The Coton Malgache - Canadian Coton De Tulear Club

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The
December 2011
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Due to an injury affecting her typing ability, we regret that we
do not have a President’s report from Barb Canduro this issue. I
will fill in as best I can.
The Annual General Meeting scheduled for December 18, 2011
was postponed and a special meeting of the Board of Directors
was held instead. We await news of that meeting and a new
date for the AGM.
Good news… Linda Brookes has volunteered to take over the
CCTC secretary position which will also include membership
duties. Thank you, Linda!
The revised website for the club was recently launched. If you
have not checked out the fabulous new look, please do so at
www.coton.ca. Many thanks to Diane Benaroch and her “elves”
for getting this important project to completion.
Without a doubt, the most significant event of the past year is
the tragic loss of member Valerie Ford of Cotonnelle who was a
dedicated advocate for the Coton. In both sadness and
celebration of Valerie’s, we dedicate this issue of the Coton
Malgache to the memory of Valerie Ford.
Chris Wasylishyn, Newsletter Editor
Inside this issue:
In Memory of Valerie Ford
2
A Show Story
8
Mini-Pocket-Peanut
5
A “Dream” Come True
10
Hallowe’en Magic
6
More Dog Show Awards
12
Photo Contest Feedback
6
Pond Dogs (Photo)
13
What’s Wrong with this
Picture?
Christmas Presents (Photos)
13
7
CCTC—About Us
14
Members Renewal Reminder
7
In Memory of Valerie Ford
November 14, 1953 - October 31, 2011.
I was shocked and very sad when I heard the news of Valerie's death. I
have fond memories of Valerie, our long conversations about our dogs,
our families and life. "Life isn't always fair" as it is hard to think that in
one instant a life is just taken away. Life brings tears, smiles and
memories. The tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on
forever.
On the day after hearing the news of her death, I was reminiscing about
our discussions, moments we had shared at dog shows and the one
memory that came back to my mind was the CFC’s First Autumn show in
Canada, October 16/17, 2004. After the show we had organized a banquet
and Valerie came with her mother and brother. She was so happy to have
had the opportunity to offer such an unforgettable evening to her mother
and brother. A few days after the event Valerie wrote that that evening
was so special for her mother, fulfilling a dream of living a night of
glamour. Her mother died a few months later. That was Valerie, always
thinking of making others happy.
The last time I met Valerie was in Texas where I had judged the USACTC Specialty. This is what Valerie
wrote : « I would like to take the opportunity to thank you the presentation of the Lopatin award
honouring Simba for his acheivemnts. I would also like to thank you for my Best of Winners win in the
Specialty show. After 13 years of breeding Cotons, this weekend proved to me that I have consistancy
within my breeding program. When looking at the show results my little ones placed in the winnings 4 of
the 6 shows. I am so proud of them!!! »
Valerie and I never missed wishing each other the best on our birthdays as we shared the same day,
November 14, but this year she will hear my prayer, wishing her wherever she is, that she is happy.
My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy goes out to Valerie’s family as you struggle through the
grief and sadness. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
May Valerie rest in peace and may God bless her soul in peace and paradise
Suzanne Lavigne
De Montarville Coton de Tuléar
More Memories of Valerie Ford
Valerie Ford (L) with Joanne
Mouryas and armfuls of
Cotons
Valerie Ford was my friend, my mentor, and my confidant. I met Valerie for the first time
at the Rare Breed Show in Woodstock in July of 2006. I had just come back from Spain
with my two beautiful Coton de Tulears, Caton and Caitie. I had gone for one and ended
up with two. It's happened to most of us. There were many Coton breeders at the show
that weekend. Valerie and I spent a lot of time chatting. She told me that I had her
puppy. I thought she was joking. As it turns out, while I was in Spain picking up my little
Caton, who I had already paid for, his breeder was trying to sell him to Valerie. Just this
year, Valerie showed me the correspondence between herself and Caton's breeder. We
had a good laugh about that over the years.
