MALTESEONLY NEWS JULY 2002 Issue No: 030 - 30th Edition Subscribers: 6,920 Libby Johnson, Editor Jay Bianco, Co-Editor ©2002 All Rights Reserved Editor's Note: Welcome to MalteseOnly News! MalteseOnly went online in May of 1996. Created by Jay and Bev Bianco of Mt. Morris, PA. Today several thousand visitors daily find themselves at this website. The Maltese Only site provides a multitude of information on the health, care and training of a Maltese. The Discussion Forum is the #1 breed specific discussion on the Internet. Maltese Only has the most dedicated fans on the Internet. This Maltese Only News is dedicated to them. DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE Dedicated to those that rescue - a look from the other side.... He woke with a start could not figure out where he was. Why am I warm, why am I safe, why is the world suddenly soft? Oh yes, the lady that talks so sweet she rubs my ears and cooches my belly. I like it here wonder if she'll send me back? It is quiet but I can hear life about me it is a calm, safe feeling. One I have never known but have dreamt of. I have only been here a day wonder if they'll let me stay? Maybe if I'm good and sweet they won't put me on the street. I'm so confused the lady talks so nice all the time. I got my own dinner last night without a fight. I hear some noise wonder if she'll send me back? She is calling my name how sweet she sounds. I am here, right here waiting for my ear rub. Better wag my tail let her know I like her a lot. There she is, she is so soft wonder if she'll let me stay? Time to go out she says better not do it on the floor. Out side with all the others they seem happy here too. I hope she lets me stay. Wow food again and all my own! She just rubbed my head and said 'what a good boy.' Me a good boy wow me a good boy! Oh that smile of hers hope she lets me stay. Looks like play time hey I can play too. She is laughing I remember that sound. They used to do that when I was little and they liked me. You know the other people then they just stopped laughing. Please don't make me go back. She is on the phone thought I heard my name. She is looking at me she is smiling. Better get over there and get one of those ear rubs. She is talking about me; Please don't make me go back. Still talking about me Wonder what she meant. She said 'looks like a keeper to me.' I hope she'll let me stay. I was never allowed to give kisses; wonder what she would do? Think I'll try. Oh my, she's got tears in her eyes! Oh what have I done? A big hug, maybe she'll let me stay. She said I'm home now; talks to me a lot, real nice. Wow, what a day and it's only just begun! Imagine having many days like this all together. Oh, Please let me stay! RESCUE NEWS Submitted by: Mary Palmer, President/Rescue Coordinator IT happens when you least expect it to happen, the phone call or email in the middle of supper or when you step out of the shower. There is a dog in need of rescue. As a rescue person I am relieved that this person has found me to help this little dog, but then the wheels start to turn as to how fast to get this dog out of whatever situation it is in. It usually takes a few days to make necessary arrangements for this new rescue. We will have to find the right foster home. Then arrange transportation, either by the surrendering family or us. Often times dog transport is involved where several people are involved moving a dog across country to foster care, being relayed by loving volunteers. Meetings at roadsides can become quite challenging, estimating times and distances to travel. But amazingly it seems to always work one way or the other. Once a dog gets into foster care the foster has work cut out. A bath and maybe a clipping are called for usually right away. Then vet appointments are arranged to get the rescue current on all shots and spay/neuter as required. Dogs are kept in loving homes as family pets until permanent homes are found. This can take from a matter of days to months no one knows. From the rescue coordinators point of view besides fostering there is much to be done. Once a dog is in rescue and has been brought up to date on all vet needs we must start the process of finding a forever home. Once the foster has somewhat of an idea of what this new addition is all about we now have to decide on how to present this rescue to the public. To honestly relay what this dog will need from any family thinking of adopting. When we take a dog in from an owner or shelter we require them to fill out an information form. It is several pages long asking every question we could think of to enable us to have some insight into this dog. So using information from this form and