas Harding
Easton, MD
Interests:
Agility, education, obedience, tricks, CGC,
therapy dogs, tracking, rally, freestyle.
Variety:
Standards
Karen Sumlin
Cumming, GA
Interests:
Agility, service dogs, flyball, tricks, CGC,
therapy dogs, charity walks, tracking.
Variety:
Standards
Another thing – PLEASE, PLEASE do what you can to
publicize our 2010 Poodle Calendar!
Irma Shanahan
Board of Directors Meeting Notes.
The Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the following items up to June 2009.
The motion was made by Hilary Ellis that two ads @ a cost of $55.00 each be placed, as
usual in the 2009 PCA Catalogue; 2nd by Carolyn Wray.
A motion was made to send Hilary Ellis to the Canine Health Foundation Conference being
held October 23 - 25 2009 and that a deposit cheque be sent to Hilary Ellis to be
included with her application. Made by Eleni Stevens, 2nd by Barb O'Donaughy, all in
favour. Motion passed.
A Special Meeting was called after the acceptance of the resignation submitted by Susan
Baldridge, Treasurer of Versatility In Poodles, Inc.
A motion was made by Eleni Stephens to appoint Sue Dearholt as Interim Treasurer, and
nd
Mary Lou Copp, Assistant Treasurer, 2 by Barbara O’Donaughy, All in Favor, Carried.
A motion was made by Eleni Stephens to appoint as signing officers on the checking
account; President: Irma Shanahan, Treasurer: Sue Dearholt, Assistant Treasurer: Mary Lou
Copp, Any ONE of the three to sign alone, also to remove Susan Baldridge as a signing
nd
officer. 2 by Barbara O’Donaughy, All in Favour, Carried.
Submitted by: Barbara O'Donaughy
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 2
The Hounds Of Heaven
Tom Snyder
Tom is on staff at Animal Samaritans, SPCA in the Coachella
Valley. He is the Assistant Director of Public Relations and
Development That is the group that we do out therapy work
through. AnSams has the local affordable spay, neuters,
vaccination clinic as well as small no kill shelter and
community education programs. The therapy group is run
by all volunteers. Unusual program for an SPCA, especially
with the special needs kids in the school districts.
It’s an April morning
at Johnson
Elementary School in
Indio. Elvira sashays
past a line of excited
second-graders
awaiting lunchtime in
the shaded food
court. Her rock star
hairdo is part Jimmy
Hendrix, part Tina
Turner, which adds
height to her already
commanding stature.
Her hair—not fur—
makes her an ideal therapy dog, especially for those with
fragile lungs. Standard Poodles do not shed.
“I want to pet her,” says an eager child. They all do. When
several children stray from the line, their teacher pipes up,
“Single file.” Elvira walks on, unaffected. Now is not the time
to socialize. It’s Thursday and she has clients to see.
“Elvira’s here,” says Sherri Halstead, Elvira’s human
companion. The students in this class cannot speak, but
several change their facial expression and look toward the
door.
In Diane Montgomery’s Active Learning program—a cuttingedge approach to working with profoundly handicapped
children—sounding boards and interactive mobiles replace
chalkboards and desks. Students lie on padded mats or sit
upright in what amount to modified plastic car seats. More
advanced children strap into specialized walkers that allow
them to stand upright and wheel about without risk of
falling. See-through tubs line an entire classroom wall and
brightly colored objects abound—stuffed animals and
shakers, plastic xylophones, bongos, noisemakers of every
kind. A blind autistic child sits on a homemade sounding
board, spinning an aluminum mixing bowl in endless
succession. The vibrations from the board tell him his
proximity to the bowl, when it spins, when it stops. Elvira
will visit him later. First, she must attend to the boy in the
blue plastic chair, “Andrew,” who has been beaming since
she entered.
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Several years ago Andrew came to Diane’s class with severe
diplegia, a condition of cerebral palsy that paralyzed his
arms with rigidity. His hands were clenched, his arms and
legs permanently crossed. During her first visit, Elvira stood
beside him while he struggled to lift his head for a better
look at her. On the second visit, he unclenched the fingers of
his right hand to touch her. Several months later he
extended his right arm for the first time since infancy—just
to pet a dog.
