MalteseOnly News October 1998 Issue No: 004 (Fourth Edition) Total Subscribers: 1,187 Welcome to MalteseOnly News! MalteseOnly went online in May of 1996. Created by Jay and Bev Bianco of Mt. Morris, PA. Today over 1,000 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 As I walked along the seashore This young boy greeted me He was tossing stranded starfish Back to the Deep Blue Sea. I said "Tell me why you bother, Why you waste your time this way There's a million stranded Starfish Does it matter, anyway?" And he said "It matters to this one, It deserves a chance to grow. It matters to this one I can't save them all I know. But it matters to this one I'll return it to the sea It matters to this one, And it matters to me." I walked into the Shelter The owner greeted me She was helping Misty learn to trust She was struggling I could see. I said, "Tell me why you bother, Why you waste your time this way. Misty's only one of thousands, Does it matter anyway?" And she said "It matters to this one, She deserves a chance to grow. It matters to this one I can't save them all I know. But it matters to this one I'll help her be what she can be It matters to this one And it matters to me." --Author Unknown MALTESE HOROSCOPE Libra Dog (September 23 - October 23) The Libra Dog is easy going and sociable. Libra dogs are relaxed and at home at home at both extravagant soires and small intimate gatherings. They are happy moving among guests at the largest parties or curled up by the coffee table at high tea. The important thing for Libra dogs is to be out and about, among people, other dogs, any place social. Libra dogs are laid back and happy. Not much excites them, except that little French poodle on the next block. OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Happy Birthday from MalteseOnly Edi's Misti 10/7 Liz's Cody 10/8 JanP's Cleo 10/15 Halen's Comet 10/20 Belle's Mr. Bo 10/22 Shelley's Shayna 10/23 Bayridge's Gia 10/24 Angel's Annie 10/29 Happy Belated Birthday Leslie's Phoebe Ruth 9/8 Kelsey's Sassy 9/9 Carrie's Babs 9/11 Dean's Chico 9/15 Dottie's Tasha 9/19 KathyM's Lucy 9/28 StaceyY's Misha 9/29 Beth's Abbey 9/29 1998 NATIONAL SPECIALTY SHOW The 1998 National Specialty was held on August 19-21, in Harrisburg, PA. Partial show catalog & results can be found at: http://www.malteseonly.com/8amaindex.html QUOTES Submitted by Judy Forrest Ju-Dee MALTESE "Ever wonder what the dogs must think of us"? I mean, here we come back from the grocery store with the most amazing haul-chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth. (Author unknown) Submitted by Paula & John Crawford "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) "If no dogs are in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went". (Unknown) Submitted by Ginger Chamberlain "Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend; inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." (Groucho Marx) Submitted by Cathy Brown "To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs." (Aldous Huxley) "You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." (Robert Louis Stevenson) "My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money." (Joe Weinstein) "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself". (Josh Billings) Submitted byBeeGee "Whoever said you can't buy happiness, didn't know about Maltese furbabies!" "My furbabies get along so well with my kids. They have taught them kindness, manners, and to turn around three times before lying down!" "Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in, turn around - go out, come back in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives." Submitted by Anne Hudson "Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window!" - (Steve Bluestone) "Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails" (Max Eastman) NEW ADDITIONS TO PHOTO ALBUM For September 1998 Submitted by Jay Bianco NOTE: Jay has been extremely busy this month but will make up for the posts in next months issue. (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, Oct. 3, 1998 8:00 p.m. est. Larry Stanberry, Divine Maltese Topic: Grooming Tips Saturday, Oct. 17, 1998 8:00 p.m. est. Dr. Margaret Muns, DVM Topic: Pet Health and Behavior Note: The MalteseOnly Chatroom is hosted every night, Saturday thru Thursday from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Est (No Fridays, yes Jay gives me a nite off!) HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM THE GANG AT MALTESEONLY! Submitted by Jay, Bev and Libby Just a warning to cat owners that Halloween brings out a lot of weirdos. The ASPCA won't adopt out black cats for one week before and one week following Halloween so that sickos who do horrible things to animals, like torturing or sacrificing them, don't get their hands on them. Keep your pets in around and on Halloween and make sure your local shelter isn't adopting out black animals right now either. PROTECTING YOUR PET ON HALLOWEEN Avoid leaving your dog (or cat) alone in your yard, on your property, or in an Outdoor kennel on (and around) Halloween. Keep leash walks brief, especially on Halloween