Maltese Only Online Newsletter
JULY 1999 | Subscribers: 3,461 | Issue No: 013 - 13th Edition | 1999© All Rights Reserved

IN THIS MONTHS ISSUE

MALTESE RESCUE CONTACTS

DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE

QUOTES

NATIONAL MALTESE SPECIALTY

BUDDY'S GOSSIP COLUMN

ASK THE DENTALVET

THE STICK ISSUE

MALTESEONLY ADDICT SURVIVORS

TIDBITS

MALTESE HOROSCOPE

JULY BIRTHDAYS

NEW ADDITIONS TO PHOTO ALBUM

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY

LIBBY'S CHATROOM SCHEDULE

BUSTERS PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

JULY JOKES

POEMS

JUST FOR FUN

BAMBI'S "PUP-POURRI" OF DOG TRIVIA

SMILES FROM OUR WHITE FURBABIES

MALTESE HOR0SCOPE

  • The Gemini Dog June 22 - July 22

    You did it again!! "OH NO!" It looks like you went and did something that you previously got in trouble for. "I should know how this works by now!", you'll tell yourself, and then you will decide never to get caught again...or at least, find a way to blame somebody else. Your Gemini Maltese has lofty ambitions . Your Maltese is positive it can chase that porcupine off your property without being hurt. Yeah, right. Watch your Maltese carefully so it doesn't make any silly decisions. Your little Gemini will go through July with his/her head in the clouds & his/her feet not far behind. Yeah, right.

    JULY BIRTHDAYS

    Happy Birthday from MalteseOnly

    CathyB's Carty, aka Boo (July)
    BarbO's Diana 7/1
    GailZ's Cody 7/1
    Linda's Oliver 7/1
    Charlynn's Sunny 7/2
    AngelaM's Bianca 7/2
    Suzanne's Dion 7/3
    Nancy's Barney 7/3
    CindyB's Tassle 7/3
    Ginnylee's PC 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
    DickD's Casey 7/8
    ShelleyJ's KoKo 7/8
    Lauren's Milly 7/9
    Stephanie's Madeline 7/10
    Malteselover's Silk 7/10
    Donna's Snowbunnie 7/10
    Marilyn&Bob's Bear 7/13
    Bianco's Sir Bentley 7/15
    Bianco's Ghost 7/15
    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
    Tracey's Lexus 7/19
    CarolynF's Pippa&Lil Bit 7/20
    Belle's Pete 7/21
    MaryH's Andy 7/22
    Sera's Snowy 7/22
    Angela's Socks 7/24
    Stephanie's Sophie 7/25
    Shannon's Duchess Riddle 7/25
    Shannon's Miss Melody 7/26
    Libby's Buster 7/26
    Sherry's Mr. Ford 7/27
    Diane's Tina Marie 7/27
    MaryC's Princess 7/28
    Peg's Cricket 7/30
    TomE's Lady 7/31

    Belated Birthday Wishes
    Becky's Archie 6/13

    NEW ADDITIONS
    TO PHOTO ALBUM
    For JULY 1999


    Submitted by Jay Bianco

    The Imposters
    Bride & Groom
    Charm
    Layla
    Happy
    Ashleigh & Cody
    Genie
    Nicollette
    Auggie
    Molly & Maggie
    Pun'kins
    CJ
    Sophie

    (Special 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 baby's picture will get posted. Your patience is greatly appreciated.)

    NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY!
    Shandy's Coco
    Junie's Gypsy
    Net's Angel
    KimB's Gus
    Darrall's Minnie
    Tamica's Ally
    Sandi's Sassy
    AngelOne's Angel
    Mo1's Tien2
    Kathy's Sammy
    Nidia's Spencer
    Lisa's Phoebe Rae

    SPECIAL NOTE:IN MEMORY

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the following:
    Rita Farrell who lost her Muffy
    Michburg/Anne who lost her Sophie Malteser

    TO MURPHY TUCKER, MY "FOREVER DOG" IN GRATITUDE FOR ALL THE LOVE AND COMPANIONSHIP YOU GAVE
    Submitted by Mary Jo Anderson in memory of Susan Palmer's Murphy

    I never knew what it was, but Murphy had that special something that made everyone who saw him stop and smile. It was as if he would draw humans to him with just a wag of his tale or a cock of his head. Each time Murphy made his rounds of the neighborhood, strangers would stop and approach him and he would seem to say: "Hi. Gosh I'm glad to meet you. Don't worry, I'm friendly and would never think of biting you or fighting with your dog. I just want to be your friend." And the stranger would stoop down and pet Murphy and tell him what a cute dog he was. And then Murphy would be on his way, sniffing and exploring and leaving his scent so others would know who he was and why he was King of the Neighborhood.

