THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE!
MARCH 2023
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
As we have now wrapped up the last hanging issues in our 2023 Membership renewal process I would like to take a moment to address the results. While we are about break even in total memberships, we are now at the point where associate members exceed regular members. Later in this newsletter, there is an article describing the necessary steps and requirements to go from an associate member to a regular member. While all members have the ability to be active in any and all events and provide suggestions on improvements to the club and activities they would like to see, it is only the regular members that can vote on them. I ask that you please review the article and truly consider enhancing your membership to regular membership status. If you choose to take this important step, I need you to make sure you can commit to being an active member. Meetings are easy as they are all zoom calls and all the activities we do are designed to be social experiences and we do not attempt to do the business of the club at any of them.
On March 26th we will be having our annual Puppy Picnic at Whitmire Acres (Linda’s property). All the invites have gone out and hopefully, everybody has responded with an excited YES. We will have trick dog testing, canine good citizen testing (it isn’t that hard and we have patient testers), a fun match, other fun contests, very reasonably priced eye and heart clinics, good food, and great company. If you haven’t already planned on attending please consider doing so and SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!!
Thanks
Jim
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
2023 MEETING SCHEDULE
These functions could be subject to change. All dates are the 2nd Tuesday of the month unless otherwise
March - No meeting
March 26, 2023 – Annual Puppy Picnic at the Whitmire’s Field of Dreams 11am to 4pm
April 10 - Board meeting at 6:30 pm; Regular meeting at 7:30 pm - with floor nominations for board
May 9 - Regular meeting 7:30 pm (election); No board meeting
June - TBA - Puppy Social at Paula Ayers' home; Board meeting TBA
July - No meetings
August - Board meeting TBA
September - TBA - Puppy Social at Jim & Sharon Utych's home
October - Board meeting TBA
November - Regular meeting TBA
December - Holiday Luncheon TBA; Board meeting TBS
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Paula Ayers – Chairperson
Pat Lander, Maureen Miles – Committee Members
Ashley Powell, Victoria Babcock – Alternates
If you would like to be considered for the Committee’s slate, please contact Paula Ayers.
All office positions are up for election at the May meeting. A formal email will be sent to the membership outlining the By-Laws process.
PUPPY PICNIC
We will be holding heart and eye clinics and you can avoid the payment line by paying online at our secure, safe website:
https://ckcscatlanta.org/puppy-picnic-health-clinic-online-payment-payment-form
Clinics are $50 each per dog.
We will have AKC CGC and Trick Dog testing (free), Fun contests ($1 each), Fun Match ($5 each), food, beverages, Junior Showmanship fun class (free), and a few other surprises! Come and join us!
Our fun match will be judged by Mrs. Pat Mixon (Tudorose US). Everyone (members and non-members) can participate in the match. From 4 to 6-month-old puppies through veterans (aged 7 and up), there is a class for everyone! Come and join in the fun of friendly competition and learn about showing your dog while you are at it!
Our fun classes are always fun to participate in and watch! The longest ears, biggest eyes, longest sit/stay, weave contest, fastest biscuit eater…it’s just so much fun!
More information can be found on our website at:
ACKCSC NATIONAL
Our parent club’s National Specialty is fast approaching! It is May 1 – 5, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA
It’s not just a dog show! National Week includes educational seminars, health screenings, social events, Charitable Trust and Rescue Trust fundraisers; with 5 days of Conformation, 2 days of Junior Showmanship, 3 days of indoor Agility, 2 days of Obedience, and 2 days of Rally competitions, and also, 3 days of FastCAT. If you love Cavaliers, you’ll want to be part of the 2023 ACKCSC National Event.
2023 will have both a National Specialty and an Independent Specialty hosted by the ACKCSC. The Conformation National will run Monday through Thursday, May 1st – 4th.
The Conformation Independent Specialty will be on Friday, May 5th.
Agility will be Saturday, April 29th-Monday, May 1st. (There will also be a trial held in the same location on Friday, April 28th)
National Rally/ Obedience will be Tuesday, May 2nd. Independent Rally/Obedience will be Wednesday, May 3rd.
