| Eskie Scoops
The Official Newsletter for Eskie Rescuers United (ERU) |
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Ask the Eskie
Dear Gus:
Hi Gus!
My siblings and I will have some questions for you. We live in beautiful Western N.C. on a mountain. Our mom rescued us from the grim reaper, along with a couple of senior Border Collies, an Australian Cattle dog (bossy girl) and a chow mix. There are five of us Eskies and we hold our own.
Our mom wants to know your opinion of "bark collars". We told her no, but she says the barking is driving her mad sometimes, especially when she's trying to watch one of her favorite TV shows. Why would she want to watch CSI when she has us to play with? HUMANS!!!
Lots of Love,
Tahoe, Lucille, Nick, Kendra, Putter (rescued from a golf course), Bear, Scout, Sammy and Peyton Manning (yeah, I'm an Eskie but mom named me after her football hero).
Hey Gang!
Glad to hear from you all! What a saint your mom is for rescuing all of you, and how lucky you are to have found her!
I myself don't know what the big deal is with barking, I mean it's music to my ears! That being said, I deal with similar complaints from my own family so something must be amiss. Hey, Eskies are alert barkers, we're just trying to keep everyone safe and let you know if we see something that might be a concern to you. But my own mom made me put some information in the newsletter on things to do that might keep your mom a little happier during CSI. Your mom can take a look at this information under this month's training tips.
My mom sure likes it when my sisters and I try to play in her lap when she's doing stuff. You should give it a shot.
Woof!
Keep watching for the answers to questions
you have sent in the upcoming newsletters! If you
have questions you would like to ask, send
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| Contact Us |
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P.O. Box 8652
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52408-8652
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Adoptable Eskies in the Spotlight
For more information on these dogs, click on their picture to visit their complete profile.Or, visit www.eskierescuers.org to see many more. |
Hello, I'm Sassy and I currently live in Hagerstown, MD. I am a mature girl with lots of spunk and sass (hence my name!), looking for my forever home. Would you consider opening your home and heart to me so I don't ever have to worry about finding another home again? I will love you forever and you won't regret it! | |
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We are Tymone and Pumbaa and we are hoping to find our new forever home together very soon! We are littermates and have been together all our lives and really don't want to be separated!! We're currently living in IA and we are so friendly. If you could find it in your heart to accept 2 Eskies, we would be forever grateful!! | |
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LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THESE FUNDRAISING EVENTS! DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 1!!
Portrait & Quilt Fund Raisers
  Occasionally, a unique opportunity to raise funds while creating something special comes along. The "Furever Luvved Quilt" Project is one of those opportunities.
For more information, click or go to www.eskierescuers.org/Raffles
 Head & Shoulder Portrait of
Your Best Furever Friend
By Renowned Artist Pamela Jaffe
For more information, click or go to www.eskierescuers.org/Raffles |
ERU Volunteer of the Month
Deborah Guske
 Deborah Guske has been a member of ERU since December 2004. After adopting Sonny in October of the same year, she decided that she wanted to help others find the same wonderful companionship she found. Over the years, she has worked as an Assistant Director, Transport Coordinator, foster home, transporter, advisor, mentor and repeat adopter.
Sadly, in September 2007, her beloved Sonny passed away after developing an extremely rare brain tumor. Since his condition was so rare, his test and necropsy results are now part of an international study in the hopes that his condition and treatment can help other dogs. It is because of Sonny that Deborah started volunteering with ERU and ultimately has created a non-profit group called the Canine Health & Wellness Foundation. The Foundation will help further research to help other dogs with similar conditions and hopefully spread into other conditions as well.
Deborah currently lives in Rockford, IL with her pack and still helps advise and mentor members and adopters. After adopting Sonny, she also adopted a few "unadoptable" dogs because they were too old or sick to be re-homed. Happy Pappy, Una, Mrs Lovey Howell and Vanna White (who was a shiba inu) all passed away within the last year. Mr Wizard is now Deborah's remaining Eskie and is currently providing hospice care for Betsy- a senior Brittany spaniel for American Brittany Rescue.
