Web Site Excerpts from the Quarterly Newsletter

August 2001 - Issue 23

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2001 Specialty Show Results  by Penny Honetor
New Toll-Free Poison Control Number from Michel Berner
The Prez Sez by Penny Honetor
Breed Rescue Update by Becky Smith
Legislative Update by Michael Carter, CWVC Legislative Liaison
Member Interview: Sharon Shea  by Penny Honetor
2001 CWVC Hunt Test by Penny Honetor
Vizscellaneous
Vizslas in the Media
Like It or Lump It?
Ottawa Update by Penny Honetor, Ottawa Delegate
CWVC Events Days
Epilepsy Terminology & Study Update  From Jill Isaak-Markham
Run Forrest Run!  by Joy Sonsalla

2001 Specialty Show Results

New Toll-Free Poison Control Number  

The Prez Sez

by Penny Honetor This is the time of year there's a little something for everyone! The Fun Day (Aug 4, Tierney's) - for playing, eating, learning and voting for your favorite photos. The Field Trial (Sep 1-2, Ottawa Grounds) - where you can participate or watch Vizslas in top hunting form compete for placements. The October meeting (Oct 13, Madison) - to have a voice in club business and some fun afterwards (details TBA but rumor has it that it may be held at the Badger Kennel Club facility so you can bring your Vs!) Then comes a biggie - Vizsla Club of America Nationals (Oct 17-25, Mt. Vernon, IL) - to watch or compete with hundreds of Vizslas in Agility, Show, Obedience and the Field Trial - not to mention socializing and eating before, during and after the events! The Fun Hunt (Nov 10-11, Park Falls, WI) - where you and your Vizsla compete against nature for a successful day's hunt. For those of you out of a reasonable geographic range to attend these events, we try to cover each of them in the newsletter so you can "vicariously" enjoy the activities and find out who did what - or even get ideas for other closer clubs to which you belong. The CWVC strives to be a club which serves our versatile breed and our varied membership well - whether you are non-competitive loving pet owners who enjoy the newsletter and fun activities or if you are actively train and compete with your Vizslas in any of the competitive events available to pointing breeds.

Breed Rescue Update

by Becky Smith CWVC Breed Rescue Web Page The CWVC has worked with three dogs in rescue since the last newsletter. Aries is a 10-month-old male that was returned to his breeder. He was turned in because the man in house "didn't like him." He is very sweet but had likely suffered some abuse from him as Aries was very afraid of men and sat in the corner and shook when men came over during the time he was in foster care. Val Fiedler in Appleton fostered Aries for a few days until the breeder could arrange to pick him up. The second dog we are working with is a real tough one. Sina is an 11 year old female with severe separation anxiety that escalated when her family brought home a new baby. She has also snapped at a couple of people since the baby was born. The breeder was contacted but has not returned my e-mails or calls. The people who have Sina are willing to keep her until we can find a home. I have contacted the national rescue chairperson to see if he has someone who would be willing to foster Sina and work with her problems. Sharon Shea picked up a large, 3-year-old, neutered male from the Dane County Humane Society on July 23. Dudley is very sweet, gets along well with other dogs, but has had some health issues and was turned in because his medicine was too expensive according to the information provided by Humane Society. According to the Humane Society, Dudley has allergies, likely an infected ear, and had an operation to remove a hematoma from his ear prior to being turned into them. That being said, Dudley did have a first visit with Sharon's vet, and he felt that Dudley may be misdiagnosed. Sharon has the name of the people who turned him in and will be contacting them to confirm what problems Dudley may have, and hopefully, the name of the breeder. Dudley will be in foster care for awhile before he can be placed.

