In Memory of Victor Joris

There are some people who come into your life and are so alive, so ageless, so wonderful that they seem immortal. One of those people was Victor Joris.

Dog people will know Victor as a breeder of beautiful Shih Tzu and the author of the ultimate breed books on Shih Tzu. Others will remember him as a respected AKC Judge. He was, in fact, the first person to judge Havanese at Progressive Dog Club's Specialty Show in New York the year the breed was accepted into the AKC's Toy Group. The Toy Dog Club's show takes place every year the Friday before Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. For years Victor and I would meet in New York and we made sure to spend time together, usually at ringside during judging. I was dashing around getting stories, in and out of the press room and some of the sky boxes at Madison Square Garden.  Seeing Victor was always a breath of fresh air. He was the epitome of the expression: Southern Gentleman.

He was incredibly knowledgable when it came to dogs and he earned my respect long before we met. I distinctly remember watching him judge at Springfield (MA) before we met. I wished I had the nerve to walk up and introduce myself to him but, alas, that took a courage that I lacked at the time. I'm just so glad that we did meet. But I think of the time lost...

Then there was Victor Joris, the two-time Coty Award Winning Fashion Designer. He had worked in Hollywood before he had his own line of clothes and a celebrity clientele list as long as your arm. The name Victor Joris was synonymous with classic, stunning clothes with great attention to detail. He also designed for other fashion houses so you might have purchased something he created without ever knowing it.

I remember during one conversation I was lamenting the fact that I had finally given away the first pantsuit I'd ever owned. It was timeless, with classic lines and in the most stunning shade of grape/wine. Victor listened to me wax poetic about it, telling him the name of the manufacturer, and then quietly told me, "I designed it."  I should have known.

Victor was a remarkable artist who, every year, sketched the ladies at Westminster in their finery for a magazine and then the sketches were auctioned off to benefit a charity.  Imagine my surprise and delight when he sent me the sketch that, unbeknownst to me, he had done of me the first time I emceed The Show Dogs of The Year Awards. He said he hoped I didn't mind but he'd taken artistic license and sketched strappy sandals instead of the more practical shoes I'd been wearing to stand all night. The sketch, with Victor's permission, is on the home page of my website (http://www.darlenearden.com).  It was one of many things he sent me over the years, things that I will always treasure. But more, I treasure his friendship.

He told me stories of his fashion shows, of his dogs, of his adventures in Hollywood and Europe. He had long since retired and returned to his boyhood home in Louisiana but was still active in the dog fancy, although no longer breeding. He was judging and working with his local all-breed dog club.

He had been in and out of the hospital lately. Sometimes e-mails would stop for a bit and then they'd start again. I worried about him but the thought never crossed my mind that my dear friend wouldn't be here. And then, two evenings ago, I received an e-mail from a man who signed after his name, Executor, informing me that Victor Joris had died on Tuesday. I was beyond stunned. How could this be? He was quiet for several days but surely I would hear from him soon. How can the world keep turning without that sweet, wonderful man?  Sadly, we're about to find out.

Victor Joris will always live in a very special corner of my heart.  Goodbye, my friend. May you rest in peace.

Cat Amusement

I've been thinking today about feline enrichment and what amuses cats. For their protection, for the safety, we responsible owners keep our pets indoors but that means that we have to find things to amuse them, keep them busy, exercise their minds as well as their bodies.

There are all sorts of toys that we can buy and they are becoming more sophisticated all the time. Just as there are puzzle toys for dogs, there are now food puzzle toys for cats. It makes it more interesting for kitty if he or she can figure out how to get the toy to release those morsels of food, like hunting for food. We love the interactive toys that allow us to play with our feline friends.

They need a scratching post, nice and sturdy to replace the tree outdoors against which they will stretch, which is healthy for them, and scratch off that outside nail that you find at the bottom of the scratching post. A cat tree is always handy for getting away from it all. It's especially nice if it has a closed in type of bed, a nice little hidey-hole for kitty.