information from fostering we then put together a brief description of each dog. We then try to get the very best picture of that dog as well. We want a little of the dogs’ personality and love to come out in each picture we take, to best show the depth of this living creature. Once we have this done we then send this out to all of the families who have adoption applications on file with us through out the United States. These families have first opportunity to adopt. It is their responsibility to contact us if they see a dog they think would be right for them. They will call. We then place the information on several other sites. Maltese Only is one of them as well as Petfinders. If someone who has not filed an adoption application with us contacts us they must submit before they can be considered. Then we review the applications of those interested. We will then try to make the very best decision as to where to place a dog. Both the dogs needs and the wishes of the family must match in order for the adoption to work. If we have the means we do a home check as well as checking vet references and personal ones. After several phone conversations and visits if possible the great day comes when this Angel goes to a new loving home. There is an adoption contract to be signed and other paper work to be exchanged, vet work and previous owner information. We also request that the new family keep in touch with us in the future. There is a required first three-day contact, then 3-week contact, and then 3-month contact, then as often as possible. We put together a web list that all new families are invited to. There they are able to exchange information, on behavior and adjustment for rescue dogs as well as just exchange stories of day to day life with the precious additions to the family. We offer help in any areas we can. Our love for these dogs never ends. The rewards of rescue work are only that of a successful placement and the letters and pictures we get, that reflect that joy. Mary Palmer, President/Rescue Coordinator Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. (With National coverage) http://malteserescue.homestead.com BUDDY'S GOSSIP COLUMN (Bianco's That's My Buddy) Note: When Libby asked me to do this gossip column I had to laugh. Ha! Me? Do a Gossip column??!! My mommie (Bev) and my daddy (Jay) say that I am perfect for the job. Can't keep any secrets. So here goes. Daddy gave me my own email address so if you have any gossip worth printing you can usually find me at: http://malteseonly.com/news/buddysmail.html - Now for the gossip! Barbara's Rosie here bragging because after only one month with Barb, Phang and Heidi, I am the best guard dog in the house! I walk the perimeter of the property, next to the privacy fence several times a day to run off the vicious Florida chameleons before they terrorize my mom. I really like my job too! Hi Buddy, Sara here! I love to sniff! I also love to play, inside of course! Unfortunately, Mommy doesn't. I have to play outside, which is fun, but I like being inside better. My sissy loves to cuddle. I sleep with her sometimes. Mommy makes me sleep in the crate mostly. Isn't that mean! I want to see everything, even though I already did. Well, I have to go. Bye! Hi Buddy.....Elliott here, We just got back from Key West! Found a great place to stay from looking at your website. Even got bones wrapped in ribbons! Mom loved it because we had our very own terrace that was all fenced in. My big sister Britta, brother Bentley, Mom, Dad and of course ME! Mom wouldn't let us get out of the stroller when we went into town......but we all got plenty of exercise when we went back to our cottage. Had a great time but boy was it ever HOT! Thanks for all the great info Hi Buddy, My name is Mei Mei. That guy who thinks he is my master (SILLY MAN) has been bringing home your column and now it's my turn to write. I'm really mad! My Mommy and Daddy tried once again to trim my already perfect face. Boy, did I show them. It took both of them to hold me down. Now my Daddy says that I have to wash my paws after I have been helping my Mommy in the garden. What's next? A bath. Yuck, don't they realize even though I'm a pretty little? girl, I'm really a construction Maltese at heart. I love to be out in the yard sniffing everything. My Daddy calls me a little dinosaur; he says I'm a sniffalotofstuff.Oh well, I gotta go and check on my treats that I stashed, I think Mommy is running the vacuum and I know she will find them. I'll write more later. your new friend, Mei Mei PS Malts rule!!!!! Hey, Buddy, I'm Sara. What's with this? My mom will not let me run in the house. At night, I have to sleep in this wierd thing called