4th Quarter Edition | Oct•Nov•Dec 2024
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Putting Our Best Paw Forward What MPBA is accomplishing with your support T FFA Speaking Contest T Working with FFA, 4H, and JAG kids T Scholarships T Dog Shows T Woof for Vets Program T Kennel Assistance Program
T Elite Kennel Program T Educational Classes T Kennel Inspection Program
T Public Events (Fairs, Expos, etc.) T Member of Missouri Farmers Care T And many other Programs each year!
We thank you for your Sponsorship and Support. You are the Dog-gone Best!
2024 SPONSORS
Elite Sponsor Avenue Veterinary Supply
Silver Sponsors ProMed Tuffy’s Pet Foods Brilliant Pad Airbound Pets Revival Animal Health Puppy Travelers Royal Canin Merck Bronze Sponsors Dreammaker Kennels Retriever’s Animal Supply Select Puppies Conrad’s Cuddly Canines
Platinum Sponsors Puppy Spot American Kennel Club Pet Xchange A to Z Vet Supply Gold Sponsors Lambert Vet Supply Shield Cleansers American Canine Association Pawrade
Thank you, Sponsors! You are PAWS-I-TIVELY the best!
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the Prez Sez
We’ve made it through another year, and are now looking forward to the beginning of 2025. Hopefully, this will be a better year for everybody. We would like to invite everybody out to the educational conference in March. It will be a great time to catch up with what’s new and going on in the pet industry. There have been lots of changes in the last few years but we’re starting to see things switch back in our favor. You will want to make sure that you attend the discussion with Mindy Patterson of the Calvary Group. We will also have Lauren E. Delaney, DMV, from the University of Missouri speaking. Check our website for updated speakers. We will see everybody in March!
Kevin Beauchamp, MPBA President
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Why Do Dogs Make Us Happier Humans?
I t’s been a long and stressful day. You get home and slowly make your way to the front door. Upon stepping over the threshold, you’re greeted by your most favorite furry friend and their wagging tail. They jump and run circles around you can you can’t help but smile, the tension of the day released. Does this sound familiar? One of the greatest benefits of having a dog is what it does for your mood. Aside from instances of accidents and the like, it’s been proven that dogs just make us happier humans. They’re often avid cuddlers. They offer some protection bringing comfort and ease to a household. They encourage health and fitness. And they’re an overall source of companionship and love (and who couldn’t use a little more of that in their lives?). But none of this is anything new. If you’re a new or long-time pet parent, you’ve felt most if not all
of these things: the excitement of greeting your dog after a long day, the welcomed exhaustion after spending hours playing or on a nice long walk, the pride you feel when telling others about the adventures you and your dog have been on, or even just the peace and calm you feel when watching TV or something with them close by. The reason we feel such happiness when it comes to our dogs is the link between pets and positive psychology. Whenever any of these instances occur, your brain is flooded with “happy hormones” including dopamine, serotonin, and other endorphins. The effect is similar to ones you experience when you’re around people you love (proving dogs are part of the family!), exercising, or partaking in other activities that make you happy.
suffering from depression or have just lost a loved one. As people are often lacking happy hormones in these situations, something as simple as petting a passing pup can help, even if it’s just for a moment. While mood and mindset can shift day-to-day, the one thing about being a pet parent is that your pup’s unconditional love for you will never falter. While you’re the one giving them food, toys, shelter, and anything they could possibly need, it’s you that receives the most benefits. Dogs make us happier humans and who couldn’t afford to be just a little happier? Article gathered from https:// www.brilliantpad.com/blogs/ news/why-dogs-make-us-happier- humans
This is the reason why dogs often make perfect companions for those
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MPBA is proud to have been a partner of Protect the Harvest for over four years. Their tremendous legislative work has been reflected in their many accomplishments in Jefferson City for Pet Breeders all across Missouri, and their efforts have reached beyond state borders. We commend Protect the Harvest for their hard work and are grateful for their years of help and support of the pet breeder industry. Thank you, Protect the Harvest. You have been Paws-i-tively the best. Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 4
AND
Pet Show
at the MPBA Educational Conference on March 8th Check in: 9 am Show: 11 am FREE TO ENTER! Open to the Public - All are welcome to enter!
5 Show Categories:
1. Best Trick 2. Most Unusual 3. Best Costumes
4. Owner/Pet Lookalike 5. Veterans Only Show
Prizes will be awarded to 1st Place Winners and one Runner Up for each group!
For more information, contact Leslie @ (417) 718-2869 or Kevin @ (417) 718-4182 Or, visit our website for more details @ www.mpbaonline.org
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At Merck Animal Health, we’re focused on innovation. It’s the lifeblood of our industry and the path to tomorrow’s breakthrough products. Guided by our customers, we aim to offer products that are more than just effective tools for the treatment and control of animal disease. And because our customers come first, we strive to develop products that help improve the health of animals overall, and that benefit their owners as well. www.merck-animal-health.com
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Want to boost your kennel’s rating? Looking to expand your outreach?