Elvira approaches and the boy’s eyes, magnified behind thick
glasses, appear even wider. His crooked smile is infectious.
Elvira is his puppy; she belongs to him. On Sherri’s
command, Elvira positions her long body on Andrew’s left,
his weak side. She patiently waits as he struggles to lift his
arm and place it where he wants it. With help from an aide
he lands his hand on her neck. He strokes her awkwardly,
almost roughly. She doesn’t mind. He grabs a tuft of hair and
clenches to pull her closer. Elvira gently twists her head and
shakes free of him. He reaches for her again and she licks his
hand. Delighted, he squirms. She is nurturing, protective,
like a mother with her newborn. Perhaps it’s he who belongs
to her.
Five-year-old “Guadalupe” has a bent spine and constant
seizures. She is always in pain. She stares skyward, as if in
supplication, unable to lift or lower her head without
assistance. She can no longer speak, and communicates by
blinking—one for no, two for yes. Elvira walks to her side
and stops when the child combs her hanging fingers through
her hair.
“Elvira’s here, you want to pet her?” Sherri asks. Guadalupe
double blinks. “I think she missed you, did you miss her?”
Two more blinks and a smile.
The grating whirl of a suction device begins and a nurse
places a small tube inside the mouth of one of Guadalupe’s
classmates. The routine procedure keeps the child from
choking on her own saliva. At the same time, an older child
spills a box of toys that clangs with a ruckus, and the blind
autistic boy spins his mixing bowl. Elvira doesn’t stir. It’s all
part of the job.
At John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, a team of
burgundy-clad nurses pauses in the corridor to ooh and ah.
Many address Elvira by name. The hospital’s first Animal
Assisted Therapy, or AAT, dog, she’s famous here. She even
dons a plastic name badge, which hangs from her blue
therapy dog vest.
Judith Lewis, a volunteer at the hospital, strokes Elvira, then
stands aside and watches the handful of nurses linger
behind to do the same. “They’re not just therapeutic for the
patients,” says Lewis. “Sometimes the nurses work 12 to 15
Page 3
hour shifts. The dogs are great stress relievers.”
Lewis knows the simple act of petting an animal reduces a
person’s blood pressure. It also boosts the immune system.
We pet, we smile. We smile and our brains release
endorphins, homegrown painkillers and serotonin, a
chemical neurotransmitter that elevates our mood and
relieves depression.
$50,000 and higher) to serve one person exclusively. The
American Disabilities Act provides access for working dogs
and their owners to all public and commercial places. Not so
for therapy dogs. Foster parents like Marilyn spend a year
and a half training puppies more than 30 commands,
including going to the bathroom on cue—anywhere, on any
surface.
Before entering a room, Sherri peers in and gently knocks on
an open door. “Would anyone like a visit from a therapy
dog?”
Therapy dogs, on the other hand, “are more like
generalists,” Sherri says. Where working dogs serve a
specific owner, therapy animals serve the masses. While less
intense, training is also essential for therapy dogs.
Prior to being accepted as an Animal Samaritans’ therapy
dog, Elvira had to pass behavior evaluations, generally held
on the last Saturday of each month from September through
May. AAT candidates are tested on 16 criterions. Does the
animal react fearfully to fast hand movements? How does
she respond to canes and walkers? Loud noises? Can she
walk calmly on a loose leash?
An emaciated woman with salt-white hair nods. Elvira
approaches the side of her bed. The woman strokes her with
curved hands, her fingers more bone than flesh. She says
she misses her cat and asks if Elvira gets along with felines.
In the next room, Elvira greets a man with a thick Latino
accent. He appears impressed but cautious. He’s never seen
a dog like her before and wants to know what kind she is.
“A Poodle? She’s so big.” Sherri points out Elvira’s webbed
feet. “Standard Poodles were originally bred as hunting
dogs to retrieve ducks and geese from the water. All Poodles
started out this big,” she explains, a reference to the
miniature and diminutive toy varieties. “They’re actually
German, not French.”
