C & P Swissy Licks Providing fun activities, information, and support to Swissy enthusiasts

March 2010 Volume 3 Issue 3 www.cpgreaterswiss.com

What’s Inside

Power Mountain Pullers 1

Facebook 1

Hanna at Westminster 2

Regional Specialty Schedule 4

Trophy Sponsorship List 5

Carolina Cluster Sponsors 7

Snowmageddon! 8

Chilean Swissies, Part V 9

Brags, Over the Rainbow… 10

Kids Baroo! 11

Ways & Means Order Form 12

Membership Form 13

C & P GSMDC Board Members

Mike Starn — President

Huck Bothner — Vice President

Jim Rasmussen — Treasurer

Mary Jo Rasmussen — Secretary

Jean Measell — Director

Cathy Cooper — Director

Kris Featheringham — Director

Phyllis Walker — Director

Additional Positions

Jan Collins — Photographer

Kris Featheringham— Webmaster

Mary Jo Rasmussen — Newsletter Editor

Audrey Starn — Rescue Foundation Liaison

Jenna Starr — Ways and Means

Phyllis Walker — Membership

Darlene Ward — Photographer

Power Mountain Pullers Want Us! By Nancy Kechner

The Power Mountain Pullers, based in Stuarts Draft (25 miles West of Charlottesville, VA), are very interested in working with Swissy weight pull enthusiasts! They are part of the International Weight Pull Association (IWPA) and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America recognizes weight pull legs earned through the IWPA.

I am working with them to set up either a weight pull clinic, trial or both in the near future. Lots of us in C & P have an interest in involving our dogs in this sport—I will update you through the club listserve and newsletter!

Check us out on Facebook! By Kris Featheringham

We’re now on Facebook!! All you have to do is go to www.facebook.com and type Chesapeake and Potomac Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club in the search box and you'll find us. Become a fan and you're done. You do not have to become a member of or set up an account on Facebook to gain ac-cess and participate. This is a great, simple, and easy way for you to share photos with other members, stories, etc., in a more social manner. It's also a good tool for us to keep other Swissy people informed of what the club is doing. I will link our website to Facebook in the near future. We are also on Twitter, so you can ―tweet‖! Many thanks to Kris for putting the club in the technology age!

Save the date! Regional Specialty—October 1-3

Please note the date of our Specialty this year. We hold our Re-gional Specialty in conjunction with the Hunt County Cluster,

which is always the 40th weekend of the year. Like last year, we will host:

Two Supported Entries One Specialty with Sweeps Educational Seminar (movement) Picnic, raffle, club meeting, cart rides, scavenger hunt (weather permit-ting)

Please see the Events Schedule and Trophy Sponsorship list inside this issue.

Chesapeake and Potomac Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club

Chesapeake Pre-teen Takes Rot-tie to Westminster

By Vicki Friedman, reporter, Virginian-Pilot February 15, 2009, Clipper Section, front page

Hanna Fournell-Ferrall doesn't just show dogs, she shows Rottweilers. Hanna doesn't just show Rottweilers in Chesa-peake, she's New York City- bound. Hanna is 11.

The Hickory Middle School sixth-grader and her 85-pound, over-friendly Rottie, Trinity, will compete in the world's most esteemed dog show, Westminster Kennel Club, beginning today in Madison Square Garden.

Hanna and Trinity, offi-cially named Ch. Eternal Moon Elara (the Ch. is for champion), are among the 119 registered entries contending in Junior Showmanship. Hanna won 10 qualifying events to earn the invitation to Westminster.

Being under the lights on the Garden's green carpet isn't daunting to Hanna. Her first trip inside a show ring was as a 9-year-old, and Trinity adores the spotlight, especially all the dogs - hotdogs, that is. "Oscar Meyer wieners," beams Hanna, who keeps half a hotdog in her mouth when practicing with Trinity, tearing off nibbles as rewards. "We used to cook them, but she likes them raw just as well."

Jessica Fournell-Ferrall, Hanna's mother, was a regular on the show circuit for many years. As a young-ster, Hanna loved to tag along, ab-sorbing every detail. Just 11 days af-ter her ninth birthday, Hanna showed her first dog, Tolkien, at the American Rottweiler Specialty in Ra-leigh, N.C.

