Australian Terrier International Meeting The Needs Of Aussie Owners Globally © 2010 Australian Terrier International
January & February 2011- Vol 2, Issues 1 & 2 |
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Dear Friends,
| We are so excited to feature the dogs of Finland for our January-February issue.
It could not have been done without the great help of Minna Kaartinen and Kirsi Ola, in Finland. I want to thank them both so much!
I also want to thank Dianne Wall, who worked very hard and closely with me, editing.
We are so thankful for all the people in Finland who shared their photos and allowed us to let everyone see their beautiful dogs.
It is lovely that we are able to truly be an international group as we launch the second year of ATI.
I want to thank Theresa Goiffon who has spent countless hours updating our website. With our new translator program you can read almost everything on the website in your language. We just launched the new ATI website. New log in information is required. Thank you to Cheryl Mechalke for providing us with great photos and great recipes and craft projects.
We also thank you, our reader, who supports the work of Canine Health Foundation (CHF) in its quest to keep our Aussies as healthy as possible.
Most of the stories in this newsletter were written by people in Finland. For our English speaking readers we did not Americanize all of their words hoping instead for you to read this newsletter and get a flavor for everyone's lovely way of speaking.
Coming Up....... March Issue Featuring Aussies Of Denmark April/May Issue Featuring Aussies Of The UK June Issue Featuring Aussies Of Sweden July/August Featuring Aussies Of Australia September Featuring Aussies Of Germany October/November Featuring Aussies of The USA December Featuring Aussies from Around The World
Pamela Levy Editor

Kirsi Ola and Pamela Levy in Denmark.
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Australian Terrier Club Of Finland Australianterreirikerho ry
|  Learn more about ATCF. Please visit their website by clicking here.
In their index on the left hand side, the bottom listing is an English option. Click on the word English to read their articles in English.
ATCF invites you to be a member. Read the articles below to learn how. They also invite you to subscribe to their quarterly magazine. The magazine is written in Finnish and the pictures are wonderful.
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Congratulations Lifetime Member Orvokki Lamsa
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ATI congratulates Orvokki Lamsa for her contributions internationally to the Australian Terrier Breed. We are proud to make her our first Finnish Lifetime Member. 
Veteran World Winner 2008 Ch. Avocation Centaurus shown by Orvokki In her honor, Janet Mass (USA), who leased her dog, Tatong's Eclipse Of The Moon, "Konsta," wanted to share her memories. In 1998, not long after I discovered the World Wide Web, I happened upon a web site of what I thought were beautiful Australian Terriers. I filed the site away but there were several dogs on that site in particular who caught my eye and I remembered. Not long after that I made the trek to Montgomery County to observe the dogs being shown. I knew I needed to do something to improve my dogs but I was unsure where to go. My goal was to find a good stud dog. Alas, I was a little disappointed with what I saw at the show. On the long drive home I developed a picture in my mind of what the perfect Aussie looked like. I kept coming back to the dogs on the web site and how they had that "look" I was after. After much thought and discussion with a good friend I contacted Orvokki Lamsa. My goal was to lease her bitch, Avocations Toscana Moon, as she was the "one" in my mind. I wrote Orvokki and was honest about my goals and what I was looking to accomplish. Unfortunately she turned me down, so imagine my surprise when a couple of weeks later I received an email from her. In it she said she had been thinking about how she could help me and she offered to lease me Ch. Tatong's Eclipse Of The Moon, "Konsta." This was the sire of Toscana Moon. We reached an agreement and "Konsta" arrived in the USA in November of 1998. Not many know how "Konsta" changed my life. He was an incredible dog and together we became a team and achieved some success. Most important though was the impact he had on my breeding program. "Konsta" lived with me for a year and a half and I sat in KLM Air Cargo hugging him and crying when he flew home to Finland. 
Photo Courtesy Of Orvokki Lamsa "Konsta" and Janet Maas at Westminster Without Orvokki's generosity I think the dogs in the USA would not be where they are today. He not only had an impact on my breeding program but on others also. He and Orvokki accomplished something else though. With the arrival of "Konsta" it opened doors for other breeders here in the USA, Finland, Denmark and Sweden to begin working together.
Over the years we have contributed to each other's breeding programs. She has always been honest and forthright in her dealings. When I visited Finland a few years ago she was a gracious host. I cannot even remember everyone I was introduced to and I probably met about 50 Aussies! Some were Orvokki's breeding and some were just friends' dogs that dropped by.
I am proud to call Orvokki a friend and cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. |
An Interview With Orvokki Lamsa By Minna Kaartinen
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This interview was done with the great help of Minna Kaartinen.
Minna writes:
Mrs. Orvokki Lämsä came across Aussies for the first time when she visited Pirjo and Tuomo Waara´s kennel Lapstar. The bitch, Ch Reimin Trip Trip, who was bred by Mrs. Ingrid Salo in her kennel Reimin, charmed her. At that time Orvokki decided she wanted one of "Tipsu´s" puppies for herself. She finally got that puppy, Ch Lapstar Kitty, and she became her foundation bitch. From "Kitty´s" first litter she got "Pippi" Ch Avocation Red Kamilaroi. "Pippi" was the mother of many bitches that went on to become many kennel´s foundation bitches. The rest is history. Orvokki has been breeding and showing Australian Terriers for more than two decades. This February, it will be 22 years since her first litter was born. Each year Avocation Kennel has 1 or 2 litters. Dogs she has bred have achieved different winners titles from world dog shows, European winner shows and Baltic winner titles, and also from Luxemburg, Austria and Russia.

FIN N RUS CH Avocation Joukahainen
From Orvokki:
At the beginning I was kindly mentored by the owners of kennel Lapstar, Mrs. Ingrid Salo (kennel Reimin), and Ms. Marja-Liisa Aapaoja from kennel Golden Mist. I would like to also thank most warmly Mrs. Pamela Mc Dougall-Douglas (kennel Tahee, Australia), as well kennel Tatongs breeder Mrs. Jill Grenae (Denmark). Kennel Vitterklippens breeder Ulla-Britt Norgren has also my great thanks for long confidential co-operation and Janet Maas of kennel Akiba in the USA! For my part, I am glad if I can be helpful to someone else. I would prefer to be remembered in the dog world for trying my best to help those who have asked me for help or breeding stock.
FI CH Avocation Magic Of Moon
Good temperament, health and construction will make proper breeding dogs. That is important for both bitches and males. Natural instincts such as dealing with puppies and breeding are also important. Proper grooming will bring out the best of each dog. With my first dog I looked at the model pictures, and tried to make my Aussie look similar. In those days dogs were groomed a lot less. Later on I received tips from other breeders. Keeping a dog in a show condition requires effort also from the owner. It is hard to find a great groomer who can magically work wonders right away from a coat that has not been groomed or worked. The only way to have a good show coat is to roll the Aussie's coat regularly. Also good muscular condition is essential, because Aussies are greedy dogs who like to eat a lot and tend to put on weight easily.
In Finland, tail docking has been banned for quite a long time. A good natural tail is set in the right place, strong and sinewy. The first part of the tail is straight and then it turns slightly towards the back.
Kennel Avocation has exported Australian Terriers to Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, Latvia and the United States. I have imported dogs from kennels from Australia, Denmark, Sweden and USA. Cheryl and Jim Mechalke bred the last dog I imported. This import is Araluen´s Red Moon Rising at Tatong, "Arnold". Arnold is out of Ch Nellyson Mr. Do Not Skip The Zip and Ch The Tatong's Shepherd's Moon, which are descended from two traditional dog lines in Europe. He appears to follow in my dog "Konsta's", Ch. Tatong's Eclipse Of The Moon's, paw print as an excellent stud dog, which makes me so very happy.
Most of my puppies are placed as normal family dogs. Quickly estimated I have bred over 40 different champions. I have Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish champions. I have them also from Baltic countries, Belgium, France, Canada, United States and Russia. Of course there are also International and Nordic country champions.
Over the years dog-structures have improved, but in the fronts there is still much to improve. At a dog show your dog's placement and prize are often affected by its presentation and who is handling the dog. A good handler is almost invisible and brings out the dog instead of her or himself. She or he will naturally take into account the other competitors.
Aussies are generally good-natured, and healthy. A sane Aussie is lovely regardless of which country it comes from. Since the Australian Terrier population has grown, we have seen more diseases. Australian Terrier Club of Finland has been active in dogs genetic research, and our kennel set up its own blood sampling a few years ago here in Kuusamo. (Kuusamo, which is located in Northern Finland, is a region of long distances and difficult weather conditions. It is also a sparsely populated area and upgraded veterinary services are not at all obvious. Mating and show tours are really long.)

