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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