Just Some Ramblings

Well, it is official! I have two new champions. AKC sent the championship certificate for Maggie earlier this month. Rafe's came on Saturday. Speaking of Rafe, here is the photo of him taken for his Best of Breed win on August 25. Many thanks to judge Jose Luis Payro for that exciting win!

Let's see, when I last wrote, I told you about a tooth cleaning spray that said the plaque build up would be gone in 30 days of use. I've been spraying Walker's teeth morning and evening, two squirts on each side of his mouth for nearly that long. I see no progress yet. Perhaps a miracle happens on day 30???

I'm having the same bad luck with the shampoo. It did NOT remove the pee stains from Maggie's coat when it was used full strength and allowed to remain on for 15 minutes. It smells great. I diluted it 20 to 1 as suggested on the bottle and used it to bathe Rafe. It made his coat soft, fly-away and static-y. But it smells great.

This year's American Lhasa Apso Club National Specialty week starts October 15, less than a month away. I am making lists in my head and trying to prepare myself for packing and making the long trip from Macomb, IL, to Mansfield, MA. Rafe is starting his coat change and I dread the thought of his coat matting while we are making the drive. Walker, his sire did that to me, back in 2003 when we were on our way to the National in CA. While my friends got some much needed sleep, I sat on the motel room floor, watching a Mr. Ed marathon while conducting a grooming marathon of my own, lasting hours. I could not get that stupid "A horse is a horse of course of course" song out of my head for days! I am sure I still know all the words. I have not watched Mr. Ed since! LOL


Speaking of Walker…my boy will be 10 years old on Saturday. I love that dog! He was so much fun to show. I still keep his coat long. I wanted to take him to this year's specialty as a veteran again, but knew it would be impossible to show both him and Rafe and do them each justice. He had a good time at last year's specialty and would probably appreciate being at another one if only he did not have to make the long trip to get there.

Many members of the American Lhasa Apso Club are mourning the death of Ann Burton, long time club member and good friend to many. Ann attended our national specialties and was so proud of her Lhasas. I knew her best from my work on the ALAC Board of Directors. Ann was our club Secretary for a number of years. My condolences go to her close friends and family. She will be missed.

Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you…and family too! I get to see my Mom and sister this weekend for the first time in months and months. Since we're celebrating Mom's birthday, many other family friends and relatives will be there too. It's going to be fun!

Joyce

It's September Already??

My favorite poem is the one that starts 'Thirty days hath September' because it actually tells you something. ~ Groucho Marx

Yes, September has 30 days, and only 23 are left! I'm looking at my calendar knowing this month is going to fly by. Time always does when I'm busy!

August 23, 2012 - New Champion Rafe

First, I want to share the photo taken on the day Rafe finished. Here the two of us are, posing for that finishing photo. I think he is gorgeous, although I admit to being quite biased about him! He's been enjoying a respite from the shows after going so many weekends in a row. I took Both Windy and him to class on Tuesday, and he at least remembered what it was all about. He hates to stand still on the floor for much time so we need to work on that before the specialty.

I don't have the Best of Breed photo yet, but the proofs of it looked good. I'm hoping it will come next week.

Windy did a great job at class. Obviously, the trip to the 4 Minnesota shows did her a world of good regarding her attitude toward wearing a lead and walking with her tail up. She owned that training ring! Head held high, tail up, she flew around with a "look at me" attitude that I hope she keeps. She does think pretty highly of herself, I have to admit. Here's a picture of her playing with our cat, a Russian Blue named Boris. (The picture also presents an opportunity for you to see the new flooring for the family room.)  ;-)

Windy and Boris at play

And, while we are doing pictures, here is one of Maggie, and one taken of Belle and me in Minnesota. Her new owner brought her to see me again. Belle is doing great and enjoys Mary and the other two Lhasas. The puppy pictures were sent by the owners of Lucky and Wrigley, two of the black puppies that were born at the end of April.

Maggie

Belle with me. It was good to see her.

A day at a dog show would not be complete without a shopping tour through the various vendor booths. Vendors abounded at the 4-days of the Minnesota shows, and I did my share of shopping and spending money. I had my clipper blade sharpened, then put it in a place where I would be sure to find it when I got home. Alas…I have no idea where I put it! Even St. Anthony, my go-to guy for lost items, has not been helpful in this instance.

