Pictures of Snow Storm in Maryland

ArtOC's House  in Maryland - With Ginger, and Erin playing in the snow.

First 2 pics are the same porch, before and after the storm!




That's a LOT of snow to have to shovel! And I hear they are going to get a second round! Hang in there guys!


All Photo's By ArtOC

A Hunting Vest .........For Your Bird Dog? Do You Use One??

 

 

That's The Question! We want to know what you think of bird dog vests. 

Do you have one?  If so, what kind? Why do you use one with your bird dog?  Does it work well and hold up for more than a season? Tell us anything you'd like about your experience.

(Enquiring minds want to know!) hee hee

MORE With Ginger - Day 8 - Adequan - Wonderful Progress

 

Photo's of Ginger Provided by ArtOC 

Ginger is really doing much better.  She is up early and very active.  She stays up and sits with us and is very engaged with what is going on.  After breakfast and dinner she wants to go out 3 or 4 times and she walks around checking things out.  She is more engaged with life again.  I carry her down the steps but she come in on her own.  When we are at work she is on her own and she has had no problems managing the steps but I know that's where the problem is going to come when it happens so I try and limit the times she has to go down on her own.  I enclosed a photo I took this AM.  She is sitting on her favorite blanket in front of the windows.  She is wide awake and enjoying herself.  After I took the photo she rolled over on her back and started wiggling around the rug like she used to do when she was young and having a good time. 

WWF Earth Hour 2010 - Lights Out Party!

This isn't a post about bird dogs, but it is an important one about the mountains and woods and streams we stomp around in.

In a Press Release on January 19, 2010, the World Wildlife Fund announced that Earth Hour 2010 will take place on Sat.,  March 27, from 8:30 - 9:30 PST.  Earth Hour is an opportunity for everyone and anyone in the whole world, to voice their concern for the environment by turning off their lights for one hour.....hence the name"Earth Hour".


The 2010 Earth Hour is expected to be the biggest call of action on our climate, in history! Among some who will participate are: Mt. Rushmore, The Empire State Building, The Golden Gate Bridge, the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, The MGM Mirage and Caesars Palace. And that's just a few in the U.S. . The WWF is hoping that all 50 states will participate. Countries from all around the world will be participating.

Some people are planning pot lucks and parties. Another reason to have a party!

Please join me and my family, and the hundreds of millions of people from around the world in a show of solidarity, to demand climate action now....before it's too late.

If you'd like to see what's it's like when the whole world acts as one, watch the video here. It's Super Cool!  :

 http://www.myearthhour.org/earth-hour-video

I promise to cut off all of my lights for Earth Hour. Who's with me??

Ginger Day - Day 8 - Adequan

From ArtOC:
( I actually received this last night)

Ginger was really good today.  She was waiting for me when I got home.  I carried her outside and she walked around for quite awhile without a problem.  She was out 3 or 4 times and walking all around the house.  She was doing very well indeed.  We are getting another nice snow storm tonight so I brought work home so I can work at home tomorrow.  We're looking at a possible big storm this weekend.  Looks like we are going to get it good this year.  Thought the snow is a pain, especially with the dogs, The time at home that we can spend with them is a nice change of pace.  Looks like omelets for everyone tomorrow!

Ginger -Day 7 - Adequan

Ginger got her third shot of Adequan last night. She's been on it for a week now. Here is the report from Art.

After the injection last night, she was sleeping so sound this morning that I actually thought she died in her sleep.  She was completely limp and I had to really give her a shake to get her to wake up.  When she did get up she seemed pretty comfortable.  I really think the arthritis pain is very much improved.  She still has a lot of weakness in the rear end but she is more active, walks further and has less trouble getting up.  I don't know how much more improvement I'm going to see but I'm really pleased with the results. 

European Gordon Setter Kennels & Breeders

While researching the previous post, I came across this list of European Gordon Setter Breeders. Now I know that's it's not likely that someone will purchase a Gordon from overseas, I am posting this link for anyone who wants to surf some nice sites, not normally available through search. At least I've never seen this list, other than on this website.
Anyway, I was actually very excited to see sooooo many Gordon Setter breeders.  I was pleasantly surprised at how many countries had Gordon Setter breeders. I know the breed is fairly old, but I'm still getting "What kind of dog do you have?" from time to time when we are not in the normal hunting situation. Like at the Vets, even.

