Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Pretty Torbie Girls We Are Growing Out
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Gunner Update
Since the last posting, Gunner has only been to 1 show. The 1 day Visalia. He made a final there, and as of the last checking of the CFA Breed Stat's, he is currently holding his #2 Alter position nicely.
Please watch for him at Dallas this weekend.
Please watch for him at Dallas this weekend.
Just Sharing an Update
The 2 pet kittens from the Impossible Litter have gone to their new homes. And here is a quick update from the big brown classic & white girls now mommy. I thought it was funny.
Just thought you'd like to know what's going on.
Dear Alice,
I know you have your hands full with your job, boys, animals, etc.....BUT...I thought I'd keep you up to date on "Things We've Learned From Callie"......
LIKE:
Tablecloths can't have fringe
toilets should be CLOSED at all times
feet under the covers should not be moved suddenly
there's more dust under all of our furniture then we thought
cords on blinds are for smacking
Also, don't move the arrow to quickly on the computer screen if she's on the desk!!!
And...we continue to learn.......Also, Scotty doesn't seem to be having any allergy issues or asthma problems. We sure hope this keeps up since we love her,and we have taught her some BAD habits...like we feed her from the table if she sits ON THE FLOOR near our chairs...she's a cheese hound....
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Youngsters
Kender's "Impossible" Girls
Gunner
Gunner is currently ranked as #4 Siberian Alter in the country in CFA. These pictures were taken at the last Palm Springs show in Sept. We will be at our next show in a couple of weeks, and have had to miss the local Phoenix show due to work and family commitments. But rest assured, Gunner will be back out to please not only the judges, but the spectators as well. Look for him soon!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
This handsome fella is officially named Kender's Iron Man. Eagerly getting his daily work out.Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Sadness
I was just informed that a boy I bred a long long time ago has passed the Rainbow Bridge. His name was Kender's Raskal Tzarovich of Tzigane. A blue & white bicolor, just 13 years young. A sweet and gentle giant. Shown quite a bit when he was younger in some of the smaller associations.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
You Are Your Cats Advocate - Part 2
I recently acquired a copy of the Banfield Journal Fall 2010 ed. This is the publication of the large conglomerate of veterinary hospitals. Make no mistake , their goal is to sell their products and services through their outlets. They are in fact no different than a Walmart or a Great Clips in that regards except that they "care" for our pets and not ourselves. They play on the fear that we are somehow not knowledgeable enough to care for our own pet. Or that we are unable to give them the "best" unless it is from them. Because after all, don't we all want the best for our companions?
Now in this particular edition of the Banfield Journal they are focusing on obesity and weight management. We all know what obesity is. Quite simply it is when an living animal cat, dog person, takes in too much energy (in the form of calories) and expels too little energy in return. Their article begins out be stating that ....."Indeed surveys suggest that 25 to 40% of cats and dogs presented to veterinary clinics are overweight or obese." The basis for this information is sited as coming from 4 sources 1) published in 1970, 2)published in 1986 in the UK 3) published in 1994 and 4) being published in 2005.
But how does this apply to our Siberian cats? Easily. The Siberian cat is a substantial cat of solid weight and boning. Part of the show description includes what is called a fat pad/round belly or famine belly. This is correct and TYPICAL for our breed. And what your vet is unlikely to know(or care) is that this is as much a part of the cat as his ears are. You should no more try to eliminate that famine belly than you should his ears. This is a survival mechanism brought about over hundreds if not thousands of years of natural selection. When visiting your vet, be aware of this. A famine belly is that rounded (there's that word again) pouch or pooch (forgive the pun) between his rear legs. It should be present in most every correctly proportioned healthy Siberian including kittens as young as 4 months of age. Now some females, esp those who are cycling or nursing, can loose that pouch, and that too is normal but should not be considered a long term state.
In the above picture, you can easily see the kittens "famine belly". And in the adults picture you can readily see the belly as well as where it ends too.
The belly - should begin between the rear legs in the upper groin region and can extend (esp in older spays and neuters) as far up as the last rib. However at no time should it be so pendulous as to impede movement, swing freely, extend over the cats rib cage or across any part of the back. That is what would make your Siberian obese. And of course with out good condition and muscle tone none of the above matters anyway!
So be aware - or rather be wary - the next time you visit your vet. Know your cat. Know what is right and correct for your breed. And don't allow yourself to be persuaded by a good sales job. High fiber, calorie control diets are just a fancy way of adding corn, beet pulp and rice into your cats diet. And last time I checked, all cats were still obligate carnivores, not omnivores.
Now in this particular edition of the Banfield Journal they are focusing on obesity and weight management. We all know what obesity is. Quite simply it is when an living animal cat, dog person, takes in too much energy (in the form of calories) and expels too little energy in return. Their article begins out be stating that ....."Indeed surveys suggest that 25 to 40% of cats and dogs presented to veterinary clinics are overweight or obese." The basis for this information is sited as coming from 4 sources 1) published in 1970, 2)published in 1986 in the UK 3) published in 1994 and 4) being published in 2005.