Become a member of MPBA’s Elite Kennel Program
For more information, or to fill out an application, scan this QR code with your phone’s camera, or visit www.mpbaonline. org/elite-kennels
O
Questions? Contact Sue Swanigan at (417) 399-9047 or email 4agfriends@gmail.com
Find the Elite Advantage The Elite Kennel Program hosts a Facebook page exclusively for MPBA members. Sell your puppies here!
Visit Facebook @ Missouri Pet Breeders Association Elite Pets Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 7
Helping Pets Overcome Stress When You Return to Work, School
While people talk about the safest ways to return to the workplace and school, protecting the well- being of pets should be part of the conversation too. “Many of us have been with our pets nearly all day, every day during the pandemic,” says Joseph Hahn, DVM, executive director, companion animal and equine professional services, Merck Animal Health. “But when we go back to the workplace or go to school and disappear for the day, the pets left behind can experience anxiety, fear, frustration and boredom.” With a little training and patience, you can help your furry family members ease into the new routine. When you return home at the end of the day, you’ll find a calm pet rather than a house full of couch stuffing, urine in your favorite shoes and a note from the neighbor complaining about the annoying noises coming from your house all day. Signs of anxiety For dogs, signs of anxiety include constant panting, irritability, increased barking, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, destruction of objects in the home,
and urinating or defecating in the house.
patience, you’ll see good results.”
#2: Give your pets something to see (and hear) Make sure your pets have access to spaces where they can see the street, people or other animals. Bird watching, for example, is fascinating for people and animals too. Or, if you typically leave the TV or music playing, keep them on while you’re away. #3: Stimulate your pet’s brain When you leave the house, make sure to place toys around the house that stimulate your pet’s brain. Puzzle toys filled with food are great options for dogs, along with toys that dispense treats when your dog rolls and scoots them a certain way. For cats, add a few scratching posts and comfy window perches. Place a bird feeder in clear view of your cat’s post. You can also place cardboard boxes in different rooms to allow your kitty to explore the space. #4: Avoid scolding “Avoid scolding or punishing your pet if you come home and find an unwanted surprise,” says Dr. Hahn.
“Cats can show some of the same signs, in addition to increased hunting behavior, isolation, excessive vocalization (crying, moaning, meowing) and excessive self-grooming,” says Dr. Hahn. To support pet owners and pet health, our companion animal health experts and staff veterinarians have created a list of things you can do to smooth the transition back to the office or to school. #1: Practice leaving Walk through everything you would normally do before leaving the house. Put on your shoes, have coffee, grab your keys, and head for the door. Go out but only for a few minutes. Come back in and resume your day in the house. Repeat this process for a few days in a row but leave the house a little longer each time, building up to an hour, then two, then four. “It’s important to repeat the routine for a few consecutive days and to be consistent,” says Dr. Hahn. “With
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#6: Use tech to connect While you are away from home, the right technology can help you feel more connected to your dog or cat and make it easier to spot and respond to changes in their behavior. Our Sure Petcare products allow you to monitor your pet’s behavior throughout the day, including eating, drinking, sleeping and exercise patterns. Easy-to-use apps interpret and report the data on your mobile device, empowering you to care for your pet in new ways. #7: Keep your pet healthy To help your pet live a great life, don’t forget your pet’s annual health visit. Your veterinarian can check
“Your pet doesn’t destroy things because he or she is bad. They’re probably scared or bored and may be anxious because their owner is away.” Instead of disciplining your pet for bad behavior, take note of when your pet is well-behaved and calm, and reward that behavior with a treat, a cuddle or verbal praise. #5: Respect your pet’s routine Think about your pet’s eating and playing routine when you are at home. Try to keep that routine as much as possible when you are away. This may require you to recruit a neighbor, a pet sitter or pet daycare to help.
