December 2021
Happy Holidays!
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Raggedy Ramblings
REMINDER:
Please continue sending in photos of your OES, and articles or stories.
Be safe out there and stay healthy!
The RagRam is emailed out at the beginning of each month (or a little earlier).
All questions, feedback, and contributions may be emailed to fluffyherders@gmail.com
Contributions to the Newsletter must be received anytime before the 25th of each month.
To ADVERTISE here, rates are $20 for a month.
Cover Photo Credit - Big Mary and Monkey, loved by Anne Robinson
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Members,
The world around us has hunkered down for a long Winter’s sleep which means the Holiday Season has arrived. And while COVID is still a major player in our lives, we’re learning to modify and change some of our habits so that we can safely gather - and - safely do the things we love. I love the people my OES have brought into my life over the years from the casual passer-by to the cherished friendships.
One of the cherished things in our Club has been our RagRam Newsletter. I read the newsletters from several other Clubs - and can honestly say ours has been and continues to be stellar! It’s because we’ve had some outstanding editors who have spent time researching about health, training, grooming, supplies, and history.
YOU play a very important role toward helping our editor continue to create a stellar RagRam each month by sending in photos of fun things your OES has done recently - or - sending a comment about a webinar you watched after learning about it in the RagRam. Did you take your OES shopping? Did you meet up with other OES owners at a nearby SniffSpot? Or did you take a class with your OES because you read about it in the RagRam? Email your comments or thoughts to the editor!
In closing, I hope to see many of you at our Holiday gathering on 5 Dec. And I'm sending prayers to several of our members who are themselves - (or a loved one) dealing with major illnesses.
Stay safe and be healthy. Enjoy the RagRam!
Barbara Lierson
President
OESCGS Board
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Getting ready for the holiday season!
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HOLIDAY PARTY TIME!
Join us on Sunday December 5 2021 at
Mama Stortini's Restaurant and Bar
1911 S320th St
Federal Way, WA 98003
Arrive at 3 pm.
Bring a fun ornament to exchange!
No pups this time, just people.
Please email fluffyherders@gmail.com to RSVP, or just come.
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CALENDAR 2022!
We've sold more than half of the calendars already.
If you'd like yours, please email fluffyherders@gmail.com SOON.
Calendars are $12 each if picked up, $16 each if mailed.
Checks can be mailed to the Treasurer or you can use PayPal (account name SeattleOES@aol.com)
If you've bought some, thank you for supporting the club.
If you haven't yet, there's still time!
These make GREAT GIFTS.
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2021 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL
December 18 & 19, 2021
ALL THE BEST TO THOSE ATTENDING.
We'll be cheering for you!
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Our Club has a NEW FACEBOOK GROUP called
Old English Sheepdogs of Greater Seattle.
Join us to keep up to date with news and to socialize with other members!
Also Check out our beautifully revamped website: SeattleOES.org
Thanks, Marcia!
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10 Potential Holiday Dangers for Your Dog
Ashley Papa
Updated: Nov. 15, 2021
Borrowed from Family Handyman
The holidays bring good cheer, which we all need, but they can also present some dangerous situations for your dog.
Keep Your Dog Merry During the Holidays
The holidays are upon us, which means decorating the home, indulging in delicious food and possibly spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately, all these activities pose potential hazards for your dog. Along with winter dangers, pet parents should pay special attention to these holiday dangers.
Toxic Holiday Plants
Holiday plants like poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are pretty at Christmas, but dangerous if a dog consumes them, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, a licensed veterinarian and medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary. “The chemicals found in the leaves and berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea and breathing difficulties even if just a small amount is consumed,” she says.
The spiny leaves on holly can cause gastrointestinal irritation, like abdominal pain and excessive drooling. Richardson says to call your vet immediately if your dog has consumed any toxic plant.
Wrapping Supplies
Gift wrap, ribbons, bows and confetti look like fun for a dog to play with, but are dangerous if ingested. They can easily bunch in the stomach or wrap around the intestines, causing serious and potentially fatal harm to your pet.
“Don’t let your pet play with these items and put away any gift-wrapping materials right after you finish wrapping,” says Richardson. “Seek immediate veterinary attention if you think your pet may have swallowed something.”