evening. Some sick and sadistic individuals have been reported to frighten, harrass, injure, steal or even kill friendly unsupervised dogs and cats when left alone unprotected outdoors. Even horses, livestock, and zoo animals are at risk. Keep holiday foods, desserts, candy and beverages away from dogs, because they can cause digestive upset, diarrhea and vomiting. Food packaging (such as cellophane, tin foil, and food- or dessert-laced wrappers) can also cause choking or intestinal obstruction. NEVER give your dog chocolate as a treat, or leave chocolate within reach of your dog. Chocolate contains Theobromine, a substance which can be poisonous to your Puppy or dog. Dark, semi-sweet and Baker's chocolate can even be lethal if ingested by your pet. (Smaller dogs can die from eating much smaller amounts of chocolate that large dogs.) Keep your dog confined to another room when people come trick-or-treating. Dogs may become frightenned and/or aggressive towards strangers wearing costumes, or may suddenly run out of your home when you greet trick-or-treaters at your front door. Never bring your dog to a Halloween parade or wild Halloween party. Masks, costumes and strange animated figures may frighten your dog, or s/he may get loose in the crowd and run away. A defensive dog may also bite an innocent child or trick-or-treater. Keep pets away from burning candles (which may burn your pet or start a fire if knocked over) and any Halloween displays or ornaments which may injure or be swallowed by your pet. Don't dress the dog in costume unless you know s/he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal. If you do dress up your dog, make sure the costume isn't constricting, annoying or unsafe. Be careful not to obstruct his/her vision. Halloween can be fun for all members of your family -- both two- and four-legged members -- if you take some simple precautions which include keeping your pets safely inside. Happy Halloween! Top 10 Signs Your Maltese Won The Lottery 10. Giant gold fire hydrant in the front yard. 9. Sends another dog out to bark at the mailman. 8. Oscar Mayer truck parked at the kitchen door on Wednesday. 7. Madonna's hair is a mess because her hairdresser is busy with the Maltese. 6. Starts his own party and runs for president. 5. Congressman from Texas suddenly pushing anti-cat pill. 4. Offers Woody Harrelson a million dollars to let Demi Moore scratch his tummy. 3. "Bigfoot" truck in the driveway with "Hey Cat - Make my Day!" 2. Shortage of beef jerky at all grocery stores. 1. Democrats keep asking him to come to the White House for Kibbles. POISONOUS FALL PLANTS Submitted by Eva Joiner The summer season is near its end and taking with it its glorious flowers. Not to be outdone, the fall season brings forth its own type of vivid colors to blend perfectly with the change of the leaves and the crispness of the weather. Although some of these beauties are poisonous to our pets, we can still enjoy them if we are aware which ones they are and take the necessary precautions to keep our pets safe. This is a short list of the more well known plants. Chrysanthemum - Leaves and stems. Skunk Cabbage - All parts. During this time some of these houseplants that enjoyed the warm weather will need to come in the house again. Cyclamen - Foliage, stems and flowers. A house plant Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) - All parts. Especially the sap. A house plant. Aloe - A shrub or house plant. Latex beneath the skin. Amaryllis - A house plant. Bulbs contain alkaloids Candelabra Cactus Leaves, stems and sap. A shrub or house plant. Milky latex Cyclamen Foliage, stems and flowers. A house plant Philodendron Roots, sap, leaves and stems. A house plant. Pothos - All parts. A house plant. To make this easy, when it becomes time to plant those bulbs (before the 1st frost) for the spring and summer next year, just remember that most are poisonous to include the resulting flower and or foliage. Be careful where you plant and make sure our "stinkers" don't get them while you are planting the bulb. A more complete list of all poisonous plants can be obtained from the following website courtesy of: Jon-An's Yorkshire Terriers http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/Banjo03/aapoison.htm Thanks again Cookie Rogan for the use of this list. NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY! Congratulations go out to the following: Kirsten and her new baby Lil' Miss Madison (Mattie) Lisa Wolfe and her new baby Kami Kari and her new baby Winnie Mark and Michele's new baby Molly David Ortiz and his little Star Sparky Tammy Warren and her baby Malloy Lisa, Craig & Joshua Crutchfield and their new baby Peyton Lori Richards and her new furbaby Zoe Scott and his little boy Petie Gloria Lovett and her baby Mitzi JC and new baby Brandi Lee Carrie and her new little girl Sasha Katy and her baby Bear Stella and her baby Chloe Lee and new baby Pete Nicky and new addition Misha Cindy and her new furbaby Tassle Daniel and his little guy Cooper Jean and her baby Nikita Jodi and her new baby Daisy Maria and her new baby Buddy Carrie Anne and her new