October 2015 - Golden Gate Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club

Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
THE BLAZE
Having Fun
with Our Swiss Mountain
Dogs
PRESIDENT’S
LETTER
WELL, what can I say? Our club does it again!
CALENDAR of ACTIVITIES
December 6
Holiday Brunch and Yankee Swap
at Mexico Linda Restaurant in
Pleasanton, 11:30 am $20.00.
January 30-31 Golden Gate Benched Show at the
Cow Palace in Daly City
March 10-11
Pack Hike
Spring
Series of three drafting (carting)
classes with the Northern
California Bernese Mt. Dog Club
Spring
Try Herding in Vacaville
September 25-26
End of Summer Party-Sonoma
October 15
GSMDCA Western Regional in
Pleasanton
I want to thank all of our amazing, dedicated club volunteers this past
year. We all had to pitch in and we did it! Our FIRST, 3-day supported
entry was HUGE success, filled with fun activities: introduction to Rally,
Halloween costume parade, and an awesome lineup of 33 beautiful,
happy Swissys. Eleven RVs and 4 tents camped under the Amador
Pavilion as one big happy family, folks from Arizona, SoCal, Washington
and Utah. There was a big turnout for all the meals. Each year this
event just seems to get bigger and better, and I can’t wait to see what
our talented committees have planned for our GSMDCA Western
Regional next October 15, 2016. Thanks to Paula, Erin and Heidi for
putting together the Haunted Ghost Town, and to Hospitality for the
beautiful tables, Chuck Wagon and Saloon. We recruited 7 new
members into our family during this wonderful weekend.
Our next general membership meeting is the December 6th Holiday
Party and doggie gift swap at Mexico Lindo in Pleasanton, CA. If you
can attend, please RSVP, asap to [email protected] At this meeting,
I would like to discuss the club’s upcoming calendar and the events
that the membership might like to see scheduled. If you are unable to
attend this meeting, I would still like to hear your thoughts on event
scheduling. Please feel free to send them [email protected].
Our new officers will take over on January 1, 2016. Dues are due on
January 30, 2016. If you do not want to continue in the club, please
feel free to let me know and I will remove you from the membership,
Blaze and emailing lists.
Our Motto: We are all team players... There is no “I” in team!!!!!
Swissys Rule, Toni
CONTENTS
1 Calendar, President’s Letter
2 Officers, Objectives
3 Important Announcements
4 Minutes for 10-17-15
5 Dog Dangers in Autumn
6 2015 Nationals Photos
7 More Nationals Photos
8 Our Swissys at Nationals
9 Bloat
10 Disaster Evacuation Kit
11 Harvest Moon Classic
12 Pleasanton Winners
13 Luna and Fredrick
14 Dog Trekker Magazine
15 More Accomplishments
16 Bone Appetit
17 Libations Litter
18 Swissy Time (Photos)
19-21 Weight Pull
22 New AKC Champions
23 Them Bones-Dr. Kay
24 Them Bones-Humor
25 Resources
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
Officers, Board Members and Committees
President: Toni Killpatrick
Vice President: Rob Blits
Secretary: Susan Robinson
Treasurer: Donna Zetterquist
Board Members:
Erin Stammer
Maria Jensen
Leslie Bryson
Carol Bamsch
Linda Ridenour
Membership: Toni Killpatrick
Public Relations: Toni Killpatrick
Ways and Means: Erin Stammer, Heidi Steenstra, Paula Robles
Awards and Trophies: Erin Stammer
Social Events:
Donna Zetterquist Linda Ridenour Carol Bamsch Victor Nerida Jennifer Nerida
Show Events: The Board
Working Events: Nancy Glenn
Newsletter: Susan Robinson
Website: Rob Blits
The objectives of the club shall be:
To encourage and promote quality in the breeding of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs
and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
To urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed
as approved by the American Kennel Club
as the only standard of excellence
by which Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs shall be judged.
To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed
and to encourage sportsmanlike competition
at dog shows (obedience and agility trials, drafting and tracking tests).
