Letters to Spot

Letters to the Editor

2011-10-01T08:00:52Z

Dear Spot,

Thank you for publishing the recent article: The Great Debate: Vaccinate?.

AlexI have a 3.5-year-old Weimaraner mix, and I am strongly opposed to having
him vaccinated regularly. He was vaccinated as a puppy and has lived indoors
his whole life thus far. Of course we go on our daily runs/walks, but I
don’t feel I should have to vaccinate my dog if he primarily lives indoors.

Many of my friends and colleagues think I am being careless or that I
don’t care for the wellbeing of my “son,” when the opposite is true. Why
force heavy metals and unknown sources of parasites and viruses into my
pooch? He is fed a holistic diet, purified water and is very healthy and
active.

Glad to see you brought this to light!

Adam Gitter
Lake Oswego, OR

Dear Spot:

Do I ever want to say “thanks” for your wonderful article on vaccines in the September 2011 issue of Spot. I’ve always loved your magazine and now have even more reason to with such a well-written and educational article by Nikki Jardin. (Thanks, Ms. Jardin!)

Fred (the black Lab) with my senior German Shepherd, Misty.I have studied and read countless research articles on the issue of vaccinating and have carried my criticism of scheduled shots/yearly boosters into my role as a mom. I have a very progressive, liberal view on this topic and am worried that we’re not only over-vaccinating our animals, but we’re also over-vaccinating our children — to what end?

New vaccines are being developed at an alarming rate. Western medicine (and the ideology of vaccines, medications galore) prevails in this country and that carries over into veterinary practices without a doubt. My 12-year-old black Lab/St. Bernard mix, Fred, became very ill about 3 years ago and I knew he was dying. I had been a “dutiful” dog owner, vaccinating every year and doing everything I was supposed to. I don’t know if it had anything to do with vaccines, but I began cooking his food and feeding him human-grade raw meats/veggies and stopped vaccinating, and today Fred is an energetic, healthy, happy 12 year old.

Thank you for bringing up this topic and helping to educate others who may not have considered this issue. I hope eyes are opened and people now think about the issue of vaccinating with a more critical eye.

Jolea A. Cooper

via Email

Paws Up!

2011-08-01T08:01:02Z

Tuffy is one of the first 1000 dogs SPOT helped to spay/neuter.Great news for Lane County dogs: Stop Pet Overpopulation Today (SPOT) recently helped spay/neuter its 1,000th dog. The sole mission of the nonprofit is helping low-income dog owners get their dogs fixed. According to board president Joey Curtin, “We work with members of our community who would not otherwise be able to get their dogs altered by providing them with vouchers for the surgeries.” SPOT works with two low-cost clinics, the Willamette Animal Guild and Greenhill Humane Society, for the surgeries. Although both clinics charge low fees, many pet owners cannot afford even those amounts. SPOT steps in and helps those dog owners pay for their dogs’ spays or neuters.

The system is quick and easy. Call 541-485-7768, leave a message, and a helpful volunteer will call back within 72 hours. After a brief interview, a surgery voucher, if appropriate, is issued.

SPOT raises funds through fundraisers, grants and donations. Curtin says, “Money from any source is very welcome as it is immediately used to fund the surgeries.” Learn more about SPOT Lane County at www.spotspayneuter.org.

IMPORTANT NOTE: SPOT currently has funding for spay/neuter surgeries for large dog (40 lbs and over). Owners of large dogs are encouraged to call, as these need to be used prior to the next grant application to fund additional s/n procedures for all animals.

To the Editor:

2011-07-01T08:01:14Z

I always enjoy reading Spot, but when reading your article on Holistic Health [June ’11] I was a little concerned about one of the quotes. In the second-to-last paragraph Kerri Duncan talks about massage as a detoxification tool for a dog’s organs. She says “You don’t need a certificate to massage your animal. Just sit down and rub ‘em!” I definitely agree that rubbing your dog has benefits for both you and your dog, but there are certain massage strokes and techniques used for particular reasons. For example, there is a specific massage technique that would be useful in helping increase immune function for dogs going through a detox program or for routine pet health maintenance. This immune-boosting technique is very different than rubbing your dog and would produce a much more beneficial effect for the dog as a whole. So, while yes, rubbing is nice, your dog can get much more out of a massage session with a Certified Animal Massage Practitioner.

Thanks so much! Rubi Sullivan, Heal Animal Massage • 503.380.4487 • www.healnw.com

From the Editor:

Rubi Sullivan of Heal regularly offers dog massage classes for owners throughout Metro Portland. Check for upcoming classes at healnw.com. Few if any classes will be offered in July, as she will be traveling to Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary. While there she’ll do a mentorship under the director of the school (from which she graduated); the second week she’ll teach a class.

