NTIWC Newsletter - North Texas Irish Wolfhound Club

NTIWC Newsletter
Annual Club Picnic Sun., Oct. 7 th
Our annual picnic was once again hosted by Doug &
Melanie Gulley, at their home in Grand Prairie. The
weather could not have been nicer and the turnout was
great. There was so much delicious food it was just
amazing. I really thought everyone put exceptional effort
into the dishes they prepared for this year. Seemed to me
the turnout was even better than last year, and we also
held a club meeting. I would like to extend a very big thank
you to the Gulley’s for inviting us into their home and
hosting our annual picnic this year.
Inside this issue:
Ø Annual Picnic
Thanks Melanie & Doug!
Ø Liver Treats, New Members, Bloat Kit link,
Merck On Line Vet Manuel, “Cost of Miracles”
Ø XYLITOL sugar substitute
Ø IW Rescue News, From the Editor, Club
Officers
Ø Veteran Birthday! Aggressive dogs & Low
Omega Fats
Ø Kitty Litter Dangers
Ø Duende’s Departure to the Bridge
January 2008
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Celtic Heritage Festival 2007
October 13 & 14 th Bedford Boys Ranch
Although I was not able to attend this year, I did have an
opportunity to stop by for a short time on Sat., on my drive
home from Canton. The weather was just beautiful! Although it
seemed a bit slow early on, we did have a nice turnout for our
booth, by the late afternoon on both days. Thank you to
everyone who was available and willing to help with the setting
up, tearing down and manning of our booth, this year. These
festivals are a LOT of work. The more members offer to help,
the easier it makes all of this for Cherry Rolle, who always co-
ordinates this festival (in addition to our Irish Fest booth!) each
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for
these upcoming events:
Saturday, March 1 – Sunday, March 2:
2008 Irish Festival Dallas Fair Grounds
*If you will be available to help set up, tear down, or work at our
booth please contact Cherry Rolle ASAP @ 817-516-0994
April 8 – 11: IWCA National Specialty Show
South fork Ranch & Hotel

Grain-Free Liver Leather Treats!
1 pound beef or chicken liver
2 eggs
1 ½ cups garbanzo bean flour
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Puree the liver with the eggs in a food processor.
Add the mixture to the flour in a large bowl and
stir in cheese. Mix well and turn out onto a baking
sheet covered with well-greased foil. Bake 25
minutes. Remove from oven and cut into trainingtreat-size
pieces with a pizza cutter. Turn down
the oven to 150 degrees F and return cut treats to
oven for several hours to achieve desired
consistency. The longer they stay in the oven the
crunchier they will become.
*********************************************************
Bloat Kit
This link is from Canada, and one of the best
references I've seen for bloat. Those of you with large
breed dogs should definitely print out a copy to have
on hand. It is excellent!
http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/hea
lth/healtharticle6.htm
****************************************************
“The Cost of Miracles”
by Deerhound breeder Christie Keith
This excellent article that describes what many of us
face, have faced and will face when making decisions
about medical treatment for our pets.
http://sfgate.com/cgibin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/03/06/petscol.DTL
I emailed Christie to ask her permission to print her
article in its entirety, on our NTIWC website;
however, I did not receive a reply.
NTIWC 2
“WELCOME” New Members
Susan Berg Kristin Sheaffer
Bruce & Kathy O’Brien Jill Sprankell
Seth & Millie Perry Darla & David Speed
Gail & Michael Green Robert W. Friddle
Catherine Dougherty Seth & Millie Perry
Dusty Eagen & Omar Gonzalez Jill Sprankell
“ Bennie” (Ruth) & Mike Johnston
Steve & Judy Ritchie “Gigi” Garland Mulvey
Free online
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp
The Merck Veterinary Manual is the single most
comprehensive electronic reference for animal care
information. It is brought to you as a service of
Merck & Co., Inc., providing quality medical information
on a not-for-profit basis for more than 100 years, and
Merial Limited, dedicated to producing a wide range
of pharmaceuticals and vaccines to keep livestock
and pets healthy and productive.
NEW IN THIS EDITION!
