Research in the Role of Dogs- A study to learn the outcomes of living with service dogs

Paws with a cause

Of course as someone who has done research before, I am always eager to promote another researcher's project. But this research study has a deeper significance for me. I have a sister-in-law who uses a beautiful yellow lab named Mia, as a service dog. She use to raise them as well for Paws with a Cause. In fact, we once thought of getting a service dog for our son, who has Down syndrome, but discovered he did very well with a pet. Service dogs encourage independence for people with disabilities. They are an essential means of moving about and accessing the world. I hope that you will participate in this research study if you have a service dog or know of someone who does. 

Request for participation follows:

The research group at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis needs help from service/pet dog partners and their family members.

I am Mariko Yamamoto, working at University of California Davis, USA, as a postdoctoral fellow from Japan. I would like to let you know our research: "Role of dogs".

This study is to learn the outcomes of living with service dogs or pet dogs for their partners/owners and their family members.

We will compare the answers from service dog partners with the the answers from pet dog owners and non-dog owners.

Influences of service dogs and pet dogs for people living with disabilities and their family members, as compared with those who have no dog.

We would appreciate it if you could join and/or inform your friends about this web-based study. 

Who can participate? (You have to be 18+ years of age)

• People who have disabilities other than visual or hearing disabilities
• Both service/pet dog owners and non-dog owners.
• Family members of service dog partners.

How to participate?

You can answer the survey from the following URL:

• For people with disabilities (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RQYZNHC)
• For caregivers of service dog partners (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RMQJ6PV)

The survey is voluntary and anonymous, and has been approved by the University of California Davis’ Institutional Review Board (IRB).

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mariko Yamamoto Ph.D (maryamamoto@ucdavis.edu)

The results of this research will be shared with the countries such as Japan where there are a few service dogs, to understand the broad benefits of service dogs for people with various disabilities and their families.

Thank you very much for your time,

Mariko

+++++ +++++++++++++++++++++

Mariko Yamamoto, Ph.D.,

University of California Davis

School of Veterinary Medicine

Population Health and Reproduction

TEL: 530-400-0770

Email: mariko_yamamoto@hotmail.co.jp

maryamamoto@ucdavis.edu

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale firmly opposes Dog Cruelty

This video showing a trainer mistreating his German Shepard in preparation for the World Championships for Utility Dog is disturbing to say the very least. 

It appears as a result of its posting on its Facebook page, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has posted the following statement in many languages:

FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale firmly opposes Dog Cruelty

In the light of a serious incident that took place in Zalaegerszeg (Hungary) during the training session on the occasion of the 2012 FCI World Championships for Utility Dogs (from 20 until 23rd of September 2012), the FCI and its General Committee have agreed with the disqualification pronounced by the FCI Commission for Utility Dogs against the author of the very unfortunate and unacceptable behaviour. According to its mission statements, the FCI wishes to reiterate its firm opposition against any dog cruelty and any person committing such abuses will be penalized.

La FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale se indigna contra la crueldad hacia los perros

A continuación de un incidente grave que ocurrió en Zalaegerszeg (Hungría) durante un entrenamiento para el Campeonato del Mundo 2012 de la FCI para Perros de Utilidad (del 20 al 23 de septiembre de 2012), la FCI y su Comité General aprobaron la descalificación dictada por la Comisión de la FCI para Perros de Utilidad en contra del autor de este comportamiento especialmente lamentable e inaceptable. Conforme a su política y misión, la FCI desea repetir su oposición firme contra cualquier tipo de crueldad hacia los perros. Cualquier persona culpable de esos actos será sancionada.

Die FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale lehnt jede Art von Grausamkeit gegenüber Hunden scharf ab

Aufgrund des ernsten Zwischenfalls beim Training anlässlich des FCI-Weltchampionates 2012 für Gebrauchshunde (20. - 23. September 2012) in Zalaegerszeg (Ungarn), heissen die FCI und der FCI-Vorstand die von der FCI-Gebrauchshundekommission ausgesprochene Disqualifikation eines Hundeführers wegen seines nicht akzeptablen Verhaltens gut. Aufgrund ihrer "Mission-Statements" betont die FCI, dass sie jede Art von Grausamkeit gegenüber Tieren strikte ablehnt und dass Vorkommnisse dieses Art von ihr sanktioniert werden.

La FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale s’insurge contre toute cruauté envers les chiens

A la lueur d’un sérieux incident ayant eu lieu à Zalaegerszeg (Hongrie), lors de la séance d’entraînement à l’occasion du Championnat du Monde 2012 de la FCI pour Chiens d’Utilité (du 20 au 23 septembre 2012), la FCI et son Comité Général ont marqué leur accord quant à la disqualification prononcée par la Commission FCI pour Chiens d’Utilité à l’encontre de l’auteur de ce comportement particulièrement malheureux et inacceptable. La FCI souhaite réitérer sa ferme opposition contre toute forme de cruauté envers les chiens et toute personne se rendant coupable de tels actes sera pénalisée. 

Vizsla just as a pet because they’re great with children!

Vizslas and children need to learn good manners and run about in the country 

I recently received an email from a parent with toddlers looking for information to purchase a vizsla “just as a pet” for her family because, “after some research we found out that vizslas are great with children.”  Perspective owners’ often explore breeds to see if a particular breed will be good for them. A quick look online might appear to verify her research on the surface, however reputable breeders and actual vizsla owners cringe when they hear those phrases. I insist that the research must be reframed to examine honestly their own personal and family attributes to determine if they are good for the vizsla.

Just a pet

Reputable breeders alarms go off when they hear from a prospective owner that they want their vizsla to be “just a pet.” Vizslas are more than a household animal kept for a person's enjoyment. These are animals whose breeding characteristics include being a very intelligent, sporting breed that exudes high energy that must be expended through freely running and playing. They are a breed that will become neurotic, high strung, or destructive without sufficient attention, exercise, or playtime. For that reason, vizslas cannot be left alone for long periods of time without activity, training, or attention. Vizslas tend to chew- fingers, table legs, floorboards. 

We learned too late about Natasha's chewing habit
http://vizslanatasharose.blogspot.com/2012/02/please-please-dont-eat.html

Vizslas mature slowly, taking up to three years. Training sessions will need to be short, frequent, and POSITIVE.  Called the “Velcro dog,” they crave the physical closeness of their human owners and will follow them everywhere always making physical contact and snuggling with their owner whenever possible—whether into the bathroom, in bed, or on the sofa while watching TV.  Owners must be prepared to make time for daily outdoor exercise at parks, trails, running, swimming, biking or hiking with their new puppy/dog.  When vizslas are purchased “just as a pet” and raised by unprepared owners the consequences are often sad for both pet and owner.

Are YOU a good candidate for a vizsla?

Being a good candidate for a vizsla requires a lot of commitment and work on your part. Caring breeders will ask many probing questions to learn of your commitment to their puppies such as:

• How many dogs have you raised as an adult?
• How did you house train, crate train your dog?
• Where did they go for training?
• How did the dog die?

If you can say yes to the following criteria then you may be a good owner for a vizsla. As a vizsla owner I will:

• Embraced it as my personal companion.
• Enjoy being continually touched by my dog and look forward to snuggling with it.
• Give it a daily job or mental stimulation such as learning new behaviors, obedience training, agility training, pointer training, fetching.
• Display positive leadership (be the “pack leader”), discipline and training to enhance its natural talents of hunting, retrieving, guarding, and loving its family members.
• Run it off leash and exercise for a minimum of 1-2 hours daily.
• Provide it with heavy socialization opportunities to new sights, sounds, places, other animals, other people- especially children.
•   Have chew toys, digestible chewing food available daily.
• Commit to caring for the dog through out its life as a member of my family.

Vizslas and children

Andy bonding with baby Natasha

Just as the new owner must look inward to determine if they are good for the vizsla, they must also do the same for their children. It is not an issue of whether the breed is good with children; it is an issue of making an appropriate decision while their children are young. Some breeders refuse to sell their pups to parents of infants or young children who are not toilet trained, knowing full well that their attention to the dog will not be readily available. Parents must look at the dynamics within their whole family before bringing a vizsla, or any other dog, home to their children. Vizslas can be good pets for children, but vizslas, like children, do not come with good manners. Puppies and children both require training and education on how to interact with each other.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY YOUNG CHILD BE LEFT UNSUPERVISED WITH ANY DOG.
The parent must realize that puppies, like young children are teething, and may mouth or bite small children, steal their toys, and bump them over. Children must be taught and be able to handle these situations calmly. Screams, tantrums, or running after the dog, often an immediate reaction, can only exacerbate the situation. Children must know the boundaries of the dog.  The puppy's crate must be made off limits, as it is the safe haven for a puppy. Parents must be willing to provide the time, energy, and effort to train the puppy that will require 15-20 minutes daily, then at least hourly for house training as well as work with their own children to learn their responsibility to their pet.

