MalteseOnly News November 1998 Issue No: 005 (Fifth Edition) Total Subscribers: 1,310 Welcome to MalteseOnly News! MalteseOnly went online in May of 1996. Created by Jay and Bev Bianco of Mt. Morris, PA. Today over 1,400 visitors daily find themselves at this website. The MalteseOnly 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. MalteseOnly has the most dedicated fans on the Internet. This MalteseOnly 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. ********************************************** DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE We are the guardians of the Earth. As guardians, it is our responsibility To protect and preserve.Yet there are some of us who violate our authority Who, instead of protecting, destroy; Instead of preserving, annihilate. In the name of sport and trade, We have hunted and killed animals to extinction. In a fit of superiority, we have abused and hurt animals that trusted us. They need a voice to cry out their pain. A voice to carry their anguish. A human voice to cry out: NO MORE CRUELTY! (http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/6128/nocruelty.htm) MALTESE HOROSCOPE The Scorpio Dog (October 24 - November 22) The Scorpio Dog is determined and focused. Scorpio dogs will always accomplish whatever it is they set their minds to. They are also passionate and forceful dogs, relishing every activity, even as they exhaust themselves having fun at it. Scorpio dogs can be intense; they have been known to stare at a rabbit in the yard for hours at a time, while trapped inside, never moving from their window perch. Except, of course when the dinner bell rings. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS! CHRISTMAS PHOTO CONTEST! Enter the MalteseOnly Christmas Photo Contest. 10 Winners' pictures will be selected and put in the Greeting Card Section. Christmas Photo Contest Rules: 1. All entries to be mailed to Libby Johnson, 39286 Buchannon Gap Road, Aldie, VA 20105 (no scanned photos/emails accepted). 2. Photos must be submitted by Nov. 20th, 1998 3. Photos will not be returned. An impartial judge not connected with MalteseOnly will judge photos. Top 10 winners will receive the new 1999 Maltese Only 11oz mug. MALTESE LETTERS TO SANTA Let's hear what your Maltese Furbabies want for Christmas! Have your Malts get out the computer and let Santa Claus know what they want for Christmas. The top five (5) "Maltese Letters to Santa" will be posted in the December issue of the MalteseOnly Newsletter. The #1 Maltese Letter to Santa will receive a prize! A beautiful Maltese Flag. (so graciously donated by MaryP) All submissions should be emailed to me no later than Nov. 20th, 1998. Libby95@surfree.com Note: By request the remaining Letters to Santa will be posted in the December issue room permitting. If not they will be in the January issue. Note: Due to my links with MO Buster will not be entered in contests. GOOD LUCK! QUOTE BY SNOOPY - Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement! NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS Happy Birthday from MalteseOnly NancyG's Jack Frost 11/1 DebbieB's Ike 11/8 Carole Gilbert's Korky 11/10 Donna & Paul's Prissy 11/11 Sandy's Puff 11/17 Zeyneb's Amber 11/17 NancyG's LuLu 11/18 Sandy's Nikki 11/24 JudyM's Binky 11/24 Edi's Bouncer 11/25 Alison's Baby 11/25 Beth Lauer's Lovey 11/? HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY Loraine's Noelle 9/4/98 Sandie's Teddy 10/17 & Evie 10/12 Andrea's Auggie 10/30 Vaughan's Princess Ellie Noel 10/10 "MY GOAL IN LIFE . . . IS TO BE THE KIND OF PERSON MY DOG THINKS I AM." Submitted by Cynthia Shaffer QUOTES Submitted by Judy Forrest Ju-Dee MALTESE " A Dog Is A Heart Beat At My Feet." Author Unknown Submitted by Paula & John Crawford "If dogs could talk it would take a lot of the fun out of owning one." Andy Rooney Submitted by Ginger Chamberlain "The scientific name for an animal that doesn't either run from or fight its enemies is lunch." Michael Friedman Submitted by Cathy Brown "I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts." John Steinbeck Submitted by Anne Hudson "Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." Robert A. Heinlein YOU KNOW YOU ARE A MALTESEONLY ADDICT, IF... You wake up at 3 a.m. to go to the bathroom and stop to check the Discussion Forum on the way back to bed to see if there are any new updates. You get a tattoo that reads "MalteseOnly". You turn off your modem and get this awful empty feeling, like you just pulled the plug on a loved one. You start using smilies in the Discussion Forum. Your hard drive crashes! You haven't logged in for two hours. You start to twitch. You pick up the phone and manually dial your ISP's access number. You start yelling that you have to get into MalteseOnly or you will go into withdrawals. You start introducing yourself as Libby & Buster, AnneH, JayB, BevB, CathyB, RobinM & Taffy, RobinD, Judy--Ju-dee MALTESE, Julia and Cassie, Deanna, Moose & Squirrel, BTD, Nikki, BeeGee, JudyS, Dana and Princess, Dottie & Tasha, Cindy & Kashi, etc. Your Maltese has his/her picture on the photo album and slide show. You check the Discussion Forum and it hasn't been updated so you go out, come back in, go out and come back in and check again