Lucky, age 4 months

Wrigley,  age 4 months

The Petzlife vendor introduced Karen, LaVonne, and me to a line of natural products, one of which was the Petzlife Oral Care product. It comes in a spray or a gel. I bought the spray because it seemed less messy than putting gel on my fingers then rubbing it onto the dogs teeth or gums. Anyway, the product is 100% guaranteed to get rid of icky plaque in 30 days of use. I decided to try it on Walker, who is due for a teeth cleaning at the vet one of these days. The hardest thing about using the product is that the dog cannot eat or drink for a half hour before application or a half hour after application. I have trouble remembering to take his water away and then, when I do remember, the schedule gets all thrown off! The product is applied with 2 sprays on each side of the mouth twice a day. We're on Day 8 so far. It smells good. It must taste fine because he is not complaining about it. If it works, I'll let you know. If it doesn't, the company will be making good on its guarantee.

I also bought an Isle of Dogs shampoo that is supposed to work well for removing stains from light coats. I really needed it for Maggie because she insisted on sitting down when she peed and always had yellow stains, especially on her left back foot. Since she is now finished, I haven't yet given the product a try. I wanted it to be a challenge!  Again, I'll let you know the results.

Prior to leaving for the Minnesota shows, I visited our local WalMart where I happened to find some dog treats called America's VetDogs Treats. I noticed they were made in America, rather than in China, and that they were made by Bil-Jac, which is the brand of dog food I use. So, I bought a bag. The treats are soft, easily broken apart for use as training incentives, and my dogs love, love, love them. While we were strolling through the vendor booths at the show, we stopped at the Bil-Jac booth and I mentioned to the rep that I'd purchase the treats and how much the dogs liked them. He then told me about the VetDogs program. I went to the website to get more complete information and would like to share it with you.

Americas VetDogs provides guide dogs for veterans who are blind; service dogs for those with disabilities other than blindness; physical therapy dogs to work with amputees in military and VA hospitals; and combat stress relief dogs to be deployed overseas with combat stress control teams at no cost to the disabled veteran. Read more about the programs. The organization's mission is to help those who have served our country to live again with dignity and independence. Its work is supported entirely by individuals, corporations, foundations, and service organizations. This is a link to a YouTube video about the organization's work. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of VetDogs products support programs for disabled veterans and active duty servicemen and women. 

I'd like to end with this sign that has been making the rounds on Facebook. I think all of us who have owned multiple dogs can relate to the message.

 Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you. Give yours a big hug!

Joyce

I Have A New Champion!

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Rafe's win at Albert Lea

Even though it is week-old news, I have great, exciting news! Rafe is now not only a champion, but he also has points toward his Grand Championship – and it all happened before he turned 9 months old.  While he could not care less about all that stuff, I am thrilled and so proud that he has done so well in the ring, earning compliments from judges and other exhibitors alike. I've known others who have finished young puppies but, never having done so myself,  I'm still wondering if it really happened. I'll post the new pictures when they arrive. In the meantime, here is the one of his win in Albert Lea, MN, under breeder-judge Carolyn Herbel.

Early in the morning of August 23, Rafe, Windy, and I took off  in the dark and headed north to Minnesota for the four days of shows. The first two days were specialty shows hosted by the Twin Cities Lhasa Apso Club (TCLAC). The next two days were the all-breed St. Croix Valley Kennel Club shows. As in years past, the TCLAC provided great hospitality and delicious meals for all attending their specialties. In addition to the Minnesota club members, exhibitors came from Colorado, North Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canada to participate, and it was great to see them all again. By Thursday at 4:00, Rafe and I were in the ring in the Bred By Exhibitor class with two other males. Rafe won, giving him two of the three points he needed to finish his championship. In the Best of Breed class, he took Best of Winners, giving him that last point he needed! I was so excited!! The judge was Betsy Dale.

The next decision was "now what." I did not want to go home after just driving 7.5 hours to get there! Besides, Lynn was home working on the family room remodel and I was not anxious to go home to that! I had nothing else to show, so decided "what the heck" and went to the Superintendent's table and asked for paperwork to move Rafe up to the Best of Breed class for the next three days. On Friday, he did nothing under breeder-judge Dana Read. He was antsy, kept wanting to sit down, and was generally annoying. He had never been in a class that large before (5 male and 3 female champions plus Winners Dog and Winners Bitch) and because of the armband number, we were first in the line up. We worked Friday evening on standing. He caught on quite fast and was ready for the next day.