Legislative Update

by Michael Carter, Legislative Liaison There are currently four bills pending in the Wisconsin State Legislature that might have dog related implications to CWVC members. Following, you will find a brief description of each bill, as well as bill history and political commentary where appropriate. AB 70, relating to driving a vehicle when animals are in the front seat of the vehicle. This bill was introduced on February 1, 2001 by a bipartisan group do representatives, and was referred to the Assembly Committee on Highway Safety, where no further action has occurred. AB 70 would expand the current prohibition that the operator of a motor vehicle may not be obstructed by a passenger to include animals as well. In other words, if your Vizsla (or any other breed of dog for that matter) rides in the front seat and he or she obstructs your vision, you could be subject to a $20 to $40 fine.  This bill is not off to a roaring start. It has been sitting in committee since it was introduced, without so much as a hearing. This bill has less steam than a 10 year old dog after a 8 hour hunt. It is doubtful this bill will pass both houses of the legislature by May 2002, which is generally the cut off before bills die, but stranger things have been known to happen. AB 278 relating to pet dealers, kennels, animal shelters, and dog licensing. This bill has been often referred to as the Puppy Mill Bill. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators led by Representative Duff and Senator Burke, at the request of Cats International, Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, Wisconsin Federation of Humane Societies, Wisconsin and Illinois Dalmatian Rescue and Humane Society of the United States. AB 278 was introduced on April 3, and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Consumer Affairs, where a hearing was held on April 17. No further action has occurred to date. AB 278 would require pet dealers and persons who operate kennels and animal shelters to obtain licenses from the Department of Ag, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). DATCP would be required to inspect each location before a license is issued, and authorizes DATCP inspections after a license is granted. The bill also allows DATCP to promulgate rules that specify minimum standards for animal shelters and kennel facilities. Also under the bill, veterinarians and humane societies may issue dog licenses, in addition to the cities, villages and town treasurers who are authorized to issue dog licenses.  Under current law, the minimum dog license fee is $3 for a neutered or spayed dog, and $8 for a dog that is intact, all though municipalities can charge more, however 5% of the minimum fee goes to the state. Under this bill, the minimum dog license fee is increased to $5.50 for neutered or spayed dogs, and $10.50 for a dog that is intact, and $2 for every license sold will go to the state. AB 278 seems to have it all; a fine list of authors, a public hearing under its belt, as well as a fiscal note that says DATCP will actually make money under this plan. The mystery is why it hasn't gone further since April. I suspect the budget has everything to due with the lack of action, either because this was a prime candidate to be folded into the budget, or the budget is taking up so much time all other bill stopped making any progress at all. I will check this one out and let you know in the next issue what the story is with this bill. AB 426, relating to the euthanization of animals in custody. Again an animal bill introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators. Could it be that a love for animals transects party lines, and offers a lone subject that everyone can agree on? Probably not, but it doesn't hurt to dream a little. AB 426 was introduced May 31, and was referred to the Assembly committee on Public Health. No further action has occurred to date. Under current law, local units of government have the authority to euthanize an animal for the following reasons, 1) the animal is hopelessly injured beyond any reasonable chance of recovery, 3) the animal poses an imminent threat to public health or safety, 3) the animal poses an imminent threat to the health or safety of itself or its custodian.  AB 426 would also allow a local unit of government to euthanize an animal if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the animal poses an imminent threat to the health of other animals, as determined by a veterinarian.  I suspect this will generate a bit of discussion. I would also suspect this one gets a hearing after the budget is over. Stayed tuned.  AB 462, relating to liability for damages caused by dogs, court orders to kill a dog and providing a penalty. This bill was introduced by four members of the majority party in the Assembly (Republican) and referred to the Judiciary Committee on July 17. A hearing has not been scheduled to date, but if I were a betting man, I'd say there will be one not long after the budget wraps up. AB 462 would change the liability of a dog owner if a dog were to bite someone. Under current law, a dog owner is generally liable for two times the amount of damages caused by the dog injuring a person, if the owner knew that the dog previously injured a person, a domestic animal or property. AB 426 would change the law to say that a person who owns or keeps a dog is generally liable for the amount of damages caused by the dog injuring a person, a domestic animal, or property if there was no provocation, and eliminates the double damages. Under current law, a person who owns or keeps a dog is subject t to a forfeiture of $50 to $500 if the dog causes injury to a person, domestic animal, property, deer, game birds, or the nests or eggs of game birds. (Was anyone aware of this?), a "second offense would be a $200 to $1,000 fine. This bill would raise the penalties to $500 to $5,000 for a first offense, and $2,000 to $10,000 for a second offense. Under current law, the state or a municipality may ask the court to order that a dog be killed if a dog caused serious injury on two occasions without reasonable cause. This bill would allow any person to ask a court to kill a dog for the same reasons that allow the state or municipalities to kill a dog. The politics on this bill are sticky. It looks like could very easily be considered "tort reform", which would mean that even if it did make it through the process in the Assembly (which would not surprise me terribly), it would likely be DOA in the Upper House. I would be more surprised if this survived in the Senate than if someone confused my Vizsla with a Dalmatian. It is not likely a coincidence that this bill does not enjoy a bipartisan sponsorship. Personally, given the politics, I wouldn't waste a ton of cerebral energy or time on this one. Even so, members who are interested in making sure the bill is crafted to your liking should participate in the process, because as we all know there is no sure thing in the legislature.  As a sidebar, I did contact the clerk for the Judiciary committee regarding the probable fate of this bill. I was reminded this was a very busy time, with the budget and all, and that he will be conferring with Representative Gundrum (the chair of the committee), once the dust has settled from the budget process. I would not be surprised to see a late summer or early autumn hearing for AB 462. Information regarding state legislature bills, legislators and the process can be found at www.legis.state.wi.us , or contact me at mlcarter@dwave.net  if you have questions.

