Tibetan Terrier Club of America

Tibetan Terrier Club of America

Volume XXVIII Issue 9 November 2005

In this Issue President's Message

• Nominations for One of my favorite dog shows is the Kennel Club of Phila-
Officers & Directors delphia Dog Show, which happens in a few weeks, Novem-
ber 19 & 20. One of the five benched AKC dog shows each
• Legislative Liason year, it is a spectator’s wonderland. The show is also known
Needed as the Purina National Dog Show, and is televised on NBC
Thanksgiving Day after the Macy’s parade. Exhibitors are
• Secretary's Report assigned a numbered space for each dog’s crate and groom-
ing table. Spectators stream up and down the rows of dogs,
• Make a Date With Your Goddess
of
Lovely
Sounds arranged by breed, asking exhibitors every question you can
TT imagine. I met the Tibetan Terrier at this show back in 1987.
Like many people, I was not familiar with Tibetans, and so
• Membership Matters I innocently remarked that they looked like my very large
Lhasa. Little did I know what I would be doing eighteen
• Aggression... Eight Auspicious Symbols years later!

Dogs Help Humans in Attending the Philadelphia show is a tradition now, and I
Research to Fight a look forward to it each year. Who will I be set up next to
Terminal Disease this year? Which campaigned dogs will be coming? It’s
cozy, and maybe a little too close for comfort, but what fun!
Extensive Canine DNA Bank It’s great spending time talking about my favorite subject,
part of genetic research my dogs. And talking is what we do, all day…asking and
program at MU answering questions, giving and getting advice. It’s two full
days, very fulfilling days of giving back to the breed. I hope
COLUMBIA, MO - Dogs are more than just to see some of you there!
man’s best friend; at the University of Missouri-
Columbia, dogs are helping with life-saving Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
research. Tibetan Terriers are contributing to
an extensive canine DNA bank in an on-going Jackie Faust
research program studying the genetic bases of
diseases that affect both dogs and humans. The 2004 Journal
Tibetan Terriers can be stricken with a neuro- Deadline Extention
logical disease, known as neuronal ceroid lipo-
fuscinosis (NCL), which has a human equivalent The deadline for submitting new titleholder
called Batten disease. NCL diseases are inher- information to be included in the 2004 Journal
ited neurological disorders that have no cure. has been extended until December 5, 2005.
Though rare, children of parents who are carri- Please direct any questions to:
ers each have a one in four chance of inheriting
the terminal disease. Sue Mechem
In order to better understand the pathology of 940 Five Pines Road
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
(Continued on page 3)
412-751-4297
[email protected]

[email protected]

Tibetan Terrier Club of America November 2005 Newsletter

Nominations for Officers and Directors Secretary’s Report

In accordance with the Tibetan Terrier Club of America, Inc.’s Constitution Board News
and By-Laws, Article V, Section 3, the Nominating Committee, through Chairperson
Robert Kreis, has informed me of the Nominations for Officers and Directors for the The following motion was made by Margy
Club Year 2006-2007 as follows: Pankiewicz and seconded by Ron Wiley:
I move that the TTCA donate $1000 to
President: Jackie Faust New Jersey the Salvation Army Hurricane Katrina
Pennsylvania Disaster Relief Fund.
First Vice President: Margy Pankiewicz Wisconsin
New Jersey APPROVED: Faust, Pankiewicz, Im-
Second Vice President: Linda Immel Indiana mel, LaForge, Harrison, Nagao, Van
Rhode Island Pelt, White, Wiley.
Secretary: Stacey LaForge Pennsylvania OPPOSED: Mechem.
Colorado ABSTAINED: Smith.
Recording Secretary: Shannon Shetler Maine NOT RECEIVED: None.
Florida MOTION PASSED.
Treasurer: Gail Toracinta
Comments: LaForge- Although I have
Directors: Susan Mechem voted to support this motion, I would have
preferred if the donation had been made to
Linda Nagao an organization that directly benefits both
dogs as well as people. Mechem- While
Kate Stanuch I have great sympathy for the people on
the Gulf Coast, I feel as a dog club our
AKC Delegate: Carole Miller responsibility with member funds is to
donate to dog-oriented causes. Smith-I
According to Article V, Section 3(b): Additional nominations of eligible do feel as a Dog Club we should give our
members may be made by written petition addressed to the Secretary and received small amount of money to protect dogs.
at his regular address on or before December 1st, signed by five members and ac-
companied by the written acceptance of each such additional nominee signifying
his willingness to be a candidate. Such additional nominations must be sent to the
Secretary by Registered Mail, Return Receipt Requested. Except for the position
of Delegate, no person shall be a candidate for more than one position, and the ad-
ditional nominations, which are provided for herein, may be made only from among
those members who have not accepted a nomination of the Nominating Committee.