    Murphy's favorite treats were Pupperonis. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for one or more of them. He liked to hold one in his mouth like a cigar and prance around the room, talking like a dog version of Groucho Marx. He loved to make people laugh.

    Murphy was so different from other dogs. He didn't like ice cream or chocolate. He never begged at the table. He instinctively knew his place in the pack. Yet he seemed to know what you were thinking and feeling and could respond immediately to any situation.

    Murphy loved special treats on Saturday nights, backrubs and body massages, taking long walks, playing catch and fetch with his ball, waiting at the window for his auntie to come and visit. But mostly, Murphy loved his owner - the only mom he ever had.

    If you believe in heaven, then I think Murphy was sent to earth to heal - heal and comfort his owner who was going through a dark, emotional time, heal and comfort his owner's friend who needed Murphy's unconditional love and trust, even heal and comfort strangers who needed this little dog's personality to lighten their load by brightening their day.

    Even when Murphy got sick he tried to comfort those who were taking care of him. Before his liver disease got the best of him, he would prance into the room when you entered, tail wagging and mouth smiling, as if to say: "I'm okay. Don't worry. Do you want to play - just for a little while? I get tired so quickly. And I don't have much of an appetite - but maybe you could tempt me with just a little Pupperoni?"

    He tried to tell us by his expressions of humor and sympathy that any attempts to heal him were futile, but that he would go along with our crazy plans to save him just to make us happy. You see, he knew his time on this earth was over, and that he had done all he was destined to do. He was scared, sure, but he knew his owner would be there to see him through to the end.

    In the book For Every Dog An Angel, author Christine Davis writes: "From time to time, when a certain person and a certain dog meet, something happens that is just like magic! It is as if they have known each other before. Each knows what the other is thinking and feeling. They will be together always."

    Well, Murphy is the "forever dog" and we, those of us whose lives he has touched in a very profound way, are his "forever people".

    One day, Murphy, we will be together again, and nothing can separate us. We'll bring the Pupperonis if you bring your magic.

    Note: If you are having trouble dealing with the loss of your Maltese or any other pet please visit the following Internet sites: www.petloss.com or www.bestfriends.com. There are several support groups who can help in dealing with this loss.



    JULY CHATROOM SCHEDULE

    HOSTS: Libby & Buster
    Special Chats

    Saturday, July 10, 1999
    Time: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. est
    Co-Host: Vanetta Gibbs
    Topic: Pet Training & Behavior

    In the summer of 1991, Vanetta received a Professional Dog Training Diploma from the West Virginia Canine College after completing a three-month course there to become a dog-training instructor. She has been interested in and actively reading and studying dog behavior since 1987. Vanetta has trained several of her own dogs and has worked with other people as they learned to train their own assistance dogs or family pets. She has also assisted a breeder with training problems, as well as working at several kennels. Vanetta has volunteered for a local assistance dog organization one year. She has worked as a dog trainer three places and have has her own dog training business. Recently she has been advising dog owners via the internet and e-mail to help in solving the problem behaviors of their dog(s). Many people have been very pleased with her advice. Due to two health problems, physically training dogs herself is very, very difficult so she decided to help people with training their dog just through her instruction. She currently lives in Tucson, AZ.

    Look for a new section in the August Issue: "Ask the Dog Training Instructor" by Vanetta Gibbs. Submit your questions to Libby@malteseonly.com

    Note: The MalteseOnly Chatroom is hosted every night, Saturday through Thursday from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. EST (No Fridays, yes Jay gives me a night off!) Our chatroom is for Maltese dog discussion only.

    BUSTER'S PRODUCT OF THE MONTH


    CHILLY BONE - A nice, icy toy to promote healthy teeth and gums. Excellent for teething puppies. Simply place the durable canvas Chilly Bone under water until absorbent inner sponge is thoroughly soaked. Place bone in package, seal and put in the freezer. When dog is finished chewing, put the Chilly Bone back into its reusable bag for next time. This can be purchased thru New England Serum Company Catalog. (800)NE-SERUM

