West Highland White Terrier Club of Puget Sound Spring 2010

Transcription

1 West Highland White Terrier Club of Puget Sound Spring 2010

2 Chinese New Year Dona Cooper Attitudes abounding, there were about 17 darling, white Westies with their tails, straight up in the air zipping and bouncing along pathways during our first annual Westie Club meeting on Feb. 28 th. They all got along nearly perfectly and after playing in the gardens, many Westies went home quite tired and probably slept most of the following day (and what a uniquely good thing to have a tired Westie). And, so, many owners accompanied their Westies to our wonderful Westie event where we had about 30 members attending the best potluck and enjoying a fabulous speaker. It was worth coming just for the fantastic lunch. The club has some great cooks because one great dish followed another. It showed that many members generously brought their favorite foods to share with friends. Subsequent to lunch, we learned about ways to extend the lifeline of our beloved Westies. Our speaker, Dr. Brad Evergreen, DVM of Evergreen Holistic Veterinary Care shared more than two hours worth of information on canine health. Did you know that what you feed or don t feed your dog might account for up to 80% of your dog s health? Did you know that dogs that are a little underweight might live an average of one and a half years longer? This was only a tiny part of the discussion you missed if you didn t attend. According to Dr. Evergreen, the yogurt drink, Kiefer, is a good pro-biotic for our Westies. He says you should be changing your dog s food three to five times a year because, for example, if your dog is on chicken for a long time, your dog could develop allergies to chicken. The Doctor, himself, changes food for his own dogs monthly buying a different package of food each time he shops at a whole food pet store. Of course, the change in food in your dog s diet is done over a three to five-day period and not all at once. He doesn t shop for his dog at the big pet food stores or the grocery stores but prefers the smaller specialty pet stores that have knowledgeable staff. It was great to spend the day socializing with friends, enjoying our dogs and receiving so much educational information. We accepted donations for the Westie Rescue and collected $ All of us need to thank those precious people involved in rescue. Come to the next event time and enjoy the club; it offers so much. Enjoy the sunshine, Dona Cooper Page 2 Spring 2010

3 Book Reviews Cyndee Lockwood April 1, 2010 DOG MAN by Martha Sherrill, 2008 This is one unusual read, but thoroughly intriguing. It has so many aspects to it that it could appeal to many, but definitely not PETA. This is about a man who was recognized for the contributions he had made to the traditional culture of Japan by raising native dogs (Akitas). I m a Westie person, so why am I reading about Akitas? Well, I love all dogs and I love learning about other breeds and this book is well worth the time and worthy of being on your bookshelf permanently. Morie Sawataishi virtually saved and helped to preserve the Akita breed the flesh and bones of the traditional snow country dog after it was nearly wiped off the face of the map during WWII (the pelts were used to line officers coats and meat was used for food). He was singular of mind, even monomaniacal; narcissistic, athletic and daring yet distant from his family. Martha Sherrill manages to bring a sympathetic understanding of this hard to understand man in this fine work. Those who love dogs unconditionally will find it easier to comprehend Morie s methods and how he uses his dogs as an escape from the war, his work and his family. However, the author takes us far beyond the war years and the esoteric man at the heart of the story to the modern age. This book has everything a dog lover could want. A++++ COME BACK, COMO by Steven Winn, 2009 Purchased this book for my husband because he too loves books about dogs, any dogs, all dogs; we both read this and came to the same conclusion, it s more about Steve Winn and his family than the dog. Yes, its cute, think Marley and Me and there are some nice stories but I found it rather annoying that Mr. Winn was so upset about being rejected by the dog (at first) for his wife and daughter since he was the one who initially wanted to rescue the dog. It is not in paper yet so wait until it comes out in paper or buy it used. C+ Westie Collectible Books: Penny the Beach Westie: M.A. Schueler (paper) Widget & The Puppy: Lyn Rossiter McFarland/Jim McFarlan Page 3 Spring 2010