Surprising herself and her parents, she picked up three wins in novice to advance to Open Junior Class, where she defeated the top junior handler in

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Upcoming Events

March 27 (ish)—Cherry Blossom

Festival get together, Tidal Basin,

Washington, DC

April 10 & 11—Draft Trials, Co-

lumbia, SC

Contact Cecila Phillips

May 24-27, 2010—National Spe-cialty, Springfield, IL

www.2010gsmdns.com

August 21 & 22—Supported en-

tries, Carolina Cluster, Greensboro,

NC

October 1-3, 2010—Specialty &

Supported Entries, Picnic, Educa-

tional Seminar, Millwood, VA

Do you know???

Past issues of the C & P Swissy Licks are on our website at: www.cpgreaterswiss.com

Photo by Amanda Lucier, Virginian-Pilot

Hanna Fournell-Ferrall, Hickory Middle School sixth-grader, and her 85-pound, overfriendly Rottie, Trinity, will compete in the world's most esteemed dog show, Westminster Kennel Club, beginning today in Madison Square Garden.

Photo by Amanda Lucier, Virginian-Pilot

In addition to showing Trinity, her Rottweiler, at the Westminster dog show, Hanna, 11, trains Emmett, a rambunctious 13 month-old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

the nation. "It's all the dog," shrugged Hanna, a humble grin showing off braces.

Watch Hanna and you know it's not. The handler must be in charge in the ring, yet aim to be almost invisi-ble, allowing the dog to impress. Generally only the most experienced handlers show Rottweilers as their sheer strength and size make them intimidating if not trained properly.

Trinity follows Hanna's eyes, mimics her feet movement and is a ham for attention. Hanna has 10 seconds to position Trinity's legs, called stacking, in the ring to form a perfectly angled silhouette, something judges value. Trinity's muscles flex during her stack. "Good girl," Hanna says, offering a hot dog piece that's in-stantly gobbled down. Plenty of work goes into preparing Trinity for the big day. Jessica trims Trinity's nails, but Hanna does everything else, including bathing, feeding and scaling teeth.

The Trip

The next challenge is driving Trinity to New York City, where Hanna fears even the idea of rain would throw things off. "If it starts raining, she's just like, 'Sorry. This doesn't work,' " Hanna said.

About the only part of the sport Hanna doesn't love is the attire. Dressing professionally is essential for a handler of any age. "At first all we could find were Easter dresses," said Hanna, comfortable in jeans and orange Chuck Taylor sneakers. "In the beginning I had a hard time finding suits with pockets (for the hot-dogs)."

Friends at school are curious about Hanna's hobby but most can't appreciate the time commitment. In ad-dition to Rottweilers, Hanna shows their rambunctious 13-month-old Greater Swiss Mountain dog, Em-mett, and is in the early stages of training 4-month-old Horatio, a 5-pound Affenpinscher.

Hanna does allow time for playing trumpet, but largely she fills her time with schoolwork and showing dogs, something she hopes to do professionally one day. Having Westminster on her resume is a tremen-dous boost. "Every time I go into the ring, I get a little nervous, thinking, 'What if I mess up?' " Hanna said. "But everything is always OK."

Vicki Friedman, (757) 222-5218, Vicki.Friedman@pilotonline.com Epilogue

Jessica, Hanna’s mom, gives her account of the Junior ring at Westminster: ―Hanna did awesome! She showed Trinity great; it was stiff competition all the way. Trin spooked on the down and back, but Hanna handled it very well and got her back together. They were 1 of 119 entries!! They broke them up into four groups. She didn't place, but received a special ribbon for showing. She was interviewed by several people including Fox News and for the Rott-weiler Quarterly. Swissies showed during her junior class so we missed them all together.‖

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Many thanks to Michelle Charters for alerting the Virginian-Pilot about Hanna’s adventure, sending the story for publication in Swissy Licks, and receiving permission to use the photos on page two at no cost with proper attribution.