To conduct sanctioned matches and specialty shows
under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.
To have FUN together with our Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs.
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Can you help at the Golden Gate Dog Club BENCHED SHOW
at the Cow Palace, January 30-31 in Daly City?
Contact [email protected]
LOST AND FOUND at the Del Valle Show
Contact [email protected]
The GGGSMD Club is going to start a perpetual trophy, which will list all of our Specialty winners
(concurrent, designated or independent) since 2011, when we renewed the Club. If your Swissy
earned a BISS at our Merced, Pleasanton, or (last year) Hollister specialties, please send the AKC
registered name and date to [email protected].
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Catherine and Drew Hoffmann
Lisa and Alan England (Brig and Issie)
Valerie Snyder (Hercules)
Lindsay Kincaid (Tilly)
Brenda and Todd Krieschel (Slugger)
Glenn & Kimber Gradin (Zeeva)
Cindy Crawford
Anthony Groth
Jeff & Judy Preefer (Callee and Sadie)
Stephen Cabral
Jenny and Mike Lynn (Stanley)
Justin Van Deren
Joanne Schottinger & Ken Fink (Luke and Rocco)
ARE THERE JUDGES YOU LIKE?
The show chair for next year’s Harvest Classic in Pleasanton, where we will hold our GSMDCA Western Regional, will start
looking for judges in January. Do you know of some judges you’ve enjoyed showing for? Let Toni know.
[email protected]
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
GGGSMDC Annual Meeting on 10-17-15 in Pleasanton, CA
The
th-7th Easterly,
Present: Erin Stammer, Lyle Killpatrick,
CarolCounty
Bamsch,
Rob Blits, in
Marie
Blits,
was June 4Tom
at the Solano
Fairgrounds
Vallejo,
CA.Susan Robinson, Nancy Glenn,
Frank Vonada, Julie Vonada, Holly Webb, Jenni Allen, Casey Allen, Steve Ginocchio, Susan Ginocchio, Dave Bryson, Leslie
Bryson, Glenn Gradin, Kim Gradin, John and Ann Rasmussen, Linda Kinoshita, Victor Nerida, Gabrielle Cohen, Heidi Steenstra,
Joni Nay, Eric Neblett, Donna Zetterquist, Lisa and Alan England, Kelly Stover, Kristy Stecker, Camille Sybert, Justin Van Deren,
Monika “Mac” MacNamara, Jennifer Nerida, Paula Robles, Toni Killpatrick
President Toni Killpatrick called meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Toni said thanks to all for coming. 33 dogs is a big entry for our
breed.
Nationals: The coffee-themed Nationals basket was great representation of our club and brought $135.00.
Treasurer’s Report: At this point, we are in good shape with $5489.20 in bank. The report was approved.
Membership: We voted to approve seven new members: Cindy Crawford, Anthony Groth, Jeff & Judy Preefer, Stephen
Cabral, Jenny and Mike Lynn, Joanne Schottinger & Ken Fink, Justin Van Deren.
Trophies and Raffle. Fabulous job, Erin. Members were asked if they would help out with future trophies by either “paying it
forward” or making a donation. Thanks to Heidi for the raffle. Heidi asked for donations for future shows.
Calendars—Rob Blits’ fabulous 2016 calendars are $15.00 at the store.
New Business
Toni proposed having an all-breed weight pull on Friday night of the 2016 GSMDCA Western Regionals, with a limit of 25
dogs. There would also be a regular dog show on Friday. We would need lots of people-power. The Specialty would be on
Saturday in the early am with another show in the afternoon, and on Sunday. That would be 4 dog shows in three days.
Please submit names of judges. The weight pull / Western Regional were approved. Lists of committees needed for the
Western Regional were circulated for volunteers. We need training for weight pulling with our Swissys.
A proposal to have a perpetual trophy for Best In Specialty BISS winners, going back to 2011, was approved.
