The
Golden
Gait
Vol. 41, No.1
January 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Board Meeting
General Meeting
Fun Training Day
Valentine’s Party
Awards Banquet
Jan 15
none
January 16
February 14
March 21
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
New Titles
Training Fun Day
Experimental Bone Cancer Vaccine
Addendum to Breeder Code of Ethics
Herpes Virus Infection in Dogs
The Naughty Dogge
Photo courtesy of Candy Verduce
On Friday, January 16 GPGRC will begin our monthly Friday Fun Training Days with Introduction to
RALLY.
Any GPGRC member or prospective member may attend. Each month will feature a different venue for the membership to try.
Volunteer instructors are needed for: field work, scent work, tricks, agility, therapy, dock diving, conformation, and any other
venue you may want to share with the membership. A schedule will be forthcoming as we have volunteers to share their expertise.
Fun Training Days will be held at Xcel Canine Training Center. Xcel is located at 5400 Progress Blvd Bethel Park, PA 15102.
Friday, January 16, 2015
6:30-7:00 PM- Pizza provided by club
7:00-8:30 PM Introduction to Rally Obedience
Invite your friends!!
MUST RSVP BY JAN 14, 2015 to
[email protected]
Please note there will be a $5.00 fee for the luncheon.
New Titles/Awards
Just a reminder to get those Accomplishment Forms in. You can find the awards form in the newsletter
under “Members Only” or under newsletter go to May 2013 you will find it there.
Beginner Novice, BN
Advanced Rally, RA
Ruffwater Sixteen Candles
“Partee”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Harborview Lucky Number
“Ticket”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Rally Novice, RN
Rally Advanced, RA
Ch Harborview Show Girl
“Dazzle”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Ch Harborview Show Girl
“Dazzle”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Rally Excellent, RE
Canine Good Citizen, CGC
Ch Harborview Show Girl
“Dazzle”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Ch Harborview Show Girl
“Dazzle”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Owned by Tammy Tomlinson
Rally Novice, RN
Therapy Dog International, TDI
Harborview Lucky Number
“Ticket”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Harborview Lucky Number
“Ticket”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Cat Lure Coursing, CA
Canine Good Citizen, CGC
Harborview Lucky Number
“Ticket”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Harborview Lucky Number
“Ticket”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Canine Good Citizen, CGC
Cat Lure Coursing, CA
Ruffwater Sixteen Candles
“Partee”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Ruffwater Sixteen Candles
“Partee”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Rally Novice, RN
Therapy Dog International, TDI
Ruffwater Sixteen Candles
“Partee”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Ruffwater Sixteen Candles
“Partee”
Owned by Bill & Marcy Kronz
Canine Good Citizen, CGC
Cat Lure Coursing, CA
Ruffwater Gone With The Wind
“Murphy”
Owned by Denise & Wayne McGill, Marcy Kronz
Ruffwater Gone With The Wind
“Murphy”
Owned by Denise & Wayne McGill, Marcy Kronz
Canine Good Citizen, CGC
Champion, CH
Ruffwater Giv’n It A Go
“Hustle”
Owned by Marcy & Bill Kronz
Hillock’s Johnnie Walker
“Walker”
Owned by Tammy Tomlinson, Lisa & Jim Cohen
Therapy Dogs International, TDI +200 service
events
Brianne’s Clancey Grace The Galleries
“Clancey”
Owned by Jim Kushner
Excellent Standard, AX
Brianne’s Treasure of the Sea AX,AXJ,NF
“Jewel”
Owned by Gina & Steve Arch
TDI Active Outstanding Volunteer,TDIAOV
Brianne’s Clancey Grace The Galleries
“Clancey”
Owned by Jim Kushner
GPGRC CHRISTMAS PARTY
A great time was had by all…………………..
Our mistress of ceremonies
Geez, whe re's the food?
The kids table
Lots of gifts
Good times
Friends
Penn Vet
October 28, 2013 · Edited ·
Update on Penn Vet Experimental Bone Cancer Vaccine.
