MalteseOnly News September 1998 Issue No: 003 (Third Edition) Subscribers: 1,024 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. ******************************************************************************* **SPECIAL NOTE** THIS ISSUE OF MALTESEONLY NEWS IS DEDICATED TO "SPANKY" In Loving Memory - Gone to Rainbow Bridge August 10th, 1998 www.malteseonly.com/spanky.html Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you... I loved you so ----- 'twas Heaven here with you. Isla Paschal Richardson MALTESE RESCUES Jay and Bev Bianco - (724)324-9401 Mt. Morris, PA Beverly Passe - (253)858-9266 (referral only) Gig Harbor, WA DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN RESCUE A DOG SITS WAITING Submitted by Chrisy A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run. He's been here for days now with nothing to do But sit by the road, waiting for you. He can't understand why you left him that day. He thought you and he were stopping to play. He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays How long will he suffer? How many more days? His legs have grown weak, his throat is parched and dry. He's sick now from hunger, and falls with a sigh. He lays down his head and closes his eyes. I wish you all could see how a waiting dog dies. Kathy Flood MALTESE HOROSCOPE Submitted by Chrisy VIRGO DOG (August 23 - September 23) The Virgo Dog is modest and a little shy. While the Virgo dog knows he's handsome and attractive, he's reluctant to prance about showing off. The Virgo dog is also reliable and diligent. Given a task, the Virgo dog carries it out fully and faithfully, but turns bashful in the face of lavish praise. Virgo dogs are happy lying in the sun watching their families happy around them. Of course, the Virgo dog overcomes his natural shyness the minute there's a mention of dog treats. AUGUST BIRTHDAYS Happy Birthday from MalteseOnly Cathy Brown's Lucy 9/95 Rena's Tiffany 9/25 Oystrprl's Dakota 9/27 Tammy's Toozie's Satin Slipper V Vicson(Dazzle) 9/27 Opal's Veba 9/3 Tammy's CH Tamar's Blame It on Rio (Rio) 9/3 Tammy's Tamar's Wheel Of Fortune(Vanna) 9/3 Tammy's Jo-San's Only the Lonely(Lisa) 9/4 MsMystic1's Nipper 9/13 Spring's Cupid 9/14 RC's Chibi 9/14 Marie's Rudy 9/23 Trish's Heidi 9/20 Happy Belated Birthday Bee Gee's Chiclet & Gizmo ADDICTED TO MALTESEONLY This was copied from the MalteseOnly Discussion Forum. I think you will love it! Thanx Marie Jim To Doctor At Psychiatric Hospital: "Doc, I can't explain it. It seemed to start back when I finally relented about getting a dog. It's my fault, I guess, because I saw a maltese and told her that if I could live with a dog, it would be one like that. We got a little guy and named him Baxter. She was obsessed with this dog, doc. It ate up her every waking moment when she wasn't working. She got up an hour earlier to feed and play with him - bathed him every week - knitted sweaters - spent our life savings on crates, dog food and anything dog related. Then, she wanted ANOTHER one. Just the look in her eyes made me feel like she was possessed. I felt overpowered like she was driven by some force I couldn't resist. I was really getting worried. She named the second one Rudy. I felt like she was slipping away. Then one day, we got a computer. I thought that it would help her get over this obsession with these dogs. I was so proud of her for trying to diversify her interests. I wasn't getting any more attention than before the computer, but at least she was starting to think about something besides these dogs. What happened next, started slowly. Doc, I noticed she was starting to ignore the dogs. They would jump on her leg begging for attention, but she would just shake them off. Kind of reminiscent of Aunt Ethel and the slot machine incident in '78. Then I looked over her shoulder one day and saw........... "MALTESE ONLY". It was like an alcoholic hiding liquor. Then I watched her deteriorate, Doc. Her eyes started getting red and started to water. Her posture got so bad I felt like propping a stick between her shoulders and the desk. She started wearing Depends so she wouldn't have to take time to go to the bathroom. Just waiting for updates on the forum would send her into an extremely anxious state. It was tough to be around her at those times, doc. She did hold a full-time job though, so she was a functioning MOholic. Then it happened. It was awful. She signed on one day to find the MO site down for maintenance. She turned on me, Doc, and it wasn't a pretty sight. When will she be able get out of that room? When can we start decreasing the medication? How often can I visit, Doc? Should she stay away from anything resembling a screen? TV's? Microwaves? ATM's? Hope you can help her, Doc. The dogs sure do miss her. Marie 08-09-98 THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ACCORDING TO YOUR DOG Submitted by Chrisy 1. Thou shalt feed me today more than thou didst yesterday 2. Thou shalt teach me with food - not big sticks and loud voices 3. Thou shalt walk with me every day - despite thy favorite TV program 4. Thou shalt not buy furniture that I cannot sit on 5. Thou shalt not pay attention to anyone else but me - lest I feel unwanted 6. Thou shalt love me to death - even when I bark all night 7. Thou shalt not have a CAT with ATTITUDE and CLAWS 8. Thou shalt not start the car until I am in it 9. Thou shalt not hide food 10. Thou shalt obey the above without question lest I POOH on the neighbors lawn and promote community strife. 