and again. . . You don't know what sex your closest friends on MO are because they have neutral nicknames and you never bothered to ask. You tell the cab driver you live at www.malteseonly.com. You get excited whenever you are discussing MalteseOnly. You find yourself brainstorming for new subjects to post on the Discussion Forum. You refuse to go on vacation unless you have electricity and phone lines so you will not miss any updates at MalteseOnly. You take that vacation but take a laptop and your Maltese with you. You tell everyone on the Discussion Forum to post only of "tearstaining" while you are on vacation. You post on the Discussion Forum not to discuss anything important while you are away because you have no laptop or any way of accessing MO. You dream only of the MalteseOnly site and what you are going to add to the "Endless Poem." Your heart races faster and beats irregularly each time Jay makes changes to the site even though you never had heart problems before. You believe MalteseOnly looks better with a 17" monitor. You know the answer to every question on the Maltese Trivia Question. You tell Jay your life is over because he hasn't updated the Online Maltese Calendar. You have commandeered the phone line and no one can call in or call out because you are on MO all day! Your husband tells you he's had the beard for 2 months! You tell the kids they can't use the computer because "Daddy/Mommie's got to work to do" and you don't even have a job. You never have to deal with busy signals when calling your ISP. . .because you never log off. The last time you looked at the clock it was 11:30 p.m. and in what seems like only a few seconds later you are the last one in the MalteseOnly Chatroom. You create a homepage with your Maltese' name on it and the only link is to MalteseOnly! You start sending Jay & Bev your paycheck for the items you've bought from Woof-On-Line. You sit and wait for the last minutes on Woof Auction to bid so you can get that Maltese item....and have a fit when you have been outbid because someone else had the same thought. You get a T-Shirt with your Malt's picture on it saying "Addicted to MalteseOnly." YES YOU ARE ADDICTED! NEW ADDITIONS TO PHOTO ALBUM For October 1998 Submitted by Jay Bianco Tiffini Too, Tucker, Shayna, Pinky, Tammy (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 babys picture will get posted. Your patience is greatly appreciated.) CHATROOM SCHEDULE HOSTS: Libby & Buster Special Chats Saturday, November 14, 1998 Dr. Margaret Muns, DVM Time: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. EST Topic: Pet Health and Behavior 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!) NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY! Lisa and her new boy Peyton Jennifer and Little Miss Molly MacMuffin (Molly) Ruthe's new baby Abbey Rose and her new baby Sassy Chel and Bogie Susan and her baby Smudge Julie and her baby Samatha Sharon and her new boy Buster Diane Findlay and her baby Tiny Tim Marcia and her new little girl Dena Kimberly and her little boy Kramer Claudia and her little girl Selena Susan and her Madison Dick and Casey Lynne and her little girl Sugar Cindy and her little girl Daisy Lorie and her new little girl Layla Marilyn & Bob's new baby Cadeau D'Amour (Bear) BUSTER'S PUP-POURRI OF DOG TRIVIA Taken from the book "What do Dogs Dream About" By Tom Kuncl If someone tells you your dog is "corky," don't take offense. It is another dog term that means your pet is lively and alert. The term "foxy" however, doesn't mean you've got the cutest female dog in town - It's the rule-book way of saying the dog has a short fore-face and pointed nose, like her cousin the fox. President Clinton may be a recent convert to the joys of dogdom, but the man who was his rival in the last presidential election has been a dog lover for years. According to Bob Dole, he first got himself a pooch after hearing some no-nonsense advice from another seasoned politician. "Harry Truman said that if you want a friend in politics, get yourself a dog," quips Dole. The first dog ever registered as a stud with the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC) was an English setter named - quite appropriately - Adonis, after the Greek god of beauty. The date was 1878. JUST FOR FUN! DOGS, CATS, AND TEEN-AGERS Submitted by Bev Passe I just realized that while children are dogs - loyal and affectionate - teenagers are cats. It's so easy to be a dog owner. You feed it, train it, boss it around. It puts its head on your knee and gazes at you as if you were a Rembrandt painting. It bounds indoors with enthusiasm when you call it. Then, around age 13, your adorable little puppy turns into a big old cat. When you tell it to come inside, it looks amazed, as if wondering who died and made you emperor. Instead of dogging your footsteps, it disappears. You won't see it again until it gets hungry - then it pauses on its sprint through the kitchen long enough to turn its nose up at whatever you're serving. When you reach out to ruffle its head, in that old affectionate gesture, it twists away from you, then gives you a blank stare, as if trying to remember where it has seen you before. You, not realizing that the dog is now a cat, think