baby Cricket Carolyn and her babies Pippa and Lil Bit Scottie and her new baby Tottie Roxann and her new baby Miss Issa BUSTERS PUP-POURRI OF DOG TRIVIA Taken from the book "What do Dogs Dream About" By Tom Kuncl Here is a bit of canine Triva to make you top dog at any party when the topic turns to pooches: The normal body temperature of your dog is between 101 to 102.5 degrees - measured from the rear, of course, and the time required to get an accurate thermometer reading is a full three minutes. Why do we call the hottest days of the summer "dog days?". Because the ancient Romans did. Their reason? It was part of their religious belief that during the period from July 3 to August 11, Sirus the Dog Star, the brightest constellation in the northern hemisphere, added its celestial heat to that of the sun, creating extra heat that made their world swelter. The puppy you brought home had 23 "baby" teeth. Full grown, your pet will usually have 23 permanent choppers, although some breeds, because of smaller jaw size, may have a few less. The hearing ability of dogs is twice that of humans. They're able to pick up high-frequency sounds that reach 40,000 vibrations per second. Then, of course, there's their incredible sense of smell that scientists say can be as much as one million times more sensitive than ours, depending on the breed. Not surprisingly, the all-time sniffing champions are bloodhounds, but German Shepherds are a very close second. Both have more than 200 million smell-sensing cells on their schnozzes. JUST FOR FUN! TOP 10 DOGGIE MOVIES Submitted byJudy Forrest Ju-Dee MALTESE 10. "Abbott and Costello Meet Cujo". Who's on Lou. 9. "The Howling". Story of A Rottweiler and A MouseTrap. 8. "All Dogs Go To Heaven". Documentary. 7. "The MALTESE Milk Bone". Action-Adventure, Starring Humphrey GoBark. 6. "The Postman Always Rings Twice". Tutorial for Territorial Terriers. 5. "Terminator 111-Garbage Day". Cyborg Meets Up With Crazed Cocker Spaniel. ASTA La VISTA Arnold. 4. "Back To The Future 1X-Einstein's Revenge". Starring Michael J. Foxhound, Einstein Steals the Delorean. 3. "The Bad News Beagles". Snoopy Gets Rid of the Loser, Charlie Brown, Leads Team of Beagles to the Little Leaque World Series. 2. "Dial M For Mustard". Murderous Dachshund Leaves Trail Of...Condiments. 1. "Reservoir Dogs". Don't Drink The Water..... Author Unknown WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN WOMEN Submitted by Libby DOGS understand that instincts are better than asking for directions. DOGS like beer DOGS don't hate their bodies DOGS don't criticize DOGS agree that you have to raise your voice to get your point across DOGS never expect gifts DOGS don't want to know about every other dog you've been with DOGS don't let a magazine article guide their lives DOGS are ready to go 24 hours a day, you never have to wait DOGS don't cry DOGS love it when your friends come over DOGS time in the bathroom is confined to a quick drink DOGS don't expect you to call when you are running late-the later you are, the more excited they are to see you. ANYONE CAN GET A GOOD LOOKING DOG DOGS enjoy heavy petting in public DOGS find you amusing when you are drunk DOGS don't mind if you give their offspring away DOGS don't notice if you call them by another dogs' name If a dog is gorgeous, other dogs don't hate it A Dogs parent's never visit JOKES QUESTION: What do you call a great Maltese Dog detective ? ANSWER: Sherlock Bones ! QUESTION: Why does a Maltese scratch himself? ANSWER: Because no one else knows where it itches. QUESTION: Where should you never take your Maltese? ANSWER: to a flea market QUESTION: What type of art does a your Maltese like to practice on glass? ANSWER: Nose printing. QUESTION: What activity do you call it when a Maltese does a TV commercial? ANSWER: a Paws for the Cause... SPECIAL LINKS 1. Woof On-Line Auctions: A place where you can auction or buy any dog related items (no dogs of course) 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 A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MALTESE MOM (3) by Lori Ann Richards - owned by Lily 8:00 am "Ok Lily, Mommie has to go work on the computer now!" Lily wags happily and follows Mommie to the computer room and back again to the kitchen and back to the computer room and then to the livingroom and again back to the computer room.... 8:01 am "Lily! I'm gonna step on you! Go lay down!!!" Lily goes to her favorite cushion...Mommie's pillow. "Good girl. Stay!" 8:02 am Mommie turns around, takes half a step towards the computer room and Lily is right at her heels, little fuzzy bottom wagging, and happy brown eyes looking up.... 8:03 am "oh...ok! Come help Mommie on the computer!" (happy wags and a meep!) 8:04 am Mommie sits down on the chair and (heaven forbid!) gives her attention to the computer screen.... 8:05 am "MOMMIE (wag, wag) MOMMIE I'M DOWN HERE! (meep, meep) MOMMIE, HEY MOMMIE (roo roo rooooooo) (little paw on thigh...)" 