Mid-Michigan Cocker Rescue

I believe that everyone has something positive that can help another learn more by sharing in an open caring forum. (When your green your growing!) If you have something you would like to share please submit it. This page is updated often please check back as the more you know the more you grow!

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For all you people who what to create web pages, etc. A crash course in copyright and intellectual property rights law. Check it out before they come looking for you.

AVMA Page
A high quality site devoted to pet health care
VetNet
Wonderful site with TONS of info
International Veterinary journal
Professional literature

Natural Pet
Another Commercial site for holistic products
Holistic Pet Care
Homepage of a Veterinary Clinic with special interest in homeopathy. Looks good!
Natural Pet Care
Homepage of a Veterinary Clinic with special interest in natural pet care.

" search or browse the FDA approved animal drug list to see if Rover is getting the right stuff. What's more, this is also a place to look for medications to suggest to your vet if your pet's got a problem."

In 1996, the American Veterinary Medical Association revised its 'Guidelines for Alternative and Complementary Veterinary Medicine'. (For those interested, see the news item at http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/sep96/s090196d.html). The Guidelines represented a shift in the position of the AVMA's stand on alternative therapies to recognize the growing use and accumulating positive evidence in favor of therapies such as acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathy and chiropractic, to name a few. This document increased awareness of>> veterinarians in many ways; it is hoped that this increased awareness will result in more research, at least and increased availability of veterinarians who practice these therapies for people who choose more natural medicine for their pets. Another group has responded to the new Guidelines in a different way, however. The Veterinary Task Force against Health Fraud recently started a letter writing campaign directed against the AVMA for publishing those guidelines. This letter can be found at:http://www.seanet.com/~vettf/JAVMAlet.htm and the signatures in support of it at: http://www.seanet.com/~vettf/Iagree.htm The letter, which has garnered signatures from academic veterinarians and pet owners alike, makes a number of dramatic claims: 1. That the AVMA is in 'breach of contract' with constituent veterinarians by misrepresenting the evidence in favor of these therapies (in fact, they claim that the document is misleading in many ways). 2. That the evidence in existence for acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic is negative, and that they in fact cannot work. 3. That veterinarians who practice these therapies are committing fraud, and that they should be considered unethical by endangering animals and the public. If you have enjoyed having access to a veterinarian knowledgeable in use of these therapies, your freedom of choice is being threatened. The Task Force promises to force the AVMA to deny that these therapies work, and to deny that veterinarians using them are practicing good medicine. We need your help. We are mounting a counter campaign. Dr Jan Bergeron has written a letter in support of the AVMA's Guidelines. If you would like to be a part of the effort to maintain this level of open-minded investigation of these therapies and retain your access to veterinarians who practice them, we hope you will visit http://www.altvetmed.com/Special_Page.html for a brief summary of the problem, with links to Dr. Bergeron's letter and a sign-up form. You can also get to the links in question by simply pointing your browser to the AltVetMed page at www.altvetmed.com, and look for the special announcement. If you receive this letter but don't have access to email or the World Wide Web, please send your very brief note to me at the address below. We need literally thousands of signatures, which means that if you use alternative therapies or believe you might ever need that something extra for a sick pet, we need you. Please help us gather a flood of support for freedom of choice. Thank you for your support in this very important matter. Sincerely, Susan G. Wynn, DVM Greater Atlanta Veterinary Medical Group 1080 North Cobb Parkway Marietta, GA 30062

- The Cocker Spaniel Owners' Medical Manual, Robert M Brown, DVM, ISBN 0-938681-01-X

- Veterinary Notes For Dog Breeders, Trevor Turner, BVet Med, MRCVS ISBN 0-09-173817-2 This book has very good, easy to read and understand chapters, on all the various systems eg. heart, kidneys, eyes etc. Lots of diagrams too.

- Bailliere's Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, D.C. Blood, Virginia P. Studdert, ISBN 0-7020-1395-1 Over 52,000 main and sub-entries to help you out

- Senior Years - Understanding Your Dog's Aging Process John K. Hampton, Jr., Ph.D. & Suzanne H. Hampton, PhD ISBN 0-8887605-734-2 Good indepth descriptions on how all the body systems work

- The Book Of The Bitch J.M. Evans & Kay White ISBN 1-85054-115-9 Complete guide to understanding and caring for bitches

- Canine Reproduction - A Breeder's Guide Phyllis A Holst, MS, DVM ISBN 0-931866-21-9

- Allen's Fertility and Obstetrics in the Dog, Gary C.W. England, BVetMed, PhD, DVetMed, FRCVS, DVReprod ISBN 0-632-04806-9 Almost all you would ever want to know on the subject !!!

- Canine Orthopedics Robert L. Rooks, DVM, & Connie Jankowski ISBN 0-87605-720-2 Excellent book

- Guide To Skin and HairCoat Problems in Dogs, Lowell Ackerman, DVM, DACVD ISBN 0-931866-65-0 Easy to read and understand. Covers all of the problems our breed seems to have.

- Canine Hip Dysphasia Fred L. Lanting with Dr. Sten-Erik Olsson & Dr. Wayne H. Riser ISBN 0-931866-06-5

- Inherited Eye Diseases In Purebred Dogs Lionel F. Rubin ISBN 0-683-07452-0 Good general reference. CERF also has a reference book available.

