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NEXT MEETING: SATURDAY MARCH 25, 2017HOME OF GAIL MACKIERNAN AND BARRY COOPER

216 Mowbray Road, Silver Spring, MD301-989-1828

SOCIAL HALF-HOUR 7:30 PM, MEETING 8 PM

PROGRAM: Hey, M Y Dog Can Do That!

Start getting ready! Our June picnic will feature Four – yes Four – certifications you can try with your dog!We truly have something for everyone…and remember, these count for our annual awards! All thecertifications will be described for our March meeting program by Rose Miller, CGC and TDFI Evaluator.Here are the tests, in a nutshell:

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test (=Socialization,Training, Activity,Responsibility)A pre-CGC test for puppies. (Please attend a puppy manners class or STAR puppy class prior to testing).AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) The classic Canine Good Citizen evaluation for any age dog. This testemphasizes the good temperament and basic obedience.AKC Community Canine The “CGC on Steroids” – working the CGC exercises with distractions in reallife crowds and situations. CGCA (Canine Good Citizen Advanced).Therapy Dog International: This evaluation allows you to register as a therapy dog with TDI, visitfacilities and insurance for these visits is included with your membership. This test requires a solid andsteady dog, responsive to commands and unfazed by medical equipment.

In addition, the “Urban CGC” and “Farm Dog” tests will be discussed. We plan to offer these on otherdates as they require special venues.

DIRECTIONS:

FROM I-495 (BELTWAY), take New Hampshire Ave (Rt. 650) (Exit 28) North. Continue about 4 miles toRandolph Rd. This is a large intersection with an Exxon station at left-hand corner. Turn left, and at thefirst stoplight, Locksley Lane, turn right Take the next right, Banbury Rd., then next left, Tamworth, andfinally, next left onto Mowbray. 216 is halfway down on left, on a long pipestem drive. Park alongMowbray and walk up to the house. Look for Schnauzer banner on mailbox!

FROM I-95 or I-270. Exit onto Intercounty Connector (Rt 200, E-Z Pass toll only). Take Exit 13 (Rt650, New Hampshire Avenue) and turn south towards White Oak. In 1 mile, turn right at the intersectionwith Randolph Rd (Exxon station at corner). Continue to Locksley Lane (stoplight) turn right and followdirections above.

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MARCH 2017

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President’s Message

Dear PVSSC Members:

It appears we are having an early spring. Good riddance to winter,time to get outside with our Schnauzers before the summer heat drivesus back inside.

I hope all the members who came to the February meeting learned asmuch as I did about dog food and dog nutrition; it was a real eyeopener! For those of you who were unable to attend, you can findmuch of what was presented in Dr. Watts!s articles and blog which canbe found on his practice website (clevengerscorner.com ) or hissuggestion – Google (search for “Dr. Michael Watts Culpepper dognutrition”). I would also like to thank Michelle Root for suggesting himfor a meeting presentation and for coordinating the arrangements.

As a reminder, at the May Awards Dinner we will also be voting in anew Treasurer, Secretary and two Board members. If you have aninterest in serving in one of these offices, please contact anyone onthe Nominating Committee. The slate will be closed at the Aprilmeeting. Come be part of the inner workings and behind the scenesactivities of the Club.

We can always use more hands to help make the PVSSC fun for all itsmembers. No experience necessary, just a willingness to help. We areNOT just a show club, PVSSC Standard Schnauzers do it ALL! Cometo the March meeting and learn about some fun activities for you andyour schnauzer.

I look forward to seeing you at the up-coming meetings, shows andperformance competitions.

Enjoy the warming weather!Nicole Miller

PVSSC President

PVSSC DUES ARE DUE MARCH 31st!See Separate Dues Notice with This WT

Dues $30 single, $45 Family,Send check (made out to PVSSC) to: Karen Ioffredo

7806 Falstaff Rd,McLean, VA 22102

(Please return notice w/ check so we can update your info.)

