December 1998 Newsletter - Volume 2. Issue 16

Table of Contents

• Guy’s Corner, by Guy Walton

• Chicago!

• The History of InfoDog, by Bob Christiansen

• The 1998 Pet Expo, by Peggy Wampold President, South Windsor Kennel Club

• Josh’s Christmas, by Marge McClung

• Letters To The Newsletter

• The Shaggy Dog Stories,  by Guy Walton

©1998 MB-F, Inc.

You may use this paragraph as permission to reprint any article in the MB-F Newsletter providing 6rticles are printed in their entirety, proper credit is given to the author and to the MB-F Newsletter, and a copy of the publication in which it was reprinted is sent to the MB-F Newsletter, P.O. Box 22107, Greensboro, NC 27420. Opinions expressed by authors in this publication are their own and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. Publisher reserves the right to edit.

Guy's Corner
by Guy Walton

Let’s set the record straight, I am not sick! All my vital signs are good. My blood pressure (110/68), cholesterol (127), heart, liver, kidneys, and other vitals are at the very least good. Well then you ask, “What’s your problem?” Well, I had a severe accidental fall resulting in damage to my forehead, elbows, and knees and we know now that I broke my nose. Several weeks later, I suffered an injury to my right ankle. My body was harboring infection from my fall and it settled in my ankle. On top of this, several weeks later, I had a corn on my left foot ulcerate and it, too, became infected. The ankle injury resulted in surgery and the removal of a segment of my Achilles’ tendon.

After my hospital release, on an outpatient basis, I opted to have cataract surgery on my right eye, which affected my driving. Recovering from the eye surgery, we discovered that the infection in my foot was not totally eliminated and I am now undergoing more treatment involving approximately four to six weeks of daily outpatient IV antibiotics to make sure we wipe out the bacteria this time. While I really miss going to the shows, it is permitting me to catch up on a lot of projected office work. My goal right now is to completely eliminate all of these injury problems so that I can be at 100% for the Florida January shows and Westminster in February.

That said, let’s get on with this article. In the last article, I said I would report on our shows in August and September. Due to my injury problems, I refrained from attending those shows. My very competent staff did a wonderful job in my absence and reported that the shows went quite well.

My last article was a potpourri type and I am going to continue with these thoughts.

We have many judges (present and deceased) with unusual occupations. Some will be listed here and I solicit your input.

Bob Waters (deceased) - Canadian Royal Mounted Police
Joseph Heine - mortician
Dr. Richard Greathouse - renowned coroner
Merrill Cohen - Tropical fish food business
Emil Klinckhardt (deceased) - popcorn baron
Frank Foster Davis (deceased) - silent movie star
Isadore Schoenberg (deceased) - silent movie star and professional cattle buyer
Lina Basquette (deceased) - silent movie star and Ziegfield girl Vincent Perry (deceased) - did some acting - cameo type T.V. parts including playing a judge on the Perry Mason Show, and, we believe, the I Love Lucy show (he, incidentally, was very hokey)
Bob & Ellen Fetter - farmers Esme Treen - past editor of Mademoiselle magazine

While I have more, I will stop here and solicit your input to my attention at e-mail address Gwalton@webtv.com or mbf@infodog.com or send through the mail to: 32351 Edward Ave, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Now I’m going to go far astray. In my mentioning Lina Basquette above, it reminded me that Lina’s baby sister was Marge Champion who with her husband, Gower, were wonderful dancers, including tap in movies, stage and television. When I grew up there were many musicals with great dancers. Let’s see if any of you remember the following:

Gene Kelly - very athletic and powerful dancer (his contemporary today would be Gregory Hines who is even more powerful.) Gene graduated from my high school in Pittsburgh.
Fred Kelly - Gene’s brother
Fred Astaire - Mr. Smoothy made everything look effortless be it tap or ballroom. In my mind, Gregory Hines’ brother, Maurice, has that same smooth tap dancing style.
Ginger Rogers - an Astaire partner
Vera Ellen - another Astaire partner
Ann Miller - the best woman pure tap dancer
Ray Bolger - poor man’s Fred Astaire
Dan Daily
Ziegfield Girls Follies
Bergere Rockettes
June Taylor Dancers
George Raft - Tango master
Jimmy Cagney - “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy” (George M. Cohen movie)
Buddy Ebsen - (Jed Clampett of The Beverly Hillbillies fame)
Nipsy Russell - besides tap and comedy was the best “Mashed Potatoes” fad dancer
George Kirby
The Stepp Brothers
The Will Maston Trio - consisting of Will, his nephew, Sammy Davis, Jr., and his father, Sammy Davis, Sr.
Bo Jangles - one of the best of his time
Debbie Reynolds
Donald O’Connor
Russ Tamblyn
Jose Greco - the best Spanish heel and toe dancer
Dinah Shore - unknown to most people was a very good dancer
Eddy Cambell
Cyd Charisse
Juliette Prowse
Betty Hutton
Shirley Temple
Mitzi Gaynor
Mary Tyler Moore
Leslie Caron
Jane Powell
Judy Garland
Van Johnson - (danced with Gene Kelly on stage & theme musicals)
Ann Blyth

Who have I missed? Please e-mail or write to me at the addresses listed earlier in this article.

That over, I would like to talk about Jack Russell Terriers. During my hospital internment, I watched a lot of television and I’m amazed at how many Jack Russells appear in ads and sitcoms. My favorite is the rough Jack Russell on the old and new “Frasier” television series. I have two employees (Tonya Jordan - Supt. and her husband, Jerry - Setup Foreman, and Michelle Keith - Asst. Supt.) who own them. Here are a few more people who own them: Paula Bradley (judge) - has the short legged smooth type. Patti Lapinski (judge) - noted breeder of them Patti’s daughter, Jane Myers and her husband, Greg (handlers) - have a rough Frank Murphy (handler) - owns a rough Jack Russell Terrier Jerry and Nancy Newton (handlers) - have a Jack Russell Terrier

The first Jack Russell Terrier I believe I saw live was owned by Dr. Sid Remmele at his home in Kentucky. Sid kept his Jack Russells outdoors in his fenced pasture. I personally like the rough type, which is interesting because I like Smooth Fox Terriers better than Wire Fox Terriers. I need input again on other judges and handlers who own Jack Russells.

Well, I’d better stop folks. More trivia in my next article.

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Chicago!

February 25th, 1999 Park Shore Kennel Club

February 26th, 1999 Blackhawk Kennel Club

February 27th, 1999 International Kennel Club

This show is Dedicated to the AKC Canine Health Foundation
With A full day of SPECIAL attractions And a Super Special Dinner Dance.

February 28th, 1999 International Kennel Club

Entries close Noon, February 10, 1999
The premium List is mailed. It’s also available on the net.

We are accepting entries on the net right now!

Do It.

Chicago! Chicago! Chicago! Chicago!

Your Kind of Town And Home of the greatest Dog Event of the Twentieth Century

As the 20th millenium winds down and the 21st millenium begins to be a reality in our lives, it is possible that the greatest dog event of our time is about to take place at McCormick Place in Chicago. 450,000 square feet of their great new hall will house a four-day super dog event the likes of which have never been attempted in the history of dog shows. This event has been designed wholly to benefit the AKC Canine Health Foundation in the promotion of the work they are performing for dogs and for mankind.

The International Kennel Club of Chicago under the guidance of Mr. Louis Auslander, former board chairman of the AKC, has dedicated the entire weekend of February 25th through 28th, 1999, to the cause of the AKC Canine Health Foundation. The Kennel Clubs of Blackhawk and Park Shore have joined this great cause and added their participation with their shows on Thursday and Friday. They will be at the same location on the two days preceding the Canine Health Foundation show.

You can’t miss the fabulous dinner dance on Saturday, February 27th, 1999 also dedicated to the promotion of the Canine Health Foundation. As a great weekend finale the International Kennel Club will hold their regular show on Sunday the 28th. Four top shows in four days plus educational seminars and a super dinner ball with a surprise guest speaker. You gotta be here in CHICAGO!

If you miss this event you will have missed the most elaborately planned dog event of this century. All of the stops have been pulled to make these four days the most exciting of our time in the sport. You will get more bang for your buck here than at any other dog show in history. First and foremost you will be supporting the AKC Canine Health Foundation in its fight through research against genetic disorders and health problems in all canine breeds.

