Calla’s All Bets On KLAD earns title

Calla's All Bets On KLAD
Ch. Calla's All Bets On KLAD: Photo Kelly Ladouceur

Calla’s All Bets On KLAD who goes by the call name Jack Jack earned his championship in conformation last month at a Canadian Kennel Club sponsored event in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. The event was the Battle River Canine Association’s All-breed Conformation and Obedience Dog Show held March 25th-27th, 2011. Jack Jack advanced to Winners Dog and on to Best of Winners with handler Lori Gauvin.

Three-year-old Jack Jack is owned by Kelly Ladouceur and lives with his cocker companions Grace and Farley. He was bred by Jackie Forchuk and Donna Kjorsvik and has roots in Korea–both parents title winners as well. Kelly loves photographing her cocker spaniels and takes amazing pictures.

More cocker spaniels found in Salem Township

Cockapoos
Abandoned cockapoos: Photo Huron Valley Humane Society
Two more cocker spaniels were found in Salem Township, Michigan since last reported for a total of eleven dogs. Among the eleven are two buff cockapoos. Concerned citizens have located and brought the remaining abandoned cockers to the Huron Valley Humane Society. Three cockers have been adopted including one with special needs–a senior dog with blindness. “A women drove an hour and a half to adopt that dog, to give it a chance for a happy home” said Tanya Hilgendorf, executive director of the humane society. Hilgendorf also says adoption applications are pending on others. Hilgendorf is urging those who can no longer care for their pets to call for assistance before taking matters into their own hands: “if you are a loving pet owner and run into hard times, come talk to us.”

Cocker receives PAT Dog of the Year

Ms. Lafontaine with Muppet
Ms. Lafontaine with Muppet

An English cocker spaniel named Muppet has received the Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog of the Year. Nominations for Muppet poured in from Royal United Hospital’s children’s ward. Muppet and her owner Leisl De Lafontaine have been volunteering at the children’s ward for five years. They touched many hearts including that of a terminally ill girl named Emily who died later this year. Ms De Lafontaine said, “After she transferred to Bristol hospital I really got to see her come out of her shell. She loved Muppet dearly. Her parents even came to Crufts to see Muppet get her award, which was really lovely. Her dad sent me a text saying: ‘We are here and we are totally overwhelmed.'”

Pets As Therapy is national organization providing therapy dogs and cats to facilities such as hospice and special needs schools throughout the United Kingdom. The organization also conducts research in the advancement of pet therapy.

Purebred cockers found along road in Michigan

Motorists have been spotting purebred cocker spaniels along 5 Mile Road and Salem in Salem Township, Michigan since April 1st. Nine have been found so far ages 6-12 years old. The cockers vary in appearance; brown, black, buff, and brown partis. All but one appear to be female. According to veterinarian Carrie Allen, “All are in horribly neglectful states, with overgrown, badly matted feces-covered fur. It appears that they have been housed in small cages amidst their own waste.” She also said the females show signs of being heavily bred. Matt Schaecher of the Huron Valley Humane Society said, “The dogs were dumped and left to fend for themselves. It’s disturbing to see dogs discarded because someone decided they could no longer be used to make a profit.” He suspects the dogs were dumped by a breeder.

All dogs are described as sweet. Anyone interested in adoption can call (734) 662-5585. Some will require special needs. The Huron Valley Humane Society is offering a $500 dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible. You can call them anonymously at (734) 661-3551.

Ground turkey crossed off Hoshi’s list

It’s 5:30am and an hour ago I was washing up Hoshi because ground turkey gave him diarrhea. Luckily, he pottied outside and it was after I brought him in when the smell hit me. I didn’t give him much maybe less than half of his even meal as a treat. He does okay with ham so that will continue to be his treat.