President`s Message - Versatility In Poodles
Transcription
President`s Message - Versatility In Poodles
VOLUME 17, NO. 3 JUNE 2009 www.viPoodle.org IN THIS ISSUE Dedicated to the Health, Education and Performance of Poodles Everywhere President’s Message…………… 1 New Members…………………….. 2 President’s Message Board of Directors Notes……. 2 The Hounds of Heaven……….. 3 Compassion Dog………………….. 5 Member Brags…………………… 6 Health News…………………………8 AKC Updates……………………… 9 VIP 2010 Calendar Project…..10 Treasurer’s Statement…………11 If you are receiving this Newsletter via Mail and would like to receive it by email please contact Carolyn Wray at [email protected] Challenges, Changes and Commitment I’d like to start this message off with a sincere “Thank You” to Susan Baldridge, who has resigned as Treasurer. The job of Treasurer of any organization is a difficult one, and with VIP, that difficulty is compounded by distance. I was gratified to find that the day after we made this public and appealed for help, three of our members willingly stepped up to help out. I’m not saying who these three are at this time, because as of this writing, the BOD has not had a chance to vote on an approval, but you three know who you are, and have my heartfelt thanks for your cooperation and commitment. This transfer is a challenge to us as an organization, and as such, has pointed out some things that we need to improve on – and a biggie in that category is how we prepare and mentor new people in elected positions. For those of us who reside in America, we are used to hearing and expect to hear about ‘transition teams’ being in place to make sure that the transfer of power of the Presidency within this nation goes smoothly and seamlessly. And our country is good at it – while we hear about minor politically motivated problems between the parties, on a larger scale, the transfer is a model of co-operation amongst people who may be diametrically opposed to each other politically, but put that aside in the interests of the welfare of our nation. Gee, we can’t go the route of a team to help with the transition with a three month lead-in time, but surely there are things that we can do to help it, and in the coming months, we will be discussing this on the VIP Members e-mail list. Give it some thought, and be prepared to chip in when we talk about this. I am sure there are many of you out there who, in your non-Poodle jobs, have had some experience with this sort of thing, and we need your input. ……./more VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 1 Please welcome our new members! President’s Message continued….. Another thing I would like to bring to the attention of the general membership is how burdensome it is to transfer hard copies and files around every time there is a change in officers. We run the risk of losing them, as well as our most important corporate documents, in transit as well as to some sort of calamity (think hurricane, tornado, or fire) as well as the time and expense of moving them around. We also need them accessible by whoever may need them in a timely fashion. If there is a computer-savvy person in our membership who would be interested in looking into this, I’d appreciate hearing from them. I’d like to know more about how some of the on-line storage sites work and/or CD backup information and what our options may be along those lines. I’d like to know how we make a conversion of this sort, too. So, c’mon, computer people, step up and let us hear from you. This may be a Poodle club, but the reality is that we’ve all made our livings in a world outside of Poodle involvement. It’s that practical, working knowledge we need to tap into now. Judy Harding Easton, MD Interests: Agility, education, service dogs, obedience, working (hunting), tricks, CGC, therapy, tracking, rally, freestyle. Variety: Standards Thomas Harding Easton, MD Interests: Agility, education, obedience, tricks, CGC, therapy dogs, tracking, rally, freestyle. Variety: Standards Karen Sumlin Cumming, GA Interests: Agility, service dogs, flyball, tricks, CGC, therapy dogs, charity walks, tracking. Variety: Standards Another thing – PLEASE, PLEASE do what you can to publicize our 2010 Poodle Calendar! Irma Shanahan Board of Directors Meeting Notes. The Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the following items up to June 2009. The motion was made by Hilary Ellis that two ads @ a cost of $55.00 each be placed, as usual in the 2009 PCA Catalogue; 2nd by Carolyn Wray. A motion was made to send Hilary Ellis to the Canine Health Foundation Conference being held October 23 - 25 2009 and that a deposit cheque be sent to Hilary Ellis to be included with her application. Made by Eleni Stevens, 2nd by Barb O'Donaughy, all in favour. Motion passed. A Special Meeting was called after the acceptance of the resignation submitted by Susan Baldridge, Treasurer of Versatility In Poodles, Inc. A motion was made by Eleni Stephens to appoint Sue Dearholt as Interim Treasurer, and nd Mary Lou Copp, Assistant Treasurer, 2 by Barbara O’Donaughy, All in Favor, Carried. A motion was made by Eleni Stephens to appoint as signing officers on the checking account; President: Irma Shanahan, Treasurer: Sue Dearholt, Assistant Treasurer: Mary Lou Copp, Any ONE of the three to sign alone, also to remove Susan Baldridge as a signing nd officer. 