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Events Schedule 2010 Regional Specialty—VA

*When What *Where

10:30 AM Noon-ish

Swissy Supported Entry Conformation Show Lunch

Ring 9 Long Branch House and Farm 830 Long Branch Lane Millwood, VA 22646 Hunters Head Tavern 9048 John Mosby Highway (US 50) Upperville, VA 540-592-9020 www.huntersheadtavern.com

8:45 AM

9:00 AM

9:15 AM

11:40 AM

To follow

Noon-ish

1:00 PM

1:45 PM

To follow

Rally Excellent B

Rally Advanced A

Swissy Supported Entry

Conformation Show

Obedience Novice B

Obedience Novice A

Picnic Last name A-L Last name M-Z

Everything else provided!

Educational Seminar—Movement

C & P Club Meeting

Cart Rides (weather permitting) Raffle

Kids Baroo!! Scavenger Hunt

Ring 13

Ring 13

Ring 8

Long Branch House and Farm

Ring 12

Ring 12

C & P Tent on show grounds Bring dessert, if possible Bring appetizer, if possible

C & P Tent on show grounds

C & P Tent on show grounds

Show grounds C & P Tent on show grounds

Show grounds

8:30 AM

9:15

Noon-ish

Sweepstakes

Specialty Conformation Show

Regular and Non-regular Classes

Lunch

Hugs goodbye until next year!

Ring 9

Long Branch House and Farm

Ring 9

Hunters Head Tavern

Fri

day,

Octo

ber

1

Satu

rday,

Octo

ber

2

Sunday,

Octo

ber

3

*Ring times and locations are based on last year’s premium and are approximate for 2010—we have requested similar times. Many thanks to the Old Dominion and Warrenton Kennel Clubs for organizing the Hunt Country Cluster and accommodating C & P GSMDC needs and requests.

The Chesapeake & Potomac GSMDC is very excited to host our second Regional Specialty and Sup-ported entry shows! In order for us to be successful, we are seeking sponsorships for the trophies. We appreci-ate your consideration to sponsor a trophy and attend this event. Club picnic, cart rides, raffle, educational seminar, and scavenger hunt take place Saturday—after the breed ring. Please e-mail Jim at rasmus-sen.jr@gmail.com to let us know of your donation! Thank you! Please send check to:

Jim Rasmussen 3152 Holmes Run Road Falls Church, VA 22042

Hunt Country Cluster GSMDCA Specialty 10/3

Supported Entry 10/1, 10/2

Trophy Sponsorship List Millwood, VA

October 1-3, 2010

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Thank you so much to our sponsors!! Please put this show on your calendar. The trophy for each class is a piece of North Carolina pottery—very lovely, indeed!

Carolina Cluster—Greensboro, NC Trophy Sponsorship List

August 21 & 22, 2010

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Snomageddon in C & P Land!

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Emmett & Riley—Chilean Swissies La Serena-Home Life; the Yard Part V By Suzy Fuquea

[Ed. Note: C & P Club member, Suzy Fuquea and her two Swissies, moved to Chile. Their wild ride has been described in a four-part series—beginning November 2009 and concluding in February. This installment de-tails settling into their new home.]

[Ed. Note II: Suzy reports that she, Nancy, Emmett and Riley are fine after the earthquake. ―Hi All, Thanks for thinking of us. We were far enough away form the epic center that we did not suffer any damage. We were awakened by the bed and house shaking. It lasted about 45 seconds. Internet and power is sporadic at this time, but other than that we have no lasting effects in this part of the country. The affected areas are south of here in Santiago and Concepcion. It is true what they say about animals sensing it before we do. ALL the dogs in the area woke up and began barking before it started.‖]

Admittedly, the yard is beautiful. It's very private as there is a 9 foot tall evergreen hedge surrounding the property. but it's not as Swissy friendly as I would like...yet. There is no fence and Mr. Opportunity, as I like to call Emmett, can squeeze himself through amazingly small spaces. For instance, the other day, I was outside with him on the leash. He had an upset tummy and was eating grass along the inside of the hedge. Well, he decides that the grass on the other side of the hedge looked better. See the opening in the bottom of the hedge just above Emmett's head in the photo? Yeah, that one....squeezed right through.

Now, I tried to coax him back through the hedge the same way he'd come. Being a scaredy Swissy, he tried, but decided the branches were in the way. Yes, I know the branches were there when he went through, but now he won't go near them. And I

have nothing in my pocket to bribe him to come back the way he'd come. So, now I'm on one side of the hedge with leash in hand and Emmett is sitting pretty on the other side. The hedge is about two feet thick. Per-haps, I can crawl under it, after all, my 100 pound Swissy got through (remember, he can magically make him-self tiny when the need arises) and he is a wee bit smaller than myself. I get down to the ground as low as pos-sible, grumbling, and attempt to do a military style crawl through the dirt beneath the hedge. I couldn't make it.

