New OBG Board of Directors elected

At the monthly meeting held May 8th, 1999, the Oldies But Goodies volunteer staff elected an expanded Board of Directors. These officers will serve for the term of one year.
Chairman - Debbie Reitz
President - Larry Eicher
Vice President - Judy Wollin
Secretary - Janice Wagner
Treasurer - Becky Gillespie

Off to School

On June 9th, OBG President Larry Eicher, his wife Vicky, and their cocker pals Suzie and Teddy, went to school. They were guest speakers at Canterbury Elementary in Fairfax, Va where they addressed Ms. Tabliero's 5th grade class of 29 students. The Eichers demonstrated the care and proper maintenance of a cocker spaniel, especially the need to properly brush and groom on a regular basis, check the ears for infections, and even showed the students how to brush a dog's teeth. They reviewed many of the FAQs found on our website under Cocker Info, so that the students would be better informed about the breed. Of particular importance was a discussion on the work of OBG to find new owners for dogs abandoned or given up by previous owners.

After about 30 minutes, Suzie decided to sleep in the arms of one of the boys, possibly having heard "all this before" from her master. We hope to be invited back to repeat the "show" in the future. If your school has such a presentation about pet care, OBG does public education and outreach. Send us an email at our website and we'll see what we can do for you.

An Ending of the Happiest Sort

I wanted to share this happy ending with everyone because it really touched my heart. My friend here at work, Debbie L. was looking for a second cocker to keep her 8-yr-old, Falstaff, company.

She came to several shows and then to Debbie R's house and there, finally, she met Gus. Gus had been turned into us at the Greenbriar show only a week before. Debbie L met Gus and fell in love. And Falstaff got along with Gus, too! So Gus went home with Debbie and Falstaff for a trial week.

A few days after Gus arrived, Falstaff had a seizure. At first, Gus was oblivious since he was hiding a bone. But when he turned and saw Falstaff on the ground having his seizure and ''Mom" holding him, Gus came over and lay down nose to nose with Falstaff. Gus then put his paw on Falstaff's and held it there until he saw that the seizure was over and Falstaff was okay.

After seeing this, Debbie L immediately signed the adoption papers and sent them in. What a happy ending! It warms my heart ... a match made in heaven.

Debbie Davenport,
OBG volunteer

We're on the Internet! View the dogs we currently have available for adoption at the following web sites:

• Oldies But Goodies http://www.cockerspanielrescue.com
• Petfinder http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/VA05.html

• CockerCondo http://members.xoom.com/cockercondo

• 

and special thanks to other web sites  that have given us links.

The Old Man, His Dog, and Heaven

An old man and his dog were walking down a dirt road with fences on both sides. They came to a gate in the fence and looked in. They saw nice grassy, woodsy areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on.

They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. 'welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry, but he can't come with you."

"What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now."

"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road."

So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "S'cuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile'.

"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?'

"No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final."

The man smiled a big smile and said "welcome to Heaven."

"You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"

"That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"

Author unknown

Dental Care and the Older Dog

Dental care really needs to be continuous from the time a dog is young. By the time a dog is "geriatric", the effects of dental neglect will be evident and potentially life-shortening. Rotting teeth can cause gum and mouth infections, which can migrate to the vital organs and cause serious damage. Gum (periodontal) disease is very common in older dogs, and one of the more serious health problems that can occur. Basically, it is the overwhelming presence of bacteria in the plaque that adheres to a dog's teeth.

Ideally, from a young age, a dog will have access to chew toys and crunchy foods. Your dog's teeth should be cleaned on a regular basis by your vet.

It is also recommended that you brush your dog's teeth regularly -- every other day or at least a couple of times a week. Doggie toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other devices for at-home teeth cleaning are available at most pet stores and through catalogs. The toothpaste should contain chlorhexidine to be effective. Beef- or chicken-flavored toothpaste will make your dog think he is getting a treat. (We know of dogs who beg to have their teeth brushed!)

Here's one technique for brushing your dog's teeth: hold the mouth closed gently. Slide the brush in under the lips and along the teeth, toward the molars. Spend most of the brushing time on the molars, and do what you can with the other teeth. It's not necessary to open the dog's mouth to brush the inside surfaces of the teeth. Don't give up if it doesn't work so smoothly the first time. And try different techniques if the suggested one doesn't suit your dog. By experimenting, you and your dog will learn how to cooperate to get the job done.

continued next page

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows where all of our special friends can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and they are warm and comfortable. All of the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again. The pets are happy and content, except for one thing: they each miss someone very special, someone they left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, lying over the grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

A reminder: Never use toothpaste designated for human consumption on your dog! This is very important! Toothpaste for dogs can be swallowed as you brush the dog's teeth, and it will do no harm. Human toothpaste can cause problems if swallowed by a dog. Be sure the toothpaste you are using is "pet-friendly"!

