those living in WA state might find this interesting
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Stuffed therapy Berner?
Both my live Berners are certified Delta Pet Partners, but I learned that my huge stuffed Costco Berner is a therapy dog as well. One of my co-workers had an elderly mixed-breed dog that was her daughter's best buddy. Daughter Amy was 14 and the dog must have been 13 1/2 because Amy had always had this dog in her life. Every day when she came home from school Amy would go to look for Shelby. The family knew Shelby's days were numbered because of her bad heart. One day when Amy came home she found Shelby's body on the kitchen floor, apparently dead from a heart attack some time that day. Amy was devastated. She went to sleep every night with her arms around her dog Shelby. When her mom told us at work, I offered to bring in this large stuffed dog that looked just like Raven (every one knows Raven because I bring her to work every Tuesday). She took the borrowed Costco Berner home to her daughter, and she said Amy carried it everywhere and took it to bed with her at night. In fact, her mom said a few nights she woke up with this huge dog on top of her so she knew Amy had crawled into her bed in the middle of the night. After about a week Amy returned the Berner with a nice thank-you note. The stuffed Berner helped her get through the pain of losing a beloved pet that had always been a part of her life. So it does seem that I really have 3 therapy Berners in the house and not just two. Pat--do I have to pay for bragging up the good works of my stuffed Berner? Vicky Hall in Utah, with Raven, Wylie and Costco-dog
Re: Pet Insurance
ARGH! How true!! I am having SUCH an ongoing headache with Veterinary Pet Insurance! We bought a policy for Zeus when he was 7 weeks old (he will be 2 this month), and have only just recently had cause to file a claim. On November 1, Zeus cut his paw wide open while running and required many stitches, x-rays (etc.) and extensive follow-up. My vet faxed the requested paperwork to VPI and they said they didn't receive it.my vet faxed it again.VPI said they didn't receive itwe mailed it certified AND faxed itVPI finally received it. By now was months later, and now, just TWO DAYS AGO I've received a check for $72.60 reimbursement for a total $829.85 Vet bill!! ARGH Obviously I will be fighting that one. Now he just tore his knee cap out, and I just can't wait to see what they will have to say about THAT.. Antoinette & Zeus San Ramon, Ca. > As Shakespeare would say, "Ah, there's the rub!" > What is a "good" one? If your dog has serious problems that the company > can > claim is "genetic" or "congenital" (in their mind they are the same, even > though we and the vets know they are not!) the treatment will not be > covered, no > matter how long you have been a client or how much you paid for the policy > or > how many independent veterinary specialists challenge the denial of > coverage. > That eliminates all surgery or treatment due to arthritis, dysplasias and > spondylosis. They consider all of those to have a "genetic or congenital" > origin. > It does appear from previous emails to the list that our Canadian members > have a much better selection of companies or coverage than we do in the > States. > > Anne Copeland (Flash CGC, TDI, 8 11/12 yrs. old Berner; Gypsy CGC, TDI, 2 > yr. > old Cavalier) > Northern Illinois Annes4, Corr. Sec. BMDCA > "If one will begin with certainties, one will end in doubts; however if one were content to begin with doubts, one will end in certainties." Sir Francis Bacon
waiting to exhale
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Re: Balls
Molly My boy loves a beat-up, dirty, deflated small sized basketball. It is virtually indestructbile and fun to retrieve. And cheap!!! Esta Dalsass NJ
Haircuts do NOT hurt dogs - my opinion
I have owned a grooming shop and have clipped several of my old collies and Berners. They love it. They do feel cooler. It is easy to tell by their behavior that they feel better. Until you actually do it, I can understand the arguments against it. However, I've seen older dogs with heavy coats that could barely walk in the hot summer. They lie around miserable. One quick summer clip and they seem Years younger instantly. It does not do anything different to a dog than it does to a human and don't we feel cooler in the summer when we cut our hair? It will grow back. My veteran, Ch Dabrak Classique Dancer was fully clipped the summer before her appearance at the Nationals in Rhode Island and did very well there. She was clipped at the beginning every summer, in fact. She carried a tremendously thick and long coat. Once clipped, she could go swimming all the time without the worry of hot spots and loved it. I currently have three that are clipped. I use several lengths. I like the 7F blade the best - it makes them look like a Greater Swiss. If you want it longer, you can use a comb attachment over the clipper blade or have your groomer scissor the coat instead of using a clippers. A good groomer can do just about anything you like but do use a "good and experienced" groomer as I've seen many dogs abused at bad grooming shops. For those of you that use the argument that the coat is natural for Berners, I respectfully disagree and don't believe it is. If this breed were left to breed in the wild, the coat would lighten in color and density very quickly. This coat is man made for cold weather, not produced by nature. If anyone would like a photo of one of my dogs that I recently clipped, just email me and I'll email one back to you. Flames happily deleted, Dawn Gabig, Classique Berners, Kansas City USA Our Website: http://ClassiqueBMD.homestead.com FREE Graphics: http://ClassiqueBMDs.homestead.com/graphics.html Heartland Club Website: http://www.hbmdc.org/
Re: OFA heart
In a message dated 6/18/03 10:05:06 PM US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Only a certified cardiologist can perform the OFA Heart Test and yes it is more certainly worth it!! >> Actually, the submission form from OFA states that a cardiologist, or a vet with specialized cardiac training should do the test. However, they will accept them even when done by general practitioners - I know of a number of cases where it was done by "regular" vets, including by my own boss - so I take the OFA heart cert. with a grain of salt. I think it's worth doing, but without more knowledge of who did the exam, I wouldn't take it as definitive proof of a clean cardiac bill of health. Joanne Prellberg Polaris Bernese Mtn. Dogs Scottsdale, AZ
Puppy!!!