Now, while I'm sitting on one side and Emmett is happily sitting on the other side, staring at Bo, the golden mix who is inside his fence barking his head off at this intruder who has appeared out of no where in his yard. My choices are to sit here for a while, listening to Bo's barking, and hope that Emmett builds up the courage to come back through the hedge, or tell Emmett to stay, jump off the retaining wall and run like crazy down the inside of our hedge, out to the street, down the other side of the hedge to the neighbors yard and hope that Emmett has not run down the hill to taunt the penned in Bo. I lie on my back in the grass to think it over. It's very nice grass, BTW. The sun was shining, which in my short experience in La Serena, was not something to take for granted. Oh, and did I mention that there was a Hindu baby naming ceremony that I was going to that had to take place between 11 and 12 that morning and it was 1030 and I hadn't showered yet?

I enjoyed my 15 seconds of contemplation in the grass and decided to try a blind "stay" with Emmett. There is really no traffic to speak of here and the area has a huge fence around it so if he broke, he wasn't going far. Especially with Bo going crazy about 30 feet away. At this point, Emmett was just staring at him. No hackles raised. Just staring. I think his tummy was just too upset for him to do much of anything. So, I tell him to "stay" and pray that our obedience and agility training would work.

I hopped down off that wall and ran as fast as these short little former soccer playing knee aching 43-year old legs could run. Down the inside of the hedge, hard right turn, up the hill on the outside of the hedge, around the corner....he's just sitting there. Staring at Bo. I get to him say "ok" and he walks back to the house with me as if it was nothing. I look at him on the walk and think, how did he ever squeeze through there? A little bit of Swissy magic, I think.

C & P Club Member BRAGS!

Bosco Rollins earns his Rally Novice title—way to go!!

Grainger had a great weekend in Atlanta doing weight pull - his new best of 1825 pounds on wheels (over 17x his body weight)! WOW!

Jethro and Steve earned their third UDX leg—YIPPEE!!

Imara earns a spot at the AKC/Eukanuba Agility Invitational!! Although official invitations go out in July, her name is on the list at the AKC web-site. We’re so proud of you, Lesley! YES!!

The Mailbarks

Thanks to all for such a great newsletter. I always look forward to seeing it!

Dan Campeau

Over the Rainbow… Ch Shadetree's Ella Maillart, STAR, CGC, HIT, RA

(2 legs in CD and 2 legs in RE)

01 June 2008 – 20 February 2010

The jumps sit empty in the front yard, her Christmas present, a regulation grade tunnel, sits on the back porch, her toys and sticks lay in the yard where she last dropped them…never to be used by Ella again. The pain in our hearts is so intense; a giant hole will always remain. Stolen from us at such a young age that it is just incomprehensible to understand ―why.‖

For Darlene and I both, Ella brought such great joy and happiness. She was extremely sweet and gentle, and brought so many laughs and excitement to our lives. She became such a huge part of our lives, traveling to dog shows so many weekends, the many training classes, hikes on the weekends, play time in the yard. She was finally coming of age, where we could do the things we always wanted to do without worrying about her growth plates and now she is gone.

She was a loyal friend and daughter, always wanting to please. She never wanted to be away from our sides. Every time we ventured in public, her beauty would mesmerize people and many wanted to steal her away. Ella was a Swissy with great drive and smarts; she was destined for so many great things and awards.

The house is quiet now, no footsteps or baroos to hear. No giant greeting when we return home…the pain is just too intense.

Thank you Ella. Thank you Ella for being you. Thank you Ella for being such a great inspiration to Darlene and I. Thank you Ella for all the laughs, for all the joy. I am so sorry we couldn’t protect you and make you safe.

We love you so much my sweet baby; enjoy your time over the Rainbow Bridge until we can meet again. Tracy Brainard & Darlene Ward

For a pictorial tribute to Ella, click HERE

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Laura Bullock’s Grainger, showing his technique

Tracy and Ella in the Rally ring

Kids BAROO!

