PYRIODICAL

February 2007

ATTENTION NEPR MEMBERS!!

NEPR would like to take this opportunity to clarify what appears to be some confusion regarding rescue affiliations. There is NO affiliation between our organization and the recently formed group, National Great Pyrenees Rescue. We are affiliated with the Great Pyrenees Club of America (GPCA) and their Rescue Committee as well as Pyrenean Fanciers of the North East (PFNE). NEPR abides by the Code of Ethics of the GPCA and follows the Guidelines of the GPCA’s National Rescue Committee.

NorthEast Great Pyrenees Rescue, Inc. (NEPR) was established in 2003 as a non-profit Corporation. We are an independent, breed specific rescue organization.

NEPR provides comprehensive rescue care within NY, all of New England, and occasionally assists Pyrs in NJ. NEPR does not choose to import Pyrs from other areas of the United States. Prior to placement, we carefully screen Pyrs to assure that educated new owners are adopting purebred Great Pyrenees; not other white livestock guardians (ie Kuvaz, Maremma, etc.). At placement, we assure proper health and temperament of the Pyr. In addition, as described in our contract, we will take the dog back anytime during its life time. We will assist with the direct placement of pyr-mix breeds via our website.

NEPR works cooperatively with legitimate rescue organizations sanctioned by the AKC and GPCA and those who share the same responsible rescue mission.

For additional information, please contact us at nepyresq@nepyresq.org of visit our website at www.nepyresq.org.

— Jody Chiquoine
President, NEPR

Now, back to what we are all here for . . . .

North East Pyrenees Rescue

This month’s Pyriodical features “Yukon Cornelius is Gold” who is owned and handled by Greg Buddle. Yukon was recently featured on the cover of Clean Run magazine and he holds the following titles:

CDX, OA, NAJ, Excellent preferred (AXP), OJP, DD, CGC

 

The Versatile Great Pyrenees - Part II: Agility
by Jody Chiquoine R.N., M.S.N. F.N.P., CCRT

In the January NEPR newsletter I described the series of monthly articles that will be written about Pyrs and their amazing versatility!  That edition focused primarily on the role of Great Pyrenees in performing Therapy work at hospitals, nursing homes, etc.  The article also outlined some tips for exploring Therapy work with your Pyr if you are interested.

In this edition, I will talk about Pyrs that can and do excel in agility. Whether contemplating true agility competition or just looking to enjoy your Pyr you can have fun by getting involved with agility in your community!

Agility is a sport in which the handler is given a set amount of time to direct a dog off-leash through a sequenced obstacle course.  You may have seen such an event on television whereby dogs (usually small or mid-size) weave through poles, go through tunnels, climb over A-frames and jump bars.  You have not lived until you have seen a Pyr accomplish and excel at this! 

Think Outside the Big!!!

Pyrs are intelligent, fast and agile…all ideal traits for an agility dog! Agility is fun because Pyrs enjoy the freedom, speed and intellectual challenge. Owners report increased bonding with their Pyr as they work through the mastery of challenging obstacles. AND…when a Pyr starts on an agility course EVERYBODY stops to watch in awe.

Just ask “Yukon” and Greg Buddle (Poughkeepsie, NY)! Yukon made the cover of Clean Run Magazine in January 2007 which is nearly impossible to do! Yukon, age 10½ yrs has a fancy name that is rightly deserved, “Yukon Cornelius Is Gold”. Greg has handled Yukon (and vice versa!) to Novice and Open Agility Titles and Yukon is the first Pyr ever to earn AKC’s Open Agility Title. WOW! Yukon excels in the Jumpers Division because he is careful and methodical so loses some time but rarely knocks down a bar!

Many of us do not aspire to Yukon and Greg’s greatness but we have terrific fun taking classes at a local agility facility in our communities.  Training and motivation can be problematic with this independent minded breed.  Yet, with the proper amount of fun, treats, enthusiasm and patience these dogs can do anything.

Before You Start!

Agility should not be started before the growth plates are closed which is about 12-14 months in Pyrs. Prior to this age, introduce your young dog to the obstacles and allow play in the tunnels and walk on ground planks. However, avoid jumping and higher contact objects such as the dog walk or A-frame. My Pyr, Bella, loved tunnels at 8 weeks of age but didn’t start her first agility class until she was 16 months. Yukon didn’t start agility until he was 5 years old! So it’s really never too soon or late to get started.

Some basic obedience is necessary such as: sit, down, brief stay ( thank heavens) and (the dreaded) “come” cue ( notice I didn’t say command! Ha!). But obedience is not the emphasis.

Most important . . . be certain your Pyr is somewhat fit before starting. If overweight, consider a weight loss program. In addition, place your dog on a regular walking and exercise schedule if not already on one. Finally, given their size, always do warm up exercises and some low grade stretching before any agility is done and perform cool down exercises when finished.

Finally, there are also mental aspects. Remember the Pyr motto: "What’s in it for me?”!!!. To do agility with a Pyr you need to have a good sense of humor, lots of patience and a touch of humility. If you didn’t have this when you started agility you sure as heck will have it when you finish! So remember to have fun and you will both be on your way to a great new experience!