4 WHWTCOPS General Meeting February 28, 2010 Acting President - Maryann Guerry-Buck called meeting to order at 12:15PM Secretary - Jeannette Melchior read previous General Meeting Minutes accepted Treasurer s Report Sandy Davis, - reported club finances Secretary s Report Jeannette Melchior Invitation to participate in the Celtic Kennel at the Scottish Highland Game; Signed Sweeps Judge Contract for the August Specialty from Kathleen Latz Membership Chair Leisa Dott ask Maryann to announce new member Laurie Williams of Bellevue Rescue Chair - acting Judy Lane no report COMMITTEE REPORTS: Seattle Kennel Club Show March 13 & 14 Chair Christine Corbley unable to attend but wanted members to be sure and participate. Project Runway April 24 th Maryann Guerry/Cyndee Lockwood/Karen Tilbury. This is a fund raiser for rescue and club luncheon will be catered by Christine Corbley - $25.00 per person; silent auction to be held. Members with donations should contact Cyndee Lockwood or Karen Tilbury. Announcements to be sent to all members. OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: Q: Do dogs dress for fashion show A: members and dogs have already been selected to participate in the show. A motion was made by Sandy Davis and seconded by Ed Hunt to close the meeting. SEATTLE KENNEL CLUB MEET THE BREED BOOTH The Westie club attended SKC show March 13 th and 14 th sponsoring a Meet the Breed Booth. We had 10 volunteers and 15 dogs including two rescues. We had great photos of our dogs in action as well. Everyone had a lot of fun and the dogs were so adored by everyone that they went home exhausted. I know my Lily slept for a whole day. At one point we had seven dogs on Saturday including two of Becky Clyde s show dogs, and boy did they draw a crowd. This was a great opportunity to educate the public about our great little Westies. I hope that more of you can join the club next year for this great event. Mark your calendars. Page 4 Spring 2010

5 Fiesta Cluster This year s National Roving was held in Scottsdale AZ ( and our Northwest Westies who attended did very well At the Valley of the Sun West Highland White Terrier Club Sweepstakes on Friday From the 9-12 month Dog Class Best Opposite Sex VS of WHWTC Sweepstakes Lanarkstone's Fair Trade {Duncan} Owned by Mrs. Robert E. Davis At the Scottsdale Dog Fanciers Show on Saturday From the 9-12 month Dog Class 1st Place, WD - Lanarkstone's Fair Trade {Duncan} Owned by Mrs. Robert E. Davis From the 9-12 month Bitch Class 1st Place - Lanarkstone's Mayday Mayday Owned by Mrs. Robert E. Davis From the Bred-By-Exhibitor Class 1st Place, WB, BOW - Camcrest Caprice s Devil With A Blue Dress Owned by Renee Glover & Sandy Campbell At The WHWTCA Roving Specialty Sweepstakes on Sunday From the 6-9 month Dog Class 1st Place - Lanarkstone's Fair Trade {Duncan} Owned by Mrs. Robert E. Davis At The WHWTCA Roving Show on Sunday From the 9-12 month Bitch Class 1st Place - Back Bay s Truelove Fourmi at Reign Owned by RADM John W & Cyndee Lockwood and Kathleen V. Latz From the Bred-By-Exhibitor Class 1st Place & Reserve WB - Camcrest Caprice s Devil With A Blue Dress Owned by Renee Glover & Sandy Campbell If you think we have rain in the NW nothing compared to a SW storm rolling Through maybe we are emphasizing too much but that s what the Sunday show looked like! Read the on the Road to the Fiesta Cluster explains all! Page 5 Spring 2010

