36 Saber Tails Spring 2017
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
accumulated quite a stash of coveted items.
Enter my friend, Tiffany Cannon, who came to
visit and see our darling baby puppy. We ad-
mired, played and rubbed on Oliver who en-
joyed her company very much. As happens with
puppies, he grew tired and decided a nap was in
order. Tiff and I were visiting and she slipped off
her shoes to get more comfortable. Well...it was
like a bell went off. In the span of mere seconds,
Tiffany’s shoe was in Oliver’s mouth, down the
hall and under the bed. I laughed and asked her
what size shoes she wore as she would have to
wear a pair of mine home. I explained it could
take hours before he would release his trophy.
She looked at me incredulously and said “Non-
sense. I'll just go get it.” I told her that she might get bitten and could possibly lose her fingers. (I was joking
about losing a finger, but still half convinced and somewhat anxious that it could happen.) Down the hall she
went with determination, got on her knees at the side of the bed...and then it began... The rottweiler “Oliver
the Terrible” was back! Tiffany calmly, but swiftly, reached under the bed, grabbed him somewhat gently but
with conviction, by the scruff of the neck and hauled Oliver, still clutching her shoe firmly in his teeth, out from
under the bed. She grabbed him by his little beard and told him “DROP.” Wonder of wonders, Oliver released
his prey and I could swear he smiled sheepishly at her. My mouth dropped open along with Oliver’s... WHAT
JUST HAPPENED??? How did that happen??? She wisely said “You have to be the alpha or he will rule the
house.” Never have I admired her more than I did at that moment. Over the years, he has continued his thiev-
ing ways but it has never again been a problem thanks to her valuable lesson.
Oliver is now almost 11 and has been the best boy we could ever hope to have in our family, perfect in every
way. But...don't look under our bed.
Oliver looking like a sweet angel.
Congratulations
Bruce Toenjes!!!
Bruce Toenjes earned 1st Place in the 2016 Writing Com-
petition sponsored by the Dog Writers Association of
America. Bruce’s article written for and published in Saber
Tails in December, 2015 won 1st Place in the “Club Publica-
tions” category. His article competed against stiff competi-
tion and ultimately brought home the trophy.
Thank you to Bruce for writing this article entitled “Living
with an Affected Dog” which discusses his experiences with
his PBGV Gemme since she was tested for POAG (primary
open angle glaucoma) and found to be genetically affect-
ed although she has no clinical symptoms at this time.
Thank you Bruce and Laney for sharing your story and
come meet Gemme this year at the National. Gemme will
be participating in the hunt. Congratulations on 1st place!
Recipe Corner
Submitted by Marilyn Blythe
Taste Tested by Trinity, Stuart & Jay-Jay
This dog food recipe is one that is offered for total meal replacement, but we use it as a topping on top of
the dogs regular kibble...
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 pounds ground turkey
3 cups baby spinach - chopped
2 carrots - shredded
1 zucchini - shredded
1/2 cup peas - frozen or fresh
• In a sauce pan cook rice in 3 cups of water. Cook according to the directions.
• Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot
• Add ground turkey and cook until browned
•
Cook time about 3-5 minutes
•
Crumble turkey as it cooks
• Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas and cooked rice
• Heat on low setting until spinach is wilted and mixture is heated through
•
Cook time approximately 3-5 minutes
• Allow the mixture to cool completely
• Divide mixture into no more than you will use in a week.
• Store one week portion in the refrigerator
• Store remaining portions in freezer until ready to use.
Add a couple of tablespoons on top of your dog’s breakfast or dinner. Helps even the pickiest of eaters eat
food quickly.