CWVC Member Interview:  Sharon Shea

by Penny Honetor Sharon Shea and husband Mike have been Vizsla owners for 9 years and CWVC members since 1993. Sharon has held many posts within the CWVC from Hunt Test to Officer to Breed Rescue fostering which she remains active performing. After working 15 years for Wisconsin TV, she decided to follow her heart and opened up Best Friends Pet Care in Dodgeville, WI. The facility is a one-stop shop for pet owners, containing a retail pet supplies store, grooming facility, boarding kennel and also offers puppy, obedience and agility training classes. Having many years of experience and much knowledge in many facets of the dog world, Sharon shares with us some of her personal history and insights into various canine issues. Sharon & Mike Shea, Levi & Mavrick What is your personal history with dogs? Sharon: I have had dogs all my life, started with pets. Even as a child I was trying to train my dads hunting dogs. About 14 years ago when I joined Badger Kennel Club, I became interested in competition in obedience and breed classes. What is your historic and current involvement with Vizslas? Sharon: We've had V's for 9 years and have enjoyed sharing our lives with the 3 we currently have. They go to the store with me everyday. They all have Championships, 2 have Junior Hunter titles also (Ava is one leg away) but most importantly they hunt because of their natural instincts. I enjoy the show competition and snuggling most. What is your past & present involvement in dog clubs? Sharon: Badger Kennel Club 14 years, CWVC 9 years. Not as active currently because of my business commitments. How did you decide to open up Best Friends Pet Care? Sharon: The local veterinarians were planning to build a boarding kennel. We decided it would be more successful to combine the businesses and add training and grooming to retail and boarding. It has been very good business but very time consuming. I typically work 60-70 hours a week. What canine issues are personally important to you? Sharon: Careful breeding, cautious placements of puppies and rescue dogs, responsible pet owners.  What canine issues do you find especially important to the CWVC &/or the general public? Sharon: Breed rescue is definitely important to Mike and I but so is being active with your dog. V's are active dogs and they need to have daily exercise to tire them out. What do you find most rewarding about your business? Sharon: Clients who appreciate the extra efforts we put into making their dog enjoy their stay. Most frustrating? Obese dogs. Any other thoughts you'd like to share? Sharon: I miss not being active in CWVC and other fun dog activities. I'm currently working with our local Sheriff's Department & Humane Society (of which I am President) to clean up or eventually close down a puppy mill in our county. They have Cockers, Springers, Poodles, Bassetts and Chesapeakes.  Life Before and Outside of Vizslas Where were you born? Portage, WI What is your favorite TV Show? Don't watch much TV What is your favorite food? Steak Dessert? Anything sweet What do you feed your dogs? Performait (a private label dry kibble sold only at Best Friends Petcare). Performait is formulated by my very good friend Melissa Stormer who has a PhD in animal nutrition. Who are the members of your human family? Mike my husband, two sons, seven grandchildren What other pets do you own? One very active Jack Russell Terrier What kind of music do you listed to? Country What are your non-dog hobbies? Dirt track stockcar racing - my son has a stock car that we sponsor.

