3rd Annual BRBMDC Picnic and Mountain Hike THIS Saturday 9-13
The Third Annual Blue Ridge BMD Club's Picnic and Mountain Hike will be THIS Saturday, September 13 (sorry for the late notice), from ~ 11am until ???. Come as early or stay as late as you like. Assuming we don't get rained on like in previous years, we should be there until at least 3pm. Forecast is for partly cloudy with only 10% chance of rain and a high of 75 - so should be wonderful weather for us. The picnic will be on the Parkway near Blowing Rock and Boone, NC - at the Price Park Picnic area at mile marker 296.4. It's a beautiful area. We plan to try to get the same spot we've used in the past, which has a large open field (anyone want to bring some carts?), several picnic tables, a stream with beach, and is the starting point for a nice hiking trail. The stream separates us from the rest of the picnic area - you'll have to cross a little wooden bridge to get to the area. Since it's first come, we may not be able to get that spot, but if not, there's several other areas that are nearly as nice. We'll be heading up early Saturday morning to stake our claim. Non- club-members are welcome, as are the dogs (even non- berners). Please bring your own lunch and drinks, and remember water for the dogs, though there are restrooms where water can be obtained. Per Parkway regulations, all dogs must be on a 6 foot leash or under physical restraint at all times (though that doesn't seem to be enforced on the trails), and pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, so bring baggies. For further information, contact me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Also, if you are thinking about coming and email me ahead of time, I can give you a phone number where you can reach us at the picnic grounds, in case you are having difficulties finding us. We look forward to seeing everyone!! Melissa So, now for directions: If coming from the east, take I-40 to US-421 and go north. Stay on 421 (heading west) until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway - a little over 70 miles from I-40. This entrance onto the Parkway may be closed by construction - if so, stay on 421 until it merges with 221, then follow that to the Parkway. In either case, take the Parkway south until you get to the picnic area - it'll be on the right hand side. If coming from the west, take I-40 east to US-70 east. Follow this to US-221 north. 221 first crosses the Parkway at Linville Falls. You can get on the Parkway north there, or continue on 221 to join the Parkway near Grandfather Mountain. Take the Parkway north to the picnic area, which will be on the left from this direction. If coming from the south, take US-321 north (can be reached from I-85 in Gastonia) through Hickory and up past Blowing Rock. Just north of Blowing Rock, 321 crosses the Parkway. Get on the Parkway and head south until you come to the picnic area on the right. If coming from the north, take I-77 to US-421, and follow the directions from the east.
Re:lapto vaccine
Lisa, Leptospirosis is a disease that is not caused by a virus, unlike most of our problems. It is caused by a type of bacteria. There are many different strains, only a few of which actually cause disease. Unfortunately, all my vet books are in storage, so this is coming from memory, and may be sketchy on some details. There are 5 strains that are the main causes of disease. (I'm not even going to attempt to recall what the different strains are called. G) Most vaccines only have 2 of those strains, and the strains are NOT cross-protective - which means even if you have immunity to one, that immunity will not protect you against a different strain. The new Fort Dodge lepto vaccine is the only one I know of that protects against 4 of those 5 pathogenic strains - the 5th I believe is really only seen somewhere overseas, like Asia or something. Now the older lepto vaccines were definitely prone to causing vaccine reactions. That was our biggest cause of reactions. At the time we were using it, we had not seen or heard of a lepto case in the area in years, so I decided we would just drop that from our vaccine protocol. Lo and behold, our reaction incidence dropped. Since then, we have actually had about a half dozen cases seen in at the specialty practice about an hour away. Not only can leptospirosis be very serious in dogs (several of the dogs infected wound up with permanent liver or kidney damage, and at least 1 died), but it is also zoonotic, meaning that people can get it too. At least one technician involved with treating these cases became ill, and quite a few of the other staff had to be tested or treated. Lepto affects the kidneys and/or liver, primarily. It is passed through contaminated urine. Contaminated urine that is