Elvira enters the intensive care unit, an area generally off
limits to therapy animals. A doctor welcomes her in and
escorts her to a man lying in bed beneath a white sheet. His
skin is pocked with sunspots, his eyes glazed and worn. Clear
tubes stretch across his cheeks, pumping oxygen in through
his nose. “Some people are here with a therapy dog,” the
doctor says. The patient, a retired pediatrician, appears to
be in his 80s. He smiles. “She’s a beauty,” he says, petting
her. “Oh, I miss dogs.”
In addition to lowering the patient’s blood pressure, Elvira
helps to reduce his cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both
agents of coronary diseases. If he doesn’t have a pet at
home, he would be wise to adopt one. More than spousal
support or the presence of extended family, studies show
pet ownership is the best indicator for predicting whether
heart attack patients will have a successful long-term
recovery.
At JFK, as in other hospitals, therapy dogs often work in
pairs. More dogs mean more patients get a visit. Today
Elvira has teamed with Danica, a petite golden retriever
whom Marilyn Petty-John, her owner, calls Daneeka, in case
a child has the same name. When she’s not escorting Danica
on therapy visits, Marilyn raises puppies for Canine
Companions for Independence in Oceanside, which trains
working dogs for the disabled.
Therapy dogs and working dogs serve distinct needs.
Working dogs are bred and trained (often at a cost of
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
“Aggression toward other dogs is the number one reason
animals fail,” says Lori Wainio, who oversees behavior
testing for Animal Samaritans’ AAT program. A former exotic
animal trainer with the Cincinnati Zoo and The Living Desert
Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert, she uses the same
techniques on dogs as she did on animals from the wild. The
conscientious animal trainer and founder of Dream Dogs
International in La Quinta, she is adamantly opposed to
harsh techniques of any kind. “You can’t put a choke chain
on a tiger and say, ‘Here kitty, no kitty.’ It doesn’t work.” Her
secret? Positive reinforcement. Lots of it.
Elvira’s next stop is the Oasis Mental Health Treatment
Center. Here, crisis intervention is commonplace, suicide
assessments routine. No cameras allowed. A nurse sends
Elvira and Sherri through a set of double doors. As I wait
outside the visiting room, I’m struck by the normalcy of the
place. I see no straightjackets, no mumbling catatonics, not
one burly nurse wielding a syringe.
Only seven patients, all of them women, sit in the spacious
waiting room. It’s after lunch and most of the men are
reportedly still sleeping off their cheeseburgers. The room is
long and narrow, with rows of seats facing inward, like an
airport boarding area. A gregarious woman with ratty yellow
hair, alligator skin and globs of eyeliner is stroking Elvira. She
smiles, exposing a dearth of teeth. She asks my name and
extends her hand with a raspy, “Pleasure to meet you.”
After a bit of small talk, she confesses to hard times on the
street and the power of addiction. Elvira gently burrows her
head into the woman’s side for more petting. Laughing, the
woman leans down and enjoys a lick on the chin. Elvira
shows no judgment, no bias. People are people.
Several residents have rooms that enter directly into the
rectangle. One is a bearded man with flowing white hair. He
emerges from his room and sits on the nearest sofa with the
Page 4
poise of a seasoned yogi. He speaks to no one but Elvira. I’m
told that’s how it’s been since he came here. Elvira jumps
onto the open seat beside him, and the man enjoys some
coveted one-on-one time with her. She eventually moves to
the next patient, and the man quietly sneaks back into his
room.
Compared to traditional hospitals, visitors here are rare.
Schizophrenia and substance abuse have a way of severing
the ties of our social and family networks. Several years ago
on Christmas Eve, Sherri brought Elvira to the center during
evening visiting hours. There were decorations, a Christmas
tree and lots of petting. One hour and more than a dozen
patients later, the music ended and the residents returned
to their rooms. Elvira was their only visitor. In addition to
special needs classrooms and hospitals, Animal Samaritans’
AAT dogs visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities,
easing residents’ loneliness and depression. Ideal AAT
animals are smart, accepting to strangers, non-aggressive
toward other dogs, and have an innate desire to work. After
evaluating each animal’s personality, size and age, Lori and
Sherri will recommend the best locations for a dog to visit.
