six - Versatility In Poodles

VOLUME 19 NO. 6
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
2011
Inside this Issue:
President‟s Message
1
Treasurer‟s Report
2
Grant Report
Performance Report
3-7
7
In Loving Memory
8-9
Versatility Awards
10-12
The annual meeting has
Amazing Poodles
13-14
come and gone. I have
no Fundraiser
idea what the num- 15
VIP
bers were in compariMembership
Renewal years 16
son to previous
but I felt like the parVIP Calendar 2012
17
ticipation was stupendous! We
Ruptured
Discsdid all the18
business we needed to
do and even discussed
a couple of new items,
and were finished in a
little less than an hour!
Go VIP!!!
Dedicated to the Health, Education and Performance of
Poodles Everywhere
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Eleni Stevens
Our beautiful calendars have now come and gone once again. Melissa and Ros
truly did an excellent job of making the calendar their own creation with their artistic
vision this year. What a lovely VIP memento. It‟s never too early for everybody to
start thinking of how they would do it and what they can contribute for next time!
(Hint-hint.)
We had a great discussion of education in November with lots of input but I‟m not
sure we came up with any concrete plans. I‟ll bring this up on the list again right after the first of the year so hopefully we can develop some solid goals and get moving
on them in 2012.
Thanks to Barbara for the great idea, we are moving forward with Memorial
Donations. This was started as a Christmas/end of year project but will be continuing
throughout the year. Send USA donations to Treasurer, Sue Dearholt, (VIP c/o Sue
Dearholt, 1929 Van Buren Ave SE, Bemidji, MN 56601) or Canadian to Barbara
O‟Donaughy (VIP c/o Barbara O‟Donaughy, P. O. Box 1436, Hope, BC VOX 1LO
Canada) with a blurb and/or picture of the dog you are remembering and it will appear in the next newsletter.
We‟ve had several new members recently and had a little glitch in the welcoming/inviting to the list process. I think it‟s all been corrected now – and, once
again, Welcome to you all!!!
As each year winds down, I can‟t help but think of what a wonderful organization this is and how privileged I feel to be associated with each and every one of you.
The things you all do for our poodles, individually and collectively, are amazing and
awe inspiring. I am truly proud of this organization and its members and honored to
be your president.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Please feel free to contact me (e-mail [email protected] or phone 619405-6040) any time.
Versatility in Poodles, Inc.
1
TREASURER’S REPORT
Submitted by: Sue Dearholt
Versatility in Poodles Inc.
Statement of Activities
Statement of Financial Position
January 1 through December 15, 2011
As of December 15, 2011
Income
Donations - Not Designated
Donations - Designated for Health ReMembership Dues
Subscriptions
Certificates
Calendar Sales
Activity Manual Sales
Clothing Sales
E-Bay Commissions
Card Sales
Zazzle Commissions
Herding Trial Proceeds
Interest Income
Freight/ PP Fees Collected
Total Income
Assets
$2,314.12
50.00
5,040.00
141.00
240.00
5,537.00
32.00
96.57
18.75
120.00
25.29
481.47
5.94
162.01
$14,264.15
Expenses
Cost of Calendar
Foreign Currency Exchange
Advertising
Insurance
Bank Charges/Pay Pal Fees
Postage & Shipping
Seminar Fee & Travel Reimbursed
Newsletter Printing & Postage
Donations Made
Total Expenses
1970.55
3.22
200.00
1,484.00
157.69
6.93
735.40
83.13
5,000.00
$9,640.92
Change In Unrestriced Net Assets
$4,623.23
Submitted Subject to Year-End Internal Audit
2
Current Assets
Checking Account
Undeposited Funds
Paypal
Canadian Funds
Accounts Receivable
Total Current Assets
$17,387.38
1,039.04
80.29
349.45
260.00
$19,116.16
Total Assets
$19,116.16
Liabilities
Sales Tax Payable
$43.07
Total Liabilities
$43.07
Net Assets
Assets Restricted for
Health Research
Unrestricted Net Assets
Unrestricted Current
Year Net Earnings
Total Net Assets
4,623.23
$19,073.09
Total Liability & Net
Assets
$19,116.16
50.00
14,399.86
Submitted Subject to Year-End Internal Audit
Research Progress from CHF and MAF grants
(report from Hilary Ellis)
We have received progress reports for several of the research grants we have supported at the CHF.
Several of the researchers report promising results. Dr. Bruce Hammerberg is working to develop a
recombinant antibody that will target and block the action of the IgE class of antibodies. IgE is involved in allergic reactions. This antibody would be similar to the human pharmaceutical called Xolair.