We were asked by the national club to put on the 2018 GSMDCA Nationals. It runs $20,000-$30,000 to hold, which will take
three years to raise from sponsors. There was a National in 2002 in San Diego and in 2000 in Reno. Details of having this in
Pleasanton at the Harvest Classic were discussed. If it rains, there is a building we can use, but we hope to be outside. We
can use the entire pavilion for RVs. There are three airports. We need to check with the Chicago group on their four-day
schedule, which allows a separate day for Sweeps, Futurity, and Conformation for puppies. Members showed good support
for volunteering, so Toni will pursue the Nationals. We can ask the Norcal Bernese Club to help with the draft test. We
would need a weight pull judge, maybe Kim Woolard from Cherished Swissies. Leslie Bryson moved, Dave Bryson seconded,
and the members present approved that the club seek to host the 2018 Nationals.
The Holiday Party/general membership meeting will be at Mexico Lindo in Pleasanton on Sunday, December 6th. The Brunch
is $20 with gift exchange of a wrapped, dog-related item ($25-30). Donna needs a check in advance.
Calendar of Events: Donna Zetterquist, working on a yearlong calendar, asked what format works, and how would it be
presented (website, Blaze, CA Dog Shows page, our FB page)? We need input on Southern California events.
The 2016 Officers and Board were announced: President—Toni Killpatrick, Vice President—Erin Stammer, Secretary—Linda
Ridenour, Treasurer—Julie Vonada, Board—Susan Robinson, Leslie Bryson, Paula Robles, Donna Zetterquist, Carol Bamsch.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Submitted by Susan Robinson, Secretary.
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
The
Seasonal
Canine
(SCI)in Vallejo, CA.
was June 4th-7th
at the Solano
CountyIllness
Fairgrounds
Come autumn, dog owners, dog sitters and dog walkers need to be aware of Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI). It’s an illness that,
in 2010, resulted in the death of 20% cases identified. Cases were reported only between the months of August and
November. SCI acts within 24 – 72 hrs of contamination so you need to be aware of the symptoms and act fast. Experts
aren’t exactly sure what causes SCI; cases are usually reported from wooded areas. Symptoms include:
•vomiting,
•abdominal pain,
•lethargy,
•high temperature,
•trembling and
•diarrhoea.
If you’ve been on a woodland walk and your pooch starts showing signs of these symptoms, get to a vet immediately.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms can potentially be poisonous. They grow everywhere, from in the middle of fields to around tree bases. It’s easy
to miss seeing your dog quickly gobble one up, so you need to be alert and cautious. Symptoms include:
•vomiting,
•diarrhoea,
•lethargy,
•seizures,
•abdominal pain,
•lethargy,
•weakness,
•excessive drooling,
•jaundice and
•difficulty in coordination.
Mushroom poisoning can cause irreparable damage to the central nervous system, kidneys and liver. You must get to a vet
immediately.
Antifreeze
Colder mornings and evenings mean it’s time to de-ice your car windows. Accidental spills while you’re changing your car’s
coolant need to be cleaned up quickly before your dog can get there to ingest it. Symptoms include:
•vomiting,
•diarrhoea,
•euphoria,
•excessive urination,
•abdominal pain,
•lethargy,
•weakness,
•excessive drooling,
•rapid heart beat,
•depression and
•difficulty in coordination.
Leaf piles
Who doesn’t love running into a pile of golden-hued leaves with a best friend? You wouldn’t think this could be a danger, so
you should be aware of mould and bacteria collecting on them. If your dog’s routing around a pile, he’s more likely to ingest
this bacteria, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Thanks to Kim Barton
Allison Allen --Gypsy
Julie Vonada—Freddie
Dixie and Freddie
Rhonda Jennings—Roscoe Shelly King—Reba
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
PHOTOS from NATIONALS
(Thanks to Debbie Fields and Erin Stammer)
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
MONTHMORE
YEAR
PHOTOS from NATIONALS
Heidi and Merlin-two legs in Pack Hike
Kelly and Mia in weight pull
# ONE
(Thanks to DebbieVOL.
