Summer 2009 Message from “The Lion’s Den” - Message from the President I hope everyone is enjoying the sum- Ohio to judge our Sweepstakes. mer with your families and . Just a reminder to everyone that If you have any comments or sug- Our club has grown in membership gestions please email your News- CBARRC board elections are coming these past couple months and it’s letter Volunteer: up in November for the two-year been so wonderful to see new faces, Jessica Bowers ~ term of 2010 and 2011. In the next Jessica Bowers ~ both human and canine at our two months,, information about the [email protected] events! I also want to call out to positions, requirements as well as some of our more long-time mem- nominees will be posted on our Ya- bers that we miss seeing you at the hoo Group list. In the meantime. if events. I hope you will make an ef- anyone is interested in running for fort to get out to events scheduled any position, don’t hesitate to con- later in the year to share your Ridge- tact any of your board members for back experience and knowledge with more information or to express inter- our newer population! est in running. 7/25/20097/25/2009---- Practice As for events, we have added a lure Lovettsville, VA Stay safe and cool this summer, coursing practice to our schedule for 9/27/2009 ~ RRCUS Supported Show th w/ CBARRC luncheon Saturday, July 25 in Lovettsville, Millwood, VA VA. Details are available on the 11/14/2009 ~ Fall Fun Day Cari Messick Croom, MD CBARRC site. We will be supporting the entry at this year’s Old Dominion President More events page 3 show in Millwood, VA on Sunday, September 27 th with Puppy and Vet- eran Sweepstakes, trophies and an "I named my 'Stay'... so I can say on-site luncheon after Breed. We are 'Come here, Stay. Come here, Stay.'" excited to have Dr. Nancy Rich, DVM – Comedian, Steven Wright Inside this issue: of Umtali Ridgebacks coming in from

Lion’s Den ~ 1

In Memoriam ~ 1

Member Profile ~ Merson Family 2 In Memoriam —”Shaq”

MD/WV/VA/DC/PA Events 3 CH Sienna's Meshach Tor Sudi , “Shaq ” (6/22/96 to 6/16/09)

Day with the Dogs ~ 3 Camping with Dogs A gentle soul; owned, loved and missed dearly by Nelson Dennis and Eleanor Rider (Dreamaker Rhodesian Ridgebacks) of Cumberland, MD Family Fun w/ HowlHowl----AAAA----DayDay Recipes 4