Dr. Hammerberg has identified and cloned an antibody that binds and reduces the activity of canine
IgE and will be working to modify the antibody so that it is effective as a drug.
Dr. Nicola Mason is working to develop an antibody that will recognize Hemangiosarcoma cells in order to target these cells with toxic agents. By providing targeted chemotherapy this approach would
allow for more effective drug delivery and fewer side effects of treatment. Dr. Mason‟s laboratory has
generated several large collections, “libraries”, of synthetic canine antibody fragments, including libraries derived from Hemangiosarcoma cells. Screening of these libraries is in progress. As a test of
their protocols they have identified an antibody that binds to a protein from Canine Parvo Virus (CPV).
They are currently investigating whether this antibody can target and neutralize the CPV virus. If so it
might have therapeutic value in dogs with clinical CPV.
Dr. Janet Foley is conducting a study of Leptospirosis in Northern California. In her preliminary results she reports that L.pomona is the predominate serovar (61%) and that they have found spatial clusters of Leptospirosis cases near the coast in the southern San Francisco bay area.
Progress on Legg-Calve-Perthes in Dr. Murphy‟s laboratory has been slowed by problems recruiting
enough participants. They have begun the DNA analysis in West Highland terriers and are expanding
their study to include Fox Terriers and Schipperkes. This group is working on LCP in poodles under a
grant funded by the Poodle Club of America. If you have a poodle with LCP please contact Dr. Allison Starr at the email address at the end of the progress report below.
In research on prognostic factors and treatment of Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV or bloat) sponsored
by the Morris Animal Foundation Dr. Elizabeth Rozanski has enrolled 13 dogs. Her preliminary data
suggests that hypercoagulation appears to be common in all dogs with GDV, with less severely affected dogs having a more rapid return to normal coagulation values. Researchers hope that this and
monitoring of cardiac function will be useful in early identification of those dogs with GDV who are
most severely affected.
From the AKC Canine Health Foundation:
GRANT PROGRESS REPORT REVIEW
Grant: 01415: Development of Anti-IgE Peptide for Treatment of Canine Allergy
Principal Investigator: Research Institution: Grant Amount: Start Date: 1/1/2011
Dr. Bruce Hammerberg, DVM PhD North Carolina State University $84,861.00 End Date: 12/31/2012
Progress Report:
6 month
3
Report to Grant Sponsor from Investigator:
Hypersensitivity allergic reactions in canines are often mediated by the immunoglobulin, IgE. IgE binds
to Fc receptors on mast cells with a high affinity, inducing inflammatory reactions of mast cells after
cross-linking of IgE molecules. Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies are useful in immunotherapy for humans
that suffer allergies due to IgE reactions by reducing the amount of free IgE. This study investigates an
anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for the treatment in dogs. Progress in the first six months includes:
The sequence for the light chain variable region of mAb 5.91 has been completed. The sequence for the
heavy chain variable region is expected to be completed within one month. Linkage of the two sequences
and expression of a recombinant scfv of mAb 5.91 with confirmation of high affinity binding to canine
IgE will be completed by August, 2011.
A Fab fragment was produced from the whole molecule mAb 5.91 and used in flow cytometry assays as
a model for the recombinant scFv version of the antibody.
Whole blood from allergic dogs was processed and assayed. Results showed that the whole mAb 5.91
molecule reduced the amount of binding of canine IgE to the monocyte cell population from 15% to
7.7%. Moreover, the intact mAb 5.91 is able to bind the free IgE to prevent it from binding cell surface
receptors. However, whole molecule mAb 5.91 complexed with canine IgE bound to 13.7% of the lymphocyte cell population possibly reacting with IgG Fc receptors.
The Fab fragment of mAb 5.91 reduced the binding of canine IgE to the monocyte cell population from
15% to 5.6%. Thus showing that the Fab fragment of mAb 5.91 was even more effective in reducing the
binding of IgE to the monocyte cell population than the intact mAb 5.91. There was no evidence of Fab
fragment complexed with canine IgE binding to lymphocytes as previously seen with intact mAb 5.91.
These preliminary results indicate that the recombinant scFv form of the mAb 5.91 will potentially be
more effective at blocking IgE binding to cell surface receptors as well as decreasing the potential of
cross reactivity of the lymphocyte cell population with the IgG Fc receptors than the original mAb 5.91.
