Winter 2016  Saber Tails 83    

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

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ongratulations to all the winners in every discipline at this Orlando Cluster.  And a job well done to all others compet-

ing.  Everyone gave their best effort and it shows in the quality of our dogs and their performances.  Watching our 

breed compete is so much more fulfilling to me than watching other breeds that move around the ring with efficiency 

and total grace.  I know that sounds odd…but the personality of our Peebs cannot be contained or denied.  It will shine 

through in everything they do.  The wonderful thing while watching them…is that you can truly appreciate the undeni-

able fact that everything they do is intentional.  They rarely trip or have a misstep in the ring…any deviation from the 

straight line they should be walking is fully intentional and done for the sheer joy of being alive or for the purposes of 

entertaining the crowd.  And that is a breed of dog I want to have in my life!

Are You Prepared?

Landscaping - Know What You Are Planting

Written by Tiffany Cannon

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ne evening in August 2011, I caught 7 month old Aslak chewing on what looked like a 

russet potato. I was a bit perplexed as to where he found it, but took it from him and 

went about my business.  After taking a few more away from him and a couple from our 

girl Biscuit, I followed them outside where I saw they were actually digging up Agapantha 

bulbs.  Awhile later, they were both vomiting everywhere.  A quick online search for toxic 

plants brought up a fairly extensive list which did not include Agapantha.  However, later 

in the evening I called my friend and fellow club member, Diane Shupe, to ask if she knew 

anything about dogs being sensitive to this particular bulb.  Her reply…”Well…you do 

know that Agapantha is more commonly known as Lily-Of-The-Nile?” (African Lily)  That 

name is definitely on the toxic list!  Agapanthas are known to cause oral irritation, burning 

and intense vomiting.  Luckily, the dogs only had a minor reaction resulting in messes to clean up all over the floor but 

the next day, we dug up all those bulbs and moved them to the front yard.

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pring planting season will be here very soon.  Many of us go to great lengths and considerable expense to make our 

yards look colorful and lush.  We create beautiful oases where we can unwind at the end of the day.  However, many 

of those flowers, shrubs and cacti we lovingly tend are actually toxic to dogs.  And unfortunately, we all own aspiring 

gardeners who spend an equal amount of time undoing what we cultivate with the utmost care and attention.  

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y yard is still full of plants that are considered “toxic” and there are some I didn’t know about 

until researching for this article.  Realistically, you can’t bubble wrap your hunting hounds 

or remove every possible temptation.  They would probably make your life miserable if you tried.  

But it’s definitely a good idea to do a little research before planning your next trip to the local 

nursery.  And if you are hiring a landscaper or someone to make an aquascape in your yard, be 

certain they are also familiar with the list of toxic plants.  Those of you in deer territory, be careful 

asking for “deer proof” plants many of which might not look appealing to a deer but might look 

like a great chew toy to your Peeb.  Also important is to make certain you are researching every 

variant of a plant’s name to determine toxicity.  Plants are known by many different names de-

pending on the region where you live or the color of the flower.  

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f course, there are varying levels of toxicity and varying degrees of reactions.  Many can be 

eaten or chewed on with little concern or nary more than vomiting or diarrhea.  Some dogs 

Small sago palms are sold 

like this potted plant

Sago Palm Seeds

Agapanthus are not as danger-

ous as many toxic plants

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