President: Nicole Miller schnauzer2@cox.net

Vice President: Gail Mackiernan katahdinss@comcast.net

Secretary: Rosemary Miller 13604 Bethel Rd Manassas VA 20112 703-401-6887 celticrossSS@comcast.net

Treasurer: Elaine Miller emiller3@gmu.edu

Board of Directors: Judy Boxer genstar2@msn.net

Gail Pfeiffer G091467@aol.com

Marianna Herpel mherpelrn@yahoo.com

Karen Peak Show.dogs@comcast.net

Rescue: and Lost Dog (VA). Lovey Lyons

H: 757-657-6564C: 757-675-1669

Loveylyons@msn.com

Lost Dog MD: Ed Sakala (MD)

301-460-9502 edgracesakal@aol.com

Puppy/Breeder Referral: Judy Boxer 703-680-0512 genstar2@msn.com

Membership: Karen Ioffredo kioffredo@cox.net

WebSite Manager: Betsy Davison betsy.davison@gmail.com

Wiretap Editor: Gail Mackiernan katahdinss@comcast.net

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MINUTESFebruary 25, 2017

GENERAL MEETINGHome of Nicole and Elaine Miller

Fairfax, VA

The meeting was called to order by PresidentNicole Miller at 9:20pm. A quorum was present.

Concerned about the number of outstandingdues payments Judy Boxer offered a motion toextend the dues deadline to March 31st. Themotion was seconded by Gail Mackiernan andthe members present agreed unanimously.

Helen Graham was voted into the membership.Welcome!

A few announcements were made:

All awards requests had to be post marked byMarch 1st and sent to Pam Minnich. Forms anddirections can be found at the PVSSC website(PVSSC.org)

The Awards dinner on May 6 is also our annualmeeting and elections. The positions changinghands are Treasurer, Secretary and 2 Boardpositions. Anyone interested should contact amember of the nominating committee, JudyBoxer is Chair. The slate will be closed fornominations at the April 22 meeting inTimonium.

PVSSC had two standards and rescue and bothhave been placed. Thanks Lovey! The stray“possible Standard Schnauzer” at the PrinceWilliam animal shelter turned out to be a miniand the local Miniature Schnauzer Rescuegroup was alerted to his presence.

There being no further business, Gail Pfeifferoffered a motion to adjourn, seconded by ElaineMiller. The meeting was closed at 9:29pm.

Respectfully submitted,Nicole Miller

WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

• Helen Graham8786 Grant AvenueManassas VA 20110703-368-6091chefsforu@verizon.net

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT

The Nominating Committee is pleased topropose the following slate of officers and boardmembers for the upcoming year:

President Nicole Miller

Vice President Gail MackiernanTreasurer Marianna HerpelSecretary Gail PfeifferBOD (2 yr term:)

Lovey LyonsElaine Miller

Respectfully submitted,Judy Boxer, ChairJean Gillen and Lovey Lyons, Members

(Additional Nominations can be made from thefloor at the April 22 Meeting. Voting on 2017-2018 Board will take place at the AnnualMeeting/Awards Dinner May 6)

READY FOR ST. PADDY’S DAY!

CONTENTS March Meeting Info 1 President!s Message 2 Minutes February Meeting 3 2017 Nominations 3 Brags and News 4 New Titles 4 In Memoriam 5-6 Westminster Wrap-Up 7 AKC Trick Dog Program 8 AKC Scent Work Update 9 Stork Stops 9 Catoctin KC Match 10 VFDCB Online Breeder!s List 11 Hemangiosarcoma Breakthru 12 Ask Dr. Watts 13

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BRAGS AND NEWS!

• From Karen and Sarah Peak:

“Sarah Peak finished #5 junior handler in theUnited Kennel Club for Open Junior (their agesrun slightly different from AKC). She handledAKC/UKC Ch Celtic Cross Into Darkness("Uhura") and the un-Schnauzers UKC Ch.Phoenix Imaginary Friend, CGC ("Foster") andWill O'Wisp On Thin Ice ("Splash").”

