The Shorthaired Point

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Mid-Atlantic German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue

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Happy New Year to you and your family…and that includes your GSPs, of course!  Welcome to the first edition of the The Shorthaired Point, produced by and for German Shorthaired Pointer enthusiasts on a quarterly basis.  Whether they be our best friends, hunters, or competitors, our GSPs are our loyal and loving companions, so we would enjoy hearing from you about the GSP/s in your lives.

The purpose of this newsletter is to share stories and pictures, provide resources and product recommendations, brag about any (and I mean any) accomplishments, and just keep in touch with our extended GSP family.

To be the best it can be, this newsletter needs your participation:  articles, story and fundraising ideas, and pictures.  So, we would appreciate hearing your comments--even constructive criticisms--as well as your experiences with trainers, veterinarians, pet-friendly hotels, and various products.   Some of our quarterly features will include:

· Tips From Your Hometown Vet
 Advice and recommendations from vets we--and you--respect and trust.

· Foto Files
Pictures that capture the fun-loving nature of our breed.

· Rescue Wish List
Items we need or would like to help us rescue more dogs, advertise, and care for incoming GSPs.

· Upcoming Events
Reunions, fund-raising events, microchip clinics, and the like.

· Pet Memorials ($5 donation to Rescue for each)
 Remembrances to pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

· Milestones
Bragging space for accomplishments ranging from formal awards to your puppy  or newly adopted GSP doing a sit-stay for more than 10 seconds.

· Beau’s Best Buys, Advice From Amber, or Tips From Tessa, and Heidi’s Helpful Hints.

· Paws Up or Paws Down
Recognition of people who and organizations that support our goals and those who do not.

· Phoebe’s Fun Facts
 Trivia section to enlighten, educate, and entertain.
We look forward to hearing from you!  Karen

Looking Back and Ahead for Our Rescue by Faith Summers, Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue President
 

This past year has been a journey that included both challenging and rewarding tasks.  In October 2000, we became incorporated in the state of Maryland.  In March 2001, we finished the IRS paperwork and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.  Our Rescue put a lot of effort into this task to comply with several shelters now working with only 501(c)3 rescues.  We are one of only two GSP rescues in this country to achieve this status and we are in the process of helping other state rescues achieve this too.

One fact became even clearer during 2001:  the number of dogs coming into rescue increases each year.  Because of this, we can use your help, whether it be serving as a foster home, helping to transport dogs, identifying dogs in shelters as GSPs, assisting with fundraisers, or simply educating the public about rescue work.  You can lighten the burden by volunteering to assist with any of these tasks.

The Best and Worst of Times -

I thought I would share with you the best and worst things that have happened in GSP rescue during 2001.  The best thing is that we were able to save two, eight-month-old female GSP pups, one with parvo and the other with pneumonia.  Both dogs arrived in our Rescue at about the same time.  Unbelievably, the parvo pup was an owner turn-in, and the pneumonia pup came from a shelter.  We managed to treat and save both of these girls.  Feel free to say hello to healthy Abbey and Leigha at one of our upcoming reunions.

We were also able to save a male pup from the state of Missouri where the shelters are constantly overflowing with GSPs.  Through the donation of a wonderful person, we were able to fly the dog here, foster him to health, and adopt him out.  This was a wonderful ending as Yogi is doing great, and we gained another foster home for our Rescue by the couple who adopted him.  Yogi is a very lucky guy.

The worst thing I have seen this year is the increase in the number of heartworm-positive dogs.  We successfully treated five cases this year. We need your help to educate owners and encourage the use of heartworm medications.  We now offer a six-month supply of heartworm meds (at a reduced cost) with every dog we adopt. Heartworm disease is 100 percent curable with treatment but, without us, the heartworms would eventually have killed these dogs.  Watch for an article on this topic in the next issue of The Shorthaired Point.

The Blessing of Your Support -

We were able to provide the special care needed for the seven seriously ill dogs mentioned above (and routine care for 43 others) this year for three reasons:  tax-deductible donations from caring people, a grant from the R.K. Mellon Family Foundation, and our fundraisers.  We will continue to run our fundraisers, and we hope to continue receiving donations.  Thanks to all who assisted us this year, and a special thanks to all who have volunteered their time and energy – we and the rescued and re-homed GSPs thank you!!

