1. pets
2. dogs

Autumn 2014
VOLUME 3
Issue 8
A Publication of the
Motor City Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier Club
Editor: Nicole F.
Chekaway
Associate Wheaten
Editor: Abby
Chekaway
Louisa
Photo courtesy of: Debbie Dykstra
Lil’Town Wheatens Of Ardnacassa
Proudly presents
Lil’Town Morgan Mist Over The Meadow
Taking Winners (Major) at the Combined Specialty Clubs of Greater Milwaukee was a
special win – so proud of this lad!
CH Bon Aquarel Noble Lad Of Lil Town’s x CH Lil’Town Mist On The Fairway
Thank you to Joe and Paula Gruszka for allowing me to show this special lad!
Bred by: Carol Shaltz
Owned by: Carol Shaltz and Paula Gruszka
Tale Waggers Second Page
Motor City Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club
From the Editor’s Doghouse
S
Inside this Issue:
Puppy Mill Update
&
The Waggily Tale
3
&
4
Health Concerns & 5
Around the Motor City
Pub
Wheaten Suds and
Grooming Trendz &
Merry Mary’s World
Barn Hunt Photos
6
7
&
8
9
MCSCWTC Annual Picnic
&
10
Adapting to Autumn,
Bone Appetit &
Why I don’t Recommend
Retractable Leashes
11
&
12
Board of Directors, Dates to
Remember & Member Info
MCSCWTC Boutique
13
14
Doyle from Pittsburgh, PA as our new
wim trunks, check! Sunglasses,
contributor. Jesse will be barking in her
check! Sunscreen, check! Phew,
new column called “The Waggily Tale”
I'm tired just packing the
about her daily adventures.
essentials for my fun in the sun. Wait a
second! Did I just hear the weather
Nicole has been talking my floppy ears
guy say September? I quickly checked
off about the amazing time she had at
my iPhone (it's still a challenge for me
our annual picnic. She said it was a funto maneuver my clumsy paws around
filled day with laughs, barks and good
that darn screen) to see what month it
times had by all.
is. Sure enough it's September! It can't
Photo
courtesy
of:
be autumn already. Did I blink and
Remember, Tale Waggers is your
Abby Chekaway
summer flashed by me? I know I
“These are Nicole’s famous chocolate chip cookies that magazine! If you want to see TW
have a shaggy face and fur is
covering my eyes but I have good she made for our picnic! I want to steal one, but I know continue to flourish, please submit
senses. How could I have missed
chocolate is bad for me! Looking wouldn’t hurt, would your articles, fun tidbits, photos, etc.
summer? I'm one depressed dog
to me. You can send your requests at
it?”
since we had a very cold, snowy
[email protected]. We all have
slobbering wet beards. I know when I to do our part in making TW a success.
winter. It's too soon to think about the
gulp a refreshing drink of water and
Polar vortex. Maybe if I'm on my best
Please kindly remember that some
behavior, I can bark my way to a vacation begin to trek down the hall, droplets
editing may be required for space
of water splatter onto the floor causing
in the sun!
puddles. I always try to dry my beard reasons. The deadline for the next
as I shake my head back and forth but issue is November 1, 2014.
The other day I discovered a new trick
that only causes more splashes all over
— grabbing socks from the hamper. If
If you have any questions, comments or
the place. Don't come near me if you
the indication on Nicole's face has any
just want to chew the bone, please email
don't want a shower. On the other
meaning, I'm busted! Guess I'm making
me. I look forward to hearing from
hand, I can wash windows with my
holes in the socks and apparently that's a
you.
beard. That's an idea, probably not!
big No-No! It was fun while it lasted.
As Wheatens, we are known for our
We would like to bark aboard, Jesse
President’s Message
By Denise Daniel
I
hope everyone had a
nice summer, it sure
didn't hurt with the
unseasonably cool
weather we've been having. I
know my Wheaties loved the
cooler temps!