    POEMS

  • THE STRAY DOG
    Dear God please send me somebody who'll care!
    I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
    My body is aching, it's so racked with pain
    And dear God I pray as I run in the rain.
    That someone will love me and give me a home
    A warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.
    My last owner tied me all day in the yard
    Sometimes with no water and God that was hard!
    So I chewed my leash God and I ran away
    To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
    But now God I'm tired and hungry and cold
    And I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.
    They've chased me with sticks hit me with stones
    While I run the streets just looking for bones!
    I'm not really bad God, please help if you can
    For I have become just a "victim of man!"
    I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas
    and all that I want is an owner to please!
    If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good
    I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
    I will love them, protect them and try to obey
    When they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
    I don't think I'll make it too long on my own
    Cause I'm getting so weak and I'm Oh so alone.
    Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry
    Cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die!
    I've got so much love and devotion to give
    That I should be given a new chance to live.
    So dear God please, please answer my prayer
    and send me somebody who will really care,
    That is, dear God, if You're really there!
    Author Unknown

  • Mother Doesn't Want a Dog
    Submitted by KathyM & MaryP

    Mother doesn't want a dog.
    Mother says they smell.
    And never sit when you say sit.
    Or even when you yell.
    And when you come home late at night
    And there is ice and snow,
    You have to go back out because
    The dog says he has to go.

    Mother doesn't want a dog.
    Mother says they shed.
    And always let the strangers in
    And bark at friends instead.
    An do disgraceful things on rugs.
    And track mud on the floor.
    And flop upon your bed at night.
    And snore their doggy snore.

    Mother doesn't want a dog.
    She's making a mistake.
    Because, more than a dog, I think
    She will not want this snake!
    by Judith Viorst

  • Veterinarian

    We think of him as someone who
    Attends to dogs and cats;
    Prescribes a little medicine
    And gives them loving pats.
    Who keeps them from distemper and
    >From rabies when they stray,
    And boards our precious animals
    The weeks we go away
    But seldom do we realize when
    We pay his little fee
    How hard he has to study for
    His medical degree,
    His knowledge of our horses and
    Our cows and hogs and sheep,
    And how he serves in peace and war.
    And who is there to estimate
    His everlasting worth
    As he devotes his life to all
    God's animals on earth?
    by James J. Metcalfe

    JUST FOR FUN!

    Things Your Dog Would Say If He Could Talk
    Submitted by Garnett Holdren

    * But it smells like food!
    * The cat did it.
    * What say we all drive down to Dairy Queen?
    * Explain this "heat" thing again.
    * Mind if I sit there?
    * You going to eat all that?
    * I don't smell anything.
    * UH, could I see the menu?
    * Fetch this!
    * Next time I pick the bitch.
    * This isn't a mess, its ambiance.
    * Let me get this straight, you're going to cut off...WHAT?
    * Why do you keep throwing the damn thing if you want me to fetch it back?

  • Grooming Day
    To the tune of "Yesterday" with apologies to Paul McCartney)
    Submitted by MaryP

    Grooming day;
    All my fur is being brushed away.
    It keeps on shedding; it just won't stay.
    So my human's having me groomed today.

    Suddenly,
    I'm not half the dog I used to be,
    There's a slicker brush hanging over me.
    Shedding season came suddenly.

    Why my coat had to blow,
    I don't know;
    No one can say.
    Maybe I got too warm,
    Now I long for New Year's Day.

    Yesterday, I was just a happy pup at play.
    I'm in need of some Rogaine today.
    Oh, how I hate ol' grooming day!
    Author Unknown

    BIANCO'S BACI MI BAMBINA'S
    (BAMBI) "PUP-POURRI" OF DOG TRIVIA

    How Do I Treat Bee Or Wasp Stings?

    Bee or wasp stings are common occurrence during the summer months for dogs. If the stinger is visible, use tweezers to remove it. Next, make a paste of baking soda and water or cold compresses to reduce the swelling. The swelling should be gone within Two days. Remember that some dogs, like people are highly allergic to bee or wasp stings. If a serious reaction is seen, take the animal to a vet right away!

    If My Dog Runs Afoul Of a Skunk, How Do I Get Rid Of The Terrible Odor?

    If you live in the country, your Maltese will, sooner or later, run afoul of a skunk. Here is a useful remedy for getting rid of the terrible odor: Put on rubber gloves and old clothes. Wash your Maltese with mild baby shampoo and warm water. Then, rub tomato juice or milk into the animal's coat. Wait for a few minutes and then shampoo the dog again using lukewarm water. You may have to repeat this treatment several times, but it will work.

    JOKES

    Subject: A Shaggy Dog Story...
    Submitted by DebbieB

    As an elderly lady sat on her front porch reflecting on her long life, a Fairy Godmother suddenly appeared and offered to fulfill three wishes for her.