I haven't had a chance to look at them all, that would take a while, but you might check it out sometime. I found it really interesting.

Click on the link below, then on the site, scroll down and click on LINKS from the left side column. That will take you to the list.
http://www.saturnii.eu/

MISSING DOG IN POLAND

MISSING !!! (Poland,Kracov City)

Tattoo # K112    Chip # 982061600012173

Neo ( BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL Zambi ) has been missing since December, the 15th 2009.

He must have been snatched while enjoying his everyday walk with his owners.
They had been walking around the same area for several years until the day he disappeared.
We strongly believe he must have been taken overseas, as so far, no single appeal upon many we have spread across the country had brought any results.
Therefore, we would like to urge people across the Europe to keep their eyes and ears open.
His proud and devoted owners are desperate to get him back home soon as possible.
High reward is waiting for person who will help them welcome their beloved Neo back home.

Saturnii Cartoon's Kennel / Anna Przywecka  3530Houthalen, Belgium
email: saturnii.setter@gmail.com
phone: 0032 495 893 457

http://gordonsetter.ning.com/profiles/blogs/missing-polandkracov-city?id=1982392%3ABlogPost%3A71474&page=2#comments

Ginger - Day 6 - Adequan

ArtOC  Reports:

We gave the princess a bath yesterday.  What a chore!   For an old dog she is still pretty tough to handle.  When we were done the two of us were as wet as she was.  Anyway, she looks and feels a lot better and she was doing pretty good this morning.  I'm going to give her the adequan tonight so it has all night to work. 

Karen's Personal Note:

This drug that ArtOC is trying, Adequan, seems to have made a pretty big difference in Ginger's life. Hasn't changed her mind about not wanting baths, but the old girl is going up and down stairs with less difficulty and ArtOC says she gets up in the morning with less of a struggle. If you have an old dog, you know what it means to us as owners of these dogs, to see them moving again without severe pain.  If you have an aging dog, with arthritis, you may want to check with your Vet to see if Adequan is an option for him or her.

Interesting Fact on Age and Dogs

Between new medical breakthroughs, proper nutrition, and the fact that people are taking better care of their dogs,  in the last 80 years, or so, the average dog lifetime has increased from 7 to 12 years. That's quite a jump!


Source: John Hinkle,  ArticlesBase.Com




And GINGER is 15!

Gordon Setters One of Original Breeds in Beginning of AKC

 

Photo's From AKC.COM

Pictured in the AKC "Meet The Breeds".

Gordon Setters were in the first group of dogs to be registered when the American Kennel Club, (AKC), was first formed in 1884. They are in the Sporting Group as a gun dog. 

The Gordon Setter Club, (GSC), was formed 7 years later in 1891.

 For More Information on Gordon Setters or the AKC, link below.

http://www.akc.org/breeds/gordon_setter/

Ginger - Day 5 - Adequan

From ArtOC:

 

 Gin slept most of yesterday but was in a better mood when she finally got up. She went for a long walk in the snow and said hello to the neighbors who were out for a walk.  The two of them were both up early this AM (thanks girls) and I took them out for their morning rounds.  That brisk 8 degrees really woke everyone up.  Gin was dragging her back left leg a little but it didn't stop her from making her own trail through the snow (that or a touch of dementia).  Anyway, the plan is to give "stinky" a bath today.  She really needs one and I'm sure she will feel better when its all over.  We certainly will! I'll probably give her another shot tomorrow evening.

Ginger - Havin' Fun in The Snow & With Her Owner

From Art:  

"I followed that dog around till my hands were frozen and she wouldn't let me get a decent picture of her.  The only one that did come out - well, I guess she was trying to tell me something!"

(Apparently, Ginger doesn't like the camera. Notice the tongue out in disgust in the picture in the previous blog as well as this one?!) lol, that's a Gordon for ya! :+)  ~ Karen

Ginger - Day 4 -Adequan

From ArtOC:

Gin is still doing well but was a little weaker this morning. She had a little trouble going up the stairs but considering she could hardly stand a week ago that's still pretty good.  I took a few photos this morning but she was not cooperating.  She got up as soon as she smelled the coffee and helped supervisie breakfast and, as you can see, making sure she got her fair share.  Its overcast and cold and just started to snow so the bird feeder is full and Erin is getting primed for some bird bowling   As soon as Gin gets up from her nap I'll try and get some good shots of her noodling around the yard.

