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FEBRUARY
NEWSLETTER
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Greetings!
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Valentine's Day is looming, and while the pathetic begging look that goes across the face of a dog wanting chocolate can weaken the most stoic dog owner, stay firm. Do not give in. Ever.
Once dogs have tasted chocolate, they want more. And for dogs, that's a bad thing.
Certain chocolates are more lethal than other types. Larger amounts of chocolate, particularly of the most toxic type, can bring about epileptic seizures in some dogs, and in all dogs, can kill.
Poisoning of dogs by chocolate is not as uncommon as you might think.
"Chocolate ingestions are one common reason why pet owners and veterinarians call us," said Dana Farbman, Certified Veterinary Technician and Manager, Client and Professional Relations, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "We generally do experience somewhat of a rise in chocolate calls around holidays, such as Halloween, Easter, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.''
Why is Chocolate Lethal?
Chocolate contains theobromine. A naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean, theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle. While amounts vary by type of chocolate, it's the theobromine that is poisonous to dogs.
Symptoms of Ingestion and Poisoning
You can recognize that your dog has eaten a toxic dose of chocolate from the symptoms. Within the first few hours, the evidence includes vomiting, diarrhea or hyperactivity. As time passes and there's increased absorption of the toxic substance, you'll see an increase in the dog's heart rate, which can cause arrhythmia, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination or excessive panting. This can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures, coma and even death.
How Much Chocolate Is Deadly?
Here's a list that may be helpful, and note that some types of chocolate are far more dangerous than others:
- White chocolate: 200 ounces per pound of body weight. It takes 250 pounds of white chocolate to cause signs of poisoning in a 20-pound dog, 125 pounds for a 10-pound dog.
- Milk chocolate: 1 ounce per pound of body weight. Approximately one pound of milk chocolate is poisonous to a 20-pound dog; one-half pound for a 10-pound dog. The average chocolate bar contains 2 to 3 ounces of milk chocolate. It would take 2 to 3 candy bars to poison a 10 pound dog. Semi-sweet chocolate has a similar toxic level.
- Sweet cocoa: 0.3 ounces per pound of body weight. One-third of a pound of sweet cocoa is toxic to a 20-pound dog; 1/6 pound for a 10-pound dog.
- Baking chocolate: 0.1 ounce per pound body weight. Two one-ounce squares of bakers' chocolate is toxic to a 20-pound dog; one ounce for a 10-pound dog.
So when your two-legged sweetie hands you a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day, and your four-legged sweetie is sitting next to you begging for them, don't feel badly about eating them all yourself. For his sake, just say NO! ;-)
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AND THEN THERE'S XYLITOL . . .
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 While chocolate is probably one of the best known culprits for causing poisoning in dogs, the sugar-substitute "xylitol'' is now rearing its ugly head.
So where do you find xylitol? It's in  sugar-free breath fresheners, a pack of gum, a tin of mints, a sugar-free dessert cup.
It takes only a little bit of this toxin to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced sezures, and just a little bit more to bring on liver failure.
You can check ingredient labels to see if the food you're eating contains xylitol. However, in an attempt to make certain drugs more palatable, many are being formulated with xylitol - because a spoonful of sugar (or in this case, xylitol) makes the medicine go down. Unfortunately, there are no ingredient labels on drugs provided by your local pharmacy. Oftetimes, children's doses of these drugs are used for dogs, and if those drugs have been mixed with xylitol, there lies the danger.
To read more about the dangers of this drug to dogs, click on xylitol.
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IN MEMORY: FLOYD OWENS AND PAWS | |
 | | FLOYD OWENS: Ball player, bird watcher, counter cruiser, and master cuddler. |
In Memory
Of Our Floyd
"Floyd was our first introduction to GSPs. Now, our family will never be without one (or two). He came to us as an eager-to-please but reserved 6-year-old and soon became the center of our family.
Floyd's energy and enthusiasm was endless, his love and devotion unparalleled. Ball player, bird watcher, counter cruiser, ninja wrestler, protector and most importantly, master cuddler. When we adopted Riley, our second GSP, Floyd graciously moved over to share his sofa and taught him how things were done around our house (like how to cock your head just right to make us melt). Floyd even taught Riley that pizza was the holy grail ... even prior to cooking. One fall night, we had just emptied out the pizza dough onto the counter, and before we could blink, Floyd had it and was off and running. After many laps around the island, with dough swinging from his mouth, we finally caught up to him only to have his vise-like jaws deny us from retrieving the dough. A kiss on the nose was enough of a distraction for him to release his grip. Floyd loved his pizza, but he loved his family more!