for signs of pain or illness that your pet may be experiencing and keep your pet up to date on vaccinations and other preventive medications. “Our pets bring so much to our lives – comfort, companionship, joy and even better health for their human companions,” says Dr. Hahn. “We’ll miss them when we return to work and school, but by following the steps above, we may be able to ease them into this new routine without anxiety or fear.” Article gathered from https://www. merck-animal-health.com/helping- pets-overcome-stress-when-you- return-to-work-school/
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Fondly Remembers
Jerry Melville Beauchamp, son of Joshua Melville and Geraldine Spreeman Beauchamp, was born January 18, 1947, in Michigan and departed this life, October 23, 2024, at his home in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-seven years. On February 3, 1965, Jerry was united in marriage with his forever love, Linda Deckard. For the
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, floating the river and camping. When his boys were young, he coached Little League. He also played softball and bowled for many years. However, nothing compared to the time spent and laughter shared with friends and family. He deeply treasured those moments. Jerry is survived by his wife, Linda; two sons, Kevin Beauchamp and Brian Beauchamp and his wife Terry, all of Lebanon, MO; three sisters, Jean Mollison and her husband Mike of St. Peters, MO, Joan Schelechta of Gonzales, TX and Judy McGee and her husband, Bill of St. Charles, MO; one grandson, Brandon Wilson and his wife Bridget; three great-grandchildren, Augustus, Magnus and Lucas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Faye Robertson and her husband Ronnie of Conway, MO, Doris Reynolds and her husband Danny of Conway, MO, Dean Deckard and his wife Charlene of Lebanon, MO and Joann West of Independence, MO; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. Those preceding him in death include his parents, Joshua and Geraldine Beauchamp; father-in-law and mother- in-law, Alford and Ruth Deckard; brothers-in-law, Dale Deckard, Bobby Massey and Jim Schelechta; sister-in- law, Joyce Massey; nephews, Randy Robertson and Jimmy Schelechta and niece, LaRee Deckard. Jerry meant so much to us. Our lives were better because of him. He will be forever missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
next fifty-nine years, Jerry and Linda weathered life’s storms and celebrated life’s victories side by side. To this union was born two sons, Kevin and Brian, both surviving. Jerry worked hard to provide for his family. He, alongside his son, Brian owned and operated Beauchamp’s Custom Flooring. His clients respected him for his attention to detail and expertise. Jerry retired from the flooring business in 2020. When he wasn’t working, Jerry enjoyed being outdoors.
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John Mark Gastler entered his heavenly home on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was 65 years old. John was born on May 16, 1959, in Wellsville, MO. He graduated from Wellsville-
mill was sold again, this time to Cargill Pork and John became production supervisor. Then in October 2015, the mill sold once again to JBS Live Pork and John remained the production supervisor until his retirement on November 15, 2018, after 40 years in the same building. John then worked at home raising purebred puppies with his wife, Joy. Besides the puppies mentioned previously, John’s hobbies included construction projects around the home place, watching James Bond movies, watching old westerns on TV, and listening to all genres of music, especially Country Western. He enjoyed cooking and baking. John was active in Timberlake Christian Church. John is survived by his wife, Joy, at their home; sister Beverly (Bill) Casey of Ashland, MO; brother, Gary (Jackie) Gastler of Moscow Mills, MO; sister-in-law, Shirley Gastler of High Ridge, MO; sister-in-law, Darla Gastler of Mexico, MO; brother, Kent (Pam) Gastler of Montgomery City, MO; sister, Melanie Gastler of Columbia, MO, and significant other Armondo Ponce of Millersburg, MO; sister, Tiffany (Johnny) Peery of Mexico, MO; uncle, Clarence Gastler of Wellsville, MO; aunt-in- law, Jane Davis of St. Clair, MO; nieces, nephews, great- nieces, great nephews; and numerous cousins. John was preceded in death by two brothers, Gale Gastler and Carl Gastler; his mother, Ida (Hays) Gastler; and his father, Melvin Gastler.
Middletown R-1 High School in 1977 where he played basketball. He married Joy Darby on January 16, 1987, at which time he gained a stepdaughter, Robynn (Scott) Tinker, Gavyn (Jess), and Grayden. He has a son, Nathan (Lynette) Dziadosz, John and Carla; and an adopted son, Jason Gastler. John started working for Farmland Feed Mill in Centralia, MO, on November 13, 1978, as a bagger and then worked almost every job until he became plant superintendent. Farmland became Farmland-Land O’Lakes in 1999. In 2000, the mill was sold to MFA and John remained the plant superintendent. In July 2010, the
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Cold Weather Pet Safety: Cats and Dogs in Winter By Marty Greer, DVM | November 10, 2023
How can I protect my pet in the winter? As we get into the heart of winter, sometimes it’s good to remind ourselves of some of the problems our
pets face during the cold winter months. Some dogs and cats
need minimal care, while others don’t fare well at all. Cold weather pet safety means taking some preventive measures to make winter easier for both you and your pets! Here are some cold weather pet tips: Why is My Dog Shedding in Winter For pets that spend more time inside during the winter, the indoor heat can take its toll on their skin and coat. It causes moisture loss and dry skin, resulting in uncomfortable itching. Their winter coat becomes too much for them, and they start shedding to get comfortable again – the reason why many people feel their pet has been shedding all winter. Coat strippers help remove the dead hair coat without damaging the remaining coat. They’re excellent for double-coated dogs with winter coats that want to mat. A dematting
comb will remove dead hair mats with little pulling of the skin. The result is a fluffed-up coat that keeps your dog warm outside and breathes on the inside, which helps your pet feel more comfortable in all temperatures. Once the dead hair is removed, bathing helps clean the skin and replace the lost oils and moisture. Many people forget that some dogs are itchy just from the winter grime of everyday living, so bathing is important for healthy breathing skin. Shampoos such as Fresh’n Clean help replace winter moisture loss while cleaning the winter grime from the skin and coat. Be sure to dilute the shampoo according to label directions. Carefully rinse out all the shampoo to remove any residue.