8:06 am. "Lily, what do you want? Did you go pee? Did you go poop? What's wrong?" (wag! wag! wag!...little fuzzy bottom going from one side to the other) 8:07 am "MOMMIE (wagwagwagwagwagwag) MOMMIE, PICK ME UP MOMMIE!! I WANT TO PLAY ON THE COMPUTER TOO.... (wagwagwag, fidget, roooooo, wag)" 8:07 am Mommie picks Lily up and tries to accomplish some work. (lick, lick on the nose, lick in the ear, munching on Mommie's hair....fidget, fidget, fidget...) 8:08 am "Lily! I can't work with you doing this...you have to settle down!!!" 8:09 am {Lily finally settles into her "help Mommie at the computer" pose: Her little bottom on the edge of the desk, and her front paws over my left arm, laying half on the desk and half on me, leaning against me as I type...this leaves the right arm free for moving the mouse or answering the phone...} 8:10 am *BIG DEEP MALTESE BREATH* *BIG SIGH* Lily lets out the biggest breath! Mommie smiles to herself, looking at her furbaby, relaxed and soon to be asleep in her arms and realizes that whatever inconvenience this position places on her, it's ok, because...she's a Maltese Mom. HOW TO CLIP YOUR DOGS NAILS Submitted by Judy Forrest Ju-Dee MALTESE Many pet owners are afraid of cutting their pet's nails for fear they will cut the sensitive quick. The "quick" is the tissue area in the nail center that contains the nerves or blood vessels supplying the nail bed. Once you learn where to cut, clipping your pet's nails is almost as easy as clipping your own. On clear or light colored nails, clip the nail in front of the pink quick. For dark nails, you may have to use a flashlight to see where the quick begins. Always cut on a 45-degree angle. Next, file the nail in a sweeping motion tarting from the back of the nail and following the curve to the tip. Remember, it is better to trim a small amount on a regular basis than to try to remove large portions. POEMS LAMENT OF A STUD Submitted by Judy Forrest Ju-Dee MALTESE My job is making puppies and I get two tries at that. They pat me on the head and say "Good Boy" and that is that. It's half my job to give'em teeth and toplines, fronts and other, Remember, it's only half my job......They also have a mother. It's not my job to carry pups and nurse'em and make them strong. That's for "mother" and foster mom, with this there is nothing wrong. It's not my job to wean and to feed the calcium and food and stack and gait and housebreak, and make'em a "showing" brood. It's not my job to plan the breeding, and learn what produces well, to study pedigrees, learn what's there and pick out those to sell. It's not my job to quarantee champs, the breeder picks the pair to mate and whelp and feed and show, and hope that champ is there. It's not my job to be on hand when the points are given out. The breeder, owner, dam and friends take credit with a shout. It's my job to deliver a winner. It's only genes I sell. But, let the puppies turn out bad and guess who catches Hell. Author Unknown CREATION On the first day of creation, God created the dog. On the second day, God created man to serve the dog. On the third day, God created all the animals of the earth (especially the horse), to serve as potential food for the dog. On the fourth day, God created honest toil so that man could labor for the good of the dog. On the fifth day, God created the tennis ball so that the dog might or might not retrieve it. On the sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the dog healthy and the man broke. On the seventh day, God tried to rest, but He had to walk the dog. DOGGIE PLEDGE Submitted by Deanna, Moose & Squirrel I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it. I will not burn rubber through the open car window and into the fast food restaurant, no matter how good it smells. The computer's mouse is, unlike a real mouse, inedible. I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of carpet in the house when I am about to throw up. I will not throw up in the car. I will scootch my bottom along the grass to rid myself of hangers-on. I will not steal used sanitary napkins from the bathroom garbage. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc. I will not eat other animals' poop. I will not roll my head around in other animals' poop. "Kitty box crunchies" are not food. I will not eat any more socks and then re-deposit them in the backyard after processing. The diaper pail is not a cookie jar. I will not eat the disposable diapers, especially the dirty ones. I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end. I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them. I will not chew crayons or pens, 'specially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging. When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside. I will not drop soggy tennis balls in the underwear of someone who is sitting on the toilet. We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV. I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it. The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom and Dad's laps. My head does not belong in the refrigerator. I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and car registration. I will not play tug-o'-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table. I will not roll my toys behind the