6 SCOTTSDALE AZ ROAD TRIP By Jeannette Melchior along with Sandy Davis Sunday evening we were pretty well loaded (stuffed to the top of the car header) and only had the last things to load starting out March 1 st - Monday morning. The hard stackable crates which you use transferring dogs and converting into a grooming table, worked for Duncan and Mayday to travel in MacGregor and Lily Rose took up residence on the seat behind me, another grooming table and all the equipment we needed was fitted into a tight jig saw puzzle plus our own cases. We decided to go ahead and take our large suitcases (which limited the space even more) then a small case apiece for when we made motel stops so we didn t unload and reload the Blazer every time; worked well except it came out and went back in precise order or it wouldn t fit. I tied down the x-pens and purple wagon (for moving stuff) on top of the Blazer. I m so paranoid, I got cable ties and cinched down everything then had Robert (Sandy s husband) use straps as a second precaution if anything ever flew off my vehicle and severely hurt someone else I d never be able to manage my emotions over it. We had packed, pushed and gotten everything in that we needed - one more thing just wouldn t have fit. So here we go heading down the road people glance over at the purple wagon on top with its little wheels spinning as we cruise down the highway (giggling). What a great adventure. I drove the whole time and loved every minute of it I love this country, truly better then Europe, but then I ve been told that I haven t really seen the best of Europe. But I don t care, my heart is definitely here in the USA, we have so much to look at. First day I drove from Seattle to Redding a storm was coming through the Siskiyous, and although I hate driving through the mountains at night, we needed to get through before risking snow the following morning whewww! I m not a young 40 anymore and certainly can feel it. From Redding, CA to Apricot Inn at Firebaugh, CA and then the next morning to the Sahara Inn at Blythe, CA we could have made Scottsdale, AZ but we didn t have reservations until the following day so spent the night (glad, I was very tired once I hit that bed and I was out like a light). California was beautiful, very green and all of the orchards were in full bloom, dramatic. Leaving Blythe CA and heading into Phoenix AZ we went directly to West World (no, Yul Brynner was not there) huge exposition center. They also had a horse show going on (this is a really big place) during the Fiesta Cluster (outdoor dog show). This was an all breed show. They had over 2,000 dogs competing hey, there are dog breeds I had no idea existed live and learn. It was warm for us 70 s, but a nice breeze was blowing so we drove down to the loading area got all the equipment down and out took 3 trips from the Blazer to get everything set up in the Westie grooming tent. Our hosts were the Valley of the Sun West Highland White Terrier Club. They were wonderful, renewed friendships, met new people, you know me everyone s my friend especially Westie owners. There were also WHWTCOPS members in attendance. We have members who are snowbirds so it was fun to see these guys visiting and spurring us on to win. We then headed over to our hotel Cottonwood at Scottsdale beautiful grounds and the rooms looked like small duplex pueblos very picturesque. Cyndee Lockwood (her show dog Truly) and Karen Tilbury had flown down that morning and were already waiting in the room for us after three and half days on the road all I wanted was dinner my PJ s and bed. This suite had 2 double beds (no queens) and a foldout couch Cyndee and Karen accepted sleeping on the couch after getting all of our Westies walked, fed and bedded down we all turned in for the night. Friday first day of the shows and mine as an apprentice Handler s assistant. Put MacGregor and Lily Rose in our x-pens outside the grooming tent and made sure they had shade, water and could enjoy seeing everything going on. Then I got Dunvcan and Mayday up on separate grooming tables started brushing and preparing them for chalk coat (brush it in) chalk dust (baby powder corn starch) brush it through, doggy mousse then you start ratting the face and legs fluff and then doggy hair spray let me tell you it s a lot of work I also have to make sure Sandy is ready for the ring, carry her numbers and rubber bands in my smock pocket and hand her the first dog Duncan we had to move a grooming table from the grooming tent to the show ring so I could keep working on Mayday - when Sandy came out of the ring we d switch actually I did all the prep work and Sandy finished them before they went in the ring but she was very impressed and said I did a terrific job she smiled and said, I m not flattering you I d let you know if it wasn t up to par well I d want her too. Won t go into all the details, but Duncan won a Major (3 points) what is so phenomenal is he is only 6 mo old and that s pretty rare when you can imagine this was his first show and he was going up against tough competition. Page 6 Spring 2010