• From Michelle Bell:

“At the Liberty Hill Barn Hunt Club on Feb 18th,Hero (Halcyon's Hero of the Day from HiddenCreek) earned his first two open barn hunt legsand also was third place both times. He alsoearned another 20 crazy 8 points. He is just 15months old, we are very proud of how hard heworks no matter what task it is!”

• From Sue Anne Howell and Lovey Lyons:

“On Jan. 28, at the Middle Peninsula KennelClub of Virginia Hidden Creek!s General ChestyPuller went 1st and Winners Dog under JudgeMr. Walker Pinsker. The next day Chesty went1st, Winners Dog and Best of Winners for 2points toward his CH under Judge Mr. CarlGene Lispmann. Chesty is out of GCH CHHalcyon!s Willy Wonka and GCH CH HiddenCreek!s Emerald Rose.

On Feb. 26 at the Pup! N Iron Canine Fitness &Learning Center Fun Match Hidden Creek!s IvyRose went 1st and took a Group Three underJudge Bekki Pins. Ivy is out of GCH CHHalcyon!s Willy Wonka and GCH CH HiddenCreek!s Emerald Rose.”

• From Joy Roth and Val Yantz:

“Had a great day at the Maryland KC Show onSunday February 19th! My class dog Argenta'sPrins Paladin (AKA Gerin) won BOB over 5specials for a 5 point major!. This win completedhis AKC Champion Title. Gerin was ownerhandled all the way to his champion title. Lookfor Gerin in the specials at the late spring andfall shows.”

See Proud Joy and Gerin on right!

NEW CHAMPION TITLE!

CH ARGENTA'S PRINS PALADIN (Argenta'sKingsley - Xocco Saltus Ze Zahrabske), bred byBrigitta Anderson, Boel Niklasson and C. Spetz,and owned by Joy Roth, completed hisChampionship February 19, with a 5 point Bestof Breed at the Maryland KC show, under judgeTerry Stacy.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Some Sad News…

“…Our sweet, precious Jersey Girl is atpeace and resting - 14 years plus. She wasstruggling the last 6 months in spite of lasertreatments, meds, and injections for arthritis.We finally made the decision on October 31to do what was best for her - not us. Our vetcame to our home and spent time with all 3 ofus. We are so grateful - miss her terribly."

Cynthia & Michael Headman

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IN MEMORIAM. . .

ROBERT CHARLES CLINE(1947-2017)

Our Member and Dear Friend, Bob Cline, passed away February 17 after a long andcourageous battle with cancer. Bob was a graduate of Marshall University, a proud U.S.Navy Veteran, and as owner of Highland Insurance, a supporter of his customers andcommunity for 40 years.

But it was as a friend, competitor and fellow lover of Standard Schnauzers that we in PVSSCgot to know Bob. His friendship, enthusiasm and sportsmanship made him a favorite withmembers. Bob was never happier than when showing his beloved “Ellie”, GCH Bolero Gentle

Gisele of Briarcliffe Pointe. They made a wonderful team, achieving PVSSC SS of the Year - BOS twice and gaining many other accolades in the showring. The photo on left shows Bob and Ellie winning BOS at the Warrenton KC, PVSSC Supported Entryin 2012.

Our sincere condolences go out to Bob’swife, Jean, his sister Patricia and hischlldren and grandchildren.

He will be missed by all who knew him…

AM. & SWEDISH CH. ASGARD ORIANA ZEZANNA(June, 2003 - February, 2017)

It is with a very heavy heart that I send this to youfor the Wiretap. We lost Anna yesterday. Known to all ourfriends as "Anna the Perfect Dog", to us she was that andmore. She loved the show ring and was a great Mom (aSSCA Hall of Fame Producer). She was such a pleasureat home. She loved her friends, both human and canine,never expected special favors, loved to cuddle on thecouch, She was especially devoted to her daughter Didifrom her first litter.