How did I get off on this train of thought? I was on a business call today when the thought came into my mind. Well, I really paid attention to it after I hung up the phone. I keep the TV on for "white noise" for me and company for Aimee.  This morning was no different. I had the TV tuned to MeTV, the channel that runs old television shows from the '50s and '60s and '70s, too. Aimee was on my lap with her head turned. She was alert, sitting stock still. It occurred to me that what she was doing was watching The Rockford Files starring James Garner. I realized that it was an action show. Lots of movement, which would appeal to her. She had no intention of stalking the screen but she was giving it her full attention. And then I remember those videos for cats that showed birds flying, etc.  Why should this be any different and why should I be surprised? Especially since I had Yorkshire Terrier who was hooked on soap operas. Really.  

I'm not sure if those kitty vids are still available, if they've been transferred to DVD, but it might be worth a look.  Or maybe your cat will like the old action shows on MeTV, too.

World Spay Day & Catvocacy

World Spay Day has come and gone. I chose to wait until after the event to write about this annual push for spaying and neutering pets because I have some very specific views on it.

World Spay Day was started by the actress/singer Doris Day and was originally called Spay Day U.S.A. She had someone lobbying in Washington for spay/neuter.  While there are excellent reasons to spay and neuter the zealots have gone too far. I can hear them screaming at me now because I dared to say that.  Let me be more specific. I expect my readers to be reasonable and not scream before trying to understand what I'm saying.

I am, without doubt, an advocate for spaying and neutering pets. I believe that some of the pet overpopulation talk is not valid in many places. For example, where I live the shelters import pets not just from other States but from outside the 48 contiguous States. One shelter had to be closed because the dogs they brought in from another country had brought disease with them, and I don't mean kennel cough.  

We have too many mixed breed dogs and in that I include the "designer" breeds. These are not purebred dogs. They don't have a set breed type, nor will they. Nor are those alleged breeders likely to do genetic health testing before breeding. They are the result of someone wanting a quick buck.  Those dogs and puppies should be spayed and neutered.

There are also health reasons for spaying and neutering. A female has zero chance of getting breast cancer if she's spayed before her first heat. The longer the owner waits, the higher the chances of cancer developing. Neutering male dogs completely eliminates testicular cancer. And males are less likely to roam. Neutered males may, or may not, continue to lift their leg when urinating.

All are excellent reasons to spay and neuter. There is no need for a dog or cat to have a litter first. They do have every chance of complications during birth and some die.  As for those who want to show their children "the miracle of life," there are videos available and they won't add to the pet population.

That said, let's remember that there is nothing wrong and everything right with purebred dogs and cats who are bred by ethical responsible breeders who do the necessary health screenings before breeding, socialize their puppies and kittens, keep the litter together with their mother for at least three months and then carefully place their puppies or kittens in carefully selected homes with responsible owners who are ready, willing and able to keep those pets for his or her entire life. And the responsible, ethical breeder will take back a dog or cat of their breeding, no matter how old. They created that life and are always ultimately responsible for it.  

It's quite likely that I will explore these topics in future blog posts.  There's far too much for just one post. The point is to be fair to everyone and respect all life. 

On another note. I'm pleased to tell you that I have been selected as a Catvocate by World's Best Cat Litter.  This is an honor as only a limited number of cat writers/bloggers were chosen. It represents that we are dedicated to bringing good information to cat owners. 

Let me be clear, I'm not paid by World's Best Cat Litter. That said, it is the litter that my cat, Aimee (GP Sinaye's Plaisir D'Amour of Ajolie) uses. It's the substrait she prefers. It would, therefore, have been accurate if Aimee had been named a Catvocate. She's well-mannered, intelligent and certainly knows all there is to know about cats. She's doing a good job of helping round out my education.

As a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (both cats and dogs), I am dedicated to making life better for our companions. It's the least we can do for them when they do so much for us!

