The Coton Malgache - Canadian Coton De Tulear Club

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The
The Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue 1
March 2010
President’s Message
coming to an end. It’s been a rather
soggy winter here, ranging from
rain in January, to heavy wet snow
in early March. Keeping the dogs
groomed and bathed has certainly
been a time consuming effort.
Seems my dogs love the wet and
cold and they appear stumped about
why Mom doesn’t want to cuddle
and hold them close when they
have frozen slush stuck to their
coats.
ourselves from the backyard
breeders and hopefully will bring
Karen Black
Over the past couple of months the awareness to potential buyers. If
CCTC President
Medal Accreditation program was you need more information about
It seems a little late into 2010 to be implemented and litters are now
this, please contact Marie-France as
wishing everyone a Happy New
listed on the website with
she is doing a great job taking care
Year, but I certainly hope that
corresponding accreditation. It’ll of the program.
everyone had a nice Holiday
be nice for the buying public to see
Season and that the new year has
that the breeders of the Canadian
I hope that by the time the next
started on a good note.
Coton de Tulear Club are diligent
newsletter comes out the weather
in their health testing and that the
will be warm and sunny (meaning
While I never wish for life to speed club is committed to the highest
dry dogs). Until then, if you have
up, I can say that I am most happy standards of health for our dogs.
any questions, comments, concerns,
that it’s March and winter is
It’s a step toward distancing
please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Spring!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
From One Pearl to Another
Page 2
Cotons Celebrate the Olympics
Page 5
Genetic Issues
Page 6
Tribute to Tabou
Page 10
Dog Yarn
Page 12
Safety Warning
Page 11
I Want Two Scoops
Page 13
Page 2
The Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue
FROM ONE PEARL TO ANOTHER ...
...By Lorna Christie, White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
came home I told him what I had done. He said: “Hon! I don’t
think we should get a Cocker Spaniel as it would be hard for both
of us.” He then asked me about the breed I had seen walk down
our street and we immediately went to the Internet and started
researching for puppies available and speaking with breeders.
Long story made short – by the next morning we were on the
phone with Marie-France Prayal of Polana Kennels in Nova
Scotia as she had puppies that had been born and were available
at the end of May. Well, now how coincidental was that ? – we
had booked a trip to Nova Scotia to see Richard’s parents and
some of his family and the timing was perfect. Also, there were 4
males in the litter and we had decided we wanted to get a male
puppy this time!
So, back and forth we went with Polana Kennels, getting updated
pictures on a weekly basis, and one day we received an email
with the picture of the puppy that Marie-France had chosen for us
(since we wanted a show/breeding prospect). I quickly phoned
and asked her which puppy was the one she had chosen for us, as
we had already chosen one in our hearts from the pictures she had
sent previously. Believe it or not, it was exactly the puppy that
touched my heart when I had seen the last group of pictures. I had
tears in my eyes and Marie-France couldn’t believe how things
had been divinely orchestrated! Now came the naming process,
I was born on the Island of Ceylon: called the ‘Pearl of the Indian and we chose the name: KINTANA (a Malagasy name meaning
Ocean’ (now known as Sri Lanka), to Eurasian parents, and I
Star).
now have another pearl: a Coton de Tulear which originated in
Madagascar, also an island in the Indian Ocean. My journey in
The first meeting with Marie-France and Larry and Kintana and
procuring this wonderful companion is an interesting one indeed. his mother and father was a very moving one for us as we were
going through MANY emotions. The biggest one for me being
It was the spring of 2008, and I was seated in the parlor of our
the transference of love to our new puppy and the letting go of
home in White Rock. There before my eyes I saw a dog being
the love I still had for our previous dog. Marie-France and Larry
walked down the street. It was a breed which I had never seen
knew there was a lot we were going through emotionally, and
before. I quickly ran to the front porch and called out to the lady gave us the space we needed to open our hearts to KINTANA
walking the dog to come over as I wanted to see her dog … she
and the Coton de Tulear breed and all the dogs and puppies we
very graciously came over and I asked the lady what breed her
were with. It did not take long for us to realize how much love
dog was and she said: Coton de Tulear, and explained to me that these balls of cotton had to give, and how much joy we were
she was visiting from Quebec and that the dog was a rare breed. I going to experience with our new puppy.
