March 2012 Volume 5 Issue 3 C & P Swissy Licks Providing fun activities, information, and support to Swissy enthusiasts www.cpgreaterswiss.com What s Inside Eight Teams Entered in Draft Test Draft Test 1 Cherry Blossom Hike 2 Financial Statement 2 Cruising the Caribbean 3 Butternut Bites 4 Upcoming Events 5 Riverbend Park 5 Weight Pull flyer 7 Brags 8 sored by C & P, is happening soon!! Come on out for some beautiful scenery and good company at the Westenmeyer farm, just outside Winchester, VA. Cheer on our two apprentice judges, Megan Westenmeyer and Jim Rasmussen! YIPPEE! Kids Baroo! 9 When: April 14 & 15 Order Form 10 Membership Form 11 Time: 8:00 AM until we re done Where: 756 New Hope Rd., Cross Junction, VA 22625 Contact: Megan Westenmeyer 540-664-3946 Cost: Not a darn thing! T he Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America draft test, spon- Swissy Licks is the 2011 Winner of the Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers (APDW) Hot Digital Dog Award
Cherry Blossoms & Swissies!! Mercedes K. Meyer, Ph.D., A nother cherry blossom Swissy walk 5 Swissies, One Vallhund, lots of humans, and no blossoms everyone had a grand old time. The benefit of walking after blossoms is you get to enjoy the tidal basin without the people and the walk goes faster! We also got to gather all 6 dogs around Fella at the FDR memorial to join in a group hug of one of the many storied Presidential doggies. Mary Jo and Jim brought 2, Mercedes and Stephen brought 2.25 (the quarter being the Vallhund Blixt), and then there was Daisy. For Daisy, Blixt and Blass they had the walk down, along with the crowds fawning over them. We really need the flyer to hand out as we walk around saying: These are Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and one Vallhund. No they are not Berners, St. Bernards, Rottie mixes, or a corgi (for the Vallhund). Yes they are friendly. Yes they eat a lot and yes that means a lot comes out the other end. Yes they are good with children. Trust me we gather crowds for the Fella Photo! And we only frightened off one person this time! Had Kris Featheringham made it, we would have had 7 and it would have been the biggest Swissy pack to ever hit the Tidal Basin. Pictures were taken at the Jefferson Memorial, as well as elsewhere on the walk. The Vallhund definitely wanted to lead the Swissies through their walk. It was one of those nice cool cloudy days which are great for avoiding overheated Swissies! And we all had the parking down perfectly! You park off 17th on C St near Virginia and you are in good position to walk to the Tidal Basin. Hope to see everyone next year with even more Swissies! It is a great way to socialize and acclimate your dog to large crowds, small children, noise, and other dogs not to mention get some great exercise with friends. Financial Statement-2nd Quarter Mary Jo Rasmussen, treasurer Treasury Report January March 2012 Expenses: 1086.19 Income: 926.50 Please contact me if you have any questions about the club s treasury we have an open-book with regard to our finances. The board receives monthly reports with details about each expense and all income. Thank you! Bank Balance: 7223.36 2 C & P Swissy Licks March 2012
Cruising the Caribbean for Canine Knowledge Michelle Charters Turquoise water, warm weather, national dog experts and plentiful food.all wonderful elements of my first K9 College cruise in March. I was looking for a way to attend seminars given by Pat Hastings and Dr. Hutchinson so this seemed a perfect way to do it without the hassle of traipsing around the country. Not really sure what to expect, our trip turned out be a great mix of learning, sightseeing, fun and networking. We joined a couple hundred fellow dog lovers plus 1500+ regular unenlightened passengers aboard Holland America s Westerdam and headed out to sea on a Sunday. As you might expect, Katie and Randy Markley (founders and organizers of the K9 College) did a fabulous job of organizing us so we had an itinerary of the week s dog sessions and port calls. A few sessions overlapped so we had to make some difficult decisions on which ones to attend. My husband, Bill (who is minimally doggy), attended the ones that I could not so we covered most of the offerings. As a side note, Bill was talked into going on the cruise with the idea that he could just relax and read while I attended the sessions. As it turned out, he went to most of the sessions, asked questions and enjoyed dining with fellow dog lovers. Who knew he would participate so much?! The days at sea were packed with informative sessions on breeding, puppies, GI issues, handling, immunology, performance