Fields
andISSUE
Erin#1
Stammer)
Paula and Jake in Top Twenty
Maria Jensen’s Mae in Brood Bitch with Slugger and Batman
Fall 2015
MONTH YEAR
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
SWISSYS at NATIONALS
aka Your Wish Is My Command (Many thanks to Debbie Fields)
Arbor and Camille
Hercules
Jake and Paula
Issie
Mattie
Max
Olaf
Mia and Kelly
Hercules and Valerie
Nexpa
Rocco
Fall 2015
MONTH YEAR
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
How Can I Prevent Bloat/GDV?
Feed your dog several small
meals, rather than one or
two larger ones, throughout
the day to avoid eating too
much or too fast.
If appropriate (check with
your vet), include canned
food in your dog’s diet.
Maintain your dog’s
appropriate weight.
Avoid feeding your dog from
a raised bowl unless advised
to do so by your vet.
Encourage normal water
consumption.
Limit rigorous exercise
before and after meals.
Consider a prophylactic gastropexy
surgery (which fixes the stomach in
place, as described above) if you
have a high-risk breed
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
MONTH YEAR
The Disaster Evacuation Kit
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
In the last few years, the U.S. has seen its share of natural disasters. Coast to coast and everywhere in between, hurricanes,
floods, tornados and fires have displaced owners and their pets. Be prepared with a disaster evacuation kit for your pet!
Gunnar De Grendele
Make sure your kit includes the following:
1. Enough water (about one two-liter bottle per 35 pound pet, per day) and food to last at least a month. Include two
containers to water and feed your pet. You should have about 30 days' worth of food stored.
2. Two months of medications for your pet.
3. Extra leashes, harnesses and collars.
4. Toys to entertain your pet, such as hard rubber chew toys for dogs. These toys last and can be stuffed with food to keep
your dog interested.
5. Paper towels, odor neutralizer (best stored in a spray bottle for easy use) and zip-type plastic bags. These will be used
to clean any accidents your pet may have while traveling or at your destination.
o
o
o
o
o
A medical first aid kit, including: Roll bandages to
dress wounds or make a temporary muzzle for a
dog
Gauze pads
Antibiotic first aid cream for minor wounds
Hydrogen peroxide to wash scratches
Sanitary wipes to clean bowls, hands, etc.
o
o
o
o
o
o
Potty pads
Flashlight and fresh batteries
Cotton balls for cleaning
Small scissors
Tweezers
Face cloth
6. Don’t forget about ID! Keep an ID tag on your pet’s collar and your pet’s microchip information up to date. If you and
your pet are separated, up-to-date contact information may be the only way to reunite you.
7. When it becomes necessary, do not put off the decision to evacuate. You should ideally leave as soon as the situation
seems bad and before evacuation advisories are issued. Make the necessary calls and leave. This will help to avoid an
evacuation jam. If people are nervous or upset, pets can become upset and be more difficult to handle. Having a plan
will help eliminate panic. As a pet owner, you must be safe in order to keep your pets safe.
Axel at Donner Lake
Brando Marino
Gideon on the beach
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
MONTH YEAR
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
GGGSMDC at the Harvest Moon in Pleasanton, October 15-18
We had a bang-up time!
Click to see the full collection of photos http://www.goldengategsmdc.com/…/20151016-18DelV…/index.html
HUGE raffle
Halloween Parade
Riley won BOB two days and took a Group 3 and 4.
Fabulous photo booth
Kristy Stecker’s Jura won BOB on Sunday.
