leg injuries
I have a question for the list. Smokey has once again hurt his leg. This is about the 4th time something like this has happened. I am worried that there may be something I (and my vet) are missing so here's the story: Smokey is 1 year and has twisted his ankle, broken one of his toes, and now done something to his ankle again. It usually happens when we are on our off leash walks and he is running about. He has no other health problems and heals quickly after getting some anti-inflammatory medicine and some rest. What I am worried about is that something else (like a problem with hips or elbows) is causing him to be off balanced and making him get injured. Is this likely? How would I know what to do about this? Or maybe it is just clumisness as Smokey still grows into his body. Oh, he is about 27" and weights 120lbs. Any advise or references about where to look about this is greatly appreciated. Radha (and Smokey--now on houserest and unhappy about it!) __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online http://webhosting.yahoo.com
Re: AKC CHF Malignant Histiocytosis Fundraiser
A few people have asked to donate something in Dunbar's name. The Hutchinson Histiocytosis study sounds so promising. If you would like to honor my Dunbar, please consider a donation to this raffle. Besides, you might win one of these gorgeous paintings. Marjie Missing my Dunbar, sleep in peace my sweet baby boy
Berner Golf Club Covers..... FOUND SOME!!!!!
HI Everyone, I was in Patt Wiegand's shop that sells all kind of breed collectibles. She told me that she will be getting in some golf club covers that are Berners. She also has ton's of other breeds available. I know I've seen several requests from people looking for them. The picture she showed me is really cute! They will even fit the "Big Bertha" style heads. She should be getting them any day. If you want to get more information, you can reach her at canterbury-tails.com The number to her shop is 248-393-1300. Bruce, Linda and the "Furry Five"
Re: mast cell tumors..
Yes, I have, and her name was Maggie, too. If you HAVE to have a cancer, a mast cell cancer might be the one of choice -- depending, of course, on the grade. If it's not too far advanced, the trick is to take out the tumour AND a large margin surrounding it to make sure you've got it all. Maggie had hers removed at around 6 years, and lived another almost 4 years, mast-cell tumour free. Best of luck. Keep the list informed. Susan and Djinn the berner and Riley the ?? rescue and the two cats > Hi all > anyone have a berner survive this..mast cell tumors..maggie just got diagnosed..> maura
Ozzie/Glucosamine
Hi all, I want to thank all of you for your replies concerning Ozzie and the problems he was having with his back legs when trying to get up from a down position. We have been giving him glucosamine for the past month and apparently it seems to be working. For the most part his stiffness seems to have disappeared and he doesn't seem to be struggling as before. This is good news. I will speak to my vet about xrays next month when Ozzie goes in for his yearly checkup. Thank you for your support and advice. Sheryl Taylor and Ozzie Richmond Hill, Ontario _
Happy Birthday to my sweet lovable Putz!!!
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RE Puppy Games
Hi Wendy! At our training classes we play recall games (alot!) as well as the following -- 1 -- Shark-infested Waters -- this game works the Stay command with distractions (so it may be a bit advanced for puppies.) 2 Rows of chairs, one for each team. The first player goes to the first chair and stands by it, instructing Fido to Sit/Down & Stay. Once the first dog is settled,, the ssecond player goes to the second chair and does the same as the first player. And so on, each player/dog duo assuming a Stay position by a chair. Once the last dog has gone to a chair, the first dog/player combo leapfrogs past the last dog and goes to the next chair (ideally, if there are 4 duos then there would be say, 6 chairs) and so forth until all dogs have gone down the row and are now on the other side of the room. If at any time, a player/dog duo breaks the Stay, the team yells "Shark-infested Waters!" and the team has to start over again. It's fun. 2 -- Dress Your Puppy -- In this one, the goal is to get pups used to being handled and having a t-shirt put on them. (Good to acclimate them to such a thing -- sometimes medical emergencies can mean wearing strange gear for a while.). Again, 2 teams. Each duo moves across the room to a chair. There, the trainer or assistant will feed the pup some really tasty morsels while the owner puts a t-shirt (or bandanna for really tiny pooches). Then the duo heads back so another duo can start. The dogs are pretty cute and funny. 3 -- Another version of this is to have the owner put the dog on a Stay or drop a tidbit and use the Leave It command while sitting in the chair and either reciting the alphabet or eating a candy bar. Best for dogs with more advanced skills. I'll ask our trainer for ideas when I see her this Saturday. Hope this helps! Catherine Young Madison WI Shadow, Mickey & Jenny *** are you a cello teacher??