Ten Dollars for each and every dog entered in the regular classes at the Saturday show not including puppy classes will be donated to the Foundation. The International Kennel Club and The Ralston Purina Company will share equally in this generous gift to all dogdom. You, however, will receive credit for a donation to the Canine Health Foundation by virtue of the fact that your name will appear in the show catalog and it will be so noted in the catalog. You will also receive a receipt from the Canine Health Foundation thanking you for the donation as well. If we have 2000 entries that’s $20,000.00; 3000 entries $30,000.00; 4000 entries $40,000 etc. The Foundation anxiously hopes the members of our huge dog family will make their dream of at least 5000 entries come true. Even if you are unable to attend in person send in an entry anyway and it will be noted in the catalog that you are a supporter of the AKC Canine Health Foundation and you will receive the receipt and the representation in the catalog.

In addition to the above gifts a glamorous dress up Ball and Dinner will be held in the McCormick Place Ballroom with its fabulous view of the Chicago lakefront. “Dancing on the water under the stars.” Dogs that win BOB will receive one free ticket to the Dinner & Ball, a $65.00 value, courtesy of The International Kennel Club and Ralston Purina. Reservations must be made in advance as we expect many more than 500 people to attend this gala. We have room for 1500 seated you would like to bring a few friends. This very much alive name band “The Royal Strings” will provide the music for dinner & dancing. This first rate organization has entertained royalty all over the world as well as Presidents Nixion, Ford, Carter and Regan. Evening dress is encouraged but you are welcome as well in informal attire. The net proceeds of this event, thousands we hope, will also be donated to the Foundation.

We haven’t even mentioned the support of the Parent Clubs, the 23 Specialty Clubs and 27 Supported Specialties. We must mention the Puppy Extravaganza and the Veterans Spectacular shows within the shows each with their own groups and bests in show. You must witness the novel judging procedure in the selection of the Best Puppy in Show, all part of a dinner surprise. Neither have we mentioned the many breed seminars and scientific meetings that will be free to all entrants. If you miss this event you will have to listen to a second hand account as your friends tell you how much you missed. Don’t let that happen to you.

The Foundation earnestly needs your help, as individuals, to make this event a supreme success for the advancement of research into the health of our very dearest and most dependable friends, OUR DOGS. You the EXHIBITORS, can make it all happen.

We will have much more specific information for you very soon. The premium list of 100 pages will soon be on its way. If you don’t receive one, check INFODOG ON THE NET IT’S OUT THERE, ALL OF IT, THE WHOLE THING.

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The History of InfoDog
by Bob Christiansen

InfoDog was originally started in January, 1995 as a dial-up bulletin board system where users dialed a modem here in Greensboro and connected directly to a server at MB-F. Users were able to get judging panels, make entries, access judging programs, and receive show results. Later in 1995 we began programming to support this same information via the internet. In April, 1996, we activated the infodog.com home page and phased in a full show information and entry system.

InfoDog started with a few hundred users and has now grown to over 32,000. We average over 3700 individual users each day on the web site generating over 25,000 page views and 97,000 “hits”. We receive as many as 800 e-mails daily and over 3000 online entries each week. InfoDog has grown from a single 56K internet connection to a full T1 with 1,536K. The main InfoDog server has been recently upgraded to a 400 MHZ dual Pentium II Xeon processor with 256 megabytes of memory and 18 gigabytes of disk storage which is mirrored using level 5 raid technology. Raid technology uses multiple disk drives to redundantly store data which provides constant backup as well as enhanced performance during disk access. This server also has redundant power supplies as well as redundant fans to provide backup in the event of a failure in either of these requirements. All of these components are “hot swapable” which means they can fail and be replaced without the system ever going down.

InfoDog has seen numerous enhancements during the past two years.

• Email addresses are captured along with entries and an email confirmation is generated once
   each entry has been processed.
• Judging panels for all AKC confirmation and obedience shows and the ability to search by breed,
  judge, or show.
• Judges Directory with resumes and photographs.
• Access to a judge’s past MB-F judging assignments.
• Entries for all AKC confirmation and obedience shows.
• Show results with an enhanced menu for easy access to Group and Best in Show winners as 
   well as breed winners.
• Individual dog records for all MB-F shows a dog has entered.
• Point calculations.
• Live show results from Westminster along with archived and live photos of the dogs and winners. • Streamed live video of the closing of entries for Westminster.
• MB-F video is available for viewing on the site.
• Judge availability system for clubs to check judges within 30 days and 200 miles for an event.
• Online premium list submission.
• Access to the MB-F Newsletter.
• Discussion forum (currently under revision).
• Ask the Vet discussion forum (currently under revision).
• Free canine rescue organization listings.
• Free Match announcements.