Dr. Nicola Mason Bone Cancer Vaccine update
It is now over 16 months since the first dog diagnosed with spontaneous osteosarcoma received an experimental
bone cancer vaccine at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The vaccine is being
administered to pet dogs that have been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive tumor that affects the long
bones of large and giant breed dogs. With current standard of care, that consists of amputation and follow up
chemotherapy, median survival times are between 200 and 300 days. The aim of the vaccine, given to dogs after
amputation and chemotherapy, is to prevent metastatic disease and prolong overall survival. Of the first 5 dogs
vaccinated in this clinical trial, 4 of the dogs are still alive and have survived between 500 and 590 days; three of these
dogs are tumor free. Other dogs have been vaccinated more recently so long term survival data for these dogs is not
yet available. “These results are really very exciting” Dr. Nicola Mason, the lead investigator on the trial explains. “They
suggest that the vaccine is able to stimulate an effective anti-tumor immune response that is able to kill microscopic
metastatic cells and prevent tumor recurrence in these dogs.” Importantly, the vaccine appears to be safe. Only lowgrade toxicities consisting of a mild fever and occasionally one episode of vomiting the same day as vaccination have
been reported. There have been no long or short-term complications observed with the vaccine. The results are highly
promising and a larger phase II clinical trial is now being planned at Penn and at collaborating sites including Colorado
State University and the University of Florida.
If you would like to learn more about the clinical trial, are interested in enrolling your dog, or wish to support Dr.
Mason's research, visit http://www.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers-initiatives/canine-cancer-studies.
Herpes Virus Infection in Dogs: A Cause of Puppy Death
Canine herpesvirus is generally referred to as CHV, and is a leading cause of puppy deaths, especially in puppies one to three
weeks of age. We have all heard of breeders saying something like this - 'The puppies were fine this morning, but then they stopped
eating and died before I could do anything!' Anytime puppies die in this fashion, there is a reason to suspect CHV.
Transmission
Canine herpesvirus is a viral disease that affects many puppies, causing sporadic deaths and occasionally the death of an entire
litter. The virus lives in the reproductive and respiratory tracts of male and female dogs and can be sexually transmitted. The
virus persists in the female's vaginal secretions and the male's semen. As in many herpes infections found in other species, adult
animals can live for years with no apparent signs; these are called ' asymptomatic carriers.' This means the adult male and
female dogs can remain infected and transmit the disease for years while showing no signs of disease themselves.
Puppies can become infected several ways. The virus can cross the placenta and infect them while they are still within the uterus,
or they may become exposed from vaginal secretions during birth. The virus can also become airborne from nasal secretions of the
mother, so once born, the pup can actually inhale the virus while breathing. Puppies can easily spread the virus from one to
another. Lastly, the virus can be transmitted by eating infected materials.
Symptoms
Once exposed, it generally takes about a week for symptoms to appear. With this in mind, you can easily see why 1 to 3 week-old
puppies are at the highest risk. Severely infected individuals will become depressed, stop nursing, and cry. Their feces will be soft
and yellow-green. Their livers enlarge and their abdomens are painful. The liver becomes damaged and can no longer function
normally. Some puppies develop respiratory signs and nasal discharge. Others develop a rash on their abdomen. Hemorrhages
such as nose bleeds and small bruises on the mucous membranes or skin may appear. Some puppies will show nervous
system signs such as blindness and staggering. Puppies usually die within 24-48 hours of showing signs of disease.
Not all pups exposed at birth become ill, and many show no signs at all or develop only a slight congestion and recover within a few
days. Puppies exposed after six weeks of age have a better chance of recovery. Older puppies develop the disease by coming in
contact with the mother's infected, but normal-appearing, nasal secretions. Those that live often develop into carrier adults just like
their parents.
It appears that the virus thrives best at a temperature of around 99ºF, so this may help to explain why older puppies are at less risk
since their body temperature is usually around 101.5ºF, and that of younger puppies is lower.
Adult carriers typically exhibit no obvious symptoms, however, small blister-like lesions may occasionally be noted on the vaginal
wall.