Georgia Sabean & Jean Gillen

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FEBRUARY MEETING

The February General Meeting highlighted a fascinatingand (as President Nicole Miller notes) “eye-opening”presentation on animal nutrition by Dr. Michael Watts.Important points made include: “Ingredients in a foodare not the same as nutrients”, that many so-calledpremium foods actually contain ingredients of little or nouse to dogs, and that he strongly prefers foodcompanies that manufacture in USA and that conductdouble-blind feeding trials to test their product. SEE ANARTICLE FROM DR. WATTS ON PAGE 13. Or go tohis blog (see President!s Message for links) to seemore of his posts on nutrition.

Left: Dr. Watts explains a point…

CH MOHNERS NATURAL NADIA AT HALCYON CGC TDI HIT(2000-2017)

The light of my life…

I brought Nadia to the US from Denmark. Pat and I went over tobring back 3 bitches from Europe. During the flight home, Nadia'scrate was broken in customs. She was out loose on the tarmac inDenmark. Greenland and Baltimore. I de-boarded the plane andwas on the tarmac to bring my puppy home. That is how ourjourney in life began…

She was my best friend, soul mate and my love. She was anadventurer. She loved herding, lure coursing and excelled at both.She tolerated being shown and kept me humbled.

She left me her daughter and grandson to keep me company.We had such a great life together. There is such an empty void in my life without her. I loveher and miss her terribly, but would not change one second we had together. Most dogowners have that one special dog, and she was mine.

I know she is at the Rainbow Bridge with her friends that arrived before her. I will see herthere when the time comes..

Judy Boxer

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Westminster Wrap-Up!by Karen Peak

2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is in the bag! “Rumor” the GermanShepherd Dog won. I got to travel with my daughter, Sarah, two great dogs and RoseMiller to the Big Apple. We are tired but back to work and school today. If you havenever been to WKC, it is an experience. The last benched show I attended was when Iwas a little younger than Sarah and living outside Boston, MA. It was at the old BostonGarden. WKC is overwhelming at first but it starts to make sense, sort of. OK, youwander around enough and you will remember where you are set up. Then you

remember to LOOK UP AND READ THE SIGNS. Yes, they will tell you where breeds are being benched.

We arrived Monday and the weather was great, which I understand is rare for Westminster week.Schnauzers were the second to the last breed in the ring. The line-up was stunning and every dog theredeserved to be in the ring. It was an experience being able to see wonderful representations of so manybreeds.

The crowds were insane. What you do not see on TV is the Piers are open for spectators. I wouldhazard to guess there were over ten thousand people who came to watch the dogs. Dogs have to handlespectators, people wanting to touch them (and it is OK to say “no”) and compare their mustaches withyour Schnauzer!s facial hair. However for such a large show, the level of dog noise was very low.

AND FREEBIES! OMG! Vendors and FREEBIES! Pro-Plan! I love them. I have no idea how manybags Rose, Sarah and I came home with but we have a lot of good stuff. If you go there, you getfreebies. Food samples are great for traveling! Also at the end of Day 2, it costs vendors to ship thingsback therefore that one sample becomes several. I think we have three years of dog walk bags thanks toCosequin!

Driving in NYC is fun – no really it is. I had a blast! Rose enjoyed not driving and Sarah, well, I do notthink she learned any words she did not already know.

But seriously, WKC is an experience that you should do once if you can.

And, if you stay at the Skyline, there is a great Italian restaurant across the street – little hole in the wall.Good food. Good beer.

[NOTE: Best of Breed at Westminster was GCHWUNDERKIND ONE GOLDEN MOMENT, and she wentGroup 3! Our own Leslie Shriner!s GCH HALCYON ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE gained an Award of Merit!.For Full Westminster Results, go to www,infodog.com and select “Show Results” for February.]