998 NATIONAL MALTESE SPECIALTY SHOW The 1998 National Specialty was held on August 19-21, 1998 in Harrisburg, PA. The list of winners are as follows: (Sorry, Official results not yet available) Special congratulations to all the winners & participants from the gang at MalteseOnly QUOTES Submitted by Libby Happiness is a warm puppy. Charles Shultz-Peanuts Who loves me will also love my dog. St. Bernard of Clairvaux-13th Century I can train any dog in five minutes; it's the owners that take longer. Barbara Woodhouse Submitted by Cathy Brown Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies - Gene Hill In dog years, I'm dead" - Unknown Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant - Unknown Submitted by Paula & John Crawford Scratch a dog and you'll find a permanent job - Franklin P. Jones I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult - Rita Rudner Man is a dog's idea of what God should be - Holbrook Jackson Submitted by RobinD Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. - Mark Twain NEW ADDITIONS TO PHOTO ALBUM For July 1998 Submitted by Jay Bianco Jays been busy again! Rex, Henry, Archie & Zoe, Cody & Ashleigh, Popcorn, Alex, Miss Daisy, Digby, Cody-Boy, Fabulous 5, Audrey's Lil Miss Tiffany, Princess Bella Mia, Bijou, Heidi Pumpkin Muffin, Chloe, Daisy, Ashleigh Lynn Muffin, Elmo, Prince, Sarri's Precious Chantal Bianca, Murphy, Noah, Ellie, Cassie, Snowy, Theo, Mikey, Toby, Cuddles (Special Note: If your photo has not been posted please be patient. ay 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, September 12, 1998 Dr. Margaret Muns, DVM Topic: Pet Health and Behavior Visit Dr. Muns web site at: www.bestfriends.com Note: The MalteseOnly Chatroom is hosted every night, Saturday thru Thursday from 8:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Est (No Fridays) New addition to Chatroom Schedule: Grab your lunch and join Zee on Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. est. for a lunchtime chat. Our very own Sharon Kaye (Puppy John) is a guest host on the PetsForum group on the 15th of every month at 9pm EDT. It is a new chat group and just getting started. Sharon advises and counsels people on house training and paper training. Lets show our support for Sharon and join her at http://www.petsforum.com PUDDLES Submitted by Chrisy There is a puddle on the floor; 'Tis plain for all to see. Now, is that puddle H20, Or is it K9P? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN CASE OF A WEATHER EMERGENCY? Would you're Maltese have everything he or she needed if there was a weather emergency? It is hurricane / tornado season in some places so you should be prepared. Here are tips for a Weather Safety Kit. 1. Make sure you have an extra Pet Crate or Carrier. Make sure the carrier or crate has proper ID on it. 2. Make sure you have an extra collar, leash or halter with ID 3. The ID should not only have your name and phone number but another family member or friends name and phone number in case something should happen to you and you are parted from your pet. 4. Have an extra water bottle or two filled with water. Plenty of dry food in baggies so it doesn't get wet. If you want canned food make sure you have several cans and a manual can opener. 5. Extra Food and water bowls 6. Extra towels and blankets so if your pet gets wet you have dry linens for him/her. 7. A copy of your pets health records 8. Medications if any. Heartworm medicine. Have your vet give you extra just in case. 9. Flashlight & batteries All of these items can be stored in your crate or carrier and easily stored in the basement or closet in case of an emergency. YOUR DOG Submitted by Paula & John Crawford "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion" -- Unknown The Truth About Pet Myths 1.Animals that are Spayed or Neutered automatically gain weight. Myth. Most likely the exercise level of your pet has decreased if your pet has gained weight. A decreased exercise level may also come with maturation. It is up to you to provide your pet with a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise. However, weight gain has no direct correlation to spaying and neutering. 