We had a wonderful day for
our Annual Picnic at Maybury
State Park, lots of sun and
pleasant temperatures. We had
a great turnout - 100 people
and over 60 Wheaties
attended! We got to see old
friends and make new ones - a
great time was had by all!
I want to thank Karli Mueller,
Mary Yourich and the many
wonderful people involved, for
all they've done for the dogs
rescued from the Raisin Tree
Farms puppy mill. Thanks to
their tireless efforts, time and
generosity many Wheaties who
previously had a horrible life
are now in their wonderful
forever homes, getting the love
and care they deserve. Please
read about the SCWT "Puppy
Mill Survivor Challenge" in this
issue.
Our next event is on Sunday,
October 19th - a Grooming
Demo and Fall/Santa
Pictures. At one event you can
learn great tips on grooming
your Wheaties and get their
pictures taken with the best
Santa ever! Details are in this
issue. I hope to see you all
there!
Photography by
Terry McLeary
www.motorcitywheatens.org
Page 3
Tale Waggers
SCWT Puppy Mill Survivor Challenge
Update
Jimmy/Guinness an 8 month old special boy who touched many of
us (Brother to Johnny) passed away in his sleep due to a brain
aneurism.
By: Karli Mueller
It takes a village to care for these dogs and get them the homes they
desperately needed. Here are some of the things that went into this
wonderful success:
W
ow it has been a whirlwind last 4 months. As life
becomes normal again, it is hard to believe over such a
short period of time we have rescued 24 dogs from
Raisin Tree Farms out of Howell, MI. This has been such a
successful endeavor. So many people have selflessly stepped up and
helped. Without all of you, none of this would have been as
successful. Thank you to each and every one of you. Nancy Butler
(rescue chair for SCWTCA) in New Mexico also sends a heartfelt
thank you for all your wonderful support.
Out of the 24 Wheatens rescued, 21. are in their forever homes and
doing wonderfully (this is a huge success in such a short period of
time). I want to take a moment and share all of their names with
you.
Annie
Pixie
Callie
Bailey
Lexi
Lucy
Fiona
Samantha Millie
Toby Johnny
Zoe
Georgia
Rosie
Stewie
Sam
Shandy
Carly Kona
Little Molly
Suzy
We have a wonderful 9 year old spayed female still looking for her
forever family. Molly is a beautiful girl with lots of love to share.
She loves to play with toys and go on adventures in the yard. She
enjoys the company of adults and children. Molly cannot be with
other dogs due to her history with them at the mill, she was left
scared and fearful of them. Please give this sweet girl a second look.
If you would like to come out to meet her call Karli at
810-333-9499.
Financial information:
(as of August 13th 2014)
Expenses:
Rescue has spent roughly $16,000.00 in medical expenses
$1,000.00 in kennel expenses
The rough expense total is $17,000.00. We will have a few
additional expenses for a few dogs as we go forward.
Donations:
The SCWT Puppy Mill Survivor Challenge has raised roughly
$14,000.00... WOW!!! Donations continue to come in, this
figure does not include the adoption fees for each dog.
Grooming, Boarding, Potty training, Leash Training, Vet
appointment visits, Visitors coming to Socializing, Transport, Vet
after care, Foster care, Lots of laundry, Food Donations, Toy
Donations, Treat donations, Lots of Blanket and Towel donations,
Medical equipment donations, and Lots of pill pockets donated.
Many people donated items for these dogs, it helped give them the
type of comfort they deserved during the stressful time of
transition. I could have never gotten through this without all the
blankets, towels, laundry soap, bowls, crates, leashes, collars, food,
and pill pockets that were donated. The dogs loved playing with all
the fantastic toys donated as well as laying on the wonderful beds.
Each and every one of these dogs were receptive to the training and
love given to them. We were truly blessed in having such trusting
dogs with us.
A special thank you go out to the following people:
Denise Daniel
Davis Family
Nancy Nadin and family
Molly
With such success unfortunately comes some sad news. We have 2
Wheatens that we rescued that are no longer with us.
Lizzie an older gentle soul had the late stages of PLN as well as
several other severe health issues.
