Lladro Porcelain Has Gone to The Dogs (and cats)!

Bulldog with Lollipop, The Third Piece in a New Series

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Lladro is Spain's pre-eminent porcelain collectibles creator. I remember falling in love with their pieces when I was a little girl. It was distinctive and it seemed as if I could spot it a mile away. Each design originates with the sculptor. whose original sketch is then molded into clay or plasticine, using his hands, tools, and imagination. Now they have turned their talents to dog collectables (and some cats!) The world of pets is, frankly, one of its favorite themes. The sizes are proportionately accurate and there is a certain playfulness to this new collection. Additionally, each dog sits on a hand-knitted mat, made just for the occasion.

Interestingly, once the model is finished, it's broken down into various fragments which are then reproduced in plaster. The next step is to etch on each surface of the plaster all the ornamental patterns and motifs which the sculptor conceived in the initial sketch. This phase is when the expression of the face, motifs, the relief work on clothing and floral compositions all come to life. These fragments will be reproduced in porcelains in molds in a fascinating process. The living material of white liquid porcelain then sets and gives life to the pieces in a magical puzzle that the brand's artists will put back together.

Chihuahua with Marshmallows

Once the piece has been reconstructed, expert hands take over the process and begin the decoration. The first step in this phase is the choice of decorative technique best suited to each element. Dissolved colors, paint paste, luster.  Can you begin to imagine a palette with 4000 different tonalities?!  It exits at Lladro. In close collaboration with the laboratory, the artists experiment with the variety of color tones called for in the particular model, their densities, saturation, textures, nuances and, if required, they often create specific colors expressly for the pieces.  As Rosé Lladro clarifies, "..for us creativity, experimentation and research are everyday challenges." Later the artists paint the pieces with a steady hand, bringing to life the expression of facial features and delicately outlining the tiniest detail.  It has also to be decided whether the pieces will be matte or glazed, because glazed pieces require a layer of varnish before being fired in the kiln.

And, finally, the moment of truth: the test of fire.  Back in the 1960's Lladro pioneered a system of single firing, leaving behind the second and even third firing still being used by other companies. In the kiln, the piece is subjected to a temperature of around 1300 degrees Celsius (2599 degrees Fahrenheit) for a whole day and the chemical reactions that take place define the final colors of the piece. On the other hand, because it loses water, the size of the piece is reduced around 15% during the firing. Ensuring that this reduction in size is uniform, and that the piece does not suffer in any way is one of the biggest miracles that takes place at Lladro. Porcelain is alive and it is in the kiln when each piece is put to the test.

Jack Russell with Licorice

Lladro's reputation is based on quality, in never disappointing, in never lowering they goals. As Rosé Lladro explains, "we could not conceive of working any other way than to the maximum quality, because it is part of our DNA." The highest standards of quality are also applied in the packaging, adapting to the individual features of each piece in order to ensure that it reaches its final destination in perfect condition.

Website: www.lladro.com

List of dogs (and cats) in this collection: http://www.lladro.com/themes/temas.Perrosygatos-CATALOG_DOGS_AND_CATS/

Chronic Kidney Disease

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Dr. Roberta Relford

One thing both dog and cat owners need to be aware of is chronic kidney disease. It occurs in both species. Catching it early is optimum, of course. To that end, IDEXX, one of the most trustworthy laboratories in the county, has created a new test specifically designed to discover the disesase.

Roberta Relford, DVM, Ph.D, DACVIM, DAVCP, Division President and Chief Researcher was the main researcher for the development of the test. Dr. Relford is the Division Vice President of Pathology, Internal Medicine, and Strategic Operations IDEXX Reference Laboratories. She graduated from Auburn University in 1982 and was a small-animal practitioner for 4 years. She obtained an MS in pathology at Mississippi State University and a PhD in pathology from Texas A&M University, where she also pursued a residency in small-animal internal medicine. Dr. Relford is board-certified in internal medicine by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and in clinical pathology by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. She lectures on topics including clinical pathology, internal medicine, infectious diseases, cytology, and platelet disorders.

Dr. Relford was the main researcher who helped develop the SDMA test and she is the CMO at IDEXX Laboratories.

Chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of suffering and death in cats and dogs. In fact, one in three cats and one in ten dogs will develop some form of kidney disease over their lifetime. Unfortunately, by the time veterinarians typically diagnose it, at least 75% of kidney function has already been permanently lost.