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
MONTH YEAR
VOL. # ONE ISSUE #1
Friday Oct. 16, 2015
BOB/G3 Ch. Big Hunk of Whispering Pine (New GCH))
BOW Treensea's Hurricane Lukas (New Champion)
BOS GCH Ramsgate's Full Moon Rising
Select Dog GCH Fire Dance Sudden Impact
Select Bitch GCH Rodeo's All about North Rim Nostalgia
AOM GCH Wildest Dream Genuine Rock N Roll
WD Treensea's Hurricane Lukas
RD Firedance Not My First Rodeo
WB Firedance An Affair to Remember (New Champion)
Best Puppy Quartz Mountain Easter Award Winning
RALLY
Novice A Alpinez Double Shot 90.0
Novice B Snowy Mountain Echo 70.0
Dixie May Vonada 93.0
Advance Ramsgate's Sparkler 95.0
Saturday, Oct 17, 2015
BOB/G4 GCH. Big Hunk of Whispering Pine
BOW
BOS GCH Ramsgate's Full Moon Rising
Select Dog Ch Northwoods Dab of Magic
Select Bitch GCH Alpinez Rose Gold
AOM Ch Cherished Magically Makes Tomorrow
AOH Fire Dance Not my First Rodeo
WD Snowy Mountain’s Norman Invasion at Redrock
RD Alki's Wanted and Got Another Romeo
WB/BBE Alki's Ima Fine Ivy Vine
WOULD YOU CONSIDER
paying it forward
to help finance next year’s trophies,
OR
making a donation?
Sunday, Oct 18, 2015
BOB/OH GCH Alpinez Double Shot
BOW Alki's Ima Fine Ivy Vine
BOS Ch Northwoods Dab of Magic
Select Dog Northwoods Daddy-o Enzo
Select Bitch GCH Ramsgate's Full Moon Rising
AOM Ch Cherished Magically Makes Tomorrow
WD Snowy Mountain’s Norman Invasion at Redrock
RD Alki's Wanted and Got another Romeo
WB Alki's Ima Fine Ivy Vine
RB Snowy Mountain’s Echo
RALLY
Novice A Alpinez Double Shot 88.0
Advanced RamsGate's Sparkler 71.0
CONTACT: [email protected]
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
IntCH Bronze GCH
RamsGate’s Full Moon Rising JHDg, HTADIs, HTADIIs, HDTADIIIs
“LUNA”
born March 26, 2013
Sire: GCH Big Hunk of Whispering Pine ROM “Riley”
Dam: GCH RamsGate’s Diamond in the Rough “Quinn”
It’s been quite an exciting two months for Luna and her handler Soni Jager.






August 2015, Luna took BOB on three of four days at the Mt. Rainier Working Dog Show and Olympic Kennel Club Dog
Show in Enumclaw, WN, with Soni Jager.
9-19-15 Luna goes Select Bitch under Judge Mrs. Terry Berrios at Arapahoe Kennel Club.
9-20-15 Luna wins Select Bitch under Judge Alberto Berrios at the GSMD Club of the Rockies Supported Entry at
Arapahoe Kennel Club.
9-21-15 Luna made the final cut of bitch specials at the GSMDCA Independent Specialty under Judge Nancy Russell.
9-25-15 Luna goes Select Bitch at the GSMDCA National Specialty. Thank you, Judge Burton Yamada!
9-27-15 Luna took a WORKING GROUP 4 at the Richland Kennel Club show under Judge Mrs. Patricia Taylor.
IntCH RamsGate’s Sparkler CGC, RN “Fredrick”
Born 7/5/2013
Owned by Julie Vonada and Antoinette Killpatrick
Fredrick earned a second in his first Rally run with a score of 96!
Then, on 9-11-15 he earned his Rally Novice title with a first place.
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
Have you discovered DogTrekker MAGAZINE: Have Dog Will Travel?
http://dogtrekker.com
This is a free, weekly dog travel magazine.
You can search for cities, counties or regions of California, and find out about
 Destinations
 Lodging
 Road Trips
 Events
 Rescue
 Vet Buzz
 Paw Press Blog
 Paw-Tested
 Archives
There is even an app for your phone. Let’s look in Santa Cruz, for example.
Pets need a vacation too!