FI AM CAN CH Avocation Arcticmanifest
First "eye candy" Aussie to me was Ch Tahee Dirty Harry (Ch Tahee Grande Magic x Tahee Jazz Waltz). Also, Ch Tatong's Silver Moon Dancer "Smiley" (Ch Ibeth Mister President Sam x-Zu Ngulati), his son with Ch Ibeth Orange Blossom also CH Tatong's Eclipse of the Moon a.k.a. "Konsta" (who had his own significant share of the development of American Aussies while he was on breeding loan in the U.S. with Janet Maas from kennel Akiba.) Current dogs from my own kennel breeding that I am very pleased with are, "North Star" Ch Avocation Centaurus "Harald" (Ch Avocation Dragon's Ninja x Avocation Safir 'N' Steel), the rising ability Avocation Walking in the Air "Oliver" (Araluen's Red Moon Rising At Tatong x Avocation Vellamo), and Ch Avocation Joukahainen "Peku" (Ch Vitterklippens Verdandi x Avocation Raju Rambo). Sure there are many other beautiful dogs, too. Of course, I also want to mention my first breeding dog "Ransu", Ch Borchorst Filipino (Ch Regivista Show Stoppr x Mariendals Just For Fun). He was very important to me and to my breeding program.

Avocation Walking in the Air "Oliver" (Araluen's Red Moon Rising At Tatong x Avocation Vellamo)
Naturally, the breeder does not have the opportunity to keep all of the eye pleasing dogs and that is why I place the promising individuals. A good dog owner for a placed dog is co-operative and wants to go with me to shows. The dog gets a lot of love and attention and is considered to be a family member. It gets great care.

C.I.B. & FI & S CH Avocation Skywalker.JPG
As a way of life breeding dogs is time-consuming, and sometimes difficult. In return, it has brought a lot of fun, friends and traveling to different places. The best memories include the Vuolasvirta Award, which is the highest award granted for the distinguished work in breeding. My worst experience was definitely the loss or theft of Am Ch Akiba's You Got Mail "Tommy" from the home that was leasing him. "Tommy" was not found despite great efforts. The uncertainty about his fate weighs really heavy on me.

Am Ch Akiba's You Got Mail "Tommy"
ATI's lifetime membership is a surprise and honor to me! I would like to highlight the importance of gratitude; very often people forget those who helped them. I think older doggy friends are also important and they should not be cast aside for younger dogs. It is great to be able to see the veteran dog still enjoying the shows. Although the sport is great and challenging, I would say that life is so much more with breeding and showing. Let us take this hobby properly, but avoid excessive severity. Joy and a sense of proportion and preservation are the most important tenets.
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Results Of The Helsinki Winner 2010 International Dog Show
and The Finnish Winner 2010 International Dog Show
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Helsinki Winner 2010 International Dog Show
australianterrieri -Australian Terrier (26)
Tuomari - Judge: Harto Stockmari Suomi
ROP - BOB
Bluepepper's Funny-Bunny (Ahola Marjo & Tervonen Paavo & Okkonen Erika, Sotkamo )
VSP - BOS
Benayr Mr Goodwill (Mustonen Anne & Toivonen Satu, Rymättylä )
CACIB uros - dog
Benayr Mr Goodwill (Mustonen Anne & Toivonen Satu, Rymättylä )
CACIB narttu - bitch
Bluepepper's Funny-Bunny (Ahola Marjo & Tervonen Paavo & Okkonen Erika, Sotkamo )
SERT - CC uros - dog
Benayr Mr Goodwill (Mustonen Anne & Toivonen Satu, Rymättylä )
SERT - CC narttu - bitch
Bristregal Rocking Regal (Pajaskoski Mari & Janger Nina, Kausala )
ROP - BOB Veteraani - Veteran
Bluepepper's Black Mint (Saloniemi Jaana, Tuusula )
ROP - BOB Kasvattaja - Breeder
Kennel Bristregal (Janger Nina, Järvenpää )
The Finnish Winner 2010 International Dog Show
australianterrieri -Australian Terrier (49) Tuomari - Judge: Valentina Ivanicheva Venäjä ROP - BOB Bluepepper's Funny-Bunny (Tervonen Paavo & Okkonen Erika & Ahola Marjo, Kalliosuo ) VSP - BOS Bluepepper's Smile (Pietikäinen Maritsa & Ahola Marjo & Saarinen Päivi, Lahti ) Juniorivoittaja - Junior Winner uros - dog Bluepepper's Puma (Ahola Marjo & Steele Eve & Saarinen Leena, Sotkamo ) Juniorivoittaja - Junior Winner narttu - bitch Melukylän Rokkia Ja Rakkautta (Puisto Leea & Riihelä Krista, Loimaa ) CACIB uros - dog Bluepepper's Smile (Pietikäinen Maritsa & Ahola Marjo & Saarinen Päivi, Lahti ) CACIB narttu - bitch Bluepepper's Funny-Bunny (Tervonen Paavo & Okkonen Erika & Ahola Marjo, Kalliosuo ) SERT - CC uros - dog Redwing Kiss And Tell (Harden Satu & Irma, Kantele ) SERT - CC narttu - bitch Bluepepper's C-Hero-kee Rose (Homanen Sari, Espoo ) ROP - BOB Veteraani - Veteran Bluepepper's Black Mint (Saloniemi Jaana, Tuusula ) VSP - BOS Veteraani - Veteran Bluepepper's Oliver Wood (Ahola Marjo & Jääskeläinen Maire, Sotkamo ) ROP - BOB Kasvattaja - Breeder Kennel Bluepepper's (Ahola Marjo, Sotkamo )
Congratulations to All!
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Photos from Terhi Oksanen
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Photo Courtesy of Terhi Oksanen
Stacking a young puppy