    "Well," said the woman, "I guess I'd like to be rich." POOF: The Fairy Godmother turned her rocking chair into solid gold.

    "And I wouldn't mind being a young and beautiful princess." POOF: The Fairy Godmother turned the old woman into an exquisite young princess, with a priceless crown of jewels.

    "Your third wish?"asked the Fairy Godmother. The elderly woman's dog raised his head and uttered a single,weak,hoarse "woof." "Could you possibly turn my wonderful dog into a handsome prince?"

    POOF: There, in front of the old woman, who has now turned into a beautiful princess, stood the most handsome young man anyone had ever seen, more handsome than anyone could possibly imagine. She stared at him in awe, completely smitten. As he came toward her, her knees weakened. He bent down, brushing his lips across her ear as he whispered, "I'll bet you're sorry you had me neutered."


  • True story ( Believe it or not this is suppose to be a true story)
    Submitted by BillD

    The Baltimore Maryland Police Department, famous for it's superior K-9 unit, was somewhat taken back by a recent incident. Returning home from work, a blonde was shocked to find her house ransacked and burglarized. She telephoned the police at once and reported the crime. The police dispatcher broadcast the call on the channels, and a K-9 unit patrolling nearby was the first on the scene. As the K-9 officer approached the house with his dog on a leash, the blonde ran out on the porch, clapped a hand to her head and moaned, "I come home from work to find all my possessions stolen, I call the police for help, and what do they do? They send a BLIND policeman!"

    "SMILES FROM OUR WHITE FURBABIES"

    Question : What is the most important thing in life your Maltese gives to you?

    Answer: Unconditional love, companionship and support.

    Submitted by Corinne I loved the newsletter- I have a rescue Maltese- I have had her for two years and we have been through so much together. There is a learning curve to understanding how live with each other. Our first year together I made a lot of mistakes. I live in a small New York City apartment(high rents here). Lulu - my maltese- got used to sleeping with me- on top of my head to be exact. Then I got a loft bed. She worked herself up to a shivering state when she looked over the side. I had to put her on the floor below the bed. I even had a ramp built for her. No luck. Her separation anxiety was so bad that she pulled over lamps and kept me up all night for a month!!!!!! I was so tired that I was walking into walls. I finally was so desperate that I gave her tranquilizers from the vet's office. Nothing worked. A dog friend mentioned that night light{s) would do the trick. It worked. Lulu and I are now sleeping together sometimes in the loft or in our own separate beds. The nightlights worked for us.

    2000 MALTESE ONLY CALENDAR

    Be sure to send your photos in to be considered for the new 2000 Maltese Only Calendar due to go to the printer in Mid-September. The cover has already been selected but we are still in need of 12 nice Maltese photos. All net proceeds will benefit the National Maltese Rescue.

    WEBSITE SPONSORS

    A special thanks goes out to the Sponsors of MalteseOnly:

    Woof Online Auctions

    http://www.malteseonly.com/auction

    EDITORS NOTE

    Note: If you wish to submit an article, poem, joke, birthday, etc. for MalteseOnly News please send an email to: Libby@malteseonly.com All submissions must be to me by the 25th of the month.

    EDITORS/CO-EDITORS NOTE:

    Thanks to the many people who have made the Maltese Only Website and Newsletter such a success. A special thanks go out to our Sponsors.

    HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
    FROM JAY,BEV, LIBBY & BUSTER

    and Lucy too!



    As quoted by Dr. Jane Leon, from America's Health Network, "Be good to your pets, they try so hard to be good to you and for you"

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    © 1999 All Rights Reserved

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  • July 1999
    Maltese Only News

    redbullet.gif - 0.1 KEditor'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 Dog Discussion on the Internet.

    Maltese Only has the most dedicated fans on the Internet. This Maltese Only News is dedicated to them.

    To unsubscribe from the MalteseOnly Newsletter, simply go to http://www.malteseonly.com/subscribe.html then enter your email address and check "unsubscribe" and submit. You will be removed immediately from any future mailings and announcements.

    Libby Johnson, Editor
    Libby@MalteseOnly.com

    Jay Bianco,Co-Editor<

    M ALTESE RESCUE
    Jay and Bev Bianco

    Interested individuals may now subscribe to the new National Maltese Rescue email list of announcements. To subscribe or unsubscribe, point your browser to:


    SPECIAL 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!