Making a diagnosis
Canine herpesvirus is one of the leading causes of death in newborn puppies. Once the above signs develop, death often follows in
48 hours. The disease spreads rapidly through the litter as infected puppies are highly contagious. We suspect many cases of
herpes are wrongly diagnosed as disorders such as parvovirus and coronavirus.
Autopsies of deceased puppies by a veterinary pathologist will reveal the characteristic herpes lesions. Diagnostic hemorrhagic
lesions will be found within the kidney and liver, and the lungs will usually be congested. The affected organs will have cells
containing characteristic signs of the disease.
Treatment and prevention
Currently there is no specific treatment for canine herpes. All treatment is aimed at supportive care. Older puppies can be force-fed
and treated with anti-diarrheal medication. The survival rate of puppies less than three weeks old is poor. Severely infected puppies
will die rapidly. The remaining puppies should be kept warm (100ºF) until the virus has run its course. It is hoped that a vaccination
will be developed to protect against this disease.
As a preventive practice, one should make sure the environmental temperature of the puppies is kept warm with whelping boxes,
heat lamps, etc.
In conclusion, anytime one sees upper respiratory infections in puppies less than 8 weeks of age, CHV should be considered. Also,
CHV is a leading cause of death in 1 to 3 week-old pups, and even older puppies may die. The deaths will occur suddenly, with little
or no warning, and one pup or even an entire litter may perish within a 24-hour period. This is especially disheartening when
yesterday the litter appeared happy and healthy, and today some are ill or have already died. Remember, the mother may be a
carrier and future litters may be affected unless she develops a natural immunity. There is no treatment for her or for the
puppies.
Barbara Brock is in the process of transitioning to a smaller home and has
many dog related items available to interested parties. Please contact
Barbara directly at 724-776-8360 if interested.
GREATER PITTSBURGH GOLDEN RETRIEVER
CLUB’S
2015 Annual Awards Banquet
DATE: March 21, 2015
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION:
Peter’s Place Restaurant
1199Washington Pike
Bridgeville, PA 15017
412-221-5000
Luncheon Buffet
$21.00 per person
(Cash Bar)
Come and be apart of honoring our Goldens!
Return Payment to:
Vicki Osheka
1908 Aspen Court
Conway, PA 15027
GPGRC
Checks Payable to: GPGRC
By March 14, 2015
Name(s)______________________________Number Attending______
The Naughty Dogge
The four reasons our dogs misbehave
1. Lack of understanding
Some communication is so unclear that it is a miracle that dogs are able to meet any of our request...
Sometimes they simply have no clue what we want of them.
And generally we keep asking the same thing, only with a louder voice, and more forceful actions, not
realizing that the explanation needs to be delivered in a different way.
2. Lack of motivation
The dog is not motivated to do it. Lack of motivation can come from a variety of reasons.
My favourite that I like to pick on clients for is plain and simply “owners are boring”. Dogs have too many
rules, and are never actually allowed to be dogs. The owners are incredibly dull, always trying to suppress
their dogs from actually being dogs! Because of the constant rules, when the dogs finally get a taste of
freedom, you will lose all control, as there is no way that you can compare with a running-rabbit or great
dog-game. Please remember that the entire purpose of giving rules is to give freedom.
Other reasons are rewards are predictable and always present. If you ask your dog to come ten times, and
each of the ten times he gets a piece of cheese, it won’t take him long to realize the food is always there, so
skipping an occasion to chase a rabbit won’t kill him. But if the food is only sometimes there (variable
reinforcement schedule) then he has a reason to find out if maybe this time he will get something. We want
to turn our dogs into little gamblers. It is worth coming, just to find out if this time something might be
given.
In addition to this, our rewards themselves are dull. Cheese? Every time? Nothing is good every time.
How about having boring kibble, some cheese, a few pieces of hot dog, and three meatballs in your pocket?
If the first reward is kibble, the second is a meatball, the third nothing, fourth nothing, and the fifth a hot dog
– wait and watch the speed of your motivated dog. Keep them guessing, guys!