Sweet Treats
Indulgent holiday treats can be life-threatening to dogs if consumed. Chocolate contains methylxanthines such as caffeine and theobromine, which dogs are particularly sensitive to, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, a licensed veterinarian and certified veterinary acupuncturist. “Signs of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rates, increased temperature, muscle rigidity and even seizures, cardiac failure and coma,” she says.
Candy and baked goods with artificial sweetener xylitol can also be toxic to dogs.
Richardson adds, “Certain candies and cookies might contain nuts, many of which are also harmful for dogs. Watch for baked goods that contain grapes or raisins as even just a couple can lead to kidney failure in dogs.”
Make sure to keep all sweet treats up high where dogs can’t get them. Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has consumed any of these items.
Christmas Tree
Christmas trees are beautiful to look at but pose risks to your dog. Whether it’s real or fake, make sure your tree is properly secured so it doesn’t fall and hurt your pet. Don’t let your pet drink from the tree stand water basin and don’t add anything to the water, in case you’re out of the room when you dog decides to take a sip. Also, stagnant water can cause bacteria to grow and cause serious stomach upsets for dogs if consumed.
“Sweep or vacuum up the needles regularly, as they can be harmful if eaten,” Richardson advises. “They can also get stuck between your pet’s paw pads and cause irritation or pain.”
Meat, Bones and Gravy Left in the Trash
Trash filled with meat and bones is a dog’s dream. And while they may enjoy chewing a big bone, cooked meat bones can splinter and cause blockage or lacerations in the gastrointestinal tract, necessitating a surgical emergency. “Even just small amounts of fatty meat can cause pancreatitis, a potentially fatal disease,” says Richardson.
Gravy is also toxic to dogs. It typically contains lots of salt, and may contain onion and garlic that are poisonous to dogs. Keep the trash away from your dog and alert your vet if you suspect your dog consumed any of these items.
Ornaments
Glass ornaments can break and cut your dog’s paws or face. If ingested, they can also cause internal lacerations. Make sure ornaments are hung where your pet cannot reach them.
Barrack adds that snow globes and lights contain poisonous chemicals such as ethylene glycol — the same found in anti-freeze. If a dog ingests it, they appear drunk and experience acute kidney failure. They must be brought to the veterinarian immediately to be treated with an antidote.
Electrical Cords and String Lights
During the holidays, electrical cords and string lights are everywhere. That puts dogs at risk for electrical shocks, seizures and burns, if chewed. And dogs risk strangulation if they get themselves wrapped up in those cords or light strings.
Take care to make your holiday lights as pet-proof as possible, says Richardson. “Always supervise your pet when they’re in a decorated room,” she says. “Tape down and secure wires and always turn off lights and unplug cords when leaving the house.” Contact your vet immediately if your dog gnaws on any wires.
Fireworks
It’s well-known that fireworks scare dogs, but there’s no avoiding the loud cracks and booms on New Year’s. Fireworks are painful for a dog’s ears and can cause anxiety. Make sure your dog is secured in a safe space before the New Year countdown begins.
“If your dog is particularly prone to anxiety, talk to your vet about calming aids, such as pheromone collars, anxiety-relieving shirts such as the Thundershirt, or anti-anxiety medication,” says Richardson.
Hanukkah Menorah
Hanukkah is the festival of lights and lighting candles is one of the few popular Hanukkah traditions, but make sure your pet cannot come into contact with a lit Hanukkah menorah with real candles. Keep candles up high where a dog can’t reach or knock them down. Dog burns should be treated immediately with immersion in cold water. Obtain veterinary care quickly. (This warning goes for all lit candles, of course.)
Learn more about the menorah and other interesting Hanukkah facts.
Holiday Visitors
Chances are your dog probably isn’t used to people coming in and out of your home, especially this year. If a guest leaves the front door open, your dog can inadvertently sneak out and get lost.
“Make sure your dog has a safe quiet place to relax,” says Barrack. If your dog gets stressed out in a busy or loud house, consult with your veterinarian about possible medications to help your pet relax while you host the holidays.