On that weekend that I met Valerie in 2006, she was showing two beautiful 3 month old pups who I later found out were
Bam Bam Kazaam and his littermate Envy-Me. Even though they were so young, they moved around the ring with
ease. This was a reflection of how good Valerie had become at producing and training show quality dogs. We would
see each other at shows following this meeting and we would speak on the phone regularly. At first she was a little
guarded since I was a new breeder and she did not know if I was breeding for the right reasons. As she got to know me
and realized that I was in this for the long haul, she opened up and became my best friend. We learned so much from
one another. Valerie often said that each litter brought with it new challenges. She was right. She said that she never
stopped learning even though she had been breeding Cotons for 14 years.
I used to love driving to the country to visit with Valerie. It was a beautiful trip and I enjoyed spending time with her
discussing dogs, life and anything else that tickled our fancy. We would always have a good time and we would often
laugh. It was nice seeing her smile. She always had something cooked for me to eat and would always have a care
package for me to take home. She would always include a couple of toys for my dogs. She was always so
thoughtful. Valerie is the first person that I loved that has died. I often wondered how people dealt with the death of a
loved one and now I have first hand experience. I don't wish
that kind of pain on my worst enemy.
Over the years I have met many families that have a Cotonnelle
Coton. I had the hard task of phoning some of them within the
last two months to tell them of Valerie's tragic accident. A dog
breeder often becomes friends with the families that adopt their
puppies and this was the case with Valerie. She will be missed
by all the families that had the opportunity to welcome a
Cotonnelle puppy or two into their family. Valerie worked
tirelessly to better the breed in the past 14 years that she bred
these adorable bundles of joy. Her hard work paid off. She
was a fierce competitor in the Show Ring and often won. She
regretted not being able to show her dogs in the last couple of
years due to health issues and some personal problems. My last
conversation with Valerie was on Friday October 28th. She
was in an upbeat mood and we had made plans to get together
for a Greek dinner to discuss our breeding program.
I still reach for the phone to tell Val something I hear that
would interest her. It's what best friends do. We had so many
things in common. She was an amazing woman. I will never
forget her.
Joanne Mouryas
Valerie Ford (centre) at a show in Florida.
CCTC member Bev Kohler at right.
At left: Coconut
of Cotonnelle
A lovely Cotonnelle puppy bred by Valerie Ford
For more remembrances of Valerie, see also
http://valeriefordofcotonnelle.blogspot.com/
Caesar of Cotonnelle
MiniͲPocketͲPeanut
SubmittedbyMarieͲFrancePrayal
MiniͲPocketͲPeanutbornonNovember6thwithhis3
brothersand2sisterswastotallyfineandweighedͲinthe
sameashissiblings.But,quickly,wecouldseetherewas
somethingdifferentwiththislittleone,hestoppedgaining
weight.Iwasverycarefultogivehimextratimenursing
withhisMom.Hewasnursingcorrectly,happyandactive.
Thevetcheckedandfoundnothingwrongwithhim,
exceptasmallheartmurmur.
Oneday,Idecidedtoofferhimameatrationfor
smalldogs.Itwasarevelationandthesamedayhe
gainedagood20grams!So,nowourroutineis3
timesaday,hecomestothekitchen,cleansuphis
littlebowlandafter,wetakethetimetohaveanice
conversationtogetherandabighug.Heknowsthis
routineverywellandifIforgetabouthimorpasshis
lunchtime,heletsmeknow!
ABOVE: Mini-Pocket-Peanut at meal time.
“Big Peanut” having a rest
At6weeksandawhoppingbig520grams,heisactuallyhalfsizeofhisbrothersandsistersbutfulloflifeand
love!Hisnewname;BigPeanut!
Hallowe’en Jack-o-Lantern Magic
This is truly amazing! Linda Brookes used a photo of her beautiful Coton, Griffin, as the model for her
Hallowe’en “Coton-o-Lantern” (my terminology, not Linda’s!). What wonderful creativity. Maybe next
year we could have a Coton pumpkin carving contest (Just kidding!).
Chris Wasylishyn, Newsletter Editor
Photo Contest Feedback
After the photo contest with results in the September newsletter, I asked for feedback from members. I only
had a few responses, but all were positive, indicating they had enjoyed the contest and were interested in
participating in future contests. One person did mention that if they are too frequent, they might lose their
appeal.