conditioning, and more. Most of the speakers were very entertaining, often describing real cases which made the full days easy to do even after a big dinner! One speaker had us answer questions on GI scenarios using a clicker and the voting results/collective Date: Jan 26- Feb 3, 2013 Host: Brunswick Tours Inc. /Lancaster KC Location: Carnival Freedom, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale with ports of call at St. Thomas/St. John, Antiqua, Tortola, and Nassau. Format: 8 Day Contact: Katie Markley Phone: 800-979-8687, 717-361-9171, 800-979-8687 guesses were immediately shown on the screen. Of course, the best bonus of the cruise is having din- ner or a casual conversation with the speakers. We were lucky enough have Pat and Charles Trotter on our sailboat for a race in St. Maarten. If you remember, Charles Trotter was our judge at the nationals. In a special session, Pat Hastings invited the Swissy owners on board to her puppy evaluation of a Swissy litter. We had dinner with the wizard of paws, Dr. Greco, who conducted the session on conditioning. Again a side note, who knew dogs could a) be put on a peanutshaped ball for conditioning and b) that in a short time, they would get lots of benefits? The best kept secret of the cruise is the number and types of contacts you make with other dog folks. There were several veterinarians there who were wonderful to talk to and drink rum with! There were lots of breeders from around the country and plenty from Canada, too. Some attendees came all the way from Australia. There were several owners with their service dogs, who stole the hearts of all of us. In fact, Cypress, a Golden Retriever, was voted Best at Sea at the dog show. March 2012 C & P Swissy Licks 3
The Grinder The Winch It was humbling to have dinner with the director and founder of a service dog organization in Florida. This wheelchair-bound woman breeds and raises her own service dogs, runs multiple training sites including several prison programs, and trains and place about 45 dogs a year. We met several exceptional people that I would feel comfortable contacting with any canine question. Of course, we had a spectacular time while buzzing around the various islands when at port. We chose to do 2 excursions horseback riding in the ocean in Grand Turk and being part of the crew in an America s Cup regatta at St. Maarten. We won the race, of course! We poked around San Juan with Mary Jo and Jim Rasmussen exploring some very old forts. Finally, we were ready to clear our heads and do nothing but relax on the beach at Half Moon Cay before making the sail back to Florida. While there was no sleeping late and we oldsters did not take advantage of the night life, we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise. It was a perfect way to soak in the expertise of others in a very casual way. Hope you will make it a priority to attend a future K9 College very soon. Butternut Bites This recipe is a tasty treat for both humans and dogs, and you can easily make it using table scraps from a festive dinner. Ingredients 1 C boiled and mashed butternut squash (or pumpkin, sweet potatoes) 1 ½ C uncooked oatmeal ¼ C dried cranberries 1 t nutritional yeast 1 T honey What to do 1. Preheat oven 370 F and butter cookie sheet 2. Combine cooked, mashed squash with oatmeal, cranberries, yeast and honey 3. Mix well to thoroughly combine ingredients 4. Using teaspoon, scoop small balls onto cookie sheet 1 inch apart 5. Bake for 10-12 minutes 4 C & P Swissy Licks March 2012
Upcoming Events April 14 & 15 Draft Trial Cross Junction, VA Contact Megan Westenmeyer April 21 & 22 Supported Entry Timonium, MD Contact: Nancy Kechner May 5 Weight Pull Knoxville, MD Contact: Jenna Starr-Farling September 10-14 National Specialty Loveland, CO Contact Alison Burns September 28-30 Specialty & Supported Entries, Weight Pull, Herding, Picnic, Educational Seminar Millwood, VA Contact Mary Jo Rasmussen September 9-13, 2013 National Specialty Purina Farms, MO Contact Janelle Kaiser September 14-19, 2014 National Specialty Bethlehem, PA Contact Mary Jo Rasmussen Riverbend Park Carol Brooks and Neil Knolle I f you and your dog are looking for something to get you going this spring, consider a hike. Hiking in the mild weather is easier than in the summer, and you can take in scenic views not available during other seasons. You also gain the advantages of less -crowded trials where your dog will get a health break from concrete and asphalt. I recently rediscovered Riverbend Park in Fairfax County while looking for a dog-friendly park to host a group hiking clinic. Riverbend Park is a delightful destination often overlooked