something must be desperately wrong with it. It seems so antisocial, so distant, sort of depressed. It won't go on family outings. Since you're the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and stay and sit on command, you assume that you did something wrong. Flooded with guilt and fear, you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave. Only now you're dealing with a cat, so everything that worked before now produces the opposite of the desired result. Call it, and it runs away. Tell it to sit, and it jumps on the counter. The more you go toward it, wringing your hands, the more it moves away. Instead of continuing to act like a dog owner, you can learn to behave like a cat owner. Put a dish of food near the door, and let it come to you. But remember that a cat needs your help and your affection too. Sit still, and it will come, seeking that warm, comforting lap it has not entirely forgotten. One day, your grown-up child will walk into the kitchen, give you a big kiss and say, "You've been on your feet all day. Let me get those dishes for you." Then you'll realize your cat is a dog again. DOGS IN HEAVEN An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice - grassy, woody 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. "Scuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable" "You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere." "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 ALMOST AS GOOD AS A DOG Submitted by Cynthia Shaffer If you can start the day without caffeine, If you can get going without pep pills, If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles, If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time, If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong, If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him, If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend, If you can face the world without lies and deceit, If you can conquer tension without medical help, If you can relax without liquor, If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics . . . Then, my friend, you are ALMOST as good as your dog. Author Unknown JOKES Submitted by Bev Passe The Americans and Russians at the height of the arms race realized if they continued in the usual manner they were going to blow up the whole world. One day they sat down and decided to settle the whole dispute with one dog fight. They would have 5 years to breed the best fighting dog in the world and whichever side's dog won would dominate the world and the losing side would lay down its arms. The Russians found the biggest meanest Dobermans and Rottweilers in the world and bred them to the biggest and meanest Siberian wolves. They selected the biggest and strongest puppy, gave him all the milk, they used steroids and trainers and after 5 years had the biggest meanest dog the world had ever seen. His cage needed steel bars. When the day came for the dog fight, the Americans showed up with a strange animal. It was a 9-foot long Dachshund. Everyone felt sorry for the Americans because they knew this dog would never last 10 seconds with the Russian dog. When the cages were opened, the Dachshund came out of its cage, and slowly waddled over towards the Russian dog. The Russian dog snarled and leaped out of its cage and charged the Dachshund. But, when it got close enough to bite the Dachshund's neck, the Dachshund opened its mouth and consumed the Russian dog in one bite. The Russians came up to the Americans shaking their heads in disbelief. "We don't understand how this could have happened. We had our best people working for 5 years with the meanest Dobermans and Rottweilers in the world and the biggest and meanest wolves." "That's nothing," an American replied. "We had our best plastic surgeons working for 5 years to make an alligator look like a Dachshund!!" Dog Joke: Please Use Condoms Submitted by Ju-dee MALTESE A very proper man started going into the neighborhood drugstore every weekend buying 2 dozen boxes of condoms. Week after week, he would Come in with the same order. One day, the druggist felt he had to say something to the man. "Wow! you must have the stamina of a bull. Talk about getting lucky! How on earth do you use that many condoms a week?" The man looked at him in disgust and said, "I beg your pardon, but I find the whole idea of sex repulsive!" So, the druggist asked, "Then what do you do with all those condoms?" The gentleman answered, "I feed them to my poodle and now she poos in little plastic bags." Author Unknown DOG JOKE A local business was looking for office help. They put a sign in the window, stating the following: "HELP WANTED. Must be able to type, must be good with a computer and must be bilingual. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer." A short time afterwards, a dog trotted up to the window, saw the sign and went inside. He looked at the receptionist and wagged his tail, then walked over to the sign, looked at it and whined. Getting the idea, the receptionist got the office manager. The office manager looked at the dog and was surprised, to say the least. However, the dog looked determined, so he led him into the office. Inside, the dog jumped up on the chair and stared at the manager. The manager said "I can't hire you. The sign says you have to be able to type." The dog jumped down, went to the typewriter and proceeded to type out a perfect letter. He took out the page and trotted over to the manager and gave it to him, then jumped back on the chair. The manager was stunned, but then told the dog "the sign says you have to be good with a computer." The dog jumped down again and went to the computer. The dog proceeded to enter and execute a perfect program, that worked flawlessly the first time. By this time the manager was totally dumb-founded! He looked at the dog and said "I realize that you are a very intelligent dog and have some interesting abilities. However, I *still* can't give you the job." The dog jumped down and went to a copy of the sign and put his paw on the sentences that told about being an Equal Opportunity Employer. The manager said "yes, but the sign *also* says that you have to be bilingual." The dog looked at the manager calmly and said, "Meow!" Author Unknown SPECIAL LINKS 1. Woof On-Line Auctions: A place where you can auction or buy any dog related items (no dogs of course) http://www.malteseonly.com/auction/ 2. American Maltese Association: www.americanmaltese.org/amamain.htm 3. Delta Society - National Service Dog Center: www.petsforum.com/deltasociety/dsb000.htm POEMS BET YOU CAN'T OWN JUST ONE! Submitted by Bev Passe Why own a Show dog? There's a danger you know You can't own just one, for the craving will grow. There's no doubt they're addictive, wherein lies the danger While living with lots, you'll grow poorer and stranger. One dog is no trouble, and two are so funny, The third one is easy, the fourth one's a honey. The fifth is delightful, the sixth one's a breeze. You find you can live with a houseful, with ease. So how 'bout another? Would you really dare? They're really quite easy, but Oh Lord, the Hair! With dogs on the sofa, and dogs on the bed, And crates in the kitchen, it's no bother you said. They're really no trouble, their manners are great. What's just one more dog and one more little crate? The sofa is hairy, the windows are crusty. The floor is all foot prints; the furniture's dusty. The housekeeping suffers, but what do you care? Who minds a few nose prints and a little more hair? So let's keep a puppy, you can always find room And a little more time for the dust cloth and broom. There's hardly a limit to the dogs you can add The thought of a cutback, sure makes you feel sad. Each one is special, so useful, so funny The food bill grows larger, you owe the vet money. Your folks never visit; few friends come to stay Except other dog folks, who live the same way. Your lawn has now died and your shrubs are dead too. Your weekends are busy, you're off with your crew. There's dog food and vitamins, training and shots And entries and travel and motels which cost lots. Is it worth it you wonder? Are you caught in a trap? Then that favorite comes up and climbs in your lap. His look says you're special and you know that you will Keep all the critters in spite of the bill. Some just for showing, and some just to breed And some just for loving, they all fill a need. Winter is a hassle, but the dogs love it true, And they must have their walks tho' you are numb and blue. Late evening is awful, you scream and you shout At the dogs on the sofa, who refuse to go out. The dogs and the dog shows, the travel, the thrills The work and the worry, the pressure, the bills. The whole thing seems worth it, the dogs are your life They're charming and funny and offset the strife. Your lifestyle has changed, things just won't be the same. Yes, those dogs are addictive and so's the dog game! MY DOG To her you're always smart and fair She's sure that you're a god, Whose wagging tail relieves each care? It's just my friend, my dog. No strings attach to faithfulness Demands by her are few No value put on your success She asks but love from you. She has a soul of that I'm sure To heaven which must wend With others loved, for evermore To live, my dog my friend. by Mel Austin MY MAGNIFICENT FRIEND My magnificent friend is so loyal, My magnificent friend is so true, My magnificent friend is so trusting, Can your friend say this about you? My friend will never share secrets, My friend will obey, My friend will never doubt me, Is this something your friends can say? This friend cannot tell a lie, This friend has a heart of gold, This friend will always be with me, Can your friend dare be this bold? My magnificent friend is forever, My magnificent friend is right here, My magnificent friend is a canine, My magnificent friend knows I care! By Andrea Dodas-Martin IF ONLY If only my dog had stood on his stand, When I gave him the signal: A move of one hand. If only he'd stayed on the one minute sit. Instead of deciding that 50 seconds was it. A figure 8 perfect, I could almost boast; If only he'd gone round the other post. If only he'd dropped on the signal I gave, And not when he saw the spectator wave. The retrieve on the flat - he knew what to do; If only he'd brought back the dumbbell I threw. The high jump retrieve - the only thing he lacked, And that dumbbell he didn't bring back. On the broad jump, if only he'd jumped all the way, and