Bathe and rinse your dog with lukewarm, not hot water. Avoid using human shampoos. You know your dog’s coat: if you feel you have an extra dry coat, use a cream rinse such as Fresh ‘N Clean Crème Rinse every two weeks to rejuvenate the coat. Cream rinses help the coat repel moisture and ice, so they’re great for dogs that spend time outside. They’re most helpful when used in the cold of winter and in the hot summer sun. After a great cleansing bath, use a high speed blower to remove the loosened dead coat. Doing this will significantly reduce shedding and the vacuuming you need to do. If you don’t own a high speed blower,
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some dog facilities and car washes (yes, really between the car wash bays) have these available to use for a small fee. Nail Care for Dogs Rough ground and surfaces help wear down your pet’s nails naturally, so it’s easy to rely on nature to trim your pet’s nails during the summer. However, nail trimming is often forgotten during the winter, which results in long nails that tend to break or crack, causing pain. Foot restraint is a submissive problem for pets, and many are uncomfortable with it. Before you trim for the first time, rub and massage your pet’s feet when he is relaxed. This will help him realize that it’s okay to let you restrain his feet. Start slow until you and your pet are comfortable. The Oster® Gentle Paws™ Nail Trimmer is perfect for the novice nail trimmer – it’s essentially a powered emery board. It won’t let the nail get too short, and dogs like the sanding effect, which won’t twist the nail like clipping sometimes does. Before touching the nail, rub the leg and paw with the trimmer running so they get used to the quiet sound. Once they calm down, you can trim one nail at a time while speaking softly – they should respond in kind. Distracting your pet with food treats while doing nail care can also help them accept this process. Ear Care for Dogs and Cats Cold weather can affect dogs ears. Ears build up more waxy material in the winter because the skin is trying to replace the lost oils. Clean the ear canal at least twice a month to avoid issues. Check the ear canal and put a small amount of Vet Basics® Ear Cleanser, in the ear, rub gently, then wipe with a soft tissue or cotton ball. If the ear is infected or irritated, clean the ear several times, then daily until
resolved. Most ear infections can be cured with daily cleaning if they are caught early. Skin and Coat Care for Dogs Some dogs also need inside- out support for skin and coat care. Fatty acid
supplements such as Doc Roy’s®Derma
increase the joint fluid, easing fatigue and trauma. The result is a pad and joint system that will give to the concussion trauma of running. Pain- free running will help your dog place his feet correctly, which decreases the wear on the joints. Winter Pet Safety These problems could happen to anyone. Preventing winter issues on the outside and the inside can make winter easier for you and your pets. Following these cold weather pet tips can keep your pet healthy and feeling good all winter long. If you have more questions on how to keep pets safe in cold weather or protecting dog paws in winter, call us at 800.786.4751. Article originally written by Donald Bramlage, DVM, Revival’s Former Director of Veterinary Services. This article has been updated/reviewed by Dr. Greer.
Coat Plus are helpful for preventing cracking and replacing the oils of the skin from the inside out. Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory effects that help with joint and pad trauma, while Omega 6 will keep the tissue soft and the pad pliable. Both keep trauma, ulcer and deep pad cracks in check. What Can I Do For My Dogs Paws in The Winter The footpad is actually a huge, thick callus that heals quickly with care. Salt and snow melts dry out the pad, causing cracking and licking. When caring for dog paws in winter, be sure to wash winter ice melt off your dog’s feet and apply a moisturizer. If repair is needed, use Pad-Tough or Musher’s Secret to moisturize and heal the damage. House dogs usually need boots or socks to prevent excessive licking and chewing of the pad. Children’s socks work, but they can be difficult to manage on hardwood floors. Dogs Feet Cold Weather Dog feet problems are common in winter and surprisingly, most are arthritis-driven. Sore joints will cause limping and poor foot placement, which increases trauma to a pad. Oral glucosamine and chondroitin, such as Doc Roy’s® Aches Away, will
Article gathered from https://www. revivalanimal.com/learning-center/ cold-weather-pet-safety-cats-and- dogs-in-winter
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for instance, temperatures of minus-60 degrees are common. The Samoyede people lived in tents and huddled for warmth with their dog packs during the Arctic nights. This type of human-canine cooperation for mutual survival forged a tight bond between Samoyeds and people. When not sledging heavy loads across vast expanses of Siberia, Samoyed dogs earned their feed as watchdogs and hunters. The Samoyede depended on reindeer as a vital source of food, fur, and leather. At first, they used their dogs to hunt reindeer. But in time Samoyede culture shifted from hunting reindeer to herding them. The bold white hunting dogs and haulers found a new role as stock dogs, moving and protecting the herds. In the late 18th century, Arctic adventurers returning to England introduced the Samoyed to British Meet the breeds! This section is dedicated to those animals we love. Look for different breeds in each magazine. Information taken from www.akc.org. For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/ dog-breeds
