Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Here is the letter:

September 21, 2005

To Whom It May Concern:

�  � The riding of dogs is currently being promoted by certain people, most notably on a website: http://www.dogriderssociety.com, owned by Mr. Tim Veldboom of (unknown town to be filled in),Wisconsin, although there are others.�  This website promotes the riding of dogs by children, by posting photographs, videotape clippings, and written stories about these rides.�  There are webpages with collections of these, in addition to one about “Teaching a Kid to Ride a Dog.”�  Despite the recommendation found on the website that a dog can carry only 20% of its own weight, there are videotape clippings and photographs of large, older children appearing to weigh well over 40 lbs. riding small dogs.�  In particular, the videotapes of the pit bulls and the young Great Dane show children riding dogs when they are far too large for their dogs.�  Despite the recommendation, the presence of such pictures and videotape clippings on the website can only be taken as approval.
�  � This, if permitted to occur more than once or twice, could conceivably cause serious damage to these dogs or, even worse, the children.�  The Great Dane, for example, shown in the videotapes, does not even appear to have finished growing; if this is the case, his bones could be severely damaged by the trauma of carrying a girl upon his back.�  He is also quite nervous and appears to be afraid, a situation in which dogs have been known to bite in self-defense.�  Even mature dogs should not have a significant amount of weight placed upon them for any length of time, excepting a properly fitted backpack. (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1661&S=1&SourceID=47)
�  � Such actions may even constitute abuse, in the sense of using something contrary to its intended use, as dogs’ basic structure is unsuitable to bear weight.�  They differ from animals capable of bearing weight, such as horses, in that their lumbosacral joint is quite flexible and even their backs flex when running, whereas horses have a much less flexible joint that allows far the back to flex far less. [Susan E. Harris, Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement (New York, New York: Howell Book House, 2003): pp. 23-24]�  Thus, the practice of riding dogs may result in injury to the animal’s spine.
�  � This practice needs to be discouraged and spoken against, particularly by those people who have greater authority in the eyes of pet owners.�  Veterinarians, in particular, have the obligation to inform their clients of the dangers of such practices.�  It is my hope that they do, and that neither dogs nor children are injured as a result of this website and similar ones.

Sincerely,

Sofia Arango of Mission, Texas

Any suggestions to improve the content or polish the expression of this letter would be appreciated.�  If you would like to add your name to this letter or copy it to give to vets or trainers, that would also be appreciated.

Sofia

(Edited to change one word in the letter.)

Posted this in Kuvasz Discussions:

Hello,

I'm appealing to those on this board having experience with LGD's, especially Kuvaszok, to get (hopefully) many suggestions. � (No offense meant, Mrs. Kidle.) � Sapphire, a 5 month old Kuvasz female, was boarded for four days over the weekend. � Unfortunately, we learned that she had been aggressive; today, when we went back to pick up some forgotten toys, I found out that she had been "skittish" and had growled. �  �  � Apparently, it was pretty bad, and they couldn't get her out of the kennel (which explains why the toys had been peed on).

It sounded to me like the aggression was fear-related. � What do you think? � Is this unusual in LGD's? � How can it be dealt with? � We only boarded her because she was so young that we didn't think aggression would be a problem, and she stayed with Gucci, who has been boarded before.

Hmm...It might be helpful to know a little more about Sapphire. � She is very protective of the family and will bark and even growl at "intruders," but she is fine with deliverymen and doesn't even notice passers-by. � This problem (with guests) is being addressed by having her on a leash, putting her in sit-stay or down-stay, and reprimanding her when she barks. � We back it up with a short tug or even a snap when necessary. � When we go out for training classes, she accepts people, unless they are acting sneaky (such as ducking quickly away when they see her), in which case she becomes alert and barks a few times. � Sapphire will back away from some people when they approach her and try to pet her, and she quickly takes a liking to others, but I understand this is normal. � Sometimes she even barks at people she doesn't like, which probably isn't normal. � She is timid around new dogs unless they are much smaller than she is. � Food aggression is not a problem, except with other dogs; Sapphire will let my 10-month old little sister take kibble out of the bowl and attempt to eat it. � If I take away the bowl, she just tries to eat faster, but there is no other fussing. � I usually give her a treat or hand feed some of the kibble. � Also, I just put her in a sit-stay while I put Gucci's food down, and she will hold it until I release her and put down her bowl. � I haven't seen her exhibit any dominance-related aggression toward people, and she doen't do anything serious toward Gucci. � If Gucci is getting attention and she doesn't like it, she'll initiate a game by chewing on her, or just run her off. � She'll also bark when Gucci has a chew that she wants, but nothing happens there. � (Generally, Gucci has her chew, so I give it back to Sapphire, but not always.) � That is probably more than you need to know. � 

Sofia

Well, I received an email regarding an article EVERYONE on this board should read and respond to. 

From today's LA Times. It's fascinating to read a long newspaper
article about what many of us are involved in. So what do you think, do
"we" sound like nuts or heroes? Do you agree with the HSUS's concerns?

--------------------
Riding the Underdog Railroad
--------------------

Working in relays, volunteers haul rescued canines long distances to new homes. The trips aren't easy, and some say they're unnecessary.

By Janet Wilson
Times Staff Writer

August 24 2005

Paddy's no show dog. He's a mid-size, aging brown mutt; shaggy, with white eye rings that give him a worried look, and a smell that's hard to ignore.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-me-roaddogs24aug24,1,3765767.story

So how about BPO? Pupdaddy? My response is for the editor.

First we throw away animals....now society throws away children. (The article they should have written. Since we are helpless to protect other people's kids, but at least we can start with animals.)  Now kind hearts are an underground railroad....

Deena

We will be moving to a 130+ acre ranch in Nov. The current fencing consists of barb wire with electric at the top and bottom, not child, horse, or dog friendly. I need to go out to get fencing estimates next month. The 8 ft. concrete block/stucco fence at 200k is�  cost prohibitive. The standard split 4 rail fence will only hold horses. Chain link is also dangerous for horses, so how about some ideas based upon your experience? We have a Kuvasz, plan to add a second and a Great Pyr within a year. Thanks for your help.

Deena

Hope you enjoy this.

Good Hope


How to clean your toilet.


Funny!
 

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash" and rinse.

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sincerely,

The Dog