Web Site Excerpts from the Quarterly Newsletter

November 2000 - Issue 20

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Breed Rescue:  Soft Hearts and Open Minds Needed  by Becky Smith
2000 Fun/Events Day  by Joy Sonsalla
Milwaukee Family Pet Fair  by Penny Honetor
Iams Super Dog Competition Team by Nancy Schmitt
The Prez Sez by Penny Honetor
Member Interviews:  Wanda Berner & Dean Nelson - Field Trials by Penny Honetor
CWVC Fall Field Trial Report by Becky Smith
Vizscellaneous
Ottawa Update by Penny Honetor
Vizslas in the Media
Health Updates (First Aid, Pancreatitis)
CWVC Agility Update  by Penny Honetor
That's My Vizsla!

Breed Rescue:  Soft Hearts and Open Minds Needed

2000 Fun Events Day

by Joy Sonsalla Need I say more, the FUN DAY was FUN!!! Held on August 5 at Ottawa Field Trial Grounds, the day started out with some games. The participants, both 2 legged & 4 legged, enjoyed events such as "My Dog Can do That", "Dress-up Relay", "Jump Boogie", "Fastest Vizsla in Wisconsin", "Weiner Walk" and who could forget the "Kissing Contest". All contests had categories for puppies as well as adults. The fastest Vizsla is a yearly contest and this year's winner goes to Wanda Berner's MAX, second place going to Penny & Neela. Speed and power! The dress-up relay was a lot of fun. Owners had to put a T-shirt on their dogs who then ran across the ring to have it taken off and passed to the next dog on their team. The fastest team won. Needless to say, not enough men have as much skill dressing and undressing things as women do. John Wellens and "George" took the wettest kisser and Penny Honetor & "Zoe" took the sweetest kisser. Jan Ellwitz and "Bailey" won the "My Dog Can Do That" contest. As part of the contest, they were asked to complete a series of very basic skills with a slight twist. For example, they were asked to sit their dog and wait, leave and walk about 10 feet away and call their dog, with their back still to the dog. This contest proved that we have some very talented, well-trained Vizslas out there. Most dogs completed the tasks with plenty of attitude and a wonderful desire to please. Throughout the day, attendees voted on their favorite Vizsla photos entered in the photo contest by CWVC members for inclusion in the first CWVC 2001 Calendar. The picture display found many folks ooohing and aaahing and laughing. Lunch was a bar-b-que with additional dishes brought by everyone to be shared. A feast was had by all. Then came the general membership meeting and the monsoon rains. Fortunate for us, the rains let up just in time for Wanda Berner's discussion about field trialing and bird training. Many members had one-on-one tutorial by Wanda and Michele who offered a slightly different, slightly more gentle approach to training. Special thanks to Wanda & Michele for spending the day with us and offering to school many of our new members. Pam (Chatterton) Groeschl and Abby gave a well-attended talk and demo on Therapy Dog work and answered all the questions the attendees could throw her way. Unfortunately, the rains came back and we were unable to spend time on the agility equipment. Despite the weather, we all had a good time spending the day in the company of good people with their wonderful dogs. Many new and potential members came to participate in the activities of the day along with some seasoned members showing their support.

Milwaukee Family Pet Fair

by Penny Honetor Held on October 21-22, 2000 at State Fair Park, the Milwaukee Pet Fair drew crowds who browsed rows of booths featuring dog and cat products; dog breed, rescue, and training information; a "Parade of Breeds" and entertaining shows like the Iams Show that Nancy Schmitt and Denver participated in (see next column). The purpose of the booth is to inform the public about the breed and our club, so CWVC members who staff CWVC Booth #108 bring their Vizslas for "Show and Tell" - and the bonus is socializing your Vizslas! Many questions about the breed and club get fielded during the day, and there is plenty of literature on hand to help answer those questions. Members can also bring their photo albums and framed photos to set out on the table too. Saturday volunteers were Joy Sonsalla and "Raye", Sue Prim and "Colby" (4-month old littermate sisters!); the afternoon shift was Jan Ellwitz and "Bailey", Shirley Peter and "Charlie" (he's our January & July Vizsla in the 2001 Calendar!) with a special appearance by Mike Erhart from Michigan. Sunday's staffers were Dennis & Judy Zimmermann and "Baron" and Scott & Ann Bolstad and "Copper" followed by Penny Honetor and "Zoe" & "Neela" and Pam Spurgeon and neighbor Cheri Borkgren, proud new owner of "Jake", a V puppy out of Mark & Pam Spurgeon's recent "Maddie" litter. The "Breed Rescue Donation" jug received nearly $12 in donations - one person donated $1 for a repeat performance of Zoe's new trick, "Giddyup". You'll have to wait for the 2001 Fun Day for a live performance!

