News
2009 PSA Midwest Regional Event
Windy City Working Dog Club will be hosting the 2009 PSA Midwest Regionals on September 19th and will be hosting a Club Trial on September 20th. For more details click here. If you're a club member and would like to help, we will need volunteers to help with all kinds of things over the weekend of the event, so let us know!
Training in Beaver Dam, WI
Paul and Daniel are currently making a monthly trip up to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to join the folks at Canine Solutions for a day of protection training. If you're in the area and would like more details, check with Polly Dake or Lisa Jones of Canine Solutions (262-490-3736).
Canine Influenza in the Chicago Area
"Dog flu" has been periodically making an appearance in Chicagoland. The symptoms look very much like kennel cough, but this is a different bug. In May 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture approved for licensure the first influenza vaccine for dogs. This condition is generally not life threatening, but it is very contagious. It is spread by breathing the same air or coming in contact with any type of body fluids from a sick dog. Dogs can catch this anywhere that an infected dog is or has been (i.e., dog parks and beaches, shelters, kennels...even sidewalks other dogs have been on). Owners of very young, very old, or already sick dogs need to be especially careful.
According to Rachel Fluegge, DVM, with My Vet Animal Hospital in Chicago (773-235-8387): "Owners should look for the dry hacking cough. This is usually the first sign." She recommends not waiting to see if the dog gets better on its own since this can turn into pneumonia, a more dangerous condition. Also, she recommends avoiding dog parks during peak times like weekends and evenings.
For more information about Canine Influenze in Chicago, check out the following articles:
- http://cbs2chicago.com/health/dog.flu.canine.2.748035.html
- http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-dog-flu-web-jun14,0,5063594.story
- http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_guidelines.asp
- http://consults.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/10-things-to-know-about-the-h3n8-dog-flu/
2008 PSA Midwest Regional Event
Southern Ohio Protection Sports hosted the 2008 PSA Midwest Regionals in Cincinnati, Ohio. Windy City Working Dog Club was well represented since Daniel and Steve G. decoyed the event, and a number of club members trialed. Congratulations to Kevin Walsh and Bruno on getting their PSA1 and to Daniel and Tank who got their PDC!