2.A dog has to have a litter of puppies before getting spayed. Myth. In fact if you spay a dog before she ever goes into heat, it has been known to have a protective effect against the development of mammary cancer later in her life. Spay, don't breed! 3.Dogs always come with doggy breath. Myth. Your dog's breath should smell pretty darn good. If your dog has bad breath it usually indicates dental or oral problems such as gum disease, tooth decay or even gingivitis. Make an appointment to see your vet and have your pet checked. Don't forget to ask about brushing your pet's teeth! 4.Cats always land on their feet. Myth. Cats often times land on their feet, but not always. As a matter of fact, a cat has a better chance of landing on its feet if it falls from a higher distance as it has time to turn itself around. I am by no means suggesting that you go out and try this with your cat because, like I said cats do not always land on their feet and can get seriously injured or even die. 5.A cold, wet nose means a healthy dog. Myth. This is not a scientific method of evaluating your dog's state of health. Say, for example your dog has an upper respiratory infection. The nose would be cold and wet due to the infection and should not be assumed healthy. Or, say for example, you have central heat and it is blowing at your dog's face and the nose becomes warm and dry it doesn't necessarily mean that your dog is sick. Test your dog's nose once in a while to see what it feels like normally. That is the best way to judge what should be considered abnormal. Sometimes a cold, wet nose is nothing more than that...a cold, wet nose. Dr. Leon, D.V.M. April, 1998 www.ahn.com NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FAMILY! Congratulations go out to the following: Scott, Mishelle, and Stephanie Gray of Greenville, SC proudly announce the arrival of our newest family member, Hollybelle's Beauregard. He is a five month old bundle of personality and love, and we are so proud to have him with us! Patti Ek and her new little guy, Bowser Bailey Ek Tammy Hauptman on her new little guy, Luvlane's Addicted To Love (Dante) Britt and her new little girl Brittney Beth and her new little guy, Tucker Poppy's new baby Ziggy Mary Smith and her new baby Samantha Sandy and her baby Puff Beth and her little guy Tucker Eva nd her little girl Isa Mimi and her new little girl Lilly Lisa on her furball Chrissy Todd and his little furbabies Lacey & Tucker Carol and her baby Chardonnay MaryP on her new fluffamuffin, Fancy (Just Call Me Fancy) Dana and her new furbaby Princess DENTAL NEWS Submitted by Dr. Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM www.dentalvet.com Brush My Dog's WHAT? What would happen if you stopped brushing your own teeth? Even if you only ate hard food as most dogs do, there still would be problems. You should be brushing your dog's teeth at least twice weekly, daily if you can manage it. It's not as difficult as you might imagine. What are the benefits? Brushing removes the daily accumulation of plaque from the teeth. Even though dogs do not commonly get cavities, they do suffer from periodontal disease. If untreated the gum disease can lead to pain and loss of teeth. How to brush teeth? Step one is to pick an appropriate pet toothbrush. Save yourself time by not buying a child's toothbrush which is usually too hard for dogs. The ideal dog toothbrush will have a long handle, an angled head to better fit the mouth and extra soft bristles. Another option is the finger toothbrush that fits over the tip of your finger. Step two is to select an appropriate toothpaste. The best pet toothpastes contain enzymes that help control plaque. Try to avoid toothpastes with baking soda, detergents, or salt sometimes found in human pastes. Fluoride may be incorporated to help control bacteria. Rather than placing the paste on top of the brush try to incorporate it between the bristles. This allows the paste to spend the most time next to the teeth. Step three is to get the brush with paste into your dog's mouth and all the teeth brushed. Most dogs accept brushing if they are approached in a gentle manner. If you can start when they are young, it's quite easy, but even older pets will accept the process. Start slowly, you can use a washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the teeth, front and back in the same manner you will eventually be using the toothbrush. Do this twice daily for about two weeks and your dog should be familiar with the approach. Then take the pet toothbrush, soak it in warm water and start brushing daily for several days. When your dog accepts this brushing, add the pet toothpaste. The toothbrush