berner sighting and Mary Townsend
Hi all First the info on Mary. There WAS an obit in the Canton Repository on Wed Mar 12 for a Mary K Townsend..I knew it wasn't "our" Mary when I read that this Mary "operated Dunks Diner and Catering Service as well as Dunks Furniture in Astabula"also that she was proceeded in death by her husband Thomas. Walt is Mary's husband. Just so you know...the Canton Repository is the "big" newspaper in the Canton/Massillon area here in Ohio. On to the berner sighting. In Walgreens I bought the last 2 berner cards they hada black and white of 2 darling berners, blank inside, put out by Hallmark under their "impromptu" line. And, of course I HAD to tell the check out lady "we have dogs like this" and show the her some pics of Bacchus and Ari. Cathi
AKC CHF Malignant Histiocytosis Fundraiser
When I get home from work, I rush to the mailbox to see what checks have arrived from which countries and there have been none!!! My mailbox has not had any checks for our fundraiser for THREE WHOLE DAYS!!! Remember.this fundraiser is for Grant #2214 and is being conducted to help raise money for cancer research in the study being done in the Ostrander Lab at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. Heidi Parker and her colleagues are trying to identify the DNA variants that cause Malignant Histiocytosis. The efforts of these researchers will, it is hoped, lead, in the next three to four years, to a DNA test using associated markers for this disease. Every week, we hear of Berners who have been diagnosed with malignant histiocytosis, or worse yet, who have lost the battle against malignant histiocytosis. I know only too well that horribly helpless feeling that you get when you hear those words. How wonderful it would be for breeders to be able to test their Berners and to be able to breed this terrible disease out of their lines. We NEED YOUR SUPPORT to help make this happen. Willem Wijnberg, a hobby artist from the Netherlands has donated two more lovely paintings of Berners to help raise money for cancer research. Karen Pickel has once again made a terrific website for our fundraiser, so you can see Willem's paintings. Be sure to check it out and to also click on the link for information on the study and read about how you and your Berner can help this research project: http://www.overthefence.com/raffle/histio/ Willem's first painting (14 x 10 inches) is titled "Mother and Daughter." This is based on a beautiful photo that Pat Long took of Dottie Schulte's two Berners, who were father and son. The second painting (14 x 10 inches) Willem titled "NEW HAPPINESS" and is a puppy from the litter of Fiona Gordon. The puppy's name is Bella. Be sure to read the story of this title on Karen Pickel's web site. The fundraiser runs from February 25th through April 5th, 2003. That is not far away - it is only a little more than three weeks away. I have given the price of tickets in ten different currencies so it is easier for those not living in the USA to send in their contributions to this fundraiser. Jean Cheesman and Willem Wijnberg have already contacted clubs in several other countries about publicizing this fundraiser among it's members. I'd love to see a lot of donations from people in other countries, because this research is going to help Berners worldwide. If you are sending US fund, please make your checks payable to "AKC CHF" (contributions to AKC CHF are tax deductible and are matched at 50% by the AKC) and in the memo part of your check, write "Grant #2214." As usual, I can accept foreign cheques, with no extra charge from my bank. Make these cheques payable to "Joye M. Neff," so I can convert them to US dollars. Please mail your check to: Joye M. Neff 1182 Firwood Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15243-1825 Please send me the following information with your check: Name Address Phone Number E-Mail Address How you want to distribute your tickets Willem insisted that this fundraiser be in memory of my Berner, Winston, who lost the battle to Malignant Histiocytosis on Jan. 4th, 2003 at the age of 'almost five years old.' I insisted that the fundraiser be in memory of all Berners who have lost their lives to this terrible cancer. We compromised and it is for both! Jean Cheesman, from the UK, has made a wonderful Histio Roll Call web site that has photos and stories of some of the Berners who left their owners much too soon because of this disease. Be sure that you visit the site to see these very special, loving Berners: http://www.angelfire.com/anime3/longlease/histiorollcall.htm If you have lost a Berner to malignant histiocytosis and would like to have him/her included in this website, contact Jean at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Last year, we raised a total of $5595 for the study of malignant histiocytosis. I would like us to TOP that number with this fundraiser. Remember that the AKC matches your donation at a rate of 50% so for every dollar you give, fifty cents is donated as a matching amount. So far, we have raised $898 for the fund.we have a LONG way to go and need to raise around $4800 more to surpass our last fundraiser. I'm counting on each and every one of you to help! The time to send in your checks is NOW!!! Please help us fight Malignant Histiocytosis. There are far too many young and old Berners who lose the battle to this terrible disease every day. We need to find a way to eliminate Malignant Histiocytosis. Won't you please be part of the solution - we CAN and WILL make a difference!! Joye Neff and Nick (Ben) In memory of Winston Poohbear (1998-2003) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