Call it a canine mystique, but pets are like family members so why wouldn't you want to bring Fido on your next
vacation to Santa Cruz County? With plenty of pet-friendly parks and beaches to explore, Santa Cruz County is the
place to be for four-legged visitors. An array of pet-friendly lodging choices, from four-diamond resorts to
picturesque vacation rental homes by the sea, are opening their doggie doors to pets. Capitola Village is one popular
hot spot that welcomes furry friends with open paws, and Downtown Santa Cruz is now dog-friendly so you can
enjoy an afternoon of shopping and dining with Fluffy in tow. Off-leash areas are a great way to let your pet have a
little "canine social time" while you relax and enjoy some human interaction, so pack your pup and get ready for
some fun! Here is some click-able information on Santa Cruz destinations for your pets.
Lodging
Dining
Events
Attractions
Parks & Beaches
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
Camille Sybert and Arbor
Here's a photo of Arbor and me at the Swiss breed match event put on by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of
Southern California. We took best in match yesterday, 10/4/15. There should have been all breeds
represented, but no Entles or Appenzellers showed. It's the equivalent of the Swiss dog day in SF.
BISS GCH Alpinez in Living Color MAX
owned and bred by Alyssa Ashton Shah and co owned by Janet Crown & Steve Robinson.
Max in Top 20 at 2015 GSMDCA National Specialty
Max the service dog (photo of him traveling in airport to Colorado w/ baby Jaxon)
“ King of the Mountain” Max, hiking in Loveland Colorado.
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
HEALTHY DOG TREATS
http://andreaarchambault.blogspot.com/2013/04/homemade-healthy-dog-treatrecipes.html
HERBS THAT ARE GOOD FOR DOGS
http://moderndogmagazine.com/gallery/herbs-are-good-dogs?slide=1
Homemade Dog Pill Treats
Ingredients:




¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. flour (can be whole wheat or rice)
2 Tbsp. milk
2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
Ground flax seed (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
Depending on what kind of peanut butter and flour you used, you may need to add
more or less flour. The consistency should be fairly dry, but able to mix together and
hold a shape.
Divide “dough” into balls, this batch makes about a dozen on average- depending on
the size of your dog and the pills themselves. You can make them smaller or larger.
Use a pencil to poke a hole in the center, rotate to enlarge hole.
Shape around the end of the eraser to elongate the pockets and make them longer.
Place them in an airtight container and store in refrigerator.
Bruno Bath
Axel & Gideon at Half Moon
Bay
Steenstra Family Photo
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
Bred by Michele Slate and Antoinette Killpatrick
Sire: GCH Trout Creek’s On A Roll “Tucker
Kris, Jena & Colby Mikkelborg
RamsGate’s Vodka Rocks with Trout Creek
“Stoli” McMinnville, OR
Libations Litter
Birthdate 6/19/15
Dam: RamsGate’s Witchy Woman “Akeila
Bob & Sue King & Family
RamsGate’s Irish Coffee
“Blu” Marysville, WA
Breeze & Suzanne Chanti
RamsGate’s Sober as a Judge
“Mookie” Elmira, OR
Tammi & Rachel Escalle
RamsGate’s Absinthe
“Freya” Greenbank, WA
Jan & Bob Goldman
RamsGate’s Magic Moonshine
“Bubba” Sherman Oaks, CA
Adam Deierling & Family
RamsGate’s Bellini
“Bella” Torrance, CA
Wayne, Karen & Kelsey Marino
RamsGate’s MakeMine a Manhattan
“Brando” Incline Village, NV
Rick & Nancy Tillman
RamsGate’s White Lady
“Lily” Wilsonville, OR
Casey & Stacia Lentz
RamsGate’s White Russian on the Rocks
“Roxie Helena, MT
RamsGate;s Old Fashioned At Trout Creek “Maude”
Michele Slate & Bonnie Huett Sherwood, OR & Carson WA
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
Swissy Time!