HowlHowl----ToTo ~To ~ 5 Ridgeback Rescue

The CBARRC Pack ~ 5 Member Brags

Health Watch ~ 6 Hip Dysplasia

Cont. on page 7 Page 2 Chesapeake Bay Area Rhodesian Ridgeback Club

Member Profile—The Merson Family Clarkesville, MD How many dogs are currently in your household? Favorite activity with your dog(s)? 5 Rhodesian Ridgebacks: (and 2 cats) Keith --- Napping with the dogs on the front porch. Phoenix - 11 yrs - Jax’s Mom, Pip & Martini’s Grandmom, AKC Champion, CGC, Herding Instinct; The most gentle dog I have ever Amy --- Napping on the porch swing, on the seen but with a play growl that will scare anyone. We got Phoenix when front porch with the dogs, and letting them she was 7. She is so gentle, even the two cats that we have love her. help her with the dishes .... Ugh, never take Jax --- 4 yrs - AKC Champion, CGC, Herding Instinct; He is gorgeous and a dirty dish from the dishwasher. has his mother’s temperament, the most well trained dog I have ever Debbie --- Going on walks or hikes with the raised ... non biased opinion of course. dogs. I love to watch them run full speed, play, jump, and wrestle; Pip & Martini --- 3 yrs --- litter mates, half sisters to Jax; They are very they play hard. I do not like to get caught in the middle of the yard pretty and have great patience with our puppy. Litter mates tend to though, when it all starts. They get in big trouble if they run into me, it bond closer to each other than to you so we had to do quite a bit with hurts! them separately but they are still very close. Keith and Amy are sup- Any memorable or funny story about you and your dog(s) you would pose to be working on getting their CGC. like to share? Zephyr --- 8 mos - wild child, most active one we have ever had; We recently are making a point to do more independent things with Oh - so many Zephyr because at the last CBARRC event she was shy ♦ On more than one occasion, Keith and Amy putting Pip during puppy play. She warmed up and had fun but it “Ridgebacks and Martini in a shopping cart and rolling them through Home made me realize how dependent she has become on our Depot when they were puppies. The manger and staff thought other dogs instead of on us. are it was great, and despite funny looks, some of the customers Tucker --- 4 yrs - orange and white striped cat who thinks opportunists too. he is a dog; He hangs out with the RRs now and then but in the most ♦ At the time I was scared to death when I saw Phoenix’s walks the top of the fence when coming in from the creative stomach growing right before my eyes. As her stomach got woods. If caught in the yard when we let the dogs out, ways .” bigger she started throwing up and I took her to the emer- Tucker walks very carefully, he knows NOT to run. gency vet. It turns out she had eaten about 3 lbs of cat food. Gwen --- 8 yrs - born wild and hides most of the time but The throwing up was a good sign and not a twisted stomach. she took to Phoenix right away. She stays out on Amy's bed when Had I known she was going to be fine, just over-stuffed, I may Phoenix is in the room but not the others. not have let them give her the shot to stop throwing up. When did you get your first Ridgeback? And what made you decide ♦ Addi was the best food thief and never once got sick. I screamed on one? when we came home and she had downed a whole cherry pie, ½ a pumpkin pie, and was working on the pecan pie. But the funni- 1991 - We just wanted a good pet and after looking through many est one, was her very casually strolling through the living room, dog books, going to dog shows and talking to breeders, we found and among several boys playing video games, the next morning after add in the paper for a ridgeless puppy. We could my Son’s sleepover. His cousin Chris had a bagel and cream not afford the prices from the breeders we talked cheese sitting on his knee. Addi was half way out of the living to at that time. This was the only puppy adver- room (never broke stride) when all of a sudden Chris yells “Hey, tised from the litter. We named her Addi, a beau- she stole my bagel!”. At that split second, she bolted for the tiful, big girl about 100 pounds and NOT over- basement. I had even looked at Addi before Chris yelled but she weight. We had to agree to get her spade before was so cool I did not realize ... after she bolted, I was laughing so getting her papers. We enjoyed having Addi as a hard I could not even chase her. pet for over 13 yrs. I used to find stuff in the back of her crate, empty popcorn bags, What is your profession and what do you enjoy doing outside of the wrappers, and her favorite, Mexican TV dinner trays, licked com- “world of dogs”? “world of dogs”? pletely clean. The rare times we saw and tried to catch her, she Keith --- Carpenter would run to her crate, plop down, face to the back with her butt blocking the door. There is no way you can drag a 100 pound Debbie --- Principal Software Engineer; dog out by the rear. Amy - College Student who thinks she is being replaced by the dogs ... Yes, Addi broke us in quite well. Although, even with all our not true ... (;-) knowledge, Phoenix ranks right up there and still manages to get Amy enjoys playing lacrosse and we enjoy going to her lacrosse the better of us if we let our games when we can. She goes to Adrian College in Michigan. We are guard down. Zephyr is a work excited that they will have several games in this area next season. in progress but thank good- Our son Austin is grown and is not home much but he and is girlfriend ness the others are not come and visit at least once a week. They also share our love of dogs. counter surfers ... that we know of. Ridgebacks are op- Debbie likes to read. Some of my favorite authors are J.K. Rowling, portunists in the most crea- Brian Jacques, Christopher Paolini, James Herriot, J.R.R. Tolkien and tive ways. Stephen Ambrose. Star Trek is great also. Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3

Upcoming Events—MD/WV/VA /PA/DC Conformation: Upper Potomac Valley . 8/18/1----2/20092/2009 ~ Westminster, MD 8/78/7----9/20099/2009 ~ Harrisburg, PA 10/2410/24----25/200925/2009 ~ Leesburg, VA Norwegian Elkhound Club of The Potomac Valley Penn Ridge Kennel Club, Inc. Middleburg Kennel Club 8/88/8----9/20099/2009 ~ Westminster, MD Harrisburg Kennel Club, Inc. 10/2810/28----11/1/200911/1/2009 ~ Virginia Beach, VA Potomac Valley Golden Retriever Club 8/158/15----16/200916/2009 ~ Easton, MD Potomac Club 8/218/21----23/200923/2009 ~ Eden, MD Kennel Club, Inc. Middle Peninsula Kennel Club of Virginia Salisbury Maryland Kennel Club 9/59/5----6/20096/2009 ~ Edensburg, PA Virginia Beach Kennel Club 9/59/5----6/20096/2009 ~ Leesburg, VA Altoona Area Kennel Association, Inc. Lure Coursing: National Capital Bearded Collie Club 9/259/25----27/200927/2009 ~ Millwood, VA 8/228/22----23/200923/2009 ~ The Plains, VA 9/119/11----13/200913/2009 ~ Rectortown, VA Warrenton Kennel Club Coursing Association of Mid Potomac Potomac Valley Belgian Sheepdog Club Old Dominion Kennel Club of Northern Virginia AKC Trial & JC Test Warrenton Kennel Club 10/910/9----12/200912/2009 ~ West Friendship, MD 9/129/12----13/200913/2009 ~ Williamsburg, VA 9/199/19----20/200920/2009 ~ Gloucester, VA Catonsville Kennel Club Inc. SHOT AKC Trial & JC Test Richmond Dog Obedience Club, Inc. Maryland Kennel Club. 9/199/19----20/200920/2009 ~ Knoxville, MD 10/1510/15----16/200916/2009 ~ Westminster, MD 10/1610/16----18/200918/2009 ~ Cumberland, MD MDIHC AKC Trial & JC Test Shetland Sheepdog Club of Greater Baltimore Laurel Highlands Kennel Association Agility: 10/1710/17----18/200918/2009 ~ Woodbridge, VA