Saturday's win was a complete shock, but I was thrilled. He took Best of Breed! Yes, my little 8-month old boy won the breed under judge Juan Luis Payro over 3 other male and 2 female champions! Friends outside the ring claimed I looked astounded. I don't know about that, but once it sank in, I sure had a big smile. Sunday, he took the Select Dog Award under judge Patricia Hastings.

So, Rafe finished his championship with three wins at specialty shows; four majors, two of them at specialty shows (Greater Milwaukee Lhasa Apso Club and Twin Cities Lhasa Apso Club); a 2-point win and a 1-point win for a total of 16 points. Now we will work on his Grand Championship. His wins in the Best of Breed classes garnered him six points and fulfilled one of the three major wins requirements, plus the two wins got two of the three "defeated other champions" requirements out of the way. He still has to earn a bunch of points (19) but he'll do it eventually.

What next? Now we sit and wait. We are not entered in any shows in September as I had other commitments each weekend. I will be taking him to training class so he doesn't forget his ring manners, looking for at least one show in early October in which to enter him, and entering him in shows the week of the American Lhasa Apso Club's national specialty, being held in Mansfield, MA, in mid-October.

Maggie

Maggie has been resting on her laurels as we wait for her Championship certificate to arrive from AKC. She should be in season soon, and the next big event in her life may be a litter of puppies later this year. She has such a sweet disposition that I just know her puppies' temperaments will be wonderful. I'll keep you all posted if and when we decide to follow through on these tentative plans.

Windy, who is 4.5 months old, went to MN with Rafe and me to hang out, to see Marsha (her breeder), and to get some training and exposure to the world of dog shows. She did fine both at the hotel and at the show site. Things were relaxed in the evenings so she got some lead training up and down the sidewalks at the hotel. She was happy and sure of herself there. It was a different story at the show site. She loved all the people and gave lots of kisses but was not pleased to walk on a lead or to have other dogs barking at her. She held her tail down for the most part. She'll be going to classes too, as she will be just 6 months old on October 15, the first day of specialty week. She needs to get in shape for her debut!

Honey

Speaking of Windy, young Windy has the same call name as her grandmother, Ch. MiToya Joyslyn Dust N The Wind.  A few days ago I happened to get an email from a woman who had purchased one of the original Windy's puppies in 2004. She sent me a picture of Honey, and I was so glad to see it. It's a great feeling when people take time to keep in touch.

I've heard recently from some of Rafe's siblings' owners on the occasion of their 9^th month "birthday" on August 27. Everyone is doing fine. They all look like they inherited heavy coats like Rafe has. That coat comes from their sire, Walker, who is pictured here the last weekend he was shown (early May 2012). I love this picture of him moving out! He will be 10 years old at the end of September. He still has his long coat. I cannot bring myself to clip him down.

Walker on the go in the Group ring...

Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you!

Joyce

Happy Birthday to Me!

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened.
- Jennifer Yane

Hi! I realize it has been a while since I've written. The past few weeks have been quite a roller coaster ride, that is for sure. I'll try to fill you in. First, though, today is my birthday! Another year older, a few more wrinkles, a few more of life's lesson learned, I've survived the downs and celebrated the ups. I'm ready to face what the next year brings (and I hope there are more ups than downs!) I don't feel "old" and I still look "okay" so I am not going to mourn the new, larger number that will now go onto the AGE line when I fill out forms!

Last time I wrote about our planned family room remodeling project. It blossomed some more! As Lynn was cleaning out the closet under the stairs so the electrician could access the area to install a new outlet, he discovered that all the floor tiles were loose! Who knew? There was so much stuff stored in that closet, I don't think more than a foot of flooring was visible anyway. So, Lynn scraped it all up, laid new tile, then decided we needed a new shelving unit for storing things off the floor. As those of you who have been involved in remodeling projects know, there is a domino effect. You can't do one thing without something else you had not planned for needing attention.

And so it goes. The new flooring for the family room will be installed next Thursday. I got to schedule the date, and I wisely chose the 23rd because I will be in MN that day at a dog show! Over the years we have learned that my mood is much better when building projects happen when I am gone (unless, of course, I am unaware that a building project is taking place and am surprised by it upon my return!)

Speaking of dog shows…at the last minute I entered the shows in Burlington, IA, rather hoping the entries would not make it to Onofrio in time. Naturally they made the deadline, so I and the three dogs went to the shows. I was, of course, hoping Maggie would pick up two of the three single points she needed and Rafe would win a couple of crossover points. Well, you know what is said about "best laid plans!" The other female I entered as a "filler" (one there to build points and not expected to win) actually won both days. Rafe did get a crossover point on Saturday but not on Sunday.