Suggestions for prizes included gift cards for stores common across the country and easily mailed, gift
certificates for online stores, CCTC memberships, and one member even offered to donate a new book on
Cotons!
Suggestions for themes included best outfit/costume related to a season or occasion such as Halloween, best
seasonal photo, dirtiest dog, dog, owner look-alike, puppies, snow, sleepy Cotons, or activities such as
agility.
Other suggestions included having members vote for the winner and having a children’s drawing contest.
Thanks to those who responded with such great ideas. Additional suggestions always welcome.
Chris Wasylishyn, Newsletter Editor
What’s Wrong with this Picture?
Submitted by Marie-France Prayal
I have a very interesting picture.
IT is Find the mistake... Here is
the story: we have Adora, a Polish
Lowland Sheepdog who had 10 puppies
and she is still nursing them. She
was in the kitchen. I put 5 puppies,
6 weeks old in the same kitchen,
first time they were there, first
time they met Adora. Guess what
happened? One came directly to Adora
trying to nurse... Adora, no
problem, and the little one, what a
treat!
I attached to this message the proof
of my story…
LEFT: Adora, the Polish Lowland
Sheepdog nurses a 6 week old Coton.
At Left: Photo of Tango’s birthday party which for
“technical difficulty” reasons was not published in the
September 2011 issue of the Coton Malgache.
Bambino of Polana
with newborn puppy
Reminder
Membership Renewals are Due January 31, 2012
This year the Board will enforce the increased fee for any late registrations!
Please send renewal forms and cheques to:
Linda Brookes, CCTC Secretary
2 Nevis Ridge Drive, RR #2,
Hawkestone, ON
LOL 1T0
A Show Story
By Diane Benaroch
I will never forget the first time that I attended a dog show with my seven
month old Coton de Tulear puppy—Vega, my pride and joy! We had
previously attended puppy classes, followed by conformation classes attended
religiously. I had read show magazines, watched the "Best in Show" movie a
couple of times, but never with the intention of showing my own dog!
Walking into the show facility with my husband leading the way, beautiful
dogs of all breeds were coming and going from the building. Their owners
were focused, looking very serious and busy. I held my precious little girl
tightly under my arm with no real idea of what was going to unfold. I felt like
it was my first day at kindergarten, but all that mattered is that I wanted to do this!
We found a corner in the huge building, away from a door and near the bathrooms! My whole body felt tight and I
worried that my dog would sense my nervousness about this new event. I brought most all of my grooming tools, not to
mention pads, blankets, and bottled water enough for an elephant in the Sahara. I brought toys and the “pee pee” litter
box. That in itself was a huge endeavor-- first, the plastic on the floor, then the box and then the litter. Of course my
Vega thought that the wood shavings were the greatest things to throw around. Did I bring a broom? Well of course,
along with a few chairs for my husband and myself, knowing that I would probably never sit in it, but, we might have a
few friends dropping by to give us support.
As the clock is advancing, my heart is beating a little harder. Vega is lying on the grooming table like a princess. All of
my grooming tools are around me – so much stuff that I don't know where to put it. Grooming my girl is a normal part
of my day, but at this first show, boy I became clumsy!!! Of course, the usual conditioner is not working as well in this
building…should have thought about that and I am now fighting "static electricity" - well that is all we need!!!
While I was 100% sure that I was not going to see any other Cotons in this huge building, I was still hoping for a
miracle. (Later on I learned about the "judges' schedule" which would have told me exactly which and how many dogs
were in each group. Oh, silly me!) After asking at least 4 people where my ring was, I walked by Number 1, taking
deep breaths while trying to envision my little girl walking straight and happy, smiling for the judge and being the best
looking little Coton he would ever see in his whole career! This is where it was all going to unfold: little white fences
around the ring, carpet runners and a table for gifts, along with a table for the examination of my dog.
We did our class alone as the only entered Coton de Tulear. The judge then told me to come forward and handed me
"THE RIBBON". Well my gosh. I started crying with emotion! We had done it, and now one little blue ribbon all of a
sudden becomes the end of our world. My darling girl is "something" and has been "shown," and next, we have "The
Group at 3 o'clock". OH MY! That means that we will be among all the best dogs of the entire Toy Group. Reality is
setting in….