On August 29, 2010, Floyd shared his last heartbeat with us. His stub continued to wag and he gave kisses until the very end. We celebrate the gift he was to us, and the wonderful memories that we will forever have of the sweet, speckled soul that was our Floyd.
Thank you GSP Rescue NE for bringing us Floyd, then Riley, and now Coco! The work everyone does for Rescue is an amazing thing!" PJ, Shari, Emily and Eric Owens GSP Rescue NE gives a special thanks to the Owens family for their generous donation in Floyd's memory. REST IN PEACE, GENTLE PAWS  | |
14-YEAR-OLD PAWS was slightly arthritic, slightly hard of hearing but loved his pizza. :-) |
Paws, a handsome, elderly, very kind GSP, who had been well-loved and cared for all his life by his owners, was recently relinquished to Rescue following a divorce. Several inquiries by potential adopters came in for this gentle old soul, who, it turned out, was afraid of other dogs. While waiting for the appropriate home to be found, Paws was sheltered by Dr. Teresa Love at the Love Veterinary Center in Willington, Conn. Unfortunately, a few days after intake, Paws' health began to deteriorate rapidly and it was discovered that he had a large tumor on his lung and was in substantial discomfort. On Feb. 1, 2011, the decision was made to humanely put this kind old gentleman to sleep. Paws was cremated and his ashes were returned to his family. His owners asked us to extend their deepest thanks for the outpouring of support and kindness to them. Huge thanks go out to Dr. Love for the care and compassion she and her staff gave Paws, and to all who reached out with their concern, support and sympathy. He touched all of our hearts. GSP Rescue NE thanks Julie and David Doucette for their donation in memory of Paws. To Paws And Floyd:
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, when their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care, until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met; together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, the time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart, has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, and then, side-by-side, they cross over ... together.
Godspeed, boys. You'll be missed. |
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36 GSPs ENTERED AT WESTMINSTER | |
The 135th annual Westminster Kennel Club show will be held Monday, Feb. 14, and Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
 Thirty-six German Shorthaired Pointers take to the ring at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Top dog advances to the Sporting Group later on Tuesday afternoon, and - hopefully - will move on to the Best In Show ring that night.
Day One will narrow down the search for Best In Show in the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups. USA Network will air the first hour of the show at 8 p.m. and will then switch over to CNBC for the 9 to 11 p.m. portion of the broadcast.
On Tuesday, judges pick the top dogs in Sporting, Working and Terrier groups and follow those with Best In Show. USA will be televising live from 8 to 11 p.m.
Breed judging highlight videos are available throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday on the Westminster Web site. These highlights will be available after the show, as well. |
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New Adoptions! | |
Congratulations to Beau and Josey who are now in their forever homes! |
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Thank You From Bruce | |
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Bruce, right,
with his new BFF Remington. |
Bruce writes: "I would like to send my sincere appreciation to all those who donated to my surgery, or have kept me in their thoughts and prayers.
"I am happy to be back at my foster home and on the mend! Dr. Teresa Love [of the Love Veterinary Center in Willington, Conn.] and her staff did a great job fixing [my knee]! I probably pushed my luck though when I tried jumping over the reception counter two days after my surgery. I just don't like all of these "rules'' about "restricted activity,'' and I look for any opportunity to get away with whatever I can. After all, I am a GSP.
"My full rehab will take 6 to 9 months, which still puts me back in action for pheasant season! It will be worth the wait. My step-brother, Remington, is keeping me company during my recovery.
While "man's best friend'' may have limitations understanding things, I am frequently reminded that I am fortunate to have fallen into the arms of GSP Rescue NE. The volunteers and supporters have given me an opportunity to live a long and healthy life, and I am grateful for all you have done for me."
Bruce |
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Prescription Discounts - Even For Dogs!
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Did you know that your AAA membership can help you save on medications not covered by insurance - even for your dog?
~ This service is offered FREE with your AAA membership.
~ 9 out of 10 pharmacies participate
~ It covers everyone in the family, including pets!
For more information, or to receive a card by mail, call 1-866-222-7283. For other questions, go to AAA prescription discount.