GRANT PROGRESS REPORT REVIEW (note from Hilary: This is not late it just missed getting in
the newsletter)
Grant: 01139: Immune Targeting of Canine Hemangiosarcoma Using a Canine Derived Single Chain
Antibody Approach
Principal Investigator: Research Institution: Grant Amount: Start Date: 1/1/2009
Dr. Nicola J Mason, BVetMed, PhD University of Pennsylvania - School of Veterinary Medicine
$123,125.40 End Date: 12/31/2010
Progress Report:
18 month
Publications:
- Braganza, A., Wallace, K., Pell, L., Parrish, C.R., Siegel, D.L., Mason, N.J., 2010, Generation and validation of canine single chain variable fragment phage display libraries. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology In Press, Accepted Manuscript.(Epub) DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2010.07.026
Report to Grant Sponsor from Investigator:
Canine hemangiosarcoma is a common and highly aggressive tumor of blood vessels that is oftentimes
fatal. At diagnosis most dogs have evidence of metastatic disease and despite chemotherapy, survival
times rarely exceed 6 months. Novel approaches to the treatment of this disease are needed. Our work
supported by the Canine Health Foundation and its associated breed clubs aims to generate a platform
technology for generating canine derived antibody fragments that can specifically target tumor cells.
Such antibody fragments can be linked to toxic agents and used to deliver these drugs directly to a cancer
cell allowing for increased drug delivery and reduced toxic side effects. No such targeting system is currently available for use in the dog although similar targeting approaches are used commonly and effectively in the human cancer clinic. The work performed during the first year of this two-year proposal has
lead to our ability to generate libraries of synthetic, canine antibody fragments. Each fragment is specific
for a particular molecule. Such molecules may be those expressed on the surface of cancer cells, molecules associated with tumor growth factors or molecules expressed on the surface of infectious agents.
4
Indeed, in theory, any molecule may be recognized by one or more antibody fragments contained within
our canine antibody fragment libraries. Having generated these libraries we are now able to use simple
panning techniques to isolate fragments that specific bind to molecules of interest.
In order to provide proof-of-principle that antibody fragments that target specific molecules exist within
the libraries that we have generated, we have utilized canine parvovirus (CPV) molecules to select CPV
specific antibody fragments from antibody libraries. This approach was successful and we have now isolated an antibody fragment of canine origin that specifically targets and binds to canine parvovirus. This
finding provides proof-of-principle that these libraries contain a diverse array of antibody fragments that
can be selected based on their ability to bind to certain target molecules. We are now performing further
screening studies to determine whether the selected CPV-specific antibody fragment is capable of targeting and neutralizing CPV, a finding that would possibly provide us with a much needed therapeutic agent
to treat dogs with clinical parvoviral disease. While this work was intended to provide proof that generated antibody libraries contain antibody fragments that target specific molecules, it also clearly provides
an insight into the potential of this technology to impact the treatment of multiple disease processes including infectious disease.
2We have now generated several different canine antibody fragment libraries from dogs with
hemangiosarcoma and are now starting to screen these libraries to identify and isolate antibody
fragments that specifically target hemangiosarcoma cells. In addition we are screening our antibody fragment libraries for fragments that can bind to and neutralize Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor (VEGF). This growth factor plays an important role in ensuring that new blood
vessels are generated in response to the presence of the tumor. New blood vessels support tumor growth and agents that inhibit growth factors like VEGF are important in the treatment of
many different malignancies. A human antibody known as Avastin that targets
VEGF is currently used to treat patients with advanced colonic adenocarcinoma.
It is important to note that since the antibody fragments we have generated are replicas of canine antibody
fragments they should elicit minimal immune responses when used in vivo. As such, these antibody fragments should be able to be administered multiple times if necessary, without loosing their potency. The
results of our work to date have been compiled in a manuscript that is nearly complete and will be submitted shortly to the Journal of Immunological Methods. In the second and final year of this grant support,
we aim to vigorously screen antibody fragment libraries generated from 10 dogs with hemangiosarcoma
for fragments that specifically bind to hemangiosarcoma cells. Once we have identified such fragments
we will link them to a cytotoxic agent and determine their ability to specifically kill malignant cells in vitro, prior to testing these agents in canine patients with hemangiosarcoma.
In summary, our work has lead to the development of the first canine-derived, antigen-specific targeting
approach that may be used for the treatment of many different cancer types including HSA. Furthermore,
we have identified potential agents that might be used to bind and potentially neutralize canine VEGF. We
are exceptionally enthusiastic about this novel technology and wish to thank the CHF and its supporting
breed clubs that have made and continue to make this work possible.
