2017 Fall Newsletter

American Bolognese Club

Fall Issue

Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE...

Renewing ABC Membership
2018 Club Activities
Picky Eaters
Holiday Meals for Bolos
Titer Testing Part 1
Fall Bolos
Gift Ideas for your Bolos

RESCUE

RE-HOMING PROGRAM

Contact Joyce Eisert, ABC Coordinator, at [email protected]

October 2017

Special thanks to our calendar judges!

Shannon Sakioka
Cindy Kelleher
Katelyn Waits
Anna Bettina
Deanne Aronson

Notice: It's almost renewal time!

The new year is just around the corner. Please remember that we offer 1, 2, and 3 year membership options. Each year you join comes with specific joining gifts. These memberships expire on January 1st of the respective year. If you need to renew, you will get a reminder from us by email on November 1. Thank you for helping to promote, preserve, and protect the Bolognese breed.

Pay online by clicking the RENEW NOW button below. Please update your profile if information has changed.

Send a check or money order made out to American Bolognese Club along with the Membership form attached to your email if any information has changed. Mail check and Membership form to: Terri McDonald 388 Davis Road Petal MS 39465

1 Year: Pet Care Cards (2 sets)

3 Years: Pet Care Cards, and an entry into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card.

Membership Gifts:

2 Years: Pet Care Cards (2 sets) and Toxic Food Flyer

TWO WINNERS!

A Letter From the President

As I watch the enthusiasm of this group of Bolognese protectors, lovers, and fans who make up the membership of the American Bolognese Club, it warms my heart. What a great membership we have!

More Bolognese families are participating with their Bolos in various athletic events, such as Obedience, Agility, Rally obedience, Conformation, and Junior Program. The Junior Program offered by the United Kennel Club offers an excellent way to get your children involved in a program which builds character and is a fun family event!

If you are interested in more detail about how you can involve your Bolognese family in some of these programs, I will be glad to help you navigate through your first paperwork requirements and give you some references which can familiarize you as to what is available in your area.

Whether you plan to participate in events or just want your sweet, loving Bolo to be your constant home companion, I want to emphasize emphatically: Please register your Bolognese with the ABC paperwork your Breeder will supply with your puppy. If you have an adult Bolognese, we will be glad to help you fill out the correct ABC forms. When you register your Bolognese in the ABC Registry, you are contributing to the very important population count of Bolognese in this country, as well as helping the Club establish data on health, linage, and status.

Well, no doubt, in 2017 we have had a few setbacks as far as our planned Annual Specialty and Meet the Breed events. Dealing with the hurricane aftermath did influence many people's plans. However, we are already planning some "Bolognese Social Events" for 2018, so stay tuned to the Newsletter and the two Facebook pages (American Bolognese Club , Members of the American Bolognese Club, and American Bolognese Breeders). Facebook has greatly augmented the ability of Bolognese enthusiasts to communicate with one another through these pages. If you need help finding them, just email us!

This year was an excellent year as far as membership participation, thanks to those on our Board of Directors, and their committee workers, who have an unrelenting drive to establish the visibility and popularity of the Bolognese Breed. Our beloved breed is still considered VERY RARE, even in its home country of Italy and throughout Europe. The ABC has established an excellent support system of dedicated breeders in the USA, who breed to very high health and pedigree standards.

Since this is the last newsletter of 2017, I would like to wish you all a very prosperous and peaceful holiday season and encourage you to join the Club and get involved in our amazing Bolognese community for 2018!

Marsha England

ABC President and Renaissance Bolognese

"For the Love of the Breed"

Fun, Fall, and Bolos!

Pippa

Leo

Beni

Dolche

Bob and Lucy

Holly

Starr and Twinkle

Raffi and Lizzie

Ava

Bella

2018 Club Activities

Bolo Pals -A one-time gift exchange for interested members.
2018 ABC Ambassador
Summer Surprise 'happy' for members.
2019 Life is Better with a Bolo Calendar Contest.
Facebook games for prizes.
Hand painted Bolo ornament giveaway.

Fall in Love with a Bolo!

Nicco and Lucee

Lucee needs an updo!

Mr. Luigi relaxing.

Prince is the king at chasing chipmunks!

Ms. Pebbles is ready for fall!

City girl, Lacy.

Olive and Nina all dressed up.

Skylar and Blu...the snuggle is real.

Taking a Look at Picky Eaters

Why is your dog a picky eater?

There are two kinds of dogs. The first kind lives to eat. They will devour anything you put in front of them. The second kind eats to live. They pick and choose, take longer to finish meals, and sometimes won’t finish them at all.

Smaller dogs tend to be more discriminating. “If you’re having trouble getting your pet to eat on a regular basis, and he won’t consume his food at least once a day, your dog is a picky eater," says Margaret Hoppe, DVM, of the Abingdon Square Veterinary Clinic in New York's Greenwich Village.

If your dog has always been a picky eater, there is likely no need for concern.