Ginger - Day 3 - Adequan

Art's Report:

I gave Gin her second dose this AM.  She is doing very well.  For the first time in many months, she seems really comfortable.  I imagine she has been in quite a bit of pain all this time.  She can stand up without too much difficulty and she is a lot more steady on her feet.  Without the pain, she is more like herself.  She is spending more time outside exploring the yard or following me around the house.

If you have an older dog that is clearly suffering from arthritis pain I would give this a try.

Ginger -Day 2 - Adequan - Doing Very Well

Report on Ginger:

Not much to report.  Ginger was more active last night than I've seen her in a long time.  She slept well, got up without too much difficulty and was pretty steady on her feet.  She made a beeline for the cinnamon toast and had to help supervise with the preparation of breakfast.  I'll be giving her the second dose tomorrow.

YEAH!! GO GINGER!!

Day 1- Ginger Starts Adequan - Great News!

This is a copy of the emails between ArtOC and myself, discussing the Adequan treatment for Ginger,  Arts 15 year old Gordon Setter pictured in the previous blog. Ginger got her first shot today.

ART
It is a nice picture of her and she is very sweet.  She was about 58 lbs then and she's down to 44 lbs now.  We had to get her weight down to improve her mobility because of the arthritis.  She definitely aged more quickly as she approached 13 years old.  Anyway,  I was very surprised at the improvement since yesterday.  This morning she got herself up and came into the kitchen while I was making their food.  She was under foot and begging for some cinnamon toast with Erin, something she has not been able to do for several weeks.  She was definitely more steady on her feet and getting up and down with less difficulty.  Still a long way to go but I'm encouraged by the what I saw in only a day.

KAREN
This was the first email I read today. It was a great way to start my day! Imagining Ginger in the kitchen (just like Happy) standing there watching you and waiting for a bite. Makes me happy to think about it. I was surprised to hear of this much of an improvement, this fast, and I hope this improvement will stick with her and make her "golden years" easier. I sure hope you give her a bite of that cinnamon toast!
Losing 14 lbs. has to be better for her joints also. I'm sure it will add to the quality of life for her. Would you mind if I posted your email, so others can read about her improvement? Personally, I am very encouraged, knowing there is something to turn to when the time comes for Happy. Reading articles and forums for info for the blog, I read about a lot of dogs with aging  joints and incontinence. It's so sad. It's nice to have some GOOD news!
 
ART
Sure, go ahead and use it.  I hope she keeps improving.  After I left for work Darlene took her out for a walk and she did really well.  After the walk, she put her back in the house and took out Erin. When she returned, Gin was out in the yard, which means she went out the back door and down the stairs.  Something she couldn't do the day before.  I just hope she doesn't overdo it and hurt herself.  She is very frail.  And yes, the two of them got most of the cinnamon toast.  I know I read that you could see some improvement in a few hours but this really surprised me.  I assumed it would be incremental and take several weeks.

KAREN
That's sounds wonderful! But, like you, I'd be careful to not let her over do it. Especially if you've got any snow or ice in the yard, like us.  I'm happy to hear they both got some cinnamon toast. I know just getting in line was a treat for Ginger! I'd like to keep posting her progress so keep us informed!

Have You Tried Canine Adequan??

Ginger age 13 - 2 years ago

Ginger, a 15 year old Gordon who belongs to ArtOC,  is having a lot of pain in her aging years and Art is trying to find something to ease her pain and make her aging a little easier for her.  His Vet has suggested an injectable drug called Adequan.

According to an online Pet Pharmacy,  Allivet,  Adequan Canine is recommended for the control of signs associated with non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic arthritis of canine synovial joints and following surgical procedures involving a joint.

If you have had any experience with Adequan, we'd like to know, if, and how, it worked for your canine, or horse, if you've tried the Adequan Equine.

It's heartbreaking to watch our Gordons, or any breed dog, suffer in their old age. Lets share ideas on how to prevent this, (as much as we can).  If you've tried a new drug, (or an old drug) with your dog and have had success, please let us know. Share your experiences here.

We welcome any and all comments.

Hungry Afternoon Visitor

A Hungry Afternoon Visitor

A little ruffed grouse stopping by for a bit of bird seed.