Iams Super Dog Competition Team

by Nancy Schmitt Denver and I were invited to participate as guests with the Iams Super Dog Competition team. I was referred to them by one of the agility instructors from K-9, (Linda Weresch), and there were three of us from Milwaukee who participated, including Linda. The Iams Team is based out of Canada and travel North America doing performances at different venues. Shows and sports events, half-times, etc. They were leaving to go on to California after the Milwaukee shows. They travel with approx. 40 dogs and have a set of routines and shows that they do. There are Agility relays, some obedience demonstrations and a variety of games that they play. One of the highlights of the performances is the Puissance or High jump competition. Denver and I did an audition on Friday Night so the troup leaders could decide where to fit us in to the program. We participated in some obedience demonstrations, the agility relay and the Puissance. The commotion and noise level during the performance, as you know, was outrageous and I was very proud of the way Denver handled it. He did a great job on the high jump relay and ended up jumping better than four feet before he knocked a rail. They did 4 one-hour performances during the day, we began each performance with a march in our IAMS uniforms with flags and then introduced the dogs to the crowd. At the end of each performance we remained on the floor and the crowd could come out and mingle with and meet the dogs. Many people were interested in the Vizsla breed and thought Denver was so quiet and well-behaved. It was a nice opportunity to do some education on the responsibility of dog ownership and discuss the amount of dedication it takes to make a Vizsla, or any dog for that matter, a happy and thriving memeber of the family. Needless to say Denver spent all day Monday crashed on the couch recuperating from all of the excitement.

The Prez Sez

by Penny Honetor In the previous "Prez Sez", I made a plea for new volunteers and said I would attempt to make known earlier the volunteer opportunities within the CWVC. The most pressing volunteer need is for arguably the most humanitarian service our club can perform: Breed Rescue (see page 1). Also see page 14 for other volunteer opportunities coming up in the next year or two. Having just returned from 2000 VCA Nationals, I am still recovering from many things. The thrill of seeing so many beautiful Vizslas in one place at one time. The admiration from witnessing the presentation of a special VCA award to the team of Jack Sharkey and Chartay who earned 5 AKC Championships (Show, Field-2, Obedience, Agility), the only team to accomplish this feat in over 116 years of the AKC! I wouldn't be surprised if Jack is going to teach Chartay how to herd next - together they seem to be able to do it all! The pride of having been the club to nominate Linda Kelly's "Dixie" to the VCA Vizsla Hall of Fame. The fun of competing in agility and the photo contest and spending time with other CWVC members and meeting new Vizsla-philes. The weariness of driving 20 hours each way to and from Hyannis, MA. I'm looking forward to a 7-hour drive next year since 2001 VCA Nationals are being held in southern Illinois. If you've never been to a VCA Nationals before, I hope you consider competing, attending and/or helping out. It truly is an amazing sight to see so many Vizslas (not to mention vendors of Vizsla goodies) in one place!