Photo Courtesy of Terhi Oksanen

Photo Courtesy Of Terhi Oksanen

Photo Courtesy Of Terhi Oksanen
Photo Courtesy Of Terhi Oksanen

Photo Courtesy Of Terhi Oksanen

Photo Courtesy Of Terhi Oksanen
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Health Report from Kirsi Ola
| The Finnish Aussie Club has been active for over 20 years, and currently has almost 700 members. From the beginning, the surveillance and improvement of the health situation of aussies has been one of our most important activities. Our Club has a Breeding Committee, which works under the Government of the Club. The members of this committee must have both interest and experience in aussie health issues. Most of the members have been aussie breeders. The most important duties of the Committee are to research and analyze the health situation of the breed, keep records of the known health problems and report these to the Government and the members of the Club. Since 1993 the Club has recommended that all the aussies used for breeding have their eyes and patellas officially checked (by a specialist veterinarian.) These tests must be done after the dog reaches one year of age. The patella result is permanent; the eye result is valid for 2 years. It is required that these tests are done before the mating. Only aussies with patella results of 0 (completely healthy "tight" patella) or 1 - according to the Putnam scale* - can be used for breeding. Eyes must not show signs of hereditary eye diseases. All the official health tests are public information through the Aussie Club and also through the Finnish Kennel Club and can be easily found by anyone*. Finland has a relatively long history of official testing and therefore many Finnish aussies have many generations of tested relatives behind them which makes it easier for careful breeders to avoid these problems. It can be said that the health situation relating to patella problems and eye diseases have stabilized. We now find the majority of Finnish aussies are healthy.
The Breeding Committee also collects information about other health problems. The breeders and owners are encouraged to report all health problems and diseases their aussies may have to the Committee. The Committee keeps the records of the notices and publishes these records to all the members of the Club. The notices make it possible for the Breeding Committee to notice emerging problems in good time and alarm the breeders. The Committee receives dozens of notices every year. For the breeders these records are an important source of information and make it possible to know what health problems exist in the pedigree and most importantly in the close relatives of the planned stud. The only negative about the system is that not all the breeders/owners are open about the health problems of their aussies. That makes the records somewhat misleading and "inside information" is still required to know the real health situation behind all the pedigrees. In the beginning some breeders thought that being open about the health of their dogs might give their breeding program a bad reputation if there was a health problem. Our experience in Finland has shown that the openness has created more trust. We found hiding problems creates suspicion. One of our current projects is taking part in the genetic research for aussie diabetes. The Club and the Committee are working hard to collect blood samples of the diabetic affected dog and blood samples from healthy relatives of dogs affected with diabetes. The researchers hope to find in these blood sample pairs, the gene which causes diabetes in aussies. In the 1980's and early 1990's diabetes seemed to be the number one health problem in the breed. However in trying to gather these samples it would appear the existence of diabetes has diminished in Finland. I base that theory on the difficulty we have found in gathering blood samples from diabetic affected dogs. The Breeding Committee has recently reported on another problem which seems to be on the rise, hypothyroidism. There are not enough statistics yet to demonstrate if it is really on the rise or if the elevated numbers we are seeing are the result of the relationship to higher registration numbers we are experiencing in the past decade.
Some other health problems reported to the Breeding Committee regularly thorough the years are bite problems, cancers, allergies and, or skin problems, epilepsy, dry eye (keratokonjuctivitis sicca), different infections and temperament problems (over activity, aggressiveness, shyness etc).
The Breeding Committee did a large Internet survey about the life expectancy age of our aussies in Finland through the home page of the Club. The result was quite an unpleasant surprise. According to the responses the life expectancy was only 10 years of age. When accidents were removed from the statistics the result was still low for a small terrier breed, 11 years. It seems that even generally healthy aussies tend to get cancers and other serious diseases at an early age. Luckily we also have many examples of aussies who have lived up to 15 and 16 years of age. It is now up to breeders to improve the longevity by choosing lines that have proven to live long healthy lives. Overall it can be said that the majority of Finnish aussie breeding programs are on the right track when it comes to health. Most of our breeders take the health issue seriously and are open about problems in their lines in order to better the breed. People wanting more information about this subject can contact me (kirsiola@hotmail.com) or the Breeding Committee of the Club (contact info at http://www.australianterrierikerho.fi/jalostus/jalostus_yhteystiedot.htm)
* Putnam (in "Patellar Luxation in the Dog. Master's thesis, University of Guelph, 1968") has described a classification scheme for the different types of patella dislocation : * Grade 1 - The patella can be dislocated manually, but returns to its normal position in the trochlear groove when it is released. * Grade 2 - The patella can be dislocated manually or during flexion of the stifle joint - but the patella stays where it is until it is replaced manually. * Grade 3 - The patella remains dislocated most of the time. It can be replaced manually, but dislocates as soon as it is released. * Grade 4 - The patella is dislocated all the time and cannot be replaced manually - even if the leg is held extended. * The Kennel Club has an open database, KoiraNet, which includes lots of information about all breeds. The link to the KoiraNet australian terrier pages http://jalostus.kennelliitto.fi/frmEtusivu.aspx (choose on the left corner menu FCI 3 and australianterrieri)
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Information About Finland and the Finnish Club by Minna Kaartinen
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The Australian Terrier Club of Finland was founded in 1987.
Our club covers the entire country of Finland. It is registered to and has its headquarters in our capital city of Helsinki. Our meetings are usually held in Espoo, a city near Helsinki.
Finland is situated in northern Europe between the 60th and 70th parallels of latitude. The mean temperature in Finland is several degrees higher, as much as
50 F in winter, than that of other areas in these same latitudes, Siberia and south Greenland. A quarter of our total area lies north of the Arctic Circle. Our neighboring countries are Sweden, Norway and Russia, which have land borders with us, and Estonia, across the Gulf of Finland. About 75 percent of Finland is wooded, making it the most heavily forested country in Europe. We also have a lot of lakes, approximately 190,000 and about 180,000 islands.
Because we are situated so far north, we have four different seasons. The highest daytime temperature during the summer is sometimes almost 86 F (30 degrees Celsius). During the winter months, particularly in January and February, temperatures of 14 F (-20 degrees Celsius) are not unusual. The coldest weather last winter was in Kuusamo, where I live in northern Finland, with temperatures of -34 F (-37 degrees Celsius).
In the far north, beyond the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set for about 73 days, so we have white nights of summer. Also in northern Finland, the sun remains below the horizon for 51 days. That polar night is called in Finnish "kaamos." Though I wish to tell your readers we don't always have cold and dark, and one doesn't have to watch out for polar bears!
Our country has 5.2 million people. Our country is the 6th largest in area in Europe, so you can imagine we have very low population density. Our best known figure in music was for years the 20th century composer Jean Sibelius. Nowadays, Finnish pop and rock music have achieved international recognition such as, Nightwish, Him, Lord, Apocalyptica etc. Those who are interested about our music can have a look at this link click here.
Finnish design, from companies such as Marimekko, Iittala and Arabia, have been exported successfully to America and continental Europe. Finland exports a lot of telecommunication equipment. Nokia the manufacturer of mobile phones is a Finnish company. We also export paper for newspapers and magazines and icebreakers (so you can sail when the ice covers the sea), luxury cruisers, etc. You can see the picture of the world's largest cruiser by clicking here.
Sauna is our favorite pastime. We have about 1.5 million saunas. It's often heard said about saunas, "Finns like sitting naked on wooden benches in heated compartments. And that's not all. As they sit in the suffocating heat, they beat themselves with bundles of leafy birch twigs."
There are different types of saunas, heated by wood or electricity, and there are smoke saunas. Despite being heated differently, they all increase the temperature of the skin, stimulate perspiration, and produce a feeling of relaxation. The fragrant bunch of birch twigs, used for beating the skin gently, further cleanses the pores and relaxes the muscles. The sauna is remarkably effective for relieving physical or mental tension. In order to gain maximum benefit from the sauna, no garments are worn in the heated compartment, or in the shower or the bath. In Finland, families often have a sauna together, but in public saunas, boys and girls and men and women always have separate sauna facilities. Even some Aussies love to come in the sauna, too. Naturally, they won´t stay too long in the sauna and only a little water is then thrown to the stones, so the sauna doesn't get too hot.
Doglife
With over 120,000 members, the Finnish Kennel Club is a big organization, even on the world wide scale. It was founded in 1889 and is the oldest kennel club in Scandinavia. The Finnish Kennel Club is a member of the Scandinavian Kennel Union and FCI. Over 163,000 dog show entries were recorded in 276 dog shows in the year 2005.
Our Kennel Club has created a huge database, KoiraNet, which includes pedigrees, health and show results from each registered dog living in Finland. You can have a look at the following address. It includes both dogs that are living and ones that have passed away.
http://jalostus.kennelliitto.fi/frmEtusivu.aspx?R=8
Our best known all around judges are Mrs. Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen, Mr. Kari Järvinen, Mrs. Kirsti Smith and Mr. Colin Smith, and Mr. Rainer Vuorinen.
How can someone become a member of your club? Is it by invitation or is anyone accepted that pays a member's annual fee? Do you allow people from other countries?
Anyone can join our club by sending a form from our webpage. You can download it by clicking here.
http://www.australianterrierikerho.fi/muut_kyselyt/palaute.htm
(choose alternative membership)
The membership fee for a primary member is 20 EUR per year, for a family member 6 EUR per year, and for a member currently living abroad 20 EUR + 9 EUR / postage per year.
What kind of activities does your club have?
The Australian Terrier Club's Specialty Show takes place every year.
Pictures and results of these shows can be seen at: http://www.australianterrierikerho.fi/nayttelyt/nayttelyt.html . There are also alternative critiques where one can read written critiques that each dog has
received; there are also critiques in English! We also arrange grooming lessons
and character test for Aussies.
We also organize a summer camp each year. There has also been an unofficial, playful Club Show that is very much like a fun match in the USA, which is also a members meeting day. There also has been training for basic obedience and agility.
We don't have a Christmas party because weather conditions are often so bad at that time of year. Roads are then very icy and slippery and darkness comes soon. Many of our members do live behind or near the Arctic Circle. Also, in Southern Finland, daylight hours are quite short that time of year. So local Aussie fans have their own little celebrations. You can see our road weather map on address http://www.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/warning.html
Our Club also has a Breeding Board. It is an advisory board, which discusses the issues of improvement of the Australian Terrier breed in Finland. The functions of the Breeding Board are to keep track of the breed's development, the occurrence of hereditary illnesses, and to make proposals and plans in order to maintain health and type of the Australian Terrier breed in Finland.
How many Aussies are registered in your area each year and is registering dogs a requirement in your country?
Breeders register all their Aussies in our country as it is a requirement. No dogs or cats are sold in animal or pet stores, but of course there are always some backyard breeders everywhere. I don't think with Aussies they are a big problem. Bigger threats to our dog life are unofficially or illegally transporting puppies to Finland from Russia and Estonia. They aren't usually vaccinated at all. (Please note I´m not speaking about the usual proper breeders in those countries! The people who do this are dishonest people breeding for money.)
What kind of tasks do you have for your club chairman and other office holders?
President and Treasurer
Mrs. Piia Keskimaa has been our club's president since last year as well as our loyal treasurer since 1996. She also works actively in the Finnish Terrier Association and serves on several show committees.
Vice President
Mrs. Anna-Mari Uimonen is our Vice President. Her kennel name is Meriuikun. She has two daughters, Tuuli and Viiri, and her husband is Teemu. Their hobbies are skiing, downhill racing (slalom) and sailing. Anna-Mari also takes care of sales of Aussie products and also serves as our club secretary.
http://www.australianterrierikerho.fi/tuotteet.htm
Secretary
As stated above, our secretary, Mrs. Anna-Mari Uimonen, has been our skillful webmaster for our club's website for several years. She is the person who created our web pages from the beginning.
Member Secretary
Mrs. Päivi Pyöli, as Member Secretary, keeps our member register updated with member's addresses as well as who has paid their membership fees. Her kennel name is Lasmirkatin which has produced its first Aussie litter.
Do you have an Aussie magazine?
Yes. Our magazine comes out 4 times a year. It is usually about 50-60 pages long. Pictures are black and white except the cover which has a color picture. This year´s Christmas issue was the first 4-color magazine and I was personally very proud of it!
We invite everyone who loves Aussies to subscribe to it. We have so many wonderful Aussie photographs but the articles are written in Finnish.
Is it easy to get volunteers to help when our club organizes shows or other happenings?
Voluntary work has been very common and popular in our country. Today, unhappily, it is getting more rare and most of the work is always done by the same people. But luckily there has been always some new enthusiastic people too who has come to help. Our deepest gratitude and kindest thanks to all the people who are working and has worked for our club´s benefit!
Do you have many breeders in your area?
Our club includes the entire country. You can find a list of breeders and
their webpage address: http://www.australianterrierikerho.fi/ekasvatt.htm
Sources used for this article:
Source #1
Source #2
Source #3
Source #4