2001 CWVC Hunt Test

by Penny Honetor Held in slightly muggy weather on May 19-20 at Ottawa in Eagle, WI, we had our largest entry yet (97). Thanks to the judges, Chair Kathy Ruhland and CWVC volunteers, we got a good start each day. Kathy was able to quickly overcome a near bird disaster thanks to help from Rodney Albin, Wanda Berner, and Mike Kindler. Some interesting facts: We had about 24 Vizslas entered Saturday (21 JH, 3 SH) and 17 Sunday (14 JH, 3 SH). Almost half of the total entry were Vizlsas, a third GSPs with Brittanys, Weims, GWPs, and English Setter and Pointer making up the balance. 58% of the owners were from Wisconsin, 38% from Illinois, with MA, MI, MO, WY, IA and MN represented too. The youngest dog? A 7-month-old Vizsla. Oldest? 7-year-old GSPs, Vizsla, Brittany. 2 new members joined at the Hunt Test (welcome Christine Quaid and Jim Weber!) Our great volunteers ensured an efficient, well-run Hunt Test which our judges and participants noticed and appreciated. We had many volunteers braving the ticks to plant birds; run scoresheets; keep fresh water for horses; line & gallery marshal; fill water tanks; gun and the countless other tasks that everyone just pitched in to do when they needed to get done. Our judges complimented our gunners - great job!!! And our food crew did an outstanding job again this year: Bill Quandt & Joy Sonsalla - Saturday Lunch; Kim Barker & John McGrath - Saturday Steak Dinner; David and Adrianne Luft - Sunday Lunch. Kathy Ruhland has again volunteered to Chair in 2002 and Kim Barker will take over for me as Secretary. She received on-the-job training this year (and is going to stick with it anyway!!!) Congratulations to CWVC members who qualified: Kyle & Tracey Shimek, "Virgil" (2 legs); Vicki Phillips, "Rusty" (2 legs); Mary & John McGrath, "Treeva" (2 legs); Mark & Becky Smith "Thomas"; Jeff & Kathy Engelsman, "Fosse"; John & Kathleen Kirkpatrick, "Kidd"; Justin Voden & Kim Kenar, "Finn" (2 legs); Andrew Mielke, "Sophie"; Pam & Mark Spurgeon, "Madi"; Ginger & John Tierney, "Dawn" and "Comet" (handled by Mark Smith); Sharon & Michael Shea, "Ava" (handled by Mark Smith); David & Adrianne Luft, "Cutter"; Thanks to other CWVC Vizsla owners for entering & supporting the CWVC Hunt Test: Joy Sonsalla & Bill Quandt; Dick Czarniecki; Karen Wonser; Valerie & Jim Fiedler; Brian Schumacher; Kerry & Cheryl Brimmer, Mike Erhardt, Rodney Albin, Karen Geiger, Brian & Carrie Wiginton (many of whom were also volunteers!)  2001 Judges: Saturday-Junior; Sunday-Master & Senior:   Larry Hause & L. Joel Neumann Sunday-Junior; Saturday-Master & Senior:   Sue & Ed Brock 2001 Results (Entries/Qualifiers):                      Junior        Senior      Master Saturday         30/13            8/4           12/4 Sunday           26/14            6/1           15/9 The Judges Sue & Ed Brock and Mark and Becky Smith rented horses to us at an utterly reasonable rate (THANKS!), so we made a nice profit this year on the event: Revenue: $3235    Expenses: $2094      Profit: $1141

