The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1 March 2011 … · The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1 March 2011 Inside this issue: The C to n M l g c he President’s Message Good day from

March 2011 The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1

Inside this issue:

The Coton Malgache

President’s Message Good day from sunny Peterborough, where the snow has gone and the spring flowers are hoping to bloom very soon. I know after this winter my dogs are happy to play in the yard and sniff new smells, bark at the wind and have a snooze in front of the patio door when the sun shines in. I would like to welcome my fellow board members and I look forward to working with them. We are feverishly working on a agenda for our first board meeting, and we welcome any suggestions to improve our club. Please feel free to email any of the board members with suggestions or questions and we will answer them as soon as we can. Please remember that we are volunteers and give our time when we can. Things can seem to move slowly at times but we will address any and all concerns. I hope to have a periodic or monthly email to send out to let you know about things that are happening within our club. Enjoy your Cotons today and give them a hug.

Barb Canduro Editor’s Note: See Page 16 for a list of new CCTC Board members and their contact information.

Introducing New Board Members: Paul Cote, Secretary 2 Introducing New Members 2011: Maggie Stagg 3 Gloria Gray 6 “Payzac’s Nina Ricci’s Trip to Oklahoma” 8 “Ode to the Dogs” By Christophe Guidon 10

Justice! By Diane Benaroch 12 American Coton de Tulear Club 2010 Specialty 13 Canadian Coton de Tulear Club “About Us” 16

Barbara Canduro CCTC President

The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1 Page 2

CCTC Board Introductions We begin by introducing one of our new Board members, Paul Cote. Paul lives in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario and this is his first time on the Board. Paul will be serving as CCTC secretary for the two year term. If you would like to read more about Paul and his Cotons, see his delightful article in the March 2009 issue of the Coton Malgache available on the website at www.coton.ca. Here’s Paul: "I am 1/2 of the ownership team of two beautiful Cotons since 2004. Tory and Quinn are the quite essential example of what Cotons are all about. Loyal, playful, affectionate, funny and always know when to make you laugh or offer a kiss! I offered my services to the club because I want to help keep the organization going. I think it is important to offer what you can, when you can. The CCTC was started in 1993 by some very caring people and since then has continued to grow again by many caring people. I hope to be able to offer a little bit of what they have, to continue to grow the club." -- Paul

Paul Cote relaxing at home with Tory & Quinn.

Page 3 The Coton Malgache Volume11 Issue1

New Members Introductions Margaret “Maggie” Stagg

Before I launch into a brief biography to introduce myself and my dogs to the club, I would like to thank the Club for accepting me as a member and in particular, a big thank you to my sponsors.

As the story goes, once upon a time, as a young girl growing up in Muskoka my family was very sports-minded. They were very much into hunting, fishing and trapping; my mother included. Even today my earliest memories are of playing with our pack of dogs who were always my trusty playmates and teachers. On that note, I still have some of the scars from their teaching lessons for doing things that were considered ‘not cool’ in doggy etiquette. Let’s just say that they taught me well.

As you may suspect, my main job in the family growing up was to look after the dogs. In my family that meant feeding them, cleaning their kennels, assisting with birthing, as needed, and learning to train them to retrieve ducks as well as flush out rabbits, quail and pheasant. And of course, work with them in the field. Over the years we had Beagles, various types of hounds, Labrador Retrievers and a Springer Spaniel. The latter was given to me by my uncle when I was five as “my own dog” to work with; not just another member of

the pack.

When I moved away from Muskoka in 1972 to attend university in Toronto, my life without a dog began. I always said that as long as I am going to school and working I would not have a dog because in my mind it was not fair to the dog. And that doggy dry spell remained until a few years ago when unbeknownst to me my friends decided that I was the perfect candidate to become a foster parent to a four year old female dog that their breeder was bringing in from Denmark. Apparently, or so I was told, the preferred foster home was someone experienced with dogs, in particular alphas, no other dogs and/or kids in the house. It took them two months and lots of bait before I bit. The clincher was the picture they sent me of the dog. It was love at first sight for me and my introduction to the wonderful Coton de Tuléar breed. As they say, the rest is history and I became the foster mom of Mercedes for Sonja Femia of Cotton Candy Cotons.