But how does this apply to our Siberian cats? Easily. The Siberian cat is a substantial cat of solid weight and boning. Part of the show description includes what is called a fat pad/round belly or famine belly. This is correct and TYPICAL for our breed. And what your vet is unlikely to know(or care) is that this is as much a part of the cat as his ears are. You should no more try to eliminate that famine belly than you should his ears. This is a survival mechanism brought about over hundreds if not thousands of years of natural selection. When visiting your vet, be aware of this. A famine belly is that rounded (there's that word again) pouch or pooch (forgive the pun) between his rear legs. It should be present in most every correctly proportioned healthy Siberian including kittens as young as 4 months of age. Now some females, esp those who are cycling or nursing, can loose that pouch, and that too is normal but should not be considered a long term state.
(in this picture you can easily see the kittens famine belly)
The belly - should begin between the rear legs in the upper groin region and can extend (esp in older spays and neuters) as far up as the last rib. However at no time should it be so pendulous as to impede movement, swing freely, extend over the cats rib cage or across any part of the back. That is what would make your Siberian obese. And of course with out good condition and muscle tone none of the above matters anyway!
So be aware - or rather be wary - the next time you visit your vet. Know your cat. Know what is right and correct for your breed. And don't allow yourself to be persuaded by a good sales job. High fiber, calorie control diets are just a fancy way of adding corn, beet pulp and rice into your cats diet. And last time I checked, all cats were still obligate carnivores, not omnivores.
You Are Your Cats Advocate
Just like they say with children you are your own cats best advocate. Take for instance a recent occurrence with a kitten I placed in CA. They took him to their vet for his initial check up - and the vet told them he had NOT rec;d his correct/current vaccines even though they had the appropriate paperwork proving the kitten did in fact. When this vet then proceeded to vaccinate the kitten a second time not only for the FVRCP-N combo But also for Rabies! Now as we all know Rabies is one of the most reactive vaccines in cats, second only to the Felv (Feline Leukemia). Both of these vaccines are proven and known to produce site sarcomas (CANCER!) in a certain number of cats. This vet, his technicians and other support staff failed in their duty to read and accurately interpret the given paperwork, And in fact, put this animal at extreme risk for vaccine reaction, vaccinosis and further lifelong potential neurological problems.
And this is just one single known instance. How many times every day does this occur. Most likely way too much.
You are your cats ONLY advocate. Most vets today work for these large conglomerates where veterinary medicine is secondary to their bottom line. Educate yourself. What vaccines should your cat in fact be getting and maybe even more importantly how often.
The average vet still is woefully ignorant - either intentionally or because they are too lazy to educate themselves - in regards to current recommended vaccine protocols. Much of the literature out there is flat out wrong! The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has put out a schedule of vaccine guidelines since 2000. Their current schedule dating from 2006 is readily available to all, most importantly you would think, your vet by looking on their web site here : http://www.catvets.com/uploads/HTML/VaccineSummary.html
I have copied and pasted this schedule below.
And this is just one single known instance. How many times every day does this occur. Most likely way too much.
You are your cats ONLY advocate. Most vets today work for these large conglomerates where veterinary medicine is secondary to their bottom line. Educate yourself. What vaccines should your cat in fact be getting and maybe even more importantly how often.
The average vet still is woefully ignorant - either intentionally or because they are too lazy to educate themselves - in regards to current recommended vaccine protocols. Much of the literature out there is flat out wrong! The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has put out a schedule of vaccine guidelines since 2000. Their current schedule dating from 2006 is readily available to all, most importantly you would think, your vet by looking on their web site here : http://www.catvets.com/uploads/HTML/VaccineSummary.html
I have copied and pasted this schedule below.
American Association of Feline Practitioners 2006 Feline Vaccination Guidelines. Summary: Vaccination in General Practice
Vaccine | Primary Series-Kittens (< 16 weeks) | Primary Series-Adolescent/ Adult (> 16 weeks) | Booster | Comments |
Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) /Feline Herpesvirus-1 and Feline Calicivirus (FHV-1/FCV) Injectable:
Intranasal
| Begin as early as 6 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. | 2 doses, 3 to 4 weeks apart | A single dose is given 1 year following the last dose of the initial series, then no more frequently than every 3 years. | Core
. |
Rabiese Injectable:
| Administer a single dose as early as 8 or 12 weeks of age depending on the product label. Revaccinate 1 year later. | Administer 2 doses, 12 months apart. | Annual booster is required. Vs. Every 3 years or as required by State or local ordinance for 3-year | Core
|
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Transdermal:
Injectable
| Administer an initial dose as early as 8 – 12 weeks of age, depending on product; a second dose should be administered 3-4 weeks later. | 2 doses, 3 to 4 weeks apart | When indicated, a single dose is given 1 year following the last dose of the initial series, then annually in cats determined to have sustained risk of exposure. f | Non-Core · FeLV vaccination is highly recommended for all kittens. · Booster inoculation is recommended only in cats considered to be at risk of exposure. [ii] · In the United States, the 0.25 ml rFeLV vaccine dose may only be administered via the manufacturer’s transdermal administration system.[iii] · Only FeLV negative cats should be vaccinated; FeLV testing prior to vaccine administration is recommended. · Cats should be tested for FeLV infection before their initial vaccination and when there is a possibility that they have been exposed to FeLV since they were last vaccinated. |
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Injectable:
| When indicated, 3 doses are required: The initial dose is administered as early as 8 weeks of age; 2 subsequent doses should be administered at an interval of 2-3 weeks. | When indicated, 3 doses are required: Each dose is administered 2-3 weeks apart. | When indicated, a single dose is given 1 year following the last dose of the initial series, then annually in cats determined to have sustained risk of exposure.h | Non-Core
|
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
| If administered, give a single dose as early as 16 weeks of age, and a second dose 3-4 weeks later. | If administered, give 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart. | Annual booster is recommended by the manufacturer. | Not Generally Recommended
|
Chlamydophila felis
| Administer the initial dose as early as 9 weeks of age; a second dose is administered 3-4 weeks later. | Administer 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart. | Annual booster is indicated for cats with sustained exposure risk. | Non-Core
|
Bordetella bronchiseptica
| Administer a single dose intranasally as early as 8 weeks of age. | Administer a single dose intranasally | Annual booster is indicated for cats with sustained risk. | Non-Core
|
Feline Giardia
| Administer a single dose at 8 weeks of age; a second dose is administered 2-4 weeks later. | 2 doses, 2-4 weeks apart. | Annual booster is recommended by the manufacturer. | Not Generally Recommended
|
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Kender's Show Schedule Updated
Well I thought I would give a brief update to our next planned or anticipated shows.