What could the future possibly hold? I can only laugh when I think of a bill in Congress during the late 1800’s that, proposed to close the patent office because everthing that could ever be invented - electricity, telegraph, telephone, etc. had already been invented. Have we exhausted the possible inventions for InfoDog? Stay tuned for more! This is only the beginning.

General Statistics
Collected  Using Webtrends™ Software

Timeframe         02/12/98  - 11/01/98

Number of Hits for Home Page                              441,656
Number of Successful Hits for Entire Site          25,552,852
Number of Page Views (Impressions)                  6,575,682
Number of User Sessions                                     968,812
User Sessions of Unknown Origin                               100%
Average Number of Hits per Day                             97,529
Average Number of Page Views Per Day                 25,098
Average Number of User Sessions per Day               3,697
Average User Session Length                                 00:13:11

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The 1998 Pet Expo
By Peggy Wampold President, South Windsor Kennel Club

The 1998 Showcase of the American Kennel Club recognized or soon-to-be recognized breeds was held at the Pet Expo produced by Osborne/Jenks Production Co. The Pet Expo also had a Cat Show, a Birds Prey Show, a Reptile Show, etc.

South Windsor Kennel Club originally participated in the Pet Expo because there were pet stores selling puppies. We decided that the best way to combat this was to try to educate the pet buying public that they wanted to buy pure bred puppies from reputable breeders. Originally Farmington Valley Kennel Club and South Windsor Kennel Club maintained two separate booths and members brought in their dogs for the public to pet. After two years, we combined our efforts and have one area in which we showcase all of the breeds. We had a Group come in for a couple of hours and leave so that the next Group could come. This year the Pet Expo moved into the new Connecticut Expo facility and we had enough room to do four Groups all day on Saturday and three Groups all day on Sunday. This worked out really great and we will do it this way next year.

In the past, the Expo was held at the Hartford Civic Center which was difficult to get in and out of. Because of this and the fact that the people and their dogs were only going to be showcased for a couple of hours, we would borrow 80 grooming tables so that the people only had to walk in with their dogs. Getting the tables was far more difficult than getting the dogs. This year I begged and borrowed over 100 tables because we were going to have the people and their dogs stay all day.

In September I started calling around getting the dogs and in October I began calling for tables. The weekend before the Pet Expo my husband and I drove all over New England collecting tables. Joe Rivers and his wife Donna, members of South Windsor Kennel Club, drove up to Attleboro, MA to get tables from the Canine Training Center. Bob Merkel from the Springfield Kennel Club
brought me all of Springfield’s tables.
 
The Friday night of Expo Weekend Dennis Vendrillo and Rick Garner arrived at my house with their trucks and we loaded up the club member’s personal tables, the South Windsor tables, and all the other tables we borrowed, and went to the Connecticut Expo building. Ginny Atkinson from the Farmington Valley Kennel Club met us there with Farmington’s tables. Donna and Joe Rivers met us with the tables they had gathered and the Ralston Purina towels that we put on all of the
tables.
After setting up the area we decorated the club tables and put out American Kennel Club literature and dog supply catalogues. The latter had been sent to me by donors of auction items for the raffle/auction we were holding for the AKC Canine Health Foundation in the next two weeks.

Bright and early Saturday morning professional handlers Terry Jo and Jim Terrell arrived with 14 tables, theirs and professional handlers Peggy and Phil Nelson’s tables. Terry Jo and Jim gave up a day of handling fees to bring Bostons and Affenpinschers and to handle Betty Trainor’s Portuguese Water Dog in the presentation. They also helped getting the dogs into the presentation in order. We had many judges, several professional handlers and the authors of several books on the dog breeds there to tell the public about the breeds.

The Pet Expo opened its doors at 11 A M and the dogs and their owners were at their tables ready to greet the general public. We did the Toy, Non-Sporting, Working, and Hound Groups on Saturday. The bigger dogs did not want to be on grooming tables so we had ex-pens for them. We also did a presentation of the Groups. Our announcer, Richard Burt came into the dog world backwards. He came to watch me show my Irish Setter and had such a good time that he came again and again. Then he started stewarding and now he will go anywhere to steward. Then he was the announcer at the Pet Expo for the Showcase of Breeds. He liked the club members so he decided to join South Windsor Kennel Club. He is now our Treasurer. Then Richard got a dog.

