While Balto’s claim to fame as the hero of the Iditarod may be a matter of dispute–given that kennelmate Togo was the actual workhorse–Balto has now become famous for something else: He’s the first subject of an analysis comparing his individual DNA with that of modern dogs.
The Portuguese Water Dog is called Cão de Agua in Portugual, translated as dog of water. It was used by fisherman in Portugal to herd fish into nets, retrieve lost articles (including diving to get them), as a courier, and as a guard and companion.
For almost 100 years, people in New York’s Central Park have slowed to admire the bronze statue of a husky named Balto. Some stop to the read the plaque: “Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice across treacherous waters through arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925. Endurance. Fidelity. Intelligence.”
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When things go sideways and I start to become unraveled, it is important to me to stop, process, and think. Having rational thought and focus is essential to comprehension of any situation. What I can excuse or walk away from as a handler does not apply to my SELF as a breeder or the effect it has on my breed. The impact of adjudication, in the present and future of a breed, can be long lasting and–at times–either proactive or detrimental. Education is the key. I am not referring to education solely from books and videos, but education from mentoring, hands-on experience, and learning the functionality of purpose. One must intentionally work towards comprehending the nuances that make individual breeds unique while differentiating the priorities and hallmarks.
Most show dogs born of a well-planned breeding are blessed with good teeth. Our obligation as owners is to keep their teeth in good condition. This is not only necessary for the health of the dog, but every owner who shows his or her dog knows and understands the importance of full dentition and a proper bite in the conformation ring.
The Edison, New Jersey shows have been a local favorite for years. The all-breed centerpiece of the weekend–New Brunswick on Friday and Saturday, March 24-25, and Bronx on Sunday the 26th–drew reasonably good entries of 1395 on Friday, 1696 on Saturday and 1557 on Sunday. Although entries aren’t what they used to be, it’s safe to say that things could be much worse.
In the medieval and Renaissance eras, a court jester or fool was frequently employed by noblemen or the monarchy to entertain the nobility and the royal household as well as their guests. Most of the entertainment was performed in a comic style with a significant part of it being physical comedy–slapstick, mime, stunts, funny faces and clowning. The jesters had the right to talk and mock without fear of punishment and they wore symbols, such as the cap and bells, acknowledging this right. Many court jesters possessed a natural talent for this work and were said to be born wearing the cap and bells. Some dogs, it seems, were also either born to be jesters or have made comedy an important aspect of their life’s work. In other words, a significant part of their time has been spent wearing the jester’s cap and bells.
Heartworm is again on the rise, according to statistics from the America Heartworm Associations (Heartworm Incidence Maps – American Heartworm Society). Heartworms can be deadly. Unfortunately, traditional heartworm treatment is expensive, painful and difficult. In recent years some veterinarians have elected to use an off-label treatment that appears to be safe and effective while also less painful, less expensive and less difficult. Now a new study confirms that this treatment is up to 90% effective in naturally infected dogs.
Let’s be honest, fashionistas. Our highlight of the Westminster Experience is seeing what everyone is wearing. The most sought after fashion statements are the reveals as each group judge, and finally, the Best In Show judge steps onto the green carpet prior their introduction to the audience. I know exactly what you are doing in that moment. Phones in hand, Google Lens at the ready, who will be the first to have the all important fashion stats: designer, price, availability? We know what is important!