bristles should be placed at the gum margin where the teeth and gums meet at a 45 degree angle. The movement should be in an oval pattern. Be sure to gently force the bristle ends into the area around the base of the tooth as well as into the space between the teeth. Ten short back-and-forth motions should be completed, then the brush should be moved to a new location. Cover three to four teeth at a time. Most attention should be given to the outside of the upper teeth. In summary, dog home care should include daily (or at least every other day) brushing, using an enzymatic pet toothpaste. Taking an active role in the care of your dog's dental care will help reduce dental disease, bad breath and potential life threatening heart and kidney disease. Everyone wins. JUST FOR FUN! SOAP & WATER Submitted by BusterJ A minister was asked to dinner by one of his parishioners, who he knew was an unkempt housekeeper. When he sat down at the table, he noticed that the dishes were the dirtiest that he had ever seen in his life. "Were these dishes ever washed?" he asked his hostess, running his fingers over the grit and grime. She replied, "They're as clean as soap and water could get them." He felt a bit apprehensive, but blessed the food anyway and started eating. It was really delicious and he said so, despite the dirty dishes. When dinner was over, the hostess took the dishes outside and yelled, "Here Soap! Here Water!" PUPPY PROPERTY LAWS Submitted by LindaR's son If I like it, it's mine. If it's in my mouth, it's mine. If I can take it from you, it's mine. If I had it a little while ago , it's mine. If it is mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way. If it looks like mine, it's mine. If toys are out, all of them are mine. If I think it's mine, it's mine MIND GAMES DOGS PLAY WITH HUMANS Submitted by Chrisy 1. After your humans give you a bath, DON'T LET THEM TOWEL DRY YOU! Instead, run to their bed, jump up and dry yourself off on the sheets. This is especially good if it's right before your human's bedtime. 2. Act like a convicted criminal. When the humans come home, put your ears back, tail between your legs, chin down and act as if have done something really bad. Then, watch as the humans frantically search the house for the damage they think you have caused. (Note: This only works when you have done absolutely nothing wrong). 3. Let the humans teach you a brand new trick. Learn it perfectly. Then the humans try to demonstrate it to someone else, stare blankly back at the humans. Pretend you have no idea what they're talking about. 4. Make your humans be patient. When you go outside to go 'pee', sniff around the entire yard as your humans wait. Act as if the spot you choose to go pee will ultimately decide the fate of the earth. 5. Draw attention to the human. When out for a walk always pick the busiest, most visible spot to go 'poo'. Take your time and make sure everyone watches. This works particularly well if your humans have forgotten to bring a plastice bag. 6. When out for a walk, alternate between choking and coughing every time a strange human walks by. 7. Make your own rules. Don't always bring back the stick when playing fetch with the humans. Make them go and chase it once in a while. 8. Hide from your humans. When your humans come home, don't greet them at the door. Instead, hide from them, and make them think something terrible has happened to you. (Don't reappear until one of your humans is panic-stricken and close to tears). 9. When your human calls you to come back in, always take your time. Walk as slowly as possible back to the door. 10. Wake up twenty minutes before the alarm clock is set to go off and make the humans take you out for your morning pee. As soon as you get back inside, fall asleep. (Humans can rarely fall back asleep after going outside, this will drive them nuts!) HOUSE RULES FOR MALTESE - Sleeping Arrangements Submitted by Chrisy 1. The Maltese will sleep in his crate in the laudry room. 2. Okay, the crate can be in the bedroom, but the Maltese must remain in the crate. 3. Okay, the Maltese can come out of the crate but it must sleep on the floor and will not be allowed on the bed. 4. Fine, the Maltese can sleep on the bed, but only at the foot end of the bed. 5. Okay, the Maltese can sleep in the middle of the bed, but it must keep off the pillow. 6. Fine, the Maltese can sleep on the pillow, but it may not touch your face. 7. Okay, it can sleep on your face, but only on the SIDE of your face, not over your nose and mouth. 