for the better known nearby Great Falls Park. The park is open year-round (except Christmas Day), is free, and has a modern visitor center and expansive multi-level deck with inviting Adirondack chairs that look out onto the Potomac river. This is a great place to relax after a hike, even in nippy weather. Our dog hiking groups enjoyed a pleasant loop hike along historical paths used for millennia for trading, escape from the British invasion on DC, by bootleggers, Conn s Ferry boat passengers, and fishers. Since the topography along the Potomac remains relatively unchanged by development, scenic views are much the same as described in accounts of early travelers. The 2.5 miles of Potomac Heritage Trail that skirts the park at the edge of the Potomac River, and winds through a globally rare plant community, has been in continuous use for over 500 years. What was once a Native American trade route is now a modern hikers paradise. March 2012 C & P Swissy Licks 5
A highlight of this park for dogs and people is its wide and open pathways. This feeling of openness, along with a uniquely diverse and changing environment, trick you into thinking you ve gone farther than you actually have. Within it s over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds, one can travel from sandy riverside paths hosting paw-paws and large sycamore trees, to richer forest paths with oak, maple, and beech trees, to a meadow that is said to be one of the area s best viewing locations for migratory songbirds. Our suggested 3-mile trail hike follows the Madison Escape Trail, to the Bootlegger Trail through Conn s Meadow, and continues onto the Potomac Heritage Trial, which in April is rich with waves of Virginia Bluebells. Since this hike has a significant portion along the Potomac river, please check a trail map for alternate routes before heading out; water levels can affect the accessibility of riverside trails. Our hike starts on the yellow-blazed Madison Escape Trail. The trailhead is in the lower parking lot above the first parking space as you enter the lot. Follow this trail uphill, paralleling the park entrance road for about a half mile to the park entrance. A sign advertises the Bootlegger Trail on the left. At this point go right and cross the entrance road onto the well-marked (red blazes) Bootlegger Trail that narrows as it enters the woods. Follow bootlegger Red Trail signs into the meadow. This is a little confusing, but the goal is to get onto the Meadow Trail and follow it right past a viewing platform by a natural pool. Past the pool, the trail goes left. You will see a restored farm building about 100 yards away on your right. Continue, and then turn right to cross the paved road. After crossing, enter onto a fire road that runs next to a residential home. You ll walk around a barrier that prevents unauthorized vehicles from using the fire road. Continue on this road downhill until it intersects the Potomac Heritage Trail (green blazes) that leads to the river. Follow the green markings back to the Visitor Center. If the Potomac Heritage Trail is flooded (check this before heading out), you can easily change your route by following any of the trails that lead to the Nature Center and back to the Visitor Center. After your hike, be sure to take a few moments to relax in an Adirondack chair on the spacious Visitor Center deck. If you re lucky, you might catch a glimpse or hear Trail Specifics the faint sounds of high-flying migratory swan along the Potomac River. Hours: park and trails open 7AM to dusk; Visitor Center open winter hours Distance: 3 miles Time: 60 minutes or more What to bring: Be sure your dog has adequate tick protection. Wear sturdy waterproof shoes. Bring water for you and your dog, poop bags, and blankets and towels for after-hike cleanup. Getting There Riverbend Park is located at 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, VA. From I-495 take the Rt. 193 (Georgetown Pike) exit toward Great Falls. go approximately 4.5 miles to Riverbend road and follow sing to the park, Traveling on Georgetown Pike from points west, follow directions listed on the park s website. 6 C & P Swissy Licks March 2012