FastCat will run Tuesday, May 2nd through Thursday, May 4th.
Even if you don’t “Show”, there are PLENTY of activities to do and participate in (and you can bring your cavalier). Plus, just sitting and watching the conformation judging is a sight to behold with so many cavaliers in the ring!
The National “store” is also open for you! Please check it out at: https://ackcsc.org/2023national/shop/
BayRay Superintent website to enter your dog in conformation, agility, Fastcat, etc: BaRay Events
Dates: May 1-5, 2023
Hotel & Show Site: The Founders Inn & Spa in Virginia Beach, VA
RV Parking – Information will be available in the store after January 1st. There are no hookups but we will have room for everyone who wants to park an RV
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A REGULAR MEMBER?
To become a regular member (with voting rights and the ability to hold an office):
• You must have been an associate member for at minimum 12 months.
• You must have attended four club events, two of which need to be regular meetngs and the other two can be any function of the club. For example: Puppy Socials, Puppy Picnic, Specialty Shows, Specialty socials. These must be attended within the previous 12 months prior to your application on becoming a regular member.
• You must have participated in at least one committee in the prior 12-month period. That could include helping with the show committee, the newsletter, sunshine, judges, membership, hospitality, socials such as holiday luncheons, specialty socials and puppy picnics, and social
• You must be a resident of the State of Georgia If you meet the requirements, complete the regular membership form on the club website and send it in to Sharon Utych, Club Secretary.
We would LOVE to have our in-state associate members apply for regular membership in the club!
THE LEARNING CURVE
This month we continue a series of educational articles concerning all aspects of dog showing and breeding. Many of our members are not in the show/breeding world and have shown great interest in learning about both areas. Through this series of articles, hopefully, you will be able to learn and also determine if you might wish to take the step towards showing or breeding. if there is any specific topic you would like addressed, please let me know at Fitchpatrick@Earthlink.net. Mark Fitchpatrick, Newsletter Editor
The information below is shared from AKC.org
AGILITY
Imagine a look of determination on your dog’s face as he runs hard, nimbly making each turn. He keeps his eyes on you while scampering through tunnels, jumping over hurdles, and beaming with pride. The crowds in the stands cheer as you move together in perfect harmony. That’s the sport of Agility. It can be quite a rush – and one of the best ways to create an even deeper connection between you and your dog.
Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States, with over 1 million entries to the AKC’s program each year. Dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed. Whether you just want to have fun exercising with your dog, or want to go further and enter an Agility competition, get ready for a fast-paced, rewarding experience that will get you and your dog in the best shape of your lives!
Agility is an AKC Companion event that is open to all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed.
Agility is one of the fastest-growing dog sports in the country—and for good reason. It’s incredible exercise for both you and your dog, and it forges an even deeper relationship between you. Plus, it’s exhilarating to watch as your dog nimbly and quickly crawls through tunnels, weaves around poles, and leaps through tires! Here’s everything you need to know to get started in Agility:
Understand the Basics
Dog agility is a sport where you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course within a certain time limit. Courses typically have between 14-20 obstacles, which can include tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws, and pause tables where the dog must stop for a set amount of time. At each trial, you and your dog will race around the unique courses designed for that day. All of this is done with your dog relying solely on the cues and body language you use to direct them on course.
All breeds, including mixed breeds, can participate in Agility – from the smallest to the largest of dogs.
If you’ve never seen Agility in person, we highly recommend you attend a competition (or “trial”) to see it firsthand.
Make Sure the Sport of Agility Is Right for Your Dog – and You
Assess your dog’s temperament to be sure he’s right for Agility: Is he highly energetic? Does he enjoy running and responding to instructions? Does he get along well with other dogs? If so, agility could be a great fit.
But training doesn’t only involve your dog. You are critical to the process. You don’t need to be a world-class sprinter to do agility with your dog. Through training and the development of good communication, you and your dog can become part of the sport of Agility.