8. The Yorkie will remain at the foot of the bed. (ENOUGH IS ENOUGH) STOP THE PUPPYMILLS! Pet Store Puppy Submitted by Katie I'm a little puppy, so cuddly, sweet and small I live inside a cage, you see at Pet Store in the mall. I'm not an only puppy, my sisters are all here. My brothers, too, except for Ralph who died coz he was scared. It's lonely here at nighttime when all the lights go dark, We tremble in our cages and we whimper and we bark. But no one comes to hold us or pet our fears away We sit all night in terror til the store opens next day. We don't remember mama left so far behind She did the best she could for us til Man said "It is time." He crammed us all in cages too small for us you see We rode for hours; we could not help but lay in poop and pee And now we sit in Pet Store where kids come taunt and squeeze They do not hear our whimpers or understand our pleas We're miserable and it's scary here we all would rather die But since we don't we do our best to run away and hide I know you think my story too sad to leave me be, You want to take me home with you, a happy little puppy. But please, though it is fearful to live here against our will If you take me that leaves a spot another pup will fill. You can stop our suffering but not by taking us home You must be strong and leave us here, unsold and all alone For if you do not take me, then another pup won't come And maybe he will not be shipped so far away from home Tho some of us may not survive the cycle 'ere it falls If we don't sell they will not need more puppies in these halls And if they need no puppies then the Man will not bring more Eventually it can all stop! You CAN close the door. So when you see a puppy face so sad and sweet and small In a cage at Pet Store at your neighborhood shopping mall The best thing you can do for him is leave him sitting there That is the best way you can tell all dogs how much you care. 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. Major update to the Maltese Only article on Liver Shunts. If you were looking for more information on this topic, this page is at: http://www.malteseonly.com/shunt.html 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 TO BE CONTINUED...... POEMS THINGS WE CAN LEARN FROM A DOG Submitted by LindaR Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps -and stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you are not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit nearby, and nuzzle him/her gently. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a single growl will do. When you're happy, dance around and wag you entire body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends. Delight in the simple joys of a long walk. A DOG'S PLEA Submitted by Chrisy Treat me kindly my beloved friend For no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick For though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly. Teach me the things you would have me learn Speak to me often, For your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. Please take me inside when it's cold and wet. For I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well to romp and play and do your bidding to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw, that my fate was always safest in your hands....... MY HEART HAS A TAIL Submitted by Chrisy I made a discovery, just today; something so amazing in every way. It was when you bounded towards my face, kissing and wriggling all over the place. And I held you very, very close to me experiencing euphoria, endlessly. It seemed that all at once, our hearts became one and together we were having so much fun. I could no longer keep my perspective; the two of us became almost reflexive. Yet when I see you running around, you don't need words to make a sound. I know that you love me very much with a loyalty no human can touch. That's why I believe you've become my heart and no one earthly force can keep us apart. We understand each other so very well; surely my heart has a tail, or can't you tell? Poem for 'Malt' parents Submitted by Chris (Australia) But will you, till I call him back take care of him for me? He'll bring his charm to gladden you and should his stay be brief You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked this wide world over in search of teachers true, and from the throngs that crowd life's lane I have decided upon you. Now will you give him all your love nor think the labour vain and hate me when I come to call to take him back again? I fancy that I heard them say "Dear Lord, thy will be done. For all the joy this child will bring the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness and we'll love him while we may and for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay. And should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand". MALTESE WINNERS CIRCLE! 1.)TNT's Siren With A Smile had a major win 8/1/98. Second major in the puppy class Owned by Tom & Theresa Meyer. 