Mary Yourich and family
Andrew Wolfe and Renee Dolph and Diane Lohwasser
Sandy Roberts and family
Barb and Kimmy Stephanie Gillette
If I have left anyone out, just know you are thanked.
Tale Waggers
Page 4
www.motorcitywheatens.org
The Waggily Tale
By Jesse Doyle
W
ell, it is August and we have made it without
any 90 degree weather so far. This is one
time of the year we appreciate our northern
friends’ cool weather! Travis and I have
been keeping the yard clear of chipmunks,
squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, deer and even a
few skunks. We would clean up the
neighbors’ yards, too, but our owners have
a cyclone fence up to protect those
critters. There are ground hogs under
every shed in the neighborhood but for
some reason they don't want to locate
under ours. I keep trying to dig a hole
under the fence so they can come in and
play but for some reason or another, the
owner keeps filling in the holes with
rebar! We had a special treat this week. We had a visit with
Mom, Chelsea and sister, Roxie. We made a trip to Canfield
to see some of the relatives at the dog show. Grandma
Denise did a fabulous job getting everyone ready for the
show. We have a great looking family if do say so
myself! We had a lot of fun visiting but I'm glad I'm a pet
and not a show girl. Lots of stress in that business and
everyone was worn out by the end of the day. To show our
appreciation to Jan and Denise, we brought them a tomato
and a green pepper from the garden. We would have
brought out some green beans and carrots but we knew they
would be too busy to clean and eat
them. Travis and I always wait patiently for
our share when they get cleaned. We do all
kinds of tricks for fresh fruits and
vegetables. No grapes! We would eat them
but they tell us they are not good for us. We
do eat apples. Maybe we will bring a few to the
picnic if there are any left. Told Travis about
all the fun he missed but someone had to stay
home and protect the property. Hope you folks
appreciate our role in getting you a new coach
for the Lions. Good team, bad coach. Fall is
on its way so enjoy your new team and please
keep those polar winds up north come
January.
No Laughing Bone About It
Source: Joke4Us.com
1. How did the little Scottish
dog feel when he saw a
monster?
2. What do you get if you cross
a gun dog with a telephone?
3. What do you call a frozen dog?
4. What do you call a cold dog?
5. Who is the dogs favorite comedian?
***For the answers, please turn to page 5.
Mandi
Photography courtesy of:
Frank Swica
“What a Thanksgiving I had
with all the doggone good
fixings. Now it’s time to
cleanup — maybe I could
jump into this huge machine
that washes dishes. Then, I
don’t need to get groomed!”
Page 5
www.motorcitywheatens.org
Tale Waggers
Health Concerns with…
Carol Shaltz
When Normal Yeast Goes Wild
Y
ou will not see a glimpse of this
culprit, but you will see its work.
The strong-scented fungal
infection that causes a dog to scratch-scratch-scratch his
ears or chew his paws to rawness is an overabundance
of microscopic yeast. Yeasts are a part of the normal
flora of the body, they help prevent, or slow down the
colonization of the skin by pathogenic fungi or bacteria.
Malassezia is a normal inhabitant of the skin and ear
canal. If something changes in the ecology of the skin/
ear surface, the yeasts can start to multiply. As they
grow, they produce various substances that can irritate
the skin and act as an allergen. Symptoms of yeast
overgrowth include scabs around the ear from
scratching, red or crusty skin, hair loss and behavioral
changes, such as shaking or tilting the head, walking in
circles and scooting an itchy rear across the carpet or
lawn.
A veterinarian can uncover the reason for the
symptoms. Among possible causes:

Steroid medication prescribed for allergies. While
reducing the overactive immune response to
allergens, steroids can inhibit the skin’s defense
system that keeps the yeast in check.

Antibiotics that are used to treat skin infections caused by
allergies kill good bacterial with the bad.

A foreign object trapped in the ear or in the pad of feet.

Water trapped in the ear canal.