Left: Sarah Peak showing CH. Celtic Cross Into DarknessRight: Rose Miller showing CH. Celtic Cross

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AKC APPROVES NEW TRICK DOG TITLING PROGRAM (From Michelle Bell)

ABOUT TRICK DOG: From the 1920!s and 1940!s when trickdogs such as Rin Tin Tin and Lassie won peoples! hearts,trick dog training has become one of the most exciting newareas in dog training today.

The AKC Board has just approved an AKC Trick Dog titlingprogram, which will be launched on May 1, 2017. For details,go to http://www.akc.org/trick-dog/

There will be FOUR Trick Dog Titles:

NOVICE TRICK DOG (TRKN)The dog performs 10 skills from the Novice list. (see link to “Application” below for lists of skills). If a doghas a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate or title on record at AKC, it can do 5 Novice tricks (CGC + 5)to earn the Novice title. Examples of tricks: High five, Jump (thru a low hoop or over a low bar),Kiss (point to cheek), Shake Hands.

INTERMEDIATE TRICK DOG (TRKI)The dog must have the Novice title, plus perform 10 Intermediate tricks. Example:Balance treat on nose or head, Jump through handler!s circle arms, Leg weave(weave around handler!s legs), Rollover

ADVANCED TRICK DOG (TRKA)The dog must have the Intermediate title, plus perform 5 tricks from the Advanced list: Examples: Bow (asin “Take a bow”), Play dead, Scent articles

TRICK DOG PERFORMER (TRKP)In this title, handlers perform a short routine with at least 10 tricks previously learned.

AKC Trick Dog titles are official AKC titles listed on the dog!s title record. Go to: http://www.akc.org/trick-dog/The processing fee for each title is $20.Dogs must have an AKC, PAL, or AKC Canine Partners number to earn a title.All dogs can get a number including purebreds and mixed breeds.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS YOU CAN EARN THE AKC TRICK DOG TITLES:

1) Perform the tricks (from the list in the Title Application) in the presence of an AKC Approved CGCEvaluator2) AKC will accept as reciprocal titles the corresponding basic titles (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced)from Do More With Your Dog!™(DMWYD). http://www.domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog/

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UPDATE ON NEW AKC SCENT WORK PROGRAM

From Jill Mitchell

[NOTE: Jill gave a presentation to the PVSSC in January on K-9 NoseWork and noted that AKC wasplanning to introduce their own program in the near future – Here is an update on the status of thatprogram:]

Jill writes: I have not yet had the opportunity read in detail the regulations (75 pages) posted by the AKCfor its new scent work program. From Facebook Nose Work discussion groups I!ve seen that theAmerican Kennel Club (AKC) version will differ in several significant respects from the NationalAssociation of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) program. Many of the differences are apparently intendedto make the AKC program more closely mimic the work done by professional scent-detection dogs.

For example, in the AKC program, as with the NACSW program there are three common elements: (1)container; (2) interior; and (3) exterior. The AKC program, however, adds a fourth not included byNACSW: buried. The AKC program will, however, not include a vehicle search element, as is included inthe NACSW program. As with the NACSW program, the target odors for AKC Scent Work trials willinclude birch, anise and clove, but will also include peppermint. Each element has four classes,corresponding to difficulty levels: (1) Novice; (2) Advanced; (3) Excellent and (4) Master. Dogs mayprogress through these elements at different speeds; they are not required to succeed in all at the sametime, as does the NACSW program, in order to title. Three qualifying searches arerequired for a dog to earn a title in one of the AKC classes.

For more information on the introduction of the AKC Scent Work program, see:

http://www.akc.org/events/scent-work/news-updates/

This link in turn provides a link to a PDF document containing the regulationsadopted by the AKC for its Scent Work program.

STORK STOPS!