Scheduled/Entered is Palm Springs 6 x 6 this weekend with a new and young kitten our own Kender's Got A Blue Attitude and our newest Grand Premier Kender's Run Out The Guns, who will be attending his last show. His new owners will be picking him up sometime on Sunday.
Scheduled/Entered is Denver the following weekend on Sept 25/26. Chakotey & Magic will be attending that one. Chakotey has a nice tally of 123 Grand points -needing just 77 more to Grand. Umm.. Magic has just a single lone grand point...hehehehe.. well maybe she'll catch up!
Planned but not set in stone is Palm Springs in Oct on the 2nd - 1 day show
And of course Planned and most likely is Phoenix since it is a home show - 1 day on Oct 16th.
Scheduled/Entered is Palm Springs 6 x 6 this weekend with a new and young kitten our own Kender's Got A Blue Attitude and our newest Grand Premier Kender's Run Out The Guns, who will be attending his last show. His new owners will be picking him up sometime on Sunday.
Scheduled/Entered is Denver the following weekend on Sept 25/26. Chakotey & Magic will be attending that one. Chakotey has a nice tally of 123 Grand points -needing just 77 more to Grand. Umm.. Magic has just a single lone grand point...hehehehe.. well maybe she'll catch up!
Planned but not set in stone is Palm Springs in Oct on the 2nd - 1 day show
And of course Planned and most likely is Phoenix since it is a home show - 1 day on Oct 16th.
Wish Us Luck !
Monday, September 13, 2010
Kender's Chaos Theory of Judo
Please welcome our newest show hopeful. Kender's Chaos Theory of Judo.
Co-owned with a dear friend.
A Blue Cream Female born 8/17
Photos taken today just 1 day shy of 4 weeks
Monday, September 6, 2010
Just A Few Updates
I just thought I should give a few updates. First , when Santa Monica points posted we found, to our delight that Gunner had garnered 50 total points, WOW!
Next - please visit us at our next show in Hemit, Sept 11th. We are hoping to get some professional photos of Gunner done there by a new and up and coming photographer.
And next, we would like to introduce a new little girl - from our Impossible litter a brown classic & white we are calling Kender;s Thru The Looking Glass. She so far seems to have our Miss Tonks wonderful bubbly outgoing personality. We are looking forward to showing her as she comes of age.
Next - please visit us at our next show in Hemit, Sept 11th. We are hoping to get some professional photos of Gunner done there by a new and up and coming photographer.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Santa Monica Cat Show Results
Well, we are finally back. Wow, for only being a short 6 hr drive from me -it sure took a long long time to get home. Since I had taken the kids with me to the show - I absolutely without fail had to get back home in time for them to get to school on Monday., We left the show hall around 6pm and after stopping for fuel 1 more time - and a brief dinner (not sure McDonald's drive through counts as food or dinner). We were on our way around almost 7. But we made it.
Nice hall - great set-up and loads of vendors. The 8yr old alter Cornish Rex we took for a friend of ours made her Grand Premier at this show and thereby allowed her dam to (who is deceased) to become a DM ! How awesome is that?
And our own Alter boy Kender's Run Out The Guns did spectacular ! He finaled in 6 out of 8 rings garnering a total of 47 Grand Premier Points! As Premiers only (I say only but in Premiers it can be very tough) 75 points to Grand - he is almost 2/3 of the way there in just 1 VERY TOUGH show!. There were 57 alters total entered. So we are just tickled pink about our young boy - who by the way if full litter mate to the lovely Anna whose pictures were posted in an earlier blog.
And of course I didn't remember to bring the camera so I didn't get any pictures from the show.