Parents need to be aware that puppies and adult dogs as pack animals may attempt to move up the ladder in the (family) pack, especially trying to seek a higher order over young children. Even sweet, gentle vizslas may exhibit protective behaviors against the children towards the parents.  Sometimes puppies that sleep in the parents’ bedroom will develop a sense that they are holding a higher position over the children. If you are bringing home an older dog or a rescue dog extra care needs to be taken to be certain the dog’s behaviors are well understood. Stories of children requiring 85 reconstructive stitches to repair the children’s bitten cheeks, arms, legs are not unheard of leading those parents and past owners to warn: 

NEVER ALLOW TODDLERS AROUND A DOG EXHIBITING ANY FORM OF PROTECTIVE OR POSTURING, NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS.

To avoid problems, the puppy must be taught that he or she is at the bottom of the home pack and understand the behaviors of a dog to avoid potential problems (e.g. children should be taught not to roll around on the ground in a subservient position to the puppy). The parent needs to be alert for any challenge by the puppy against the child (e.g. a growl or grumble). If there is a challenge, the child must learn with the parent’s guidance to flip the puppy on its back and scold the puppy severely while the child stands over the puppy. When properly handled, there is rarely a repeat challenge. It is important to involve children in the puppy's care (feeding, walking, and training.

Below are critical questions the parents must ask themselves, if the breeder does not ask them:

Andy and Natasha share a loving moment

• How will they handle their playful puppy and their children during those first 6 months when the puppy has alligator-sharp teeth?
• What are their plans for puppy and manners classes, where, when will they take place?
• How will the children be taught to play appropriately with their new puppy?

If you can say yes to these criteria, then your child may be right for a vizsla puppy:

• My children will be alright without my attention while I am outside focusing on the dog’s training.
• My children will understand how to use positive training and will refrain from screaming, hitting, or hurting the dog when they are angry at it or it has behaved improperly.
•  My children will be involved in the puppy's care (feeding, walking, and training).

Announcement: Call for Submissions for the Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Tumor Pilot Study

The VCA Welfare Foundation (VCA WF) issues a call for sample submissions to a NEW Cornell Vizsla Mast Cell Tumor (MCT) Pilot Study, as of August 1, 2012.

This pilot study will initially analyze-- from blood samples-- the DNA of 25 affected Vizslas (diagnosed with MCT) and 25 control VIzslas (unaffected). All submissions will be kept confidential and require an owner/guardian's commitment to participate in the study for the life of the submitted Vizsla; i.e., agree to update every submitted dog's health records.

Our goal is to collect DNA samples for 50 Vizslas (25 affected/25 control) as soon as possible. Time is of the essence to better understand how Mast Cell cancer occurs in the Vizsla.

To participate and request a sample submission kit, please contact Liz Corey at the Cornell University DNA Bank by email (eg33@cornell.edu). For general questions, please contact the Cornell University DNA Bank by email (dnabank@cornell.edu) or by phone (607/253.3446).

All questions about the parameters of this study and/or about how to participate may be directed to Lynda Ruffini, VCA Health Committee Chair (thebirdhuntress@stny.rr.com) or to Elise Wright, VCA WF Board Member (olympicvizslas@gmail.com).

Please see the Press Release and Submission Checklist for more information. They are posted at http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/VizslaTalk/files/Cornell%20Vizsla%20MCT%20Pilot%20Study/ and may also be found on the VCA WF "Research" page on the VCA website: http://vcaweb.org/welfare/research.shtml.