2 by Barbara O’Donaughy, All in Favour, Carried. Submitted by: Barbara O'Donaughy VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 2 The Hounds Of Heaven Tom Snyder Tom is on staff at Animal Samaritans, SPCA in the Coachella Valley. He is the Assistant Director of Public Relations and Development That is the group that we do out therapy work through. AnSams has the local affordable spay, neuters, vaccination clinic as well as small no kill shelter and community education programs. The therapy group is run by all volunteers. Unusual program for an SPCA, especially with the special needs kids in the school districts. It’s an April morning at Johnson Elementary School in Indio. Elvira sashays past a line of excited second-graders awaiting lunchtime in the shaded food court. Her rock star hairdo is part Jimmy Hendrix, part Tina Turner, which adds height to her already commanding stature. Her hair—not fur— makes her an ideal therapy dog, especially for those with fragile lungs. Standard Poodles do not shed. “I want to pet her,” says an eager child. They all do. When several children stray from the line, their teacher pipes up, “Single file.” Elvira walks on, unaffected. Now is not the time to socialize. It’s Thursday and she has clients to see. “Elvira’s here,” says Sherri Halstead, Elvira’s human companion. The students in this class cannot speak, but several change their facial expression and look toward the door. In Diane Montgomery’s Active Learning program—a cuttingedge approach to working with profoundly handicapped children—sounding boards and interactive mobiles replace chalkboards and desks. Students lie on padded mats or sit upright in what amount to modified plastic car seats. More advanced children strap into specialized walkers that allow them to stand upright and wheel about without risk of falling. See-through tubs line an entire classroom wall and brightly colored objects abound—stuffed animals and shakers, plastic xylophones, bongos, noisemakers of every kind. A blind autistic child sits on a homemade sounding board, spinning an aluminum mixing bowl in endless succession. The vibrations from the board tell him his proximity to the bowl, when it spins, when it stops. Elvira will visit him later. First, she must attend to the boy in the blue plastic chair, “Andrew,” who has been beaming since she entered. VIP Newsletter June 2009 Several years ago Andrew came to Diane’s class with severe diplegia, a condition of cerebral palsy that paralyzed his arms with rigidity. His hands were clenched, his arms and legs permanently crossed. During her first visit, Elvira stood beside him while he struggled to lift his head for a better look at her. On the second visit, he unclenched the fingers of his right hand to touch her. Several months later he extended his right arm for the first time since infancy—just to pet a dog. Elvira approaches and the boy’s eyes, magnified behind thick glasses, appear even wider. His crooked smile is infectious. Elvira is his puppy; she belongs to him. On Sherri’s command, Elvira positions her long body on Andrew’s left, his weak side. She patiently waits as he struggles to lift his arm and place it where he wants it. With help from an aide he lands his hand on her neck. He strokes her awkwardly, almost roughly. She doesn’t mind. He grabs a tuft of hair and clenches to pull her closer. Elvira gently twists her head and shakes free of him. He reaches for her again and she licks his hand. Delighted, he squirms. She is nurturing, protective, like a mother with her newborn. Perhaps it’s he who belongs to her. Five-year-old “Guadalupe” has a bent spine and constant seizures. She is always in pain. She stares skyward, as if in supplication, unable to lift or lower her head without assistance. She can no longer speak, and communicates by blinking—one for no, two for yes. Elvira walks to her side and stops when the child combs her hanging fingers through her hair. “Elvira’s here, you want to pet her?” Sherri asks. Guadalupe double blinks. “I think she missed you, did you miss her?” Two more blinks