not tiptoed between to my utter dismay. When I signaled the glove it was there in plain sight; If only he'd gone for the glove that was right. His go-out was perfect - he just went so far; If only he hadn't both times jumped the bar. We'd have had a 200 - he could do everything, If only he hadn't run out of the ring. Author Unknown POISONOUS PLANTS Some houseplants can be quite harmful if ingested by an animal. Chewing on some plants may result in severe irritation to the mouth and throat. Others, while not quite so deadly, may cause a severe intestinal upset. You should know the names of all your plants, and keep any potentially toxic plants out of areas accessible to your animal companions. With the holidays upon us here is a short list of plants that can be toxic to your pets: Christmas Berry - Berries Christmas Cactus - All parts Christmas Candle - Sap Christmas Rose - All parts, especially leaves. Poison Control (800) 548-2323 PUPPIES FOR SALE Submitted by John & Paula Crawford A storeowner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies For Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner's sign. "How much are you going to sell the puppies for?" he asked. The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30 to $50." The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37," he said. "Can I please look at them?" The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong with that little dog?" The storeowner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. "That is the puppy that I want to buy." The storeowner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you." The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the storeowner's eyes, pointing his finger, and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for." The storeowner countered, "You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies." To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the storeowner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!" We ALL need someone who understands. TEN WORST EXCUSES NOT TO SPAY OR NEUTER A PET 1. Just one litter and then we'll have Fluffy spayed. (Studies show that virtually the entire pet overpopulation stems from the "just one litter mentality.") 2. My dog doesn't run loose, so he doesn't need to be fixed. (Murphy's Law says otherwise.) 3. We always find homes for the kittens. (And that means that an equal number of kittens at the pound will be killed.) 4. I want the children to witness the miracle of birth. (Rent a video.) 5. My dog is so cute and unique, there should be more of her. (The shelters and pounds are full of cute and unique dogs, most with only a few days to live.) 6. It's not natural. (There hasn't been anything "natural" about dogs since we began to develop breeds thousands of years ago.) 7. I just couldn't look my dog in the eye if I had him castrated. (Watch it, you're anthropomorphizing.) 8. A female dog or cat should have at least one litter for health reasons. (Medically, factually and ethically indefensible.) 9. Neutering my dog will make him fat and lazy. (Too much food and not enough exercise make a dog fat and lazy.) 10. Fixing my pet will change its personality. (The main influences on an animal's personality are the kindness and care with which it is raised.) DOGGY DICTIONARY Submitted by Cynthia Shaffer LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your person where you want him/her to go. DOG BED: Any soft, clean surface, such as the white bed spread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room. DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps. SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place your nose as close as you can to the other dog's rear end and inhale deeply, repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop. GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of bread. BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away. DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person want them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down. THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels. WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old candy wrappers. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house until your person comes home. SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers clean. BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently. LEAN: Every good dog's response to the command "sit!," especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events. BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea. GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the Regular Bump doesn't get the attention you require.....especially effective when combined with The Sniff. See above. LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail. If you're lucky, a human will love you in return. BUSTER'S PRODUCT OF THE MONTH ROPE TUGS - Dog toys that last and last. When the dog chews and plays with them they help keep teeth clean and massage gums. Thick knotted ropes. The ends are unraveled making a huge fringe on each end - as terrific looking as they are fun. Come in multicolor blend as well as the original natural white cotton. LOOP TUGS - Handle on one end and a loop