A growth in the ear canal
Diagnosis and treatment of the infection are uncomplicated. First
the veterinarian will look into your dog’s ear with an otoscope, a
smear is made and yeast are looked for under a microscope. If
they are seen, a topical product may be all this is needed. In more
chronic cases, an anti-yeast medication, topical or pill is added to
the topical agent. The medication may be an ointment or cream
containing miconozole or ketoconazole. Treatment can take some
time – most significant infections take 30 days or so of treatment.
Chronic cases can take months.
Dog with food allergies may require special attention. If your dog
has allergies, the diet-yeast link is all a matter of balance. Whether
the dog is allergic to protein or grain, the goal is to feed a good
diet that nourishes him yet supports the immune system without
causing yeast to bloom. A veterinary nutritionist can help.
If your dog is prone to yeast infections, prevention is as
straightforward as diagnosis. Carefully dry your dog’s ears and
paws, including between the toes after he is bathed, or swims or
walks through puddles. Ask your groomer to trim hair around the
openings to the ear canal and in between the paws.
Around the Motor City Pub
A place to share news with your fellow members
A
bby and the rest of us would like to extend birthday
wishes to our furry pals.
Morgan (The Emerson Family) September 13, 2007
Maeve (The Stein Family) September 28, 1998
Abby (The Chekaway Family) October 7, 2005
Winnie (The Martin-Piesz Family) October 11, 2002
Dharma The Masica Family) October 18, 2001
Danny (The Brus Fsmily)
October 26, 2009
Mick (The Yourich Family) October 30, 2013
**Please remember to submit your winter birthdays to the editor by November 1,
2014.
Prospective members
Lisa and Michael Bumb of Archbold, Ohio sponsored
by Maggie Snow/Maggie Evans
Meg and Jim Zamberlan of Ann Arbor, Michigan
sponsored by Carol Shaltz
***Please contact Amy Martin-Piesz at 419-343-0769
or [email protected] if you know of any reason
these applicants should not be considered for
membership. Any correspondence will be held in the
strictest confidence.***
1. Terrier-fied!
2. A golden receiver!
3. A pupsicle
Answers to jokes from page
5. Growlcho Marx!
4. Chilli Dog!
www.motorcitywheatens.org
Tale Waggers
Page 6
Wheaten Suds & Grooming Trendz
By Jacki Stein
H
ELP! My
Wheaten is full
of mats! I
really hate to
shave him – is
Don’t tell me it’s bath time, again! I there anything I can do to keep
hate going to the groomer! But, I sure some coat on him?
enjoy this hot tub!
You don’t necessarily have
to shave him but it depends
on how much patience you
have to complete the
project. You can take it
slow and easy – perhaps dematting one leg per day –
and by the end of the week,
the mats will all be gone.
It’s a time of year when
people are busy and often
don’t take the time for
proper coat maintenance for their
Wheaten. The process of dematting can be very stressful – as
well as uncomfortable for the dog
if you’re not careful – so it’s
important to remember that the
mats took some time to establish
and will logically take time to
remedy.
you’re not worried about that and
intend to give the dog a “pet
haircut”, then you’ll find a matsplitter is quick to use. (NOTE:
Make it a habit to always lay it down
with the blade edges to the table, as
you may endanger your dog’s paws if
he were to step on the upright razor
edges.) Be sure that the splitter has a
The process of line-brushing is the clear path for its job. You must be
preferred method for mat removal; very judicious when using the mat
splitters – they easily slice through
the coat is parted into sections or
anything in their path.
lines, brushing a row of coat at a
time, working from side to side and You’ll also want to refrain from
bottom to top until the section/
bathing the dog until all mats are
area is complete. This will save as gone, otherwise the mats will be even
much coat as possible.
more extensive with the wet coat.
Mat-splitters with razor edges slice There’s time for a good bath and
conditioning when the mats are gone
easily through mats but will
and the coat is ready for it.
damage coat considerably. If
Merry Mary’s World
By Mary Yourich
I
love the fall. The aroma of bonfires, the brilliant colors of the trees, and the displaying of my long hidden
away Halloween decorations are some of the things I enjoy during the harvest season. Autumn also
reminds me that Montgomery is fast approaching. I enjoy visiting with good friends and making new
ones. The camaraderie of dog people is truly amazing.