drafting
Hi all, I was lucky enough this fall to win the cart in the BEHAF raffle but was out of town until December - thanks to the hard work of Vilma Briggs and Joye Neff, the cart arrived at my house a few weeks ago (thank you Cathi too! It is gorgeous!). In preparation for the cart, I took my siwash harness and fitted it to Kosak, I put the tracers on him, and I hooked him up to Bianca's old plastic wagon - FREAK OUT He ran me into a brick wall, down a hill - it was a disaster and this is after doing the weights on the end, the loose tracers, etc! So Wendi Giordano brought over her small competition cart from dog works hoping the more silent wheels and lower profile would be less threatening and he might actually pull it - FREAK OUT!! Great - I have this lovely cart coming and the dog is scared to death So Wendi and I patiently tried several more times, each time he was a little more calm and a little more tolerant. Well the cart arrived and we decided to see what he would do - dang if that dog doesn't know that is HIS cart and he pulled it up the hill, turned around and pulled it back down the hill. Either he knows it is his, he has given up and decided to cooperate, or the aura from Ruth Nielsen, drafter extraordinaire, in his presence caused him to have some metamorphosis. I have no clue, but he is on his way to being a drafting fool! Yeah for Kosak! and thank you Cathi for building such a lovely cart! Molly and the gang + 3 little squirts Charlottesville, VA
Invisable Fencing
Regarding invisible fencing. I do not have one, I have a physical fence. I have almost 3 acres fenced - yes it is expensive and there is maintenance, but I have piece of mind. Friends visit often bringing their dogs over for a run off leach in a large, safe, fenced area. They could not do this if I had a invisible fence for they would have to train their dog on my invisible fence line with a shock collar - or keep it leached up. I baby-sit my sisters and my parents dogs and no dogs have ever escaped. My neighbors dogs who wander often can only pick a fight through the fence. An invisible fence can be deceiving to children, the postman and responsible adults. Most don't realize they are in or near an invisible fence area until it is too late. Not all dogs like children or adults for that matter, and not all people are comfortable with dogs - especially unleashed dogs. Have you ever walked through a neighborhood on a quite evening and had the poop scared out of you when a barking, unleashed dog rushed the sidewalk only to stop four feet from you for no apparent reason. Granted no harm was done but the two year old in the stroller cried for several more blocks. -Denise Michigan, USA
RE: Berner-Garde Website Database
Kim, I'm one of the contacts for the Bernese Mountain Dog Genealogical Site, how can I help? Contact me off the List? Pat
RE: Help Needed ASAP of how to send tumors
Renee, I'm so sorry to hear about Bear, and I'll be waiting on pins and needles with everyone else to hear what the Oncologist says. There is an article about histio on my website, you can read it here: http://www.jersey.net/~mountaindog/berner1/ There is not currently any tumor submission process for UC Davis. There had been one subsidized by Berner-Garde, but due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, the arrangement was canceled. There is a tumor registry with GDC, and that and an eye registry are the only registries they are currently maintaining. To submit the information about an existing pathology report, you can find the form at: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/gdc/Tumorfm.htm Do not attempt to submit any actually tumors, only the tumor registry is being utilized currently. (option 3, to submit an existing histopath report) There is a study that is currently underway at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington. They are working to find the genes responsible for malignant histiocytosis and cancer susceptibility. Here is the information for participating in that study: -- Genetic Research for Genes related to Cancer Susceptibility. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is trying to find the gene for cancer susceptibility, and is using blood drawn from Bernese Mountain Dogs that have been positively diagnosed with histio - either systemic or malignant. They still need more samples for their work. They need samples from dogs that have had or (will have post-mortem) a positive diagnosis made. They are also very much in need of "control" samples from Berners over the age of 10 that have not been diagnosed with histio. (But. We have found that this does not mean that the dog will never get histio, so necropsy for these dogs is also important. They realize this may not be for some years after the sample donation!) I'm sorry, I know I sound very cold hearted here, but in order to look for genes, they need to know these diagnoses positively! The "control" samples are very important to the success of the study, and will be greatly appreciated! Information on this study and other studies will be posted at www.bmdca.org in the health section. Instructions for submission of blood samples for this study are: 1. request a free blood collection kit from Kenine Comstock or Heidi Parker in Elaine Ostrander's lab Please email both Kenine and Heidi ([EMAIL PROTECTED] and [EMAIL PROTECTED]) or call (206) 667-6980 to insure that a kit is sent to you as soon as possible. 2. Follow the enclosed instructions: a. Have your vet fill the tubes with blood b. label the tubes with dog's name, breed, sex, age, owner's name and phone number, and include a pedigree and relative health information. c. use the enclosed mailing label d. mail it priority mail to FHCRC e. call or email them to let them know it's on its way -- I'll try to help in any way that I can, which never feels like enough. I also have the blood collection kits for the FHCRC here, so if anyone does need one, I can mail them out priority mail as well. Please hug that Bear for me, and I'm sorry I didn't see your post sooner! Pat Long, with loving memories of Hannibal Berwyn PA
Looking for a Microchip Clinic in NY/NJ
If anyone knows of any microchip clinics coming up in or around NYC, could they let me know. Thanks. Karen Thoubboron Maibock Kennel Pittsfield, MA
The Angel Lady
As Joye mentioned, Karen Connors is our own very special Angel Lady. For those of you who know someone who needs a Berner Angel Pin, you can contact Karen to let her know, and she'll send it out. It's her legacy to her Britney, or rather Britney's legacy to us all. And Britney has touched a great many of us. Karen has done this all on her own, at her own expense. She won't take a penny for it. BUT. It adds up - as you can imagine. I happen to know where she gets her angel pins, and our very own Joye Neff is the person who gets those pins for Karen wholesale. Joye keeps an Angel Fund for anyone that wants to contribute. I don't actually know of anyone who has contributed to it, but I have heard that Karen is getting a good many more angel pins than she expected to... So to all of you who help keep our own Angel Lady in pins - THANK YOU ALL!!! I'm sorry to say that I help keep her busy with names of people who need pins. Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
Berner-Garde Website Database
Can someone help me find the person to contact re: information of dogs on The Bernese Mountain Dog Genealogical Site? Thank-you! Kim Morrow Susa Reg'd Saskatoon, SK http://www.bernesedogs.com
Re: Elbows and Obedience Training
Hi Anne and Maddie! Molly is great at "sit" and terrific at holding eye contact and pretty reliable at "down," but she has been thoroughly inconsistent about responding to "come." It's my theory that because of her painful elbows she has gotten into the habit of thinking about whether the reward will justify the discomfort. With her elbows, it is clearly the rising up that is a problem. You can hear them clicking, and she nearly always hesitates when getting up from the floor or ground. On the other hand, if the "reward" were another dog to play with, she would jump right up and go! So my 2 cents worth is that when they have elbow pain, they weigh the options before following instructions. We are going to try obedience class again after rehab from elbow surgery is behind us. Martha Hoverson and Molly (in the car right now with her daddy on the way to the Foster Small Animal Hospital at Tufts; surgery tomorrow!) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Portland, Maine From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Elbows and Obedience Training Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2003 12:32:12 -0500 Hello, Listers- I'm in need of input regarding obedience training (not for competition, at this point, just companion level) and a dog with symptomatic elbow dysplasia (diagnosed early, but not surgically "correctable")... My 9 month old, Maddie, is generally a good and eager-to-please student. However, I'm having a very hard time getting her to do "downs" without food lures. She will sit every time, but stares at me blankly when told "down." She will only "down" when following a treat; the rest of the time she ignores me completely. I (and the trainer)am having a hard time determining if this is just stubborn adolescence or unwillingness to do something that's uncomfortable unless worthwhile food is the reward! I try to avoid repeating any one exercise too much, avoid too many "tight turns", and am ever conscious of her elbows, but I'm finding it hard to differentiate between her stubbornness and what might be unwillingness to comply because of discomfort. Any advice/suggestions for working with a dog with this physical limitation would be appreciated! Anne with Maddie and Titan Cranford, NJ _ STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