and a smile. The grating whirl of a suction device begins and a nurse places a small tube inside the mouth of one of Guadalupe’s classmates. The routine procedure keeps the child from choking on her own saliva. At the same time, an older child spills a box of toys that clangs with a ruckus, and the blind autistic boy spins his mixing bowl. Elvira doesn’t stir. It’s all part of the job. At John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, a team of burgundy-clad nurses pauses in the corridor to ooh and ah. Many address Elvira by name. The hospital’s first Animal Assisted Therapy, or AAT, dog, she’s famous here. She even dons a plastic name badge, which hangs from her blue therapy dog vest. Judith Lewis, a volunteer at the hospital, strokes Elvira, then stands aside and watches the handful of nurses linger behind to do the same. “They’re not just therapeutic for the patients,” says Lewis. “Sometimes the nurses work 12 to 15 Page 3 hour shifts. The dogs are great stress relievers.” Lewis knows the simple act of petting an animal reduces a person’s blood pressure. It also boosts the immune system. We pet, we smile. We smile and our brains release endorphins, homegrown painkillers and serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter that elevates our mood and relieves depression. $50,000 and higher) to serve one person exclusively. The American Disabilities Act provides access for working dogs and their owners to all public and commercial places. Not so for therapy dogs. Foster parents like Marilyn spend a year and a half training puppies more than 30 commands, including going to the bathroom on cue—anywhere, on any surface. Before entering a room, Sherri peers in and gently knocks on an open door. “Would anyone like a visit from a therapy dog?” Therapy dogs, on the other hand, “are more like generalists,” Sherri says. Where working dogs serve a specific owner, therapy animals serve the masses. While less intense, training is also essential for therapy dogs. Prior to being accepted as an Animal Samaritans’ therapy dog, Elvira had to pass behavior evaluations, generally held on the last Saturday of each month from September through May. AAT candidates are tested on 16 criterions. Does the animal react fearfully to fast hand movements? How does she respond to canes and walkers? Loud noises? Can she walk calmly on a loose leash? An emaciated woman with salt-white hair nods. Elvira approaches the side of her bed. The woman strokes her with curved hands, her fingers more bone than flesh. She says she misses her cat and asks if Elvira gets along with felines. In the next room, Elvira greets a man with a thick Latino accent. He appears impressed but cautious. He’s never seen a dog like her before and wants to know what kind she is. “A Poodle? She’s so big.” Sherri points out Elvira’s webbed feet. “Standard Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs to retrieve ducks and geese from the water. All Poodles started out this big,” she explains, a reference to the miniature and diminutive toy varieties. “They’re actually German, not French.” Elvira enters the intensive care unit, an area generally off limits to therapy animals. A doctor welcomes her in and escorts her to a man lying in bed beneath a white sheet. His skin is pocked with sunspots, his eyes glazed and worn. Clear tubes stretch across his cheeks, pumping oxygen in through his nose. “Some people are here with a therapy dog,” the doctor says. The patient, a retired pediatrician, appears to be in his 80s. He smiles. “She’s a beauty,” he says, petting her. “Oh, I miss dogs.” In addition to lowering the patient’s blood pressure, Elvira helps to reduce his cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both agents of coronary diseases. If he doesn’t have a pet at home, he would be wise to adopt one. More than spousal support or the presence of extended family, studies show pet ownership is the best indicator for predicting whether heart attack patients will have a successful long-term recovery. At JFK, as in other hospitals, therapy dogs often work in pairs. More dogs mean more patients get a visit. Today Elvira has teamed with Danica, a petite golden retriever whom Marilyn Petty-John, her owner, calls Daneeka, in case a child has the same name. When she’s not escorting Danica on therapy visits, Marilyn raises puppies for Canine Companions for Independence in Oceanside, which trains working dogs for the disabled. Therapy dogs and working dogs serve distinct needs. Working dogs are bred and trained (often at a cost of VIP Newsletter June 2009 “Aggression toward other dogs is the number one reason animals fail,” says Lori Wainio, who oversees behavior testing for Animal Samaritans’ AAT program. A former exotic animal trainer with the Cincinnati Zoo and The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert, she uses the same techniques on dogs as she did on animals from the wild. The conscientious animal trainer and founder of Dream Dogs International in La Quinta, she is adamantly opposed to harsh techniques of any kind. “You can’t put a choke chain on a tiger and say, ‘Here kitty, no kitty.’ It doesn’t work.” Her secret? Positive reinforcement. Lots of it. Elvira’s next stop is the Oasis Mental Health Treatment Center. Here, crisis intervention is commonplace, suicide assessments routine. No cameras allowed. A nurse sends Elvira and Sherri through a set of double doors. As I wait outside the visiting room, I’m struck by the normalcy of the place. I see no straightjackets, no mumbling catatonics, not one burly nurse wielding a syringe. Only seven patients, all of them women, sit in the spacious waiting room. It’s after lunch and most of the men are reportedly still sleeping off their cheeseburgers. The room is long and narrow, with rows of seats facing inward, like an airport boarding area. A gregarious woman with ratty yellow hair, alligator skin and globs of eyeliner is stroking Elvira. She smiles, exposing a dearth of teeth. She asks my name and extends her hand with a raspy, “Pleasure to meet you.” After a bit of small talk, she confesses to hard times on the street and the power of addiction. Elvira gently burrows her head into the woman’s side for more petting. Laughing, the woman leans down and enjoys a lick on the chin. Elvira shows no judgment, no bias. People are people. Several residents have rooms that enter directly into the rectangle. One is a bearded man with flowing white hair. He emerges from his room and sits on the nearest sofa with the Page 4 poise of a seasoned yogi. He speaks to no one but Elvira. I’m told that’s how it’s been since he came here. Elvira jumps onto the open seat beside him, and the man enjoys some coveted one-on-one time with her. She eventually moves to the next patient, and the man quietly sneaks back into his room. Compared to traditional hospitals, visitors here are rare. Schizophrenia and substance abuse have a way of severing the ties of our social and family networks. Several years ago on Christmas Eve, Sherri brought Elvira to the center during evening visiting hours. There were decorations, a Christmas tree and lots of petting. One hour and more than a dozen patients later, the music ended and the residents returned to their rooms. Elvira was their only visitor. In addition to special needs classrooms and hospitals, Animal Samaritans’ AAT dogs visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities, easing residents’ loneliness and depression. Ideal AAT animals are smart, accepting to strangers, non-aggressive toward other dogs, and have an innate desire to work. After evaluating each animal’s personality, size and age, Lori and Sherri will recommend the best locations for a dog to visit. The program is free; however, pet owners pay a nominal fee for their animal’s therapy vest. To learn more about Animal Samaritans’ AAT program, contact Animal Samaritans SPCA at 760.343.0837 or view their website at animalsamaritans.org April 23, 2009 Compassion dog joins Sacramento County DA's staff Source: The Sacramento Bee (www.sacbee.com) Jan Scully, Sacramento County district attorney, this week introduced the newest member of her staff who has pedigree papers - literally. Reggie, a pure breed standard Poodle, will work as a compassion dog to help comfort witnesses and victims, according to a news release from the DA's office. Scully introduced Reggie to the Board of Supervisors earlier this week as part of her noting National Crime Victims' Week, the release states. Reggie was donated to the DA's office by the St. Francis Pet Education and Training Center in Fair Oaks. "Reggie provides victims and witnesses with support and peace during their involvement in the criminal justice process - from taking interviews to providing court testimony," Scully said in the release. "He is a valued member of our office, lifting the spirits of those who are often facing the most harrowing time in their lives." The Poodle that started it all The Board of Directors sends a big MERLOT- Marquis Anutta Fine Wine CD, NA, NAJ, CGC, TDI, Search and Rescue Certified VIP Newsletter June 2009 THANK YOU to Rodney Dow for his contribution to the VIP health fund. Page 5 VIP MEMBER BRAGS Becky Baxter Flash and I attended our first agility show in over a year. We hit the Open ring with only one leg needed in each class. We Q'd and got First place finishes in the very competitive 20 inch class, to gain