just fell in love with the dog and after she left, I quickly went to
my computer to research and read all about the breed. When my Kintana was born March 18th and we brought him to his new
husband came home from work I told him all about the Coton
home in White Rock, British Columbia on June 1st, our 18th
and he too did some research. Of course, he wanted to get a
wedding anniversary! There at the airport, to greet us, was our
puppy IMMEDIATELY! I said: “NO! I am still not ready for
darling granddaughter Georgia Emily who was 3-1/2 years old,
another dog, nor do I know if I want a dog.” … you see, our
and that very evening we were at our son and daughter-in-law’s
beloved Cocker Spaniel had died in December 2007 and left quite home for a BBQ to celebrate our wedding anniversary and to
a void in our lives. So, my loving husband agreed to patiently
welcome Kintana. Our grandson Joshua Aaron who was 1 year
wait.
and 3 months then was the first to walk Kintana on a leash!
There started the impact Kintana was to have on all our lives.
April 16, 2009 I was reading the papers and found myself in the
‘Puppies for Sale’ section and for the first time phoned a breeder On the way from the Airport we received a phone call that a dear
regarding a Cocker Spaniel puppy. She said she would send me
friend of ours was in ICU and we went to visit her a day or so
pictures the next day (which never came), and when Richard
later and that was Kintana’s first Pet Therapy visit with residents
The Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue
Page 3
the CFC show in Nova Scotia in October 2009. He showed very
well there, winning 4 Best Puppy in Breed and 2 Best Puppy in
Show . And, as luck would have it, I came down with a bad flu
and we were blessed to have a junior handler handle him – again,
divine provision!
Georgia Emily, Joshua Aaron,
& Kintana relaxing together
at the Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock … within minutes we
were being asked if he could visit the patients in the adjacent
rooms and it was very obvious that he had a very positive impact
on their lives and brought lots of joy to them.
We practically did not have to do any ‘potty training’ as Kintana
had been well trained already and within a week or so Richard
had erected a screen door with a doggy door so Kintana had free
access in and out of the house … the yard being very secure with
fencing all around and locked gates.
First was the Dog Obedience classes and socialization, and I
determined very quickly that ‘Agility’ was an area he was very
interested in and had a natural aptitude for. Next came the
Handling classes and getting ready for the first show which was
The end of October saw Kintana at the Abbotsford International
Dog Show where he won his first CKC point. Little did we know
that a couple of weeks later we would be contacted by TSN as
they had taped the final Group Show and wanted information
regarding the Coton de Tulear as Kintana was going to be one of
the dogs that would appear in the Toy Group and TSN was airing
the show 3 times in December. What a great opportunity for
publicity of the Coton de Tulear breed! And Kintana, when he
heard his name mentioned on T.V. stopped in his tracks and kept
staring at the television, and of course we watched all 3 airings of
the Dog Show!
We had already met other Coton owners/breeders and had a gettogether, and our circle of friends now included several beautiful
Coton owners/breeders. We have been at Handling classes and
shows together and keep in touch with each other very
frequently. We even were there for dear friends with Richard
assisting them in a ‘search and rescue mission’ when their female
coton, with puppies just weeks old, went missing … I got my first
opportunity to puppy-sit the little ones and look after the older
ones too. So, we’ve been there for our friends during good times
and not so good times … Isn’t that what friends are for?
Kintana has been in the ring a few
times since the end of October, and the
first Dog Show for the new season will
be over the Easter long weekend.
There should be 5 Cotons there and we
plan on having a Coton de Tulear
information booth to make our
presence known in a big way.
Lorna Christie, Kintana with ribbons, & grand-daughter, Georgia Emily
In the meantime, Kintana has been
bringing joy and love to numerous
people and as all Coton owners will
agree, one cannot go for a walk with a
Coton without being stopped every few
yards because the breed just ‘stands
out amongst the crowd’! White Rock
boasts a beautiful promenade by the
Ocean and it is just such a pleasure to
walk Kintana there as everyone wants
to know what breed of dog he is and
the kids just loving enjoying the many
kisses he gives them. Our
granddaughter has demonstrated and
expressed great interest in Handling
and we hope to have her go to PeeWee
Handling classes! Our grandson loves
to feed him one pellet of food at a time
and Kintana waits very patiently!