Our Speciality show-grounds at Ruovesi in 2007.

Our Australian Terrier Club's 20th anniversary Specialty, July 2007, at Ruovesi in Southern Finland. There were people from the United States, Sweden and Denmark among others in attendance.

Doggies at the specialty evening.

Multi-country Champion Avocation Centaurus at the 2007 Specialty.

Grilling out party on the evening of the 2007 speciality. Ladies in the chairs are Cheryl Mechalke (Araluen USA), Jill Grenaae (Tatong, Denmark) and Carin Sandahl (Twe-Dle-Dee, Sweden). Opposite them standing are Tina and Ida Norgren from Sweden (kennel Nellyson's). Lady grilling with a phone is our secretary and vice president, Mrs. Anne Mari Uimonen.
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Vuolasvirta Award Given by the Finnish Kennel Club To Kirsi Ola Big Congratulations!
| The Finnish Kennel Club (FKC) established the Vuolasvirta award for the improvement of dog breeding in Finland and to honor of the late Lauri Vuolasvirta, who was a skillful breeder and cynologist. FKC grants the award as the highest honor to the merited breeders. The first Vuolasvirta awards were granted in 1979.
The requirements of granting the award are demanding. A breeder must collect a certain amount of points. The amount of those points is the same as the amount of pups he/she has bred in ten litters in a row. (10 litters of 3 puppies each, one would need 30 points.)
In Finland a breeder must register all the pups of a litter. Points are collected from show merits and/or from working trial merits, and only the merits of the pups coming from those 10 litters can add to the points. As a general rule approximately one champion per 5 born pups is required to gather enough points. To achieve this a breeder must produce constant steady quality.
The more breeders and competition in a breed the more difficult it is to get the demanded merits. A breeder must have a kennel name and his/her behavior in all kennel activity must have been immaculate and exemplary according to the FKC regulations. Before the award is granted a kennel inspector makes a visit to a breeder's kennel and confirms that the dogs are kept in a nice environment. They also check the breeder's records to confirm that the breeder follows all recommendations concerning vaccination, worming etc. Finally, the breed club must give its acceptance for the award.
The awards are granted yearly and the ceremony takes place usually at the Winner Show.
In the past thirty-one (31) years only six aussie breeders in Finland have received this very high award. Sassatown (1989) Harto (Hallikas) Stockmari, Reimin (1990) under the previous owner Ingrid "Mimmi" Salo), Avocation (1995-1996) Orvokki Lamsa, Bluepepper's (1998) Marjo Ahola, Selendia (2001) Pia Lindqvist and the latest one Melukylän (2010) Kirsi Ola.
In the last 20 years, Finland has had 111 aussie breeders with registered kennel names, register puppies.