I have many friends through my local kennel club that are non terrier people, if you can believe that. We have a
great time joking with each other about our various breeds. One of my friends thinks anyone that owns a terrier is insane. When I visit, her sporting
dogs are like a bunch of throw rugs. While traveling with her four sporting dogs, someone tried getting into her hotel room. Her dogs did not bark,
or even get off the bed – really?????? A terrier would let you know if someone even walked past the hotel!
At my kennel club’s show last summer, one of our Wheaten people was rushed to the hospital with a leg injury. My friend, a kennel club member, and
Wheaten owner, immediately knew she had to find another person to show the owner’s dog. The owner actually wanted to show her dog first before
going to the hospital, but the paramedic wisely refused her wishes as her leg was bleeding profusely. This friend was also overseeing CGC, so dressed
in shorts, rubber shoes, t-shirt and full of mud, she found our sporting dog friend, who was also Show Chair for OB/Rally. Of course, she was also in
shorts, rubber shoes, and full of mud due to the previous day’s torrential downpours. She told her we needed a handler, failing to tell her she would be
showing a Wheaten. As I was Ring Steward, I informed the judge of the situation, also letting him know the handlers were not going to be dressed in
the usual show attire. This is where true friendship and camaraderie showed through, as she was handed a young, very active dog that was jumping all
over the ring. As she passed me while going around the ring, I heard her saying loudly, “I hate terriers…..I hate terriers”. To make it even more
comical, she had put her kennel club shirt inside out so the judge would not see the logo, which is of course frowned upon by AKC. I was not aware
she did it on purpose, thinking she was tired and did not realize it. She was awarded Winner’s Dog! I gave her the trophy card, and surprise, she did
not collect the Wheaten themed trophy herself. Dr. Klein, the judge, was truly amused by Wheaten people, and all the circus like confusion that day.
At the next kennel club meeting, she certainly was not going to “brag” that she took Winners Dog in such a dramatic fashion, but we made sure the
members heard about the fiasco. One of our members said she thought she was hallucinating when she saw her in the ring with a Terrier.
Dog people are great, and are always there to help each other. Next time someone needs a handler for a big, shedding, slobbery, dog, offer assistance,
as you never know when you may need it too!
See you at Montgomery!
Photography by: Terry
McLeary
Tale Waggers
www.motorcitywheatens.org
Page 10
And the Winners are:
Puppy Mill Rescue /Wheaten Health Fund Raffle
Wheaten Stuffey - Michael David Grillo
Claddagh Necklace - Paula Maczka
Stepping Stones - Becky Applegate
Adult dog bone guess winner: Sandy Roberts
Kid dog bone guess winner: Lauren DiPietro
Frosty paw contest winners:
1st. Higgins owned by Michele and Lee Carlson
2nd. Danny owned by Rob and Diane Brus
3rd. Turk owned by Karli Mueller-Brough and John Brough
4th. Finigan owned by Nancy and David Henk
5th Layla owned by Rob and Jan Schoehnerr
6th. Doc owned by Olivia Dakota
Costume contest winners:
Photography by: Terry McLeary
1. Cinder as the hula girl owned by Barb and Kim Urbanick
2. Finn and Layla as Hawaiian surfers owned Jan and Rob Schoehnerr
3. Louie as the aviator pilot owned by Carol Martin
4. Webster, Winnie, and Willow as the three little pigs owned by Amy Martin-Piesz and Dave
and Kati Piesz
5. Barkley and Millie as leprechaun and girlfriend owned by Sandy Roberts
6. Marnie and Danny as Marnie Mouse and Mickey aka Danny owned by Diane and Rob Brus
Page 11
M
www.motorcitywheatens.org
Tale Waggers
Adapting to Autumn
By Kristina Lotz
Source: CesarMilan.com
any of us love this time of year — the changing color of the leaves, brisk fall breezes, and finally a respite from the hot weather of summer.