The Hartford Courant sent a photographer who took some neat pictures of Jack Clarkson and his Irish Wolfhound, Gerlinda Hockla and her Newfoundland and Ruth Terry and her Chihuahua. 

On Sunday a reporter from the Hartford Courant came and interviewed Linda Vendrillo as to what constitutes a reputable breeder. He also interviewed Edeltraud Laurin on judging and what judges are looking for when they are adjudicating at a dog show. The Friday before our four-day Thanksgiving Cluster there was a color picture and a very nice article in the Hartford Courant.

On Sunday we did the Sporting, Terrier and Herding Groups. The people who bring dogs are not coming to sell dogs but to talk to the pet buying public and tell them about their breeds. The same people come year after year, some people with more than one breed like Gerlinda Hockla and Chris Veronovitch come both days, so I guess they enjoy themselves. Pat Courtney lives in Boston and brings her Australian Terriers. This year her car broke down so she took a bus from Boston to Hartford and then a taxi to the Expo Center. Now that is dedication! This year we had a little trouble getting some of the breeds because the Alaskan Malamute National was the same weekend in a neighboring state. Trap Falls and Naugatuck Valley Kennel Clubs changed their dates to the same weekend as the Expo’s. This created a little problem for me but I just had to make more phone calls. MB-F was wonderful. I faxed Dorie Crowe a request to put several breeds on early so that they could get to the Expo. This was able to be accomplished and they made it to the Expo.

Why do we go to so much trouble and work so hard to do this activity? South Windsor Kennel Club is dedicated to the education of the pet buying public. We believe that if we can educate the public, there will not be so many unwanted dogs in the pound. There is not one breed that is perfect for every family’s lifestyle, but there is a breed that will fit into the lifestyle of every family. It is a matter of educating the public about our different breeds. We want to promote buying purebred dogs from reputable breeders and educate the public on responsible dog ownership.

Every couple of years a pet store will buy space at the Expo, thinking they are going to sell puppies. They never come back a second time because they go home with all their puppies due to our efforts. We hand out breeder referrals; we explain the responsibilities and cost of owning a dog We try to get knowledgeable people to bring their dogs and we try to get good representatives of the breeds.

To get an idea of the Showcase of Pure Bred Dogs, picture in your mind a benched dog show with representatives of almost every breed and variety (with all the different coat colors), and no breed competitions but Group presentations (with an announcer that describes the breed at the time of the dog’s presentation) and no judge so every dog is a Group 1.

The Public seems to love the Showcase. My phone rings off the hook before the Expo to find out which day which breed will be presented This year there were almost 30,000 people at the Pet Expo. At the end of the day very few people had voices because they were talked out.

Club members Jane Kaba, David Wampold, Joe and Donna Rivers, Gail Vanelli, Helen Campbell and Emily Cristaldi sat at the South Windsor Kennel Club tables handing out the AKC literature and answering questions over the two days. To be sure that the public knew that we were a kennel club we proudly displayed our club banner and had our purple and gold tablecloths on the tables. Lonnie and Mark Cohen manned the Farmington Valley Kennel Club table, which was decorated with the green and white Farmington colors. They gave out A KC literature and gave out breeder referral information, too.

At dog shows, the public comes, but we are too busy to talk to them because we are getting ready to go into competition. When we come out of the ring, we crate our dogs and go and visit friends or go shopping We don’t have time or don’t make time just to talk to the general public about our breeds. This is a weekend that is totally devoted to doing nothing but talking to the public about our breeds. It is fun and satisfying.

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Josh’s Christmas
By Marge McClung

The sun was slowly disappearing, and the little Schnauzer was still waiting on the bridge. He was trying to put the puzzle together, but somehow the pieces just didn’t fit. He remembered last night when Joe and Mary were screaming at each other and suddenly Mary slammed the door and left. It was Christmas Eve and this had never happened in the three years Josh has been living with them. The next morning Joe said, “Sorry, Josh, but I have to leave also.” He then picked a present from under the tree and unwrapped it. Josh saw the most beautiful coat he had ever seen. “Well, Josh, you might as well wear this now.” Joe put the coat on Josh and said, “Were going for a ride.” But, Joe, it’s Christmas Eve. Joe picked him up and said, “I know little fellow, and you’re not going to like this but I just can’t take you with me.” They drove to the bridge and Joe tied Josh’s leash to the rail. He put food and water by him and whispered, “Josh, I love you and I know that a wonderful person will find you.” With that Joe got in the car and drove away, never looking back.