The 2010 Vuolasvirta award ceremony was held at the Finnish Winner Show in December. This photo includes all the breeders who received the award. Every year about 25 breeders of all breeds receive this honor.

Kirsi Ola of kennel Melukylän (on the left) gets a hug and warm congratulations from the chairman of the Australian Terrier Club of Finland, Piia Keskimaa, after the ceremony. |
From The Finnish Club Store
|  Aussie Pins. Special Finnish handicraft. No two are identical. Colors: blue & tan or red. E 13.50 plus postage.

 Fleece Hat Color gray with black embroidery Sizes s/m and L/XL Price 8 Euro plus postage.
To Visit The Store and Buy Products Please Click Here.
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An Interview with Marjo Ahola Bluepepper's Kennels
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Marjo how old is your son now?
Vikke is at the age of 9 months old.
You also have a daughter, how old is she and did she compete in the Juniors program?
Viivi is 11 years old. She loves dogs but she thinks that dog shows are boring. She prefers to play the piano, sing, dance, ski, swim and draw.
How long have you been showing Aussies?
Over 20 years.
How did you first get interested in Aussies?
Just by accident. But I knew immediately that this is my dog.
You work with Eve Steele and Peter Gelles in the US of Wild West Kennels. How long have you been working together?
Over 10 years. Sometimes I feel that Eve is like my sister and I've always known her. I'm really glad that we found each other.
Do you think importing and exporting has advantages?
It brings a lot of opportunities for breeders. Of course, if you don´t know the background from the dogs you are importing, you can also get something that you would not necessarily have wanted. Trust and honesty are absolutely essential so that the cooperation is successful. But the most important thing is that you are absolutely honest with yourself.
You also work closely with Saija Reiman-Walldén of Jaskarin Kennels, Sweden. How long have you worked together?
I have known Saija as long as I have had aussies. We have been friends for over 20 years.
Has it been more fun showing with partnerships?
I have absolutely wonderful friends with whom we have hobbies together, shared interests and common dogs. I've also been very lucky that I have lovely friends that give great homes to my puppies. I have four aussies at home.
What advice can you give to people starting out?
Be open-minded. Watch and listen to, but above all - think, think and think. Love your dog, take good care of them and enjoy your common time. All dogs will not be show dogs and all dogs do not need to be bred or have puppies. Aussie's are the world's best human friend. Be the best friend to your dog.
What advice can you give to people who have been showing for years but perhaps have not enjoyed your same type of success?
I think it is very difficult to give general advice. If I want something that I have not been able to achieve, I think perhaps this is a place for introspection. It´s my way of doing things. I wonder what I've done funny, and wonder if I could do something differently that would give me a different result.
Greetings to all aussie owners around the world!

#1 AUSSIE 2007, 2009 and 2010 in FINLAND.
Her sister Bluepepper's Fun was Top Aussie 2008.
C.I.B, NORD CH, FIN CH, S CH, DK CH, N CH FIJW-06 EUJW-07 FIW-07 WW-08 EUW-08 WW-09 DKW-09FIW-09 NORDW-09 WW-10 HeW-10 FIW-10 Bluepepper's Funny-Bunny "Selma"
Owned by Paavo Tervonen, Erika Okkonen and Marjo Ahola Photo: Erika Okkonen

#2 AUSSIE C.I.B, FI, NO & EE CH, NOW-10, EE JCH, LV JCH, LVW-09, ESTW-10
Bluepepper´s Ring "Bratz"
owned by: Viivi Ahola & Eve Steele & Marjo Ahola photo: Elina Alanen

#3 AUSSIE and BEST MALE
C.I.B, NORD CH, FIN CH, DK CH, SE CH, NO CH, LT CH, BALTW-06, EUW-07 NORDW-09, FINW-09-10, SEW-07, EEW-07, LTW-05
Bluepepper's Smile
owned by: Maritsa Pietikainen, Marjo Ahola & Paivi Saarinen
photo: Maritsa Pietikainen
#4 AUSSIE and TOP VETERAN
C.I.B, NORD CH, FIN CH, SE CH, NO CH, MVW-10, FINJW-01, NORDW-05
Bluepepper's Black Mint "Milla" owner: Jaana Saloniemi

FI CH, EE CH, EEJW-09 Bluepepper's Glitte-Ring
owned by: Marjo Ahola & Paivi Lappalainen kuva: Maritsa Pietikainen

The best male veteran and # 2 Best Veteran at the age of 13 years old!
and 14th best in Top Aussie C.I.B, NORD CH, FIN CH, SE CH, NO CH, FINW-06 EUVW-06 BLUEPEPPER'S GOLDEN CAP
om. Maire Jaaskelainen kuva: Outi Valtonen Photo: Marjo Ahola
C.I.B, FIN CH, EE CH, NO CH Bluepepper's Oliver Wood
owner: Maire Jaaskelainen photo: Jaana Saloniemi

FI CH, EE CH, NO CH, EST JCH, LV JCH, LVW-09, EEW-09, EE JW-09, ESTW-10
Bluepepper´s Rules the Ring
owned by: Jaana Saloniemi & Eve Steele & Marjo Ahola
photo: Marja Leinonen
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Available Puppies
| For Puppies Available in Finland
Click here.

Photo Courtesy of Pamela Levy For Puppies Available in the US. Click Here . |
Subscribe to AKC Gazette
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January E Edition Click Here
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From The USA An Interview with Darlene Evans of Australian Terrier Rescue (ATR) By Pamela Levy
| When and how did Rescue begin? I believe it officially started in 1987 with Barbera Curtis from Colorado as the driving force behind it. Certainly there were rescues done prior to that but that is when we became an official organization. We incorporated in 1995.
It started, I recall, with a puppy mill rescue. Roberta McCart (Arizona resident), Barbara Curtis and Mary Ann Jenkins Esq (all ATCA members) were instrumental in helping Rescue get set up and incorporated in the State of Arizona.
Darlene, how long have you been involved with Rescue? Barbera Curtis called me when it was forming and I have been on a committee or President since its inception. I have been President since 2000, so a total of 24 years. 
Rescue dog Mookie . How does Rescue work? Currently we have 13 coordinators spread across the country (US). All of our coordinators are required to be ATCA members because Rescue is an independent organization and it has no members. We have only a Board. We are not for profit 501(c)3. We also have a coordinator in Canada.
Are you inviting all ATCA members to get involved with Rescue by becoming area coordinators? We encourage ATCA members to get involved with Rescue and be a coordinator in your area. (Currently the coordinators and ATR Board vote on whether they want to work with and accept the ATCA volunteer as a coordinator so although you may volunteer not everyone is accepted!) People are frequently concerned that they will need to take a Rescue dog into their home. They may not have room, a willing spouse, they may have puppies, there are many reasons people are afraid to get involved. Rest assured you do not need to take a dog into your home as a coordinator. Frequently you do not even need to travel to the shelter or to the place the dog is being held.
What do the coordinators do? They are the first contact for someone who has a dog to relinquish. The shelters in the area may contact them. An email is sent out to all the Rescue coordinators and we begin our effort to try and rescue the dog.