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Silly Dogs By Gandee Vasan

Pop this in your child’s hands and let them explore the world of hairy heads and floppy ears and sticky tongues. In other words, introduce them to some of the dog’s most distinctive features, one by one. Teach-ing kids to touch a dog’s silky hair softly is a great precursor to them meeting the real thing. But touching the slobbery tongue of that Blood-hound inside? ―EWWW!‖

No More Excuses for a Bored Dog

If you have a naughty, restless, or unhappy dog at your feet, you may need to reconsider his extracurricular activities. An active dog is a happy dog—whether he’s training to compete in obedience, trailing a scent out in the field, or flying over a jump in an agility course. Or maybe he simply likes zooming around with his friends. These and other activities are covered in one of the most useful new book to come out in a long time: The Encyclope-dia of Dog Sports and Activities, by Diane Morgan. As the subtitle explains, the book is ―A Field Guide to 35 Fun Activities for You and Your Dog.‖ Each chapter includes a history and overview of the sport or activity, require-ments and equipment for participation, organizations that can help you get started, and insider tips for success.

TFH Publications, $29.95

Dogs Don’t Brush Their Teeth! By Diane deGroat and Shelley Rotner

Some of the scenarios in this illustrated fold-out book will strike a chord with grown-up pet-lovers who sometimes treat their dogs like little people. But most of all, the various on what dogs do and don’t do in each situation (brush their teeth, ride in cars) will make kids laugh out loud.

Scholastic, $14.99

Please print and mail this form, along with a check, made payable to C & P GSMDC to:

Jenna Starr-Farling 5604 Morning Gate Ct. New Market, MD 21774

jennasstarr@hotmail.com

443/878-3833

Shipping/Handling = $5 orders under $100; $10 orders over $100

*No shipping charge on “patch only” order

Short Sleeve shirts are available in S, M, L, XL, and 2XL in tan, green, yellow, and blue

Long Sleeve Shirts are available in L and XL in blue, maroon, and military green (there are limited quantities of this NEW color)

**Please email me at jennasstarr@hotmail.com for availability of size and color of shirts or provide a 1st choice and 2nd choice

Name

Address

E-mail Phone

Item Price Size/Color Quantity Total

**Short sleeve tee-shirt

$15.00

**Long sleeve Tee-shirt

$20.00

*Patch $5.00 NA

Nylon Collar $15.00 NA

Blue Food Bag $25.00 17.5” H x 13.5” D

Subtotal

*Shipping & Handling

TOTAL

Order Form

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Chesapeake & Potomac (C & P GSMDC) GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB

Application for Membership

NAME(S)________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE_________________________ ___CELL PHONE__________________________

Allow contact information to be posted in club directory? Yes No

Registered Name of GSMD Call Name Registration# Breeder Name Date of Birth

Please check all that apply:

Breeder (registered a litter within past 3 years)

Exhibitor (handled dog at AKC event within past 2 years)

Dog Owner (of AKC registered dog)

Judge (AKC-licensed judge)

I (We) agree to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Club and the rules of the American Ken-nel Club. ________________________________________________________________________________ Signature and Date ________________________________________________________________________________ Signature and Date Yearly Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. While mem-bership is unrestricted as to residence, the C & P GSMDC strongly encourages members outside of the Club’s geographical area (DC, DE, MD, Eastern PA, VA) to apply for Associate Membership. Those who wish to learn more about the GSMD but do not own a GSMD may join as an Associate Member. Associate Membership Fees are $35 for Family Membership, $25 per Individual Member. Associate members are not able to vote or hold office in the C & P GSMD Club.

Please let us know what events you would like C & P to provide and how you would like to support the club. Also, add any additional information you’d like to share about yourself and/or your dogs. This is YOUR club--let us know what you’d like to do!

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BBQ’s, parties, etc. Conformation Agility

Obedience/Rally Dog show help Weight pull

Breed information Health issues Packing

Write Newsletter articles Drafting Rescue

Serve on board Herding Therapy

In what ways would you like to volunteer for the club:

Please send a check payable to the C & P GSMD Club along with this application to the Mem-bership Chairperson, Phyllis Walker, 5933 Sixth Street, Falls Church, VA 22041