Now, while this sounds like way too much work, it isn’t. All it means is on treat cutting days, you have seven
zip-lock bags, and you put some of each in each bag. Toss the bags into your freezer, and grab a bag for each
training session.
For all of your diligent treat preparers, once in a while pull your zip-lock out of your freezer, have it on you,
and don’t dispense one single treat.Teach them that while the food might always be there, it doesn’t mean
that receiving will always happen.
Feeding treats should not be an expectation your dog has of you. It is a reward given, only when deserved.
Second commands never get fed. Mediocrity does not get fed. Only brilliance does. And brilliance means ten
times better than last training day!
3. Lack of Respect
Quite simply, the dog does not respect you. Would you take advice from someone that you think is an idiot?
Well, neither will your dog.
First he must care what you think before he actually chooses to follow your instructions. So many of the
dogs that I see are self-indulged spoilt brats, and the saddest part is they are unhappy.
Your dog deserves to be happy. He deserves to have rules and boundaries so that he can be successful with
his responsibilities. Don’t become a pez dispenser for treats in an attempt to fake respect.
A pez dispenser is exactly that – and you will have no relationship with your dog at the end of pezdispensing. When your treats run out, so does your dog’s interest in you. If you find yourself stuck here,
come to my January Pet Manners class and I will whip you into shape. This really is not the dog’s fault, but
your own.
4. Relationship problem
Handler issue…. This was Camille Fernandez’s brilliance. This is when your dog is a rescue, and your
connection is not happening due to the dog’s previous baggage. Or sometimes our expectations of our puppy
Labrador Retriever are to be exactly like our thirteen year old Labrador that just died.
We tend to forget in these moments how naughty the thirteen year old was when he was ten months old and
we get irritated with the young dogs for behaving like a young dog (not a geriatric).
Happy Training Everyone.
Monique Anstee
The Naughty Dogge
Victoria, BC
Call me at 724-584-3300 or email [email protected]
ADDENDUM TO GPGRC BREEDER CODE OF ETHICS
Rationale for addendum: To provide transparency in the puppy referral process AND participate as a GRCAsanctioned club in keeping records especially with the multitude of health issues affecting our breed.

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Keep a current list of inquiries including the names of GPGRC breeders provided to those individuals.
GPGRC breeders will keep record of contacts made via puppy referral and whether or not a puppy was placed
as a result of the contact.
Keep a current record of planned breedings, confirmed pregnancies, and birth of litters (date, number, #males,
#females) provided by GPGRC breeders.
Provide puppy referral ONLY for those bitches and sires whose breeder has provided hard copies of
clearances including:
o OFA/PENN hip and elbow clearances
o Cardiac clearance
o ANNUAL eye clearance
First time dam and sires will provide clearances to include OFA hips and elbows and cardiac clearance only
once. However, eye clearances will be submitted annually as hard copies provided to the puppy referral
chairperson. Breeders are also encouraged to upload current clearances on appropriate websites.
Hard copies of clearances are to be provided in addition to electronic versions and will be held by the club
puppy referral chairperson for review by any club member.
Breeders are responsible for providing clearances and understand failure to do so according to guidelines and
in a timely manner, will result in suspension of GPGRC referral privilege.
Make the list on inquiries and record of breedings (puppy referral supported) available for review monthly at
the GPGRC Board meetings.
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Board Meetings
If you have any matters you would like the Board to consider, contact the President, John Osheka, at 412-977-3870.
Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA)
All Golden lovers are encouraged to join our Parent Club, GRCA. The GR News is published bi-monthly by the
GRCA and contains educational articles, provides a forum for issues of interest to Golden owners, highlights
Golden accomplishments and contains correspondent columns from the Member Clubs across the country.
Contact the Editor for more information.
GREATER PITTSBURGH GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB (GPGRC)

Member club of the Golden retriever Club of America, Inc. (GRCA)
Master National Retriever Club (MNRC)
Pennsylvania Federation of Dog Clubs, Inc. (PFDC)

Licensed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) for Conformation Shows and Obedience, Rally and Agility
Trials and Hunt Tests.