An earlier picture of Maggie

The following weekend was better. Maggie, Rafe, the "filler," and I were at a show in Albert Lea,  MN. Entries were two males, four bitches (a major), and a male and bitch special. I did not show Rafe on Saturday because that judge was the same man we'd had on Sunday in Burlington, and for whatever reason gets into a Lhasa's head, Rafe decided he did not like the man and that there was no way he was going to let the man look at his bite. So we skipped that show. Once again, the "filler" won – the major this time! Go figure…when I was trying to show and finish her, there was no way she enjoyed the ring. Yet another one of life's mysteries…

Sunday was a new and better day for us. Rafe took Winners Dog for a point. Maggie took Winners Bitch for the 3 point major. Rafe then took Best of Winners and Best Opposite sex over the male special. So, when I went home, I had a new Champion in the car with me, as well as an 8-month old puppy that now needs just 3 single points to finish! My elation made the five and a half hour trip in the rain go much faster!

Here is the photo of Rafe's 3-point major win at the Greater Milwaukee Lhasa Apso Club's specialty in Waukesha, WI on July 27. It was a really hot day!

Last night Rafe, Windy, my friend Jane with her Shibas Kiara and Tux, and I went to Peoria to training class. I wanted Rafe to have a positive experience with a man examining his bite, and I wanted Windy to start getting into show dog mode. Things went well for us. Rafe did just fine on the table. Windy was intimidated by the larger dogs but she also stood still on the table and had no problems with the trainer going over her. She walked but had her tail down. She'll be fine. She's going along for the ride to our next shows.

Our next shows are in Lake Elmo, MN. The Twin Cities Lhasa Apso Club hosts two specialties on Thursday and Friday. Then the St. Croix Valley all-breed club has its shows on the weekend. Maggie is entered but will not go since she finished and I have no plans to try to get a Grand Championship on her. Rafe will be shown and I hope he can get the points he needs to finish. It'd be cool to have him finish before he is 9 months old. That has never happened to me before!

Windy's new Brake Fast Bowl

My friend Marsha gave me a gift for Windy when I saw her in Albert Lea. Windy is a food hog, inhaling her food and then wondering where it went and looking for more! I've been putting a ball in her food dish and that has worked well to slow her down. Marsha discovered the Brake Fast Bowls. They seem to be commonly sold in plastic but I won't feed my dogs out of plastic, so she was able to find a metal version for me. It works well! Thanks again, Marsha!

Why won't I feed the dogs out of plastic bowls? Well, sometimes dogs are allergic to whatever is in the plastic. Often they chew the bowls and then not only do the bowls look terrible, but they also start catching hair. I just prefer stainless steel. 

I received photos and an email message from Lucky's (formerly Flash) new owners. They wrote, Lucky is a real HAM. He loves having his picture taken. No fuss. I think his experience with you having his picture taken on a weekly basis made all of the difference. He made his first visit to the Vet and everyone enjoyed playing with Lucky…We love watching him reacting to the various sounds he is introduced to around our complex when we are sitting on our deck. Whether its garbage trucks, motorcycles, emergency vehicles, dogs barking or just people going out for a stroll. Lots of laughs. He is very quick to pick up new commands---whether it's SIT or just fetching the ball. Again, good breeding and breeder makes it a lot easier to adjust to new surroundings.

Lucky with his favorite toy

I also received photos today of Libby (formerly Rainy). She is doing well also: Learning to potty outside and not to bite fingers! Oliver's owners sent me links to YouTube videos of Oliver involved in his daily activities. It's been so fun to hear from people about the puppies' progress.

Today is the last day to make comments against the proposed USDA/APHIS regulations that will harm small hobby breeders.  Comments can be entered at http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=APHIS-2011-0003-11583

If you are not sure what to say, go to http://thecavalrygroup.blogspot.com/2012/07/frank-loseys-comments-submitted-re.html and read Frank Losey's comments. You can get a lot of good ideas from them. I and other small breeders would appreciate your support. Many thanks to Laurie and Matt who sent in comments and shared them with me.

If you need a laugh or smile today, you might enjoy reading these rules for dog owners.

Libby outside at her new

Again, I want to encourage all whose Lhasas' faces could use a cleaning to try Nature's Specialties Plum Crazy Face Wash. It is tearless. It smells great. And it works!

I found this quotation on the Internet, "May the best of your past be the worst of your future." That is my wish for all of you today!

Thanks for taking time to read this blog. It's been fun sharing with you.

Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you.

Joyce

Catching Up: News and Photos

“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance” 

~ Jane Austen

This horrible heat and drought has definitely had an adverse effect on our lawn, flowers, shrubs, and trees. We have dead leaves all over the back yard, nearly bare branches on the shrub in the front yard, and no flowers left to brag about, in spite of trying to keep them all watered. The corn fields look awful and I imagine food prices will start to increase even in anticipation of a weak harvest. Oh fun!

Griffin I lounging on his swing in the shade

As far as the people and dogs at our house…well, all I can say is, "Thank God for air conditioning." I pray daily that ours doesn't break down.

So what have I been doing in the two weeks since my last post? I don't even remember most of it! We've been discussing plans for a make-over of our family room. (My husband watches too much DYI television!) Why do projects which seem so straightforward and fairly simple turn into costly, involved projects that entail more work than seemed necessary at the onset? What began as "Let's replace this old carpet" has become "Since we're going to do all that work, let's put up new wallpaper" to "what about adding a fireplace" to "we need an electrician to run a new wire for the fireplace" to … well, you get the idea. Someday I'll let you know what we finally decide!

The latest photo of Gabe

Fortunately, my husband is quite handy with building and renovating things, so that will save us some money. I am not sure about the wallpaper though. We tried a couple of times to hang wallpaper as a team in the early days of our marriage. After those experiences, we did not try again. I thought then that pre-marital counseling simply needs to be replaced by giving a couple contemplating marriage a room in which to hang wallpaper together. The room should have at least one door and a couple of windows and at least one corner should be off square. The wallpaper definitely needs a pattern that requires matching. If their relationship survives wallpapering that room, their marriage has a good chance of survival as well.

Last week went by amazingly fast. Flash (now Lucky) left early Wednesday morning. I was disappointed that I was not going to get to meet his new owners because I had to leave at 5:30 AM Wednesday to get to Springfield for a 2-day mini-conference. Fortunately, they got into town Tuesday night and were able to come to our home to meet Lucky (and me). Ted sent me an email describing their trip back to Winnipeg and saying, "All day Thursday he played, slept, played and was a bundle of joy throughout the day. The bottle bunny you gave us is his favorite toy.  He loves the noise and so do I. His disposition is excellent and seems very happy. A lot of the credit has to go to the breeder and his parents. Thursday night he was put into his carryall again and again a couple of barks and went to sleep until Friday morning. The routine you had him on works well for our schedule and will definitely help Lucky to adjust to his new surroundings…We have him at the office today and is a hit with the staff, and of course he is performing for everyone..."    

Zeus & Zora at a soccer game

Zora, looking much like Rafe!

I've been getting some updates and photos from most of Rafe's siblings' owners. Sister Zora and her buddy Zeus enjoy going to soccer games and cheering on their "kids." Brother Gabe spent some time with his trainer while his owner was out of town for her work. Griffin II had a similar, but longer, experience when his people went to Ireland. Griffin I remains a hit with everyone he meets. I've included some photos that were sent.

As for Rafe, he is gorgeous and has such a great disposition. After I returned from Springfield Thursday evening, I got him and Maggie groomed and all the show "stuff" packed in the car. I was in bed and asleep by 10:30. The alarm went off at 2:10AM. The dogs and I left at 3:30 for Waukesha, Wisconsin, and the dog shows being held there. (Another thing I am grateful for is 5 hour energy drinks.) I enjoy going to those shows mostly because it gives me a chance to see friends and hang out with other Lhasa breeders. The enjoyment is certainly not because of the show itself. It is an outdoor show, and this year the rings were awful. The grass had not been mowed and big clumps of weeds (the only green things still alive in the heat) made smooth movement difficult. Of course, the heat was exhausting and the humidity was high, especially under the tents, which allowed for shade but trapped the heat and humidity. Dogs and people suffered. We could not wait to show and go!

Griffin II, caught pestering that darn cat!

Friday was the Greater Milwaukee Lhasa Apso Club's Specialty show. The judge was Kathleen Kolbert. Although Rafe was not thrilled to be walking through the grass/weeds, he did well. He took Winners Dog (a 3 point major), Best of Winners, and Best Puppy in Specialty. Maggie took Reserve Winners bitch. Sadly, that day was the high point of the weekend for both of them. Oh well, "another day, another dog show," as the saying goes.