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Spaying and neutering your dog: Options and alternatives
Plus: Help Good Dog with our research collaboration!
By Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, PhD, Dr. Judi Stella, PhD, and Dr. Nate Ritter, DVM
Borrowed from Good Dog's Website
Recent research has drawn attention to the fact that the standard practice of early spay/neuter (6 months of age or younger) for our dogs may come with increased risk of orthopedic problems and some cancers. These risks may be associated with the hormonal changes that occur when the gonads (reproductive organs) are removed. The estrogen and testosterone produced by the gonads influence multiple organ systems and bodily functions. Some dog owners choose to not spay or neuter their dogs for these or other reasons.
For owners who want the benefits of spay/neuter, but would also like to retain some of the potentially beneficial hormonal influences of the gonads, there are alternatives.
One option is to spay or neuter your dog at a later age. We’ve covered the effects of early spay/neuter and delaying the procedure in our article on rethinking early spay/neuter, as well as in a webinar featuring Dr. Chris Zink and Dr. James Serpell.
Another option is a gonad-sparing surgical procedure that maintains the production of hormones while preventing reproduction. Procedures available for female dogs include an ovary-sparing spay (OSS) or a tubal ligation; for male dogs the gonad-sparing surgery is called a vasectomy. Let’s take a closer look at the procedures, what they mean, and some of the pros and cons of each.
Female dogs
A traditional spay surgery (ovariohysterectomy) involves the removal of the ovaries and the uterus. In a similar procedure, an ovariectomy, only the ovaries are removed. In either case, there are no gonadal hormones retained. The dog will not have a heat cycle and will be infertile. She will not be at risk of pyometra, even when the uterus is retained, as it is the hormonal influence of the ovaries (progesterone) that increases the risk of pyometra. However, the effects of estrogen are also removed during a spay or ovariectomy.
In an ovary-sparing spay (also called an OSS, or an ovary-sparing hysterectomy), the uterus and cervix are removed. One or both ovaries are retained. Although a dog with an OSS cannot get pregnant, she will still have a heat cycle and some of the associated behaviors. Intact male dogs may be interested in her even though she is not fertile. Dogs with an OSS cannot get pyometra (infection of the uterus) because the uterus has been removed while the effects of estrogen are retained.
Tubal ligations are rarely performed, although some veterinarians do offer this service. The oviducts are tied off so that the ovaries cannot release eggs into the uterus so the hormones are maintained but the dog cannot reproduce.. Although a dog with a tubal ligation cannot get pregnant, she will still have a heat cycle and some of the associated behaviors. Because the ovaries and uterus are retained, there is still a risk that the dog will develop pyometra.
Male dogs
The most common surgical procedure performed on male dogs is a neuter, or castration. The testicles, and their hormonal influences, are completely removed. Neutered/castrated dogs cannot reproduce.
Dogs who instead have a vasectomy will be infertile, although they may produce some sperm for up to two months after the procedure. The surgery entails cutting or sealing the vas deferens, which is a tube that carries sperm from the testes to the urethra. When the vas deferens is sealed, the sperm cannot be ejaculated. The testicles and the systemic effects of testosterone are maintained, and a vasectomized dog will show “intact male” behavior such as mounting or urine marking.
What’s right for your dog?
We recommend working with your veterinarian, and talking to others who have made similar decisions for their dogs. The Parsemus Foundation provides a list of veterinarians who perform ovary sparing spays and vasectomies. Because these alternatives to traditional spay and neuter are not routinely covered during veterinary training, you may have to travel to get them performed on your dog.
Good Dog Research: Help us better understand the effects of these procedures!
To better understand the potential benefits or risks of these alternative surgical procedures, as well as how they compare to traditional spay/neuter or keeping your dog intact, Good Dog is working with Dr. Chris Zink to conduct a survey-based study of dog owners, answering questions about your dog’s reproductive status, health, and behavior. You can fill out the survey for multiple dogs, including dogs who have passed away, and the survey takes about 5 minutes per dog. Because we are looking to compare dogs of different reproductive statuses, ANYONE can fill out the survey!
Click here to participate!