GRANT PROGRESS REPORT REVIEW
Grant: 01312: Association mapping study of Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease in the West Highland White
Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, and Cairn Terriers
Principal Investigator: Research Institution: Grant Amount: Start Date: 1/1/2010
Dr. Keith E. Murphy, PhD Clemson University $78,688.00 End Date: 12/31/2011
Progress Report:
18 month
Publications:
Starr-Moss AN, Nowend KL, Alling KM, Zepp EJ, Murphy KE (2011) Exclusion of COL2A1 in canine
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Animal Genetics. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2052.2011.02215.x
5
Report to Grant Sponsor from Investigator:
This study aims to identify genomic regions associated with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) in terrier breeds, including West Highland White Terriers (WHWT), Yorkshire Terriers (YT), and Cairn Terriers (CT). To this end, we have completed a preliminary association study in a subset of our study population. One candidate gene has been sequenced in WHWT and excluded as being involved in canine
LCPD.
Our goal is to collect blood samples from 200 dogs of three breeds: 100 affected and 100 unaffected. To
date, we have received 32 affected and 44 unaffected dogs, only about one-third of our desired numbers.
The statistical analyses of SNP data from 76 dogs, as opposed to 200 dogs, may not be sufficient to detect an association, given that LCPD is believed to be genetically complex. To help increase study participant numbers, two additional breeds are being considered for inclusion: Fox Terriers (63 samples received) and Schipperkes (21 samples received). Plans for the remaining grant period include 1) genotyping the remaining WHWT, YT, and CT samples with the Affymetrix SNP array, 2) adding the Fox Terrier and Schipperke breeds to the study to increase study participant numbers, and 3) completing data
analysis for the total study population.
To help enable this project to fully investigate LCPD as originally designed, please participate in this
study by providing DNA samples from affected and unaffected dogs. Interested owners willing to participate can find submission instructions at www.clemson.edu/cgr. Questions regarding this study should be
directed to Dr. Alison Starr-Moss, ([email protected]).
Grant: 01422: Targeting iNOS in Canine Oral Melanoma
Principal Investigator: Research Institution: Grant Amount: Start Date: 1/1/2011
Dr. Julie A Ellerhorst, MD, PhD University of Texas $59,301.00 End Date: 12/31/2011
Progress Report:
6 month
Report to Grant Sponsor from Investigator:
During the first six months of this project the investigators focused on collecting the samples and clinical
data needed through their collaborators. They formed an additional collaboration with Texas A&M to
ensure sufficient number of samples are collected. They are presently in the process of collecting samples and demographic/follow-up information. Assays will be run, and data collected and analyzed during
the second six months of the study and during the extension period if needed.
Grant: 01480: Leptospirosis: A Forgotten Disease in Dogs
Principal Investigator: Research Institution: Grant Amount: Start Date: 1/1/2011
Dr. Janet Foley, DVM, PhD University of California, Davis $73,620.00 End Date: 12/31/2012
Progress Report:
6 month
Report to Grant Sponsor from Investigator:
Leptospirosis is a re-emerging infectious disease of dogs, people, and other species. In dogs, manifestations of leptospirosis range from subclinical infection to multi-organ failure, but are mostly characterized
by acute renal failure. On average, 8-10 cases of leptospirosis are referred to the University of California,
Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) annually, making it the most commonly diagnosed infectious disease at the VMTH. We have performed retrospective analysis of cases and controls to
assess for significant risk factors and spatial clustering. 61.1% had elevated titers to L. pomona. Spatial
clusters were detected particularly near the coast in the southern San Francisco Bay area. Cases were
0.24 times more likely to be 5 to 10 years old compared to controls and were 0.47 times more likely to be
mixed breed than controls. Additionally, cases were 5.05 and 6.50 times more likely than controls to be
classified as unknown vaccination status or up to date on vaccines. Cases also had significantly higher
costs on the first visit than controls (p = 0.001). Through this study, it is clear that leptospirosis is a costly
and devastating disease of dogs that would benefit from better diagnostic capabilities and intervention
strategies such as vaccination, regardless of location or signalment.
6
From the Morris Animal Foundation:
D09CA-502: Multiple Organ Dysfunction in Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV); The Role of
Cardiac Dysfunction and Coagulopathy, Elizabeth A Rozanski, DVM
UPDATE: Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly referred to as bloat, frequently occurs
in large and giant breed dogs and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Retrospective studies
have documented a survival rate of only 70 to 80 percent in dogs treated with aggressive medical
and surgical management. In this project, researchers from Tufts University are developing scoring scales that will help veterinarians accurately assess the prognosis for dogs that develop bloat.
So far, 13 dogs have enrolled in the study and preliminary data suggests that hypercoagulation
appears to be common in all dogs with GDV, with less severely affected dogs having a more
rapid return to normal coagulation values. Researchers are hopeful that monitoring conditions
affecting the blood‟s ability to coagulate will be a valuable tool in early identification of the
more severely affected GDV cases. Researchers continue to assess other variables, including the
role of blood thinner therapy and cardiac dysfunction. They are also evaluating the use of a
blood test and a continuous EKG to look for signs of heart problems, which are also common in
dogs with bloat. Knowing which dogs have an increased risk for a poor outcome (death or a prolonged hospital stay) from bloat is vitally important so that hospitals and clinicians can identify
those animals in need of more aggressive care. Additionally, having better prognostic tools will
allow researchers to design clinical trials to test new therapies and treatments.
