The BichonFrisé Club of Scotland
Transcription
The BichonFrisé Club of Scotland
The Bichon Frisé Club of Scotland (established 1994) No.30 Summer 2009 Chairperson’s Chat This year we held our A.G.M on 5th April and continued the day with a “Get Together” of the members present and of course their dogs. This is the 15th year of the Bichon Frisé Club of Scotland. It all started in 1994 and our President Jim Innes and his wife Margaret were there at the inception. During the last 15 years Bichons have become very popular as pets. It is not so long ago that a well known T.V. Game Show had as one of the questions “what is a Bichon Frisé?’ This was for a considerable amount of money and the contestant did not know the answer… everyone does now! Due to personal reasons we lost the services of Christine Mills our Treasurer and Claire Mills our Membership Secretary. I would like to thank them both for the services to the Club. Last year we had a very successful Grooming Seminar, which was aimed at Professional Groomers. We were lucky to have Lesley Stanley aided by her husband Colin, who demonstrated grooming of pet Bichons. Our Club is about education of our Breed. It is not only our Members who have to be educated, we have to educate people who deal with our Breed e.g. Groomers, so that our Bichons continue to look like Bichons and the owners can handle the grooming of their pets between visits to the Grooming Parlour. We had our annual Christmas Party on 12th December and as with all our Fun Days we invited all small dogs. Our Membership base has over 200 names and we are still trying to get our members signed up for Standing Orders. It is a slow process, but we are getting there! At the A.G.M. we added 6 new members to our Committee. We have just had our first meeting, which involved our New Minute Secretary, Sheila Pye, and our new Treasurer Lindsay Buckley. We wish them all the best in their new positions. We have also nominated Catering Convener; Josie Mackie, Calendar Convener; Elaine Lawrie and a Publicity team comprising of Elaine, Sheila, Margaret Stewart and Inez McLeary. We are all raring to go to our first event, which is our Fun Day on 6th September. This will be followed by our Christmas Party on 6th December. Both will be held in the Polmont Halls, in Polmont, Falkirk. So put these dated in your Diary and if you really love your dog please support the Club! We look forward to seeing you soon. Sylvia Davidson, Chairperson June 2009 SECRETARYS STATEMENTS Hello again to all our members. It’s Newsletter time again and a good opportunity for me to up-date you on what’s happening in the Club. The Christmas Party was a great success with a good number of Bichons and small friends joining in the fun. Josie Mackie was judge for the day and she tells me she had a very enjoyable time, with a lovely entry to choose her Best in Show from. The AGM and get Together, on Sunday 5th April 2009, was well attended and resulted in much needed willing helpers joining our committee. We have been also been fortunate in securing the services of Lindsay Buckley to act as Treasurer and Sheila Pye as Secretary (Members), strengthening our team and enabling us to to take the Club forward for the benefit of the Membership. The Fun Day and 15th Birthday Anniversary event is to be held on Sunday 6th September 2009, in the Polmont Parish Church Hall, Main Street, Polmont promises to be a very lively affair and the committee are hopeful a large attendance of members and friends, and their dogs, will come along to support this special event and join in the fun. All of our committee members look forward to meeting old friends and new ones at the fund-raisers, and would like to thank all who come along making our job seem worthwhile. My best wishes for happy holidays, lots of sunshine and walks in the park. Till we meet on Sunday 6th September, bye for now. Irene R. Anderson, Minutes Secretary The Club is indebted to Kevin of Hill’s Science for the donation of 4 bags of dog food for our upcoming Birthday Party. THE 2010 CALENDAR On sale from September 6th, our first calendar which has photographs of members’ Bichons. A4 in size and printed in full colour it will cost only £6 (plus postage if required). To reserve your copy, or copies, contact: Elaine Lawrie, 4 Falside Crescent, Bathgate, West Lothian EH48 2DQ or telephone: 01506 630830. The Bichon Frisé Club of Scotland Officers & Committee 2009/10 Secretary (Minutes): Irene Anderson 3 Queens Drive, Falkirk FK1 5JJ Tel: 01324 621718. Secretary (Membership): Sheila Pye 8 The Links, Cumbernauld G68 0EP Chairperson: Sylvia Davidson, 3 Overton Road, Netherburn, South Lanarkshire ML9 3BT Tel: 01698 889354. President: Jim Innes, 45 Newbigging, Musselburgh EH21 7AS Tel: 0131 665 6273. Treasurer: Lindsay Buckley 58 Sommerville Gardens South Queensferry EH30 9PW Committee: Mr Alec Anderson, 3 Queens Drive, Falkirk FK1 5JJ Margaret Innes, 45 Newbigging, Musselburgh EH21 7AS Mrs Margaret Stewart, 10 Keirs Beith Rise, Kingseat, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 0DB Margaret Lawrence 18 Cairns Garden, Balerno, Edinburgh EH14 7 HJ Josie Mackie 3b Griffith Drive, Whitburn, West Lothian, EH47 0BL. Elaine Lawrie 4 Falside Crescent, Bathgate, West