Vizscellaneous

This column features "misc"ellaneous information about CWVC members and friends. Things to share include special trips, human or canine new family additions and losses, litter announcements (after whelped if no member ad was placed) or anything you would like to share with the club.  Family Reunion - Sharon Misiak Sharon-Dawn; Judge; Kathy-Cheers; Sherrie-Allie; Cathy-Kave; Mike-Buddy, Tom-Colorado On June 23, 2001 at the Michiana Kennel Club Show in Valparaiso, Indiana all 5 of our Gaiter/Dawn litter made their show debut under Judge Judy Webb at 6 months and 4 days of age. Carl and I pulled the camper out to the show site to serve as base camp for everyone. Cathy Gallagher, Sherrie Anderson and I spent Friday night at the show site enjoying the rural pleasures of Indiana with Kave, Allie, Dawn(in season) and Kola (Cathy's intact male). Kola and I formed a special relationship that night as I definitely smelled very good to him thanks to Dawn.  On Saturday the rest of the group arrived: my son James and his girlfriend Jenny; Kathy Harmer and Sue Barnes; Mike Walsh with his sister, nephews, a few neighbors and co-workers; Tom Falk with his mom, grandma and aunt; and of course Carl. Judge Judy was fantastic with the pups even though we were almost her last assignment for the day. Jenny videotaped and James took pictures with 3 different cameras. Here's the placements: Puppy Dogs  1. (RWD) Sunnyside's Colorado Rocky Mtn  (Colorado) owned by Tom Falk 2. Sunnyside's Tailor Made (Buddy)  owned by Mike Walsh, DVM  3. Sunnyside's Coffee at Dawn (Kave) owned by Cathy and Larry Gallagher  Puppy Bitches 1. (WB) Sunnyside's Vizion of PolarKaps (Cheers) owned by Kathy Harmer and Gwen Tomlinson 2. (RWB) Sunnyside's C U Later AlliGator (Allie) owned by Mark and Sherrie Anderson  BOB - CH Vizion's Dawn at Sunnyside (Dawn) owned by Carl and Sharon Misiak WD/BOW/BOS - Havoc's Kola Nut (Kola) owned by Cathy Gallagher Dawn went on to get a Group 3! Sire of the litter is: Nat'l BISS/BIS/BISS Am/Can CH Penlee's Leader of the Band JH OA NAJ. Dam of the litter is: CH Vizion's Dawn at Sunnyside . This was the first time since temperament testing that all of the pups and their owners had a chance to get together. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to future family reunions. New Arrivals Janet Silverman and Mary Hanneman welcome new V additions to their home. Bred by Doris Ratzlaff, Holly ("Dorratz Lady Day") and Hope ("Dorratz's High Hopes") are littermate sisters born on November 5th and come from Dorratz Vizslas in New York. Janet's 8-year-old Vizsla Sari and Holly have become best buddies - Sari shares everything and puts up with a lot from Holly--including chewing on her ears and literally running right over her. What a peach. Jasmine, Mary's 8-year-old Smooth Collie, also loves having her own personal play toy in the house. Their favorite pastime is tug of war with anything that no longer has stuffing remaining in it. [Hope] does still need to recognize the difference between the toy and the cat though! Family Photo - Frank & Martha Lacko [At the Vizsla Society of Ontario Specialty Show] We were also so happy to have the opportunity to see Toldi and Corey's ancestors to be able to make a 5(!) generation picture! Thank you to Francois Bernier and to John and Barbara Snyder of Bajos Vizslas for this great thrill! In Stitches - Kathy Harmer's new Vizsla Logo There's a new Vizsla on point available for embroidery. Kathy worked with Jackie to digitize a full-body Vizsla on point. A photo of it can be seen on the CWVC Web Site on the Apparel page. The cost is the same as the full body Vizsla ($8.50). Expanding Family - Cathy (Cook) Gallagher I was married to Larry Gallagher on November 26, 2000. Other CWVC club members and Vizsla friends, Sherrie and Mark Anderson, Cheryl Peterson, and Tim Dyer and Sandy Karbowski, were there to celebrate and dance to the seven-piece jazz band! Larry and Cathy also have a new addition to the Vizsla family. A kind of "wedding present" to each other! The Gallagher's new puppy, "Sunnyside's Coffee at Dawn" ("Kave" - or "Coffee" in Hungarian), was born to Sharon and Carl Misiak's "Dawn" (CH Dawn at Sunnyside) on December 19, 2000. Kave's Dad-dog is "Gaiter" (CH Penlee's Leader of the Band JH NA NAJ). Kave joins two other (Cook) Gallagher Vizsla's, "CH Vizion's Kiva JH" and "Havoc's Kola Nut JH". Sherrie Anderson and Cathy (Cook) Gallagher now have two sets of litter mates!!! Kiva is the sister of Sherrie's Arlo, and Kave is the brother of his precious puppy sister and Sherrie and Mark Anderson's new puppy, Allie!!