ANNUAL REPORT: PERFORMANCE CHAIR---2011
Performance Committee:
We have three new VC/VCX awards this month. John Pittman and Orchid
have a VC. Mel & Helen King and Cherisse have a VCX. Susan Dearholt
and Quigley have a VCX. This has been a busy year and there are a couple
more people who are gathering information for their applications that may
get added to the 2011 list. Thank you for all of the really nice application.
Esther Underkofler, Performance Chair
7
REMEMBERING…
IN MEMORIAM--WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE
In memory of my Standard Poodles Prufrock, Fresco, Celie, Carbon, Raiser, and Dudley.
Thank you all for the love, the laughter, and the lessons you taught me. You are in my heart always. Curtisy Briggs
This tribute is for my very first poodle, a mini named Peppy.
True to the poodle personality, he was bouncy and happy and
was a loyal family dog until he died of cancer at the age of 12.
Melissa Snell & Teddy
-U-CDX Teddy, CDX, RAE, GN, NA,NAJ, NF, TDI, CGC,
W-FDM/MF, W-FD/HTM, NFD- St. PoodleU-CD JoJo, CD,
RN, BN, OA, OAJ, NF, CGC, W-FDX/MF- Coton de Tulear
http://www.youtube.com/user/MSSKodiak
Sally Eller donated in honor of her beloved first poodle, Zephie.
Suzanne Loblaw donated in memory of Belize.
Karen Broomfield donated in loving memory of Luna
In Memory of: Reidville's Cody AKC CD TD CGC
Techichi's Tula Rosa AKC CD TD CGC - CKC CD TD
and INT CH Havenel Johnny Walker Red CKC CD AGI AGIS AGIJS RN - AKC OA OAJ OAP
AJP OFP CGC - ADC AADC
Cathy Rainer donated :
Here is my tribute for Mishka and Karma:
"Mishka UDT (9-11-82--9-26-98) was our first Standard Poodle and Ch. Karma
(7-30-90--1-20-06) was our second. Mishka and Karma opened new worlds for
me in tracking, obedience and conformation. Through training and showing,
I made many new friends and realized what a wonderful time I was having. I
did learn about health issues, too, which prompted me to join VIP. Mishka
and Karma were two special girls and we're fortunate to have had them. We
still miss them."
8
Susan Dearholt donated in loving memory of Gui, our first standard poodle, 1/12/02
- 10/12/11. He was Paul's constant companion and together they learned to love
and excel in agility. You are dearly missed Gui, rest well.
In memory of Jojax Christmas Holiday CDX - 11/1/1959 –
8/15/1972. My first purebred dog, my introduction to
obedience trials and the start of my lifelong “addiction”
to dog sports! Long gone….but never forgotten, and
always in my heart.
Carol Srnka
Note from Victoria Hoffman:
In memory of the poodles who have gone before and contributed to my eagerness to love
and own poodles: my three minis, Coco, Brandy, and Nikki.
Thanks to the following donors: (beyond the Christmas Memorial)
Hilary Ellis
Julie Poimiroo
Dr. Sandra Hedge
Patricia Morton
Miriam Hillier
Sally Eller
Jacqueline Harbour
Prudence Ott-Avary
Susan Webb
Pamela Fligor
Tracy Lone
Thanks to these kind people and the generous donations for the Christmas Memorial, we collected $1875 for research since the last newsletter.
9
VERSATILITY CERTIFICATE
Excellent
Congratulations!
Cowboy
URO-1 UAGII Ben-cher's Sir Cowboy Harry RA OA AXJ OF CGC OAC OJC NCC WV-O TN-O HP-N
Cowboy came to us through a series of connections and referrals to be my father's wheelchair service dog
and our first standard poodle. He flew from Alaska to Maryland, and settled right in to learn his
job. Cowboy went to work full time just before his second birthday and for the next 6 years they went to
appointments and cruised around town together. My father used to say that by himself he was an old guy
in a wheelchair, but when Cowboy was with him, he was the guy with the dog.
Cowboy had an incredible work ethic as a service dog, to the extent that when we once encountered someone we knew from agility in an elevator in a hospital in Baltimore, they were absolutely convinced he was a different dog, because he clearly wasn't the same goofy dog they knew from agility.