Official AKC Recommendations For Pet Preparedness List

According to the AKC, this is a list of items you should have packed together in a "Pet Preparedness Kit" for your pet, in case of emergency.

1. Leash and collar with ID tags attached
2.  Medical health records including a current vaccination record and
   rabies tag.....especially the rabies tag.
   
3. Photocopy of AKC® registration papers
4. Recent photo of your pet
5. At least a three-day supply of food, medication and water
6. Food and water dishes
7. Blankets or bedding 
8. Crate
9. Favorite toys 
10. Plastic “pick-up” bags   
    
    
    AKC also recommends that you have your dog implanted with a micro chip, or have him tattooed. If that's not possible, at least have a reliable collar with an I.D. tag securely attached.  Losing your beloved pets, can only add even more heartache to an already terrible situation. Be Prepared.
    

Preparing For Your Pets In Emergencies

In a poll done by the American Kennel Club, it was found that 99% of dog owners in the Northwest, keep their dogs vaccinations up to date.  That is a higher percentage than any other region in the U.S.

WAY TO GO NORTHWEST!! 

Now let me ask you this. Do you have an emergency preparedness kit for your animals? Most people don't.

With all the weather disasters happening at this time of year, it's a good idea to think about what you might need, depending on where you live, should there be a disaster. In the same survey, as above, it was concluded that 97% would not leave their pets behind should they have to evacuate. They would defy orders and take their pets with them. If you are in this 97%,  like us, you will need to be prepared with water, food, blanket or bedding, meds. if needed, paper work and Vet info, plus whatever else you may need depending on your dog or your disaster.

I guess for us, the worse thing would be forest fire. We get a lot of snow here, but that can be managed when one knows it's coming....year after year after year. Not too many ice storms. Few earthquakes.  But a fire? That's a real possibility. We have millions of acres of trees and forests and dry grassy fields.  We have had to prepare once before to leave due to a fast approaching forest fire. Luckily, the great firefighters who brave these fires to save us, did a great job of stopping it before it got too close.

I believe I need to update my kit. It's been a long while since I made copies  of pertinent info for an emergency kit on my Gordons.  Time to do it. How about you?

The Top Ten New Years Resolutions List ....from AKC

In case you missed it,  AKC published a Top Ten New Years Resolution List for what our dogs may be hoping for in the coming year. You know, sort of like our New Years Resolutions.


Top 10 Resolutions by Dogs :

10. Owner on floor, dog in bed.
 9. Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.
 8. Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.
 7. Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.
 6. Get back at cat for litter box incident.
 5. Find every bone I ever buried.
 4. No more haircuts! (come fall, I can go as a Komondor for Halloween).
 3. Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.
 2. Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.
 1. Finally pass that darn AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

For More Info From AKC, click on the title for a link to their site.

Imprint of Bird That Hit My Window

OOOOOPS! He still flew away though! A little small for a grouse. Probably a Blue Jay. Must have been a very damp morning by the print.

Second Amendment Rights Inspired By Swiss

Did You Know?

The Second Amedment in our Constitution,  actually was inspired by policies set by the peaceful people of Switzerland. And every household is armed to defend it!  

FACT:  All young males at the age of 20, are given automatic assault rifles and taught to use them, usually at an even earlier age. Each male is expected to defend their country should the need arise.

FACT:  There is less than 1 murder per 100,000 people.

FACT:   During World War I the Nazis didn't invade Switzerland because they knew that every household was armed and ready to defend.

For more interesting facts on Switzerland and their gun policies click the title!


Source: Courierpress.com

Canine Cataracts? Or is it the More Common, Nuclear Sclerosis?

Do you know the difference between canine cataracts and nuclear sclerosis? I didn't either until I read about it on the Foster & Smith website.

• Canine cataract is the breakdown or disruption of the normal arrangement of the lens fibers or it's capsule. The disruption results in the loss of transparency which causes a reduction in vision and even blindness. The only real and proven treatment, is surgery. Cataracts in the lens of the eye look white, cloudy, or have a "crushed ice" appearance.

• Nuclear sclerosis is a more common condition which is a normal change that occurs in aging dogs. Nuclear sclerosis appears as a slight graying of the lens. It usually happens in both eyes at the same time and occurs in most dogs after the age of 6 years. The loss of transparency occurs because of the compression of the linear fibers in the lens. Unlike cataracts, Nuclear sclerosis doesn't really interfere with your dogs vision. They usually don't recommend treatment.