While in rescue, Deborah has discovered that she lives by several mottos: When in rescue, everything is subject to change; Eskies are like potato chips, you can't have just one; and the more I get to know people, the more I love my dogs.
In her spare time, Deborah enjoys spending time at home with her pack, takes a cardio kickboxing class twice a week and fixing up her house. She is currently employed at her family's financial planning firm and is the resident "dog" expert. Her clients enjoy talking dogs when they come in and has even helped a few find or re-home a dog. |
| KRISTA'S STORY
 After our family lost our beloved 11 year old Eskie, Angel to cancer in January of this year, we made the decision to get another American Eskimo. With the help of ERU, we adopted Kishka on April 29, 2008. We immediately changed her name to Krista to represent her new life with her new family. If that name brought her any pain, we never wanted it spoken again. She was so sweet and beautiful; it was hard to believe that she was given up and left at a shelter. What happened with her first family? What did they do to her? We knew that the first 10 months of her life were stressful and unpredictable for her, she would need time to adjust and get used to her new environment.
Upon her arrival, all three of us took special care in showing her around the house, letting her smell every room, and making her feel welcome in them. She was extremely friendly, but nervous. We didn't want her to take total control of the house so boundaries and manners were enforced immediately. She was allowed in any room on any furniture as long as we said "Yes". She was rewarded for potty and good behavior with treats only when she heard and obeyed "Sit". If she went somewhere or got into something she shouldn't, she was told "No". We never yelled or appeared upset; we just kept reinforcing a few words over and over again. We started using other "one words" for anything we wanted to communicate with her. We could say something one time and she remembered it, even days or weeks later. She got it!!! This little girl was very smart and respectful. She loved people. At home or away, she loved attention and was sweet to everyone. The only problem we could see at that time was she wasn't very friendly to strange dogs around her home, the park, or anywhere she came in contact with them. She was extremely defensive! Our last Eskie didn't like other people or dogs and we didn't want Krista to continue with that behavior. She is GREAT dog, and we knew she could learn just about anything if we found the right trainer.
After diligent research and references, we decided to enroll Krista in the Basic Obedience Training with Robin Brown, APDT of Obedience Dynamics - K9 Behavior Consulting & Training in Trenton, Michigan. Robin has been such a blessing to our family. Not only has she taught us how to train Krista in basic commands, but has helped us with her diet and chewing fetish. Yes, baby girl can chew through a Hummer!!! With Robin's help I was able to select the safest and most appropriate toys for Krista's chewing power. Krista LOVES to go to training class. She adores Robin and immediately becomes fixated on her at class. She knows that she is helping her improve herself and you can see the respect and trust she has with Robin. It touches your heart to see your dog so happy. The classes have improved her confidence and she has gained a trust with us that is apparent every time our eyes meet. She knows how much we love her.
A few words from Krista's trainer to the ERU readers:
 "My background is in behavior and my passion is rescue dogs. I've worked with hundreds of them - mix and pure bred - and there is nothing more rewarding for me, the humans AND the dog to watch them sort of gain an entirely new perspective on life. Rescue's usually come with baggage - some obvious and some that doesn't show itself for months to come. Some issues are relatively mild and some cases are severe. Teaching the human and the dog ways of communicating and understanding each other while working on behavioral issues is one of the most important aspects of what I do. To watch things 'click' between the dog and their new human is nothing short of miraculous.
Krista is a great student! She's a very polite girl, .and Brenda & Mark are perfect parents! I've had plenty of opportunity - through email questions and class times - to confidently say that Krista is in the best home, with the best and most loving care. In Basic Obedience class, Krista is involved with three other students and she has been the first to learn the new command and seems to love her new 'job'. She's always eager and very focused!