Nice hall - great set-up and loads of vendors. The 8yr old alter Cornish Rex we took for a friend of ours made her Grand Premier at this show and thereby allowed her dam to (who is deceased) to become a DM ! How awesome is that?
And our own Alter boy Kender's Run Out The Guns did spectacular ! He finaled in 6 out of 8 rings garnering a total of 47 Grand Premier Points! As Premiers only (I say only but in Premiers it can be very tough) 75 points to Grand - he is almost 2/3 of the way there in just 1 VERY TOUGH show!. There were 57 alters total entered. So we are just tickled pink about our young boy - who by the way if full litter mate to the lovely Anna whose pictures were posted in an earlier blog.
And of course I didn't remember to bring the camera so I didn't get any pictures from the show.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Kender's Show Schedule
Thought I would mention our planned shows.Come visit us at one.
Aug 28/29 -Santa Monica
Sept 11/12 - planning a show , just haven't decided which one!
Sept 18/19 - Prescott for the AKC Dog Shows! Come see out German Shepherds
Sept 25/26 - possibly Denver (still deciding)
Aug 28/29 -Santa Monica
Sept 11/12 - planning a show , just haven't decided which one!
Sept 18/19 - Prescott for the AKC Dog Shows! Come see out German Shepherds
Sept 25/26 - possibly Denver (still deciding)
Kender's Anna Maria
Here are some wonderful shots of our Annataken by Richard of Chanon at the July 3rd Phoenix show.
Anna is the youngest Siberian Female to grand at just 10 months of age.
She was #10 CFA Siberian Premier for the 2009/2010 show season with just 1 single show! Finaling as an open at the last show of the season!
She now lives with a wonderful family in San Diego.
Update on "the Boys"
The other boy is either a highly tarnished silver or a highly silvered brown mac tabby - and is still available at this time.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Two Brothers
Please welcome the 2 brothers - who right now have tentatively been nicknamed Walt & Roy - after my first love All Things Disney!
Born 7/25 - 16 days old today.
Both boys will be made available to good homes - so reserve early! There is only 2! Breeder inquiries will be welcomed as well. 1 boy is a silver mac , the other a brown (with silver leanings) mac.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Food & Feeding
One of the most often asked questions is what do I feed and how often. So I thought I would talk about it here.
Kender Siberians has dry Royal Canin kitten mixed with dry Royal Canin Special available and out 24/7. On occasion we mix in dry CORE or B.G. (before grains). This not only offers a bit of variety in nutrition but in kibble size and shape as well. Now 2 to 3 times daily we offer a raw meat mix that we make ourselves. Using 1lb ground Turkey, 1 lb ground bison/buffalo and 1 lb ground beef and mixing in 3 tsp. of the Nu-Vet powdered vitamin supplement. There are other vitamin supplements available - this is the one we have chosen with what we feel is the best results. And additionally 1 times a day we make wet/canned available typically either Tiki Cat, Wellness or Royal Canin's new canned products.Whew - yes we spend a lot of time feeding our cats!
Why you may ask would we spend so much time and variation when dry food in a bowl seems so darned convenient and easy. Well the answer is simple cats being strict carnivores eat anywhere from 12 to 20 individual times a day. They are "regular" eaters - rather than and unlike dogs who are much more on the scavenging end. And unlike dogs - who derive a sense of self from their pack including their eating order cats derive no social value from their meal. Dogs develop from the time they are puppies, a sense of their rank within their pack, partially from their eating order. Cats have no social structure that is derived from or dependant on others within the house.
All of a cats emotional and instinctual needs must be met for a cat to be truly happy. And in today's world of stress, noise and homes with more and more built ins and fewer places to isolate themselves to - a cats stress level can be so high they may develop inappropriate oral behavior patterns. These can include constant grooming, overeating, crying , sucking behaviors and/or chewing. Just like their outdoor cousins, cats have a minimum need for space to feel safe and secure. So while we may feed 4 separate times daily - only a few cats may show up to each feeding. Each having their own unique preferences and habits. It is in effect accommodating their innate need for space, social interaction and individual preferences while respecting their need to fulfill their prey instincts and providing absolutely the best nutrition.
Another thing to consider when feeding cats is that while humans have around 9000 taste buds and dogs around 1600 - cats only have about 500 . And these like in all mammals die and decrease with age. So an older cat may have a much more difficult time even perceiving what you are offering as food if it doesn't fall within the cats normal range of accepted and desired tasted. Or if a kiity has a stuffed up nose from an upper respiratory they may again, refuse all food because they are not able to perceive it as such.
And while not specifically mentioned I hope it is understood that fresh water must be made available at all times. I highly recommend a pet fountain. This continually circulates the water giving it a cool clean crisp taste while not allowing bacteria to build up in a bowl (or at least not as easily). If you can not or do not want to use a pet fountain then we only recommend glass or metal bowls that can be easily and readily sanitized without absorbing the chemicals or bacteria that plastic bowls do.
In a smaller household with only a cat or 2 a small fountain is easily maintained. In a larger household it is almost a must - however a word of caution don't let the well run too low or you risk blowing out/burning up the little pump inside.