7 Saturday is pretty much the same thing but a blur. After completing our time in the ring we spent the afternoon touring and shopping at the vendor sites, as usual there is always something you can purchase. Sunday that morning we ate a quick breakfast watched the local weather news and they talked about a thunderstorm coming in around 12:30PM swell just when we d be on the last leg of the show. We packed and followed the same ritual only this time because I might handle Mayday at the same time Sandy would be showing Duncan it was necessary for me to wear a dress I know many lady members will understand this next scenario, well maybe a few of you husbands will too. I had packed a pair of dark panty hose (groan) I haven t done this in a few years and I m afraid these hose had sat around in the drawer too long because the elastic that held them up had atrophied (well they were still in the package). I finished dressing but by the time we reached the grounds and were prepping the dogs - I spent a lot of time nonchalantly, discreetly hiking my hose up. How mortifying! Oh, yes needed to use makeup after years of doing this every morning, I now find I m out of practice, how can that be! Well thankfully I didn t scare anyone. Since this was the last day we d be showing I packed a work shirt and pair of jeans (lucky I did) for breaking down and loading equipment. It was overcast and by the time we got to the grounds there was a slight drizzle, by the first showing it was a gentle rain, then it got a little heavier Sandy said, get MacGregor & Lily ccrose out of the rain and in the hard crates and we ll keep Duncan and Mayday on the grooming tables. The judge in the show ring tried to keep the dogs under the ring canopy as much as possible (now along with rain a wind was beginning to pick up the Stewards were having a heck of a time keeping everything on the tables and moving entrants along). Finally the judge did have handlers walk the dogs out into the ring so many of the handlers were pulling on rain coats Sandy, in her smart suit, started to protest but I said, screw it you can t look like a drowned rat out there and besides its getting sooooo cold, finally she let me pull out her weather jacket and bring it to her OK, so much for personal appearance that s out the window. We sloshed our way back into the grooming tents at this point the grounds were really starting to become quagmires, I looked out at our x-pens and the mats were under 3 inches of water (among others) and thought if I don t get them up they ll be under too much water, so I pulled on my jacket and jeans (yeah, so much for grace) and trudged on out (yeah hair was streaming down my face and make-up was a mess) started folding up the 2 x-pens. By this time Karen Tilbury was next to me saying J how can I help. I showed her how to fold the second pen while I started tugging on the mats. She got on the other end (bless her) and we slid them into garbage bags - brought bags because we pick up poop but they have been peed on a lot and the smell is not pleasant. When I got back under the grooming tent everyone was tightly jammed in together the hosting westie club was serving lunch which had suffered with the weather by this time it was raining harder and now we had lightening. The poor show vendors (hope they were able to make a profit) were shutting down and quite a few people were packing up and heading out many of the rings had to be shut down but some tried to show and eventually were washed out. Well this is a national show so the resilient westie club members Valley of the Sun etc said, OK, people we ll move the lunch tables out, and the hospitality tables (ring stewards had taken pulls to push the weight of the water off of the edges of the tent) they then cordoned this corner off and continued with the show. I looked at Sandy and said, who needs to go in both dogs were prepped she said, I think if I have a chance it will be Mayday. By this time one of our snowbird members Stevie Kirz came over and said you ll need to get your equipment out I have the number for the club people who will move most of your stuff I said great call and I ll start getting stuff together to pack out. Karen again was beside me so we got stuff loaded in to (looks like a golf cart) I hauled Lily Rose and MacGregor out and plunked them in the cart, he road on the floor between my legs and I held Lily Rose on my lap and off we went. By this time the rain was blowing horizontally and it stung. Lee, the driver circled around the back way behind all the attending club tents the parking is all up above like on a small mesa with the grounds spread out below. Lee put the pedal down and we charged up the long incline and finally zipped over to the Blazer where Karen and I unloaded everything we could get out at that moment along with my two little Westies (forgot to mention I packed the golf umbrella as a lark. I had bought it in Philadelphia, (smart me that really helped) then Karen and I jumped in the cart and away we went back down to the grooming tent. We got back just in time if I thought we had been dealing with rain that was nothing you couldn t hear yourself think it was now a low roar rolling across the grounds I looked out and all I could see was a sheet of water they were judging dogs in the corner but the roar of the pouring rain was deafening. I looked at Sandy and she was shivering, well I was too dang! it was really cold what do you want to do, she said, there is no way at this point that I m winning anything, I m done get the wagon, we ll load it you can drive down to the loading zone and I ll meet you there HA! LIKE HELL I will, you d have to swim to the loading zone I turned and saw one of the fellas helping people load up and get them back up to the parking lot. Page 7 Spring 2010

8 I went over and asked if he could load us up and get us out he looked at our stuff and said it will take two trips at this moment Cyndee called over to us and said, Karen load any extra stuff in the other golf cart that Lee is driving and take to our car thank you, thank you, Cyndee so between the two carts we were able to get everything forgot to mention everyone was standing elbow to elbow and the roar had calmed down (how funny when that happened everything became so quiet and I could actually see my breath) now it was just a steady rain enough for us to make our escape to the parking lot the cart was loaded up - Sandy and I joined our man Steve in the cart and away we went going through the center of the show (no one could maneuver around behind the tents, the ground sloped and the cart would slip down or flip) it was like plowing through small wading pools he took the short cut up the hill and got us to our car bless him, we got the soaked mats, x-pens and then our crate wagon up on the Blazer I started cabling them down and he strapped it down (just like Sandy s husband Robert). You have to wrap them which I don t quite know the knack (I do now), nothing was coming off the top of that Blazer so back to the hotel we went soaked to our skin. Cyndee and Karen had pulled in just ahead of us thank goodness they took the balance of the equipment any longer and we d never gotten through all the mud and up to the cars. Wow! What a day now since it was Sunday we had to get ready so we could start out first thing Monday morning. We spent that afternoon in between showers getting everything adjusted and fitted into the Blazer we had everything just so, repacked our overnight cases we d need for the trip back. We all went out for dinner came back got our showers in and settled down to watch the Oscar s on TV what a day! Monday We all savored morning coffee and said our farewells Cyndee and Karen were off to catch a plane and we were on the road again traced our way back the same way we had driven down naturally there were reports of a storm coming into the Siskiyous, scooted through the mountains and came into Ashland OR (had reservations) just as the sun set. The next morning we discovered snow as we took the dogs out for a walk before breakfast we lucked out again. The sun came up and the snow was melting as we left and headed home. This is only a small portion of our road adventure to Scottsdale AZ for the Fiesta Cluster Sandy Davis and I had a great time when you walk Westies you meet a lot of very nice people. Page 8 Spring 2010