    The MalteseOnly Monthly Newsletter started out as a simple Email Newsletter that went out monthly with roughly 300 subscribers initially. It has grown to a Web-based publication with over 3,400 subscribers. This Anniversary Edition is dedicated to all of those who have contributed jokes, articles, etc over the past year making The MalteseOnly Monthly Newsletter the success it is now. Thanx from Libby Johnson, Editor and Jay Bianco, Co-Editor and Bev Bianco for listening to Jay & I arguing over what to put in the Newsletter.

    DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE
    A little rescue humor.
    Submitted by Cathy Brown

    HELP ! ! ! ! Help Urgently Required!

    Please help! After two long years of being on a waiting list for an exotic rare breed dog, we were finally notified by the breeder that at long last, our number has come up, and... WE'RE HAVING A PUPPY!

    We must IMMEDIATELY get rid of our children now, because we just KNOW how time consuming our new little puppy is going to be! Since our puppy will be arriving on Monday, we MUST place the children in new homes this weekend!!!

    They are described as: --One male, white, blonde hair, blue eyes. Four years old. Excellent disposition. He doesn't bite. Name is Tommy. Temperament tested. Current on all shots. Tonsils removed already and very healthy condition! Tommy eats everything, is very clean, house trained and gets along well with others. Does not run with scissors and with a little time and training, he will do well in a new home. --One female, strawberry blonde hair, green eyes. Three years old. Can be surly at times. Non-biter, thumb sucker. Her name is Mary. Temperament tested, but needs a little attitude adjusting occasionally. She is current on all shots, tonsils out, and is very healthy and happy (mostly.) Gets along well with little boys, but does not like to share toys. She is house trained, and would do best in a one child household.

    We really LOVE our children, and want to do what is best for them. I hope you understand, that ours is a UNIQUE situation, and we have a real emergency here! They MUST be placed by Sunday night at the latest.

    I hear that in Tennessee there are bins where you can leave off strays...does anyone know if there is something like that around here for children?
    ~ From Paul Benoit

    SPECIAL RESCUE STORY
    Submitted by Libby

    SUZETTE & TODDIE - Sebring, Florida
    The National Maltese Rescue was contracted on May 7, 1999. Suzette, a 10-yr. old female and Toddie, her son, 8 yrs old had just lost their human mommie due to a yearlong illness. Their human daddy, Walter, is a writer and he travels constantly. He had just lost his wife and could not keep them. Walter contacted National Maltese Rescue and gave Jay all of the information. No one called on Suzette and Toddie for several weeks. Suzette was too old and no one wanted to take on 2 dogs at once. Finally, a wonderful couple, Rick & Rosemarie called. They had an interview with Jay and I and we decided that this was the family for Suzette and Toddie. Rick emails me several times a week with progress reports. Suzette snuggles next to Rick on the sofa and on Rose's lap sometimes. As of this week Toddie sang for Rick and Rose. Walter told me that Toddie sang when he hears classical music but could never get him to do it for me over the phone. Rick and Rose's 2 cats had no idea of what was going on, and Poquito, their 1 1/2 yr. old Maltese was confused. Poquito kept running back and forth between Rose and Rick. What a performance. Poquito expected some applause as well. And of course he got it. This shows Suzette and Toddie have finally made themselves at home. Congratulations Rick and Rose for giving these furbabies a warm, loving home. Another successful placement by the National Maltese Rescue.

    Gossip column
    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. If you have any juicy gossip for me to print in next month's newsletter please feel free to send it in to Libby or me at Buddy@malteseonly.com and she will see that I get it to submit. Now for the gossip!

    Rumor has it that BettyS is getting a new little furbaby. I think Tiffini and Precious are gonna be pretty jealous. Look out kids..mommies bringing home an intruder!

    I also heard that our very own Buster Johnson has been emailing Aurora! Aurora evidently has a crush on Buster. He gets on his mommies PC and sends love letter's to her a few times a week. I hear Aurora was very upset that Buster's mommie got him neutered. It's ok Aurora. Buster is a "safe" Gigalo now.

    Little Lucy Brown also is very upset with Tiki Bird moving in on her territory. As you know Lucy is the Princess and doesn't want anyone moving in on her territory. It was enough for Boo to move in. He's just a boy. But for another girl to take over...well...she just wants no part of it. Don't forget Cathy, Lucy is still Princess!

    KoKo and Shayna have left for their yearly summer trip with their mommie and daddy. Wow! Imagine getting to travel in a big ole RV. I had to ask daddy what a RV was. He said "we can't afford one". Ha! Looking forward to KoKo and Shayna's summer adventure updates soon.