I wish all my human students mirrored Mark and Brenda. Students like this make my job easy. They ask lots of questions and only want the absolute best for Krista, and I'm happy that they found me! I am looking forward to a long relationship with this family. "
We are happy to say that Krista no longer has anxiety about other dogs. She will look at them, of course, but does not become stressed when they are around. She even makes friends and enjoys walking with other dogs too. We are planning on continuing her training at the discretion of her trainer and as long as she is having fun! Adopting Krista was one of the best decisions that we have ever made in our lives. The joy and love she brings to our family is immeasurable. Her beginning was questionable at best, but her future is certain, she is loved and appreciated. She will reach her potential and have a wonderful life. We will never give up on her!!
For those of you who are thinking about adopting a rescue or already have a rescue, please consider finding a great trainer in your area. Don't settle for the first one you find and please get references. You can also ask to sit in on a class and see their methods for yourself. Also, don't forget to ask if they offer a discount for rescue organizations. Helping your Eskie reach his or her potential will be the greatest gift you can give them and yourself. A well behaved dog makes for a very happy family!!!
Be Blessed,
Mark, Brenda, Mark Alan, and Krista Zeigler |
Vaccine Guidelines Recently Revised
Written by Jim Park
Most dogs are scheduled to get yearly vaccinations. However people do not get vaccinations every year because their effect lasts for many years. For example, an adult human only needs to get a tetanus booster once every 10 years. A vaccine works by stimulating the body's immune system against a particular disease. It works the same way in a dog as it does in a human.
It has long been thought that dogs are over-vaccinated. So you may ask yourself what is the harm in giving a vaccine more frequently than necessary? There can be side effects and allergic reactions to the vaccine, particularly in older dogs. In addition, some veterinarians believe that over-vaccination can lead to health problems such as skin problems, allergic reactions and autoimmune disease.
Recently the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) revised their guidelines for giving vaccinations. This revision was based upon studies conducted to measure the effectiveness of vaccines over an extended period of time. The new guidelines as of 2006 recommend that most vaccinations be given once every 3 years. They recommend that puppies have a series of 3 vaccinations, then a booster 1 year after their puppy vaccination series. After that point vaccinations can be given once every 3 years. For exact details of vaccination schedules you can go visit:
http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/VaccineGuidelines06Revised.pdf
As with most things, there are exceptions. The first is for the kennel cough or Bordatella vaccination. This vaccine must be given annually as its effect is not very long. Also some states require yearly rabies vaccinations.
Some states will allow titer tests to be done. A titer test is a way of determining if a dog possess sufficient antibodies to a virus or antigen. If this test shows that the dog is still protected, a vaccination is not required. If you have a dog that has had reactions in the past to vaccinations you may want to consider this option if it is available in your state. It should be noted that titer tests in dogs have often shown vaccinations to be effective for 10 years or more. So even vaccinations every 3 years may not be necessary. The amount of time that a dog is protected by a vaccine can vary from dog to dog, so the only way to know for sure is to have him or her tested.
ERU has recently adopted the AAHA vaccination schedule for our foster dogs. Although most foster dogs are adopted within a year, some can stay in foster care for many years. For these dogs we are only vaccinating once every 3 years unless mandated by law. Older dogs especially who have had many vaccinations in the past do not need such frequent vaccinations.
Even though your dog may not need a vaccination, you should still consider a regular visit to your vet as a checkup. Like people, a dog can benefit from a regular veterinary checkups. Since a dog's life span is shorter than a human's, lots can happen in a year's time or less. So it is best to have regular vet visits just to make sure that your dog continues to lead a healthy and happy life.
For more information about vaccinations, please visit: http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?ID=143&sid=1 |
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Sponsorship Opportunities Look for our stories and how you can help us at www.eskierescuers.org under the Sponsor Eskies tab!