Rescue dog, Millie, at Christmas. What is the mission of ATR? We were formed to assist in the safety and well being of any Australian Terrier in need, regardless of where the Aussie comes from. Some rescues come from shelters or other endangered situations and sometimes we have placements from homes relinquishing their Aussie. We offer whatever assistance is needed on an immediate basis.
Our goals are to provide emergency, regular, or long-term assistance for both the Aussie and adoptive home, evaluate, restore and rehabilitate the physical and behavioral health of the Aussie, transport, foster, and properly place the rescued dog in an appropriate, loving home that will ensure the best possible future for the dog.
Rescue has changed their practice in that we will not buy dogs. This means that if a puppy auction is trying to sell Aussies, we must walk away. Our belief is if we buy their dogs, we only encourage them to continue.
Do you have busier times for rescue and quieter times? What would you attribute that to? Currently we are busy. The economic times have taken their toll on pet owners and we see people relinquishing their pets that are sick and in need of medical attention or costly medications. We also see people losing their homes and are unable to take their dogs with them so they are relinquishing them.

Rescue dog Jamey What behavioral issues are the biggest reasons you see for people relinquishing their Aussies? No question about it, it is dog aggression. Rescue will not take the responsibility for a dog that is known to bite people. This is too large of a liability for our organization. However, we do see dog aggression and we do take those dogs.
Housebreaking also seems to be a large issue but sadly many people who can't housebreak their dogs just leave them outside full time.
Is there anything a responsible breeder can do to help with the amount of surrenders? The ATCA code of ethics requires breeders to take their own dogs back if a problem should arise during the life of the dog. Frequently that doesn't happen because even though it may be written into the contract, the owners will still contact a shelter or rescue. My advice to breeders is this: 1. Try not to intimidate your puppy or dog buyer. 2. Frequently the dog owner feels ashamed and an open line of communication with your dog owners goes a long way in helping them work through their problems and may possibly save the dog from being relinquished to a shelter or rescue. 3. Emphasize with your owners that it is okay to contact you if an issue arises and it is also okay for an issue to arise. An issue doesn't mean they are doing something wrong. Let them know that. 4. Be really upfront that cute puppy behavior if not nipped in the bud can be really problematic as an adult. Growling, snapping, jumping up in your face and excessive barking are a few behaviors that should be firmly addressed as a puppy. 5. The Aussie is not always the right dog for all people. Check out life styles and be up front about what is good and what is bad about the Aussie.

Rescue Katie Do you have a Rescue story that stands out for you? I think Marjorie Morningstar, an Aussie thrown out of a moving car in front of the shelter. After we received her we learned that she was filled with cancer. Although Sally's life has a happy ending in that she lived as a cherished dog for the remainder her of her short life, the story has always been a heartbreaker for me.
What help does Rescue need? We can use good foster homes. It is a wonderful and rewarding experience to foster a dog. It is so rewarding and wonderful to see a dog that has been abused come alive with trust.
We can always use donations. Even if our financials look good, it only takes another "Asheville" rescue of 69 Aussies to wipe it all out. Currently we are in good financial shape thanks to the kindness of so many and that includes international donations as well. We are very grateful. If you find yourself with the ability to donate, please do. Again we are a 501(c)3 and donations are completely tax deductible.
If you have recently lost your Aussie and want to set up a memorial page for $50.00 we will feature a picture of your dog and honor him or her with your words.
What has Rescue meant to your life, personally? It is an emotional roller coaster. There is the happiness of the initial rescue and saving the dog's life. Then there is the sadness of letting the dog go. Finally there is the joy you see when you see the dog happy in his new forever home. The new owners are so happy and the dog is so happy. It is so satisfying to know you have done something really good. I have so many great memories.
How would you like to be remembered? I would like people to remember that I always did my best. For me, in my heart, I am happy knowing I was able to save so many Aussies and I was able to make so many people happy.

Rescue Sadie now living the good life in California.
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Rescue - Asheville 69, in 2007 Written by Darlene Evans reprinted with permission
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Maude one of the Asheville 69.
In January 2007, Rescue was contacted about a potential seizure of some 56 Aussies that were living in horrible conditions. Both Susan Saulvester and Darlene Evans contacted Sergeant Hill as well as the Humane Society in Asheville, NC.
We were advised that a seizure warrant was issued and the dogs were to be seized in the next couple of days. Some of these dogs were living in 5 gallon paint pails. Some of the dogs were left outside in extremely cold weather. The filth was deplorable.
Some of the dogs went to a shelter, some of the dogs went to a private kennel, Bed and Biscuit Boarding Kennel. There were 3 females that were about to have their puppies and did so. One produced 6, one produced 5 and the last one had 3 but one died. That now took us up to 69 Aussies. The owner of the dogs, Sue Cole was charged with a felony charge as well as several misdemeanor charges. After several weeks, the dogs were surrendered to the county who in turned released a portion to Rescue and the balance being placed by the county following the advise of rescue. There was so much publicity in their local paper, that the adopters had to endure several interviews to determine if the Aussie was the right dog for them.
Susan Saulvester and Cindy Kromer worked many hours and went there to supervise some of the adoptions.
To those that have contributed funds, THANK YOU -- THANK YOU. Without you, we would not be able to step in and assist with these type of rescues.
If you breed, you need to be aware of where your animals go. Since this rescue, we have been contacted by a puppymill who is trying to place their old ones. You would be surprised as to who is in the pedigrees. Not only are we charged with the standard of the breed, but we are also charged with the well-being of the Aussie. The Aussie depends on us to keep him safe and well fed.

Rachel one of the Asheville 69. |
Do Dogs Grieve?
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In a prior issue we spoke about "Sheila" an Aussie that had saved the life of her owner, Bill Straight (USA). After "Sheila" directed the rescuers to where her dying owner was, he was taken to the hospital. According to Marjie Straight, Bill's wife, "Sheila" got depressed and completely stopped eating. The suggestions was made that she needed to see that Bill was okay, in the hospital. It wasn't until she was allowed to see Bill, in the hospital, that she began to eat again. Do dog's grieve? Do they worry when a loved one is gone and doesn't return? We often hear that Aussies are very adaptable. Perhaps this is why they do so well when they are re-homed. According to Venice Kichura, "The degree of sadness is linked to the personality of the dog, as well as the breed. It's also affected by the amount of serotonin as dogs with lower serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked with mood enhancement) are likely to suffer depression somewhat more than alpha dogs." 
Listed are some of the classic signs of grief. Lack of appetite and weight loss. Depression. Not interested in toys or play as before. Not interested in walks. Going from room to room looking for the absent person or animal. Crying, whining or howling. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted a Companion Animal Mourning Project in 1996. The study found that 36 percent of dogs ate less than usual after the death of another canine companion. About 11 percent actually stopped eating completely. About 63 percent of dogs vocalized more than normal or became more quiet. Study respondents indicated that surviving dogs changed the quantity and location of sleep. More than half the surviving pets became more affectionate and clingy with their caregivers. Overall, the study revealed that 66 percent of dogs exhibited four or more behavioral changes after losing a pet companion. Reported in an article at Petplace.com. One of the best interview's on this subject was done with Michael Fox DVM. (ATI interviewed Dr. Fox, live, on diet in 2010. His interview can be found as a podcast on our website.) To read this excellent article on Dog Grief and his interview, click here. To learn more about helping your grieving dog heal, read Venice Kichura's article. click here. "Of all the animals, surely the dog is the only one that really shares our life, helps in our work, and has a place in our recreation. It is the only one that becomes so fond of us that sometimes it cannot go on living after its master dies." Ferdinand Mercy
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US Dogs Receiving The Most Group 1's By Janet Maas
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BISS Ch.Crestwood's Contender " Cody"

