Newsletter Spring 2008 - Pawcatuck River Labrador Retriever Club

Spring
2008
Upcoming Events:
May 13
Monthly Meeting
Wheeler Library 7-9:00PM
North Stonington, CT
Lab Fun Day
Delmyra Kennels 8:30-3:00
, RI
Monthly Meeting
Wheeler Library, 7-9:00 PM
North Stonington, CT
Monthly Meeting
Wheeler Library, 7-9:00PM
North Stonington, CT
Fair Demonstration
Fairgrounds 7:00PM
North Stonington, CT
Providence County Kennel Club
Supported Entry
Regular Judge: Olga K. Evelyn
Sweeps Judge: Heidi Hermann
May 18
June 10
July 8
The Official Publication for the
Pawcatuck River Labrador Retriever Club
July 11
July 26
Officers 2007-2008
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Corresponding Secretary
Claire White Peterson
Kathy Cipriani
Julie Quigley Smith
Lee Hostein
Wendy Ernst DVM
148 Plains Rd.
Coventry, CT 06238
860-742-5842
Susan Barrett
Marti Hendricks
Board Members
September 18
September 19
Back to Back Specialty N. Stonington Fairgrounds
October 4
WC/WCI/WCX
Fin, Fur & Feather
Chaplin, CT
6TH ANNUAL LABRADOR FUN DAY & AKC “B” MATCH
SUNDAY, MAY 18TH
8:30AM - 3:00PM
Delmyra Kennels, 191 Ten Rod Road, Exeter RI ( Rain or Shine )
Come and meet
The 2008 Westminster Dog Show Best of Breed Winner
CH Lobuff Hollyridge Kisskadee “Dee Dee”
Judge: Lois Engle ( Majestix )
Match fees: $7.00 1st entry, $5.00 additional entry for same dog
8:30am Registration
9:00am Handling Class
9:30am Conformation Demo
10:00am “B” Match
Fun & Games for all!!!
7.00 per family
9:30am & 11:30 Field Demos
2:00pm Agility Demo
Microchip & Nail trimming clinic
Canine Good Citizenship Testing
1:00pm Rally Demo
10:00am & 1:00pm Frisbee Demo
9:00am—2:00pm Games & Contests
9:00am—3:00pm
Dog House Treasure Hunt
Labrador Information Tent
It’s not too late to get involved…. If you can offer some help please contact Dottsie: [email protected]
Food will be available on the site
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web page: www.prlrc.org
email Editor: [email protected]
February 24, 2008 Meeting – Pawcatuck River
Labrador Retriever Club
The meeting was called to order by Claire White Peterson at
12:45 pm at My Dog’s Place in Mystic. In attendance were:
Nancy Wolston, Susan Barrett, Cheryl Curtis, Janet Huntley,
Sally Gordon, Jack Gordon, Ann- Marie Galvin, Julie Jussaume, Marilyn Meewes, Tony Emilio, Tiffany Newman,
Larry Joy, Richard Dominic, Linda Dominic, Anne Hassett,
Donna Crompton, Wendy Ernst, Margo Marston, Gail Taber,
Amber Champion, Karen Bechard, Julie Quigley Smith, Jean
Staunning, Audrey Wolcott, Carol Stevens, Donna Kenny,
Lori Riley, Cathy Straub, Claire White Peterson and Lee Holstein.
Report of Recording Secretary: Susan Barrrett made a motion to disregard the reading of the minutes- seconded by Ann
Marie Galvin and passed unanimously.
Report of Corresponding Secretary: Wendy Ernst noted that
she has received no correspondence.
Report of Committees:
Show Committee: Cathy Straub reported that all paperwork
has been sent out for the Back to Back Specialties and they
have received acceptances from all judges and J. Rau. Janet
Huntley said there was a question from New England Sporting
Dog asking if we would have stewards for other breeds other
than Labradors . Claire suggested we wait until after the show
closes and the numbers are out and then decide. Janet also said
that there will be special crating space for Labradors by their
ring. Nancy Wolston said that she is going up Friday and could
stake out crating for PRLRC members. Sweeps judges were
hired by NESGA from a list we submitted even though we had
initially decided not to hold sweepstakes. Wendy Ernst remarked that since we are brining such a large entry that that
should be considered enough of a contribution to the show.