River Maggie Apple Pup
Sadie Lolly Jewel
Kyle Baylor Basil
Heidee Hero Sasha
Sam the Man Mitzie
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"Bark! Bark! Bark!"
Some canine behavior problems, such as house soiling, affect only a dog's owners. However, problems such as escaping and excessive barking can result in neighborhood disputes and violations of animal control ordinances. Therefore, barking dogs can become "people problems." If your dog's barking has created neighborhood tension, it's a good idea to discuss the problem with your neighbors. It is perfectly normal and reasonable for dogs to bark from time to time, just as children make noise when they play outside. However, continual barking for long periods of time is a sign that your dog has a problem that needs to be addressed.
The first thing you need to do is determine when and for how long your dog barks, and what is causing him to bark. You may need to do some detective work to obtain this information, especially if the barking occurs when you're not home. Ask your neighbors, drive or walk around the block and watch and listen for a while, or start a tape recorder or video camera when you leave for work. Hopefully, you will be able to discover which of the common problems discussed below is the cause of your dog's barking.
Social Isolation/Frustration/Attention Seeking
1. He's left alone for long periods of time without opportunities for interaction with you.
2. His environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys.
3. He's a puppy or adolescent (under 3 years old) and does not have other outlets for his energy.
4. He's a particularly active type of dog (like the herding or sports breeds) who needs a "job" to be happy.
Recommendations:
Expand your dog's world and increase his "people time" in the following ways:
1. Walk your dog daily - it's good exercise for both of you.
2. Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee and practice with him as often as possible.
3. Teach your dog a few commands and/or tricks and practice them every day for five to 10 minutes.
4. Take an obedience class with your dog.
5. Provide interesting toys to keep your dog busy when you're not home (King?? - type toys filled with treats or busy-box toys). Rotating the toys makes them seem new and interesting.
6. If your dog is barking to get your attention, make sure he has sufficient time with your on a daily basis (petting, grooming, playing,exercising), so he doesn't have to resort to misbehaving to get your attention.
7. Keep your dog inside when you're unable to supervise him.
8. Take your dog to work with you every now and then, if possible.
9. If you work very long hours, take him to a doggie day care or have a friend or neighbor walk and/or play with him.
Territorial/Protective Behavior
Your dog may be barking to guard his territory if:
1. The barking occurs in the presence of "intruders," which may include the mail carrier, children walking from school and other dogs or neighbors in adjacent yards.
2. Your dog's posture while he's barking appears threatening - tail held high and ears up and forward.
3. You've encouraged your dog to be responsive to people and noises outside.
Recommendations:
1. Teach your dog a "quiet" command. When he begins to bark at a passer-by, allow two or three barks, then say "quiet" and interrupt his barking by shaking a can filled with pennies or squirting water at his mouth with a spray bottle or squirt gun. This will cause him to stop barking momentarily. While he's quiet, say "good quiet" and pop a tasty treat into his mouth. Remember, the loud noise or squirt isn't meant to punish him; rather it is to startle him into being quiet so you can quickly reward him. If your dog is frightened by the noise or squirt bottle, find an alternative method of interrupting his barking (throw a toy or ball toward him).
2. Desensitize your dog to the stimulus that triggers that barking. Teach him that the people he views as intruders are actually friends and that good things happen to him when these people are around. Ask someone to walk by your yard, starting far enough away so that your dog is not baking, then reward him for quiet behavior as he obeys a "sit" or "down" command. Use a very special food reward such as little pieces of cheese or meat. As the person gradually comes closer, continue to reward his quiet behavior. It may take several sessions before the person can come close without your dog barking. When the person can come very close without your dog barking, have them feed him a treat or throw a toy for him. In order for this technique to work, you'll have to make sure your dog doesn't see people outside between sessions.
3. If your dog barks while inside the house when you're home, call him to you, have him obey a command, such as "sit" or "down," and reward him with praise and a treat.
