Winding Up July

A month ago I shared with you that China had petitioned and won from the FCI the right to "change past history" and claim the Tibetan breeds to be of Chinese origin. As you might imagine, Tibetan breed owners, breeders, and exhibitors across the globe protested the FCI decision. Here is one of many letters:

"Dear Sirs and Madame,

As American Kennel Club (AKC) member clubs, we represent the Tibetan breeds, their owners, their breeders, and their supporters in this country. Please note these are Tibetan breeds, not Chinese breeds. It is outrageous that the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has changed the country of origin of these ancient breeds from Tibet to China. These breeds share a culture that is indigenous to Tibet. Their unique and distinctive characteristics were shaped by the terrain, the climate, the culture and the people of Tibet. They were not of Chinese origin when they were developed, and they are not Chinese now. This attempt to revise canine history dishonors those who made these dogs into the wonderful breeds they are. While we understand AKC and FCI are independent of each other, we also understand that the position of AKC, as a recognized authority throughout the dog world, is well respected and carries considerable weight. As such we call upon the Board of AKC to affirm that, as a historical fact, these breeds are of Tibetan origin.

The FCI has also decided to hold the 2019 World Dog Show in China. This decision was made notwithstanding the generally poor treatment of dogs in China, with the Yulin “Meat Festival” being a particularly egregious example. The politics associated with allowing China to host the World Dog Show and acceding to their request to be given origin status for the Tibetan breeds shows that the FCI, at least where China is concerned, has abrogated any standing as a moral force for canine welfare. As member clubs, we ask that the Board of AKC support the dogs in China by issuing a letter refusing to support or participate in the 2019 World Dog Show unless legislative steps are taken to improve dog welfare in China and the Yulin “Meat Festival” is banned.

Very truly yours,

Ronald Pankiewicz, President - Tibetan Terrier Club of America

Martha Feltenstein, President – American Tibetan Mastiff Association

William Chaffee, President – Tibetan Spaniel Club of America

Bonnie Prato, President – American Shih Tzu Club

Tom Worlton, President – American Lhasa Apso Club"

The American Lhasa Apso Club also sent a letter, as did many local Lhasa clubs and exhibitors to decry the FCI change in the breed's origin. AKC posted a statement saying no change would be made to its records unless requested by a parent club.

In addition, AKC published a statement regarding China's "Institutionalized Inhumane Treatment of Dogs:"

"The recently held Yulin Dog Meat festival in China has resulted in cries of protest among the dog-loving public worldwide. The American Kennel Club believes that these protests are completely justified and imperative for there to be any chance of eliminating this institutionalized and heinous treatment, torture, and consumption of thousands of dogs each year. The AKC, as well as other purebred registries in the world, recognizes dogs as devoted companions and working partners, and denounces their use as food products and subjection to cruel and inhumane treatment.

AKC urges all of the purebred dog registries in China to implement educational programs to help put an end to the barbarous practice of torturing and eating dogs, and extends the offer to assist in this effort in any way possible."


And while China holds a meat festival and kills dogs, Nepal has a tradition that honors dogs and celebrates their loyalty.

Below is a photo of Tibetan prayer flags. You might be interested in reading something about their history.

Tibetan Prayer Flags

While I am on the topic of Tibet, I'd like to recommend the novels of Eliot Pattison to you. My friend Marsha first recommended them to me, and I very much enjoyed reading them. The books contain mystery with history and promote understanding of the plight of the Tibetans, as the Chinese protagonist, Shan, travels the remote mountain country with friends who are forbidden lamas. A Booklist review stated, "Pattison thrills both mystery enthusiasts and reader fascinated by, and concerned about, Tibet."

My New Puppy

Now, you may wonder why I needed a new puppy when I already told you I was keeping Kimmi from my last litter. I decided I needed some diversity as everyone is getting too closely related. To that end, when the opportunity arose, I took advantage. Meet my new addition, Journey.

 Here is a video of Journey at a training class. (If you hear the name Harper, that is what she was called before I bought her.)

 Journey's registered name will be Kunza FFT Journey of the Heart at Joyslyn (Yes, I have to pay extra to AKC to register that name!) She joined our family last Saturday. Kimmi, who had been lonely after all her siblings went to their new homes, was overjoyed when she saw Journey. Here are some video clips of their first meeting. (Note: Turn down the sound. Lynn thought the dogs were making too much noise so he had the TV blaring!)
This is Kimmi's First Reaction:

This one is Excited:

This one is Journey thinking Kimmi is Too Much!:

This one is Journey thinking Maybe She's  Okay:

And this one I call Friends:

Journey is a half Gompa. Each of her parents is half Gompa. Here is a 3 generation photo pedigree:

For information about the Gompa Lhasas you can refer to one of my earlier posts about the Gompa Lhasas or to articles and resources on the Gompa website.