on the other LONG TUG - A long (36") rope bone, knotted and fringed FIGURE 8 TUG - Made of thick cotton rope. Shaped like a figure 8 NOTE FROM BUSTER: My mommie says these are suppose to hold up because they are very sturdy. NOT! I make sure mine is shredded every week so I get a new one. I love them! FOR OUR MALTESE FRIENDS WHO ARE ILL Special Note-In Memory: Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to: Anne who lost her 13 month old Chloe Mae OrangeKate who lost her Peaches on 9/29/98 Katy who lost her little girl Holly on 8/28/98 POEM They will not go quietly, the dogs who've shared our lives, In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives. Old habits still make us think we hear a barking at the door, Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor. Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be, And, sometimes, coming home at night, we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill, That one place in our hearts belongs to them... And always will. By Linda Barnes 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. THANKSGIVING AT RAINBOW BRIDGE maltesedivision.com Submitted by Malteze & Aurora We the Maltese of Rainbow Bridge would like to invite all the K9s to our Thanksgiving dinner, so that all of us can give thanks to our special humans who we miss so very much, and on this day will be thinking of us. We the Maltese know that we love our humans, and that they love us, and that is why we are here at Rainbow Bridge, because a relationship between a human and a dog will live on forever. Well the invite was kind of formal and Maltese never do anything Formal; most of us furbabies can not sit-up without begging for a treat at least a couple of times, so we, the Maltese of Rainbow Bridge knew, that trying to make us sound like a bunch of well-behaved little doggies was nothing but a little joke that we were going to play on the rest of those bigger than needed, dumber than us, and slower than us dogs, who would actually believe that they could get away with anything around us. The plan that all us Maltese had hatched was to make the other invited guests think that they were going to get one over on us, while we were going to come out on top again, and let them the K9s, know that we are the smartest, cutest, and quickest, four legged creatures that God ever blessed. We knew that all the other dogs would be obligated to bring food; no dog would ever come to a party, especially a formal dinner and not bring food for the table, dogs always know that to take advantage of another dog is a violation of the dog code of honor. A dog can not ever get into Rainbow Bridge unless he has kept to the code of honor everyday of his life. So with all the food we had tried our best to save over the past year, and all the food the other dogs brought, we were sure that there would be all the bones, and treats that our special guest you ever need. We had talked so many times about how we would make our special guests feel something that they had never had a chance to feel, but knew that when they our special guests arrived there would be so many, that this could be only done once, and after that, there would never be enough to do it again. We had invited the Maltese that no body ever wanted, the ones that the angels were taking care, until they had a chance to find a human who would love them on earth, and then get their ticket to Rainbow Bridge, so they could be a part of the loved ones, and not the outcasts, who have no place here. To be at the bridge is the highest honor a dog can ever rise to, to know that a human loved us so much that we will always have all the love we need, to keep us living in our spirit, and our spirit will live forever. We have only one purpose in life and that is to please humans, love humans, and to make humans happy. When we are so blessed to find a human that will honor us, by letting us be special to them, then we will be blessed, and allowed to wait for that human, when our life on earth is done, this is the highest life a dog can ever have. The ones that the angels bring are the ones who have been abused by, unloved by, and forgotten by humans, which is the worst thing that can ever happen to a dog. They are the ones who were so cute as puppies, but later became a burden because they did not understand what the humans were trying to tell them. They are the ones that were put out in the yard with no food or water for days, until they no longer could live, because no one cared about them. They are the ones that have been left at shelters, in pens at dumps, and thrown off at the side of a road, where dying is a blessed event, and living is torture for them. Well we are small and could never get enough bones and treats for our guests, so we used our best abilities and had all the food, bones, and treats at our Thanksgiving table that all the unwanted ones could have ever needed. When the angels brought them to the tables, all their tails were wagging like crazy, some of them had almost forgot how to make a tail wag. I stood in front of all the unwanted and told them my story how I was never wanted, left to die, sick, and never knew real love. How one special lady named Gloria came one day and took me home, and loved