4. Don't inadvertently encourage this type of barking by enticing your dog to bark at things he hears or sees outside.
5. Have your dog neutered (or spayed if your dog is a female) to decrease territorial behavior.
6. Limit the dog's access to views that might be causing him to bark when you are not home.
Fears and Phobias
Your dog's barking may be a response to something he is afraid of if:
1. The barking occurs when he's exposed to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, firecrackers or construction equipment.
2. Your dog's posture indicated fear - ears back, tail held low.
Recommendations:
1. Identify what is frightening your dog and desensitize him to it.
2. Mute noise from outside by leaving your dog in a basement or windowless bathroom and leave on a television, radio or loud fan. Block off your dog's access to outdoor views that might be causing a fear response, by closing curtains or doors to certain rooms.
Separation Anxiety
Your dog may be barking due to separation anxiety if:
1. The barking occurs only when you're gone and starts as soon as, or shortly after you leave.
2. Your dog displays other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to you, such as following you from room to room, frantic greetings or reacting anxiously to your preparation to leave.
3. Your dog has recently experienced a change in the family's schedule that results in his being left along more often; a move to a new house; the death or loss of a family member or another family pet; or a period at an animal shelter or boarding kennel.
Recommendations:
1. Separation anxiety may be resolved using counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques.
Bark Collars
Bark collars are specially designed to deliver an aversive whenever your dog barks. There are several different kinds of bark collars:
1. Citronella Collar: This collar contains a reservoir of citronella solution that sprays into your dog's face every time he barks. A citronella collar is considered humane and does work with some dogs. One possible drawback is that the collar contains a microphone, so the aversive is delivered in response to the sound of the bark. Therefore, other noises may set off the collar, causing your dog to be sprayed even if he did not bark. Also, some dogs can tell when the citronella reservoir is empty and will resume barking. You can also purchase a citronella collar that is activated by a handler.
2. Aversive Sound Collar: This collar emits a high-frequency sound when your dog barks. Some are activated by the noise of the bark, while others are activated by a handler. The rate of success for this type of collar is reported to be quite low.
3. Electric Shock Collar: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND an electric shock collar to control your dogs barking. The electric shock is painful to your dog and many dogs will choose to endure the pain and continue barking. These collars are expensive and their success rate if very low. Also, redirected aggression toward people or pets that are around the dog may result.
The main drawback of any bark collar is that it does not address the underlying cause of the barking. You may be able to eliminate the barking, but symptom substitution may occur and your dog may begin digging, escaping or become destructive or even aggressive. The use of a bark collar must be in conjunction with behavior modification based on the reason for the barking, as outlined above. You should never use a bark collar on your dog if his barking is due to separation anxiety, fears or phobias, because punishment always makes fear and anxiety behaviors worse
2003 Dumb Friends League. All Rights Reserved. BBB0_R03 |
Memorials to Those Who Will Live in Our Hearts Forever
Wanda - 1991(?)-2008
 On July 21, Maureen and I had to send our beloved Wanda to "The Rainbow Bridge". Wanda was approximately 17 and was the spunkiest, happy-go-lucky, Velcro Toy American Eskimo dog ever. When Maureen and I married and she and her cats, Willie Mae and Sparkie Doodle joined our home, Wanda adopted Maureen. Blind in one eye, not seeing well with the other, deaf to many sounds, she could always find a piece of dropped food, leap gleefully over every threshold, and tell the special sound that utensils make against our plates when we are finished eating, the sound that signals it is time to lick the plates. She could always search the house for Maureen. As she has in my heart, she will always have a very special place in Maureen's heart. She was and always will be very, very special little dog.
Wanda was an alumni of the Bucks County (PA) SPCA. She had been dumped there twice and, both times, with heavy evidence of severe abuse. While she never quite overcame this trauma, she still attacked life with zest until the end in spite of this difficult beginning. She was the BCSPCA "Pet of the Week" in The Intelligencer (Doylestown, PA) New Years Day 1995; BUT she was no longer available as she was adopted by us on December 30, 1994.