Hi all, It's taken me two weeks to post this because I was embarrassed to announce the arrival of Halley's new brother who didn't have a name until yesterday. Pathetic, I know, but getting 4 opinionated people to agree to one Berner name is no a small task in my house. Introducing "Rigley", "Maine's Breeze Off the Bay". He is 11 1/2 weeks old, a perfect combination of sweet and feisty. Halley, lover of all things canine, has become very protective of her little brother, and does not like other dogs to approach him until she has given her permission. How fun it is to watch Rigley imitate his big sister. I have to admit, it is really true, two Berners are better than one! Janice Parky, Halley and Rigley Cape Cod, MA
good Aeryn tumour
no panic here folks, nothing but good news! About 10 days ago I found a tiny (2mm diameter) lump on Aeryn's right front leg. It was so tiny, but red and raised, so I nearly immediately hit the panic button. I actually contained my anxiety for a few days and left it alone, just incase it was a bug bite or something. But it didn't go away. And it didn't change in size either, but it did start to bleed when I next handled it. Still I tried to remain calm and not imagine all those awful things I'm very good and scaring myself with. So in the wee small hours of last Sat. a.m. (approx. 1:00 a.m.!) I practiced a little freezer top surgery on my girl -- a little bleb of local anesthetic (Aeryn said that stings! but only for a few seconds), appropriately sized biopsy punch to remove to tumour, 2 skin staples to close, and a biscuit for being SUCH a brave girlie. Five minutes later and the girl is outside chasing Rowyn around their running track at top speed. Of course I sent the lump off for histology and got the results back today -- "a totally harmless, benign hemangioma" -- YIPPEEE! much relieved and breathing happier here tonight sue(Aeryn -- I don't think I need those staple things anymore Mom, with Devyn & Rowyn -- I let her catch me that night just 'cuz she was wounded )
Good Boy
Odie and his brother Willie are the dogs in Good Boy. Odie is the lead and Willie was his stunt double. Odie is CKC/AKC CH Allsgold's Studebaker CD DD HCT CGC, Willie is CKC CH Allsgold's Work for the Weekend CD DD HCT CGC. Odie is 7 and Willie is 6. Those people in the Pacific Northwest who know Odie and have seen him at draft tests or in the obedience ring will understand why he is in a movie. He is the biggest ham in the world. Melodie Grabner Bernecho Kennel http://www.bernechokennel.com
Urine Masking
Hi helpful listers. I have a friend in Texas with 3 pound dogs that use her large yard as their relief area. She cleans the solids up, but the urine smell has lead to a neighbor war, especially in the Texas heat. An retired couple with too much time on their hands has called the warden so many times that he is threatening her with dog removal. Does anyone know of a product that will mask the smell but not harm the plants or lawn? She has tried mild soapy water, but it does not help. Thanks, David Sandler and Charisma ( my s**t doesn't stink)
Re: balls for dogs
Molly; I bought a basketball for my Rottweiler. He also had a football and a soccer ball. Eventually then all ended up flat but he had great fun with it. Believe it or not, the flat soccer ball was his favorite toy. The basketball lasted the longest (I think it is the biggest) and if you buy a decent one, they are pretty "thick skinned." Good luck with the "killer." Wendy Keene, Klarsson (who cares about balls?) and Lilah (I just want my Frisbee) Hampton, VA
re: need help on a question
if anyone is interested, i got 17 answers to my little survey. thanks to all who responded. people came from all over the united states, plus one in england & a few in canada. just over half had owned a purebred dog of another breed before. the time it took to get a puppy ranged from 1 day to 2 years. the average was just over 6 months. thanks again to everyone who helped to make my information for people looking for berners more accurate. lisa baldwin (dickens, bark & zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ofa cardiac exam
actually, you need to have a vet on the ofa cardiac approved list do it. not all people on the list are board certified cardiologists, although most are. ofa says 'each dog is to be examined and classified by a veterinarian with EXPERTISE in the recognition of canine congenital heart disease in accordance with procedures outlined in the enclosed application and general instructions.' the exam itself takes about 5 minutes & requires no sedation. if a murmur is found, then a ecg would be recommended to distinguish between an abnormality & an 'innocent murmur'. in our area, an ofa cardiac exam costs approximately $20-25. it can cost less if you do it at a health clinic. the ofa fee is $15 (or $10 for a provisional for a dog under 1 yr of age). ofa does not charge to enter an abnormal result. i don't know how many bernese people do ofa cardiac exams. i was surprised when i had dickens examined & he came back bmd#1. lisa baldwin (dickens, bark & zel) seattle, wa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Pet Health Insurance, Nationals, Home Insurance
To the best of my recollection, someone posted that health insurance should be purchased for a Berner for at least the first two years. I would disagree with this. Cancer does not generally seem to occur in this breed that early. Buy coverage for the dog's entire life. For example, Moses' chemotherapy for bone cancer cost one thousand dollars per session, the bone biopsy cost about six hundred dollars, and the amputation cost about one thousand dollars. Moses will, please God, be nine years old in August and is "bursting" with happiness and completely mobile. I think three events should be mandatory at National Specialties; draft, herding, and conformation, with the primary emphasis being on conformation; let us first, get dog shows back to an evaluation of/competition between potential or already breeding dogs and second, test the breed for the tasks that would be required of it on the farm. Last night at 10PM on Fox News, they did a segment on home insurance and dog ownership. Five million people are bitten by dogs every year. They interviewed a lady who lost her home insurance because the company she used deemed Dals (she has a sweet, well-trained one) aggressive. Other dogs "on the lists" are Pit Bulls, Rotties, GSDs, and Black Labs. Are Berners on any lists yet? I fear they might well be on all lists in the not too distant future due to the population explosion in the breed, pet store pups, backyard breeders, etc. Lisa Allen _ The new MSN 8: advanced junk mail protection and 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail
RE: AKC's Pet Healthcare Plan
this plan is administered by petshealthcare. petshealthcare has three levels not two. the middle level of petshealthcare gives you more for less money. the akc plan is skeletal in it's basic plan, the highest plan is similar to the akc plus plan. the middle one is the real bargain since it provides for much more than the basic akc plan. hope i have not confused everyone. both plans offer 100.00 deductible for the year. this is another plus. most other plans out there offer a 50.00 per incident deductible. both the akc and petshealthcare pay 80% of the remainder of the bill, if the costs re within reasonable and customarily fees. this is not always the case with a neuter where blood work is performed or special care is taken. your vet bill may be bigger than what they think it should be in which case they pay 80% of the reasonable and customary fee, not your vet bill. we have been happy with petshealthcare. andrea -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Pat Long & Paul Dangel Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 6:03 PM To: 'Bernese Mountain Dog Mailing List' Subject: AKC's Pet Healthcare Plan While we're mentioning insurance plans, I thought this was worth a look. http://www.petpartnersinc.com/ They have a list of frequently asked questions, and the basics are: Premier Plan, helps pay the cost of -an annual physical exam, -veterinary exams due to illness or injury, -veterinary procedures and surgery, -prescriptions, -diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests, -X-rays, -hospitalization, -and other treatments as indicated in the plan terms and conditions. Cost starts at $24/month. Premier Plus Plan, helps pay the cost of everything covered in the Premier Plan, PLUS -vaccinations, -boosters, -heartworm testing and prevention medication, -flea treatments, -an annual dental cleaning, and other preventive measures as indicated in the plan terms and conditions. Cost starts at $41.50/month. Coverage for all of the US, US territories, and Canada. The deductible is $100 total for the plan period. This means that the most you will pay in deductibles is $100 regardless of how many times your pet is treated during the plan period. Your co-payment is 20% of each covered claim up to the plan limit. Dogs do not have to be AKC registered in order to be covered. Dogs under the age of 9 are eligible to be covered. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. - I had heard somewhere that genetic conditions would not be covered, but the only thing I've seen about it specifically is in the August 2003 Dog World issue, in which they state: "... all breeds are eligible for full coverage, with no higher fees for specific breeds, and no breed-specific hereditary conditions are excluded." When a dog is registered with the AKC, they will receive a free 60-day policy. According to the AKC the first 30 days covers injury, and the next 30 days covers both injury and illness, including diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests. I've always preferred not to carry insurance on my dogs, since I'm good at saving and having money set aside for emergencies. If I use enough vet services to have it pay for itself, then someone else is paying more money than they needed to so that there is enough there for me. And if I pay more for the insurance money than I get back in covered vet expenses, well, then I'm paying more than I need to and someone else is getting that money. It's a way of leveling risk for everyone, but the insurance company makes money. So we're paying a premium to let someone else save for us. I could never justify it for veterinary expenses. For human health care - that's a whole other matter! Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
balls and balloons
My boy loves his # 4 soccer ball and can bat it around with his front paws or pick it up with his mouth. After some months though, it does start to lose air. We also have tried a giant tennis ball. The only problem with it was that it burned his lips if he ran after it and did not pick it up on the first try. As the ball rubbed over his mouth, it took the hide off his lip because of the felt covering. I would not be comfortable about letting the dogs play with balloons. Like any small child, I am afraid that the puppy would end up trying to swallow the pieces and choke. They both love to play with their "blinking ball". It is a small red rubber ball that has a blinking light inside of it that comes on when the ball is moved. The first one still is working after over a year, just not quite as brightly as before. Neither of the kids has been able to chew it up. Caddie is three and still has plush toys from his puppy days, but Divot, who is 8 months, is not so gentle on the toys. She can unstuff those babies real quick. Kay Sloate Corpus Christi, Tx
RE: balls for dogs
The kids next door to our house have continually thrown over various "kids" balls over the fence. The dogs go crazy with them and with a puncture hole here or there then the kids don't want them back. So far the 2 soccer balls, 2 basketballs (one large, one smaller), and the red schoolyard handball have been the most popular toys. (The red ball has been torn up the most, so I would recommend sticking with the basketballs.) They don't bounce after they've been punctured, but they stay round and are truly the favorite toys in the yard! (The only other dog toy she likes is the tennis ball that is the size of the basketball. Other than that I'm not buying anymore $10 dog toys - we're hoping to keep the supply chain from next door continuing, although I'm sure the parents over there aren't pleased!) :) Kaethy and Ginger and BD in Los Angeles > -- > From: Molly Bass > Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 9:45 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: balls for dogs > > I have a 15 week old puppy who loves large balls but he pops the > inexpensive latex ones from stores, loses interest quickly in the Jolly > Balls with handles, does not like the hard plastic ones that are virtually > > indestructible, finds tennis balls and the smaller ones not as much fun as > > those he can body tackle, and eats and destroys those with contours in > them. > > I was thinking about getting him a soccer ball or basketball - something > not too heavy that rolls and he can tackle, but also that he cannot > destroy > in 30 seconds. Has anyone else bought "true" sports balls or have any > suggestions? I may get one of those oversized tennis balls for him too. > > We have had so much rain that the yard is mud so I am trying to find > things > like this that entertain him inside too. > Thanks, > Molly and the gang including Buster who wants to killy the ball! > >