CWVC Member Interviews:
     Wanda Berner & Dean Nelson - Field Trials

by Penny Honetor As Line Marshall, I had a chance to chat with Wanda and Dean between braces at the September 2000 CWVC Field Trial.  Following they share information and personal experiences regarding Field Trials. When & how did you get started in Field Trialing? Wanda: When Max was 10 weeks old, Jim Bush called and invited me to Ottawa for a Field Trial and gave me a horse to use for the weekend. He calls this "reeling people in with a silken thread". After that, I visited his farm for training 2-3 times a week and Jim boarded my horse. He was very generous with his time and knowledge. Dean: I bought my first Vizsla, Motee, as a hunting dog and soon after I meet John Parliament thru the internet and he invited me to a Hunt Test. I took Motee thru the JH program and while running a SH test, one of the judges was Barry Peterson. Motee was then about 18 months and after the test, Barry asked me about my dog. I told him that it was out of some dog name Shotgun Danny Dude and Barry introduced me to Gary Jagoda. Gary then invited me to come run dogs with him at Ionia one weekend, and from there things just kinda snowballed. How do Field Trials differ from Hunt Tests? Why do you prefer Field Trials? Wanda: In Hunt Tests, your dog is judged against a standard and every dog receives a pass/fail. Field Trials are a competition against both the standard and the other dogs in your stake. You must meet the standard and beat out the other dogs in the stake to receive points. I prefer the competitive aspect of Field Trials. Dean: Good answer Wanda. I would just add that in Field Trials, it is much more important on HOW the dogs find birds - much more than the mere fact of finding and handling them. I prefer Field Trials because Hunt Tests basically show how good a dog can be trained, whereas Field Trials showcase a dog's natural abilities - those things that can't be trained like application, heart, desire and enthusiasm. Tell us about your dogs and their accomplishments. Wanda: "Ted" (from "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure), Thedora Ruby Gem Strider (from Dungeons and Dragons). She's my "meat dog" who never misses a bird. It's not pretty, but she gets the job done! "Max" (Ted x Buster Keeton). I wanted Maximum Dog for the Money but AKC didn't allow the word "Dog", so changed it to Maximum Strider. He's a Dual Champion (Field, Conformation) and Senior Hunter. "Jabba" (Ted x Buster II), Striders Get a Job (Tom told me that I keep a third V, I had to Get a Job). She was such a big girl as a puppy, her nickname came from "Jabba the Hut". She is Junior Hunter, is pointed in conformation, and needs 4 retrieving points to finish her AFC. "Gennie" (Jabba x LIFO Riley), Strider's TNG (from Star Trek "The Next Generation"); Top 10 Puppy Derby, 4th Place Nationals Derby Stake, placements at all-breed Field Trials. "Rose" (FC/AFC Grand Slam Sam x Bella Bea), Striders Prairie Rose; will run in her first puppy derby today. Dean: "Motee", FC/AFC/NAFC Dasa Motee - won the VCA National Amateur Championship in Nebraska in 1998. Motee was 3 years old at the time. Runner-up 1998 Midwest Vizsla Shooting Dog Classic. VCA Top Ten Open/Amateur Gun Dog the last 3 years. Motee has 22 field trial wins, of which only one was a derby win. "Stryker", Berry's Singleshot Shotgun. Runner-up 2000 National Vizsla Association National Amateur Championship. Runner-up 1998 Midwest Vizsla Derby Classic. 2nd place VCA Open Derby in 1998. I think he ended up 2nd in the VCA Top Ten Derby/Puppy in 1998. "Jake", Berry's Doubleshot Shotgun. Winner, 2000 NVA Derby Classic. Jake is a dog that always gives 100% no matter the conditions. He won the NVA Derby in a cold rain and has won a derby stake in 90+ degree heat. "Cassie", Doubleshot Wilde Berry. Just a pup, but able to bound upon the kitchen table in a single leap. How have you prepared your Vizslas for Field Trials? Wanda: I trained them all myself except for "Gennie" who went to Greg Dixon. I lost 50 pounds myself. I would like to train 2-3 times per week but has been less this summer due to "life". I had to learn not to be sensitive and to take it seriously - I was there to win but had to realize you don't win every time. In the early days, I talked to the judges and learned that opinions varied so much that I just decided all I needed to do was my best and not worry about the judge's opinion. Dean: About a month and a half before the trial season, I