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Help Wanted | |
A volunteer is needed to coordinate and run Rescue's on-line store. This position would include selling GSP Rescue NE merchandise on-line (generally through PayPal), mailing out orders via the U.S. Postal Service, keeping records of sales, and storing merchandise. Interested? Please contact Celeste |
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Free 2010 Calendars | |
Do you know of a scout troop or a school, or any other group that can use dog pictures or calendars for craft or art projects?
GSP Rescue has about 80 calendars left froom 2010 and is happy to give them away in batches of 20 to any group that will pay for $8 for shipping.
For information, contact Jami Barrett.
2011 GSP Rescue calendars are still available at a discount price of $10, plus $2.99 shipping and handling.
Stop by our online store. We've added lots of new merchandise, so take a look! |
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Pet Photography | |
Wouldn't it be nice to show off your pets in imaginative, personalized cards? Creative Pawtography has full line of pet cards featuring YOUR pet is one-of-a-kind, because it's your
pet(s), your text, your thoughts personally conveyed!
For more information, visit Creative Pawtography |
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HE'S FAMOUS!
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PLAY TIME: Skeeter, a German shorthaired pointer, gets some play time with his owner, Nathalie Nepveu of Lewiston, retrieving a toy in a Lewiston snow field on Thursday.
- Jose Leiva/Lewiston (Maine) Sun Journal
Published Jan. 21, 2011
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LEAP OF JOY: Skeeter, a German shorthaired pointer, leaps for the ball while spending the afternoon with his owner, Nathalie Nepveu of Lewiston, on the Bates College campus Thursday.
- Jose Leiva/Lewiston (Maine) Sun Journal
Published Sept. 24, 2010
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SKEETER'S TWICE
IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME
Jose Leiva, a photographer out and about on assignment for the Lewiston (Maine) Sun Journal newspaper, happened to catch "Skeeter,'' a GSP owned by Nathalie Lepveu and Philip Laperriere of Lewiston not once but twice, at play in two very different season.
"Skeeter,'' says Philip, "is doing well and I believe can now be called famous. He has now been in the Lewiston paper twice" (once during the summer, right, and once In January, above left).
"The photographer has seen my wife playing with him on two occasions and asked if he could be photographed for the paper. Needless to say, Skeeter is now maintaining his celeb status while prancing in the park and napping on the couch.''
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COMEDY CORNER! |
  HULA GIRL! Holly Lang sends this picture along of her GSP Kenzie (formerly known as Heidi).
Kenzie is sporting a beautiful pink lei and getting ready to do the hula! Is she ready to fly off to Hawaii and get out of this outrageous New England winter weather?! Kenzie "has been great!'' says Holly. "She definitely has more energy than any of my GSPs but we love her just the same!!'' Do you have a funny picture of your dog? Email it to Celeste along with a brief explanation. :-) |
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THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING DONORS!
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 To:
~ Denise Albro for her generous donation
~ John Davis for his generous donation
~ Daryl Carbone for his generous donation to help senior dogs
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. . . TO THOSE WHO MADE BRUCE'S SURGERY POSSIBLE |
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU from everyone
at GSP Rescue New England! |
Betsey Hallihan, Susan Wagner, Amy McIntire, Art and Debbie Tagliaferri, Patricia Russell, Susan Lohin, Carl Herrmann, Diane McNulty, Kim Hall, Julie Doucette, Debbie Williams, Albert Gerheim, Catherine Parmentier, Marie E. Hart, Thomas Yukna, Terri Walker, Katherine Meierdiercks, Gail Bartlett, Suzanne Tenuta, Christine Voss, Sheila Dregne, Peter Russo, Leslie Michell-Young, Tina Mastello, Michelle Koch, Arthur Berry and Larry Snediker. |
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. . . AND TO THOSE WHO GAVE
IN MEMORY OF PEGGY GAGNON | |
National Karate Inst., Martha Deandrus, Denise Legendre, Linda Flynn,Richard and Donna Macdonald, Charles Coffin, William and Madeleine Uller, Sharon O'Brien, Joseph and Linda Mscisz, Alison McLean, Patricia Russell, Jane and Victor Fugazzotto, Rosemary and Lee Stanley, Lucille and Daniel Rosinski, Merrimack Valley NAVHDA, Ruth and John Lucey, Raytheon Company, Denise M.Gray, Louise Shaw, John and Sandra Manni, and Michelle Salyers. |
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THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL!
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