(Maggie & Mercedes at left)

Then this year the opportunity arose for Scruffles (a.k.a. “The Patriarch”), Sonja’s beloved resident eight and a half year old boy, to join my family. He just had too many girls in his home that he could

not be mated with and was feeling very very stressed. I had always liked Scruffles when I visited Sonja’s home since he is just such a “laid back lover rub my belly” kind of guy who got along with Mercedes. I was so honoured when Scruffles also chose me. Now Mercedes, my little pack leader, had a follower she liked and more to the point; could boss around. There were a few hiccoughs along the road, but all the kinks were eventually smoothed out with a little help from me a.k.a., The Master and their Staff.


I remember being told that one Coton leads to another Coton et cetera. I am living proof that that saying is sooooooo true because along came the puppy, Bear, the newest addition to the family. Sonja decided that she wanted to keep the puppy Bear, but needed to place him so he wouldn’t be stressed by the resident ladies any more than necessary. So after a period of time I decided to take Bear too. It only took but a few days for me to be reminded of the energy needed to keep up with an energetic little puppy. Bear is now 11 months old and he is starting to turn the corner of what I will affectionately call ‘the terrible two stage’. My furniture and rugs are grateful for that as am I. He is such a happy handsome little guy (not that I’m prejudiced) and I am glad he has joined my merry pack.

As an aside, when I first brought Bear home and carried him into the house to introduce him to Mercedes and Scruffles it went as I predicted. Scruffles willing greeted the little guy and Mercedes, let’s just say she was not amused, but with a little coaching came around. By the next day Mercedes and Scruffles were on their way to teaching him the rules of the house and in particular, his ranking in the pack; third. Now the two boys play well together and Miss Mercedes sits on the sofa with the royal ‘we are not amused’ demeanor and from time to time, follows up with a verbal response in the same vain. Despite the fact she is no longer the only dog in the home she is also pleased, at the same time, to have resurrected her role as leader of the pack, as she was in Denmark.

I confess that I love my dogs and yes, they are all spoiled. I used to play dress up with our dogs when I was growing up and as it was pointed out to me recently, I still am today. Each dog has their own rain coat, winter coat and boots. Then as girls will want to do, Mercedes and I go shopping together in her doggy stroller. Scruffy doesn’t mind the stroller, but he is not really into it being a guy’s guy and Bear has not been introduced to this experience at this time. Mercedes, however, sits in the stroller like the little princess she is and quite enjoys all the admirers she attracts. That is as long as they admire her from a distance. Flattened hair is so unbecoming to her…..

Well, that about it other than I am also learning how to groom and show these dogs. Having grown up and being used to working dogs it is really a very different experience. Nonetheless, I find it relaxing and I am really glad I took the bait to become a foster mom to my Kids. This is a wonderful breed that has unconditionally won my heart. Well I had best get going. I have two boys sitting patiently looking at me with a toy in each of their mouths wanting to play toss and fetch with me…duty calls.

Below: Bear

Scruffles


We wish everyone all the best for 2011.

Sincerely,

Maggie, Mercedes, Sruffles and Bear

At Right: Bear

What a handsome fellow!

Below: The entire family


New Member: Gloria Gray Gloria Gray lives in Haliburton, Ontario which she says is truly “God’s country” and where she met the first love of her life and soul mate, Rick. Here’s how Gloria came to meet another love of her life, her Coton, Timothy: Now my love was always Bichons. While up at a garden center one day, a lady told me of the Cotons. She also told me of Karen Black, the breeder, so I studied the line first and remembered I had groomed a Coton while I lived in Cornwall where I was taught to how to groom dogs. This beautiful little boy came right to me as soon as I met all of Karen’s little darlings, and proceeded to sit on my lap the whole time and it was my second love at first sight (Rick being the first). Timothy, the Coton, was almost 4 months old when I got him as a play mate for Mindy my Bichon. I am still learning a lot about this line from other breeders. Karen holds the breeding right to Timothy. Although one day I may wish to show and possibly breed , it will have to be with another dog. However, my little boy and I play and enjoy each other every single day together.