PATRICIA WHITE (HALCYON SS) has a show-quality male puppy from her Christmas litter.Sire is GCH CH Halcyon!s Samuel Adams anddam is GCH CH Mohner!s Legacy for Halcyon.Contact Pat at halcyons@comcast.net or 540-788-9889.

ROSE MILLER (CELTIC CROSS SS) Has a p/slitter exected March 2017 Sire is GCHBSteinwald!s Celtic Cross Fionn Mac Cumhaill xCH Celtic Cross Class Action. Contact Rose atCelticCrossSS@Comcast.net or 703-401-6887.

ALL-BREED HEALTH CLINICMarch 18, 2017

Reston, VA

The Cavaliers of the South and Cavaliers of theNortheast will be sponsoring an Eye clinic ($45.00)with Dr. Bromberg and offering heart auscultations($45.00) and echoes ($210.00) with Dr. NealPickens, board certified cardiologist from the HopeCenter in Vienna.

This clinic will be held on 18 March 2017 at theSheraton Reston Hotel, 11810 Sunrise Valley Dr.,Reston, VA 20191. Clinic begins at 9 a.m.

Pre-registration is required for echo exam(deadline 3/11/17) and is strongly recommendedfor the other exams.

Contact: Kate Bertron at kbertron@gmail.com orphone (703) 399-5696

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CATOCTIN KENNEL CLUB

AKC Sanctioned “B” Conformation MatchSaturday April 8, 2017

Catoctin Kennel Club Building4016 Rock Hall Road, Point of Rocks Maryland 21777

(Rt 15 at the MD/VA border at the Potomac River)

AFTERNOON: Judging starts 1pm for Terrier, Toy, Working, Jr Show

Entries taken: 11:30am-12:30 pmJunior Showmanship entries taken until 1:30pm

Directions:From East or West: I-70 or I-270 to Frederick MD. Take Exit 52 US 15 South/US340 West.Follow US 15 South to just before the Potomac River (US/MD state lines). At the traffic light

(Clay St/Rt 28), just before the bridge, turn left onto MD Rt 28—Point of Rocks. Proceed **0.8 miles on Rt 28, cross railroad tracks and immediately turn right onto Rock Hall Road, thenleft into the parking area for the Catoctin Kennel Club Training Facility.

From Northern VA: Follow US 15 North to Potomac River, cross bridge and make animmediate right onto MD Rt 28. Proceed ** as above.

For More Information, Contact Co-Chairs:Marie H uffman : 301-606-4571- or M. H uffma n @comcast. net

Elisa Ballard : 571-309-8932 or ed m bs@ya hoo.comCarol Lingley: 301-607-632L or bernersrit@aol.com

Elinor Abrell : 301-831-8753 or abrellem @comcast.net

Or Catoctin Kennel Club website:www.CatoctinKennelClub.org

! FREE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONStarting at Noon for approx 30-45min, a session on handling, gaiting and

presentation of your dog will be held.

Students of all ages are invited to participate. It’s FREE!

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VFDCB GUIDE TO BREEDERS NOW ONLINE!From Pat White

The Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs & Breeders new ONLINE GUIDE TOBREEDERS is now up at http://virginiafederation.org/breeders.

The guide has previously only been available in hard copy but is now accessibleon–line. I was part of the planning/implementation committee and HalcyonStandard Schnauzers is listed under “Schnauzers” on the site. There are twolevels of participation.

For the first year (2017) basic listings are free. That includes your name, kennelname, phone number, email address and town or county.

Premium listings are $25 (half price) for the first year and include your name, phone number, emailaddress, town or county, website address, social media links, a description of your breeding program orgoals, and four photos.

As long as you are a member in good standing of the PVSSC, you!re eligible for the listings.

The VFDC&B website has the application which you will need to print and complete. The application mustbe signed by your club secretary to verify your membership and then either snail mail it or scan it andemail it to Anne Taylor. Her contact info is on the application for premium listings. If ordering a premiumlisting, you can pay by check or with Paypal.

