Monthly Archives: May 2013

Furry Friends

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door:

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.

The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom  for years – canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat’s butt.

I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

  1. They live here. You don’t.
  2. If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That’s why they call it ‘fur’-niture.
  3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
  4. To you, they are animals.. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don’t speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:

  1. eat less,
  2. don’t ask for money all the time,
  3. are easier to train,
  4. normally come when called,
  5. never ask to drive the car,
  6. don’t hang out with drug-using people;
  7. don’t smoke or drink,
  8. don’t want to wear your clothes,
  9. don’t have to buy the latest fashions,
  10. don’t need a gazillion dollars for college and
  11. and if they get pregnant, you can sell their children …

Dog tales

This guy is a legend..

A shop owner in Brakpan, South Africa, was tired of people breaking into his yard/shop so he came up with the idea of shaving his dog like a lion.  Everyone in SA recognises a lion, now he has no problem with thugs!   South African ingenuity –  ” n Boer maak ‘n plan”

South African Security - brilliant

South African Security – brilliant

South African Security - brilliant

South African Security ????

 

 

 

 

 

 

More doggy fun …

 Sometimes when you are angry with someone,  it helps to sit down and think about the problem  . . . .

Sometimes when you are angry with someone, it helps to sit down and think about the problem . . . .

So sweet

So sweet

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop yelling...

Stop yelling…

Dangerous Dog Poop

Dog poop is a problem we deal with on a daily basis. But is it dangerous? How much do you know? Is pet waste a health hazard? I did some research to get you some real facts and give you a little quiz. (hey, it’s Saturday – why not kick the weekend off right?)You might even consider yourself somewhat of an “expert” on the subject.

Answer these “True” or “False” questions and find out how much you know about dog waste and the real scoop on poop. True or False?

  1. Dog poop makes good fertilizer.
  2. Dog waste is just as dangerous to the environment as toxic chemicals and oil spills.
  3. If you don’t live near a waterway, dog poop in your yard does not pollute the water.
  4. Unscooped dog poop can infect anyone who comes into contact with the soil it touches … even years later.
  5. Dog poop causes E. Coli in humans.
  6. Dog poop can cause blindness in humans.Now, let’s see how you did.

Answers:

  1. False. Dog poop is NOT good fertilizer. It’s toxic to your lawn! The high nutrient concentration in dog poop will burn and discolor the grass, creating “hot spots”.
  2. True. Nearly two decades ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified pet waste as a dangerous pollutant in the same category as toxic chemicals and oil.
  3. False. You may not live near water, but unscooped poop from your yard is carried by overland water flow or is washed into storm drains, ending up in far away streams, rivers and ground water.
  4. True. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms pet waste can spread parasites including hookworms, ringworms, tapeworms and Salmonella. When infected dog poop comes into contact with your lawn, the poop will eventually “disappear”, but the parasite eggs can linger for years! When a human or animal comes into contact with that soil through everyday activities like walking barefoot, gardening or playing, they risk infection from those eggs … even years after the poop is gone.
  5. True. Pet waste is teaming with E. Coli and other harmful bacteria including fecal coliform bacteria, which causes serious kidney disorders, intestinal illness, cramps and diarrhea in humans. (There are 23 million fecal coliform bacteria in a single gram of pet waste!)
  6. True. Dog poop often contains roundworm larvae, which cause blindness. If a human ingests a roundworm larva, it can migrate through the body causing disease to the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, heart or eyes. So when people (especially children) touch soil, dog toys or anything that has been in contact with dog feces and then touch their mouths, they can become infected.

So, how did you do? Did you have any idea dog poop could be this dangerous? Dog poop doesn’t just “wash away” or disappear. So if you’re not disposing of your dog’s waste, you’re putting yourself, your family, your dog and your water supply at risk. So make a New Year’s resolution. Always scoop your dog’s poop.One last thing – I found a safe and simple way to clean up your yard. It’s an ingenious little invention called the Doggie Doo Drain. What a great idea! It lets you put your dog’s waste directly into your sewer line, where it can do no harm. It’s simple to use. Check it out. Go to: www.petproductadvisor.com/DoggieDooDrain

Canine: Good Citizen Bronze Level Test

Dear Members,

As mentioned in the KCH Newsletter sent out yesterday, we will be holding a Canine Good Citizen Bronze Level Test for the first time to be held after the KCH Championship Dog Jumping and Obedience Show on Sunday 9 June 2013 and will be conducted by Jack Taentzer (Judge from South Africa). The Canine Good Citizen Test is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community and it encourages and stresses the importance of responsible dog ownership by the owners. Any dog (pure bred /crossbred) may take part provided it has had its required vaccinations.