If you should have any questions pertaining to the above, please do not hesi- The Board agreed by consensus to hold a
tate to contact me. Regional Specialty in Springfield MA on
November 26, 2006.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey La Forge, Secretary Respectfully submitted.
Stacey La Forge, Secretary
87 Pleasantview Ave.
New Providence, NJ 07974

(908) 790-1821
[email protected]

President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Secretary Recording Secretary Treasurer

Jackie Faust Margy Pankiewicz Linda Immel Stacey LaForge Sharon Harrison Alice Smith
58 Ark Road 1645 Seaks Run Rd. 281 Roselawn Blvd. 87 Pleasantview Ave. P.O. Box 528 2 Leslie Road
Medford, NJ New Providence, NJ Pleasanton, TX Ipswich, MA
Glen Rock, PA Greenbay, WI
08055 17327-9544 54301-1303 07974 78064 01938
(609) 953-5472 (717) 235-6991 (920) 336-0405 (908) 790-1821 (830) 281-3618 (978) 356-5693
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]
AKC Delegate Director Director Director Director Director

Carole Miller Victoria White Sue Mechem Linda Nagao Ron Wiley David Van Pelt
1444 Harbour Pt. Dr 1807 Prelude Dr. 940 Five Pines Rd 1795 Youngfield Ct P.O. Box 970 15247 S. Michael Dr.
N. Huntingdon, PA
N. Palm Beach, FL Vienna, VA Golden, CA Tracy, CA Plainfield, IL
33410 22182 15642 80401 95378-0970 60544
(412) 751-4297 (209) 835-3647
(561) 624-9771 (703) 938-3646 s.mechem@worldnet. (303) 238-6050 [email protected] (815) 436-9576
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] vanpeltd@firstenergy
att.net
corp.comm