—Camping with Dogs By Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM , About.com Day with the Dogs

Summer is here, and for many about First Aid. But how many syrup of ipecac. Used incorrectly, help in these cases, either. Pre- people, that means dusting off the people have actually taken a class they can be dangerous. vention of "dietary indiscretion" is camping gear! The fresh air, rec- in First Aid? The American Red a must while camping. reational activi- Cross offers training ties, camp food, in First Aid and you Camp Nutrition Exercise and Fitness - Don't campfire, and can now find your Camping is often a good excuse to some well- local American Red indulge a little - s'mores by the fire Overdo it! deserved relaxa- Cross conveniently and all sorts of snacks and treats Just like humans, pets can be- tion are all part of online. Some local that you would not nor- come out-of- camping. Unfortu- organizations of the mally eat at home. This is shape and nately, insect American Red Cross fine for humans (well, overweight. A and some veterinary maybe not, but that isn't bites, burned common mis- or soggy camp offices also offer pet my subject area!), but a conception food, lumpy beds, First Aid classes. A huge no-no for pets. Even and bad weather First Aid class is a in the best of circum- about dogs is conditions may also be part of the very wise investment! It could stances - at home on a that they are camping experience. Some camp- actually save your pet's (or steady, always in shape ing experiences, like a soggy family member's) life. “Camping, with all well- and are natural campground are just part of camp- tolerated diet - First Aid kits are readily avail- of the activity, athletes and swimmers. This is not ing. Emergencies and accidents pets have sensi- able at your local pet supply always the case! Sore muscles, should not be considered routine good food, and tive digestive store, online pet supply ven- camping. The purpose of this arti- lack of routine can systems. Camp- stiff joints, difficulty swimming, and dors, or you can make your cle is to learn how to avoid (or at be very dangerous ing, with all of heat exhaustion happen to pets, own. Be sure to check the kit least minimize) acci- the activity, too. Be aware of your pet's activity contents to pets.” dent and emergency good food, and regularly to levels and do not push your pet to situations while camp- lack of routine can be very danger- make sure that swim, mountain bike, hike, etc., if ing. ous to pets. Ingestion of fatty nothing is out of they are not in excellent shape foods can lead to pancreatitis, and stock or out of and used to the activity. Consider picnic foods; such as corn-on-the- date. Know how cob may be eaten cob and all, and a pet life jacket if water activities First Aid to properly use then become lodged in the intes- are on your agenda. Dogs can tire This seems obvious, each component tines. These "dietary indiscretions" easily while swimming if they are right? Out in the wil- in the First Aid kit, are not just a belly ache - they can derness, away from especially prod- not used to it (much like their hu- quickly turn into an emergency the local doctor or pharmacy, one ucts like activated charcoal and man companions !). would expect to know something situation! And a First Aid kit won't Page 4 Chesapeake Bay Area Rhodesian Ridgeback Club

Family Fun Hound Group Logic Puzzle The Millwood Annual Dog Show was this past weekend and they got a remarkable turnout this year. Not only did they have contestants in most breed categories, but they had a record breaking hound group turn out. Like any other show, there were the inevitable crisis situations but all were relatively minor, and as well the show had its share of humorous situations. The highlight of the event was the awarding of the Hound Group ribbons. Four places were awarded and each went to a different . Determine the name of each Hound Group dog’s owner, the name and breed of each of the winning dogs, and the place award each dog won. 1. Daisy was the ’s name. Sampson wasn’t awarded second place. 2. The placed lower than Daisy but higher than Eric’s dog. 3. Fred’s dog, which wasn’t a greyhound, was awarded first place.