fridge. The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house Author unknown ANESTHESIA AND YOUR PET Submitted by: Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM, Diplomate AVDC www.dentalvet.com Your dog is injured, the veterinarian informs you that he or she must be put under anesthesia to care for the problem. You are concerned, confused and worried. What goes on before, during and after the anesthesia procedure? Why does and animal have to be placed under anesthesia? There are two main reasons: to keep them immobile and free of pain. It is not right to perform uncomfortable procedures on animals without controlling discomfort. Anesthesia (which means "without feeling") allows the doctor to do what needs to be done in the shortest period of time without discomfort or injury to the patient. How is anesthesia delivered? As in people, there are different ways to give the anesthesia from intravenous or intramuscular sedation to general anesthesia. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. Intravenous anesthesia results in a fast induction (time from administration to the time the animal is asleep) but does not last long. Some intravenous anesthetics take longer to exit the body because they require metabolism by the liver and kidney first. Sedatives are often given through the vein or muscle. In many cases sedation is sufficient to provide pain relief and motion control for short periods of time without having to use general anesthesia. Longer procedures (greater than fifteen minutes) usually require general inhalant (gas) anesthesia. The gas is breathed in through a tube placed in the windpipe attached to an anesthetic machine which mixes the vaporized anesthetic with oxygen. The degree of anesthesia (light, medium, heavy) is controlled by the percent of gas mixture. General anesthesia is delivered through the lungs and not intravenously. After the procedure is finished your dog or cat simply breathes off the medication and recovers quickly. The veterinarian considers many factors such as age, procedure performed, and pre-existing conditions in order to choose the best anesthesia for the patient. Isoflurane is one of the newest and safest type of inhalation anesthetics used in small animal practice. In most cases a preanesthetic injection is given to sedate the patient, then the gas is administered with a mask over the muzzle. Once the pet is sleeping and endotracheal tube is placed and the gas anesthesia to delivered. Many patients control their own level of anesthesia. When they are not deep enough they will breath harder, inhaling more anesthetic and going back to sleep. If they are too deep the respiration will decrease and breath less gas. Safety is the veterinarian's most important concern. Prior to anesthetic delivery the animal is examined, with particular attention given to heart and lung sounds. Diagnostic (preoperative stool, urine and blood) testing of organ function is often performed to confirm the patient can safely be anesthetized. The veterinarian should be made aware of any pre-existing medical conditions or medications your animal is taking. The patient under anesthesia is constantly monitored. Observing the color of the gums and the number of respirations per minute are helpful. Veterinarians now use electrocardiograms, respiratory monitors with alarms, and pulse oximeters (which measures the amount of oxygen inside the patient as well as the heart rate) and constant blood pressure monitors. These instruments add another level of safety to the procedure. Anesthesia is an important part of modern veterinary practice and should not be taken lightly. If your pet needs anesthesia, many times there is no alternatives. Feel free to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian and make sure he or she is using the most modern equipment and monitoring devices. Your best friend will thank you. MALTESE WINNERS CIRCLE! NOTE: I KNOW THIS IS LATE BUT IT WAS LEFT OUT OF THE SEPT ISSUE. BEV PASSE DID SUCH A GREAT JOB I THINK IT SHOULD BE POSTED. ENJOY! A big MalteseOnly Congratulations go out to the following: RESULTS OF THE EVERGREEN SPECIALTY: Submitted by Beverly Passe In response to the many requests for the results of the Evergreen Specialty now that the dust has cleared and a new day is born let me see if I can give an account of this show. First it was held at the beautiful Ramada Inn in Tacoma, Wa. Inspite of it being less than a week before the National there was a total entry of 49 Maltese. The Evergreen Maltese Club of which I'm proud to be a member leaves no stone unturned in offering magnificent trophies, a luxury site and warm hospitality which includes a buffet luncheon, continental breakfast & refreshments, and a large convenient grooming area. The Maltese paraded over red carpet in a spacious ring. Majestic Mt. Rainer (elevation over 14,000 feet) watched over us from the East and a gentle breeze from the Puget Sound refreshed us on the sunny 85 degree day. It was wonderful seeing so many out-of-state visitors from across the U.S. and Canada. Alma Smithson had come from Arizona; Sue Stockton from Las Vegas; Mary Olver, Sheilla