Thirty new chapters, including West Nile encephalitis,
pain management, ophthalmic emergencies, veterinary
dosage forms and delivery systems, biosecurity, and
many more
Updated advanced search, featuring search by topic,
species, specialty, disease, and keyword.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Circulatory System Digestive System
Eye and Ear Endocrine System
Generalized Conditions Immune System
Integumentary System Metabolic Disorders
Musculoskeletal System Nervous System
Reproductive System Respiratory System
Urinary System Behavior
Poultry Zoonoses
Reference Guides Toxicology
Clinical Pathology and Procedures
Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
Exotic and Laboratory Animals
Management and Nutrition
Pharmacology

XYLITOL (sugar substitute) can be toxic to dogs!
The ASPCA'S Animal Poison Control Center is warning
veterinary care professionals and pet owners that
xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing
gums, candies, and other products can cause serious
or possibly life-threatening problems for dogs.
Dogs that have eaten products containing high levels
of xylitol might need immediate medical attention,
even if they are not yet showing illness. Sick dogs
(vomiting, weak, seizuring) will require aggressive
veterinary treatment and close monitoring of blood
values, in order to recover.
Dogs that have consumed large amounts of products
sweetened with xylitol may have a sudden drop in
blood sugar, depression, loss of coordination, and
seizures. This is mainly with products where xylitol is
the main ingredient.
These symptoms can develop quickly, even less than
30 minutes after consumption of the product. It can be
critical for pet owners to seek veterinary treatment
immediately.
Some data indicates a link between xylitol
consumption and liver failure in dogs, although it is
insufficient to claim positive conclusions.
Dogs ingesting foods containing high doses of xylitol
(greater than 100mg xylitol consumed per 2.2lbs
bodyweight) have exhibited low blood sugar or
hypoglycemia) which can be life-threatening. Intake
of very high doses of xylitol (greater than 500 - 1000
mg) has also been indicated in liver failure of 8 dogs,
which can be fatal.
One reported death occurred in a standard poodle
that ate five or six cookies sweetened with xylitol.
Xylitol was originally derived from Birch trees (in
Finland) and was first popular in Europe as a safe
sweetener for diabetics that would not change insulin
levels. It is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that is used
as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is a naturally occurring
sweetener found in the fibers of many fruits and
vegetables, including various berries, corn husks, oats,
and mushrooms. It can be extracted from corn fiber,
birch, raspberries, plums, and corn. Xylitol is
roughly as sweet as sucrose but with only two-thirds
the food energy.
Xylitol, like most sugar alcohols, can have a laxative
effect, because sugar alcohols are not fully broken
down during digestion. It has no known toxicity, and
people have consumed as much as 400 grams daily
for long periods with no apparent ill effects.
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In 2004, popular North American Trident gum was
reformulated to include xylitol, but not as the main
sweetener (which are still sorbitol and maltitol and
IceBreakers brand Ice Cubes Gum from Hershey.
In 2006, Wrigley Company reformulated their
Orbit gum to contain xylitol and released it under
the name "Orbit Complete." Critics have noted that
the amount of Xylitol in some chewing gums is
small, and other sugar alcohols may be used in
larger amounts.
Although it is dangerous to dogs, it does have some
medical applications helpful to humans.
Dental care - Xylitol does not encourage tooth decay
and may actually aid in repairing minor cavities
caused by tooth decay.
A recent study demonstrated that a water additive
for animals containing xylitol was effective in
reducing plaque and calculus accumulation in cats.
Diabetes - Possessing approximately 40% less food
energy, xylitol is a low- calorie alternative to table
sugar. Absorbed more slowly than sugar, it doesn't
contribute to high blood sugar levels or the
resulting hyperglycemia.
Osteoporosis -Xylitol also appears to have potential
as a treatment for osteoporosis. It has been shown
to prevent weakening of bones in laboratory rats,
and actually improves bone density.
Ear and upper respiratory infections - Studies have
shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent
ear infections the act of chewing and swallowing
assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing
the middle ear, whilst the presence of xylitol
prevents the growth of bacteria in the eustachian
tubes which connect the nose and ear.
Pregnant or Nursing Women -Xylitol is safe for
pregnant and nursing women, and studies show that
regular use significantly reduces the probability of
transmitting the Mutant Streptococci bacteria from
mother to child during the first two years of life by
as much as 80%

Bruce with “Kiera” & “Rusty” at the picnic, Oct. 2007
FROM THE EDITOR:
Hello Members:
I apologize for taking so long to get this issue of the newsletter to you.