Summer heat
I am a Berner and Kuvasz owner and a groomer and I get a lot of summer shave-downs requests. While in some cases, I would agree, most of the time they are not needed with proper home grooming. The owners that beg me to shave down their dogs say that they "are so hot" this will help. But looking at the dogs, they haven't been brushed in 6 months and still have most of their undercoat. Well, I'd be hot too! I offer a service called the "shed-less" program where I will bathe and blow out all the hair that is possible. My regular customers come once every 4 during the shedding season and love the service. This helps the air circulation and metro drying stimulates the skin. Shaving the belly and inside of back legs works too. While my guys put up with me practicing on them, I end up leaving most of the all the loose hair at the shop rather than on my kitchen floor. Pam Get advanced SPAM filtering on Webmail or POP Mail ... Get Lycos Mail! http://login.mail.lycos.com/r/referral?aid=27005
AKC's Pet Healthcare Plan
While we're mentioning insurance plans, I thought this was worth a look. http://www.petpartnersinc.com/ They have a list of frequently asked questions, and the basics are: Premier Plan, helps pay the cost of -an annual physical exam, -veterinary exams due to illness or injury, -veterinary procedures and surgery, -prescriptions, -diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests, -X-rays, -hospitalization, -and other treatments as indicated in the plan terms and conditions. Cost starts at $24/month. Premier Plus Plan, helps pay the cost of everything covered in the Premier Plan, PLUS -vaccinations, -boosters, -heartworm testing and prevention medication, -flea treatments, -an annual dental cleaning, and other preventive measures as indicated in the plan terms and conditions. Cost starts at $41.50/month. Coverage for all of the US, US territories, and Canada. The deductible is $100 total for the plan period. This means that the most you will pay in deductibles is $100 regardless of how many times your pet is treated during the plan period. Your co-payment is 20% of each covered claim up to the plan limit. Dogs do not have to be AKC registered in order to be covered. Dogs under the age of 9 are eligible to be covered. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. - I had heard somewhere that genetic conditions would not be covered, but the only thing I've seen about it specifically is in the August 2003 Dog World issue, in which they state: "... all breeds are eligible for full coverage, with no higher fees for specific breeds, and no breed-specific hereditary conditions are excluded." When a dog is registered with the AKC, they will receive a free 60-day policy. According to the AKC the first 30 days covers injury, and the next 30 days covers both injury and illness, including diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests. I've always preferred not to carry insurance on my dogs, since I'm good at saving and having money set aside for emergencies. If I use enough vet services to have it pay for itself, then someone else is paying more money than they needed to so that there is enough there for me. And if I pay more for the insurance money than I get back in covered vet expenses, well, then I'm paying more than I need to and someone else is getting that money. It's a way of leveling risk for everyone, but the insurance company makes money. So we're paying a premium to let someone else save for us. I could never justify it for veterinary expenses. For human health care - that's a whole other matter! Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
Re: BERNER-L digest 4467
Hi Lisa, The franc is approx. a dime. You can get an exact figure in your dly paper or the Sun paper probably in the Travel Sec (Chi. Trib anyway) Laurie Farris Princeton, IL * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ---REMAINDER OF MESSAGE TRUNCATED---* * This post contains a forbidden message format * * (such as an attached file, a v-card, HTML formatting) * *Mail Lists at Prairienet only accept PLAIN TEXT* * If your postings display this message your mail program * * is not set to send PLAIN TEXT ONLY and needs adjusting * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Re: balls and balloons
<< chased down some helium balloons left over from a party. They had gotten soft so they could be carried but I almost died of laughter after they would pop! >> Did they bark with a high pitched voice after popping them? HAHAHAH - no - they just looked all around confused. None of the dogs minded the popping and all had worn balloons around their necks the night before - really funny to see balloons moving by themselves around couches and the kitchen island - gives everyone a good laugh and the dogs love being the center of it all! Molly
Re: balls and balloons
In a message dated 06/19/2003 12:09:07 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << chased down some helium balloons left over from a party. They had gotten soft so they could be carried but I almost died of laughter after they would pop! >> Did they bark with a high pitched voice after popping them? Anne Copeland (Flash CGC, TDI, 8 11/12 yrs. old Berner; Gypsy CGC, TDI, 2 yr. old Cavalier) Northern Illinois Annes4, Corr. Sec. BMDCA
Oozing Cyst
Laura I have been through this many times with my golden. My vet always had me put warm compresses on the site 3-4 times a day. Usually after a couple of days, the cyst would burst and drain. Sometimes they would come back but not all the time. Also had some of them removed, but after a while didn't want to keep putting her through surgery. She was just prone to getting cysts. Good Luck to you and Baka Denise Heffel Farmingdale, NY
Tilly Flash
Pam Years ago I had a ShihTzu that had autoimmune deficiency. We almost lost her in the beginning - was given an initial booster dose of prednisone and stayed on that until we lost her at 13 yrs. old. She was diagnosed at 5 yrs old. So there is hope,. Of course, had to have blood checks every few months once she was stable and levels done of the meds to make sure they we enough for her system. For a while she was on pred 3xs a day. She needed extra care but it was worth it!!! So don't give up - will be praying for you and Tilly Denise Heffel Farmingdale, NY
The latest on Tilly
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Re: tag on upper jowl!