Koda-Swiss Flag
Allison Allen
Velvet Brown
Cody BOB at Paso Robles
Trekker at Market
Hilary and Kona
Harley Rose
Maria’s Boo at 6 mos
Snake Lover
Riley (the Big Hunk) with toys
Reba King
Barkley with Wanda
Ramsey
Stella
Halloween Pumpkin Roscoe Brando Marino
Roxy
Superman and Wonder Woman
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
-
At the Club General meeting on 10-17-15, membership voted to learn about and hold a Weight Pull at next year’s
GSMDCA Western Regional, October 14-16th, 2016. We are planning a training session soon.
History repeats itself. Here are three pages from the Fall 2002 Blaze Newsletter.
Check here for GSMDCA information on Weight Pull: http://www.gsmdca.org/activities/weight-pulling/
Lisa and Brig-2015 GSMDCA Nationals.
Kelly and Mia-2015 GSMDCA Nationals
Jen, Louie and Troy at 2012 GSMDCA Nationals
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
More on Weight Pull from The BLAZE, Fall 2002
Maria Jensen, Sigi, Toni Killpatrick, Adam, Chris, Abby, Nancy
Glenn and Fagan at Nationals, Snowmass, Weight Pulls
Maria Jensen unharnesses at 2012 Nationals.
Troy Riewe and Morgen at 2012 Nationals, Loveland, CO
Toni and Adam at Nationals, Snowmass, CO
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
(Click on) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PREA1VATWYI
Blumen
Valerie and Hercules at 2015 Nationals
.
Brig’s first try at Nationals 2015
The famous Bridger
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
CH ALPINEZ PRECIOUS SILVER PRINCESS CGC
Owners: Kelly and Mark Stover, Simi Valley, CA
Dam: CH Alpinez Colorful Dream (Jetta)
Sire: GCH CH Big Hunk of Whispering Pine (Riley)
It was a wonderful weekend at the Santa Barbara Dog Show for the Stover Swissy House.
Mia finished her Championship on Saturday with Best Opposite Sex and Winners Bitch, Owner Handled all the way.
We topped it off with Mark Stover showing Mia on Sunday. They won Best of Breed & the Major.
Love our Precious Mia. She is 16 months old and a beauty
CH SUMA-SHADETREE CGC “Bentley”
Congratulations to owner-handler Veronika Denisova and Bentley.
This team finished their championship with their third major in Ventura, CA, July 5, 2015.
Sire: GCH Suma-Shadetree Pewaukee and Dam: Suma-Shadetree Lady Dai
Breeders: Cathy Cooper & Mary Beth Usery & Suzanne Clarke
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
Them Bones: Orthopedic Issues in Young, Large and Giant Breed Dogs
Nancy Kay, DVM
Maintaining the company of a “Clifford” creates a unique feeling of companionship. Walking beside a giant dog, one feels
almost regal. And, not having to bend over to stroke your best buddy’s head is a nice perk.
If you adopt a large or giant breed pup such as a German Shepherd, Great Dane, Wolfhound, or Newfoundland, to name a few,
be aware that your youngster’s rapidly growing (lengthening) legs are prone to orthopedic issues. Some of these “growing
pains” are mild and transient, but others require intervention.
The critical time period during which these issues arise is during the first 12 to 18 months of life when the bones are
lengthening most rapidly. By the one year mark, growth plates begin to close and bone development slows down considerably.
The most common orthopedic issues in young large and breed dogs are osteochondrosis (osteochondritis dissecans),
panosteitis, and hypertrophic osteodystrophy. All three like to affect more than one limb, resulting in a “shifting leg lameness”the pup favors the leg that happens to hurt the most on any given day.
Osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis, also known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), disrupts the development of normal cartilage. Normal joints
develop a smooth layer of cartilage that protects the underlying bone. In dogs with osteochondrosis, the cartilage fails to
develop normally. The unhealthy cartilage can develop cracks or flaps resulting in inflammation within the joint. (It is at this
point that osteochondrosis officially becomes osteochondritis dissecans.) In some cases, the flap detaches from the cartilage
surface and becomes a free floating “joint mouse”. The end result is a painful joint causing lameness.