Timothy and his playmate, Mindy, the Bichon

Below: Does Santa have anything for ME?

At Right: Timothy loves to play hide and seek in the plants!

Below: Timothy dressed for Hallowe’en


Payzac Nina Ricci's Trip to Oklahoma Submitted by Joanne Mouryas, Payzac Kennel

At the end of June in 2006 I made the long trip to Alicante, Spain to pick up my wonderful boy Caton of Woodland Cottage. A lady named Brenda from Oklahoma had also come for Caton's two sisters, Meisie and Ceilie. Brenda and I met in Spain and since then have become good friends. In late 2007, Brenda became sick and could no longer take care of her three Cotons, Caton's two sisters and a little stud named Cotonnerie Marquis De Bronson who had come to live with them one month after her trip to Spain. I offered to take the three dogs so Brenda and her 71 year old friend Margaret drove for four days from Oklahoma to Toronto to bring me her precious babies. Since then whenever one of my girls would give birth to a Bronson baby, Brenda would say that she would love to take one. She often told me that she was living her dream through me since she was not able to breed the loveable Coton. On Monday, Nina Ricci, Bronson's little daughter made the long trip home from Toronto to Oklahoma to her new mama and papa. Brenda could not travel so she sent her groomer Crystal to pick up little Nina. Nina slept in a pink Sherpa bag underneath the seat on two different planes and did not make a peep. Brenda emailed me a note right after Crystal dropped her off. Her email read, 'Nina has arrived and she is perfect! She is the most beautiful little girl that I have ever seen." Two days later she wrote, "We realized today that Nina didn't come from Canada, but she came straight from HEAVEN!"

Nina has a 10 year old Bichon brother named Marceau and a three year old Coton sister named Hannah. Both have welcomed her with open paws. Brenda has sent me many photos and you cannot see the floor for all the toys. Nina has made herself at home.

Above: Crystal & Nina

Left: Precious Nina with Marceau


Right: Little lamb, Nina

Below: The Three Muskateers


Ode to the dogs from Christophe Guidon

I had always disliked dogs. Big, small, brown, fluffy, my neighbour's husky howling all week-end long … I especially questioned their reliability after being bitten by one of my friend's dog (which I still picture in my mind as having the size and the shape of a white lion). And of course, to me, they lost all comparisons to the self-maintenance, mice-catcher and lovingly purring cats. Hence my hesitations when I was invited 1½ years ago to spend the week-end at the Prayal-Brown's. My mind was quick at doing the maths; two breeds = … I'm gonna be surrounded by dogs !! Word of my phobia was transmitted to the hostess, Marie-France, and arrangements were made for my arrival: only one coton would be allowed near me at all time. The welcome was warm, the dog (adequately named Surprise) polite: no barking, no drooling, just wanting to be patted and to sit on my lap. That, I could handle! Coincidentally (or was it really ?) there also was a little space in the living-room with a recent litter: six cute little puppies trying to cuddle and bite my finger. My week-end was most enjoyable and rendezvous was taken for me to come back and try to handle more dogs.


And everything went upwards from this moment on. During my following visits, my tolerance to dogs (which quickly became my eagerness to be close to them) soared. First the rest of the cotons (Fine !). Then the larger-sized Polonais (Easy for me !). Even the massive Doberman when going to dinner at their friend's (Piece of cake !). Looking back on these events, I know this was a defining moment, a turning point for me. These dogs were calm, relaxing, cheerful, always happy to see you, begging for pats or food left-overs from your plate. No wonder they are used for therapy sessions: they can bring you in a state of serenity and happiness by their sole proximity. I am utterly thankful to Marie-France and her daughter Sophie for introducing me to such nice creatures as well as helping me overcome my phobia: I can now foresee myself as a potential dog-owner.