Hi Lisa, I am guessing that this is a Histiocytoma! Don't panic, is nothing to worry about, a small benign tumour. I had one pop up on Simmy last year and thankfully had mailed the list (even put a pic up on a webpage so folks in the know could take a look!). This is what Sam indeed had, small warty type thing that suddenly popped up. Loved your tiny sea urchin description! Yes, took him into the vet to be sure but was very glad that fellow listers had told me about it because when vet said "Histiocytoma" I might well have freaked as Histio is such a dreaded word and anything ending in "oma" is very scarey! These are quite common and nothing to worry about, they usually disappear as fast as they appear! Ros, my vet, said just to keep an eye on it, if it looked sore or angry or grew bigger, then to bring him back in. I was recommended to dab a little bit of Thuja Oil on it. In a week it had gone! I would get the vet to take a look at Rudy to be certain but thinking this is what it is. All Love, Jean, Sunny, Sim, Barney and the Longlease Gang http://bernese.biz
Re: Harvard Study
Pat I received the packet today. Thanks. Esta Dalsass NJ
Re: oozing cyst?
if i'm standing behind baka - its on her back, just before you get to her tail. just a little off to the left. the area of a berners back that is usually being presented for a good butt rub *giggle* this had been a solid dry lump around the size of a nickel & raised a quarter inch. we went to my vet several months ago, when we first found it, to have it checked it. she stuck a needle in it & pulled out some stuff that she said felt greasy between her fingers. she said that meant it was a fatty cyst & we should just keep an eye on it because it would eventually burst. later i learned from looking for a fatty cyst on the internet that she got her names mixed up (fatty lipoma or sebaceous cyst, not fatty cyst). & i learned from reading berner-l posts that she really should have put it under a microscope before she told me what she thought it was. so we're going to see a different vet tomorrow. i'll make sure to mention biopsy & lab analysis this time. i'm hoping the right wording will help me get the kind of care i'm looking for. thanks for your help & thanks to everyone else for their suggestions! laura Rose Tierney wrote: Hi Laura, Exactly what part of the hip/butt area is this lump? High on the pelvic bone or actually located on the back of the upper thigh high up similar to a position like the cheek of a human butt or lower down? Sebaceous cysts that can break open ooze curd like debris but wet sores that are lumpy might be more ominous. I would request a biopsy and lab analysis. Do not delay. Rose T.
Re: Rally Obedience 2004
Want Rally at BMDCA specialties in the future? Lobby for it and, as an added carrot, volunteer to help make it a reality. This is half right. Let me try: Want Rally at BMDCA specialties in the future? Volunteer to help make it a reality. Specialties are run by 100% volunteer effort. Any non-core specialty event will only happen if volunteers step forward to run it. And you are not allowed to volunteer other people to do the work. Remember that there are 3 basic requirements for any event such as Rally: 1 - You need a location. For rally this means a ring. 2 - You need a time slot to hold the event. 3 - You need volunteers to make the event happen. The most "optional" event at specialties is tracking. Tracking can run into problems with any of the 3 requirements, but the usual problem is #1 (location). I don't know where the 2004 committee stands on Rally. A problem of time slot or location may be difficult to solve. If the only problem is volunteers, lobbying isn't going to help -- people interested in Rally have to step forward and volunteer. --Tom Jaskiewicz From New Hampshire, where the bitches are (& Gita & Kepler)strong, the dogs are good looking, and all [EMAIL PROTECTED]the puppies are above average.
balls and balloons
To add a smile to the day - the puppy that loves balls also loves balloons. He and his sister, who I also have, chased down some helium balloons left over from a party. They had gotten soft so they could be carried but I almost died of laughter after they would pop! Both pups popped most of the balloons and as they did, they would stop, look around, under, over, every where and could not figure out what happened to their toys - this went on until most balloons were popped. It was quite fun to watch even though I spent the entire time picking up latex pieces and making sure mouths were empty after one popped. They had a blast but could not figure out what was happening to their toys. The popping did not bother them at all (although I jumped each time) but they did look sad after all the toys disappeared. Molly and the gang
Re: vaccines ??