me so much, how I was treated the best I had ever been in my whole life. How so many people had come to help me on the MalteseOnly Site, so that I could live a few days of my life in a great happiness I had never known. How I saw everyday how these special people really love me, and how with this love I could go to Rainbow Bridge, and not have to go to the angels, but I would be sent to Rainbow Bridge, to wait for my special human, I was finally the best a dog could ever be, and I am the best I have ever been. When all the furbabies heard about my story, and how thankful I was on this Thanksgiving Day to be at Rainbow Bridge, they were so happy to know that someday they too would find a special human, so that they could wait for them at the bridge, their love for humans, and their thankfulness to God for giving them humans to worship and love made them thankful too. The only thing that they wanted was for people not to make anymore unwanted Maltese, so they did not have to wait so long for their special human, and their trip to the Bridge. Love you all Spanky "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. I want to hear the most memorable stories you have regarding your Maltese. Something really special. Please submit to: Libby95@surfree.com Submitted by: Margaret & Taffy I thought this was a cute little story to tell: The other day my husband had to bring our daughter's car in and back for a repair, then he had to pick up his truck because he was getting an oil change. Some how along the way he lost his keys, bringing all the cars back and forth using spare keys, it got a little confusing. We looked high and low, and then thinking he left his keys at one of the gas stations, but no luck, they were not there either. My husband said "I think I really lost the keys this time." So the next day, he went to work with the spare key. I said to him, "They might show up when you least expect it." That next day I was eating breakfast and our Taffy was in the next room which is our family room. Under the stereo her paws were scratching and digging, trying to reach out for something, and I happened to hear a little jingle jangle of some sort. And to my surprise, there were the keys! She found them. Taffy to the rescue! How they got there, I'll never know. She certainly got hugs and kisses from her daddy when he came home that evening! Meant To Be! Submitted by BettyS One day I decided to to get a puppy as my Terripoo Precious was soon to be 15 years old. I was wondering how much longer she would be with us, and knew I would be lost without her, so it was time to think about a new baby. I have always wanted a Maltese, but they are very scarce in this area. I started looking and found a breeder 100 miles away. I called her and she told me she had 3 males and 2 females that would be ready to go in August (this was in June of 1996). I asked for a little girl and she said she would keep her for me. I was going to pick her out, but when I arrived there was only 1 girl left, she was mine, a bigger girl, but, hey, she was to be my pet, so it did not matter to me. She is now 6 weeks old; I can pick her up in 2 weeks (which happens to be my birthday) as long as she is eating well. Wow, what a present. She is a quiet little girl. At home there is my cousin, my husband, Precious, Tabitha (our 9 year old cat) and me. She does not bark, but plays well with all of us. She shares her bed with the cat. She plays and plays and plays, but still does not bark. We teach her to bark (what a mistake, now she never stops). She is feisty and chases everything that moves. She has to be tied because she runs out to the road if people are walking or jogging by. One day she sprung from my arms and chased a cat across the road, I scolded her and told her how bad she was, but she is so determined. She always greets me when I come home from work and jumps to be picked up and loved. One night I came home from work (really tired) and did not even notice that she was not there to greet me (for a few minutes). Then I asked, "Where's Tiffany?" To my dismay, she had been let out without being tied and ran out on the road and was struck by a car. I was hurt and angry and said, "Why would someone let a baby out and not watch her?" She was only 5 months old! After a few days, I called the breeder and asked when Weasel would be having more puppies. She told me not till next spring or early summer. She had some other babies, but I wanted my Maltese. Her sister had one boy malt. left, but I wanted a girl. In the mean time I kept looking, but the only ones I could find were unaffordable on my budget. When I called about asking for a girl from the next litter, she told me I could have first choice and if her sister's had them first she would let me know. At the end of April of 1997, I received a letter from Gerry. She told me Weasel had her puppies on April 18th, but were all boys, (6 of them). I know you want a girl, but if you change your mind, you can have first choice of the boy you would like. I called and thanked her very much, but I would wait and keep looking for a girl. Her sister's had not been born yet. In the mean time, I kept looking. Alas I found one, a tiny girl who would not weigh above 4 pounds. Oh