A picky dog that maintains a healthy weight, is alert and perky, and has a shiny coat, is much less worrisome than one who has dropped a few pounds and has a less lustrous coat. Also, as Hoppe points out: “If you have a dog who is a regular eater that suddenly stops, that can be a sign something is wrong. Picky eating is one symptom.”

It’s important to rule out any health issues that may be affecting your dog’s appetite. Sore teeth and gums, allergies, and stomach problems could be keeping your dog from enjoying their food. If your normally voracious dog is suddenly picky, a trip to the vet might be in order.

If your pet refuses to eat their food for more than two days, see a veterinarian.

Feed from the table? The prospect of mouthwatering human food could be causing your dog to turn up their nose at dinner. Keep handouts to a minimum to encourage them to enjoy their meals. And remember, some human food is downright dangerous to dogs.
Stick to a feeding schedule without leaving the food out for more than a short 15 - 30 minute period of time?
Give too many treats?
Open multiple cans of food and trying to coax your dog into eating something every meal?
Lose the good fight and break down? Some pets have learned to wait to eat and see if their pet parent will break down and offer a tasty morsel as an incentive. Have you made a habit of adding a fried egg, homemade chicken, warm broth, or other condiments to your pet’s food? You may need to take a hiatus and only offer these items as a very occasional treat if you don’t want to be at the mercy of your pet’s culinary whims.
Feed too much? As your dog grows older, their dietary needs change. A growing puppy needs a different amount of food than an adult or elderly dog. Make sure you’ve measured out portions according to weight and age.
Feed your dog’s in a busy hallway or loud kitchen? Find a quiet place for your dog to eat where no one will bother them.

Could it be me and not my dog?

Do you…

If your pet is under stress – maybe from a move, new people coming around, someone familiar leaving (perhaps a teen moving to college, a couple divorcing or a death in the family) or a change in family schedule (such as back-to-school time) – they may feel too anxious to eat.

Occasionally, pets will be reluctant eaters because the food upsets their tummies. You may need to try switching to a grain-free formula or a different type of protein to entice your pet to eat vigorously.

Boredom. Your dog may crave variety, just like you. If they’ve eaten too much of the same thing, it might be time to carefully switch to another flavor of kibble, adding some wet food to their diet or even making your own dog food.

Could it be my dog?

Here’s some other ideas to consider or try:

Add probiotics and/or digestive enzymes to your dog’s diet.
Keep dog food and people food separate. Your dog should only eat food out of his bowl, and should never see food as coming from your plate. If you do choose to incorporate healthy people food, mix it into the food your dog eats.
Taking your dog for a good walk before mealtime can also help increase his appetite. If you can schedule a daily walk around a regular feeding time, this will help your dog to associate the walk with the upcoming mealtime.
Staying out of the area while your dog eats and giving him a quiet, safe place to eat alone, away from distractions or competition from other pets, may be helpful. Set a schedule and offer his food for a short period of time and then take it away. This will teach your dog to eat at certain regular times and will provide a comforting routine that the dog can rely on.
Pour his food into the bowl on the counter where he can smell it but not get to it. If he’s hungry, he’ll probably be interested. Other ways to pique his interest include heating the food or stirring some hot water into dry food. Pick up the bowl, make eye contact with your dog, and tell him to sit. Make him wait a little bit in sit position. Your dog might view the food as a reward for sitting and waiting. Put the bowl down. He might eat. If not, wait about 15 minutes, and if he hasn’t eaten by then, put the food away, and try again at the next mealtime.
Try feeding dogs in a place they love: outdoors, in the bed, or on your lap.
Try different feeding times. Some dogs eat better in the afternoon, others eat better an hour after you’re home. Test it and see what time and situation work best for yours.
Try feeding more often. Try feeding smaller amounts of his regular food three or four times a day.
Add variety easily by adding bone broth, goat’s milk, coconut oil, peas, carrots, canned dog food, etc. in with their regular food. Warming food can give it extra aroma.
Use a puzzle toy. Dogs love to play, and using a food-dispensing puzzle toy is a great way to stimulate your dog’s mind while filling their stomachs.

Last, but not least, there are times it is the bowl you’re using to feed. Do you find that your pet will eat off of the floor? Some believe a deep bowl:

• Covers the animals line of sight and doesn’t allow them to observe their surroundings • May create noise from their pet tags hitting the bowl rim • Goes against the animal’s natural instinct to eat off the ground

If you feel like this could be the case, try a cookie sheet, paper plate, saucer, or cat bowls. There’s even a Pet Plate on the market designed for these problems!

When Your Dog is a Picky Eater

My Dog is a Picky Eater

Picky Eaters

What to Do When Your Dog is a Picky Eater

Why My Dog Won't Eat His Food

The Pet Plate

Dogs That Are Picky Eaters

Resources:

The Pet Plate is:

Flatter and wider than most other pet feeding dishes.
Made of lead free pottery that is dishwasher and microwave safe.
Close to the ground for a more natural feeding position.
Lower with angular sides so food stays put.
Unobstructed your pet can see surroundings while eating.