Donna Kenny asked for a volunteer to be in charge of vendors
for the Specialties and Cheryl Curtis volunteered. Julie Quigley Smith said she will assist her. The question was raised as to
who takes care of hotel reservations for the judges and Julie
volunteered to make them again and asked for specifics as to
number of rooms and exact dates they are needed.
Janet and Cheryl have been communicating and organizing the
PCKC supported entry show. Audrey Wolcott asked if a raffle
would be held at Providence and it was agreed that we would
hold one.
Trophy Committee: Janet has purchased all trophies for the
Specialties and will have a sign up sheet at the next meeting
for sponsorship.
Field Committee: Susan Barrett will be holding a meeting at
her house in March and combine it with a training session.
Julie Jussaume said in regards to the WC every weekend in
August is already taken and suggested the weekend after the
Specialties and will also look into the first weekend in October. Claire wondered if people who are here for the Show
might attend the WC but the consensus of opinion was that our
members will be too tired after two very full days at the specialties.
Report of the Treasurer: Julie Quigley Smith reported on the
net income for 2007 and so far for 2008 and on the bank balance which is very good shape. She would like to finalize the
bills with Techno Logo- there will be bills for the award towels and chair backs for last year specialties have not been paid
for. The club insurance has not been changed since 1998 and it
is necessary to update it but it will be more costly. Our policy,
which expires in April, will be more expensive due to the use
of ammunition and Hanover who currently covers the club will
drop us for using it. Wendy noted that we should have this
coverage regardless for the WC and also for the training sites
at the Barrett’s and Wolcott’s. Since the club’s fiscal year
starts in January Julie would like to have the new insurance
use the same time frame.
Obedience Show and Go: The Show and Go will be held at
Tails U Win on March 31st and six or so volunteers are needed.
The flyer is on the website and it will just be obedience this
year because of judging and time restraints. Workers should be
there just prior to 8:30.
Old Business
Gail Taber said she cannot make a banner for the St. Patrick’s
Day Parade but will be happy to donate money for it. Claire
noted that the club has a banner and she will measure it.
Membership Amendments: Claire asked if anyone had any
suggestions or possible changes to the Amendments. Julie Jussaume raised a question about the requirement for a full member to work on two committees. The effort involved in working on for example the Field Committee takes a lot of time and
she feels that one committee would be a sufficient requirement. Claire said that since most members are involved in
more than one area as a rule- for example working at Fun Day
or the Specialties is theoretically on that committee. Marilyn
Meewes added that when this plan originated these year round
committees did not exist and they take much more time now.
Wendy Ernst agreed that since these bylaws were written we
have more committees and events and asked if we should
change the wording to read events rather than committees.
Julie Jussaume suggested it should read work one committee
and another event. Audrey Wolcott added that we have to have
room for Associate members to work and asked how we will
keep track of who does what. Susan Barrett suggested we have
a sign in sheet at events. Nancy Wolston added that they had a
sign up for the 2007 WC and it worked just fine. Julie J said
that Yankee Waterfowlers keeps a list of hours worked by each
member and Nancy said the responsibility should fall on the
person who works rather than another member. Janet Huntley
had some comments on the new types of membership. The
first is regarding Junior members. She is concerned about the
presence of juniors at meetings or events- should there be an
attending adult? Cheryl Curtis added that in an emergency
there should be someone who could be responsible for the junior or the club could face repercussions. Julie Quigley Smith
added that driving could also be an issue. Janet then asked
what the difference is between Associate and Supporting members. Wendy explained that the category of Supporting Members was added to allow people to join who for one reason or
another could not attend meetings or events and possibly the
wording was not clear. Janet also asked whether the quorum of
20% of members was referred to in Art III Sec II under special
meetings should be Full Members. She also noted that it
should be corresponding secretary where it now just reads
Page 2
Secretary and in Section IV- what is the difference between
Special Board Meeting and Emergency Board Meeting. An
example of an Emergency Meeting would be if there were a
hurricane imminent. She did not think it was clear how many
board members must be reached and that theoretically be a
chance to stack one’s chips in one’s favor. Wendy said we
were attempting it to mean reaching all seven members.