Lisa, You're most likely to hear on the Berner-L from those to adhere to standardized protocols for vaccinating dogs. Those who do not adhere to same may be hesitant to state so here because in some cases laws are actually being violated by not vaccinating dogs. The truth is that more and more teaching hospitals, owners and holistic practitioners of canines and canine medicine are realizing that we've likely vaccinated unnecessarily over the years. In doing this we've contaminated the environment with unnecssary viruses and have possibly actually screwed up the immune systems of animals who were just fine without so many vaccines. My own vet is pretty much die hard into the old school. However, his and other animal health care professionals' serving on a state board of examiners who looked at rabies protocols, resulted in my state's (Florida) recognizing 3 year efficacy rabies vaccines as adequate for canines. Compelling scientific evidence resulted in his adopting the right- hip- only-site for rabies vaccinations in cats. This was done on a fairly widescale basis with vet practitioners in order to monitor tumor incidence at vaccination sites in cats. It's my understanding that other types of vaccinations are suspect to cause tumors in cats. These are just two experiences I know of first hand in the veterinary community where thoughts on vaccination protocols are changing despite resistance. Several very progressive veterinary teaching hospitals have changed their recommended vaccination protocols over the last few years and I expect to see more and more changes occur. It has been my experience that it's hard to know whether an individual member of this immune system-challenged breed (BMD) NEEDS vaccinations at all, and if so, on what type of schedule. I have found through breeding and rearing and placing in the care of others many Bernese over my 20 years in the breed, that there are seemingly familial differences in what kind of immune system prompting and/or support is needed for individual dogs. I'm not sure what relevance others' vaccination protocol success has on planning your dog's vaccination schedule. I have raised Berners who remained healthy dogs to a reasonably old age (10 and above) who were vaccinated heavily as puppies and annually until they were 6 years old. I've also raised Bernese who had NO vaccinations throughout their lives and who lived in good health to also be old. I would encourage you, above all else, to consult with your pup's breeder to determine what will work best for your dog from its specific family of dogs whose health history she should be very familiar with. If she is not familiar with it, there may be other sources of information for you so let us know and I'm sure others here will try to help you gather that information. Good luck to you in planning for your pup's healthy future! Ruth Reynolds Pioneer Bernese
balls for dogs
I have a 15 week old puppy who loves large balls but he pops the inexpensive latex ones from stores, loses interest quickly in the Jolly Balls with handles, does not like the hard plastic ones that are virtually indestructible, finds tennis balls and the smaller ones not as much fun as those he can body tackle, and eats and destroys those with contours in them. I was thinking about getting him a soccer ball or basketball - something not too heavy that rolls and he can tackle, but also that he cannot destroy in 30 seconds. Has anyone else bought "true" sports balls or have any suggestions? I may get one of those oversized tennis balls for him too. We have had so much rain that the yard is mud so I am trying to find things like this that entertain him inside too. Thanks, Molly and the gang including Buster who wants to killy the ball!
Apology from Karen Alexander
Sorry. The email I sent regarding a virus was a hoax. It has been verified by several sources this morning. If you want any references please email me privately. If you are using a very old operating system your computer might be effected. I am so sorry for any inconvience I caused anyone, Karen Alexander Berner L - Pat has already emailed the board Camellia Cub - Norman emailed me Renew - Kent and Leslie have emailed the board BP Latenite - I will email the board
Andrea's post on cheap vets
Hi Andrea, I agree with you wholeheartedly. I find that over the years I've been breeding Bernese I have found some excellent vets that are right for what my needs are, the price of those services are not my priority. There are some very good vets with reasonable prices and generally they have no problem in refering out to specialists promptly when something is out of their scope. They are able to keep their initial prices lower than specialised clinics because they don't have to maintain specialised equipment and fully trained technicians. Rose T.
RE: vaccines ??
Hi Molly, -Original Message- From: Molly Bass [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: June 18, 2003 3:42 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: vaccines ?? "I recently attended a seminar with Wendy Volhard where there is new evidence that the pups can be protected up to 10 weeks depending on the mother's own immunity. They have found that vaccinating before the mother's immunity has faded can actually negate the first vaccine and make the pup more vulnerable than less vulnerable. She recommended that dams should be titred within either 2 weeks prior to whelping or two weeks after whelping to determine how long the pups are protected by her immunity. It also has some relation to how long the pups nurse. I intend to learn more about this prior to my next litter." Nothing new about this, its why there are three sets of puppy vaccines. Because it is generally accepted that the mother's protection while weakening at about seven weeks onwards can be longer that is why most breeder's try and go as late as possible before puppies leave home. Vaccinating does not destroy what remains but will not sufficiently challenge the immune system to strengthen the titer thus lulling the owner into thinking the puppy is better protected than it actually is. Anti-bodies are ingested by the puppies within the first twenty-four hours from the colustrum, by forty-eight hours the lining of the puppy's bowel has developed thicker and no longer allows the body to take up protection from the milk. It is because of the possible inhibiting effect of the mother's titer that the one year booster is perhaps the most important one of all. My own vet told me recently that the approved scheduling of vaccinations is now three courses of puppy core shots boosted at one year and then three yearly for rabies and core vaccines with annual remaining for bordetella and lepto. Personally I would not recommend waiting until six months for rabies vaccination unless one is keeping the puppy in a protected environment. Most puppies by that age are highly inquisitive and may want to investigate Rocky Raccoon or some other wild creature or ingest some partly digested material that a rabid animal may have contaminated. Rose T.
RE: vaccines ??