either swallowed (know that sounds gross, but I'm thinking of our dogs drinking from puddles) or absorbed into the body thorugh mucus membranes or an open cut or wound. Since a lot of us would wipe up where our dogs have peed without wearing gloves and not think twice about it, this is a potential source of infection. Since lepto is serious, can be passed to humans, and had been definitively diagnosed nearby, we decided to again begin vaccinating for it. Fortunately, we have a new vaccine (the one I mentioned before - made by Fort Dodge) that does cover the strains usually seen in the US. In addition, the Fort Dodge rep told me that they've done something different with the new vaccine so that they are seeing fewer reactions. Now, I don't know about all that, but I can say that I have not seen ANY reactions since we switched just under a year ago - and while I'm not doing a lot in my private practice, we do vaccinate a LOT of dogs at the shelter, none of whom have had a problem. One thing we do that probably helps that is that we do not give very young or very little puppies the lepto portion of the vaccine. Puppies must be at least 10 weeks before we will include lepto, and small breed dogs more like 14 weeks. We do not give it separately, but that does not seem to have been an issue for us. Anyway, I would advise checking to see what brand of vaccine your vet is using. If it is not the Fort Dodge lepto, I would be much less inclined to use it. (And I don't have any stock in Ft. Dodge, just like their vaccines. G) Then check around to see if lepto is being seen in the area. You can check with your local health department for human cases, and either the state vet or a nearby specialty vet practice to see if any animal cases have been seen. If they are not seeing it, and you are not traveling out of the area with your dog, I would probably not give it - but be aware that the dog is not protected against it. On the other hand, if there have been cases, or if you travel, then I would give it, provided it's the Fort Dodge version. Both of my dogs are now vaccinated against it. Plus, I have vaccinated at least a dozen berners with the Fort Dodge vaccine that includes lepto, including several puppies, none of which had any adverse reactions to it. I hope this helps you. If you have further questions, feel free to post me. Melissa On 20 Aug 03, at 0:01, MARK LISA DUVALL [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I had a question about the lepto vaccine...I know there was some discussion a while back but can't seen to find anything on it. I am not sure if I want to give this shot to my 13 wk. bmd girl. I have heard of bad reactions to this and also that there are new strains that the vaccine don't cover. On the other hand the lepto virus itself sounds so bad that I'm scared not to give it. I am curious to know if anyone has had any bad reactions to the vaccine. I live in Maryland and I'm not sure if it's prevalent in my area?? My vet suggests it but also said he has had a few dogs over the years who have had bad reactions to it.
Blue Ridge BMDC trip to Kings Dominion
This Saturday (August 16), the Blue Ridge Bernese Mountain Dog Club is giving the dogs a break from the August heat, and meeting without them at the Kings Dominion amusement park 20 miles north of Richmond, VA. Any other berner lovers near enough to join us would be most welcome. We are planning on meeting under the Eiffel Tower at 11 am. Just show up, or email me before Friday night and I'll give you a couple of numbers to track us down with in case you miss the meeting. Melissa Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
Re: puppy feeding
I'm way behind on my email, so apologize that this response is so tardy. Mark, and all - yes, most research on pet foods is done or at least financed by the pet food manufacturers. The reasons for this were well explained in another post. However, something to bear in mind is that, at least with the big names in the vet industry (though in some fancier circles, they are considered 4 letter words) like Iams and Science Diet, the research they do usually results in them changing THEIR forumulas. I would be much more concerned if all their research tended to prove that their formulas and diets were best. But the opposite is what tends to happen - they either do or finance research into a particular problem and when that research shows that their formulas are not the most appropriate, they change their diet to reflect the new knowledge. The large breed formulas came about as a result of research into the causes of developmental orthopedic problems. Those studies showed that higher energy levels (read fat and carbs, NOT protein) were actually more closely associated with increased orthopedic problems, as were