his OA and OAJ titles. He is now Karbits Energizer OA, OAJ, CGC, TDI. Bred by Karin Benker, owned and handled by Becky Baxter. Melissa Snell Teddy, UCD Theodore Black Forest Bear CDX RAE GN TDI CGC W-FDX/MF, just earned his Freestyle Dog Excellent title in musical freestyle from the World Canine Freestyle Organization. We competed through their video competition against dog and handler teams from many countries all around the world. Our routine was a '50's theme to "Rock Around the Clock", where I wore a skirt with a Poodle silhouette, and Teddy wore a bandana with a silhouette of a girl. He is such a fun boy to train and show! Vivienne Swarbreck Cheers had a busy and successful spring. On April 3 she acquired her CDX, picking up four High in Class and a High in Trial along the way. April 16, she passed her St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog test, and has started weekly visits at a local Nursing Home. At the UKC trials held on April 18 & 19, Cheers earned her UCD in three straight trials and also a leg on her URO1 title. To finish with a flourish, Cheers garnered her CKC Rally Excellent title on May 30, then picked up a RAE leg the following weekend. Officially known as UCD Cantope Triple Threat CGN, CDX, RE, RNMCL, HIC(s), St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog., Cheers is a fantastic companion to and training partner with Vivienne Swarbreck. VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 6 Katharine Dokken Barbara O’Donaughy I recently took part in several huge health testing clinics and have the following testing brags to report. We have been having a very good Spring and have accomplished the following: Standard Poodles: UKC GRCH WP's Love Reign O'er Me is OFA Hips rated Good and LCP Normal, UKC CH WP's Le Chocolat Du Luminary, CGC is OFA Hips rated Good and LCP Normal, and UKC CH WP's Pride And Prejudice is OFA Hips rated Good and LCP Normal. Havenel Remember Me (Frankie) March 21st at Cloverdale BC Can: 2 Q's towards his CKC CD May 2/3rd at Kelowna BC: Finished his CKC CD; 1st Q in CKC Advanced Rally June 13 & 14th in Richmond BC: 2 Q's and finished his CKC Advanced Rally Title with a HIC Miniature Poodles: UKC CH WP's Indian Summer Of Crisken, OFA Patellas Normal and OFA PRA Clear by DNA, WP's Red Harvest of Crisken is OFA Patellas Normal and CERF Normal, Karbit 'n WP's Never Say Never is OFA Patellas Normal, and WP's Orpheus In Red Velvet is OFA Patellas Normal and OFA PRA Carrier by DNA. Mary Briggs Songbird Rocket Man, AX, MXJ, OF “Luke “ earned his Open Fast title and finished his MXJ with a 3rd place in the 16 inch class. Havenel Red Cedar (Cedar) May 2/3rd at Kelowna BC: 1st Q's towards his CKC CD; 1st Q in CKC Advanced Rally June 13/14th in Richmond BC: 2 Q's to finish his CKC Advanced Rally Title. Havenel Johnny Walker Red (Johnny) May 2/3 at Kelowna BC: 2 Q's in CKC Novice B Rally- 1st was a HIC June 13/14th in Richmond BC: 1 Q to finish his CKC Novice B Rally Title; 1 Q to start his Advanced B Rally. Johnny turned 11 on April 22nd, 2009 Irma Shanahan JC Pioneer Shadow Chaser earned his AKC UDX title on June 20, at Dauphin DTC with scores of 195 in Utility and 194 in Open. Chase is the first standard Parti-Poodle to have ever attained this level. Only two other multi-colored Poodles of other varieties have gone farther; they are Maggie Pierce’s “Sadie” (miniature silver & white parti) and Tatania Niagro’s “Rainbow” (toy phantom). The AKC UDX title is earned by qualifying 10 times in both Open B and Utility B at the same trial. Last year only 18 Poodles of all varieties earned their first UDX title. Victoria Hoffman [June 2, 2009] My youngest Standard Poodle, Bar-None Codetalker Cochise, got his Novice Standard agility title at th the Asheville Kennel Club’s trial on Friday, May 29 , with a third place and followed it up with a second place leg on Sunday. Overall, Cochise ended up with two first places, a second place and a third place. His last leg was a no fault run, and his second leg was 21 seconds under course time, even with one refusal, for a flying finish. I am very proud of my boy. VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 7 Health News There seems to be a link between tail chasing and elevated cholesterol levels. If you dog chases it’s tail it may be a good idea to check the cholesterol blood level, which can be an indicator of several serious health problems requiring treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, the drug nitrosylocobalamin can enter and kill cancer cells with no or minimal effect on normal cells. Further studies on this drug are underway. It is currently being used in dogs with otherwise untreatable cancers and there is hope of extending