This is an incredible advertising opportunity and the more listings the guide gets, the better a resource itwill be for people looking for purebred puppies. Also check out the guide to buying a purebred dog on thesite.

The VFDC&B hopes you!ll support the new Guide. This is the kind of thing the Federation is bestat…something one club couldn!t do but all the clubs combined can!

If you have any questions or problems with the application process, contact the VFDC&B atInfo@virginiafederation.org

PVSSC 2017 CALENDAR

APRIL 22 (SAT): OLD DOMINION KC SUPPORTED ENTRY & MEETING,

MD STATE FAIR GROUNDS, TIMONIUM, MD

MAY 2 (SAT): ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER & MEETING, ALFIO!S

CHEVY CHASE, MD

JUNE 18 (SAT) PVSSC ANNUAL PICNIC,

VETERAN!S MEMORIAL PARK

AUGUST 27 (SUN.) PVSSC B/OB MATCH,

CTA BUILDING, BELTSVILLE, MD

OCTOBER 1 (SUN.) PVSSC ANNUAL SPECIALTY.

OLD DOMINION K.C., MILLWOOD, VA

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Drug Developed at University of Minnesota Increases Survival in

Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma

Contributed by Michelle Root

[Editor!s Note: Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive, insidious cancer of theblood vessels, if diagnosed at all, it is typically too late for successful treatment.A number of our members have lost dogs to this terrible disease.]

Newswise — MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL (February 13, 2017) – A breakthroughtrial at the University of Minnesota testing a new UMN-developed drug resultedin improved survival rates for dogs diagnosed with a cancer called

hemangiosarcoma (HSA). The results were published today in the journal Molecular CancerTherapeutics.

“This is likely the most significant advance in the treatment of canine HSA in the last three decades,” saidstudy co-author Jaime Modiano, V.M.D., Ph.D. professor in the University of Minnesota College ofVeterinary Medicine and member of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

Canine HSA is a common, aggressive, incurable sarcoma. It is remarkably similar to angiosarcoma,which affects humans. Both cancers typically spread before diagnosis and the survival time for affectedpatients is extremely short, even with aggressive treatment. Only 50% of humans diagnosed withangiosarcoma live longer than 16 months and the prognosis for dogs with HSA is similarly dire: less than50% will survive 4-6 months and only about 10% will be alive one-year after their diagnosis.

The study tested a drug called eBAT, invented by study senior author Daniel Vallera, Ph.D., professor atthe University of Minnesota Medical School and Masonic Cancer Center.

“eBAT was created to specifically target tumors while causing minimal damage to the immune system.HSA is a vascular cancer, meaning it forms from blood vessels. eBAT was selected for this trial becauseit can simultaneously target the tumor and its vascular system,” said Vallera.

Traditional cancer treatments have side effects that can be very hard on patients. “In this trial we aimedfor a sweet spot by identifying a dose of eBAT that was effective to treat the cancer, but caused noappreciable harm to the patient. Essentially we!re treating the cancer in a safer and more effective way,improving quality of life and providing a better chance at survival,” lead study author Antonella Borgatti,D.V.M., M.S., associate professor with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine said.

eBAT was tested on 23 dogs of various breeds, both large and small, with HSA of the spleen. Dogsreceived three treatments of eBAT after surgery to remove the tumor and before conventionalchemotherapy. The drug treatment improved the 6-month survival rate to approximately 70%.Furthermore, five of the 23 dogs that received eBAT treatment lived more than 450 days.

The positive results for canine patients, the similarities between this cancer and angiosarcoma inhumans, and the fact that many other tumor types can be targeted by eBAT, make a strong case fortranslating this drug into clinical trials for human cancer patients. The researchers want these results tobring hope to those touched by this disease.