If your dog has either, talk to your vet about which one it is likely to be before you use any over the counter treatment. You could do more damage than good. Always, always, consult your Vet.

Computer Crash........I Need Your Info!

I am still trying to replace emails, phone numbers, and addresses, of clients and friends in the business. If you have contacted me for a puppy, and have not been in contact with me in the last 2 months, please, please, call me, write, or email with your information.

If you are on a "puppy list", please send me an email to make sure I still have your information.


Our computer crashed a little while back and I do not have the original list. I am doing my best to recover all lost info, but it is not happening. 

If you want to make sure you are on the puppy list,  please call or email.  

............I DO NOT HAVE A BACKUP..............

Jake The Gordon Setter in Pastel Pencils/Speed Painting/YouTube

If you enjoy art and Gordon Setters, you'll enjoy this amazing video, in fast speed, of 20 hours of drawing. The subject is a Gordon Setter named Jake. Great job and fun to watch.  The artist goes by "portraUK" on YouTube.

Click on the title above to link to the YouTube video.

Keeping Your Gordon Setter As Young As Possible

To keep your dog as young as possible, follow the steps below for optimal health and vitality.

1. Keep a slim body. Not Skinny, but slim.
2. Give him chews and biscuits that help to clean his/her teeth. It is suggested that you brush your canines teeth 3 times a week.
3. Give them NO human food, unless you have to, due to an illness.
4. Make regular Vet checkups and keep all vaccinations up to date.
5. Follow directions on his/her medications, if they have some, and make sure you give them as directed.
6. Feed only the amount of dog food that is necessary to maintain your breeds ideal body condition. Always measure accurately and monitor their weigh regularly.
7. Exercise or play actively with your dog at least 3 times per day for at least 15 minutes each time.
8. Train and reinforce training, so that your dog will follow your command, no matter what or where.
9. Keep you dog safe. Inside a fenced yard or kennel, on a leash, or in a dog carrier when traveling.
10. Last, but not least, if your dog is happy, it will help him live 6 months longer. Give him/her plenty of toys to stimulate them. Just like us humans, happiness increases the quality of our pets lives.

Personal Note:
Now I think you have to give and take a little. Ask my gordon setter, Happy, if he'd rather have a taste of chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and cheese, or if he'd rather live 6 months longer, I'm pretty sure he'd pick the chicken nuggets, hot dogs and cheese. Especially the cheese. I think you have to treat your dogs life a little like your own. We all give up living longer for various reasons. I used to smoke, for a long time. Finally quit and still not quite over it. But, I decided to give up the cigarettes so I might have more years to live and better quality years. I also gave up eggs and red meat, almost completely, to keep the cholesterol in check. I eat more fish and get more exercise. I hope these things will make me healthier. But there are a few things I won't give up. At least not until it becomes life threatening. French Fries, fried potatoes, salt and sugar, and I love Mt. Dew.  A person has to have a few things that make life a little sweeter. I think Happy would say the same thing. We feed him a healthy diet, give him exercise, and for his reward he gets a small portion of leftovers once or twice a day. He tells me it's worth it!

Source: Dogage.com

What's Your Dogs RealAge?

You may have heard of a website called RealAge.Com. You can fill out a questionnaire about your lifestyle, eating habits, how healthy you are, etc. and at the end it will calculate your REAL age according to your good and bad habits. Well, now you can go to Dogage.com and fill out a questionnaire on your dog to see what his "Realage" is, the "biological age"

I did one on Happy. In real time, human years, he is about to turn 13 on March 14.  Calculated, for "dog years", he is equal to 74 in human years.  According to Dogage.com he is actually 54.8. Supposedly, that is 21.2 years younger than the average DogAge for Happy's breed, the Gordon Setter.  It said that was very good and that I was a good caregiver. (Happy could have told you that!)

My Veterinarian informed us that Happy was as healthy as he could be for a dog his age. So I knew what kind of result I should get. It was right on. At the end, not only does it give you the Realage, but it lists the things that add to, or take away from, the years your dog should have, for his or her breed type. Apparently those chicken nuggets we've been eating are worse for me than him. He got the better score!

As usual, do not use this site for diagnosis, but yet as a means to see where your dog stands and what you can do to improve his or her chances of having a long and healthy life. Consult your own veterinarian before changing your pets diet or life style.