Vizslas in the Media

Training Web Site - Jake (our CWVC rescue Vizsla) is featured in a photo for a tracking course for a organization called Dogs Best Friend: www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com .  Scroll down to their Tracking Courses and you will see Jake and me in action. (Jim Kaszubski) NSTRA Web Site - Steve Merbach and Vizsla "Tazz" appear in the winners photograph from a NSTRA Spring trial: www.fielddog.com/wi-nstra/pages/photos.html   The Wisconsin NSTRA home page is at www.fielddog.com/wi-nstra - check out all of Steve and Tazz' other placements on the "Trial Results" link. (Penny Honetor) In the Company of Dogs - The Early Summer 2001 catalog features a few Vizslas in photos selling a woman's cardigan (p. 20), a blanket/T-shirt set and shower curtain (p. 24 - so cute!), and a zebra print chair (p. 28). (Debbie Hansen, Penny & Sue & Joy's Agility Instructor) Greeting Card - American Greetings has a Vizsla on a birthday card. A goofy close-up nose shot of a Vizsla is on the cover, the inside message: "Do I smell cake?" (Michel Berner, Jill & Tom Demski)  Editor's Note: You can get these cards at Target and WalMart. Cooking Light - Check out the July issue of Cooking Light, page 23. It's a cute advertisement for Reebok/Lady Foot Locker. (Colleen McCarthy, Tony Giaimo, and Copper)  Editor's Note: This is the same cute ad sighted in Rosie magazine earlier this year.  Chem Lawn - On the back of a True Green Chem Lawn truck, driving through Waukesha, was a big huge picture of a Vizsla (the same one I sent you in the .jpg that's on the [greeting] card) With a lawn care related phrase that I didn't pay much attention to once I realized it was a 6' high Vizsla plastered in front of me. (Michel Berner)

Like It or Lump It?

JCanine Life Vest ) I found a superior product for Vizslas that are around water - the "Fido Float" vest. It is far better than the "Aquadog" vest or others sold by marine supply companies because it has a full mesh underbelly, not straps that bind and cut a "tucked up" dog like a Vizsla. Can be ordered via www.fidostuff.com . Most Vizslas will take a Large. Editor's Note: They come in orange and yellow and have straps on top to pull a dog out of the water from above.  MSRP of the Large is $32.98.  (Gail Haskins)

Ottawa Update

Unofficial Notes from Penny Honetor, CWVC Ottawa Delegate Last Meeting: June 20, 2001 - Held at Ottawa since the Kettle Moraine Inn closed. No Minutes Received. This was the most well attended meeting in the past 3 years. Constitution: President Sam Thompson had formed a committee (3 Brittany and 2 Irish Setter delegates) outside of official Ottawa business to revise the Constitution. Copies were distributed, changes discussed, and voted in. Audit: The Treasurer did not send the records as agreed at the previous meeting. After general discussion, the records were again promised (Editor's Note: They have been received]. Grounds: Changes made and planned were discussed. Decided to have fence installed - $8000 max was approved and committee formed. Work Day activities were discussed. Ottawa Work Days: July 15: Over 30 people showed up, most from the SE Wisc GSP Club & 6 from BSHRC. All the seeding was completed. July 29: Only 6 people showed up at the East Grounds: Sam Thompson (Ottawa Pres), Penny & Rob (CWVC), Greg Hedien (VCOI) and 2 NSTRA volunteers. Though we arrived much earlier, work didn't get started until about 9:30am due to waiting for the DNR Superintendent and deciding where to clear the brush for the fence. 3 thick areas along the road were cleared by noon. 25 BSHRC members worked at the grounds on Hwy 59 which had become unusable from neglect. August 12: VCOI has 6 or more volunteers signed up to work. The CWVC needs volunteers too! Help fulfill our obligation for continuing to receive free pheasants from the Poynette State Game Farm. Please show up 8-10am if you have a few hours and make sure to sign in and indicate "CWVC". Ottawa Hunting Dog Seminar: Though previously scheduled for August 29, all of the Trainers (pointing, retrieving and flushing) have conflicts that day. No volunteers came forward to Chair or help with Secretary duties so it has been postponed in 2001.