Page 4
From One Pearl to Another (cont’d from page 3)
The Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue
Kintana even enjoyed the 2010 Winter Olympics and was a great
‘hit’ amongst the myriad of people who visited Vancouver and
his picture is all around the world as people were continuously
asking us for permission to take pictures of him! He even had his
picture taken in a Bobsled and was graciously received by all the
staff at Birks, where the Bobsled was located and pictures could
be taken!!
They say: ‘Every cloud has a silver lining.’; this couldn’t be
more truer than in my case. After a career spanning
approximately 35 years, I had to go into early retirement through
means I wouldn’t have dreamed of. I kept wondering what was in
store for me around the bend. Now I see the formation of the
‘silver lining’ – the granting of my heart’s desire: either to be a
Veterinarian or Psychologist. As I look to the future and
breeding Cotons, I see the meshing of both these disciplines.
What an answer to prayer! I am doing things I never thought I
would ever do: me, handling a dog in the ring and Richard being
in the ring with Kintana too! We are learning more about the
Cotons all the time and that is excellent for the brain – it will sure
keep us young and more knowledgeable.
In conclusion, we have to say that getting Kintana was the best
thing that we could have done for not just ourselves but for
MANY people, and we are so blessed to have him … he is a
typical Coton Clown: full of energy and always ready to play
and have fun. Now, what could be better than that? It is the
greatest therapy one can get!
Richard Christie, Lorna Christie, & Kintana
with a bobsled and an Olympic torch while enjoying
the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
Above: Tissac’s Misty Blue in Team Canada shirt.
Left: A Dreamsports Coton after the hair-raising Canada
USA gold medal hockey game.
Page 6
The Coton Malgache Volume10 Issue1
Cotons Cheer for Canada
During Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics
Dreamsports puppy with his official Olympic T-shirt
Above: Chris Wasylishyn’s CCTC red jacket was perfect
for cheering on Team Canada.
Below: Everyone has a pair of those famous red mittens,
including this lovely Dreamsports puppy.
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The Coton Malgache Volume10 Issue1
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The Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue
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The Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue
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Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue 1
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Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue I
A WARNING TO ALL DOG OWNERS
Our little Cotons are fun-loving, inquisitive and fast on the
run. Unfortunately sometimes their greatest attributes can
lead them to tragedy. This January I lost my wonderful little
companion “Tabou.” As responsible dog owners it is
imperative that we adhere to a very important rule. NEVER
allow our precious companions off lead unless they are
enclosed in a safe and secure area. I entrusted my Tabou to
my groomer of 6 years and when I did so I gave her explicit
instructions to NEVER allow him off lead to run freely unless
in a secure play area. As a result of her ignoring my
instructions, Tabou was hit by a car and died of severe head
injuries. I hope by sharing my story, Tabou's short life would
not have been in vain; that we as dog owners ensure the
safety of our little companions at all times, because it is us to
whom they so freely entrust their precious lives.
Valerie Ford of Cotonnelle
IN REMEMBRANCE OF NISGA’A
It has been a very sad few months in the Canadian
Coton world. Not only did Valerie Ford lose her
beloved Tabou and another of her puppies to tragic
ends, but Sonja Paterson of Dreamsports also lost
her precious Nisga’a in a very unfortunate mishap.
Here is a photo of Lil Snow Drop (Lusha),
daughter of Esprit de Tulear Spirit Bear and
Nisga’a.
In Sonya’s words:
“We have decided to keep her after much discussion.
In the end I could not part with her as she is Nisga'a's
legacy. I miss Nisga'a so much. “
Nisga’a’s spirit will live on through her puppies
Page 12
Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue 1
Dog Yarn
Submitted by Marie-France Prayal
A woman, Delia Burge, who lives here in Nova Scotia
came for a visit to see my Cotons. Delia spins and
knits. She asked me for some Coton hair to try for
spinning and knitting.
Right: Photo of a skein of Coton yarn
Below: Mitts knit with Coton and alpaca yarn
Here are Delia’s comments about her experience with
Coton hair:
“It was quite hard to spin but I didn't want to mix it with
sheep's wool - it is very soft - and very much like cotton!!!. “
“I knitted fingerless mitts. The bottom lacey section and
the white stripes are dog hair and the light beige is
alpaca. They are so soft and cuddly just like your Coton de
Tulear!”
More Dog Yarn
Submitted by Chris Wasylishyn
Marie-France’s story comes as quite a coincidence. Just before Marie-France submitted her story for the
newsletter, I met a fibre artist at the dog park one morning. This woman also spins her own yarn and
expressed interest in my three Cotons as she thought the longer hair
would be better for spinning than the shorter hair of many dogs.