The program is free; however, pet owners pay a nominal fee
for their animal’s therapy vest.
To learn more about Animal Samaritans’ AAT program,
contact Animal Samaritans SPCA at 760.343.0837 or view
their website at animalsamaritans.org
April 23, 2009
Compassion dog joins Sacramento County DA's staff
Source: The Sacramento Bee (www.sacbee.com)
Jan Scully, Sacramento County district attorney, this week
introduced the newest member of her staff who has pedigree
papers - literally.
Reggie, a pure breed standard Poodle, will work as a compassion
dog to help comfort witnesses and victims, according to a news
release from the DA's office.
Scully introduced Reggie to the Board of Supervisors earlier this
week as part of her noting National Crime Victims' Week, the
release states.
Reggie was donated to the DA's office by the St. Francis Pet
Education and Training Center in Fair Oaks.
"Reggie provides victims and witnesses with support and peace
during their involvement in the criminal justice process - from
taking interviews to providing court testimony," Scully said in the
release. "He is a valued member of our office, lifting the spirits of
those who are often facing the most harrowing time in their
lives."
The Poodle that started it all
The Board of Directors sends a big
MERLOT- Marquis Anutta Fine Wine CD, NA, NAJ, CGC, TDI,
Search and Rescue Certified
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
THANK YOU to Rodney Dow for his
contribution to the VIP health fund.
Page 5
VIP MEMBER BRAGS
Becky Baxter
Flash and I attended our first agility show in over a year. We
hit the Open ring with only one leg needed in each class.
We Q'd and got First place finishes in the very competitive
20 inch class, to gain his OA and OAJ titles. He is now Karbits
Energizer OA, OAJ, CGC, TDI. Bred by Karin Benker, owned
and handled by Becky Baxter.
Melissa Snell
Teddy, UCD Theodore Black Forest Bear CDX RAE GN TDI
CGC W-FDX/MF, just earned his Freestyle Dog Excellent title
in musical freestyle from the World Canine Freestyle
Organization. We competed through their video competition
against dog and handler teams from many countries all
around the world. Our routine was a '50's theme to "Rock
Around the Clock", where I wore a skirt with a Poodle
silhouette, and Teddy wore a bandana with a silhouette of a
girl. He is such a fun boy to train and show!
Vivienne Swarbreck
Cheers had a busy and successful spring. On April 3
she acquired her CDX, picking up four High in Class and a
High in Trial along the way. April 16, she passed her St.
John's Ambulance Therapy Dog test, and has started weekly
visits at a local Nursing Home. At the UKC trials held on
April 18 & 19, Cheers earned her UCD in three
straight trials and also a leg on her URO1 title. To finish with
a flourish, Cheers garnered her CKC Rally Excellent title on
May 30, then picked up a RAE leg the following weekend.
Officially known as UCD Cantope Triple Threat CGN, CDX, RE,
RNMCL, HIC(s), St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog., Cheers is
a fantastic companion to and training partner with Vivienne
Swarbreck.
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 6
Katharine Dokken
Barbara O’Donaughy
I recently took part in several huge health testing clinics and
have the following testing brags to report.
We have been having a very good Spring and have
accomplished the following:
Standard Poodles:
UKC GRCH WP's Love Reign O'er Me is OFA Hips rated Good
and LCP Normal,
UKC CH WP's Le Chocolat Du Luminary, CGC is OFA Hips
rated Good and LCP Normal, and
UKC CH WP's Pride And Prejudice is OFA Hips rated Good
and LCP Normal.
Havenel Remember Me (Frankie)
 March 21st at Cloverdale BC Can: 2 Q's towards his
CKC CD
 May 2/3rd at Kelowna BC: Finished his CKC CD; 1st
Q in CKC Advanced Rally
 June 13 & 14th in Richmond BC: 2 Q's and finished
his CKC Advanced Rally Title with a HIC
Miniature Poodles:
UKC CH WP's Indian Summer Of Crisken, OFA Patellas
Normal and OFA PRA Clear by DNA,
WP's Red Harvest of Crisken is OFA Patellas Normal and CERF
Normal,
Karbit 'n WP's Never Say Never is OFA Patellas Normal, and
WP's Orpheus In Red Velvet is OFA Patellas Normal and OFA
PRA Carrier by DNA.