Page 2

Tibetan Terrier Club of America November 2005 Newsletter

Research (continued from page 1) comparison of the DNA from a large “Dr. Katz’s work with Tibetan Terri-
number of affected dogs with the ers has the potential to fast forward
the disease and develop therapies, DNA of their parents and affected the entire research process.” said
Martin Katz, professor of ophthal- littermates. Lance Johnson, executive director
mology with dual appointments “The organization of genes in a of the Batten Disease Research and
in the School of Medicine and the genome is like the organization of Support Association. “As we are in-
College of Veterinary Medicine, is books in a library,” Katz said. “Genes creasingly able to correlate canine
looking to the Tibetan Terriers for are arranged in a specific order on a research efforts with human studies,
help. “The purebred dog population number of different chromosomes, we expect the crossover opportuni-
provides an ideal model for genetic much like books are placed in spe- ties to be phenomenal.”
research,” said Wayne Ferguson, cific orders on specific shelves in
president of the American Kennel a library. Determining the precise The Tibetan Terrier DNA bank was
Club Canine Health Foundation. location of a disease-causing muta- originally conceived and developed
“The dogs’ pedigrees provide de- tion within the genome will identify by Stuart Eckmann and Linda Bell,
tailed multigenerational relationship the disease gene, just as going to a who oversee the Tibetan Terrier
information. The shorter lifespan of a specific location on a specific shelf Club of America’s health programs.
dog allows researchers to compress in a library will result in a particular In a collaborative effort with MU,
studies that would take much longer book being located.” Eckmann refers owners of affected
with people.” Once the NCL mutation in Tibetan dogs to Katz for examination of reti-
Katz is searching for the genetic Terriers has been identified, a nal and neural tissue. The result of
bases of the disease by studying simple test for the mutation can be this effort has been a more complete
the large pool of DNA provided by performed on any dog using DNA description of the condition than ex-
the dogs’ owners. The normal canine extracted from a blood sample. This ists in any current textbook. Using
genome, which has been sequenced, will enable breeders to screen dogs Eckmann’s model, MU has expanded
is compared to the DNA of the af- prior to breeding to prevent generat- canine DNA banking for genetic stud-
fected and unaffected Tibetan Ter- ing affected dogs in the future. Iden- ies to many other dog breeds and
riers to pinpoint the NCL mutation tification of the Tibetan Terrier NCL diseases including epilepsy, cancer
in this breed. Katz said in order for mutation also will make it possible and Parkinson’s disease.
genetic mapping to be successful, to determine whether any humans
information about the disease sta- with NCL have the mutations in the Support for Katz’s work has been
tus of the dogs and their pedigrees corresponding human gene. provided by the American Kennel
must be accurate. Because of the According to Katz, human NCL of- Club Canine Health Foundation, the
excellent record-keeping by breed ten goes misdiagnosed because the Batten Disease Support and Re-
registries and close observations disease is rare and early symptoms search Association, and Research
of their dogs by owners, registered overlap those of other disorders. to Prevent Blindness, Inc. Eckmann,
purebred dogs are ideal subjects for Eventually, affected children develop Johnston, and Katz presented their
genetic studies. an array of symptoms that include collaboration at the 2005 National
Using the “candidate gene” ap- blindness, seizures, cognitive decline Parent Club Canine Health Confer-
proach, Katz sequenced, or identi- and loss of motor function. Often, it ence held in St Louis, MO, October
fied, the genes of affected Tibetan is not until these symptoms are well 21, through October 23, 2005.
Terriers in specific areas thought advanced that a correct diagnosis is
to be comparable to those where made. Legislative Liason
human markers associated with Research currently is underway to Needed
the condition have been identified. develop gene and stem cell therapies
Using this approach, he was able to for the NCL diseases, but to be effec- I am resigning as Legislative Liaison
eliminate mutations in known NCL tive any therapy will have to begin because of my health. This is a very
genes as the cause of the Tibetan early in the course of the disease.
Terrier disease. Identifying the NCL mutations will easy position as you receive the
The next step is the identification of enable definitive diagnoses of these Taking Command Newsletter via
the NCL mutation in Tibetan Terriers. diseases to be made on the basis email and send the proposed laws
This now requires that the mutant of DNA tests early enough to make that are upcoming in each state to a
gene be located through a process therapeutic interventions effective. TT person living there. This position
called mapping or linkage analy- does not take a stand on any law it
sis. This analysis involves detailed just presents them so owners know

what is going on.
Jackie Liewer

Page 3

Tibetan Terrier Club of America November 2005 Newsletter

Make a Date With Your TT
Every Friday night my TT’s and I go out a good bag of treats (no kibble), and lots both the open B and utility B classes at

together to our obedience club’s training of praise work the best. ten separate obedience trials.

pavilion and practice agility. Sometimes Congratulations Sandy and Cruiser!

we stop at Burger King or Subway for If your TT hasn’t had a basic obedience Good Luck for number 10!

dinner as well. We meet our friends, class it might be a good idea to enroll in

both canine and human, do a little agility one before pursuing your canine sport. Till next time…keep your tail up!

training and hang out with people and Most canine sports utilize some of the

pups that have some of the same inter- basic obedience skills (recalls, stays, sits Sarah Osmeloski, Boo, CD, MX,

ests as we do. If you don’t already have and downs) and if your TT already knows MXJ and Felix NA, NAJ

a weekly date with your TT you should these before you start, you won’t have to Performance Committee-Chairperson

consider establishing one. Not only will go back and train them later. In addition 2180 Dryden Rd.