4. Barbara’s dog wasn’t called Munchkin.

5. The placed fourth.

6. In no particular order, the four winning dogs were the dog named Whiskers, Daisy Daisy Munchkin Munchkin Sampson Sampson Whiskers Whiskers 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 4th 4th Beagle Beagle Ridgeback Ridgeback Borzoi Borzoi Greyhound Greyhound Daisy Daisy Munchkin Munchkin Sampson Sampson Whiskers Whiskers 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 4th 4th Marcia’s dog, the dog who won third place, and the collie. Beagle Beagle Ridgeback Ridgeback Borzoi Borzoi Greyhound Greyhound Barbara Eric

Name Dog’s Name Dog’s Breed Place Fred

Barbara Marcia 1st Fred 2nd Eric 3rd3rd3rd Marcia 4th4th4th Beagle Ridgeback Borzoi Greyhound

Celebrate w/ your dog—Howl-A-Day Menu Summer Time!!!

These recipes are not meant as a balanced diet. Consult you veterinarian if you have any questions. Doggie Liver Dip Frosty Paws Ice Cream

1 lb beef liver 32oz Vanilla Yogurt 2 cups beef bouillon 1 mashed banana or 1 large jar fruit baby food 1 tsp. garlic powder 2 Tbsp Honey 1 1616----oz.oz. container plain yogurt 2 Tbsp Peanut Butter

Preparation: Preparation: Cut liver into chunks. Cover with bouillon and simmer until Blend all together and freeze in either 3 ounce paper completely cooked; drain. Put liver and remaining ingredi- cups or ice cube trays. Microwave just a few seconds ents in food processor. Blend until smooth. If necessary, add reserved bouillon or water to achieve desired consis- before serving. tency. Refrigerate immediately. Use within 3-4 days. Serve with raw carrots, celery, or pieces of dog biscuits. Alter- nately, use to stuff marrow bones Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5

Howl– To: Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Inc.

What is a Rescue Dog? Most of the dogs that come to RRRInc are people, they are happiest when they know First and foremost, a rescue dog is one that adults. Puppies are rarely available for rescue. they are doing the right thing. So, regular needs a new home. Like people, rescue dogs All rescue dogs are neutered or spayed before praise, rewards for good behavior, and a pet come from a wide variety of backgrounds and going to their new homes, and almost without and a hug go along way toward acclimating a have varying needs. Some of the rescued exception go without AKC or other registration rescue dog to its new home. Rhodesian Ridgebacks come from loving papers. Dogs that come from deprived or abusive homes that can no longer keep their cherished Is A Rescue Right for you? situations have special needs. For homes with pets. Reasons include an owner who dies or the time and desire to work with these misfor- must go into a nursing facility, families that are Adult dogs have several positive advantages tunate animals, the rewards can be great. forced to make a lifestyle over puppies. They are fin- change, such as a move over- ished with their teething pe- seas or into another home riod and most are already where pets are not permitted, housebroken. Taking care of or animals that are given up an adult dog is not nearly as due to divorce. In these in- time consuming as raising a stances, a complete back- puppy, which is a significant ground of the animal's health benefit for adopters who work and temperament is usually outside the home. Also, an available. adult dog's temperament and personality are already developed, so you usually know in Other Ridgebacks are given up because the advance what you are getting. owners were unprepared for the lifestyle re- For more information or get involved with quirements of the breed or they did not spend Adult dogs will bond well with their new own- RRRInc please contact your area coordinator: the time to properly train their dogs. RRRInc ers, though this may take some time. Rescue volunteers work to ensure that prospective dogs frequently go through a short grieving District of Columbia: adoptive homes are prepared for the needs of period for their former families. They might Kathleen Orsi 703-435-3776 the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed and a rescue also suffer some separation anxiety when dog . Resources are available to help prepare placed in a setting that is unfamiliar to them. Maryland State: adopters. Again, with these animals, a com- There are several things, however, that you Susan Sarubin 410-466-7649 plete background of their health and tempera- can do to help them adjust. The use of a dog ment is usually available. crate is highly advised. Virginia State (Tidewater Area): Though many people think Some of the dogs in RRRInc's Jessica Bowers 804-824-1178 of crates as a type of pun- program were obtained from ishment, dogs are den Virginia State (All Other Areas): animal shelters or found as animals and a crate ( or homeless strays. These dogs Laura Gemery 703-593-1779 "pseudo-den") provides it are placed in foster homes so with a safe haven. Attend- RRRInc volunteers can evalu- ing an obedience class ate their temperament and with your new dog is also suitability for placement. As a good way to bond with it with all RRRInc rescue dogs, and give it a sense of they are also taken to a veterinarian for a stability. Dogs, like people, become insecure health check-up and immunization. when they do not know the rules. Also, like