Memorial

2011-06-01T08:00:41Z

Boofy ~ 2001-2011

Please wait for us in that country of

gentle flowing waters

where happy dogs swim,and then rest

in the tall sweet green grasses.

Rest there, and wait for us

in that country of warm sunlight

and cool shade.

Bark out a greeting,when you see the faces

of our mothers and fathers

Rest and wait for us

in that meadow filled with those beautiful flowers

that form the living face of God.

Michael, Tana, and your doggy

and kitty sisters and brother,

Gretta, Princess Kittypants, Kittymomma and Blubby

Myla Li ann and Tawni

2010-12-01T09:00:14Z

Dear Spot,

Hello my name is Myla Garlitz, I am 10 years old. My dad Rick works with your brother Geoff at Cummins Northwest. I told my dad about Spot and he told me he was in it. He helped save 4 kittens — Tater Tot, Tangie, Baby, and Monkey. I thought it was so cool that my dad was in your magazine.

I love your magazine, I read it at my school when I have free time. I look forward to hearing from you! I attached a pic of me and my dog Tawni. She is a 7-month-old Shi tzu puppy. She is my very own and I give her a lot of LOVE.

Sincerely,

Myla Li ann

Lowell, Oregon

From the editor:

After writing Myla to ask permission to share her letter with you, here’s what she wrote back:

Dear Spot,

I am so excited I can hardly take one breath, and Tawni is running around in circles so I think she is excited too.

Here is a little info on Tawni. She hates water. After we give her a bath she runs around all over in relief that the bath is over. Sometimes when we relax on the couch she likes to lick our toes. She loves to curl up in my bed with me. That's all the things I can think of right now.

Your friend,

Myla

The Canines

2010-11-01T09:00:25Z

by Willem K. Isenberg

My dog has led a quiet life

throughout his years with me

For all he does is sleep and eat

and naps from noon to three.

My dog and I would often walk

until the daylight ends

When evening comes we’ll rest outside

in peace the best of friends.

But last night as I lay in my bedroom asleep,

I woke when I witnessed a flash

An explosion resounded the neighborhood air

and our ceiling dissolved into ash

In the street the invaders were marching about

from my door I could see the attack

And I saw the intruders weren’t humans but dogs

and my puppy was leading the pack.

He saw me and pleaded they meant us no harm,

but were planning to conquer our race

“We shall save you from warfare and crime,” he declared

“and shall rule you in kindness and grace.”

The dogs have ruled us thirty years

they kept us free from war

The crimes and sins that troubled man

shall bother us no more.

Willem Isenberg is a young author who resides in Idaho. He has contributed works to Spot and its previous sister publication from the time he started creating masterpieces . . . in early childhood. Willem and his family are proud members of Team Spot.

Wonderful u-pick patio for dogs

2010-08-01T08:00:01Z

Hi Spot people,

Just wanted to let you know about a wonderful farm with u-pick berries and other veggies available in their store. This 4th of July we went with our pooch to visit some farms and bring home berries for cobblers and pies!

We found a few farms that were not too crowded, but none allowed our pooch out of the car. Before moving to Oregon we lived in France and you know how the French love to take their pooches everywhere so we’re kind of spoiled.

The last farm we visited was the one we should have visited first. Lovely big patio next to the store, a grassy area with garden swing benches, tables with umbrellas and comfy patios chairs, and a large sign up front that they are pet friendly and that pooches (ours is Fynn) were welcome to sit on the patio and take in the scene and even get spoiled with ice cream!

They sell beverages, ice cream, berries, and probably more, but we were late and only saw empty plates ;-)

The place is Lolich’s Family Farm http://lolichblueberryfarm.com/. If you’re in the area it’s worth a stop!

-Christine Bastian

via Spot’s House on the web

Before Christmas

2009-12-01T09:00:20Z

by Willem K. Isenberg

Our yard and street are full of snow,

It frosts our window pane.

Some crystals fall from clouds on high,

Before they turn to rain.

The neighborhood is full of lights,

Which glow upon the snow.

The cars are parked; the streets are still,

All places you could go.

And in our house the fire’s lit,

To warm the home with heat.

The fridge is full of Christmas food

And tasty things to eat.

The kids are in the living room

At rest in sleeping bags.

The dog is sound asleep but still

His tail sedately wags.

The Christmas tree is clad in gold

While standing tall and straight.