Kender Siberians has dry Royal Canin kitten mixed with dry Royal Canin Special available and out 24/7. On occasion we mix in dry CORE or B.G. (before grains). This not only offers a bit of variety in nutrition but in kibble size and shape as well. Now 2 to 3 times daily we offer a raw meat mix that we make ourselves. Using 1lb ground Turkey, 1 lb ground bison/buffalo and 1 lb ground beef and mixing in 3 tsp. of the Nu-Vet powdered vitamin supplement. There are other vitamin supplements available - this is the one we have chosen with what we feel is the best results. And additionally 1 times a day we make wet/canned available typically either Tiki Cat, Wellness or Royal Canin's new canned products.Whew - yes we spend a lot of time feeding our cats!
Why you may ask would we spend so much time and variation when dry food in a bowl seems so darned convenient and easy. Well the answer is simple cats being strict carnivores eat anywhere from 12 to 20 individual times a day. They are "regular" eaters - rather than and unlike dogs who are much more on the scavenging end. And unlike dogs - who derive a sense of self from their pack including their eating order cats derive no social value from their meal. Dogs develop from the time they are puppies, a sense of their rank within their pack, partially from their eating order. Cats have no social structure that is derived from or dependant on others within the house.
All of a cats emotional and instinctual needs must be met for a cat to be truly happy. And in today's world of stress, noise and homes with more and more built ins and fewer places to isolate themselves to - a cats stress level can be so high they may develop inappropriate oral behavior patterns. These can include constant grooming, overeating, crying , sucking behaviors and/or chewing. Just like their outdoor cousins, cats have a minimum need for space to feel safe and secure. So while we may feed 4 separate times daily - only a few cats may show up to each feeding. Each having their own unique preferences and habits. It is in effect accommodating their innate need for space, social interaction and individual preferences while respecting their need to fulfill their prey instincts and providing absolutely the best nutrition.
Another thing to consider when feeding cats is that while humans have around 9000 taste buds and dogs around 1600 - cats only have about 500 . And these like in all mammals die and decrease with age. So an older cat may have a much more difficult time even perceiving what you are offering as food if it doesn't fall within the cats normal range of accepted and desired tasted. Or if a kiity has a stuffed up nose from an upper respiratory they may again, refuse all food because they are not able to perceive it as such.
And while not specifically mentioned I hope it is understood that fresh water must be made available at all times. I highly recommend a pet fountain. This continually circulates the water giving it a cool clean crisp taste while not allowing bacteria to build up in a bowl (or at least not as easily). If you can not or do not want to use a pet fountain then we only recommend glass or metal bowls that can be easily and readily sanitized without absorbing the chemicals or bacteria that plastic bowls do.
In a smaller household with only a cat or 2 a small fountain is easily maintained. In a larger household it is almost a must - however a word of caution don't let the well run too low or you risk blowing out/burning up the little pump inside.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
CFA Phx Show Sat July 3rd
Well our local 1 day show came to an end - and i have to say I am very pleased with our results. We of course took our Grand Premier Anna. This is her last show before going to her new forever home with a nice couple in San Diego. And she is just 11 months old. She took 4 finals out of a possible 6. Very very pleased with that. Lots of nice comments. And as Richard from Chanon was there, we got a nice sitting of pictures done.
Also with us, was our young girl Kender Metamorphmagus of Abristine. A Bella daughter, co-owned with Abby of Abristine cattery here in AZ. Out of a count of 44 kittens she came home with 2 finals in respectable 4th and 6th placements. This was her very first time out and while she was a bit nervous in her first ring by the end of the day , she was an old hat at it.
So we had a nice day with some good wins and to make the day even better had an acquaintance/budding friend of mine from the GSD club show up and found out she has had Persians almost 20 years ago - she spent a good part of the day paling around and just watching, so that made it even more fun!
Also with us, was our young girl Kender Metamorphmagus of Abristine. A Bella daughter, co-owned with Abby of Abristine cattery here in AZ. Out of a count of 44 kittens she came home with 2 finals in respectable 4th and 6th placements. This was her very first time out and while she was a bit nervous in her first ring by the end of the day , she was an old hat at it.
So we had a nice day with some good wins and to make the day even better had an acquaintance/budding friend of mine from the GSD club show up and found out she has had Persians almost 20 years ago - she spent a good part of the day paling around and just watching, so that made it even more fun!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
For Those K-9 Fans
While many of you know - we also raise and show German Shepherds. we got a copy of this video and watched it tonight. It was really really good. A documentary on the work these dogs do.
I can't say enough about how much dogs do for us - military, police, herding, protection, tracking, search & rescue, drug detection, bomb detection, seeing eye, hearing ear, mobility assistance, seizure detection, autism spectrum assistance and I am sure there are at least a dozen more "professions" I am leaving out. But just wanted to share - if you get a chance to get this video or view it, I think it is well worth your time.