Faith Summers
 

The Age-Old Question of Age
by Karen Pratzner

Remember calculating your dog’s age in human years by multiplying the dog’s age by 7?  Well, The American Animal Hospital Association Encyclopedia of Dog Health and Care* published a revised chart that may surprise you and, if you have a geriatric dog, may make you feel better about your dog’s age in human years!

Revised Age Equivalency Chart
Dog                  Human
8 months         13 years
1 year             16 years
2 years            24 years
3 years           28 years
5 years           36 years
7 years           44 years
9 years           52 years
11 years         60 years
13 years         68 years
15 years         76 years
 * Published by The Philip Lief Group, Inc.
 

Small Breeds Age More Slowly
(reprinted from Dog Fancy and the American Animal Hospital Association)

Dogs reach their golden years at different times:  the bigger the dog, the faster it reaches senior status.  That helps explain why a 6-year-old German Shepherd has less pep than a Bichon Frise of the same age.

How Much IS That Doggie in the Window?
Budgeting for Expected & Unexpected Expenses Pays Off
by Karen Pratzner

People often purchase a pet without calculating the cost of caring for an animal—in the short or the long term.  I confess that I’m guilty!  Back in 1984, when I saw that very cute GSP face, I just had to have her!  Fortunately, I was able to make ends meet but, all too frequently, pets are euthanized because medical expenses exceed what’s in the budget.  To avoid ever being in such a situation, please remember that budgeting before you buy or adopt an animal is a must.  Why?
 

• Heartworm disease can be contracted from a single mosquito bite.  Infected dogs eventually die from the worms choking off their blood circulation.  Cost to prevent:  about $7 per month.  Testing:  $20-40 (Note:  if you keep your pet on hw preventive year round, some vets now recommend biannual rather than annual testing.)
• Airborne viruses such as parvo and distemper can be picked up anywhere.  Cost to prevent:  about $20 per year.  Contact your local PetsMart or Petco for reasonably priced vet services.

• About one out of every four unspayed females will contract breast cancer (known as mammary adinocarcinoma).  Cost to prevent:  from $80 to $200.   Alternately, contact Spay, Inc at www.spay.org or Friends of Animals at www.friendsofanimals.org for reduced rates.)
• Poor quality dog food lacks the nutritional content that dogs need for longer lives.  Purchase a quality dog food.  (Note:  canned food or raw/cooked meals are options to consider and/or discuss with your vet.)  Check the primary ingredients on the feed bag and discuss diet with your vet to see if it meets the requirements for your particular dog.  Cost:  about $25-30 for dry food to feed one GSP-sized dog for two-three months.

• Overweight dogs are prone to heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.  Diet and exercise will keep a lean, trim physique.  Cost:  $0.

• Gum disease or an abcessed tooth that go undetected can cause severe health problems (blood poisoning, tooth loss).  Cost of routine cleaning:  depends on dog’s weight.

• Obedience training, which is strongly recommended.  Cost:  $70 at PetsMart or similar facility, $80 and up at private facilities.

• Be sure your pet is microchipped, tattoed, and wears ID tags.  Pets escape and car accidents happen every day.  You should be prepared for vet bills from hundreds to even thousands of dollars for serious, but recoverable, injuries.  Option to help:  Veterinary Pet Insurance at 1/800/USA-PETS or www.petinsurance.org .

• Other costs:
• Annual veterinary exam.  Cost:  about $25-35.
• Annual fecal and urinanalysis.  Cost:  about $40.
• Rabies – state law that dogs are vaccinated by four months of age.  Cost:  $9.00-15.00 for first year, then once every three years.

Caring for the Geriatric Dog:  New Help for Old Problems
by Karen Pratzner

For our breed, geriatric means your GSP is 6 to 9 years of age.  While they still remain active at and beyond this age, you may notice some symptoms of arthritis or joint degeneration.  Does she bunny hop occasionally?  Is she a bit slow in getting up?  Does she crouch her rear haunches when standing?  These may be signs of canine arthritis (known as osteoarthritis) and its accompanying discomfort, even pain; so see your vet for an examination, diagnosis, and recommended course of treatment.

First, exercise remains important for the life of your GSP, as is ensuring that your dog isn’t carrying extra weight that aggravates the joints.  Also, there are many new medications and treatments to assist aging dogs to stay healthy, active, and pain-free.  Always consult your veterinarian before beginning any—even nonprescription— medication.

