AGILITY: THEN.AND NOW

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com Board of Directors Officers Synoma Hays, President Paul Glombowski, Vice President Susan Frankel, Secretary Lou Bogart, Treasurer Directors Nancy Reyes Dolores Valerio Kathy Vaughan AGILITY: THEN.

1 The Scramble JANUARY 2018 Contributions to the Scramble are welcome. Deadlines are: December for January issue March for April issue June for July issue September for October issue Send or to: Toni Ginnetti 207 N. Greenwood Ave. Park Ridge, IL Board of Directors Officers Synoma Hays, President Paul Glombowski, Vice President Susan Frankel, Secretary Lou Bogart, Treasurer Directors Nancy Reyes Dolores Valerio Kathy Vaughan AGILITY: THEN.AND NOW A new year is upon us, which means visions of practice and perhaps ribbons and titles ahead for those who like competing in this fun sport of dog agility. But just where did all this sometimes frustrating fun with our canine buddies come from? As 2018 dawns, the sport of dog agility enters what appears to be its fourth decade of existence, by most accounts originating in Great Britain as first an entertainment spectacle at local fairs, and by 1978 as an entertainment bridge between the conformation and obedience competitions at the world famous Crufts dog show. The show put on by dog trainer Peter Meanwell so intrigued the audience and captured the fancy of dog lovers there that within a year dog training clubs around the UK were offering classes. By 1980 England s Kennel Club recognized the sport with sanctioned rules, and the first team event was held at Crufts that year, with Meanwell judging. In the U.S., the sport caught on quickly, with exhibitions beginning to appear across the country in the early 1980s based on the British rules. The founding organizations the National Committee for Dog Agility (NCDA) and United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) are considered the original champions of the sport here. Continued on page 3

JANUARY 2018 Page 2 BRAGS AND WAGS It s time to brag about some of WCAC s most accomplished Shelties Cole and Maya the beautiful companions of Karen Schaubel.

Though the work might come easily for a Sheltie, it s no small accomplishment for six-year-old Cole and Karen, given the dedication to training involved for competition.

2 JANUARY 2018 Page 2 BRAGS AND WAGS It s time to brag about some of WCAC s most accomplished Shelties Cole and Maya the beautiful companions of Karen Schaubel. Agility is one of Cole s strengths, but so is the natural love of herding that is ingrained in his breed. Cole s newest title is HSAs, which stands for Herding Started A field, on sheep. Though the work might come easily for a Sheltie, it s no small accomplishment for six-year-old Cole and Karen, given the dedication to training involved for competition. Cole is now officially D Geo Carbone CD, RE, OA, OAJ, HSAs. Demure Maya, 12, opted for scent work for her latest honors, earning her AKC Scent Work Novice title. She is officially Willow Cove s Intrigue BN, RE, OAP, OJP, NF, SWN. Karen Schaubel and Cole, after a title-clinching round of herding sheep ****************************** Nancy Muklewicz and her Bichon Abbott continued on their CPE title climb, earning three more legs in Level 4 at the October trial at For Your K9. Abbott is half-way toward completing Level 4. Maya looks like royalty amid her array of ribbons!

JANUARY 2018 Page 3 AGILITY: THEN AND NOW Continued from page 1 NCDA founder Charles Bud Kramer shepherded the sport with a 1987 book, Agility Dog Training for All Breeds, with the hope of convincing

3 JANUARY 2018 Page 3 AGILITY: THEN AND NOW Continued from page 1 NCDA founder Charles Bud Kramer shepherded the sport with a 1987 book, Agility Dog Training for All Breeds, with the hope of convincing the American Kennel Club to recognize the sport. He succeeded in getting his club affiliated with AKC in the early 1990s, but in August, 1994, his club merged with the United Kennel Club and established separate rules for the sport, which continue to today. By 1993, AKC was developing its own rules and held its first sanctioned match in 1994 at the Houston Kennel Club. Sanctioning by the AKC set the sport on a fast trajectory of acceptance across the country, with organizations like USDAA and the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) sharing in the popularity boom. Windy City Agility Club was among the early groups to champion the sport, offering training in the late 1980s before officially incorporating as a not-for-profit organization in July, Times change, and so has WCAC, but agility training and promotion of the sport remains at its core. Enhancing the wonderful bond between canine and human still endures as a guiding principle, too! GRAIN OR GRAIN-FREE? It has become the mantra on so many pet foods but is all grain bad for dogs? Like anything, it depends on the grain type and the dog. Dog can digest grains, and the benefits of whole grains include fiber that can regulate the digestive system, stabilize blood glucose levels (soluble fiber) and help in weight reduction. But grains used as substitutes for animal protein usually corn and wheat are problematic and also can cause allergic reactions. Gluten, which is found in some grains, also has been found to cause inflammatory issues in some breeds. Opt to avoid corn, wheat and gluten-containing grains. Whole grains and pseudo grains such as quinoa and buckwheat are the better options if your dog has no health issues with them.