For your dog, however, fall may be more work than fun.
The change in the season can mean a decrease in exercise, and an increase in baths, allergens, and other unpleasantness for your dog. The following tips
should help make the transition into the new season enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Health Concerns
Pet lovers may forget about such things as allergens, keeping your dog warm, medical issues, etc., that are associated with the changing temperature.
With two of the biggest food holidays coming up — Halloween and Thanksgiving — dogs are in particular danger of food poisoning, choking on
bones, or just overeating. Dr. Kerri Marshal, Chief Veterinary Officer at Trupanion, has a few tips to make sure your dog's health is looked after during
the fall season.
Seasonal allergies can kick in for dogs in the fall. These are most commonly skin allergies, but can also be allergic rhinitis, evidenced by sneezing, loud
snorting or snoring, and clear discharge from your dog's nose. Your veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe antihistamines or other therapy to make
your dog more comfortable.
As the weather gets cooler, think about putting a coat or sweater on your dog during walks. Make sure it is rain-proof in the wetter parts of the year.
If you use space heaters, be very careful that your dog cannot be burned by them, and does not have access to chew the cord.
Regarding Halloween candy, there's one simple rule: No! This is especially true of chocolate, which contains ingredients, like theobromine, that are
toxic to dogs.
If your arthritis gets worse with colder weather, keep your acetaminophen away from your dog, as it can cause liver damage. The same is true of
ibuprofen, which is also highly toxic to dogs.
Dogs may need slightly more calories in cold weather if they spend time outdoors. Ask your vet to evaluate your pet's "body condition score" and
recommend the proper pet food and amount for active outdoor pets.
Exercise
With the shortened days, it's very likely that you are going to be walking your dog in the dark, either morning or evening, or both. The best ways to
keep you and your pet safe are reflective gear, flashlights, or light-up collars and leashes, which should be available at your local pet retailer.
Fall also means colder weather, rain, and even snow, which can really make it hard to get outside. In these conditions, you can exercise your dog
indoors using a treadmill, or by setting up an indoor "agility" course using households objects, such as clothes baskets, broom handles and furniture.
You can then train your dogs to run the obstacle course and work for a treat reward. You can easily alter the course to keep your dog's mind active and
thinking.
While on walks, beware of ice that can cut dog's paws or make you fall, and "salt" that is put down to melt the ice. While common table salt is
frequently used as a chemical deicer, other chemicals which are poisonous to dogs are sometimes used, including ammonium nitrate, propylene glycol,
and sodium ferrocyanide.
Try to avoid chemically treated areas, if possible. If you can't, make sure that your dog does not lick at the ground, using a muzzle if necessary to
prevent this behavior. If you need to ice your own drive or walkways, look for pet safe salts, which most pet stores carry seasonally.
These simple tips should help keep your fall fun and fabulous.
“Bone Appetit” Ala Wheaten
By Diane Brus
Homemade Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Pumpkin DogTreats
(makes approximately 15-25)
Ingredients
3 cups oat flour
2 organic eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons natural gluten-free peanut butter or sodium-free peanut butter
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
A Halloween treat that is good for me
to eat!
Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients, adding water when/if necessary. Dough should be stiff but workable.
Roll dough out on wax sheet and cut into 1/2 inch treats. Use cookie cutters for added fun.
Bake 40 minutes or until hard. Stays good for 2-3 weeks or longer if stored in the freezer.
***Making oat flour is easy! Just ground up oats in your food processor.
www.motorcitywheatens.org
Page 12
4.
Why I Don’t Recommend Retractable
Leashes
By Dr. Karen Becker
Source: http://healthypets.mercola.com
Submitted by: Carol Shaltz
A
retractable leash is not so much a
leash as it is a length of thin cord
wound around a spring-loaded
device housed inside a plastic handle. The
handles of most retractable leashes are
designed to fit comfortably in a human
hand. A button on the handle controls how
much of the cord is extended.