C & P Board Members Huck Bothner - President Nancy Kechner- Vice President Mary Jo Rasmussen - Treasurer Jenna Starr-Farling- Secretary Michelle Charters - Director Kris Featheringham - Director Phyllis Walker - Director Megan Westenmeyer Director Additional Positions Jan Collins Photographer Kris Featheringham Webmaster Mary Jo Rasmussen Newsletter Editor Michelle Charters Ways and Means Phyllis Walker Membership Chair Darlene Ward Photographer & Calendar Tracy Brainard Calendar C & P Member Brags!! Comet Carmody earns her Championship which earns Yuri his ROM!! An ROM for a male means that 10 of his off-spring earned their championship! Sprite earns 4 blue ribbons at her very first agility trial!! Fergie earns her first points at the Raleigh Show it was a 3 point major! Editor s note: I know there are additional brags but I just could not pull them off of the lists a cruise does that to a person! Please e-mail me your brags so they make it into next month s Licks. Thank you for understanding! The Mailbarks Bob and I loved the "Howl" quiz (but we did miss three). Very clever! Sara Trenholm Thanks again for another great issue of Swissy Licks. I really enjoyed reading about the adventures in NYC. Debbie Davis Thank you Mary Jo, and congratulations on your great award! We do indeed have a newsletter to be proud of. Jean Measell 8 C & P Swissy Licks March 2012
Kids BAROO! We laced up our walking shoes and brought our cameras. The 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival, which this year marked the 100th anniversary of Japan s gift of the cherished trees, is over. Next year we ll do it again and maybe include a bite to eat! Here s a look at the festival by the numbers Here s a look at the festival by the numbers: 3020 Original number of trees 3750 Number of trees now 100 Original trees still standing 5 weeks Length of 2012 festival 1 million Tourists in 2011 1000 Volunteers in 2011 50 Organizations participating in 2012 90 Restaurants with Cherry Picks specialties 15,000 Runners in the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10K Run 100,000 Parade spectators 20 minutes Length of fireworks display from Nagaoka City 1500 Fireworks in Nagaoka City show 90 minutes Length of Cherry Blossom Cruise March 2012 C & P Swissy Licks 9
Order Form Please print and mail this form, along with a check, made payable to C & P GSMDC to: Name Address E-mail Michelle Charters 844 Washington Dr. Chesapeake, VA 23322 Tel.: (757) 548-3375 mbcharters@cox.net Phone Item Price Size/Color Quantity Total **Short sleeve tee-shirt **Long sleeve Tee-shirt $15.00 $20.00 *Patch $5.00 NA Nylon Collar $15.00 NA Blue Food Bag $25.00 17.5 H x 13.5 D Subtotal *Shipping & Handling Shipping/Handling = $5 orders under $100; $10 orders over $100 *No shipping charge on patch only order TOTAL Short Sleeve shirts are available in S, M, L, XL, and 2XL in tan, green, yellow, and blue Long Sleeve Shirts are available in L and XL in blue, maroon, and military green (there are limited quantities of this NEW color) **Please email me at mbcharters@cox.net for availability of size and color of shirts or provide a 1 st choice and 2 nd choice 10 C & P Swissy Licks March 2012
Chesapeake & Potomac Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club 2012 Application for Membership NAME(S) ADDRESS TELEPHONE CELL PHONE Allow contact information to be posted in club directory? Yes No Be invited to join the club s list serve? Yes No Registered Name of GSMD Call Name Registration# Breeder Name Date of Birth Please check all that apply: Breeder (registered a litter within past 3 years) Exhibitor (handled dog at AKC event within past 2 years) Dog Owner (of AKC registered dog) Judge (AKClicensed judge) I (We) agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Club and the rules of the American Kennel Club. Signature and Date Signature and Date Yearly Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. While membership is unrestricted as to residence, the C & P GSMDC strongly encourages members outside of the Club s geographical area (DC, DE, MD, Eastern PA, VA) to apply for Associate Membership. Those who wish to learn more about the GSMD but do not own a GSMD may join as an Associate Member. Associate Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. Associate members are not able to vote or hold office in the C & P GSMD Club. Please let us know what events you would like C & P to provide and how you would like to support the club. Also, add any additional information you d like to share about yourself and/or your dogs. This is YOUR club--let us know what you d like to do! BBQ s, parties, etc. Conformation Agility Obedience/Rally Dog show help Weight pull Breed information Health issues Packing Write Newsletter articles Drafting Rescue Serve on board Herding Therapy Please send this application to membership chair Phyllis Walker, 5933 Sixth Street, Falls Church, VA 22041 or e-mail it to Phyllis at pgwalkerphd@gmail.com. Send checks to treasurer Mary Jo Rasmussen, 3152 Holmes Run Road, Falls Church, VA 22042 or send membership fee to www.paypal.com at cptreas@gmail.com March 2012 C & P Swissy Licks 11