These Statistic's are courtesy of Janet Maas. If you believe something is inaccurate please feel fee to contact her at: Janet@akibaaussies.com. Current through November 1, 2010.
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Junior Handlers |
ATI Congratulates Christina and Delilah.
 "Delilah" UKC RBIMBS GRCH Johmanda's Delilah Ku'A and Junior Handler, Christina Worley with Judge, David Zeno. 1st place Best Junior Handler in Brooksville, Florida. |
Fully Vetted PetMd's Blog Xylitol is killing our dogs! |
This may save your dog's life.
Read the entire article by Patty Khuly VMD, MBA by clicking above.
Yes, xylitol is still killing dogs ... more dogs than ever before. This, despite my efforts and those of like-minded big mouths who seek to inform all U.S. consumers that xylitol is a menace to dogdom.
How menacing? A few sugar-free breath fresheners, a pack of gum, a spilled tin of mints, a sugar-free dessert cup. It takes only a little of this toxin to send a dog into hypoglycemia-induced seizures, and just a little bit more to bring on liver failure.
And what's worse is not so much its extreme toxicity ... but its insidiousness.
Let me explain:
Xylitol is a great product. It's a natural extract from the birch tree, and it takes only a little bit of this stuff to sweeten a whole lot. It's therefore less expensive than other sugar substitutes. And it happens to taste better than most of them. Diabetics everywhere can rejoice! The tooth fairy, too.
All of which is why consumer product manufacturers have been slowly and quietly replacing other sweeteners with xylitol ... in everything, not just products that are labeled sugar-free.
And that's the trouble. When I first started writing about xylitol three or four years ago the number of consumer products containing xylitol numbered less than a hundred in the U.S. Moreover, they were largely restricted to the arena of sugar-free gums and foods. Fast-forward to today and the list is way longer and much more diverse. You can find xylitol in everything from Flintstones vitamins to commonly prescribed drugs.
These latter products pose more of a problem for dog owners and veterinarians for a variety of reasons.
These products never used to contain xylitol. In fact, I used to recommend Flintstones vitamins for my patients. Now I have to caution my clients to stick to pet-only brands and to be very diligent about reading labels. But it took months before I became aware of the change in this brand's ingredients. (So you know, xylitol is included in only a few of the Flintstones formulations, not all.)
What's worse - and even more stressful for veterinarians - is that it's not just common consumer products anymore that we have to watch for. The human versions of drugs, especially the children's elixirs, are now being formulated with xylitol for greater pediatric palatability. Unfortunately, the lower doses in the kids' meds are exactly what some of our smaller animal patients require.
Got a little dog who needs hycodan syrup for a cough, or the bronchodilator theophylline for breathing? Even if you've been getting a drug for months or years as an elixir from the same exact pharmacy, beware. Preparations of these drugs may soon change to reflect the widening market for xylitol as a sweetener.
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Chef's Corner With Cheryl Mechalke
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A Belated Happy Valentines Day where everyday is filled with love for our ATI Aussies!