    Halen's Comet has a new hairdryer. He doesn't think much of it. Said his mommie about blew him away when drying his hair. Like a big hurricane. Comet thinks he may have to wear a safety belt the next time. His mommie calls him a "dink".

    MaryP's Sparky is being a brat boy. As soon as she shampoo's the carpet, as bold as you please he lifts his leg on the dining room chair on the carpet looking her right in the eye! Way to go Sparky. Watch out! Mommie's going to get a wee wee wrap. So run and hide!

  • That's it for the gossip for this month. Stay tuned. I'll be watching and listening for more.
    Buddy

    NATIONAL MALTESE SPECIALTY

    The 1999 National Maltese Specialty Show was held in New Orleans, LA on May 26-28.

    Submitted by Halen & Comet, MalteseOnly's Roving Reporters

    It all started when Kathy Sanguinet invited me to come to the Maltese Specialty and I said yes. It seemed like such a long time to wait. The countdown started and the number of days to the Specialty was in the 90's. My travel agent called with a fantastic rate, round trip from Lansing to New Orleans for $149 . WOW. Betty Scarver, flying from Canada via Bangor Maine, would be on the same plane from Cincinnati to New Orleans we recognized each other in Cincinnati even though we had never met! We were able to sit next to each other to New Orleans. This was to be my first dog show and I found all this terminology terribly confusing. Even after we got there, the show book didn't help much. .Everything I needed to know about dog shows I learned from Barbara Osborne and other people. I learned that the term dog referred to a male dog and the word bitch, was a female dog. I learned words like Reserve, Veteran, and Brace have nothing to do with their common meanings.. And I had to have Best of Opposite Sex explained. Barb was very patient with me but the lady in front of me at the show wasn't! I guess I was too excited to see Cammi and Barb in the ring! But they are my friends, I exclaimed. I was trying to get the best angle to take pictures with my cheapy camera when she told me to sit/stay! I had so much fun meeting and greeting people whose names I knew from the MO Chatroom and Discussion Forum. They were all so nice. I sure missed having my note cards that I depend for names of people and the dogs that own them. I got to touch their fancy dogs! We even got to hold some of them, like Cammi and Spencer Osborne, Dolly and Taylor Sanguinet. The Specialty included seminars, two of which I was able to attend. The first one was "Dental and Tear Staining Problems" by Dr Cynthia Smith. We all know the bane of tearstaining and I've learned to accept that some dogs have it and some don't and can even be from the same litter. She explained a test the vet can do to see if the tear ducts are blocked etc. Dental care we all know is so important. She described bite and losing baby teeth, tooth brushing, dental plaque, etc. Thank goodness, we don't have to floss their teeth! Poor Betty was so tired at this seminar as her plane left at 5:30 am that day that she fell asleep. Since she didn't snore too loudly, we let her rest in peace. After lunch, another seminar on "Wrapping and Topknots" by Vicki Abbott and Mary Day. Comet is kept in a puppy cut and I was curious to see how they wrapped the hair to keep it from getting damaged. At the show you had the opportunity to buy color coordinated wrapping paper and rubber bands from vendors. The meals were served buffet style. Being from the Midwest, I didn't recognize much of the native foods. But sometimes I tried them. One memorable meal had chocolate mousse for dessert. Silly me trusted there would be some later, but the desert table was depleted by then. Now Kaye K had chocolate mousse and would not trade it for the pecan pie I had. Then she told me how good it was as she ate the last bite. My advice then was to be at the beginning of the line and get desert first, life is so uncertain! At the Banquet Awards dinner, the party favors were Mardi Gras masks. Several of us decided to try them on and be Maltese Imposters. After the dinner there were awards and then the auction. Be forewarned, bring lots of money!