Christophe literally

surrounded by Cotons and

the much larger Polski Owczarek Nizinny

(PONs) Or

Polish Lowland Sheepdog


JUSTICE! Submitted by Diane Benaroch

The other night, as usual in my house, 8:00 p.m. means that the “teenagers “ are all going to bed with their last outside visit and then into their crates with a cookie. Vega is older and stays up later with us to watch TV. Ceasar Millan is her favourite program! All is going well, a few praises, one teeth cleaning cookie and I close the light. A few minutes later, Tulea who is now 6 months old, starts to cry… one of these little cries that goes straight to your heart and makes you want to run back to immediately and hug her. But I know better. I waited a long 5 minutes and decided that because she is still young, maybe she needs to go back for another wee wee. I saw her drink a lot of water at dinner time. I go back to my room and pick Tulea up without saying anything… Idon't want this to become a bad habit. Once outside, Tulea looks at me with her deep round eyes, and for sure she doesn’t need to go again. So back to the room and good night AGAIN. As soon as I closed the door, Tulea starts crying again. This time I tell myself that Tulea is becoming very spoiled and it is "all my fault"! So I stick to my guns, and wait 5 minutes, then another 3 minutes. All of a sudden, I jump up and say to Jacob my husband: "Now I think I know how smart Tulea really is!!! I go back to the room, open the door and I give Tulea "ONE COOKIE" and one only to her… and not to Keano and Flora! I leave the room, close the door, AND NOT A WORD. SILENCE IS BACK! When I first put the dogs in their crates, I ONLY had two cookies left in my doggy bag . Tulea was digging into her blanket and did not care (or so I thought!) about her USUAL COOKIE. So I did not give her one…..so here is the conclusion to this story. My little Tulea knows exactly what she wants out of life and I can never let her down. I could end up in the middle of a dog revolution, complete anarchy or only God knows what…because let's face it - our Cotons de Tulear have very high IQ and they want justice!!!

Diane Benaroch gives the very smart and fair-minded Tulea a big kiss!


American Coton de Tulear Association 2010 Specialty By Diane Benaroch

On December 11, 2010, we were invited by the American Cotton De Tulear Association to participate in their National Coton de Tulear Specialty in Bellevue, Washington. Since this Specialty was being organized by my friend Beverly Kohler (and others), how could we not take part in this event? Beverly has shown her beautiful Cotons in Canada and she has demonstrated such enthusiasm towards our breed.

We left in the dark of the night on Saturday for our first journey to the USA. I brought my whole family including my sister Helene (visiting from Montreal) and my 5 months old female “Cotonfield Flora.” We had no idea how long it would take and leaving the dogs at home is out of the question for us. After a two-hour drive, we finally arrived at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The first thing I noticed as we walked into the hotel was the thick light carpet! How my 7 month old Keano and my 5 month old puppies would love to believe that these carpets are part of their playground! As we walked into the ballroom where the event was being held, we were immediately greeted by Patricia Enright, Diane Rinella, Debbie Nemrow and, of course Beverly. We received the program and lots of smiles and found a spot in the corner. Many USA champions where coming and I felt that this event was perhaps “beyond” us. The morning went on in a very friendly atmosphere. Coffee, dog stories, hand-shakes and laughter quickly filled the room. Jessica Smith, my handler had left the last CKC show to come and help me. I showed my 7 month old “Cattledrivers Keano” and Jessica showed Ch. Cotonnerie Vega. Prior to the event, the main focus is “BRUSHING” which keeps my dogs calm and helps with my anxiety! We practiced a little back and forth in the hallway of the hotel before going into the ring. We had brought our huge Coton poster from Canada. The hotel guests would stop and say “Oh wow, what kind of dogs are these?”