Thanks so much in advance for your participation and support for this important project.
VCA WF Board of Directors
vcawf2000@gmail.com

Permission to spread the word

Learn more about Mast Cell Tumors here

Getting those Christmas ideas started

My mother always impressed me by how she was able to have all her Christmas shopping started in July and completed by October. I've not always been that well organized, with the holiday sneaking up on me despite the fact it is always the last week of the year and well marked on the calendar. However,  after watching Roby Baer draw her wonderfully executed pastel of a vizsla, I started to think what a lovely gift a commissioned portrait of our dog would be for my husband.  After a quick Google search using commission pet portraits, vizsla I discovered quite a few who do pet portraits.  I then branched off to see what other vizsla themed products are out there. Of course there is always the merchandise that supports the various Vizsla Clubs and their Vizsla Rescue efforts around the world that offer books, coffee mugs,  key chains and notecards.  After exploring a bit more with companies that  sell merchandise on line I was amazed at the variety and well, utility of their products.  Below are a just few that caught my eye:

Vizsla Artwork Underwear & Panties: Thongs at $12.50, boxers at $16, its what the discerning Vizsla fanatic puts on first!

The Cafe Press provides many other articles of clothing, collectibles and other dust-able tchatchkes for Vizsla lovers.

PetPro.com provides themed merchandise as well. For Vizsla lovers there are three pages of great gifts and indispensable stuff each with the image of Vizsla. Of course we will have to get a few Vizsla Christmas ornaments for our tree prices ranging from $12.99 to $14.99

Doodle Sport provides a wide range of gifts for dog lovers. Using a drop down selection choice of what appears to be every breed in the world (except the newer accepted models such as the Chilean Terrier), items for the kitchen, entire wardrobes, golf items all can have an image of a Vizsla emblazoned. Even babies can proudly bare the image of their family dog: 

For the art collector the Big Tall Dog site has many bronzes that pictures Vizslas as the hunters they are. Prices are in the $100- $200 price range :  

I definitely will be prepared this year and hopefully will be able to have some of these items make their way through customs here in Chile and show up at my doorstep in time!

The artful dog

Thanks to a fellow Vizsla owner for sharing this video. It is such a pleasure to observe the talent of the artist, Roberta "Roby" Baer,  as she expresses in her art the beauty and energy of this great breed.  Working from a photo, she marvelously captures the intensity of the V's expression, musculature and readiness to leap to action as it bounds through the snowy field. The artist accepts a limited amount of commissions... hmmm....





With permission to post byRoberta "Roby" Baer.

Blood Test For Canine Cancer

We were relieved to discover this to be a benign  skin tumor,  common in dogs with short hair. It was removed surgically.  Photo by D. Martinez

The National Canine Cancer Foundation has announced to all dog owners and veterinarians, the availability of a new tool to assist in the management of canine cancer. It is a blood test called VDI-TKcanine+.
The mission  statement of the  National Canine Cancer Foundation is to save dogs lives by finding cures, better treatments and accurate, cost effective diagnostic methods in dealing with canine Cancer.

VDI-TKcanine+ test is a very good adjunct to assess if cancer might be present in dogs where there are other signs of the disease. A positive test should always be followed by additional confirmatory tests, including imaging, biopsy, etc.

If you want to know more about if this test is the right tool for your dog, you are encouraged to contact your Vet and discuss the all the options available to you and your dog.

Pet Owners: 

VDI tests are available to veterinarians across the U.S. Please contact your vet if you would like to have one of these tests performed on your dog or cat.

I am awaiting information about availability of the test internationally and means for send samples internationally for testing.

Veterinarians: 

You may order tests direct from VDI Laboratory by filling out the Lab Testing Services Agreement. Once you fax back the completed agreement, VDI will ship you the required specimen shipper kits free of charge. To access the agreement form, please click here>

   OR

The tests INCaSe, VDI-TKcanine+ and VDI-TKfeline may be ordered from Webster Vet Supply. For more information on ordering from Webster, please click here>

Below are some of the key informational points supplied to us by VDI Labs.

Q: What is this test?

A: VDI-TKcanine+ is a blood test for dogs, used to help aid diagnosis when cancer is suspected, and to monitor the course of treatment once the presence of cancer is confirmed. VDI-TKcanine+ is a test run by veterinarians and is made available to all veterinarians in the U.S.

Q: What does this test measure?

A: The principle element, or biomarker, that VDI -TKcanine+ measures in the dog’s blood is an enzyme called thymidine kinase or TK for short. TK is released into the blood stream by cells that are undergoing unusually rapid cell division; a hallmark of cancer.

Q: How effective is this test?