Notes and Photos from Others

From Marilyn: "Hi Joyce, I enjoyed reading your last blog entry and the pictures of Josh, Luna, and the puppies. All are so cute. I was thinking the other day as Maci was doing "puppy stuff" like stealing shoes, eating leaves, and barking at cars, how lucky we are to have connected with you. I was worried that because Abby was such a wonderful dog, that somehow this one would never be as sweet. How foolish of me to worry! She has captured our hearts, and we are so happy that she chose us.
Dennis is convinced that she bribed Cocoa to be docile, telling her that that is what we were looking for! Anyway, thank you again for allowing us to have one of your dogs. I hope you are well, and that you enjoyed your trip to Miami. That is real service, to have your puppy personally delivered to your doorstep. Here are a few pics of Maci Mae. No gold stars at the groomer yesterday. Vicki said she was all over the grooming table and she had trouble holding still. Of course it was storming, and all the other dogs were riled up. It took over an hour to groom. Dennis thinks we will have to have private grooming sessions if that keeps up. Hopefully next time she will be better. Take care and enjoy life without puppies for awhile. Good choice on keeping Kimmi. She is darling!"

Marilyn sent a couple photos of Maci, noting that her new talent is jumping on the bed. She worked hard at it until she succeeded!

Success!

From Diane about Becca (now Zoey): "It has been a whirlwind week with our wonderful new puppy.  We named her Zoey (Grace) and she certainly knows her name.  I can’t tell you how much we love her already! Zoey is VERY attached to me---she keeps me in her sight and wants to be near me as much as possible. She is my little shadow---it’s so cute!   ...She has a very sweet and loving personality---she wants to give everyone kisses. 
Zoey (like most Lhasa’s ) is so smart!  She understands “Come,” “Sit,” and almost has “Stay” down-pat also.  She also fetches her toys and small tennis balls and brings them back to us.  She loves, loves, loves her cow hoof to chew on, which is great since we’ve caught her chewing on my flip flops and slippers.  She is very playful...Up at my brother’s house, she insisted on coming in the walk-in shower by me, so she had her first shower.  She really is quite a character---we love her personality.  She seems very happy and content.  I can’t believe that we have only had her about a week and how well she has adjusted to her new environment."

From Cindy: "Hi Joyce. I certainly hope life has slowed down a bit for you now that the babies are gone. I wanted to catch you up on Luther and his antics. I chose him over Thor because he seemed more "outgoing." What an understatement! He knows no fear and is all boy! It's been an  adjustment from our Honey who was so timid and easy going. Luther is a live wire, but wow does he learn fast! He speaks on command..has since the first week. We are working on "come," but if he's typical lhasa I think he will obey when it suits him! The best part is the bell on the front door. We don't let him out until he rings the bell, and he always does! Now if we can transfer the idea that you ring the bell on your own to tell us to take you out...that will be a miracle worth waiting for! He's good with the grandkids and provides lots of smiles. He's still chewing but the bitter apple works. He still thinks fingers are the best chewies especially when he's excited. That will be a challenge to break him of doing. Today I caught him teething on a large rock we have as a door stop, and the other day it was a brick on the hearth! He likes the cow hooves, but rocks must taste better."

From Kristi: "Joyce just wanted to let you know the boys are best friends.  Vader will tell Tricki off when he has had enough it is so cute!  Tricki was treated to the doggy spa and got his first ever summer cut the other day. Here are a couple of pictures and a video of the boys. Enjoying the boys so much!" 

Vader (right) with Kristi's other Lhasa,Tricki

Other Stuff

AKC interviewed Mark Forbes, the trainer who trained the dogs for their performances in the new movie, Max. The whole article is found on the AKC website at this link. Here is an excerpt that applies to pets:
Q: What training tips do you have for the average pet owner?
A: "It’s not rocket science. There’s no substitute for time, so spend a lot of time with your dogs. And be consistent. Dogs want to know what the rules are in the pack, and they get confused when the rules change. They really do want to do what you want them to do. If you’re clear about your expectations with very little gray area, that will cut training time down quite a bit. We use treats on set as motivation because there are distractions, but you’ll find a pat on the head means just as much as the treat. Praise them even when you’re teaching them not to do something. Make it fun, and make it positive."

That information is especially important for Lhasa Apso owners. Lhasa respond well to praise and not so well to being jerked around and treated harshly! Come to think of it, who does respond well to being jerked around and treated harshly?

In my last post, I mentioned that I'd hit a raccoon on the way to the airport. Would you believe it caused over $2600 worth of damage? That raccoon must have huge and made of concrete!

Finally, Josh's photo from his July 19th Group 3 placement arrived. The judge is Richard Miller. Judge, handler, and dog all took decent pictures!

This has nothing to do with Lhasa Apsos, but since it's my blog and my kid that I am going to brag about, here we go. My son Trevor plays guitar for Black Fast. The band is debuting its album on Saturday in St. Louis. I think it will be available for purchase online on August 7. A sneak preview of the music is available here. (Scroll down on the page a bit then click the arrow in the red circle.) Now, if you dislike metal music, don't let that stop you from listening. The first part of the piece is all instrumental (up to 1:30), as is the last part (starting about 4:30). The guitar solos are Trevor's.

 

Life is Better When You Have a Lhasa to Love You!

Joyce