a crate. The worst thing is that I can't play with the little boy's ( who I think should be a puppy)toys! Humans just don't understand! Hi Buddy! My name is Maggie. Just wanted to let you know how much me and my mom enjoy your newsletter. We look forward to reading it every month. My mom lets me sit on her lap while she read it to me. I love my mom and dad. I am a very spoiled Maltese. I have lots of toys. I like to take all of them out of my bed just right after my mom picks them up. I also like to scratch on the floor before lay down to make it more comfortable. Well, I guess I will go take a nap now. Keep up the good work. Love, Maggie That’s it for the gossip for this month. Stay tuned. I’ll be watching and listening for more. Until next month….keep your head out the window and your tail to the sky. Buddy JULY BIRTHDAYS Happy Birthday from MalteseOnly! BarbO's Diana 7/1 Carole’s Precious Miss Pansypoo Puddles 7/1 GailZ's Cody 7/1 Linda's Oliver 7/1 Charlynn's Sunny 7/2 Ashley’s Snowball 7/2 AngelaM's Bianca 7/2 Suzanne's Dion 7/3 Nancy's Barney 7/3 CindyB's Tassle 7/3 Shellys Phoebe Kathryn 7/3 Ginnylee's PC 7/4 Patti Rafi 7/4 Charlynn's Cosmo 7/4 Arts Powder 7/4 Sally's Max 7/4 HB&Andrea's Chauncey 7/4 Dave&Alice's Yankee Doodle Duchess 7/4 Kathy's Tilly 7/4 Rochelle's Casper 7/4 LauraW's Jasper 7/5 MalteseMommy's Yoshie 7/6 Steve’s Erin 7/6 MaryM’s Crystal 7/7 DickD's Casey 7/8 ShelleyJ's KoKo 7/8 Kem’s Tucker 7/8 Lauren's Milly 7/9 BethP Bogart 7/9 Stephanie's Madeline 7/10 Malteselover's Silk 7/10 Donna's Snowbunnie 7/10 Mareen’s Luca Brasi 7/10 Marion’s Hoss 7/11 Cyndi's Maggie 7/11 Tanglewood’s Ms Tee-Zee 7/11 MBNA’s Henry 7/12 Marilyn&Bob's Bear 7/13 Maria's Cody - 7/14 Bianco's Sir Bentley 7/15 Bianco's Ghost 7/15 Ronnie’s Lucky 7/17 SharonK's Buster 7/18 BG's Abby 7/18 JudyF's Prince 7/18 Julie's Katie 7/18 Laurie's Emma 7/19 JillB’s Buster 7/19 CarolynF's Pippa&Lil Bit 7/20 Debbi’s Lulu 7/20 Belle's Pete 7/21 Maria’s Coco 7/21 Sera's Snowy 7/22 Angela's Socks 7/24 Stephanie's Sophie 7/25 Susan’s Sophie 7/25 Shannon's Duchess Riddle 7/25 Shannon's Miss Melody 7/26 Susan’s Bailey 7/26 Libby's Buster 7/26 Sharon Britta Rose 7/27 Sherry's Mr. Ford 7/27 Maureen’s Demi 7/27 Diane's Tina Marie 7/27 MaryC's Princess 7/28 Phil and Lori Katie 7/29 Peg's Cricket 7/30 TomE's Lady 7/31 MALTESE HOROSCOPE June 22 - July 21 Gemini - The Gemini Maltese is a lively dog that gets along anywhere and in any situation. Gemini Malts love to communicate with their owners and are excited to share a recent discovery or observation. No matter how old they are, Gemini Malts are always youthful and exuberant. Inquisitive and sometimes a little devilish, the Gemini Maltese is versatile and adaptive and absolutely loves double fire hydrants. JUST FOR FUN DOGMA Some of these are old and some are new…enjoy! "If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise" --Unknown "Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant." --Unknown "In dog years, I'm dead." --Unknown "To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs." --Aldous Huxley "A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." --Robert Benchley "Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives." --Sue Murphy "I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves." --August Strindberg "No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation." --Fran Lebowitz "I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." --Rita Rudner "Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." - Ann Landers "Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." --Robert A. Heinlein Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner 1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful. 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 3. Place your trust in me -- it is crucial for my well-being. 4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you. 5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it. 7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you. 