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Messages - Joji

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31
Medical Conditions & Diseases / Re: For Discussion: Cloning Dogs??
« on: August 04, 2005, 08:46:57 am »
I'm not against cloning per se - it's the intent of cloning that concerns me. I think the possibility of regenerating a dying species, say the condor, the Mexican gray wolf, or whatever-the-heck that woodpecker is called in Arkansas, gives our world new hope. What if cloning leads to regenerating amputated limbs or organs for those on waiting lists?  But what if people use the knowledge to try to bring back a specific life ... the faithful dog, cat or -egads- loved one.  What if humans look at cloning as a free license for entertainment ... say hunting (I'm not against hunting, but as an example). Stock a private preserve with cloned animals who sole purpose is to be hunted. For me, it's all about intent ...

32
Anything Non-Dog Related / Re: My feelings were kind of hurt (rant)
« on: August 04, 2005, 08:35:56 am »
What a shame your sister has chosen to attack you through your dog and the way you have integrated him into your life. Since it's your sister, I know it's not easy to just ignore her comments and her decision to not allow you to watch her kids. I'm sure you recognize it is her choice regarding her kids. You have to respect her decision to do what she believes is best for her children, just as she should respect your decision to do what is best for your dog.

Having said all the logical stuff, I want to add, she's on the losing end of the deal. We know what love and joy dogs bring into our lives and she's missing out plus she's preventing her kids from knowing that joy. It sounds like you are socializing your dog very well and I think her advice to you on raising dogs is pretty bad advice. It's too bad she doesn't see it that way; maybe one of these days she'll see the puppy light.

33
I suppose I should back-peddle a bit on saying that today's military dogs aren't vicious ... because it would be misleading to say that. They can be vicious.  Just like today's police dogs, they are trained to attack people, but it's not quite like it was 10+ years ago.  I did a photo-essay on police dogs about a year ago and on military police, which included their dogs, about 9 years ago and the military dog was intimidating to say the least. I'm glad there was an 8' chain link fence between me and Eddie, the military dog. All I wanted was his photo but he wanted nothing less than to show me the "teeth end" of his business.  ;-)

34
Great Dane Pictures / Re: HERE ARE PICTURES OF MY GANG AT THE POND
« on: August 02, 2005, 09:17:49 am »
Those look like some happy pups beating the heat!   ;D

35
Akita Pictures / Re: Say hello tooo.......Zima!!
« on: August 02, 2005, 08:23:45 am »
You should definitely go to obedience classes. Even though she knows what to do, the classes are are really for us humans, so we know what to do. ;-)  I think it's particularly important with the "not for everyone" dogs, like akitas. As responsible owners, we need to know how to establish and maintain control. Sounds like she need some special training with her dog aggression.  A good trainer can help you teach her what is and isn't okay plus help you learn how to handle her in tight situations. ;-)
As someone mentioned earlier ... going to obedience classes is just a lot of fun. You'll have a great time going with your girl. :-)

36
Bills & Other Legislative Acts / Breed-specific legislationi
« on: August 02, 2005, 08:10:10 am »
As an FYI for those who have expressed an interest in BSL ... The following excerpt was taken from the AKC's newsletter (http://www.akc.org/enewsletter/taking_command/2005/august/around_nation.cfm). To see the full story, visit the Web page ... there may be legislation in an area which affects you.  

CALIFORNIA – Sen. Speier’s SB861, to repeal California’s prohibition on breed-specific local ordinances, was not taken up for a vote before the legislature’s summer adjournment. The bill would allow cities and counties to enact breed-specific ordinances that require mandatory spay/neuter or impose breeding restrictions on certain breeds. The bill will be eligible for a vote when members return in mid-August. For more information, and to find out how you can help, please read our Legislative Alert here.

- Sen. Kehoe’s SB914, which makes it a misdemeanor to sell any dog under 8 weeks of age, passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee and will now proceed to the Assembly floor. The bill does exempt rescue groups and allows puppies less than 8 weeks old to be sold with written approval of a licensed veterinarian.