It has been a very busy year, with a few obstacles along the way. I had
to say “goodbye” to “Afton” 8 yrs., “Teagan” who had only just turned 6
yrs, and my cranky old Border collie, “Megan” who was 14+ yrs., in
2007. Afton and Teagan, both developed osteosarcoma. The Border
collie’s muscular system and rear end failed, at 14 yrs. Of course
“Megan” simply LIVED to herd, and terrorize, the poor hounds. She
was our puppy mill rescue.
Cherry and I had a trip to Essex, Ont. Canada, in July, for a breeding
with “Caprice”, but sadly no puppies were conceived. We had a
marvelous time and met some absolutely wonderful people, during our
visit. Of course, I came back with a male puppy, who as luck would
have it (for me, anyway) was returned to his breeder, when the family
who took him was not able to keep him, after a few weeks. Talk about
being at the right place at the right timeJ
My mother came to visit, from Seattle, just before Christmas. I took her
to see Elvis’ Graceland, as we used to live in Memphis, (back in 1967)
when he was alive. It was the first time we had stood at those gates,
together, in 40 yrs.! She was thrilled and we had a great time.
Kim Staman was diagnosed with kidney disease and had to go on
dialysis, 3 times a week. It has been a difficult time for her, but thanks
to her longtime friend, Kellie Simmons, Kim now has a *new* kidney.
She is recovering well from her operation, after a pneumonia
complication, just 24 hrs after she was released requiring a rehospitalization
for a few more days.
Our Deepest Condolences to:
Robin Smith who recently unexpectedly suffered the lost of her sister.
Jennifer & Steve Harry over the loss of their young son, “Indy”.
Ann Sury & Dick Morrison lost their beloved “Ditch”. She was a
special girl to those of us who were involved with the club when she was
rescued, many years ago. It’s hard to believe she is gone…
JoHannah & Bruce Lawrie, over the loss of their sweet boy “Bartley” to
lymphoma.
You are all in our thoughts and I’m so very sorry for your losses.
All my Best,
Lesa
“Keira” is our newest IW rescue and has been adopted by
Bruce & JoHannah Lawrie. She turned 1 year, in
September. She was an owner turn in, because of her
strong prey drive. Unfortunately, she put the family’s cat
in the hospital. I am told this girl is smart, confident, and
very sweet but can also be a bit *evil*, at times. J She’s a
pretty and curvy girl with lovely movement.
The Lawrie’s lost their beloved boy “Doodles” a few years
ago, and then “Bartley” last April, to lymphoma.
“WELCOME” to your forever home, “Keira”!
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North Texas Irish Wolfhound Club Address:
NTIWC
C/O Cherry Rolle
5250 Banks Road
Club officers:
President, Cherry Rolle
Vice-President, Kim Stamen
Secretary, Lesa Newbitt
Treasurer, Christine Dison
Ft. Worth, TX 76140-7900
Directors:
Richard Luhring Ann Sury Morrison
Dick Morrison Position OPEN
Newsletter Editor, Lesa Newbitt
beretoniw@wccs.net 940-433-5951
IW Rescue:
Cherry Rolle 817-516-0994
Cherryr1@airmail.net
Ann Sury 214-328-2682
Asury1@jcpenney.com
HOUSTON Area Contact/Coordinator:
Robin Smith 281-251-7755
Caraboof@aol.com
CLUB WEBSITE URL: http://ntiwc.offlead.com
Click on the date of newsletter, to view
individual issues.
NTIWC Webmaster, JenifferJohnson
ntiwc@offlead.com

“Happy Birthday, #8 Cara!!”
5/21/99 Cluain Meala Gheimhredh
"Winter's Sweet Seduction" turned 8 years old May 21st
Mistress Cara
Cara the Flirt
My heart hound.... It's been a wonderful ride. and she's
so good. Pictures after her bath!
- Robin, Cara the Flirt & Stylish Ailish
Interesting theory…
Aggressive dogs are characterized by low omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status.
Canine aggressive behaviour is one of the most common problems being reported by dog owners. However,
the biochemical basis of this phenomenon remains unclear. In humans, alterations in omega-3 plasma
polyunsatured fatty acids and elevated omega6/omega-3 ratio have been linked to behavioural alterations,
including aggression. Thus far, however, the relationship between plasma polyunsatured fatty acid status
and aggression has not been investigated in the dog. In the present study we sought to investigate whether
polyunsatured fatty acid status could be altered in plasma of pathologically aggressive Canis familiaris.