 Wanda was the catalyst for my volunteer work with Eskie Rescuers United American Eskimo Dog Rescue Inc (ERU). When Curly, a miniature poodle passed away, Wanda became industrial strength Velcro and needed a canine companion. Having found a special love in Wanda, I decided to seek another American Eskimo Dog. The search ended with the adoption of Snow White from another rescue organization and, being exposed to the complexity of breed rescue triggered the desire to volunteer with ERU.
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| Memorials to Those Who Will Live in Our Hearts Forever
 Mia joined our family on Saturday February 23, 2008 and it was love at first sight. On the ride home she sat snuggled next to our then 2 and a half year old son Robert. They found that they were gonna be good buddies on that trip when they shared his Happy Meal and fries. She was the perfect little lady when she came home. She just waited for the others to come and meet her. She hit it off well with Jasper our 8 year old Eskie; the cats were a bit aloof but Pookie came around and she was Mia's snuggle buddy.
Mia would share Robert's couch with him during the day and that was where she slept at night, with her blanket and lamby. When we went for walks she let Robert walk her, we hooked her leash to his pants loop and off they'd go.
The week before she passed she went to the groomer and Maggie said that she loved every minute of it. She even liked her bows in her ears.
On June 3 Robert found Mia lying in the laundry room; she was bleeding rectally. I called the vet and took her right down. When the vet called for me to come down Robert wanted to come with me because he said that he knew she was going to Heaven and he had to see her. When we got there she was failing quickly. Robert laid on the table next to her and gave her hugs and kisses and told her that Ghost and Junior were waiting in Heaven for her and that it was ok. My mom took Robert out and I held Mia in my arms as she drifted off. We had her cremated and she is with our other Eskies, Ghost and Junior, in the curio cabinet where Robert can see them.
In the short time that she was with us she taught us a lot and how to enjoy the little things. She also taught Robert a lot about compassion, love and not to be afraid. We miss her terribly and are just waiting for the next Eskie to come into our lives. Thanks to ERU for giving a loving little girl a bright and happy life until the end.
Jamie, Kathie and Robert Homyak
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DONATIONS * MEMORIALS * SPECIAL GIFTS
If you would like to make a contribution to Eskies Rescuers United (ERU) rescue group to commemorate an occasion, in memory of an individual or pet, or to sponsor a pet, please complete the fields below and mail to ERU, P.O. Box 8652, Cedar Rapids, IA 52408. You can also simply click on the PayPal link and make your donation and special request there.
This gift is:
___In Memory of (Animal) ______________________ (Human) __________________________
___In Honor of (Animal ) _______________________ (Human) __________________________
___For the special occasion of ___________________________
___Sponsor a pet (Pet name) _____________________________
___Enclosed is my Monthly Pledge _________________________
Name: _______________________________________________________
Street: _______________________________________________________
City: ________________ State: _____________ Zip: ________________
Phone: _______________________ Email: ___________________________
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| An Easy Way to Help Out!
Everyone uses some sort of search engine but only one of them will help ERU! If you use Goodsearch whenever you are searching online, it helps ERU to help more dogs! And it's absolutely free for you!
Here's all you have to do:
1. Go to www.goodsearch.com
2. Enter "Eskie Rescuers United" and click on the Verify button. You only need to do this once.
3. Type in your search criteria
4. One Penny is donated to ERU for each search.
A penny may not seem like a lot of money, but it adds up. If 75 people search 4 times a day using ERU on goodsearch, when the check is cut at the end of the year, we will have made over $1,000! If you want to keep track of how we are doing, just click the amount raised button under select a charity.
Please share this with your friends, family, coworkers, etc. It is FREE to search and is powered by Yahoo. |
We would love to have your contributions to the newsletter! If you have an article (or an idea for an article) you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact Chris at ChrisB@eskierescuers.org. |
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