Traditional (one or combination) Holistic (treating the system, not just symptoms)
Glycoflex & Glycoflex Plus & III   Acupuncture  FreshFactors
Adequan (requires prescription)  Accupressure  Rescue Remedy
Glucosamine and Chrondroitin   Massage therapy
MSM (also contained in Glyco.+ and III)
Joint Care  (Drs. Foster & Smith)
Rimadyl or Cosequine (require prescription)
Swim therapy

Recommended books and articles:   Recommended sites for pet supplies:
Geriatrics & Gerontology of the Dog & Cat, (tell them that Mid-Atlantic Rescue sent you!)
Goldston & Hoskins, published by H.B. Saunders   (www.petsage.com)
Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, D.C. Blood  (www.springtimeinc.com)
This is the German Shorthaired Pointer , C. Bede Maxwell (amazon.com)
and V. P. Studdert, also published by H. B. Saunders  (www.kvvet.com)
www.drsfostersmith.com
Today’s Breeder magazine, Purina web site: http://www.purina.com/dogs/breeders.asp

Thinking of Buying a GSP Puppy?  Here’s What You Need To Know Before the Purchase…
by Doug Summers

Occasionally, someone will contact Rescue asking for a referral to a GSP breeder.  As a volunteer of Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue, it has been my duty is to respond to these inquiries.  As stated in our Rescue mission statement, one of our goals is to educate the public about breeding and what constitutes reputable breeding.  We can and do assist people in finding a puppy.  We are not averse to breeding--how else could our wonderful breed continue?!  They are wonderful companions, they just require a bit more “up front” work than adult dogs.

When you first contact the breeder, let him/her know whether you are looking for a show, hunt, or pet-quality GSP.  You may want to emphasize that time isn't an issue but that you are looking for a healthy pup from a reputable breeder.  Below are a few things you should ask any breeder when talking about purchasing a pup.

Ask the breeder about their health guarantee for the pup.  I strongly suggest you only deal with a breeder who provides a health guarantee in the contract that both of you sign at the time of purchase.

Another thing a reputable breeder will do is require you to return the dog to them at any stage of the dog’s life for any reason.  You may scoff at this, but where do you think all the dogs we rescue come from?

Things the breeder should show you (and, if not, you should ask to see):
· Proof that the sire and dam of the litter are registered with The American Kennel Club (AKC) or Field Dog Stud Book (FDSB).
· Certification of hips (evaluated as “excellent, good, or fair” ) through either Penn-Hip or OFA.

The price of the dog should be the last thing you ask about.  If the breeder satisfies the requirements mentioned above, you should be purchasing a healthy, trainable, and long-lived GSP—worth a few bucks, I’d say!

Categories of Breeders -
 

• Experienced and Proven – This breeder will have 10 or more years’ experience with breeding GSPs and takes the time to breed only the best with the best.  Bloodlines are strong and full of champions (CH, C.D., OTCH, etc.) that have proven they have the conformation and drive to be the best.  They produce offspring that win in the ring and the field and have the temperament to be around kids or on the couch.  These breeders are the ones that keep the healthy, alert, and intelligent line going decade after decade and to whom we owe our thanks for such wonderful dogs.

• Casual – There are two varieties of this type of breeder:  one is reputable and one is not.  Both can produce good dogs, but the reputable ones will provide a contract that includes a health guarantee.  The casual breeder only produces one litter every year or two and will keep in touch with the new owners to make sure all is going well.  Not all casual breeders will take their dogs back, but they usually screen their potential owners thoroughly so that their dogs do not end up in rescue.  They also thoroughly check out the sire to make sure it is a good match for the breeding (this is science, folks!), and both dogs are certified for healthy hips and eyes.

• The nonreputable breeder produces a litter every heat cycle, is not particular about the stud dog, and does not certify the dog’s health.   The pups will cost less, but the quality will be questionable.  It is possible to get a good dog out of this type of breeder, but there is a higher risk of future health problems.

• Puppy Mills – The owner/s of these facilities breed out of two to 12 dams every heat cycle to a single or a couple of stud dos.  They can whelp over 200 puppies per year and often sell them to pet stores and the public.  The bottom line, though, is that they need to move the dogs out to make money.  The pups are kept in unhealthy conditions and consistently have some type of health problem ranging from parvo to demodetic mange.  Additionally, purchasers are provided no guarantees or contracts.

What To Do -

Read as much about the breed as you can and talk with owners about how best to raise a GSP.  Do this BEFORE purchasing (or adopting one).  We want you to get the best puppy you can—one that lives an active life for 13 years or more.  This is a wonderful breed!!