start conditioning. In the fall, I like to get them out for grouse hunting. How do Vizslas compare to other breeds in Field Trials? Wanda: Vizslas are not as big of runners as other breeds. If you have a "hunting" judge, there's a better chance he or she would want a dog under more control like a Vizsla. Vizslas work the terrain better and are more people-oriented - they check in with their handler more. Dean: Very few Vizslas that I have seen have the power and drive in the field as some other breeds and too many Vizslas are overtrained and look like robots out there - basically, they either lack the independence to think on their own or the owners/trainers have taken that ability to think on their own away from them. One the good side, Vizslas usually handle well and have pretty good noses. Also, with the advent of the NVA and other hour events being offered, I see more breeders from across the country coming together and with that the widening of the breeding pool. How would someone get started in Field Trialing? Wanda: Get an blaze orange vest, whistle, blank gun, reversible collar (yellow/orange) and get out and watch Field Trials! Ride every brace you can. Rent or borrow a horse and ride with experienced people or marshals to learn all you can. Having a horse is an advantage in that you can see more and the dog can see you from a greater distance. Dean: Definitely hook up with someone already in the game and offer to help out. Much of my success in the Field Trial game can be directly attributed to Gary and Barry who I spent 3 or 4 seasons with borrowing their horses and equipment. All of the Field Trialers that I call friends are more the willing to help out someone if they are willing to pitch in and help. Plus, probably the best way to get started is to get a good field dog and he'll take you places. What's your favorite aspect of Field Trialing? Wanda: The fact that it combines camaraderie, being outdoors in great weather, riding horses and hunting and watching dogs hunt. Dean: The dogs. I enjoy so much being out on horseback, watching good dogs do what they were breed to do. Plus, I enjoy seeing how good I can let my dogs be. I like to get a young dog with a lot of potential, and do just the minimum amount of work on the dog so that his natural talents shine. What is your most memorable Field Trial moment? Wanda: The whole Spring of 2000. Max earned 4 blues, 4 reds, 2 yellows, and 2 whites to finish his DC. Dean: Even though I only been playing this game for about 4 years, there have been a bunch - Stryker and Jake's wins at the NVA certainly are high on my list. I would like to say Motee's win at the 1998 VCA Nationals is tops, but my goal that year was to win the Open, Amateur, and Derby. So, though it was a nice win, I came up a bit short on my goals.  I guess the one thing that I will always remember is that first time that Gary J. invited me to run dogs with him. I ran Motee with Gary's great derby, Runner, and as we were running the dogs Gary says to me something like "See my dog Runner out there? Well, if this were a Field Trial, he'd be kicking your dog's butt. If you wanna learn how to play this game and win, listen and learn from me. A lot of the things I tell ya you ain't gonna like, but just remember this is all about the dogs! Pretty much all the time when something goes wrong, recognize it and learn how to correct it.". Now, every time something goes wrong in a trial, I always remember that conversation and realize that the dog didn't screw up, I did! Any other comments? Wanda: There are more women Field Trialing out East which makes it easier for new women Trialers there. There are fewer women trialing in the Midwest. Doing this is natural for me. When I was growing up, I was the "extra dog" for my dad. I loved working with the dogs and was out in front with them flushing birds for him when we went hunting. The first dog Tom and I bought was a Vizsla in 1969. Michel was 9 months old. Tom and I also hunted with our Great Danes for 10 years who made great "accidental flushers"! They would quarter back and forth between us. Dean: Just remember that Field Trialing is a game - a game to evaluate breeding stock. And, like my granddaddy used to say "If ya wanna run with da big dawgs, ya's gotta get off the porch". I encourage everyone to get out and at least see what a Field Trial is all about, whether that is helping out at a trial or running a dog. Just beware - once you get the Field Trial bug, there ain't no cure.