- Control of Canine Genetic Diseases George A. Padgett, DVM ISBN 0-87605-004-6 This is my all time favorite book on canine genetics. Easy to read and understand.

- The one book that I recommend most to pet dog owners is, "UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Book of Dogs". It is easy to read and understand and has information on almost anything a pet owner would want to know. An added plus is that it isn't too expensive.

- In the last few years, I've found another excellent source of information in Dog World Magazine. They have had several very good series on Hip Dysphasia, Genetics, and Canine Aging. Along with health related topics you will find information on behavior, all types of training, puppy raising, and general care This magazine is definitely not just for pet people.

All of the above mentioned books can be obtained form the following book sellers. DIRECT BOOK SERVICE (Dog and Cat Books) www.dogandcatbooks.com 4M Enterprises - 4M DOG BOOKS www.4Mdogbooks.com

A reputable breeder feels responsibility toward the breed itself, toward the dogs he or she breeds and to the people who own dogs from their kennel. He or she spends time and money on matters they think are for the best interests of the breed.

It is this passion and responsibility that divides the true breeder from the "puppy-raiser". The breeder is motivated to create perfection; the puppy raisers and the dog dealers are motivated to make money.

Reputable breeders will carefully screen potential new owners, often sells with a contractual agreement, and will ALWAYS take a dog back at any point in its life if the owner cannot keep the dog.

When selecting a puppy, the reputable breeder may show you the pedigree and explain the selected bloodlines.You should be allowed to see the puppies and the mother in their kennel.

1. Cleanliness. Normal dog odors are unavoidable, but dogs and facilities should be clean. Ask about sanitation practices. A sanitary environment is usually a healthy environment!

2. Attitude. Happy, healthy, well-cared for animals are bright-eyed, energetic, and curious about strangers. Lethargic, bleary-eyed dogs that hardly look up when a stranger is present is likely a sign of ill-health.

3. Appearance. Are the dogs clean? Well-groomed? Remember that puppies can be quite messy, but extensive filth on the dogs is a sign of neglect.

4. Behavior. Also a health factor; unhealthy or injured animals will always behave differently than the rest of the litter. Don't select the puppy that is "sweet" and "quiet". If the rest of the litter is wrestling, romping and vocalizing, a non-participant may not feel well. The breeder should already have noticed and be willing and able to tell you about each puppy.

5. Information. The breeder should supply all information on the puppy's pedigree, not just show a display of ribbons. The mother should not be overbred; find out how old she is and how many litters she's had. Reluctance to provide this type of information may be a warning sign. Make sure the breeder provides you with written feeding instructions and a feeding schedule. The puppy should also come with a pedigree of past three or more generations. The breeder should provide you with the puppy's immunization record and schedule, listing the dates and types of vaccines used. Remember that a pedigree and registration papers do not guarantee health or quality.

6. References. Ask for a list of other families who have dogs from the breeder. A reputable breeder should gladly give you several names and numbers. Call all of them. Ask if they would purchase another dog from the same kennel.

7. Written Contracts
The written contract should include names and addresses of parties involved, price, terms and breeders support, date of transaction, signature of buyer and seller and witnesses if required by state law.

The pup may come with AKC registration (but this varies upon breed - the puppy you are thinking about purchasing may be a breed that is not recognized by AKC) The form should be completed and signed. Some breeders will only give you this slip/papers after all fees have been paid, or once spaying/neutering is proven, etc. This depends upon the contract. Find this out in advance!

What are the conditions of the sale? Do you only get the dog's papers after spay/neuter obligation fulfilled? (If dog is sold as a pet)

A reputable breeder will allow some time (min. 48 hours to 30 days) for return of pup/dog, in the same condition as time of sale, for any reason with full refund of purchase price. This allows you time to have your pup examined by your own vet, too. Some will allow 24 or more months for OFA certifications since OFA only tests dogs once they reach 2 years of age.

1. Carefully interviews prospective buyers and has specific requirements that prospective owners must meet, such as spaying and neutering pets, housing the dog in an enclosed yard, agreeing to never let the dog off lead in an unenclosed area.

2. Sells by written contract.

3. Sells puppies with a health guarantee.

4. Insists upon getting the dog back if the buyer is no longer able to keep the dog.

5. Does not have more litters than they can keep well groomed and well socialized.

6. Does not have more litters than they can keep housed long term if unable to sell the puppies.

7. Spends individual time with each dog under their care every day.

8. Tests her breeding stock for known hereditary diseases and breeds with the aim of decreasing the incidence of such diseases.

9. Is very concerned with producing puppies with excellent temperaments and health.

10. Can identify each puppy and chart its growth and development from birth.

11. Is willing to help educate the novice buyer and happily answers any and all questions about his or her breed and his or her individual dogs

12. Is willing and able to show the prospective buyer the health certificates and test results on the sire and dam of the puppies.

13. Wants to be informed of any health or temperament problems that his or her puppies develop through out the lifetime of each puppy.

14. Is available for help, advice, and education to the buyer through out the life of the puppy.

15. Is willing to allow a minimum of 48 hours for you to return the puppy, for any reason, and give you a full refund of the purchase price. This time allows you to have the puppy examined by

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