Re: Elbows and Obedience Training
my baka had all kinds of trouble with down too. she did great at puppy kindergarten and obedience I - everything except the down. now of course if we had a treat and lured baka into a down, no problem. but take away the lure and we'd get that blank stare. baka also has hip & elbow problems, so we too wondered if they were causing problems. for us it turned out that baka just wasn't understanding what "down" meant. we couldn't sign up for obedience II class while we were waiting to have the hip surgery, so i picked up a book on clicker training & we started our own little training sessions at home. i was amazed when we got to working on down - you could literally see when baka finally understood what down meant. she looked at me and you could tell she was thinking, "oh! that's what you've been yammering on & on about. that's easy! why didn't you explain it better the first time?" of course this was just my one experience & its only something else to consider. maybe watch maddie during the day, when you're not training & she's doing what she wants to do. does she seem uncomfortable laying down or getting up then? laura & baka chapel hill, nc
Re: Home needed for Berner
In a message dated 3/13/2003 12:12:53 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I am in need of your help. 4 years ago I placed a puppy into a good home. > Something has happened in the past year, to this home, and the dog has > suffered. He is affectionate and wants love and attention. This > boy needs a home that has time to work with him and try and undo whatever has > happened to him. > Since I am in Idaho and he is in Ohio, I am unable to fly him home. Raime, When you find that special person willing to take in and help your boy, I would be willing to work with them to help him overcome his issues in any way I can. I am here in Ohio and I have fostered (and rehabilitated) 4 rescue Berners (including a brand new foster I took in last weekend) w/ similar issues in the past year and would be more than willing to help work w/ the new foster or a forever home to help him. I spoke w/ the previous owner of this dog about a week or two ago, so I kinda know the situation. Just let me know if I can do anything to help. Vilma Briggs (Kistner) Mt. Gilead, OH U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT Thirdtym's A Charm, CGC and now Bruin/Brew/??
Happy 1st Birthday
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mast cell tumors..
Hi all anyone have a berner survive this..mast cell tumors..maggie just got diagnosed..she normally gets fatty cell deposits and the're not worrysome. I knew this was different when I felt it. There were two of them..they're small. We did an asperaite procedure..so I do not know what grade they are. We're going to see a surgeon tomorrow. We lost Big Otis in september to MH...now this. I think my next dog will be one of those cardboard ones that stand up in the corner of your room.. maura
Elbows and Obedience Training
Hello, Listers- I'm in need of input regarding obedience training (not for competition, at this point, just companion level) and a dog with symptomatic elbow dysplasia (diagnosed early, but not surgically "correctable")... My 9 month old, Maddie, is generally a good and eager-to-please student. However, I'm having a very hard time getting her to do "downs" without food lures. She will sit every time, but stares at me blankly when told "down." She will only "down" when following a treat; the rest of the time she ignores me completely. I (and the trainer)am having a hard time determining if this is just stubborn adolescence or unwillingness to do something that's uncomfortable unless worthwhile food is the reward! I try to avoid repeating any one exercise too much, avoid too many "tight turns", and am ever conscious of her elbows, but I'm finding it hard to differentiate between her stubbornness and what might be unwillingness to comply because of discomfort. Any advice/suggestions for working with a dog with this physical limitation would be appreciated! Anne with Maddie and Titan Cranford, NJ
Home needed for Berner
Hello all. I am in need of your help. 4 years ago I placed a puppy into a good home. Something has happened in the past year, to this home, and the dog has suffered. He has now been placed into a small kennel for socialization and evaluation. He is a neutered male that is very uncertain of his surroundings and not confident in himself. He has never bitten but the owners did say he was bearing his teeth when they tried to force him to do something. Since he was put into the kennel a week ago he has started playing and re learning how to walk on a leash. He is affectionate and wants love and attention. This boy needs a home that has time to work with him and try and undo whatever has happened to him. Since I am in Idaho and he is in Ohio, I am unable to fly him home. Please contact me if you have any ideas or may be interested in making a home for this boy. Thank you very much. My heart is breaking. Raime Knicley Boise ID 208-562-1166
Re: fencing