2.) CH Myi's Impressive Swan, Best of Breed 8/9/98 Congrats to Beverly Passe on "IMPY's" BIS-S win at the EVERGREEN SPECIALTY on Friday, AUG. 14, 1998. A DIALOGUE BETWEEN SANDY AND CHAMIE Submitted by Chrisy Sandy: What makes us dogs? Chamie: Why do you ask? Sandy: I sometimes think the things that make me easily identifiable as a dog my bark, my smell --- are the least important things about me, about us. We are unique among the species, but for reasons seldom articulated. Chamie: That is because we live in a borrowed world. Like all domesticated creatures we exist as a subset of the experiences of our masters. And like all slaves we are valued exclusively for those traits which make us useful: we are obedient, we are protective. But our trials, loves, hopes, and dreams, these are obscured by our owners' need for us to be dog-like. Sandy: So what is the one thing that most makes you a dog? Chamie: I can serve without being servile. And you? Sandy: I can see into the hearts of those who love me. FOR OUR MALTESE FRIENDS WHO ARE ILL Our thoughts and prayers also go out to Art, Laurie and Powder. At last post and talk in the Chatroom, Powder was holding his own. Licks and wags go out from the entire MalteseOnly gang! Special Note-In Memory: Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gloria, Dickie & Quiggley in their loss of Spanky Our hearts go out to Kirsten who lost her Sophie on 8/7/98. Such a sad loss for Lisa Wolfe who lost her 7 month old little girl Lexi and also Katy in her loss of Holly. Rosebud Submitted by Ju-dee MALTESE When God calls little puppies to dwell with Him above, We humans always question the wisdom of His love. For no heartache can compare with the loss of one small "child", Who does so much to make this world seem wonderful and mild. Perhaps God tires-always calling the aged to His fold, And so He picks a rosebud before it can grow old. God knows how much we need them and so He picks but few; To make the land of heaven more beautiful to view. Believing this is difficult, yet somehow we must try, For the saddest word that mankind knows will always be "good-bye". And so when Little pups depart; We, who are left behind, must realize how much God loves puppies...... For Angels are hard to find. Author Unknown 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. EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! Introducing a new feature on the MalteseOnly News! My Question to you is: "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 me: Libby@malteseonly.com "SMILES FROM OUR WHITE FURBABIES" Title by Donna and Gracie We finally named the puppy! Bowser Bailey Ek! We had a very hard time deciding. He is so smart! Can go upstairs already! Gave me a fright this a.m. Took him out to go potty, and while I was cutting my bouquet of flowers for my office, he vanished! We have a fenced yard, but some gaps between gate poles, may be too big, so we have to watch him. He was just under my feet as usual, then the next minute he was gone! I ran around the yard, calling him, even looked in the pond as he a fallen in there on Saturday (we were right there to scoop him out). I had left the door open to the garage, and the door was open to the house, so I ran inside calling him. He didn't come, I ran around the house, and then back outside, and still no Bowser! I ran back in, and checked my daughter's room, and she looked like she was sleeping, and I yelled, "Get up, I can't find Bowser!" Just then his little head peaked out from under her blanket! I said how did he get up here? She said she sleepily remembered lifting him up, as he was crying at the side of her bed! He looked at me with a big yawn, as if to say, "What's all the fuss about! I found a great place to sleep". I picked him up and put him back in the laundryroom, and gave him a big kiss, and told him not to scare me like that again! PATTI It was a long drive to Tennessee. All the way up I-40. My husband kept saying, "I can't believe we're doing this for a dog!" We were all a little tired by the time we got to Jenny's. After bad station attendant directions, we were saved from ending up lost in the hills by a friendly man cleaning his front yard. We found our destination and piled out of the car. "Beauregard" was asleep under a dining room table. We were in complete awe of him from the first minute. Our car trip home was uneventful. "Beauregard" was the perfect traveling companion. Our five-year old, Stephanie and Beauregard bonded instantly. They sat beside each other in the back of our Sidekick and got better acquainted as we drove along. My husband said, "Uh, what I said about doing this for a dog...I was just kidding, you know." I know. We were driving across three states to adopt a puppy, a little white fluff of a dog. And why? Well...because I knew from the first time I saw his picture