Reputable Breeder List -

Nancy Liptak (field) 301/869-7983
Charlene Gibson 410/795-5705
Leesy McDonnell (field)  301/662-9283
Robert Grove  301/745-5472
Tom & Sandy Moody (field)  302/856-4107
S. Fair & J. Carrol 610/856-7840
Robert Grove (field) 301/745-5472
Leesy McDonnell 301/662-9283
Karen Allen (obedience) 301/972-7026
Carol White (field) 301/834-6168
Sharon Dattillo  301/797-7718
Gary Shomberg  391/797-7718
Cindy Stahle  717/792-9941

Paws Up
Special Thanks To Our Special Friends* Gifts to GSP Rescue During 2001
 

• R. K. Mellon Family Foundation for a grant to further our rescue efforts.  From its generous contribution, we have purchased an organization banner, advertised our events in local newspapers, and produced brochures to educate and assist pet owners.
• Shirley Massey for her time, talent, and financial support to the Rescue.  From assisting us in acquiring our 501(c)3 status to providing valuable legal advice, we are dog-gone grateful for your help.
• To those who contributed to the (successful) treatment of parvo for Abbey:
• Lori Potter for her consistent support of Rescue.
• Elizabeth Rutishaiser for her assistance in facilitating HomeAgain microchips for our use at clinics and for our own rescued GSPs.
• Dr. Steven Wolchinski for assisting ALL rescues with low cost rescue vetting and in-valuable advice and care.
• ALL Others deserving our thanks for their support of us this year…you all know who you are......and know what you mean to us.

Without the support of everyone, we could not have rescued and re-homed 50 GSPs this year!  We appreciate each and every one of you!!!!

When an emergency strikes, your pet has a better chance of survival if you are prepared.  This article provides a list of a few 24-hour facilities and poison control help lines as a resource for emergencies.

First, remember to stay calm.  When you call to ask for help or notify the facility that you’re coming, describe what happened and the pet’s condition.  If taking an animal to the hospital, take along whatever the pet ingested (the bottle, container, wrapper or whatever) so they can provide the appropriate treatment.

Delaware
VCA Emergency Animal Hospital, Newark at 302/737-8100

Maryland
Beltway Emergency Animal Hospital
  Rt. 450, Glenn Dale at 301/464-3737
Westminster Veterinary Hospital &        Emergency Trauma Center
  West Main St, Westminster at 410/848-3363 or from Baltimore at 410/876-2717
Annapolis Emergency Vet at 410/224-0331

Virginia
Alexandria Veterinary Emergency Service
  Duke St. at 703/823-3601
SouthPaws CritiCare
  Brandon Ave., Springfield at 703/569-0300

Springfield Emergency Veterinary Hospital
   Backlick Rd, Springfield at 703/451-8900
Emergency Veterinary Clinic of No.VA    Maple Ave., Vienna at 703/
Woodbridge Animal Hospital
  Horner Road, Woodbridge at 703/897-5665

Keep these poison control hotline numbers near your phone.  Hopefully, you’ll never need to call but, with a GSP around, it’s better to be prepared.

National Poison Control Center
1/800/426-4435 (fee)

Maryland Poison Center
1/800/492-2414

National Capital Poison Center
1/202/625-3333(not specifically for dogs)

Virginia 1/800/498-8666

Animal Poison Hotline 1/800/548-2423

Recommended Book:
Emergency First Aid For Your Dog by Tamara S. Shearer, DVM
Includes emergency procedures for accidents, heat stroke, heart attacks, and ingestion of poison and also provides an alphabetic list of poisonous plants (you’ll be surprised by some of these!

Rescue Wish List
Here’s a list of what we can use:

Large crates, wire or plastic
Crate pads
Sheets, blankets for bedding
Dell or Gateway desktop computer or laptop
Adobeä software packages
Laser printer
Paper
Collars, leashes
Treats and toys
More foster homes, volunteers, transporters, etc.
Portable tent
 

How to Submit Items to The German Shorthaired Point:

Articles, letters to the editor, and suggestions are invited and may be submitted to Karen T. Pratzner via e-mail at GSPfan@msn.com.  Letters to the editor must be signed, but names will be withheld from publication upon request.  We reserve the right to edit for clarity and space considerations.  Readers also may phone in their comments at 703/590-7785.