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Editors Note: Agility will be a featured event at Pyrapalooza September 2007. We hope Greg and Yukon (and young sister Fae) will be there to demonstrate and you will have the opportunity to try some agility with your Pyr!!

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Jody Chiquoine is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Specialist and Member of the American Canine Sports Medicine Association. She owns Fitter Critters, a canine rehabilitation and indoor swimming facility in Lee, MA. Jody works with performance dogs in Western MA and also designs fitness and conditioning programs. Jody is also the President of NorthEast Pyr Rescue.

Cancer in Great Pyrenees: Health News

The Great Pyrenees Club of America reports that cancer is the most prevalent problem occurring in our breed.

This daunting news reveals that the most common types of cancer in Great Pyrs are: osteosarcoma (bone cancer), mammary cancer (breast cancer) which is most common in unspayed females, lymphoma (lymph nodes are enlarged and firm), melanoma (skin, mouth, eye, muscle, eye), and hemangiosarcoma (tumor of the blood vessel cells /often spleen).

Symptoms and Treatment

Osteosarcoma: develops deep in the bone and is progressively more painful as it grows outward toward the cortex. Lameness worsens with pain and eventually there will be bone swelling. Untreated, a fracture will eventually result. Many people select to provide supportive care and pain medications until the dog is no longer comfortable. Some people select treatment that is amputation and this is sometimes followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Regardless of the treatment, the average survival is 3-5 months from the time of diagnosis.

Mammary cancer: presents as a solid mass or multiple swellings under the skin near breast tissue in both female and male Pyrs. Early surgical removal results in 50% survival. Chemotherapy and radiation are being researched but not yet available in dogs.

Lymphoma: occurs in middle aged Pyrs and is often found as a lump(s) by the owner. Usually the dog has not exhibited any signs of illness. Lymphoma is not curable. Depending on type, progression at time of diagnosis and treatment choice, the survival is 1 to 12 months. Often times, these tumors initially respond dramatically to prednisone but then quickly recur. Lymphoma is also treated with chemotherapy with initially good results but eventually becomes resistant to treatment.

Melanoma: can occur in a dogs mouth, eye or skin so symptoms depend on location. This can include odd shaped or colored skin lesions, bad breath, cough, trouble swallowing or visible tumors. Melanoma is always treated with surgery which offers an average survival rate of 7 months. Radiation can be added to surgery but the protocols that offer the longest survival are undetermined.

Hemangiosarcoma: is associated with severe internal bleeding that can occur anywhere there are blood vessels. The most common sites are: skin, spleen and heart. Signs include: weight loss, abdominal distension, nose bleeds, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, weakness and ataxia (wobbly gait).Sudden death can occur without prior symptoms. Surgery can help but the disease is not curable. Chemotherapy is commonly offered but radiation is rarely used.

What Can YOU Do!

1. Most importantly, be certain that you take time several times per week to touch your dog all over. Learn what is “normal” for them so when something is “different” you know this immediately! This is a good reason to thoroughly brush your dog at least weekly. Learn to do canine massage and massage all the body parts on a regular basis. Get your hands past the hair and feel the skin and deeper tissues! If you do locate a bump or lump seek medical help immediately from your veterinarian. Be proactive and do not delay! Finding problems early is a good way to give your dog the best chance of survival and most longevity if a problem is identified.

2. Keep your dog on a premium healthy diet and feed high quality treats for their life time.

3. Consider antioxidants that are thought to be cancer protective. Examples include Vitamin C in a dose of 500-1000 mgm per day and Vitamin E 200-400mgm per day.

4. Consider vaccine titers instead of the routine annual vaccines. What looks to you like one “shot” and is often called a vaccine is actually several vaccines in one! Most veterinary clinics now offer titers as an alternative to over vaccination of pets. Talk to your vet about these options. Although the vaccines do not cause cancer directly over vaccination may impede the natural immune system to react appropriately to cancer cells.

5. If your Pyr ever develops cancer and you know the breeder, be certain to report this to them immediately. Cancer runs in breed lines and responsible breeders work hard to eliminate cancer from their lines.

6. The Broad Institute in Harvard MA is collecting health information about Great Pyrenees. They are studying these cancers (and other diseases) and they need our help by providing a teaspoon of blood! The next time your Pyr is getting blood drawn (lyme & heartworm tests are coming up soon!) ask you vet to draw 5cc and send it to the Broad Institute. Their email is dog-info@broad.mit.edu and the website is www.dogDNA.org.They want all Pyrs: healthy, senior and/or with cancer. With this information they may uncover the secrets of this heartbreaking disease. Furthermore, their work with dogs may help make advances in human cancers.

7. Read more and donate!

A) The GPCA Health information contact is Flo Laicher pyrshire@bestweb.net
B) Diane Migas: bluepyrs@comcast.net (special interest in osteosarcoma)
C) Dog Cancer: www.dogcancer.net

Calendar Dates
(If you are able to help at any event, please use the contact information as listed)

Please plan to join us for PYRAPALOOZA – 2007!! We have reserved the Westfield Fairgrounds for Saturday and Sunday, September 22 & 23. The planning is just beginning and we will need all the help we can get. Now that the date has been set, we will have more details in the March Pyriodical.