And if you want a good read, and a good cry I highly recommend John Burnam's book Dog Tags of Courage. I was privileged to meet the man in 2008 during the Phoenix Veteran's Day Parade our family participates in yearly - The War Dog Memorial Entry as supported by Jim Frost a former Vietnam K-9 Handler. Amazing experience when a grizzled veteran breaks down in tears and reaches down and encompasses your dog. It is humbling - breath taking - and never to be forgotten. I have been honored beyond words when this has happened to us during the course of the parade not just once but 2 times. And another former handler had never had another dog, or handled another dog since he was forced to leave his behind "in country" until he was loaned one of our Shepherds to walk the parade route with. He was in tears that first parade, and so were we.
A crucial part of our history that should never be forgotten. Again - I heartily encourage all to obtain a copy and read it.
Ask me again why I am dedicated to the German Shepherd.
I can't say enough about how much dogs do for us - military, police, herding, protection, tracking, search & rescue, drug detection, bomb detection, seeing eye, hearing ear, mobility assistance, seizure detection, autism spectrum assistance and I am sure there are at least a dozen more "professions" I am leaving out. But just wanted to share - if you get a chance to get this video or view it, I think it is well worth your time.
And if you want a good read, and a good cry I highly recommend John Burnam's book Dog Tags of Courage. I was privileged to meet the man in 2008 during the Phoenix Veteran's Day Parade our family participates in yearly - The War Dog Memorial Entry as supported by Jim Frost a former Vietnam K-9 Handler. Amazing experience when a grizzled veteran breaks down in tears and reaches down and encompasses your dog. It is humbling - breath taking - and never to be forgotten. I have been honored beyond words when this has happened to us during the course of the parade not just once but 2 times. And another former handler had never had another dog, or handled another dog since he was forced to leave his behind "in country" until he was loaned one of our Shepherds to walk the parade route with. He was in tears that first parade, and so were we.
A crucial part of our history that should never be forgotten. Again - I heartily encourage all to obtain a copy and read it.
Ask me again why I am dedicated to the German Shepherd.
The Showing of Cats
The showing of cats - or any animal for that matter, is not for the feint of heart. It requires long days spent pouring over show entry information, learning judges, learning your particular breed, learning how to groom not just well but exceptionally well, learning show etiquette and rules. It requires a dedication to the chosen breed in learning its individual standard and how that is applied in the judges eyes to the cat. It requires learning how to put 2 individual cats together both on paper in pedigree then in the fact of producing kittens to have a next generation to show. Showing cats (or again any animal) requires that animal to be in top condition not just physically but mentally. Health is a must. Care is top priority. Socialization is a must. Proper equipment must be maintained. And let's certainly not forget the vast amounts of time time and more time needed to accomplish all of this.
Now, all that being said - how much does all this cost? Well lets work backwards. Let's say you already have a cat in top form ready to show. Entries run from anywhere from as little as $45 to as much as $120 for a single show for a single cat - averaged out that is $82. Now you have a single Sturdi (trademark) cage is around $110 so right there you are at right around $200 for a single cat in a single show in a single cage. Did you drive to the show? How much was gas? Was a hotel stay required? What about registration in the individual registries such as CFA and TICA?
Did you buy a shampoo or several shampoo's for your show kitty? What did you feed your show kitty? What did you bath your kitty in ?
Did you vaccinate your kitty , take them to the vet for just regular check ups? worming? heart worm testing? Felv/FIV testing?
How long have you had your kitty and been preparing it for this show? Presuming it is a kitten it must be a minimum of 4 months of age to even be in the show hall in any reputable association. As we all know Meow mix vs a diet of say Orijen or Royal Canin produces vastly differing results in body condition, weight, coat and the overall "feel" of the cat. Yet Meow mix is what $5? a bag - vs $15 for Royal Canin? Hmmmmmmmmm.. could it be a case of you get what you pay for? And then there is all the toys - litter, litter pan(s), scratching post, bed's, carriers etc. And all of this does not include the cost of the cat itself. "But your are a breeder" you say. You didn't have to buy this animal - you bred it. Well that being the case, then those costs just tripled. No I didn't have to "buy" that kitten. But I did "buy" it by caring for its parents in the same fashion as described above for their lifetime as well first. I was there when it as born. I held it when it was wet and squirmy. No I didn't "buy" that cat in the classic sense of the word - what I did do was pay for it with sweat, tears, work, work, dedication, time and more time.
Then I get inquiries from people, under the auspices of being a breeder, who have never shown a cat in their life and who have no idea what makes a Siberian unique except to say that they can put 2 animals together get babies and sell them. Well shit - I knew I was doing this the hard way. But then I can look at my cats and myself and know that what I do - I do for the preservation of the breed. So that this breed will be around for a long long time. So that my pets are loved, cherished and cared for in a healthy manner. That what makes this breed unique remains a vital essence of the breed. And to work only with breeders who believe in the same ideals.
Silly me.
Now, all that being said - how much does all this cost? Well lets work backwards. Let's say you already have a cat in top form ready to show. Entries run from anywhere from as little as $45 to as much as $120 for a single show for a single cat - averaged out that is $82. Now you have a single Sturdi (trademark) cage is around $110 so right there you are at right around $200 for a single cat in a single show in a single cage. Did you drive to the show? How much was gas? Was a hotel stay required? What about registration in the individual registries such as CFA and TICA?