Lothian EH48 2DQ. Wilma Cruickshank 4 Station Road, Clovenfords, Galashiels, TD1 3LT. Inez McLeary 72 John Street, Larkhall ML9 2ET, Gini Huis 24 John Street, Larkhall ML92ET Items for the Newsletter (articles and images) can be e-mailed to: jim_innes@ednet.co.uk The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessary those of the Officers or Committee of the Bichon Frisé Club of Scotland. LINDSAY BUCKLEY (Treasurer) SHEILA PYE (Membership Secretary) As I write this, my two fluffs are blitzing about the garden and playing tug of war over a piece of garlic bread. What joy there is just watching them play. Recently, I have had two people having lost a beloved pet say they won’t be getting another as there is too much heartbreak when they pass away. Yes, there is a great loss and sadness but really how can you deprive yourself of the sheer delight of sharing your life with a Bichon or other pet. The joy when they greet you at the door, the cuddles and kisses freely given. What about the friends you make when you are out with them. I spent a week in Skye and wherever we went the fluffs were a talking point. Young or old and sometimes not even speaking English but coming together because of our dogs. Although perhaps the woman in the yarn shop who was eyeing up their coats had other things in mind! This is why this Club is so important as we get the chance to come together at events and have fun. I look forward to seeing you all in September. Quotes The reason that a dog has so many friends, is that he wags his tail instead of this tongue. Anonymous There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. Ben Williams A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. John Billings The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. Andy Rooney Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. Franklin P. Jones If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise. Unknown My dog is worried about the economy because dog food is up to $3 a can, that is almost $21 in dog money. John Weinstein If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference difference between a dog and a man. Mark Twain If you think dogs can’t count try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket then give him only two of them. Phil Pastoret Our new Treasurer, Lindsay has promised an article for the next issue, but in the meantime says hello to all. President’s Paragraph By JIM INNES It was good to see so many people (and dogs) at our AGM / Get Together in April. It was even better to welcome new members to the Club and Committee, for the first time in a few years we have a decent size Committee. A photograph of all but two of our numbers was taken at our first meeting following the AGM at the Station Hotel, Larbert. The Hotel has become our favourite meeting place, as we are always made most welcome and even though the hotel is undergoing major refurbishment the management was able to supply us with soup and sandwiches to keep us going. As President of the Club for last year and re-elected for this, I would like to say a special thanks to Irene Anderson and Sylvia Davidson, who together have held the Club together over the last few months. Due to other commitments and circumstances a number of members fell by the wayside, but Irene and Sylvia, both of whom have seen the inside of more hospitals than the cast of Holby City in the last year or so, soldier on and kept encouraging the rest of us to do our bit. It is very easy for a club to fail and disappear, all it takes is a lack of interest. I believe the Bichon Frisé Club of Scotland is worth saving, it is the only one in Scotland and well into the north of England. The knowledge that our combined membership has about the breed is worth the sharing. Our aims are the same as they were on day one. The Bichon Frisé Club of Scotland was started up in 1994 primarily for the benefit of Bichon owners in Scotland. The aim of the Club is to exchange knowledge and information on the breed and to help improve general standards in health, grooming and breeding. The membership is open to all, with or without a Bichon. Although the ambition of the Club is to be recognised by the Kennel Club and hold a Show, we acknowledge that this is still some time off. Long may the Club flourish, with stalwarts like Irene and Sylvia I am sure it will. 20 Reasons why your dog’s haircut costs more than yours 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Your hairdresser doesn’t give you a bath Your hairdresser doesn’t give you a manicure or pedicure. You don’t try to bite or scratch your hairdresser. You don’t wriggle, spin or try to jump out of the hairdresser’s chair. Your hairdresser only cuts the top of your hair, not the whole of your body. You don’t try to hump the hairdresser. Your hairdresser doesn’t wipe boogies from your eyes. Your hairdresser doesn’t pluck and clean your ears. Your hairdresser doesn’t squeeze your anal glands You don’t go to the loo while you are getting your hair cut. Your hairdresser does not remove fleas or ticks. You don’t go 6 weeks (or more) without brushing or washing your hair. Your hairdresser doesn’t brush tour teeth. You don’t try to bite the clippers, scissors, brush, nail clippers or dryer. It doesn't take 3 people to trim your nails. Your hairdresser doesn’t have to de-matt your hair. Your hairdresser would never wash your rear end. Your hairdresser doesn’t give you a “sanitary trim” Drying your hair doesn’t blow hair all around and gets on everything. You don’t howl or bark while having this done! How many dogs does it take to change a light bulb? Border Collie: Just one. And then I’ll replace any wiring that’s not up to code. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us, and you’re inside worrying about a stupid burned-out light bulb? Dachshund: You know I can’t reach that stupid lamp! Toy Poodle: I’ll just blow in the Border collie’s ear and he’ll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry. Rottweiler: Make me. Shi-tzu: Puh-leeze, dah-ling. Let the servants. . . . Lab: Oh, me, me!!! Pleeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Can I? Malamute: Let the Border collie do it. You can feed me while he’s busy. Jack Russell Terrier: I’ll just pop it in while I’m bouncing off the walls and furniture. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark. Doberman Pinscher: While it’s dark, I’m going to sleep on the couch. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeeky toys in the dark. Mastiff: Mastiffs are NOT afraid of the dark. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb. Irish Wolfhound: Can somebody else do it? I’ve got this hangover.... Pointer: I see it, there it is, there it is, right there... Greyhound: It isn’t moving. Who cares? Australian Shepherd: First I’ll put all the light bulbs in a little circle... Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? That thing I just ate was a light bulb? Bichon Frisé: Dogs do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs, I am not one of THEM, so the question is, how long will it be before I can expect my light? Hound: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz From the Llewellyn Security website Christmas Party’08 Once again the Bichons’ (and other small dogs) came to Party in style. A mixture of showing, some fun, get-together, racing, more fun and fancy dress gave us all a bit of a boost on a cold November day. Our popular Judge for the day Josie Mackie, a member of the Club from day one. More Christmas Party pictures... Left: all small dogs are not Bichons and this beautiful Jack Russell really loves to party! Right: another party animal, Josie Mackie who was our very popular Judge for this years party. Illegal dog WARNING OVER PEDIGREE dealers PUPPY SCAM ‘target’ area eople looking to buy a pet have been warned about an international scam involving adverts for animals that do not exist. Trading standards officers said some classified adverts online, or in local free papers, were aimed at tricking consumers out of large sums of money. They offer non existent pedigree puppies or exotic pets at low prices or “for free adoption”. Money is then requested for delivery, quarantine and veterinary costs. David Roderick is a trading standards manager with North Lanarkshire Council, which heads up Scotland’s Scambusters team in partnership with Dundee City Council. He said: “Often these pets do not even exist. “Consumers should look out for telephone numbers beginning with ‘070’. These are known as personal numbers, but your call could be redirected anywhere in the world and cost up to 50p a minute from a landline, or considerably more from a mobile phone. He added: “Not all 070 numbers are connected to this scam, some are legitimate sales avenues. “The other things to look out for are a ring tone that differs from the standard UK double ring; and an echo on the line. Both are indicators that the call is connecting outside the UK. “If the seller asks for a money transfer to cover delivery, quarantine or veterinary costs, buyers should be very wary.” People eager to purchase a pet are advised to arrange to see the animal in its home environment before agreeing a sale. Consumers with any doubts should contact their local trading standards office. P ayside is being targeted by people looking to make money from illegal dog dealing, it has been claimed. The Scottish SPCA pointed to a number of local adverts taken out by people who did not have a licence to buy and sell the animals. Their investigators warned against people who claimed to be lonely after losing their pet and wanted a new dog. The scam involves dealers obtaining an animal, often for free or at low cost, and selling it on at an inflated price. T To God from the Dog Dear God: Why do humans smell the flowers, but seldom, if ever, smell one another. Dear God: When we get to heaven, can we sit on your couch! Or will it still be the same old story? Dear God: Why are there cars named after the jaguar, the cougar, the mustang, the colt, the stingray and the rabbit, but not ONE named for a dog? How often do you see a cougar riding around? We do love a nice ride! Would it be so hard to rename the “Chrysler Eagle” to “Chrysler Beagle”? Dear God: if a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog? Dear God: We dogs can understand human verbal instructions, hand signals, whistles horns, clickers, beepers, scent ID’s, electromagnetic energy fields and frisbee flight paths. What do humans understand? Dear God: More meatballs, less spaghetti please. Dear God: Are there postmen in Heaven? if there are, will I have to apologise? Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to do to be a good dog. 1. I will not eat the cat’s food before the eat it or after they through it up. 2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs etc., just because I like the way the smell. 3. I will not munch on “leftovers” in the cat litter box, although they are tasty. 4. The nappy bucket is not a cookie jar. 5. The sofa is not a “face towel”. Neither are Mum and Dad’s laps. 6. The dustbin men are not stealing our stuff. 7. My head does not belong in the refrigerator. 8. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad‘s underwear when he’s on the toilet. 9. Sticking my nose into someone’s private region is an unacceptable way of saying “hello”. 10. I don’t need to suddenly stand straight up when I am under the coffee table. 11. I must shake the rainwater out of my coat before entering the house, not after. 12. I will not throw up in the car. 13. I will not come from outside and immediately drag my bottom. 14. I will not sit in the middle of the lounge and lick my nether regions when we have company. 15. The cat is not a “squeaky toy” so when I play with him and he makes that noise. It’s usually not a good thing. And finally, my last question - Dear God: when I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back! With thanks to D Hemersley, Chesterfield And more... ‘Commodity’ SSPCA spokeswoman, Doreen Graham, said: “We’re very concerned because the welfare of these animals could be severely compromised. “The sad fact is that the person who placed the advert isn’t interested in what dog they’re getting because they’re viewing it as a commodity to sell on. “It may be that those involved are actually selling on a significant number of dogs every month.” Another scam involves members of the public being offered a pet for free as long as they pay “transport costs”. The seller claims they are returning home to deal with a family emergency. However the animal does not exist. Ms Graham urged anyone who had bought or sold a dog in such circumstances to contact the organisation. SIGNS OF THE TIMES Seen on fence Salesmen Welcome... Dog food is expensive Seen on Vet’s door Be Back in 5 Minutes. SIT!, STAY The liquid on the INside of a fire hydrant is H2O The liquid on the OUTside of a fire hydrant is K9P Trip to the Vet... Priceless? Okay, so maybe I’m not really a dog person. Or maybe… I’m not really a VET person. That’s probably closer to the truth! A year and a half ago, being the lone crusader against canine invasion in our home, I was overcome with a case of guilt-induced psychosis and crashed. Let’s face it, I caved, I conceded, I sold my spineless soul to the dog-eat-dog devil. I agreed to get a dog. And not just any dog… a BordieCollie-Cross with attachment/dependencydisorder. Now originally, my crusade began on the platform that getting a dog would mean having to spend half the day picking up dog logs. According to my husband, this is, indeed, true. But for the record, what I’d really like to do is go back to my list of arguments and refer to objection 3, 142 and 267. Ridiculous vet bills. I’m not saying this because I need to be objectionable. I’m saying this because I need to be right. If you’ve got a dog you’ll know what I mean. Case in point? Yesterday. Now normally, having a Bordie-Collie-Cross with attachment/ dependency-disorder means never having to say “Come here.” Radar is at your heel 24/7. No moment is exempt. No moment is sacred. So yesterday, when I’m sitting in the bathroom alone for the first time in a year and a half, I know something’s seriously wrong. A search of the house finds him curled up on the floor in the bedroom, eyes glassy, drooling like a St. Bernard (he never drools) and when the doorbell rings he barely lifts his head. I panic. “Radar, buddy, hang in there. Help is on the way.” (I know… I’m not a dog person, but to be honest, I’m a dead-dog person even less.) I call the vet. “Sorry ma’am, we close in five minutes. You’re going to have to take him to the emergency hospital.” “You’re kidding, right?” “Nope. If you want someone to look at your dog, you’re going to have to call the hotline.” I throw Radar in the car and call the emergency shelter en route. It’s like a scene from that old TV show Emergency. Dispatcher: Squad 51, informant reports toxic canine en-route, use caution. Dr. Victor Veterinarian: Squad 51, this is Rampart. Can you send us some EKG? Paramedic de Bruin: Ten-four, I’m transmitting EKG. I’m sending you a strip. Vitals to follow. Pulse is 160. The victim is covered in dog gob, Rampart. V-fib! V-fib! Dispatcher: Squad 51, continue to monitor patient and have one-hundred and thirty-five dollar emergency examination fee ready. Paramedic de Bruin: WTF? One-hundred and thirty-five dollars?! Are you kidding me? V-fib! V-fib! Rampart, have defibrillator ready for attending paramedic! When we arrive, the thief… er, I mean, the vet… ushers us into an examination room and gives Radar a thorough exam. The damn dog doesn’t even try to bite him. “Gums look good. Throat feels fine. I