inappropriate calcium:phosphorus ratios. So, they developed their large breed formulas to address these problems. Interestingly enough, a few years ago I attended one of the big veterinary conferences and had the opportunity to speak with a veterinary nutritionist - in other words, a vet that's a specialist in nutrition. I asked him about the common breeder's preference to switch large breed puppies to adult foods, and some even wean directly onto adult foods. He said that this was completely reasonable and justified before the large breed puppy foods were available - the regular puppy foods were just too rich for the large breeds and encouraged them to grow too rapidly, thus increasing their risk of orthopedic problems. Now, however, it was not necessary, or even advised - the large breed formulas are better suited than adult formulas because the puppy will be able to get a better level of nutrition in a food that is designed for them. A puppy may not be physically able to eat enough of a less nutrient dense food to meet his needs, and if he does eat enough to meet some needs (like protein and calories), then he may actually wind up getting too much of other things, like calcium. Just something to think about. A lot of people view the larger pet food manufacturers as some evil entity whose only purpose is to take our money and who care nothing for the well-being of their dogs. But, if the dogs (and cats) did not, in general, do well on these foods, who would keep buying them or recommending them to others? Certainly, not all dogs will do well on every diet, nor is every diet right for any dog. But the research does show general trends. Personally, while there ARE certain brands I try to steer my clients away from due to their complete lack of quality, other than that I merely recommend that they really research their choices. Most are willing to trust my judgment (and don't want to do the research themselves G), so ask what I feed my dogs and go from there. Melissa On 9 Mar 03, at 11:16, Mark Mohapp wrote: However, one of my concerns however lies in the fact that the pet food industry wants to accommodate the consumer and some times it gets rather trendy. In reviewing research about large breed formulas I have found that most of the research was conducted by the manufacturers of dog food and pet food industry. Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
Re: Revolution
Another belated response. I'm not particularly enamored of Revolution. I have heard, and seen myself, that it is very effective on ear mites and sarcoptic mange, but that seems to be about it - at least consisently. I have heard complaints from a lot of vets that it did not work as well as promoted. But my biggest issue with it is that it is absorbed systemically, The rep came by and tried to sell me on it while I was about 7 months pregnant. As he was explaining how it is absorbed to kill the heartworms, then secreted to kill the fleas and ticks, then reabsorbed, over and over, I looked at him and asked does that mean that if I handle my dog, I can absorb it too. After looking at my very big belly, with a lot of uhs, he admitted that yes, it would be absorbed by anyone handling the dog. Now, while there are some things chemicals I do use regularly, I try to limit what goes into my dogs as much as possible, so if I can control fleas and ticks without systemic involvement, I'm going to. Throw in that now we are not just talking the dog, but my baby, or any other animals in the house that might have prolonged contact with the dog, plus the fact that many vets I knew were still seeing intestinal and external parasites while the pets were on Revolution - nope, not gonna trust my heartworm protection to a product like that. I do recommend it for sarcoptic mange, especially on collies and other herding breeds that can't do the ivermectin, and for nasty cases of ear mites that don't respond well to other treatments. But that's about it. I stick with Heartgard Plus and Frontline. Melissa On 19 Mar 03, at 10:29, Molly Bass wrote: Ok - with all the talk about Biospot, etc - what are people's opinions on Revolution? My vets are recommending it to help with the flea problem that got out of hand in my absence this fall. I only have a few here and there in the house but one dog appears highly allergic so the all natural methods I have been using need to be beefed up. I cannot find a flea on her but I have seen them on the other dogs and the cat so I know they are here, even if only a few of them... Also I live in the country and they pick them up from the wild animals that cross through my land... Any opinions? Suggestions? Thanks! Molly and the gang + 3 squirts Charlottesville, VA Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
Re: Return of The Fun Survery!!