Did you buy a shampoo or several shampoo's for your show kitty? What did you feed your show kitty? What did you bath your kitty in ?
Did you vaccinate your kitty , take them to the vet for just regular check ups? worming? heart worm testing? Felv/FIV testing?
How long have you had your kitty and been preparing it for this show? Presuming it is a kitten it must be a minimum of 4 months of age to even be in the show hall in any reputable association. As we all know Meow mix vs a diet of say Orijen or Royal Canin produces vastly differing results in body condition, weight, coat and the overall "feel" of the cat. Yet Meow mix is what $5? a bag - vs $15 for Royal Canin? Hmmmmmmmmm.. could it be a case of you get what you pay for? And then there is all the toys - litter, litter pan(s), scratching post, bed's, carriers etc. And all of this does not include the cost of the cat itself. "But your are a breeder" you say. You didn't have to buy this animal - you bred it. Well that being the case, then those costs just tripled. No I didn't have to "buy" that kitten. But I did "buy" it by caring for its parents in the same fashion as described above for their lifetime as well first. I was there when it as born. I held it when it was wet and squirmy. No I didn't "buy" that cat in the classic sense of the word - what I did do was pay for it with sweat, tears, work, work, dedication, time and more time.
Then I get inquiries from people, under the auspices of being a breeder, who have never shown a cat in their life and who have no idea what makes a Siberian unique except to say that they can put 2 animals together get babies and sell them. Well shit - I knew I was doing this the hard way. But then I can look at my cats and myself and know that what I do - I do for the preservation of the breed. So that this breed will be around for a long long time. So that my pets are loved, cherished and cared for in a healthy manner. That what makes this breed unique remains a vital essence of the breed. And to work only with breeders who believe in the same ideals.
Silly me.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Kender's t.v. watching
Sunday, June 13, 2010
New Grand!
Well - pending CFA conformation - it will officially be
CFA GRAND PREMIER Kender's Anna Maria.
At only 9 months and 3 weeks ! Just a baby!
Proctor & Gamble Co. Iams Brand Recall
Well Here we go again. Kinda. This is a strictly voluntary recall by Proctor & Ganble of their Iams brand CANNED ONLY cat foods. And it is for a deficiency, not a toxicity. However - my faith in this brand name is gone folks. You are welcome to read the article here - http://www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls/2010/iams_cat_food_100609.asp
and below it is cut & pasted -
and below it is cut & pasted -
 | |
| Animal health > Pet food safety > Recalls > Iams ProActive Health canned Cat & Kitten Food | |
| Procter & Gamble Company recalls specific lots of Iams canned cat food June 9, 2010The affected Iams canned cat food is:
This recall is limited to only Iams canned cat food in North America. No other Iams pet food is involved. Iams Veterinary Formula cat is NOT included in this voluntary recall. Clinical signs of thiamine deficiency would be limited primarily to cases where pet owners have been feeding only canned cat food. Common symptoms may include anorexia, excessive salivation, generalized weakness, ataxia, ventriflexion (head and neck excessively curving under the body), tremors and seizures. Veterinarians with suspected cases or who need further information should call the company's veterinary line at 800-535-8387. Pet owners can call P&G toll-free at 877-340-8826 for further information. View the statement from Procter & Gamble. I will say that at this point - this cattery will not be using or recommending the Iams products as an alternative to our kitten homes. We typically give samples of the 2 types of dry food (at this time it is Royal Canin & Orijen) we recommend and include a list of about 4 that we find acceptable on our go home sheets. We also feed and recommend the Before Grain products as well. But have always included the Iams/Eukanuba on the list of acceptable products. This is no longer the case. Since the massive recall of 2007/2008 including most brands of pet foods and every single pet food manufactured by Menu Foods - including Iams, Nutro, Science Diet to name a few. Our faith in these maufacturers is completely gone. It obviously it all about the money and not the product or health of the pet. Why else would you allow such a company who also mass produces such products as "Ole Roy to produce what is supposedly a premium food - as self marketed? Following the FDA's link is quite the eye opener into ALL the foods recalled in North America - http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/ But suffice it to say - Kender will no longer feed or recommend under any situations/circumstances the IAMS name. | |
Monday, May 31, 2010
Permanent Identification of our Cats
I have long had the stance that less is more. That we feel the need in general to up and up and up the ante. If clean is good then sanitary must be better - if sanitary is good then sterile must be better. Well now we know that all we are doing is predisposing our bodies to become sicker and more readily sick from this type of behavior. So this leads me to our cats, and permanent identification i.e. micro chipping. I have long felt that not enough is known about how a cat's body will react. We know that certain vaccines have direct causative links to vaccine site sarcomas (cancer!) hence the very name! We know that the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) discourages all vets from even giving these suspect vaccines unless under very very limited and specific circumstances. So it has stood to reason - in my mind - that once again, less is more.