We started doing agility so that Cowboy could run off some energy and take a break from being a
working dog. He loves jumping almost as much as he loves to get a laugh, and always lives up to being a
brown clown. More than one judge found themselves desperately trying not to laugh at him.
Cowboy retired as a service dog after my father's death in 2010, and retired from agility earlier this
fall after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Ann McDonald
10
VERSATILITY CERTIFICATE
EXCELLENT
Congratulations!
Amer/Int/UCH Desert
Reef's Lets Be Bad Guys
RN HIC VCX CGC SD
TD CHIC is known at home
simply as Malcolm. A goofy, happy
go lucky boy who loves to make
people laugh. As a Service Dog, he
enjoys going to new places and seeing new things, even making new
friends. He works hard to educate
the public not only on
the versatility of the standard poodle,
but also on the important role a Service Dog plays to its owner. As a
youngster, he loved to prance
around the conformation ring, buttering up to the judges with kisses and tail wags. When not in the ring, he trained for his career as a Service Dog, earning his CGC at only 4.5 months of age. He has travels clear across the country, accompanying his owner to conventions and trade shows. Snapping up his RN in three shows, he is
currently working towards his CD. He recently certified as a Therapy Dog under Delta with a perfect
score and is working hard towards his THD. He is a natural in herding, willing to work anything cattle to
cats. Despite not being allowed to officially earn the HIC title with AKC, he passed the testing with better
scores than his cattle dog housemate and
was awarded an honorary HIC by the
ACDCGLA. With his third birthday just
past, we are very proud of all our boy has
achieved, and hope to continue adding to
his list of accomplishments well into his
golden years. We would like to thank VIP
for the support and encouragement to push
the boundaries of the breed. I doubt we
would have had the courage to press into
unknown territory without knowing other
poodles had been there before us! Thank
you too, all you owners out there who
challenge the preconceptions that the poodle is just a fancy fashion statement!
11
VERSATILITY CERTIFICATE
Excellent
Congratulations!
URO3 FO NatCH Tiara Q Sir Quigley of Melody CGC, CD-H, RL1X2,
RL2X, ARCH, CW-ZR1, CW-ARF, ITD
It‟s not the destination – it‟s the journey. Quigley is my first standard poodle, my A dog. Every title has
been a new adventure for both of us. Being from the sticks of Northern Minnesota, we have traveled to
the Twin Cities, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Carolina and all points in between in quest of the knowledge
and those letters. Before completing this application, I had never written his name out with titles - at
least now I know why I‟m broke!
Our quest is not over though; we are currently working on WCFO freestyle competition and looking forward to UKC agility coming to MN this summer. The highlight of our time together this past year has
been attending Camp Gone to the Dogs in Vermont, traveling on to Maine to gorge on lobster. Quigley
loved the people admiring him in so many different languages at Niagara Falls and goose droppings
along Lake Erie. It‟s the simple things, isn‟t it?
Sue Dearholt
Bemidji, MN
12
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
JOYCE MILLER AND SHARON PFLAUMER
They are both Finalist in the 2011 Dog Writers Association of America Annual National
Writing Competition that's in the running for a Maxwell Medallion, the DWAA‟s highest
honor.
Sharon‟s article focused on the role played by the War Dog, Cairo , in the raid that killed
Osama Bin Laden. He‟s the Belgian Malinois that accompanied the SEAL team. The article
ran in DOG NEWS on August 12th. It was submitted along with three other DOG NEWS
articles for special awards consideration. Special Awards winners as well as those receiving
Maxwells will be announced in February at the Awards Banquet.
Joyce‟s article is titled: "Does Your Club Host Win-Win Shows?" and appears in the Summer
2010 issue of Poodle Papers
Link to my article in the Summer 2010 edition of Poodle Papers:
http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/papers/PPSummer10.pdf
I know some of you remember me telling you about me training Cartier to be a seizure response dog. He has been
working with Sue for 3 years now and here is a little story about him................Jac
About this incredible dog you brought to be...
It was a tough day in some respects but Cartier did well by me, always there when I came around
again. It‟s now feeling a bit like having the paranoids following me... he‟s never more than 2 inches
from me. Doze off and I wake to him licking my hands, face, anything his tongue can reach. It‟s comforting in many respects... and stops me from wanting to say „cut that out, I‟m fine‟.
A couple of hours ago –while still a bit fuzzy- I was in the kitchen putting on hand lotion when a ring
slipped off a finger. It‟s one of those absolutely irreplaceable rings rings (my parents gave it to me a
few years ago). I heard it bounce across the hardwood floor then – nothing. Trusting my dog that I do,
I just said „get it‟ and that he did. He raced down the basement stairs, hopped the baby gate (put up to
keep him from the cat food... sigh) and seconds later hopped back over the gate and was back at my
side, ring in his mouth, waiting to spit it into my hand.