just what I wanted (a tiny girl). I could pick her up next week. Five days later, the lady called to say she was keeping her. Disappointment again. Well I found another who was supposed to birth in 3 days (usually has more girls than boys). Well, no call! I called back, but no answer, I kept trying and finally made contact, only to find out that they had all been placed. I was now beginning to consider a boy. To my surprise, I received a letter from Gerry. She writes: I would have called you but I misplaced your phone number. Weasel did have one girl puppy. I did not tell you because I knew how much you wanted a little girl and she was supposed to go to the breeder as pick of the litter. I thought it be easier for you if you thought they were all boys, and you have been through enough already. The little girl did not get the black pigment around one eye, so they do not want her. If you can forgive me for not being honest with you and you are still interested, she will be ready any time after June 6th. Sincerely, Gerry. I picked up the phone, called (with tears of joy) and asked if I could come and see her. She said of course I could. I immediately named her Tiffini Too. I was so happy and she was such a little girl. She was the runt and her last girl runt weighs about 6 pounds. Well she is just over 18 months and is 10 pounds 6 ounces. Some runt eh! Oh by the way the pigmentation is coming in her pink eye. The top lid has darkened and the bottom has a spot about 1/8 of an inch. Maybe she will have two dark eyes after all. She is such a delight and so lovable. She continuously showers us with kisses and her hugs are unbelievable. She is not the daring type that her sister was. Even so, she had a pen outside until the ground froze and there was too much snow to let her be in it. I was teaching her to walk on the leash (which she still hates), and she would not leave the area of the pen; would walk around the outside and try to climb into it. It took a while to get her any distance from that area, but now she goes everywhere. She keeps Precious who is now 17 years (June 5th) young. They romp and play like puppies. She loves stuffed animals and brings 2 or 3 to bed every night. Yes she sleeps with me. Hubby works 12:30 am - 8:30 am five nights a week and she gets really put out on his 2 nights off, she doesn't want to share her space. She is our pride and joy and a great watch dog. Heaven help us, now that the leaves are falling. No one had to teach her to bark, even barks at people walking by, when she is inside. We are quite crowded when both fur babies plus kitty all decide to sleep with us. So to end this, she was meant to come to us and hopefully will live as long as and be as healthy as Precious. As for a sister for her, we will wait and see, Betty 1999 MALTESE CALENDAR BY BROWNTROUT PUBLISHING Great Christmas Gift! Celebrate the New Year! Mary Stabile has agreed to donate $3.00 to our National Maltese Rescue Fund for every calendar sold through this special offer. Mary's Maltese is featured on the cover. This is a wall calendar and measures 12" X 12". The monthly photos of the Maltese are of extremely nice color quality. To get yours you can send a check or money order for $10.95 + $3.00 shipping for a total of $13.95 to: Mary Stabile 6 Massing Place Milltown, NJ 08550 (Please allow 3-6 weeks delivery time) I've got 2 calendars and they are really nice! Come on everyone! We need to support the National Maltese Rescue Fund! Let's show these furbabies we care about them. PET PERCH CAR SAFETY SEAT The Pet Perch retails elsewhere for $39.95, your cost through this Special Offer will be only $24.95 + $6.25 shipping & handling with $5.00 going to The National Maltese Rescue Fund. This special offer available only through the MalteseOnly Website. To get yours, simply mail a check or money order for $24.95 plus $6.25 for shipping and handling for a total of $31.20 (anywhere in the continental US), Florida residents add applicable sales tax to: Jay Bianco PO Box 383 Mt. Morris, Pa. 15349 Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery via UPS SPECIAL NOTE! UPCOMING FEATURES FOR DECEMBER 1. HOLIDAY SAFETY HINTS - Safety Hazards and Tips to keep your holidays memorable for you and your pets. WEBSITE SPONSORS A special thanks goes out to the Sponsors of MalteseOnly: Woof! Online Auctions - http://www.malteseonly.com/auction/ Surfree Internet Service Provider - http://www.surfree.com Dogtoys.com - http://www.dogtoys.com Note: If you wish to submit an article, poem, joke, birthday, etc. for Maltese Only News please send an email to: Libby95@surfree.com All submissions must be to me by the 25th of the month. HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON ! FROM JAY& BEV, ET AL LIBBY & BUSTER 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. No buying or selling of dogs will be posted! Thanks for your cooperation. ************************************************************ 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" Editors: Libby Johnson & Buster Co-Editor: Jay Bianco ************************************************************************ Maltese Only Newsletter 1998(c) All Rights Reserved Feel free to forward our newsletter along to a friend. Enjoy!