Cheryl suggested possibly have it read 90% of Board Members. If the board were to grow and encompass more members
it may raise the level of difficulty in reaching them. Janet then
questioned the word “justificatory”. Julie Jussaume suggested
that the litter listing fee should be higher for associate members since full members work much more and have very few
“perks” and thought the fee for associate members should be
$75. Amber Champion who is an Associate member agreed
with the extra fee and asked about working and how people
can be advised about times and opportunities. Nancy Wolston
suggested that the newsletter have a section to announce an
event coming up and who the chair is to contact. Kathy Cipriani is working on a list to keep track of workers. Janet asked if
the members should have a vote. Julie Quigley Smith suggested that since $50 is doubling the fee we should charge that
now and revisit the issue in a year. The $50 fee for Associate
Members to register a litter listing was approved unanimously.
Report on Membership: Cathy Straub began with a First
Reading for Karen Berchard for Associate membership. Her
kennel is Snowdrop Labradors in Newington , CT. There was
a second reading for Jack and Sally Gordon from Westerly , RI
for a Full Family membership and they were voted in unanimously. There were then two additional First readings, one for
Larry Joy of Winchester , Ct, whose wife Ann was not present
to be read, and one for Richard and Linda Dominici of Wolcott , CT , both of which were for Full Family memberships.
Claire welcomed Sally and Jack into the PRLRC.
There was a motion by Nancy Wolston to adjourn the meeting
at 1:58.
Respectfully Submitted, Lee Holstein, Recording Secretary
tents for the PRLRC and requested that members bring theirs
for use at Fun Day. Registration is to begin at 8:30 and she
wondered if we could set up the evening before- otherwise set
up will begin at 7:00am. She also said we needed tables and it
was noted that last year we had used some of Delmyra's-- she
will contact them and see if we can use them again. Marti
Hendricks suggested that we have an ending time-- the last
demo will begin at 3:00pm and we will list the times of the
other demonstrations on the flyer. The handling class will start
at 9:00am and Cheryl Curtis will do a conformation demo at
9:30. The match will begin at 10:00. Lee Holstein will be in
charge of the Agility demo: Kathy Cipriani the Rally demo
and she will need two helpers; Anne Hassett, George Amenabar and Marlene Lendrim the Field Demo: Suzanne St. Denis
will do the CGC test. We will have the Field demo twice,
Agility once and Rally and Obedience will be done at the same
time once. There will be games organized by Donna Crompton. Julie Quigley Smith will bring Westminster Best of Breed
winner Dee-Dee and there will also be an example of each
color of Labrador. This will take place prior to the Match.
There will be a tent with information from AKC and it was
suggested that Wendy Ernst ask Kathy Lifland if she would be
interested in coming to represent Lab Rescue. Trash and
Treasure remainders will be sorted out and any donations
would be appreciated and can be brought to the May Meetingthey should be dog related. Dottsie asked for a volunteer to
bring coffee and doughnuts in the morning. Sally and Jack
Gordon are working out a sign. Dottsie will make a sing on
canvas for each tent and stand. Lois Engle will judge the
match. Julie Jussaume has armbands from Pedigree.
State Liaisons- Tony Emilio and Deb Scott are the representatives from the PRLRC for their states. Tony reported that the
Committee on the Environment for CT has a bill pending directed at dog and cock fighting. There was also a study approved by a prior Governor in 2006 about animal population
control that dealt with money for low income families to have
assistance for spaying and neutering and the problem of feral
cats.
PRLRC Minutes of March 13th, 2008
Show and Go.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by President Claire Wendy needs a check for the rental due Tails U Win. The volWhite Peterson. In attendance were Marti Hendricks, Susan
unteers to help that day are Janet Huntly, Gail Taber, Julie
Barrett, Pat Dunn, Tony Emilio, Gail Taber, Cathy Benedict,
Jussaume, Claire White Peterson and Kathy Cipriani. and are
Julie Kamis, Donna Kenny, Audrey Wolcott, Peter Wolcott,
needed at 8:00am. Flyers have been sent to training centers.
Marilyn Meewes, Jen Letaio, Julie Jussaume, Larry Joy, Jack Field Training - The Working Certificate Test will be SeptemGordon, Sally Gordon, Tom Hoagland, Robin Hoagland, Dott- ber 27th at Millstream and Susan Barrett and Julie Jussaume
sie Robinson, Margot Marston, Laurie Allen, Joe Geraci,
reported that it is $300 to rent and they are checking on ducks.
Claire White Peterson, Kathy Cipriani, George Amenabar,
For the once a month training session it was suggested that the
Chris Lapham, and Lee Holstein. The minutes of the Reclub charge $5 to cover expenses. It would cost $100 a day to
cording Secretary were read and accepted. There was no
rent Millstream for training or $30 per hour for individuals.