The gifts are lying underneath:

For thankful hands they wait.

Amid the snowy, frosted street,

The savory feast and tree,

Amid the golden Christmas gifts,

The best is family.

Willem Kingsbury Isenberg (15) lives with his parents and younger sister “out in the country in Northern Idaho.” No pets, but the family has three barn cats and enjoys watching deer, moose, wild turkey, and elk roam across their property.

When not sitting in a darkened room writing poetry, Willi’s mom says he is analyzing Greek mythology, studying Latin, running cross country, acting in the school play, competing on the Knowledge Bowl team, and organizing fundraising events as class president. Willi has already earned many awards for his poetry, including the Poet Laureate Award, May 2006, at Logos School, and many best-ofs at the Latah County Fair 2007, ’08 and ’09. We look forward to many more great works from this young talent.

Help Salem Shelter Win a Kuranda Bed

2009-11-12T16:08:33Z

From Kennedy Morgan, a Spot Magazine fan and president of Portland Great Dane Community:

I've entered a picture of my Vegas Rose in the picture of the week contest with the Kuranda bed company. We have one of these beds and they're pretty awesome (fantastic for huge dogs). Please stop by and vote for my pretty girl so a local shelter will get a free bed.

Thank you!!

Vote for Vegas (in the photo titled Dane Down Time) sleeping on her Kuranda bed and if her photo wins the Willamette Humane Society in Salem will be getting a new Kuranda bed! Vote for Vegas here.

From the Mail Bag

2009-10-01T08:00:51Z

To the Editor,

I just read the letter in your [Sept. 09] magazine from Kylie Belachaikovsky of Lane County Animal Services (LCAS) and just wanted to write to say THANK YOU to Kylie, LCAS and to Spot Magazine for how the Pit Bull Terrier/Bully Breed issue is handled by all.

I was partly aware of how Pit Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier mixes were perceived by the public over 20 years ago when the public attention started to shift from Rottweilers to Pit Bulls as the most dangerous breed.  Several years ago as I became a fan of the Animal Planet show 'Animal Cops' I became even more aware of the plight of this much, and wrongly, maligned breed.  So much so that six years ago when my husband and I were looking to get a dog, after several years of mourning the loss of our beloved Rottweiler Zeus, I was dead set on finding either a purebred or mix Pit Bull Terrier.

Being a Rottweiler lover I found the perfect combination in a dog half Rottie with a quarter Mastiff and half purebred Pit Bull Terrier. I wanted to do something, anything, to help the plight of the Pit Bull Terrier. We got a second pup from the same wonderful people we’d gotten our first pup from and have determined ourselves to raise them to be ambassadors of both their respective and much feared breeds.  I am doubly proud to announce that I believe we have succeeded as our two very large and even menacing-looking half Rott half Pit dogs are beloved by all who meet them (at least those who don’t run away in fear based on their appearance).

In the meantime I also do whatever I can whenever I can through the power of the written word whenever a situation or issue goes public about Pit Bulls. I’ve written all of our local TV news shows asking them why they report a dog attack involving a Pit Bull as a ‘Pit Bull attack’ and report any others simply as ‘dog attacks’ without mention of the breed. I remind them of their responsibility to report fairly, factually and objectively, as the public's opinion of Pit Bulls is largely shaped media reports. I’ve written all of our Oregon State Representatives to ask them not to allow Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) to become a reality in our state earlier this year when it was a possibility that a bill to ban Pit Bull Terriers from Oregon was about to be introduced to the House. I was surprised by how many state representatives wrote me back personally stating that in their opinion BSL was not the answer to issues with Pit Bull Terriers and that in their opinion it wasn’t a dog issue but a people issue.

I’m preparing a letter to Parade magazine in response to a very negative article on Pit Bull Terriers printed in last Sunday’s edition. I’ve also hooked up with a local APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier) support group (support for the breed not for people) which stays in touch through meetup.com and also holds special events to benefit the breed by educating the public by presenting positive role models of the breed.  Currently we are on a campaign to get our Pits and Pit mixes certified with Good Canine Citizen Certificates through the AKC (American Kennel Club).

I understand that public education is the answer and I just wanted to thank your magazine, Lane County Animal Services and Kylie for all you do for the betterment not only of this breed but of all animals. Keep up the great work everyone . . . we’ll get the public properly informed about ‘dangerous breeds’ one of these days if we work at it long enough and speak up often enough.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Huerta

P.S.  Here's a photo of my boys Zeus (black and tan/brindle) and Odin (brindle).