Be darned.
Sue & Sidekick
13
Minarets Ciervo Dorado RE
Tanni earned his RE title
at the November shows
in Roseburg OR.
Esther Underkofler
November!
....lots of initials that
represent lots of fun times together
Her registered named is now...
UCD Kamann Wraynbow Brite
UD GO RAE AX AXJ NAP NJP NF
Can you tell from my smile how
excited I was??
Carolyn Wray
My name is Gail Kendrick, I am a new member of VIP. I am very excited to be part of the group.I
have miniatures, I do Agility and Obedience. I love the breed and am always amazed at how smart,
beautiful, fun, and dedicated they are. Their versatility is awesome!! My passion is agility, and two
of my mini's have earned multi-MACH's. My white mini has qualified for the National Agility
Championships in Reno, Nevada and is going. I am looking forward to being part of this group.
On 11/5/11 the Great Western Flat Coat Retriever Club held a working certificate in Southern
California. My standard poodle ran as the test dog for the WCX.
Michael Ross
Since this is a list for versatility in Poodles, I thought I would share
some things we have done lately with our Poodles.
Our little one-hipped wonder, MeMe got her 100th double Q to earn her
MACH 5! What a girl she is!
As far as I know, there have been only FOUR standard Poodles (unless I am
missing some) that have ever reached MACH 5 and Mel runs two of them!
Last month we finished up our first nosework class. I took my granddaughters
(7 and 9) and they worked two of our other dogs (MeMe & Millie our feral
dog).
Here are links to some videos of them in class:
http://youtu.be/1YApqXNuFfA
http://youtu.be/dIt3FfjDgO8
Helen King
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New VIP fundraiser available Jan 1st
Vinyl, removable window stickers in two styles. #1 Is an outline style of a
black poodle carrying a duck; #2 is an agility poodle going through the
tire. Each is priced at $6.00 including shipping/handling.
Mail checks payable to VIP to:
VIP
c/o Sue Dearholt
1929 Van Buren Ave SE
Bemidji, MN 56601
Paypal address: vip_tsr @ yahoo.com (without spaces) *** Please add
$1.00 if you use PayPal.
If you have any questions, please email to [email protected]
Carolyn Wray
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CADENCE-Toy Poodles &
Ruptured Discs
The month of December propelled me into a world of information about disc disease. I had always known that long-backed dogs were
prone to back problems, however, it was new to me that this was not an
uncommon problem in toy Poodles. Also, I was surprised that it would
occur in a young dog that as far as I know, had not been injured. Often,
it comes on suddenly and can vary from pain to paralysis.
In the case of Cadence, I noticed he was a little less his energizer, twirling, dervish self that day, but there
was nothing obviously wrong. I had to run an errand, so I put him in his crate thinking I would confine him and
keep an eye on him. I came back less than 2 hours later to find him completely paralyzed in the rear end. I immediately called my vet, who happened to answer the phone himself. He told me to bring Cadence right in, which I did.
As soon as Dr. Greg Gallegos saw him he told me that it was good I brought him because this was an emergency
situation. Dr. Greg examined him and said that it was imperative to start treatment immediately and that surgery
might be necessary. The good news was that Cadence still had deep muscle pain.
I left Cadence feeling dazed, but, trusting my vet. Never having experience with a problem such as this, I
was wondering if my little guy could/would recover or if ultimately euthanasia might be necessary.
Cadence has always been a healthy dog and is only 3 years old (apparently, 3-7 is the common age for this problem. He came to me through a friend of a friend from the animal shelter after his litter of 4 purebred toy Poodle
puppies had been abandoned on someone‟s porch (at least that was the lady‟s story). They were sick and only
about 4-weeks old. The shelter employees were sure the puppies would die in the shelter, so they fostered them at
their own homes until they were well, and old enough to be adopted. I got Cadence when he was about 8-weeks
old. Despite his beginning, until now, he has had zero health issues.
After 5 days of hospitalization, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medication, the deep muscle
pain response seemed to be diminishing. Dr. Greg sent me 110 miles away to the neurosurgeon who explained that
if surgery was to be successful, it must be done right away. He said that for every hour that passed, the probability
of a successful outcome was diminishing exponentially. He took Cadence for a myelogram to confirm the diagnosis. If appropriate, surgery would be performed while still under anesthetic. No promises were made, but the vet
explained that there was reasonable hope because Cadence still had
The signs of disk disease vary with severity and location some deep muscle pain. Cadence had spinal surgery that afternoon.
in the spine. A mild rupture can cause slight pain, but
The daily reports from the attending vet were discouraging at
severe ruptures can cause irreversible paralysis. Most
first.