“This drug was invented here at the University of Minnesota, developed here, manufactured here, testedhere and showed positive results here. We would also like this drug to achieve positive outcomes forhumans here,” Modiano said.

“The ultimate goal for all of us is to create a world in which we no longer fear cancer,” Modiano said.

This project is an example of the remarkable progress that is being made through collaborations amongthe multiple colleges and schools within the University of Minnesota!s Academic Health Center.

Funding was provided by many sources, including various foundations and individuals along with theNational Institutes of Health, showing the broad interest in identifying cures for these devastating cancers.

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Ask Dr. Watts – FEEDING YOUR DOG

Q:" WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY DOG?

A:" This is one of the most common questions I get every single day." It alsotends to be a controversial topic among pet owners." People get a certaindegree of psychological satisfaction out of providing what they believe to bethe best quality care to their pets." Unfortunately, this makes them prone to slick marketing, rumor, andinnuendo regarding the best food.

In order to cut through the marketing, you need to have an understanding of animal physiology andnutrition, the specific health characteristics of your pet, and details about feeding options available toyou."

That being said, your question indicates you have some interest in learning more about types of foodavailable to your dog." Most people in your shoes are not simply asking about an “adequate” diet,meaning one that simply prevents deficiencies, but are instead looking for a more “optimum” dietdesigned to enhance health and improve longevity.

Last month I published a column discussing a recent large-scale study that found over 98% of homemadediet recipes published online and in books are not even balanced for all essential nutrients." Therefore, itis difficult to provide even an adequate diet at home." If you are looking for an optimum diet, I wouldsuggest turning to professional pet food manufacturers.

It is extremely unfortunate how difficult it can be to get even basic nutrition information on pet foods." Thebags are only required to have minimum and maximum levels of certain nutrients on an “as fed” basis."The levels on the bag may or may not correlate with what is actually in the food." In fact, the pet foodmanufacturer may not even know what is in it!" It is more and more common to find “calculated values” fornumbers as simple as calorie content." If a company can!t even tell you for sure how many calories are inthe food, how can they claim better nutrition?

This brings me to a bit of a rant." I am seeing more and more people fall into fad diets simply due tomarketing." Many of these diets look reputable and are touted as superior nutrition by well-meaning petstore employees." Words like “wild, wilderness, grain-free, human-grade, or organic” catch the eye."Exotic ingredient lists with unusual meats and vegetables make the diets look well-formulated." Yet, theseare the diets I can often only find “calculated values” when researching caloric and nutrient content.Many of these niche foods are also not even made by the company on the bag." Often a contracted feedmill is actually manufacturing many different brands outside of the direct control of the food companiesthemselves." That!s why so many recent recalls have included many different brands at the same time.

The worst thing is that many of these foods are so calorie-dense that the pets are getting fat on them!"People are paying a premium amount for what they believe to be a premium diet." Instead, they arebuying a product with undocumented nutrient content being made by an unknown feed mill based on aningredient list driven by marketing concerns over pet nutrition – and their pets are dying sooner and areless healthy because they are obese.

My advice is to choose a diet that lists it!s manufacturer." Look for “manufactured by” not “manufacturedfor.”" I also like to see an AAFCO statement that reads “Animal feeding tests this food is complete andbalanced.”" That means someone has not only analyzed the nutrient content of the diet, but has actuallyfed it to other animals before yours and proved it meets their needs." Other than that, it is very difficult tofind much useful information on bags of pet foods." Even ingredient lists and minimum/maximum nutrientvalues can be misleading.

If you want “optimum nutrition” for your pet, consult your veterinarian." If he doesn!t have an interest or indepth knowledge of pet nutrition, find a vet who does." There are plenty of us out here." Then, pleasevalue the advice over that of a pet store employee, an unknown Internet blogger, or the breeder down thestreet who has owned dogs for 150 years." There is just too much misinformation out there that soundsreally good and really believable."

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