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, my heart may be getting old and weak. 9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old. 10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, " I can't bear to watch it" or, "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you. ~ Author unknown Found in a cross-stitch pattern: "We had to get rid of the kids...the dog was allergic." POEMS God's Back Yard - In God's back yard, the puppies play. They're out there having fun all day! In God's back yard, there is no pain. No experiments or rain! Each precious cat gets loving hugs... And all the dogs get tummy rubs! There's millions there, both large and small.. In God's back yard, there's room for all! All the dogs just bark with joy... No crabby neighbors to annoy!) An every angel is a vet... They can cure anything, I bet! No, the dogs don't growl. The cats don't hiss.. For there's not one thing amiss! All are happy. All are loved... Somewhere in the skies above... I hear there's no more suffering... No loneliness or wandering... No more need for them to roam... For, at last, they all have homes by John Wilstermann SPECIAL RESCUE STORY By Libby Johnson FAMOUS AMOS - As you know Amos came to Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc in Dec. 2001. He is 10 yrs old and blind. No one wanted an older/blind dog. Amos was hit with a condition called SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). Well along comes Steve and Mary who had lost their 18 yr old Maltese and wanted to give Amos a warm loving home. Effective 6/21/02 he is in their arms and will have the "forever home" he deserves! We have been getting updates regularly on Amos and he is very happy with his new mom and dad. His dad bought him a new Bud Sun Visor to wear. So please......when considering a rescue. Don't forget the seniors. They deserve some love too. This is what rescue is all about! SUDDEN ACQUIRED RETINAL DEGENERATION Veterinary ophthalmologists are aware of a rapid vision loss associated with changes in appetite and water consumption in pets. This condition, known as sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndromes (SARDS), may strike any pure or mixed breed of dog. These pets are generally between the ages of 7 and 14 years of age. No other diseases of these pets have been identified. Research indicates these pets have total destruction of the retina and subsequent blindness occurs essentially overnight. A typical pet would have gone out on an evening walk with the client and been normal. The next morning, the patient would begin to bump into everything in the house. Examination by an ophthalmologist reveals that the patient has normal eyes. The pupils will often but not always respond normally to light. No evidence of retinal problems are seen but the patient is blind. The problem with cases of acute blindness is that other diseases must be considered. These include brain tumors, optic nerve inflammation (optic neuritis) and SARDS. The final diagnosis in these cases involves a testing of the retina known as an electroretinogram (ERG). If the retina is working normally, then further tests are needed to determine the diagnosis. As with other types of retinal degeneration, SARD has no treatment. Examination of tissue specimens has indicated that the retina is destroyed immediately and cannot regenerate. The reason the diagnosis is important is that if optic neuritis is causing the blindness, treatment is needed to restore vision. If a brain tumor is determined to be present, then radiation therapy may be necessary to save your pet's life. For these reasons, finding the cause of sudden blindness is important. Although veterinary ophthalmologists do not know the cause of and cannot treat SARDS, you should know that this is not a painful condition. Your pet is not in pain. Your pet is just confused as you would be if you suddenly became blind. How you should treat a pet who is blind is the subject of another page on this website: Dealing with a Blind Dog http://www.eyevet.info/blind.html Currently, veterinary ophthalmologists are designing an in-depth questionnaire to give to owner of dogs with confirmed cases of SARDS. Perhaps this effort will reveal a common factor which will allow us to further understand this perplexing disease. For more information visit: http://www.eyevet.info/ TOP 10 MALTESE IN THE COUNTRY as of June 2002 (ordered by breed points placement starting with #1) CH Divine's Indecent Desparado (M) Owner: B Davis Breeder: A Stanberry/L Stanberry 4 15 327 CH Wesglyn Mandatory Recount (M) Owner: G Cass Breeder: G Cass 0 2 238 CH White Field Here Comes Trouble (M) Owner: K Araujo/W Fernandes Breeder: K Araujo/W Fernandes 2 6 129 CH Chrisman's Sugar Fixx (F) Owner: C Vicari/M Comitini Breeder: C Vicari/M Comitini 0 2 104 CH Sazerac Eye Opener (M) Owner: J Frichter/D Martin Breeder: J Frichter/M Miyares/J Hess 0 3 101 CH Ta-Jon's Tickle Me Silly (F) Owner: T Simon/J Simon Breeder: T Simon/J Simon 0 0 96 CH Scruffy-Validian Raising Hell (M) Owner: C Landry Breeder: C Landry 0 2 91 CH Rolling Glenns Millenium (M) Owner: A Glenn Breeder: A Glenn 0 0 69 CH Sazerac Jazz Man (M) Owner: J Frichter/J Hess Breeder: M Miyares/J Frichter/J Hess 0 0 50 CH Sondra's White Island Storm (M) Owner: K Leslie/L Leslie Breeder: T Lodien Congratulations to all these fine Maltese! *Maltese Only News is not responsible for errors or ommissions RECIPE OF THE MONTH Health Muffins Preheat oven to 425. Line muffin tins with foil/paper muffin forms. 