General Membership Meeting is held the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
Membership applications are available from the Membership Chairperson. Attendance at two Club functions
(one being a General Membership Meeting) and endorsement of two Club Members is required before an
application can be accepted. Dues are: Regular Membership (individual) - $25.00, a second adult – an
additional $13.00. Associate Membership (individual) - $15.00, a second adult – an additional $8.00. Junior
Membership - $1.00. Completed applications and dues are to be submitted to the Membership Chair.
Newsletter is posted monthly on the Club’s Website at www.gpgrc.org. Club members may request printed,
mailed copies of the Golden Gait for a fee of $20 per year. Litter advertisements are accepted from Club
Members only on a space available basis. (Fees are full page - $10; half page - $5; quarter page - $2.50.)
Refer to the Puppy Referral Policy and Breeder Code of Ethics for required clearances.
In summary, puppy referral is a service provided to GPGRC Members only. (1) Both sire and dam must be two
years of age or older at the time of breeding; (2) copies of eye clearances within one year of breeding must be
supplied; and (3) an OFA numbers for hips and elbows must be submitted. Also hearts must be evaluated by an
approved veterinary cardiologist.
Acceptance and use of the information provided by GPGRC constitutes an acknowledgment that the user
hereby releases and indemnifies the GPGRC and its Officers, Directors, Members and Agents from any and all
liability and damages sustained by the user as a result of any information obtained from this organization.
Title/Award Record Form should be filled out and sent to the Accomplishments Recorder for all Conformation,
Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Rally, Field Events or Community Service Events before they can be reported in
the Newsletter.
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meetings are held at the Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth, 301 Bellevue Rd 15229. Meeting begins at 7:30 P.M.
Guests are Welcome!
Directions from I-279: Take exit 12 toward US 19/Perrysville Ave. At Perrysville Avenue, turn left. Go approximately .8 mile and
turn left onto Bellevue Road (Sunoco Station on corner). Go approximately .5 mile and turn right to stay on Bellevue Road. End at
301 Bellevue Road. Entrance to complex is one way. Sign will direct you to building. Yellow brick building behind large red brick
building is the meeting place. There is an open parking lot or 2 deck parking garage available.
________________________________________________________________________________
OFFICERS
President
John Osheka
1908 Aspen Court
Conway, PA 15027
412-977-3870
Vice-President
Kathi Fertal
909 Ruth Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
412-341-2459
Kris Tosadori
72 Kennedy Lane
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
412-331-6588
Secretary
Roseanna Frankowski
55 Marlin Dr West
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
412-531 1424
DIRECTORS
Marcy Kronz
407 Fairview Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
412-334-7187
Treasurer
Vicki Osheka
1908 Aspen Court
Conway, PA 15027
412-215-9314
Melissa Jarvis
2344 Nevin Drive
Franklin Park, PA 15237
724-422-5160
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Accomplishment Recorder
Sandy Wall
71 Branch Road
Cochranton, PA 16314
814-425-1301
Agility
Marcy Kronz
412-334-7187
AKC Liaison
Barbara Martin
724-348-5702
Community Services
Education
Roseanna Frankowski
412-531 1424
Equipment
Dian Hurka
724-947-1228
Field Training Day
John and Candy Verduce
412-741-1021
GRCA Delegate
Barbara Martin
724-348-5702
GRCA News Rep.
Candy Verduce
412-741-1021
GPGRC Webmaster
GRF Liaison
Historian
Grace West
412-341-6625
Hospitality
Anne Pittman
724-355-5106
Membership
Shirley Koper
412-771-1995
Merchandise
Rosanna Frankowski
412-531-1424
Newsletter
Sally Dines
724-584-3300
Puppy Referral
Pat Depp
412-931-0590
Program
Rescue Liaison
John Osheka
412-977-3870
Specialty
Sally Dines
724-584-3300
Please email me pictures of your dogs which I can use in future issues. [email protected]
GOLDEN GAIT - Greater Pittsburgh Golden Retriever Club, Inc.- Sally Dines, Editor