Makin' Changes!

I made a few changes to Gordon Setter Crossing today to improve the quality of browsing for some of my readers. I hope you'll like the improvements!

LOST DOG in Minneapolis, MN.

LOST: Male Gordon Setter — lost October 25 from Girard Avenue, Minneapolis, MN. Main cross street is Plymouth Avenue, just off Interstate 94 West. He was wearing a red nylon collar with tags and is microchipped. Contact owner: LM Buirge, 612-817-0030, with any information.

Win a Years Worth of Food For Your Favorite Breed's Rescue Org.

Native Performance Dog Food has partnered with Wingshooting USA to give away a years worth of Native Performance Dog Food to your favorite breed. All you have to do is go to their website by clicking on the title above, and vote for your favorite breed. Gordon Setters are there. You can only vote once, so make it good! The breed that gets the most votes, wins the dog food.

Give me a G.....Give me a O......Give me an R.....DON!

Sitting By The Fireplace With My Gordon Setter

Happy "hugging" Karen
Photo By: Tim Herring


 
Happy, one of our Gordons, is almost 13 now. I've noticed his eyes are getting cloudier and his hearing is definitely not what it was even one year ago. Sometimes he walks into a room and has that look like he forgot why he came to that room, sort of like me sometimes. He sleeps a lot. Maybe because it's winter. Maybe because he's tired. When I have my coffee in the mornings we sit by the fire together and warm our bones and muscles to start the day. He's such a sweet little Gordon. I love his soft hair and long brown feathering. This is one of my most favorite moments of the day. I think it is his too. I'm glad he enjoys spending it with me in front of the fireplace. He even gives me a grateful hug sometimes.

CafePress.com Has Gordon Setter Gifts

A friend of ours found a new website recently that is sort of unique. It is 100's of artist and merchants coming together in one place. I guess, a little like Amazon. Their name is CafePress. They claim to have 38, 800 Gordon Setter products. I browsed over a dozen pages and found lots of things that I don't see in other places. If you go to their website, you can learn more about them and the people who make up the site.

I have not yet ordered anything from them, and can't tell you their customer service policies, but I can tell you they have lots of Gordon Setter products and gifts to choose from.

I have no affiliation with them.

Thanks Krista, Good Find!

Iron Creek Kennels "Copper" / Follow-up

Kerry and Copper                                                                                
Kerry & Roxanne have a few words they wanted to add about Copper, their beloved Gordon Setter who died recently. For the original posting, click on the Link above.

By Kerry & Roxanne Tunison, Iron Creek Kennels, Troy, Montana:

Copper was born on 10-26-95 and died on 12-14-09 at a little more than 14 years old.
She hunted and pointed hundreds of grouse and pheasants through her years.

She lost her hearing 2 years ago, but  still hunted regardless. She loved to find birds in the trees. She would go on point and hold until you came in to flush them, but it is hard to flush a bird in the trees.

When no other dog could find any birds in the field, you could send in Copper and she would always come up with at least one bird.

She loved to be the boss of all the other dogs and they all did what she wanted them to, inside the house or in the kennels, and even hunting birds.

Where Do Gordon Setters Rank?

As for AKC Registered breeds, Gordon Setters ranked 90th in registration last year, out of 156 breeds.

AKC Rankings for Gordon Setters over 10 years:

       2008  -  90
       2007  -  91
       2003  -  87
       1998  -  78

Am I crazy, or what? Did a Bouvier des Flandres and a Schipperkes, really beat out the Gordon Setter? No Way, REALLY?? And just what the heck is a Bouvier des Flandres and a Schipperkes anyway? Do they hunt birds?? There are dog breeds listed that I can barely pronounce, much less recognize! Do we really need 156 breeds? And that was last year. They have 3 more now! More Flavors than Baskin Robbins! I'll stick with my Gordons!
        
    Okay, these are a  Schipperkes and a  Bouvier des Flandres













The Schipperke is mostly known as a boat dog or ship dog. Although, in World War II the Schipperke was used to run messages between the various resistance hideouts and cells, fooling the Nazis.

They don't hunt birds, but the Bouvier des Flandres,  were used in World War I as message and rescue dogs and were almost totally killed off by the end  of the war. In 1923 a small group of people helped to revitalize the breed and a breed club was formed in Belgium.