President's Message

I have in my hand a letter which arrived today, from the Lowe family, Jackie, Jerry, and "Wallis," their tricolor Cavalier. Enclosed with the letter is a check for a very generous donation to the BACKCSC Rescue. In her beautiful lettering, Jackie writes, "We lost our Bertie in August and words cannot describe the sadness we feel...'Thanks' to Mrs. Ronnie Cadam-Thacker who found us a new 'Bertie Boy'...He has touched our hearts with love, joy and fun - our little family is complete..." She adds, "The BACKCSC is so fortunate in having such a hard working, caring and dedicated Rescue representative as Ronnie...We 'thank' Mr. Bob Reger who in his goodness has allowed to have Bertie - and Ms. Patty Kanan, the breeder of our Bertie...We are absolutely grateful to all the above for our precious new Bertie - such a treasure." Many of you knew the Lowes' first Bertie, and you also may remember that Bob Reger's Bertie, now the Lowes' new boy, was the beloved pet of Bob's wife Suzanne, who died suddenly a few months ago. Ronnie Cadam has known young Bertie since his babyhood, and now she been instrumental in finding him his new home. She has worked very hard for Cavaliers and the BACKCSC, especially in the area of Rescue, and she is just one of the many members of our Club who generously volunteer their time and energy to help the Club and our Cavaliers. Dog clubs are rather amazing when you think about them. Specialty clubs like ours are composed of people who share an interest in a particular breed, and every member is a volunteer. Frequently active members are people who are also very busy in other aspects of their lives, business, family, etc., yet they find countless hours to devote to serving the interests of the club. None of our members receives a salary, bonus, paid vacation, or any other perquisite for participating in the work of the club. The only reward is a sense of satisfaction that what we accomplish will help the club to fulfill its goal of helping the breed. Please think back to the ways you have volunteered for the BACKCSC since you became a member of the club. For many of you the list will be long (and you probably will have forgotten as many as you remember), but virtually every member has contributed to the club. The members of the Bay Area Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club have accomplished a great deal in the few years since the club's inception. People volunteered right from the start to help, as we set out establishing the BACKCSC with all the legal requirements for by-laws, incorporation, tax numbers, and insurance and banking arrangements, then starting health clinics and continuing the local tradition of a Rescue Fun Day, holding matches for the National Club and working toward and receiving AKC accreditation to hold our own sanctioned matches. We have had hard-working newsletter editors and contributors, plus people who compose, copy, address, and mail fliers, provide our traditional tea-and-scones at matches, bring flowers, open their homes for meetings, arrange speakers for programs, donate to the raffles - and buy and sell tickets, bring trophies, introduce our breed to the public at Golden Gate Kennel Club's benched show, sign up as a Rescue volunteer, foster a rescue dog till its new home is found (or travel many miles to find the "Cavalier" in need of rescue was not, in fact, a Cavalier at all), and help plan for the Roving National to be held a year from now. We have helped each other when assistance or advice or a favor was needed. The list could be much longer and still not include everything our members have done to foster the interests of the BACKCSC. I think this is a good time also to salute all the members of the Bay Area Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club who have donated their time, energy, and resources to the Club since it began. The names are too many to list (and I am terrified I will miss someone) - thank you all for all the work you've done already and for what you'll find yourself volunteering for in the near future. Why do we all do it? Well...we enjoy sharing our experiences with Cavaliers with others who appreciate the breed as much as we do. We want to protect the breed and serve its best interests. In the process, we improve our connections to our dogs and to each other. We thank the Lowes' for their generous donation to the Rescue in memory of their first Bertie, and their acknowledgment of Ronnie Cadam's volunteer work for Cavalier Rescue. And again thanks to all of you who also have helped this Club to grow and succeed. Keep up the good work!

Joanne Nash, BACKCSC President

Upcoming Activities

October 23 - Club Specialty B/OB Match. Alameda County Fairgrounds. Coffee and pastries @ 9:00 A.M., Match begins @ 10:00 A.M. Potluck lunch following show (contact Kathy Tegg 510 724-9533).

October 23 - Club meeting and floor nominations for next years officers. Alameda County Fairgrounds following the match ~ 12:30 P.M. and potluck lunch. Scheduled speaker is Cathy Bones from Loving Paws Assistance Dogs.

October 24 - BACKCSC sponsored Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes, judged by Mr. John Gammon, Ravenrush Cavaliers at Del Valle Show (Pleasanton).