Retractable leashes are popular primarily
because they aren't as confining as regular
leashes, allowing dogs more freedom to
sniff and poke around on walks. But
unfortunately, there are many downsides to
this type of leash.
10 Reasons Not to Use a Retractable
Leash
1. The length of retractable leashes, some
of which can extend up to 26 feet,
allows dogs to get far enough away
from their humans that a situation can
quickly turn dangerous. A dog on a
retractable leash is often able to run
into the middle of the street, for
example, or make uninvited contact
with other dogs or people.
2.
3.
5.
Dogs have also received terrible injuries
as a result of the sudden jerk on their
neck that occurs when they run out the
leash, including neck wounds, lacerated
tracheas, and injuries to the spine.
6.
Retractable leashes allow dogs more
freedom to pull at the end of them,
which can look like aggression to
another dog who may decide to "fight
back."
7.
The handles of retractable leashes are
bulky and can be easily pulled out of
human hands, resulting in a runaway
dog.
8.
Along those same lines, many dogs –
especially fearful ones – are terrorized
by the sound of a dropped retractable
leash handle and may take off running,
which is dangerous enough. To make
matters worse, the object of the poor
dog's fear is then "chasing" her, and if
the leash is retracting as she runs, the
handle is gaining ground on her – she
can't escape it. Even if this scenario
ultimately ends without physical harm
to the dog (or anyone else), it can create
lingering fear in the dog not only of
leashes, but also of being walked.
In the above scenario, or one in which
your pet is being approached by an
aggressive dog, it is nearly impossible to
get control of the situation if the need
arises. It's much easier to regain control
of – or protect -- a dog at the end of a
six-foot standard flat leash than it is if
he's 20 or so feet away at the end of
what amounts to a thin string.
The thin cord of a retractable leash can
break – especially when a powerful dog
is on the other end of it. If a strong,
good-sized dog takes off at full speed,
the cord can snap. Not only can that
put the dog and whatever he may be
10. Retractable leashes are an especially bad
chasing in danger, but also the cord can
idea for dogs that haven't been trained
snap back and injure the human at the
to walk politely on a regular leash. By
other end.
their very nature, retractable train dogs
to pull while on leash, because they
If a dog walker gets tangled up in the
learn that pulling extends the lead.
cord of a retractable leash, or grabs it in
an attempt to reel in their dog, it can
If your dog is well trained, gentle mannered
result in burns, cuts, and even
and smart enough to master a regular leash
amputation. In addition, many people
and a retractable leash without being
have been pulled right off their feet by confused, you could be one of the rare
a dog that reaches the end of the leash guardians that can walk your pooch on any
and keeps going. This can result in
kind of leash without increasing risks to
bruises, "road rash," broken bones, and either one of you.
worse.
Story at-a-glance
9.
Retractable leashes, like most
retractable devices, have a tendency to
malfunction over time, either refusing
to extend, refusing to retract, or
unspooling at will.

First of all, “leash” is probably not a
good word to describe the thin cord used in
many retractable devices. Secondly, the real
purpose of using a leash to walk a dog is to
keep the animal safe and under the owner’s
control. Retractable leashes often do the
opposite.
 There are many reasons to avoid or
reconsider use of a retractable leash, starting
with the fact that on this type of leash, your
dog can get far enough away from you to
either get into trouble or into harm’s way.
 Retractable leashes are also responsible
for many injuries to both dogs and dog
walkers – from superficial burns and cuts to
horrific amputations.
In most cases, these devices are also wholly
counterproductive to training a dog to walk
politely on lead. The very nature of retractable trains dogs to pull on the leash to extend
the lead. Needless to say, this pulling behavior will be repeated whenever the dog is on
a standard leash.
I’m too
tired to
go on a
walk.
Let me
plunk
myself
down
and have
a nice
little
nap!
Motor City Soft Coated
Wheaten Terrier Club
Nicole F. & Abby Chekaway, Editor & Associate Wheaten Editor
Phone: (248) 626-6273
Cell phone: (248) 303-5001
E-mail: [email protected]
We are on the Web and Facebook! Join the fun
at: www.motorcitywheatens.org!