Every car that slowed down caught Josh running towards it. He just knew that Joe would return. It was almost dark and Josh was about to give up, when a car stopped. It wasn’t Joe’s car but the man who got out surely looked like Joe. Josh ran to him as far as his leash allowed. “Well, little fellow, what are you doing out here all alone?” Josh realized it wasn’t Joe and backed away. The man came closer and patted him on the head. “Let’s see your tag. Your name is Josh and you are not far from home. Come on, I’ll take you to your family.” He picked up Josh and put him in the car and soon they arrived at the address. After getting out of the car he walked up to the door and rang the bell. A little old lady opened the door. “Oh, I see you found Josh”. “Is he your dog?” the man asked. “Heavens no, he belonged to Joe and Mary but Mary left last night and Joe left this morning. I guess you found yourself a dog”.

“OK, Josh, my name is John and it looks as if you’re going home with me.” He then picked up Josh and off they went. Josh was in shock and wondered what was going to happen to him. He looked up and noticed a big grin on John’s face. Josh thought, “He has a nice face, so maybe everything is going to be all right.” Josh curled up on the front seat and studied John. Josh knew that this was Christmas Eve but at the moment it did not seem that he had anything to be thankful for. Soon the car stopped and Josh raised up and looked out. Gee, it must be Christmas Eve; this nice little house had lights everywhere. “Come on Josh, I have a surprise for you and for someone else.”

When John opened the door, Josh saw a huge, beautiful Christmas tree; now he knew it really was Christmas Eve. Josh wagged his tail and just stared at the tree. Suddenly a beautiful little girl came running to John. “Daddy, Daddy, you’re home.” John kissed her and said, “I have a present for you. Susie, this is Josh.” Susie squealed with delight, “Josh, Josh are you really mine?” Josh gave her a big, sloppy kiss and thought, I know I’m going to be happy here. “Daddy, his whiskers tickle.”

Ten years have passed since that night and Josh’s beard is beginning to turn gray but he blessed the day that this loving family found him. It did not take long for Josh to realize that God had placed him in this home for a reason. Each of these ten wonderful years Josh had been Susie’s companion, leading her through life. Now that he was getting old, he worried who would take care of Susie when he passed on. You see he had been Susie’s eyes all of these years because Susie had been blind since birth.

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Letters to the Newsletter

The article by Howard Nygood and Connie Vanacore in your November 1998 issue on Morris and Essex was great fun to read.

I’ve heard references to that show for years -- such as the trophies being sterling! Having the history and description of the kennel club and show made available is something I much appreciate and wish to thank you for. I happen to have acquired one of the scrapbooks Mrs. Dodge put together on our breed consisting of magazine and news clippings from various dog publication form early in the century. Mrs. Dodge seemed to have done this with many breeds. How appropriate to now add this article to the scrapbook.

If you would have no objection, I would to include the article in our Club newsletter, Mustard and Pepper, in the Historian’s column. Both you and the authors would, of course, be given full credit.

Gail Isner, Historian, Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America, Inc.

IN REPLY: Thank you for your nice letter. Please refer to our first page under the table of contents. You will find a paragraph under the copyright that gives the requirements for reprinting articles that appear in the Newsletter. This paragraph is provided as a convenience for just these occasions.

Dear Guy:

I noted with great interest in the October MB-F Newsletter that spotlighted you, that you are interested in homeopathic medicines/remedies. There is more and more interest in homeopathy (and other medical specialties) each year as conventional medicine fails to meet our needs and in some instances, I believe, cause problems.

A local chiropractor who is also a homeopathic practitioner, Dr. Victoria Snelling, introduced me to homeopathy in Louisville, KY some 10 years ago or so. For a while there was a study group here in Louisville. Although we no longer have a study group, I am a member of the National Center for Homeopathy. I have a small library of people and veterinary homeopathic books as well as the Boericke Materia Medica and Kent’s Repertory. This is a fascinating medical system and I believe it holds much promise for people and animals. Even with just a layman’s understanding, it has already benefited me and my family of people, dogs and cats.