you deepen the bond between the two of to teaching your dog the basic obedience Freeville, New York 13068

you, it gets you out of the house for some skills you will also learn how to train your (607) 844-4003

socialization with people and dogs you dog. A skill that will be useful for the rest [email protected]

may not normally meet, and you get a of your life.

little exercise as well. Brags
Finally one last bit of advice...do what

There are all sorts of canine activities feels right for you and your TT. Progress

you can consider taking up, however it is at a pace that is comfortable for both of Ch. Merryway’s White Tie N’ Tales
you. Setting training goals that are easily (Ch. Atisha’s Millenium x ch. Merry-
important to choose the right activity for attained will help keep it fun! Soon, if way’s Frosti Bear) went BIS under
both you and your pup. The most popular your like me, your night out with the pups Judge Martin D. Dougherty at the
canine sport with TT’s is agility, however will be the highlight of your week. Carrol County Kennell Club show
agility requires alot of energy and fitness September 11, 2005. He was handled
of both the TT and handler. Obedience The Performance Column will be a by owner Brendar Algar Fountain of
and rally offer less physically strenuous monthly feature of the the TTCA news- Maine.
options for training and competition.

Rally, a cross between agility and obedi- letter. Please send any comments, sug- Checkers also took a Group 1 Satur-
ence, is a little less formal than obedience gestions or performance brags to me, day under Judge Robert Stein and
and a little less physically demanding than Sarah Osmeloski, [email protected] the Group win on Sunday was under

agility. Freestyle, flyball and tracking are I would be thrilled to hear from anyone Judge Mrs. Robert (Carolyn) Thomas.
three possible activities, although you wishing to contribute an article for this “Checkers” turned two in August
may end up having the only TT in the column, the only requirement is that it be – what a way to celebrate!

US that does any of these events. related to training TT’s.

Once you have decided on the perfect Sandy White and Cruiser Kolbas Akbar Mida “Tinker” is now a
sport for you and your TT, you need to earn UDX leg number 9 new CH. He finished with “5” three
locate a club or instructor in your area to point majors. All his points were in
help you get started. This is an important On October 9th, Ganden’s Ti-Chang Bred By Exhibitor. Judge Molly Martin
step because if you are to have fun on Cruiser, UD (“Cruiser”) and Sandy White “Thank You” Tinker is out of our first
your TT date you need to feel comfort- earned their 9th UDX (utility dog excel- litter we bred and are so pleased
able with the people and training methods lent) leg, just 6 days after earning their with all our puppies, but expecially
used. Talk to other dog owners, go watch 8th UDX leg! Upon getting UDX leg him. He has really done well.
a class or two (be sure to ask the instruc- number 10 they will have completed the Other news, his mother, CH Taragiri
tors permission before doing so) and be- requirements for the AKC UDX title and Shin-tsa took BOB 10/8/05 and 10/
come informed about different training will join an elite group of 4 other TT’s and 9/05. Thank you judge Molly Martin,
methods. The Web is a great source for their handlers that have achieved this title. and Judge Ambrosio. This was her
locating this sort of information. Remem- The UDX is the second highest obedience first show after her litter last year.
ber the only ‘right’ method of training is title offered by the AKC. It requires obedi-
the one that you and your dog are com- ence teams to earn qualifying scores in Jackie Kaar
fortable with. Usually when training TT’s Kolba Tibetan Terriers

Page 4

Tibetan Terrier Club of America November 2005 Newsletter

AGGRESSION... Submissions to the newsletter are
WHAT ARE WE TEACHING OUR DOGS BY MISTAKE? due by