“If you pick up a starving dog and make him
prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal
difference between a dog and a man.”
~~Mark Twain
Tale Waggers
Page 13
Board of Directors
Denise Daniel, President
Carol Shaltz, Vice President
734-558-8442
734-425-4036
[email protected]
[email protected]
Janet Verlinde, Treasurer
Amy Martin Piesz, Corr. Sec.
586-731-4204
419-343-0769
[email protected]
[email protected]
Maggie Evans, Rec. Sec.
Terry McLeary, Board member
248-349-2657
419-841-3551
[email protected]
[email protected]
Jan Schoenherr, Board member
Linda Halick, Board member
313-673-1171
313-292-8173
[email protected]
[email protected]
Joe Guibord, Board member
Diane Brus, Board member
[email protected]
248-543-7838
[email protected]
Robert Brus, Webmaster
248-543-7838
[email protected]
Submitted by: Bev Wolf
Membership & Subscriptions
US Tale Waggers Subscription
$17.00 per year
Canadian Tale Waggers Subscription $20.00 per year
International Tale Waggers Subscription $25.00 per year
**MCSCWTC Membership
$5.00 application fee**
Upcoming Events
Grooming Symposium & Photos with Santa
October 19, 2014….The Great American Dog
Training, Garden City, MI
Owner’s Night Out Party….. Spring 2015
More info will follow
$35.00 First year **Includes an one time
**Renewing Membership $30.00 per year
**Memberships include Tale Wagger Subscription
**Subscription renewal and memberships will be prorated based on time
remaining in current fiscal year.
One page color ad $40.00
One page black & white $20.00
Half-page color ad $25.00
Half-page black & white $10.00
Black & White memorial tributes are at no charge. If you would like to have a
color tribute, the charge is $30.00.
If you would like to sponsor the front or back covers of TW, the charge is
$50.00. Please include a short write-up along with the photo.
**Please make check payable for the ads to MCSCWTC and must be received
by the treasurer, Jan Verlinde, 5610 W. Utica Rd., Shelby Twp., MI 48317, by
the deadline in order to be published. The ads should be sent directly to the
editor. The deadline for the next issue is November 1, 2014.
****Articles, interesting tidbits, etc. are FREE****
Motor City Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club Boutique
With the holidays just right around the corner, please take a
glance at our new items.
What man or lady in your life would
love to wear this fun-loving short
sleeve denim shirt with
embroidered Wheaten 'Peeking
Logo.' The price is $35.00.
Available sizes in Small thru 3x.
Front view
Take a look at this stylish unisex jacket in red/navy
with blue trim, vented back yoke with breathable mesh
fabric, two front outside pockets, inside zippered
pocket, elasticized waist and cuffs, washable, front
zipper covered with wind guard flap. Available in
sizes Small thru 3x. Colors: Red w/Navy Blue trim,
Black w/Black trim, Moss Green w/Khaki trim, Navy
blue w/Khaki trim. The price is $89.00
Back view
Winter is coming so why not get a warm, cozy
unisex long sleeve embroidered Wheaten sweatshirt
with 'no pill' fabric. Available in a variety of colors:
Kelly Green, Navy Blue, Texas Orange, Light
Yellow, Ocean Blue, Red. Available in Sizes Small
thru 4x. The price is $48.00. There is an extra
$2.00 for sizes 2x, 3x and 4x. Other colors available
upon request.
If you will be cruising to the islands for the winter,
then these “Got Wheaten?” short sleeve t-shirts
will be perfect to take along. They are available in
light blue and navy blue with embroidered 'Peeking
Puppy Logo.' The price is $20.00. Sizes available in
Small thru 3x.
***There is an additional charge for
shipping.*** If you would like additional
ideas, please contact Linda Halick at
[email protected] or (313) 292-8173
for more info.
It’s Time to Jump onto the
Barks-r-cise Ball with
Kramer!
Photo courtesy of: Terry McLeary