CWVC Events Days

July 7-8, 2001 Ottawa Field Trial Grounds, Eagle, WI From Janet Silverman: I would have given ANYTHING when I was a newbie with Sari to have been able to have attended an Events Day like yesterday's. And Nancy showed me the binders you put together--they were wonderful!! How nice to have everything you want to know about all of the different venues. From Michel Berner, posted to the Vizsla Discussion List: The Central Wisconsin Vizsla Club held their Events Day this past Saturday. It was a really informative and fun day for the dogs and the people they brought with them. The purpose is "To introduce CWVC members and their Vizslas to the many available competitive events and certification tests at a single location in an informative, interactive, hands-on, unintimidating atmosphere" Rather than just doing presentations of all the different aspects of V competition, there were actual live demonstrations with the "galleries" giving mock scores. They did a CGC test (Travis passed, he now has some initials), a Therapy Dog mini-seminar, a Tracking demonstration and run through for participants, a discussion about the VCA Versatility Certificate, a Conformation discussion followed by a fun show, Obedience run throughs and demonstrations, Agility demonstrations [and obstacle introductions], and an introduction to AKC Hunt Tests and Field Trials followed by demonstrations by dogs at all three levels (braces were run as they would in an actual HT) and the gallery were given the score sheets and allowed to score the brace for themselves and then discuss the scores (which is way cool because until you see for yourself what the judges are looking for, and how they make their decisions. Otherwise it's pretty much a guessing game for neophytes). The best part is after the discussions and introductions, people could do a run through with their dogs and get a taste of what it's like without having to worry about actual scores or entering a "real" event. And CWVC President Penny Honetor did the most incredible binders (for a small fee to cover printing costs) that covers everything you could ever want to know about the various venues and information about how to get on premium lists, where to find event listings, preparation for events, and anything else you could think of. I just thought it was such a great idea that our club did this, I had to share :-) The best part is after the discussions and introductions, people could do a run through with their dogs and get a taste of what it's like without having to worry about actual scores or entering a "real" event. From Julie Sjullie, Tracking Presenter: What makes a good Vizsla owner? They have the personality of their dogs. Such a fun group I worked with at Events Day! Up to a dozen joined me for an overview on equipment, plotting and motivation. It culminated with the successful running of a dog on the track we had plotted. FAQ: Can I train my dog in both hunting and tracking at the same time? A: Absolutely. Even our eight-month-old demo dog knew the difference between his tracking harness and his orange hunting collar. From Susan Wyrembek/Ken Potrykus: Great two days! Many thanks to all those who planned and helped! I know it was a lot of work. As fairly novice Vizsla and training owners with a young pup, we took advantage of as much info as we could. Our puppy Cleo far exceeded what we thought she was capable of. We never would have realized this without this sort of experience. I think she was actually depressed on Monday when there was "nothing" going on! From an English Pointer participant: Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Events Day on Saturday. I know the "pointer people" had a fun time too. It's great that the CWVC does this Events Day, and especially that they let non-club-members participate. Everyone I talked to was made to feel welcome by the Vizsla crew and was very appreciative of the hospitality that was extended to them. [This person went on to explain how several of their members are now planning on further investigation into hunting events as a result of the day's activities.] Thanks again for showing some Pointer folks that these dogs can be more than just a pretty face. From Penny Honetor, Events Days Coordinator: First and foremost, thanks to our group of highly-qualified presenters and coordinators who enthusiastically shared their talents and experience with all those who attended. Overall we had good attendance Saturday, but I think that with hunting and non-hunting events going on concurrently, each may have lost some potential attendees who were interested in both. About 8-12 people showed up for most presentations and run-thrus. 6 dogs participated in the CGC test. About 9 people came to train on Sunday. Due to major "remodeling", Ottawa's grassy areas were all dirt, so Rob and I push mowed high weedy areas down for the 2 - 20x20 tents and one grassy (weedy) demo area which was usable but not great. Following are recommendations from me and some presenters if the Events Days are repeated: hold hunting hands-on demos and activities on a separate day (Hunting Day) from the Events Fair; schedule the Therapy talk for 30 minutes; don't need a tent for hunting; give the VCA Versatility overview (show, obedience, field tests) before these respective individual demos; put the Agility presentation/demo in the morning, not last (about 9 people came over at various times to try the equipment but we didn't have enough at any given time to give the presentation Sue Prim prepared), then have supervised agility obstacle introduction later. This event took substantial presenter and coordinator time in preparation and execution and incurred the high cost of tents (only one would be rented if repeated). I have created a Receipts/Cost Statement - the net cost of the event was under $120. Thanks to Joy who donated Show prizes. I recommend that if there is sufficient future interest, hold the Events Fair every other year. I will defer to our hunting folks the Hunting Day recommendation on whether to repeat and how often (I vote "yes").

