War Notes

"War Notes" may not seem like an appropriate title for an editorial column (hopefully this will change in the future), but right now I feel strongly that we are waging a war against ignorance and indifference within the Mastiff breed.

For this reason, Lisa Nicolello/Gold Coast and I (Sharon Krauss/Crestwood) thought that we would try a newsletter to get valuable information out to those who are really interested in learning about current problems and sharing information about improving the genetic makeup, health, and longevity of the Mastiff.

Personally, I am a very selfish person. If I spend time raising, training and learning the ins and outs of a puppy's personality and, as always, totally falling in love, then I want that puppy to be with me more than five or six years. And for that puppy to live his life in good health -- not in agony every day because he can't stop scratching, or in pain from any number of orthopedic problems. If there is anything that I can do (provided the cost is within my reach), then I want to do it. We bring them into this world and we have a responsibility to make sure that their lives are as long and enjoyable as we can make them.

Well, enough soapbox for now. This will creep into the pages of the newsletter often enough, so if it gets in the way of what you are interested in, please let me know and I will try to tone it down.

The newsletter will mainly emphasize health, nutrition, and breeding. But we will also feature items relative to training and all the fun things that you can do with the versatile Mastiff. The Mastiff is not versatile you say? I say hogwash!! All you have to do is try. For example, my Cassie is in agility training and loving it! My trainer is amazed at her enthusiasm, attitude, and trainability and can't wait for the next pupil. While she may not have great speed, we are sure that she will develop the accuracy, and the best part is we both love doing it.

These dogs can be much more than couch potatoes and throw rugs. Give it a try, you'll be surprised. But, please remember, this is where it counts most to be healthy and sound.

We feel very fortunate that Dr. Priscilla K. Stockner has agreed to be our veterinary consultant. Dr. Stockner has been practicing purebred dog medicine (specializing in fertility and reproduction) for the last twenty-three years and is a Contributing Editor for DVM Magazine, "Focus on Purebreds". Her Animal Fertility Clinic is located in Escondido, California (just north of San Diego) and in conjunction with Carol Bardwick has been providing services through Canine Cryobank, Inc. for the last eleven years (collection, freezing and storage of semen; various methods of AI using frozen, chilled or fresh semen; and assistance in natural breedings). The focus of her practice is on a more holistic approach to veterinary medicine, utilizing nutrition, prevention and alternative treatments to the generally accepted drug therapies and vaccines we have lived with in the past.

In addition to acting as our consultant on technical items, she is willing to provide answers to reader questions (to be reprinted in the newsletter).

These are the basics -- if you have other interests, please let us know. Initially, cost of the newsletter (beyond the first two sample issues) will be for postage only. We hope you enjoy it and find it helpful.