The Scheme is a programme comprising of the Puppy Certificate, the Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels. We urge owners to make the effort to train their dogs as they will experience the benefits of their dogs having good manners, responding well to household routines and they will be a joy to live with.

The Bronze Level consists of the following tests and Evaluators sometimes combine elements during the actual test:

  1. Accepting a stranger – this test consists of a stranger approaching the dog and handler in a casual, every day situation without the dog showing signs of resentment or shyness.
  2. Putting on a collar and lead.
  3. Present the dog for examination on a lead.
  4. Allowing basic grooming procedures.
  5. Demonstrating that the dog can be calmed easily after praise or play.
  6. Releasing dog from lead, play with or without toy, recall and attach lead.
  7. Walking on loose lead without distraction.
  8. Walking on lead passing through door/gate.
  9. Walking on lead passing people and dogs.
  10. Reacting appropriately to another dog.
  11. Sitting and lying down on command and staying in place.
  12. Reacting appropriately to distractions.
  13. Calmly enduring supervised separation from the owner.

Please note that no fee will be charged for participating in the Canine Good Citizen Bronze Certificate Test. Please, however, e-mail Linda Lamb (meadowf@mweb.co.zw) should you wish to enter so that preparation can be made for the entries. There will be copies of the Canine Good Citizen Programme available for sale to non-ZKC members for $5 a copy on Sunday, and free to ZKC members. Should any members have any further queries with regard to the Canine Good Citizen Programme, please contact Sam Fernandes – email: mcfernzw@gmail.com or cell: 0773 215 212.

Best regards
Linda Lamb
Secretary – Kennel Club of Harare

Kennel Club of Harare Newsletter

Dear Members

I thought it was time that the Committee brought you up to date as to what is happening at your Club, and how we spend the money collected from subs, training and teas.

We have already bought the I.B.R. roofing sheets for the new roof that is to be made over the old benching hall. This should be started soon… The idea being that in the rainy season we can at least do some training under cover….

Our next project is to replace a couple of panes of glass that are broken in the bar, and to dig out all the old putty, and replace, followed by painting.

Have you all noticed the gardens? What an amazing job, and hard work to tidy it all up, and how nice the grounds are looking!

This year, Mr and Mrs Taentzer are coming up from South Africa to judge our Obedience and Dog Jumping Championship Show on Sunday 9 June 2013. You would have already received the schedule from Linda Lamb, our Secretary, but to remind you it starts 7am for 7.30am and the entries close 27 May 2013. Do make sure that your entries are in as soon as possible to Linda Lamb. Mrs Yvonne Taentzer will be judging the dog jumping classes, Beginners and A Test obedience and Mr Jack Taentzer will be judging Novice and B Test.

For the first time we will be holding a Canine Good Citizen Bronze Level Test which Mr Taentzer will conduct once the obedience classes are finished. For those of you who were not at the clinic that was held last year, and to find out more about it, please see the e-mail to be sent out shortly with further details.

The Kennel Club of Harare Championship Breed Show will be held on Saturday 31 August 2013. Further details will be sent out closer to the time. Entries close on 17 August 2013.

Please note that Dog Jumping sessions are conducted at the Kennel Club of Harare most Saturday afternoons commencing at:

2.30pm Small dogs (advanced)
3.00pm Large dogs (beginners)
3.30pm Large dogs (advanced)

Only dogs over the age of 18 months should attend advanced classes. However, subject to demand, beginner & puppy classes can be held for younger dogs. These puppy classes would cover handling basics without straining puppies’ growing joints. Dog Jumping Fee – US$2 per lesson. Should you wish to attend or require more information, please contact Paolo Cernuschi on cell: 0772-283 181.

NOW…we have a problem…. Catering….We do need people to help run the kitchen on Show Days. I am quite prepared to buy everything needed, as you know it is kept simple – egg and bacon rolls, steak rolls and hamburgers, cake, tea and coffee….and I am prepared to get down early and set everything up, but, we do need workers. It is impossible for the usual people to work in the kitchen, and show their dogs in obedience (for which they have been training for all year). I was hoping that the obedience people could help in the kitchen when the breed shows are on and the breed people help when the obedience shows are held, but no luck so far…. Has anyone any ideas?