The #1 cause of aggression in dogs is pri- puppy. It can’t hurt you). However, think December 1, 2005
marily due to a fear response. In a fearful about what the puppy is hearing. Reas- for the December Newsletter.
situation, a dog will try one of two things. surance is primarily given in high soft
The dog will either, a) attempt to scare or tones - Praise tones - so what the puppy Letters are not to exceed 250
force whatever, or whomever, it is fright- is really hearing, in that situation, is good words. We look forward to hearing
ened of away, or; b) try to quickly put as dog, right response, show fear when this
much distance possible between itself and occurs. Now the owner is inadvertently from you.
the object of fright. Dogs come equipped teaching their puppy to be fearful when
with a survival instinct similar to our own. in reality they want to teach it just the Contact:
It is known as the fight or flight syndrome. opposite. Gail Toracinta
Dogs, like people, come preprogrammed P.O. Box 153
as to which tactic they will try first. If the Remember it’s not always what you say Rockville, RI 02873
first response either fails or is unavailable, but how you say it when you’re working [email protected]
they will immediately switch to the other with your dog.
option. Caryl Crouse
If you have an older puppy or dog (5 38 Spring Street
Early socialization of puppies (exposure months or older) that is exhibiting ag- Plainville, MA 02762
to as many different sights, sounds, smells, gressive tendencies it is recommended [email protected]
etc.) is especially important. That way as that you contact a reputable trainer or
puppies mature they have already been behaviorist to help you with your train- Newsletter Rates:
exposed to different situations and do not ing program.
need to respond in a fearful manner. Full Page Ad (Member) $ 35.00
(Article published Canine Companion Non-Member 75.00
Humans communicate primarily through Newsletter - August 1997) Commercial
words, whereas, dogs communicate 1/2 Page Ad (Member) 100.00
through tones and body language. In Caryl Crouse, 1/4 Page Ad (Member) 20.00
training three tones are used: Assistant Editor Small Ad (Member) 15.00
Litter Basket (Member) 5.00
Brags (Member) 5.00
Obituaries (Member) Free
Free

1) Higher tones - which denote our Membership Matters
pleasure and are used for praise and
to reinforce a behavior. The following people have applied for membership. If you wish, you may ad-
dress comments regarding the applicants, within fifteen (15) days of receipt of
2) Middle of the range or conversational the Newsletter to:
tones - which are used for com-
mands. Kate Stanuch, Membership Manager
P.O. Box 260
3) Lower/Bass tones - which indicate
our displeasure and are use to correct Newcastle, ME 04553
or reprimand. [email protected]

One of the biggest mistakes owners can Ms. Marci Cerqueti-Baker, 2683 Vista Rise, Apartment D, Tallahassee, FL
make while socializing their puppies oc- 32304-1295. Marci is a dog whisperer and currently lives with one TT. She
curs due to a communication misunder- does not exhibit on conformation or obedience and has no plans to breed in the
standing. If their puppy shows fear the future. Her sponsors are Loretta Tully and Marjorie Veerkamp.
owner immediately attempts to reassure
or coddle the puppy. In reality the owner Carolyn Yamamoto, 934 Lake Village Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076. Carolyn
is sending an entirely different message. is a registered nurse and lives with two TT’s. She currently exhibits in confor-
mation. Her sponsors are Tina Wasemiller and Ron Wiley.
When an owner tries to reassure a fright-
ened puppy or dog the owner is depend-
ing on his/her verbal words (i.e., it’s O.K.

Page 5

Gail M. Toracinta, Editor
PO. Box 153
Rockville, RI 02873

Politically Correct Old: Groomer Old: Guard dog
Dog-Speak New: Spa New: Defense chief

Old: Dog Old: “Accident” Old: Sheep dog
New: Domestic Partner New: Self-expression New: Agricultural management

Old: Hound Old: Barking professional
New: Canine Companion New: Discussing
Old: Lap dog
Old: Person Old: Discipline New: Personal advisor
New: Quadruped-impaired New: Assertiveness Training
Old: Stray
Old: Pet Old: Obedience New: Explorer
New: Roommate New: Self-actualization
Old: Kids
Old: Owner Old: Shedding New: Assailants
New: Automatic Door Opener New: Self-renewal
Old: Bath
Old: Command Old: Digging through trash New: Obsolete
New: Suggestion New: Recycling
Old: Cat
Old: Pot Roast Old: Dog pack New: Mobile Toy
New: Dog food New: Fraternal organization
Old: Chewing
New: Domestic Renovation