No
movement of any kind. The fourth day, Cadence tried to wag
cases fall somewhere in between.
his stumpy tail and, possibly, moved his right leg? Encouraging news!
Signs of disk disease include:
The next day the vet asked me to come pick Cadence up to go home. I
was instructed in the fine art of expressing his bladder because he
 trembling, whining, or crying out with certain neck couldn‟t go on his own. I never did get the hang of it, even with the
or back movements
YouTube videos. Fortunately, Cadence took over and emptied his
bladder on his own when he came home.
 reluctance to move or turn the head
Cadence is now beginning the third week post surgery. At
 appetite loss
this
writing,
he is walking with a wobble, but walking– mostly- with an arched back or a noticeable twist to the back
out turning his feet under and walking on top of his feet. Last night,
 reluctance to jump up or climb stairs
he actually lifted his leg to pee on a rock. I was amazed.
 an unstable walk
Pet health insurance made the surgery financially possible.
 toes knuckling under or feet dragging
Recovery is a 12-week, process of crate confinement with a gradual
 inability to use the legs.
progression of activity outside the crate. I am happy and relieved to
If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to the
report that it appears that Cadence is making a very speedy comeveterinarian immediately. The levels of spinal cord damage can progress quickly from pain to an unstable gait to back. Here‟s hoping for full recovery.
loss of bowel and bladder control and paralysis.
Laura Mitobe, Newsletter Editor
Prompt treatment often prevents further damage.
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There are a small number of VIP Poodle Activity Manuals for sale. These manuals make great
Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers.
A single copy of the manual is $8.00, plus $3.00 for
shipping, for a total of $11.00.
Proceeds from the sale of the manual go toward
health research.
For complete order information and more information about the manual, see:
http://www.vipoodle.org/docs/VIP_Booklet.html
Welcome New Members
Thanks.
Cathy Rainer
Follow us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Versatility-Poodles/185383706321?ref=ts
Newsletter Submissions:
Please put NEWSLETTER in the subject line and send
it to me personally for best results. Include pictures,
text, full names and titles of dogs, first and last name
of owner, etc. in the same email. , last names, etc.
Do not double-space. Font should be Times New Roman/size 12. Please send as a Word document and pictures as jpeg files.
Laura Mitobe
[email protected]
BE HEARD:
Express your thoughts, opinions, stories
about Poodles here!
Happy New Year!!!
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VERSATILITY IN POODLES, INC.
Officers
President: Eleni Stevens, CA
Treasurer: Susan Dearholt, MN
Recording Secretary: Victoria Hoffman, GA
Health & Education Chair: Hilary Ellis, CA
Vice President: Jac Harbour, OR
Corresponding Secretary: Mary Ann Eustis, VA
Performance Chair: Esther Underkofler, OR
NEWSLETTER POLICIES
CONTENTS
The aim of this newsletter is to publish articles, stories, pictures, etc. which will educate Poodle owners and breeders
about the health of the breed and promote the welfare of the Poodle as a versatile breed of dog. Contributions are welcomed. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the newsletter, its editors, the Versatility
In Poodles, Inc. or its members. All content is subject to final approval by the editors and/or the Board of Directors of
the organization.
COPYRIGHT: 2010, Versatility In Poodles, Inc. Any portion of this newsletter may be reprinted for educational purposes, provided that correct acknowledgement is given to Versatility In Poodles, Inc. or the author of the item.
ADVERTISING: rates: $15-full page; $10.00 half page; $6 1/4 page or business card size; subject to approval of the
Board of Directors and/or editor.
CIRCULATION: The newsletter will be sent to members and subscribers. Complimentary copies will be sent to nonmember clubs and contributors. Requests for subscriptions and address changes should be sent to the Treasurer at the
address below. Membership (includes subscription) Single: $30 USA, $30 foreign countries. Membership Family: $40
USA, $40 foreign countries. Subscription Only: $25 per year USA and $25 foreign countries. Dues and subscription
fees are due by December 31 of each year.
TREASURER: Susan Dearholt, 1929 Van Buren Ave. SE Bemidji, MN 56601
Canadians may pay in Canadian funds to: Barbara O‟Donaughy, PO Box 1436, Hope, BC, V0X 1L0, Canada
EDITOR: Laura Mitobe, PO Box 1365 Littlerock, CA 93543 (661) 433-4385 [email protected]
Dedicated to the health and welfare of Poodles everywhere!
From:
Miriam K. Hillier
4 Emerald Ct.
San Mateo, CA 94403
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