the evaluations to humans. The first-ever rabies epidemic on the island of Bali has claimed 9 human lives and resulted in a program to give free rabies vaccinations to all pet dogs in the island. While it is important to have your show dogs in excellent condition, it is not wise to begin serious “road work” training until their bones, joints, ligaments and muscles have fully matured. The timing of this depends upon the size and rate of maturity of your variety. The smaller dogs mature faster and some lines mature faster. Most people recommend waiting until at least 18 months of age for Standard Poodles and if your dog is a male and from a slowly maturing line than you may need to wait until the larger dogs are two years old. The July issue of Dog World has a nice short article by Audrey Pavia on ten tips for controlling fleas, ticks and heartworms (p30-33). This is a good read. There is also an article on new findings on Lyme disease and how to cope with it in area endemic to ticks which carry this dreaded disease. Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health just introduced Nobivac Lyme -- a unique vaccine designed to provide protection by targeting two key outer-surface proteins involved in the transmission of canine Lyme disease, the company says. The vaccine induces the production of highly specific antibodies called borreliacidal antibodies that kill Borrelia burgdorferi by binding to outer-surface proteins (OSP) A and C, the company reports in a prepared statement. The ability of Nobivac Lyme to stimulate borreliacidal antibodies to both OspA and OspC provides an additional layer of defense against Lyme disease. And this from Veterinary News Magazine: In a study that could have applications in human medicine as well, researchers at the University of Missouri are studying potential biomarkers in dogs that could lead to early diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA), helping identify patients at higher risk for the disease. Because OA is most often diagnosed in later, irreversible stages, treatment usually is limited to slowing disease progress and decreasing pain. "By developing methods for earlier diagnosis, prevention or even curative treatment strategies ... become more realistic," says James Cook, professor of veterinary medicine and surgery at MU. "Biomarkers could detect the disease before pain and swelling occurs, and owners could take preventive measures, such as modifying the pet's activities or diet, helping them lose weight and strengthening their joints." The MU research team examined possible biomarkers in joint-lubricating synovial fluid because it is known to respond to joint injury. Samples taken from dogs showed that synovial fluid quality and quantity were altered in injured stifle joints. "Our team ... is making progress in developing simple tests on blood, urine and synoval fluid that show great promise for helping us diagnose impending OA before it is too late," Cook says. Some 20 percent of middle-aged dogs and 90 percent of older dogs have OA in one or more joints, and the disease is equally common in humans and horses. The MU study, titled "Examination of Synovial Fluid Hyaluronan Quantity and Quality in Stifle Joints of Dogs with Osteoarthritis," was published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Co-authors are Cook, Rachel Venable, doctoral student; Aaron Stoker, assistant professor; Cristi Cook, clinical assistant professor; and Mary Cockrell, research specialist. The deadline for the next Newsletter is August 20th…..Please submit your brags, articles, items of interest to Roslyn at [email protected]. Apparently at present this requires 2 vaccinations a month apart and annual boosters. This may be a much better vaccination than what has been used in recent years and if you live in or visit an area where Lyme disease is endemic you should discuss this with your local veterinarian. VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 8 AKC Updates AKC Canine Health Foundation News Alert FDA Approves First Anti-Cancer Drug for Dogs [Tuesday, June 23, 2009] AKC Canine Health Foundation News Alert Join Us for Upcoming Breeders' Symposium [Thursday, June 25, 2009] The AKC Canine Health Foundation reminds you that a canine breeders' symposium will be presented by the American Kennel Club and AKC Canine Health Foundation on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Targeted for novice and expert breeders alike, the Breeders' Symposium is an ideal venue in which to learn about sound breeding practices and the advances in genetic health tests that lead to healthier dogs. Topics include "The ABC's of Breeding" by Dr. Claudia Orlandi; "Understanding the Nutrition of