Photo Courtesy Of Cheryl Mechalke
Doggie Biscuits I
By: Dani
"These are our dog's favorite treats! If your dog has a corn allergy, you can substitute additional flour or oats for the cornmeal. Bone appetit!"
Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes Ready In: 1 hour and 15 minutes Original recipe yields 36 treats depending on the size. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour -180 g 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 60 g 1/2 cup cornmeal - 60 g 1/2 cup rolled oats - 40 g 1 1/2 cups water, or as needed - 355 ml 1/2 cup canola oil - 120 ml 2 eggs 3 tablespoons peanut butter - 50 g 2 tablespoons vanilla extract - 30 ml Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. 2. Mix together whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, cornmeal and oats. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in water, oil, eggs, peanut butter and vanilla. Mix well. 3. On a flat surface use a rolling pin to roll out the dough. Cut the dough into dog biscuit shapes using a cookie cutter. Place the biscuits onto the prepared cookie sheet. 4. Bake the cookies for 20 minutes. After the biscuits have cooked 20 minutes turn the oven off but let the biscuits remain inside the oven for another 20 minutes to harden. Copyrighted to Allrecipes.comhttp://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Doggie-Biscuits-I/Detail.aspx
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Let's Talk About It Atypical Cushings-Early Spay and Neuter
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Let's Talk About It, is a column for interesting ideas and other possible ways of looking at things. ATI does not endorse the ideas but rather presents ideas that are interesting to think about and discuss. We hope you find the thoughts stimulating.
Dr. Becker is the resident proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian of HealthyPets.Mercola.com. You can learn holistic ways of preventing illness in your pets by subscribing to MercolaHealthyPets.com, an online resource for animal lovers. For more pet care tips, subscribe for FREE to Mercola Healthy Pet Newsletter.
Read and reprint the article here.
In parts one and two of this series, I discussed the fact that there are two types of Cushing's disease, typical and atypical. Typical Cushing's occurs when the middle layer of the adrenal gland over secretes cortisol. Atypical Cushing's disease involves the outer and innermost layers of the adrenals and occurs when other types of hormones are over produced. The outside layer over secretes aldosterone, the hormone that regulates electrolytes. More commonly, the inside layer of the gland over secretes sex hormones - estrogen, progesterone and testosterone precursors. Although we don't know why animals develop atypical Cushing's disease, we do have suspicions about what predisposes pets to suffer this particular syndrome.
Early Surgical Sterilization Plays a Role
In my professional opinion, early spaying and neutering of companion animals certainly plays a role in up-regulation of sex hormone production by the adrenal glands. When a dog is spayed or neutered before puberty, which is generally around six months of age, her endocrine, glandular and hormonal systems have not fully developed. Removal of the ovaries and testicles, and therefore all the sex hormones they produce, can become a significant problem later in life, because their bodies require a certain level of circulating sex hormones for normal biologic functioning. Without the gonads (the ovaries and testicles), the adrenal glands are called upon to produce sex hormones because they are the only other source for them in the body. Over time, the adrenal glands begin to over secrete sex hormones to keep up with the body's demand. Not all veterinarians will agree this is what's happening inside your pet's body, and many vets don't even believe in treating atypical Cushing's syndrome. At Natural Pet Animal Hospital, we treat a lot of patients with atypical Cushing's because there are many symptoms that crop up from hormone imbalances that affect an animal's health, comfort and quality of life. Re-balancing a pet's hormonal milieu results in not only physiologic improvement, but improvements in mental and emotional status as well. In my opinion, it is simple common sense to assume that when critical organs like ovaries and testicles are surgically removed, there will be consequences. I believe atypical Cushing's is a consequence of early sterilization for many animals.
Xenoestrogens and Other Estrogen Mimics
The second factor that can upset hormone regulation in your pet's body is a substance called a xenoestrogen. Xenoestrogens are chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Because hormone disruption is a central feature of Cushing's disease, any substance that affects the body's hormonal balance must be evaluated. Xenoestrogens are in fertilizers, pesticides, soil, non-organic meats, and plastics - including perhaps your pet's food or water bowl. Your pet is exposed to as many external sources of estrogen mimics as you are. This exposure can negatively influence adrenal gland production of estrogens as well as your pet's endocrine balance. If your pet has been diagnosed with atypical Cushing's, you should give some thought to his potential avenues of exposure to external estrogen-like compounds.
Natural Treatments for Atypical Cushing's Disease
Dr. Jack Oliver, an endocrinologist at the University of Tennessee and an expert on atypical Cushing's, suggests certain natural therapies to reduce the amount of circulating hormones in an animal's body. The first weapon in his arsenal is melatonin, which is non-toxic, inexpensive, without side effects, and has shown to be effective in the early stages of the syndrome. Melatonin aids in the reduction of both estrogen and cortisol levels in the bloodstream. In the case of pets with elevated estrogen levels, Dr. Oliver also recommends high lignan flax hulls, not to be confused with flax seed oil which doesn't contain enough lignans. Lignans are phytoestrogenic, and they appear to send feedback to the adrenal glands to stop over producing estrogen. Dr. Oliver's methods have been shown to be quite effective in helping to manage, but not cure, atypical Cushing's in canine patients. Holistically-oriented and integrative veterinarians use a wide range of glandular and homeopathic remedies, nutraceuticals, and Chinese herbs to help manage their atypical Cushing's patients. The disease has no cure, so one of the best things you can do for your pet is to find an integrative or holistic veterinarian who is well-versed in a variety of therapies known to have a positive affect on the syndrome.
Identifying the Disease Early
Keep in mind that your pet is never perfectly healthy one day and with a full-blown disease the next. Illness doesn't happen that quickly. The only way your dog or cat is fine one day and desperately clinging to life the next is if she's quite literally hit by a truck. Acute trauma is the only thing that turns a healthy pet into an unhealthy one overnight. Disease is a process. It exists on a spectrum, and your pet is either headed toward health or away from it. In the case of Cushing's pets, they are either moving toward immunologic and endocrine balance or away from it. One of my greatest frustrations with traditional veterinary medicine is that everything is seen in black and white, with no grays. If your vet is reactive rather than proactive, you will very likely be told your pet is fine despite a litany of small changes and symptoms you've noticed and brought to his or her attention. In the view of traditional veterinary medicine, your pet is 'healthy' until he's very much not. Allopathic vets tend not to address items in the gray zone - the often slow progression of signs and symptoms that signal a disease in process. They tend instead to wait until your pet's condition has moved very clearly from the white zone of health to the black zone of disease. It's terribly unfortunate, because there's enormous opportunity within the gray zone to slow down the march toward disease, and depending on the illness, to turn it around altogether. If you believe your pet's health is changing and you're concerned that she might be acquiring Cushing's disease, ask your vet to check for it. The only way to effectively treat Cushing's symptoms is to identify the syndrome early. The only way to get an early diagnosis is to work with a proactive vet who will do the tests I discussed earlier in this video series. It is an easy matter to monitor bloodwork from one draw to the next to determine trends, changes, and warning signs of an endocrine system disorder in the making. This is what your vet should partner with you to accomplish for the health of your pet. Most diseases exist in the gray zone for long periods of time. If your pet is in that zone - neither vibrantly healthy nor wracked with disease - now is the perfect time to identify how to halt or slow progression toward the black zone. I recommend you work with your vet to identify every biochemical change in your pet's blood work that could be signaling an abnormality. Then dig as deep as necessary to confirm a diagnosis and put a treatment plan into action.
Preventing Cushing's
There are some common sense steps you can take to reduce your pet's risk of developing Cushing's disease, including: · Eliminate carbohydrates - corn, wheat and rice. Carbs trigger insulin release. Insulin triggers cortisol release. · Investigate adrenal-supportive natural substances like magnolia, ashwagandha, phosphatidyl serine. · Feed a moisture rich, low stress, species-appropriate diet to reduce biologic stress. · Exercise your pet. Regular exercise helps combat stress and promotes endorphin release, your pet's "feel good" hormones.
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US Stats and Westminster Results
(for more current and up to date information please go to our website.)
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For Shows through January 26, 2011
Top Ten Breed
1 GCH CH Black Back Firefly (Dog) "RINGO" 53
2 GCH CH Kambara's Zebulon (Dog) "ZEB" 29
3 CH Ryba's Nothing But Blue Skies (Dog) "INDY 27
4 CH Dunham Lake Scout Master (Dog) "SCOUT" 15
5 GCH CH Merrigangs Wild N Crazy Guy OA NAJ JE (Dog) "REGGIE" 11
6 GCH CH Benayr Just For Kicks (Dog) "BECKHAM" 9
7 CH Jaskarin Commendatore Ferrari (Dog) 7
8 CH Benayr Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo (Bitch) "MAGIC" 4
8 GCH CH Harringtons Crimsonrose Figaro (Bitch) "ROSIE" 4
Top Ten All Breed
1 GCH CH Kambara's Zebulon (Dog) "ZEB" 1,727
2 GCH CH Abq San Isidro Christhill "IZZY" 163
3 GCH CH Black Back Firefly (Dog) "RINGO" 53
4 GCH CH Merrigangs Wild N Crazy Guy OA NAJ JE (Dog) "REGGIE" 48
5 CH Ryba's Nothing But Blue Skies (Dog) "INDY" 27
6 CH Dunham Lake Scout Master (Dog) "SCOUT" 15
7 GCH CH Benayr Just For Kicks (Dog) "BECKHAM" 9
8 CH Jaskarin Commendatore Ferrari (Dog) 7
9 CH Benayr Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo (Bitch) "MAGIC" 4
10 GCH CH Harringtons Crimsonrose Figaro (Bitch) "ROSIE" 4
Westminster Results
Congratulations to GCH Kambara's Zebulon "Zeb" for his Westminster BOB win.
Congrats to owners Anne and Craig Mitchell and his handler Kellie Dahlberg.
Congratulations to Merrigangs Wild N Crazy Guy OA NAJ JE for his AOM.
Congrats to owner and handler Heather Rife DVM.
AUSTRALIAN TERRIER Judge: Mr. Ken McDermott Day: February 15, 2011 Time: 10:00 Ring: 1
Six dogs were entered and 2 were absent. CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO
9 GCH Kambara's Zebulon Breed: Australian Terrier Sex: Dog AKC: RN 16153901 Date of Birth: April 05, 2008 Breeder: Anne Mitchell & Craig Mitchell Sire: Ch Akiba's Sixty Minute Man Dam: Ch Temora's Flight To Kambara CD RE Owner: Anne Mitchell & Craig Mitchell
6 Ch Merrigangs Wild N Crazy Guy JE OA Breed: Australian Terrier Sex: Dog AKC: RN 14486005 Date of Birth: June 23, 2007 Breeder: Susan K Holsinger & Heather Rife DVM Sire: Ch Wismiss AKA Inu Figaro Dam: Ch Redwing Its All About Me TD AX Owner: Heather M Rife DVM
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We hope you all have enjoyed seeing the beautiful dogs of Finland.
I wanted to share a lovely quote that reminds me of our ATI friendships.
"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation."
Sincerely,
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