However I have recently been reading more and more about how effective micro-chipping is esp for cats. And even that the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has maintained a database since 1996 with over 4 million animals having been chipped and only 391 total cases of adverse reactions being reported. Now some of those animals did grow tumors. And when these chips were in testing - some of the lab rats and mice also grew tumors. But one has to ask - how many is "some" and obviously 391 from 4 million is statistically insignificant. However we must also remember that all reporting of adverse reactions is entirely voluntary
And then one runs across this particular article - about a police K-9 who was euthanized due to lack of identification.
Felony, a police dog in Howard Lake, Minnesota, decided it would be a good idea to escape the working life. So the 10-year-old Labrador broke away from its kennel.
It was picked up by a stranger, who then handed it over to the dog catcher, who in turn left it with the Humane Society. Police called the dog catcher to see if Felony had been nabbed, but there was a mishap in communication; the dog catcher said no...
Felony, as it turns out, had no tags. The Humane Society couldn't locate an owner, and since it deemed Felony to be aggressive -- and thus unsuitable for adoption -- the dog was euthanized after the group's standard five-day waiting period. "
~~~~~
So - given the fact that all of my dogs are micro chipped. And any dog who wished to obtain an OFA health certification for any reason such as hips - elbows, DNA etc MUST be permanently identified. It leads me to also wonder about all those breeders who DNA test their cats - for a variety of reasons (such as a multiple sire litter) and the animals being tested are NOT positively and permanently identified. Now the average person on the whole is honest forthright and ethical. But we all know there are "those". So say I present a cat for sale to another breeder who is from parents x & y - who then goes on to produce - z. But z is a "statistical impossibility" according to the registering body. Now if those cats were all permanently identified then there would be no question. A strait forward DNA test would positively prove or disprove and no further room for doubt would exist. Or what if I wanted to ship an animal abroad ? Or what happens if I am at a show and my cat should happen to get loose? Or what about me sending a cat to someone for breeding? Or someone sending a cat to me for breeding? Or any number of other situations that can and do occur?
I am beginning to see a need to protect my cats. And wondering just how big the risk really is?
However I have recently been reading more and more about how effective micro-chipping is esp for cats. And even that the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has maintained a database since 1996 with over 4 million animals having been chipped and only 391 total cases of adverse reactions being reported. Now some of those animals did grow tumors. And when these chips were in testing - some of the lab rats and mice also grew tumors. But one has to ask - how many is "some" and obviously 391 from 4 million is statistically insignificant. However we must also remember that all reporting of adverse reactions is entirely voluntary
And then one runs across this particular article - about a police K-9 who was euthanized due to lack of identification.
Monday, Nov. 30 2009 @ 7:04AM
 |
| The Humane Society whacked Felony the police dog after deeming it unsuitable for adoption |
It was picked up by a stranger, who then handed it over to the dog catcher, who in turn left it with the Humane Society. Police called the dog catcher to see if Felony had been nabbed, but there was a mishap in communication; the dog catcher said no...
Felony, as it turns out, had no tags. The Humane Society couldn't locate an owner, and since it deemed Felony to be aggressive -- and thus unsuitable for adoption -- the dog was euthanized after the group's standard five-day waiting period. "
~~~~~
So - given the fact that all of my dogs are micro chipped. And any dog who wished to obtain an OFA health certification for any reason such as hips - elbows, DNA etc MUST be permanently identified. It leads me to also wonder about all those breeders who DNA test their cats - for a variety of reasons (such as a multiple sire litter) and the animals being tested are NOT positively and permanently identified. Now the average person on the whole is honest forthright and ethical. But we all know there are "those". So say I present a cat for sale to another breeder who is from parents x & y - who then goes on to produce - z. But z is a "statistical impossibility" according to the registering body. Now if those cats were all permanently identified then there would be no question. A strait forward DNA test would positively prove or disprove and no further room for doubt would exist. Or what if I wanted to ship an animal abroad ? Or what happens if I am at a show and my cat should happen to get loose? Or what about me sending a cat to someone for breeding? Or someone sending a cat to me for breeding? Or any number of other situations that can and do occur?
I am beginning to see a need to protect my cats. And wondering just how big the risk really is?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Good Read
For those who are concerned about their animals nutrition and health - I do recommend this book Food Pets Die For. I have owned a copy for many years.
Okay this one just seems silly - but obviously someone some where must have bought these! who knows!
Wild n' Crazy Catnip Stickers
Wild n' Crazy Catnip Stickers are a great way to get your cat's interest in old and new toys. "Purr-fect" for scratching posts. Made with catnip oil, natural inks an paper, they are safe and non-toxic if ingested accidentally. Wild n' Crazy Catnip Stickers remove easily.
Made with only the freshest, highest grade catnip oil. Nepetalactone is the active ingredient extracted from catnip that brings on the elated response in cats. 12 stickers (3 sheets of 4) per package. Each sheet measures approximately 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" with 1-5/8" diameter stickers.
Made with only the freshest, highest grade catnip oil. Nepetalactone is the active ingredient extracted from catnip that brings on the elated response in cats. 12 stickers (3 sheets of 4) per package. Each sheet measures approximately 3-3/4" x 3-3/4" with 1-5/8" diameter stickers.
Interesting Product
Note this is not an endorsement just something that caught my eye.
Super Catnip Honeysuckle Mist
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