By that time my husband and I were hungry since we had left the house quite early. So Vega goes on the leash as we
go to grab a light snack. No hot dogs for me as these were "my bait" for Vega! (Oh boy, I am also learning a new
lingo!) Now I have time to relax and watch all that is going on around us. Poodles standing on their individual tables
getting so much specialized grooming. Little dogs, bigger dogs, and so many breeds I had not seen before. As I go
around with my girl, we stop and chitchat with different dogs' owners. Everybody is nice. I see so many new combs,
scissors, shampoos-- products of all sorts, and I am thinking "I just HAVE to try that stuff on my baby”…especially after
watching the Maltese & Bichon ladies who are true experts in keeping their dogs so white. Many breeders ask, "What
kind of dog is this?" “Can I touch your dog?” How precious to tell them a little bit about the history of our Cotons along
with their wonderful attributes.
The Group competition was very professional and as a “newbie”, I was not quite sure about distances and protocol. But
my girl was well behaved and did not seem to mind the other, unfamiliar dogs behind us. When the four best dogs in
the group were chosen, it was a relief. We did not make the top four– but my gosh we had done something more: we
had chosen to try, we had faced the odds, and we had done our best. Not to mention, I had surmounted my fear of
being judged! I felt so proud and kisses and hugs for my Vega did not stop coming at her! Vega looked at me saying "I
was good, wasn't I Mom?"
Now I go to the shows with my family of four Cotons, including Vega's daughter. Three of them are champions and I am
so proud of each one. Each of my dogs has ‘their own little story’ which will always hold wonderful memories. I am just
starting my youngest female, and the pride continues.
Ranging in size from small to huge, the shows in Canada are very special and I would personally like to invite you to
attend. At the end of October I will be attending the largest show in Canada, held every year at Tradex, just minutes
from the border in British Columbia. Judges will be coming from around the world and this year we are having a
National Supported Entry with 10 Cotons registered. I hope there will be more next year!
One thing that all dog shows have in common is the opportunity to promote our breed with pride and passion. We can
meet and interact with other breeders, get new information, and learn ways that will help us become better owners and
breeders ourselves. For me, it is devoting 3 or 4 days to being with my dogs and pampering them with my full
attention. And they love it. So don’t miss the fun and come to a show!
Diane Benaroch
Cotonfield Coton de Tuear
Abbotsford, B.C., Canada
*Note: It is no longer necessary to have a Canadian Kennel Club registration in order to show your Coton in Canada.
The CKC offers an Event Registration Number (ERN) to foreign-born dogs that can be used in lieu of a CKC registration
number. For more information go to www.ckc.ca.
Diane with a later success in the show ring.
Here she is with Keano, winner of Best of Breed.
ChDreamduDomainedePolana
SubmittedbyMarieͲFrancePrayal
Ourbigadventureintheringstarted3yearsago.Wetraveledalotandvisitedmanyplacesinthe
Maritimes,inQuebecandeveninEurope.Dreamdidmorethanwell,winningBestPuppyinShow,3Cotons
Specialties,manygroupplacementsandaveryexciting4thplaceinhisclassattheWorldDogShowinParis
lastsummer.
Ourgoal,forthisyear,wastowinaBestinShowwiththeCanadianKennelClub(CKC).That’’sabig
challengeforaCoton.DreamwasoftenaloneinhisgroupandpittedagainstmanywellͲknowndogsand
professionalhandlers.
JustafewmoreshowsbeforetheendoftheyearandnoBestinShowyet.InAugust,wewenttoCape
Bretonfora4showweekend.Forthefirstmorningshow,thejudgeisMr.McIntyrefromNewBrunswick.