JANUARY 2018 Page 4 CANINE CUSTODY Illinois Changes How Pets Are To Be Treated In Divorce Cases In the April, 2017 issue of The Scramble, we reported on a new law in the state of Alaska that changed

The first of its kind statute amended its divorce laws to require judges to take into consideration the well-being of the animal in custody decisions, specifically to empower judges to assign joint

4 JANUARY 2018 Page 4 CANINE CUSTODY Illinois Changes How Pets Are To Be Treated In Divorce Cases In the April, 2017 issue of The Scramble, we reported on a new law in the state of Alaska that changed how pets are handled in divorce cases. The first of its kind statute amended its divorce laws to require judges to take into consideration the well-being of the animal in custody decisions, specifically to empower judges to assign joint or sole custody of pets as they deemed appropriate. As of Jan. 1, Illinois joined Alaska in revising how pets are treated in divorce custody cases. The Illinois law is based on the Alaska statute. It sort of starts treating your animal more like children instead of property, said Illinois state Sen. Linda Holmes, D-Aurora, the sponsor of the legislation and a selfproclaimed animal lover. If you re going before a judge, they re allowed to take the best interest of the animal into consideration. The law will apply only to pets that are marital assets, not service animals. A survey done by the Chicago-based American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found about a third reported seeing a decrease in the last three years in the number of pet custody cases that actually reach a judge. But when they do, they can be contentious especially in cases where couples have no children. Madeline Marzano-Lesnevich, who is president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, believes the new law will help offer guidance to judges on how to handle pet custody cases taking away the long-held legal view of animals as property and moving to the growing acceptance of pets as family.

JANUARY 2018 Page 5 MEET FRANCE S FIRST DOG For the first time in 130 years, there is no pet in the White House. No dogs, no cats, no furry critters at all. William McKinley was the last U.S. president not to have a dog but he did have other pets.

In France, President Emmanuel and wife Brigette last summer adopted a two-year-old black Lab/ Griffon mix from a shelter, naming him Nemo.

Verne also was from Macron s hometown of Amiens.

5 JANUARY 2018 Page 5 MEET FRANCE S FIRST DOG For the first time in 130 years, there is no pet in the White House. No dogs, no cats, no furry critters at all. William McKinley was the last U.S. president not to have a dog but he did have other pets. But while the White House is now without a companion animal as part of the First Family, man s best friend still has a place on the world stage. In France, President Emmanuel and wife Brigette last summer adopted a two-year-old black Lab/ Griffon mix from a shelter, naming him Nemo. The name came from the submarine commander Captain Nemo in the Jules Verne classic Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, one of Macron s favorite books. Verne also was from Macron s hometown of Amiens. Other heads of state are pet lovers and among them, perhaps ironically, is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is said to be so fond of dogs that foreign dignitaries have brought him puppies as gifts. Nemo, the First Dog of France Nemo joined French president Emmanuel Macron in greeting Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou. The Russian president playing with two of his dogs. He s been gifted with an Akita from the Japanese government and a rare Central Asian shepherd from the president of Turkmenistan

JANUARY 2018 Page 6 RETRIEVING THE SECRETS OF CANINE HEALTH How Golden Retrievers Are Helping Find Answers They are one of the most loved of all dog breeds for their demeanor, beauty, instincts and

6 JANUARY 2018 Page 6 RETRIEVING THE SECRETS OF CANINE HEALTH How Golden Retrievers Are Helping Find Answers They are one of the most loved of all dog breeds for their demeanor, beauty, instincts and devotion. But Golden Retrievers are doing something else for themselves and perhaps the rest of the canine world. The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study began in 2012, an ambitious project by Colorado State University researchers and the Morris Animal Foundation to catalog and track the lives of some 3,000 Goldens. The $32 million project hopes to find clues, and perhaps, answers to questions that plague science. The primary focus is on cancer, which will probably eventually touch the lives of half the study dogs. As it is with all dog breeds, cancer is the most common disease of aging. The dogs in the study all were 2 or younger when they enrolled, and have been and will be monitored closely in all phases of their lives. Unlike a typical vet visit, these dogs are examined almost microscopically, from hair and nail samples to body fluids monitored and cataloged. Their owners keep detailed notes on their lives from food to activity to environment, where they sleep, how they re groomed, even if lawns they frequent are treated with pesticides. S ome of these things seem kind of silly, said Dr. Rodney Page, the veterinary oncologist leading the study. B ut you never know what you re going to identify as a significant risk factor with an outcome that you could easily change. Similar studies have tracked human lives to delve into such issues as heart disease and cancers. But this study is the first such large-scale project involving pets in general and dogs in particular. Researchers say the project so far has not uncovered any major revelations, and they admit isolating it to one breed could also limit any findings. But the study goes on, and researchers hope the future could impact not just man s best friends, but man as well.