Hi Lisa, My regimen for puppies is they have the puppy course of vaccinations and then boostered one year later, following that we are now vaccinating every three years except for bordetella which is annual and because I go to a lot of dog events. My puppies are rabies vaccinated at sixteen weeks, I live in a high risk area for rabies including raccoons so I would not risk waiting until six months. I do not use Lyme vaccine nor Leptospirosis vaccine but appreciate that others who feel at risk do, for those particular vaccines I would choose to wait until six months because I don't want to overload all at one time. My dogs must exibit excellent health at the time of vaccination. Rose -Original Message- From: MARK DUVALL [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: June 18, 2003 2:44 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: vaccines ?? First, let me thank everyone who replied to me about pet insurance. Although I am still unsure of what company to go with I have bought the Consumers issue and will read it later. My next question I have is over Vaccines..What are your opinions on the frequency of giving them? After the first initial puppy shots, should the usual annual boosters be given every year or every 3 years? Also I have read that I should wait till my girl is 6 months to give a rabies shot ?? any truth to that ?? Lisa Duvall~~very soon-to-be berner Mom
gadgets
Hi All, I feel kind of silly asking about these products, but I've been wondering . . . . Has anyone used either the 1) Ionized Bath Brush - supposed to use negatively charged ions to help control odor, & even fleas; 2) Canine Cooler Beds - filled with water they are supposed to be a comfortable and cool place to lie during hot weather. I have my doubts about these products, esp'ly the first, but if they work, then they sound pretty neat. Thanks! Joby Reiley Eugene, Or __ Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month! http://sbc.yahoo.com
Fwd: Re: weather vanes: posted for Terri
Hi Liz, Due to AOL I cannot post straight to the BernerL without my husband's help. ;-). So I thought I would post to you and maybe you could share the information with the list. www.norcalbernese.org has a weathervane that is very nice and about $53.00. Terri Whalen Reno and Cash Dixon, CA
Re: Rally Obedience 2004 discussion
Marjie, Sorry to step on toes but Susan is involved with the 2004 now, she's the BMDCA co-laison to the BMD2004 list as of about a month ago. I believe she did say Rally was a great success at 2003 -- BTW I was not at 2003 so sure don't know what all happened there especially concerning 'sod'The people I mentioned have all said there isn't time for Rally Obedience even though Sharon Montville, myself and few others said they should try and offer it. If other BMD performance folks want it offered all I'm saying is they need to contact the folks and stress their wants, I'm not saying your going to be able to change their minds though but it's always worth a try. just my .02 Pat T. Texas This letter has been delivered unencrypted. We'd like to remind you that the full protection of e-mail correspondence is provided by S-mail encryption mechanisms if only both, Sender and Recipient use S-mail. Register at S-mail.com: http://www.s-mail.com
Re: Holistic/Natural Diets
Hi Adriana Have you heard of the Natural berners email list? It is a list for those who are interested in feeding a more natural diet - plus lots of other alternative including holistic treatments for dogs (especially berners). the address is [EMAIL PROTECTED] It's a really informative list, they are not (all) extremists and you won't get crucified for feeding kibble. :) Hooroo Anne with bone lover Dale - and now Christie!
Re: Hot Weather Haircut
Berners have coat for a reason, it acts as an insulator and it also protects your dog's skin from the sun. As long as you are providing fresh water frequently and a nice shady spot for your dog there is NO reason to shave your dog. This is one of my pet peeves if you can't tell. Who goes around and shaves the wolves and coyotes so that they'll be nice and cool in the summer? No one and nor should our domestic dogs. play and splash before lying down in a shady spot. They really enjoy the time playing in there and it keeps them cool as well. Hope those of you considering shaving your dogs will please reconsider as you could possibly burn your dogs skin by getting it shaved. Kim Morrow Susa Reg'd Saskatoon, SK http://www.bernesedogs.com
Re: hot weather haircut?
One of my pup buyers shaves her dogs all over to 1.25 inches each summer. The dog dances in her new "doo" when the process is over. Lynn says that her Berners takes less time to cool down and are able to exercise more in the summer. Lynn has had three Berners from me over the years. The first two had plush-type natural coats. Their coats grew back each winter and were very nice. I've not seen her current Berner's coat grown out after a summer doo. She has a longer and very thick coat. Remember, it IS hair and it WILL very likely grow back if you cut it. If you feel this is necessary to keep your dog comfortable, why not give it a try? I live with a dozen Berners in north Florida. Summers here are very long and much of July and August has days in the 90's. I comb and comb and comb and comb my dogs from April through September. I find this helps remove their "insulation" (undercoat) which , if left, makes it so hard for them to cool down. Everyone in my neighborhood has Bernerfur bird nests in their trees. :-) Ruth Reynolds
RE: hot weather haircut?
Hi, Personally I don't trim my dog's down with clippers but I do comb them out and bathe them and then blow dry to get rid of any winter woollies. Spayed and neutered dogs do tend to get a bit woolly and tatty especially around the back legs so with a pair of blending scissors I tidy them up. Also keeping the ears tidy helps with air circulation but this needs a skilled hand. Shaving a dog down is a no-no as it makes the coat more woolly and exposes the skin to more sun damage. Providing a cool floor and plenty of shade and fresh water and most dogs will be okay. Exercise in the early morning and at night. Rose
RE: Pet Insurance
Hi Mike, I find the increase in your deductible outrageous! You might like to investigate PetCare and see what they would charge you for a monthly premium. Given that your gastro claims have been related to sock ingestion they might just put an exclusion on that. Shop around:-) Rose -Original Message- From: Mike&Deanna [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: June 18, 2003 7:24 PM To: berner-l Subject: Pet Insurance Consumer reports aside, we are VERY glad to have signed up for pet insurance. We're with PetPlan in Canada, and took the "Champion" plan (while he'll never see a show ring, Vandal's a champion to us). It includes coverage for preventative measures (vaccine, microchip, dental) as well as neutering (in just six short days Vandal - lick 'em while you got 'em!). Anyway, to date we have received from PetPlan over $1300 in refunds, beyond the annual $200 deductable and 20% co-insurance. We've had some (okay - many) gastro-intestinal issues to sort through, so trips to the vet have been more frequent than we would like. Our monthly premium is $65. Sadly, we have been informed that while we still have coverage for life, the co-insurance will be bumped to 50%, meaning that they will only cover half of all costs effective July 1, to be reviewed every 6 months. Even at 50% we would have received our premiums back this year. Still, the peace of mind alone is worth $65. We will never make a choice based on cost, only what's best for Vandal. Mike, Deanna and Vandal p.s. hi Tess - 1st birthday coming soon!