Banana Joe and A Hint About Something New for Cats

    It's a week since the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and I find myself reflecting on the results. Instead of being in the press box as I was for so many years, I've taken to sitting in my den and watching on television. The TV cameras are able to get wonderful close-ups that you can't get in Madison Square Garden unless you look up at the big screen to see the same video. And anyone can be an armchair judge but only the real judge gets to put his or her hands on the dog to check structure. All we can see is the outline of the dog as presented by the handler, the gait, and the dog's personality.

There's no doubt that the little Affenpinscher, Banana Joe, owned the ring that night. He was completely on top of his game.   His co-owner, Tina Truesdale, has been waiting for one of her dogs to go Best in Show at Westminster for a long time and I'm happy for her.  But it's no secret that my heart dropped when the little guy won the coveted award. Why?  The answer is quite simple.

The day after Westminster there is an enormous demand for whichever breed has won the coveted Best in Show. No dog is right for everyone and the Affenpinscher is no exception.  They've been turning up in puppy mills for years and this bodes badly for any breed. It is very bad for a small, cute dog whose looks belie his personality and characteristic traits.

These little dogs are very much Terriers in personality. They're intelligent, quick and as Toy dogs go, this is one of the harder breeds to housetrain.  Sadly, when faced with this fact becomes all too apparent, the dog is often abandoned to a shelter where, if not rescued by Breed Rescue or someone looking for a dog to adopt, he will be put to death.

Are they right for some people? Of course!  But never and I do mean NEVER, get a dog unless and until you can make a commitment for the dog's entire life, you have done your homework and found a breed you can live with that fits into your lifestyle and personality, and you can deal with the breed's idiosyncrasies.  

Joey is now in The Netherlands, relaxing into his retirement from the show ring.

Now, for the felines in your life. The people at World's Best Cat Litter, a product my cat uses daily, are hinting at a new product. What will it be? Stay tuned. I think an announcement won't be far away.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Two Winners!

It's been a busy day. I've spent the day going over contest entries and have had a very difficult time making a decision - who will win the ASPCA gift pack in conjunction with their Adoption Event? The field was narrowed down to two entries but there can only be one winner.  Keep reading.  It will be announced at the end of this post. 

First we need to talk about this week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the annual event that dazzles dog lovers. Out of a field of seven really wonderful dogs, it was the Toy Group Winner, the little Affenpinscher, Banana Joe, who dazzled the judge. And so, Joe ends his career with the coveted Best in Show at Westminster and will go back to The Netherlands in happy retirement from the show ring.

For the very first time at Westminster, a Reserve Best In Show was chosen. The first dog to earn this honor is from the Herding Group, the Old English Sheepdog, Bugaboo's Picture Perfect.

Now, for the winner of the ASPCA's Meet Your Match gift pack.  It came down to a older Border Terrier who had been a Therapy Dog and a young Flatcoat Retriever whose owner wants to pay it forward if her dog wins by donating to the behavior fund at the American Kennel Club's Canine Health Foundation. Their sponsored research will benefit all dogs, mixed breed or purebred. It's thought that behavior issues are responsible for more dog deaths than any one disease. Why?  Because owners give up on their dogs and put them into shelters. Therapy Dog?  Behavior Research?  Equally important. Each dog their family's own personal Valentine so the families win no matter who gets the gift pack. What to do. What to do...  

Keeping dogs out of shelters, resolving behavior issues is very much in keeping with the Meet Your Match Shelter Adoption Theme of the contest even though neither dog was adopted. Therefore, the gift pack from the ASPCA goes to The Schejtman Family and their Flatcoat Retriever, Karma.

Thanks to everyone who entered and to the ASPCA for sponsoring this wonderful Valentine event to raise awareness about shelter adoptions and for their gift pack to our lucky winner!