The Samoyed is a substantial but graceful dog standing anywhere from 19 to a bit over 23 inches at the shoulder. Powerful, tireless, with a thick all-white coat impervious to cold, Sammies are perfectly beautiful but highly functional. Even their most delightful feature, a perpetual smile, has a practical function: The upturned corners of the mouth keep Sammies from drooling, preventing icicles from forming on the face. A Sammy sentenced to solitary confinement in the yard is a miserable and destructive creature. These are smart, social, mischievous dogs who demand love and attention. Sammies need structure in training. Teach them what’s expected of them early, and practice it with them often. Samoyeds, the smiling sled dogs, were bred for hard work in the world’s coldest locales. In the Siberian town of Oymyakon, for instance, temperatures of minus-60 degrees are common. The Sammy’s famous white coat is thick enough to protect against such brutal conditions. Powerful, agile, tireless, impervious to cold, Sammies are drop-dead gorgeous but highly functional. Even their most delightful feature, a perpetual smile, has a practical function: The mouth’s upturned corners keep Sammies from drooling, preventing icicles from forming on the face. The name Samoyed comes from the Samoyede, a semi- nomadic people from Asia who migrated to Siberia a thousand years ago. They bred dogs for hard work in the coldest habitable places on earth. In the Siberian town of Oymyakon,
dog lovers of refined tastes. Queen Alexandria was an admirer who did much to promote the breed as a companion and show dog. In America, a sparkling white dog named Moustan of Argenteau made history in 1906 as the first of the breed (then known as the Samoyede) registered by the AKC. American and European mushers of the early 20th century knew the Samoyed as an enthusiastic hauler of supplies, capable of sledging one and a half times their own weight. Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen are a few of the era’s famous explorers who rode behind Sams through uncharted frozen wastelands. Did you know? The Samoyed has been used for generations as a constant companion dog and guard for reindeer. Queen Alexandra was in ardent Samoyed fancier, and descendants of her dogs appear in many English and American kennels today. Samoyeds accompanied Roald Amundsen in his successful landmark reach of the South Pole in 1911. The Arctic suns and snows have bleached the harsh stand- off coat and tipped the hairs with an icy sheen. Named for the Samoyed people, primitives of the family of sayantsi, described as a race in the “transition stages between the Mongol pure and the Finn.” The Samoyeds comprised a nomadic tribe that traveled from Iran to the vast stretches of tundra reaching from the White Sea to the Yenisei River.
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Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 20
One Rottweiler’s Mission to Lift Human Spirits By Mara Bovsun
Loki Dogtor the Rottweiler. Courtesy Caroline Benzel
F or Dogtor Loki, comforting people comes naturally. Whenever she sees someone who needs emotional TLC, she goes into “parking mode.” “She’ll walk up and then kind of back herself, like a truck, and sit on your feet and give her back to you,” says Caroline Benzel, 32, a student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, in Baltimore. Loki started her therapy career in November 2019. When the virus shut down in-person therapy visits, the team went virtual. Benzel videoed her dog in a pleasant outdoor setting and then chatted with patients confined to the hospital, such as those awaiting organ transplants. Virtual visits with Loki helped them cope with the isolation and despair. As the pandemic spread, Benzel looked for other ways to help. Her pet’s web presence, which was rapidly growing, offered a perfect way to reach people. It now includes more than 20,000 followers for her Dogtor Loki Therapy Rottie (@dogtor.loki) Instagram account and her Loki the Therapy Rottweiler Facebook page.
Benzel wondered if she could do something to combat the fatigue and depression among her nurse friends. She came up with “Hero Healing Kits” as a shot in the arm for frontline workers. The kits had lip balm, skin lotion, chewing gum, and other items to ease the discomfort of the ever- present masks. They were distributed to everyone, from custodians to residents, anyone who was potentially exposed to the virus.
followed. One brought in $5,000 to buy magazines and books for the hospital’s psychiatric unit. There were also donations of hundreds of cards and gifts to distribute to patients and staff during the holidays. It’s all thanks to Loki. Something about the 110-pound Rottie encourages people to open their purses. “She just really is the epitome of a therapy dog,” says Benzel. A significant part of her charm, Benzel believes, is her breed. Courtesy Caroline Benzel
White Coats and Watermelon Caps This comes as a surprise to many people. They can’t reconcile the public perception of the
breed with the gentle, sensitive soul sitting at their feet and gazing into their faces. When people first meet Loki, some ask if she is the same kind of dog as the hellhounds in The Omen. Others say they thought there were breed restrictions for therapy work, and
Of course, there was a picture of Loki on each kit to boost spirits. The idea grew into a nationwide campaign that raised more than $100,000 and distributed more than 7,500 kits nationally. More fundraising efforts
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Rotties were banned.