Hi all, Following is another reason I do not like invisible fencing. Others have already stated some reasons they fail to keep dogs safe. A friend in my local kennel club is frantically searching for her dog (smaller terrier) who has been fine within the confines of invisible fencing, until now. The only thing left in the yard is the dog's collar. The dog has vanished. Whether the collar fell off somehow, or was taken off or the dog undid it will never be known. What is known, is the dog is gone. I think invisible fencing can work to teach dogs about boundaries, but just don't think they keep them as safe as a visible fence. If I had to use one (say traditional fence not allowed), then the dogs would only be out with me there surpervising. my two cents, given on behalf of the the dogs who might not be safe with this type of system, Jill with Indie and Gabby (the one who helped me spend another $400.00 on fencing)
Re: Puppy Games
i love playing musical chairs. When the music starts, everyone walks their dog on a loose leash. When the music stops everyone must stop their dog and put them in a sit. The last dog to sit is out. It is alot of fun. Courtney Erickson - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2003 5:25 AM Subject: Re: Puppy Games > Check out Deb Jones, PhD's book "Clicker Fun" (Berner on cover!) at > > http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html > > There are some great games in there. Also her book on teaching obedience > classes has some fun ideas. > > Vilma Briggs (Kistner) > Mt. Gilead, OH > U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT > Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT > U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT > Thirdtym's A Charm, CGC > and now Bruin/Brew/Pogo/?? >
re invisible fencing
Hi Everyone I have never used an invisible fence but our Tory who came to us at 4 1/2 years old (she is now 8 1/2)was trained on an ivisible fence as a puppy. I doubt if she even wore the collar for more than a few months, but she did respect it and she is a very pain insensitive girl. BUT something to consider is sound sensitivity. I understand the collars emit a beep or a click before the animal gets to the perimeter and gets the shock. I do think this has contributed to Tory's sound sensitivity. Our thermostat used to make click just before it turned off for the night. Tory would startle every night. Some nights it was enough to send her into panic mode and she would pace frantically around the house .( we now replaced it with a quieter model, but sometimes the furnace makes a tiny click and she's off into panic mode. One day while giviing one of our girls a bath I brought our egg timer outside and the click click click of it panicked her, she was shaking and terrified. And went to hide under the hydrangea bush. Now, I don't know if one day her collar shorted out on her and made the clicking sound or what but I know it had to do with the fence. Sound sesitivity usually gets worse as they get older and I wouldn't want to set myself up for anything like what we have with Tory on purpose. (She has to sleep with a fan running near her ears to mask out any creaks and clicks that happen in the quiet house at night) It's no fun. Tory is not one of those shy, sensitive girls either, she is an all out nothing bothers her type of girl except for this one thing. Just something to bear in mind if you have a choice of a solid fence or invisible fence. I also know of someone who used the invible fence inside the house to keep the Berner from going into certain rooms. We took care of her for a few days and it took all day to convince her she was not going to get shocked each time she went into a room with a rug in it. She also had to be taken in the car to get her out of the driveway as she would not walk out on her own. Very sad. Marjorie Cottle
RE: Fencing
Hi Susan, I don't like the idea of negative reinforcement which a jolt in the neck is. It doesn't fit my style of training and I will not sell to someone who relies on this type of fencing. Rose
RE: Labored Breathing
Hi Shelley, A shot in the dark suggestion:-) Have you done a full thyroid panel and I don't mean just T4. Aside from primary hypothyroidism there can be a diagnosis of secondary hypothyroidism which with some presenting symptoms (I don't know if this breathing problem could be one). The secondary type can involve the adrenal gland and the hyperthalmus (sp) the latter being responsible for influencing so many of the body's functions. You may need an ultrasound/doppler examination of the heart to determine the percentage of flow and highlight any concerns that do not readily present themself on an EKG. Has she had an abdominal ultrasound? All the best Rose
Help Needed ASAP of how to send tumors