9 ******Reminder***** The 64th Annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering July 31st and August 1st King county Fair Grounds Enumclaw, WA (State Route 16 & 169) The Highland Games have become a true Pacific Northwest Event. It is a means of keeping the Scottish ethnic origin alive as well as stimulating an interest in Scottish Highland Games, through Scottish dancing, piping, drumming and athletic competition. A featured event at the Highland Games is The Celtic Kennel. It presents the Celtic dog breeds at work and at play. Of course (our wee athletes) The West Highland White Terriers are an integral part of the Celtic Kennel! The Celtic Breeds are the climax to the Parade of the Clans during the opening ceremonies and return to the pavilion for the Celtic Kennel Grand Review. The activity in the Celtic pavilion presents a variety of fun competitions, Setter (birding) Pointing Demonstrations, Terrier Go To Ground Demonstration, Agility and Obedience Demonstrations. PLEASE SAVE THE DATES OF JULY 31 ST -AUGUST 1 st TO ATTEND THIS FUN EVENT AND HAVE YOUR WESTIE WALK IN THE PARADE MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER! Julie Redd juliesangels@hotmail.com Page 9 Spring 2010

10 Homemade Liverwurst Pill Pockets Ingredients: 3/4 cup plain shredded wheat cereal 3 ounces Liverwurst (room temperature) 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) Instructions: Place shredded wheat in a bag and crush by using a rolling Mix liverwurst and cream cheese together until smooth Mix with shredded wheat Roll into small balls (the size of gum drops) Store in the refrigerator in a re-sealable plastic bag or container Treats will last about 7 to 10 days pin These pill pocket treats are really simple to make. When it's time for your dog to take his medicine, simply take a "dough" ball and hide the pill in the center. Then offer it to your dog like a treat. West Highland White Terrier Club of Puget Sound invites you to FUN DAZE Saturday May 22, 2010 Noon - 4pm Renton Neighborhood Center 800 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton Plans are being finalized, committees being set up and the park is rented so watch your inbox for directions, fun activities, and registration for this annual event. Page 10 Spring 2010

11 Henri Today At Diagnosis with Vaccine- Induced IMHA Feb months old Dear Westie Club Members, It is my 1-year anniversary. Thank you for helping me grow-up. But most of all, thank you, for supporting my family through this difficult journey. Lots of Terrier Kisses, Henri Asher Neumann Jeff, Ella, Bella, and Henri Phone: Henri with his big sister Bella Henri s 1st Birthday Page 11 Spring 2010 Henri & His Mom

12 CLUB OFFICERS, DIRECTORS AND CONTACTS Upcoming Events PRESIDENT/RESCUE Karin Parish IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT/ SECRETARY Jeannette Melchior VICE PRESIDENT MaryAnn Guerry Buck PAST PRESIDENT/ TREASURER/BREED REFERRAL Sandy J. Davis April 24 May 22 Project Runway Fund Raiser for club. Elegant luncheon and dog fashion show, chamber music and silent auction in Enumclaw in private home. Chair: Karin Parish and Michele Mariani Fun Daze July 24/25 Highland Games McDuff Kennels, Hosts for our Breed Chair: Julie Redd DIRECTOR/ MEMBERSHIP Leisa Dott DIRECTOR Shawnie Zahniser Aug 21 Speciality at Marymoor Park with Show Luncheon, everyone invited to see the dog show Show Chair: Jeannette Melchior DIRECTOR Karen Tilbury DIRECTOR Cyndee Lockwood Sept Westie Rescue Walk (might be June) Chair: Karin Parish/ Ardith Bolin Oct Halloween Party Marysville Chair: Maryann Guerry Buck WEBMASTER Karin Parish NEWSLETTER Deanna Dawes Dec Holiday party Homepage: New Member Applications New Member: Laurie Williams of Bellevue, WA Pending New Member: Robert Binger of Sammamish Page 12 Spring 2010