RE: tag on upper jowl!
Hi Lisa, Young dogs can get histiocytomas which are benign little growths usually the size of a pea, they can resolve by themself or the vet can remove it. If you are planning on neutering soon then that would be a good time to have it removed. Rose
RE: PET INSURANCE
Hi Linda, Always a personal decision and if one has the self discipline to save a specific amount each month towards future emergencies related to one's dog that is good but unfortunately most families might find another "emergency" and use those funds! As a matter of interest I would like to make a case here and show why insurance might be a good course:-) Here in Canada we have two main companies, PetPlan and PetCare, for a premium less than $40 per month you get good coverage for all illnesses and accidents excluding pre-existing ones. That said $40 per month multiply by 12 months multiply by 10 years (being hopeful with longevity here) comes to a total of $4800 for the life of a ten year old dog. Now that might seem like a lot of money but one cruciate surgery gobbles up $2000 and an emergency torsion costs up to $4000 and cancer treatment can very quickly exceed $5000. One eaten sock and intersussception can cost upwards of $2000 and any overnight stay in the ICU for a diagnostic workup for mystery illness starts at $350 for care alone. Lets say the medical crisis occurs at age five years then there is only $2400 in the pot, not very much really and there would most likely be follow up care perhaps for the remainding surviving years. Generally speaking the odds of having wasted the money on premiums are low and at the end of the day will be recouped for medical costs. I would recommend puppy owners invest in insurance for at least the first two years of the dog's life because this is the timeframe orthopedic problems are going to emerge and again re-invest in insurance for the late middle years and onwards. As a breeder it helps give me peace of mind knowing that my buyers will be able to consider life saving treatment for emergencies. Rose T. (and no I'm not an insurance salesperson:-)
RE: oozing cyst?
Hi Laura, Exactly what part of the hip/butt area is this lump? High on the pelvic bone or actually located on the back of the upper thigh high up similar to a position like the cheek of a human butt or lower down? Sebaceous cysts that can break open ooze curd like debris but wet sores that are lumpy might be more ominous. I would request a biopsy and lab analysis. Do not delay. Rose T.
RE: Tilly Flash
Hi Pam, One of the suspected causes for IMHA is vaccine reaction along with virus and stress, generally speaking there is something going on in the body to cause the immune system to become too aggressive and it destroys the red cell hence the name Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anaemia. This is a very serious condition and I have not heard of a Bernese surviving it though other breeds may stand a better chance. Rose T.
Re: Swiss Franc/Dollar conversion rate
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Molly and Sam go to a party
Yesterday, on the last day of school, I picked up my daughter Lucy, who is
turning 8 today, and four friends and brought them to our home for a little
party. Molly and Sam were quite excited to meet the girls. They stood or
sat nicely to be petted and admired(no jumping up!) and generally proved
what good dogs Berners are at meeting young friends. Molly showed her new
trick ("Speak!" Although since when she Rooby-rooed, the girls said, "She's
singing! She's singing!" I am now reconsidering the name of this trick),
and Sam showed his one trick ("Sit!"). Then the girls went off to make
chalk pictures on the sidewalk, and I finished preparing lunch. There were
three kinds of sandwiches: cucumber, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and cheese,
all cut into pretty shapes. I set the table with a big vase of pink and
purple lupines (as in the book "Miss Rumphius") and put the plates of
sandwiches on the already-set table, everything pink as Lucy prefers. I
went to call the girls, then looked into the dining room to see an empty
plate on the floor. What had happened? Had a plate blown off the table?
It was getting breezy as a storm began to blow outside. No, all their
plates were in place. There were the popcorn, the grapes, the cheese
sandwiches, the PB&Js...but where, oh where, were the cucumber sandwiches,
with the cucumber sliced thin, just as my mother taught me? The plate was
on the floor with nary a crumb on it. Sam had been in the kitchen eating
his lunch all this time. Molly looked at me sheepishly from the sunroom
couch.
I went back to the kitchen and began making more cucumber sandwiches...
Martha Hoverson, Molly (But Mom, I really like your cooking!) and Sam (Later
we got into the popcorn!)
Portland, Maine
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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RE: Friends please read from Karen Alexander - jdbgmgr.exe hoax
Karen, I do appreciate your thinking of us all, thank you!! However, this one is a hoax. Take a look here for more details: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/jdbgmgr.exe.file.hoax.html And it does look as though some enterprising son of a gr has coded a virus that will infect this file, so you do need to be cautious! The anti-virus software systems will catch this one, so as always - MAKE SURE YOU HAVE GOOD ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE, AND KEEP IT TURNED ON AND UPDATED AT ALL TIMES Don't panic if you have already deleted this file, it doesn't need to be recovered, but there are instructions on the website above for recovering it if you need to. And just a note, if you suspect a virus, but aren't sure - check with me and I'll help find out if everyone on the Berner-L needs to be warned or not. The google.com search is usually very helpful. Pat Long (& Luther) Berwyn PA
Re:changing water
Most of the additives in city water are volatile, so just letting the water set out for a couple days will release most of what you might be worried about(chlorine and flouride). In the beginning I'd bring as much well water as I could (10 gals?) to be blended the aged city water. Our Logan seems to like the scummiest water possible and seeks out our backyard fountain with algae laden water over a freshly cleaned pan with tap water. Go figure. Jim LaFrom San Jose, Ca now get out there and work dem workn'dogs