Take a Class
As with any sport, we recommend you start by taking a class at an AKC club near you. Beginner courses introduce you and your dog to obstacles and provide the basics of how to compete should you decide to go that route. Most classes meet once a week for an hour or so.
Practice at Home Using Your Own Equipment
Just because you’ve signed up for a class, don’t think the learning stops there. Practicing at home is just as important! To do so, you’ll want to set up your own obstacles. First-timers often start out with tunnels, which can be collapsed when not in use, and tunnel holders to keep them in place. Weave poles—or a few evenly spaced upright poles that your dog can run through—are another popular at-home obstacle. At-home training equipment can be purchased online or you can build it yourself with PVC pipes. If you go the DIY route, be sure to follow the specifications in the Regulations for Agility.
Count on spending at least 15-20 minutes a day practicing the moves you learned in class. Consider using incentives such as treats or toys to help entice your dog through the course. Take your time, especially in the beginning while you’re both getting used to the sport.
Consider Competing!
Agility can be so thrilling that you might find yourself wanting to go to the next level and actually competing. A great starting place to test your dog’s skills is at an AKC Agility Course Test (ACT).
Once you are ready to compete, you will find that there are three types of Agility trials (“competitions”):
- All-breed agility trials for more than 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC. This is the most common type of trial offered.
- Specialty trials for dogs of a specific breed or varieties of one breed.
- Group trials for dogs of a specific breed group such as herding, working, and so on.
Find an Agility event near you.
To be eligible to compete in Agility, your dog must be:
- 15 months of age or older.
- Registered with the American Kennel Club or listed with the AKC Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) program, which allows unregistered dogs of registerable breeds to compete in AKC Performance and Companion Events. Mixed-breed dogs can be registered through the Canine Partners program to be able to compete.
- Spayed or neutered dogs are eligible to compete.
- In sound health and up-to-date on vaccinations.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Is anxiety making your dog antsy? This healthy and flavorful fare will help your furry companion chill.
Many years ago, I dealt with a dog in a rescue situation. He was so stressed that he started pulling his hair out with his teeth, and he was covered with sores. Luckily, he got the help and love he needed, and found a home where he could unpack all his “baggage”. One of the things that assisted him on the road to physical and mental recovery was a selection of power foods that helped manage the impact of stress on his body and supported his immune system so he could regain his strength and eventually his confidence. Some foods act as stimulants while others act have a calming influence. It’s really amazing, but by simply choosing certain foods and adding them to your dog’s diet, you can help alleviate any stress and anxiety.
Here are the top eleven stress-fighting foods.
1. Blueberries
A whole foods diet that includes fresh blueberries can be a great way to provide your dog with mini-powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help protect him from the effects of stress. Wild blueberries have even more valuable polyphenols than cultivated blueberries do. Simply add a few to the food before serving, or mix them with some goat milk yogurt.
2. Kale
Leafy greens like kale, as well as spinach and Swiss chard, are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, b6, C, and k, along with calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, and iron. Kale is a great source of fiber and is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and carotenoids. The beta-carotene and lutein in kale help protect against oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and even cancer. Isothiocyanates made from the glucosinolates in kale play an important role in these preventive, stress-protective qualities.
3. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the world’s healthiest foods. They are packed with antioxidants and are a terrific source of vitamin E. Sweet potatoes also contain many other important nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, and C, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine, and iron. They are rich in beta-carotene, which may be a significant factor in reducing the risk of certain cancers.
They offer complex carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels and even insulin resistance. The potassium in sweet potatoes helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, which is good news for maintaining healthy heart function and reducing anxiety. sweet potatoes are also a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support a healthy gastrointestinal system.
4. Beef
Did you know that beef is a natural antidepressant? The B vitamins it contains can regulate stress levels. beef is very rich in folic acid, and also contains pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, which is great for anxiety. This vitamin enables the production of anti-stress hormones in the adrenal gland that controls the release of cortisol. The increased presence of pantothenic acid reduces blood cortisol and dulls the body’s response to stress. Beef liver is a great source of pantothenic acid.