CWVC Fall Field Trial Report

by Becky Smith CWVC Field Trial Results     -    CWVC Field Trial Web Page 'The Central Wisconsin Vizsla Club hosted their fall field trial at Ottawa Field Trial Grounds on September 2 & 3. With an entry of 59 dogs, we were able to earn $247.39 for the club with this event. Participants came from Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and of course, Wisconsin. Despite extremely hot, humid weather, everyone had a good time and we saw some great bird dogs at work. Congratulations to the dogs and handlers who placed. Thank you to everyone who helped at this event. It was great to see some new faces. We even put a few people on horseback and got them hooked I think!

Vizscellaneous

This column features "misc"ellaneous information about CWVC Members and friends. Things to share include special trips, human or canine new family additions (not litter announcements) and losses, or anything you would like to share with the club. New Arrival to CWVC Members John & Mary McGrath are the proud parents of a new baby boy, Shawn Michael, who arrived in October and weighed in at about 7½ pounds. Sending Support Up North (Parts condensed from "The Forest Republican", Aug 16, 2000) Dennis and Judy Zimmermann enjoy taking it easy up north at their 1930's summer cottage near Crandon, WI. However, they have taken some time out from relaxing to help in the creation of the "Forest County Animal Shelter". Dogs and cats previously cared for by foster homes will now be cared for in the new facility with room for 14 dogs and 15 cats. The land and facility was either donated or funded in full by donations and money raised by volunteers. Dennis and Judy not only "opened their pocketbooks" and donated items to the garage sales, but have also helped out by soliciting donations from area businesses. Rhode in the News "Rhode", owned by Joy Sonsalla and Bill Quandt, was featured in and article in the August 7th "Kenosha News". "Rhode", along with other agility handlers and dogs from WAG (WI-IL Agility Group), put on an agility demonstration at "Pleasant Prairie Family Days". This was the second year in a row. The dogs ran an agility course to standing-room-only, enthusiastic crowds. Really Really "Board" Congratulations to CWVC Board Member Becky Smith who was recently elected to the Vizsla Club of America Board. Speedy Recovery Wishes Ken Crago, AKC' Sr. Field Representative, underwent heart surgery recently. A card wishing him a speedy recovery along with a newsletter was sent on behalf of the CWVC. New Puppy Announcements: John and Kathleen Kirkpatrick & "Kidd" We are thrilled to be the owners of the happiest pup in the whole-wide world, "Oakleaf's Playing for Keeps", born May 18th. "Kidd" is out of Linda Kelly's top-ten field trial bitch, "FC/AFC Triad's Keepsake of Oakleaf JH" and "Ch Upwind Chas'n My Jason". "Kidd" is so adept at tricks, thievery and running through the woods, his name may be changed to Robin Hood. John and Ann Wellens & "Ginger" Our new addition to the family, "Ginger", is doing real well. She has established herself as the dominant one as she barks at her brother "George" (14 months) until he gives up his toys that she prances off with it. But although dominant with him, she is still a little baby to us. At night they both sleep in bed with us, which has gone OK so far. Hunting will be interesting with her. I showed her a rooster pheasant from the weekend and she sniffed at it only for a split second and then put her mouth around the head and chomped down. I made her release it and tried it again and she did the same thing - this time with a growl! Definitely more aggressive than "George" has been! Carole and Phil Stout & "Noble" (Baton Rouge, LA) We are proud to announce the addition of our fourth V, "Egri Vermilion Nemes Vadasz". "Noble" was born 7/17/00. Mary Rathbun of Minden, LA is the breeder. He was introduced to quail & pigeons at the age of 5 weeks and showing great promise on birds. He is working on developing his hunting as well as preparing for the show ring. We hope to begin his career in the Conformation ring in January, as well as getting him in the field during the Spring 2001 Hunt Tests/Field Trials here in the South. We also look forward to making several trips to Wisconsin in 2001 with our Vizsla gang and participating in some CWVC events with "Noble".

Ottawa Update

by Penny Honetor Condensed OFTGA minutes from August 22, 2000. The third annual DNR Hunting Dog Seminar was the biggest ever! Held on a gorgeous day, Sunday, August 27, 2000, there were 16 Retrievers, 8 Flushers and 25 Pointing Breeds! We grossed $995 in seminar fees. 134 volunteer hours were spent in preparation and training. 6 CWVC members attended and feedback was positive regarding the training instruction as presented by Mike Kindler. The third quarter Ottawa Association meeting was held Tuesday, August 22, 2000 at the Kettle Moraine Inn, Eagle, WI. A pre-meeting discussion led by Bill Kehoe was held regarding future changes to be made by the DNR to Ottawa's entrance and parking followed by a discussion of where the fence we fund would best be placed and when it should be erected to maximize both accessibility and dog safety. On the grounds west of Highway 67, the DNR plans to burn the field then pile the large logs and burn them - the grounds are not usable in current state. The July 8 Work Day had minimal attendance - volunteers came from WWC (1); KMPDC (1); GSPCW (2); GMBC (8). 75 people hours were logged. Need to get more volunteers from ALL member clubs. Need 2 work days/year. Need ideas for increasing club participation. The well will be drilled soon by Herr Well Drilling at a cost of about $5000. Would like to erect a plaque on the shelter recognizing the contribution made by the dog clubs. Need sign alternatives, e.g. cast aluminum with raised letters, wood with carved letters, etc. If anyone in the CWVC has expertise in this area, please contact Penny Honetor. Everyone who uses Ottawa, always make sure to keep the gate locked, even if it isn't locked when you arrive. Shelter needs maintenance: roof leaks; east side gable needs painting; glass blocks are chipped (DNR will replace windows and add wooden shutters to protect against vandalism); water runs into shelter from the west patio entrance during heavy rains. The next meeting is on December 12, 2000 which will include elections and 2001 Schedule discussions.