On 23 Mar 03, at 10:19, catherine green wrote: 1 --- Do you live in a) city b) suburbs c) country d) on Planet Berner The country, though I'd prefer planet berner G 2 --- Where does your dog spend the night? On the floor next to the bed, though they often start the night in bed with us. 3 --- What is your dog's favorite toy? The favorite toy varies, but rawhides always win. 4 --- Your dog's most remarkable feature is (fill in the blank) Tyra - her ability to fit through holes in the fence that a rat couldn't get through. Orry - his official job as cat herder! 5 --- You bought a new car for your dog(s) No 6 --- Your dog participates in (feel free to list any titles your dog has won) a) conformation - yes, past tense b) obedience trials - not yet but working on it c) drafting trials - ditto d) agility - yes, but not competing e) therapy work - only unofficially f) tracking - Tyra did some, but none now g) training classes - yes, as often as we can h) digging to China - yes, as often as they can get away with it 7 --- The naughtiest thing that your dog has done is. Tyra - routinely escaping from the fence (though, knock on wood, she hasn't done so in nearly a year) and giving Mom heart failure. Orry - eating Dad's pager, wallet (twice) and worst of all, his brand new, expensive cell phone. Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
Re: Looking for a roomie!
Anyone else looking for roommates? Andrew and I are coming to the Specialty, without the dogs - we even have our plane tickets in hand (thank goodness for frequent flyer miles G). However, we are on the waiting list for the host hotel, and were hoping to get in there. Unfortunately, at this point it is not looking very promising, so we are scrambling to make other arrangements, though we would really prefer to be in the center of all the action. If anyone has an extra bed and wouldn't mind sharing with a couple, please let us know. And, since this plea is probably grasping at straws, I'd also appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction of the info on overflow hotels. Thanks, and we can't wait to see everyone we know, and meet some new friends as well. Melissa On 22 Mar 03, at 8:08, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If there is a female planning on attending the Specialty next month and does not have space at the host hotel, I am looking for a room mate for the week. I am not bringing a dog. If you are interested, drop me a note and we'll see what we can work out. I have the room from Tues. until the following Mon. morning. Anne Copeland, Flash,TDI/CGC (Berner, 8 1/2 yrs.) Gypsy TDI/CGC(Rescue Cavalier,2 yrs.) BMDCSEW Tracking Test Chair/Sec. NE ILL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ty's memorial page: http://www.geocities.com/workingyorkie/ty.html Gypsy's page:http://hometown.aol.com/annes4/Gypsy.html Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
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Blue Ridge BMDC Winter Walk postponed till Sunday
The current weather forecast is calling for rain Saturday morning and thunderstorms in the afternoon. However, Sunday's forecast is partly cloudy with the high in the 50s. While our dogs might not mind the rain, most of us people would. So, rather than getting spending our walk cold and wet, we are postponing the walk until Sunday. All other details will remain the same. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause, but hope that most of you will still be able to make it. Melissa PS Some of you may get several copies of this. I'm sorry about cluttering your inbox like that, but wanted to make sure that no one who wanted info about the walk was left out - Didn't want anyone showing up there in the rain on Saturday. See you all on Sunday. Note: You have received this email because you are a current or former member of this club, and/or you have emailed a club member re: puppies, rescue, or general information about Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you have questions or no longer wish to receive emails regarding this club's activities, please respond to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please feel free to pass this notice on to anyone who might be interested!! Thanks for your cooperation!