A: VDI -TKcanine+ is very good at confirming the presence of cancer when the test returns a ‘positive’ result (a result above the range of normal). The test is also good, but not perfect, in confirming that cancer does not exist, when the result falls in the normal range. There is a possibility that certain types of cancer, or cancer in very early stage, might still result in a ‘normal’ result. No diagnostic test is perfect. Like most diagnostic tests, VDI-TKcanine+ is most effective when used in combination with the other established procedures veterinarians have available to them.

Q: How can this test be used on my dog?

A:VDI -TKcanine+ is used to help confirm a diagnosis of cancer, often in combination with a physical examination and other diagnostic procedures. The test is also used following the diagnosis of cancer, to help determine if the cancer has spread or returns, through periodic monitoring.

Q: What should I discuss with my Vet regarding this test?

A: Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your dog might have cancer. Discuss the reasons for your suspicions and ask whether the VDI -TKcanine+ blood test can assist in the diagnostic process. If your vet is not familiar with the test, they can obtain information by contacting the laboratory that provides the test,Veterinary Diagnostics Institute (VDI)..

Specimen Handling 

All specimen shipments to VDI Laboratory require use of the VDI Shipper Kit pictured here.

We utilize FedEx Overnight Express to ensure all specimens are handled with utmost care. But a large part in maintaining specimen integrity and delivering the highest quality result rests with our valued customers.

All instructions for the collection, handling and transport of the specimen(s) are listed on the inside lid of Shipper Box. Please take a moment to review them closely prior to drawing blood from the patient.

 Should you wish to draw a patient prior to the arrival of the Shipper Kit, these instructions will help ensure proper sample collection and storage. Use a standard red-top tube for the blood draw, separate the serum within 45 minutes of draw, and transfer the serum to a standard plastic tube with cap. FREEZE the specimen immediately and maintain frozen state until ready to ship. You do NOT need to thaw the specimen and transfer to the VDI specimen tube that is provided with the Shipper Kit. Instead, use the original plastic tube with frozen serum and follow the remaining instructions for submission to our laboratory.

Learn more here: http://vdilab.vdxinstitute.com/page_new.php?id=3 

COMMENT PERIOD FOR NEW APHIS REGS EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 15

From: SAOVA http://saova.org/federal.html

ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE (APHIS)
DOCKET NO. APHIS-2011-003 PROPOSED RULE

COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED UNTIL AUGUST 15

SYNOPSIS 
APHIS proposes to revise the definition of "retail pet store" to bring more pet animals sold at retail under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) licensing and regulations. APHIS will narrow the definition of retail pet store so that it means a place of business or residence that each buyer physically enters in order to personally observe the animals available for sale prior to purchase and/or to take custody of the animals after purchase. Under the proposed rule, no dog or other pet animal will be sold at retail without either public or APHIS oversight.

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED? 
Anyone who sells the following animals to the public for use as pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, gophers, chinchilla, domestic ferrets, domestic farm animals, birds, and cold-blooded species.”

APHIS plans to license and regulate these retail sellers unless they can meet the exemption requirements in the revised definition of retail pet store. A breeder may gain an exemption by selling only to buyers who physically enter the premises to observe the animals available for sale prior to purchasing them. A breeder can be exempt from regulation if income from sales (for listed species) is less than $500 a year; this does not include wild or exotic animals, dogs, or cats. Finally, a breeder may be exempt if he/she maintains a total of four (4) or fewer breeding female dogs, cats, and/or small exotic or wild mammals, such as hedgehogs, degus, spiny mice, prairie dogs, flying squirrels, and jerboas,and who sells only the offspring of these dogs, cats, or small exotic or wild mammals, which were born and raised on his/her premises and sold for pets.

*** NEW *** LIVING WITH USDA LICENSING *** DOWNLOAD FILE IN PDF

FILES FOR PROPOSED RULE CHANGE
Docket No. 2011-003
APHIS FACTSHEET. Questions and Answers on Proposed Rule – Retail Pet Sales
Title 9 Integrated with proposed rule
TITLE 9 - Complete including Part 3 Standards of care

Regulatory Impact Analysis & Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

TRANSCRIPT APHIS TELECONFERENCE MAY 10. QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION ON PROPOSED RULE

SEND COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED RULE 
It is IMPERATIVE that dog, cat, and small animal breeders submit comments on this over zealous proposed rule. Hobbies and livelihoods are at stake. APHIS needs to hear from breeders and rescuers how this impacts your hobby. APHIS needs to hear how this proposed change impacts breeding programs if you cannot ship dogs/puppies/cats between friends and fellow breeders.