As a dog ages, he gets lazier about chewing food and playing with chew toys. He may develop a preference for soupier food. He may give only a few half-hearted nudges to the toys and bones he once gnawed on happily for hours. A gradually diminishing interest in chewing is normal as a dog ages; but if your dog stops chewing suddenly, it may be a sign that his teeth and gums are hurting and need professional attention.

Have your vet check your older dog's teeth regularly; but do it immediately if you notice a sudden change in his chewing or eating behavior. If your vet recommends that the teeth be cleaned under anesthesia, you should be informed about the risks. Alternatively, some vets will clean an older (mellower) dog's teeth using an ultrasound scaler, a mild sedative, and a "sack" type of restraint. But this may not be possible, even with a mellow dog, if there is serious gum disease.

Encourage chewing behavior as best you can: a new crunchy biscuit might work or a new chew toy. Some of the rope "flossing" toys on the market are also often recommended by veterinarians. Most vets agree, however, that brushing is the most effective means of cleaning your dog's teeth.

Senior Spotlight

We'd like to make this a regular feature. Is one of our "Oldies But Goodies" living in your house? Send us your story!

This month: Bainbridge

Bainbridge and new friends

When we saw the article in the recent OBG newsletter about adopting "older" cockers, we had to write and give you an update on Bainbridge.

You may remember that we were getting over the loss of our Springer, Kirby, when we met him (and you) at the adoption show in Fairfax.

Well, to make a long story somewhat shorter, we now live in Luray and Bainbridge has lots of big, new friends. Some of them are black just as he is. When he sees them, he runs down the porch steps, across the yard to the fence and "greets" them -- enthusiastically -- at 6:30am, 10am, 3:30pm, etc.

He will chase the occasional rabbit if it suits his mood. He always comes looking for a treat for keeping the "riffraff" out of our yard.

We have a home with several staircases (16-22 steps each). He is very limber and easily climbs them (or slides down them on his tummy) many times each day.

In the morning, he jumps up on our bed and greets us with "kisses" then he may just lay there awhile. Or, he may go directly to the kitchen and wait for the "maids" to come prepare his breakfast.

One of the reasons we chose him (or vice versa) is because of his temperament. You may remember we were expecting our first grandchild and wanted to make certain of her safety around our home and our pets (family?). Bainbridge & our granddaughter Hannah get along very well. It has been that way from the very beginning.

He is now 10 years old and gets good reports from the vet. We know that he has aged some and will surely leave us sometime -- sooner or later. But that is true of each one of us. All we know is that surely God gave him to us to love and have companionship with. He has been everything that we could have asked for in a companion.

Please, as you consider the possibility of adopting a cocker spaniel (or any animal), try to base your decision on the personality of the dog and your heart. Our old boy is, and has been, a joy for us. Surely we will ache, and cry, and ache some more when he leaves us, but, he will have prepaid every tear ten times (a hundred times) over with the joy (and sometimes joyful aggravation) he has given to us.

Bill, Rebekah & Josh Jennings cocker adopters

 Emergency!

We DESPERATELY need foster homes! Call us at 703-533-2373 or visit our website for more info!

How to Spend a Two Dog Night

I will address myself mostly to the rules for sleeping with two dogs. For the few who have already mastered this technique, I will later add a cat, although I urge beginners to leave the cat out. To achieve any sort of success, certain arbitrary conditions must be assumed, the first one being that you must have a king-sized bed. There is no point in Icing down in anything smaller.

While the breed of dog is not important (people who sleep with dogs know that before the night is over everybody collects into a pile), the condition of the dogs may be. Very thin dogs, for example, are lumpier. I have selected the two-dog minimum because it is the only way to stay in bed at all. The key word here is LEVERAGE. All dogs spend the night pressed tightly against their human bedfellows, but no two dogs ever sleep on the same side. This is, in part, an expression of the "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie Principle". It is also to create leverage. Because the human being is always in the middle, held tightly in place by the dogs and by his blanket (which the dogs are sleeping on top of), restlessness and recurring cramps are difficult to handle. Here is the tip: When you first lie down, and before the dogs settle against

Dogs who prefer to sleep on their backs must be given space three times the height of the dog at the shoulder. Dogs who like pillows may be accommodated if you sleep on your side with the legs scissored so that each dog has an ankle for a chin rest. Above all, BEWARE OF CURLING! When the curl is reversed, both dogs are dislocated, resulting in low growls on both sides of you.

When you are ready to add a cat, position is all important. All cats prefer to sleep in hollows, but no cat will sleep on the same side as a dog.

author unknown,
found on the Internet

Coming Soon to the OBG Website: an In Memoriam Page.

For a nominal fee, your beloved deceased pet can have his name and date(s)) posted on our website. These reminders say to the living, "I'm waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge". Watch for details at http:// www. cockerspanielrescue. com

Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue P.O. Box 361
Newington, VA 22122-0361

Newsletter design courtesy of: CockerCondo

e-mail: debbiet@cockerspanielrescue.com

Our Previous Newsletters

May 1999