The CBARRC Pack –member brags— Tandiwes Bellas Amore' went Winners Bitch and BOS at the Southern Maryland KC show on Saturday, June 27 for two points under respected judge Robert Smith.

Half sister , Tandiwe's A League of Her Own , took a 3 point Major and Best of Winners under long-time judge Raymond Filburn, at the Charlottesville-Albermarle KC show. As an aside, Mr. Filburn finished her great-grandmother in Waco, years ago, by awarding her WB and Best of Breed over Specials. Chesapeake Bay Area Rhodesian Ridgeback Club CBARRC Newsletter c/o Jessica Bowers 8198 Lord Fairfax Circle Gloucester, VA 23061

Health Watch—Hip Dysplasia-CHD

What is Hip Dysplasia? cells. The damage then spreads to the synovial relieve the inflammatory process that leads to Hip Dysplasia is a terrible genetic disease be- membrane lining the joint capsule and more the pain associated with arthritis. The amount cause of the various degrees of arthritis (also degradative enzymes and inflammatory cells and difficulty of the activity is determined on a called degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, os- stream into the joint. Full thickness loss of carti- trial and error basis. Exercise should start with teoarthrosis) it can eventually produce, leading lage allows the synovial fluid to contact nerve short leash walks and be gradually increased to pain and debilitation. endings in the subchondral bone, resulting in until the dog reaches the desired level of activity. What are the steps (stages) of Hip Dysplasia? pain. In an attempt to stabilize the joint to de- If clinical signs start to reappear, the amount of The very first step in the development of arthritis crease the pain, the animal's body produces new exercise is scaled back of exercise helps to un- is articular cartilage (the type of cartilage lining bone at the edges of the joint surface, joint cap- stable dysplastic joint. Exercise also improves the joint) damage due to the inherited bad bio- sule, ligament and muscle attachments (bone joint range of motion which in turn, keeps the mechanics of an abnormally developed hip joint. spurs). The joint capsule also eventually thickens dog more comfortable . Keep the dog in a Traumatic articular fracture through the joint and the joint's range of motion decreases. warm environment. Warmth tends to help con- surface is another way cartilage is damaged. How do we treat Degenerative Myelopathy? trol the pain of arthritis from hip dysplasia. As in With cartilage damage, lots of degradative en- If a dysplastic dog has secondary arthritis and people, arthritic pain in dogs tends to be worse zymes are released into the joint. These en- pain, most owners elect to first treat their dog in the damp and cold of winter. Providing a well- zymes degrade and decrease the synthesis of with medical management. The key to medical padded and warm bed will help alleviate some of important constituent molecules that form hya- management of arthritis is weight control and the pain associated with osteoarthritis. An egg- line cartilage called proteoglycans. This causes exercise management. Studies have shown that crate foam bed for dogs is commercially avail- the cartilage to lose its thickness and elasticity, up to 76% of severely dysplastic dogs with arthri- able. Applying superficial heat in the form of which are important in absorbing mechanical tis secondary to HD are able to function and live heating pads may also relieve pain. Care must loads placed across the joint during movement. comfortable quality lives with conservative man- be taken not to burn the skin especially with an Eventually, more debris and enzymes spill into agement. electric heating pad. Heat works best for chroni- the joint fluid and destroy molecules called gly- With weight control, the goal is to prevent the cally inflamed joints from arthritis while cold cosaminoglycan and hyaluronate which are im- dog from becoming overweight to reduce me- works better to treat acute (sudden) types of portant precursors that form the cartilage pro- chanical stresses applied to the hip joints. In joint injury . teoglycans. The joint's lubrication and ability to general terms, the ribs should be easily palpated block inflammatory cells are lost and the debris- and there should be an indentation in front of To find out more information about CHD please visit, tainted joint fluid loses its ability to properly the pelvic wings (waist line). www.offa.org/hipinfo.hmtl nourish the cartilage through impairment of nu- Controlled exercise is indicated to prevent or trient-waste exchange across the joint cartilage *(Information taken from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)