same old lang syne It’s by the late Dan Folgelberg who left us at age 56. A very talented American song writer, singer and multi instrumentalist.
What is coming in the New Year in the dog world?
The company which produced “Pedigree Dogs Exposed”, Passionate Productions is planning to produce a sequel to the controversial BBC programme. They have some interesting thoughts:- “A sequence on Dalmatians, for example, will show how it’s possible to rid the breed of its uric acid problem by an outcross to a Pointer.
“The Cavalier section will, we hope, celebrate the breeders who are now MRI scanning their dogs…
“We’ll also be documenting those who are really championing change within their breeds such as the tougher demands the group of GSD clubs are making of the KC.”
It is noted that The Kennel Club, UK, did not comment.
In my opinion, the BBC showed a very one sided view of pedigree dogs – it showed negative aspects but it did not feature the pedigree dogs working in therapy, areas like search and rescue, pedigree dogs with excellent movement in the show ring, the pedigree dogs which have had very long healthy lives.
People are still watching to see which dog/puppy becomes the new White House Dog. Watchers should remember that this is reported to be a first time dog owning family and they are also looking for a hypoallergenic dog as one Obama child is apparently allergic to dogs.
My personal vote would be a pedigree poodle, not in a show cut though if they are not planning to show. The temperament of the dog/puppy chosen to live in the White House will be very important for this family. Poodles are highly intelligent, regarded to be “hypoallergenic” and should not get into the trouble that some of the former Presidents’ dogs have.
I have no doubt there will be trainers and support teams around for the new White House dog which is very positive.
The European Parliament recently implemented the EU-wide ban of the import and export of dog and cat fur.
“The decision to abolish the trade was made in November last year, but it could not be brought in until each EU member state had introduced sanctions against breaches of the law.
It is hoped that the ban will save the lives of up to two million dogs and cats each year in China where the majority of the fur is sourced. It is estimated that between ten and 12 dogs and up to 24 cats are killed to produce one coat” This quote came from “DogWorld”
And in Barbados, The B’dos. Dog Training Club will soon put out its programmes for training in obedience and agility, starting in January. I am a member of this club and although I do not usually attend their Annual General Meetings, they do have my support. They have been innovative and work hard and there are not many of them. Jean Ray, the Secretary, is an excellent agility trainer and a very hard worker. Sue Blandford, I think, did an excellent job at Novice at the last Novice classes as she tries to understand the various dogs and the working/herding dogs such as Bouvier Des Flandres, Boxers, Great Danes, Gerrman Shepherd Dog, are very different than the softer breeds like the Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retriever.
And trainer, Lisa White, will also have out her training schedule which I will feature as well. Lisa also does a lot of home training for people too busy to do group classes or who might wish individual attention. In my opinion, Lisa also does a good job.
Last but not least, is The Barbados Kennel Club. It does the important task of the registration of pedigree dogs in Barbados and one of its objectives is to promote pedigree dogs.
I believe it is over 5 months now past its financial year end and to date, the list of paid up members has not been circulated to its members with the Financial Statements , or its nominees for its “committee”. We look forward to seeing what they are planning for their promotion of pedigree dogs in 2009.
Tags: dogs in Barbados