Graham, Lynne Weir, Alexae Billingsley, Dawn Bergum, Carol-Lee Turnbull (and many others) from Canada; Mark Huestes from Montana, Pat Fernandes and husband from California, Gerda Shaw from Philadelphia (judging sweeps), Peggy Wanner and the Pacific Rim crew from Oregon and lots more from out of state that I apologize to in advance for over-looking. Frank Oberstar wrote years ago regarding the Western Reserve Kennel Club of which he was Show Chairman and long time member that they planned their show as though they were hosting a party trying to attend to every detail to make their guests comfortable and to provide a beautiful showcase for the dogs. Frank Oberstar, Larry Ward, and the Antonelli's were always unselfish supporters of the Maltese Dog. In early years here (way back in the 60's) they supported Pacific Northwest efforts and we will be forever grateful to these Maltese Greats and we try to be worthy of their early support. Our show is not set up to build a fat bank account--but rather to provide every comfort and a magnificent show case four our Maltese. It worked for Western Reserve and it works for the Evergreen Maltese Club. We have monthly dinner meetings where we work on new ideas to make our show better, share ideas on grooming and care of the Maltese, enjoy each other's company, laugh and have fun. We are fortunate to have Cindy Smith, DVM, as a member who generously gives of her time to keep us up-to-date on health problems and new developments in the Veterinary realm, and attorneys Barbara & Roger Miener helping us do things "right" in the legal realm, and many talented artists including but not limited to: Claudia Strickland, Laynette Payson, Cindy Jones, Linda Lamoureux, Peggy Wanner, Sandy Lovey, Cindy Smith, Delores Hamilton who give freely of their time and talents. I'm sure many reading this are asking, "where are the show results?" These ARE the show results. Everyone connected in any way with the Evergreen Maltese Club are "winners." We compete fiercely with one another in the show ring, we have differing viewpoints, but we all put the Maltese Dog first and foremost!!! At the next meeting following every show we sit down to dinner together and try to reason as to how we can improve--just as breeders we plan out our litters trying ever to improve. This year at our famous banquet/auction which is the final act of our "show" we had free champagne to celebrate our tenth annual show!!! We toasted to another ten years of success and dedication to the Maltese Dog. Here in the Pacific Northwest we have two Independent Licensed Maltese Clubs within 140 miles of each other. This was accomplished by hard work and good sportsmanship. I was grieved to read that the Texas Maltese Club is folding?????? Isn't there anyone in the big State of Texas that can step in and save this long-standing Maltese Club? With our AMA National Show drawing near I reflect upon the many years of work that has gone into our beloved National Club which guides our breed here in America. I reflect upon the hard work of so many AMA members led by LaDonna Mosely (Show Chairman) who are planning a huge "party" for us to celebrate our love of Maltese, and with great anticipation I look forward to visiting with old friends, meeting new, and most of all seeing those magnificent specials enter the show ring awaiting that final nod. And, again, my offer stands if anyone needs one-to-one grooming help look me up (a day or so before the actual show) and I'll try to help. Now for those who have been patiently reading through my digressions here are the UNOFFICIAL show results as I know them from the Evergreen Maltese Club. High scoring obedience Dog: Senoj's Miss Aimee Lee (Barbara Miener) Junior Showmanship: Matthew Armstrong Stud Dog Class: Ch. Myi's Ice Man (Beverly Passe) Puppy Sweepstakes (Judge: Gerda Shaw) Best In Sweepstakes: Kandu's Ransoms Silk Teddy (Cindy Jones) Best Opposite in Sweepstakes: Marcris Omens Hi-Lite (Pamela Armstrong) Regular Classes (Judge: Margaret Young Renihan) Winners Dog: Fansypants Little Bitty Dancer (Allexae Billingsley) Winners Bitch & Best Opposite Sex: Angles Risque's Tempted Temptress (Bonnie Palmer) Best of Breed: Ch Myi's Impressive Swan (Beverly Passe) Also, there were lovely Veteran Sweepstakes that truly dazzled me seeing 14 year old Maltese in full show coat with almost complete dentation lovingly presented by: Barbara Miener and Cindy Smith, DVM. Sorry, I don't know which one won here--they were all winners in my mind. Tears came to my eyes as I watched these Veterans happily dance around the ring. Isn't this, after all, what loving Maltese is all about? THE OLD SHOW DOG Submitted by JUDY FORREST Ju-Dee MALTESE He Always Knows----no matter how quietly you get out the leashes, how you smuggle the show bag out to the car, you're going to a dog show and he knows it. He sits beside the cabinet where the show gear is stored as you bustle about attending to the last minute details. His ears flat, a hopeful gleam in his eyes, he looks at you. It is as close as he will come to begging. You pause for a moment to rub behind his ears, guilty at