Treasurer's Report due to the absence of Julie Quigley- Smith. The Yahoo group for field training is PRLRC_Field Group
@yahoogroups.com.
Report of Corresponding Secretary.
Kathy Lifland received payment from us for Lab Rescue.Two Annual Awards. Marilyn Meewes reported that Anne Hassett
letters received from the AKC regarding the rally trials at the
is working on a versatility award.
Old Business
Specialties were passed to Cathy Straub.
Audrey Wolcott asked for 2 volunteers to sort Trash and
Report of Committees.
Treasure at Janet Huntly's house. Marti Hendricks and Sally
Fun Day- Dottsie Robinson reported that Janet Huntly has
organized the lunch truck for May 18th and has requested they Gordon volunteered.
bring brownies and cupcakes. Dottsie purchased two pop-up
Page 3
Revised bylaws will be voted on at May Meeting,
Cathy Straub reported that all is going well for the September
shows.
Membership
Larry Joy and Tom Hoagland had their second reading for
Full Membership. Tony Emilio changed to a Full Membership and Joe Geraci had a first reading for Associate Membership.There were annual awards read for those who missed the
Fun Match:
Robin and Tom Hoagland---- Blackdux Patita of Briarwood,
JH and RN
Briarwood Mona Rosalita, WC, CC and JH
Jen Leitao--- CH Snowden Hill Mango Crazy, RA, JH, WC,
CGC and CC
Julie Kamis---Yarborough Sweet Woodruff, WC and CC
Paddington's Solace for Woodruff, WC and CC
Jen Leitao expressed her thanks to everyone for helping at the
Match at K-9 Connection in January,
Marti Hendricks thanked the members for the flowers and get
well wishes.
Cathy Straub made a motion to adjourn at 8:40 which was
seconded by Kathy Cipriani.
Respectfully Submitted, Lee Holstein, Recording Secretary.
The 2008 Nominating Committee consists of Janet Huntley, Chair, Audrey Wolcott and Lee Arsenault. They
would appreciate your input as to whether you might, at
some point, like to be asked to either serve on the committee or run for an office. It is helpful to the Board and
to the Nominating Committee to have a list of members
who would like to commit extra time to the club serving
on the many committees within the club. If you have an
interest in chairing or serving on a committee, please return this questionnaire.
1.
2.
3.
Would you be interested in serving on the Nominating Committee?
Would you be interested, should an opening become
available, in serving as an officer of the club? In what
position?
The Club is always looking for members willing to
step up and chair a committee. To date the club has
been extremely lucky that so many of our members
volunteer to take on positions. If a chairing position
does become available, which committee might you
be willing to take on the challenge of chairing?
Committees Chair Positions:
Show Chair
Show Co-Chair
Supported Entry Chair
Field Committee Chair
Raffle Committee Chair
Trophy Committee Chair
Show Hospitality ( arranging with Grange for food, Hospitality table, Thursday Best in Show Party )
Judges Hospitality Chair ( include making hotel and
travel arrangements—works closely with show chairs
and Treasurer)
Judges Luncheon Chair
Judges Selection Chair
Catalog Sales Chair
Specialty—Show Grounds
Publicity Chair
Raffle Chair
Legislative Representative ( for your state )
Match Chair
Fun Day Chair
Fair Demo Chair
Tracking Chair
Hunt Test Chair
Membership Chair
Conformation Certificate Chair
Sunshine Committee
Newsletter
2008 PLRC
WC/WCI/WCX
Fin Fur and Feather
Chaplin, CT
Saturday, October 4th 2008
Mark your calendars
Details to follow...
