Random Raw Rant

Grace, in all her 70lb splendor

     Today I went to see my Veterinarian.  Grace needed to have blood drawn for her annual heartworm and blood parasites test, phenobarbital blood level check and T4 measurement.  She weighs in at a petite 70.6 pounds, and is oh so patient with the assistant who coos and musses her face and ears.  

     I allow the large woman to bend over, fuss, pet and talk "baby-talk" to my sweet Shepherd because last time I asked her to stop, she was so offended, it almost effected Grace's visit by making the dog uncomfortable.  The woman seems oblivious to my body language too.  Thank goodness Grace has a very consistent work schedule to keep her tolerant of such overly invasive interactions!

     Grace quickly winds up until she is dancing frantically back and forth across the employee's feet.  As I put a hand on Grace's nose and tell her to "Settle" so the Vet can draw blood, I informed the helper quietly "She is much easier to handle if you don't amp her up in your initial greeting.  All that excited petting raises her energy level."   I still got a dirty look, but I made my point as politely as I could.

     As we pay our tab and prepare to leave, I comment on our recent dietary changes.  "Almost three months on kibble now, instead of their raw food... their coats are doing poorly, Grace's skin remains constantly irritated, and she has had her first seizure since coming to live with me."  The last time, I had conversed with my Vet, and he gave me the scripted answer "Raw food carries bacteria, it is dangerous" et cetera et cetera.  I eat meat myself, and certainly know how to be careful when preparing it.  That part I completely disregard.  What I do consider a valid point however, is that it is possible that with a raw diet they could be missing some needed nutrients.  

     At this point, I am not satisfied with the results.  I am going to continue with the kibble however, for approximately 6 more months in order to give it a fair trial.  Since I am exploring other brand options, the dogs will need time to adjust to their new diet.  I adore my veterinarian, and take his opinions seriously enough that I am willing to try another route on his advice.  Ultimately, the decision will be based on the health and performance of the pups though, not what anyone says.  

     What really made my blood boil, and prompted this peckish entry, was the comment the assistant made next.  "Well I won't feed my dogs the canned food at all."  At this point I was vaguely annoyed- I agree heartily, but what does canned food have to do with raw diet?  

     "I completely agree.  Canned food is garbage."  I stated.

     Then it dawned on me.  She believed this whole time that when I was speaking of my dogs' raw diet, that I was giving them canned food.  I saw the good Doctor turn to leave the room.  I smiled tightly and left also.

     People, please be careful who you ask advice of.  Just because someone works in a Veterinary Hospital, does not mean they are well informed, or pay a lot of attention to what is going on around them.

*     Massive amounts of information are available, both for and against raw food diets. Advertisements largely target things that appeal to a human consumer, not the dog's actual dietary needs.  (for a recent article on AVMA new policy concerning raw diet, click here)  Since I have been feeding my dogs raw food for quite a long time, I thought it only fair to give kibble a real trial.  I am willing to learn new things if they will help my pups!  After sifting through large quantities of information, I decided to switch Brutus and Grace to a high protein Canadian brand who use homeopathic veterinarians for their formulas. (for more information on this particular brand click here.)  

Breed Knowledge

"Lucky", a Standard Poodle.  Poodles were originally bred for water fowl retrieval.

     Many of us have enthusiastically researched a specific breed, just for fun.  Now-a-days, it is easy to find oodles of information about pretty much anything!  With so much information, it can be helpful to keep a spoonful of salt to balance out all the sugary mess streaming towards you.  I have found, when it comes to dogs, many things can end up so "sugar-coated" that the facts are sometimes obscured.  Most texts are written to appease a human, with pleasing a wide audience in mind. Some sites allow anyone to post an answer or definition.



     Language can at times be ambiguous, or unintentionally misleading, even when it is accurate!
When a particular dog breed is described as having certain tendencies, it is not a guarantee!!! People do not publish information about their breed to trick you, but to inform you. Unfortunately, I see nice people all the time reading a page or two and only hearing what they want to.



"Grace" is a German Shepherd Dog

      Take the AKC (American Kennel Club) for example.  They are a trusted and reputable source for massive amounts of information on all breeds.  It says... "the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor" on their website describing the Breed Standards.  Of course this can be absolutely true, but that does not mean all German Shepherd Dogs will be those things.  Properly bred GSDs should have the genetic potential to do all these things.  Without guidance and education very few dogs reach their breed standard potential. It is also worth mentioning, that people writing about breed standards and hallmarks are highlighting the best things possible from the traits that breed has.


     To further clarify the quote from the AKC on German Shepherds: 

     "...a loving family companion..." implies the breed craves human companionship.  In a balanced dog, it is what it says.  It can also bring the potential  for separation anxiety.

     "...herder..." states what the dog was bred for originally.  Not all GSDs have as much of an instinct for moving animals, unless they are bred from generations of other dogs that are working daily herding.  Herding dogs have an abundance of energy, and can get nippy with small people (read "Children") if not supervised.  Herding dogs have the desire to control the movement of whatever they are allowed to.

     "...show competitor...." this applies only if the owner takes the time to condition, train and go to the shows with the dog.  This also does not imply the dog will always win....





"Luca" is an American Eskimo dog. Eskies were once used as Circus entertainers!

       This is only a small tidbit to highlight the ambiguous language used to describe dog breeds, and how the information can impact your daily life with your fur-companion.  All breeds have admirable traits!  The trick is also being able to see the potential pit-falls with inherent behavioral patterns.  Not all personality traits are only sunshine and butterflies, remember to read between the lines!


* "Lucky" and "Grace" photos courtesy of Thomas Brown *

Diva Grace

     Hi there readers! Another photographer showed up the other day, of course he wanted pictures of me.  So I decided to allow it.  Here are some of them!
    
     And I would just like to point out, I am prettier and much faster than my brother Brutus.  I think the photos speak for themselves!

*All photos are courtesy of Thomas Brown.*

"Are you guys ready for me? Let me just check my fur one last time..."

"When I stare off into the distance my head shots look fabulous!"

"If I tilt like this, is it a better angle?"

"Hey Cameraman, I can stick out my tongue too."

"Okay people! Ready to be amazed?"

"And.... GO!"

"I am so fast I amaze myself!"

"I run behind trees! I'm so stealthy!"

"Let me get that for you!"

"I am so fierce!"

"Full extension. I Float."

"This is my bunny-hop!"

"I look good from behind too."

     Thank you, thank you, thank you folks!  Oh shucks, I don't need roses, really..... extra treats? Well.... I am sure I could use them......