Gift Ideas for Bolos

Click the picture to go to the links.

The topic of over vaccination of dogs and specifically our Bolognese breed is a frequent topic on the Members of the American Bolognese Club’s Facebook page.

As an example, our Vet Dr. Peterein explained to me that by law, Veterinarians are required to give the same dose of Rabies Vaccine to a 7-pound Bolognese as a large breed dog. She along with other Veterinarians have testified in front of the US Congress for a change in our laws and she has video of our representatives paying on their cell phones during their testimony. Translation, there was no interest in supporting the desired changes. She has been successful however in a few municipalities near her practice in getting 3-year Rabies Vaccinations approved in lieu of annual vaccinations. By the way, did you know there is no difference in a 3-year Rabies vaccination and a 1-year Rabies vaccination – it is the exact same strength and dosage!

So, the question is, is there an alternative to annual vaccinations? Possibly.

A titer test is a lab test measuring the level of antibodies in blood. The antibodies are typically produced when as a response from a vaccination, but could also be produced from exposure to the virus or bacteria itself. Rabies, parvovirus and distemper antibodies can all be tested. While it is possible to test for other antibodies, other tests are usually not recommended, but this is a individual decision you should make with your trusted Veterinarian.

The tests are usually done at a lab that is offsite and independent from your Veterinarian (the use of a Nationally recognized lab is recommended). Blood is drawn from your fur baby by your Veterinarian and sent overnight to the lab for testing. Dr. Peterein recommends doing the test early in the week and in cooler weather so that the blood sample does not spoil in transit to the lab.

Depending on the Lab used and the tests ordered, results will either come back as “strong” (good) or “weak” (not good) or with an actual number representing the strength of the antibodies (preferred). The tests with actual number results are typically more expensive, but are also more likely to be accepted by an outside source in my experience.

Please consult your Vet concerning the cost of the Titer tests. Skylar’s testing was several hundred dollars. I am very certain that cheaper alternatives exist, but I wanted to get actual numbers from a very reputable source. It was my choice that if I was going to do this, wanted to do it right.

Prior to making the decision to Titer test Skylar, I contacted the place that we occasional board Blu & Skylar and their groomer. Both enthusiastically told me that they would accept the written test results in lieu of proof of vaccinations. Do not expect your local Animal Control authorities to accept the Titer test results in lieu of required vaccinations for licensing. However, if your Bolo has a documented health issue or adverse reaction to a previous vaccination, your Vet may be willing write a letter requesting an exemption for you and a positive, documented Titer test may help you obtain the requested exemption.

In the next issue, I will update you on Skylar’s results as well as answer questions regarding the need for repeating the tests in the future. If you have other questions you would like me to address regarding our experience with Titer testing in the next issue, please email me at [email protected].

Titer Testing: A Possible Alternative to Over-Vaccinating

Holiday Meals the Bolos Can Enjoy!

Do you feel guilty for eating such yummy meals at the holidays? Dogs can have some yummy goodness too! These recipes come from Lucky Puppy Magazine (Winter 2016). Feel free to adjust according to the needs and appetites of your dogs.

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Sauce:

6 medium apples, peeled and chopped into 2 inch pieces 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries ½ cup of water ½ cup of honey

Topping:

1 cup quick-cooking oats

2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 1 tablespoon honey ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ginger

Directions:

1. Place all sauce ingredients in medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. You can eat the sauce as is, but if you want to take it to the next level, add the topping. 2. Mix all ingredients for the topping in a small bowl. Scoop sauce into ramekins and sprinkle the oat mixture on top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 5-10 minutes, until topping is brown. 3. Cool before serving to your pup, but humans can eat it warm and add a scoop of ice cream.

Turkey Stew

2 lbs cooked turkey meat, chopped into 2-inch pieces 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock 1 lb white, yellow, or sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces 1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 2-inch pieces 1 cup frozen peas 1 cup frozen green beans

Directions:

1. Put potatoes, carrots, squash, and herbs in a large pot and cover with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until veggies are tender. 2. Add frozen peas, green beans, and chopped turkey and simmer for another 10 minutes. 3. Allow to cool and thicken before serving to your dog.

Make these Sweet Tater Biscuits for your dog by clicking the picture for the recipe.

Join online at:

americanbologneseclub.com Just click the "JOIN ONLINE HERE" button.

If you prefer to use traditional mail, please click to download our Membership Application and mail with check or money order to:

Terri McDonald 388 Davis Road Petal MS 39465

List of ABC Officers: President - Marsha England - 970-856-3085 - [email protected]

Secretary/Treasurer - Darice Barnes- 210-355-0436- [email protected] Registrar - Stephanie Dahlke -210-836-8980- [email protected] Rescue and Re-homing Program - Joyce Eisert - 480-860-0278 - [email protected] Newsletter Editor and Membership Director - Terri McDonald - 601-270-8111 - [email protected] All officers can be reached at [email protected]

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