Show Info:
www.showdays.info
www.infodog.com
www.wiscoy.com (specialties)
Hunt Test Info:
www.working-retriever.com
www.entryexpress.net
www.akc.org
Janet Huntley
Audrey Wolcott
Lee Arsenault
Page 4
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Health Clinics:
Hockamock Kennel Club All Breed Heart Screening
Clinic
Dr. Nancy Morris ACVIM Mass Vet Cardiology
Friday June 27 and Saturday June 28th 9:00am -5:00 pm
Crackerbarrel Fair Grounds, Wrentham, MA
Doppler Echoes: includes ascultation $ 175.00 Reports
immediately, 24 hour Holter $150, Ascultation $35, OFA
discount forms for $7.50 when filled out in advance
All dogs MUST register at
www.Heartlightdobermans.com, List ring conflict if you
have one under comments. All appointments prepaid see
details on website check, MC/Visa. Appointments will be
scheduled when judging schedule is posted. If 15 dog
limit not met the clinic is cancelled
Newtown KC Health Clinic
Bethel Village Square Animal Hospital, Bethel, CT
July 20, 2008
For more information, contact Jane Wooding, 203-9381199, [email protected]
Tests offered:
CERF: Dr. Eric Ledbetter (Cornell)
Cardiac: Dr. Aaron Wey, DACVIM-Cardiology
BAER: Dr. Ellis Loew (Cornell)
Thyroid: Dr. Frances Paulin
Microchipping, DNA Profiling, Heartworm Testing
Ch Snowden Hill Mango Crazy, RA, JH (Ch Dickendall Davaron Gable x Snowden Hill My Friend Irma), owned by Jen
Leitao, Robin Anderson and Gerrie Owren & handled by Jen
Leitao, was Best Gun Dog under judge Mrs. Laura Dedering,
and took a Gun Dog Group II at the NE Sporting Dog Association show on March 15th under judge Mr. David Flanagan. Jen
is also very pleased that Mango is the 2008 Julie Brown Pedigree Book cover girl!! She also just went BOB at the Maine
show on May 4th.
Raffle Items
Needed!
A reminder to bring any raffle items you’re
able to contribute to the next meeting… or
you can give to Audrey Wolcott, Julie Kamis or
Dottsie Robinson...
Welcome to our newest members!!!
Sally & Jack Gordon
________________________________
Thank you!!!!!
The club wishes to express their appreciation to
Lab Fun Day Chair, Dottsie Robinson and
Publicity Chair Marti Hendricks for the
tremendous job they did putting together this
year's Labrador Fun Day! To Everyone that
helped out, thank you for making this year's event
an exceptional day! Look for pictures in the next
Newsletter…..
_____________________________________
Jack Crawford’s dog, Tabby, at a Dock Diving competition
in Charleston, SC this February, where she qualified for the
finals. Her best jump was 17’3” which puts her in the Dock
Dogs Senior Jumper category!!!
Page 5
Congratulations!!
Highmeadows Bob Barker took first in sweeps 9-12 and
third in regular classes both days. Bob Barker is owned by
Susan Barrett.
Danbridge Henry J took his first Major at New England
Sporting Group under Judge Tom Shearer. Hank is owned and
bred by Marilyn and Ken Meewes. Hank also went RWD at
New Brunswick under Jean-Louis Blais and was
Reserve Winners Dog at Buck’s County.
Lobuff's First Impression (Gina) went Winners Bitch at the
Saw Mill River KC show on March 9. She is owned by Janet
Huntley, Julie Quigley Smith, and Lisa Weiss and was shown
by Jen Leitao.
Cabin's Sugar Behr Hawkins took a 3rd in 2-4 month
Sweeps and a 1st in Regular class at the LRC of Greater Boston match, in Westford, MA. She is owned by Cathy Straub
Benedict and was shown by Cathy Cipriani.
Lobuff Hollyridge Wizard of Oz took 1st in his Open Black
Class at the Potomac. (pictured above)
Hollyridge Lobuff Steffi was 3rd in both her regular and 6-9
month sweeps classes at the Potomac.
Hollyridge Devil in a Blue Dress took a 4th in her sweeps
class also at the Potomac.
Ch. Stonecrest's Davy Crockett received 2nd in the Sweepstakes Veteran 7 to 9 yr class under judge, David Volette and
4th in the Veteran 7 to 9 yr class under judge Connie Barton at
the Potomac.
Danbridge Shake It Up (aka Margarita) placed 4th in 6-9 Yellow Bitch Sweeps (out of a class of 34) at the Potomac
Danbridge High Society (aka Reenie) placed 3rd in 15-18
Black Bitch Sweeps (out of a class of 20) at the Potomac
Scissors were awarded to Danbridge Pin-Up Girl // Danbridge Rumor Has It // Danbridge Henry J
Paddington’s Solace for Woodruff WC took a second in her
Novice class at the Potomac. She is owned by Julie Kamis,
and was shown by Donna Kenny. (picture by Dave McCurley)
Marlene Lendrim’s Graewall's Pretty As A Picture CDX
JH WCI RA qualified in Florida back to back for her Rally
Advanced Title. Jet and Marlene also qualified at the Potomac
in Rally Advanced.