POST A COMMENT ONLINE via Federal eRulemaking Portal. GO TO THE PORTAL.

SEND THE COMMENT YOU SUBMITTED TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN

This is a proposed rule by an agency, not a law Congress will vote on. However the impact on the retail sector, economy, and the agency's budget is enormous and has far reaching affects. This proposed rule over-regulates responsible home breeders and small private entities, threatening to drive them out of existence. If enforced to its full extent, rescue organizations and their efforts will also be severely weakened.

Send a copy of your comment to Congress reference Docket No. APHIS-2011-O0003. 

Send a letter to Secretary Vilsack opposing the rule

IMPACT ON BREEDERS AND RESCUE 
Basically the new rules present breeders with few choices. Sell all animals only to buyers who physically enter your premises, reduce and maintain the number of breeding females to four (4) including co-ownerships and dogs shared with family members; or obtain a license under the Animal Welfare Act, have a federally compliant facility, and allow APHIS inspectors to inspect your homes and facilities.

Selling even one pet off premise via shipping, at a friend's home, at a show, at a park, will result in loss of an exemption from licensing, placing limitations on both buyers and sellers. The narrow limits of the exemption restrict the ability of hobby breeders to work together remotely, sharing dogs from litters in order to implement their breeding programs and/or increase diversity in their lines.

This Rule would have dire consequences on the ability of rare or uncommon breed breeders to sell their puppies. Generally, if a purchaser desires a puppy of a more unusual breed, they probably will not find one within easy driving distance, and the puppy must be either shipped commercially or otherwise transported, or the breeder will meet the buyer half way. If each purchaser is required to visit the breeder to observe the animals or pick up his/her purchases, the number of buyers who are able to do this in the case of the more uncommon breeds is very low. Without a ready market to sell pups, these breeds will quickly die out.

In the case of rare or uncommon breeds, this Rule would make it difficult to maintain genetic diversity, since a breeder could not ship a puppy cross country to another breeder for the purposes of improving the genetic diversity in that person’s breeding program.

Breeders will no longer be able to assist rescue by fostering and/or selling dogs unless they are willing to lose their exemption from licensing. This will have a severe impact on purebred rescue.

Rescue organizations have long enjoyed the same retail pet store exemption that excluded breeders from federal licensing requirements. It has been the practice of USDA/APHIS to interpret that regulation falls within the commercial/wholesale sector. The Rule removes that previous commercial/retail dividing line for pet sellers and proposes only a very narrow exemption for retail pet sellers.

It has become common practice today for rescue organizations to utilize the Internet to locate buyers, along with transporting dogs from high volume shelters to areas with shortages. The new Rule being proposed will apply to all retail sellers of dogs, cats, and small animals without special exemption for rescue. Rescue organizations would therefore be at risk of losing their current retail exemption for multiple reasons: (1) transporting dogs or other animals for sale to buyers who did not physically visit their primary location; (2) selling rescued animals, which are not born/raised on premise thus failing to meet exemption criteria; (3) selling animals off premise, i.e. adoption days, thereby failing again to meet the exemption criteria that buyers must physically enter business or residence. The proposed rule could end most rescue organization efforts.

FINANCIAL IMPACTS 
The FY 2012 federal Budget contained appropriation for APHIS programs of $837 million, which was 8.3% or $76 million lower than the amount appropriated for APHIS in FY 2011. For the past several years, APHIS’ budget has been shrinking; since 2010 the budget has decreased by approximately $87 million, or roughly 10 percent. In a recent February meeting, APHIS administrators discussed agency changes in response to reduced funding and how the agency plans to preserve core functions while challenged by annually decreasing budgets.

Budget cuts are likely to continue into the foreseeable future. The President's 2013 budget request submitted in February to Congress calls for a decrease in APHIS’ funding by an additional $54 million, or 6.6 percent.

The massive expansion of regulatory responsibilities into the private sector outlined in the proposed rule is not only impractical but unaffordable within an agency that is currently addressing serious budget challenges.