    The Rescue Parade was wonderful. There is a link to the stories behind the rescues and their new homes. I wasn't prepared for the stories that were read. Neither were the people around me. I passed out tissues while supplies lasted!! There were tears of heartbreak and joy! Many thanks to those wonderful people that provide Foster care and to those that open their homes to these dogs. Be sure to take the time to thank the people that are listed in this newsletter that take the rescue calls, find Foster homes and try to place these doggies. They spend countless hours, postage, and phone calls dedicated toward this cause until there are none. Kaye Koehler was our hostess in New Orleans. This is her hometown and she knew all the good and bad stuff! She drove us around town, in her red Saturn with KayeK license plate on it. We also got to meet her dog Missy and nephew Andrew. Betty and I wanted to tour the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, so Kaye dropped us off and came and picked us up when we were done. We had beingets at the Cafe du Monde that dripped powdered sugar all over the floor and us. I tried alligator and crawfish, seems everything is deep-fried! Betty and I wandered around the French quarter and Bourbon Street. The strongest drink I had was Diet Coke, which goes through me like a sieve. My advice is: don't use public restrooms! While Betty waited for me, she saw a person named Montana who had been in the Mississippi River! Betty said it was good I didn't see her! I guess she was scary-looking. Another day, Kaye took us for a tour of the City, we saw the streetcars on St Charles Street and the beautiful historic homes along the way. Driving in New Orleans is challenging! Stoplights mean look in the rearview mirror to see if the vehicle behind you is prepared to stop.... before you stop! Green lights mean proceed with caution! We observed some pretty creative driving styles there and was glad Kaye knew the rules. We saw the levees that keep New Orleans dry, but Kaye said there are rat like creatures that frequent them. New Orleans has drive-up windows where one can order an alcoholic drink and they hand you a straw. Now open containers are illegal, but when you insert the straw, it then becomes open. Kaye took us to the Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery where her family plot holds 21 members. They have above ground burials due to the high water table. We saw monuments of all kinds! One, a church, another a pyramid, some you could peer inside and had beautiful stained glass and statues. One had a dog in front. I took a picture of that! We stopped at the Greek fest to honor our Greek friends Mary Koutrakos and Mary Palmer. I had to have some baklava that also happened to be covered with ice cream, sauce and nuts!

    Well, I missed my family back home even though I was having the time of my life. My husband and little Comet were in Michigan. In the parking lot of the hotel, I saw a car with Michigan license plates and yelled to the driver who said he was driving a rental car and NOT from Michigan. Oops!

    Well I still cannot say the B word, but now I am ready for next year's show in Las Vegas and who knows .... Westminster or Crufts?

    Watch MalteseOnly for results, photos and highlights of the 99 Specialty Show.

    ASK THE DENTALVET
    Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM

    Dr. Bellows specializes in the treatment of small animals, and is a Diplomate to both the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and the American Veterinary Dental College. His practices, All Pets Dental Clinic and Pet Health Care Center, have been caring for your pets since 1977. All Pets Dental Clinic is located in Pembroke Pines, Florida just north of Miami and west of Fort Lauderdale. www.dentalvet.com

    QUESTION: Hi, I recently had my 3 year old Maltese's teeth cleaned. The price was almost $300.00. I spoke with a friend recently who only paid $l00.00. What is the general price range for this treatment. I do realize it is like surgery and they receive anesthesia so I expected to pay more for it than the $40.00 I spend on my own teeth cleaning! Thanks, Jo

    DENTALVET: Each veterinarian sets their own fees relating to expenses. It is impossible to compare services based on fees. One veterinarian may have newer monitoring equipment and better-trained staff then the other. Best is to sit down with the veterinarian you choose and if comfortable trust that his or her fees are related to expenses and pay them

    QUESTION: I would like to know how often it is recommended that a Maltese, of 6 lbs. ( or maybe weight does not matter) can or should have their teeth cleaned, considering dental and anesthetic health risks? It has almost been a year since the last cleaning and I do brush her teeth 3-4 times a week, but they seem to still have plaque on them. My vet acted like once a year was too much! Please let me know! Thank You very much! Karen :)

    DENTALVET: Unless you brush you dogs teeth twice daily, it will probably need professional cleaning once or twice yearly. Speak about your concerns of anesthesia with your veterinarian. Also consider feeding T/D.

    Helpful Tip: Struggling to brush your dog's teeth? Flavor the toothpaste. Nobody said that you can't dip the toothbrush in chicken or beef broth. You can add other flavorings is you like. If you look at the labels of pet toothpaste, you will find out that they have things like garlic, peanut butter and other flavorings in them so you can do the same thing.

    To submit questions for "Ask the Dentalvet" email Libby@malteseonly.com

    THE STICK ISSUE- ANATOMY OF A STICK
    Submitted by BusterJ

    Buster Digs Deeper -Why do sticks do what they do?
    I was surprised to learn that sticks are quite boring on the inside, which leads us to believe that the 'stick essence' is located on the surface. Stick essence is what attracts dogs to sticks. This overwhelming attraction remains one of the great canine mysteries.

    Are sticks habit forming?
    Sticks are definitely habit forming. As soon as I run out into the yard I gotta pick up a stick and let mommie chase me to get it. Of course I don't let her catch me. No Way! When she gives up I usually try to eat it ..which makes mommie crazy..Ha!