"Meet Your Match" Pet for Valentine's Day

Everyone needs someone to love who will love them in return. For so many of us, love walks into our lives and straight into our hearts on four furry feet. For those of you who are thinking of added a companion to your life, The ASPCA has a neat new event just in time for Valentine's Day; a live-streamed Dating Show called, "Meet Your Match."  

Here's how it works:

Presenting some of the most eligible pets who want to find their forever homes, the event will begin at 6 p.m., February 12th, EST at http://www.ustream.tv/aspca and will feature an ASPCA behavior person who will serve as the "Relationship Expert" answering viewers' questions about their pets. Viewers can vote for their favorite most adoptable pet on ASPCA's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/aspca).

In conjunction with the live-stream Dating Show, there will be a live Twitter party. (Here's a link to tell you how to join a Twitter party in case you're not familiar with it: http://blog.aspca.org/content/how-heck-do-i-join-twitter-party) The hashtag for the Twitter Party will be: #PuppyLove which sums it up pretty nicely.  To add to the fun, the Twitter Party will feature quizzes about legendary animal/human couples.  The Twitter Party is intended to spread adoption awareness which is always a good thing.

The ASPCA is doing something extra nice for my readers for Valentine's Day in conjunction with this wonderful event; they will send one lucky winner a super Gift Pack consisting of:

A Pugs and Roses Tee from David & Goliath
A Valentine's Day Heart Collar
ASPCA Tote
ASPCA Orange T-Shirt
Walker's Shortbread Cookies
ASPCA Orange wristband
ASPCA Magnet

That's quite a windfall for any pet owner! To enter the contest, send me a message via my website: http://www.darlenearden.com and tell me why you want to win. I'll select a winner on February 13th so hurry and get your entries in!

If you want to add a pet to your life be sure you have the time to spend with your companion and that includes positive training and daily exercise. Also be sure that you can afford food, regular veterinary check-ups and put aside a little extra every week in a special account in case there's an emergency later on.  

Valentine's Day is a great time to think about sharing love and giving a shelter pet a new leash on life.

 Note:  I am not a paid spokesperson for the ASPCA. They are providing the gift pack to one winner. I am helping spread the word about this wonderful event in the hope that at least one shelter pet will get a forever home because someone somewhere was inspired by reading this.

Winter Safety for Pets

Winter has arrived in many places and with it there are some special concerns for pets. When the temperatures fall please remember that your pets are feeling cold, too. Do not leave them outside for extended periods. Please bring them indoors where it's warm and safe. Not only can pets get frostbite but there are other dangers lurking.

Alana snuggles in bed on a cold winter  day.
Photo copyright by her owner, Claire Clayton

Did you know that leaving your four-legged companion in your car on a cold day is just as dangerous as doing it on a hot day? Pets need to be where it's safe and warm.

Cats and small dogs will loose body heat rapidly.  Your little dog needs a warm sweater or coat, as does    any dog or cat who is either hairless or has a very little hair, such as the Greyhound, Whippet, Chinese Crested and from the cat family, the Sphynx, come readily to mind.

If you're walking your dog please remember that he is essentially walking barefoot. If the place where  you walk uses ice melt on the roads, be sure to wash off the pads of your dog's feet when you get home. If he licks his paws he can ingest the ice melt sticking to his paws. Both you and your dog can track it into the house which would also expose your cat to ice melt.  You can buy a non-poisonous ice melt to use on your own property but your town or city will not be using that product.  They will use a less expensive and it will be dangerous to pets.

Be very careful not to allow your pet to get into anti-Freeze. It is lethal if ingested. Unfortunately, it's very attractive to dogs since it smells and tastes sweet to them.

If you think that your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, get him to your veterinarian as fast as you can.

Be sure your pet gets his exercise while indoors. You can think up creative, fun and safe games to play. One of the best things you can do is clicker train your dogs and cats which will allow them to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. A small dog can play fetch down a hallway and get some real exercise.

With precautions and an eye toward safety, you and your pets can enjoy the winter.