that he was special. I just had a feeling. And my husband understands now. Not too soon after crossing the NC state line, the coversation in the backseat seemed to die down. No little girl chatter...no puppy noises. I turned to look and saw Stephie sleeping peacefully on her side. Curled closely to her side was Beauregard. They both looked so happy! He has been her faithful companion ever since. She takes great pride in telling her friends all about her new buddy. "He may be small," she'll say, "but he's got a big heart with a lot of love inside!". My husband says it's like having a baby in the house. Everybody is full of smiles and talks sweetly. Beauregard even made fast friends with our orange tabby cats, "Parker", and "Rascal". The breed amazes me. The temperment astounds me. The intelligence awes me. The dog with the dark pools of soulful eyes completely bowls me over. He seems to have that effect on everyone he meets. Mishelle Gray Binky weighs 5.25 pounds and she's 8 months old. Tracer is a 4 and a half year old, sixty pound Labrador. But there is nothing logical about their relationship. When Binky met Tracer, she wasted no time making friends with him.... so she could subtly take over. They played together, tugging on a rope, and Binky l earned to growl back at Tracer. They wrestled on the floor, and Binky knew she could get away with being a little rough on him. So once she had him liking her, she began the manipulation; she stole his toys and gathered them in "her" section of the house, she started sleeping in his spot in the living room, and she started greeting Tracer's mom with the same enthusiasm as she greeted me (which drove Tracer nuts with jealousy). When the new puppy arrived, Binky focused her attention on her. Maggie was seven weeks old and just slightly taller than Binky, but Binky took advantage of the puppy's lack of coordination and gleefully outran and outjumped her when they played. Once she pushed Maggie away from her food and stole it, but luckily I caught her after just a few bites. Maggie is tall enough now that Binky can stand under her, but they still play like crazy. Binky is the only dog in the house who's allowed on the couch, so she likes to get Maggie to chase her, and then she jumps onto the couch and laughs at her. Maggie still lies in the submissive position when they play, and she has to wait at the water bowl for Binky to finish drinking. Tracer is happier these days... Binky is so busy beating on Maggie that she's stopped stealing his toys... well, for the most part. JudyM The Watch Caper by April B "I'm going to the Y after work, today." "Okay. Breakfast in 5 minutes. Honey, have you seen Noah?" "He's probably getting in your wastebasket." "H-m-m, I thought I emptied them." Meanwhile: "Oh boy! Daddy's gym bag. Yuck, an old towel, stinky shoes...Hey, it's Daddy's stop watch! Cool! I bet I can make it stop, too." "Oh here he comes, dear. Come here Noah and say good bye to Daddy. Look honey, he's hugging your leg. Isn't that sweet." "Okay. Bye Noah." "Have a good day, dear." Smooch. That evening: Door slams...."APRIL, I'M GOING TO KILL THAT DOG OF YOURS!" "Charles, you're using the D word. What is the matter? Just sit down and take a deep breath." "Okay, but just look at what he did to my watch!" "It looks okay to me. It's still running." "Yeah, but I can't wear it because Noah chewed off the tab that keeps it on my arm!" "Are you telling me that Noah went inside your gym bag, took your watch out, chewed off the tab and put the watch back in your bag?" "Yes!" "That's impossible! He could never do that!" "Does it look chewed or not?" "Okay, okay!" "NOAH, YOU COME HERE!" "I'm coming Daddy! I love you Daddy. Rub, rub. I love you, love you! Here's an ear lick. Rub. Daddy, rub my tummy. Lick, lick, lick." "Noah, stop it. Chuckle, chuckle. Stop it! Chuckle. Noah, that's enough. Chuckle, chuckle." "I love you Daddy! I missed you, today!" Lick, lick. "Noah, are you trying to butter me up? Chuckle" "Okay, I forgive you. Noah, I said I FORGIVE you! Chuckle, chuckle." 1999 MALTESE CALENDAR BY BROWNTROUT PUBLISHING 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 + $2.25 shipping for a total of $13.20 to: Mary Stabile 6 Massing Place Milltown, NJ 08550 (Please allow 3-6 weeks delivery time) I've got mine and it's really nice! Come on everyone! We need to support the National Maltese Rescue Fund! SPECIAL NOTE: COMING ATTRACTIONS IN OCTOBER FEATURED STORIES/ARTICLES 1. PUPPY MILL REPORT BY: SUSAN TOBIN 2. HOW TO CLIP NAILS: JU-DEE MALTESE 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 email me Libby95@surfree.com All submissions must be to me by the 25th of the month. 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 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.