blue ridge winter walk map
directions map is www.mobilevettopet.com\winterwalk.html hope to see you all there. love, Melissa Zebley
Blue Ridge BMDC's Winter Walk - Feb 22 in Blowing Rock, NC
Just an update and reminder for any Carolina, Virginia or Tennesse berner-Lers - the Blue Ridge BMDC's 2nd Annual Winter Walk is this Saturday, February 22. We will be hiking around Bass Lake - an easy, approximately 1 mile carriage and horse trail. As of Sunday, there were still about 4 inches of snow on the ground there, but some parts were pretty mushy. We strongly recommend wearing boots or other water resistant shoes. We will be meeting at 11 am at the Bass Lake Access parking lot (directions below). Bring snacks or a lunch, drinks for yourselves and water for your dogs - the lake is there but it was mostly frozen when we checked this weekend. The forecast is currently calling for thunderstorms on Saturday. If it does rain, our rain date is going to be the following day - Sunday, February 23. Directions to Bass Lake Access, Blowing Rock, NC: Take I-40 to Hickory, NC (30 minutes west of Statesville; 1 hour east of Asheville). Get off at Exit 123 onto Hwy 321, going north towards Boone. Go through Lenoir and up the mountain to Blowing Rock. Just as you enter Blowing Rock, take Business 321 to the left. Follow that through town (make sure to stop at Killian's for the most awesome ice cream on your way back home!) to Hwy 221 and go left. You will go approximately 6/10 of a mile and turn right - the lake access road is just past Cone Rd., which is on the left, and just before the horse loading area on the right. You should see a sign that states Notice: Loading and unloading horses at parking area is prohibited. Proceed to the parking lot and look for a group of big hairy tri-colored dogs. We are trying to get a map with directions up online. If and when we do, we will post the URL. Otherwise, if you have any questions, you can email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] You can also email me for a number to call for a weather check (to see if we are a go for Saturday or postponing until Sunday) or to contact us if you need help or further directions while enroute. I will not be back on line before Friday night, so will not be able to respond until then. Melissa Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
Blue Ridge BMD Club Calendar of Events for 2003
For those berner-lers within range of the Carolina/Virginia area, the Blue Ridge BMD Club has a fairly active year planned. We have something planned for nearly every month, and all over our club's territory. Here is a brief overview of the events planned for the year. If anyone is interested in one, please let me know and I'll make sure you get further details. February 22 - Saturday - Second Annual BRBMDC Winter near Blowing Rock, NC March 22 - Tailgate Party at the dog show in Raleigh, NC April 22-27- National Specialty in Long Beach, CA. We may hold a "Specialty Party" in the Raleigh area if we have enough interest. May 25 - Sunday - "Christmas in May" Meeting with a Chinese auction and, agility and drafting equipment to try out at Hagan- Stone Park in Pleasant Garden, NC, just outside of Greensboro. We may also hold a Fun Match. Plus, since that is Memorial Day weekend, and Hagan-Stone has camping facilities (trailers, RVs and tents), we may arrange a Berner Camping Weekend if there is enough interest. June/July - We are planning a Saturday seminar with Dr. Jane Barber (board certified in repro and board eligible in behavior) speaking on behavior and breeding issues. The seminar will be in the Charlotte, NC area. August 16 - Saturday - People Day at Kings Dominon near Richmond, VA September 13 - Saturday - Third Annual Mountain Hike and Picnic along the Blue Ridge Parkway in western NC October 18 - Saturday - Halloween Party and Potluck Lunch in either Apex or Gardner, NC. November 8 - Saturday - Beach Walk December 6 - Saturday - Annual Meeting in Winston-Salem, NC on Saturday, December 6. Sincerely, Melissa Zebley Vice-President Blue Ridge Bernese Mountain Dog Club Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
RE: Random thoughts, Stevie and BEHAF
Actually, I'm working on that. When Donna wrote about Hugo's difficulties, I remembered an apparatus that our local referral surgeon (who does a lot of neck and back surgeries) used for his neuro patients. I've mentioned it to Donna, and am trying to get more info on it. Right now, he and I are playing phone tag, but hopefully I'll have better luck on Monday. I have at least determined that they made it themselves, so I may be able to get plans or something of the sort. If so, this info will be available not only for Hugo, but for any other berner in similar straits. Melissa On 31 Jan 03, at 10:43, Pat Long wrote: Andrea, You raise an excellent idea, but maybe it should be phrased a bit differently. Perhaps BEHAF could help finance a set of wheels. We could set up a special friends fund for Hugo! The people who make up BEHAF don't have any resources that we don't have, so it wouldn't be up to them to locate specialized care or equipment. But, if you can find some wheels that Hugo could use, or if someone else knows where those can be acquired - we could sure find a way for all of us to donate so that BEHAF can fund the purchase! Pat Long, a babysat shedding Gabby ( non-shedding Luther) Berwyn PA _ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus Melissa, Tyra and Orry Granite Falls, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED] BEHAF Homepage: http://www.behaf.com