1 1/2 cups oat flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup oat bran 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 egg lightly beaten 1/4 cup honey 3 Tbl. vegetable oil 3/4 cup milk "optional ingredients" : apples/banana's blended together shredded zucchini and carrots nuts/raisins shredded cheddar/jack cheese cooked chicken Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, honey and oil. Mix the milk in with the dry ingredients, blending well. At this point mix your "optional" ingredients into the honey mixture, then mix the honey mixture into the flour/milk batter. Put in muffin tins and bake for 15 - 20 minutes. These muffins freeze well NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY Kara’s Abbie Gail Karen’s LuLu Lianne’s Jax Lisa’s Lexi QUOTES "Did you every walk into a room ad forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives" - S. Murphy "Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear" -- Dave Barry "Women and cats will do as they please and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." -- Robert A. Heinlein HEALTH NOTES Ingesting poison - There are a lot of potentially poisonous substances lurking around your house-cleaners, plants, antifreeze, bug sprays... Take care to read the label of everything that you buy, and find an alternative if it's harmful to your Maltese. If you're a plant lover, educate yourself on ones that are dangerous to dogs. Consider hanging them from the ceiling, if possible or putting them in another room out of the way of your Maltese. Heatstroke - Never leave your dog in the car when it's hot outside, even if it's only for a short period of time and you leave the windows cracked. Dogs can't perspire like humans, and thus are very susceptible to overheating in a hot, confined area like a car. Many dogs suffer heatstroke anddeath from being left in parked cars while owners shop or eat. And take care when exercising your dog if it's warm outside, too-that's another way dogs frequently get heatstroke. You can help prevent almost any potential injury to your dog. It's simple-be aware! Know where your dog is, and what he's up to! Give your dog the attention and love he deserves, and he'll be less likely to get into harmful situations. PHOTO ALBUM UPDATES Chloe, Maggie, Priscilla, Tallulah, Lulu, Hannah Note: If your photo has not been posted please be patient. Jay has received an overwhelming amount of photos either by snail mail or e- mail. Your furkids picture will get posted. Your Patience is greatly appreciated) TOP 10 MOST PROLIFIC POSTERS (as of June 30 , 2002 Source http://malteseforum.com Poster | # of Posts/Replies Denise Hunter | 1063 vita sibirsky | 1062 Eileen Hamilton | 724 Cathy Blanco | 605 Lainie Carr | 287 Michael Odum | 273 Barbara Pesola | 256 Kathryn Estey | 255 Michele Cole | 253 Dunja Thompson | 236 SPECIAL NOTE IN-MEMORY Our thoughts and prayers go out to the following: Steve and Mary who lost their 18 yr old Maltese Missy WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE by AlexanderTheodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were. An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment.. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be. They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever." One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love." Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag. EDITORS/CO-EDITORS NOTE: Thanks to the many people who have made the MalteseOnly Website and the Newsletter such a success. Be sure to visit WOOF Auctions to purchase Collectibles--Figurines-- Jewelry--Trinkets--Apparel--Hard to find items--Pet Supplies http://malteseonly.com/auction/ Stop by and visit our newest sponsor at: http://buddybooster.com Authorized distributor for Buddy Booster Safety Seat for your Maltese If you wish to submit an article, joke, birthday, etc. send an email to Libby@malteseonly.zzn.com HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! As quoted by Dr. Jane Leon, “Be good to your pets, they try so hard to be good to you and for you” Share your 2 cents worth without getting muzzled! Visit-- http://malteseforum.com The undisputed #1 Maltese Discussion Forum on the net! To unsubscribe from this newsletter, simply send an email to: maltese_news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com and you will be removed immediately. Thank you. ©2002 All Rights Reserved- Republication or redistribution of the content herein is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of the Newsletter Editor.