Eighteen adult male German Shepherd dogs, aged 4.9 +/- 0.9 years, showing no clinical signs but
aggression, were investigated. Eighteen healthy male dogs, aged 4.8 +/- 0.7 years, with a negative history
of behavioural and neurological disorders served as controls. Baseline fasting plasma polyunsatured fatty
acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Compared to normal dogs, aggressive dogs
showed lower docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) concentrations and a higher omega6/omega-3 ratio. In
addition, they showed reduced cholesterol and bilirubin concentrations compared to their normally behaving
counterparts. Altogether, our results suggest that low omega-3 fatty acids may adversely impact behaviour
in dogs, resulting in greater propensity to aggression. However, given the cross-sectional design of our
study, we cannot claim any causal relationship between the presence of alterations in fatty acid status and
canine aggressiveness. Whether omega-3 fatty acids supplementation may be useful to reduce aggressive
behaviour in the dog deserves further investigation.
Re S, Zanoletti M, Emanuele E. [Department of Animal Biology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.]
*As appearing @ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17891468 *PMID: 17891468 [PubMed - in process]
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Recently a breeder shared her story about a 2 yr. IW male, who was lost to this devastating problem. The owners felt
they had taken every precaution, including a litter box with a top, to keep their hound away from the ingesting the litter
box contents. They spent approximately $2,000 on testing, at the veterinarian hospital tying to determine for certain if
this was the cause of illness. A necropsy is pending at this printing as the end result was that the hound died. I have
decided to include this information, in hopes it may help others…..
KITTY LITTER DANGERS
One of the biggest dangers to a cats health and a dogs (some dogs ingest kitty litter as those with cat/dog households
know) - is “Litter Box Fillers”. What is not known by many are the dangers certain litter poses to pets and humans
alike. If you have a multi-mixed pet household of cats and dogs you must read this. As your dog sometimes will delve
into that litter box as you know – look what your pets are ingesting
Clumping Clay Kitty Litters: A Deadly Convenience?
Clumping clay kitty litters may be related to a wide variety of seemingly unrelated cat health problems, included
diarrhea, frothy yellow vomiting, mega-bowel syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney problems, respiratory
problems, general failure to thrive, anemia, lethargy, and even death.
Clumping litter is designed to form a hard, insoluble mass when it gets wet. It also produces a fine dust when stirred (as
when a cat scratches around to bury a recent deposit). And these clumping litters absorb many times their weight in
fluids.
When cats or kittens use the litter box, they lick themselves clean; anything their tongues encounter gets ingested.
Once the litter is inside a kitten or cat, it expands, forming a mass and coating the interior-thus, both causing
dehydration by drawing fluids out of the cat or kitten, and compounding the problem by preventing any absorption of
nutrients or fluids.
"There has been a rise in depressed immune systems, respiratory distress, irritable bowel syndrome, and vomiting
(other than hair balls) among cats that I have seen in the past two years. All had one thing in common...a clumping
product in their litter box. In several cases, simply removing the litter improved the condition of the cat." ("Great
Clumping Cat Litter--Is That Why Kitty is So Sick?" Lisa Newman, Healthy Pets--Naturally, April 1994.)
For a veterinarian to spot this problem is unusual. A more common diagnosis would lay the blame at the door of a
virus, germ, fungus or parasite. There is not a general awareness yet that the clumping litters can be harmful--even
fatal--to cats.
BEYOND CATS
And the problem extends beyond cats. As Lisa Newman points out in her article, dogs get into the litter box for
"snacks," and ingest the litter too. She reports that the autopsy of one dog revealed that his stomach was filled with the
clumping litter.
"Sodium bentonite, naturally swelling clay, is often added as an extremely effective clumping agent. When liquid is
added, bentonite swells to approximately 15 times its original volume. But because sodium bentonite acts as
expandable cement would, litters containing sodium bentonite should never be flushed; when they expand they can
block plumbing."
A few moments' thought is all that is needed to realize that something able to block household plumbing must be
wreaking havoc on the plumbing of our pets.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
You may feel as horrified as I do at the thought that there must be thousands of kittens, cats and dogs ailing or even
dying from clumping clay litters. What can we do to prevent such suffering?