Mary Briggs
Songbird Rocket Man, AX, MXJ, OF
“Luke “ earned his Open Fast title and finished his MXJ with
a 3rd place in the 16 inch class.
Havenel Red Cedar (Cedar)
 May 2/3rd at Kelowna BC: 1st Q's towards his CKC
CD; 1st Q in CKC Advanced Rally
 June 13/14th in Richmond BC: 2 Q's to finish his
CKC Advanced Rally Title.
Havenel Johnny Walker Red (Johnny)
 May 2/3 at Kelowna BC: 2 Q's in CKC Novice B
Rally- 1st was a HIC
 June 13/14th in Richmond BC: 1 Q to finish his CKC
Novice B Rally Title; 1 Q to start his Advanced B
Rally.
Johnny turned 11 on April 22nd, 2009
Irma Shanahan
JC Pioneer Shadow Chaser earned his AKC UDX title on June
20, at Dauphin DTC with scores of 195 in Utility and 194 in
Open. Chase is the first standard Parti-Poodle to have ever
attained this level. Only two other multi-colored Poodles of
other varieties have gone farther; they are Maggie Pierce’s
“Sadie” (miniature silver & white parti) and Tatania Niagro’s
“Rainbow” (toy phantom).
The AKC UDX title is earned by qualifying 10 times in both
Open B and Utility B at the same trial. Last year only 18
Poodles of all varieties earned their first UDX title.
Victoria Hoffman
[June 2, 2009] My youngest Standard Poodle, Bar-None
Codetalker Cochise, got his Novice Standard agility title at
th
the Asheville Kennel Club’s trial on Friday, May 29 , with a
third place and followed it up with a second place leg on
Sunday. Overall, Cochise ended up with two first places, a
second place and a third place. His last leg was a no fault
run, and his second leg was 21 seconds under course time,
even with one refusal, for a flying finish. I am very proud of
my boy.
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 7
Health News
There seems to be a link between tail chasing and elevated
cholesterol levels. If you dog chases it’s tail it may be a good
idea to check the cholesterol blood level, which can be an
indicator of several serious health problems requiring
treatment.
According to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the drug
nitrosylocobalamin can enter and kill cancer cells with no
or minimal effect on normal cells. Further studies on this
drug are underway. It is currently being used in dogs with
otherwise untreatable cancers and there is hope of
extending the evaluations to humans.
The first-ever rabies epidemic on the island of Bali has
claimed 9 human lives and resulted in a program to give free
rabies vaccinations to all pet dogs in the island.
While it is important to have your show dogs in excellent
condition, it is not wise to begin serious “road work”
training until their bones, joints, ligaments and muscles have
fully matured. The timing of this depends upon the size and
rate of maturity of your variety. The smaller dogs mature
faster and some lines mature faster. Most people
recommend waiting until at least 18 months of age for
Standard Poodles and if your dog is a male and from a slowly
maturing line than you may need to wait until the larger
dogs are two years old.
The July issue of Dog World has a nice short article by
Audrey Pavia on ten tips for controlling fleas, ticks and
heartworms (p30-33). This is a good read. There is also an
article on new findings on Lyme disease and how to cope
with it in area endemic to ticks which carry this dreaded
disease.
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health just introduced
Nobivac Lyme -- a unique vaccine designed to provide
protection by targeting two key outer-surface proteins
involved in the transmission of canine Lyme disease, the
company says. The vaccine induces the production of highly
specific antibodies called borreliacidal antibodies that kill
Borrelia burgdorferi by binding to outer-surface proteins
(OSP) A and C, the company reports in a prepared
statement. The ability of Nobivac Lyme to stimulate
borreliacidal antibodies to both OspA and OspC provides an
additional layer of defense against Lyme disease.