This woman, Eliza Lau, has a shop in Vancouver called Gentille
Alouette. I offered to save some hair for her to try. Our encounter
has had an unexpected benefit. It has motivated me to comb my
dogs more often and to keep them cleaner so the hair I save doesn’t
look brown instead of white.
My former next door neighbours, who have now returned to live in
Australia, used to refer to my Cotons as “the sheep.” I guess it
should come as no surprise that their “wool” is now being sought
after to be spun into yarn and knitted into mitts!
Who makes better mittens? Coton or sheep?
I Want Two Scoops and Not Just One!
Beaujolais (who also answers to Beau and
Beauj) at almost 1 year is a most remarkable
dog. He very healthy, strong, agile, full of
mischief and very intelligent. He plays very
creatively with his toys. For example he plays
hockey using one toy held in his mouth to
swat a ball so he can chase it. He loves the
outdoors regardless of the weather. Here in
Florida we walk the beach 7 days a week at
6.30 am rain or shine and he loves it. He is
quite used to the ocean and the surf. He can
also exercise himself in the house running at
full speed from one end to the other for 2 or 3
minutes at a time. He has good eyesight and a
nose like a hound. He obeys the following
commands perfectly in the house: Sit, Down,
Come, Leave it, Wait, and Stay. We are half
way through a training course of 8 weeks. He
is also a very affectionate dog and totally
devoted to Nancy. He follows her around the
house all day. He is also a super watch dog.
Beau travels beautifully in the car with no
problems. Everyone remarks on his
appearance and he is a very handsome dog.
He does not need frequent bathing since he is
totally without a doggy odour.
Bill and Nancy
Payzac Beaujolais having twice the fun!
CCTC Litter Accreditation Program
The Canadian Coton de Tulear Club is implementing
a litter accreditation program. To place a litter
announcement on the CCTC website, the minimum
required health checks for BOTH parents must be
submitted, ie CERF and patella clearances. In
addition, there is a Gold and Silver Medal
program. Litter listings that have both parents with 4
or more health tests (2 required, 2 elective) will
receive a silver medal accreditation; those with both
parents having 5 or more clearances will receive a
gold medal accreditation beside the listing.
Mandatory Health Checks
CERF
OFA Patella
Elective Health Checks
Hips (OFA or OVC)
Elbows (OFA or
OVC)
Cardiac (OFA)
Thyroid (OFA)
CMR (Optigen)
VWD
For 2010, health screenings/clearances documentation
and should be sent to Marie-France Prayal either by
See Page 14 (back page)
email [email protected] or by regular mail:
for litter listing prices.
418 Vaughan Rd
Scotch Village, NS. B0N 2G0.
The Coton Malgache Volume 10 Issue
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. Photos will be returned upon
request if you include a S.A.S.E.
Deadline for the June 2010 Coton Malgache is
May 25 , 2010.
Advertising Rates
Coton Malgache
Colour
B/W
1/4 page …….
$35
$20
1/2 page …….
$60
$40
Full page …..
$120
$80
Business card
$15
$10
Please send all submissions for the Coton Malgache to:
Email: [email protected]
Subscriptions to the Coton Malgache are included with a CCTC membership.
Make your cheque or money order payable to CCTC. Fees for US and overseas
subscribers are payable in US funds.
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.
Payment must be submitted before deadline.
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
$60 per year for unlimited listings
$10 per ad for one older dog
*
Send cheques to Marie-France Prayal
418 Vaughan Rd Scotch Village NS B0N 2G0
The CCTC is a Canadian non-profit organizat.ion .
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: Karen Black
Email: [email protected] Tel. 877-811-3699
Past-President: Marie-France Prayal
Email: [email protected] Tel. 902-757-0826
Vice-President & Interim Membership Chairperson:
Thais Frook
Email: [email protected]
Treasurer & Interim Secretary: Barbara Fenn
Email: [email protected] Tel. 416-483-0780
Ontario Director: Joanne Mouryas
Email: [email protected] Tel. 416-282-9253
Eastern Director & Interim Western Director:
Marie-France Prayal
Email: [email protected] (902) 757-0826
Newletter Editor/Coordinator
Chris Wasylishyn
[email protected] 604-876-7106