Cedr Moscic at a speciality show

 

 

Becoming an Empowered PON Parent

 

 

To be fair about it, PON parents love their furry children with a passion, but how many PON parents are truly empowered ? Being empowered means more than offering a good diet, grooming and showing PONS. It means taking that extra step to provide a solid future for our Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.  How can empowerment be attained  ? As a starter, PON parents need to think for themselves. This means researching  information in an independent manner and evaluating research on an objective basis.  Some may wonder how to go about this. These are some suggestions:

*  Visit your local book stores, libraries and www.amazon.com to keep updated on the latest canine knowledge.

*  Utilize online veterinary journals: (CURRENT VETERINARY JOURNALS (GUIDE FOR AUTHORS FOR 254 VETERINARY JOURNALS) (DAILY UPDATED)

http://www.medvet.umontreal.ca/biblio/vetjr.html

* Join a wide range of Yahoo groups (both general canine and PON lists)

*  Attend canine seminars (info on AKC.org web site)

* Network with dog owners/breeders  in PONS and other breeds

Most important, you need to establish your own personal policies . The following article may inspire some of you to stop smoking around your PON because of the consequences of second hand smoke and pets::

 

 
 

Second hand smoke and pets

We are aware of the negative effects of second hand smoke on our own health. But how many of us have really thought about the effects on our pet animals.

Practicing veterinarians have often observed individual cases in which a dog or cat’s respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic coughing have been dramatically improved after their exposure to second hand smoke has stopped. Although the research is still somewhat sparse, evidence is accumulating about the adverse effects of tobacco smoke on animals.  One study, conducted at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, looked at the correlation between second hand smoke and the incidence of lung and nasal cancer in dogs. It showed that a dog exposed to smoke is 1.6 times as likely to develop cancer, and suggested that the shape of the dog’s nose had an influence on the site of cancer – dogs with long noses were more likely to get nasal cancer while those with short noses were more prone to lung cancer. Another study, conducted at the University of Massachusetts and Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine linked malignant lymphoma in cats to passive smoke exposure, showed that cats living with smokers were 2.4 times as likely to develop lymphoma than cats living in smoke-free homes. The risk was found to increase with both the amount and number of years of smoke exposure.

There are no published animal studies yet on the effects of smoke on allergies, asthma or heart disease. Since many of these conditions have multiple inciting factors, it can be difficult to unequivocally prove a cause and effect relationship. But given the small amount of research that is available, it would be prudent for pet owners to avoid the risks by eliminating second hand smoke in the pet’s environment.


Once you have established your personal policies, you are on the way to becoming an empowered PON parent. At this point, you will feel the need to reach out and protect the well being and future of our beloved Polish Lowland Sheepdog breed. How can this be accomplished ? A member of the online Native American community posted the following wise saying which may influence some of your decisions:

Posted on a Yahoo Native American list:

 

"No abuse of power will ever lead to wisdom. Wisdom and power are not
given lightly but awarded to those who are willing to carry
responsibility in a balanced manner. True power is wisdom found in
remembering your total journey. Wisdom comes from remembering pathways
you have walked in another persons moccasins. Compassion, caring,
teaching, loving, and sharing your gifts, talents, and abilities are
the gateway to power. "

Each of us can become an empowered PON parent if we so wish. Become active in your respective breed club and participate in activities and committees. Good luck.

 

 

 

 

 

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