There are certain day-to-day remarks made at dog shows that really are terribly annoying. When I hear an exhibitor, any exhibitor, ask, “Are we having fun yet?” I shrink back in horror. No one forces you to go to a dog show, unless of course you are a person making an income from these shows, and then why complain? Similarly, when I hear it is just too hot to be showing dogs, I always wonder why these grousers are at the show. After all, they took their dogs there; the dogs didn't bring themselves out in the heat. Then, of course, there are the complaining judges. “The flights were delayed”; “I need an early group so I can catch a plane”; “My motel was dirty”; "There was no place to eat dinner”; “The luncheon was inadequate,” ad nauseum. When the checks come, though, where are the complaints then? Or how often do you hear the dogs were terrible? I couldn't find anything to put up; the quality was way below par. And you ask, perhaps not so innocently, “Well, did you withhold any ribbons?” Of course, you know the answer to that one. I really just don't get it. Is it just human nature to gripe about anything and everything? I suppose so.
The obesity and excess weight of many pets seems to translate into “like owner, like dog.” More than 24 percent of dogs are obese, according to a recent study in THE JOURNAL OF NUTRITION. Indeed, two UC Davis scientists reported last year that “obesity is considered one of the most common nutritional problems in dogs and cats.” Not surprisingly, there was a study that found a strong connection between excess weight in pet owners and their pets. Still, a French study showed that French women, many of whom were very slim, had pets that were 38.8 percent overweight. Maybe these women compensated their own dieting by overfeeding their pets. Like anything, overindulgence should be controlled and is truly up to the owner to control. A report by Jane Brody in THE NEW YORK TIMES specified the following breeds especially at risk to become overweight — Labs, Cairns, Cavaliers, Scotties and Cocker Spaniels. She gave no authority for naming these breeds.
Last week's issue contained two reports relative to BSL. Both were frightening and demand action on all our parts. One, in New Jersey, where members of the ADOA and the ADOA itself filed a suit challenging the City of Englewood's aggressive dog ordinance banning specific breeds. They claim this is a violation of State Law, which explicitly prohibits breed discrimination. For more information, contact ADOA directly via e-mail at adoa@global12000.net.
Shaun Coen's warning to the dog owners of Riverside County in California is particularly important, as it is one of the most all-encompassing mandatory spay and neuter proposals around. Public hearings are scheduled for July 31, in Beaumont (too late, unless you read Shaun's article when it originally appeared or on our Web site), August 12, 16 and 26 in, respectively, Riverside, Murietta and Palm Desert. For more detailed information, you can contact AKC's Canine Legislation Department at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org. •