Natasha Rose and her sister together in competition in Argentina

Watch Natash Rose and her sister, India Can d'Ijuma competing at Centro Costa Salguero Buenos Aires, Argentina dog show sponsored by the Federación Cinologica Argentina 5 -8 of July, 2012.
  
Natasha Rose Can d'Ijuma, with her handler, Fernando Burgos, leads the pack followed by her sister India Can d'Ijuma with their breeder and India's handler, German Rodriquez. Despite her recent surgery to remove a benigne tumor on her flank she was still able to come in third. 

Judge: SR. JUEZ SALVATORE TRIPOLI  

Here, Natasha leads off the pack with Fernando Burgos. She is taken through her paces at the 0:49 seconds.  She wins second place.
 Judge: EXP.224.- DR.JUEZ DI VANNI

Opinion seems to be that she just needs to fill out a bit more. Guess we'll just have to take her out hunting a bit more!

Interactive Breeder Directory Goes Live at VCA

We not only checked out the kennel but also referrals made by owners of puppies from the breeder.
Baby Natasha with our son, Andy

Today the Vizsla Club of America announced the good news that their VCA Breeder Directory has now gone live.  The interactive directory listings are paid classifieds from VCA members  who have been in the club for a minimum of two years. As a member of the VCA, the advertiser agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics (http://www.vcaweb.org/about/code_of_ethics.shtml) adopted by the Vizsla Club of America. 

Breeders wishing to be included may find the forms in the next issue of the Vizsla News. They are also  posted on www.vcaweb.org under resources>useful forms: http://www.vcaweb.org/resources/forms.shtml

NOTE: there are VCA membership requirements for posting

Next up for the VCA is to complete the stud directory and litter listing. 

Dogs and kennels advertised in the Breeders Directory elsewhere do not constitute an endorsement by the Vizsla Club of America. Nor does the club hold any responsibility or liability for any claim arising in connection with any alleged or actual violation of the VCA’s Code of Ethics by advertisers in any VCA print or electronic publication or by other members of the VCA. 

For further information or issues related tot he directory visit the website or contact VCA via email (vcawebmaster@gmail.com) 

On the mend and moving up in the world

Happy to say that Natasha is recovering well from her minor operation this last Tuesday to remove a tumor growing on the top of her mid-right flank. It will take about two weeks before we get official word back from the biopsy. In the meantime we keep our fingers crossed.

Tumor compared to a 1 CLP coin

It hasn't slowed her down a bit, though, which has been a challenge as we try to keep her from popping her three stitches. Unfortunately we had to pull her from this weekend's show to give her stitches a chance to heal. But keeping our spirits high was finding her listing in the Cinofilia Sudamericana Catologo Chile (Chilean Catalogue) for the June 23 show.  Located under Group 7 we found in black and white:

Raza: VIZSLA 

Categoria: Campeón Joven Hembra 

478 CH.JCHI. NATASHA ROSE CAN D'IJUMA KCC 381146 Nacido el 22/08/2011

Por ROCKY OF BANFIELD y CEILA CAN D'IJUMA

Criador: - GERMAN EZEQUIEL RODRIGUEZ

Propietario(s) JORGE MARTINEZ .

And to think I was proud of my little group of letters (Ed.D.)! I think she has me beat! 

With luck she will be healed and ready to go to Argentina in July. The good thing is the left side facing the judge looks wonderful. Hopefully our talented handler will show that side to her benefit.  The competition will be stiff I'm told.  We will be pitting our 10 month old against four other young dogs with great titles including Argentina's champion. This is when Jorge reminds me we got her first for hunting- the showing is just the icing on the cake, a time filler while she develops her skills in the field. 

One could hope nonetheless.

A tumor, we wait with hope

Nothing Missing: Vizsla Beating Cancer, Still in the Field

Photo from Gun Dog Magazine,  August 2012 issue 

As we get ready for Natasha's operation tomorrow to remove a curious tumor-like growth on her back for biopsy this story gives me great strength and hope. With any luck Natasha Rose's growth will be nothing and she will be in fine show shape by July when we hope to have her in her first international show. 

We have subscribed to the Gun Dog magazine and are thrilled to learn that our first copy to arrive in Chile by August will have Bart the wonder dog on its cover:

I encourage you all to read the article online and order your copy of the magazine available on news stands July 3.