Thanks to a breakthrough kidney function test, veterinarians have detected the disease earlier in thousands of cats and dogs since the test was made commercially available in July. SDMA is identifying over two times the number of pets with early CKD than traditional methods. In other words, without the SDMA test, one out of every two cats and dogs with early stage CKD would have been missed by traditional testing methods.

The SDMA test can potentially add years to pets’ lives, and Roberta Relford, DVM, MS, PhD,  speaks to the impact of the test as well as the technology behind it and the importance of screening your pets earlier than veterinarians were able to do before.

Dr. Relford agreed to be interviewed in order to share this discovery with PerPETuallySpeaking’s readers:

1.    Briefly, what is chronic kidney disease? I know that it kills far too many companions.

Chronic kidney disease is the leading cause of suffering and death in cats. In their lifetime, 1 in 3 cats and 1 in 10 dogs will develop the disease. As pets get older, the likelihood they will develop kidney disease increases. In fact, more than half of cats over age 15 are afflicted. Until recently, veterinarians could not detect kidney disease until very late stages, when the kidneys have lost most of their function permanently. At this point, effective treatment options are limited.

The sooner the disease is caught, however, the better – early identification and proper adjustments in diet and treatment may help your pet to live longer and have a better quality of life.

Chronic kidney disease compromises the kidneys’ ability to maintain fluid balance in the body; produce certain hormones; regulate many electrolytes in the body; and excrete waste products via urine. Signs of chronic kidney disease can include weight loss, increased urination and thirst, vomiting and decreased appetite. However, dogs and cats may show no signs of illness until the disease is advanced.

2.    IDEXX SDMA™ is the gold standard. How long has this new test been in development?

The test arrived on the market following an extensive pilot launch involving over 600 veterinary practices and after eight years of research and clinical studies that culminated in the publication of 27 peer-reviewed scientific and clinical publications to date.

3.    Are all veterinarians using it now or are some still using the old test?

The IDEXX SDMA test is available to all veterinarians in the U.S., Canada and Europe. This is fantastic news because the test can detect kidney disease when much of a pet’s kidney function is still intact. This gives you and your veterinarian the chance to take action and give your pet the best shot for a healthy, happy, long life even with kidney disease.

4.    Can owners ask for this test to be run?

Pet owners should feel empowered to ask for the IDEXX SDMA test to be run at your pet’s regular checkup. Today, 2 in 5 veterinarians in the U.S. are already including IDEXX SDMA in their routine testing, at no added cost. If your veterinarian is not offering the test, you may ask him or her to send your pet’s samples to IDEXX’s Reference Laboratories.

5.    Is there anything you would like to say?

What heart disease is to humans, kidney disease is to pets – a leading cause of suffering and death. Now, the IDEXX SDMA kidney screening test gives pet parents and their veterinarians the chance to take action and give their pet the best shot at the happiest, longest life possible – even with kidney disease.

This is why keeping up with your pet’s regular checkups and asking your vet for the IDEXX SDMA screening is so vital.

For more information on IDEXX SDMA and kidney disease in pets, visit www.pethealthnetwork.com/sdma

The Importance of Puppy Socialization from the AVMA

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The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is as concerned about dog behavior as we are. Our veterinarians have to deal with our canine companions and would prefer the dogs be happy and well-adjusted, not only as members of our households as well as members of society, but a well-adjusted, well-socialized, confident dog is easier for the veterinarian to examine.  Socialization starts with the breeder and the puppies' mother and littermates. Even if it's a mixed breed puppy, the owner of the mother is just as responsible for the puppies as are ethical breeders. The problem is that most of them don't know and don't care. Backyard breeders, puppy mills and commercial breeders get puppies off to such a poor start and those are the dogs who usually end up in shelters.

Here is the AVMA's message about Puppy Socialization that should open a few eyes.  

Collars and Leads and Futons, Oh My!

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If you know me, you know I prefer Harnesses to collars. I also like really nice accessories for dogs and cats. If you're going to buy something, I believe in buying quality harnesses, leads, beds, etc., for your beloved companions. The simple truth is that if you can afford it, it is an investment and much less expensive in the end because you don't have to replace the item unless you want to. Sometimes it's just fun to choose more than one design for any number of reasons: seasonal, holiday, wedding and more.