Vizslas in the Media

Do you occasionally see Vizslas used in advertising or catalogs?   When you do, please forward to the co-editors the name of the publication and ad description for publishing in this new column. ● An "Angelsoft" toilet paper commercial features a family stacking 4-paks at strategic corners in the path to the food bowl before calling their Vizsla puppy in through the doggy door so the route is padded and the speeding puppy doesn't skid into the cabinet doors but rather into the cushioning of the Angelsoft. (Penny Honetor) ● The Vizsla was the "cover dog" of the October 2000 issues of Dog World magazine. (Penny Honetor) ● A Vizsla appeared in an ad in "Wine Spectator". (Andrew Mielke) ● A Vizsla photo is featured on the cover of the 2001 Eukanuba calendar. (Penny Honetor) ● A hunter with a Vizsla wearing a remote training collar appears in Gander Mountain's Fall-Winter 2000 catalog, p. 20. (Penny Honetor) ● A Vizsla puppy is seated in the lap of a woman in a recliner in American TV's August 6, 2000 ad. (Brian Bennett - Rob's co-worker) ● A black and white photo of a man walking 5 Vizslas appeared in a "Bank of America" ad in the September 4, 2000 issue of Forbes. (Howard Simmons - Penny's co-worker) ● A Vizsla with its female owner appear in many action shot photos in the Summer 2000 "Title Nine Sports" catalog. (Judy Zimmermann)