Learn more about Cancer and lymphoma for your vizsla here:

Veterinary Oncology

Cancer Risk for Purebreeds- Wall Street Journal

Click on the type of cancer for more information

Bladder Cancer


Brain Tumors


Hemangiosarcoma


Lymphoma


Lung Cancer


Mammary Carcinoma


Mast Cell Tumors


Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)


Skin Cancer


Testicular

Vizsla owners can help by participating in research 

Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC) 

The CCOGC collects tissues and fluids from dogs with specific cancer types following strict SOPs.  These procedures ensure all samples are of high quality and can be used consistently across multiple research projects.  The samples are assessable to any research project with scientific merit.  You can learn more about CCOGC and find a collection site near you at the CCOGC website.

Clinical Trials

If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a disease, there may be a clinical trial in your area investigating a treatment for that disease.  Enrolling in a clinical trial brings with it a commitment to follow through on therapies and testing. The benefits can include access to cutting edge medicine and the chance to help future generations of dogs. Resources for finding clinical trials.

Request for Cheek Swab Samples from the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium: 

Request for Cheek Swab Samples from the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium

Below is a request for Vizsla cheek swab samples from the Canine Hereditary Cancer 

Consortium (CHCC). This cancer study includes Vizslas and is focused on Lymphoma 

and Melanoma. The CHCC also needs healthy non-affected Vizsla cheek swab samples 

to be controls. Samples submitted by VCA members would greatly assist this study. 

Please read the information from Dr. Roe Froman DVM below. Dr. Froman is also the 

Health Chairman for the Clumber Spaniel Club of America.

Dr. Froman has also been able to access the Vizsla Lymphoma samples sent to the 

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Repository that were obtained years ago 

through efforts of the Magyar Vizsla Society and its members. Dr Froman has found 

Vizsla Lymphoma samples to be very useful in this study. 

I would like to thank the vizsla owners who generously submitted their Vizslas’ blood 

samples to the Magyar Vizsla Society, some as long as almost 15 years ago. It is very 

gratifying to see that cancer researchers are now finally utilizing these Lymphoma 

samples. I would also like to thank the Magyar Vizsla Society and its past membership as 

well as Sue Boggs who was the past liaison for Vizsla owners to submit their paperwork 

and information. Hopefully, these Vizslas affected by Lymphoma years ago are now able 

to help future Vizslas and other breeds as well. Again, thank you to the Vizsla owners 

who believed in this project long before we had CHIC and Canine DNA Data Banks. 

To assist this important research, please share this information with Regional Clubs to be 

posted on their web sites and newsletters. Also, please support the CHIC DNA 

Repository. More information regarding CHIC’s DNA Repository is available at: 

www.caninehealthinfo.org/dnabank.html

Thank you,

Lynda Ruffini

Vizsla Club of America

Chair, Health Committee

thebirdhuntress@stny.rr.com

Request for Cheek Swab samples for the CHCC 

The CHCC (Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium) is an unprecedented alliance of 

researchers, veterinarians, physicians and dog owners who are taking advantage of new 

genetic resources and technologies to learn how the DNA of dogs affected with cancer 

varies from that of the DNA of healthy, unaffected dogs.  No dogs are kept for research; 

we use only samples from dogs with naturally occurring disease.  This research is funded 

by the National Cancer Institute as well as by corporate sponsorship.

Vizslas are currently included in two of our studies:  melanoma and lymphoma.  Samples 

from affected dogs stored at the CHIC repository have been utilized, along with samples 

submitted by Vizsla owners directly from their affected dogs.  All samples are strictly 

confidential; no identifying information about dogs or owners is ever released or 

published. We also need samples from healthy Vizslas who do NOT have either melanoma or 

lymphoma, to serve as controls.  We will be happy to send buccal (cheek brush) DNA 

collection kits at owners’ request.  The kits are very user friendly, easy to do at home, and 

include prepaid return mailers.  

To participate in the study, please email the following information to Dr. Roe Froman 

DVM (roe.froman@vai.org):

Owner’s name:

Address:

Email: 

Names of your pure bred vizslas available for cheek swab sampling

Your participation is needed to help us develop new genetic screens, diagnostic tests, and 

treatments for canine cancers, as well as helping us to gain insight into the biology of 

human disease.  Your help will be greatly appreciated.