Lee Holstein’s Whistle got another leg towards his JH title at
the LRCGB'S Spring Hunt test
Hollyridge Bella Lira at Asquam earned her 3rd leg towards
her JH title at the LRCGB'S Spring Hunt test
Danbridge Kathryn The Great CGC, CD, CC, RN - earned
her Novice Rally title at the young age of 10 1/2 !! Huge congrats to Kate!! Owned and Bred By Marilyn & Ken Meewes.
Stillbrook Lucy Vincent, WC won the Open Yellow Bitch
class at the Potomac. She also went Reserve Winners Bitch at
the Windham County Kennel Club, under Diane Pilbin. Lucy is
owned and bred by Donna Kenny. ( photo by Jen Letaio )
Page 6
Cabin's Make My Day took 1st in Novice Chocolate Dog at
the Potomac. Callahan is owned and bred by Cathy Straub
Benedict.
Blackdux Jenna went Winners Bitch at The Windham
County Kennel Club supported entry under Judge Diane
Pilbin. Jenna is owned and bred by Kathy Wolf. ( submitted
by a friend )
Cabin's Make My Day "Mya" took 1st in Novice Bitches
a t The Windham County Kennel Club supported entry under
Judge Diane Pilbin. Mya is owned and bred by Cathy Straub
Benedict.
Lobuff Hollyridge Osprey went BOB, Saturday at the Pioneer
Valley Retriever Club Specialty ( after taking Winner’s Dog
just the day before under Judy Heim to finish his Championship ) and CH Lobuff Hollyridge Kisskadee went BOS under
Judge Michael Silva. Dee Dee also went BOB on Friday. Both
dogs are owned by Julie Quigley Smith and Lisa Weiss. ( photo
by Carol Stevens )
Jack Crawford’s Dogs, Tabby and Casey have had a good
spring! They both passed their JH at the American Chesapeake Club test in Patrick SC. Both were awarded their CGC
as well! Photo above was taken by Nancy Whitehead.
Cherry Oaks Code of Honor - First place in Veteran Dogs
11 years and older at PVLRC owned by Tiffany Newman
and Dan & Shannon Thomas
Paddington’s Solace for Woodruff WC won the Novice
class at PVRC under Michael Silva.
Woodruff Back on Course got a 3rd in 12-18 month puppy Hollyridge Lobuff Fine Troy Ounce won the Open Yellow
bitches and 2nd in 12-15 mo puppy bitches sweeps. Betsy is Dog class at RVLRC Specialty. Troy is owned by Nancy Laowned by Julie Kamis.
ser Wolston, Julie Quigley Smith & Lisa Weiss and was
shown by Nancy Laser Wolston.
Page 7
The PRLRC Web Site Litter Listing fees were voted upon by the membership to remain $25 for Full members and were raised to
$50 for Associate members.
A litter listing is $25 per litter for members who fall into the "Full" membership category and who full fill the Full member
requirements.
A listing for members who fall into the "Associate" membership category, and who full fill the Associate member requirements,
the listing fee is $50 per litter.
Send listing fee checks to PRLRC Treasurer:
Julie Quigley-Smith
3100 South County Trail
West Kingston, RI 02892
Send info for listing to Claire White-Peterson
at [email protected]
Info required:
Name and town, state
Phone
Email
Whelping Date
Colors (and sex if only one)
I’ve put together just some very basic first aid info for your interest. For the next newsletter I’ll get into more specific emergencies and what you can do… so stay tuned! For now I’ll give some brief general first aid info, things to have in your first aid kit,
and basic normal values for dogs’ vital signs.
For general emergency preparedness one important thing is to have a relationship with a veterinary clinic. You should be know
if your veterinarian offers emergency services or refers you to an emergency clinic. If the answer is an emergency clinic then
you should have that phone number handy and also have an idea of how to get there.
Many folks complain to me when they find out that their vet office refers out emergencies, but let me give you the other side.
Emergency clinics are open and staffed 24 hours a day. The doors are unlocked, the equipment is on and the staff is fresh and
ready to deal with your emergency. For critical cases the staff is there offering supportive care and treating patients throughout
the night. That is a tremendous benefit to your pet. I know that you might not know the Veterinarian and that makes you uneasybut it is often the best treatment option for your ill pet! I have spent a fair amount of time working shifts in local emergency clinics and I am often able to offer superior care compared to when I get paged into work in the middle of the night, with no technical
support, with no overnight care, etc!