Health Updates

Following are health-related submissions received either via mail or Internet. All dogs may not have the same reactions to drugs, and risks and benefits must be weighed. As with all information (or many times, misinformation), always discuss your concerns with your vet. Canine First Aid Email to cwvc eGroups List from John & Ann Wellens, Aug 26, 2000: Does anyone have a suggestion for a good first aid book, for home and/or the field? We are also putting together a homemade first aid kit. Any ideas of what to include (things you didn't have along but wished you did, or something you swear by)? Reply from Wanda Berner: I carry a book called Veterinary Advice for Gundog Owners by Gillian Averis BVMS, MRCVS. I bought a tool box and stocked it with everything that a good human kit has plus ear thermometer, vet wrap, Benedryl, muzzle, syringes of all sizes, and a prescription of antibiotic (when you have a bad wound that is dirty, it doesn't hurt to start with a dose right away), sterile eye wash, magnifying glass, anti-diarrhea med from vet., a couple of ace tabs from the vet, dental floss (you can stitch with it), super glue (same reason), needles(to stitch with), electrolytes in tube (Nutri-cal is one), treats, small sample of dog food, cheap leash and collar, iodine, alcohol. Of course I always carry water. This is off the top of my head so I may have missed something. I have everything for me and the dogs and horses in one box so that I can find it easily. I keep it in my field trial vehicle so I don't forget it and if something happens at home I always know I can run out to the van and get it. I have also taken a courses on canine CPR, human CPR and first aid. Pancreatitis By Marion Coffman Pancreatic disorders occur frequently in the dog. The pancreas is a gland located on the upper part of the small intestines providing not only the enzymes to the digestive system, but also insulin to regulate your dog's blood sugar level. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the gland, occurs when these digestive enzymes become activated within the pancreas before they are released, and begin to digest the pancreas itself. This self-destruction causes severe inflammation, called pancreatitis, which is associated with extreme pain in the abdomen. There are two forms of pancreatitis, chronic and acute. Chronic pancreatitis is an ongoing condition, usually in the form of repeated episodes, with clinical signs generally resembling those of acute pancreatitis. In both cases, the signs of pancreatitis occur suddenly with a lack of appetite, frequent vomiting, diarrhea which may contain blood, extreme thirst and higher temperature. Veterinarian treatment as soon as possible will be necessary. If diagnosed as chronic pancreatitis there will be repeated bouts of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset. Between episodes, the dog seems normal and has a good appetite, but each episode causes additional destruction of the pancreas. Careful dietary management with a diet low in fat can alter these repeat episodes, but the continued mild episodes may result in the dog losing weight or condition because of the lack of sufficient enzymes to digest his food sufficiently, along with the presence of foul-smelling, clay colored voluminous stools containing undigested food. After enough of these repeated episodes the endocrine function of the gland is lost, insulin is not produced, and diabetes mellitus will occur, causing the dog's blood sugar to rise to excessively high levels. Chronic pancreatitis, without acute flare-ups, is best treated by controlling the diet carefully, preventing obesity, and providing your dog with exercise. A laboratory evaluation of a blood sample will determine your dog's levels of cholesterol, amylase, lipase, and white blood cells and give a verdict of chronic or acute pancreatitis. A high blood fat content (hyperlipemia) elevated in the blood sample may mean your dog has a metabolic problem which prevents the proper clearing of the fat from the blood stream, contributing to the development of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis can be sudden and severe, appear without warning, and needs immediate veterinarian care. The dog stops eating, is depressed, has abdominal pain, weakness, inability to walk, sunken eyes, dehydration and occasionally, severe shock. Some cases of acute pancreatitis may improve spontaneously in a day or two. By the dog refusing to eat, the rest cures the pancreatic problem, by reducing the need for it to work. Occasionally the severity of this disease requires that no solid food be fed for a period of five days, but dehydration must be corrected or avoided by giving fluid intravenously or by injection under the skin. Any food that is eaten will stimulate the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas, and the pancreas is extremely sensitive at that time. Solid food is introduced gradually and long-term dietary management is necessary. The underlying cause of acute pancreatitis in dogs is poorly understood. However, nutritional imbalances appear to play an important role in many cases. The disease tends to occur in dogs that are very overweight and inactive. Indiscriminate feeding practices may help contribute to the occurrence or recurrence of pancreatitis. Some dogs are more likely to develop pancreatitis after eating a meal with a high fat content, especially in table scraps or garbage. Other reasons could be trauma to the abdomen, necrosis or atrophy of the pancreatic organ, or even from an excessive level of calcium in the blood stream. An animal injured in an automobile accident often will develop pancreatitis. If at any time the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, they can be given as an oral supplement to ensure the food is properly digested and absorbed, possibly for the rest of the dog's life. Your veterinarian may also recommend certain drugs in the management of the disease. Those drugs may include medication to help relieve the severe pain, antibiotics to prevent or treat pancreatic infections or abscesses, and drugs to decrease pancreatic secretions. By feeding only the prescribed diet, plus being patient and firm about the strict adherence to the new diet, additional episodes may be prevented.

CWVC Agility Update

by Penny Honetor Agility is a growing event for CWVC members. As seen in the Memberships statistics at the end of the Membership Listing, there are over 20 CWVC members actively participating in agility at all levels from Novice to Excellent and in different venues such as AKC, UKC, NADAC, and USDAA. Furthermore, many CWVC members have volunteered as trial workers in many capacities: Joy Sonsalla and Sue Prim have Chaired/Secretaried UKC Agility Trials for WAG (WI-IL Agility Group), Ginger Tierney is Chairing the VCA Nationals Agility Event in 2001, Pat Erickson has acted as Chief Volunteer Coordinator for Winnegamie Dog Club AKC Agility Trials, Mary Minch is the Secretary for the Timber Ridge AKC Agility Trial in Nov 2000, Janet Silverman, Nancy Schmitt and Mary Hanneman have worked at K-9 agility trials as course builders, timers, gate stewards, jump & chute setters, etc. Ginger Tierney also compiled the required information to submit WAG's AKC Agility Accreditation Application and I chaired a WAG committee to determine the volunteer requirements and estimated profit/loss to hold an AKC trial.

End November 2000 "The Paw's Print" excerpts

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