Shoulder joints are most commonly affected, but osteochondrosis can also occur in elbows, knees (stifles), hips, and ankles
(hocks). An X-ray is usually all that is needed to diagnose osteochondrosis. Some dogs respond to rest, diet modification (see
below) and antiinflammatory medications. For others, surgery is needed to remove the “mouse” along with any remaining
defective cartilage.
Panosteitis
The thin layer of cells along the outer surface of the legs’ long bones is called periosteum. Panosteitis refers to inflammation of
this tissue. It is suspected when a large or giant breed youngster develops lameness and reacts painfully when the affected
bone is squeezed a bit. In severe cases, panosteitis causes a fever and lethargy.
The diagnosis may be confirmed with X-rays. Most dogs respond favorably to rest, diet modification (see below), and
antiinflammatory medications. Episodes can last for two to three weeks, or can continue for months at a time.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD)
Growth plates are the sites from which bones elongate. Once the growth plates close, bone lengthening ends. Inflammation
within open growth plates is referred to as HOD, and it causes swelling and pain in multiple joints. HOD may be associated with
a fever and loss of appetite. The diagnosis is confirmed with X-rays.
Treatment consists of rest, diet modification (see below), and antiinflammatory medications. Just as with panosteitis, most dogs
with HOD improve over time with no permanent damage. Severe damage to the growth plate is rare, but can result in abnormal
bone growth and a deformed appearance of the affected legs (angular limb deformity).
The role of nutrition
There is clear evidence that nutrition plays a role in the development of developmental orthopedic diseases in large and giant
breed dogs. High energy diets (puppy or performance formulations) and excess calcium intake have been implicated. These
nutritional factors, in conjunction with rapid growth, set the stage for developmental bony abnormalities.
While it’s tempting to grow a large or giant-breed of dog as big as possible as fast as possible, it is important to allow them to
achieve their final height naturally and gradually. Pushing the process with overnutrition or oversupplementation does more
harm than good.
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VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
The dietary changes typically recommended for pups with orthopedic issues include:
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Downgrade from a “high octane diet” to one that promotes slower growth. This usually involves transitioning from a
puppy food to an adult formulation.
Feed a premium diet that is specifically formulated for large-breed pups. These are designed to avoid excess calories
while providing appropriate levels of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.
Avoid a pudgy puppy. Make sure the youngster maintains a lean body weight.
. quality diet provides all of the vitamins and minerals
Modify or eliminate vitamin/mineral supplementation. A high
needed for normal growth and development.
If feeding a homemade diet, work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the food is balanced for normal orthopedic
development.
Joint health supplements such as glucosamine have no proven benefit in terms of preventing or treating these orthopedic
diseases. Much like the proverbial chicken soup, however, “It couldn’t hurt.”
The role of genetics
The high occurrence of these developmental diseases within certain breeds and bloodlines certainly speaks to a probable
underlying genetic cause. The fact that male dogs are more commonly affected also raises suspicion.
Before adopting a large or giant breed pup, ask the breeder about the incidence of osteochondrosis, panosteitis, and OCD
within the pup’s dam, sire, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Ideally, dogs who have experienced osteochondrosis, panosteitis,
and/or HOD should not be used for breeding.
How you know when it is time to turn in the keys
How
Fall 2015
VOL. FOUR ISSUE #4
SIGNS OF DOG SICKNESS
Signs start with a change in your pet's routine behavior and attitude.
Watch for:
Decreased energy or activity level
Changes in appetite or water intake
Changes in behavior: hiding, refusing to play, becoming aggressive
Vomiting, diarrhea or straining to urinate or defecate
Poor coat quality, patchy hair loss or excessive scratching
Weight loss
Foul order coming from the mouth, ears or skin
Abnormal whining or crying
Toni Killpatrick
INFORMATIONAL SITES to VISIT
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2210909824/
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
GSMDCA
http://www.gsmdca.org/
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Forums
http://greaterswissdotcom.com/forum/
Golden Gate GSMD Facebook Page
Click here
Visit our club website:
www.goldengategsmdc.com/