THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Hi everyone,

Hope you are staying safe and doing well.

Although we won't have our puppy picnic on a bigger scaqwle as we have in the past. We have set a date for the next fun day. It will be held on March 28th, at the home of the Whitmire's, me😊 There will not be health clinics this year but do have information to share of one the weekend before. We will however have CGC testing and beginner trick dog test. Kay Trad has also generously offered to help with training for trick dog. Looking forward to learning more about this fun event. We will have pot luck lunch and time to relax, visit and enjoy our puppies. The event will be at the house this year instead of the field of dreams. But will all be outside where we can social distance. Hope everyone will be able to attend. A formal invite will be sent out closer to the date.

The clinic I mentioned above is on March 20th. The contract person for appointments is Beth Hart 770-571-3508. If you are interested in attending the clinic please give her a call. They will be sending a flyer with more specific information which will be emailed to our members.

The plans for our 2021 Specialty are in progress and the dates are August 28-29th. Put the date on your calendar and hope you will be able to attend.

Let's make the most of the activities we can have and go forward with 2021 being a better year.

Thank you,

Linda Whitmire

EDITOR'S MESSAGE

I would like to thank all who have provided information to be placed in the newsletter. The only way we are able to have the newsletter we all desire is through sharing. Please keep your brags, photos, and club related information coming. Please feel free to share any suggestions you might have with me at Fitchpatrick@Earthlink.net

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING

The 2021 Nominating Committee has been formed. The committee is Mark Fitchpatrick, chair, Alice Alford, Hollis Land, and Jim Utych.

At this time, anyone who would like to be on the board should notify any member of the committee to let them know of that desire.

UPCOMMING MEETINGS

There will be both a board meeting and a regular meeting on March 10. The board meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and the regular meeting will begin at 7:30. These meetings will be held via Zoom. Instructions for joining the Zoom meetings will be sent to you via email prior to the meetings. Our Puppy Party will be at 1:00 on March 28 at the home of Linda Whitmire. The Evite invitation has been sent to you through email. Please be sure to RSVP to the Evite invitation.

PUPPPY PARTY

The Puppy Party will be held at the home of Linda Whitmire on Sunday, Mark 28 from 1:00 to 5:00 at 2784 Bonds Lake Road, NW, Conyers, GA 30012. Linda's phone number is 770-929-0234. An Evite has been sent to all club members. The puppy party will be a time for us to be together, enjoy good fellowship, enjoy good food, and enjoy our dogs. Alice Alford will be testing for CGC and Trick Dog titles. Be sure to RSVP to the Evite.

CGC AND TRICK DOG FOR CGC TITLES

CGC and Trick Dog At the puppy picnic

Alice Alford plans to continue to evaluate for CGC titles. She also plans to evaluate for the new title Trick Dog. Alici will only do Novice this first year as she has been studying the evaluator's guide and doesn't feel confident to go any further yet. Trick Dog Novice will give you the title "TKN". If you already have a registered CGC title at AKC you will only have to do 5 tricks. If you do not have a CGC title you need to do 10 tricks. However, you can mail both applications in the same envelope to AKC.

2021 SPECIALTY

Our next Specialty shows will be held at the same location on August 28 and 29, 2021 in conjunction with the Cherokee Rose cluster shows at the Atlanta Expo Center South.

Our judges will be Cesar Cortes (Londoncor UK) and Marilyn Mayfield (Mayfield US).

Our Sweeps judge for Puppy and Veterans will be Pat Mixon (Tudorose US).

Marilyn Mayfield will also be judging Junior Showmanship and Beginner Puppy competition on Sunday.

Make plans to join us in August 2021!

Our host hotel will once again be the Drury Inn and the booking line for special rates can be found on our website: www.ckcscatlanta.org.

On Saturday evening the club will have a social at the host hotel with beverages, roast pork & beef, buns, ice, plates, utensils, etc. We ask members to bring a side to share! Come and just relax after the show and enjoy a bite to eat and socialize with friends we have not seen in a long time due to the pandemic. Be sure to bring your mask!

In lieu of a ringside silent auction, which would not be feasible with COVID 19 guidelines, we will have a Chinese auction where tickets may be purchased to place in bags next to 6 to 7 prewrapped baskets. We will draw the winning tickets on Saturday after the Specialty. Thank you to the following members for committing to put together and donate the following baskets:

Almeara Cavaliers – White wine basket

Dr. Barbara Magera – Red wine basket

Monticello Cavaliers – A “Fried Green Tomatoes” themed basket

Mark Fitchpatrick – Homemade Dessert basket

Finnickyskye Cavaliers – Beer and “man snacks” basket

Brookhaven Cavaliers – TBA

Susan Kent – Apple House basket

Also, Hannah Dingman has donated a handmade spaniel water bowl and matching food bowl set.

If you would like to donate a basket – please let Linda Whitmire know

We also need help during the Specialty! Help will be needed selling raffle tickets, selling catalogs, keeping watch over the basket table, and helping at the Saturday evening social with set up and clean up!

NATURAL REMEDES

COCONUT OIL FOR DOGS: Understanding the Benefits and Risks

By Aly Semigran, www.petmed.com

Coconut oil may be the latest, hottest, all-natural trend for humans, but pet parents are also exploring it as a beneficial supplement for their four-legged companions. And far from being a fad or an overnight craze, it may prove true. “It provides many benefits for dogs,” says Dr. Colleen Smith, DVM, CVA, CVCP of the Chattanooga Holistic Animal Institute.

Coconut oil can aid dogs with everything from itchy or bumpy skin to digestion issues. But is this oil all that it’s cracked up to be, and are there risks that pet parents should be aware of?