JANUARY 2018 PAGE 7 WHO NOSE BEST? Oh, that cold, wet nose! It s a dog thing through and through. And there are reasons for it. 1. They secrete mucus but for a reason.

They do it because the long snouts can get dirty, so they clean them.

7 JANUARY 2018 PAGE 7 WHO NOSE BEST? Oh, that cold, wet nose! It s a dog thing through and through. And there are reasons for it. 1. They secrete mucus but for a reason. When dogs are trying to follow a scent, their noses make a thin layer of mucus that allows them to absorb the scent chemicals. 2. They tend to lick a lot. They do it because the long snouts can get dirty, so they clean them. They also do it to wipe away that mucus and allow the olfactory glands in the roofs of their mouths to analyze the scent chemicals. 3. It cools them down. Dogs pant to cool off, but they also sweat by secreting moisture from the nose and paws. 4. They pick up moisture from the environment around them, especially after a good, long sniffing escapade. 5. They re born that way. Some breeds have colder, wetter noses than others. Don t think just because your dog s nose might be warm and dry that she s ill. Some dogs have wetter noses than others, so a drier nose might be normal for your pet. The moisture level on the nose might vary naturally as well. What s more important is to watch for any unusual discharge from the nose. That might be a sign that something is wrong and nothing to sneeze at!

8 The Westminster Kennel Club hosts its famous dog show Feb in New York. Here are some of the recent best in show winners. Uno, the Beagle, 2008 Stump, the Sussex Spaniel, 2009 Banana Joe the Affenpinscher, 2013 Rumor, the German Shepherd, 2017

9 JANUARY 2017 PAGE 9 A TRIP TO THE ANIMAL ER It s after hours or a holiday and something is wrong with your dog. We all can imagine or have gone through the dread that situation brings. Dr. Caroline Tonozzi, a critical care and emergency specialist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests these guidelines in assessing if emergency care is needed: Your dog is having trouble breathing, has collapsed or is having seizures. Your dog has eaten a toxic substance. Your dog has suffered a trauma, such as car accident or falling. Call the clinic first, and if an emergency trip is needed, be prepared with as much information as possible for the attending vets. Minimizing the chances of emergencies is one of the best preventative measures pet owners can take. Be proactive to animal proof a home to isolate potential toxins, medicines and foods dangerous to pets. Keeping a record of any medications your dog might be taking also can be vital in treating an emergency. Keep the phone numbers of emergency clinics in your area readily available. There are several in the Chicagoland area and Lake County. Time can be of the essence in emergency cases, but try to keep a level head. It s the best way to help the situation for you and your pet. WEBSITE WATCH Vetstreet.com. Looking for health tips for pets? This website has an array of articles from vets and animal experts. BringFido.com. Just as it says, this website offers information on pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, dog parks and even dog friendly events happening around the country (in case you re traveling!) PrideBites.com. Want something personalized for your pet or a gift? This site offers the service on a wide variety of products (and they re having a post-holiday sale.)

10 Class Schedule and Upcoming Events THURSDAY EVENING INDOOR CLASSES (Held at For Your K9, 1975 Cornell Ave., Melrose Park) Session I: January 4 through Feb. 15 Session II: March 1 through April 12 Session III: April 26 through June 7 Session IV: June 21 through Aug. 2 Session V: Aug. 16 through Sept. 27 Session VI: Oct. 11 through Nov. 29 [No class on Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, 2018] In the event a class is canceled due to weather or other circumstances, there will be no make-up class. Members will be notified by . Class Times: Beginner 6:45 to 7:30 P.M.; Intermediate 7:45 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.; Advanced 8:45 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. (flexible) WCAC BOARD MEETINGS Meetings are at For Your K9 Inc. usually on the second Friday of each month. Members are always welcome. Quiet and well behaved dogs are also welcome. For more information, call Ask any Board member (names are on the cover page), or visit our website at Windy City Agility Club reserves the right to cancel classes, trials, meetings and events or change dates, times or location without notice. Club members may request copies of WCAC board meeting minutes from the board secretary. Windy City Agility Club c/o Toni Ginnetti 207 N. Greenwood Ave. Park Ridge, IL INSIDE THIS ISSUE: A New Year For Agility Brags and Wags Canine Custody s New Rules France s First Dog Retrieving Health Secrets Who Nose Best? A Trip to the ER

The Scramble THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE FOR WCAC

The Scramble THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE FOR WCAC The Scramble OCTOBER 2015 Contributions to the Scramble are welcome. Deadlines are: December for January issue March for April issue June for July issue September for October issue Send to: Toni Ginnetti