leaving him and you think back....... Remember how it was not so terribly long ago, when show dog meant just you and him, striking out in the early morning before the sun came up to burn a way the fog? Everything was bright and new and life was simple. He was the most beautiful dog in the world---before you learned about angulation and side gait. And your goal than was a ribbon, maybe blue. And now it's points and titles---- anything less is an expensive disappointment. Once you took pride or found falt in your own performance [before you became the "savior of the breed"], feeling duty-bound to monitor the strivings of others. Politics once applied only to elected officials. Would you go back again? Maybe not. You move on-it's nearly time to go. He gets up to follow you from room to room---age and arthritis narrowing his limits. You tell him that he will have to stay home, and turn away before his tail droops slowly to the floor. And so you leave. You see his head at the window as you drive away. Always remember the nobility of his character and the trust in his eyes, and vow never to do anything to dishonor him------Your old show dog. Author Unknown NEW ADDITION TO THE NEWSLETTER! BUSTER'S PRODUCT OF THE MONTH THE KONG TOY! The Kong Toy is a unique hollow bounce toy, when stuffed with your dog's favorite treats, dog biscuits, peanut butter, cheese, etc., will give him/her hours of exercise & chewing fun. While your dog tries to crunch up & lick out the "hidden treat," you are teaching him/her that chewing on a Kong toy is better than on the furniture. Made of natural, puncture resistant, Ultra-flex rubber for lasting durability, even for the toughest dogs. Helps clean teeth & condition gums. This toy can be ordered through all pet catalogues or can be bought at any pet supply stores and come in different sizes and colors. There are Red Kong Rubber Toys for Average chewers. Black Power Chewer Toys for Large, aggressive chewers, Dental Kong, with chew grooves, and Cool Kong for Aquarobics fun and exercise. DO DOGS SMILE? Taken from the Globe Digest Series (What Do Dogs Dream About) by Tom Kuncl Yes, dogs smile when they're happy (and frown when they're sad or if we are sad). Dogs grin by pulling back the corners of their lips and baring their teeth. A very relaxed dog will smile and then close his eyes. (Don't make the mistake of confusing a grin with a snarl. If a dog has his mouth pulled back, but is showing his incisors and back teeth, most likely he's snarling.) While we're on the subject of smiling dogs, let's see what Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, who wrote the wonderful, heartwarming book "The Hidden Life of Dogs" (A Peter Davison Bood, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993) has to say: "All dogs smile, which is to say their faces become pleasant and relaxed, with ears low, eyes half shut, lips soft and parted, and chin high. This is a dog smile. "Yet a few dogs will also imitate human smiles. In the presence of human beings, these dogs will draw back their lips grotesquely to bare their teeth, making the same face we make. At the same time, these dogs may roll over to reveal their bellies submissively, showing they understand exactly what our smiles mean." FOR OUR MALTESE FRIENDS WHO ARE ILL Special Note-In Memory: Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to: Charlynn who lost her Sunny on 8/15/98. Dottie Starr who lost her precious baby Arthur on 8/18/98. Sharon Kaye who lost her 15 yr old Max on 9/10/98 "The Power of the Dog" There is sorrow enough in the natural way, >From men and women to fill our day. And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy, Love unflinching that cannot lie. Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat of the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which nature permits Are closing in asthma, tumors, or fits. And the vets unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns. Then you will find - its your own affair, But . . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is still When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone - wherever it goes - for good. You will discover how much you care And will give your heart to a dog to tear. We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay Our loves are not given, but only lent At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept them the more do we grieve; For when depts are payable right or wrong, A short time loan is as bad as a long - So why in Heaven Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear? Rudyard Kipling 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. "SMILES FROM OUR WHITE FURBABIES" Title by Donna and Gracie 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 Halloween Story Submitted by Halen Foster Last Halloween I dressed up like Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ. I put Comet (Toto) in a little basket and waited for the trick or treaters to come to the house. I always like seeing the little ones come with their parents. As I watched and waited, not many were ringing the doorbell. Comet would bark and bark as