Lactation" by Dr. Leslie Monroe; "Canine Reproduction" by Dr. John Verstegen; "Emergency and Critital Care" by Dr. Sonja Olsen; and others. In addition, attendees will receive updates from the American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation as well as a presentation on the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC). The cost of attendance is $95.00 and includes symposium materials and breakfast and lunch. Check-in opens Saturday at 7:30 AM. Other upcoming Breeders' Symposia will take place in Enid, Oklahoma on September 19 and Philadelphia Pennsylvania on November 7. Registration is now open for these events as well. These courses are eligible for continuing education and clock hours units for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Contact Erika Werne, Director of Education, Communications & Club Relations with the AKC Canine Health Foundation at 1-888-682-9696 for additional information. The AKC Canine Health Foundation, founded in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, is the largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research exclusively for canines. Our goal is to help dogs live longer, healthier lives. The AKC Canine Health Foundation is the leader in non-invasive genetic health research, stem cell research, and biotherapeutics benefiting both canines and humans. Through the generous financial support of the American Kennel Club and the Nestlé Purina PetCare Co., we’re proud to announce we have allocated more than $22 million in canine health research through more than 75 schools and research institutions worldwide. VIP Newsletter June 2009 The US Food and Drug Administration has announced the approval for the first anti-cancer drug created specifically for use in veterinary medicine. The research efforts to develop Palladia, which is used to treat skin-based mast cell tumors, was led by Dr. Cheryl London of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. The AKC Canine Health Foundation began funding mast cell tumor research in 2000 with a grant to Dr. London, then at the University of California, Davis. Since then, CHF has allocated more than $200,000 in support of mast cell research. Dr. London's original work studied the biological effects of c-kit mutations on mast cells, leading to a more detailed understanding of canine mast cell tumors. This early work provided a framework for the development of new therapies and disease prevention. Dr. London has also spent time researching the biology of normal mast cells to provide a platform for future work investigating the genetic basis of mast cell disease in dogs. Dr. Elizabeth Whitley, of Auburn University, has also studied mast cell tumors. Dr. Whitley's research has focused on the physiology of mast cells, and working to develop a system for matching tumors with appropriate treatment to improve treatment success. AKC Genome Barks Podcasts [June 4, 2009] Dr. Richard Goldstein, a faculty member at Cornell University with a specialty in genetic and infectious diseases of the kidney. Recorded at the August Breeders’ Symposium held in Syracuse, New York, Dr. Goldstein discusses vaccination protocols, including maternal antibodies in the puppy, timing of vaccinations (both in the puppy and in the dam), frequency of vaccine boosters and geriatric care. Dr. Goldstein also explains the difference between “core” and “non-core” vaccines and other various elements of canine vaccinations. [June 18, 2009] Dr. William Kisseberth of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Funded by the Canine Health Foundation, Dr. Kisseberth’s team is working to determine the genetic components of canine cancer for potential targets for new cancer therapy drug development. Page 9 VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 10 Treasurer’s Statement to June 30, 2009 VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 11 VERSATILITY IN POODLES INC. OFFICERS President: Irma Shanahan, MD Treasurer: Susan Dearholt Recording Secretary: Barbara O’Donaughy, BC Health & Education Chair: Hilary Ellis Vice President: Eleni Stevens, CA Corresponding Secretary: Carolyn Wray, OR 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: 2009, 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 non-member 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: Canadians may pay in Canadian funds to: Barbara O’Donaughy, P.O. Box 1436, 370 4th Ave, Hope, BC, V0X 1L0, Canada EDITOR: 807 – 66 Mooregate Cres., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, [email protected] or [email protected] Dedicated to the health and welfare of Poodles everywhere! From: Miriam K. Hillier 4 Emerald Ct. San Mateo, CA 94403 USA VIP Newsletter June 2009 Page 12