Saturday, Rafe was reluctant to move and I do not blame the judge for ignoring him.  Maggie took 3^rd out of a class of 5. She did the same on Sunday. On Sunday, Rafe showed a lot better and I thought we might have a shot at the points again. Alas, he took Reserve.

We have three weekends of showing in August. Maggie needs three single points to get her championship. Rafe needs seven single points to get his. I hope they make some progress at these upcoming shows!

Speaking of shows, I've attached a flyer for the American Lhasa Apso Club's National Specialty show, which will be held in mid-October. If you need a vacation in October and want to see a lot of lovely Lhasas, join us in Mansfield, MA, for a week that is sure to be "Lhasa fun." My puppy Windy will be old enough to show that weekend so I may enter her in one or two of the shows for fun. There is no need to overdo it with a young puppy.

Stay cool! Enjoy the photos—and wish Maggie, Rafe, and me safe travel and good luck at the shows!

Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you!

Joyce

P.S. I've been getting emails from people inquiring about our next litter. All I can say is that it is still very much in the planning stage. If we do decide to do a breeding, it will more than likely happen in September or October and the puppies will not be ready for new homes until February or March.

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures...and More

Windy, 13 weeks

It's picture sharing time again! I have some nice ones to share with you, featuring the wins from the West Bend and Greater Milwaukee Lhasa Apso Club shows on June 30, as well as a couple of puppy pictures.

Lucky (Flash) 11 weeks

All but one of Breaker and Mira's puppies have left with their new owners. Flash (who will be renamed "Lucky"—I have to remind myself constantly to call him that) leaves at the end of July. Windy, my new puppy, has adjusted well to her new home with us. She loves playing with Flash/Lucky and the two are worn out by bedtime. Tuesday night I fell asleep watching TV and when I woke up, the two of them were sacked out on the floor by my feet, lying on their sides and so deeply asleep that I had trouble rousing them. I suspiciously checked out the room, wondering what they'd been doing to make themselves so tired, but I saw nothing out of place. They have their daily routines and I know Windy will miss Flash when he leaves. I'm slowly introducing her to the older dogs also.

We had a disruptive week at home. For the past 15 years, home in Macomb that were built during the 60's and 70's have had water problems. The copper pipes have sprung pinhole leaks and have had to be replaced. (I'm not sure what that says about the water in Macomb.) We knew we were living on borrowed time. Up to this year we'd had no problems. For a few years, I'd been saving money to replace the pipes before ours decided to leak and create water damage. Finally, we had a plumber come to do an inspection and give us an estimate (yikes!). He found leaks – and showed them to me. So we bit the bullet and had all the old pipes replaced.

Belle

A disappointment this week was that the family who put a deposit on Belle back in February has not found a convenient time to come to Illinois to pick her up. We've decided that after all these months of arranging and canceling visits, their having Belle was "not meant to be," so Belle is once again available to a pet home. She is 3 years old and has been spayed. She still has her long beautiful coat. I can't bring myself to clip it but I'm sure someone else will be able to do it.

Communication from AKC today included this message: " The US Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Animal Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today that the comment period on the proposed regulations regarding “Retail Pet Stores and Licensing Exemptions” has been extended until August 15, 2012. We encourage any concerned dog owners who have not yet signed the AKC petition and/or submitted comments about this problematic proposal to take advantage of this extra time to do so.

Maggie, a 3 point major win!

Background: This important proposal would require all who own more than four “breeding females” and sell even one animal “sight unseen” to be regulated as a commercial breeder and be subject to federal commercial breeder licensing, regulation and inspections.  The term “breeding female” is not defined, so it is unclear how USDA or even breeders themselves would determine who falls under these regulations.  The term also includes multiple species (including cats, dogs, and other small mammals). 

The AKC believes that the USDA’s “one size fits all” regulations are not in the best interest of all dogs, responsible breeders, or puppy buyers.  It is unreasonable and virtually impossible for many small hobby breeders to comply with the strict kennel engineering standards that were designed for large commercial operations."

Again, comments opposing these regulations need to be sent in by all, exhibitors, breeders, AND pet owners. The regulations as currently proposed may make it impossible for small breeders like myself to continued raising dogs. What that means, of course, is that eventually the major pet buying option left for the general public will be from pet stores who get their puppies from commercial breeding facilities. So, even if you just own one pet-- Lhasa or any other breed or cross breed--please write an opposing comment or sign the petition. In the former post, I provided links to information that may help your understanding of the situation.

Thanks!

Life is good when you have a Lhasa to love you!

Joyce

Rafe, a 2 point win!

Rafe, a 3 point major win!