Above: Beverly Kohler with Ch. Sugar Bay’s Anything Goes Clouseau: Best Opposite of Breed

Below: A. Dering & Versace


The rules of the show were explained to us and we all appreciated that. The tension is climbing! Dr. Vandra L. Huber arrived for the class at 10:00 am. A very elegant lady indeed with a marvelous smile. All went very well and I am very proud to say that Vega won the Best of Breed. My little Cattledrivers Castle Keano won because he was the only puppy. Just the same, he did such a good job and stayed focused through the whole class. I was so happy for Beverly Kohler who won Best Male with Ch. Clousseau. We had never received such a pretty Orange Rosette and also two huge bags of gifts from the ACTA CLUB. We can ad a “BISS” to my Canadian Champion Cotonnerie Vega. We would like to thank the ACTA CLUB for their hard work and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors. I think that we can all be very proud of our Canadian-bred Cotons de Tulear.

Cattledrivers Castle Keano

Below: Diane’s sister, Helene, with

A Cotonfield puppy

Editor’s Note: Apologies to Diane Benaraoch who submitted this article for the December 2010 newsletter but it was somehow missed. Chris


Cotonnerie Vega BISS

In the ring at the ACTA 2010 Specialty

Page 16 The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1

Advertising Rates

Coton Malgache

Colour B/W

1/4 page ……. $35 $20 1/2 page ……. $60 $40 Full page ….. $120 $80 Business card $15 $10 Ads may be submitted as camera ready or in draft. Draft text must be clearly typed. Photos should be clear and in sharp contrast to ensure quality reproduction. Cheques should be made payable to the CCTC.

www.coton.ca Advertising is available on our website.

*

Sponsor Advertising

$25 per calendar year for a business card $45 per calendar year with a live link to a website

*

Breeder Directory Members Only

Litter Announcements $15 per litter for 3 months

$10 per ad for one older dog *

Contact Marie-France Prayal [email protected] Tel. 902-757-0826

About Us….

Denis Carriere founded the Coton Malgache Publication in 1994 so that breed fanciers might share their mutual interest. The club’s aim is to support, educate and advise owners, members and prospective owners about the Coton de Tulear.

All members of the CCTC will abide by a code of ethics that will govern the breeding and prosperity of these lovely animals, protecting and preserving the

qualities of the Coton de Tulear, and striving for its betterment.

CCTC publishes the Coton Malgache quarterly in March, June, September and December. We encourage your submissions! Please do not hesitate

to send photos of, and articles about your Cotons. Photos will be returned upon request if you include a S.A.S.E.

Deadline for the June 2011 Coton Malgache is

May 10, 2010.

Please send all submissions for the Coton Malgache to: Email: [email protected]

Subscriptions to the Coton Malgache are included with a CCTC membership.

Make your cheque or money order payable to CCTC. Fees for US and overseas subscribers are payable in US funds.

The opinions expressed in the Coton Malgache are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The articles in the Coton Malgache belong to their authors and cannot be reproduced either in whole or in part in any form without written permission of the author.

CCTC Executive President: Barb Canduro Email: [email protected] 705-743-4862 Vice-President - Joanne Mouryas Email: [email protected] 416-282-9253 Secretary: Paul Cote Email: [email protected] 705-753-1383 Treasurer & Eastern Director: Marie-France Prayal Email: [email protected] 902-757-0826 Quebec Director: Louise Simard Email: [email protected] 418-678-2812 Ontario Director: Barbara Fenn Email: [email protected] 416-483-0780 Western Director: Diane Benaroch Email: [email protected] 604-856-6627 Newsletter Editor & Membership Coordinator: Chris Wasylishyn Email: [email protected] 604-876-7106

Documents

The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1 March 2011 … · The Coton Malgache Volume 11 Issue 1 March 2011 Inside this issue: The C to n M l g c he President’s Message Good day from