they shyly approached the door, their parents waiting anxiously on the sidewalk. Most of the visitors were from the immediate neighborhood and greeted Comet by name. But the visitors were few and far between! At 8 o'clock, I turned off the porch light and ate some of the candy bars myself. Good thing I bought lots of Three Musketeers! A few days later I was talking to the neighbor two doors down. He said they had so many visitors they ran out of candy. I was puzzled and tried to figure out the reason why they had so many and we had so few? I thought and thought and then, it hit! I forgot to take down the two signs in the bow window. ONE: Beware of Dog! THE OTHER: Trespassers will be eaten! My neighbor then laughed, "Let me have the signs next year!" This year the sign will be on the neighbor's window. Submitted by Leslie & Phoebe Anecdotes and stories? Well, before her hair got longer, I had her two ponytails that tended to stick straight up - a fella asked me "How many channels does she get with those things?" The cleanliness of a Maltese is truly amazing - Phoebe refuses to walk on dirt! If she poops she will lay down and stare at it until I clean it up - same thing for a piddle if it ends up on a hard surface. Submitted by Jfowler Our Maltese, Princess Tiffany, is an outstanding Maltese. My husband has stage three sleep apnea, the part of his brain that tells him to breath while sleeping was destroyed due to a stroke. At night he sleeps with a machine, and he is supposed to also use it in the daytime if he naps. Many times he falls asleep in his "sleepy boy" chair, if he makes a certain sound, a subtle choking sound, she is on his chest in an instant, gently tapping him on the mouth to wake him up. If he sleeps normally, she never bothers him. She is worth her weight in gold for the happiness she brings to all who know her. We live in a retirement community, when she comes walking down the street, strutting her stuff as she does, everyone smiles and pets her. She greets everyone with a loving look, she doesn't jump up on anyone unless they offer to play, then no holds are barred. She rides in the bike basket every morning for a three mile ride, the kamikaze squirrels, the barking dogs, and the stray cats are beneath her attention. She can tell time and read "signs" as well. She loves to ride on the golf cart and at certain times each day, she lets us know it is time. The minute the dishwater leaves the sink after dinner, she is ready as well. We don't remember what we talked about before we had our darling "baby." She knows the names of all her toys and will go get the one you ask for. She is the best little bundle of white fluff we ever saw and we are just so in love with her, she will be two Nov. 3, and believe it or not, we love her more each day. We have sent you her picture before and so she is in your album. She has such good manners and is such a comfort to my husband who is in constant pain from a back injury. We have many good laughs everyday. Tiffany is one of the best little bundle of love to come into our lives, ever! At Christmas she gets so many gifts from people in our park, she had about a dozen or more brought to the door, and when they go on trips they bring her gifts as well. I think she can start her own toy store soon! We have several baskets and try to alternate the toys, but she does have her favorites, the monkey with the floppy arms for one. I suppose this is way to long and so I should stop. >From MalteLover Dana Jacobson & Princess When we first got our puppy, she always liked to explore. We kept her in the kitchen so she had room to run. One day I was upstairs and I heard her barking, and whining, so I came down to see what she was doing. I expected to see her running around with her ball, or tossing her booda bone. I peeked into the kitchen, and she wasn't there. I looked behind her bed, looked in her crate, but no Princess. I heard her whine again, so I went on my hands and knees and there she was.....underneath the stove. Somehow she crawled underneath there. All you could see was two paws, a nose and two little eyes. I got her out, went to the hardware store and got a piece of wood so she wouldn't do that again. 1999 MALTESE CALENDAR BY BROWNTROUT PUBLISHING Great Christmas Gift! 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 + 3.00shipping for a total of $13.95 to: Mary Stabile 6 Massing Place Milltown, NJ 08550 (Please allow 3-6 weeks delivery time) NJ residents add appropriate sales tax 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. SUGGESTED READING Dogs Never Lie About Love : Reflections on the Emotional World of Dogs - Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson; Paperback WEBSITE SPONSORS A special thanks goes out to the Sponsors of MalteseOnly: Woof Online Auctions - http://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 MalteseOnly 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 HALLOWEEN FROM JAY, BEV, & LIBBY 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. ************************************************************ 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.