HeseemstoreallylikeDreamandhegivestohimGroup1.Intheafternoon,again,Group1withanother
judgeandherewearefortheBestinShowunderMr.McIntyre.Ilookedattheotherdogsandasusual,
thereweremanyprofessionalhandlerswiththeirtopdogsinthecountry.But,again,we’’lltry,Dreamand
me,todoourbest.Mr.McIntyretakeshistimetoexamineDreamonthetable.Wedoagreatjob,walking
aroundthering.Now,weareallreadyforthefinaldecision.Mr.McIntyretakeshistime,lookingatevery
dog.Hegoestotheringtableandcomesbackwiththebigribbonand…….YES!HepointedatDream!!!!!!!
Whatafeeling!Dream,youarethebest,thebestcompanion,thebesttraveler,themostcharmingtable
Cotonintheworld,the…….Ok,youunderstandthatDreamisreallyaspecialCotonforme.
Withhisshowcareerbehindhim,heisnowenjoyingtakinglongwalkswithme,goingforadriveandplaying
withhisCoton&PONfriends.ThankyouDreamforthese3yearsfullofadventuresandexcitement,anda
veryspecialthankalsoLary,mydearhusband,fortakingcareofthefourͲfootedfurrybunchwhilewewere
livingthe““dream””!
More Dog Show Awards
ABOVE: Linda Brookes with her Coton de Tulear, Griffin, who won Best in Show at UKC Multi-Breed Show
in Cinnicnati, Ohio in December.
CONGRATULATIONS, Linda and Griffin!
At Left:
Linda Brookes with Griffin
As he is awarded
BEST IN SHOW
At the Canine Federation of Canada (CFC)
Show held in Quebec
The same weekend as the Specialty
At Left:
Not quite show-ready, Linda
Brookes’ two girls, Cassi and
Athena, having a great time
playing in the bog of their
pond.
Lake Country Cotons
Having fun opening presents…
Must be something tasty inside!
Submitted by Thais Frook
Page 14
About Us…….
Denis Carriere founded the Coton Malgache Publication in 1994 so that breed
fanciers might share their mutual interest. The club’’s aim is to support, educate
and advise owners, members and prospective owners about the Coton de Tulear.
All members of the CCTC will abide by a code of ethics that will govern the
breeding and prosperity of these lovely animals, protecting and preserving the
qualities of the Coton de Tulear, and striving for its betterment.
CCTC publishes the Coton Malgache quarterly in March, June,
September and December. We encourage your submissions! Please do not hesitate
to send photos of, and articles about your Cotons.
Deadline for the
March 2012 Coton Malgache is
March 3, 2012.
Advertising Rates
Coton Malgache
Please send all submissions for the Coton Malgache to:
Email: [email protected]
Subscriptions to the Coton Malgache are included with a CCTC membership.
Colour
B/W
Make your cheque or money order payable to CCTC. Fees for US and overseas
subscribers are payable in US funds.
1/4 page ………….
$35
$20
The CCTC is a Canadian non-profit organizat.ion .
1/2 page ………….
$60
$40
Full page ……..
$120
$80
Business card
$15
$10
Ads may be submitted as camera ready or in draft.
Draft text must be clearly typed.
Photos should be clear and in sharp contrast to ensure
quality reproduction.
Cheques should be made payable to the CCTC.
www.coton.ca
Advertising is available on our website.
*
Sponsor Advertising
$25 per calendar year for a business card
$45 per calendar year with a live link to a website
*
Breeder Directory
Members Only
Litter Announcements
$15 per litter for 3 months
$10 per ad for one older dog
*
Contact Marie-France Prayal
[email protected] Tel. 902-757-0826
The opinions expressed in the Coton Malgache are those of the authors and do not
necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
The articles in the Coton Malgache belong to their authors and cannot be reproduced
either in whole or in part in any form without written permission of the author.
CCTC Executive
President: Barb Canduro
Email: [email protected] 705-743-4862
Vice-President - Joanne Mouryas
Email: [email protected] 416-282-9253
Secretary: Linda Brookes
Email: [email protected] (705) 487-5426
Treasurer & Eastern Director: Marie-France Prayal
Email: [email protected] 902-757-0826
Quebec Director: Position currently vacant
Ontario Director: Barbara Fenn
Email: [email protected] 416-483-0780
Western Director: Diane Benaroch
Email: [email protected] 604-856-6627
Newsletter Editor: Chris Wasylishyn
Email: [email protected] 604-876-7106