Hi all, My 5 year old male Berner, Bear starting feeling ill last Sunday. Uncomfortable, couldn't settle down, loss of appetite, and yelping in pain. No obvious outward signs except something just wasn't right. Saw my Vet on Monday - thought maybe had a acidy type stomach(had one scare of possible bloat a few years ago)- gave him a tagament and ascripton. Went back to the Vet yesterday and did an x-ray. Found a growth around his heart. Then had an Ultrasound done and a needle biopsy done. Was given bad news and good news. My boy was diagnosed with Histiocytosis but the good news was that it was contained in one lung and had not spread. The way the Vet explained it to me was that on each side of the chest are three lungs (front, middle and back). Bear's tumor is in the middle lung on his right side. It is quite Large (ultrasound pictures make it look huge). Needle biopsy confirmed histio. I am going to Gulf Coast Vet Clinic this morning at 11. Have great Oncologist's there. The Vet says I will get much more info from them about Bear's condition. She said that it is possible to remove that lung and maybe he will have a chance since it hasn't spread. We'll see what the specialist's say. My question to anyone who can help is the following: I've seen the forms and directions for sending off tumors to UC Davis. But with the limited time that I have been home since his diagnosis I can't locate them. Can anyone please HELP me find the info so I can have them send this tumor off??? Appreciate any help you can give me. I am going to the vet with a lot of hope this morning but also have never felt so scared. Bear is my first Berner. I was living overseas and got him in Scotland. He is such a sweetheart. Just the joy he has given me (even if I have to possibly lose him at 5 years old)is overwhelming. My 3 year old female Berner, Meisje is aware something is not quite right. She gets so scared when he lets out a yelp of pain. Thanks for any help you can give about how to send this tumor off. I want to bring the paperwork with me to the vet this morning just in case. Renee Jacquier Katy, TX
Re: Puppy Games--
Joye, Hee-hee! Yup, you are right, that wonderful Berner featured on the cover of Deb Jones PhD's book is none other that my delightful Java -- playing w/ me. Both Java and my young Bean are "demo dogs" in Deb's 3 clicker training videos, which are/were available from the BMDCA if they have any left. If not, check out Boris's Book Site or www.dogwise.com. Have FUN w/ your dogs! :-) Vilma Briggs (Kistner) Mt. Gilead, OH U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT Thirdtym's A Charm, CGC and now Bruin/Brew/Pogo/??
Re: Puppy Games
Check out Deb Jones, PhD's book "Clicker Fun" (Berner on cover!) at http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/training.html * ANDthe cover picture on the "Clicker Fun" book is of Vilma Kistner Briggs and her wonderful Berner, Java!!! Vilma and Java are also seen in Deb Jones' three videos, also titled "Clicker Fun." I've done training with Vilma and she is an exceptionally excellent trainer. I've also done some training with Deb Jones and she is a wonderful trainer, too. Don't forget that when you buy books by going to Amazon or other companies through the Boris Books site, the BMDCA Health Fund will receive money from your purchases.Thank you, Wendy Beard, for setting this site up for us - if you haven't visited Boris Books' site, be sure to do so. There are reviews of books and you can enter Amazon.com, Dogwise and sitstay.com right from the site. Joye Neff and Nick (Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
Kennedy R.I.P. ......Thanks for your condolences & support
Hi John, And if you are the kind person who sent me the Berner Angel Pin, please email me. * The "Angel Pin" Angel is Karen Connors. Karen lost her Britney Mae of Kokanell "Britt" to malignant histiocytosis on July 1, 1999 and ever since, Karen has sent angel pins to people who have lost their Berners. It is her way to honor Britt's memory and to help others deal with the grief they feel when their Berner goes to the Rainbow Bridge. The angel pins bring tears on many occasions, but knowing that there are others who have gone through the same thing when they lost their Berner seems to help. When you see an angel pin on someone's shirt, just know that they were touched by a Berner Angel in their lives and that Karen "Angel" Connors was responsible for the pin they wear with love. May Kennedy live in your heart and soul forever and may his memory bring you happiness for the time you shared while he was here with you. Joye Neff and Nick (Ben) Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh, PA
Re: Puppy Games
Check out Deb Jones, PhD's book "Clicker Fun" (Berner on cover!) at http://members.rogers.com/bernerboris/bernerbooks.html There are some great games in there. Also her book on teaching obedience classes has some fun ideas. Vilma Briggs (Kistner) Mt. Gilead, OH U-UD Mocha Java Slurp, UDX, HIC, TT Ch. Brighteye Expresso Bean, UD, NDD, TT U-CDX Our Little Buddy, UD, NA, TT Thirdtym's A Charm, CGC and now Bruin/Brew/Pogo/??
New England show weekend
This coming Sat & Sun are the CT River Working Group shows in W. Springfield, MA. (Eastern States Exposition, Mallory Bldg.) The Berner entries are supported both days by regional clubs so you'll find large entries, breed information, hospitality, and lots of Berner lovers. Both days: Puppy & Veteran Sweepstakes at 8AM Regular judging starts at 9:30. See you there, Sherri Venditti