A young couple in our local Weimaraner Club recently lost a 6 month old puppy to a rare fungus disease, pythiosis. From what we were told, this fungus is native to the gulf coast, usually affects equine, but can affect dogs and cats. The fungus affected the dog’s stomach and intestines causing much vomiting, etc.. The dog was treated conventionally including two exploratory surgeries. The fungus spread rapidly and the dog was finally put to sleep. Due to your extensive background with Zoology and ties to Florida, I was wondering if you have ever heard of this disease? We would appreciate any information you might have. My thoughts are that this is probably a common fungus and that the animal would have had to be susceptible or constitutionally weak to become affected. And of course, I will always wonder if homeopathy might have successfully cured this condition.

Do you have a homeopathic veterinarian or have you ever consulted with one with any of your dogs. Do you use remedies on yourself or your dogs. I would be interested in hearing about your experiences if you have the time.

Sincerely, Mrs. Constance D. Morris

P.S. I really enjoy reading the newsletter and appreciate the debate on the various dog show issues. Keep up the good work.

IN REPLY: Dear Constance;

Thank you for your very kind letter.

I’m not acquainted with any homeopathic veterinarian at this time. I have not owned a dog in twenty-two years due to my hectic superintending life and the fact that it would be a conflict of interest.

When we had our veterinarian distributorship, I had connections with veterinarians all over the state of Florida. I only knew one veterinarian who to some extent used homeopathic treatments. Homeopathic treatments back then were basically deemed witchcraft by the general populace. I find veterinarians (particularly large animal) to resort to some home remedies more so than medical doctors.

I’m sorry that I haven’t had any contact with animals suffering from phythiosis. I can not understand two surgeries on an animal with a fungus infection. I do feel that the animal could have been saved if he was put on wild-oil of oregano (by North American Herb & Spice) and aloe (R Pur Aloe International 18X concentrate). Both of these products effectively kill fungus. I incidentally, use both products on myself for my sinus and allergy problems and have had much success with them to the point I no longer use my prescriptive sinus medication. I am enclosing details on oregano and will try to find my notes on the aloe (you have to be careful that you get the correct aloe). I would recommend that you listen to the tape of Dr. Joel Wallach (Dead Doctors Don’t Lie). Dr. Wallach was a large animal veterinarian and went on to get his physician’s license. He is dedicated to the use of homeopathic minerals and vitamins. He also was awarded the Nobel Prize for his research.

While in the veterinarian field, we did manufacture a number of homeopathic type products including an insecticidal shampoo which contained natural ingredients instead of chemicals. It killed fleas on contact with no chemical side effects.

I am writing this on a tight time schedule and hope that I have answered some of your questions. Please feel free to contact me should need any more information.

Yours truly, Guy Walton, Exec. Vice President

Contact us by mail:

or by E-mail: mbf@infodog.com

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   The Shaggy Dog Stories

NATIONAL DOG WEEK DOGGIE PLEDGES

I will not play tug-of-war with Dad’s underwear when he’s on the toilet.

The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.

I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I’m lying under the coffee table.

I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.

I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.

I will not eat the cats’ food, before or after they eat it.

I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.

I will not throw up in the car.

I will scootch my bottom along the grass to rid myself of hangers-on.

I will not roll on dead sea gulls, fish, crabs, etc..

I will not eat other animals’ poop.

I will not lick my human’s face after eating animal poop.

I will not roll my head around in other animals’ poop.

“Kitty box crunchies” are not food.

I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.

The diaper pail is not a cookie jar. I will not eat the disposable diapers, especially the dirty ones.

I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.

I will not chew my human’s toothbrush and not tell them.

I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.

When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it’s raining outside.

I will not drop soggy tennis balls in the underwear of someone who is sitting on the toilet.

We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.

I will not steal my Mom’s underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.

The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad’s laps.

My head does not belong in the refrigerator.

I will not bite the officer’s hand when he reaches in for Mom’s driver’s license and car registration.

Submitted via e-mail from Linda Draper

Humor is a good thing.

If you have a favorite doggy laff
-- particularly a true story --
please send it in and share a good laff with fellow dog enthusiasts.

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c/o The Shaggy Dog
P.O. Box 22107
Greensboro, NC 27420

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