One thing is let the manufacturers know we won't buy such products. My husband called a company that makes one of
the clumping litters. The woman he spoke with said that the company is aware that clumping litters may be causing
health problems, but that it is the consumer's responsibility to make sure their pets don't eat the stuff.
(Continued on page 7)
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(Continued from page 6)
My husband pointed out that cats clean themselves with their mouths, so of course they're going to eat the litter every time
they use their cat boxes. Unfortunately, the company's representative maintained her "buyer beware" position. Given the
attitudes of such companies, we can vote with our pocketbooks by purchasing products from businesses that are more
responsive to our concerns. Be sure to let the makers of the clumping litter know why you no longer purchase their product.
You might even choose to boycott all products made by these companies (it isn't hard to find out who makes what--just read
the labels). An even more effective move might be to show this article to the owners or managers of stores selling these
products.
If you suspect that an animal may be suffering an ailment caused by clumping litter, take him or her to a veterinarian or
holistic practitioner immediately, and explain what you think may be happening. If you encounter resistance, it may mean
that the veterinarian is unfamiliar with the problem and doesn't know how to handle it. Try to find a holistic vet--either
locally or someone you can work with by phone--who has some experience with clumping litter impacting the intestines.
Most importantly, replace the clumping litter right away with one of the plant-based alternatives.
There are many alternatives
A favorite for me is PAPURR. It’s flushable, Kills odors, and just like regular litter only dust free. Even clups pretty well!
Cedar chips are great for cats but not dogs or bunnies. For an all around SAFE choice
It is best to stick with paper-type, wheat, corn based litter such as Papurr, Carefresh®, Cat Country, Yesterday's News, S’Wheat
etc….Cedar is very good for cat only house holds but not around dogs.
See article in it’s entirety @ http://www.treshanley.com/cic/feline.html by Mariona Michaels
*copyright by Canine Care.org
DUENDE
I was blessed with the gift of a dog I absolutely adored! Her name was Duende. She was given to me by Melanie Mercer
after she retired from the show ring. She had been a club favorite because of her sweet disposition. When I joined the
NTIWC it was because I had adopted a female wolfhound who had been abandoned at a friend’s farm. Cherry Rolle and
Lesa Newbitt could not have been kinder to me. They educated me about the breed. I quickly fell in love with the breed and
when Duende came up to be placed they recommended me.
As fate would have it I was only to have Duende for a year and a half. She was diagnosed with bone cancer last august.
I was absolutely devastated. She was only five and a half years old. Again I sought the counsel of Cherry and Lesa and Mel.
Mel knew a Veterinarian that was specializing in cancer research in large breed dogs and having good results with fosamax.
She very graciously sent me a supply and we agreed this was the route of treatment we would pursue. Unfortunately,
Duende was one of the dogs that did not respond.
In September I was taking a trip with a friend to Aspen, Colorado and we took Duende along. We stayed in a cabin
outside of town on the Roaring Fork river. Duende had a ball! We went to gorgeous places every day with picnics.
Everyone who met Duende along the way responded lovingly to her. She hiked and played and napped and ate very well.
We bought her fresh meat at the meat counter for her part in the picnic. She slept in a huge feather bed which she graciously
shared with me. It was a very lovely two weeks, a very good way to spend quality time knowing she would soon go on
ahead.
Duende passed away two weeks to the day after we returned home. I felt her looking at me as we slept. I hugged her and
she just slipped away. She was the kindest, gentlest soul I have ever known and I was so blessed to have her share her life
with me. Though I only had her a year and a half I must admit if I'd had her fifty years it would not have been enough. I
miss her terribly but, I rest assured that she is happy and healthy just waiting on me to join her when my time comes.
We will meet again. She is not gone....just gone on ahead.
(See Photos on page 8)
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- Kim Winter 2008

*Kim Winter requested I add the following poem at the end of Duende’s obituary
Just A Dog
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, its just a dog", or "that's a lot of money for just a dog".
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog".
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog".
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog", but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog", and in those days of darkness,
the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort, and the reason to overcome the day.
If you too think, its "just a dog", then you probably understand phases like , "just a friend", "just a sunrise",
"just a promise"...
"Just a dog", brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I get up early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, its not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the
future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out the best in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the
day.
I hope that someday they can understand that its not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity
and keeps me from being "just a man".
So the next time you hear someone say "just a dog", smile because "they just don't get it, nor will they
ever get it".
AUTHOR UNKNOWN
NTIWC 8