- The City of Oakland has initially approved an ordinance which limits residents to 3 dogs, institutes mandatory microchipping and changes definitions for foster and rescue groups. A final vote on the proposal is expected at the September 20th meeting.

COLORADO – The City of Aurora is considering a “pit bull” ban similar to the one in Denver. The subcommittee, made of up 3 council members, will review the proposal at an August 9th meeting. AKC has sent a letter of opposition and dangerous dog packets to the council members.

CONNECTICUT – Rep. Megna’s H6543 failed to pass prior to the adjournment of the legislature. The bill would have prohibited insurers from considering a customer’s breed of dog when setting policy rates or minimum premiums. It also would have prohibited insurers from using a dog's breed as the reason for canceling, not renewing, or not issuing a policy.

- S1191 failed to pass the Joint Committee on Judiciary prior to adjournment. The bill would have authorized the creation of trusts for the care of domestic animals.

GEORGIA – The Cherokee County Commission is considering charging a registration fee to owners of dogs labeled “potentially dangerous.” The fee would cover the costs to the county associated with inspection and enforcement of their local dangerous dog law.

MASSACHUSETTS – Rep. Kujawski is sponsoring H1346, which would define a commercial breeder as anyone who breeds more than 1 litter per year. Anyone falling into this category will be subject to the current laws governing pet shops, including licensure and inspection. Massachusetts fanciers showed up in strong numbers to oppose the bill at a recent hearing by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and are now awaiting a committee vote on the issue. The Canine Legislation Department sent a letter of opposition to committee members as well.

- Rep. Hill’s H3563, a bill to establish a more effective and reasonable dangerous dog law, was heard in the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. Specifically, H3563 establishes clear criteria for determining potentially dangerous and dangerous dogs, and further provides requirements for the care and keeping of such animals. It also guarantees owners the right to appeal a potentially dangerous or dangerous dog designation. The bill, which has the support of AKC and the Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners, can now be voted on at Executive Session.

- H3566, by Rep. Gobi, would require pet stores to list the dog’s state of origin and requires the establishment of a toll-free number to report sick dogs. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.

MAINE – Governor Baldacci has signed H129. Originally, the bill was simply a tax on pet food, however it was amended without AKC’s knowledge to require breeders and pet stores to collect a $25 per animal surcharge to go into the state Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.

- Rep. Piotti’s H1036 has been signed by Governor Baldacci. The bill will change the definition of a breeding kennel to include anyone who sells 2 or more litters per year. Current law defines a breeder as anyone who sells more than 16 dogs or cats per year. The bill also requires that dogs older than 6 months be given a rabies vaccine within 30 days and adds definitions and penalties for abandoning an animal.

- The City of Houlton has passed an ordinance which will require owners to pick up pet waste on public or private property. Additionally, the ordinance makes it illegal for a dog owner to allow the dog to demonstrate aggressive or intimidating behavior at a public event. Violators of the ordinance will be fined $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and an additional $50 for any subsequent violations.

One positive way to combat negative legislation in your town is to promote responsible dog ownership. What better way to do that than to hold a Responsible Dog Ownership Day event in your area? For more information on how you can join AKC and hundreds of dog clubs in this September celebration, visit: http://www.akc.org/clubs/rdod/index.cfm

##

37
Dogs in the military isn't anything new, and not just for the US.  Many other countries use dogs in military action. Just read up on the breed history of many workings dogs and undoubtedly you'll see some sort of military or related duty.