And this from Veterinary News Magazine: In a study that
could have applications in human medicine as well,
researchers at the University of Missouri are studying
potential biomarkers in dogs that could lead to early
diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA), helping identify patients at
higher risk for the disease.
Because OA is most often diagnosed in later, irreversible
stages, treatment usually is limited to slowing disease
progress and decreasing pain. "By developing methods for
earlier diagnosis, prevention or even curative treatment
strategies ... become more realistic," says James Cook,
professor of veterinary medicine and surgery at MU.
"Biomarkers could detect the disease before pain and
swelling occurs, and owners could take preventive
measures, such as modifying the pet's activities or diet,
helping them lose weight and strengthening their joints."
The MU research team examined possible biomarkers in
joint-lubricating synovial fluid because it is known to
respond to joint injury. Samples taken from dogs showed
that synovial fluid quality and quantity were altered in
injured stifle joints.
"Our team ... is making progress in developing simple tests
on blood, urine and synoval fluid that show great promise
for helping us diagnose impending OA before it is too late,"
Cook says. Some 20 percent of middle-aged dogs and 90
percent of older dogs have OA in one or more joints, and the
disease is equally common in humans and horses.
The MU study, titled "Examination of Synovial Fluid
Hyaluronan Quantity and Quality in Stifle Joints of Dogs with
Osteoarthritis," was published in the American Journal of
Veterinary Research. Co-authors are Cook, Rachel Venable,
doctoral student; Aaron Stoker, assistant professor; Cristi
Cook, clinical assistant professor; and Mary Cockrell,
research specialist.
The deadline for the next Newsletter is
August 20th…..Please submit your
brags, articles, items of interest to
Roslyn at roslyn@beapudel.org.
Apparently at present this requires 2 vaccinations a month
apart and annual boosters. This may be a much better
vaccination than what has been used in recent years and if
you live in or visit an area where Lyme disease is endemic
you should discuss this with your local veterinarian.
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 8
AKC Updates
AKC Canine Health Foundation News Alert
FDA Approves First Anti-Cancer Drug for Dogs [Tuesday,
June 23, 2009]
AKC Canine Health Foundation News Alert
Join Us for Upcoming Breeders' Symposium [Thursday, June
25, 2009]
The AKC Canine Health Foundation reminds you that a
canine breeders' symposium will be presented by the
American Kennel Club and AKC Canine Health Foundation on
Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the University of South Florida in
Tampa, Florida. Targeted for novice and expert breeders
alike, the Breeders' Symposium is an ideal venue in which to
learn about sound breeding practices and the advances in
genetic health tests that lead to healthier dogs.
Topics include "The ABC's of Breeding" by Dr. Claudia
Orlandi; "Understanding the Nutrition of Lactation" by Dr.
Leslie Monroe; "Canine Reproduction" by Dr. John
Verstegen; "Emergency and Critital Care" by Dr. Sonja Olsen;
and others. In addition, attendees will receive updates from
the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health
Foundation as well as a presentation on the Canine Health
Information Center (CHIC).
The cost of attendance is $95.00 and includes symposium
materials and breakfast and lunch. Check-in opens Saturday
at 7:30 AM.
Other upcoming Breeders' Symposia will take place in Enid,
Oklahoma on September 19 and Philadelphia Pennsylvania
on November 7. Registration is now open for these events as
well.
These courses are eligible for continuing education and clock
hours units for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Contact Erika Werne, Director of Education,
Communications & Club Relations with the AKC Canine
Health Foundation at 1-888-682-9696 for additional
information.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation, founded in 1995 by the
American Kennel Club, is the largest nonprofit worldwide to
fund health research exclusively for canines. Our goal is to
help dogs live longer, healthier lives. The AKC Canine Health
Foundation is the leader in non-invasive genetic health
research, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics benefiting
both canines and humans. Through the generous financial
support of the American Kennel Club and the Nestlé Purina
PetCare Co., we’re proud to announce we have allocated
more than $22 million in canine health research through
more than 75 schools and research institutions worldwide.
