AKC dog registry welcoming coonhounds to purebred world

Wilmington Star News ^ | 7/10/06 | Coke Ellington

[Eric in the Ozarks]

When Jake got to be about eight years old many Januaries ago, we discovered what looked like a small pimple on his gum, near one of his lower canine teeth. Jake appeared otherwise healthy and active and enjoyed a daily romp in the Minnesota snow. Within a month, the pimple had grown to a purple mass around the tooth and was so tender that he couldn't allow it to be examined.
The vet knocked him out with a hypo and after a thorough exam, said old Jake's days were numbered. It was a fast growing cancer and no surgery was possible. It was likely the cancer was one of several masses growing in his muzzle. He would have to be put down.
Our son was graduating college that spring and we decided to keep Jake with us until he came home from school. After the ice went out on Prior Lake, Jake got in one more swim and a reunion with his official owner. We took him to the vet's and after several long hugs, said goodbye. Jake's cremated remains were put into the Lake at the end of our dock where he once liked to jump and chase a tennis ball. I sure do miss the guy.

[the OlLine Rebel]

I didn't call you an idiot!

You just wanted to call me on the carpet for using hyperbole (as you said, "generalizations") when of course, nothing is 1s and 0s.

You are not an idiot (as proven by you're calling it a generalization in the 1st place, which it is). I am sorry if it came out as an insult.

I think we both know our positions by now. Sorry if you tire of it; most often, I'm a "pit bull" so yes, I have a hard time letting it go!

[AnAmericanMother]

Aw, that's a sad story. I'm sure you miss Jake.

We just had to put a 15 year old Siamese cat down due to cancer. He fought valiantly, but it was just too much for him.

Our vet pointed out that we take such good care of our pets health-wise these days, that the cancer gets them because the distemper, rabies, parvo, getting hit by cars, etc. don't get them earlier.

[brytlea]

LOL
Anyone who likes dogs as much as you must can't be all bad!
I'll accept that you didn't call me an idiot (and I got your point, but I had to press you on something!)
This is probably one of those intransigent points, we can bat back and forth all day. I would LOVE to see ways to draw everyone (and yes, I mean everyone!) into performance events. They're fun, and heaven knows they benefit the dog (even tho they also have a certain artificiality to them).
Anyway, you should hear me get into with people who think that only tight linebreeding is the way to go! I'm a heretic!
Let's shake paws. Friends?
susie

[brytlea]

Oh, heartbreak! Cancer is a scourge....
susie

[the OlLine Rebel]

Of course I'll "shake" (my dog shakes her body, though, when I tell her that - baths). VERY LONG mail to you.

Sometimes I think the writing-kind of discussion just is too hard to handle! At least for me, who is a "pit bull" on minutia as well as generalities, and doesn't effectively communicate concisely.

We'd probably all understand each other better in "real life"! (And the discussion would end faster!)

[brytlea]

We probably would enjoy a cup of coffee and talk about race horses and old cars!
susie

[af_vet_rr]

if they agree to eliminate three toy breeds.

"And to think that in some countries these dogs are eaten."

[dervish]

BTTT!

It is the same permissive society that has lowered its standards on everything. Don't get me started...

[hmcgroyne]

Heh...yeah, that little one in front is a tiny terror! Every time I take her out, she barks her head off at each and every person that walks by us. Which, in turn, makes them laugh when they see this itty-bitty ferocious creature on the attack :) She's also my 'home security system'--my friends find it funny when they visit and she's barking her head off, and I have to find a way to "turn off the alarm"!

[hmcgroyne]

Thanks for the info! I may have to try that. Not that I plan to ever show/breed her, but it would be cool to be able to do it on her part (so to speak). She's only got three legs (due to an injury before I adopted her) and with that, plus her hard life of being dumped and rescued, it'd be nice to "put a feather in her cap".

[AnAmericanMother]

Agility?

Most of the associations won't allow a three-legged dog to compete, but I THINK that one of the other associations allows them to compete in the Tunnelers class. Not sure which one - I've only competed in AKC and USDAA, and neither one allows dogs that are lame or have a deformity.

If you Google dog agility and disabled or handicapped, something ought to come up.