One such place to find great products for your dogs and/or cats, is Up Country. The bonus for those who like to buy products Made in America to support our own economy, Up Country's stunning collars are made in Rhode Island where the company is based.

Over 30 employees design, sew, pack and ship their products to customers around the world, and that product line keeps expanding. You can shop by item type or by theme. You can choose matching collars or harnesses and leads for various holidays as well as weddings and a wide range of designs. Surfing the UpCountry website is a lot of fun with their drop-down menus, clean website design and easy surfing/shopping. If there is a problem, it's choosing which design(s) to purchase. A size chart gives you all of the measurements and equivalent sizes. Their products are made to last a lifetime.  

Along with the wonderful designs on the website, Up Country can help you design your own custom design. This is fantastic for businesses of all kinds. How neat to have your own design on products which becomes a form of subtle advertising for your business when you have branded products that are specific to your business. Promoting schools, clubs and resorts along with businesses.

"At our very core, Up Country is committed to giving back to the community, both in our backyard and far away. It's a natural extension of who we are to have a grass roots approach to giving, choosing the organizations we support carefully. One thing remains through our work with charities of all sizes, and that is our concern for the well-being of animals everywhere," stated Alice Nichols, President and Founder of Up Country, Inc.


There is also a link on the Up Country website to retail outlets where their products are sold. I warn you that you're going to have a wonderfully hard time choosing from among the wonderful designs. 


I have not been paid to say this. I share what I like with my readers and always say exactly what I mean. It's always up to my readers to decide if they agree.

 

New Year's Resolutions for Dog & Cat Owners

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2015 seems to have gone by in a flash and here we are, welcoming 2016, a brand new year and a brand new start. The slate is clean so let's talk about what we can do for our dogs and cats this year.

Every dog and cat needs an annual veterinary check-up. Most people remember to take their dog in annually but they don't take their cat. Cats need an annual veterinary visit every bit as much as dogs. They are living, breathing sentient beings who need the same amount of attention, love and care.

Photo Courtesy of Susan Bulanda

Make this the year you will ask your veterinarian to show you how to brush your pet's teeth. It's easier if you start with a puppy or kitten but you can very slowly acclimate most dogs or cats to having their teeth brushed. They are subject to the same dental problems as we are and germs leaching down from dirty teeth can cause all sort of health problems.

No matter what sort of climate you live in, plan to do more with your pets. Clicker training is great for exercising the mind as well as the body. Don't just turn your dog out in the yard; take him for walks. It's great bonding time. Play games with your cats using interactive toys. You can also clicker train them to do all sorts of tricks. They'll love the time they spend with you and keep sessions to about 5 minutes about 3 times a day. Be sure your pet is dressed appropriately for the weather. In cold weather small dogs and those with little or no haircoat will need a coat or warm sweater. Hairless cats will also appreciate a sweater even though they are indoors. Walking on treated surfaces means you should consider training your dog to wear boots. Otherwise, wash off the pads of his feet so he won't lick them and ingest the ice melt.In warm weather, hairless cats and dogs will need sunscreen otherwise they will sunburn.

Remember that leaving your pet in the car in cold weather is just as dangerous as in hot weather. That  short errand you're going to run might take longer than you think. 

Plan to groom your cat or dog. Preferably daily but you can do it once a week if she has the kind of short coat that won't mat or tangle. 

Be sure they always have fresh water available. Keep nails and claws trimmed and neat.

Photo Courtesy of Lisette Brodey

When your pets are older they will need to see the veterinarian twice a year, starting with a Senior Wellness visit so your veterinarian can get a baseline.  If there is a problem, it can be found sooner and treatment started before it becomes embedded and is harder to treat and takes longer to resolve. That also means it's more expensive. If your older pets stay on their bed or have problems moving, take them to veterinarian. Telling yourself it's just old age is doing your cat or dog an injustice.

If your cat or dog has the right temperament for it and is properly socialized, this may be the year you want to find out about doing therapy work with your pet and sharing the love. You might try a new dog sport, or feline agility. The possibilities are seemingly endless. 

Remember that your pet is not just your best friend but you are your pet's best friend.

Aimee and I wish you and your pets a Happy, Healthy New Year!