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
The US Food and Drug Administration has announced the
approval for the first anti-cancer drug created specifically for
use in veterinary medicine. The research efforts to develop
Palladia, which is used to treat skin-based mast cell tumors,
was led by Dr. Cheryl London of the Ohio State University
College of Veterinary Medicine.
The AKC Canine Health Foundation began funding mast cell
tumor research in 2000 with a grant to Dr. London, then at
the University of California, Davis. Since then, CHF has
allocated more than $200,000 in support of mast cell
research. Dr. London's original work studied the biological
effects of c-kit mutations on mast cells, leading to a more
detailed understanding of canine mast cell tumors. This early
work provided a framework for the development of new
therapies and disease prevention. Dr. London has also spent
time researching the biology of normal mast cells to provide
a platform for future work investigating the genetic basis of
mast cell disease in dogs.
Dr. Elizabeth Whitley, of Auburn University, has also studied
mast cell tumors. Dr. Whitley's research has focused on the
physiology of mast cells, and working to develop a system
for matching tumors with appropriate treatment to improve
treatment success.
AKC Genome Barks Podcasts
[June 4, 2009] Dr. Richard Goldstein, a faculty member at
Cornell University with a specialty in genetic and infectious
diseases of the kidney. Recorded at the August Breeders’
Symposium held in Syracuse, New York, Dr. Goldstein
discusses vaccination protocols, including maternal
antibodies in the puppy, timing of vaccinations (both in the
puppy and in the dam), frequency of vaccine boosters and
geriatric care. Dr. Goldstein also explains the difference
between “core” and “non-core” vaccines and other various
elements of canine vaccinations.
[June 18, 2009] Dr. William Kisseberth of the Ohio State
University College of Veterinary Medicine. Funded by the
Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Kisseberth’s team is working
to determine the genetic components of canine cancer for
potential targets for new cancer therapy drug development.
Page 9
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 10
Treasurer’s Statement to June 30, 2009
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 11
VERSATILITY IN POODLES INC.
OFFICERS
President: Irma Shanahan, MD
Treasurer: Susan Dearholt
Recording Secretary: Barbara O’Donaughy, BC
Health & Education Chair: Hilary Ellis
Vice President: Eleni Stevens, CA
Corresponding Secretary: Carolyn Wray, OR
Performance Chair: Esther Underkofler, OR
NEWSLETTER POLICIES
CONTENTS
The aim of this newsletter is to publish articles, stories, pictures, etc. which will educate Poodle owners and breeders about the
health of the breed and promote the welfare of the Poodle as a versatile breed of dog. Contributions are welcomed. The opinions
expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the newsletter, its editors, the Versatility In Poodles, Inc. or its members. All
content is subject to final approval by the editors and/or the Board of Directors of the organization.
COPYRIGHT: 2009, Versatility In Poodles, Inc. Any portion of this newsletter may be reprinted for educational purposes,
provided that correct acknowledgement is given to Versatility In Poodles, Inc. or the author of the item.
ADVERTISING: rates: $15-full page; $10.00 half page; $6 1/4 page or business card size; subject to approval of the Board
of Directors and/or editor.
CIRCULATION: The newsletter will be sent to members and subscribers. Complimentary copies will be sent to non-member
clubs and contributors. Requests for subscriptions and address changes should be sent to the Treasurer at the address
below. Membership (includes subscription) Single: $30 USA, $30 foreign countries. Membership Family: $40 USA, $40 foreign
countries. Subscription Only: $25 per year USA and $25 foreign countries. Dues and subscription fees are due by December 31 of
each year.
Treasurer:
Canadians may pay in Canadian funds to: Barbara O’Donaughy, P.O. Box 1436, 370 4th Ave, Hope, BC, V0X 1L0, Canada
EDITOR: 807 – 66 Mooregate Cres., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, roslyn@beapudel.org or rdbeaman@rogers.com
Dedicated to the health and welfare of Poodles everywhere!
From:
Miriam K. Hillier
4 Emerald Ct.
San Mateo, CA 94403
USA
VIP Newsletter
June 2009
Page 12