For an easy way to distribute this information, we created the below infographic that lets dog owners know how they can participate in the survey. Please download and print this infographic to share with your communities. We would love to get the word out to as many dog owners as possible and encourage them to participate!
Resources
Parsemus Foundation
Pet MD: Vasectomy instead of neuter? (for your dog)
Adams, V. J. (2020). Reproduction in dogs part 1: surgical and non-surgical de-sexing options. Companion Animal, 25(7), 1-9.
Kutzler, M. A. (2020). Gonad-sparing surgical sterilization in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 342.
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Shows and Events
Upcoming AKC Shows:
+ Kennel Club of Palm Springs, Indio CA. January 7-9,2022. Superintendent: Bradshaw. Closes 12/15
+ Seattle KC/Gig Harbor KC/Puyallup Valley Cluster, Puyallup, WA. January 15-17, 2022. Superintendent: BaRay. Closes 12/29
+ Greater Portland OES Club Specialties, Portland, OR. January 19, 2022. Show Secretary: Carolyn Ritacco. See GPOES' Facebook page for details.
+ Tualatin KC/DFA of Oregon, Portland, OR. January 20-23, 2022. Superintendent: Onofrio.
+ Westminster KC, New York, NY. Week of January 24, 2022.
UKC Shows
+ NWSWS Show, Ridgefield WA. Thu, Dec 30, 21 – Sun Jan 2, 2022. Go to UKC to register before Dec 11 2021.
For other Performance Events, check out UKC's website/calendar
IABCA Shows
+ 2022 Peace Arch Sieger, Lynden WA. January 8-9 2022. For more information, check out the Premium. Closing date: Dec 31, 2021.
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Where Do I find a Well-bred OES puppy?
Check out our new Breeder Referral Page on SeattleOES.org.
Did you know that our club's website has a Breeder Referral Page? So does our National Club -- OESCA.
Feel free to share these pages with those who are seeking puppies that are well-breed by careful, responsible, preservation breeders.
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Membership was Due July 1
It's that time of the year. You should receive an email from the Treasurer soon regarding payment of membership dues. The are payable by the first day of July each year. (By-Laws Article II Section 1)
Membership Dues
Single $25.00 – 1 address, 1 person, 1 vote
Household $30.00 – 1 address, 2 household members, 1 vote for each adult
Junior $15.00 – 1 address, 1 person, 12-16 years, Non-voting
Please Make checks payable to OESCGS.
Mail to:
Nancy McGrath
OESCGS Treasurer
5733 147 th ST SE
Everett, WA 98208
Payments may also be made through PayPal with the addition of $1.10 for the PayPal fee: The account name is Seattleoes@aol.com.
Please email Nancy at OESCGS@gmail.com after making the PayPal payment.
IMPORTANT:
- If you joined the club between February 1st and June 30th of 2021, you do not need to pay.
- If dues have not been paid within 90 days of July 1st (which is October 1st ), your membership will be considered lapsed,
and you will need to reapply to the club.
Thank you for your continued support of the Old English Sheepdog Club of Greater Seattle. Our dues support our varied club activities which are published in the Raggedy Ramblings.
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OESCGS Membership Information
Please email Anne at OESCGSmembership@gmail.com for information on Membership
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Dog-related Podcasts
that you may enjoy
Download them on your smartphone, or click the links below.
- Good Dog Pod
- Pure Dog Talk
- The Functional Dog Collaborative Podcast
If you have any other recommendations for dog-related podcasts or blogs, please email fluffyherders@gmail.com
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OESCGS Board Meetings
Board Meetings are held on Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of every month.
We meet at 7 pm for one hour.
If you'd like to attend, look out for an email two weeks before the meeting. The Zoom link and the previous minutes will be in that email.
Keep and eye out.
Drop in and say hi. Give us your ideas for improvement or activities.
The next board meeting is on Tuesday January 25, 2022 at 7 pm PST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8839010802?pwd=SzJEd2FSMGh5b0FhTno4OHJweVJFQT09
Meeting ID: 883 901 0802
Passcode: OESCGS
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,8839010802# US (Tacoma)
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 883 901 0802
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kepHaYwmHr
MINUTES of the Last Meeting are HERE.
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