into her home. That same week, she learned she had been accepted to medical school. A Pup’s Purpose Benzel took the puppy on her visits to her grandfather, who was confined to a hospital for more than a month. She was impressed by how much therapy dogs helped him, even if their visit was just five minutes. Her grandfather loved Loki right away. He called her his little baked potato. The experience convinced Benzel to train her puppy for therapy work. Benzel’s next 18 months were devastating. She lost people she loved—her grandfather, brother, and a close friend. Loki kept her steady through those sad, stressful days. “She really was a big reason, probably, honestly, one of the only reasons that I ended up staying in medical school,” she says.
possible each week. Loki “was pretty incredible from day one,” Benzel recalls. A natural at comforting, she’s been known to crawl up onto a bed for a cuddle. The team sailed through training and was soon lifting spirits in the hospital. Since then, they have earned a slew of accolades, including the 2020 AKC Paw of Courage and the AMC (Animal Medical Center) Top Dog. Benzel saw the power of her therapy dog on their first working Christmas. They were called into the room of a teenage girl who had suffered a brain injury in a car accident. She was deeply depressed, refusing to do physical therapy or even get out of bed. Then Loki padded into the room. When a nurse asked the patient if she wanted to hold the leash and take the dog for a walk, she gave an enthusiastic yes.
Just a few moments of Loki are all it takes to change minds. Custom-made uniforms go a long way to making this big black dog appear not just approachable but comical. “The hospital was always happy to provide scrubs for her,” Benzel says. It’s hard to be too alarmed when the dog is wearing a watermelon-print scrub cap, pink scrubs, glasses, and, sometimes, a rainbow tutu. She also has a UM volunteer badge. “People who are normally scared of dogs will start laughing,” Benzel says. The uniforms also serve a serious purpose, especially with children who have white-coat phobia (a fear of medical personnel) or are terrified of equipment, like an ultrasound. “We bring Loki in, and they do the ultrasound on her,” says Benzel. Seeing the procedure done on a cute dog eases their fears. “It shows them that it’s perfectly fine.”
Courtesy Caroline Benzel
As Loki and Benzel were leaving, the girl’s mother ran after them. “She just started hugging me and crying, saying her daughter hadn’t smiled since the accident.” After that day, the girl started to improve and was
No Joke Benzel had lived with big dogs,
including German Shepherd Dogs and Rottweilers, for most of her life. When she applied to medical school, she had recently lost a dog to cancer, and thought of getting a new Rottweiler. She loves the breed for its calm confidence and ability to learn and adapt to all kinds of circumstances. Their size is also a big attraction. “They’re so cuddly. It’s like having an enormous teddy bear,” she says. As she waited to learn whether she had gotten into the school of her choice, friends involved in animal rescue called her. They said they had picked up two homeless Rottweiler puppies, a male and female. As a joke, Benzel said that if they ever wanted to give one away, they should let her know. The very next day, she welcomed the female puppy
soon ready to go home.
Raising a Comforter Between classes and studying,
Article gathered from https://www. akc.org/expert-advice/family-dog/ on-call-one-rottweilers-mission-to-lift- human-spirits/
Benzel made sure her puppy got the training needed to reach her goal—a bombproof partner who could deal with sights, sounds, and movements in all kinds of environments. Service dog socialization checklists were a critical part of Loki’s education. Benzel found them online, printed them out, and tried to get through as many items as
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invites you to attend our Annual Educational Conference March 7 — 8, 2025 Cowan Civic Center • Lebanon, Missouri
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Photos By Diane Lewis Photography for AKC/©AKC
Missing Pet? Call Bravo the Rat Terrier, a Trained Pet Detective By Penny Leigh | Updated: Feb 17, 2023
T wo days until Christmas and Chandler Ray could not wait to get home. A heavy rain did not deter the 23-year-old as he left his girlfriend’s place in Raleigh, North Carolina, to make the two-hour trip to see his family. His drive had barely started when his vehicle hydroplaned on the wet road, flipped, and struck a tree. The crash totaled his car and critically injured Ray. As paramedics airlifted him to the hospital, they had no idea that a passenger was left behind. Ray’s beloved Newfoundland, Rufus, had been riding in his favorite spot in the back seat and vanished from the crash scene. “I rushed to Raleigh and frantically searched for Rufus while knowing I had to get to WakeMed to be with my son,” says his mother, Kathy Ray, of Washington, North Carolina. It seemed impossible that there was
no sign of a 150-pound black shaggy dog. Ray suffered a spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis from the waist down. When he regained consciousness, it was not his condition that concerned him. “My son came to and learned that we had not found Rufus, and it wasn’t
losing his legs that made him say he didn’t want to live … it was losing Rufus,” Ray’s mother says. But then, a tiny glimmer of hope: Someone mentioned that they had seen a social media post about a Raleigh woman whose dog could find missing pets. Finding Rufus On Christmas Eve, Balynda Brown was driving to visit her mother for the holidays when her phone rang. “I turned the car around. I had to go help,” she says. Just a month earlier, she and her Rat Terrier, Bravo, completed their studies in the Missing Animal Response Network (MARN), a program to train dogs to track missing pets. Hunting for Rufus would be their first real case. “When I pulled up to the wreck site, I had no idea how anyone could have survived this. It looked like an airplane crash,” Brown says. “Everywhere you
The bedside reunion of Chandler Ray and his beloved Rufus
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looked there were clothes, presents, wrapping paper, even up in the trees. I thought we were looking for a deceased dog.” As soon as Bravo scented the wrecked vehicle, he went into work mode. “Bravo went straight to the highway and started tracking down it, then crossed eight lanes of traffic to get across the highway, and that is where we eventually had our first sightings of Rufus,” Brown says. “Dogs lost in unfamiliar places almost always work their way back to the last place they saw their owner, and Rufus was trying to work his way back to the wreck site.” Concentrating in the area that Bravo indicated, Brown, Ray’s girlfriend, Elizabeth Speidel, and a team of friends and volunteers searched day and night and caught glimpses of the Newfie. Brown coached them in calming signals because lost dogs are often so traumatized that they will stay away even from familiar people. Signals can include singing to your pet and sitting on the ground while pretending to eat treats. “In the end, Elizabeth said she could hear Rufus circling her, then his circle getting smaller, and then bam! He pounced on her,” Brown says. Rufus was taken to an emergency veterinary office where he was found to be unharmed, other than some bruising, and was reunited with Ray in the hospital.