November 14 - Annual meeting with election of officers. Also proposed will be our annual eye clinic (bring your dog & registration # for the forms if you wish to certify).

December 12 - Holiday brunch at the Pinole Creek Café, 11:30 A.M. Please bring a wrapped dog gift to exchange. Lets get together and share the holiday spirit with all of our Cavalier fanciers. Cost and deposit information will be forthcoming.

May 21, 2000 - BACKCSC Fun Day (tentatively set for Osage Park, Danville).

Something you would like as a club activity or meeting topic? Let a club officer know, we want your input.

New Additions

Yes - Lyn and I took delivery last month of two 10 week old Blenheim boys. They were sired by our girl's (Leighla) brother in England.

Nominating Committee Report

Officers to serve one year terms from November 1999 to November 2000:

President Joanne Nash

Vice President Dale Martin

Recording Secretary JoAnne Mittelman

Corresponding Secretary Mary Wissenbach

Treasurer Kim Murphy

Directors to serve two year terms from November 1999 to November 2001:

Janis Fox

Kathy Tegg

Director to serve one year term from November 1999 to November 2000 (remaining year of JoAnne Mittelman's term if elected):

Connie Ricker

Travel Notice

Passengers will still be permitted to carry-on pets that are able to fit in a carrier beneath the seat. During this embargo, all other pets will be treated as regular cargo with NO special handling. Please visit this url on the AKC web page. AKC is urging people to take the time to write to the United Airlines officials. http://www.akc.org/news/united_air_embargo.cfm

Do not assume that the ticket agents know about this, AKC made test calls and many agents were not aware of this. You don't find out till you go to check in that you have to take your dog to the cargo terminal -- not the ticket terminal. United made NO public announcements of this action.

Health Corner

"Hello all, I am a volunteer with the San Francisco German Shepherd Rescue. Got an email this morning from a woman who works in rescue...apparently her dog just died from this unusual disease and now her other dogs have also fallen ill. This is an unusual disease that is very deadly if not treated IMMEDIATELY with the correct medications. Many vets are not familiar with it." Attached was the following article:

K-STATE VETERINARIAN ISSUES CANINE 'TOXIC SHOCK' ADVISORY

MANHATTAN -- A "mystery disease" that killed a number of racing greyhounds throughout the United States in 1992 and struck again earlier this year in greyhounds and other breeds, has resulted in veterinarians at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine issuing a canine health advisory. According to Dr. Brad Fenwick, professor of veterinary medicine, the advisory has been issued to make dog owners and veterinarians aware of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a canine form of toxic shock. In light of the acute and unexpected nature of the disease, as well as the high death rates associated with it -- even with appropriate veterinary care, Fenwick said it is particularly important dog owners become aware of the symptoms of canine streptococcal toxic shock. Fenwick said canine streptococcal toxic shock has generated a great deal of concern and questions from dog owners. In many respects the disease mimics the condition in humans, which can be just as serious. "Streptococcus bacteria cause the 'flesh-eating' disease in humans," Fenwick said. "Much of what is known about prevention and treatment has been through comparing the human disease with the condition in dogs. In turn we are hopeful that by studying the disease in dogs we can learn more about how to prevent toxic shock in humans." Like the disease in humans, dogs that develop canine streptococcal toxic shock are healthy only hours prior to becoming very sick. Without prompt therapy, the dog's condition deteriorates rapidly with death occurring in as few as eight to 12 hours. Typically, dogs that develop canine streptococcal toxic shock are depressed and too weak to move; experience rigidity and muscle spasms, coupled with a high fever. Fenwick said the dog's temperature may be greater than 104 degrees Fahrenheit and may reach as high as 107. As the disease progresses, a deep, non-productive cough develops, followed by a rapid onset of spontaneous hemorrhaging, coughing up blood, bleeding from the nose, severe bruising of the skin and in some cases, bloody diarrhea. Fenwick said "shock therapy" alone is generally not able to save dogs with canine streptococcal toxic shock. Dogs treated with the correct injectible antibiotics at the early stages of the condition are more likely to recover. Early recognition, a correct diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential. Fenwick said it is important to distinguish canine streptococcal toxic shock from other diseases that affect dogs, most notably kennel cough which also causes coughing but only rarely high fevers and severe systemic illness. He urges prompt evaluation by a veterinarian to make a timely diagnosis. Streptococci are members of a family of bacteria which cause either localized or systemic infections in humans and animals. While some strains rarely cause disease and are often considered to inhabitant the skin and mucosal surfaces such as the mouth and nose, other strains are capable -- under the right conditions -- of causing life-threatening primary infections. Fenwick said fortunately the canine streptococcal toxic shock strains do not appear to be particularly contagious, but further research is necessary. According to Fenwick, what allows the organism to cause full-blown toxic shock in one dog or one human and not another is not understood. Research is underway to determine if a new strain has recently emerged or if the disease has suddenly become more common for some other reason. Currently there is no vaccine to prevent the disease. Fenwick said development of a reliable vaccine will likely be difficult because of the toxins' interference with the ability of the immune system to function properly. "Given the unpredictable nature of the disease the best thing to do is to recognize the early symptoms of the disease and treat it appropriately," Fenwick said. "Even an hour or two can make all the difference." Additional information is available from the AKC Canine Health Foundation's web site at http://www.akcchf.org/

