Are You Proactive?
Planning for your dogs in your will…
While at a conference in Portland, Oregon, I met with women in the pet industry and presented my MAAP Program, Navigating Short and Long Term Care Plans for Your Beloved Companions.
“Author Archive”
Hollywood Dogs
It was major network news when the world learned that Uggie the beloved Jack Russell Terrier had succumbed to advanced cancer on Wednesday August 7. His banner headline came via the role of Jack the Dog in the acclaimed 2012 silent film The Artist, which won five Oscars including Best Picture. Countless rave reviews acknowledged Uggie as the anchor point of the film’s success.
From The Publisher
The recent passing of Jane Forsyth left me with a whirlwind of thoughts, not only about the historic importance she and Bob hold in our sport, but also about the way Mrs. Forsyth influenced so many of the top exhibitors and judges who grace the show ring today.
Dear Bo
I can feel the warmth of your head on my foot down under my desk as the keyboard for my computer clicks along typing this. I could just tell you these things but then no one would know except the two of us. Written words always seem more permanent and somehow more meaningful although perhaps that’s just my bias since I make my living putting words on paper.
An American Junior Conquers the World
Junior Showmanship draws its share of Westminster fans, but it generally doesn’t rank among the main attractions. This year was different. Regardless of whether you follow Juniors, every aspect of this competition was so unexpectedly bizarre, it simply commandeered the dog world’s attention. Topping that list was the winning breed, the Bedlington Terrier dog, GCH Lamz Let Them Eat Cake CA. His littermate, GCH Lamz Strike A Pose RN CAA CGC, had already gone Breed earlier that day. And their dam had taken an AOM.
DNA Research and Dog Breeding
Among other things, breakthroughs in genetic research have revolutionized dog breeding. It’s removed the guesswork from many aspects of the job, thus allowing us to focus on our real task of creating a living work of art. Since the first canine disease mutation was identified back in 1989, researchers have documented hundreds of mutated alleles that can signal a hereditary predisposition to various health issues.
Breed Priorities – Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier and Norwich Terrier were one breed until relatively recently, and called the Norwich Terrier. They were differentiated by their ears – erect (or prick) ears and drop ears. In 1979, the AKC followed the English Kennel Club and divided the breed, with the drop-eared variety now called Norfolk Terrier.
The Hypocrisy of the New Judges Approval Process
By now, I am sure most of you have seen at least one episode of America’s Got Talent. I love watching this show, but for the life of me I can’t figure out why the AKC Board of Directors has not been invited to audition! They are, in my opinion, among the best magicians I have ever seen….talk about sleight of hand, smoking mirrors, hocus pocus….what you think you see is not what you get. The new judging approval system has turned into a magic act that we are supposed to believe.
Swimming Lessons
Most dog breeds, except for those outlined in the sidebar to this story, can swim. After all, there’s a reason the simplest stroke in swimming is called a “dog paddle.” It’s often the first stroke learned by young children because it mimics the way dogs and other animals swim as it is essentially “trotting” in the water instead of on land.