in late 2019. Since then, Brown and her terrier have helped more than 300 pets return home. But Bravo did not start life as a great search-dog candidate. Brown, who has been showing dogs since she was 6, bred his litter and liked the puppies so much that she kept two—Bravo and his brother, Buddha. She hoped to earn Bravo’s conformation championship and compete in dock diving and other sports. But Brown reevaluated his future after experiencing a change in his personality as a young adult. The littermates were best buddies until they turned 3 years old and started having squabbles. Short skirmishes escalated until the two had serious fights, usually with Bravo on the losing end. Bravo became more fearful and reactive not only of the dogs in his household, but all dogs and even people, Brown recalls. “I started walking Bravo by himself, but when he would see a person or a dog coming from a different direction, even in the distance, he would bark like a maniac. He would even bite me. There was no one home when that happened,” she says. “I was afraid, and I did a lot of crying, trying to figure out what to do with him. I thought I might have to put him down. I could not place him, as I could not trust him with dogs, adults, or kids.” Looking for Work Brown did not want to give up on Bravo and struggled for a solution. “Our relationship was hampered and needed something to mend it,” she says. “I did not trust him. I always heard that dogs need a job, and I thought maybe that’s what Bravo needed.” She spotted a news story about a couple who hired a pet detective to find their missing Labrador Retriever. “I thought, ‘What is that?’ It was intriguing to me. I began researching and discovered Missing Animal
Response Network.” Former police officer Kat Albrecht- Thiessen created MARN 25 years ago after her mantrailing Bloodhound dug out of her fenced yard and disappeared. She asked a friend with a Golden Retriever, trained to track people, to help. “We knew that her dog understood smell the pillowcase, find the missing person, but we didn’t know if she would understand, smell the stinky Bloodhound blanket and find the stinky dog! But she did! The Golden tracked down my Bloodhound in 20 minutes, and my life was changed forever. Since then, I’ve trained hundreds of people and many search dogs to find lost pets.” Brown enrolled Bravo in a 10-week MARN course. She only wanted to help Bravo; she had no intention of tracking pets in the future. When the application asked if he liked other dogs and people, she fibbed, “Yes.” Students submit their homework via video for instructors to review. The training involves teaching a dog to follow a scent trail. A scent article might be a dog’s brush, bed, or leash— anything that smells like the missing pet. Then students enlist the help of friends who hide their pets for practice. “From the very first class, I noticed a difference in Bravo. He seemed to
Losing the Fear The Rufus case was Bravo’s first job
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stop looking for trouble and no longer got into fights at home. When he was working a trail, he seemed oblivious to everything around him and could easily pass by dogs and people.” The instructors noticed something too—Bravo had a real talent for tracking. Brown received high marks on her homework with the exception of one critical requirement: Search dogs must love other dogs and be excited to find and meet them.
just started crying and told them that I had lied.” Instead of expelling her, the instructors encouraged Brown to stay in the program. They saw tremendous potential in the team. “We normally don’t accept reactive dogs into the program, but thankfully, Bravo was an exception. He proved to us that some reactive dogs are able to overcome their reactivity through continual training and exposure to people and other dogs,” Albrecht- Thiessen says. “I believe his excelling in this work was primarily a result of Balynda’s dedication to training him and to learning everything that she could learn about scent-discrimination trailing, lost-pet recovery work, and how to read her dog.” Full-Time Pet Detectives After another year of training, Bravo and Brown started their career with the case of the missing Newfoundland. With only social media posts and word-of-mouth, they soon had so many
cases that Brown quit her full-time job as a gymnastics coach and opened Bravo K911. They often work every day of the week. Their success stories have included finding cats and other animals as well as dogs. While Bravo’s amazing nose is a big part of the team’s success, Brown plays a key role in helping owners develop an action plan, which includes designing and placing signs, canvasing neighborhoods, setting up feeding stations and cameras, and more. “This gave Bravo and me a new start, and this job saved Bravo’s life and, in turn, he has saved so many lives,” Brown says.