    Where do sticks go when we lose them?
    I have a theory on this.....I caught mommie throwing one of my sticks into the woods the other day. Of course I thought she was playing fetch and chase me so I ran into the woods after the stick. Boy, was mommie mad.

    Which end of the stick should I hold? I don't really care which end of the stick to hold. I usually go for the middle. Easier to hold when mommie is chasing me. But there is what is called the "gripping end" as seen in the picture.

    Buy, lease or rent?
    Who cares! They are free! Mommie would never buy me one.

    Sticks in the house? Is it possible?
    I think it's definitely possible to have sticks in the house. Although mommie doesn't agree. I have sneaked a few in but mommie always finds them. Or has she?

    If sticks are so great why doesn't my mommie and daddy chew them?
    I have no idea why mommie and daddy doesn't try them. I especially love the little ones. Delicious!

    What's the ideal age for a stick?
    I personally think the age of 2 is great for the stick phase of our lives. Mommie calls this time the "terrible two's". Says I'm into everything and just like a kid. What is that suppose to mean? Aren't I her kid?

    City sticks? Do they exist?
    Fortunately for you city dogs, now you can GROW your own sticks. Do you know how to dig? Great! You're on your way to the exciting world of Stick Growing. Simply dig a hole, drop in a few 'Canine Stick Seeds' and stand back! You can practically see them pop out of the ground. (Actual germination and growing time will vary - usually about 1 dog year)

    How do I determine the proper size stick?
    Ha! Who cares about size. I have found any stick will do. Doesn't matter about the size. Although the bigger ones I have trouble with when I am running from mommie. I tend to trip and run my nose into the ground. Ugh!

    Where do sticks come from?
    Nineteenth century Stickologists have been telling us for years that sticks come from trees but I say Pfah! I am certain that sticks are a separate life form! Sure... you often find them in the forest and yes... they are normally located near trees but consider our theory. Sticks are a parasitic life form whose hosts are living trees! That explains why they are found near trees. Have any of you ever seen a stick fall from a tree? Of course not.

    THE 12 STEP PROGRAM FOR
    MALTESEONLY ADDICT SURVIVORS

    1. I will have a cup of coffee in the morning and read my newspaper like I use to, before MalteseOnly.
    2. I will eat breakfast with a knife and fork and not with one hand typing on the Discussion Forum.
    3. I will get dressed before noon.
    4. I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash my Maltese, get the kids off to school, all before even thinking of MalteseOnly.
    5. I will sit down and write a letter to those unfortunate few friends and family that are MalteseOnly deprived.
    6. I will call someone on the phone who I cannot contact via the chatroom at MalteseOnly or thru MalteseOnly Email.
    7. I will read a book...if I still remember how.
    8. I will listen to those around me and their needs and stop telling them to turn the TV down so I can hear the music upon entering the MalteseOnly Chatroom or the music on "Candle In the Winds" picture in the Photo Album.
    9. I will not be tempted to buy anything from Woof Auction.
    10. I will try and get out of the house at least once a week, if it is necessary or not.
    11. I will remember that my bank is not forgiving if I forget to balance my checkbook because I was too busy surfing MalteseOnly.
    12. Last, but not least, I will remember that I must go to bed sometime...and MalteseOnly will always be there tomorrow!

    Is there a cure? No Way! Addicted to MalteseOnly!

    TIDBITS

  • Dog Days
    Submitted by Libby

    The term, "dog days," is most likely derived from Sirius, the Dog Star, which rises with the sun this time of year. The Greeks, Romans and Egyptians believed it was responsible for the hot weather and sultriness during the summer, and they thought dogs were especially liable to go mad during this time.
    Author Unknown

  • Some Say
    Submitted by Libby

    Garlic can be used to repel doggie fleas. It's reported that one should use fresh, raw garlic whenever possible. Grate a small amount into your pet's food at every meal, about 1/2 to 3 cloves, depending on animals size. (Source: Miracle of Garlic and Vinegar book)

    Hot Weather Treat
    Submitted by Cathy Brown

    32 oz. vanilla yogurt
    1 mashed banana or one large jar of baby fruit
    2 Tblsp. peanut butter
    2 Tblsp. honey

    Blend all together and freeze in either 3 oz. paper cups or ice cube trays. Microwave just a few seconds before serving. You can also make this with baby food meat instead of the fruit and peanut butter. (If using the meat, make sure that it is meat only, and does not include onion powder, which can upset some delicate tummies)




    IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBER!

    The National Animal Poison Control Center has a 24-hour toll-free number to assist with poisoning problems -- 1-800-548-2423.



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    USA


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