Epilepsy Terminology & Study Update

From Jill Isaak-Markham, Trail's End VC of Oregon Newsletter Editor Canine Epilepsy Network November 2001 Article "Seizures in the Dog" by Marion Coffman I got some really good definitions of epileptic terminology, I thought I would forward if anyone is interested in reprinting it in their newsletter, due to VCA's involvement with the epileptic study at U of M. By the way, to date Dr Patterson only has about 85 blood samples from seizing V's and their relations ... We REALLY need to get him some more ASAP, if we are serious about finding a marker!!!! It is all confidential! The [Irish Water Spaniels] have over 200 samples in storage, and they are NOT EVEN looking for a marker in their breed yet!!! Epilepsy Terminology (reprinted from the Canine Epilepsy discussion group) Seizure: Brain cells communicate by means of electrical impulses. A seizure occurs when these electrical impulses become abnormal and the brain cells cease to communicate effectively. Partial Seizure: Also known as a focal seizure. When a specific part of the brain cells are involved thus affecting only a part of the body. Focal Seizure: A partial seizure. Generalized Seizure: When more brain cells are involved resulting in seizures that affect multiple body parts and function. Also known as tonic-clonic seizure or grand mal seizure. Absence Seizures: Also known as petit-mal. They are rare in dogs and hard to detect. Pre-Ictal Phase: The time before a seizure when specific behavioral or physical problems are evidenced. Post-Ictal Phase: The time after a seizure when specific behavioral or physical problems are evidenced. Aura: A sensation or awareness that a seizure is about to happen. Idiopathic Epilepsy: Also called Primary Epilepsy. Seizures of unknown origin. Dogs with idiopathic epilepsy may be genetically predisposed to the disease. Seizures generally occur initially between one and four years of age, but not in all cases. Secondary Epilepsy: Seizures are caused by an underlying physical problem that can be diagnosed. Seizure Threshold: The point at which seizures will occur. All dogs have a seizure threshold , as do humans. However non-epileptics will only reach it under massive stimulus such as electric shock. Thresholds are low in dogs who seizure and this type of stimulus is not necessary. Kindling: The theory that having seizures will cause more seizures. Mirroring: When seizures from one side of the brain are duplicated by the other side of the brain. Status Epilepticus: A seizure which lasts continuously for more than 5 minutes or two or more seizures without complete recovery of consciousness in between. Cluster Seizures: Multiple seizures within a short period of time. A loose definition is more than one seizure in a 24-hour period. Ataxia: Lack of coordination caused by temporary or permanent neurological impairment. Medical Terminology AED: Anti-epilepsy drug KBr: Potassium Bromide NaBr: Sodium Bromide PB: Phenobarbital (Some people use Pb, also the symbol for lead) SID: once per day; BID: twice, TID: three Half-Life: The time that it takes one-half of the original dose of medication to dissipate through the body. A shorter half-life requires more frequent administration.

Run Forrest Run!

by Joy Sonsalla As many of you know, we moved the first of March to a wide open spot of land in Kenosha County. The dogs absolutely love the running room and the smells. But no one seems to enjoy it more than our youngest V, Raye. Being a bit shy and the youngest of 5 V's in our household, she wasn't as outgoing as one might expect in a young V puppy. But this move has given her a new mission in life... RUNNING! I'm not talking about happy hopping around the yard or the "butt-tucking puppy rip" kind of running, but full out, don't-stop-til-you-drop kind of running. The other week she did laps around the back yard, which is about 4 ACRES! She stopped after a full 10 laps! Then she went to play in the yard with the other dogs, not even winded. She has a new nickname because of her new found abilities: Forrest Gump! Whenever we see her take off now, we just yell "RUN FORREST RUN" and boy does she ever!

End August 2001 "The Paw's Print" excerpts

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