RE: euthanizing military dogs ... that's no long in practice. You have to understand that dog training in the military during WWII and later isn't what it is today. Dogs were trained to be vicious - no ifs, ands or buts about it. They were trained to perform under the harshest of situations: war. Even the handlers could be subject to an attack if they weren't careful. I knew a military dog handler who was attacked by a rottie for no other reason other than touching the dog's ears. My husband, a 20-year veteran, knew of handlers being attacked for dropping their guard around the dogs. These dogs were not companion animals. The military has changed their training technique and today's dogs are not trained to be vicious. It is only recently - as in the last year or so - that the military is allowing their working dogs to be adopted. So, as the saying goes, times are a-changing, and hopefully, for the better. :-)

38
Rottweiler Pictures / Re: On my Birthday I gots.... (Lady turns 1)
« on: August 01, 2005, 10:08:46 am »
Love that toy box ... but I find it hard to believe ... puppies who get a pool for no other reason than being sweety-pies probably have a heck of a lot more toys than what fits in that box!  Com'on fess up ... where's the rest of the toys??  :D

39
Newfoundland Pictures / Re: Lounging around
« on: August 01, 2005, 10:03:14 am »
Great photos!   ;D

40
I've sent my pups to stay with a dog-trainer friend and have also kenneled them at both a vet's office (where they were crated) and to a puppy day-care kennel. Of course having the friend care for them was better as far as my dogs were concerned, although not so good on my pocketbook ... the dogs were undoubtedly somewhat stressed out and ended up chewing up a bathroom door and an exterior screen door (they have a thing about shut doors ;-)  So, naturally, I felt obligated to pay for repairs.  :-( 

I like kenneling them at the day care best ... they're in enclosures (6'x12'), have beds and regular play and walk times.  Bonus .. they don't get opportunities to chew up anyone's doors. :-)

41
What a great story!!  I would say your dog definitely knew something about that guy!  <bg>

42
Akita Pictures / Re: Say hello tooo.......Zima!!
« on: August 01, 2005, 09:19:11 am »
What a pretty girl Zima is and a special welcome to a fellow akita lover!

I'm sure you'll find lots of good tips and ideas from folks smarter than me as well as all-around great puppy support.

I've had a little experience with fear issues with my smaller dog, Oni, a shiba. Zima may need some extra socialization to help her get over her stranger fears ... Oni has a lot of fear issues (our akita, Joji, doesn't have a shy bone in her body). Although it hurt me to see him so fearful of nice people and new situations, one of the best things we did was expose him to a lot of new things anyway. Before he got to a panicked state, I would put him in a sit position and treat him like we were doing obedience training. It also may not hurt to have treats with you to give to strangers (or friends) who can, in turn, give them to Zima - pretty soon Zima will think everyone loves her with treats. As to Oni ... he has gotten a lot better - he may always be reserved around people he doesn't know, but at least now he doesn't totally freak out when a stranger walks by him.

Again welcome!

43
Sounds like the newbie owner really wants an "it's-so-rare" status symbol. If she really wanted a fabulous status symbol, she should have bought the rare Bullshetland shepard. What?  Never heard of it and you can't see it either? Why, it's standing right next to you.  You have to look very, very closely, otherwise you won't see anything.  Of course, not just anyone can see it ... it takes a good eye and lots of culture and aristocracy to see the dog, whose name to us commoners is abbreviated to just Bullshet. If you don't have the cultured eye, you won't see anything, but I'm sure this woman would see the cute - and rare- Bullshet. And I'm sure she will find the Bullshet to be a fine animal for her purposes. Not only are they rare, but they are also virturally odorless; they don't shed and require no grooming. Plus you can take them anywhere and they are always well-behaved - and did I mention they are rare?!

Yes, I do think that perhaps this woman would do well to return to her newfie and take up ownership of the Bullshet shepard. I think she and the dog would be a perfect match.

:-)
-- Teresa 

44
I'm sure we'd all agree, it's his right to say what dogs he will and won't walk - after all he has to be able to handle the dog if he is walking it in public, which leads me to think he (or his parents) should be more concerned about the individual dog's obedience rather than breed type. 

Seems like there is a trend to create legislation targeting specific breeds (or in the insurance industy to refuse coverage if a person has a certain breed). Google the acronym BSL and you'll find various sites discussing it; you'll also find the latest info about dog-related legislation on AKC's web site.

-- T

45
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: Movies and Big Paws
« on: July 29, 2005, 10:28:20 am »
This'll show you how sappy I am ...
"Old Yeller" and "Where the Red Fern Grows"

-- T

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