If anyone could possibly do a couple of hours in the kitchen (we could do a roster), then please could you speak to Pippa Cory on 0772 353 776 or Linda Lamb on 0772 354 486. I am leaving for England on Saturday, and only get back just in time for the show. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Ursula McKinlay
Chairlady.

SPCA Fun Shows in 2013

The HARARE SPCA desperately need money to cope with the abandoned/abused/ill-treated and homeless animals in their area.  Please help by coming to, and supporting, the –

HARARE S.P.C.A. FUN SHOWS
sponsored by PEDIGREE
on the following dates –

Sunday, 26 May : Fun Show at Mukuvisi Woodland
& Nature Reserve, Hillside,
Harare

Sunday, 23 June : 4 Breed Championship Shows in
Exhibition Park, Harare

Sunday, 28 July : Winter Fun Show at Mukuvisi
Woodland & Nature Reserve,
Hillside, Harare

Sunday, 25 August: Spring Fun Show at Mukuvisi
Woodland & Nature Reserve,
Hillside, Harare

Sunday, 24 November : Xmas Xtravaganza at
Mukuvisi Woodland & Nature
Reserve, Hillside, Harare

Masses of PEDIGREE prizes to be won.  Many Stalls/Pony Rides etc.  Flyers always available from enzed56@gmail.com or phone Sheila 0779-922 105

Thank you to all those caring people out there who help the HARARE SPCA

Show Dates 2013

Show schedule for Zimbabwe clubs in 2013.

Dates Affiliated Clubs Contact Type Discipline Closing Date
26.05.13 Zimbabwe Kennel C A.J. Scott OP DJ
26.05.13 Welsh Corgi C Mash A.J. Scott CH DJ 12.05.13
08.06.13 Working Br C Mash G.M. McLaughlan CH DJ & OB 26.05.13
09.06.13 Kennel Club Harare U.V. A.McKinlay CH DJ & OB 27.05.13
15.06.13 Zimbabwe Kennel C A.J. Scott CH DJ & OB 01.06.13
23.06.13 Mash Ladies K C S.L. Tarr CH BR 09.06.13
23.06.13 Hatfield Kennel C S.L. Tarr CH BR 09.06.13
23.06.13 Working Breeds C Mash G.M.McLaughlan CH BR 09.06.13
07.07.13 Welsh Corgi C Mash A.J. Scott OP OB
28.07.13 German Shepherd D C A.J. Scott CH OB 14.07.13
31.08.13 Zimbabwe Kennel C A.J. Scott CH BR 17.08.13
31.08.13 Kennel Club Harare A.J. Scott CH BR 17.08.13
31.08.13 Working & Herding C M A.J. Scott CH BR 17.08.13
01.09.13 Kwekwe & Dist Kennel A.J. Scott CH BR 17.08.13
01.09.13 Zw Midlands Kennel C A.J. Scott CH BR 17.08.13
01.09.13 Midlands Toy Dog C A.J. Scott CH BR 17.08.13
22.09.13 Welsh Corgi C Mash A.J. Scott OP DJ
22.09.13 Welsh Corgi C Mash A.J. Scott CH OB 08.09.13
22.09.13 Working Breeds C Mash G.M. McLaughlan CH DJ & OB 15.09.13

Farewell lunch

Farewell lunch - Gladys

Farewell lunch – Gladys arriving

Farewell lunch - Gladys and Pippy Cory

Farewell lunch – Gladys and Pippy Cory

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audrey Harpur, Ursula McKinlay, Gladys, Ann Folcarelli and Moira Geogeghan.

Audrey Harpur, Ursula McKinlay, Gladys, Ann Folcarelli and Moira Geogeghan.

Ann Folcarelli, Moira Geogeghan, Errol Geogeghan, Dorothy Twiss and Naomie Chudy at the corner table

Ann Folcarelli, Moira Geogeghan, Errol Geogeghan, Dorothy Twiss and Naomie Chudy at the corner table

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farewell, masses of food and lovely decorated tables.

Farewell, masses of food and lovely decorated tables.

Paulo Cernuschi, Sam Fernandes, in the back ground Sue Lamb with Pam Brennan.

Paulo Cernuschi, Sam Fernandes, in the back ground Sue Lamb with Pam Brennan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying the lunch

Enjoying the lunch