[Ed - I emailed Dr. Fenwick for verification and received the following: "Dear Mr. Jones: Canine Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome is a very real disease. Since we have become the clearinghouse for information about canine STSS, more and more cases have been reported. Education is the best course of action, thanks for spreading the word. I would point out that the nature of this disease does not lend itself to the typical idea of a disease "outbreak". Fortunately, it is not highly contagious, particularly in comparison to many other infectious diseases of dogs. If I can be of additional assistance or address any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Brad Fenwick DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVM, Fenwick@vet.ksu.edu ]

Health Corner II

"On Thursday a green pinecone fell from a tree, hit the roof of my home, and then hit Sterling in the eye. Thank God I was still at home as this happened at 7:15 AM. I rushed him to Sierra Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Scott Baumgartner was the first doctor to report for duty.

He examined Sterling's eye, and determined that he needed surgery. After stabilizing the eye, a call was made to the Sacramento Animal Medical Group where Dr. Randall (Randy) Scagliotti was awaiting our arrival. Sterling was rushed into surgery that took a little over 4 hours! The eye was saved, and the doctor maintains that because I reacted so quickly, he was able to save the eye. I say it is because of an outstanding specialist This was the worse case of an injury the doctor had seen, but he didn't tell me that until it was all over! !! This hospital is fully staffed 24 hours, and also has visiting hours. I have NOTHING but praise for this physician. Please let the membership know of this outstanding medical group in case there isn't a hospital like this one in the Bay Area."

And most importantly she writes on Sterling's progress;

"I did not see Sterling the evening of the surgery as I did not want to disturb him. I called the hospital at 3 AM when I awakened and became concerned about him. I was able to speak with his nurse, and learned that he was really doing well and began to wag his tail around midnight. I was told to pick him up on Friday after school. The eye looks good to all who are in the medical profession. However, I became concerned when a blue haze began to appear over the eye. I have been reassured by EVERYONE that it is part of the healing process.

I was certain that Sterling's days in obedience were over, but the doctors do NOT agree with me. He will be back in the ring.

The surgery was so special that it will be included in two books being written."

[We wish Sheila and Sterling the best and a complete & speedy recovery. She will not be at the October meeting so as to not stress Sterling. - Ed]

   Northern California Shows

October 24 - BACKCSC sponsored Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes, judged by Mr. John Gammon, Ravenrush Cavaliers at Del Valle Show (Pleasanton).

October 23-24 - Sacramento Valley DFA, Dixon.

November 13-14 - Sierra-Tuolumne KC, Sonora.

November 26-27 - Golden Valley KC, Turlock.

November 27-28 - San Joaquin KC, Stockton.

December 4-5 - San Mateo KC, San Mateo.

January 15-16 - Skyline DF, San Mateo.

February 5-6 - Golden Gate KC, Daly City.

What's Cooking

Fido's Favorite Treats

1 cup uncooked oatmeal

1/3 cup margarine

1 teaspoon bouillon granules

1 1/2 cups hot water

3/4 cup lowfat powdered milk

3/4 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal

1 beaten egg

3 cups whole wheat flour

In large bowl pour hot water over oatmeal, margarine and bouillon granules; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in powdered milk, cornmeal and egg. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time. mixing well after each addition. Knead 3 to 4 minutes, adding more flour if necessary to make a very stiff dough. Pat or roll dough to 1/2 in thickness. Cut into bone shapes with a dog biscuit cutter and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 50 minutes. Allow to cool and dry out until hard.