5. Turkey
If your dog seems overly anxious in the evening hours, you may want to consider adding turkey to his diet. It’s a good source of L-tryptophan, an amino acid often associated with the regulation of sleep. Tryptophan also produces what researchers call “feel-good chemicals”; it is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps both humans and dogs feel cool, calm, and collected.
6. Oily fish
We have all heard about the “fight or flight” response. Research has demonstrated that consuming Omega-3 fatty acids can help suppress the production of adrenaline that leads people and dogs to “fight or flight”. Too much adrenaline can cause anxiety and even aggression. That adrenaline rush can be slowed down simply by eating whole foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna. Fatty fish have something else in common. They all contain vitamins A and D, which help battle stress. Salmon is extra special because it also contains L-tryptophan.
7. Hemp seed oil
Hemp is a superfood that eases joint pain and inflammation, supports cardiovascular health, conditions the skin and coat, and acts as a digestive aid. Overall, it is a terrific way to support your dog’s immune system and alleviate stress.
Hemp seed oil has been recognized as the most balanced vegetable oil in the marketplace. Not only does it contain Omega-3, it also contains Omega-6 and 9. Its fatty acid profile is closer to fish oil than any other vegetable oil. It is also a valuable source of gluten-free protein, contains vitamins C and E and chlorophyll, and has an excellent amino acid profile.
Unlike soy and other legumes, hemp seed oil does not contain trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides, the gas-producing substances found in many legumes, and it is never genetically modified.
8. Whole oats/whole brown rice
Fiber-rich complex carbohydrates slow down the rate of digestion and enhance the absorption of tryptophan, which in turn is used to manufacture serotonin. Keeping serotonin production nice and steady helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Serotonin is known as nature’s very own antidepressant. The Mayo Clinic and other universities have conducted studies using complex carbohydrates in place of medications containing serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Whole oats are a great choice for dogs because they don’t overwhelm the blood with sugars, causing a surge in insulin. Whole brown rice is another great choice.
9. Quinoa
Quinoa is considered a pseudo-grain because it is technically not a member of the Poaceae botanical family. Even so, most people consider it a true cereal grain simply because of its nutritional value, preparation, and use are very similar. Quinoa contains stress-reducing B vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, and zinc, and because it contains eight essential amino acids, it is considered a whole protein.
10. Almonds
Almonds contain vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. Magnesium supports healthy nervous system function and the production of “happy” chemicals in the brain, helping the body become more resilient during bouts of stress because nerves and muscles are more relaxed. Instead of peanut butter, try some almond butter when stuffing a kong!
11. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan as well as glutamate, which is required in the synthesis of GAGA, an anti-stress neurochemical. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which protects tissue cells from free radicals, and they also contain selenium, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system. A deficiency in selenium has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
BY Suzi Beber
Suzi Beber has been successfully creating special needs diets for companion animals for two decades. She founded the University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund and Smiling Blue Skies® Fund for Innovative Research. She is the proud recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and was honored with the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, for her work in cancer, from the University of Guelph/Ontario Veterinary College. The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund is also the recipient of the “Pets + Us” Community Outreach Champion Award.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
QUINOA FRUIT SALAD - for dogs or humans
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE QUINOA:
- 1 cup quinoa (I used Red Quinoa)
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
FOR THE HONEY LIME DRESSING:
- Juice of 1 large lime
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
FOR THE FRUIT:
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups chopped mango
- Extra chopped mint, for garnish-optional
- or any fruit combination you desire
DIRECTIONS:
- Using a strainer, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Add quinoa, water, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let the quinoa cool to room temperature.
- To make the Honey Lime Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, and mint together until combined.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, blueberries, strawberries, and mango. Pour honey lime dressing over the fruit salad and mix until well combined. Garnish with additional mint, if desired. Serve at room temperature for your dog or chilled for your humans.
NEED SOME SUNSHINE?
Do you know a club member who needs some sunshine?
Our Sunshine Committee Chair is 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 CAVALIER CHRONICLE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA
Mark Fitchpatrick, editor