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconuts and takes the form of an edible oil that is used in food and beauty products. It is high in saturated fat and medium-chain triglycerides, which are thought to be behind the touted health benefits for both humans and dogs.

How Coconut Oil Benefits Dogs

So what exactly makes coconut oil so beneficial? “Coconut oil can increase energy levels, improve skin and coat, improve digestion, and reduce allergic reactions,” says Smith.

Dr. Katie Gryzb, a Brooklyn-based veterinarian, explains that coconut oil can potentially slow cognitive dysfunction in dogs. “Fatty acids are helpful in cognitive function, which has been medically proven,” she says.

In addition, Dr. Pema Melu, DVM, of Holistic Veterinary Healing in Germantown, MD, explains that medium-chain fatty acids, like coconut oil, help with physical and digestive ailments because they are “directly absorbed in the GI tract and go directly to the liver where they are metabolized into utilizable energy.”

Besides the overall health benefits, coconut oil can be used as a coating on pills to help dogs swallow them, and it can be applied topically to smooth and freshen a dog’s coat.

How to Give Coconut Oil to Dogs

Coconut oil can generally be given to dogs 1-2 times a day with meals. How much you should give your dog depends on its size. Many veterinarians recommend starting slow with coconut oil. A good starting dose is ¼ teaspoon daily for small dogs up to 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily for big dogs. However, if you have an obese or overweight dog, it’s suggested that coconut oil be provided no more than once a day because of its high-fat content. Any dog who is receiving coconut oil should be closely monitored for weight gain.

“Coconut oil can also be used as a base for dog treats,” explains Smith. She suggests mixing turmeric and vitamin D with coconut oil for optimum snacks. Turmeric works as an anti-inflammatory, while vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Be careful that you don’t give too much vitamin D to your dog, however. Over-supplementation can cause kidney problems.

To find the best coconut oil, understanding the labels can make all the difference. Smith recommends pet parents use organic, virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil.

Topical Application of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Coconut oil can add moisture to your dog’s skin and prevent flaking. It also helps freshen up a dog’s coat if used with a light touch. To use it topically, simply rub a very small amount onto your hands and then gently pat the coat, run your fingers through the fur, and massage a little down onto the skin. Since coconut oil can be given orally, you don’t have to worry if dogs lick themselves after it’s been applied to their coats.

Coconut Oil Concerns

While coconut oil is generally safe for dogs, some canines may have an allergic reaction to the supplement. Additionally, giving a dog too much coconut oil in the diet could result in diarrhea. Smith warns against giving coconut oil to dogs prone to pancreatitis, as it can be a risk due to its high-fat content.

And not all veterinarians are convinced that coconut oil is beneficial for dogs at all. Dr. Ken Tudor notes that coconut oil may possibly raise “bad cholesterol” levels in dogs and “adds 120 calories for every tablespoon without adding any appreciable nutritional value.”

Coconut Oil Alternatives for Dogs

If your dog has an allergic reaction to coconut oil, or there are simply no improvements seen by adding coconut oil to your dog’s diet, there are alternatives. Coldwater fish oils, like salmon oil, and to a lesser extent, flax seed oil, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can provide some of the same benefits as coconut oil. Of course, with any supplements, a dog’s intake should be monitored and it’s best to consult your veterinarian when it comes to any health issues with your pet. Giving coconut oil or similar supplements to dogs is not a guaranteed cure-all or magic fix.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

No-Bake Hypoallergenic Coconut Dog Treat Recipe

Ready for another delicious no-bake hypoallergenic dog treat recipe? I know I am! It is getting HOT out there! I definitely don’t want to turn on my oven if I can avoid it. I’m all about no-bake right now. This particular coconut treat is fabulous for dogs with allergies, especially if they have itchy skin. Coconut oil works wonders for your skin. Don’t believe me? Slather some on your driest spots tonight and see how it feels tomorrow. Go ahead, right from the jar!

Of course, in this dog treat recipe, your pooch won’t be rubbing it all over his fur. Too messy! Eating coconut oil is just as beneficial, fortunately! It can help keep your dog’s coat shiny, improve skin condition and even help with digestion! Keep in mind that coconut oil is pretty high in fat, so you don’t want to feed Fido a whole tray of these in one sitting. Instead, use these hypoallergenic dog treats as an occasional reward. While there is a lot of debate going on right now about whether the saturated fat in coconut oil is different than that in, say, a big hunk of butter, let’s err on the side of caution for now.

NO BAKE COCONUT HYPOALLERGENIC DOG TREAT RECIPE

Ingredients

1/3 Cup Coconut Oil
2-3 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
2 1/2 Cups Rolled Oats
1/3 Cup Finely Shredded Coconut

How to Make

No-Bake Hypoallergenic Coconut Dog Treat Recipe

1. Add Coconut Oil, Peanut Butter, and Rolled Oats to the food processor and mix until well combined.

2. Scoop out bite-sized pieces with a spoon and roll them into little balls.
3. Toss each ball gently in the finely shredded coconut until well coated.
4. Place on a flat tray lined with baking paper, refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve.

Nicole Etolen, www.dogvils.com

INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE MONTH

May we all remember this when we begin feeling discouraged...

NEED SOME SUNSHINE?

Do you know a club member who needs some sunshine?

A very special thanks goes out to our new Sunshine Committee Chair, Ashley Powell. If you know of a club member that needs to be remembered or encouraged, please be in touch with Ashley.

Ashley can be reached at

770-905-7067

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

The newsletter is only as good as the information shared with the editor. Please be generous with the sharing of your brags and any additional information you would like to see in the newsletter. That information can be sent to me at Fitchpatrick@Earthlink.net.