Dog Quotations

"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise" --Unknown

"Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant." -- Unknown

"To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs." -- Aldous Huxley

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." -- Robert Benchley

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives." -- Sue Murphy

"No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation." -- Fran Lebowitz

"Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!" -- Anne Tyler

"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." -- Rita Rudner

"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money." -- Joe Weinstein

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." -- Ann Landers

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." -- Robert A. Heinlein

"In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him." -- Dereke Bruce, Taipei, Taiwan

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." -- Ben Williams

"When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem." -- Edward Abbey

"Cat's motto: No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it." -- Unknown

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does." -- Christopher Morley

"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be." -- Holbrook Jackson

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person." -- Andrew A. Rooney

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." -- Unknown

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man." -- Mark Twain

"Outside of a dog, a book is a boy's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx:

Thanks to Sheila Cassin from Cass Liberman, Lincoln Park, NJ USA, liberman@rcn.com

Why do dogs wag their tails?

They're pretty articulate with their body language, as anybody who owns a dog can tell you. For example, when it comes to communicating with their tails, canines understand each other precisely. A tail sticking straight up means "I'm top dog here." Tucking the tail means "you're the boss." But these universal signals are not so clear and precise when the "conversation" is dog-to-person. That's because centuries of breeding have muddled the animal's natural, inborn responses. The best we can say for sure about a dog wagging its tail when approaching a person is that Fido is excited. Maybe its "You're home, now I can eat," or "I've been waiting to play, let's do it." It could even be what you want to hear: "I'm really crazy about you." But then again, maybe he's just saying "I have fleas." (Source: THE NY TIMES BOOK OF SCIENCE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS by C. Claiborne Ray)

Thanks to Sheila Cassin

  Cavaliers in Cyberspace

Cavalier Visas!

Next Card Visa offers a Visa card with your pets photo on it. They are at www.nextcard.com or to go to the pet photo page directly type:
www.nextcard.com/pxweb/pets/pets000000.html?ref=aff0013616&exp=pets&page=pets000000.html

Great shopping! Great Cavalier items!

The Woofery - A Canine Collection
10250 Santa Monica Blvd. #305
LA, CA 90067
Tele-310-553-9663
Fax-310-553-9668
http://www.thewoofery.com

Thanks to JoAnne Mittelman

Pet Quotes of the Day

http://www.simplypets.com/petQuotes/

CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CHECKS!

The address is www.kbnc.com/personalcheck
The bank will even do your very own photo!!!

Thanks to Sheila Cassin

Web Resource - Plants Poisonous to Dogs

http://home.nas.net/~jgeorge/Health/poison.html

Cats and Dogs

Cats do what they want.

They rarely listen to you.

They are totally unpredictable.

They whine when they are not happy.

When you want to play, they want to be alone;

When you want to be alone, they want to play.

They expect you to cater to their every whim.

They are moody.

They leave hair everywhere.

They drive you nuts and cost an arm and a leg.

Conclusion... They are tiny little women in fur coats.

What is a Dog?

Dogs lie around all day, sprawled on the most comfortable piece of furniture in the house.

They can hear a package of food opening half a block away, but they don't hear you when you are in the same room.

They growl when they are not happy.

When you want to play, they want to play;

When you want to be alone, they want to play.

They are great at begging.

They will love you forever if you rub their tummies.

They leave their toys everywhere.

They do disgusting things with their mouths and then try to give you a kiss.

Conclusion: They are little men in fur coats.

Thanks to Sherry Nagel [I think - Ed. :) ]

If a Dog were your Teacher

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When it's in your best interest -- practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps and stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Thanks to Sheila Cassin and JoAnne Mittelman

Why Christmas in enjoyed more by dogs than humans

They don't mind getting clothes without designer labels. (can't read)

They don't circle wants in the dogalogues. (Heaven forbid they learn this.)

They don't notice price tags.

They don't pout if Grandma or someone forgets them.

They think ribbons and bows are most fun anyway.

They would be happy if the tree was a permanent household gift.

If they got nothing they would be just as happy having you home an extra day.

They don't remember if they got the same thing last year.

They never heard of Tickle Me Elmo.

Thanks to Sheila Cassin

[only 9 weeks to Christmas !! - Ed.]

Contacts