felt his abdomen and don’t feel any obstructions. Other than a bit of dehydration, I think he’s okay. My best bet is he’s got a case of indigestion.” “Indigestion?!” The only thing not being digested right now is the assault to my bank account. “Ya, an upset tummy. I can give you some canine antacid for twenty dollars and some easy-to-digest dog food and I think he’ll be fine. If you like, I can take his temperature just to be certain but most dogs don’t like the…ah… invasion.” I steel my eyes at Radar. “You cost me a hundred and fifty bucks on account of a case of heartburn?!” He wags his tail and licks my hand. “No doctor, I think we better investigate all avenues. Bring on the thermometer!” “Grrrr… aaaroooo!” Cost of emergency visit… $167.00 Cost of therapy for post-traumatic vet-bill disorder… $75.00 Look on Radar’s face when introduced to a thermometer… Absolutely priceless. Arlena de Bruin is a freelance writer and weekly humor columnist for newspaper, magazine and Web. She lives in BC, Canada and is currently writing her first humorous novel. For more of her column visit her website at: Arlena de Bruin - On the Bright Side Lungworm Alert! What is lungworm? The lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum (also known as French Heartworm) is a parasite that infects dogs. The adult lungworm lives in the heart and major blood vessels supplying the lungs, where it can cause a host of problems. Left untreated, the infection can often be fatal. The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails. The problem arises when dogs purposefully or accidentally eat these common garden pests when rummaging through undergrowth, eating grass, drinking from puddles or outdoor water bowls, or pick them up from their toys. There is also the potential for dogs to become infected through coming into contact with the trail of mucus that slugs and snails leave behind. Foxes can also become infected with the lungworm, and have been implicated in the spread of the parasite across the country. There are two main problems caused by dogs becoming infected with lungworm: Infection with lungworm can cause serious health problems in dogs, and is often fatal if not diagnosed and treated. Dogs infected with lungworm spread the parasite into the environment, as the larvae of the parasite are expelled in the dog’s faeces. This increases the chances of other dogs becoming infected. different signs which may easily be confused with other illnesses. If your dog is displaying: breathing problems, poor blood clotting (showing red marks on gums), general sickness, change in behaviour, consult your veterinary surgeon immediately. There are some dogs which don’t initially show outward signs of lungworm infection. Your veterinary surgeon can perform tests which may help detect if your dog is infected with the lungworm parasite, if you are concerned. Treatment It is important to recognise that lungworm is not treated by the conventional use of worming tablets when given every three months, or even every month. Thankfully, treatment of lungworm infection in dogs is widely available and easy to administer. Once diagnosed and treated, most dogs make a full recovery. The key to successful treatment is taking action early. If you are concerned your dog has picked up, or is at risk from, picking up a lungworm infection, speak to your veterinary surgeon without delay. Treatment options There is a solution that can be applied to the back of your dog’s neck which effectively treats lungworm. This monthly product also treats your dog for fleas and other common parasites such as fleas, worms (including lungworm) and mites. Speak to your veterinary surgeon for further advice. Reproduced by kind permission of Bayer plc. For more go to www.lungworm.co.uk What are the signs my dog has lungworm? Dogs of all ages and breeds can become infected with lungworm. However, younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the parasite. Dogs known to eat slugs and snails should also be considered high risk. Lungworm infections can result in a number of More happy, healthy dogs at the Christmas Party y art P 15thBirthday The Bichon Frisé Club of Scotland SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER, 2009, 12 noon - 4pm. Polmont Old Parish Church Halls, Main Street, Polmont, Falkirk FK2 0PZ. Entrance (and parking) Greenpark Drive. 10 minutes from J4, M9. Mobile on the day: 07710 762296 NOVELTY CLASSES WITH ROSETTES, GAMES, STALLS, SAUSAGE RACE, AGILITY / OBSTACLE RACES, RAFFLE, BRING AND BUY DOGGIE STALL Doggie Bric-A-Brac Buy and Sell at our unique bargain stall - simply bring and buy - anything of a doggie nature - apart from the dog of course, Photographic Exhibit your dog photos (funny, sad etc.). Why not give your photographs a caption. Have your dog photographed on the day. Buffet lunch will be served at approximately 1.00pm. Donations for the raffle would be most appreciated. Adults £5.00; Children £3.00 (under12); Dogs - Free Donations from profits will be made to Bichon Rescue and a Dog Charity To Book or for more details contact: Sylvia Davidson: 3 Overton Rd, Netherburn, South Lanarkshire ML9 3BT Tel: 01698 889354. DOGS OPEN TO ALL SMALL www.pearlwhitebichonfrise.co.uk/bfcos.html