“At the end of a hide, I would just stop 15 feet from the dog and throw a ball the other way as his reward. Finally, at the end of the last class, I had to tell them that I was not continuing. I
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American Canine Treasures: Dog Breeds From the United States
By Lucy Hughes | Reviewed by: Pawrade Team
A merica is a land of apple pie, baseball, and patriotic celebrations, a melting pot of cultures that make up the mosaic of a diverse nation. But did you know America also is home to several dog breeds that originated in our country? Each year, Americans celebrate National Dog Day on August 26. It’s a great day for people all across the country to reflect on how puppies bring us joy every day as we bond with our dogs and share a mutual affection. While not an exhaustive list of all dog breeds originating in the United States, we’ll give a sampling of the wide range of American dog breeds that contribute to our unique heritage as a nation. You’ve heard of some of them for sure, but others you may not have known even existed. Whether bred to be hard-working dogs or primarily as canine companions, learn more about
authentic American dog breeds that light up our lives around the nation on National Dog Day. American Dog Breeds Native to the United States Americans enjoy all sorts of dog breeds, designer crossbreeds, and what we affectionately call mutts. Check out these native dog breeds exclusive to the United States.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that hails from Maryland and is said to be created from two shipwrecked Newfoundlands mixed with various Coonhounds. Fondly referred to as the Chessie, this breed has a unique set of skills that make it exceptional in the hunting world. Designed to retrieve game on both land and water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was the first retriever breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club and enjoys its status as the official mascot of the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the state dog of Maryland. While not as widely known as some of its retriever counterparts, this breed has a lot to offer as a family and field companion. With its strong and loyal personality, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great addition to any household seeking a devoted, trusty companion.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
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chances to address their high-energy needs.
Chinook Did you know there’s a sled dog that originated not from the harsh climate of the Arctic, but from Wonalancet, New Hampshire? The East Coast has its very own dog breed that thrives in cold, harsh weather conditions and still loves to play through it all. With its lively personality, it’s no wonder it was named the official state dog of New Hampshire in 2009 thanks to a group of lobbying 7th graders from Lurgio Middle School. The people have spoken! However, the Chinook is extremely rare, as it’s estimated that just over 800 exist.
Boston Terrier You’ll definitely recognize Boston Terriers and are correct to assume they originated in this large Massachusetts city. Nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” Boston Terriers are recognizable by their short snouts, round heads, large eyes, and tuxedo- like coats. They became popular during the Art Deco movement in the early 20th century because their appearance matched the preferred aesthetics at the time. Boston Terrier puppies for sale are fantastic all-around dogs that are versatile in a variety of living situations. They’re perfect for apartment living and are among one of the top family- friendly dog breeds for children with families due to their lively personalities, small size, and gentle nature.
Carolina Dog You may not have heard of a
Carolina Dog even if you live in the Carolinas because it was discovered running freely in the 1970s. Given the name “the American Dingo,” it has not had much time to be domesticated as other breeds have been for thousands of years, so these dogs are typically stand-offish around people and pets. Carolina Dogs fastidiously keep themselves clean like cats. These thin, medium-sized dogs can still be found around the Georgia-South Carolina border and as far-reaching as Ohio and Pennsylvania. They’re sadly often mistaken for coyotes, jackals, and wolves. If you own a Carolina Dog, you know they make excellent watchdogs and love their pack family fiercely.
Boykin Spaniel Boykin Spaniels hold the title of the official state dog of South Carolina. Whit Boykin wanted to design a medium-sized retriever that would fit in boats used during waterfowl hunting in the swamps, rivers, and lakes of South Carolina. He crossbred Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and American Water Spaniels to create this lively hard-working breed. Sporting curly coats in chestnut, chocolate, or liver hues, Boykin Spaniel puppies for sale are cherished family pets due to their perfect house dog size, affection for children, boundless play, and retrieval energy.
Mountain Cur Even though you are pretty sure you’ve never heard of Mountain Cur puppies for sale by name, you will definitely recognize the American classic tear-jerker of a story of a famous Mountain Cur named Old Yeller. Originally hailing from the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Tennesee, Mountain Curs were an integral part of pioneer life, protecting homesteaders from danger and helping to bring in wild game for food. These dogs are extremely smart and require a family that will give them plenty of
Alaskan Klee Kai Not many of us may have seen
Alaskan Klee Kai puppies for sale in person, but you will recognize their Husky, American Eskimo Dog, and Alaskan Malamute heritage when you look at one. A rare breed with only just over 700 in the world, Alaskan Klee Kais are relatively new, appearing
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