There are a number of things I recommend that you have in a first aid kit- both at home and to take with you on the road or at
training events. In addition to the first aid items listed below it is also important to have your veterinarian’s number, and the
number of a local emergency clinic if needed. Also, it’s great to keep a copy of your pet’s medical info/vaccine records with you.
First Aid Kit contents
Latex gloves
Adhesive tape
Non-adherent sterile pads (like Telfa pads)
Bandage scissors
Gauze sponges
Roll gauze
Roll bandage (like Vet Wrap)
Heavy duty maxi pads (they make great wound dressings)
Towels
Page 8
Splint material (like rolled up newspaper/magazines)
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Epsom salt
Sterile saline eye wash and eye lubricant
Topical antibiotic ointment
Water based lubricant
Rectal thermometer
Compact thermal blanket
Muzzle
Pen light
Glucose paste/tablets
Styptic powder
Over the counter medications that may be useful to have around (use under the advice of a veterinarian)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Buffered aspirin (Bufferin or ascription) - not recommended in cats
Pepto Bismol (not recommended in cats)
DO NOT use Tylenol (not recommended for dogs and DO NOT ever give to cats)
In the event of a possible emergency- do not panic, remain calm and assess the situation!
The normal pulse rate for a dog is 60-160 beats per minute (smaller dogs have faster heart rates, bigger dogs and dogs in excellent physical condition have slower hear rates). The pulse will usually be elevated during times of excitement. You can feel for a
dog’s pulse in many locations- the left side of the chest, just behind the elbow; and the inner thigh are the two easiest places.
The normal respiration rate for dogs is 10-40 breaths per minute. Dogs will commonly pant though and can increase respiration
well above the normal listed. Breaths that are shallow or noisy can indicate a potential problem.
Body temperature in dogs is normally 101-102.5 and temperature is best obtained using a rectal thermometer. In general it is
very difficult to “feel” that a dog has a fever by touching them or any specific body part. Clients often come in thinking their pet
feels hot but we find a normal body temperature. Rectal temperatures under 99 or over 104 degrees may constitute an emergency.
Mucus membrane color is used to assess circulatory and respiratory function (ie, is the blood being oxygenated by the lungs and
moved around the body through the circulation appropriately). The mucus membranes include the gums, inside of the cheeks,
the conjunctival tissue around the eyes, etc. The color should be pink. Excessively pale or blue or yellow mucus membranes are
abnormal findings.
Capillary refill time is an additional “test” of circulatory ability. It is the time that it takes for blood flow to “refill” an area.
Lightly press on the gum and then observe how long it takes for the normal color to return. Normal capillary refill time is 1-2
seconds.
Hydration status is very difficult to determine subjectively. You can tent the skin on the back of the neck (pull it up) and it
should return to normal position very quickly. In animals that are dehydrated the skin takes some time to fall back into normal
position. You can also check the gums; they should be moist and not dry. Older pets can be more difficult to assess for dehydration.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control. If you suspect that your pet has come in contact with a poison, write down as much information
as you can about the product, when the contact occurred, how much exposure there was. Your veterinarian may refer you to call
the ASPCA Animal Poison Control center. There is a charge for their service, with no additional charge for follow calls on that
case (and they will consult with your vet throughout the treatment). They have board certified veterinary toxicologists on staff 24
hours a day and provide you/your vet with detailed information about the appropriate treatment for your pet. The ASPCA animal poison control number is 888-426-4435
First Aid references:
Carlson, D. 1992. Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. Howell Book House. NY.
Mammato, B. 1997. Pet First Aid. Mosby
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Pawcatuck River Labrador Retriever Club
Donna Kenny—Editor
56 Leonard Bridge Rd
Lebanon, CT 06249
Email: [email protected]
News Flash!!!
Oxygen Mask
Fundraiser
We'll have safety pet decals available for this years
fun day! Everyone who makes a donation of $5.00 or
more is welcome to a packet of (2) decals. Come visit
our display at this years fun day! We have a short
video of a rescue in progress, its amazing to see the
dog receive oxygen through a mask, start to wag the
tip of his tail, stand up and actually place his face back
into the mask on his own, heartwarming! Stop by &
visit, dog bones for all (4-legged friends).
For more info contact
Nancy Bard
[email protected]
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